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1. Netzarim Corridor, which was recently seen in the news, is located in which city?
[A] Jerusalem
[B] Rahat
[C] Gaza
[D] Jenin
Correct Answer: C [Gaza]
Notes:
The situation in Gaza has changed after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. As of February 9, 2025, Israeli forces started to pull back from the Netzarim corridor, a significant area in northern Gaza. This action is part of Israel’s obligations under a delicate ceasefire that seeks to end fighting after 15 months of severe conflict. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, 2025, provided a break in the ongoing war and allowed Palestinians to return to their homes, especially in the heavily damaged northern areas. It also led to the release of some Israeli hostages by Hamas in exchange for a pause in fighting and the release of Palestinian prisoners. The Netzarim Corridor was a military zone in the Gaza Strip from 2023 to 2025 during the Gaza War. It split Gaza into two sections, stretching from the Gaza-Israel border to the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Gaza City. Named after a former Israeli settlement, it was used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for operations in northern and central Gaza and helped secure aid routes. The withdrawal from the Netzarim corridor is a crucial part of the ceasefire. This area, once a military zone for Israel, is now seeing civilians return home. Israeli officials have not revealed the exact number of troops leaving, but they confirmed that some forces are still stationed along Gaza’s borders.
2. Which country has recently launched “Operation Devil Hunt”?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Myanmar
[D] Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Bangladesh has launched a significant security operation named “Operation Devil Hunt,” targeting supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This move comes after gangs linked to Hasina’s government attacked protesters. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, aims to restore order and uphold democratic values. The unrest started when rumors spread that Hasina might address the public from exile in India, leading to violent protests and damage to properties tied to her family. Furthermore, tensions between India and Bangladesh have increased due to India’s criticism of the damage to the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.
3. The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) is monetary tool introduced by which bank?
[A] World Bank
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Asian Development Bank (ADB)
[D] Sate Bank of India
Correct Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India]
Notes:
The Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) is a tool set up by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to manage liquidity in banks. It started on April 8, 2022, to help take in excess funds from commercial banks without needing any collateral. This was necessary because there was a significant liquidity surplus due to special measures taken during the pandemic. The SDF allows banks to deposit their extra funds with the RBI and earn interest, without having to use government securities. This system does not need collateral. The SDF serves as the lower limit for the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor, replacing the reverse repo rate. Recently, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra mentioned that banks prefer to keep their funds in the SDF rather than lending them in the uncollateralised call money market. This trend is worrying as it leads to a higher overnight call money rate compared to the repo rate. The RBI is encouraging banks to participate more in the call money market to increase its activity.
4. Which country has recently launched a dedicated platform known as the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) desk?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] South Africa
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India has set up a new platform called the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) desk. This initiative is designed to enhance trade, investment, and business support between India and the EFTA member countries. The desk was introduced after the signing of a free trade agreement known as the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), which is expected to take effect by the end of the year. The EFTA includes four nations: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. On March 10, 2024, these countries and India finalized the TEPA. This agreement aims to strengthen economic relations, with the EFTA committing to invest $100 billion over 15 years. The TEPA will lower or eliminate duties on various products, such as Swiss watches and chocolates. The EFTA desk will act as a centralized support hub for EFTA businesses, offering vital services like market insights, regulatory advice, and business matchmaking. It is intended to assist EFTA companies in navigating India’s complex policies and investment environment, making it easier for them to enter the Indian market.
5. Recently, the Government of India has launched the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign for the elimination of which disease?
