Official Syllabus Item: 17
Current Affairs & National Events
Current Affairs, National Milestones & Defence Developments
Comprehensive RIMC preparation for Current Affairs & National Milestones: constitutional dignitaries (President Droupadi Murmu, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, Service Chiefs), ISRO space feats (Chandrayaan-3, Shiv Shakti Point, National Space Day, Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan), engineering marvels (New Parliament, Sengol, Chenab Rail Bridge, Atal Setu, Sela Tunnel), G20 New Delhi Summit, and flagship national schemes.
Overview & Fundamental Concept
Current affairs and awareness of recent national and international developments represent a decisive scoring segment in the RIMC Stage-I General Knowledge examination. Designed to identify prospective military leaders possessing broad geopolitical awareness and patriotic pride, testing evaluates candidates on high-level constitutional and defence appointments, ISRO's space exploration milestones, record-breaking national infrastructure achievements, international multilateral summits hosted by India, and landmark policy initiatives.
Official Syllabus Coverage Breakdown
| Syllabus Item | Prescribed Scope | Exam Relevance & Pedagogical Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Current Affairs | Thorough mastery of contemporary national events: Constitutional and military leadership (President, Prime Minister, CJI, CDS, Chiefs of Army, Navy, Air Staff), ISRO missions (Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, Gaganyaan, National Space Day on 23 August), national engineering marvels (New Parliament House, Sengol, Chenab Rail Bridge, Atal Setu, Sela Tunnel), multilateral diplomacy (G20 Summit 2023, African Union admission), and national flagship initiatives (PM-SHRI, NEP 2020). |
1. Constitutional Dignitaries & Armed Forces High Command (Item 17)
Candidates must be thoroughly acquainted with the foremost constitutional and military appointments in India:
| Constitutional / Defence Office | Current Incumbent | Significance & Key Constitutional Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| President of India | Smt. Droupadi Murmu | 15th President of India; first person from a tribal community (Santhal tribe, Mayurbhanj, Odisha) and second woman to hold the highest constitutional office; Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces. |
| Vice President of India | Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar | 14th Vice President of India; ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). |
| Prime Minister of India | Shri Narendra Modi | Leader of the Union Council of Ministers; Head of the Government; Chairman of NITI Aayog and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). |
| Chief Justice of India (CJI) | Justice Sanjiv Khanna | 51st Chief Justice of India; head of the Supreme Court of India and the federal judicial system. |
| Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) | General Anil Chauhan | 2nd Chief of Defence Staff; principal military adviser to the Union Minister of Defence and permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). (First CDS was late Gen Bipin Rawat). |
| Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) | General Upendra Dwivedi | 30th Chief of the Army Staff; operational commander of the Indian Army. |
| Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) | Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi | 26th Chief of the Naval Staff; operational commander of the Indian Navy. |
| Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) | Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh | 28th Chief of the Air Staff; operational commander of the Indian Air Force. |
| Speaker of the Lok Sabha | Shri Om Birla | Presiding officer of the House of the People (18th Lok Sabha). |
2. ISRO's Historic Space Exploration Milestones
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), founded on 15 August 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and headquartered in Bengaluru, has achieved historic global milestones:
• Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
- Launch: 14 July 2023 on board the LVM3-M4 launch vehicle ('Fat Boy') from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
- Historic Touchdown: On 23 August 2023 at 18:04 IST, the Vikram Lander successfully executed an automated soft landing on the Moon with the Pragyan Rover.
- World Records: India became the FIRST country in human history to land near the lunar South Pole and the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon (after the USSR, USA, and China).
- Naming of Lunar Sites:
• 'Shiv Shakti Point': The official name designated for the touchdown point of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander near the lunar South Pole.
• 'Tiranga Point': The impact site of the Chandrayaan-2 crash lander (2019).
- National Space Day: The Government of India officially proclaimed 23 August as 'National Space Day' to celebrate this historic scientific achievement every year.
• Aditya-L1 Solar Mission:
- Launched on 2 September 2023 by PSLV-C57; India's first dedicated space-based observatory to study the Sun's photosphere, chromosphere, corona, and solar wind.
- Placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system (situated roughly 1.5 million km from Earth) on 6 January 2024, providing an unobstructed continuous view of the Sun without eclipses.
