PPSC (Punjab) Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
For how many allied and healthcare professions were competency-based curricula launched on 23 April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ten
Competency-based curricula were launched for ten allied and healthcare professions.
With which body did the Health Ministry launch the new curricula for allied and healthcare professions on 23 April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions
The curricula were launched in collaboration with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP).
Consider the following about the curricula launched on 23 April 2025: 1. They cover fifteen allied and healthcare professions. 2. They were developed with the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The curricula cover ten professions and were launched with the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP).
How much tur (arhar) procurement under the Price Support Scheme was approved for Kharif 2024-25, as stated on 23 April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 13.22 LMT
Procurement of 13.22 LMT of tur was approved in nine States for Kharif 2024-25.
Up to which year will tur, urad and masur be procured at 100% of State production, as announced in Budget 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 2028-29
Budget 2025 announced 100% procurement of tur, urad and masur for four more years up to 2028-29.
In how many States was tur procurement under the Price Support Scheme approved for Kharif 2024-25?
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Correct answer: B — Nine
Tur procurement was approved in nine States: Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh.
Where was the second session of the India–South Africa Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment held on 22–23 April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Pretoria
The second session of the India–South Africa JWGTI was held in Pretoria.
Consider the following about the India–South Africa JWGTI of April 2025: 1. It was co-chaired on the Indian side by Priya Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce. 2. Recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia was among the points discussed. 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 Commerce Ministry release.
How many candidates did UPSC recommend for appointment in the final result of the Civil Services Examination 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 1,009
A total of 1,009 candidates were recommended; 230 are on the reserve list.
How many IAS vacancies were reported by the Government for the Civil Services Examination 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 180
The Government reported 180 IAS vacancies; 55 were for the IFS and 147 for the IPS.
In which city did PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman co-chair the second India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting on 22 April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Jeddah
The second SPC meeting was held in Jeddah; it was the PM's first visit to the city.
Consider the following about the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting of 22 April 2025: 1. The Council was expanded to four ministerial committees, adding committees on Defence Cooperation and on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation. 2. It was the first meeting of the Council. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. It was the second meeting; the first was held in September 2023.
How much has Saudi Arabia committed to invest in India, as cited in the outcomes of the PM's visit of April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — USD 100 billion
The outcomes refer to Saudi Arabia's commitment to invest USD 100 billion in India.
Which of the following was NOT among the MoUs/agreements listed in the outcomes of the PM's State Visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement
The listed MoUs covered space, health, anti-doping and inward surface parcels; a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement was discussed at the India–Bhutan customs meeting, not signed with Saudi Arabia.
What is the capacity of the Arun-3 Hydroelectric Project in Nepal, where electromechanical works began on 22 April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 900 MW
Arun-3 is a 900 MW project being developed by SJVN Limited.
Consider the following about India–Nepal energy cooperation on 22 April 2025: 1. The Arun-3 project is being developed by SJVN Limited. 2. POWERGRID and the Nepal Electricity Authority signed an MoU for the 400 kV Inaruwa–New Purnea and Dododhara–Bareilly transmission systems. 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 Power Ministry release.
Harit Yoga, under which a plantation drive was held on World Earth Day 2025, is one of how many signature events of International Day of Yoga 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ten
Harit Yoga is one of the ten signature events of IDY 2025; 12 IYA state chapters took part in the drive.
Consider the following about the World Earth Day 2025 plantation drive: 1. It was conducted by the Indian Yoga Association and its state chapters. 2. Harit Yoga is an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Harit Yoga is an initiative of the Ministry of Ayush.
Which startup won the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025, announced on 22 April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Plastics for Change
Buoyancy Plastics for Change Recycling Pvt Ltd won the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025.
Up to how much funding does the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025 carry for the winner?
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Correct answer: C — ₹10 crore
The Bharat Startup Grand Challenge 2025 carries funding of up to ₹10 crore.
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.
What is the endurance of the aerostatic drone demonstrated with NECTAR's support, as reported on 22 April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Over 4 hours
The aerostatic drone can stay afloat for surveillance with an endurance of over four hours.
Which company developed the aerostatic drone demonstrated by NECTAR?
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Correct answer: D — Airbotix Technologies
The aerostatic drone was developed by Airbotix Technologies, Gurgaon, with NECTAR's support.
What was the total number of NPS subscribers by March 2025, as per the Finance Ministry release of 22 April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Over 165 lakh
Total NPS subscribers crossed 165 lakh by March 2025; over 12 lakh new private-sector subscribers joined in 2024-25.
