1. Which ministry has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)?
[A] Ministry of Power
[B] Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
[C] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of New and Renewable Energy]
Notes:
India recently signed agreements to supply 4.12 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen derivatives to Japan and Singapore. The Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) was launched simultaneously to ensure credible and transparent green hydrogen production. GHCI is India’s first certification framework to verify that hydrogen is produced exclusively using renewable energy. This certification ensures hydrogen is recognized as “green.” GHCI was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal agency for GHCI. It is supported by the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
2. Who has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI)?
[A] Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai
[B] Satish Chandra Sharma
[C] Rajan Roy
[D] Attau Rahman Masoodi
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai]
Notes:
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) and will take charge on May 14, 2025, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. The appointment of the Chief Justice of India is guided by Article 124(2) of the Constitution, which empowers the President of India to appoint the CJI. Article 126 allows for the appointment of an Acting Chief Justice if needed.
3. Which state government has launched the Tourism Security Force, also known as Paryatan Mitra, to improve tourist safety and boost tourism?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Maharashtra government has launched the Tourism Security Force, also known as Paryatan Mitra, to improve tourist safety and boost tourism. The pilot launch will be held during the Mahabaleshwar festival from 1st to 4th May 2025 in Satara district. The Tourism Department will appoint tourism police on a contract basis to make tourists feel secure while visiting the state. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation will fund the project with help from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and Satara police. These tourism police will also guide tourists by sharing information on cultural sites, laws, and sustainable tourism.
4. 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)
Show Answer
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.
5. Vembanad Lake, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
The Vembanad Lake Rejuvenation Project, led by the Alappuzha District Administration, is inspired by the Namami Gange Programme for river conservation. A five-year plan worth ₹188.25 crore has been submitted to the Chief Minister of Kerala and may be revised based on studies by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM). Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala, stretching about 96.5 kilometres. It spreads across Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts, covering around 2,033 square kilometres. The lake is known by names like Vembanad Kayal, Punnamada Lake, and Kochi Lake in different regions. It receives water from six rivers, including Meenachil, Achankovil, Pamba, and Manimala, and drains into the Arabian Sea.
6. African Swine Fever (ASF), that was recently seen in news, is caused by which agent?
[A] Bacteria
[B] Fungus
[C] Virus
[D] Protozoa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Virus]
Notes:
Mizoram’s Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department has reported over 3,050 pig deaths since March 2025 due to an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the districts of Siaha, Lawngtlai, Lunglei, and Mamit. African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs with a mortality rate that can reach 100%. Though ASF does not affect humans, it severely impacts pig populations and causes major economic loss to farmers. The virus originated in Africa and has now spread globally.
7. Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPDMA) initiative was announced during which major event?
[A] BRICS Summit 2024
[B] QUAD Tokyo Summit 2022
[C] ASEAN-India Summit 2021
[D] G7 Summit 2022
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [QUAD Tokyo Summit 2022]
Notes:
The United States has recently approved a military hardware and logistics support package for India to assist in the Integrated Platform for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA). IPMDA is a technology and training initiative designed to boost maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region and increase transparency in its vital waterways. It was announced by the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), which includes India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, during the Tokyo summit in 2022. The initiative uses innovative technology to provide near real-time information on maritime activities to partners in Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region, and the Pacific.
8. According to recent report, which country has the largest active military force globally in 2025?
[A] China
[B] Russia
[C] India
[D] United States
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [China]
Notes:
Global defence spending is rising fast due to uncertainty and rapid technology growth. As per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), military expenditure reached $2.718 trillion in 2024, a 9.4% rise from 2023. China has the largest active military force with 2,035,000 personnel in 2025, according to Global Firepower. India ranks second with about 1,455,550 active personnel, showing strong defence strength and rising South Asian influence. The United States of America stands third with 1,328,000 troops, slightly reduced due to more focus on tech-based defence. Russia and Ukraine boosted troop numbers since 2022 due to ongoing conflict between them.
9. Teak (Tectona grandis) is primarily grown in which type of forest?
[A] Tropical rainforest
[B] Moist deciduous forest
[C] Tropical evergreen forest
[D] Coniferous forests
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Moist deciduous forest]
Notes:
Tissue-cultured teak is being promoted in India as a high-yield, fast-return solution to enhance timber cultivation and trade, sparking discussions on its economic and ecological impact. Teak (Tectona grandis) is renowned for its strength, durability, and resistance to pests and water, earning it the title “king of timbers.” It is a valuable tropical hardwood used in shipbuilding, furniture, and flooring. India holds 35% of the world’s planted teak forests, with Asia contributing over 95% of global teak resources. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have the largest areas of native teak forests, according to the FAO Global Teak Resources and Market Assessment 2022. Teak is native to South and Southeast Asia and grows mainly in moist deciduous forests.
10. What is the rank of India in the World Press Freedom Index 2025?
[A] 150th
[B] 151st
[C] 152nd
[D] 154th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [151st]
Notes:
In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), India ranks 151 out of 180 countries. This is a slight improvement from 159th in 2024 and 161st in 2023, but India still remains in the “very serious” press freedom category. India ranks lower than neighbours like Nepal (90th), Maldives (104th), Sri Lanka (139th), and Bangladesh (149th). Norway, Estonia, and the Netherlands are the top three performers in press freedom globally. For the first time, global press freedom is seen as in a “difficult situation” due to rising economic pressures.