[A] Meningitis
[B] Pneumonia
[C] Lymphatic Filariasis
[D] Staph infections
Correct Answer: C [Lymphatic Filariasis]
Notes:
The Government of India has recently started a major campaign to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF). This initiative, called the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Campaign, was launched by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda. The campaign focuses on addressing LF, a serious parasitic disease, with detailed plans in 111 affected districts across 13 states. Lymphatic Filariasis, often known as “Hathi Paon,” is caused by parasitic worms spread by infected mosquitoes. It can result in severe disabilities like lymphoedema and hydrocele, which greatly impact people’s lives. LF creates long-term health challenges for individuals and families, making immediate action necessary. The MDA campaign aims to provide anti-filarial medications to everyone eligible in areas where LF is common. The main goal is to reach over 90% of the population to stop the disease’s spread. The campaign is inclusive, ensuring that everyone receives the medications they need. The Government of India has set a target to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027.
6. Government of India has recently launched Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) under which scheme to support farmers?
[A] PM-AASHA
[B] PM-KISAN
[C] AgriSURE
[D] PMFBY
Correct Answer: A [PM-AASHA]
Notes:
The Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is a key part of the PM-AASHA program that helps farmers when prices for perishable crops fall. The scheme starts when State or Union Territory (UT) governments ask for it during price drops. This system helps farmers avoid selling their crops at low prices. The MIS focuses on protecting farmers during times of high production, especially for perishable items like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. It has certain rules, including a minimum price drop that must occur. The government has updated the guidelines to make the scheme more effective, increasing procurement limits and allowing for more flexible payment options.
7. Which version of the UDAN scheme was launched in February 2025?
[A] 5.2
[B] 5.3
[C] 5.4
[D] 5.5
Correct Answer: D [5.5]
Notes:
The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme has achieved a significant milestone with the introduction of its 5.5 version. This phase is designed to enhance air connectivity in regional areas, especially in remote locations, hilly terrains, and islands. The focus is on using seaplanes and helicopters to reach places that lack proper access. This initiative is a step forward in improving last-mile connectivity in India. The main aim of UDAN 5.5 is to promote air travel in these less accessible areas. The plan includes creating routes that connect 80 water bodies, such as ponds and dams, to make it easier for locals and boost tourism. Moreover, the initiative seeks to provide economic advantages by supporting trade and commerce. UDAN 5.5 permits operators to use seaplanes and small aircraft that can carry fewer than 20 passengers. It also features about 400 helipads for helicopter services. The scheme encourages various operators to participate, including those with smaller aircraft that can hold fewer passengers.
8. Which space agency’s Euclid space telescope has discovered a phenomenon known as an Einstein ring in our cosmic backyard?
[A] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
[B] National Aeronautics and Space Administration
[C] European Space Agency
[D] Italian Space Agency
Correct Answer: C [European Space Agency]
Notes:
In September 2023, the European Space Agency’s Euclid space telescope made an exciting discovery while testing its instruments. It captured an Einstein Ring, a rare event, in the galaxy NGC 6505. This discovery happened during the calibration phase of Euclid’s mission, which started on July 1, 2023. The mission will study the dark universe for six years. An Einstein Ring is created by gravitational lensing, a concept from Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. When light from a distant galaxy or quasar passes through the gravitational field of a massive galaxy in front, it bends and forms a ring. This effect needs the source, lens, and observer to be perfectly aligned. These rings are important for understanding dark matter, dark energy, and the universe’s large-scale structure. The Einstein Ring found by Euclid is about 590 million light-years away from Earth. It is created by light from a distant galaxy, located 4.42 billion light-years away, which is bent by the gravity of NGC 6505. Although astronomers have known about the foreground galaxy since 1884, the ring itself had never been seen before.
9. The Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named “Sṛjanam,” was developed by which institute?
[A] CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology
[B] CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute
[C] CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute
[D] CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute
Correct Answer: A [CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology]
Notes:
India has made progress in managing healthcare waste with the introduction of its first local Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant called Sṛjanam at AIIMS New Delhi. This new technology, created by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST), aims to address the important issue of biomedical waste disposal in an eco-friendly way. Biomedical waste refers to any waste from healthcare facilities that could harm public health or the environment. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, India produces about 743 tonnes of biomedical waste each day. Traditional methods like incineration have raised concerns due to harmful emissions and high energy use. The Sṛjanam system is designed to disinfect dangerous waste such as blood, urine, and lab materials without using incineration. It can process 400 kg of waste daily and efficiently manages 10 kg of degradable medical waste in its first phase. Additionally, the system improves the waste’s odor, making it more pleasant.
