1. What is the theme of the ‘Summit on “Global Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hubs in India”?
[A] Sustainability and Circularity
[B] Sustainability and Fertility
[C] Sustainability and Chemicals
[D] Sustainability and Manufacturing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Sustainability and Circularity]
Notes:
The 3rd edition of the Summit on “Global Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturing Hubs in India” was held recently.
Themed “Sustainability and Circularity,” the summit was organized jointly by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
2. Which state/UT released draft rules for implementation of ‘Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act’?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Bihar
[D] Assam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jharkhand]
Notes:
The Jharkhand government released draft rules for the effective implementation of The Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, commonly known as PESA, which was enacted in 1996.
The purpose of PESA is to establish self-governance through gram sabhas for the residents living in Scheduled Areas.
3. Which company is involved in the advanced-stage clinical trial of skin cancer vaccine?
[A] Dr Reddys
[B] Bharat Biotech
[C] Moderna
[D] Serum Institute of India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Moderna]
Notes:
Recently, Moderna and its collaborator Merck announced the commencement of patient enrolment for an advanced-stage clinical trial.
This trial aims to test their customized mRNA-based vaccine for skin cancer, in combination with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer.
4. Which country has passed a bill which criminalises the citizens travelling abroad to pursue surrogacy arrangements?
[A] USA
[B] Italy
[C] Finland
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Italy]
Notes:
The Italian parliament has given its approval to a contentious bill that makes it a criminal offense for citizens to travel abroad to pursue surrogacy arrangements.
This law, which has faced significant opposition, is specifically aimed at discouraging Italians from participating in surrogacy arrangements, and it carries the possibility of substantial fines exceeding USD 1 million and potential prison sentences of up to two years for those found guilty.
5. Aditya Samant, who was seen in the news, is associated with which sports?
[A] Cricket
[B] Chess
[C] Badminton
[D] Tennis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Chess]
Notes:
Maharashtra-based Aditya Samant became India’s 83rd Grandmaster after earning his third GM norm at the Master Tournament (MTO) in the Biel International Chess Festival.
He had earned his first norm to become a grandmaster at the Abu Dhabi Masters last year in August. His second norm was achieved in December last year at the 3rd El Llobregat Open.
6. Which city hosted the ‘UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] London
[C] Pune
[D] Liverpool
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [London]
Notes:
Recently, International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a London-based think tank, in collaboration with India’s Bharat Shakti defense platform, organized the UK-India Defence and Military Technology Cooperation workshop in London.
The workshop aimed to explore joint initiatives in defense research and industrial production, focusing on various themes such as the changing strategic context of UK-India defense relations, perspectives on India’s Atmanirbhar program, and the UK’s defense technology partnerships.
7. Which city hosted the ‘Global ESG Conclave 2.0’ event?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Dubai
[C] New York
[D] Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dubai]
Notes:
The Global ESG Conclave 2.0, organised by Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India was held in Dubai.
The sessions were aimed to shed light on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into strategic business decisions and quantifying their impact on financial infrastructure and sustainability.
8. Which Indian state/UT implements ‘Naan Mudhalvan programme’?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Telangana
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation (TNSDC) is implementing the Naan Mudhalvan programme.
Under the scheme, around 12,582 faculties from government engineering colleges and 7,835 faculties from arts and science colleges from across the state have been trained in the last one year, to enhance skilling of students.
9. Which country is undertaking the project – Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Russia
[D] USA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [USA]
Notes:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the USA and the U.S. Military have collaborated for a project named Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations (DRACO). The project aims to launch a nuclear-powered satellite to Earth’s orbit in late 2025 or early 2026.
The spacecraft for the project is developed by Lockheed Martin. The project involves an in-space test of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NPT) technology, marking a significant technical advancement.
10. What is the expansion of ‘CDMDF’ which was launched by the Union Finance Minister recently?
[A] Corporate Debt Market Development Fund
[B] Company Debt Market Development Fund
[C] Client Debt Market Development Fund
[D] Corporate Dual Market Development Fund
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Corporate Debt Market Development Fund]
Notes:
The AMC Repo Clearing Limited (ARCL) and Corporate Debt Market Development Fund (CDMDF) were inaugurated by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The CDMDF was announced in the 2021-22 Union Budget to enhance liquidity in the Corporate Bond market during stressed and normal times.