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. TacticAI, recently seen in news, is developed by which company?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Meta
[C] Google
[D] Amazon
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Google]
Notes:
Google’s DeepMind collaborated with Liverpool Football Club to develop TacticAI, an AI system focusing on corner kick tactics. This tool offers predictive and generative insights, aiding football managers in strategic decisions. It allows coaches to sample various player setups for corner kicks, selecting the most successful ones. TacticAI integrates both predictive and generative components, enhancing its effectiveness in tactical analysis.
3. Recently, who has been re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group ahead of the Paris Games?
[A] Pooja Khanna
[B] Deepika Kumari
[C] Gagandeep Kaur
[D] Muskan Kirar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Deepika Kumari]
Notes:
Former world number one archer Deepika Kumari re-inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) core group for Paris Games. TOPS, initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2014 (revamped in 2018), aims to enhance India’s Olympic and Paralympic performance. Funded by the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) and Khelo India scheme, it identifies elite athletes through the TOPS Elite Athletes’ Identification Committee and provides targeted training via the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC).
4. Pattachitra paintings, recently seen in news, are associated with which states?
[A] Bihar & Jharkhand
[B] Odisha & West Bengal
[C] Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan
[D] Karnataka & Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha & West Bengal]
Notes:
In West Bengal, Swarna Chitrakar is a revered figure among the village’s patuas (scroll painters). The Prime Minister recently lauded Odisha’s Bhagyashree Sahu, another pattachitra artist, on his show Mann ki Baat. Pattachitra, a traditional cloth-based scroll painting, originates from Odisha and West Bengal, dating back to the 12th century. Patuas depict daily life scenes, accompanied by songs. Pattachitra serves ritual and souvenir purposes in Odisha, forming a key part of Bengali narrative art.
5. Recently, which city is constructing the world’s largest airport, Al Maktoum International Airport?
[A] Bombay
[B] Dubai
[C] London
[D] New York
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dubai]
Notes:
Dubai is developing the world’s largest airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership. With a capacity for 260 million passengers annually, it will feature 400 terminal gates and five parallel runways. Beyond transportation, it aims to integrate into urban life, commerce, and global trade, positioning itself as the “world’s airport” within Dubai South. This ambitious project underscores Dubai’s dedication to innovation and global connectivity.
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, 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.
8. Recently, Jeremiah Manele has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Maldives
[B] Solomon Island
[C] Mauritius
[D] Singapore
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Solomon Island]
Notes:
Former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele elected as Solomon Islands’ new Prime Minister, securing 31 votes out of 49 in a secret ballot. His victory suggests continued close ties with China. Manele pledges integrity and prioritization of national interests in his inaugural address, defeating opposition leader Matthew Wale, who garnered 18 votes.
9. 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.
10. Cricketer Devon Thomas, recently banned by ICC, belongs to which country?
[A] England
[B] Australia
[C] West Indies
[D] Pakistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [West Indies ]
Notes:
The ICC has banned West Indies cricketer Devon Thomas for five years due to breaching anti-corruption codes of SLC, ECB, and CPL. The ban was imposed by the ICC as the designated Anti-Corruption Official. Thomas accepted the charges, leading to the sanction without a tribunal hearing. The ban includes a suspension of the last 18 months. Thomas admitted to violating several provisions of the codes.
