China Begins World's Largest Hydropower Dam Project
China has officially commenced construction of what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam, located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. The project is part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, and aims to generate over 60 gigawatts of electricity—surpassing the current record-holder, the Three Gorges Dam. This dam is expected to support China’s push toward carbon neutrality by 2060, though it has raised environmental and geopolitical concerns, particularly from downstream countries like India and Bangladesh.
MCQs:
1. Where is China building the world's largest hydropower dam?
A) Yangtze River
B) Yellow River
C) Yarlung Tsangpo River
D) Mekong River
Answer: C) Yarlung Tsangpo River
2. What is the expected power generation capacity of the new dam?
A) 20 GW
B) 30 GW
C) 60 GW
D) 100 GW
Answer: C) 60 GW
3. Which country has raised concerns over this dam project?
A) Nepal
B) India
C) Japan
D) Myanmar
Answer: B) India
Maharashtra: State Govt Signs MoU with IIT-B
The Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) to collaborate on a wide range of developmental projects. These include infrastructure development, sustainable urban planning, digital governance, and skilling initiatives. The partnership aims to leverage IIT-B’s research capabilities to address real-world governance challenges and boost innovation in public service delivery.
MCQs:
1. Which IIT signed an MoU with the Maharashtra Government?
A) IIT Delhi
B) IIT Bombay
C) IIT Kanpur
D) IIT Madras
Answer: B) IIT Bombay
2. What is a key focus area of the MoU between IIT-B and Maharashtra?
A) Space exploration
B) Public-private partnerships
C) Sustainable urban planning
D) Agricultural subsidies
Answer: C) Sustainable urban planning
3. What is the primary aim of the MoU?
A) Promote tourism
B) Build new universities
C) Improve governance through innovation
D) Fund startups
Answer: C) Improve governance through innovation
Centre Launches SASCI Scheme to Develop Iconic Tourist Destinations
The central government has launched the SASCI (Strategic Action for Sustainable Cultural and Iconic) Destinations Scheme to promote and develop iconic tourist locations across India. The scheme aims to blend heritage preservation with modern amenities and aims to boost employment and local economies. Priority destinations under SASCI include Hampi, Varanasi, Konark, and Khajuraho.
MCQs:
1. What is the full form of SASCI?
A) Scheme for All-State Cultural Integration
B) Strategic Action for Sustainable Cultural and Iconic
C) Sustainable and Smart Cultural Investment
D) Scheme for Advancing Spiritual and Cultural India
Answer: B) Strategic Action for Sustainable Cultural and Iconic
2. Which of the following is one of the priority destinations under SASCI?
A) Shimla
B) Kochi
C) Khajuraho
D) Pune
Answer: C) Khajuraho
3. What is a key objective of the SASCI scheme?
A) Build new temples
B) Train tourist guides
C) Blend heritage with modern amenities
D) Offer free travel packages
Answer: C) Blend heritage with modern amenities
India's Rising Abstention at the United Nations
India's pattern of abstaining from key votes at the United Nations, particularly on issues related to global conflicts and sanctions, has gained attention in recent months. Analysts say this reflects a strategy of strategic autonomy, allowing India to maintain balanced relations with both the West and other powers like Russia and China. Critics, however, argue that abstentions may weaken India’s moral positioning on human rights and international law.
MCQs:
1. What trend has India shown at recent UN votes?
A) Voting aggressively
B) Increasing support for the West
C) Rising abstentions
D) Supporting only Asian countries
Answer: C) Rising abstentions
2. Which policy does India’s abstention trend align with?
A) Non-alignment 2.0
B) Strategic autonomy
C) Global isolationism
D) UN-centric diplomacy
Answer: B) Strategic autonomy
3. Critics argue that India’s abstentions might:
A) Strengthen military alliances
B) Weaken its moral stance
C) Boost economic exports
D) Encourage immigration
Answer: B) Weaken its moral stance
India to Host 2025 Chess World Cup from Oct 30 to Nov 27
India has been chosen to host the 2025 FIDE Chess World Cup, scheduled from October 30 to November 27. This prestigious event will see participation from over 200 international chess players and is expected to boost the game’s popularity in India. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) is working closely with FIDE and the central government to ensure smooth logistics and promotion.
MCQs:
1. When will the 2025 Chess World Cup be held in India?
A) June 1–July 10
B) October 30–November 27
C) March 5–April 15
D) December 1–December 31
Answer: B) October 30–November 27
2. Which organization is coordinating with the Indian government for the event?
A) AIBA
B) FIDE
C) ICC
D) IAAF
Answer: B) FIDE
3. How many players are expected to participate?
A) 50
B) 100
C) Over 200
D) 300
Answer: C) Over 200
Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns as Vice President Citing Health Reasons
Jagdeep Dhankhar has resigned from his post as the Vice President of India due to health-related concerns. His resignation was officially submitted to the President and accepted promptly. Dhankhar, who has been a vocal figure in Indian politics and previously served as Governor of West Bengal, had taken office as Vice President in 2022. Speculations are now rife regarding potential successors ahead of the next parliamentary session.
MCQs:
1. Why did Jagdeep Dhankhar resign as Vice President?
A) Political conflict
B) Health reasons
C) Retirement age
D) Legal issues
Answer: B) Health reasons
2. Which position did Dhankhar hold before becoming Vice President?
A) Chief Minister of Rajasthan
B) Governor of West Bengal
C) Speaker of Lok Sabha
D) Minister of External Affairs
Answer: B) Governor of West Bengal
3. In which year did Jagdeep Dhankhar become Vice President?
A) 2019
B) 2020
C) 2022
D) 2023
Answer: C) 2022
