BSSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which programme has been included for the first time under the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Aspirational Blocks Programme
PIB 2094589: for the first time, the Aspirational Blocks Programme has been included under the PM's Award Scheme.
How many awards are there under the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 16
PIB 2094589: the 2024 scheme recognises civil servants through 16 awards in three categories.
What prize money will each awardee of the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2024 receive?
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Correct answer: D — ₹20 lakh
PIB 2094589: the prize money for PM's Awards 2024 awardees will be ₹20 lakh each.
Which three countries mediated the Gaza ceasefire that took effect on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Egypt, Qatar and the United States
UN OCHA: the ceasefire came into effect through mediation by Egypt, Qatar and the United States.
How long is the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire that took effect on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 42 days
UN OCHA: the first phase of the ceasefire is 42 days.
Consider the following statements about the first day of the Gaza ceasefire (19 January 2025): 1. Three Israeli women hostages were handed over via the ICRC. 2. 90 Palestinian detainees were released. 3. Fewer than 100 aid trucks entered Gaza that day. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
UN OCHA and UN News: three women hostages were released via the ICRC and 90 Palestinian detainees were freed; more than 630 aid trucks entered Gaza that day.
With which European Commissioner did Piyush Goyal hold a High Level Dialogue in Brussels on 18–19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Maroš Šefčovič
PIB 2094362: Goyal met Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security.
Consider the following statements about the Goyal–Šefčovič High Level Dialogue of January 2025: 1. It was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders. 2. It was held in New Delhi. 3. Goyal outlined six principles for an India–EU partnership. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2094362: it was their first in-person meeting and Goyal outlined six principles; the dialogue was held in Brussels, not New Delhi.
At the January 2025 India–EU High Level Dialogue, Piyush Goyal estimated the combined India–EU market at over how much?
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Correct answer: D — $24 trillion
PIB 2094362: Goyal described the combined market as currently estimated at over $24 trillion, with 2 billion people.
After EPFO's January 2025 simplification of PF transfers, about what share of transfer claims is expected to reach EPFO directly without employer intervention?
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Correct answer: D — 94%
PIB 2094230: over 1.20 crore of 1.30 crore transfer claims, about 94%, are expected to be forwarded directly to EPFO.
What share of EPFO members' grievances relate to PF transfer issues, according to EPFO in January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 17%
PIB 2094230: presently 17% of total grievances pertain to transfer-related issues.
How many property cards did PM Narendra Modi distribute under the SVAMITVA scheme on 18 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Over 65 lakh
PIB (Ministry of Panchayati Raj): over 65 lakh property cards were distributed on 18 January 2025, taking the total to 2.25 crore.
The SVAMITVA scheme is implemented by which Union Ministry?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Panchayati Raj
PIB: SVAMITVA is a scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, whose Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh attended the 18 January 2025 ceremony.
With the 18 January 2025 distribution, the total number of property cards issued under SVAMITVA reached:
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Correct answer: B — 2.25 crore
PIB: the distribution took the total number of property cards under SVAMITVA to 2.25 crore.
Consider the following statements about the SVAMITVA property card distribution on 18 January 2025: 1. It covered more than 50,000 villages across 237 districts. 2. The Union Territories covered were Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. 3. Tamil Nadu and Kerala were among the 10 states covered. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the ceremony covered 50,000+ villages in 237 districts, in 10 states and the UTs of J&K and Ladakh. The 10 states were Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, not Tamil Nadu or Kerala.
What monthly stipend does NIXI's Internet Governance Internship (launched January 2025) offer interns?
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Correct answer: A — ₹20,000
PIB (MeitY): a fixed stipend of ₹20,000 per month is provided to interns.
Consider the following statements about NIXI's Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme: 1. It has two parallel tracks of six months and three months. 2. It was launched by MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan, who is also NIXI's Chairman. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB: the bi-annual internship has six-month and three-month tracks, and it was launched by S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, and Chairman, NIXI.
