Current Affairs 03 JanBy NexisGrow / January 4, 2025 Choose Your Language Current Affairs 03 Jan Total Questions : 10Time : 3 MinsDate – 03 Jan 2025 1 / 10 1. What is the primary design improvement of NASA’s Mars Chopper compared to the Ingenuity helicopter? A) It features only two rotors for enhanced stability B) It is designed to operate on Earth-like conditions C) It has a smaller and more compact structure D) It can carry a payload of up to five kilograms of scientific instruments Details:NASA’s Mars Chopper: Advancing Martian Exploration:NASA has introduced the Mars Chopper, a successor to the Ingenuity helicopter, which exceeded expectations during its nearly three-year mission on Mars. About the size of an SUV, the new drone features six rotors with smaller blades, providing enhanced lift and stability. It can carry up to five kilograms of scientific instruments, significantly increasing its research capacity. Capable of flying up to three kilometers, the Mars Chopper allows for rapid and detailed exploration of vast terrains, including areas inaccessible to rovers, marking a major step forward in Mars exploration. 2 / 10 2. According to New Policy of EPFO’s (Centralised Pension Payments System), what is one significant advantage of the CPPS for pensioners who relocate? A) They must update their address with their regional office to continue receiving pensions. B) Pensioners will receive payments without interruption, even if they relocate. C) Pension payments are interrupted when pensioners change location or bank branch. D) Pensioners are required to visit a bank for every payment verification. Details:Starting January 2025, the CPPS ensures that pension payments will continue uninterrupted for pensioners who relocate, regardless of whether they change their bank branch or location. This feature is especially helpful for pensioners returning to their hometowns after retirement, making the process much more convenient. 3 / 10 3. What is the primary benefit of the Centralised Pension Payments System (CPPS) introduced by EPFO? A) Pensioners can withdraw pensions only from specific bank branches. B) Pensioners can access their pensions from any bank branch across India C) Pensioners must visit regional offices for pension disbursement. D) Pensioners have to undergo physical verification for every withdrawal. Details: The CPPS eliminates the previous system’s limitations where pensioners could only access their funds from specific bank branches tied to regional offices. It allows pensioners to withdraw their pensions from any bank branch across the country, enhancing convenience and accessibility. 4 / 10 4. What is the primary eligibility criterion for women to benefit from Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin scheme? A) Women must belong to a farmer's family B) Women must have an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh C) Women must be above 40 years of age D) Women must be unemployed Details:The Maharashtra government is reviewing the Ladki Bahin scheme, which offers financial aid to women from economically weaker sections, to ensure only those with an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh qualify. Launched in June 2024 as part of a welfare package, it provides ₹1,500 monthly, increasing to ₹2,100 if the ruling party is re-elected. The scheme’s estimated annual cost is ₹46,000 crore, raising concerns about its financial sustainability and potential impact on government salaries. Efforts are underway to reduce the number of beneficiaries to address these concerns. 5 / 10 5. What is the key change introduced in the recent amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)? A) Introduction of new trade incentives for exporters B) Introduction of a new trade zone for ease of doing business C) Requirement for stakeholder consultation before policy changes D) Increase in trade tariffs for imports Details:The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to improve stakeholder engagement. The amendment introduces Para 1.07A and 1.07B, requiring consultations with stakeholders, such as importers, exporters, and industry experts, before policy changes. This aims to gather diverse input and enhance the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). Additionally, a mechanism is established to inform stakeholders about the reasons for accepting or rejecting their feedback, promoting transparency and encouraging active participation. 6 / 10 6. Which of the following states was not identified as an “achiever” in logistics performance according to the LEADS 2024 report? A) Gujarat B) Kerala C) Maharashtra D) Tamil Nadu Details:According to the LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2024 report, Kerala was classified as an “aspirer,” not an “achiever” in logistics performance. The “achiever” states include Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and several others, while Kerala is placed in the “aspirers” category, indicating areas for improvement and investment in logistics infrastructure. 7 / 10 7. What is the primary objective of India’s inaugural census of coastal and wader birds, being conducted at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar from January 3 to 5, 2025? A) To establish more marine national parks in India. B) To increase tourism in the region. C) To promote scuba diving activities. D) To enhance knowledge about bird populations and their habitats. Details:The primary aim of the census, taking place from January 3 to 5, 2025, at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar, is to gather vital data on coastal and wader bird populations and their habitats. This collaborative effort between the Gujarat state forest department and the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG) will improve the understanding and conservation of these bird species. 8 / 10 8. Who is scheduled to visit India to discuss cooperation on strategic technology, including defense, space, and artificial intelligence? A) John Kerry B) Antony Blinken C) Kamala Harris D) Jake Sullivan Details:National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit India to discuss cooperation on strategic technology, including defense, space, and artificial intelligence. His visit will include a speech at the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi, emphasizing the U.S.-India partnership’s significance to regional and global priorities. 9 / 10 9. Which country has India expressed concerns to over the construction of a hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet? A) Nepal B) Bhutan C) Bangladesh D) China Details:India has conveyed its concerns to China regarding the construction of a hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet. This river flows into India and becomes the Brahmaputra river. India and Bangladesh have expressed apprehensions about the potential environmental impact and downstream water supplies. 10 / 10 10. At what age did Luke Littler become the youngest world darts champion? A) 18 B) 17 C) 19 D) 16 Details:Luke Littler, a 17-year-old prodigy from Warrington, became the youngest world darts champion by defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 at the Alexandra Palace in London. His victory has brought the sport back into the mainstream, reminiscent of its popularity in the 1980s. NameEmail Your score isThe average score is 60% 0% Restart quiz
