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 · 90 questions
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte makes first appearance before the ICC in The Hague
Q1

Which former head of state made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court on 14 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rodrigo Duterte

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on 14 March 2025.

Q2 Advanced

Of which crime is Rodrigo Duterte suspected in the ICC case?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Crime against humanity of murder

The ICC says Duterte is suspected of the crime against humanity of murder, allegedly committed in the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.

Q3 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Rodrigo Duterte's first appearance before the ICC: 1. He appeared in person in the courtroom in The Hague. 2. The Chamber provisionally scheduled the confirmation of charges hearing for 23 September 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: he took part by video link from the ICC Detention Centre, as authorised by the Chamber. Statement 2 is correct; the hearing was later postponed.

ISRO successfully undocks SpaDeX satellites in the first attempt, completing docking–undocking demonstration
Q4

On which date did ISRO successfully undock the SpaDeX satellites?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 13 March 2025

ISRO undocked the SpaDeX satellites at about 09:20 IST on 13 March 2025; they had been docked on 16 January 2025.

Q5 Advanced

In what orbit did the SpaDeX undocking take place on 13 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 460 km circular orbit, 45° inclination

ISRO said the undocking took place in a 460 km circular orbit with 45-degree inclination.

Q6 Advanced

Which of the following was NOT among the ground stations that monitored the SpaDeX undocking?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Port Blair

ISRO said the operations were monitored from ground stations at Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mauritius.

Q7 Advanced

Consider the following statements about ISRO's SpaDeX undocking: 1. It succeeded only on the second attempt after an aborted try on 10 March 2025. 2. With it, ISRO said it had demonstrated all capabilities required for rendezvous, docking and undocking in a circular orbit. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: ISRO undocked the satellites in the very first attempt on 13 March; 10–25 March was only the feasible window. Statement 2 is correct.

India launches its first-ever auction of Exploration Licences for 13 critical and deep-seated mineral blocks in Goa
Q8

In which state was India's first-ever auction of Exploration Licences launched on 13 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Goa

The first Exploration Licence auction was launched at Dona Paula, Goa, by G. Kishan Reddy and CM Pramod Sawant.

Q9 Advanced

How many blocks were offered in India's first Exploration Licence auction launched in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 13

The first EL auction covered 13 blocks for minerals such as REE, zinc, diamond, copper and PGE.

Q10 Advanced

How many critical and deep-seated minerals listed in the Seventh Schedule of the MMDR Act can be explored under an Exploration Licence?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 29

Exploration Licences cover reconnaissance and prospecting for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals listed in the new Seventh Schedule.

Q11 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Exploration Licences (ELs) in India: 1. An EL permits reconnaissance and prospecting operations, not mining. 2. The Centre used its powers under Section 20A of the MMDR Act to issue an order in October 2024 for conducting EL auctions. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: ELs allow reconnaissance and prospecting for Seventh Schedule minerals, and the Centre issued a Section 20A order on 21 October 2024 to run the auctions.

Sports Ministry releases Draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports 2025 for public comments
Q12

What does the draft NCAAFS 2025 released by the Sports Ministry in March 2025 deal with?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Age fraud in sports

NCAAFS stands for National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports; the 2025 draft was released for comments on 13 March 2025.

Q13 Advanced

Under the draft NCAAFS 2025, what is the penalty for an athlete's first age-fraud violation?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Two-year ban and forfeiture of titles and medals

A first violation brings a two-year ban from all competitions and forfeiture of titles or medals; a second brings a lifetime ban and legal proceedings.

Q14 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the draft National Code Against Age Fraud in Sports 2025: 1. Medical age determination will use the TW3 method, MRI scans and physical and dental examination. 2. It is the first such code in India, as no national framework on age fraud existed earlier. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the draft revises the existing framework after almost 15 years.

Yoga Mahotsav 2025 in New Delhi marks 100-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga
Q15

Yoga Mahotsav 2025, held in New Delhi on 13 March 2025, marked how many days to the International Day of Yoga?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 100 days

Yoga Mahotsav 2025 marked the start of the 100-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga.

