Daily Current Affairs Quiz: April 05, 2025

April 5, 2025

On which date is National Maritime Day observed in India?

(A) March 5
(B) April 5
(C) May 5
(D) June 5

Show Answer

Answer: B.

National Maritime Day on April 5 honors India’s rich shipping history and the SS Loyalty’s first voyage in 1919.
It recognizes seafarers’ contributions and the shipping industry’s role in economic growth.
The day also emphasizes ocean conservation and India’s commitment to a strong maritime future.

Who established the International Day of Conscience?

(A) UNESCO
(B) The United Nations General Assembly
(C) The International Court of Justice
(D) The World Health Organization

Show Answer

Answer: B.

The International Day of Conscience is observed annually on April 5.
It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019.
Aims to promote peace, tolerance, inclusion, understanding, and solidarity among individuals and communities.

North Sentinel Island is part of which Indian Union Territory?

(A) Lakshadweep
(B) Andaman & Nicobar Islands
(C) Puducherry
(D) Daman and Diu

Show Answer

Answer: B.

Current Context: A U.S. citizen has been arrested for illegally entering North Sentinel Island, home to one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes

Key Facts

Location: Bay of Bengal, 50 km west of Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India.
Geography: Surrounded by coral reefs, dense forests, expanded after the 2004 tsunami.
Sentinelese Tribe: Uncontacted, hostile to outsiders, live as hunter-gatherers (population: 50–150).

Legal Protections:

1956 Law: Travel within 9 km banned, Sentinelese immune from prosecution.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Island remains off-limits, no tourism or external contact.

Consider the following statements regarding the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI):
Statement 1: The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a monthly survey-based indicator that measures economic activity in manufacturing, services, and overall business.
Statement 2: A PMI value below 50 indicates expansion in production, while a value above 50 signifies contraction.
Which of the following is correct?

(A) Only Statement 1 is correct
(B) Only Statement 2 is correct
(C) Both statements are correct
(D) Both statements are incorrect

Show Answer

Answer: A.

Current context: India’s manufacturing activity saw significant growth in March 2025, with the Seasonally Adjusted Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbing to 58.1, the highest in eight months.

Key Facts

March 2025 Update: India’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 58.1 (highest in 8 months) from 56.3 in February, driven by new orders (index at 61.5).
Definition: PMI measures economic activity in manufacturing, services, and overall business through monthly surveys.
Compiled by: S&P Global, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation(HSBC), and others.
Index Scale:

Above 50 → Expansion in production.
Below 50 → Contraction in production.

Consider the following statements regarding the “Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves” project:
1. The project was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
2. It is implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India.
3. The project aims to address threats faced by tigers living outside designated reserves.
4. The highest number of human fatalities due to tiger conflicts between 2020–24 occurred in Kerala.
Which of the above statements are correct?

(A) 1 and 3 only
(B) 1, 2, and 3 only
(C) 2 and 4 only
(D) 1, 3, and 4 only

Show Answer

Answer: A.

Current Context: Recent reports indicate that 30% of India’s estimated 3,682 tigers live outside designated reserves, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict and poaching threats.

To tackle this, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has launched the “Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves” project with an allocated budget of ₹176.45 crore until 2026-27.

Key Concerns

Tigers outside reserves often enter human settlements, attack livestock, and face poaching risks.
Conflict-prone areas include Wayanad, Chandrapur, and Pilibhit.
2020-2024: 378 human fatalities due to tiger conflicts, highest in Maharashtra, UP, MP.

Implementation Strategy:

Led by National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Covers 80 forest divisions across 10 states.
Utilizes data from the 2022 Tiger Census & conflict trends.
Additional funding from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority(CAMPA) for afforestation & conservation efforts.

Tiger Population & Distribution

Largest populations found in Central Indian Highlands & Eastern Ghats.
Other key landscapes: Shivalik Hills, Terai plains, Sundarbans.

Which of the following best describes the 9K33 Osa-AK missile system?

(A) A long-range ballistic missile
(B) A low-altitude surface-to-air missile system
(C) A cruise missile used for naval deployment
(D) An anti-tank guided missile

Show Answer

Answer: B.

Current Context: On March 30, 2025, the Indian Army’s Air Defence Corps conducted a live missile-firing exercise at Gopalpur Seawards Firing Ranges, successfully demonstrating the 9K33 Osa-AK missile system’s precision.

Key Facts:

Type: Soviet-origin, low-altitude surface-to-air missile system.
Developed: 1960s, deployed in 1972.
Key Features:
Highly mobile, all-in-one vehicle-mounted system.
Independent detection & engagement of aerial threats.
Historical Context Army Air Defence Corps was formed in 1939, evolving through World War II & modern conflicts, Separated from Regiment of Artillery in 1994.
Exercise Highlights: Conducted by the White Tiger Division.
Global Relevance
Osa-AK is deployed worldwide, including in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Demonstrates combat effectiveness & adaptability.

