Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
After whom did Amit Shah announce a prominent road in Delhi will be named, while addressing the All Bodo Students' Union conference in Kokrajhar on 16 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma
Shah announced that a prominent road in Delhi will be named after Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma.
Consider the following statements made by Amit Shah at the ABSU conference in Kokrajhar (16 March 2025): 1. The Centre will complete 100% implementation of the BTR peace agreement in the next two years. 2. 400 Bodo youths have been recruited into the Assam Commando Battalion. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Home Ministry release: 100% implementation of the BTR peace agreement in the next two years, and recruitment of 400 Bodo youths into the Assam Commando Battalion.
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.
Ramakanta Rath, who died on 16 March 2025, was an eminent poet of which language?
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Correct answer: C — Odia
Ramakanta Rath was a renowned Odia poet and a former Chief Secretary of Odisha.
For which long poem did Odia poet Ramakanta Rath (died March 2025) receive the Saraswati Samman?
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Correct answer: D — Sri Radha
His most celebrated work, the long poem 'Sri Radha' (1985), using Radha and Krishna as metaphors for love and human consciousness, won him the Saraswati Samman.
Consider the following statements about Ramakanta Rath (1934–2025): 1. He was an IAS officer who retired as Chief Secretary of Odisha. 2. He was conferred the Padma Vibhushan in 2006. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: he joined the IAS in 1957 and retired as Odisha's Chief Secretary in 1992. Statement 2 is wrong: he received the Padma Bhushan (not Padma Vibhushan) in 2006.
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.
At the review of new criminal laws in the North-East held in Guwahati on 16 March 2025, Amit Shah praised which state for filing charge sheets within 60–90 days in 66% of cases?
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Correct answer: D — Assam
Shah congratulated the Assam government for filing charge sheets within the stipulated 60–90 days in 66% of cases.
Which provision of the new criminal laws did Amit Shah urge North-Eastern states to use to help bring back fugitive criminals (Guwahati, 16 March 2025)?
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Correct answer: B — Trial in absentia
Shah said the provision of 'Trial in Absentia' should be used, as it will help bring fugitive criminals back to the country.
The Guwahati review of new criminal laws on 16 March 2025 was attended by the Chief Ministers of seven North-Eastern states but by the Governor of Manipur. Why was Manipur represented by its Governor?
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Correct answer: C — Manipur was under President's Rule
Manipur had been placed under President's Rule (Article 356) in February 2025, so the state's administration was being run in the President's name through the Governor.
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.
Where was the first-ever Fit India Carnival inaugurated by Mansukh Mandaviya on 16 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
The first-ever Fit India Carnival, a three-day event, was inaugurated at the JLN Stadium in New Delhi.
Which actor was honoured as a 'Fit India Icon' at the inauguration of the first Fit India Carnival in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ayushmann Khurrana
Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana was honoured as a 'Fit India Icon' at the event.
Which team won the Women's Premier League 2025, beating Delhi Capitals in the final on 15 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians beat Delhi Capitals by 8 runs at the Brabourne Stadium for their second WPL title.
Who was the Player of the Match in the WPL 2025 final at the Brabourne Stadium?
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Correct answer: D — Harmanpreet Kaur
MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur was Player of the Match for her 66 off 44 balls.
Consider the following statements about the WPL 2025 final: 1. Delhi Capitals finished runners-up for the third season in a row. 2. Mumbai Indians chased down the target in the final over. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Mumbai Indians batted first, made 149 for 7 and defended it, restricting Delhi Capitals to 141 for 9.
Where will the electronics technology for India's Hyperloop project be developed, as announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw on 15 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
Vaishnaw said all the electronics technology for the Hyperloop project will be developed at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
What is the length of the Hyperloop test tube at IIT Madras, described by the Railway Minister in March 2025 as the longest Hyperloop test facility in Asia?
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Correct answer: B — 410 metres
The minister said the 410-metre-long Hyperloop test tube at IIT Madras is the longest Hyperloop test facility in Asia.
