Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The new building of the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI), whose foundation stone was laid on 5 January 2025, is located at which place in Delhi?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Rohini
PIB (Ayush): the foundation stone was laid for the new CARI building at Rohini; the institute earlier functioned from rented premises in Punjabi Bagh.
In which year was the Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) established?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1979
PIB (Ayush): CARI, established in 1979, has been a pioneer in clinical research in Ayurveda, especially preventive cardiology and NCDs.
What is the name of the portal and app launched by Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren on 5 January 2025 to seek public suggestions for the State budget?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Abua Budget
The Hindu and Indian Express: Hemant Soren launched the Abua Budget Portal and Mobile App.
Until what date could the public submit suggestions on Jharkhand's Abua Budget portal for the 2025-26 budget?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 17 January 2025
The Hindu and Indian Express: the portal and app were open for submissions until 17 January 2025.
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.
Which organisation did the PM congratulate for organising the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 inaugurated on 4 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — NABARD
PIB (PMO): the PM congratulated NABARD and other associates for organising the event.
What is the motto of the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Gaon Badhe, To Desh Badhe
PIB (Finance): the Mahotsav, from 4 to 9 January, has the theme 'Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047' and the motto 'गांव बढ़े, तो देश बढ़े'.
According to the PM at the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025, how many rural women have become Lakhpati Didis?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1.15 crore
PIB (PMO): 1.15 crore women in villages have become Lakhpati Didis and the government aims to make 3 crore women Lakhpati Didis.
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.
Jayant N. Khobragade, appointed on 4 January 2025, will be India's next Ambassador to which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Poland
MEA: Jayant N. Khobragade (IFS: 1995), presently Ambassador to ASEAN, has been appointed the next Ambassador of India to Poland.
Who was appointed on 4 January 2025 as the next Ambassador of India to ASEAN?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Srinivas Gotru
MEA: Srinivas Gotru (IFS: 1997), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed the next Ambassador of India to ASEAN.
To what number was the first-year intake of IIHT Fulia raised when its new campus was inaugurated on 4 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 66
PIB (Textiles) and ETGovernment: Giriraj Singh declared an increase in first-year intake from the existing 33 to 66.
Which of the following are locations of Indian Institutes of Handloom Technology under the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms)? 1. Bargarh 2. Jodhpur 3. Salem Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Textiles): the six IIHTs are at Salem, Varanasi, Guwahati, Jodhpur, Bargarh and Fulia.
In which district of West Bengal is IIHT Fulia located?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Nadia
PIB (Textiles): IIHT Fulia is in Nadia district, West Bengal.
What is the estimated cost of the new Composite Regional Centre (CRC) Madurai building whose foundation stone was laid on 4 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹36.41 crore
PIB (SJ&E): the new CRC Madurai building will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹36.41 crore.
Under which scheme did Virendra Kumar distribute aids and assistive devices to 120 beneficiaries at Madurai on 4 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra (PMDK) scheme
PIB (SJ&E): the minister distributed 186 aids and assistive devices to 120 beneficiaries under the PMDK scheme.
Consider the following statements about CRC Madurai: 1. It was set up in December 2023 in a temporary building provided by the Tamil Nadu Government. 2. Its new building will come up on 5.05 acres at Y. Pudupatti. 3. The new building will serve the southern region of Tamil Nadu. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (SJ&E): all three are stated – set up in December 2023 at TNHB Villapuram, 5.05 acres at Y. Pudupatti, serving southern Tamil Nadu.
Which institution serves as the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of India?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — CSIR-National Physical Laboratory
PIB (S&T): CSIR-NPL is the National Metrology Institute of India and develops, maintains and disseminates the National Standards.
Who laid the foundation stone of CSIR-National Physical Laboratory on 4 January 1947?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Jawaharlal Nehru
PIB (S&T): the foundation stone of CSIR-NPL was laid by the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on Saturday, 4 January 1947.
Who was the Chief Guest at CSIR-NPL's 79th Foundation Day on 4 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — V. Kamakoti
PIB (S&T): Prof. Veezhinathan Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, was Chief Guest and delivered the lecture 'Glancing into Metrology'.
At which beach did the Eastern Naval Command hold its Operational Demonstration on 4 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ramakrishna Beach
PIB (Defence): the Op Demo was held at Ramakrishna Beach, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 04 Jan 25.
