1. Recently, which ministry of India has recommended imposing an anti-dumping duty on aluminium foil imported from China?
[A] Ministry of Power
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry recommended an anti-dumping duty on aluminium foil imported from China. Anti-dumping duty is a tariff imposed on foreign imports priced below fair market value. Dumping occurs when a product is exported at a price lower than in its domestic market. The duty matches the price difference between the import price and market value in the exporting or other similar markets. It aims to protect local businesses from unfair competition by foreign imports. The World Trade Organization (WTO) allows anti-dumping measures to ensure fair competition. Legal action requires evidence of genuine harm to domestic industries.
2. eShram Portal, recently seen in the news, was launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[C] Ministry of Rural Development
[D] Ministry of Finance
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
The Ministry of Labour & Employment launched the eShram portal on 26th August 2021. In just three years, over 30 crore unorganised workers registered on eShram, showing rapid adoption. The portal aims to be a “One-Stop-Solution” for unorganised workers, integrating with other platforms. This integration was highlighted in the 2024-25 Budget speech to improve access to social security schemes. eShram will help unorganised workers access schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, AB-PMJAY, and others. A two-way integration with the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) is also underway to enhance service accessibility.
3. Recently, where was the world’s first fast-charging e-bus named ‘Veera Mahasamrat’ launched?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Chennai
[D] Bhopal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bengaluru]
Notes:
The world’s first fast-charging e-bus is named ‘Veera Mahasamrat.’ It was launched in Bengaluru by Veera Vahana and Exponent Energy. The bus aims to improve travel by eliminating range anxiety with its fast charging. It will first operate on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad route. Four charging stations will be set up along this route to support the e-bus. The launch of ‘Veera Mahasamrat’ is a major step in promoting sustainable transportation in the region.
4. ‘Nambike Nakshe’ scheme, recently seen in the news, is introduced by which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
Bengaluru’s Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, launched the ‘Nambike Nakshe’ scheme to streamline building approvals. The scheme simplifies the process for properties up to 4,000 square feet within Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) areas. It allows property owners to obtain provisional approval for building plans from certified architects or engineers. This change lets owners start planning their buildings sooner, bypassing initial approval complexities. It benefits landowners in areas developed by the Bangalore Development Authority and Karnataka Housing Board, often with plots around 50×80 feet.
5. Which states have recorded the highest growth in real gross state domestic product (GSDP) in FY24?
[A] Manipur, Odisha and Jharkhand
[B] Gujarat, Assam and Punjab
[C] Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana
[D] Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan]
Notes:
Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan recorded the highest growth in real Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in FY24 among the 10 largest states. Telangana, the ninth largest state, grew at 9.2%, reaching ₹7.9 lakh crore, surpassing national GDP growth of 8.2%. Tamil Nadu, the third largest state, saw an 8.2% growth, reaching ₹15.7 lakh crore. Rajasthan, the seventh largest state, grew by 8%. GSDP measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a state’s boundaries in a year. GSDP is crucial for understanding a state’s economic growth and development trends over time.
6. Recently, which research centre has published the first fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV)?
[A] Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre
[B] Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology
[C] Regional Centre for Biotechnology
[D] National Institute of Immunology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre ]
Notes:
The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) in Gandhinagar published the first fully mapped genome of the Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV). CHPV causes encephalitis, leading to brain swelling, and was responsible for several cases during the July-August outbreak in Gujarat. Genome mapping identifies the locations of genes and key sequences on a genome. It helps understand a virus’s origin, mutations, and potential changes in transmissibility or severity. There are two types of genome maps: genetic maps, showing relative gene positions, and physical maps, showing absolute positions based on DNA base pairs.
7. Project Strawberry, which was seen in the news, is related to which field?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Artificial Intelligence
[C] Finance
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Artificial Intelligence]
Notes:
OpenAI is preparing to release its most advanced AI model, potentially part of ChatGPT-5, known as Project Strawberry. This model is expected to greatly enhance AI’s reasoning, math, and programming skills, bringing OpenAI closer to developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Project Strawberry can generate high-quality synthetic data to address gaps in real-world data and improve training accuracy. AGI refers to AI with capabilities comparable to the human brain.
Synthetic data is artificial data created by algorithms to replicate real-world data patterns and characteristics.
8. Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] France
[B] Ukraine
[C] Russia
[D] United Arab Emirates
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [United Arab Emirates]
Notes:
The United Arab Emirates has completed the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world.
Located in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, near Ruwais, it began construction in 2012 and started operations in 2020. The plant has four reactors and, once fully operational, will reduce carbon emissions by 21 million tonnes annually. It will produce 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity each year, meeting 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs, equivalent to New Zealand’s annual consumption. The plant will power major companies, including ADNOC, Emirates Steel, and Emirates Global
9. Recently, which state government has raised the insurance limit on surrogacy policy for women up to Rs 10 lakh?
[A] Bihar
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh government has increased insurance coverage for surrogacy policies from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh for women. There are 126 institutions registered under the State Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Regulation Act 2021 in MP, including ART banks and clinics. Surrogacy involves a woman (surrogate) carrying and giving birth to a child for another person or couple (the intended parents).
10. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, which was recently in the news, is located near the border of which states?
[A] Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana
[B] Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat
[C] Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana
[D] Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana]
Notes:
Recent analysis shows that about 50,000 trees were uprooted in a 200-hectare area along 2 to 3 km length in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary, established in 1953, is located near the Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana borders. The perennial Dayyam Vagu river flows through it, dividing the sanctuary into two parts. The sanctuary is known for the Sammakkka Sarakka Jathra, one of Asia’s largest tribal festivals, held every two years. The River Godavari also flows through the sanctuary.