UPSSSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In the SpaDeX trial approach on 12 January 2025, how close were the two satellites brought before being moved back?
Show answer
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'?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
On which FM frequency does All India Radio's Maha Kumbh channel 'Kumbhvani', launched on 10 January 2025, broadcast?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 103.5 MHz
PIB: Kumbhvani broadcasts on FM 103.5 MHz.
Who launched the 'Kumbhvani' FM channel in Prayagraj on 10 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Yogi Adityanath
PIB: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Kumbhvani at Circuit House, Prayagraj; L. Murugan joined online.
Till which date is the Kumbhvani FM channel scheduled to broadcast?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 26 February 2025
PIB: the broadcast period is 10 January 2025 to 26 February 2025.
What was India's IIP growth rate for November 2024 as per the Quick Estimates released on 10 January 2025?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
Who was the Maldives Defence Minister who held talks with Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 8 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon
PIB (Defence): Rajnath Singh held talks with Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, on his first official visit to India.
In the vision of SAGAR cited during India–Maldives defence talks, what does SAGAR stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Security And Growth for All in the Region
PIB (Defence): SAGAR is Security And Growth for All in the Region, cited alongside the 'Neighbourhood First' policy.
During the 8 January 2025 talks, both sides reaffirmed commitment to which India–Maldives framework?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership
PIB (Defence): both sides reasserted commitment to the joint vision for India–Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
Which organisation organises the Indusfood trade show, whose 8th edition opened on 8 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Trade Promotion Council of India
PIB (MoFPI): Indusfood is organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) with support from the Department of Commerce.
Where was Indusfood 2025 inaugurated by Chirag Paswan on 8 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida
PIB (MoFPI): Indusfood 2025 was inaugurated at India Exposition Mart Ltd in Greater Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar.
Consider the following statements about Indusfood: 1. It began in 2017. 2. It welcomed international exhibitors for the first time in 2024. 3. The 2025 edition debuted as an integrated farm-to-fork trade show. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (MoFPI): Indusfood started in 2017, welcomed international exhibitors for the first time in 2024, and debuted as an integrated farm-to-fork show in 2025.
What real GDP growth rate for 2024-25 did the NSO's First Advance Estimates, released on 7 January 2025, project?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 6.4%
PIB (MoSPI): real GDP is estimated to grow by 6.4% in 2024-25, against 8.2% in the Provisional Estimate for 2023-24.
As per the First Advance Estimates for 2024-25, what is the estimated growth of real GVA in agriculture and allied sectors?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 3.8%
PIB (MoSPI): real GVA of agriculture and allied sectors is estimated to grow by 3.8% in 2024-25, against 1.4% in 2023-24.
Consider the following statements about the First Advance Estimates of GDP for 2024-25: 1. Nominal GDP is estimated to grow by 9.7%. 2. Private Final Consumption Expenditure at constant prices is estimated to grow by 4.0%. 3. Real GVA of construction is estimated to grow by 8.6%. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (MoSPI): nominal GDP 9.7% and construction 8.6% are correct; PFCE grows 7.3% in 2024-25 (4.0% was the previous year's rate).
Before his appointment as Secretary, Department of Space on 7 January 2025, V. Narayanan headed which ISRO centre?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre
The Hindu, Indian Express (quoting the ACC order) and ISRO: Narayanan was Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Valiamala.
For what period was V. Narayanan appointed Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission by the ACC order of January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Two years from 14 January 2025, or until further orders
The Hindu and Indian Express quote the ACC order: two years with effect from 14.01.2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Consider the following statements about V. Narayanan, appointed Space Secretary in January 2025: 1. He joined ISRO in 1984. 2. He completed his M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. 3. He succeeded K. Sivan as Space Secretary. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
ISRO: he joined ISRO in 1984 and studied at IIT Kharagpur; The Hindu and Indian Express: he succeeds S. Somanath, not K. Sivan.
Who co-chaired the first India–Malaysia Security Dialogue in New Delhi on 7 January 2025 from the Indian side?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ajit Doval
MEA: the dialogue was co-chaired by NSA Ajit Doval and Raja Dato Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin, DG of Malaysia's National Security Council.
