Current Affairs Quiz

Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 11th January 2025

Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 of 11th 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) According to the report, how many loan accounts are involved in the Rs 11,500 crore sale of non-performing assets (NPAs) to asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) by Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) as part of the bank’s attempt to improve the quality of its assets?

(a) 42

(b) 44

(c) 45

(d) 46

(e) 48


2)
In 2024–25, which bank will host its first cybersecurity hackathon with the theme “Code Against Malware”?

(a) Canara Bank

(b) Punjab & National Bank

(c) State Bank of India

(d) Indian Bank

(e) Bank of Baroda


3)
The lender category most negatively impacted was Small Finance Banks (SFBs), which reported the highest percentage of loans past due by 31 to 180 days and a portfolio at risk (PAR) of what percentage?

(a) 5.2%

(b) 5.3%

(c) 5.4%

(d) 5.5%

(e) 5.6%


4)
In which state does Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi introduce the Pravasi Bharatiya Express to link Indian heritage with the diaspora?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Maharashtra

(c) Kerala

(d) West Bengal

(e) Odisha


5)
As India approaches its centenary in 2047, the country is investing in its youth to build a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). How many languages were used for the Viksit Bharat Quiz, which assessed knowledge of India’s progress?

(a) 10

(b) 11

(c) 12

(d) 13

(e) 15


6)
A significant milestone under the National Green Hydrogen Mission was reached when Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a Green Hydrogen Hub project at Pudimadaka, close to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. How many gigawatts of renewable energy projects have been developed?

(a) 10GW

(b) 20GW

(c) 25GW

(d) 15GW

(e) 30GW


7) How many
population groups did India’s ground-breaking GenomeIndia Project sequence the genomes of 10,000 Indians, or roughly 2% of the 4,600 population groups in the country?

(a) 81

(b) 82

(c) 83

(d) 84

(e) 85


8)
What is the estimated cost of the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Kashmir, which Prime Minister Modi is likely to inaugurate?

(a) Rs 2,400 crore

(b) Rs 2,200 crore

(c) Rs 2,300 crore

(d) Rs 2,500 crore

(e) Rs 2,600 crore


9)
The new book “Thiruvallikeni ¼ Divine Abode of Lord Parthasarathy” was published by The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited as part of The Hindu Group’s Shrine Series. Who was the chairperson of the company?

(a) Anil Kumar

(b) VK Saraswat

(c) Krishna Ella

(d) Nirmala Lakshman

(e) S. Kris Gopalakrishnan


10) Recently,
DGP Shatrujeet Kapur plans to enact three new criminal laws in Haryana on February 28. Which union territory (UT) was the first to enact these laws?

(a) Chandigarh

(b) Ladakh

(c) Delhi

(d) Lakshadweep

(e) Jammu & Kashmir


11)
Which state will host the Flamingo Festival from January 18–20, 2025, after a five-year break?

(a) Uttar Pradesh

(b) Madhya Pradesh

(c) Uttarakhand

(d) Andhra Pradesh

(e) Rajasthan


12)
What is the price reduction per tonne for lump and fine iron ore that the state-owned miner NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation) announced will take effect on January 9, 2025?

(a) ₹350 per tonne

(b) ₹150 per tonne

(c) ₹250 per tonne

(d) ₹300 per tonne

(e) ₹200 per tonne


13)
How many crores will the Indian government give to state-owned fuel retailers Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) as a subsidy to make up for losses brought on by the controlled pricing of domestic LPG?

(a) ₹35,000 crore

(b) ₹25,000 crore

(c) ₹15,000 crore

(d) ₹30,000 crore

(e) ₹45,000 crore


14) Recently (Jan 25), Former Supreme Court Justice B.N. Srikrishna was named chair of Equal’s Advisory Board, a platform for data sharing and ID verification. He had previously served as the head of the
____Pay Commission.

