UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
With which country did India hold its first Joint Working Group meeting on Agriculture on 12 March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Chile
India and Chile held their first JWG meeting on Agriculture virtually on 12 March 2025, with Chile represented by ODEPA.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
By how much did India's coal imports fall in April–December 2024 compared with the same period of 2023-24?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 8.4%
Coal imports fell 8.4% to 183.42 MT from 200.19 MT, saving about $5.43 billion in foreign exchange.
By what date did the Election Commission of India, on 11 March 2025, ask political parties to send suggestions on unresolved issues at the ERO, DEO or CEO level?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 30 April 2025
The ECI invited suggestions from all national and state parties by 30 April 2025.
What was India's overall tele-density at the end of December 2024, as per data released on 11 March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 84.45%
Overall tele-density was 84.45%; 131.50% was the urban figure and 58.22% the rural one.
Which renewable energy company's acquisition by ONGC NTPC Green Private Limited did the CCI approve on 11 March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ayana Renewable Power
The CCI approved the acquisition of 100% of Ayana Renewable Power Private Limited by ONGC NTPC Green, a JV of ONGC Green and NTPC Green Energy.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, whose appointment as a Supreme Court judge was notified on 10 March 2025, was a judge of which High Court?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Calcutta High Court
Justice Bagchi was a judge of the Calcutta High Court, where he was appointed on 27 June 2011.
Under which provision of the Constitution did the President appoint Justice Joymalya Bagchi as a Supreme Court judge?
Show answer
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.
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?
Show answer
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.
With Justice Joymalya Bagchi's appointment, the Supreme Court's working strength became 33 against a sanctioned strength of:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 34
The sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court is 34 judges, including the Chief Justice of India.
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?
Show answer
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.
Which House of Parliament passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, on 10 March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, on 10 March 2025; the Rajya Sabha passed it later.
How many sections did the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, which the 2025 Bill replaces, have?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Three
The government described the 1856 Act as a brief three-section law governing the transfer of rights and confirmation of shipment.
Consider the following statements about the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025: 1. It substantially changes the rights and liabilities of carriers under the 1856 Act. 2. It empowers the Central Government to issue directions for implementing the law. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the Bill simplifies language and reorganises provisions without altering their substance. Statement 2 is correct, along with a new repeal-and-saving clause.
According to C.R. Patil on 10 March 2025, how many rainwater harvesting structures were built in Navsari within 24 hours during the PM's Women's Day visit?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,100
Patil said 1,100 rainwater harvesting structures were created in Navsari within 24 hours through community participation.
Consider the following statements about the Atal Bhujal Yojana: 1. It is a central sector scheme for community-led groundwater management, half of whose ₹6,000-crore outlay comes from a World Bank loan. 2. It covers all states that have over-exploited groundwater blocks. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the scheme covers seven states — Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh — in 80 districts.
Which Indian Navy ship made her maiden port call at Port Louis on 10 March 2025 for Mauritius's National Day?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — INS Imphal
INS Imphal arrived at Port Louis on 10 March 2025 to take part in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations.
INS Imphal belongs to which class of destroyers?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam class (Project 15B)
INS Imphal, commissioned in December 2023, is the third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) indigenous destroyers.
Consider the following statements: 1. PM Modi announced the vision of SAGAR in Mauritius on 12 March 2015, at the commissioning of MCGS Barracuda. 2. MCGS Barracuda was the first Indian-built warship inducted into the Mauritius National Coast Guard. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as recalled by the Ministry of Defence in its release on INS Imphal's visit.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which signed an integration deal with Damascus on 10 March 2025, are led mainly by which community?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kurds
The SDF is a Kurdish-led, US-backed force that controlled much of north-eastern Syria.
Who signed the Syria–SDF integration agreement on behalf of the SDF on 10 March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Mazloum Abdi
SDF commander Mazloum Abdi signed the deal with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Consider the following statements about the Syria–SDF agreement of 10 March 2025: 1. Oil and gas fields in north-eastern Syria are to come under the administration of the Syrian state. 2. It grants the Kurdish-majority north-east a separate federal region with its own army. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the deal integrates civil and military institutions, including border crossings, airports and oil and gas fields. Statement 2 is wrong: the agreement rejects division and integrates SDF bodies into the state.
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.
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.
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.
Which think tank hosted the seminar 'UAS Warfare with Special Focus on Counter-UAS' addressed by CDS Gen Anil Chauhan on 10 March 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS)
The Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) hosted the seminar in New Delhi, with the CDS delivering the keynote.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.