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1. Which country has recently introduced a new framework for exporting advanced computer chips integral to artificial intelligence (AI) development?
[A] United States
[B] Germany
[C] China
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The United States has unveiled a set of new regulations governing the export of computer chips as President Joe Biden’s term comes to an end. The Biden administration has established a framework aimed at the exportation of advanced computer chips that are crucial for the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative seeks to balance national security priorities with the economic needs of chip manufacturers and their international collaborators. Nevertheless, this framework has generated concerns within the semiconductor industry, as industry leaders worry that it may hinder access to currently utilized chips across a range of applications, including video gaming. Nations such as Mexico, Portugal, Israel, and Switzerland may experience restricted access as a result of these new rules.
2. Which of the following has recently revealed a 10-point agenda aimed at enhancing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in India ahead of the 2025-26 Budget?
[A] Finance Commission
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
[D] Reserve Bank of India
Correct Answer: C [Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)]
Notes:
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has announced a comprehensive 10-point agenda designed to improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in India in anticipation of the 2025-26 Budget. This initiative emphasizes the importance of transparency, efficiency, and the minimization of compliance requirements within diverse regulatory systems. 10-Points: Regulatory approvals, Quicker dispute resolution, Unified environmental compliance framework, Online land authority, Expand India Industrial Land Bank (IILB), Make government services time-bound, Expand the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG), Shram Suvidha portal expansion, Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme, Better manage income tax litigation.
3. What is the target renewable energy capacity India aims to achieve by 2030?
[A] 1000 GW
[B] 500 GW
[C] 300 GW
[D] 200 GW
Correct Answer: B [500 GW]
Notes:
India’s renewable energy sector has undergone significant transformation in the last ten years. Recently, the nation reached a notable benchmark of 200 GW in renewable energy capacity, with solar power contributing nearly 90 GW to this total. The government has established an ambitious goal of attaining 500 GW by the year 2030, necessitating the addition of around 50 GW each year.
4. Who has recently released the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) 2025?
[A] National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections
[B] Institute of Genetics and Hospital for Genetic Diseases
[C] Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
[D] Tata Medical Center
Correct Answer: C [Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)]
Notes:
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has published a draft of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) for the year 2025. This initiative is designed to enhance diagnostic services at various tiers of the healthcare system in India. The ICMR is inviting public input until January 15, 2025, prior to the finalization of the list. The inaugural NEDL was established in 2019 to ensure that diagnostic services are integral to the healthcare framework. The NEDL 2025 specifies the essential diagnostic tests necessary for different healthcare settings, including village health centres, Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), sub-district hospitals (SDHs), and district hospitals (DHs). This updated list encompasses vital tests for conditions such as diabetes, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and syphilis.
5. India has recently signed a Haj agreement for 2025 with which country?
[A] Saudi Arabia
[B] Pakistan
[C] Qatar
[D] Indonesia
Correct Answer: A [Saudi Arabia]
Notes:
India has recently concluded a Haj agreement with Saudi Arabia, which permits a quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the year 2025. The agreement was formalized by Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Minority Affairs, during a meeting in Jeddah with Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah. This accord is intended to improve the pilgrimage experience for Indian Muslims while also reinforcing the bilateral ties between the two nations.
6. The government has approved 56 new watershed development projects worth ₹700 crore under which scheme?
[A] Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)
[B] Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA)
[C] Atal Bhujal Yojana (ATAL JAL)
[D] Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Correct Answer: D [Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)]
Notes:
The Ministry of Rural Development has approved the initiation of 56 new Watershed Development Projects as part of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), with a cumulative investment of ₹700 crore. The primary objectives of these projects are to improve agricultural productivity, mitigate land degradation, and strengthen climate resilience in ten states recognized for their exemplary performance: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. Each initiative is expected to encompass roughly 5,000 hectares, although modifications may be necessary in hilly regions where the land area could be reduced. In total, these projects are projected to affect approximately 280,000 hectares.
7. The INROAD project aims to enhance the quality of natural rubber in which region of India?
[A] North-East India
[B] North-west India
[C] Western India
[D] Southern India
Correct Answer: A [North-East India]
Notes:
The INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) initiative is advancing in the North East region of India. With an investment of ₹100 crore, the project seeks to improve the quality of natural rubber cultivated in this area. This financial support will enable the development of skills among rubber farmers and the creation of exemplary infrastructure. The initiative has received backing from prominent stakeholders in the tyre industry, highlighting a distinctive partnership between the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
8.Keoladeo National Park is located in which state?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: C [Rajasthan]
Notes:
Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan has recently attracted interest due to the significant population of the rare carnivorous plant Utricularia, commonly referred to as bladderworts. This season has seen a notable rise in their numbers, thereby enriching the park’s biodiversity. Specialists emphasize that Utricularia’s presence is beneficial to the ecosystem, as it captures small insects, thereby helping to sustain environmental equilibrium. This plant is vital for regulating insect populations, which is essential for the health of the local ecosystem.
