Post Views: 9
1. The Union Cabinet has recently approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) from March 31, 2025 to __________.
[A] March 31, 2027
[B] March 31, 2028
[C] March 31, 2029
[D] March 31, 2030
Correct Answer: B [March 31, 2028]
Notes:
The Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to extend the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three more years, moving the end date from March 31, 2025, to March 31, 2028. This decision supports ongoing welfare efforts for sanitation workers and shows the government’s dedication to improving their conditions. Established in 1993 to address the welfare and grievances of Safai Karamcharis (sanitation workers).
2. Which Baltic countries have officially disconnected their electronic systems from Russian power grid?
[A] Denmark, Iceland, and Finland
[B] Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania
[C] Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
[D] Finland, Iceland, and Sweden
Correct Answer: B [Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania]
Notes:
The Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, have officially cut their electricity ties with Russia. This important step is part of a larger plan to strengthen their connection with the European Union and improve energy security in the area. This disconnection represents a change in energy policy for these three nations, which have had strong ties to Russia since they gained independence in the early 1990s.
3. India and which country have recently signed an MoU to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) aimed at developing physical and social infrastructure?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Belize
[C] Vietnam
[D] Nicaragua
Correct Answer: D [Nicaragua]
Notes:
India and Nicaragua have agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) focused on improving physical and social infrastructure. India will offer financial support for initiatives in areas like roads, community centers, education, and sanitation, which will bring immediate advantages to Nicaraguan communities. This agreement, signed in Managua by Indian Ambassador Sumit Seth and Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke, marks a significant move to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The partnership aims to boost infrastructure in Nicaragua, delivering clear benefits to local residents.
4. PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will inaugurate the Indian Consulate in which city of France on February 12, 2025?
[A] Lyon
[B] Paris
[C] Marseille
[D] Strasbourg
Correct Answer: C [Marseille]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will open India’s second diplomatic office in France, the Indian Consulate in Marseille, on February 12, 2025. This initiative aims to boost Indo-French relations by improving economic, cultural, and consular connections. With this consulate, India will expand its diplomatic and economic presence in France, following its embassy in Paris. This event is an important milestone in strengthening Indo-French ties, highlighting India’s focus on southern France and its dedication to enhancing economic, cultural, and strategic partnerships.
5. Which bank in partnership with Ikonz Studios, has expanded its AI-powered holographic avatar of Amitabh Bachchan to five new cities?
[A] Axis Bank
[B] IDFC FIRST Bank
[C] HDFC Bank
[D] ICICI Bank
Correct Answer: B [IDFC FIRST Bank]
Notes:
IDFC FIRST Bank, together with Ikonz, has launched the latest AI avatar of Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan in 10 more branches across five new cities: Delhi, Gurugram, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. This move allows Bachchan to reach an additional 70 million people. The AI holographic avatar, powered by HXR technology, enhances customer engagement by offering information on services like Zero Fee Banking and Mobile Banking. This initiative aims to transform how customers interact with the bank, creating a more engaging and personalized experience.
6. Which state is now the second state after Rajasthan to have significant potash reserves?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Punjab]
Notes:
Recent advancements in potash mining have taken place in Punjab and Rajasthan. The Punjab Mining Minister, Barinder Kumar Goyal, revealed plans to investigate potash mining in the Fazilka and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has found significant mineral reserves in these regions. This effort aims to lessen India’s dependence on potash imports and boost the local fertiliser industry. Potash consists of potassium-rich minerals mainly used in fertilisers. More than 90% of the world’s potash is used in agriculture. It is one of the three key nutrients necessary for plant growth, along with nitrogen and phosphorus. Potash is available in different types, such as Sulphate of Potash (SOP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP). SOP is free of chloride and is preferred for high-value crops, while MOP contains chloride and is mainly used for crops rich in carbohydrates, like wheat. India imports around 5 million tonnes of potash each year. The new findings in Punjab make it the second state with potash reserves, after Rajasthan. Important mining areas in Punjab include Kabarwala, Sherewala, and Ramsara in Fazilka, as well as Shergarh and Dalmir Khera in Muktsar Sahib. In Rajasthan, the main deposits are located in the Nagaur-Ganganagar basin, especially in the Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts.
7. In February 2025, which new bird species were discovered in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Kerala?
