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681. Which of the following has recently released the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] Indian Statistical Institute
[C] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[D] Finance Commission
Correct Answer: A [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 is an annual report that assesses the fiscal condition of Indian states. Its primary objective is to deliver data-informed insights that facilitate improved policy interventions. The FHI emphasizes the enhancement of fiscal governance and the strengthening of economic resilience throughout the states. It evaluates 18 significant states in India through the lens of five sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability. Each state receives a ranking based on a composite fiscal index that integrates these sub-indices. This thorough evaluation serves to highlight the fiscal strengths and weaknesses present among the states.
682. Which state has secured top position in the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Goa
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: D [Odisha]
Notes:
Odisha has been recognized as the leading state in India regarding fiscal health for the Financial Year 2022-23 with a score of 67.8, as indicated by the recently published Fiscal Health Index (FHI) from NITI Aayog. Chhattisgarh and Goa follow with scores of 55.2 and 53.6, respectively.
683. Which organization launched the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) initiative?
[A] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[B] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[C] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[D] World Bank
Correct Answer: A [World Economic Forum (WEF)]
Notes:
The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)was launched during the World Economic Forum’s 2018 Sustainable Development Summit, has become a crucial platform in the international effort to combat plastic pollution. Following its recent expansion to encompass 25 member nations, GPAP is actively advancing the principles of a circular economy and tackling the urgent challenge of plastic waste. This article examines the foundation, goals, primary initiatives, and obstacles faced by GPAP, while also considering the wider implications of plastic pollution on environmental integrity and public health. As of now, GPAP boasts a network of 25 member countries, including the Maharashtra State of India. This diverse membership underscores the global recognition of the urgent need to address plastic pollution through collaborative efforts.
684. Which country’s universities dominate across most disciplines in the World University 2025 rankings?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] Russia
[C] United States
[D] China
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025 are out, showcasing the top universities in different fields. The United States remains a strong leader, taking the top spots in nine of the eleven subjects. This reflects the country’s ongoing strength in higher education. Harvard University ranks first in Engineering and Life Sciences, while U.S. schools excel in most areas of the 2025 rankings. MIT has moved ahead of Stanford in Arts and Humanities, and Oxford is ranked highest in Computer Science.
685. Which institution releases the annual status of education report ASER?
[A] Pratham
[B] Nanhi Kali
[C] Khushi Foundation
[D] Goonj
Correct Answer: A [Pratham]
Notes:
The ASER 2024 report has shared new insights about education in rural India. It shows improvements in learning and changes in school enrolment trends. Conducted by the NGO Pratham, the survey involved over 649,000 children from 605 rural districts. ASER is a detailed household survey that monitors children’s education in rural areas. Launched in 2005, it now evaluates not just enrolment but also basic reading and math skills. Since 2014, the survey has been conducted every other year, providing a clearer view of educational changes. The latest report shows a drop in government school enrolment to 66.8%, similar to figures from 2018, after a rise during the COVID-19 pandemic when it peaked at 72.9%. In contrast, private school enrolment has increased, indicating a shift in educational choices.
686. Which organization has recently conducted the Asian Waterbird Census 2025?
[A] Royal Society for Protection of Birds
[B] BirdLife International
[C] Wildlife Institute of India
[D] Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)
Correct Answer: D [Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)]
Notes:
The Asian Waterbird Census 2025 documented a total of 39,725 individuals across 106 species within the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjacent wetlands. This initiative is a citizen-science program aimed at promoting the conservation of wetlands and waterbirds on a global scale. Conducted on an annual basis, it forms part of the broader International Waterbird Census (IWC) and was initiated in 1987 within the Indian subcontinent. In India, the census takes place in early January, organized by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). The BNHS operates as a non-governmental organization focused on biodiversity research and serves as a partner of BirdLife International in India.
687. World Economic Forum (WEF) is holding its annual meeting from January 20 to 24, 2025 at which venue?
[A] Paris, France
[B] New York, United States
[C] New Delhi, India
[D] Davos, Switzerland
Correct Answer: D [Davos, Switzerland]
Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is set to convene its Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from January 20 to 24, 2025. This international event unites prominent figures from the realms of business, politics, and civil society to tackle urgent global challenges. Notable attendees anticipated at the meeting include Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Ding Xuexiang, Vice Premier of China. The Annual Meeting is expected to draw approximately 3,000 participants, comprising business executives, political leaders, and members of the press. The agenda includes more than 500 sessions aimed at exploring a wide range of global issues, fostering dialogue and collaboration among a diverse array of stakeholders.
688. The 3rd National Mines Ministers’ Conference held at which place in January 2025?
[A] Konark
[B] New Delhi
[C] Ranchi
[D] Nagpur
Correct Answer: A [Konark]
Notes:
The 3rd National Mines Ministers’ Conference is scheduled to take place in Konark, Odisha, on January 20-21, 2025, in alignment with the “Vikasit Bharat 2047” initiative. The event will be chaired by Union Coal and Mines Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy, with Odisha Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi serving as the Chief Guest. A report detailing exemplary mining practices from various states will be unveiled, aimed at enhancing transparency and operational efficiency. Additionally, the Mining Tenement System (MTS) Module will be introduced to facilitate digital governance within the mining sector. Letters of sanction will be distributed to startups that are advancing sustainable mining innovations. Furthermore, geological data and reports on critical mineral blocks will be disseminated to promote exploration and foster self-reliance.
689. The 7th India-France maritime cooperation dialogue was held in which place recently?
[A] Paris
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Marseille
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
India and France reiterated their dedication to strengthening maritime security and collaboration in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) at the 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialogue, which took place in New Delhi on January 14, 2025.
690. An international conference titled ‘Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections’ was held in which city of India?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Gandhinagar
Correct Answer: A [Bengaluru]
Notes:
An international conference named ‘Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections’ took place in Bengaluru from January 20 to 24, 2025, marking the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) organized this event, which attracted more than 200 solar physicists from both India and other countries to engage in discussions regarding developments in solar magnetism, the connections between solar and stellar phenomena, and the implications of space weather.