10. Which country will launch its next-generation supercomputer for artificial intelligence (AI) in May 2025?
[A] Singapore
[B] South Korea
[C] Taiwan
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: C [Taiwan]
Notes:
Taiwan plans to launch a new supercomputer in May 2025. This advanced system aims to improve the country’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. According to the Taipei Times, the supercomputer will use Nvidia’s H100 graphics processing units (GPUs). It will start with a computing power of 16 petaFLOPS, with plans to upgrade it to 200 petaFLOPS in the future. This supercomputer will be crucial for developing generative AI and strong AI. Generative AI is essential for machine learning, natural language processing, and self-driving systems, while strong AI refers to machines that think like humans. The National Centre for High-performance Computing (NCHC) is in charge of this project, which supports Taiwan’s goal to excel in next-generation technologies.
11. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced to rename its Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36) with which name?
[A] Yashas
[B] Pratham
[C] Subhash
[D] Ram-Laxman
Correct Answer: A [Yashas]
Notes:
Bengaluru is now a key center for military aviation progress, as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has renamed its Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36) to “Yashas.” This change follows upgrades aimed at boosting the aircraft’s performance and safety. The HJT-36 has received significant enhancements, focusing on improving its handling and spin resistance. These updates ensure the aircraft is suitable for current training needs. The new name “Yashas” signifies the aircraft’s advanced features. Yashas comes with cutting-edge avionics and a modern cockpit. It includes a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system for better thrust-to-weight ratio and reliability. The cockpit is equipped with multifunction displays (MFDs) and a head-up display (HUD) to enhance situational awareness.
12. Which Indian military forces have recently conducted Exercise Winged Raider in the Eastern Theatre?
[A] Indian Army and Indian Navy
[B] Indian Navy and Indian Air Force
[C] Indian Army and Indian Air Force
[D] None of the Above
Correct Answer: C [Indian Army and Indian Air Force]
Notes:
The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force carried out a major training exercise called EX Winged Raiders in the Eastern Theater. This exercise focused on special airborne operations to improve teamwork between the two services. Recently, the Indian Army finished the training exercise EX Winged Raider, which highlighted the need for collaboration between the Army and the Air Force. Taking place in the Eastern Theater, the exercise demonstrated their commitment to being ready for operations and working together effectively. EX Winged Raider aimed to boost the skills of both the Indian Army and the IAF. It included practicing different airborne insertion methods using both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. This training is essential for ensuring that troops can be quickly deployed in various operational situations.
13. Which country has launched the Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) on February 10, 2025?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] France
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Notes:
The UK introduced the Defence Partnership–India (DP-I) on February 10, 2025, to boost defence cooperation with India. This announcement was made during Aero India, where several important agreements were signed. These agreements focus on joint production and technology development in defence systems. The DP-I operates as a special unit within the UK Ministry of Defence, acting as a central point for coordinating defence efforts with India. The partnership aims to strengthen relations through various projects and agreements. UK Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker revealed this initiative at Aero India, where contracts were signed for the production of Man Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS) and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM). An assembly and testing facility for Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missiles (ASRAAM) will be set up in India. Thales U.K. and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) have signed a contract for Laser Beam-Riding MANPADs. The first delivery of STARStreak high-velocity missiles is expected this year, with the goal of integrating Indian industries into Thales’ global supply chain.
