1. What is “Bascanichthys chepakakiensis” that was recently seen in news?
[A] Newly discovered species of snake eel
[B] A type of virus
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Rare medicinal plant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Newly discovered species of snake eel]
Notes:
Bascanichthys chepakakiensis is a newly discovered species of snake eel. It was discovered in Kakinada Fishing Harbour, Andhra Pradesh, in the Bay of Bengal. It is only the second species of the Bascanichthys genus recorded from Indian waters. The eel has a distinct bicoloured body, a short snout, a unique tooth arrangement, and tiny flap-like pectoral fins. The discovery adds to the known marine biodiversity of India’s eastern coast.
2. Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project is located in which state/UT?
[A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Delhi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jammu and Kashmir ]
Notes:
Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project has been revived in Jammu & Kashmir after remaining stalled for several years. It is a 930 MW hydropower project planned on the Chenab River. The project is located in Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir. It is a run-of-river hydropower project. The planned reservoir capacity is 51.26 million cubic metres.
3. Which tennis player won French Open 2026?
[A] Carlos Alcaraz
[B] Jannik Sinner
[C] Alexander Zverev
[D] Flavio Cobolli
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Alexander Zverev]
Notes:
Tennis player Alexander Zverev won his first Grand Slam title by winning the French Open 2026. In the final at Roland Garros, he defeated Flavio Cobolli in a five-set match. The victory ended his long wait for a major title after runner-up finishes at the US Open 2020, French Open 2024, and Australian Open 2025. He became the first German man to win the French Open since Henner Henkel in 1937. He is also the first German man to win a Grand Slam title since Boris Becker’s Australian Open victory in 1996.
4. According to National Family Health Survey-6, which State/UT has recorded the lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in India?
[A] Kerala
[B] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
[C] Lakshadweep
[D] Sikkim
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Andaman and Nicobar Islands]
Notes:
According to NFHS-6 (National Family Health Survey-6), the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have recorded India’s lowest Total Fertility Rate (TFR). The Union Territory’s TFR is 0.9, which is less than half the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1. It is the only State/UT in India with a TFR below 1.0. The share of children under five years declined from 5.3% (NFHS-5) to 3.7% (NFHS-6). The proportion of people aged 60 years and above increased from 11% to 12.6%, indicating an ageing population. Preschool attendance among children aged 2–4 years fell from 88.5% to 66.2%.
5. Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, which has recently gained international attention, is an initiative of which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Punjab
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh ]
Notes:
Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan is a flagship water conservation initiative of Madhya Pradesh. The campaign has recently gained international recognition as a successful model of water conservation. During the Sadanira Samagam held in Bhopal, diplomats from several countries appreciated the campaign and expressed interest in adopting similar models. It focuses on the rejuvenation of rivers, ponds, and traditional water bodies. The initiative promotes sustainable water management and community participation.
