Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 05th & 06th January 2025

Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 of 05th & 06th January 2025. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

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1) Recently as per the January 2025 report, which state recognized the official inauguration of former Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla as its 19th governor?

(a) Odisha

(b) Kerala

(d) Manipur

(e) Meghalaya

2) Which bank has introduced “Patrons” and “Har Ghar Lakhpati,” two new deposit schemes for senior citizens aged 80 and above?

(a) Bank of India

(b) Canara Bank

(d) Punjab & National Bank

(e) Indian Bank

3) On October 21, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removed lending restrictions on which financial services?

(a) Asirvad Micro Finance

(b) Arohan Financial Services

(d) DMI Finance

(e) BSS Micro Finance

4) Which Department’s Secretary M. Nagaraju, launched the redesigned e-auction portal “Baanknet” in New Delhi?

(a) Department of Consumer affairs

(b) Department of Agriculture

(d) Department of Commerce

(e) Department of Postal

5) To encourage investor education, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), a capital markets regulator, has made free tools and resources available on its investor website and Saarthi App. How many financial calculators are available to help with planning and making decisions about investments?

(a) 21

(b) 22

(d) 24

(e) 25

6) When will the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launch its Bharat BillPay for Business service?

(a) April 2025

(b) May 2025

(d) March 2025

(e) June 2025

7) Recently (Jan 2025),the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the Enlighten Angel Fund (EAF) to function as an Alternate Investment Fund (AIF). How many crores was the fund’s initial launch corpus, including a greenshoe option?

(a) Rs.100crore

(b) Rs.150crore

(d) Rs.250crore

(e) Rs.300crore

8) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. What is the theme of this event?

(a) Empowering Rural Women for a Stronger India

(b) Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047

(d) Celebrating Rural Culture and Entrepreneurship

(e) Transforming Villages into Urban Hubs

9) As per the report, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme will continue until 2025–2026, according to approval from the Union Cabinet. For this yojana, how many crores were allotted?

(a) ₹69,515.71 crore.

(b) ₹67,515.71 crore.

(d) ₹66,515.71 crore.

(e) ₹65,515.71 crore.

10) The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act draft regulations were released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). When will the public be able to comment on these rules via the MyGov portal?

(a) April 18, 2025

(b) February 18, 2025

(d) March 18, 2025

(e) June 18, 2025

11) Recently(Jan’25), President Droupadi Murmu applauded NIMHANS for incorporating Yoga and Ayurveda into mental health care in which city?

(a) Kolkata

(b) New Delhi

(d) Patna

(e) Hyderabad

12) The acquisition of BrahMos missiles is a top priority for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto when he visits India later this month to celebrate Republic Day. Among Southeast Asian nations, Indonesia is now the _____ to acquire the BrahMos missile system.

(a) 2nd

(b) 1st

(d) 4th

(e) 5th

13) As per the report, the Baksa district in Assam is home to the biggest Eri silk spinning mill in the Northeast. How many kilograms can the mill produce each day?

(a) 420kg

(b) 350kg

(d) 500kg

(e) 320kg

14) Which government will carry out the first-ever coastal and wader bird census in India from January 3–5 at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar?

(a) Karnataka

(b) Tamil Nadu

(d) West Bengal

(e) Gujarat

15) What percentage of the yearly goal for the current fiscal year has been met by the ₹48,376 crore in dividends that the Indian government has received from Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and other investments?

(a) 82%

(b) 80%

(d) 85%

(e) 86%

16) By the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, India should set up a Digital Asset Regulatory Authority (DARA), per the Blue Aster Capital and Crebaco Global report Crypto Outlook 2024-2025. What percentage of the world’s cryptocurrency developers are from India?

(a) 11.2%

(b) 11.4%

(d) 11.8%

(e) 11.5%

17) Recently, India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 has been revised by Nomura from the previous estimate of what percentage to 6.7%?

(a) 6.8%

(b) 6.9%

(d) 7.1%

(e) 7.2%

18) In order to increase exports and economic growth, states and Union Territories (UTs) must perform well in logistics, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2024 report. In which year was LEADS established?

(a) 2015

(b) 2017

(d) 2019

(e) 2016

19) Which state’s 27th governor, Hari Babu Kambhampati, was sworn in during a ceremony at Raj Bhavan?

(a) Odisha

(b) Karnataka

(d) West Bengal

(e) Rajasthan

20) The Chennai-based Wed-Tech company Matrimony.com has appointed _______________ as a brand ambassador in an effort to expand the use of its community-based matrimony services.

