1.

As per the recent report titled ‘Animal Discoveries 2019 and Plant Discoveries 2019’, how many new
species were discovered in 2019?

[A] 84

[B] 284

[C] 544

[D] 1084

Correct Answer: C [544]

Notes:

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) released a report titled
‘Animal Discoveries 2019 and Plant Discoveries 2019’.

As per the report, 544 new species including 364 animal species and 180 plant species were discovered
in the year 2019. Some of the important species include Cnemaspisanandani (a rock dwelling gecko) and
Ginger Amomum nagamiense (a wild ginger variety discovered in Nagaland).

2.As per a recent study by ‘National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’, the Coral reefs of which
country is found to have degraded significantly?

[A] India

[B] United States

[C] Australia

[D] France

Correct Answer: B [United States]

Notes:

As per a first of its kind assessment of coral reefs in U.S. waters by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and the University of Maryland, the reefs off the Florida coast are the most
degraded, with 2% remaining.

The sensitive underwater ecosystems are said to have recorded a continued decline. These ecosystems
are essential to the health of the world’s oceans, as per the researchers.

3.The Lonar Lake that has been declared as Ramsar Wetland, is located in which state?

[A] Maharashtra
[B] Uttar Pradesh

[C] Madhya Pradesh

[D] Odisha

Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]

Notes:

The Lonar lake located in the state of Maharashtra and Sur Sarovar (Keetham lake) located in Agra of
Uttar Pradesh, have been additionally included in the list of recognised Ramsar sites. With this addition,
India has 41 Ramsar wetlands, which is one among the highest in Asia.

Ramsar Conservation of Wetlands is an International treaty for conserving and wise use of wetlands. It is
named after the city in Iran, where the treaty was signed in 1971.

4.Which Indian Tiger reserve has won the UNDP’s Tx2 global award for doubling tiger population?

[A] Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

[B] Bandipur Tiger Reserve

[C] Corbett Tiger Reserve

[D] Kanha Tiger Reserve

Correct Answer: A [Pilibhit Tiger Reserve]

Notes:

The Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR), Uttar Pradesh and the state Forest department have bagged the first-
ever international award- TX2.

The award has been announced for doubling the number of tigers in four years against a target of 10
years from 25 tigers in 2014 to 65 in 2018. UNDP (United Nations Development Program) virtually
presented the award to the Principal Chief conservator of forest (wildlife) of the state.

5.India’s Apex Committee for the Implementation of the Paris Agreement (AIPA), formed recently has
how many members?

[A] 5

[B] 11

[C] 17
[D] 25

Correct Answer: C [17]

Notes:

The Indian Government has constituted a Apex Committee for the Implementation of the Paris
Agreement (AIPA). It was formed through a gazette notification.

The committee comprises of 17 members. It is entrusted with the responsibility of formulating policies
and programmes for implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), under Paris
Agreement 2015. The Secretary of Union Environment Minister would be the Chairperson.

6.Lesser florican birds, tagged in which Indian state, has flown to Telangana recently?

[A] Tamil Nadu

[B] Gujarat

[C] Maharashtra

[D] Rajasthan

Correct Answer: B [Gujarat]

Notes:

One of the two lesser florican birds that was tagged by the Gujarat forest department has flown all the
way to the state of Telangana.

The bird was tagged at the Blackbuck National Park (BBNP), Velavadar, in Bhavnagar. This has confirmed
a research finding that lesser florican birds migrate to peninsular India from the western part of India
after their breeding season.

7.Shaheed Ashfaque Ullah Khan Prani Udyaan, which was seen in the news recently, is located in which
state?

[A] Punjab

[B] Uttar Pradesh

[C] Bihar

[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]

Notes:

At the recent meeting of Central Zoo Authority chaired by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and
Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, two new zoos were granted recognition.

They are the Rajgir Zoo Safari in Nalanda, Bihar and Shaheed Ashfaque Ullah Khan Prani Udyaan in
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. With this, the state of Uttar Pradesh has a total of 9 zoos.

8.Which country has spotted the Royal Bengal Tiger at an altitude of over 3000 m above sea level?

