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401. Which of the following has recently released the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report 2023-24?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Education
[C] Ministry of Cultural Affairs
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Education]
Notes:
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has published the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report for the 2023-24 academic year. It shows a drop in student enrolment, which is now at 24.8 crore, down by more than one crore from previous years. This change is significant, as enrolment had remained steady at about 26 crore for the past four years. In the academic year 2018-19, enrolment was at 26.02 crore. It rose by 1.6% in 2019-20 to 26.45 crore. However, there was a small decrease in 2020-21, followed by a slight increase of 0.76% in 2021-22. The enrolment for 2022-23 fell to 25.18 crore, leading to a total of 24.8 crore for 2023-24. This shows a 6% drop compared to the 2018-19 numbers.
402. The first Jallikattu event of Tamil Nadu for 2025 took place on January 4 at which place?
[A] Thatchankurichi
[B] Siruvallur
[C] Peruvallur
[D] Keelad
Correct Answer: A [Thatchankurichi]
Notes:
The initial Jallikattu event in Tamil Nadu for 2025 took place on January 4 in Thatchankurichi village, located in the Gandarvakottai taluk of Pudukkottai district. This traditional bull-taming event signifies the start of the Pongal festivities and the Jallikattu season in the region. More than 600 bulls and 350 participants engaged in this significant event, representing the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
403. The torch named ‘Tejaswini’ of the 38th National Games has started its journey across which state to generate excitement and awareness?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] West Bengal
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: B [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
The 38th National Games will take place in Uttarakhand for the first time, marking an important moment in the state’s sports history. The torch, called ‘Tejaswini,’ has started its journey through the state, creating excitement and raising awareness about the games. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the torch rally from Haldwani, which will travel 3,823 km and visit 99 locations across 13 districts before arriving in the capital, Dehradun. The National Games are scheduled for January 28 to February 14, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun.
404. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor of which country?
[A] France
[B] UK
[C] Australia
[D] US
Correct Answer: D [US]
Notes:
On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden recognized 19 exceptional individuals at a ceremony held at the White House. This event celebrated achievements in various areas, such as politics, entertainment, and sports. Honorees included well-known figures like Hillary Clinton, philanthropist George Soros, and Robert F. Kennedy, who was awarded posthumously. Other notable recipients were Lionel Messi, Jane Goodall, and Denzel Washington, although Messi could not be present due to other obligations. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, honoring those who have significantly contributed to national interests, world peace, or cultural efforts. It was first established in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman and was renamed by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
405. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Regional Meteorological Centre in which place?
[A] Jammu
[B] Ladakh
[C] Pulwama
[D] Anantnag
Correct Answer: A [Jammu]
Notes:
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh proclaimed the creation of a Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu during a significant ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This initiative represents a pivotal advancement in enhancing weather forecasting capabilities, disaster readiness, and climate resilience within the Jammu & Kashmir region. The ceremony also underscored the IMD’s impressive evolution since its inception in 1875, establishing itself as a global frontrunner in meteorological services and supplying essential weather information for various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, defense, and disaster management. Dr. Singh highlighted India’s increasing prominence in climate action, which is propelled by improvements in meteorological infrastructure under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
406. Which state/UT became the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)?
[A] Punjab
[B] Pondicherry
[C] Odisha
[D] Jammu & Kashmir
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
On January 13, 2025, Odisha achieved the milestone of becoming the 34th state to adopt the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), representing a notable enhancement in the healthcare framework of the state. This initiative was officially established via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Union Ministry of Health and the Department of Health and Family Welfare of Odisha. The AB PM-JAY will function alongside Odisha’s current Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY). This integrated program provides health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family each year, with an extra ₹5 lakh allocated specifically for female members. It is anticipated that around 1.03 crore families will benefit from this initiative, with 67.8 lakh families receiving assistance from the Union Government.
407. Which state forest department has launched ‘Garudakshi’ portal for forest protection?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Karnataka Forest Department launched the Garudakshi portal, an online FIR system to address forest-related crimes such as encroachments, illegal tree-felling, poaching, and unauthorized forest entry. The initiative was inaugurated by the Minister of Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar B, Khandre, which was developed in collaboration with Noida (Uttar Pradesh) based Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). It is software modelled on the online FIR system to curb wildlife and forests crimes. It will be implemented on a pilot basis in the Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi and Male Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary divisions of Karnataka.
408. Which state government has introduced a welfare initiative for individuals imprisoned during the 1975-1977 Emergency period?
[A] Bihar
[B] Gujarat
[C] Odisha
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
The Odisha state government has introduced an important welfare program for people who were imprisoned during the Emergency from 1975 to 1977. Starting January 1, 2025, all living detainees from Odisha will get a monthly pension of ₹20,000, plus medical benefits and other support. This initiative aims to recognize and assist those who were held under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency declared by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
409. Kokborok language, recently seen on the news, it is the official language of which Indian state?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Manipur
[D] Tripura
Correct Answer: D [Tripura]
Notes:
The Twipra Student Federation (TSF) recently staged a protest in Agartala, Tripura, advocating for the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language. Kokborok is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken by the Borok people of Tripura. Officially recognized in 1979, the language has historical roots dating back to the 1st century AD. The name Kokborok combines the words “Kok” (verbal) and “Borok” (people). According to the 2011 Census, approximately 880,537 individuals, accounting for nearly 24% of Tripura’s population, speak Kokborok.
410. Which Indian state government has recently launched SHE COHORT 3.0 initiative to empower women-led startups?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Punjab
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: B [Punjab]
Notes:
The government of Punjab has launched the SHE COHORT 3.0 initiative (Startups Handholding & Empowerment – Cohort 3.0) in Mohali, with the objective of supporting female entrepreneurs and students in the creation of technology-oriented businesses. This initiative is supported by a range of business incubators and ecosystem facilitators. Around 300 startups, innovators, and students were educated about the growth strategies associated with StartUp Punjab. The program serves as a platform for showcasing talent and innovative concepts that have the potential to drive economic progress. It aims to contribute significantly to India’s development by the year 2047.
