Q.1) Which global observance, initiated by UNAIDS, is annually marked on March 1 to advocate against societal biases and promote inclusivity?
[a] International Human Rights Day
[b] Zero Discrimination Day
[c] World Social Justice Day
[d] International Day for Tolerance
View Answer
Answer: [b] Zero Discrimination Day
Explanation:
Zero Discrimination Day is commemorated annually on March 1, serving as a platform to promote equality, social inclusion, and human dignity while actively challenging systemic biases and discrimination in all forms. Theme for 2025: “We Stand Together,” underscores the imperative of collective action in dismantling prejudicial barriers and fostering an equitable society.
The observance was formally launched by UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on February 27, 2014, and was first observed on March 1, 2014. UNAIDS (Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS) is a pioneering UN entity spearheading efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and associated stigmas.
Q.2) The International Spice Conference (ISC) 2025, held in Bengaluru, focused on fostering global collaboration in the spice trade. What was the theme of this year’s conference?
[a] “Sustainable Trade and Global Markets”
[b] “Innovating for a Resilient Spice Industry”
[c] “Building Trust Beyond Borders: Transparency, Sustainability, Confidence”
[d] “Spice Trade: Challenges and Opportunities in the 21st Century”
View Answer
Answer: [c] “Building Trust Beyond Borders: Transparency, Sustainability, Confidence”
Explanation:
The International Spice Conference (ISC) 2025, a premier global event in the spice industry, was organized by the All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF) and hosted in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This conference served as a crucial platform for industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to engage in discussions shaping the future of the global spice trade. The 2025 official theme, “Building Trust Beyond Borders: Transparency, Sustainability, Confidence,” emphasized the importance of enhancing supply chain integrity, ensuring sustainable trade practices, and fostering global confidence in the spice industry.
AISEF (All India Spices Exporters Forum), established in 1987, AISEF represents the interests of Indian spice exporters, ensuring a sustainable and business-friendly environment for the spice industry.
Q.3) The autobiography Diyaslai, launched at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), chronicles the life of which Nobel Peace Prize laureate?
[a] Amartya Sen
[b] Malala Yousafzai
[c] Kailash Satyarthi
[d] Muhammad Yunus
View Answer
Answer: [c] Kailash Satyarthi
Explanation:
The autobiography Diyaslai, written by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Satyarthi, was launched at a special discussion organized by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). The book delves into Satyarthi’s inspiring journey, from being the son of a police constable to becoming a global advocate for child rights and the abolition of child labor.
Kailash Satyarthi is an Indian social reformer, he is best known for his decades-long fight against child labor and his advocacy for universal education. In 1980, he founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) (Save the Childhood Movement), which has rescued tens of thousands of children from slavery and exploitation. In 2014, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize along with Malala Yousafzai for their efforts to ensure children’s rights and education worldwide.
Q.4) Which Indian state recently launched the Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana, an insurance scheme for government school students?
[a] Uttar Pradesh
[b] Madhya Pradesh
[c] Rajasthan
[d] Maharashtra
View Answer
Answer: [c] Rajasthan
Explanation:
The Rajasthan government has introduced Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana, a first-of-its-kind insurance scheme designed to financially safeguard students from Class 1 to Class 5 in government schools. This initiative marks a significant step in securing children’s future and promoting financial security within the education sector.
Key Features of Scheme:
Parental Coverage: In case of accidental death of a student’s parent, the child will receive a scholarship until the age of 18 to ensure uninterrupted education.
Personal Accident Insurance: Provides ₹1 lakh insurance coverage to 1.3 lakh students in government schools across Udaipur division in its initial phase.
Expansion Plans: The scheme aims to eventually cover one crore school children across Rajasthan.
Q.5) Who has been appointed as the new Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA)?
[a] Rajeev Verma
[b] Dr. Mayank Sharma
[c] Anil Kumar Gupta
[d] Pankaj Srivastava
View Answer
Answer: [b] Dr. Mayank Sharma
Explanation:
Dr. Mayank Sharma, a 1989-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), has been appointed as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). With over three decades of experience, Dr. Sharma brings a distinguished career in government service to this key financial oversight position in the Defence Accounts Department (DAD).
About CGDA (Controller General of Defence Accounts):
The CGDA heads the Defence Accounts Department (DAD), which is responsible for managing the financial administration of the Indian Armed Forces and defense-related organizations. The department traces its origins back to the East India Company, with the first military paymaster appointed in 1750. It handles defense budget allocation, salary disbursement, pension management, and procurement audits for the armed forces.
