21. The first International Overseas Uttarakhandi Conference was organized in which city?
[A] Almora
[B] Dehradun
[C] Haldwani
[D] Nainital
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Dehradun]
Notes:
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the International Overseas Uttarakhandi Conference in Dehradun, fostering ties with global migrants. The state seeks investment in tourism, agriculture, power, wellness, and manufacturing, emphasizing policy reforms and improved infrastructure. A migrant cell and venture fund were announced to support collaboration with migrants. CM Dhami urged migrants to adopt villages or children to address migration issues and preserve heritage.
22. 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.
23. Diego Garcia Island, that was recently seen in news, is located in which ocean?
[A] Indian Ocean
[B] Atlantic Ocean
[C] Pacific Ocean
[D] Arctic Ocean
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indian Ocean]
Notes:
Fifteen Tamil Nadu fishermen were reportedly detained near Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) for crossing the maritime boundary. Diego Garcia is a coral atoll, the largest and southernmost island in the Chagos Archipelago, central Indian Ocean. It covers 44 sq. km with a V-shaped cay and an open lagoon. The UK leased Diego Garcia to the US in 1966 for a military base, displacing its inhabitants.
24. What is the primary objective of Mission Mausam?
[A] Develop new agricultural technologies
[B] Make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation
[C] Enhance disaster relief operations through satellite imaging
[D] Boost India’s space exploration capabilities
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation]
Notes:
The Prime Minister will launch ‘Mission Mausam’ on the 150th foundation day of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The mission aims to make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation by advancing weather and climate science. It has a budget of Rs 2,000 crore over two years and will be implemented by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting. It focuses on improving forecasting accuracy, real-time local weather updates, and weather management technologies. The program includes cutting-edge technologies like high-resolution observations, next-gen radars, satellites, and high-performance computers. It addresses climate change, improves air quality data, and prepares citizens for extreme weather events.
25. 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.
26. The two lunar spacecraft named Blue Ghost and Resilience recently launched on which rocket?
[A] Pegasus XL
[B] Falcon 9
[C] Vostok 1
[D] Atlas V
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Falcon 9]
Notes:
Lunar landers by U.S. and Japanese companies launched together on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, showcasing private sector involvement in space exploration. The mission includes two lunar spacecraft: Blue Ghost by Firefly Aerospace (U.S.) and Resilience by ispace-Europe (Luxembourg, Japan). Blue Ghost carries 10 NASA instruments to study Earth’s magnetosphere, lunar dust, and Moon’s thermal properties while testing advanced navigation and computing. Resilience includes the Tenacious micro rover with a high-definition camera and regolith-scooping technology, exploring Mare Frigoris on the Moon’s far north. The mission promotes technological advances, global collaboration, and cost-effective strategies for future lunar sustainability under NASA’s Artemis program.
27. Where was the Asia’s second-largest ISKCON temple inaugurated recently?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, on January 15, 2025. The temple is now the second-largest ISKCON temple in Asia. The design of the temple blends spirituality and knowledge, with various facilities reflecting ISKCON’s mission to serve society.
28. Where was the Archaeological Experiential Museum inaugurated in Gujarat?
[A] Ahmedabad
[B] Vadnagar
[C] Gandhinagar
[D] Surat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Vadnagar]
Notes:
The Union Ministry of Culture and the Gujarat Government inaugurated a state-of-the-art museum and archaeological interpretation center in Vadnagar. Vadnagar, a 2,500-year-old town, was a hub on ancient trade routes, boasting rich heritage sites like Kirti Toran, Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Sharmistha Lake. The museum complex spans 12,500 sq. m., features nine galleries, a 4,000 sq. m. excavation site, and highlights 5,000 artifacts. The ₹298 crore project integrates sustainability and includes five years of operations and maintenance.
29. 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.
30. Hemigobius hoevenii and Mugilogobius tigrinus, which were recently seen in news, belongs to which species?
[A] Spider
[B] Frog
[C] Goby Fish
[D] Ant
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Goby Fish]
Notes:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India discovered two goby fish species, Hemigobius hoevenii and Mugilogobius tigrinus, in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. Goby fish are typically found in estuarine and mangrove areas, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by occupying multiple levels in the food chain and serving as environmental health indicators.