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571. Which organization has launched the enhanced Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 system?
[A] Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
[B] National Informatics Centre
[C] Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
[D] National Archives of India
Correct Answer: C [Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)]
Notes:
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced the upgraded Certificate of Origin (eCoO) 2.0 system. This enhancement is designed to streamline the certification process for exporters and to boost overall trade efficiency. The new platform features user-friendly elements and requires mandatory electronic filing, representing a significant step forward in India’s trade facilitation initiatives. The eCoO 2.0 system allows for multi-user access, enabling exporters to designate several users under a single Importer Exporter Code (IEC), thereby fostering improved collaboration among team members. Additionally, the system now supports Aadhaar-based e-signing, offering an alternative method for identity verification in conjunction with digital signature tokens.
572. What are the schemes has launched by the Telangana Government on 26 January 2025?
[A] Rythu Bharosa Scheme & Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa Scheme
[B] Indiramma Housing Scheme & Ration Cards
[C] Only A
[D] Both A & B
Correct Answer: D [Both A & B]
Notes:
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made history by launching four welfare programs in 563 villages on January 26. These initiatives were rolled out across all mandals.
Rythu Bharosa Scheme:
This scheme offers financial help to farmers, providing ₹6,000 per acre for the rabi season. A total of 4.41 lakh farmers, covering 9.48 lakh acres, received ₹569 crore.
Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa Scheme:
Targeting landless agricultural workers, this program gives annual support of ₹12,000, with ₹6,000 as the first installment. It aims to enhance the living conditions of vulnerable groups. So far, 20,336 agricultural laborers in 561 villages have benefited from ₹10.91 crore under this scheme.
Indiramma Housing Scheme:
This housing initiative provides ₹5 lakh to eligible families for building homes. The government plans to construct 450,000 houses in 2024-2025, addressing the urgent issue of homelessness in Telangana.
Ration Cards:
To promote food security, the government is issuing new ration cards. A total of 15,414 new cards were issued, helping 51,912 people. Additionally, 1.03 lakh new members were added to existing cards. This effort aims to support families who have been waiting for assistance, improving access to essential food supplies for low-income households.
573. Which ministry of India has launched “MSME TEAM initiative” aimed at enhancing the digital presence of small businesses in India?
[A] Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
[B] Ministry of Current Affairs
[C] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[D] Ministry of Finance
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises]
Notes:
The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) has started a program to boost the online presence of small businesses in India. With a budget of ₹277.35 crore over three years, the MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing (TEAM) Initiative plans to include 5 lakh micro and small enterprises, especially those led by women. This program is in partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The main goal of the TEAM Initiative is to help MSMEs join the ONDC network. This will involve offering digital storefronts, payment systems, and logistics support. The initiative aims to lower operational challenges and improve the trustworthiness of the businesses involved.
574. The Government of India has recently approved the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for which sector?
[A] Agriculture & Cooperation
[B] Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
[C] Chemicals & Fertilizers
[D] Animal Husbandry & Fishing
Correct Answer: B [Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)]
Notes:
The Indian Government has recently launched the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This program aims to improve credit access for manufacturing businesses by offering a 60% guarantee on loans up to ₹100 crore. It is intended to help MSMEs buy necessary equipment and machinery for their operations. The Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) allows eligible MSMEs to obtain loans. Borrowers need to have a valid Udyam Registration Number. The maximum guaranteed loan amount is ₹100 crore, even if project costs are higher. The scheme specifically targets the purchase of equipment or machinery, which should make up at least 75% of the total project cost.
575. The Government of India has recently approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a budget of _ crore.
[A] 16,300
[B] 20,550
[C] 25,488
[D] 14,400
Correct Answer: A [16,300]
Notes:
The Indian Government has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a budget of ₹16,300 crore. This program is designed to boost India’s independence in critical minerals needed for advanced industries and clean energy. The Finance Minister introduced this mission in the Union Budget for 2024-25. The NCMM aims to lessen the dependence on imported critical minerals. It supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and aims to tackle issues in the mineral sector. The mission emphasizes increasing exploration and mining activities both in India and abroad. It focuses on 24 critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential for clean energy technologies.
