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Published on 18 Feb 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host bilateral talks in New Delhi with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani. The discussions focus on enhancing strategic ties, expanding trade, and deepening energy and technology cooperation. High-level interactions with President Droupadi Murmu and a business delegation underline the importance of this visit.
MCQs:
Answer: (B) Qatar (UPSC Prelims 2017)
Answer: (B) Bilateral trade expansion (UPSC Prelims 2017)
The government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme until 2025–26. This extension ensures that farmers receive remunerative prices for key pulses such as Tur, Urad, and Masur, thereby stabilizing prices and reducing import dependency.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Enhance farmers' income and price stability (UPSC Prelims 2018)
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) across 152 urban local bodies in 26 states and 3 union territories. The IT-based system will update land records, improve transparency, and help resolve property disputes.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Digitizing urban land records (SSC CGL 2019)
Brazil, which currently holds the rotating presidency of BRICS, will host the summit in Rio de Janeiro on 6–7 July 2025. The summit will cover issues like global governance reform and economic cooperation among member nations, including recent additions such as Iran and Egypt.
MCQ:
Answer: (A) Equal participation among members (UPSC Prelims 2016)
In honor of the legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, the government is issuing a commemorative ₹100 coin. The coin features the lion capital of Ashoka and inscriptions in both Devnagari and English, aimed primarily at collectors.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Honor national icons and heritage (SBI PO Prelims 2017)
ISRO, in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute in Bengaluru, has developed the world’s largest 10-tonne propellant mixer. This advanced equipment is critical for the precise and safe mixing of solid rocket propellant ingredients, supporting the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat in Space’ initiative.
MCQ:
Answer: (C) Atmanirbhar Bharat in Space (UPSC Prelims 2018)
A statue of the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar was unveiled in Cebu, Philippines. This cultural diplomacy initiative highlights strengthened Indo-Philippine ties and celebrates the rich literary heritage of Tamil Nadu.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Thirukkural (UPSC Mains 2019)
ISRO has unveiled its ambitious roadmap for sending astronauts to lunar orbit by 2028. This plan is a key component of India’s human spaceflight program and includes the development of advanced launch vehicles, astronaut training, and necessary infrastructure.
MCQ:
Answer: (C) 2028 (UPSC Prelims 2020)
A report by the UN Environment Programme warns that biodiversity is declining rapidly worldwide due to climate change, deforestation, and pollution. The report calls for urgent international action to implement conservation measures.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Climate change, deforestation, and pollution (UPSC Prelims 2019)
In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court has reinforced the constitutional right to free speech while clarifying the limits necessary to prevent hate speech and incitement, thus maintaining a balance between expression and public order.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Public order and hate speech prevention (UPSC Mains 2018)
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has rolled out a new federal policy aimed at enhancing digital governance. The policy focuses on increasing transparency, citizen participation, and streamlining public service delivery across government departments.
MCQ:
Answer: (A) Enhance transparency and public service delivery (UPSC Prelims 2017)
In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough, India and Bangladesh have signed a treaty to ensure equitable sharing of the Teesta River’s waters. This agreement aims to promote sustainable agriculture and resolve longstanding water disputes.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Equitable water distribution for agriculture (UPSC Mains 2018)
NITI Aayog has raised India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.2% for FY2025, attributing the increase to strong domestic consumption and robust infrastructure spending, despite global economic uncertainties.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) 7.2% (UPSC Prelims 2018)
In partnership with the Ministry of Culture, UNESCO has launched a new initiative to document and promote India’s diverse folk art, music, and dance traditions. This program aims to integrate traditional art forms into educational curricula and preserve cultural heritage.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Preserve traditional art forms (SSC CGL 2019)
Historian Dr. Meera Sharma has released a new book that offers fresh insights into India’s colonial past, examining British policies and resistance movements. The book challenges traditional narratives and highlights lesser-known aspects of the freedom struggle.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Colonial policies and resistance (UPSC Mains 2019)
The World Bank has revised its economic outlook for India, raising growth projections amid robust domestic demand and infrastructure spending while balancing external uncertainties.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Both domestic strengths and global risks (UPSC Prelims 2020)
Lawmakers have reignited the debate on the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code, discussing whether a common set of personal laws can foster national unity while respecting India’s cultural diversity.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Balancing legal uniformity with cultural diversity (UPSC Mains 2018)
The Ministry of Culture has launched the Swadesh Bharat initiative to revive and promote regional art, music, and dance forms. This program will provide financial support and training to local artists and integrate these art forms into educational curricula.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Preserving regional art and culture (SSC CGL 2019)
Researchers from the University of Mumbai have released a study mapping the impact of urban sprawl on the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable land-use planning to protect biodiversity and prevent irreversible damage.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Urban encroachment affecting biodiversity (UPSC Prelims 2020)
In a high-level economic summit held in New Delhi, Indian and EU officials agreed to reduce tariffs and streamline investment policies. This agreement is expected to boost bilateral trade and further integrate India into the global economic framework.
MCQ:
Answer: (B) Boosting trade and investment (UPSC Prelims 2018)