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21. Which Union Minister has recently inaugurated the India Pavilion at Heimtextil 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany?
[A] Shri Piyush Goyal
[B] Shri Amit Shah
[C] Shri S. Jaishankar
[D] Shri Giriraj Singh
Correct Answer: D [Shri Giriraj Singh]
Notes:
India’s Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, officially opened the India Pavilion at Heimtextil 2025 in Frankfurt, highlighting the country’s dedication to innovation and international collaboration. The textile industry in India has historically been a fundamental aspect of its economy, celebrated for its extensive heritage and variety of offerings. In recent times, this sector has witnessed considerable expansion, establishing India as a significant contender in the global textile arena.
22. Which ministry has established Kalagram, is a cultural hub celebrating India’s rich heritage in Prayagraj?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Current Affairs
[C] Ministry of Culture
[D] Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
Kalagram, found in the holy city of Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh 2025, serves as a cultural haven celebrating India’s rich heritage. Set up by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Kalagram offers a chance to explore the traditions of Bharat through the senses. It brings together various crafts, delicious foods, and cultural shows, providing an immersive experience that connects visitors to India’s deep-rooted cultural history. With its vibrant crafts, engaging performances, and the area’s spiritual significance, Kalagram shines as a cultural treasure that embodies the essence of India.
23. The Entrepreneurship Development Conclave was recently held in which place?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Pune
[C] Bengaluru
[D] Ahmedabad
Correct Answer: B [Pune]
Notes:
In January 2025, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, representing the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), officially opened the ‘Entrepreneurship Development Conclave’ at G.D. Madgulkar Natyagruha in Pune, Maharashtra. The event was coordinated by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the auspices of MoFAHD, with the objective of uniting prominent policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders from the livestock sector to foster innovation and stimulate growth. The central theme of the conclave was “Empowering Entrepreneurs: Transforming Livestock Economies.”
24. Which state is poised to become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: D [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand is poised to be the inaugural state in India to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following the approval of the UCC rules manual by the state government. The Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has ratified the manual and established essential provisions concerning registration services, the support of live-in relationships, and the launch of Tatkal services. Additionally, the government is deploying sophisticated digital platforms to guarantee effective and extensive access to these services. Training sessions for officials are currently in progress, and a statewide mock drill is scheduled to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately prepared for the seamless implementation of the UCC.
25. Recently, India’s sixth and Eastern India’s first Astronomical Observatory has recently been established in which state of India?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Assam
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Meghalaya
Correct Answer: A [West Bengal]
Notes:
The first astronomical observatory in Eastern India, and the sixth in the country, has been established on Panchet Hill in the Garpanchkot area of Purulia district, West Bengal. This facility is managed by the Department of Science and Technology, which operates under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology. It adds to the existing network of five observatories situated in Ladakh, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Mount Abu (Rajasthan), Girbani Hills in Pune, and Kavalur in Tamil Nadu.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. 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.
30. The Indian government is contemplating the introduction of honorary senior ranks for retiring CAPF officers. CAPF comes under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Current Affairs
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home]
Notes:
The Indian government is considering giving honorary senior ranks to retiring Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) members who haven’t been promoted because of organizational limits. This plan is meant to boost the spirits of retiring staff and recognize their contributions. The CAPF includes seven armed police groups under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).