21. Which city is the host of Kho Kho World Cup 2025?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] New Delhi
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Chennai
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
The first Kho Kho World Cup began on 13 January 2025 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India. It was organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India with support from the Indian Olympic Association, the event runs from 13–19 January 2025. Each team has 12 players, with 9 taking the field during a match. The tournament features men’s teams from 20 countries and women’s teams from 19 countries, divided into four groups. India’s men’s team is led by Pratik Waikar, and the women’s team by Priyanka Ingle.
22. What is Trichophyton indotineae that was recently seen in news?
[A] Invasive weed
[B] Asteroid
[C] Fungal pathogen
[D] Newly discovered species of Fish
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Fungal pathogen]
Notes:
More than 30 dermatologists suggest renaming the fungus Trichophyton indotineae as its origin in India is unconfirmed despite reports from over 40 countries. Trichophyton indotineae is a fungal pathogen causing severe, treatment-resistant skin infections. It was named after India in 2020 based on isolates from India and Nepal. The fungus belongs to the dermatophyte group, causing dermatophytosis, which affects the skin, hair, and nails. It causes itchy, inflammatory infections on the groin, gluteal region, trunk, and face, affecting all ages and genders. It spreads via direct skin contact or contaminated objects and is resistant to terbinafine.
23. Which organization has developed Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) warrior?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) ]
Notes:
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) conducted the engine ground run of the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior on January 11, 2025, ahead of Aero India 2025. Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) is an Indian unmanned and manned combat aircraft teaming system. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) developed this system. The system enhances surveillance, strike capabilities, and reduces human error.
24. Nag Mk 2 Missile is developed by which organization?
[A] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[C] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[D] Bharat Dynamics Limited
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)]
Notes:
Raksha Mantri congratulated DRDO on the successful Field Evaluation Trials of the Nag Mk 2 missile. The Nag Mk 2 is a third-generation, indigenously developed Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile. It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It features fire-and-forget technology for precision targeting with minimal operator intervention. The missile can neutralize modern armored vehicles with explosive reactive armor (ERA). The Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated, and the weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.
25. Which state is the host of 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC)?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Bihar
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
Bihar will host the 85th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC) on January 20-21, 2025. The theme is “75th anniversary of the Constitution: The contribution of the Parliament and state legislatures in strengthening the constitutional values.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will preside over the event, with Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh present. Over 264 parliamentarians, legislators, and officials will attend. Bihar last hosted AIPOC in 1982 and before that in 1964. The event will be held at the Bihar Legislative Assembly premises. It aims to enhance coordination and share best practices among legislative bodies.
26. Gaan Ngai festival is celebrated in which Indian state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Odisha
[C] Sikkim
[D] West Bengal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Manipur]
Notes:
The Gaan Ngai festival is celebrated by the Zeliarong community in Manipur after the harvest season. It marks gratitude for a good harvest, prayers for prosperity, and the beginning of the new year. The festival includes music, dance, and spiritual rituals, promoting unity and joy. The Zeliarong community, comprising the Rongmei, Liangmei, and Zeme tribes, is one of Manipur’s prominent tribal groups. Gaan Ngai lasts for five days and is typically celebrated in December or January, with the date varying each year.
27. Who has been named the best javelin thrower of 2024 by the respected US-based sports magazine Track and Field News?
[A] Thomas Rohler
[B] Julius Yego
[C] Neeraj Chopra
[D] Kishore Jena
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Neeraj Chopra]
Notes:
Neeraj Chopra was named the best javelin thrower of 2024 by the US-based Track and Field News. He won the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a throw of 89.45m. He narrowly beat Anderson Peters of Grenada for the top spot in the rankings; Peters won three Diamond League events in 2024. Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who threw 92.97m to win Olympic gold, ranked fifth due to limited appearances. Track and Field News, founded in 1948, is highly respected in athletics.
28. What is Hydroclimate Whiplash, that was recently highlighted in news?
[A] A sudden drop in atmospheric pressure
[B] A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season
[C] A phenomenon of rising sea levels
[D] A rapid temperature drop over a short period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [A condition where an extremely wet season is followed by an extremely dry season]
Notes:
Experts link the severity of wildfires in the USA to hydroclimate whiplash, intensified by climate change. Hydroclimate whiplash is a rare condition where a wet season is followed by an extremely dry one. This leads to increased hazards like flash floods, wildfires, landslides, and disease outbreaks. It can harm water quality due to harmful algal blooms and excess organic or mineral content. It also affects food security by reducing plant productivity, causing crop failures, and leading to livestock mortality.
29. What is the name of the ISRO mission that successfully germinated lobia seeds in space?
[A] Plant Growth Module (PGM)
[B] Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)
[C] Space Farming Initiative (SFI)
[D] Agricultural Research in Space (ARS)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)]
Notes:
The ISRO mission that successfully germinated lobia seeds (also known as cowpea seeds) in space is called the “CROPS” experiment, which stands for “Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies”. The seeds sprouted on the fourth day, with leaves visible by the fifth day, marking a major milestone in space research. The experiment aims to develop sustainable food sources for long-term space missions and test plant growth in microgravity and controlled environments. Success supports astronauts by enabling food growth, oxygen generation, and CO₂ recycling in space. It highlights India’s capability in managing complex life-support systems and contributes to global space farming initiatives.
30. Which organization has released the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025?
[A] World Bank
[B] International Maritime Organization (IMO)
[C] United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
[D] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [World Bank]
Notes:
Cabo Verde, an archipelago off West Africa, needs to invest $842 million from 2024-2030 ($140 million per year) to tackle climate and development challenges. The World Bank’s report, Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025, launched on January 15, 2025, outlines these needs for enhancing climate resilience and sustainable development. World Bank released the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) 2025. The CCDRs aim to integrate climate change considerations into development planning. These reports utilize extensive data and research to identify key climate vulnerabilities and potential pathways for action.