[1]. Recently, South India’s tapioca (cassava) crop recovered from a severe infestation of cassava mealybug following the successful release of the parasitic wasp Anagyrus lopezi by ICAR–NBAIR. Cassava, also known as yuca or manioc, is primarily grown in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Which family does the cassava plant belong to?

[A]. Solanaceae

[B]. Poaceae

[C]. Euphorbiaceae

[D]. Fabaceae

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[2]. Recently, Cochin Shipyard Limited delivered Mahe, the first Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft, to the Indian Navy. It is named after the historic port town of Mahe in Puducherry. Which of the following statements about Mahe is correct?

[A]. It is the first nuclear-powered warship built in India

[B]. It is the largest Indian Naval warship propelled by a Diesel Engine–Waterjet combination

[C]. It was constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)

[D]. It has less than 50% indigenous content

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[3]. Recently, after 50 years of local extinction, blackbucks have returned to Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its rich biodiversity and successful grassland restoration efforts. In which state is the Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary located?

[A]. Madhya Pradesh

[B]. Jharkhand

[C]. Chhattisgarh

[D]. Odisha

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[4]. Recently, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) released ₹1.36 crore to Biodiversity Management Committees in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh under Access and Benefit Sharing. Under which Act was the NBA established?

[A]. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

[B]. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

[C]. Forest Conservation Act, 1980

[D]. Biological Diversity Act, 2002

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[5]. India observed International Snow Leopard Day through the ‘#23for23’ campaign. What was the significance of the number 23 in this campaign?

[A]. It represents 23 snow leopard habitats in India

[B]. It corresponds to the date, October 23rd

[C]. It marks 23 years of snow leopard conservation

[D]. It denotes 23 partner countries in the GSLEP

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