Post Views: 1,312
41. Trade tensions are rising between the United States and which country, especially over critical minerals?
[A] Australia
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Canada
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
The intensifying trade tensions between the United States and China have become increasingly evident, particularly in relation to essential minerals critical for advanced technological and defense purposes. In reaction to the stringent export controls imposed by the United States on semiconductor manufacturing equipment and software, China has enacted its own set of restrictions. This situation marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the technological rivalry, with both nations citing national security as the justification for their actions.
42. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place in _________.
[A] Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
[B] Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
[C] Haridwar, Uttarakhand
[D] Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is going to be held at Prayagraj from January 13th, 2025 to February 26th, 2025. The event will take place at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. The event is expected to attract around 400 million visitors. The Maha Kumbh Mela is a significant Hindu religious festival that is held every 12 years.
43. India is set to sign a preliminary agreement with which country for cooperation in geology and exploration, focussing on copper and coking coal?
[A] South Africa
[B] Mongolia
[C] Vietnam
[D] Indonesia
Correct Answer: B [Mongolia]
Notes:
India is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mongolia in the areas of geology and exploration, aiming to enhance resource security and diversify supply chains. This agreement follows India’s increasing reliance on imports to meet the rising demand for copper and coking coal, essential for power generation, construction, and steelmaking industries.
44. Which country has recently introduced a new framework for exporting advanced computer chips integral to artificial intelligence (AI) development?
[A] United States
[B] Germany
[C] China
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The United States has unveiled a set of new regulations governing the export of computer chips as President Joe Biden’s term comes to an end. The Biden administration has established a framework aimed at the exportation of advanced computer chips that are crucial for the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative seeks to balance national security priorities with the economic needs of chip manufacturers and their international collaborators. Nevertheless, this framework has generated concerns within the semiconductor industry, as industry leaders worry that it may hinder access to currently utilized chips across a range of applications, including video gaming. Nations such as Mexico, Portugal, Israel, and Switzerland may experience restricted access as a result of these new rules.
45. With India, which country shares the longest border?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Nepal
[D] Afghanistan
Correct Answer: B [Bangladesh]
Notes:
The border between India and Bangladesh extends for approximately 4,096.7 kilometers, establishing it as India’s longest terrestrial boundary with any neighboring country. Recently, the dispute regarding border fencing between the two nations has intensified. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reiterated its dedication to the existing agreements related to the border. This declaration came in response to Bangladesh’s summoning of India’s High Commissioner in Dhaka, where significant concerns were raised regarding the activities of the Border Security Force (BSF). Tensions escalated when the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) sought to prevent the installation of barbed wire fencing in the Malda district of West Bengal. This matter is deeply rooted in the historical complexities surrounding the India-Bangladesh border.
46. Which organisation has recently accepted Gaza ceasefire draft agreement?
[A] Jarus
[B] Hamas
[C] Gajwas
[D] Ismas
Correct Answer: B [Hamas]
Notes:
Recent developments have emerged regarding the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. On January 14, 2025, Hamas signalled its agreement to a draft ceasefire. While progress was made, final details were still under negotiation. The Israeli Cabinet must approve the plan, which could present challenges. The conflict, which erupted in October 2023, has resulted in casualties, with over 64,000 fatalities reported in Gaza. As the situation escalated, international calls for a ceasefire intensified, especially with the impending transition of US leadership from President Joe Biden to President-elect Donald Trump. The hostilities commenced in October 2023 when Hamas initiated assaults on Israel, which elicited a significant military reaction from Israel in the Gaza region. As the number of casualties increased, the humanitarian situation deteriorated, leading to widespread international condemnation. Efforts to establish a ceasefire have previously failed, primarily due to disagreements regarding military operations and the status of hostages.
47. The United States has recently imposed aggressive sanctions on which country’s oil trade?
[A] China
[B] Israel
[C] Russia
[D] Iraq
Correct Answer: C [Russia]
Notes:
The recent declaration by the United States concerning sanctions on Russia’s oil trade signifies an intensification of efforts to limit Russian petroleum exports. Just prior to President Joe Biden’s exit from office, these sanctions are directed at approximately 160 oil tankers, two prominent oil producers, and a variety of trading and insurance firms. The objective of these measures is to disrupt the oil supply chain of Russia, with a particular emphasis on impacting significant purchasers such as India and China. The US sanctions cover a broad spectrum of entities engaged in the Russian oil sector, including the targeting of around 160 oil tankers, two leading oil companies, and multiple traders associated with oil shipments. This all-encompassing strategy aims to exert maximum pressure on Russia’s oil export capabilities.
48. The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade was recently held in which city?
[A] Kathmandu
[B] New Delhi
[C] Bharatpur
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade between India and Nepal convened in Kathmandu, Nepal, from January 10 to January 11, 2025. This bilateral forum is designed to enhance trade relations and strengthen the connections between the two nations.
49. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has recently partnered with the fintech firm Magnati to enable UPI transactions for Indian travelers in which country?
[A] UAE
[B] France
[C] USA
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: A [UAE]
Notes:
NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), which is the global branch of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has teamed up with Magnati, a fintech company based in the UAE. This partnership will allow Indian travelers in the UAE to make Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions. The goal is to incorporate UPI into the UAE’s payment system, making it easy for Indian visitors to use their favorite payment method.
50. India and which country has announced 2026 as a ‘dual year’ to celebrate their cultural, tourism, and AI collaboration?
[A] Russia
[B] Spain
[C] Israel
[D] France
Correct Answer: B [Spain]
Notes:
India and Spain have declared 2026 as a ‘dual year’ to honor their partnerships in culture, tourism, and artificial intelligence (AI). External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared that this initiative will enhance the relationship between the two countries and foster better understanding. Annual trade between India and Spain stands at USD 10 billion, covering railways, clean tech, drones, and space.
