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 · 83 questions
Telangana Assembly passes two Bills to raise Backward Classes reservation to 42% in education, jobs and local bodies; Centre's approval needed
Q1

To what level did the two Bills passed by the Telangana Assembly on 17 March 2025 seek to raise reservation for Backward Classes?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 42%

The two Bills seek to raise BC reservation to 42% in education, State government jobs and rural and urban local bodies.

Q2 Advanced

Under the Telangana Bills passed on 17 March 2025, what would be the reservation shares of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes alongside 42% for Backward Classes?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — SC 15%, ST 10%

Once approved, BCs would get 42%, SCs 15% and STs 10% reservation in the State.

Q3 Advanced

According to Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy (17 March 2025), the BC quota in local bodies is to be raised to 42% from what level?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 23%

The CM said the government was committed to the BC Declaration promising to raise the BC quota in local bodies from 23% to 42%.

Q4 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Telangana's BC reservation Bills of March 2025: 1. They were passed only after the Centre gave its prior approval to breach the 50% ceiling. 2. One of the two Bills covers reservation of seats in rural and urban local bodies. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: the Bills were passed by the Assembly first and need the Centre's approval afterwards because total reservation (BC 42% + SC 15% + ST 10%) would exceed the 50% cap set in Indra Sawhney. Statement 2 is correct.

Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman assumes charge as CEO of Anusandhan National Research Foundation
Q5

Who assumed charge as the CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) on 17 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Shivkumar Kalyanaraman

Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman assumed charge as ANRF CEO, taking over from acting CEO Prof. Abhay Karandikar.

Q6 Advanced

Before becoming CEO of ANRF in March 2025, Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman held which position?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Chief Technology Officer, Energy Industry, Asia, Microsoft

The ministry noted that he was earlier Chief Technology Officer, Energy Industry, Asia, at Microsoft.

Government e Marketplace crosses ₹5 lakh crore gross merchandise value before the end of FY 2024-25
Q7

What gross merchandise value (GMV) milestone for FY 2024-25 did the Government e Marketplace (GeM) cross, as announced on 17 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹5 lakh crore

GeM crossed ₹5 lakh crore GMV for FY 2024-25 more than 18 days before the financial year ended.

Q8 Advanced

GeM's ₹5 lakh crore GMV milestone (March 2025) came less than 50 days after it crossed ₹4 lakh crore. On which date was the ₹4 lakh crore mark crossed?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 23 January 2025

GeM crossed ₹4 lakh crore GMV on 23 January 2025 and ₹5 lakh crore less than 50 days later.

Former Union Minister and three-time Odisha BJP president Debendra Pradhan dies at 84 in New Delhi
Q9

Debendra Pradhan, who died on 17 March 2025, was a three-time president of the BJP's unit in which state?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Odisha

Debendra Pradhan was a three-time president of the BJP in Odisha and the father of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Q10 Advanced

Former Union Minister Debendra Pradhan (died 17 March 2025) held which portfolios in the Vajpayee government?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Surface Transport and Agriculture

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi recalled that he served as Union Minister for (Surface) Transport and Agriculture between 1999 and 2001.

Wholesale price inflation rises to 2.38% in February 2025 on costlier food products
Q11

What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for February 2025, released on 17 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2.38%

Annual WPI inflation for February 2025 was 2.38% (provisional) over February 2024.

Q12 Advanced

In India's Wholesale Price Index (base 2011-12), which major group carries the largest weight, as listed in the February 2025 release?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Manufactured Products (64.23%)

Manufactured Products carry the largest weight at 64.23%, followed by Primary Articles (22.62%) and Fuel & Power (13.15%); together these three major groups make up 100%.

India's total exports in April–February 2024-25 estimated at $750.53 billion, up 6.24%; electronics exports jump 26.46% in February
Q13

What were India's estimated total exports (merchandise and services) during April–February 2024-25, as released on 17 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — $750.53 billion

Total exports in April–February 2024-25 were estimated at $750.53 billion, up 6.24% from $706.43 billion a year earlier.

Q14 Advanced

By what percentage did India's exports of electronic goods grow in February 2025 over February 2024, as per the Commerce Ministry data of 17 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 26.46%

Electronic goods exports increased by 26.46%, from $3 billion in February 2024 to $3.79 billion in February 2025.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini presents ₹2,05,017.29 crore budget for 2025-26; announces 'Department of the Future' and Haryana AI Mission
Q15

Which new department did Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini propose in the State budget for 2025-26 presented on 17 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Department of the Future

Saini proposed a new 'Department of the Future' to anticipate emerging technologies and risks and make Haryana 'future-capable'.

