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131. Who has recently discovered a new species of pangolin, named Manis indo-burmanica?
[A] Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
[B] IIT Roorkee
[C] IIT Guwahati
[D] IIT Kharagpur
Correct Answer: A [Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)]
Notes:
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has recently recognized a novel species of pangolin, designated as Manis indoburmanica. This species is believed to have separated from the Chinese pangolin around 3.4 million years ago. This discovery highlights the influence of geoclimatic shifts in the Indo-Burma region, which is acknowledged as a significant biodiversity hotspot. The results of this research were published in the journal Mammalian Biology, underscoring the critical necessity for conservation initiatives.
132. Keoladeo National Park is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: C [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan has recently attracted interest due to the significant population of the rare carnivorous plant Utricularia, commonly referred to as bladderworts. This season has seen a notable rise in their numbers, thereby enriching the park’s biodiversity. Specialists emphasize that Utricularia’s presence is beneficial to the ecosystem, as it captures small insects, thereby helping to sustain environmental equilibrium. This plant is vital for regulating insect populations, which is essential for the health of the local ecosystem.
133. A firenado is a fire whirl, recently it was seen in news in which place?
[A] Los Angeles
[B] Oakland
[C] San Francisco
[D] San Diego
Correct Answer: A [Los Angeles]
Notes:
A recent firenado caught everyone’s eye during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. The viral video showed a twisting column of fire and smoke, sparking interest in this unusual event. Firenados, or fire whirls, happen when extreme heat meets chaotic winds, forming a vortex that can lift debris and flames into the air. This article explores what firenados are, their features, and some famous instances. Essentially, a firenado is a spinning column of hot air and gases that rises from a fire, and its size can vary greatly, with diameters ranging from under a foot to more than 500 feet.
134. In India which part has recently identified as a key global hotspot for threatened freshwater species?
[A] Eastern Ghats
[B] Western Ghats
[C] Sundarbans
[D] North-East Forests
Correct Answer: B [Western Ghats]
Notes:
The Western Ghats in India have been recognized as a significant global hotspot for endangered freshwater species, as highlighted by the inaugural multi-taxon global assessment of freshwater fauna conducted by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. This comprehensive evaluation encompasses 23,496 freshwater species, including crustaceans, fish, and odonates, and assesses their risks of extinction while identifying the major threats they face. The findings of the study indicate that pollution, dam construction, water extraction, invasive species, and agricultural practices are the principal threats to freshwater biodiversity in the Western Ghats. Notably, the critically endangered Humpbacked Mahseer, a fish species that can weigh up to 60 kg, is among those at risk in this area.
135. Which country has recently banned plastic waste imports in 2025?
[A] India
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: D [Thailand]
Notes:
Thailand has recently initiated a significant measure to address the global plastic waste crisis by prohibiting the importation of plastic waste. This policy, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, seeks to mitigate the toxic pollution that has affected the nation for an extended period. Historically, Thailand has served as a primary destination for plastic waste from developed countries, notably the United States and Japan. The following points elucidate the context and ramifications of this ban. Since 2018, Thailand has been a prominent importer of plastic waste, receiving over 1.1 million tonnes of plastic materials during this timeframe. In 2023 alone, Japan was responsible for exporting around 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste to Thailand. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment implemented this ban to avert the improper handling of waste, which frequently led to incineration instead of recycling.
136. What is the theme of Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025?
[A] Artificial intelligence (AI) for Rural Livelihoods
[B] Cultural Heritage and Economic Growth
[C] Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047
[D] Empowering Rural Women for a Bright Future
Correct Answer: C [Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047]
Notes:
Prime Minister Modi officially opened the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This festival is scheduled to take place from January 4 to January 9, 2025, under the theme “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047.” The event aims to improve rural infrastructure, promote financial inclusion, and advance sustainable agricultural practices, with a particular emphasis on the North-East region of India. Additionally, it seeks to foster rural innovation and collaboration while highlighting cultural heritage through various performances and exhibitions.
137. 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.
138. The Government of India has recently established eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary of which state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Government of India has recently designated eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) surrounding the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. This initiative seeks to alleviate the negative impacts of urbanization and development on the sanctuary, which covers an area of 29.94 square kilometers and was established in 1962 for wildlife conservation. The ESZ encompasses 43 villages from the Nachan and Karsog Forest Divisions. Its primary objective is to restrict human activities that may pose a threat to wildlife, while simultaneously permitting sustainable practices such as organic farming.
139. Haploclastus bratocolonus (“tree dweller”) is a new tarantula species, which has recently been discovered in which place?
[A] Eastern Ghats
[B] Western Ghats
[C] Sundarbans
[D] North-East Forests
Correct Answer: B [Western Ghats]
Notes:
The Western Ghats of India have recently yielded a remarkable discovery, with researchers identifying four new tarantula species, including a previously unknown genus. One of these newly described species, Haploclastus bratocolonus, has been dubbed the “tree dweller” due to its arboreal lifestyle, inhabiting hollow trees along riverbanks. Another species, Haploclastus montanus, is found in mountain forests at elevations exceeding 2,000 meters. Additionally, a new genus, Cilantica, named after the Tamil word for spider, has been established, characterized by its unique pattern of curved bristles on the body.
This biodiversity-rich region is home to over 60 tarantula species, yet public awareness of their existence remains limited. These recent findings underscore the ecological significance of these spiders and the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this remarkable arachnid diversity.
140. Recently, which country has discovered a new method of remediating DDT-contaminated soil with biochar?
[A] Sweden
[B] China
[C] United States
[D] France
Correct Answer: A [Sweden]
Notes:
Recent investigations conducted by Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have uncovered a promising approach for the remediation of soils contaminated with DDT. This study highlights the enduring environmental consequences of DDT, a pesticide that has been prohibited for more than half a century, and introduces biochar as a feasible solution for restoring soil health and agricultural productivity. DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) was first utilized as an insecticide in 1939, demonstrating effectiveness in pest control; however, it has led to a decline in soil quality over time. Even though it has been banned in numerous countries, DDT contamination continues to be a significant issue at various locations around the globe.
