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1. Which ministry is leading the initiative to measure the Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP)?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[D] Ministry of Current Affairs
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]
Notes:
The Government of India has recently brought back a proposal to assess the Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP). This initiative is meant to complement the traditional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measure. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is spearheading this project. The goal is to gain a clearer picture of how knowledge-driven sectors contribute to economic growth. The GDKP concept aims to measure the impact of knowledge, innovation, and intellectual resources on the economy. It acknowledges that GDP does not fully reflect the value created by knowledge-based activities. GDKP is designed to offer a deeper insight into economic trends. The idea was initially proposed in 2021 by NITI Aayog, which raised concerns about the absence of a clear method for data collection. The National Statistical Commission also voiced concerns about the subjective nature of measuring knowledge. Recently, MoSPI, in partnership with the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata, conducted a one-day workshop focused on GDKP. Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood highlighted the importance of a knowledge-focused approach. MoSPI is now actively working on developing this framework.
2. Which ministry has recently released the comprehensive Devolution Index Report 2025?
[A] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Home Affairs
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Panchayati Raj]
Notes:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj published the detailed Devolution Index Report on February 13, 2025, at the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in New Delhi. This report is a significant step for rural local self-governance in India. It assesses the state of decentralisation in different states and Union Territories. The goal is to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and achieve the vision of “Local Self Government” as outlined in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment. The Devolution Index is based on thorough research and analysis. It evaluates decentralisation in India by examining six key areas: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability. Each area is crucial for the effectiveness of Panchayati Raj Institutions. The Index also looks at how much decision-making power Panchayats have, reflecting Article 243G of the Indian Constitution, which allows state legislatures to grant powers to Panchayats over 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule.
3. Which ministry has recently launched the Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme aims to support minority communities in India?
[A] Ministry of Culture
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Minority Affairs
[D] Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Minority Affairs]
Notes:
The Prime Minister’s new 15 Point Programme is designed to assist minority communities in India. Initiated by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, it focuses on improving the socio-economic status of six recognized minority groups: Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis. The goal is to provide equal chances in education, jobs, and infrastructure development for these communities.
Key Goals of the Programme: Improve educational access for minorities. Promote fair economic involvement through job opportunities and self-employment programs. Enhance living standards with better infrastructure. Prevent communal conflicts and violence.
The educational initiatives include various scholarship programs: Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships help students from minority families. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship Scheme provides financial support for higher education, including M.Phil and Ph.D. studies. The Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship is aimed at outstanding girls in secondary school. The Naya Savera programme offers free coaching for students from families with an annual income below Rs. 6 lakh.
4. Which state has recently launched its new industrial policy for 2025-30?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
Karnataka has introduced its new industrial policy for 2025-30. The goal is to attract ₹7.5 lakh crore in investments and generate 20 lakh new jobs. The policy emphasizes balanced growth across all regions, aiming to boost industrial development outside Bengaluru, especially in underdeveloped areas. It was unveiled at the global investors meet, ‘Invest Karnataka 2025’. The plan includes creating 12 new investment zones over 30,000 acres, adding to more than 200 existing industrial sites. The government has set aside ₹3,800 crore for clean water supply in these areas. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to improve production efficiency and lower costs. The policy provides financial incentives, allowing investors to choose between capital subsidies or production-linked incentives to encourage more investments. The government is also focused on promoting green initiatives, aligning with global sustainability objectives.
5. What is the name of the semiconductor chip made for aerospace, jointly developed by IIT-Madras and ISRO?
[A] AMD
[B] NVIDIA
[C] IRIS
[D] Qualcomm
Correct Answer: C [IRIS]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-Madras) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have collaboratively developed and successfully initiated the SHAKTI-based semiconductor chip known as IRIS (Indigenous RISC-V Controller for Space Applications). The SHAKTI systems leverage the RISC-V (Reduced Instruction Set Computer Five), which is an open-source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) designed for customized processor development. This initiative is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as part of the Digital India RISC-V (DIRV) program. The primary objective is to foster the development of indigenous microprocessor-based products that prioritize security and transparency. The introduction of IRIS marks a pivotal advancement in India’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in semiconductor technology, particularly in the context of space applications.
