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1. Techkriti 2025, Asia’s largest intercollegiate technical and entrepreneurial festival held at which IIT?
[A] IIT Bombay
[B] IIT Hyderabad
[C] IIT Kanpur
[D] IIT Madras
Correct Answer: C [IIT Kanpur]
Notes:
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan officially opened Techkriti 2025, the premier technical and entrepreneurial festival at IIT Kanpur, known as the largest intercollegiate tech event in Asia. This gathering united academics, defence specialists, and industry leaders to explore technological progress. In a Fireside Chat, Gen Chauhan highlighted the need to modernize the Indian Armed Forces by incorporating Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Computing, and Cognitive Warfare. He urged young innovators to play a role in enhancing national security and achieving technological independence.
2. What is the name of the operation launched by the Indian government to provide humanitarian assistance to earthquake-hit Myanmar?
[A] Operation Shakti
[B] Operation Brahma
[C] Operation Pratham
[D] Operation Sarva Shakti
Correct Answer: B [Operation Brahma]
Notes:
On Saturday, March 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with Myanmar’s Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, offering India’s humanitarian support to address the severe consequences of the earthquake that hit Myanmar. This discussion took place shortly after India initiated ‘Operation Brahma’, an emergency relief effort focused on providing disaster aid, conducting search and rescue missions, and delivering medical support to the impacted areas. Preliminary reports indicate that the earthquake has caused over 1,000 deaths, with many people still trapped beneath the rubble. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that there are currently no Indian casualties reported.
3. The Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) Programme is an initiative funded by which bank?
[A] World Bank
[B] European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
[C] Asian Development Bank (ADB)
[D] International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: C [Asian Development Bank (ADB)]
Notes:
The Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) Programme is an initiative supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It was created to improve India’s logistics infrastructure, with the goal of lowering logistics costs and enhancing overall efficiency. The programme aligns with the National Logistics Policy and the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. SMILE aims to boost logistics efficiency through various strategic actions, including reinforcing institutional frameworks for multimodal logistics across different governance levels. It also emphasizes the standardization of warehousing and logistics assets to strengthen supply chains. A major objective is to enhance efficiencies in external trade logistics. Additionally, the programme encourages the digitalization of trade logistics to simplify processes and minimize delays. The use of smart systems is promoted to achieve low-emission logistics.
4. Which ministry has announced a borrowing of a ₹8 trillion plan for the first half of the financial year 2025-26?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[C] Ministry of Current Affairs
[D] Ministry of Industry and Commerce
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Finance]
Notes:
The Government of India has revealed its borrowing strategy for the first half of the financial year 2025-26. This plan aims to secure ₹8 trillion from the market, which represents 54% of the overall borrowing goal of ₹14.82 trillion. It includes the issuance of ₹10,000 crore in sovereign green bonds. The borrowing will take place through 26 weekly auctions, influencing fiscal management and market liquidity. The government will offer securities with various maturities, distributed as follows: 3-year (5.3%), 5-year (11.3%), 7-year (8.2%), 10-year (26.2%), 15-year (14%), 30-year (10.5%), 40-year (14%), and 50-year (10.5%). The 10-year securities will be issued every fifth week to meet market demands. A key feature of this borrowing plan is the introduction of sovereign green bonds, with the government aiming to raise ₹10,000 crore to support environmentally sustainable projects, reflecting a global shift towards green finance.
5. Recently, a new species of snakehead fish called Channa Nachi was identified in which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Meghalaya
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: B [Meghalaya]
Notes:
A new species of snakehead fish has recently been discovered in Meghalaya, named Channa nachi. This finding highlights the diverse freshwater ecosystems in the area. The fish was initially collected from a stream in the South Garo Hills four years ago. Channa nachi was located in a shallow stream that connects to the Simsang River system, characterized by sand, leaf litter, and pebbles, which support various lesser-known aquatic species. While the stream is home to other fish, Channa nachi is notable for its unique features. It has a slender body with a striking bicolor pattern, shifting from creamish-yellow to deep blue. Its key characteristics include pale-blue marbling and distinct saddles on its dorsal side, making it appealing for the ornamental fish market.
6. Which organization has recently identified alarming threats to fungi, lions, and frankincense trees?
[A] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
[B] International Forestry Resources and Institutions Network
[C] European Forest Institute
[D] Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
Correct Answer: A [International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)]
Notes:
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently reported serious threats to fungi, lions, and frankincense trees. The number of fungi species listed on the IUCN Red List has exceeded 1,000, while frankincense trees are increasingly at risk of extinction.
