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Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 of 21st 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.
1) When was Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day celebrated?
(a) 20 January
(b) 21 January
(c) 19 January
(d) 18 January
(e) 17 January
2) According to Jan ’25 report, the Indian Army is now fully committed to the indigenous Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems, with orders worth of how many crore for ammunition expected to be cleared soon, despite India exporting the systems to other countries?
(a) Rs 10100 crore
(b) Rs 10000 crore
(c) Rs10300crore
(d) Rs10500crore
(e) Rs10200crore
3) Recently (Jan’25), the legendary filmmaker known for his eerie and fantastical depictions of America, David Lynch, has passed away. In 1980, Lynch became well-known pursuant to The Elephant Man, which received how many Academy Award nominations?
(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 8
(d) 7
(e) 9
4) The first astronomical observatory in Eastern India was opened by Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in the Purulia district of West Bengal’s Garpanchkot hills. It is the country’s _______observatory of its kind.
(a) 7th
(b) 3rd
(c) 4th
(d) 5th
(e) 6th
5) Recently(Jan ’25), The football community has been in mourning due to Denis Law’s demise. He received the coveted Ballon d’Or in which year?
(a) 1965
(b) 1964
(c) 1963
(d) 1962
(e) 1961
6) The men’s and women’s singles championships were won by Viktor Axelsen and An Se-young at the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament in New Delhi. Which nation does Viktor Axelsen come from?
(a) South Korea
(b) Thailand
(c) Vietnam
(d) Denmark
(e) Malaysia
7) The iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai celebrated its _________ anniversary with a star-studded event that included Indian cricket greats Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sunil Gavaskar.
(a) 25th
(b) 30th
(c) 50th
(d) 75th
(e) 60th
8) Recently(Jan’25), India made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, which took place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. According to men’s coach Ashwini Kumar, which country is most likely to host the 2027 Kho Kho World Cup?
(a) South Korea
(b) Thailand
(c) England
(d) Denmark
(e) China
9) Who has received the Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 from the Cambridge-based Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?
(a) Abdas Samad
(b) Prabhat Kumar
(c) Anand Nandkumar
(d) Urbasi Sinha
(e) Shailashree Haridas
10) How many lakhs has Goldman Sachs (India) Alternative Investment Management Private Limited (GS AIMPL) been fined by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for failing to disclose its investment in Biocon Biologics Limited (Biocon) in accordance with the Competition Act, 2002?
(a) Rs.20lakh
(b) Rs.30lakh
(c) Rs.40lakh
(d) Rs.50lakh
(e) Rs.10lakh
11) The Indian government intends to establish 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by the end of FY25, five years after launching the central sector scheme for their formation. In the Credit Guarantee Facility how much crore can be borrowed per FPO for project loans?
(a) Rs 2 crore
(b) Rs 3.5 crore
(c) Rs 4 crore
(d) Rs 2.5 crore
(e) Rs 3 crore
12) According to an order from the Personnel Ministry, the Center has named Gyanendra Pratap Singh the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Who will Singh going to replace as leader?
(a) Manoj Kumar
(b) Atul Kumar
(c) Vitul Kumar
(d) Sanjay Kumar
(e) Vasanth Kumar
13) How many Southern states are stepping up their efforts to draw in international investors at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) annual meeting in Davos?
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 7
(e) 3
14) The Brazilian government formally announced Nigeria’s inclusion as a____________partner nation under its pro tempore presidency of BRICS.
(a) 10th
(b) 6th
(c) 7th
(d) 8th
(e) 9th
15) Recently, the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between India and Oman started in November 2023 and ended in March 2024, but Oman’s request for review caused a delay in the agreement’s signing. Of the GCC nations, Oman is India’s ______largest export destination.
(a) 1st
(b) 2nd
(c) 3rd
(d) 4th
(e) 5th
16) As per the report, the Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal outlined the Indian government’s ambitious export goals, which include a $1 trillion target by 2030. How many billions of dollars does the engineering sector contribute?
