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1. Which country has recently launched the first phase of the Blue Visa system, offering a 10-Year Residency for Foreigners?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] Singapore
[D] United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Correct Answer: D [United Arab Emirates (UAE)]
Notes:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started the first phase of the Blue Visa system, a 10-year residency permit aimed at people who support environmental sustainability. This was announced at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, held from February 11 to 13. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP), adds to the UAE’s long-term residency options like the Golden Visa and Green Visa. It shows the country’s dedication to sustainability and climate action.
2. Which bank has launched the 9th edition of Evolve, a knowledge-sharing seminar?
[A] Axis Bank
[B] HDFC Bank
[C] ICICI Bank
[D] Bank of Baroda
Correct Answer: A [Axis Bank]
Notes:
Axis Bank has introduced the 9th edition of Evolve, a seminar focused on sharing knowledge to help Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) adapt to new business challenges. Since its start in 2014, Evolve has reached over 9,000 entrepreneurs in more than 50 cities. This year’s theme, “Future-Proofing MSMEs for the New-Age Business,” emphasizes the importance of digital transformation, innovation, and operational resilience. The program aims to provide entrepreneurs with useful insights and strategies to enhance their businesses in a changing market.
3. Which of the following has revised India’s FY25 GDP growth forecast to 6.3%, down from RBI’s 6.6% estimate?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] ICICI Bank
[C] Nippon Life India Asset
[D] PhonePe
Correct Answer: A [State Bank of India]
Notes:
SBI has lowered its GDP growth forecast for India in FY25 to 6.3%, down from the RBI’s estimate of 6.6%. This change is due to a slowdown in manufacturing, low private investment, and global uncertainties. Even with government actions like tax cuts and increased infrastructure spending, the economy is still not gaining much momentum. The expected economic growth for the fiscal year 2024-25 is now 6.3%, which is a decrease from last year’s 8.2% growth rate. The revision reflects worries about weak manufacturing and private investment affecting the overall economic outlook.
4. Mount Fentale, which was recently seen in the news, is located in which country?
[A] Kenya
[B] Rwanda
[C] Tanzania
[D] Ethiopia
Correct Answer: D [Ethiopia]
Notes:
Scientists have recently noticed high levels of methane coming from Mount Fentale, a volcano in northern Ethiopia. This unusual activity has raised worries about its effects on local ecosystems and global climate change. The large amount of methane released is concerning because it is a strong greenhouse gas. Since January 31, Mount Fentale has been releasing methane at a shocking rate, peaking at 58 metric tonnes per hour. This is much higher than normal volcanic emissions, which mainly include carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Methane is 28 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a hundred years.
5. Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal has recently announced investment of over ₹4,800 crore for the development of which state’s inland waterways?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] Assam
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, recently revealed an investment of over ₹4,800 crore for improving Assam’s inland waterways. This announcement took place at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit in Guwahati. The goal of this investment is to upgrade the state’s waterways, especially the Brahmaputra and Barak rivers, to support trade, commerce, and tourism. This project is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India, emphasizing sustainable and efficient transport options. Inland waterways play a vital role in economic development, providing a cost-effective and eco-friendly transport method. Reviving Assam’s waterways, which have been overlooked in the past, is expected to enhance trade and tourism. The Brahmaputra and Barak rivers create a strong network for moving goods and passengers. The government has introduced various programs to encourage the use of inland waterways. The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme offers incentives for businesses to switch to this transport method, aiming to ease road and railway congestion. The ‘Harit Nauka’ scheme intends to transform traditional vessels into green vessels by 2030.
6. Which country has recently announced a new immigration initiative called the “Gold Card”?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] United States
[C] Russia
[D] China
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration program called the “Gold Card.” This initiative provides a direct route to US citizenship for foreign investors who invest $5 million. The Gold Card replaces the former EB-5 visa program, which was favored by many Indian investors. This change affects the immigration system and global investment plans. The Gold Card allows foreign investors to gain US permanent residency through a significant financial investment. The goal is to make the immigration process easier for wealthy individuals. Applicants need to pay $5 million directly to the US government. This represents a shift from the EB-5 program, which had a lower investment requirement of $1 million. The launch of the Gold Card is especially significant for Indian investors, many of whom used the EB-5 visa as an alternative to the H-1B visa. The higher investment requirement may discourage some potential applicants. Critics believe that this new program could lead Indian investors to consider other residency options in countries like Greece, Portugal, and Canada, which have lower investment requirements.
