Current Affairs Quiz - May 2025
1. Vembanad Lake, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
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.
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.
2. Natural hydrogen is formed through which geological process?
[A] Mass wasting
[B] Serpentinisation
[C] Liquefaction
[D] Carbon capture
[B] Serpentinisation
[C] Liquefaction
[D] Carbon capture
Correct Answer: B [Serpentinisation]
Notes:
The American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have recently launched formal hydrogen exploration initiatives. Hydrogen is seen as the fuel of the future due to its ability to help decarbonize the global economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Natural hydrogen, or white hydrogen, is hydrogen that naturally occurs in the Earth’s crust, unlike industrially produced hydrogen. It forms through geological processes such as serpentinisation, where water reacts with iron-rich rocks, radiolysis, the breakdown of water by radioactive rocks, and the decomposition of organic matter in deep geological formations.
The American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have recently launched formal hydrogen exploration initiatives. Hydrogen is seen as the fuel of the future due to its ability to help decarbonize the global economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Natural hydrogen, or white hydrogen, is hydrogen that naturally occurs in the Earth’s crust, unlike industrially produced hydrogen. It forms through geological processes such as serpentinisation, where water reacts with iron-rich rocks, radiolysis, the breakdown of water by radioactive rocks, and the decomposition of organic matter in deep geological formations.
3. Thrissur Pooram festival is celebrated in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Telangana
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Telangana
Correct Answer: A [Kerala]
Notes:
The Thrissur Pooram has officially begun with the ceremonial flag hoisting called Kodiyettam at the participating temples. Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival celebrated in Thrissur, Kerala during April-May. It was started by Shakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi. Ten temples participate in the festival, including Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi, Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, and Neythilakavu. The festival features grand Poorams or processions of decorated elephants with traditional percussion music.
The Thrissur Pooram has officially begun with the ceremonial flag hoisting called Kodiyettam at the participating temples. Thrissur Pooram is an annual Hindu temple festival celebrated in Thrissur, Kerala during April-May. It was started by Shakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Kochi. Ten temples participate in the festival, including Paramekkavu, Thiruvambadi, Kanimangalam, Karamucku, Laloor, Choorakottukara, Panamukkampally, Ayyanthole, Chembukkavu, and Neythilakavu. The festival features grand Poorams or processions of decorated elephants with traditional percussion music.
4. 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.
5. 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
[B] QUAD Tokyo Summit 2022
[C] ASEAN-India Summit 2021
[D] G7 Summit 2022
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.
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.
6. Which country has introduced a draft law to limit access to Mount Everest only to experienced climbers?
[A] Bhutan
[B] Nepal
[C] China
[D] India
[B] Nepal
[C] China
[D] India
Correct Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Nepal has introduced a new draft law to allow only experienced climbers, who have scaled peaks above 7,000 metres, to attempt Mount Everest. This step comes in response to rising deaths, overcrowding, and environmental damage on the world’s tallest mountain. By restricting access, Nepal hopes to improve climber safety and promote responsible tourism. The law aims to ensure that only skilled mountaineers with proven high-altitude experience undertake such risky expeditions. The move also supports environmental conservation by addressing waste buildup and uncontrolled tourist flow in the fragile Everest ecosystem. This reflects Nepal’s growing commitment to sustainable mountaineering practices.
Nepal has introduced a new draft law to allow only experienced climbers, who have scaled peaks above 7,000 metres, to attempt Mount Everest. This step comes in response to rising deaths, overcrowding, and environmental damage on the world’s tallest mountain. By restricting access, Nepal hopes to improve climber safety and promote responsible tourism. The law aims to ensure that only skilled mountaineers with proven high-altitude experience undertake such risky expeditions. The move also supports environmental conservation by addressing waste buildup and uncontrolled tourist flow in the fragile Everest ecosystem. This reflects Nepal’s growing commitment to sustainable mountaineering practices.
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. What is the IUCN status of Indian Pangolin, that was recently seen in news?
[A] Endangered
[B] Critically Endangered
[C] Vulnerable
[D] Least Concern
[B] Critically Endangered
[C] Vulnerable
[D] Least Concern
Correct Answer: A [Endangered]
Notes:
A recent report by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) says global trafficking of pangolin scales has dropped sharply since 2020 due to COVID-19 disruptions, strong law enforcement, and changing smuggling methods. Pangolins are insect-eating mammals found in tropical forests, grasslands, and farms, often near people. There are 8 species of pangolins — 4 in Africa and 4 in Asia, including the Indian pangolin found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. They eat ants and termites, helping control pests and improve soil, which supports healthy ecosystems. Pangolins are hunted for their meat and scales used in traditional medicine. The Indian pangolin is listed as Endangered and the Chinese pangolin as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
A recent report by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) says global trafficking of pangolin scales has dropped sharply since 2020 due to COVID-19 disruptions, strong law enforcement, and changing smuggling methods. Pangolins are insect-eating mammals found in tropical forests, grasslands, and farms, often near people. There are 8 species of pangolins — 4 in Africa and 4 in Asia, including the Indian pangolin found in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. They eat ants and termites, helping control pests and improve soil, which supports healthy ecosystems. Pangolins are hunted for their meat and scales used in traditional medicine. The Indian pangolin is listed as Endangered and the Chinese pangolin as Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
9. Which state is home to India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Center Park?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Chhattisgarh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Chhattisgarh
Correct Answer: D [Chhattisgarh]
Notes:
In a major step toward digital transformation, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister laid the foundation for India’s first Artificial Intelligence-based Data Center Park in Raipur. The facility will start with a five megawatt capacity and aims to grow to 150 megawatts. A 2.7-hectare area is being developed as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) services. The project will see an investment of Rs 2,000 crore as it expands. The center will support green, energy-efficient technologies for sustainable operations. It will serve sectors like AI, Financial Technology (FinTech), Health Technology (HealthTech), defense, and data analytics. The infrastructure will use Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based systems for real-time data processing, streaming, and analytics.
In a major step toward digital transformation, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister laid the foundation for India’s first Artificial Intelligence-based Data Center Park in Raipur. The facility will start with a five megawatt capacity and aims to grow to 150 megawatts. A 2.7-hectare area is being developed as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI) services. The project will see an investment of Rs 2,000 crore as it expands. The center will support green, energy-efficient technologies for sustainable operations. It will serve sectors like AI, Financial Technology (FinTech), Health Technology (HealthTech), defense, and data analytics. The infrastructure will use Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-based systems for real-time data processing, streaming, and analytics.
10. Which country has become the first in the world to develop Genome-edited rice varieties?
[A] Japan
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Vietnam
[B] China
[C] India
[D] Vietnam
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India has become the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed two such varieties named DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice. These rice varieties were developed using genome editing technology based on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR Associated Protein (CRISPR-Cas). This technology allows precise changes in the genetic material without adding any foreign DNA. Genome editing targeted the Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 types of genes, which are approved under India’s biosafety rules. The development was supported by the National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF), which funds strategic agricultural research.
India has become the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed two such varieties named DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice. These rice varieties were developed using genome editing technology based on Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR Associated Protein (CRISPR-Cas). This technology allows precise changes in the genetic material without adding any foreign DNA. Genome editing targeted the Site Directed Nuclease 1 (SDN1) and SDN2 types of genes, which are approved under India’s biosafety rules. The development was supported by the National Agricultural Science Fund (NASF), which funds strategic agricultural research.
