April 06-07 2025 Current Affairs MCQs

Explanation

Both statements are incorrect

• CSIR-NAL signed its first-ever aircraft technology transfer agreement with the private sector to manufacture India’s first indigenous trainer, Hansa-3 NG, for commercial pilot training.
• What is Hansa-3 NG?
  • Next generation, 2-seater, low-wing, all-composite light trainer aircraft developed indigenously by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL). Nearly 50% cheaper than imported trainers.
  • Designed for ab-initio flying training and used by flying clubs.
  • Hansa-3 NG is also suited for defense training, NCC cadets, and coastal surveillance roles; E-HANSA (electric variant) is under development to promote green aviation.
• Features and Design:
  • Equipped with Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine (fuel-efficient, digitally controlled); electrically operated flaps for ease of handling.
  • Composite airframe using carbon and fiberglass materials for lightweight structure.
  • Digital glass cockpit enhances situational awareness.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statements 1 is correct

• About Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree at Anuradhapura:
  • Brought by Sanghamitta: Princess Sanghamitta, daughter of Emperor Ashoka and a Buddhist nun, carried the sapling to Sri Lanka around the 3rd century BCE to propagate Buddhism.
  • Sacred Lineage: Believed to have grown from a branch of the original Bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, Bihar, under which Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
  • Annual Commemoration: Her arrival is celebrated through the Uduvapa Poya festival, designated as “Sanghamitta Day” on the full moon in December.
  • Pilgrimage and Heritage Site: Situated in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of a wider complex of revered Buddhist monuments.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Sanghamitta & Bhikkhuni Sangha:
  • Founder of Bhikkhuni Sangha: Sanghamitta established Bhikkhuni Sangha (locally called Bhikkhuni Sasana or Meheini Sasna) in Sri Lanka as part of Dhamma-Vinaya tradition begun by Buddha in India.
  • Flourishing Monastic Order: Bhikkhuni Sangha thrived in Sri Lanka for over 1000 years, playing a significant role in the spiritual and monastic landscape of the island.
  • Disappearance in 1017 AD: The Order declined following the 1017 AD invasion by the Cholas, Hindu rulers from South India, which disrupted Buddhist monastic life for several years.

Statement 3 is correct

• Mahinda is credited with converting King Devanampiya Tissa (307 BC-267 BC) to Buddhism.
• Devanapiya Tissa was one of the earliest kings of Sri Lanka based at the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Pair 2 is incorrect, other pairs are correct

• The 7 priority sectors for BIMSTEC cooperation (as identified in the virtual BIMSTEC Colombo summit on 30 March 2022) are:
  1. Trade, Investment and Development – Bangladesh
  2. Environment and Climate Change – Bhutan
  3. Security and Energy – India
  4. Agriculture and Food Security – Myanmar
  5. People-to-people Contact – Nepal
  6. Science, Technology and Innovation – Sri Lanka
  7. Connectivity – Thailand

Answer: (a) Only one; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• The Western Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) is endemic to the Western Himalayas, especially northern Pakistan and some regions of Jammu & Kashmir in India.
• Also known as the Western Woolly Flying Squirrel. It is one of the biggest gliding animals. It was rediscovered in 1994 after a gap of nearly 70 years.

Statements 2 and 3 are correct

• Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered | CITES: Not Included | Wildlife Protection Act: Schedule I.
• It is harvested for its believed role in the production of the traditional medicinal substance Shilajit, which is thought to be made up of the species’ faecal and urine deposits.
• It is a nocturnal (active at night) species.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• The Gulf of Tonkin is a crescent-shaped, shallow, semi-enclosed water body situated in the north-western portion of the South China Sea.
• It is known as the ‘Beibu Gulf’ in China and the ‘Bac Bo Gulf’ in Vietnam.
• It is bounded by: China (north and east), Hainan Island (east), and northern Vietnam (west).
• The Gulf of Tonkin is connected with the South China Sea via the gulf’s mouth in the south and the Hainan Strait (Qiongzhou Strait) in the northeast.
• Rivers: The gulf receives the Red River.

Answer: (c) South China Sea; Difficulty Level: Easy

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct

• Kannadippaya is indeed the first tribal handicraft from Kerala to receive the GI tag.
• Preserving Tribes: Crafted by Oorali, Mannan, Muthuva, Malayan, Kadar, Ulladan, Malayarayan, and Hill Pulaya communities

Statement 2 is incorrect

• ‘Kannadippaya’ means mirror mat owing to its shiny, reflective surface pattern.
• Kannadippaya is not a textile made from cotton and jute; rather, it is a traditional handwoven mat crafted using the soft inner layers of reed bamboo (Teinostachyum wightii); also uses Ochlandra sp.
• Unique Features: Thermal regulation (warm in winter & cool in summer); biodegradable.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Distinguished by its intricate, reflective weaving pattern.

Answer: (a) 1 only; Difficulty Level: Medium

Explanation

Both statements are correct

• Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2023 for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26 with a financial allocation of Rs. 4800 Crore.
• Aim: Comprehensive development of villages of blocks on the northern border, thus improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages.
• Implementation: It was implemented in the select villages abutting the northern border in the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and UT of Ladakh.
• It provided funds for the development of essential infrastructure and the creation of livelihood opportunities to help achieve inclusive growth and retain the population in the border areas.
• The district administration will create Vibrant Village Action Plans with the help of Gram Panchayats.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Easy