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1. Recent developments in the Yellow Sea have heightened tensions between China and which country?
[A] South Korea
[B] Myanmar
[C] North Korea
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [South Korea]
Notes:
Recent events in the Yellow Sea have increased tensions between China and South Korea. After aggressive actions in the South China Sea, China built a large steel rig, causing clashes with South Korean Coast Guards. This situation complicates the ongoing maritime disputes and overlapping territorial claims in the area. The Yellow Sea, or West Sea in Korea, is a disputed region where the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of China and South Korea intersect. A Provisional Maritime Zone (PMZ) was created in a 2000 agreement for joint management, but conflicts have emerged over resource claims and maritime activities. On February 26, 2025, a standoff happened when South Korean ships tried to investigate a new steel structure in the PMZ. The South Korean research vessel Onnuri was blocked by Chinese coast guard ships and civilian boats. This two-hour confrontation highlighted the ongoing tensions and differing claims over maritime rights. China has set up large steel platforms in the PMZ, including the Shen Lan 2 Hao, a 71.5-meter-tall underwater cage for salmon farming. This has raised alarms in South Korea, which claims the right to inspect the structure under the 2001 Korea-China Fisheries Agreement, arguing that it was built without prior notice.
2. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the final guidelines for the Basel III Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR). When will these new rules take effect?
[A] 1 July 2025
[B] 1 April 2026
[C] 1 July 2026
[D] 1 April 2027
Correct Answer: B [1 April 2026]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the final guidelines for the Basel III Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), which are less strict than the previous draft from July 2024. These new rules will take effect on April 1, 2026. The LCR measures the ratio of high-quality liquid assets (HQLA) to total net cash outflows over 30 days. Part of the Basel III framework, the LCR requires banks to maintain enough HQLA to protect against sudden liquidity crises, ensuring they can withstand financial stress for at least a month without needing emergency funds. This 30-day period reflects the usual response time for government and central bank actions during crises. The LCR is calculated as LCR = HQLA / Total net cash outflows. HQLA consists of cash, central bank reserves, and government bonds that can be quickly turned into cash. In India, assets that qualify under the Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) can also be counted as HQLA if they exceed the required amount. The RBI introduced LCR guidelines in January 2015, following Basel III recommendations, and banks must maintain an LCR of at least 100%. In 2020, the RBI emphasized the importance of banks holding sufficient HQLA to effectively manage unexpected withdrawals.
3. Which department has launched the ‘Electric Vehicle Solutions led by Startups (EVolutionS)’ programme?
[A] Department of Public Enterprises
[B] Department of Science and Technology (DST)
[C] Department of Heavy Industry
[D] Department of Telecommunications (DOT)
Correct Answer: B [Department of Science and Technology (DST)]
Notes:
India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) has introduced the ‘Electric Vehicle Solutions led by Startups (EVolutionS)’ program. This initiative is designed to enhance the production of electric vehicle (EV) parts domestically. It aims to help startups turn their innovative prototypes into market-ready products, reducing dependence on imported materials in the EV industry. The EVolutionS program will assist startups with pilot demonstrations, testing, and validation of EV components, while also fostering industry connections to speed up the launch of EV solutions. The initiative covers various electric vehicles, such as two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, e-buses, and public charging systems. Startups demonstrating local expertise in creating materials and components can receive financial aid, with each chosen startup eligible for a grant of ₹50 lakh, including ₹30 lakh in equity-linked instruments. This funding is aimed at helping startups advance their Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from TRL 3-4 to TRL 6-8.
4. Which state government has launched the Pink E Rickshaw Scheme to empower women?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] West Bengal
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The government of Maharashtra has initiated the Pink E Rickshaw Scheme aimed at empowering women and fostering their financial independence. This initiative was formally inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on April 21, 2025, in Pune, where electric three-wheelers were allocated to selected female beneficiaries. The scheme is overseen by the Women and Child Development Department of Maharashtra, with Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited serving as the official partner responsible for supplying the electric three-wheelers. A total of 10,000 e-rickshaws will be distributed across eight districts, including Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, Amravati, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Preference will be given to women aged 20 to 50 years who are widows, divorcees, or belong to economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
5. Recently, scientists from the UK and which country revealed a geological discovery beneath the icy waters of Davis Strait?
