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1. Which country has directed its airlines to suspend the procurement and delivery of Boeing aircraft?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] Cuba
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
In a significant escalation of the trade dispute between the US and China, the Chinese government has ordered its airlines to stop buying and receiving Boeing planes. This action is a response to the United States imposing high tariffs on Chinese products. As trade tensions escalate, Beijing has told its major airlines to cease the acquisition and delivery of Boeing aircraft. This decision comes after US President Donald Trump announced a 145% tariff on Chinese imports. The situation not only indicates a worsening trade conflict but also alters the competitive landscape of the global aviation market, opening up new opportunities for Boeing’s competitors like Airbus and China’s COMAC.
2. Recently, which Indian state government has declared heatwave and sunstroke as state-specific disasters?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: D [Telangana]
Notes:
The Telangana government has recently recognized heatwaves and sunstroke as disasters specific to the state. This move is intended to improve climate resilience and safeguard at-risk communities. With this declaration, the state can offer financial assistance to families impacted by heat-related issues. Telangana is among the first states in India to independently label heatwaves as disasters, even as the Union government continues to omit these events from the national disaster list. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines heatwaves as periods when maximum temperatures hit at least 40°C or are 5-6°C above the normal range. A severe heatwave occurs when temperatures deviate by 7°C or more, and areas with temperatures exceeding 45°C are also considered to be experiencing heatwaves. Climate change has increased both the frequency and duration of these occurrences. In response, the Telangana government has created specific action plans for each district to address heatwaves. These plans include setting up oral rehydration solution (ORS) stations and drinking water kiosks in vulnerable areas. Public advisories are also released to inform citizens about safety measures during extreme heat. However, the absence of an official disaster designation has hindered the state’s capacity to provide sufficient relief.
3. PM Vidyalaxmi scheme was launched in which year?
[A] 2022
[B] 2023
[C] 2024
[D] 2025
Correct Answer: C [2024]
Notes:
The PM Vidyalaxmi scheme was introduced to assist talented students in India. Its goal is to offer financial support for higher education through loans that do not require collateral. However, the implementation of this initiative has encountered difficulties. Public sector banks have reported technical problems and a low number of applications. As of April 2025, a significant percentage of applications are still pending. Launched in November 2024, the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme seeks to remove financial obstacles for students seeking higher education. It provides education loans without the need for collateral or guarantors. The government backs loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs, covering 75% of the total amount. Students from families with an annual income of up to ₹8 lakhs can apply for this scheme and are eligible for a 3% interest subsidy on loans up to ₹10 lakhs. Furthermore, students from families earning up to ₹4.5 lakhs receive complete interest support under the PM-USP scheme.
4. Which state/UT has implemented increase in minimum wages for workers across various categories?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Delhi
[D] Odisha
Correct Answer: C [Delhi]
Notes:
The Delhi government has raised the minimum wages for workers in various sectors. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the new wage rates will be effective from April 1, 2025. This move is intended to ease the financial strain on workers due to ongoing inflation. The updated wage structure reflects different skill levels. Unskilled workers will now earn ₹18,456 per month, an increase from ₹18,066. Semi-skilled workers will receive ₹20,371, up from ₹19,929. Skilled workers, including those without a high school diploma, will see their wages rise to ₹22,411 from ₹21,917. Graduates and individuals with higher qualifications will earn ₹24,356, an increase from ₹23,836. This wage increase aims to safeguard workers’ purchasing power. Acknowledging the rising living costs in Delhi, the government emphasizes the importance of fair pay. This adjustment is a proactive step to help workers manage inflation.
5. Which organization has introduced its first global guidelines on meningitis?
[A] World Health Organization (WHO)
[B] Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
[C] Harvard University
[D] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Correct Answer: A [World Health Organization (WHO)]
Notes:
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first set of global guidelines for meningitis. These guidelines are intended to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and care for meningitis, which is crucial for lowering the rates of death and disability linked to the disease. Even with effective vaccines and treatments available, meningitis continues to pose a global health risk. This condition involves inflammation of the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord and can be triggered by various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type and can be fatal within 24 hours if not treated. In 2019, the WHO reported about 2.5 million meningitis cases worldwide, with 1.6 million being bacterial, leading to approximately 240,000 deaths. The WHO guidelines offer detailed recommendations for treating meningitis in both children and adults, addressing diagnosis, antibiotic treatment, supportive care, and long-term management. They are applicable in both epidemic and non-epidemic situations and replace the previous guidelines from 2014, emphasizing outbreak response.
