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.
Consider the following about India's representation at Pope Francis's funeral on 26 April 2025: 1. President Droupadi Murmu attended the funeral Mass at Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City. 2. Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian were part of the official Indian delegation. 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 President's Secretariat release of 26 April 2025.
Which position does Joshua De Souza, part of India's official delegation at Pope Francis's funeral on 26 April 2025, hold?
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Correct answer: A — Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly
Joshua De Souza is the Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Dr. K. Kasturirangan, whose passing the Prime Minister condoled on 25 April 2025, is remembered for his efforts during the drafting of which policy?
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Correct answer: B — National Education Policy
The PM said India will always be grateful to Dr. Kasturirangan for his efforts during the drafting of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Consider the following about the Prime Minister's tribute to Dr. K. Kasturirangan on 25 April 2025: 1. The PM said he served ISRO with great diligence, steering India's space programme to new heights. 2. The PM credited him with drafting the National Strategy for AI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The PM credited him for his efforts on the National Education Policy, not the National Strategy for AI.
Consider the following about India's nominee for Director of ITU's Radiocommunication Bureau: 1. M. Revathi is Joint Wireless Advisor at the Department of Telecommunications. 2. If elected, she would be the first woman to lead the Bureau. 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 Communications release.
Where is the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) based?
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Correct answer: B — Geneva
The ITU is a UN specialised agency based in Geneva.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's flight to the ISS, announced in April 2025, was to be part of which mission?
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Correct answer: C — Axiom Space's Ax-4
Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission, as stated by the ISRO Chairman at the review.
Shubhanshu Shukla's mission would make him the first Indian astronaut in space since whose 1984 flight aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft?
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Correct answer: A — Rakesh Sharma
Rakesh Sharma flew in 1984 aboard a Soviet Soyuz spacecraft.
Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April 2025 marked which birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar?
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Correct answer: C — 135th
135th birth anniversary, as stated by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, which organised the 2025 Ambedkar Jayanti tributes at Prerna Sthal, was established as an autonomous body in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1992
1992. It was established on 24 March 1992; the Centenary Celebration Committee that decided to set it up was formed in 1991.
Consider the following statements about the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF): 1. It was established in 1991 by the Centenary Celebration Committee of Dr Ambedkar. 2. The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment is its Chairman. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The committee was constituted in 1991, but the DAF itself was established on 24 March 1992; Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, is its Chairman.
What was the theme of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes' Ambedkar Jayanti 2025 event in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: D — A Journey of 75 years of Constitution of India
A Journey of 75 years of Constitution of India was the primary theme of the NCSC event.
Volunteers of which platform took part in the 'Jai Bhim Padyatra' led by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in Patna on 13 April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — MY Bharat
MY Bharat: over 6,000 MY Bharat volunteers joined the padyatra in Patna.
Kumudini Lakhia, who passed away on 12 April 2025, was a renowned exponent of which classical dance form?
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Correct answer: D — Kathak
Kathak: her dance career spanned over 75 years and she founded the Kadamb Centre for Dance in Ahmedabad.
Under which guru did Kumudini Lakhia train in Kathak at the Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra, New Delhi?
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Correct answer: A — Shambhu Maharaj
Shambhu Maharaj, on a Government of India scholarship, according to her official Padma citation.
Consider the following statements about Kumudini Lakhia: 1. She received the Padma Bhushan in 2010. 2. She was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Her official citation lists the Padma Shri (1987) and Padma Bhushan (2010); the 2025 Padma Vibhushan is marked posthumous.
Daripalli Ramaiah, the Padma Shri awardee known as 'Vanajeevi' who died on 12 April 2025, was known for what work?
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Correct answer: B — Planting and protecting trees
Planting and protecting trees: the Prime Minister said he devoted his life to planting and protecting lakhs of trees.
'Vanajeevi' Daripalli Ramaiah, who died on 12 April 2025, belonged to which district of Telangana?
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Correct answer: C — Khammam
Khammam: he was from Reddipalli village in Khammam Rural mandal and died in Khammam.
