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531. Which of the following has indicated that Carbon Dioxide concentration will peak at 429.6 ppm in early 2025, the highest in over two million years?
[A] Mauna Loa Observatory
[B] The Kitt Peak National Observatory
[C] Royal Observatory Greenwich
[D]La Silla Observatory
Correct Answer: A [Mauna Loa Observatory]
Notes:
In early 2025, it is anticipated that atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations will attain unprecedented levels, prompting significant concerns regarding climate change. Data from the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii suggests that CO2 levels will reach a peak of 429.6 ppm, marking the highest concentration in over two million years. This surge is particularly troubling as it undermines the objectives set forth in the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global temperature rise. Between 2023 and 2024, CO2 levels experienced an increase of 3.58 ppm, representing the most rapid annual rise on record, exceeding the Met Office’s forecast of 2.84 ppm. Satellite observations corroborate these global increases, which are primarily attributed to fossil fuel emissions and a decline in carbon sequestration.
532. Which organization study has recently revealed that the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosion caused the largest human-induced methane release ever recorded?
[A] French National Centre for Scientific Research
[B] World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
[C] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[D] World Climate Research Programme (WCRP)
Correct Answer: C [United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)]
Notes:
A study conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) indicated that the explosions of the Nord Stream pipeline in 2022 resulted in the most significant human-induced methane emission ever documented. The Nord Stream pipeline, which runs beneath the Baltic Sea, links Vyborg in Russia to Lubmin, located near Greifswald in Germany. This twin pipeline system was established to enhance energy security for Europe, particularly for Germany, by providing a direct and dependable supply of natural gas from Russia while circumventing transit nations.
533. Goby fish has recently discovered at which wildlife sanctuary of Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
[B] Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
[D] Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
Correct Answer: B [Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary]
Notes:
Recently, a significant discovery was made by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. They identified two new species of goby fish, namely Hemigobius hoevenii and Mugilogobius tigrinus, which had not been previously recorded. This finding is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first documentation of M. tigrinus along the eastern coastline of India, highlighting the critical role of mangrove ecosystems. Goby fish play an essential role in estuarine environments, acting as indicators of ecological health and occupying various trophic levels, thereby contributing to the overall ecological equilibrium. Coringa, recognized as the third largest mangrove forest in India, is situated near Kakinada and is home to 24 species of mangrove trees and over 120 bird species, including critically endangered vultures. The ZSI researchers noted that 95 out of the 135 goby species recorded in India are found in mangrove habitats, with 53 of these species residing within the sanctuary, underscoring its rich biodiversity.
534. Which Indian state forest department has recently initiated a comprehensive study to revive the Bison population?
[A] Odisha
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Jharkhand]
Notes:
In recent years, the Bison population, also known as Gaur, in Jharkhand has experienced a significant decline. The Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) stands as the final refuge for this species within the state. With the population reduced to an estimated 50-70 individuals, the Jharkhand Forest Department has launched an extensive study aimed at revitalizing the Bison population. This initiative seeks to tackle critical challenges, including poaching, habitat degradation, and the transmission of diseases from domestic cattle.
535. Recently, the annual Chilika Lake bird census 2025 has been released, Chilika Lake is located in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Odisha
[C] West Bengal
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The recent annual bird census conducted at Chilika Lake has indicated a reduction in the overall number of visiting birds in comparison to previous years. Nevertheless, there has been a notable increase in the diversity of species observed. The census, which took place on January 18, highlighted the ecological transformations impacting this vital habitat for migratory birds. As the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Chilika Lake covers an area of 1,165 square kilometers and serves as a crucial wintering site for migratory avifauna. The census documented a total of 1,127,228 birds across 196 species, comprising 1,087,226 migratory birds from 109 species and 40,002 resident birds from 87 species.
536. The Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary, recently seen in the news, is situated in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] West Bengal
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Bankapur Wolf Sanctuary in Karnataka has recently celebrated the birth of a litter comprising eight Indian grey wolf pups. This sanctuary holds significance as the first dedicated facility for wolf conservation in Karnataka and the second of its kind in India. The pioneering establishment in this domain is the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary, which was founded in 1976 in Jharkhand, formerly part of Bihar. The terrain of Bankapur is characterized by a diverse ecosystem that includes scrub forests, hills, and natural caves, which collectively support a wide range of wildlife, such as wolves, leopards, peacocks, blackbucks, foxes, hares, and porcupines.
537. Tropical Cyclone Sean has affected on which country in January 2025?
[A] Australia
[B] New Zealand
[C] Japan
[D] United States
Correct Answer: A [Australia]
Notes:
Tropical Cyclone Sean has emerged as a significant meteorological phenomenon impacting Western Australia as of January 2025. The cyclone originated on January 20 and underwent rapid intensification, achieving Category 4 status before being subsequently downgraded to Category 3. Forecasts indicate that it will continue to weaken as it traverses cooler oceanic waters, with expectations that it may cease to be classified as a tropical cyclone by January 22, 2025. Noteworthy precipitation levels have been observed, especially in Karratha, where an unprecedented 274 mm of rain was recorded within a 24-hour period, resulting in localized flooding.
538. Which state has recently been protested against Offshore Sand Mining Initiatives?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] West Bengal
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: D [Kerala]
Notes:
The coastal regions of Kerala are facing significant disruption due to the Union government’s decision to commence offshore sand mining. This initiative is being implemented under the amended Offshore Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 2002. Local fishermen and environmental activists have raised serious concerns about the possible repercussions of this project on their livelihoods and the local ecosystem. Furthermore, the Kerala government has strongly opposed these actions, arguing that they overlook the state’s interests.
539. In which district of Rajasthan the Demoiselle (Kurjan) crane was seen in the news recently?
[A] Pratapgarh
[B] Ajmer
[C] Jaisalmer
[D] Sawai Madhopur
Correct Answer: D [Jaisalmer]
Notes:
In early 2025, the Jaisalmer district in Rajasthan saw a troubling increase in the deaths of migratory Demoiselle cranes, linked to the H591 strain of avian flu. Environmentalists believe that other environmental issues might also contribute to these deaths. Since January 11, 2025, 33 Kurjan cranes have died in Jaisalmer, with the first death reported on January 11 and the last on January 20. These fatalities are happening during a bird flu outbreak in the area. The Demoiselle crane (Kurjan) migrates 4,000 km from Central Asia (including China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan) to Jaisalmer every winter, usually staying for six months in places like Lathi and Degaray Oran. This year, the birds are struggling due to bird flu (H5N1) and accidents involving electric wires.
540. Recently, how many new industrial clusters from various countries have joined the World Economic Forum‘s (WEF) Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative?
[A] 11
[B] 12
[C] 13
[D] 14
Correct Answer: C [13]
Notes:
Thirteen new industrial clusters from different countries have recently joined the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative. This addition raises the total to 33 clusters in 16 countries, boosting global efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions and support economic growth. The initiative started at COP26 in 2021, aiming to lower emissions while fostering economic development and job opportunities. The clusters involved are specific areas where industries and institutions are located together.
