Current Affairs Quiz 1st-2nd January 2025 – with Answers
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This current affairs quiz includes recent questions and answers. You can attempt it as a daily MCQ quiz for UPSC.
In our daily current affairs quiz, we strive to cover a variety of sources, including Vision IAS Daily Current Affairs, PIB, and newspapers such as the Indian Express, The Hindu, and The Economic Times.
Topics covered in 1st/2nd January 2025 Current Affairs Quiz
Q1. According to the World Bank, which country received the highest remittances in 2024?
(A). China
(B). Mexico
(C). Philippines
(D). India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation:
Context: According to data from the World Bank, India received the highest share (14.3%) of global remittances ($685 billion) in 2024.
Top five recipients of remittances in 2024
- India – $129.1 bn
- Mexico – $68.2 bn
- China – $48 bn
- Philippines – $40.2 bn
- Pakistan – $33.2 bn
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 :
- Total annual groundwater recharge experienced a significant increase while extraction declined.
- Significant pollutants found in groundwater were nitrates, fluorides, arsenic, and uranium.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Context: The Ministry of Jal Shakti recently released the Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024.
The unique thing was that the report introduced Standard Operating Procedures for groundwater quality monitoring, ensuring uniformity in data collection across the country.
Status of groundwater in India
- India is the largest user of groundwater in the world (more than 25% of the global total).
- Sector-wise usage: Agriculture – 87%; domestic purpose – 11%.
Key highlights of the report
- Total annual groundwater recharge experienced a significant increase of 15 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters), while extraction declined by 3 BCM compared to 2017. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Specific contaminants found in samples are nitrates (Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra), fluoride (Haryana, Karnataka), arsenic (Brahmaputra and floodplains of the Ganga River), and uranium (Rajasthan, Punjab). Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Regional variation in groundwater quality as some states have 100% samples comply with BIS Standards like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, etc, while other states like Haryana and Andhra Pradesh faced widespread contamination.
- Reasons for the deterioration of groundwater quality are industrialisation, unsustainable agriculture practices, unplanned urbanization and climate change.
Government initiatives for groundwater conservation
- Atal Bhujal Yojna for the sustainable management of groundwater through community participation.
- Bhu-Neer Portal for improved groundwater regulation.
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan to optimize rainwater harvesting.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue):
- Its first informal meeting was held in 2017.
- It is a strategic diplomatic partnership between India, Australia, Japan, and the US.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation:
Context: Quad marks 20 years of cooperation.
About QUAD
- It is a strategic partnership between India, Australia, Japan and the US to support a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific Region. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- Its origin can be traced back to December 2004, when the leaders of these nations came together to assist countries impacted by the Indian Ocean Tsunami.
- The first informal meeting of QUAD was held in 2007 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum, then remained dissolved. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- It revived in 2017 when the first official talks were held in the Philippines.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Policy:
- The policy offers subsidies to farmers based on fertilizer nutrient content (N, P, K & S) instead of type.
- The policy encourages balanced fertilizer use to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
- Under the NBS policy, the subsidy rates for fertilizers are revised annually by the Ministry of Finance.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 & 2 only
(B). 2 & 3 only
(C). 1 & 3 only
(D). 1, 2 & 3
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation:
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a One-Time Special Package extension for Di-Ammonium Phosphate beyond the NBS subsidy. It will ensure the availability of DAP at an affordable price to farmers, applicable from 1st January 2025.
What is Nutrient Based Subsidy?
- It is a fixed rate of subsidy (in ₹/kg) given to farmers based on nutrient content (N, P, K, and S) for phosphatic and potassic (P and K) fertilizers. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- The Department of Fertilizers, under the Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers, annually revises the subsidy rates.
- It does not include Urea-based fertilizers. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
- This subsidy encourages balanced fertilizer use to improve soil fertility and agricultural productivity. So that a sustainable NPK ratio (4:2:1) can be achieved. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Some concerning data:
- Fertilizer subsidy fiscal burden for 2023-24: ₹ 1.75 lakh crore
- Imbalanced NPK ratio: 11.8:4.6:1
Initiatives taken to control the use of fertilizers
- Neem-Coated Urea
- Nano-Fertilizers
- PM PRANAM (Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth)
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna (PMFBY):
- It covers food crops (cereals, millets, and pulses) and annual commercial and horticulture crops.
- Farmers pay 1.5% premiums for Kharif crops, 2% for Rabi crops, and 5% for Commercial Horticulture.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation:
Context: The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) until 2025-26 with some modifications, which are large-scale technology infusion through the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT).
What is PMFBY?
