OPSC OCS Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Who administered the presidential oath to Donald Trump on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.
Congressional Record: Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administered the presidential oath.
Consider the following statements about the US inauguration on 20 January 2025: 1. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President. 2. The vice-presidential oath to JD Vance was administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. 3. The ceremony was held in the Great Rotunda. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Congressional Record: Trump was sworn in as the 47th President in the Great Rotunda; Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, not the Chief Justice, administered Vance's oath.
Who administered the vice-presidential oath to JD Vance on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh
Congressional Record: Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh administered the vice-presidential oath to James David Vance.
The KOICA-assisted project 'Strengthening Vocational Education and Training in Mechatronics in India', for which notes were exchanged on 20 January 2025, will be implemented by NCERT at which institute?
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Correct answer: D — RIE Bhopal
PIB 2095225: NCERT will implement the project at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhopal.
Consider the following statements about India–Korea development cooperation: 1. The NCERT mechatronics project is the first KOICA-assisted project in India. 2. Korea was designated India's ODA partner in October 2016. 3. India–Korea ties were upgraded to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2018. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2095225: it is the first KOICA-assisted project in India and Korea became an ODA partner in October 2016; the Special Strategic Partnership dates from 2015, not 2018.
Who signed the Exchange of Notes for the KOICA mechatronics project on behalf of the Government of India on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Manisha Sinha
PIB 2095225: Manisha Sinha, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, signed for India.
How many companies were provisionally selected in the third round of the PLI Scheme for White Goods announced on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 24
PIB 2094465: 24 beneficiaries (18 new + 6 existing) were selected, committing ₹3,516 crore.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods covers components of which two products?
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Correct answer: B — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB 2094465: the PLI Scheme for White Goods covers air conditioners and LED lights.
Consider the following statements about the PLI Scheme for White Goods: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 7 April 2021 with an outlay of ₹6,238 crore. 2. After the third round, 84 companies under the scheme are set to invest ₹10,478 crore. 3. The scheme runs from FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2094465: the Cabinet approved it on 7 April 2021 with ₹6,238 crore and 84 companies will invest ₹10,478 crore; the scheme period is FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29.
Which digital platform for mineral resource management was launched at the 3rd National Mining Ministers' Conference in Konark on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Mining Tenement System
PIB 2094586: G. Kishan Reddy and Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Mining Tenement System (MTS).
The fifth tranche of critical mineral block auctions, launched at Konark on 20 January 2025, offered how many blocks?
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Correct answer: B — 15
PIB 2094586: the fifth tranche offers 15 blocks across eight states.
Consider the following statements made at the 3rd National Mining Ministers' Conference: 1. 75% of mining block auctions have been held in the last four years. 2. Odisha contributed ₹1.33 lakh crore in mineral revenue over the past decade. 3. The fifth tranche of critical mineral blocks covers 15 states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2094586: Mines Secretary V.L. Kantha Rao cited 75% auctions in four years and ₹1.33 lakh crore from Odisha; the fifth tranche has 15 blocks in eight states, not 15 states.
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.
Under the e-Office guidelines issued in January 2025, which system are ministries to use for managing office memoranda, circulars and orders?
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Correct answer: A — Knowledge Management System
PIB 2094588: ministries are to use the Knowledge Management System (KMS) for managing OMs, circulars and orders.
As on 20 January 2025, which rabi crop group had a smaller sown area than in the same period a year earlier?
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Correct answer: C — Oilseeds
PIB 2094564: oilseeds were at 97.62 lakh ha against 101.80 lakh ha; wheat, pulses and the total were higher.
What was the area sown under wheat as on 20 January 2025, according to the Agriculture Ministry?
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Correct answer: C — 320 lakh ha
PIB 2094564: wheat covered 320 lakh ha against 315.63 lakh ha a year earlier.
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.
Where was the 64th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board held on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Bhubaneswar
PIB 2094300: the 64th CGPB meeting was held at the State Convention Centre, Lokseva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar.
How many critical mineral projects has GSI planned for field season 2025-26, as placed before the 64th CGPB?
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Correct answer: C — 227
PIB 2094300: 227 dedicated critical mineral projects, a 16% increase over the previous year.
Under EPFO's January 2025 profile-update simplification, which members need only employer certification to update their details?
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Correct answer: A — Members with UAN obtained before 1 October 2017
PIB 2094229: where the UAN was obtained prior to 1 October 2017, updation requires certification of the employer only.
About how many EPFO members with pending profile-correction requests benefit immediately from the January 2025 simplification?
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Correct answer: A — 3.9 lakh
PIB 2094229: the revision will immediately benefit around 3.9 lakh members whose requests are pending.
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.
Where did the Ministry of Mines open the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Exhibition on 18 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Sun Temple, Konark
PIB (Ministry of Mines): the DMF Exhibition was set up at the Sun Temple, Konark, with the Government of Odisha.
What was the theme of the DMF Exhibition held at Konark from 18 to 21 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Empowering Communities by Sustainable Development
PIB: the exhibition's theme was "Empowering Communities by Sustainable Development".
How many stalls did the DMF Exhibition at Konark (January 2025) feature?
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Correct answer: D — 18
PIB: the exhibition featured 18 stalls showcasing DMF-supported SHGs, GSI, HCL, NALCO, HZL/Vedanta and the Odisha Government.
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.
The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) signed an MoU with which institution on 17 January 2025 to strengthen PMLA compliance in housing finance?
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Correct answer: C — National Housing Bank
PIB (Finance): FIU-IND and the National Housing Bank signed the MoU in New Delhi.
Under the FIU-IND–NHB MoU of January 2025, how often will the two parties meet to discuss AML/CFT typologies and trends?
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Correct answer: B — Quarterly
PIB: the MoU provides for a quarterly meeting to discuss typologies and trends in AML/CFT crimes and related matters.
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.
Vineet Joshi, who took charge as Secretary, Department of Higher Education on 16 January 2025, was earlier the Chief Secretary of which state?
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Correct answer: A — Manipur
PIB (Education): before this appointment, Vineet Joshi served as the Chief Secretary of Manipur.
Which of the following posts has Vineet Joshi NOT held, as per the January 2025 release on his appointment?
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Correct answer: C — Chairman, UGC
PIB: Joshi has been DG of NTA, Chairman of CBSE and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Education; Chairman of UGC is not listed.
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.