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1. Which ministry is implementing the Poshan Pakhwada initiative?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[D] Ministry of current Affairs
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Women and Child Development]
Notes:
The Government of India has launched the 7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada to combat malnutrition and enhance nutrition outcomes. From April 8th to 22nd, 2025, the Ministry of Women and Child Development will celebrate this initiative, which emphasizes important areas such as nutrition in early life, the Poshan Tracker, and community efforts against malnutrition. This campaign, part of the Poshan Abhiyaan program, aims to support vulnerable groups by promoting healthy lifestyles, addressing malnutrition, and increasing awareness about the Poshan Tracker. The initiative seeks to engage various stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities, and organizations, to improve the health and nutrition of children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and adolescent girls.
2. Recently, researchers from India and which country have announced the discovery of a new land snail species named ‘Theobaldius konkanensis’ in the Konkan region of Maharashtra?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] France
[C] United States
[D] Australia
Correct Answer: A [United Kingdom]
Notes:
Recently, scientists from India and the UK revealed a new species of land snail called Theobaldius konkanensis, discovered in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. This finding highlights the ecological importance of the species and its habitat in the northern Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot that remains largely unstudied. The research was published in the journal Molluscan Research and involved collaboration among various institutions. Key contributors include lead authors Amrut Bhosale, Tejas Thackeray, and others. The study examined the distinct features of Theobaldius konkanensis and its unique presence in the area. This snail is mainly found in the northern Western Ghats, specifically in locations like Ratnagiri and Raigad districts, which are characterized by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. It thrives at elevations ranging from 80 to 240 meters above sea level and is active both day and night, often spotted in the afternoon in shaded spots beneath the forest canopy.
3. Recently, which ministry has launched the India Skills Accelerator initiative in collaboration with the World Economic Forum?
[A] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[B] Ministry of Industry and Commerce
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Finance affairs
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship]
Notes:
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in India has launched the India Skills Accelerator initiative in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. This program seeks to enhance workforce development by addressing skill shortages and fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors. It aims to prepare India’s youth for future job markets, particularly in fast-growing areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and energy. The India Skills Accelerator acts as a national platform for collaboration, encouraging innovative solutions and cooperation across various sectors. The initiative focuses on bridging the skill gaps identified by multiple organizations, promoting inclusive upskilling and reskilling, supporting lifelong learning, and enhancing collaboration between government and industry. The primary objectives of the India Skills Accelerator include raising awareness about future skill needs, improving collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, and refining institutional frameworks and policies to build a responsive skilling ecosystem.
4. Which ministry has introduced the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) to assess and categorize gram panchayats based on performance?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Rural Development
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Panchayati Raj]
Notes:
The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) was launched by the Government of India in 2025. It evaluates more than 216,000 panchayats based on their progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative is designed to improve transparency and accountability in local governance. Developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the PAI assesses panchayats across nine important SDG themes. Panchayats are classified into five performance categories based on their scores, which range from 0 to 100. The categories are: Achiever (90-100), Front Runner (75-90), Performer (60-75), Aspirant (40-60), and Beginner (below 40). This ranking system helps identify the developmental status of each panchayat, allowing local bodies to evaluate their performance and make comparisons with others.
Key Themes of the Index: The PAI emphasizes nine SDG themes:
- Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods
- Healthy Panchayat
- Child-Friendly Panchayat
- Water Sufficient Panchayat
- Clean and Green Panchayat
- Self-Sufficient Infrastructure
- Socially Just and Secure Panchayat
- Good Governance
- Women-Friendly Panchayat
These themes focus on crucial elements of rural development and governance.
5. Which ministry has recently launched the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)?
[A] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[B] Ministry of Industry and Commerce
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY)
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY)]
Notes:
The Government of India has introduced the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) to boost its electronics manufacturing industry. This initiative seeks to position India as a global center for electronics by encouraging local production of passive components. The Cabinet has approved the scheme with a budget of ₹22,919 crore. It aims to attract investments and increase domestic value addition over the next six years. The main objective of the ECMS is to create a strong ecosystem for passive electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. The scheme intends to connect Indian manufacturers with global value chains while enhancing domestic production capacity and skills. The government aims to establish a self-sufficient supply chain for passive electronics. The ECMS includes three types of incentives: Employment-linked incentives (ELI) to foster job creation, capital subsidies targeting high capital expenditure and low turnover sectors, and production-based incentives to boost output. These initiatives are designed to foster a competitive landscape for component manufacturing.
6. Which country has launched the “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye,” a telescope with a 3.2-meter aperture intended for radio and millimeter-wave observations?
[A] Japan
[B] India
[C] China
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: C [China]
Notes:
China has officially launched the “Three Gorges Antarctic Eye,” a radio and millimeter-wave telescope with a 3.2-meter aperture, situated at Zhongshan Station in Antarctica. This advanced instrument aims to explore interstellar gases, including hydrogen and ammonia, and to study the mechanisms of star formation in the vastness of space. Its design is optimized to operate efficiently in the extreme cold and strong winds typical of the Antarctic environment, representing a notable engineering accomplishment. This initiative builds on China’s earlier Antarctic Survey Telescopes (AST3) projects. The telescope was developed through a collaboration between China Three Gorges University and Shanghai Normal University, aimed at bolstering China’s capabilities in space science research.
