India Reduces Stakes in Public Sector Banks
The Indian government is planning to reduce its ownership in five state-run banks, including UCO Bank and Central Bank of India, through stake sales or allowing large investors to purchase shares. This initiative aims to enhance the banking sector’s efficiency and attract investment.
Launch of National Turmeric Board
Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Turmeric Board on January 14, 2025, in Nizamabad. The board’s objective is to promote turmeric production and exports, enhance research and development, and set quality standards in the industry.
New Chief Justice Appointments
Justice Upadhyay has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, while Justice Alok Aradhe will take over as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. These appointments follow recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium.
Lebanon’s New Prime Minister
Nawaf Salam has been appointed as Lebanon’s Prime Minister after gaining majority support from parliament. His appointment signals a shift in political dynamics, particularly affecting Hezbollah’s influence amid ongoing economic challenges.
India’s Naval Capabilities Enhanced
On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Modi dedicated three naval combatants—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—to boost India’s maritime capabilities and support self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
Defense Developments
India successfully tested the Nag Mk-2 anti-tank guided missile on January 13, showcasing advancements in military technology designed to counter modern armored threats.
MCQs on Current Affairs – January 2025
- What is the primary objective of the Indian government’s plan to reduce its stakes in public sector banks?
- A) Increase government control over banks
- B) Enhance operational efficiency and attract investment
- C) Nationalize more banks
- D) Reduce the number of public sector banks
- Answer: B) Enhance operational efficiency and attract investment
- Which five public sector banks are mentioned in the government’s stake reduction plan?
- A) State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India
- B) UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Punjab and Sind Bank
- C) Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, Indian Bank, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India
- D) Indian Overseas Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, UCO Bank, Central Bank of India
- Answer: B) UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, Punjab and Sind Bank
- What is the minimum public shareholding (MPS) norm set by SEBI for listed companies?
- A) 15%
- B) 20%
- C) 25%
- D) 30%
- Answer: C) 25%
- Which minister inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in January 2025?
- A) Nirmala Sitharaman
- B) Piyush Goyal
- C) Amit Shah
- D) Narendra Modi
- Answer: B) Piyush Goyal
- Who has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court in January 2025?
- A) Justice Alok Aradhe
- B) Justice Upadhyay
- C) Justice D.Y. Chandrachud
- D) Justice N.V. Ramana
- Answer: B) Justice Upadhyay
- What significant military advancement did India achieve on January 13, 2025?
- A) Successful launch of a new aircraft carrier
- B) Testing of the Nag Mk-2 anti-tank guided missile
- C) Commissioning of a new submarine
- D) Development of a new fighter jet
- Answer: B) Testing of the Nag Mk-2 anti-tank guided missile
- Who was appointed as Lebanon’s Prime Minister in January 2025?
- A) Saad Hariri
- B) Hassan Diab
- C) Nawaf Salam
- D) Michel Aoun
- Answer: C) Nawaf Salam
- What was the purpose of dedicating INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer by Prime Minister Modi on January 15, 2025?
- A) To enhance air force capabilities
- B) To boost India’s maritime capabilities and support self-reliance in defense manufacturing
- C) To improve land forces’ logistics
- D) To promote international naval cooperation
- Answer: B) To boost India’s maritime capabilities and support self-reliance in defense manufacturing
- Which organization recommended the recent appointments of Chief Justices in India?
- A) Parliament Committee
- B) Supreme Court Collegium
- C) Law Ministry
- D) National Judicial Appointments Commission
- Answer: B) Supreme Court Collegium
- What is one major challenge currently facing public sector banks in India?
- A) Increasing profitability
- B) High levels of non-performing assets (NPAs)
- C) Lack of technological advancements
- D) Excessive foreign investment
- Answer: B) High levels of non-performing assets (NPAs)