Who was named vice-captain of India's squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, announced on 18 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Shubman Gill
Sportstar and ET: Rohit Sharma will captain the side, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain.
Under the hybrid model for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India's matches are to be played in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Dubai
Sportstar: under the hybrid model agreed by the ICC, India's matches take place in Dubai; ET adds that India meet Pakistan on 23 February in Dubai.
Consider the following statements about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as reported at India's squad announcement: 1. The tournament is hosted by Pakistan and the UAE from 19 February to 9 March 2025. 2. India is in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. 3. Mohammed Siraj was named in India's 15-member squad. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
ET: the tournament runs 19 February–9 March in Pakistan and the UAE, and India is in Group A with Pakistan, New Zealand and Bangladesh. Sportstar: Mohammed Siraj missed out on selection.
Which feature of the Sanchar Saathi mobile app, launched on 17 January 2025, lets users report suspected fraud calls and SMS?
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Correct answer: A — Chakshu
PIB (DoT): Chakshu, Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications, lets users report suspected calls and SMS from the app and phone logs.
Under National Broadband Mission 2.0, operational optical fibre connectivity is to be extended to how many villages by 2030?
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Correct answer: B — 2.70 lakh
PIB: NBM 2.0 targets OFC connectivity to 2.70 lakh villages by 2030 with 95% uptime, from about 50,000 now.
Consider the following targets of National Broadband Mission 2.0 (launched January 2025): 1. Raise the national average fixed broadband download speed to at least 100 Mbps by 2030. 2. Provide broadband to 90% of anchor institutions such as schools, PHCs, anganwadis and panchayat offices by 2030. 3. Power 50% of mobile towers with sustainable energy by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB: NBM 2.0 targets at least 100 Mbps average fixed broadband speed (from 63.55 Mbps) and broadband to 90% of anchor institutions by 2030; the tower target is 30% on sustainable energy, not 50%.
How many cities entered the newly created Super Swachh League under Swachh Survekshan, announced on 17 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 12
PIB (MoHUA): there are 12 cities in the Super Swachh League.
Which of the following cities is NOT in the million-plus category of the Super Swachh League (Swachh Survekshan, 9th edition)?
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Correct answer: D — Noida
PIB: the million-plus cities in the league are Navi Mumbai, Indore and Surat; Noida is in the big cities (3–10 lakh) category with Chandigarh.
Consider the following statements about the Super Swachh League introduced in Swachh Survekshan: 1. Cities that were in the top 3 in at least 2 of the last 3 years (2021–2023) qualified. 2. Cities in the league must maintain a score of 85% or higher to retain their position. 3. Swachh Survekshan was first launched by MoHUA in 2014. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB: cities in the top 3 in at least 2 of 2021–2023 made the cut, and league ULBs must keep 85% or higher. Swachh Survekshan was first launched in 2016.
With the SpaDeX docking on 16 January 2025, India became which country in the world to achieve space docking?
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Correct answer: B — Fourth
PIB (DoS): India became the fourth country to achieve space docking; The Hindu: after the USA, Russia and China.
Which launch vehicle carried the SpaDeX satellites into orbit on 30 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — PSLV-C60
PIB: ISRO launched the SpaDeX spacecraft on PSLV-C60 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, on 30 December 2024.
In the SpaDeX mission, which satellite acted as the 'Chaser'?
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Correct answer: B — SDX01
ISRO and PIB: the two satellites are SDX01, the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, each weighing about 220 kg.
Consider the following statements about the SpaDeX mission: 1. Each of the two SpaDeX satellites weighs about 220 kg. 2. The docking sequence moved the spacecraft from a 15-metre to a 3-metre hold point before capture. 3. Power transfer between the docked spacecraft was completed on the same day as docking. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (DoS): each satellite weighs about 220 kg and the spacecraft moved from the 15 m to the 3 m hold point before capture. Undocking and power-transfer checks were scheduled for the coming days, not done on 16 January.
