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1. Which department has recently Celebrated 135th Foundation Day & Launches ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’?
[A] Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
[B] National Archives of India (NAI)
[C] Department of Home
[D] Department of Official Language
Correct Answer: B [National Archives of India (NAI)]
Notes:
The National Archives of India (NAI) celebrated its 135th Foundation Day on March 11, 2025, with the opening of the exhibition “Indian Heritage through Architecture,” inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. This exhibition highlighted India’s diverse architectural history using original archival materials and rare historical documents. During the event, the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ was also launched to improve access to India’s extensive knowledge resources. Furthermore, NAI is currently implementing the world’s largest digitization initiative to preserve and digitize millions of historical documents.
2. Which countries has recently started the naval exercise “Maritime Security Belt 2025” near Chabahar?
[A] Iran, Russia and China
[B] Iraq, Russia and China
[C] Iran, Iraq and China
[D] Iran, Iraq and Russia
Correct Answer: A [Iran, Russia and China]
Notes:
Recent tensions in the Middle East have increased due to joint naval exercises by China, Iran, and Russia. These drills, called the Maritime Security Belt 2025, were held in the Gulf of Oman, an important area near the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is vital for global oil trade, with a significant amount of the world’s crude oil passing through it. The exercises demonstrate the growing military ties among these countries amid worries about Iran’s nuclear goals and regional security issues. The Maritime Security Belt drills happen every year, and this marks the fifth time they have been conducted. In a region known for maritime conflicts, these drills act as a display of power against Western naval forces, especially the US Navy. The exercises featured various naval ships from all three nations, highlighting their military strength.
3. Which country has recently positioned a sophisticated Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in proximity to the Myanmar border?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Singapore
[C] India
[D] China
Correct Answer: D [China]
Notes:
China has recently set up a Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province, close to the China-Myanmar border. This upgrade boosts its ability to monitor, especially regarding India’s missile programs. The radar has a range exceeding 5,000 km, allowing it to oversee the Indian Ocean and parts of India. It can detect and follow missile launches in real time. Unlike older radars, it features electronically controlled antennas for quick scanning. It can accurately track several targets, including ballistic missiles. LPARs are crucial for early warning systems and air defence.
4. Which country was the biggest arms importer in the world from 2020 to 2024, according to the SIPRI report?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Ukraine
[C] India
[D] Iraq
Correct Answer: B [Ukraine]
Notes:
Ukraine has become the largest arms importer in the world from 2020 to 2024, accounting for 8.8% of all arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). India is the second-largest arms importer during this time, although its imports dropped by 9.3% compared to the 2015-2019 period. In contrast, Ukraine’s arms imports surged nearly one hundred times. India’s arms purchases from Russia also fell significantly, decreasing from 55% in 2015-2019 to 36% recently. However, India remains the top buyer of arms from both Russia and France. The United States leads in global arms exports, making up 43%, while Russian exports have decreased by 64%. Additionally, China has dropped out of the top ten arms importers for the first time since 1990-1994, showing a significant increase in its domestic production capabilities.
5. Which country’s former President, Rodrigo Duterte, was recently arrested in Manila?
[A] Philippines
[B] Brazil
[C] Vietnam
[D] Cuba
Correct Answer: A [Philippines]
Notes:
In late 2025, former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested in Manila. He was wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity. The ICC claims he was responsible for the deaths of over 43 people during his time as mayor of Davao and as president. His notorious “war on drugs” was a key part of his rule from 2016 to 2022. This campaign started soon after he took office in June 2016, with a promise to eliminate the illegal drug issue within six months. It was characterized by severe violence and a lack of respect for human rights. Police actions led to thousands of deaths, many of whom were drug suspects. Human rights organizations accused Duterte of fostering a “death squad” mentality.
6. Recently, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has suggested a zero for zero tariff agreement with which country in the textile and apparel sector?
