Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 of 19th & 20th 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.

 

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1) To make transactional calls to customers, banks and other regulated entities (REs) must only use the _______________ numbering series, per instructions from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

(a) 1200xx

(b) 1400xx

(c) 1600xx

(d) 1800xx

(e) 1500xx

2) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given HSBC India permission to open 20 new branches in strategic locations throughout the nation. Following the expansion, HSBC India will have _____ branches nationwide.

(a) 40

(b) 42

(c) 44

(d) 46

(e) 48

3) To improve coordination and information sharing, the National Housing Bank (NHB) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) have signed a memorandum of understanding. When did the National Housing Bank Act come into being?

(a) 1981

(b) 1983

(c) 1985

(d) 1987

(e) 1989

4) Recently, the Reserve Bank of India is addressing the lack of liquidity by introducing daily variable rate repo auctions. On January 16, 2025, the first such auction will take place, with a total value of how many crores?

(a) ₹50,000 crore

(b) ₹30,000 crore

(c) ₹60,000 crore

(d) ₹40,000 crore

(e) ₹20,000 crore

5) The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) tightened rules for small and medium-sized enterprises' initial public offerings (IPOs), and tweaked the framework for merchant bankers and custodians by raising their minimum net-worth requirements. The Sebi has also limited the size of the offer for sale (OFS) by selling shareholders to what percentage of the total issue size?

(a) 10%

(b) 15%

(c) 20%

(d) 25%

(e) 30%

6) In order to facilitate the rollout of 5G and upcoming 6G services, the Cabinet has authorized the refarming of ___________ MHz of spectrum from various government ministries, according to Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia.

(a) 685MHz

(b) 686MHz

(c) 687MHz

(d) 688MHz

(e) 689MHz

7) To increase digital connectivity and security, India introduces the Sanchar Saathi App and National Broadband Mission 2.0. Although Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G mobile sites have implemented Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR), it allows users from how many different networks to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower?

(a) 2

(b) 3

(c) 4

(d) 5

(e) 6

8) Recently, the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, which is situated in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in China, itwas the longest expressway tunnel in the world.  How many minutes will the tunnel cut down a three-hour trip, providing commuters with a huge convenience?

(a) 10minutes

(b) 15minutes

(c) 20minutes

(d) 25minutes

(e) 30minutes

9) How many Indian organizations were taken off the US Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) Entity List?

(a) 6

(b) 2

(c) 3

(d) 4

(e) 5

10) Which government announced that those who were imprisoned during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's 1975 Emergency would receive a monthly pension of ₹20,000?

(a) Sikkim

(b) Odisha

(c) Gujarat

(d) Tripura

(e) Rajasthan

11) Which government has made Ratha Saptami a state holiday that will be observed at the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple over three days?

(a) Uttar Pradesh

(b) West Bengal

(c) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Himachal Pradesh

(e) Maharashtra

12) Which government's Sports Authority introduced the "Kreeda App," India's first mobile application designed to modernize and streamline the state's sports administration?

(a) Uttar Pradesh

(b) West Bengal

(c) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Himachal Pradesh

(e) Maharashtra

13) Despite observing a more severe than anticipated slowdown in economic activity, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has kept its growth forecast for India at what percentage for FY25 and FY26?

(a) 6.1%

(b) 6.6%

(c) 6.3%

(d) 6.4%

(e) 6.5%

14) To improve the state's ecosystem for technology and skill development, which government has forged a historic alliance with ITE Education Services (ITEES), a division of Singapore's Institute of Technical Education?

(a) Sikkim

(b) Odisha

(c) Gujarat

(d) Tripura

(e) Rajasthan

15) In a historic 20-year cooperation agreement, which country's president Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian president Vladimir Putin have signed, signifying the strengthening of ties between two countries that have been heavily sanctioned by the West?

(a) Iraq

(b) Indonesia

(c) Iran

(d) France

(e) Vietnam

16) The _________edition of the Multinational Exercise La Perouse is being participated in by the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mumbai, a guided missile destroyer that was designed and constructed in India.

