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.

7 days 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months All
6038 news · 16314 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 82 questions
First World Day for Glaciers observed; International Day of Forests 2025 marked with theme 'Forests and Foods'
Q1

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Forests and Foods

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

Q2 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 21 March

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

Q3 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

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

ECI concludes two-week training programme for 40 Bhutanese election officials at IIIDEM
Q4

At which institute did the two-week training programme for Bhutanese election officials conclude on 21 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — IIIDEM, New Delhi

The programme concluded at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.

Q5 Advanced

How many Bhutanese election officials took part in the ECI's capacity development programme held from 10 to 21 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 40

The programme trained 40 senior and mid-level officers from Bhutan.

Q6 Advanced

Who was Bhutan's Election Commissioner who took part in the March 2025 training programme in New Delhi?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Ugyen Chewang

Bhutan's Election Commissioner Ugyen Chewang participated and gave the vote of thanks at the valedictory session.

World Happiness Report 2025: India ranks 118th of 147; Finland tops for eighth year
Q7

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 118th

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

Q8 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Finland

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

Q9 Advanced

What was the theme of the World Happiness Report 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Caring and sharing

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

Q10 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

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

India's coal production crosses 1 billion tonnes for the first time in a financial year
Q11

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 20 March 2025

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

Q12 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 997.83 MT

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

Q13 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — About 74%

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

Q14 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

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

DAC clears proposals worth over ₹54,000 crore including T-90 engines, Varunastra torpedoes and AEW&C systems
Q15

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Over ₹54,000 crore

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

Q16 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1350 HP

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

Q17 Advanced

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

Show answer

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

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

Q18 Advanced

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

Show answer

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.

14th ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group meeting on Counter-Terrorism concludes in New Delhi
Q19

Where was the 14th meeting of the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism held in March 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q20 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Zoho wins MeitY's Indian Web Browser Development Challenge
Q21

Which company won MeitY's Indian Web Browser Development Challenge, announced on 20 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Zoho

Zoho won the challenge; Team PING and Team Ajna were the runners-up.

Q22 Advanced

Which organisation conducted the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge for MeitY?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — C-DAC Bengaluru

The challenge was conducted by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Bengaluru.

Q23 Advanced

Which team was the first runner-up in the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge announced in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Team PING

Team PING was the first runner-up and Team Ajna the second; Jio Vishwakarma received a special mention.

Mansukh Mandaviya declares second Khelo India Para Games open in New Delhi
Q24

At which venue were the second Khelo India Para Games declared open on 20 March 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q25 Advanced

In how many sports disciplines did athletes compete at the second Khelo India Para Games, opened on 20 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Six

More than 1,300 para athletes competed in six sports disciplines over eight days.

EPFO adds 17.89 lakh net members in January 2025
Q26

How many net members did EPFO add in January 2025, as per payroll data released on 20 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 17.89 lakh

EPFO added 17.89 lakh net members in January 2025; 8.23 lakh were new subscribers.

Q27 Advanced

What share of EPFO's new subscribers in January 2025 were aged 18–25?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — About 57%

4.70 lakh new subscribers, or 57.07% of the total, were in the 18–25 age group.

PFRDA notifies regulations to operationalise the Unified Pension Scheme from 1 April 2025
Q28

From which date did the PFRDA regulations operationalising the Unified Pension Scheme, notified in March 2025, come into effect?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 April 2025

The PFRDA regulations, notified by gazette dated 19 March 2025, came into effect on 1 April 2025.

Q29 Advanced

Under the Unified Pension Scheme, the full assured payout is what share of the average basic pay of the last 12 months before superannuation?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 50%

The full assured payout is 50% of the 12-month average basic pay immediately before superannuation, payable after at least 25 years of qualifying service.

Q30 Advanced

What is the minimum guaranteed monthly payout under the Unified Pension Scheme for a subscriber who superannuates after at least 10 years of qualifying service?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹10,000

A minimum guaranteed payout of ₹10,000 a month applies when superannuation is after 10 or more years of qualifying service.

