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1. In March 2024, Prasar Bharati launched PB-SHABD under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Science and Technology
[B] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[C] Ministry of Current Affairs
[D] Ministry of Home
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Information and Broadcasting]
Notes:
In March 2024, Prasar Bharati introduced PB-SHABD, a service that offers a shared audio-visual feed. It provides daily news without logos in various formats. Media organizations can access videos, audio, text, and images for free until March 2026, which is especially helpful for smaller outlets. PB-SHABD operates through a large network of over 1500 reporters, correspondents, and stringers, with 60 dedicated editing desks working continuously to deliver timely news from all parts of India. Each day, more than 1000 stories are uploaded, covering over 50 topics such as agriculture, technology, and politics. The content is available in all major Indian languages, and a key feature is that it is logo-free, meaning media organizations do not have to credit the source when using it. The platform also includes a Live Feed feature that broadcasts live events of national significance and press briefings, all without logos. Additionally, PB-SHABD offers a Media Repository, an archive that allows subscribers to easily access past footage, curated packages, interviews, and daily weather updates, ensuring that media outlets have quick access to content and saving them time.
2. The Kursk region, which was seen in the news recently, is located between which countries?
[A] Russia and Ukraine
[B] China and Tibet
[C] North Korea and South Korea
[D] Sudan and South Sudan
Correct Answer: A [Russia and Ukraine]
Notes:
The Kursk region in western Russia has become a key area in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since August 2022, Ukrainian forces have taken control of parts of this region. This offensive was a significant turning point in the war, highlighting Ukraine’s determination and strategic skills. However, recent updates suggest that Russian troops are nearing the recovery of this territory. Kursk is situated in western Russia, adjacent to Ukraine’s Sumy region. This area has seen heavy military activity since Ukraine’s unexpected attack in August 2022. Ukraine managed to capture around 1,376 square kilometers, including several towns and villages. This rapid territorial gain was remarkable and demonstrated Ukraine’s tactical abilities. The Kursk offensive was vital for Ukraine, providing a morale boost after a long period of defense against Russian forces. This operation was important not just for the land gained but also for its psychological effect. Ukraine aimed to hinder Russian progress in eastern Ukraine by forcing them to allocate resources to defend Kursk.
3. The Government of India has initiated step towards enhancing its creators’ economy by announcing a $1 billion fund as part of which summit?
[A] World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025
[B] World Summit on Sustainable Development
[C] World Summit for Social Development
[D] World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
Correct Answer: A [World Audio-Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025]
Notes:
The Government of India has taken a significant step to boost its creators’ economy by launching a $1 billion fund. This fund is intended to help creators utilize advanced technologies and reach international markets. The announcement comes just before the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES), which will take place from May 1 to 4 in Mumbai. This summit is expected to be a key event for leaders in the media and entertainment industries, attracting participants from over 100 countries. WAVES is designed as a meeting point for the media and entertainment sector, inspired by the World Economic Forum in Davos. The event will include important discussions led by industry leaders and government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims to highlight India’s cultural richness and technological progress. The new $1 billion fund will specifically support dynamic creators in India, providing resources for skill development, production improvements, and market entry. The goal is to empower creators to produce high-quality content that appeals to a global audience.
4. Who has recently announced the launch of a dedicated app for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS)?
[A] Home Minister Amit Shah
[B] Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
[C] Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
[D] Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Correct Answer: B [Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman]
Notes:
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced a new app for the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS). This app is intended to make it easier for candidates to register and participate in the program. It specifically aims to help those who may not have access to computers. This initiative is part of a larger effort to engage young people and offer them valuable internship experiences. The PM Internship Scheme was created to provide internships for youth across India, aiming to connect education with job opportunities. The plan is to offer 125,000 internships in the financial year 2025 and to reach a total of 10 million internships over the next five years in partnership with leading companies. The PMIS app is designed to be user-friendly and can be accessed on mobile devices, allowing candidates to register for internships without needing a computer. The launch of the app coincides with the second registration period, which is open until March 31, 2025, and is expected to boost the number of applicants.
