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1. In which country did America and Russia hold the first meeting to stop the Ukraine-Russia war?
a. Queue
b. saudi arabia
c. South Africa
d. India
Answer: b. Saudi Arabia (meeting held in the capital Riyadh)
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First Round of Meeting Between Russia and the U.S. to Stop the Ukraine War Held Without Ukraine
– The first round of meetings between Russia and the United States to stop the Ukraine war was held on February 18, 2025, without Ukraine.
– The meeting took place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
– Neither Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky nor his representatives were invited. It is said that they will be involved later.
Meeting Between Foreign Ministers of Both Countries
– U.S. Delegation: Secretary of State Mark Rubio, NSA Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Vitkoff
– Russian Delegation: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Putin’s Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Chief of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Dmitry Rybolovlev
First, U.S. and Russia Will Improve Their Relations
– In this meeting, Russia and the U.S. took the initiative to improve bilateral relations.
– Both countries agreed to open their embassies as soon as possible.
– Staff will be hired at these embassies to prevent tensions between the two countries.
– After the Ukraine war began in 2023, both countries had withdrawn their staff from embassies.
– The embassies remained closed for nearly three years.
Russia and U.S. Agree on Three Points Regarding the Ukraine Issue
– Both countries will form teams to work on a peace agreement for Ukraine. These teams will hold continuous talks.
– The U.S. stated that the goal of the meeting was to permanently end the war.
– The U.S. also said that in their efforts to restore peace, Ukraine and Europe would be included in some way. They aim to find a solution acceptable to all sides affected by the war.
Current Situation of the Ukraine-Russia War
– The war has been ongoing for three years, with Russia having taken control of more than 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
No Agreement on European Involvement
– The U.S. said that any guarantee for peace after the war should come from Europe.
– European countries must increase their defense spending.
– In response, Russia said that it would not accept the deployment of European troops in Ukraine.
– Russia also considers NATO’s presence a threat.
– Media reports suggest that Russia has also stated that it will not return the territories occupied in Ukraine.
Europe Excluded in the Peace Talks
– European leaders, not invited to the U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, held a meeting in Paris, attended by the heads of the EU and NATO. However, leaders from Slovakia and Hungary were absent. Reports suggest that no consensus was reached during this meeting.
– Foreign affairs expert Prakash K. Ray says that it is interesting how Europe, once the ruler of the world and at the forefront of knowledge, has now been sidelined. The popularity of these leaders is declining in their own countries. They had escalated the Ukraine issue to war with the support of former U.S. leaders, but now the U.S. has told them to manage it themselves.
– A few days ago, Russian President Putin said that European leaders would quickly bow to their master, the U.S. Recently, U.S. President Trump said he was ready to meet the British Prime Minister at their request. It remains to be seen what the result of the U.S.-Russia talks will be.
Russia Says Putin Is Willing to Talk to Zelensky if Needed
– During the meeting, Dmitry Peskov, the spokesperson for the Kremlin, said that if necessary, President Putin would be willing to talk to Ukrainian President Zelensky. However, the question arises: is Zelensky truly the President of Ukraine?
– Peskov also stated that Russia is not against Ukraine joining the European Union, as it does not view the EU as a threat to its security. He emphasized that it is up to Ukraine to decide whether to join the EU or not, as becoming a part of such an organization is the sovereign right of any country. However, Russia holds different views on defense organizations like NATO.
Why Is the Peace Deal Taking Place in Saudi Arabia?
– Saudi Arabia’s National Security Advisor (NSA) will lead this peace deal.
– The Kremlin spokesperson said that Saudi Arabia is a suitable place for talks between both the U.S. and Russia.
– Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has good personal relations with both Putin and Trump. Trump has played a significant role in bringing about this peace deal, as he has always supported the Crown Prince.
Trump’s Efforts
– On February 11, U.S. President Donald Trump had phone conversations with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss ending the war. Trump spoke with Putin for about an hour and a half. Both leaders agreed to visit each other’s countries.
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Will Ukraine Become an Economic Colony of the U.S.?
– The British newspaper The Telegraph revealed that the U.S. has decided to treat Ukraine as an economic colony.
– The U.S. has proposed a deal of $500 billion (43.48 lakh crores INR) to Ukraine.