[A] India
[B] France
[C] Italy
[D] Sweden
Correct Answer: D [Sweden]
Notes:
Recently, scientists from the UK and Sweden discovered a geological feature under the icy waters of the Davis Strait. This region, which lies between Canada’s Baffin Island and Greenland, revealed a hidden landmass called the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent. This ancient piece of crust is thought to be a remnant of tectonic activity from millions of years ago when Greenland and North America began to drift apart. The Davis Strait proto-microcontinent is located beneath the western offshore waters of Greenland and has a thick continental crust that ranges from 12 to 15 miles (about 19 to 24 kilometers) in thickness. Researchers used satellite gravity data and seismic readings to find this hidden landmass, allowing them to study the density of rocks and map deep structures under the ocean. The tectonic changes in the Davis Strait started around 120 million years ago when Greenland and North America began to separate. This separation sped up about 61 million years ago, leading to the creation of the seafloor in the Davis Strait. The movement of Greenland was guided by a fault known as the Pre-Ungava Transform Margin, which directed its path northeast. Around 56 million years ago, shifts in tectonic activity resulted in the formation of the Davis Strait proto-microcontinent. A geological event occurred about 48 million years ago when the North American plate was close to splitting, but this rifting process stopped, and a new fault formed, halting further separation.
6. India’s maritime strategy has evolved in recent years, particularly with the introduction of which initiative?
[A] MAHASAGAR
[B] RUDRASAGAR
[C] JALSAGAR
[D] JAMBUSAGAR
Correct Answer: A [MAHASAGAR]
Notes:
India’s maritime strategy has changed recently, especially with the launch of the MAHASAGAR initiative. This plan aims to improve maritime security and cooperation in the region, showing India’s dedication to its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. A notable example is the successful refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship MNDF Huravee at Mumbai’s Naval Dockyard, highlighting India’s role as a dependable partner in regional security. The MAHASAGAR initiative builds on the earlier SAGAR framework, aiming to strengthen India’s status as a key security partner in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It emphasizes comprehensive maritime security, economic growth, and sustainable development. The IOR is crucial for global trade, with about 80% of India’s crude oil imports and 95% of its trade passing through these waters. Key chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca are essential for maritime security. The region faces issues like piracy, illegal trafficking, and geopolitical tensions, which require India’s active involvement. India has boosted its naval activities through initiatives like the Indian Ocean Ship SAGAR (IOS Sagar) and the Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME). The Indian Navy conducts around 20 exercises each year with allied navies to improve cooperation and combat illegal activities.
7. Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India?
[A] Justice Dinesh Sharma
[B] Justice Rajesh Kannan
[C] Justice Dinesh Maheshwari
[D] Justice R. Gangarajan
Correct Answer: C [Justice Dinesh Maheshwari]
Notes:
Justice (Retd.) Dinesh Maheshwari, a former Supreme Court judge, has been named the Chairperson of the 23rd Law Commission of India as of April 2025. This appointment is an important move in the government’s efforts to review and suggest changes to Indian law, especially regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The 23rd Law Commission was officially formed on September 1, 2024, and will operate until August 31, 2027. It includes seven members: one Chairperson, Justice (Retd.) Dinesh Maheshwari; four full-time members, such as lawyer Hitesh Jain and academic P. Verma, who was also part of the previous commission; and two ex-officio members from the Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department. The government may also add up to five part-time members, and any serving judges included will act as full-time members until they retire or the Commission’s term ends.
8. Who has recently been appointed as the secretary of DARE and DG of ICAR?
[A] Dr. Madan Tilak
[B] Dr. Mangi Lal
[C] Dr. Prasad Varma
[D] Dr. Shiva Nand R
Correct Answer: B [Dr. Mangi Lal]
Notes:
Dr. Mangi Lal Jat has been named the new Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). With more than 25 years of experience in agronomy and sustainable farming, his role is expected to boost agricultural research and practices in India. He takes over from Dr. Himanshu Pathak, who retired voluntarily, and will serve for three years.
9. Which high court has recently appointed Special Judge Kaveri Baweja as the new Registrar (Vigilance)?
[A] Delhi High Court
[B] Madras High Court
[C] Kolkata High Court
[D] Allahabad High Court
Correct Answer: A [Delhi High Court]
Notes:
The Delhi High Court has appointed Special Judge Kaveri Baweja as the new Registrar (Vigilance) due to her experience with important cases like the Delhi excise policy, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and the 2020 Delhi riots. This change is part of a larger administrative update, with Special Judge Arun Bhardwaj becoming the Registrar General on May 1, 2025. Judge Baweja’s role emphasizes the court’s focus on experience and integrity in vigilance matters, while Judge Bhardwaj, who has dealt with coal scam cases, will also take on a key administrative position.
