1.Who inaugurated the North East Trade & Investment Roadshow in Chennai, highlighting the region’s strategic importance in connectivity, tourism, agriculture, textiles, and hydropower?
Solution:
The correct answer is Jyotiraditya Scindia
In News
- MDoNER hosted the North East Trade and Investment Roadshow in Chennai, attracting significant investor interest.
Key Points
- Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the event, emphasizing the Northeast’s role in India’s economic growth and connectivity with Southeast Asia.
- PM Narendra Modi’s vision of the Northeast as “Ashtalakshmi” was highlighted, stressing its rapid infrastructure development.
- The region holds 38% of India’s bamboo resources, vast untapped hydrocarbon reserves, and strong tourism, agriculture, IT, and logistics potential.
- Mizoram’s Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar promoted investment in GI-tagged ginger, chilies, mandarin oranges, dragon fruit, and sports infrastructure.
- MDoNER Secretary Chanchal Kumar announced eight tourism sites being developed under the PPP model, enhancing eco-tourism and hospitality.
- The UNNATI scheme offers attractive incentives to investors in manufacturing, IT, and services, supporting Northeast’s industrialization.
- The Kaladan project and trilateral highways will boost connectivity, making the region a key hub for medical tourism, serving over 60 million people.
- Industry leaders engaged in B2G meetings, with DPIIT officials detailing incentives under the UNNATI scheme.
2.Who won the gold medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions (Men) event at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand?
Solution:
The correct answer is Niraj Kumar
In News
- Indian Navy’s Niraj Kumar won gold in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the 38th National Games, held at Trishool Shooting Range.
Key Points
- He defeated Olympic bronze medallist Swapnil Kumar and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, securing the top spot with a score of 464.1.
- Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (Madhya Pradesh) won silver with 462.4 points, while Swapnil Kumar (Maharashtra) settled for bronze with 447.7 points.
- Niraj, 25, represents the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) and has previously won medals in World Championships, World Cups, and Asian Championships.
- He trained at the Elite Shooting Academy at the Padukone Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence (CSE) in Yelahanka, Bangalore.
- In the 10m air pistol mixed team event, Haryana’s Suruchi Singh and Parmod won gold, defeating Rajasthan’s Anjali Shekhawat and Umesh Choudhary 17-7.
- Maharashtra’s Rahi Sarnobat and Pranav Arvind Patil secured the bronze, overpowering Uttarakhand’s Abhinav Deshwal and Yashasvi Joshi 17-3.
- The shooting competitions at the 38th National Games concluded with these events.
- 19 teams competed in the mixed event qualification rounds for a place in the medal rounds.
3.Which brand recently announced a rebranding as ‘Eternal,’ integrating its key businesses, including food delivery, quick commerce, live events, and kitchen supplies?
Solution:
The correct answer is Zomato
In News
- Zomato announced its rebranding to “Eternal,” marking a major corporate shift.
Key Points
- The change applies only to the company name, while the Zomato brand and app will remain unchanged.
- Eternal will consist of four business segments: Zomato (food delivery), Blinkit (quick commerce), District (live events), and Hyperpure (kitchen supplies).
- CEO Deepinder Goyal stated that the name change reflects Blinkit’s significant role in the company’s future.
- The company’s stock ticker will switch from “ZOMATO” to “ETERNAL”, aligning with the corporate rebranding.
- The corporate website will transition from zomato.com to eternal.com, pending shareholder approval.
- Zomato’s acquisition of Blinkit in mid-2022 initially faced investor skepticism, but quick-commerce growth has boosted confidence.
- The company’s board has approved the rebranding, and the final decision now awaits shareholder consent.
Additional Information
- Eternal Ltd. (formerly Zomato Ltd.) is an Indian multinational company in restaurant aggregation and food delivery.
- Founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, it started as FoodieBay before being renamed Zomato in 2010.
- Zomato provides restaurant information, menus, reviews, and food delivery services across 1,000+ Indian cities.
- Competes with Swiggy in food delivery and hyperlocal services in India.
