1. With respect to the 2025 KFD outbreak in Karnataka, consider the following factors:
- Abrupt withdrawal of vaccine due to reduced potency
- Large-scale deforestation and land use change in the Malenadu region
- Introduction of new tick species due to international trade
- Climatic factors like heatwaves and insufficient rainfall
Which of the above factors contributed to the intensity of the outbreak?
[A] Only 1, 2 and 3
[B] Only 2, 3 and 4
[C] Only 1, 2 and 4
[D] Only 1, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only 1, 2 and 4]
Notes:
Among the factors listed, introduction of new tick species due to international trade did not contribute to the severity of the KFD outbreak in Karnataka in 2025. Instead, the abrupt withdrawal of the vaccine due to low potency, large-scale deforestation and changes in land use in the Malenadu region and climatic stressors such as heatwaves and insufficient rainfall were the major contributors to the intensity of the outbreak.
2. Consider the following constitutional principles with reference to the opposition to the Karnataka Reservation Bill for Muslims in public contracts:
- Article 14 – Equality before law
- Article 15 – Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion
- Article 16 – Equality of opportunity in public employment
The bill primarily opposes which of the above principles?
[A] Only 1
[B] Only 2
[C] Only 3
[D] Both 2 and 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Both 2 and 3]
Notes:
Article 15(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Similarly, Article 16(2) prohibits discrimination in public employment on similar grounds. The opposition to the Karnataka Reservation Bill argues that it violates these provisions by allegedly introducing a religious quota.
3. Consider the following:
- KFD is caused by a virus belonging to the Rhabdoviridae family.
- The primary vector responsible for KFD transmission is the Haemaphysalis spinigera tick.
- Human-to-human transmission of KFD is a significant concern during outbreaks.
- The disease was first identified in the forests of Karnataka in the 1950s.
Which of the above statements is / are correct?
[A] Only 1 and 2
[B] Only 2 and 4
[C] 2, 3 and 4
[D] 1, 3 and 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only 2 and 4]
Notes:
KFD is caused by a virus of the Flaviviridae family, not Rhabdoviridae. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect. Haemaphysalis spinigera tick is indeed the primary vector for KFD, making statement 2 correct. Human-to-human transmission does not occur in KFD, negating statement 3 and the first identification of the disease happened in the 1950s in Karnataka forests, verifying statement 4. Hence, only statements 2 and 4 are correct.
4. In the context of wildlife conservation and eco-sensitive zones, consider the following statements:
- Bandipur National Park is located in Karnataka and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Kaziranga National Park is famous for its population of Indian rhinoceroses and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Sundarbans National Park is known for its mangrove forests and is home to the Bengal tiger.
- Jim Corbett National Park was the first national park established in India and is known for its diverse wildlife.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All four
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All four]
Notes:- Bandipur National Park: Established in 1974, it is known for its tiger population and rich biodiversity.
- Kaziranga National Park: Home to two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceroses, it covers 430 square kilometers.
- Sundarbans National Park: It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and hosts a unique ecosystem.
- Jim Corbett National Park: It was established in 1936 as Hailey National Park and is famous for its conservation efforts.
5. With respect to the Soligas of Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (BRT), which of the following observations is/are correct?
- The BRT Tiger Reserve is located in Karnataka and is home to a tiger population.
- The Soliga tribe has been recognized for their sustainable practices and coexistence with wildlife.
- The tiger is referred to as “Dodda Nayi” by the Soliga community.
- The tiger population in BRT Tiger Reserve has consistently increased since 2014.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only three]
Notes:- The BRT Tiger Reserve is located in Karnataka and is home to a tiger population: This is correct; it is indeed in Karnataka and has a notable tiger population.
- The Soliga tribe has been recognized for their sustainable practices and coexistence with wildlife: This is correct; their practices have been acknowledged for promoting coexistence.
- The tiger is referred to as “Dodda Nayi” by the Soliga community: This is correct; they do refer to the tiger in this manner.
- The tiger population in BRT Tiger Reserve has consistently increased since 2014: This is incorrect; reports indicate a decline in the population in recent years.
