Deesa to Establish Asia's First Desert-Themed Drive-Through Night Safari and Zoo

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has officially approved the development of Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari and zoological park in Deesa, Gujarat.
Spanning across 103 hectares in the Banaskantha district, the project is budgeted at an estimated cost of ₹542.14 crore.
The safari aims to house native and exotic species, serving as a landmark model for desert ecosystem conservation and eco-tourism.

Key Facts / Static GK

CZA Establishment: 1992 under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
CZA Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
CZA Headquarters: New Delhi

Q Practice Quiz — 13 August 2026

1. Who has been selected as the Vice-Chancellor of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation (AIPSI) in Mauritius?

A Dr. Bhooma VG

B Dr. S. Jaishankar

C Dr. Ankit Kumar Pal

D Dr. Susmita Sain

E Dr. M. P. Parameswaran

Explanation: Dr. Bhooma VG has been selected as the Vice-Chancellor of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation (AIPSI) in Mauritius, as announced by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

2. Which global body has selected three Indian Sanchar Mitras as Generation Connect Youth Envoys?

A United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

B International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

C World Economic Forum (WEF)

D United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

E International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Explanation: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) facilitated the selection of three Indian youth envoys as part of its Generation Connect initiative.

3. Where is Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari and zoological park being established?

A Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

B Deesa, Gujarat

C Kutch, Gujarat

D Bikaner, Rajasthan

E Leh, Ladakh

Explanation: Asia's first desert-themed drive-through night safari and zoo is being established at Deesa in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat.

4. Regarding the Black-necked Crane, consider the following statements: 1. It is the official state bird of Ladakh. 2. Changthang Cold Wildlife Sanctuary is its only breeding ground in India. 3. Its IUCN status is 'Critically Endangered'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A 1 only

B 1 and 2 only

C 2 and 3 only

D 1 and 3 only

E 1, 2 and 3

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because its current IUCN Red List status is 'Near Threatened' (NT), not 'Critically Endangered'.

5. What was the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) retail inflation rate recorded for India in July 2026?

A 4.38%

B 4.45%

C 4.12%

D 4.00%

E 4.50%

Explanation: India's retail inflation based on the CPI increased to 4.45% in July 2026 from 4.38% in June 2026.

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