6. Researchers at the University of Haifa in which country identified the brain mechanisms behind emotional recognition?
[A] India
[B] Israel
[C] United Kingdom
[D] United States
Correct Answer: B [Israel]
Notes:
Israeli scientists at the University of Haifa have discovered how the brain recognizes emotions, focusing on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and its impact on social behavior. Their research, published in Current Biology, may help develop treatments for autism and similar social challenges. The team found that the mPFC plays a key role in understanding others’ emotions, which could benefit those who have difficulties with social interactions and emotional awareness.
7. Which ministry has recently launched the ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks – Moods & Magic’ festival?
[A] Ministry of Tourism
[B] Ministry of Current Affairs
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Culture
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has partnered with MyGov to start the ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks – Moods & Magic’ festival. This event aims to highlight India’s rich cultural diversity through its cuisine, traditional crafts, and photography. It will be held at key locations like Kartavya Path and Amrit Udyan, bringing together artisans, photographers, and food enthusiasts to celebrate India’s heritage.
8. Which institute students won the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 during the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai?
[A] SRM University Chennai
[B] Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, New Delhi
[C] Manipal Institute of Technology
[D] CMR Institute of Technology, Bangalore
Correct Answer: B [Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, New Delhi]
Notes:
Three computer science students from Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology in New Delhi, India, received the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 during the World Government Summit held in Dubai. Their application, AccessWay, which utilizes artificial intelligence, was acknowledged for its contributions to improving mobile government services and promoting social inclusion for people with disabilities. The accolade was awarded by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Vice President of the UAE, and included a monetary prize of $10,000.
9. What is the rank of India in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2024?
[A] 90th
[B] 93rd
[C] 96th
[D] 99th
Correct Answer: C [96th]
Notes:
India ranks 96th out of 180 nations in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with a score of 38. This marks a decrease from its score of 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022, during which India held the 93rd position. In the regional context, Pakistan is ranked 135th, Sri Lanka 121st, Bangladesh 149th, and China 76th. The top positions in the index are occupied by Denmark, followed by Finland and Singapore. Corruption significantly undermines climate initiatives by diverting resources and obstructing the effective implementation of policies. Since 2012, 32 countries have made progress in their scores, while 148 have either remained stagnant or declined. It is noteworthy that more than two-thirds of the evaluated countries scored below 50, with the global average at 43. The persistence of corruption is linked to the rise of authoritarian regimes, increased instability, and human rights violations.
10. What is the rank of India in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), 2023?
[A] 35th
[B] 36th
[C] 37th
[D] 38th
Correct Answer: D[38th]
Notes:
India has reached 22nd in the International Shipments category and 38th overall in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) 2023. This achievement comes from policy changes, upgrading ports, and using new technology. India has made significant progress in the LPI 2023, ranking 22nd in International Shipments and 38th overall out of 139 countries. This advancement highlights the country’s commitment to improving logistics efficiency, lowering costs, and adopting advanced technology.
11. Which country has recently hosted the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit 2025?
[A] India
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Switzerland
[D] France
Correct Answer: D [France]
Notes:
On February 11, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron led the ‘AI Action Summit’ in Paris. This event was part of the third International AI Summit, which took place on February 10-11, 2025, aimed at enhancing global collaboration in AI. During the summit, PM Modi revealed that India will host the next Global AI Summit after discussions in Paris. The summit brought together participants from over 100 countries, including government officials, international organizations, civil society members, private sector representatives, and academics.