14. India’s DPIIT and which country’s KOTI signed an MoU to enhance logistics and infrastructure collaboration?
[A] China
[B] Singapore
[C] South Korea
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: C [South Korea]
Notes:
India and South Korea have made an important move to boost their logistics and infrastructure partnership. On February 10, 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) from India and the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) from South Korea signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Sejong National Research Complex in South Korea. The agreement was signed by Mr. Youngchan Kim, President of KOTI, and H.E. Amit Kumar, the Indian Ambassador to South Korea. This collaboration aims to enhance logistics efficiency, improve infrastructure planning, and support sustainable economic growth through sharing knowledge and technical cooperation.
15. Who has recently been appointed as new CEO of Nokia?
[A] Warrent Buffet
[B] Justin Hotard
[C] Jensen Huang
[D] Doug McMillon
Correct Answer: B [Justin Hotard]
Notes:
Nokia has named Justin Hotard as its new CEO, starting April 1, 2025, taking over from Pekka Lundmark. Hotard is currently the Executive Vice President of Intel’s Data Center & AI Group and has strong skills in AI and data centers, which are important for Nokia’s development. The company announced this leadership change, with Hotard replacing Lundmark, who has been CEO since 2020. Sari Baldauf, Nokia’s Chair, praised Hotard for his success in driving growth in tech companies. Lundmark will continue as an advisor until the end of the year to help with the transition.
16. Who has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Steel?
[A] Sudarshan Rao
[B] Raja Ravindran
[C] Maimun Alam
[D] Anjuvardhan
Correct Answer: C [Maimun Alam]
Notes:
Maimun Alam, a 2007-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has been appointed as the Director in the Ministry of Steel under the Central Staffing Scheme. The Government of India approved her appointment based on the recommendation of the Department of Revenue. She will serve a tenure of five years or until further orders, whichever comes earlier. The Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has issued an order for her immediate relief from her current responsibilities to take charge of her new role.
17. Which ministry has recently introduced the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha?
[A] Ministry of Civil Aviation
[B] Ministry of Home
[C] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[D] Ministry of Defence
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Civil Aviation]
Notes:
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has introduced The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, in the Rajya Sabha. This bill, presented on February 10, 2025, aims to enhance the aviation sector by allowing leasing companies to retrieve aircraft if airlines do not fulfill payment obligations. It addresses legal challenges faced by lessors, particularly highlighted during the Go First insolvency case. The bill intends to align Indian laws with international standards, especially the Cape Town Convention. Its development started in 2018 when the Ministry of Civil Aviation proposed it, but progress was slow due to the complex legal landscape surrounding aviation leases. The urgency for this legislation increased after a ruling from the National Company Law Tribunal that restricted lessors’ rights to reclaim aircraft, leading to increased costs and uncertainty in the leasing market. The bill prioritizes the Cape Town Convention over local laws, especially the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of 2016, which is crucial for resolving conflicts between international and domestic regulations. It aims to reduce the time needed to reclaim aircraft from 60 days to 40 days and mandates that lessors settle outstanding payments, such as airport fees, within 60 days.
18. Which organization has recently released a groundbreaking policy report titled ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities’?
[A] HelpAge India
[B] World Vision India
[C] Child Rights and You
[D] NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: D [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
NITI Aayog has recently published an important policy report called ‘Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities’. This report aims to improve the quality of higher education in India, particularly in State Public Universities (SPUs). It draws insights from more than 20 States and Union Territories. The report addresses several key areas, including a detailed analysis of quality indicators, funding, governance, and job readiness in SPUs. The goal is to move these universities from just providing access to offering top-notch education. This change is essential for creating a skilled workforce for India’s future. The report includes almost 80 policy suggestions, which outline short, medium, and long-term strategies for action. These suggestions focus on enhancing research quality, teaching methods, and curriculum. It also highlights the importance of good governance and the need for skill development among vice-chancellors, faculty, and staff.
