Correct Answer : Amit Singh Negi
Amit Singh Negi, a 1999-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre, has been appointed as the additional secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) during a significant reshuffle of senior bureaucrats by the Centre. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as the joint secretary in the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance. His new role in the PMO places him in a crucial position within the government's administrative framework.
Correct Answer : Ladakh
The Indian Army conducted the ‘Parvat Prahaar’ exercise in Ladakh, a region of strategic importance due to its proximity to the India-China border. This exercise focused on high-altitude warfare, simulating combat scenarios in rugged mountainous terrains. Involving various military units and advanced equipment, the drill aimed to enhance the Army's readiness and effectiveness in this sensitive area, especially in light of ongoing tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Correct Answer : 165%
Over the past decade, India's renewable energy capacity has surged by 165%, growing from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024. This significant increase highlights India's rapid advancements in renewable energy, particularly in solar and wind power, and positions the country as the fourth largest globally in renewable energy capacity. This growth is crucial for India’s sustainable development and demonstrates one of the fastest expansion rates in the renewable energy sector among large economies.
Correct Answer : Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
The Government of India has completed and operationalized four major projects under the Namami Gange Mission 2.0 in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024-25 in the states of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Bihar. These projects, costing Rs. 920 crores, aim to rejuvenate the River Ganga by adding sewage treatment capacity, improving sewer networks, and intercepting drains. Key projects in Munger (Bihar) and Mirzapur (UP) focus on improving water quality and reducing pollution, thus enhancing the ecological health of the Ganga and its tributaries.
Correct Answer : Poland
India exported its first GI-tagged fig juice to Poland, marking a significant achievement for Indian agriculture. This follows the earlier success of exporting GI-tagged Purandar figs to Hong Kong, highlighting the potential for Indian agricultural products in global markets. The exports were facilitated by Purandar Highlands Farmers Producer Company Ltd, with support from the Indian government. This milestone not only showcases the quality of Indian figs but also opens new opportunities for expanding the global reach of Indian agricultural products.
Correct Answer : Muhammad Yunus
Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate, was appointed to lead Bangladesh's interim government following the resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This decision was made after a meeting involving President Mohammed Shahabuddin, military leaders, and student leaders, amidst a mass uprising primarily led by students. Yunus agreed to step in, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the students and the critical situation facing the country.
Correct Answer : August 7
National Javelin Day is celebrated on August 7 to commemorate Neeraj Chopra’s historic achievement of winning India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in track and field on August 7, 2021. The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) declared this day to honour Chopra’s momentous javelin throw of 87.58 metres, which not only secured the gold medal but also inspired future generations of athletes.
Correct Answer : 1923
The Boilers Bill, of 2024, introduced in Rajya Sabha, aims to replace the Boilers Act of 1923. The new bill seeks to modernize boiler regulations and enhance safety standards. It decriminalizes certain offences, simplifies provisions to facilitate ease of doing business, and mandates the employment of qualified personnel for boiler repairs to ensure worker safety.
Correct Answer : Australia
Australia has announced the Maitri Research and Cultural Partnerships Grants to foster collaboration with India. These grants support projects in sustainable manufacturing, energy transition research, and artistic endeavours, with the goal of strengthening bilateral ties and promoting closer cooperation between the two nations.The initiative underscores the importance of human connections and people-to-people links, as highlighted by Minister Penny Wong and Tim Thomas, CEO of the Centre for Australia-India Relations.
Correct Answer : Section 77-A
The Madras High Court declared Section 77-A of the Registration Act, 1908 unconstitutional, citing concerns about the excessive quasi-judicial power it granted to District Registrars. Introduced through a 2022 State amendment, Section 77-A allowed District Registrars to cancel property documents registered through fraud or forged revenue records. The court found this provision problematic due to the lack of judicial expertise among Registrars and the potential for bias, which could lead to significant hardship and damage to property owners.
