31. Which organization recently signed a deal in Goa with the GRSE for constructing Indigenous Ocean Research Vessel to unravel deep oceans?
[A] National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Marine Biological Association of India
[D] DRDO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)]
Notes:
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) signed a contract with a Defence PSU Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) to construct an Indigenous Ocean Research Vessel for deep ocean exploration. Established in 1998 in Goa, NCPOR is an autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Its 13-member Governing Body is chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry. NCPOR facilitates scientific research in Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Indian Ocean, managing bases like “Maitri,” “Bharati,” and “Himadri.”
32. Adam’s Bridge, recently seen in the news, is separated by which two water bodies?
[A] Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea
[B] Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait
[C] Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
[D] Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait]
Notes:
Scientists from ISRO successfully mapped the submerged structure of Adam’s Bridge (Ram Setu), a 48 km limestone chain connecting Rameswaram Island (India) to Mannar Island (Sri Lanka). The bridge separates the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait, with shallow waters of 1-10 meters. Geological evidence indicates it was a former land connection, referenced in the Ramayana and Islamic legend, but submerged since 1480 due to natural calamities.
33. Which day is observed as ‘World Chess Day’ every year?
[A] 19 July
[B] 20 July
[C] 21 July
[D] 22 July
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [20 July]
Notes:
World Chess Day, celebrated annually on July 20th, marks the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924. UNESCO proposed this day in 1966, recognizing chess for its intellectual benefits and cultural diversity. Originating in India as “Chaturanga” nearly 1500 years ago, chess is promoted as a game for all ages and backgrounds. FIDE was founded by chess organizations from eight countries.
34. Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari, who passed away recently, was associated with which profession?
[A] Archaeologist
[B] Agriculturist
[C] Folk Singer
[D] Journalist
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Agriculturist ]
Notes:
Kamala Pujari, a Padma Shri awardee and pioneering organic farmer, passed away at 74 due to kidney-related ailments. She was treated at SCB Medical College in Cuttack but succumbed on Saturday. Her death prompted condolences from leaders and state honors by the Odisha government. Pujari was hospitalized two days prior and attended by a four-member medical team after being transferred from Jeypore District Headquarters Hospital.
35. Which state government has launched a comprehensive registry initiative to resolve long-standing issues related to Lal Dora properties in urban areas?
[A] Haryana
[B] Punjab
[C] Gujarat
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Haryana]
Notes:
The Haryana government launched a registry initiative to address issues related to Lal Dora properties in urban areas under the Chief Minister Urban Body Ownership Scheme. Established in 1908, Lal Dora lands were exempt from building bylaws, complicating ownership proof and transactions. The state aims to free villages from these restrictions, allowing property rights. The Svamitva Scheme will streamline ownership, with the Chief Minister distributing certificates and registries in Gurugram.
36. Mukhya Mantri Bahan Beti Maiqui Swabalamban Protsahan Yojana, recently seen in the news, is associated with which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jharkhand]
Notes:
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced village-level camps to enroll women in the ‘Mukhya Mantri Bahan Beti Maiqui Swabalamban Protsahan Yojana,’ providing Rs 1,000 per month to women aged 21-49. At a Sahibganj district event, he unveiled projects worth Rs 88 crore. The scheme, approved on June 28, will benefit 45 lakh women and cost the state Rs 5,500 crore annually, aiming to empower and make women self-reliant.
37. Kalarippayattu, recently seen in the news, is the traditional martial art form popularly practiced in which state?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Kerala
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports announced in the Lok Sabha that the Indian Kalarippayattu Federation has been recognized as the Regional Sports Federation to promote Kalarippayattu in India. This traditional martial art, originating in Kerala, is believed to have been established by the warrior sage Parasurama. The term “Kalaripayattu” combines “kalari” (place of combat) and “payattu” (fighting) in Malayalam.
38. Recently, which organization successfully carried out a second experimental flight for the demonstration of Air Breathing Propulsion Technology?
[A] CNSA
[B] JAXA
[C] ISRO
[D] NASA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [ISRO]
Notes:
ISRO successfully conducted the second experimental flight for Air Breathing Propulsion Technology, which uses atmospheric oxygen as an oxidizer instead of carrying one onboard. This makes rockets lighter and more efficient. However, the technology is applicable only within the denser layers of Earth’s atmosphere (up to 70 kilometers altitude). Beyond this, rockets must switch to a stage with both fuel and an onboard oxidizer.
39. What is the primary objective of the Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN), recently mentioned in news?
[A] To create a new postal code system
[B] To replace traditional addresses with QR codes
[C] To implement a new mail sorting system
[D] To establish a standardized, geo-coded addressing system in India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [To establish a standardized, geo-coded addressing system in India]
Notes:
The Department of Posts launched the beta version of DIGIPIN, a geo-coded addressing system developed with IIT Hyderabad. DIGIPIN aims to simplify addressing for public and private services by creating and sensing geo-locations of addresses. This system will enhance public service delivery, emergency response, and logistics efficiency. It will serve as a robust pillar of Geospatial Governance and can be used as a base layer for various ecosystems requiring accurate addressing.
40. ‘Operation Prahar’, recently seen in the news, was launched by which state against the threats posed by the Naxalites?
[A] Bihar
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Chattisgarh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Chattisgarh]
Notes:
Since Chhattisgarh’s first tribal Chief Minister took office, Naxalite-related incidents have surged fivefold, including killings, arrests, and surrenders. This increase coincides with “Operation Prahar,” a counter-insurgency effort targeting Maoist leaders. While aimed at neutralizing insurgents and disrupting recruitment, the operation has faced allegations of excessive state power and staged encounters, raising concerns about its impact on local Adivasi communities not involved with Maoist activities.
