Persons in News Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which former Foreign Secretary was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President in July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Harsh Vardhan Shringla
The Hindu and Indian Express: former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla was among the four nominated to the Rajya Sabha (MHA notification, 12 July 2025).
Consider the following statements regarding nominated members of the Rajya Sabha: 1. The President nominates twelve members under Article 80(1)(a). 2. Nominated members must have special knowledge or practical experience in literature, science, art and social service. 3. The four persons nominated in July 2025 filled seats newly created by Parliament. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct per Article 80(1)(a) and 80(3). Statement 3 is wrong: the notification says the nominations fill vacancies caused by the retirement of nominated members.
Under which Article of the Constitution did the President nominate four members to the Rajya Sabha in July 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Article 80
MHA notification: 'In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) of article 80 ... read with clause (3) of that article'.
Ujjwal Nikam, nominated to the Rajya Sabha in July 2025, is known as the Special Public Prosecutor in which case?
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Correct answer: A — 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case
The Hindu and Indian Express: Ujjwal Nikam is the Special Public Prosecutor in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.
Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee served as independent India's first Minister of which portfolio?
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Correct answer: A — Industry and Supply
Lok Sabha Secretariat: Dr Mookerjee served as independent India's first Minister for Industry and Supply.
Which of the following public sector undertakings is NOT among the three credited to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee in the Lok Sabha Secretariat's tribute of 6 July 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Bhilai Steel Plant
Lok Sabha Secretariat: he established three major PSUs: Chittaranjan Locomotive Factory, the Sindri Fertilizer Corporation and the Hindustan Aircraft Factory (now HAL). The Bhilai Steel Plant is not listed.
The Chief Minister of which state attended the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations in Dharamshala on 6 July 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Arunachal Pradesh
Indian Express and NDTV: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu attended the celebrations at Tsuglagkhang.
In his 90th-birthday greeting to the Dalai Lama, PM Modi said he joined how many Indians in extending warmest wishes?
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Correct answer: B — 1.4 billion
PMO: 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday.'
At which temple complex in Dharamshala were the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations held on 6 July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Tsuglagkhang
The Hindu (Reuters), Indian Express and NDTV: the celebrations were held at the Tsuglagkhang temple complex in McLeodganj, Dharamshala.
What is the name of the samadhi of Babu Jagjivan Ram in New Delhi, where homage was paid on 6 July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Samta Sthal
MoSJ&E: the homage function was organised at Samta Sthal, the samadhi of Babu Jagjivan Ram, at Delhi Gate, New Delhi.
On 5 July 2025, PM Modi paid tribute on his Jayanti to which former Union Minister, saying his whole life was dedicated to social justice?
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Correct answer: A — Ram Vilas Paswan
PMO: the Prime Minister paid tribute to former Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan on the occasion of his Jayanti.
On 4 July 2025, PM Modi paid tribute on his Punya Tithi to which figure, saying his thoughts remain 'our guiding light'?
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Correct answer: A — Swami Vivekananda
PMO: the Prime Minister paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda Ji on his Punya Tithi, saying his thoughts and vision for our society remain our guiding light.
On 3 July 2025, PM Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Parliament of which country?
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Correct answer: A — Ghana
PMO: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed a special session of the Parliament of Ghana, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so.
Who convened the special session of Ghana's Parliament addressed by PM Modi on 3 July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin
PMO: the session was convened by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin.
At the Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra on 3 July 2025, PM Modi was accompanied by whom?
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Correct answer: B — Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
PMO: at the Nkrumah Memorial Park, Prime Minister was accompanied by the Vice President of Ghana, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang.
Consider the following about PM Modi's address to Ghana's Parliament (3 July 2025): 1. He quoted Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's founding President. 2. He recalled that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during India's Presidency. 3. He thanked President John Dramani Mahama for the National Honour conferred on him. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct (PMO): he quoted Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, recalled the African Union's permanent G20 membership during India's Presidency, and thanked President Mahama and the people of Ghana for the National Honour.
During his interaction with PM Modi on 28 June 2025, how many orbits of the Earth did Shubhanshu Shukla say the ISS crew completes in a day?
