JANUARY

2025
INDEX 1. International Current Affairs
1. International Current Affairs ...................................... 1 1. Which country has created a record of issuing
2. National Current Affairs.............................................. 5 more than 10 lakh non-immigrant visas to
3. Sports ............................................................................ 15 Indians for the second year in a row?
4. Science & Technology ................................................ 20 (a) Russia (b) America
5. Obituaries .................................................................... 24
(c) China (d) Saudi Arabia
6. Appointments & Resignations .................................. 25
Answer: B. America
7. Important Days ........................................................... 30
- The US issued over 1 million non-immigrant visas to
8. Summits & Conferences............................................. 33
Indians for the second consecutive year.
9. Awards & Recognitions ............................................. 35
- The US Embassy highlighted India as the top
10. Ranks & Reports..................................................... 38
destination for international students in 2024.
11. Books & Authors .................................................... 41
- Over 331,000 Indian students are currently studying in
12. Banking & Economy .............................................. 41
the United States.
13. Central, State Government Schemes &
- Non-immigrant visas allow temporary entry for study,
Committees ........................................................................... 42
work, or tourism.
14. Defence .................................................................... 50
- India remains the largest contributor of international
15. Agreements & MoU ............................................... 52
graduate students, with a 19% increase to nearly 200,000.
16. Miscellaneous ......................................................... 54
2. Which country has introduced the prototype of
the world's fastest train?
(a) China (b) Russia
(c) Japan (d) USA
Answer: A. China

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- China has introduced the CR450, the world's fastest - Romania and Bulgaria became full members of the
high-speed train prototype. Schengen Area on 1 January 2025.
- The train's test speeds reach 450 km/h, surpassing the - Previously, both countries had partial membership in
current CR400 Fuxing trains at 350 km/h. the Schengen Area.
- It enhances energy efficiency, safety, and passenger - Now, 25 out of 27 EU countries are Schengen members,
comfort along with speed. excluding Cyprus and Ireland.
- This innovation aligns with China's plan to expand its - The Schengen Area currently includes 29 countries,
high-speed rail network to 70,000 km by 2035. including non-EU members like Iceland, Norway,
- China's high-speed rail development has evolved from Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
following to leading global trends. - The Schengen Area allows free travel for nationals of
member countries without border checks.
3. Which country has recently launched its first
Type 076 amphibious assault ship? 6. Which country has introduced a new tourist tax
(a) Russia (b) USA from January 1, 2025?
(c) India (d) China (a) Japan (b) China
Answer: D. China (c) South Africa (d) Russia
- China has launched its first Type 076 amphibious Answer: D. Russia
assault ship, named Sichuan. - Russia introduced a new tourist tax starting January 1,
- This launch marks a significant step in China's efforts to 2025.
counter US military power. - This tax replaces the previous resort fee.
- The ship is equipped with advanced technology, - Travelers will pay an additional 1% of their lodging
including electromagnetic catapult systems. costs.
- Sichuan enhances China's naval capabilities and - The initiative aims to bolster regional tourism
extends its global presence. infrastructure.
- It features two insular superstructures and a full- - The tax was part of amendments to the Russian Tax
length flight deck, capable of carrying both stationary Code in July 2024.
wing aircraft and helicopters.
7. Which country's Prime Minister has recently
4. In which country did a ban on women wearing resigned?
burqa and hijab in public places come into (a) Norway (b) Canada
force from 1 January 2025? (c) Iceland (d) Panama
(a) Netherlands (b) Switzerland Answer: B. Canada
(c) Israel (d) Argentina - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned
Answer: B. Switzerland as the leader of the ruling Liberal Party.
- In Switzerland, a ban on wearing the hijab, burqa, or - Trudeau will remain as acting Prime Minister until a
any face-covering in public places started on January 1, new leader is elected.
2025. - He was the second-youngest Prime Minister in
- Violators of this law face fines up to 1,000 Swiss francs Canadian history.
(approximately 96,000 rupees). - The decision was influenced by internal party
- Similar laws exist in Belgium, France, Denmark, differences and declining public support.
Austria, the Netherlands, and Bulgaria. - His resignation coincides with rising support for
- The law prohibits face coverings in public offices, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative
transport, restaurants, shops, and other public areas. Party.

5. Which country became a full member of the 8. HMPV detected in 2 infants in Bengaluru.
Schengen Area on 1 January 2025? HMPV is a ________.
(a) Iceland and Norway (a) Bacterial infection (b) Fungal infection
(b) Romania and Bulgaria (c) Respiratory Virus
(c) Norway and Switzerland (d) Neurological Disorders
(d) Switzerland and Liechtenstein Answer: C. Respiratory Virus
Answer: B. Romania and Bulgaria

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- HMPV stands for Human Metapneumovirus, a 11. Who has been elected as the President of
respiratory virus. Lebanon?
- On January 6, the Union Health Ministry reported two (a) Duck-Su Hain (b) Joseph Aun
cases in Karnataka. (c) S. K. VALU A. K. (d) Justin Trudeau
- The first case involved a three-month-old baby girl Answer: B. Joseph Aun
with bronchopneumonia. - Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese Armed Forces Chief, was
- The second case was an eight-month-old baby boy who elected as the President of Lebanon on 9 January 2025.
tested positive on January 3. - The Presidency had been vacant for over 2 years since
- HMPV was first discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 October 2022.
and is known to cause respiratory illness during winter - The Lebanese Parliament failed in 12 previous rounds
and spring. to elect a President.
9. Which of the following statements is/are - General Aoun faces challenges in rebuilding Lebanon
correct? after 14 months of conflict.
1. Indonesia has been included as a full - The Presidential term in Lebanon is six years.
member of the BRICS group of developing
12. Which neighboring country has launched the
countries.
first certificate course in Hindi on the occasion
2. BRICS was formed in 2009 by Brazil,
of World Hindi Day in 2025?
Russia, India and Japan.
(a) Bhutan (b) Nepal
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Bangladesh (d) Sri Lanka
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
Answer: D. Sri Lanka
Answer: A. Only 1
- Sri Lanka launched its first certificate course in Hindi
- Brazil, the presiding country of BRICS, announced
on 10 January 2025.
Indonesia as a full member.
- The launch coincided with World Hindi Day, observed
- Indonesia is the world's fourth-most populous
annually on 10 January since 2006.
country.
- The course is offered by the Open University of Sri
- Indonesia expressed interest in joining BRICS after its
Lanka in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda
new government was established.
Cultural Centre (SVCC).
- BRICS was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India,
- World Hindi Day marks the anniversary of Hindi being
and China.
spoken at the UN General Assembly in 1949.
- South Africa joined BRICS in 2010.
- In 2024, BRICS expanded to include Iran, Egypt, 13. Which organization has issued its first Silver
Ethiopia, and the UAE. Notice to trace criminal assets?
(a) Interpol (b) World Bank
10. John Mahama became the President of
____________ for the third time. (c) NITI Aayog (d) UNESCO
Answer: A. Interpol
(a) South Africa (b) Kenya
- Interpol has issued its first Silver Notice to trace
(c) Ghana (d) Egypt
criminal assets.
Answer: C. Ghana
- This is part of a pilot project involving 52 countries,
- John Mahama became the President of Ghana for the
including India.
third time.
- The notice was issued at Italy's request to trace assets of
- He won the presidential election last year, focusing on
a senior mafia member.
addressing the economic crisis, corruption, and
- Interpol, based in Lyon, uses eight color-coded notices
unemployment.
for specific information requests.
- Mahama previously served as Ghana’s president from
- The Silver Notice will aid India in tracing assets
July 2012 to January 2017.
transferred to tax havens.
- He will replace the current President Nana Akufo-
Addo. 14. Which country recently joined the UN
- The inauguration was attended by several African Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data
leaders, including Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Kenya’s Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD)?
William Ruto, and Congo’s Felix Tshisekedi. (a) Australia (b) India

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 (c) Brazil (d) Indonesia Answer: B. 45th
Answer: B. India - Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 45th President
- India joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data of the United States.
and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD). - The oath was administered in Washington, DC by US
- The UN-CEBD explores the benefits and challenges of Chief Justice John Roberts.
Big Data for monitoring and reporting on sustainable - The US Vice President at the time was Mike Pence.
development goals. - India's representative at the ceremony was External
- India will help shape global standards and practices in Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
using Big Data and data science for official statistics. - Notable attendees included Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos,
- Big Data and advanced data science techniques are set Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, and Sam Altman.
to transform the production and dissemination of official
18. President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the
statistics. commemorative logo to mark 60 years of
15. Zoran Milanovic has been reelected as the diplomatic relations with which country?
President of which country? (a) Malaysia (b) Vietnam
(a) Serbia (b) Croatia (c) Indonesia (d) Singapore
(c) Bosnia (d) Hungary Answer: D. Singapore
Answer: B. Croatia - President Droupadi Murmu and Singapore President
- Zoran Milanović has been re-elected as the President of Tharman Shanmugaratnam unveiled the logo in New
Croatia. Delhi on 16th January.
- He secured over 74% of the vote in the second round of - The logo marks 60 years of diplomatic relations
the presidential election. between India and Singapore.
- Milanović is backed by the opposition Social - It features elements from both countries: Indian and
Democratic Party. Singaporean flag colors, the lotus (India's national
- He was first elected as President in 2020. flower), and the orchid (Singapore's national flower).
- Milanović is known for his critical stance towards the - The number 60 is prominently displayed to signify the
European Union and NATO, despite Croatia being a milestone.
member of both. 19. Which African country has formally become
16. What is the name of the new NATO mission to the ninth BRICS partner country in January
protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea 2025?
region? (a) Bolivia (b) Nigeria
(a) Sea Shield (b) Baltic Sentry (c) Cuba (d) Belarus
(c) Cable Protect (d) Ocean Guard Answer: B. Nigeria
Answer: B. Baltic Sentry - Nigeria became the ninth BRICS partner country in
- NATO launched a mission named Baltic Sentry to January 2025.
protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea. - BRICS was founded by Brazil, Russia, India, and
- The mission follows incidents raising concerns about China in 2009, with South Africa joining in 2010.
potential Russian activities. - The group serves as a counterbalance to the Group of
- Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced the mission Seven (G-7) industrialized nations.
at a meeting in Helsinki. - Saudi Arabia has been invited to join, with Iran, Egypt,
- Over 95% of internet traffic is secured via these Ethiopia, and the UAE added in 2023.
undersea cables. 20. Donald Trump ordered the withdrawal of the
- These cables, spanning 1.3 million kilometers, facilitate United States from which international
$10 trillion in daily financial transactions. organization?
17. Donald Trump took the oath of office. He is (a) World Trade Organization
the ____ President of the United States of (b) World Health Organization
America. (c) International Monetary Fund
(a) 47th (b) 45th (d) Food and Agriculture Organization
(c) 48th (d) 46th Answer: B. World Health Organization

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- Donald Trump signed an Executive Order for the (a) NATO
withdrawal of the US from the World Health (b) Asian Defence Cooperation Programme
Organization (WHO). (c) Eurodrone Program
- This action was part of his "America First" policy.
(d) UN Peacekeeping Mission
- The order also included withdrawal from the Paris
Answer: C. Eurodrone Program
Climate Change Agreement of 2015.
- India has joined the Eurodrone Program as an observer
- The US had previously withdrawn from the Paris
state.
Agreement in 2017 but rejoined in February 2021 under
- It is the second Asia-Pacific country after Japan to
Joe Biden.
achieve this status.
- Additional orders addressed citizenship rights and
- The program is an initiative of France, Germany, Spain,
declared a state of emergency along the Mexican border.
and Italy.
21. Where is the Permanent Court of Arbitration - Managed by OCCAR (Joint Ordnance Cooperation
located? Organization) based in Bonn.
(a) New York, United States (b) Paris, France - Airbus Defence and Space (Germany) leads the project,
(c) The Hague, Netherlands with Leonardo (Italy), Dassault Aviation (France), and
Airbus (Spain) as major subcontractors.
(d) Washington, DC, USA
- The Eurodrone is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance
Answer: C. The Hague, Netherlands
(MALE) remotely piloted aircraft system designed for
- The Permanent Court of Arbitration is located in The
intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and other
Hague, Netherlands.
long-range missions.
- It ruled in favor of the Government of India regarding
the Indus Waters Treaty. 24. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al
- The ruling supported the World Bank-appointed Nahyan declared 2025 as the _____________.
neutral expert's competence in deciding on hydropower (a) Year of Community
projects. (b) Year of Sustainable Water Resources
- The dispute involved the Kishanganga and Ratle
(c) Year of Security
hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
(d) Year of Bridging the Digital Divide
- The Indus Waters Treaty 1960 allocates river rights
Answer: A. Year of Community
between India and Pakistan.
- UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al
22. Micheal Martin, recently appointed as the Nahyan declared 2025 as the Year of Community.
Prime Minister of Ireland, belongs to which - This initiative aims to foster unity and inclusion across
political party? society.
(a) Communist Party (b) Fianna Fail Party - The slogan “Hand in Hand” emphasizes building a
(c) Renaissance Party (d) Republican Party cohesive and empowered community.
Answer: B. Fianna Fail Party - A series of events will be organized to encourage
- Micheal Martin became the Prime Minister of Ireland community service among citizens and residents.
for the second time on 23rd January 2025.
- He previously served as Prime Minister from 2020 to
2022. 2. National Current Affairs
- The Dail, Ireland's lower house of Parliament, voted 95
to 76 in favor of Micheal Martin. 25. Which of the following had the highest
- The government was formed after nearly two months percentage of female voters in the nation
during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, according
post-general election, which did not yield a decisive
to figures released by the Election Commission
mandate.
of India?
- Ireland operates as a parliamentary democracy with
(a) Karnataka (b) Puducherry
executive power held by the cabinet led by the Prime
Minister. (c) Kerala (d) Goa
Answer: B. Puducherry
23. India has recently joined which program as an - Puducherry had the highest percentage of female
observer state? voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

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- Women comprised 53.03% of the 10,23,699 electorate in - The state requested a loan waiver for those affected by
Puducherry. the disaster.
- The Mahe Assembly Segment was notable for having - Estimated losses are about Rs 1,202 crore, with a request
all 31 polling places staffed by trained female officials. for Rs 2,262 crore for rehabilitation.
- The gender ratio in Puducherry increased from 1127 in - The disaster resulted in 254 deaths and 128 missing
2023 to 1130 in 2024. individuals.

26. Which city recently launched a 'climate 29. Which state government forest department
mission', aiming to become the world's first developed a garden based on the
energy-literate city? Mahabharata?
(a) Indore (b) Lucknow (a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Rajasthan
(c) Kolkata (d) New Delhi (c) Sikkim (d) Uttarakhand
Answer: A. Indore Answer: D. Uttarakhand
- Indore launched the "Indore Climate Mission" on - The Uttarakhand Forest Department developed an
December 1, 2024. ethnobotanical garden in Haldwani.
- The mission aims to make Indore the world's first - The garden showcases ecological and environmental
energy-literate city. knowledge from the Mahabharata.
- In partnership with the Enerji Swaraj Foundation, it - It features over 37 plant species, including Khair
involves 3.5 million residents in reducing carbon (Acacia catechu), Kovidar (Bauhinia variegata), Bargad
emissions. (Ficus benghalensis), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), and Dhak
- The 100-day campaign promotes energy-saving habits (Butea monosperma).
to cut electricity usage by 7-10%. - A "Ramayana Vatika" was also established in
- Led by the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Haldwani by the state forest department.
Dr. Chetan Singh Solanki, a solar energy advocate.
30. Which state has become the first to link the
27. Where has India's first glass bridge over the forest ecosystem to green GDP?
sea been inaugurated on 30th December 2024? (a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Madhya Pradesh
(a) Maharashtra (b) Telangana (c) Odisha (d) Chhattisgarh
(c) Kerala (d) Tamil Nadu Answer: D. Chhattisgarh
Answer: D. Tamil Nadu - Chhattisgarh is the first state to link the forest
- The first sea glass bridge in India was inaugurated in ecosystem to Green GDP.
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. - The state launched an innovative scheme connecting
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the ecosystem services of forests to economic metrics.
bridge on 30th December 2024. - This initiative highlights the link between forests'
- The bridge is 77 meters long and 10 meters wide. environmental contributions and economic progress.
- It connects tourists directly to the 133 feet tall - The plan ensures economic development while
Thiruvalluvar statue from the Vivekananda Rock preserving the environment for future generations.
Memorial.
31. India’s first ‘Coastline-Waders Bird Census’
- The project cost the state government Rs 37 crore.
has started at Marine National Park and
28. Wayanad landslide has been declared a Sanctuary in ____________?
disaster of 'severe nature'. It occurred in which (a) Jamnagar (b) Vadodara
state? (c) Kandla (d) Jaipur
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Karnataka Answer: A. Jamnagar
(c) Kerala (d) Haryana - India’s first ‘Coastline-Waders Bird Census’ began at
Answer: C. Kerala the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar.
- The Union government declared the Wayanad - The Department of Forest and the Bird Conservation
landslide a disaster of 'severe nature'. Society of Gujarat (BCSG) are organizing the event.
- Kerala state government urged the Centre to recognize - The census is a three-day event from January 3 to 5.
the landslide's severity. - Activities include expert talks, bird counting, and
knowledge-sharing sessions.

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- BCSG is a voluntary organization focused on bird - Nepal aims to end child marriage by 2030.
conservation and census activities. - From December 2 to 8, three dozen countries from
three continents participated in the JRC's Child
32. Where was the 31st National Children's
Marriage-Free World Pledge.
Science Congress 2025 held?
(a) Patna, Bihar (b) Lucknow, Uttar 35. Who inaugurated the Grameen Bharat
Pradesh Mahotsav 2025?
(c) Jaipur, Rajasthan (d) Bhopal, Madhya (a) Narendra Modi (b) Amit Shah
Pradesh (c) Nitin Gadkari (d) Rajnath Singh
Answer: D. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Answer: A. Narendra Modi
- The 31st National Children's Science Congress was - Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the
held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Grameen Bharat Mahotsav in New Delhi on 4 January
- It was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister 2025.
Mohan Yadav on 3rd January 2025. - The event was attended by Union Minister of Finance,
- The event took place at Ravindra Bhawan. Nirmala Sitharaman, and Union Minister of State for
- The Varahmihira Astronomical Observatory was Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary.
automated, allowing remote access to its telescope. - The Mahotsav is scheduled from 4-9 January 2025 in
- The Congress ran from 3-6 January 2025. New Delhi.
- Organized by the Department of Financial Services,
33. Recently, 'Vav-Tharad' has been created as the Union Ministry of Finance, and NABARD.
new district of which state?
- The theme is “Building a Resilient Rural India for a
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Maharashtra Viksit Bharat 2024” with the motto “If villages grow, the
(c) Telangana (d) Gujarat country grows.”
Answer: D. Gujarat
36. Which is the proposed 69th division of the
- The Gujarat government approved the formation of the
Indian Railway?
Vav-Tharad district by bifurcating the Banaskantha
district. (a) Mysore Division (b) Jammu Division
- The headquarters of this new district will be in Tharad (c) Trivandrum Division
town. (d) Bangalore Division
- This increases the total number of districts in Gujarat to Answer: B. Jammu Division
34. - The Union Ministry of Railways plans to establish the
- The decision was made during a cabinet meeting 69th railway division at Jammu under the Northern
chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Railway Zone.
- The move aims to meet a long-standing public demand - Currently, Indian Railways has 68 divisions.
and improve administrative efficiency. - Jammu will become the 69th division once the official
notification is issued.
34. In which country has a campaign to end child
- India has the fourth largest rail network globally,
marriage started recently?
following the USA, China, and Russia.
(a) Indonesia (b) Sri Lanka - The Indian Railways is the world's largest railway
(c) Bangladesh (d) Nepal system under single management and the largest
Answer: D. Nepal employer with approximately 1.25 million employees.
- Over 100 people, including child rights activists,
children, and civil society members from Nepal and 37. Which state conducted the country's first
India, have launched the 'Child Marriage-Free Nepal'
coastal and wader bird census from 3rd to 5th
January 2025?
campaign.
- The campaign is supported by Prime Minister KP (a) West Bengal (b) Gujarat
Sharma Oli's commitment to end child marriage. (c) Odisha (d) Maharashtra
- Initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child in Answer: B. Gujarat
collaboration with Just Right for Children and Nepal's - Gujarat conducted India's first coastal and wader bird
Backward Society Education. census from 3rd to 5th January 2025.

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- The census took place at the Marine National Park and (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar, Gujarat. (c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
- Wader birds have long legs, necks, and beaks, adapted Answer: C. 1 and 2
for walking in shallow water. - The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
- Examples of wader birds include crane, stork, shoebill, notified the amendment in the Foreign Trade Policy,
ibis, heron, and flamingo. 2023.
- The census was organized by the Forest Department, - Para 1.07A and 1.07B were included to provide legal
Government of Gujarat, in collaboration with the Bird backing for stakeholder consultation.
Conservation Society Gujarat (BCSG). - The amendment aims to encourage stakeholder
38. Which is the third country in the world to have participation in the decision-making process.
more than 1000 km of operational metro rail - It establishes a mechanism to inform reasons for not
network? accepting stakeholder feedback on the policy.
(a) China (b) America 41. Where has the Centre launched India's first
(c) India (d) Russia organic fish farming cluster?
Answer: C. India (a) Meghalaya (b) Sikkim
- India has become the third country with an operational (c) Tripura (d) Assam
metro rail network exceeding 1000 km. Answer: B. Sikkim
- This milestone places India after China and the United - Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched India's
States. first organic fisheries cluster at Soreng in Sikkim.
- In 2022, India surpassed Japan to achieve this rank. - The initiative promotes sustainability under the
- The milestone was reached when Prime Minister Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
Narendra Modi inaugurated a 2.8 km stretch of the - The cluster will offer antibiotic-free, chemical-free, and
Delhi Metro Phase-IV on 5 January 2025. pesticide-free organic fish.
- Metro services are operational in 11 states and 23 cities - 50 projects were inaugurated under PMMSY to boost
across India. fisheries in the North-Eastern states.
39. India’s first ‘Generation Beta’ baby was born - The total value of these projects is ₹50 crore, aiming to
in __________. enhance sustainable fish production.
(a) Jaipur (b) Aizawl 42. The IndusFood 2025 exhibition was
(c) Kohima (d) Shimla inaugurated by which Union Minister on 8th
Answer: B. Aizawl January 2025?
- India’s first ‘Generation Beta’ baby was born in Aizawl. (a) S. Jaishankar (b) Nirmala Sitharaman
- The baby boy, named Frankie Remruatdika Zadeng, (c) Jyotiraditya Scindia (d) Chirag Paswan
was born at the Synod Hospital in Aizawl, Mizoram. Answer: D. Chirag Paswan
- Futurist Mark McCrindle introduced the term 'Gen - Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing
Beta' for children born between 2025 and 2039. Industries, inaugurated the 8th edition of IndusFood
- By 2025, this generation will make up 16% of the global 2025.
population. - The event is held in Greater Noida from January 8 to
- These children will be the offspring of Gen Ys January 10, 2025.
(millennials) and older Gen Zs. - IndusFood is Asia's premier annual food and beverage
40. Government notified an amendment in the trade exhibition.
Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. Which of the - Organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India
following statements is correct? with the Department of Commerce, Government of
1. The main objective of the amendment is to India.
encourage the participation of all stakeholders - Features 2,300 exhibitors from over 30 countries and
in the decision-making process. hosts the Asia President's Forum in partnership with the
2. It has included Para 1.07A and 1.07B to Indian Culinary Association (IFCA).
bring legal backing to the FTP for
consultation with stakeholders. 43. Who inaugurated the Gandhi Darshan Art
Gallery near Rajghat in Delhi?

