Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft being built at Cochin Shipyard, including Machilipatnam, are known as which class?
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Correct answer: A — Mahe class
PIB 2097441: the eight ASW SWC ships built by CSL are known as the 'Mahe' class.
How many Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft did the Ministry of Defence contract Cochin Shipyard to build in April 2019?
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Correct answer: C — Eight
PIB 2097441: the contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was awarded to CSL on 30 April 2019.
Which body invokes stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the National Capital Region?
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Correct answer: D — Commission for Air Quality Management
PIB 2097469: the Sub-Committee on GRAP of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas invoked Stage III on 29 January 2025.
Delhi's average AQI on 29 January 2025, which led to GRAP Stage III being invoked, was:
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Correct answer: C — 365
PIB 2097469: Delhi's AQI rose from 276 on 28 January to 365 on 29 January 2025.
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.
Where was the International Saraswati Mahotsav 2025 inaugurated on 29 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Adi Badri, Yamunanagar
AIR and Times of India: Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the Mahotsav at Adi Badri in Yamunanagar district, the origin place of the Saraswati river.
How many projects did the Haryana CM inaugurate and lay foundation stones for at the International Saraswati Mahotsav 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 29
AIR and Times of India: 29 projects worth ₹54.71 crore were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid.
Which state hosted the 38th National Games inaugurated on 28 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Uttarakhand
PIB 2097172: PM Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
What was the theme of the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand in 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Green Games
PIB 2097172: the theme was 'Green Games', with trophies and medals made of e-waste.
Consider the following statements about the 38th National Games: 1. The medals were made of e-waste. 2. The Games were held across 11 cities in 8 districts of Uttarakhand. 3. The Games were held in Uttarakhand's golden jubilee year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2097172: medals were made of e-waste and the Games were held in 11 cities across 8 districts; it was Uttarakhand's silver jubilee (25th) year, not golden jubilee.
Till what date were the 38th National Games scheduled to run in Uttarakhand?
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Correct answer: C — 14 February 2025
PIB 2097172: the Games were held from 28 January to 14 February 2025.
Which state became the first North-Eastern state to sign an MoU with the Digital India Bhashini Division in January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Tripura
PIB 2096998: Tripura became the first north-eastern state, the first in eastern India and the eighth in the country to sign an MoU with Bhashini.
With its January 2025 MoU, Tripura became which state in India to sign an MoU with Bhashini?
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Correct answer: C — Eighth
PIB 2096998: Tripura is the eighth state in the country to sign an MoU with Bhashini.
Bhashini, under the Digital India programme, aims to enable internet access and communication in how many Indian languages?
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Correct answer: C — 22
PIB 2096998: Bhashini aims to ensure communication and internet accessibility for all citizens in 22 Indian languages.
'Utkarsh Odisha' – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 was inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 28 January 2025 in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Bhubaneswar
PIB 2096929: the PM inaugurated the conclave and exhibition in Bhubaneswar on 28 January 2025.
At the Utkarsh Odisha conclave, the PM referred to dedicated industrial parks and investment regions for the petro and petrochemical sector at which two places in Odisha?
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Correct answer: A — Paradip and Gopalpur
PIB 2096929: dedicated industrial parks and investment regions were being developed in Paradip and Gopalpur.
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).
DPIIT signed an MoU on 28 January 2025 with which institute to strengthen the startup ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir?
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Correct answer: A — Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute
PIB 2097035: DPIIT and the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) signed the MoU at JKEDI's Baribrahamna campus.
When was the JK Startup Policy, credited with over 250 new DPIIT startup registrations in J&K, launched?
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Correct answer: D — March 2024
PIB 2097035: the JK Startup Policy was launched in March 2024 and led to over 250 new registrations, taking the total to 988.
Which state became the first in independent India to bring a Uniform Civil Code into force, on 27 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Uttarakhand
The Hindu and The Tribune (27 January 2025): Uttarakhand became the first state after Independence to implement the UCC.
Which Article of the Constitution directs the State to endeavour to secure a uniform civil code for citizens?
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Correct answer: D — Article 44
PIB 2096679: the Vice-President cited Article 44 (Part IV, Directive Principles), which asks the State to endeavour to secure a uniform civil code.
