Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 of 30th 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) Recently (Jan '25), Which fintech platforms have initiated their e-rupee pilot programs in partnership with the RBI?

(a) Paytm and PhonePe

(b) MobiKwik and Cred

(c) Google Pay and Amazon Pay

(d) Razorpay and BharatPe

(e) PayU and Freecharge

2) What is the primary reason for restricting UPI transaction IDs to alphanumeric characters?

(a) To improve security against fraud

(b) To enhance technical standardization and uniformity

(c) To increase transaction speed

(d) To reduce server costs

(e) To limit international transactions

3) Which bank has introduced the Travelone Credit Card?

(a) RBL BANK

(b) HSBC BANK

(c) ICICI BANK

(d) YES BANK

(e) HDFC BANK

4) What is the significance of BIMCOIN in the education sector?

(a) It allows students to trade cryptocurrencies globally

(b) It makes BIMTECH the first business school in India to launch a digital currency

(c) It replaces traditional banking systems in India

(d) It is the first government-approved blockchain currency for education

(e) It is used for international tuition fee payments

5) Recently(Jan '25), What is the name of Narayana Health Insurance’s newly introduced high-coverage health insurance plan?

(a) Arya

(b) Dhanvantri

(c) Suraksha

(d) Jeevan Raksha

(e) Aarogya

6) At the 20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024, organized by the Indian Banks' Association, how many prestigious awards did Karnataka Bank win?

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 6

(d) 7

(e) 8

7) Which anniversary of Uttarakhand coincided with the 38th National Games?

(a) 20^th

(b) 22^nd

(c) 25^th

(d) 30^th

(e) 35th

8) What is the theme of the UAE’s Year of Community 2025 initiative?

(a) Stronger Together

(b) Unity in Diversity

(c) Hand in Hand

(d) One Nation, One Future

(e) Together We Rise

9) Who will take over as the Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking in India at BofA Securities from April 1, 2025?

(a) Raj Balakrishnan

(b) Mandar Donde

(c) Kaku Nakhate

(d) Vishal Gupta

(e) Rakesh Mehta

10) Who recently stepped down as the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) just weeks before the Champions Trophy?

(a) Manu Sawhney

(b) Greg Barclay

(c) Geoff Allardice

(d) David Richardson

(e) Jay Shah

11) Why did Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic resign?

(a) Due to health issues

(b) Amid growing protests after the Novi Sad train station collapse

(c) Pressure from the European Union

(d) To contest in upcoming elections

(e) Due to economic downturn

12) What percentage of shareholding in ITD Cementation India Limited is Renew Exim DMCC acquiring?

(a) 51.25%

(b) 60.75%

(c) 72.64%

(d) 49.85%

(e) 66.40%

13) Which media organization organized the ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Peace and Harmony Award 2024-25’, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Hari Singh Award?

(a) Republic TV

(b) Times Now

(c) Gulistan News Network

(d) India Today

(e) DD News

14) What was the title of Uttar Pradesh’s winning tableau?

(a) ‘Kashi Vishwanath Corridor – A Spiritual Journey’

(b) ‘Ram Mandir – The Pride of India’

(c) ‘Maha Kumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’

(d) ‘Ganga Aarti – A Divine Experience’

(e) ‘Ayodhya Deepotsav – The Festival of Lights’

15) Which government platforms in Tripura will integrate Bhashini’s technology?

(a) DigiLocker and Aadhaar Portal

(b) CM Helpline, eVidhan, Kisan Sahayata App, and e-Districts

(c) BharatNet and State Education Portal

(d) UPI and Public Distribution System (PDS)

(e) Digital Land Records and Ayushman Bharat Portal

16) Which of the following is NOT one of the five key MoUs signed between India and Indonesia?

(a) Health Cooperation

(b) Maritime Safety and Security

(c) Space Research Collaboration

(d) Digital Development

(e) Cultural Exchange Program

17) Which Chinese AI startup surpassed OpenAI's ChatGPT to become the most downloaded free app in the U.S. on Apple's App Store, thanks to its advanced AI models like R1?