[A] India

[B] Nepal

[C] Brazil

[D] South Africa

Correct Answer: B [Nepal]

Notes:

Nepal has recently spotted the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera Tigris), at an altitude of 3,165 m
above sea level for the first time.

The largest of all Asian big cats has been spotted by a camera trap set up by the Forest Department. The
country is to provide special attention to the Kanchenjunga Landscape in eastern Nepal. It provides
connectivity to India’s Singalia National Park and Dooars floodplains.

9.Point Calimere Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, that is seen in news recently, is located in which state?

[A] Odisha

[B] Karnataka

[C] Tamil Nadu

[D] Kerala

Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]

Notes:
Several bar-headed geese have recently migrated to Point Calimere Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is
located on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu.

These birds have the ability to fly in extreme weather and very high altitudes. They might have flown
thousands of miles from Tibet, Central China and Mongolia. They breed in these countries and migrate
to India during winter.

10.Which animal has been sighted for the first time in Himalayan cold desert region?

[A] Black Buck

[B] Great Indian Bustard

[C] Himalayan Serow

[D] Lion tailed Macaque

Correct Answer: C [Himalayan Serow]

Notes:

The Himalayan serow has been spotted for the first time in the Himalayan cold desert region, in Spiti,
Himachal Pradesh.

These are herbivores animals and are found between 2000 m and 4000 m altitude. They have an
appearance similar to that of a goat, but with long ears. They have a habit of standing with fore legs
stretched.

11.A new species of Indian Muraina grasses has been spotted in which state?

[A] Goa

[B] Assam

[C] West Bengal

[D] Maharashtra

Correct Answer: A [Goa]

Notes:

Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science &
Technology, has recently spotted a new species of Murainagrass.
Ischaemum is a genus of grass, widespread in tropical and semitropical regions. It is commonly called as
Murainagrass. A new and tolerant species has been spotted in Goa in the Western Ghats. It was named
Ischaemum janarthanamiiin honour of Goa University’s Botany Professor M. K. Janarthanam.

12.Which country has spotted the Royal Bengal Tiger at an altitude of over 3000 m above sea level?

[A] India

[B] Nepal

[C] Brazil

[D] South Africa

Correct Answer: B [Nepal]

Notes:

Nepal has recently spotted the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera Tigris), at an altitude of 3,165 m
above sea level for the first time.

The largest of all Asian big cats has been spotted by a camera trap set up by the Forest Department. The
country is to provide special attention to the Kanchenjunga Landscape in eastern Nepal. It provides
connectivity to India’s Singalia National Park and Dooars floodplains.

13.Point Calimere Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, that is seen in news recently, is located in which state?

[A] Odisha

[B] Karnataka

[C] Tamil Nadu

[D] Kerala

Correct Answer: C [Tamil Nadu]

Notes:

Several bar-headed geese have recently migrated to Point Calimere Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is
located on the eastern coast of Tamil Nadu.

These birds have the ability to fly in extreme weather and very high altitudes. They might have flown
thousands of miles from Tibet, Central China and Mongolia. They breed in these countries and migrate
to India during winter.

14.Portulaca laljii, a new species of wild Sun Rose has been recently discovered in which Indian state?
[A] Tamil Nadu

[B] Kerala

[C] Andhra Pradesh

[D] Karnataka

Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]

Notes:

Botanists have discovered a new species of wild Sun Rose named ‘Portulaca laljii’, from the Eastern
Ghats in India.

The species has been discovered in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. It is found to have unique
features such as tuberous root, no hair in its leaf axils, reddish pink flower among others. Sun Roses are
low-growing flowering plants in the rock rose family (Cistaceae).

15.Sitabani Wildlife Reserve, which was making news recently, is located in which state?

[A] Andhra Pradesh

[B] Uttarakhand

[C] Odisha

[D] Arunachal Pradesh

Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand]

Notes:

The Tourism Ministry of Uttarakhand has requested the state government of Madhya Pradesh, to bring
in white Tiger.

Uttarakhand has made this request to bring white tigers to Nainital’s Sitabani Wildlife Reserve for a
Tiger safari project. White tiger cubs are present in the Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo White Tiger
Safari and Zoo in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh.

16.What is ‘Meliponiculture’, which was making news recently?