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 (a) Nitin Gadkari (b) Amit Shah 2. The Central Government has approved a
(c) Om Birla (d) Narendra Modi special place in the Rajghat complex for the
Answer: C. Om Birla memorial of Pranab Mukherjee.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the Gandhi 3. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in
2008.
Darshan Art Gallery at the Gandhi Darshan complex in
Rajghat, Delhi. (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
- The event featured participation from about 100 artists (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 are all
across India. correct
- The gallery aims to celebrate Mahatma Gandhi's legacy Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
through art. - The Central Government approved a special place in
- Renowned sculptor Ram Sutar attended as a special the Rajghat complex for the memorial of Pranab
guest. Mukherjee.
- The program was presided over by Vijay Goel, former - A designated site within the Rashtriya Smriti complex
Union Minister and Vice President of Gandhi Smriti and is earmarked for his memorial.
Darshan Samiti. - The Rashtriya Smriti complex is part of the Rajghat
precinct.
44. UGC's new draft guidelines give powers to
- Pranab Mukherjee was awarded the Padma
Chancellors to constitute a panel for
Vibhushan in 2008.
appointing Vice-Chancellors. Which of the
following statements is correct? - He served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to
1. The UGC draft has given the powers to 2017 and was the Finance Minister twice.
Chancellors or Visitors to constitute the three- 46. Which organization collaborated with the
member search-cum-selection committee to Karnataka Forest Department in developing
appoint Vice-Chancellors. the Garudakshi online FIR system?
2. The new guidelines have removed the cap
(a) World Wildlife Fund
on contract teacher appointments.
(b) Wildlife Foundation of India
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) Green India Foundation
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
Answer: C. 1 and 2
(d) Wildlife Trust of India
- The UGC draft grants powers to Chancellors or Answer: D. Wildlife Trust of India
Visitors to form a three-member search-cum-selection - The Karnataka Forest Department launched the
committee for appointing Vice-Chancellors. Garudakshi online FIR system to combat forest
- The new guidelines have removed the cap on contract encroachments, illegal tree-felling, and poaching.
teacher appointments. - Developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of
- The 2018 regulations limited contract teacher India (WTI).
appointments to 10% of an institution's total faculty - Facilitates online management of forest crime cases
positions. under the Forest and Wildlife Protection Acts.
- Governors, as Chancellors of state universities, will - Currently implemented in five forest divisions:
Bangalore City, Bangalore Forest Patrol, Bhadravati,
have more control over the selection process.
Sirsi, and Malai Mahadeshwar Wildlife Division.
- The UGC has released the Minimum Qualifications for
Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic 47. The Railway Board has unveiled a redesigned
Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Vande Bharat Express for the upcoming _____
Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education rail route.
Regulations, 2025. (a) Punjab-Haryana Rail Route
45. Which of the following statements is/are (b) Ayodhya-Mathura Rail Route
correct? (c) Varanasi-Mathura Rail Route
1. He has also served as the 12th President of (d) Katra-Srinagar Rail Route
India and twice as the Finance Minister. Answer: D. Katra-Srinagar Rail Route
- The Railway Board has introduced a redesigned Vande
Bharat Express for the Katra-Srinagar rail route.

9
- It is developed to handle the region's challenging Answer: B. Mumbai
winter conditions. - The 21st edition of the Third Eye Asian Film Festival is
- The train is currently at the Shakurbasti coaching being held in Mumbai.
depot in New Delhi for final preparations. - A total of 61 films have been selected for the festival.
- The Commissioner of Railway Safety will inspect the - The opening film is the Chinese drama "The Black
route before operations begin. Dog," which won the Best Film Award in the Un Certain
- This train features special climate adaptations for Regard category at the Cannes Film Festival.
efficient operation in sub-zero temperatures and hilly - The festival runs from 10-16 January, with screenings in
terrain. Andheri, Sion, and Thane.
- Films from countries like China, Malaysia, Bangladesh,
48. Where did the Prime Minister lay the
Kazakhstan, Tunisia, and Bhutan will be showcased.
foundation stone of India's first Green
Hydrogen Hub project under the National 51. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath
Green Hydrogen Mission? inaugurated All India Radio's special
(a) Maharashtra (b) Andhra Pradesh 'Kumbhvani' channel in which city?
(c) Karnataka (d) Telangana (a) Prayagraj (b) Lucknow
Answer: B. Andhra Pradesh (c) Gorakhpur (d) Varanasi
- Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the Answer: A. Prayagraj
first Green Hydrogen Hub in Pudimadka near - Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on 8 January 2025. inaugurated the Kumbhvani channel on FM 103.5 MHz
- The hub is part of the National Green Hydrogen in Prayagraj.
Mission. - The channel is dedicated to the Maha Kumbh 2025.
- It will be India's largest integrated green hydrogen - Broadcast dates are from January 10, 2025, to February
production facility. 26, 2025.
- The facility will produce 1500 tonnes of green - Daily broadcast time is from 5:55 AM to 10:05 PM.
hydrogen and 7500 tonnes of derivatives daily. - CM Yogi Adityanath also inaugurated the 'Maa Ki
- The project involves a total investment of Rs 1,85,000 Rasoi' and unveiled a statue of late Kamla Bahuguna.
crore and includes setting up 20 GW of renewable
52. Which two beaches in Kerala have been
energy capacity.
awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification
49. Where has the Indian Railways unveiled in January 2025?
India's first cable-stayed rail bridge, Anji Khad (a) Kappad and Chawl
bridge? (b) Padubidri and Rushikonda
(a) Ladakh (b) Jammu and Kashmir (c) Kappad and Ghoghla
(c) Arunachal Pradesh (d) Sikkim (d) Golden and Shivrajpur
Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir Answer: A. Kappad and Chawl
- Indian Railways unveiled the Anji Khad bridge in - Kappad and Chawl beaches in Kozhikode and Kannur
Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district. districts of Kerala received the Blue Flag certification.
- It is part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail - The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based
Link (USBRL) project. Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
- The bridge spans 725.5 meters and is 331 meters above - It signifies compliance with stringent international
the river bed. standards for beach cleanliness, environmental
- Its asymmetric design is supported by 82 cables, sustainability, and safety.
ensuring stability in challenging conditions. - This recognition highlights Kappad Beach as an
- The main pillar stands 193 meters above its foundation, environmentally conscious and well-maintained tourist
showcasing advanced engineering. destination.
50. The 21st edition of the Third Eye Asian Film 53. The Himachal Pradesh government has
Festival has started in ___________. renamed the Himachal Pradesh Institute of
(a) Nagpur (b) Mumbai Public Administration in whose honor?
(c) Pune (d) Chennai (a) Dr. Manmohan Singh

10
 (b) Jawaharlal Nehru - It aims to boost tourism and provide uninterrupted
(c) Atal Bihari Vajpayee (d) Indira Gandhi connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.
Answer: A. Dr. Manmohan Singh - The Z-Morh Tunnel is located at an altitude of 8,652
- The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved renaming the feet above mean sea level.
institute after Dr. Manmohan Singh. - The 6.5 km two-lane tunnel is on the Srinagar-Leh
- The decision was made during a cabinet meeting National Highway, linking Gagangir with Sonmarg.
chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh 56. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh
Sukhu. inaugurated the Mega Entrepreneurship
- This renaming coincided with the 50th anniversary Conclave in _________.
celebrations of Himachal Pradesh. (a) Lucknow (b) New Delhi
- The Cabinet acknowledged Dr. Singh's
(c) Jaipur (d) Pune
transformational contribution to the nation and the
Answer: D. Pune
state.
- Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated the
- His role in addressing the economic crisis and initiating
Mega Entrepreneurship Conclave in Pune.
financial reforms was highlighted.
- He serves as the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal
54. Which of the following languages has been Husbandry, and Dairying.
declared as 'Classical Language/Languages' by - 40 livestock projects worth over ₹545 crore were
the government? inaugurated.
1. Gujarati - The conclave aims to unite policymakers, federations,
2. Assamese cooperatives, industry associations, entrepreneurs, and
3. Bengali financial institutions.
(a) 1 only (b) 3 only - It provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 challenges, share solutions, and promote
Answer: C. 2 and 3 only entrepreneurship.
- Marathi was officially granted classical language status
57. Which state government has set a target of
on January 8.
installing 1000 MW of solar plants through
- The Union Culture Minister, Gajendra Singh
women self-help groups (SHG)?
Shekhawat, handed over the order to Maharashtra
(a) Maharashtra (b) Madhya Pradesh
Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant.
- The Union Cabinet had previously granted classical
(c) Odisha (d) Telangana
status to Marathi, Assamese, Bengali, Pali, and Prakrit Answer: D. Telangana
- The Telangana government aims to install 1000 MW of
on October 3 of the previous year.
solar power through women self-help groups (SHGs).
- Tamil was the first language to receive classical status
- This initiative is part of the Indira Mahila Shakti
in 2004, followed by Sanskrit in 2005.
Yojana, launched in March 2024.
- There are now 11 classical languages in India, including
- The scheme was introduced by Chief Minister Revanth
Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia,
Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. Reddy.
- It focuses on empowering women by providing
55. What is the length of the Z-Morh tunnel assistance and skill training.
inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on 13 - The project will be integrated with the PM-KUSUM
January 2025? scheme for enhanced solar power generation.
(a) 8.5 km (b) 6.5 km
58. Who has recently inaugurated an art gallery on
(c) 5.5 km (d) 7.5 km
climate change in Kolkata's Science City?
Answer: B. 6.5 km
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-
(a) Narendra Modi (b) Rajnath Singh
Morh tunnel on 13 January 2025 in Gagangir, Sonamarg, (c) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (d) None of these
Ganderbal district, Kashmir. Answer: C. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- The tunnel is part of the India-China Border Roads - Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, the Union Culture and
initiative to enhance road infrastructure along the Tourism Minister, inaugurated the first-of-its-kind
northern and northeastern borders. gallery on climate change at Science City, Kolkata.

11
- The gallery addresses global climate issues like - The Union Cabinet approved the formation of the 8th
temperature rise, sea-level rise, ecosystem damage, and Pay Commission on January 16.
biodiversity loss. - Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the approval for the
- It highlights the Sundarbans and its climate impacts. new commission.
- A 12 feet x 24 feet LED screen serves as an interactive - The Pay Commission determines the salary and
centerpiece. compensation for central government employees.
- Displays include simulations showing the effects of - The 8th Pay Commission recommendations are
rising sea levels on settlements and humans. expected to be implemented from January 1, 2026.

59. Where did the 10th Ajanta Verul International 62. In January 2025, Amit Shah launched fast-track
Film Festival begin? immigration for how many airports?
(a) Maharashtra (b) Tamil Nadu (a) Five (b) Seven
(c) Kerala (d) Karnataka (c) Three (d) Eight
Answer: A. Maharashtra Answer: B. Seven
- The 10th Ajanta Verul International Film Festival - Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, launched the
began in Maharashtra. Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme
- It celebrates global cinema and offers a platform for (FTI-TTP) in January 2025.
film enthusiasts in the Marathwada region. - The service was inaugurated at seven airports:
- Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru,
inaugurated the festival. Hyderabad, Cochin, and Kolkata.
- The Padma Bhushan Lifetime Achievement Award - This initiative aims to facilitate passengers at these
was presented to Sai Paranjpe for contributions to airports.
Indian cinema. - The service was initially launched at Terminal-3 of the
- The festival featured the film "Little Jaffna," a French Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi in
and Tamil language film. June 2024.
- The first phase includes seven major airports in
60. The third edition of the Kashi Tamil
addition to Delhi.
Sangamam (KTS) will commence on 15th
February 2025 in ___________. 63. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US
(a) Varanasi (b) Ayodhya Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti inaugurated
(c) Tirupur (d) Chennai the new US consulate in which Indian city?
Answer: A. Varanasi (a) Ahmedabad (b) Hyderabad
- Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the (c) Lucknow (d) Bengaluru
Registration Portal for Kashi Tamil Sangamam Phase 3. Answer: D. Bengaluru
- The 10-day event will be held from 15th February to - External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US
24th February 2025 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Ambassador Eric Garcetti inaugurated the new US
- Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a brainchild of Prime Consulate in Bengaluru.
Minister Narendra Modi. - Jaishankar announced plans to open an Indian
- It aims to celebrate the bond between Tamil Nadu and consulate in Los Angeles.
Kashi. - Previously, residents of Bengaluru had to travel to
- The event will feature an exhibition on health, Chennai or Hyderabad for US visa services.
philosophy, science, linguistics, literature, politics, - The US now has five consulates in India: Chennai,
culture, and art. Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
- India has five consulates in the US: Atlanta, Chicago,
61. What is the duration of the 7th Pay
Houston, New York, and San Francisco, with an
Commission?
embassy in Washington DC.
(a) 2013-2017 (b) 2016-2026
(c) 2015-2025 (d) 2013-2015 64. In which year was the Lokpal established?
Answer: B. 2016-2026 (a) 2016 (b) 2012
- The 7th Pay Commission was implemented in 2016 and (c) 2022 (d) 2014
is valid until 2026. Answer: D. 2014

12
- The Lokpal of India celebrated its first Foundation Day - Self-help groups are being formed to support women
on January 16, 2025. involved in its production.
- It was established on January 16, 2014 under the Lokpal - Special training in marketing and branding is provided
and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. to these groups.
- The event was held at the Manekshaw Centre in New - This initiative aims to economically empower tribal
Delhi. communities.
- Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, Chairperson of the Lokpal, - Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed this in the
highlighted its significance in tackling corruption. 118th episode of "Mann Ki Baat" on 19 January 2025.
- Padma Bhushan Shri Anna Hazare was felicitated for
68. The 6th International Millet Festival was held
his role in the movement.
in _______.
65. Who inaugurated the 2nd India Mobility (a) New Delhi (b) Bengaluru
Global Expo 2025 at Bharat Mandapam in New (c) Hyderabad (d) Jaipur
Delhi on 17th January 2025? Answer: B. Bengaluru
(a) Rajnath Singh (b) Narendra Modi - The 6th International Millets Festival took place in
(c) Draupadi Murmu (d) Amit Shah Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Answer: B. Narendra Modi - A conference titled "Transformation of Agrifood
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2nd Systems through Agri-Ecology: A Global Perspective"
India Mobility Global Expo 2025. was organized during the festival.
- The event took place at Bharat Mandapam in New - International organizations like GIZ Germany and
Delhi on 17th January 2025. FiBL Switzerland collaborated for the event.
- The first Expo was held in February 2024 in New Delhi. - Experts from over ten nations participated, including
- The Expo unites the entire mobility sector value chain Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Australia, Kenya,
under one roof. Tanzania, Italy, Peru, and England.
- The mobility sector includes the automobile industry - Karnataka is a leading producer of nutri cereals and
and other industries providing transportation vehicles hosted the first International Millets Festival in 2017.
and infrastructure.
69. The Government of India set a target of 10,000
66. The Archaeological Experimental Museum was Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Indian
recently inaugurated in which city? products by which year?
(a) Vadnagar, Gujarat (b) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (a) 2032 (b) 2030
(c) Bhubaneswar, Odisha (c) 2035 (d) 2028
(d) Kolkata, West Bengal Answer: B. 2030
Answer: A. Vadnagar, Gujarat - The Government of India aims to achieve 10,000 GI tags
- The Archaeological Experimental Museum was for Indian products by 2030.
inaugurated in Vadnagar, Gujarat. - As per the Department for Promotion of Industry and
- It is the first of its kind in India, developed at a cost of Internal Trade (DPIIT), 605 Indian products have
Rs 300 crore. received GI tags so far.
- Inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. - Darjeeling tea was the first product to receive a GI tag
- Vadnagar is an ancient city with a history of over 2,500 in 2003.
years. - The target was announced by Union Minister Piyush
- The museum showcases 5,000 archaeological remains, Goyal at the GI Samagam in New Delhi on 22 January
highlighting Vadnagar's rich cultural history. 2025.
- A committee will be established by the central
67. Virgin coconut oil in which district recently government to achieve this target.
got a GI tag?
(a) Cuttack (b) Kochi 70. Madhya Pradesh has banned liquor sales at
how many religious sites?
(c) Nicobar (d) Dimapur
Answer: C. Nicobar (a) 15 (b) 20
- Virgin coconut oil in the Nicobar district recently (c) 25 (d) 17
received a GI tag. Answer: D. 17

13
- Madhya Pradesh has banned liquor sales at 17 religious Answer: D. Haryana
sites. - On National Girl Child Day 2025, Haryana launched
- The ban aims to address social and economic issues in the ‘Samman Sanjeevani’ app.
the state. - The app is part of the ‘Mahila Evam Kishori Samman
- Sites include places where Lord Krishna and Lord Ram Yojana’.
are believed to have visited. - It tracks the delivery of benefits to BPL women and
- Potential sites for the ban include Ujjain, Orchha, girls aged 10 to 45 years.
Salkanpur, Chitrakoot, Omkareshwar, Maihar, - Benefits include sanitary napkins distributed via
Amarkantak, and Maheshwar. Anganwadi centres and schools.
- The app collects and updates data on beneficiaries
71. India’s oldest book fair 'boi mela' will start in
monthly.
___________.
(a) Kolkata (b) Mumbai 74. Who will inaugurate the Handloom Conclave
(c) Patna (d) Hyderabad 'Manthan' on 28 January at Dr Ambedkar
Answer: A. Kolkata International Centre, New Delhi?
- The 48th International Kolkata Book Fair 2025 is (a) Giriraj Singh (b) Smriti Irani
scheduled from 28 January to 9 February 2025 at Salt (c) Narendra Modi (d) Piyush Goyal
Lake City, Kolkata. Answer: A. Giriraj Singh
- Organized by the National Council of Education - The Handloom Conclave 'Manthan' will be
(NCE). inaugurated by Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh.
- India's first book fair was held in 1918 at College Street, - Scheduled for 28 January at Dr Ambedkar
Calcutta. International Centre, New Delhi.
- It is the world's largest non-trade book fair and Asia's - Aims to unite various stakeholders to share best
largest book fair. practices, innovations, and strategies for growth in the
- The fair began on a small scale in 1976 by the Kolkata handloom sector.
Publishers and Booksellers Guild. - Attended by approximately 250 stakeholders, including
21 panelists and 120 handloom beneficiaries.
72. On January 26, 2025, for the first time in
Republic Day history, a tri-services tableau 75. Consider the following statements, choose the
will make its debut at the ____ Republic Day correct option.
Parade. 1. On 26 January 2025, the 76th Republic Day
(a) 76th (b) 74th was celebrated across the country.
(c) 77th (d) 75th 2. The theme for 2025 is 'Swarnim Bharat:
Answer: A. 76th Heritage and Development'.
- On January 26, 2025, a tri-services tableau will debut at 3. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is
the 76th Republic Day Parade. the chief guest at the Republic Day
- The theme is “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat”
celebrations in 2025.
(Empowered and Secure India).
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
- It represents the spirit of jointness and integration
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 all
among the armed forces.
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3 all
- The tableau highlights the vital role of the forces in
- On 26 January 2025, India celebrated its 76th Republic
national security and operational excellence.
Day.
- It depicts the Joint Operations Room, symbolizing
- The theme for 2025 is 'Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur
seamless networking between the Army, Navy, and Air
Vikas' (Golden India – Heritage and Development).
Force.
- The theme highlights India's cultural heritage and
73. Which state government has launched the development.
‘Samman Sanjeevani’ app of ‘Mahila Evam - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the chief
Kishori Samman Yojana’? guest for the celebrations.
(a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Karnataka - The first Republic Day of India was celebrated on
(c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Haryana January 26, 1950.

14
76. A license under the Foreign Contribution 3. Sports
(Regulation) Act (FCRA) has been granted to
the Banke Bihari temple in ___________. 79. Who has become the fastest Indian bowler to
(a) Chennai (b) Vrindavan take 200 Test wickets as of December 2024?
(c) Bhopal (d) Haridwar (a) Axar Patel (b) Jasprit Bumrah
Answer: B. Vrindavan (c) Ravichandran Ashwin (d) Rohit Sharma
- The Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan has received an Answer: B. Jasprit Bumrah
FCRA license. - Jasprit Bumrah became the fastest Indian bowler to
- This allows the temple to receive foreign funds. take 200 Test wickets.
- Previously considered private property, it was - He achieved this milestone during the Border-Gavaskar
managed by a family of priests. Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
- A court-nominated committee now oversees the - Bumrah reached this landmark with his 8,484th legal
temple. delivery in Test cricket.
- The FCRA license application was made under the 2010 - He surpassed Mohammed Shami, who took 9,896
Act, aligning with 2022 FCRA regulation changes. deliveries to reach the same milestone.
- Bumrah is the fourth-fastest bowler globally to achieve
77. What is the duration of the recently approved this, following Waqar Younis (7,725 balls), Dale Steyn
National Critical Mineral Mission?
(7,848 balls), and Kagiso Rabada (8,154 balls).
(a) 2024-25 to 2030-31 (b) 2025-26 to 2031-32
(c) 2026-27 to 2030-31 (d) 2023-24 to 2039-30 80. Who has created history by winning the 15th
national title in 'Motorcycle Drag Racing'
Answer: A. 2024-25 to 2030-31
recently?
- The National Critical Mineral Mission aims to make
India self-reliant in critical minerals. (a) Sugan Prasad (b) Mohammad Riaz
- It encourages the exploration of minerals within India (c) Mujahid Pasha (d) Hemant Mudappa
and acquisition of mineral blocks abroad. Answer: D. Hemant Mudappa
- The Union Ministry of Mines is the nodal body for - Hemant Mudappa became a triple champion in the
implementation. 15th Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing
- The mission's total outlay is Rs 34,300 crore, with Rs Championship 2024.
16,300 crore from the central government. - He represented Mantra Racing and participated in
- The mission duration is seven years, from 2024-25 to three classes in the 2024 Nationals.
2030-31. - Mudappa secured an unbeatable lead of 29 points in
the 4-stroke 1051 to 1650cc Super Sport class.
78. Where was the 10th Sci-Fi Science Film - He achieved this milestone by participating in three
Festival of India held? classes and winning two of them.
(a) Mumbai, Maharashtra (b) Panaji, Goa - Known for his exceptional skills and dominance on the
(c) Ahmedabad, Gujarat (d) Kochi, Kerala drag strip.
Answer: B. Panaji, Goa
81. Which team won the Senior National Men's
- Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the
Handball title in December 2024?
10th Sci-Fi Science Film Festival in Panaji on 29 January
2025.
(a) Madhya Pradesh (b) Chandigarh
- The festival spanned 4 days, from 29 January to 1 (c) Kerala (d) Haryana
February 2025. Answer: C. Kerala
- It was organized by the Vidnyan Parishad Goa with - Kerala won the Senior National Men's Handball
support from the Goa Science Council and the Goa Championship title for the first time.
Science and Technology Department. - Kerala defeated Chandigarh with a score of 34-31 in the
- Vidnyan Parishad Goa is the state unit of Vijnana final.
Bharati. - Kerala overcame Services in the semi-finals, while
- Vijnana Bharati is an NGO promoting the Swadeshi Chandigarh defeated Indian Railways.
science movement in India. - Both losing semi-finalists, Services and Indian Railways,
shared the bronze medal.

