International Relations Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Who inaugurated the S N Bose Building of the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) on 18 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Rafael Mariano Grossi
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi inaugurated the S N Bose Building; DAE Secretary Ajit Kumar Mohanty also spoke at the event.
What is the duration of the Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering introduced at GCNEP by the IAEA Director General in March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Six months
It is a six-month programme, planned for 40 international and 10 national participants per batch.
In their phone call on 18 March 2025, Vladimir Putin agreed to Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day halt on strikes on which targets?
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Correct answer: D — Energy infrastructure
The Kremlin said Trump proposed that the parties mutually refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days, and Putin immediately ordered Russian troops to comply.
After the Trump–Putin call of 18 March 2025, the White House said technical negotiations would begin on a maritime ceasefire in which sea?
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Correct answer: A — Black Sea
The White House said the movement to peace would begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire and technical negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
Consider the following statements about the Trump–Putin phone call of 18 March 2025: 1. Putin accepted the full 30-day ceasefire across the front line proposed by the US. 2. The broader 30-day truce sought by the US had already been accepted by Ukraine. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Putin agreed only to a 30-day halt on strikes on energy infrastructure and set conditions for any wider ceasefire, so statement 1 is wrong. Reuters reported that the blanket 30-day truce sought by the US had been accepted by Ukraine.
Rajnath Singh met Ruben Brekelmans, the Defence Minister of which country, in New Delhi on 18 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Netherlands
Rajnath Singh met Netherlands Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans in New Delhi on 18 March 2025.
Which country's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, held talks with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — New Zealand
Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, was on an official visit to India from 16 to 20 March 2025 and held talks with PM Modi on 17 March.
The Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) signed during the India–New Zealand talks of 17 March 2025 was between New Zealand Customs Service and which Indian body?
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Correct answer: A — Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
The AEO-MRA was signed between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the New Zealand Customs Service.
According to the India–New Zealand Joint Statement of 17 March 2025, people of Indian origin make up about what share of New Zealand's population?
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Correct answer: B — 6%
The joint statement noted that the Indian diaspora makes up about 6% of New Zealand's population.
Consider the following outcomes of PM Christopher Luxon's visit to India (March 2025): 1. New Zealand joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). 2. New Zealand became a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). 3. India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
New Zealand joined IPOI and became a CDRI member. On trade, the leaders only welcomed the launch of negotiations on a comprehensive FTA — no agreement was signed.
Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote address at Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on 17 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote address at Raisina Dialogue 2025.
Raisina Dialogue 2025, which opened in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, was which edition of the conference?
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Correct answer: C — 10th
Raisina Dialogue 2025 was the 10th edition of India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics.
Tulsi Gabbard, who called on PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, holds which US post?
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Correct answer: A — Director of National Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard is the US Director of National Intelligence.
Consider the following statements about Tulsi Gabbard's India visit of 17 March 2025: 1. The PMO described it as the first high-level visit to India from the US in President Trump's second term. 2. She also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: PM Modi noted it was the first high-level visit to India from the US in Trump's second term, and Rajnath Singh met her the same day.
The launch of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations on 16 March 2025 was marked by a meeting between Piyush Goyal and which New Zealand minister?
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Correct answer: B — Todd McClay
The launch was marked by a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay in New Delhi.
India and New Zealand's earlier trade negotiations, which stalled in 2015 after nine rounds, were for which agreement?
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Correct answer: D — Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)
India and New Zealand began negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010; the talks stalled in 2015 after nine rounds.
According to India's Commerce Ministry, the India–New Zealand FTA negotiations launched in March 2025 aim mainly to:
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Correct answer: B — Enhance supply chain integration and improve market access
The ministry said the negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access.
The US air strikes ordered by President Trump on 15 March 2025 targeted which group in Yemen?
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Correct answer: B — Houthis
Trump ordered strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen over their attacks on shipping.
Which city, struck by US air strikes on 15 March 2025, is the capital of Yemen held by the Houthis?
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Correct answer: C — Sanaa
Trump said he ordered strikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.
Consider the following statements about the US strikes on Yemen's Houthis on 15 March 2025: 1. The Houthis had begun attacking military and commercial ships after the Israel–Hamas war started in October 2023. 2. The operation was carried out jointly by the US and the UK. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (AP). Statement 2 is wrong: a US official said the 15 March operation was conducted solely by the United States.
