1.Which ministry created Kalagram in Prayagraj to showcase the vibrant culture of India during the Mahakumbh?
Solution:
The correct answer is Ministry of Culture
In News
- Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurated Kalagram this evening at Mahakumbh Nagar in Prayagraj. Ministry of Culture has created Kalagram which will showcase the rich and vibrant culture of the country.
Key Points
- Kalagram showcases India’s vibrant culture through Craft, Cuisine, and Culture.
- Over 14,600 artists will perform at Kalagram during the 45-day event.
- The initiative offers visitors a chance to explore India’s cultural heritage.
- Mahakumbh symbolizes unity and devotion, expecting 45 crore devotees and 15 lakh foreign tourists over the 45 days.
2.Which country will host the 28th Commonwealth Speakers’ Conference in 2026?
Solution:
The correct answer is India
In News
- India to host 28th CSPOC in 2026 with a focus on AI and social media in parliamentary processes.
Key Points
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the event during the CSPOC Standing Committee meeting in Guernsey, highlighting India’s technological advancements and economic progress.
- The conference will address global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and cybercrime, emphasizing inclusive and transparent parliamentary practices.
- Birla called for global cooperation to tackle issues like poverty, inequality, and malnutrition, aligning with the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.
- This marks India’s fourth time hosting the CSPOC, following previous events in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010.
3.ISRO has successfully maneuvered the Chaser and Target satellites to a 3-meter range under which programme, aimed at testing the indigenous Bharatiya Docking System?
Solution:
The correct answer is SpaDex
In News
- ISRO achieves milestone in SpaDeX project, bringing two satellites within three meters in a trial for future in-space docking experiments.
Key Points
- The mission, launched on December 30, 2024, used PSLV C60 to deploy SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) satellites into a 475-km orbit.
- SpaDeX aims to position India among the top four nations mastering in-space docking, critical for future space missions like Bharatiya Antariksh Station and lunar landings.
- The project involves a cost-effective demonstration of docking technology, key for multi-launch missions with shared objectives.
- Future docking will follow after analyzing trial data, highlighting India’s progress in advanced space capabilities
4.Who has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), replacing Jay Shah?
Solution:
The correct answer is Devajit Saikia
In News
- Devajit Saikia appointed BCCI Secretary, replacing Jay Shah, who became ICC Chairman last year.
Key Points
- Saikia, a former first-class cricketer for Assam (1990-91), scored 53 runs in four matches.
- Saikia has prior administrative experience as BCCI Joint Secretary and Secretary of Assam Cricket Association (ACA).
- Prabhtej Singh Bhatia elected as BCCI Treasurer during the BCCI Special General Meeting (SGM).
- Jay Shah officially transitioned to ICC Chairman on December 1, bringing extensive experience, including the development of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Additional Information
- Under Shah’s leadership, India hosted the entire 2023 Cricket World Cup successfully for the first time.
- The ICC resolved the 2025 Champions Trophy hosting rights, deciding on Pakistan as the primary venue with an additional neutral location.
5.When will the India Energy Week (IEW) 2025 be held?
Solution:
The correct answer is 11th to 14th February 2025.
In News
- India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, the flagship energy event of the Government of India, will be held from 11th to 14th February 2025.
- The event will take place at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi.
Key Points
- The event will host delegates from over 120 countries, with 700+ exhibitors and 10 country pavilions.
- It aims to foster international collaboration and innovation in energy transition and decarbonization.
Additional Information
- IEW 2025 focuses on themes like Collaboration, Resilience, Transition, and Digital Frontiers, aiming for sustainable energy solutions.
6.India signed the Haj Agreement 2025 with which country?
Solution:
The correct answer is Saudi Arabia.
In News
- India’s **Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiran Rijiju**, signed the **Haj Agreement 2025** with **Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah**, in **Jeddah.**
- The agreement secured a **quota of pilgrims** from India for the **upcoming Haj season.**175,025
Key Points
- Minister Rijiju engaged in **high-level meetings** during his visit to Saudi Arabia.
- In **Riyadh**, he discussed **collaborations in transport and logistics** with **Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser**, Minister of Transport & Logistic Services.
- The delegation also explored initiatives to **enhance the pilgrimage experience** for Indian Haj participants.
