Q.1) Which organization collaborated with NITI Aayog to launch the report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story”?
[a] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[b] TransUnion CIBIL
[c] SEBI
[d] NABARD
View ANSWER
Answer: [b] TransUnion CIBIL
Explanation:
NITI Aayog, in collaboration with TransUnion CIBIL, the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), and MicroSave Consulting (MSC), has launched a report titled “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story.” This report sheds light on the growing financial participation of women and their evolving role in India’s credit ecosystem.
As per the report, 27 million women were actively monitoring their credit (as of December 2024), marking a 42% increase from the previous year. Moreover, women’s share in the total self-monitoring base rose from 17.89% in 2023 to 19.43% in 2024, indicating growing financial literacy.
Q.2) Which organization collaborated with the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to organize the ITEC Executive Capacity Building Programme on Human Rights?
[a] NITI Aayog
[b] National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India
[c] United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
[d] Amnesty International
View Answer
Answer: [b] National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India
Explanation:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), recently organized Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Executive Capacity Building Programme on human rights. The event, held in New Delhi, focused on strengthening human rights mechanisms in the Global South.
The programme aimed to provide insights into human rights frameworks and international perspectives, enhance South–South cooperation, fostering stronger regional and international collaborations and strengthen human rights protection mechanisms through capacity building and experience sharing.
Q.3) The Micro Venture Innovation Fund (MVIF) is a dedicated fund aimed at supporting grassroots innovations and ventures. Which organization manages the MVIF to provide risk capital to innovative startups and entrepreneurs?
[a] NITI Aayog
[b] Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
[c] National Innovation Foundation (NIF)
[d] Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
View Answer
Answer: [c] National Innovation Foundation (NIF)
Explanation:
The Micro Venture Innovation Fund (MVIF) is a pioneering initiative by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in collaboration with SIDBI to provide financial support to grassroots innovators and early-stage entrepreneurs. It is the first of its kind in India, offering risk capital to scalable and socially impactful innovations that have commercial potential but lack access to formal funding. Since its inception, MVIF has supported 238 innovation-based enterprise projects across India.
Q.4) India recently signed an MoU with which country to enhance cooperation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector?
[a] Bangladesh
[b] Sri Lanka
[c] Nepal
[d] Bhutan
View Answer
Answer: [c] Nepal
Explanation:
The Government of India and the Government of Nepal have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, including waste management.
The agreement aims to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration and promote knowledge exchange between the two nations, ensuring better access to clean drinking water and improved sanitation facilities. The initiative aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and seeks to enhance public health and environmental sustainability.
Q.5) The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NITI Aayog recently launched which Women Entrepreneurship Programme at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut?
[a] Udyam Sakhi
[b] Swavalambini
[c] Nari Shakti Yojana
[d] Mahila Udyam Abhiyan
View Answer
Answer: [b] Swavalambini
Explanation:
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has launched Swavalambini—a Women Entrepreneurship Programme—at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. It was also virtually launched at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), University of Hyderabad, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University.
Swavalambini initiative aims to empower female students in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) by equipping them with the entrepreneurial mindset, resources, and mentorship required to build and scale their ventures successfully. It is designed to provide a structured, stage-wise approach to help young women entrepreneurs transition from ideation to enterprise creation. It is implemented under MSDE in partnership with NITI Aayog and the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD).
Q.6) Which organization organized the HIMASHIELD 2024 Grand Challenge to foster innovation in Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) mitigation?
[a] Indian Space Research Organisation
[b] National Disaster Management Authority
[c] Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
[d] Defence Research & Development Organisation
View Answer
Answer: [c] Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
Explanation:
The HIMASHIELD 2024 Grand Challenge, organized by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Thiruvananthapuram under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) research initiatives, successfully concluded on National Science Day. The challenge aimed to foster innovation in Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) mitigation by providing a platform for young researchers and innovators to develop indigenous and sustainable solutions to tackle this growing environmental concern.
Q.7) Which ministry launched the “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan” to empower Women Elected Representatives (WERs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)?
[a] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[b] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[c] Ministry of Rural Development
[d] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Explanation:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched the “Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan” (सशक्त पंचायत-नेत्री अभियान) at a landmark National Workshop of Women Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in New Delhi. The event, held ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, brought together over 1,200 women Panchayat leaders from across the country, marking a significant step towards strengthening women’s leadership in grassroots governance.
The Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan is a comprehensive capacity-building initiative aimed at empowering Women Elected Representatives (WERs) of PRIs by:
Providing training and legal awareness to address gender-based challenges.
Enhancing leadership skills to enable effective decision-making.
Strengthening governance capabilities for better participation in local self-governance.
Q.8) Which Indian institute recently signed an MoU with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium to enhance collaboration in international trade and logistics?
[a] Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
[b] Indian Institute of Foreign Trade
[c] National Institute of Fashion Technology
[d] Indian Maritime University
View Answer
Answer: [b] Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)
The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APEC – Antwerp/Flanders Port Training Center, Belgium, marking a significant milestone in academic collaboration and knowledge exchange in the fields of international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.
