UKPSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
With which Bengaluru-based indigenous Generative AI company did UIDAI partner in March 2025 to bring AI voice interactions and fraud alerts to Aadhaar services?
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Correct answer: D — Sarvam AI
UIDAI partnered with Bengaluru-based Sarvam AI, an indigenous full-stack GenAI company, with the agreement effective from 18 March 2025.
In how many languages will the AI voice interaction and fraud detection under the UIDAI–Sarvam AI agreement (March 2025) be available at launch?
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Correct answer: B — 10
The deployment allows voice interaction and fraud detection in 10 languages, with more to be added in coming months.
Consider the following statements about the UIDAI–Sarvam AI agreement effective 18 March 2025: 1. The GenAI stack is hosted on-premise within an air-gapped UIDAI infrastructure, so no data leaves UIDAI. 2. Sarvam AI will own the solution, with UIDAI holding a licence to use it. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The custom GenAI stack is hosted on-premise in an air-gapped UIDAI environment. The ownership of the solution is with UIDAI, not Sarvam AI, so statement 2 is wrong.
In their phone call on 18 March 2025, Vladimir Putin agreed to Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day halt on strikes on which targets?
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Correct answer: D — Energy infrastructure
The Kremlin said Trump proposed that the parties mutually refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days, and Putin immediately ordered Russian troops to comply.
After the Trump–Putin call of 18 March 2025, the White House said technical negotiations would begin on a maritime ceasefire in which sea?
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Correct answer: A — Black Sea
The White House said the movement to peace would begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire and technical negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
Consider the following statements about the Trump–Putin phone call of 18 March 2025: 1. Putin accepted the full 30-day ceasefire across the front line proposed by the US. 2. The broader 30-day truce sought by the US had already been accepted by Ukraine. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Putin agreed only to a 30-day halt on strikes on energy infrastructure and set conditions for any wider ceasefire, so statement 1 is wrong. Reuters reported that the blanket 30-day truce sought by the US had been accepted by Ukraine.
The IndiaAI Hackathon on Mineral Targeting, launched with the Geological Survey of India in March 2025, covers a pre-defined area in which two states?
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Correct answer: B — Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
Participants are to identify new exploration areas within a pre-defined 39,000 sq km area in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Under which MeitY initiative was the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR) launched on 18 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — SwaYaan
NIDAR was launched under 'SwaYaan — Capacity Building for Human Resource Development in Unmanned Aircraft Systems'.
Which two domains are the autonomous drones in the NIDAR challenge (March 2025) meant to address?
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Correct answer: A — Disaster management and precision agriculture
NIDAR teams build collaborative autonomous drones for disaster management (scout and deliver) and precision agriculture (scan and spray).
Which country's Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, held talks with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — New Zealand
Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, was on an official visit to India from 16 to 20 March 2025 and held talks with PM Modi on 17 March.
The Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) signed during the India–New Zealand talks of 17 March 2025 was between New Zealand Customs Service and which Indian body?
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Correct answer: A — Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
The AEO-MRA was signed between the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and the New Zealand Customs Service.
According to the India–New Zealand Joint Statement of 17 March 2025, people of Indian origin make up about what share of New Zealand's population?
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Correct answer: B — 6%
The joint statement noted that the Indian diaspora makes up about 6% of New Zealand's population.
Consider the following outcomes of PM Christopher Luxon's visit to India (March 2025): 1. New Zealand joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). 2. New Zealand became a member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). 3. India and New Zealand signed a free trade agreement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
New Zealand joined IPOI and became a CDRI member. On trade, the leaders only welcomed the launch of negotiations on a comprehensive FTA — no agreement was signed.
Who assumed charge as the CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) on 17 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Shivkumar Kalyanaraman
Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman assumed charge as ANRF CEO, taking over from acting CEO Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
Before becoming CEO of ANRF in March 2025, Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman held which position?
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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.
What gross merchandise value (GMV) milestone for FY 2024-25 did the Government e Marketplace (GeM) cross, as announced on 17 March 2025?
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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.
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?
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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.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for February 2025, released on 17 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 2.38%
Annual WPI inflation for February 2025 was 2.38% (provisional) over February 2024.
In India's Wholesale Price Index (base 2011-12), which major group carries the largest weight, as listed in the February 2025 release?
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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%.
What were India's estimated total exports (merchandise and services) during April–February 2024-25, as released on 17 March 2025?
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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.
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?
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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.
Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote address at Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi on 17 March 2025?
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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.
Raisina Dialogue 2025, which opened in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, was which edition of the conference?
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Correct answer: C — 10th
Raisina Dialogue 2025 was the 10th edition of India's flagship conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics.
Tulsi Gabbard, who called on PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, holds which US post?
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Correct answer: A — Director of National Intelligence
Tulsi Gabbard is the US Director of National Intelligence.
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?
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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.
Under which awareness campaign will WhatsApp promote safe digital practices as part of its partnership with the Department of Telecommunications announced on 17 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Scam Se Bacho
The DoT–WhatsApp partnership will promote awareness of Sanchar Saathi and safe practices under Meta's 'Scam Se Bacho' campaign.
Where was the next India–Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue to be held, as discussed at the 9th Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi on 17 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Australia, 2025
The two sides discussed preparations for the next 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, to be held in Australia in 2025.
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?
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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.
India and New Zealand's earlier trade negotiations, which stalled in 2015 after nine rounds, were for which agreement?
