Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which telescope, described as India's largest optical telescope, did ARIES astronomers use to study the intermediate-mass black hole in NGC 4395?
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Correct answer: A — 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope
The 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT), along with the 1.3m Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope.
The intermediate-mass black hole studied by ARIES astronomers in April 2025 lies in which galaxy?
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Correct answer: B — NGC 4395
NGC 4395, a faint, low-luminosity active galaxy about 4.3 million light-years away.
Bose Institute, Kolkata, scientists received the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics as part of which CERN collaboration?
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Correct answer: C — ALICE
ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment); Bose Institute is the only DST autonomous institute working in ALICE.
Consider the following statements about the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics: 1. The $3 million prize was awarded to researchers of four experimental collaborations at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. 2. The ALICE experiment primarily studies dark matter particles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The prize went to ATLAS, CMS, ALICE and LHCb; ALICE studies the quark-gluon plasma, not dark matter.
The Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar, visited by the MSME Minister in April 2025, has made components for which of the following?
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Correct answer: B — Chandrayaan-3 and LCA-Tejas
Chandrayaan-3 (ISRO) and the LCA-Tejas project (ADA); it is now producing components for Gaganyaan.
The pharmaceutical cluster at Mancheswar Industrial Estate, Bhubaneswar, is a Common Facility Centre set up under which MSME Ministry scheme?
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Correct answer: D — MSE-CDP
MSE-CDP: the CFC was established under the MSE-CDP scheme with support from the Government of Odisha.
How many beds does the newly developed ESIC Hospital at Namkum, Ranchi, inaugurated in April 2025, have?
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Correct answer: D — 220
220: it was approved as a 200-bedded hospital in 2018 and upgraded to a 220-bedded facility.
At what cost was the new ESIC Hospital building at Namkum, Ranchi, constructed?
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Correct answer: B — ₹99.06 crore
₹99.06 crore, with a built-up area of 17,559 square metres.
What was India's CPI-based retail inflation for the full year 2024-25, as stated by the Finance Ministry in April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 4.6%
4.6%, the lowest since 2018-19.
March 2025's year-on-year CPI inflation of 3.34% was the lowest monthly rate since:
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Correct answer: C — August 2019
August 2019; March 2025 inflation was 27 basis points lower than February 2025.
Consider the following statements about India's Consumer Price Index (CPI): 1. It is compiled by the Reserve Bank of India. 2. It is currently calculated with base year 2012. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The CPI is compiled by the National Statistical Office under MoSPI, not the RBI; its base year is 2012.
India's total (merchandise and services) exports in 2024-25 were estimated at about:
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Correct answer: A — US$ 820.93 billion
US$ 820.93 billion, up 5.50% from US$ 778.13 billion in 2023-24.
Consider the following statements about India's exports in 2024-25: 1. Merchandise exports declined compared to 2023-24. 2. Services exports are estimated to have declined compared to 2023-24. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Merchandise exports grew 0.08% to US$ 437.42 billion and services exports are estimated to have grown 12.45% to US$ 383.51 billion.
How many individuals were insured through the Government e Marketplace (GeM) in 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — Over 1.3 crore
Over 1.3 crore: more than 1.3 crore individuals under health, life and personal accident policies.
When was the Insurance Services category introduced on GeM?
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Correct answer: C — January 2022
January 2022; only IRDAI-approved providers are onboarded.
On which model will Centres of Excellence under the National Critical Mineral Mission operate, as per guidelines issued in April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Hub-and-spoke consortium
A consortium on a hub-and-spoke model, with at least two industry and two R&D/academic partners.
Up to which Technology Readiness Level (TRL) are NCMM Centres of Excellence expected to take directed R&D?
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Correct answer: D — TRL 7/8
TRL 7/8 pilot plant and pre-commercial demonstration.
Exercise DUSTLIK, whose sixth edition began at Aundh (Pune) in April 2025, is held between India and which country?
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Correct answer: B — Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan: DUSTLIK-VI is the India–Uzbekistan joint military exercise.
Consider the following statements about Exercise DUSTLIK-VI: 1. It is being held at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune), from 16 to 28 April 2025. 2. The Indian contingent is represented by a battalion of the JAT Regiment and the IAF. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Defence release.
The CCI's April 2025 order against UFO Moviez and Qube Cinema found a contravention of which provision of the Competition Act, 2002?
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Correct answer: B — Section 3(4)
Section 3(4), through tie-in arrangements, exclusive supply agreements and refusal to deal; sanctions were imposed under Section 27.
