21. Phyllurus fimbriatus, which was discovered recently on a Queensland Island, belongs to which species?
[A] Snake
[B] Fish
[C] Gecko
[D] Turtle
Answer: C [Gecko]
Notes:
Phyllurus fimbriatus, a new species of gecko, has been discovered on an uninhabited Queensland Island.
The carnivorous reptile measures about 15 cm in length and has a leaf-shaped tail and a beaky face. The lizard was named the Scawfell Island leaf-tailed gecko due to the fringe of spines around its tail. The newly discovered gecko is found in the rainforest-covered and rockiest pockets of Scawfell.
22. A recent report has found that increasing global temperatures could result in more occurrences of which phenomenon?
[A] Hot lightning strikes
[B] Thunderstorms
[C] Floods
[D] Earthquakes
Answer: A [Hot lightning strikes]
Notes:
A research paper titled ‘Variation of lightning-ignited wildfire patterns under climate change’ states that increasing global temperatures could result in more occurrences of “hot lightning” strikes around the world.
The research team found that almost 90% of the 5,858 selected lightning-ignited fires in the US could have been started by hot lightning strikes.
23. Chitwan National Park is the first-ever national park of which country?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Nepal
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Myanmar
Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Chitwan National Park is the first-ever national park set up in Nepal. It was founded in 1973 as the Royal Chitwan National Park. It became a World Heritage Site in 1984.
Threats such as illegal fishing and sand mining are causing major threats to the mugger crocodile of the Rapti River that flows along the Chitwan National Park (CNP). A new study has recommended a win-win conservation set up between the local community and muggers to ensure the long-term conservation of the vulnerable species.
24. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Assam
[B] West Bengal
[C] Goa
[D] Bihar
Answer: C [Goa]
Notes:
The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats of South India, situated near Valpoi in North Goa.
The sanctuary is being considered to be designated as a tiger reserve due to the presence of Bengal tigers. It is administered by the Goa State Forest Department. The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is currently engulfed in forest fire.
25. Karenia brevis, which causes Red tide, is a?
[A] Fish
[B] Dolphin
[C] Algae
[D] Fungi
Answer: C [Algae]
Notes:
Red tide is caused by a toxic algae species known as Karenia brevis. It occurs when the algae multiply in large numbers and form blooms, resulting in the water turning reddish-brown.
The algae produce the brevetoxins, which is fatal for aquatic life and capable of making humans sick. It was responsible for the deaths of over 2,000 tonnes of marine life between 2017 and 2018. Red tide has recently occurred in the coast of Florida.
26. Dusky tetraka, which was seen in the news, is a?
[A] Robot
[B] Bird
[C] Satellite
[D] Malware
Answer: B [Bird]
Notes:
The dusky tetraka is a rare bird that lives in the forests of Madagascar. It was last seen in 1999, and it is one of the top 10 most wanted species by the Search for Lost Birds.
The species was discovered recently in two remote locations. It has a dark olive-green plumage with a pale yellowish throat and a ring around the eye. It is endemic to Madagascar’s subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests. It is threatened due to the destruction of its natural habitat.
27. Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Gujarat
[B] West Bengal
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Answer: A [Gujarat]
Notes:
Gujarat, the only home of Asiatic lions in India, is set to move 40 lions from Gir National Park to the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is expected to house 40 adult and sub-adult Asiatic lions. It is located some 100 km from the Gir National Park.
28. A recent research predicted that a new ocean would be created as which region splits into two separate parts?
[A] Oceania
[B] Europe
[C] Africa
[D] Asia
Answer: C [Africa]
Notes:
Scientists, in 2020, predicted a new ocean would be created as Africa gradually splits into two separate parts.
The East African Rift (EAR) is an active continental rift zone situated in the eastern part of the continent. EAR is a crack that stretches over 56 kilometres and appeared in the desert of Ethiopia in 2005, triggering the formation of a new sea.
29. Trichrysis poseidonia, which was seen in the news, belongs to which species?
[A] Wasp
[B] Gecko
[C] Turtle
[D] Spider
Answer: A [Wasp]
Notes:
Trichrysis poseidonia is a newly discovered species of cuckoo wasp. Its specific name is derived from Poseidon – the Greek God of the Sea.
Cuckoo wasps or emerald wasps, are a very large cosmopolitan group of parasitoid or kleptoparasitic wasps. They are often sculptured with brilliant metallic colors created by structural coloration.
30. When was the ‘Project Tiger’ launched in India?
[A] 1953
[B] 1973
[C] 1993
[D] 2003
Answer: B [1973]
Notes:
Project Tiger will complete 50 years in 2023. It was launched in 1973 in Corbett National Park to conserve tiger population in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate three-day mega event in Mysuru to mark 50 years of Project Tiger.