Post Views: 77
1. Recent research from Switzerland and which country has developed a comprehensive risk index for mangroves?
[A] United Kingdom
[B] United States
[C] France
[D] India
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
Recent studies from Switzerland and the United States have created a detailed risk index for mangroves. This index measures the effects of climate-related threats, such as rising sea levels and more frequent tropical storms, on mangrove ecosystems worldwide. Released in April 2025, the research aims to inform future conservation strategies for these essential coastal habitats. Mangroves are trees that grow in salty coastal areas and offer vital services like coastal protection, carbon storage, and support for fisheries. They play a key role in maintaining biodiversity and supporting local economies. However, they are under threat from climate change. The new risk index evaluates the vulnerability of mangroves based on three future scenarios called Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), which include moderate emissions (SSP2-4.5) and very high emissions (SSP5-8.5). The findings suggest that by 2100, more than 56% of the world’s mangroves could be at high or severe risk, especially in the worst-case scenario.
2. Which state/UT is set to announce its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0 to phase out CNG-driven auto-rickshaws and fossil fuel vehicles?
[A] Delhi
[B] Jammu & Kashmir
[C] Gujarat
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Delhi]
Notes:
The Delhi government is preparing to unveil its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0. This updated policy focuses on eliminating CNG-powered autorickshaws and fossil fuel vehicles, demonstrating a dedication to improving air quality in the city. The draft includes several important proposals. It states that no new registrations for CNG autorickshaws will be permitted starting August 15, and existing permits for these vehicles will not be renewed after that date. Instead, these permits will be replaced with those for electric autorickshaws. Furthermore, all CNG autorickshaws older than ten years must either be replaced or modified to operate on electric batteries. The policy also calls for the gradual removal of fossil fuel vehicles used in solid waste management, with a recommendation for municipal garbage collection vehicles to switch to electric. The aim is to establish a fully electric fleet by December 31, 2027, to improve air quality and decrease dependence on fossil fuels.
3. Which ministry has recently launched a revamped Microdata Portal?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Current Affairs
[C] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[D] Ministry of Science and Technology
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation]
Notes:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has recently introduced an updated Microdata Portal. This announcement was made at the Conference of State Government Ministers. The new portal is designed to enhance data accessibility and improve the user experience by incorporating advanced technologies into the Official Statistical System. It acts as a central hub for a vast array of statistical data gathered from national surveys and economic censuses. The primary goal of the updated portal is to address the technological shortcomings of the previous version, making it easier for users to access diverse statistical information. This improvement will aid in better planning and policy-making across different government levels. Additionally, the portal seeks to boost the efficiency of data enumerators. During the launch, MoSPI also presented an AI/ML-based classification tool that streamlines the use of the National Industrial Classification (NIC) for generating official statistics. This tool utilizes natural language processing, allowing users to enter text queries and receive the top five relevant NIC codes. This advancement minimizes manual work and enhances accuracy in data collection. The development of the new portal was a collaborative effort with the World Bank Technology Team, ensuring the adoption of a modern and scalable technology framework. The new system meets the latest security standards and features a responsive design for easier data access.
4. When was the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana launched?
[A] April 7, 2020
[B] April 8, 2015
[C] April 9, 2020
[D] April 10, 2015
Correct Answer: B [April 8, 2015]
Notes:
The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) is an important program aimed at fostering entrepreneurship in India. Recent data shows that the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) for this initiative rose slightly to 2.21% in the 2024-25 financial year, up from 2.1% the previous year. However, this figure is still below the peak of 3.61% seen in 2020-21. Launched on April 8, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PMMY provides collateral-free loans to small enterprises. The program offers loans of up to ₹20 lakh through Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) and serves various sectors such as manufacturing, trading, and services. Loans are categorized into three main types: Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishore (from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh), and Tarun (up to ₹20 lakh), each designed to meet different entrepreneurial needs. In October 2024, a new category called ‘Tarun Plus’ was introduced, allowing borrowers who have repaid their Tarun loans to access a doubled limit of ₹20 lakh. This new initiative has already attracted about 25,000 beneficiaries in just four months, with total loans reaching ₹3,790 crore.
5. The CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has introduced a novel technology called “Freshness Keeper” in which city?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Mysuru
[C] New Delhi
[D] Pune
Correct Answer: B [Mysuru]
Notes:
The CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) in Mysuru has launched an innovative technology known as “Freshness Keeper.” This development is designed to prolong the freshness of cut flowers, providing support to the floriculture industry. It is part of the CSIR’s Floriculture Mission, which aims to boost farmers’ incomes through improved cultivation methods and value-added products. Freshness Keeper is a paper-based solution created by CFTRI scientists that helps preserve the quality and lifespan of cut flowers. The technology was showcased at an event dedicated to promoting floriculture. R.S. Matche, the Chief Scientist at CFTRI, emphasized the need for field trials to assess its performance in practical settings. The Freshness Keeper technology has been handed over to Phitons Bioengineering Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru for further development and commercialization, marking a move towards merging scientific research with industry applications. Additionally, CSIR-CFTRI hosted a one-day industry meeting to explore opportunities in floriculture, where participants exchanged ideas and addressed challenges.