Q31 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS): 1. Besides 10% to the employee's individual corpus, the government contributes an additional 8.5% to a pool corpus. 2. The family payout under UPS is 60% of the subscriber's payout. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

PFRDA's comparison gives UPS contributions as 10% (employee) + 10% (Government) + 8.5% (pool corpus), and family benefits as 60% of the subscriber's payout. Both statements are correct.

Sunita Williams and NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 return to Earth; Williams and Wilmore complete 286 days in space
Q32

What was the name of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that brought Sunita Williams and the Crew-9 astronauts back to Earth in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Freedom

NASA says the Dragon spacecraft Freedom splashed down off Tallahassee, Florida, returning Crew-9; it was Freedom's fourth flight.

Q33 Advanced

Crew-9 splashed down at 5:57 pm EDT on 18 March 2025. What was this time in Indian Standard Time?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 3:27 am IST, 19 March 2025

NASA's timeline puts splashdown at 21:57 GMT on 18 March; adding 5 hours 30 minutes gives 3:27 am IST on 19 March 2025.

Q34 Advanced

How many days did Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore spend in space on the mission that ended with the Crew-9 splashdown in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 286 days

NASA says Williams and Wilmore spent 286 days in space; 171 days was the figure for Hague and Gorbunov, and 608 days is Williams' career total.

Q35

Off the coast of which city did NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 splash down on 18 March 2025 (EDT)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tallahassee, Florida

Crew-9 splashed down in the Gulf of America off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.

Q36 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the return of Sunita Williams in March 2025: 1. Williams and Butch Wilmore had reached the International Space Station in June 2024 aboard Boeing's Starliner on its Crew Flight Test. 2. The Crew-9 return was the first flight of the Dragon spacecraft Freedom. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Williams and Wilmore launched on Starliner on 5 June 2024 and reached the station on 6 June. Crew-9 was Freedom's fourth flight; it earlier flew Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.

BCCL monetises 2 MTPA Dugda coal washery in Jharkhand, India's first coal washery monetisation
Q37

The Dugda Coal Washery, which became the first coal washery in India to be monetised (March 2025), is located in which district?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Bokaro

BCCL monetised the 2 MTPA Dugda Coal Washery located in Bokaro, Jharkhand.

Q38 Advanced

Which Coal India subsidiary monetised the Dugda Coal Washery in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bharat Coking Coal Limited

Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a CIL subsidiary, monetised the 2 MTPA Dugda Coal Washery.

SEBI brings demat and mutual fund holdings to DigiLocker to reduce unclaimed assets
Q39 Advanced

Under SEBI's DigiLocker circular of 19 March 2025, what are the persons called whom a DigiLocker user can appoint to get read-only access to the account after the user's death?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Data Access Nominees

Users can appoint Data Access Nominees, who get read-only access to the DigiLocker account after the user's demise.

Q40 Advanced

Under SEBI's March 2025 framework for DigiLocker, which entities serve as the primary source for verifying a user's death and triggering notifications to the nominees?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs)

SEBI-regulated KYC Registration Agencies will be the primary source for verifying and triggering notifications to Data Access Nominees.

CCEA approves ₹4,500 crore six-lane greenfield highway from JNPA Port (Pagote) to Chowk in Maharashtra
Q41 Advanced

On which mode will the six-lane JNPA Port (Pagote)–Chowk greenfield highway, approved by the CCEA on 19 March 2025, be developed?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) (Toll)

The project will be developed on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) (Toll) mode at a total capital cost of ₹4,500.62 crore.

Q42

The JNPA Port (Pagote)–Chowk greenfield highway approved in March 2025 ends on which national highway?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — NH-48 (Mumbai–Pune Highway)

The alignment starts at JNPA port on NH 348 at Pagote and ends on the Mumbai–Pune Highway (NH-48), also linking the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and NH-66.

Cabinet approves ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme for low-value BHIM-UPI person-to-merchant payments
Q43

Up to what transaction value are UPI person-to-merchant payments of small merchants covered under the incentive scheme approved by the Cabinet on 19 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹2,000

Only UPI P2M transactions of up to ₹2,000 for small merchants are covered under the scheme.

