1. The Kaleshwaram project one of the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project is situated in the river of
(a) Godavari
(b) Krishna
(c) Cauvery
(d) Mahanadi
Answer: (a) Godavari
In News:Crisis at Kaleshwaram— why Telangana’s massive irrigation project is distressed
Explanation:
- India’s national safety regulator for large dams has found “irreparable damage” in the structure of three barrages that are part of the world’s biggest multi-stage lift irrigation project.
- The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) on the Godavari river in Telangana’s Jayashankar Bhupalpally district across the border from Maharashtra will supply water for irrigation, industrial, and domestic uses over a swath of northern Telangana.
- Work on KLIP began in June 2019.
- In February 2024, four months after an incident of flooding at the biggest of the project barrages, the state government asked the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA), a statutory body set up under the National Dam Safety Act, 2021, for a thorough inspection.
- The Kaleshwaram project on the Godavari will be the world’s largest multi-stage lift irrigation project. Hence option(a) is correct.
- Work began on June 21, 2019, under Telangana’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government.
Source:
2. Recently Agriculture Minister released two genome-edited varieties ‘Kamala’ and ‘Pusa DST is a
(a) Maize
(b) Wheat
(c) Rice
(d) Mustard
Answer: (c)Rice
In News: For the first time, 2 new genome-edited rice varieties: Why is this such a major breakthrough for ICAR and India’s agriculture?
Explanation:
- Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released two genome-edited varieties of rice, the first achievement of its kind in the country.
- These two varieties, which are climate-resilient, conserve water, and boost yields, have been developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) using cutting-edge genome editing technology.
- These have been named ‘Kamala’ and ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’. They have better stress tolerance, improved yields, and climate adaptability without any compromises with their existing strengths.Hence option(c) is correct.
- DRR DHAN 100 (KAMALA): Developed by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR), Hyderabad, this variety promises significantly higher yields, improved drought tolerance, and early maturity compared to its parent variety, Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204).
- According to the ICAR, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) has been developed using genome editing technology targeting the Cytokinin Oxidase 2 (CKX2) gene (also known as Gn1a), to increase grain numbers per panicle.
Source:
3. Abdali Weapon System ballistic missile recently seen in news belongs to which of the following countries?
(a) Israel
(b) Ukraine
(c) Iran
(d) Pakistan
Answer: (d) Pakistan
In News:Abdali Weapon System
Explanation:
- Pakistan test-fired a ballistic missile called the Abdali Weapon System.
- Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of the Abdali Weapon System, a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 450 kilometers, as part of Ex INDUS.Hence option(d) is correct.
- The launch was aimed at ensuring the operational readiness of troops and validating key technical parameters, including the missile’s advanced navigation system and enhanced maneuverability features
- The Abdali is a ballistic missile, a missile that uses projectile motion to travel towards its target, and is powered by a rocket for only the initial, short duration of its journey.
- Ballistic missiles usually have three stages of flight.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/this-word-means-abdali-weapon-system-9982682/
4. Consider the following statements with reference to Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- The difference between actual premium and the rate of Insurance payable by farmers shall be shared equally by the Centre and State.
- If the sowing is not done due to adverse weather/climate, claims upto 25% of sum insured will be paid for prevented sowing/planting risk.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
In News: How fraud and bogus claims forced Maharashtra to abandon its Re 1 crop insurance scheme
Explanation:
- Insurance protection for food crops, oilseeds and annual horticultural/ commercial crops notified by the state government.
- Features;
- The difference between actual premium and the rate of Insurance payable by farmers shall be shared equally by the Centre and State.
- If the sowing is not done due to adverse weather/climate, claims upto 25% of sum insured will be paid for prevented sowing/planting risk.Hence option(c) is correct.
- When the crop yield is less than the guaranteed yield of notified crops,the claim payment equal to shortfall in yield is payable to all insured farmers.
- If 50% loss in mid season of crop then on account advance payment, upto 25% of likely claims will be paid as immediate relief.
- Post harvest losses assessment for damage to crops in cut and spread in the field up to 14 days on account of cyclonic rain and unseasonal rain in the entire country.
- Use of remote sensing Technology and drones to supplement Crop cutting experiments for faster settlement of claims.
- Implementing agency will be selected by the State Government through bid.
Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/maharashtra-re-1-crop-insurance-scheme-fraud-9980701/
5. Consider the following statements With reference to Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport
- It is India’s first deepwater container transshipment port with a natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters.
- Built under a public-private partnership on DBFOT basis.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
In News: Opening Vizhinjam port
Explanation:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally commissioned India’s first deep-sea transshipment port at Vizhinjam in Kerala.
- Built at a whopping cost of about Rs 8,900 crore, the seaport will put the country on the global maritime trade map.
