1. 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.
2. Which company is preparing to launch the world’s largest privately-owned satellite called JUPITER-3?
[A] Space X
[B] Virgin Galactic
[C] Blue Origin
[D] Boeing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Space X]
Notes:
SpaceX is preparing to launch the world’s largest privately-owned satellite, called JUPITER-3. This impressive satellite will be sent into space aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A in Florida.
This launch will be the seventh for the robust triple-booster rocket.
3. Which country has launched the ‘Young Professional Scheme’ for visas to Indians aged between 18 and 30?
[A] USA
[B] UK
[C] Australia
[D] Canada
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [UK]
Notes:
The British government has opened its second ballot under the UK-India Young Professional Scheme. This is a scheme for Indians aged between 18 and 30 years with graduate-level qualifications for visas to the United Kingdom.
It offers eligible young Indians the opportunity to live, work or study in UK for up to two years. This joint scheme between UK and India was formally launched this year in February. This scheme will enable candidates to enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid and leave or return anytime during their stay.
4. Asian Development Bank (ADB) inked a deal with India for ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Sustainability in Roads Project’ for which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Assam
[C] Bihar
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bihar]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India inked a deal for a $295 million loan for the implementation of the Enhancing Connectivity and Sustainability in Bihar Roads Project.
The loan aims to enhance approximately 265 kilometers of state highways in Bihar with climate and disaster resilient features, alongside incorporating road safety elements.
5. How many characters are present in Legal Entity Identifier (LEI)?
[A] 10
[B] 12
[C] 15
[D] 20
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [20]
Notes:
The LEI (Legal Entity Identifier) is a unique 20-character code that serves as a global identifier for legal entities involved in financial transactions. It aims to create a reference data system for uniquely identifying entities across jurisdictions.
The capital market regulator – Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated that all non-individual Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) must provide their Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) details in the common application form used for registration, KYC, and account opening.
6. ‘Secondary Towns Development Sector Project’ is associated with which state/UT?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Manipur
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Recently, the Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have entered into an agreement, securing a USD 200 million loan as extra funding for the existing Rajasthan Secondary Towns Development Sector Project.
The loan aims to extend water supply and sanitation systems, boost urban resilience, and preserve the heritage in chosen towns.
7. Which institution barred intermediaries for annuities business?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] PFRDA
[D] IRDAI
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [PFRDA]
Notes:
Pension regulator PFRDA has barred Annuity Service Providers (ASPs) from deploying any agency of intermediaries for sourcing annuities business from NPS subscribers upon their retirement or exit from the NPS.
Annuities under National Pension System (NPS) can be issued by ASPs only under direct channels, as per the official sources.
8. Who is the chairperson of the ‘Commission for Other Backward Classes’?
[A] Justice Sadasivan
[B] Justice Rohini
[C] Justice Karnan
[D] Justice Ranjan Gogoi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Justice Rohini]
Notes:
The Rohini Commission, constituted to examine the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs), has submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu after 13 extensions.
The Commission for Other Backward Classes was appointed to examine the sub-categorisation in the Central List of OBCs. Justice G Rohini, a retired chief justice of the Delhi High Court is its chairperson.
9. ICAR is an autonomous organisation under which Union Ministry?
[A] Ministry of MSME
[B] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare]
Notes:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It is the highest authority responsible for coordinating, directing, and overseeing research and education related to agriculture.
The government has formed an 11-member high-level committee, led by Additional Secretary (DARE) and Secretary of ICAR, to propose measures for rationalizing and right-sizing ICAR.
10. Mankurad mango, which received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, is from which state/UT?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Goa
[C] Bihar
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Goa]
Notes:
The Jalesar Dhatu Shilp (metal craft), Goa Mankurad mango, Goan Bebinca, Udaipur Koftgari metal craft, Bikaner Kashidakari craft, Jodhpur Bandhej craft and Bikaner Usta Kala craft were given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Goa Mankurad variety of mango is also known as malcorada, cardozo mankurad, corado, and Goa mankur. The Portuguese named the fruit malcorada, which means ‘poor coloured’.