1. Which state/UT recently implemented a ‘Graded Response Action Plan III’ (GRAP III) to combat air pollution?
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Delhi and adjoining areas are currently under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) as the Air Quality Index (AQI) has surged above 400, reaching the “Severe” category. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) along with MoEFCC supervises this plan. The GRAP-III involves a strict 9-point action plan including bans on non-essential construction, vehicular restrictions, hybrid schooling for younger students, and closure of stone crushers and mining activities to curb pollution.
2. Who has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India?
Correct Answer: B [K Sanjay Murthy]
K Sanjay Murthy, formerly Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, has been appointed as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, succeeding Girish Chandra Murmu. His appointment was made under Article 148(1) of the Constitution by the President of India.
3. Which state has launched India’s first dedicated Global Capability Centres (GCC) policy?
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Karnataka launched the first dedicated GCC policy in India, aiming to establish 500 new GCCs by 2029, generating 3.5 lakh jobs and $50 billion in economic output. The initiative promotes growth beyond Bengaluru, extending to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
4. The Supreme Court recently upheld the inclusion of which terms in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution?
Correct Answer: A [Secular, Socialist]
The Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the 42nd Amendment which added ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ to the Preamble during the 1976 Emergency. The Court held that these terms are now well accepted and that the Constitution is a living document allowing such amendments.
5. Koraga Tribal Community is primarily found in which states?
Correct Answer: B [Kerala and Karnataka]
The Koraga community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), primarily resides in Kerala’s Kasaragod district and parts of Karnataka. They were recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in 1956 and traditionally engage in basket making.
6. What is the name of the farmer-friendly portal introduced by Telangana government?
Correct Answer: A [Bhumata]
Telangana government launched the Bhumata portal as a replacement for the problematic Dharani system. Managed by the National Informatics Centre, it aims to provide a user-friendly and transparent platform for farmers with a clear grievance redressal mechanism.
7. Which institute has set a Guinness World Record for providing mass Varmam therapy?
Correct Answer: A [National Institute of Siddha (NIS)]
National Institute of Siddha set a Guinness World Record by administering Varmam therapy to 567 people simultaneously. Varmam therapy, rooted in Siddha medicine and traditional martial arts, involves stimulating specific energy points called Varma Adi to treat neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
8. Karanja Irrigation Project is located in which state?
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
The Karanja Irrigation Project is in Karnataka’s Bidar district within the Godavari basin, utilizing the Karanja River. Land acquisition and compensation for displaced farmers have been significant issues linked to the project.
9. Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD, and SASCI are initiatives of which ministry?
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Tourism]
These three initiatives launched in 2024 by the Ministry of Tourism focus on infrastructure development, sustainable tourism, skill development, and promotion of iconic tourism destinations across states.
10. National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) was established under which institution?
Correct Answer: A [Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)]
The NBFGR, established in 1983 under ICAR, focuses on fish germplasm conservation and sustainable use. Its facilities were developed in Lucknow by 1999 to support genetic resource management in fisheries.