(a) Baidu AI

(b) DeepSeek

(c) SenseTime

(d) Huawei AI

(e) Tencent AI

18) Where was the final match of the Women's Hockey India League (HIL) held?

(a) Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar

(b) Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, New Delhi

(c) Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Stadium, Ranchi

(d) Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela

(e) Guru Nanak Stadium, Ludhiana

19) In which sport did Ladakh’s women’s team defeat ITBP with a 4-0 victory in the 1^st phase of Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 ?

(a) Speed Skating

(b) Ice Hockey

(c) Snowboarding

(d) Alpine Skiing

(e) Biathlon

20) Who presented the ICC Women’s Championship Trophy to the Australian team?

(a) Greg Barclay

(b) Geoff Allardice

(c) Ricky Ponting

(d) Mike Baird

(e) Pat Cummins

21) On which date Martyrs Day is observed every year?

(a) January 25

(b) January 28

(c) January 30

(d) January 29

(e) January 27

22) When was the World Neglected Tropical Diseases(NTD) Day first officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO)?

(a) 2015

(b) 2017

(c) 2019

(d) 2021

(e) 2023

23) Who was the captain of the Australian women’s cricket team during their ICC Women’s Championship victory?

(a) Meg Lanning

(b) Ellyse Perry

(c) Alyssa Healy

(d) Beth Mooney

(e) Ashleigh Gardner

24) Which of the following is NOT a function of DeepSeek AI?

(a) Document summarization

(b) Natural language processing

(c) Machine learning integration

(d) Blockchain transaction verification

(e) Key information extraction

25) What is the scientific name of the Banded Royal butterfly discovered in Tripura?

(a) Rachana jalindra indra

(b) Papilio demoleus

(c) Troides Helena

(d) Graphium Agamemnon

(e) Junonia almana

Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

One MobiKwik Systems Limited. and Cred have initiated their individual e-rupee pilot programs in partnership with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

This collaboration makes them the first fintech platforms to join hands with the RBI for implementing the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

Yes Bank has been selected as the primary sponsor bank to facilitate the issuance of CBDC for both of these third-party application providers.

Detailed Explanation:

One MobiKwik Systems Limited. and Cred have initiated their individual e-rupee pilot programs in partnership with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

This collaboration makes them the first fintech platforms to join hands with the RBI for implementing the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).

Yes Bank has been selected as the primary sponsor bank to facilitate the issuance of CBDC for both of these third-party application providers.

MobiKwik has introduced the e₹ wallet, which is a CBDC wallet now accessible to all Android users.

This wallet supports peer-to-peer (P2P) and peer-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.

By utilizing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), users can make payments by scanning any UPI QR code using the e₹ wallet.

New users need to complete a video KYC procedure to access this feature. The daily transaction limit is ₹50,000, with a per transaction limit of ₹10,000, and the wallet supports denominations ranging from ₹0.50 to ₹500.

Cred has introduced an e-rupee wallet for a limited group of users, with Yes Bank managing the issuance of e-rupee tokens in these wallets.

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Starting 1 February 2025, all Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions containing special characters in transaction IDs will be rejected by the central system, as per a recent directive issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

This decision aims to enhance technical standardization and ensure uniformity in UPI operations, reinforcing its role as a crucial pillar of India's digital payment ecosystem.

In a circular dated 9 January 2025, NPCI directed UPI ecosystem participants to generate transaction IDs using only alphanumeric characters.

Detailed Explanation:

Starting 1 February 2025, all Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions containing special characters in transaction IDs will be rejected by the central system, as per a recent directive issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

This decision aims to enhance technical standardization and ensure uniformity in UPI operations, reinforcing its role as a crucial pillar of India's digital payment ecosystem.

In a circular dated 9 January 2025, NPCI directed UPI ecosystem participants to generate transaction IDs using only alphanumeric characters.

