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1. Who became the new Chief Election Commissioner of India?
a. Vivek Kumar
b. Gyanesh Kumar
c. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
d. Rajesh Singh Joshi
Answer: b. Gyanesh Kumar
– President Droupadi Murmu appointed Gyanesh Kumar as the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) in February 2025.
– He replaced Rajiv Kumar, whose term had ended.
– He is the first CEC to be appointed under the new law. – Previously, he held the position of Election Commissioner.
– His term will last until January 26, 2029.
– Along with this, the President appointed Vivek Joshi as the Election Commissioner.
About Gyanesh Kumar’s Personal Life:
– He was born in Agra.
– His father, Dr. Subodh Kumar Gupta, has retired as the Chief Medical Officer.
– Gyanesh Kumar’s elder daughter, Medha Roopam, is an IAS officer, and his second daughter, Abhishree, is an IRS officer.
About Gyanesh Kumar’s Career:
– He became an IAS officer in the Kerala cadre in 1988.
– From 2018 to 2021, Kumar served as the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
– During this time, in 2019, he played a significant role in the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
– The trust placed in Gyanesh Kumar by the Narendra Modi government as a bureaucrat is evident from the fact that he was entrusted with the task of drafting the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Bill, one of the most confidential bills introduced by any government, and he was also involved in the establishment of the Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust.
– During his tenure as the Secretary of Cooperation, the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) (Amendment) Act, 2023, was passed with the aim of increasing transparency and accountability in the cooperative sector.
– He was appointed as the Election Commissioner on March 15, 2024.
– On February 18, 2025, he became the Chief Election Commissioner.
Who Chose Gyanesh Kumar?
– He was selected for this position by the committee led by the Prime Minister. This committee included the Home Minister (Amit Shah) and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (Rahul Gandhi). However, Rahul Gandhi issued a dissent note, stating that the appointment is related to a matter pending in the Supreme Court regarding the law, and therefore, the meeting should not have taken place.
Constitutional Provision for the Appointment of Election Commissioners:
– The Election Commission is empowered by Article 324 of the Constitution.
– Article 324(2) states that the Election Commission can consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The President determines how many members will be in the commission.
– After independence, the Election Commission only had a Chief Election Commissioner. The then PM Rajiv Gandhi introduced a three-member commission on October 16, 1989. Later, during VP Singh’s time, it became a one-member commission on January 2, 1990, and under the government of PV Narasimha Rao, it was again made a three-member commission on October 1, 1993.
What is the New Law for the Appointment of Election Commissioners?
– In 2023, Parliament passed a new bill for the appointment of Election Commissioners. It has now become law.
– The law is called The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023.
– Under this, the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (EC) is made by the President based on the recommendations of a selection committee.
– This three-member committee consists of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister (appointed by the PM), and the Leader of the Opposition or the leader of the largest opposition party in the Lok Sabha.
– The Act also states that a search committee, chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, will propose a panel of names to the selection committee.
How Were Election Commissioners Appointed Before?
– Previously, the appointment of Election Commissioners was governed by the Election Commission (Conditions of Service and Powers) Act, 1991.
– However, this Act did not define the selection process. As a result, the President, on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, appointed the Election Commissioners.
– This matter went to the Supreme Court. On March 2, 2023, the Supreme Court’s five-judge Constitution Bench ordered the formation of a new selection panel.
– According to this order, the panel would include the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India (CJI). (Previously, only the central government selected the Election Commissioners.)
– The Court also stated that this process would remain in place until Parliament passed a law regarding the appointment of Election Commissioners.
– Following this, in 2023, Parliament passed the law. Under the new law, the first Chief Election Commissioner to be appointed was Gyanesh Kumar.
Election Commission:
– Chief Election Commissioner: Gyanesh Kumar
– Election Commissioners: Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi
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2. What is the meaning of a ‘shallow earthquake’, which was felt in Delhi on the morning of 17 February 2025?
a. Shallow earthquakes cause more damage than earthquakes originating deep below the surface
b. Shallow earthquakes cause less damage than earthquakes originating deep below the surface
c. The impact of a shallow earthquake is the same as that of a deep earthquake
d. None of the above
Answer: a. Shallow earthquakes cause more damage than earthquakes originating deep below the surface
– A magnitude 4.0 earthquake on the Richter scale struck the national capital and surrounding areas on the morning of February 17, 2025.
