1. Nyctibatrachus kali, that was recently seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Ant
[B] Snake
[C] Spider
[D] Frog
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Frog]
Notes:
A new frog species named Nyctibatrachus kali (Kali Night Frog) has been discovered. It is found in Kali Tiger Reserve. The name comes from the nearby Kali River, after which the reserve is also named. It is a cryptic species, meaning it looks very similar to other frogs. It resembles the Kumbara Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus kumbara) discovered in 2014. Its sound is unique and similar to wood-chopping noise in forests. Kali Tiger Reserve is located in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka.
2. Earth Hour is organized globally by which organization?
[A] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[B] Greenpeace International
[C] World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
[D] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [World Wildlife Fund (WWF)]
Notes:
Earth Hour is a global grassroots movement to protect the environment and fight climate change. It is organized by World Wildlife Fund (WWF – World Wildlife Fund). In India, awareness activities were held with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change). It started in Sydney in 2007 as a lights-off event. It is held at the end of March every year.
3. Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) works under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[B] Ministry of Science and Technology
[C] Ministry of Education
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Science and Technology]
Notes:
Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) held its first Research Advisory Board meeting at Regional Centre for Biotechnology. BRIC is an apex autonomous body registered as a society. It was formed by merging 14 institutes of DBT (Department of Biotechnology). It provides centralized governance and funding through intra-mural core grants. It aims to build future scientific leaders and innovation ecosystem. It promotes cutting-edge biotech research aligned with national priorities. It works under Ministry of Science and Technology.
4. Shigellosis, that was recently seen in news, is an infectious disease caused by which agent?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bacteria]
Notes:
Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Shigella, and a recent outbreak has been reported in Kerala. It is a highly contagious disease that causes acute diarrhoea and is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhoeal illness globally. The infection can affect people of all age groups, but children below five years are the most vulnerable. Humans act as the only natural reservoir of the Shigella bacteria, which helps in its rapid spread. The illness is usually self-limiting in mild cases, but severe infections may require treatment with antibiotics. The disease can become more serious in young children, elderly individuals, malnourished persons, and those with weak immune systems.
5. A new butterfly species Euthalia zubeengargi has been discovered in which state?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Manipur
[D] Tripura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
A new butterfly species Euthalia zubeengargi has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. It belongs to the genus Euthalia, commonly found in South and Southeast Asia. It lives in semi-evergreen forests at elevations of 600–750 metres. It prefers cool, shaded forest interiors for survival. It has earthy brown wings with pale spots, typical of this group. It rests on low vegetation and feeds on tree sap and minerals near streams. It is active from late morning to early afternoon, making short slow flights.