India–Malaysia ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during which visit, from which the 2025 Security Dialogue emerged?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — PM Anwar Ibrahim's visit to India, August 2024
MEA: the dialogue is an outcome of PM Anwar Ibrahim's visit to India in August 2024, when ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the first India–Malaysia Security Dialogue: 1. Both sides agreed to institutionalise it with annual meetings. 2. They explored cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths. 3. It was held in Kuala Lumpur. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
MEA: statements 1 and 2 are correct; the dialogue was held in New Delhi, not Kuala Lumpur.
Which MeitY project was used to make the e-Shram portal available in all 22 Scheduled Languages on 7 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bhashini
PIB (Labour): MeitY's Bhashini project was leveraged to upgrade the e-Shram portal to 22 languages.
Before the January 2025 upgrade, the e-Shram portal was available in English, Hindi and which two other languages?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Kannada and Marathi
PIB (Labour): the previous version was available only in English, Hindi, Kannada and Marathi.
Access to how many Central Government schemes had been facilitated through the e-Shram portal, as stated on 7 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Twelve
PIB (Labour): access to twelve schemes of the Government of India has been facilitated through the e-Shram portal.
António Costa, who called PM Modi on 7 January 2025, holds which post?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — President of the European Council
PIB (PMO): António Costa is President of the European Council; the PM congratulated him on assuming charge.
During the 7 January 2025 call between PM Modi and António Costa, where was the next India–EU Summit said to be held?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — India
PIB (PMO): the leaders looked forward to the next India–EU Summit to be held in India at a mutually convenient time.
Which agreement did PM Modi and António Costa underline the need to conclude early during their call on 7 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — India–EU Free Trade Agreement
PIB (PMO): the leaders underlined the need for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India–EU FTA.
What step did US NSA Jake Sullivan announce in New Delhi on 6 January 2025 to promote civil nuclear cooperation with India?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Efforts to finalise steps to delist Indian nuclear entities
MEA joint press release: Sullivan announced US efforts to finalise necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities.
The India–US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) was launched on the sidelines of which summit?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Quad Summit in Tokyo, May 2022
MEA: iCET was launched by PM Modi and President Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Tokyo on 24 May 2022.
Under which regime did the US brief India on updated missile export control policies on 6 January 2025 to boost commercial space cooperation?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Missile Technology Control Regime
MEA: Sullivan briefed India on updates to US missile export control policies under the MTCR that will boost US commercial space cooperation with India.
What is the name of the new UGC auditorium inaugurated by Dharmendra Pradhan on 6 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Pushpagiri
PIB (Education): Pradhan inaugurated 'Pushpagiri', the new auditorium of UGC.
The draft UGC Regulations, 2025 released on 6 January 2025 mainly concern which subject?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Minimum qualifications for appointment and promotion of teachers and academic staff
PIB (Education): the draft covers Minimum Qualifications for Appointment & Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education.
Who was the UGC Chairman present when the draft UGC Regulations, 2025 were released?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — M. Jagadesh Kumar
PIB (Education): Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman, UGC, was present at the event.
Within what originally allocated outlay will PLI Scheme 1.1 for specialty steel, launched on 6 January 2025, operate?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹6,322 crore
PIB (Steel): the scheme will operate within the funds originally allocated, i.e. ₹6,322 crore.
Over which production period will PLI Scheme 1.1 for specialty steel be implemented?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30
PIB (Steel): the Steel Secretary said PLI 1.1 will be implemented during the production period FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30.
Which of the following are among the five product categories covered by PLI Scheme 1.1 for specialty steel? 1. Specialty Rails 2. Electrical Steel 3. Stainless Steel Utensils Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Steel): the five categories are coated/plated steel, high strength/wear resistant steel, specialty rails, alloy steel products & steel wires, and electrical steel; utensils are not included.
Which company will use CSIR's indigenous paracetamol technology announced on 5 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd
PIB (S&T): Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd will utilise the breakthrough to produce affordable paracetamol domestically.
CSIR's indigenous paracetamol technology was announced at the foundation day of which department on 5 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
PIB (S&T): Jitendra Singh made the announcement while addressing the 40th Foundation Day of DSIR.
How many more CSIR technologies were transferred to MSMEs under the Laghu Udyog Bharati '100 days 100 technology' campaign on DSIR's 40th Foundation Day?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 16
PIB (S&T): 57 CSIR technologies had been transferred so far under the campaign, and 16 more were transferred on the day.
