Daily Current Affairs Quiz:  21 May 2025

Answer: [c] Maldives

Explanation:

INS Sharda, an Indian Navy patrol vessel, conducted its first HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) exercise in the Maafilaafushi Atoll of the Maldives. This atoll is strategically important and often used for naval exercises and logistics support The deployment underscores India’s commitment to regional cooperation, especially with Indian Ocean neighbors. This exercise reflects the strong maritime and defence partnership between India and Maldives. It is part of India’s broader Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision, aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean Region.

Answer: [c] Kota and Puri

Explanation:

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted in-principle approval for the construction of greenfield airports in: Kota, Rajasthan and  Puri, Odish. These projects aim to strengthen regional air connectivity, support infrastructure growth, and contribute to balanced economic development across India. The move aligns with the government’s broader vision to make air travel accessible, affordable, and inclusive, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. India currently has over 150 operational airports, making it one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets globally.

Answer: [c] 50 years

Explanation:

Sikkim celebrated its 50th Statehood Day on May 16, 2025. After India’s independence in 1947, Sikkim existed as a protectorate under Indian administration, with its internal autonomy but under Indian guidance on foreign affairs, defense, and communication.In 1975, following a referendum, the people of Sikkim voted overwhelmingly to become a full-fledged state of India. Sikkim became the 22nd state of the Indian Union on 16 May 1975. The 50th anniversary marks a significant milestone in Sikkim’s political integration and development journey.

Answer: [c] ₹1 crore

Explanation:

SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has set a minimum investment threshold of ₹1 crore for investments in securitised debt instruments by RBI-regulated originators and other unregulated entities. These changes aim to bring more transparency and investor protection in the securitisation market. SEBI has also made it mandatory for all such instruments to be issued and transferred in dematerialised (Demat) form only. Securitised debt instruments are securities backed by a pool of loans or receivables, commonly seen in mortgage-backed securities or asset-backed securities.

Answer: [c] Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living

Explanation:

National Dengue Day is observed annually on 16 May in India to raise awareness about dengue prevention and control. The theme for 2025 is: “Act Early, Prevent Dengue: Clean Surroundings, Healthy Living”- emphasizing early action and cleanliness as key preventive measures. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease, spread primarily by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Answer: [c] Mariangela Hungria

Explanation:

Dr. Mariangela Hungria, a renowned Brazilian microbiologist was awarded 2025 World Food Prize, regarded as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture”. She was awarded for her Pioneered work in Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF). She developed microbial seed and soil treatments that reduce the need for chemical fertilisers. Her research helped boost crop yields and soil health, especially in sustainable agriculture systems. Her innovations contribute to climate-friendly farming, improved nutritional outcomes, and reduced environmental degradation.

Answer: [c] Donald Trump

Explanation:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to lift sanctions on Syria at Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Investment Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Syria has been under a comprehensive U.S. economic embargo due to civil war and alleged human rights violations. Sanctions have restricted trade, investment, and international financial access. Lifting Sanctions will boost in reconstruction and investment opportunities and has potential to improve Syrian economy and infrastructure. It also opens up avenues for foreign business dealings with Syrian individuals and entities.

Answer: [b] Blackstone

Explanation:

The Government of Maharashtra signed an MoU with Blackstone Group, a leading global investment firm, for an investment of ₹5,127 crore. The investment will be used to develop over 10 logistics and industrial parks across key locations in Maharashtra, aiming to boost the state’s supply chain and manufacturing ecosystem. The initiative is expected to generate employment, streamline warehousing and logistics operations, and attract further foreign direct investment (FDI).This is part of Maharashtra’s larger industrial development strategy and also aligns with India’s goal to strengthen logistics infrastructure under the National Logistics Policy.

Answer: [c] 6G

Explanation:

India is now among the top 6 countries globally in terms of 6G technology patent filings, a major step in becoming a telecom technology leader. The Government of India, through initiatives like the Bharat 6G Vision, is promoting R&D, IP creation, and indigenous standard-setting in next-generation technologies. This growth comes after the rapid rollout of 5G by Indian telecom companies over the past couple of years. The 6G ecosystem is still in the development phase globally, and early participation in patent and standards development is crucial for long-term strategic and economic advantages.

Answer: [c] ReNew Power

Explanation:

ReNew Power, one of India’s leading renewable energy companies, is investing approx. ₹22,000 crore (US $2.5 billion) to build India’s largest single-site renewable energy complex. The project will be located in Bethapalle village, Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh. The investment marks a significant step in India’s energy transition and is expected to boost the state’s clean energy infrastructure and generate jobs. This project supports India’s broader goals under the National Renewable Energy Mission and climate commitments to expand clean energy capacity.