– According to the deal, Ukraine would give the U.S. control over its rare earth materials, oil, gas, and most of its natural resources to manage the repayment of American debt.
– The U.S. would take 50% of the recurring revenue from these resources and 50% of the financial value from new licenses issued to third parties for the monetization of these resources. The U.S. would have “dominion rights” over such revenue.
– Ports and a significant amount of infrastructure would also be handed over to the U.S.
– A joint investment fund between the U.S. and Ukraine will be created to prevent other countries from benefiting.
Experts Say Russia Has Gained a Major Portion of Ukraine
– Foreign affairs expert Prakash K. Ray says that the plan to challenge Russia has become costly—Russia has gained a significant portion of Ukraine, and what remains will come under U.S. control.
No Such Conditions Were Imposed During World Wars
– *The Telegraph* states that such conditions were not imposed on Germany after World War I or on Germany and Japan after World War II. Yet, the U.S. has not won a war against Ukraine.
– Such intentions were previously expressed by U.S. President Trump.
– Ukraine has no means of repaying the debt and has debts beyond the U.S.
– Large companies will likely purchase the debts from the U.S. government and other countries/institutions and gain control over Ukraine.
– Ukraine, often called Europe’s breadbasket, may see its farming industry come under foreign control.
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2. In which state of the country, President’s rule was imposed for the 11th time?
a. Mizoram
b. Manipur
c. Maharashtra
d. Punjab
Answer: b. Manipur
– After the resignation of Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, President’s Rule was imposed in the state on February 13, 2025.
– Although the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) still has a majority in the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the party could not find a consensus candidate for the Chief Minister position.
– Since May 2023, ethnic violence has been ongoing between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in Manipur. N. Biren Singh faced criticism from multiple sides for his handling of the conflict.
Most Frequent Imposition of President’s Rule in India
– This is the 11th time President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur, the highest number for any state.
Some Previous Examples of Imposing President’s Rule
– Since 1950, President’s Rule has been imposed 135 times in India.
– This has been imposed in 35 states and union territories, including some that no longer exist. (Note: Currently, India has 28 states and 8 union territories.)
States with the Most Frequent Imposition of President’s Rule
– Manipur: 11 times
– Uttar Pradesh: 10 times
– Punjab: 9 times
– Jammu & Kashmir: 9 times
– Bihar: 8 times
– Puducherry: 7 times
– Odisha: 6 times
– Karnataka: 6 times
– Kerala: 6 times
– Gujarat: 5 times
– Goa: 5 times
– West Bengal: 5 times
Total Duration of President’s Rule in Different States
– Jammu & Kashmir: 4,668 days (12 years, 9 months)
– Punjab: 3,878 days (10 years, 7 months)
– Uttar Pradesh: 1,690 days (4 years, 7 months)
– Manipur: Over 1,511 days (over 4 years, 1 month)
Longest Duration of President’s Rule
– Jammu & Kashmir: July 18, 1990 – October 9, 1996 (6 years, 264 days)
– Jammu & Kashmir: October 31, 2019 – October 13, 2024 (4 years, 348 days)
– Punjab: May 11, 1987 – February 23, 1992 (4 years, 288 days)
– Puducherry: March 28, 1974 – July 2, 1977 (3 years, 96 days)
What is President’s Rule?
– President’s Rule is a provision under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, which is imposed when there is a failure of the constitutional machinery in a state.
– In such situations, based on the report of the state’s governor or other inputs, the President can issue a proclamation to assume the functions of the state government and the governor, effectively transferring them to the central government, and transferring the powers of the state legislature to Parliament.
– The President’s proclamation must be placed before Parliament, and unless confirmed by both houses, it will lapse after two months.
– It can be renewed by Parliament for a maximum of three years, with renewals every six months.
– After the first year, renewal can occur under certain conditions, such as the declaration of an emergency in the country or state or if the Election Commission declares that elections cannot be held in the state.
– The President can revoke it at any time.
Manipur
– Capital: Imphal
– Governor: Ajay Kumar Bhalla
– Neighboring States: Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram
– Neighboring Country: Myanmar
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3. What was the retail inflation in the country in January 2025?
a. 3.81%
b. 4.31%
c. 5.22%
d. 5.48%
Answer: b. 4.31%
– According to the data released on February 12, 2025, retail inflation in January 2025 dropped to 4.31%.
