Current Affairs Quiz - April 2025
41. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) comes under which government department?
[A] Department of Economic Affairs
[B] Department of Expenditure
[C] Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
[D] Department of Revenue
[B] Department of Expenditure
[C] Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
[D] Department of Revenue
Correct Answer: D [Department of Revenue]
Notes:
In line with the Union Budget 2025–26, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced major trade facilitative measures for air cargo and transshipment to enhance logistics efficiency and simplify customs procedures. The CBIC is part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance. It administers Customs, Central Excise, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), and Narcotics, where applicable. The CBIC is headed by a Chairman, supported by Chief Commissioners and Director Generals across various zones. It also operates a Goods and Services Tax (GST) Intelligence Wing to monitor and prevent tax evasion.
In line with the Union Budget 2025–26, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced major trade facilitative measures for air cargo and transshipment to enhance logistics efficiency and simplify customs procedures. The CBIC is part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance. It administers Customs, Central Excise, Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST), and Narcotics, where applicable. The CBIC is headed by a Chairman, supported by Chief Commissioners and Director Generals across various zones. It also operates a Goods and Services Tax (GST) Intelligence Wing to monitor and prevent tax evasion.
42. Which two organizations jointly developed the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM)?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
[C] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
[D] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
[B] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
[C] Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems
[D] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Correct Answer: B [Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)]
Notes:
The Indian Navy recently test-fired a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) air defence system from INS Surat in the Arabian Sea. MR-SAM is a high-speed, quick-reaction, vertically launched supersonic missile system. It is designed to destroy enemy aerial threats such as missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters. MR-SAM provides high responsiveness and precision in protecting naval assets against aerial attacks. It has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The missile system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in India. This successful test enhances the Indian Navy’s air defence capabilities at sea.
The Indian Navy recently test-fired a Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MR-SAM) air defence system from INS Surat in the Arabian Sea. MR-SAM is a high-speed, quick-reaction, vertically launched supersonic missile system. It is designed to destroy enemy aerial threats such as missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters. MR-SAM provides high responsiveness and precision in protecting naval assets against aerial attacks. It has been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The missile system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in India. This successful test enhances the Indian Navy’s air defence capabilities at sea.
43. Which country topped the medal tally at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship 2025?
[A] India
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Indonesia
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Indonesia
Correct Answer: A [India]
Notes:
India shines at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship 2025 by winning 87 medals, including 83 gold, three silver, and one bronze. India topped the medal table, followed by Japan in second place and Mongolia in third place. The 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship 2025 was held at the KD Jadhav Arena, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi, from April 25 to 27, 2025. The first Asian Yogasana Sport Championship was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2022. The event was organised by Yogasan Bharat with support from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India.
India shines at the 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship 2025 by winning 87 medals, including 83 gold, three silver, and one bronze. India topped the medal table, followed by Japan in second place and Mongolia in third place. The 2nd Asian Yogasana Sport Championship 2025 was held at the KD Jadhav Arena, Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, New Delhi, from April 25 to 27, 2025. The first Asian Yogasana Sport Championship was held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2022. The event was organised by Yogasan Bharat with support from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India.
44. ISRO recently conducted the second short hot test of the semi-cryogenic engine for which launch vehicle?
[A] Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)
[B] SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
[C] NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle)
[D] Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
[B] SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)
[C] NGLV (Next Generation Launch Vehicle)
[D] Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
Correct Answer: A [Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)]
Notes:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the second short hot test of the semicryogenic engine that will power the Semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). A semicryogenic engine uses a cryogenic oxidizer like Liquid Oxygen and a hydrocarbon-based fuel like kerosene. It combines the advantages of cryogenic and conventional engines, offering better efficiency and operational simplicity. In comparison, a fully cryogenic engine uses both fuel and oxidizer in liquid form, like Liquid Hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen, giving 100% efficiency without causing greenhouse gas emissions. This successful test marks a key step towards upgrading LVM3 for future heavy-lift missions.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the second short hot test of the semicryogenic engine that will power the Semicryogenic booster stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). A semicryogenic engine uses a cryogenic oxidizer like Liquid Oxygen and a hydrocarbon-based fuel like kerosene. It combines the advantages of cryogenic and conventional engines, offering better efficiency and operational simplicity. In comparison, a fully cryogenic engine uses both fuel and oxidizer in liquid form, like Liquid Hydrogen and Liquid Oxygen, giving 100% efficiency without causing greenhouse gas emissions. This successful test marks a key step towards upgrading LVM3 for future heavy-lift missions.
45. Lanjia Saora tribe is primarily found in which state?
[A] Bihar
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Odisha
[D] Maharashtra
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Odisha
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C [Odisha]
Notes:
The women of the Lanjia Saora tribal group in Gunupur, Rayagada district, Odisha, celebrate the mango harvest with traditional dance. The Lanjia Saora are a culturally rich subgroup of the Saora tribe. The Lanjia Saora tribe is primarily found in Odisha, specifically in the forested hills of Gajapati and Rayagada districts. They speak Saora, a Mundari language of the Austroasiatic family. The Lanjia Saora perform vibrant dances with spontaneous songs, using brass pipes, cymbals, and gongs.