– The National Center for Seismology reported that the earthquake occurred at 5:36 AM.
– Its depth was just five kilometers, and its epicenter was beneath the Dhaula Kuan area in Delhi.
– After this, earthquake tremors were also felt in Bihar. The magnitude was also measured at 4.0.
– According to the National Center for Seismology, the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers at 8:02 AM, with its epicenter beneath Siwan.
What Do Shallow, Medium, and Deep Earthquakes Mean?
– Shallow earthquakes occur at depths of 0 to 70 km.
– Medium earthquakes occur at depths of 70 to 300 km.
– Deep earthquakes occur at depths of 300 to 700 km.
How Dangerous Are Shallow Earthquakes?
– Shallow earthquakes that originate five or ten kilometers below the surface cause more damage compared to earthquakes that originate much deeper beneath the surface.
– A tragic example of the destructive impact of shallow earthquakes is the 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Indonesia in November 2022, which killed over 160 people, injured hundreds, collapsed buildings, and caused terrified residents to flee for their lives on the main island of Java.
– According to the United States Geological Survey, “Shallow earthquakes will not necessarily have the same impact everywhere; it depends on factors such as the distance from the earthquake, the type of soil you are on, the construction of buildings, and other reasons.”
Why Does the Depth of an Earthquake Matter?
– The destructive power of an earthquake depends not only on its intensity but also on its location, distance from the epicenter, and depth.
– Earthquakes can occur close to the Earth’s surface or deep inside the Earth. According to the United States Geological Survey, most earthquakes occur at shallow depths.
– Shallow earthquakes are generally more damaging than deep earthquakes. Seismic waves from deep earthquakes travel a longer distance to reach the surface, which causes their energy to dissipate along the way.
– Earthquakes that occur closer to the surface cause stronger vibrations, like “a bomb exploding right below a city.”
What Did the Director of the National Earthquake Science Center Say?
– OP Mishra, Director of the National Earthquake Science Center, says, “From an earthquake science perspective, this is not a new area; earthquakes have occurred here before.
– Previously, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6 occurred within a 6-kilometer radius, but it was at a depth of 10 kilometers. There is a difference.
– This was not a plate tectonic earthquake, it was due to in-situ material anomalies, and it was caused by local effects. We can expect aftershocks of around 1 or 1.2 magnitude.”
Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
– There are several tectonic plates beneath the Earth, resting on molten lava. These plates are constantly moving.
– Where these plates collide most, it is called a fault line.
– When the plates collide repeatedly, their edges bend.
– The pressure builds up on the plates, causing them to break.
– After that, the energy below seeks a way to escape, and after enough disturbance, an earthquake occurs.
– Approximately half a million earthquakes occur on Earth every year.
– Around 20,000 to 100,000 are felt, and only about 100 of these cause significant damage.
– The most destructive earthquake occurred in Chile in 1960, with a magnitude of 9.6. It caused the deaths of around 6,000 people.
Impact of Earthquake Speed on Effects Richter Scale – Effects
– 0 to 1.9: Only detected by a seismograph.
– 2 to 2.9: Light vibrations.
– 3 to 3.9: The effect is like a truck passing nearby.
– 4 to 4.9: Windows may break, and objects hanging on walls may fall.
– 5 to 5.9: Heavy objects like sofas and chests may shake.
– 6 to 6.9: The foundation of buildings may crack, and upper floors may be damaged.
– 7 to 7.9: Buildings collapse, and underground pipes burst.
– 8 to 8.9: Buildings and large bridges collapse.
– 9 or more: Catastrophic destruction, the earth will shake visibly, with the added risk of a tsunami.
India’s Most Destructive Earthquake
– The most destructive earthquake in India occurred on January 15, 1934, in Bihar, with a magnitude of 8.1.
– Around 30,000 people were killed.
Earthquake and Our Health! What Should We Do?
– It is extremely important to act wisely during an earthquake. If you feel strong tremors, sit under sturdy furniture or a table in your home and protect your head with your hands. If the earthquake is mild, sit on the floor. If you live in a tall high-rise building, stay inside your home until the tremors stop.
– According to Dr. A.K. Arun, due to the earthquake, you may experience various symptoms in your mind and body, and these symptoms may continue after the earthquake and any aftershocks. These symptoms can persist and include: fainting, dizziness, nausea, feeling unwell, upset stomach, trembling, tingling, feeling sticky, shortness of breath, and difficulty taking deep breaths, etc.
