Current News and Affairs

171. Which one among the following Indian PSUs has been declared as the win

Which one among the following Indian PSUs has been declared as the winner at the Brandon Hall Group’s Excellence in Technology Award-2023 ?

[amp_mcq option1=”NTPC” option2=”BHEL” option3=”Balmer Lawrie” option4=”HPCL” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2024
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HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) was awarded the Brandon Hall Group Excellence in Technology Award-2023. Specifically, HPCL won a Gold award in the ‘Best Advance in Talent Management Technology’ category for its talent acquisition and management system, ‘Synergy’.
The Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards recognize organizations that have successfully deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that have achieved measurable results. HPCL was recognized for its innovative use of technology in HR.
This award highlights the digital transformation efforts within Indian PSUs, particularly in leveraging technology for human resources and talent management functions.

172. Which of the following countries chaired the 43rd ASEAN SUMMIT ?

Which of the following countries chaired the 43rd ASEAN SUMMIT ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Thailand” option2=”Philippines” option3=”Indonesia” option4=”Cambodia” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
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Indonesia chaired the 43rd ASEAN Summit, which was held in September 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia. ASEAN’s chairmanship rotates annually among its member states.
In 2023, Indonesia held the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN. Consequently, Indonesia hosted and chaired the ASEAN Summits held during that year. The theme under Indonesia’s chairmanship was “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”.
ASEAN Summits are held twice a year. The 42nd and 43rd ASEAN Summits were both held under the chairmanship of Indonesia in 2023.

173. Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s mariti

Which one among the following statements with regard to India’s maritime initiative, SAGAR, is correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is a platform for conducting joint naval exercises under QUAD” option2=”It aimed at promoting maritime cooperation with countries of the Indian Ocean Region” option3=”It is an alliance of India, USA and Japan to provide safety to merchant ships passing through the Indian Ocean Region” option4=”It is the name given to India’s participation in the Contact Group on Piracy set up by the UN Security Council” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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The correct option is B.
SAGAR is an acronym for “Security and Growth for All in the Region”. It was introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. It is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The core objectives of SAGAR are enhancing maritime security, promoting economic cooperation, building capacity and providing disaster relief in the IOR. It emphasizes strengthening relations with coastal states of the IOR and fostering a secure and stable maritime environment.
Option A is incorrect because SAGAR is a broad policy framework for the entire IOR, not just a platform for QUAD exercises. QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is a separate grouping involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia.
Option B accurately describes the primary aim of SAGAR: promoting maritime cooperation with countries of the Indian Ocean Region.
Option C is incorrect. While SAGAR involves security aspects, it is not an alliance specifically of India, USA, and Japan for merchant ship safety; it’s a broader, more inclusive policy for the region.
Option D is incorrect. SAGAR is a comprehensive regional approach, not limited to India’s participation in the UN Contact Group on Piracy.
SAGAR underscores India’s commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. It involves various facets, including naval cooperation, information sharing, infrastructure development in partner countries, and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It reflects India’s growing strategic importance and its role as a net security provider in the IOR.

174. Consider the following statements about the emblem of the Milano Corti

Consider the following statements about the emblem of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games :

  • 1. The name of the emblem is ‘Futura’
  • 2. The emblem of the Games was decided by a popular vote for the first time in the history of the Olympic

Which of the above statements is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 only” option3=”Both 1 and 2″ option4=”Neither 1 nor 2″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2024
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The correct option is C, Both 1 and 2.
Statement 1 says the name of the emblem is ‘Futura’. This is correct. The official emblem for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games is called ‘Futura’.
Statement 2 says the emblem was decided by a popular vote for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games. This is also correct. The organizers conducted an online public vote between two proposed emblems, ‘Dado’ and ‘Futura’, allowing the public to choose the final design. This method of selecting the emblem was indeed a first for the Olympic Games.
Since both statements are factually correct, option C is the right answer.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The ‘Futura’ emblem features a stylized number ’26’ formed by a single line, conveying the idea of sustainability, future, and dynamism. The public vote received millions of responses from around the world, highlighting the inclusive nature of the selection process.

175. ‘Operation Kaveri’ is a rescue operation launched by the Government of

‘Operation Kaveri’ is a rescue operation launched by the Government of India to evacuate Indian citizens who were stranded in:

[amp_mcq option1=”Kuwait” option2=”Ukraine” option3=”Afghanistan” option4=”Sudan” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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‘Operation Kaveri’ was a large-scale evacuation operation launched by the Government of India in April 2023. Its primary objective was to rescue Indian citizens who were stranded in Sudan amidst a major power struggle between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
– The operation was undertaken to evacuate Indians from Sudan due to intense fighting and deteriorating security conditions.
– It involved coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force.
– Evacuees were brought back to India via Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which served as a transit point.
India deployed naval ships (like INS Sumedha, INS Teg, INS Tarkash) and Indian Air Force aircraft (C-130J) for the evacuation effort. Several thousand Indian citizens and some foreign nationals were safely brought back to India under this operation.

