SF Prep

Teaching 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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6405 news · 16857 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 80 questions
Second Advance Estimates 2024-25: record output of rice, wheat, maize, groundnut and soybean
Q1

What was the estimated wheat production for 2024-25 in the Second Advance Estimates released on 10 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1,154.30 lakh tonnes

Wheat was estimated at a record 1,154.30 LMT, 21.38 LMT above 2023-24's 1,132.92 LMT; 1,206.79 LMT is the kharif rice figure.

Q2 Advanced

Which of the following crops was NOT listed with record production in the Second Advance Estimates for 2024-25?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rapeseed and mustard

Records were reported for kharif rice, wheat, kharif maize, kharif groundnut and soybean; rapeseed and mustard (128.73 LMT) was not marked a record.

Q3 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Second Advance Estimates of crop production for 2024-25: 1. Kharif rice production was estimated to be higher than wheat production. 2. Yield estimates are based mainly on crop-cutting experiments. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: kharif rice was put at 1,206.79 LMT against wheat at 1,154.30 LMT, and the ministry said yields are based on crop-cutting experiments, past trends and other factors.

President Murmu addresses GJUST Hisar convocation and launches Brahma Kumaris campaign
Q4

In which city is Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, whose convocation President Murmu attended on 10 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Hisar

Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology is in Hisar, Haryana.

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai to win a record third ICC Champions Trophy
Q5

Which team did India beat in the final of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy on 9 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — New Zealand

India beat New Zealand by four wickets in the final in Dubai.

Q6

Who was named Player of the Match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rohit Sharma

Captain Rohit Sharma was Player of the Match for his 76 off 83 balls.

Q7 Advanced

Who was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Rachin Ravindra

New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra was Player of the Tournament, finishing as the leading run-scorer with 263 runs.

Q8 Advanced

Before 2025, in which years had India won the ICC Champions Trophy?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2002 and 2013

The ICC said India became the first side to win the competition three times, after their successes in 2002 and 2013.

Q9 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the ICC Champions Trophy 2025: 1. India finished the tournament unbeaten. 2. The final was played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct, as noted by the ICC. Statement 2 is wrong: under the hybrid model, India's matches including the final were played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, Carnatic singer who set over 1,000 Annamacharya compositions to music, dies at 76
Q10

Garimella Balakrishna Prasad, who died on 9 March 2025, was best known for setting to music the compositions of which saint-poet?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Tallapaka Annamacharya

He composed tunes for more than 1,000 sankeertanas of the 15th-century Telugu saint-poet Tallapaka Annamacharya.

Q11 Advanced

Garimella Balakrishna Prasad served as Asthana Vidwan of which temple body?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala (TTD)

He served Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams from 1978 to 2006 and was its Asthana Vidwan (court musician).

Q12 Advanced

Tallapaka Annamacharya, whose sankeertanas Garimella Balakrishna Prasad set to music, was a saint-poet of which century?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 15th century

Annamacharya was a 15th-century Telugu saint-poet, many of whose compositions survived only as lyrics.

Rajnath Singh becomes first Defence Minister to visit IAF's Institute of Aerospace Medicine; launches space psychology project
Q13

Which training device at the IAF's Institute of Aerospace Medicine, inspected by Rajnath Singh on 9 March 2025, is used for high-G training of fighter pilots?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — High Performance Human Centrifuge

The Dynamic Flight Simulator and High Performance Human Centrifuge are used for high-G training; the Spatial Disorientation Simulator trains pilots against disorientation.

Q14 Advanced

Where is the Indian Air Force's Institute of Aerospace Medicine, visited by Rajnath Singh on 9 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Bengaluru

The IAF's Institute of Aerospace Medicine is in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Q15 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the ICMR project launched at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine on 9 March 2025: 1. It deals with the selection and behavioural health training of astronauts for Indian space missions. 2. It was launched by the Defence Minister during the first-ever visit by a Defence Minister to the institute. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the project is 'Space Psychology: Selection and Behavioural Health Training of Astronauts & Astronaut Designates for Indian Space Missions', launched by Rajnath Singh, the first Defence Minister to visit IAM.

Mark Carney wins Liberal Party leadership with 85.9%, set to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada's PM
Q16

Who won the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership race on 9 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Mark Carney

Mark Carney won on the first ballot with 85.9% of the points.

Q17 Advanced

Before entering politics, Mark Carney headed which two central banks?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bank of Canada and Bank of England

Carney is a former Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.

