• हिन्दी
  • English

    • Current Affairs

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show

    • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show on 9 Jan 2024 in Gandhinagar.
    • The event was attended by the President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi, President of Timor Leste José Ramos-Horta, and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.
    • PM Modi is set to inaugurate the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on 10 Jan 2024.
    • The Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show, covering an area of two lakh square meters, is India’s largest-ever Global Trade Show.
    • 100 countries are participating as visiting countries, and 33 countries are joining as partners in the five-day trade show.
    • Over 1,000 exhibitors from 20 countries, including Australia, South Korea, Singapore, UAE, UK, Germany, and Norway, are present.
    • The trade show focuses on emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, green hydrogen, renewable energy, semiconductors, and cybersecurity.

    Q: Presidents from which two countries were present at the inauguration of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show?

    a. Mozambique and Maldives
    b. Mozambique and Timor Leste
    c. Mozambique and UAE
    d. Germany and UAE

    Ans : b. Mozambique and Timor Leste

    India and Maldives controversy : three Maldivian ministers comments about Modi 

    India and Maldives have had a long-standing relationship, with India being one of the first countries to recognize Maldives’ independence in 1965 In recent times, there have been some developments in the relationship between the two countries. Here are some of the latest developments:

    • In December 2023, three deputy ministers of the Maldives made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Lakshadweep, promoting it as a tourist hotspot. This led to a nosedive in India-Maldives relations. The Indian government raised the issue with Maldives, after which the Maldives government suspended the three ministers.
    • In January 2024, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu visited China on an official visit, accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a delegation of senior government officials. This visit has deepened the diplomatic shift as India-Maldives ties strain.

    Q: What was the cause of the nosedive in India-Maldives relations in December 2023?

    a. Trade disputes
    b. Disparaging remarks about PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep
    c. Military conflicts
    d. Economic sanctions

    Ans : b. Disparaging remarks about PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep

    Indian shooters Varun Tomar and Esha Singh bag Paris Olympic quotas after winning gold medals at Asian Qualifiers in Indonesia

    • Varun Tomar and Esha Singh secured India’s 14th and 15th Olympic quota places in shooting at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Jakarta, Indonesia.
    • Varun Tomar won gold in the men’s 10m air pistol event with a score of 239.6, while Arjun Cheema secured the silver medal.
    • Esha Singh claimed gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event with a score of 243.1, and Talat Kishmala of Pakistan won silver, earning the second quota place.
    • A total of three medals, including a team gold, were won by India on the opening day of the continental event.
    • The 10m air pistol events for men and women at the qualifiers offer a total of four Olympic quota places, with a maximum of three for Indian shooters.
    • A total of 16 quota places for the Paris Olympics are available at the Jakarta event.

    Q: In which event did Varun Tomar win a gold medal to secure an Olympic quota place?

    a. Men’s 10m Air Rifle
    b. Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
    c. Men’s 50m Pistol
    d. Men’s 10m Air Pistol

    Answer: d. Men’s 10m Air Pistol

    Q: In which event did Esha Singh win a gold medal to secure an Olympic quota place?

    a. Women’s 10m Air Rifle
    b. Women’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
    c. Women’s 50m Pistol
    d. Women’s 10m Air Pistol

    Answer: d. Women’s 10m Air Pistol

    ONGC starts oil production from its Cluster-2 project in Krishna Godavari basin in Bay of Bengal

    1. The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has initiated oil production from its Cluster-2 project in the Krishna Godavari basin in the Bay of Bengal.
    2. The project is situated in the KG-DWN-98/2 block, characterized as a complex and challenging block.
    3. Initial production is expected to be 45 thousand barrels per day and over 10 million standard cubic metres per day of gas.
    4. The project, located offshore the Godavari river delta, is positioned 35 kilometres off the coast of Andhra Pradesh.
    5. Water depths in the project area range from 300 to 3,200 metres.
    6. The discoveries in the KG-DWN-98/2 block are divided into three clusters, with Cluster-2 being the first to be put into production.
    7. The anticipated impact of the project includes adding 7 percent to the current national oil production and 7 percent to national natural gas production.