Q16 Advanced

Under the Haryana AI Mission announced in the 2025-26 budget, AI hubs are to be set up in which two cities?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Gurugram and Panchkula

The budget speech said one hub each will be established in Gurugram and Panchkula, to train over 50,000 youth.

Q17 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Haryana's budget for 2025-26: 1. The World Bank has given an initial assurance of ₹474 crore for the Haryana AI Mission. 2. The budget outlay is lower than the revised estimates for 2024-25. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct per the budget speech. Statement 2 is wrong: the outlay of ₹2,05,017.29 crore is 13.7% higher than the revised estimates of 2024-25.

PM Modi attends 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi; New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon delivers inaugural keynote as chief guest
Q18

Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote address at Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on 17 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote address at Raisina Dialogue 2025.

Q19 Advanced

Raisina Dialogue 2025, which opened in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, was which edition of the conference?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 10th

Raisina Dialogue 2025 was the 10th edition of India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard calls on PM Modi and meets Rajnath Singh in New Delhi
Q20

Tulsi Gabbard, who called on PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, holds which US post?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Director of National Intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard is the US Director of National Intelligence.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Tulsi Gabbard's India visit of 17 March 2025: 1. The PMO described it as the first high-level visit to India from the US in President Trump's second term. 2. She also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: PM Modi noted it was the first high-level visit to India from the US in Trump's second term, and Rajnath Singh met her the same day.

India and New Zealand announce launch of negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement after Goyal–McClay meeting
Q22

The launch of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations on 16 March 2025 was marked by a meeting between Piyush Goyal and which New Zealand minister?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Todd McClay

The launch was marked by a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay in New Delhi.

Q23 Advanced

India and New Zealand's earlier trade negotiations, which stalled in 2015 after nine rounds, were for which agreement?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)

India and New Zealand began negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in April 2010; the talks stalled in 2015 after nine rounds.

Q24 Advanced

According to India's Commerce Ministry, the India–New Zealand FTA negotiations launched in March 2025 aim mainly to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Enhance supply chain integration and improve market access

The ministry said the negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access.

Amit Shah addresses 57th annual conference of All Bodo Students' Union in Kokrajhar; Delhi road to be named after Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma
Q25

After whom did Amit Shah announce a prominent road in Delhi will be named, while addressing the All Bodo Students' Union conference in Kokrajhar on 16 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma

Shah announced that a prominent road in Delhi will be named after Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma.

Q26 Advanced

Consider the following statements made by Amit Shah at the ABSU conference in Kokrajhar (16 March 2025): 1. The Centre will complete 100% implementation of the BTR peace agreement in the next two years. 2. 400 Bodo youths have been recruited into the Assam Commando Battalion. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Home Ministry release: 100% implementation of the BTR peace agreement in the next two years, and recruitment of 400 Bodo youths into the Assam Commando Battalion.

Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva win Indian Wells 2025 titles; 17-year-old Andreeva beats world No. 1 Sabalenka
Q27

Who won the men's singles title at Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open) on 16 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Jack Draper

Britain's Jack Draper beat Denmark's Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 for his first ATP Masters 1000 title.

Q28 Advanced

Whom did 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva beat in the Indian Wells women's final on 16 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Aryna Sabalenka

Andreeva came back to beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Q29 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Indian Wells 2025 finals: 1. Mirra Andreeva became the tournament's youngest women's champion since Serena Williams in 1999. 2. Jack Draper had already won two Masters 1000 titles before Indian Wells 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct (AP, Reuters). Statement 2 is wrong: Indian Wells 2025 was Draper's first Masters 1000 final and title.

Shi Yuqi and An Se-young win singles titles at All England Open 2025 in Birmingham
Q30

Who won the women's singles title at the All England Open Badminton Championships on 16 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — An Se-young

South Korea's An Se-young beat China's Wang Zhiyi 13-21, 21-18, 21-18 in the final in Birmingham.

Q31 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the All England Open 2025 singles finals: 1. Shi Yuqi's win was his second All England title, after his first in 2018. 2. The tournament was held at the O2 Arena, London. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the All England Open 2025 was held at the Utilita Arena, Birmingham.

Eminent Odia poet and former Odisha Chief Secretary Ramakanta Rath dies at 90 in Bhubaneswar
Q32

Ramakanta Rath, who died on 16 March 2025, was an eminent poet of which language?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Odia

Ramakanta Rath was a renowned Odia poet and a former Chief Secretary of Odisha.