Who led India's delegation at the 353rd Governing Body meeting of the ILO in Geneva in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Sumita Dawra
The Indian delegation was led by Ms Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
At the 353rd ILO Governing Body meeting (March 2025), India said it had doubled its social protection coverage to what level?
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Correct answer: C — 48.8%
India highlighted that it has doubled its social protection coverage to 48.8%.
Consider the following statements about the ILO, whose 353rd Governing Body met in Geneva in March 2025: 1. Its constituents are tripartite — representatives of governments, workers and employers. 2. India extended support to the ILO on the UN-led Second World Summit for Social Development to be held in Doha, Qatar, in 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Labour Ministry: the Governing Body brings together the ILO's tripartite constituents, and India backed the ILO on the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha later in 2025.
Who was sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada on 14 March 2025, succeeding Justin Trudeau?
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Correct answer: D — Mark Carney
Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada's Prime Minister on 14 March 2025, replacing Justin Trudeau.
Mark Carney became Canada's Prime Minister of which number in March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 24th
The Prime Minister's Office states that Mark Carney is Canada's 24th Prime Minister.
Who presided over the swearing-in of Mark Carney as Canada's Prime Minister at Rideau Hall?
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Correct answer: A — Governor General Mary Simon
Governor General Mary Simon presided over the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on 14 March 2025.
Consider the following statements about the Canadian ministry sworn in on 14 March 2025: 1. It is the 30th Canadian Ministry and has 23 ministers besides the Prime Minister. 2. Mélanie Joly was moved from Foreign Affairs to Finance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct as per the Prime Minister's Office. Statement 2 is wrong: Joly stayed Foreign Minister, and François-Philippe Champagne became Finance Minister.
Where was the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held from 12 to 14 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Charlevoix, Quebec
Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, from 12 to 14 March 2025.
Who hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Mélanie Joly
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly hosted the meeting.
Consider the following statements about the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting of March 2025: 1. Besides the joint statement, it issued a declaration on maritime security and prosperity. 2. The European Union's High Representative took part alongside the seven member countries' foreign ministers. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per Global Affairs Canada: the meeting issued a joint statement and a G7 Foreign Ministers' Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, and the EU High Representative attended.
Which former head of state made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court on 14 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Rodrigo Duterte
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on 14 March 2025.
Of which crime is Rodrigo Duterte suspected in the ICC case?
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Correct answer: B — Crime against humanity of murder
The ICC says Duterte is suspected of the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.
Consider the following statements about Rodrigo Duterte's first appearance before the ICC: 1. He appeared in person in the courtroom in The Hague. 2. The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for 23 September 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: he took part by video link from the ICC Detention Centre, as authorised by the Chamber. Statement 2 is correct; the hearing was later postponed.
To what level did India and Mauritius elevate their relationship on 12 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Enhanced Strategic Partnership
The two Prime Ministers elevated ties to an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership' during PM Modi's State Visit to Mauritius.
In which country did PM Modi unveil Vision MAHASAGAR for the Global South in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Mauritius
PM Modi unveiled Vision MAHASAGAR in Mauritius on 12 March 2025 — the same country where he had unveiled Vision SAGAR in 2015.
Where in Mauritius is the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, inaugurated on 12 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Réduit
PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam jointly inaugurated the institute at Réduit; it was built with an Indian grant of US$4.74 million.
Which of the following did India announce support for during PM Modi's March 2025 visit to Mauritius?
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Correct answer: D — A new Parliament building
PM Modi announced India's support for a new Parliament building in Mauritius and Phase II of High Impact Community Development Projects.
Consider the following outcomes of PM Modi's visit to Mauritius in March 2025: 1. An agreement between the RBI and the Bank of Mauritius on a framework for using local currencies (INR or MUR) in cross-border transactions. 2. Handover of a navigational chart of St Brandon prepared after a hydrographic survey by an Indian naval ship. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the official List of Outcomes: the RBI–Bank of Mauritius local-currency framework, and the handover of the St Brandon navigational chart.
Which country conferred its highest civilian award on PM Narendra Modi on 12 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Mauritius
Mauritius conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) on PM Modi at its National Day celebrations.