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Correct answer: B — 16
PIB: Shukla said they complete 16 orbits a day, witnessing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets.
What approximate speed of the space station did Shubhanshu Shukla mention during the interaction with the Prime Minister?
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Correct answer: D — Nearly 28,000 km per hour
PIB: Shukla said they were travelling at a speed of nearly 28,000 km per hour.
Consider the following statements about the PM–Shubhanshu Shukla interaction of 28 June 2025: 1. Shukla said he shared carrot halwa, moong dal halwa and aam ras with fellow astronauts. 2. The interaction took place after Shukla had returned to Earth. 3. Shukla said that a short while earlier the station had passed over Hawaii. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB: statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Shukla was aboard the ISS and the interaction was by videoconference.
According to Shubhanshu Shukla, the first experiment scheduled on the day of his interaction with the PM studied which subject?
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Correct answer: A — Stem cells and whether supplements can prevent or delay muscle loss in microgravity
PIB: the first experiment that day focused on stem cells, testing whether specific supplements can prevent or delay muscle loss caused by the absence of gravity.
Which of the following was NOT part of the 'homework' PM Modi set for Shubhanshu Shukla on 28 June 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Landing an Indian astronaut on Mars
PIB: the PM said India must move forward with Mission Gaganyaan, build its own space station and land an Indian astronaut on the Moon. Mars was not mentioned.
Where did PM Modi address the centenary celebrations of Acharya Shri Vidyanand Ji Muniraj on 28 June 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
PIB: the PM addressed the centenary celebrations in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Which title was conferred on PM Narendra Modi at the centenary celebrations of Acharya Vidyanand Ji Muniraj?
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Correct answer: D — Dharm Chakravarti
PIB: the PM said he had been conferred the title of 'Dharm Chakravarti' on the occasion.
Prakrit was among five languages granted classical language status by the Union Cabinet on 3 October 2024. Which of the following was NOT among those five?
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Correct answer: A — Maithili
PIB (3 Oct 2024): the Cabinet conferred classical status on Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali. Maithili was not among them.
The centenary celebrated at Vigyan Bhawan on 24 June 2025 marked 100 years of a historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and whom?
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Correct answer: A — Mahatma Gandhi
PIB: the PM addressed the centenary celebration of the historic conversation between Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi.
Which place, associated with the Sivagiri Math, did the PM say has long been referred to as the 'Kashi of the South'?
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Correct answer: A — Varkala
PIB: the PM mentioned that Varkala has long been referred to as the Kashi of the South.
Consider the following statements in the context of the PM's address on 24 June 2025: 1. Sree Narayana Guru established the Sharada Mutt at Sivagiri, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. 2. The centenary celebration was held at the Sivagiri Math in Varkala. 3. The Guru's mantra 'Oru Jati, Oru Matham, Oru Daivam, Manushyanu' means 'One caste, one religion, one God for mankind'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB: the Guru established the Sharada Mutt at Sivagiri dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, and the mantra means 'One caste, one religion, one God for mankind'. The event was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, not at Sivagiri. So 1 and 3 only.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the 99th Annual Meet and National Conference of Vice Chancellors on 23 June 2025. Which body organised it?
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Correct answer: C — Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
PIB: the 99th Annual Meet and National Conference of Vice Chancellors (2024–2025) was organised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) at Gautam Buddha Nagar.
The slogan 'Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan', recalled by the Vice-President on 23 June 2025, was given by whom during a campaign in Jammu and Kashmir in 1952?
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Correct answer: A — Syama Prasad Mookerjee
PIB: the Vice-President said Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee gave the slogan 'Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan' during the campaign in Jammu and Kashmir in 1952.
Consider the following statements made by the Vice-President on 23 June 2025: 1. Article 370 was abrogated on 5 August 2019. 2. The legal challenge to the abrogation failed in the Supreme Court on 11 December 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB: the Vice-President said Article 370 was abrogated on 5th August 2019, and the legal challenge to the Supreme Court failed on 11 December 2023. Both are correct.
