1. Which ministry recently launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile application to integrate technology with governance?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Urban Development
[D] Ministry of Tourism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The Union Home Minister launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile app to integrate technology with governance.
The app, developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGCCI), enables registration of births and deaths nationwide. It simplifies the process, allowing citizens to register these events anytime, from anywhere, in their state’s official language. The RGCCI, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, oversees the Census, compiles population data, and manages the CRS. Established in 1961, RGCCI provides data essential for social, economic, and policy decisions across government levels.
2. Recently, where were the sandstone replicas of the Konark wheel installed?
[A] India Gate
[B] Red Fort
[C] Rashtrapati Bhavan
[D] Parliament House
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Rashtrapati Bhavan ]
Notes:
Four sandstone replicas of the Konark wheel were installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.
This installation promotes India’s rich cultural heritage to visitors. The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents Odisha’s temple architecture and is designed as a giant chariot for the Sun god. The Konark wheel symbolizes India’s cultural legacy and architectural excellence.
3. What atmospheric phenomenon was recently observed above Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier by NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite?
[A] Fog bank
[B] Sea smoke
[C] Aurora borealis
[D] Dust storm
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sea smoke]
Notes:
NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite captured images of ‘sea smoke’ rising from Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier, a phenomenon where frigid air meets warm water, creating fog-like plumes. This rare atmospheric event highlights the glacier’s vulnerability and the impact of strong winds on polar ice sheets. Sea smoke forms when cold air cools and condenses over open waters, resulting in ghostly ice crystal plumes that can influence ice mass balance. Pine Island Glacier is known for its rapid retreat and significant role in ice flow dynamics.
4. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Goa
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Goa]
Notes:
An adult tigress and three cubs were recently spotted in Goa’s Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) for the first time since 2020. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Chorla Ghat, between North Goa and Belgavi, bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka. The Mhadei River flows through the sanctuary, which is part of Goa’s protected Western Ghats region. This area is renowned globally for its tiger population and is crucial for connecting tiger habitats across the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra and the Kali Tiger Reserve in Karnataka.
5. What is the primary objective of Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY)?
[A] To empower tribal communities in India
[B] To promote urban development in Assam
[C] To enhance agricultural productivity in hilly areas
[D] To improve infrastructure in cities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [To empower tribal communities in India]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (PMVKY) was launched on October 28, 2014, to empower tribal communities in India. It addresses historical neglect by providing financial assistance and promoting sustainable development. The initiative includes the Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana for integrated development in 36,428 tribal villages, focusing on connectivity, education, health, and sanitation. It supports Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups with tailored development projects, allocating ₹15,000 crore for housing, water, sanitation, and education over three years. It provides pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for tribal students and funds research on tribal cultures and challenges. Funds are also allocated for project management units to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of welfare schemes.
6. According to a study by Columbia University, which major health risk is associated with long-term exposure to arsenic in water?
[A] Cardiovascular disease
[B] Neurological disorders
[C] Skin cancer
[D] Respiratory diseases
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Cardiovascular disease]
Notes:
A Columbia University study found that long-term exposure to arsenic in water may increase cardiovascular disease risk. Arsenic is a natural element found in air, water, and soil, and can also be released by industries like mining. It exists in organic and highly toxic inorganic forms; contaminated water and food are common exposure sources. High arsenic levels cause poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while long-term exposure can lead to skin changes. Arsenic is used in rat poisons, insecticides, semiconductors, glass-making, and wood preservation, though its use is heavily controlled due to toxicity.
7. What is the name of the newly discovered black hole triple system located in the constellation of Cygnus?
[A] V404 Cygni
[B] Sagittarius A*
[C] Sirius B
[D] Andromeda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [V404 Cygni]
Notes:
Astronomers discovered a rare triple black hole system named V404 Cygni, altering our understanding of black hole formation. It is located about 8,000 light years away from Earth in the constellation of Cygnus. The first star orbits the black hole closely every 6.5 days, while the second is much farther, at 100 times Pluto’s distance from the Sun. This system suggests a “direct collapse” formation, where the black hole forms quietly without a supernova explosion. Thousands of simulations confirmed that this formation spared the distant star from being ejected.
8. What is the theme of World Cities Day 2024?
[A] Youth leading climate and local action for cities
[B] Valuing our communities and cities
[C] Financing sustainable urban future for all
[D] Act Local to Go Global
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Youth leading climate and local action for cities]
Notes:
World Cities Day is celebrated on October 31 to highlight sustainable urban development. The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized it in 2013, with the first celebration in 2014. This observance addresses challenges posed by rapid urbanization, particularly in developing countries like India. World Cities Day is part of Urban October, which begins with World Habitat Day. More than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, making this conversation essential. The day encourages global discussions on making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable for everyone. This year’s theme is ‘Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities’.
9. Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Malaysia
[C] Vietnam
[D] Tonga
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indonesia]
Notes:
At least 10 people died in eastern Indonesia after Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupted, prompting nearby village evacuations. It is located on Flores Island, Indonesia. The volcano is in East Nusa Tenggara province. Mount Lewotobi is part of a twin-volcano system, with Lewotobi Laki-laki (male) erupting, while Lewotobi Perempuan (female) remains inactive. Both are stratovolcanoes, formed by repeated layers of lava, making them common globally. Indonesia frequently experiences volcanic eruptions as it lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area prone to earthquakes, volcanic activity, and tsunamis due to active tectonic plates.
10. Which organizations recently released the ‘Hunger Hotspots Outlook Report’?
[A] Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP)
[B] World Health Organization (WHO) and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[C] International Labour Organization (ILO) and European Union (EU)
[D] World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) ]
Notes:
The report, titled ‘Hunger Hotspots’ for the period between November 2024 and May 2025, was published recently. The new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) indicates that acute food insecurity is expected to worsen in 22 countries over the next six months. Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali are on the highest alert. Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, and Niger are newly added hunger hotspots. Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe remain on the list. Climate issues like La Niña may increase floods in Southern Africa and cause drought in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.