Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
The Model Resilient Village whose foundation stone was laid on 20 January 2025 at Sil/Sunani is in which district of Himachal Pradesh?
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Correct answer: D — Solan
PIB 2094608: Sil/Sunani is in Bawasni Gram Panchayat, Baddi, District Solan.
Which CSIR laboratory detailed the infrastructure design, such as shelters, roads and drinking water systems, for the Sil/Sunani Model Resilient Village?
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-CBRI
PIB 2094608: the Director of CSIR-CBRI detailed CSIR's technical contributions, including designing shelters, roads and drinking water systems.
Which CSIR institute organised the XXVII International Congress on Glass 2025 in Kolkata?
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Correct answer: B — CSIR-CGCRI
PIB 2094610: ICG 2025 was organised by CSIR-Central Glass and Ceramic Research Institute (CSIR-CGCRI).
At which venue was the XXVII International Congress on Glass 2025 inaugurated on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata
PIB 2094610: Jitendra Singh inaugurated ICG 2025 at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata.
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 team did India beat in both the men's and women's finals of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup in January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Nepal
The Hindu and Sportstar: India beat Nepal 78-40 in the women's final and 54-36 in the men's final.
Who captained the Indian men's team that won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup?
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Correct answer: C — Pratik Waikar
The Hindu and Sportstar: captain Pratik Waikar led the men's team to a 54-36 win over Nepal.
Consider the following statements about the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 finals: 1. The finals were held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. 2. The Indian women's team was led by Priyanka Ingle. 3. The Indian men's team won the final 78-40. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
The Hindu: the finals were at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium and skipper Priyanka Ingle led the women; 78-40 was the women's score, while the men won 54-36.
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.
Who won the women's singles title at the India Open 2025 badminton tournament?
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Correct answer: A — An Se-young
TOI and Sportstar: An Se-young beat Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-9 in the women's singles final.
The India Open 2025 badminton tournament, held in New Delhi in January 2025, was played at which tournament level?
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Correct answer: C — Super 750
TOI and Sportstar: the India Open 2025 was a Super 750 tournament.
Consider the following statements about the India Open 2025: 1. Viktor Axelsen won his third India Open title in his sixth final. 2. An Se-young won her first India Open title. 3. A Chinese pair won the mixed doubles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
TOI and Sportstar: Axelsen won his third title in his sixth final and China's Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin won the mixed doubles; it was An Se-young's second India Open title.
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 20th Raising Day ceremony of the NDRF held on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Vijayawada
PIB 2094319: Amit Shah attended the NDRF's 20th Raising Day ceremony in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
Which of the following was NOT among the projects launched at the NDRF's 20th Raising Day on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — A new NDRF headquarters in New Delhi
PIB 2094319: the projects included the NIDM South Campus, the NDRF 10th Battalion and the Supaul campus of the Regional Response Centre; no new headquarters was mentioned.
Who was the Director General of the NDRF at its 20th Raising Day ceremony in January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Piyush Anand
PIB 2094319: NDRF Director General Piyush Anand was present at the ceremony.
In which city did the Divya Kala Mela conclude on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Vadodara
PIB 2094376: the closing ceremony was held at Akota Stadium, Vadodara.
Which organisation's CMD said the Vadodara Divya Kala Mela of January 2025 was the 23rd such fair?
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Correct answer: B — NDFDC
PIB 2094376: NDFDC CMD Navin Shah said this was the 23rd fair.
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.
At which CIPET centre were a Centre for Skilling and Technical Support and a Plastic Waste Management Centre inaugurated on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Bhagalpur
PIB 2094373: the Centre for Skilling and Technical Support and the Plastic Waste Management Centre are at Bhagalpur.
Which facility was inaugurated at CIPET Ahmedabad by J.P. Nadda on 19 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Calibration Laboratory
PIB 2094373: Nadda inaugurated the Calibration Laboratory at CIPET Ahmedabad; the hostel is at Madurai and the waste centre at Bhagalpur.
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.
In January 2025, the Union Home Minister ordered an Inter-Ministerial Team to ascertain the causes of deaths in which district of Jammu and Kashmir?
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Correct answer: D — Rajouri
PIB (MHA): the team was to visit the affected village in Jammu's Rajouri district to ascertain the causes of deaths in 3 incidents.
Experts from which of the following Ministries were NOT listed as part of the Inter-Ministerial Team on the Rajouri deaths?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Earth Sciences
PIB (MHA): the team comprised experts from the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Agriculture, Chemicals and Fertilizers, and Water Resources. Earth Sciences was not listed.
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.
How many Master Trainers were trained in Phase-1 of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Large-Scale Jan Seva Programme, concluded on 18 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 219
PIB (DoPT): 219 Master Trainers from 80 Ministries and Departments participated in eight batches.
