SF Prep

State Staff Selection 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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6038 news · 16314 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 88 questions
ESIC notifies 15 more districts in Uttar Pradesh; 74 of 75 districts now fully covered
Q1

How many more districts of Uttar Pradesh did ESIC notify under the ESI Scheme, as announced on 25 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 15

ESIC notified 15 more districts of Uttar Pradesh, adding 53,987 insured persons.

Q2 Advanced

After ESIC's notification of 15 more districts in March 2025, how many of Uttar Pradesh's 75 districts are fully covered under the ESI Scheme?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 74

74 of Uttar Pradesh's 75 districts are now fully covered, benefiting 30.08 lakh insured persons and 1.16 crore beneficiaries.

World TB Day 2025: J.P. Nadda announces nationwide expansion of the 100-day TB Mukt Bharat campaign
Q3

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'.

Q4 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.

Q5 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%.

Q6 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.

Supreme Court Collegium recommends repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma to Allahabad High Court
Q7

To which High Court did the Supreme Court Collegium recommend repatriating Justice Yashwant Varma on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Allahabad High Court

The Collegium recommended repatriating Justice Varma from the Delhi High Court to his parent High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.

Q8 Advanced

What action did the Delhi High Court take regarding Justice Yashwant Varma on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Withdrew his judicial work with immediate effect

Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya withdrew judicial work from Justice Varma with immediate effect till further orders.

Q9 Advanced

At meetings on which dates did the Supreme Court Collegium decide to recommend Justice Yashwant Varma's repatriation, as per its 24 March 2025 statement?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 20 and 24 March

The Collegium statement said the recommendation was made at its meetings held on 20 and 24 March 2025.

Q10 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the transfer of High Court judges in India: 1. Under Article 222(1) of the Constitution, the President may transfer a High Court judge after consultation with the Chief Justice of India. 2. The Supreme Court said the proposal to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma was part of its in-house inquiry procedure. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Article 222(1) empowers the President, after consultation with the CJI, to transfer a High Court judge; Justice Varma's transfer was later notified under it. The Supreme Court's 21 March press note said the transfer proposal was independent of and separate from the in-house inquiry.

Centre notifies 24% hike in salary, allowances and pension of MPs from 1 April 2023
Q11

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.

Q12 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.

Q13 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.

Q14 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
Q15

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.

Q16 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.

Q17 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
Q18

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.

Q19 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%.

Q20 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
Q21

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.

Q22 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.

Q23 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.

President Murmu attends silver jubilee of Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Raipur
Q24

President Droupadi Murmu attended the silver jubilee of which state legislative assembly on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chhattisgarh

She attended the silver jubilee function of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly in Raipur.

Q25 Advanced

Which rule of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly did President Murmu praise at its silver jubilee on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Automatic suspension of members who enter the well of the House

She praised the rule of automatic suspension of members who enter the well during proceedings, noting that marshals were never used in 25 years.

APEDA facilitates first export of GI-tagged Dalle Khursani from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands
Q26

To which country was the first consignment of GI-tagged Dalle Khursani from Sikkim exported, as announced by APEDA on 24 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Solomon Islands

APEDA facilitated the first export of GI-tagged Dalle Khursani from Sikkim to the Solomon Islands, a 200 kg consignment of dried chillies.

Q27 Advanced

Dalle Khursani, the GI-tagged chilli exported from Sikkim in March 2025, is also known by which name?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Fire Ball Chilli

Dalle Khursani is also called Fire Ball Chilli. It is registered on the GI Registry under application no. 636, with its certificate dated 14 September 2021.

Canadian PM Mark Carney calls snap election for 28 April as Parliament is dissolved
Q28

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.

Q29 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.

Q30 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'
Q31

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'.

Q32 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.

Q33 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.

Q34 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.

Manohar Lal reviews Odisha's urban and power sectors; 400 e-buses approved for Odisha under PM e-Bus Sewa
Q35

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?

Show answer

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.

Q36 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q37 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Keel laid for second and third Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Navy at Ratnagiri
Q38

Where was the keel of the Indian Navy's second and third Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels laid on 23 March 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q39 Advanced

What is the approximate tonnage of the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels whose keels were laid on 23 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 3,000 tonnes

The NGOPVs have an approximate tonnage of 3,000 tonnes.

Q40 Advanced

When did the Ministry of Defence sign the contracts for the 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Navy?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 30 March 2023

The contracts with GSL and GRSE were concluded on 30 March 2023.

Q41 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Gandhian Pasala Krishna Bharathi passes away at 92 in Hyderabad
Q42

Pasala Krishna Bharathi, the Gandhian who died on 23 March 2025, was the daughter of freedom fighters from which district?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh

She was the daughter of freedom fighters Pasala Krishna Murthy and Anja Lakshmi of West Godavari district.

Q43 Advanced

Why were the parents of Gandhian Pasala Krishna Bharathi (died March 2025) imprisoned when she was born in jail in 1932?

Show answer

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.

CJI constitutes three-member in-house committee to inquire into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma
Q44

Who constituted the three-member committee on 22 March 2025 to inquire into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma?

Show answer

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.