Who was named Player of the Series in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy that ended in Sydney on 5 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Jasprit Bumrah
The Hindu and BBC: Jasprit Bumrah was presented the Player of the Series award.
By what margin did Australia win the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 3-1
BBC, The Hindu and Reuters: Australia won the five-match series 3-1 after the six-wicket win in Sydney.
Consider the following statements about the fifth Test of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney: 1. Australia won by six wickets on the third day. 2. Scott Boland took 6-45 in India's second innings. 3. India captain Jasprit Bumrah bowled Australia out in the second innings. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
BBC and The Hindu: Australia won by six wickets on day three, and Boland took 6-45; Bumrah could not bowl because of a back injury.
Who chaired the Joint Monitoring Group meeting held by the Union Health Ministry on 4 January 2025 on respiratory illnesses in China?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Director General of Health Services
PIB (Health): the JMG meeting was held under the Chairmanship of DGHS, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
What precautionary step regarding HMPV was agreed at the Joint Monitoring Group meeting of 4 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ICMR to increase HMPV testing laboratories and monitor trends for the year
PIB (Health): as a precaution, the number of laboratories testing for HMPV will be enhanced by ICMR, which will monitor HMPV trends for the entire year.
Consider the following conclusions of the Health Ministry's Joint Monitoring Group on 4 January 2025: 1. The situation in China is not unusual in view of the flu season. 2. Influenza, RSV and HMPV are among the usual seasonal pathogens behind the surge. 3. ICMR and IDSP data show an unusual surge in SARI cases in India. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Health): statements 1 and 2 were agreed; data from ICMR and IDSP indicate no unusual surge in ILI and SARI cases.
What was India's coal production (provisional) in calendar year 2024, as reported by the Ministry of Coal?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1,039.59 MT
PIB (Coal): production reached an all-time high of 1,039.59 MT (provisional) in 2024; 1,012.72 MT was the dispatch figure.
By what percentage did India's coal production grow in calendar year 2024 over 2023?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 7.28%
PIB (Coal): production grew 7.28% over 969.07 MT in 2023; dispatch grew 6.56%.
Consider the following statements about India's coal sector in calendar year 2024: 1. Coal dispatch crossed 1,000 million tonnes. 2. Coal production grew faster than coal dispatch. 3. Coal production in 2023 was above 1,000 million tonnes. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Coal): dispatch was 1,012.72 MT; production grew 7.28% vs dispatch 6.56%; 2023 production was 969.07 MT, below 1,000 MT.
INSV Tarini left Lyttelton, New Zealand, on 4 January 2025 for which destination on the third leg of Navika Sagar Parikrama II?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
PIB (Defence): Tarini left Lyttelton for its onward passage (third leg) to Port Stanley, Falkland Islands.
Who are the two Indian Navy officers undertaking the Navika Sagar Parikrama II circumnavigation on INSV Tarini?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A
PIB (Defence): the double-handed circumnavigation is being undertaken by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A.
Consider the following statements about Navika Sagar Parikrama II: 1. It was flagged off from Goa on 2 October 2024. 2. The third leg from Lyttelton is the longest leg of the expedition. 3. The third leg avoids Cape Horn by passing through the Panama Canal. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Defence): flagged off from Goa on 02 Oct 24; the Lyttelton–Port Stanley leg is the longest and passes through the Drake Passage and Cape Horn.
During which period did Rajagopala Chidambaram serve as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, DAE?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1993–2000
DAE: he was Chairman, AEC and Secretary, DAE from 1993 to 2000; Director, BARC 1990–1993; PSA 2001–2018.
Rajagopala Chidambaram, who died on 4 January 2025, chaired which international body's Board of Governors during 1994–1995?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — International Atomic Energy Agency
DAE: he was Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (1994–1995).
Consider the following statements about Rajagopala Chidambaram: 1. He played an integral role in India's first nuclear test in 1974. 2. He led the DAE team during the Pokhran-II tests in 1998. 3. He received the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
DAE: all three are stated – integral role in 1974, led the DAE team in Pokhran-II (1998), Padma Shri 1975 and Padma Vibhushan 1999.