- PMFBY aims to provide affordable crop insurance to farmers against non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest (for a maximum of 2 weeks after harvest).
- It covers farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, growing notified crops in notified areas.
- Crops covered under PMFBY are food crops (cereals, millets, and pulses), oilseeds, annual horticulture and commercial crops. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- Premiums are charged on kharif crops (2%), Rabi crops (1.5%), and commercial or horticulture crops (5%). Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
What is RWBCIS?
- It protects insured farmers against adverse weather losses, such as wind, temperature, rainfall, and humidity.
- It differs from PMFBY in its methodology for the calculation of admissible claims.
Technology adoption under PMFBY and RWBCIS
- YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System Based on Technology) estimates yield directly at the Gram Panchayat level at Gram Panchayat level.
- WINDS (Weather Information Network Data System) generates long-term local weather data.
- National Crop Insurance Portal is to implement and manage the crop insurance scheme.
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the UDISE+ Report on School Education 2023-24:
- Individual student-wise data has been collected nationally for the first time.
- There has been an overall dip in student enrolment nationwide.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Context: The Ministry of Education recently released the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24 Report on School Education for all recognized schools in the country.
Key highlights of the report
- For the first time, data on individual students has been collected nationally for all recognized schools. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- There has been an overall dip in student enrolment across the country from 25.18 crore in 2022-23 to 24.8 crore in 2023-24. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- A zero dropout rate was found at the foundational level (pre-primary to Class 2), while a maximum dropout rate was observed at the secondary level (9th to 12th classes).
What is UDISE+?
- It is an online data collection platform developed by the Department of School Education and Literacy in 2018-19 to digitize the data filling for school education in India.
- It covers parameters ranging from schools, infrastructure, enrollments, teachers, exam results, etc.
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the tobacco sector:
- India is the largest producer of tobacco in the world.
- It is regulated by the Tobacco Board, which comes under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation:
Context: The Tobacco Board recently celebrated its Formation Day on 1st January. It highlighted the doubling of farmers’ income cultivating Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco between 2019-20 and 2023-24.
What is Flue-Cured Virginia tobacco?
- It is a high-quality, aromatic tobacco variety used in the production of cigarettes.
About Tobacco sector
- India is the 2nd largest tobacco producer after China and 4th in FCV. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
About Tobacco Board
- It is a statutory body set up under the Tobacco Board Act 1975 to promote sustainable development of the tobacco industry in India.
- It comes under the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
Q8. Ilmenite and rutile are rich sources of which mineral?
(A). Titanium
(B). Aluminium
(C). Uranium
(D). Platinum
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation:
Context: Aerolloy Technologies, a PTC Industries subsidiary, is the first private firm in India to commission a Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) furnace for aerospace-grade titanium alloy.
What is Vaccum Arc Remelting?
- It is a specialized metallurgical process used to refine and produce high-quality metal alloys with improved purity, uniformity, and mechanical properties.
Principle mineral ores of Titanium are rutile (TiO2), ilmenite (FeO.TiO2), and leucoxene (Fe2O3.TiO2).
Q9. The term KM3NeT has recently been in the news; what is this?
(A). Black hole
(B). Research infrastructure housing underwater neutrino telescope
(C). New anti-ballistic missile defence system developed by Israel
(d). China’s robotic spacecraft to Mars
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation:
Context: KM3NeT is a European research infrastructure located at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea that hosts the next-generation neutrino telescope.
Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the Norovirus:
- It is a very contagious virus that causes stomach and intestine inflammation (gastroenteritis).
- It is primarily transmitted through the fecal-oral route and person-to-person contact.
Which of the following statements given above is/are correct?
(A). 1 only
(B). 2 only
(C). Both 1 & 2
(D). Neither 1 nor 2
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation:
Context: The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported a significant surge in norovirus cases.
What is Norovirus?
- It is a highly contagious virus that causes acute gastroenteritis (stomach and intestine inflammation), commonly known as ‘stomach flu’. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
- It is a leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide.
- Common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
- It primarily spreads through the fecal-oral route by consuming contaminated food or water or by direct person-to-person contact. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
- It is relatively resistant to freezing and high temperatures.
- There is still no specific vaccine available for norovirus.
Q11. Name the country that recently declared a state of emergency due to gang violence.
(A). Nigeria
(B). Trinidad & Tobago
(C). Libya
(D). Panama
Show Answer
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation:
Context: Trinidad and Tobago recently declared a state of emergency over rising gang violence.
About Trinidad & Tobago
- It is an island country in the Atlantic Ocean in the southeastern West Indies.
- It is also part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
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