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1. Name the US Vice President, who along with his family arrived on a four-day visit to India on 21 April 2025?
a. Elon Musk
b. Marco Rubio
c. Usha Vance
d. JD Vance
Answer: d. JD Vance
Visit of U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to India
– J.D. Vance’s first visit to India after taking office as Vice President is taking place against the backdrop of a comprehensive tariff regime announced by U.S. – President Donald Trump. This tariff plan has been suspended for 90 days against most countries, including India.
– U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance arrived at Palam Airbase in Delhi at 10 a.m. on April 21, 2025.
– He was accompanied by his Indian-origin wife Usha Chilukuri, their three children (Evan, Vivek, and Mirabel), and a delegation of U.S. government officials.
– Vance was given an official Guard of Honor at the airport, following which he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
– Officials are hopeful that a concrete announcement will be made following the meeting with Mr. Modi, which may include the formal launch of the TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) partnership. This initiative was renamed from the earlier iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) during the Biden administration.
Visit to Jaipur and Agra
– On April 22, Vice President Vance and his wife Usha will visit Jaipur.
– On April 23, they will travel to Agra.
– The Taj Mahal is being specially prepared for Mr. Vance’s visit, as he and his wife are expected to walk through the mausoleum.
– Earlier, in 2020, U.S. President Donald Trump had also visited the Taj Mahal with First Lady Melania Trump.
India Raises Concern Over Student Visa Issues
– According to government sources, India has expressed concern through diplomatic channels over the treatment of Indian students receiving visa cancellation notices.
– The issue was raised just days before U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and senior U.S. State Department officials arrived in Delhi for talks.
– A survey revealed that 50% of those receiving visa cancellation notices were Indian students.
– Meanwhile, the U.S. government has denied specifically targeting Indian students with its actions.
About J.D. Vance
– Born on August 2, 1984, in Ohio, USA, into a Scots-Irish family.
– Vance’s childhood was spent in poverty.
– His parents divorced when he was just a few months old. His mother remarried but divorced again.
– Vance was raised by his grandparents.
Education
– Vance completed high school at Middletown High School in 2003.
– He joined the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as a military journalist until 2007.
– In 2009, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University, and later studied law.
Marriage
– Vance met Usha Chilukuri, an Indian-origin Hindu woman, in law school.
– They got married in 2014 following Hindu customs.
– After marrying Usha, Vance changed his name from James David Hamel to James David Vance, in honor of his grandparents.
– They have three children: sons Evan and Vivek, and daughter Mirabel. All three have come to India for the first time.
Author of a Famous Book
– On June 28, 2016, Vance’s book “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis” was published.
– The book gained widespread attention and was translated into 20 languages.
– In 2020, Netflix adapted the book into a movie directed by acclaimed American filmmaker Ron Howard.
From Trump Critic to Trusted Ally
– In 2016, J.D. Vance was a vocal critic of Trump, calling him an “idiot,” “cultural heroin,” and even a “disgrace.”
– However, his stance later changed, and by 2021, Vance had grown close to Trump.
– On July 15, 2024, Trump announced Vance as his Vice Presidential running mate.
– In January, Trump became President and Vance Vice President.
Controversial Visits
– Before visiting India, J.D. Vance had stirred controversy in several countries during his tours.
– On February 10, 2025, at the “Artificial Intelligence Action Summit” in Paris, France, he warned European countries that if they imposed strict regulations on platforms like “X” or curbed free speech, the U.S. might reconsider its NATO commitments.
– This summit was co-chaired by Indian PM Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron.
– During a visit to Munich, Germany, Vance said that Europe’s biggest threat wasn’t Russia or China, but internal issues. His comment created a tense atmosphere, prompting then-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to say, “It’s not right for others to tell Germany and Europe what they should do.”
– Vance’s visit to Greenland also sparked controversy when he supported Trump’s previous statement that Greenland should become a part of the U.S. His visit there was limited to the U.S. military base.
– On February 28, 2025, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, tensions flared between Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy over a rare minerals deal. The Ukrainian president walked out, and Vance’s stern tone was blamed for the breakdown.
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2. What is the mascot of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025?
a. Sparrow Singh
b. Peepal
c. Gaj Singh
d. Bodhi Tree
Answer: c. Gaj Singh
– For the first time, Khela India Youth Games is being organised in Bihar.
Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025
– Dates: May 4 to May 15, 2025
– Inaugurated by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
– Mascot: ‘Gajsingh’, a mythical creature that is a blend of an elephant and a lion. Its design is inspired by the Pala-period temples of Nalanda and Bodh Gaya. Gajsingh wears a shiny blue and white jersey featuring the official Khelo India logo, along with tri-colored wristbands symbolizing India’s national pride.
Logo Colors:
– Saffron and Green – representing cultural vibrancy.
Participation:
– Around 8,500 athletes and 1,500 technical staff from across the country will take part in the games.
Logo Design Elements:
– Mahabodhi Temple and Nalanda University – symbolizing historical and intellectual pride
– Peepal tree, sparrow, and Ganges river dolphin – promoting environmental awareness
– Madhubani painting and Chhath Puja – reflecting Bihar’s rich cultural heritage
Competition Venue Districts:
– Patna
– Nalanda (Rajgir)
– Gaya
– Bhagalpur
– Begusarai
Note:
– A torch relay is being held across all 38 districts of Bihar between April 15 and May 2.
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3. What is the theme song of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025?
a. Khel Ke Rang, Bihar Ke Sang
b. Khel Khel Me Yuva Umang
c. Youth hain ham, Bihar Ke Rang
d. All of the above
Answer: a. Khel Ke Rang, Bihar Ke Sang
Theme Song:
– Title: “Khel Ke Rang, Bihar Ke Sang”
– Message: Highlights unity, youth power and role of Bihar in national sports.
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4. When is World Liver Day celebrated?
a. 19 April
b. 20 April
c. 21 April
d. 22 April
Answer: a. 19 April
Theme 2025
– Food Is Medicine
Why is the liver important?
– Fights infection and disease
– Removes toxins from the body
– Regulates cholesterol levels
– Makes many essential body proteins
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5. In which country was an agreement reached to set up the headquarters of the International Big Cat Alliance?
a. China
b. Germany
c. USA
d. India
Answer: d. India
– India Signs Historic Agreement with International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
– In April 2025, the Government of India signed a historic agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).
– On behalf of India, P. Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and S.P. Yadav, Director General of the Alliance, signed the agreement.
Financial Support by the Government of India
– A total fund of ₹150 crore has been allocated.
– Duration: From 2023–24 to 2028–29.
– Usage: For infrastructure development, operations, and recurring expenditures.
About the Alliance
– The Union Cabinet approved the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on February 29, 2024.
– However, the alliance was originally announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, marking 50 years of Project Tiger in India.
– The headquarters of the alliance will be in India.
– It will be a coalition of 96 countries where big cats — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma — are found.
Objectives of the Alliance
– The alliance aims to conserve big cats and curb their illegal trade.
– It will serve as a platform to promote wildlife conservation awareness, research and development, resource sharing, capacity building, and dissemination of benchmark practices.
Why Did India Establish the Alliance?
– Because India has extensive experience in big cat conservation, especially with tigers, lions, snow leopards, and leopards.
– India is the only country in the world where tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah coexist in the wild.
– Except for puma and jaguar, India is home to all other major big cats.
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6. When is National Civil Services Day celebrated?
a. 23 April
b. 22 April
c. 21 April
d. 20 April
Answer: c. 21 April
– This day is dedicated to those public servants who work for the progress of the nation.
– In fact, it was on this very day, April 21, 1947, that India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, addressed the newly appointed and formed administrative service officers.
– Sardar Patel delivered his speech in New Delhi, during which he referred to the civil servants as the “Steel Frame of India.”
– This means that civil servants working at various levels of government act as the supporting pillars of the country’s administrative structure.
– Earlier, during British rule, the civil services were known as the Indian Civil Service (ICS), which was later renamed as the All India Services after independence.
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7. To which sanctuary were some cheetahs relocated from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh?
a. Neora Valley National Park
b. Namdapha National Park
c. Ratapani Sanctuary
d. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer: d. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
– The cheetahs had been settled in Kuno National Park for the past two years.
– Two of these cheetahs were recently released into the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
– Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is located in the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts of Madhya Pradesh.
– Three large enclosures have been constructed here, spread across 64 square kilometers.
– The original plan was to bring 6–8 cheetahs from South Africa to GSWS before the summer.
