Q.1) National Science Day is observed annually in India to commemorate which groundbreaking scientific discovery made by C.V. Raman in 1928?
[a] Quantum Entanglement
[b] Raman Effect
[c] Bose-Einstein Condensate
[d] Photoelectric Effect
View Answer
Answer: b) Raman Effect
Explanation:
On February 28, 1928, Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (C.V. Raman) discovered the Raman Effect, a phenomenon describing the inelastic scattering of light by molecules. This discovery significantly impacted the field of spectroscopy and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930, making him the first Asian to win a Nobel in Physics. National Science Day was first observed on February 28, 1987, following a 1986 decision by the Government of India, based on a recommendation by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC). It was established to honor the discovery of the Raman Effect and promote scientific awareness. The theme for National Science Day 2025 is Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for Viksit Bharat.
Q.2) What is the primary objective of the ‘One Nation-One Port Process’ (ONOP) initiative launched by the Shipping Ministry?
[a] To unify all Indian ports under a common digital platform
[b] To privatize all major Indian ports
[c] To increase port taxes for better revenue
[d] To introduce a single port for all international trade in India
View Answer
Answer: [a] To unify all Indian ports under a common digital platform
Explanation:
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched several key initiatives to modernize India’s maritime sector and enhance its role in global trade. The ‘One Nation-One Port Process’ (ONOP) is aimed at creating a unified digital system across all Indian ports to streamline operations and improve efficiency.
Key Initiatives Launched:
One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Aims to digitally integrate and standardize processes across all Indian ports.
Sagar Ankalan: Enhances data analytics and performance monitoring in maritime logistics.
Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI): A ranking system to assess the efficiency of Indian ports.
Bharat Global Ports Consortium: A strategic alliance to strengthen India’s global maritime connectivity.
MAITRI App: A mobile application for seamless port-related services.
Key Highlights:
2nd Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue – A discussion forum to enhance India’s leadership in maritime trade.
4th Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) – A platform for maritime investments and innovations.
Q.3) Who has been appointed as the 11th Chairperson of SEBI, replacing Madhabi Puri Buch?
[a] Ajay Tyagi
[b] Tuhin Kanta Pandey
[c] Urjit Patel
[d] Shaktikanta Das
View Answer
Answer: [b] Tuhin Kanta Pandey
Explanation:
Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, has been appointed as the 11th Chairman of SEBI. He replaces Madhabi Puri Buch, whose 3-year term ends on March 1, 2025.
Key Highlights of Appointment:
Tenure: Initially for three years, appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
Current Role: Served as Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of Revenue.
Educational Background: Holds a Master’s in Economics from Punjab University and an MBA from the University of Birmingham, UK.
About SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India):
Established: 12 April 1988 (as an executive body)
Statutory Powers: Granted on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
Regulatory Role:
Ensures transparency, protects investors, and maintains market integrity.
SEBI is responsible for regulating India’s securities and commodity markets.
It functions under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Q.4) Which Indian bank has been ranked highest in sustainability by S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 2024?
[a] HDFC Bank
[b] ICICI Bank
[c] Yes Bank
[d] State Bank of India
View Answer
Answer: [c] Yes Bank
Explanation:
Yes Bank has emerged as India’s highest-rated bank in sustainability for the third consecutive year, according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) 2024 and Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) rankings.
Key Highlights of Yes Bank’s Sustainability Achievement:
Highest CSA Score: 72 out of 100, making it the only Indian lender included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, which features the top 15% of global banking leaders based on ESG performance.
Recognition in S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook: Out of 7,690 companies assessed globally, only 780 made it to the yearbook. Yes Bank is the only Indian bank among 51 high-scoring Indian companies to be included.
Strong ESG Performance: CSA evaluated up to 1,000 ESG indicators, including climate strategy, financial inclusion, human capital development, risk management, and corporate governance. Yes Bank scored higher than all its domestic competitors.
Q.5) What is the theme of World NGO Day 2025?
[a] Strengthening Global Partnerships
[b] Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future
[c] NGOs and Sustainable Development
[d] Innovation in Humanitarian Work
View Answer
Answer: [b] Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future
Explanation:
World NGO Day is observed annually on February 27 to recognize and celebrate the contributions of NGOs in social, economic, and environmental sectors.
Theme for 2025: “Empowering Grassroots Movements for a Sustainable Future”—which emphasizes the role of local NGOs in fostering sustainable development and creating lasting societal impact.