• Gaganyaan Programme:
- India's first indigenous human spaceflight mission aiming to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to a 400 km low Earth orbit for a 3-day mission and returning them safely to Indian sea waters.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the four Indian Air Force astronaut-designates in February 2024: Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Prathap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
- Female humanoid robot Vyommitra will fly in uncrewed test missions prior to the crewed launch.
• Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
- Launch: 14 July 2023 on board the LVM3-M4 launch vehicle ('Fat Boy') from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
- Historic Touchdown: On 23 August 2023 at 18:04 IST, the Vikram Lander successfully executed an automated soft landing on the Moon with the Pragyan Rover.
- World Records: India became the FIRST country in human history to land near the lunar South Pole and the fourth nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moon (after the USSR, USA, and China).
- Naming of Lunar Sites:
• 'Shiv Shakti Point': The official name designated for the touchdown point of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander near the lunar South Pole.
• 'Tiranga Point': The impact site of the Chandrayaan-2 crash lander (2019).
- National Space Day: The Government of India officially proclaimed 23 August as 'National Space Day' to celebrate this historic scientific achievement every year.
• Aditya-L1 Solar Mission:
- Launched on 2 September 2023 by PSLV-C57; India's first dedicated space-based observatory to study the Sun's photosphere, chromosphere, corona, and solar wind.
- Placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1 (L1) of the Sun-Earth system (situated roughly 1.5 million km from Earth) on 6 January 2024, providing an unobstructed continuous view of the Sun without eclipses.
• Gaganyaan Programme:
- India's first indigenous human spaceflight mission aiming to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to a 400 km low Earth orbit for a 3-day mission and returning them safely to Indian sea waters.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the four Indian Air Force astronaut-designates in February 2024: Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Group Captain Ajit Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Prathap, and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.
- Female humanoid robot Vyommitra will fly in uncrewed test missions prior to the crewed launch.
3. National Engineering Marvels & Infrastructure Landmarks
• The New Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan):
- Inaugurated on 28 May 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project in New Delhi, designed by chief architect Bimal Patel (HCP Design).
- Design & Symbolism: Built in a triangular layout to optimize space. The Lok Sabha chamber has 888 seats themed after India's National Bird, the Peacock; the Rajya Sabha chamber has 384 seats themed after India's National Flower, the Lotus.
- The Sengol (Golden Sceptre): A 5-foot-long sacred golden sceptre crowned with the recumbent bull Nandi (symbolizing truth, justice, and righteousness), originating from the ancient Chola dynasty of Tamil Nadu. It was handed to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 14 August 1947 to symbolize the transfer of power, and was ceremonially installed next to the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair in the new Parliament.
• Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link / MTHL):
- Inaugurated in January 2024; a 21.8-km-long 6-lane sea bridge (16.5 km over the Arabian Sea) connecting Sewri in South Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, making it the longest sea bridge in India.
• Chenab Railway Arch Bridge:
- Located in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). It is the world's highest railway arch bridge, towering 359 meters (1,178 ft) above the Chenab riverbed (35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris).
• Sela Tunnel:
- Dedicated to the nation in March 2024 by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Situated in West Kameng / Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude above 13,000 feet, it is the world's longest bi-lane highway tunnel at high altitude, ensuring all-weather strategic connectivity to Tawang near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Inaugurated on 28 May 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project in New Delhi, designed by chief architect Bimal Patel (HCP Design).
- Design & Symbolism: Built in a triangular layout to optimize space. The Lok Sabha chamber has 888 seats themed after India's National Bird, the Peacock; the Rajya Sabha chamber has 384 seats themed after India's National Flower, the Lotus.
- The Sengol (Golden Sceptre): A 5-foot-long sacred golden sceptre crowned with the recumbent bull Nandi (symbolizing truth, justice, and righteousness), originating from the ancient Chola dynasty of Tamil Nadu. It was handed to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on 14 August 1947 to symbolize the transfer of power, and was ceremonially installed next to the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair in the new Parliament.
• Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link / MTHL):
- Inaugurated in January 2024; a 21.8-km-long 6-lane sea bridge (16.5 km over the Arabian Sea) connecting Sewri in South Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai, making it the longest sea bridge in India.