Additional Information
- About Saudi Arabia:
- Capital: **Riyadh**
- Currency: **Saudi Riyal**
- Known for being the **host nation for Haj and Umrah pilgrimages.**
6.India’s Border Security Force (BSF) is in talks with the Border Guard of which country?
Solution:
The correct answer is Bangladesh.
In News
- India’s **High Commissioner to Dhaka, Pranay Verma**, and **Bangladesh’s Foreign Secretary Md. Jashim Uddin** discussed border security issues.
- The discussions emphasized a **crime-free border** and addressing challenges like **smuggling, criminal movements, and trafficking.**
- The **Border Security Force (BSF)** and **Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB)** are actively coordinating to implement **border fencing** for enhanced security.
Key Points
- The meeting occurred at the **Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangladesh.**
- The upcoming **Director General Level Talks** between BSF and BGB will further discuss the matter in detail.
Additional Information
- About Bangladesh:
- Capital: **Dhaka**
- Currency: **Bangladeshi Taka**
- Neighboring India along the **eastern border**, sharing strong historical and cultural ties.
- About BSF and BGB:
- BSF: India’s **Border Security Force**, tasked with border guarding and security.
- BGB: **Border Guard Bangladesh**, responsible for securing Bangladesh’s borders.
7.Who became the highest individual scorer in the history of the Women’s Under-19 One Day Trophy?
Solution:
The correct answer is Ira Jadhav.
In News
- In the Women’s Under-19 One Day Trophy, **Ira Jadhav** scored an unbeaten **346 runs off 157 balls**, including **42 fours and 16 sixes**, against **Meghalaya**.
- This record-breaking performance surpassed the previous record set by **Smriti Mandhana**, who scored **224 runs** in 2013.
Key Points
- **Ira Jadhav**, a 14-year-old cricketer from Mumbai, achieved this milestone at the **Alur Cricket Stadium, Bengaluru.**
- Her innings helped **Mumbai** post a massive total of **563 for 3** in 50 overs.
Additional Information
- About the Record:
- The previous record of **224 runs** was held by **Smriti Mandhana** in the Women’s Under-19 One Day Trophy in 2013.
- About Ira Jadhav:
- At just **14 years old**, Ira’s innings demonstrates her exceptional talent and potential in Indian domestic cricket.
8.Who is the author of the book “Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges”?
Solution:
The correct answer is Dr. Devendra Singh Chauhan.
In News
- The book, authored by **Dr. Devendra Singh Chauhan**, discusses Parliament’s powers, functions, and privileges.
- The author has been working on this subject for decades and is known for his dedication and erudition.
Key Points
- Dr. Chauhan has a long-standing passion for studying parliamentary systems and laws, including the anti-defection law.
- The book is regarded as a comprehensive reference for researchers, students, policymakers, and parliamentarians.
Additional Information
- About the Author:
- Dr. Devendra Singh Chauhan is a senior advocate and has been dedicated to the study of parliamentary democracy.
- He has authored a detailed analysis on Parliament’s privileges and the role of democracy in India.
- About the Book:
- The book is a two-volume reference guide on parliamentary functions, ideal for legal and legislative studies.
9.What was India’s retail inflation in December 2024?
Solution:
The correct answer is 5.22%.
In News
- Retail inflation in India eased to a four-month low of 5.22% in December 2024, as per the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.
- This decline was primarily due to easing food prices.
- The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation was 5.48% in November 2024 and 5.69% in October 2024.
Key Points
- Food Inflation: Dropped to 8.39%, down from 9.04% in November 2024.
- Urban Inflation: Declined to 4.58%, compared to 4.83% in the previous month.
- Rural Inflation: Declined to 5.76%, from 5.95% in November 2024.
Additional Information
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aims to keep inflation at 4%, with a margin of 2% on either side.
- The CPI data is a key factor for RBI’s bi-monthly monetary policy decisions.
10.What is the theme of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention held in Bhubaneswar?
- A) “Global Indians, Global Future”
- B) “Connecting India to the World”
- C) “The Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”
- D) “Empowering the Indian Diaspora”
Answer: C) “The Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”
Explanation: The theme of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention, held in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025, is “The Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.” The event celebrates the role of the Indian diaspora in India’s development.