Consider the following statements about the IIT Madras Hyperloop project, as described by the Railway Minister on 15 March 2025: 1. The Ministry of Railways has provided financial funding and technical assistance to the project. 2. The test facility is located at IIT Madras's main campus in Guindy. 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 Hyperloop test facility is at the IIT Madras Discovery Campus; the minister visited the Guindy campus separately for the Open House 2025 exhibition.
Where is the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy, inaugurated by Amit Shah on 15 March 2025, located?
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Correct answer: B — Dergaon, Assam
Amit Shah inaugurated the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy in Dergaon, Assam.
According to Amit Shah at the inauguration of the Lachit Barphukan Police Academy (March 2025), Assam's conviction rate has risen from 5% to:
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Correct answer: B — 25%
Shah said the double-engine government has increased the conviction rate in Assam from 5% to 25%.
Lachit Barphukan, after whom the police academy in Dergaon is named, is remembered for leading Assam to victory against which power?
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Correct answer: C — The Mughals
Amit Shah recalled that the Ahom general Lachit Barphukan led Assam to victory against the Mughals.
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.
To which place is the Assam Rifles battalion moving from central Aizawl, after its land was handed over to the Mizoram government on 15 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Zokhawsang
The Assam Rifles battalion is relocating from Aizawl's city centre to Zokhawsang, about 15 km away.
Since which year had the Assam Rifles held the land in central Aizawl that was transferred to the Mizoram government in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 1890
The force had held the land since 1890, when it was the Lushai Hills Military Police Battalion; Amit Shah also referred to the first army camp in Aizawl in 1890.
Consider the following statements about the Assam Rifles, whose Aizawl land was handed over to Mizoram in March 2025: 1. The Union Home Ministry has administrative control of the Assam Rifles, while operational control rests with the Indian Army. 2. Under the relocation agreement, the Assam Rifles gave up all its establishments in Aizawl, including its Sector Headquarters. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (NDTV). Statement 2 is wrong: the Assam Rifles retains its 23 Sector Headquarters (Mizoram Range) at Khatla, 95.88 acres, and the DIG residence at Tuikhuahtlang.
Which body revoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the NCR on 15 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas
The CAQM's Sub-Committee on GRAP revoked Stage-I across the entire NCR with immediate effect.
Delhi's AQI of 85, recorded on 15 March 2025 when GRAP Stage-I was revoked, falls in which AQI category?
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Correct answer: B — Satisfactory
An AQI of 85 is in the 'Satisfactory' category (51–100).
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 presented the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 in the State Assembly on 14 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Thangam Thennarasu
Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 on 14 March 2025.
What fiscal deficit, as a share of GSDP, did the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 estimate?
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Correct answer: B — 3%
The fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is estimated at ₹1,06,963 crore, or 3% of GSDP; 3.26% is the 2024-25 figure.
Which place did the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 propose to notify as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary?
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Correct answer: A — Dhanushkodi
The Budget announced plans to notify Dhanushkodi as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary.
Where will 'Agaram', the language museum announced in the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26, be built?
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Correct answer: D — Madurai
The Budget announced 'Agaram', a language museum in Madurai showing the plurality of Indian languages.
Consider the following statements about the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26: 1. Its logo replaced the ₹ symbol with the Tamil letter 'ரூ' (Roo). 2. It announced a Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030 with an estimated allocation of ₹500 crore over five years. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Budget logo used 'ரூ' for 'Roobai', and the Finance Minister announced the ₹500-crore Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030.
How many projects did the 89th Network Planning Group meeting under PM GatiShakti evaluate on 14 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Eight
The 89th NPG evaluated eight projects: four road, three railway and one metro.
The road tunnel under the Brahmaputra evaluated by the 89th NPG will connect which two places in Assam?
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Correct answer: A — Gohpur and Numaligarh
The four-lane tunnel under the Brahmaputra will link Gohpur and Numaligarh, cutting the distance from 240 km to 34 km.
Which metro rail project was evaluated at the 89th Network Planning Group meeting?