(a) $250 billion
(b) $200 billion
(c) $150 billion
(d) $100 billion
(e) $300 billion
17) In which state did Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah attend the National Disaster Response Force’s (NDRF) 20th Raising Day ceremony as the Chief Guest?
(a) Uttar Pradesh
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Karnataka
(d) Odisha
(e) Madhya Pradesh
18) The National Medical Commission (NMC) has been asked by the National Health Authority (NHA) to direct all government and private hospitals, as well as medical colleges, to actively register patients for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID). How many distinct digits are included in the ABHA ID?
(a) 12
(b) 14
(c) 10
(d) 16
(e) 18
19) How much money did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sell in the foreign exchange market in November to keep the rupee stable and reduce its volatility compared to the US dollar?
(a) $20.2 billion
(b) $21.2 billion
(c) $22.2 billion
(d) $23.2 billion
(e) $24.2 billion
20) During the next meeting, Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda will assess whether interest rate increases are necessary. According to a Bloomberg poll, about 90% of economists think that the state of the economy and prices now call for a rate increase from the current what percentage?
(a) 0.21%
(b) 0.20%
(c) 0.22%
(d) 0.25%
(e) 0.30%
21) Recently(Jan’25), the Punjab & Sind Bank plans to raise ₹2,000 crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) in the current quarter. Out of twelve, how many public sector banks (PSBs) still have government holdings greater than 75%?
(a) 4
(b) 5
(c) 6
(d) 7
(e) 8
22) In which nation does NPCI International collaborate with Magnati to increase UPI acceptance?
(a) USA
(b) UAE
(c) England
(d) Switzerland
(e) France
23) How much money was raised by the diversified Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) Tata Capital Limited through an offering of Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Reg S Bonds in the global bond market?
(a) $200million
(b) $100million
(c) $300million
(d) $400million
(e) $500million
24) How many years are the Reserve Bank of India easing restrictions on daily and monthly transfers, as reported by business correspondents?
(a) 12years
(b) 10years
(c) 14years
(d) 15years
(e) 18years
25) Recently,the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the list of Non-Banking Financial Companies – Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) for fiscal year 2024-25, which includes the same 15 entities as the previous year (2023-24). How many new NBFCs have been added to the NBFC-UL list for FY25?
(a) 2
(b) 3
(c) 0
(d) 4
(e) 5
Answers :
1) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day is observed on the 21st January
Two princely states, Manipur and Tripura, united with India in 1949. Later, they were given the status of a union territory. In 1972, Meghalaya and Tripura were granted full sovereignty.
Detailed Explanation:
Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day is observed on the 21st January
Two princely states, Manipur and Tripura, united with India in 1949. Later, they were given the status of a union territory. In 1972, Meghalaya and Tripura were granted full sovereignty.
The states were able to be established thanks to the North Eastern Region (Re-organization) Act of 1971.
India’s northeast in 1947 was made up of the Assam Plains, the North Eastern Frontier Tracts, and the hill districts.
The Mizo Accord was ratified in 1986, and Mizoram became a sovereign state in 1987. NEFA, or Arunachal Pradesh, received full statehood in 1987.
2) Answer: E
Short Explanation:
India is bolstering its Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems with significant orders, totaling Rs 10,200 crore for ammunition, which are expected to be cleared soon.
This comes as India is also expanding its export market for these systems, particularly to friendly countries.
These orders will support the 10 Pinaka regiments already ordered by the Indian Army, enhancing the lethality and punch of its artillery capabilities.
Detailed Explanation:
India is bolstering its Pinaka multi-launch artillery rocket systems with significant orders, totaling Rs 10,200 crore for ammunition, which are expected to be cleared soon.
This comes as India is also expanding its export market for these systems, particularly to friendly countries.
Pinaka Contracts:
Two major contracts will soon be inked before March 31, the end of the current fiscal year.
Rs 5,700 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition
Rs 4,500 crore for area denial munitions
These orders will support the 10 Pinaka regiments already ordered by the Indian Army, enhancing the lethality and punch of its artillery capabilities.
The Army has already inducted 4 Pinaka regiments, with some launchers deployed in high-altitude areas along the northern borders with China.
