Current Affairs Quiz Questions & Answers:
Question Answer Israel's recent attack Rising Lion Ministry related to agriculture Agriculture Ministry World Population Report figure 146 crore Baltops related to NATO Blood Donor Day June 14th New Lokpal logo symbolizes Empowering Citizens Location of "Bithut" Kerala ICPB 2544 related to Arhar (Pigeon Pea) Shankardev Award recipient Sonal Mansingh Indian Govt. AC temperature recommendation 20-28°C Canada's new PM (likely incorrect answer in source) Marconi (incorrect) International Relations:
- The Prime Minister of India's visit to Croatia was mentioned, highlighting it as the first such visit by an Indian Prime Minister.
- Turkey's support for Pakistan was discussed, noting Turkey's provision of drones to Pakistan and India's subsequent removal of maintenance clearance for Turkish aircraft.
- India's participation in the G7 summit in Canada was mentioned.
- Cyprus's location in relation to Turkey was noted.
Awards and Honors:
- Masaki Kashiwara received the Abel Prize in mathematics.
- An unnamed individual was mentioned as being included in the Oscars for best Eastern designer.
Space Exploration:
- Blue Origin sent an all-female crew into space for space tourism for the first time since 1963.
Sports:
- Haryana secured the top position in the Khelo India Paragames 2023 point table. Ujjwala was the mascot.
Energy:
- India's wind energy capacity increased to 51.5 GW, representing a 10.5% increase from the previous year's 46 GW.
Prime Minister Modi's Visits: Prime Minister Modi visited Cyprus, Croatia, and Canada. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia. The visit to Cyprus is significant due to Cyprus' consistent support of India on issues such as Kashmir, terrorism, and India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council. The visit to Canada is to attend the G7 summit.
Capital Cities:
- Cyprus: Nicosia
- Croatia: Zagreb
- Canada: Ottawa
Abel Prize: The Abel Prize in mathematics was awarded to Masaki Kashiwara.* India's Reduced Rare Earth Exports to Japan: India is slowing rare earth metal exports to Japan due to reduced supply from China resulting from trade tensions. This is a measure to reduce India's dependence on China. The rare earth metals are primarily used in magnet production. The restriction is gradual to maintain its relationship with Japan.
Sports:
- The Indian men's rugby team won gold at the 2023 Saptak Rugby World Cup. Japan won silver.
- The Indian men's regu team won gold at the SAPK Takraw World Cup, marking the nation's first gold medal in the event. Japan won silver.
- Kabbadi World Cup 2025: India won both the men's and women's titles. England hosted the event.
- Cricket will be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Telangana's SC Sub-Classification: Telangana state implemented a sub-classification within the Scheduled Castes (SC) system.
ICC Appointment: Sourav Ganguly was appointed as the chairman of the ICC Men's Cricket Committee.
National Task Force on Student Mental Health: A national task force, headed by Justice Ravindra Bhatt, was formed to address student mental health concerns.
PM Modi's Foreign Visits: Prime Minister Modi visited Cyprus, Croatia, and Canada. This was his first visit to Croatia.
Cyprus: Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea and its capital is Nicosia. Cyprus consistently supports India on issues including Kashmir, terrorism, and India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Croatia: Croatia is a European country; its capital is Zagreb.
DRDO Weapon System: DRDO successfully tested the MK-II A laser-guided weapon system.
Black Box Lab Inauguration: The Black Box Lab was inaugurated in Delhi.
New Wildlife Sanctuary: A new wildlife sanctuary named after Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar was declared in Madhya Pradesh.
First Triveni Cooperative University: India's first Triveni Cooperative University was established in Gujarat.
BRICS New Development Bank: Indonesia became the ninth member.
Esports World Cup 2025:
Hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Starts July 7th and ends August 29th.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the global brand ambassador.* India's Industrial Policies:
India's first industrial policy was introduced in 1948 by Shyama Prasad Mukherjee.
Subsequent policies were introduced in 1956 and 2013.
Sports Awards and Events:
- James Anderson was awarded a British knighthood for his services to cricket.
- India won both the men's and women's Kabaddi World Cups 2025, with the tournament held in England.
International Organizations:
- Indonesia became the ninth member of the BRICS New Development Bank.
Esports:
- Saudi Arabia will host the Esports World Cup 2025, from July 7th to August 29th.
- Cristiano Ronaldo was appointed as the global ambassador for the event.
Punjab Launches Industrial Initiatives:
- The Chief Minister of Punjab, Bhagwant Mann, launched the "Udyog Kranti Pehal" initiative and a "Protsahan Portal."
- The initiative aims to ease the process of doing business and attract investment.
- The portal provides single-window clearance for industrial projects.
New UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) / Drone:
- Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability.
- Developed in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- Designed for precise cross-border strikes.
- 90-minute flight duration.
