Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 of 21st February 2025. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) As per Feb’25 report, who is leading the high-powered committee formed by IRDAI to scrutinize the Insurance Act, 1938?

(a) Shaktikanta Das

(b) Dinesh Khara

(c) Nirmala Sitharaman

(d) Urjit Patel

(e) Arundhati Bhattacharya

2) What is the estimated GDP growth for Q4 2024-25, according to RBI’s internal models?

(a) 5.8%

(b) 6.2%

(c) 6.6%

(d) 7.1%

(e) 7.5%

3) What is SBI Research’s estimated GDP growth for India in FY25?

(a) 6.0%

(b) 6.3%

(c) 6.5%

(d) 6.7%

(e) 7.0%

4) Which regulatory body is collaborating with the Bharat InvIT Association (BIA) to establish data benchmarking institutes (DBIs) for InvITs?

(a) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

(b) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

(c) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

(d) National Stock Exchange (NSE)

(e) Ministry of Finance

5) Which of the following states have received XV Finance Commission grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in FY 2024–25?

(a) Bihar, Haryana, and Sikkim

(b) Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat

(c) Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Assam

(d) Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal

(e) Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana

6) Recently, India was elected to the Vice Presidency of which international organization during its first General Assembly in Singapore?

(a) International Maritime Organization (IMO)

(b) International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)

(c) United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

(d) International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

(e) World Trade Organization (WTO)

7) Who was the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand when the 2018 land law was enacted?

(a) Pushkar Singh Dhami

(b) Bhuvan Chand Khanduri

(c) Trivendra Singh Rawat

(d) Harish Rawat

(e) Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank

8) Who took oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking BJP’s return to power after 27 years?

(a) Sushma Swaraj

(b) Rekha Gupta

(c) Sheila Dikshit

(d) Atishi

(e) Smriti Irani

9) What is the name of the coal mine in which NS Blackwater Pty Limited and JFE Steel Australia (BW) Pty Ltd are acquiring stakes?

(a) Carmichael Coal Mine

(b) Blackwater Coal Mine

(c) Newcastle Coal Mine

(d) Bowen Basin Coal Mine

(e) Moranbah Coal Mine

10) Who has been appointed as the new Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of PayU?

(a) Pranav Pandya

(b) Dimple Mehta

(c) Pramod Rao

(d) Rajesh Verma

(e) Ashish Gupta

11) Who has been awarded the Governor of Massachusetts’ Citation for outstanding contributions to society?

(a) Indra Nooyi

(b) Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

(c) Nita Ambani

(d) Sudha Murthy

(e) Falguni Nayar

12) Which Indian scientific institution signed an MoU with the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST)?

(a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

(b) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

(c) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

(d) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

(e) Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

13) Recently, The MoU between India and Argentina aims to strengthen cooperation in which specific area of the mining sector?

(a) Diamond Mining

(b) Lithium Exploration and Investment Opportunities

(c) Uranium Extraction

(d) Oil and Gas Exploration

(e) Rare Earth Elements Mining

14) What does WASH stand for in the context of the MoU between SPM-NIWAS and Arghyam?

(a) Water, Agriculture, and Sustainable Habitats

(b) Waste, Air, Sanitation, and Hygiene

(c) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

(d) Wildlife, Air, Soil, and Health

(e) Waste, Air, Sustainability, and Health

15) Recently, Which e-commerce platform has partnered with TRIFED to promote tribal products?

(a) Amazon

(b) Flipkart

(c) Meesho

(d) Myntra

(e) Snapdeal

16) Recently, India is strengthening defence ties with which country, focusing on maritime security and defence industry collaboration?

(a) Indonesia

(b) Malaysia

(c) Vietnam

(d) Japan

(e) Philippines

17) What is the name of the special-grade steel being developed for aeronautical applications?

(a) SuperNi 41

(b) MDN100

(c) AMCA Steel-X

(d) AeroTitanium 2025

(e) DRDO-Steel

18) According to the report, which Indian space research center led the development of the 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer?

(a) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

(b) Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR)

(c) Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

(d) National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)

(e) ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC)

19) In Feb’25, which zoo in India is setting up the country’s first bio-banking facility and animal museum?

