Q.1) Which two entities have jointly launched the India Skills Accelerator (ISA) initiative?
[a] NITI Aayog and ILO
[b] Ministry of Education and WEF
[c] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and World Economic Forum (WEF)
[d] Ministry of Labour and UNDP
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and World Economic Forum (WEF)
Explanation:
The India Skills Accelerator (ISA) is a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the World Economic Forum (WEF). ISA aims to bridge critical skill gaps, prepare India’s workforce for the future, and align skill development with industry 4.0 and emerging technologies.
This initiative will boost employability, especially in sectors undergoing rapid technological change, by offering industry-aligned training and collaboration opportunities. It’s a crucial step in future-proofing India’s demographic dividend, supporting youth employment, and boosting India’s economic resilience in the global market.
Q.2) The date of World Art Day (15 April) coincides with the birthday of which legendary artist?
[a] Pablo Picasso
[b] Michelangelo
[c] Leonardo da Vinci
[d] Vincent Van Gogh
View Answer
Answer: [c] Leonardo da Vinci
Explanation:
World Art Day is observed every year on 15 April to celebrate the importance of art in society and to encourage freedom of expression through creative mediums. The date was chosen to honour the birth anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most influential artists and thinkers in history.
The 2025 theme – “A Garden of Expression: Cultivating Community Through Art” – highlights how art connects communities, fosters dialogue, and nurtures cultural development.
Q.3) Where was India’s Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) & Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Lab recently inaugurated?
[a] HAL, Bengaluru
[b] DGCA HQ, Delhi
[c] AAIB, New Delhi
[d] BIAL, Bengaluru
View Answer
Answer: [c] AAIB, Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi
Explanation:
The Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) Laboratory, also known as Black Box Lab, was inaugurated at Udaan Bhawan, New Delhi under the aegis of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). This state-of-the-art lab will significantly boost India’s aviation safety and accident investigation capabilities by enabling advanced analysis of flight data and cockpit recordings domestically. It was set up with an investment of ₹9 crore by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. With this facility, India enhances its capacity to investigate aviation incidents with greater speed and technical precision, reducing dependency on foreign labs for black box analysis.
Q.4) Which ministry launched a digital portal to boost private investment in National Waterways infrastructure?
[a] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[b] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
[c] Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
[d] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Explanation:
Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched a dedicated digital portal aimed at boosting private investment in the development of infrastructure along India’s National Waterways. The portal has been developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to streamline and digitize investment opportunities, reduce red tape, and foster public-private partnerships. The move is a part of the Government’s broader initiative to enhance inland water transport, reduce logistics costs, and improve environmental sustainability in freight movement. The portal will list projects open for investment, guidelines for participation, and real-time updates on waterway infrastructure development.
Q.5) Which ministry launched the first-ever Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)?
[a] Ministry of Rural Development
[b] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[c] Ministry of Home Affairs
[d] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Explanation:
Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released first-ever Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) to evaluate and benchmark the performance of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats in India. The baseline report pertains to FY 2022-23 and serves as a foundational document to track grassroots progress and strengthen local self-governance. The index evaluates Panchayats based on 9 Localized Sustainable Development Goal (LSDG) themes, aligning rural governance efforts with the global SDG framework.
Q.6) Which two institutions have collaborated to launch Phase 2 of the “Niveshak Didi” initiative?
[a] SEBI and RBI
[b] NABARD and India Post
[c] IEPFA and IPPB
[d] SIDBI and SBI
View Answer
Answer: [c] IEPFA and IPPB
Explanation:
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in collaboration with the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), has launched Phase 2 of the “Niveshak Didi” initiative. This community-based financial literacy campaign focuses on educating women in rural, semi-urban, and underserved areas about:
- Banking and investment basics
- Financial rights and fraud prevention
- Responsible savings and planning
The program uses local female educators, known as “Niveshak Didis”, who spread awareness at the grassroots level via community interactions.
Q.7) Which Indian state has become the first to implement the Scheduled Castes (SC) sub-categorisation or “reservation within reservation”?
[a] Tamil Nadu
[b] Uttar Pradesh
[c] Telangana
[d] Andhra Pradesh
View Answer
Answer: [c] Telangana
Explanation:
Telangana has become the first Indian state to implement Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025, aiming to bring sub-categorisation within the SC community. The “reservation within reservation” policy divides SCs into three categories, to ensure equitable distribution of the 15% SC quota among historically less-represented and more-marginalised SC sub-groups. This reform is based on long-standing demands to address intra-caste disparities in reservation benefits, where dominant SC groups often cornered the majority of the benefits.
Q.8) Ambedkar Jayanti, also celebrated as Equality Day, is observed annually on which date?
[a] 15 August
[b] 14 April
[c] 26 January
[d] 2 October
View Answer
Answer: [b] 14 April
Explanation:
Ambedkar Jayanti is observed on 14th April every year to commemorate the birth of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. In 2025, India celebrates his 135th birth anniversary. Also observed as Equality Day, the occasion highlights Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions to social justice, equity, and constitutional law.
Ambedkar was Independent India’s first Law Minister and an iconic figure in the Dalit movement, known for his efforts in promoting social reform and abolishing untouchability.
Q.9) Siachen Day is observed annually on which date to honour the bravery of Indian soldiers?
[a] 15 August
[b] 26 January
[c] 13 April
[d] 5 June
View Answer
Answer: [c] 13 April
Explanation:
Siachen Day is observed every year on 13th April to commemorate Operation Meghdoot, a historic military operation launched in 1984. On this day, Indian Army troops captured key positions at the Bilafond La Pass on the Siachen Glacier, beating Pakistan in the race to occupy strategic territory.
This operation gave India a tactical and strategic edge in the Siachen region, which is situated at altitudes of over 20,000 feet, making it the world’s highest and one of the toughest battlefields. The day pays tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of Indian soldiers serving in extreme weather and terrain conditions.
Q.10) Which country topped the medal standings at the first ISSF World Cup 2025?
[a] India
[b] United States
[c] Germany
[d] People’s Republic of China
View Answer
Answer: [d] People’s Republic of China
Explanation:
The first leg of the ISSF World Cup 2025 took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, featuring top shooters from around the world. India performed impressively, securing second place in the overall medal standings, trailing behind the People’s Republic of China, which secured the top spot. The second leg of the ISSF World Cup 2025 is scheduled at the Las Palmas shooting range in Lima, Peru, continuing the season’s circuit of international shooting events. The competition is organized by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), which governs Olympic-style shooting events globally.