Post Views: 26
1. Which country has developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine?
[A] United States
[B] Germany
[C] Russia
[D] India
Correct Answer: D [India]
Notes:
India’s Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently announced an impressive milestone in green energy technology at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Indian Railways has created the world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-powered train engine, establishing a new standard in railway innovation worldwide. This engine, made with local technology, showcases India’s advancing skills in green energy and sustainable development.
2. Who has been inaugurated the ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai?
[A] Prime Minister Narendra Modi
[B] Union Minister Amit Shah
[C] Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
[D] President Droupadi Murmu
Correct Answer: A [Prime Minister Narendra Modi]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space, making India the fourth nation to do so, following the United States, Russia, and China. This docking, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission, shows ISRO’s ability to perform autonomous satellite docking. This achievement is important for upcoming missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
3. The Union Cabinet has approved the formation of _______ Central Pay Commission (CPC) for Central Government employees.
[A] 7th
[B] 8th
[C] 9th
[D] 10th
Correct Answer: B [8th]
Notes:
On January 16, 2025, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission. This commission is responsible for evaluating and recommending revised salary structures and allowances for central government employees and pensioners. This initiative is designed to ensure that the implementation of its recommendations occurs by January 1, 2026. The commission’s scope encompasses over ten million employees and pensioners, emphasizing enhancements in compensation, pensions, and welfare measures.
4. The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade was recently held in which city?
[A] Kathmandu
[B] New Delhi
[C] Bharatpur
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: A [Kathmandu]
Notes:
The Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade between India and Nepal convened in Kathmandu, Nepal, from January 10 to January 11, 2025. This bilateral forum is designed to enhance trade relations and strengthen the connections between the two nations.
5. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has recently partnered with the fintech firm Magnati to enable UPI transactions for Indian travelers in which country?
[A] UAE
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: A [UAE]
Notes:
NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), which is the global branch of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has teamed up with Magnati, a fintech company based in the UAE. This partnership will allow Indian travelers in the UAE to make Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. The goal is to incorporate UPI into the UAE’s payment system, making it easy for Indian visitors to use their favorite payment method.
6. India and which country has announced 2026 as a ‘dual year’ to celebrate their cultural, tourism, and AI collaboration?
[A] Russia
[B] Spain
[C] Israel
[D] France
Correct Answer: B [Spain]
Notes:
India and Spain have declared 2026 as a ‘dual year’ to honor their partnerships in culture, tourism, and artificial intelligence (AI). External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared that this initiative will enhance the relationship between the two countries and foster better understanding. Annual trade between India and Spain stands at USD 10 billion, covering railways, clean tech, drones, and space.
7. Which country has recently removed three Indian organizations and added eleven Chinese firms due to national security concerns?
[A] UAE
[B] France
[C] United States
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revised its Entity List. It has taken off three Indian organizations and added eleven Chinese companies because of national security issues.
The Indian organizations removed are:
- Indian Rare Earths
- Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)
This change comes after a review by multiple agencies to lower obstacles to advanced energy collaboration, including joint research and development, to meet common energy security objectives.
8. Which country is poised to become the fourth-largest economy in the world by 2026, overtaking Japan?
[A] India
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Russia
[D] France
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India is projected to surpass Japan and become the fourth-largest economy in the world by 2026, according to a report from the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). This optimistic outlook is bolstered by robust GDP growth forecasts and strategic policy measures aimed at enhancing economic resilience and fostering sustainable development. The PHDCCI anticipates that India’s GDP will grow by 6.8% in the current fiscal year (FY2024-25) and will further accelerate to 7.7% in FY2025-26. Such a growth trajectory is expected to elevate India’s position in the global economic landscape, enabling it to overtake Japan by 2026.
9. Which bank has recently launched the Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme?
[A] IDBI
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] HDFC Bank
[D] Axis Bank
Correct Answer: A [IDBI]
Notes:
On January 13 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI) Limited launched the ‘IDBI Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen Fixed Deposit (FD)’ scheme. This special FD product is specifically designed for individuals aged 80 years and above, offering them higher interest rates to cater to their unique financial needs. The scheme provides a safe and secure investment option with guaranteed returns for super senior citizens.