[A] Bluethroat, Tawny pipit
[B] Ultramarine flycatcher, Red-breasted flycatcher
[C] Only A
[D] Both A & B
Correct Answer: D [Both A & B]
Notes:
Recent bird surveys at the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) have produced interesting results. The Forest Department conducted this four-day survey, which discovered four new bird species: the bluethroat, tawny pipit, ultramarine flycatcher, and red-breasted flycatcher. These birds had not been recorded in PTR before, although they are found in other areas of the Western Ghats. With these additions, the total bird species count in the reserve has increased to 345. The survey covered 28 selected sites within PTR, examining various habitat types. The goal was to evaluate bird diversity and find new species. In total, 228 bird species were observed during this survey, including 16 species that are considered threatened, highlighting the ecological importance of the reserve.
8. Diriyah, also known as the City of Earth, is being built in which country?
[A] Iran
[B] Iraq
[C] Saudi Arabia
[D] Kuwait
Correct Answer: C [Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
Diriyah, called the City of Earth, is under construction near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It will house 100,000 people and offer office space for more than 100,000 workers. This large-scale project is expected to cost around USD 63 billion. It aims to build a lively urban area that will boost Saudi Arabia’s culture and economy. Indian companies, including major ones like the Tatas and Oberois, are becoming more interested in this development.
9. The Rs 21,000 crore transmission project aims to carry electricity from a renewable energy park in Ladakh to which state?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: D [Haryana]
Notes:
The large Rs 21,000 crore transmission project in Ladakh is set to move power from a renewable energy park. This project faces significant challenges, including security issues, a lack of skilled workers, and the need for better road infrastructure. It is crucial for boosting India’s renewable energy capacity but raises concerns about its feasibility and effects on local communities. The plan is to link a 13 gigawatt (GW) renewable energy park in Ladakh to the national grid in Haryana using high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology over a distance of 480 kilometers. The park will mainly produce energy from solar and wind. This transmission project will carry electricity from the park to Kaithal in Haryana, passing through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. It is part of the Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) and aims to generate 9 gigawatts of solar power and 4 gigawatts of wind power. The goal is to help India reach 500 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.
10. Pradhan Mantri Anushuchit Caste Abhyudaya Yojana (PM-AJAY) aims to uplift which communities across India?
[A] Other Backward Class (OBC)
[B] Scheduled Caste (SC)
[C] Scheduled Tribe (ST)
[D] General Merit(GM)
Correct Answer: B [Scheduled Caste (SC)]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) is a program designed to support Scheduled Caste (SC) communities in India. It was created to fight poverty and improve living conditions by focusing on job creation and education. Recently, a central advisory committee met to assess its progress and plan future steps.
PM-AJAY has three key parts:
(i). Adarsh Gram Development: This part aims to turn villages with a majority of SC residents into model villages through overall development. It emphasizes building essential infrastructure and improving ten areas, such as education, health, and financial inclusion.
(ii). Grants-in-Aid: This section funds projects at the district and state levels that promote socio-economic growth. It includes livelihood projects that provide lasting income opportunities for SC communities.
(iii). Hostel Construction: The program encourages building hostels to help SC students access quality education. Its goal is to lower dropout rates and enhance opportunities for higher education.
11. Which space agency has planned the Pandora mission to launch in 2025?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] SpaceX
[D] JAXA
Correct Answer: B [NASA]
Notes:
NASA’s upcoming mission, Pandora, is scheduled to launch in 2025. This mission will explore the atmospheres of faraway exoplanets. With high demand for observation time on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Pandora will play an important role. It will concentrate on clouds, hazes, and water, which are vital for determining if these distant worlds can support life. The main goals of Pandora include:
(i). Studying the atmospheres of at least 20 exoplanets, mainly gas giants and super-Earths.
(ii). Looking for important atmospheric elements like water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide.
(iii). Observing stellar activity to see how it affects the data collected.
(iv). Assisting in data gathering for JWST and other missions to improve exoplanet models.
(v). Showcasing what small satellites can do in astrophysics.
Pandora will use a 17.7-inch (45 cm) aperture Cassegrain telescope. While it is smaller and less sensitive than JWST, its design allows for longer observation periods. The mission will use the transit method to capture starlight that passes through exoplanet atmospheres, revealing important chemical signatures.