6. Which space company’s New Shepard rocket achieved a groundbreaking suborbital spaceflight with an all-female crew?
[A] SpaceX
[B] Blue Origin
[C] Boeing
[D] Orbit Fab
Correct Answer: B [Blue Origin]
Notes:
Blue Origin achieved a significant milestone with a suborbital mission from Texas, sending an all-female crew into space aboard its reusable New Shepard rocket. This flight was the first exclusively for women since Valentina Tereshkova’s historic journey in 1963. On April 14, 2025, the New Shepard rocket successfully completed this groundbreaking mission, featuring six distinguished women from various sectors. The flight, lasting around 10 minutes, represented a key advancement in commercial space travel, highlighted the importance of gender representation in aerospace, and raised scientific awareness through popular culture.
7. Where was the Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’ held?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Chennai
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi]
Notes:
The Defence Literature Festival ‘Kalam & Kavach 2.0’ took place in New Delhi on April 15, 2025, serving as a forum for conversations about India’s defence reforms, particularly in the areas of defence technology and future warfare. This event was in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a self-sufficient India. Organized by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS) under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) of the Ministry of Defence, in partnership with Pentagon Press, the festival was hosted at the Manekshaw Centre. The theme for this edition was ‘Securing India’s Rise through Defence Reforms,’ reflecting the Prime Minister’s goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India). The festival brought together military experts, strategic policymakers, industry leaders, and specialists to address critical issues related to India’s national security, with a strong emphasis on Defence Technology, Future Warfare, Defence Manufacturing, and Procurement Reforms. This article summarizes the key insights from the festival, highlighting the main topics discussed, their implications for national security, and their significance for examinations in defence and strategic affairs.
8. Which ministry has entered into an MoU with Swiggy to bolster employment opportunities in the gig and logistics sectors?
[A] Ministry of Industry and Commerce
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Labour & Employment
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Labour & Employment]
Notes:
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiggy to enhance job opportunities in the gig and logistics sectors. This agreement aims to create over 1.2 million jobs in the next 2-3 years by utilizing the National Career Service (NCS) portal. The collaboration is designed to improve job matching for roles in these sectors, taking advantage of the extensive network of job seekers and employers on the platform. Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje were present at the signing, highlighting the importance of NCS in offering accessible and inclusive job opportunities for many young people in urban and semi-urban areas.
9. Who has been appointed as the Chairperson of IWLF Athletes Commission?
[A] Neeraj Chopra
[B] Manjeet Kaur
[C] Rajwinder Kaur
[D] Mirabai Chanu
Correct Answer: D [Mirabai Chanu]
Notes:
Olympic silver medalist Saikhom Mirabai Chanu has been appointed as the Chairperson of the newly formed Athletes Commission within the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF). Renowned for her dedication and accomplishments in sports, Chanu has committed to voicing the concerns of Indian weightlifters. As a prominent figure in Indian athletics, she aims to enhance the representation of fellow athletes, prioritize their welfare, and support their pursuit of excellence in sports. Her new role not only brings extensive competitive experience but also emphasizes the importance of athlete advocacy in administrative decisions.
10. Who has been re-elected as the President of Ecuador?
[A] Daniel Noboa
[B] Luisa Gonzalez
[C] Alfredo Palacio
[D] None of the above
Correct Answer: A [Daniel Noboa]
Notes:
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa has won re-election in the 2025 presidential run-off, defeating Luisa Gonzalez by a significant margin. This victory grants Noboa, who was first elected in the snap elections of 2023, a complete four-year term to lead the country. The right-wing incumbent secured his position in the second round of voting, overcoming left-wing challenger Gonzalez amid growing public worries about drug violence and economic challenges. Following the announcement of the results by the National Electoral Council, Gonzalez has claimed fraud and is calling for a recount.
11. Who will be the next Chief Justice of India as the Successor to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna?