Fungi: The IUCN’s Red List now features over 1,000 fungal species, indicating rising dangers from deforestation, agricultural growth, and urbanization.
Lions: The IUCN’s Green Status of Species evaluations demonstrate the positive effects of conservation efforts on various species, including lions.
Frankincense Trees: The latest update indicates that frankincense trees (Boswellia) are facing a heightened risk of extinction.
7. The Union Cabinet has recently approved a Rs 22,919 crore electronics unit manufacturing Scheme for a period of how many years?
[A] 5 years
[B] 6 years
[C] 8 years
[D] 10 years
Correct Answer: B [6 years]
Notes:
On March 28, 2025, the Union Cabinet of India approved the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme, which comes with a significant budget of ₹22,919 crore. This initiative is designed to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing sector, particularly in the production of essential electronic components. It is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to create a strong electronics manufacturing environment. The main goal is to raise Domestic Value Addition (DVA) in electronics from 20% to 40% over the next five years by encouraging local production of both passive and active components. The scheme emphasizes the importance of sub-assemblies and bare components, which are vital for making finished electronic products. It is projected to attract investments of ₹59,350 crore, generate production valued at ₹4,56,500 crore, and create 91,600 direct jobs, along with many indirect employment opportunities. This economic development is key to India’s ambition of achieving self-sufficiency in the electronics industry.
8. Recently, India and Japan have signed a loan agreement worth JPY 191.736 billion for how many projects?
[A] four
[B] Five
[C] Six
[D] Seven
Correct Answer: C [Six]
Notes:
India and Japan have recently signed loan agreements amounting to 191.736 billion Japanese yen. This funding will support six different projects under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), focusing on key areas such as urban transport, aquaculture, forest management, and biodiversity conservation. This collaboration strengthens the long-standing economic ties between the two countries. The agreements were finalized in New Delhi between the Government of India and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The six projects include:
- Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Program (Phase 3): JPY 36.114 billion. This program aims to attract foreign investments, create quality jobs, and enhance advanced manufacturing skills among local youth.
- Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project (Phase 4): JPY 79.726 billion. This project will expand the metro network, helping to reduce traffic congestion and lower vehicular pollution, thus aiding in climate change efforts.
- Chennai Seawater Desalination Plant (II): JPY 52.556 billion. This plant will ensure a reliable water supply, improving living conditions for the underprivileged in the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
- Project for Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management: JPY 8.280 billion. This initiative aims to train forest personnel, enhancing the implementation of forest policies and supporting biodiversity conservation.
- Assam State Aquaculture Promotion and Livelihood Improvement Project: JPY 3.580 billion. This project in Assam focuses on increasing aquaculture production and improving the livelihoods of local fishery stakeholders through better supply chains.
- Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resources Conservation Project: JPY 11.480 billion.The Punjab Biodiversity Project emphasizes the importance of ecosystem services. Its goal is to reduce the effects of climate change by encouraging the conservation of biodiversity and the management of wetlands in a holistic manner.
9. The Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project is an initiative aimed at improving irrigation and flood management in which state?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Bihar
[C] West Bengal
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: B [Bihar]
Notes:
The Kosi Mechi Intra-State Link Project is designed to enhance irrigation and manage floods in Bihar. Recently approved by the Cabinet, it falls under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The initiative will use surplus water from the Kosi River to improve irrigation in the Mahananda basin. With an estimated budget of Rs. 6,282.32 crore, the project is projected to be finished by March 2029. The main goal is to redirect excess water from the Kosi River to the Mahananda basin by upgrading the existing Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) and extending it to the Mechi River. This project aims to irrigate an additional 2,10,516 hectares of farmland in Bihar, mainly benefiting the districts of Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar. The central government has provided significant financial support, with Rs. 3,652.56 crore allocated as central assistance to Bihar. This funding is essential for the project’s timely completion and aims to address water scarcity in the area.
10. Exercise INDRA-2025 is a joint bilateral naval exercise between which two countries?
[A] India and Thailand
[B] India and Nepal
[C] India and France
[D] India and Russia
Correct Answer: C [India and France]
Notes:
The 14th edition of the Indian-Russia naval exercise INDRA is set to take place from March 28 to April 2, 2025, off the coast of Chennai. This event marks a significant step in the maritime collaboration between India and Russia. Launched in 2003, INDRA has grown into an essential platform for boosting naval cooperation and operational effectiveness between the two countries. The exercise was created to enhance the strategic ties between the Indian Navy and the Russian Navy and has adapted over time to reflect shifting geopolitical circumstances. It now stands as a testament to their partnership in maritime operations. The exercise consists of two main phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase. The Harbour Phase will run from March 28 to March 30, 2025, in Chennai, featuring an opening ceremony, exchanges of expertise, mutual visits, and sports events. The Sea Phase will occur from March 31 to April 2, 2025, in the Bay of Bengal, concentrating on advanced naval exercises.