While most participants have complied, some entities remain non-compliant, prompting NPCI to enforce stricter regulations.

According to the directive:

Any UPI transaction containing special characters in its transaction ID will be declined by the central system.

Participating entities must ensure full compliance by the deadline to avoid transaction failures.

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

HSBC has introduced the TravelOne Credit Card, designed to cater to the needs of frequent travelers.

The card offers instant reward redemptions across multiple airline and hotel partners, allowing users to convert points into air miles and hotel stays via the HSBC mobile app.

Travel Benefits: 6 domestic and 4 international airport lounge visits per year and Discounts on holiday bookings, car rentals, and lifestyle experiences.

Detailed Explanation:

HSBC has introduced the TravelOne Credit Card, designed to cater to the needs of frequent travelers.

The card offers instant reward redemptions across multiple airline and hotel partners, allowing users to convert points into air miles and hotel stays via the HSBC mobile app.

Welcome Benefits: New users who spend ₹10,000 within the first 30 days will receive:

₹1,000 cashback

₹3,000 PostCard vouchers

Three months of EazyDiner Prime Membership

Users spending ₹1 lakh in the first 90 days will earn 3,000 bonus reward points.

Reward Structure: 4 reward points per ₹100 spent on: Flights, Travel aggregators, Foreign currency transactions.

2 reward points per ₹100 spent on all other purchases.

Additional 10,000 bonus reward points for users spending over ₹12 lakh annually.

Travel Benefits: 6 domestic and 4 international airport lounge visits per year and Discounts on holiday bookings, car rentals, and lifestyle experiences.

Coverage of up to $20,000 annually for purchase protection.

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has launched BIMCOIN, a blockchain-based digital currency designed specifically for its ecosystem.

This initiative marks a significant step in fintech innovation within the education sector, making BIMTECH the first business management institute in India to introduce such a platform, following IIT Madras.

Inspired by Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) models and the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative.

BIMTECH partnered with Kalp Decentra Foundation to launch a Blockchain Learning Centre on campus.

Detailed Explanation:

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has launched BIMCOIN, a blockchain-based digital currency designed specifically for its ecosystem.

This initiative marks a significant step in fintech innovation within the education sector, making BIMTECH the first business management institute in India to introduce such a platform, following IIT Madras.

Operates on a permissioned blockchain, ensuring secure, transparent, and instant transactions.

Facilitates seamless payments between students, vendors, and administrators.

Inspired by Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) models and the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative.

BIMTECH partnered with Kalp Decentra Foundation to launch a Blockchain Learning Centre on campus.

BIMCOIN ensures fraud protection, transparency, and ethical practices.

Pilot phase completed 1,100+ transactions, addressing challenges like technical integration and user onboarding.

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

After launching its first insurance product, ‘Aditi,’ in July 2024, Narayana Health Insurance has now introduced ‘Arya,’ a high-coverage health insurance plan aimed at addressing gaps in the healthcare industry.

The plan offers hospitalization coverage ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore, with flexible top-up options starting at ₹25,000.

Detailed Explanation:

After launching its first insurance product, ‘Aditi,’ in July 2024, Narayana Health Insurance has now introduced ‘Arya,’ a high-coverage health insurance plan aimed at addressing gaps in the healthcare industry.

The plan offers hospitalization coverage ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹1 crore, with flexible top-up options starting at ₹25,000.

Focusing on preventive healthcare, ‘Arya’ provides consultations with general practitioners, pediatricians, and OBGYNs, along with significant savings on diagnostics, specialist consultations, and medications.

Additional conveniences include home sample collection, free medicine delivery, and access to CAP-certified labs.

A key highlight of the plan is its day-one benefits, ensuring immediate coverage upon policy activation for eligible applicants.

Currently available in Bengaluru, Narayana Health Insurance plans to expand ‘Arya’ nationwide in the coming months.

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Karnataka Bank won 6 prestigious awards at the 20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024, organized by the Indian Banks' Association.