(a) 3rd

(b) 4th

(c) 5th

(d) 2nd

(e) 1st

17) Recently(Jan’25), the Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer at Mumbai Naval Dockyard. How many large ships worth ₹1.5 lakh crore are currently being built in India?

(a) 70

(b) 25

(c) 45

(d) 50

(e) 60

18) Who has been appointed as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education (MoE)?

(a) Vineet Joshi

(b) Sukanta Majumdar

(c) Jayant  Singh

(d) Sanjiv Ranjan

(e) Suresh Agarwal

19) As per the report, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has named Sanjiv Ranjan, a senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1993 batch, as its new secretary general. How many states are members of the IORA organization so far?

(a) 21

(b) 22

(c) 23

(d) 24

(e) 25

20) Recently(Jan’25), Alok Kumar Agarwal has been named Zurich Kotak General Insurance's Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).Whom does he succeded?

(a)  Kumar Joshi

(b) Sukanta Majumdar

(c) Jayant  Singh

(d) Sanjiv Ranjan

(e) Suresh Agarwal

21) Recently(Jan’25),the Google has revealed its next-generation chip, dubbed ____________, marking a major breakthrough in quantum computing.

(a) Tensor

(b) Willow

(c) Titan

(d) Pixel

(e) Axion

22) In order to combat the threat posed by swarm drones, India successfully tested Bhargavastra, its first indigenously developed micromissile system. How many kilometers away are the threats that the system is intended to counter with swarm drones?

(a) >1.5km

(b) >1.0km

(c) >2.5km

(d) >2.0km

(e) >5.0km

23) According to the report, Roger Federer's previous record of how many Grand Slam matches was surpassed by Novak Djokovic, solidifying his place in tennis history with his 430th match?

(a) 422

(b) 423

(c) 425

(d) 427

(e) 429

24) As per news, Jasprit Bumrah received the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for his outstanding play during India's December 2024 tour of which nation?

(a) New Zealand

(b) Australia

(c) Srilanka

(d) Bangladesh

(e) England

25) Recently, the Indian team has named former Saurashtra cricketer Sitanshu Kotak as its batting coach for the forthcoming home limited-overs series between India and which nation?

(a) New Zealand

(b) Australia

(c) Srilanka

(d) South Africa

(e) England

Answers :

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed banks and other regulated entities (REs) to use the '1600xx' phone numbering series exclusively for making transactional calls to customers.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed banks and other regulated entities (REs) to use the '1600xx' phone numbering series exclusively for making transactional calls to customers.

Use of '140xx' for Promotional Calls:For promotional purposes, the RBI has directed that banks and REs should use the '140xx' series for calls, to avoid confusion with transactional calls and to reduce the risk of fraud.

Utilizing the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL):The RBI has advised regulated entities to use the Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) available on the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP), developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), to monitor and clean up their customer databases.

2) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

HSBC India has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to open 20 new branches in key cities across the country.

This approval marks the largest branch expansion by a foreign bank in India in over a decade.

Branch Network Growth:After the expansion, HSBC India will have a total of 46 branches in the country.

Detailed Explanation:

HSBC India has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to open 20 new branches in key cities across the country.

This approval marks the largest branch expansion by a foreign bank in India in over a decade.

Branch Network Growth:After the expansion, HSBC India will have a total of 46 branches in the country.

In 2016, HSBC India had 50 branches, but it later decided to shut down 24 branches as part of its earlier strategy.

Current Branch Network:As of now, HSBC India has a network of 26 branches across 14 cities in India.

New Branch Locations:The 20 cities where HSBC India will open new branches include: Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Dehradun, Faridabad, Indore, Jalandhar, Kanpur, Ludhiana, Lucknow, Mysuru, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Patna, Rajkot, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, and Vishakhapatnam.

3) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and the National Housing Bank (NHB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance coordination and information exchange in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.

About NHB:

NHB is the regulatory authority overseeing the regulation and licensing of housing finance companies in India.

It operates under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

Established on July 9, 1988, under the National Housing Bank Act, 1987.