(a) Arjun Das

(b) Anil Kapoor

(d) Ranbir Kapoor

(e) Akshay Kumar

21) Which insurance company has named Amit Ganorkar as its new CEO and managing director?

(a) Aditya BirlaGeneral Insurance Company

(b) TATA AIGGeneral Insurance Company

(d) ECGCGeneral Insurance

(e) Future Generali India

22) With effect from January 6, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authorized the merger of Cosmos Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra) and National Co-operative Bank (Bangalore). How many branches of National Co-operative Bank will Cosmos Co-operative Bank acquire?

(a) 12

(b) 11

(d) 15

(e) 10

23) Based on buyer interest, BharatPe, a modern non-bank lender, intends to sell 10% to 25% of its ownership in Unity Small Finance Bank (SFB). What percentage of Unity SFB is currently held by BharatPe?

(a) 41%

(b) 45%

(d) 49%

(e) 51%

24) Which company collaborates with Qualcomm Technologies to create virtual models of Snapdragondigital chassis models for cloud-native applications?

(a) MachineHack

(b) Haptik

(d) Wysa

(e) Blend AI

25) Which IIT researchers have discovered bacteria that can break down harmful soil contaminants and produce beneficial nutrients as a byproduct?

(a) IIT Madras

(b) IIT Bombay

(d) IIT Delhi

(e) IIT Mandi

26) With regard to Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources), which IIT has announced a partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare?

(a) IIT Madras

(b) IIT Bombay

(d) IIT Delhi

(e) IIT Mandi

27) Recently, the oldest Olympic champion, Agnes Keleti passed away. At the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, How many medals Keleti took home?

(a) 5

(b) 4

(d) 7

(e) 8

28) When was the annual World Braille Day observed?

(a) January 2

(b) January 4

(d) January 6

(e) January 8

29) When was World Day of War Orphans observed every year?

(a) January 2

(b) January 4

(d) January 6

(e) January 7

30) Where was the Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary located?

(a) Odisha

(b) Karnataka

(d) West Bengal

(e) Rajasthan

Answers :

1) Answer: D

Ajay Kumar Bhalla, former Union Home Secretary, was sworn in as the 19th Governor of Manipur during a function at the Raj Bhavan in Imphal.

Bhalla was administered the oath by Manipur High Court Chief Justice D Krishnakumar.

Bhalla has the distinction of being the longest-serving Union Home Secretary, completing his five-year tenure in August 2024.

Bhalla succeeded Lakshman Prasad Acharya as Governor of Manipur.

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) has launched two new deposit schemes “Har Ghar Lakhpati” and “Patrons”.

Detailed Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) has launched two new deposit schemes “Har Ghar Lakhpati” and “Patrons”.

Har Ghar Lakhpati Scheme:

Type: Pre-calculated Recurring Deposit.

Objective: Accumulate a sum of ₹1 lakh or its multiple.

Target: Simplifies achieving financial goals by helping customers plan and save effectively.

Eligibility: Available to minors, encouraging early financial planning and saving habits.

Tenure: Minimum tenure is 12 months (1 year); maximum tenure is 120 months (10 years).

Patrons Scheme:

Type: Term Deposit product.

Target Audience: Senior citizens aged 80 years or above.

Interest Rates: Offers enhanced interest rates compared to regular fixed deposits.

Eligibility: Available to both new and existing term deposit customers.

Fixed Deposit Rates:

For tenures above 1 year: 6.80% interest rate.

For tenures above 2 years: 7.00% interest rate.

For tenures above 3 years to less than 5 years: 6.75% interest rate.

For tenures 5-10 years: 6.50% interest rate.

Market Share: SBI holds approximately 23% of the market share in deposits.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted lending restrictions on Arohan Financial Services as of October 21, 2024.

This allows Arohan to resume disbursal of loans.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted lending restrictions on Arohan Financial Services as of October 21, 2024.

This allows Arohan to resume disbursal of loans.

Reason for Restrictions:The RBI had imposed restrictions on Arohan Financial Services, and other NBFCs, including Asirvad Micro Finance, DMI Finance, and Navi Finserv, due to material supervisory concerns.

The concerns were based on the pricing policy of these companies, specifically the weighted average lending rate (WALR) and the interest spread charged over their cost of funds, which were found to be excessive and not in line with regulatory guidelines.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, launched revamped e-auction portal “Baanknet” in New Delhi.

This platform consolidates information on e-auction properties from all Public Sector Banks and offers a one-stop destination for buyers and investors to discover a wide range of assets.