- The Vizhinjam port is India’s first deepwater container transshipment port – where cargo containers are transferred from one vessel to another before reaching their final destination.Hence option(c) is correct.
- The seaport has a natural deep draft of nearly 20 meters. Its location is close to the international shipping routes and is the only transshipment hub in the Indian subcontinent.
- Built under a public-private partnership (PPP), the port is developed and operated by the Adani Group on a design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) model.
- Located just 10 nautical miles from the east-west global shipping lane, the Vizhinjam port has a major advantage over other ports such as Colombo and India’s Mundra port.
- Trial run at the port in Kerala began last July, while commercial operations commenced on December 3, 2024.
Source:
6.With reference to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR),consider the following statements:
- The National Disaster Management Authority is mandated to provide HADR support to other countries affected by major disasters, as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- It aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR vision, emphasising collaborative efforts to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
In News:INS SHARDA ARRIVES MAAFILAAFUSHI, MALDIVES FOR HADR EXERCISE
Explanation:
- In line with India’s commitment towards regional cooperation, INS Sharda arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives, for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise planned from 04 to 10 May 25.
- This HADR exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
- It will focus on actions like Disaster Response Coordination, Search and Rescue Operations, Medical Assistance, Logistical Support, Joint Drills, Training Sessions, and Community Engagement following a major natural disaster.
- This deployment is a testament to the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives.
- It aligns with India’s “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, emphasising collaborative efforts to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.Hence statement 1 is correct.
- The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is mandated to provide HADR support to other countries affected by major disasters, as per the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.Hence statement 2 is correct.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126999
7. Consider the following:
- Tropical EV Battery and Battery Cells
- Power Electronics, Machines and Drives
- EV Charging Infrastructure
How many of the above are strategically defined Technological Verticals under Mission for Advancement of High-impact Areas on Electric Vehicles?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)All three
Explanation:
- The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) announced the selection of seven e-Nodes for support under its “Mission for Advancement of High-impact Areas on Electric Vehicles” (MAHA-EV).
- The current program launched under the umbrella of ANRF’s national mission, aims to address the critical challenges and drive innovation in India’s electric vehicle ecosystem.
- ANRF MAHA-EV call for proposal focussed on three strategically defined Technological Verticals (TV) are Tropical EV Battery and Battery Cells (TV-I), Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD)- (TV-II) and EV Charging Infrastructure (TV-III).Hence option(c) is correct.
- The each selected electric mobility nodes (e-nodes) will execute the project in consortia mode involving academic institutions/R&D laboratories with the mandatory industry participation, in order to contribute to and establish the R&D in the EV sector of the country.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2126962
8. Consider the following :
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cosmetics
- Agriculture
- Biotechnology
How many of the above industries are allowed to share benefits under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Answer: (d)All four
Explanation:
- The National Biodiversity Authority has released a new set of rules to manage sharing of benefits generated through the use of biological resources.
- The Biological Diversity (Access to biological Resources and Knowledge Associated thereto and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits) Regulation 2025 was approved by the Central government and notified on April 29, 2025.
- To ensure that users share benefits with communities that have protected the biodiversity and hold the knowledge of its use, a multilateral mechanism for sharing benefits accrued from the use of digital sequence information was put in place during COP16 of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia, last year.
- Users of biodiversity such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and the biotechnology industry were asked to share benefits under this mechanism.Hence option(d) is correct.
Source:
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/
9. consider the following :
- Solid Waste Management Rules 2016
- Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016
- E-Waste Management Rules, 2022
- Wetlands Conservation and Management Rules, 2017
How many of the above acts violated solid waste dumping?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Onlythree
(d) All four
Answer: (d) All four
Explanation:
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognisance of the unscientific dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the establishment of a waste management plant in a wetland and grazing area in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The area also served as a seasonal playground for local youth.
- The dumping violated the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016; Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016; E-Waste Management Rules, 2022; and the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, Mir’s letter to the NGT contended.Hence option(d) is correct.
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) took suo motu cognisance of the unscientific dumping of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the establishment of a waste management plant in a wetland and grazing area in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
- The area also served as a seasonal playground for local youth.
- Local residents, including farmers and sports enthusiasts, welcomed the NGT’s intervention and said they hoped the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal would look into the issue.
Source:
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/waste/ngt-panel-to-probe-illegal-waste-dumping-near-kashmir-wetland
10.With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct?(2021)
(a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.
(b) The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.
(c) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.
(d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.
Ans: (a)The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.
Explanation:On 8th August, 1942, Mahatma Gandhi gave the clarion call to end the British rule and launched the Quit India Movement at the session of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai. Gandhiji gave the call “Do or Die” in his speech delivered at the Gowalia Tank Maidan, now popularly known as August Kranti Maidan.Hence option (a) is the correct answer.