Detailed Explanation:

The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and the National Housing Bank (NHB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance coordination and information exchange in the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing.

The MoU aims to streamline reporting processes for housing finance companies to improve their compliance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and related regulations.

About NHB:

NHB is the regulatory authority overseeing the regulation and licensing of housing finance companies in India.

It operates under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.

Established on July 9, 1988, under the National Housing Bank Act, 1987.

4) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

On a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to conduct Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions on all working days in Mumbai with reversal taking place on the next working day, until further notice.

First Auction : The first such auction will be conducted on January 16, 2025, Thursday, for an amount of ₹50,000 crore.

Auction Platform : The auction will be conducted on CBS (e-Kuber) platform.

Detailed Explanation:

On a review of current and evolving liquidity conditions, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to conduct Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions on all working days in Mumbai with reversal taking place on the next working day, until further notice.

The reversal of VRR auction conducted on a Friday will take place on the ensuing Monday or the next working day, if Monday is a holiday in Mumbai.

The auction will be conducted between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM every day.

First Auction : The first such auction will be conducted on January 16, 2025, Thursday, for an amount of ₹50,000 crore.

Auction Platform : The auction will be conducted on CBS (e-Kuber) platform.

Minimum Bid Amount : The minimum bid amount for the auction would be Rupees one crore and multiples thereof.

The allotment would be in multiples of Rupees 1 crore.

Bidding Process : Banks would be required to place their bids in percentage terms up to two decimal places.

5) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) tightened rules for initial public offerings (IPO) of small and medium enterprises, and tweaked the framework for merchant bankers and custodians by raising their minimum net-worth requirements.

Offer for Sale (OFS) Limitations : Sebi has also limited the offer for sale (OFS) size by selling shareholders to 20% of the total issue size, while a selling shareholder cannot sell more than 50% of their holdings.

Detailed Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) tightened rules for initial public offerings (IPO) of small and medium enterprises, and tweaked the framework for merchant bankers and custodians by raising their minimum net-worth requirements.

Tightened IPO Rules for SMEs : SEBI has proposed raising the minimum application size for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) IPOs from ₹1 lakh to ₹2-4 lakh.

Currently application size for SME IPOs is at least ₹1 lakh and minimum number of allottees for SME IPOs is 50.

Offer for Sale (OFS) Limitations : Sebi has also limited the offer for sale (OFS) size by selling shareholders to 20% of the total issue size, while a selling shareholder cannot sell more than 50% of their holdings.

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that the Cabinet has approved the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum from various government ministries to support the deployment of 5G and future 6G services.

The total value of this spectrum, which will now be auctioned, is estimated at ₹2 lakh crore.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that the Cabinet has approved the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum from various government ministries to support the deployment of 5G and future 6G services.

The total value of this spectrum, which will now be auctioned, is estimated at ₹2 lakh crore.

India currently has 900 MHz of spectrum across 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies.

The total spectrum requirement is projected to reach 2000 MHz by 2030, leaving a deficit of 1100 MHz.

Approved the refarming of 687 MHz of spectrum, bringing the total available spectrum to 1587 MHz.

The remaining 413 MHz will be made available within the required timeline.

Of the 687 MHz approved, 328 MHz will be released immediately.

Additional spectrum will be made available by the end of 2024.

Remaining spectrum will be released by 2028 and 2029, ensuring preparedness for the 2030 demand.

7) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced two landmark initiatives—National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the Sanchar Saathi mobile application—to advance India's digital infrastructure and strengthen telecom security.

Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) has been introduced at Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G mobile sites.

Enables subscribers of BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced two landmark initiatives—National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the Sanchar Saathi mobile application—to advance India's digital infrastructure and strengthen telecom security.

1. National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0)

Goal: To connect the remaining 1.7 lakh villages across India and ensure 60 out of every 100 rural households have broadband connectivity.

Broadband Speed: Aims to provide a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps.

2. Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application

The Sanchar Saathi app empowers citizens to secure their telecom resources and combat fraud with user-friendly tools.

3. Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-Funded 4G Sites

Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) has been introduced at Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G mobile sites.

Key Features:

Enables subscribers of BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance to access 4G services from a single DBN-funded tower.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

China has completed the construction of the world’s longest expressway tunnel, known as the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, located in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

Impact on Travel Time:The tunnel will significantly reduce travel time by shortening a three-hour journey to just 20 minutes, offering a major convenience for commuters.

Detailed Explanation:

China has completed the construction of the world’s longest expressway tunnel, known as the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, located in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

Tunnel Length and Location:The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is 22.13 kilometers long, situated in the Tianshan Mountains, at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level.

Impact on Travel Time:The tunnel will significantly reduce travel time by shortening a three-hour journey to just 20 minutes, offering a major convenience for commuters.

Urumqi-Yuli Expressway:The tunnel is part of the 319.72-kilometer Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, which will reduce driving time between Urumqi and Yuli County from seven hours to just over three hours.

9) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) removed three Indian organizations from its Entity List.

U.S.-China Relations:BIS Entity List Addition: 11 Chinese entities were added to the BIS Entity List.

Detailed Explanation:

The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) removed three Indian organizations from its Entity List.

Indian Entities Removed:

Indian Rare Earths

Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR)

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, India

Reason: The removal aims to enhance U.S.-India energy cooperation, particularly in advanced energy sectors, defense, and technology.

U.S.-China Relations:BIS Entity List Addition: 11 Chinese entities were added to the BIS Entity List.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Odisha government has announced a monthly pension of ₹20,000 for people who were imprisoned during the 1975 Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Financial Implications: The scheme is expected to incur an annual expenditure of ₹8 crore for the Odisha government.

Detailed Explanation:

The Odisha government has announced a monthly pension of ₹20,000 for people who were imprisoned during the 1975 Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

The pension scheme will be effective from January 1, 2025.

Odisha joins other states like Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Assam, which have similar pension schemes for Emergency detainees.

Eligibility Criteria:Individuals arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, Defence of India Rules (DIR), and The Defence and Internal Security of India Rules during the Emergency period from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977.

Financial Implications: The scheme is expected to incur an annual expenditure of ₹8 crore for the Odisha government.

11) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government has declared Ratha Saptami as a State festival to be celebrated over three days at the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple in Arasavalli, Srikakulam district.

Detailed Explanation:

The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government has declared Ratha Saptami as a State festival to be celebrated over three days at the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple in Arasavalli, Srikakulam district.

The decision followed a proposal from the Endowments Commissioner, highlighting the temple’s significance and the large number of devotees visiting from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana.

The Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple generates an annual income of ₹11.26 crore, showcasing its financial stability and the ability to support the festival without requiring government funding.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) launched the 'Kreeda App', a first-of-its-kind mobile application in India, aimed at modernizing and streamlining sports management in the state.

Detailed Explanation:

The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) launched the 'Kreeda App', a first-of-its-kind mobile application in India, aimed at modernizing and streamlining sports management in the state.

Objectives of the App:The app is designed to eliminate malpractices in the issuance of sports quota certificates.

It provides a unified platform for managing comprehensive sports data, ensuring transparency and efficiency in sports administration

13) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has maintained its growth projection for India at 6.5% for FY25 and FY26, despite noting a sharper-than-expected slowdown in economic activity.

The updated forecast was included in the World Economic Outlook report released .

Detailed Explanation:

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has maintained its growth projection for India at 6.5% for FY25 and FY26, despite noting a sharper-than-expected slowdown in economic activity.

The updated forecast was included in the World Economic Outlook report released .

Economic Slowdown: The IMF observed a slower-than-expected deceleration in India's industrial activity.

GDP Growth:

FY25: Forecast at 6.5%, compared to 6.8% in FY24.

FY26: Predicted to return to 6.8%.

Private Consumption: Private final consumption expenditure (PFCE) growth slowed to 6% in the September 2024 quarter, compared to 7.4% in the preceding quarter.