An additional six regiments are in the process of being inducted, ensuring the Pinaka system plays a crucial role in strengthening the Army’s artillery.
The Pinaka is regarded as one of the best rocket systems in the world, with capabilities in varied conditions, including high-altitude operations.
High-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition: Has a strike range of 45 km.
Aerial denial munitions: These can be launched to a distance of 37 km, saturating a target area with multiple bomblets, including anti-tank and anti-personnel minelets.
3) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
David Lynch, the iconic director renowned for his surreal and haunting vision of America, has passed away.
Breakthrough Success: Lynch gained mainstream recognition with The Elephant Man (1980), which was nominated for 8 Academy Awards. However, his version of Dune (1984) did not meet his expectations, and he was vocal about his frustration with not having creative control.
Detailed Explanation:
David Lynch, the iconic director renowned for his surreal and haunting vision of America, has passed away.
Lynch was a central figure in shaping counterculture cinema, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, with films such as Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, and Mulholland Drive.
His influence extended to television, where he co-created the groundbreaking series Twin Peaks alongside Mark Frost.
Early Life and Career: Born in 1946 in Missoula, Montana, Lynch’s eerie, dreamlike films have captivated audiences worldwide. His debut feature Eraserhead (1977) established his unique style, blending horror, surrealism, and dark psychological themes.
Breakthrough Success: Lynch gained mainstream recognition with The Elephant Man (1980), which was nominated for 8 Academy Awards. However, his version of Dune (1984) did not meet his expectations, and he was vocal about his frustration with not having creative control.
4) Answer: E
Short Explanation:
A new observatory has been set up by the S.N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchakot area of Purulia district, West Bengal.
This is the 1st astronomical observatory of Eastern India and the 6th in the country under the Department of Science and Technology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
Detailed Explanation:
A new observatory has been set up by the S.N. Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchakot area of Purulia district, West Bengal.
This is the1st astronomical observatory of Eastern India and the 6th in the country under the Department of Science and Technology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
It is the 6th such observatory in India after Ladakh, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Mount Abu (Rajasthan), Girbani Hills in Pune, and Kavalur in Tamil Nadu.
This observatory is expected to make significant contributions to scientific observations of astronomical objects, training students in telescope handling, and facilitating national and international collaboration in astronomical research.
Height and Location: Positioned at an altitude of 600 meters above ground level and at a longitude of approximately 86° E, the observatory is strategically placed to address the longitudinal gap in astronomical observations.
5) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
The passing of Denis Law, at the age of 84, has left the football world in mourning.
Ballon d’Or: In 1964, he won the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Detailed Explanation:
The passing of Denis Law, at the age of 84, has left the football world in mourning.
A legend for both Manchester United and Scotland, Law’s death marks the loss of one of the game’s greatest players, particularly significant for Manchester United, as he was the last surviving member of the club’s famed “Holy Trinity”, alongside George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Goals: Law scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United, becoming one of the club’s most iconic figures.
Achievements: He played a crucial role in the club’s FA Cup win in 1963 and First Division titles in 1965 and 1967.
Ballon d’Or: In 1964, he won the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
6) Answer: D
Short Explanation:
At the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament held in New Delhi, Viktor Axelsen and An Se-young clinched the men’s and women’s singles titles.
Viktor Axelsen (Denmark)
An Se-young (South Korea)
Detailed Explanation:
At the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament held in New Delhi, Viktor Axelsen and An Se-young clinched the men’s and women’s singles titles.
Men’s Singles Final: Viktor Axelsen’s Dominance
Winner: Viktor Axelsen (Denmark)
Opponent: Lee Cheuk Yiu (Hong Kong)
Axelsen secured his third India Open title (previously winning in 2017 and 2019).
Women’s Singles Final: An Se-young’s Graceful Performance
Winner: An Se-young (South Korea)
Opponent: Pornpawee Chochuwong (Thailand)
An Se-young continued her impressive streak, delivering a straight-set victory.
7) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium marked its 50th anniversary with a star-studded celebration, featuring Indian cricket legends like Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Inaugural Test Match (1975): The stadium hosted its first Test against the West Indies, featuring Sunil Gavaskar, who fondly recalled calling Wankhede his home ground as “pehla pyaar (first love).”
Recent Success: In 2024, Rohit Sharma returned to celebrate another ICC World Cup victory in front of a packed Wankhede crowd after India’s T20 triumph in Barbados.
Detailed Explanation:
Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium marked its 50th anniversary with a star-studded celebration, featuring Indian cricket legends like Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sunil Gavaskar.
2007 T20 World Cup Celebration: A 20-year-old Rohit Sharma joined the victory parade at Wankhede after India’s T20 triumph in Johannesburg.
2011 ODI World Cup Final: Sachin Tendulkar fulfilled his lifelong dream as MS Dhoni led India to a historic win against Sri Lanka. Tendulkar called it the crowning moment of his career, saying, “Without that trophy, my career would have been incomplete.”
Inaugural Test Match (1975): The stadium hosted its first Test against the West Indies, featuring Sunil Gavaskar, who fondly recalled calling Wankhede his home ground as “pehla pyaar (first love).”
Recent Success: In 2024, Rohit Sharma returned to celebrate another ICC World Cup victory in front of a packed Wankhede crowd after India’s T20 triumph in Barbados.
8) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
India made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Next Edition: England is likely to host the 2027 Kho Kho World Cup, as announced by men’s coach Ashwini Kumar.
Detailed Explanation:
India made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Women’s Final Highlights
Captain Priyanka Ingle led the Indian women’s team with exceptional strategy and synchronization.
Men’s Final Highlights
India’s dominance began in Turn 1, with Ramji Kashyap and Suyash Gargate showcasing sky dives and touches, securing a 26-0 lead while denying Nepal a Dream Run.
Next Edition: England is likely to host the 2027 Kho Kho World Cup, as announced by men’s coach Ashwini Kumar.
9) Answer: D
Short Explanation:
Professor Urbasi Sinha, a distinguished faculty member at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in the Light and Matter Physics theme, has been honored with the Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Cambridge, UK.
Detailed Explanation:
Professor Urbasi Sinha, a distinguished faculty member at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in the Light and Matter Physics theme, has been honored with the Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Cambridge, UK.
Pioneering Contributions to Quantum Science
Role: Head of the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab at RRI.
Achievements:
Professor Sinha has spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in quantum communication, computing, and optics.
Under her leadership, her lab was among the first in India to develop and utilize heralded and entangled photon sources, marking a significant milestone in India’s quantum research.
10) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of ₹40 lakh on Goldman Sachs (India) Alternative Investment Management Private Limited (GS AIMPL) for not notifying its investment in Biocon Biologics Limited (Biocon) under the Competition Act, 2002.
Detailed Explanation:
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of ₹40 lakh on Goldman Sachs (India) Alternative Investment Management Private Limited (GS AIMPL) for not notifying its investment in Biocon Biologics Limited (Biocon) under the Competition Act, 2002.
The regulator determined that Goldman Sachs’ acquisition of optionally convertible debentures (OCDs) in Biocon, which would amount to a 3.81% stake on a fully diluted basis, should have been reported as a notifiable transaction.
Date of Agreement:November 7, 2020 (Securities Subscription Agreement and Shareholders Agreement signed).
Goldman Sachs acquired OCDs in Biocon without seeking CCI approval, violating Section 6(2) of the Competition Act, 2002.
11) Answer: A
Short Explanation:
The Indian government aims to establish 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by the end of FY25, five years after the launch of the central sector scheme for their formation.
Credit Guarantee and Support:
Credit Guarantee Facility: Up to Rs 2 crore per FPO for project loans.
Cluster-based Marketing Support: Rs 25 lakh per FPO for five years.
Detailed Explanation:
The Indian government aims to establish 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by the end of FY25, five years after the launch of the central sector scheme for their formation.
This initiative, which began in 2020 with a budget of Rs 6,865 crore, has already seen the registration of 9,268 FPOs as cooperatives and producers’ companies, with 732 more registrations pending.