10. Which bank has recently launched its first Cyber Security Hackathon 2024-25 titled “Code Against Malware”?
[A] State Bank of India (SBI)
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] Punjab National Bank (PNB)
[D] Axis Bank
Correct Answer: C [Punjab National Bank (PNB)]
Notes:
The Punjab National Bank (PNB) initiated its inaugural Cybersecurity Hackathon in the 2024-25 period, named “Code Against Malware.” This event is designed to address malware threats and enhance the cybersecurity infrastructure of the nation. It promotes collaboration among researchers, innovators, and academics to create sophisticated solutions aimed at combating malware. This initiative represents a proactive approach by PNB to mitigate cyber threats. The hackathon is open to researchers, innovators, and academicians.
11. With which company the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) has recently partnered to enhance employment prospects in Andhra Pradesh?
[A] Infosys
[B] Wipro
[C] HAL
[D] DRDO
Correct Answer: A [Infosys]
Notes:
In January 2025, the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC) entered into a collaboration with Infosys Limited, a company based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, aimed at improving employment opportunities and offering technical support for the Skill Census initiative. The formal agreement was executed by officials from APSSDC and representatives from Infosys Limited, with Nara Lokesh, the Minister for Human Resource Development and Information Technology (IT), present, alongside Kona Sashidhar, Secretary of APSSDC, and other senior officials from both organizations.
12. The Government of India has recently established eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary of which state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Government of India has recently designated eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) surrounding the Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. This initiative seeks to alleviate the negative impacts of urbanization and development on the sanctuary, which covers an area of 29.94 square kilometers and was established in 1962 for wildlife conservation. The ESZ encompasses 43 villages from the Nachan and Karsog Forest Divisions. Its primary objective is to restrict human activities that may pose a threat to wildlife, while simultaneously permitting sustainable practices such as organic farming.
13. The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) was first launched at which airport in 2024?
[A] Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad
[B] Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
[C] Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
[D] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai
Correct Answer: C [Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi]
Notes:
The Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) was inaugurated on June 22, 2024, at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. This initiative is designed to improve immigration procedures within India. Launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the program seeks to facilitate smooth and secure international travel for qualified individuals. Following its debut in New Delhi, the initiative is set to extend to seven other prominent airports throughout the country. The FTI-TTP bears resemblance to the Global Entry Program in the United States, which offers expedited processing for pre-approved travelers. The Bureau of Immigration acts as the primary agency overseeing the FTI-TTP. The program was officially launched at the airports in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad on January 16, 2025, with plans for implementation at a total of 21 major airports across the nation.
14. The Extraordinary African Union Summit has adopted the Kampala Declaration, which sets a transformative agenda for which field of Africa?
[A] Agriculture
[B] Science
[C] Commerce
[D] Communications
Correct Answer: A [Agriculture]
Notes:
The Exceptional African Union Summit focused on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) concluded in Kampala, Uganda, on January 11, 2025. During this summit, the Kampala Declaration was ratified, establishing a transformative framework for Africa’s agri-food systems for the period spanning 2026 to 2035. This declaration builds upon the Malabo Declaration, signifying a transition towards a holistic agri-food systems strategy aimed at addressing the challenges of food security and agricultural productivity throughout the continent.
15. The Kanuma Panduga is a vibrant festival celebrated in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Kanuma Panduga is a lively festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, India, alongside the Makar Sankranti harvest festivities. This year, it took place on January 15. The festival signifies the Sun’s entry into the zodiac sign Capricorn, which is a significant event in the Hindu calendar. Unlike many other festivals, it is celebrated on the same date each year. This harvest festival honors cattle, viewing them as sacred. Farmers decorate their cattle with paint, ornaments, and colorful clothing to express gratitude for their assistance in farming. The festival features important rituals, with a major tradition being the Govardhan Puja or Gaw Puja. Villages also organize processions showcasing the beautifully decorated cattle.