11. The Indian Army held a joint multi-domain warfare exercise called ‘Prachand Prahaar,’ in which state?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Karnataka
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: B [Arunachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The Indian Army held a joint multi-domain warfare exercise called ‘Prachand Prahaar’ in the high-altitude region of Arunachal Pradesh from March 25 to 27, 2025. This exercise aimed to test a unified strategy for surveillance, command and control, and precise firepower among the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Organized by the Eastern Command, it demonstrated the effective collaboration of the three branches in implementing contemporary warfare strategies. The focus was on teamwork, advanced technology, and readiness across multiple domains to effectively address potential threats.
12. Which company has appointed Sunil Kakkar as an Additional Director and Whole-Time Director with the designation of Director (Corporate Planning)?
[A] Maruti Suzuki
[B] Tata Motors
[C] Tech Mahindra
[D] Honda
Correct Answer: A [Maruti Suzuki]
Notes:
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has named Sunil Kakkar as an Additional Director and Whole-Time Director, taking on the role of Director (Corporate Planning) for a three-year period starting from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028. Kakkar brings more than 35 years of experience with Maruti Suzuki, where he has been instrumental in corporate planning, supply chain management, and localization initiatives. His leadership in joint ventures with international partners and his participation in industry organizations underscore his important impact on the Indian automotive industry.
13. Who has recently been appointed as the brand ambassador of L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF)?
[A] Rishabh Pant
[B] Virat Kohli
[C] Jasprit Bumrah
[D] Rohit Sharma
Correct Answer: C [Jasprit Bumrah]
Notes:
L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), a prominent Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India, has named Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador. This collaboration is designed to enhance LTF’s brand visibility nationwide and engage with a wide range of customers.
14. Who has been appointed as Executive Director of the Foods and Refreshment Division at Hindustan Unilever (HUL)?
[A] Anand Vane
[B] Rajneet Kohli
[C] Swarup Candra
[D] Revanth Kumar
Correct Answer: B [Rajneet Kohli]
Notes:
Rajneet Kohli, the ex-CEO of Britannia Industries, has been named Executive Director of the Foods and Refreshment Division at Hindustan Unilever (HUL). He will take over on April 7, 2025, succeeding Shiva Krishnamurthy, who is leaving to explore a new opportunity. With three decades of experience in the consumer and retail sectors, Kohli has significantly contributed to business growth and innovation. His appointment is part of HUL’s leadership changes aimed at enhancing its focus on the foods and beverages market.
15. Who has recently been appointed to the Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board?
[A] Steve Waugh
[B] Keith Miller
[C] Allan Border
[D] Adam Gilchrist
Correct Answer: A [Steve Waugh]
Notes:
Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh has been named to the Advisory Board of the Centre for Australia-India Relations, as announced by Penny Wong, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs. This role underscores Waugh’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the relationship between Australia and India, especially in sports, culture, and charitable activities.
16. In which country did the International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute organize a Ramayana Conclave?
[A] India
[B] Sri Lanka
[C] Indonesia
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: B [Sri Lanka]
Notes:
The International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute held a Ramayana Conclave at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Colombo. Notable scholars and religious figures from India and Sri Lanka engaged in discussions about the worldwide influence of Lord Rama and the historical importance of Ramayana sites in Sri Lanka. As one of the most significant Hindu epics, the Ramayana continues to motivate scholars, historians, and followers around the globe. Sri Lanka is particularly important in the Ramayana narrative due to its connection with Ravana’s kingdom and various significant locations mentioned in the text. Acknowledging its deep cultural and spiritual importance, the International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute organized this conclave to explore the historical, religious, and philosophical dimensions of the Ramayana.
17. Which bank has been awarded the Top Improvers title in the EASE 6.0 Reforms Index?
[A] Axis Bank
[B] IDBI Bank
[C] Punjab & Sind Bank
[D] HDFC Bank
Correct Answer: C [Punjab & Sind Bank]
Notes:
Punjab & Sind Bank has received the Top Improvers award in the EASE 6.0 Reforms Index, highlighting its progress in banking efficiency and customer service. This recognition is part of the government’s Enhanced Access & Service Excellence (EASE) initiative, which assesses public sector banks (PSBs) based on important performance indicators. Under the guidance of Swarup Kumar Saha, the bank has made notable advancements, focusing on modernization and improved efficiency in its operations.
