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11. Recent reports have indicated a concerning rise in tularemia cases, also known as rabbit fever, in which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Japan
[D] Germany
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
Recent reports show a worrying increase in tularemia cases, commonly called rabbit fever, in the United States. The illness, caused by the bacterium “Francisella tularensis”, has seen more than a 50 percent rise in reported cases. This increase is especially significant among children aged 5-9, older men, and American Indians or Alaska Natives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies this bacterium as a Tier 1 Select Agent because of its potential use as a bioweapon. Symptom of Tularemia vary based on the infection route. Common symptoms include: Skin Ulcer, Ocular Symptoms, Sore Throat and Mouth Ulcers and Respiratory issues.
12. Which of the following states has conducted country’s first coastline and wader bird census from January 3 to 5?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Gujarat
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Gujarat government has started India’s first census of coastal and wader birds. This significant event took place at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar from January 3 to 5, 2025. The goal of the census is to improve understanding of bird populations and their environments. It is a joint project between the state forest department and the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG). Bird lovers, specialists, and researchers from all over India are anticipated to take part in this effort.
13. Banded Royal butterfly has recently been spotted in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tripura
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: B [Tripura]
Notes:
Tripura has made a significant achievement in documenting biodiversity with the finding of the Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra). This rare species was spotted for the first time in the state, particularly in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Wildlife officials shared this news, which has been published in the peer-reviewed journal Munis Entomology & Zoology. This discovery highlights the need for continued ecological research in the area. The Banded Royal butterfly was first seen on May 5, 2021, during a chance survey in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. This species is safeguarded under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
14. Avian influenza (H5N1) virus has recently affected the wildlife of which Indian Zoological Park?
[A] National Zoological Park Delhi
[B] Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park Nagpur
[C] Nehru Zoological Park Hyderaba
[D] Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park Darjeelin
Correct Answer: B [Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park Nagpur]
Notes:
Recent developments have revealed a significant outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in India. At the Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur, three tigers and a leopard have died from the virus. This is notable as it is the first time HPAI has caused deaths in captive wildlife in India. In response to these fatalities, the Maharashtra authorities have issued a red alert for zoos throughout the state.
15. Which state/UT has recently launched an action plan to study and monitor glacial lakes?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Ladakh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
The Uttarakhand State Disaster Management Authority (USDMA) is actively working on a comprehensive action plan to study and monitor glacial lakes in the region. This initiative aims to establish early warning systems to prevent disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 13 glacial lakes in Uttarakhand, with five classified as high-risk. This effort follows previous catastrophic events caused by GLOFs, denoting the need for effective monitoring and risk mitigation.
