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601. Which organization has developed the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited (PHHL)
[C] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[D] Global Vectra Helicorp Limited
Correct Answer: C [Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)]
Notes:
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), known as Dhruv, is a helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India. In early January 2025, the ALH fleet was temporarily grounded after a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of three Indian Coast Guard personnel. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that the ALH would not take part in the upcoming Republic Day flypast, which will feature 39 other aircraft. The grounding followed a serious incident on January 5, 2025, during a training mission that killed two pilots and one crew member. An inquiry has been launched to look into the crash, focusing on the Flight Data Recorder and the helicopter’s transmission system. The Republic Day parade on January 26 will display 39 aircraft in 12 formations, maintaining a military theme while also emphasizing social and cultural aspects.
602. DRDO has recently successfully conducted the scramjet engine test for hypersonic missiles, which was developed by?
[A] Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL)
[B] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[C] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[D] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Correct Answer: A [Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL)]
Notes:
The Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) has recently made progress in advanced technologies, achieving a significant milestone by conducting a 120-second ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor. This is the first time such a test has been done in India. Located in Hyderabad and part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), DRDL is focused on developing next-generation hypersonic technology. The Scramjet system is a groundbreaking propulsion method for hypersonic missiles. This successful test brings India closer to deploying hypersonic missiles with unmatched speed and maneuverability.
603. Which missile of India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile is set to be showcased at the Republic Day parade on 26 January 2025?
[A] Trishul
[B] K-4
[C] Dhanush
[D] Pralay
Correct Answer: D [Pralay]
Notes:
India’s inaugural tactical quasi-ballistic missile, Pralay, is scheduled to be displayed during the Republic Day parade on January 26, 2025. Although the missile successfully completed its trials in 2022, its official integration into the armed forces remains ambiguous. Pralay is integral to the Indian Army’s efforts to bolster its operational capabilities on the battlefield. This short-range quasi-ballistic missile has a range of 150-500 kilometers and is specifically engineered for surface-to-surface engagements. It is capable of delivering warheads weighing between 350 and 700 kilograms. The missile has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to meet India’s specific defense requirements.
604. Which ministry has recently ink contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory for 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) for Army?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Defence]
Notes:
The T-72 Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) is an important tool for the Indian Army, improving its operational strength. Recently, the Ministry of Defence finalized a deal to buy 47 units, highlighting India’s commitment to self-sufficiency in defense production. This purchase is part of the Make-in-India program, which aims to boost the economy and create jobs. The T-72 BLT weighs around 49 tons and has a crew of three. It is built to help armored vehicles cross obstacles quickly during military missions. The tank can rapidly lay down prefabricated steel bridges, enhancing movement on the battlefield. A contract worth Rs 1,560.52 crore was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Heavy Vehicles Factory in Delhi, showing a dedication to locally developed defense solutions.
605. The Indian Army has recently inaugurated the bailey bridge over the Shyok River, of which state/UT?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Ladakh
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: C [Ladakh]
Notes:
The Indian Army has opened two bailey bridges over the Shyok River in Ladakh. This improvement boosts travel between the Shyok and Nubra valleys. The opening ceremony was held near Shatse Taknak in the Diskit area of Leh, led by Brigadier V S Salaria. Built by the Fire and Fury Corps Engineers, these bridges are designed to help local residents, especially during tough winter conditions. Each bridge is 50 feet wide and 100 feet long. They shorten the travel distance by about 40 km and save around two hours of travel time for remote villages in the Nubra and Shyok valleys. This better connectivity is crucial for the local people, providing easier access to important services and resources.
606. Which state government has recently unveiled Aerospace and Defence Policy 2024?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] Goa
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The government of Uttar Pradesh has announced a detailed policy for Aerospace and Defence Units to attract investments and create jobs. This plan is designed to bring in investments and generate employment over the next five years. It is part of a larger effort to make Uttar Pradesh a key center in the aerospace and defence industries. The Aerospace and Defence Unit and Employment Promotion Policy 2024 seeks to strengthen local capabilities in these sectors. It emphasizes fostering innovation, encouraging international partnerships, and ensuring national security while enhancing economic growth.
607. Which country has recently joined the Eurodrone program as an observer nation?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India has recently become an observer nation in the Eurodrone program, positioning itself as the second country from the Asia-Pacific region to achieve this status, after Japan. The Eurodrone initiative is a collaborative effort among four nations: France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. This program is overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), headquartered in Bonn. The project is primarily led by Airbus Defence and Space from Germany, with significant contributions from key partners such as Leonardo from Italy, Dassault Aviation from France, and Airbus from Spain, who serve as major subcontractors.
608. Which Indian Navy ship has recently conducted the hydrographic survey of Mauritius?
[A] INS Talwar
[B] INS Vikramaditya
[C] INS Pralaya
[D] INS Sarvekshak
Correct Answer: D [INS Sarvekshak]
Notes:
The INS Sarvekshak of the Indian Navy has successfully concluded the final stage of a hydrographic survey in Mauritius, encompassing an area of 25,000 square nautical miles. Situated in the Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, Mauritius is an island nation with a total land area of 2,040 square kilometers, and its capital city is Port Louis. The nation comprises the principal island along with several smaller islands, including Ambre, Est, and Cerfs. The island was formed through volcanic activity approximately 8 million years ago, with Mount Piton being its highest elevation at 828 meters. Lake Vacoas serves as the primary water source for the country, which experiences a maritime subtropical climate.
609. Who has recently launched the SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System?
[A] Shri Narendra Modi
[B] Shri Rajnath Singh
[C] Shri Amit Shah
[D] Shri Piyush Goyal
Correct Answer: B [Shri Rajnath Singh]
Notes:
The SANJAY system was launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 24, 2025. This Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) aims to improve the Indian Army’s operational abilities. It combines ground and aerial sensors to provide a complete view of the battlefield. This development represents a step forward in military technology. SANJAY is an automated system that gathers data from various sensors, ensuring data accuracy, avoiding duplication, and merging information to create a unified surveillance image. It functions over a secure Army Data Network and Satellite Communication Network. The system features advanced sensors and analytics, allowing it to monitor large land borders and evaluate situations with great precision. This capability enhances Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) operations. The induction of SANJAY into the Indian Army will occur in three phases from March to October 2025.
610. Which organization has recently released the report of “Learning Interrupted – Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024?
[A] UNICEF
[B] UNESCO
[C] UNDP
[D] ILO
Correct Answer: A [UNICEF]
Notes:
Recently, the United Nations Children’s Agency, UNICEF, released a report titled “Learning Interrupted – Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024.” The findings reveal that at least 242 million students globally faced interruptions in their education due to climate-related incidents throughout 2024. This figure is considered conservative, reflecting the limitations of the data at hand. The report covers 85 countries and identifies 119 distinct climate hazards that have led to these educational interruptions.
