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1. Which country is seeking to improve its access to the Indian market for soybean, corn, and cotton?
[A] Mexico
[B] Australia
[C] United States
[D] Canada
Correct Answer: C [United States]
Notes:
The United States is eager to improve its access to the Indian market for three key crops: soybean, corn, and cotton. This interest grew stronger after former US President Donald Trump suggested he might impose equal tariffs on Indian goods. The US agricultural industry has traditionally depended on exports, which totaled nearly $62 billion in 2022. Recent changes in global trade have positioned India as a promising new market for these crops. While China has been the top importer of US soybeans and cotton, its purchases have significantly decreased from 2022 to 2024. Soybean imports fell from $17.9 billion to $12.8 billion, cotton imports dropped from $2.9 billion to $1.5 billion, and corn imports plummeted from $5.2 billion to just $328 million. Meanwhile, Mexico and Japan have become major buyers of US corn, leading the US to consider India as a new opportunity. India’s expected imports of corn and soybean meal suggest a strong demand, with potential imports reaching 46 million tonnes of corn and 19 million tonnes of soybean meal by 2040 under a rapid growth scenario.
2. In which year was the Equalization Levy on online advertisements introduced in India?
[A] 2016
[B] 2018
[C] 2020
[D] 2022
Correct Answer: A [2016]
Notes:
The Equalisation Levy, introduced on June 1, 2016, imposed a 6% tax on payments for online advertising services, targeting major foreign companies like Google and Meta that profited from India’s digital market without contributing to local taxes. On March 24, 2025, the Government of India announced plans to eliminate the Equalisation Levy on online advertisements. This proposal is part of 59 changes to the Finance Bill 2025, which is currently under discussion in the Lok Sabha. The initiative aims to improve relations with the United States, which has warned of potential retaliatory tariffs. In 2020, the levy was broadened to cover e-commerce transactions, but this was revoked in 2024. The latest proposal to remove the 6% Equalisation Levy comes after the earlier repeal of a 2% levy on e-commerce. Analysts believe this move indicates the government’s intention to ease trade tensions with the US, which had raised concerns about the levy’s unilateral implementation and threatened tariffs in retaliation. The Finance Bill amendment will remove this levy starting April 1, 2025, thus reducing the tax burden on digital ad consumers and platforms.
3. Which Ministry has recently introduced new guidelines for MGNREGS job card deletions?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Rural Development
[C] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[D] Ministry of Current Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Rural Development]
Notes:
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has encountered issues with the deletion of job cards. Recently, there has been a significant increase in these deletions, leading the Ministry of Rural Development to establish new guidelines. These guidelines are designed to promote transparency and fairness in the deletion process while addressing the concerns of those affected. MGNREGS was initiated in 2005 and is one of the largest employment guarantee programs in the world. It promises 100 days of work each year to rural households willing to perform unskilled manual labor, with a legally mandated minimum wage. The program’s goal is to boost purchasing power and alleviate poverty in rural areas of India. Over the past four years, more than 10.43 crore job cards have been removed. In the fiscal year 2021-22, there were 1.49 crore deletions, which rose by 247% in 2022-23, totaling 5.53 crore deletions. Many of these deletions were linked to the introduction of an Aadhaar-based payment system, although the government claims there is no connection. The Ministry of Rural Development has released a 10-page guideline document stating that deletions can only happen after verification by gram sabhas. Deletions are allowed for specific reasons, including permanent migration, designation as an urban settlement, duplicate cards, registration with false documents, or the death of the worker.
4. Which state Government to launch the ‘Zero Poverty – P4 programme’ on the Ugadi festival?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Telangana
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has recently introduced the ‘Zero Poverty – P4’ initiative. This program is designed to motivate wealthy individuals to voluntarily contribute to help underprivileged families. Launching on Ugadi, the initiative aims to link donors with recipients without any direct financial support from the government. The P4 initiative stands for ‘People for People, Partnerships for Progress’ and invites affluent individuals and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to aid in reducing poverty. Participation is completely voluntary, so no one is obligated to donate. The main goal of the program is to uplift the most vulnerable groups in society. The government will facilitate connections between donors, known as ‘Margadarsi’, and recipients, called ‘Bangaru Kutumbam’. There will be no government funding involved; instead, the focus is on establishing a clear system for identifying beneficiaries through local governance bodies like Gram Sabhas and Ward Sabhas. The program aims to support 20 lakh families in its first phase, with a selection process that is transparent and accurate to ensure that the most deserving families receive assistance.