– The main reason for this was the decrease in food prices.
– Retail inflation in India was 5.22% in December 2024.
Who Releases the Retail Inflation Report?
– NSO (National Statistical Office)
– It operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
How is Retail Inflation Determined?
– It is determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
– The CPI calculates inflation for food items, fruits, clothing, shoes, housing, fuel, electricity, and other goods and services.
– As consumers, we buy goods from retail markets. The CPI tracks the price changes associated with these goods and services. It measures the average price we pay for items and services.
How Does Inflation Affect Us?
– Inflation directly affects purchasing power. For example, if the inflation rate is 6%, the value of 100 rupees earned will only be worth 94 rupees.
– Therefore, investments should be made keeping inflation in mind, or else the value of your money will decrease.
How Does RBI Control Inflation?
– To control inflation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduces or increases liquidity in the market.
– The RBI adjusts the repo rate to control inflation.
– When inflation rises, RBI increases the repo rate, and when inflation drops significantly, RBI decreases the repo rate.
– Recently, inflation has been reported to be under control, which is why the RBI did not make any changes to the repo rate for the ninth consecutive time in August.
Inflation Limit Set by RBI
– The inflation target set by RBI is 4% based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, it can fluctuate by 2% either way.
– Therefore, inflation below 2% or above 6% is not good for the country’s economic development.
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4. What was India’s wholesale inflation rate in January 2025?
a. 2.31%
b. 1.84%
c. 1.89%
d. 2.37%
Answer: a. 2.31%
– In January 2025, wholesale price inflation increased to 2.31%, due to a decrease in food prices with the arrival of fresh crops and control over fuel prices.
– In December 2024, wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation was 2.37%.
Who Released the Wholesale Inflation Report?
– Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
– It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
(Note: Retail inflation is released by NSO.)
What is Wholesale Inflation?
– Wholesale inflation is based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
– The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) refers to the prices that a wholesaler charges another wholesaler in the wholesale market.
– These prices are related to transactions in the wholesale business.
(Note: Retail inflation is determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).)
Minister of Commerce and Industry: Piyush Goyal
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5. When is National Productivity Day celebrated?
a. 12 February
b. 13 February
c. 15 February
d. 18 February
Answer: a. 12 February
Theme for the Year 2025:
– From Ideas to Impact: Protecting Intellectual Property for Competitive Startups
National Productivity Day
– National Productivity Day is celebrated in memory of the establishment of the National Productivity Council (NPC).
– It was registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1960 on February 12, 1958.
– The NPC is an autonomous body set up to promote the productivity culture in India.
– This day is very important in a developing country like India, where entrepreneurship and startups are on the rise.
– It also serves as a reminder to organizations and governments to adopt productivity-centered approaches for economic development, building competitive industries, promoting innovation, and protecting intellectual property (IP) for long-term success.
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6. When is National Productivity Week celebrated?
a. 14-20 February
b. 11-17 February
c. 12-18 February
d. 10-17 February
Answer: c. 12-18 February
– Every year, Productivity Week is celebrated from 12th to 18th February and Productivity Day is celebrated on 12th February.
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7. When is World Unani Day celebrated?
a. 10 February
b. 11 February
c. 12 February
d. 13 February
Answer: b. 11 February
Theme for 2025:
– Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward.
– This day is celebrated on February 11th, in honor of the birth anniversary of the renowned Unani scholar, Mohammad Ajmal Khan (Hakim Ajmal Khan).
– The day is declared by the Government of India’s AYUSH Ministry (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy).
– The first World Unani Day was celebrated on February 11, 2017.
– The focus of this day is to promote Unani medicine in the mainstream.
Union Minister for AYUSH: Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav (He is the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and holds independent charge of the AYUSH Ministry).
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8. USA imposed sanctions on which International Court in February 2025?
a. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
b. International Criminal Court (ICC)
c. European Court of Justice
d. Permanent Court of International Justice
Answer: b. International Criminal Court (ICC)
– On February 6, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC).
– The U.S. took this decision in response to the ICC issuing arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
– On November 21, 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for war crimes, human rights violations, and genocide in Gaza.
