9th January Current Affairs Quiz Challenge

For those aspiring to government jobs, exams such as SSC, Banking, Railways, and state-level tests are critical. These tests evaluate reasoning ability, quantitative skills, general knowledge, and awareness of current events. Staying informed on the latest news is essential for performing well, as general awareness plays a vital role in exam success.

Q1. Who has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, effective from January 14, 2025?

(a) Dr. Ajay Sood

(b) Dr. Pwan Kumar

(c) Dr. V. Narayanan

(d) Dr. M. S. Ananth

Q2. Which country recently became a full member of the BRICS group of emerging economies?

(a) Indonesia

(b) South Korea

(c) Mexico

(d) Argentina

Q3. Who has been elected as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI)?

(a) Adille Sumariwalla

(b) Bahadur Singh Sagoo

(c) P.T. Usha

(d) Vinesh Phogat

Q4. The e-Shram portal has been upgraded to support how many scheduled languages?

(a) 12

(b) 18

(c) 15

(d) 22

Q5. First Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrated in ______. 

(a) 2001

(b) 2000

(c) 2003

(d) 2005

Q6. Where will the memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee be set up?

(a) Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, Rajghat Complex, New Delhi

(b) India Gate

(c) Samadhi Sthal, Delhi

(d) President’s House Complex

Q7. The cashless treatment scheme for road accident survivors provides treatment up to how much for seven days?

(a) ₹1 lakh

(b) ₹1.5 lakh

(c) ₹2 lakh

(d) ₹50,000

Q8. What is the amount of financial assistance provided under the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme?

(a) ₹2,000

(b) ₹5,000

(c) ₹10,000

(d) ₹15,000

Q9. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place in ______. 

(a) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

(b) Haridwar, Uttarakhand

(c) Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

(d) Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Q10. Where was the Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) recently discovered?

(a) Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura

(b) Kaziranga National Park, Assam

(c) Sunderbans, West Bengal

(d) Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

S1. Ans. (c)

Sol. Dr. V. Narayanan has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of ISRO, effective from January 14, 2025, succeeding Dr. S. Somanath.

Correct Answer: Dr. V. Narayanan

Key Points: 

• V. Narayanan Takes Over as ISRO Chief and Space Secretary
• Current Role: Director, Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)
• New Appointment: Chairman, ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space
• Effective Date: January 14, 2025
• Tenure: 2 years or until further orders
• Specialization: Rocket propulsion, spacecraft propulsion, cryogenic systems, space docking

S2. Ans. (a) 

Sol. Indonesia has officially become a full member of the BRICS group of emerging economies, as announced by Brazil during its presidency for 2025.

Correct Answer: Indonesia

Key Points:

• Indonesia’s Membership: Indonesia has officially joined BRICS as a full member.
• Endorsement: Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed at the Johannesburg Summit in 2023.
• Brazil’s Presidency (2025): Brazil emphasized global governance reforms and cooperation with the Global South in its statement.
• BRICS Expansion: Indonesia’s entry is part of a broader BRICS expansion, including new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
• Historical Background: BRICS was formed in 2006 and expanded in 2010 with South Africa, later becoming BRICS in 2011.

S3. Ans. (b)

Sol. Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been unanimously elected as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).

Correct Answer: Bahadur Singh Sagoo

Key Points: 

• New AFI President: Bahadur Singh Sagoo
• Outgoing President: Adille Sumariwalla
• The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) is the national governing body for Athletics in India.
• Formed in 1943, the AFI is responsible for conducting athletics competitions in India.
• Affiliations: The AFI is affiliated with World Athletics and the Asian Athletics Association.
• Vice President: Anju Bobby George, a renowned athlete, currently serves as the vice president of the AFI.
• Former Name: The AFI was formerly known as the Amateur Athletic Federation of India.

S4. Ans. (d)

Sol. The e-Shram portal has been upgraded to support all 22 scheduled languages of India.

Correct Answer: 22

Key Points:

• The Ministry of Labour and Employment expanded the e-Shram portal to support 22 scheduled languages.
• Initially available in English, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi.
• The Bhashini project facilitated this multilingual upgrade.
• Purpose: To increase accessibility for unorganised workers.
• Portal’s Significance: Aimed at providing social security to unorganised workers and Widely used for registrations to avail various government schemes.

S5. Ans. (c)

Sol. The first Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was celebrated in 2003.

Correct Answer: 2003

Key Points:

• The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• Date: January 9th (Annual Event)
• Theme (2025): “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”
• History: First celebrated in 2003.
• Objective: To engage the Indian diaspora as partners in India’s development.
• Significance: Strengthening relations between India and the Indian diaspora.

S6. Ans. (a)

Sol. The memorial for Pranab Mukherjee will be set up at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, part of the Rajghat precinct in New Delhi.

Correct Answer: Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, Rajghat Complex, New Delhi

Key Points:

• Pranab Mukherjee Memorial at Delhi’s Rajghat Complex
• Memorial Location: Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, Rajghat Complex, Delhi
• Approved by: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
• Pranab Mukherjee’s Tenure as President: 2012-2017
• Significant Honors: Bharat Ratna in 2019

S7. Ans. (b)

Sol. The cashless treatment scheme provides treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days for road accident survivors.

Correct Answer: ₹1.5 lakh

Key Points:

• Cashless Treatment Scheme: Cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days for crash survivors.
• Current Pilot States: Assam, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, Haryana.
• Scheme Expansion: Timeline Will be implemented across all states by March 2025.
• Tech Safety Interventions: Audio Warning System, Electronic Stability Control, Automatic Emergency Braking.

S8. Ans. (b) 

Sol. The scheme provides ₹5,000 as one-time financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe students enrolling in Class IX and Class XI.

Correct Answer: ₹5,000

Key Points: 

• Scheme launched by Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi on January 7, 2025.
• Provides ₹5,000 financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students enrolling in Class IX and XI.
• Aims to reduce dropout rates and promote education.
• Targeted at families with annual income ≤ ₹2,50,000.

S9. Ans. (c) 

Sol. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where millions of devotees gather to bathe in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam.

Correct Answer: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Key Points:

• The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is one of the most awaited Hindu festivals. It will take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
• The Maha Kumbh Mela holds great religious and spiritual significance. It is a time for pilgrims to seek moksha, or liberation, through prayers and rituals.
• This grand event, held every 12 years, brings millions of devotees together to seek blessings and take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, where three sacred rivers meet: the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.

S10. Ans. (a) 

Sol. The Banded Royal butterfly was recently discovered in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura, marking a significant milestone in the state’s biodiversity documentation.

Correct Answer: Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura

Key Points:

• Discovery: Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) discovered in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura.
• First Sighting: May 5, 2021, during an opportunistic survey in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Legal Protection: Protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Butterfly Appearance Males: Deep purple/blue sheen with brown borders.
• Females: Brownish with white markings.
• Underside: Pale brown with white bands.