Q.1) Which significant milestone in India’s spiritual and social landscape was inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana?
[a] The International Yoga Institute
[b] India’s First World Peace Centre
[c] The Global Harmony Forum
[d] The Universal Peace Academy
View Answer
Answer: [b] India’s First World Peace Centre
Explanation:
India’s first-ever World Peace Centre was inaugurated in Gurugram, Haryana, marking a historic milestone in the country’s spiritual and social landscape. Established under the visionary leadership of Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni and the dedicated efforts of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti, the centre aims to serve as a beacon of spirituality and social unity. It provides a platform for peace education, environmental preservation, equality, and institutional peace-building. By fostering global networks dedicated to peace and harmony, the centre also promotes social responsibility and sustainable development. This initiative reflects India’s commitment to creating spaces that nurture a culture of peace and holistic development.
Q.2) What new initiative did Madhya Pradesh launch to ease the financial burden on farmers regarding electricity access?
[a] Permanent power connections for farmers at Rs 5
[b] Free electricity for farmers
[c] Subsidized electricity bills for farmers
[d] Temporary power connections for farmers
View Answer
Answer: [a] Permanent power connections for farmers at Rs 5
Explanation:
Madhya Pradesh has announced an initiative to provide permanent power connections to farmers who currently do not have one, for a nominal fee of Rs 5. This move is aimed at reducing the financial burden on farmers and improving their quality of life by making electricity more affordable. Additionally, the state government is committed to addressing electricity-related challenges in agriculture by rolling out solar-powered irrigation pumps. Over the next three years, 30 lakh solar irrigation pumps will be supplied to farmers across the state, further boosting sustainable and cost-effective farming practices.
Q.3) When and where is the second phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 being held, and which winter sports disciplines will be showcased?
[a] In Ladakh, featuring ice hockey and speed skating
[b] In Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, featuring alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding
[c] In Leh, featuring only snowboarding
[d] In Jammu from March 1 to 4, featuring ice hockey and speed skating
View Answer
Answer: [b] In Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, featuring alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding
Explanation:
The second phase of the Khelo India Winter Games 2025 is scheduled to take place in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir from March 9 to 12. Originally planned for February 22 to 25, the event was rescheduled due to insufficient snow on the Kangdoori slopes and the golf course. This phase will showcase a variety of winter sports disciplines including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding. Earlier, the first phase of the games was held in the Union Territory of Ladakh from January 23 to 27, featuring events like ice hockey and speed skating. The rescheduling and selection of Gulmarg for the second phase underline the organizers’ commitment to ensuring optimal conditions and a competitive platform for athletes in winter sports.
Q.4) What innovative service did Rupee112 launch, making it the first of its kind in India?
[a] A mobile app for instant loan approvals
[b] A fully automated loan disbursal service via WhatsApp
[c] A digital payment platform for small merchants
[d] A blockchain-based lending system
View Answer
Answer: [b] A fully automated loan disbursal service via WhatsApp
Explanation:
Rupee112, a Gurgaon-based fintech startup founded in 2023 and an RBI-registered NBFC, has launched India’s first fully automated loan disbursal service via WhatsApp. This innovative service enables salaried professionals to access instant unsecured loans through an AI-driven system that performs real-time verification and quick fund transfers, completely eliminating the need for paperwork or lengthy approval processes. By integrating this service with WhatsApp, Rupee112 is streamlining the lending process and enhancing financial accessibility for its target audience.
Q.5) Who has been sworn in as Austria’s new chancellor, ending five months of political deadlock?
[a] Sebastian Kurz
[b] Heinz-Christian Strache
[c] Christian Stocker
[d] Alexander Schallenberg
View Answer
Answer: [c] Christian Stocker
Explanation:
Christian Stocker has been sworn in as the new chancellor of Austria, heading a three-party coalition government. His appointment marks the end of a prolonged five-month political deadlock that ensued after a far-right party’s election win. The swearing-in took place at Hofburg Place, signifying a decisive move to restore political stability in the country. Austria, with its capital in Vienna, is located in southern Central Europe and shares borders with eight countries including Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. The country’s rugged terrain is largely defined by the Austrian Alps, which form its backbone. This transition in leadership is pivotal for Austria as it moves past a period of uncertainty and sets a new course for its future governance.
