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1. Which country has emerged as the top milk producer in the world?
[A] India
[B] Germany
[C] China
[D] France
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
Union Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated in the Lok Sabha that India plans to boost its milk production to 300 million metric tons (MMT) within the next five years. Currently, India is the leading milk producer globally, with a production of 239 MMT. This increase is largely attributed to the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), which was initiated in 2014. Over the years, India’s dairy industry has experienced significant growth, making it the largest milk producer in the world, accounting for over 24% of the total global milk output. Additionally, the average milk consumption per person in India stands at 471 grams per day, which is notably higher than the worldwide average.
2. Which country has recently announced its decision to join the New Development Bank (NDB)?
[A] Indonesia
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Japan
[D] Thailand
Correct Answer: A [Indonesia]
Notes:
Indonesia has decided to become a member of the New Development Bank (NDB), a financial institution created by the BRICS countries. President Prabowo Subianto announced this during a meeting with NDB President and former Brazilian leader Dilma Rousseff. This decision is anticipated to enhance Indonesia’s economic development by promoting financial partnerships and investment in important sectors. The NDB was founded by the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—to support sustainable development and infrastructure projects in developing economies. Since its inception, other countries like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE have also joined the bank.
3. S&P Global has reduced India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to _______ percent.
[A] 6.2%
[B] 6.3%
[C] 6.4%
[D] 6.5%
Correct Answer: D [6.5%]
Notes:
S&P Global has lowered its GDP growth prediction for India in FY26 to 6.5%, a decrease of 20 basis points from the previous estimate of 6.7%. This updated forecast is based on the expectation of stable commodity prices and a typical monsoon season. The agency highlighted that India’s service exports to the US continue to perform well, despite challenges in global trade and tariff issues. Furthermore, a reduction in food inflation, tax incentives from the FY26 Budget, and decreased borrowing costs are anticipated to boost domestic consumption.
4. How many large dam failures could occur globally in the near future (2023-2035), does recent statistical analysis indicate?
[A] 22
[B] 23
[C] 24
[D] 25
Correct Answer: B [23]
Notes:
A recent study published in Nature Water highlighted concerning predictions about dam failures around the world. Researchers forecast that 23 significant dam failures could happen globally by 2035. This study emphasizes the urgent need for increased investment in dam safety, as 4.4% of large dams currently have a failure probability greater than 1 in 10,000. The research involved a detailed analysis of dam failure probabilities from 1900 to today, reviewing historical failure data and current dam inventories. It found a notable trend of “infant mortality” in dam failures, especially in the early years of operation, which is particularly relevant for newly built embankment dams. The analysis also suggested that older dams, especially those constructed between 1950 and 2000, are likely to be significant contributors to future failure rates. Many of these are embankment dams ranging from 15 to 70 meters in height. While the risks of aging dams may not be immediately obvious, they still present a serious threat.
5. India and which country has recently signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate on the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC)?
[A] Thailand
[B] Japan
[C] Singapore
[D] Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: C [Singapore]
Notes:
On March 25, 2025, India and Singapore entered into a Letter of Intent (LoI) to work together on the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) during Singapore Maritime Week. This collaboration aims to improve digitalization and reduce carbon emissions in the maritime industry. The agreement is designed to foster innovation and encourage the use of low-emission technologies in shipping. The GDSC initiative was created to tackle environmental issues related to shipping, with a focus on lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The corridor seeks to promote the development of technologies that produce zero or near-zero emissions. This partnership is part of a larger effort to enhance sustainability in maritime operations. The main goals of the GDSC include: 1. Advancing maritime digitalization. 2. Identifying partners for joint projects. 3. Speeding up the adoption of green technologies. 4. Establishing the partnership through a memorandum of understanding.