Individuals against whom ICC has issued arrest warrants:
– Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
– Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant
– Former Hamas commander Mohammed Deif
About the International Criminal Court (ICC):
– Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
– The ICC is separate from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
– President: Tomoko Akane
– Established: July 1, 2002
– This court was established under the international treaty “Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court”, which was signed on July 17, 1998.
– Member countries: 123. Among these, 31 countries signed the agreement but did not ratify it.
– Countries such as the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine are among these 31 and are therefore not ICC members.
– India and China did not sign the Rome Statute, so they are not members of the ICC.
Jurisdiction of the ICC:
– The ICC has jurisdiction only over those countries that have signed and ratified the “Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court” treaty.
– Total member countries: 123.
Note: Indian citizen Justice Dalveer Bhandari is a judge at the ICC.
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ICC for what type of crime
(1) Genocide
(2) Crimes against humanity
(3) war crime
(4) Crime of aggression
(genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression)
– ICC’s Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan stated that Netanyahu and Israel’s Defense Minister are accused of deliberately ordering the Israeli army to target Palestinian civilians. They also prevented humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, causing conditions of famine.
– Furthermore, Netanyahu allegedly used the war as a pretext to have Palestinians killed and attempted to devastate Gaza.
Will Netanyahu be arrested upon the issuance of the warrant?
– The International Criminal Court (ICC) can issue an arrest warrant, but it does not have the power to make arrests.
– The ICC sends arrest warrants to all member countries.
– The ICC’s warrant is more of a recommendation for member countries, and they are not obligated to comply with it.
– This is because each sovereign nation is free to make its own policies regarding internal and foreign affairs.
– Like other international organizations, the ICC respects the sovereignty of each country.
– Earlier, in March 2023, an arrest warrant was also issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin, but it had no effect.
– Since Russia did not sign the treaty, Putin’s arrest cannot take place.
Netanyahu says: The warrant is against Israel, not just me.
On the other hand, Netanyahu called all the charges against him absurd and false. He stated that if the warrant is issued, it will not be against just one leader but the entire state of Israel.
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9. From which organisations did the US announce its exit in February 2025?
a. UNHRC
b. UNRWA
c. UNDP, UNIDO
d. a and b Both
Answer: d. a and b Both (UNHRC, UNRWA)
UNHRC: United Nations Human Rights Council
UNRWA: United Nations Relief and Works Agency
– US President Donald Trump announced on February 4, 2024, that he was withdrawing from both the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) and UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency).
– The United States has been a member of UNHRC; however, during the Trump administration in 2018, the US withdrew from UNHRC.
– After Joe Biden became President in 2021, the US rejoined UNHRC but withdrew again in January 2025 after Trump’s presidency resumed.
– In addition, for over 60 years, the US has been a strong partner of UNRWA.
Note: In January 2025, US President Donald Trump also withdrew the US from the WHO (World Health Organization).
Why did the US withdraw?
– President Donald Trump announced on February 4, 2024, that he was withdrawing from both the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) and UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) because they allegedly financed Hamas.
– Trump stated, *”I am pleased to announce that today the United States has withdrawn from the anti-Semitic United Nations Human Rights Council and cut off all support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which funded Hamas and was against humanity.”
UNHRC: United Nations Human Rights Council
– It is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system.
– Part of which UN organ: UNGA (United Nations General Assembly)
– Responsibility: Strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide.
– Established: 2006 (It replaced the former UN Commission on Human Rights).
– Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
– Secretariat: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
– Total Member Countries: 47
– Countries suspended from UNHRC: 2 countries (Libya in 2011 and Russia in 2022)
– Accusations against Russia: Human rights violations by Russian forces in Ukraine.
UNRWA: United Nations Relief and Works Agency
– Established: On December 8, 1949, by UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) after the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict, to provide direct relief and works programs for Palestinian refugees.
– Mission: UNRWA’s mission in the Middle East is to support Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, including the West Bank, enabling them to reach their full potential in human development until a proper solution to their plight is found.
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10. After America, which country announced its withdrawal from UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council)?
a. israel
b. India
c. Indonesia
d. China
Answer: a. israel
– One day after the United States’ announcement, on February 5, 2024, Israel also announced its withdrawal from the UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council).
– Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon, said, “Israel joins the United States and will not participate in the UNHRC.”
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