Quick Quiz 18th January’s Current Affairs

Keeping up with current events is crucial for competitive exam success. Daily Current Affairs Quizzes allow aspirants to assess their knowledge of important national and international developments. Frequent participation helps improve understanding of critical subjects like governance, economy, technology, and global affairs, which are vital for exams like SSC, Banking, and other government exams.

Q1. According to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), by which year is India projected to surpass Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy?

(a) 2024

(b) 2025

(c) 2026

(d) 2027

Q2. Which organizations have signed an agreement for the development of an Optical Transceiver Chipset for 6G wireless links?

(a) ISRO and IIT Bombay

(b) C-DOT and IIT Bombay

(c) DRDO and IIT Delhi

(d) TRAI and IIT Kanpur

Q3. What is the PRABHAAV Factbook?

(a) A financial report for startups

(b) A guide to India’s startup ecosystem achievements (2016-2024)

(c) A mentorship program for women entrepreneurs

(d) A regulatory guide for startup compliance

Q4. What is the Bharat Startup Challenge?

(a) A program promoting agriculture startups exclusively

(b) A collaboration with international venture capitalists

(c) A networking event for Tier I city startups

(d) A competition offering 75 challenges across diverse sectors

Q5. Where is Heimtextil 2025 being held?

(a) London, UK

(b) Frankfurt, Germany

(c) Paris, France

(d) Milan, Italy

Q6. What is the current (As Per 17th January 2025) judicial strength of the Supreme Court of India after Justice Chandran’s appointment?

(a) 30

(b) 32

(c) 33

(d) 34

Q7. Which sectors have witnessed significant growth under the Startup India initiative?

(a) Agriculture, defense, and tourism

(b) Fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce

(c) Manufacturing, mining, and real estate

(d) Automobiles, aviation, and textiles

Q8. Who has recently assumed the position of Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education?

(a) Ravi Mohan

(b) Dammu Ravi

(c) Vineet Joshi

(d) Amit Khare

Q9. Where will the third launchpad for ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) be established?

(a) Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport

(b) Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

(c) Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station

(d) Chandipur Test Range

Q10. Which Ministry of Government of India is responsible for the Kalagram for Mahakumbh 2025?

(a) Ministry of Culture, Government of India

(b) Ministry of Tourism, Government of India

(c) Indian Council for Cultural Relations

(d) Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

S1. Ans. (c)

Sol. As per the projections by PHDCCI, India is anticipated to surpass Japan and become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2026 due to sustained GDP growth and strategic policy measures.

Correct Answer: 2026

Key Points:

• India is projected to surpass Japan and become the 4th largest economy by 2026, with an anticipated GDP growth rate of 7.7% in FY2025-26, per PHDCCI.
• GDP Growth Projections: 6.8% in FY2024-25; 7.7% in FY2025-26.
• Current Global Rank of India’s Economy: 5th largest economy (2023).
• Global Rank in 2026 (Projected): 4th largest economy, surpassing Japan.

S2. Ans. (b)

Sol. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) have collaborated to develop an Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links.

Correct Answer: C-DOT and IIT Bombay

Key Points:

• C-DOT and IIT Bombay Unite for Indigenous 6G Optical Chipset
• Project Title: Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links
• Collaborating Organizations: C-DOT and IIT Bombay
• Funding Mechanism: Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) 6G Call for Proposal
• Objective: Develop high-bandwidth optical transceivers for 6G wireless links
• Applications: Last-mile rural connectivity, satellite-based communication for remote areas

S3. Ans. (b)

Sol. The PRABHAAV Factbook is a comprehensive guide showcasing India’s startup ecosystem achievements from 2016 to 2024, including regional contributions.

Correct Answer: A guide to India’s startup ecosystem achievements (2016-2024)

Key Points:

• PRABHAAV Factbook

• A comprehensive guide to India’s startup ecosystem achievements (2016-2024).
• Highlights regional contributions and the growth trajectory of startups.
• Startup Ecosystem Growth: 3rd largest globally, 1,59,157 startups, 76 IPOs in 2024, ₹13 trillion funding

S4. Ans. (d)

Sol. The Bharat Startup Challenge features 75 challenges in sectors like renewable energy, blockchain, agritech, and semiconductors, offering cash prizes, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Correct Answer: A competition offering 75 challenges across diverse sectors

Key Points: 

• Bharat Startup Challenge

• Features 75 challenges across diverse sectors like renewable energy, blockchain, agritech, and semiconductors.
• Offers procurement opportunities, cash prizes, mentorship, and networking.

S5. Ans. (b)

Sol. Heimtextil 2025, a prestigious global home textiles fair, is being held in Frankfurt, Germany.

Correct Answer: Frankfurt, Germany

Key Points:

• Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh inaugurates India Pavilion at Heimtextil 2025 in Frankfurt, Germany.
• Event: Heimtextil 2025 (January 15, 2025)
• Minister: Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles
• Location: Frankfurt, Germany
• Focus: Promoting India’s textile industry, showcasing innovations, and attracting global investment
• India Pavilion: Largest participation by India at the global textile trade fair
• Investment Appeal: Giriraj Singh invited global investors to explore opportunities in India’s growing textile sector
• Event Highlight: Collaboration with machinery manufacturers to strengthen India’s textile infrastructure

S6. Ans. (c)

Sol. The Supreme Court’s judicial strength has risen to 33, just one short of its full sanctioned capacity of 34.

Correct Answer: 33

Key Points:

• Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge on January 16, 2025.
• Administered By: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna
• Judicial Strength: The Supreme Court now has 33 judges, one short of its sanctioned strength of 34.
• Collegium Recommendation Date: January 7, 2025
• Reason for Recommendation: Absence of representation from Kerala High Court in the Supreme Court.

S7. Ans. (b)

Sol. The initiative has fostered growth in fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce, among other sectors.

Correct Answer: Fintech, edtech, health-tech, and e-commerce  

Key Points:

• Nine Years of Startup India: A Journey of Innovation
• Launch Year: 2016
• National Startup Day: January 16, 2025
• Total DPIIT-Recognized Startups: 1.59 lakh (as of January 15, 2025)
• Jobs Created by Startups: Over 16.6 lakh direct jobs

S8. Ans. (c)

Sol. Shri Vineet Joshi has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education.

Correct Answer: Vineet Joshi

Key Points:

• • Position: Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education
  • Location: Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi

• Date of Assumption: January 17, 2025

• Previous Role: Chief Secretary, Manipur

S9. Ans. (b)

Sol. The third launchpad will be established at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. 

Correct Answer: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

Key Points:

• New Launchpad of ISRO Coming Up at Sriharikota
• Project Cost: ₹3,985 crore
• Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
• Purpose: To support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs) and human spaceflight missions
• Payload Capacity: Up to 30,000 tonnes to LEO (scalable to 70 tonnes for NGLVs)
• Industry Participation: Significant, leveraging ISRO’s expertise and infrastructure
• Completion Timeline: 4 years

S10. Ans. (a)

Sol. Kalagram was created by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Correct Answer:  Ministry of Culture, Government of India

Key Points:

• Kalagram, nestled in the sacred city of Prayagraj during Mahakumbh 2025, is a cultural haven that celebrates India’s rich heritage.
• Created by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Kalagram is designed to offer a sensory journey into the traditions of Bharat.