6. In collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), which ministry has recently initiated a comprehensive social protection data-pooling exercise?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
India has made significant progress in expanding social protection coverage. The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has launched a thorough data collection initiative. This project aims to improve the understanding of social protection benefits available throughout the country. Recent data indicates that 65% of India’s population, around 920 million people, receive at least one form of social protection benefit. The data collection started on March 19, 2025, and focuses on gathering information from various central programs, including MGNREGA, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI). More than 2 billion records were analyzed using encrypted Aadhaar numbers as unique identifiers. This effort seeks to identify distinct beneficiaries and optimize welfare expenditures. According to the ILO’s World Social Protection Report 2024-26, India’s social protection coverage has increased, rising from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024. This growth includes both cash and non-cash benefits. However, the ILO’s evaluation might not fully reflect the actual coverage, as it overlooks non-cash benefits such as food security and housing.
7. Recent discoveries in the Pilbara region of which country have revealed the oldest known meteorite impact crater on Earth?
[A] China
[B] Australia
[C] United States
[D] Canada
Correct Answer: B [Australia]
Notes:
Recent findings in the Pilbara region of Western Australia have uncovered the oldest known meteorite impact crater on Earth. Dating back over 3.5 billion years, this crater is more than a billion years older than any previously identified craters. These discoveries bolster theories about how Earth’s first continents formed. This crater opens up new possibilities for exploring early geological activities and the beginnings of life. It offers essential insights into Earth’s geological history, indicating that meteorite impacts significantly contributed to the development of early continents. The age of the crater suggests it may have affected chemical and biological processes on the planet. This discovery supports the idea that the formation of early continents was influenced by external factors, rather than being driven solely by internal geological activities.
8. Which Indian aerospace company has joined forces with Astroscale Japan through a formal agreement to enhance space sustainability?
[A] Bellatrix Aerospace
[B] Asteria Aerospace
[C] Mahindra Aerospace
[D] Collins Aerospace
Correct Answer: A [Bellatrix Aerospace]
Notes:
Bellatrix Aerospace, a space mobility firm located in Bengaluru, has partnered with Astroscale Japan through a formal agreement to promote sustainability in space. This collaboration will focus on active debris removal, satellite maintenance, and ensuring long-term safety in orbit. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on these initiatives, aiming to improve space sustainability and create a cleaner environment in orbit.
9. Who has been elected as the new chairman of INTACH?
[A] Ramprasad Rao
[B] Shiva Ram Dube
[C] Ashok Singh Thakur
[D] Ajay Jain
Correct Answer: C [Ashok Singh Thakur]
Notes:
Ashok Singh Thakur has been appointed as the new chairman of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) for a term of three years. This decision was announced by the Ministry of Culture after INTACH’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place on March 22, 2025, in New Delhi.
10. Who has been elected as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia?
[A] Arun Rai
[B] Prasad Varma
[C] Balaji Gupta
[D] Sanjay Singh
Correct Answer: D [Sanjay Singh]
Notes:
Sanjay Singh, the head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), has been chosen as a Bureau Member of United World Wrestling (UWW)-Asia, marking a significant advancement for Indian wrestling. This election occurred during the UWW-Asia General Assembly in Amman, Jordan, where Singh received 22 out of 38 votes. His election is a notable success for Indian wrestling, enhancing its global visibility and opening doors for the sport’s growth in Asia.
11. Who has recently been appointed as a Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog?
[A] Rajiv Gauba
[B] Sanjay Kumar
[C] Ajay Seth
[D] Rajesh Kumar Singh
Correct Answer: A [Rajiv Gauba]
Notes:
Rajiv Gauba, the former Cabinet Secretary, has been named a Full-Time Member of NITI Aayog, according to an official announcement made on March 25, 2025. Gauba, who is a 1982-batch IAS officer from the Jharkhand cadre, has a long and distinguished career in administration, having served as India’s leading bureaucrat for five years from 2019 until August 2024. His new role takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.
12. Which state has been awarded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for its exemplary performance in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan?
