KVS / NVS Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
How many electric buses has the Centre approved for Odisha under the PM e-Bus Sewa Scheme, as noted at Manohar Lal's review in Bhubaneswar on 23 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 400
PIB (23 Mar 2025): the Central Government has approved the deployment of 400 electric buses for Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri e-Bus Sewa Scheme.
At the power sector review with Manohar Lal on 23 March 2025, how much operational coal-based thermal power capacity did the Odisha Government say the State has?
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Correct answer: D — 20 GW
PIB (23 Mar 2025): the State Government informed that Odisha currently has 20 GW of operational coal-based thermal power capacity, with an additional 10 GW in the pipeline.
Manohar Lal called for developing four Odisha urban centres as growth hubs on 23 March 2025. Which of the following was NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: C — Rourkela
PIB (23 Mar 2025): the Minister emphasised developing Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Khordha as growth hubs; Rourkela was not named, so Rourkela is NOT one of them.
Where was the keel of the Indian Navy's second and third Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels laid on 23 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
The keel laying was held at Yeoman Marine Services Pvt Ltd, Ratnagiri, where GSL is fabricating the main hull blocks.
What is the approximate tonnage of the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels whose keels were laid on 23 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 3,000 tonnes
The NGOPVs have an approximate tonnage of 3,000 tonnes.
When did the Ministry of Defence sign the contracts for the 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: A — 30 March 2023
The contracts with GSL and GRSE were concluded on 30 March 2023.
Consider the following statements about the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (Yard 1281 and 1282) whose keels were laid on 23 March 2025: 1. Their main hull blocks are being fabricated at the premises of a private firm in Ratnagiri as part of Goa Shipyard Ltd's build strategy. 2. They are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders for the Indian Coast Guard. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB says the main hull blocks of Yard 1281 and 1282 are fabricated at Yeoman Marine Services Pvt Ltd, Ratnagiri, as part of GSL's build strategy. These are Indian Navy vessels built by GSL (lead) and GRSE, not Coast Guard vessels from Mazagon Dock.
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.
Who constituted the three-member committee on 22 March 2025 to inquire into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma?
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Correct answer: D — The Chief Justice of India
The Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, constituted the in-house committee, as stated in the Supreme Court's press release of 22 March 2025.
Which of the following was NOT a member of the in-house committee constituted on 22 March 2025 to inquire into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma?
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Correct answer: D — Justice D.K. Upadhyaya
The members were Justices Sheel Nagu, G.S. Sandhawalia and Anu Sivaraman. Justice D.K. Upadhyaya, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, had submitted the preliminary report.
What interim step did the Supreme Court announce on 22 March 2025 regarding Justice Yashwant Varma?
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Correct answer: A — The Delhi High Court Chief Justice was asked not to assign him any judicial work
The press release said the Delhi High Court Chief Justice had been asked, for the time being, not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma.
Consider the following statements: 1. The in-house committee constituted on 22 March 2025 to inquire into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma had two High Court Chief Justices and one High Court judge. 2. A High Court judge can be removed from office only in the manner provided in Article 124(4) for a Supreme Court judge, as applied by Article 217(1)(b). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The committee had two Chief Justices (Punjab & Haryana and Himachal Pradesh High Courts) and one judge (Karnataka High Court). Under Article 217(1)(b), a High Court judge may be removed by the President in the manner provided in Article 124(4) for removal of a Supreme Court judge.
What was the UN theme for World Water Day 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Glacier Preservation
UN-Water set 'Glacier Preservation' as the theme of World Water Day 2025.
Where was Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025 launched on World Water Day 2025, the first time the campaign was launched outside Delhi?
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Correct answer: B — Panchkula, Haryana
The sixth edition was launched at Panchkula, Haryana, the first time it was launched outside Delhi.
How many focus districts did Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025 give special emphasis to?
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Correct answer: B — 148
The nationwide virtual launch placed special emphasis on 148 focus districts.
Consider the following statements: 1. The UN General Assembly designated 22 March as World Water Day in 1993. 2. The UN declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The UN fact sheet says the General Assembly designated 22 March as World Water Day in 1993. The UN also declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation, which is why the 2025 theme was 'Glacier Preservation'.
From which date did the Centre withdraw the 20% export duty on onions, as notified on 22 March 2025?
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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.
Since when had the 20% export duty on onions, withdrawn in March 2025, been in force?
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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.
What was the estimated rabi onion production for 2025, cited when the onion export duty was withdrawn in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 227 lakh tonnes
Rabi production was estimated at 227 lakh metric tonnes, over 18% higher than 192 LMT the previous year.
