SF Prep

CDS Current Affairs Quiz — All time

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

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3693 news · 9467 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 91 questions
MoD signs ₹2,500 crore contracts for NAMIS (Tracked) anti-tank system and 5,000 light vehicles
Q1

With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign the contract for the NAMIS (Tracked) anti-tank system on 27 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited

The ₹1,801.34 crore NAMIS (Tr) contract was signed with Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited.

Q2 Advanced

Which DRDO laboratory developed the NAMIS (Tracked) weapon system contracted on 27 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)

The NAMIS (Tr) system was developed by DRDO's Defence Research and Development Laboratory.

Q3 Advanced

The light vehicles contracted by the Ministry of Defence on 27 March 2025 were ordered from which companies?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Force Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra

About 5,000 light vehicles with an 800 kg payload were ordered from Force Motors Ltd and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

PM Modi speaks with King Philippe of Belgium; appreciates Belgian Economic Mission led by Princess Astrid
Q4

During his call with King Philippe of Belgium on 27 March 2025, PM Modi appreciated the Belgian Economic Mission to India led by whom?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Princess Astrid

The PM appreciated the recent Belgian Economic Mission to India led by Princess Astrid.

Lok Sabha passes Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, 2025 for India's first cooperative university
Q5

The Tribhuvan Sahkari University Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha on 26 March 2025, seeks to set up India's first university dedicated to which sector?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Cooperatives

It will be India's first university dedicated to the cooperative sector.

Q6 Advanced

Tribhuvan Sahkari University is named after Tribhuvandas Patel, a pioneer associated with which cooperative institution?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Amul (GCMMF)

Tribhuvandas Patel is associated with the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, popularly known as Amul.

Q7 Advanced

According to Amit Shah on 26 March 2025, Tribhuvan Sahkari University will be able to award diplomas, degrees or certificates to about how many candidates a year?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 8 lakh

Amit Shah said the university will have the capacity to train about 8 lakh people a year.

MoD signs ₹6,900 crore contracts for ATAGS 155mm guns with Bharat Forge and towing vehicles with Tata Advanced Systems
Q8

With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign the contract for ATAGS guns on 26 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bharat Forge Limited

The ATAGS contract was signed with Bharat Forge Limited; the gun-towing vehicles contract went to Tata Advanced Systems.

Q9 Advanced

What is the calibre of the ATAGS guns contracted on 26 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 155mm/52

ATAGS is a 155mm/52 calibre towed artillery gun system.

Q10 Advanced

Which DRDO laboratory developed the ATAGS, whose project director was felicitated on 26 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ARDE, Pune

ATAGS was developed by DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune.

Q11 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the ATAGS procurement of 26 March 2025: 1. It is the Indian Army's first major procurement of towed guns from the private sector. 2. With it, MoD's capital procurement contracts in 2024-25 crossed ₹2 lakh crore. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

ATAGS is the Army's first major towed-gun buy from the private sector. On 26 March 2025, capital contracts for 2024-25 stood at ₹1.40 lakh crore, not over ₹2 lakh crore.

Third India–Uganda Joint Trade Committee meets in New Delhi after a 23-year gap
Q12

The third session of the India–Uganda Joint Trade Committee, held in New Delhi on 25–26 March 2025, came after a gap of how many years?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 23

The third JTC session was held after a gap of 23 years.

Q13 Advanced

At the India–Uganda JTC of March 2025, the two sides agreed to explore an MoU on recognition of which Indian standard?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Indian Pharmacopoeia

They agreed to explore MoUs including one on recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia.

Raksha Rajya Mantri flags off Mount Everest and Mount Kangchenjunga expeditions
Q14

The Mount Everest expedition flagged off on 26 March 2025 commemorates 60 years of which institute?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi

The Everest expedition marks 60 years of the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarkashi.

Q15 Advanced

The Mount Kangchenjunga expedition flagged off on 26 March 2025 is organised by NIMAS, which is located at:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh

NIMAS, the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports, is at Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh; the expedition is under 'Har Shikhar Tiranga'.