Q18 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership vote of March 2025: 1. Mark Carney needed several rounds of the ranked ballot to cross 50%. 2. Chrystia Freeland, the former Finance Minister, finished second. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: Carney won on the first ballot with 85.9% of the points. Statement 2 is correct: Freeland was second with 8.0%.

Indian Army contingent leaves for India–Kyrgyzstan special forces exercise KHANJAR-XII
Q19

KHANJAR is a joint special forces exercise between India and which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Kyrgyzstan

KHANJAR is the India–Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise; its 12th edition was held in Kyrgyzstan in March 2025.

Q20 Advanced

Which Kyrgyz unit took part in Exercise KHANJAR-XII alongside India's Parachute Regiment (Special Forces)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Scorpion Brigade

Kyrgyzstan was represented by its Scorpion Brigade.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Exercise KHANJAR: 1. It began in 2011 and is held annually, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan. 2. The 11th edition, held before KHANJAR-XII, took place in Kyrgyzstan. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the previous edition was held in India in January 2024; KHANJAR-XII was in Kyrgyzstan.

Alpha Tocol hands over first privately built rear fuselage for LCA Mk1A to HAL in Bengaluru
Q22

Which private company handed over the first rear fuselage for the LCA Mk1A to HAL on 9 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Alpha Tocol Engineering Services

Alpha Tocol Engineering Services Pvt Ltd built and handed over the first privately made rear fuselage for the LCA Mk1A.

Q23 Advanced

The rear fuselage of an aircraft, such as the one handed to HAL for the LCA Mk1A in March 2025, mainly supports which part?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — The tail section

The Ministry of Defence explained that the rear fuselage supports the tail section and its associated components.

Q24 Advanced

How many LCA Mk1A aircraft were covered by the HAL contract for which private firms were supplying major modules, as of March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 83

HAL had placed orders on private firms for major modules under the 83 LCA Mk1A contract; the 97-aircraft order came later, in September 2025.

PM Modi meets Lakhpati Didis at Navsari on Women's Day; launches Gujarat's G-SAFAL and G-MAITRI
Q25

In which district of Gujarat did PM Modi interact with Lakhpati Didis on International Women's Day 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Navsari

The PM took part in a Lakhpati Didi programme at Vansi Borsi village in Navsari district on 8 March 2025.

Q26 Advanced

G-SAFAL, the Gujarat scheme launched by the PM at Navsari on 8 March 2025, is aimed at:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — SHG women of Antyodaya families in aspirational districts and blocks

G-SAFAL (Gujarat scheme for Antyodaya Families for Augmenting Livelihoods) gives financial help and entrepreneurial training to SHG women of Antyodaya families in two aspirational districts and 13 aspirational blocks. G-MAITRI supports rural-livelihood startups.

Q27 Advanced

According to the PM at Navsari on 8 March 2025, about how many women had already become Lakhpati Didis?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1.5 crore

The PM said around 1.5 crore women had become Lakhpati Didis, against the target of 3 crore.

Q28 Advanced

Consider the following statements about a 'Lakhpati Didi': 1. She is a Self-Help Group member with an annual household income of ₹1 lakh or more. 2. The income is calculated for at least four agricultural seasons and/or business cycles. 3. The initiative is an outcome of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

A Lakhpati Didi is an SHG member earning ₹1 lakh or more a year, over at least four agricultural seasons or business cycles (average monthly income above ₹10,000). The initiative comes under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), not PMAY-G.

Shipping Ministry's Chintan Shivir in Srinagar sets goal of 150 projects by September 2025
Q29

Where was the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways' Chintan Shivir 2025, which ended on 8 March 2025, held?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Srinagar

The two-day Chintan Shivir was held in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Q30 Advanced

Within what time were all major ports asked to tender for at least one Green Tug, at the Shipping Ministry's Chintan Shivir of March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 3 months

All major ports are to tender for at least one Green Tug within the next three months.

Q31 Advanced

At the Shipping Ministry's Chintan Shivir of March 2025, how much was IWAI to invest in three National Waterways in Jammu and Kashmir?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹100 crore

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) will invest ₹100 crore in three National Waterways in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, wins MeitY's first e-Toycathon
Q32

Which institution won the first prize at MeitY's first Electronic Toy Hackathon (e-Toycathon 2025), whose awards were given on 8 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore

Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, won the top prize; JIIT Noida was second and NIT Durgapur third.

Q33 Advanced

Where was the prototype stage and award ceremony of e-Toycathon 2025 held?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — C-DAC Noida

The 20 shortlisted teams built prototypes at C-DAC Noida, where the award ceremony was held on 8 March 2025.