• Chenab Railway Arch Bridge:
- Located in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir, on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). It is the world's highest railway arch bridge, towering 359 meters (1,178 ft) above the Chenab riverbed (35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris).
• Sela Tunnel:
- Dedicated to the nation in March 2024 by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Situated in West Kameng / Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude above 13,000 feet, it is the world's longest bi-lane highway tunnel at high altitude, ensuring all-weather strategic connectivity to Tawang near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
4. Multilateral Diplomacy: G20 New Delhi Summit & National Schemes
• G20 New Delhi Leaders' Summit (September 2023):
- India held the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023 under the Sanskrit theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' ('One Earth · One Family · One Future'), drawn from the ancient Maha Upanishad.
- Held on 9–10 September 2023 at the newly constructed Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan, New Delhi).
- Historic Breakthrough: The 55-nation African Union (AU) was formally inducted as a permanent member of the G20, matching the status of the European Union.
- Major Declarations: Unanimous adoption of the 100% consensus New Delhi Leaders' Declaration; launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA); and announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Major National Policy Initiatives:
- National Education Policy (NEP 2020): Replaced the 34-year-old 1986 policy, introducing a new 5+3+3+4 pedagogical structure (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, Secondary) replacing the old 10+2 system.
- PM-SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India): Upgrading over 14,500 schools across India to showcase modern NEP pedagogy.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: Release of five Positive Indigenisation Lists banning imports of over 500 defence items, accelerating indigenous production of LCA Tejas Mk1A, Arjun tanks, Pinaka rocket systems, and nuclear attack submarines.
- India held the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023 under the Sanskrit theme 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' ('One Earth · One Family · One Future'), drawn from the ancient Maha Upanishad.
- Held on 9–10 September 2023 at the newly constructed Bharat Mandapam (Pragati Maidan, New Delhi).
- Historic Breakthrough: The 55-nation African Union (AU) was formally inducted as a permanent member of the G20, matching the status of the European Union.
- Major Declarations: Unanimous adoption of the 100% consensus New Delhi Leaders' Declaration; launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA); and announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Major National Policy Initiatives:
- National Education Policy (NEP 2020): Replaced the 34-year-old 1986 policy, introducing a new 5+3+3+4 pedagogical structure (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, Secondary) replacing the old 10+2 system.
- PM-SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India): Upgrading over 14,500 schools across India to showcase modern NEP pedagogy.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: Release of five Positive Indigenisation Lists banning imports of over 500 defence items, accelerating indigenous production of LCA Tejas Mk1A, Arjun tanks, Pinaka rocket systems, and nuclear attack submarines.
High-Yield Facts & Concept Reference Matrix
| Topic / Entity | High-Yield Exam Details |
|---|---|
| Top Constitutional & Military Dignitaries | President: Smt. Droupadi Murmu (15th); VP: Jagdeep Dhankhar (14th); PM: Narendra Modi; CJI: Justice Sanjiv Khanna (51st); CDS: Gen Anil Chauhan; COAS: Gen Upendra Dwivedi; CNS: Adm Dinesh K Tripathi; CAS: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh; Lok Sabha Speaker: Om Birla. |
| Chandrayaan-3 Historical Records | Landed: 23 August 2023; World's 1st soft landing near lunar South Pole; 4th country to land on Moon; Landing site: 'Shiv Shakti Point'; Impact site of Chandrayaan-2: 'Tiranga Point'; National Space Day: 23 August. |
| ISRO Frontier Solar & Crewed Missions | Aditya-L1: Solar observatory at Sun-Earth L1 Lagrange point (~1.5M km); Gaganyaan: First human spaceflight to 400 km orbit; Astronaut designates: PK Nair, A Krishnan, A Prathap, S Shukla; Humanoid robot: Vyommitra. |
| New Parliament House & Sengol | Inaugurated: 28 May 2023; Architect: Bimal Patel; Lok Sabha themed on Peacock (888 seats); Rajya Sabha themed on Lotus (384 seats); Sengol: 5-ft golden sceptre crowned with Nandi from Chola dynasty, symbol of righteous power. |
| Record National Engineering Marvels | Atal Setu (MTHL): Longest sea bridge in India (21.8 km); Chenab Bridge: World's highest railway arch bridge (359 m above riverbed in J&K); Sela Tunnel: World's longest bi-lane tunnel at >13,000 ft in Arunachal Pradesh. |
| G20 New Delhi Summit 2023 | Held 9-10 Sept 2023 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi; Theme: 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (One Earth, One Family, One Future); Historic achievement: African Union inducted as permanent member; IMEC corridor launched. |
Illustrated Conceptual Diagrams & Visual Schematics
Cadet 360° General Knowledge Assessment Radar
Cadet Awareness Spectrum: RIMC Stage-I General Knowledge tests comprehensive situational awareness across 6 interconnected pillars: (1) National Governance & Constitutional Organs, (2) Defence Forces & Armed Forces Modernization, (3) Space & Defense Technology (ISRO & DRDO), (4) Global Geopolitics & Treaties, (5) Geography, Ecology & Conservation, and (6) Sports Laurels & National Honors.