12. Which space agency has successfully conducted an ignition trial of the CE20 cryogenic engine recently?
[A] ISRO
[B] ASI
[C] CNES
[D] NASA
Correct Answer: A [ISRO]
Notes:
On February 7, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) carried out a successful ignition test of the CE20 cryogenic engine. This engine is used in the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). The test was held at the High Altitude Test Facility in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The CE20 engine is crucial for the Gaganyaan mission. It is built to work in vacuum conditions and can produce thrust between 19 tonnes and 22 tonnes. The successful ignition marks an important step in India’s space exploration. The trial used a multi-element igniter and was conducted under conditions similar to those during an actual flight. The performance was reported as normal and met all expectations, confirming the engine’s readiness for upcoming missions.
13. The mission landing site, named Shiv Shakti point, is thought to be about how many billion years old?
[A] 2.3 Billion
[B] 2.9 Billion
[C] 3.3 Billion
[D] 3.7 Billion
Correct Answer: D [3.7 Billion]
Notes:
India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission was a significant achievement in exploring the moon. On August 23, 2023, India became the first country to successfully land softly on the moon’s south pole. The landing area, called Shiv Shakti point, is believed to be about 3.7 billion years old, which aligns with the time when early microbial life appeared on Earth. This mission is India’s third attempt at lunar exploration, organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The goal was to study the moon’s surface, especially the south pole. The mission included the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover, which gathered important information about the moon’s surface and its geological past.
14. India has recently finalised an agreement with which country to acquire anti-ship cruise missiles?
[A] France
[B] Israel
[C] Russia
[D] Italy
Correct Answer: C [Russia]
Notes:
India has recently completed a deal with Russia to purchase anti-ship cruise missiles. This step is intended to boost the Indian Navy’s submarine capabilities. The defense ministry has not revealed details like the name, number, or price of the missiles. However, reports suggest that the deal includes the Klub-S missile system, which is part of the Kalibr missile family. The Klub-S is specifically made for submarines, featuring a 400-kg warhead and the ability to hit targets up to 300 kilometers away. It comes with a fire control system and vertical launch units, allowing it to maneuver around obstacles and defend against enemy attacks. The Klub-S is already operational in the Indian Navy, improving its diesel-electric submarine fleet.
15. ‘Cyclone 2025’ is the joint military exercise between India and which country?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] Egypt
[C] Saudi Arabia
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: B [Egypt]
Notes:
A major military partnership between India and Egypt has started today with the beginning of the joint exercise ‘Cyclone 2025’. This exercise is happening at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and will last for 14 days. It aims to strengthen defense relations between the two nations by improving the cooperation of special forces and sharing skills in tough desert conditions.
16. India’s, which sector has recently achieved a significant milestone with domestic production exceeding ₹1.27 lakh crore?
[A] Defence
[B] Agriculture
[C] Commerce & Industry
[D] Chemicals & Fertilizers
Correct Answer: A [Defence]
Notes:
India has achieved a major milestone in its defense industry, with local defense production exceeding ₹1.27 lakh crore. This achievement showcases the country’s rising self-sufficiency and its growing role in global defense manufacturing. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared this news just before the Aero India 2025 event, starting tomorrow in Bengaluru. This event, the largest aerospace and defense exhibition in Asia, will not only showcase India’s defense strengths but also motivate the younger generation to innovate and support the nation’s development in the defense field.
17. Which edition of Aero India has recently inaugurated by defence minister Rajnath Singh at AFS Yelahanka in Bengaluru?
[A] 13th
[B] 14th
[C] 15th
[D] 16th
Correct Answer: C [15th]
Notes:
The 15th edition of Aero India was opened by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at AFS Yelahanka in Bengaluru. During the inauguration on February 10, 2025, he stated, “Aero India 2025 will bring together important and advanced technologies, creating a space to enhance relationships among like-minded nations based on respect, shared interests, and benefits to address current challenges.” He expressed confidence that Aero India 2025 would highlight India’s industrial strength and technological progress to the global audience, while also deepening ties with allied nations. He emphasized that lasting peace can only be achieved when countries unite and strive for a better world.