[A] Assam
[B] Tripura
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B [Tripura]
Notes:
Tripura has received recognition from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, for its outstanding efforts in the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. This honor was announced on World TB Day, highlighting the state’s commitment to public health. Chief Minister Manik Saha shared the news, thanking health officials and community members who contributed to the initiative. The campaign has effectively screened millions and enhanced TB treatment access throughout India. The TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a national program aimed at eradicating tuberculosis in the country. Launched in December 2024, it emphasizes comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and treatment of TB. The initiative adopts a ‘whole of society’ and ‘whole of government’ strategy to gather resources and encourage community involvement. Within just 100 days, the campaign screened around 12.97 crore people, identifying over 7.19 lakh TB patients, many of whom were asymptomatic. Advanced technologies, such as handheld X-ray devices and Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing, played a crucial role in detecting TB in remote locations.
13. Who is the author of the book Leo: The Untold Story of Chennai Super Kings?
[A] Srinivasan Kumaran
[B] Rajesh Krishnan
[C] Anand Pillai
[D] P.S. Raman
Correct Answer: D [P.S. Raman]
Notes:
Cricketer MS Dhoni, along with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team, unexpectedly attended the launch of the book ‘Leo: The Untold Story of Chennai Super Kings’, authored by P.S. Raman, who previously served as the vice-president of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). The event attracted prominent figures from both the cricket and entertainment sectors.
14. Which country has recently implemented a temporary shutdown of Facebook?
[A] Nigeria
[B] Ethiopia
[C] Papua New Guinea
[D] Uganda
Correct Answer: C [Papua New Guinea]
Notes:
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has recently enacted a temporary ban on Facebook. The government refers to this move as a “test” to address issues like hate speech, misinformation, and explicit material. The shutdown took many by surprise, leaving around 1.3 million users without access to the platform. This decision has sparked a heated discussion about free speech and government power. The PNG government implemented the Facebook ban under anti-terrorism laws, arguing that it is essential for safeguarding citizens from harmful online content. Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili mentioned that the goal is to promote responsible social media use. However, the suddenness of the action has faced backlash from opposition leaders and media advocates.
15. Which organization has released the Global Energy Review 2025 report?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] International Energy Agency (IEA)
[C] World Economic Forum (WEF)
[D] International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Correct Answer: B [International Energy Agency (IEA)]
Notes:
The International Energy Agency’s Global Energy Review 2025 highlights the effects of extreme weather on energy demand in 2024. The report indicates a significant increase in energy consumption due to unprecedented high temperatures, with demand rising by 20 percent, especially for natural gas and electricity. This increase also led to a higher use of coal. The report offers a detailed analysis of the energy sector’s changes, including all types of fuels, technologies, and associated carbon dioxide emissions. In 2024, global energy demand grew rapidly, with electricity demand increasing almost twice as fast as the overall energy demand. This rise was mainly due to greater cooling requirements, industrial usage, and the shift towards electric transportation. Additionally, the growth was supported by the expansion of data centers and advancements in artificial intelligence. Renewable energy sources were crucial in addressing the growing electricity demand, with solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity experiencing unprecedented growth. In 2024, renewable energy and nuclear power contributed to 80 percent of the increase in global electricity generation, with renewables alone providing 32 percent of the total generation, marking a significant achievement.
16. Recently, which state has passed the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill?
[A] Kerala
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Rajasthan
[D] West Bengal
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
The Kerala Assembly has recently approved the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, allowing private universities to function in Kerala, making it the final state in India to do so. This bill represents a significant change in the Left’s historical resistance to private education. The initiative seeks to improve the higher education system in the state and tackle issues related to student migration. Government representatives will play a role in the governance of private universities, with three government nominees on the governing council, which consists of twelve members. The executive council, responsible for managing university finances, will also include one government nominee. To ensure adherence to government policies, the academic council will have three representatives from the government. The new law allows for the creation of multi-campus universities and requires that 40% of seats in each program be reserved for permanent residents of Kerala. Furthermore, reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes will be implemented to promote fair access to education for local students.
