21. Presently, which country has emerged as the world’s second-largest producer of mobile phones?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] Germany
[D] Vietnam
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
By 2024, India has become the world’s second-largest mobile phone producer, shifting from 78% import-dependency in 2014 to 97% self-sufficiency. A mere 3% of total mobile phones sold are now imported, marking a significant transformation in the sector. This achievement underscores India’s remarkable growth in the electronics manufacturing ecosystem over the past decade.
22. According to recent released CEEW’s report, which of the following states have been placed on the top in water management?
[A] Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala
[B] Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand
[C] Haryana, Karnataka and Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Haryana, Karnataka and Punjab]
Notes:
Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW’s) report on used water management spotlights Haryana, Karnataka, and Punjab as leaders in the country. Urban water demand rises while groundwater levels dwindle. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) require enhanced treatment and reuse infrastructure. Financial constraints hinder 90% of ULBs. Merely 28% of 72,000 million liters of used water is treated. CEEW proposes a Municipal Used Water Management (MUWM) Index to prioritize treatment and reuse, aiming to address the pressing water crisis.
23. According to the SIPRI report, which country ranked as the world’s leading arms importer from 2019 to 2023?
[A] Vietnam
[B] Israel
[C] China
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [India]
Notes:
According to report by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India leads global arms imports with a 4.7% growth from 2014-2018 to 2019-2023. Russia remains India’s primary arms supplier, but its share fell below 50% for the first time since 1960-64. India sourced 36% of its arms imports from Russia. The US supplied 55% of Europe’s weapons, while Japan’s imports rose by 155%, and South Korea’s by 6.5%. China’s imports decreased by 44%.
24. Recently, Ministry of Earth Sciences inaugurated the first phase of Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) in which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Chhattisgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) launched the inaugural phase of ART-CI in Madhya Pradesh. ART-CI aims to advance weather research for better understanding of monsoon convection and land-atmosphere interactions in the core monsoon zone. Spearheaded by Pune’s Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), it’s the first testbed facility of its kind. Established under MoES’s ACROSS scheme, ART-CI features remote-sensing and in-situ instruments for continuous observation of various weather parameters.
25. Recently, where was the 54th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) held?
[A] Chennai, India
[B] Nairobi, Kenya
[C] Melbourne, Australia
[D] Paris, France
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nairobi, Kenya]
Notes:
The 54th session of the Codex Committee on Food Hygiene (CCFH) took place from March 11–15, 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. The US government hosted the event, which was the first CCFH meeting in Kenya. At the session, India presented its recently released Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Modernization of Food Streets. The SOP was presented along the lines of the proposed draft guidelines for Food Hygiene Control Measures in Traditional Markets for Food.
26. ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, recently seen in the news, launched by which one of the following?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] UGC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
NITI Aayog launched the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative to foster self-reliance and sustainable growth. Under the Aspirational Blocks Programme, it promotes local products from 500 blocks through the Aakanksha brand. Aakanksha serves as an umbrella brand, facilitating international market access. The initiative includes a dedicated window on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal for these products. Partners offer support for e-commerce, linkages, literacy, certification, and skill enhancement to promote local entrepreneurship.
27. Recently, which ministry collaborated with IIT Roorkee in automotive and EV sector?
[A] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Heavy Industries
[D] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Heavy Industries ]
Notes:
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have collaborated to establish a Centre of Excellence and Industry Accelerator in the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sector. The two ministries signed an MoU to promote innovation and advance the automotive and EV sector. Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, witnessed the historic event.
28. Recently, the Indian Navy has set up its first independent headquarters named ‘Nausena Bhawan’ at which place?
[A] Delhi
[B] Mumbai
[C] Chennai
[D] Jaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Delhi]
Notes:
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated Nausena Bhawan, Indian Navy’s new headquarters at Delhi Cantonment, consolidating operations from 13 locations. The building, selected through a nationwide competition, features three wings across four stories, incorporating innovative technologies for efficiency and sustainability. This marks the Navy’s first independent HQ in Delhi, emphasizing functionality and aesthetics in its architectural design.
29. Recently, who received the prestigious received the PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for his philanthropy work?
[A] Ratan Tata
[B] Mukesh Ambani
[C] Gautam Adani
[D] Shiv Nadar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ratan Tata]
Notes:
Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons, received the PV Narasimha Rao Memorial Award in 2024 for his philanthropy work. The award ceremony took place in Mumbai. Tata is recognized for his exceptional contributions that have benefited many communities across the country.
30. Barberton Greenstone Belt, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Western Australia
[B] Canada
[C] South Africa
[D] Russia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [South Africa]
Notes:
Scientists recently discovered early earthquake evidence in South Africa’s Barberton Greenstone Belt, located on the eastern edge of the Kaapvaal Craton. Known for gold mineralization and unique komatiites, it boasts some of Earth’s oldest rocks, over 3.6 billion years old, with traces of ancient life. The Makhonjwa Mountains, constituting 40% of the belt, feature rocks dating back 3.2 to 3.6 billion years. Ultramafic rocks found here are rich in magnesium and iron.