(a) Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai

(b) Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad

(c) Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling

(d) Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar

(e) Mysuru Zoo, Karnataka

20) As per the report, John McFall, who has been selected for a long-duration ISS mission, is associated with which space agency?

(a) NASA

(b) Roscosmos

(c) European Space Agency (ESA)

(d) ISRO

(e) CNSA

Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has formed a high-powered committee led by Dinesh Khara, former State Bank of India (SBI) chairman, to scrutinise various aspects of the Insurance Act, 1938, and suggest amendments.

Detailed Explanation:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has formed a high-powered committee led by Dinesh Khara, former State Bank of India (SBI) chairman, to scrutinise various aspects of the Insurance Act, 1938, and suggest amendments.

The committee was established as the Indian government prepares to introduce the Insurance Amendment Bill in Parliament, which proposes 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector.

The seven-member panel includes:

NS Kannan, former MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance

Girish Radhakrishnan, former CMD of United India Insurance

Rakesh Joshi, former member of Irdai

Saurabh Sinha, former executive director of RBI

Alok Misra, MD & CEO of MFIN

L Vishwanathan, a legal expert

The committee has already conducted its first meeting, signaling a swift approach toward implementing the proposed changes.

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

High-frequency indicators like vehicle sales, air traffic, steel consumption, and GST E-way bills suggest a sequential pickup in activity during H2 2024-25, as per the RBI bulletin for February.

The RBI's internal models estimate GDP growth at 6.6% in Q4 2024-25, with 2025-26 growth forecasted at 6.7%, aligning with the government’s estimate of 6.3-6.8%.

Detailed Explanation:

High-frequency indicators like vehicle sales, air traffic, steel consumption, and GST E-way bills suggest a sequential pickup in activity during H2 2024-25, as per the RBI bulletin for February.

The RBI's internal models estimate GDP growth at 6.6% in Q4 2024-25, with 2025-26 growth forecasted at 6.7%, aligning with the government’s estimate of 6.3-6.8%.

Inflation is projected to ease to 4.2% in the next financial year, though risks from global financial volatility, energy prices, and adverse weather events remain.

The Union Budget 2025-26 aims to balance fiscal consolidation and growth, focusing on capital expenditure (capex) and household income growth.

A 25 bps repo rate cut by the MPC on February 7, 2025, is expected to boost domestic demand.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

SBI Research estimates India’s Gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 6.3% for FY25, assuming no major revisions in Q1 and Q2 growth figures from the National Statistical Office (NSO).

This is 10 basis points (bps) lower than NSO’s 6.4% forecast for FY25.

Detailed Explanation:

SBI Research estimates India’s Gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 6.3% for FY25, assuming no major revisions in Q1 and Q2 growth figures from the National Statistical Office (NSO).

This is 10 basis points (bps) lower than NSO’s 6.4% forecast for FY25.

GDP growth in Q1 and Q2 was 6.7% and 5.4%, respectively, while SBI estimated Q3 growth at 6.2-6.3% based on its ‘nowcasting model’, which analyzes 36 high-frequency indicators.

74% of indicators showed acceleration in Q3FY25, up from 71% in Q2FY25.

Capital expenditure (capex) is improving in Q3FY25, with states showing increasing spending momentum, which bodes well for future growth.

IIP manufacturing growth rose from 3.3% in Q2FY25 to 4.3% in Q3FY25, and the SBI Index also indicates positive momentum.

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bharat InvIT Association (BIA) are working on setting up dedicated data benchmarking institutes (DBIs) for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) to enhance transparency, accessibility, and informed decision-making for investors.

Detailed Explanation:

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bharat InvIT Association (BIA) are working on setting up dedicated data benchmarking institutes (DBIs) for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) to enhance transparency, accessibility, and informed decision-making for investors.

Key Players Involved: Financial services firms CAMS, CareEdge, and KFintech, along with the InvIT association, will roll out three platforms by the end of the month.

Features of DBIs:

Centralised repository for listed InvITs’ performance, operational metrics, valuation standards, and disclosures.

First phase to include five publicly listed InvITs:

India Grid Infrastructure Trust

Indus Infra Trust

IRB InvIT Fund

Capital Infra Trust

PowerGrid Infrastructure Investment Trust

Second phase to integrate 16 privately listed trusts over the next few months.