Manipur: one protester killed in Kangpokpi as free movement on highways begins
Q34

In which district of Manipur did clashes leave one protester dead on 8 March 2025, the first day of free movement on highways?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Kangpokpi

The clashes took place at places including Gamgiphai and Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi district; one protester was shot dead at Keithelmanbi.

Q35 Advanced

From which date did Union Home Minister Amit Shah direct free movement on all roads in Manipur, at a review meeting on 1 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 8 March 2025

At the 1 March 2025 security review, Amit Shah directed that free movement on Manipur's roads begin from 8 March 2025.

President Murmu inaugurates 'Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat' national conference on Women's Day
Q36

What was the theme of the national conference inaugurated by President Murmu on International Women's Day 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat

The MWCD's national conference at Vigyan Bhawan on 8 March 2025 had the theme 'Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat' (#SheBuildsBharat).

Q37 Advanced

According to President Murmu on 8 March 2025, International Women's Day that year marked the completion of how many years?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 50 years

The President said the country was celebrating the completion of 50 years of International Women's Day.

Q38 Advanced

Where was the 'Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat' conference of 8 March 2025 held?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Vigyan Bhawan

The Ministry of Women and Child Development held the conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

J.P. Nadda inaugurates third International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA 2025)
Q39 Advanced

Which department organised the third International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA 2025), inaugurated on 8 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Department of Health Research

The Department of Health Research (DHR) organised ISHTA 2025 with the WHO India Country Office and the Centre for Global Development.

Q40 Advanced

According to J.P. Nadda at ISHTA 2025, HTA India (HTAIn) resource centres are spread over how many states?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 19

Nadda said HTAIn resource centres are spread over 19 states and help set priorities such as for TB detection.

Three Additional Judges appointed to Calcutta High Court, three Judges to Patna High Court
Q41 Advanced

Smita Das De, Reetobroto Kumar Mitra and Om Narayan Rai were appointed Additional Judges of which High Court on 8 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Calcutta High Court

The three advocates were appointed Additional Judges of the Calcutta High Court; three others were appointed Judges of the Patna High Court the same day.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the appointment of High Court judges: 1. Under Article 217, a High Court judge is appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the State and, for judges other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of that High Court. 2. Under Article 224A, the Chief Justice of a High Court may, with the previous consent of the President, request a retired judge to sit and act as a judge of that High Court. 3. An Additional Judge of a High Court can be appointed for a term of up to five years. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

Statements 1 and 2 reflect Articles 217(1) and 224A. Statement 3 is wrong: under Article 224(1), an Additional Judge is appointed for a period not exceeding two years.

Ashwini Vaishnaw lays foundation for four units at Divitipally Electronics Manufacturing Cluster, Telangana
Q43

The Electronics Manufacturing Cluster at Divitipally, where four units' foundation was laid on 8 March 2025, is in which state?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Telangana

Divitipally is in Mahabubnagar district, Telangana.

Q44 Advanced

Which company is the anchor unit at the Divitipally EMC, building a 16 GW cell and 5 GW battery pack giga factory?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies

Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies is the anchor unit, with a projected investment of ₹9,500 crore over five years.

Q45 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Modified Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC 2.0) Scheme: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2020. 2. For EMC projects, financial assistance is 50% of the project cost, subject to a ceiling of ₹70 crore for every 100 acres. 3. It is administered by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

The Cabinet approved EMC 2.0 on 21 March 2020 with an outlay of ₹3,762.25 crore. Assistance for EMC projects is 50% of project cost, up to ₹70 crore per 100 acres. The scheme is run by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), not Heavy Industries.

PM Modi hands over his social media platforms to women achievers on Women's Day
Q46

What did PM Narendra Modi do with his social media platforms on International Women's Day 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Handed them over to women achievers

On 8 March 2025, the PM handed over his social media platforms to women achievers from diverse fields.

Q47 Advanced

Elina Mishra and Shilpi Soni, who posted from the PM's X account on Women's Day 2025, are respectively:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — A nuclear scientist and a space scientist

Elina Mishra is a nuclear scientist and Shilpi Soni a space scientist; they urged more women to pursue science.

International Women's Day 2025 observed with UN theme 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.'
Q48

What was the UN theme for International Women's Day 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.

The UN theme for 8 March 2025 was 'For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.' The other options were UN themes of 2024, 2023 and 2022.

Q49 Advanced

International Women's Day 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. At which event was it adopted?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.