[A] Australia
[B] Japan
[C] United States
[D] Russia
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
A zero for zero tariff strategy involves two countries selecting certain products and removing tariffs on them. The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) has recently proposed such an agreement with the US for textiles and apparel. India is currently looking into trade strategies with the US due to increasing tariff concerns. Industry leaders support a zero-for-zero tariff approach, which focuses on removing tariffs for specific products instead of creating a wide-ranging trade deal. Supporters believe this could boost India’s export competitiveness while safeguarding sensitive industries. Under this strategy, both countries would pinpoint product categories to eliminate tariffs. This plan aims to prevent broad tariffs or large trade agreements. The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) estimates that about 90% of industrial goods traded between India and the US could be included. This approach helps India keep its trade surplus, which was around $46 billion in 2024.
7. Star Health Insurance introduced the SheTARA campaign in which state in honor of International Women’s Day?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Star Health Insurance has launched the SheTARA campaign in Tamil Nadu to celebrate International Women’s Day. This program aims to improve preventive healthcare for women and increase their involvement as insurance agents. Tamil Nadu, home to about 42% of India’s female workforce (approximately 630,000), is a fitting place for this initiative. More than 40 health camps will be held throughout the state.
8. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and which organization have launched nationwide financial literacy campaigns to promote financial awareness and inclusion?
[A] Indian Institute of Packaging
[B] National Productivity Council
[C] National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE)
[D] Indian Institute of Packaging
Correct Answer: C [National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE)]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) have started national campaigns to improve financial literacy and inclusion. These programs are part of the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) and aim to equip various groups in society with important financial knowledge and skills. Special initiatives are being offered for different age groups, focusing especially on young people under 18 and seniors over 60.
9. Recently which country’s based biotech company Tropic has introduced a genetically-engineered banana that resists browning?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] France
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: B [United Kingdom]
Notes:
A UK biotech company called Tropic has recently launched a genetically modified banana that does not brown. This development aims to cut down on food waste and lessen its environmental effects. Bananas spoil quickly, with about 50% of the crop going to waste each year. The new banana stays fresh and yellow for a longer time, promoting sustainability. Bananas go through a lively cycle, changing from green to yellow and then to brown. This transformation is caused by ethylene, a natural hormone. Even after being picked, bananas continue to produce ethylene. This hormone triggers genes that create polyphenol oxidase (PPO), which reacts with oxygen and causes browning. Handling can cause bruising, which speeds up this process by increasing ethylene levels.
10. In which year, the Government of India launched the “75/25” initiative on World Hypertension Day.
[A] 2022
[B] 2023
[C] 2024
[D] 2025
Correct Answer: B [2023]
Notes:
In 2023, India introduced the “75/25” initiative on World Hypertension Day. The goal is to offer standardized care to 75 million people with hypertension and diabetes by December 2025. By March 2025, 42.01 million people have been treated for hypertension, and 25.27 million for diabetes. This shows a strong effort to tackle the growing issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Recently, the Ministry of Health started a nationwide NCD Screening Campaign. This campaign aims to screen all individuals aged 30 and older by March 31, 2025. It takes place in various healthcare facilities under the NP-NCD framework, focusing on data collection and performance management.
11. When will the Unified Pension Scheme Fund come into effect to benefit around 23 lakh employees?
[A] 1 April 2025
[B] 14 April 2025
[C] 1 May 2025
[D] 15 May 2025
Correct Answer: A [1 April 2025]
Notes:
The Indian Government is allocating ₹7,000 crore for the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS). This funding is part of a broader plan that includes over ₹51,000 crore in extra spending. The UPS aims to guarantee retirement payments for Central government workers and will start on April 1, 2025, benefiting about 23 lakh employees. It is an option within the National Pension System (NPS) and focuses on providing a steady monthly income after retirement. The scheme is based on a fund model, which depends on regular contributions from both employees and the government, allowing for effective fund growth and investment. The government expects to spend ₹6,250 crore in the first year of the UPS, with an additional ₹800 crore allocated for arrears in that same year. The initial ₹7,000 crore funding is meant to cover the government’s expected costs for the first year of the scheme.
12, Which state government has recently launched the scheme namely Mukhyamantri Balika Samridhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Mizoram
[D] Tripura
Correct Answer: D [Tripura]
Notes:
On March 9, 2023, Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and President of the BJP, inaugurated two welfare initiatives aimed at supporting girls in Tripura: the Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana and the Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana. The Balika Samriddhi Yojana is designed to benefit families living below the poverty line (BPL) by offering a financial bond of Rs 50,000 for each newborn girl, which is projected to increase to Rs 10 lakh by the time the girl reaches 18 years of age. Meanwhile, the Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana will grant free scooters to 140 academically outstanding girls in Higher Secondary education across all educational boards.
