Q.1) The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP) recently won SKOCH Award 2024 for its contributions to which sector?
[a] Infrastructure Development
[b] Sustainable Forest and Environmental Conservation
[c] Tourism Promotion
[d] Digital Governance
View Answer
Answer: [b] Sustainable Forest and Environmental Conservation
Explanation:
The Nagaland Forest Management Project (NFMP), implemented by Nagaland’s Department of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), won the SKOCH Award 2024 for its efforts in forest conservation and sustainable management. The project focuses on improving forest ecosystems, rehabilitating shifting agriculture (jhum), and enhancing livelihoods in 185 villages across 11 districts and 22 forest ranges in Nagaland. The SKOCH Award is a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in governance, social sectors, and economic development.
Q.2) What is the theme of the World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ) 2025?
[a] Equal Rights for All
[b] Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps of Social Justice
[c] Justice Through Economic Growth
[d] Ending Social Exclusion
View Answer
Answer: [b] Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps of Social Justice
Explanation:
The World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ) is observed annually on February 20 to promote fairness, equality, and human rights. Theme for 2025: Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps of Social Justice, focuses on inclusive policies and social protection for marginalized communities and emphasizes just transition to a fair and sustainable future.
Key Facts about WDSJ:
ILO’s Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (2008) supports fundamental labor rights and social protection.
Established by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2007.
International Labour Organization (ILO) leads global efforts on social justice.
Q.3) International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is observed every year on which date?
[a] March 21
[b] February 21
[c] April 21
[d] January 21
View Answer
Answer: [b] February 21
Explanation:
International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is observed every year on February 21 to promote linguistic diversity and multilingualism. It was established by UNESCO in 1999 to commemorate the Bhasha Andolon (Bengali Language Movement) of 1952, when students in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) protested against the imposition of Urdu as the sole state language. The 2025 edition marks the 25th anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of IMLD, focusing on preserving linguistic diversity, reviving endangered languages, and promoting education in the mother tongue.
Q.4) Which Indian state recorded the highest number of bird species during the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) 2024?
[a] Kerala
[b] Assam
[c] West Bengal
[d] Uttarakhand
View Answer
Answer: [c] West Bengal
Explanation:
West Bengal has topped the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) for the third consecutive year in 2024, recording 543 bird species out of 1,068 species spotted across India. The event, held every February, saw Darjeeling leading within Bengal with 252 species, followed by South 24 Parganas in terms of the highest bird checklists. Uttarakhand (446), Assam (414), Maharashtra (414), and Karnataka (380) followed Bengal in species count. GBBC is a global birdwatching event initiated in 1998 that helps in bird conservation and biodiversity research.
Q.5) Which Indian organization signed an MoU with the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) to strengthen scientific cooperation in 2025?
[a] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[b] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
[c] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[d] National Innovation Foundation (NIF)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Explanation:
India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, to enhance scientific and technological collaboration. The two institutions have a history of partnership since 1994, and the new MoU focuses on joint research, exchange programs, and technological development in metallurgy, environmental science, alternative energy, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. This agreement strengthens Indo-Nepal bilateral ties in science and technology, promoting research and innovation.
Q.6) India recently signed an MoU with which South American country for lithium exploration?
[a] Brazil
[b] Chile
[c] Argentina
[d] Bolivia
View Answer
Answer: [c] Argentina
Explanation:
India and Argentina signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand cooperation in lithium exploration and investment opportunities. The agreement was signed between Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), a PSU under India’s Ministry of Mines, and the Provincial Government of Catamarca, Argentina. This partnership strengthens India’s resource security for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage. Argentina is part of the Lithium Triangle (along with Chile and Bolivia), which holds over 75% of the world’s lithium reserves. This collaboration will help India secure a stable lithium supply, a critical component for its clean energy and EV goals.
Q.7) India was recently elected as the Vice President of which international maritime organization?
[a] International Maritime Organization
[b] International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities
[c] International Hydrographic Organization
[d] Indian Ocean Rim Association
View Answer
Answer: [b] International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)
Explanation:
India has been elected as the Vice President of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore. This milestone enhances India’s influence in global maritime affairs, especially as IALA transitions from a non-governmental organization (NGO) to an inter-governmental organization (IGO).
India’s leadership in IALA will help shape international maritime policies, enhance global maritime safety, and strengthen environmental stewardship.
India will host the IALA Council Meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in Mumbai in September 2027.
IALA was established in 1957, headquartered in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, and plays a key role in harmonizing global maritime navigation systems.
Q.8) Which country has recently joined the OPEC+ group of major oil-exporting nations?
[a] Argentina
[b] Brazil
[c] Canada
[d] Indonesia
View Answer
Answer: [b] Brazil
Explanation:
Brazil has joined OPEC+ under the Charter of Cooperation, allowing participation without binding production limits. Brazil’s entry strengthens its global energy influence ahead of COP30 in 2025.
OPEC+: A 23-nation alliance, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, managing global crude oil markets.
Oil Production & Trade: Brazil is the 7th-largest oil producer, outputting 4.3 million barrels/day, with crude oil becoming its top export in 2024.
Strategic Importance: Enhances Brazil’s role in global oil price discussions and aligns it with major energy producers.
About OPEC+:
- Formed in 2016, OPEC+ includes 12 OPEC members and 10 other oil-producing countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mexico.
- OPEC+ headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
- In 2023, OPEC and OPEC+ combined accounted for 53% of global crude oil production.
Q.9) What is the primary objective of the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) launched by MeitY?
[a] Promote private sector branding
[b] Standardize digital identity across government platforms
[c] Enhance cybersecurity measures
[d] Develop new social media policies
View Answer
Answer: [b] Standardize digital identity across government platforms
Explanation:
The Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) was launched by MeitY under the “Gov.In: Harmonisation of Government of India’s Digital Footprint” initiative to create a uniform digital presence for government websites. The initiative promotes “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” by harmonizing digital platforms for a seamless user experience.
Key Components:
- DBIM Toolkit: Guidelines for maintaining a consistent digital identity
- Gov.In CMS Platform: A centralized content management system
- Central Content Publishing System (CCPS): Ensures content uniformity across websites
- Social Media Guidelines: Standardizes digital communication
Q.10) Google recently inaugurated its largest campus in India, “Ananta.” Where is it located?
[a] Hyderabad
[b] Bengaluru
[c] Gurugram
[d] Mumbai
View Answer
Answer: [b] Bengaluru
Explanation:
Google has inaugurated its largest Indian campus, “Ananta,” in Mahadevapura, Bengaluru. The name “Ananta”, derived from Sanskrit, means “infinite” or “limitless,” symbolizing Google’s commitment to continuous innovation and India’s growing role in global technology advancements. It is a 1.6 million sq. ft. campus with over 5,000 seating capacity, built with locally sourced materials to support sustainability and designed for accessibility, ensuring an inclusive work environment.