– Earthquakes can lead to an outbreak of infectious diseases, and the loss of life and property can cause various difficulties. The World Health Organization states that earthquakes may cause rock compression, leading to an increase in positive air ions. This could reduce the level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which may trigger headaches.
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3. When is World Pulses Day celebrated?
a. 8 February
b. 9 February
c. 10 February
d. 11 February
Answer: c. 10 February
– World Pulses Day is celebrated every year on February 10th.
– It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018.
– The first celebration took place in 2019.
– The purpose of this day is to highlight the importance of pulses in food.
– It is observed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
– Establishment: October 16, 1945
– Headquarters: Rome, Italy
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4. In which city did the President inaugurate the National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’?
a. Ranchi
b. Bhopal
c. New Delhi
d. Chennai
Answer: c. New Delhi
National Tribal Festival ‘Aadi Mahotsav’
– When: February 16 to 24, 2025
– Where: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi
– Objective: To showcase the rich and diverse traditional culture of our country’s tribal communities.
What did President Droupadi Murmu say?
– The President stated that over the past 10 years, several effective steps have been taken for the overall development of tribal society.
– The tribal development budget has increased five-fold to approximately ₹1.25 lakh crore. In addition, the tribal welfare budget allocation has increased three-fold to around ₹15,000 crore.
– The focus on the development of tribal society is based on the belief that when tribal society progresses, only then will our country truly move forward. Therefore, along with enhancing the sense of pride in tribal identity, rapid and multi-dimensional efforts are being made for the development of tribal communities.
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5. When is National Deworming Day celebrated?
a. 10 February
b. 11 February
c. 12 February
d. 13 February
Answer: a. 10 February
– This day was first introduced in 2015.
– The objective of this day is to raise awareness about the prevention of intestinal worms in children.
– Specifically, it aims to achieve the complete eradication of soil-transmitted helminths in children aged 1 to 19 years.
– Intestinal worms are parasites found in the human intestines that thrive on the same nutrients and minerals. As a result, children’s development may be hindered.
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6. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the expansion of translation services in how many new languages in Parliament in February 2025?
a. Two
b. Three
c. Five
d. Six
Answer: d. Six (Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Urdu and Sanskrit)
– On February 11, 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the expansion of translation services in six new languages (Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Manipuri, Urdu, and Sanskrit) in Parliament.
– Translation services were previously provided in 11 languages: Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, and Telugu. – However, according to the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, this number was 10, with English being the additional language.
– Now, translation services are available in a total of 18 languages in Parliament, of which 17 languages are included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
– Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla stated that based on the human resources available in the house, efforts are being made to gradually expand translation services to all languages.
How many languages in the Constitution
22 languages are included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution
1. Assamese
2. Bengali
3. Gujarati
4. Hindi
5. Kannada
6. Kashmiri
7. Konkani
8. Malayalam
9. Manipuri
10. Marathi
11. Nepali
12. Oriya
13. Punjabi
14. Sanskrit
15. Sindhi
16. Tamil
17. Telugu
18. Urdu
19. Bodo
20. Santhali
21. Maithili
22. Dongri
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7. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the new Income Tax Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha, which act will this bill replace?
a. Consumer Protection Act 1986
b. Income Tax Act 1961
c. Wealth Tax Act, 1957
d. Interest Tax Act, 1974
Answer: b. Income Tax Act 1961
– Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced this bill in the Lok Sabha on February 13, 2025. She requested Speaker Om Birla to refer the bill to the Lok Sabha’s Standing Committee.
– According to The Hindu newspaper, after being enacted, this bill will replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961, which had become more complex and cumbersome due to amendments over time.
– The proposed law will now be called the Income Tax Bill 2025, replacing the Income Tax Act of 1961.
– It is expected to come into effect in April 2026.
– The new bill aims to make the Income Tax Act simpler, more accessible, and user-friendly.
#What’s new in Income Tax Bill 2025?#
Earlier – Now
– Use of ‘Previous Year’ – Use of ‘Tax Year’
– 298 Sections – 536 Sections
– 14 Schedules – 16 Schedules
– 47 Chapters – 23 Chapters
– 823 Pages – 622 Pages
Note:
– Currently, taxes are paid in the assessment year (e.g., 2024-25) for income earned in the previous year (e.g., 2023-24). The concept of ‘previous year’ and assessment year will be removed, and the simplified bill will introduce only the ‘Assessment Year’ concept.