15
- Kerala's Devendra was named 'Player of the - This is the first time the event is being held at the KD
Championship', Rahul was 'Best Goalkeeper', and Sujith Singh Babu Stadium.
was 'Best Left-Wing Player'. - Four countries are participating: Bangladesh,
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and India.
82. West Bengal won the 78th Santosh Trophy
- On the first day, Kazakhstan won against Bangladesh
2024-25 by defeating which team in the final?
in both the youth and junior categories.
(a) Meghalaya (b) Kerala
(c) Rajasthan (d) Manipur 85. Who won the Men's 10-meter Air Pistol finals
Answer: B. Kerala of the 67th National Shooting Championship
- West Bengal defeated Kerala in the final of the 78th 2024?
Santosh Trophy. (a) Varun Tomar (b) Pradyuman Singh
- This victory marked West Bengal's 33rd Santosh (c) Akash Bhardwaj (d) Chirag Sharma
Trophy title. Answer: A. Varun Tomar
- The final was held on 31 December 2024 at the GMC - Varun Tomar from the Indian Army won the senior
Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana. men's 10m air pistol event.
- The Santosh Trophy is a premier state-level football - Pradyuman Singh, his teammate, secured the silver
competition in India, organized by the All India Football medal.
Federation. - Akash Bhardwaj from Rajasthan won the bronze
- West Bengal has appeared in 47 finals, while Kerala has medal.
played in 16 finals. - Varun Tomar also clinched the men's junior 10m air
pistol title.
83. For the first time in the history of the World
- In the junior event, Pradyuman Singh won bronze, and
Blitz Championships, the Open section title
Nikhil from Uttar Pradesh took silver.
was shared between which two players?
- Haryana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra ranked 1st, 2nd,
(a) Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi
and 3rd in the medal tally with 23, 22, and 13 gold
(b) Xu Wenjun and Zhu Jiner medals respectively.
(c) R. Vaishali and Koneru Humpy
(d) Lei Tingjie and Magnus Carlsen 86. In Squash, who won the Under 17 Girls
Singles title at the British Junior Open in
Answer: A. Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi
England?
- Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi shared the
Open section title for the first time in the World Blitz
(a) Malini Singhal (b) Anahat Singh
Championships. (c) Devanshi Agarwal (d) Surya Tripathi
- R. Vaishali of India won the bronze medal in the Answer: B. Anahat Singh
women's section. - Anahat Singh won the Under 17 Girls Singles title at
- The women's section was won by Chinese chess player the British Junior Open in England.
Ju Wenjun. - She defeated Egypt's Malika El Karoxi with a score of
- This was the seventh title for Magnus Carlsen and the 3-2.
first for Ian Nepomniachtchi. - This victory marks her third British Junior Open title;
- The 2024 FIDE World Blitz Championship was held in she previously won in the Under-11 category in 2019 and
New York City, USA on 30 & 31 December 2024. the Under-15 category in 2023.
- In the semifinals, Anahat defeated Egypt's Ruqaiya
84. Where has the International Championship of Salem with a score of 3-1.
Handball (IHF) Trophy Men’s Youth and
Junior (Continental Phase – Asia) started? 87. Which medal has Kiran Jadhav won in the 10m
(a) Surat (b) Hyderabad air rifle event at the Lakshya Cup recently?
(c) Chennai (d) Lucknow (a) Gold Medal (b) Silver Medal
Answer: D. Lucknow (c) Bronze Medal (d) None of these
- The International Championship of Handball (IHF) Answer: A. Gold Medal
Trophy Men’s Youth and Junior has started in - Kiran Jadhav from the Indian Navy won the gold
Lucknow. medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 15th Lakshya Cup
Invitational Tournament.

16
- Jadhav scored 251.7 points, securing his first title win - The first Kho Kho World Cup began on 13 January
since 2018. 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New
- He surpassed Gajanan Khandgale (250.9) and Mohit Delhi.
Gowda (229.3) from Maharashtra. - It was inaugurated by Sudhanshu Mittal, President of
- Arjun Babuta of Railways, a finalist for the Paris the Kho Kho Federation of India.
Olympics, finished fourth with 208.2 points. - Organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India in
- National champions Sahu Mane and Ananya Nayudu collaboration with the Indian Olympic Association.
did not reach the finals. - The event runs from 13-19 January 2025.
- 20 men's teams and 19 women's teams from various
88. Martin Guptill declared his retirement from
countries are participating.
international cricket. He is a cricket player
from _____________? 91. Who was named the ICC Men’s Player of the
(a) Australia (b) South Africa Month for December 2024?
(c) New Zealand (d) England (a) Jasprit Bumrah (b) Virat Kohli
Answer: C. New Zealand (c) Shubman Gill (d) Rohit Sharma
- Martin Guptill, a cricket player from New Zealand, Answer: A. Jasprit Bumrah
announced his retirement from international cricket. - The ICC named Jasprit Bumrah as the Men’s Player of
- He had a career spanning almost 14 years, scoring over the Month for December 2024.
14,000 runs in 367 games. - This recognition was due to his extraordinary
- Guptill played 47 Test matches, 198 ODIs, and 122 performances during India’s tour of Australia.
T20Is. - The announcement was made on 14 January by the
- He debuted in 2009 against the West Indies. International Cricket Council (ICC).
- Guptill holds the record for the highest individual - Bumrah outperformed Australia's Pat Cummins and
score in an ODI World Cup, with 237 not out from 163 South Africa's Dan Paterson for the award.
balls during the 2015 World Cup. - Annabel Sutherland was named the Women's Player
of the Month for December 2024.
89. FC Barcelona defeated __________ by 5-2 to
win their 15th Spanish Super Cup. 92. Who became the fastest Indian to score a
(a) Chelsea (b) Liverpool century in women's ODIs?
(c) Manchester United (d) Real Madrid (a) Mithali Raj (b) Smriti Mandhana
Answer: D. Real Madrid (c) Harmanpreet Kaur (d) Harleen Deol
- FC Barcelona defeated Real Madrid by 5-2 in the Answer: B. Smriti Mandhana
Spanish Super Cup final. - Smriti Mandhana achieved the fastest century by an
- The match took place in Saudi Arabia. Indian in women's ODIs, scoring it in 70 balls.
- This victory marked the first trophy for Barcelona - The record was set during the third ODI against the
under manager Hansi Flick. Ireland women's team at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in
- It was Barcelona's third consecutive win in 2025 after Rajkot.
ending the previous year with two losses. - Mandhana was leading the team in the absence of
- Lewandowski scored 26 goals in 27 appearances for Harmanpreet Kaur.
Barcelona across all competitions. - This century marked her 10th ODI century.
- The Spanish Super Cup was introduced in 1982 as a - She equaled England's Tammy Beaumont for the third
competition between the winners of La Liga and the most centuries in women's ODIs, behind Australia's
Copa del Rey. Meg Lanning (15 centuries) and New Zealand's Suzie
Bates (13 centuries).
90. Which city of India is hosting the first Kho
Kho World Cup? 93. The Indian women's team won the first Kho
(a) Indore (b) New Delhi Kho World Cup 2025 title by defeating which
(c) Mumbai (d) Patna country at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium
Answer: B. New Delhi on January 19?
(a) Nepal (b) Brazil
(c) Peru (d) Bhutan

17
 Answer: A. Nepal Answer: A. Ladakh
- The Indian women's team won the inaugural Kho Kho - Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
World Cup 2025 title on January 19. inaugurated the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)
- The event took place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor 2025 in Ladakh.
Stadium. - The event took place at the Nawang Dorjay Stobdan
- The Indian men's team also defeated Nepal in the finals Sports Complex.
on the same day. - 19 teams from various states, UTs, and institutions are
- The tournament was the first edition and was participating in this five-day competition.
supported by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). - The second phase of KIWG 2025 will focus on snow
- A total of 20 men's and 19 women's teams participated sports like skiing and will be held in Jammu and
in the event. Kashmir from February 22 to 25.
- This is the second time Ladakh is hosting the Winter
94. Which team won the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare
Games.
Trophy by defeating Vidarbha?
(a) Mumbai (b) Vadodara 97. Who will host the FIDE Chess World Cup
(c) Karnataka (d) Tamil Nadu 2025?
Answer: C. Karnataka (a) India (b) Russia
- Karnataka won the 2024-25 Vijay Hazare Trophy by (c) China (d) United States of America
defeating Vidarbha by 36 runs. Answer: A. India
- The final was held at the Kotambi Stadium in - India will host the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 from
Vadodara. October 31 to November 27.
- Karnataka had only one loss in the group stage and - The All India Chess Federation (AICF) received
defeated Baroda and Haryana in the knockouts. informal confirmation of hosting rights in early 2024.
- Karnataka first won the tournament in the 2013-14 - India last hosted the event in 2002 in Hyderabad, where
season. Viswanathan Anand won.
- The Vijay Hazare Trophy is also known as the Ranji - The specific state or city for the 2025 event will be
One-Day Trophy, started in honor of Vijay Hazare. decided in the upcoming AICF meeting.
- As of January 23, 2025, D Gukesh is India's top chess
95. The first Olympic Research Conference will be
player, surpassing Arjun Erigaisi in the FIDE rankings.
hosted by _______?
(a) Gujarat (b) Maharashtra 98. Who won the men’s singles title of the 2025
(c) Bihar (d) Uttar Pradesh India Open Badminton Tournament?
Answer: A. Gujarat (a) Nur Izzuddin (b) Viktor Axelsen
- The 1st Olympic Research Conference will be hosted (c) Lee Cheuk Yeu (d) Goh Seze Fei
by Gujarat. Answer: B. Viktor Axelsen
- The event will be held at the Rashtriya Raksha - Viktor Axelsen from Denmark won the men’s singles
University (RRU) campus in Gandhinagar. title at the 2025 India Open Badminton Tournament.
- Officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) - The tournament took place in New Delhi from 14-19
will discuss strategies and innovative economic models January 2025.
for sustainable sports infrastructure. - Axelsen previously won the India Open singles title in
- This conference aims to position India as a strong 2017 and 2019.
contender to host the 2036 Olympics. - The event is organized by the Badminton World
- The conference will take place from January 27-30 and Federation (BWF) and hosted by the Badminton
will focus on financing and innovative economic models Federation of India.
for hosting the Olympics in India. - The India Open Badminton Tournament has been held
annually since 2018.
96. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
inaugurated the Khelo India Winter Games 99. First edition of the World Pickleball League
(KIWG) 2025 in which location? started in ___________.
(a) Ladakh (b) Jammu and Kashmir (a) Jaipur (b) Mumbai
(c) Arunachal Pradesh (d) Sikkim (c) Hyderabad (d) Lucknow

18
 Answer: B. Mumbai (a) JSW Soorma Hockey Club (b) Delhi SG Pipers
- The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is India's first (c) Hyderabad Storm (d) Tamil Nadu Dragons
franchise-based pickleball league. Answer: A. JSW Soorma Hockey Club
- It began at the Brabourne Stadium Cricket Club of - The Odisha Warriors won the inaugural women's
India (CCI) Stadium in Mumbai. Hockey India League on 26 January.
- Six teams are participating: Mumbai Pickle Power, - They defeated JSW Soorma Hockey Club with a score
Hyderabad Superstars, Pune United, Chennai of 2-1 in the final.
Superchamps, Dilli Dilwale, and Bengaluru Jawans. - The final was held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh
- The opening match was between Mumbai Pickle Stadium in Ranchi.
Power and Pune United. - Rutuja Dadaso Pisal scored two goals for the Warriors
- The final match will be played on 2nd February, in the 20th and 56th minutes.
concluding the 10-day event. - Penny Squibb scored one goal for Soorma in the 28th
100. Who has been inducted as the 64th member of minute.
the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame on January 103. Which region secured the top position in the
23, 2025? Khelo India Winter Games 2025?
(a) Michael Clarke (b) Pat Cummins (a) Maharashtra (b) Ladakh
(c) Suryakumar Yadav (d) Henry Klaasen (c) Jammu and Kashmir (d) Tamil Nadu
Answer: A. Michael Clarke Answer: B. Ladakh
- Michael Clarke, former Australia captain, was - Ladakh secured the top position in the Khelo India
inducted as the 64th member of the Australian Cricket Winter Games 2025.
Hall of Fame on January 23, 2025. - Ladakh won 7 medals, including four gold.
- In his 12-year career, Clarke scored 8,643 runs in Tests - Tamil Nadu followed with five medals, including three
and 7,981 runs in ODIs with averages of 49.10 and 44.58 gold.
respectively. - Maharashtra won the most medals (10) but finished
- He scored 28 centuries in Tests, including a triple third due to only two golds.
century of 329 runs against India at the Sydney Cricket - Over 400 athletes participated, with the event
Ground. concluding on 27 January 2025 at the NDS Stadium.
- Clarke's major achievements include winning the
2013/14 Ashes and the 2015 World Cup. 104. Janick Sinner belongs to which country and
has won the men's singles title of the
101. Who was awarded the ICC Men's T20I Australian Open Tennis Championship 2025?
Cricketer of the Year 2024? (a) Germany (b) USA
(a) Rohit Sharma (b) Suryakumar Yadav (c) Taiwan (d) Italy
(c) Arshdeep Singh (d) Tilak Verma Answer: D. Italy
Answer: C. Arshdeep Singh - Jannik Sinner from Italy won the men's singles title at
- Arshdeep Singh was awarded the ICC Men's T20I the 2025 Australian Open.
Cricketer of the Year 2024 on January 25. - Madison Keys from the USA won the women's singles
- He played a crucial role in India's triumph at the T20 title.
World Cup. - This was Sinner's third Grand Slam title and Keys'
- In 2024, he took 36 wickets in 18 matches. first.
- He was also included in the ICC T20I Team of the Year - The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the
2024 alongside Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and 2025 season.
Hardik Pandya. - The 120th edition took place from 6-26 January 2025 at
- During the T20 World Cup in the USA, he excelled in Melbourne Park, Australia.
the powerplay and death overs, taking 17 wickets in
eight matches at an average of 12.64. 105. Who won the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of
the Year award?
102. On 26 January, the inaugural women's Hockey (a) Smriti Mandhana (b) Chamari Athapaththu
India League was won by the Odisha Warriors
(c) Annabel Sutherland (d) Laura Wolvaardt
by defeating ________.
Answer: A. Smriti Mandhana

19
- Smriti Mandhana won the ICC Women's ODI - The mission is vital for India's manned mission to the
Cricketer of the Year award. moon and the development of a space station.
- She became the first Indian to win this award twice. - It involves two small spacecraft, SDX01 (the Chaser)
- Mandhana was the highest run-scorer in the ODI and SDX02 (the Target), each weighing 220 kg.
format in 2024.
108. Which IIT has developed a needleless shock
- She is the first batter in women's ODIs to hit four
syringe for painless injection?
hundreds in a calendar year.
(a) IIT Mumbai (b) IIT Kanpur
- In 2024, she scored 794 runs, including four hundreds,
at an average of 57.46 in 13 matches. (c) IIT Kharagpur (d) IIT Delhi
Answer: A. IIT Mumbai
106. The official logo and mascot for the 23rd - IIT Mumbai developed a shockwave-based needleless
National Para Athletics Championships 2025 syringe for painless drug delivery.
have been released in which city? - The syringe uses high-energy shockwaves to create a
(a) Patna (b) Chennai microjet of fluid medication that penetrates the skin
(c) Bhubaneswar (d) Mumbai without a needle.
Answer: B. Chennai - It consists of a driver, driven section, and drug holder,
- The official logo and mascot for the 23rd National Para powered by compressed nitrogen gas.
Athletics Championships 2025 were released in - Tests on mice showed minimal skin damage with
Chennai. penetration into deep tissue.
- The event is scheduled from February 17 to 20, 2025. - The device supports over 1,000 uses with only nozzle
- Approximately 1,700 para-athletes from across India replacement, making it cost-effective and suitable for
will participate. large-scale vaccination campaigns.
- The Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu
109. Which of the following IITs and the Ministry
(SDAT) played a key role in organizing the
of Agriculture collaborated on Project
championship.
VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to
- Tamil Nadu will host the event, celebrating the power Access Agricultural Resources)?
of determination in para-sports.
(a) IIT Delhi (b) IIT Madras
(c) IIT Roorkee (d) IIT Kanpur
Answer: B. IIT Madras
4. Science & Technology - IIT Madras collaborated with the Ministry of
107. Which statement is correct regarding the Space Agriculture on Project VISTAAR.
Docking Mission (SpaDex Mission)? - VISTAAR aims to improve the agricultural extension
1. SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) sector through digitization.
satellites came closer to 3-meter distance. - A Memorandum of Understanding was signed to
2. A successful docking will make India the enhance the platform with data on agricultural start-ups.
fourth country with a space docking facility in - This initiative will help farmers and stakeholders access
the world. start-up capabilities and products.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
110. Which airline has recently become the first
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these Indian airline to launch in-flight Wi-Fi internet
Answer: C. 1 and 2 service on domestic flights?
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
(a) SpiceJet (b) IndiGo
launched the SpaDex Mission, a critical space docking
(c) Air India (d) None of these
mission.
Answer: C. Air India
- The PSLV-C60 mission was launched on December 30,
- Air India is the first Indian airline to offer in-flight Wi-
2024, marking the 99th launch from Sriharikota.
Fi on domestic flights.
- If successful, India will become the fourth country to
- The service is available on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9,
master rendezvous, docking, and undocking
and select Airbus A321 Neo aircraft.
technology, after Russia, the USA, and China.
- Previously, Wi-Fi was offered on international routes to
New York, London, Paris, and Singapore.

20
- The service is part of a pilot project for domestic routes. - Aniruddha Joshi, the founder of Atreya Innovation,
- Passengers can access the Internet at 10,000 feet altitude created the device during his research at IIT Bombay.
on certain routes. - The project received a research grant from the Council
of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
111. The Council of Scientific and Industrial
- "Nadi Tarangini" is an advanced AI-powered tool
Research (CSIR) has developed the technology
to produce which medicine indigenously? aimed at enhancing traditional Ayurvedic practices.

(a) Tramadol (b) Paracetamol 114. First battery energy storage system of India
(c) Pen-D (d) Glacimate SR 500 will start in Kilokri of ____________ in March
Answer: B. Paracetamol this year.
- The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (a) South Ladakh (b) South Delhi
(CSIR) has developed technology to produce (c) South Goa (d) South Chandigarh
Paracetamol indigenously. Answer: B. South Delhi
- This announcement was made by Dr. Jitendra Singh on - The first battery energy storage system of India will
the 40th Foundation Day of the Department of Scientific commence in Kilokri, South Delhi in March 2023.
and Industrial Research (DSIR). - It is India's first commercial utility-scale battery energy
- The event took place in New Delhi on 5 January 2025. storage system (BESS).
- The Department of Scientific and Industrial Research - The system consists of a 20 MW/40 MWh cluster of
is part of the Union Ministry of Science and batteries.
Technology. - It can supply power for four hours a day, split into two
- It was established in 1985 by the Government of India. hours during the day and two hours at night.
- This project is part of BSES Rajdhani's power sub-
112. Who among the following has launched the
station in Kilokri village.
BHARATPOL portal developed by the Central
Bureau of Investigation? - BSES Rajdhani is the largest power distribution
company in Delhi, a joint venture between the Reliance
(a) CBI Director Praveen Sood
Group and the Delhi government.
(b) Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- The project has been approved by the Delhi Electricity
(c) Prime Minister Narendra Modi Regulatory Commission.
(d) None of these
Answer: B. Union Home Minister Amit Shah 115. Who has launched Asia’s largest Shallow
- The BHARATPOL portal was launched by Union
Wave Basin Research facility?
Home Minister Amit Shah. (a) IIT Madras (b) IIT Chennai
- It was developed by the Central Bureau of (c) IIT Kanpur (d) IIT Delhi
Investigation (CBI). Answer: A. IIT Madras
- The portal will streamline processing requests for - Asia’s largest Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility
international assistance through INTERPOL. was launched by IIT Madras.
- It includes the issuance of Red Notices and other - Located at the Thaiyur campus, it serves both research
colour-coded INTERPOL notices. and industrial needs.
- BHARATPOL will facilitate real-time information - It addresses India’s growing technical and research
sharing and faster access to international police needs in coastal and marine engineering.
assistance for Indian law enforcement agencies. - Developed under the National Technology Centre for
Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC).
113. Which Pune-based startup developed the AI-
- Aims to resolve challenges related to Indian ports,
based pulse diagnostic tool "Nadi Tarangini"
waterways, and coastal engineering.
for Ayurveda practitioners?
(a) Nadi Samadhan (b) Tech Ayurveda 116. Who announced a $3 billion investment in
(c) Ayurveda Tech (d) Atreya Innovation India to enhance cloud and AI infrastructure?
Answer: D. Atreya Innovation (a) Tesla (b) Google
- Atreya Innovation, a Pune-based startup, developed (c) Amazon (d) Microsoft
the AI-based pulse diagnostic tool "Nadi Tarangini." Answer: D. Microsoft

21
- Microsoft announced a $3 billion investment in India (a) Russia (b) Japan
to enhance its cloud and AI infrastructure. (c) USA (d) France
- The company plans to train 10 million individuals in Answer: A. Russia
AI skills. - Russia's state-owned Rosatom is involved in setting up
- On January 7, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella made the the sixth unit of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
announcement. - The plant is located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
- On January 6, Nadella met PM Narendra Modi to - An agreement was signed in 1988 between India and
discuss technology and AI advancements. the Soviet Union for a 6000 MW nuclear power plant.
117. South India’s first Infectious Disease Research - It will be the largest nuclear power plant in India at a
and Diagnostic Laboratory will be established single location.
by _____________? - The plant consists of 6 units, each with a 1000 MW
(a) Chennai Medical College and Research capacity.

