Current Affairs Quiz - May 2025
1. 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.
2. NAMASTE Scheme was jointly launched by which two ministries?
[A] Ministry of Health and Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Labour
[C] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Skill Development
[B] Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Labour
[C] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Urban Development and Ministry of Skill Development
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs ]
Notes:
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are now working together under the wastepickers component of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme. UNDP is providing financial support to State Project Management Units (PMUs) to strengthen the scheme’s implementation. The NAMASTE Scheme was jointly launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2023 to protect the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. Its wastepicker component was launched in 2024 with the goal to digitally profile and register 2.5 lakh wastepickers across India. It also provides health insurance under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), and offers skill development training.
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are now working together under the wastepickers component of the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme. UNDP is providing financial support to State Project Management Units (PMUs) to strengthen the scheme’s implementation. The NAMASTE Scheme was jointly launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2023 to protect the safety and dignity of sanitation workers. Its wastepicker component was launched in 2024 with the goal to digitally profile and register 2.5 lakh wastepickers across India. It also provides health insurance under Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), and offers skill development training.
3. What is the name of initiative launched by Ministry of Home Affairs to eradicate Naxalism and Maoist ideology?
[A] Operation Prahar
[B] Operation Kagar
[C] Operation Shakti
[D] Operation Vijay
[B] Operation Kagar
[C] Operation Shakti
[D] Operation Vijay
Correct Answer: B [Operation Kagar]
Notes:
Operation Kagar has successfully encircled the last remaining Naxal strongholds in the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border regions. Operation Kagar was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs to eliminate Maoist insurgents and dismantle the political ideology of Maoism. The operation combines military action, surveillance technology, and development outreach to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). The campaign has reduced Naxal-affected districts from 106 in 2015 to just 6 in 2025. In 2024, 287 Naxals were neutralized, with over 150 already in 2025.
Operation Kagar has successfully encircled the last remaining Naxal strongholds in the Chhattisgarh-Telangana border regions. Operation Kagar was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs to eliminate Maoist insurgents and dismantle the political ideology of Maoism. The operation combines military action, surveillance technology, and development outreach to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). The campaign has reduced Naxal-affected districts from 106 in 2015 to just 6 in 2025. In 2024, 287 Naxals were neutralized, with over 150 already in 2025.
4. The Kisan Kalyan scheme was launched by which state government?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: B [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has banned stubble burning due to a rise in such cases after crop harvesting. Farmers found burning stubble will be denied benefits under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana (MKKY). Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana (MKKY) was launched by Madhya Pradesh government to provide financial help and improve the economic condition of farmers. It also aims to promote the use of modern agricultural technologies in the state. This decision highlights the government’s focus on controlling pollution and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
The Government of Madhya Pradesh has banned stubble burning due to a rise in such cases after crop harvesting. Farmers found burning stubble will be denied benefits under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana (MKKY). Mukhyamantri Kisan Kalyan Yojana (MKKY) was launched by Madhya Pradesh government to provide financial help and improve the economic condition of farmers. It also aims to promote the use of modern agricultural technologies in the state. This decision highlights the government’s focus on controlling pollution and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
5. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on which day every year?
[A] May 1
[B] May 2
[C] May 3
[D] May 4
[B] May 2
[C] May 3
[D] May 4
Correct Answer: C [May 3]
Notes:
Every year on May 3, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated to highlight the vital role of the media, known as the fourth pillar of democracy. The day spreads awareness about the struggles faced by journalists and supports the free flow of information. It honours media professionals who have risked or lost their lives in search of truth. This year’s theme is ‘Reporting In The Brave New World – The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Press Freedom And The Media.’ The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1993 after a 1991 recommendation by UNESCO.
Every year on May 3, World Press Freedom Day is celebrated to highlight the vital role of the media, known as the fourth pillar of democracy. The day spreads awareness about the struggles faced by journalists and supports the free flow of information. It honours media professionals who have risked or lost their lives in search of truth. This year’s theme is ‘Reporting In The Brave New World – The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Press Freedom And The Media.’ The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1993 after a 1991 recommendation by UNESCO.
6. Which organization is responsible for implementation of the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Link Project?
[A] Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
[D] Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES)
[B] Ministry of Finance
[C] National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
[D] Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES)
Correct Answer: A [Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)]
Notes:
Tunnel No. 8 (T-8) is set to become India’s longest railway tunnel at 14.57 km, overtaking Tunnel No. 50 (T-50), which is 12.77 km long on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link. It is part of the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link Project in Uttarakhand. T-8 is a twin tunnel located on the Devprayag–Janasu stretch of this 125-km rail line. The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link Project is being implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.
Tunnel No. 8 (T-8) is set to become India’s longest railway tunnel at 14.57 km, overtaking Tunnel No. 50 (T-50), which is 12.77 km long on the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link. It is part of the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link Project in Uttarakhand. T-8 is a twin tunnel located on the Devprayag–Janasu stretch of this 125-km rail line. The Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Broad Gauge Rail Link Project is being implemented by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways.
