21. Which state government has launched Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission recently?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Punjab
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav launched the Swami Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Mission in Bhopal on National Youth Day. National Youth Day has been celebrated to honor Swami Vivekanand’s birth anniversary. Chief Minister inaugurated the world’s largest 3-D rangoli depicting Swami Vivekananda at Shaurya Smarak, Bhopal. The mission aligns with PM Modi’s GYAN principle, focusing on the poor, youth, farmers, and women. The Chief Minister also launched the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission Portal and theme song.
22. What is the name of the second multi-purpose vessel (MPV) recently launched for the Indian Navy?
[A] INS Utkarsh
[B] INS Vikrant
[C] INS Sangam
[D] INS Karanj
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [INS Utkarsh]
Notes:
Larsen & Toubro launched the second multi-purpose vessel, INS Utkarsh, for the Indian Navy at Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. INS Utkarsh, meaning “Superior in Conduct,” is built by L&T Shipbuilding Limited. The vessel is 106m long, 18.6m wide, with a displacement over 3,750 tonnes, and a maximum speed of 15 knots. It will enhance maritime surveillance, patrolling, and disaster relief capabilities of the Navy. The launch follows the first MPV, INS Samarthak, within three months. This aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives, showcasing indigenous shipbuilding progress.
23. Which district of West Bengal is home to Eastern India’s first astronomical observatory?
[A] Purulia
[B] Jalpaiguri
[C] Birbhum
[D] Bankura
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Purulia]
Notes:
The first astronomical observatory in Eastern India has been inaugurated in Garpanchkot Hills, Purulia, by the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS). This is the sixth such observatory in India and is named after Satyendra Nath Bose. The observatory, located 600 meters above sea level at approximately 86° E longitude, fills a key gap in astronomical observations. It aims to aid scientific observations, student training, and foster national and international research collaborations. The observatory is strategically placed to observe transient astronomical phenomena. Satyendra Nath Bose Centre has partnered with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University for its operation.
24. Which is the nodal ministry of PM KUSUM scheme?
[A] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[B] Ministry of Agriculture
[C] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[D] Ministry of Rural Development
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of New and Renewable Energy]
Notes:
Rajasthan received an additional 5,000 MW allocation under the PM-KUSUM (Component A) scheme. The scheme targets commissioning projects by December 31, 2025, before sunsetting in March 2026. The scheme was launched in 2019. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme aims to reduce diesel usage in farming and boost farmers’ income. It supports India’s goal of achieving 40% installed power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy oversees implementation, requiring progress updates via the PM-KUSUM portal.
25. What is the name of India’s first indigenous micro-missile system designed to counter swarm drones?
[A] Bhargavastra
[B] Agni
[C] Vayu
[D] Saryu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhargavastra]
Notes:
India has successfully tested the Bhargavastra, its first micro-missile system to counter swarm drones. It is designed to counter the threat of swarm drones. It was developed by Economic Explosives Ltd. Bhargavastra detects small flying machines over 6 km and hits targets over 2.5 km. It uses guided micro-munitions and can fire more than 64 micro missiles simultaneously. The system operates in all terrains, including high-altitude areas. It fulfills Army Air Defence requirements, marking India’s first counter-drone system with micro missiles.
26. Which country has developed Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) for eco-friendly extraction of rare earth elements (REEs)?
[A] Myanmar
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
Researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, China, developed Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) for eco-friendly extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). EKM uses an electric field to concentrate REEs, simplifying their separation. REEs are 17 metallic elements with critical properties for modern technologies, including magnetic, electronic, and chemical applications. EKM relies on electrokinetics, which involves the movement of particles or fluids under an electric field to extract REEs from ore.
27. Which ministry recently inaugurated the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in New Delhi?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry recently inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi. The Board aims to lead turmeric-related matters and enhance coordination with the Spices Board and other government agencies. It will include a Chairperson, a Secretary from the Department of Commerce, members from various ministries, and representatives from top turmeric-growing states. The Board will focus on research, value addition, promoting turmeric’s medicinal properties, improving yield, logistics, and exploring international markets. Quality and safety standards for turmeric production and exports are also key goals. The headquarters is in Nizamabad, Telangana.
28. What is Hydroclimate Whiplash, that was recently highlighted in news?
[A] A sudden drop in atmospheric pressure
[B] A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season
[C] A phenomenon of rising sea levels
[D] A rapid temperature drop over a short period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season]
Notes:
Experts link the severity of wildfires in the USA to hydroclimate whiplash, intensified by climate change. Hydroclimate whiplash is a rare condition where a wet season is followed by an extremely dry one. This leads to increased hazards like flash floods, wildfires, landslides, and disease outbreaks. It can harm water quality due to harmful algal blooms and excess organic or mineral content. It also affects food security by reducing plant productivity, causing crop failures, and leading to livestock mortality.
29. Nagarahole Tiger Reserve is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
Nagarahole Tiger Reserve in Karnataka is renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving spotted deer population, with around 28 spotted deer per square kilometer. Formerly called Rajiv Gandhi National Park, it is named after the ‘Nagarahole’ river, meaning ‘Serpent River’. It is located in Karnataka. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest and oldest conservation areas in India, backed by the Brahmagiri Mountains. The reserve connects tigers and elephants to other Western Ghats areas through Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and to the Eastern Ghats via Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Nagarahole is a key site for conservation under Project Tiger and Project Elephant.
30. Which organization has released the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025?
[A] World Bank
[B] International Maritime Organization (IMO)
[C] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[D] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
Cabo Verde, an archipelago off West Africa, needs to invest 842 million from 2024-2030 (140 million per year) to tackle climate and development challenges. The World Bank’s report, Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025, launched on January 15, 2025, outlines these needs for enhancing climate resilience and sustainable development. World Bank released the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025. The CCDRs aim to integrate climate change considerations into development planning. These reports utilize extensive data and research to identify key climate vulnerabilities and potential pathways for action.