12. President Droupadi Murmu has recently inaugurated an international conference on Unani medicine in which city?
[A] Gandhinagar
[B] Kolkata
[C] Hyderabad
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
On February 11, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an international conference on Unani medicine at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, marking Unani Day. The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), part of the Ministry of Ayush, organized the event. The conference, named “Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward,” focused on ways to blend Unani medicine with contemporary healthcare practices.
13. Who won the 36 National Billiards and 10th Snooker title at the 91st Billiards and Snooker National Championships 2024?
[A] Pankaj Advani
[B] Anuja Thakur
[C] Aditya Mehta
[D] Vidya Pillai
Correct Answer: A [Pankaj Advani]
Notes:
India’s top cueist, Pankaj Advani, has claimed his 36th national title and 10th men’s snooker championship at the Yashwant Club. He showcased remarkable skill and determination, defeating Brijesh Damani in the final, which allowed him to avenge a previous loss in the group stage. Advani achieved this milestone at the 91st Billiards and Snooker National Championships 2024, held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The championships took place from January 7 to February 16, 2025, and included events for Senior, Junior, and Sub Junior categories. Organized by the Billiards and Snooker Federation of India, the Madhya Pradesh Billiards and Snooker Association hosted the event. The Girls’ and Women’s competitions were held at the Indore Tennis Club from January 7 to January 18, 2025, while the Boys’ and Men’s events took place at the Yashwant Club from January 17 to February 16, 2025.
14. On which day is observed the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when conducive to terrorism?
[A] 12 February
[B] 13 February
[C] 14 February
[D] 15 February
Correct Answer: A [12 February]
Notes:
On February 12, 2025, the United Nations will mark the third ‘International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism’ with various events and activities. This day aims to raise awareness, promote peace, and combat terrorism around the world. Violent extremism is a major threat to global peace, human rights, and sustainable development. It is not limited to any one region, religion, nationality, or ideology, making it a worldwide issue that impacts many countries. Groups like ISIL, Al-Qaida, and Boko Haram have significantly influenced how we view violent extremism today, using terror tactics, controlling territories, and leveraging digital propaganda to spread their beliefs. The UN emphasizes that violent extremism breeds intolerance—whether based on religion, culture, or social issues—resulting in severe humanitarian crises. These actions affect not only the immediate victims but also lead to mass displacement, instability, and global security challenges.
15. World Radio Day is observed annually on which day?
[A] 12 February
[B] 13 February
[C] 14 February
[D] 15 February
Correct Answer: B [13 February]
Notes:
World Radio Day is observed annually on February 13 to celebrate radio as a powerful medium for communication, information dissemination, and entertainment. It recognizes the impact of radio in fostering dialogue, promoting democratic values, and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. Established by UNESCO in 2011, and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, this global observance highlights the crucial role radio plays in society, particularly in remote and underserved communities.
16. Who was the chief priest of the revered Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, who recently passed away?
[A] Acharya Govind Bhagwat Das
[B] Acharya Ramanand Das
[C] Acharya Devananda Gokul Das
[D] Acharya Satyendra Das
Correct Answer: D [Acharya Satyendra Das]
Notes:
The chief priest of the revered Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, Acharya Satyendra Das, passed away at the age of 85 years on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. His demise has left the Hindu religious community and devotees of Lord Ram in deep mourning. The Acharya had been serving as the head priest of the temple since the age of 20 years, dedicating more than six decades of his life to religious service.
17. Gyalo Thondup, who recently passed away, was a towering figure in which country?
[A] Tibet
[B] China
[C] Myanmar
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: A [Tibet]
Notes:
Gyalo Thondup, the older brother of the 14th Dalai Lama and an important figure in Tibetan politics, passed away on February 8, 2025, at his home in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India. He was 97 years old and had health issues related to aging. Born in 1928 in Taktser village in the Amdo region of Tibet, Thondup was the second oldest of the Dalai Lama’s six siblings. He was crucial in promoting Tibet’s freedom and engaged with many world leaders on behalf of his brother.