- Started as FoodieBay in 2008 by former Bain & Company employees Deepinder Goyal & Pankaj Chaddah.
- Initially a restaurant listing and recommendation portal, later expanded to food delivery.
- Renamed Zomato in 2010 to diversify beyond food and avoid conflict with eBay.
- Major shareholders include Info Edge (13.71%), Antfin Singapore (4.3%), and Deepinder Goyal (4.24%).
- Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, India, with operations across India.
- Key leader: Deepinder Goyal (CEO & MD).
4.Which country recently passed strict hate crime laws, imposing a minimum 12-month jail term for public Nazi salutes and up to six years for terror-related hate crimes?
Solution:
The correct answer is Australia
In News
- Australia introduced strict anti-hate crime laws, imposing mandatory jail sentences for Nazi salutes and terror-related offenses.
Key Points
- Publicly performing a Nazi salute or displaying hate symbols now carries a minimum 12-month jail sentence, while terror-related hate crimes can lead to up to six years in prison.
- New South Wales (NSW) has seen the highest rise in antisemitic incidents and will further tighten its laws to match Victoria and Western Australia.
- NSW Premier Chris Minns justified the reforms, stating that existing laws were inadequate to confront the growing threat.
- Recent antisemitic attacks in Australia include vandalized synagogues, damaged Jewish-owned properties, and a caravan with explosives targeting Jewish sites in Sydney.
- Law enforcement agencies reported an increase in hate-motivated violence, leading to stronger legal measures.
- Minns reaffirmed the government’s stance, stating that hate crimes have no place in Australian society and vulnerable communities must be protected
5.Marcus Stoinis, who recently announced his retirement from ODIs ahead of the Champions Trophy, represents which country in international cricket?
Solution:
The correct answer is Australia
In News
- Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODIs, ruling him out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Key Points
- Cricket Australia confirmed that Stoinis will continue playing in the T20I format for the national team.
- His retirement adds to Australia’s crisis, as they already need four replacements in their preliminary squad.
- Pat Cummins (ankle), Josh Hazlewood (hip), and Mitchell Marsh (back) are also unavailable due to injuries.
- Stoinis was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning squad and had been named in the preliminary 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.
- The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan and the UAE later this month.
- Stoinis played 71 ODIs since his debut in 2015, contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
Additional Information
- Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) will finalize the Champions Trophy squad after the Test series against Sri Lanka.
- Australia has until February 12 to submit their final 15-man squad to the ICC.
- They are placed in Group B of the Champions Trophy alongside Afghanistan, England, and South Africa
6.China’s Chang’e-7 lunar probe, scheduled for launch in 2026. What is the primary purpose of China’s Chang’e-7 mission?
Solution:
The correct answer is To detect water ice and test habitation technologies at the Moon’s south pole
In News
- Chang’e-7 lunar probe is set to launch in 2026 to explore the moon’s south pole for water ice.
Key Points
- It will use a hopper spacecraft with a water molecule analyzer to confirm water ice presence in shadowed craters.
- Previous missions: Chang’e-3 & Chang’e-5 landed on the near side, Chang’e-4 & Chang’e-6 on the far side.
- The south pole landing will demonstrate China’s ability to reach any lunar region, said Tang Yuhua.
- Finding water ice could lower costs for human bases, enabling further Mars and deep space exploration.
- Wu Weiren stated the probe will include an orbiter, lander, rover, and mobile hopper, facing extreme cold (-100°C) and rough terrain.
- Hopper will jump between sunlit and shadowed areas, analyzing terrain while using active shock absorption for safe landings.
- The lander will deploy China’s first deep-space “landmark image navigation” system for precision landings.
- More than 50% of operations will be autonomous, reducing reliance on Earth-based controls.
- Solar panels are optimized for low-angle sunlight near the pole, enhancing energy efficiency.
- The mission is in its final assembly and testing phase, preparing for launch in 2026.
7.Which project led to the creation of a new map of the Arctic Ocean, revealing an area twice the size of France and six times the size of England?