18. Which state Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has resigned following nearly two years of ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Mizoram
[C] Manipur
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: C [Manipur]
Notes:
Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stepped down on February 9, 2025, due to ongoing ethnic violence and rising political pressure. His resignation follows almost two years of conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in many deaths and displacements. It also comes after opposition calls for accountability, including a proposed no-confidence motion against his administration.
19. Which state will host the world’s largest Jhumur dance on February 24, 2025?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Assam
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Manipur
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
Assam is set to hold the biggest Jhumur dance in the world on February 24, 2025, in connection with the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment Summit. The event will feature more than 7,500 dancers and aims to achieve a Guinness World Record. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at this celebration. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared that this festival will showcase Assam’s vibrant culture and provide a stage to draw in global investors.
20. Who has recently received the ‘CA in Public Service’ Award from ICAI at the World Forum of Accountants Meet?
[A] Deepak Kumar Kedia
[B] Rajeshwar Rao
[C] Gunadhar Pandey
[D] Vivek Sharma
Correct Answer: A [Deepak Kumar Kedia]
Notes:
Deepak Kumar Kedia, the Inspector General at the National Security Guard (NSG) Headquarters, has received the ‘CA in Public Service’ Award from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This award was given during the World Forum of Accountants Meet in New Delhi on February 1, 2025. It honors his exceptional work in public service, especially in law enforcement and national security. Kedia, often referred to as the ‘CA in Uniform’, has a notable career that combines finance and policing, contributing greatly to counter-terrorism and national security.
21. Which film has won the prestigious NETPAC Award at IFFR 2025?
[A] Fiume o morte!
[B] Raptures
[C] Bad Girl
[D] Im Haus meiner Eltern
Correct Answer: C [Bad Girl]
Notes:
Varsha Bharath’s first film, Bad Girl, has received the esteemed NETPAC Award at the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). The award was presented by well-known directors Anurag Kashyap and Vetrimaaran. Although the film faced mixed reviews at first because of its daring themes, it has now achieved significant critical success. This recognition puts Bad Girl alongside other distinguished Indian films like Nasir (2019), Naukar ki Kameez (1999), and Vidheyan (1995), all of which have also won this award.
22. In which state the Disturbed Areas Act regulates property transactions in areas marked by communal tensions recently?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Disturbed Areas Act in Gujarat controls the sale of property in regions marked as “disturbed” due to communal conflicts. Its goal is to promote peace and avoid changes in population balance. Recent changes have given more authority to the district Collector, leading to closer examination of property deals in these sensitive locations. The Act was created to manage property sales in areas facing communal unrest. The district Collector identifies a region as disturbed based on past riots. Selling property in these areas needs the Collector’s approval, which involves a formal investigation where the Collector listens to all parties.
23. What is India’s global ranking in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED program for 2024?
[A] 1st
[B] 2nd
[C] 3rd
[D] 4th
Correct Answer: C [3rd]
Notes:
India has once again claimed the third spot worldwide in the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) yearly ranking of countries and regions with the highest number of LEED-certified green buildings in 2024. With 370 projects totaling 8.50 million gross square meters (GSM) of certified area, India shows its dedication to sustainable building practices and eco-friendly development. This ranking reflects India’s increasing influence in the global green building sector and its efforts to meet sustainability targets. China leads the list with more than 25 million GSM, followed by Canada with 10 million GSM.
24. Which country is hold the top spot in the 2025 Henley Passport Index?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] United States
[C] Singapore
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: C [Singapore]
Notes:
The 2025 Henley Passport Index evaluates 199 passports according to their visa-free or visa-on-arrival access, using data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Singapore is ranked first. This report also examines shifts in global mobility trends. Compiled by Henley & Partners, the index shows that Singapore shares the top rank with Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Tajikistan. Additionally, it notes which countries have gained or lost mobility rights over time.
Leading Passports:
1st: Singapore
Allows visa-free travel to 193 of 227 places.
2nd: Japan & South Korea
Permit visa-free entry to 190 nations.
Japan has regained visa-free access to China, which was lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.
3rd: European Countries
Finland, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Ireland
Grant access to 189 destinations.