19. Which country hosted the first-ever African Urban Heat Summit in February 2025?
[A] Sierra Leone
[B] Liberia
[C] Burkina Faso
[D] Ghana
Correct Answer: A [Sierra Leone]
Notes:
Sierra Leone hosted the first African Urban Heat Summit on February 6, 2025. At this significant gathering, Freetown introduced its Heat Action Plan (HAP), marking the establishment of the continent’s first comprehensive strategy to address urban heat challenges. The summit, organized by Freetown in partnership with Climate Resilience for All (CRA), convened mayors, policymakers, and climate experts. The rising frequency of extreme heat events presents considerable threats to healthcare systems and economic resilience in African urban centers. The HAP includes measures such as the development of cooling corridors, the establishment of green spaces, and protective strategies designed to shield at-risk populations. Projections suggest that by 2050, 70% of Africa’s population will live in urban environments, with a heightened risk of severe heatwaves anticipated by the 2090s. Studies indicate that exposure to extreme heat in African cities could increase , with projections of between 86 and 217 billion person-days per year due to rising temperatures.
20. Which organization has recently launched ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ to promote organ donation awareness?
[A] International Cricket Council
[B] United Nations Development Programme
[C] World Health Organization
[D] Federation Internationale de Football Association
Correct Answer: A [International Cricket Council]
Notes:
The ICC is starting a campaign called ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ to raise awareness about organ donation. This initiative will kick off on February 12, 2025, during the ODI match between India and England in Ahmedabad. ICC Chief Jay Shah revealed this plan, stressing that cricket can motivate people to make life-saving commitments. The goal of the campaign is to use the popularity of cricket to encourage organ donation pledges and save lives. Jay Shah shared this news on social media, highlighting the role of sports in promoting positive social change.
21. Which state will host the 39th National Games in February/March 2027?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Manipur
[C] Assam
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Meghalaya]
Notes:
he Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has officially announced that Meghalaya will host the 39th edition of the National Games in February/March 2027. IOA President PT Usha conveyed this decision to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, marking a significant milestone for the northeastern state. As the next host, Meghalaya will receive the IOA flag during the closing ceremony of the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand in Haldwani.
22. Who won the indoor hardcourt title at Rotterdam Open 2025?
[A] Daniil Medvedev
[B] Alex de Minaur
[C] Carlos Alcaraz
[D] Andrey Rublev
Correct Answer: C [Carlos Alcaraz]
Notes:
Carlos Alcaraz won his first indoor hardcourt title by beating Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 in the final of the Rotterdam Open. This win was his 17th ATP Tour title and made him the first Spanish player to win this tournament in its 52-year history. Despite facing a cold and several tough three-set matches, Alcaraz demonstrated his strength and ability to adjust to indoor conditions, adding to his remarkable tennis achievements.
23. Which country’s tennis player Jil Teichmann has clinched the 2025 Mumbai Open singles title?
[A] Thailand
[B] Switzerland
[C] France
[D] United Kingdom
Correct Answer: B [Switzerland]
Notes:
Swiss tennis player Jil Teichmann claimed the 2025 Mumbai Open singles title by beating Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in the final match. The WTA 125 event, which is the only WTA tournament in India, took place at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai from February 3 to 9, 2025. This win was Teichmann’s second WTA 125 title, following her success in Ljubljana in 2024.
24. FICCI CASCADE has organized its 4th edition of Anti- Smuggling Day on which day?
[A] February 9
[B] February 10
[C] February 11
[D] February 12
Correct Answer: C [February 11]
Notes:
Anti-Smuggling Day is observed on February 11 to raise awareness about cross-border smuggling and its impact on India’s security and economy. The initiative is led by FICCI’s CASCADE.. It is important for India’s security, economy, and the international struggle against illegal trade. India’s borders with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Nepal are often targets for smuggling, which threatens the nation’s safety and economic stability. The illegal trade of drugs, weapons, gold, counterfeit money, and other banned items remains a serious issue. To increase awareness about the dangers of cross-border smuggling and its effects, the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) observes Anti-Smuggling Day each year on February 11. This day aims to involve government bodies and the public in the fight against smuggling.
