World Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
How many T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks did the Ministry of Defence contract for in January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 47
PIB 2094857: the contract is for 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks at ₹1,560.52 crore.
Which unit will supply the 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks to the Indian Army?
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Correct answer: D — Heavy Vehicles Factory, AVNL
PIB 2094857: the contract was signed with Heavy Vehicles Factory, a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited.
Under which procurement category was the January 2025 contract for T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks placed?
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Correct answer: C — Buy (Indian-IDDM)
PIB 2094857: the case is a Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) procurement.
What was the focus of the 27th PM-STIAC meeting held on 21 January 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Cell and gene therapy
PIB 2094915: the 27th PM-STIAC meeting discussed cell and gene therapy in India.
Who chaired the 27th meeting of PM-STIAC?
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Correct answer: B — Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood
PIB 2094915: the meeting was chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood.
Where was the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference held in January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Patna
PIB 2094919: Om Birla addressed the valedictory session of the 85th AIPOC in Patna.
How many resolutions did the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference adopt?
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Correct answer: C — 5
PIB 2094919: the 85th AIPOC adopted five resolutions.
Consider the following about the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference: 1. It concluded in Patna on 21 January 2025. 2. One of its resolutions concerned the use of digital technology. 3. Its valedictory session was addressed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2094919: the AIPOC concluded in Patna and adopted a resolution on digital technology; the valedictory session was addressed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
To what level has India's social protection coverage doubled, as acknowledged at the ISSA seminar in New Delhi in January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 48.8%
PIB 2094922: India's progress in doubling social protection coverage to 48.8% was acknowledged at the forum.
With which international organisation did the Labour Ministry and ESIC host the January 2025 seminar on social security for informal-sector workers?
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Correct answer: A — International Social Security Association
PIB 2094922: the seminar was hosted by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and ESIC in collaboration with the International Social Security Association (ISSA).
Where was the SATRC Workshop on Spectrum, inaugurated by the TRAI Chairman on 21 January 2025, held?
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Correct answer: D — Goa
PIB 2094696: the workshop was hosted by TRAI at a hotel in Goa.
Which organisation organised the SATRC Workshop on Spectrum hosted by TRAI in January 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Asia-Pacific Telecommunity
PIB 2094696: the workshop was organised by the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity and hosted by TRAI.
The IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon is being run by the IndiaAI Mission in collaboration with which body?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)
PIB 2094900: IndiaAI announced the CyberGuard AI Hackathon in collaboration with I4C.
How many applicants were shortlisted for stage 2 of the IndiaAI CyberGuard AI Hackathon, out of how many submissions?
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Correct answer: D — 20 of 263
PIB 2094900: 263 submissions were received and 20 applicants were shortlisted for stage 2.
About how many cybercrime cases are reported daily on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, as cited for the CyberGuard AI Hackathon?
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Correct answer: C — 6,000
PIB 2094900: approximately 6,000 cases are reported daily through the NCRP.
Who administered the presidential oath to Donald Trump on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.
Congressional Record: Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administered the presidential oath.
Consider the following statements about the US inauguration on 20 January 2025: 1. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President. 2. The vice-presidential oath to JD Vance was administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. 3. The ceremony was held in the Great Rotunda. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Congressional Record: Trump was sworn in as the 47th President in the Great Rotunda; Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, not the Chief Justice, administered Vance's oath.
Who administered the vice-presidential oath to JD Vance on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh
Congressional Record: Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh administered the vice-presidential oath to James David Vance.
The KOICA-assisted project 'Strengthening Vocational Education and Training in Mechatronics in India', for which notes were exchanged on 20 January 2025, will be implemented by NCERT at which institute?
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Correct answer: D — RIE Bhopal
PIB 2095225: NCERT will implement the project at the Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Bhopal.
Consider the following statements about India–Korea development cooperation: 1. The NCERT mechatronics project is the first KOICA-assisted project in India. 2. Korea was designated India's ODA partner in October 2016. 3. India–Korea ties were upgraded to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2018. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2095225: it is the first KOICA-assisted project in India and Korea became an ODA partner in October 2016; the Special Strategic Partnership dates from 2015, not 2018.
Who signed the Exchange of Notes for the KOICA mechatronics project on behalf of the Government of India on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Manisha Sinha
PIB 2095225: Manisha Sinha, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, signed for India.
Where was the National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 held on 20 January 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB 2094806: the conclave was organised on 20 January 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology, highlighted at the National Tribal Health Conclave 2025, is established at which institution?
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Correct answer: C — AIIMS Delhi
PIB 2094806: the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health and Haematology is established at AIIMS Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the National Tribal Health Conclave 2025: 1. It was organised under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. 2. Letters of Intent were exchanged with AIIMS Delhi for adopting a tribal block in Jharkhand. 3. 15 Centres of Competence for sickle cell diagnosis have been sanctioned in 14 states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2094806: the conclave was under DAJGUA and 15 CoCs are sanctioned in 14 states; the tribal block to be adopted with AIIMS Delhi is in Odisha, not Jharkhand.
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.