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271. What is India’s rank globally in future job market readiness in QS Skill Index 2025?
[A] 2nd
[B] 3rd
[C] 4th
[D] 5th
Correct Answer: A [2nd]
Notes:
India has recently been acknowledged as the second most prepared job market in the world, trailing only the United States, as reported by the QS World Future Skills Index. This inaugural index assesses nations based on their preparedness for future employment requirements, with a particular focus on critical sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies, and green industries. India’s commendable performance highlights both its potential and the obstacles it encounters in aligning educational outcomes with industry demands. The index evaluates countries across four primary indicators: Skills Fit, Academic Readiness, Future of Work, and Economic Transformation. While India holds the 25th position overall, it demonstrates exceptional strength in the Future of Work category, achieving a score of 99.1, just behind the United States.
272. Which organization has released the Global Economic Prospects report?
[A] WEF
[B] WTO
[C] IMF
[D] World Bank
Correct Answer: D [World Bank]
Notes:
India is expected to retain its status as the fastest-growing major economy, with a projected growth rate of 6.7% for the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, as indicated in the World Bank’s most recent Global Economic Prospects report. The World Bank has reaffirmed its growth forecast for India at 6.7% for the upcoming two fiscal years, underscoring the nation’s strong economic performance. Meanwhile, the global economy is anticipated to grow by 2.7% in both 2025 and 2026, sustaining the same growth rate as in 2024, as inflation and interest rates gradually decrease.
273. Who has recently been launched the PRABHAAV Factbook and Bharat Startup Grand Challenge initiatives?
Manufacturing Platform?
[A] Shri Piyush Goyal
[B] Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
[C] Shri Amit Shah
[D] Shri Rajnath Singh
Correct Answer: A [Shri Piyush Goyal]
Notes:
The 9th Foundation Day of Startup India, held in New Delhi, represented a pivotal moment in India’s aspiration to emerge as a global frontrunner in innovation and entrepreneurship. During the event, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, introduced several important initiatives, such as the PRABHAAV Factbook and the Bharat Startup Challenge, underscoring the crucial impact of startups on India’s economic and social development.
Startup Ecosystem Growth:
India has become home to the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world, with 159,157 startups recorded in January 2025. This marks a significant increase from around 500 startups in 2016, creating 1.72 million direct jobs.
PRABHAAV Factbook:
The PRABHAAV Factbook, recently released, tracks the growth of the startup ecosystem from 2016 to 2024. It acts as a detailed guide, highlighting successes and regional progress in India’s dynamic startup scene.
Bharat Startup Grand Challenge:
The Bharat Startup Grand Challenge has been launched. It seeks creative solutions in 75 different sectors. Participants can win cash prizes, receive funding, gain mentorship, and access networking opportunities, promoting teamwork between industry leaders and startups.
274. Recently, which ministry has recently launched a new toolkit for the ninth edition of Swachh Survekshan, the largest urban cleanliness survey globally?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[C] Ministry of Current Affairs
[D] Ministry of Social Welfare and Empowerment
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, has recently announced a new toolkit for the ninth iteration of Swachh Survekshan, recognized as the largest urban cleanliness survey in the world. This edition features a more streamlined and organized methodology aimed at enhancing urban sanitation by fostering citizen participation and incorporating third-party validation. The event also highlighted the establishment of the Super Swachh League, which honors cities that demonstrate exceptional performance in cleanliness. Swachh Survekshan was launched in 2016 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) with the objective of improving urban sanitation by fostering public engagement. This survey assesses cities according to various cleanliness and sanitation criteria.
275. Who has recently launched the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the Sanchar Saathi App?
[A] Union Minister Amit Shah
[B] Union Minister Piyush Goyal
[C] Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
[D] Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
Correct Answer: D [Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia]
Notes:
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has recently introduced a series of telecommunications initiatives designed to improve connectivity and security throughout India. Among these initiatives are the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, and Intra Circle Roaming at 4G mobile sites funded by the Digital Bharat Network (DBN). The government’s objective is to enhance citizens’ access to telecommunications services, thereby fostering a more digitally inclusive society.