9. A firenado is a fire whirl, recently it was seen in news in which place?
[A] Los Angeles
[B] Oakland
[C] San Francisco
[D] San Diego
Correct Answer: A [Los Angeles]
Notes:
A recent firenado caught everyone’s eye during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. The viral video showed a twisting column of fire and smoke, sparking interest in this unusual event. Firenados, or fire whirls, happen when extreme heat meets chaotic winds, forming a vortex that can lift debris and flames into the air. This article explores what firenados are, their features, and some famous instances. Essentially, a firenado is a spinning column of hot air and gases that rises from a fire, and its size can vary greatly, with diameters ranging from under a foot to more than 500 feet.
10. In India which part has recently identified as a key global hotspot for threatened freshwater species?
[A] Eastern Ghats
[B] Western Ghats
[C] Sundarbans
[D] North-East Forests
Correct Answer: B [Western Ghats]
Notes:
The Western Ghats in India have been recognized as a significant global hotspot for endangered freshwater species, as highlighted by the inaugural multi-taxon global assessment of freshwater fauna conducted by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. This comprehensive evaluation encompasses 23,496 freshwater species, including crustaceans, fish, and odonates, and assesses their risks of extinction while identifying the major threats they face. The findings of the study indicate that pollution, dam construction, water extraction, invasive species, and agricultural practices are the principal threats to freshwater biodiversity in the Western Ghats. Notably, the critically endangered Humpbacked Mahseer, a fish species that can weigh up to 60 kg, is among those at risk in this area.
11. The world’s first 300-megawatt compressed air energy storage (CAES) site is located in which country?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] Israel
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
The Nengchu-1 initiative located in Yingcheng, Hubei Province, represents a significant leap forward in China’s energy storage technology. This facility is recognized as the first demonstration project globally to utilize 300 megawatts of compressed air energy storage (CAES). It has successfully achieved full integration with the power grid and is actively generating electricity. The project has established three world records, underscoring China’s prominent position in CAES technology, which effectively tackles the issues associated with the intermittency of clean energy sources. Nengchu-1 features a single-unit power output of 300 megawatts and an impressive energy storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, utilizing an underground gas storage capacity of 700,000 cubic meters. The facility is capable of storing energy for a duration of up to eight hours and can release it over a five-hour period each day. Furthermore, its operational lifespan is projected to exceed 30 years.
12. Which of the following has recently partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) and IIT Jammu?
[A] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
[B] Kineco Limited
[C] Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)
[D] MAK Controls and Systems
Correct Answer: C [Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)]
Notes:
The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has teamed up with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) and IIT Jammu. Their goal is to create a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip to improve how spectrum is used. This partnership, established through the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), shows a commitment to advancing telecommunication research and development in India. The TTDF helps Indian startups and institutions develop new telecommunications technologies. This project is important for delivering cost-effective broadband and mobile services, especially in rural regions.
13. Pixel announced partnership with SIIS to supply Hyperspectral Satellite Data in which country?
[A] South Korea
[B] Japan
[C] Singapore
[D] Malaysia
Correct Answer: A [South Korea]
Notes:
Bengaluru-based space technology startup Pixxel has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s SIIS Co, representing a significant advancement in the introduction of sophisticated hyperspectral satellite data to the Korean market. This agreement, which was finalized late last year during the Satellite Utilization Conference held in Seoul, will enable the startup to provide high-resolution hyperspectral imaging services to various industries and institutions throughout the country. Pixxel is recognized for developing the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral satellite constellation, which offers imaging technology capable of capturing a much broader range of spectral detail compared to conventional systems. This partnership is a strategic initiative for Pixxel as it gears up for the launch of its Fireflies constellation in early 2025, which will consist of six commercial-grade satellites designed to deliver exceptional global coverage and high-fidelity data.
14. Who has been appointed as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of National Aluminium Company (NALCO)?
[A] Brijendra Pratap Singh
[B] Sudha Singh
[C] Ramesh Joshi
[D] Surendra Kumar
Correct Answer: A [Brijendra Pratap Singh]
Notes:
Brijendra Pratap Singh has assumed the role of Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of the National Aluminium Company (NALCO), effective today at its Corporate Office located in Bhubaneswar. Before his appointment at NALCO, Singh served as the Director-In-Charge for the Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants and was a member of the Board of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
15. Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation to step down as Prime Minister of which country?
[A] Portugal
[B] Cuba
[C] Brazil
[D] Canada
Correct Answer: D [Canada]
Notes:
In January 2025, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his decision to step down from both his role as Prime Minister and as the leader of the Liberal Party, citing considerable internal discord within the party. He will relinquish his office upon the appointment of a new leader for the ruling party. The Canadian Parliament is set to remain in recess until March 24, 2025, when the election of a new leader is expected to take place.
