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1. Which country has recently withdrawn from the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), a setback for global climate justice efforts?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] United Kingdom
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The United States has opted to withdraw from the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), marking a significant obstacle for international climate justice initiatives. Established during the 2022 UNFCCC Conference (COP27) held in Egypt, the LDF aims to provide financial support to areas adversely affected by climate change, such as those experiencing rising sea levels, severe weather events, and agricultural failures. Developing countries, particularly small island nations, have advocated for reparations from wealthier nations. To date, approximately $750 million has been pledged, with the U.S. initially committing $17.5 million prior to its withdrawal. The fund is overseen by a Governing Board, with the World Bank serving as the interim trustee for a period of four years.
2. Which country is seeking amendments to its trade agreements with India, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC)?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Mauritius
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: C [Mauritius]
Notes:
Mauritius is working on changing its trade agreements with India, including the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC). The Foreign and Trade Minister, Dhananjay Ramful, highlighted the need to review the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) to regain Mauritius’ role as a top choice for investment. This effort is a response to the drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) from Mauritius to India since the treaty was updated in 2016. Historically, Mauritius has been a key source of FDI for India, contributing around $175 billion since 2000, which is 25% of India’s total FDI. However, changes made in 2016 to reduce tax avoidance caused a significant decline in these investments, falling from $15.72 billion in 2016-17 to only $6.13 billion in 2022-23. In the fiscal year 2023-24, FDI from Mauritius increased to $7.97 billion, making it the second-largest source of FDI in India after Singapore. In the first quarter of 2024-25, inflows reached $3.21 billion, showing a positive trend. The Mauritian government aims to regain its competitive advantage in attracting Indian investments.
3. Gully erosion is affecting how many districts across India?
[A] 55
[B] 66
[C] 77
[D] 88
Correct Answer: C [77]
Notes:
Gully erosion is impacting 77 districts in India, mainly in the eastern and southern regions. This issue is in line with the United Nations’ goal to fight land degradation by 2030. With global land degradation affecting 20 to 40 percent of the world’s areas, India faces a significant challenge. Gully erosion occurs when soil is washed away along drainage lines by surface water, creating deep channels called gullies that can greatly reduce land productivity. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification describes land degradation as a decline in biological or economic productivity, and in India, gully erosion plays a big role in this issue. The report highlights that eastern India, especially Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, is the hardest hit by gully erosion. While western India has more badlands, the report indicates that the gully features in the east pose a higher risk to achieving land degradation neutrality.
4. The Mahila Samriddhi Yojana has been launched by which state/UT government recently?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Delhi
[D] Rajasthan
Correct Answer: C [Delhi]
Notes:
The Delhi government introduced the Mahila Samriddhi Yojana in honor of International Women’s Day. This program provides a monthly financial aid of Rs 2,500 to women between the ages of 21 and 60 who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, specifically those with an annual income not exceeding Rs 3 lakh. The scheme aims to promote women’s empowerment by offering financial support and fostering self-employment opportunities. It includes various elements such as monthly stipends, subsidized loans for small businesses, and vocational training initiatives. The primary aim of this initiative is to help women achieve stable incomes, thereby enhancing the well-being of their families.
5. The e-Shram portal was launched by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[C] Ministry of Home
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
The e-Shram portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021, aiming to create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). This initiative is intended to provide unorganised workers with a Universal Account Number (UAN) and link them to various social security and welfare programs. As of March 3, 2025, more than 30.68 crore unorganised workers have registered on the platform, with women constituting 53.68% of the total registrants. To enhance accessibility, the Ministry has introduced multilingual support, developed a mobile application, and enabled integration with several social welfare initiatives. The e-Shram – “One-Stop-Solution,” which was introduced on October 21, 2024, aims to unify multiple welfare programs into a single access point for workers. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the e-Shram portal, covering its features, integration with welfare schemes, registration statistics categorized by state and gender, and its overall influence on unorganised workers.
6. The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is a government initiative led by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Current Affairs
[C] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[D] Ministry of Culture
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Corporate Affairs]
Notes:
The PM Internship Scheme 2025 is a great program designed to give young professionals practical experience in leading companies in India. It targets recent graduates who want to start their careers in the corporate world. Interns will not only gain valuable industry insights but also improve important soft skills like teamwork and communication, which are crucial in any job. This program provides a well-structured learning experience, serving as a launchpad for those looking to boost their career opportunities. Managed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the PM Internship Scheme 2025 aims to prepare young talent with skills relevant to the industry. The program lasts for 12 months, offering participants a monthly stipend of ₹5000 and a one-time payment of ₹6000. It spans various sectors and allows interns to work with some of the best corporate organizations in India.