    Q: Where is the KG-DWN-98/2 block located, where the ONGC starts oil production from Cluster-2 project in January 2024 ?

    a) Arabian Sea
    b) Bay of Bengal
    c) Indian Ocean
    d) Andaman Sea

    Answer: b) Bay of Bengal

    ISRO’s Aditya-L1 successfully placed in a halo orbit around L1 point  

    • ISRO successfully placed the Aditya L1 satellite into its final orbit around the Lagrangian point on January 6, 2024.
    • The Halo orbit around the L1 point is considered a challenging task, and ISRO used a meticulous approach, employing the motor and thrusters from the Ground Command Centre, located approximately 1.5 million km away.
    • The propulsion system of Aditya L1 includes a 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motor, eight 22 Newton thrusters, and four 10 Newton thrusters, which were intermittently fired to position the spacecraft at the L1 point.
    • Aditya L1 is India’s first solar mission designed to observe and study the Sun’s Corona, exploring its extreme heat and its impact on Earth.
    • The Lagrangian Point (L1) is where gravitational forces between the Earth and the Sun achieve equilibrium, allowing observation of the Sun without the hindrance of an eclipse.
    • Aditya L1, launched from Sriharikota, underwent four Earth-bound maneuvers and a Trans Lagrangian Point Insertion maneuver as part of its mission.

    Q: What is the Lagrangian Point (L1) ?

    a. A point where two spacecraft collide
    b. A point where gravitational forces reach equilibrium between Earth and the Moon
    c. A point where gravitational forces reach equilibrium between Earth and the Sun
    d. A point in space where there is no gravitational force

    Ans : c. A point where gravitational forces reach equilibrium between Earth and the Sun

    Suchetha Satish sets new world record for singing in most languages during single concert

    • Suchetha Satish, from Kerala, has set a new world record for singing in the most languages during a single concert at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai..
    • The achievement is officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records.
    • Suchetha’s performance was part of the Concert for Climate, an initiative focused on raising awareness about climate change.
    • She sang in an unprecedented 140 languages during the concert.

    Q: How many languages did Suchetha Satish sing in during the record-setting concert in Dubai?

    a. 100 languages
    b. 120 languages
    c. 140 languages
    d. 160 languages

    Ans : c. 140 languages

    Country’s first smart lab starts in OPD block of AIIMS New Delhi to provide test facilities under one roof

    • AIIMS New Delhi has established the country’s first smart lab in its OPD block.
    • The smart lab offers comprehensive laboratory testing services, covering hematology, biochemistry, coagulation, serology, endocrinology, and various immunoassays.
    • Dr. Sudip Kumar Datta, Additional Professor of Laboratory Medicine at AIIMS Delhi, mentioned that the smart lab provides test reports for 90 percent of samples on the same day they are received.
    • The initiative is a technological advancement, operating as a completely paperless facility.
    • The integration of various testing services under one roof is a notable feature of the smart lab.

    Q: Which institute has initiated the country’s first smart lab in its OPD block?

    a. PGI Chandigarh
    b. AIIMS New Delhi
    c. Apollo Hospitals
    d. Fortis Healthcare

    Ans : b. AIIMS New Delhi

    Indra Mani Pandey, assumed the position of Secretary General of the BIMSTEC

    • Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, a senior diplomat of India, assumed the position of secretary general of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) on 4 January 2024 at Dhaka.
    • He is the 4th secretary general of BIMSTEC and will perform this duty for a period of the next three years. He has succeeded Tenzin Lekphell of Bhutan, said a media statement.
    • On his arrival in Dhaka, Pandey was warmly received by Abdul Motaleb Sarker, director general (Saarc & BIMSTEC) and directors of the BIMSTEC secretariat.

