1. Hrim-2 ballistic missile, recently seen in the news, is developed by which country?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Ukraine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Ukraine]
Notes:
Ukraine successfully tested its first ballistic missile, named Hrim-2, developed by its defense industry. Hrim-2, also known as Grim, Grom, or OTRK Sapsan, is a Ukrainian short-range ballistic missile system. It combines the features of a tactical missile system and a multiple rocket launcher. The export version of Hrim-2 has a range limited to 280 km to comply with international regulations. For Ukraine’s military, the missile’s range is extended to 700 km. The Sapsan system features a 10-wheeled launcher that carries two missiles and can evade modern air defenses, similar to Russia’s Iskander missile.
2. Musi River, which was seen in the news, is a tributary of which river?
[A] Godavari River
[B] Krishna River
[C] Kaveri River
[D] Narmada River
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Krishna River]
Notes:
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) advised citizens to stay indoors due to heavy rains causing the Musi River to rise. The Musi River flows through Telangana and is a tributary of the Krishna River. The river was historically known as the Muchukunda River. Hyderabad is situated on its banks, with the river dividing the old and new parts of the city. The Musi River originates in the Anantagiri Hills near Vicarabad, covering about 240 km before joining the Krishna River. Two dams, Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, are constructed over the Musi River.
3. Recently, which state government has been launched ‘Project Bhediya’ to capture wolves?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Bihar
[D] Haryana
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
A recent man-eating wolf attack in Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, has put about 35 villages on high alert. Forest officials have launched ‘Project Bhediya’ to capture the wolves involved. India has two wolf species: the Indian Wolf in peninsular regions and the Himalayan Wolf in the upper trans-Himalayan ranges. Wolves are highly social, living in packs of 6-8, running at high speeds, and maintaining a male dominance hierarchy. They communicate through vocalizations and scent-marking. Grey Wolf is listed as Least Concern by IUCN, while the Himalayan Wolf is Vulnerable; both are protected under Schedule I of WPA, 1974.
4. 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.
5. What is the primary objective of the ‘Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)’, recently seen in news?
[A] To promote economic trade among member states
[B] To promote regional security by addressing transnational threats
[C] To establish a common currency for member states
[D] To develop a regional space program
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [To promote regional security by addressing transnational threats]
Notes:
Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) member states signed a Charter and MoU to establish the CSC Secretariat in Colombo. CSC is a regional security group that includes India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius. Its main goal is to enhance regional security by addressing shared transnational threats. CSC started as the Trilateral for Maritime Security Cooperation in 2011, involving India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. Tensions between India and the Maldives paused its activities after 2014. Revived and renamed in 2020, Mauritius and Bangladesh joined as members, with Seychelles as an observer. CSC meetings include National Security Advisors and their deputies.
6. Which ministry recently launched the ‘AgriSURE Fund’ and ‘Krishi Nivesh Portal’ in New Delhi?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
[B] Ministry of New & Renewable Energy
[C] Ministry of Rural Development
[D] Ministry of Power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare]
Notes:
Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the AgriSURE Fund and Krishi Nivesh Portal in New Delhi. He conferred the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Excellence Awards to top-performing banks and states. The awards recognized and appreciated outstanding efforts in agricultural infrastructure. Ministers of State and representatives from various states and banks attended the event. The Ministry believed the award ceremony would inspire other banks to improve their performance. The AIF was launched in 2022 to develop post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets.
7. 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.
8. Recently, where was the second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ held?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Jodhpur
[C] Shillong
[D] Prayagraj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Jodhpur]
Notes:
The second phase of ‘Exercise Tarang Shakti 24’ was held at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It involved international participation, including Australia, which contributed three EA-18G Growler aircraft and 120 personnel. The exercise took place from August 30 to September 13 and aimed to strengthen regional security cooperation. Other participating nations included Greece, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Japan, Singapore, and the US. The event highlighted the strategic importance of Jodhpur as a key location for military collaborations.
9. Who became the first Indian archer to win gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics?
[A] Harvinder Singh
[B] Manish Narwal
[C] Nishad Kumar
[D] Sumit Antil
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Harvinder Singh]
Notes:
Harvinder Singh won a historic gold medal in men’s individual recurve archery at the Paris Paralympics 2024. This win marked India’s 22nd medal in the event. He defeated Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek in the final. His achievement adds to India’s successes in other Paralympic sports like shot put and club throw. This highlights India’s increasing presence and accomplishments in Paralympic sports.
10. Valley Fever, recently seen in news, is caused by which pathogen?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Virus
[C] Fungus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungus]
Notes:
Valley Fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection caused by the Coccidioides fungus. It is found in the soil of the southwestern U.S., south-central Washington, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. People and animals can get infected by inhaling spores from dust or disturbed soil in these regions. Most people do not get sick, but some develop mild to severe symptoms. The disease rarely spreads from person to person or animals, except in rare cases like organ transplants or wound contact. Recently, California has seen a significant rise in Valley Fever cases, raising health concerns.