Q45 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q46 Advanced

What interim step did the Supreme Court announce on 22 March 2025 regarding Justice Yashwant Varma?

Show answer

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.

Q47 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025 launched at Panchkula on World Water Day
Q48

What was the UN theme for World Water Day 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Glacier Preservation

UN-Water set 'Glacier Preservation' as the theme of World Water Day 2025.

Q49 Advanced

Where was Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025 launched on World Water Day 2025, the first time the campaign was launched outside Delhi?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Panchkula, Haryana

The sixth edition was launched at Panchkula, Haryana, the first time it was launched outside Delhi.

Q50 Advanced

How many focus districts did Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2025 give special emphasis to?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 148

The nationwide virtual launch placed special emphasis on 148 focus districts.

Q51 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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'.

Centre withdraws 20% export duty on onions with effect from 1 April 2025
Q52

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.

Q53 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.

Q54 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.

Q55 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.

23rd India–France naval exercise Varuna concludes with carriers INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle
Q56

Which two aircraft carriers took part in the India–France naval exercise Varuna 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q57 Advanced

Which edition of the India–France naval exercise Varuna was held from 19 to 22 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 23rd

Varuna 2025 was the 23rd edition of the exercise.

Q58 Advanced

In Varuna 2025, mock air combat was conducted between which aircraft?

Show answer

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.

Q59 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Delhi Legislative Assembly becomes 28th legislature to sign MoU for National e-Vidhan Application
Q60

With its MoU of 22 March 2025, the Delhi Legislative Assembly became which legislature to sign up for the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 28th

Delhi became the 28th legislature to sign an MoU with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs for NeVA.

Q61 Advanced

On which cloud infrastructure is the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), adopted by the Delhi Assembly in March 2025, hosted?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — MeghRaj 2.0

The NeVA platform is hosted on MeghRaj 2.0, India's government cloud infrastructure.

Food Processing Ministry to support 100 new NABL-accredited food testing labs in 2025-26
Q62

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?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 100

Ravneet Singh Bittu announced financial support for 100 new NABL-accredited food testing laboratories in 2025-26.

Q63 Advanced

Under which scheme has the Ministry of Food Processing Industries sanctioned 205 food testing laboratory projects, as stated in March 2025?

Show answer

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.

Ashok Singh Thakur elected Chairman of INTACH
Q64

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.

Q65 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
Q66

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.

Q67 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.

RCB beat KKR by seven wickets in IPL 2025 opener at Eden Gardens
Q68

Who was Player of the Match in the IPL 2025 opener between KKR and RCB on 22 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Krunal Pandya

Krunal Pandya was Player of the Match for figures of 3 for 29 as RCB won by seven wickets.

Q69 Advanced

Who captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their win in the IPL 2025 opener on 22 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rajat Patidar

The Rajat Patidar-led RCB beat KKR by seven wickets at Eden Gardens.

Goa Shipyard launches 'Tavasya', second Project 1135.6 frigate
Q70

What is the name of the second Project 1135.6 frigate launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd on 22 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tavasya

GSL launched 'Tavasya' (Yard 1259), the second Project 1135.6 frigate built by it, on 22 March 2025.

Q71 Advanced

What is the displacement of the frigate 'Tavasya' launched by Goa Shipyard Ltd in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Over 3,800 tonnes

Tavasya has a displacement exceeding 3,800 tonnes.

Q72 Advanced

At the launch of 'Tavasya' in March 2025, what defence exports target by 2029 was cited by the Raksha Rajya Mantri?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹50,000 crore

Sanjay Seth cited the Ministry of Defence's vision of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

India Bioeconomy Report 2025: bioeconomy grows 16-fold to $165.7 billion in 2024
Q73

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.

Q74 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.

Q75 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.

Q76 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.

Q77 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.

Justice Harish Tandon appointed Chief Justice of Orissa High Court
Q78

Justice Harish Tandon was appointed Chief Justice of which High Court on 21 March 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q79 Advanced

Before his appointment as Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court in March 2025, Justice Harish Tandon was a judge of which High Court?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Calcutta High Court

The Law Ministry's communiqué described him as a judge of the Calcutta High Court.

Q80 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Purple Fest 2025 for persons with disabilities held at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Q81

Where was Purple Fest 2025, celebrating persons with disabilities, held on 21 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi

Purple Fest 2025 was held at the Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan, on 21 March 2025.

Q82 Advanced

Which department organised Purple Fest 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan?

Show answer

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.

Navy and Coast Guard evacuate injured crew of MV Heilan Star 230 nautical miles west of Goa
Q83

From which vessel did the Indian Navy evacuate injured crew about 230 nautical miles west of Goa on 21 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — MV Heilan Star

The Navy evacuated three injured crew from MV Heilan Star, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier.

Q84 Advanced

To which naval air station were the injured crew of MV Heilan Star flown on 21 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — INS Hansa, Goa

The rescued crew were flown to INS Hansa, Goa, and then moved to a civil hospital.

HQ Integrated Defence Staff and DST sign MoU on defence research and development
Q85

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.

Q86 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
Q87

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.

Q88 Advanced

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.