16. Recently, which state sports university has gained UGC recognition to offer academic courses in sports and physical education?
[A] Bihar
[B] Manipur
[C] Assam
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: A [Bihar]
Notes:
On January 11, 2025, Bihar Sports University Receives UGC Recognition, Paving the Way for Excellence in Sports Education. The first institution in Bihar dedicated to sports education, Bihar Sports University, located in Rajgir within the Nalanda district, has attained formal approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) in accordance with Section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956. This accreditation allows the institution to provide a range of academic programs in physical education and sports science, including undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and postgraduate diplomas. The Bihar government has appointed retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Shishir Sinha as the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of the university.
17. Who is the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) of India?
[A] Ajit Doval
[B] T V Somanathan
[C] Manoj Govil
[D] Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty
Correct Answer: D [Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty]
Notes:
The Government of India has undertaken a significant reorganization of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) by appointing new members aimed at bolstering its oversight and policy development functions. This restructuring is indicative of a strategic initiative to enhance the governance framework surrounding atomic energy within the nation. The AEC plays a pivotal role in formulating policies that direct the operations of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), which is integral to India’s nuclear energy sector. The newly constituted AEC features prominent individuals such as T V Somanathan and Manoj Govil, who hold the positions of Cabinet Secretary and Expenditure Secretary, respectively. Additionally, Ajit Kumar Mohanty, the Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, has been designated as the Chairman of the commission. Other distinguished members include National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, both of whom contribute extensive expertise to the commission.
18. Which of the following has recently conducted successful field evaluation trials of the Nag Mark 2 missile?
[A] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[B] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[C] Larsen & Toubro
[D] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
Correct Answer: A [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed field trials for the Nag Mark 2 missile. This is a third-generation anti-tank guided missile that can fire and forget. The tests took place at the Pokhran field range in Rajasthan. The trials showed high accuracy and dependability, hitting all intended targets. The Defence Ministry stated that the trials confirmed the missile’s firing range abilities.
19. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) has developed the suspect registry initiative to combat financial fraud, its comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Law and Justice
[D] Ministry of Social Welfare and Empowerment
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home]
Notes:
Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established by MHA. India is responding to increasing cybercrime by tackling financial fraud. The online ‘suspect registry’, which started on September 10, 2024, has shown success. It has helped reject more than six lakh fraudulent transactions, saving around Rs 1,800 crore. This project, created by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), gathers information on cybercriminals and is available to law enforcement and financial organizations.
20. Which state forest department has launched ‘Garudakshi’ portal for forest protection?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Karnataka Forest Department launched the Garudakshi portal, an online FIR system to address forest-related crimes such as encroachments, illegal tree-felling, poaching, and unauthorized forest entry. The initiative was inaugurated by the Minister of Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar B, Khandre, which was developed in collaboration with Noida (Uttar Pradesh) based Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). It is software modelled on the online FIR system to curb wildlife and forests crimes. It will be implemented on a pilot basis in the Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary divisions of Karnataka.
21. Tamim Iqbal Khan has recently announced his retirement from all forms of International Cricket, he is from which country?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Pakistan
[C] South Africa
[D] UAE
Correct Answer: A [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Former Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal has declared his retirement from international cricket, opting to forgo an opportunity to participate in the Champions Trophy. On January 10, 2025, Tamim Iqbal made this significant announcement regarding his departure from the international cricket scene.
22. National Road Safety Week is annually observed across India from __________.
[A] January 4-10
[B] January 5-11
[C] January 9-15
[D] January 11-17
Correct Answer: D [January 11-17]
Notes:
National Road Safety Week in India is observed from January 11 to 17 each year. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) organizes this week to raise awareness about road safety. It aims to make roads safer and reduce the number of road accidents. It emphasizes the shared responsibility of all road users to ensure safety. It aims to instill discipline, awareness, and caution among drivers and pedestrians. 2025 marks the observance of the 36th National Road Safety Week.
23. Which of the following has announced 2025 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
[A] All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Education
[D] Ministry of Home
Correct Answer: A [All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)]
Notes:
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has announced 2025 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” to shape India as a global leader in AI. This initiative will be adopted by all AICTE-approved institutions, empowering around 14,000 colleges and benefiting 40 million students nationwide.
24. Which country has developed Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) for eco-friendly extraction of rare earth elements (REEs)?
[A] Russia
[B] China
[C] France
[D] Israel
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
A group of scientists from the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, under the leadership of Professors Jianxi Zhu and Hongping He, has created an electrokinetic mining (EKM) technology aimed at the sustainable extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). This innovative technique employs an electric field to enhance the concentration of REEs, thereby facilitating their separation process. Rare earth elements consist of 17 metallic substances that possess essential characteristics for contemporary technological applications, encompassing magnetic, electronic, and chemical uses. The EKM process is based on the principles of electrokinetics, which entails the movement of particles or fluids in response to an electric field to extract REEs from their ore sources.