What is the name of the Mauritian award conferred on PM Modi in March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean
PM Modi received the GCSK — Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean — the highest civilian award of Mauritius.
Who conferred the GCSK award on PM Modi at the Mauritius National Day celebrations of 2025?
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Correct answer: B — President Dharambeer Gokhool
Mauritian President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the GCSK on PM Modi on 12 March 2025.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's role at Mauritius's National Day in 2025: 1. It was the first time he was Chief Guest at the Mauritius National Day. 2. He is the first Indian leader to receive the GCSK. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Modi was also Chief Guest at the National Day in 2015, when he unveiled Vision SAGAR. Statement 2 is correct as per the PMO.
With which country did India hold its first Joint Working Group meeting on Agriculture on 12 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Chile
India and Chile held their first JWG meeting on Agriculture virtually on 12 March 2025, with Chile represented by ODEPA.
Up to which generation of people of Indian origin in Mauritius did PM Modi announce OCI card eligibility on 11 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Seventh
PM Modi announced a special carve-out for Mauritius under which OCI cards can be made available to the seventh generation of people of Indian origin.
Who was the President of Mauritius whom PM Modi called on at the State House on 11 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dharambeer Gokhool
PM Modi called on President Dharambeer Gokhool at the State House and handed OCI cards to him and First Lady Brinda Gokhool.
At which place in Mauritius did PM Modi pay homage at the Samadhis of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Anerood Jugnauth on 11 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Pamplemousses
The wreath-laying was at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, Pamplemousses, where the two leaders also planted a sapling under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's engagements in Mauritius on 11 March 2025: 1. He addressed the Indian community at the Trianon Convention Centre along with PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam. 2. He visited an Ayurveda Garden at the State House set up in collaboration with the Government of India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the community event was at the Trianon Convention Centre with PM Ramgoolam, and Modi visited the Ayurveda Garden at the State House, established with Indian collaboration.
In which city did US and Ukrainian officials hold talks on 11 March 2025 that led to Ukraine accepting a 30-day ceasefire proposal?
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Correct answer: A — Jeddah
The talks were held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
What was the length of the interim ceasefire that Ukraine expressed readiness to accept at the Jeddah talks of March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 30 days
The joint statement refers to an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, extendable by mutual agreement.
Consider the following statements about the US–Ukraine joint statement issued in Jeddah on 11 March 2025: 1. The ceasefire was to take effect immediately regardless of Russia's response. 2. The US agreed to lift its pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the ceasefire was subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by Russia. Statement 2 is correct.
Which train was hijacked by Baloch militants in Pakistan on 11 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Jaffar Express
The Quetta–Peshawar Jaffar Express was hijacked in the Bolan Pass area of Balochistan.
Which group claimed responsibility for the Jaffar Express hijacking of March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Balochistan Liberation Army
The separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.
Which Indian Navy ship made her maiden port call at Port Louis on 10 March 2025 for Mauritius's National Day?
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Correct answer: A — INS Imphal
INS Imphal arrived at Port Louis on 10 March 2025 to take part in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations.
INS Imphal belongs to which class of destroyers?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam class (Project 15B)
INS Imphal, commissioned in December 2023, is the third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers.
Consider the following statements: 1. PM Modi announced the vision of SAGAR in Mauritius on 12 March 2015, at the commissioning of MCGS Barracuda. 2. MCGS Barracuda was the first Indian-built warship inducted into the Mauritius National Coast Guard. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as recalled by the Ministry of Defence in its release on INS Imphal's visit.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which signed an integration deal with Damascus on 10 March 2025, are led mainly by which community?
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Correct answer: B — Kurds
The SDF is a Kurdish-led, US-backed force that controlled much of north-eastern Syria.
Who signed the Syria–SDF integration agreement on behalf of the SDF on 10 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Mazloum Abdi
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed the deal with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Consider the following statements about the Syria–SDF agreement of 10 March 2025: 1. Oil and gas fields in north-eastern Syria are to come under the administration of the Syrian state. 2. It grants the Kurdish-majority north-east a separate federal region with its own army. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the deal integrates civil and military institutions, including border crossings, airports and oil and gas fields. Statement 2 is wrong: the agreement rejects division and integrates SDF bodies into the state.
