1. Vikramaditya Vedic Clock, recently mentioned in the news, is located in which city?
[A] Ujjain
[B] Indore
[C] Bikaner
[D] Lucknow
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ujjain ]
Notes:
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Vikramaditya Vedic Clock at Jantar Mantar, Ujjain. A world-first ‘Vedic Clock,’ it displays time using the traditional Indian Panchang. Positioned on an 85-foot tower, it also provides planetary positions, Muhurat, astrological calculations, IST, and GMT. Developed by Lucknow-based Sanstha Arohan, it connects to the internet via a mobile app. Ujjain, with its rich timekeeping heritage, is an ideal location due to its historical role in determining India’s time zones and its location at the interaction point of the zero meridian and Tropic of Cancer.
2. Which state became the first Indian state to buy land in Kashmir for tourism?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Maharashtra is the first Indian state to buy land in Kashmir to build a bhawan for tourists. The land transfer agreement, costing ₹8.16 crore, symbolizes cooperation between states, promoting tourism and cultural exchange. This historic step reflects a proactive approach towards strengthening bonds and signifies a commitment to mutual growth and understanding.
3. Muria Tribe, recently seen in news, primarily located in which states?
[A] Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha
[B] Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra
[C] Mizoram and Nagaland
[D] Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha]
Notes:
The Muria tribe, primarily located in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, faces challenges including lack of access to primary education, safe drinking water, and social welfare benefits. They are at risk of displacement and are referred to as ‘Gutti Koyas’. Speaking the Koya language, they practice animism and have unique cultural practices like Ghotul for youth education. Despite holding ST status in Chhattisgarh, they lack recognition in migrated states like Telangana.
4. Mullaperiyar dam, recently seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kerala]
Notes:
The Supreme Court set July 10 to finalize legal matters regarding Tamil Nadu’s objection to Kerala’s Survey of India report on the Mullaperiyar catchment area. The case arose from Kerala’s construction of a mega car park, prompting Tamil Nadu to seek a permanent injunction against encroachment. Conflict intensified in 2023 when the National Green Tribunal allowed Kerala’s projects in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The Mullaperiyar Dam is located on Periyar River in Kerala and is built between 1887 and 1895, diverts Periyar river water to arid regions.
5. Recently, which state government’s food safety department has imposed a ban on using Liquid Nitrogen (LN) in food items?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The commissioner of food safety in Tamil Nadu has instructed officials to oversee the use of liquid nitrogen in food items and enforce the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Liquid nitrogen, an inert, colorless, extremely cold element with a boiling point of –320°F (–196°C), poses health risks including frostbite-like injuries, organ damage, and potential perforation. It’s utilized to rapidly cool and freeze food in various industrial processes.
6. Recently, Kundan Green Energy has received approval for a 42 MW hydropower project at which city of Uttarakhand?
[A] Okhali
[B] Chamoli
[C] Ranikhet
[D] Pauri
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Okhali]
Notes:
Kundan Green Energy secures approval for a 42 MW hydropower venture in Okhali, Uttarakhand, as part of an 80 MW agreement with the state government with an investment of Rs 1,000 Crore. It targets completion by 2028, boosting the company’s hydropower capacity to 270 MW from 104 MW. A subsidiary of Kundan Group, it’s committed to India’s renewable energy goal of 500 GW by 2030, employing sustainable practices for a greener future.
7. Recently, the Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group collaborated to open the India’s first Constitution Park in which city?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Pune
[C] Jaipur
[D] Varanasi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pune]
Notes:
The Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group joined hands to inaugurate Pune’s inaugural Constitution Park. Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh led the ceremony, stressing citizens’ constitutional duties for India’s progress by 2047. He highlighted the global importance of the Indian Constitution, which secures Fundamental Rights and underscores Fundamental Duties. Understanding these rights and responsibilities is pivotal for India’s development.
8. 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.
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. Which ministry recently launched the ‘Capacity Building on Design and Entrepreneurship (CBDE) program?
[A] Ministry of Education
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, virtually launched the ‘Capacity Building on Design and Entrepreneurship (CBDE)’ program. Over 130 participants attended, including officials, industry mentors, and representatives of selected Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The program, led by industry-academia collaboration, aims to foster problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial mindset among students. 30 HEIs will receive mentorship to integrate design and entrepreneurship development into their curriculum, supported by industry experts like Shri Manoj Kohli and Smt. Debjani Ghosh.