5. Which organization will set up a dedicated ‘on Tap’ cohort on climate change risks and sustainable finance under its regulatory sandbox initiative?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Reserve Bank of India
[C] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[D] NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: B [Reserve Bank of India]
Notes:
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra recently announced the creation of a dedicated ‘on Tap’ group within the RBI’s Regulatory Sandbox. This initiative is designed to promote innovation in the financial sector concerning climate change and sustainability. The Regulatory Sandbox allows fintech companies to trial new products in a safe environment, leading to various innovations. The new ‘on Tap’ group will concentrate specifically on risks associated with climate change and sustainable finance. There are two key aspects of climate change-related risks. The first is facilitative, which focuses on building capacity and creating a supportive ecosystem for green finance. The second is prudential, which emphasizes risk management within the financial sector. Both aspects are essential for effective regulatory oversight.
6. Scientists announced the discovery of a new killifish species, Nothobranchius sylvaticus, in which country recently?
[A] Kenya
[B] Indonesia
[C] Brazil
[D] Maldives
Correct Answer: A [Kenya]
Notes:
Scientists have found a new species of killifish, named Nothobranchius sylvaticus, in the Gongoni Forest located in southeastern Kenya. This species is critically endangered, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts. The discovery emphasizes the ecological importance of the region and how geological events affect biodiversity. Killifish are a varied group of egg-laying fish mostly found in freshwater and brackish waters. There are around 1,270 species globally, inhabiting areas across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. They are recognized for their vibrant colors and different reproductive methods.
7. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) is a flagship rural housing scheme launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
[D] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) is a key rural housing initiative in India designed to provide quality homes for rural families. However, it has faced criticism regarding its execution. A report from a Parliamentary Standing Committee has highlighted issues with how beneficiaries are identified and whether the financial support is sufficient. Launched on April 1, 2016, the scheme aims to ensure that every rural household has a pucca house with essential amenities. Initially, the goal was to build 2.95 crore houses, but in August 2024, the scheme was extended to include an additional two crore houses by 2029. The committee noted that the current method of identifying beneficiaries is based on outdated information from the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC), which is now over 14 years old. Many households that qualified back then may no longer meet the criteria, and new households in need have emerged. The committee has called for a thorough review of the beneficiary list to incorporate these new households.
8. The Government of India has launched four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) under which mission?
[A] National Super Computing Mission (NSCM)
[B] National Quantum Mission (NQM)
[C] Climate Change Missions (CCM)
[D] National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS)
Correct Answer: B [National Quantum Mission (NQM)]
Notes:
The Government of India has made strides in quantum computer technology by designating four top institutions as operational “hubs.” These hubs are intended to boost research and development in the field of quantum computing. A significant initiative, the National Quantum Mission (NQM), was approved by the Indian Union Cabinet in April 2023, with a budget of ₹6,003.65 crore over eight years. The mission aims to advance quantum computing, communication, sensing, and materials, establishing a strong foundation for quantum technology in India. The NQM has set up four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) at renowned institutions: the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, and the Indian Institutes of Technology in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. These hubs include 14 technical groups that span 17 states and two Union Territories, and they will work together on various projects and initiatives.
9. NASA and which space agency has recently attempted to launch the Crew-10 mission to rescue Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams?
[A] ISRO
[B] JAXA
[C] SpaceX
[D] CNES
Correct Answer: C [SpaceX]
Notes:
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams ended up stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months. They arrived in June 2024, planning to stay just a week. Their prolonged stay was caused by problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which returned to Earth without a crew after experiencing technical difficulties. This situation has attracted media coverage and political discussions. The Crew Flight Test mission was designed to transport astronauts to the ISS using the Starliner, aiming to test the spacecraft’s systems for future manned flights. However, the Starliner faced helium leaks and thruster issues during docking, resulting in its unmanned return. On March 13, 2025, NASA and SpaceX tried to launch the Crew-10 mission to bring Wilmore and Williams back home. A hydraulic problem with the Falcon 9 rocket postponed the launch. The next chance is set for March 14, 2025, with the Crew-10 mission carrying four crew members to help retrieve the stranded astronauts.
10. Which country has recently successfully joined the elite group of four nations demonstrating satellite docking and undocking technology?
