Post Views: 17
1. Which country had passed laws to stop the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)?
[A] United States
[B] Saudi Arabia
[C] Israel
[D] Egypt
Correct Answer: C [Israel]
Notes:
In October 2024, the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset, enacted laws to prevent the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from functioning in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. These laws also ban any interaction between Israeli authorities and UNRWA. They took effect on January 30, 2025. Established in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees who were displaced after the creation of Israel in 1948 (referred to as Nakba), UNRWA has become a crucial support system for millions of displaced Palestinians. It offers education, healthcare, food, and social services to nearly 6 million Palestinians across various regions: 19 camps in the West Bank, 8 camps in Gaza, 10 camps in Jordan, 12 camps in Lebanon, and 9 camps in Syria. UNRWA’s contributions in Gaza and the West Bank include: Education for 300,000 children, which accounts for almost half of all students in Gaza; primary healthcare for 1.2 million people in Gaza and nearly 900,000 in the West Bank; and food assistance for 1.13 million people in Gaza and thousands in the West Bank.
2. The recent funding freeze imposed by which country’s government has raised concerns regarding the future of HIV treatment and care worldwide?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The recent funding freeze by the U.S. government has raised worries about the future of HIV treatment and care globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that this pause could result in more illness and deaths among those with HIV. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been crucial in fighting the HIV epidemic for over 20 years, providing treatment and care to millions. The current funding pause threatens these efforts. PEPFAR was started in 2003 by President George W. Bush to offer HIV treatment, prevention, and care worldwide. By 2024, it had supported over 20 million people in 55 countries, including 566,000 children. It has significantly lowered AIDS-related deaths from 2.1 million in 2004 to about 630,000 in 2023. The funding freeze impacts the availability of antiretroviral treatments, which WHO states millions rely on. A sudden stop could undo the progress made in the last two decades. Without sufficient funding, many living with HIV face serious health risks.
3. Which of the following has recently unveiled “iSPOT” initiative aimed at simplifying the process of reporting technical glitches within India’s financial markets?
[A] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] National Stock Exchange of India
Correct Answer: A [Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)]
Notes:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a new program to make it easier to report technical problems in India’s financial markets. This program, called the Integrated SEBI Portal for Technical Glitches (iSPOT), will replace the old email system with a more organized, efficient, and clear method for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) to report issues. The iSPOT portal is scheduled to start on February 3, 2025, and will greatly enhance how glitches are reported and handled. This initiative is part of SEBI’s effort to update the financial market infrastructure and ensure better operations. MIIs, which include stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories, will now be able to provide detailed reports on technical issues, including root cause analysis (RCA). SEBI’s new system will centralize these reports, making it simpler to monitor and fix technical problems in real time, benefiting the entire securities market.
4. Which regulatory body has recently launched the digital knowledge repository “Dharohar” on January 26, 2025?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] National Stock Exchange of India
[C] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Correct Answer: C [Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)]
Notes:
On January 26, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) achieved an important goal by launching “Dharohar – Milestones in the Indian Securities Market.” This digital archive was introduced on India’s 76th Republic Day and aims to protect the rich history of India’s securities market. With a legacy spanning over 150 years, the market has changed greatly, and SEBI’s project honors this ongoing journey. ‘Dharohar’ serves as a broad digital resource that highlights significant events in India’s securities market. This effort not only safeguards the market’s past but also makes it available to everyone, providing extensive information on the development of India’s financial markets. From its early days to the advanced systems we have now, ‘Dharohar’ reflects the spirit of over 150 years of organized trading.
5. Recently, Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project, which was seen in the news, is located in which state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
The recent conditional approval of the Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project has caused debate among environmentalists and local residents. This project is located in the Sharavathy Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary in Karnataka, which is vital for protecting the endangered Lion-Tailed Macaque. The State Board of Wildlife, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, granted the approval, raising worries about the project’s environmental effects. The Sharavathy Pumped Storage Project plans to produce 2,000 MW of hydroelectric power. Originally, the project intended to cut down about 16,000 trees in the evergreen forests, but the updated approval now allows for the removal of around 7,000 to 8,000 trees. It will impact 125 acres of dense forest and 245 acres of non-forest land.
6. The Government of India has recently approved the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for which sector?
[A] Agriculture & Cooperation
[B] Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
[C] Chemicals & Fertilizers
[D] Animal Husbandry & Fishing
Correct Answer: B [Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)]
Notes:
The Indian Government has recently launched the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This program aims to improve credit access for manufacturing businesses by offering a 60% guarantee on loans up to ₹100 crore. It is intended to help MSMEs buy necessary equipment and machinery for their operations. The Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) allows eligible MSMEs to obtain loans. Borrowers need to have a valid Udyam Registration Number. The maximum guaranteed loan amount is ₹100 crore, even if project costs are higher. The scheme specifically targets the purchase of equipment or machinery, which should make up at least 75% of the total project cost.
7. The Government of India has recently approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a budget of _________ crore.