The women of the Lanjia Saora tribal group in Gunupur, Rayagada district, Odisha, celebrate the mango harvest with traditional dance. The Lanjia Saora are a culturally rich subgroup of the Saora tribe. The Lanjia Saora tribe is primarily found in Odisha, specifically in the forested hills of Gajapati and Rayagada districts. They speak Saora, a Mundari language of the Austroasiatic family. The Lanjia Saora perform vibrant dances with spontaneous songs, using brass pipes, cymbals, and gongs.
46. Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) functions under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[B] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[C] Ministry of Finance
[D] Ministry of Home Affairs
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Women and Child Development]
Notes:
In Financial Year 2024-25, India recorded 4,515 child adoptions, the highest in nearly ten years, showing a positive change in public mindset. Out of these, 4,155 were domestic adoptions, highlighting growing acceptance of adoption within Indian families. The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the nodal agency responsible for adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children in India. CARA was established in 1990 and became a statutory body under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. It functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
In Financial Year 2024-25, India recorded 4,515 child adoptions, the highest in nearly ten years, showing a positive change in public mindset. Out of these, 4,155 were domestic adoptions, highlighting growing acceptance of adoption within Indian families. The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the nodal agency responsible for adoption of orphaned, abandoned, and surrendered children in India. CARA was established in 1990 and became a statutory body under Section 68 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. It functions under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
47. Bandhavgarh National Park is located in which state?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
[B] Odisha
[C] Karnataka
[D] Tamil Nadu
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea alleging illegal mining in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, calling it a frivolous abuse of law and imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on the petitioner. Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. It lies across the Vindhya hills, known for their forested terrain and wildlife. It was declared a national park in 1968 and became a Tiger Reserve in 1993 under Project Tiger. The park is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers.
The Supreme Court recently dismissed a plea alleging illegal mining in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, calling it a frivolous abuse of law and imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on the petitioner. Bandhavgarh National Park is located in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. It lies across the Vindhya hills, known for their forested terrain and wildlife. It was declared a national park in 1968 and became a Tiger Reserve in 1993 under Project Tiger. The park is famous for its Royal Bengal Tigers.
48. PRAVAAH portal was launched by which institution?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] State Bank of India (SBI)
[C] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[D] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
[B] State Bank of India (SBI)
[C] Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
[D] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Correct Answer: D [Reserve Bank of India (RBI)]
Notes:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made it mandatory for all banks, financial institutions, and regulated entities to submit applications through the PRAVAAH portal from May 1, 2025. PRAVAAH stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation, and Authorization. It is a secure, web-based digital portal launched by RBI on May 28, 2024. The portal serves as a single-window system for applying for RBI permissions, licenses, and approvals. This step aims to improve transparency, reduce paperwork, and speed up the approval process. It ensures faster communication between applicants and the RBI.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made it mandatory for all banks, financial institutions, and regulated entities to submit applications through the PRAVAAH portal from May 1, 2025. PRAVAAH stands for Platform for Regulatory Application, Validation, and Authorization. It is a secure, web-based digital portal launched by RBI on May 28, 2024. The portal serves as a single-window system for applying for RBI permissions, licenses, and approvals. This step aims to improve transparency, reduce paperwork, and speed up the approval process. It ensures faster communication between applicants and the RBI.
49. Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) was created by which organization?
[A] World Bank
[B] Global Health Council
[C] World Health Organization (WHO)
[D] United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
[B] Global Health Council
[C] World Health Organization (WHO)
[D] United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
Correct Answer: C [World Health Organization (WHO)]
Notes:
A recent study by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) showed that many multidrug-resistant infections in low- and middle-income countries, including India, are not being treated properly due to lack of access. GARDP is a not-for-profit organization that creates new antibiotic treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections and ensures they reach people in need. It focuses on public health by developing antibiotics to fight the current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis and protect future generations. GARDP was founded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) under the Global Action Plan on AMR in 2015.
A recent study by the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) showed that many multidrug-resistant infections in low- and middle-income countries, including India, are not being treated properly due to lack of access. GARDP is a not-for-profit organization that creates new antibiotic treatments for drug-resistant bacterial infections and ensures they reach people in need. It focuses on public health by developing antibiotics to fight the current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis and protect future generations. GARDP was founded by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) under the Global Action Plan on AMR in 2015.
50. Who has been appointed as the chairman of National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)?
[A] Brajesh Mishra
[B] J. N. Dixit
[C] Maheshwar Rao
[D] Alok Joshi
[B] J. N. Dixit
[C] Maheshwar Rao
[D] Alok Joshi
Correct Answer: D [Alok Joshi]
Notes:
The government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) after the Pahalgam terror attack, appointing former intelligence chief Alok Joshi as chairman. National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) is an advisory body under the National Security Council (NSC) structure. It is chaired by the Prime Minister, supported by the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). Established in 1998 after the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, it institutionalized India’s national security framework. The NSAB provides non-partisan strategic inputs on national security issues but is not a decision-making body. It reports to the NSCS and includes experts from various sectors.
The government has revamped the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) after the Pahalgam terror attack, appointing former intelligence chief Alok Joshi as chairman. National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) is an advisory body under the National Security Council (NSC) structure. It is chaired by the Prime Minister, supported by the National Security Advisor (NSA) and the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). Established in 1998 after the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, it institutionalized India’s national security framework. The NSAB provides non-partisan strategic inputs on national security issues but is not a decision-making body. It reports to the NSCS and includes experts from various sectors.