KVIC distributes 2,050 bee boxes to 205 beekeepers in six states under Honey Mission
Q50

In which year did KVIC launch the Honey Mission, under which 2,050 bee boxes were distributed on 8 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2017

KVIC launched the Honey Mission in 2017, inspired by the PM's 2016 call for a 'Sweet Revolution'.

Q51 Advanced

From which place did the Prime Minister call for a 'Sweet Revolution' in 2016, as recalled by the KVIC Chairman in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Deesa, Banaskantha (Gujarat)

The PM called for a 'Sweet Revolution' alongside the 'White Revolution' from Deesa in Banaskantha, Gujarat, in 2016.

Legislative Department releases book on the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly
Q52 Advanced

Which body published 'The Life and Contributions of the Women Members of the Constituent Assembly', released on 8 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice

The book is a publication of the Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Q53 Advanced

Who was the only Muslim woman member of the Constituent Assembly, as noted in the Legislative Department's book of March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul

Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul was the only Muslim woman in the Assembly; Dakshayani Velayudhan was the first Dalit woman member.

PM Modi launches projects worth over ₹2,580 crore in Silvassa; opens NAMO Hospital
Q54

What was the total value of development works launched by PM Modi in Silvassa on 7 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Over ₹2,580 crore

The PM inaugurated and launched development works worth over ₹2,580 crore in Silvassa.

Q55 Advanced

How many beds does Phase I of the NAMO Hospital in Silvassa, inaugurated on 7 March 2025, have?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 450

The 450-bed NAMO Hospital (Phase I) was built at a cost of over ₹460 crore.

Q56 Advanced

At Silvassa on 7 March 2025, PM Modi urged people to cut their use of cooking oil by how much every month to fight obesity?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 10%

The PM asked people to use 10% less cooking oil every month as a step towards reducing obesity.

Q57 Advanced

Which of the following is NOT among the national-level institutes in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu listed by the PM at Silvassa in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Indian Institute of Management

The PM listed NAMO Medical College, Gujarat National Law University, IIIT Diu, NIFT, the Institute of Hotel Management and Daman Engineering College. No IIM was named.

Amit Shah attends CISF's 56th Raising Day at Thakkolam; training centre named after Rajaditya Chola
Q58

After whom will the CISF Regional Training Centre at Thakkolam be named, as announced on 7 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rajaditya Chola

Amit Shah said the Thakkolam RTC would be named after Rajaditya Chola, a Chola warrior who attained martyrdom on that land.

Q59 Advanced

Which CISF Raising Day was held at Thakkolam, Tamil Nadu, on 7 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 56th

Amit Shah attended the 56th Raising Day parade of the CISF at Thakkolam.

Q60 Advanced

As stated by Amit Shah at the CISF Raising Day of March 2025, CAPF recruitment exams can now be taken in:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Hindi, English and all languages in the Eighth Schedule

Besides Hindi and English, youth can now take CAPF recruitment exams in Tamil and other languages included in the Eighth Schedule.

Q61 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF): 1. It was constituted under the Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968, which came into force on 10 March 1969. 2. The Act describes it as an armed force of the Union. 3. It functions under the Ministry of Defence. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

The CISF Act, 1968 (Act 50 of 1968) came into force on 10 March 1969, which is why CISF Raising Day falls in March. The Act constitutes it as an armed force of the Union. It comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not Defence.

7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas observed with theme 'Daam Kam Dawai Uttam'; Kendras cross 15,000
Q62

What was the theme of the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas, observed on 7 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Jan Aushadhi: Daam Kam Dawai Uttam

The 2025 theme was 'Jan Aushadhi: Daam Kam Dawai Uttam' (lower price, better medicine).

Q63 Advanced

How many Jan Aushadhi Kendras were there after more than 200 new ones opened during the 2025 Jan Aushadhi week?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 15,291

More than 200 new Jan Aushadhi Kendras opened, taking the total to 15,291 as of 7 March 2025.

Q64 Advanced

On the 7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas (7 March 2025), Union Minister J.P. Nadda visited the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at which AIIMS?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — AIIMS Bilaspur

Nadda visited the Jan Aushadhi Kendra at AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, and interacted with beneficiaries.

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): 1. It began in November 2008 as the Jan Aushadhi Scheme of the Department of Pharmaceuticals. 2. It was revamped in 2015 as the Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana before being given its present name. 3. It is administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

The scheme was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals with Central Pharma PSUs, revamped in September 2015 as Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Yojana, and later renamed PMBJP. It is under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, not the Health Ministry.

