Q.1) Which Ministry released the postal stamp commemorating the 125 years of Kodaikanal Observatory?
[a] Ministry of Science and Technology
[b] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[c] Ministry of Culture
[d] Ministry of Communications
View Answer
Answer: [d] Ministry of Communications
Explanation:
The Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications released a commemorative postal stamp to mark the 125th anniversary (quasquicentennial) of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. The Kodaikanal Observatory, located in Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest and most prestigious solar research institutes in India, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA). The year-long celebration began on 1 April 2024, recognizing the observatory’s historic contribution to solar physics, especially in long-term solar observations like sunspots and solar cycles. The stamp release symbolizes national recognition of India’s scientific heritage in space and solar studies.
Q.2 Which historic monument was recently restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in New Delhi?
[a] Agrasen ki Baoli
[b] Rajon ki Baoli
[c] Rani ki Vav
[d] Adalaj Stepwell
View Answer
Answer: [b] Rajon ki Baoli
Explanation:
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed the conservation and restoration of Rajon ki Baoli, a 16th-century stepwell located in Mehrauli Archaeological Park, New Delhi. This Baoli (stepwell) was built during the Lodhi dynasty period and is one of the finest examples of medieval water architecture in North India. The project underscores the revival of traditional water systems as climate-resilient, sustainable solutions for urban water management. Restoration also promotes cultural tourism and urban heritage conservation in the national capital
Q.3) Which NASA mission has provided new insights into the asymmetry of the Moon’s two hemispheres?
[a] Artemis
[b] Apollo
[c] GRAIL
[d] LRO
View Answer
Answer: [c] GRAIL
Explanation:
NASA’s GRAIL Mission (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory) has helped explain why the Moon’s near side (the side visible from Earth) appears vastly different from the far side. The study revealed that gravitational anomalies and internal differences, along with a volcanic past, caused the Moon’s near side to have basaltic plains (maria) while the far side remains rugged and heavily cratered These findings improve our understanding of lunar formation, planetary geology, and Earth-Moon interactions. The study was published in the prestigious journal Nature, highlighting its scientific significance.
Q.4) Who were jointly awarded the 58th Jnanpith Award (2023)?
[a] Vinod Kumar Shukla and Gulzar
[b] Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Vinod Kumar Shukla
[c] Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Gulzar
[d] Gulzar and Munawar Rana
View Answer
Answer: [c] Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Gulzar
Explanation:
Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary honour, presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith. 58th Jnanpith Award (2023): Jagadguru Rambhadracharya – a celebrated Sanskrit scholar and spiritual leader and Gulzar – acclaimed Urdu poet, lyricist, and filmmaker. The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. 59th Jnanpith Award (2024) has been announced for Vinod Kumar Shukla, a notable Hindi author.
Q.5) Which country recently opened its embassy in New Delhi, India, in Mah 2025, to boost diplomatic ties?
[a] Ecuador
[b] Chile
[c] Honduras
[d] Panama
View Answer
Answer: [c] Honduras
Explanation:
Honduras has officially opened its embassy in New Delhi, India. This marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations between India and Latin American countries. India welcomed this as an opportunity to strengthen engagement with the broader Latin American and Caribbean region. The move is expected to expand diplomatic outreach, encourage economic cooperation, and foster people-to-people contacts.
Q.6) Which team did India defeat in the final of the SAFF U-19 Championship 2025?
[a] Nepal
[b] Sri Lanka
[c] Maldives
[d] Bangladesh
View Answer
Answer: [d] Bangladesh
Explanation:
India won the 7th edition of the SAFF U-19 Championship in 2025. The final match ended in a 1–1 draw in regular time. India defeated Bangladesh in the penalty shootout (4–3). The final was hosted at the Golden Jubilee Stadium, Yupia, in Arunachal Pradesh. With this win, India lifted their 4th SAFF U-19 title overall.
Q.7) India and the European Union (EU) jointly launched two major joint research initiatives on marine pollution and clean energy under which platform?
[a] EU-Asia Clean Oceans Partnership
[b] India-EU Green Deal
[c] India-EU Trade and Technology Council
[d] Indo-European Research Alliance
View Answer
Answer: [c] India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
India-EU Collaboration: The initiatives are part of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), launched to deepen strategic cooperation in key sectors. Focus Areas: Tackling marine plastic pollution through innovative cleanup and prevention technologies. Developing waste-to-hydrogen technologies to convert waste into clean fuel. A joint fund of ₹391 crore (€41 million) has been allocated. These projects reflect the India-EU commitment to sustainability, innovation, and addressing climate change-related challenges.
Q.8) What is the primary objective of the India-Japan Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX) mission?
[a] Mars atmospheric research
[b] Asteroid mining
[c] Deep lunar exploration, especially water detection
[d] Solar corona studies
View Answer
Answer: [c] Deep lunar exploration, especially water detection
Explanation:
Chandrayaan-5 (LUPEX) – LUPEX stands for Lunar Polar Exploration is a joint mission by ISRO (India) and JAXA (Japan). It focuses on exploration of the lunar south pole, especially to detect water ice and assess surface conditions. The mission Officially approved on March 10, 2025, entered the design phase in 2025, with both lander and rover being co-developed. This mission is a step toward India’s ambitious goal of sending astronauts to the Moon by 2040.
Q.9) Where is the Pushkar Kumbh being held after 12 years?
[a] Haridwar
[b] Prayagraj
[c] Keshav Prayag, Mana Village, Chamoli
[d] Nasik
View Answer
Answer: [c] Keshav Prayag, Mana Village, Chamoli
Explanation:
Pushkar Kumbh 2025 began at Keshav Prayag in Mana village, located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, after a gap of 12 years. The event holds great religious significance and draws thousands of Hindu devotees, especially those visiting Badrinath Dham. Mana village, near the Indo-China border, is revered as India’s last village, and becomes a spiritual hub during such large-scale holy gatherings. The event witnessed a surge in pilgrim movement to both Badrinath and Mana, highlighting the cultural importance of the Kumbh tradition in the Himalayan region.
Q.10) What is the name of the newly discovered largest snake species in the world?
[a] Reticulated Python
[b] Northern Green Anaconda
[c] Amazonian Python
[d] South American Boa
View Answer
Answer: [b] Northern Green Anaconda
Explanation:
A new species of green anaconda, named the Northern Green Anaconda, was discovered in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It is now recognized as the world’s largest snake species by mass and girth. This anaconda diverged from its closest relatives around 10 million years ago, making it evolutionarily distinct despite appearing nearly identical to the well-known green anaconda (Eunectes murinus). The discovery underlines the biodiversity richness of the Amazon and the importance of preserving tropical rainforests. The finding involved a combination of field exploration and genetic research.