21. Which city is the host of Pratistha Dwadashi Festival from January 11 to 13?
[A] Ayodhya
[B] Varanasi
[C] Mathura
[D] Saharanpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ayodhya]
Notes:
Ayodhya will host the Pratishtha Dwadashi festival from January 11 to 13, marking the first anniversary of Ram Lalla’s installation in the grand temple. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will perform Ram Lalla’s ‘abhishek’ on January 11 and inaugurate a cultural programme at Angad Tila. A three-day Shri Ram Raag-Seva programme will feature music, dance, and instrumental performances near the temple’s sanctum. Renowned artistes like Usha Mangeshkar, Rakesh Chaurasia, and Shobhana Narayan will perform throughout the festival.
22. Mount Ibu, which was seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Philippines
[B] Vietnam
[C] Malaysia
[D] Indonesia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Indonesia]
Notes:
Mount Ibu, an active stratovolcano in Indonesia, erupted, sending ash clouds 3 kilometers high. It is located on Halmahera Island’s northwest coast. Mount Ibu is one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes. Indonesia, part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire” with 127 active volcanoes, often experiences such events. A stratovolcano, or composite volcano, has a conical shape formed by layers of volcanic material from successive eruptions.
23. Which ministry launched the 8th edition of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)?
[A] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[B] Ministry of Agriculture
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of Power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Commerce and Industry ]
Notes:
The Ministry of Commerce & Industry launched the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) to promote ease of operations and transparency for stakeholders, including farmers. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) implements NPOP to strengthen India’s organic certification system. The event unveiled key portals, including NPOP, Organic Promotion Portal, TraceNet 2.0, revamped APEDA, and AgriXchange, for improving operations, traceability, and market access.
24. Which country has introduced world-first sanctions regime to combat irregular migration in January 2025?
[A] China
[B] United Kingdom (UK)
[C] United States (US)
[D] Australia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom (UK)]
Notes:
The UK announced the world’s first sanctions regime to combat people smuggling and block illicit finance supporting such crimes. The sanctions focus on irregular migration and organized immigration crime. Authorities can now target individuals and entities enabling dangerous journeys, such as smuggling vulnerable people via sea crossings in Europe. The regime is expected to be implemented within the year.
25. Which country has developed the world’s first wooden satellite named LignoSat?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] Japan
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Japan]
Notes:
LingoSat, a joint project of Japan’s Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, is the first wooden satellite launched into orbit. It uses wood from honoki, a magnolia tree native to Japan, and is assembled using traditional Japanese crafts without screws or glue. The satellite’s name comes from the Latin word “Ligno,” meaning wood. LignoSat 1 is a CubeSat measuring 10 cm on each side and weighing 900 grams. LignoSat 2, a 2U CubeSat, is planned for launch in 2026.
26. Mukhyamantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana was launched by which state government?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Odisha
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Bihar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand government exempted solar entrepreneurs from mandatory GST registration under the Mukhyamantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana. This initiative aims to encourage renewable energy investments and simplify processes. Launched in 2020, the scheme promotes self-employment through solar energy farming. The goal is to produce green energy and offer job opportunities to Uttarakhand’s youth and returning migrants. Each beneficiary is allocated a 25-kilowatt solar plant under the scheme.
27. Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Mizoram
[D] Nagaland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Assam]
Notes:
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife approved oil and gas exploration in Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary. It is located in Jorhat district, Assam. It is the only sanctuary in India named after gibbons and has the densest gibbon population in Assam. The sanctuary’s terrain slopes from southeast to northwest, with the Bhogdoi River creating a waterlogged region.
28. Which organization has released Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report?
[A] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[B] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[C] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[D] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [World Economic Forum (WEF)]
Notes:
The World Economic Forum released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report in collaboration with Accenture. It highlights how geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, and cybercrime sophistication are reshaping cybersecurity. Geopolitical conflicts, like the Ukraine war, increase vulnerabilities in critical sectors such as energy and nuclear power. Two-thirds of organizations expect AI to impact cybersecurity, but only one-third have tools to manage AI-related risks. The cybersecurity workforce faces a 4.8 million professional gap, with only 14% of organizations having skilled teams. Supply chain complexities and third-party vulnerabilities hinder cyber resilience for over 50% of organizations. Generative AI is being used for advanced phishing and social engineering, with 42% of organizations facing such attacks in 2024.
29. Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) is launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of External Affairs
[C] Ministry of Tourism
[D] Ministry of Defence
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
Union Home Minister launched the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) at seven major Indian airports: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad. The program, part of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, was first introduced in Delhi in June 2024. FTI-TTP aims to provide seamless, secure, and world-class immigration facilities for travellers.
30. Exercise Devil Strike has been conducted by which country recently?
[A] India
[B] Nepal
[C] China
[D] Bhutan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
The Indian Armed Forces conducted Exercise Devil Strike from January 16 to 19. It involved elite airborne soldiers from the Army and Air Force. The exercise was held in training areas and firing ranges. The focus was on refining logistics and sustaining troops in tough conditions. Advanced technologies ensured precise delivery of forces to remote locations. The exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness and adaptability. It emphasized the commitment to maintaining military excellence and preparing for future challenges.