5. Which department launched the “Dare2eraD TB” initiative focused on data-driven research to eliminate tuberculosis?
[A] Microbiology and Cell Biology (MCB)
[B] Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
[C] All India Institute of Medical Sciences
[D] Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Correct Answer: B [Department of Biotechnology (DBT)]
Notes:
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has intensified its fight against tuberculosis (TB) with a genomic sequencing initiative. By March 2025, DBT has sequenced 10,000 samples of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, working towards a target of 32,500 samples. This effort aims to improve the understanding of drug-resistant TB and its specific genomic characteristics in India. The project supports the government’s goal to eliminate TB by 2025, which is ahead of the World Health Organization’s 2030 deadline. Launched on World TB Day in March 2022, the Dare2eraD TB program emphasizes TB eradication through genomic research. It is a joint initiative with the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. The Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium (InTGS) is a key player in tracking TB strains within this initiative.
6. Which country is set to conduct AIKEYME Maritime Exercise, aimed at enhancing defence cooperation with several African nations?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] Russia
[D] China
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
The Indian Navy is preparing to hold a maritime exercise called AIKEYME, which aims to boost defense collaboration with various African countries. This effort supports Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s MAHASAGAR vision, which focuses on security and development across regions. The exercise will occur off the coast of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, and will be co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the Tanzania Peoples Defence Force. AIKEYME, which stands for Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement, is intended to improve maritime security and cooperation among the involved nations. Ten African countries will participate: Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa. The main objective is to address maritime security challenges like piracy and illegal fishing. AIKEYME also seeks to promote collaboration through information sharing and surveillance, while focusing on building the capabilities of African navies to enhance their operational effectiveness.
7. Who has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Tata Motors?
[A] Amitabh Bachchan
[B] Hrithik Roshan
[C] Vicky Kaushal
[D] Ranbir Kapoor
Correct Answer: C [Vicky Kaushal]
Notes:
Tata Motors has appointed Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal as the brand ambassador for its Passenger and Electric Vehicle segment. The collaboration kicks off with the “Take the Curvv” campaign, which will promote Tata Motors’ upcoming Tata Curvv SUV during IPL 2025. This partnership aligns with Tata Motors’ commitment to innovation, excellence, and the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
8. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA)?
[A] Ashok Varma
[B] Srinivasan R
[C] Gopal Vittal
[D] Rajesh Khanna
Correct Answer: C [Gopal Vittal]
Notes:
Gopal Vittal, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, has been named the Chairman of Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), a worldwide organization for the telecommunications industry. He is the second Indian to achieve this position, following Sunil Mittal. Vittal’s term will last until the end of 2026. GSMA unites more than 1,100 companies from the global telecom sector.
9. The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is a new national museum being developed in which city?
[A] Kolkata
[B] New Delhi
[C] Gandhinagar
[D] Hyderabad
Correct Answer: B [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Yuge Yugeen Bharat National Museum is a new national museum being developed in New Delhi, located in the North and South Blocks as part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project. This project intends to convert these historic buildings into a leading museum that highlights India’s rich civilizational and cultural heritage. A partnership has been established between the National Museum of India and France Museums Development for technical support in creating the museum. The goal of the project is to provide an engaging experience that reflects India’s magnificent history, lively present, and hopeful future.
10. Who has been selected for the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi award for 2025?
[A] R.K. Shriramkumar
[B] L. Subramaniam
[C] Manoj George
[D] Ragini Shankar
Correct Answer: A [R.K. Shriramkumar]
Notes:
Violinist R.K. Shriramkumar has been honored with the esteemed Sangita Kalanidhi award for 2025, which is presented by the Music Academy. The award will be given during the Academy’s 99th annual conference and concerts, taking place from December 15, 2025, to January 1, 2026. This accolade is particularly significant as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of the renowned composer Muthuswami Dikshitar. The Sangita Kalanidhi award is one of the highest honors in Carnatic music, established by the Music Academy in Chennai, and is awarded each year to a musician who has made notable contributions to the genre. The recipient of the award leads the Academy’s annual conference, sharing knowledge on musicology and performance traditions. R.K. Shriramkumar comes from the Rudrapatnam family, which has a rich heritage in Carnatic music. The ‘R’ in his name represents Rudrapattinam, a village located along the Cauvery River in Karnataka.
11. Recently, which of the following has established a National Task Force (NTF) to address the alarming rise in student suicides in higher educational institutions?
