Q1. Which of the following climatic factors is most critical for successful cultivation of litchis in India? भारत में लीची की सफल खेती के लिए निम्नलिखित में से कौन-सा जलवायु कारक सबसे महत्वपूर्ण है?
a) High altitude regions above 1500m
b) Frost-free winters and moist sub-tropical climate
c) Arid and semi-arid zones
d) Heavy rainfall throughout the year
Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) Frost-free winters and moist sub-tropical climate
Why in News:
India has dispatched its first-ever consignment of rose-scented litchis to Qatar, marking a milestone in agri-export.
Explanation:
Litchis thrive best under moist sub-tropical climate with protection from frost and dry heat.
The fruit cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing in winters or above 40.5°C in summers.
Rain during flowering affects pollination negatively.
Hence, frost-free winters and balanced moisture are key.
🧬 Topic 2: Mobile Biosafety level-3 Laboratory (MBSL-3)
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Mobile Biosafety Level-3 (MBSL-3) Laboratory: मोबाइल बायोसेफ्टी लेवल-3 (MBSL-3) प्रयोगशाला के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:
It is part of the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission.
It is designed to work only in permanent buildings, not in vehicles.
It maintains negative air pressure and uses HEPA filters.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? उपरोक्त में से कौन-सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Tap here for Answer
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
Why in News:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is expanding its mobile BSL-3 lab capacity to improve outbreak response.
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: MBSL-3 is developed under the Ayushman Bharat Health Infra Mission.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It is mobile, mounted on vehicles, and deployable in field conditions.
Statement 3 is correct: It uses negative air pressure and HEPA filters for safety.
🐕 Topic 3: Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)
Q3. The Asiatic Wild Dog, recently spotted again in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape, is classified under which of the following schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972? हाल ही में काज़ीरंगा-कार्बी आंगलोंग क्षेत्र में फिर से देखे गए एशियाई जंगली कुत्ते को वन्यजीव संरक्षण अधिनियम, 1972 की किस अनुसूची के अंतर्गत रखा गया है?
a) Schedule I
b) Schedule II
c) Schedule III
d) Schedule IV
Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) Schedule II
Why in News:
The dhole or Asiatic wild dog has been confirmed to reappear in Assam’s Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong Landscape after being considered locally extinct.
Explanation:
The Asiatic wild dog is listed as Schedule II under the Wildlife Protection Act.
It is Endangered in the IUCN Red List and found in fragmented forest patches in India.
Major threats include prey depletion, habitat loss, and retaliatory killings.
🥿 Topic 4: Kolhapuri Chappals
Q4. Kolhapuri Chappals, recently in the news, are traditionally crafted using which of the following materials? हाल ही में चर्चा में रहे कोल्हापुरी चप्पल पारंपरिक रूप से निम्नलिखित में से किस सामग्री से बनाए जाते हैं?
a) Plastic and synthetic rubber
b) Bamboo and jute
c) 100% leather tanned with vegetable dyes
d) Cotton and foam
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Answer: c) 100% leather tanned with vegetable dyes
Why in News:
Fashion brand Prada showcased sandals similar to Kolhapuri chappals without acknowledging their Indian origin, prompting public criticism.
Explanation:
Traditional Kolhapuri chappals are handmade using cow, buffalo, or goat leather, tanned with vegetable dyes.
They have open-toed, T-strap designs and are GI-tagged.
Known for durability and handcrafted artistry, artisans can take up to six weeks to make a pair.
🛡️ Topic 5: THAAD Missile System
Q5. What makes the THAAD missile system unique among U.S. missile defense systems? THAAD मिसाइल प्रणाली को अमेरिका की अन्य मिसाइल रक्षा प्रणालियों से अलग क्या बनाता है?
a) It is launched from submarines
b) It can intercept targets both inside and outside the atmosphere
c) It uses nuclear warheads for interception
d) It is designed only for cruise missiles
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Answer: b) It can intercept targets both inside and outside the atmosphere
Why in News:
The U.S. reportedly used 15–20% of its THAAD systems to defend against Iranian aerial strikes during a recent 12-day conflict.
