PPSC (Punjab) Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
PM-YUVA 3.0, launched on 11 March 2025, mentors authors below what age?
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Correct answer: B — 30 years
PM-YUVA 3.0 trains young and budding authors below 30 years of age.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three themes of PM-YUVA 3.0?
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Correct answer: A — Unsung Heroes of the Freedom Movement
The three themes are the Indian Diaspora in Nation Building, the Indian Knowledge System, and Makers of Modern India (1950–2025).
Consider the following statements about PM-YUVA 3.0: 1. A total of 50 authors are to be selected, of whom 20 are for the Indian Knowledge System theme. 2. The selection contest is conducted through the MyGov portal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 50 authors are selected — 10 for the Diaspora theme, 20 for Indian Knowledge System and 20 for Makers of Modern India — through an all-India contest on MyGov.
In which city of Punjab did President Droupadi Murmu attend the convocations of AIIMS and the Central University of Punjab on 11 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Bathinda
Both AIIMS Bathinda and the Central University of Punjab are in Bathinda, where the President attended the two convocations.
By how much did India's coal imports fall in April–December 2024 compared with the same period of 2023-24?
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Correct answer: C — 8.4%
Coal imports fell 8.4% to 183.42 MT from 200.19 MT, saving about $5.43 billion in foreign exchange.
By what date did the Election Commission of India, on 11 March 2025, ask political parties to send suggestions on unresolved issues at the ERO, DEO or CEO level?
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Correct answer: C — 30 April 2025
The ECI invited suggestions from all national and state parties by 30 April 2025.
What was India's overall tele-density at the end of December 2024, as per data released on 11 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 84.45%
Overall tele-density was 84.45%; 131.50% was the urban figure and 58.22% the rural one.
Which renewable energy company's acquisition by ONGC NTPC Green Private Limited did the CCI approve on 11 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ayana Renewable Power
The CCI approved the acquisition of 100% of Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited by ONGC NTPC Green, a JV of ONGC Green and NTPC Green Energy.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, whose appointment as a Supreme Court judge was notified on 10 March 2025, was a judge of which High Court?
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Correct answer: D — Calcutta High Court
Justice Bagchi was a judge of the Calcutta High Court, where he was appointed on 27 June 2011.
Under which provision of the Constitution did the President appoint Justice Joymalya Bagchi as a Supreme Court judge?
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Correct answer: D — Article 124(2)
The 10 March 2025 notification cites clause (2) of Article 124, under which the President appoints Supreme Court judges.
Who was the last Chief Justice of India from the Calcutta High Court before Justice Joymalya Bagchi's elevation, as noted by the Collegium in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Justice Altamas Kabir
The Collegium noted that no CJI had come from the Calcutta High Court since Justice Altamas Kabir retired on 18 July 2013.
With Justice Joymalya Bagchi's appointment, the Supreme Court's working strength became 33 against a sanctioned strength of:
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Correct answer: C — 34
The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court is 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.
Consider the following statements about Justice Joymalya Bagchi's elevation in March 2025: 1. He was first in the combined all-India seniority of High Court judges. 2. By seniority, he is in line to serve as Chief Justice of India from May 2031 until 2 October 2031. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the Collegium said he stood 11th in the combined all-India seniority, and cited regional representation. Statement 2 is correct.
Which House of Parliament passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, on 10 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, on 10 March 2025; the Rajya Sabha passed it later.
How many sections did the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, which the 2025 Bill replaces, have?
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Correct answer: B — Three
The government described the 1856 Act as a brief three-section law governing the transfer of rights and confirmation of shipment.
Consider the following statements about the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025: 1. It substantially changes the rights and liabilities of carriers under the 1856 Act. 2. It empowers the Central Government to issue directions for implementing the law. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the Bill simplifies language and reorganises provisions without altering their substance. Statement 2 is correct, along with a new repeal-and-saving clause.
According to C.R. Patil on 10 March 2025, how many rainwater harvesting structures were built in Navsari within 24 hours during the PM's Women's Day visit?
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Correct answer: C — 1,100
Patil said 1,100 rainwater harvesting structures were created in Navsari within 24 hours through community participation.