Consider the following statements about the CCI order of 16 April 2025: 1. It related to the lease of DCI-compliant digital cinema equipment to cinema theatre owners. 2. A penalty of ₹165.8 lakh was imposed on Qube Cinema Technologies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. UFO Moviez (with Scrabble Digital) was fined ₹104.03 lakh and Qube ₹165.8 lakh.
In which year was the MacGregor Memorial Medal instituted?
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Correct answer: A — 1888
3 July 1888. The USI was established in 1870, and the medal's scope was expanded in 1986.
The MacGregor Memorial Medal commemorates Maj Gen Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, founder of which institution?
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Correct answer: D — United Service Institution of India
The United Service Institution of India, established in 1870.
India's first indigenous green hydrogen fuel cell inland waterway vessel, hailed by the Science Minister in April 2025, was developed by which shipyard?
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Correct answer: B — Cochin Shipyard Ltd
Cochin Shipyard Ltd, with a hydrogen fuel cell drivetrain built by KPIT.
Under CSIR's NMITLI programme, KPIT developed low-temperature PEM fuel cell systems with which CSIR laboratories?
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-NCL, Pune and CSIR-CECRI
CSIR-NCL, Pune and CSIR-CECRI: CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, and CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI).
On which date was the PM Vishwakarma Scheme launched, as recalled at the Baripada conclave in April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 17 September 2023
17 September 2023.
Consider the following statements about the PM Vishwakarma–National SC-ST Hub Conclave held in April 2025: 1. It was co-chaired by Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. 2. The National SC-ST Hub was launched in October 2016. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the MSME Ministry release.
Booth Level Agents from which state took part in the Election Commission's first-ever BLA training in April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Bihar
Bihar: about 280 BLAs from Bihar of 10 recognised political parties took part.
Where was the Election Commission's first training programme for Booth Level Agents held in April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — IIIDEM, New Delhi
At the India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.
Karad, cited by the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry in April 2025 as a benchmark in sanitary waste management, is in which district of Maharashtra?
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Correct answer: A — Satara
Satara district.
About how much sanitary waste is collected daily in Karad, as per the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — 300–350 kg
300–350 kg: about 300 to 350 kg daily, from hospitals, clinics, households and other facilities.
During her April 2025 visit to East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, MoS Savitri Thakur inspected the One Stop Centre 'Shakti Sadan' at which place?
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Correct answer: D — Mawroh
Mawroh; she also visited the CCI at Mawkasiang, an Anganwadi at Mawsmai and the CHC at Sohra.
How many judicial officers were appointed Judges of the Allahabad High Court by the notification dated 16 April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Six
Six judicial officers, appointed by the President after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
In its April 2025 forecast, IMD put the 2025 southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall at what percentage of the Long Period Average?
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Correct answer: C — 105%
105% of the LPA, with a model error of ±5%, i.e. above normal.
The Long Period Average (LPA) of southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall for the country as a whole, for the period 1971–2020, is:
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Correct answer: A — 87 cm
87 cm, as stated by IMD.
Consider the following statements based on IMD's April 2025 monsoon forecast: 1. Neutral ENSO conditions are likely to continue during the monsoon season. 2. Neutral Indian Ocean Dipole conditions are likely to continue during the monsoon season. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. IMD expects both ENSO and IOD to remain neutral through the season.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 2.05%
2.05% (provisional), down from 2.38% in February 2025.
Consider the following statements about the WPI for March 2025: 1. Inflation in manufactured products was 3.07%. 2. Fuel & power has the largest weight among the three major groups of the WPI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Manufactured products have the largest weight (64.23%); fuel & power has 13.15%.
Which convocation of AIIMS Rishikesh did Union Health Minister JP Nadda preside over on 15 April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 5th
The 5th convocation, at which 434 students received degrees.
How many students were awarded degrees at the AIIMS Rishikesh convocation in April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 434
434 students were awarded degrees.
Where was Himachal Pradesh's state-level Himachal Day function held for the first time on 15 April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Killar, Pangi valley (Chamba)
Killar in the Pangi valley of Chamba district, the first time the state-level function was held there.
What minimum support price did the Himachal Pradesh CM announce for naturally grown barley on Himachal Day 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹60 per kg
₹60 per kg, along with making Pangi the state's first natural farming sub-division.
What was IREDA's profit after tax for 2024-25, its highest ever?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1,699 crore
₹1,699 crore, up 36%. ₹2,104 crore was the profit before tax and ₹6,742 crore the revenue from operations.