18. Which organization has recently released the “Education and Nutrition – Learn to Eat Well” Report?
[A] UNICEF
[B] UNESCO
[C] UNO
[D] World Bank
Correct Answer: B [UNESCO]
Notes:
At the ‘Nutrition for Growth’ event organized by France on March 27-28, 2025, UNESCO published a new report focusing on the quality of meals. The report, titled Education and Nutrition: Learn to Eat Well, called on governments to improve the nutritional standards of school meals globally. Although nearly half of primary school students receive meals, the report expresses concern about their nutritional content. It emphasizes the importance of balanced meals and food education for children’s health and learning. As of 2024, around 47% of primary school students worldwide were receiving school meals, but these meals often lack adequate nutrition. UNESCO highlights that enhancing meal quality is crucial for decreasing child undernourishment and improving academic success. Research shows that nutritious meals can lead to higher enrollment and attendance rates. In 2022, 27% of school meals were not developed with input from nutrition experts. Only 93 out of 187 countries assessed had any laws regarding school food, and just 65% of these countries had established standards for food sold in cafeterias and vending machines.
19. Which city has overtaken Mumbai as the billionaire capital of Asia in the Hurun Global Rich List 2025?
[A] Tokyo
[B] Singapore
[C] Bangkok
[D] Shanghai
Correct Answer: D [Shanghai]
Notes:
The Hurun Global Rich List 2025 has been published, showing significant changes in the rankings of billionaires around the world. Shanghai has now surpassed Mumbai as Asia’s billionaire hub, while India holds the third position globally with a total of 284 billionaires.
20. Which organization and country jointly organized the second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health?
[A] World Health Organization (WHO) and Colombia
[B] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Zambia
[C] World Health Organization (WHO) and France
[D] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Switzerland
Correct Answer: A [World Health Organization (WHO) and Colombia]
Notes:
The second Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Colombian Government, recently took place in Cartagena. The conference aimed to rally international support to reduce air pollution-related deaths by 50% by 2040. Each year, nearly seven million people die prematurely due to air pollution, with developing nations and vulnerable groups facing the greatest impact. Additionally, around 2.1 billion people suffer from energy poverty. Ninety percent of people breathe air that does not meet WHO standards, and 2.7 billion children under the age of 15 are exposed to harmful air quality. The global health costs associated with air pollution are estimated to be $8.1 trillion, which accounts for 6.1% of the world’s GDP.
21. Which state government has established a dedicated cell to handle mercy petitions from death row convicts?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] West Bengal
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: D [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Maharashtra government has set up a special cell to manage mercy petitions from death row inmates. This move comes after a Supreme Court ruling in December 2024, which required all states to establish such cells. The court’s decision was influenced by concerns over the delays in carrying out death sentences, which were considered inhumane. This ruling was specifically triggered by the case of two convicts from Pune, whose sentences were reduced due to the lengthy delays in their petition processes. The Supreme Court of India instructed states to create dedicated cells for handling mercy petitions, aiming to speed up the review process for those on death row. The court highlighted the mental strain that extended waiting periods impose on convicts. In response, the Maharashtra government held a meeting to discuss how to implement this directive. On March 27, 2025, the Maharashtra Home Department announced the formation of a nine-member committee, consisting of senior officials from various fields, including prisons and the judiciary. This committee’s main task is to review outstanding mercy petitions every three months, ensuring that decisions are communicated to the convicts in a timely manner.
22. Which day is the International Day of Zero Waste observed every year?
[A] March 28
[B] March 29
[C] March 30
[D] March 31
Correct Answer: C [March 30]
Notes:
On December 14, 2022, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution designating March 30 as the International Day of Zero Waste. The harmful effects of humanity’s unsustainable production and consumption habits on the planet are significant. The fashion and textile industry, notorious for its high resource use and waste generation, plays a key role in environmental harm. This year’s International Day of Zero Waste aims to tackle waste issues in the fashion and textile sector, advocating for circular solutions with the theme “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles.” Worldwide, households, small businesses, and public services produce approximately 2.1 to 2.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste each year, which includes packaging, electronics, plastics, and food waste. Unfortunately, the existing waste management systems are inadequate to cope with this challenge, as about 2.7 billion people do not have access to solid waste collection services. Only 61-62% of municipal solid waste is processed in regulated facilities. These concerning figures underscore the critical need for a global shift towards sustainable waste management practices.
