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641. Who has re-appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maruti Suzuki India Limited?
[A] Hisashi Takeuchi
[B] Kenichi Ayukawa
[C] R. C. Bhargava
[D] Kenichiro Toyofuku
Correct Answer: A [Hisashi Takeuchi]
Notes:
Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the biggest car maker in the country, has reappointed Hisashi Takeuchi as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). His term will last for three years, starting from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. This move shows the company’s trust in Takeuchi’s leadership and his skill in guiding Maruti Suzuki in the changing automotive market in India.
642. Who has recently appointed as a new CEO of Sony, effective April 1, 2025?
[A] Howard Stringer
[B] Masaru Ibuka
[C] Hiroki Totoki
[D] Kenichiro Yoshida
Correct Answer: C [Hiroki Totoki]
Notes:
Sony has named Hiroki Totoki as its new CEO, starting April 1, 2025, to boost its global entertainment efforts. Totoki, who joined Sony in 1987, will succeed Kenichiro Yoshida, who will stay on as Chairman. Sony Group Corporation has revealed that Totoki, currently the President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over as Chief Executive Officer on April 1, 2025. This significant change in leadership is part of Sony’s plan to broaden its influence and strengthen its role in the global entertainment market. Totoki’s new position is anticipated to be crucial for Sony’s future growth, especially as the company aims to innovate and improve its competitive edge in the entertainment industry.
643. Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in which state, after a 60-year hiatus?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently recommenced excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in Odisha, marking the end of a 60-year period of inactivity. This site is significant due to its historical and cultural ties to Buddhism, with the objective of uncovering additional relics and evidence that illustrate Odisha’s connections to Southeast Asian cultures. Among the recent discoveries are a large Buddha head and various ancient artifacts, which provide insights into the region’s extensive Buddhist heritage. Ratnagiri, which flourished from the 5th to the 13th centuries, experienced its peak construction activity between the 7th and 10th centuries. It served as a crucial center for Buddhist education, comparable to Nalanda. The site is associated with Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, who adopted Buddhism following his conquest of Kalinga. Excavations have unearthed a substantial Buddha head, a five-foot palm, and inscribed relics dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries. These discoveries underscore the site’s historical significance and its contribution to Buddhist culture.
644. The Pangsau Pass International Festival is celebrated every year in which state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu inaugurated the three-day Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF). The Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025, taking place in Arunachal Pradesh, serves as a celebration of the area’s rich cultural heritage and its historical importance during World War II. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has revealed initiatives aimed at boosting tourism through the restoration of World War II artifacts in Nampong, highlighting the festival’s contribution to economic development and cultural interaction. This year’s event marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the war. The festival is held annually in Nampong, Changlang district, Arunachal Pradesh.
645. Ayodhya has celebrated first anniversary of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha on which day?
[A] January 19
[B] January 20
[C] January 21
[D] January 22
Correct Answer: D [January 22]
Notes:
The revered city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is alive with devotion and celebration as it commemorates the first anniversary of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. This significant occasion, observed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, embodies the city’s rich spiritual heritage and represents the culmination of centuries of faith and perseverance.
646. The Umamaheshwara metal sculpture, recently seen in the news, in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Karnataka]
Notes:
A notable historical find, a Umamaheshwara metal sculpture, has been discovered in Taggunje, Ajri village, Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, Karnataka. This detailed sculpture, thought to be made in the 17th century but in a style from the 12th century, represents a unique mix of Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions, as stated by T. Murugeshi, a retired Associate Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology. Crafted from five metals (panchaloha), this piece is a remarkable example of religious art and culture. It shows Lord Shiva sitting on a lotus platform, with his consort Parvati (Uma) on his left lap.
647. Which dance has been selected for the first time to be performed at the 76th Republic Day parade?
[A] Bihu
[B] Garba
[C] Sinhtoo
[D] Fugdi
Correct Answer: C [Sinhtoo]
Notes:
The Sinhtoo dance, a traditional folk dance from the Hatti community in the Giri area of Sirmaur district, has been chosen for the 76th Republic Day parade in Delhi. This is the first time the Sinhtoo will be featured in such a significant national event. Around 200 artists will perform this special dance, which is part of a larger cultural program with 5,000 artists from all over India. Sinhtoo is a mask dance where performers wear detailed masks that represent different animals. The name “Sinhtoo” means “lion cub” in the Pahari language, highlighting the use of lion masks in the dance. The performance aims to celebrate wildlife and promote awareness about environmental conservation.
648. For the first time Kiswah was shown outside the city of Mecca, it was screened in which city of Saudi Arabia?
[A] Jeddah
[B] Attaif
[C] Riyadh
[D] Jubail
Correct Answer: A [Jeddah]
Notes:
The Kiswah will be showcased at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025. This event will occur at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. It marks the first time the full Kiswah will be shown outside its sacred city. The term “Kiswah” means “robe” and represents Islamic artistry. This beautifully embroidered fabric covers the Kaaba in Mecca and is made from silk, decorated with gold and silver threads. The skill required to create the Kiswah is regarded as the highest form of Islamic art.
649. Recently seen in the news, the Etikoppaka Bommalu is a traditional wooden toy craft from which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Telangana
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Etikoppaka Bommalu is a traditional wooden toy craft from the village of Etikoppaka in Andhra Pradesh. Recently highlighted during India’s 76th Republic Day, this craft represents the area’s rich cultural history and focus on sustainability. The toys, which often feature mythological characters and animals, are famous for their beautiful craftsmanship and bright colors. The history of Etikoppaka Bommalu goes back more than 400 years, with artisans passing down their skills through generations. This craft showcases the artistic traditions of ancient Indian cultures, with influences from the artefacts of Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.
650. The Sambhar Festival, a lively celebration of culture, adventure, and heritage, kicked off in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Gujarat
[C] Odisha
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The Sambhar Festival, a colorful event celebrating culture, adventure, and heritage, began on January 24, 2025, at the famous Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan. Lasting for five days, this festival is organized by the Rajasthan Tourism Department along with the District Administration. The aim of the Sambhar Festival is to draw tourists while highlighting the area’s rich culture, traditions, and natural beauty. It offers a chance to explore Rajasthani life, including its food, folk arts, and cultural heritage, with a special emphasis on the beautiful Sambhar Lake and its nearby attractions.