Q16 Advanced

Which edition of the International Day of Yoga was observed in 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 11th

The Ministry of Ayush said 2025 marks the 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga.

Centre approves procurement of 13.22 LMT tur under PM-AASHA as purchases pick up in major producing states
Q17 Advanced

Up to which year did Budget 2025 extend procurement of tur, urad and masur equal to 100% of state production?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2028-29

Budget 2025 announced 100% procurement of tur, urad and masur through central nodal agencies for four more years, up to 2028-29.

Q18 Advanced

How much tur (arhar) did the Centre approve for procurement under PM-AASHA's Price Support Scheme for Kharif 2024-25?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 13.22 LMT

Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved 13.22 LMT of tur; 9.40 LMT was for masur, and 1.31 LMT was the quantity procured by 11 March.

NCB seizes about 110 kg of methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore in Manipur and Assam, arrests 4
Q19

What was the value of the methamphetamine tablets seized by NCB in Manipur and Assam on 13 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹88 crore

NCB seized methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore in its Imphal and Guwahati zones and arrested four people.

Q20 Advanced

Near which place in Manipur did NCB recover 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets from a truck on 13 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Lilong

NCB's Imphal Zone intercepted the truck near Lilong; Moreh was the suspected source of the drugs.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the NCB seizures of 13 March 2025: 1. In the Assam operation, the tablets were concealed inside the spare tyre of an SUV near Silchar. 2. The suspected source of the drugs in both operations was Moreh, Manipur. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Home Ministry: the Guwahati Zone found 7.48 kg in an SUV's spare tyre near Silchar, and Moreh was the suspected source in both cases.

INS Ranvir takes part in India–Bangladesh naval exercise Bongosagar 2025 and CORPAT in the Bay of Bengal
Q22

Bongosagar is a bilateral naval exercise between India and which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bangladesh

Bongosagar is the India–Bangladesh naval exercise; the 2025 edition was held in the Bay of Bengal.

Q23 Advanced

Which Indian Navy ship took part in exercise Bongosagar 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — INS Ranvir

INS Ranvir represented the Indian Navy, with BNS Abu Ubaidah from the Bangladesh Navy.

Q24 Advanced

Consider the following statements about exercise Bongosagar 2025: 1. It was held along with an India–Bangladesh Navy Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT). 2. It included Visit-Board-Search-Seizure (VBSS) cross-boarding drills. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Defence Ministry: Bongosagar 2025 was conducted with the IN–BN CORPAT, and drills included VBSS cross-boarding, surface firing and underway replenishment.

Jitendra Singh lays foundation of NECTAR's permanent campus in Shillong, says Northeast will be India's next saffron hub
Q25

Where is the permanent campus of NECTAR, whose foundation stone was laid on 13 March 2025, coming up?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — New Shillong

Dr Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of NECTAR's permanent campus in New Shillong, Meghalaya.

Q26 Advanced

Under Mission Saffron, large-scale saffron cultivation is underway at Menchukha and Yuksom. These are in which states respectively?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim

Menchukha is in Arunachal Pradesh and Yuksom in Sikkim, as per the Science and Technology Ministry.

Q27 Advanced

Consider the following statements about NECTAR: 1. It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). 2. It was established in 2014. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: NECTAR is an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology. Statement 2 is correct.

India and Mauritius elevate ties to Enhanced Strategic Partnership; PM Modi unveils Vision MAHASAGAR for the Global South
Q28

To what level did India and Mauritius elevate their relationship on 12 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Enhanced Strategic Partnership

The two Prime Ministers elevated ties to an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership' during PM Modi's State Visit to Mauritius.

Q29 Advanced

In which country did PM Modi unveil Vision MAHASAGAR for the Global South in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Mauritius

PM Modi unveiled Vision MAHASAGAR in Mauritius on 12 March 2025 — the same country where he had unveiled Vision SAGAR in 2015.

Q30 Advanced

Where in Mauritius is the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, inaugurated on 12 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Réduit

PM Modi and PM Ramgoolam jointly inaugurated the institute at Réduit; it was built with an Indian grant of US$4.74 million.