576. The High Level Committee (HLC) under whose chairmanship has approved Rs 3027.86 crore for disaster mitigation projects for various states?
[A] Prime Minister Narendra Modi
[B] Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
[C] Union Minister Amit Shah
[D] Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary
Correct Answer: C [Union Minister Amit Shah]
Notes:
A High-Level Committee (HLC), led by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, has approved funding of Rs. 3027.86 crore for disaster mitigation projects in various states. This funding is intended to improve disaster management, focusing on lightning safety, drought support, and managing forest fire risks. The committee includes important ministers and aims to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a disaster-resilient India. They have approved a project to enhance lightning safety in 50 high-risk districts across 10 states, with a budget of Rs 186.78 crore. The states involved are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The aim is to decrease lightning-related incidents and improve safety in at-risk areas.
577. Which Indian space startup has recently achieved milestone with the successful launch of its Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) mission?
[A] Digantara
[B] Satellize
[C] GalazEye Space
[D] Agnikul
Correct Answer: A [Digantara]
Notes:
On January 14, 2025, the Indian space startup Digantara reached a significant milestone with the successful deployment of its Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) mission. This achievement represents a crucial advancement in improving space situational awareness and tracking capabilities within Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The mission was executed using SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rocket, highlighting India’s expanding role in the international space sector. SCOT is designed for space surveillance and is one of the world’s first commercial Space Situational Awareness (SSA) satellites. The satellite aims to track Resident Space Objects (RSOs) effectively. The SCOT satellite was launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission successfully established contact with its ground station shortly after launch.
578. Which space agency has recently launched Blue Ghost and Resilience lunar lander from Kennedy Space Center?
[A] SpaceX
[B] ISRO
[C] Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI)
[D] Centre National E’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)
Correct Answer: A [SpaceX]
Notes:
On January 15, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA. This mission was notable for transporting two lunar landers: the primary payload, Blue Ghost, and the secondary payload, Resilience. Blue Ghost, officially referred to as Ghost Riders in the Sky, is a product of Firefly Aerospace, a Texas-based company. In contrast, the Resilience lunar lander is spearheaded by ispace Inc., a Tokyo-based organization. The two landers are planned to reach the Moon at staggered intervals, with Blue Ghost scheduled for the initial deployment.
579. Which organization has developed the Vikas (Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai) Engine?
[A] DRDO
[B] ISRO
[C] HAL
[D] L&T
Correct Answer: B [ISRO]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently reached significant milestones with its Vikas liquid engine. The successful demonstration of the engine’s restart capabilities represents a pivotal advancement in the reusability of launch vehicles. This achievement is in line with ISRO’s dedication to the progression of space technology and commercial endeavors. The Vikas engine is part of a series of hypergolic liquid-fuel rocket engines developed by ISRO, which powers the liquid stages of various launch vehicles such as PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3. Originally developed in the 1970s, the engine has seen numerous enhancements over the years. On January 17, 2025, ISRO successfully executed a test that involved firing the Vikas engine for 60 seconds, followed by a 120-second shutdown, and then a restart for an additional seven seconds. Earlier tests conducted in December 2024 featured shorter shut-off periods.
580. The Zoological Survey of India have recently discovered 23 species of blood-sucking flies in which state/UT?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Correct Answer: C [Andaman and Nicobar Islands]
Notes:
Recent studies undertaken by the Zoological Survey of India have revealed the presence of 23 species of blood-feeding flies, known as Culicoides, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This research marks the first comprehensive survey of these insects in the region, with 13 species being recorded for the first time in India. The findings of this study highlight significant concerns regarding the potential spread of bluetongue disease, which poses a threat to livestock populations. The researchers documented a total of 23 species of Culicoides, of which 13 are new to the Indian subcontinent. The survey included 3,529 adult specimens. Culicoides are small, blood-feeding flies that, while resembling common flies, are more closely related to mosquitoes. In the local language, they are commonly referred to as “bhusi flies.”