Aryahi Fed Farmers Producer Company (Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh)
Founded in 2021 with 673 farmers.
Sales turnover of Rs 2.5 crore from honey and millet-based products.
Export-oriented honey processing unit set to open in March 2025.
Banas Farmers Producer Organisation (Gujarat)
1643 members supplyspices to corporates like ITC, Reliance Retail, and Iffco Kisan.
Aims for a turnover of Rs 10 crore in FY25, up from Rs 7.25 crore in FY24.
Credit Guarantee and Support:
Credit Guarantee Facility: Up to Rs 2 crore per FPO for project loans.
Cluster-based Marketing Support: Rs 25 lakh per FPO for five years.
12) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
The Centre has appointed Gyanendra Pratap Singh as the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), according to a Personnel Ministry order issued on January 18, 2025.
Singh will take charge from Vitul Kumar, the Special DG of CRPF, who had been officiating as the DG since December 30, 2024, after the retirement of the previous force chief, Anish Dayal Singh.
Detailed Explanation:
The Centre has appointed Gyanendra Pratap Singh as the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), according to a Personnel Ministry order issued on January 18, 2025.
Singh, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, was serving as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam before his new appointment.
Singh will take charge from Vitul Kumar, the Special DG of CRPF, who had been officiating as the DG since December 30, 2024, after the retirement of the previous force chief, Anish Dayal Singh.
Singh has had a distinguished career, having worked with the Special Protection Group (SPG) and serving on central deputation with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as Inspector General.
He also held the position of ADGP (Law and Order) in Assam during the violent protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2019.
13) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
Southern states are intensifying efforts to attract global investors at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos.
Six Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala—will share a joint pavilion at the WEF this year, marking a shift from previous years when states competed with standalone pavilions to attract global investors.
Detailed Explanation:
Southern states are intensifying efforts to attract global investors at the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos.
Each state is leveraging unique campaigns, sector-specific strengths, and policy initiatives to stand out.
Six Indian states—Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala—will share a joint pavilion at the WEF this year, marking a shift from previous years when states competed with standalone pavilions to attract global investors.
Campaign Focus: ‘Bullish on Tamil Nadu’ highlights the state’s industrial strengths in automobile and electronics manufacturing.
14) Answer: E
Short Explanation:
On January 17, 2025, the Brazilian government, under its pro tempore presidency of BRICS, formally announced Nigeria’s inclusion as a partner country.
With this development, Nigeria becomes the 9th partner of BRICS, joining other countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
Detailed Explanation:
On January 17, 2025, the Brazilian government, under its pro tempore presidency of BRICS, formally announced Nigeria’s inclusion as a partner country.
With this development, Nigeria becomes the 9th partner of BRICS, joining other countries such as Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
The partner-country category, introduced during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia in October 2024, has enabled more nations to collaborate with the alliance.
As Africa’s largest economy and the 6th most populous nation globally, Nigeria holds significant strategic importance.
15) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
Negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Oman began in November 2023 and concluded in March 2024, but a request for review by Oman delayed its signing.
Oman is India’s third-largest export destination among GCC countries, and over 80% of Indian goods currently enter Oman with an average 5% import duty.
Detailed Explanation:
Negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and Oman began in November 2023 and concluded in March 2024, but a request for review by Oman delayed its signing.
Oman has sought minimal changes, primarily concerning cigarettes and liquor, with no concessions requested on 125-130 product categories.
The FTA, termed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), will give India access to 98% of its products in Oman and significant access to services, surpassing the scope of the India-UAE FTA.
Oman’s import duties range from 0% to 100%, with the highest rates on specific meats, wines, and tobacco.
Oman is India’s third-largest export destination among GCC countries, and over 80% of Indian goods currently enter Oman with an average 5% import duty.
16) Answer: A
Short Explanation:
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal outlined the Indian government’s ambitious export goals, with a target of $1 trillion in exports by 2030.
This includes $250 billion from the engineering sector, which comprises areas like automobiles, equipment, and other related industries.
