1. What is “Tetrataenium paikadae” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Plant species
[B] Traditional medicine
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Newly discovered species of Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Plant species]
Notes:
Researchers discovered a new plant species named Tetrataenium paikadae in the high-altitude grasslands of Idukki district, Kerala. It was found inside Eravikulam National Park in the Western Ghats. The plant belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes common plants like carrot and coriander. It grows in moist, marshy grasslands at elevations of 1,000 to 2,500 metres above sea level. It was identified as a new species based on the unique number and arrangement of oil tubes in its fruits.
2. The Lead Bank Scheme was introduced on the recommendations of which committee?
[A] Narasimham Committee
[B] Nariman Committee
[C] Rangarajan Committee
[D] Urjit Patel Committee
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nariman Committee]
Notes:
Reserve Bank of India issued draft revised guidelines for the Lead Bank Scheme for public comments. Lead Bank Scheme was introduced in December 1969 on the recommendation of the Nariman Committee. The objective of scheme is to coordinate banks and development agencies to increase bank finance to priority and other sectors. It also promotes the role of banks in overall rural development. Under the scheme, one bank is assigned as the Lead Bank for each district. The Lead Bank coordinates credit institutions and Government efforts at district level.
3. Mia Amor Mottley became the prime minister of which country in February 2026?
[A] Cuba
[B] Barbados
[C] Guyana
[D] Jamaica
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Barbados]
Notes:
Narendra Modi congratulated Mia Amor Mottley on her historic third consecutive election victory. Her party, Barbados Labour Party, won all 30 seats in the House of Assembly with a 30–0 mandate. She declared a national bank holiday and a thanksgiving rally at the National Botanical Gardens. India and Barbados share strong ties through Commonwealth membership, English language and cricket. Both countries cooperate in United Nations, Commonwealth and Non-Aligned Movement forums. Barbados supports India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.
4. Rajaji National Park is located in which state?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Supreme Court of India allowed construction of a road through Rajaji National Park with condition that no commercial vehicles will operate on it. It is located in Uttarakhand between the Shivalik ranges and the Indo-Gangetic plains. It was formed by merging Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla wildlife sanctuaries. It is named after C. Rajagopalachari, a freedom fighter known as Rajaji.
5. Which institution has become the first in India to announce the launch of a face transplant programme?
[A] All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
[B] Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
[C] Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
[D] Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi]
Notes:
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi became the first in India to announce a face transplant programme. The Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery started a registry for patients with severe facial deformities and loss of functions like breathing and blinking. Face transplantation uses tissue from a deceased donor to restore facial function and appearance. Around 80 face transplants have been done worldwide, recently in Spain. Patients require lifelong immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection. The programme focuses on ethical screening, counselling and multidisciplinary support.