Institute 120. India's total renewable energy capacity reached

(b) Mangalore Medical College and Research ___________.
Institute (a) 409.44 GW (b) 305.44 GW
(c) Bangalore Medical College and Research (c) 209.44 GW (d) 109.44 GW
Institute Answer: C. 209.44 GW
(d) None of these - India's total renewable energy capacity reached 209.44
Answer: C. Bangalore Medical College and Research gigawatts (GW).
Institute - This marks a remarkable growth in the renewable
- Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute energy sector.
(BMCRI) will establish South India’s first Infectious - The capacity increased by 15.84% from 180.80 GW in
Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL). December 2023 to 209.44 GW in December 2024.
- This laboratory will be located in Bengaluru. - The growth reflects India's commitment to expanding
- It will focus on diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and its renewable energy infrastructure.
parasites. 121. ISRO brought satellites to the 3-meter range
- The facility aims to enable quicker diagnostics and under SpaDex. Which of the following
improved management of infectious diseases. statements is correct?
1. SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)
118. Union Minister for Information and
satellites came closer to 3-meter distance.
Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw officially
2. A successful docking will make India the
unveiled the _____________.
fourth country with a space docking facility in
(a) Dhruv JAS 64 chip (b) Dhanush JAS 64 chip the world.
(c) Rajan JAS 64 chip (d) Teja JAS 64 chip (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
Answer: D. Teja JAS 64 chip
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
- Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Information
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
and Broadcasting, visited the Centre for Development
- SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) satellites came
of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune.
within a 3-meter distance during a trial.
- He reviewed the work on chip creation and other
- A successful docking will make India the fourth
technical devices for advancing supercomputer
country with a space docking facility.
technology.
- The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- The Teja JAS 64 chip was officially unveiled, developed
successfully maneuvered the satellites to a 3-meter range.
by the Nova Development Board and C-DAC.
- All sensors developed by ISRO were fully calibrated
- An electronic cluster will be established in Ranjangaon
and tested before the docking experiments.
to develop chips and semiconductors for the electronic
- On 30th December, SpaDeX placed the satellites in a
industry.
475-kilometre orbit.
119. With the help of which country is the sixth
122. In which state has the Department of Science
unit of the nuclear power plant being set up at
and Technology, Government of India,
Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu?

22
 established its first astronomical observatory - The project has a budget of Rs 3984.86 crore and is
in the Eastern region? expected to be completed in 48 months.
(a) Odisha (b) Sikkim 125. World's most powerful hydrogen train engine
(c) West Bengal (d) Arunachal Pradesh developed by which factory?
Answer: C. West Bengal (a) Integral Coach Factory, Tamil Nadu
- The first astronomical observatory of Eastern India is
(b) Modern Coach Factory, Rae Bareli
located in West Bengal.
(c) Rail Locomotive Factory, Madhepura
- It is the sixth observatory in India under the
Department of Science and Technology.
(d) Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala
Answer: A. Integral Coach Factory, Tamil Nadu
- Situated atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchkot area of
- India has developed the world's most powerful
Purulia district.
hydrogen train engine.
- Established by the Satyendra Nath Bose National
- The engine, developed by Indian Railways, has an
Centre for Native Sciences.
output of 1,200 horsepower.
- The observatory features a 14-inch diameter telescope
- The first trial run is planned on the Jind-Sonipat route
and plans for a 1-meter diameter telescope.
in Haryana.
123. Which became the first private company in - Only Germany, France, Sweden, and China currently
India to have its own constellation of operate hydrogen-powered trains with 500–600
satellites? horsepower.
(a) Bellatrix (b) Agnikul - The Integral Coach Factory in Tamil Nadu developed
(c) Pixxel (d) Polar India's first hydrogen-powered train.
Answer: C. Pixxel
126. For the deployment of 5G and upcoming 6G
- Pixxel became the first private company in India to
services, the cabinet has authorized the
have its own constellation of satellites.
refarming of how much spectrum from many
- Pixxel and Digantara announced the launch of their government ministries?
satellites through the SpaceX rocket.
(a) 587 MHz (b) 687 MHz
- These satellites will monitor the Earth and objects
(c) 487 MHz (d) 387 MHz
orbiting around it.
Answer: B. 687 MHz
- Pixxel uses cutting-edge hyper-spectral frequency
- The cabinet has authorized the refarming of 687 MHz of
technology, allowing observation in more than 150
spectrum for 5G and 6G services.
bands.
- The estimated value of this spectrum is Rs 2 lakh crore.
- This technology is beneficial for sectors like agriculture
- Auctions will be conducted for the refarmed spectrum.
and defense.
- The telecom industry's total spectrum demand is
124. Where will the third launch pad of the Indian expected to reach 2000 MHz by 2030.
Space Research Organisation be constructed? - Currently, the available spectrum is 900 MHz.
(a) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
127. In January 2025, China successfully launched
(b) Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu the Pakistan PRSC-EO1 satellite from the
(c) Tarkarli, Maharashtra Jiuquan Satellite Center. What type of satellite
(d) Chandipur, Odisha is it?
Answer: A. Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (a) Navigation Satellite
- The Union Cabinet approved the construction of the (b) Communication Satellite
third launch pad for ISRO. (c) Exploration Satellite
- It will support future human space flights and next-
(d) Imaging Satellite
generation rockets.
Answer: D. Imaging Satellite
- The decision was made in a meeting chaired by Prime
- China launched the Pakistani PRSC-EO1 satellite from
Minister Narendra Modi.
the Jiuquan Satellite Center.
- The launch pad will be at the Satish Dhawan Space
- The launch occurred at 12:07 pm on January 17, 2025.
Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- The satellite was sent into orbit by a Long March-2D
rocket.

23
- PRSC-EO1 is an Electro-Optical (EO1) imaging - Sarala Aviation, a Bengaluru-based startup, launched
satellite for high-resolution Earth images. the prototype for India's first air taxi, Shunya.
- The mission included two other satellites, Tianlu-1 and - The company plans to introduce electric flying taxis in
Lantan-1, marking the 556th flight of the Long March Bengaluru by 2028.
series. - The Shunya prototype is designed for distances of 20-30
km.
128. Which of the following statements is/are
- It can achieve speeds of up to 250 kmph.
correct regarding CROPS testing?
1. A batch of cowpea seeds has been 131. What is DeepSeek?
successfully germinated in space for the (a) AI Chatbot (b) Robot
Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) trial.
2. The CROPS payload has been developed by (c) AI Modem (d) Supercomputer
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Answer: A. AI Chatbot
- DeepSeek is an AI chatbot developed in China.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
- It gained popularity due to its free service offering.
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
- It surpassed ChatGPT in ratings on the Apple App
Answer: C. 1 and 2
Store in the US shortly after release.
- ISRO conducted the CROPS experiment to study plant
- Interest in the startup increased significantly within 36
growth in space.
hours.
- A batch of cowpea seeds was successfully sprouted in
- Founded by Liang Wenfeng in 2023, it is developed by
space as part of the Compact Research Module for
a research lab in Hangzhou.
Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) experiment.
- The CROPS experiment was sent through PSLV-C60
POEM-4.
5. Obituaries
- Under the CROPS experiment, cowpea seeds sprouted 132. Consider the following statements about
in 4 days. Jimmy Carter. Which of the following
- The CROPS payload was developed by the Vikram statements is correct?
Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). 1. Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of
the United States from 1977 to 1981.
129. India’s first-of-its-kind CSIR Mega 2. He facilitated the 1979 Camp David Accords
"Innovation Complex" has been inaugurated at between Israel and Egypt.
_____________?
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(a) Hyderabad (b) Mumbai
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
(c) Jaipur (d) Lucknow Answer: C. 1 and 2
Answer: B. Mumbai - Jimmy Carter served as the 39th President of the
- India's first CSIR Mega "Innovation Complex" was United States from 1977 to 1981.
inaugurated in Mumbai. - He facilitated the 1979 Camp David Accords between
- Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the complex on 17th Israel and Egypt.
January. - Carter passed away at the age of 100 on 29 December
- The complex features nine floors with 24 incubation 2024.
labs for start-ups, MSMEs, industry partners, and CSIR - He was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his
labs. humanitarian efforts.
- It offers high-end scientific infrastructure and - On March 22, 2019, he became the longest-living chief
regulatory support for SOP-driven studies. executive in US history.
130. Which of the following launched prototypes 133. Playback singer P. Jayachandran, who passed
for India's first air taxi ‘Shunya’? away on 9 January 2025, was especially
(a) BrahMos Aerospace celebrated in which film industry?
(b) Hindustan Aeronautics (a) Telugu (b) Tamil
(c) Sarala Aviation (d) Asr Aerospace (c) Kannada (d) Malayalam
Answer: C. Sarala Aviation Answer: D. Malayalam

24
- On 9th January 2025, playback singer P. Jayachandran - He succeeds Prof. Subbanna Ayyappan, who launched
passed away in Thrissur, Kerala. India's first Drive-through COVID testing facility.
- His career spanned over six decades. - NABL is part of the Quality Council of India (QCI),
- He sang more than 16,000 songs in multiple languages, focusing on enhancing the quality of testing and
including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and calibration services.
Kannada. - The Quality Council of India was established in 1996
- He was a celebrated voice in South Indian cinema, under the Union Ministry of Commerce.
especially in the Malayalam film industry.
136. Who has been appointed as the Director
- He received numerous awards, including the National
General of the Central Reserve Police Force
Film Award for Best Playback Singer, Kerala State Film (CRPF) by the Ministry of Home Affairs?
Awards, Kalaimamani Award, and the J C Daniel
(a) Neena Singh (b) Vitul Kumar
Award.
(c) Daljit Singh Chaudhary (d) Anish Dayal
- P. Jayachandran was affectionately called Bhava
Answer: B. Vitul Kumar
Gayakan.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs appointed IPS officer
Vitul Kumar as the Director General of the CRPF.
- Vitul Kumar has been given the acting charge of the
6. Appointments & Resignations position.
134. Which of the following statements is correct - He took over after the retirement of Anish Dayal Singh.
about Dr. KM Cherian? - Currently, he serves as the Special Director General of
1. He was a world-famous cardiologist. the CRPF.
2. He performed India’s first successful - He received the Director General’s Commendation
coronary artery bypass surgery in 1975. Disc in Silver on January 26, 2016.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 137. Recently, 'K Vijayanand' became the new
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these Chief Secretary of which state?
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2 (a) Karnataka (b) Puducherry
- Dr. KM Cherian was a world-famous cardiologist.
(c) Kerala (d) Andhra Pradesh
- He performed India’s first successful coronary artery
Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh
bypass surgery in 1975.
- K Vijayanand, a senior IAS officer from the 1992 batch,
- He conducted India’s first heart-lung transplant.
is the new Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh.
- He established Frontier Mediville, a medical science
- He was previously the Special Chief Secretary of
park in Chennai.
Energy.
- He was a pioneer in pediatric cardiac surgery in India
- Neerav Kumar Prasad, the outgoing Chief Secretary,
and served as the Indian President's honorary cardiac
handed over the charge to Vijayanand.
surgeon.
- Vijayanand has been the Chairman and Managing
- Dr. Cherian performed heart surgeries on 20 Iraqi
Director of APTRANSCO since 2023 and Chairman of
children.
APGENCO since 2022.
- His biography, titled Hand of God, was written by
- His administrative career began in 1993 as Assistant
Priya M. Menon.
Collector of Adilabad.
135. Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of
138. Who has been appointed as the Chief
the National Accreditation Board for Testing
Executive Officer of the Unique Identification
and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)?
Authority of India (UIDAI)?
(a) Archana Shukla (b) Dr. Sandeep Shah
(a) Ashok Kumar (b) Archana Shukla
(c) Amit Kumar (d) Sanjay Malhotra
(c) Bhuvnesh Kumar (d) Sanjay Malhotra
Answer: B. Dr. Sandeep Shah
Answer: C. Bhuvnesh Kumar
- Dr. Sandeep Shah has been appointed as the
- Bhuvnesh Kumar, a 1995 batch IAS officer from the
Chairperson of the National Accreditation Board for
Uttar Pradesh cadre, became the CEO of UIDAI on 2
Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
January 2025.

25
- He succeeded Amit Aggarwal, who is now the - Earned a doctorate from the Queensland University of
Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Technology, Australia.
- Kumar will also serve as the Additional Secretary in the - Served as a scientist at ICMR-NIN for over 20 years
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and was the Head of the Department of Reproductive
(MeitY). and Child Health and Nutrition at ICMR, New Delhi
- The UIDAI was established in 2009 by the central for the last three years.
government under the Planning Commission (now
142. What is the tenure of V. Narayanan as the
NITI Aayog).
Chairman of the Indian Space Research
139. Air Marshal ______________ took over the Organisation (ISRO)?
command of the Indian Air Force's Western Air (a) Two years (b) Four years
Command on January 1, 2025. (c) Three years (d) Five years
(a) V. Ramasubramaniam (b) Jitendra Mishra Answer: A. Two years
(c) Arun Kumar Mishra (d) Pankaj Mohan Sinha - V. Narayanan has been appointed as the 11th Chairman
Answer: B. Jitendra Mishra of ISRO.
- Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra assumed command of the - He will succeed S. Somanth and assume office on 14
Western Air Command on January 1, 2025. January 2025.
- He was commissioned as a fighter pilot in the Indian - His tenure is for two years or until further orders,
Air Force in December 1986. whichever is earlier.
- Air Marshal Mishra has held significant command and - V. Narayanan is a distinguished scientist and expert in
staff positions over his 38-year career. rocket and spacecraft propulsion.
- He succeeded Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who - He joined ISRO in 1984 and later became the director of
retired after 39 years of service. the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).

140. Who has recently been appointed as the 143. Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been elected as the
Secretary General of ASSOCHAM? President of which sports body in India?
(a) Bhuvnesh Kumar (b) Manish Singhal (a) Athletics Federation of India
(c) Sanjay Prasad (d) S. Kumar (b) Table Tennis Federation of India
Answer: B. Manish Singhal (c) Badminton Association of India
- Manish Singhal has been appointed as the Secretary (d) Hockey India
General of ASSOCHAM. Answer: A. Athletics Federation of India
- ASSOCHAM is one of India's oldest apex business - Bahadur Singh Sagoo, an Asian Games gold medallist,
chambers, founded in 1920. is the new President of the Athletics Federation of India
- Singhal has over 35 years of experience and succeeds (AFI).
Deepak Sood. - He succeeded Adille Sumariwalla at the Annual
- His career includes leadership roles at Tata Motors, General Assembly Meeting in Chandigarh.
Eicher (Volvo), and FICCI. - Adille Sumariwalla served as AFI President since 2012,
- ASSOCHAM has a network of over 4,50,000 members, with a tenure of over a decade.
including large corporates and MSMEs. - Sandeep Mehta was elected as Secretary, and BE
141. Who has recently become the new head of Stanley Jones as Treasurer.
ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition? - The term for the newly elected officials is four years
(a) SpiceJet (b) Pratima Joshi (2025-2029).

(c) Jyothika Mishra (d) Bharati Kulkarni 144. Who has been appointed as the Revenue
Answer: D. Bharati Kulkarni Secretary and Finance Secretary of India?
- Dr. Bharati Kulkarni is the new Director of the ICMR- (a) Brijendra Pratap Singh (b) Arunish Chawla
National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN). (c) Rajiv Kumar (d) Tuhin Kanta Pandey
- She is a specialist in Pediatrics from the University of Answer: D. Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Pune. - Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as the
- Holds a Master's degree in Public Health from Johns Revenue Secretary and Finance Secretary of India.
Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.

26
- The appointment occurred just before the presentation - The IPF is an independent think tank focusing on
of the Union Budget 2025-26. police-related issues.
- Arunish Chawla has been appointed as the Secretary of - Singh retired in January 2020 after serving as the
the Department of Investment and Public Asset Director General of Police in Uttar Pradesh.
Management (DIPAM). - He also held the position of Director General for the
- Brijendra Pratap Singh is the new Chairman-cum- Central Industrial Security Force and the National
Managing Director (CMD) of NALCO. Disaster Response Force.

145. Who has become the International Event 148. Who has been appointed the new Director
Ambassador for the 20th edition of the General of the Directorate General of Civil
Mumbai Marathon that begins from Aviation (DGCA)?
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus? (a) Rameshwar Sinha (b) Ashutosh Agnihotri
(a) Milkha Singh (b) Mohd Farah (c) Faiz Ahmed Kidwai (d) Jaunaid Khan
(c) Eliud Kipchoge (d) Usain Bolt Answer: C. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai
Answer: B. Mohd Farah - Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has been appointed as the new
- Mo Farah, a four-time Olympic and six-time world Director General of the Directorate General of Civil
champion, is the International Event Ambassador for Aviation (DGCA).
the 20th Mumbai Marathon. - He is currently serving as an Additional Secretary in
- The marathon starts from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Terminus on January 19. - His appointment was approved by the Appointments
- 60,000 runners are expected to participate in this world Committee of the Cabinet.
athletics gold label road race. - Ashutosh Agnihotri has been appointed as the
- The event ranks among the top 10 marathons globally. Chairman and Managing Director of the Food
- Defending champions include Hayley Lemi Barhanu Corporation of India.
and Srinu Bugatha in the men's section, and Aberash - Kamal Kishore Soan has been appointed as Additional
Minsevo and Thakor Nirmaben in the women's section. Secretary and Mission Director of Jal Jeevan Mission in
the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
146. Who was recently appointed as the new
secretary of BCCI? 149. Who has been appointed as the chairman of
(a) Nikhil Chopra (b) Angad Bedi AFI's newly constituted Athletes Commission?
(c) Rajeev Shukla (d) Debjit Saikia (a) Anju Bobby George (b) Neeraj Chopra
Answer: D. Debjit Saikia (c) Bajrang Punia (d) PT Usha
- Debjit Saikia has been appointed as the new secretary Answer: A. Anju Bobby George
of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). - Anju Bobby George has been appointed as the
- The position became vacant after Jay Shah assumed the chairperson of the Athletes Commission of the Athletics
role of ICC Chairman. Federation of India (AFI).
- Prabhtej Singh Bhatia has been elected as the new - The Commission consists of nine members, including
treasurer, replacing Ashish Shelar. six women.
- As a wicket-keeper batsman, Saikia played 4 first-class - Neeraj Chopra, a two-time Olympic medallist, is the
matches for Assam between 1990-1991, scoring 53 runs. most prominent male member.
- Saikia played his last Ranji Trophy match in 1997 and - Other women members include Jyotirmayee Sikdar,
later pursued a career in law. Krishna Poonia, Md Valsamma, Sudha Singh, and
Sunita Rani.
147. Who has been appointed as the new president
of the Indian Police Foundation? - The Commission was unveiled in January 2025 after
elections in October 2024.
(a) Rameshwar Sinha (b) Rajeev Ranjan
(c) OP Singh (d) Abhinav Kumar 150. Who has been appointed as the Chief Justice of
Answer: C. OP Singh the Delhi High Court?
- OP Singh, a 1983-batch IPS officer, has been appointed (a) Justice R. Mahadevan
as the new president of the Indian Police Foundation (b) Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay
(IPF). (c) Justice Kotishwar Singh

27
 (d) Justice Ashwini Kumar Tripathi (c) Arun Mishra (d) Sitanshu Kotak
Answer: B. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay Answer: C. Arun Mishra
- The Union Law Ministry appointed Justice Devendra - The BCCI appointed retired Supreme Court Justice
Kumar Upadhyay as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Arun Mishra as the ombudsman.
Court. - He will also serve as the ethics officer for the BCCI.
- He was previously the Chief Justice of the Bombay - The role involves addressing ethical issues and
High Court. controversies in Indian cricket.
- Justice Vibhu Bakhru was serving as the Acting Chief - Sitanshu Kotak was appointed as the batting coach.
Justice before Upadhyay's appointment. - Devajit Saikia was appointed as the secretary, and
- With this appointment, the Delhi High Court now has Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as the treasurer.
38 judges against a sanctioned strength of 60.
154. Who has been appointed as Director General
151. Who has been reappointed as the Chairperson of CRPF?
of the Executive Council of the Prime (a) Gyanendra Pratap Singh
Ministers Museum and Library Society? (b) Rajwinder Singh Bhatti
(a) Rajiv Kumar (b) Nripendra Mishra (c) Amrit Mohan Prasad (d) Rahul Rasgotra
(c) R. Raghavendra (d) None of these Answer: A. Gyanendra Pratap Singh
Answer: B. Nripendra Mishra - Gyanendra Pratap Singh has been appointed as the
- The Government of India reconstituted the Executive Director General of the CRPF.
Council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library - He is a 1991 batch Indian Police Service officer from the
Society. Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
- Nripendra Mishra has been reappointed as the - The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
Chairperson of the Executive Council. approved his appointment.
- The Executive Council is the highest decision-making - He will serve as Director General until his
body of the Society. superannuation on November 30, 2027.
- The Society was established on 1st April 1966 to - He has experience in the Assam Police and central
manage the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, now police organizations like SPG and NIA.
known as the Prime Minister Museum and Library. - CRPF is one of the largest Central Armed Police Forces
152. Who has become the new Governor of in India.
Mizoram in January 2025? 155. Who has been appointed by the Ministry of
(a) Arif Mohammed Khan External Affairs as the next Secretary General
(b) Hari Babu Kambhampati of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)?
(c) P.S. Sreedharan Pillai (a) Sanjiv Ranjan (b) Rajwinder Singh Bhatti
(d) Vijay Kumar Singh (c) Amrit Mohan Prasad (d) Rahul Rasgotra
Answer: D. Vijay Kumar Singh Answer: A. Sanjiv Ranjan
- On 16 January 2025, General Vijay Kumar Singh was - Sanjiv Ranjan, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer,
sworn in as the 25th Governor of Mizoram. has been appointed as the next Secretary General of the
- The oath was administered by Chief Justice of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
Guwahati High Court, Justice Vijay Bishnoi. - He is a veteran diplomat from the 1993 batch of the
- He succeeded Hari Babu Kambhampati, who moved to Indian Foreign Service.
Odisha. - As Secretary-General, he will lead efforts to advance
- General Singh served as a minister during Prime IORA's objectives and contribute to the growth and
Minister Narendra Modi's first two terms from 2014 to sustainability of the region.
2024. - The Indian Ocean Rim Association is a regional
- He was the 24th Chief of Army Staff of India. organization connecting countries bordering the Indian
Ocean.
153. Who has been appointed as the ombudsman of
- IORA promotes cooperation in areas such as economic
the Board of Control for Cricket in India
cooperation, sustainable development, and regional
(BCCI)?
security.
(a) Prabhtej Singh Bhatia (b) Devjit Saikia