NHAI's InvIT completes largest road-sector monetisation of over ₹18,000 crore
Q16

National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT), which completed a record fund-raising round announced on 26 March 2025, is an InvIT set up by:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — NHAI

NHIT is the Infrastructure Investment Trust set up by NHAI in 2020 to support the government's monetisation programme.

Q17 Advanced

What was the approximate enterprise value of NHIT's fourth fund-raising round, announced on 26 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹18,380 crore

The fourth round was at an enterprise value of about ₹18,380 crore; ₹46,000 crore is the total across four rounds.

Q18 Advanced

Which of the following highway stretches is among those to be acquired with funds from NHIT's fourth round, announced on 26 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Gandhidham–Mundra

The stretches include Gandhidham–Mundra (Gujarat) and Raipur–Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh), along with stretches in Andhra Pradesh and UP/Uttarakhand.

Centre discontinues medium and long term government deposits under Gold Monetisation Scheme from 26 March 2025
Q19

Which components of the Gold Monetisation Scheme were discontinued with effect from 26 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Medium Term and Long Term Government Deposits

The Medium Term and Long Term Government Deposit (MLTGD) components were discontinued; the Short Term Bank Deposit may continue at banks' discretion.

Q20 Advanced

After the March 2025 changes to the Gold Monetisation Scheme, what happens to the Short Term Bank Deposit (1–3 years)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — It continues at the discretion of individual banks based on commercial viability

The Short Term Bank Deposit may continue at the discretion of individual banks, based on their assessment of commercial viability.

Q21 Advanced

What happens to gold already deposited under the Medium and Long Term Government Deposit components of the GMS, after they were discontinued in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — It continues until redemption as per existing guidelines

Existing deposits under MLTGD continue until redemption as per the extant GMS guidelines.

Q22 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS): 1. The GMS was announced on 15 September 2015 to reduce India's reliance on gold imports in the long run. 2. Under the GMS, the Long Term Government Deposit had a tenure of 12–15 years. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

The GMS was announced on 15 September 2015 to reduce reliance on gold imports and mobilise household and institutional gold. Its components were the Short Term Bank Deposit (1–3 years), Medium Term Government Deposit (5–7 years) and Long Term Government Deposit (12–15 years).

Parliament passes Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 as Rajya Sabha clears it
Q23

Which House passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on 25 March 2025, completing its passage through Parliament?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rajya Sabha

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on 25 March 2025 after Home Minister Amit Shah's reply, completing its passage through Parliament.

Q24 Advanced

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by Parliament in March 2025, enables state governments to set up which new body?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Urban Disaster Management Authority

The Bill enables Urban Disaster Management Authorities, fully under state governments, for state capitals and cities with municipal corporations.

Q25 Advanced

According to Amit Shah's reply in the Rajya Sabha on 25 March 2025, at which levels will the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill create disaster databases?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — National and state levels

Amit Shah said the Bill would create disaster databases at the national and state levels.

Q26 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, passed by Parliament on 25 March 2025: 1. It gives statutory status to the National Crisis Management Committee, which is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. 2. It gives statutory status to the High Level Committee, which is chaired by the Prime Minister. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Per PRS, the NCMC is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. The HLC, which approves financial assistance to states, is chaired by the minister in charge of the ministry with administrative control over disaster management, not the Prime Minister.

Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill, 2025 with 35 amendments; 6% equalisation levy on online ads abolished
Q27

How many government amendments were included in the Finance Bill, 2025 when the Lok Sabha passed it on 25 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 35

The Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill, 2025 with 35 government amendments.

Q28 Advanced

One of the amendments to the Finance Bill, 2025, passed by the Lok Sabha on 25 March 2025, abolished which levy?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 6% equalisation levy on online advertisements

An amendment abolished the 6% equalisation levy on online advertisements, popularly called the 'Google tax'.

Q29 Advanced

What total expenditure does the Union Budget 2025-26 envisage, as reported when the Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill on 25 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹50.65 lakh crore

The Union Budget 2025-26 envisages total expenditure of ₹50.65 lakh crore, an increase of 7.4% over the current fiscal.