– The proposed law will replace the term ‘previous year’ mentioned in the Income Tax Act, 1961, with ‘assessment year’. Additionally, the concept of the assessment year will also be eliminated.
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8. When was Safer Internet Day celebrated in the year 2025?
a. 3 February
b. 4 February
c. 5 February
d. 6 February
Answer: b. 4 February
Theme of 2025:
– Together for a Better Internet
– Safer Internet Day is celebrated every year on the second day of the second week of February.
– This day takes place in February every year to raise awareness about safer and better internet for children and youth.
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9. ISRO and which institution jointly developed indigenous aerospace quality power-based semiconductor chip (IRIS)?
a. IIT Bombay
b. IIT Madras
c. IIT Kanpur
d. IIT Kharagpur
Answer: b. IIT Madras
IRIS stands for Indigenous RISCV Controller for Space Applications.
– The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT Madras) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) have developed an indigenous aerospace-quality power-based semiconductor chip (IRIS).
– The announcement was made on February 11, 2025.
Chip Based on Which Processor?
– The chip is built on the SHAKTI processor baseline. It allows for broad deployment across various domains, from the Internet of Things (IoT) to embedded computing systems in various strategic sectors.
– The SHAKTI system uses RISC-V, an open-source instruction set architecture (ISA), for designing custom processors.
– The SHAKTI microprocessor project is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India RISC-V (DIRV) initiative.
– The project was led by Professor V. Kamakoti of IIT Madras.
– ISRO Chief, V. Narayanan, praised the indigenous development of the IRIS controller.
– This development is part of ISRO’s effort to indigenize semiconductors used in its applications, command and control systems, and other critical functions. This aligns with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) in space technology.
What has been ISRO’s contribution?
– ISRO’s Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) presented the concept of a 64-bit RISC-V based controller in Thiruvananthapuram.
– It worked with IIT Madras to develop the chip’s specifications and design.
– The configuration of the chip was designed to meet ISRO’s current sensor and system’s functional and computational needs.
– The chip includes fault-tolerant internal memory, increasing the reliability of the design.
– Custom functional and peripheral interface modules, such as CORDIC, WATCHDOG timers, and serial buses used in space systems, were integrated.
– Provisions for scalability for future missions were made with multiple boot modes and hybrid memory/device extension interfaces.
Why is the chip important?
– After RIMO in 2018 and MOUSHIK in 2020, this is the third SHAKTI chip developed at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh and successfully booted at IIT Madras.
– The chip’s design, manufacturing, packaging, motherboard design, assembly, software, and booting were all done in India, demonstrating that the entire semiconductor system and expertise are available in our country.
– The chip is important because the complete semiconductor system and expertise are available right here in our country.
IIT Madras
– Establishment: 1959
– Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)
– Establishment: August 15, 1969
– First Chairman: Vikram Sarabhai
– Current Chairman: Dr. V. Narayanan
– Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
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10. Where was India’s first indigenous automated bio medical waste treatment plant established?
a. AIIMS, Patna
b. AIIMS, Delhi
c. SGPGI, Lucknow
d. IGIMS, Patna
Answer: b. AIIMS, Delhi
– The name of this plant is Srijanam, and it was established on February 10, 2025, at AIIMS, New Delhi.
– This innovative, environmentally friendly technology provides significant progress in the sustainable management of biomedical waste and has been developed by CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology).
– The inauguration was done by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who stated that India’s new eco-friendly technology for biomedical waste solutions is ready to bring a transformation in healthcare waste disposal.
What will the Srijanam plant do?
– “Srijanam” can disinfect pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, saliva, and laboratory disposables without using expensive and energy-intensive incinerators.
– In addition, it transforms odorous toxic waste into a pleasant fragrance. With a daily capacity of 400 kilograms, the plant will be capable of handling 10 kilograms of degradable medical waste daily in the initial phase.
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11. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated which edition of Aero India at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru in February 2025?
a. 10th
b. 12th
c. 15th
d. 16th
Answer: c. 15th
– It is Asia’s largest airshow.
– It was held from February 10 to 14 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru.
– The theme of the event is “Runway to a Billion Opportunities.”
– February 10 to 12 was reserved as Business Days, while February 13 and 14 were designated as Public Days for general spectators to view the show.
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