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171. Which state has recently reported an increase in its elephant population?
[A] Karnataka
[B] West Bengal
[C] Kerala
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: D [Assam]
Notes:
Assam has recently announced a growth in its elephant population. The most recent assessment indicates a total of 5,828 elephants, reflecting an increase of 109 individuals since the last count conducted in 2017. This information, disclosed by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, is derived from a comprehensive survey carried out from February 20 to 27, 2024. The coordinated estimation process engaged 5,743 personnel across 1,536 survey blocks within 43 forest divisions. The report underscores the significance of elephant reserves in supporting population sustainability and reducing human-elephant conflicts.
172. Which of the following states has conducted country’s first coastline and wader bird census from January 3 to 5?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Gujarat
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Gujarat government has started India’s first census of coastal and wader birds. This significant event took place at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar from January 3 to 5, 2025. The goal of the census is to improve understanding of bird populations and their environments. It is a joint project between the state forest department and the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat (BCSG). Bird lovers, specialists, and researchers from all over India are anticipated to take part in this effort.
173. The falcated duck was recently spotted at Sultanpur National Park in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Haryana
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: B [Haryana]
Notes:
Recently, birdwatchers at Sultanpur National Park in Gurugram, Haryana, were thrilled to observe a Marbled Duck, a Baikal Teal, and a Falcated Duck, also referred to as the falcated teal. This species, comparable in size to a gadwall, is distributed from eastern Siberia to northern Japan, migrating to Southeast Asia and eastern India during the winter months. Falcated Ducks typically inhabit freshwater environments such as lakes, ponds, and marshes, often bordered by forested areas. Their diet is primarily herbivorous, consisting of various plants and seeds, with occasional consumption of small invertebrates. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies them as Near Threatened.
174. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Home
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Home]
Notes:
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is set to grow, as the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given its approval. This will lead to the formation of two new battalions, each with 1,025 members. The number of CISF battalions will rise from 13 to 15, creating 2,050 new jobs. This expansion is aimed at improving national security, especially in internal security and managing high-security prisons. The MHA’s decision to add two battalions shows the increasing responsibilities of the CISF. Each battalion will be commanded by senior officers. This growth is part of a larger initiative to strengthen national security, particularly after the creation of the Mahila Battalion. The total strength of CISF will be close to 200,000, boosting its effectiveness.
175. Which organization has successfully launched INS Utkarsh, the second multi-purpose vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy, recently?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
[D] Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Correct Answer: D [Larsen & Toubro (L&T)]
Notes:
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched the second multi-purpose vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy, called INS Utkarsh. The launch happened at the Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. This event highlights India’s progress in local shipbuilding as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The launch took place just three months after the first MPV, INS Samarthak, showing L&T’s quick production abilities. INS Utkarsh is 107 meters long and 18.6 meters wide, with a displacement of over 3,750 tonnes. It can reach a top speed of 15 knots and will improve the Navy’s capabilities in maritime surveillance, patrolling, and disaster relief.
176. Which ministry has officially disbanded the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and merged it with the VIP Security Group (USG)?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Home
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Home]
Notes:
In January 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) formally dissolved the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and integrated it into the VIP Security Group (VSG). This change occurred after the PDG ceased its responsibilities related to Parliament security in May 2024. The newly organized unit now features an increased number of personnel to improve the safeguarding of prominent individuals. The Parliament Duty Group (PDG), which consists of approximately 1,400 members, has undergone a rebranding and is now known as the VSG. This transition was officially enacted by an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs on January 15, 2025. Prior to this rebranding, the PDG had established a connection with the VSG following its exit from Parliament.
177. Which Indian Armed Forces is conducting a major military exercise, Exercise Devil Strike, from January 16 to 19, 2025?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Air Force
[C] Special Forces
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
The Indian Armed Forces will hold a significant military drill called Exercise Devil Strike from January 16 to 19, 2025. Led by the Indian Army, this exercise aims to improve the forces’ combat readiness by simulating intense combat scenarios. It will showcase advanced strategies and new combat methods to boost national security and defend against outside threats. Additionally, it will test the coordination among different branches of the Indian military, ensuring a unified response to possible challenges. To conduct joint exercises involving Army, Air Force, and Special Forces.
178. Recently, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated its 78th Foundation Day on which day?
[A] 3 January
[B] 4 January
[C] 5 January
[D] 6 January
Correct Answer: D [6 January]
Notes:
On January 6, 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated its 78th Foundation Day, highlighting its commitment to quality and innovation. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, stated that quality is not just a standard but a lifestyle that fosters trust, progress, and innovation. Founded on January 6, 1947, as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI), BIS was reorganized under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986, to strengthen its legal authority and expand its mission.
179. Which organization released the Future of Jobs Report 2025?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[C] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[D] World Trade Organization (WTO)
Correct Answer: C [World Economic Forum (WEF)]
Notes:
The Future of Jobs Report 2025, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), forecasts that specialists in artificial intelligence, big data, and security management will experience the most rapid job growth. This analysis is derived from data collected from over 1,000 companies worldwide, encompassing 14 million employees across 22 industries in 55 different economies. The report anticipates the creation of 170 million new jobs by 2030, while simultaneously predicting the displacement of 92 million jobs, resulting in a net gain of 78 million positions. Key factors driving these changes include advancements in technology, increased digital accessibility, shifts in the economy, the transition to greener practices, and evolving demographic patterns. Among the roles expected to grow the fastest are FinTech engineers, software developers, and specialists in autonomous vehicles. In particular, India is concentrating on advancements in AI, robotics, energy technologies, and semiconductors, with the rate of AI adoption exceeding the global average.
180. The Indian Navy has recently celebrated the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ on which day?
[A] January 14
[B] January 15
[C] January 16
[D] January 17
Correct Answer: D [January 17]
Notes:
The Indian Navy commemorated the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ on January 17, 2025, at the Dr. DS Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. This significant event, attended by the Hon’ble Defence Minister, emphasized the crucial role that Naval Civilians play in bolstering and enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. The celebration seeks to highlight their commitment, creativity, and outstanding service through a variety of activities, such as exhibitions, performances, and award presentations.