Topper Strategy & Descriptive Step Breakdown
Mastering RIMC General Knowledge Standard
In RIMC, clear step-by-step layout is essential. Write down all given values, declare formulas before substitution, and conclude with full sentences with proper units.
Objective Elimination Technique
Analyze options systematically. Rule out extreme or chronologically incompatible dates before selecting the final answer.
Cadet Elimination Strategies & High-Yield Tips
Topper Strategy #1
National Space Day Date Trigger: National Space Day is on 23 AUGUST (commemorating the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on 23 August 2023). National Science Day is on 28 FEBRUARY (Raman Effect). Do not confuse them.
Topper Strategy #2
Shiv Shakti Point vs Tiranga Point: Shiv Shakti Point is where Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander landed on the Moon in 2023. Tiranga Point is where Chandrayaan-2 crash-landed in 2019.
Topper Strategy #3
Sengol Dynasty & Placement: The sacred Sengol sceptre originated from the CHOLA DYNASTY of Tamil Nadu (symbolizing ethical transfer of royal authority). It is placed beside the LOK SABHA SPEAKER's chair in the new Parliament.
Topper Strategy #4
African Union in G20: The African Union (55 nations) was made a permanent member of the G20 during the NEW DELHI SUMMIT in September 2023 under India's presidency.
Topper Strategy #5
World's Highest Railway Arch Bridge: The Chenab Bridge in Reasi district, J&K stands 359 meters high above the river, taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Solved Exam Questions with Explanations
MCQ 1
1 Mark
Which date has been officially proclaimed by the Government of India as 'National Space Day' to commemorate the historic soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 near the South Pole of the Moon?
A. 14 July
B. 23 August
C. 2 September
D. 15 August
Correct Answer: 23 August
Explanation: On 23 August 2023, ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 lander (Vikram) successfully touched down near the South Pole of the Moon, making India the first nation in human history to land in the lunar south polar region. In tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared 23 August as 'National Space Day'.
Explanation: On 23 August 2023, ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 lander (Vikram) successfully touched down near the South Pole of the Moon, making India the first nation in human history to land in the lunar south polar region. In tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared 23 August as 'National Space Day'.
MCQ 2
1 Mark
What is the official name bestowed upon the lunar touchdown location where ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander made its historic landing on 23 August 2023?
A. Tiranga Point
B. Shiv Shakti Point
C. Jawahar Point
D. Atal Point
Correct Answer: Shiv Shakti Point
Explanation: The touchdown point of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar South Pole was officially named 'Shiv Shakti Point'. The impact point of Chandrayaan-2's crash lander (2019) was named 'Tiranga Point', while the impact point of Chandrayaan-1's Moon Impact Probe (2008) is known as 'Jawahar Point'.
Explanation: The touchdown point of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar South Pole was officially named 'Shiv Shakti Point'. The impact point of Chandrayaan-2's crash lander (2019) was named 'Tiranga Point', while the impact point of Chandrayaan-1's Moon Impact Probe (2008) is known as 'Jawahar Point'.
MCQ 3
1 Mark
Who among the following is the current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Indian Armed Forces, serving as the principal military adviser to the Union Minister of Defence?