7. Lairai Devi Temple, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Goa
[B] Odisha
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
[B] Odisha
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
Correct Answer: A [Goa]
Notes:
At least six people died and more than 70 were injured in a tragic stampede during the annual Lairai Jatra procession at Shree Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgaon, North Goa. The Lairai Devi Temple, located in Shirgao village, is dedicated to Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple is significant to both local Hindus and Catholics, who regard Lairai Devi and the Virgin Mary of Mapusa as sisters. The Lairai Jatra includes a fire-walking ritual where devotees walk across embers, believing the righteous will be protected. The tragedy occurred during the late-night procession and ritual celebrations.
At least six people died and more than 70 were injured in a tragic stampede during the annual Lairai Jatra procession at Shree Lairai Devi Temple in Shirgaon, North Goa. The Lairai Devi Temple, located in Shirgao village, is dedicated to Goddess Lairai, believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple is significant to both local Hindus and Catholics, who regard Lairai Devi and the Virgin Mary of Mapusa as sisters. The Lairai Jatra includes a fire-walking ritual where devotees walk across embers, believing the righteous will be protected. The tragedy occurred during the late-night procession and ritual celebrations.
8. Which institution has secured the second rank in Digital OPD Registrations Under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?
[A] AIIMS Bhopal
[B] AIIMS Patna
[C] AIIMS Jodhpur
[D] AIIMS Nagpur
[B] AIIMS Patna
[C] AIIMS Jodhpur
[D] AIIMS Nagpur
Correct Answer: A [AIIMS Bhopal]
Notes:
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal has ranked second nationwide for its paperless and queue-less Outpatient Department (OPD) registration under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The ranking was announced by the National Health Authority (NHA), Government of India. AIIMS Bhopal generated over 1.45 million OPD tokens using the ‘Scan and Share’ service. AIIMS New Delhi holds the first position in the ranking. The ‘Scan and Share’ system allows patients to scan a QR code with their smartphones to get OPD tokens instantly.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Bhopal has ranked second nationwide for its paperless and queue-less Outpatient Department (OPD) registration under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The ranking was announced by the National Health Authority (NHA), Government of India. AIIMS Bhopal generated over 1.45 million OPD tokens using the ‘Scan and Share’ service. AIIMS New Delhi holds the first position in the ranking. The ‘Scan and Share’ system allows patients to scan a QR code with their smartphones to get OPD tokens instantly.
9. Which is the nodal ministry for implementing the SVAMITVA scheme?
[A] Ministry of Urban Development
[B] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[C] Ministry of Rural Development
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
[B] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[C] Ministry of Rural Development
[D] Ministry of Agriculture
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Panchayati Raj]
Notes:
India’s SVAMITVA scheme will be highlighted at the World Bank Land Conference in Washington, D.C., showcasing its role in digitalising rural land records. SVAMITVA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas and was launched in 2020 as a central sector scheme. It aims to give rural residents legal documents for their residential properties to help them access loans and other financial services. Drone technology is used to survey land parcels in rural inhabited areas across India in phases. The scheme helps bring financial stability to rural citizens by treating property as a financial asset. It also ensures accurate land records for better rural planning and governance. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is the nodal ministry for implementing the scheme. State Revenue or Land Records Departments implement the scheme with support from State Panchayati Raj Departments.
India’s SVAMITVA scheme will be highlighted at the World Bank Land Conference in Washington, D.C., showcasing its role in digitalising rural land records. SVAMITVA stands for Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas and was launched in 2020 as a central sector scheme. It aims to give rural residents legal documents for their residential properties to help them access loans and other financial services. Drone technology is used to survey land parcels in rural inhabited areas across India in phases. The scheme helps bring financial stability to rural citizens by treating property as a financial asset. It also ensures accurate land records for better rural planning and governance. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is the nodal ministry for implementing the scheme. State Revenue or Land Records Departments implement the scheme with support from State Panchayati Raj Departments.
10. Ghassem Basir Ballistic Missile has been developed by which country?
[A] Iraq
[B] Iran
[C] Saudi Arabia
[D] Israel
[B] Iran
[C] Saudi Arabia
[D] Israel
Correct Answer: B [Iran]
Notes:
Iran recently unveiled a new solid-fuel ballistic missile named Ghassem Basir. It is a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) developed to strike targets over 1,200 kilometers away. The missile is about 11 meters long and weighs around 7 tons. It uses carbon fiber composite material for its body, making it lighter and harder to detect by radar. It runs on solid fuel, making it quicker to launch and easier to store than liquid-fuel missiles. It can reach speeds up to Mach 12. A thermal imaging sensor helps it track targets using heat in the final phase of flight. It has a Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV) that detaches mid-flight to avoid radar and improve accuracy. It can be launched from mobile Transporter-Erector-Launchers (TELs), even from vehicles that look like civilian trucks.
Iran recently unveiled a new solid-fuel ballistic missile named Ghassem Basir. It is a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) developed to strike targets over 1,200 kilometers away. The missile is about 11 meters long and weighs around 7 tons. It uses carbon fiber composite material for its body, making it lighter and harder to detect by radar. It runs on solid fuel, making it quicker to launch and easier to store than liquid-fuel missiles. It can reach speeds up to Mach 12. A thermal imaging sensor helps it track targets using heat in the final phase of flight. It has a Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV) that detaches mid-flight to avoid radar and improve accuracy. It can be launched from mobile Transporter-Erector-Launchers (TELs), even from vehicles that look like civilian trucks.