India and Singapore sign Letter of Intent on Green and Digital Shipping Corridor
Q30

India and Singapore signed a Letter of Intent on 25 March 2025 to work towards which corridor?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Green and Digital Shipping Corridor

The LOI on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation is a step towards an MoU on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

Q31 Advanced

Which Singapore body's chief executive signed the India–Singapore Letter of Intent on green and digital shipping on 25 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

The LOI was signed by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, MoPSW, and Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.

Boilers Bill, 2024 introduced in Lok Sabha to replace the Boilers Act, 1923
Q32

The Boilers Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on 25 March 2025, repeals a law from which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1923

The Boilers Bill, 2024 repeals the Boilers Act, 1923.

Q33 Advanced

Under the Boilers Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha in March 2025, how many of the seven offences in the law retain criminal penalties?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Four

Criminal penalties are retained for four major offences that may cause loss of life and property; the other three are decriminalised.

Q34 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Boilers Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha on 25 March 2025: 1. The Bill had already been passed by the Rajya Sabha on 4 December 2024. 2. Its decriminalisation provisions are in line with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

The Rajya Sabha passed the Bill on 4 December 2024. The review incorporated decriminalised provisions in consonance with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.

World TB Day 2025: J.P. Nadda announces nationwide expansion of the 100-day TB Mukt Bharat campaign
Q35

What was the theme of World TB Day 2025, observed on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver

The theme of World TB Day 2025 was 'Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver'.

Q36 Advanced

How many people were screened for TB during the 100-day intensified TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, as announced on World TB Day 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 12.97 crore

12.97 crore people were screened and 7.19 lakh TB patients notified, about 2.85 lakh of them asymptomatic.

Q37 Advanced

According to Health Minister J.P. Nadda on 24 March 2025, TB treatment coverage in India has risen from 59% to what level?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 85%

Nadda said TB treatment coverage in India had increased from 59% to 85%.

Q38 Advanced

Consider the following statements about World TB Day: 1. It marks the discovery of the TB-causing bacterium by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882. 2. India has been observing the day since 1982. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

World TB Day, observed on 24 March, marks Robert Koch's discovery of the TB bacterium in 1882. India has observed it since 1982 along with the global community.

Centre notifies 24% hike in salary, allowances and pension of MPs from 1 April 2023
Q39

What is the revised monthly salary of a Member of Parliament under the notification of 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹1.24 lakh

An MP's monthly salary was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh, a 24% increase, with effect from 1 April 2023.

Q40 Advanced

From which date does the hike in MPs' salary and pension, notified on 24 March 2025, take effect?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 April 2023

The revision was notified with retrospective effect from 1 April 2023.

Q41 Advanced

Under the March 2025 revision, the monthly pension of former MPs was raised from ₹25,000 to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹31,000

The pension for former MPs rose from ₹25,000 to ₹31,000 a month; additional pension per year beyond five years rose from ₹2,000 to ₹2,500.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the revision of MPs' salaries notified on 24 March 2025: 1. It was made under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954. 2. The increase was linked to the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The revision was notified under the Salary, Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act, 1954, on the basis of the Cost Inflation Index specified in the Income-tax Act, 1961, not the CPI for Industrial Workers.

Indian Navy announces maiden IOS SAGAR deployment and AIKEYME exercise with African nations
Q43

Which Indian naval ship was named for the maiden IOS SAGAR deployment announced on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — INS Sunayna

INS Sunayna was to deploy to the Southwest Indian Ocean with a combined crew from India and nine friendly foreign countries.

Q44 Advanced

With which country's defence force was the maiden AIKEYME exercise to be co-hosted, as announced by the Indian Navy in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tanzania

AIKEYME was to be co-hosted by the Indian Navy and the Tanzania People's Defence Force at and off Dar-es-Salaam.

