1. Which organization developed India’s first germanium-free thermal imaging payload, Lumira_E40I50, for drones?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
[C] Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
[D] EonSpacelabs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [EonSpacelabs]
Notes:
EonSpacelabs developed India’s first germanium-free thermal imaging payload, Lumira_E40I50, for drones. It is an Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) system designed for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It detects humans up to 2 km and vehicles up to 8 km using Edge Artificial Intelligence (AI). It replaces germanium with chalcogenide glass, reducing dependence on Chinese supply chains. It operates in −20°C to +55°C, suitable for varied terrains. It supports Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with features like 40× zoom and infrared sensors.
2. Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are regulated by which institution?
[A] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[B] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India(IRDAI)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)]
Notes:
National Stock Exchange (NSE) launched Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) as a new trading segment. Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are dematerialised securities representing ownership of physical gold, held in Demat (Dematerialised) accounts. The underlying gold is stored in Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)-regulated vaults. A SEBI-registered Vault Manager (VM) ensures safe storage and standardisation. Each EGR is backed by actual gold, ensuring authenticity. Physical gold is deposited and converted into EGR units, which are tradable on exchanges. Investors can reconvert EGRs into physical gold.
3. Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is located in which state?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, revealed key wildlife data through the annual Machan Census on Waterholes. The census involves forest staff observing animals from elevated platforms (machans) near water sources.Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) is located in Chandrapur district, Maharashtra and is the state’s largest and oldest tiger reserve. It covers about 1,727 square kilometres and was established in 1955. The reserve comprises Tadoba National Park (TNP) and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary. The name “Tadoba” comes from a local tribal deity, while “Andhari” refers to the Andhari River.
4. What is the name of the scheme recently approved by the Union Cabinet to provide credit guarantee support to businesses?
[A] Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS)
[B] Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0
[C] Stand-Up India Scheme
[D] Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi approved the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) 5.0 to provide financial relief to businesses. The scheme offers credit guarantee support through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs). It provides 100% guarantee coverage for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and 90% for non-MSMEs and the airline sector. The scheme allows additional credit up to 20% of peak working capital, with limits for airlines up to ₹1,500 crore. The scheme is valid till March 31, 2027 and aims to address liquidity issues arising from the West Asia crisis.
5. Where was conference on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) held?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] New Delhi
[C] Mumbai
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
The conference on Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) titled “Expanding Neural Frontiers & Its Strategic Implications” was inaugurated by Anil Chauhan in New Delhi. It was jointly organised by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS). The event brought together military leaders, scientists, policymakers, academia, and start-ups to discuss BCI’s defence and civilian applications. The conference emphasized collaboration to harness BCI for national security, operational efficiency, and societal benefits.