PM Modi launches Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign at Limbayat
Q66

Which campaign did PM Modi launch at Limbayat, Surat, on 7 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign

The PM launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign and distributed NFSA benefits to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries.

Q67 Advanced

Under the Surat food security saturation approach, about how many new beneficiaries had the Surat administration identified, as stated by the PM on 7 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Over 2.5 lakh

The PM said over 2.5 lakh new beneficiaries, including many elderly, widowed and differently-abled people, had been identified.

Centre notifies scheme for cooperative sugar mills to convert ethanol plants to multi-feedstock
Q68 Advanced

The scheme notified on 7 March 2025 lets cooperative sugar mills convert their ethanol plants to also use which feedstocks?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Maize and damaged food grains

The conversion lets cooperative sugar mills use grains like maize and damaged food grains (DFG), so ethanol can be produced year-round.

Q69 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the scheme for cooperative sugar mills notified on 7 March 2025: 1. Interest subvention is 6% per annum or 50% of the rate of interest charged by banks, whichever is lower. 2. The subvention is for five years, including a one-year moratorium. 3. The scheme was notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Which of the statements given above are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

The subvention is 6% a year or 50% of the bank rate, whichever is lower, for five years including a one-year moratorium. The scheme was notified by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, under the modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme.

DRI and Coast Guard seize 30 kg hashish oil worth ₹33 crore from Maldives-bound vessel
Q70

The tug-barge from which DRI seized about 30 kg of hashish oil in March 2025 was headed for which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Maldives

The vessel had left Tuticorin Old Port for the Maldives; the hashish oil was loaded mid-sea by a Tuticorin-based gang.

Q71 Advanced

Under which law was the 29.954 kg of hashish oil seized by DRI at Tuticorin in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — NDPS Act, 1985

The hashish oil was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985; three accused were remanded to judicial custody.

Defence Ministry signs $248 million deal with Rosoboronexport for 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks
Q72

With which company did the Ministry of Defence sign a $248 million contract for T-72 tank engines on 7 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rosoboronexport

The contract was signed with Rosoboronexport (RoE), Russia, for 1,000 HP engines for T-72 tanks.

Q73 Advanced

The T-72 tanks of the Indian Army, which will get 1,000 HP engines under the March 2025 deal, are currently fitted with engines of what power?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 780 HP

The T-72 fleet is at present fitted with a 780 HP engine; the 1,000 HP engine will improve mobility and offensive capability.

Q74 Advanced

Under the March 2025 T-72 engine deal, technology will be transferred to which Indian facility for licensed production?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Heavy Vehicle Factory, Avadi

Rosoboronexport will transfer technology to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (Heavy Vehicle Factory), Avadi, Chennai.

Indian Navy's theatre-level exercise TROPEX 2025 concludes
Q75

TROPEX, which concluded in March 2025, is the capstone exercise of which force?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Indian Navy

TROPEX (Theatre Level Operational Exercise) is the Indian Navy's capstone exercise; the Army, IAF and Coast Guard also took part.

Q76 Advanced

The theatre of TROPEX 2025 extended about 5,000 nautical miles from the Strait of Hormuz in the west to which straits in the east?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sunda and Lombok Straits

The exercise area extended about 5,000 nm from the Strait of Hormuz to the Sunda and Lombok Straits, and about 4,300 nm north–south up to 35° South.

2,966 trainees, including 402 women Agniveers, pass out from INS Chilka
Q77

How many trainees passed out of INS Chilka in the Agniveer 02/24 batch on 7 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2,966

2,966 trainees, including 402 women Agniveers, 288 SSR (Medical Assistants) and 227 Naviks, passed out.

Q78 Advanced

Which trophy is awarded to the best woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit at INS Chilka?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy

Mansa Gulivindhala received the Gen Bipin Rawat Rolling Trophy for the best woman Agniveer at the March 2025 parade.

CDS Gen Anil Chauhan concludes visit to Australia
Q79 Advanced

During his visit to Australia (4–7 March 2025), CDS Gen Anil Chauhan laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial in honour of Indian soldiers who fell in which campaign?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Gallipoli campaign

Gen Chauhan laid a wreath honouring Indian soldiers who died in the Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.

Q80 Advanced

Who was Australia's Chief of Defence Force, with whom CDS Gen Anil Chauhan held talks in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Admiral David Johnston

Gen Chauhan held talks with Admiral David Johnston, Australia's Chief of Defence Force, at the Russell Offices.