Q45 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Indian Navy's initiatives announced on 24 March 2025: 1. 'AIKEYME' means 'unity' in Sanskrit. 2. The IOS SAGAR crew was to include personnel from nine friendly foreign countries, including Sri Lanka and Maldives. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

AIKEYME (Africa India Key Maritime Engagement) means 'unity' in Sanskrit. IOS SAGAR's combined crew was to include personnel from Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Twelve mines auctioned in 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions
Q46

How many coal mines were successfully auctioned in the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions, as announced on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Twelve

Twelve mines (eight fully explored and four partially explored) were auctioned.

Q47 Advanced

What was the average revenue share achieved in the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions (results announced March 2025)?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 36.27%

The auctions achieved an average revenue share of 36.27%.

Q48 Advanced

In the 11th round of commercial coal mine auctions, the Banai & Bhalumunda mines, won by Jindal Power, are in which state?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chhattisgarh

Banai & Bhalumunda in Chhattisgarh, with a peak rated capacity of 12 MTPA, went to Jindal Power at a 48% final offer.

India completes genome sequencing of 10,000 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates
Q49

Genome sequencing of how many Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates was announced as completed on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 10,000

Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the completion of genome sequencing of 10,000 isolates; the programme's target is over 32,000.

Q50 Advanced

The sequencing of 10,000 TB bacterium genomes, announced in March 2025, is part of which programme?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Dare2eraD TB

The work is part of the Dare2eraD TB (Data Driven Research to Eradicate TB) programme launched on 24 March 2022.

Q51 Advanced

Which three bodies lead the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance (InTGS) Consortium, as described on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — DBT, CSIR and ICMR

The InTGS Consortium is spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology, CSIR and ICMR, with major clinical institutions.

Canadian PM Mark Carney calls snap election for 28 April as Parliament is dissolved
Q52

For which date did Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney call a snap general election on 23 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 28 April 2025

Carney called the election for 28 April 2025; it had not been due until October.

Q53 Advanced

Who dissolved Canada's 44th Parliament on 23 March 2025 on the advice of Prime Minister Mark Carney?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Governor General Mary Simon

Governor General Mary Simon approved Carney's advice and issued proclamations dissolving Parliament and ordering election writs.

Q54 Advanced

How many seats in Canada's House of Commons were up for election in the vote called on 23 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 343

AP reported that the 37-day campaign was for 343 seats in the House of Commons.

World Meteorological Day 2025 observed with theme 'Closing the Early Warning Gap Together'
Q55

What was the theme of World Meteorological Day 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Closing the Early Warning Gap Together

The theme for World Meteorological Day 2025 was 'Closing the Early Warning Gap Together'.

Q56 Advanced

By when does the UN's Early Warnings for All initiative, the focus of World Meteorological Day 2025, aim to cover everyone with early warning systems?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — End of 2027

Early Warnings for All seeks to ensure everyone, everywhere is covered by early warning systems by the end of 2027.

Q57 Advanced

Consider the following statements about World Meteorological Day: 1. It commemorates the coming into force of the Convention establishing the WMO on 23 March 1950. 2. In 2025, the WMO marked its 50th anniversary. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The day marks the WMO Convention coming into force on 23 March 1950. 2025 was the WMO's 75th anniversary, not its 50th.

Q58 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the UN's Early Warnings for All initiative, the focus of World Meteorological Day 2025: 1. It was announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres on World Meteorological Day, 23 March 2022. 2. As of 2024, 108 countries reported some capacity for multi-hazard early warning systems, more than double the 52 countries in 2015. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

The WMO President's statement says Guterres announced the commitment on World Meteorological Day, 23 March 2022, and WMO reported that as of 2024, 108 countries had some multi-hazard early warning capacity, more than double the 52 in 2015.

Centre withdraws 20% export duty on onions with effect from 1 April 2025
Q59

From which date did the Centre withdraw the 20% export duty on onions, as notified on 22 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 April 2025

The notification issued on 22 March 2025 made the onion export duty nil with effect from 1 April 2025.

Q60 Advanced

Since when had the 20% export duty on onions, withdrawn in March 2025, been in force?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 13 September 2024

The 20% duty had been in place from 13 September 2024. Exports were prohibited earlier, from 8 December 2023 to 3 May 2024.