14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Odisha government has entered a landmark partnership with ITE Education Services (ITEES), a subsidiary of Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education, to enhance the state's technology and skill development ecosystem.

Detailed Explanation:

The Odisha government has entered a landmark partnership with ITE Education Services (ITEES), a subsidiary of Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education, to enhance the state's technology and skill development ecosystem.

The World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar will be expanded, with a focus on advanced IT and ITES areas like:

Cybersecurity

Cloud Computing

Blockchain

Internet of Things (IoT)

Data Science

15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signed a landmark 20-year cooperation pact, signaling deepening ties between two nations heavily sanctioned by the West.

The agreement covers various sectors, including trade, military cooperation, energy, science, culture, and education, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relationship.

Detailed Explanation:

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin have signed a landmark 20-year cooperation pact, signaling deepening ties between two nations heavily sanctioned by the West.

The agreement covers various sectors, including trade, military cooperation, energy, science, culture, and education, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relationship.

Broader Cooperation Scope:

Encompasses politics, security, trade, transport, and energy.

Aims to create stable and sustainable development for both nations and their allies.

Economic and Military Strengthening:

Iranian “Shahed” drones have already been supplied to Russia, reportedly used in Ukraine.

Long-Term Framework:

The treaty replaces a 2001 agreement that was periodically renewed.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mumbai, an indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer, is participating in the 4th edition of the Multinational Exercise La Perouse.

The 1st edition of the La Perouse multinational naval exercise was held in 2019, and was led by France.

The 3rd edition of the exercise is scheduled to be conducted in the Indian Ocean Region from 13 to 14 March 2023.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mumbai, an indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer, is participating in the 4th edition of the Multinational Exercise La Perouse.

Participants: The exercise involves personnel and assets from multiple navies, including the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Royal Navy, United States Navy, Indonesian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy.

The 1st edition of the La Perouse multinational naval exercise was held in 2019, and was led by France.

The 3rd edition of the exercise is scheduled to be conducted in the Indian Ocean Region from 13 to 14 March 2023.

17) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissioned three advanced naval combatants: INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer at a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

Currently, 60 large ships worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore are being built in India.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi commissioned three advanced naval combatants: INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer at a ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

Domestic Defense Production:PM Modi highlighted that the Indian armed forces have identified over 5,000 items and equipment that will no longer be imported, indicating a move towards self-reliance in defense production.

Currently, 60 large ships worth approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore are being built in India.

Recent Naval Inductions:In the past decade, 33 ships and 7 submarines have been inducted into the Indian Navy, of which 39 were built in Indian shipyards.

Notable vessels include the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and nuclear submarines INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Vineet Joshi (IAS) has assumed the role of Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education (MoE), at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

Detailed Explanation:

Vineet Joshi (IAS) has assumed the role of Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education (MoE), at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi.

Prior to this appointment, he served as the Chief Secretary of Manipur.

Vineet Joshi is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Manipur cadre.

Director-General of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Education.

19) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Sanjiv Ranjan, a senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1993 batch, has been appointed as the next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

IORA Membership:The organisation has 23 member states, including countries such as India, Australia, Indonesia, and South Africa.

Detailed Explanation:

Sanjiv Ranjan, a senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1993 batch, has been appointed as the next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

IORA is a regional organisation that promotes economic cooperation, sustainable development, and regional security among countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

It was established in 1997 as an intergovernmental organisation for the states on the rim of the Indian Ocean.

IORA Membership:The organisation has 23 member states, including countries such as India, Australia, Indonesia, and South Africa.

IORA is supported by 12 dialogue partners, such as China, the European Union, and the United States.

20) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Alok Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zurich Kotak General Insurance.

His appointment took effect on January 1, 2025, succeeding Suresh Agarwal.

Detailed Explanation:

Alok Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zurich Kotak General Insurance.

His appointment took effect on January 1, 2025, succeeding Suresh Agarwal.

Zurich completed a strategic majority stake acquisition of Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Ltd in June 2024.

21) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Google has announced a significant advancement in quantum computing as it unveiled its next-generation chip called 'Willow'.

