1. Which organization has launched the Victims of Terrorism Advocacy Network (VoTAN) initiative?
[A] United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
[B] United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
[C] United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
[D] United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)]
Notes:
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) has recently launched VoTAN, which stands for Victims of Terrorism Advocacy Network, to support victims and survivors of terrorism worldwide. VoTAN is the result of efforts by the Group of Friends of Victims of Terrorism, co-chaired by Spain and Iraq, which was formed around six years ago to protect the rights of victims. This global network was a major outcome of the 2022 United Nations Global Congress on Victims of Terrorism. It aims to offer a safe platform for victims to connect, heal, build resilience, and act as educators, peacebuilders, and advocates. The network is financially supported by Spain.
2. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on which day every year?
[A] May 1
[B] May 2
[C] May 3
[D] May 4
Show Answer
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.
3. Lairai Devi Temple, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state?
[A] Goa
[B] Odisha
[C] Gujarat
[D] Maharashtra
Show Answer
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.
4. Which state government has declared May 5 as the Traders’ Day?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Kerala
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced that May 5 will officially be declared as Traders’ Day in the state. This aligns with the day already observed by Tamil Nadu Traders’ Associations annually. The announcement was made at the 42nd annual meeting of the Traders’ Association in Maduranthakam.
5. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state?
[A] Odisha
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Karnataka]
Notes:
Public trespassing in the ecologically sensitive Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) in Khanapur taluk has raised major concerns among conservationists recently. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats in the Belgaum district of Karnataka. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in December 2011 to protect its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is named after the historic Bhimgad Fort, built by Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century to defend against Portuguese forces. It borders Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.
6. Scientists have recently traced evidence of ancient wildfires (palaeofires) in the Godavari Basin from which geological period?
[A] Jurassic Period
[B] Permian Period
[C] Cambrian Period
[D] Triassic Period
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Permian Period]
Notes:
Scientists recently found signs of ancient wildfires, called palaeofires, from the Permian Period about 250 million years ago in the Godavari Basin. Palaeofires are wildfire events recorded in ancient rocks, helping us understand Earth’s past vegetation, climate changes, and coal formation. The study covered a long geological timescale, from the Late Silurian to the present Quaternary Period. Researchers used methods like Palynofacies analysis, Raman Spectroscopy, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy to study tiny fossils and charcoal. They clearly identified charcoal formed on-site (in situ) and transported charcoal (ex situ), solving a major geological debate. They also found that sea-level changes affected how fire residues were preserved—more intact during sea-level drops (regressive) and more scattered during sea-level rise (transgressive).
7. SCALP missile is jointly developed by United Kingdom and which country?
[A] France
[B] Russia
[C] India
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [France]
Notes:
In Operation Sindoor, SCALP missiles were recently launched from Indian Rafale fighter jets to hit terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). SCALP stands for Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée, which means Long-Range Autonomous Cruise Missile System in French. It is also called ‘Storm Shadow’ in the United Kingdom. SCALP is an air-launched cruise missile designed for long-range, deep-strike missions. It carries conventional explosives and targets high-value, fixed or stationary enemy positions. It was jointly developed by France and the United Kingdom. It is used by the air forces of India, Egypt, Italy, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
8. Which Indian Naval Ship (INS) has participated in International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025?
[A] INS Dhiraj
[B] INS Sahas
[C] INS Kaveri
[D] INS Kiltan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [INS Kiltan]
Notes:
INS Kiltan, an Indian Naval Ship, recently reached Singapore to take part in IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. IMDEX stands for International Maritime Defence Exhibition, a major naval and defence event in the Asia-Pacific region. It has been held every two years in Singapore since 1997. IMDEX provides a platform for navies, coast guards, and maritime industries to showcase ships, systems, and new technologies. It includes the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), started in 2009. IMSC is co-organised by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS). It promotes global maritime security and cooperation through policy discussions and shared solutions.
9. World Red Cross Day is observed globally every year on which day?
[A] May 6
[B] May 7
[C] May 8
[D] May 9
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [May 8]
Notes:
World Red Cross Day is observed every year on May 8 to honour the birth anniversary of Jean Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross, who was born 197 years ago. The theme for this year is “Keeping Humanity Alive,” which celebrates people who dedicate their time and lives to reduce others’ suffering and protect human dignity.
10. Which city has become the India’s first beggar-free city?
[A] Indore
[B] Chennai
[C] Varanasi
[D] Ahmedabad
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Indore]
Notes:
Indore has become India’s first beggar-free city as of May 2025, marking a major success in social welfare. The campaign was launched in February 2024 under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment as a pilot project in 10 cities. Around 5,000 beggars, including 500 children, were identified on city streets before the campaign began. Beggars were rehabilitated by offering jobs, and children were enrolled in schools for education. Awareness campaigns were run in the first phase, followed by rehabilitation efforts. Giving money to beggars or buying from them is now banned, with three First Information Reports (FIRs) filed. Citizens are rewarded ₹1,000 for reporting instances of begging, which has boosted public participation. The initiative has been recognised by the Union Ministry and a World Bank team as a national model.