Answer: B

Explanation:

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which has attained the prestigious Maharatna status, becoming the 14th Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) in India to receive this recognition. This milestone marks a significant achievement for HAL, which is a prominent player in the Indian aerospace and defence sector.

Statement I is correct as a prerequisite for Maharatna status is Navratna status.

Statement II is incorrect; the required turnover is over ₹25,000 crore, not ₹50,000 crore.

Statement III is correct, as significant international operations are necessary for qualifying for Maharatna status.

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement I is correct as the prize was awarded to the mentioned economists for their contributions. Statement II is incorrect because the prize was created by the Sweden's central bank, not the Nobel Committee. Statement III is correct as the official name includes the Bank of Sweden.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Recently the 5th National Water Awards were announced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The first prize in the Best State category has been given to Odisha, while Uttar Pradesh has got the second and Gujarat and Puducherry have jointly got the third place.

•  The first National Water Awards were started by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2018.


•  The National Water Awards (NWA) focus on the good work and efforts done by individuals and organisations across the country to realise the Government’s dream of a ‘Water Prosperous India’.


•   These awards are meant to create awareness among people about the importance of water and motivate them to adopt best practices for water use.

Answer: A

Explanation:

The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise, KAZIND-2024 was concluded on October 13, 2024. Conducted from September 30 to October 13, this annual training event aimed to enhance the military capabilities of both nations, particularly in counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate.

• The Indian contingent, comprising 120 personnel from the Kumaon Regiment and other services, and the Kazakhstan contingent, with 60 personnel from the Army Force, Air Defence Force, and Airborne Assault units, conducted joint exercises focusing on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrains.


• Key tactical activities included area capture operations, response to terrorist actions, establishment of joint command posts, and cordon-and-search operations, which also utilized drones and anti-drone systems.


• KAZIND-2024 promoted interoperability and camaraderie between the armed forces of both countries, enhancing defense cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations.


• The exercise underscores the commitment of India and Kazakhstan to work collaboratively in addressing regional security challenges.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) 2024 aims to establish 47 GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to stabilize the grid and support renewable energy integration.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Although land acquisition is a challenge, the NEP does not prioritize it as a major component of its implementation strategy.

Statement 3 is correct: The plan includes provisions for enhancing cross-border electricity connectivity with neighboring countries, facilitating energy exchange and improving inter-regional transmission capacity.