[A] Silk worm farming

[B] Stingless honeybee farming

[C] Ornamental Fish farming

[D] Prawn Farming

Correct Answer: B [Stingless honeybee farming]

Notes:

Karshaka Vidyapeedam, a farmers’ university headquartered in Kasaragod, has launched a

meliponiculture project in Champeri.

A four-month training course on meliponiculture, which means stingless honeybee farming, was also
launched. ‘Indigenous beehives’ designed by the research forum of the University will also be provided
in the course along with follow-up assistance.

17.‘Ooceraea joshii’, is an Ant species recently discovered in which state?

[A] Telangana

[B] Kerala

[C] Andhra Pradesh

[D] Karnataka

Correct Answer: B [Kerala]

Notes:

Two new species of a rare ant genus have been recently discovered in Kerala and Tamil Nadu by a team
of scientists from Punjabi University.

One of the two species which was discovered found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala has been
named Ooceraea Joshii, to honour the veteran biologist ‘Amitabh Joshi’.

18.The Environment Ministry recently released a National action plan for conservation of which species?

[A] Marine Turtle

[B] Great Indian Bustard

[C] Brahmaputra Dolphin

[D] Black Buck

Correct Answer: A [Marine Turtle]

Notes:

The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has recently released ‘Marine Mega
Fauna Stranding Guidelines’ and ‘National Marine Turtle Action Plan’.

The documents contain framework for handling stranded animals on shore, entangled animals in the sea
or boat, management actions for reducing threats to marine species and their habitats, rehabilitation of
degraded habitats, among others.

19.Maguri-Motapung Beel, which was making news recently, is a wetland located in which state/UT?

[A] Sikkim

[B] Assam

[C] Arunachal Pradesh

[D] Bihar

Correct Answer: B [Assam]

Notes:

Maguri-Motapung Beel is a wetland and lake located near the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam.

Recently, it was making news because, Maguri-Motapung Beel, a rare duck species was spotted in the
lake along with a flock of Indian spotbill duck. The duck, whose primary habitat is in eastern China and
southern Japan, was spotted after 118 years in the state.

20.Giant Leatherback turtle nests in which location in India?

[A] Goa

[B] Odisha

[C] Andaman & Nicobar

[D] West Bengal

Correct Answer: C [Andaman & Nicobar]

Notes:

Giant Leatherback turtle are the largest of the seven species of sea turtles. They are found in all oceans
except the Arctic and the Antarctic.
In the Indian ocean, they nest at Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The
Government’s proposal for tourism promotion and port development will threaten this species, which is
accorded legal protection by listing in Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

21.Which mold was recently found to be capable of saving memories despite the absence of nervous
system?

[A] Acremonium

[B] Penicillium

[C] Cladosporium

[D] Physarum polycephalum

Correct Answer: D [Physarum polycephalum]

Notes:

Physarum polycephalum is a single-cell slime mold. It was recently found to be capable of saving
memories despite the absence of nervous system.

This finding deviates from the traditional assumption that memories are held by only by those
organisms with a nervous system.

22.Which rare species of native Australian bee was recently spotted along the east coast of Australia?

[A] Pharohylaeus lactiferous

[B] Apis dorsata

[C] Apis florea

[D] Apis cerana indica

Correct Answer: A [Pharohylaeus lactiferous]

Notes:

Pharohylaeus lactiferous is a rare species of native Australian bee that was recently spotted along the
east coast of Australia. It was last spotted a century ago in 1923 in Queensland and only 6 individuals
have ever been found.

The invertebrate is threatened by wildfires, land fragmentation and climate change.

23.According to NASA, which lake on earth most resembles the Jezero Crater of Mars?
[A] Pulicat

[B] Salda

[C] Titicaca

[D] Victoria

Correct Answer: B [Salda]

Notes:

As per a recent release by NASA, the rock and mineral deposits found on the Turkish Lake Salda, has the
closest resemblance to the Jezero Crater of Mars.

NASA’s spacecraft Perseverance has landed on the Jezero Crater of Mars, which is said to be once
flooded with water.

24.Which state is set to start planting of ‘seabuckthorn’ shrubs?

