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Question

Hilsa is the national fish of

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2020 Elementary Mathematics Previous Year Paper (02-Feb-2020)
The correct answer is

Bangladesh

Understanding the National Fish: Hilsa

The question asks about the national fish of a specific country. We are given the fish name, Hilsa, and need to identify the country from the options provided.

Hilsa (scientific name: Tenualosa ilisha) is a very popular and economically important fish in many parts of South Asia. It is known for its distinct taste and cultural significance, particularly in regions around the Bay of Bengal.

Identifying the Country for Hilsa

Let's look at the options provided:

  • Pakistan
  • India
  • Bangladesh
  • Nepal

Among these countries, Hilsa holds a special place in the culture, cuisine, and economy of Bangladesh. The Hilsa fish is considered a symbol of national identity and is officially recognized as the national fish of Bangladesh.

While Hilsa is also found and consumed in parts of India (especially West Bengal), Myanmar, and other countries, its designation as the national fish is specific to Bangladesh.

Nepal is a landlocked country and Hilsa is primarily a marine and riverine fish that migrates between the sea and freshwater rivers connected to the sea. Therefore, Hilsa is not native or significant to Nepal's aquatic life in the same way.

Pakistan also has access to marine areas, but Hilsa's primary habitat and cultural significance are concentrated in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta region, which is predominantly in Bangladesh and India.

Summary Table

Country Is Hilsa the National Fish? Notes
Pakistan No Hilsa is present but not the national fish.
India No Hilsa is important, especially in West Bengal, but not the national fish of India.
Bangladesh Yes Hilsa is the official national fish of Bangladesh.
Nepal No Nepal is landlocked; Hilsa is not native or significant there.

Based on the official designations and cultural significance, Bangladesh is the country for which Hilsa is the national fish.

Revision Table: Key Facts about Hilsa Fish

Aspect Detail
Scientific Name Tenualosa ilisha
Common Name Hilsa, Ilish, Elish
Habitat Bay of Bengal and other coastal waters, migrates to freshwater rivers (anadromous).
National Significance National fish of Bangladesh.
Economic Importance Major source of income and food in Bangladesh and parts of India.
Cultural Importance Deeply ingrained in the culture and cuisine, especially during festivals.

Additional Information on National Symbols

National symbols like a national fish, animal, bird, or flower are chosen to represent a country's identity, heritage, or natural environment. They often hold cultural, historical, or ecological significance.

  • Choosing a national fish like Hilsa highlights its importance to the country's biodiversity, economy, and cultural practices.
  • Different countries have various national symbols. For example, the national animal of India is the Bengal Tiger, and the national bird of Pakistan is the Chukar partridge. Nepal's national animal is the Cow, and its national bird is the Himalayan Monal.
  • These symbols help foster national pride and are often used in official emblems, currency, and public awareness campaigns.

Knowing a country's national symbols can be useful in understanding its culture and natural heritage.

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Similar Questions

  1. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
     

    List-I
    (Training Institute)
    List-II
    (Location)
    A. National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics1. Mussoorie
    B. LBS National Academy of Administration2. Shimla
    C. National Academy of Audit and Accounts3. Mumbai
    D. All India Institute of Local Self Government4. Palasamudram


    Code:

    A B C D

  2. Which one of the following statements is not correct?


Important Questions from National Symbols and Flag Code

  1. Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its diverse wildlife, has a specific 'Vulnerable' species of deer designated as its state animal. This particular subspecies, unique to the region and known for its distinctive antlers, is primarily conserved in the Kanha National Park. Which animal is being referred to?
  2. __________ is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.

  3. The national song of India is _______.

  4. The state flower of Rajasthan is -

  5. Who composed the national anthem?

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