Karnataka Bank fosters a digital-first culture with ongoing training, partnerships with industry experts, and innovative tools to improve team collaboration and accelerate development.

The bank has implemented robust security frameworks and proactive risk monitoring, incorporating technologies like AI & ML for predictive risk analytics.

Highlight: GSLB for active DC-DR, SAM & HAM from ServiceNow.

Detailed Explanation:

Karnataka Bank won 6 prestigious awards at the 20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024, organized by the Indian Banks' Association.

Karnataka Bank fosters a digital-first culture with ongoing training, partnerships with industry experts, and innovative tools to improve team collaboration and accelerate development.

The bank has implemented robust security frameworks and proactive risk monitoring, incorporating technologies like AI & ML for predictive risk analytics.

Highlight: GSLB for active DC-DR, SAM & HAM from ServiceNow.

Karnataka Bank has built a strong enterprise architecture team, leveraging technologies like cloud computing and AI/ML models for superior customer experiences.

Key highlights: Exacc-Customer initiative, Change Data Capture using Kafka, and Data Lake project for personalized banking.

The bank leads in FinTech innovation and DPI adoption, with initiatives like CBDC and UPI/IMPS, boasting minimal failure rates.

Karnataka Bank drives digital sales, payments, and engagement using AI/ML, ensuring seamless transactions and personalized customer experiences.

The bank excels in adopting AI/ML technologies with phone banking, chatbots, and personalized banking to enhance customer engagement.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

The event coincides with Uttarakhand’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Theme: ‘Green Games’ – Focus on eco-friendly initiatives and sustainability.

Platform for young athletes to showcase talent and promote India’s growing sports culture.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

The event coincides with Uttarakhand’s 25th anniversary celebrations.

Theme: ‘Green Games’ – Focus on eco-friendly initiatives and sustainability.

Platform for young athletes to showcase talent and promote India’s growing sports culture.

PM Modi highlighted Uttarakhand’s spiritual significance, invoking Baba Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Maa Ganga.

Reinforced sports as a tool for fitness, economic growth, and national unity.

Eco-friendly approach: Trophies and medals made from e-waste.

Tree plantation for each medal winner to promote sustainability.

Encouraged young athletes to embrace sportsmanship and push India’s sporting legacy forward.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community, aiming to promote unity and inclusion across the society.

The initiative, under the slogan "Hand in Hand," reflects the leadership’s vision to foster a cohesive and empowered community.

Detailed Explanation:

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community, aiming to promote unity and inclusion across the society.

The initiative, under the slogan "Hand in Hand," reflects the leadership’s vision to foster a cohesive and empowered community.

The UAE is home to over four million Indians, who play a vital role in the nation’s diverse population, and this initiative reinforces the leadership’s commitment to creating a harmonious society.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, supported the initiative, emphasizing that the nation’s strength lies in unity and strong families.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Mandar Donde, currently Head of Asia-Pacific TMT Investment Banking at BofA Securities, will take over as the new Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking in India starting April 1, 2025.

Raj Balakrishnan, the current co-head of India Investment Banking at BofA Securities, will assume the role of Vice-Chairman, Global Corporate and Investment Banking, India.

Detailed Explanation:

Mandar Donde, currently Head of Asia-Pacific TMT Investment Banking at BofA Securities, will take over as the new Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking in India starting April 1, 2025.

Raj Balakrishnan, the current co-head of India Investment Banking at BofA Securities, will assume the role of Vice-Chairman, Global Corporate and Investment Banking, India.

Donde, with over 24 years of experience at BofA, will relocate from Singapore to India as part of the reshuffle.

Balakrishnan, who has also spent 24+ years at the firm, transitions after co-heading the division for 12 years.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has decided to step down just weeks before the upcoming Champions Trophy.

A board member has suggested that his failure to present a clear picture of host Pakistan's lack of preparedness was one of the key factors contributing to his decision.

Detailed Explanation:

Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has decided to step down just weeks before the upcoming Champions Trophy.