[A] Odisha

[B] Uttar Pradesh

[C] Himachal Pradesh

[D] Bihar

Correct Answer: C [Himachal Pradesh]

Notes:

In the recent budget, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to start planting seabuckthorn in
the cold desert areas of the state.

It is a shrub which produces an orange-yellow coloured edible berry, which has been widely used for
treating stomach, heart and skin problems. The shrub is found in dry areas such as the cold deserts of
Ladakh and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.

25.As per a recent report available on Global Forest Watch, which region lost 12.2 million hectares of
tree cover in 2020?

[A] Tropical Region

[B] Temperate Region

[C] Sub-Tropical Region

[D] Equatorial Region

Correct Answer: A [Tropical Region]

Notes:

As per the recent report from the University of Maryland and available on Global Forest Watch, the
tropical region has lost 12.2 million hectares of tree cover in 2020.

Out of the total cover, deforestation of around 4.2 million hectares occurred within humid tropical
primary forest. The resulting carbon emissions from this primary forest loss is about 2.64 Gt CO2. The
Primary forest loss was also 12% higher in 2020 than the year before.

26.What is the name of the global experiment, which aims to measure the impact of reduction in
ambient human sounds in Oceans?

[A] International Human-Ocean Experiment

[B] International Ocean Sound Experiment

[C] International Ambient Sound Experiment

[D] International Quiet Ocean Experiment

Correct Answer: D [International Quiet Ocean Experiment]

Notes:

The International Quiet Ocean Experiment was originally formed in 2011 to create a time series of
measurements of ambient sound in different ocean locations.

Recently, a team of scientists from the International Quiet Ocean Experiment (IQOE), have been
undertaking experiments to understand and measure the impact of the reduction in ambient human
activity due to the Covid-19 lockdown, in oceans.

27.“Azhdarchid pterosaurs”, the ancient giant reptiles are known for which peculiar part of the body?

[A] Tail

[B] Neck

[C] Fins

[D] Horns
Correct Answer: B [Neck]

Notes:

Azhdarchid pterosaurs were the ancient giant reptiles that flew in the skies nearly 65 million years ago.
They had necks longer than that of a giraffe, over 6 feet long.

Recently, researchers have reported a new finding about their long necks. As per the study, the
pterosaurs were supported by an intricate internal structure, which is not like the earlier discovered
ones.

28.Dracopristis hoffmanorum, which was seen in the news recently, is the official name of which
species?

[A] Turtle

[B] Spider

[C] Shark

[D] Frog

Correct Answer: C [Shark]

Notes:

Recently, researchers have identified a new and distinct shark species, by recognising the 300-million-
year-old shark’s single tooth on its lower jaw.

The researchers named the 6.7-foot shark as “Dracopristis hoffmanorum”, or Hoffman’s Dragon Shark.
The fossils were found in the Manzano Mountains, New Mexico. The skeleton of the species was found
in 2013 in New Mexico.

29.Xylophis deepaki, a new species of snake, is endemic to which state?

[A] Maharashtra

[B] Tamil Nadu

[C] Andhra Pradesh

[D] Kerala

Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]

Notes:

Xylophis deepaki, which is a 20 cm long tiny snake with iridescent scales is a species which is endemic to
the state of Tamil Nadu. It is also found in southern part of the Western Ghats.

The species has been named to honour Indian herpetologist Deepak Veerappan, for his contribution in
erecting a new subfamily Xylophiinae to accommodate wood snakes

30.Tur/arhar (pigeon pea), urad (black matpe) and moong (green gram) are examples of which type of
major crop?

[A] Kharif

[B] Rabi

[C] Zaid

[D] None of the above

Correct Answer: A [Kharif]

Notes:

The crops that are sown in the rainy season are called kharif crops in India. They are also known as the
summer or monsoon crop. Kharif crops are usually sown with the beginning of the first rains in July,
during the south-west monsoon season.

Tur/arhar (pigeon pea), urad (black matpe) and moong (green gram) are the major pulses in this season.
The Ministry of Agriculture has recently formulated a special Kharif strategy to attain self-sufficiency in
the production of pulses.