- Autonomous return functionality.
- Tested in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
Arts and Culture:
- Demise of Kathak dancer Kumudini Lakhia in Gujarat; recipient of Padma Bhushan award.
Tourism:
- Launch of India's first Kukrail Night Safari in Lucknow.
Defense Industry:
- Establishment of a BrahMos unit in Lucknow.
- Inauguration of the Sansad Khel in Lucknow.
Sports:
- Mohan Bagan's victory in the Indian Football Super League (ISL) 2024-25.
Government Initiatives:
- Launch of the "Udhyog Kranti Pehal" initiative and portal by the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, to boost industrial development.
Festivals:
- Sigmo Festival in Goa.
- Puthodu Festival held in Tamil Nadu.
Jammu & Kashmir/Ladakh High Court:
- Justice Arun Palli appointed as Chief Justice; located in Srinagar.
Rudraksh BTol Drone:
Successfully tested by the Indian Army at Pokhran range (Jaisalmer, Rajasthan).
BTol stands for Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL).
Classified as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) or drone.
Manufactured in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Designed for precise cross-border strikes.
Can remain airborne for 90 minutes.
Capable of taking off and landing vertically, requiring minimal space.* South Africa:
Currency: Rand
Grasslands: Veldts
ICC Tournament Winners:
- ICC Champions Trophy: India
- ICC T20 World Cup: India
- ICC One Day World Cup: Australia
- ICC World Test Championship 2025:
- Won by South Africa for the first time.
- Held at Lord's Cricket Ground (known as the "Mecca of Cricket").
- Final match between South Africa and Australia.
Previous World Test Championship Winners:
- 2019: New Zealand (defeated India)
- 2021: Australia (defeated India)
World Test Championship Frequency: Held every two years (starting in 2019).
India-related Current Events:
- 58-foot statue of Potti Sriramulu installed in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. He is known for paving the way for the establishment of states based on linguistic lines.
- Indian Navy's multinational exercise 'Exercise Konkan' with African nations took place in Tanzania.
- Successful testing of Rudraksha BTol drone by the Indian Army in Pokhran range, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. BTol stands for Vertical Take Off and Landing. The drone is a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).
Other Current Events:
- Puthadhu festival was held in Tamil Nadu.
- Justice Arun Palli appointed as Chief Justice of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, located in Srinagar.
BRICS Expansion:
- Vietnam joined BRICS as a partner country.
Recent Events:
- Belarus is the latest member of the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation).
- Sweden is the 32nd member of NATO.
Awards:
- Vinod Kumar Shukla, a Hindi writer from Chhattisgarh, received the 59th Jnanpith Award. This is the first time a writer from Chhattisgarh has received the award.
- The award was previously given for 22 Indian constitutional languages + English (23 total).
First State Assembly to Broadcast in Sign Language: Punjab is the first state assembly in India to broadcast proceedings in sign language.
World's Best Airport (Skytrax): Changi Airport in Singapore was named the world's best airport in the 2025 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Supreme Court Deadline on State Bills: The Supreme Court set a three-month time limit for the President to decide on state bills under Article 200(1).* BRICS Expansion:
- Jim O'Neill conceived BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China) in 2001.
- First BRICS summit: 2009, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
- South Africa joined: 2010, Johannesburg summit.
- 2024 Kazan summit: Egypt, Iran, the UAE, and Ethiopia added.
- Indonesia became the 10th member.
- Vietnam officially joined as a partner country, becoming the 10th partner country.
Military Operations:
- Operation Keller: Counter-terrorist attack, Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Operation Spider Web: Ukrainian operation against Russia.
- Operation Brahma: Indian aid operation, Myanmar (earthquake).
- Operation Secure: Interpol, cybersecurity.
- Operation Sindhur: Indian attack on Pakistan on May 7th.
- Operation Rising Lion: Israel against Iran.
- Operation True Promise 3: Iran against Israel.
International Affairs:
- Iran's response to Israel's rising tensions, Iron Dome defense system.
- Christine Coventry: First female president, International Olympic Committee (IOC), Zimbabwe.
International Events:
- World Water Day: March 22nd, glacier conservation theme.
- ISSF Shooting World Cup 25m: China (1st), India (2nd).
- France's Dassault: 26 Rafale M marine jets to India.
- COP30 will be held in Brazil; previous COP in Baku, Azerbaijan.
International Organizations and Initiatives:
- Interpol: Launched Operation Secure; issued first Silver Notice for money laundering.
- CBI (India): Launched BharatPol portal, modeled after Interpol.
Air Defense Systems:
- Israel: Iron Dome
- Russia: S-400
- USA: THAAD
- India: Akash, MRSAM, S-400, Barak
Israel's Government:
- Knesset: Israeli parliament.
