UPSC EPFO / APFC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
On which date did ISRO successfully undock the SpaDeX satellites?
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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.
In what orbit did the SpaDeX undocking take place on 13 March 2025?
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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.
Which of the following was NOT among the ground stations that monitored the SpaDeX undocking?
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Correct answer: A — Port Blair
ISRO said the operations were monitored from ground stations at Bengaluru, Lucknow and Mauritius.
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?
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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.
What does the draft NCAAFS 2025 released by the Sports Ministry in March 2025 deal with?
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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.
Under the draft NCAAFS 2025, what is the penalty for an athlete's first age-fraud violation?
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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.
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?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the draft revises the existing framework after almost 15 years.
Up to which year did Budget 2025 extend procurement of tur, urad and masur equal to 100% of state production?
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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.
How much tur (arhar) did the Centre approve for procurement under PM-AASHA's Price Support Scheme for Kharif 2024-25?
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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.
Bongosagar is a bilateral naval exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: D — Bangladesh
Bongosagar is the India–Bangladesh naval exercise; the 2025 edition was held in the Bay of Bengal.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in exercise Bongosagar 2025?
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Correct answer: A — INS Ranvir
INS Ranvir represented the Indian Navy, with BNS Abu Ubaidah from the Bangladesh Navy.
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?
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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.
What was the theme of World Kidney Day 2025, observed on 13 March?
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Correct answer: A — Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health
The 2025 theme was 'Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health', revisiting the focus from 20 years earlier.
PB-SHABD, whose free access was extended till March 2026, is a service of which organisation?
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Correct answer: D — Prasar Bharati
PB-SHABD (Prasar Bharati–Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) is Prasar Bharati's shared news feed, launched in March 2024.
To what level did India and Mauritius elevate their relationship on 12 March 2025?
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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.
In which country did PM Modi unveil Vision MAHASAGAR for the Global South in March 2025?
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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.
Where in Mauritius is the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, inaugurated on 12 March 2025?
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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.
Which of the following did India announce support for during PM Modi's March 2025 visit to Mauritius?
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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.
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?
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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.
Which country conferred its highest civilian award on PM Narendra Modi on 12 March 2025?
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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.
What is the name of the Mauritian award conferred on PM Modi in March 2025?
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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.
Who conferred the GCSK award on PM Modi at the Mauritius National Day celebrations of 2025?
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Correct answer: B — President Dharambeer Gokhool
Mauritian President Dharambeer Gokhool conferred the GCSK on PM Modi on 12 March 2025.
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?
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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.
What was India's CPI-based retail inflation for February 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 3.61%
MoSPI put February 2025 retail inflation at 3.61% (provisional), the lowest since July 2024.
Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation at the all-India level in February 2025?
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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%).
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?
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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%).
On the sidelines of which session did India and UN Women co-host a Ministerial Roundtable on women's empowerment in March 2025?
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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).
The India–UN Women roundtables of March 2025 focused on implementing how many critical areas of concern of the Beijing Platform for Action?
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Correct answer: C — 12
The roundtables discussed strategies to implement the 12 critical areas of concern in the Beijing Platform for Action.
'Ashwini', for which a ₹2,906 crore contract was signed in March 2025, is a:
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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.
With which company did the Defence Ministry sign the ₹2,906 crore Ashwini radar contract?
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Correct answer: A — Bharat Electronics Limited
The contract was signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, on 12 March 2025.
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?
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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.