25. What position does India hold in the Henley Passport Index for the year 2025?
[A] 80th
[B] 85th
[C] 90th
[D] 95th
Correct Answer: A [80th]
Notes:
The Henley Passport Index for 2025, produced by Henley & Partners, evaluates 199 passports according to the extent of their visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to international destinations. This ranking utilizes data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to illustrate trends in global mobility. Singapore is positioned at the forefront of the index, whereas India is placed 80th, a rank it shares with Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Tajikistan. Additionally, the report underscores the changes in mobility privileges that various countries have experienced over time.
26. Which country will host the first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES)?
[A] South Africa
[B] India
[C] France
[D] Switzerland
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India will hold the first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025. This event aims to make India a key player in the global media and entertainment scene. It will gather top leaders from the industry to talk about progress in animation, gaming, and film. The summit will take place at the Jio World Convention Centre and is designed to encourage teamwork, investment, and new technologies in the entertainment field.
27. Which state Government has recently established the State-Level Investment Synergy Committee (SLSC) to enhance the ease of doing business in the state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] West Bengal
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [West Bengal]
Notes:
The West Bengal government has set up the State-Level Investment Synergy Committee (SLISC) to improve the business environment in the state. This move was announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the Bengal Global Business Summit. The committee’s goal is to simplify investment proposals and ensure quick approvals. The chief secretary of West Bengal leads the SLISC, which includes heads from 19 important departments like industry, commerce, environment, finance, and labor. More department heads can join if needed. This collaborative approach aims to improve efficiency in managing investment proposals. The main goal of the SLISC is to serve as a single-window clearance system, offering a centralized platform for all investment services. Investment proposals are expected to receive approvals within one month. The committee also aims to remove obstacles and support sectors such as manufacturing, IT/ITES, healthcare, and real estate.
28. Who is the former Sri Lankan captain who retired after his 100th Test against Australia at Galle?
[A] Dimuth Karunaratne
[B] Dasun Shanaka
[C] Charith Asalanka
[D] Dhananjaya De Silva
Correct Answer: A [Dimuth Karunaratne]
Notes:
Dimuth Karunaratne, the former captain of Sri Lanka and an experienced opener, has announced his retirement from international cricket after playing his 100th Test match against Australia in Galle. In his last game, the 36-year-old made scores of 36 and 14, but Sri Lanka lost by nine wickets, resulting in a series defeat. The International Cricket Council (ICC), led by Chairman Jay Shah, praised his significant contributions, noting his outstanding career and leadership. Karunaratne leaves the game as one of Sri Lanka’s top Test openers, with a total of 7,222 runs and 16 centuries to his name.
29. Who has become the second-highest six-hitter in ODI history with 338 sixes?
[A] Virat Kohli
[B] Travis Head
[C] Rohit Sharma
[D] Joe Root
Correct Answer: C [Rohit Sharma]
Notes:
Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, had an amazing performance in the second ODI against England in Cuttack, leading India to a four-wicket win and breaking several records. He scored 119 runs off 90 balls, hitting 12 fours and 7 sixes, which allowed him to surpass Chris Gayle and become the second-highest six-hitter in ODI history, just behind Shahid Afridi. Furthermore, Rohit also moved ahead of Sachin Tendulkar to become the second-highest run-scorer for India as an opener in international cricket.
30. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) is celebrated every year on which day?
[A] February 8
[B] February 9
[C] February 10
[D] February 11
Correct Answer: D [February 11]
Notes:
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) 2025 is an important event aimed at advancing gender equality and empowering women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Observed every year on February 11, this day highlights the achievements of women and girls in science and promotes their equal access to opportunities in these areas. According to UNESCO, modern science is dynamic, collaborative, and diverse, essential for tackling global issues beyond just labs. The theme for 2025 is “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” which emphasizes the need to inspire young women to enter science and technology careers while also addressing the challenges they face in these fields.
31. Sam Nujoma, who passed away recently, was the former president of which country?
[A] Algeria
[B] Namibia
[C] Nigeria
[D] Libya
Correct Answer: B [Namibia]
Notes:
Sam Nujoma, the first president of Namibia and a key leader in the fight for independence, died at 95. He was a charismatic figure who significantly contributed to Namibia’s liberation from apartheid South Africa in 1990. Nujoma held the presidency for 15 years and was known as the “Father of the Namibian Nation.” His leadership helped establish democracy, promote reconciliation, and maintain stability in the nation. Nonetheless, his time in office included some controversial remarks and policies.