7. Which space agency is set to launch its Biomass mission, aimed at mapping the world’s forests, on April 29, 2025?
[A] European Space Agency (ESA)
[B] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
[C] Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
[D] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Correct Answer: A [European Space Agency (ESA)]
Notes:
The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch its Biomass mission to map global forests. The launch is scheduled for April 29, 2025, and aims to improve our understanding of how forests contribute to the carbon cycle. The satellite will be positioned in low Earth orbit and will use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to evaluate forest biomass and carbon storage. This mission will feature a single satellite equipped with a P-band synthetic aperture radar that operates at a frequency of 435 MHz, enabling it to penetrate through forest canopies. The satellite will deliver essential data on forest biomass, carbon storage, and changes over time, as well as create 3D images of forests in its first year of operation. The mission is planned to last five years, focusing on interferometric acquisitions for precise monitoring of forest changes.
8. Which country has recently become the 54th official member of the Artemis Accords?
[A] Thailand
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Mauritius
Correct Answer: C [Bangladesh]
Notes:
Bangladesh has officially joined the Artemis Accords as the 54th country, marking a significant step in its space exploration efforts. This agreement highlights Bangladesh’s commitment to engaging in safe, transparent, and sustainable activities in space. The signing ceremony occurred in Dhaka, where Ashraf Uddin, the Secretary of Defense, represented the nation. Janet Petro, NASA’s acting Administrator, shared her enthusiasm about Bangladesh’s dedication to participating in the upcoming era of space exploration, including the Moon missions associated with the Artemis program.
9. Who organized India’s first-ever Agentic AI Hackathon?
[A] Cyient
[B] Motive
[C] Wipro
[D] Techvantage.ai
Correct Answer: D [Techvantage.ai]
Notes:
India’s first Agentic AI Hackathon, hosted by Techvantage.ai in partnership with CrewAI, represents a major milestone in the nation’s AI development. This event, part of Agentic AI Week, drew over 1,500 participants from all over India, showcasing the increasing enthusiasm for autonomous AI technologies. These AI agents aim to address complex business issues, and the hackathon provided a venue for innovation in the fast-growing area of Agentic AI. The month-long event featured activities in various cities and culminated in an exciting Grand Finale at Technopark, Kerala. The focus was on developing AI solutions for the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector, with teams working on real-world challenges such as fraud detection and credit scoring.
10. India clears mega deal to buy 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jets from which country for Navy?
[A] France
[B] Italy
[C] Israel
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: A [France]
Notes:
In a significant effort to enhance India’s naval aviation capabilities, the government has approved a historic deal worth ₹63,000 crore with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. This deal, which has been eagerly awaited, received the green light from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). It marks a crucial advancement in strengthening the Navy’s air power, particularly on the INS Vikrant, India’s homegrown aircraft carrier.
11. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has committed an investment of ₹61,077 crore to build a world-class petrochemical complex in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has announced a substantial investment of ₹61,077 crore to create a state-of-the-art petrochemical complex in Paradip, Odisha. This marks IOCL’s largest investment at a single site, aimed at strengthening the petrochemical industry and manufacturing in India. The project will improve the local infrastructure and produce a variety of essential petrochemical products for sectors like pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, coatings, and adhesives. The agreement was signed in the presence of prominent government officials, including Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. This investment is set to transform the petrochemical and industrial landscape of Odisha, positioning Paradip as a key industrial center.
12. Who has recently been appointed as the Deputy CIO at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)?
[A] Anand Joshi
[B] Rajesh Surabhi
[C] Viral Davda
[D] Naveen Nayak
Correct Answer: C [Viral Davda]
Notes:
To enhance its technological progress and adapt to shifting market needs, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has named Viral Davda as its Deputy Chief Information Officer (CIO). With more than 20 years of experience, including a successful tenure as CTO at NCDEX, Davda is ideally suited to guide BSE’s IT strategy. This strategic appointment aims to bolster BSE’s technological capabilities as it seeks to modernize and expand its IT infrastructure in line with the fast-changing financial landscape. Davda’s strong track record in overseeing complex IT transformations and innovations will be vital in improving BSE’s operational efficiency and technological strength.
13. Who has been elected as the Vice-President of All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS)?
[A] Dr. Raja Vardhan
[B] Dr. Mohan Rajan
[C] Dr. Swamy S
[D] Dr. Guna Shekhar
Correct Answer: B [Dr. Mohan Rajan]
Notes:
Dr. Mohan Rajan, the head of Rajan Eye Care Hospital in Chennai, has been chosen as the Vice-President of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS), which includes more than 29,000 eye care professionals. This announcement took place at the society’s general meeting on April 5. In recognition of his significant contributions to eye care, Dr. Rajan, who serves as both Chairman and Medical Director of Rajan Eye Care Hospital, has been elected to this prestigious position. AIOS, one of the largest medical organizations in India, represents a vast network of ophthalmologists. His election was officially revealed during the AIOS general body meeting at the Asia Pacific Academy Congress in New Delhi on April 5, 2025.