[A] Justice Bela Trivedi
[B] Justice Surya Kant
[C] Justice B R Gavai
[D] Justice K V Chandran
Correct Answer: C [Justice B R Gavai]
Notes:
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has put forward Justice B R Gavai as his successor. Once the government approves this recommendation, Justice Gavai will become the 52nd Chief Justice of India. He is expected to assume the role following CJI Khanna’s retirement on May 13, 2025. Justice Gavai has been a Supreme Court judge since 2019. On April 16, 2025, CJI Khanna officially announced Justice Gavai’s nomination in a letter to the Union Law Ministry. With the government’s endorsement, Justice Gavai will take over as CJI after CJI Khanna steps down. Justice Gavai has a long-standing legal career, making notable contributions to Indian law, especially in constitutional and administrative matters.
12. Which ministry has organized the 6th edition of the National Highways Excellence Awards 2023 (NHEA 2023)?
[A] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
[B] Ministry of Industry and Commerce
[C] Ministry of Rural Development
[D] Ministry of Labour and employment
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]
Notes:
The National Highways Excellence Awards 2023 took place on April 15, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, celebrating significant achievements in India’s highway development. This event, organized by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), is the sixth edition of the awards. Its purpose is to inspire innovation, acknowledge excellence, and enhance quality in the development of National Highways in India. The awards aim to promote healthy competition, honor exceptional contributions, and establish standards in road construction and highway maintenance nationwide.
13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently praised a Kerala-based lawyer who bravely fought against the British after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Who was he?
[A] Sir Vama Madan Nair
[B] Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair
[C] Sir Krishnan Nair
[D] Sir A Ramachandran Nair
Correct Answer: B [Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently honored Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair, a notable nationalist and jurist, on the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Nair is remembered for his courageous opposition to British colonialism and his significant legal battles, which have made a lasting impact on India’s history. His dedication to justice and social reform continues to motivate future generations. Born in 1857 in Mankara village, Kerala, Nair earned his law degree from Presidency College in Madras. He started his legal career under Sir Horatio Shepherd, who later became the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court. These early experiences fueled his commitment to justice. Nair’s legal career advanced as he became a public prosecutor in 1899 and was appointed a judge of the Madras High Court in 1908. In 1912, he was knighted by the British Crown. He also served on the Viceroy’s Executive Council, where he concentrated on educational reforms, but he resigned in 1919 to protest the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
14. Which musical instrument from Banaras has recently received GI tag recognition?
[A] Tabla
[B] Sitar
[C] Shehnai
[D] Bansuri
Correct Answer: C [Shehnai]
Notes:
The recent awarding of a GI tag to the Banaras Shehnai is a significant tribute to the musical and cultural heritage of Varanasi. This wind instrument, deeply connected to sacred traditions and popularized globally by Ustad Bismillah Khan, has now received official recognition. The GI tag highlights India’s rich intangible cultural heritage. The shehnai, known worldwide thanks to Ustad Bismillah Khan, represents more than just an instrument; it embodies spiritual and ceremonial music. For the traditional artisans of Varanasi (Kashi), this GI tag is not just a formal acknowledgment—it serves as a heartfelt validation of their legacy, dedication, and craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations.
15. Which state has topped in the India Justice Report (IJR) 2025?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Telangana
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [Karnataka]
Notes:
The India Justice Report (IJR) 2025 highlights the inequalities in the justice system across the country. Released in April 2025, this report evaluates states based on their ability to provide justice. Southern states lead the rankings, with Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana taking the top spots. The report examines four essential areas: police, judiciary, prisons, and legal aid. While there has been some advancement, it also points out ongoing challenges in representation and infrastructure. Karnataka is ranked as the best large state, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu rounding out the top five. In the smaller states category, Sikkim remains in first place. The rankings are derived from data-driven evaluations of justice delivery systems. The report also highlights a gender gap within the police force, noting that fewer than 1,000 women hold senior roles among more than 2 million personnel, and no state meets its own targets for female representation in the police. Additionally, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are underrepresented in officer positions. Despite some enhancements in women’s help desks and CCTV coverage, many police stations still lack basic amenities.