Consider the following statements about the Atal Bhujal Yojana: 1. It is a central sector scheme for community-led groundwater management, half of whose ₹6,000-crore outlay comes from a World Bank loan. 2. It covers all states that have over-exploited groundwater blocks. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the scheme covers seven states — Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh — in 80 districts.
Which Indian Navy ship made her maiden port call at Port Louis on 10 March 2025 for Mauritius's National Day?
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Correct answer: A — INS Imphal
INS Imphal arrived at Port Louis on 10 March 2025 to take part in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations.
INS Imphal belongs to which class of destroyers?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam class (Project 15B)
INS Imphal, commissioned in December 2023, is the third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers.
Consider the following statements: 1. PM Modi announced the vision of SAGAR in Mauritius on 12 March 2015, at the commissioning of MCGS Barracuda. 2. MCGS Barracuda was the first Indian-built warship inducted into the Mauritius National Coast Guard. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as recalled by the Ministry of Defence in its release on INS Imphal's visit.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which signed an integration deal with Damascus on 10 March 2025, are led mainly by which community?
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Correct answer: B — Kurds
The SDF is a Kurdish-led, US-backed force that controlled much of north-eastern Syria.
Who signed the Syria–SDF integration agreement on behalf of the SDF on 10 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Mazloum Abdi
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed the deal with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Consider the following statements about the Syria–SDF agreement of 10 March 2025: 1. Oil and gas fields in north-eastern Syria are to come under the administration of the Syrian state. 2. It grants the Kurdish-majority north-east a separate federal region with its own army. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the deal integrates civil and military institutions, including border crossings, airports and oil and gas fields. Statement 2 is wrong: the agreement rejects division and integrates SDF bodies into the state.
What was the estimated wheat production for 2024-25 in the Second Advance Estimates released on 10 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 1,154.30 lakh tonnes
Wheat was estimated at a record 1,154.30 LMT, 21.38 LMT above 2023-24's 1,132.92 LMT; 1,206.79 LMT is the kharif rice figure.
Which of the following crops was NOT listed with record production in the Second Advance Estimates for 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — Rapeseed and mustard
Records were reported for kharif rice, wheat, kharif maize, kharif groundnut and soybean; rapeseed and mustard (128.73 LMT) was not marked a record.
Consider the following statements about the Second Advance Estimates of crop production for 2024-25: 1. Kharif rice production was estimated to be higher than wheat production. 2. Yield estimates are based mainly on crop-cutting experiments. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: kharif rice was put at 1,206.79 LMT against wheat at 1,154.30 LMT, and the ministry said yields are based on crop-cutting experiments, past trends and other factors.
Which think tank hosted the seminar 'UAS Warfare with Special Focus on Counter-UAS' addressed by CDS Gen Anil Chauhan on 10 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS)
The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) hosted the seminar in New Delhi, with the CDS delivering the keynote.
Which team did India beat in the final of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy on 9 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — New Zealand
India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final in Dubai.
Who was named Player of the Match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final?
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Correct answer: D — Rohit Sharma
Captain Rohit Sharma was Player of the Match for his 76 off 83 balls.
Who was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Rachin Ravindra
New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra was Player of the Tournament, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 263 runs.
Before 2025, in which years had India won the ICC Champions Trophy?
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Correct answer: A — 2002 and 2013
The ICC said India became the first side to win the competition three times, after their successes in 2002 and 2013.
Consider the following statements about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 1. India finished the tournament unbeaten. 2. The final was played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct, as noted by the ICC. Statement 2 is wrong: under the hybrid model, India's matches including the final were played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Who won the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership race on 9 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Mark Carney
Mark Carney won on the first ballot with 85.9% of the points.
Before entering politics, Mark Carney headed which two central banks?
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Correct answer: D — Bank of Canada and Bank of England
Carney is a former Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
Consider the following statements about the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership vote of March 2025: 1. Mark Carney needed several rounds of the ranked ballot to cross 50%. 2. Chrystia Freeland, the former Finance Minister, finished second. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Carney won on the first ballot with 85.9% of the points. Statement 2 is correct: Freeland was second with 8.0%.
