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1. Which state government introduced an Amnesty Scheme aimed at providing relief to taxpayers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act?
[A] Gujarat
[B] Odisha
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Haryana
Correct Answer: D [Haryana]
Notes:
In October 2024, the Haryana government launched an Amnesty Scheme to assist taxpayers registered under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act. This program aims to alleviate the financial strain on taxpayers by eliminating interest and penalties for specific financial years. Taxpayers can settle their principal tax dues without facing extra penalties if they make payments by the deadline of March 31, 2025. The scheme covers principal tax amounts for the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20, allowing payments without incurring interest or penalties. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance tax compliance and boost revenue collection in Haryana. Taxpayers need to act swiftly to take advantage of this scheme, as any unpaid dues after the deadline will be subject to recovery under current regulations. To be eligible for the Amnesty Scheme, taxpayers must be registered under the GST Act and have outstanding principal tax amounts from the specified years. They must ensure that the principal amount is paid by the March 31, 2025 deadline, as failure to do so will lead to penalties and interest according to GST regulations.
2. Which country’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is planning to revise the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to grant crypto assets legal recognition as financial products?
[A] India
[B] Australia
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: D [Japan]
Notes:
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) is set to amend the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act to officially recognize crypto assets as financial products. This initiative aims to strengthen regulatory control, including implementing insider trading rules for cryptocurrency transactions. The FSA plans to present a bill to the Japanese parliament as soon as 2026. Japan has been a leader in cryptocurrency regulation, having legalized Bitcoin as a payment method in 2017. However, following several hacking incidents and concerns over money laundering, Japanese authorities have increased their regulatory measures. The FSA’s move to classify crypto assets alongside traditional financial products demonstrates the country’s dedication to protecting investors and ensuring market stability.
3. The Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary, recently seen in the news, is situated in which state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Punjab
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: C [Punjab]
Notes:
The Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has unveiled significant plans to enhance tourism and wildlife conservation in the state. Nangal is set to become a key tourist destination with an initial investment of ₹10 crore, while the Jhajjar Bachauli Wildlife Sanctuary in Sri Anandpur Sahib will be developed into Punjab’s first leopard safari site. These efforts are part of the ‘Badalda Punjab’ Budget 2025-26, introduced by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, which also includes funding for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. The initiatives aim to boost tourism, protect biodiversity, generate jobs, and promote Punjab’s cultural heritage.
4. Which space agency is preparing to launch its innovative Fram2 mission, which will be the first human spaceflight to traverse Earth’s polar regions?
[A] ISRO
[B] NASA
[C] SpaceX
[D] JAXA
Correct Answer: C [SpaceX]
Notes:
SpaceX is preparing to launch its innovative Fram2 mission, which will be the first human spaceflight over the polar regions of Earth. This privately funded mission will involve a crew of four astronauts and will last several days, focusing on various scientific experiments. Among these experiments are the first X-ray taken in space and the growth of mushrooms in microgravity. The information collected will aid in planning future long-term missions to Mars. The Fram2 mission is named after a historic Norwegian ship famous for its Arctic and Antarctic explorations. It will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket. The launch is scheduled for 9:46 PM (0146 GMT) on March 31, 2025. This mission aims to enhance our knowledge of space travel and lay the groundwork for upcoming Mars missions. The diverse crew is led by mission commander Chun Wang, a Maltese adventurer. The team also includes Jannicke Mikkelsen, a Norwegian film director as vehicle commander, Rabea Rogge, a robotics researcher from Germany serving as the mission pilot, and Eric Philps, an Australian polar explorer who is the mission specialist and medical officer. Each crew member contributes distinct skills and experiences to the mission.
5. Which organization has achieved a significant milestone in space technology by developing a semi-cryogenic engine?
[A] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[B] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[C] European Space Agency (ESA)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Correct Answer: D [Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached a significant achievement in space technology with the creation of a semicryogenic engine. This engine, which delivers a thrust of 2,000 kN, is intended to power the Semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). A successful hot test conducted on March 28, 2025, is a key step in confirming the engine’s performance and reliability. The semicryogenic engine uses Liquid Oxygen and Kerosene as propellants, which are safer and more efficient than those used in traditional engines. It is anticipated that this engine will boost the LVM3’s payload capacity from 4 tonnes to 5 tonnes in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). The SE-2000 engine consists of several essential subsystems, including the thrust chamber, pre-burner, turbo pump system, control components, and start-up system. Each subsystem has been thoroughly tested to ensure they perform reliably under high-stress conditions. The hot test on March 28 aimed to validate the combined performance of these subsystems. The test lasted 2.5 seconds and successfully showcased smooth ignition and operation in boost strap mode. This initial test is part of a series planned to further enhance the engine’s performance.