Explanation:
THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles during their terminal phase.
It is the only U.S. system that works both endoatmospherically and exoatmospherically.
It does not use warheads — the missile destroys targets by direct impact.
🧫 Topic 6: Bacillus ayatagriencsis
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding Bacillus ayatagriencsis: Bacillus ayatagriencsis के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए:
It is a newly discovered species of virus.
It promotes plant health and seed germination.
It has strong antimicrobial properties.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? उपरोक्त में से कौन-सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
Why in News:
A new species of soil bacteria, Bacillus ayatagriencsis, has been discovered by researchers at Raiganj University.
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: It is a bacterium, not a virus.
Statement 2 is correct: It enhances seed germination and promotes plant health.
Statement 3 is correct: It exhibits strong antimicrobial properties.
🧾 Topic 7: SPREE Scheme
Q7. The SPREE scheme recently relaunched by ESIC is primarily aimed at: हाल ही में ESIC द्वारा फिर से शुरू की गई SPREE योजना का मुख्य उद्देश्य क्या है?
a) Reducing income tax burden for startups
b) Promoting employer and employee registrations under ESI Act
c) Encouraging maternity benefits for women employees
d) Providing direct subsidies to farmers
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Answer: b) Promoting employer and employee registrations under ESI Act
Why in News:
The SPREE Scheme is being re-launched from 1 July to 31 December 2025 to encourage formal registration under ESIC.
Explanation:
SPREE = Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees
It offers a one-time opportunity to register unlisted workers and employers under the ESI Act.
Focus is on voluntary compliance, reducing litigation, and formalizing employment.
🐛 Topic 8: Black-headed Caterpillar Disease
Q8. Which of the following is a major biological control agent used against the Black-headed Caterpillar in coconut plantations? नारियल के बागानों में ब्लैक-हेडेड कैटरपिलर के खिलाफ प्रमुख जैविक नियंत्रण एजेंट कौन-सा है?
a) Trichoderma viride
b) Bacillus thuringiensis
c) Goniozus nephantidis
d) Pseudomonas fluorescens
Tap here for Answer
Answer: c) Goniozus nephantidis
Why in News:
The Karnataka Chief Minister has sought a report on the spread of black-headed caterpillar disease affecting coconut crops.
Explanation:
Goniozus nephantidis is a parasitoid released in affected regions to biologically control the pest.
The caterpillar feeds on green leaf surfaces, causing scorched appearance and heavy nut shedding.
It spreads rapidly through wind dispersal.
🦋 Topic 9: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary
Q9. Consider the following statements about the Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary: Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary के बारे में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें:
It is India’s first forest reserve dedicated entirely to butterflies.
It is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of Tamil Nadu.
It hosts over 80% of Kerala’s butterfly species.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? उपरोक्त में से कौन-सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Tap here for Answer
Answer: b) 1 and 3 only
Why in News:
The Kerala State Wildlife Board renamed Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, making it India’s first butterfly-dedicated protected area.
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: It is the first official butterfly sanctuary in India.
Statement 2 is incorrect: It is located in Kannur district, Kerala, part of the Western Ghats, not Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu.
Statement 3 is correct: It hosts over 266 butterfly species, i.e., more than 80% of Kerala’s total.
☁️ Topic 10: Secondary Pollutants
Q10. Which of the following is/are examples of secondary pollutants? निम्नलिखित में से कौन-कौन द्वितीयक प्रदूषकों (Secondary Pollutants) के उदाहरण हैं?
Ozone
Ammonium sulphate
Carbon monoxide
Select the correct answer using the code given below: नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए:
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Tap here for Answer
Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
Why in News:
A CREA study has found that secondary pollutants, especially ammonium sulphate, contribute to nearly one-third of PM2.5 levels in India.
Explanation:
Ozone and Ammonium sulphate are formed through atmospheric chemical reactions, so they are secondary pollutants.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a primary pollutant, directly emitted from sources like vehicle exhaust.