Which university conferred an Honoris Causa doctorate on President Droupadi Murmu during her visit to Slovakia in April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Constantine the Philosopher University, Nitra
Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, named after Saint Constantine Cyril.
Who is the President of Slovakia who accompanied President Murmu to the Jaguar Land Rover factory in Bratislava on 10 April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Peter Pellegrini
Peter Pellegrini, the President of Slovakia, accompanied her on the factory visit.
The Defence Services Staff College, where Rajnath Singh addressed the 80th Staff Course convocation on 10 April 2025, is located at Wellington in which state?
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Correct answer: C — Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu: DSSC is at Wellington, Tamil Nadu.
Where did Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate Navkar Mahamantra Divas on 9 April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, where he also proposed nine resolutions.
Consider the following statements about Navkar Mahamantra Divas, 2025: 1. The Prime Minister proposed nine resolutions, the first being water conservation. 2. According to PIB, people from more than 108 countries joined the global chant. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Water conservation was the first of the nine resolutions, and PIB reported participation from more than 108 countries.
Which of the following was NOT among the nine resolutions proposed by the PM on Navkar Mahamantra Divas?
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Correct answer: D — Using only digital payments
Using only digital payments was not among them; the list included tree planting in Mother's name, exploring India and natural farming, along with water conservation, cleanliness, Vocal for Local, healthy lifestyle, yoga and sports, and helping the poor.
President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Slovakia in April 2025 was the first by an Indian President in how many years?
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Correct answer: D — 29 years
29 years; her visit to Portugal on the same tour was the first by an Indian President in 27 years.
Consider the following MoUs exchanged during President Murmu's talks in Bratislava on 9 April 2025: 1. Cooperation in MSMEs between NSIC and the Slovak Business Agency. 2. Diplomatic training between SSIFS and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. Which of the above were exchanged?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both were exchanged in the presence of Presidents Murmu and Pellegrini.
Kumari Ananthan, who died on 9 April 2025, was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1977 from which constituency?
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Correct answer: D — Nagercoil
Nagercoil; he later entered the Tamil Nadu Assembly from Thiruvottiyur in 1980.
Where did the Department of Posts release a commemorative postage stamp on Mata Karma on 25 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Raipur
The stamp was released at an event in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, attended by CM Vishnu Deo Sai, on her 1009th birth anniversary.
Pasala Krishna Bharathi, the Gandhian who died on 23 March 2025, was the daughter of freedom fighters from which district?
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Correct answer: B — West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
She was the daughter of freedom fighters Pasala Krishna Murthy and Anja Lakshmi of West Godavari district.
Why were the parents of Gandhian Pasala Krishna Bharathi (died March 2025) imprisoned when she was born in jail in 1932?
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Correct answer: C — For hoisting the national flag at the Bhimavaram sub-collector's office
Her parents were jailed for hoisting the Indian flag at the Bhimavaram sub-collector's office, and she was born in jail.
Whose birth anniversary did Prime Minister Narendra Modi mark on 23 March 2025, the same day as Shaheed Diwas?
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Correct answer: D — Dr Ram Manohar Lohia
On 23 March 2025 the PM paid tributes to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary, alongside Shaheed Diwas tributes to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.
Bavaliyali Dham, whose programme PM Modi addressed on 20 March 2025, is associated with which community of Gujarat?
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Correct answer: A — Bharwad
The PM addressed the programme of Bavaliyali Dham related to the Bharwad Samaj of Gujarat.
What was the name of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that brought Sunita Williams and the Crew-9 astronauts back to Earth in March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Freedom
NASA says the Dragon spacecraft Freedom splashed down off Tallahassee, Florida, returning Crew-9; it was Freedom's fourth flight.
Crew-9 splashed down at 5:57 pm EDT on 18 March 2025. What was this time in Indian Standard Time?
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Correct answer: C — 3:27 am IST, 19 March 2025
NASA's timeline puts splashdown at 21:57 GMT on 18 March; adding 5 hours 30 minutes gives 3:27 am IST on 19 March 2025.
How many days did Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore spend in space on the mission that ended with the Crew-9 splashdown in March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 286 days
NASA says Williams and Wilmore spent 286 days in space; 171 days was the figure for Hague and Gorbunov, and 608 days is Williams' career total.
