1. Researchers have recently discovered a new species of marine amphipod in which lake of Odisha?
[A] Tampara lake
[B] Kanjia lake
[C] Chilika lake
[D] Sar lake
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chilika lake]
Notes:
Researchers at Odisha’s Berhampur University discovered a new marine amphipod species, a shrimp-like crustacean, in Chilika lagoon. Belonging to the genus Parhyale, which has 15 global species in marine and brackish water environments, this brown crustacean is around eight mm long with 13 pairs of legs. Notably, it distinguishes itself from the 15 species by featuring a stout robust seta on the male gnathopod’s propodus, the first pair of legs, used for capturing prey and feeding.
2. The Chars, recently mentioned in the news, are riverine areas associated with which river?
[A] Ganga River
[B] Yamuna River
[C] Brahmaputra River
[D] Narmada River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Brahmaputra River]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Assam has announced a mission to reclaim chars, riverine islands in the Brahmaputra, to preserve ecological integrity. Chars face constant migration, with erosion upstream and deposition downstream during floods, impacting their geometry. Char areas encounter challenges like poor communication, mobility, and infrastructure, hindering development. Issues include isolation, flood threats, and difficulties implementing schemes for roads, irrigation, power, and education in these unique, flood-prone regions.
3. Which one of the following best describes about ‘Jacaranda Tree’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Thorny trees grows near the wetlands
[B] Soft trees found in the tropical thorn forests
[C] Deciduous hard tree that grows well in tropical climatic region
[D] Deciduous soft tree that grows well in temperate climatic region
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Deciduous hard tree that grows well in tropical climatic region]
Notes:
The premature blooming of the Jacaranda tree in Mexico City raised concerns among residents and scientists. Also called Jacaranda acutifolia, it’s a deciduous tree from the Bignoniaceae family, native to Brazil and North West Argentina. Thriving in tropical climates, well-drained soil, and sunlight, these hardy trees are cultivated worldwide for their vibrant blue or violet flowers. In Brazil, the wood is used for guitars, and its bark and root offer medicinal benefits. Early blooming poses ecological concerns, affecting hummingbirds and bees.
4. Begonia Narahari, recently seen in the news, belongs to which one of the following species?
[A] Fish
[B] Invasive Weed
[C] Flowering plant
[D] Spider
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Flowering plant]
Notes:
Researchers recently identified a new flowering plant species, Begonia Narahari, in Arunachal Pradesh. This Begonia naraharii, discovered in the Lohit district, is distinguished by its vibrant blue iridescence under direct light. Named in honor of Prof. Garikapati Narahari Sastry, the former CSIR-NEIST director, the species is part of the Begoniaceae family. Due to scarce global population data, it is provisionally classified as Data Deficient according to IUCN guidelines, emphasizing the need for further research and conservation efforts.
5. Narasapur crochet lace, which has recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, belongs to which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Narasapur crochet lace craft, chain-stitch embroidery using a hook, has secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Originating in Narsapur, Andhra Pradesh, and the craft was introduced in 1844 by Scottish missionaries. Resilient through historical adversities like the Indian famine (1899) and the Great Depression (1929), it covers 19 mandals in West Godavari and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema districts. The GI tag ensures the craft’s unique identity and geographical authenticity.
6. According to a report by TRAFFIC and WWF-India, which state has topped in the illegal trade of shark body parts?
[A] Odisha
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
According to a 2024 analysis by TRAFFIC and WWF-India, Tamil Nadu has topped the illegal trade of shark body parts in India, accounting for nearly 65% of seizures between 2010 and 2022. The study found that 16,000 kilograms of shark fins were seized during this period, which is almost 80% of the total. The confiscated products are headed to Singapore, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Sri Lanka, and mainland China.
7. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Gujarat
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Telangana]
Notes:
Telangana’s Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary faces forest fires in the Tadvai region. Established in 1953, it lies near Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana borders, traversed by the Dayyam Vagu River. Renowned for the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, it’s traversed by the Godavari River. Vegetation comprises tropical dry deciduous types with teak, bamboo, and climbers. Notable fauna include Indian gaur, giant squirrel, tiger, leopard, and various others like sloth bear and wild dogs.
8. What are ‘Cicadas’, recently seen in the news?
[A] Sound producing insects
[B] Ancient irrigation technique
[C] Newly discovered species of spider
[D] Invasive plant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sound producing insects]
Notes:
Scientists discovered a new species of cicada in Meghalaya, dubbed “Butterfly Cicadas.” Cicadas, belonging to the Cicadidae family, are sound-producing insects with two pairs of wings, compound eyes, and ocelli. They measure 2 to 5 cm and males produce loud noises via vibrating membranes. Females typically lay eggs in woody plants. Over 3,000 cicada species exist, predominantly in tropical regions like deserts, grasslands, and forests.
9. Cumbum valley, recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Cumbum Valley, known as the “Grapes City of South India,” is known for Panneer Thratchai grapes, comprising 85% of India’s production. Introduced in 1832 by a French priest, these grapes thrive year-round, unlike elsewhere. Recognized for its rapid growth and early maturity, it earned a Geographical Indication tag in 2023. Cumbum Valley’s grapes, rich in nutrients, are used for wine, spirits, and more. Its location in Tamil Nadu’s Western Ghats adds to its allure.
10. What is the name of the rock where scientists recently discovered a gigantic ocean located 700 km beneath the Earth’s surface?
[A] Ringwoodite rock
[B] Olivine rock
[C] Wadsleyite rock
[D] Rintamaki rock
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ringwoodite rock]
Notes:
A groundbreaking discovery has unveiled a vast ocean hidden beneath the Earth’s crust, located 700 kilometers deep within a rock called ringwoodite. This subterranean reservoir, three times the volume of all surface oceans combined, was detected using a network of 2000 seismographs across the US. Ringwoodite’s unique properties, detailed in a 2014 scientific paper, allow it to absorb and trap water, supporting the theory of Earth’s internal water origin and reshaping our understanding of the planet’s water cycle.