Q.6) Who became the first American winner of the Bengaluru Open 2025 ATP Challenger Title by defeating Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki in the singles final?
[a] Frances Tiafoe
[b] Brandon Holt
[c] Reilly Opelka
[d] Taylor Fritz
View Answer
Answer: [b] Brandon Holt
Explanation:
Brandon Holt from the USA clinched his second ATP Challenger singles title of the season at the 2025 Bengaluru Open by beating Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 6-3 in the singles final. At 26 years old and the son of Tennis Hall of Famer Tracy Austin, Holt made history by becoming the first American to win the Bengaluru Open. The tournament, played on hard courts and part of the ATP Challenger Tour, showcased top talent in the region. Additionally, the doubles title was won by the team of Anirudh Chandrasekar (IND) and Ray Ho (TPE). This victory not only adds to Holt’s impressive season but also marks a significant milestone for American tennis in this prestigious event.
Q.7) What is the primary purpose of the Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025, and where was it held?
[a] To honor creative arts, held in New Delhi
[b] To recognize outstanding transformational leadership across various industries, held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai
[c] To celebrate technological innovation, held in Bengaluru
[d] To award sports excellence, held in Chennai
View Answer
Answer: [b] To recognize outstanding transformational leadership across various industries, held at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai
Explanation:
The 2025 edition of the Forbes India Leadership Awards, now in its 14th year, was held at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. This flagship annual event, introduced in May 2009, honors the country’s top leaders who have demonstrated innovative and transformative leadership across a wide spectrum of industries. The awards recognize individuals and organizations—from startups to global enterprises—that have excelled due to strong vision, foresight, and ethical practices, thereby contributing significantly to their industries and the nation.
Q.8) Which organizations organized the workshop on Sustainability and Circularity in the Dairy Sector held in New Delhi?
[a] Ministry of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries
[b] Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
[c] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[d] Ministry of Rural Development
View Answer
Answer: [b] Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB); to explore forming village-level cooperatives for processing cattle skins and bones.
Explanation:
A workshop on Sustainability and Circularity in the Dairy Sector was recently held in New Delhi and organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying) in collaboration with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The event focused on promoting eco-friendly dairy practices by emphasizing policies and initiatives led by the Ministry of Cooperation and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. One of the key directives from the workshop was for the NDDB to explore the possibility of organizing small cooperatives at the village level to process cattle by-products, such as skins and bones. This initiative is aimed at enhancing sustainability and circularity in the dairy sector, ensuring that every part of the cattle is utilized in an environmentally responsible manner.
Q.9) What is the theme for International Women’s Day 2025, and when is it Observed?
[a] “Empower and Elevate” –Observed on March 6
[b] “Accelerate Action” – Observed on March 8.
[c] “Equality Now” – Observed on March 4
[d] “Rise Up” – Observed on March 7
View Answer
Answer: [b] “Accelerate Action” – Observed on March 8
Explanation:
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 and, in 2025, carries the theme “Accelerate Action.” This day is dedicated to honoring women’s achievements, raising awareness about gender equality, and promoting the empowerment of women worldwide. The origins of International Women’s Day date back to 1911, inspired by labor movements advocating for women’s rights and equality. It was initially proposed by German activist Clara Zetkin, leading to its early celebrations in the USA and Europe. The United Nations officially recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975, cementing its status as a globally significant event that continues to drive conversations on gender parity and social justice.
Q.10) What is the objective of the Maitreyi room, recently launched by State Bank of India (SBI)?
[a] To provide a resting space for customers
[b] To support women employees by ensuring their safety and welfare
[c] To serve as a digital banking hub
[d] To facilitate customer grievance redressal
View Answer
Answer: [b] To support women employees by ensuring their safety and welfare
Explanation:
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the State Bank of India (SBI) launched a dedicated ‘Maitreyi’ room at its Local Head Office in Chandigarh, exclusively for women employees.
This initiative reinforces SBI’s commitment to the safety, well-being, and empowerment of its female workforce. In addition to this, the bank has introduced several women-centric policies, such as:
Sabbatical Leave Facility – Allows women employees to take career breaks for personal or family reasons.
GARIMA Policy – Aims to provide a safe and supportive work environment for women.