Detailed Explanation:
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal outlined the Indian government’s ambitious export goals, with a target of $1 trillion in exports by 2030.
This includes $250 billion from the engineering sector, which comprises areas like automobiles, equipment, and other related industries.
The engineering sector currently contributes 25% of India’s total exports.
Barthwal emphasized that this sector will play a critical role in achieving the $1 trillion export target, with a focus on expanding exports from engineering-based industries.
The target is based on ground realities, such as India’s growing middle class and the government’s focus on infrastructure development.
Ongoing projects include the modernization of ports, airports, railways, and broadening of roads, which will support export growth.
17) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah participated as the Chief Guest at the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
During the event, multiple infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹220 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid.
Detailed Explanation:
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah participated as the Chief Guest at the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
During the event, multiple infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹220 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid.
Projects Worth ₹220 Crore
National South Campus of Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).
10th Battalion of the NDRF.
Regional Response Centre at Supaul Campus.
Integrated Shooting Range at the National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
Regional Forensic Science Laboratory building in Tirupati.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
Approval of ₹11,000 crore by the Union Cabinet for securing the long-term viability of the plant.
Amaravati Development
Allocation of ₹27,000 crore through HUDCO and the World Bank to accelerate the Amaravati capital project.
18) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
The National Health Authority (NHA) has requested the National Medical Commission (NMC) to instruct all medical colleges, government, and private hospitals to actively register patients for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID).
What is ABHA ID?
A 14-digit unique number enabling patients to access their health records, prescriptions, and consultation details across multiple healthcare providers.
Detailed Explanation:
The National Health Authority (NHA) has requested the National Medical Commission (NMC) to instruct all medical colleges, government, and private hospitals to actively register patients for the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID).
Voluntary Registration for ABHA ID
Patient Choice: Hospitals cannot deny treatment to patients who choose not to create an ABHA ID, as registration remains voluntary.
Privacy Assurance: Digital health data is protected under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, with rules notified on January 3, 2025.
What is ABHA ID?
A 14-digit unique number enabling patients to access their health records, prescriptions, and consultation details across multiple healthcare providers.
19) Answer: A
Short Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sold a record $20.2 billion in the foreign exchange market in November to stabilize the rupee and contain volatility against the US dollar.
Net Short Position: As of November end, the RBI’s net short position in the forward market rose to $58.9 billion, compared to $49.18 billion at the end of October.
Detailed Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sold a record $20.2 billion in the foreign exchange market in November to stabilize the rupee and contain volatility against the US dollar.
Net Short Position: As of November end, the RBI’s net short position in the forward market rose to $58.9 billion, compared to $49.18 billion at the end of October.
Spot Market Interventions:The RBI bought $30.8 billion and sold $51.1 billion in the spot market in November, indicating aggressive intervention.
This intervention was aimed at curbing rupee depreciation, which fell by 0.48% during the month.
Factors Behind Intervention:The RBI’s intervention was in response to heavy foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows.
The surge in US Treasury yields and the strengthening of the dollar led to these outflows.
The US presidential election result (Trump’s victory) contributed to a rise in US Treasury yields.
20) Answer: D
Short Explanation:
Kazuo Ueda, Governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ), will evaluate the need to raise interest rates during the upcoming meeting.
Around 90% of economists surveyed by Bloomberg believe that current economic conditions and prices warrant a rate hike from the current 0.25%.
Detailed Explanation:
Kazuo Ueda, Governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ), will evaluate the need to raise interest rates during the upcoming meeting.
While most central banks, like the Federal Reserve, are focusing on rate cuts, the BOJ is considering raising rates as part of its efforts to move toward conventional policy settings after decades of low inflation and weak economic growth.
Japan is close to achieving stable inflation and has seen solid wage growth, creating favorable conditions for the BOJ to increase borrowing costs toward levels seen in other major economies.
Around 90% of economists surveyed by Bloomberg believe that current economic conditions and prices warrant a rate hike from the current 0.25%.
21) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
Punjab & Sind Bank plans to raise ₹2,000 crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) during the current quarter.
