May 20, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz: May 08, 2025

May 8, 2025
World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day is observed on May 8 to commemorate the birth anniversary of which individual?
  • (A) Florence Nightingale
  • (B) Louis Pasteur
  • (C) Jean Henri Fabre
  • (D) Henry Dunant
Show Answer

Answer: D

Observed on 8 May 2025

Aim : to commemorate Henry Dunant’s birthday—founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and first Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

  • Founder & History:
    • Henry Dunant born in Geneva, 1828.
    • Established the ICRC in 1863 and received the inaugural Nobel Peace Prize in 1901.
    • First celebrated in 1948; renamed in 1984 to include Red Crescent societies.
What is the theme for International Thalassaemia Day 2025?
  • (A) "Strengthening Global Health Systems"
  • (B) "Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients"
  • (C) "Innovate to Cure"
  • (D) "Empowering Lives Through Awareness"
Show Answer

Answer: B

World Thalassaemia Day is marked on 8 May 2025

Aim : to raise awareness about thalassaemia and honor patients, families, and caregivers worldwide.

  • Established in 1994 by the Thalassaemia International Federation (TIF).
  • 2025 theme: “Together for Thalassaemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritising Patients.”
  • Disease Overview:
    • Genetic blood disorder characterized by reduced hemoglobin synthesis.
    • Requires regular blood transfusions and chelation therapy; widespread in South Asia and Mediterranean regions.
Which organization developed the Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM) recently tested by the Indian Navy?
  • (A) Bharat Electronics Limited
  • (B) Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL)
  • (C) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
  • (D) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
Show Answer

Answer: B

Current Context: Recently, DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Multi Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), enhancing underwater defence capabilities against stealth vessels.

About MIGM:

  • Background:
    • Designed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam.
    • Collaboration with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Apollo Microsystems Limited.
  • Technological Features:
    • Multi-sensor Detection: Acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signature sensors.
    • Deployment Modes: Cable-controlled mode for remote operation; autonomous mode for pattern-based targeting.
    • Materials & Electronics: FRP composites, high-density power packs, embedded software for target discrimination.
What is the primary objective of the ECINET platform launched by the Election Commission of India?
  • (A) To conduct electronic voting in general elections
  • (B) To monitor election expenditures of candidates
  • (C) To provide online political campaign tools
  • (D) To integrate multiple electoral applications into a single interface
Show Answer

Answer: D

Current Context: The Election Commission of India announced ECINET as a unified digital portal in May 2025, consolidating over 40 electoral applications into one interface.

About ECINET:

  • Platform Scope:
    • Integrates apps including Voter Helpline, cVIGIL, Voter Turnout, Suvidha 2.0, ESMS, and more.
    • Aims to eliminate multiple downloads/login requirements.
  • User Benefits:
    • Single-window access for 100+ crore electors, 5 lakh Booth Level Officers, and 45 lakh polling staff.
    • Real-time notifications, grievance redressal, and streamlined workflows.
Operation Sindoor, launched by India in May 2025, targeted terrorist infrastructure in which regions?
  • (A) Pakistan and Afghanistan
  • (B) Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir
  • (C) Bangladesh and Myanmar
  • (D) Nepal and Bhutan
Show Answer

Answer: B

Current Context: On 7 May 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes on nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK), in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen.

About Operation Sindoor:

  • Background:
    • Initiated as a direct response to the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which was planned and directed from camps across the border.
    • Aimed at dismantling bases used by groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizbul Mujahideen, and “The Resistance Front.”
  • Targets:
    • Nine sites including Markaz Subhan Allah, Syedna Bilal (JeM), Sarjal (Tehra Kalan), and Markaz Abbas(Kotli).
    • These camps were involved in training terrorists for attacks in India, including 26/11 Mumbai.
  • Symbolism of the Name:
    • “Sindoor” (vermilion) is applied by Hindu married women—spilled sindoor in the operation’s logo symbolizes the blood of 25 murdered spouses and the vow to avenge.
Which of the following genome-edited rice varieties was developed by ICAR–IIRR, Hyderabad?
  • (A) DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)
  • (B) Pusa DST Rice 1
  • (C) IR64
  • (D) Swarna Sub1
Show Answer

Answer: A

Current Context: India has developed the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties, DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1, using CRISPR-Cas technology to enhance yield and climate resilience.