Market Impact:

The five listed InvITs have a combined market capitalisation of ₹30,000 crore.

These platforms aim to increase awareness and confidence among investors in the InvIT market.

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Union Government has released the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Bihar, Haryana, and Sikkim for the Financial Year 2024–25.

These grants aim to support local governance by strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in these states.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Government has released the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV FC) Grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) in Bihar, Haryana, and Sikkim for the Financial Year 2024–25.

These grants aim to support local governance by strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in these states.

State-Wise Fund Allocation

Bihar

2nd Installment of Untied Grants: ₹821.8021 crores

Withheld Portion of 1st Installment: ₹47.9339 crores

Beneficiaries:

38 District Panchayats

530 Block Panchayats

8,052 Gram Panchayats

Haryana

2nd Installment of Untied Grants: ₹202.4663 crores

Withheld Portion of 1st Installment: ₹7.5993 crores

Beneficiaries:

18 District Panchayats

142 Block Panchayats

6,195 Gram Panchayats

Sikkim

2nd Installment of Untied Grants: ₹6.2613 crores

Beneficiaries:

4 District Panchayats

186 Gram Panchayats

6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India was elected to the Vice Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore.

This election highlights India's leadership in maritime affairs and its commitment to enhancing global marine navigation safety and sustainability.

Detailed Explanation:

India was elected to the Vice Presidency of the International Organization of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore.

This election highlights India's leadership in maritime affairs and its commitment to enhancing global marine navigation safety and sustainability.

A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri T.K. Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, participated in the ongoing 1st General Assembly of IALA.

This first General Assembly marks IALA’s transition from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an inter-governmental organization (IGO). This shift strengthens its role in harmonizing global maritime navigation systems and establishing international standards for safe and efficient navigation.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government in Uttarakhand has repealed the 2018 land law enacted during Trivendra Singh Rawat’s tenure.

A new stringent law has been approved, addressing demands from social and political organizations.

Detailed Explanation:

Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government in Uttarakhand has repealed the 2018 land law enacted during Trivendra Singh Rawat’s tenure.

A new stringent law has been approved, addressing demands from social and political organizations.

The previous law had relaxed provisions introduced by former CM Bhuvan Chand Khanduri.

A ban has been placed on land purchases by individuals from outside the state.

Horticultural and agricultural land in 11 districts (except Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar) cannot be purchased by outsiders.

The government aims to preserve the state’s character by ensuring proper land use and preventing encroachments in hilly regions.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Rekha Gupta took oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking the BJP’s return to power in the national capital after 27 years.

The swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states.

Detailed Explanation:

Rekha Gupta took oath as the Chief Minister of Delhi, marking the BJP’s return to power in the national capital after 27 years.

The swearing-in ceremony at Ramlila Maidan was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states.

At 50 years old, Gupta became the fourth woman Chief Minister of Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi.

She won the Shalimar Bagh seat in the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, securing over 29,000 votes against her AAP rival, Bandana Kumari.

BJP’s campaign focused on women voters, promising ₹2,500 monthly aid, ₹21,000 for pregnant women, and pensions for seniors, surpassing AAP’s ₹2,100 monthly benefit promise.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of a stake in Blackwater Coal Mine by NS Blackwater Pty Limited and JFE Steel Australia (BW) Pty Ltd.

Detailed Explanation:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of a stake in Blackwater Coal Mine by NS Blackwater Pty Limited and JFE Steel Australia (BW) Pty Ltd.

Under the Proposed Combination, NS Blackwater Pty Limited will acquire a 20% interest, while JFE Steel Australia (BW) Pty Ltd will acquire a 10% interest in Blackwater Coal Mine (BW Coal Mine).

NS Blackwater Pty Limited: A newly incorporated special purpose vehicle, ultimately owned by Nippon Steel Corporation.

JFE Steel BW Pty Ltd: Another newly incorporated special purpose vehicle, ultimately owned by JFE Holdings, Inc.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

PayU has appointed Pramod Rao as its new Chief Risk Officer (CRO).

He will oversee risk management strategies, regulatory compliance, and financial security.

Rao brings over 27 years of expertise in banking, financial services, and telecom.

