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• In the presence of an acid, a blue litmus paper turns into red.
• Litmus is made up of weak organic acid molecule.
• Litmus acts as an indicator and it reacts with an acid (H+) and shows a different colour when it is deprotonated or protonated under acidic conditions

• Most of the scripts of Asoka are written in three languages – Prakrit, Greek and Aramaic.
• Prakrit inscriptions are mainly written in the Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts.

• The Champaran satyagraha took place on 19 April 1917. Champaran is a district in the state of Bihar.
• Champaran satyagraha came into force because farmers were forced to grow indigo in a part of their land. This created much anger among farmers.
• In February 1919, the Rowlatt Act was passed which allowed the British government to jail anyone suspected of plotting or overthrowing the government, without a trial. It is also known as the Black Act.
• In 1907, the Indian National Congress split into extremists and moderates in the Surat session.
• In 1911, King George V along with Queen Mary announced the shifting of capital from Calcutta to Delhi.

The Correct answer is South Africa.

Key Points

• South Africa will host the 2025 G20 Summit, marking the first time the summit will be held on the African continent.
• This decision aligns with the G20’s aim to promote global inclusivity and expand representation of regions like Africa in global decision-making forums.
• South Africa, being a member of the G20, is one of the most influential nations in Africa, known for its strong economy and significant political role in the region.
• The summit will provide an opportunity to highlight Africa’s developmental challenges and potential, including topics like poverty alleviation, climate change, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
• This event will also serve to strengthen South Africa’s diplomatic ties with other G20 nations and showcase its leadership on the global stage.
• The hosting of the summit reflects the G20’s recognition of the importance of Africa in the global economy and geopolitics.

Additional Information

• Egypt
• Egypt is located in North Africa and is known for its ancient civilization and landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza.
• Though Egypt has played a significant role in African diplomacy, it is not hosting the 2025 G20 Summit.
• Egypt is a member of the African Union but is not a permanent G20 member.
• Nigeria
• Nigeria, located in West Africa, is the most populous country in Africa and has one of the continent’s largest economies.
• It is a leading oil-producing nation but is not part of the G20 group.
• Although Nigeria is influential in African affairs, it is not hosting the 2025 G20 Summit.
• Kenya
• Kenya is situated in East Africa and is renowned for its wildlife tourism and contributions to regional diplomacy.
• It has a growing economy and is a member of the African Union, but like Nigeria, it is not part of the G20 group.
• Kenya is not hosting the 2025 G20 Summit.

The correct answer is - 1868

Key Points

• Meiji Restoration occurred in 1868.
• It marked the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate and the beginning of the Meiji Era.
• This revolution led to the modernization and westernization of Japan.
• The emperor was restored to central political power, replacing the feudal shogunate system.
• Key reforms during the Meiji Restoration included:
• Abolishment of feudal domains and establishment of prefectures.
• Introduction of a modern military and industrial infrastructure.
• Adoption of Western-style education and governance systems.

Additional Information

• Historical Context:
• Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa Shogunate for over 250 years.
• Japan had adopted a policy of isolationism, limiting foreign influence and trade.
• Pressure from Western powers, including the arrival of Commodore Perry in 1853, contributed to the collapse of the shogunate.
• Significance of the Restoration:
• The Meiji Restoration is considered the beginning of Japan's transformation into a modern world power.
• It laid the groundwork for the country's industrial revolution and emergence as an imperial power.
• It fostered the adoption of constitutional monarchy with the establishment of the Meiji Constitution in 1889.

The correct answer is Article 56.

Key Points

• Article 56 of the Indian Constitution deals specifically with the Term of office of the President of India.
• The term of the President is five years from the date he/she assumes office, according to Article 56.
• However, the President can continue to hold office beyond the five-year term until a successor is elected and takes charge.
• Article 56 also mentions that the President can resign from office by submitting a resignation letter addressed to the Vice President of India.
• It further provides provisions for removal of the President through the process of impeachment, as prescribed in Article 61 of the Constitution.
• The term can be curtailed if the President is impeached for violation of the Constitution, as outlined in related articles.