Performance and Efficiency:Willow completed a benchmark computation in under five minutes, a task that would take a supercomputer 10 septillion years (10^25 years).

Qubit Count:Willow includes 105 qubits, allowing it to perform tasks that classical computers are incapable of handling within practical timeframes.

Detailed Explanation:

Google has announced a significant advancement in quantum computing as it unveiled its next-generation chip called 'Willow'.

Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.

Classical computers use bits (0 or 1) to process information, while quantum computers use qubits, which can represent 0, 1, or both simultaneously due to quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement.

Performance and Efficiency:Willow completed a benchmark computation in under five minutes, a task that would take a supercomputer 10 septillion years (10^25 years).

Qubit Count:Willow includes 105 qubits, allowing it to perform tasks that classical computers are incapable of handling within practical timeframes.

22) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India successfully tested its first domestically developed micro-missile system, Bhargavastra, aimed at countering swarm drone threats.

The micro-missile system was developed by Economic Explosives Limited.

Capabilities:The system is designed to counter swarm drones, targeting threats over 2.5 km away.

Detailed Explanation:

India successfully tested its first domestically developed micro-missile system, Bhargavastra, aimed at countering swarm drone threats.

The testing included two successful firings at the Gopalpur Seaward Firing Ranges.

The micro-missile system was developed by Economic Explosives Limited.

Capabilities:The system is designed to counter swarm drones, targeting threats over 2.5 km away.

It can detect small flying objects at over 6 km and neutralize them using guided micro munitions.

The system can simultaneously fire more than 64 micro missiles.

Operational Flexibility:The system is capable of operating in all terrains, including high-altitude areas.

23) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Novak Djokovic cemented his place in tennis history by playing his 430th Grand Slam match, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous record of 429 matches.

Djokovic achieved this milestone during the second round of the Australian Open, where he defeated Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in four sets.

Detailed Explanation:

Novak Djokovic cemented his place in tennis history by playing his 430th Grand Slam match, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous record of 429 matches.

Djokovic achieved this milestone during the second round of the Australian Open, where he defeated Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in four sets.

New Record: Most Grand Slam matches played—430.

Previous Record: Roger Federer with 429 matches.

Djokovic defeated Jaime Faria with scores: 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2.

Career Grand Slam record: 379 wins and 51 losses (.881 winning percentage).

Federer’s career record: 369 wins and 60 losses (.860 winning percentage).

24) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Jasprit Bumrah has been honored with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for his stellar performances during India’s tour of Australia in December 2024.

He edged out competitors Pat Cummins and Dane Paterson to claim the award.

His remarkable spells earned him the Player of the Series title.

Detailed Explanation:

Jasprit Bumrah has been honored with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for his stellar performances during India’s tour of Australia in December 2024.

He edged out competitors Pat Cummins and Dane Paterson to claim the award.

His remarkable spells earned him the Player of the Series title.

(a) Adelaide Test:

Bumrah’s four-wicket haul in the first innings was critical in restricting Australia's lead.

(b) Brisbane Test:

A match-winning six-wicket haul in the first innings and three wickets in the second ensured a rain-affected draw, keeping India in the series.

(c) Melbourne Test (Boxing Day):

Secured a four-wicket haul in the first innings and a five-wicket haul in the second, taking nine wickets in the match. Despite his efforts, India lost by 184 runs.

25) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Former Saurashtra cricketer Sitanshu Kotak has been appointed as the batting coach for the Indian team for the upcoming India-England limited-overs series at home.

India will play 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs starting with a T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on January 22.

Detailed Explanation:

Former Saurashtra cricketer Sitanshu Kotak has been appointed as the batting coach for the Indian team for the upcoming India-England limited-overs series at home.

India will play 5 T20Is and 3 ODIs starting with a T20I at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on January 22.

The team will assemble in Kolkata on January 18 for a three-day camp.

Head Coach: Gautam Gambhir

Assistant Coaches: Abhishek Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate

Bowling Coach: Morne Morkel

Fielding Coach: T Dilip