6. India plans to boost its naval strength by deploying which ship, a key naval base for nuclear submarines, along the coast of Andhra Pradesh?
[A] INS Sunayna
[B] INS Madhu
[C] INS Varsha
[D] INS Kaala
Correct Answer: C [INS Varsha]
Notes:
India is preparing to strengthen its naval power with the launch of INS Varsha, a key naval base for nuclear submarines in coastal Andhra Pradesh. This move is intended to address China’s growing naval influence in the Indian Ocean Region. Situated near Rambilli, the base will offer a secure and sophisticated environment for India’s nuclear submarines, ensuring they are ready for action and can operate stealthily. INS Varsha is expected to be operational by 2026 and will include advanced underground facilities that allow submarines to move in and out undetected. The base will support at least ten nuclear submarines, bolstering India’s nuclear deterrent. Despite facing various challenges, the project is close to completion after more than ten years of construction. Strategically located about 50 km from Visakhapatnam, which hosts the Eastern Naval Command, the base aims to separate naval activities from civilian traffic, thereby reducing congestion and improving efficiency. INS Varsha will enhance India’s operational capabilities in the Bay of Bengal, a crucial area for maritime security.
7. A tri-services all-women circumnavigation sailing Expedition, “Samudra Pradakshina” began from where?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Kochi
[C] Chennai
[D] Visakhapatnam
Correct Answer: A [Mumbai]
Notes:
A groundbreaking all-women sailing expedition named Samudra Pradakshina has launched from Mumbai. The crew is made up of 12 members from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their mission is to navigate 4,000 nautical miles in 55 days, making a round trip to Seychelles. This journey showcases the capabilities of women in the military and promotes gender equality in maritime professions. The Samudra Pradakshina expedition marks an important step in empowering women in areas typically dominated by men. The team was selected from 41 volunteers and has undergone two years of rigorous training, which included various short and long sailing experiences to prepare for the upcoming voyage.
8. Who has been recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium as the Chief Justice of J&K and Ladakh High Court?
[A] Justice Arun Palli
[B] Justice Ramesh Chandra
[C] Justice Surya Kumar
[D] Justice Radha Manohar
Correct Answer: A [Justice Arun Palli]
Notes:
The Supreme Court collegium has put forward Justice Arun Palli from the Punjab and Haryana High Court as the new Chief Justice for the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. This suggestion is made in light of Justice Tashi Rabtan’s upcoming retirement. Justice Palli’s appointment is significant as it comes before Justice Rabtan steps down on April 9, 2025. With extensive experience in various areas of law, including civil, criminal, constitutional, industrial, and labor laws, Justice Palli is well-equipped for this role. His career highlights include serving as the Additional Advocate General of Punjab, being recognized as a senior advocate, and joining the Punjab and Haryana High Court bench in December 2013.
9. Who has been appointed as the CEO of the Oman India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF)?
[A] Satish Chavva
[B] Ajay Kumar
[C] Narendra Varma
[D] Sumanth Shashi
Correct Answer: A [Satish Chavva]
Notes:
The Oman India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) has named Satish Chavva as its new CEO, aiming to improve the fund’s strategic direction and growth plans. Chavva, who has more than 20 years of experience in private equity and finance, is set to guide the fund. This announcement, made on April 8, 2025, is part of OIJIF’s strategy to enhance its leadership and growth initiatives. With his extensive background, Chavva is expected to boost the fund’s portfolio performance and create long-term value. OIJIF is a private equity fund established by the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and the State Bank of India (SBI), focusing on investments that promote sustainable growth in India.
10. In Which state The Madhavpur Mela is celebrated?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
The Madhavpur Mela, an annual festival held in Madhavpur, Porbandar district, was officially opened by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel on April 6, 2025, coinciding with Ram Navami. This important event celebrates the sacred union of Lord Krishna from Dwarka and Rukmaniji from Arunachal Pradesh. Since 2018, the fair has gained national prominence, representing cultural unity and devotion by showcasing traditions from various parts of India. The inauguration was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasizing the festival’s increasing importance as a cultural and religious event. Chief Minister Patel also launched new pilgrimage facilities at the Rukmani Temple, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing religious tourism and infrastructure in the area.
11. Which Indian has recently received the ‘City Key of Honour’?
[A] Draupadi Murmu
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Nirmala Sitharaman
[D] S Jaishankar
Correct Answer: A [Draupadi Murmu]
Notes:
India’s President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, where she received the ‘City Key of Honour’ from the Mayor. This visit underscored the strengthening partnership between India and Portugal, coinciding with the celebration of fifty years of diplomatic relations. On April 7, 2025, President Murmu’s trip to Portugal marked a key moment in their diplomatic ties, highlighting cultural connections, technological cooperation, and shared goals as knowledge-driven economies. Her acceptance of the esteemed ‘City Key of Honour’ and her attendance at a state banquet hosted by Portuguese President H.E. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa showcased the warmth and strategic significance of their relationship.