Q44 Advanced

At what rate is the incentive paid on eligible low-value BHIM-UPI person-to-merchant transactions under the 2024-25 scheme?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 0.15% of transaction value

The incentive is 0.15% of transaction value for small-merchant transactions up to ₹2,000. 0.30% is the MDR cap NPCI sets for UPI P2M, and 0.90% is RBI's debit card MDR cap.

Q45 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the BHIM-UPI P2M incentive scheme approved in March 2025: 1. 80% of a bank's admitted claim for each quarter is paid without any condition. 2. 10% of the claim is paid only if the acquiring bank's system uptime is above 99.5%. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

80% of the admitted claim is disbursed unconditionally; of the remaining 20%, 10% depends on technical decline below 0.75% and 10% on system uptime above 99.5%. Both statements are correct.

Cabinet approves revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission with total outlay of ₹3,400 crore
Q46

What is the total outlay of the revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission approved by the Cabinet on 19 March 2025 for 2021-22 to 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹3,400 crore

With an additional ₹1,000 crore, the revised RGM has a total outlay of ₹3,400 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle.

Q47 Advanced

Under the revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (March 2025), what support is given to farmers who take loans to buy high genetic merit IVF heifers?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 3% interest subvention

A 3% interest subvention is provided on loans taken by farmers from milk unions, financial institutions or banks to buy HGM IVF heifers. The 35% assistance is for Heifer Rearing Centres.

Cabinet approves ₹10,601 crore Namrup-IV brownfield ammonia-urea complex in Assam
Q48

Which partner holds the largest equity share in the joint venture for the Namrup-IV ammonia-urea complex approved by the Cabinet on 19 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Government of Assam

The Government of Assam holds 40%, followed by NFL and OIL (18% each), HURL (13%) and BVFCL (11%).

Q49 Advanced

What is the estimated total project cost of the Namrup-IV ammonia-urea complex approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹10,601.40 crore

The estimated total project cost is ₹10,601.40 crore, with a 70:30 debt-equity ratio.

Q50 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Namrup-IV project approved in March 2025: 1. Oil India Limited holds 18% equity in the joint venture. 2. Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited contributes its 11% equity in cash. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

OIL holds 18% equity. BVFCL's 11% equity is in lieu of tangible assets, not cash, so statement 2 is wrong.

C-DOT launches 'Samarth' incubation programme for telecom and ICT startups
Q51 Advanced

Which organisation is the implementation partner for C-DOT's 'Samarth' incubation programme launched on 19 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)

C-DOT selected Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), under MeitY, as the implementation partner for Samarth.

Q52

Up to how much grant can each startup selected under C-DOT's 'Samarth' incubation programme (March 2025) receive?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹5 lakh

Selected startups can get a grant of up to ₹5 lakh each.

Cabinet approves revised National Programme for Dairy Development with ₹2,790 crore budget
Q53 Advanced

Component B of the revised National Programme for Dairy Development, 'Dairying through Cooperatives', is implemented with the cooperation of which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Japan

Component B continues dairy development through cooperation with the Government of Japan and JICA in nine states.

Q54

What is the total budget of the revised National Programme for Dairy Development approved by the Cabinet on 19 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹2,790 crore

The revised NPDD was enhanced by ₹1,000 crore to a total of ₹2,790 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Rajnath Singh addresses fifth Major Bob Khathing Memorial Event; recalls Tawang's peaceful integration
Q55

Major Bob Khathing, honoured at a memorial event addressed by Rajnath Singh on 19 March 2025, is credited with the peaceful integration of which place into India?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Tawang

Rajnath Singh said Major Bob Khathing carried out the integration of Tawang into India without firing a single bullet.

Q56 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Major Bob Khathing Memorial Event of 19 March 2025: 1. It was jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and the United Service Institution of India. 2. Rajnath Singh credited Major Khathing with a role in the formation of the Sashastra Seema Bal and the Nagaland Armed Police. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

The fifth edition was jointly organised by the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and USI at Delhi Cantt, and Rajnath Singh highlighted Major Khathing's contribution to forming the SSB and the Nagaland Armed Police.