16. The famous ‘Gangasagar Mela 2025 was held in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] West Bengal
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
The Gangasagar Mela of 2025 took place in West Bengal, India. This religious festival is celebrated on Sagardwip, also known as Sagar Island. This annual religious festival and pilgrimage occurs at the meeting point of the Ganges River and the Bay of Bengal. The event for 2025 was celebrated on January 14, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. According to the West Bengal government, the mela attracted more than 11 million pilgrims. The Gangasagar Mela is recognized as the second-largest Hindu fair, following the Kumbh Mela. Sagar Island is located approximately 100 kilometers to the south of Kolkata. Although it is included within the Sundarbans region, it does not feature the characteristic mangrove forests or habitats for tigers. The island serves as a significant pilgrimage destination for Hindus, especially during the festival of Makar Sankranti, when numerous devotees congregate to perform ritual bathing at the point where the Ganges River meets the Bay of Bengal.
17. Who has recently been appointed as brand ambassador of PUMA India?
[A] MS Dhoni
[B] PV Sindhu
[C] Rohith Sharma
[D] Nitish Kumar Reddy
Correct Answer: B [PV Sindhu]
Notes:
PV Sindhu was designated as the brand ambassador for PUMA India on January 13, 2025. As a two-time Olympic medalist in badminton, she becomes the inaugural badminton athlete to represent PUMA. This collaboration is a multi-year contract that signifies PUMA’s formal foray into the badminton sector. To commemorate this partnership, PUMA India has rebranded its signage to “PVMA.” The company intends to bolster its market presence and improve its performance-wear range. PUMA plans to introduce specialized footwear, clothing, and accessories tailored for badminton players.
18. Which ministry has officially disbanded the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and merged it with the VIP Security Group (USG)?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Home
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Home]
Notes:
In January 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formally dissolved the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and integrated it into the VIP Security Group (VSG). This change occurred after the PDG ceased its responsibilities related to Parliament security in May 2024. The newly organized unit now features an increased number of personnel to improve the safeguarding of prominent individuals. The Parliament Duty Group (PDG), which consists of approximately 1,400 members, has undergone a rebranding and is now known as the VSG. This transition was officially enacted by an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 15, 2025. Prior to this rebranding, the PDG had established a connection with the VSG following its exit from Parliament.
19. Which Indian Armed Forces is conducting a major military exercise, Exercise Devil Strike, from January 16 to 19, 2025?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Air Force
[C] Special Forces
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
The Indian Armed Forces will hold a significant military drill called Exercise Devil Strike from January 16 to 19, 2025. Led by the Indian Army, this exercise aims to improve the forces’ combat readiness by simulating intense combat scenarios. It will showcase advanced strategies and new combat methods to boost national security and defend against outside threats. Additionally, it will test the coordination among different branches of the Indian military, ensuring a unified response to possible challenges. To conduct joint exercises involving Army, Air Force, and Special Forces.
20. Which country has recently successfully launched the ‘Shijian-25’ satellite to test orbital refuelling in space?
[A] China
[B] South Korea
[C] North Korea
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
China launched the Shijian-25 satellite on January 7, 2025, to test in-orbit refueling and increase satellite lifespan. The launch occurred at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China, using a Long March 3B rocket. The primary aim of the Shijian-25 satellite is to explore technologies for refuelling satellites and prolonging their operational life. This mission aims to improve China’s capacity to maintain satellites for a longer time, reducing costs and supporting sustainability in space operations.
21. Which country has recently become the fourth country to achieve successful space docking in the world?
[A] France
[B] India
[C] South Korea
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space, making India the fourth nation to do so, following the United States, Russia, and China. This docking, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission, shows ISRO’s ability to perform autonomous satellite docking. This achievement is important for upcoming missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
22. Which state government has introduced a welfare initiative for individuals imprisoned during the 1975-1977 Emergency period?
[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Odisha
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha state government has introduced an important welfare program for people who were imprisoned during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977. Starting January 1, 2025, all living detainees from Odisha will get a monthly pension of ₹20,000, plus medical benefits and other support. This initiative aims to recognize and assist those who were held under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
23. According to the Annual India FinTech Report 2024, what does India’s rank in global fintech funding?
[A] 1st
[B] 2nd
[C] 3rd
[D] 4th
Correct Answer: C [3rd]
Notes:
Bengaluru-based Tracxn Technologies Limited, a prominent global market intelligence platform, has released the ‘Annual India Fintech Report 2024’, which indicates that India holds the third position worldwide in terms of funding within the fintech sector. This achievement comes despite a Year-over-Year (Y-o-Y) decline of 33%, with funding dropping to USD 1.9 billion from USD 2.8 billion in 2023. The report attributes this downturn in the fintech industry primarily to a broader slowdown in demand and various geopolitical challenges. According to the findings, the United States ranks first globally, while the United Kingdom follows in second place.