Off the coast of which city did NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 splash down on 18 March 2025 (EDT)?
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Correct answer: D — Tallahassee, Florida
Crew-9 splashed down in the Gulf of America off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.
Consider the following statements about the return of Sunita Williams in March 2025: 1. Williams and Butch Wilmore had reached the International Space Station in June 2024 aboard Boeing's Starliner on its Crew Flight Test. 2. The Crew-9 return was the first flight of the Dragon spacecraft Freedom. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Williams and Wilmore launched on Starliner on 5 June 2024 and reached the station on 6 June. Crew-9 was Freedom's fourth flight; it earlier flew Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.
Major Bob Khathing, honoured at a memorial event addressed by Rajnath Singh on 19 March 2025, is credited with the peaceful integration of which place into India?
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Correct answer: A — Tawang
Rajnath Singh said Major Bob Khathing carried out the integration of Tawang into India without firing a single bullet.
Consider the following statements about the Major Bob Khathing Memorial Event of 19 March 2025: 1. It was jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and the United Service Institution of India. 2. Rajnath Singh credited Major Khathing with a role in the formation of the Sashastra Seema Bal and the Nagaland Armed Police. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The fifth edition was jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and USI at Delhi Cantt, and Rajnath Singh highlighted Major Khathing's contribution to forming the SSB and the Nagaland Armed Police.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the ceremony on the 15th death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh on 27 February 2025 at:
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Correct answer: A — Chitrakoot
The Remembrance Day ceremony for Nanaji Deshmukh's 15th death anniversary was held at Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, where a statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya was also unveiled.
President Droupadi Murmu attended a mass wedding organised by Shri Bageshwar Jan Seva Samiti at Gadha on 26 February 2025. Gadha is in which district?
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Correct answer: C — Chhatarpur
The mass wedding was held at Gadha, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh.
Former RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das was appointed to which post on 22 February 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved his appointment as Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister.
Who continues as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister after Shaktikanta Das's appointment as Principal Secretary-2?
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Correct answer: C — P.K. Mishra
P.K. Mishra, a retired Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, continues as Principal Secretary to the PM.
Consider the following statements about Shaktikanta Das's appointment of February 2025: 1. It was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. 2. It is for a fixed term of five years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The ACC approved the appointment, but it is co-terminus with the PM's term or until further orders, not a fixed five-year term, so only the first statement is correct.
Which Jayanti of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was marked on 19 February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 395th
The padyatra in Pune marked the 395th Jayanti of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
What was the name of the padyatra led by Mansukh Mandaviya and Devendra Fadnavis in Pune on Shivaji Jayanti 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Jai Shivaji Jai Bharat
The 'Jai Shivaji Jai Bharat' Padyatra in Pune was joined by over 20,000 MY Bharat volunteers.
What cash award (in rupees) does each winner of the Prime Minister's Yoga Awards 2025 receive?
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Correct answer: C — 25 lakh
Each winner receives a trophy, a certificate and a cash award of ₹25 lakh, in four categories.
BIT Mesra, whose Platinum Jubilee President Droupadi Murmu attended on 15 February 2025, is located in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Jharkhand
The President graced the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of BIT Mesra at Ranchi, Jharkhand.
In which year was India's first Department of Space Engineering and Rocketry established at BIT Mesra, as noted by the President?
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Correct answer: B — 1964
The President noted that the country's first Department of Space Engineering and Rocketry was established at BIT Mesra in 1964; 1975 was when its STEP was set up.
In the context of BIT Mesra, one of whose early facilities was set up in 1975, what does 'STEP' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Park
One of the first Science and Technology Entrepreneurship Parks (STEP) to promote engineering entrepreneurship was set up at BIT Mesra in 1975.
During which period did Rajagopala Chidambaram serve as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, DAE?
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Correct answer: B — 1993–2000
DAE: he was Chairman, AEC and Secretary, DAE from 1993 to 2000; Director, BARC 1990–1993; PSA 2001–2018.