176. The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is organized at:

The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is organized at:

[amp_mcq option1=”Kabaw Valley” option2=”Kashmir Valley” option3=”Dah Hanu Valley” option4=”Upper Dibang Valley” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela is a significant religious festival celebrated by the Kashmiri Pandit community. It is primarily organized at the Ragnya Devi temple in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district, in the Kashmir Valley.
– The festival is held at the Goddess Ragnya Devi temple, commonly known as Kheer Bhawani temple.
– The main shrine is located in Tulmulla, Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
– The mela attracts devotees, particularly Kashmiri Pandits, from across the country and abroad.
The name ‘Kheer Bhawani’ comes from the offering of kheer (rice pudding) made to the goddess. The mela is a symbol of religious harmony and cultural significance in the region. Other locations in Kashmir Valley also have Kheer Bhawani shrines, such as Mata Kheer Bhawani Asthapan in Tikker, Kupwara, and Kheer Bhawani temples in Laktipora Aishmuqam (Anantnag) and Manzgam (Kulgam), which also hold smaller congregations during the mela.

177. The journey of the First Phase of Sagar Parikrama Yatra, an initiative

The journey of the First Phase of Sagar Parikrama Yatra, an initiative of the Government of India, was started from:

[amp_mcq option1=”Andaman and Nicobar Islands” option2=”Maharashtra” option3=”Karnataka” option4=”Gujarat” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
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The Sagar Parikrama Yatra is an initiative launched by the Government of India to interact with fishermen, coastal communities, and stakeholders, aiming to understand their challenges and aspirations, and to promote sustainable fishing practices and coastal development. The first phase of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra commenced on March 5, 2022, starting from Mandvi in Gujarat, covering coastal areas of Gujarat. Subsequent phases have covered other coastal states and Union Territories.
Sagar Parikrama is an outreach program by the Indian government focused on coastal areas and the fisheries sector, with the first phase originating from Gujarat.
The Yatra is undertaken by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, National Fisheries Development Board, and state fisheries departments. It aims to assess the impact of government schemes and promote responsible fisheries.

178. Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a biennial training event between the Indian

Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a biennial training event between the Indian Army and the army of:

[amp_mcq option1=”Nepal” option2=”United Kingdom” option3=”Russia” option4=”Japan” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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Exercise Ajeya Warrior is a joint military training exercise conducted biennially between the Indian Army and the British Army (United Kingdom). It is one of several bilateral exercises between India and the UK, which also include Exercise Konkan (Navy) and Exercise Indra Dhanush (Air Force).
Military exercises between countries are named events aimed at enhancing interoperability, sharing best practices, and strengthening defense cooperation. Exercise Ajeya Warrior is specific to India and the UK.
India conducts joint military exercises with numerous countries. Examples include Exercise Surya Kiran with Nepal, Exercise Dharma Guardian with Japan, and Exercise Indra (though less frequent now) with Russia.

179. Consider the following statements about Khelo India University Games (

Consider the following statements about Khelo India University Games (KIUG):

  • 1. The first edition of KIUG was held in Odisha.
  • 2. The name of the mascot of the third edition of KIUG was Jeetu.
  • 3. The first edition of KIUG was postponed due to COVID.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 2 only” option4=”3 only” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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Statement 1 is correct: The first edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) was held in February-March 2020 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Statement 2 is correct: The third edition of KIUG was held in Uttar Pradesh in 2023 (officially designated as KIUG 2022 due to calendar year). The mascot for the third edition was Jeetu, representing the Barasingha (swamp deer), the state animal of Uttar Pradesh. Statement 3 is incorrect: The first edition of KIUG was successfully completed in February-March 2020, just before the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was imposed in India. Subsequent editions or other sporting events might have been postponed, but the first KIUG was not.
The Khelo India University Games is a national-level multi-sport event for athletes from Indian universities, initiated by the Government of India. The first edition was held in Odisha, and subsequent editions have featured specific mascots.
The KIUG is part of the Indian government’s Khelo India initiative, aimed at promoting grassroots sports and identifying young talent. The second edition of KIUG was held in Karnataka in 2022, with the mascot ‘Veera’.

180. Consider the following statements about IPL cricket tournament : 1.

Consider the following statements about IPL cricket tournament :

  • 1. Two teams won the tournament five times each.
  • 2. Chennai Super Kings remained runner-up in five editions of the tournament.
  • 3. On three occasions, the final was played abroad.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”2 and 3 only” option3=”1 and 2 only” option4=”3 only” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2023
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Statement 1 is correct: As of the 2023 IPL season (the last completed season before the question might have been set), two teams, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), had won the tournament five times each. Statement 2 is correct: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have been runners-up in the IPL final on five occasions: 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019. Statement 3 is incorrect: The IPL final has been played outside India on two occasions: 2009 (South Africa) and 2020 (UAE). The 2014 season had initial matches and playoffs in the UAE, but the final was held in Bengaluru, India. Thus, the final was played abroad only twice.
The IPL has seen multiple winners, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings being the most successful teams historically in terms of title wins (5 each, up to 2023). IPL finals have rarely been held outside India.
The IPL started in 2008. The 2009 season was entirely shifted to South Africa due to general elections in India. The 2014 season’s first phase was held in the UAE for similar reasons, but the final was in India. The 2020 season was held entirely in the UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the final.
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