13. The Selvamagal Semippu scheme, which was recently seen in the news, was launched under which initiative?
[A] PM CARES for Children Scheme
[B] Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
[C] Balika Samridhi Yojana
[D] Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana
Correct Answer: B [Beti Bachao Beti Padhao]
Notes:
The Selvamagal Semippu scheme has achieved significant success in Southern India. Started in 2015 as part of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao‘ program, it aims to support girl children. By January 2025, the region has opened more than 1 million accounts, with 786,000 accounts containing deposits totaling ₹5,219 crore. This scheme is for girls under 10 years old. Parents or guardians can open an account with a minimum of ₹250 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh each financial year. The goal is to encourage savings for girls’ futures. The scheme offers a competitive interest rate of 8.2% per year. Deposits are eligible for tax benefits up to ₹1.5 lakh per financial year under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, motivating parents to save for their daughters.
14. The 6th edition of Combined Patrol (CORPAT) and the 4th edition of bilateral exercise ‘BONGOSAGAR’ were held between which countries?
[A] India and Sri Lanka
[B] India and Mauritius
[C] India and Bangladesh
[D] India and Indonesia
Correct Answer: C [India and Bangladesh]
Notes:
The 6th edition of the Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) and the 4th edition of the bilateral exercise ‘BONGOSAGAR’ between the Indian Navy and the Bangladesh Navy began on March 10, 2025, and will run until March 12, 2025. These naval exercises are taking place in specific areas of the Bay of Bengal, close to the maritime borders of Bangladesh and India. Supervised by Commander Flotilla West, the exercises aim to improve maritime security, boost cooperation, and address various criminal activities at sea.
15. Who has assumed charge as its new Chief Executive (CE) of The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA)?
[A] Atul Kumar Goel
[B] Shivanand Meti
[C] Ajay Bhushan
[D] Ravi Varma
Correct Answer: A [Atul Kumar Goel]
Notes:
The Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has announced that Atul Kumar Goel is now the new Chief Executive (CE). With a remarkable career of more than thirty years in banking, Goel offers significant experience and leadership to the Association during a pivotal period of change in India’s banking sector.
16. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean by which country?
[A] Philippines
[B] Mauritius
[C] Thailand
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: B [Mauritius]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean from Mauritius. This is the highest civilian award in Mauritius, and Modi is the first Indian to earn it. The award highlights the strong historical connections between India and Mauritius. It was given to him by Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, who emphasized Modi’s role in enhancing the relationship between the two countries. The Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean is the top honor in Mauritius, awarded to only five foreign leaders since the country became a Republic. Notable past recipients include Nelson Mandela. This award represents not only recognition but also a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
17. Which film won the Best Picture award at the 2025 International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA)?
[A] Laapataa Ladies
[B] Shaitaan
[C] Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
[D] Kill
Correct Answer: A [Laapataa Ladies]
Notes:
The International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA) 2025 celebrated its 25th anniversary, honoring the finest in Bollywood. The event took place in the beautiful city of Jaipur, Rajasthan, and was attended by many of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. This two-day celebration, held on March 8 and 9, 2025, featured stunning performances and memorable moments, leading up to the announcement of the top awards in Indian film. The highlight of the night was Kiran Rao’s “Laapataa Ladies,” which won 10 awards, making it the standout film of the evening. Other significant winners included Kartik Aaryan, who took home the Best Actor award, and the action thriller “Kill,” which also won several awards.
