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261. The Extraordinary African Union Summit was recently held in which city?
[A] Lira
[B] Kampala
[C] Gulu
[D] Kira Town
Correct Answer: B [Kampala]
Notes:
The Exceptional African Union Summit focused on the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) came to a close in Kampala, Uganda, on January 11, 2025. During this summit, the Kampala Declaration was ratified, establishing a transformative framework for Africa’s agri-food systems for the period spanning 2026 to 2035. This declaration builds upon the Malabo Declaration, signifying a transition towards a holistic agri-food systems strategy aimed at addressing the challenges of food security and agricultural productivity throughout the continent.
262. 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.
263. What is rank of India in Henley Passport Index for 2025?
[A] 80th
[B] 82nd
[C] 85th
[D] 88th
Correct Answer: C [85th]
Notes:
India’s position in the Henley Passport Index for 2025 has fallen to 85th, which is five places lower than its 80th rank in 2024. This index, which uses data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), is widely used to evaluate passport strength. Singapore remains in first place for the second year in a row, and Japan is in second place after being at the top from 2018 to 2023.
264. What is the name of India’s first indigenous micro-missile system designed to counter swarm drones?
[A] Sudarshan Chakra
[B] Bhargavastra
[C] Surya-Chandra
[D] Suwarnavastra
Correct Answer: B [Bhargavastra]
Notes:
In January 2025, Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited based in Nagpur, Maharashtra, achieved a significant milestone by successfully test-firing India’s inaugural guided micro-missiles as part of its ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-drone system. This advanced system is capable of detecting small aerial vehicles at distances exceeding 6 kilometers and can engage targets at ranges beyond 2.5 kilometers. Utilizing guided micro-munitions, Bhargavastra can launch over 64 micro missiles simultaneously. It is designed to function effectively across various terrains, including high-altitude regions. This development addresses the Army’s Air Defence needs and represents India’s first counter-drone system employing micro missiles.
265. Which organization released the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report?
[A] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[B] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[C] United Nations (UN)
[D] World Trade Organization (WTO)
Correct Answer: C [United Nations (UN)]
Notes:
The UN has recently published the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025 report. It forecasts that India’s economy will grow by 6.6% in 2025 and 6.7% in 2026, driven by private spending and investments. The report emphasizes the importance of the public sector in financing projects related to infrastructure, digital connectivity, and social services. Increased capital spending on infrastructure is expected to have significant positive effects on growth. Economic activity will be fueled by manufacturing, services, and strong exports in pharmaceuticals and electronics. Additionally, favorable monsoon rains in 2024 are likely to enhance agricultural production in 2025. However, there are risks such as geopolitical tensions, debt issues, and climate-related challenges that could impact growth.
266. According to the Annual India FinTech Report 2024, what does India’s rank in global fintech funding?
[A] 1st
[B] 2nd
[C] 3rd
[D] 4th
Correct Answer: C [3rd]
Notes:
Bengaluru-based Tracxn Technologies Limited, a prominent global market intelligence platform, has released the ‘Annual India Fintech Report 2024’, which indicates that India holds the third position worldwide in terms of funding within the fintech sector. This achievement comes despite a Year-over-Year (Y-o-Y) decline of 33%, with funding dropping to USD 1.9 billion from USD 2.8 billion in 2023. The report attributes this downturn in the fintech industry primarily to a broader slowdown in demand and various geopolitical challenges. According to the findings, the United States ranks first globally, while the United Kingdom follows in second place.
267. Which organization has released the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025?
[A] World Bank
[B] UNDP
[C] ILO
[D] IMD
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
Cabo Verde, an island nation situated off the coast of West Africa, requires an investment of $842 million between 2024 and 2030, averaging $140 million annually, to address pressing climate and development issues. The World Bank’s Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025, published on January 15, 2025, delineates these financial requirements necessary for bolstering climate resilience and promoting sustainable development. The CCDRs are designed to incorporate climate change factors into development strategies. These reports draw upon comprehensive data and research to pinpoint significant climate vulnerabilities and propose viable courses of action.
268. Which organization has released the World Employment and Social Outlook Report for 2025?
[A] World Trade Organization (WTO)
[B] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[C] International Labour Organisation (ILO)
[D] World Economic Forum (WEF)
Correct Answer: C [International Labour Organisation (ILO)]
Notes:
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has published its World Employment and Social Outlook Report for 2025, highlighting the persistent difficulties faced by global labour markets. The findings indicate that geopolitical conflicts, the financial implications of climate change, and ongoing debt challenges are significant barriers to economic recovery. Although there has been a modest reduction in the global jobs gap, substantial obstacles persist, especially for low-income nations and at-risk populations. In 2024, the global jobs gap was recorded at 402 million, comprising 186 million unemployed individuals, 137 million who are temporarily unavailable for work, and 79 million who have become discouraged. While the gap has decreased since the pandemic, it is anticipated to stabilise in the forthcoming years.
269. Which organization has recently released a report titled “Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures” report?
[A] UN
[B] CNICEF
[C] IMF
[D] World Bank
Correct Answer: B [CNICEF]
Notes:
A recent report by UNICEF, titled “Prospects for Children in 2025 – Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures,” evaluates the increasing crises confronting children worldwide in 2025. The document highlights the detrimental effects of climate change, economic instability, and armed conflict on the lives and futures of children. It emphasizes the critical necessity for resilient systems that can safeguard children and provide them with essential support. Currently, over 473 million children reside in areas affected by conflict, accounting for 19% of the global child population, a figure that has nearly doubled since the 1990s. Armed conflicts expose children to significant dangers, resulting in displacement, malnutrition, and psychological distress.
270. Which organization has recently released the Global Risks Report 2025?
[A] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[B] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[C] United Nations (UN)
[D] World Trade Organization (WTO)
Correct Answer: A [World Economic Forum (WEF)]
Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently published its Global Risks Report 2025, which serves as a precursor to the annual meeting in Davos. This report emphasizes the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing environmental issues. It highlights an increase in both the frequency and financial impact of extreme weather events, which are impacting various nations across the globe. The report classifies risks into five categories: economic, environmental, geopolitical, societal, and technological. It evaluates these risks over both short-term (1-2 years) and long-term (10 years) perspectives. For the period of 2025-2027, extreme weather events are identified as the second most significant global risk. They now rank among the top five risks in 28 countries, an increase from 24. In the United States, challenges are particularly pronounced due to wildfires in Los Angeles, which are expected to result in losses exceeding $200 billion.
