1. Recently, which organization has been granted ‘navratna status’ by the Department of Public Enterprises?
[A] BHEL
[B] HAL
[C] HMTL
[D] IREDA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [IREDA]
Notes:
The Department of Public Enterprises has bestowed Navratna status upon the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA). Established in 1987 under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, IREDA functions as a Non-Banking Financial Institution. The Navratna status is awarded based on specific criteria including consistent high performance, such as achieving ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ ratings in MoUs for three out of the last five years and a composite score of 60 or above in selected performance indicators.
2. Ruang volcano, recently seen in the news due to eruption, is located in which country?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Indonesia
[C] Chile
[D] Ecuador
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Indonesia]
Notes:
Indonesia’s Mount Ruang volcano erupted multiple times, prompting the highest alert level and evacuation orders for thousands due to potential tsunami risks. The country’s volcanology agency cautioned that the threat persists after over half a dozen eruptions this month, leading to the evacuation of over 6,000 individuals.
3. Vinay Vir, who recently passed away, was associated with which field?
[A] Journalism
[B] Politics
[C] Sports
[D] Medicine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Journalism]
Notes:
Vinay Vir, the esteemed journalist, publisher, and editor of Daily Hindi Milap, known for championing Hindi in the South, passed away at 72. His impactful management and editing elevated Hindi’s presence. Born into a family of freedom fighters, Vinay Vir was a dedicated advocate for Hindi’s growth. Secretary of the Yudhvir Foundation, he honored achievers. His legacy remains intertwined with the advancement of Hindi and the recognition of talent.
4. Recently, which organization has advised all states and UTs to “completely prohibit” all harmful sharp threads or “manjha”?
[A] National Green Tribunal
[B] Animal Welfare Board of India
[C] National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Animal Welfare Board of India ]
Notes:
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has urged states and UTs to fully prohibit harmful sharp threads or “manjha.” The Delhi High Court instructed the Delhi government to establish a policy for compensating victims of accidents caused by Chinese manjha. In 2017, the NGT mandated a complete ban on manjha. AWBI, a statutory advisory body founded under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, operates from Ballabhgarh, Faridabad, Haryana, focusing on animal welfare and providing grants.
5. Which day is celebrated as ‘World Tuna Day’ every year?
[A] 1 May
[B] 2 May
[C] 3 May
[D] 4 May
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [2 May]
Notes:
World Tuna Day, celebrated annually on May 2nd, highlights the decline in global tuna stocks and the necessity of enforcing international regulations for their preservation. Tuna, vital for both developed and developing nations, faces threats from overfishing. The day emphasizes sustainable fishing practices, reducing bycatch, and promoting international cooperation to ensure future tuna supplies. It serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to address the challenges confronting the tuna industry globally.
6. 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.
7. Recently, which state launched the ‘Nakshatra Sabha’, India’s first astro tourism campaign?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Haryana
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board and Starscapes have collaborated to introduce Nakshatra Sabha, an Astro Tourism venture. Beyond star-gazing, it offers solar observations, astrophotography contests, and camping. Aimed at astronomy enthusiasts and adventurers, it aims to merge cosmic wonders with Uttarakhand’s natural beauty, fostering an engaging platform for travelers.
8. 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.
9. Recently, who has been appointed as Secretary at Director level in the National Jute Board, Kolkata, under the Ministry of Textiles?
[A] Ajay Kumar
[B] Rajeev Saxena
[C] Shashi Bhushan Singh
[D] Arvind Kumar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Shashi Bhushan Singh]
Notes:
Shashi Bhushan Singh, an Indian Railway Traffic Service officer, has been appointed as Secretary (Director level) of the National Jute Board in Kolkata by the Central Government. The appointment is for 5 years or until further notice. Established under the National Jute Board Act, 2008, the NJB began operations on April 1, 2010, consolidating the Jute Manufactures Development Council and the National Centre for Jute Diversification.
10. What is ‘MQ-9B Predator’, recently seen in the news?
[A] A technique used to remove pest from crop
[B] High Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
[C] Nuclear Ballistic Submarine
[D] Earth Observation Satellite
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [High Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle]
Notes:
India will acquire MQ-9B Predator drones from the US, deploying them in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. Developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, it’s a high-altitude, long-endurance armed UAV. Used by the US for surveillance and airstrikes, it has two variants: SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian. The latter has been utilized by the Indian Navy since 2020.