31.‘Indian Ocean humpback dolphin’ is categorised under which group in the IUCN Red list?

[A] Extinct in the Wild

[B] Endangered

[C] Vulnerable

[D] Least Concern

Correct Answer: B [Endangered]

Notes:

The Indian Ocean humpback dolphin is a member of the Ocean Dolphin family, which occupy coastal
areas ranging from Southern Africa to Western Indochina.
The dolphins are included in the international Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of ‘endangered
species. Recently, two Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, were found dead in two separate spots at
Mumbai.

32.Giant wood moth, the heaviest moth in the world, are typically found in which country?

[A] Japan

[B] India

[C] Australia

[D] China

Correct Answer: C [Australia]

Notes:

Giant wood moth is the heaviest moth in the world, with the wingspan of about 23 cm. Their scientific
name is ‘Endoxyla cinereus’ and they belong to the family of Cossidae.

The moth is typically found in Australia and New Zealand. A giant moth with a wingspan measuring up to
25cm has been recently found at a Queensland school in Australia. They have an extremely short life
cycle with only a few days. They die after mating and laying eggs.

33.“Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary” is located in which state?

[A] Odisha

[B] Gujarat

[C] Maharashtra

[D] Karnataka

Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]

Notes:

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified 48.32 sq km
around the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) in Maharashtra as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).

Eco-Sensitive Zones are geographical areas within a radius of 10 kms around a protected area, a national
park or a wildlife sanctuary, and are declared by the ministry under the provisions of Environment
Protection Act 1986.
34.What is the name of the largest African forest antelope, classified as critically endangered species by
IUCN?

[A] Eland

[B] Impala

[C] Nyala

[D] Bongo

Correct Answer: D [Bongo]

Notes:

Mountain bongos are the largest among African forest antelopes, are a critically endangered species.
According to the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species, there are only 70-80 adult bongos left in the
wild.

Recently, a baby mountain bongo, born two weeks ago at Warsaw Zoo in Poland, appeared in public.
The animals are nocturnal and have long horns and reddish-brown coat offset with thin vertical lines.

35.The Argan tree is a native species of which country?

[A] Canada

[B] Russia

[C] Morocco

[D] Japan

Correct Answer: C [Morocco]

Notes:

The argan tree (Argania spinosa) is a native species of the sub-Saharan region of Morocco. It is a North
African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.

The tree which grows in arid and semiarid areas, produces Argan oil, one of the rarest oils in the world
and is hailed as the “liquid gold” of Morocco. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 10 May
the International Day of Argania.

36.Which animal has recently resurfaced in India, in Mizoram’s Pualreng sanctuary, after a gap of 108
years?

[A] Snow leopard

[B] Hyena

[C] Yamuna Dolphins

[D] Doria’s foam-nesting treefrog

Correct Answer: D [Doria’s foam-nesting treefrog]

Notes:

A team of zoologists belonging to Mizoram University have spotted Doria’s foam-nesting treefrog in the
buffer area of Mizoram’s Pualreng Wildlife Sanctuary. This discovery was made by them in June 2020,
which has now been published in a leading journal – Reptiles & Amphibians.

This species has characters like changing skin shade and whipping up foam to protect eggs. It is believed
that this frog has reappeared in India after 108 years.

37.Cranes have been observed to return to which country, after a period of 300 years?

[A] India

[B] Ireland

[C] USA

[D] Australia

Correct Answer: B [Ireland]

Notes:

Wildlife experts have observed that common cranes have returned to Ireland for shelter and breeding,
after a period of 300 years.

This is believed to be a sign that our environment is improving. The breeding location is kept confidential
to protect the cranes from unlawful hands.

38.What is eDNA analysis, which is used in Pest Control?

[A] Ecological DNA

[B] Environmental DNA

[C] Etymological DNA

[D] Endemic DNA

Correct Answer: B [Environmental DNA]

Notes:

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is the DNA collected from a variety of environmental samples such as soil,
seawater or air, through their interactions with the environment.

Researchers have successfully detected the environmental DNA (eDNA) of the Argentine ant in surface
soil samples from two sites in Japan. This method can be used to understand the habitat which will be
used in pest control.