The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 released on 3 January 2025 are meant to implement which law?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
PIB (MeitY): the draft rules facilitate implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
What was the last date for submitting comments on the draft DPDP Rules, 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 18 February 2025
PIB (MeitY): feedback may be submitted via the MyGov portal and the last date is 18 February 2025.
Consider the following statements about the draft DPDP Rules, 2025: 1. They provide for the Data Protection Board to function as a digital office. 2. They were drafted in line with the SARAL framework. 3. Comments on them were invited only through written submissions to the Ministry of Law and Justice. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MeitY): the rules cover the functioning of the Board as a digital office and follow the SARAL framework; comments are invited via the MyGov portal, so statement 3 is wrong.
Which pillar was newly introduced in the LEADS 2024 report released on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sustainable Logistics
PIB (Commerce): LEADS 2024 evaluates four pillars — Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Operating and Regulatory Environment, and the newly introduced Sustainable Logistics.
In LEADS 2024, which of the following was among the 'Achievers' of the North-Eastern group?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Arunachal Pradesh
PIB (Commerce): North-Eastern Achievers — Assam and Arunachal Pradesh; Meghalaya and Tripura are Fast Movers; Manipur is an Aspirer.
Consider the following statements about the LEADS 2024 report: 1. It is the sixth edition of the report. 2. Kerala and West Bengal were placed among the 'Achievers' of the Coastal group. 3. Chandigarh and Delhi were the 'Achievers' among Union Territories. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Commerce): the DPIIT Secretary called it the 6th edition; Kerala and West Bengal are Coastal 'Aspirers', so statement 2 is wrong; UT Achievers are Chandigarh and Delhi.
Who was the Maldives Foreign Minister who held talks with EAM S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Abdulla Khaleel
MEA: Dr Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, was on an official visit to India from 2–4 January 2025 and held talks with EAM on 3 January.
During the Maldives Foreign Minister's visit of 2–4 January 2025, India and Maldives signed an MoU on which subject?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — High Impact Community Development Projects Phase-III
MEA: both sides signed an MoU for implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects under Phase-III in Maldives, through grant assistance by the Government of India.
Which aircraft carrier led the French Carrier Strike Group that visited India from 3 to 9 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — FNS Charles de Gaulle
PIB (Defence): the group was led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle; FS Forbin was one of the ships that visited Kochi.
At which two Indian ports did the French Carrier Strike Group make port calls during its January 2025 visit?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Goa and Kochi
PIB (Defence): the visit from 03–09 Jan 25 included port calls in Goa and Kochi.
With which Indian Navy formation did the French Carrier Strike Group hold a PASSEX in January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Western Fleet
PIB (Defence): in Goa, the group is hosting engagements including a PASSEX at sea with the Indian Navy's Western Fleet.
The Centralized Pension Payments System (CPPS), fully rolled out by EPFO, operates under which scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995
PIB (Labour): EPFO completed the full-scale rollout of CPPS under the Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 in December 2024.
In which regional offices was the first pilot of EPFO's CPPS conducted in October 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Karnal, Jammu and Srinagar
PIB (Labour): the first pilot was completed in October 2024 in Karnal, Jammu and Srinagar Regional Offices, disbursing about ₹11 crore to more than 49,000 pensioners.
Consider the following statements about EPFO's CPPS: 1. About ₹1,570 crore of pension for December 2024 was paid through it to more than 68 lakh pensioners. 2. It covers all 122 pension-disbursing Regional Offices of EPFO. 3. Under it, a pensioner can draw pension from any bank and any branch. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Labour): all three are stated — about ₹1,570 crore to more than 68 lakh pensioners of all 122 pension-disbursing ROs, and pension from any bank, any branch, anywhere.
What is 'Baanknet', revamped and launched on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — An e-auction portal for properties of public sector banks
PIB (Finance): DFS Secretary launched the revamped e-auction portal 'Baanknet', which consolidates e-auction properties of all PSBs.
Who launched the revamped Baanknet portal on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services
PIB (Finance): Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, launched the revamped portal in New Delhi.
According to the Ministry of Finance, roughly how many properties had already been migrated to the revamped Baanknet portal at launch?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Over 1,22,500
PIB (Finance): over 1,22,500 properties have already been migrated to the new portal for auction.