Detailed Explanation:

Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, launched revamped e-auction portal “Baanknet” in New Delhi.

This platform consolidates information on e-auction properties from all Public Sector Banks and offers a one-stop destination for buyers and investors to discover a wide range of assets.

Types of Properties Listed:

Residential properties (flats, independent houses, open plots)

Commercial properties

Industrial land and buildings, shops, vehicles, plant and machinery

Agricultural and non-agricultural land

Properties Migrated:Over 1,22,500 properties have been migrated to the new portal for auction.

Payment Gateway and KYC: Automated and integrated tools for payments and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.

Architecture: Microservices-based architecture with open APIs for third-party integrations.

Customer Support: Dedicated helpdesk and call center with a callback request facility for customer assistance.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched free tools and resources on its investor website and Saarthi App to promote investor education.

24 financial calculators to assist in investment planning and decision-making.

Detailed Explanation:

Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched free tools and resources on its investor website and Saarthi App to promote investor education.

Objective: The initiative aims to empower both prospective and existing investors to make informed investment decisions.

Investor Website Resources:A curated collection of videos from stock exchanges, depositories, and institutions like AMFI (Association of Mutual Funds in India) and NCFE (National Centre for Financial Education).

Interactive tools like Spot a Scam to evaluate the legitimacy of investment offers.

Financial Health Checkup Tool to assess individual financial status and provide suggestions for improvement.

24 financial calculators to assist in investment planning and decision-making.

Links to verify the registration status of market intermediaries and compare fees of depository participants.

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is expected to roll out its Bharat BillPay for Business offering by March 2025.

Bharat Connect, formerly known as Bharat BillPay, will allow businesses to manage B2B payments, operating on a model similar to NPCI’s partnerships with third-party application providers (TPAPs).

Detailed Explanation:

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is expected to roll out its Bharat BillPay for Business offering by March 2025.

Bharat Connect, formerly known as Bharat BillPay, will allow businesses to manage B2B payments, operating on a model similar to NPCI’s partnerships with third-party application providers (TPAPs).

The new Bharat BillPay for Business offering will authorize companies to facilitate B2B payments using a real-time payments system similar to how TPAPs enable P2P and P2M transactions on UPI.

The platform’s setup for businesses will resemble the model NPCI uses with TPAPs, which typically cater to peer-to-peer (P2P) and peer-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Enlighten Angel Fund has received Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approval to operate as an Alternate Investment Fund (AIF).

The fund has launched its first fund with a corpus of ₹200 crore, including a ₹100 crore greenshoe option.

Detailed Explanation:

Enlighten Angel Fund has received Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approval to operate as an Alternate Investment Fund (AIF).

The fund has launched its first fund with a corpus of ₹200 crore, including a ₹100 crore greenshoe option.

Greenshoe Option: Allows underwriters to buy up to 15% more shares than the original offering amount at the IPO price.

Focus: The fund will invest in emerging technologies and disruptive startups, aligning with India’s vision for sustainable growth.

Rebranding: The fund has rebranded itself as Enlighten Capital Micro VC to reflect its growth in the startup ecosystem.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The event celebrates rural India’s entrepreneurial spirit and cultural legacy under the theme: “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047”
with the motto: “गांवबढ़े, तोदेशबढ़े” (As villages grow, the nation prospers).

The Mahotsav will run from 4th to 9th January 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Event Dates:

The Mahotsav will run from 4th to 9th January 2025.

Objectives:

Strengthening rural infrastructure.

Promoting self-reliant economies.

Encouraging financial inclusion.

Supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Enhancing economic stability with special attention to North-East India.

Collaboration: Facilitating dialogues among government officials, rural entrepreneurs, artisans, and thought leaders to create a collective roadmap for rural transformation.

9) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture, and Farmers Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced three major Cabinet decisions aimed at supporting Indian farmers, ensuring their prosperity, and advancing the vision of a developed India under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Continuation till FY 2025-26:

Budget allocation: ₹69,515.71 crore.

Detailed Explanation:

Extension of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Continuation till FY 2025-26:

Budget allocation: ₹69,515.71 crore.

Goal: Provide risk coverage to farmers against natural calamities.

Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT): ₹824.77 crore for technological advancements in insurance.

Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH): Leverages remote sensing for accurate crop yield estimates.

Weather Information and Network Data System (WINDS):

Deploys automatic weather stations to augment weather data.

WINDS implementation to assist state governments starts in FY 2024-25.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) unveiled the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act draft rules.