12. Which ministry has recently launched the Digital Threat Report 2024 to enhance cybersecurity?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[C] Ministry of Industry and Commerce
[D] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Correct Answer: D [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]
Notes:
The Digital Threat Report 2024 represents a significant advancement in strengthening cybersecurity for the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector in India. Released by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, this report seeks to tackle the growing cyber threats that financial institutions are encountering. It highlights the urgent need for a cohesive cybersecurity framework to safeguard the nation’s financial infrastructure. As the BFSI sector rapidly embraces digital transformation, the risk of cyberattacks rises, potentially leading to widespread consequences. A single security breach can impact numerous entities within the interconnected financial network. Thus, a unified national and sector-specific cybersecurity strategy is crucial. The report was developed through the collaboration of CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin, and SISA, which work together to improve threat detection and response capabilities. This initiative aims to equip financial institutions with the tools to enhance their cyber resilience against emerging threats.
13. Which country has recently been unanimously elected to UN International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) for the 2025–2027 term?
[A] India
[B] South Africa
[C] Australia
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India has been elected to the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group of Experts on International Standards of Accounting and Reporting (ISAR) for the term 2025–2027. This selection highlights India’s increasing role in influencing global financial reporting standards. The appointment was made by acclamation, showcasing the international community’s confidence in India’s abilities. India’s participation in ISAR is recognized as a testament to its commitment to improving transparency and accountability in corporate governance and financial reporting. ISAR, which functions under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), aims to enhance global accounting standards and corporate disclosure practices. This appointment presents a valuable opportunity for India to help shape financial reporting frameworks that encourage consistency, transparency, and responsibility among countries.
14. Padma Shri Awardee Ram Sahay Pandey, who recently passed away at the age of 92, was famous which folk dance?
[A] Chhau
[B] Rai
[C] Ghoomar
[D] Theyyam
Correct Answer: B [Rai]
Notes:
Padma Shri Ram Sahay Pandey, an iconic figure in Indian folk culture, died at the age of 92, leaving a significant impact on traditional dance. Known as the leading advocate of Rai folk dance, Pandey devoted his life to transforming this once-marginalized art into a source of cultural pride. Despite enduring poverty, being orphaned, and facing caste-related challenges, his unwavering determination allowed him to defy societal expectations and bring Rai dance from Bundelkhand to the global stage. His death signifies the close of a remarkable chapter, yet his legacy continues to resonate in every movement of the Rai tradition he revitalized and reimagined.
15. Which country has introduced a proposal to create a Global Climate Action Council within the UNFCCC framework?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] France
[D] Brazil
Correct Answer: D [Brazil]
Notes:
Brazil has put forward a plan to establish a Global Climate Action Council within the UNFCCC framework to enhance global climate efforts. This initiative is timed ahead of COP30, scheduled for November 2025 in Belem, Brazil. The council aims to make decision-making more efficient and accelerate climate action while improving global collaboration to tackle the climate crisis. Brazil believes that the existing climate negotiation processes are overly slow and complicated. However, the proposal has received a mixed response from the international community, with some countries showing support while others express caution.
16. Which state government has made a significant move by announcing a 20% reservation for Agniveers in police jobs?
[A] Assam
[B] Gujarat
[C] Haryana
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Notes:
Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, has taken a notable step by introducing a 20% reservation for Agniveers in police positions, making Haryana the first state to implement such a policy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure a secure future for Agniveers after their service. Recently, Saini announced various measures to improve the welfare of Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme. In addition to the police job reservation, the government will offer affordable loans for self-employment and prioritize gun license applications for those pursuing careers in private security. This overview aims to detail the measures introduced by the Haryana government and their potential impact on Agniveers.
17. Who won the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix?
[A] Oscar Piastri
[B] Lando Norris
[C] Max Verstappen
[D] Charles Leclerc
Correct Answer: C [Max Verstappen]
Notes:
Max Verstappen achieved his fourth straight victory at the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix, successfully fending off challenges from McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. His strong performance from pole position allowed him to increase his points total, now only one point behind Norris in the championship standings. This win marked Verstappen’s first of the 2025 Formula 1 season, showcasing his ability to maintain pace under pressure from the McLaren drivers. His impressive qualifying lap, which was just 0.012 seconds faster than Norris, set the tone for the race. Additionally, this victory was a notable moment for Red Bull, as it was their final race using Honda engines in Japan. After this race, Verstappen is now just one point away from Norris in the drivers’ standings.
18. Who is the first Indian to score 13,000 runs in T20 cricket?
[A] MS Dhoni
[B] Rohit Sharma
[C] Virat Kohli
[D] Shreyas Iyer
Correct Answer: C [Virat Kohli]
Notes:
Virat Kohli, one of the most consistent and celebrated batters in modern-day cricket, etched his name into the history books once again by becoming the first Indian cricketer to complete 13,000 runs in T20 cricket. The landmark was achieved during an IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. With this feat, the 36-year-old RCB legend becomes only the fifth cricketer globally to cross this milestone and the second-fastest in the world to do so, further cementing his legacy in the shortest format of the game.