7. India has entered into a $248 million agreement with which country’s Rosoboronexport to procure advanced 1,000 horsepower (HP) engines for its fleet of T-72 battle tanks?
[A] United States
[B] Russia
[C] France
[D] Israel
Correct Answer: B [Russia]
Notes:
India has made a $248 million deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to buy 1,000 horsepower (HP) engines for its T-72 battle tanks. This upgrade is intended to boost the tanks’ mobility and combat power. The agreement also involves technology transfer to the Indian state-owned Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd, allowing for the licensed production of these engines, which will enhance India’s defense manufacturing capabilities.
8. Which ships from the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) successfully completed their visit to Phuket Deep Sea Port in Thailand?
[A] INS Sujata
[B] INS Shardul
[C] ICGS Veera
[D] All of the above
Correct Answer: D [All of the above]
Notes:
The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, which includes INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, has successfully wrapped up its visit to Phuket Deep Sea Port in Thailand. During this visit, the squadron engaged in coordinated tactical maneuvers, professional interactions, and joint exercises with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN), strengthening the maritime relationship between India and Thailand.
9. Who has been appointed as the New President & CEO of Honda Cars India?
[A] Takashi Nakajima
[B] Hinata Botan
[C] Asahi Kimi
[D] Kaito Fumiko
Correct Answer: A [Takashi Nakajima]
Notes:
Honda Motor Company has revealed a change in leadership for its Indian branch, Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL). Takashi Nakajima will take over as the new President and CEO of HCIL starting April 1, 2025. He will replace Takuya Tsumura, who is returning to Honda’s main office in Japan after his three-year term in India. This change is part of Honda’s yearly management restructuring to enhance its global leadership and operational strategies.
10. Who is the first Indian to receive the Ramsar Award for ‘Wetland Wise Use’?
[A] Anandini Joshi
[B] Mridula Rao
[C] Sudha Srinivasan
[D] Jayshree Vencatesan
Correct Answer: D [Jayshree Vencatesan]
Notes:
Jayshree Vencatesan, co-founder of Care Earth Trust, has made history as the first Indian to win the Ramsar Award for ‘Wetland Wise Use’. This important global award highlights outstanding efforts in sustainable wetland management. The announcement was made on International Women’s Day, emphasizing the contributions of women in environmental protection. Vencatesan was among twelve women recognized for their significant work in wetland conservation. The Ramsar Awards honor individuals and organizations committed to managing wetlands sustainably. Created under the Convention on Wetlands, these awards promote the responsible use of wetland resources. Award categories include ‘wise use of wetlands’, ‘innovation’, and ‘influencing policy’. Vencatesan has dedicated decades to the conservation of India’s wetlands. Her efforts focus particularly on the Pallikaranai Marsh in Chennai.
11. Recently, the Lok Sabha approved the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, which replaced which law from the British colonial period?
[A] Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856
[B] Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1866
[C] Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1876
[D] Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1886
Correct Answer: A [Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856]
Notes:
On March 10, 2025, the Lok Sabha approved the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025. This new law updates the shipping regulations from 1856, which are based on colonial rules. The Bill aims to meet international standards and make shipping paperwork easier. A bill of lading is an important document in shipping, as it describes the type, amount, and condition of the goods being shipped. This document provides legal protection and clarity for shipping transactions. The new Bill seeks to improve transparency and efficiency in shipping. It replaces the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, which had only three sections and focused mainly on confirming goods loaded onto ships. The updated law aligns with global shipping standards to boost efficiency, simplifies legal terms for better understanding, reorganizes sections while keeping their original meaning, and gives the Central Government authority to issue guidelines for effective implementation. It also removes outdated colonial aspects from the 1856 Act.
12. Recently, which state government has announced the establishment of a Media Monitoring Centre?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Maharashtra government has recently set up a Media Monitoring Centre. This new initiative will examine media reports from different sources, such as print, electronic, and social media. The centre will function under the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) with a budget of Rs 10 crore. Its main goal is to keep an eye on how the media covers government policies and programs. It will classify news as positive, neutral, or negative. The centre will also observe public feelings and media responses to government actions. This effort aims to improve communication and outreach to the public. The Media Monitoring Centre will carry out several important tasks. It will provide daily PDF summaries from newspapers and track various media for trends and public sentiment. The centre will analyze data to create detailed reports on public opinion and will also develop tools for feedback and sentiment analysis.
