21. Z Morh Tunnel, which was seen in the news, is located in which state/UT?
[A] Sikkim
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Jammu and Kashmir
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Jammu and Kashmir]
Notes:
The Z-Morh tunnel will be a key milestone in creating a year-round strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh. It is a 2-lane road tunnel between Gagangir and Sonamarg on the Srinagar-Leh Highway in Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel is named after the Z-shaped road section near the site. The tunnel is necessary due to the area’s high altitude (over 8,500 ft) and frequent snow avalanches, which make the road impassable during winter months.
22. What is the primary objective of ICEGATE portal that was recently seen in news?
[A] Managing rail transport logistics
[B] Offering electronic services for customs-related activities
[C] Regulating air traffic
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Offering electronic services for customs-related activities]
Notes:
The overestimation of gold import figures from April to November was due to a data migration error. The error occurred during the shift from the SEZ Online system to ICEGATE, causing double counting of imports into Special Economic Zones and domestic zones. As a result, the gold import figures for November were revised down by 5 billion, from 14.8 billion to $9.9 billion. ICEGATE (Indian Customs Electronic Gateway) is an online portal that offers electronic services for customs-related activities. It is a part of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). It facilitates the electronic filing of import and export documents.
23. The ‘Maa Ki Rasoi’ initiative is launched by which state government recently?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
The ‘Maa Ki Rasoi’ initiative, inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, offers a full meal for just ₹9 to economically weaker sections in Prayagraj. The initiative is operated by Nandi Sewa Sansthan at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to social welfare, especially during the auspicious Mahakumbh festival.
24. The National Youth Day is celebrated on 12th January every year in commemoration of which Indian leader?
[A] Bhagat Singh
[B] Chandra Shekhar Azad
[C] APJ Abdul Kalam
[D] Swami Vivekananda
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Swami Vivekananda]
Notes:
India celebrates National Youth Day on January 12, honoring Swami Vivekananda’s legacy of youth empowerment. The National Youth Festival (NYF) 2024, held on January 10-12 at Bharat Mandapam, is reimagined as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. It is organized under the National Programme for Youth and Adolescent Development (NPYAD) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, with shared costs between the Centre and the host state/UT. The festival includes cultural events, youth conventions, exhibitions, and adventure activities, involving around 7,500 delegates.
25. Which ministry has launched the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT & NS)?
[A] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
[B] Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
[C] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways]
Notes:
The National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) was launched on January 11, 2025, by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. National River Traffic and Navigation System aims to ensure safe and efficient operation of inland vessels. The launch took place during the 2nd meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC). IWDC, established in 2023, serves as an apex platform for policy discussions to promote inland waterways in India.
26. Which institute has been chosen by ICMR to establish South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL)?
[A] Stanley Medical College
[B] Andhra Medical College
[C] Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
[D] Madras Medical College
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute ]
Notes:
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has been selected by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to host South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL). The lab will focus on research and diagnostics for bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, enabling quicker and more accurate disease management. This is part of a nationwide initiative to enhance medical research infrastructure in India. The lab will also study antibiotic resistance, fungal infections, and tropical diseases.
27. Which country has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics in January 2025?
[A] Bhutan
[B] India
[C] Myanmar
[D] Bangladesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [India]
Notes:
India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics, focusing on using big data for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals. India’s involvement will help shape global standards in data science for official statistics. India’s initiatives like the Data Innovation Lab and use of satellite imagery and machine learning will be highlighted. The membership aligns India’s advancements in big data with international goals and positions the country as a leader in data transformation. India aims to modernize statistical processes, enhance data accuracy, and support evidence-based policy decisions through innovative data techniques.
28. Which ministry has created the cultural village “Kalagram” in Prayagraj?
[A] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Tourism
[C] Ministry of Culture
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Culture]
Notes:
The Union Culture Ministry has created a Kalagram, a 10.24-acre cultural village near Prayagraj station, as part of Mahakumbh 2025. Kalagram, located 2 km from the station, offers free entry and showcases Indian art, heritage, food, and performances. The entrance features a 635-foot-wide façade depicting the 12 Jyotirlingas.
29. Which ministry has implemented Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY)?
[A] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Rural Development]
Notes:
The Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development is implementing the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY) to develop degraded and rainfed areas. Activities include ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, nursery raising, and pasture development. WDC-PMKSY 1.0 improved groundwater, surface water, crop productivity, and farmers’ income. In 2021-22, 1150 projects covering 50 lakh hectares were sanctioned under WDC-PMKSY 2.0 with ₹12,303 Crores. 56 new projects worth ₹700 Crores are sanctioned in 10 top-performing states, covering 2.8 lakh hectares to improve farmers’ income, combat land degradation, and enhance climate resilience.
30. Which country has developed Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) for eco-friendly extraction of rare earth elements (REEs)?
[A] Myanmar
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
Researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, China, developed Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) for eco-friendly extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). EKM uses an electric field to concentrate REEs, simplifying their separation. REEs are 17 metallic elements with critical properties for modern technologies, including magnetic, electronic, and chemical applications. EKM relies on electrokinetics, which involves the movement of particles or fluids under an electric field to extract REEs from ore.