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,960 crore contract on 16 January 2025 with which company for MRSAM missiles for the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: C — Bharat Dynamics Limited
PIB (MoD): the contract for MRSAM for the Indian Navy was signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
Under which procurement category will BDL supply the MRSAM missiles under the January 2025 contract?
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Correct answer: D — Buy (Indian)
PIB: the missiles will be supplied by BDL under the 'Buy (Indian)' category with largely indigenous content.
India's cumulative exports (merchandise and services) during April–December 2024 were estimated at about:
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Correct answer: C — USD 602.64 billion
PIB (Commerce): April–December 2024 total exports were estimated at USD 602.64 billion, up 6.03%.
By what percentage did India's merchandise exports grow in April–December 2024 over the same period of 2023?
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Correct answer: A — 1.6%
PIB: Merchandise exports were USD 321.71 billion vs USD 316.65 billion, a growth of 1.6%.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 January 2025: 1. Total exports in April–December 2024 grew by 6.03%. 2. Non-petroleum exports in December 2024 were USD 33.09 billion. 3. Merchandise exports in April–December 2024 declined over the previous year. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Merchandise exports rose 1.6%, so statement 3 is wrong; 1 and 2 match the PIB release.
What is the total prize money of the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 launched by MeitY on 15 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹6.85 crore
PIB: CSGC 2.0 carries ₹6.85 crore, up from ₹3.2 crore in the first edition.
Which organisation is implementing the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0?
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Correct answer: B — Data Security Council of India (DSCI)
PIB: CSGC 2.0 is being implemented by the Data Security Council of India.
Consider the following statements about the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0: 1. Participants work on six problem statement areas. 2. The IPR of the product developed is owned by the startup. 3. Registration was open until 14 February 2025. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1, 2 and 3
PIB: six problem areas, IPR owned by the startup and registration from 15 January to 14 February 2025; all three are correct.
Under TRAI's draft tariff order of 15 January 2025, the broadband (FTTH) tariff for PDOs under PM-WANI should not exceed:
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Correct answer: C — Twice the retail FTTH tariff of corresponding capacity
PIB: TRAI proposed that the PDO tariff should not exceed twice the retail broadband (FTTH) tariff of corresponding capacity.
In the PM-WANI scheme, what does 'PDO' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Public Data Office
PIB: PDOs are Public Data Offices that set up public Wi-Fi access points under PM-WANI.
'Mission Mausam', launched on 14 January 2025, aims to make India a:
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Correct answer: D — Weather-ready and Climate-smart nation
PIB (MoES): Mission Mausam aims at transforming India into a 'Weather-ready and Climate-smart' nation.
On which occasion was 'Mission Mausam' launched by the Prime Minister?
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Correct answer: A — 150th Foundation Day of IMD
PIB (PMO): PM launched Mission Mausam at IMD's 150th Foundation Day celebrations on 14 January 2025.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 2.37%
PIB (Commerce): WPI inflation was 2.37% in December 2024; 1.89% was November and 8.89% the Food Index.
Which major group of the WPI recorded negative annual inflation in December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Fuel & Power
PIB: Fuel & Power inflation was -3.79% in December 2024.
Consider the following statements about the WPI data for December 2024: 1. Manufactured Products carry the largest weight in the WPI. 2. The base year of the WPI series is 2011-12. 3. WPI inflation in December 2024 was lower than in November 2024. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB: Manufactured Products weigh 64.23% and the base year is 2011-12; December (2.37%) was higher than November (1.89%), so 3 is wrong.
As on 14 January 2025, the area sown under wheat in the rabi season was about:
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Correct answer: C — 320 lakh hectares
PIB (Agriculture): wheat coverage was 320 lakh ha against 315.63 lakh ha a year earlier.
As per rabi sowing data as on 14 January 2025, which crop group had a lower area than in the corresponding period of the previous year?
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Correct answer: D — Oilseeds
PIB: oilseeds were at 96.82 lakh ha vs 101.80 lakh ha; wheat, pulses and coarse cereals were all higher.
By how much did India's coal imports decline during April–October 2024 compared with the same period of the previous year?