- Tel Aviv is widely considered the capital city, though Jerusalem is claimed as the capital by Israel and is disputed by Palestine.
Awards:
- Uttar Pradesh Police: Scooch award for investigation, prosecution, and conviction portal.
Other:
- Japan: World's first 3D-printed train station in 6 hours.* COP 30 Host: Chile and South Korea will host COP 30. COP 28 was hosted by France and Costa Rica. COP 30 will be held in Brazil. The previous COP was held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Sustainable Ocean Goal: SDG Goal number 14 focuses on sustainable oceans. There are a total of 17 SDGs.
India's World Happiness Ranking: India ranked 118th in the World Happiness Ranking 2023.
ISRO's Vikram 3201: Vikram 3201 is India's first 32-bit indigenous microprocessor.
Scooch Award: Uttar Pradesh police received a Scooch award for its investigation, prosecution, and conviction portal.
3D-Printed Train Station: Japan built the world's first 3D-printed train station in a record 6 hours.
Iran-Israel Conflict:
- Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" against Iranian nuclear sites and ballistic missile program facilities.
- Iran responded with "Operation True Promising 3" in retaliation.
Fourth United Nations Ocean Conference (2028):
- Will be held in 2028.
- Hosts: Chile and South Korea.
- The third conference was held in Nice, France, in 2025 and hosted by France and Costa Rica. A declaration titled "Our Ocean, Our Future" was adopted.
Capital Cities and Currencies:
- Santiago is the capital of Chile.
- Seoul is the capital of South Korea. Its currency is the Won.
International Solar Alliance: India and France jointly established the International Solar Alliance. Its headquarters are in Gurugram, Haryana.
Khelo India Paragames 2025 Mascot: The mascot, Ujjwala, representing the house sparrow, was launched for the Khelo India Paragames 2025 held in Delhi.
India's First PPP-Based Green Waste Processing Plant: Will be established in Indore.
First Indian Film in London's Leicester Square: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ).
Verka Brand Mascot: Punjab's Milkfed launched "Veera," a Punjabi boy, as the mascot for its Verka brand.
India-France Military Exercises:
- Shakti: Eighth joint military exercise between India and France; hosted by France this year, previously hosted by India in Umroi, Meghalaya.
- Other joint exercises: Garuda (air force), Varuna (navy).
- Fringex
India-France Defense Cooperation:
- Rafale and Rafale Marine fighter jets (Dassault Aviation). Recent agreement for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft.
- Six Scorpene submarines jointly developed: Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagir, and Vagsheer.
Vietnam Joins BRICS: Vietnam officially joined BRICS as a partner country.
World Test Championship: South Africa won the 2025 World Test Championship, defeating Australia.
Indian Army Drone Testing: The Indian Army successfully tested the Rudrakshya BT-OL drone for precision strikes at the Pokhran firing range.
Punjab Industrial Development: Punjab launched an industrial revolution initiative and a promotional portal to boost industrial growth.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Appointment: Cristiano Ronaldo was appointed a global ambassador for the Esports World Cup 25.
India Restricts Rare Earth Metal Exports: The Indian government restricted the export of rare earth metals to Japan.
Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Croatia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia.
India's Wind Energy Capacity: India's wind energy capacity increased by over 10.5%, reaching 51.5 GW.* India-France Joint Military Exercise: The eighth India-France joint military exercise, "Shakti," will commence in France.
UN Ocean Conference: The fourth UN Ocean Conference will be hosted by Chile and South Korea in 2028.
Iran's Military Operation: Iran launched Operation True Promising in response to Israel's Operation Rising Lion.
Vietnam Joins BRICS: Vietnam officially joined BRICS as a member country.
World Test Championship: South Africa won the 2025 World Test Championship, defeating Australia.
Indian Army Drone Test: The Indian Army successfully tested the Rudraksh BT-OL drone for precision strikes at the Pokhran firing range.
Punjab's Industrial Initiative: Punjab launched an industrial revolution initiative and a promotion portal to boost industrial development.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Appointment: Cristiano Ronaldo was appointed as a global ambassador for the e-sports World Cup 25.
India Restricts Rare Earth Metal Exports: The Indian government restricted exports of rare earth metals to Japan.
PM Modi's Visit to Croatia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Croatia.
India's Wind Energy Capacity: India's wind energy capacity increased by over 10.5%, reaching 51.5 gigawatts.
India's New Income Tax Regime:
- New income tax bill replacing the 1961 bill.
- Tax slab changes:
- Up to ₹4 lakh: Tax-free.
- ₹4-8 lakh: 5% tax.
- ₹8-12 lakh: 10% tax.
- ₹12-16 lakh: 15% tax.
- ₹16-20 lakh: 20% tax.
- ₹20-₹24 lakh: 25% tax.
- Above ₹24 lakh: 30% tax.