39.The ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, which was making news recently, is associated with which field?

[A] Climate Change

[B] Covid Vaccination

[C] Artificial Intelligence

[D] Agriculture

Correct Answer: A [Climate Change]

Notes:

Race To Zero is a global campaign to mobilise support from across the world for a healthy zero carbon
recovery.

Recently, World leaders convened at the Climate Breakthroughs Summit, which is a collaboration
between the World Economic Forum, UN Climate Champions, the UK COP26 Presidency and partners.
During the summit, several companies joined the Race to Zero campaign.

40.Mount Eko Dumbing, which was making news recently, is located in which state?

[A] Uttarakhand

[B] Sikkim

[C] Arunachal Pradesh

[D] Himachal Pradesh

Correct Answer: C [Arunachal Pradesh]

Notes:

Recently, a team of wildlife enthusiasts have sighted two species of monal birds on Mount Eko Dumbing
at 4,173 metres above mean sea level. It is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus) is widely distributed from Afghanistan to northeast India,
the Sclater’s (Lophophorus sclateri) monal is found in China and Myanmar.

41.Valmiki National Park, which was seen in the news recently, is the only National Park of which state?

[A] Uttar Pradesh

[B] Bihar

[C] Uttarakhand

[D] Jharkhand

Correct Answer: B [Bihar]

Notes:

Valmiki National Park and Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the India-Nepal border in
Bihar, on the bank of river Gandak. It is the only National Park in the state of Bihar.

The Authorities of the Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) have identified 150 vultures in different
ranges of the protected area. A proposed plan for vulture conservation is sent to the Integrated
Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH).

42.What is “Stoliczkia vanhnuailianai”, the third species of Stoliczkia from India recently found?

[A] Spider

[B] Snake

[C] Turtle

[D] Whale

Correct Answer: B [Snake]

Notes:

Researchers from Mizoram University spotted a snake in the dried-up area of Tuinghaleng river bed. It
was a new species of the Stoliczkia genus and only the third species of Stoliczkia from India.
The team named it Stoliczkia vanhnuailianai, in honour of Vanhnuailiana, who was a famous Mizo
warrior. He was one of the most powerful chiefs of the Lushai Hills, the present Mizoram, during the
mid-1800s. He is said to have led many campaigns against rival chiefs in the region. The snake is non-
venomous with a dark brown shade.

43.What is the name of the fish, that has been caught in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand for the first
time in three decades?

[A] Mrigal Carp

[B] Hilsa

[C] Silver Pomfret

[D] Mystus

Correct Answer: B [Hilsa]

Notes:

Hilsa, the pricey fish has been caught in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand for the first time in three
decades. The fish lives in the seas but spawns in the rivers.

This has been witnessed after the gates and fish locks of Farakka barrage were changed to allow the
upstream migration of the fish. Hilsa or ilish, has been the favourite gift to Indian leaders from the
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. It depleted after the Farakka barrage was constructed in the
Murshidabad district of West Bengal and nets were put on the Bangladesh side.

44.How many Tiger reserves of India have received accreditation of the Global Conservation Assured
Tiger Standards (CA|TS)?

[A] 5

[B] 3

[C] 11

[D] 14

Correct Answer: D [14]

Notes:

On the occasion of International Tiger Day, Bhupendra Yadav (Minister for Environment, Forest and
Climate change) stated that 14 Tiger reserves of India have received accreditation of the Global
Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS). The 14 accredited tiger reserves are Manas, Kaziranga
and Orang in Assam; Satpura, Kanha and Panna in Madhya Pradesh; Pench in Maharashtra; Valmiki tiger
reserve in Bihar; Dudhwa in Uttar Pradesh; Sunderbans in West Bengal; Parambikulam in Kerala;
Bandipur in Karntaka and Mudumalai & Anamalai in Tamil Nadu.

CA|TS is a set of criteria that sets best practice and standards to manage tigers and their conservation. It
is a globally accepted conservation tool. CA|TS was launched in 2013. It was developed by tiger and
protected area experts. It is an important part of T*2 , the global goal to double the number of tigers by
2022. The long term goal of CA|TS is to ensure safe heavens for Tigers.