About Genome-Edited Rice Varieties:

  • DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala): Developed by ICAR–IIRR (Indian Institute of Rice Research), Hyderabad, by targeting the CKX2 (Cytokinin Oxidase 2) gene to increase grain numbers per panicle.
  • Pusa DST Rice 1: Developed by ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, as an improved version of the fine-grain rice MTU1010 (Cottondora Sannalu).
  • Benefits: These varieties promise a 20-30% yield increase, superior drought tolerance, high nitrogen-utilization efficiency, reduced water consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions from rice cultivation.
  • Approval: Genome editing of Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 types of genes has been approved under India’s biosafety regulations for general crops.
Consider the following statements regarding the Igla-S man-portable air defense system (MANPADS):
1. It is a Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) with a maximum range of up to 6 kilometers.
2. The system uses radar-guided homing technology to track and destroy aerial targets.
3. It is capable of engaging drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • (A) 1 and 2 only
  • (B) 1 and 3 only
  • (C) 2 and 3 only
  • (D) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Current Context: The Indian Army has received a new batch of Russian-made Igla-S man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to bolster its capabilities against low-flying aerial threats.

About Igla-S:

  • Type: Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS)
  • Features:
    • Infrared homing for target acquisition
    • Effective against drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft
    • Range: Up to 6 km; Altitude: Up to 3.5 km
  • Deployment: Supplied to forward formations to counter threats along the borders.
Which state hosted the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 for the first time?
  • (A) Uttar Pradesh
  • (B) Bihar
  • (C) Madhya Pradesh
  • (D) Odisha
Show Answer

Answer: B

Current Context: The seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games commenced on May 4, 2025, in Bihar, marking the state’s inaugural hosting of this national multi-sport event.

Key Highlights:

  • Duration: May 4 – 15, 2025
  • Host Cities: Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and events in New Delhi
  • Participants: Over 10,000, including more than 6,000 athletes
  • Sports: 27 disciplines, with esports introduced as a demonstration sport
  • Notable Additions: Inclusion of sepaktakraw as a medal sport.
Under which Article of the Indian Constitution was Sujata Chaturvedi appointed as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)?
  • (A) Article 314
  • (B) Article 315
  • (C) Article 316
  • (D) Article 324
Show Answer

Answer: C

Current Context: Recently, Sujata Chaturvedi, a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, was appointed as a Member of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

Profile:

  • Educational Background: Postgraduate degree in History, M.Phil in Public Administration, and a Diploma in Russian language
  • Career Highlights: Served in various key positions at both state and central levels, including as Sports Secretary
  • Tenure: Her term as UPSC member will be governed by Article 316 of the Constitution of India.

 

With reference to the world’s first AI-powered Gold-Melting ATM launched in Hyderabad, consider the following statements:
1. It allows users to both buy and sell gold, as well as test its purity.
2. It provides instant valuation and facilitates direct bank transfers within minutes.
3. It integrates Augmented Reality (AR) for virtual jewellery try-on and AI-based security features.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
  • (A) 1 and 2 only
  • (B) 2 and 3 only
  • (C) 1 and 3 only
  • (D) 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

Current Context: Hyderabad-based fintech company Goldsikka has unveiled the world’s first AI-powered Gold-Melting ATM, enhancing the way users interact with gold transactions.

Features and Functionalities:

  • Services Offered:
    • Buy and sell gold
    • Melting and purity testing
    • Instant valuation based on real-time market prices
    • Direct bank transfer within 30 minutes
  • Technological Integrations:
    • Augmented Reality (AR) for virtual jewellery try-on
    • AI-based security measures, including Aadhaar verification and ID proof checks
    • Automated crime detection and alert systems

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