India's Revenue Sources:
- Borrowings: 24%
- Income Tax: 22%
- GST: 18%
- Corporate tax: 17%
India's Government Spending:
- Highest allocation: State's share in taxes and duties (22%)
- Second highest: Interest payments (20%)
- Other significant allocations: Defense, Rural Development, Home Ministry, Agriculture.
Changes in Insurance Sector: FDI limit in the insurance sector increased from 74% to 100%.
Fiscal Deficit Projections:
- Fiscal deficit estimated at 4.8% of GDP in 2024-25.
- Fiscal deficit estimated at 4.4% of GDP in 2025-26.
Tax Reforms: Tax removed on 36 life-saving drugs, including those for rare diseases and cancer.
Ocean Development: A maritime development fund will be established, with the government contributing 49% of the funding.
Aviation:
- The "Udan" scheme aims to add 120 new destinations over the next 10 years.
- A greenfield airport will be built in Bihar.
- The West Kosi Canal project in Mithilanchal, Bihar will be developed.
Manuscript Preservation: The "Gyan Bharatam" mission will be launched to protect over one crore hand-written manuscripts.
Exports: A "Bharat Trade Net" platform has been launched to improve export supply.
Atal Tinkering Labs: 500 Atal Tinkering Labs will be established in government schools over the next 5 years to foster interest in science, technology, and mathematics among students.
Indian Language Book Scheme: Books will be translated into local Indian languages and made available online to improve access to education.
National Skill Excellence Centers: Five national skill excellence centers will be established to support "Make for India" and "Make for the World" initiatives.
AI in Education: An excellence center will be established to promote AI in education, with ₹500 crore allocated for this purpose.
Cancer Care: A daycare cancer hospital will be established in every district hospital within three years.
Jal Jeevan Mission: The Jal Jeevan Mission, aimed at providing every household with water, has been extended until 2028.* MSME Definition Changes: The definition of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has changed.
Investment-based Classification:
- Micro: Up to ₹2.5 crore investment
- Small: Up to ₹25 crore investment
- Medium: Up to ₹125 crore investment
Turnover-based Classification:
- Micro: Up to ₹10 crore turnover
- Small: Up to ₹100 crore turnover
- Medium: Up to ₹500 crore turnover
Credit Card for Micro Industries: A ₹5 lakh credit card has been launched for micro industries, accessible through the Udyam portal.
National Manufacturing Mission: A National Manufacturing Mission will be launched to boost manufacturing, "Make in India," and support micro and small industries, focusing on footwear, toys, and food processing.
Atal Tinkering Labs: 500 Atal Tinkering Labs will be established in government schools over the next 5 years.
Indian Language Book Scheme: The Indian Language Book Scheme will translate books into local Indian languages and make them available online.
National Skill Excellence Centers: Five national skill excellence centers will be established to support "Make for India" and "Make for the World" initiatives.
AI in Education: An excellence center for AI in education will be established with an allocation of ₹500 crore.
Cancer Care Enhancement: A daycare cancer hospital will be established in every district hospital within three years.
Jal Jeevan Mission Extension: The Jal Jeevan Mission, aiming for "Har Ghar Jal" (water for every home), has been extended to 2028.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Limit Increase: The limit for Kisan Credit Cards has been increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
Assam Urea Plant: A new urea plant will be established in Namrup, Assam, with a production capacity of 12.7 lakh metric tons.
Agriculture Initiatives:
- Pradhan Mantri DhanDhanaya Krishi Yojana: Aims to increase agricultural productivity; launched in 100 districts; expected to benefit 1.7 crore farmers.
- Dalhan Aatmanirbharta Mission: 6-year mission for self-reliance in pulses (tur, urad, masoor).
- Missions for vegetables, fruits, and millets (Shree Anna) also launched. 2023 declared as the year of Shree Anna (coarse grains).
- Makhana Board established in Bihar.
- National High-Yield Seed Mission: Focuses on high-yield seeds.
- Cotton Production Mission: 5-year mission to boost cotton production and the textile industry.
Budget 2025-26: Focuses on developing India, including poverty eradication, universal school education, accessible healthcare, skilled workforce, increased female participation in economic activities, and making India the "food basket of the world". The budget's four engines are agriculture, MSMEs, investment, and exports; reform is the fuel; inclusivity is the guidance; and a developed India is the destination.
Presented by Nirmala Sitharaman for the eighth time. Morarji Desai presented the budget 10 times. The budget was presented on February 1st.
Developed India's Goals:
- Poverty eradication.
- 100% school education.
- Affordable and accessible healthcare.
- 100% skilled workforce.
- 70% women's participation in economic activity.
- Making India the "Food Basket of the World".
Budget 2025-26's Four Engines:
- Agriculture
- MSMEs
- Investment
- Exports
Fuel: Reforms
Guidance: Inclusivity
Destination: Developed India