14. Which state announced the discovery of 2,000-year-old megalithic artifacts in April 2025?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Gujarat
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: D [Kerala]
Notes:
In April 2025, Kerala announced the discovery of megalithic artifacts that are around 2,000 years old, including rock-cut footprints and a human figure, in Kanhirapoil, Madikkai panchayat. Similar ancient items from the Megalithic Period were also found in Manimoola village, Bandadukka, Kerala. A megalith is a large stone used to build prehistoric monuments, either by itself or with other stones. These structures were primarily used for burial, known as sepulchral, and for commemorative rituals, called non-sepulchral. Most megaliths in India date from the Iron Age, which lasted from 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. However, some megalithic sites in India are even older, dating back to 2000 BCE, showcasing a rich history of early human settlements.
15. The Supreme Court of India recently ruled on the authority of which state’s Governor regarding the assent to state bills?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
The Supreme Court of India has recently made a decision regarding the Tamil Nadu Governor’s power to approve state bills. This ruling clarified the legal consequences of the Governor not granting assent and established specific timeframes for making decisions. It comes amid ongoing conflicts between state governments and Governors, especially in states led by the Opposition. The Court found that the Tamil Nadu Governor erred by forwarding re-passed Bills to the President. It emphasized that there is no concept of an “absolute veto” or “pocket veto” under Article 200 of the Constitution. Governors cannot indefinitely postpone action on Bills. They are required to adhere to the advice of the State’s Council of Ministers. If the State Assembly re-passes a Bill after review, the Governor must approve it unless the Bill has changed from the original version. The Supreme Court also established strict deadlines for Governors: 1 month to decide on withholding assent, 3 months if they oppose the State Cabinet’s advice, and 1 month to act on a Bill that has been re-sent after reconsideration.
16. Which state is home to the Virudhunagar Samba Vathal, a distinct variety of chili that has recently been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag?
[A] Kerala
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: D [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Virudhunagar Samba Vathal, a notable variety of chilli, has recently been awarded a geographical indication (GI) tag. This recognition was achieved through an application submitted by the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board and the Virudhunagar Chillies Merchants’ Association. The GI tag highlights the importance of this chilli in Indian agriculture and culinary traditions. Known for its distinctive flavor and moderate spiciness, Virudhunagar Samba Chilli has a bright red hue and a unique wrinkled surface. These medium-sized chillies usually range from 6 to 6.5 cm in length, featuring a long, slender shape with pointed tips and rounded shoulders. This variety is especially prized in South Indian cooking for its aromatic qualities, blending smokiness with heat.
17. Which organization has recently released the “Death Sentences and Executions 2024” Report?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] World Health Organization (WHO)
[C] Amnesty International
[D] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Correct Answer: C [Amnesty International]
Notes:
Amnesty International has recently published the “Death Sentences and Executions 2024” Report. The report indicates that in 2024, the total number of executions worldwide reached 1,518, the highest level in almost ten years. It highlights a significant rise in executions, particularly in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, which together made up a staggering 91% of all known executions. This increase points to a concerning trend where capital punishment is used to silence dissent and target minority groups. The global execution count of 1,518 represents a 32% rise compared to 2023, marking the highest increase since 2015. Iran executed at least 972 people, while Saudi Arabia’s count rose to at least 345. Iraq experienced a sharp rise, with executions increasing from 16 to at least 63. These figures do not include the thousands believed to have been executed in China, North Korea, and Vietnam. Amnesty International notes that the death penalty is increasingly being used against protesters and minority communities. In Iran, the government executed individuals involved in the Women, Life, Freedom protests, including those with mental disabilities. Saudi Arabia focused on its Shiite minority, executing individuals linked to anti-government protests on terrorism charges.
18. Who was the spiritual head of the Brahma Kumaris, who recently passed away at 101 in Ahmedabad?
[A] Mata Sarojini
[B] Dadi Gangambika
[C] Dadi Ratan Mohini
[D] Mata Sunandini
Correct Answer: C [Dadi Ratan Mohini]
Notes:
The world has lost Dadi Ratan Mohini, the centenarian leader of the Brahma Kumaris, who died in Ahmedabad following a short illness. Just days before her passing, she celebrated her 100th birthday. Known for her leadership, teachings, and global spiritual influence, Dadi Ratan Mohini passed away at a private hospital in Ahmedabad shortly after her milestone birthday on March 25. She had been a key figure in the well-known spiritual organization and served as its chief administrator since 2021. Born in Hyderabad, Sindh (now part of Pakistan), she devoted her life to spreading peace, values, and spiritual awareness worldwide, participating in significant events like the World Peace Conference in 1954. Her passing signifies the conclusion of a long and dedicated journey aimed at uplifting humanity spiritually.