Q31 Advanced

Which of the following did India announce support for during PM Modi's March 2025 visit to Mauritius?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — A new Parliament building

PM Modi announced India's support for a new Parliament building in Mauritius and Phase II of High Impact Community Development Projects.

Q32 Advanced

Consider the following outcomes of PM Modi's visit to Mauritius in March 2025: 1. An agreement between the RBI and the Bank of Mauritius on a framework for using local currencies (INR or MUR) in cross-border transactions. 2. Handover of a navigational chart of St Brandon prepared after a hydrographic survey by an Indian naval ship. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are in the official List of Outcomes: the RBI–Bank of Mauritius local-currency framework, and the handover of the St Brandon navigational chart.

PM Modi, chief guest at Mauritius's 57th National Day, receives its highest civilian award — first Indian to get the GCSK
Q33

Which country conferred its highest civilian award on PM Narendra Modi on 12 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Mauritius

Mauritius conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK) on PM Modi at its National Day celebrations.

Q34 Advanced

What is the name of the Mauritian award conferred on PM Modi in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean

PM Modi received the GCSK — Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean — the highest civilian award of Mauritius.

Q35 Advanced

Who conferred the GCSK award on PM Modi at the Mauritius National Day celebrations of 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — President Dharambeer Gokhool

Mauritian President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the GCSK on PM Modi on 12 March 2025.

Q36 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM Modi's role at Mauritius's National Day in 2025: 1. It was the first time he was Chief Guest at the Mauritius National Day. 2. He is the first Indian leader to receive the GCSK. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: Modi was also Chief Guest at the National Day in 2015, when he unveiled Vision SAGAR. Statement 2 is correct as per the PMO.

5th Khelo India Winter Games close in Gulmarg; Army retain title, Mandaviya announces winter sports hub
Q37 Advanced

Which team won the 5th Khelo India Winter Games, which closed in Gulmarg on 12 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Indian Army

The Indian Army retained its title with 18 medals, including 7 gold, one gold more than runners-up Himachal Pradesh.

Q38 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 5th Khelo India Winter Games (2025): 1. The closing ceremony was held at Gulmarg Golf Club in Jammu and Kashmir. 2. Himachal Pradesh finished runners-up after winning one gold fewer than the Indian Army. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Sports Ministry: the Games closed at Gulmarg Golf Club, and Himachal Pradesh (6 gold) finished second to the Army (7 gold).

Retail inflation falls to 3.61% in February 2025, lowest since July 2024; food inflation at 3.75%
Q39

What was India's CPI-based retail inflation for February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 3.61%

MoSPI put February 2025 retail inflation at 3.61% (provisional), the lowest since July 2024.

Q40 Advanced

Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation at the all-India level in February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Coconut oil

Coconut oil had the highest inflation at 54.48%, followed by coconut (41.61%), gold (35.56%), silver (30.89%) and onion (30.42%).

Q41 Advanced

Consider the following statements about CPI data for February 2025: 1. Food inflation fell to its lowest level since May 2023. 2. Urban headline inflation was higher than rural headline inflation. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: food inflation was 3.75%, the lowest since May 2023. Statement 2 is wrong: urban inflation (3.32%) was lower than rural (3.79%).

India and UN Women co-host ministerial roundtable on women's empowerment at the 69th CSW in New York
Q42 Advanced

On the sidelines of which session did India and UN Women co-host a Ministerial Roundtable on women's empowerment in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women

The roundtable was held on 12 March 2025 at UN Headquarters, New York, alongside the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).

Q43 Advanced

The India–UN Women roundtables of March 2025 focused on implementing how many critical areas of concern of the Beijing Platform for Action?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 12

The roundtables discussed strategies to implement the 12 critical areas of concern in the Beijing Platform for Action.

Defence Ministry signs ₹2,906-crore contract with BEL for Ashwini Low-Level Transportable Radars for IAF
Q44

'Ashwini', for which a ₹2,906 crore contract was signed in March 2025, is a:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Low-level transportable radar

Ashwini is a Low-Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) to be supplied by BEL to the Indian Air Force.