KHANJAR is a joint special forces exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: C — Kyrgyzstan
KHANJAR is the India–Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise; its 12th edition was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025.
Which Kyrgyz unit took part in Exercise KHANJAR-XII alongside India's Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)?
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Correct answer: D — Scorpion Brigade
Kyrgyzstan was represented by its Scorpion Brigade.
Consider the following statements about Exercise KHANJAR: 1. It began in 2011 and is held annually, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan. 2. The 11th edition, held before KHANJAR-XII, took place in Kyrgyzstan. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the previous edition was held in India in January 2024; KHANJAR-XII was in Kyrgyzstan.
What did PM Narendra Modi do with his social media platforms on International Women's Day 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Handed them over to women achievers
On 8 March 2025, the PM handed over his social media platforms to women achievers from diverse fields.
Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni, who posted from the PM's X account on Women's Day 2025, are respectively:
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Correct answer: B — A nuclear scientist and a space scientist
Elina Mishra is a nuclear scientist and Shilpi Soni a space scientist; they urged more women to pursue science.
What was the UN theme for International Women's Day 2025?
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Correct answer: B — For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
The UN theme for 8 March 2025 was 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.' The other options were UN themes of 2024, 2023 and 2022.
International Women's Day 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. At which event was it adopted?
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Correct answer: D — Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing
The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.
In which year did KVIC launch the Honey Mission, under which 2,050 bee boxes were distributed on 8 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 2017
KVIC launched the Honey Mission in 2017, inspired by the PM's 2016 call for a 'Sweet Revolution'.
From which place did the Prime Minister call for a 'Sweet Revolution' in 2016, as recalled by the KVIC Chairman in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Deesa, Banaskantha (Gujarat)
The PM called for a 'Sweet Revolution' alongside the 'White Revolution' from Deesa in Banaskantha, Gujarat, in 2016.
What was the theme of the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas, observed on 7 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Jan Aushadhi: Daam Kam Dawai Uttam
The 2025 theme was 'Jan Aushadhi: Daam Kam Dawai Uttam' (lower price, better medicine).
How many Jan Aushadhi Kendras were there after more than 200 new ones opened during the 2025 Jan Aushadhi week?
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Correct answer: C — 15,291
More than 200 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras opened, taking the total to 15,291 as of 7 March 2025.
On the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas (7 March 2025), Union Minister J.P. Nadda visited the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at which AIIMS?
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Correct answer: B — AIIMS Bilaspur
Nadda visited the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and interacted with beneficiaries.
Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): 1. It began in November 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme of the Department of Pharmaceuticals. 2. It was revamped in 2015 as the Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana before being given its present name. 3. It is administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
The scheme was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals with Central Pharma PSUs, revamped in September 2015 as Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana, and later renamed PMBJP. It is under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, not the Health Ministry.
The scheme notified on 7 March 2025 lets cooperative sugar mills convert their ethanol plants to also use which feedstocks?
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Correct answer: A — Maize and damaged food grains
The conversion lets cooperative sugar mills use grains like maize and damaged food grains (DFG), so ethanol can be produced year-round.
Consider the following statements about the scheme for cooperative sugar mills notified on 7 March 2025: 1. Interest subvention is 6% per annum or 50% of the rate of interest charged by banks, whichever is lower. 2. The subvention is for five years, including a one-year moratorium. 3. The scheme was notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
The subvention is 6% a year or 50% of the bank rate, whichever is lower, for five years including a one-year moratorium. The scheme was notified by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, under the modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme.
With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign a $248 million contract for T-72 tank engines on 7 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Rosoboronexport
The contract was signed with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russia, for 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks.
The T-72 tanks of the Indian Army, which will get 1,000 HP engines under the March 2025 deal, are currently fitted with engines of what power?
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Correct answer: B — 780 HP
The T-72 fleet is at present fitted with a 780 HP engine; the 1,000 HP engine will improve mobility and offensive capability.
Under the March 2025 T-72 engine deal, technology will be transferred to which Indian facility for licensed production?
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Correct answer: B — Heavy Vehicle Factory, Avadi
Rosoboronexport will transfer technology to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai.
TROPEX, which concluded in March 2025, is the capstone exercise of which force?