Who is the Chairman of the Capacity Building Commission, as mentioned in the January 2025 release on the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme?
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Correct answer: D — Adil Zainulbhai
PIB: Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman of the CBC, and R. Balasubramaniam, Member (HR), shared their vision for the programme.
Where was the National Red Run 2.0 for HIV awareness held on 18 January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Miramar, Panaji
PIB (MoHFW): the National Red Run 2.0 was held at Miramar, Panaji, on Saturday, 18 January 2025.
The National Red Run 2.0 (January 2025) was organised by NACO in collaboration with which body?
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Correct answer: A — Goa State AIDS Control Society
PIB: NACO organised the run in collaboration with the Goa State AIDS Control Society (GSACS).
Consider the following statements about the National Red Run 2.0 held in January 2025: 1. The main run was over a distance of 10 km. 2. Participants competed in male, female and transgender categories. 3. The male category was won by a runner from Meghalaya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the 10-km run had male, female and transgender categories. The male category was won by Nabeel Sahi of Kerala; runners from Meghalaya came second and third.
On which FM frequency can Akashvani's Kumbhvani news bulletins be heard in Prayagraj during Mahakumbh 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 103.5 MHz
PIB (MIB): devotees can tune in to Kumbhvani news bulletins on 103.5 MHz in Prayagraj.
How often are the Kumbhvani news bulletins broadcast on the public address system in Mahakumbh Nagar?
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Correct answer: B — Three times a day, 10 minutes each
PIB: the 10-minute bulletins are broadcast three times a day, at 8:30 am, 2:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
The NCGG programme for senior civil servants of Kenya, concluded on 18 January 2025, was sponsored under which initiative?
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Correct answer: A — ITEC of the Ministry of External Affairs
PIB (DoPT): the programme was sponsored under the ITEC initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Who led the Kenyan delegation at the NCGG Special Capacity Building Programme in New Delhi (13–18 January 2025)?
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Correct answer: B — Kenya's Attorney General Dorcas Agik Abuya Oduor
PIB: the delegation was led by Dorcas Agik Abuya Oduor, Attorney General of Kenya, along with 28 other senior officials.
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.
On which occasion did the Eastern Naval Command hold its maiden Veterans' Day Parade on 18 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 9th Armed Forces Veterans Day
PIB (MoD): the parade was organised on the occasion of the 9th Armed Forces Veterans Day.
Who flagged off the Eastern Naval Command's maiden Veterans' Day Parade at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, in January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar
PIB: the parade was flagged off by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, as Chief Guest, joined by Vice Admiral VK Namballa (Retd) of the Navy Foundation.
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%.
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), for which a ₹11,440 crore revival plan was approved in January 2025, operates which steel plant?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
PIB (Steel): RINL operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant in Andhra Pradesh, the only offshore steel plant in the government sector.
How much equity capital does the RINL revival plan approved by the CCEA (announced 17 January 2025) provide?
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Correct answer: D — ₹10,300 crore
PIB: the ₹11,440 crore plan includes ₹10,300 crore equity capital and conversion of a ₹1,140 crore working capital loan into preference share capital.
Consider the following statements about Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) as per the January 2025 revival plan release: 1. RINL is a Schedule-A CPSE wholly owned by the Government of India. 2. Its plant has an installed capacity of 7.3 Mtpa of liquid steel. 3. The ₹1,140 crore working capital loan is to be converted into 7% non-cumulative preference shares redeemable after 10 years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Steel): RINL is a Schedule-A CPSE with 100% Government ownership, its plant has 7.3 Mtpa liquid steel capacity, and the ₹1,140 crore loan converts into 7% non-cumulative preference share capital redeemable after 10 years.
Which of the following was NOT among the recipients of the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024, presented on 17 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Neeraj Chopra
PIB awardee list: the Khel Ratna 2024 went to Gukesh D. (chess), Harmanpreet Singh (hockey), Praveen Kumar (para-athletics) and Manu Bhaker (shooting).
Which university won the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Chandigarh University, Punjab
PIB awardee list: the Government declared Chandigarh University, Punjab, as the winner of the MAKA Trophy 2024, which carries a cash award of ₹15 lakh.
Consider the following statements about the Sports and Adventure Awards presented on 17 January 2025: 1. Praveen Kumar received the Khel Ratna for para-athletics (men's high jump T64). 2. Subhash Rana, a para shooting coach, received a Dronacharya Award. 3. The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy was instituted in 1991-92. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB awardee list: Praveen Kumar's Khel Ratna was for para-athletics (high jump T64 gold at Paris 2024), and para shooting coach Subhash Rana received a Dronacharya Award. The MAKA Trophy was instituted in 1956-57.