    What is BIMSTEC ?

    The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization comprising of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The organization was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. The primary objective of BIMSTEC is to promote technical and economic cooperation among its member countries in various sectors such as trade, investment, tourism, health, education, and environment.

    Q: Who assumed the position of Secretary General of BIMSTEC in January 2024?

    a. Mani Sankar Ayer
    b. Indra Mani Pandey
    c. Lal Mani Tripathi
    d. Mukesh Yadav

    Ans : b. Indra Mani Pandey

    ICC announced the groups for the 2024 T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the groups for the 2024 T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The tournament will be held from June 1 to June 29, 2024, in the West Indies and the United States. It features 20 teams, an expansion from 16 teams in the 2022 tournament. The top eight teams from the 2022 tournament and the two hosts qualified automatically. The remaining eight teams were decided via a regional qualification process.

    The 20 teams will be divided into five groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8 round. In the Super 8, the teams will be divided into two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the knockout stage, consisting of two semi-finals and a final.

    Defending champions England have been placed in Group A alongside Australia and Scotland. Ireland has been grouped alongside India and Pakistan. Nepal and Uganda are the two new entrants in the tournament, playing in Group D and Group E, respectively.

    Q: When will the 2024 T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup be held in the West Indies and the United States?

    a. June 1 to June 15, 2024
    b. June 1 to June 29, 2024
    c. July 1 to July 15, 2024
    d. July 1 to July 29, 2024

    Ans : b. June 1 to June 29, 2024

    Hijacked Cargo ship ‘MV Lila Norfolk’, rescued by Indian Navy

    1. Cargo ship ‘MV Lila Norfolk’ was hijacked near the coast of Somalia on 4th Jan Night.
    2. All 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, have been rescued and are safe.
    3. MARCOS, elite commandos, of Indian Navy conducted the operation to sanitize the cargo ship.
    4. The hijacking was reported by UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).
    5. INS Chennai, a navy destroyer, was diverted from anti-piracy patrol to rescue the crew.
    6. The naval warship launched a helicopter and issued a warning to pirates to abandon the hijacked vessel.

    Q: Which elite commando unit conducted the operation to rescue the hijacked cargo ship near the coast of Somalia?

    a. Navy Seals
    b. MARCOS
    c. SAS (Special Air Service)
    d. GIGN (National Gendarmerie Intervention Group)

    Ans : b. MARCOS

    Govt launched PRERANA, an experiential learning programme for developing leadership qualities in students

    Ministry of Education, Govt of India has introduced PRERANA, an experiential learning program focused on cultivating leadership qualities in students.

    1. PRERANA is aligned with the principles of the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education, as outlined in the National Education Policy 2020.
    2. It is a week-long residential program designed for students in classes 9th to 12th, aiming to provide an immersive learning experience.
    3. Each week, a batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) from different parts of the country will participate in the program.
    4. The program takes place at a Vernacular School established in 1888 in Vadnagar, Gujarat.
    5. The curriculum for PRERANA School was developed by IIT Gandhi Nagar and revolves around nine value-based themes.
    6. These themes include Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, Satyanishtha and Shuchita, Navachar and Jigyasa, Shraddha aur Vishwas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya.
    7. The primary goal of the program is to inspire youth, instill respect for India’s unity in diversity, and embody the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).
    1. What is PRERANA, recently launched by the Government?
      a. A new sports activity program
      b. An experiential learning program
      c. A scholarship initiative
      d. A government employment scheme
    2. What is the main focus of PRERANA?
      a. Academic research
      b. Developing leadership qualities in students
      c. Sports training for students
      d. Providing financial aid to students

    Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023 : OMCL and Jain University received awards

    The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023 on January 4, 2024.

