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331. The Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) was recently renamed the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (ICAR-NIRCA, is located in which city of Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Rajahmundry
[B] Vishakhapatnam
[C] Vijayawada
[D] Kurnool
Correct Answer: A [Rajahmundry]
Notes:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has recently announced the renaming of the Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) located in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, to the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture (NIRCA). This rebranding signifies an expanded research focus that encompasses not only tobacco but also other crops such as turmeric, chilli, castor, and ashwagandha. Tobacco research in India commenced in the mid-1930s with the establishment of the Cigarette Tobacco Research Station in Guntur. In 1947, the Central Tobacco Research Institute was created to promote advancements in tobacco science. The institute came under the management of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1965. Recently, the National Institute of Research on Commercial Crops (NIRCA) has redirected its focus towards research and development, sustainability, capacity building, and market linkages for four key commercial crops. This strategic shift is intended to improve agricultural productivity and enhance economic sustainability.
332. Who was appointed CEO of DBS Bank India?
[A] Surojit Shome
[B] Rajat Verma
[C] Piyush Gupta
[D] Dinesh Karnakar
Correct Answer: B [Rajat Verma]
Notes:
Rajat Verma, who currently leads the Institutional Banking Group at DBS Bank India, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of DBS Bank India, effective March 1, 2025. This decision follows the retirement of Surojit Shome, who has served in this role since 2015. Verma’s appointment is pending approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and signifies a pivotal moment for DBS India as it pursues further expansion in one of its primary markets. With over 27 years of experience in the banking sector, Verma has made notable contributions to the operations of DBS in India, particularly in driving significant growth within the institutional banking division.
333. Who was appointed as Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)?
[A] A K Singh
[B] Radha Mohan Rao
[C] Devika Rao
[D] Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao
Correct Answer: D [Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao]
Notes:
In December 2024, Cherukumalli Srinivas Rao, an agricultural scientist hailing from Andhra Pradesh, was appointed as the Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) located in New Delhi. He took over the position from Dr. A.K. Singh, who retired in June 2024. Prior to this appointment, Rao held the role of director at the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) in Hyderabad, Telangana.
334. Who was appointed as the new Secretary General of IORA?
[A] Sanjiv Ranjan
[B] Vitul Kumar
[C] Sudarshan Rai
[D] Jnanendra Kumar
Correct Answer: A [Sanjiv Ranjan]
Notes:
Shri Sanjiv Ranjan appointed as the next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. Shri Sanjiv Ranja is the next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. He is an Indian Foreign Service Officer of 1993 batch. His term will end for three years with effect from January 1, 2025, until his superannuation on January 31, 2026, or until further orders, whichever occurs earlier.
335. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has recently delivered the final submarine of the Scorpene class to the Indian Navy, its name of what?
[A] INS Vagir
[B] INS Vela
[C] INS Vaghsheer
[D] INS Karanj
Correct Answer: C [INS Vaghsheer]
Notes:
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has recently handed over the last submarine of the Scorpene class to the Indian Navy. This submarine, called INS Vaghsheer, is a significant step forward for India’s naval strength. The delivery followed thorough testing to confirm its readiness for combat. MDL’s success highlights India’s growing status as a submarine-building country. INS Vaghsheer features advanced stealth technology, including low noise emissions and a hydrodynamically optimized design. It can launch precision-guided weapons like torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, whether from the surface or underwater. The submarine is built to operate effectively in different environments, improving cooperation with naval task forces.
336. What is the name of a multi-layer clothing system developed by DRDO that has recently successfully passed user trials?
[A] HIMKAVACH
[B] RAKSHAKAVACH
[C] DEHAKAVACH
[D] RAMKAVACH
Correct Answer: A [HIMKAVACH]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has improved military clothing technology. The HIMKAVACH multi-layer clothing system has completed user trials, proving its effectiveness in very cold weather. This new clothing is made for use in the Himalayan area, where temperatures can fall significantly. It is designed to work in temperatures from +20°C to -60°C. HIMKAVACH aims to keep military personnel safe in severe cold conditions. The design prioritizes body heat retention while ensuring mobility and comfort. This clothing system is essential for operations in the Himalayan region, where soldiers encounter extreme weather challenges.
337. Which country has announced military contribution to NATO in response to escalating tensions in the Baltic Sea recently?
[A] Iceland
[B] Ukraine
[C] Finland
[D] Sweden
Correct Answer: D [Sweden]
Notes:
Sweden has declared its intention to contribute militarily to NATO in light of increasing tensions in the Baltic Sea. This initiative represents Sweden’s inaugural deployment of armed forces as a NATO member since its accession to the alliance in March 2024. The decision is driven by escalating apprehensions regarding possible Russian maneuvers in the area, particularly concerning the protection of underwater infrastructure. Sweden plans to dispatch up to three warships to strengthen NATO’s presence in the Baltic region. Furthermore, the Swedish military will deploy an ASC 890 surveillance aircraft. The Swedish coast guard will also provide four ships, with an additional seven vessels on standby for further assistance. This strategic action is designed to enhance maritime security and deter potential threats.
338. Which organization has developed Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) warrior?
[A] Mahindra Aerospace
[B] Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
[C] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[D] Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
Correct Answer: C [Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)]
Notes:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) performed the engine ground run for the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior on January 11, 2025, in preparation for Aero India 2025. CATS represents an innovative Indian system designed for the collaboration of unmanned and manned combat aircraft. Developed by HAL, this system significantly improves surveillance and strike capabilities while minimizing the potential for human error.
339. World Economic Forum (WEF) is holding its annual meeting from January 20 to 24, 2025 at which venue?
[A] Paris, France
[B] New York, United States
[C] New Delhi, India
[D] Davos, Switzerland
Correct Answer: D [Davos, Switzerland]
Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to convene its Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24, 2025. This international event unites prominent figures from the realms of business, politics, and civil society to tackle urgent global challenges. Notable attendees anticipated at the meeting include Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of China. The Annual Meeting is expected to draw approximately 3,000 participants, comprising business executives, political leaders, and members of the press. The agenda includes more than 500 sessions aimed at exploring a wide range of global issues, fostering dialogue and collaboration among a diverse array of stakeholders.
340. Who is taking over as the new secretary of BCCI?
[A] Trivedi Gupta
[B] Devajit Saikia
[C] Prabhtej Singh Bhatia
[D] Rajavardhan Singh
Correct Answer: B [Devajit Saikia]
Notes:
Devajit Saikia, a past cricketer from Assam, is about to be appointed as the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Meanwhile, Prabhtej Singh Bhatia from the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) will assume the role of treasurer. Both individuals submitted their nominations as the only candidates for their positions and are expected to be elected without opposition at the BCCI’s Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for January 12, 2025, in Mumbai.