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Correct answer: B — 3.1%
PIB (Coal): imports fell 3.1% to 149.39 MT; 8.8% was the non-regulated sector and 19.5% blending imports.
What was India's coal production during April–October 2024, as per the Ministry of Coal?
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Correct answer: C — 537.57 MT
PIB: coal output rose 6.04% to 537.57 MT from 506.93 MT.
Which edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha closed its registrations on 14 January 2025 with over 3.5 crore applications?
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Correct answer: B — 8th
PIB (MoE): registration for the 8th edition of PPC concluded with over 3.5 crore applications.
On which portal were registrations for Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025 hosted?
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Correct answer: A — MyGov.in
PIB: the online registration for PPC 2025 was hosted on the MyGov.in portal from 14 December 2024 to 14 January 2025.
What was India's total installed renewable energy capacity as of December 2024, as per MNRE?
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Correct answer: B — 209.44 GW
PIB (MNRE): total RE capacity reached 209.44 GW, up 15.84% from 180.80 GW; 97.86 GW was solar alone.
How much renewable energy capacity did India add in calendar year 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 28.64 GW
PIB: 28.64 GW was added in 2024 (13.05 GW in 2023); 24.54 GW was solar and 3.42 GW wind.
As of December 2024, India's installed solar power capacity stood at about:
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Correct answer: D — 97.86 GW
PIB (MNRE): solar capacity rose 33.47% from 73.32 GW to 97.86 GW; 48.16 GW is wind and 209.44 GW total RE.
What was India's All India CPI (combined) inflation rate (provisional) for December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 5.22%
PIB (MoSPI): CPI inflation was 5.22% in December 2024; 4.58% was urban and 8.39% food (CFPI).
Consider the following statements about CPI data for December 2024: 1. Rural inflation was higher than urban inflation. 2. The housing index is compiled for the urban sector only. 3. Food inflation (CFPI) was above 10%. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB: rural 5.76% vs urban 4.58%, and housing is urban-only; CFPI was 8.39%, so statement 3 is wrong.
How many new watershed development projects were approved under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 on 13 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 56
PIB (MoRD): 56 new watershed projects worth ₹700 crore were sanctioned in 10 best-performing states.
The Watershed Development Component of PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY) is implemented by which department?
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Correct answer: D — Department of Land Resources
PIB: the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development, implements WDC-PMKSY.
What Haj quota was earmarked for India under the Bilateral Agreement for Haj 2025 signed on 13 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 1,75,025
PIB (Minority Affairs): a quota of 1,75,025 has been earmarked for India under the Haj 2025 agreement.
In which city was the India–Saudi Arabia Bilateral Agreement for Haj 2025 signed?
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Correct answer: D — Jeddah
PIB: the agreement was signed on 13 January 2025 at Jeddah.
In the SpaDeX trial approach on 12 January 2025, how close were the two satellites brought before being moved back?
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Correct answer: C — 3 metres
The Hindu and Indian Express: the satellites were brought to 15 m and then 3 m before being moved back to a safe distance.
In ISRO's SpaDeX mission, which satellite is the 'Chaser'?
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Correct answer: B — SDX01
The Hindu: SDX01 is the Chaser and SDX02 the Target.
Before the 12 January 2025 trial approach, on which dates had ISRO postponed the SpaDeX docking?
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Correct answer: D — 7 and 9 January
The Hindu and Indian Express: docking was postponed on two earlier occasions, 7 January and 9 January.
At the India-Nepal IGC meeting in Kathmandu on 10–11 January 2025, India accepted Nepal's request for the supply of how much wheat?
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Correct answer: D — 200,000 MT
PIB: the Indian side informed that Nepal's request for 200,000 MT wheat had been accepted.
Who led the Indian delegation at the India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee meeting in Kathmandu in January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
PIB: Secretary, Department of Commerce, Sunil Barthwal led the Indian delegation.
Electrification of which cross-border rail line was discussed at the India-Nepal IGC meeting in January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Raxaul–Birgunj
PIB: the agenda included synchronized development of trade infrastructure including electrification of the Raxaul–Birgunj rail line.
