21. What is the name of the ISRO mission that successfully germinated lobia seeds in space?
[A] Plant Growth Module (PGM)
[B] Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)
[C] Space Farming Initiative (SFI)
[D] Agricultural Research in Space (ARS)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)]
Notes:
The ISRO mission that successfully germinated lobia seeds (also known as cowpea seeds) in space is called the “CROPS” experiment, which stands for “Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies”. The seeds sprouted on the fourth day, with leaves visible by the fifth day, marking a major milestone in space research. The experiment aims to develop sustainable food sources for long-term space missions and test plant growth in microgravity and controlled environments. Success supports astronauts by enabling food growth, oxygen generation, and CO₂ recycling in space. It highlights India’s capability in managing complex life-support systems and contributes to global space farming initiatives.
22. The Halda Festival is observed in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Gujarat
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Halda Festival is celebrated in January in Lahaul-Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. It honors Shiskar Apa, the Goddess of Wealth, to seek blessings for prosperity and a good harvest. Celebrations are most prominent in the Pattan, Gahar, and Chandra valleys.
23. PM Wani Scheme has been launched by which organization?
[A] Department of Telecommunications
[B] Bharat Broadband Network Limited
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Department of Telecommunications]
Notes:
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) recommended capping Internet tariffs for Wi-Fi service providers under the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) scheme at twice the rate of retail broadband. The PM-WANI scheme was launched in December 2020 by the Department of Telecommunication. The scheme aims to expand public Wi-Fi hotspots, especially in rural areas. It seeks to enhance digital infrastructure, increase employment for small entrepreneurs, and provide low-cost internet to underserved urban and rural households. The scheme encourages local shops to offer Wi-Fi for last-mile delivery without requiring a license or registration fee.
24. According to World Bank, what is the projected growth rate of Indian economy over the next two fiscal years (2025-2027)?
[A] 6.3%
[B] 6.5%
[C] 6.7%
[D] 7.1%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [6.7%]
Notes:
India’s economic growth is projected at 6.7% annually for fiscal years starting April 2025, as per the World Bank. The services sector is expected to continue expanding steadily. Manufacturing is set to strengthen due to government efforts to improve the business environment. Investment growth will remain stable, with private investment rising and public investment moderating. For 2024-25, growth is expected to ease to 6.5% due to slower investment and weak manufacturing performance.
25. Where was the fifth United States consulate inaugurated in India?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Bhopal
[D] Jaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru]
Notes:
The United States opened its fifth consulate in India in Bengaluru, joining Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The consulate aims to strengthen US-India ties, especially with Karnataka’s thriving IT and business ecosystem. The consulate will reduce dependency on Chennai for visa services, benefiting Karnataka residents and businesses.
26. Which organization has published the “Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures” report?
[A] International Labour Organization (ILO)
[B] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[C] United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
[D] World Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) ]
Notes:
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report “Prospects for Children in 2025” warns of escalating crises affecting children globally. More than 473 million children, or 19%, lived in conflict zones in 2023, facing risks like displacement, starvation, and trauma. Nearly 400 million children are in countries burdened by debt, limiting education, healthcare, and social services. In low-income nations, debt servicing outpaces social spending, deepening poverty for 1.8 billion children. Climate change impacts children, with only 2.4% of climate finance directed to child-responsive initiatives. Digital inequality affects access to essential services, especially for youth in low-income countries and adolescent girls. UNICEF calls for increased financing to protect children’s health, education, and well-being.
27. Mount Aconcagua, which was seen in news, is located in which mountain range?
[A] The Andes
[B] The Himalayas
[C] The Alps
[D] The Rockies
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [The Andes]
Notes:
Indian and Argentine armies jointly summited Mt Aconcagua, the tallest peak in the Americas at 6,995 meters, on Army Day, January 15, 2025. The expedition began on January 3, 2025, and featured 23 participants, including an eight-member Indian team led by Lt Col Manoj Joshi and a 15-member Argentine contingent. Mt Aconcagua, located in the Andes of Argentina, is the highest peak in South America and outside Asia, standing at 6,962 meters. The mountain is of volcanic origin but is not currently active.
28. Which Indian Naval Ship (INS) is participated in the fourth edition of the Multinational Exercise LA PEROUSE?
[A] INS Surat
[B] INS Kolkata
[C] INS Mumbai
[D] INS Vikrant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [INS Mumbai]
Notes:
INS Mumbai, an indigenously built guided missile destroyer, is participating in the fourth edition of Exercise LA PEROUSE. The exercise involves navies from Australia, France, the UK, the US, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Canada. It focuses on enhancing maritime situational awareness, surveillance, interdiction, air operations, and information sharing. The exercise highlights India’s naval synergy, interoperability, and commitment to a rules-based maritime order. It aligns with India’s SAGAR vision to ensure security and growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
29. Which city is the host of National Science Drama Festival 2024-25?
[A] Delhi
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Chennai
[D] Bhopal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Delhi]
Notes:
The National Science Drama Festival 2024-25, organized by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), took place on January 18, 2025, at the National Science Centre, Delhi. The event was preceded by block, district, and state-level competitions across all 28 States and 8 Union Territories, involving over 40,000 students. Students presented creative science dramas on topics like Artificial Intelligence, Climate Change, Water Conservation, and medical breakthroughs. The festival highlighted the integration of science with literature and theatre, promoting cross-curricular learning and fostering scientific thinking. NCSM used drama as an innovative tool to engage audiences and combat misinformation, encouraging a scientific mindset among citizens.
30. Which day is observed as Kokborok Day in Tripura?
[A] 18 January
[B] 19 January
[C] 20 January
[D] 21 January
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [19 January]
Notes:
Kokborok Day is celebrated on January 19 annually. It holds great importance for the indigenous Tripuri people, especially in Tripura, India. The day honors the cultural heritage, history, and linguistic contributions of the Kokborok language. Kokborok is the mother tongue of the Tripuri community. The celebration promotes the language, traditions, and unity of the Tripuri people. It also raises awareness about preserving and promoting Kokborok.