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?
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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.
Which two aircraft carriers took part in the India–France naval exercise Varuna 2025?
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Correct answer: D — INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle
Varuna 2025 saw the joint participation of INS Vikrant and the French carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Which edition of the India–France naval exercise Varuna was held from 19 to 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 23rd
Varuna 2025 was the 23rd edition of the exercise.
In Varuna 2025, mock air combat was conducted between which aircraft?
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Correct answer: A — Rafale-M and MiG-29K
Air defence drills included mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and the Indian MiG-29K.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Varuna: 1. It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and France that has been held since 2001. 2. An Indian Scorpene-class submarine took part in the 2025 edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Official releases say Varuna has been a cornerstone of India–France naval cooperation since its inception in 2001, and the 2025 edition included an Indian Scorpene-class submarine.
With its MoU of 22 March 2025, the Delhi Legislative Assembly became which legislature to sign up for the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)?
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Correct answer: C — 28th
Delhi became the 28th legislature to sign an MoU with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for NeVA.
On which cloud infrastructure is the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), adopted by the Delhi Assembly in March 2025, hosted?
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Correct answer: D — MeghRaj 2.0
The NeVA platform is hosted on MeghRaj 2.0, India's government cloud infrastructure.
How many new NABL-accredited food testing labs will the Ministry of Food Processing Industries support in 2025-26, as announced on 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 100
Ravneet Singh Bittu announced financial support for 100 new NABL-accredited food testing laboratories in 2025-26.
Under which scheme has the Ministry of Food Processing Industries sanctioned 205 food testing laboratory projects, as stated in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana
The labs are part of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, which allocated ₹503.47 crore for 205 laboratory projects.
Who was elected Chairman of INTACH on 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ashok Singh Thakur
Ashok Singh Thakur was elected INTACH Chairman for three years at the AGM on 22 March 2025.
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?
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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.
How many websites/URLs of offshore online money gaming entities had DGGI blocked, as stated on 22 March 2025?
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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.
Under which provision were offshore online money gaming websites blocked in coordination with MeitY, as reported by DGGI in March 2025?
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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.
Who was Player of the Match in the IPL 2025 opener between KKR and RCB on 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Krunal Pandya
Krunal Pandya was Player of the Match for figures of 3 for 29 as RCB won by seven wickets.
Who captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their win in the IPL 2025 opener on 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Rajat Patidar
The Rajat Patidar-led RCB beat KKR by seven wickets at Eden Gardens.
What is the name of the second Project 1135.6 frigate launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd on 22 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Tavasya
GSL launched 'Tavasya' (Yard 1259), the second Project 1135.6 frigate built by it, on 22 March 2025.
What is the displacement of the frigate 'Tavasya' launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Over 3,800 tonnes
Tavasya has a displacement exceeding 3,800 tonnes.
At the launch of 'Tavasya' in March 2025, what defence exports target by 2029 was cited by the Raksha Rajya Mantri?
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Correct answer: D — ₹50,000 crore
Sanjay Seth cited the Ministry of Defence's vision of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.
According to the India Bioeconomy Report 2025, released on 21 March 2025, what was the size of India's bioeconomy in 2024?
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Correct answer: B — $165.7 billion
IBER 2025 put India's bioeconomy at $165.7 billion in 2024, up from $10 billion in 2014.
What share of India's GDP did the bioeconomy contribute, as per the India Bioeconomy Report 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 4.25%
IBER 2025 says the bioeconomy contributes 4.25% to India's GDP.
What is 'BioSaarthi', launched by Dr Jitendra Singh on 21 March 2025?
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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.
How many biotech startups does India have, as cited at the release of the India Bioeconomy Report 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Over 10,075
The Minister said biotech startups have grown from about 50 a decade ago to over 10,075.
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?
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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.
Justice Harish Tandon was appointed Chief Justice of which High Court on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Orissa High Court
Justice Harish Tandon, a judge of the Calcutta High Court, was appointed Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court.
Before his appointment as Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court in March 2025, Justice Harish Tandon was a judge of which High Court?
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Correct answer: B — Calcutta High Court
The Law Ministry's communiqué described him as a judge of the Calcutta High Court.
Consider the following statements in the context of the appointment of Justice Harish Tandon as Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court: 1. Judges of High Courts, including Chief Justices, are appointed by the President under Article 217(1). 2. The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the Governor of the State concerned. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The appointment was made by the President under Article 217(1), which covers every High Court judge including the Chief Justice. The Governor is consulted but does not appoint.
