What’s New? 15 Jan Current Affairs Quiz

Being aware of current events is crucial for success in competitive exams. The Daily Current Affairs Quiz is a useful tool for aspirants to assess their knowledge of significant happenings across India and the world. Consistent practice strengthens understanding of vital areas such as governance, economics, technology, and global affairs, which are key focus points in SSC, Banking, and other exams.

Q1. Where is the NTPC Green Hydrogen Hub being set up?

(a) Hyderabad

(b) Anantapur

(c) Pudimadaka

(d) Vijayawada

Q2. Which organization has collaborated with IIT Mandi and IIT Jammu to develop a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip?

(a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

(b) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

(c) Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)

(d) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

Q3. Which ministry is responsible for the sanctioning of the Watershed Development Projects under PMKSY?

(a) Ministry of Rural Development

(b) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

(c) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

(d) Ministry of Water Resources

Q4. The Blue Flag certification is awarded by which organization?

(a) United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

(b) World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)

(c) Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)

(d) International Blue Sea Association

Q5. Which of the following is a key ingredient in the pink fire retardant Phos-Chek which is used in California Fires Defense?

(a) Ammonium nitrate

(b) Potassium chloride

(c) Sodium bicarbonate

(d) Ammonium polyphosphate

Q6. Which State in India to adopt the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in 2025?

(a) Delhi

(b) Odisha

(c) West Bengal

(d) None of the above

Q7. Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Athletes Commission?

(a) Anju Bobby George

(b) P.T. Usha

(c) Neeraj Chopra

(d) Vishwanath Anand

Q8. Which countries have already achieved the space docking maneuver before India’s SpaDeX mission?

(a) USA, Russia, China

(b) USA, Germany, China

(c) USA, Russia, Japan

(d) Russia, China, India

Q9. Which dedicated FM channel launched by All India Radio, to enhance the Maha Kumbh 2025 experience?

(a) Kumbh Gatha Vani

(b) Kumbh Prathna Vani

(c) Kumbh Vani

(d) Kumbh Anubhav Vani

Q10. Which two beaches in Kerala recently received the prestigious Blue Flag certification?

(a) Kovalam and Varkala

(b) Kappad and Chal

(c) Cherai and Marari

(d) Alappuzha and Bekal

S1. Ans. (c)

Sol. The NTPC Green Hydrogen Hub is being established in Pudimadaka, Anakapalle district, near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Correct Answer: Pudimadaka,

Key Points:

• PM Modi laid the foundation stone on January 8, 2025, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Investment and Project: ₹1.85 lakh crore investment. Green Hydrogen Hub to have 20 GW renewable energy capacity.
• Hydrogen Production: Hub to produce 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) of green hydrogen and 7,500 TPD of hydrogen derivatives (e.g., green methanol, green urea, sustainable aviation fuel).
• Location: Pudimadaka, Anakapalle district, near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Collaboration: Joint project between NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) and New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (NREDCAP).
• Significance for India: Part of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission to make India a global leader in green hydrogen production.

S2. Ans. (c)

Sol. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has collaborated with IIT Mandi and IIT Jammu to develop a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip for improving telecommunications.

Correct Answer: Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT)

Key Points:

• Project: Development of Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip
• Institutions Involved: C-DOT, IIT Mandi, IIT Jammu
• Supporting Scheme: Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)
• Objective: Enhance spectrum utilization and provide broadband in rural India

S3. Ans. (a)

Sol. The Ministry of Rural Development is responsible for sanctioning the Watershed Development Projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

Correct Answer: Ministry of Rural Development

Key Points:

• Govt approves 56 new watershed development projects under PMKSY at ₹700 crore 56 new projects, ₹700 crore funding,
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), covers 280,000 hectares, ten states including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and others
• Project Activities: Soil and water conservation, rainwater harvesting, ridge area treatment, drainage line treatment, pasture development

S4. Ans. (c)

Sol. The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), based in Denmark, awards the Blue Flag certification to beaches that meet stringent environmental, safety, and sustainability criteria.

