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The correct answer is National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research.

In News

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in collaboration with Drone Federation India (DFI), has launched the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) under the ‘SwaYaan’ initiative.

Key Points

• NIDAR focuses on advancing drone technology for applications in agriculture, disaster management, logistics, and healthcare.
• The challenge was inaugurated by S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, at Electronics Niketan, MeitY.
• It offers a prize pool of INR 40 Lakhs, incubation opportunities, cloud credits, and internships with leading drone companies.
• The Drone Federation India (DFI), which represents over 550 drone companies and 5,500 certified drone pilots, will mentor participants.

Additional Information

• The SwaYaan initiative aims to build human resource capacity in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
• The challenge is expected to attract over 100 student teams from institutions across India.
• It encourages the development of autonomous drones for applications like precision agriculture and disaster response.
• The initiative aligns with India’s vision of becoming a global drone hub by 2030.

The correct answer is Article 213.

Key Points

• Article 213 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Governor to promulgate ordinances when the state legislature is not in session.
• The Governor can issue ordinances under Article 213 only when he/she is satisfied that circumstances require immediate action.
• Ordinances issued under Article 213 have the same force and effect as laws enacted by the state legislature.
• These ordinances must be approved by the state legislature within six weeks of its reassembly; otherwise, they cease to operate.
• The provision ensures the Governor can address urgent matters when the legislature is not available, maintaining governance continuity.

Additional Information

• Ordinance: It is a temporary law enacted by the executive authority (Governor or President) when the legislature is not in session.
• Article 123: Similar to Article 213, it empowers the President to promulgate ordinances when Parliament is not in session.
• Limitations: The ordinance-making power cannot be used to bypass the legislature or amend the Constitution.
• Judicial Review: Ordinances are subject to judicial review to ensure compliance with constitutional provisions.
• Historical Context: The ordinance-making power was introduced in India as part of the Government of India Act, 1935, and later incorporated into the Constitution of India.

The correct answer is - Raja Man Singh I

Key Points

• Raja Man Singh I
• Raja Man Singh I was one of the Navratnas (nine gems) in the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
• He was a trusted general and a close associate of Akbar.
• He played a significant role in military campaigns and administration during Akbar's reign.
• His loyalty and service earned him a prominent position among Akbar’s top advisors.

Additional Information

• Navratnas
• The Navratnas were a group of nine extraordinary men in the court of Emperor Akbar who were renowned for their talents and contributions in various fields.
• They included notable figures like Birbal (known for his wisdom and wit) and Tansen (a legendary musician).
• Raja Man Singh I
• He was the Kachwaha Rajput ruler of Amber (modern-day Jaipur).
• His contributions to the Mughal Empire included leading successful campaigns in regions like Bengal, Afghanistan, and Deccan.
• He also played a pivotal role in securing alliances for Akbar through marital diplomacy, including his own marriage into the Mughal family.
• Akbar’s Administration
• Akbar's administration was noted for its inclusivity and merit-based appointments, which included talents from various regions and communities.
• His policy of religious tolerance and strong administrative framework laid the foundations for a unified and prosperous empire.

The correct answer is Chlorine.

Key Points

• Bleaching powder is used as an oxidising agent in many chemical industries, for disinfecting drinking water.
• It is called Calcium Hypochlorite and is represented as CaOCl_2.
• Bleaching powder is produced by the action of Chlorine on dry slaked lime (Ca(OH)₂) and is soluble in water.
• When bleaching powder reacts with water, it hydrolysis to hypochlorous acid (HCIO), which hydrolysis further into Hydrochloric acid (HCl), releasing a strong smell due to Chlorine (Cl).
• In this reaction, we get the following chemical equation.
• Ca(OCl)₂+H₂O→Ca(OH)₂+Cl_{2 (gas).}
• So, when Bleaching powder reacts with water, Chlorine gas is released. Hence option 2 is correct.
• Chlorine gas is used in the manufacturing of bleaching powder.
• Bleaching powder is used for bleaching cotton and linen in the textile industry, and for bleaching wood pulp in paper factories.
• Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that forms when Chlorine dissolves in water.
• The atomic number (Z) of Chlorine is 17 and it is a p-block element.

Additional Information

• Hydrogen (the atomic number is 1), in elemental form, exists as a diatomic molecule (H₂) and is called Dihydrogen.
• There are three isotopes of Hydrogen: Protium, Deuterium and Tritium.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless poisonous gas produced as a result of the incomplete combustion of carbon.
• Carbon monoxide binds to haemoglobin and forms carboxyhaemoglobin which is about 300 times more stable than the oxygen-haemoglobin complex.
• When this reaches about 3-4%, the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is reduced.
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a colourless and non-flammable gas at normal temperature and pressure.
• It is released into the atmosphere by respiration, the burning of fossil fuels and by decomposition of limestone.

The Correct Answer is ₹3,000.

In News

• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM), is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme launched by the Government of India to provide social security to unorganised workers.

Key Points

• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme launched by the Government of India for unorganised workers.
• The scheme guarantees a minimum monthly pension of ₹3,000 after the age of 60 for workers earning up to ₹15,000 per month.
• PM-SYM was introduced in the Interim Budget 2019.
• It is administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Common Service Centres (CSCs).
• LIC is responsible for pension pay-outs and acts as the Pension Fund Manager.
• Enrolment in the scheme is facilitated through Common Service Centres (CSCs) across India.
• Exit and Withdrawal Provisions:
• Exit Before 10 Years: Refund of the contributed amount with savings bank interest rate.
• Exit After 10 Years but Before 60 Years: Return of contributions with accumulated interest (either actual or savings bank interest rate, whichever is higher).
• Death Before 60 Years: The spouse can either continue the scheme or withdraw the contributed amount with interest.
• Death After 60 Years: The spouse receives 50% of the pension as a family pension.
• After the death of both the subscriber and spouse, the entire corpus is credited back to the fund.
• In case of default (non-payment of contributions): The subscriber can regularize their contribution by paying the outstanding dues and penalty charges, if any.