A board member has suggested that his failure to present a clear picture of host Pakistan's lack of preparedness was one of the key factors contributing to his decision.

Allardice, aged 57, joined the ICC in 2012 as General Manager of Cricket and had a prior role with Cricket Australia as Cricket Operations Manager.

He was appointed CEO in November 2021, after serving as acting CEO for eight months.

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Milos Vucevic, the Prime Minister of Serbia, has announced his resignation amid growing protests and political tensions following the train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad in November, 2024.

The incident, which resulted in several fatalities, sparked student-led demonstrations demanding accountability and transparency.

Detailed Explanation:

Milos Vucevic, the Prime Minister of Serbia, has announced his resignation amid growing protests and political tensions following the train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad in November, 2024.

The incident, which resulted in several fatalities, sparked student-led demonstrations demanding accountability and transparency.

The resignation comes after a female student was attacked by alleged members of the Serbian Progressive Party in Novi Sad, exacerbating the situation.

Vucevic also announced that the current Mayor of Novi Sad will resign.

Protests in Serbia, including 24-hour blockades in the capital Belgrade, have continued to demand greater transparency in the investigation and early elections.

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of up to 72.64% shareholding in ITD Cementation India Limited by Renew Exim DMCC.

The acquisition involves Renew Exim DMCC acquiring approximately 46.64%, or 8,01,13,180 shares, of ITD Cementation India's total issued and voting equity share capital.

Detailed Explanation:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of up to 72.64% shareholding in ITD Cementation India Limited by Renew Exim DMCC.

The acquisition involves Renew Exim DMCC acquiring approximately 46.64%, or 8,01,13,180 shares, of ITD Cementation India's total issued and voting equity share capital.

Additionally, an open offer has been launched by the acquirer for further acquisition of up to 4,46,64,772 fully paid-up equity shares, representing about 26% of the target's voting share capital.

Renew Exim DMCC, a holding company based in Dubai and part of the Adani group, is engaged in investing in commercial enterprises.

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Hari Singh Award at a grand ceremony held at Satyam Resort, Jammu.

This award, organized by the Gulistan News Network, was part of the ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Peace and Harmony Award 2024-25’ celebrations.

The award recognized LG Sinha’s contributions to reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir.

Detailed Explanation:

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Hari Singh Award at a grand ceremony held at Satyam Resort, Jammu.

This award, organized by the Gulistan News Network, was part of the ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Peace and Harmony Award 2024-25’ celebrations.

The award recognized LG Sinha’s contributions to reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the ceremony, LG Sinha paid heartfelt tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh, acknowledging his pivotal role in the integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India.

Sinha praised the Maharaja for his revolutionary reforms that deeply impacted the region's society and development.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh’s tableau, titled ‘Maha Kumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, has claimed the first place in the People’s Choice Award category, securing 40% of the votes (25,007).

This recognition celebrates the state's stunning portrayal of the Maha Kumbh festival and its significance.

The tableau showcased the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, an event recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Detailed Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh’s tableau, titled ‘Maha Kumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, has claimed the first place in the People’s Choice Award category, securing 40% of the votes (25,007).

This recognition celebrates the state's stunning portrayal of the Maha Kumbh festival and its significance.

The tableau showcased the grandeur of the Maha Kumbh, an event recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It highlighted the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers at Prayagraj, the site of the world’s largest gathering of humanity.

It also showcased the mythological Samudra Manthan, symbolizing the 14 divine gems that emerged, representing the festival’s rich heritage.

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Tripura has become the first northeastern state to sign an MoU with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Bhashini’s technology will be integrated into various state platforms like CM Helpline, eVidhan, Kisan Sahayata App, and e-Districts, making government services more accessible.

Detailed Explanation:

Tripura has become the first northeastern state to sign an MoU with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

The initiative aims to enhance multilingual governance by using AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) for real-time translation services.