These rules, open for public feedback on the MyGov portal until February 18, 2025, aim to provide clear guidelines for implementing the Act passed in August 2023.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) unveiled the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act draft rules.

These rules, open for public feedback on the MyGov portal until February 18, 2025, aim to provide clear guidelines for implementing the Act passed in August 2023.

The DPDP Act focuses on:

Safeguarding personal data against misuse.

Empowering users with control over their data.

Ensuring compliance and accountability from Data Fiduciaries (entities processing personal data).

Detailed guidance on the structure and functions of the DPB.

Mechanisms for users to file complaints and appeal DPB decisions.

11) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

During the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, President Droupadi Murmu lauded the institution for its innovative approach to integrating Yoga and Ayurveda into the treatment of mental health.

Detailed Explanation:

She described NIMHANS’ approach as a model for others, particularly in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

President Murmu inaugurated key facilities, including the Psychiatry Specialty Block, Central Laboratory Complex, and Bhima Hostel.

She also dedicated advanced diagnostic equipment, such as the 3T MRI Scanner and DSA System, to the nation.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The purchase of BrahMos missiles is a key item on the agenda for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his proposed visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations later this month.

Indonesia could become the third country from Southeast Asia to purchase the BrahMos missile system, following the Philippines and Vietnam.

Fourth Time Indonesian President as Chief Guest:This will be the fourth time an Indonesian president will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations.

Detailed Explanation:

The purchase of BrahMos missiles is a key item on the agenda for Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his proposed visit to India for the Republic Day celebrations later this month.

Indonesia could become the third country from Southeast Asia to purchase the BrahMos missile system, following the Philippines and Vietnam.

BrahMos in Previous Visit:During his visit to India as Defence Minister in 2020, BrahMos was a significant topic of discussion in his meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Military Personnel Participation:Indonesia will send nearly 400 military personnel to participate in the Republic Day parade on January 26, marking the highest number of personnel from any guest country in recent years.

Fourth Time Indonesian President as Chief Guest:This will be the fourth time an Indonesian president will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations.

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The largest Eri silk spinning mill in the Northeast is located in Baksa district, Assam.

The mill was set up by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC).

The daily production capacity of the mill is 450 kg.

Detailed Explanation:

The largest Eri silk spinning mill in the Northeast is located in Baksa district, Assam.

The mill was set up by the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC).

Built at a cost of Rs 14.92 crore, the mill spans 12,916 square feet at the Integrated Textile Park in Kharuajan, Mushalpur.

The mill was inaugurated by Pramod Boro, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC).

Production Capacity:The mill is equipped with 960 ring frame spindles.

The daily production capacity of the mill is 450 kg.

Employment and Economic Impact:The project is expected to provide direct employment to 375 individuals.

It is estimated to offer indirect livelihood support to approximately 50,000 households.

22 people are currently employed at the mill, with 54% of them belonging to the Boro community.

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Gujarat government will conduct India’s first-ever census of coastal and wader birds at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar from January 3 to 5.

The census will be a joint initiative between the Gujarat State Forest Department and the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat.

Detailed Explanation:

The Gujarat government will conduct India’s first-ever census of coastal and wader birds at the Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar from January 3 to 5.

The census will be a joint initiative between the Gujarat State Forest Department and the Bird Conservation Society of Gujarat.

Marine National Park and Sanctuary:The Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Gujarat is India’s first designated marine national park.

It spans across the districts of Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar, and Morbi, covering approximately 170 km of coastline and 42 islands between Okha and Navlakhi.

The park was established to conserve marine biodiversity and mangrove ecosystems in the Gulf of Kutch.

15) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Indian government has received ₹48,376 crore in dividend receipts from Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and other investments, amounting to 86% of the annual target for the current financial year.

Detailed Explanation:

Dividend Performance:

Dividend receipts are expected to surpass ₹60,000 crore for the second consecutive year in FY25, exceeding the ₹56,260 crore target.

Last year (FY24), the Centre received a record ₹63,749 crore against a Budget estimate of ₹50,000 crore.

Top Dividend Contributors:

Coal India: ₹8,073 crore

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC): ₹6,298 crore

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC): ₹5,091 crore

Telecommunications Consultants India: ₹3,762 crore

Sectoral Drivers:

CPSE performance has been robust across petroleum, energy, mining, and commodities sectors, contributing significantly to dividend payouts.

16) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

According to the Crypto Outlook 2024-2025 report by Blue Aster Capital and Crebaco Global, India should establish a Digital Asset Regulatory Authority (DARA) by the end of 2025 or early 2026.

