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The correct answer is Japan.

In News

• Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer INS Mumbai participated in the 5^th edition of the multinational naval exercise LA PEROUSE hosted by France in January 2025.

Key Points

• The exercise was conducted from January 16 to 24, 2025, in the strategic maritime straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok linking the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
• It was led by the French Carrier Strike Group, centered around the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.
• Navy forces from nine Indo-Pacific nations participated: India, Australia, Canada, USA, France, Indonesia, Malaysia, United Kingdom, and Singapore.
• Japan was not among the participating countries of the La Perouse 25 exercise in 2025.
• The exercise emphasized maritime cooperation, interoperability, anti-illicit activities operations, and protection of key trade routes.
• The IORIS (Indian Ocean Regional Information Sharing) system was used for coordination and communication among participating navies.
• INS Mumbai's participation highlights India's commitment to regional maritime security and collaboration under its SAGAR vision.

Additional Information

• La Perouse exercises are biennial multinational naval drills organized by France focusing on Indo-Pacific maritime security.
• The exercise area includes key maritime chokepoints vital to global shipping and regional stability.
• Participants train in multidomain warfare tactics, maritime interdiction, and search and rescue operations.
• India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative promotes cooperative maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
• The first La Perouse exercise was held in 2019, with subsequent editions biannually to enhance naval interoperability.

The correct answer is 7.93%.

In News

• India submitted its 4^th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the UNFCCC on December 30, 2024, with the GHG inventory for the year 2020.

Key Points

• India’s total GHG emissions, excluding Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF), were 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) in 2020.
• Including LULUCF, India’s net emissions were 2,437 million tonnes of CO2e, showing the significant carbon sink effect of forests and land.
• The report states a 7.93% reduction in total GHG emissions in 2020 compared to 2019.
• The energy sector contributed the most to emissions at 75.66%, followed by agriculture (13.72%), industrial processes product use (8.06%), and waste (2.56%).
• India’s forest and tree cover sequestered approximately 522 million tonnes of CO2 in 2020, equivalent to reducing 22% of total emissions.
• Between 2005 and 2020, India reduced its emission intensity of GDP by 36%.
• Installed capacity of renewable power increased significantly to 203.22 GW by October 2024, supporting India’s sustainable energy transition.

Additional Information

• The BUR-4 report updates the Third National Communication and is part of India’s ongoing reporting to the UNFCCC under its climate commitments.
• India emphasizes equity and common but differentiated responsibilities in global climate action frameworks.
• India’s climate strategy balances economic growth with sustainability through national policies and international cooperation.
• The forestry sector acts as a net carbon sink, helping offset GHG emissions from other sectors.
• India’s renewable energy expansion includes solar, wind, and large hydropower projects aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070.

The correct answer is Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.

In News

• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 18^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 9, 2025.

Key Points

• The 18^th PBD Convention was held in collaboration with the Government of Odisha from January 8 to 10, 2025.
• The theme of the event was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing the Indian diaspora's role in national progress.
• The event featured participation from delegates across over 75 countries, highlighting India's wide diaspora network.
• PM Modi flagged off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train organised for Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) under the Pravasi Teerth Darshan Yojana.
• The Convention included exhibitions on diaspora contributions to technology, culture, and Odisha’s economic growth.
• The President of Trinidad and Tobago virtually addressed the convention underlining the importance of diaspora ties.
• Youth-focused sessions and business forums were also part of the event to foster engagement and opportunities.

Additional Information

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated biennially to connect the Indian diaspora with their cultural roots and homeland.
• The convention was first instituted in 2003 to recognize and strengthen the engagement of overseas Indians.
• The Pravasi Bharatiya Express provides curated tourism experiences to PIOs across prominent religious and cultural sites in India.
• Odisha, as the host, showcased its cultural heritage and economic progress during the convention.
• The event aligns with India’s broader ‘Purvodaya’ and ‘Act East’ policy initiatives to foster regional economic integration.

The correct answer is India.

In News

• The Indian women’s team won the final of the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025, defeating Nepal at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

Key Points

• The Indian women’s Kho Kho team beat Nepal 78-40 to clinch the championship title in the inaugural World Cup.
• The team, captained by Priyanka Ingle, remained undefeated throughout the tournament, winning all group and knockout matches.
• The finals featured both Indian men’s and women’s teams facing counterparts from Nepal, securing victories in both divisions and a clean sweep for India.
• Organised by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), the event was supported by the Indian Olympic Association.
• The tournament featured 19 women’s teams competing in group and knockout stages, reflecting Kho Kho’s growing international reach.
• The second edition of the World Cup is scheduled to be held in Birmingham, England, in 2026-27.
• India’s men’s team also remained unbeaten and won the World Cup title.