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Correct answer: C — Indian Navy
TROPEX (Theatre Level Operational Exercise) is the Indian Navy's capstone exercise; the Army, IAF and Coast Guard also took part.
The theatre of TROPEX 2025 extended about 5,000 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz in the west to which straits in the east?
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Correct answer: D — Sunda and Lombok Straits
The exercise area extended about 5,000 nm from the Strait of Hormuz to the Sunda and Lombok Straits, and about 4,300 nm north–south up to 35° South.
During his visit to Australia (4–7 March 2025), CDS Gen Anil Chauhan laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in honour of Indian soldiers who fell in which campaign?
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Correct answer: A — Gallipoli campaign
Gen Chauhan laid a wreath honouring Indian soldiers who died in the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.
Who was Australia's Chief of Defence Force, with whom CDS Gen Anil Chauhan held talks in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Admiral David Johnston
Gen Chauhan held talks with Admiral David Johnston, Australia's Chief of Defence Force, at the Russell Offices.
CERT-In, which released the 'Cyber Security Handbook for Mahila Suraksha' in March 2025, is designated as the national agency for incident response under which provision?
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Correct answer: C — Section 70B of the IT Act, 2000
CERT-In is designated under Section 70B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 as the national agency for incident response.
At his review of the cooperative sector on 6 March 2025, PM Modi stressed integrating UPI with which card to ease financial transactions?
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Correct answer: C — RuPay Kisan Credit Card
The PM highlighted the importance of integrating UPI with RuPay KCC cards.
As briefed to the PM on 6 March 2025, how many initiatives has the Ministry of Cooperation taken since its creation, and across how many areas?
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Correct answer: C — 60 initiatives across 7 areas
The Ministry of Cooperation has undertaken 60 initiatives across seven key areas, including computerisation of cooperatives.
Up to how much in EU-budget-backed defence loans for member states was proposed, as noted by the special European Council on 6 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — €150 billion
Leaders took note of the Commission's proposal for a new instrument giving member states loans of up to €150 billion backed by the EU budget.
Which EU member state did NOT join the other 26 leaders in backing the Ukraine text at the special European Council of 6 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Hungary
The text on Ukraine was firmly supported by 26 heads of state or government; Hungary's Viktor Orban stayed out.
To let member states spend more on defence, the European Council of 6 March 2025 welcomed the planned activation of the national escape clause of which framework?
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Correct answer: B — The Stability and Growth Pact
The Commission planned to recommend activating the national escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact, the EU's fiscal rules, for defence spending.
With the Right to Services Commissioners of how many states did DARPG announce deeper collaboration on 6 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 10
DARPG is working with the RTS Commissioners of 10 states, including integration of state RTS portals with CPGRAMS.
What is the total outlay of the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme approved on 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — ₹3,880 crore
The revised LHDCP has an outlay of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Which new component was added to the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Pashu Aushadhi
Pashu Aushadhi, for affordable generic veterinary medicines, is the new component, with ₹75 crore.
Under the revised LHDCP, generic veterinary medicines under Pashu Aushadhi will be made available through which network?
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Correct answer: C — PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and cooperative societies
Pashu Aushadhi medicines will be supplied through PM-Kisan Samriddhi Kendras and cooperative societies.
Consider the following about the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (March 2025): 1. Its three components are NADCP, LH&DC and Pashu Aushadhi. 2. Mobile Veterinary Units are covered under the ESVHD-MVU sub-component of LH&DC. 3. Its outlay covers the five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the ₹3,880 crore outlay approved in March 2025 is for two years, 2024-25 and 2025-26.
By what margin did New Zealand beat South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on 5 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 50 runs
New Zealand made 362/6 and held South Africa to 312/9, winning by 50 runs in Lahore.
Which two New Zealand batters scored centuries in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against South Africa?
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Correct answer: D — Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson
Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) added 164 for the second wicket; Ravindra was Player of the Match.
Which South African batter scored an unbeaten 67-ball century in the losing chase in the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Lahore?
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Correct answer: A — David Miller
David Miller made 100 not out off 67 balls, completing the century off the last ball, but South Africa finished on 312/9.