Q33 Advanced

For which long poem did Odia poet Ramakanta Rath (died March 2025) receive the Saraswati Samman?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sri Radha

His most celebrated work, the long poem 'Sri Radha' (1985), using Radha and Krishna as metaphors for love and human consciousness, won him the Saraswati Samman.

Q34 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Ramakanta Rath (1934–2025): 1. He was an IAS officer who retired as Chief Secretary of Odisha. 2. He was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2006. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: he joined the IAS in 1957 and retired as Odisha's Chief Secretary in 1992. Statement 2 is wrong: he received the Padma Bhushan (not Padma Vibhushan) in 2006.

RBI wins Digital Transformation Award 2025 from Central Banking, London, for in-house platforms Pravaah and Sarthi
Q35

Which RBI digital initiatives were recognised with the Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, London?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Pravaah and Sarthi

The RBI was honoured for its in-house digital initiatives Pravaah and Sarthi.

Q36 Advanced

The Digital Transformation Award 2025 won by the Reserve Bank of India (March 2025) was conferred by:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Central Banking, London

The award was conferred by Central Banking, London, UK.

Lando Norris wins rain-hit 2025 Australian Grand Prix, the Formula 1 season opener, ahead of Max Verstappen
Q37

Who won the 2025 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the season opener, at Albert Park on 16 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Lando Norris

McLaren's Lando Norris won from pole, 0.895 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, with George Russell third.

Q38 Advanced

In which city is the Albert Park circuit, venue of the 2025 Formula 1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Melbourne

The Australian Grand Prix is held at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne.

Q39 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 2025 Australian Grand Prix (16 March 2025): 1. Lando Norris started the race from pole position. 2. George Russell finished second, ahead of Max Verstappen. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: Norris converted pole into victory. Statement 2 is wrong: Max Verstappen (Red Bull) finished second, 0.895 s behind Norris, and George Russell (Mercedes) was third.

Amit Shah reviews implementation of three new criminal laws in North-Eastern states at Guwahati; praises Assam's 66% timely charge sheets
Q40

At the review of new criminal laws in the North-East held in Guwahati on 16 March 2025, Amit Shah praised which state for filing charge sheets within 60–90 days in 66% of cases?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Assam

Shah congratulated the Assam government for filing charge sheets within the stipulated 60–90 days in 66% of cases.

Q41 Advanced

Which provision of the new criminal laws did Amit Shah urge North-Eastern states to use to help bring back fugitive criminals (Guwahati, 16 March 2025)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Trial in absentia

Shah said the provision of 'Trial in Absentia' should be used, as it will help bring fugitive criminals back to the country.

Q42 Advanced

The Guwahati review of new criminal laws on 16 March 2025 was attended by the Chief Ministers of seven North-Eastern states but by the Governor of Manipur. Why was Manipur represented by its Governor?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Manipur was under President's Rule

Manipur had been placed under President's Rule (Article 356) in February 2025, so the state's administration was being run in the President's name through the Governor.

US launches large-scale air strikes on Yemen's Houthis over Red Sea shipping attacks
Q43

The US air strikes ordered by President Trump on 15 March 2025 targeted which group in Yemen?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Houthis

Trump ordered strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen over their attacks on shipping.

Q44 Advanced

Which city, struck by US air strikes on 15 March 2025, is the capital of Yemen held by the Houthis?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sanaa

Trump said he ordered strikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.

Q45 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the US strikes on Yemen's Houthis on 15 March 2025: 1. The Houthis had begun attacking military and commercial ships after the Israel–Hamas war started in October 2023. 2. The operation was carried out jointly by the US and the UK. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct (AP). Statement 2 is wrong: a US official said the 15 March operation was conducted solely by the United States.

Mumbai Indians win second WPL title, beating Delhi Capitals by 8 runs in the 2025 final at Brabourne Stadium
Q46

Which team won the Women's Premier League 2025, beating Delhi Capitals in the final on 15 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals by 8 runs at the Brabourne Stadium for their second WPL title.

Q47 Advanced

Who was the Player of the Match in the WPL 2025 final at the Brabourne Stadium?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Harmanpreet Kaur

MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur was Player of the Match for her 66 off 44 balls.

Q48 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the WPL 2025 final: 1. Delhi Capitals finished runners-up for the third season in a row. 2. Mumbai Indians chased down the target in the final over. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Mumbai Indians batted first, made 149 for 7 and defended it, restricting Delhi Capitals to 141 for 9.

