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691. India hosted the Second BIMSTEC Expert Group Meeting on Cyber Security Cooperation in which city?
[A] Gandhinagar
[B] Kolkata
[C] Lucknow
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
India convened the Second BIMSTEC Expert Group Meeting on Cyber Security Cooperation on January 21, 2025, in New Delhi. The primary objective of this meeting was to finalize a five-year Action Plan aimed at enhancing cyber security across BIMSTEC Member States. The discussion centered on several critical areas, including information sharing, combating cybercrime, safeguarding essential infrastructures, incident response strategies, and the establishment of global cyber norms. During the meeting, India introduced its initiative titled “Cyber Hygiene for School Children,” which is part of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The successful implementation of the Action Plan is expected to significantly strengthen regional cyber security and resilience among the BIMSTEC nations.
692. Recently, the Africa Energy Summit took place in which city?
[A] Gaborone
[B] Dar es Salaam
[C] Yaoundé
[D] Gitega
Correct Answer: B [Dar es Salaam]
Notes:
The Africa Energy Summit was recently held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Representatives from twelve African countries shared their National Energy Compacts. These plans focus on improving energy access and encouraging clean energy options. The summit was part of “Mission 300,” a project by the World Bank and African Development Bank. The aim is to provide electricity to 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030. Currently, over 600 million Africans do not have reliable electricity, which is more than half of the continent’s population. Sub-Saharan Africa has 80% of the world’s population without electricity, with Nigeria having the highest number of people affected. Key challenges include old infrastructure and a lack of funding.
693. Who has inaugurated the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’?
[A] Prime Minister Narendra Modi
[B] Union Minister Amit Shah
[C] Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
[D] Union Minister Piyush Goyal
Correct Answer: A [Prime Minister Narendra Modi]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’ on January 28, 2025, at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. This significant event, which saw the participation of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with prominent business figures from across the nation, marks the largest business gathering in Odisha’s history. Spanning two days, the conclave is designed to attract investment, enhance industrial development, and establish Odisha as a pivotal economic center in Eastern India.
694. Virgin Coconut Oil of which state/UT has recently received GI Tag?
[A] Lakshadweep
[B] Andaman and Nicobar
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: B [Andaman and Nicobar]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 118th installment of “Mann Ki Baat” on January 19, 2025, emphasized the significance of empowering women engaged in the production of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This initiative is designed to enhance the economic status of tribal communities through the establishment of self-help groups (SHGs) and targeted training in marketing and branding strategies. The recent awarding of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Virgin Coconut Oil from the Nicobar district represents a pivotal achievement in elevating local products to an international audience. The Prime Minister articulated his conviction that this development would position the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a prominent player in the global market.
695. Which state government will launch WhatsApp Governance?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The government of Andhra Pradesh is set to introduce WhatsApp Governance Services, enabling the issuance of birth and death certificates to the residents of the state.
696. Which state government has launched TWARIT initiative to streamline the transmission of warrants and summons?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has introduced the TWARIT (Transmission of Warrants, Summons, and Reports by Information Technology) platform, which facilitates the digital transmission of warrants, summons, and reports. This initiative replaces traditional paper-based methods, thereby accelerating legal processes and improving efficiency and transparency. By streamlining the justice delivery system, TWARIT minimizes delays and conserves time for judicial authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the general public. The platform allows for the electronic distribution of legal documents, including court summons and arrest warrants.
697. Which state was the first North Eastern state to issue asset cards under the SVAMITVA scheme?
[A] Manipur
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Mizoram
Correct Answer: D [Mizoram]
Notes:
Mizoram has distinguished itself as the inaugural state in Northeast India to issue property cards as part of the Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) initiative. On January 18, 2025, Governor Gen (Dr) VK Singh participated in the distribution ceremony via a virtual platform from Raj Bhavan in Aizawl. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present at the event, where he distributed more than 6.5 million property cards to beneficiaries across ten states and two Union Territories. Notably, 1,754 individuals from 18 villages in Mizoram received their property cards during this occasion.
698. Which ministry has recently approved the Tripura state emblem?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Defence
[D] Ministry of Current Affairs
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home]
Notes:
Tripura chief minister Manik Saha on January 9 said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given its approval for the state emblem.
699. Uttar Pradesh has celebrated its statehood day annually on which day?
[A] 24 January
[B] 25 January
[C] 26 January
[D] 27 January
Correct Answer: A [24 January]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh, the most populated state in India, celebrates its Foundation Day annually on January 24. This day highlights the state’s vibrant culture, significant role in India’s growth, and its historical path. In 2025, Uttar Pradesh will mark its 76th Foundation Day with large celebrations taking place from January 24 to January 26 at Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow. Let’s explore the historical importance, successes, and contributions of Uttar Pradesh during this special event.
700. Which state observes its statehood day annually on January 25th?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Himachal Pradesh (H.P.) observes its Statehood Day annually on January 25th, commemorating the date in 1971 when it was officially recognized as the 18th state of the Indian Union. On this significant occasion, the Prime Minister of India conveyed his best wishes to the residents of H.P., recognizing the state’s distinctive cultural and historical legacy.