6. Regarding the concept of linguistic reorganisation in India, consider the following statements:
- The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 aimed to create states based on linguistic demographics.
- The Mahajan Commission was established to resolve the border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- Belgaum was merged into Maharashtra based on recommendations from the States Reorganisation Commission.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 aimed to create states based on linguistic demographics. Correct: This act aimed to reorganise states in India based on linguistic demographics, leading to the creation of several states.
- The Mahajan Commission was established to resolve the border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka. Correct: Established in 1966, it recommended that Belgaum city and 247 surrounding villages remain in Karnataka.
- Belgaum was merged into Maharashtra based on recommendations from the States Reorganisation Commission. Incorrect: Belgaum was merged into Karnataka based on recommendations from the States Reorganisation Commission. The States Reorganisation Commission recommended this based on administrative efficiency and linguistic composition. The commission acknowledged both Marathi and Kannada-speaking populations but emphasized broader criteria for state boundaries.
7. What is the name of Karnataka’s property registration portal that recently faced a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack?
[A] Bhoomi 2.0
[B] Kaveri 2.0
[C] Namami
[D] Karnataka Land Portal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kaveri 2.0]
Notes:
Karnataka’s property registration portal, Kaveri 2.0, faced severe disruptions due to a DDoS attack. A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack floods a server or network with excessive traffic, causing service failures. The attack uses a botnet—a network of compromised devices—to overload the target system.
8. With respect to Asian elephants, consider the following statements:
- Asian elephants can travel long distances in search of food, often crossing human-dominated landscapes.
- Asian elephants are known to have complex social structures, often living in matriarchal herds.
- Karnataka has the largest number of identified elephant corridors in the country.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Only two]
Notes:- Long-distance travel (Correct): Asian elephants are known to cover vast distances, sometimes exceeding 30 miles in a day, especially when foraging for food, which often leads them through human-inhabited areas.
- Complex social structures (Correct): Asian elephants exhibit complex social behaviors and live in matriarchal herds, where older females lead and make decisions for the group, showcasing their intelligence and social bonds.
- Karnataka has the largest number of identified elephant corridors in the country. Incorrect: Elephant Corridors of India 2023 report provided that West Bengal has the highest number of identified elephant corridors in India.
9. With respect to Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- It spans over the Western Ghats in the Belgaum district of the south Indian state Karnataka.
- It is named after Bhimgad Fort, built by Shivaji in the 17th century to defend against the Portuguese.
- It shares boundaries with Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] All three
[D] None
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [All three]
Notes:- It spans over the Western Ghats in the Belgaum district of the south Indian state Karnataka. Correct: It spans over the Western Ghats in Belgaum district of the south Indian state Karnataka. It was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in December 2011.
- It is named after Bhimgad Fort, built by Shivaji in the 17th century to defend against the Portuguese. Correct: The sanctuary has been named after the Bhimgad Fort, constructed and commanded by Shivaji in the 17th century as a defence from Portuguese troops.
- It shares boundaries with Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. Correct: It shares its boundary with the north of Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, north-west of the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, north of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and east of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
10. Consider the following pairs in context of rivers and their origins:
| Rivers | Origin |
|---|
| 1. Baitarani River | Gonasika hills, Keonjhar district, Odisha |
| 2. Pennar River | Chenna Kesava hills, Nandi mountains, Karnataka |
| 3. Subarnarekha River | Nagri village, Ranchi region, Jharkhand |
| 4. Palar River | Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu. |
Which of the give pair is/are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Only three]
Notes:- The Baitarani River originates in the Gonasika hills in Keonjhar district, Odisha.
- The Pennar River originates in the Chenna Kesava hills of Karnataka’s Nandi mountains, but it does not flow into the Bay of Bengal directly; it empties into the Bay of Bengal after flowing through Andhra Pradesh.
- The Subarnarekha River originates near Nagri village, Ranchi, Jharkhand, at an elevation of 600 meters.
- The Palar River originates in the Nandi Hills in Karnataka, but it does not directly join the Bay of Bengal near Vayalur, south of Chennai. It flows through Tamil Nadu, but not as described.
- The Vaigai River originates in the Varusanadu Hills of the Western Ghats in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu.
