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1. After Telangana, which state government has banned mayonnaise made from raw eggs, citing public health risks?
a. Bihar
b. UP
c. Tamil Nadu
d. Karnataka
Answer: c. Tamil Nadu
– The Tamil Nadu government has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution, and sale of mayonnaise made with raw eggs, citing public health risks.
– This ban came into effect on April 8, 2025, and will remain in force for one year.
– However, there is no ban on mayonnaise made without eggs.
What is Mayonnaise?
– In the government notification that bans mayonnaise, the condiment is described as a “semi-solid mixture containing egg yolk, vegetable oil, vinegar, and other spices.”
– Traditionally, mayonnaise consists of three core ingredients: oil, egg yolk, and usually lemon juice or vinegar.
– Egg yolk (and some seasoning, if desired) is blended with oil to form a thick yellow sauce. White vinegar is also added to it.
About Mayonnaise
– Mayonnaise originated either in France or Spain — there are many conflicting stories about its origins.
– But today, it is a ubiquitous ingredient in fast food around the world.
– From being used as a spread in sandwiches or burgers to being served with diverse foods like momos, its use has greatly expanded.
Why can raw eggs be dangerous?
– Eggs can contain various pathogens, which are usually neutralized through the cooking process (using heat).
– However, mayonnaise uses raw eggs.
– The Tamil Nadu government notification states: “Mayonnaise made with raw eggs is a high-risk food as it can cause food poisoning.”
– This is especially relevant in Indian conditions, where the combination of hot and humid weather with “improper preparation and storage” increases the risk of contamination by microorganisms — particularly Salmonella and E. coli.
Telangana has also imposed a ban
– Tamil Nadu is not the first state to ban egg-based mayonnaise — Telangana had imposed a one-year ban in November last year.
– Tamil Nadu’s decision follows similar bans on gutkha and pan masala, which are considered hazardous food products.
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2. Who is the joint host country of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)?
a. France and Netherlands
b. UK and Germany
c. India and France
d. France and Costa Rica
Answer: d. France and Costa Rica (Venue: Nice, France)
When and Where
– Date: June 9 to 13, 2025
– Location: Nice, France
– Organizers: Jointly hosted by the governments of France and Costa Rica
Where was it held previously?
– 2022: Lisbon, Portugal
– 2027: New York, USA
Theme of UNOC3
– The main theme of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) is:
“Scaling up action and mobilizing all stakeholders to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”
Objectives of UNOC3
– To promote the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, marine ecosystems, and resources.
– To support urgent and enhanced action for the implementation of SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
– To build better coordination between marine science and policy-making.
What will happen at the conference?
– Representatives from all 193 UN member states will discuss marine-related issues.
Why is this important?
– Role of Oceans: Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and play a crucial role in climate regulation, biodiversity, food security, and economic activities.
– Challenges: Marine ecosystems are under threat due to climate change, pollution, and overexploitation.
– Need for Global Cooperation: Addressing ocean-related issues is not possible without global cooperation and coordination.
– According to a study published in the journal Science, more than eight million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year.
India and the Global Community’s Role
– The Indian subcontinent is surrounded by the sea, and nearly one-third of India’s population lives in coastal areas.
– With an 11,098-kilometre-long coastline (previously estimated at 7,516.6 km), India is one of the countries most directly affected by the ocean in terms of daily life, economy, and environment.
– This has been recognized in the Government of India’s Vision 2030, which identifies the blue economy as one of the ten key dimensions of growth.
– As a maritime nation, India will actively participate in the conference. Its role will be crucial in controlling marine pollution, ensuring sustainable fisheries management, and conserving marine biodiversity.
– One in three people depends on the ocean for their livelihood, yet the ocean is under threat. This is an area that remains largely unexplored, and lacks the global governance and funding needed for its protection.
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3. Which neighbouring country closed its airspace for Indian aircraft in April 2025?
a. Bangladesh
b. Pakistan
c. Sri Lanka
d. Myanmar
Answer: b. Pakistan
– A terrorist attack occurred in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, resulting in the death of 26 people.
– Following this, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty.
– In response, Pakistan suspended the Shimla Agreement and closed its airspace to Indian aircraft.
Impact on Indian Flights
– Indian airlines have had to reroute their flights to Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
– Now, these flights travel south of Pakistan over the Arabian Sea, increasing travel time by up to 4 hours.
– Many long-haul flights now require refueling stops in European cities such as Vienna and Copenhagen.
– For example, the Toronto–Delhi flight now takes up to 15 hours instead of the usual 13.
– Air India flights from San Francisco and Toronto have been diverted to Copenhagen and Abu Dhabi, causing delays of 9 to 10 hours for passengers.
– The closure of Pakistani airspace for Indian aircraft has led to increased operational costs, longer flight durations, and significant delays for Indian airlines.
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4. When is world veterinary day celebrated?
a. First Saturday of April
b. Second Saturday of April
c. Third Saturday of April
d. Last Saturday of April
Answer: d. Last Saturday of April (26 April in the year 2025)
Theme 2025
– Animal Health Takes a Team
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5. When is International Dance Day celebrated?
a. 25 April
b. 27 April
c. 28 April
d. 29 April
Answer: d. 29 April
– The value and importance of dance is celebrated.
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6. With which country did the Indian government sign an agreement to purchase 26 Marine Rafale fighter jets worth Rs 63 thousand crores?
a. Germany
b. Sweden
c. France
d. USA
Answer: c. France
– On April 28, 2025, India signed an agreement with France worth ₹630 billion (USD 7.4 billion) to purchase 26 Rafale fighter aircraft.