24. Which organization has released the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025?
[A] World Bank
[B] UNDP
[C] ILO
[D] IMD
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
Cabo Verde, an island nation situated off the coast of West Africa, requires an investment of $842 million between 2024 and 2030, averaging $140 million annually, to address pressing climate and development issues. The World Bank’s Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025, published on January 15, 2025, delineates these financial requirements necessary for bolstering climate resilience and promoting sustainable development. The CCDRs are designed to incorporate climate change factors into development strategies. These reports draw upon comprehensive data and research to pinpoint significant climate vulnerabilities and propose viable courses of action.
25. The Extraordinary African Union Summit was recently held in which city?
[A] Lira
[B] Kampala
[C] Gulu
[D] Kira Town
Correct Answer: B [Kampala]
Notes:
The Exceptional African Union Summit focused on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) came to a close in Kampala, Uganda, on January 11, 2025. During this summit, the Kampala Declaration was ratified, establishing a transformative framework for Africa’s agri-food systems for the period spanning 2026 to 2035. This declaration builds upon the Malabo Declaration, signifying a transition towards a holistic agri-food systems strategy aimed at addressing the challenges of food security and agricultural productivity throughout the continent.
26. Which team has recently won the 41st edition of Spanish Super Cup 2025?
[A] Real Madrid
[B] Barcelona
[C] Manchester City
[D] Manchester United
Correct Answer: B [Barcelona]
Notes:
In January 2025, FC Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid with a score of 5-2 in the 41st Spanish Super Cup final, also called Supercopa de España. The match took place at King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The tournament ran from January 8 to January 12, 2025. With this victory, Barcelona claimed the Spanish Cup for the 15th time, surpassing Real Madrid, which has won it 13 times.
27. Who scored the fastest century in ODI for India during the third ODI against Ireland?
[A] Deepti Sharma
[B] Mithali Raj
[C] Reshma Gandhi
[D] Smriti Mandhana
Correct Answer: D [Smriti Mandhana]
Notes:
Smriti Mandhana, the Indian opener, set several records during the 3rd ODI against Ireland Women at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Filling in for Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana achieved the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs, demonstrating her skill. Her impressive innings and collaboration with Pratika Rawal helped India perform well in the series. She scored 100 runs off only 70 balls, surpassing Harmanpreet Kaur’s previous record of 87 balls.
28. Which Indian grandmaster has defeated world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and world No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the Titled Tuesday weekly blitz competition conducted by Chess.com?
[A] Karthik Venkataraman
[B] Girish Koushik
[C] Arjun Erigaisi
[D] Aditya Samant
Correct Answer: C [Arjun Erigaisi]
Notes:
Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has made a notable impression in the realm of online chess by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana during the Titled Tuesday blitz tournament hosted on Chess.com. This highly competitive event occurred early on Tuesday, where Erigaisi demonstrated exceptional prowess, concluding the tournament with a remarkable score of 10 points out of 11 rounds.
29. India’s obesity guidelines have recently been updated after how many years?
[A] 5 Years
[B] 10 Years
[C] 15 Years
[D] 20 Years
Correct Answer: C [15 Years]
Notes:
Indian medical experts have recently released updated obesity guidelines, the first change in 15 years. These new guidelines move away from just using Body Mass Index (BMI) and now also consider Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-to-Height Ratio (W-HtR) as important measures. The goal is to offer a better understanding of obesity and its health effects. The National Diabetes Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation, along with other organizations, played a role in creating these guidelines.
30. National Startup Day is celebrated annually on which day?
[A] January 14
[B] January 15
[C] January 16
[D] January 17
Correct Answer: C [January 16]
Notes:
National Startup Day is observed each year on January 16 to acknowledge the significant role that startups play in the Indian economy. Currently, India ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, boasting more than 99,000 registered companies with a collective valuation of $500 billion. This day underscores the critical importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in fostering economic development. National Startup Day was inaugurated on January 16, 2016, as part of the Startup India Innovation Week, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi proclaiming this day to celebrate the economic contributions of startups. The initiative seeks to promote a conducive environment for entrepreneurs through various government initiatives.