Electronics for Hyperloop project to be developed at ICF Chennai, says Ashwini Vaishnaw after visiting IIT Madras test facility
Q49

Where will the electronics technology for India's Hyperloop project be developed, as announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw on 15 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Integral Coach Factory, Chennai

Vaishnaw said all the electronics technology for the Hyperloop project will be developed at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.

Q50 Advanced

What is the length of the Hyperloop test tube at IIT Madras, described by the Railway Minister in March 2025 as the longest Hyperloop test facility in Asia?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 410 metres

The minister said the 410-metre-long Hyperloop test tube at IIT Madras is the longest Hyperloop test facility in Asia.

Q51 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the IIT Madras Hyperloop project, as described by the Railway Minister on 15 March 2025: 1. The Ministry of Railways has provided financial funding and technical assistance to the project. 2. The test facility is located at IIT Madras's main campus in Guindy. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Hyperloop test facility is at the IIT Madras Discovery Campus; the minister visited the Guindy campus separately for the Open House 2025 exhibition.

Amit Shah inaugurates Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam
Q52

Where is the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy, inaugurated by Amit Shah on 15 March 2025, located?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Dergaon, Assam

Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam.

Q53 Advanced

According to Amit Shah at the inauguration of the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy (March 2025), Assam's conviction rate has risen from 5% to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 25%

Shah said the double-engine government has increased the conviction rate in Assam from 5% to 25%.

Q54 Advanced

Lachit Barphukan, after whom the police academy in Dergaon is named, is remembered for leading Assam to victory against which power?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — The Mughals

Amit Shah recalled that the Ahom general Lachit Barphukan led Assam to victory against the Mughals.

India wins 33 medals — 8 gold, 18 silver, 7 bronze — at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025
Q55

Which city hosted the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, where India won 33 medals?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Turin, Italy

The Special Olympics World Winter Games were held in Turin, Italy, from 8 to 15 March 2025.

Q56 Advanced

What was India's medal break-up at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 8 gold, 18 silver, 7 bronze

India won 33 medals: 8 gold, 18 silver and 7 bronze.

Q57 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025: 1. India won the most medals in snowshoeing and alpine skiing, 10 each. 2. The next Special Olympics World Games, to which the flag was handed over at the closing, will be held in Santiago in 2027. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: India won 10 medals each in snowshoeing and alpine skiing, and the closing ceremony handed the Special Olympics flag to Santiago 2027.

World Consumer Rights Day 2025 observed with theme 'A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles'
Q58

What was the theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2025, observed on 15 March?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles

The Department of Consumer Affairs held its webinar on the theme 'A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles'.

Q59 Advanced

On World Consumer Rights Day 2025, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi cited a strengthened regulatory framework against which practice, in which products are falsely marketed as environment-friendly?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Greenwashing

Joshi mentioned strengthening the regulatory framework against greenwashing — misleading claims that a product is environment-friendly.

Assam Rifles battalion land in central Aizawl handed over to Mizoram in Amit Shah's presence; battalion moves to Zokhawsang
Q60

To which place is the Assam Rifles battalion moving from central Aizawl, after its land was handed over to the Mizoram government on 15 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Zokhawsang

The Assam Rifles battalion is relocating from Aizawl's city centre to Zokhawsang, about 15 km away.

Q61 Advanced

Since which year had the Assam Rifles held the land in central Aizawl that was transferred to the Mizoram government in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1890

The force had held the land since 1890, when it was the Lushai Hills Military Police Battalion; Amit Shah also referred to the first army camp in Aizawl in 1890.

Q62 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Assam Rifles, whose Aizawl land was handed over to Mizoram in March 2025: 1. The Union Home Ministry has administrative control of the Assam Rifles, while operational control rests with the Indian Army. 2. Under the relocation agreement, the Assam Rifles gave up all its establishments in Aizawl, including its Sector Headquarters. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct (NDTV). Statement 2 is wrong: the Assam Rifles retains its 23 Sector Headquarters (Mizoram Range) at Khatla, 95.88 acres, and the DIG residence at Tuikhuahtlang.

Mark Carney sworn in as Canada's 24th Prime Minister at Rideau Hall, replacing Justin Trudeau
Q63

Who was sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada on 14 March 2025, succeeding Justin Trudeau?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Mark Carney

Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada's Prime Minister on 14 March 2025, replacing Justin Trudeau.

Q64 Advanced

Mark Carney became Canada's Prime Minister of which number in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 24th

The Prime Minister's Office states that Mark Carney is Canada's 24th Prime Minister.