28
156. Who has been elected as the President of the 159. Who was recently appointed as the brand
Institute of Company Secretaries of India ambassador of FICCI Frames?
(ICSI) for 2025? (a) Ayushmann Khurrana (b) Sachin Tendulkar
(a) Mahesh Kumar Agarwal (c) Virat Kohli (d) Akshay Kumar
(b) Dhananjay Shukla Answer: A. Ayushmann Khurrana
(c) Sanjiv Ranjan (d) Pawan G. Chandak - Ayushmann Khurrana, a Bollywood actor, was
Answer: B. Dhananjay Shukla appointed as the brand ambassador during the 25th
- Dhananjay Shukla has been elected as the President of anniversary of FICCI Frames.
the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for - FICCI Frames is an international conference for the
2025. Indian film industry.
- He previously served as the Vice President of ICSI in - The conference includes keynote speeches,
2024. masterclasses, and cultural events.
- Pawan G. Chandak has been elected as the Vice - This year's theme is 'RICE: Redefine Innovation,
Chairman of ICSI. Sustainability, Excellence'.
- ICSI was established in 1968 and became a statutory - The event aims to enhance creativity and advance the
body in 1981 under the Company Secretaries Act 1980. media and entertainment industry.
- Shukla is a commerce and law graduate and a fellow
160. Who has recently joined the World Cricket
member of ICSI, with expertise in corporate law,
Connect's Advisory Board?
securities law, and taxation.
(a) Prabhtej Singh Bhatia (b) Devjit Saikia
157. Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya took the (c) Baldev Singh (d) Jay Shah
oath of office of the ______ High Court. Answer: D. Jay Shah
(a) Delhi (b) Allahabad - Jay Shah, the ICC President and former BCCI
(c) Bombay (d) Guwahati secretary, has joined the Cricket ConnectS Advisory
Answer: A. Delhi Council.
- Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya took the oath as - This council replaces the former World Cricket
Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. Committee.
- The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor - The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) inaugurated the
V.K. Saxena. World Cricket Connects Forum last year.
- Previously, Justice Upadhyaya served as the Chief - Jay Shah is a founding member of the 13-member
Justice of the Bombay High Court. council led by Kumar Sangakkara.
- The Supreme Court Collegium recommended his - The previous World Cricket Committee was formed in
transfer on January 7. the summer of 2006.
- He was appointed as a judge of the Allahabad High
161. Who has decided to step down as the ICC
Court on November 21, 2011.
Chief Executive?
158. Justice Alok Aradhe has been sworn in as the (a) Geoff Allardice (b) Shashank Manohar
Chief Justice of which High Court in January (c) David Richardson (d) N. Srinivasan
2025? Answer: A. Geoff Allardice
(a) Delhi High Court (b) Bombay High Court - On January 28, 2023, the International Cricket Council
(c) Allahabad High Court (d) None of these (ICC) confirmed that Geoff Allardice decided to step
Answer: B. Bombay High Court down as Chief Executive.
- Justice Alok Aradhe was sworn in as the Chief Justice - His decision is linked to concerns over Pakistan's
of the Bombay High Court. readiness to host the Champions Trophy 2025.
- The oath was administered by Maharashtra Governor - Geoff Allardice joined the ICC in 2012 as General
C P Radhakrishnan. Manager of Cricket after working with Cricket
- The ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai. Australia.
- Justice Aradhe is the 48th Chief Justice of the Bombay - He was appointed as the CEO of the ICC in November
High Court. 2021, after serving as acting CEO for eight months.
- He succeeded Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay.

29
7. Important Days (a) 4th January (b) 8th January
(c) 7th January (d) 6th January
162. Which state celebrates Women Teachers' Day Answer: B. 8th January
on the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule in
- Earth's Rotation Day is observed on 8th January each
honor of women teachers?
year.
(a) Telangana (b) Karnataka - It commemorates the 1851 discovery by French
(c) Tamil Nadu (d) Maharashtra physicist Leon Foucault that the Earth rotates on its axis.
Answer: A. Telangana - The Earth completes a rotation on its axis every 24
- The 194th birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule was hours.
celebrated on January 3. - The 2024 theme is 'Honoring the Discovery of Our
- Savitribai Phule was India's first female teacher, Planet's Movement'.
advocating for the education of women and the
untouchables. 166. Consider the following statements about
- Telangana celebrates Women Teachers' Day on this
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Which of the
following statements is/are correct?
date to honor female educators.
1. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated once
- Savitribai Phule was born in Naigaon, Maharashtra on
in two years on 9 January.
January 3, 1831, and passed away on March 10, 1897. 2. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship
- She was married to Jyotirao Phule, a fellow activist and event of the Ministry of External Affairs.
social reformer. 3. The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
163. World Braille Day is celebrated on January 4 to convention is being held in Bhubaneswar,
mark the birthday of which inventor? Odisha from 8-10 January.
(a) Louis Braille (b) Helen Keller (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) Alexander Graham Bell (d) Thomas Edison (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 are all correct
Answer: A. Louis Braille Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3 are all correct
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated once in
- World Braille Day is celebrated on January 4 each year.
two years on 9 January.
- It marks the birthday of Louis Braille, born in France in
1809. - It is the flagship event of the Ministry of External
- The United Nations designated January 4 as World Affairs.
Braille Day. - The event honors the contributions of the Indian
- Celebrated since 2019, it raises awareness of Braille as a diaspora to their homeland.
communication tool for the blind and partially sighted. - The 18th PBD convention is being held in
- Braille is a universal code, not a language, enabling a Bhubaneswar, Odisha from 8-10 January 2025.
- Established in 2003, it serves as a platform to connect
dignified life for the visually impaired.
with the overseas Indian community.
164. When is National Bird Day observed annually?
167. With reference to World Hindi Day, which of
(a) 4th January (b) 5th January
the following statements is/are correct?
(c) 7th January (d) 6th January 1. Every year on January 10, World Hindi Day
Answer: B. 5th January is celebrated all over the world.
- National Bird Day is observed on January 5 each year. 2. The theme of this year is "Hindi: A Voice of
- It aims to raise awareness about birds in captivity for Global Unity and Cultural Pride”
economic or recreational purposes. 3. The first World Hindi Day was celebrated
- The day encourages reflection on the in 2018 by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari
interconnectedness between humans and birds. Vajpayee.
- It emphasizes the need for global unity in bird (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
conservation. (c) Only 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 are all
- The day coincides with the annual "Christmas Bird correct
Count" and has been celebrated since 2002. Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
165. When is Earth's Rotation Day observed - Every year on January 10, World Hindi Day is
annually? celebrated globally.

30
- The theme for this year is "Hindi: A Voice of Global - The day honors the sacrifice of soldiers in protecting
Unity and Cultural Pride." India and its citizens.
- The first World Hindi Conference was organized in
170. Consider the following statements regarding
Nagpur on January 10, 1975.
National Startup Day. Choose the right option?
- Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister during the first 1. Every year 16th January is observed as
World Hindi Conference. National Startup Day.
- The first World Hindi Day was celebrated in 2006 by 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared
Dr. Manmohan Singh. January 16 as the National Startup Day in
2014.
168. The birth anniversary of India's greatest
philosopher and spiritual leader, Swami (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
Vivekananda, is celebrated as _____? (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
(a) National Meditation Day Answer: A. Only 1
(b) National Youth Day - 16th January is observed as National Startup Day every
year.
(c) National Sadbhavana Day
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared January 16 as
(d) National Education Day
National Startup Day in 2022, not 2014.
Answer: B. National Youth Day
- The day aims to encourage the spirit of
- National Youth Day is celebrated in India on 12th
entrepreneurship among the youth and promote startup
January every year.
achievements.
- It marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
- Startup India initiative was launched by PM Modi in
- The celebration began in 1985, following a government
2016.
announcement in 1984.
- As of June 2024, 1,57,000 units have been recognized as
- On January 11, 2025, the Viksit Bharat Young Leader’s
startups by the Department for Promotion of Industry
Dialogue and the National Youth Festival were
and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
inaugurated by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav 171. Who launched the Bharat Startup Grand
launched the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission Challenge on National Startup Day 2025 on
and inaugurated the world's largest 3-D rangoli in January 16?
Bhopal on 12 January 2025. (a) Amit Shah (b) Narendra Modi
(c) Nirmala Sitharaman (d) Piyush Goyal
169. Consider the following statements about Army
Day in India. Choose the right option? Answer: D. Piyush Goyal
1. This year, the 77th Army Day celebrations - On January 16, 2025, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal
were held in Pune, Maharashtra. launched the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge.
2. Indian Army Day is being celebrated since - The event marked the completion of nine years of the
15 January 1949. On this day, General KM government's Startup India programme.
Cariappa took over as the first Commander- - The Challenge focuses on sectors like renewable
in-Chief of the Indian Army. energy, agritech, healthcare, robotics, cleantech,
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 blockchain, semiconductor, and social commerce.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these - It aims to bridge the gap between corporates and
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2 startups by providing procurement opportunities, cash
- Indian Army Day is celebrated every year on 15 prizes, funding, mentoring, and capacity building.
January. - National Startup Day was announced by Prime
- It commemorates the day in 1949 when General KM Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 to celebrate the Startup
Cariappa became the first Commander-in-Chief of the India initiative launched on January 16, 2016.
Indian Army. 172. Which of the following states does not
- Francis Butcher was the last British Commander-in- celebrate State Day on 21st January in the
Chief of India. north-eastern states of India?
- The 77th Army Day celebrations were held in Pune, (a) Meghalaya (b) Sikkim
Maharashtra.
(c) Tripura (d) Manipur

31
 Answer: B. Sikkim - National Tourism Day is celebrated on 25 January
- Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura celebrate their annually in India.
Statehood Day on 21st January. - It aims to promote tourism as a key driver of economic
- These states attained full statehood under the "North- growth and cultural exchange.
East Areas (Reorganisation) Act" of 1971. - The day highlights India's 43 UNESCO World Heritage
- Meghalaya became a state on January 21, 1972, to honor Sites and their cultural significance.
its cultural and linguistic identity. - The theme for this year is "Tourism for Inclusive
- Tripura is known for its blend of tribal and non-tribal Growth".
cultures.
176. Consider the following statements, choose the
- Sikkim does not celebrate its State Day on 21st January.
correct option.
173. "Parakram Diwas" (Courage Day) is celebrated 1. National Voters' Day is celebrated every year
to commemorate the birth anniversary of on January 25 to mark the foundation day of the
which leader?
Election Commission of India.
(a) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
2. This year the 15th National Voters' Day is
(b) Mahatma Gandhi
being celebrated.
(c) Bhagat Singh
3. 25 January 1951 is the foundation day of the
(d) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
Election Commission of India.
Answer: D. Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
- "Parakram Diwas" is celebrated on 23 January every
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 all
year.
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
- It marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash
- National Voters' Day is celebrated to create electoral
Chandra Bose.
awareness and encourage participation in the electoral
- Netaji was born on this day in 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha.
process.
- 2023 marks the 126th birth anniversary of Netaji.
- It is observed every year on 25th January to mark the
- The day honors his significant role in India's freedom
foundation day of the Election Commission of India.
movement.
- The 15th National Voters' Day is being observed this
174. When is National Girl Child Day observed year.
every year? - The theme for National Voters' Day 2025 is 'Nothing
(a) 23 January (b) 24 January Like Voting, I Vote For Sure'.
(c) 26 January (d) 25 January - 25th January 1950 is the actual foundation day of the
Answer: B. 24 January Election Commission of India.
- National Girl Child Day is observed on 24 January
177. National Geographic Day is celebrated every
every year.
year on 27 January to commemorate the
- The day aims to raise awareness about the inequalities establishment of?
faced by girls.
(a) World Wildlife Fund
- It promotes equal opportunities for girls in education,
(b) National Geographic Society
healthcare, and nutrition.
- Marks the anniversary of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
(c) Smithsonian Institution
initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (d) Environmental Protection Agency
on 22 January 2015. Answer: B. National Geographic Society
- Initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child - National Geographic Day is celebrated on January 27
Development in 2008. each year.
- It commemorates the founding of the National
175. When is National Tourism Day celebrated Geographic Society.
every year? - The Society was established in 1888 by 33 prominent
(a) 23 January (b) 24 January scholars and scientists.
(c) 26 January (d) 25 January - It is renowned for its contributions to natural sciences,
Answer: D. 25 January geography, and environmental conservation.

32
- The Society launched the National Geographic - Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on 9 January since
Magazine in the same year. 2003 to honor the Overseas Indian community.
- The theme is "Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit
178. When is International Customs Day observed
Bharat".
every year?
- Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad &
(a) 25 January (b) 26 January
Tobago, will be the Chief Guest, addressing virtually on
(c) 24 January (d) 27 January 9 January 2025.
Answer: B. 26 January - Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, will be the Chief
- International Customs Day is celebrated on January 26 Guest for the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
each year.
- It honors the contributions of customs personnel and 181. India will host the _____ Conference of
agencies. Speakers and Presiding Officers of
- The date was proclaimed by the Customs Cooperation Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries in
2026.
Council (CCC) in 1953.
- The World Customs Organization replaced the CCC in (a) 25th (b) 26th
1994 and has 182 member nations. (c) 28th (d) 27th
- The headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium, with Ian Answer: C. 28th
Saunders as the current Secretary General. - India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and
Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth
179. On January 30, the nation commemorated Countries (CSPOC) in 2026.
Mahatma Gandhi's _____ death anniversary.
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced this at the
(a) 77th (b) 75th CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey.
(c) 78th (d) 76th - The focus will be on the use of artificial intelligence
Answer: A. 77th and social media in parliamentary processes.
- On January 30, the nation commemorated Mahatma - The CSPOC platform facilitates the exchange of
Gandhi's 77th death anniversary. parliamentary practices among member nations.
- This day is also observed as Martyr's Day or Shaheed - Previous conferences in India were held in 1970–71,
Diwas. 1986, and 2010.
- A Sarva-Dharma Prarthana was organized at Gandhi
Samadhi, Rajghat, New Delhi. 182. Which of the following statements is correct
about the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing
- Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram
Platform?
Godse at Birla House, New Delhi on January 30, 1948.
1. It has been launched by Union Minister
Nitin Gadkari at the Bharat Climate Forum
2025 in New Delhi.
8. Summits & Conferences 2. It will promote innovation and help India
become a global leader in sustainability.
180. Which city is hosting the 18th Pravasi
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
Bharatiya Divas Convention 2025?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
(a) Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B. Only 2
(b) Jaipur, Rajasthan
- The Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform was
(c) Bhubaneswar, Odisha launched by Union Minister Piyush Goyal at the Bharat
(d) Ahmedabad, Gujarat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi.
Answer: C. Bhubaneswar, Odisha - It aims to enhance India's clean technology value
- Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, will host the chains in solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage
18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention from 8-10 sectors.
January 2025. - The platform will promote innovation and help India
- It is the first time Bhubaneswar is hosting this biannual become a global leader in sustainability.
event. - The Minister noted that product-linked incentives
- The Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in (PLI) and subsidies may hinder long-term growth in the
Bhubaneswar on 8 January 2025. clean energy sector.

33
- The goal is to achieve 500 GW of clean energy sources 186. Where was the 3rd National Mining Ministers'
in India by 2030, as set by Prime Minister Narendra Conference held?
Modi. (a) Konark, Odisha
183. World Economic Forum 2025 annual meeting (b) Indore, Madhya Pradesh
started in ____________. (c) Hyderabad, Telangana
(a) London (b) Paris (d) Kolkata, West Bengal
(c) Davos (d) Berlin Answer: A. Konark, Odisha
Answer: C. Davos - The 3rd National Mining Ministers' Conference
- The 55th annual meeting of the World Economic concluded on 21 January 2025 in Konark, Odisha.
Forum (WEF) will be held in Davos, Switzerland from - The focus was on the mining of critical minerals.
January 20 to 24, 2025. - Rajasthan received an award for conducting the
- The theme is "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age." highest number of auctions in 2023-24.
- It aims to devise solutions for challenges affecting - The conference aimed to make India self-reliant in the
people, prosperity, and the planet. mineral sector and promote sustainable mining.
- A Young Farmer Representative will attend for the first - The 1st and 2nd conferences were held in Hyderabad
time. (2022) and Bhopal (2024), respectively.
- Leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Ding Xuxiang 187. Where was the ninth foreign ministers' level
will participate, with Ashwini Vaishnaw leading the meeting of the Quad held in January 2025?
Indian delegation. (a) Washington D.C., USA (b) Nairobi, Kenya
184. Which edition of SIAM's International (c) Paris, France (d) Vienna, Austria
Conference on Sustainable Circularity was Answer: A. Washington D.C., USA
held in New Delhi? - The meeting took place in Washington D.C., USA on
(a) 3rd (b) 1st 21st January 2025.
(c) 2nd (d) 4th - Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar
Answer: A. 3rd attended the meeting.
- The 3rd edition of SIAM's International Conference on - The Quad group includes India, Japan, Australia, and
Sustainable Circularity took place in New Delhi. the USA.
- Union Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the - The meeting coincided with the swearing-in ceremony
Special Ministerial Session. of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the USA on
- Organized by the Society of Indian Automobile 20th January 2025.
Manufacturers (SIAM). - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the meeting.
- The conference theme was ‘Nature Positive Recycling’. 188. Consider the following statements and choose
185. Where was the 85th All India Presiding the correct option.
Officers Conference 2025 held? 1. On January 28, Chief Minister Mohan
Charan Majhi inaugurated the 'Utkarsh
(a) Patna, Bihar (b) Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Odisha-Make-in-Odisha Conclave' 2025 in
(c) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Bhubaneswar.
(d) Mumbai, Maharashtra 2. It aims to place Odisha at the center of the
Answer: A. Patna, Bihar Purvodaya vision and make it India's leading
- The 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference took investment destination and industrial hub.
place in Patna, Bihar on 20-21 January 2025. 3. 'Utkarsh Odisha' is a premier global
- The event was held at the Bihar Legislature premises. investment summit.
- The 61st Conference of Secretaries of Legislative (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only
Bodies in India occurred on 19 January 2025 in Patna. (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 all
- The first conference was held in 1921 in Shimla. Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3 all
- The 84th Conference was conducted in Mumbai in - On January 28, the 'Utkarsh Odisha-Make-in-Odisha
January 2024. Conclave' 2025 was inaugurated by PM Modi in
Bhubaneswar.

34
- 'Utkarsh Odisha' is a major global investment summit Answer: D. Four
organized by the Government of Odisha. - The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced
- The summit aims to establish Odisha as the center of the Khel Ratna Award winners for 2025.
the Purvodaya Vision. - Four athletes will receive the award: Gukesh D (chess),
- It seeks to make Odisha a leading investment Harmanpreet Singh (hockey), Praveen Kumar (para-
destination and industrial hub in India. athletics), and Manu Bhaker (shooting).
- In January, this was PM Modi's second visit to Odisha; - The Arjuna Award will be given to 32 athletes,
he attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations including 17 para-athletes.
earlier on the 9th. - The award ceremony is scheduled at the Rashtrapati
Bhavan on January 17, 2025.

192. Who will be awarded the Padmapani Lifetime

9. Awards & Recognitions Achievement Award recently?
189. Who was recently awarded the Melbourne (a) Bhuvnesh Kumar (b) Sai Paranjpe
Cricket Club membership? (c) Vitul Kumar (d) Amit Mahajan
(a) Sachin Tendulkar (b) Ajay Jadeja Answer: B. Sai Paranjpe
- Sai Paranjpe, a veteran director-writer, will receive the
(c) Rahul Dravid (d) James Anderson
Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ajanta-
Answer: A. Sachin Tendulkar
Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) 2025.
- The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) invited Sachin
- Known for films like "Sparsh," "Chashme Baddoor,"
Tendulkar to become an honorary member.
"Katha," and "Saaz."
- MCC is one of Australia's oldest sports clubs, founded
- The 10th edition of the festival will be held at
in 1838.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar from January 15 to January
- Tendulkar is the highest Test run-scorer at the
19.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
- Announcement made by AIFF president Nand Kishore
- The club manages the prestigious Melbourne Cricket
Kagaliwal, chief patron Ankushrao Kadam, and
Ground.
honorary president Ashutosh Gowariker.
- Honorary membership is awarded for exceptional
- Paranjpe was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2006 and
contributions to cricket.
served twice as president of the Children's Film Society
190. Which organization recently received the of India (CFSI).
'Great Place to Work' status for the second
time? 193. Which of the following will receive the
Gangadhar National Award?
(a) GAIL (b) BPCL
(a) Prativa Satpathy (b) Krishna Sobti
(c) NTPC (d) SAIL
Answer: D. SAIL
(c) Shashi Deshpande (d) Amrita Pritam
- Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) received the Answer: A. Prativa Satpathy
- Odia poet Prativa Satpathy will be honored with the
'Great Place to Work' certificate for the period 2025 to
Gangadhar National Award.
January 2026.
- The award is for Poetry 2023 and will be conferred by
- This marks the second consecutive time SAIL has
Sambalpur University.
received this recognition.
- It will be presented on the 58th foundation day of
- Previously, SAIL was certified for the period 2023 to
Sambalpur University.
December 2024.
- She is a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award.
- The Great Place to Work Institute is a global
- Her writings in Odia have been translated into several
organization that evaluates employee experiences and
Indian and foreign languages.
awards the 'Great Place to Work' certificate.

