Test your knowledge with the latest quiz on current affairs from 25th January 2025 Current Affairs Quiz ! Stay updated and challenge yourself with key events and happenings around the world.
1) As of India's latest addition of four new wetlands to the Ramsar Wetland Sites list, what is the total number of Ramsar sites in the country?
A) 85
B) 89
C) 92
D) 95
E) 100
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: B) 89
Explanation:
India has recently added four new wetlands—Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Therthangal Bird Sanctuary (both in Tamil Nadu), Khecheopalri Wetland (Sikkim), and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand)—to the Ramsar list. This has increased the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 89.
India is now the third-largest country globally in terms of Ramsar sites, following the United Kingdom (175 sites) and Mexico (142 sites). In Asia, India leads with the most Ramsar sites, surpassing China (82 sites). The Ramsar Convention, an international treaty established in 1971, aims to protect significant wetlands worldwide. India became a signatory in 1982, starting with Keoladeo National Park and Chilika Lake as its first designated Ramsar sites in 1981.
2) On which date is World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day observed every year?
A) January 25
B) January 28
C) January 30
D) February 1
E) February 5
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: D) 125th anniversary
Explanation:
The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) was established in 1899, making 2025 its 125th anniversary. The conference, organized by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), gathered over 200 solar physicists to discuss advancements in solar magnetism, solar-stellar connections, and space weather. KSO has contributed significantly to solar research by maintaining extensive photographic records of solar phenomena, such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections.
3) Who chaired the High-Level Committee (HLC) that approved Rs 3,027.86 crore for disaster mitigation projects in India?
A) Nirmala Sitharaman
B) Shivraj Singh Chouhan
C) Narendra Modi
D) Amit Shah
E) Rajnath Singh
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: D) Amit Shah
Explanation:
The High-Level Committee (HLC) responsible for approving disaster mitigation projects was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The committee reviewed and approved an allocation of Rs 3,027.86 crore for various disaster-related initiatives, including lightning safety, drought mitigation, and forest fire management. The key objective of these projects is to strengthen India’s disaster preparedness and reduce the risks associated with natural calamities.
Other prominent members of the committee include:
- Nirmala Sitharaman (Finance Minister)
- Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Agriculture Minister)
- Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog
The decision highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing disaster resilience in vulnerable regions across India.
4) Who was the Chief Guest representing India at the first Raisina Middle East Conference held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 28-29 January 2025?
A) Narendra Modi
B) S. Jaishankar
C) Amit Shah
D) Nirmala Sitharaman
E) Piyush Goyal
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: B) S. Jaishankar
Explanation:
The first Raisina Middle East Conference took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on 28-29 January 2025. External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar was the Chief Guest from India’s side.
Dr. S. Jaishankar was on a three-day official visit to the UAE from 27 to 29 January 2025, marking his third visit to the country since his reappointment as External Affairs Minister (EAM) in June 2024.
The Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, bringing together global experts to discuss pressing global challenges. This new Raisina Middle East Conference is a regional extension of the dialogue, strengthening India’s engagement with the Middle East and Gulf region.
5) Which country became the first in the African region to officially eliminate onchocerciasis (river blindness) as a public health threat, as announced by WHO on January 30, 2025?
A) Nigeria
B) Kenya
C) Niger
D) South Africa
E) Ghana
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: C) Niger
Explanation:
On January 30, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Niger had become the first country in the African region to eliminate onchocerciasis (river blindness) as a public health threat.
This achievement is significant because onchocerciasis is a major health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, caused by a parasitic worm transmitted through blackfly bites. Niger now joins just four other countries worldwide—Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico—that have successfully eradicated the disease.
WHO highlighted Niger’s success as a major step in the fight against neglected tropical diseases, demonstrating the effectiveness of sustained public health.
6) In the Union Budget 2025-26, what is the total expenditure allocated by the Indian government for the fiscal year?
A) ₹45.75 lakh crore
B) ₹50.65 lakh crore
C) ₹55.20 lakh crore
D) ₹48.30 lakh crore
E) ₹52.10 lakh crore
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: B) ₹50.65 lakh crore
Explanation:
The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated a total expenditure of ₹50.65 lakh crore to drive India’s economic growth. This budget emphasizes infrastructure development, MSME support, agricultural prosperity, financial reforms, and technological advancements while maintaining fiscal prudence.