Solution:
The correct answer is Seabed 2030
In News
- A newly released map of the Arctic Ocean reveals a massive area, covering a region twice the size of France and six times the size of England.
Key Points
- The map provides detailed insights into underwater terrain, improving scientific understanding of the Arctic region.
- The mapping effort helps identify previously unknown geological features, such as underwater ridges and deep-sea trenches.
- The data could play a crucial role in territorial claims and resource exploration in the Arctic.
- Scientists believe the new findings will aid climate research, particularly regarding ice melt and rising sea levels.
- The mapping was done using advanced sonar technology and satellite imaging to capture high-resolution seabed details.
- The Arctic Ocean’s strategic and environmental significance has made mapping efforts increasingly important for geopolitical and scientific purposes.
8.What is the purpose of the newly introduced ‘.bank.in’ domain by the RBI?
Solution:
The correct answer is To help customers distinguish legitimate banking websites from fraudulent ones.
In News
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced an exclusive ‘.bank.in’ domain to tackle financial frauds and enhance digital security measures.
Key Points
- The ‘.bank.in’ domain will be exclusively implemented for banks in India from April 2025.
- This initiative is aimed at helping customers distinguish between legitimate banking websites and fraudulent ones.
- The RBI will also introduce a ‘.fin.in’ domain for the broader financial sector to further enhance digital security.
- Additional authentication factors for digital transactions will now be extended to online international payments made to offshore merchants.
Additional Information
- Other Digital Security Measures by RBI
- RBI has introduced an additional factor of authentication for digital payments to enhance security.
- Stricter authentication protocols are being applied to cross-border digital transactions.
- Expansion of Interest Rate Derivatives
- A new forward contract for government securities will be introduced to help long-term investors such as insurance funds.
- This move will enable better risk management and efficient pricing of derivatives linked to government securities.
- Boosting Retail Participation in Government Securities
- RBI has expanded access to the NDS-OM platform for non-bank brokers registered with SEBI.
- This will deepen the bond market and increase participation from non-bank financial entities.
- Financial System Stability
- The credit-deposit ratio (CDR) of banks stood at 80.8% as of January 2025, remaining stable.
- Liquidity buffers in banks remain adequate, with strong Return on Assets (RoA) and Return on Equity (RoE).
9.Where will India open a new Consulate during PM Modi’s visit to France in February 2025?
Solution:
The correct answer is Marseille.
In News
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit France, where he will co-chair the AI Action Summit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
- During the visit, India will open a new Consulate in Marseille, further strengthening its diplomatic presence in Southern France.
Key Points
- PM Modi will co-chair the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris on February 11, 2025.
- The AI Summit is part of the Paris Peace Forum and aims to promote ethical and sustainable AI development.
- PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with French President Macron in Marseille on February 12, 2025.
- India will open a new Consulate in Marseille to enhance trade, cultural, and diplomatic ties with France.
Additional Information
- AI Action Summit 2025
- Hosted in Paris on February 10-11 as part of the Paris Peace Forum.
- Key attendees include PM Modi, French President Macron, US Vice President JD Vance, and China’s Vice Prime Minister Ding Xuexiang.
- Aims to create an inclusive and sustainable AI development framework.
- India-France Bilateral Ties
- India and France are collaborating in aerospace, nuclear energy, and defense.
- Talks are underway for further cooperation in civil nuclear energy and reactors.
- Indian Consulates in France
- India currently has an embassy in Paris and consulates in Reunion Island and Lyon.
- Marseille will be the latest addition to India’s diplomatic presence in France.
10.Where in Haryana was the 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair held in February 2025?
Solution:
The correct answer is Faridabad.
In News
- The 38th Surajkund International Crafts Fair was held in Faridabad, Haryana.
Key Points
- The fair was inaugurated by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
- The event featured nearly 600 participants from around 42 countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Syria, Afghanistan, and Belarus.
- Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are the partner states for this year’s fair.
- The fair aims to promote Indian handicrafts and handlooms by inviting skilled artisans from across the country.
