1. Which institution organized the global India Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme in November 2024?
[A] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[B] NITI Aayog
[C] Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)]
Notes:
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) held a global India Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme with the World Bank on November 28-29, 2024, in New Delhi. AEO is part of the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) SAFE Framework to secure global trade and enhance supply chain security. It grants AEO status to businesses that comply with supply chain security standards, offering benefits like simplified procedures and faster customs clearance. It was introduced in India in 2011.
2. Ramappa Temple is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Gujarat
[C] Telangana
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Telangana]
Notes:
The Union government has approved loans under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme to develop the Ramappa Region Sustainable Tourism Circuit in Telangana. The Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara Temple, is a Kakatiya-style Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. Built in 1213 AD, it was commissioned by Kakati Ganapathi Deva and his Chief Commander Rudra Samani. The temple is named after its chief sculptor, Ramappa, making it unique as a temple named after an architect.
3. Urban Infrastructure Development Fund is managed by which institution?
[A] Reserve Bank of India
[B] National Housing Bank
[C] State Bank of India
[D] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Housing Bank]
Notes:
The government has set up the Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF) to improve urban infrastructure in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It is funded through the priority sector lending shortfall. The fund supports public agencies in providing basic services like sewerage, waste management, water supply, sanitation, and drainage. It aims to supplement state governments’ efforts and is managed by the National Housing Bank. The initial corpus of the fund is ₹10,000 crore. The UIDF is modeled after the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
4. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Bihar
[C] Chhattisgarh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chhattisgarh ]
Notes:
A tiger from Kanha Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh traveled 400 km to Achanakmar Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh. Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is located in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh. It was established in 1975, and declared a tiger reserve in 2009. It is part of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve and connects to Kanha and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserves via a corridor. The Maniyari River flows through the reserve, sustaining the forest. The reserve hosts the Baiga tribe, a “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG),” with 25 villages in its core area.
5. Which ministry has launched the Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour (PENCIL) portal?
[A] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[B] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
The PENCiL portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to enforce the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986. It has five components: Central Government, State Government, District Project Societies, Child Tracking System, and Complaint Corner. District Nodal Officers (DNOs) are appointed to ensure strict implementation of the Act. A model State Action Plan (SAP) guides State Governments in eradicating child labour, focusing on migrant, girl, and SC/ST children. The portal promotes efficient monitoring and grievance redressal to combat child labour effectively.
6. Which bill was recently introduced by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to promote coastal trade?
[A] Indian Shipping Bill, 2024
[B] Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024
[C] Maritime Trade Promotion Bill, 2024
[D] Coastal Trade and Transport Bill, 2024
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways introduced the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, to boost coastal trade and prioritize Indian-flagged vessels for national security and commercial needs. Coastal shipping, covering India’s 7,517 km coastline, is energy-efficient, cost-effective, and reduces pressure on road and rail networks. Outdated laws like the Coasting Vessel Act, 1838, and Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, lacked uniformity in regulating the sector. Key changes include removing the general trading license for Indian vessels, creating a National Coastal Shipping Database, and mandating a strategic growth plan. The Bill ensures compliance with environmental standards, encourages inland vessel participation, and emphasizes job creation and national security.
7. Which species is the natural host of Marburg virus disease, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Sandfly
[B] Fruit bat
[C] Pig
[D] Mosquito
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Fruit bat]
Notes:
A Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in Rwanda caused 15 deaths and 66 infections. MVD is a rare and severe hemorrhagic fever affecting humans and primates, caused by the Marburg virus (MARV) and Ravn virus (RAVV). It belongs to the filovirus family, like Ebola, and is among the deadliest human pathogens. Rousettus aegyptiacus fruit bats are the natural hosts of the Marburg virus. Transmission occurs through contact with infected bats, primates, or body fluids. The first outbreak was in Marburg, Germany (1967); recent cases occurred in Tanzania, Ghana, and Rwanda. No effective drugs or vaccines exist for MVD.
8. Which country is the host of women’s T20 World Cup for Blind in 2025?
[A] India
[B] South Africa
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India will host the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for Blind Cricket in 2025. The decision was confirmed at the World Blind Cricket Council’s AGM in Multan, attended by representatives from 11 countries. Hosting rights were granted to India last year, but the event gains significance after India withdrew from the Men’s T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan due to security concerns. This event highlights India’s commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports, especially for visually impaired athletes.
9. Which organization recently categorized packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods”?
[A] Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
[B] Indian Bureau of Standards (BIS)
[C] Ministry of Food Processing Industries
[D] National Institute of Food Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)]
Notes:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as “high-risk foods,” enhancing safety measures. This follows the removal of mandatory BIS certification, with a focus on regular inspections and audits by FSSAI. High-risk foods require strict safety protocols to prevent public health issues. The classification aims to ensure consumer safety through rigorous testing and monitoring. The regulation falls under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, simplifying the certification process.
10. What is the theme of 16th GRIHA Summit held in New Delhi?
[A] Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment
[B] Empowering Sustainable and Resilient Communities
[C] Fostering Partnerships for Sustainable Habitats
[D] Approach to Integrated Sustainability
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment]
Notes:
The 16th GRIHA Summit held in New Delhi, focusing on the theme “Accelerating Climate Action in the Built Environment.” It brings together leaders and experts to discuss sustainable urban development and climate resilience in construction. The summit highlights the importance of sustainability in the built environment for global climate commitments by 2030 and decarbonization by 2050. It aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, integrating sustainability with economic and social progress.GRIHA stands for Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.