Additional Information

• Kho Kho is a traditional Indian tag game with deep roots, originally believed to be played on chariots in Maharashtra.
• The modern version with formalized rules emerged in 1914 in Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana Club.
• Kho Kho’s global popularity expanded from 6 countries in 2020 to 55 countries in 2025, with IKKF aiming for Olympic inclusion by 2036.
• A Kho Kho team consists of 9 active players and 3 substitutes, alternating between chasing, defending, and tagging opponents.
• The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) was established in 1955 and is headquartered in New Delhi. Sudhansu Mittal serves as the current president.

The correct answer is Shot Put.

In News

• Former Indian athlete and Asian Games gold medalist Bahadur Singh Sagoo was appointed as the President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) in January 2025.

Key Points

• The appointment was made during the Annual General Assembly Meeting of the AFI held in Chandigarh, Punjab.
• Bahadur Singh Sagoo succeeds Adille Sumariwalla, who served as AFI President for three consecutive terms from 2012 to 2024.
• Stanely Jones from Telangana was appointed as the new Treasurer, while former middle-distance runner Jyotirmoyee Sikdar became the Joint Secretary.
• Bahadur Singh is a one-time Asian Games gold medalist and a two-time national champion in the shot put event.
• He won the gold medal at the 2002 Busan Asian Games with a throw of 19.03 meters.
• He represented India at the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games and recorded his career-best throw of 20.40 meters in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2004.
• He was honored with the Padma Shri in 2006 for his contributions to Indian athletics.

Additional Information

• The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was established in 1946 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
• AFI is the governing body for athletics in India, responsible for organizing track and field competitions nationwide.
• It is affiliated with World Athletics and the Asian Athletics Association.
• The primary responsibilities of AFI include athlete training, selection for international events, and conducting national championships.
• Adille Sumariwalla served as President of AFI before Bahadur Singh Sagoo and is also a member of the World Athletics Council.

The correct answer is Old & Used Vehicles

In News

• The 55^th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, was held on December 21, 2024, at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

Key Points

• The GST Council decided to increase the GST rate from 12% to 18% on the sale of all old and used vehicles, including Electric Vehicles (EVs), except for specified large-engine vehicles already attracting 18% GST.
• This applies to old petrol vehicles with engine capacities of 1200 cc or more and lengths exceeding 4000 mm, and diesel vehicles with 1500 cc or higher capacity and lengths over 4000 mm, including SUVs.
• The new rate applies only to registered persons dealing in such vehicles.
• GST will be levied only on the margin value, i.e., the difference between the purchase price and selling price, not on the total transaction value.
• The exemption continues for unregistered individual sellers of used vehicles.
• The Council’s clarification aims to standardise taxation and resolve disputes in used vehicle sales, enhancing compliance and fairness.
• The meeting also made changes in GST rates for several goods such as fortified rice kernel (reduced to 5%) and exempted gene therapy from GST entirely.

Additional Information

• The GST Council is a constitutional body chaired by the Union Finance Minister and includes State Finance Ministers.
• The Council’s primary function is to make key recommendations on GST laws, tax rates, and administration.
• The 55^th Council meeting also reduced GST on Fortified Rice Kernel to 5% and exempted gene therapy from GST.
• It clarified that no GST is payable on penal charges imposed by banks or NBFCs for loan defaults.
• The Council meets periodically to review fiscal trends and ensure consistent tax governance across India.

The correct answer is 14 digits.

In News

• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission completed three years of implementation on September 27, 2024.

Key Points

• ABDM was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 27, 2021.
• It aims to revolutionize India’s digital health ecosystem by improving healthcare accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.
• Each individual is assigned a unique Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account Identifier (ABHA ID) under ABDM.
• The ABHA number is a 14-digit unique identifier that securely identifies people in the digital healthcare ecosystem.
• ABDM also features a comprehensive Health Professionals Registry and Health Facility Registries to connect stakeholders digitally.
• It ensures data privacy and security adhering to the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Key components include Health Information Exchange & Consent Manager, Unified Health Interface, and National Health Claim Exchange to enable seamless healthcare delivery and insurance claim processing.