ECI decides EPIC-Aadhaar linking will follow Article 326, RP Act 1950 and Supreme Court ruling; UIDAI consultations to begin
Q57

Under which Article of the Constitution did the Election Commission say on 18 March 2025 that the right to vote can only be given to a citizen of India, while deciding on EPIC-Aadhaar linking?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Article 326

The ECI said that as per Article 326 of the Constitution, voting right can only be given to a citizen of India, while Aadhaar only establishes identity.

Q58 Advanced

Under which law's Sections 23(4), 23(5) and 23(6) will the linking of EPIC with Aadhaar be done, as decided by the ECI on 18 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Representation of the People Act, 1950

The ECI decided the linking will be done as per Article 326 and Sections 23(4), 23(5) and 23(6) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Q59 Advanced

Where did the Election Commission of India hold its meeting with the Union Home Secretary, MeitY Secretary and UIDAI CEO on EPIC-Aadhaar linking on 18 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi

The meeting was held at Nirvachan Sadan, New Delhi, the ECI headquarters.

Q60 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the ECI's decision of 18 March 2025 on EPIC-Aadhaar linking: 1. The Commission held that Aadhaar establishes both identity and citizenship of a person. 2. The linking is to be in line with the Supreme Court judgement in WP (Civil) No. 177/2023. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

The ECI said Aadhaar only establishes identity, while voting rights under Article 326 are only for citizens, so statement 1 is wrong. The linking will follow the Supreme Court judgement in WP (Civil) No. 177/2023.

UIDAI partners Bengaluru-based Sarvam AI for GenAI voice interactions and fraud alerts in Aadhaar services
Q61

With which Bengaluru-based indigenous Generative AI company did UIDAI partner in March 2025 to bring AI voice interactions and fraud alerts to Aadhaar services?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sarvam AI

UIDAI partnered with Bengaluru-based Sarvam AI, an indigenous full-stack GenAI company, with the agreement effective from 18 March 2025.

Q62 Advanced

In how many languages will the AI voice interaction and fraud detection under the UIDAI–Sarvam AI agreement (March 2025) be available at launch?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 10

The deployment allows voice interaction and fraud detection in 10 languages, with more to be added in coming months.

Q63 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the UIDAI–Sarvam AI agreement effective 18 March 2025: 1. The GenAI stack is hosted on-premise within an air-gapped UIDAI infrastructure, so no data leaves UIDAI. 2. Sarvam AI will own the solution, with UIDAI holding a licence to use it. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The custom GenAI stack is hosted on-premise in an air-gapped UIDAI environment. The ownership of the solution is with UIDAI, not Sarvam AI, so statement 2 is wrong.

Lok Sabha Secretariat and MeitY sign MoU to launch 'Sansad Bhashini' for AI-powered multilingual parliamentary work
Q64

The Lok Sabha Secretariat signed an MoU for 'Sansad Bhashini', an AI initiative for multilingual parliamentary operations, with which ministry on 18 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

The MoU for Sansad Bhashini was signed between the Lok Sabha Secretariat and MeitY in the presence of Speaker Om Birla and Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Sansad Bhashini initiative (March 2025): 1. Parliament will provide its data for training and fine-tuning the AI tools. 2. It includes an AI chatbot on the Parliament website to help members find procedural rules. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Parliamentary data from Sansad will be used to train and fine-tune the tools, and an AI-powered chatbot on the Parliament website is one of the key initiatives. Both statements are correct.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurates Kamba Ramayana Parayanam at Srirangam to revive oral recital tradition
Q66

Where did Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inaugurate the Kamba Ramayana Parayanam on 18 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli

Shekhawat inaugurated the Kamba Ramayana Parayanam at the Singar Kovil Auditorium in Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli.

Q67 Advanced

Which body under the Ministry of Culture organised the 2025 initiative to revive the oral recital tradition of the Kamba Ramayana in Tamil Nadu?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — South Zone Cultural Centre, Thanjavur

The initiative is by the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), Thanjavur, under the Ministry of Culture.

Q68 Advanced

Kambar Medu, the venue of the Kamba Ramayana festival from 30 March to 6 April 2025 and the birthplace of the poet Kambar, is at which place in Tamil Nadu?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Therazhundur

The week-long festival was held at Kambar Medu, the birthplace of Kambar in Therazhundur. Madurantakam, Vaduvur and Thiruneermalai were among the temples hosting recitals.

