Q.1) Who was recently awarded the prestigious Knight’s Cross of the Order of Dannebrog by the King of Denmark for consular services?
[a] N. Chandrasekaran
[b] Vijay Sankar
[c] Ratan Tata
[d] Mukesh Ambani
View Answer
Answer: [b] Vijay Sankar
Explanation:
Vijay Sankar, Honorary Consul General of Denmark for Southern India at Chennai and Chairman of The Sanmar Group, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Knight’s Cross of the Order of Dannebrog’ by the King of Denmark. This award is in recognition of his exceptional consular services and contributions to strengthening Denmark-India ties.
The Order of the Dannebrog was established by King Christian V of Denmark in 1671. It is awarded to individuals for meritorious civil or military service, exceptional contributions to arts, sciences, business, or for working toward Danish interests. Also recognizes faithful service to the modern Danish state.
Q.2) Who has been awarded the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award in recognition of his contributions to art and sculpture?
[a] Anish Kapoor
[b] Ram Sutar
[c] Subodh Gupta
[d] Jatin Das
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ram Sutar
Explanation:
Renowned veteran sculptor Ram Sutar, at age of 100, has been honoured with Maharashtra Bhushan Award, highest civilian award of Maharashtra. This prestigious award acknowledges Sutar’s monumental contributions to Indian sculpture and art, including his design of the Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world (182-meter tall) that commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He has created over 8,000 sculptures, including statues of Mahatma Gandhi, which are installed in more than 100 countries.
Q.3) What is the theme for 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination observed annually,?
[a] End Racial Hatred
[b] Stand Against Racism
[c] 60th Anniversary of the ICERD
[d] Unity in Diversity
View Answer
Answer: [c] 60th Anniversary of the ICERD
Explanation:
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed every year on March 21 to highlight the importance of combating racism, hatred, and discrimination. 2025 theme is “60th anniversary of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD),” which aims to commemorate and reflect on six decades of efforts to eliminate racial discrimination globally.
The day marks the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre (1960), when South African police opened fire on peaceful demonstrators protesting against apartheid “pass laws,” killing 69 people. This tragic event symbolized the oppression under apartheid and inspired the global fight against racial discrimination.
Q.4) Which famous Telugu cinema star was recently honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the UK’s House of Commons for his contributions to cultural influence and public service?
[a] Nagarjuna
[b] Chiranjeevi
[c] Mahesh Babu
[d] Rajinikanth
View Answer
Answer: [b] Chiranjeevi
Explanation:
Veteran Telugu cinema star Chiranjeevi was awarded prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by London-based think tank Bridge India at an event held at UK’s House of Commons. The award recognizes his significant contributions to cultural influence and public service. The event was hosted by Navendu Mishra, a British-Indian Member of Parliament (MP).
Bridge India is a UK-based think tank aimed at improving public policy and fostering India-UK relations. This is the first time Bridge India has presented a lifetime achievement award to an individual.
Q.5) Who has been elected as the first female and African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 144th IOC Session held in Costa Navarino, Greece?
[a] Fatma Samoura
[b] Kirsty Coventry
[c] Nawal El Moutawakel
[d] Tegla Loroupe
View Answer
Answer: [b] Kirsty Coventry
Explanation:
Kirsty Coventry, a former Olympic gold medalist from Zimbabwe, has been elected as 10th President of International Olympic Committee (IOC) during 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece. Her election marks a historic milestone as she is the first woman and the first African to be elected as the IOC President.
Kirsty Coventry will assume office on June 24, 2025, after the current President, Thomas Bach, steps down following a 12-year term. IOC Presidents are elected by secret ballot by IOC Members for a term of eight years, with the possibility of a four-year renewal.
Q.6) Which regulatory body partnered with DigiLocker to reduce unclaimed assets in the Indian securities market and improve investor protection?
[a] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[b] Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI)
[c] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[d] National Stock Exchange (NSE)
View Answer
Answer: [c] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
Explanation:
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has teamed up with DigiLocker, a government-backed digital document storage platform, to minimize unclaimed assets in India’s securities market and enhance investor protection. This initiative will streamline processes and improve transparency in the management of financial assets. This initiative will take effect from April 1, 2025, as per SEBI’s official circular.
Q.7) Where was the 9th edition of the India-Australia Defence Policy Talks (DPT) held?
[a] Sydney
[b] Canberra
[c] New Delhi
[d] Bangalore
View Answer
Answer: [c] New Delhi
Explanation:
The 9th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks (DPT) were conducted in New Delhi, reflecting the robust and growing bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries. These talks aim to enhance defence ties, review strategic outcomes, and strengthen defence collaboration. The meeting reviewed the defence outcomes of: The second 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in November 2023; Inter-sessional 2+2 consultations at Secretary-level in October 2024; The second Annual Leaders’ Summit held in November 2024. The 8th edition of the Defence Policy Talks was conducted in 2023.