Additional Information

• Article 52:
• Deals with the establishment of the office of the President of India.
• States that there shall be a President of India who is the head of state and represents the unity and integrity of the nation.
• It sets the framework for the position but does not specify the term of office.
• Article 54:
• Relates to the election of the President.
• It specifies the composition of the Electoral College that elects the President, which includes elected members of both Houses of Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies of States.
• Article 58:
• Defines the eligibility criteria for the President.
• The candidate must be a citizen of India, at least 35 years of age, and qualified to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha.
• The candidate must not hold any office of profit under the Government of India or any state government.
• Impeachment Process:
• The President can be removed through an impeachment process for violation of the Constitution as per Article 61.
• This requires a detailed procedure involving both Houses of Parliament and a two-thirds majority.
• Historical Insight:
• The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, served two terms in office, making him the longest-serving President.
• He assumed office on 26 January 1950 and held the position for over a decade.

Important Points

• President's Oath: The President takes an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of India, as per Article 60.
• Vacancy in the Office: In case of a vacancy due to resignation, removal, or death, the Vice President acts as the President until a new President is elected.
• Election Timeline: The election for the next President must be held before the expiration of the current President's term to avoid a gap in leadership.
• Role of the President: The President serves as the ceremonial head of the state, while the real executive powers are vested in the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
• Constitutional Safeguard: The President enjoys immunity from legal proceedings for actions taken in the official capacity during the term of office.

The correct answer is 25^th January.

• National Voters Day is celebrated on 25^th January.

Key Points

• National Voters Day is celebrated in India on January 25.
• It was celebrated the first time in 2011, across the country, to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India in 1950.
• The main purpose of the day is to encourage, facilitate and make sure all Indians eligible for voting are enrolled.
• Special attention is given to the new voters.
• National Voters Day: Theme for 2021
• ​The theme for this year's National Voters' Day is ''Making Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed".
• Encouraging the active participation of the voters of India during elections and helping them be responsible citizens are key to National Voters' Day activities.
• This year amid the pandemic, it will also focus on the ECI's commitment towards conducting the polls safely.

The correct answer is FDI

Key Points

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is the officially recognized method of foreign capital inflow into India — it is an investment by a person or firm abroad directly into Indian business equity, plants, or assets.
• FDI comes via the automatic route (no prior approval needed) or the government route (requiring approval).
• In India’s Balance of Payments classification, major capital inflows are FDI, Portfolio Investment (FPI), External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs), and NRI Deposits.

Each is recorded separately; FDI is distinct.

• NRI accounts are banking channels that NRIs may use to invest, but they are not defined as a category of foreign capital inflow — they’re just one possible banking route, mainly for deposits.

Important Points

• FDI:
• Investment through equity instruments by a person resident outside India into an Indian company.
• Purpose: to obtain lasting interest and influence management or control.
• Routes: Automatic and Government approval.
• NRI Accounts (NRE/NRO/FCNR):
• NRE: Non-Resident External Account — rupee denominated; funds fully repatriable; can be used by NRIs to invest but is not the definition of FDI.
• NRO: Non-Resident Ordinary Account — rupee denominated; used for income earned in India; limited repatriability.
• FCNR(B): Foreign Currency Non-Resident account — foreign currency deposits by NRIs/PIOs.

The correct answer is ICICI Bank.     

• ICICI was established in June 1994.
• The Chief executive officer of ICICI is Sandeep Bakhshi
• Its headquarters are situated in Mumbai.
• It was the first Indian bank that provided an internet banking facility.
• It is included as one of the four largest Banks in India.
• ICICI bank introduced first-time internet banking to its customers in the year of 1998.
• ICICI bank has 5,275 branches and 15,589 ATMs in tall over India and it has a banking network in the 17 countries also.
• The first bank to introduce ATM in India was HSBC in 1987, Mumbai.

The correct answer is 1930.

Important Points

• The civil disobedience movement was started in 1930 (12^th March 1930 – 6^th April 1930).
• The Civil Disobedience Movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi.
• It was another important movement that began as a protest against the Simon commission.
• The Civil Disobedience Movement was a form of non-cooperation to pressure the British government to accept the demands of the Indian people.
• It began with the famous Dandi March of Gandhi, on 12^th March 1930.
• Gandhi left the Sabarmati Ashram at Ahmadabad along with his 78 delegates.
• The act of making salt was a symbol of the Indian people's refusal to live under British-made laws or under British rule.