Detailed Explanation:

PayU has appointed Pramod Rao as its new Chief Risk Officer (CRO).

He will oversee risk management strategies, regulatory compliance, and financial security.

Rao brings over 27 years of expertise in banking, financial services, and telecom.

He has worked with Axis Bank, Vodafone Idea, Citibank, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, and HSBC, specializing in risk management and compliance.

His appointment is part of PayU’s leadership expansion, which includes key hires like Pranav Pandya (Chief Compliance Officer) and Dimple Mehta (Company Secretary).

11) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, has been awarded the Governor of Massachusetts’ Citation for her outstanding contributions to education, healthcare, sports, arts, culture, and women’s empowerment.

This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication to driving positive societal change in India and globally.

Detailed Explanation:

Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, has been awarded the Governor of Massachusetts’ Citation for her outstanding contributions to education, healthcare, sports, arts, culture, and women’s empowerment.

This prestigious recognition highlights her dedication to driving positive societal change in India and globally.

Founded Dhirubhai Ambani International School, one of India’s top-ranked educational institutions, promoting academic excellence and leadership development.

Recognized with the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar (2017) for contributions to sports excellence.

Global Philanthropist and Leader of the Year (2017) – Awarded by Vogue India for her social impact initiatives.

Citizen of Mumbai Award (2023) – Conferred by the Rotary Club of Bombay for her contributions to the city.

Honorary Trustee, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (2019) – First Indian elected to the board, enhancing India’s representation in global arts.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Marking a significant milestone in Science and Technology (S&T) cooperation, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi.

Detailed Explanation:

Marking a significant milestone in Science and Technology (S&T) cooperation, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi.

Signed by:

Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR & Secretary, DSIR

Prof. Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice-Chancellor, NAST

Objective: Strengthening bilateral scientific and technological collaboration between India and Nepal.

Historical Cooperation Between CSIR and NAST

CSIR and NAST have a long history of partnership, dating back to 1994, when an initial agreement was signed (then with RONAST, now NAST). This led to:

Two Working Programmes (1997, 2002)

Joint workshops & training programs extending beyond the official agreements

The 2025 MoU aims to revitalize and expand this collaboration, fostering deeper scientific engagement.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Mines, held a high-level meeting with H.E. Raúl Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca, Argentina, in New Delhi.

The discussions centered on expanding cooperation in the mining sector, with a special focus on lithium exploration and investment opportunities.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Mines, held a high-level meeting with H.E. Raúl Alejandro Jalil, Governor of Catamarca, Argentina, in New Delhi.

The discussions centered on expanding cooperation in the mining sector, with a special focus on lithium exploration and investment opportunities.

Signing of MoU: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a PSU under the Ministry of Mines, and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina.

Focus Area: Strengthening collaboration in exploration and resource development of critical minerals, particularly lithium.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) and Arghyam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

Detailed Explanation:

The Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS) and Arghyam have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to enhance water and sanitation service delivery through digital solutions.

The collaboration aims to conceptualize, design, and implement a digital ecosystem to support key national programs:

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM-G)

Under this agreement:

SPM-NIWAS will lead the implementation of digital initiatives.

Arghyam, as a key knowledge partner, will contribute expertise in technology-driven water governance.

15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

In a strategic move to shift from a B2C to a B2B approach for tribal communities, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) has entered into key partnerships with Meesho, the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI).

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, during the flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, which runs from February 16 to 24, 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

In a strategic move to shift from a B2C to a B2B approach for tribal communities, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd (TRIFED) has entered into key partnerships with Meesho, the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA), and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Rural Industrialization (MGIRI).

The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, during the flagship event ‘Aadi Mahotsav’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi, which runs from February 16 to 24, 2025.

Onboarding of tribal products onto Meesho’s social commerce platform.

Training and capacity-building initiatives for tribal suppliers to improve their market presence.

Long-term collaborations with culinary professionals and hotel chains.

Utilization of technology-driven platforms to promote tribal food products and traditional cuisines.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India is strengthening defence ties with Malaysia, focusing on maritime security, the defence industry, and cooperation in multilateral forums.

The 13th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meeting took place on February 19, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, discussing regional and global issues, including cyber security and artificial intelligence.

