Post Views: 28
1. 18th Edition of India and Nepal Military Exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ commenced in which place?
[A] Pithoragarh, India
[B] Kathmandu, Nepal
[C] Belgaum, India
[D] Saljhandi, Nepal
Correct Answer: D [Saljhandi, Nepal]
Notes:
The 18th edition of the battalion-level joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ began in Saljandi, Nepal. The exercise will be held from 31 December 2024 to 13 January 2025.The exercise aims to strengthen India-Nepal defense cooperation and enhance the professional skills of IA and NA personnel.
2. Indian Government has announced USD 500,000 relief assistance to which country recently?
[A] Vanuatu
[B] Iraq
[C] Sudan
[D] Cuba
Correct Answer: A [Vanuatu]
Notes:
India announces immediate relief assistance worth USD 500,000 to Vanuatu in the wake of devastating earthquake. An earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck near Vanuatu’s coast in the South Pacific Ocean on 17 December 2024 causing major destruction and loss of life.
3. Which of the following countries has become full members of the EU’s Schengen zone recently?
[A] Romania
[B] Bulgaria
[C] Only A
[D] Both A & B
Correct Answer: D [Both A & B]
Notes:
On January 1, 2025 Romania and Bulgaria have officially became full members of the Schengen Area after the checks on persons at the internal land borders were lifted. The internal air and sea border controls between Bulgaria and Romania and the countries of the Schengen area were already lifted since 31 March 2024. This announcement came following the approval of EU ministers for full membership of both these countries in the meeting held on December 12, 2024. This will now expand the borderless area to 29 European countries whose residents can travel without passport checks, ending a 13-year long wait for the two eastern European countries.
4. Which of the following countries has ended Russian gas transit to Europe?
[A] Ukraine
[B] Romania
[C] Bulgaria
[D] Czechoslovakia
Correct Answer: A [Ukraine]
Notes:
The halt of Russian gas deliveries through Ukraine signifies a significant transformation in the energy landscape of Europe. This development follows Ukraine’s decision not to extend its transit agreement with Gazprom, which will take effect on January 1, 2024. The ongoing hostilities between Ukraine and Russia have further complicated energy negotiations, compelling Europe to explore alternative energy sources.
5. India and which country has exchanged their respective lists of nuclear installations recently?
[A] China
[B] Pakistan
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: B [Pakistan]
Notes:
India and Pakistan have shared their respective lists of nuclear installations and facilities as stipulated by the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities on January 1 2025. The exchange of the list took place under the provisions of an agreement on the prohibition of attacks against nuclear installations and facilities, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This exchange occurred simultaneously through diplomatic channels in both New Delhi and Islamabad. The Agreement, which was signed on December 31, 1988, came into effect on January 27, 1991. It mandates that both nations notify each other of the nuclear installations and facilities included under the Agreement on an annual basis, specifically on January 1 of each year.