Q.6) What is the theme for World Hearing Day 2025?
[a] “Hearing Health for All”
[b] “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!”
[c] “Sound Awareness for a Better Future”
[d] “Prevention and Protection of Hearing”
View Answer
Answer: [b] “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!”
Explanation:
World Hearing Day is observed annually on March 3 to raise awareness about hearing loss, promote ear and hearing care, and encourage global action to address hearing-related issues. It is organized by World Health Organization (WHO). 2025 Theme: “Changing mindsets: Empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all!”.
The First observed as World Hearing Day in 2015. Prior to that, it was known as International Ear Care Day. WHO conducts events at its Geneva headquarters and partners with global stakeholders to promote hearing health awareness.
Q.7) On which date is National Security Day observed in India, and what is the theme for this year’s celebration?
[a] 15 August; “Unity in Diversity”
[b] 26 January; “Safety and Integrity”
[c] 4 March; “Safety and Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat”
[d] 2 October; “Guardians of the Nation”
View Answer
Answer: [c] 4 March; “Safety and Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat”
Explanation:
India observes National Security Day on 4 March each year. This day, managed by the National Safety Council (NSC), is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of safety precautions and fostering a culture of safety throughout the nation while honoring contributions of the national security forces. Introduced in 1972 to appreciate and recognize the efforts of these forces, National Security Day also aligns with the broader legacy of safety awareness initiated when the NSC was established on 4 March 1966 under the Ministry of Labour. This year’s theme is, “Safety and Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat,”. National Security Council (NSC)—a separate apex body headed by the Prime Minister—highlighting India’s comprehensive approach to both national security and public safety.
Q.8) What is the name of Assam’s 8th National Park, recently notified from the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve?
[a] Raimona National Park
[b] Manas National Park
[c] Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park
[d] Orang National Park
View Answer
Answer: [c] Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park
Explanation:
Assam has designated the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve as its 8th National Park, now known as Sikhna Jwhwlao National Park. Spanning an area of 316 sq. km, the park is strategically located along the India-Bhutan border in the Kokrajhar and Chirang districts. It lies between two existing national parks: Manas National Park to the east and Raimona National Park to the west. The park comprises areas from the Haltugaon Forest Division and Jharbari forest range in Kokrajhar district, and the Runikhata Range in Chirang district. This new national park is home to a rich biodiversity, including the rare golden langur found only in the region, as well as Asian elephants, one-horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, and various other species of animals, birds, and reptiles.
Q.9) Who was recently appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the SOG Grandmaster Series?
[a] Viswanathan Anand
[b] Koneru Humpy
[c] Dronacharya Awardee Vishwanathan Anand
[d] Krishnan Sasikiran
View Answer
Answer: [b] Koneru Humpy
Explanation:
The Skill Online Games Federation (SOGF) has appointed Padma Shri awardee Koneru Humpy, India’s youngest-ever Woman Grandmaster and one of the most celebrated chess icons, as the Brand Ambassador for the SOG Grandmaster Series. This partnership marks a significant milestone in bridging traditional mind sports with the evolving digital competitive ecosystem. The SOG Grandmaster Series, curated by SOGF, aims to establish a regulated and credible platform for competitive skill-based gaming, featuring formats such as chess, blind chess, and other strategic mind sports. SOGF, established in 2023 and headquartered in Delhi, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and regulating the online gaming industry in India.
Q.10) What significant change has been approved by the Centre Government for IRCTC and IRFC?
[a] They have been merged into one company.
[b] They have been granted Maharatna status.
[c] They have been upgraded to Navratna status.
[d] They have been privatized.
View Answer
Answer: [c] They have been upgraded to Navratna status.
Explanation:
The Centre Government has approved the upgradation of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) to Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Both organizations, which operate under the administrative control of the Railway Ministry, are now part of the elite group of CPSEs that have Navratna status. This upgrade, which now applies to all seven listed CPSEs of the Indian Railways out of a total of 12, allows IRCTC and IRFC to make discretionary investments of up to Rs 1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth. The government’s classification system for CPSEs includes categories such as Maharatna, Navratna, and Miniratna, with the aim of making these public sector undertakings more competitive and efficient. Nationally, there are currently 14 Maharatna CPSEs and 26 Navratna CPSEs, reflecting the government’s focus on empowering its key enterprises.