Q61 Advanced

What was the estimated rabi onion production for 2025, cited when the onion export duty was withdrawn in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 227 lakh tonnes

Rabi production was estimated at 227 lakh metric tonnes, over 18% higher than 192 LMT the previous year.

Q62 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the withdrawal of the onion export duty in March 2025: 1. It was done through a notification issued under Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962. 2. The notification was issued by the Department of Commerce. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Notification No. 19/2025-Customs was issued by the Department of Revenue (Ministry of Finance) under Section 25(1) of the Customs Act, 1962, on the communication of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Ashok Singh Thakur elected Chairman of INTACH
Q63

Who was elected Chairman of INTACH on 22 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Ashok Singh Thakur

Ashok Singh Thakur was elected INTACH Chairman for three years at the AGM on 22 March 2025.

Q64 Advanced

Consider the following statements about INTACH, whose new Chairman was elected in March 2025: 1. It was formally constituted on 27 January 1984. 2. It is a statutory body set up under an Act of Parliament. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

INTACH was formally constituted on 27 January 1984. It is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, not a statutory body.

DGGI blocks 357 websites of offshore online money gaming firms in GST evasion crackdown
Q65

How many websites/URLs of offshore online money gaming entities had DGGI blocked, as stated on 22 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 357

DGGI said 357 websites/URLs of illegal or non-compliant offshore online money gaming entities had been blocked; about 700 entities were under its scanner.

Q66 Advanced

Under which provision were offshore online money gaming websites blocked in coordination with MeitY, as reported by DGGI in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Section 69 of the IT Act, 2000

The 357 websites/URLs were blocked in coordination with MeitY under Section 69 of the IT Act, 2000.

India Bioeconomy Report 2025: bioeconomy grows 16-fold to $165.7 billion in 2024
Q67

According to the India Bioeconomy Report 2025, released on 21 March 2025, what was the size of India's bioeconomy in 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — $165.7 billion

IBER 2025 put India's bioeconomy at $165.7 billion in 2024, up from $10 billion in 2014.

Q68 Advanced

What share of India's GDP did the bioeconomy contribute, as per the India Bioeconomy Report 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 4.25%

IBER 2025 says the bioeconomy contributes 4.25% to India's GDP.

Q69 Advanced

What is 'BioSaarthi', launched by Dr Jitendra Singh on 21 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — A global mentorship initiative for biotech startups

BioSaarthi is a six-month cohort-based global mentorship initiative for biotech startups, engaging overseas experts, especially from the Indian diaspora.

Q70 Advanced

How many biotech startups does India have, as cited at the release of the India Bioeconomy Report 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Over 10,075

The Minister said biotech startups have grown from about 50 a decade ago to over 10,075.

Q71 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India Bioeconomy Report 2025: 1. India's bioeconomy surpassed the target of $150 billion set for 2025. 2. The bioeconomy grew at a CAGR of 17.9% over the past four years. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

IBER 2025 says the bioeconomy reached $165.7 billion in 2024, surpassing the $150 billion target for 2025, with a CAGR of 17.9% over the past four years.

HQ Integrated Defence Staff and DST sign MoU on defence research and development
Q72

With which department did Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff sign an MoU on defence R&D on 21 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Department of Science and Technology

HQ IDS signed the MoU with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) to strengthen defence research and development.

Q73 Advanced

Who was the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff present at the signing of the HQ IDS–DST MoU on 21 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Lt Gen JP Mathew

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen JP Mathew. V Adm Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief, signed it for HQ IDS.

Sahitya Akademi announces Translation Prize 2024 for 22 books
Q74

What cash amount does the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2024, announced in March 2025, carry?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹50,000

The Translation Prize carries ₹50,000 and a copper plaque.

Q75 Advanced

Who chaired the Sahitya Akademi Executive Board meeting that approved the Translation Prize 2024 in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Madhav Kaushik

The Executive Board met under the chairmanship of Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik.

