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471. What is the name, recently Sarla Aviation has unveiled, India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi?
[A] Pratham
[B] Shunya
[C] Shubham
[D] Sudharshan
Correct Answer: B [Shunya]
Notes:
Sarla Aviation, an aerospace startup based in Bengaluru, has launched ‘Shunya,’ marking the introduction of India’s inaugural electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. This innovation represents a significant advancement in urban air mobility, aimed at mitigating traffic congestion and reducing pollution in Indian metropolitan areas. ‘Shunya’ is engineered for short-distance travel, covering ranges of 20-30 kilometers, and has the capacity to carry six passengers while achieving speeds of up to 250 km/h. The prototype is designed to address urban traffic challenges and promote sustainable transportation solutions.
472. The Ministry of Culture has inaugurated the ‘Bhagwat’ exhibition in which city of Uttar Pradesh?
[A] Prayagraj
[B] Varnasi
[C] Lucknow
[D] Agra
Correct Answer: A [Prayagraj]
Notes:
The Union Minister for Culture and Tourism officially opened the ‘Bhagwat’ exhibition at the Prayagraj Museum, which features a collection of miniature paintings. This exhibition integrates elements of art and culture, focusing on the themes of Lord Ram and Krishna, as well as the traditions associated with the Kumbh festival. It underscores the concept of unity in India, acting as a testament to overcoming historical divisions. The Minister highlighted the Kumbh as an emblem of national unity, fostering connections among individuals from diverse faiths and cultural backgrounds.
473. Which country has recently launched the iSNR initiative to set global standards for sustainable rubber production?
[A] China
[B] Indonesia
[C] Italy
[D] India
Correct Answer: D [India]
Notes:
On January 21, 2025, India introduced the Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) initiative in Kottayam, Kerala. This program aims to create new global standards for sustainable rubber production. The event featured George Kurian, the Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Minority Affairs, and was led by Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan, a Member of the Legislative Assembly. Key figures present included G. Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman of the Rubber Board, and N. Hari, a member of the Rubber Board. The iSNR initiative emphasizes zero-deforestation, empowering farmers with free certification, meeting EU regulations, and ensuring traceability in the supply chain.
474. Which state won the first prize for the best tableau at the 2025 Republic Day parade?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tripura
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh won the first prize for the best tableau at the 2025 Republic Day parade. The tableau was titled “Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”.
Other winners from the 2025 Republic Day parade:
Best Marching Contingent among Services: Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Contingent
Best Marching Contingent among CAPFs/other auxiliary forces: Delhi Police Marching Contingent
Best Tableau from Central Ministries/Departments: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Second place tableau: Tripura’s “Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja”
Third place tableau: Andhra Pradesh’s “Etikoppaka Bommalu – Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys”
475. Recently, which country was officially admitted as a partner country of the BRICS group?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Nigeria
[D] Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: C [Nigeria]
Notes:
Recently, Nigeria was officially recognized as a partner country within the BRICS coalition, which consists of Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. This development underscores Nigeria’s increasing prominence as the largest economy in Africa and its dedication to fostering international collaboration. The BRICS group seeks to establish a counterweight to Western-dominated economic platforms and to encourage South-South cooperation. Established in 2009, BRICS initially included Brazil, Russia, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. The organization prioritizes economic collaboration, political discourse, and the reform of global governance structures. In 2023, BRICS expanded its membership to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE. With Nigeria’s inclusion, the group now counts nine partners, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
476. TikTok App, which was seen in the news recently in which country?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] United States
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
In January 2025, TikTok experienced a temporary suspension in the United States as a result of a newly enacted law aimed at addressing national security issues. This legislation, which garnered bipartisan support, mandated that ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, divest the application to a U.S.-based organization. Nevertheless, within a matter of hours following the shutdown, TikTok was reinstated due to an intervention by President-elect Donald Trump, who pledged to postpone the implementation of the ban via an executive order. This article examines the key developments surrounding the app’s shutdown and its rapid restoration, as well as the ongoing challenges TikTok must navigate to ensure its viability in the U.S. market.
477. Which organization has recently announced that CEAT Limited and Hindustan Unilever Limited have joined its Global Lighthouse Network (GLN)?
[A] United Nations
[B] World Bank
[C] World Economic Forum
[D] International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: C [World Economic Forum]
Notes:
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced the inclusion of CEAT Limited and Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in its Global Lighthouse Network (GLN) as of January 2025. The GLN serves as a consortium of industry leaders who leverage digital technologies to enhance productivity, bolster supply chain resilience, and achieve other operational improvements. This network acknowledges manufacturing facilities that implement digital innovations to boost efficiency, promote sustainability, and enhance workforce capabilities. Members of the GLN employ cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics. These organizations have reported significant gains in operational efficiency, a decrease in environmental impact, and improved adaptability to market fluctuations. CEAT’s manufacturing facility located in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, has been welcomed into the GLN, alongside HUL’s Doom Dooma plant, which is situated in Tinsukia, Assam, and is recognized as India’s largest manufacturing unit for beauty and well-being products.
478. Which Corridor is an important strip of land along the Gaza-Egypt, that is secured through special arrangements between Egypt and Israel?
[A] Hexi Corridor
[B] Philadelphi Corridor
[C] Wakhan Corridor
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: B [Philadelphi Corridor]
Notes:
The Philadelphi Corridor represents a significant expanse of territory situated along the border between Gaza and Egypt. This corridor functions as a crucial conduit for Gaza, especially for Hamas, in the context of persistent conflicts and ongoing ceasefire discussions. Recent events have led to a ceasefire facilitated by international stakeholders, which has influenced the governance and security dynamics within the corridor. Spanning roughly 14 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea to the Kerem Shalom crossing into Israel, the corridor measures approximately 100 meters in width and is predominantly characterized by scrubland and sand dunes. This region plays a critical role in smuggling operations, effectively linking Gaza to Egypt.
479. Which country has recently unveiled the world’s longest expressway tunnel, 22.13 kilometers?
[A] Russia
[B] United States
[C] China
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China has completed the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the longest expressway tunnel in the world at 22.13 kilometers. This project enhances the link between the northern and southern parts of Xinjiang. As part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, it significantly shortens the travel time across the Tianshan Mountain range. The tunnel connects Urumqi in the north to Yuli County in the south, cutting the journey through the mountains from around three hours to just 20 minutes.
480. Russia and which country has recently signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty aimed at enhancing economic, military, and cultural cooperation?
[A] Iran
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [Iran]
Notes:
On January 17, 2025, in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian formalized a 20-year “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.” This agreement seeks to bolster cooperation across economic, military, and cultural domains. Key components of the treaty encompass collaborative defense initiatives, heightened trade relations, energy partnerships, and scientific exchanges.