What were the combined assets under management of NPS and Atal Pension Yojana at end-March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — ₹14.43 lakh crore
The AUM of NPS and APY grew 23% during 2024-25 to ₹14.43 lakh crore.
When PM Modi hosted US Vice President J.D. Vance on 21 April 2025, the two welcomed significant progress in negotiations for which of the following?
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Correct answer: D — India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement
India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement: the PMO release says they welcomed significant progress in its negotiations.
Consider the following about the PM's meeting with US Vice President J.D. Vance on 21 April 2025: 1. The two had earlier met in Paris in February 2025. 2. The PM said he looked forward to President Trump's visit to India later in the year. 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 PMO release.
Who took charge as Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General, ICAR on 21 April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Mangi Lal Jat
Mangi Lal Jat assumed charge as Secretary, DARE and DG, ICAR for three years.
Immediately before taking charge as DG, ICAR in April 2025, Dr. Mangi Lal Jat was serving as Deputy Director General (Research) at which institution?
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Correct answer: C — ICRISAT
ICRISAT: he was DDG (Research) and Director of the Global Research Program at ICRISAT, Hyderabad; CIMMYT and IRRI were earlier positions.
At what rate did the Centre impose a safeguard duty on imports of certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products in April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 12%
12%: the Ministry of Steel said a 12% safeguard duty was imposed.
Consider the following about the steel import duty announced in April 2025: 1. It applies to certain non-alloy and alloy steel flat products. 2. It is an anti-dumping duty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. It is a safeguard duty, not an anti-dumping duty.
What is the final settlement amount in the Android TV case in which the CCI accepted Google's settlement proposal in April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹20.24 crore
₹20.24 crore, after applying a 15% settlement discount.
Under which provision of the Competition Act, 2002 did the CCI agree to Google's settlement proposal in the Android TV case?
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Correct answer: D — Section 48A
Section 48A: the CCI acted under Section 48A(3) read with the Settlement Regulations, 2024; Section 19(1)(a) covers the filing of information, Section 26(1) the DG investigation, and Section 4 abuse of dominance.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow (provisional) in March 2025 over March 2024?
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Correct answer: D — 3.8%
3.8%: the ICI grew 3.8% in March 2025; 4.4% was the cumulative growth for 2024-25.
Consider the following about the Index of Eight Core Industries for March 2025: 1. The eight core industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production. 2. Natural gas recorded the highest growth among the eight industries in March 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Cement recorded the highest growth (11.6%); natural gas declined by 12.7%.
Which of the following carries the highest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: C — Petroleum refinery products
Petroleum refinery products carry a weight of 28.04%, ahead of electricity (19.85%), steel (17.92%) and coal (10.33%).
Under which category did the Poshan Tracker application receive the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2024?
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Correct answer: A — Innovation (centre)
Innovation (centre): the MWCD release says the award was under the Innovation category (centre).
The Poshan Tracker application, which won a PM's Award on Civil Services Day 2025, belongs to which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Women and Child Development
Ministry of Women and Child Development: Poshan Tracker is its application.
Consider the following about KVIC's provisional data for 2024-25: 1. Sales of Khadi and Village Industries products exceeded ₹1.70 lakh crore. 2. Production rose about four times compared with 2013-14. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: sales were ₹1,70,551.37 crore and production rose about fourfold (347%) to ₹1,16,599.75 crore.
How many net members did EPFO add in February 2025, as per provisional payroll data?
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Correct answer: D — 16.10 lakh
16.10 lakh net members were added; 7.39 lakh were new subscribers.
Consider the following about EPFO payroll data for February 2025: 1. The 18–25 age group made up more than half of the new subscribers. 2. About 13.18 lakh members who had exited earlier rejoined EPFO. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 18–25 group was 57.71% of new subscribers, and about 13.18 lakh members rejoined.
At the ISSF World Cup in Lima in April 2025, Arjun Babuta won the men's 10m air rifle silver after losing by 0.1 point to which shooter?
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Correct answer: B — Sheng Lihao
Arjun Babuta scored 252.3 in the final and lost by 0.1 point to reigning Olympic champion Sheng Lihao of China, who scored 252.4.
In which city was the ISSF World Cup stage held where Arjun Babuta won the men's 10m air rifle silver in April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Lima
Babuta won the silver at the ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in Lima, Peru.