[A] 16,300
[B] 20,550
[C] 25,488
[D] 14,400
Correct Answer: A [16,300]
Notes:
The Indian Government has launched the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) with a budget of ₹16,300 crore. This program is designed to boost India’s independence in critical minerals needed for advanced industries and clean energy. The Finance Minister introduced this mission in the Union Budget for 2024-25. The NCMM aims to lessen the dependence on imported critical minerals. It supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and aims to tackle issues in the mineral sector. The mission emphasizes increasing exploration and mining activities both in India and abroad. It focuses on 24 critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are essential for clean energy technologies.
8. The High Level Committee (HLC) under whose chairmanship has approved Rs 3027.86 crore for disaster mitigation projects for various states?
[A] Prime Minister Narendra Modi
[B] Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
[C] Union Minister Amit Shah
[D] Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary
Correct Answer: C [Union Minister Amit Shah]
Notes:
A High-Level Committee (HLC), led by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, has approved funding of Rs. 3027.86 crore for disaster mitigation projects in various states. This funding is intended to improve disaster management, focusing on lightning safety, drought support, and managing forest fire risks. The committee includes important ministers and aims to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a disaster-resilient India. They have approved a project to enhance lightning safety in 50 high-risk districts across 10 states, with a budget of Rs 186.78 crore. The states involved are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The aim is to decrease lightning-related incidents and improve safety in at-risk areas.
9. The first international report on AI safety was released under whose president?
[A] Lov Grover
[B] George Varghese
[C] Yoshua Bengio
[D] Vikram Adve
Correct Answer: C [Yoshua Bengio]
Notes:
Launch of the First International Report on AI Safety chaired by Yoshua Bengio. January 29, 2025. Visual identity of the international report on AI safety. The International AI Safety report, published in 2025, highlights major issues related to the fast development of artificial intelligence technologies. This detailed document covers various dangers, such as job loss, environmental effects, and security threats. The report is based on talks from the 2023 global AI safety summit. It warns that AI advancements could significantly affect the job market. General-purpose AI might take over many tasks, resulting in job losses. Economists believe that while some jobs will vanish, new opportunities may arise in areas not affected by automation. About 60% of jobs in developed countries are at risk of AI disruption. Estimates suggest that as many as 3 million private-sector jobs in the UK could be lost, but the overall increase in unemployment might be less due to the creation of new jobs.
10. Elon Musk’s X to launch its first digital wallet in partnership with which company?
[A] Visa
[B] Master Card
[C] RuPay
[D] Paypal
Correct Answer: A [Visa]
Notes:
Elon Musk’s X, which was once called Twitter, is about to introduce a new feature: X Money. This digital wallet, supported by Visa, is a big move in X’s plan to change from a social media site to a complete “super app.” By adding payment services to its current offerings, X aims to rival major apps like China’s WeChat, providing users with messaging and financial services all in one platform. X is preparing to launch “X Money,” a digital wallet powered by Visa, which will enable real-time funding, peer-to-peer payments, and bank transfers.
11. Who has appointed as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL)?
[A] Geetha Varma
[B] Vedanti Varma
[C] Shantala Kumari
[D] Deshnee Naidoo
Correct Answer: D [Deshnee Naidoo]
Notes:
Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL), the parent company of the Mumbai-based mining group Vedanta Ltd, has named Deshnee Naidoo as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead its new growth phase. Her appointment starts on January 20, 2025. Naidoo has over 20 years of experience in the resources sector, working in various regions and with different metals and minerals. This is her second time with Vedanta; she previously held senior positions from 2014 to 2020, including CEO of Africa Base Metals and CEO of Vedanta Zinc International. Most recently, she was the CEO of Vale Base Metals, a company focused on nickel and copper.
12. Who has re-appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maruti Suzuki India Limited?
[A] Hisashi Takeuchi
[B] Kenichi Ayukawa
[C] R. C. Bhargava
[D] Kenichiro Toyofuku
Correct Answer: A [Hisashi Takeuchi]
Notes:
Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the biggest car maker in the country, has reappointed Hisashi Takeuchi as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). His term will last for three years, starting from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. This move shows the company’s trust in Takeuchi’s leadership and his skill in guiding Maruti Suzuki in the changing automotive market in India.
13. Who has recently appointed as a new CEO of Sony, effective April 1, 2025?
[A] Howard Stringer
[B] Masaru Ibuka
[C] Hiroki Totoki
[D] Kenichiro Yoshida
Correct Answer: C [Hiroki Totoki]
Notes:
Sony has named Hiroki Totoki as its new CEO, starting April 1, 2025, to boost its global entertainment efforts. Totoki, who joined Sony in 1987, will succeed Kenichiro Yoshida, who will stay on as Chairman. Sony Group Corporation has revealed that Totoki, currently the President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over as Chief Executive Officer on April 1, 2025. This significant change in leadership is part of Sony’s plan to broaden its influence and strengthen its role in the global entertainment market. Totoki’s new position is anticipated to be crucial for Sony’s future growth, especially as the company aims to innovate and improve its competitive edge in the entertainment industry.