Who hosted the Eastern Naval Command's Operational Demonstration at Visakhapatnam on 4 January 2025 as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar
PIB (Defence): the event was hosted by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, FOC-in-C, Eastern Naval Command, with CM N. Chandrababu Naidu as Chief Guest.
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.
At how many locations was the NIELIT Deemed to be University inaugurated on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 12
PIB (MeitY): NIELIT Deemed to be University was inaugurated at 12 locations including 5 locations in North-Eastern States.
With which company did NIELIT sign an MoU on semiconductor ATMP skilling on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Tata Electronics Private Limited
PIB (MeitY): the MoU between NIELIT and Tata Electronics Private Limited aims to enhance the semiconductor skilling ecosystem, focusing on ATMP technologies.
Where will the new NIELIT campus focused on semiconductor and electronics manufacturing be developed, as announced on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Jagiroad near Guwahati
PIB (MeitY): the Minister said the new NIELIT campus will be developed in Jagiroad near Guwahati, focusing on semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.
Which institute's Golden Jubilee celebrations did President Droupadi Murmu address in Bengaluru on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — NIMHANS
PIB (Health): the President addressed the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.
According to the President at the NIMHANS Golden Jubilee, how many centres does the Tele-MANAS platform have across the country?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 53
PIB (Health): the Tele-MANAS platform, with its 53 centres across the country, has served nearly 70 lakh people in their chosen languages during the last two years.
Consider the following statements about the events of 3 January 2025 in Karnataka: 1. A next-generation 3T MRI scanner was among the facilities inaugurated at NIMHANS. 2. The President inaugurated the KLE Cancer Hospital at Belagavi. 3. The Bellary model of community-based mental healthcare was pioneered by NIMHANS. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Health; President's Secretariat): new facilities included a next-generation 3T MRI scanner; the President inaugurated KLE Cancer Hospital at Belagavi the same day; the Bellary model was pioneered by NIMHANS.
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.
In which State was India's first trial blast for the Dozer Push Mining Method conducted by CSIR-CIMFR?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Chhattisgarh
PIB (S&T): the trial was conducted at the PEKB coal mine in the Udaipur block of Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh.
By how much is the Dozer Push Mining Method estimated to reduce operating costs compared with conventional methods, according to CSIR-CIMFR?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 7–10%
PIB (S&T): the method is highly cost-effective, with an estimated 7–10% reduction in operational costs compared to conventional methods.
Consider the following statements about the Dozer Push Mining trial reported on 3 January 2025: 1. The holes for the trial were drilled using an automated, man-less drill machine. 2. CSIR-CIMFR, which developed the method, is headquartered in Nagpur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 only
PIB (S&T): the trial involved drilling 108 holes using an automated (man-less) drill machine; CSIR-CIMFR is Dhanbad-based, so statement 2 is wrong.
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.
Which of the following was one of the three new trains flagged off from Guwahati on 3 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Guwahati–North Lakhimpur Jan Shatabdi Express
PIB (Railways): the new trains include 12047/12048 Guwahati–North Lakhimpur–Guwahati Bi-weekly Jan Shatabdi Express.
The road over bridge dedicated on 3 January 2025 at Tetelia station yard in Assam was built at what cost?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹72 crore
PIB (Railways): the ROB (No. 59A) was constructed by Northeast Frontier Railway at a total cost of ₹72 crore, replacing level crossing gate no. ST-22.
Which chess player was named for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024 announced on 2 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Gukesh D
PIB (Sports): the Khel Ratna 2024 awardees are Gukesh D (Chess), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics) and Manu Bhaker (Shooting).
Praveen Kumar, one of the four Khel Ratna 2024 awardees, represents which discipline?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Para-Athletics
PIB (Sports): Shri Praveen Kumar was named for the Khel Ratna 2024 in Para-Athletics.
On which date were the National Sports Awards 2024 to be presented by the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 17 January 2025
PIB (Sports): the awardees will receive their awards from the President at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 17 January 2025 (Friday) at 1100 hours.
Consider the following pairs of Arjuna Award 2024 winners and their disciplines: 1. Jyothi Yarraji — Athletics 2. Abhay Singh — Squash 3. Sajan Prakash — Swimming How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — All three
PIB (Sports): the Arjuna list has Jyothi Yarraji (Athletics), Abhay Singh (Squash) and Sajan Prakash (Swimming), so all three pairs are correct.
Who was sworn in as Governor of Bihar on 2 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Arif Mohammed Khan
Raj Bhavan Bihar; The Hindu; Hindustan Times: Arif Mohammed Khan was sworn in as Governor of Bihar on 2 January 2025, succeeding Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
Who administered the oath of office to Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on 2 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Patna High Court Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran
The Hindu; Hindustan Times: Patna High Court Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran administered the oath at Raj Bhavan.
Who headed the Selection Committee for the National Sports Awards 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian
PIB (Sports): the applications were considered by the Selection Committee headed by Justice (Retd.) V. Ramasubramanian, Supreme Court of India.
Consider the following statements about the National Sports Awards 2024: 1. Murlikant Rajaram Petkar received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) in para-swimming. 2. Armando Agnelo Colaco received the Dronacharya Award in the lifetime category for football. 3. The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar was given to a State sports department. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Sports): Petkar — Arjuna (Lifetime), Para-Swimming; Colaco — Dronacharya (Lifetime), Football; the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar went to the Physical Education Foundation of India, so statement 3 is wrong.
What change did the NSO make in the sample design of surveys starting January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — The district was made the basic stratum for sample selection
PIB (MoSPI): as an enabling provision for district-level estimates, NSO modified the sample design with the district as a basic stratum for all surveys starting January 2025.
Which subject is covered by the NSS 80th Round's Social Consumption survey running from January to December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Health
PIB (MoSPI): NSS 80th Round — Survey on Social Consumption: Health (Jan to December 2025); Education is part of the Comprehensive Modular Survey (April–June 2025).
Consider the following statements about the surveys starting January 2025: 1. PLFS will provide monthly estimates of key labour force indicators at the all-India level. 2. District-level estimates are to be produced by the respective State governments. 3. ASUSE will continue to give only annual estimates. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MoSPI): PLFS will give monthly all-India estimates and States will produce district-level estimates; ASUSE will now give quarterly estimates along with annual ones, so statement 3 is wrong.
Who was sworn in as Governor of Kerala on 2 January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
Kerala Gazette; The Hindu; Indian Express: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar entered upon the office of Governor of Kerala on 2 January 2025, succeeding Arif Mohammed Khan.
Before becoming Governor of Kerala in January 2025, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was Governor of which State?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bihar
The Hindu; Indian Express: Arlekar, until recently Governor of Bihar, replaced Arif Mohammed Khan, who was transferred to Bihar.
To which new base year is the Wholesale Price Index proposed to be revised by the Working Group constituted in January 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2022-23
PIB (Commerce): the Working Group is for base revision of WPI from base 2011-12 to 2022-23.
Who chairs the Working Group constituted for revising the base of the Wholesale Price Index?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog
PIB (Commerce): Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog, is the Chairman of the Working Group.
Consider the following statements about the WPI base-revision Working Group: 1. Its terms of reference include recommending a roadmap for switching over from WPI to a Producer Price Index (PPI). 2. A Deputy Director General of DPIIT is its Member Secretary. 3. It is chaired by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Commerce): the ToR include a roadmap for switch over from WPI to PPI and the DDG, DPIIT is Member Secretary; the Chairman is Prof. Ramesh Chand of NITI Aayog, while RBI only sends a representative.
Which hormone did INST Mohali researchers nano-formulate as a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Melatonin
PIB (S&T): scientists proved that a nano-formulation of melatonin, the hormone produced in response to darkness, could be a potential therapeutic solution for Parkinson's disease.
Which nanocarrier did the INST Mohali team use to deliver melatonin to the brain?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Human serum albumin
PIB (S&T): the team used a biocompatible protein (human serum albumin, HSA) nanocarrier for delivery of melatonin to the brain.
Consider the following statements about the nano-melatonin study: 1. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland. 2. The nano-melatonin induced mitophagy through upregulation of the epigenetic regulator BMI1. 3. The study was carried out at an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (S&T): melatonin is a neurohormone secreted from the pineal gland; mitophagy was induced through upregulation of BMI1; INST Mohali is an autonomous institute of DST.
How many help desks did DoT set up across the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 area for citizen-centric telecom services?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 53
PIB (Communications): 53 help desks have been set up across the Mela area; 78 is the number of transportable towers and 150 the number of small cells.
Which facility did DoT install at the Maha Kumbh 2025 to send emergency alerts and disaster warnings?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Cell Broadcast Alert facility
PIB (Communications): a Cell Broadcast Alert facility has been installed to send emergency alerts, disaster warnings and general public awareness messages.