(a) 4th

(b) 5th

(c) 6th

(d) 7th

(e) 8th


15) As per Jan’25 report,
Joseph Aoun is elected president by the Lebanese parliament, breaking a two-year impasse. How many times have there been unsuccessful attempts to elect a successor, but there are signs that the commander of the Lebanese army, Joseph Aoun, might win the presidency in the next election?

(a) 11

(b) 12

(c) 13

(d) 14

(e) 15


16)
The National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) and Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL) are to merge, according to a proposal from the Union Steel Ministry. In which state did KIOCL’s failure to begin mining operations lead to the proposed merger?

(a) Uttar Pradesh

(b) Madhya Pradesh

(c) Uttarakhand

(d) Andhra Pradesh

(e) Karnataka


17)
As part of the IndiaAI Mission, Microsoft is collaborating with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). How many billions of dollars will Microsoft invest over the course of two years to improve India’s cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure?

(a) $1billion

(b) $2billion

(c) $3billion

(d) $4billion

(e) $5billion


18) Recently(Jan’25),
P Jayachandran, a well-known playback singer known as ‘Bhava Gayakan’, passed away. In which state was he born?

(a) Karnataka

(b) Kerala

(c) Tamil Nadu

(d) Andhra Pradesh

(e) Telangana


19) Which of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?

(a) Priyanka Ingle – Captain of the Indian Women’s team in the Kho Kho World Cup

(b) Pratik Waikar – Captain of the Indian men’s team in the Kho Kho World Cup

(c) Mo Farah – International Event Ambassador for the 19th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon

(d) England Hockey – Introduces Policy Restricting Transgender Women from Female Category

(e) All are correct


20)
When was the 2025 National Human Trafficking Awareness Day observed?

(a) January 10

(b) January 9

(c) January 11

(d) January 8

(e) January 7


Answers :

1) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) is selling Rs 11,500 crore worth of non-performing assets (NPAs) to asset reconstruction companies (ARCs).

The sale involves 46 loan accounts and is part of the bank’s effort to enhance its asset quality.

The portfolio includes accounts that were financed under a consortium arrangement, with some admitted under the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) is selling Rs 11,500 crore worth of non-performing assets (NPAs) to asset reconstruction companies (ARCs).

The sale involves 46 loan accounts and is part of the bank’s effort to enhance its asset quality.

The portfolio includes accounts that were financed under a consortium arrangement, with some admitted under the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

Prospective buyers can bid on a portfolio basis, for individual accounts, or groups of accounts.

Focus on Value Maximisation:IOB is focusing on value maximization through recovery measures, including:

Invoking SARFAESI actions

Compromise settlements

Sales to ARCs.

EoI and Auction Schedule:Eligible ARCs and other transferees must submit their expressions of interest (EoI) by January 18.

The e-auction for the 46 accounts will take place on January 30.


2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched its first Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024-25, with the theme “Code Against Malware”.

The hackathon aims to address the rising threat of malware and enhance the nation’s cybersecurity defences.

Detailed Explanation:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched its first Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024-25, with the theme “Code Against Malware”.

The hackathon aims to address the rising threat of malware and enhance the nation’s cybersecurity defences.

Focus Areas:The hackathon focuses on key areas like:

Malware detection and removal using intelligence-powered tools.

Real-time threat monitoring and mitigation.

Ransomware resilience solutions.

Next-generation antivirus tools and attack surface management.

Participation Details:Open to students, researchers, and academicians from academic institutions, research organizations, and the tech community.

Participants can enter individually or in teams.

Prizes and Opportunities:Winners can receive prizes worth up to ₹11 lakhs.


3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Delinquency Rates: Delinquency rates on microfinance loans (instalments overdue by 30 to 180 days) increased to 4.3% in September 2024, up from 2% in the previous year.

Sector Stress:Small Finance Banks (SFBs) were the worst-affected lender category, reporting the highest proportion of loans overdue by 31 to 180 days, with a PAR (portfolio at risk) of 5.4%.