Sonowal flags off L&T-made electrolysers for 1 MW green hydrogen plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla
Q69

Which company manufactured the indigenous electrolysers flagged off on 18 March 2025 for the green hydrogen plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

The electrolysers were manufactured by L&T under Make in India and flagged off from L&T's Hazira facility.

Q70 Advanced

How much hydrogen per hour is the 1 MW green hydrogen plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla, designed to produce, as stated in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 18 kg

The plant at DPA Kandla is to produce 18 kg of hydrogen per hour.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi inaugurates S N Bose Building at GCNEP; six-month nuclear engineering course launched
Q71

Who inaugurated the S N Bose Building of the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership (GCNEP) on 18 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rafael Mariano Grossi

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi inaugurated the S N Bose Building; DAE Secretary Ajit Kumar Mohanty also spoke at the event.

Q72 Advanced

What is the duration of the Certificate Course on Nuclear Engineering introduced at GCNEP by the IAEA Director General in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Six months

It is a six-month programme, planned for 40 international and 10 national participants per batch.

Putin agrees to Trump's proposal for a 30-day halt on strikes on energy infrastructure
Q73

In their phone call on 18 March 2025, Vladimir Putin agreed to Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day halt on strikes on which targets?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Energy infrastructure

The Kremlin said Trump proposed that the parties mutually refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days, and Putin immediately ordered Russian troops to comply.

Q74 Advanced

After the Trump–Putin call of 18 March 2025, the White House said technical negotiations would begin on a maritime ceasefire in which sea?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Black Sea

The White House said the movement to peace would begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire and technical negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.

Q75 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Trump–Putin phone call of 18 March 2025: 1. Putin accepted the full 30-day ceasefire across the front line proposed by the US. 2. The broader 30-day truce sought by the US had already been accepted by Ukraine. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Putin agreed only to a 30-day halt on strikes on energy infrastructure and set conditions for any wider ceasefire, so statement 1 is wrong. Reuters reported that the blanket 30-day truce sought by the US had been accepted by Ukraine.

IndiaAI and Geological Survey of India launch hackathon on AI-driven mineral targeting in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Q76 Advanced

The IndiaAI Hackathon on Mineral Targeting, launched with the Geological Survey of India in March 2025, covers a pre-defined area in which two states?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

Participants are to identify new exploration areas within a pre-defined 39,000 sq km area in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

MeitY and Drone Federation India launch NIDAR drone challenge under SwaYaan with ₹40 lakh prize pool
Q77 Advanced

Under which MeitY initiative was the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) launched on 18 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — SwaYaan

NIDAR was launched under 'SwaYaan — Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems'.

Q78

Which two domains are the autonomous drones in the NIDAR challenge (March 2025) meant to address?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Disaster management and precision agriculture

NIDAR teams build collaborative autonomous drones for disaster management (scout and deliver) and precision agriculture (scan and spray).

India and New Zealand sign defence cooperation MoU during PM Christopher Luxon's visit; New Zealand joins IPOI and CDRI
Q79

Which country's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, held talks with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — New Zealand

Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, was on an official visit to India from 16 to 20 March 2025 and held talks with PM Modi on 17 March.

Q80 Advanced

The Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) signed during the India–New Zealand talks of 17 March 2025 was between New Zealand Customs Service and which Indian body?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs

The AEO-MRA was signed between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the New Zealand Customs Service.

Q81 Advanced

According to the India–New Zealand Joint Statement of 17 March 2025, people of Indian origin make up about what share of New Zealand's population?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 6%

The joint statement noted that the Indian diaspora makes up about 6% of New Zealand's population.

Q82 Advanced

Consider the following outcomes of PM Christopher Luxon's visit to India (March 2025): 1. New Zealand joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). 2. New Zealand became a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). 3. India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

New Zealand joined IPOI and became a CDRI member. On trade, the leaders only welcomed the launch of negotiations on a comprehensive FTA — no agreement was signed.