The agreement aims to strengthen India-Belgium trade education and training ties through faculty and Student Exchange Programs to facilitate cross-cultural business learning, joint research initiatives on port management, global logistics, and trade facilitation, specialized training programs and workshops focusing on industry best practices and knowledge transfer in critical areas such as e-governance, digital trade, and emerging business technologies.
Q.9) In which state was the highest number of riverine dolphins recorded as per the First Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report released during the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)?
[a] Bihar
[b] Uttar Pradesh
[c] Assam
[d] West Bengal
View Answer
Answer: [b] Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
The Prime Minister chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), where the First Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report was released. The survey covered 28 rivers across 8 states, spanning 8,500 kilometers, and involved 3,150 mandays. The report estimated a total of 6,327 riverine dolphins. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Q.10) What is the theme of World Wildlife Day (WWD) 2025?
[a] Sustaining Wildlife for Future Generations
[c] Protecting Endangered Species for a Better Tomorrow
[b] Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet
[d] Global Collaboration for Wildlife Protection
View Answer
Answer: [b] Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet
Explanation:
World Wildlife Day (WWD) is observed annually on March 3 to celebrate and raise awareness about the world’s wildlife and biodiversity. The theme for 2025, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” emphasizes the need for global collaboration in funding sustainable conservation efforts.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared March 3 as World Wildlife Day in 2013 during its 68th session. The date marks the anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which was signed on March 3, 1973. CITES Secretariat facilitates the global observance of this day.
Q.11) What is the significance of March 1 in environmental conservation?
[a] It marks the adoption of the Paris Agreement
[b] It is observed as World Seagrass Day to raise awareness about marine ecosystems
[c] It commemorates the establishment of the International Coral Protection Initiative
[d] It is recognized as World Ocean Day
View Answer
Answer: [b] It is observed as World Seagrass Day to raise awareness about marine ecosystems.
Explanation:
World Seagrass Day is observed every year on March 1 to emphasize the importance of seagrasses in marine ecosystems and promote their conservation. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/76/265 in May 2022, officially declaring March 1 as World Seagrass Day. The observance aims to raise awareness at all levels and promote global action to protect and conserve seagrass ecosystems.
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that thrive in shallow coastal waters across the world, from tropical regions to the Arctic Circle. They form underwater meadows that provide habitats, food, and shelter for diverse marine species, including fish, seahorses, and sea turtles.
Q.12) What is the theme of Rare Disease Day 2025?
[a] United for Rare Lives
[b] Research and Hope for Rare Diseases
[c] More than you can imagine; an anthology of rare experiences
[d] Strength in Rare Communities
View Answer
Answer: [c] More than you can imagine; an anthology of rare experiences
Explanation:
Rare Disease Day is observed globally on the last day of February each year to raise awareness about rare diseases, their impact on patients, and the need for improved diagnosis and treatment options. In 2025, it falls on February 28.
The theme for Rare Disease Day 2025 is “More than you can imagine; an anthology of rare experiences.” It focuses on highlighting the unique struggles, resilience, and untold experiences of individuals affected by rare diseases. As per World Health Organization (WHO), a disease is considered rare if it affects less than 6.5 to 10 per 10,000 people.
Q.13) Which organization has been granted provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for boxing?
[a] International Boxing Federation (IBF)
[b] World Boxing
[c] International Boxing Association (IBA)
[d] Global Boxing Council
View Answer
Answer: [b] World Boxing
Explanation:
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has granted provisional recognition to World Boxing, a significant development for the sport’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
The IOC had earlier de-recognized the International Boxing Association (IBA) in 2023 due to issues related to governance, financial mismanagement, refereeing, and ethics violations. The IOC had already banned IBA in 2019 from organizing boxing events, first affecting the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and later completely stripping it of recognition in 2023.
Q.14) Which of the following statements regarding Civil Accounts Day in India is correct
[a] It marks the foundation day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) and is observed annually on 1st March.
[b] The Indian Civil Accounts Service was established in 1991 to modernize the country’s financial management.
[c] The Public Financial Management System (PFMS) was launched as part of Civil Accounts Day celebrations in 2025.
[d] Civil Accounts Day commemorates the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India’s financial management division.
View Answer
Answer: [a] It marks the foundation day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) and is observed annually on 1st March.
Explanation:
Civil Accounts Day is observed annually on 1 March to commemorate the foundation day of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS). The year 2025 marks the 49th foundation day of ICAS, highlighting its crucial role in India’s financial administration.
On Civil Accounts Day 2025, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs released a compendium on the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) titled: “Digitalisation of Public Financial Management in India: The Transformative Decade (2014-24).”
Q.15) Which northeastern state has launched NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) for the first time?
[a] Assam
[b] Meghalaya
[c] Mizoram
[d] Nagaland
View Answer
Answer: [c] Mizoram
Explanation:
The NITI Aayog has launched the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) Mizoram Chapter, making Mizoram the first state in the northeastern region to establish such an initiative. This platform aims to promote and support women entrepreneurs by providing financial aid, skill development, and networking opportunities. This initiative is expected to strengthen Mizoram’s economic landscape and aligns with Viksit Bharat’s vision of inclusive growth.