Q45 Advanced

With which company did the Defence Ministry sign the ₹2,906 crore Ashwini radar contract?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Bharat Electronics Limited

The contract was signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, on 12 March 2025.

Q46 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Ashwini LLTR: 1. It is an active electronically scanned phased-array radar developed by DRDO's Electronics & Radar Development Establishment. 2. It is designed to track only high-speed fighter aircraft, not drones or helicopters. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the radar can track targets from high-speed fighters to slow-moving UAVs and helicopters.

Keel laid for second of five Fleet Support Ships for the Indian Navy at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli
Q47 Advanced

Where was the keel of the second Fleet Support Ship for the Indian Navy laid on 12 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli

The keel was laid at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, to which Hindustan Shipyard Limited has sub-contracted two of the five ships.

Q48 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Indian Navy's Fleet Support Ships (FSS): 1. Hindustan Shipyard Limited has sub-contracted the construction of two of the five ships to L&T Shipyard. 2. In their secondary role, the ships are equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief operations. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Defence Ministry.

Parliament passes Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 as Lok Sabha clears it
Q49

Which Bill did the Lok Sabha pass on 12 March 2025, completing its passage through Parliament?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024

The Lok Sabha passed the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 on 12 March 2025; the Rajya Sabha had passed it on 3 December 2024.

Q50 Advanced

What single permit does the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 introduce in place of multiple licences?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Petroleum lease

The Bill introduces a single 'petroleum lease', replacing the need for multiple licences for different activities and hydrocarbons.

Q51 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024: 1. It was first passed by the Lok Sabha and later by the Rajya Sabha. 2. It raises the penalty for violations to ₹25 lakh, with up to ₹10 lakh per day for continuing violations. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: the Rajya Sabha passed it first, on 3 December 2024, and the Lok Sabha on 12 March 2025. Statement 2 is correct.

DBT and Assam sign first Centre–State partnership MoU under the BioE3 Policy
Q52

Which state signed the first Centre–State partnership MoU with the Department of Biotechnology under the BioE3 Policy in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Assam

DBT and the Government of Assam signed the first Centre–State partnership MoU under BioE3 on 12 March 2025.

Q53 Advanced

Under the DBT–Assam BioE3 MoU, what will the Government of Assam establish?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — A State BioE3 Cell

Assam will set up a State BioE3 Cell and develop an Assam BioE3 Action Plan, while DBT provides guidance.

Q54 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the BioE3 Policy: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 August 2024. 2. Its 'BioEnablers' include biofoundries, biomanufacturing hubs and Bio-AI hubs. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Science and Technology Ministry.

Tejas LCA AF MK1 prototype test-fires indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range missile off Chandipur
Q55

Which missile was test-fired from a Tejas LCA AF MK1 prototype off Chandipur on 12 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Astra

ADA test-fired the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile from the LCA AF MK1 prototype.

Q56 Advanced

Which agency conducted the Astra test-launch from the LCA AF MK1 prototype in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Aeronautical Development Agency

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) conducted the test, with DRDO, HAL, CEMILAC, DG-AQA and the IAF supporting.

Q57 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Astra test of 12 March 2025: 1. Astra is already inducted into the Indian Air Force and can engage targets beyond 100 km. 2. The test was described as a milestone towards induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Defence Ministry.

Industrial output (IIP) grows 5.0% in January 2025, up from 3.2% in December
Q58

What was India's IIP growth rate for January 2025 as per the Quick Estimates?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 5.0%

IIP grew 5.0% in January 2025; 3.2% was December 2024, 4.4% mining and 5.5% manufacturing.

Q59 Advanced

Which use-based category contracted in the IIP for January 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Consumer non-durables

Consumer non-durables fell 0.2% in January 2025, while capital goods grew 7.8% and consumer durables 7.2%.

PM Modi begins two-day State Visit to Mauritius; OCI cards extended to seventh generation of Indian-origin Mauritians
Q60

Up to which generation of people of Indian origin in Mauritius did PM Modi announce OCI card eligibility on 11 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Seventh

PM Modi announced a special carve-out for Mauritius under which OCI cards can be made available to the seventh generation of people of Indian origin.