Additional Information
- About Surajkund International Crafts Fair
- One of the largest crafts fairs in India, held annually in Surajkund, Faridabad.
- Showcases traditional crafts, handlooms, and cultural performances.
- Attracts international participation, promoting global cultural exchange.
- Significance of the Fair
- Encourages rural artisans and craftspeople by providing them with a global platform.
- Boosts tourism and trade, supporting India’s handicraft industry.
- Past Editions
- The fair has been held annually since 1987.
- Each year, a different Indian state is chosen as the theme state.
- Features folk performances, traditional cuisine, and workshops on craftsmanship.
11.What is the global reduction percentage in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) over the past 30 years?
Solution:
The correct answer is 42%.
In News
- India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined by an impressive 83% over the past 30 years, while the global reduction during the same period was 42%.
Key Points
- The global reduction in Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) over the past 30 years is 42%.
- India’s MMR reduction stands at 83%, nearly doubling the global decline.
- The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) also saw a global decline of 55%, whereas India’s IMR reduction was 69%.
- The success in reducing MMR and IMR is attributed to government healthcare initiatives and infrastructural improvements.
Additional Information
- Key Government Initiatives
- Special Newborn Care Units (SNCUs): 1,087 units established across hospitals to improve maternal and child health.
- Newborn Stabilisation Units (NBSUs): 2,868 units set up to provide emergency care for newborns.
- Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): A scheme promoting institutional deliveries for maternal health improvement.
- Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Provides free prenatal check-ups for pregnant women.
- Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
- MMR is defined as the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
- It is a key indicator of a country’s healthcare system and maternal health services.
12.Which India’s neighboring country was suspended by FIFA due to failure to amend its football federation’s constitution in February 2025?
Solution:
The correct answer is Pakistan.
In News
- The International Football Federation (FIFA) has suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) due to its failure to make the necessary constitutional amendments required for proper governance.
Key Points
- FIFA suspended Pakistan from international football activities due to governance issues within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF).
- The suspension will remain in place until the PFF Congress makes the required amendments to its constitution.
- Pakistan football has been under the control of a FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee since June 2019.
- The committee was tasked with resolving internal disputes and organizing elections but failed to execute these tasks effectively.
Additional Information
- FIFA Suspensions on Other Countries
- In 2022, FIFA suspended India’s football federation (AIFF) due to third-party interference, but the suspension was lifted soon.
- Kuwait was suspended by FIFA in 2015 for government interference in the sport.
- Indonesia faced a FIFA ban in 2015 due to government intervention in its football association.
- About FIFA
- Full form: Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
- Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland.
- Responsible for organizing major football tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.
FEBRUARY Days & Events
| Date | Special Days |
| 1 February | Union Budget |
| Indian Coast Guard Day | |
| 2 February | World Wetlands Day |
| RA Awareness Day | |
| 2 February to 8 February | International Development Week |
| 3 February | National Golden Retriever Day |
| Vasant Panchami | |
| 4 February | World Cancer Day |
| National Day of Sri Lanka | |
| 5 February | Delhi Legislative Elections |
| 6 February | International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation |
| 7 February to 14 February | Valentine’s Week |
| 7 February | Surajkund Crafts Mela |
| 8 February | National Opera Day |
| 9 February | Baba Amte’s Death Anniversary |
| 10 February | National Deworming Day |
| World Pulses Day | |
| International Epilepsy Day | |
| 11 February | World Day of the Sick |
| International Day of Women and Girls in Science | |
| Safer Internet Day | |
| 12 February | Darwin Day |
| Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday | |
| National Productivity Day | |
| 13 February | World Radio Day |
| Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary | |
| 14 February | Saint Valentine’s Day |
| World Congestion Heart Defect Awareness Day | |
| 17 February to 27 February | Taj Mahostsav |
| 19 February to 9 March | ICC Champions Trophy |
| 20 February | Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day |
| World Anthropology Day | |
| Mizoram Foundation Day | |
| World Day of Social Justice | |
| 21 February | International Mother Language Day |
| 22 February | World Thinking Day |
| 23 February | World Peace and Understanding Day |
| 24 February | Central Excise Day |
| 26 February | Mahashivratri |
| Veer Savarkar’s Death Anniversary | |
| 27 February | World NGO Day |
| 28 February | National Science Day |
| Rare Disease Day | |
| Ramadan |
1. When is the Union Budget presented in India?
a) February 1
b) February 2
c) February 5
d) February 10
Answer: a) February 1
2. When is Indian Coast Guard Day celebrated?
a) February 5
b) February 1
c) February 10
d) February 15
Answer: b) February 1
3. What is observed on February 2 to raise awareness about wetland conservation?
a) World Environment Day
b) World Wetlands Day
c) Earth Day
d) Wildlife Conservation Day
Answer: b) World Wetlands Day
4. Which day is observed on February 2 to raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis?
a) RA Awareness Day
b) World Arthritis Day
c) Bone Health Day
d) Joint Awareness Day
Answer: a) RA Awareness Day
5. When is International Development Week celebrated?
a) February 2 to 8
b) February 5 to 10
c) February 7 to 14
d) February 12 to 18
Answer: a) February 2 to 8
6. What breed is honored on National Golden Retriever Day on February 3?
a) Labrador Retriever
b) German Shepherd
c) Golden Retriever
d) Beagle
Answer: c) Golden Retriever
7. Which festival marks the arrival of spring and honors Goddess Saraswati?
a) Makar Sankranti
b) Holi
c) Vasant Panchami
d) Diwali
Answer: c) Vasant Panchami
8. What is observed on February 4 to spread awareness about cancer?
a) World Cancer Day
b) World Health Day
c) National Cancer Awareness Day
d) International Oncology Day
Answer: a) World Cancer Day
9. Which country celebrates its National Day on February 4?
a) India
b) Sri Lanka
c) Nepal
d) Bhutan
Answer: b) Sri Lanka
10. What event is scheduled on February 5, 2025, in Delhi?
a) Lok Sabha Elections
b) Delhi Legislative Elections
c) Republic Day Parade
d) Independence Day Celebrations
Answer: b) Delhi Legislative Elections
11. When is Safer Internet Day observed in 2025?
a) February 4
b) February 5
c) February 6
d) February 7
Answer: b) February 5
12. Which Indian leader’s death anniversary is observed on February 6?
a) Mahatma Gandhi
b) Lal Bahadur Shastri
c) Indira Gandhi
d) Lata Mangeshkar
Answer: d) Lata Mangeshkar
13. Which international day is observed on February 6 to raise awareness against female genital mutilation?
a) International Women’s Health Day
b) International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
c) Global Women’s Rights Day
d) International Human Rights Day
Answer: b) International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
14. When is Rose Day celebrated as part of Valentine’s Week?
a) February 7
b) February 10
c) February 12
d) February 14
Answer: a) February 7
15. What is celebrated on February 8 during Valentine’s Week?
a) Hug Day
b) Propose Day
c) Kiss Day
d) Promise Day
Answer: b) Propose Day
16. What is observed on February 9 to promote dental health awareness?
a) World Dentist Day
b) National Tooth Care Day
c) World Oral Health Day
d) Toothache Day
Answer: d) Toothache Day
17. What international observance is marked on February 10 to celebrate pulses?
a) World Nutrition Day
b) International Year of Pulses
c) World Pulses Day
d) Global Food Security Day
Answer: c) World Pulses Day
18. Which famous Indian leader’s birth anniversary is observed on February 11?
a) Jawaharlal Nehru
b) Sarojini Naidu
c) Bhagat Singh
d) Rajendra Prasad
Answer: b) Sarojini Naidu
19. What day is observed on February 12 to honor Darwin’s contribution to science?
a) Science Day
b) World Evolution Day
c) Charles Darwin Day
d) Global Research Day
Answer: c) Charles Darwin Day
20. When is National Productivity Day celebrated in India?
a) February 10
b) February 12
c) February 15
d) February 20
Answer: b) February 12