1. Where was the rare Long-billed Bush Warbler bird recently spotted after 46 years?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Lakshadweep
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
Recently, a team of birders recorded India’s first confirmed sighting in 46 years of the Long-billed Bush Warbler in Suru Valley, Ladakh. The Long-billed Bush Warbler is scientifically known as Locustella major. It is a medium-sized songbird with a long tail and long bill, measuring about 15–17 cm. It is found in Central Asian mountains, including parts of India, China, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. Its habitat includes grassy slopes, upland terraced fields, and forest edges at altitudes of 2400–3600 metres. It is listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
2. Syros Island, that was recently seen in news, lies in which country?
[A] France
[B] Greece
[C] Spain
[D] Indonesia
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Correct Answer: B [Greece]
Notes:
Recently, a cruise liner with Israeli tourists was denied docking at Syros Island, Greece due to protests over the Gaza war, forcing it to reroute to Cyprus. Syros island is located in Greece, specifically within the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea. It lies 78 nautical miles (144 km) southeast of Athens, the capital of Greece.
3. “India Skills Accelerator” is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and which organization?
[A] European Union (EU)
[B] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[C] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[D] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [World Economic Forum (WEF)]
Notes:
Recently, the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) informed the Rajya Sabha about the India Skills Accelerator initiative. It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the World Economic Forum (WEF). It aims to bridge skill gaps through inclusive upskilling and reskilling. It promotes lifelong learning investment and government-industry collaboration. It serves as a national public-private platform to solve complex challenges through multi-stakeholder efforts.
4. Where has DRDO successfully test-fired the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3?
[A] Pokhran, Rajasthan
[B] Balasore, Odisha
[C] Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
[D] Chandipur, Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Recently, DRDO successfully test-fired the ULPGM-V3 (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile) at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The test was conducted at the National Open Area Range, as announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The missile is also called ULM-ER (Extended Range) and was launched from a drone or UAV. It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with support from Defence Capital Procurement Partners (DcPPs), MSMEs, and start-ups.
5. Which institute has developed a bamboo-polymer composite as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic in vehicle interiors?
[A] IIT Guwahati
[B] IIT Delhi
[C] IIT Ahmedabad
[D] IIT Bombay
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IIT Guwahati]
Notes:
Recently, IIT Guwahati researchers developed a bamboo-polymer composite as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic in vehicle interiors. The composite uses Bambusa tulda, a fast-growing bamboo species from Northeast India. It is fused with biodegradable polymers to create a cost-effective and sustainable material. The research was published in the journal Environment, Development and Sustainability. It shows high strength, thermal stability, and low moisture absorption, making it suitable for real-world use.