Where did President Droupadi Murmu take part in a mass yoga demonstration on International Yoga Day 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Uttarakhand State Police Line Maidan, Dehradun
PIB (President's Secretariat): The President participated in a mass yoga demonstration at the Uttarakhand State Police Line Maidan, Dehradun on June 21, 2025.
Consider the following statements about the President's remarks on International Yoga Day 2025: 1. The President said that since 2015, yoga has become a common heritage of the entire humanity. 2. The President said that 'yoga' means 'to control'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (President's Secretariat): The President said that since 2015 yoga has become a common heritage of the entire humanity, and that 'Yoga' means 'to connect', not 'to control'. So the answer is 1 only.
Who assumed charge as Chairperson of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on 20 June 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Sivasubramanian Ramann
PIB (Finance): Shri Sivasubramanian Ramann assumed charge as the Chairperson of PFRDA on 20th June 2025.
What is the tenure of the PFRDA Chairperson appointed by the notification dated 8 April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Five years or till age 65, whichever is earlier
PIB (Finance): He was appointed for five years or till age 65, whichever is earlier: a tenure of five years from assumption of charge, or till he attains the age of 65 years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
The PFRDA Act, under which PFRDA became a statutory body, came into effect on which date?
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Correct answer: D — 1 February 2014
PFRDA (pfrda.org.in): The interim PFRDA was set up on 23 August 2003; it became a statutory entity after the PFRDA Act was enacted on 19 September 2013, which came into effect on 1 February 2014.
Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan, opened for public visits by President Droupadi Murmu on 20 June 2025, are located in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Dehradun
PIB (President's Secretariat): The President graced the opening of Rashtrapati Tapovan and Rashtrapati Niketan at Dehradun on June 20, 2025.
Rashtrapati Udyan, whose foundation stone the President laid at Rashtrapati Niketan on 20 June 2025, is planned as what?
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Correct answer: C — A 132-acre Net-Zero public park fully accessible to Divyangjan
PIB (President's Secretariat): Rashtrapati Udyan is planned as a 132-acre Net-Zero public park fully accessible to Divyangjan, and a community engagement hub.
Consider the following statements about the Presidential estates in Dehradun: 1. Rashtrapati Niketan was established as a Presidential Retreat in 1976. 2. Rashtrapati Tapovan spans 21 acres. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB (President's Secretariat): Rashtrapati Niketan was established in 1976 as a Presidential Retreat and spans 21 acres; Rashtrapati Tapovan is a 19-acre estate. So the answer is 1 only.
Which birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar was marked on 31 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 300th
The PMO said 31 May 2025 marked the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.
At the Bhopal event on 31 May 2025, the Prime Minister noted the launch of which metro system?
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Correct answer: D — Indore Metro
The Prime Minister noted the launch of the Indore Metro along with air connectivity for Datia and Satna.
Consider the following statements about Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, as recalled by the Prime Minister on 31 May 2025: 1. She contributed to the restoration of temples including Kashi Vishwanath. 2. She established new industries for Maheshwari sarees. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the PM credited her with restoring temples including Kashi Vishwanath and with establishing industries for Maheshwari sarees.
Astrophysicist Jayant Narlikar, who passed away on 20 May 2025, was the founding director of which institution?
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Correct answer: D — Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics
In 1988 the UGC invited Narlikar to set up IUCAA, Pune, as its founding director; he led it until 2003. He had earlier worked at TIFR (1972–1989) and studied at BHU.
Consider the following statements about Jayant Narlikar (1938–2025): 1. With Fred Hoyle, he co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity. 2. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2004. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. He co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar theory of gravity with his Cambridge guide Fred Hoyle, and received the Padma Vibhushan in 2004 (Padma Bhushan in 1965).
Consider the following statements about the PM's tribute to Rabindranath Tagore on 9 May 2025: 1. It was paid on Tagore's Jayanti. 2. The PM recalled Tagore's efforts in nurturing Sabarmati Ashram. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The PM recalled how Tagore nurtured Santiniketan.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Prime Minister paid tributes to Maharana Pratap on his Jayanti on 9 May 2025. 2. The Lok Sabha Speaker also paid tribute to Maharana Pratap on 9 May 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per PIB releases of 9 May 2025.
