1. Recently, which organization has sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products?
[A] SIDBI
[B] FSSAI
[C] NABARD
[D] ISRO
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [NABARD]
Notes:
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently sanctioned a study on the impact evaluation of Geographical Indication (GI) products to Symbiosis School of Economics. A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The protection of intellectual property through laws will help to reap benefits in terms of economic growth, employment and income generation.
2. Which organization recently released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR), 2023?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] CSIR
[D] ICAR
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [ISRO]
Notes:
ISRO released the Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) highlighting a rise in space object population. ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM), operational since 2022, ensures ISRO’s space asset safety. Globally, 3143 objects were launched, with five major break-up events. India launched 127 satellites by 2023 and successfully conducted seven ISRO missions, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1. Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres increased to protect spacecraft from close approaches.
3. Recently, India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) in which city?
[A] Indore, Madhya Pradesh
[B] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
[C] Nagpur, Maharashtra
[D] Jaipur, Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Nagpur, Maharashtra]
Notes:
India has initiated Project ISHAN (Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The project aims to streamline air traffic management (ATM) by consolidating India’s four Flight Information Regions (FIRs) into a single system overseen from Nagpur. India’s airspace is currently divided into four FIRs and a sub-FIR at Guwahati. The FIRs are controlled by India through Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, with a sub-FIR at Guwahati. India also shares its FIRs with 12 neighboring countries.
4. Recently, who has been appointed as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)?
[A] Meera Swarup
[B] Dheeraj Bhatnagar
[C] Dinesh Kumar
[D] JP Devdhar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Dinesh Kumar]
Notes:
Justice (retired) Dinesh Kumar, former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, has been appointed as the Presiding Officer of the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT), filling a 4-month vacancy left by Justice Tarun Aggarwal’s retirement in December 2023. SAT, an autonomous body under the SEBI Act, 1992, hears appeals against orders from financial regulators like SEBI, PFRDA, and IRDAI, aiming to streamline appeal processes outside of High Courts.
5. Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan, recently seen in news, is an initiative of which organization?
[A] IUCN
[B] WMO
[C] WHO
[D] WWF
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [IUCN]
Notes:
A new study highlights Red colobus as key to tropical forest conservation. Imperiled across Africa, they’re vital biodiversity indicators and one of two major simian groups globally. Facing extinction due to hunting and habitat loss, over half are Endangered or Critically Endangered. The Red Colobus Conservation Action Plan, led by IUCN, aims to prioritize their conservation, safeguarding Africa’s forests and curbing unsustainable hunting.
6. According to Invest India report, India’s e-commerce market is expected to grow to $325 billion by which year?
[A] 2025
[B] 2027
[C] 2030
[D] 2040
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [2030]
Notes:
Invest India projects India’s e-commerce to reach $325 billion by 2030, driven by 500 million consumers and widespread internet access. It anticipates India becoming the 3rd largest online retail market by 2030. The agency, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, revealed in 2022, e-commerce was worth $70 billion, constituting 7% of retail.
7. What is the primary purpose of a Look Out Circular (LOC), recently mentioned in the news?
[A] To track the movement of tourists within a country
[B] To regulate the physical movement of individuals under investigation or wanted by law enforcement agencies
[C] To facilitate the smooth entry of diplomats into a country
[D] To monitor the movement of goods across borders
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To regulate the physical movement of individuals under investigation or wanted by law enforcement agencies]
Notes:
The Bombay High Court ruled that public sector banks can’t recommend Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against loan defaulters. LOCs are government directives to immigration authorities, restricting a person’s movement. They’re used by law enforcement to prevent individuals under investigation from leaving or entering the country. Typically issued by police or intelligence agencies, LOCs are a tool authorized by the Ministry of Home Affairs to detain suspects at designated ports.
8. Recently, Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers discovered ancient fossils in which hills of Meghalaya?
[A] South Garo Hills
[B] East Khasi Hills
[C] West Khasi Hills
[D] Jaintia Hills
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [South Garo Hills]
Notes:
Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers discovered ancient fossils, estimated at 35-40 million years old, in Tolegre, South Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Garo Hills, part of Meghalaya State, lies in the Meghalaya subtropical forests eco-region near the Indo-Bangladesh border. The Patkai hill range, extending into Myanmar, encompasses Garo Hills, known for heavy rainfall. It comprises five districts and is inhabited by the Garo tribe, the state’s second-largest ethnic group.
9. Lakshya Aircraft, recently seen in the news, is designed and built by which organization?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] CSIR
[D] BHEL
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
The Aeronautical Development Establishment, a Bengaluru-based Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab, creator of Lakshya aircraft, is under CBI scrutiny. Lakshya, a micro-light, pilot-less aircraft, was developed by ADE for Indian Armed Forces, inducted in 2000 (IAF), 2001 (IN), and 2003 (IA). Cost-effective, reusable, with HAL-manufactured engine, it aids weapon system trials, carries tow targets for training, and launches from land or sea. Controlled via GCS, it’s designed for 15 missions, countering airborne threats.
10. Recently, where was the 26th ASEAN-Indian Senior Officials’ meeting held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Jaipur
[C] Chennai
[D] Hyderabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The 26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting in New Delhi, co-chaired by Jaideep Mazumdar and Albert Chua, reviewed ASEAN-India relations, focusing on political-security, economic, and socio-cultural engagement. They discussed implementing the Prime Ministers’ 12-Point Proposal to strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Preparation for the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in Vientiane, Laos, was also discussed. ASEAN appreciated India’s support for ASEAN and regional architecture.