6. Which country’s Air Force has hosted Exercise INIOCHOS-25?
[A] Germany
[B] Greece
[C] France
[D] Portugal
Correct Answer: B [Greece]
Notes:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to take part in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a multinational air drill scheduled from March 31 to April 11, 2025, at Andravida Air Base in Greece. Organized by the Hellenic Air Force, this biennial exercise aims to strengthen military collaboration among nations. It gathers air forces from various countries to improve tactical skills and foster military relationships. Participants will engage in realistic combat scenarios that reflect the challenges of modern air warfare. The IAF will deploy advanced aircraft, including Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78 refueling planes, and C-17 transport aircraft, which are essential for conducting complex air operations. By participating in INIOCHOS-25, the IAF seeks to enhance its operational capabilities and achieve key objectives, primarily focusing on boosting international cooperation among air forces. The exercise will serve as a training ground for Combined Air operations and will help refine tactics for intricate air warfare situations.
7. Which country has recently launched the “Perm Nuclear Powered Submarine”?
[A] France
[B] India
[C] Japan
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: D [Russia]
Notes:
Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated the Perm, a Project 885M Yasen-class nuclear-powered submarine, at Murmansk. This submarine represents the fourth generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines within the Yasen-M class (Project 885M). Named after the city of Perm located in the Urals, it is the sixth addition to the Yasen/Yasen-M series. Notably, Perm is the first Russian nuclear submarine to be officially outfitted with the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missile as a standard armament. The submarine is anticipated to be commissioned into the Russian Navy by 2026.
8. Which Indian-American scientist has been appointed as the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by the U.S. Senate?
[A] Surendra Dubey
[B] Ajay Rao
[C] Jay Bhattacharya
[D] Vishwas Sena Gupta
Correct Answer: C [Jay Bhattacharya]
Notes:
Indian-American scientist Dr. Jay Bhattacharya has been officially appointed as the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by the U.S. Senate. He was nominated by President Donald Trump in November 2024 and received confirmation with a 53-47 vote on March 25, 2025.
9. Gudi Padwa is a well-known festival that celebrates the traditional Hindu new year and the onset of spring. In which state is it observed?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Odisha
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
Gudi Padwa is a widely celebrated festival in Maharashtra that signifies the start of the Marathi New Year. It also heralds the arrival of spring and the harvest season. According to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, Gudi Padwa occurs on the first day of the Chaitra month. In 2025, this festival will take place on Sunday, March 30. Gudi Padwa represents the triumph of good over evil and the beginning of the harvest. During this time, people clean their homes, create rangoli designs, raise the Gudi, and indulge in traditional sweets.
10. In which city was the 37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025 held?
[A] Bhubaneswar
[B] Hyderabad
[C] New Delhi
[D] Amaravati
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
The 37th Kathak Mahotsav 2025, organized by Kathak Kendra, New Delhi, a constituent unit of Sangeet Natak Akademi, concluded successfully in New Delhi. This six-day festival was a landmark event, featuring the world’s first-ever Kathak Literary Festival along with seminars, exhibitions, and captivating dance performances. The festival showcased all major Kathak gharanas—Lucknow, Jaipur, Banaras, and Raigarh—through performances by distinguished artists. The event also focused on royal patronage, evolution of Kathak bols, and literary documentation, making it an unforgettable celebration of both the artistic and intellectual aspects of Kathak.
11. The “Energy Statistics India 2025” report was released by which organization?
[A] National Statistics Office (NSO)
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] NITI Aayog
[D] Reserve Bank Of India
Correct Answer: A [National Statistics Office (NSO)]
Notes:
The National Statistics Office (NSO) has published the annual report titled “Energy Statistics India 2025.” This detailed document outlines the energy sector in India, covering aspects such as reserves, capacity, production, consumption, and trade of different energy sources. It is an essential tool for policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals. The report features important data on coal, petroleum, natural gas, and renewable energy. A new addition is a chapter on Energy Accounts, which follows the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework. This section provides crucial insights into asset accounts and supply and use tables for the fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. In FY 2023-24, India experienced significant growth in energy supply and consumption, with the Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES) rising by 7.8% to 9,03,158 KToE (Kilo Tonnes of Oil Equivalent). This increase demonstrates India’s ability to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
12. What is India’s rank in the Global Road Safety Ranking?
[A] 47th
[B] 48th
[C] 49th
[D] 50th
Correct Answer: C [49th]
Notes:
Recent reports have highlighted global road safety issues. South Africa has been marked as the most dangerous country for drivers, while India ranks 49th, making it one of the least safe places to drive. The United States is not far behind, sitting at 51st. These insights come from a study by Zutobi.com, which assesses driving safety in 53 countries. Their annual report evaluates various factors, including motorway speed limits, blood alcohol concentration limits, and road traffic death rates, to determine the safest and most dangerous driving conditions worldwide. Norway has consistently been recognized as the safest country for driving, holding this title for four years in a row. The average road traffic death rate has significantly decreased from 8.9 to 6.3 deaths per 100,000 people, reflecting improvements in road safety measures in many nations. However, the report points out that most regions have not changed their national speed limits or blood alcohol concentration limits.