Additional Information

• The National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is the implementing agency of ABDM.
• The ABHA ID helps citizens securely access and manage their health records electronically.
• The Unified Health Interface facilitates discovery and delivery of health services digitally across India.
• ABDM supports interoperability across modern and traditional medicine systems.
• The scheme aims to promote transparency in healthcare pricing and accountability for service delivery.

The correct answer is Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu.

In News

• On December 30, 2024, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin inaugurated India’s first bowstring arch glass bridge at Kanniyakumari, connecting the Thiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

Key Points

• The bridge was inaugurated as part of the Silver Jubilee (25^th year) celebration of the installation of the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin officially declared that the Thiruvalluvar Statue will henceforth be known as the “Statue of Wisdom.”
• The glass bridge measures 77 meters in length and 10 meters in width, employing advanced corrosion-resistant technology to withstand intense sea winds.
• Constructed at a cost of Rs. 37 crore, the bridge eliminates the need for ferry rides currently operated by Poompuhar Shipping Corporation between the two landmarks.
• The project aims to boost tourism in Kanniyakumari, one of India’s most visited coastal destinations for its sunrise and sunset views.
• It is expected to become a landmark attraction, enhancing accessibility and safety for tourists.

Additional Information

• The Thiruvalluvar Statue stands 133 feet tall, representing the 133 chapters of the ancient Tamil text Thirukkural.
• The statue was unveiled on January 1, 2000, by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
• It was designed by architect and sculptor V. Ganapati Sthapati and weighs around 7,000 tonnes.
• Saint-poet Thiruvalluvar authored 1,330 couplets known as Thirukkural about 2,000 years ago.
• The Vivekananda Rock Memorial, adjacent to the bridge, commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s meditation and enlightenment at Kanniyakumari.

The correct answer is Soreng.

In News

• Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched India’s first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng district of Sikkim during the Northeast Region States Meet 2025 held on January 6, 2025, in Guwahati, Assam.

Key Points

• The organic fisheries cluster promotes ecological fish farming, avoiding antibiotics, chemicals, and pesticides to produce organic fish.
• It aims to supply organic fish to eco-conscious markets globally, supporting sustainable aquaculture practices.
• The initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), focusing on boosting incomes of fish farmers and enhancing fish production.
• The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying organized the Northeast Region States Meet 2025 in Guwahati.
• The event also included certificate distribution to beneficiaries and launching of key projects worth Rs. 50 crore in the Northeast region under PMMSY.
• National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) plays a key role by providing financial and technical support to the organic cluster development.
• The project emphasizes low environmental pollution approaches to aquaculture for long-term sustainability.

Additional Information

• About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
• It was launched in September 2020 to double the income of fish farmers and promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development.
• The scheme runs from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an investment of Rs 20,050 crore under Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) components.
• PMMSY targets increased fisheries production, infrastructure enhancement, and market development across India.
• The scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and jobs in fisheries and allied sectors.

The correct answer is Five.

In News

• KredX, India’s largest supply chain finance platform, received RBI approval to operate as a TReDS platform under the brand name DTX in January 2025.

Key Points

• KredX became the fifth RBI-licensed TReDS platform, joining Receivables Exchange of India (RXIL), M1 Exchange, Invoice Mart, and C2FO Factoring Solutions.
• TReDS platforms help MSMEs access credit by discounting receivables, improving liquidity and timely payments.
• To set up a TReDS platform, a company must have a minimum paid-up equity capital of Rs 25 crore.
• Businesses with a turnover of Rs 250 crore or more must register on these platforms to sell their invoices and get early payments.
• The TReDS system enables invoice uploading, buyer approval, competitive bidding by financiers, and advance payments to sellers.
• TReDS transaction volumes are expected to rise from USD 30 billion in early 2025 to USD 50 billion by 2026.

Additional Information

• The Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) operates under RBI regulation and governed by the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• Launched in 2018, TReDS addresses payment delays by corporates and government entities to MSMEs.
• The process involves MSMEs uploading invoices, which buyers approve before financiers bid to provide discounted payments.
• RBI’s regulation of TReDS ensures transparency, security, and efficiency in invoice financing.
• KredX’s DTX platform is the latest addition, enhancing MSME credit access and supply chain finance in India.