Best Film Categories:
Best Picture: Laapataa Ladies
Best Direction: Kiran Rao (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Story (Original) in the Popular Category: Biplab Goswami (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Story (Adapted): Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, Pooja Ladha Surti, Anukriti Pandey (Merry Christmas)
Best Screenplay: Sneha Desai (Laapataa Ladies)
Best Dialogue: Arjun Dhawan, Aditya Dhar, Aditya Suhas Jambhale, Monal Thaakar (Article 370)
Lifetime Achievement and Special Honors: Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema: Rakesh Roshan
18. Which bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to modernize India’s immigration laws?
[A] The Registration of Foreigners Bill 2025
[B] The Foreigners Passport Bill 2025
[C] The Immigration Registration Bill 2025
[D] The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025
Correct Answer: D [The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025]
Notes:
The Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025 was presented in the Lok Sabha to update India’s immigration laws. The government wants to make it easier for foreigners to enter, live, and leave India. This Bill aims to replace old laws and simplify the current ones. Some opposition parties are worried about possible breaches of constitutional rights. The main objective is to remove overlapping immigration laws. The Bill combines rules from four old acts: the Passport (Entry into India) Act 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act 1939, the Foreigners Act 1946, and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act 2000. These acts are seen as outdated, coming from times before the constitution and during wartime.
19. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government of which state has recently introduced the Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Bill, 2025?
[A] Manipur
[B] Mizoram
[C] Meghalaya
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: B [Mizoram]
Notes:
The Mizoram state assembly has approved the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Amendment Bill. This new law permits the production and distribution of wine and local beer made from local agricultural products. It also allows special permits for foreign dignitaries and tourists to possess and drink India-made foreign liquor. This change represents a departure from the complete ban established by the Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act of 2019. The original act was introduced by the Mizo National Front (MNF) government to enforce a total ban on all alcohol-related activities, responding to rising concerns about alcohol use in the state. The MNF had campaigned on a promise to prohibit liquor, aligning with the views of various community and religious groups. The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government announced the 2025 amendment bill, but it faced significant opposition from MNF, BJP, and Congress members, who walked out during the voting to express their dissatisfaction. Chief Minister Lalduhoma supported the bill, referencing examples from countries with strict liquor laws that still allow special permits for tourists and dignitaries.
20. Recently, which organization has released report on Maternal Mortality?
[A] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[B] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[C] World Health Organization (WHO)
[D] United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Correct Answer: C [World Health Organization (WHO)]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a study showing concerning statistics about maternal mortality. In 2020, around 287,000 women died from preventable issues related to pregnancy and childbirth, which is about 800 deaths each day. This study highlights serious problems in maternal health and emphasizes the urgent need for action. It found that haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders were the main causes of these deaths. Haemorrhage was responsible for 27% of the fatalities, often happening during or after childbirth, while hypertensive disorders, like pre-eclampsia, accounted for 16%. The causes varied by region, with the highest rates in sub-Saharan Africa and Western Asia. In Western Asia and Northern Africa, haemorrhage made up 29% of maternal deaths, while in sub-Saharan Africa, it was 28%. In contrast, Australia and New Zealand had a much lower rate of 15%. Hypertensive disorders were most common in Latin America and the Caribbean. These differences show the various healthcare challenges that different regions face.
21. England and which country to play historic 150th anniversary test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)?
[A] India
[B] Australia
[C] South Africa
[D] New Zealand
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Notes:
Test cricket is about to reach a significant milestone as Australia and England face off in a special one-off day-night Test match to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the very first Test match. Cricket Australia (CA) has announced that this historic pink-ball Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) from March 11 to March 15, 2027. This eagerly awaited event not only honors the rich history of Test cricket but also marks its progression into the modern era with the introduction of the day-night format. The match is expected to attract worldwide attention, bringing cricket fans together to celebrate the legacy of this longest format of the game. The inaugural Test match was held at the MCG in March 1877, featuring Australia and England in a contest that laid the groundwork for international cricket. The 150th Anniversary Test will pay homage to that groundbreaking match, highlighting the enduring rivalry and friendship between these two cricketing giants.
22. National No Smoking Day is observed every year on which day?
[A] 2nd Monday of March
[B] 2nd Tuesday of March
[C] 2nd Wednesday of March
[D] 2nd Thursday of March
Correct Answer: C [2nd Wednesday of March]
Notes:
No Smoking Day is an annual initiative focused on raising awareness about health issues related to tobacco use and motivating smokers to cease their habit. This event takes place on the second Wednesday of March, with this year’s observance scheduled for March 12, 2025. Smoking poses significant health risks, resulting in serious complications such as premature aging, skin discoloration, dental problems, and respiratory disorders. This article examines the visible effects of long-term smoking on health and underscores the importance of No Smoking Day in advocating for a smoke-free lifestyle.