10. Garia Puja is an important festival celebrated in which northeastern state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Tripura
[D] Mizoram
Correct Answer: C [Tripura]
Notes:
Garia Puja is a significant festival in Tripura, celebrated annually on April 21. This week-long event honors Garia, a symbol of prosperity and health. Originally rooted in tribal traditions, it has become a celebration that brings together various communities in the state. Garia Puja marks the start of the Tripuri month of Boishakh and highlights the region’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of agriculture. The festival includes traditional rituals, such as erecting a bamboo pole to represent Lord Garia, which is decorated with flowers and garlands. Common offerings consist of rice, fowl, rice beer, and eggs, with the sacrifice of a chicken being a typical practice among the Tripuri people, symbolizing a request for blessings. The blood of the sacrificed chicken is offered to the deity during the rituals.
11. Which application wins PM’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024?
[A] Poshan Tracker
[B] MyGov
[C] UMANG
[D] BHIM
Correct Answer: A [Poshan Tracker]
Notes:
On April 21, 2025, at the 17th Civil Services Day in New Delhi, the PoshanTracker App, created by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, won the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024. This award, given in the Innovation (Centre) category, was accepted by Secretary Shri Anil Malik. The PoshanTracker is a key tool for improving nutrition through technology and data-focused governance as part of Mission Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0.
12. Which organization has released the HKH Snow Update Report 2025?
[A] International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
[B] India Meteorological Department (IMD)
[C] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[D] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Correct Answer: A [International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)]
Notes:
The HKH Snow Update Report 2025, published by ICIMOD in Kathmandu, shows that the major river basins in the Indian Subcontinent are experiencing significant drops in snow persistence. This decline endangers water security for millions and highlights the need for better water management. Snow persistence is how long snow stays on the ground after it falls, which is vital for water supply, especially in early summer. The HKH region, including the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra basins, depends on snowmelt for its water. Recently, the Ganga basin had its lowest snow persistence in 23 years at -24.1%. The Indus basin also dropped to -27.9%, and the Brahmaputra basin faced a similar reduction at -27.9%. These trends show a concerning decrease in snow cover, threatening water supply for nearly 300 million people. Less snowmelt means reduced river flow during crucial summer months, impacting agriculture, hydropower, and overall water availability.
13. Which organization has recently released the Global Trade Outlook and Statistics 2025 report?
[A] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[B] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[C] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[D] World Trade Organization (WTO)
Correct Answer: D [World Trade Organization (WTO)]
Notes:
The WTO has published its 2025 Global Trade Outlook, indicating a possible decrease in global merchandise trade due to ongoing tariff issues and uncertain trade policies. However, trade in services is expected to grow, though more slowly. The report notes that merchandise trade could drop by 0.2% in 2025, with a potential deeper decline of 1.5% if trade tensions escalate, contrasting sharply with the 2.9% growth seen in 2024. It also highlights the need for better global policy coordination to address economic vulnerabilities, particularly for developing countries.
14. Who was named Laureus World Sportsman of the Year 2025?
[A] Jiang Yuyan
[B] Rafael Nadal
[C] Mondo Duplantis
[D] Kelly Slater
Correct Answer: C [Mondo Duplantis]
Notes:
The 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards marked its 25th anniversary with a grand event in Madrid, celebrating exceptional athletes and teams for their achievements over the past year. The ceremony highlighted both individual talents and team successes across different sports. Known as the ‘Oscars of Sports’, this year’s event featured legends and emerging stars. Mondo Duplantis, a 25-year-old pole vaulter, won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the first time after three consecutive nominations.
Complete List of 2025 Laureus World Sports Awards Winners: Mondo Duplantis (World Sportsman), Simone Biles (World Sportswoman), Real Madrid (World Team), Lamine Yamal (Breakthrough), Rebeca Andrade (Comeback), Jiang Yuyan (Sportsperson with a Disability), Tom Pidcock (Action Sportsperson), Kick4Life (Sport for Good), Rafael Nadal (Sporting Icon), Kelly Slater (Lifetime Achievement).
15. Who wins Silver in the shot put at the Asian U18 Athletics Championships?
[A] Dipender Dabas
[B] Nishchay
[C] Mangalagiri
[D] Nirbhay Singh
Correct Answer: B [Nishchay]
Notes:
Nishchay, a young athlete from Haryana, won a silver medal in the boys’ shot put at the Asian U-18 Athletics Championship in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The 16-year-old set a new personal record of 19.59 meters, improving from his previous best of 18.93 meters. This achievement highlights his impressive development and talent in international athletics.