Q61 Advanced

Who was the President of Mauritius whom PM Modi called on at the State House on 11 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Dharambeer Gokhool

PM Modi called on President Dharambeer Gokhool at the State House and handed OCI cards to him and First Lady Brinda Gokhool.

Q62 Advanced

At which place in Mauritius did PM Modi pay homage at the Samadhis of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam and Sir Anerood Jugnauth on 11 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Pamplemousses

The wreath-laying was at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, Pamplemousses, where the two leaders also planted a sapling under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam'.

Q63 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM Modi's engagements in Mauritius on 11 March 2025: 1. He addressed the Indian community at the Trianon Convention Centre along with PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam. 2. He visited an Ayurveda Garden at the State House set up in collaboration with the Government of India. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the community event was at the Trianon Convention Centre with PM Ramgoolam, and Modi visited the Ayurveda Garden at the State House, established with Indian collaboration.

IQAir World Air Quality Report 2024: Byrnihat most polluted city, India fifth most polluted country, Delhi most polluted capital
Q64

Which town was named the world's most polluted metropolitan area in IQAir's World Air Quality Report 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Byrnihat

Byrnihat, on the Assam–Meghalaya border, topped the list with an annual average PM2.5 of 128.2 µg/m³.

Q65 Advanced

What was India's rank among the most polluted countries in IQAir's World Air Quality Report 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Fifth

India ranked fifth at 50.6 µg/m³, improving from third in 2023.

Q66 Advanced

Which country was ranked the most polluted in IQAir's World Air Quality Report 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chad

Chad topped the list at 91.8 µg/m³, followed by Bangladesh, Pakistan, the DR Congo and India.

Q67 Advanced

Consider the following statements about IQAir's World Air Quality Report 2024: 1. India's annual average PM2.5 concentration was more than ten times the WHO annual guideline of 5 µg/m³. 2. New Delhi was the most polluted capital city. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: India averaged 50.6 µg/m³ against the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³, and New Delhi remained the world's most polluted capital.

Department of Posts signs MoU with IISc's FSID to design the technology architecture for a Digital Address DPI
Q68

With which institution did the Department of Posts sign an MoU on 11 March 2025 for the technology architecture of a Digital Address DPI?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

The MoU was signed with the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) of IISc, Bengaluru.

Q69 Advanced

The Department of Posts' Digital Address initiative aims to establish which concept in India?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Address as a Service (AaaS)

Under the 'Digital Address Code' initiative, the department aims to establish 'Address as a Service' (AaaS) through a standardised, geo-coded addressing system.

At Jeddah talks, Ukraine accepts US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire; US lifts pause on intelligence sharing and aid
Q70

In which city did US and Ukrainian officials hold talks on 11 March 2025 that led to Ukraine accepting a 30-day ceasefire proposal?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Jeddah

The talks were held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Q71 Advanced

What was the length of the interim ceasefire that Ukraine expressed readiness to accept at the Jeddah talks of March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 30 days

The joint statement refers to an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, extendable by mutual agreement.

Q72 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the US–Ukraine joint statement issued in Jeddah on 11 March 2025: 1. The ceasefire was to take effect immediately regardless of Russia's response. 2. The US agreed to lift its pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: the ceasefire was subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by Russia. Statement 2 is correct.

Jaffar Express hijacked by Baloch militants in Balochistan's Bolan Pass
Q73

Which train was hijacked by Baloch militants in Pakistan on 11 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Jaffar Express

The Quetta–Peshawar Jaffar Express was hijacked in the Bolan Pass area of Balochistan.

Q74 Advanced

Which group claimed responsibility for the Jaffar Express hijacking of March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Balochistan Liberation Army

The separatist Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana crosses 10 lakh rooftop solar installations
Q75

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana crossed which milestone of rooftop solar installations in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 10 lakh

The MNRE said 10.09 lakh installations had been completed as of 10 March 2025.

Q76 Advanced

Which two Union Territories were reported in March 2025 to have achieved 100% of their government-building rooftop solar targets under PM Surya Ghar?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chandigarh and Daman & Diu

The MNRE said Chandigarh and Daman & Diu had achieved 100% of their government-building rooftop solar targets.