Who has launched the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025?

(A) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
(B) Ministry of Finance
(C) NITI Aayog & Press Information Bureau
(D) Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)

Show Answer

Answer: C.

Current context: NITI Aayog, in partnership with the Press Information Bureau, has launched the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025, assessing the financial stability of Indian states.

Key Facts

Released by: NITI Aayog & Press Information Bureau.
Purpose: Evaluates fiscal health of 18 major states based on expenditure, revenue, and debt management.
Sub-Indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, Debt Sustainability.
Data Source: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) (2022-23 financial year).

Findings:

Top Performer: Odisha, followed by Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Gujarat.
Debt Concerns: West Bengal & Punjab face high debt-to-GSDP ratios and fiscal stres
Significance: States account for two-thirds of public spending and one-third of total revenue, impacting economic stability.

The GI tag for "Thovalai Manikka Malai" and "Kumbakonam Betel Leaf" is associated with which Indian state?

(A) Kerala
(B) Andhra Pradesh
(C) Tamil Nadu
(D) Karnataka

Show Answer

Answer: C.

Current Context: The Thovalai Manikka Malai (garland) and Kumbakonam Vetrilai (betel leaf) have been granted the Geographical Indications (GI) tag by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Key Points:

Thovalai Manikka Malai: A unique garland crafted exclusively in Thovalai, Tamil Nadu.
Kumbakonam Betel Leaf: Cultivated in Cauvery Delta regions of Thanjavur and Tiruvarur districts.
Historical Significance: The betel leaf has a rich history dating back centuries, commonly grown alongside paddy and sugarcane.

The first Supercritical Thermal Power Project (SCTPP) in Chhattisgarh was recently initiated in which district?

(A) Raipur
(B) Bilaspur
(C) Korba
(D) Durg

Show Answer

Answer: C.

Current Context: On March 30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Chhattisgarh’s first Supercritical Thermal Power Project (SCTPP) in Korba district.

Project Overview:

Location: Korba, Chhattisgarh
Developer: Chhattisgarh State Power Generation Company Limited (CSPGCL).
Investment: ₹15,800 crore
Capacity Addition: 1,320 MW (to existing 1,340 MW)

Supercritical Technology

Higher Efficiency → Less coal, lower emissions
Single-phase operation → No energy loss in phase change
Advanced techniques → Reheating & regeneration for optimal output

Consider the following statements regarding AYUSH initiatives in Himachal Pradesh:
1. A 50-bed integrated AYUSH hospital is being set up in Kangra.
2. The Acharya Charak Yojana provides free AYUSH-based surgeries to low-income patients.
3. Under the Acharya Charak Yojana, free checkups and 150 essential medicines are made available.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2, and 3

Show Answer

Answer: C

Current Context: The Himachal Pradesh government is expanding Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans to enhance healthcare accessibility, along with major investments in medical infrastructure, cancer treatment, dialysis services, and AYUSH facilities.

Key Highlights

Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans Expansion
One center per assembly constituency; two in Lahaul-Spiti.
69 planned, 49 functional, with 4-6 specialist doctors in each.
Equipped with modern medical technology in phases.
Major Healthcare Investments
₹1,700 crore (JICA support) for advanced medical equipment in medical colleges & hospitals.
₹200 crore each for Chamba & Hamirpur medical colleges.
₹45.50 crore for robotic surgery at AIMSS Chamiyana & Tanda Medical College.
Cath Labs for cardiac care in Hamirpur & Mandi Medical Colleges.
10 new Health & Wellness Centers in collaboration with private sector.
Specialized Healthcare Services
Dialysis services in 20 hospitals, expanding to all 69 (₹45 crore allocation).
New Cancer Excellence Center in Hamirpur.
New Cancer Hospital & Trauma Center at IGMC Shimla.
₹7 lakh per patient for free cancer treatment & Trastuzumab vaccine.
Free insulin pumps for youth up to 27 years.
Healthcare Accessibility & Outreach
Rogi Mitra Yojana: 1,000 Rogi Mitras to assist patients in health institutions.
Mukhyamantri Vruddhajan Care Scheme: Home health checkups for citizens above 70 years.
School Health Program: Regular student health checkups & counseling.
25 Advanced Life Support Ambulances for emergency services.
AYUSH & Traditional Medicine
Integrated 50-bed AYUSH hospital in Kangra.
Acharya Charak Yojana: 150 free medicines & free checkups in AYUSH hospitals.