5 out of 12 public sector banks (PSBs) still have government holdings above 75%.
Detailed Explanation:
Punjab & Sind Bank plans to raise ₹2,000 crore through Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) during the current quarter.
Post-QIP, the government’s stake in the bank is expected to decrease by 3-4%.
As of December 2024, the government holds 98.25% of the bank.
The capital adequacy ratio is expected to rise by March 2025 as a result of the QIP.
Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS): The government extended the deadline to meet the minimum public shareholding norms for central public sector enterprises and public sector financial institutions until August 2026.
5 out of 12 public sector banks (PSBs) still have government holdings above 75%.
MPS Norms: As per SEBI, listed companies must maintain 25% public shareholding.
22) Answer: B
Short Explanation:
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with UAE-based payment solution provider Magnati to expand QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) merchant payments in the Middle East.
Detailed Explanation:
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with UAE-based payment solution provider Magnati to expand QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) merchant payments in the Middle East.
The partnership aims to enhance UPI-based payments via point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the UAE, primarily for Indian travelers.
UPI’s Global Recognition:UPI is recognized as one of the world’s most successful real-time payment systems.
In December 2024, UPI processed over 16 billion transactions.
23) Answer: D
Short Explanation:
Tata Capital Limited, an diversified Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), raised $400 million through a Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Reg S Bond offering in the international bond market.
Bond Details: The bond has a 3.5-year tenor with an interest rate of 5.389% per annum.
Detailed Explanation:
Tata Capital Limited, an diversified Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), raised $400 million through a Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Reg S Bond offering in the international bond market.
Bond Details: The bond has a 3.5-year tenor with an interest rate of 5.389% per annum.
Maiden USD Bond Issuance: This is Tata Capital’s first USD bond issuance.
Reg S Status: The bonds are issued under Reg S status, meaning they don’t require registration with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Global Investor Engagement: Tata Capital engaged global investors in Hong Kong, Singapore, and London for the bond issuance.
Achievement of Tightest Spread: The issuance achieved the tightest spread over US Treasuries for a 3/3.5-year USD-denominated bond by a BBB- rated issuer from South and Southeast Asia.
24) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
Business correspondents (BCs)-who process thousands of crores of rupees daily in domestic remittances-have urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to relax the restrictions it had imposed on monthly and daily transfers 14 years ago.
New domestic money transfer (DMT) rules, aimed at preventing misuse of banking channels, kicked in from November 1,2024.
Detailed Explanation:
Business correspondents (BCs)-who process thousands of crores of rupees daily in domestic remittances-have urged the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to relax the restrictions it had imposed on monthly and daily transfers 14 years ago.
They have written to the RBI, requesting it to double the monthly transfer limit to ₹50,000 and reduce the requirement of a two-factor authentication (2FA) to once a month from it being needed for every transaction now.
New domestic money transfer (DMT) rules, aimed at preventing misuse of banking channels, kicked in from November 1,2024.
They mandate companies to maintain detailed records of remitters and recipients.
Business Correspondents (BCs) are representatives of banks who provide basic banking services to customers, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where banking infrastructure is limited.
25) Answer: C
Short Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the list of Non-Banking Financial Companies – Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) for the financial year 2024-25, maintaining the same 15 entities as in the previous year (2023-24).
No (0) new NBFCs have been included in the NBFC-UL list for FY25.
Detailed Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the list of Non-Banking Financial Companies – Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) for the financial year 2024-25, maintaining the same 15 entities as in the previous year (2023-24).
No (0) new NBFCs have been included in the NBFC-UL list for FY25.
Scale-Based Regulation (SBR):The RBI issued the Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) on 22 October 2021, a revised framework categorizing NBFCs into four layers: Base Layer (NBFC-BL), Middle Layer (NBFC-ML), Upper Layer (NBFC-UL), and Top Layer (NBFC-TL).
The framework also outlines the methodology to identify NBFCs for each layer based on their asset size and scoring.
Piramal Enterprises:Despite qualifying for identification as an NBFC-UL under the scoring methodology, Piramal Enterprises has not been included in the list due to ongoing reorganization within the business group.