17. Which state government has recently enacted the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Assam
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: D [Telangana]
Notes:
The Telangana Assembly has passed a resolution to implement the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act of 1994 (Central Act No. 42 of 1994). This legislation governs the process of organ transplantation and prohibits commercial transactions involving human organs and tissues. Although Telangana previously had its own Transplantation of Human Organs Act, enacted in 1995 (Act No. 24 of 1995), it has chosen to adopt the Central Act in light of the amendments made in 2011. These amendments expanded the scope to include tissue transplantation, established state and national regulatory bodies, and introduced more stringent penalties for non-compliance. By adopting this resolution, Telangana is positioned to implement the 2011 amendments more effectively.
18. Who is set to inaugurate the new Pamban rail bridge linking Ramanathapuram and Rameswaram Island on April 6, 2025?
[A] PM Narendra Modi
[B] President Draupadi Murmu
[C] Amit Shah
[D] MK Stalin
Correct Answer: A [PM Narendra Modi]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to open the new Pamban rail bridge on April 6, 2025, which aligns with the celebration of Ram Navami. This bridge, which connects Ramanathapuram to Rameswaram Island, was built at a cost of ₹531 crore and is designed to improve railway connectivity in the area. During the inauguration, the Prime Minister will also launch a new train service between Tambaram and Rameswaram and speak at a public event.
19. Which city in India is hosting the Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 Tennis tournament?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Pune
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Ranchi
Correct Answer: B [Pune]
Notes:
Pune will host the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup Asia-Oceania Group-1 tournament for the first time in tennis history of the country, while Maharashtra will be hosting the event after a gap of 25 years from April 8 to 12 at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex. Six teams—India, New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Korea, and Thailand—will compete in a round-robin format with two singles and one doubles match per tie. India, led by Ankita Raina and doubles specialist Prarthana Thombare, will aim for two qualification spots.
20. Who has clinched a bronze medal in the 87kg Greco-Roman category at the Asian Wrestling Championships 2025?
[A] Alka Tomar
[B] Yogeshwar Dutt
[C] Sunil Kumar
[D] Udey Chand
Correct Answer: C [Sunil Kumar]
Notes:
Indian wrestler Sunil Kumar secured a bronze medal in the 87kg Greco-Roman category at the 2025 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Amman, Jordan. After facing a defeat against Iran’s Yasin Yazdi in the semifinals, he bounced back by winning against China’s Jiaxin Huang in the bronze medal match. A silver medalist from 2019, Sunil is striving to regain his top form. He began the tournament with a notable 10-1 victory over Tajikistan’s Sukhrob Abdulkhaev in the quarterfinals, scoring all his points in the second period. However, he lost to Yazdi in the semifinals with a close score of 3-1, preventing him from reaching the final.
21. International Unborn Child Day is celebrated annually on which day?
[A] March 24
[B] March 25
[C] March 26
[D] March 27
Correct Answer: B [March 25]
Notes:
International Unborn Child Day is observed every year on March 25 worldwide. This day highlights the idea that every child is a valuable gift, representing hope and new beginnings. The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness about the rights and protection of unborn children. Established by Pope John Paul II, this day promotes the importance of safeguarding life from its earliest moments. He described it as “a favorable choice in favor of life” and selected March 25 as the official date. This date is significant as it is exactly nine months before Christmas, the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Additionally, March 25 aligns with the Feast of the Annunciation, which marks the moment of Jesus’ conception in Mother Mary’s womb. This day emphasizes the importance of unborn life and calls on society to acknowledge and protect the rights of unborn children.
22. Manoj Bharathiraja, who recently died at the age of 48, was well-known in which film industry?
[A] Telugu
[B] Kannada
[C] Marathi
[D] Tamil
Correct Answer: D [Tamil]
Notes:
Tamil actor and director Manoj Bharathiraja, the son of renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja, sadly passed away at the age of 48 from a heart attack at his home in Chetpet, Chennai, on March 25, 2025. His unexpected death, following recent bypass surgery, has brought great sorrow to the Tamil film community and his fans. He is survived by his wife Ashwathi (Nandana) and their two daughters, Arshitha and Mathivathani. Many prominent figures, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, music composer Ilaiyaraja, and actor-politician Sarathkumar, have expressed their condolences and paid tribute to him.