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Correct answer: B — Rajkot Metro
The only metro project was the 41.11 km greenfield Rajkot Metro in Gujarat.
Consider the following statements about the PM GatiShakti Network Planning Group (NPG): 1. Its 89th meeting was chaired by a Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). 2. The Haridaspur–Paradip doubling it evaluated aims to move coal from the Talcher coalfields to Paradip Port. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: DPIIT Joint Secretary Pankaj Kumar chaired the meeting, and the 74.09 km Haridaspur–Paradip doubling is meant to ease coal movement from Talcher to Paradip Port.
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.
In which state was India's first-ever auction of Exploration Licences launched on 13 March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Goa
The first Exploration Licence auction was launched at Dona Paula, Goa, by G. Kishan Reddy and CM Pramod Sawant.
How many blocks were offered in India's first Exploration Licence auction launched in March 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 13
The first EL auction covered 13 blocks for minerals such as REE, zinc, diamond, copper and PGE.
How many critical and deep-seated minerals listed in the Seventh Schedule of the MMDR Act can be explored under an Exploration Licence?
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Correct answer: C — 29
Exploration Licences cover reconnaissance and prospecting for 29 critical and deep-seated minerals listed in the new Seventh Schedule.
Consider the following statements about Exploration Licences (ELs) in India: 1. An EL permits reconnaissance and prospecting operations, not mining. 2. The Centre used its powers under Section 20A of the MMDR Act to issue an order in October 2024 for conducting EL auctions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: ELs allow reconnaissance and prospecting for Seventh Schedule minerals, and the Centre issued a Section 20A order on 21 October 2024 to run the auctions.
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.
Yoga Mahotsav 2025, held in New Delhi on 13 March 2025, marked how many days to the International Day of Yoga?
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Correct answer: B — 100 days
Yoga Mahotsav 2025 marked the start of the 100-day countdown to the 11th International Day of Yoga.
Which edition of the International Day of Yoga was observed in 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 11th
The Ministry of Ayush said 2025 marks the 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga.
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.
What was the value of the methamphetamine tablets seized by NCB in Manipur and Assam on 13 March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹88 crore
NCB seized methamphetamine tablets worth ₹88 crore in its Imphal and Guwahati zones and arrested four people.
Near which place in Manipur did NCB recover 102.39 kg of methamphetamine tablets from a truck on 13 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Lilong
NCB's Imphal Zone intercepted the truck near Lilong; Moreh was the suspected source of the drugs.
Consider the following statements about the NCB seizures of 13 March 2025: 1. In the Assam operation, the tablets were concealed inside the spare tyre of an SUV near Silchar. 2. The suspected source of the drugs in both operations was Moreh, Manipur. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Home Ministry: the Guwahati Zone found 7.48 kg in an SUV's spare tyre near Silchar, and Moreh was the suspected source in both cases.
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.
Where is the permanent campus of NECTAR, whose foundation stone was laid on 13 March 2025, coming up?
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Correct answer: A — New Shillong
Dr Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of NECTAR's permanent campus in New Shillong, Meghalaya.
Under Mission Saffron, large-scale saffron cultivation is underway at Menchukha and Yuksom. These are in which states respectively?
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Correct answer: B — Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim
Menchukha is in Arunachal Pradesh and Yuksom in Sikkim, as per the Science and Technology Ministry.
Consider the following statements about NECTAR: 1. It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER). 2. It was established in 2014. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: NECTAR is an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology. Statement 2 is correct.
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.
Which team won the 5th Khelo India Winter Games, which closed in Gulmarg on 12 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Army
The Indian Army retained its title with 18 medals, including 7 gold, one gold more than runners-up Himachal Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the 5th Khelo India Winter Games (2025): 1. The closing ceremony was held at Gulmarg Golf Club in Jammu and Kashmir. 2. Himachal Pradesh finished runners-up after winning one gold fewer than the Indian Army. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Sports Ministry: the Games closed at Gulmarg Golf Club, and Himachal Pradesh (6 gold) finished second to the Army (7 gold).