16. Which organization has released report titled “Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector”?
[A] Reserve Bank of India
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] Ministry of Industry and Commerce
[D] NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: D [NITI Aayog]
Notes:
NITI Aayog has published a report called “Unlocking $25+ Billion Export Potential in India’s Hand & Power Tools Sector.” This report highlights the significant growth potential of India’s hand and power tools industry. It addresses the challenges and necessary actions needed to boost the sector and improve its competitiveness on a global scale. The report forecasts that the worldwide market for these tools will increase from $100 billion to $190 billion by 2035, offering a major opportunity for India. Currently, the global market for hand and power tools is valued at about $100 billion. It is expected to rise to around $190 billion by 2035. The hand tools market is currently worth $34 billion and is projected to grow to $60 billion, while power tools are valued at $63 billion, with an anticipated increase to $134 billion. China currently leads this market, holding a significant share in both hand and power tools. India’s role in the global export market is limited, with hand tool exports at $600 million, which is just 1.8% of the market, and power tool exports at $470 million, making up 0.7% of the global share. The report highlights that India has the potential to achieve $25 billion in exports over the next ten years. If India captures a 10% share in power tools and 25% in hand tools, it could generate around 3.5 million jobs. This potential job growth underscores the critical role of the hand and power tools sector in India’s economy.
17. The European State of the Climate 2024 report, released on 15 April 2025, was published by which organization?
[A] Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)
[B] World Bank
[C] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[D] World Economic Forum (WEF)
Correct Answer: A [Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)]
Notes:
The European State of the Climate 2024 (ESOTC 2024) report was published on April 15, 2025, by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). In 2024, Europe had its hottest year on record. The report highlighted significant differences between the eastern and western parts of the continent. Eastern Europe dealt with severe dryness and unprecedented heat, while western Europe saw warmer but wetter weather. The warming was not consistent across the board, with southern and eastern areas experiencing the most severe impacts. Only Iceland and some regions of Greenland reported cooler temperatures. Overall, 45% of the days were warmer than usual, with the average temperature in Europe rising to 2.4°C above pre-industrial levels. Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago, recorded summer temperatures that were 1°C higher than previous records, marking its third consecutive summer of record warmth. The Arctic region overall was the third warmest on record. In 2024, sea surface temperatures in Europe were 0.7°C above average, with the Mediterranean Sea experiencing an even greater rise of 1.2°C. These temperature changes are vital for understanding the energy exchanges between the ocean and the atmosphere. Precipitation patterns differed significantly; western Europe had one of its wettest years since 1950, while eastern Europe faced drier conditions.
18. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) data released by which department?
[A] Department of Investment and Public Asset Management
[B] Department of Food and Public Distribution
[C] Department of Consumer Affairs
[D] Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Correct Answer: D [Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)]
Notes:
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for March 2025 indicated a year-on-year inflation rate of 2.05%, signaling a slight increase in wholesale prices. Key factors contributing to this inflation included higher costs for manufactured food items, textiles, and electricity. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) published the WPI data for March 2025 on April 15, 2025. This data reveals that the provisional annual WPI inflation rate was 2.05% in March 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. The increase in inflation was mainly due to rising prices in food manufacturing, textiles, electricity, and other manufactured goods. The WPI measures price changes at the wholesale level and serves as a crucial economic indicator for policymakers and those preparing for competitive exams.
19. Who wins bronze in 10m Air Pistol at the ISSF World Cup 2025?
[A] Arjun Cheema
[B] Saurabh Chaudhary
[C] Anish Bhanwala
[D] Sarabjot Singh
Correct Answer: B [Saurabh Chaudhary]
Notes:
Indian shooter Saurabh Chaudhary made a strong comeback to international shooting by winning a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Peru. After being away from the national scene for more than two years, the 22-year-old from Uttar Pradesh displayed great determination. Competing against a field of Olympic champions in a highly competitive final, he showed resilience in a match with low scores. This bronze medal is his first individual World Cup medal in over two years, signaling a significant return to form on the international stage.
20. According to Morgan Stanley, the Indian GDP is projected to grow by __ percent in FY2025.
[A] 5.5%
[B] 6.0%
[C] 6.1%
[D] 6.5%
Correct Answer: C [6.1%]
Notes:
In light of the recent tariff increases by the US during President Trump’s administration, global brokerage Morgan Stanley has lowered its year-end Sensex target to 82,000, down from 93,000, and reduced India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.1%. The high tariffs have created global economic uncertainties that have negatively affected investor confidence and market perspectives around the world, including in India.