[A] Japan
[B] France
[C] India
[D] UK
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India has successfully entered the exclusive club of four countries that can perform satellite docking and undocking, thanks to ISRO’s SpaDEx mission. The undocking was achieved on the first try after more than 120 simulations, highlighting India’s advanced technology in space exploration. On January 16, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reached a significant milestone by successfully docking a ‘chaser’ spacecraft with a ‘target’ spacecraft. Following this achievement, ISRO has also completed the complex process of de-docking. This accomplishment is a crucial step in mastering the techniques of docking and de-docking, which are important for future space missions. De-docking involves more than just separating spacecraft; it requires careful control and precision. In the microgravity of space, even small forces can lead to collisions, so de-docking must be done very carefully. Mastering these skills is essential for ISRO’s upcoming missions, including Chandrayaan-4, which will gather soil and rock samples, and Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight program.
11. Recent discoveries in which country have revealed fossilised facial bones that may belong to a previously unknown species in the human lineage?
[A] Spain
[B] France
[C] Iran
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [Spain]
Notes:
Recent findings in Spain have uncovered fossilized facial bones that might belong to a new species in the human lineage. These fossils, which are between 1.1 and 1.4 million years old, were discovered in the Sima del Elefante cave near Burgos. This discovery changes our understanding of early human history in Europe. The fossils represent 80% of the left side of an adult’s face, including parts of the cheekbone, upper jaw, and nasal structure. Researchers have tentatively named the fossil “Pink,” in tribute to the band Pink Floyd. These fossils are among the oldest human remains found in Europe.
12. Recently, which agency has successfully conducted a test launch of the Astra missile?
[A] Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
[B] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[C] Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
[D] Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
Correct Answer: A [Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)]
Notes:
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the Astra missile from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype. This test took place off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. The launch showcased the missile’s accuracy and effectiveness, highlighting advancements in India’s homegrown defense capabilities. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) capable of targeting enemies over 100 kilometers away. It is equipped with sophisticated guidance and navigation systems that allow for precise strikes. The Astra has already been incorporated into the Indian Air Force (IAF), strengthening India’s air defense. Additionally, it is being gradually integrated with the indigenous LCA Tejas and the Indian Navy’s Mig-29.
13. The Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025 has been introduced by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home
[B] Ministry of Law and Justice
[C] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[D] Ministry of Current Affairs
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports]
Notes:
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in India has introduced the Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports (NCAAFS) 2025. This initiative is designed to effectively address age fraud in sports and improve the integrity of competitions. The draft is available for public comments until March 31, 2025, and represents an update to existing regulations after 15 years. The main aim of the NCAAFS is to promote fair competition in sports by preventing age fraud that can compromise the legitimacy of events. The code emphasizes ethical governance and accountability in sports. It includes several important features, such as requiring age verification through a centralized database. Athletes will need to provide specific documents during registration, and verified ages will be digitally secured to prevent any alterations.
14. What is India’s ranking for air pollution in the 2024 World Air Quality Report?
[A] First
[B] Third
[C] Fifth
[D] Seventh
Correct Answer: C [Fifth]
Notes:
The World Air Quality Report 2024, published by the Swiss firm IQAir, has placed India as the 5th most polluted country in the world. In 2024, Delhi continues to be the most polluted capital city globally, with an average PM2.5 level of 91.8 μg/m³. India’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) is 50.6 μg/m³, which is ten times above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. Among the 20 most polluted cities worldwide, 13 are located in India, with Byrnihat (on the Assam-Meghalaya border) being the worst. Other severely polluted cities in India include Faridabad, Loni, Gurgaon, Noida, and Central Delhi. The report analyzed PM2.5 data from 8,954 cities across 138 countries.
15. Which country will host the COP30 climate summit 2025?
[A] Switzerland
[B] France
[C] Brazil
[D] India
Correct Answer: C [Brazil]
Notes:
The COP30 climate summit will take place in Belém, Brazil, 10-21 November 2025., attracting more than 50,000 attendees, including world leaders. The Brazilian government has begun building a new four-lane road, Avenida Liberdade, through a protected area of the Amazon rainforest. They describe it as a ‘sustainable highway’ intended to modernize the city and reduce traffic congestion. However, this project has raised alarms among local residents and environmentalists about its potential effects on the rainforest. The Amazon is vital for absorbing carbon and maintaining biodiversity, playing a key role in regulating the planet’s climate. Deforestation poses a threat to these essential functions and can worsen climate change. The land clearing for the highway contradicts the goals of a climate summit that emphasizes sustainability and conservation.