Detailed Explanation:

The microfinance portfolio stood at ₹4.1 lakh crore as of September 2024.This showed:

A quarter-on-quarter decline of 4.3% compared to June 2024.

A year-on-year growth of 7.6%.

Delinquency Rates: Delinquency rates on microfinance loans (instalments overdue by 30 to 180 days) increased to 4.3% in September 2024, up from 2% in the previous year.

Sector Stress:Small Finance Banks (SFBs) were the worst-affected lender category, reporting the highest proportion of loans overdue by 31 to 180 days, with a PAR (portfolio at risk) of 5.4%.

NBFCs reported the lowest PAR (2.3%) for loans overdue by 31-180 days.

State-wise Delinquencies:Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha accounted for 62% of the incremental delinquencies.

Credit Guarantee Scheme & Support:In a meeting with M Nagaraju (Secretary, Department of Financial Services), MFIs sought a credit guarantee scheme tailored for their sector and borrowers.


4) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Prime MinisterShri Narendra Modi flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a state-of-the-art tourist train designed under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY).

The launch marks the 110th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.

Flagged Off By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Detailed Explanation:

Prime MinisterShri Narendra Modi flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a state-of-the-art tourist train designed under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana (PTDY).

This initiative aims to strengthen the bond between the Indian diaspora and India’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

The launch marks the 110th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.

Launch Date: January 9, 2025

Flagged Off By: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Purpose: To reconnect Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) with India’s cultural and religious roots.

Organized By: Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with IRCTC.

Age Group: Open to PIOs aged 45-65 years.

Priority: Preference for PIOs from low-income categories who may not afford visits to India otherwise.


5) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

As India marches towards its centenary of Independence in 2047, the nation is investing in its youth as the architects of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

The Viksit Bharat Challenge

A three-stage competition designed to nurture and spotlight India’s brightest young minds:

Stage 1: Viksit Bharat Quiz

Participation: Over three million youths across India.

Conducted in 12 languages, testing knowledge of India’s progress.

Stage 2: Viksit Bharat Essay Competition

Submissions: Over 200,000 essays addressing 10 thematic areas, including technology, sustainability, cultural heritage, and sports.

Stage 3: Viksit Bharat Vision Deck Competition

Finalists from state-level championships presented innovative ideas to domain experts, showcasing grassroots perspectives and regional diversity.

Detailed Explanation:

As India marches towards its centenary of Independence in 2047, the nation is investing in its youth as the architects of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of engaging one lakh youth in politics without prior political backgrounds, the National Youth Festival has transformed into the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025.

 Transition from Festival to Movement

The National Youth Festival, traditionally a symbol of cultural exchange, was revamped to emphasize leadership, innovation, and nation-building.

The Viksit Bharat Challenge

A three-stage competition designed to nurture and spotlight India’s brightest young minds:

Stage 1: Viksit Bharat Quiz

Participation: Over three million youths across India.

Conducted in 12 languages, testing knowledge of India’s progress.

Stage 2: Viksit Bharat Essay Competition

Submissions: Over 200,000 essays addressing 10 thematic areas, including technology, sustainability, cultural heritage, and sports.

Stage 3: Viksit Bharat Vision Deck Competition

Finalists from state-level championships presented innovative ideas to domain experts, showcasing grassroots perspectives and regional diversity.


6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a Green Hydrogen Hub project at Pudimadaka near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Renewable Energy: Development of 20 GW of renewable energy projects.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a Green Hydrogen Hub project at Pudimadaka near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Partners:

NTPC Green Energy Ltd (NGEL), the renewable arm of NTPC Ltd.

New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP), the state’s renewable energy agency.

Scale: First Green Hydrogen Hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Renewable Energy: Development of 20 GW of renewable energy projects.

1,500 tpd (tonnes per day) of green hydrogen.