The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade met in January 2025 in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Kathmandu
PIB: the IGC was held in Kathmandu from 10 to 11 January 2025.
Consider the following statements about the India-Nepal IGC meeting held in January 2025: 1. The two sides reviewed the Treaty of Transit and the Treaty of Trade. 2. India informed that Sal seeds and Chayote have been included in its Plant Quarantine Order. 3. The Nepali side was led by its Foreign Secretary. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the treaties were reviewed and Sal seeds and Chayote were included in India's Plant Quarantine Order; Nepal was led by Gobinda Bahadur Karkee, Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.
What was India's IIP growth rate for November 2024 as per the Quick Estimates released on 10 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 5.2%
PIB (MoSPI): IIP growth for November 2024 was 5.2%, against 3.5% in October 2024.
Which sector recorded the lowest growth among Mining, Manufacturing and Electricity in the November 2024 IIP?
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Correct answer: C — Mining
PIB (MoSPI): Mining 1.9%, Manufacturing 5.8%, Electricity 4.4%.
Consider the following statements about the Index of Industrial Production (IIP): 1. Its Quick Estimates are released on the 12th of every month (or the previous working day) with a six-week lag. 2. Its current base year is 2011-12. 3. It is compiled by the Reserve Bank of India. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoSPI): Quick Estimates are released on the 12th with a six-week lag, base 2011-12=100; the release is by MoSPI, not the RBI.
How much tax devolution did the Union Government release to States on 10 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1,73,030 crore
PIB (Finance): ₹1,73,030 crore was released, against ₹89,086 crore in December 2024.
Which State received the largest share in the tax devolution released on 10 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
PIB (Finance): Uttar Pradesh got ₹31,039.84 crore, the largest in the State-wise table.
In the January 2025 tax devolution, which State received the second-largest amount after Uttar Pradesh?
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Correct answer: A — Bihar
PIB (Finance): Bihar ₹17,403.36 crore, Madhya Pradesh ₹13,582.86 crore, West Bengal ₹13,017.06 crore, Maharashtra ₹10,930.31 crore.
Who took charge as Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, on 9 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Tuhin Kanta Pandey
PIB (Finance): Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey took charge as Secretary, Department of Revenue.
Before becoming Revenue Secretary in January 2025, Tuhin Kanta Pandey had headed which department since October 2019?
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Correct answer: B — Department of Investment and Public Asset Management
PIB (Finance): he held charge as Secretary, DIPAM, since 24.10.2019.
In which city did Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meet Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on 8 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Dubai
MEA: the meeting took place in Dubai on 8 January 2025.
Which port did India and Afghanistan agree to promote for trade and humanitarian assistance at the 8 January 2025 meeting?
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Correct answer: A — Chabahar
MEA: both sides agreed to promote the use of Chabahar port for trade and commercial activities, including humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan.
Consider the following statements about the India–Afghanistan meeting of 8 January 2025, as per MEA: 1. India will provide further material support first to the health sector and for rehabilitation of refugees. 2. India has dispatched 50,000 MT of wheat to Afghanistan as humanitarian assistance. 3. India announced the reopening of its embassy in Kabul at ambassador level. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
MEA: statements 1 and 2 are in the release; it said India would consider development projects but said nothing about reopening an embassy at ambassador level.
Which edition of the India–EU Human Rights Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 8 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 11th
MEA joint press release: the 11th India–EU Human Rights Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 8 January 2025.
When was the India–EU Human Rights Dialogue held before its January 2025 round?
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Correct answer: D — July 2022
MEA: the sides exchanged views on developments since the last Dialogue in July 2022.
At the 11th India–EU Human Rights Dialogue, which position did India reiterate?
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Correct answer: A — Recognition of the Right to Development as a distinct, universal, inalienable and fundamental human right
MEA: India reiterated its stand on recognition of the Right to Development as a distinct, universal, inalienable and fundamental human right; the EU reiterated its opposition to capital punishment.