Detailed Explanation:

India is strengthening defence ties with Malaysia, focusing on maritime security, the defence industry, and cooperation in multilateral forums.

The 13th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meeting took place on February 19, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, discussing regional and global issues, including cyber security and artificial intelligence.

India and Malaysia exchanged the finalised Terms of Reference (ToR) for setting up a Su-30 forum to enhance cooperation between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in Su-30 maintenance.

The Su-30 forum will foster collaboration between the IAF and RMAF in training, maintenance, technical support, and safety-related issues.

17) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a premier lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has signed an MoU with MIDHANI for the indigenous development of high-strength, high-toughness special-grade steel "MDN100" for aeronautical applications, including its use in the 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

Detailed Explanation:

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a premier lab under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has signed an MoU with MIDHANI for the indigenous development of high-strength, high-toughness special-grade steel "MDN100" for aeronautical applications, including its use in the 5th generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

The steel, known for its good forgeability, will be utilized in highly stressed aircraft parts, offering weight-saving benefits.

The MoU was signed during Aero India 2025, reinforcing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

MIDHANI, a Defence PSU, has been supporting DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in supplying critical materials for aeronautical purposes, including SuperNi 41 plates, a nickel-chromium-based superalloy capable of withstanding extreme temperatures in aero engines.

ADA, the nodal agency for combat aircraft development in India, is actively engaged in key programmes, including LCA Mk2, AMCA, and the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF).

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

In a major boost to India’s self-reliance in space technology, Indian scientists and engineers have successfully developed the world’s largest 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer for processing solid propellants, a critical component in rocket motor production.

The mixer was designed and developed by Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), ISRO, in collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bangalore, a premier research and development organisation under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Detailed Explanation:

In a major boost to India’s self-reliance in space technology, Indian scientists and engineers have successfully developed the world’s largest 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer for processing solid propellants, a critical component in rocket motor production.

The milestone marks a significant achievement under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat in Space’ initiative.

The mixer was designed and developed by Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR (SDSC SHAR), ISRO, in collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bangalore, a premier research and development organisation under the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

The system has completed factory-level acceptance tests and was officially handed over to SDSC SHAR’s director by CMTI’s director in the presence of Secretary, DoS and ISRO Chairman in Bengaluru.

19) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, West Bengal (Darjeeling Zoo) setting up the country's first bio-banking facility and animal museum is a huge step forward in preserving endangered species and studying biodiversity.

First-of-its-kind in India – The Darjeeling Zoo is the first zoo in India to establish a biobank and museum for endangered species.

Detailed Explanation:

The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, West Bengal (Darjeeling Zoo) setting up the country's first bio-banking facility and animal museum is a huge step forward in preserving endangered species and studying biodiversity.

First-of-its-kind in India – The Darjeeling Zoo is the first zoo in India to establish a biobank and museum for endangered species.

Preservation of Biological Samples – The facility will store DNA, genome, and gametes of endangered species like the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Siberian Tiger.

Long-term Storage – Samples can be stored for 40 to 45 years, aiding future research.

20) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed that John McFall, a 43-year-old British surgeon and former Paralympian, has been approved for a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

His selection under ESA’s Parastronaut initiative marks a groundbreaking step toward inclusivity in space exploration.

Detailed Explanation:

The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed that John McFall, a 43-year-old British surgeon and former Paralympian, has been approved for a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

His selection under ESA’s Parastronaut initiative marks a groundbreaking step toward inclusivity in space exploration.

John McFall’s Journey to Space:

Early Life & Athletic Career:

At 19 years old, McFall lost his leg in a motorbike accident but pursued a career in athletics, representing Great Britain as a Paralympian.

He later became a surgeon, demonstrating resilience and determination.

Entry into the ESA Astronaut Reserve:

In 2022, ESA selected McFall for its astronaut reserve, focusing on the feasibility of sending an astronaut with a prosthetic leg to space.

Since then, ESA has studied how prosthetic limbs function in microgravity.

In February 2025, McFall passed ESA’s medical evaluation, becoming eligible for a long-duration space mission.

ESA has not yet announced a launch date, but McFall is awaiting assignment like other astronauts.

His mission will pave the way for future astronauts with disabilities.