A. General Upendra Dwivedi
B. General Anil Chauhan
C. Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
D. Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Correct Answer: General Anil Chauhan
Explanation: General Anil Chauhan (PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM) is the 2nd Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, having assumed office in September 2022 following the martyrdom of India's first CDS, General Bipin Rawat.
Explanation: General Anil Chauhan (PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM) is the 2nd Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India, having assumed office in September 2022 following the martyrdom of India's first CDS, General Bipin Rawat.
MCQ 4
1 Mark
The historical golden sceptre known as the 'Sengol', installed next to the Speaker's chair in the new Parliament House, has its historical origins in which ancient dynasty of Tamil Nadu?
A. Pallava Dynasty
B. Chera Dynasty
C. Chola Dynasty
D. Pandya Dynasty
Correct Answer: Chola Dynasty
Explanation: The Sengol is a traditional gold-plated silver sceptre crowned with Nandi, originating from the Chola dynasty of Tamil Nadu, where the Rajaguru handed it to a new king to symbolize the moral transfer of power and righteousness (Dharma-Danda). It was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on 14 August 1947 and ceremonially placed in the new Lok Sabha in May 2023.
Explanation: The Sengol is a traditional gold-plated silver sceptre crowned with Nandi, originating from the Chola dynasty of Tamil Nadu, where the Rajaguru handed it to a new king to symbolize the moral transfer of power and righteousness (Dharma-Danda). It was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru on 14 August 1947 and ceremonially placed in the new Lok Sabha in May 2023.
MCQ 5
1 Mark
Which continental bloc consisting of 55 member nations was inducted as a new permanent member of the G20 during the New Delhi Leaders' Summit in September 2023 under India's presidency?
A. European Union
B. African Union
C. ASEAN
D. Arab League
Correct Answer: African Union
Explanation: At the historic G20 New Delhi Summit in September 2023, India championed the Global South, leading to the unanimous admission of the 55-nation African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20, elevating it to an equal standing with the European Union.
Explanation: At the historic G20 New Delhi Summit in September 2023, India championed the Global South, leading to the unanimous admission of the 55-nation African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20, elevating it to an equal standing with the European Union.
MCQ 6
1 Mark
The Chenab Bridge, recognized as the world's highest railway arch bridge towering 359 meters above the riverbed, is located in which state or union territory of India?
A. Himachal Pradesh
B. Jammu & Kashmir
C. Uttarakhand
D. Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: Jammu & Kashmir
Explanation: The Chenab Railway Bridge is situated between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Standing at an elevation of 359 meters (1,178 ft) above the Chenab riverbed, it is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
Explanation: The Chenab Railway Bridge is situated between Bakkal and Kauri in the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL). Standing at an elevation of 359 meters (1,178 ft) above the Chenab riverbed, it is 35 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower.
RIMC Practice & Drill Exercises
Attempt these questions on paper following proper step-wise conventions, then click Reveal Solution to verify your answers.
Question 1
Exam Drill
Who is the 15th President of India, who made history in July 2022 as the first person from a tribal community to be elected to the nation's highest constitutional office?
Model Descriptive Solution:
Smt. Droupadi Murmu (from the Santhal tribal community of Odisha).
Question 2
Exam Drill
Where is India's first dedicated space-based solar observatory, Aditya-L1, situated in space to continuously observe the Sun?
Model Descriptive Solution:
In a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), approximately 1.5 million kilometers from Earth.
Question 3
Exam Drill
What is the official Sanskrit theme of the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by India in 2023, translating to 'One Earth · One Family · One Future'?
Model Descriptive Solution:
'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (derived from the ancient Maha Upanishad).
Question 4
Exam Drill
What is the name of India's longest sea bridge, spanning 21.8 kilometers to connect Sewri in Mumbai to Chirle in Navi Mumbai?
Model Descriptive Solution:
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link / MTHL).
Question 5
Exam Drill
Who serves as the current Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian Army as of 2024?
Model Descriptive Solution:
General Upendra Dwivedi.
Question 6
Exam Drill
Which high-altitude bi-lane highway tunnel, dedicated in March 2024 at an elevation above 13,000 feet, provides all-weather connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh?
Model Descriptive Solution:
The Sela Tunnel (constructed by the Border Roads Organisation).