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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.
According to India's Commerce Ministry, the India–New Zealand FTA negotiations launched in March 2025 aim mainly to:
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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.
Who won the men's singles title at Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open) on 16 March 2025?
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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.
Whom did 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva beat in the Indian Wells women's final on 16 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Aryna Sabalenka
Andreeva came back to beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
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?
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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.
Who won the women's singles title at the All England Open Badminton Championships on 16 March 2025?
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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.
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?
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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.
Which RBI digital initiatives were recognised with the Digital Transformation Award 2025 by Central Banking, London?
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Correct answer: B — Pravaah and Sarthi
The RBI was honoured for its in-house digital initiatives Pravaah and Sarthi.
The Digital Transformation Award 2025 won by the Reserve Bank of India (March 2025) was conferred by:
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Correct answer: C — Central Banking, London
The award was conferred by Central Banking, London, UK.
Who won the 2025 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, the season opener, at Albert Park on 16 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Lando Norris
McLaren's Lando Norris won from pole, 0.895 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen, with George Russell third.
In which city is the Albert Park circuit, venue of the 2025 Formula 1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix?
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Correct answer: A — Melbourne
The Australian Grand Prix is held at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne.
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?
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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.
With which podcaster did PM Narendra Modi have a podcast conversation released on 16 March 2025, in which he thanked the host for fasting as a mark of respect?
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Correct answer: D — Lex Fridman
The PM interacted with Lex Fridman and thanked him for his gesture of fasting as a mark of respect.
Who was the Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India when it held the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law on 16 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Ravneet Kaur
CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur delivered the special address at the conference.
The US air strikes ordered by President Trump on 15 March 2025 targeted which group in Yemen?
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Correct answer: B — Houthis
Trump ordered strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen over their attacks on shipping.
Which city, struck by US air strikes on 15 March 2025, is the capital of Yemen held by the Houthis?
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Correct answer: C — Sanaa
Trump said he ordered strikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.
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?
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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.
Which city hosted the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, where India won 33 medals?
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Correct answer: D — Turin, Italy
The Special Olympics World Winter Games were held in Turin, Italy, from 8 to 15 March 2025.
What was India's medal break-up at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 8 gold, 18 silver, 7 bronze
India won 33 medals: 8 gold, 18 silver and 7 bronze.
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?
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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.
What was the theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2025, observed on 15 March?
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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'.
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?
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Correct answer: D — Greenwashing
Joshi mentioned strengthening the regulatory framework against greenwashing — misleading claims that a product is environment-friendly.
Who led India's delegation at the 353rd Governing Body meeting of the ILO in Geneva in March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Sumita Dawra
The Indian delegation was led by Ms Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment.
At the 353rd ILO Governing Body meeting (March 2025), India said it had doubled its social protection coverage to what level?
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Correct answer: C — 48.8%
India highlighted that it has doubled its social protection coverage to 48.8%.
Consider the following statements about the ILO, whose 353rd Governing Body met in Geneva in March 2025: 1. Its constituents are tripartite — representatives of governments, workers and employers. 2. India extended support to the ILO on the UN-led Second World Summit for Social Development to be held in Doha, Qatar, in 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Labour Ministry: the Governing Body brings together the ILO's tripartite constituents, and India backed the ILO on the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha later in 2025.
Who was sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada on 14 March 2025, succeeding Justin Trudeau?
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Correct answer: D — Mark Carney
Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada's Prime Minister on 14 March 2025, replacing Justin Trudeau.
Mark Carney became Canada's Prime Minister of which number in March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 24th
The Prime Minister's Office states that Mark Carney is Canada's 24th Prime Minister.
Who presided over the swearing-in of Mark Carney as Canada's Prime Minister at Rideau Hall?
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Correct answer: A — Governor General Mary Simon
Governor General Mary Simon presided over the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on 14 March 2025.
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?
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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.
Where was the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held from 12 to 14 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Charlevoix, Quebec
Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, from 12 to 14 March 2025.
Who hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Mélanie Joly
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly hosted the meeting.
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?
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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.
On 14 March 2025, gold crossed which price level per ounce for the first time?
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Correct answer: C — $3,000
Spot gold crossed $3,000 an ounce for the first time on 14 March 2025, touching $3,004.86.
By how much had gold prices risen in 2024, before crossing $3,000 an ounce in March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — About 27%
Reuters reported gold rose 27% in 2024 and about 14% more in 2025 before crossing $3,000.
Who commanded NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission launched on 14 March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Anne McClain
NASA astronaut Anne McClain is Crew-10's commander; Nichole Ayers is the pilot.
Which JAXA astronaut flew on NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission?
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Correct answer: D — Takuya Onishi
JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi flew as a mission specialist on Crew-10, his second flight to the station.
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?
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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.
Which former head of state made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court on 14 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Rodrigo Duterte
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I on 14 March 2025.
Of which crime is Rodrigo Duterte suspected in the ICC case?
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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.
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?
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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.
The sharp $15.27 billion rise in India's forex reserves in the week ended 7 March 2025 was attributed mainly to what?
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Correct answer: A — An RBI $10 billion dollar-rupee buy-sell swap
The rise was attributed mainly to the RBI's $10 billion buy-sell forex swap of 28 February 2025, in which it bought dollars against rupees to inject liquidity.