The breakdown of government expenditure includes:
- Revenue Expenditure: ₹39.44 lakh crore
- Capital Expenditure: ₹11.21 lakh crore
- Effective Capital Expenditure: ₹15.48 lakh crore
Additionally, the budget focuses on key allocations, such as:
- Interest Payments: ₹12.76 lakh crore
- Defence Sector: ₹4.91 lakh crore
- Pensions: ₹2.77 lakh crore
- Subsidies (Food, Fertilizer, and Petroleum): ₹39.23 lakh crore
The budget also sets a fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP, reflecting the government’s commitment to balancing growth with financial stability.
7) Which country is set to host the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from March 3 to 7, 2025?
A) Brazil
B) China
C) India
D) Russia
E) South Africa
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: C) India
Explanation:
India is set to host the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from March 3 to 7, 2025, under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The theme of the meeting is “Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth.”
The BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Meeting aims to:
- Establish the BRICS Youth Council’s Entrepreneurship Working Group as a permanent initiative.
- Enhance collaboration and coordination among BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
- Promote youth entrepreneurship, innovation, and global business opportunities.
- Develop new engagement formats to strengthen cooperation within the BRICS framework.
This event will bring together 45 youth representatives from BRICS nations and focus on creating a long-term roadmap for youth entrepreneurship.
8) In which city was the Sci-Fi Science Film Festival of India inaugurated on January 30, 2025?
A) Mumbai
B) Bengaluru
C) Chennai
D) Panaji
E) Hyderabad
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: D) Panaji
Explanation:
The Goa Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, inaugurated the Sci-Fi Science Film Festival of India in Panaji, Goa, on January 30, 2025. The festival is organized by Vidnyan Parishad Goa and is dedicated to Dr. M. Swaminathan, a pioneering scientist known for his contributions to the Green Revolution in India.
Key Highlights of the Festival:
- Theme: “Green Revolution” – Focuses on sustainability and scientific innovation.
- Duration: 4-day event aimed at promoting science and innovation.
- Objective: Encouraging youth participation in scientific research and innovation to drive India’s progress.
This festival highlights India’s commitment to science, technology, and sustainability, providing a platform for young minds to explore the wonders of science fiction and scientific discoveries.
9) Which Indian-origin astronaut has made history by setting a new record for the longest spacewalking time by a woman, totaling 62 hours and 6 minutes?
A) Kalpana Chawla
B) Rakesh Sharma
C) Sunita Williams
D) Peggy Whitson
E) Sirisha Bandla
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: C) Sunita Williams
Explanation:
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has set a new record for the longest spacewalking time by a woman, logging a total of 62 hours and 6 minutes across nine spacewalks. She surpassed the previous record held by Peggy Whitson, who had 60 hours and 21 minutes of spacewalking time.
This historic achievement took place during her most recent extravehicular activity (EVA) alongside astronaut Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station (ISS). Sunita Williams has played a crucial role in multiple NASA missions and is recognized for her contributions to space exploration.
10) What is the primary objective of the ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp, launched by the Ministry of Railways on January 31, 2025?
A) To increase railway ticket prices
B) To consolidate multiple railway services into a single platform
C) To replace railway employees with AI-based automation
D) To introduce a new railway loyalty program
E) To restrict third-party railway booking apps
Answer Key:
Correct Answer: B) To consolidate multiple railway services into a single platform
Explanation:
The Ministry of Railways launched the ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp on January 31, 2025, with the aim of integrating various railway services into one user-friendly platform.
Key Features of the ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp:
- Objective: To improve user experience by consolidating multiple railway-related services, eliminating the need for separate apps.
- Availability: The app is in its beta phase and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- Convenience: It aims to provide seamless access to railway services such as ticket booking, train schedules, and real-time updates.
By offering a centralized solution, the SwaRail SuperApp simplifies railway operations for passengers, ensuring a more efficient and hassle-free experience.