[A] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Education
[D] Supreme Court of India
Correct Answer: D [Supreme Court of India]
Notes:
The Supreme Court of India has established a National Task Force (NTF) to address the alarming rise in student suicides in higher education. This initiative was triggered by the heartbreaking deaths of two students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, underscoring the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to mental health in schools. The Supreme Court noted a “disturbing pattern” of suicides, particularly among students at prestigious institutions. Over the past few years, more than 13,000 students have reportedly taken their own lives, with many cases linked to academic pressure, discrimination, and bullying. The NTF will be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat and will consist of members from various sectors, including higher education, social justice, and mental health. The task force aims to identify the causes of student suicides and recommend regulatory improvements. It will also prepare a detailed report that highlights the main factors leading to these tragedies, assesses existing mental health regulations, and suggests strategies to enhance student safety. Furthermore, the NTF is empowered to conduct surprise inspections of educational institutions.
12. The 20th meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) being held in which place?
[A] Paris
[B] London
[C] Berlin
[D] Rome
Correct Answer: D [Rome]
Notes:
The 20th meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) is scheduled to occur in Rome starting March 24, 2025. This gathering will concentrate on the preservation of plant and forest genetic resources. Participants will examine how genetic diversity contributes to climate adaptation and will discuss policies to improve global forest security. This commission is the only ongoing intergovernmental organization focused on the biological diversity aspects related to food and agriculture. Genetic diversity is vital for ensuring food security, as it supports a resilient food system that can cope with challenges like climate change, pests, and diseases. The commission advocates for the sustainable use of this biodiversity, which is crucial for human health and development. At CGRFA-20, two significant reports will be presented. The Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture will be unveiled on March 24, followed by the Second Report on the State of the World’s Forest Genetic Resources on March 26. These reports will evaluate the current status of genetic resources and identify areas needing conservation attention.
13. In which state was the sixth edition of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025 initiative inaugurated?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Haryana
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: C [Haryana]
Notes:
The 6th edition of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2025 was launched in Panchkula, Haryana on the occasion of World Water Day on 22 March 2025 with a focus on 148 water-stressed districts of the country. Notably, this marks the first instance of the campaign being launched outside of New Delhi. The initiative aims to enhance awareness regarding water conservation and encourage community involvement. It is scheduled to take place during the monsoon season. This effort is a collaborative initiative by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, and the Government of Haryana. The theme for the 2025 campaign is “People’s Action for Water Conservation – Towards Intensified Community Connect.”
14. Which state government has announced the development of corridors along the sacred Ganga and Sharda rivers to enhance religious tourism in the state?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: A [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has revealed plans to create corridors along the holy Ganga and Sharda rivers to boost religious tourism in the region. This initiative focuses on upgrading infrastructure and amenities for pilgrims while safeguarding the state’s cultural and spiritual legacy. Furthermore, CM Dhami highlighted the importance of ancient Indian texts in influencing both scientific and spiritual perspectives during the 62nd All India Shastraotsav held in Haridwar.
15. Which state has recently become the first Indian state to establish a Senior Citizens Commission?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Kerala
[C] Telangana
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: B [Kerala]
Notes:
Kerala has taken a groundbreaking step by being the first Indian state to create a Senior Citizens Commission. The approval of the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill, 2025, highlights the state’s dedication to the well-being, protection, and empowerment of its elderly population. This new statutory body is designed to protect the rights and welfare of senior citizens and serve as an advisory group for policy development. This initiative emphasizes Kerala’s commitment to safeguarding, rehabilitating, and empowering its senior citizens.
16. The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed annually on which day?
[A] March 23
[B] March 24
[C] March 25
[D] March 26
Correct Answer: C [March 25]
Notes:
The International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is commemorated every year on March 25. This day pays tribute to the countless men, women, and children who endured the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. It also serves as an opportunity to educate future generations about the brutal realities of slavery and its ongoing impact in today’s world. The transatlantic slave trade, which lasted from the 15th to the late 19th century, forcibly removed millions of Africans, mainly from West Africa, to the Americas. This trade was fueled by European colonial powers that exploited African labor for profit, especially in sugar, cotton, and tobacco production. The cruel trafficking of Africans not only enriched colonial nations but also fostered racist ideologies, including the false beliefs in white superiority and racial inferiority, which continue to affect society today.
17. Who has been named as the new Finance Secretary of India?
[A] Ajay Seth
[B] Ajay Joshi
[C] Ramanand Rai
[D] Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Correct Answer: A [Ajay Seth]
Notes:
Ajay Seth has been appointed as the Finance Secretary of India, taking over from Tuhin Kanta Pandey. Previously serving as the Economic Affairs Secretary since 2021, Seth has been instrumental in developing financial policies and funding infrastructure projects. His extensive background in public finance and taxation positions him well for this new role. The Indian government announced his appointment on March 24, 2025, during a crucial period when it seeks to maintain fiscal discipline while promoting economic growth. With more than thirty years of experience, Seth has significantly influenced India’s economic policies and led various financial reforms.
