Post Views: 1,369
651. The International Saraswati Mahotsav 2025 will be held on a grand scale in which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: A [Haryana]
Notes:
The International Saraswati Mahotsav 2025 is poised to be celebrated extensively in Haryana, building on the successful Geeta Jayanti festivities. Dhuman Singh Kirmach, the Vice President of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board, revealed during a press conference that the festival is scheduled to occur from January 29 to February 4, 2025, at the Pehowa Saraswati Tirtha Sthal. The inauguration will be conducted by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini from Adibadri. This event is anticipated to be a significant showcase of Haryana’s vibrant culture, artisanal skills, and traditional heritage, featuring a diverse array of programs at both state and national levels. The Mahotsav is designed to enhance tourism and offer a global platform for local artisans and craftsmen.
652. Nagoba Jatara is a tribal festival held in January/February in Keslapur village, which district of Telangana?
[A] Hanumakonda
[B] Kamareddy
[C] Adilabad
[D] Nizamabad
Correct Answer: C [Adilabad]
Notes:
Nagoba Jatara is a tribal festival held in January/February in Keslapur village, Adilabad district, Telangana. The quiet village of Keslapur in Indervelli mandal burst with life as thousands of tribal and non-tribal people from all over India came together for the annual Nagoba Jatara. This week-long festival, honoring the Nagoba temple, is a major religious and cultural event for the Mesram clan and other indigenous tribes. Starting on Tuesday night, the festival attracted around one hundred thousand devotees from Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha to join in the festivities.
653. Who has been honored with the Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025?
[A] Andal Narayanan
[B] Arun Roy
[C] Biswajit Paul
[D] Urbasi Sinha
Correct Answer: D [Urbasi Sinha]
Notes:
Professor Urbasi Sinha, a prominent member of the Light and Matter Physics group at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), has received the esteemed Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Cambridge, UK. As the director of the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) laboratory at RRI, Professor Sinha has guided her team to notable progress in the fields of quantum communication, computing, and optics. Her laboratory was one of the pioneers in India to create and employ heralded and entangled photon sources for a range of applications, representing a significant advancement in the country’s quantum research landscape.
654. Which organization has recently been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] Employees Provident Fund Organisation
[C] Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
[D] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Correct Answer: C [Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)]
Notes:
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad has been awarded the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025 in the Institutional Category for its remarkable efforts in disaster management. This award, set up by the Government of India, recognizes individuals and organizations for their significant contributions to disaster management. It is presented every year on January 23, which is the birthday of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and comes with a cash prize and a certificate.
655. Who has been honored with the Crystal Award 2025?
[A] David Beckham
[B] Diane von Furstenberg
[C] Riken Yamamoto
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting started in Davos, Switzerland, where the Crystal Awards were given to three notable individuals: David Beckham (British), Diane von Furstenberg (America), and Riken Yamamoto (Japan). These awards celebrate their important work in social, environmental, and creative fields around the world. David Beckham, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was recognized for his dedication to helping vulnerable children everywhere. Fashion designer and philanthropist Diane von Furstenberg received the award for her outstanding efforts in empowering women. Architect Riken Yamamoto was honored for his creative sustainable design and his focus on social and environmental responsibility.
656. Who, a prominent figure in the Goa liberation movement, was recently honoured with the Padma Shri?
[A] Arundhati Bhattacharya
[B] Libia Lobo Sardesai
[C] Vijayalakshmi Deshamane
[D] Mamata Shankar
Correct Answer: B [Libia Lobo Sardesai]
Notes:
Libia Lobo Sardesai, a key figure in the Goan liberation movement, has recently received the Padma Shri, which is the fourth highest civilian award in India. This honor recognizes her significant contributions to Goa’s struggle for independence from Portuguese rule. Born in 1924 in Portuguese-ruled Goa, Libia was instrumental in the anti-colonial efforts, notably by setting up an underground radio station. She grew up in Bombay, now known as Mumbai, and during her college years, she became deeply involved in the Goan nationalist movement. The harsh actions of the Portuguese government, such as the arrest of peaceful protestors in 1954, further fueled her dedication to the cause.
657. Which of the following media bestowed with ECI Media Award for voter awareness in Electronic Media (TV) category?
[A] Doordarshan
[B] NDTV
[C] Times Now
[D] India Today
Correct Answer: A [Doordarshan]
Notes:
Doordarshan, the national broadcaster of India, has received an accolade in the Electronic Media category for its exemplary campaign focused on Voter Awareness and Education during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. This recognition emphasizes the significance of its influential series “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv” along with various other initiatives designed to promote an informed and engaged citizenry. The award was conferred upon Doordarshan’s Director-General, Kanchan Prasad, by President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day 2025 (January 25). The initiatives undertaken by Doordarshan, in collaboration with the Press Information Bureau (PIB), reflect its dedication to enhancing the democratic framework of India through extensive and inclusive media engagement.
658. Who, ‘The Apple Man of India,’ honoured with Padma Shri for Transforming Apple Cultivation in India?
[A] Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla
[B] Vinayak Lohani
[C] Swami Pradiptananda
[D] Shri Hariman Sharma
Correct Answer: D [Shri Hariman Sharma]
Notes:
Shri Hariman Sharma, an innovative farmer hailing from Himachal Pradesh, has received the esteemed Padma Shri award for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian agriculture. His creation of the HRMN-99 apple variety has significantly altered the landscape of apple cultivation, allowing it to flourish in tropical and subtropical climates. This pioneering, self-pollinating apple variety, which requires minimal chilling hours, has broadened the scope of apple farming beyond conventional temperate regions, providing advantages to both farmers and consumers. Shri Sharma’s ascent from modest origins to a revered national figure exemplifies the impactful nature of grassroots innovations.
659. Which Indian a short film has earned a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards?
[A] Anuja
[B] Chhoti Si Baat
[C] Bijli
[D] Stockholm
Correct Answer: A [Anuja]
Notes:
Anuja, an Indian short film, has received a nomination for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards. This is a major milestone for Indian cinema internationally. The nomination showcases the film’s strong storytelling and the significant efforts of its producers, Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga. Directed by Adam J. Graves, Anuja tells the story of a young girl employed in a garment factory in Delhi.
660. Who has been awarded the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry)?
[A] Surya Kant Badhwar
[B] Utpal Barbara
[C] Sankaranarayanan Balasubramanian
[D] Akshay Saxena
Correct Answer: D [Akshay Saxena]
Notes:
Wing Commander Akshay Saxena has received the Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) for his outstanding work during anti-piracy missions in the Arabian Sea. This award highlights the growing dangers of piracy in international waters, especially from Houthi rebels who target merchant ships. The operation took place on March 16 of last year and was part of the Indian Navy’s Operation Sankalp, which focuses on maintaining maritime security in the area. The Vayu Sena Medal (VM) was established on January 26, 1960, to recognize exceptional dedication or bravery by Indian Air Force members. In 1994, it was divided into two types: VM (Gallantry) for acts of bravery and VM (Devotion to Duty) for exceptional service and commitment.