191. How many athletes will be honored with the 194. Who won the Best Male Actor Award in a
Khel Ratna Award 2025? motion picture – drama for "The Brutalist" at
the Golden Globes?
(a) Two (b) Five
(a) Hugh Jackman (b) Chris Hemsworth
(c) Three (d) Four
(c) Adrian Brody (d) Vin Diesel

35
 Answer: C. Adrian Brody (c) Jan Zelezny (d) Arshad Nadeem
- The 82nd Golden Globes ceremony was held in Los Answer: B. Neeraj Chopra
Angeles on January 5. - Neeraj Chopra, a Tokyo Olympics gold medalist from
- Adrian Brody won the Best Male Actor Award for his India, was named the best javelin thrower of 2024 by
role in "The Brutalist." Track and Field News.
- "The Brutalist" was nominated in seven categories. - Anderson Peters of Grenada was ranked second by the
- Shogun won four awards in the Television category, magazine.
including Best Series (Drama). - 27-year-old Neeraj Chopra participated in six
- Emilia Perez won four awards, including Best Motion international events in 2024, winning two and finishing
Picture (Musical/Comedy). as runner-up in four.
- He secured a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Summer
195. Who became the first men's footballer to win
the 'Presidential Medal of Freedom'? Olympics, with Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan winning
the gold.
(a) Lionel Messi (b) Diego Maradona
(c) Zinedine Zidane (d) Neymar 198. Who was honored with the 'Satyajit Ray
Answer: A. Lionel Messi Lifetime Achievement Award' for their
- Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of contribution to Indian cinema?
Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. (a) Srijit Mukherji (b) Aparna Sen
- The medal is given to individuals who contribute to the (c) Debaloy Bhattacharya (d) Manik Babar
prosperity, values, or security of the USA, world peace, Answer: B. Aparna Sen
or other significant societal achievements. - Aparna Sen received the 'Satyajit Ray Lifetime
- He is the second sportsperson to receive this award Achievement Award' at the West Bengal Film
after Megan Rapinoe. Journalists' Association (WBFJA) annual awards.
- US President Joe Biden presented the award. - The award recognizes her significant contributions to
- Messi joined Inter Miami on a free transfer from Paris Indian cinema.
Saint-Germain in July 2023 and won the Ballon d’Or - 'Manik Babar Megh' won the best Bengali film award.
and FIFA Men’s Best Player in 2023. - Chandan Sen was awarded best actor for his role in the
film.
196. How many NRIs/institutions were awarded the
- Srijit Mukherji and Debaloy Bhattacharya jointly won
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award at the 18th
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2025? the best director award for 'Badami Haynar Kabale' and
'Padatik'.
(a) 42 (b) 55
(c) 27 (d) 25 199. Which country awarded the Honorary Citizen
Answer: C. 27 Award to Tarun Das, the former head of the
- 27 NRIs/institutions received the Pravasi Bharatiya Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)?
Samman Award at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (a) Indonesia (b) Thailand
Convention. (c) Malaysia (d) Singapore
- The event took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on 10 Answer: D. Singapore
January 2025. - Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred the awards awarded Tarun Das the Honorary Citizen Award.
during the valedictory session. - The award recognizes his role in strengthening India-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Singapore relations.
Convention on 8th January 2025. - The ceremony took place in New Delhi during
- Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on 9th January to President Tharman's state visit to India.
commemorate Mahatma Gandhi's return to India in - The Honorary Citizenship Award is the highest
1915. recognition for non-Singaporeans by the Singapore
government.
197. Which javelin thrower has been named the
- Mr. Das is the second Indian to receive this honor,
best javelin athlete of 2024 by the American
Magazine Track and Field News? following the late Ratan Tata.

(a) Anderson Peters (b) Neeraj Chopra

36
200. Who will be the chief guest of the 77th - Supported by Guneet Monga, Priyanka Chopra, and
Republic Day 2025 celebrations? Mindy Kaling.
(a) Prabowo Subianto (b) Abdel Fattah Al Sisi - The film tells the story of a nine-year-old girl, Anuja,
(c) Jair Bolsonaro (d) Emmanuel Macron and her sister, Palak.
Answer: A. Prabowo Subianto - Anuja faces a life-changing choice when offered a
- Prabowo Subianto, the President of Indonesia, will be chance to attend school, impacting her family's future.
the chief guest at the 77th Republic Day celebration on 203. The Union Home Ministry announced the
26th January 2025. names of how many Padma Vibhushan
- The event will take place at the Kartavya Path in New winners in the 2025 Padma Awards?
Delhi. (a) 7 (b) 19
- Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the chief (c) 113 (d) 139
guest at the first Republic Day celebration in 1950.
Answer: A. 7
- This marks Prabowo Subianto's first official visit to - On the eve of the 76th Republic Day, the Union
India since becoming the 8th President of Indonesia in Ministry of Home Affairs announced the 2025 Padma
October 2024. awardees.
- Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, was the - In 2025, a total of 139 Padma Awards will be conferred,
chief guest at the 75th Republic Day in 2024. including 7 Padma Vibhushan.
201. Who was awarded the Subhash Chandra Bose - The awards also include 19 Padma Bhushan and 113
Disaster Management Award-2025 in the Padma Shri.
institutional category? - 23 awardees are women, 10 are from the category of
(a) National Institute of Naturopathy Foreigners/NRIs/PIOs/OCIs, and 13 are posthumous.
(b) Indian National Centre for Ocean - The Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards were instituted
Information Services by the Government of India in 1954.

(c) National Institute of Homeopathy 204. How many gallantry awards were approved by
(d) DNA Finger Printing and Diagnostic Centre President Droupadi Murmu on the eve of the
Answer: B. Indian National Centre for Ocean 76th Republic Day?
Information Services (a) 93 (b) 101
- The Subhash Chandra Bose Disaster Management (c) 113 (d) 139
Award-2025 was given to the Indian National Centre for Answer: A. 93
Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad. - President Droupadi Murmu approved 93 gallantry
- The award recognizes outstanding work in disaster awards on the eve of the 76th Republic Day.
management. - The awards include 11 posthumous recognitions.
- Instituted by the Government of India under PM - Two Kirti Chakras were awarded, with one
Narendra Modi, it honors contributions in disaster posthumously.
management. - 14 Shaurya Chakras were awarded, including 3
- Announced annually on 23 January, the birth posthumous.
anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. - 66 personnel received the Sena Medal.
- The award includes Rs 51 lakh in cash and a certificate - Gallantry awards honor courage, bravery, and
for organizations. patriotism among soldiers, officers, and citizens.

202. What is the name of the Indian short film 205. Who was recently awarded the ECI Media
nominated in the Best Short Film (Live Action) Award?
category for the Oscars 2025? (a) All India Radio (b) Sansad TV
(a) Anuja (b) The Last Ranger (c) Doordarshan (d) DD National
(c) I'm Not a Robot (d) A. Lien Answer: C. Doordarshan
Answer: A. Anuja - Doordarshan received the award in the Electronic
- Anuja is nominated for Best Short Film (Live Action) at Media category for its Voter Awareness and Education
the 2025 Oscars. campaign.
- Directed by Adam J. Graves and Suchitra Mattai.

37
- Recognized for its coverage during the Lok Sabha 208. Which ministry releases the dynamic
Election 2024, including the “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka groundwater resource assessment report 2024?
Garv” series. (a) Ministry of Tourism
- Doordarshan Director-General Kanchan Prasad (b) Ministry of Cooperation
accepted the award from President Droupadi Murmu. (c) Ministry of Culture (d) Ministry of Jal Shakti
- The campaign aimed to foster an informed and active
Answer: D. Ministry of Jal Shakti
citizenry. - The Ministry of Jal Shakti released the dynamic
- It included the development and broadcast of 30 voter groundwater resource assessment report 2024.
education short films. - Groundwater recharge increased by 15 billion cubic
206. Which state's tableau won the best tableau meters from 2017 to 2024.
award at the Republic Day parade on January - Groundwater extraction decreased by 3 billion cubic
26, 2025, with the theme 'Mahakumbh 2025- meters in the same period.
Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development'? - The report was prepared by the Central Ground Water
(a) Rajasthan (b) Uttar Pradesh Board (CGWB) in collaboration with States and Union
(c) Maharashtra (d) Gujarat Territories.
Answer: B. Uttar Pradesh - The report was unveiled by Union Jal Shakti Minister
- Uttar Pradesh's tableau, themed 'Mahakumbh 2025 – CR Patil on 31 December 2024 in New Delhi.
Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development,' won the - Total annual groundwater recharge: 446.90 billion
best tableau award at the Republic Day Parade in New cubic meters (BCM).
Delhi. - Annual exploitable groundwater resources: 406.19
- Tripura's tableau, themed 'Eternal Faith: Worship of 14 BCM.
Gods in Tripura – Kharchi Puja,' secured the second - Annual groundwater extraction: 245.64 BCM.
position. - Average groundwater exploitation level: 60.47%.
- Andhra Pradesh's tableau, 'Etikoppaka Bommalu-Eco- 209. With a _______ market share in global trade,
friendly wooden toys,' won the third prize. India is the sixth-largest exporter of textiles
- The Ministry of Tribal Affairs received the Best and apparel globally.
Tableau Award among Central Ministries and (a) 4.3% (b) 3.5%
Departments.
(c) 3.9% (d) 5.1%
- In the marching contingent category, the Jammu and
Answer: C. 3.9%
Kashmir Rifles won the best award among the services.
- India holds a 3.9% market share in global textile and
apparel trade.
10. Ranks & Reports - It ranks as the sixth-largest exporter in this sector
207. Which state recorded a 22% increase in crime globally.
in the year 2024? - 8.21% of India's total exports are from textiles and
(a) Karnataka (b) Kerala apparel.
- In the first half of FY 2024–25, exports reached USD
(c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Telangana
21,358 million, a 7% increase from the previous year.
Answer: D. Telangana
- Ready-made garments contributed 41% of total exports,
- Telangana recorded a 22.53% increase in the overall
valued at USD 8,733 million.
crime rate in 2024.
- Cybercrimes in Telangana increased by 43.33% in the 210. Who released the Dynamic Ground Water
same year. Resource Assessment Report for the entire
- A total of 25,184 cybercrime cases were registered in country for the year 2024 on 31 December?
2024, up from 17,571 in 2023. (a) Piyush Goyal (b) Nitin Gadkari
- 1,69,477 cognizable offences were recorded from (c) Rajnath Singh (d) C.R. Patil
January to November 2024, compared to 1,38,312 in the Answer: D. C.R. Patil
previous year. - The Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment
- Rs 180 crore was detected and returned to victims in Report for 2024 was released by Union Minister of Jal
2024, a 2,060% increase from Rs 8 crore in 2023. Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil on 31 December.

38
- The report was prepared by the Central Ground Water 2. The poverty ratio in urban areas declined to
Board (CGWB) in collaboration with States/UTs. 4.09 per cent from 4.6 per cent during the same
- It provides data for stakeholders to implement time.
appropriate interventions. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
- The total annual groundwater recharge in India is (c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
estimated at 446.90 billion cubic metres (BCM). Answer: C. 1 and 2
- The annual exploitable groundwater resource is - The rural poverty ratio declined to 4.86% in FY24, down
estimated at 406.19 BCM after accounting for natural from 7.2% in FY23.
discharge. - The urban poverty ratio decreased to 4.09% from 4.6%
211. What is the position of India in the world in during the same period.
the export of textiles and apparel in 2023? - Higher consumption growth in the 0–5% fractile
contributed to the reduction in rural poverty.
(a) 8th (b) 6th
- The poverty line shifted from the 5–10% decile in FY23
(c) 10th (d) 7th
to the 0–5% decile in FY24.
Answer: B. 6th
- India's overall poverty rate is estimated to be between
- India is the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel
4% and 4.5%.
in 2023.
- The country's market share in the global textiles and 214. Which of the following statements is/are
apparel sector is 3.9%. correct?
- China is the leading exporter, followed by the 1. Singapore has retained its status as the
European Union and Bangladesh. world's most powerful passport.
- From April to October 2024, India's export of textiles, 2. According to the Henley Passport Index
apparel, and handicrafts was USD 21.358 billion.
2025, India is ranked 85th.
- India imports textiles mainly for re-export or as raw (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
materials. (c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
Answer: C. 1 and 2
212. Which city has recently been declared the most
- According to the Henley Passport Index 2025, India is
polluted city in the world?
ranked 85th, down from 80th last year.
(a) Paris (b) Hanoi - Singapore has retained its status as the world's most
(c) Dhaka (d) New Delhi powerful passport.
Answer: B. Hanoi - The United States passport rank declined from 7th in
- Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, has been declared the 2024 to 9th in 2025.
most polluted city in the world. - Afghanistan remains the country with the worst
- Data from AirVisual and IQAir confirmed this passport in the world.
alarming situation. - Indian passport holders can travel to 57 countries
- The concentration of PM2.5 particles reached 266 without a visa.
micrograms per cubic meter.
- This level is 15 times higher than the maximum daily 215. India becomes ____________ country to achieve
exposure recommended by the World Health
unmanned docking in space.
Organization. (a) Fifth (b) Third
- Hanoi aims to have 50% of buses and 100% of taxis as (c) Fourth (d) Second
electric vehicles by 2030. Answer: C. Fourth
- After the United States, Russia, and China, India
213. Which of the following statements is/are
became the fourth country to develop and test docking
correct concerning the findings of a study by
capability.
SBI Research?
- India achieved this milestone by successfully docking
1. Rural poverty ratio declined below 5% in
FY24 for the first time to 4.86 per cent from 7.2 two satellites named Chaser and Target under the
per cent in FY23. SpaDex mission.
- The docking was completed using the indigenously
developed Bharatiya Docking System by ISRO.

39
- Docking technology is crucial for assembling space (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only
stations and conducting crewed missions. (c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 all
- India aims to build its own space station by 2035. Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
216. Consider the following statements regarding - India is the seventh-largest producer of coffee in the
the QS World Future Skills Index 2025: Choose world.
the right option? - India's main export is unroasted coffee beans.
1. India has been ranked second for digital - Karnataka leads in coffee production with 248,000
skills. metric tonnes in 2022-2023.
2. India is only behind China. - India's coffee exports reached $1.29 billion in the last
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 fiscal year.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these - Italy, Belgium, and Russia are the top importers of
Answer: A. Only 1 Indian coffee.
- India has been ranked second for digital skills in the 219. Which of the following statements is/are
QS World Future Skills Index 2025. correct regarding the Global Firepower Index
- India is ranked 4th in Artificial Intelligence and Green 2025?
Skills. 1. The Global Firepower Index 2025 has
- India is ranked only behind the United States, not ranked India as the fourth most powerful
China. military country.
- India ranked 25th across all indicators and is considered 2. Bhutan has been ranked at the bottom of
a future skills contender. this index at 145th.
- USA, UK, Germany, Australia, and others are 3. The Global Firepower Index is released by
categorized as “future skills pioneers”.
the globalfirepower.com website every year
since 2006.
217. Who issues the 20th Global Risk Report 2025, (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
released in January 2025?
(c) 1 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 all
(a) World Bank (b) World Economic Forum Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3 all
(c) World Food Programme - India is ranked as the 4th most powerful military in the
(d) World Wide Fund for Nature world by the Global Firepower Index 2025.
Answer: B. World Economic Forum - Bhutan is ranked at the bottom of the index at 145th
- The 20th Global Risk Report 2025 was released by the position.
World Economic Forum (WEF). - The Global Firepower Index is released by
- The report provides an analysis of the most pressing globalfirepower.com annually since 2006.
global risks anticipated in the short-term (2 years) and - Pakistan dropped from 9th in 2024 to 12th in 2025.
long-term (10 years). - The USA is the top-ranked country with a score of
- Top Risks for India include lack of water supply, 0.0744, while India scored 0.1184.
misinformation, human rights violations, pollution, and
220. Which statement is/are correct regarding NITI
labor shortages.
Aayog's first Fiscal Health Index 2025?
- Immediate global risks (next 2 years) are
1. Odisha tops the inaugural edition of NITI
misinformation, extreme weather, and armed conflicts. Aayog's Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025.
- Long-term global risks (next 10 years) include extreme 2. The report was released by the Chairman of
weather, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem collapse. the 16th Finance Commission, Dr. Arvind
218. Which of the following statements is/are Panagariya.
correct? (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
1. India's main export is unroasted coffee (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
beans. Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
2. With 248,000 MT production in 2022-2023, - Odisha topped the inaugural edition of NITI Aayog's
Karnataka tops in coffee production. Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025.
3. India is currently the fifth largest producer - The report was released in New Delhi on 24 January
of coffee in the world. 2025.

40
- Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance - It highlights India's determination and collaborative
Commission, released the report. spirit during its G-20 Presidency.
- The Index includes 18 major states of India, covering - The G-20 summit in New Delhi in September 2023 was
significant public expenditure and revenue. a significant global event.
- It comprises five sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, - A key achievement was the consensus on the Joint
Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, Declaration.
and Debt Sustainability.
12. Banking & Economy
11. Books & Authors
224. India now ranks ________ in the world with
221. Who released the book titled 'Jammu and foreign exchange reserves that have risen to
Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages' in over 700 billion US dollars.
New Delhi on 2 January 2025? (a) Fourth (b) Second
(a) Rajnath Singh (b) Amit Shah (c) Fifth (d) Third
(c) Nitin Gadkari (d) Narendra Modi Answer: A. Fourth
Answer: B. Amit Shah - India ranks fourth globally in foreign exchange
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah released the book in reserves, exceeding 700 billion US dollars.
New Delhi on 2 January 2025. - Foreign direct investment inflows from 2014 to 2024
- The book covers the history of Jammu and Kashmir totaled approximately 709 billion US dollars.
and Ladakh over three thousand years. - On the Global Competitiveness Index, India improved
- It is presented in seven volumes with carefully selected from 71st in 2014 to 39th in 2018.
pictures. - India's economy is the fifth largest globally, aiming to
- Published in both Hindi and English, it is compiled by become the third largest.
ICHR and published by National Book Trust. - From 2015 to 2018, India advanced 42 spots in the Ease
- The book will be available for sale from January 9. of Doing Business index.

222. Who is the author of the book "The World 225. Which of the following statements is/are
After Gaza"? correct?
(a) Arundhati Roy (b) Chetan Bhagat 1. The Finance Ministry has imposed anti-
(c) Pankaj Mishra (d) Vikram Seth dumping duty on digital plates of four
countries – China, Japan, Taiwan and
Answer: C. Pankaj Mishra
Vietnam.
- Pankaj Mishra is the author of "The World After
2. The current anti-dumping duty was
Gaza."
imposed in July 2020. These are in force till
- The book is a treatise on the ongoing conflict in the January 29, 2025.
Palestinian strip.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
- Published by Juggernaut Books in India.
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
- Mishra is an award-winning essayist and author of
Answer: B. Only 2
nine books.
- The Finance Ministry imposed an anti-dumping duty
- He received the Windham-Campbell Prize in 2014 and
on digital plates from five countries: China, South
the Weston International Prize in 2024.
Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
223. Who is the author of the book titled 'How - The duty is in effect for a period of five years.
India Scaled Mt. G-20'? - The revenue department acted on recommendations
(a) Manorama Mishra from the Directorate General of Trade Remedies
(b) Dr. Devendra Kumar Dhodawat (DGTR).
(c) Amitabh Kant (d) Sanjeev Paliwal - TechNova Imaging Systems (P) Ltd. filed the petition
Answer: C. Amitabh Kant for a sunset review of the duty.
- Amitabh Kant, the G-20 Sherpa, authored the book - The current duties were imposed in July 2020 and are
'How India Scaled Mt. G-20'. valid until January 29, 2025.
- The book includes a foreword by External Affairs
Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.

41
226. Market cap deadline for UPI apps has been (a) 15.11% (b) 35.11%
extended by NPCI until which year? (c) 25.11% (d) 5.11%
(a) 2026 (b) 2028 Answer: B. 35.11%
(c) 2029 (d) 2027 - India's electronics exports increased by 35.11% to USD
Answer: A. 2026 3.58 billion.
- The NPCI has extended the market cap deadline for - This growth was recorded in December 2024.
UPI apps until December 31, 2026. - December 2024 marked the highest level of electronic
- This extension provides an additional two years for goods exports.
compliance. - In October and November, exports were USD 3.43
- The 30% volume cap is the target for third-party UPI billion and USD 3.47 billion, respectively.
apps.
230. India's digital economy will constitute nearly a
- This is the third time the deadline has been extended by fifth of overall GDP by __________.
the NPCI.
(a) 2030 (b) 2032
227. India's merchandise exports reduced by 1 (c) 2025 (d) 2040
percent to __________ in December. Answer: A. 2030
(a) $38.01 billion (b) $28.01 billion - India's digital economy is projected to make up nearly
(c) $48.01 billion (d) $18.01 billion 20% of GDP by 2030.
Answer: A. $38.01 billion - The contribution is expected to reach 13.42% by the end
- India's merchandise exports fell by 1% to $38.01 billion of 2024-25.
in December. - In 2022-23, the digital economy's contribution was
- Imports increased by 4.9% to $59.95 billion, narrowing 11.74%.
the trade deficit to $21.94 billion. - The report was prepared by the Indian Council for
- UNCTAD reports that protectionist trade policies and Research on International Economic Relations
geopolitical tensions may negatively impact (ICRIER).
international trade in 2025. - It includes the digital share of traditional industries like
- A decrease in global inflation and stable economic trade, banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), and
growth are expected to create positive momentum in education.
global trade in early 2025.

228. Which institution has given permission to

NRIs to open rupee accounts in authorized 13. Central, State Government Schemes
banks abroad? & Committees
(a) State Bank of India
231. Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme timeline has been
(b) Securities and Exchange Board of India
extended till ____________?
(c) Reserve Bank of India (d) None of these
(a) 31 January, 2025 (b) 31 March, 2025
Answer: C. Reserve Bank of India
(c) 31 June, 2025 (d) 31 December, 2025
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted NRIs to
Answer: D. 31 December, 2025
open rupee accounts in authorized banks abroad.
- The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) extended
- This move is part of the internationalization of the
the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme deadline to 31 December,
rupee.
2025.
- Overseas branches of banks can now open rupee
- Initially, the scheme was set to end on 31 December,
accounts for individuals residing outside India.
2024.
- These accounts include the Special Non-Resident
- The extension provides taxpayers more time to file
Rupee Account and the Special Rupee Vostro Account
declarations and settle disputes at reduced tax rates.
(SRVA).
- Announced by Union Finance Minister Nirmala
- SRVAs require prior RBI approval before opening,
Sitharaman in the 2024 budget.
unlike regular rupee Vostro accounts.
- From 1 February, 2025, additional charges will apply for
229. India's electronics exports rose by what taxpayers applying under the scheme.
percentage to USD 3.58 billion?