Where was Purple Fest 2025, celebrating persons with disabilities, held on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
Purple Fest 2025 was held at the Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan, on 21 March 2025.
Which department organised Purple Fest 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
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Correct answer: B — Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Purple Fest 2025 was hosted by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
From which vessel did the Indian Navy evacuate injured crew about 230 nautical miles west of Goa on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — MV Heilan Star
The Navy evacuated three injured crew from MV Heilan Star, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier.
To which naval air station were the injured crew of MV Heilan Star flown on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — INS Hansa, Goa
The rescued crew were flown to INS Hansa, Goa, and then moved to a civil hospital.
With which department did Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff sign an MoU on defence R&D on 21 March 2025?
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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.
Who was the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff present at the signing of the HQ IDS–DST MoU on 21 March 2025?
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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.
What cash amount does the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize 2024, announced in March 2025, carry?
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Correct answer: A — ₹50,000
The Translation Prize carries ₹50,000 and a copper plaque.
Who chaired the Sahitya Akademi Executive Board meeting that approved the Translation Prize 2024 in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Madhav Kaushik
The Executive Board met under the chairmanship of Sahitya Akademi President Madhav Kaushik.
What was the theme of the International Day of Forests 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Forests and Foods
The 2025 theme was 'Forests and Foods', highlighting forests' role in food security, nutrition and livelihoods.
On which date was the first-ever World Day for Glaciers observed in 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 21 March
The first World Day for Glaciers was observed on 21 March 2025, the eve of World Water Day.
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?
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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.
At which institute did the two-week training programme for Bhutanese election officials conclude on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — IIIDEM, New Delhi
The programme concluded at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.
How many Bhutanese election officials took part in the ECI's capacity development programme held from 10 to 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 40
The programme trained 40 senior and mid-level officers from Bhutan.
Who was Bhutan's Election Commissioner who took part in the March 2025 training programme in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: A — Ugyen Chewang
Bhutan's Election Commissioner Ugyen Chewang participated and gave the vote of thanks at the valedictory session.
Which annual convocation of AIIMS New Delhi did President Droupadi Murmu address on 21 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 49th
The President addressed the 49th annual convocation of AIIMS New Delhi.
What was India's rank in the World Happiness Report 2025, released on 20 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 118th
India ranked 118th of 147 countries, up from 126th in 2024.
Which country was ranked the happiest in the World Happiness Report 2025, for the eighth year in a row?
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Correct answer: A — Finland
Finland led the ranking for the eighth consecutive year with an average score of 7.736.
What was the theme of the World Happiness Report 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Caring and sharing
The 2025 report focused on the impact of caring and sharing on people's happiness.
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?
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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).
On which date did India's coal production cross one billion tonnes in the financial year 2024-25?
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Correct answer: C — 20 March 2025
The Ministry of Coal said production crossed 1 BT on 20 March 2025.
What was India's total coal production in FY 2023-24, which was surpassed in March 2025?
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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.
According to the Ministry of Coal in March 2025, about what share of India's electricity is generated by coal-based plants?
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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.
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?
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Where was the 14th meeting of the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism held in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — New Delhi
The 14th meeting was held in New Delhi on 19–20 March 2025, the first of the India–Malaysia co-chaired cycle.
Which two countries co-chaired the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2021–2024 cycle, before handing over to India and Malaysia?
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Correct answer: C — Myanmar and Russia
Myanmar and Russia, co-chairs for 2021–2024, handed over the co-chairmanship to India and Malaysia for 2024–2027.
Which company won MeitY's Indian Web Browser Development Challenge, announced on 20 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Zoho
Zoho won the challenge; Team PING and Team Ajna were the runners-up.
Which organisation conducted the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge for MeitY?
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Correct answer: A — C-DAC Bengaluru
The challenge was conducted by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bengaluru.
Which team was the first runner-up in the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge announced in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Team PING
Team PING was the first runner-up and Team Ajna the second; Jio Vishwakarma received a special mention.
At which venue were the second Khelo India Para Games declared open on 20 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, New Delhi
The Games were declared open at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium complex, New Delhi.
In how many sports disciplines did athletes compete at the second Khelo India Para Games, opened on 20 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Six
More than 1,300 para athletes competed in six sports disciplines over eight days.
How many net members did EPFO add in January 2025, as per payroll data released on 20 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 17.89 lakh
EPFO added 17.89 lakh net members in January 2025; 8.23 lakh were new subscribers.
What share of EPFO's new subscribers in January 2025 were aged 18–25?
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Correct answer: A — About 57%
4.70 lakh new subscribers, or 57.07% of the total, were in the 18–25 age group.