Rajagopala Chidambaram, who died on 4 January 2025, chaired which international body's Board of Governors during 1994–1995?
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Correct answer: C — International Atomic Energy Agency
DAE: he was Chairman of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (1994–1995).
Consider the following statements about Rajagopala Chidambaram: 1. He played an integral role in India's first nuclear test in 1974. 2. He led the DAE team during the Pokhran-II tests in 1998. 3. He received the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
DAE: all three are stated – integral role in 1974, led the DAE team in Pokhran-II (1998), Padma Shri 1975 and Padma Vibhushan 1999.
Botanist K.S. Manilal, who died on 1 January 2025, is best known for his work on which treatise?
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Correct answer: C — Hortus Malabaricus
The Hindu; Indian Express: Manilal devoted about 35 years to the research, translation and annotation of the Latin botanical treatise Hortus Malabaricus.
In which year was K.S. Manilal awarded the Padma Shri?
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Correct answer: D — 2020
The Hindu; Indian Express: Manilal was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020 for his contributions to botany.
Which village in Haryana was renamed after former US President Jimmy Carter, who died on 29 December 2024, following his visit in 1978?
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Correct answer: C — Carterpuri
The Hindu/Business Standard/Indian Express: the Haryana village near Gurgaon was renamed Carterpuri after Carter's 1978 visit.
In which year was The Carter Center founded by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in partnership with Emory University?
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Correct answer: A — 1982
The Carter Center: it was founded in 1982 by Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter in partnership with Emory University; Carter's presidency began in 1977 and ended in 1981, and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
In which year was Jimmy Carter awarded the Nobel Peace Prize?
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Correct answer: D — 2002
The Carter Center: Jimmy Carter was the winner of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize.
Consider the following statements about Jimmy Carter: 1. He was the 39th President of the United States. 2. He died at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. 3. He visited the Haryana village later named after him in 1980. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
The Carter Center/Indian Express/The Hindu: Carter was the 39th US President and died at home in Plains, Georgia, aged 100; he visited the village on 3 January 1978, not in 1980, so statement 3 is wrong.
For how many days was State Mourning observed throughout India following the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in December 2024?
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Correct answer: B — Seven days
PIB (MHA): seven days of State Mourning were observed throughout India from 26 December 2024 to 1 January 2025, both days inclusive.
Where were the last rites of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh held with state honours on 28 December 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Nigam Bodh Ghat
PMIndia/PIB (Lok Sabha Secretariat)/AIR: the PM attended the last rites and the Lok Sabha Speaker paid tribute at Nigam Bodh Ghat, Delhi, on 28 December 2024.
As decided by the Union Cabinet, what was declared in all Central Government offices and CPSUs on the day of Dr Manmohan Singh's state funeral?
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Correct answer: A — A half-day holiday
PIB (Cabinet): on the day of the state funeral, a half-day holiday was declared in all Central Government offices and CPSUs.
Consider the following statements about the official arrangements after Dr Manmohan Singh's death: 1. State Mourning ran from 26 December 2024 to 1 January 2025, both days inclusive. 2. There was to be no official entertainment during the period of State Mourning. 3. The National Flag was flown at half-mast only in Delhi. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MHA/Cabinet): mourning ran from 26 December 2024 to 1 January 2025 with no official entertainment; the flag flew at half-mast throughout India where regularly flown and in Indian Missions abroad, not only in Delhi, so statement 3 is wrong.
Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat, the French Sanskrit scholar who died on 28 December 2024, had received which Indian civilian award in January 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Padma Shri
French Association for Indian Studies notice (INDOLOGY list): Filliozat received the Padma Shri in January 2024.
Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat's father, the Indologist Jean Filliozat, founded which institution?
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Correct answer: C — French Institute of Pondicherry
French Association for Indian Studies notice: Jean Filliozat, a professor at the Collège de France, was the founder of the French Institute of Pondicherry; Pierre-Sylvain was a member of the EFEO.
Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat frequently lived for long periods at his house in Yadavagiri, which is in which Indian city?
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Correct answer: A — Mysuru
French Association for Indian Studies notice: he resided frequently and for long periods at his house in Yadavagiri, Mysore.