India accounts for 11.8% of global crypto developers and 5.4% of Web3 creators.

Detailed Explanation:

This call comes as India’s role in the global crypto ecosystem continues to grow.

India accounts for 11.8% of global crypto developers and 5.4% of Web3 creators.

Taxation: The report suggested differentiating between long-term and short-term tax treatment for crypto assets. It also called for a reduction in TDS rates from 1% to 0.01%.

India’s crypto ecosystem is currently in a grey area due to the absence of a clear regulator.

17) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Nomura has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 down to 6.7%, from the earlier estimate of 6.9%.

Detailed Explanation:

Nomura has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 down to 6.7%, from the earlier estimate of 6.9%.

This adjustment reflects a slowdown in the economy, influenced by several factors.

Government Spending: A reduction in government expenditure, especially during the national elections, contributed to a slowdown in economic growth.

Weak Consumer Demand: Urban consumption has been weak, driven by high interest rates and moderating wage growth.

Weak Industrial Activity: There has been a decline in the sales of passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, indicating a slowdown in industrial activity.

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2024 report highlights the performance of states and Union Territories (UTs) in logistics, a vital factor for boosting exports and economic growth.

LEADS, initiated in 2018, is modeled after the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

Detailed Explanation:

Achievers Category

The “Achievers” are states and UTs demonstrating top-tier logistical efficiency:

Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi.

Fast Movers Category

These states and UTs have shown significant improvement in logistics:

Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan.

Northeast states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura.

Regions with potential for growth:

Kerala, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Ladakh.

LEADS, initiated in 2018, is modeled after the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Hari Babu Kambhampati was sworn in as the 27th Governor of Odisha at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan.

Detailed Explanation:

Hari Babu Kambhampati was sworn in as the 27th Governor of Odisha at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhavan.

Kambhampati succeeded Raghubar Das, who resigned from the position.

Kambhampati, a former Governor of Mizoram, was appointed as the Governor of Odisha by President Droupadi Murmu on December 24, 2024.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Matrimony.com, the Chennai-based Wed-Tech company, has signed actor Anil Kapoor as its brand ambassador to widen the reach of its community-based matrimony services.

Detailed Explanation:

Matrimony.com, the Chennai-based Wed-Tech company, has signed actor Anil Kapoor as its brand ambassador to widen the reach of its community-based matrimony services.

Matrimony.com offers over 200 community-based matrimony services categorised by caste, religion, occupation, and special groups.

Matrimony.com has planned a 360-degree marketing campaign featuring Anil Kapoor, targeting these communities throughout the year.

The campaign will kick off with the release of commercials in January 2025 across all major TV networks.

21) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

General insurance provider TATA AIG General Insurance Company has appointed Amit Ganorkar its new managing director and chief executive officer.

Ganorkar succeeds Neelesh Garg, following the board of directors’ approval and has officially taken charge of the office as of January 1, 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

General insurance provider TATA AIG General Insurance Company has appointed Amit Ganorkar its new managing director and chief executive officer.

Ganorkar succeeds Neelesh Garg, following the board of directors’ approval and has officially taken charge of the office as of January 1, 2025.

In his previous role, Ganorkar served as the Managing Director of Royal Sundaram General Insurance before which he was the Chief Operating Officer at TATA AIG.

22) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of National Co-operative Bank (Bangalore) with Cosmos Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra), effective January 6, 2025.

The RBI sanctioned the merger under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A and Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

National Co-operative Bank’s Branches: National Co-operative Bank has 13 branches that will be absorbed by Cosmos Co-operative Bank.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of National Co-operative Bank (Bangalore) with Cosmos Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra), effective January 6, 2025.

The RBI sanctioned the merger under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A and Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Branches and Operations: Post-merger, the branches of National Co-operative Bank (Bangalore) will operate as branches of Cosmos Co-operative Bank.

National Co-operative Bank’s Branches: National Co-operative Bank has 13 branches that will be absorbed by Cosmos Co-operative Bank.

Previous Mergers: In FY24, Maratha Sahakari Bank and Sahebrao Deshmukh Sahakari Bank also merged with Cosmos Co-operative Bank.

23) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

BharatPe, a new-age non-bank lender, plans to sell between 10% and 25% of its stake in Unity Small Finance Bank (SFB), depending on buyer interest.

BharatPe currently holds around 49% of the stake in Unity SFB.

BharatPe has hired Rothschild & Co., an investment bank, to assist in finding potential buyers, primarily focusing on private equity firms and large family offices.