7. PUNCH Mission is an initiative associated with which space organization?
[A] ISRO
[B] CNES
[C] JAXA
[D] NASA
Correct Answer: D [NASA]
Notes:
NASA is gearing up for the PUNCH mission, an unprecedented initiative aimed at investigating the solar atmosphere. The PUNCH (Polarimetry to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission will be launched by SpaceX and comprises four satellites, each the size of a suitcase and weighing 64 kg, which will be positioned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This mission will employ three Wide Field Imagers alongside one Narrow Field Imager to obtain both polarised and unpolarised imagery. By utilizing light polarisation, it will facilitate three-dimensional measurements of the solar corona and solar wind. The insights gained from this data are anticipated to enhance space weather forecasting and safeguard space operations. The mission is projected to span a duration of two years.
8. Which space-tech company has launched India’s first private hyperspectral satellite constellation, Firefly, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission?
[A] Agnikul
[B] Pixxel
[C] Kawa Space
[D] Digantara
Correct Answer: B [Pixxel]
Notes:
Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel has achieved a significant milestone by launching India’s first private hyperspectral satellite constellation called Firefly. This launch occurred on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. It marks a pivotal change in the Indian space industry, allowing private companies to enter a field that has been mainly controlled by government agencies. The hyperspectral satellites are built to deliver exceptional Earth observation capabilities, allowing for detailed tracking of agriculture, climate, and environmental shifts. With a resolution of 5 meters, which is much better than the 30-meter resolution of traditional hyperspectral satellites, Pixxel’s technology can identify minor changes in chemical makeup, plant health, water quality, and atmospheric conditions.
9. Which IIT, in collaboration with Indian Railways, has recently launched India’s first hyperloop test track?
[A] IIT Bombay
[B] IIT Madras
[C] IIT Hyderabad
[D] IIT Kanpur
Correct Answer: B [IIT Madras]
Notes:
IIT Madras and Indian Railways have introduced India’s first hyperloop test track, measuring 422 meters. This facility aims to create ultra-fast travel with pods that float using electromagnetism in vacuum tubes. This innovation could reduce travel time between cities to only 30 minutes. The collaboration between IIT Madras and Indian Railways represents a significant advancement in high-speed transport. The test track, situated on the IIT Madras campus, is designed to enable rapid travel, potentially shortening lengthy intercity trips to mere minutes. The hyperloop technology employs pods that are levitated electromagnetically within vacuum tubes, minimizing air resistance and achieving speeds similar to those of airplanes.
10. Recently, the DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) in which place?
[A] Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
[B] Chandipur, Odisha
[C] Kochi, Kerala
[D] Mangaluru, Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Chandipur, Odisha]
Notes:
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy recently completed successful flight tests of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile Short Range (NASM-SR) at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. This achievement enhances India’s defence capabilities. The trials highlighted the missile’s advanced features, especially its “Man-in-Loop” capability, which allows for retargeting during flight. The NASM-SR uses an indigenous Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) seeker for precise terminal guidance. It also includes a high-bandwidth two-way datalink system that sends real-time images to the pilot, allowing for target selection mid-flight. The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking helicopter. During the tests, it first locked onto a large target in a specific search area and then, in the final phase, the pilot retargeted it to a smaller hidden target. This showcased the missile’s accuracy in hitting targets while flying at low altitudes over long distances.
11. The Indian Army contracted 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems from which company?
[A] L&T Ltd
[B] HCC Ltd
[C] BHEL
[D] GMR Group
Correct Answer: A [L&T Ltd]
Notes:
The Indian Army has recently ordered 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems from L&T Limited. This deal, worth ₹80.43 crore, is part of a larger effort to upgrade the army’s defenses against chemical warfare. The ACADA systems, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will enhance the army’s capabilities in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defense. The ACADA system is a sophisticated tool for detecting chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). It analyzes air samples to find harmful substances. Using Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) technology, it offers high sensitivity and quick detection. The system has two IMS cells for ongoing and simultaneous monitoring of dangerous agents. It is portable and can be set up in different locations easily. The system also features audio and visual alarms to warn personnel if a threat is detected. Furthermore, it can be mounted on vehicles for better mobility.
12. The Indian Army has conducted a military exercise named ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ at which place?