7,500 tpd of green derivatives such as green methanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel.

Investment:

The project is expected to attract ₹1.85 lakh crore investment into Andhra Pradesh.

Energy Targets:

Contributing to India’s target of 500 GW non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.


7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India has completed the GenomeIndia Project, a groundbreaking initiative that sequenced the genomes of 10,000 Indians from 83 population groups, representing about 2% of the country’s 4,600 population groups.

This data is a valuable resource for global researchers to explore disease mechanisms, drug therapies, and genetic diversity.

Detailed Explanation:

India has completed the GenomeIndia Project, a groundbreaking initiative that sequenced the genomes of 10,000 Indians from 83 population groups, representing about 2% of the country’s 4,600 population groups.

This data is a valuable resource for global researchers to explore disease mechanisms, drug therapies, and genetic diversity.

The project is a five-year effort initiated in 2018, with contributions from over 20 leading research institutions, including IISc, IITs, CSIR, and BRIC.

Despite challenges like COVID-19, the project successfully completed its objective of creating a Diverse Genetic Resource for India.

The compiled data is housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana.

It is now accessible to researchers worldwide for biomedical investigations.


8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Rs 2,400 crore Z-Morh Tunnel.

This 6.5 km tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway is a key infrastructure project that will ensure year-round accessibility to the Ladakh region.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Rs 2,400 crore Z-Morh Tunnel.

This 6.5 km tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway is a key infrastructure project that will ensure year-round accessibility to the Ladakh region.

The tunnel is vital for national defence and connectivity to Ladakh, providing uninterrupted road access to the region.

It will help strengthen defence logistics and enable smoother military mobility in the Ladakh region, especially in harsh winter months when roads are often closed.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted that the tunnel will act as a game changer for tourism, particularly winter tourism in the Sonamarg area.

The Srinagar-Sonamarg stretch, which is affected by heavy snowfall during winters, will now remain open year-round, facilitating tourism during winter months.


9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, released a new book titled “Thiruvallikeni – Divine Abode of Lord Parthasarathy” as part of The Hindu Group’s Shrine Series.

The Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple is notable for having five deities worshipped in the temple, all of whom are praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

Detailed Explanation:

Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, released a new book titled “Thiruvallikeni – Divine Abode of Lord Parthasarathy” as part of The Hindu Group’s Shrine Series.

The book delves into the rich history and spiritual significance of the Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple in Triplicane, Chennai.

The book features well-researched articles covering the history of the temple, puranic accounts, and detailed explanations of its spiritual heritage.

The temple’s rich cultural and architectural beauty is captured in vivid photographs, many of which have been taken over the years by The Hindu’s photographers.

The Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple is notable for having five deities worshipped in the temple, all of whom are praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.


10) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Haryana is set to become the first state to implement the new criminal laws in their entirety, following Chandigarh, the first union territory to do so.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita (BSS): Replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS): Replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

Detailed Explanation:

Haryana is set to become the first state to implement the new criminal laws in their entirety, following Chandigarh, the first union territory to do so.

Overview of the New Criminal Laws:

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Bharatiya Sakshya Sanhita (BSS): Replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS): Replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

These laws came into effect on July 1, 2024, following their passage in Parliament in 2023.

E-Sakshya App: Used for uploading evidence in electronic form, ensuring secure and efficient handling of digital data.

E-Summons App: Streamlines the service of summons, allowing for electronic delivery and verification, saving time and resources.

Infrastructure and Resources:Haryana police stations are being equipped with tablets, mobile handsets, and computers connected to the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS).

Minimum internet speed of 10 MBPS in each police station to support digital operations.

The states have been given five years to fully implement all aspects of the new laws, including necessary amendments to state police rules.


11) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Flamingo Festival will be held after a gap of five years in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, from January 18 to 20, 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

The Flamingo Festival will be held after a gap of five years in Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, from January 18 to 20, 2025.