The Indian pair of Rudrankksh Patil and Arya Borse lost the 10m air rifle mixed team gold medal match at the ISSF World Cup in Lima in April 2025 to a pair from which country?
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Correct answer: B — Norway
Rudrankksh Patil and Arya Borse lost 11–17 to Norway's Jon-Hermann Hegg and Jeanette Hegg Duestad in the gold medal match.
Consider the following about the ISSF World Cup in Lima, April 2025: 1. Rudrankksh Patil and Arya Borse won silver in the 10m air rifle mixed team event. 2. After that medal on 20 April, India was at the top of the medal table. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: with two gold, three silver and one bronze, India was third, behind China and the USA.
Which aircraft did the Indian Air Force field in Exercise Desert Flag-10 in the UAE in April–May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — MiG-29 and Jaguar
MiG-29 and Jaguar, as per the Ministry of Defence release.
Consider the following about Exercise Desert Flag-10: 1. It is hosted by the UAE Air Force at Al Dhafra Air Base. 2. The Russian Air Force is among the participating contingents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The participants listed are Australia, Bahrain, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, Turkey, the UAE, the UK, the US and India; Russia is not among them.
At which air base in the United Arab Emirates did the Indian Air Force contingent arrive for Exercise Desert Flag-10 in April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Al Dhafra Air Base
The IAF contingent reached Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE for Exercise Desert Flag-10, hosted by the UAE Air Force.
Which Latin American country did Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman make her maiden visit to in late April 2025, after the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings?
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Correct answer: B — Peru
Peru, from 26 to 30 April 2025.
At which institution was Nirmala Sitharaman scheduled to deliver a keynote on 'Laying the foundations of Viksit Bharat 2047' during her April 2025 US visit?
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Correct answer: C — Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Hoover Institution, Stanford University, in San Francisco, as per the Finance Ministry.
Besides the IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings, which G20 meetings was Nirmala Sitharaman to attend in Washington DC during her April 2025 visit?
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Correct answer: B — G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meetings
In Washington DC she was to attend the Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank and the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings.
How many women officers are there in the 2023 IAS batch of 180, described as the largest women representation in the service's history?
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Correct answer: D — 74
74 women, about 41% of the batch of 180.
Consider the following about the Assistant Secretary programme for IAS officer trainees: 1. It began in 2015. 2. In 2025, the trainees are attached to 46 Central Ministries for eight weeks. 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 DoPT release.
Which helpline number did I4C advise people to call to report online booking frauds, in its alert of April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 1930
1930, along with the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
Consider the following about the I4C alert of 19 April 2025: 1. I4C functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. 2. The scams flagged include fake helicopter bookings for Kedarnath. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. I4C functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
World Liver Day, on which the PM urged citizens to reduce oil intake, is observed on which date?
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Correct answer: C — 19 April
19 April: the PMO and MHA releases of 19 April 2025 mark World Liver Day.
Which initiative of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences did Amit Shah say would spread awareness about liver health, at the World Liver Day programme in April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — HEALED
HEALED: Shah said the innovative HEALED initiative of ILBS would succeed in spreading awareness on keeping the liver healthy.
Where and when was the maiden World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) scheduled, as stated during the I&B Minister's media consultation on 19 April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Mumbai, 1–4 May 2025
Mumbai, 1–4 May 2025, as per the I&B Ministry release.
What is the full form of WAVES, whose maiden edition was scheduled in Mumbai from 1 to 4 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit
WAVES stands for the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit; its maiden edition was scheduled in Mumbai from 1 to 4 May 2025.
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.
Consider the following, as stated by the Finance Ministry on 18 April 2025: 1. GST is levied on charges such as the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) relating to payments. 2. MDR on person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions was removed with effect from January 2020. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct; since no MDR is charged on UPI, no GST applies.
According to the ACI Worldwide Report 2024 cited by the Finance Ministry, what share of global real-time transactions did India account for in 2023?
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Correct answer: C — 49%
49%, as cited in the Finance Ministry release.
What was the value of UPI transactions by March 2025, as stated by the Finance Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — ₹260.56 lakh crore
₹260.56 lakh crore by March 2025, up from ₹21.3 lakh crore in 2019-20; ₹3,631 crore was the FY24 incentive allocation.
PM Modi's conversation with Elon Musk on 18 April 2025 revisited topics from their meeting earlier that year in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Washington DC
Washington DC: the PMO release says they revisited topics from their meeting in Washington DC earlier in the year.