Question 7
Exam Drill
What is the name of the female-looking humanoid robot developed by ISRO to fly in uncrewed test flights before the human Gaganyaan mission?
Model Descriptive Solution:
Vyommitra ('Space Friend').
Question 8
Exam Drill
Which national bird motif is used in the interior design and carpeting of the new Lok Sabha hall in the new Parliament House?
Model Descriptive Solution:
The Peacock (Mayura), while the Rajya Sabha chamber is themed on the Lotus (Kamala).
Question 9
Exam Drill
Who is the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), succeeding Justice D. Y. Chandrachud?
Model Descriptive Solution:
Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
Question 10
Exam Drill
What is the new pedagogical school curriculum structure introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) replacing the old 10+2 system?
Model Descriptive Solution:
The 5+3+3+4 structure (Foundational, Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary stages).
High-Yield FAQs & Revision Notes
Why is Chandrayaan-3's landing near the lunar South Pole of immense scientific importance?
The lunar South Pole contains permanently shadowed craters where temperatures drop below -200°C. Water ice exists in these deep craters, which can be harvested for drinking water, oxygen, and hydrogen rocket fuel for deep-space exploration. India was the first nation in history to land in this resource-rich polar region.
What is a Lagrange Point and why was Aditya-L1 placed at L1?
A Lagrange Point is an orbital equilibrium position in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies (like the Sun and the Earth) produce an enhanced centrifugal balance. Placing Aditya-L1 at L1 (1.5 million km from Earth) allows it to maintain a stable position and observe the Sun continuously without any occultation or eclipse by Earth or the Moon.
What is the role of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)?
The CDS is a four-star General who serves as the permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and the principal military adviser to the Defence Minister. The CDS is tasked with integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force, promoting jointness in procurement, training, and logistics, and transitioning the military toward integrated theater commands.
Why was the Sengol installed in the new Parliament House?
The Sengol is a sacred golden sceptre rooted in Tamil Chola statecraft, where high priests presented it to an incoming sovereign as a constant moral reminder to govern with justice, impartiality, and righteousness. Its installation beside the Speaker's chair symbolizes that Parliament is guided by the sacred duty of public trust and constitutional ethics.
What was the significance of the African Union's admission to the G20 under India's presidency?
The African Union represents 55 sovereign nations and 1.4 billion people. By securing the AU's permanent membership in the G20, India championed the voice of the Global South, transforming the premier economic grouping into a more inclusive and representative forum for global governance.
What are the key features of the new Parliament building?
Designed by Bimal Patel, the triangular building maximizes plot efficiency. It houses an 888-seat Lok Sabha (expandable to 1,272 for joint sessions) inspired by the Peacock, a 384-seat Rajya Sabha inspired by the Lotus, a Central Lounge courtyard featuring the National Tree (Banyan), state-of-the-art biometrics, paperless voting consoles, and platinum green building sustainability certification.
What is the objective of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission?
Gaganyaan is India's flagship human spaceflight mission aiming to launch an indigenous crew module carrying 3 Indian astronauts into a 400-km circular Low Earth Orbit for up to three days, safely de-orbiting and performing a precision splashdown in Indian territorial waters.
What is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)?
Announced on the sidelines of the G20 New Delhi Summit in 2023, IMEC is a historic multilateral infrastructure and connectivity project linking India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe via railway networks, ship-to-rail shipping routes, high-speed digital cables, and clean hydrogen pipelines to foster economic integration.
Why was the Sela Tunnel built in Arunachal Pradesh?
Constructed by the Border Roads Organisation at an altitude of 13,000 feet, the Sela Tunnel bypasses the snowbound, avalanche-prone Sela Pass. It ensures all-weather, year-round strategic military connectivity and troop movement to Tawang along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, cutting travel time by over an hour.
How many months of current affairs should a student prepare for RIMC?
Candidates should focus intensely on current affairs spanning the 9 to 12 months immediately preceding the exam date, with particular emphasis on space missions, defence inductions, appointments, awards, major sports tournaments, and national summits.
How does this topic relate to the official RIMC syllabus?
This module directly covers Serial No. 17 of the broader syllabus published in Chapter 8 of the official RIMC admission brochure, ensuring 100% syllabus alignment.