13. Which organization recently published the report titled “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality”?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[C] United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME)
[D] World Health Organization (WHO)
Correct Answer: C [United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME)]
Notes:
The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME) recently published the “Levels and Trends in Child Mortality” report. UNIGME, which is led by UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank, and the UN Population Division, releases this report annually, featuring data from 195 countries. India has made significant progress, achieving a 70% reduction in the under-five mortality rate and a 61% decrease in the neonatal mortality rate, placing it among the top countries worldwide. Additionally, India has seen a remarkable 60.4% drop in stillbirths, surpassing the global average reduction of 37%. It ranks seventh in the world for the largest decrease in stillbirths.
14. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) will organize the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Commerce & Industry
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[D] Ministry of Current Affairs
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Commerce & Industry]
Notes:
The Startup Mahakumbh 2025 will take place from April 4-6 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. It is organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. This event is part of the Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs program, which provides a platform for tribal startups to gain exposure and connect with industry leaders, venture capitalists, and investors. The Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs initiative is a key project under the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. Its goal is to foster tribal entrepreneurship, innovation, and self-sufficiency, aligning with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat vision to empower tribal communities. The event will feature over 45 startups led by ST entrepreneurs, many of which have been nurtured at renowned institutions like IIM Calcutta and IIT Delhi. Attendees will have the chance to present their innovations, network with investors, and participate in technical sessions with successful entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has collaborated with top institutions and industry groups to strengthen the startup ecosystem for ST entrepreneurs. Additionally, a Venture Capital Fund with an initial amount of ₹50 crore has been set up to support entrepreneurship and innovation within tribal communities.
15. Where was the National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ held?
[A] Greater Noida
[B] New Delhi
[C] Bengaluru
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer B [New Delhi]
Notes:
On March 29, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the National Conference on Environment 2025 at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. This two-day conference is set to conclude on March 30, 2025. Hosted by the National Green Tribunal, the event focuses on environmental legislation and its implementation. The conference aims to foster collaboration, raise awareness, and promote sustainable environmental practices.
16. Which country is hosting the 6th BIMSTEC Summit?
[A] India
[B] Bhutan
[C] Nepal
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: D [Thailand]
Notes:
The Prime Minister of India is set to visit Bangkok, Thailand, on April 3rd and 4th, 2025, to take part in the 6th Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit. During this trip, he will hold discussions with the Prime Minister of Thailand. The central theme of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit is “BIMSTEC – Prosperous, Resilient and Open.” Previously, in November 2019, he attended the ASEAN and East Asia Summit in Thailand. India and Thailand share strong historical, cultural, and religious ties. BIMSTEC acts as a conduit between South and Southeast Asia, promoting regional development. The member nations of BIMSTEC include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand.
17. Who clinched the women’s and men’s singles at the Indian Open 2025 Squash Titles?
[A] Abhay Singh and Helen Tang
[B] Anahat Singh and Kareem El Torkey
[C] Omar Mosaad and Habiba Hani
[D] Barb Sameh and Spencer Lovejoy
Correct Answer: B [Anahat Singh and Kareem El Torkey]
Notes:
The Indian Open 2025 PSA Copper event took place in Mumbai from March 24-28, 2025, and concluded with Anahat Singh from India and Kareem El Torkey from Egypt winning the women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively. Anahat Singh, who is India’s leading women’s squash player, claimed her 11th PSA title by defeating Hong Kong’s Helen Tang. In the men’s final, Kareem El Torkey, ranked 64th in the world, emerged victorious against India’s Abhay Singh. This event, with a prize pool of $53,500, was the highest-rated PSA tournament in India since 2018 and marked the first PSA Copper event ever held in the country.
18. What is the theme of the International Day of Yoga 2025?
[A] Yoga for self and society
[B] Yoga for One Earth, One Health
[C] Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
[D] Yoga for humanity
Correct Answer: B [Yoga for One Earth, One Health]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the theme for the 2025 International Day of Yoga (IDY) during his Mann Ki Baat address: “Yoga for One Earth, One Health.” He stressed the importance of yoga in promoting global wellness and encouraged everyone to incorporate yoga into their daily routines, noting its growing popularity around the world. The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) is spearheading the celebrations for IDY 2025, which began with a 100-day countdown at the Yogamahotsav event. This year also marks ten years since the United Nations designated June 21 as IDY in 2014.
19. Richard Chamberlain, who recently passed away at 90, was from which country?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] Australia
[C] France
[D] United States
Correct Answer: D [United States]
Notes:
Richard Chamberlain, the legendary actor known for his role in Dr. Kildare and his title as the “king of the miniseries,” has died at the age of 90. He passed away on March 30, 2024, in Waimanalo, Hawaii, due to complications from a stroke, as confirmed by his publicist, Harlan Boll. Born George Richard Chamberlain on March 31, 1934, in Beverly Hills, California, he initially studied painting at Pomona College. His career took a different turn after he served as an infantry clerk during the Korean War. After returning, he trained in drama and voice, leading him to pursue acting.