The festival will be spread across five locations in the region:

Nelapattu

B.V. Palem

Atakanithippa

Sri City

Sullurpeta

Over 200 varieties of birds are expected to migrate to this region during the festival season.


12) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

State-owned miner NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation)has announced a price reduction of ₹350 per tonne for both lump and fine iron ore, effective January 9, 2025.

Updated Prices

Lump Ore (10-40 mm, Fe content 67%):

New Price: ₹6,000 per tonne

Fines (less than 10 mm, Fe content 64%):

New Price: ₹5,060 per tonne

Detailed Explanation:

State-owned miner NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation)has announced a price reduction of ₹350 per tonne for both lump and fine iron ore, effective January 9, 2025.

Updated Prices

Lump Ore (10-40 mm, Fe content 67%):

New Price: ₹6,000 per tonne

Fines (less than 10 mm, Fe content 64%):

New Price: ₹5,060 per tonne

These prices apply to ore sourced from NMDC’s Baila Mine and are Freight on Road/Rail (FOR) rates.

Prices Include:

Royalty

District Mineral Fund (DMF)

National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET)

Cess and Forest Permit Fees

Prices Exclude:

Transit Fees

GST

Environmental Cess

Other Taxes


13) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian government is set to provide a ₹35,000 crore subsidy to state-owned fuel retailers—Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL)—to offset losses incurred due to regulated pricing of domestic LPG.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian government is set to provide a ₹35,000 crore subsidy to state-owned fuel retailers—Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL)—to offset losses incurred due to regulated pricing of domestic LPG.

Price Freeze and Under-Recoveries:

Domestic LPG prices have remained fixed at ₹803 per 14.2-kg cylinder since March 2024, despite rising input costs.

This has led to an estimated under-recovery of ₹40,500 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.

Under-recovery per cylinder is approximately ₹240.

Subsidy Details:

Total subsidy: ₹35,000 crore, to be disbursed in two phases:

₹10,000 crore in 2024-25.

₹25,000 crore in 2025-26.

Provisions for the subsidy are expected to feature in the 2025-26 Union Budget, to be presented on February 1, 2025.


14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Retired Supreme Court Justice B.N. Srikrishna has been appointed to chair the Advisory Board of Equal, an ID verification and data-sharing platform.

This appointment comes as the government finalizes the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, to implement the DPDP Act, 2023.

He headed the Sixth Pay Commission.

Detailed Explanation:

Retired Supreme Court Justice B.N. Srikrishna has been appointed to chair the Advisory Board of Equal, an ID verification and data-sharing platform.

This appointment comes as the government finalizes the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, to implement the DPDP Act, 2023.

About Justice Srikrishna :

Headed the Sixth Pay Commission.

Chaired the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission.

Led the Expert Committee on Arbitration Law to propose reforms to the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996.

Members of the Advisory Board:

The board includes several high-profile appointees, such as:

Jagdish Capoor, Rakesh Mohan, and Anand Sinha (former Deputy Governors of the RBI).

J. Satyanarayana and Ajay Prakash Sawhney (former CEOs of UIDAI).

P.H. Ravikumar, the founding CEO of NCDEX.


15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Lebanon’s parliament is making another attempt to elect a president, aiming to fill a presidential vacancy that has lasted over two years since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022.

12 previous attempts have failed to elect a successor, but there are indications that Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army commander, may be elected as president in the upcoming vote.

Detailed Explanation:

Lebanon’s parliament is making another attempt to elect a president, aiming to fill a presidential vacancy that has lasted over two years since Michel Aoun’s term ended in October 2022.

12 previous attempts have failed to elect a successor, but there are indications that Joseph Aoun, the Lebanese army commander, may be elected as president in the upcoming vote.

Leading Presidential Candidate:Joseph Aoun is seen as the leading candidate for president and is backed by the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The longest presidential vacancy prior to this occurred between May 2014 and October 2016, lasting nearly 2 1/2 years, before Michel Aoun was elected president.


16) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Steel Ministry of India has proposed the merger of NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation) with Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL).

The merger proposal follows KIOCL’s inability to start mining operations at Devadiri in Karnataka.

Detailed Explanation:

The Steel Ministry of India has proposed the merger of NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation) with Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL).

The merger proposal follows KIOCL’s inability to start mining operations at Devadiri in Karnataka.

Approval Process:The merger proposal has been submitted to the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance for approval.

Further details of the merger will be available after the Finance Ministry’s approval.

Regulatory approvals are also required for the merger to proceed.

Strategic Benefits of the Merger:The merger will provide NMDC (valued at ₹22,000 crore) access to KIOCL’s 4 million tonne per annum (mtpa) plant, which already has export clearances in place.


17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, announced cloud and AI-led strategic partnerships with the Indian government and industry leaders across key sectors of the Indian economy.

Investment in AI and Cloud Infrastructure:Microsoft announced a $3 billion investment over two years to boost cloud and AI infrastructure in India.

AI Productivity Labs:Microsoft will establish AI Productivity Labs in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs)/NIELIT centres across 10 states to train 20,000 educators in foundational AI courses

Detailed Explanation:

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, announced cloud and AI-led strategic partnerships with the Indian government and industry leaders across key sectors of the Indian economy.

Microsoft is partnering with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the IndiaAI Mission.

Investment in AI and Cloud Infrastructure:Microsoft announced a $3 billion investment over two years to boost cloud and AI infrastructure in India.

Support for IndiaAI Mission:Microsoft will contribute to the IndiaAI Mission Datasets platform, focusing on data collection and synthetic data generation. They will engage with partners such as AI4Bharat.

AI Productivity Labs:Microsoft will establish AI Productivity Labs in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs)/NIELIT centres across 10 states to train 20,000 educators in foundational AI courses


18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Renowned playback singer P Jayachandran, affectionately called ‘Bhava Gayakan’ passed away at the age of 81.

Jayachandran was born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Kerala.

He recorded over 16,000 songs in multiple languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.

Detailed Explanation:

Renowned playback singer P Jayachandran, affectionately called ‘Bhava Gayakan’ passed away at the age of 81.

Jayachandran was born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Kerala.

He recorded over 16,000 songs in multiple languages: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.

He is widely recognized for his contribution to Indian music, particularly as a playback singer.

He started his musical journey in high school, learning to play the mridangam and singing light classical music.


19) Answer: C

Kho Kho World Cup:

Pratik Waikar, a 32-year-old kho kho player from Pune, is set to captain the Indian men’s team in the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his journey with this indigenous sport.The Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup:

Dates: January 13–19, 2025.

Venue: Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

Opening Match: India vs. Nepal.

Pakistan will not participate due to visa issues.

Women’s Team Leadership: Captain: Priyanka Ingle, a 24-year-old from Pune.

Tata Mumbai Marathon:

Legendary athlete Mo Farah, a multiple Olympic and World Champion, has been announced as the International Event Ambassador for the 20th edition of the Tata Mumbai Marathon, set to take place on January 19, 2025.

Changes in England Hockey:

England Hockey announced a significant policy change, outlining that transgender women will not be allowed to compete in the female category starting next season. This move is part of a broader strategy to address transgender and non-binary participation in the sport.


20) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025 is observed on the 11th January 2025.

The fight against human trafficking made progress in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The resolution designating January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day was approved by the US Senate in 2007.

Detailed Explanation:

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2025 is observed on the 11th January 2025.

The fight against human trafficking made progress in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act, which was passed in 2000, was the first federal statute to address contemporary slavery.

The resolution designating January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day was approved by the US Senate in 2007.

The entire month of January 2010 was devoted by President Obama to raising awareness and preventing human trafficking.

This post was last modified on January 13, 2025 5:25 pm