45.Which Indian city was adjudged the second most polluted city out of the 50 ‘most polluted cities’ in
the world?

[A] Ghaziabad

[B] Kanpur

[C] Gurugram

[D] Delhi

Correct Answer: A [Ghaziabad]

Notes:

Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad was adjudged the second most polluted city out of the 50 ‘most polluted
cities’ in the world in 2020 by a report prepared by British company HouseFresh.

Ghaziabad reported an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 2.5 particulate matter (PM) in 106.6µg/m3,
the report said. Preceding Ghaziabad, Chinese city of Hotan in Xinjiang province has been named the
most polluted city with a PM2.5 of 110.2µg/m3.

The report attributed the air pollution in Hotan to sandstorms resulting from its closeness to the
Taklimakan Desert, which is the largest shifting sand desert in the world.

For Ghaziabad, the cause of pollution has been assigned to traffic volumes in the “gateway” to Uttar
Pradesh.

46.In which State/UT, India’s highest herbal park has been inaugurated?

[A] Uttarakhand

[B] Himachal Pradesh

[C] Sikkim

[D] Mizoram
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]

Notes:

India’s highest altitude herbal park situated at a height of 11,000 feet was inaugurated at Mana village
close to the Indo-China border in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.

The research wing of Uttarakhand’s forest department has developed the park over three acres of land
given by Mana Van panchayat, under the central government’s Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act
(CAMPA), scheme.

It has been developed in three years under central government’s Compensatory Afforestation Fund
Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme.

The herbal park has around 40 species found in high altitude alpine areas in the Indian Himalayan
region.

47.What type of species is ‘Latham’s Snipe’, which was seen in the news recently?

[A] Migratory Bird

[B] Venomous Snake

[C] Spider

[D] Turtle

Correct Answer: A [Migratory Bird]

Notes:

Latham’s Snipe is a migratory shorebird, which flies non-stop for five days over thousands of kilometres
of ocean, twice a year.

The bird does this travel, for every year of its life.

It completes this migration to warmer region, where it prepares itself for its return flight and the next
breeding seasons.

Latham’s Snipe breeds in northern Japan and parts of eastern Russia during May-July and spends its
non-breeding season (September to March) along Australia’s eastern coast.

The signing of the Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement in 1981 has stopped snipe hunting in both
countries. Their wetland habitat is being lost to development and other pressures.

48.Which place in India is known to have all three species of crocodiles?

[A] Kendrapara

[B] Kochi
[C] Kannur

[D] Konark

Correct Answer: A [Kendrapara]

Notes:

Kendrapara district located in the state of Odisha has been found to have all three species of crocodiles -
salt-water, gharial and mugger.

The Bhitarkanika National Park is located in this district and is known for conservation of crocodiles.

This national park is home to more than 70% of India’s crocodiles.

This is the second Ramsar conservation sites in India and was designated so in the year 2002.

49.In which city, India’s first indigenously designed high ash coal gasification based Methanol Production
Plant has been inaugurated?

[A] Hyderabad

[B] Chennai

[C] Guwahati

[D] Kolkata

Correct Answer: A [Hyderabad]

Notes:

India’s first indigenously designed high ash coal gasification based Methanol Production Plant has been
inaugurated at BHEL R&D Centre, Hyderabad. The plant was funded by Department of Science and
Technology at the initiative of NITI Aayog, PMO-India and Ministry of Coal.

50.In which state/UT, India’s largest open-air fernery has been inaugurated?

[A] Himachal Pradesh

[B] Sikkim

[C] Uttarakhand

[D] Ladakh
Correct Answer: C [Uttarakhand]

Notes:

India’s largest open-air fernery has been inaugurated in Uttarakhand’s Ranikhet. The fernery is home to
a large number of fern species, some of which are endemic to the state, some hold medicinal value
while some are threatened species that demand care and conservation. This center has been developed
for conservation of fern species and also to create awareness about their ecological role and promote
further research. The newly inaugurated fernery is one of the biggest ferneries in India. The fernery has
the largest collection of fern species, second to only Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Garden and
Research Institute (TBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram. However, it is the country’s first open-air fernery in
natural surroundings which is not under any poly-house/ shade house.