History of World NGO Day:
First celebrated on: February 27, 2014.
Proposed by: Marcis Liors Skadmanis (Latvia-based social entrepreneur).
Officially recognized in: 2010.
Q.6) Which Indian company has been awarded the contract for the procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems by the Indian Army?
[a] Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
[b] Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ltd
[c] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[d] Tata Advanced Systems
View Answer
Answer: [b] Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ltd
Explanation:
The Indian Army signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Ltd for the procurement of 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems at a cost of ₹80.43 crore. The procurement falls under the Buy Indian (IDDM) category, reinforcing the Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, as over 80% of the components and sub-systems will be sourced locally.
ACADA System has been designed & Developed by the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior, under DRDO. Its purpose is to detect Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) and Toxic Industrial Chemicals (TICs) by sampling air from the environment. Its working is based on Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS). It contains two highly sensitive IMS cells for continuous detection and simultaneous monitoring of toxic substances.
Q.7) Which organization is celebrating its 175th anniversary for contributions to geological research and mineral exploration?
[a] Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)
[b] Geological Survey of India (GSI)
[c] Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
[d] National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Explanation:
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), one of the oldest scientific organizations in India, is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2025. Established in 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham, GSI has played a pivotal role in geological research, mineral exploration, and disaster studies. It was initially established to locate coal deposits for railway expansion in India. It is headquartered in Kolkata and has regional offices located in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong, and Kolkata, with state units in every state. It functions under Ministry of Mines.
Q.8) A privilege motion has been moved recently against the External Affairs Minister in India. What does a privilege motion aim to address?
[a] Violation of fundamental rights of citizens
[b] Breach of parliamentary privileges
[c] Allegations of corruption against ministers
[d] Violation of election laws
View Answer
Answer: [b] Breach of parliamentary privileges
Explanation:
A privilege motion is a formal mechanism used in the Indian Parliament to address alleged breaches of parliamentary privileges. These privileges are special rights, immunities, and exemptions granted to MPs and the Parliament as a whole, allowing them to function independently and without external interference. This motion aims to ensure accountability, transparency, and integrity within Parliament. Sources of Parliamentary Privileges are Article 105 of the Indian Constitution, Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and Parliamentary conventions and precedents.
Q.9) Auroville recently celebrated its 57th anniversary. Which of the following statements about Auroville is correct?
[a] It was founded by Sri Aurobindo in 1968
[b] It was designed by architect Roger Anger
[c] It is administered under the Ministry of Culture
[d] It was never endorsed by UNESCO
View Answer
Answer: [b] It was designed by Roger Anger
Explanation:
Auroville, an international experimental township, was founded on February 28, 1968, near Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu. It was envisioned as a place for human unity and alternative living, based on the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and established under the leadership of Mirra Alfassa (The Mother). It was designed by architect Roger Anger and is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Education since 1980. Auroville was endorsed by UNESCO in 1966 as a project vital to humanity’s future and has received four UNESCO resolutions (1966, 1968, 1970, and 1983).
Q.10) India and Japan have renewed their $75 billion Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA). What is the primary purpose of this agreement?
[a] Facilitate trade in local currencies
[b] Strengthen military cooperation
[c] Ensure financial stability and liquidity access
[d] Promote technology transfer between the two nations
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ensure financial stability and liquidity access
Explanation:
India and Japan have renewed their $75 billion Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA), reinforcing financial cooperation between the two nations. The renewal of BSA underscores the strategic financial partnership between the two nations. By ensuring monetary stability and liquidity access, this agreement will strengthen economic cooperation and reinforce financial security in the region.
What is the Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA)?
BSA is a two-way currency swap agreement between the central banks of India and Japan. It allows both countries to exchange their local currencies for US dollars when needed. Bank of Japan, acting as an agent for the Minister of Finance of Japan, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed the Second Amendment and Restatement Agreement for the renewal.
Q.11) The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed an MoU with which company for the “Partnership for Financing MSMEs” to enhance credit access for small businesses?
[a] HDFC Bank
[b] Tata Capital Limited
[c] ICICI Bank
[d] Bajaj Finserv
View Answer
Answer: [b] Tata Capital Limited
Explanation:
The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Capital Limited (TCL) to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through improved access to credit. The focus areas of the MoU are providing funding for machinery/equipment financing, working capital, business loans, and loans against property and exploring risk-sharing, co-lending, and joint financing models to extend credit to MSMEs.