Bhashini’s technology will be integrated into various state platforms like CM Helpline, eVidhan, Kisan Sahayata App, and e-Districts, making government services more accessible.

This move promotes digital inclusivity, helping bridge the communication gap between the government and regional language speakers.

16) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Five MoUs signed during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India (January 23-26, 2025).

President Subianto attended India’s 76th Republic Day as Chief Guest.

Key areas of cooperation: Health, Maritime Security, Traditional Medicine, Digital Development, and Cultural Exchange.

3rd India-Indonesia CEO Forum identified five key sectors for business collaboration.

Detailed Explanation:

Five MoUs signed during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India (January 23-26, 2025).

President Subianto attended India’s 76th Republic Day as Chief Guest.

Key areas of cooperation: Health, Maritime Security, Traditional Medicine, Digital Development, and Cultural Exchange.

3rd India-Indonesia CEO Forum identified five key sectors for business collaboration.

Five Key MoUs Signed:

Health Cooperation – Strengthening collaboration in medical research, public health, and disease control.

Maritime Safety and Security – Renewed agreement between the Indian Coast Guard and Indonesia’s BAKAMLA for crime prevention, search & rescue, and capacity building.

Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance – Pact between India’s Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy and Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority to ensure standardization of traditional medicines.

Digital Development – Joint efforts in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital startups.

Cultural Exchange Program (2025-2028) – Promoting cultural ties and mutual understanding.

17) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has made significant strides by overtaking OpenAI's ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app in the U.S. on Apple’s App Store.

Founded in 2023, DeepSeek has quickly become a key player in the AI industry, primarily due to its advanced AI models like R1, a reasoning model that competes directly with OpenAI's offerings.

R1, an open-source reasoning model, has been lauded for its performance and capabilities, rivaling OpenAI’s GPT models.

Detailed Explanation:

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has made significant strides by overtaking OpenAI's ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app in the U.S. on Apple’s App Store.

Founded in 2023, DeepSeek has quickly become a key player in the AI industry, primarily due to its advanced AI models like R1, a reasoning model that competes directly with OpenAI's offerings.

Founded by Liang Wenfeng, co-founder of High-Flyer (a quantitative hedge fund).

Originated from High-Flyer’s AI research unit, focusing on large language models and artificial general intelligence (AGI).

Backed entirely by High-Flyer, allowing for relatively low development costs compared to competitors like OpenAI and Meta.

R1, an open-source reasoning model, has been lauded for its performance and capabilities, rivaling OpenAI’s GPT models.

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Odisha Warriors secured the first-ever Women's Hockey India League (HIL) title with a 2-1 victory over Soorma Hockey Club in the final.

The match took place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Stadium, Ranchi.

Janneke Schopman, the Warriors' coach, redeemed herself after a past defeat with India against Japan.

Detailed Explanation:

Odisha Warriors secured the first-ever Women's Hockey India League (HIL) title with a 2-1 victory over Soorma Hockey Club in the final.

The match took place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Stadium, Ranchi.

Janneke Schopman, the Warriors' coach, redeemed herself after a past defeat with India against Japan.

Ruturaj Dadaso Pisal emerged as the game-changer, scoring the decisive goal for Odisha.

Notable Performances & Awards:

Player of the Tournament: Jyoti (Soorma HC)

Best Goalkeeper: Savita (Soorma HC)

Upcoming Player Award: Sonam (Soorma HC)

Top Scorers: Yibbi Jansen (Odisha Warriors) & Charlotte Englebert (Soorma HC)

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The first phase of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 concluded with Ladakh emerging as the top performer.

Women’s Ice Hockey:
Ladakh’s women’s team avenged last year’s loss to ITBP by defeating them 4-0, topping the women’s round-robin league.

Upcoming Phase:

The second phase of KIWG 2025 will be held in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, from February 22 to 25. The games are expected to feature more top-level winter sports competitions.

Detailed Explanation:

The first phase of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 concluded with Ladakh emerging as the top performer.