[A] Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
[B] Bet Dwarka, Gujarat
[C] Kochi, Kerala
[D] Gokarna, Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Bet Dwarka, Gujarat]
Notes:
The Indian Army, along with the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police, held a major military exercise called ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ at Bet Dwarka, Gujarat. This exercise was designed to improve island security, tackle illegal encroachment, and boost teamwork among different security forces. Various government agencies observed the drill to ensure readiness for any potential security challenges. The Indian Army, in conjunction with the Indian Coast Guard and Marine Police, executed the significant military exercise ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ at Bet Dwarka, Gujarat. The focus was on enhancing island security, stopping illegal encroachment, and fostering better coordination among security teams. The exercise involved the 11 Infantry Division from Ahmedabad, the 31 Infantry Brigade from Jamnagar, the Coast Guard, and Marine Police. It was monitored by the District Administration, Forest Department, Maritime Board, and NSG. The goal was to improve cooperation between defense forces, paramilitary units, and local authorities, while also preparing for possible terrorist attacks or conflict situations.
13. Who has been appointed as Chairman of the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF)?
[A] N Chandrasekaran
[B] Rajesh Krishnan
[C] Srinivas Rao
[D] Sudhindra Varma
Correct Answer: A [N Chandrasekaran]
Notes:
N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, has been chosen to lead the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF). This foundation, created by the late Ratan Tata as a Section 8 entity, is focused on philanthropy and technological research to support Indian society. The decision was made by Mehli Mistry, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, and Darius Khambata, who are the executors of Ratan Tata’s will. Under Chandrasekaran’s guidance, the Foundation aims to enhance its operations while maintaining its independent identity and strong governance.
14. Recently, the Union government appointed an advisory committee to tackle the issue of proxy leadership in which Institutions?
[A] Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM)
[B] Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
[C] National Institute of Water Sports
[D] National Institute of Wall Street
Correct Answer: B [Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)]
Notes:
The Union government has recently set up an advisory committee to address the problem of proxy leadership in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). This move comes after a Supreme Court ruling aimed at ensuring that women elected as pradhans are not dominated by their male family members. The committee’s suggestions emphasize the need for changes in structure and policies to strengthen women’s roles in local governance. The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 established a one-third reservation of seats for women in PRIs, which has been increased to nearly 50% in several states. However, many women still act only as figureheads, with their male relatives often taking charge. The committee proposes a comprehensive strategy to fight proxy leadership, including strict penalties for confirmed cases, which could discourage male relatives from interfering. These penalties might be financial or involve other forms of accountability.
15. Recently, which state government is expected to introduce a Bill aimed at increasing reservation for Backward Classes from 25% to 42%?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Telangana
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
The Congress party in Telangana plans to introduce a Bill to raise reservations for Backward Classes from 25% to 42%. This change would bring the total reservation in local bodies, public jobs, and education to 62%. This initiative follows the ‘Kamareddy Declaration’ made by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy before the 2023 elections. However, the proposal might face legal issues like those faced by Bihar when it tried to go beyond the Supreme Court’s 50% limit on reservations. The 50% limit in India comes from discussions in the Constituent Assembly. Dr. B R Ambedkar, a main figure in creating the Constitution, supported reservations but stressed the importance of balance, arguing that they should not overwhelm public employment. His views established the idea that reservations should stay within reasonable boundaries.
16. The State of India’s Environment 2025 report released by which organization?
[A] Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)
[B] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Correct Answer: A [Centre for Science and Environment (CSE)]
Notes:
The State of India’s Environment 2025 report provides a detailed look at environmental challenges in India. Released on February 26, 2025, it highlights issues related to climate change, waste management, and pollution. The report was created by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth (DTE). It addresses various topics, focusing on climate change, air and water pollution, waste management, and biodiversity. There are special sections on specific concerns like plastics, antimicrobial resistance, and the effects of climate change on the Thar desert. It also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and reviews India’s renewable energy goals. The report notes that 2024 saw a rise in extreme weather events, with severe conditions occurring on 255 out of 274 days in the first nine months, significantly affecting agriculture and impacting over 3.2 million hectares of farmland.
17. The second resumed session of the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in which place?
[A] Rome, Italy
[B] New Delhi, India
[C] New York, United States
[D] Paris, France
Correct Answer: A [Rome, Italy]
Notes:
The Rome session will officially launch the Cali Fund. This fund is designed to ensure fair distribution of financial benefits from digital sequence information (DSI). DSI includes genetic data from various organisms. The fund will support Indigenous communities and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the session will focus on finalising decisions under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This framework aims to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems by 2030.