Who won the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership race on 9 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Mark Carney
Mark Carney won on the first ballot with 85.9% of the points.
Before entering politics, Mark Carney headed which two central banks?
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Correct answer: D — Bank of Canada and Bank of England
Carney is a former Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
Consider the following statements about the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership vote of March 2025: 1. Mark Carney needed several rounds of the ranked ballot to cross 50%. 2. Chrystia Freeland, the former Finance Minister, finished second. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Carney won on the first ballot with 85.9% of the points. Statement 2 is correct: Freeland was second with 8.0%.
With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign a $248 million contract for T-72 tank engines on 7 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Rosoboronexport
The contract was signed with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russia, for 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks.
The T-72 tanks of the Indian Army, which will get 1,000 HP engines under the March 2025 deal, are currently fitted with engines of what power?
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Correct answer: B — 780 HP
The T-72 fleet is at present fitted with a 780 HP engine; the 1,000 HP engine will improve mobility and offensive capability.
Under the March 2025 T-72 engine deal, technology will be transferred to which Indian facility for licensed production?
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Correct answer: B — Heavy Vehicle Factory, Avadi
Rosoboronexport will transfer technology to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai.
During his visit to Australia (4–7 March 2025), CDS Gen Anil Chauhan laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in honour of Indian soldiers who fell in which campaign?
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Correct answer: A — Gallipoli campaign
Gen Chauhan laid a wreath honouring Indian soldiers who died in the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.
Who was Australia's Chief of Defence Force, with whom CDS Gen Anil Chauhan held talks in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Admiral David Johnston
Gen Chauhan held talks with Admiral David Johnston, Australia's Chief of Defence Force, at the Russell Offices.
Up to how much in EU-budget-backed defence loans for member states was proposed, as noted by the special European Council on 6 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — €150 billion
Leaders took note of the Commission's proposal for a new instrument giving member states loans of up to €150 billion backed by the EU budget.
Which EU member state did NOT join the other 26 leaders in backing the Ukraine text at the special European Council of 6 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Hungary
The text on Ukraine was firmly supported by 26 heads of state or government; Hungary's Viktor Orban stayed out.
To let member states spend more on defence, the European Council of 6 March 2025 welcomed the planned activation of the national escape clause of which framework?
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Correct answer: B — The Stability and Growth Pact
The Commission planned to recommend activating the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, the EU's fiscal rules, for defence spending.
Who received the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados on behalf of PM Narendra Modi in Bridgetown on 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Pabitra Margherita
Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Pabitra Margherita received the award on the PM's behalf.
Who presented the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados at the State House ceremony of 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — President Dame Sandra Mason
The honour was presented by Barbados President Dame Sandra Mason; PM Mia Amor Mottley, who had announced it in November 2024, attended.
The 'Jaipur Declaration' adopted on 5 March 2025 was the outcome of which forum?
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Correct answer: D — 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific
The Jaipur Declaration was adopted unanimously at the end of the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific.
What is 'C-3', the global alliance proposed by India at the 3R forum in Jaipur in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Cities Coalition for Circularity
C-3 is the Cities Coalition for Circularity, a knowledge-sharing platform India offered to lead, open to all UN member countries.
What was the theme of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025, opened in New Delhi on 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions
WSDS 2025, organised by TERI, was held on the theme 'Partnerships for Accelerating Sustainable Development and Climate Solutions'.
About how many members were in the Belgian Economic Mission to India led by Princess Astrid, whom PM Modi met on 4 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 300
The PM appreciated Princess Astrid's initiative to lead a 300-member Economic Mission to India.
INS Kuthar, which arrived at Colombo on 4 March 2025, belongs to which fleet of the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: C — Eastern Fleet
INS Kuthar is an Eastern Fleet ship under the Eastern Naval Command.
India signed an MoU on cooperation in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector with which country on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Nepal
India and Nepal signed the WASH MoU at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of C R Patil and Nepal's Water Supply Minister Pradeep Yadav.
Which of the following is listed as an area of cooperation in the India–Nepal WASH MoU signed on 3 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Groundwater management, including artificial recharge
The MoU covers capacity building, technology and knowledge transfer, and groundwater management including monitoring, quality improvement, artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting.