UPPSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What guarantee coverage does the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs, approved in January 2025, provide to lenders?
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Correct answer: B — 60%
PIB 2097455: NCGTC provides 60% guarantee coverage to member lending institutions for credit up to ₹100 crore.
Consider the following statements about MCGS-MSME: 1. Loans up to ₹100 crore are eligible for guarantee cover. 2. Equipment or machinery must be at least 75% of the project cost. 3. The guarantee is provided by SIDBI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2097455: loans up to ₹100 crore are covered and equipment must be at least 75% of project cost; the guarantee is given by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC), not SIDBI.
According to ASUSE 2023-24, which state had the highest number of unincorporated sector establishments?
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Correct answer: C — Uttar Pradesh
PIB 2097316: Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of establishments, followed by West Bengal and Maharashtra.
By how much did the number of establishments in the unincorporated sector grow in ASUSE 2023-24 over 2022-23?
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Correct answer: B — 12.84%
PIB 2097316: establishments grew 12.84% (6.50 crore to 7.34 crore); workers grew 10.01% and GVA 16.52%.
Which state topped Gross Value Added in the unincorporated sector as per ASUSE 2023-24?
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Correct answer: C — Maharashtra
PIB 2097316: the top three states in GVA were Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
How much did the High-Level Committee chaired by the Union Home Minister approve for disaster mitigation on 29 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹3,027.86 crore
PIB 2097448: the HLC approved ₹3,027.86 crore in total for drought, lightning and forest fire mitigation projects.
The forest fire risk management scheme approved on 29 January 2025 covers how many high-priority districts?
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Correct answer: C — 144
PIB 2097448: the forest fire scheme covers 144 high-priority districts in 19 states at ₹818.92 crore.
From which fund are the drought and lightning mitigation projects approved by the High-Level Committee in January 2025 to be financed?
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Correct answer: A — National Disaster Mitigation Fund
PIB 2097448: the HLC considered the lightning and drought proposals for funding from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF).
What administered ex-mill price was fixed on 29 January 2025 for ethanol from C-heavy molasses for ESY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: A — ₹57.97 per litre
PIB 2097305: the price was fixed at ₹57.97 per litre, up from ₹56.58 per litre.
The Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) used under the Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme runs from:
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Correct answer: B — 1 November to 31 October
PIB 2097305: ESY is defined as the period from 1 November of a year to 31 October of the following year.
Consider the following statements about ethanol blending in India: 1. Average blending by public sector OMCs reached 14.60% in ESY 2023-24. 2. The 20% blending target has been advanced to ESY 2025-26. 3. OMCs plan to achieve 20% blending in ESY 2024-25. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2097305: blending averaged 14.60% in ESY 2023-24 and the 20% target was advanced to ESY 2025-26; OMCs plan 18%, not 20%, in ESY 2024-25.
According to a study by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism reported in January 2025, the north magnetic pole has been drifting from:
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Correct answer: A — Canada towards Siberia
PIB 2097391: the north magnetic pole, which was in Canada till 1990, has drifted towards Siberia, moving at about 50 km per year by 2020.
The Occupational Shortage Index launched by the Labour Ministry on 29 January 2025 is based on which data source?
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Correct answer: D — Quarterly Periodic Labour Force Survey data
PIB 2097431: the OSI is based on ILO methodology and quarterly PLFS data.
How many trains did Indian Railways plan to run from Prayagraj for Mauni Amavasya during Maha Kumbh 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 360
PIB 2097100: an all-time high of 360 trains, including 190 special trains, 110 regular trains and 50–60 MEMU trains.
What was the value of railway infrastructure developed in and around Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025, according to the Railway Board?
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Correct answer: C — ₹5,000 crore
PIB 2097100: Indian Railways developed infrastructure worth ₹5,000 crore in and around Prayagraj.
How many medical personnel did the Uttar Pradesh government deploy in Mahakumbh Nagar for Mauni Amavasya 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Over 1,000
PIB 2097101: over 1,000 medical personnel were deployed, with 300 specialist doctors at the Super Speciality Hospital.
Researchers of which institute reported electron confinement-induced plasmonic breakdown in metals in January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
PIB 2097003: the study was by JNCASR, Bengaluru, led by Prof. Bivas Saha.
'Vasudha', whose winner was announced on 28 January 2025, is a global startup challenge in which sector?
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Correct answer: A — Upstream oil and gas
PIB 2097144: Vasudha is the global startup challenge in the upstream oil and gas sector; Latin Energy Partners Inc., Paraguay won it.
Which institution won the hackathon announced alongside Avinya'25 and Vasudha in January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
PIB 2097144: IIT (ISM) Dhanbad won the hackathon and IIT Guwahati was runner-up.
Which startup won Avinya'25, India's energy startup competition, in January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — UrjanovaC Pvt Ltd
PIB 2097144: UrjanovaC Pvt Ltd won Avinya'25; Breathe ESG, AgriVijay, Apeiro Energy and UGreen Technology were runners-up.
Renew Exim DMCC, whose acquisition of up to 72.64% of ITD Cementation India was approved by CCI in January 2025, belongs to which group?
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Correct answer: B — Adani group
PIB 2097096: the acquirer is incorporated in Dubai and belongs to the Adani group.
ITD Cementation India Limited, whose acquisition was approved by CCI in January 2025, is mainly engaged in which business?
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Correct answer: B — Engineering and construction (EPC)
PIB 2097096: ITD Cementation India is an engineering and construction company undertaking heavy civil, infrastructure and EPC business.
CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, which celebrated its diamond jubilee on 28 January 2025, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
PIB 2097112: CSIR-IITR marked its 60th anniversary at an event in Lucknow on 28 January 2025.
CSIR-IITR was credited in January 2025 with investigating the cause of a mysterious disease in which district?
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Correct answer: A — Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir
PIB 2097112: Jitendra Singh noted CSIR-IITR's contribution in investigating the cause of the mysterious disease in Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir.
How many registrations did the 8th edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha (2025) receive?
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Correct answer: B — 3.56 crore
PIB 2096983: PPC 2025 received 3.56 crore registrations; the 7th edition had 2.26 crore.
In which year did Pariksha Pe Charcha begin?
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Correct answer: B — 2018
PIB 2096983: since its beginning in 2018, PPC has grown into a nationwide movement.
Pariksha Pe Charcha 2025's nationwide 'Jan Andolan' activities began on 12 January 2025, which is observed as:
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Correct answer: D — National Youth Day
PIB 2096983: the activities were conducted from 12 January 2025 (National Youth Day).
What minimum efficiency does the Solar QCO 2025 set for poly-crystalline silicon PV modules?
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Correct answer: C — 17%
PIB 2097219: 17% for poly-crystalline silicon modules and 18% for mono-crystalline silicon and thin-film modules.
Under which law was the Solar Systems, Devices, and Components Goods Order, 2025 notified?
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Correct answer: C — Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016
PIB 2097219: the order was notified in the Gazette dated 27.01.2025 under the BIS Act, 2016.
Consider the following statements about the Solar QCO 2025: 1. It covers solar PV modules, inverters and storage batteries. 2. It comes into effect 180 days from the date of publication. 3. Products meant exclusively for export are also covered. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2097219: the order covers modules, inverters and storage batteries and takes effect after 180 days; products exclusively for export are exempted.
Where did India and Oman sign the protocol amending their Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement on 27 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Muscat
Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs (27 January 2025): the protocol was signed in Muscat.
Which session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting did Piyush Goyal co-chair during his January 2025 visit to Oman?
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Correct answer: C — 11th
PIB 2097043: Goyal co-chaired the 11th Session of the India-Oman JCM with Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef.
With how many cities was Prayagraj Airport directly connected as of late January 2025, for Maha Kumbh?
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Correct answer: C — 17
PIB 2096769: Prayagraj was directly connected with 17 cities, against 8 in December 2024; 26 cities were reachable with direct and connecting flights.
Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj was scheduled to run till which date?
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Correct answer: B — 26 February 2025
PIB 2096769: Prayagraj Airport expanded to handle devotees from 13 January to 26 February 2025.
As announced in January 2025, roughly how many track kilometres of Indian Railways had been upgraded for speeds up to 130 kmph?
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Correct answer: A — Over 23,000
PIB 2096768: over 23,000 TKM were upgraded for 130 kmph; about 54,337 TKM were upgraded for 110 kmph.
Sections of which two major rail corridors prominently feature in the 130 kmph track upgrades?
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Correct answer: A — Golden Quadrilateral and Golden Diagonal
PIB 2096768: the upgrades prominently feature sections of the Golden Quadrilateral and Golden Diagonal networks.
As of 27 January 2025, what was the total area reported under Rabi crops?
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Correct answer: C — Over 655.88 lakh ha
PIB 2096743: Rabi crop sowing exceeded 655.88 lakh hectares as on 27 January 2025.
Which crop covered the largest Rabi area as of 27 January 2025, at 324.38 lakh hectares?
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Correct answer: B — Wheat
PIB 2096743: wheat covered 324.38 lakh ha, against 315.63 lakh ha a year earlier.
The Incubation & Innovation Complex (IICON) inaugurated at the North East Aroma Conclave 2025 belongs to which institute?
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Correct answer: D — CSIR-NEIST
PIB 2096771: Jitendra Singh inaugurated the IICON of CSIR-NEIST at the North East Aroma Conclave 2025.
Consider the following about CSIR-NEIST's work under the Aroma and Floriculture Missions: 1. Aromatic crops have been introduced over more than 5,000 hectares in the North East. 2. Over 10,000 farmers have benefited. 3. IICON offers 27 advanced technologies to startups and MSMEs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB 2096771: crops such as citronella and lemongrass cover more than 5,000 ha benefiting over 10,000 farmers, and IICON offers 27 advanced technologies.
What was the theme of the first-ever tri-services tableau at the Republic Day Parade 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat
PIB 2096097: the tri-services tableau's theme was 'Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat'; 'Raksha Kavach' was DRDO's and 'Viksit Bharat ki Ore Sadaiv Agrasar' the veterans' tableau.
Which naval destroyer was featured on the tri-services tableau at the Republic Day Parade 2025?
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Correct answer: D — INS Visakhapatnam
PIB 2096097: the tableau displayed the Arjun MBT, Tejas MKII, ALH, destroyer INS Visakhapatnam and a remotely piloted aircraft.
For which category did 'Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam' at the Republic Day Parade 2025 receive a Guinness World Record?
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Correct answer: D — The Largest Indian Folk Variety Dance
PIB 2096534: it was recognised by Guinness World Records for 'The Largest Indian Folk Variety Dance'.
Along with the Ministry of Culture, which body presented 'Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam' at the Republic Day Parade 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Sangeet Natak Akademi
PIB 2096534: the performance was by the Ministry of Culture and Sangeet Natak Akademi.
'Dharashakti', displayed on DRDO's Republic Day 2025 tableau, is what kind of system?
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Correct answer: D — Electronic warfare system
PIB 2096097: Dharashakti is an electronic warfare system; Arudhra is the medium power radar and UGRAM the assault rifle.
What was the theme of DRDO's tableau at the Republic Day Parade 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Raksha Kavach
PIB 2096097: DRDO's theme was 'Raksha Kavach – Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats'; 'Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Progress' was the ICG tableau.
According to the DAHD tableau release, what was India's per capita milk availability in 2023-24?
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Correct answer: C — 471 grams per day
PIB 2096540: per capita availability was 471 grams per day in 2023-24, against a global average of 329 grams.
The theme of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying's first Republic Day tableau in 2025 honoured what?
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Correct answer: A — Indigenous cattle breeds
PIB 2096540: the theme was 'Honouring India's Indigenous Cattle Breeds as Icons of Sustainable Rural Growth'.
Which helpline number for children was showcased on the WCD Ministry's Republic Day 2025 tableau?
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Correct answer: C — 1098
PIB 2096419: the tableau showcased Women Helpline (181) and Child Helpline (1098).
Which of the following schemes was showcased on the WCD Ministry's Republic Day 2025 tableau?
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Correct answer: A — Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
PIB 2096419: schemes shown included One Stop Centre, Women Helpline, Child Helpline and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
According to the SBI report highlighted on 26 January 2025, what were total investment announcements in April–December 2024?
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Correct answer: C — ₹32.01 lakh crore
PIB 2096480: investment announcements in 9MFY25 stood at ₹32.01 lakh crore, up 39% from ₹23 lakh crore in 9MFY24.
Consider the following statements based on the SBI report highlighted by the Finance Ministry in January 2025: 1. Household net financial savings rose to 5.3% of GDP in FY24. 2. Private corporate investment reached 11.9% of GDP in FY23, the highest since FY16. 3. The public sector accounted for nearly 70% of investment announcements in 9MFY25. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2096480: HNFS rose to 5.3% of GDP in FY24 and private corporate investment hit 11.9% of GDP in FY23; nearly 70% of 9MFY25 announcements came from the private sector, not the public sector.
