21. Which organization has developed the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs)?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)]
Notes:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) highlighted that Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) have better flying safety records than global standards. Dhruv ALH is an indigenously developed twin-engine utility aircraft by HAL. It has multi-role, multi-mission capabilities for both military and civil operations.
22. Z Morh Tunnel, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Jammu and Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
The Z-Morh tunnel will be a key milestone in creating a year-round strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh. It is a 2-lane road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel is named after the Z-shaped road section near the site. The tunnel is necessary due to the area’s high altitude (over 8,500 ft) and frequent snow avalanches, which make the road impassable during winter months.
23. What is the primary objective of ICEGATE portal that was recently seen in news?
[A] Managing rail transport logistics
[B] Offering electronic services for customs-related activities
[C] Regulating air traffic
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Offering electronic services for customs-related activities]
Notes:
The overestimation of gold import figures from April to November was due to a data migration error. The error occurred during the shift from the SEZ Online system to ICEGATE, causing double counting of imports into Special Economic Zones and domestic zones. As a result, the gold import figures for November were revised down by 5 billion, from 14.8 billion to $9.9 billion. ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) is an online portal that offers electronic services for customs-related activities. It is a part of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). It facilitates the electronic filing of import and export documents.
24. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform at which event?
[A] Bharat Climate Forum 2025
[B] Clean Energy Conclave 2025
[C] National Green Energy Summit 2025
[D] India Renewable Energy Summit 2025
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bharat Climate Forum 2025]
Notes:
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform at the Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s cleantech sectors, including solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage. The platform will help Indian firms collaborate, innovate, secure financing, and share technologies. India aims to achieve 500 GW of clean energy by 2030, with 200 GW already in place. India leads globally in renewable energy progress and has the largest interconnected grid.
25. Which initiative has been launched by the Indian High Commission to promote Hindi education in Sri Lanka?
[A] Swami Vivekananda Hindi Education Programme
[B] Bharat Hindi Mahotsav
[C] Hindi Certificate Course in Distance Learning
[D] Hindi Promotion Board
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bharat Hindi Mahotsav]
Notes:
The Indian High Commission launched Sri Lanka’s first Hindi Certificate Course through open and distance learning on World Hindi Day 2025. The launch occurred during the Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan, organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC). The initiative marks the 50th anniversary of World Hindi Day celebrations. A collaboration between the Open University of Sri Lanka and SVCC, the course aims to make Hindi learning accessible across the country. This programme highlights the growing demand for Hindi as a global language and strengthens academic ties between India and Sri Lanka.
26. Indravati National Park is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Chhattisgarh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
Five Maoists, including two women, were killed in an encounter with security forces in Indravati National Park, Bijapur, Chhattisgarh. Indravati National Park is located in Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh. It was established in 1981. It became a tiger reserve in 1983 under India’s Project Tiger. The park is named after the Indravati River, which flows east to west and forms its northern boundary with Maharashtra.
27. Mukhyamantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana was launched by which state government?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Odisha
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand government exempted solar entrepreneurs from mandatory GST registration under the Mukhyamantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana. This initiative aims to encourage renewable energy investments and simplify processes. Launched in 2020, the scheme promotes self-employment through solar energy farming. The goal is to produce green energy and offer job opportunities to Uttarakhand’s youth and returning migrants. Each beneficiary is allocated a 25-kilowatt solar plant under the scheme.
28. Prime Minister Ilza Amado Vaz, who recently announced her resignation, belongs to which country?
[A] Cameroon
[B] Sao Tome and Principe
[C] Chad
[D] Democratic Republic of the Congo
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Sao Tome and Principe ]
Notes:
São Tomé and Príncipe Prime Minister Ilza Amado Vaz resigned after her proposed cabinet list was publicly leaked before informing President Carlos Vila Nova. Amado Vaz, a former justice minister, was appointed prime minister following the dissolution of Patrice Trovoada’s government. São Tomé and Príncipe is a small archipelago in the Gulf of Guinea, covering just over 1,000 sq. km.
29. 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.
30. Sada region, a flat top plateau region, is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Odisha
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Sada region in the Konkan area of Maharashtra is experiencing land-use changes, with croplands being converted into orchards and residential areas. It is a flat area formed by centuries of erosion, similar to plateaux found in the Satara district, Maharashtra. The region is rocky and barren most of the year but transforms during the monsoons, harboring unique endemic flora. It has highly weathered lateritic soil that helps recharge groundwater. The region boasts 459 plant species, 31 reptile species, 13 amphibians, 169 birds, and 41 mammals. It also features geoglyphs, believed to be around 10,000 years old.