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611. The BSF has initiated a special operation named ‘Operation Sard Hawa’ on the border of which countries?
[A] India-China
[B] India-Afghanistan
[C] India-Pakistan
[D] India-Bangladesh
Correct Answer: C [India-Pakistan]
Notes:
In anticipation of Republic Day, the Border Security Force (BSF) has intensified its surveillance operations along the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer to thwart any possible infiltration attempts. A targeted initiative, referred to as ‘Operation Sard Hawa,’ commenced on January 22, specifically designed to address infiltration risks that may exploit the diminished visibility associated with the thick winter fog. This operation is set to persist until January 29, focusing on bolstering security measures along the border during this pivotal timeframe.
612. Which organization has is developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Larsen & Toubro (L&)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Notes:
DRDO showcased the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) during the 76th Republic Day parade. The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) represents a significant advancement in artillery technology, having been developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Initiated in 2013, this project aims to modernize the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities by introducing a 155 mm x 52 caliber howitzer. The ATAGS is designed to supersede older artillery systems, enhancing operational effectiveness with its ability to fire Long Range Guided Munitions (LRGM). The development of the ATAGS involved collaboration with private sector partners, including Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, while the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune served as the primary agency overseeing the project.
613. Which country has recently joined as an observer state in the Eurodrone programme?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] China
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
On January 21, 2025, India was recognized as an Observer State in the Eurodrone programme, which is overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and led by Airbus Defence and Space. This marks a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen defence partnerships with European countries. It has a payload capacity of 2.3 tonnes, endurance of up to 40 hours, and operates in diverse environments, including severe weather. Conceived in 2022, it passed its preliminary design review in 2024 and aims to enter service by 2030. The drone supports ISTAR, maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and airborne early warning missions. The Eurodrone programme, which includes Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, aims to create a long-endurance unmanned aircraft system for multiple defence and surveillance applications.
614. Which country has a long-standing commitment to United Nations peacekeeping missions?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] China
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India has a historical dedication to participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations. This commitment has been underscored by recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the wake of the unfortunate fatalities of peacekeepers, United Nations representatives conveyed their appreciation for India’s contributions. India has sent a significant contingent of troops and police officers to multiple missions, reflecting its unwavering commitment to international peace.
615. Which state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that has recently partnered with Iceland for Geothermal Energy?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
In a pivotal move towards realizing carbon neutrality by 2070, the government of Uttarakhand has embarked on a partnership with Iceland, recognized as a global frontrunner in geothermal energy. This collaboration seeks to tap into the extensive geothermal resources available in Uttarakhand, thereby facilitating the advancement of sustainable energy alternatives. By entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Verkis Consulting Engineers from Iceland, the state aims to utilize geothermal energy for electricity production, representing a significant advancement in the evolution of renewable energy resources within India.
616. ISKCON and which company has recently collaborated to serve meals at Maha Kumbh Mela?
[A] Adani Group
[B] Reliance Industries
[C] Tata Group
[D] Wipro
Correct Answer: A [Adani Group]
Notes:
The current Maha Kumbh Mela has seen an impressive partnership between the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the Adani Group, which has greatly improved the food distribution services at the festival. This collaboration guarantees that approximately one hundred thousand individuals receive nutritious meals each day throughout the 45-day spiritual event. A central component of this initiative is the establishment of a substantial kitchen by ISKCON at Harshvardhan Marg, which is dedicated to preparing food in significant volumes to meet the demands of pilgrims and visitors attending the Mela. The kitchen operates in three meal sessions daily, each capable of serving approximately 30,000 to 35,000 individuals. This results in a daily total exceeding one hundred thousand meals, an achievement facilitated by the extensive logistical assistance provided by the Adani Group.
617. 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.
618. Which state agriculture department uncovered fraud within the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?
[A] Assam
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Notes:
In 2024, Maharashtra’s agriculture department found fraud in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). They discovered that over 414,000 crop insurance claims were fake, showing misuse of this subsidized insurance program. Some farmers tried to claim insurance for crops that didn’t exist or for land they didn’t own. This led the state government to take quick action to stop further abuse of the scheme. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is a government program that offers affordable crop insurance to farmers. For a small premium of one rupee, farmers can protect their crops from various risks. The goal of the scheme is to support farmers’ livelihoods and ensure financial security in agriculture.
619. Which state government has recently approved a pilot project for cannabis cultivation?
[A] Telangana
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Assam
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The government of Himachal Pradesh has recently given the green light to a pilot project for growing cannabis. This decision was made on January 24, 2025. The goal of the project is to investigate the agricultural, medicinal, and industrial uses of cannabis. The state is following in the footsteps of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, which also allow controlled cannabis farming. Cannabis has been part of India’s history for a long time, originally grown for its fiber, seeds, and medicinal properties. However, in 1985, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act was passed, which prohibited its cultivation due to international pressures and misunderstandings about the plant.
620. Who has been appointed as the Director General of the CRPF?
[A] Gyanedra Pratap Singh
[B] Ajay Joshi
[C] Raja Vardhan Singh
[D] Shekhar Chandra
Correct Answer: A [Gyanedra Pratap Singh]
Notes:
On January 18, 2025, the Government of India designated Gyanendra Pratap Singh, an officer of the Indian Police Service (IPS) from the 1991 batch and affiliated with the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, as the Director General (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Previously, Singh held the position of Director General of Police (DGP) in Assam. He will take on his new responsibilities without delay, with his term set to last until his retirement on November 30, 2027, or until any subsequent directives are issued.