13. Which of the following has recently adopted a new indicator known as Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD)?
[A] Food and Agriculture Organization
[B] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[C] World Bank
[D] United Nations Statistical Commission
Correct Answer: D [United Nations Statistical Commission]
Notes:
The United Nations Statistical Commission has recently introduced a new measure called Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD). This measure is designed to monitor progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to eliminate hunger by 2030. MDD is important because it looks at the variety of foods people eat, highlighting the significance of diet quality for health and well-being. It assesses the range of foods consumed by individuals, focusing on ten specific food groups over a 24-hour period. These groups include grains, pulses, dairy, meat, fish, eggs, dark green leafy vegetables, and various fruits and vegetables. The MDD indicator emphasizes the need for nutritious food intake rather than just calorie consumption.
14. According to World Air Quality Report 2024 by IQAir revealed that which country become the world’s most polluted nation?
[A] Chad
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Pakistan
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [Chad]
Notes:
Chad is reported as the most polluted country in the world, according to IQAir’s 2024 World Air Quality Report. Bangladesh and Pakistan also rank among the most polluted nations. The countries with the worst air quality globally include Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and India. IQAir noted that Chad has 91.5 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter, which is over 18 times higher than the WHO’s recommended level. The report also highlighted that India is one of the most polluted countries, with thirteen of the top twenty polluted cities found there. Byrnihat, Assam, is marked as the most polluted city. Although there has been a slight improvement in air quality, the overall situation is still serious. In the 2024 report, India is ranked fifth in pollution, improving from third place in 2023. The average PM2.5 concentration in India dropped by 7% to 50.6 micrograms per cubic meter. However, cities like Delhi still face challenges, with a PM2.5 level of 91.6 micrograms per cubic meter, showing little change from the previous year.
15. The Karnataka Assembly passed the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, which is restructuring the BBMP into up to how many city corporations?
[A] 5
[B] 7
[C] 8
[D] 10
Correct Answer: B [7]
Notes:
The Karnataka Assembly has approved the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, which will change the BBMP into as many as seven city corporations. This new law is intended to decentralise governance in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar introduced the bill, highlighting the importance of improving the city’s administration. The bill has received significant pushback, especially from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which claims it weakens local governance. The main aim of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill is to distribute power more effectively, which should lead to better administrative performance. The bill creates the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to manage development in the Greater Bengaluru Area and to coordinate different civic agencies. It includes several key features, such as a 30-month term for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to ensure stable leadership. Additionally, the BBMP will be divided into smaller corporations to enhance management by forming three to four new entities.
16. Which state assembly has recently adopted legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable borrowers from predatory lending practices?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Kerala
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]
Notes:
The Karnataka Assembly has recently passed a new law to protect vulnerable borrowers from harmful lending practices. This law replaces an earlier ordinance and includes measures to shield defaulters from harassment by recovery agents linked to unlicensed microfinance institutions (MFIs). The new regulations respond to troubling cases of debt-related suicides among borrowers and stress the need for tighter control in the lending industry. The Karnataka Micro Loan and Small Loan (Prevention of Coercive Actions) Bill aims to defend borrowers from aggressive recovery methods used by unregistered MFIs. The bill is designed to build trust among borrowers, ensuring they are treated with respect. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil highlighted the importance of this legislation, referencing recent tragic incidents involving defaulters.
17. Recently, the Assam state government has announced a plan to launch its own satellite, what is the name of satellite?
[A] IndAssam
[B] ASSAMInd
[C] ASSAMSAT
[D] ASSAMTECH
Correct Answer: C [ASSAMSAT]
Notes:
The Assam state government has revealed its intention to launch a satellite named ASSAMSAT. This initiative aims to improve data access for important socio-economic projects and strengthen border security. Assam Finance Minister Ajanta Neog shared this news during the budget presentation for the financial year 2025-26. The satellite is expected to offer specialized services in areas like agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure development, and security operations. This is a significant achievement, making Assam the first Indian state to have its own satellite.