42
232. ‘Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana’ has been 235. Which state government launched a new
launched by which state government? initiative to promote a culture of reading
(a) Karnataka (b) Delhi among students?
(c) Kerala (d) Andhra Pradesh (a) Uttar Pradesh (b) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B. Delhi (c) Odisha (d) Maharashtra
- Arvind Kejriwal announced the ‘Pujari Granthi Answer: D. Maharashtra
Samman Yojana’ in Delhi. - The Maharashtra government launched a new initiative
- The scheme provides a monthly honorarium of ₹18,000 to promote reading among students.
to Hindu and Sikh priests. - The "Maharashtra Ka Pathan Sankalp" campaign
- Registration for the scheme has commenced. began on January 1, 2025.
- Previously, Arvind Kejriwal launched the Mahila - It will run from January 1 to January 15.
Samman scheme offering ₹2,100 per month to - The initiative encourages students to develop a habit of
unemployed women. reading.
- Universities, colleges, and public libraries will
233. The government of India has extended the
organize events for collective reading.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and
Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance 236. The Sashakt Beti and e-Drishti projects were
Scheme till which year? launched by which minister?
(a) 2027-28 (b) 2025-26 (a) Nirmala Sitharaman (b) Narendra Modi
(c) 2028-29 (d) 2026-27 (c) Smriti Irani (d) Dharmendra Pradhan
Answer: B. 2025-26 Answer: D. Dharmendra Pradhan
- The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and - Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme inaugurated the Sashakt Beti and e-Drishti projects at
have been extended till 2025-26. Delhi University on January 4, 2024.
- This extension aims to boost the agricultural sector in - The Sashakt Beti Project aims to empower students by
India. providing laptops to orphans or single daughters with a
- The decision was made during a Union Cabinet family income of less than Rs 4 lakh.
meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 - Laptops and tablets were distributed to university
January 2025. students and visually impaired students.
- The total allocation for these schemes from 2021-22 to - A total of 300 laptops and 300 tablets were distributed
2025-26 is Rs. 69,515.71 Crore. during the event.
- The government also approved the creation of FIAT to - The Delhi University Ambulance was also launched,
fund R&D projects like YES-TECH and WINDS. and the commemorative volume of Don's Chronicle,
2024 was released.
234. Which state government has launched a 15-day
reading campaign among students? 237. Which state government has launched the
(a) Gujarat (b) Maharashtra 'Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha' scheme?
(c) West Bengal (d) Uttarakhand (a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Jharkhand
Answer: B. Maharashtra (c) Haryana (d) Odisha
- The Maharashtra government initiated a 15-day Answer: D. Odisha
reading campaign starting 1 January 2025. - Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
- Announced by Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher inaugurated the 'Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha'
and Technical Education. scheme in Bhubaneswar.
- Committees are established at various levels to oversee - The scheme provides a one-time annual assistance of
the campaign. Rs 5000 to 2 lakh tribal students.
- Winners of activities during the campaign will be - The state government has allocated a budget of Rs 156
honored by the state government. crore for this initiative.
- The campaign is under the Higher and Technical - The Chief Minister also inaugurated several stalls
Education Department and will occur annually from 1- showcasing Adivasi products at the Adivasi Mela.
15 January.

43
- A photo exhibition of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and 241. What is the government's plan regarding the
other tribal freedom fighters was a main attraction at the new credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs?
Mela. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
238. Which bank has launched the Har Ghar (c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
Lakhpati scheme? Answer: B. Only 2
(a) ICICI (b) SBI - The government plans to launch a new credit guarantee
scheme for MSMEs.
(c) IDFC (d) HDFC
- The scheme will not provide free loans up to Rs 50
Answer: B. SBI
crore; instead, it focuses on credit risk pooling.
- The State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced the 'Har
- It aims to offer term loans for machinery and
Ghar Lakhpati' scheme.
equipment without requiring collateral or third-party
- It is a pre-fixed Recurring Deposit (RD) scheme.
guarantees.
- Customers can deposit Rs 1 lakh or its multiples.
- The scheme will be supported by a self-financing
- The scheme aims to simplify achieving financial goals
guarantee fund.
and promote effective savings.
- The proposal is expected to be presented to the Union
- SBI also launched 'SBI Patrons', a special term deposit
Cabinet for approval.
for senior citizens aged 80 and above, offering higher
interest rates. 242. The 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric
project is being developed in which country?
239. Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 programme has
been launched by _____________? (a) Bhutan (b) Myanmar
(a) Nitin Gadkari (b) Amit Shah (c) Bangladesh (d) Nepal
Answer: A. Bhutan
(c) Om Birla (d) Narendra Modi
- The Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project has a
Answer: C. Om Birla
capacity of 1020 MW.
- The Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 programme was
- It is being developed in Bhutan by the Punatsangchhu
launched by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
II Hydroelectric Project Authority.
- 500 elected women representatives from Panchayati
- The project is a collaboration between the Royal
Raj institutions across 20 States and Union Territories
Government of Bhutan and the Government of India.
participated.
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has
- The programme aims to empower elected women
commissioned two units of the project.
representatives from Scheduled Tribes.
- BHEL has also executed other major projects in Bhutan,
- It enhances their knowledge of constitutional
including Chukha, Kurichhu, Tala, and Mangdechhu.
provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance
to foster effective leadership. 243. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched
the 'Bima Sakhi Scheme'. The scheme is an
240. In the cashless treatment scheme announced
initiative launched by the______.
by Nitin Gadkari, medical expenses for up to
seven days or a maximum of ________ will be (a) Life Insurance Corporation of India
covered? (b) India Post
(a) Rs 2.5 lakh (b) Rs 1 lakh (c) Indian Railways (d) State Bank of India
(c) Rs 3 lakh (d) Rs 1.5 lakh Answer: A. Life Insurance Corporation of India
Answer: D. Rs 1.5 lakh - Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the Bima
- Nitin Gadkari announced a cashless treatment scheme Sakhi Yojana to provide insurance.
for road accident victims. - Goa is the second state after Haryana to implement this
- The scheme covers medical expenses for up to seven flagship scheme.
days or a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh. - The scheme is an initiative by the Life Insurance
- Accidents must be reported to the police within 24 Corporation of India (LIC).
hours. - It aims to empower women aged 18-70 years who have
- Compensation for the deceased's immediate family is completed Class X.
Rs 2 lakh for hit-and-run cases resulting in death.

44
- Women will receive specialized training and a stipend 247. Recently, Indian Railways organized the 'Paint
for the first three years to promote financial literacy and My City' campaign in which city?
insurance awareness. (a) Prayagraj (b) Gorakhpur
244. When was the UJALA scheme launched? (c) Varanasi (d) None of these
Answer: A. Prayagraj
(a) 05 February, 2015 (b) 05 January, 2015
- The Indian Railways launched the 'Paint My City'
(c) 25 January, 2015 (d) 25 February, 2015
campaign in Prayagraj.
Answer: B. 05 January, 2015
- This initiative was part of the preparations for the Maha
- The UJALA scheme was launched on 05 January, 2015.
Kumbh 2025.
- As of January 6, 2025, 36.87 crore LED bulbs have been
- Several railway stations in Prayagraj, including
distributed.
Prayagraj Junction and Naini Junction, were
- It is one of the most widely adopted energy efficiency
transformed into art and culture hubs.
initiatives in India.
- The artworks depict themes like the Ramayana,
- Initially introduced as the Domestic Efficient Lighting
Krishna Leela, and Ganga Aarti.
Programme (DELP), it was later rebranded as UJALA.
- These artworks highlight the rich cultural and spiritual
- The scheme marked its 10th anniversary in January
heritage of Prayagraj.
2025.
248. On January 12, 2025, the West Bengal
245. The PARTH scheme was launched by which
government announced new initiatives to
state in January 2025?
attract pilgrims to the Gangasagar Mela. Which
(a) Maharashtra (b) Madhya Pradesh of the following initiatives is not included?
(c) Odisha (d) Rajasthan (a) Bandhan (b) e-Anusandhan
Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh (c) e-Visa (d) e-Parichay
- The Madhya Pradesh government launched the
Answer: C. e-Visa
PARTH scheme in January 2025.
- The Gangasagar Mela is held at the confluence of the
- The scheme aims to prepare youths physically and
Ganga with the Bay of Bengal in West Bengal.
mentally for recruitment in the Indian Army, Police, and
- On January 12, 2025, several initiatives were announced
Para Military forces.
to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
- PARTH stands for Police Army Recruitment Training
- 'Bandhan' provides certificates to pilgrims in three
and Hunar.
languages.
- It was launched by CM Mohan Yadav during the State
- e-Anusandhan allows pilgrims to access facilities at the
Level Youth Festival closing ceremony.
mela ground.
- The scheme provides pre-recruitment training for
- e-Parichay offers QR code-enabled identity bands to
physical fitness and written examination preparation.
prevent people from getting lost.
246. Which has become the 34th state to implement 249. Which of the following statements is/are
the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan correct regarding the newly established
Arogya Yojana scheme? National Turmeric Board?
(a) Odisha (b) Punjab 1. The first chairman of the Turmeric Board is
(c) Manipur (d) Karnataka Palle Ganga Reddy.
Answer: A. Odisha 2. The headquarters of National Turmeric
- Odisha has become the 34th state to implement the Board is located in Warangal, Telangana.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
- The Odisha government signed a Memorandum of (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Answer: A. Only 1
Authority (NHA). - The National Turmeric Board was established to
- Odisha's existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana enhance the development and production of turmeric in
(GJAY) has been integrated with the national scheme. India.
- The integration provides healthcare coverage of ₹5 lakh - Palle Ganga Reddy is the first chairperson of the
per family annually, with an additional ₹5 lakh for Turmeric Board.
women.

45
- The headquarters of the National Turmeric Board is - It is an initiative by the Ministries of Defence and
located in Nizamabad, Telangana, not Warangal. Tourism, along with the Army.
- The board was inaugurated by Union Commerce and - The app includes locations of the 1962, 1971, and 1999
Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. (Kargil) conflicts, the Siachen base camp, and the
- India is the largest producer and exporter of turmeric, Galwan clash of 2020.
also known as Indian Saffron or Golden Spice. - The Indian Army is transforming border areas and
historic battlefields into tourist destinations.
250. Which of the following campaigns has been
- Tourists can also visit Doklam, the site of a 73-day
launched for a plastic-free Maha Kumbh?
stand-off between India and China in 2017.
(a) 'Plastic plate, one bag'
(b) 'One plate, one bag' 253. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(c) 'No Plate, No Bag' (d) 'One Bag, One Plate' will launch a centralized online registration
system for local cable operators (LCOs). Which
Answer: B. 'One plate, one bag'
of the following statements is correct?
- The "One Plate, One Bag" campaign aims to make
1. LCO registrations will be granted or
Maha Kumbh 2025 plastic-free.
renewed for a period of five years.
- Supported by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh 2. The registration certificates will be issued
(RSS) and local organizations. in real-time.
- Cloth bags, steel plates, and glasses are distributed to
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
reduce plastic use.
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
- Initiated by RSS joint general secretary Krishna Gopal
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
at Sector 18 on Old GT Road.
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will
- Over 2 million steel plates and glasses collected to
introduce a centralized online registration system for
replace single-use plastics.
local cable operators (LCOs).
251. Which state government will provide ₹20,000 - LCO registrations will be granted or renewed for a
monthly pension to people jailed during the period of five years.
Emergency? - The registration certificates will be issued in real-time.
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) Karnataka - The process will now be conducted entirely online
(c) Rajasthan (d) Odisha through the Broadcast Seva Portal.
Answer: D. Odisha - Previously, registrations were done offline at the local
- The Odisha government will provide a monthly head post office.
pension of ₹20,000 to individuals jailed during the
254. Which state government formed a 16-member
Emergency. committee to draft its first-ever AI policy?
- The Emergency was imposed in India from 1975 to 1977
(a) Haryana (b) Karnataka
by then PM Indira Gandhi.
(c) Maharashtra (d) Odisha
- State-level and district-level committees have been
Answer: C. Maharashtra
constituted to select beneficiaries.
- The Maharashtra government formed a 16-member
- Benefits will be provided to all eligible individuals alive
committee to draft its first-ever AI policy.
as of January 1, 2025.
- This initiative aims to submit recommendations for the
- Beneficiaries must apply to the Collector and District
Artificial Intelligence Policy 2025.
Magistrate with supporting documents and names of
- Maharashtra will be the first state to develop a
three co-detainees.
dedicated AI policy.
252. Who has launched the “Bharat Ranbhoomi - The committee is chaired by the Director of the
Darshan” app? Directorate of Information Technology, Mumbai.
(a) Nitin Gadkari (b) Rajnath Singh - The policy will build upon the framework of India's AI
(c) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (d) Amit Shah Mission Policy.
Answer: B. Rajnath Singh 255. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the “Bharat the toolkit for the ___________ of Swachh
Ranbhoomi Darshan” app to promote battlefield Survekshan.
tourism.

46
 (a) Seventh Edition (b) Sixth Edition - Developed by the Ministry of Electronics and
(c) Ninth Edition (d) Eighth Edition Information Technology's National eGovernment
Answer: C. Ninth Edition Division.
- Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the - Serves corporations, MSMEs, trusts, startups, and
toolkit for the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan. societies with a secure, cloud-based platform.
- Swachh Survekshan is the world’s largest urban - Ensures transparency, accountability, and enhances
cleanliness survey. document security by tracking all document-related
- It was initiated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban activities.
Affairs in 2016. 258. Which state government has launched the
- In 2024, a new category, Super Swachh League, was 'Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi
introduced for cities excelling in cleanliness. Majdoor Kalyana Yojana'?
- Cities are now classified into five population (a) Jharkhand (b) Uttar Pradesh
categories: Very Small, Small, Medium, Big, and Million-
(c) Bihar (d) Chhattisgarh
Plus.
Answer: D. Chhattisgarh
256. What does UCC stand for, as approved by the - The Chhattisgarh government launched the
Uttarakhand Cabinet under Chief Minister 'Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor
Pushkar Singh Dhami? Kalyana Yojana'.
(a) Uniform Civil Code (b) Universal Civil Code - Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the
(c) Uttarakhand Constitutional Code scheme in Raipur.
(d) Uniform Code of Conduct - It benefits over 5.62 lakh landless agricultural laborers,
including Baigas and Gunias.
Answer: A. Uniform Civil Code
- The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) manual was approved - Beneficiaries receive Rs 10,000 annually as financial
by the Uttarakhand Cabinet on 20 January 2023. assistance.
- The approval was given under the chairmanship of - The scheme has an allocation of Rs 562 crores.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. 259. In which year was the ‘Beti Bachao Beti
- The Legislative Department thoroughly scrutinized Padhao’ scheme launched?
and reviewed the manual before approval. (a) 2015 (b) 2014
- The UCC Bill was introduced by the BJP government (c) 2016 (d) 2020
during a special session on February 6, 2023. Answer: A. 2015
- The government fulfilled its promise made before the - The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme was launched on
2022 elections regarding the UCC. January 22, 2015.
257. What is the main purpose of "Entity Locker" - It was initiated by the Prime Minister in Panipat,
launched by the government in January 2025? Haryana.
(a) To get health-related facilities - The scheme addresses the declining Child Sex Ratio
(b) To track complaints related to consular (CSR).
- It focuses on issues related to women empowerment.
services
- The government is celebrating its 10th anniversary in
(c) Keeps track of all documentation-related
2025.
activities
(d) Registration of the vehicle, permit 260. Which of the following statements is correct
about the Haryana Vehicle Scrappage and
documents
Recycling Facility Incentive Policy 2024?
Answer: C. Keeps track of all documentation-related
1. Under this policy, vehicle owners will also
activities.
get financial benefits for scrapping vehicles.
- The government launched Entity Locker following the 2. The government will offer capital subsidies
success of DigiLocker. or state GST reimbursement to new industrial
- It is a digital platform for managing and verifying units.
organizational and business documents. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these

47
 Answer: C. 1 and 2 263. The Government of India has taken two
- The Haryana government introduced the Vehicle decisions related to agriculture and healthcare.
Scrappage and Recycling Facility Incentive Policy 2024. Which of the following statements is/are
- The policy aims to ensure the proper disposal and correct?
recycling of old vehicles, promoting environmental 1. For the 2025-26 marketing season, the
sustainability. government has increased the minimum
- Vehicle owners will receive financial benefits for support price (MSP) of raw jute to Rs 5,650 per
quintal.
scrapping their vehicles.
2. The Union Cabinet has approved the
- The government will offer capital subsidies or state
extension of the National Health Mission for
GST reimbursement to new industrial units.
two more years.
- A 10-year land leasing module will be developed
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
through the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure
(c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
Development Corporation (HSIIDC).
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
261. Which state government inaugurated the - The Government of India has made decisions
advanced disaster risk warning system impacting the agriculture and healthcare sectors.
'KaWaCHaM' in January 2025? - For the 2025-26 marketing season, the Minimum
(a) Tamil Nadu (b) West Bengal Support Price (MSP) of raw jute is increased to Rs 5,650
(c) Odisha (d) Kerala per quintal.
Answer: D. Kerala - This increase is Rs 315 more than the previous season,
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated benefiting around 40 lakh families involved in jute
the KaWaCHaM system on January 21, 2025, in production.
Thiruvananthapuram. - The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the
- The system includes 126 siren-strobe light networks National Health Mission for two more years.
and 93 VPN-connected emergency operations centers. - In 2021, the mission was extended for five years until
- It features decision support software and a large data 2026.
center.
264. Which state's government began the process of
- Part of the National Cyclone Response Plan, it uses
geo-tagging to preserve heritage Chinar trees
social media and location-based SMS for real-time
on January 23?
disaster alerts.
(a) Rajasthan (b) Jammu and Kashmir
262. The Centre introduced the Diamond Imprest (c) Himachal Pradesh (d) Uttar Pradesh
Authorization scheme. Which of the following Answer: B. Jammu and Kashmir
statements is correct? - On January 23, 2023, the Jammu and Kashmir
1. It will offer a streamlined process to government initiated geo-tagging to preserve heritage
facilitate the duty-free import of natural cut
Chinar trees.
and polished diamonds under ¼ carat (25
- Chinar trees are significant for their oxygen production
cents).
and ecological importance.
2. It will come into effect from 1 March.
- The government aims to track and preserve these trees
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
using 'Digital Aadhaar' technology.
(c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
- Scannable QR codes have been installed, with each
Answer: A. Only 1
district having a unique code indicating the number of
- The Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme is
Chinar trees.
launched by the Union government.
- It facilitates the duty-free import of natural cut and 265. Which is the first state in independent India to
polished diamonds under ¼ carat (25 cents). implement a Uniform Civil Code?
- The scheme will take effect from April 1. (a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Uttarakhand
- It aims to promote value addition and enhance export (c) Uttar Pradesh (d) Haryana
growth. Answer: B. Uttarakhand
- Eligible exporters include those with Two Star Export
House status or annual exports of at least $15 million.

48
- Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code Answer: A. April 2025
(UCC) on 27 January 2025, becoming the first state in - The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) will be effective
India to do so. from April 1, 2025.
- The UCC aims to establish equal laws for all citizens, - The government announced the scheme for Central
eliminating discrimination based on religion. Government employees.
- The state cabinet recently adopted the rules and - It was introduced as an option under the National
regulations for UCC implementation. Pension System (NPS).
- Under UCC, all citizens, except Scheduled Tribes, are - The scheme applies to employees who opt for it under
subject to the same laws. the NPS.
- It covers laws related to marriage, divorce, succession, - The announcement was made in August of the
and inheritance, requiring registration of all marriages previous year.
and live-in relationships.
269. The government is aiming to introduce 'One
266. How many welfare programs were introduced Nation, One Time'. Which of the following
by the Telangana Government for farmers, statements is correct?
farm laborers, and families living below the 1. Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard
poverty line? Time) Rules, 2025, has been published for
(a) Four (b) Three public consultation.
2. It is being developed in collaboration with
(c) Six (d) Five
the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and
Answer: A. Four the Indian Space Research Organisation
- Four new schemes were launched by the Telangana (ISRO).
Government on Republic Day.
(a) Only 1 (b) Both 1 and 2
- The schemes are Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Awas
(c) Only 2 (d) None of these
Yojana, Indiramma Atmaiya Bharosa, and Ration Card.
Answer: B. Both 1 and 2
- Implementation began in one village per mandal on the
- The government aims to launch 'One Nation, One
first day in saturation mode.
Time' to standardize time across India.
- The government received lakhs of applications for
- Draft Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules,
Indiramma households and ration cards.
2025 have been published for public consultation.
- Beneficiary identification will continue until March.
- The initiative is developed in collaboration with the
267. Who inaugurated the Chief Minister's Mobile National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and the Indian
Operation Theatre in Nagaland on January 26? Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
(a) Neiphiu Rio (b) Piyush Goyal - It aims to mandate the use of Indian Standard Time
(c) Rajnath Singh (d) L. Ganesan (IST) in all regions of India with millisecond to
Answer: D. L. Ganesan microsecond accuracy.
- The Chief Minister's Mobile Operation Theatre was - The rules will impact areas like telecom, navigation,
inaugurated by Governor L. Ganesan on January 26, power grid synchronization, banking, and digital
2023. governance.
- This initiative aims to improve healthcare access in
270. Himachal Pradesh Sadhbhawana Legacy Cases
rural and remote areas of Nagaland. Resolution Scheme, 2025 has been approved.
- The launch coincided with the 76th Republic Day Which of the following statements is correct?
celebrations at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza in 1. Under this scheme, cases related to
Kohima. petroleum products up to the financial year
- The mobile unit is equipped to provide advanced 2017-18 will be resolved.
surgical and medical services to underserved 2. It aims to reduce the backlog of cases under
communities. non-subsumed enactments.
(a) Only 1 (b) Both 1 and 2
268. When will the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
become effective? (c) Only 2 (d) None of these
Answer: B. Both 1 and 2
(a) April 2025 (b) February 2025
(c) May 2025 (d) March 2025

49
- The Himachal Pradesh Sadhbhawana Legacy Cases (a) GSLV-F17 (b) GSLV-F15
Resolution Scheme, 2025 has been approved. (c) GSLV-F18 (d) GSLV-F16
- It aims to resolve cases related to petroleum products Answer: D. GSLV-F16
up to the financial year 2017-18. - Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr.
- The scheme seeks to reduce the backlog of cases under Jitendra Singh, chaired a review of ISRO's major space
non-subsumed enactments. missions for 2025.
- Approximately 3,500 cases are targeted for resolution, - The missions include the first "uncrewed" orbital
with an estimated revenue realization of Rs 10 crore. mission under "Gaganyaan".
- The state government has previously launched three - Other missions are two GSLV missions, a commercial
legacy case resolution schemes to address tax-related launch of LVM3, and the ISRO-NASA collaboration on
disputes. the NISAR satellite.
- In February, the GSLV-F16 mission will launch
NISAR, an Earth observation satellite co-developed
14. Defence with NASA.
- The commercial LVM3-M5 mission is scheduled for
271. After how many years is the Aero India show March.
held?
(a) Four (b) Two 274. Consider the following statements about
HIMKAVACH. Which of the following
(c) Five (d) Three
statements is/are correct?
Answer: B. Two
1. HIMKAVACH is a multi-layer clothing
- The Aero India show is held every two years. system that is designed for temperature range
- The 15th edition will take place at the Air Force Station of +20°C to -60°C.
Yelahanka in Bengaluru, Karnataka. 2. Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System was
- Scheduled from February 10th to 14th, 2025, it is Asia’s being used by Indian Army before
biggest biennial aero show. HIMKAVACH.
- The theme is "The Runway to a Billion Opportunities." (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
- The event facilitates partnerships between foreign and (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
Indian firms and showcases cutting-edge technologies. Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
272. Which country will remove restrictions on - HIMKAVACH is a multi-layer clothing system
Indian nuclear entities to boost ties? designed for temperatures ranging from +20°C to -60°C.
(a) China (b) USA - It has successfully passed all user trials in actual
operations.
(c) Japan (d) Russia
- HIMKAVACH will aid military operations in cold
Answer: B. USA
weather conditions along the Himalayan region.
- The USA will remove restrictions on Indian nuclear
- The Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS)
entities to enhance bilateral ties.
was previously used by the Indian Army.
- These restrictions have hindered cooperation between
- ECWCS is a three-layered outfit developed by the
Indian nuclear entities and American companies.
Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences of
- This move is a significant step towards implementing
DRDO, providing insulation and waterproofing with a
the 2005 civil nuclear agreement.
reversible outer layer for camouflage.
- The India-US civil nuclear agreement was signed in
2008, but regulatory hurdles delayed the supply of US 275. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has
nuclear reactors to India. sanctioned the formation of how many new
- Many organizations linked to the Department of battalions as part of efforts to bolster the CISF?
Atomic Energy, such as Bhabha Atomic Research Center (a) Two (b) Three
(BARC) and Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (c) One (d) Five
(IGCAR), are on the list of restricted entities. Answer: A. Two
273. Which of the following missions will launch - The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved
NISAR in February? the formation of two new battalions for the CISF.