Held in Leh, the games featured thrilling competitions, including an intense men’s ice hockey final where the Indian Army successfully retained its title.

In addition to impressive performances in ice hockey, notable achievements were seen in skating and women's ice hockey, with strong showings from Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Key Highlights:

Ladakh's Victory:
Ladakh topped the medal tally with a total of 7 medals, including 4 golds. The state's athletes excelled in events like the mixed relay and women’s ice hockey.

Indian Army’s Ice Hockey Dominance:
The Indian Army retained its ice hockey crown by defeating ITBP 2-1 in a thrilling final. The match was action-packed, with goals scored in the final period.

Tamil Nadu’s Skating Success:
Tamil Nadu emerged as a rising talent hub in skating, securing 3 gold medals, with Yashashree clinching victory in the women’s 500m long track event.

Maharashtra's Performance:
Maharashtra won the highest number of medals (10) but only secured 2 golds, placing third in the medal tally.

Women’s Ice Hockey:
Ladakh’s women’s team avenged last year’s loss to ITBP by defeating them 4-0, topping the women’s round-robin league.

Upcoming Phase:

The second phase of KIWG 2025 will be held in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, from February 22 to 25. The games are expected to feature more top-level winter sports competitions.

20) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Australia has reaffirmed its supremacy in women’s cricket by winning the ICC Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time.

The team was awarded the prestigious ICC Women’s Championship Trophy in Melbourne after their victory in the 10-team competition, which serves as a crucial pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Captain Alyssa Healy received the trophy from Mike Baird, Cricket Australia Chair and ICC Director.

Detailed Explanation:

Australia has reaffirmed its supremacy in women’s cricket by winning the ICC Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time.

The team was awarded the prestigious ICC Women’s Championship Trophy in Melbourne after their victory in the 10-team competition, which serves as a crucial pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Captain Alyssa Healy received the trophy from Mike Baird, Cricket Australia Chair and ICC Director.

Australia secured their third consecutive ICC Women’s Championship title, showcasing dominance in women's cricket.

Captain Alyssa Healy accepted the trophy in Melbourne, marking a historic moment for the team.

The Championship, introduced in 2014, has played a pivotal role in growing women’s cricket, ensuring more frequent bilateral series.

21) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Martyrs Day 2025 is observed on the 30th of January 2025.

Gandhi promoted nonviolent protests throughout India's struggle for independence and encouraged everyone to set an example.

Detailed Explanation:

Martyrs Day 2025 is observed on the 30th of January 2025.

Gandhi promoted nonviolent protests throughout India's struggle for independence and encouraged everyone to set an example.

With the British, he negotiated several peace deals before issuing the ultimatum to leave. Gandhi undertook the nearly impossible task of creating a nation out of numerous provinces and territories as the Indian constitution was being ratified.

Gandhi was vehemently opposed to the idea of partitioning India.

Even after the Declaration of Independence, he held regular demonstrations to establish his resistance.

22) Answer: D

Detailed Explanation:

The World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025 is celebrated every year on the 30th of January 2025.

The World Health Assembly (WHA) recognized January 30 as the World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day on 31st May 2021 through decision WHA74(18).

23) Answer: C

Australia has reaffirmed its supremacy in women’s cricket by winning the ICC Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time.

The team was awarded the prestigious ICC Women’s Championship Trophy in Melbourne after their victory in the 10-team competition, which serves as a crucial pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Captain Alyssa Healy received the trophy from Mike Baird, Cricket Australia Chair and ICC Director.

24) Answer: D

DeepSeek AI is an advanced conversational AI platform known for excelling in document summarization, key information extraction, and precise question-answering.

It integrates natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning to enhance information retrieval and analysis.

Compared to ChatGPT, DeepSeek AI is often more accurate and detailed when handling factual queries and complex data analysis, making it a formidable competitor in the AI space.

25) Answer: A

In January 2025, The Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) was discovered in Tripura, marking a significant milestone in the state’s biodiversity documentation.