Education Ministry launches PM-YUVA 3.0 to mentor 50 young authors below 30
Q77

PM-YUVA 3.0, launched on 11 March 2025, mentors authors below what age?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 30 years

PM-YUVA 3.0 trains young and budding authors below 30 years of age.

Q78 Advanced

Which of the following is NOT one of the three themes of PM-YUVA 3.0?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Unsung Heroes of the Freedom Movement

The three themes are the Indian Diaspora in Nation Building, the Indian Knowledge System, and Makers of Modern India (1950–2025).

Q79 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM-YUVA 3.0: 1. A total of 50 authors are to be selected, of whom 20 are for the Indian Knowledge System theme. 2. The selection contest is conducted through the MyGov portal. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: 50 authors are selected — 10 for the Diaspora theme, 20 for Indian Knowledge System and 20 for Makers of Modern India — through an all-India contest on MyGov.

Centre declares Jammu & Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen and Awami Action Committee unlawful associations for five years
Q80

Under which law were the Jammu & Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen and the Awami Action Committee declared unlawful associations on 11 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967

The MHA declared both under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Q81 Advanced

For what period were the JKIM and the AAC declared unlawful associations in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 5 years

Both were declared unlawful associations for a period of five years.

Q82 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal under the UAPA, 1967: 1. It consists of one person, who must be a Judge of a High Court. 2. A ban notification under Section 3 remains in force for five years only if the Tribunal confirms the declaration. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. Section 5 provides a one-member Tribunal, who must be a High Court judge; Section 6 says a Section 3 notification, if confirmed by the Tribunal under Section 4, remains in force for five years.

IWAI and Delhi government agencies sign MoU for cruise tourism on the Yamuna between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur
Q83

The IWAI–Delhi government MoU of 11 March 2025 aims to develop cruise tourism on which river?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Yamuna

The MoU covers a 4-km stretch of the Yamuna (National Waterway-110) between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur in Delhi.

Q84 Advanced

The Yamuna cruise stretch covered by the March 2025 IWAI–Delhi MoU lies between which two places?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur

The 4-km stretch is between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage.

Q85 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Yamuna cruise project under the IWAI–Delhi MoU of March 2025: 1. It is on National Waterway-110, upstream of the Wazirabad Barrage. 2. Diesel-powered catamarans carrying 100 passengers each will be deployed. Which of the above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: electric-solar hybrid boats carrying 20–30 passengers each will be used.

Centre notifies Calcutta HC judge Joymalya Bagchi's appointment to the Supreme Court; in line to be CJI in 2031
Q86

Justice Joymalya Bagchi, whose appointment as a Supreme Court judge was notified on 10 March 2025, was a judge of which High Court?

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Correct answer: D — Calcutta High Court

Justice Bagchi was a judge of the Calcutta High Court, where he was appointed on 27 June 2011.

Q87 Advanced

Under which provision of the Constitution did the President appoint Justice Joymalya Bagchi as a Supreme Court judge?

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Correct answer: D — Article 124(2)

The 10 March 2025 notification cites clause (2) of Article 124, under which the President appoints Supreme Court judges.

Q88 Advanced

Who was the last Chief Justice of India from the Calcutta High Court before Justice Joymalya Bagchi's elevation, as noted by the Collegium in March 2025?

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Correct answer: A — Justice Altamas Kabir

The Collegium noted that no CJI had come from the Calcutta High Court since Justice Altamas Kabir retired on 18 July 2013.

Q89 Advanced

With Justice Joymalya Bagchi's appointment, the Supreme Court's working strength became 33 against a sanctioned strength of:

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Correct answer: C — 34

The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court is 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.

Q90 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Justice Joymalya Bagchi's elevation in March 2025: 1. He was first in the combined all-India seniority of High Court judges. 2. By seniority, he is in line to serve as Chief Justice of India from May 2031 until 2 October 2031. Which of the above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: the Collegium said he stood 11th in the combined all-India seniority, and cited regional representation. Statement 2 is correct.