IREDA became the first PSU to publish its audited financial results for 2024-25 within how many days?
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Correct answer: C — 15 days
15 days, making it the first company in the NBFC and banking sector and the first PSU to do so.
How many exploration blocks were awarded under Round-IX of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), as stated in April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 28
28 blocks across eight sedimentary basins, covering 1.36 lakh sq km.
According to the Petroleum Minister in April 2025, India relies on imports for about what share of its natural gas needs?
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Correct answer: A — 50%
50% of natural gas; for crude oil the figure is 88%.
Under its April 2025 MoU with the Labour Ministry, Swiggy aims to mobilise how many job opportunities through the NCS portal in the next 2–3 years?
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Correct answer: D — Over 12 lakh
Over 12 lakh job opportunities in the next 2–3 years.
The Labour Ministry–Swiggy MoU of April 2025 links gig and logistics jobs to which government platform?
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Correct answer: A — National Career Service (NCS) portal
The National Career Service (NCS) portal, which had over 1.25 crore active job seekers as of 31 January 2025.
Under the SC sub-categorisation ordinance approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet in April 2025, the state's Scheduled Castes are divided into:
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Correct answer: D — 59 castes in three groups
59 Scheduled Castes in three groups: Group I (12 castes, 1%), Group II (18 castes, 6.5%) and Group III (29 castes, 7.5%).
Which roster system will Andhra Pradesh follow for implementing SC sub-categorisation, as per the April 2025 Cabinet decision?
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Correct answer: B — 200-point roster
A 200-point roster, in all 26 districts.
The passenger from whom the DRI seized 7.56 kg of cocaine at IGI Airport (announced 15 April 2025) had arrived from:
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Correct answer: A — Dubai
Dubai; the cocaine, worth about ₹75.6 crore, was hidden in five handbags.
Where was the sixth edition of the National Highways Excellence Awards 2023 held?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in the presence of Nitin Gadkari.
Which edition of the National Highways Excellence Awards was the 2023 edition (NHEA 2023)?
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Correct answer: B — Sixth
The sixth edition.
The 800 MW thermal power unit whose foundation stone the PM laid in Yamunanagar on 14 April 2025 belongs to which plant?
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Correct answer: B — Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant
Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant at Yamunanagar; the new unit covers 233 acres and costs about ₹8,470 crore.
What is the annual production capacity of the Compressed Biogas Plant at Mukarabpur, Yamunanagar, whose foundation stone was laid on 14 April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 2,600 metric tonnes
2,600 metric tonnes a year, as stated by the PMO.
Consider the following statements about the projects in Haryana on 14 April 2025: 1. The Rewari Bypass, worth about ₹1,070 crore, is under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. 2. The new 800 MW thermal unit at Yamunanagar is spread across 233 acres. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Rewari Bypass costs about ₹1,070 crore under Bharatmala, and the 800 MW unit covers 233 acres at about ₹8,470 crore.
Which state, on 14 April 2025, became the first to implement sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes through a gazette notification?
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Correct answer: A — Telangana
Telangana published its Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Act, 2025 in the gazette on 14 April 2025.
Under Telangana's SC sub-categorisation, what share of the 15% SC reservation goes to Group I, made up of 15 communities?
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Correct answer: D — 1%
1% goes to Group I; Group II gets 9% and Group III gets 5%.
Consider the following statements about Telangana's SC sub-categorisation notified on 14 April 2025: 1. The 59 SC communities are divided into three groups. 2. Group III, with 26 communities, gets 9% reservation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The groups have 15, 18 and 26 communities (59 in all); Group III gets 5%, while Group II gets 9%.
Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April 2025 marked which birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar?
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Correct answer: C — 135th
135th birth anniversary, as stated by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, which organised the 2025 Ambedkar Jayanti tributes at Prerna Sthal, was established as an autonomous body in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1992
1992. It was established on 24 March 1992; the Centenary Celebration Committee that decided to set it up was formed in 1991.
Consider the following statements about the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF): 1. It was established in 1991 by the Centenary Celebration Committee of Dr Ambedkar. 2. The Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment is its Chairman. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The committee was constituted in 1991, but the DAF itself was established on 24 March 1992; Dr Virendra Kumar, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, is its Chairman.
What was the theme of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes' Ambedkar Jayanti 2025 event in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: D — A Journey of 75 years of Constitution of India
A Journey of 75 years of Constitution of India was the primary theme of the NCSC event.