Q65 Advanced

Who presided over the swearing-in of Mark Carney as Canada's Prime Minister at Rideau Hall?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Governor General Mary Simon

Governor General Mary Simon presided over the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on 14 March 2025.

Q66 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Canadian ministry sworn in on 14 March 2025: 1. It is the 30th Canadian Ministry and has 23 ministers besides the Prime Minister. 2. Mélanie Joly was moved from Foreign Affairs to Finance. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct as per the Prime Minister's Office. Statement 2 is wrong: Joly stayed Foreign Minister, and François-Philippe Champagne became Finance Minister.

Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26: fiscal deficit at 3% of GSDP, Rameswaram airport, Semiconductor Mission 2030
Q67

Who presented the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 in the State Assembly on 14 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Thangam Thennarasu

Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 on 14 March 2025.

Q68 Advanced

What fiscal deficit, as a share of GSDP, did the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 estimate?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 3%

The fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is estimated at ₹1,06,963 crore, or 3% of GSDP; 3.26% is the 2024-25 figure.

Q69 Advanced

Which place did the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 propose to notify as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Dhanushkodi

The Budget announced plans to notify Dhanushkodi as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary.

Q70 Advanced

Where will 'Agaram', the language museum announced in the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26, be built?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Madurai

The Budget announced 'Agaram', a language museum in Madurai showing the plurality of Indian languages.

Q71 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26: 1. Its logo replaced the ₹ symbol with the Tamil letter 'ரூ' (Roo). 2. It announced a Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030 with an estimated allocation of ₹500 crore over five years. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the Budget logo used 'ரூ' for 'Roobai', and the Finance Minister announced the ₹500-crore Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030.

G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, ends with joint statement and maritime security declaration
Q72

Where was the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held from 12 to 14 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Charlevoix, Quebec

Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, from 12 to 14 March 2025.

Q73 Advanced

Who hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mélanie Joly

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly hosted the meeting.

Q74 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting of March 2025: 1. Besides the joint statement, it issued a declaration on maritime security and prosperity. 2. The European Union's High Representative took part alongside the seven member countries' foreign ministers. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per Global Affairs Canada: the meeting issued a joint statement and a G7 Foreign Ministers' Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, and the EU High Representative attended.

Gold crosses $3,000 an ounce for the first time, hitting a record $3,004.86
Q75

On 14 March 2025, gold crossed which price level per ounce for the first time?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — $3,000

Spot gold crossed $3,000 an ounce for the first time on 14 March 2025, touching $3,004.86.

Q76 Advanced

By how much had gold prices risen in 2024, before crossing $3,000 an ounce in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — About 27%

Reuters reported gold rose 27% in 2024 and about 14% more in 2025 before crossing $3,000.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 launches to the ISS, clearing the way for Crew-9's return with Sunita Williams
Q77

Who commanded NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission launched on 14 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Anne McClain

NASA astronaut Anne McClain is Crew-10's commander; Nichole Ayers is the pilot.

Q78 Advanced

Which JAXA astronaut flew on NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Takuya Onishi

JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi flew as a mission specialist on Crew-10, his second flight to the station.

Q79 Advanced

Consider the following statements about NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission: 1. It launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 2. Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov was on his first flight to the space station. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: Crew-10 launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Statement 2 is correct as per NASA.

89th Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates eight projects, including Brahmaputra road tunnel and Rajkot Metro
Q80

How many projects did the 89th Network Planning Group meeting under PM GatiShakti evaluate on 14 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Eight

The 89th NPG evaluated eight projects: four road, three railway and one metro.

Q81 Advanced

The road tunnel under the Brahmaputra evaluated by the 89th NPG will connect which two places in Assam?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Gohpur and Numaligarh

The four-lane tunnel under the Brahmaputra will link Gohpur and Numaligarh, cutting the distance from 240 km to 34 km.

Q82 Advanced

Which metro rail project was evaluated at the 89th Network Planning Group meeting?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Rajkot Metro

The only metro project was the 41.11 km greenfield Rajkot Metro in Gujarat.

Q83 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the PM GatiShakti Network Planning Group (NPG): 1. Its 89th meeting was chaired by a Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). 2. The Haridaspur–Paradip doubling it evaluated aims to move coal from the Talcher coalfields to Paradip Port. Which of the above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: DPIIT Joint Secretary Pankaj Kumar chaired the meeting, and the 74.09 km Haridaspur–Paradip doubling is meant to ease coal movement from Talcher to Paradip Port.