National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0:
The National Broadband Mission 2.0 is set to connect 170,000 villages by the year 2030. This initiative builds upon the achievements of NBM 1.0, which successfully established 800,000 towers. The mission’s goals include attaining a minimum broadband speed of 100 Mbps and ensuring connectivity for 90% of anchor institutions. It envisions a future where digital inclusivity is accessible to all citizens.
Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application:
The Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application is developed to enhance telecommunications security. Its primary functionalities encompass the reporting of suspected fraudulent activities, management of mobile connections, the ability to block lost devices, and the verification of handset authenticity. This application is accessible on both Android and iOS platforms, aiming to serve over 900 million smartphone users in India.
Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-Funded 4G Sites:
The ICR program facilitates the sharing of infrastructure among various telecom service providers at 4G sites funded by the Digital Bharat Network (DBN). This partnership, which includes BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance, significantly improves connectivity for more than 35,400 rural villages, ensuring uninterrupted 4G services while simultaneously lowering capital expenditures for the operators involved.
276. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has recently Distributed 65 lakh Property Cards under which scheme?
[A] SVAMITVA
[B] SUMITVA
[C] SUDHATVA
[D] SAMITVA
Correct Answer: A [SVAMITVA]
Notes:
On January 18, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi oversaw the electronic distribution of SVAMITVA Property Cards. This occasion represents a significant advancement in rural governance and empowerment in India, with approximately 6.5 million cards being issued across more than 50,000 villages in 10 states and 2 Union Territories. The initiative is designed to strengthen property rights and enhance land governance in rural regions. Initiated on April 24, 2020, the SVAMITVA Scheme seeks to furnish property owners in rural areas with a formal “Record of Rights.” It utilizes drone and Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to ensure precise land surveying.
277. Which ministry has recently reported that 1,646 food processing projects have been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Food and Public Distribution
[D] Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Finance]
Notes:
As of January 18, 2025, the Ministry of Finance has announced the approval of 1,646 food processing initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY). These projects are anticipated to create significant employment and investment prospects. The total valuation of these initiatives stands at ₹31,830.23 crore, with the potential to draw in private investments amounting to ₹22,722.55 crore. The PMKSY was established with the objective of modernizing the food processing sector, aiming to minimize agricultural waste and enhance the efficiency of supply chains. The program encompasses various elements, including Mega Food Parks and Integrated Cold Chains.
278. ISRO has successfully launched SpaDeX Mission for the Space Docking Experiment through which vehicle?
[A] PSLV-C70
[B] PSLV-C71
[C] PSLV-C60
[D] PSLV-C61
Correct Answer: C [PSLV-C60]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a successful launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) on December 30, 2024. This mission included the deployment of two Space Docking Experiment (SpaDEX) satellites, namely SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), along with 24 additional innovative payloads. The launch took place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) located in Sriharikota.
279. Which of the following Countries has Unveiled the World’s Fastest High-Speed Train ‘CR450’?
[A] China
[B] Germany
[C] USA
[D] France
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
In December 2024, China unveiled its latest high-speed train, the CR450, which achieved a remarkable test speed of 450 kilometers per hour (km/h), thereby exceeding the previous record set by the CR400 Fuxing, which had a maximum speed of 350 km/h. Developed by China Railway Group Limited (CREC), the CR450 prototype has undergone extensive testing within China, demonstrating cutting-edge technology and engineering capabilities. Launched in 2021, this project is designed to improve safety, energy efficiency, and the overall comfort of passengers.
280. ISRO poised to launch which country’s communications satellite Bluebird?
[A] Japan
[B] Germany
[C] US
[D] France
Correct Answer: C [US]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to achieve a significant milestone by launching a communications satellite for an American company. This is the first time an American company is using an Indian rocket for such a large and advanced satellite. The mission is anticipated to take place in either February or March of 2025. Bluebird, functioning in low Earth orbit, will transmit broadband internet services directly to millions of mobile devices around the globe, including in the most isolated and underserved areas. This ability holds the promise of closing the digital divide, fundamentally altering the ways in which individuals connect and access vital services on a global scale.