Detailed Explanation:

BharatPe, a new-age non-bank lender, plans to sell between 10% and 25% of its stake in Unity Small Finance Bank (SFB), depending on buyer interest.

BharatPe currently holds around 49% of the stake in Unity SFB.

BharatPe has hired Rothschild & Co., an investment bank, to assist in finding potential buyers, primarily focusing on private equity firms and large family offices.

RBI Agreement:According to an agreement with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), BharatPe must reduce its stake in Unity SFB to 10% by 2028.

The agreement was made when a consortium of Centrum Financial Services Ltd and BharatPe acquired the small finance bank license.

Unity SFB Background:Unity SFB is promoted by Centrum Financial Services and supported by Resilient Innovations Private. Limited (RIPL), the parent company of BharatPe, as the financial investor.

24) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Tata Elxsi has announced a collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to develop virtual models of Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions for cloud-native application development aimed at accelerating the adoption of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV) in next-gen mobility.

Detailed Explanation:

Technology Demonstration at CES 2025:The collaboration will be demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, where Tata Elxsi will showcase the development of a virtual electronic control unit (ECU) platform.

The platform will utilize Snapdragon virtual system-on-chips (VSoCs) and target automakers and Tier-1 suppliers in the passenger, commercial, and off-highway vehicle segments.

25) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay researchers have identified bacteria that can consume toxic pollutants in the soil and produce helpful nutrients as byproducts.

The research was published in the journal Environmental Technology and Innovation.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay researchers have identified bacteria that can consume toxic pollutants in the soil and produce helpful nutrients as byproducts.

The research was published in the journal Environmental Technology and Innovation.

The bacteria are capable of removing organic pollutants from the soil, including aromatic compounds, which are commonly used in pesticides and other industrial products.

Additional Benefits: These bacteria promote plant growth by:

Boosting plant growth hormones.

Inhibiting the growth of harmful fungi.

Making essential nutrients more available to plants.

Impact on Agriculture: The bacteria can reduce the reliance on chemicals like insecticides and pesticides, helping to improve soil health and fertility.

26) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has announced a collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources).

Detailed Explanation:

The initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural extension system through digitalisation.

This will help farmers and other stakeholders access the capabilities and offerings of these start-ups more easily.

27) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Agnes Keleti, the world’s oldest Olympic champion and Holocaust survivor, has passed away at the age of 103.

Keleti won a further six Olympic medals at Melbourne 1956, four of which were gold, to become the most successful athlete of the Games.

Detailed Explanation:

Agnes Keleti, the world’s oldest Olympic champion and Holocaust survivor, has passed away at the age of 103.

Keleti’s life story, including surviving the Holocaust and Olympic glory, reads like a gripping Hollywood film script, with her feisty spirit never breaking in the face of adversity.

As Hungary’s most successful gymnast, she won ten Olympic medals, all of them after reaching the age of 30 against much younger competitors.

At the Helsinki 1952 Games the 31-year-old made her debut, coming away with one gold medal, a silver, and two bronze.

Keleti won a further six Olympic medals at Melbourne 1956, four of which were gold, to become the most successful athlete of the Games.

28) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

World Braille Day is observed annually on January 4 to honour Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system, which has had a profound impact on the literacy, independence, and inclusivity of visually impaired individuals.

Detailed Explanation:

This day highlights the significance of accessibility and inclusivity in society.

UNGA Recognition: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially recognized World Braille Day in 2018 to promote the awareness of Braille and the rights of visually impaired individuals.

29) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

World Day of War Orphans 2025 is observed on the 6th January 2025.

According to UNICEF, there were “almost 140 million orphans worldwide” as of 2015.

Detailed Explanation:

World Day of War Orphans 2025 is observed on the 6th January 2025.

Children who lose their parents in sudden, violent events like war are forced to live with a surviving relative or into the foster care system, where they must deal with horrible living conditions including starvation and disease.

It’s impossible to fathom the emotional and mental strain they experience.

About half of the casualties in wars over the past few centuries were civilians, a percentage that gradually rose until 2001.

According to UNICEF, there were “almost 140 million orphans worldwide” as of 2015.

30) Answer: A

About Odisha :

Chief Minister : Mohan Charan Majhi

Capital : Bhubaneswar

National Parks : Bhitarkanika National Park, Simlipal National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries : Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary

This post was last modified on January 7, 2025 2:51 pm

21 hours ago

Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 05th & 06th January 2025

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