1. P-800 Onyx Missile, recently seen in news, is developed by which country?
[A] China
[B] Japan
[C] Russia
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Russia]
Notes:
Russia’s Onyx supersonic cruise missile, known as the P-800 Onyx or Oniks, is set to become deadlier with a new target seeker. With speeds exceeding 3,000 km/h, it’s tough to intercept. Operating at low altitudes, it’s stealthy and versatile, targeting ships and ground objects. It boasts a range of up to 300 km and operates on a “shoot and forget” principle, needing minimal target data for successful strikes.
2. Konda Reddi tribe, recently seen in news, is primarily inhabits in which state of India?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Konda Reddi tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group in the Godavari region, possess valuable indigenous knowledge. They reside along the Godavari river and in hilly forests of Andhra Pradesh. Their language, Telugu, has a distinct accent. Marriage customs include negotiations, elopement, and capture. The tribe practices Folk Hinduism, worshiping local deities. They have a patriarchal family structure allowing polygamy.
3. What is ‘Callisto’, recently seen in news?
[A] Jupiter’s moon
[B] Saturn’s moon
[C] Invasive plant
[D] Ancient irrigation technique
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Jupiter’s moon]
Notes:
Researchers have found evidence of ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, revealing insights into chemical processes on icy celestial bodies. The study focuses on the chemical evolution of “SO2 astrochemical ice,” composed of sulfur dioxide under ultraviolet irradiation. Analysis of UV absorption spectra of irradiated ice samples unveiled a distinct ozone formation signature. Callisto’s stable surface suggests it may harbor subsurface oceans or potential habitats, making it a potential candidate for extraterrestrial life.
4. SCORES 2.0 initiative, recently seen in news, launched by which institution?
[A] RBI
[B] SEBI
[C] NABARD
[D] IEA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [SEBI]
Notes:
SEBI launched SCORES 2.0, enhancing complaint resolution for investors in securities markets. The system features auto-routing, auto-escalation, and monitoring by designated bodies, reducing complaint resolution timelines. SCORES is an online platform for lodging complaints. The new version is more user-friendly and aims for quicker complaint resolution. An application for SCORES will also be launched later.
5. Recently, which European Union country became the largest to legalize recreational use of cannabis?
[A] Greece
[B] Belgium
[C] Germany
[D] Ireland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Germany]
Notes:
Germany, now the largest EU nation to legalize recreational cannabis, faces mixed reactions. Despite opposition, the law allows adults over 18 to possess 25 grams of cannabis and grow three plants at home. This marks a significant shift in drug policy, aligning Germany with progressive cannabis laws in Europe, like Malta and Luxembourg. The Netherlands, once lenient, has tightened regulations to curb cannabis tourism.
6. Which organization recently collaborated with the Tamil Nadu State Forest Department for the successful radio-collaring of Nilgiri Tahr in Mukurthi National Park?
[A] World Health Organization (WHO)
[B] World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
[C] Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)
[D] United Nations Environment program (UNEP)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World Wildlife Fund (WWF)]
Notes:
The Tamil Nadu State Forest Department, with WWF-India, radio-collared a male Nilgiri Tahr in Mukurthi National Park, marking the first collar operation without tranquilization. Nilgiri Tahr, also called Varaiaadu, is Tamil Nadu’s state animal and the sole mountain ungulate in southern India. With an endangered status, its habitat spans the Western Ghats. Threatened by habitat loss and poaching, the species’ resilience underscores its ecological significance in high-stress environments.
7. What is Kallakkadal, recently seen in news?
[A] Coastal flooding caused by swell waves
[B] A loosely defined region in the western part of North Atlantic Ocean
[C] It is traditional fishing technique in South India
[D] Newly discovered asteroids
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Coastal flooding caused by swell waves]
Notes:
High sea waves, termed swell waves, have flooded coastal homes in Kerala, known locally as Kallakkadal or swell surge. Occurring primarily during pre-monsoon and sometimes post-monsoon, Kallakkadal results from distant storms generating ocean swells. Coined by fishermen, Kallakkadal signifies the sea’s thief-like arrival. These waves originate from the southern Indian Ocean, taking several days to reach Kerala’s coast. UNESCO recognized the term in 2012, highlighting its significance in describing this coastal flooding phenomenon.
8. Recently, which organization has partnered with Panasonic Energy to create a joint venture for producing lithium-ion cells in India?
[A] Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
[B] International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
[C] Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)
[D] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) ]
Notes:
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has partnered with Panasonic Energy to establish a joint venture for lithium-ion cell production in India, responding to rising demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage. This collaboration aims to support India’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070. With a focus on sustainable mobility, the venture plans to leverage IOC’s distribution network and Panasonic’s battery expertise, contributing to India’s renewable energy transition and reducing carbon emissions.
9. Recently, which organization have successfully conducted a flight test of ‘Agni Prime’, a medium range ballistic missile (MRBM)?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] NASA
[D] CNSA
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [DRDO]
Notes:
India’s DRDO and Strategic Forces Command successfully tested the ‘Agni-Prime’ ballistic missile at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. Range sensors, including two ships, captured data. Witnessed by top officials, Agni-P is a medium-range ballistic missile with nuclear capabilities, designed as successor to Agni-I and II. It boasts a 1,000-2,000 km strike range, advanced technology from Agni-IV/V, and features composite materials for lightweight and strength. It’s a two-stage, solid-fueled, road-mobile missile with dual navigation.
10. BASEL III Endgame, recently seen in the news, is related to which sector?
[A] Environmental sector
[B] Health sector
[C] Agricultural sector
[D] Banking sector
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Banking sector]
Notes:
The U.S. Federal Reserve announces significant alterations to the “Basel III endgame” proposal, aimed at imposing stricter bank capital requirements. The changes, favoring Wall Street banks, come after intense lobbying against the rules, which would affect banks with assets exceeding $100 billion. The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, formed in 1974 to bolster financial stability, oversees these regulations. India became a member in 2009. The committee operates under the Bank for International Settlements in Basel, Switzerland.