Ans: A

Exp: 

The Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, launched the inaugural issue of NITI Aayog’s report titled “Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025” in New Delhi recently.

About Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025

• It is aimed to evolve an understanding of the fiscal health of states in India.
• Statement 1 is correct: The report uses data sourced from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) to calculate the Fiscal Health Index.
• Coverage: It covers eighteen major states that drive the Indian economy in terms of their contribution to India’s GDP, demography, total public expenditure, revenues, and overall fiscal stability. 
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Fiscal Health Index 2025 is the first report of its kind. It was released in January 2025.
• Sub Indices: The study identifies five major sub-indices to calculate the composite FHI index and assess states’ fiscal health. 
  • The five major sub-indices are Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilization, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability. 
• Statement 3 is incorrect: Odisha is the top-performing state in the Fiscal Health Index 2025, with the highest overall index score of 67.8.

Ans: B

Exp: 

In a significant step toward advancing India’s scientific capabilities and bolstering the blue economy, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology announced that the country is set to launch its first human underwater submersible (Deep-Sea Manned Vehicle) this year.

About Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

• • Statement 1 is incorrect: DOM is India’s ambitious program for underwater exploration, primarily implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
  • It is a mission mode project to support the Blue Economy Initiatives of the Government of India.

• Mission pillars: 

• • Technology Development: Includes developing technologies for deep-sea mining and a manned submersible capable of reaching a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean, with a focus on mining polymetallic nodules.
  • Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Involves ocean observations and models for understanding and projecting future climate changes.
  • Biodiversity Conservation: Aims at developing technological innovations for the exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity.
  • Deep-Ocean Survey and Exploration: Focuses on identifying potential sites of multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides mineralization along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean: Aims to harness energy and freshwater resources from the ocean.
  • Marine Station for Ocean Biology: Establishing an advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology to promote talent and opportunities in ocean biology and blue biotechnology.

Matsya 6000 Submersible:

• Statement 3 is correct: Matsya6000 is India’s flagship deep-ocean submersible designed to reach a depth of 6,000 meters.
• It accommodates a crew of three members and is equipped with scientific sensors and tools for observations, sample collection, and experimentation.

Ans: D

Exp:

Recently, Kerala Chief Minister launched KaWaCHaM, one of the world’s fastest weather alert systems.

KaWaCHaM: Kerala’s Advanced Disaster Preparedness System

• KaWaCHaM (Kerala Warnings Crisis and Hazards Management System) is an advanced disaster warning system symbolizing protection.Hence, option (d) is correct.
• Developed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project, with funding from the National Disaster Management Authority and the World Bank.
• Integrates global weather models, sirens, and alerts for improved disaster preparedness and public safety.

Ans: B

Exp: 

India has, as an observer state, officially joined the Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS) or Eurodrone programme, managed by the Bonn-based Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and led by Taufkirchen-based aerospace company Airbus Defence and Space.

About Eurodrone programme:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Eurodrone is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS) designed for long-endurance missions, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). 
  • It is a key part of Europe’s collective defence strategy.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Eurodrone programme is a collaborative initiative involving Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, and it is managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR).
• Statement 3 is correct: India joined the Eurodrone programme as an observer state, following Japan. 
  • India’s participation highlights its effort to strengthen defence cooperation with European nations.

Ans: B

Exp: 

Madhya Pradesh High Court has asked actor Saif Ali Khan to approach the appellate authority against an order of the central government that declared historical properties of the Pataudi family in Bhopal, estimated to be worth Rs 15,000 crore, as “enemy property”.

About Enemy Property in India:

• Statement 1 is correct: Enemy property refers to the assets, both movable and immovable, left behind in India by individuals who migrated to countries designated as “enemy nations” during times of conflict.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: Under the Enemy Property Act, 1968, properties that are declared as enemy assets remain permanently vested with the Custodian of Enemy Property, with no room for inheritance or transfer.
  • The law provides the legal framework for the central government to manage and retain control of enemy properties across various states.
• Statement 3 is correct: The 2017 Amendment reinforced that enemy property remains with the Custodian, nullifying inheritance claims irrespective of their citizenship, whether Indian or from a non-enemy nation.