Correct Answer: Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)

Key Points:

• Kappad and Chal Beaches Receive Prestigious Blue Flag Certification
• Beaches Awarded: Kappad (Kozhikode) and Chal (Kannur), Kerala
• Awarding Organization: Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark
• Certification Standards: Beaches meet 33 criteria including sustainability, safety, and hygiene practices

S5. Ans. (d)

Sol. Phos-Chek is primarily composed of ammonium polyphosphate, a chemical that does not evaporate like water and is effective in slowing down wildfires.

Correct Answer: Ammonium polyphosphate

Key Points:

• California’s Wildfire Defense: The Use of Pink Fire Retardant
• What is Pink Fire Retardant?: A chemical mix, mainly ammonium polyphosphate, used to slow or stop fires.
• Main Use: Sprayed ahead of the fire to coat vegetation and prevent oxygen from fueling flames.
• Color: Pink to improve visibility for firefighters to track and create fire lines.
• Environmental Concerns: Contains toxic metals like chromium and cad

S6. Ans. (b)
Sol. Odisha became the 34th state to implement the AB PM-JAY scheme.

Correct Answer: Odisha

Key Points:

• Odisha signed an MoU with the National Health Authority (NHA).
• Integration with Odisha’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) for joint implementation.
• ₹5 lakh health coverage per family annually, with an additional ₹5 lakh for women members.
• Expected to benefit 1.03 crore families, with 67.8 lakh families covered under the Union Government scheme.

S7. Ans. (a)

Sol. Anju Bobby George, the legendary long-jumper and 2003 World Championships bronze medalist, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the AFI Athletes Commission.

Correct Answer: Anju Bobby George

Key Points: 

• Chairperson of AFI Athletes Commission: Anju Bobby George, former long-jumper and world bronze medalist, appointed as Chairperson of the commission.
• Notable Members: Prominent members include Neeraj Chopra (Olympic medalist), Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, Krishna Poonia, Sudha Singh, Avinash Sable, and Bahadur Singh Sagoo.
• Election Process: Elections held in October 2024 with due process followed. Five members elected, four nominated.

S8. Ans. (a)

Sol. India is set to become the fourth country after the USA, Russia, and China to achieve the complex space maneuver of docking and undocking satellites.

Correct Answer: USA, Russia, China

Key Points:

• • ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission Achieves Satellite Docking Milestone

• Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

• Satellites Involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)
• Objective: Demonstrate spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking
• Key Milestone (Jan 12, 2025): Satellites moved within 3 metres, repositioned after trial

S9. Ans. (c)
Sol. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated ‘Kumbhvani‘ (103.5 MHz), a dedicated FM channel by All India Radio, to enhance the Maha Kumbh 2025 experience. 

Correct Answer: Kumbh Vani

Key Points: 

• Kumbhvani FM Channel Launch for Maha Kumbh 2025
• Date of Launch: January 10, 2025
• Frequency: 103.5 MHz
• Broadcast Period: January 10 to February 26, 2025
• Operating Hours: 5:55 AM to 10:05 PM daily

S10. Ans. (b)

Sol. Kerala’s Kappad beach in Kozhikode and Chal beach in Kannur were awarded the Blue Flag certification for meeting high standards of environmental protection, safety, and sustainability.

Correct Answer: Kappad and Chal

Key Points:

• Kappad and Chal Beaches Receive Prestigious Blue Flag Certification
• Beaches Awarded: Kappad (Kozhikode) and Chal (Kannur), Kerala
• Awarding Organization: Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark
• Certification Standards: Beaches meet 33 criteria including sustainability, safety, and hygiene practices
• India has 13 beaches certified under the prestigious Blue Flag eco-label for adhering to stringent environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards.
• These include Shivrajpur Beach (Gujarat), Golden Beach (Odisha), Ghoghla Beach (Diu), Kasarkod Beach and Padubidri Beach (Karnataka), Rushikonda Beach (Andhra Pradesh), Radhanagar Beach (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), Kovalam Beach (Tamil Nadu), and Eden Beach (Puducherry), all certified in 2020.
• In 2022, Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach in Lakshadweep were added.
• Recently, in 2025, Kappad Beach (Kozhikode) and Chal Beach (Kannur), both in Kerala, joined the list, reflecting India’s commitment to sustainable coastal management.