1. Apristurus drona, recently discovered in the Arabian Sea, belongs to which group of organisms?
[A] Catshark
[B] Dolphin
[C] Octopus
[D] Sea turtle
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Catshark]
Notes:
Scientists have discovered a new species of deep-sea catshark named Apristurus drona in the Arabian Sea off the Kollam coast of Kerala. Commonly called the Arabian slender catshark, it was found near Sakthikulangara harbour and the Wadge Bank region. The species represents a distinct evolutionary lineage and is closely related to catsharks from the Pacific Ocean and New Zealand. It is considered extremely rare and has no commercial fisheries value.
2. Which institution recently demonstrated Blue Swimmer Crab (Portunus reticulatus) farming technology for the first time?
[A] ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI)
[B] ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA)
[C] ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CIFRI)
[D] ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIBA)]
Notes:
The ICAR-Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, has successfully demonstrated Blue Swimmer Crab farming technology for the first time in India. Blue Swimmer Crab belongs to the Portunidae family of brachyuran crabs. It is also known as the blue crab, flower crab, or blue manna crab. The species is identified by paddle-like hind legs used for swimming and nine spines along its carapace. In India, it is found along both east and west coasts, especially in Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar. It feeds on bivalves, fish, and macroalgae and usually remains buried in sand or mud.
3. Ambubachi Mela is mainly celebrated in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim
[C] Meghalaya
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
The Ambubachi Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in eastern India. It is held annually during the monsoon season, usually in June, at the Kamakhya Temple, Assam. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and is a major center of Tantrik Shaktism. The festival marks the annual menstruation period of the goddess, during which the temple remains closed for devotees. Ambubachi Mela symbolizes fertility, the arrival of the monsoon, and the regenerative power of nature.
4. Which port has emerged as a model for sustainable maritime development in India?
[A] Deendayal Port
[B] Paradip Port
[C] V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
[D] Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority]
Notes:
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a model for sustainable maritime development in India. According to its first Sustainability Report, renewable energy offsets nearly 94% of the port’s energy consumption equivalent. The port has reduced its net carbon emissions by about 45% and nearly halved its carbon intensity per tonne of cargo over the last four years. V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority commissioned India’s first green hydrogen pilot project at a major port and was recognized as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port. The port launched PortGPT, becoming India’s first major port with an enterprise-grade generative AI mobile application.
5. The NAFEX.in e-auction portal has been launched by which organisation?
[A] National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)
[B] Food Corporation of India (FCI)
[C] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
[D] Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)]
Notes:
The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) has launched its e-auction portal NAFEX.in to improve transparency and efficiency in agricultural commodity trade. NAFEX.in is designed to provide a digital platform for auctioning oilseeds and pulses, strengthening technology-driven reforms in the cooperative sector. The portal aims to improve transparency, ease of operations, and efficiency in the auction process for farmers, cooperatives, and other stakeholders. Along with NAFEX.in, NAFED launched the NAFED-KALYAN Scholarship Scheme, DRISHTI Portal, and an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Portal.