50
- This expansion aims to enhance the CISF's capacity to (d) Economic Explosives Limited
meet increasing security demands. Answer: D. Economic Explosives Limited
- The total number of CISF battalions will increase from - The Bhargavastra is an indigenously developed micro
13 to 15. missile system.
- Each new battalion will have 1,025 personnel and be led - It was successfully tested at the Gopalpur Seaward
by officers of senior commandant rank. firing range on 12th and 13th January.
- The expansion includes a Mahila Battalion, recently - The system is designed to counter swarm drone attacks.
approved. - Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a
subsidiary of the Nagpur-based Solar Group.
276. What is the name of the indigenously
developed third-generation anti-tank guided - The weapon system has a range of 5-6 km and can
missile whose field test was successfully identify targets as small as 0.01 square meters.
conducted by India on 14 January? 279. What is the name of the exercise to be
(a) Nag Mark 2 (b) Agni Mk 2 conducted by elite airborne soldiers from the
(c) BrahMos Mk 2 (d) Prithvi Mk 2 Indian Army and the Indian Air Force from
Answer: A. Nag Mark 2 January 16-19?
- On 14 January, India successfully conducted a field test (a) Varuna Abhyas (b) Shakti Abhyas
of the Nag Mark 2, an indigenously developed third- (c) Devil Strike Practice (d) Strike Practice
generation anti-tank guided missile. Answer: C. Devil Strike Practice
- The Defence Ministry described it as a fire-and-forget - Elite airborne soldiers from the Indian Army and
guided missile. Indian Air Force will participate in Exercise Devil Strike
- Trials were conducted at the Pokhran Field Range by from January 16-19.
the Defence Research and Development Organisation - The exercise will take place at training areas and firing
(DRDO). ranges.
- The missile demonstrated precision by accurately - It aims to validate critical drills and enhance
destroying targets at both maximum and minimum operational readiness.
ranges. - Focus will be on the assessment and refinement of
logistic sustenance strategies.
277. Who commissioned the Indian Navy’s warship
and submarine INS Nilgiri, INS Surat, and - The exercise will test advanced airborne operations in
INS Vagsheer in Mumbai in January 2025? hostile terrain.

(a) Rajnath Singh (b) Draupadi Murmu 280. Which of the following statements is/are
(c) Narendra Modi (d) Amit Shah correct?
Answer: C. Narendra Modi 1. Indian Navy took part in the La Perouse
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned the INS multilateral exercise.
Nilgiri, INS Surat, and INS Vagsheer on 15 January 2. A multilateral exercise, La Perouse, was
hosted by Australia.
2025 in Mumbai.
- This event marked the first time three ships were (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
inducted into the Indian Navy simultaneously. (c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
- INS Nilgiri is a stealth frigate and the lead ship of Answer: A. Only 1
Project 17A. - The Indian Navy participated in the La Perouse
- INS Surat is the last of the four guided missile multilateral exercise.
destroyers constructed under Project 15B. - The exercise was hosted by France, not Australia.
- INS Vagsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the - Navies of nine Indo-Pacific countries took part in this
Kalvari class, built under Project 75. exercise.
- Conducted in the strategic straits of Malacca, Sunda,
278. Which company in India has developed the and Lombok, between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific
Bhargavastra weapon system?
Ocean.
(a) Lockheed Martin Corporation - INS Mumbai of the Indian Navy was deployed, led by
(b) Raytheon Technologies Corporation the French Carrier Strike Group headed by Charles de
(c) Tactical Missile Corporation Gaulle.

51
281. Where did ISRO successfully carry out a - This operation aims to strengthen security ahead of
demonstration of restarting the Vikas liquid Republic Day on January 26.
engine? - BSF soldiers and officers maintain a vigil on the
(a) Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri border until January 29.
(b) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, - The operation involves monitoring with modern
Thiruvananthapuram weapons to prevent infiltration and undesirable
activities during the winter season.
(c) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre,
Bengaluru
(d) Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
Answer: A. Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri 15. Agreements & MoU
- ISRO successfully demonstrated the restarting of the 284. India and Australia's economic cooperation
Vikas liquid engine. and trade agreement completed __________
- The test was conducted at the Propulsion Complex in years.
Mahendragiri. (a) Five (b) Three
- The Vikas engine powers the liquid stages of ISRO's
(c) Four (d) Two
launch vehicles.
Answer: D. Two
- The test on January 17 marked a milestone for stage
- The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade
recovery technologies, aiding future reusability.
Agreement (ECTA) has completed two years.
282. What is the main objective of 'SANJAY - - It has significantly enhanced trade ties and created new
Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)'? opportunities for MSMEs, businesses, and employment
(a) Disrupting the enemy's cyber security system in both countries.
(b) Conducting aerial surveillance only - Bilateral merchandise trade has more than doubled,
increasing from over 12 billion dollars in 2020-21 to 26
(c) Monitoring of army vehicles
billion dollars in 2022-23.
(d) Increasing the transparency of the battlefield
- Total trade reached 24 billion dollars in 2023-24, with
and providing information to the decision-
India’s exports to Australia growing by 14 percent.
making system
Answer: D. Increasing the transparency of the 285. What is the main objective of the
battlefield and providing information to the decision- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed
making system between FIU-IND and IRDAI recently?
- SANJAY is an automated system integrating inputs (a) Reduction in insurance premiums
from ground and air battlefield sensors. (b) Encouraging financial inclusion
- It is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and (c) Expanding insurance schemes
analytics to monitor vast land borders. (d) Enhancing cooperation in the fight against
- The system aims to prevent infiltration and enhance money laundering and financing of terrorism
intelligence and surveillance capabilities. Answer: D. Enhancing cooperation in the fight against
- Developed indigenously by the Indian Army and money laundering and financing of terrorism
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). - The MoU was signed between FIU-IND and IRDAI to
- The development cost was Rs 2,402 crore. enhance cooperation against money laundering and
283. Operation 'Sard Hawa' is conducted by which terrorism financing.
paramilitary force? - FIU-IND Director Vivek Agarwal and IRDAI Member
(a) Border Security Force Satyajit Tripathi formalized the agreement.
- It includes collaboration with entities regulated under
(b) Central Reserve Police Force
the Prevention of Money Laundering Rules.
(c) Sashastra Seema Bal
- The MoU outlines procedures for reporting to FIU-
(d) Central Industrial Security Force India and conducting training programs.
Answer: A. Border Security Force
- It aims to identify risk indicators for suspicious
- The Border Security Force (BSF) conducts Operation
transactions in the insurance sector.
'Sard Hawa' along the Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan.

52
286. With which country is India collaborating to 289. C-DOT has signed an agreement with which
co-produce interoperable sonobuoys for institutions to develop a wideband spectrum-
Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) for the sensor ASIC-chip?
Indian Navy? (a) IIT Jammu and IIT Mandi
(a) United States of America (b) Russia (b) IIT Delhi and IIT Kanpur
(c) Japan (d) France (c) IIT Bombay and IIT Madras
Answer: A. United States of America (d) IIT Kharagpur and IIT Hyderabad
- India and the United States are collaborating on the co- Answer: A. IIT Jammu and IIT Mandi
production of sonobuoys for Undersea Domain - C-DOT signed an agreement with IIT Jammu and IIT
Awareness (UDA). Mandi.
- This technology is crucial for tracking submarines in - The focus is on developing a Wideband Spectrum-
deep seas and oceans. Sensor ASIC-Chip.
- The cooperation is part of efforts to counter China's - This initiative is part of the Telecom Technology
naval expansion in the Indian Ocean. Development Fund (TTDF) scheme.
- Ultra Maritime (UM) and Bharat Dynamics Limited - The goal is to enhance spectrum utilization and make
(BDL) are key partners in this initiative. broadband services more affordable.
287. India and ____________ will sign an agreement - The chip will enable scanning of over 2 GHz spectrum
in the field of geology and exploration. with minimal sensing time.
(a) Kenya (b) Mongolia 290. Consider the following statements about the
(c) Israel (d) None of these ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Answer: B. Mongolia 1. Israel and Hamas have reached an
- India and Mongolia will sign an agreement in the field agreement regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and
of geology and exploration. the release of hostages.
- Mongolia is rich in copper and coking coal, resources 2. The agreement will commence on 19
India needs to import. January 2025 and will continue for a duration
of 42 days.
- India's cabinet has approved the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between the two countries. (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
- Indian and Mongolian officials are working on supply (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) None of these
routes for Indian companies. Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
- JSW Steel and SAIL are in talks with Mongolia to - Israel and Hamas have agreed on a ceasefire in Gaza
import coking coal. and the release of hostages.
- The agreement starts on 19 January 2025 and lasts for 42
288. India will celebrate 2026 as a "dual year" to days.
celebrate culture, tourism, and AI with which
- It includes the release of Israeli captives and increased
country?
humanitarian aid to Gaza.
(a) Spain (b) France - The deal will halt the conflict in Gaza and involve the
(c) Sri Lanka (d) Japan release of Israeli hostages and Palestinians held by
Answer: A. Spain Israel.
- 2026 will be marked as a "dual year" between India and - US President Joe Biden confirmed that American
Spain. hostages would be released in the first phase.
- The focus will be on culture, tourism, and artificial
intelligence. 291. IREDA, SJVN, GMR, and NEA signed a
- Announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar partnership agreement for the Upper Karnali
Hydropower Project in which country?
during his visit to Spain.
- The Indian diaspora plays a crucial role in (a) Myanmar (b) Bangladesh
strengthening bilateral relations. (c) Nepal (d) Bhutan
- India and Spain have an annual trade of US$10 billion, Answer: C. Nepal
collaborating in railways, clean technology, drones, and - The 900 MW Upper Karnali Hydropower Project is
space exploration. located in Nepal.

53
- IREDA, SJVN Ltd., GMR Energy Ltd., and Nepal - Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian
Electricity Authority (NEA) are involved in this joint President Prabowo Subianto discussed various issues to
venture. strengthen ties.
- The project has a 25-year term from its Commercial - Several MoUs were signed in areas like health
Operation Date (CoD). cooperation, digital infrastructure, and defense
- It exemplifies cross-border collaboration for economic collaboration.
and environmental benefits. - Both nations agreed to collaborate on cutting-edge
- This initiative aims to enhance regional energy security technologies such as FinTech, Artificial Intelligence,
and promote renewable energy infrastructure. Internet of Things, and Digital Public Infrastructure.

292. Which state signed Memorandums of 295. India and ________ decided to resume the
Understanding totaling 38,750 crore rupees at Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights in
the World Economic Forum in Davos? 2025.
(a) Gujarat (b) Maharashtra (a) Pakistan (b) Nepal
(c) Bihar (d) Uttar Pradesh (c) China (d) Sri Lanka
Answer: B. Maharashtra Answer: C. China
- Maharashtra signed multiple MoUs at the World - India and China agreed to resume the Kailash
Economic Forum in Davos. Mansarovar Yatra.
- The agreements were signed in the presence of Chief - The decision was made during the Foreign Secretary-
Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Vice-Ministerial Mechanism meeting.
- The total value of the MoUs is 38,750 crore rupees. - The agreement includes the resumption of direct flights
- The Kalyani Group and the Maharashtra government and sharing of cross-border river data.
signed the first MoU. - Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri attended the meeting
- This MoU focuses on the defense, steel, and electric in China.
vehicle sectors, expecting an investment of Rs 5,250 crore - The Ministry of External Affairs will discuss the
and the creation of 4,000 jobs in Gadchiroli. modalities for the yatra's resumption.

293. When was the World Bank Neutral Expert set 296. Health department and police of which state
up to resolve the Indus Water Treaty dispute? have collaborated with Alliance India to fight
(a) 2022 (b) 2023 drug abuse?
(c) 2025 (d) 2024 (a) Himachal Pradesh (b) Punjab
Answer: A. 2022 (c) Gujarat (d) Haryana
- The World Bank Neutral Expert was established in Answer: B. Punjab
2022 to address the Indus Water Treaty dispute. - Punjab State Health Department, Punjab Police, and
- This expert was appointed under the Indus Water Alliance India (an NGO) have joined forces to combat
Treaty (IWT), 1960. drug abuse.
- It is deemed competent to resolve differences between - The collaboration emphasizes the importance of
India and Pakistan regarding hydroelectric project women's participation in the fight against drug abuse.
designs. - The State Health and Family Welfare Minister
- A Neutral Expert and a Chairman of the Court of highlighted the need for rehabilitation initiatives to
Arbitration were appointed for the Kishenganga and prevent youth from drug addiction.
Ratle hydroelectric power plants. - A Special Director General of Punjab Police launched
an outreach initiative targeting women to support the
294. Which two countries have announced new
anti-drug efforts.
initiatives to deepen bilateral cooperation in
January 2025?
(a) India and Malaysia (b) India and Sri Lanka
(c) India and Indonesia (d) India & Bangladesh
16. Miscellaneous
Answer: C. India and Indonesia 297. To which country will India export 1 metric
- India and Indonesia have announced new initiatives to ton of non-basmati white rice recently?
enhance bilateral cooperation. (a) Indonesia (b) Sri Lanka
54
 (c) Bangladesh (d) Nepal 300. Astronomers discovered a new Ultra-Diffuse
Answer: A. Indonesia Galaxy. Which of the following statements is
- The Government of India decided to export 10 lakh correct?
metric tonnes of non-basmati white rice to Indonesia. 1. This galaxy is located at the tip of the
- An agreement was signed between the two parties for longest tidal tail ever discovered.
this export.
2. The formation of the ultra-diffuse galaxy is
due to gravitational interaction between NGC
- Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
3785 and a neighbouring galaxy.
announced the decision, taken in a Union Cabinet
meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi.
(a) Only 1 (b) Only 2
- In July 2023, India banned the export of non-basmati (c) 1 and 2 (d) None of these
white rice to stabilize domestic prices. Answer: C. 1 and 2
- The restriction was lifted in September 2024 with a - Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics
Minimum Export Price (MEP), which was later (IIA) discovered a new ultra-diffuse galaxy.
withdrawn in October 2024. - It is located 430 million light-years from Earth in the
constellation Leo.
298. In order to encourage ongoing and upcoming - The galaxy is at the tip of the longest tidal tail ever
reforms in the defence sector, the Ministry of discovered, extending from galaxy NGC 3785.
Defence has declared which year as the Year of
- The tidal tail is a stream of stars and interstellar gas,
Reforms?
providing clues about the formation of ultra-diffuse
(a) 2023 (b) 2025 galaxies.
(c) 2022 (d) 2024 - The formation is due to gravitational interaction
Answer: B. 2025 between NGC 3785 and a neighboring galaxy.
- The Ministry of Defence has designated 2025 as the
Year of Reforms. 301. Banded Royal butterfly has been discovered in
- The aim is to ensure the Armed Forces become a
which Indian state?
combat-ready, technologically advanced force. (a) Nagaland (b) Sikkim
- Focus is on conducting integrated operations across (c) Manipur (d) Tripura
multiple domains. Answer: D. Tripura
- Key areas include defence manufacturing, - The Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra)
modernising infrastructure, and enhancing was discovered in Tripura.
procurement processes. - It was first spotted in the Sepahijala Wildlife
Sanctuary.
299. How much aid has been announced by the
- The sighting occurred on May 5, 2021.
Government of India for Vanuatu to support
- This species is protected under Schedule II of the
earthquake-related relief efforts?
Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
(a) $7 million (b) $5 million
- It belongs to the Lycaenidae family and was first
(c) $6 million (d) $8 million described by Thomas Horsfield in 1829.
Answer: B. $5 million
- The Government of India announced $5 million in aid 302. Which became the first year to breach the
to Vanuatu for earthquake relief. global warming limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius?
- The aid supports relief, rehabilitation, and (a) 2025 (b) 2023
reconstruction efforts. (c) 2022 (d) 2024
- Vanuatu, a South Pacific Ocean island nation, was hit Answer: D. 2024
by earthquakes on December 17 and December 22, 2024. - 2024 was the first year to exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius
- The first earthquake had a 7.3 magnitude, causing 14 global warming limit.
deaths and injuring over 200 people. - Confirmed by the European Union’s Copernicus
- A 6.1 magnitude earthquake followed, causing further Climate Change Service (C3S).
panic and damage. - The earth's average temperature in 2024 was 1.6 degrees
Celsius higher than in 1850-1900.
- Climate change impacts are visible globally, affecting all
countries.

55
- 2024 was the warmest year on record, 0.72 degrees - Restrictions were removed from Indian Rare Earths
Celsius above the 1991-2020 average. Limited (IREL), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
(BARC), and Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research
303. What is the meaning of Makar Sankranti?
(IGCAR).
(a) The sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn. - This move aims to enhance the US-India relationship
(b) It symbolizes the Sun moving from east to and boost collaboration in nuclear energy.
west. - These entities previously faced tight export controls
(c) The zodiac change of Sun God affects the due to their nuclear and defense activities.
country and the world.
306. The World Monuments Fund (WMF) has
(d) Due to the change of the zodiac of Sun God, added Musi River Historic Buildings of
people's bad work is done. __________ to its 2025 World Monuments
Answer: A. The sun enters the zodiac sign of Watch list.
Capricorn. (a) Kochi (b) Chennai
- Makar Sankranti marks the entry of the Sun into the (c) Ahmedabad (d) Hyderabad
Capricorn zodiac sign. Answer: D. Hyderabad
- It is a winter harvest festival celebrated across India. - The World Monuments Fund (WMF) included
- Lohri is celebrated on January 13 in Punjab, Jammu, Hyderabad's Musi River Historic Buildings in its 2025
Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Haryana. World Monuments Watch list.
- Makar Sankranti is observed on January 14 and is - Another Indian site on the list is Gujarat's Bhuj
dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God). Historic Water Systems, highlighting risks from the
- The festival is known as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, water crisis and climate change.
Khichdi in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Uttarayan in Gujarat - Key buildings along the Musi River include the British
and Rajasthan, and Maghi in Haryana and Punjab. Residency (now Koti Women’s College), Osmania
304. Which dog has been officially recognized as an General Hospital, Telangana High Court, and State
indigenous breed by the National Bureau of Central Library.
Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)? - The WMF published a list of sites from 29 nations
(a) Bakharwal Dog (b) Himalayan Sheepdog needing preservation and advocacy.
(c) Indian Pariah Dog (d) Gaddi Dog 307. ASI archaeologists found a 1,200-year-old
Answer: D. Gaddi Dog Buddhist monastery at which Buddhist site?
- The Gaddi Dog has been officially recognized by the (a) Udayagiri (b) Amravati
ICAR-NBAGR.
(c) Ratnagiri (d) Lalitgiri
- It is a native breed from the Himalayan region.
Answer: C. Ratnagiri
- Recognition aims to enhance conservation efforts for
- ASI archaeologists discovered a 1,200-year-old
the breed.
Buddhist monastery at the Ratnagiri site in Odisha's
- The breed faces threats from a declining population
Jajpur district.
and nomadic lifestyle.
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) found a
- Current estimates indicate fewer than 1,000 Gaddi Dogs
Buddhist monastery complex with stone sculptures of
remain.
Bhagwan Buddha.
305. Which of the following is not among the - The site includes votive stupas, inscribed stones,
Indian nuclear entities from which the US pottery, beads, stone pillars, and an ancient brick wall.
government removed restrictions? - A notable five-foot monolithic elephant sculpture was
(a) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research also uncovered.
(b) Indian Rare Earths Limited - Discoveries include a colossal Buddha head and
(c) Rajasthan Atomic Power Station sculptural fragments of Buddhist deities.

(d) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre 308. How many species of blood-sucking flies
Answer: C. Rajasthan Atomic Power Station belonging to the Culicoides genus were
- The US government lifted restrictions on three major identified by researchers from the Zoological
Indian nuclear entities.

56
 Survey of India (ZSI) in the Andaman and (c) 14 (d) 16
Nicobar Islands? Answer: C. 14
(a) 15 (b) 20 - The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) approved 14
(c) 25 (d) 23 amendments to the Waqf Amendment Bill.
Answer: D. 23 - These amendments were proposed by the BJP-led
- Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
identified 23 species of blood-sucking flies in the - The final meeting to examine the bill was held on 29
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. January 2025.
- 13 species were recorded for the first time in India. - The committee rejected 44 changes proposed by
- The study was published in the international journal opposition lawmakers.
‘Parasites and Vectors’. - The amendments were adopted with a vote margin of
- These insects, known as "Bhusi flies," resemble flies but 14 in favor and 11 against.
have feeding habits similar to mosquitoes.

309. Which of the following received approval as a

cross-border payment aggregator?
(a) Skydo (b) Airtel Money
(c) Z Pay (d) Jio Money
Answer: A. Skydo
- Skydo Technologies Pvt Ltd received approval from
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment
Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity.
- It is among the first companies in the cross-border
payments sector to receive this approval.
- Skydo was established as a cross-border payments
company in 2022.
- The company currently serves over 12,000 exporters in
India.

310. Which two Indian cities have been included in

the global list of accredited wetland cities
under the Ramsar Convention?
(a) Indore and Udaipur (b) Chandigarh
and Surat
(c) Bhopal and Jaipur (d) Kochi and Pune
Answer: A. Indore and Udaipur
- Indore and Udaipur are the first two Indian cities
included in the global list of accredited wetland cities.
- The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty
for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
- Accreditation is an international recognition for cities
valuing their natural and man-made wetlands.
- The convention's advisory committee recognized 31
new cities, including two from India, bringing the total
to 74 globally.

311. The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on

the Waqf Amendment Bill approved how
many amendments?
(a) 12 (b) 18

57