Q.1) The Indian Army conducted the large-scale military exercise ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’ at which location to enhance security and operational readiness?
[a] Lakshadweep
[b] Andaman & Nicobar Islands
[c] Bet Dwarka
[d] Sunderbans
View Answer
Answer: [c] Bet Dwarka
Explanation:
The Indian Army recently organized a large-scale military exercise, ‘Jal-Thal-Raksha 2025’, at Bet Dwarka to bolster security in Dwarka and its surrounding islands near Gujarat coast, particularly in response to recent illegal encroachments. The exercise enhanced joint operational readiness between defence forces, paramilitary units, and government agencies.
Q.2) Who has been appointed as the Chairman of the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF)?
[a] Ratan Tata
[b] Noel Tata
[c] N Chandrasekaran
[d] Cyrus Mistry
View Answer
Answer: [c] N Chandrasekaran
Explanation:
N Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF). This decision was made by the executors of Ratan Tata’s will after consulting an external legal opinion.
About Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF):
Established by: Ratan Tata as a Section 8 company (non-profit entity).
Focus Areas Includes: Research into future technologies for a modern India, Long-term social impact initiatives. Unlike Tata Trusts, the RTEF is an independent entity. The Articles of Association (AOA) restrictions that prevent the Tata Sons Chairman from leading Tata Trusts do not apply to RTEF. Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, is not involved in this foundation. RTEF is Independent from Tata Trusts, ensuring a separate decision-making structure.
Q.3) Which organization organized the “Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony 2025” to honor contributions to animal welfare?
[a] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[b] Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
[c] National Green Tribunal
[d] Wildlife Institute of India
View Answer
Answer: [b] Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
Explanation:
The “Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony” was organized by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, with the primary objective of recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their remarkable contributions to animal welfare and protection. This initiative not only honors those who have demonstrated exceptional kindness and compassion towards animals but also aims to raise public awareness about the importance of treating animals in a humane manner. Established under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, the AWBI is a statutory body under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, comprising 28 members including 6 Members of Parliament. The awards reflect the Board’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that animals are not subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering and to promoting a society that values and protects animal life.
Q.4) What is the primary objective of the ‘Sashakt Bharat’ magazine released by the Defence Ministry?
[a] To showcase international defense strategies
[b] To promote the use of English in military communications
[c] To highlight the creative talent of MoD employees and promote Hindi in day-to-day activities
[d] To report on global defense news
View Answer
Answer: [c] To highlight the creative talent of MoD employees and promote Hindi in day-to-day activities
Explanation:
The first edition of the bi-annual Hindi magazine ‘Sashakt Bharat’ was released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. This magazine is a significant initiative by the Ministry of Defence’s wing of the Department of Official Language aimed at promoting Hindi among its personnel. It features poems that celebrate the valor, patriotism, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, alongside articles on government policies written by Ministry personnel across various ranks. The objective of ‘Sashakt Bharat’ is to showcase the creative talent of the MoD employees and encourage them to conduct their day-to-day activities in Hindi. Additionally, an e-version of the magazine will be available on the official MoD website, ensuring wider accessibility and fostering inclusivity and unity in diversity within the defense community.
Q.5) Which Indian state has made Punjabi a compulsory subject in all schools, irrespective of board affiliation?
[a] Haryana
[b] Delhi
[c] Punjab
[d] Rajasthan
View Answer
Answer: [c] Punjab
Explanation:
The Punjab government, has made Punjabi a mandatory subject in all schools across the state, regardless of their board affiliation. This decision aligns with the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages Act, 2008, which mandates that Punjabi be taught from Class 1 to Class 10 in all schools. A significant rule under this Act states that no student will be awarded a matriculation certificate unless they have passed the Class 10 examination in Punjabi.
Q.6) Which Indian state has reported the highest vulture population in the 2025 state-level vulture census?
[a] Rajasthan
[b] Gujarat
[c] Madhya Pradesh
[d] Maharashtra
View Answer
Answer: [c] Madhya Pradesh
Explanation:
Madhya Pradesh has recorded India’s highest vulture population as per the 2025 state-level vulture census conducted by the Forest Department. The vulture population in the state has significantly increased from 8,397 in 2019 to 12,981 in 2025, marking a 35% rise in the last six years.
Vultures are classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List due to drastic population declines caused by Diclofenac, a toxic veterinary drug found in livestock carcasses. To track and protect these birds, vulture census studies have been conducted in Madhya Pradesh since 2016.
The state is home to seven species of vultures, including four native species:
Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)
Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus)
White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
Q.7) Which Indian company became the first to earn the IATF 16949 certification for cryogenic fuel tanks?
[a] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
[b] INOX India Limited
[c] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[d] Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
View Answer
Answer: [b] INOX India Limited
Explanation:
INOX India Limited has become first Indian manufacturer of cryogenic equipment to receive the prestigious IATF 16949 certification. This certification, awarded by Bureau Veritas Certification, applies to the design and manufacturing of vacuum-insulated cryogenic fuel tanks at INOX India’s Kalol facility in Gujarat.
The IATF 16949 certification is an internationally recognized quality management standard specifically tailored for the automotive industry. It is based on ISO 9001 and ensures that suppliers meet high-quality standards amid increasingly complex supply chains and stringent regulatory requirements.
About INOX India Limited: INOX India is a leading manufacturer of Cryogenic Storage, Regasification, and Distribution Systems for LNG, industrial gases, and cryo-scientific applications. With operations spanning India, Brazil, and Europe, the company has a strong global presence, serving customers in over 100 countries. It plays a crucial role in promoting the adoption of LNG for industrial and automotive purposes, strengthening India’s energy transition efforts.
Q.8) What is the purpose of the newly launched ‘Blue Visa’ by the UAE?
[a] To attract foreign investors and entrepreneurs
[b] To provide residency for skilled professionals in the healthcare sector
[c] To grant 10-year residency to individuals contributing to environmental sustainability
[d] To offer a work permit for international students in the UAE
View Answer
Answer: [c] To grant 10-year residency to individuals contributing to environmental sustainability
Explanation:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the ‘Blue Visa’, a 10-year residency program aimed at recognizing leaders in environmental sustainability. The initiative was announced at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai and aligns with UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy, reinforcing its commitment to global climate action.
The Blue Visa expands on UAE’s existing long-term residency programs:
- Golden Visa (2019) – A 10-year residency for investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students, and humanitarian pioneers.
- Green Visa – A 5-year residency for skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
By introducing the Blue Residency, the UAE aims to attract global talent and expertise in environmental protection and sustainability, solidifying its position as a leader in climate action and sustainable innovation.
Q.9) What is the significance of Pixxel’s Firefly constellation for India?
[a] It is the first Indian satellite to reach Mars
[b] It is India’s first private commercial satellite constellation
[c] It is the first Indian satellite for communication services
[d] It is a government-backed hyperspectral satellite project
View Answer
Answer: [b] It is India’s first private commercial satellite constellation
Explanation:
Pixxel, a Google-backed Indian space-tech startup, has launched the first three commercial satellites of its Firefly constellation, making it India’s first private satellite constellation. The company plans to launch three more Firefly satellites in the second quarter of 2025, further expanding its space-based hyperspectral imaging capabilities.
The Firefly satellites are the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral satellites, offering unparalleled 5-metre resolution—six times sharper than the industry standard 30-metre hyperspectral satellites. These satellites are in a sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 550 km and will serve as a global health monitor for the planet, detecting environmental changes, tracking natural resources, and improving climate resilience.