18. Which state government has made it mandatory for all schools in the state, irrespective of the educational board, to teach Punjabi as a main and compulsory subject?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [Punjab]
Notes:
The Punjab government has required that all schools in the state, no matter their educational board, must teach Punjabi as a main and mandatory subject. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains released a new notification to enforce this rule right away. This action guarantees that Punjabi stays a key subject in school programs across different boards, such as PSEB, CBSE, and CISCE. The decision comes after worries about Punjabi being taken off the CBSE’s Class 10 regional language list.
19. Which state recorded the highest vulture population in India in the 2025 census?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] West Bengal
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
Madhya Pradesh has the largest vulture population in India, with 12,981 recorded in the first phase of the 2025 census. This is an increase from 10,845 in 2024 and 8,397 in 2019. The state carries out organized vulture censuses across 16 circles, 64 divisions, and 9 protected areas. This achievement in wildlife conservation shows the state’s commitment to protecting these birds. The rise in numbers since the census started in 2016 demonstrates the success of conservation efforts and helps monitor the health of vulture populations.
20. Which state government has made Telugu a compulsory subject from 1st to 10th classes in CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other boards affiliated schools in the state from academic year 2025-26?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Telangana
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Telangana]
Notes:
The Telangana government has made it compulsory for Class 9 students in all CBSE, ICSE, IB, and other affiliated schools to study Telugu starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This requirement will also apply to Class 10 students from the 2026-27 year. This decision follows the Telangana (Compulsory Teaching and Learning of Telugu in Schools) Act of 2018, which aims to support and promote the Telugu language. To make learning easier, the simplified Telugu textbook called ‘Vennela’ will be used instead of the standard ‘Singidi’ textbook.
21. Which state/UT has taken a big step in digital policing by filing its first e-FIR at Police Station Khrew?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Haryana
[C] Jammu & Kashmir
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: C [Jammu & Kashmir]
Notes:
The Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken a big step in digital policing by filing its first e-FIR at Police Station Khrew. The complaint was sent through email and is now registered as Case FIR No. 17/2025. This action follows the Law Commission’s advice to implement e-FIRs for certain serious crimes. This initiative aims to improve transparency and make the criminal justice system more accessible.
22. A rare and well-preserved petrified fossil was discovered in which state recently?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: D [Jharkhand]
Notes:
Geologists and forestry officials have identified a unique and exceptionally preserved petrified fossil in the Rajmahal Hills, located near Barmasia village in the Pakur district of Jharkhand. The phenomenon of petrification occurs when organic substances are substituted by minerals, resulting in a stone-like formation. This process involves the infiltration of minerals into the pores of the tissue, effectively replacing the organic components while maintaining the original structural integrity. It is capable of preserving both hard and soft tissues over extensive timeframes. Typically, petrification takes place beneath sediment layers, where there is contact with mineral-laden water. A prevalent illustration of this fossilization process is petrified wood.
23. Which state government has recently launched Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana to provide accidental insurance to school children?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Assam
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: A [Rajasthan]
Notes:
The government of Rajasthan has launched the Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana, which is designed to provide accidental insurance for schoolchildren throughout the state. This pioneering program offers personal accident insurance coverage between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.3 lakh for both students and their parents enrolled in state government schools. Initially, the initiative will be implemented in institutions located within the Udaipur Division. The program was inaugurated on February 26, 2025, at the Residency School in Udaipur, with the event presided over by State Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar. There are plans to gradually expand the scheme to encompass all schools in Rajasthan, ultimately aiming to benefit around 1 crore students.
24. World Protein Day is observed every year on which day?
[A] February 25
[B] February 26
[C] February 27
[D] February 28
Correct Answer: C [February 27]
Notes:
World Protein Day is celebrated every year on February 27 to raise awareness about the essential role of protein in our diet. It focuses on the health benefits of getting enough protein and the problems caused by not having enough. This day also highlights how protein-rich foods can improve nutrition worldwide, leading to better health for everyone.
25. National Science Day 2025 is an annual celebration in India, observed on which day?
[A] February 25
[B] February 26
[C] February 27
[D] February 28
Correct Answer: D [February 28]
Notes:
National Science Day 2025 is celebrated every year in India on February 28. It honors the discovery of the Raman Effect by the famous physicist Dr. C.V. Raman in 1928. This important achievement won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Indian to receive this award in science. Each year, National Science Day has a theme that focuses on current scientific issues and opportunities. The theme for National Science Day 2025 is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat.” This theme highlights the importance of young people in shaping India’s future in science and technology, in line with the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims for a self-sufficient and developed India.
