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491. In which city of Nepal has hosted the inaugural International Pashmina Festival cum Exhibition?
[A] Biratnagar
[B] Hetauda
[C] Kathmandu
[D] Pokhara
Correct Answer: C [Kathmandu]
Notes:
The inaugural International Pashmina Festival and Exhibition, hosted by the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, drew considerable interest from buyers. The event showcased the fine, light, and warm natural fiber sourced from the Chyangra or Pashmina goat. As a leading producer of genuine Pashmina, Nepal displayed its skills in traditional weaving techniques, honoring the culture and artistry involved in creating this renowned product. The festival highlighted the worldwide appreciation for Nepali Pashmina, particularly the high-quality “Chyangra Pashmina” brand.
492. Which country has announced plans to impose a 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Russia
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
US President Donald Trump recently revealed plans to impose a 10% tax on Chinese imports. This move is due to worries about the large amount of fentanyl coming into the United States, mostly from China. The opioid crisis in the US has become very serious, leading to urgent talks about trade and health issues. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid used in medicine for pain relief and anesthesia. It is much stronger than morphine and heroin. Although it helps with pain, it carries significant dangers. Overdosing on fentanyl can cause breathing problems and even death. Opioids, including fentanyl, are very addictive.
493. India and which country have recently agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, marking moment in bilateral relations?
[A] Pakistan
[B] China
[C] Nepal
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
India and China have recently decided to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which is an important step in their relationship. This choice comes after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s trip to Beijing and months of talks to ease military tensions at the Line of Actual Control. The yatra was paused because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related geopolitical issues, but it will now continue based on existing agreements. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has deep spiritual and historical roots. It is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, involving visits to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, both of which are highly sacred. Mount Kailash, standing at 21,778 feet, is considered the abode of Lord Shiva in Hinduism.
494. India and which country has recently signed five MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Thailand
[C] Singapore
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: A [Indonesia]
Notes:
In a noteworthy effort to enhance bilateral relations, India and Indonesia have formalized five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the official visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to New Delhi from January 23 to 26, 2025. This visit represents President Subianto’s inaugural trip to India since he took office in 2024 and concluded with his participation as the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day celebrations of India.
495. Which country has declared 2025 as the “Year of Community?
[A] UAE
[B] India
[C] United States
[D] China
Correct Answer: A [UAE]
Notes:
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared that 2025 will be designated as the “Year of Community,” a national initiative designed to enhance unity and inclusivity within the society. The campaign, which carries the slogan “Hand in Hand,” underscores the commitment of the UAE leadership to cultivate a cohesive and empowered community. Throughout the year, this initiative will encompass various programs and events aimed at reinforcing social connections, encouraging volunteerism, and honoring the nation’s cultural diversity.
496. Which country had passed laws to stop the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)?
[A] United States
[B] Saudi Arabia
[C] Israel
[D] Egypt
Correct Answer: C [Israel]
Notes:
In October 2024, the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset, enacted laws to prevent the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) from functioning in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. These laws also ban any interaction between Israeli authorities and UNRWA. They took effect on January 30, 2025. Established in 1949 to assist Palestinian refugees who were displaced after the creation of Israel in 1948 (referred to as Nakba), UNRWA has become a crucial support system for millions of displaced Palestinians. It offers education, healthcare, food, and social services to nearly 6 million Palestinians across various regions: 19 camps in the West Bank, 8 camps in Gaza, 10 camps in Jordan, 12 camps in Lebanon, and 9 camps in Syria. UNRWA’s contributions in Gaza and the West Bank include: Education for 300,000 children, which accounts for almost half of all students in Gaza; primary healthcare for 1.2 million people in Gaza and nearly 900,000 in the West Bank; and food assistance for 1.13 million people in Gaza and thousands in the West Bank.
497. The recent funding freeze imposed by which country’s government has raised concerns regarding the future of HIV treatment and care worldwide?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The recent funding freeze by the U.S. government has raised worries about the future of HIV treatment and care globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that this pause could result in more illness and deaths among those with HIV. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has been crucial in fighting the HIV epidemic for over 20 years, providing treatment and care to millions. The current funding pause threatens these efforts. PEPFAR was started in 2003 by President George W. Bush to offer HIV treatment, prevention, and care worldwide. By 2024, it had supported over 20 million people in 55 countries, including 566,000 children. It has significantly lowered AIDS-related deaths from 2.1 million in 2004 to about 630,000 in 2023. The funding freeze impacts the availability of antiretroviral treatments, which WHO states millions rely on. A sudden stop could undo the progress made in the last two decades. Without sufficient funding, many living with HIV face serious health risks.
498. Which bank has recently received RBI approval to open 20 new branches across major cities?
[A] HSBC India
[B] Deutsche Bank
[C] Citibank
[D] BNP Paribas
Correct Answer: A [HSBC India]
Notes:
HSBC India has obtained authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to open 20 new branches in significant urban centers, representing the most substantial expansion permitted to a foreign bank by the RBI in over ten years. The branches will be established in the following cities: Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Faridabad, Indore, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Mysuru, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Patna, Rajkot, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, and Vishakhapatnam. These locations have been selected due to their increasing concentrations of wealth, providing additional access points for affluent, high-net-worth, and ultra-high-net-worth clients with both domestic and international banking and wealth management requirements.
499. According to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), what is India’s projected economic growth rate in FY 2025-26?
[A] 8%
[B] 7%
[C] 6%
[D] 5%
Correct Answer: B [7%]
Notes:
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) projects a 7% growth in India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the fiscal year 2025-26, primarily fueled by an increase in private investments and job creation. A recent nationwide survey conducted by CII indicates that 75% of participants perceive the existing economic environment as conducive to private investment. Furthermore, 70% of the companies surveyed intend to make investments in FY’26, suggesting a likely rise in private sector engagement in the upcoming quarters.
500. According to Moody’s, what is India’s projected economic growth rate in fiscal year ending March 2025?
[A] 5%
[B] 6%
[C] 7%
[D] 8%
Correct Answer: C [7%]
Notes:
Moody’s Ratings Agency announced on January 20, 2025, a reduction in India’s economic growth projection to 7% for the fiscal year concluding in March 2025, a decrease from the 8.2% growth observed in the preceding fiscal year. This adjustment is reflective of a wider deceleration in both global and domestic economic conditions.