18. Who won the doubles title at the 2025 Rwandan Challenger Tennis Tournament?
[A] Valentin Foyer and Siddhant Banthia
[B] Geoffrey Blancaneaux and Guy Den Ouden
[C] Zdenek Kolar and Alexander Donski
[D] Siddhant Banthia and Alexander Donski
Correct Answer: D [Siddhant Banthia and Alexander Donski]
Notes:
Siddhant Banthia from India and Alexander Donski from Bulgaria secured the doubles championship at the 2025 Rwandan Challenger tennis tournament. This victory marked Siddhant Banthia’s inaugural ATP Challenger title. The singles championship was claimed by Valentin Foyer of France. The Rwandan Challenger, classified as an ATP 100 event, featured a prize pool of $160,000 and took place in Kigali from March 3 to March 9, 2025. Both singles and doubles champions were awarded 100 ATP ranking points. The singles champion received a monetary prize of $22,730, while the doubles champions divided a total of $7,960. The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) is responsible for organizing tournaments for professional male tennis players, with the ATP Tour representing the pinnacle of the sport.
19. Recently, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has changed its name to ________.
[A] Commonwealth Sport
[B] Commonwealth Games and Sport
[C] Commonwealth Games
[D] Commonwealth Sport Institution
Correct Answer: A [Commonwealth Sport]
Notes:
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has revealed that it will now be called Commonwealth Sport. This change was announced on March 10, 2025, to mark Commonwealth Day. The rebranding aims to show the organization’s evolution from a sports federation to a global sports movement, highlighting its commitment to unity, development, and inclusion through sports. While the legal name will remain the Commonwealth Games Federation, the public image and branding will now be under Commonwealth Sport.
20. CISF Raising Day is observed annually on which day?
[A] March 9
[B] March 10
[C] March 11
[D] March 12
Correct Answer: B [March 10]
Notes:
CISF Raising Day is celebrated every year on March 10. This day honors the founding of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969. This year marks its 56th anniversary. The event highlights the important work of CISF personnel in protecting vital infrastructure throughout India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the celebrations in Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the significance of CISF in national security. The main duty of CISF is to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure, which includes the Department of Space, Department of Atomic Energy, airports, and historical sites. The force also safeguards industries such as petroleum, natural gas, electricity, coal, steel, and mining. Furthermore, CISF provides security for high-profile individuals under various protection categories.
21. The 54th National Safety Week is being observed across India from _______ to _______.
[A] March 2 to March 9
[B] March 4 to March 10
[C] March 5 to March 11
[D] March 6 to March 12
Correct Answer: B [March 4 to March 10]
Notes:
The 54th National Safety Week is taking place throughout India from March 4 to March 10, 2025. This yearly event is designed to enhance awareness regarding safety protocols within various industries and workplaces, with the objective of fostering accident prevention and safeguarding employee health. The initiative is spearheaded by the National Safety Council (NSC) of India, an organization that has championed workplace safety for more than fifty years.
22. What is the theme of the National Safety Week 2025?
[A] Our Aim – Zero Harm
[B] Focus on Safety Leadership for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Excellence
[C] Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat
[D] CNurture Young Minds, Develop Safety Culture
Correct Answer: C [‘Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat’]
Notes:
The 54th National Safety Week is being celebrated throughout India from March 4 to March 10, 2025. The theme for this year’s observance, ‘Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat’, highlights the vital importance of safety in the pursuit of a developed and forward-looking India.
23. Recently, Prince Frederik of Luxembourg passed away in Paris at the age of 22 after a long battle with which disease?
[A] Cystic fibrosis
[B] POLG Mitochondrial Disease
[C] Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
[D] Phenylketonuria
Correct Answer: B [POLG Mitochondrial Disease]
Notes:
On March 1, 2025, Prince Frederik of Luxembourg died in Paris at the age of 22 after a long fight with POLG mitochondrial disease. His family shared the news later, highlighting his battle with this rare genetic condition. Diagnosed at 14, Frederik became a supporter of research and started The POLG Foundation in 2022. The foundation’s goal is to increase awareness and gather funds for POLG disease, which leads to progressive failure of multiple organs. POLG mitochondrial disease is caused by changes in the POLG gene, which is essential for copying mitochondrial DNA. This disease disrupts energy production in cells, resulting in serious health problems. Symptoms can vary greatly and may include muscle weakness, seizures, and liver issues. The disorder impacts various organ systems, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
24. Legendary Classical Singer Garimella Balakrishna, who recently passed away at the age of 76, was from which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, a famous classical singer and former court musician of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), died from a heart attack at his home in Tirupati. He was 76 years old. His passing signifies the end of a significant chapter in Indian classical and devotional music, especially in promoting Annamacharya’s works. Balakrishna Prasad devoted his life to Carnatic, folk, and classical music. He held the position of Asthana Vidwan at TTD from 1978 to 2006, gaining national fame. His remarkable talent in composing and performing devotional music made him a beloved figure among followers of Lord Venkateswara.