What capacity ashram did the Uttar Pradesh government set up in the Maha Kumbh area for senior citizens from old age homes?
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Correct answer: B — 100 beds
PIB 2096571: an ashram with a 100-bed capacity was established in the Kumbh area for senior citizens living in old age homes.
About how many senior citizens from old age homes had taken a dip at the Sangam by Republic Day 2025, according to the Culture Ministry release?
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Correct answer: B — About 450
PIB 2096571: around 450 senior citizens from different parts of the state had reached Maha Kumbh and taken a dip at the Sangam.
How many Padma Vibhushan awards were announced for 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 7
PIB 2096285 (MHA): the list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri awards.
What was the total number of Padma Awards approved for 2025, counting the duo case as one?
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Correct answer: C — 139
PIB 2096285: the President approved 139 Padma Awards including 1 duo case, counted as one.
Consider the following statements about the Padma Awards 2025: 1. 19 Padma Bhushan awards were announced. 2. 23 of the awardees are women. 3. 10 awards were conferred posthumously. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2096285: there are 19 Padma Bhushan awards and 23 women awardees; 13 awards are posthumous, while 10 is the count of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI awardees.
Which Japanese industrialist was named for the Padma Vibhushan (posthumous) in Trade and Industry in 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Osamu Suzuki
PIB 2096285: Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous), Trade and Industry, Japan, is among the 7 Padma Vibhushan awardees.
Match the Padma Awards 2025 recipients with their award category: 1. Sharda Sinha – Padma Vibhushan (posthumous) 2. P R Sreejesh – Padma Bhushan 3. Arijit Singh – Padma Bhushan Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2096285: Sharda Sinha received the Padma Vibhushan (posthumous) and P R Sreejesh the Padma Bhushan (sports); Arijit Singh is in the Padma Shri list.
Which Indonesian President was the chief guest at India's first Republic Day in 1950, as recalled during Prabowo Subianto's 2025 visit?
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Correct answer: A — Sukarno
PIB 2096322: President Murmu noted that 75 years ago, at the first Republic Day in 1950, President Sukarno of Indonesia was the chief guest.
Consider the following outcomes of the Indonesian President's State Visit to India in January 2025: 1. An MoU on traditional medicine quality assurance with the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority. 2. A Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025-28. 3. An MoU on space cooperation between ISRO and Indonesia's space agency. Which of the above were listed among the outcomes?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2096278: outcomes included the traditional medicine MoU (PCIM&H–Indonesian FDA), MoUs on health and digital development and a 2025-28 cultural exchange programme; no space MoU was listed.
Which edition of the India-Indonesia CEOs Forum presented its joint report during the January 2025 State Visit?
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Correct answer: C — 3rd
PIB 2096278: the co-chairs of the 3rd India-Indonesia CEOs Forum presented their joint report.
How many Kirti Chakras were approved on the eve of Republic Day 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 2
PIB 2096200: two Kirti Chakras (one posthumous) and 14 Shaurya Chakras were approved.
Consider the following statements about the Republic Day 2025 gallantry awards: 1. Gallantry awards were approved for 93 personnel, including 12 posthumous. 2. 14 Shaurya Chakras were approved. 3. 305 defence decorations included 50 Param Vishisht Seva Medals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2096200: 93 gallantry awards (12 posthumous) and 14 Shaurya Chakras were approved; the 305 defence decorations included 30 PVSMs, not 50.
Who among the following received the Kirti Chakra posthumously on the eve of Republic Day 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Naik Dilwar Khan
PIB 2096200: Kirti Chakras went to Major Manjit (22 RR) and Naik Dilwar Khan (28 RR, posthumous); Captain Deepak Singh received the Shaurya Chakra (posthumous).
How many Medals for Gallantry were awarded to police and fire personnel on Republic Day 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 95
PIB 2096015: 95 Medals for Gallantry (78 police, 17 fire service), 101 PSM and 746 MSM were awarded.
What was the total number of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services personnel awarded medals on Republic Day 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 942
PIB 2096015: a total of 942 personnel were awarded Gallantry and Service Medals.
How many Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padaks were approved in the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2024?
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Correct answer: D — 17
PIB 2096171: 17 Sarvottam, 9 Uttam and 23 Jeevan Raksha Padaks were approved for 49 persons.
How many of the Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2024 awardees were honoured posthumously?
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Correct answer: B — 6
PIB 2096171: six of the 49 awardees are posthumous.