Friedrich Merz assumed office on 6 May 2025 as the Federal Chancellor of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Germany
Merz assumed office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany; PM Modi referred to the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.
Anuradha Prasad, who took oath as UPSC Member on 2 May 2025, belongs to which service?
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Correct answer: C — Indian Defence Accounts Service
She belongs to the 1986 batch of the Indian Defence Accounts Service.
Before taking over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 2 May 2025, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari was AOC-in-C of which command?
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Correct answer: D — South Western Air Command
He was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command before becoming Vice Chief.
How tall is the statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma unveiled in New Delhi on 1 May 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 9 feet
A 9-foot-high life-size statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma was unveiled.
1 May 2025, when Bodofa Upendranath Brahma's statue was unveiled in New Delhi, marked which death anniversary of his?
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Correct answer: B — 35th
1 May 2025 was his 35th death anniversary.
Arvind Shrivastava, who took charge on 1 May 2025, became Secretary of which department?
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Correct answer: C — Department of Revenue
He took charge as Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
Before taking over Northern Command on 1 May 2025, Lt Gen Pratik Sharma had served as:
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Correct answer: C — Director General of Military Operations
He was Director General of Military Operations and Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) before becoming GOC-in-C, Northern Command.
Whom did Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit succeed as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) on 1 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Lt Gen JP Mathew
He succeeded Lt Gen JP Mathew, who superannuated on 30 April 2025.
Before becoming CISC on 1 May 2025, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was AOC-in-C of which IAF command?
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Correct answer: B — Central Air Command
He was serving as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command.
Jagadguru Basaveshwara, remembered on Basava Jayanti on 30 April 2025, was a philosopher and social reformer of which century?
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Correct answer: C — 12th century
The PM remembered him as the 12th-century philosopher and social reformer.
Consider the following about the PM's congratulatory messages of 29 April 2025: 1. Mark Carney was congratulated on his election as Prime Minister of Canada, and the Liberal Party on its victory. 2. Kamla Persad-Bissessar was congratulated on her election as Prime Minister of Canada. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Kamla Persad-Bissessar was congratulated on her election victory in Trinidad and Tobago, not Canada.
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, whose private papers were acquired by the National Archives of India in April 2025, served as President of India during:
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Correct answer: D — 2002–2007
Dr Kalam was the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
Consider the following: 1. The private paper collection of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was acquired by the National Archives of India. 2. Dr Kalam was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Culture release of 28 April 2025.
Who wrote the book 'Satyagraha in Champaran', recommended by the PM in Mann Ki Baat on 27 April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Rajendra Prasad
The PM said Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President after Independence, contributed to the Satyagraha and wrote 'Satyagraha in Champaran'.
Consider the following based on Mann Ki Baat of 27 April 2025: 1. Babu Veer Kunwar Singh was a hero of the 1857 revolution. 2. 10 May marks the anniversary of the first freedom struggle. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as mentioned by the PM.
In which year did Gandhiji reach Champaran in Bihar, as recalled in Mann Ki Baat on 27 April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 1917
The PM recalled that Gandhiji reached Champaran in Bihar in 1917.
On which date was the death anniversary of Babu Veer Kunwar Singh observed, as mentioned in Mann Ki Baat on 27 April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 26 April
The PM said the death anniversary of Babu Veer Kunwar Singh was observed on 26 April.
How many finalists were selected nationwide for the WAVES 2025 Animation Filmmaker Competition, as per PIB Bhubaneswar on 26 April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 42
42 finalists were selected from across the country for the Animation Filmmaker Competition.
Consider the following about the two Odisha finalists of the WAVES 2025 Animation Filmmaker Competition: 1. Both are students of NID Ahmedabad. 2. Bhagyashree Satpathy is from Jajpur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Bhagyashree Satpathy (Jajpur) and Rishav Mohanty (Bhubaneswar) both study at NID Ahmedabad.