    1. Odisha Mining Corporate Limited received an award in the category of Encouragement to Sports through Corporate Social Responsibility.
    2. Jain Deemed to be University in Bengaluru was honored for the identification and nurturing of budding and young talent.
    3. The awards will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in a specially organized function on the 9th of this month.
    4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is bestowed upon corporate entities, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, and sports bodies at the State and National level.

    MCQs

    1. Which company received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar for Encouragement to Sports through Corporate Social Responsibility?
      a. Indian Railway
      b. Odisha Mining Corporate Limited
      c. Sports Control Boards
      d. Power Grid India Ltd
    2. What is Jain Deemed to be University in Bengaluru awarded for in the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023?
      a. Encouragement to Sports through CSR
      b. Nurturing budding and young talent
      c. Promotion of sports at the State level
      d. Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives

    India International Jewellery Trade Show -IIJS 2024 in Mumbai

    1. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the India International Jewellery Trade Show – IIJS 2024 in Mumbai on January 4, 2024.
    2. Mr. Goyal emphasized that the combination of fashion and jewelry can position India as a sought-after wedding destination worldwide.
    3. Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Mr. Vipul Shah, predicted the growth of India’s domestic gem and jewelry market from $44 billion to $134 billion by 2030.
    4. Nirav Bhansali, Convener-National Exhibitions, GJEPC, highlighted the integration of IIJS Signature 2024 Exhibition into the MSME Ministry’s ‘Procurement and Marketing Support’ initiative, providing a significant boost to micro and small enterprises in the industry.
    5. The 16th edition of the India International Jewellery Trade Show features 1,500 exhibitors, 3,000 stalls, and covers a vast 1.25 lakh square meters of exhibition area.
    6. The exhibition is held at JIO World Convention Centre, BKC from January 4th to 7th and at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon from January 5th to 8th.
    7. Over 32 thousand visitors are expected from 800 Indian cities and 60 countries during the event.

    Q: Where is the 16th edition of the India International Jewellery Trade Show taking place?
    a. Chennai
    b. Pune
    c. Mumbai
    d. New Delhi

    Ans : c. Mumbai

    Band comprising 45 girls from North East to participate in NCC Republic Day Camp 2024

    1. 45 girls from the North East are participating in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Republic Day Camp 2024.
    2. The girls, aged 13 to 15, will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the North East.
    3. This marks the first time a band of girls from the North East is participating in the camp.
    4. The NCC Republic Day Camp has a total of 2,274 cadets, including 907 girls, from across the country.
    5. The month-long camp aims to expose cadets to the rich traditions of the nation and strengthen their value system.
    6. There are 122 cadets from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as 177 from the North East.
    7. Cadets and officers from 25 friendly countries under the Youth Exchange Programme (YEP) are also participating.
    8. The Director General of NCC, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, highlighted the camp’s goal of promoting national integration and unity in diversity through cultural exchange programs.

    Q: What is the full form of NCC?

    a. National Cadet Council
    b. National Cadet Corps
    c. North Cultural Convention
    d. National Cadre Committee

    Ans : b. National Cadet Corps

    World Braille Day : January 4th

    1. World Braille Day is celebrated annually on January 4th.
    2. The day aims to raise awareness about the significance of Braille as a communication method for the blind and visually impaired.
    3. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed World Braille Day in November 2018, and it was first celebrated in 2019.
    4. The chosen date coincides with the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the creator of the Braille writing system.
    5. Braille uses six dots to represent each letter, number, and various symbols, making it a tactile representation.
    6. It enables blind and partially sighted individuals to read books and periodicals in the same way as those printed in a visual font.

    MCQs

    Q: When is World Braille Day celebrated annually?

    a. January 1st
    b. January 4th
    c. February 4th
    d. March 4th

    Ans : b. January 4th

    Question: What is Braille?

    a. A form of sign language
    b. A tactile writing system for the blind and visually impaired
    c. A system of spoken language for the hearing impaired
    d. A type of visual font used in print media

    Ans : b. A tactile writing system for the blind and visually impaired

    Prof. B.R. Kamboj, Vice Chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University received the M.S. Swaminathan Award

    Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. B.R. Kamboj, received the M.S. Swaminathan Award for his contributions in agronomy.

    1. The award was presented by Thawar Chand Gehlot, the Governor of Karnataka, at the International Conference on ‘One Health One World’ in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
    2. Prof. B.R. Kamboj was selected for the award by a special committee recognizing his achievements in education, research, technology development, and extension in agricultural science.
    3. The Vice Chancellor is well-informed about farmers’ common problems, needs, and socio-economic conditions, and his agricultural recommendations have proven highly advantageous for farmers.
    4. Prof. Kamboj has authored around 300 research papers and articles in national and international journals, books, and technical magazines.

    Q: Who received the M.S. Swaminathan Award in 2024?

    a) Prof. B.R. Kamboj
    b) Thawar Chand Gehlot
    c) Chaudhary Charan Singh
    d) Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia

    answer: a) Prof. B.R. Kamboj

    Hit-and-run Law : Drivers protesting against the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provision of a 7 lakh rupees penalty and a 10-year jail term

    1. Truck, taxi, and bus operators have initiated a three-day strike opposing the provision of a 7 lakh rupees penalty and a 10-year jail term for hit-and-run cases in recently enacted criminal code called Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
    2. The All India Motor Transport Congress argues that these provisions may lead to undue harassment and is calling for their recall.
    3. The Union Home Ministry held a meeting with the All India Motor Transport Congress on January 2, 2024, to address concerns related to the new provisions for hit-and-run cases under BNS. Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired the meeting in New Delhi.
    4. The Home Ministry sources mention that the increase in the duration of sentences in hit-and-run cases to 10 years is a response to observations made by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has emphasized the need for strict action against drivers who recklessly cause accidents resulting in fatalities and then flee the scene.

    Q: What is the main cause of the widespread demonstrations by truck drivers in India?

    a) Fuel prices
    b) Recent criminal code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita)
    c) Labor disputes
    d) Environmental regulations

    Ans : b) Recent criminal code (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita)

    Q: What penalty and jail term are prescribed in hit-and-run cases under the recently enacted criminal code called Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)?

    a) 5 lakh rupees penalty, 5 years jail term
    b) 7 lakh rupees penalty, 10 years jail term
    c) 10 lakh rupees penalty, 7 years jail term
    d) No penalty, 15 years jail term

    Ans : b) 7 lakh rupees penalty, 10 years jail term

    BRICS+ Five New Members : Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE

    • The Brics group, initially formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China in 2006, expanded with the inclusion of South Africa in 2010.
    • New members joining on January 1, 2024, are Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
    • The expanded group is often referred to as “Brics +,” though no official name has been announced.
    • Argentina was invited to join but declined under its new president, Javier Milei.
    • Brics countries hold annual summits where decisions are made, and each member takes turns being the group’s president for a year.
    • Brics countries are significant global powers, including China and Russia, as well as regional powers like South Africa and Brazil.
    • The expanded group comprises about 3.5 billion people, representing 45% of the world’s population.
    • The combined economy of Brics countries is over $28.5 trillion, contributing approximately 28% to the global economy.
    • Brics countries are expected to produce about 44% of the world’s crude oil.

    Q: When was the Brics group initially formed, and which countries were its founding members?

    a) Formed in 2010 with Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
    b) Formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China
    c) Formed in 2012 with Argentina, China, India, and South Africa
    d) Formed in 2008 with Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa

    Ans : b) Formed in 2006 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China

    Q: Who are the new members set to join the Brics group on January 1, 2024?

    a) Argentina, Brazil, South Africa
    b) Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
    c) Mexico, Australia, Turkey
    d) Canada, Japan, Germany

    Ans : b) Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates

    Guinness record for simultaneous mass Surya Namaskar at 108 places in Gujarat

    • Gujarat set a Guinness record for simultaneous mass Surya Namaskar at 108 places on the first day of 2024.
    • Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister for Home Affairs Harsh Sanghavi attended the state-level event at the Modhera Sun Temple.
    • Over 2500 people participated in the state-level function at the Modhera Sun Temple.
    • The mass Surya Namaskar was performed at 108 places, including 51 historic sites in Gujarat.
    • A month-long Mega Surya Namaskar Competition was organized by the Gujarat State Yog Board and the state government to promote the practice.

    Q: Which Indian state set a Guinness record for performing mass Surya Namaskar simultaneously at 108 places on the first day of 2024?

    a) Maharashtra
    b) Gujarat
    c) Rajasthan
    d) Karnataka

    Ans : b) Gujarat

    Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ between India and UAE in Rajasthan

    Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ between India and UAE scheduled from January 2 to January 15 in Rajasthan.

    • Objective: Enhance interoperability through learning and sharing best practices in urban operations.
    • India and UAE have strong bonds based on cultural, religious, and economic ties.
    • Potential areas of bilateral cooperation in defense: production and development of defense equipment, joint exercises, sharing strategic information, technical cooperation (Intermediate Jet Trainer).
    • First-ever India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise occurred in September 2008 at Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi.

    Q: What is the name of the Joint Military Exercise conducted between India and UAE in Rajasthan in January 2024?

    a) Desert Storm 2024
    b) Desert Thunder 2024
    c) Desert Cyclone 2024
    d) Desert Mirage 2024

    Correct Answer: c) Desert Cyclone 2024

    ISRO launched XPOSAT aboard PSLV-C58 from Sriharikota

    • ISRO launched X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) on January 1, 2024, aboard Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C58 from Sriharikota.
    • This marks India’s first dedicated scientific effort to study the polarization of cosmic X-rays from celestial sources.
    • PSLV-C58 also launched ten other scientific payloads along with XPoSat.
    • The launch involved PSLV-DL, placing XPoSat and other payloads in orbit at an altitude of about 650 km.
    • Objectives include measuring polarization of X-rays in a specific energy band, conducting long-term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources, and measuring X-ray emissions from cosmic sources in specific payloads.
    • After orbiting XPoSat at 650 km, the rocket’s fourth stage will be lowered to 350 km through two restarts, creating a 9.6-degree orbit.
    • The leftover propellant in the PS4 will be disposed of through main engines, contributing to the safety of PS4 stage in planned atmosphere re-entry experiments in the future.

    Q: What is the primary objective of the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) launched by ISRO?

    a. Studying atmospheric conditions
    b. Analyzing polarisation of cosmic X-rays
    c. Monitoring space debris
    d. Examining lunar surface features

    Ans : b. Analyzing polarisation of cosmic X-rays

    Govt constitutes 16th Finance Commission with Dr Arvind Panagariya as its Chairman

    The Sixteenth Finance Commission has been constituted by the Centre.

    1. Dr. Arvind Panagariya, former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman and current Columbia University Professor, will serve as the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission.
    2. Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey, an IAS officer, will be the secretary of the Commission.
    3. The Commission’s recommendations will include matters related to the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and the States, and measures to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to support Panchayats and Municipalities.
    4. The Commission may review current financing arrangements for Disaster Management initiatives, particularly funds under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and make appropriate recommendations.
    5. The Finance Commission has been tasked with making its report available by October 31, 2025, covering a five-year period starting from April 1, 2026.

    Q: Who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission?

    a) Dr. Arvind Panagariya
    b) Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey
    c) Nirmala Sitharaman
    d) Dr Subramanyam Swami

    Answer: a) Dr. Arvind Panagariya

    Q: What is the role of Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey in the Sixteenth Finance Commission?

    a) Chairman
    b) Secretary
    c) Financial Advisor
    d) Member

    Correct Answer: b) Secretary

    Scroll to Top