14. Nagoba Jatara is a tribal festival held in January/February in Keslapur village, which district of Telangana?
[A] Hanumakonda
[B] Kamareddy
[C] Adilabad
[D] Nizamabad
Correct Answer: C [Adilabad]
Notes:
Nagoba Jatara is a tribal festival held in January/February in Keslapur village, Adilabad district, Telangana. The quiet village of Keslapur in Indervelli mandal burst with life as thousands of tribal and non-tribal people from all over India came together for the annual Nagoba Jatara. This week-long festival, honoring the Nagoba temple, is a major religious and cultural event for the Mesram clan and other indigenous tribes. Starting on Tuesday night, the festival attracted around one hundred thousand devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha to join in the festivities.
15. The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and which institute has recently completed study on India’s de-notified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes?
[A] IIT Bombay
[B] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
[C] Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)
[D] IIT Madras
Correct Answer: C [Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)]
Notes:
The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) have completed a study on India’s de-notified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes. This extensive classification effort organized 268 previously unclassified tribes. Over three years, the study recommended including 179 communities in the lists of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, with 85 of these tribes being recognized for the first time. In February 2019, the Prime Minister’s Office formed a Special Committee to speed up the classification process. This committee, made up of experts, was responsible for monitoring the work of AnSI and TRIs. They submitted their report in August 2023.
16. Which of the following has introduced new guidelines to enhance the functioning of Information Utilities (IUs) within the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code?
[A] Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Reserve Bank of India
[D] Finance Commission
Correct Answer: A [Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India]
Notes:
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has released new rules to improve how Information Utilities (IUs) operate under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). These updates focus on better identity checks, smoother processes, and maintaining accurate data in insolvency cases. The changes address the need for a more organized and legally sound approach to handling financial failures. Information Utilities are organizations that keep important financial records needed for insolvency cases. They track information like debts, liabilities, secured assets, and defaults. By offering a central source of financial data, IUs promote transparency and efficiency in the insolvency process. The new guidelines also update the technical standards for IUs. Now, identity verification requires the use of Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards or Aadhaar-based authentication. This ensures that users’ identities are correctly confirmed against official records, improving data integrity.
17. Who became the 15th player in history and the fourth Australian to score 10,000 runs in Test cricket?
[A] Travis Head
[B] Nathan Lyon
[C] Steve Smith
[D] Alex Carey
Correct Answer: C [Steve Smith]
Notes:
Australian cricketer Steve Smith reached a significant milestone on January 29 during the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Galle. He became the 15th player ever and the fourth Australian to reach 10,000 runs in Test cricket. This achievement secures his status among the legends of the sport. Smith’s path to this achievement has been impressive, showcasing his resilience, determination, and a distinctive batting style that challenges traditional methods.
18. Who has become the highest run-scoring Indian wicket-keeper in T20 cricket?
[A] Dinesh Karthik
[B] Rishabh Pant
[C] Ishan Kishan
[D] KL Rahul
Correct Answer: A [Dinesh Karthik]
Notes:
In a significant milestone for Indian cricket, veteran wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik has surpassed the legendary MS Dhoni to become the highest run-scoring Indian wicket-keeper in T20 cricket. During a recent match, Karthik scored a crucial 21-run knock, which took his overall T20 runs tally to 7,451 runs in 361 innings (409 matches). This achievement cements Karthik’s place as one of the most consistent and impactful wicket-keeper batters in the shortest format of the game.
19. Who, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC), resigned recently?
[A] Geoff Allardice
[B] Manu Sawhney
[C] David Richardson
[D] Haroon Lorgat
Correct Answer: A [Geoff Allardice]
Notes:
Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has stepped down from his position. This resignation occurs at a crucial time, just 21 days before the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place in Pakistan. Sources indicate that Allardice’s failure to give a clear evaluation of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s readiness for the event may have influenced his choice to resign.
20. The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 has recently unveiled its official logo and mascot, the event is set to be held in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The official logo and mascot for the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 were revealed on January 16, 2025. This event, taking place in Tamil Nadu, shows India’s dedication to supporting para sports. The unveiling of the logo and mascot is an important step in India’s efforts to promote para sports and inclusivity. This notable championship will be held in Tamil Nadu, continuing the tradition of hosting national para athletics events in different states, allowing athletes with disabilities to compete on a national stage.
21. Latika Katt, who recently passed away, was associated with which field?
[A] Doctor
[B] Sculptor
[C] Politician
[D] Singer
Correct Answer: B [Sculptor]
Notes:
Latika Katt, a highly regarded sculptor from India, has died at the age of 76. She was famous for her impressive sculptures and busts of notable individuals, showcasing the beauty of nature in its purest forms. Throughout her 50-year career, Katt explored different materials like terracotta, papier-mâché, stone, and bronze, receiving many awards both nationally and internationally for her artistic achievements.
22. Greg Bell, the oldest living Olympic gold medalist in athletics, who recently passed away, was from which country?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] France
[C] United States
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
Greg Bell, who was the oldest living Olympic gold medallist in athletics, died on January 25, 2025, at the age of 94. He won the gold medal in long jump at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics and had a successful career as a dentist for 50 years. Bell’s life showcased a mix of determination, sports success, and professional excellence. His significant achievements in both long jump and dentistry have made a lasting mark, inspiring future generations.