The correct answer is Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee.

Key Points

• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was the first President of the Indian National Congress (INC), presiding over its inaugural session in 1885.
• The first session of the INC was held in Bombay (now Mumbai) from 28–31 December 1885.
• This historic session was attended by 72 delegates, marking the beginning of the Indian National Congress as a political platform.
• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee was a prominent lawyer and statesman, deeply involved in the Indian freedom struggle.
• The INC was founded by A.O. Hume, a retired British civil servant, with the aim of providing a platform for civil and political dialogue among Indians.

Additional Information

• Indian National Congress (INC):
• Founded on 28 December 1885, the INC was one of the most significant political organizations in India's struggle for independence.
• The founders included A.O. Hume, Dadabhai Naoroji, and Dinshaw Wacha.
• The INC initially aimed at creating a dialogue with the British government for reforms but later evolved into a mass movement for complete independence.
• Womesh Chandra Bonnerjee:
• He was the first Indian to act as an Advocate-General of Bengal and the first Indian to contest elections for the British Parliament.
• Bonnerjee played a pivotal role in the early years of the INC, helping shape its policies and direction.
• Key Goals of Early INC:
• The early INC worked towards greater representation of Indians in administrative roles, reduction of military expenditure, and promotion of Indian industries.
• It sought constitutional reforms and civil rights for Indians under British rule.
• Legacy of INC:
• The INC played a central role in India's independence movement, with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Patel emerging from its ranks.
• It continues to be a major political party in India post-independence.

The Correct Answer is ​Port Louis.

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend Mauritius National Day as chief guest on March 12.

Key Points

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a two-day state visit to Mauritius starting March 11, 2025.
• He was invited as the Chief Guest for the National Day celebrations of Mauritius, which are held every year on March 12.
• The National Day of Mauritius commemorates the country's independence from British rule on March 12, 1968.
• Prime Minister Modi attended Mauritius' National Day celebrations as Chief Guest for the second time since 2015.
• The visit saw participation from various Indian Defence Forces, including a contingent of Indian Defence Forces, an Indian Navy ship, and the Indian Air Force Akash Ganga sky diving contingent.
• Mauritius is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, located about 2,000 kilometers off the southeastern coast of Africa. Its capital is Port Louis.

The correct answer is 42^nd Amendment.

Key Points

• The 42^nd Amendment Act of 1976 is popularly referred to as the "Mini Constitution" due to its vast and comprehensive changes to the Constitution of India.
• It was enacted during the Emergency period under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• This amendment brought significant changes to the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties, and Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
• The words "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" were added to the Preamble, redefining India's identity as a nation.
• It also curtailed the powers of the judiciary, giving more authority to the Parliament.

Additional Information

• Preamble Amendments: The terms "Socialist," "Secular," and "Integrity" were introduced to strengthen India's commitment to democracy and pluralism.
• Fundamental Duties: The amendment introduced ten Fundamental Duties under Article 51A, emphasizing the moral obligations of citizens.
• Judiciary vs. Legislature: It attempted to reduce the independence of the judiciary by limiting its power to review constitutional amendments.
• Directive Principles: The amendment gave precedence to the Directive Principles of State Policy over Fundamental Rights, emphasizing socioeconomic justice.
• Emergency Powers: It extended the duration of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies during a National Emergency from five to six years.

The correct answer is Article 155.

Key Points

• Article 155 of the Constitution of India provides for the appointment of Governors in Indian states.
• The Governor of a state is appointed by the President of India by warrant under his hand and seal.
• The appointment process ensures that the Governor serves as the representative of the Union Government in the state.
• The term of office for a Governor is normally 5 years, but they serve at the pleasure of the President.
• The Governor's role is primarily ceremonial, but they hold powers as per the provisions of the Constitution, including executive, legislative, and discretionary powers.

Additional Information

• Article 154: It vests the executive power of the state in the Governor, to be exercised directly or through officers subordinate to them.
• Article 156: It specifies the conditions of service and tenure of the Governor, stating they hold office at the pleasure of the President.
• Federal Structure: The appointment of Governors reflects India’s quasi-federal structure, where the Union Government has oversight over states through the Governor.
• Role of the Governor: The Governor acts as a constitutional head, ensuring the state government operates within the framework of the Constitution.
• Discretionary Powers: In certain situations, such as the dissolution of the state assembly or during a constitutional crisis, the Governor can act independently of the Council of Ministers.

The correct answer is To build a more accountable, compassionate, and citizen-centric workforce.

In News

• Ministry of Ayush launches the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme to build a citizen-centric workforce.

Key Points

• The Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme aims to build a more accountable, compassionate, and citizen-centric workforce in the Ministry of Ayush.
• The program emphasizes the spirit of “Seva Bhav” (service) and encourages public servants to use their roles to bring positive change to people's lives.
• It focuses on both service and self-improvement, aiming to upskill employees and broaden their perspectives on their responsibilities.
• Training involves hands-on activities like structured discussions, teamwork exercises, and problem-solving to engage employees and foster meaningful public service contributions.

Additional Information

• Seva Bhav
• “Seva Bhav” translates to the spirit of service and emphasizes the importance of public servants adopting a mindset of service to others.
• Capacity Building Commission
• The Capacity Building Commission is responsible for enhancing the skill sets of public servants and transforming the culture of public service in India.
• Self-Improvement in Public Service
• The program encourages personal growth and self-reflection, motivating employees to improve both in their professional and personal lives to better serve the public.