Consider the following statements about the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code: 1. The date of commencement, 27 January 2025, was appointed by the Governor through a notification. 2. The Code and its rules do not apply to members of Scheduled Tribes. 3. Registration of live-in relationships is outside the scope of the UCC portal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
UCC notification and Rules (ucc.uk.gov.in): the Governor appointed 27 January 2025 and the rules exclude Scheduled Tribes. The Hindu: online registration of live-in relationships is mandatory, so statement 3 is wrong.
Who was the first person to register a marriage on the Uttarakhand UCC portal on 27 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami
The Tribune (PTI, 27 January 2025): the Chief Minister was the first to register his marriage on the UCC portal; Chief Secretary Radha Raturi handed him the certificate.
AgriHub, an AI-driven Centre of Excellence for agriculture inaugurated on 27 January 2025, is located at which institute?
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Correct answer: D — IIT Indore
PIB 2097808: IIT Indore inaugurated AgriHub on 27 January 2025.
Which Union ministry supported AgriHub, whose Secretary was the chief guest at its launch?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
PIB 2097808: AgriHub was launched by MeitY with IIT Indore; MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan was the chief guest.
Consider the following about AgriHub: 1. It was developed in collaboration with ICAR-CIAE Bhopal and C-DAC Pune. 2. The Madhya Pradesh government is a collaborating partner. 3. It aims to become self-sustaining over ten years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2097808: partners are the MP government, ICAR-IISR Indore, ICAR-CIAE Bhopal and C-DAC Pune; the self-sustaining ecosystem is planned over five years, not ten.
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.
A central expert team was sent to which city in January 2025 after a spurt in Guillain-Barré Syndrome cases?
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Correct answer: D — Pune
PIB 2096793: the Union Health Ministry deputed a team to Pune, Maharashtra.
Which of the following institutions was NOT listed as contributing experts to the central GBS team sent to Pune?
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Correct answer: C — AIIMS Jodhpur
PIB 2096793: the seven experts came from NCDC Delhi, NIMHANS Bengaluru, the Regional Office of Health & FW and NIV Pune; AIIMS Jodhpur was not listed.
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.
BAKAMLA, with which the Indian Coast Guard renewed an MoU on 27 January 2025, is the coast guard of which country?
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Correct answer: D — Indonesia
PIB 2097082: BAKAMLA (Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia) is the Indonesia Coast Guard.
Consider the following about the ICG–BAKAMLA meeting of January 2025: 1. The MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation was renewed for three years. 2. It was the 2nd High-Level Meeting between the two coast guards. 3. ICG Ship Shaunak was deployed to Surabaya during the visit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2097082: the MoU was renewed for three years at the 2nd HLM in New Delhi; ICG Ship Shaunak was deployed to Jakarta (27–30 January), not Surabaya.
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.
The INST Mohali nano-formulation for Parkinson's disease provides sustained release of which hormone to the brain?
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Correct answer: C — 17β-Estradiol
PIB 2096694: the targeted nano-formulation enables sustained release of 17β-Estradiol (E2) to the brain.
Which nanoparticles were used as the carrier in INST Mohali's Parkinson's nano-formulation?
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Correct answer: B — Chitosan nanoparticles
PIB 2096694: Dopamine Receptor D3 was conjugated to 17β-Estradiol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles.
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.
Who was the chief guest at India's 76th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Prabowo Subianto
MEA and PIB 2096097: President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day.
What was the theme of the tableaux and celebrations at the Republic Day Parade 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas
PIB 2096097 and The Hindu: the theme was 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'.
Consider the following statements about the Republic Day Parade 2025: 1. The celebrations had a special focus on 75 years of the enactment of the Constitution. 2. A marching contingent of the Indonesian National Armed Forces took part. 3. A total of 21 tableaux rolled down Kartavya Path. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2096097: the focus was on 75 years of the Constitution's enactment and a 152-member Indonesian marching contingent took part; there were 31 tableaux, not 21.
How many members were in the Indonesian marching contingent at the Republic Day Parade 2025, according to the Defence Ministry curtain raiser?
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Correct answer: B — 152
PIB 2096097: the marching contingent had 152 members and the military band 190 members.
Which of the following gallantry award winners was listed as an Ashok Chakra awardee in the Republic Day Parade 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Lt Col Jas Ram Singh
PIB 2096097: Param Vir Chakra winners Yogendra Singh Yadav and Sanjay Kumar and Ashok Chakra winner Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (all retired) featured in the parade.
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.