– However, due to delays in negotiations with South Africa, the timeline has now been pushed to September.
Current Status of Cheetahs in India (as of April 2025)
– There are a total of 26 cheetahs in Kuno National Park — 17 in the wild and 9 in enclosures.
– The cheetah reintroduction project began in September 2022, with the arrival of 8 cheetahs from Namibia.
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8. When is World Earth Day celebrated?
a. 24 April
b. 23 April
c. 22 April
d. 21 April
Answer: c. 22 April
Theme 2025
– Our Power, Our Planet
– This day is observed to raise awareness among millions of people about environmental challenges such as climate change, global warming, pollution, and biodiversity conservation.
– In response to the rampant deforestation witnessed during the 1960s and 70s, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin announced the observance of this day at a conference held in September 1969 in Seattle, Washington.
– Later, in 1972, the United Nations officially recognized it as an international day.
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9. Which military leader was elected the new President of the African country Gabon?
a. General Abraham Sultan
b. General Brice Oligie Nguema
c. General Hassan Nasrallah
d. None of these
Answer: b. General Brice Oligie Nguema
– Earlier, in 2023, General Brice Oligui Nguema staged a coup in Gabon.
– He removed Ali Bongo Ondimba from power, who had been president for 14 years.
– Before the coup, Nguema was the head of the Republican Guard and had served as an advisor to both Omar Bongo and his son Ali Bongo.
– Nguema’s rise reflects a growing trend of military leadership in West and Central Africa, where multiple countries have seen military takeovers in recent years.
List : Coups in African countries
Countries and coups
– Gabon : August 2023
– Niger : July 2023
– Burkina Faso : January 2022
– Guinea : September 2021
– Chad : April 2021
– Mali : August 2020
– Sudan : April 2019
Note – On 19 May 2024, there was a failed coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Gabon
– Capital – Libreville
– President – Brice Oligui Nguema
– Currency – Central African CFA Franc
– Neighboring countries – Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon
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10. What was the retail inflation in the country in March 2025?
a. 3.60%
b. 3.34%
c. 5.22%
d. 5.48%
Answer: b. 3.34%
– According to data released in April 2025, India’s retail inflation fell to a seven-month low of 3.34% in March 2025, mainly due to a decline in food prices.
– The fall in food inflation was the primary reason for this drop.
– This is the lowest inflation rate since 2019.
– In the previous month, February 2025, the rate was 3.61%.
Who Releases the Retail Inflation Report?
– The data is released by the NSO (National Statistical Office).
– The NSO functions under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
How is Retail Inflation Calculated?
– Retail inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
– The CPI tracks the price changes of various goods and services including food items, fruits, clothing, footwear, housing, fuel, and electricity.
– As consumers, we purchase goods from the retail market. The CPI reflects the change in prices of these goods and services.
– It essentially measures the average price paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services.
How Does Inflation Affect You?
– Inflation has a direct impact on purchasing power. For example, if the inflation rate is 6%, the value of ₹100 earned will effectively be ₹94.
– That’s why it’s important to make investments keeping inflation in mind, otherwise the value of your money decreases over time.
How Does the RBI Control Inflation?
– To control inflation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates the flow of money (liquidity) in the market.
– For this, the RBI adjusts the repo rate.
– When inflation rises, the RBI increases the repo rate, and when inflation becomes very low, the RBI decreases the repo rate.
Inflation Target Set by the RBI
– The RBI’s target inflation rate is 4%, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, it can vary by 2% either way.
– Therefore, an inflation rate below 2% or above 6% is not considered ideal for the economic growth of the country.
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11. What was India’s wholesale inflation rate in March 2025?
a. 2.31%
b. 2.05%
c. 1.89%
d. 2.37%
Answer: b. 2.05%
– According to data released in April 2025, the Wholesale Price Inflation (WPI) fell to 2.05% in March 2025, down from 2.38% in February 2025.
Who Releases the Wholesale Inflation Report?
– The report is released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
– This department operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
(Note: The Retail Inflation report is issued by the NSO.)
What is Wholesale Inflation?
– Wholesale inflation is based on the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
– The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) refers to the prices at which one business charges another business in the wholesale market.
– These prices are related to wholesale transactions in business.
(Note: Retail Inflation is determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).)
Minister of Commerce and Industry: Piyush Goyal
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