First World Day for Glaciers observed; International Day of Forests 2025 marked with theme 'Forests and Foods'
Q76

What was the theme of the International Day of Forests 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Forests and Foods

The 2025 theme was 'Forests and Foods', highlighting forests' role in food security, nutrition and livelihoods.

Q77 Advanced

On which date was the first-ever World Day for Glaciers observed in 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 21 March

The first World Day for Glaciers was observed on 21 March 2025, the eve of World Water Day.

Q78 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the International Day of Forests: 1. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012. 2. Its annual theme is chosen by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 March as the International Day of Forests in 2012. The annual theme is chosen by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests, not UNEP.

C-DOT and IIT Delhi partner to develop AI chatbot for disaster early warning
Q79

With which institute did C-DOT partner, as announced on 21 March 2025, to develop a generative AI chatbot for disaster early warning?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — IIT Delhi

C-DOT signed the agreement with IIT Delhi for the generative AI-enhanced chatbot.

World Happiness Report 2025: India ranks 118th of 147; Finland tops for eighth year
Q80

What was India's rank in the World Happiness Report 2025, released on 20 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 118th

India ranked 118th of 147 countries, up from 126th in 2024.

Q81 Advanced

Which country was ranked the happiest in the World Happiness Report 2025, for the eighth year in a row?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Finland

Finland led the ranking for the eighth consecutive year with an average score of 7.736.

Q82 Advanced

What was the theme of the World Happiness Report 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Caring and sharing

The 2025 report focused on the impact of caring and sharing on people's happiness.

Q83 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the World Happiness Report 2025: 1. It is published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in partnership with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. 2. It is released every year to mark World Mental Health Day. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The report is published by Oxford's Wellbeing Research Centre with Gallup, the UN SDSN and an independent editorial board. It is released to mark the UN International Day of Happiness on 20 March, not World Mental Health Day (10 October).

India's coal production crosses 1 billion tonnes for the first time in a financial year
Q84

On which date did India's coal production cross one billion tonnes in the financial year 2024-25?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 20 March 2025

The Ministry of Coal said production crossed 1 BT on 20 March 2025.

Q85 Advanced

What was India's total coal production in FY 2023-24, which was surpassed in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 997.83 MT

The 1 BT milestone came 11 days ahead of the previous fiscal's production of 997.83 million tonnes.

Q86 Advanced

According to the Ministry of Coal in March 2025, about what share of India's electricity is generated by coal-based plants?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — About 74%

Around 74% of India's electricity is generated by coal-based power plants; coal is about 55% of the energy mix.

Q87 Advanced

Consider the following statements made by the Ministry of Coal when coal output crossed 1 billion tonnes in March 2025: 1. Coal accounts for about 55% of India's energy mix. 2. India's coal imports rose during April–December 2024 compared with the previous year. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The ministry said coal is about 55% of the energy mix, and that coal imports declined by 8.4% in April–December 2024, saving about $5.43 billion.

DAC clears proposals worth over ₹54,000 crore including T-90 engines, Varunastra torpedoes and AEW&C systems
Q88

What was the total value of the capital acquisition proposals cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council on 20 March 2025?

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Correct answer: D — Over ₹54,000 crore

The DAC accorded AoN to eight proposals amounting to over ₹54,000 crore.

Q89 Advanced

The DAC on 20 March 2025 approved upgrading the engines of T-90 tanks from 1000 HP to:

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Correct answer: B — 1350 HP

AoN was accorded for 1350 HP engines to upgrade the present 1000 HP engines of T-90 tanks.

Q90 Advanced

Which aircraft systems did the DAC clear for the Indian Air Force on 20 March 2025?

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Correct answer: D — Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) systems

For the IAF, the DAC accorded AoN for Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft systems.

Q91 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the DAC decisions of 20 March 2025: 1. Varunastra, cleared for the Navy, is an indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo developed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory. 2. The engine upgrade cleared for the Army was for Arjun main battle tanks. Which of the above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: A — 1 only

Varunastra is an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo from NSTL. The 1350 HP engine upgrade was for T-90 tanks, not Arjun.