– Under this deal, France will deliver 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets to the Indian Navy. The twin-seater aircraft are intended for training purposes, while the single-seaters are designed for combat.
– These aircraft will be deployed on INS Vikrant.
– The delivery is expected to be completed by 2030.
– Previously, in September 2016, India had purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Air Force in a deal worth ₹590 billion.
Deployment in the Indian Ocean
– The 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seat trainer Rafale-M jets will be deployed on INS Vikrant to counter China’s presence in the Indian Ocean.
– The Indian Navy will base these jets at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, as their home base.
– Navy’s twin-engine jets are generally more expensive than those used by air forces around the world.
– These jets also feature special landing gear designed for arrested landings on aircraft carriers.
Key Features of the Rafale Marine Fighter Jet
– The Rafale Marine (Rafale-M) is more advanced than the existing Rafale fighter jets in India.
– It is capable of landing in very short distances.
– This capability is known as “Short Take-Off but Arrested Landing” (STOBAR).
– Both variants of Rafale share 85% of their components, meaning there will be minimal issues with spare parts or availability.
– The aircraft weighs 10,600 kg and has a top speed of 1,912 km/h.
– It has a range of 3,700 km and can fly at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.
– It is considered highly effective for anti-ship strikes.
– It is also designed for potential attacks on nuclear facilities.
Why is the Rafale-M Needed?
– The Aviation Facility Complex (AFC) of INS Vikrant was originally designed to support MiG-29 fighter jets.
– MiGs are Russian-made fighter aircraft, which have recently gained attention due to frequent crashes. Therefore, the Indian Navy plans to phase out MiG aircraft entirely over the coming years.
– The persistent issues with MiGs led the Navy to consider replacements — either the Rafale-M or the F/A-18 Super Hornet.
– In 2022, the Navy had stated that although INS Vikrant was designed for the MiG-29, it was actively seeking a better deck-based fighter aircraft as a replacement.
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7. Which Union Territory government launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana, which provides free health cover of Rs 10 lakh to senior citizens aged 70 years or above?
a. Delhi
b. Puducherry
c. Jammu and Kashmir
d. Ladakh
Answer: a. Delhi
– Under AB PM-JAY, 5 lakh rupees will be given by the central government. The remaining 5 lakh rupees will be given by the Delhi government.
– Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced this.
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8. India and which country decided to start Mansarovar Yatra for pilgrims in June 2025 after many years?
a. Pakistan
b. Bangladesh
c. Nepal
d. China
Answer: d. China
About Kailash Mansarovar
– Kailash Mansarovar is one of the most sacred religious sites for Hindus.
– Mount Kailash is believed to be the holy abode of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is considered to be around 30 million years old.
– It also holds deep religious significance for Jain, Buddhist, and Tibetan communities.
– Indian citizens require a visa to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, as Mount Kailash is located in Tibet, which is a part of China.
Three Routes to Kailash Mansarovar
1. Via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand – The journey takes 24 days.
2. Via Nathu La Pass in Sikkim – The journey takes 21 days.
3. Via Shigatse in Tibet – This route takes 13 nights and 14 days.
Two Agreements for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
1. In May 2013, India and China signed the first agreement for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass.
2. In September 2014, the second agreement was signed between India and China for the Yatra via Nathu La Pass.
When Was the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Suspended?
– The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and flight services between India and China have been suspended since 2020.
– In June 2020, the Doklam standoff occurred between India and China.
– The first wave of COVID-19 began in March 2020.
– Before the pandemic, there were 539 flights per month between the two countries.
Note:
– The India-China agreement of 1954 had originally granted permission for the yatra.
– However, the Tibetan uprising in 1959 and the India-China war in 1962 led to the suspension of the pilgrimage.
– The yatra resumed in 1981 after a fresh agreement between India and China.
– It was again halted due to COVID-19. The yatra is now scheduled to resume in June 2025.
Pilgrims Saw Mount Kailash from Indian Territory
– The first group of pilgrims viewed Mount Kailash from within Indian territory in October 2024.
– They sighted the peak from the Old Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand.
– This pass is located at an altitude of 17,000 feet above sea level.
– To view the Kailash peak, pilgrims must trek 2.5 kilometers uphill to reach the Old Lipulekh Pass.
Who Discovered This Spot?
– A few months before October 2024, a team from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) discovered the location from where Mount Kailash is clearly visible.
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9. Who was honored with the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2025?
a. Mukesh Ambani
b. Gautam Adani
c. Kumar Mangalam Birla
d. None of these
Answer: c. Kumar Mangalam Birla
– Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, was conferred with the award on April 24, 2025.
– He received this honor in recognition of his visionary leadership and significant contribution to India’s economic progress.
Who Presents the Award?
– The award is presented by the Mangeshkar family and trust.
– The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award is an annual award given to an individual who has made notable contributions to the nation, its people, and society.
Who Was the First Recipient?
– The award was instituted in memory of Lata Mangeshkar, who passed away on February 6, 2022.
– The first edition of the Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 24, 2022.
– In 2023, the award was conferred upon Asha Bhosale, Lata Mangeshkar’s sister.
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10. Which state government established Tourism Security Force (Paryatan Mitra) in April 2025?
a. Uttar Pradesh
b. Bihar
c. Rajasthan
d. Maharashtra
Answer: d. Maharashtra
– On April 28, 2024, the Maharashtra government announced the formation of the ‘Maharashtra Tourism Security Force (Tourism Mitra)’.
– Its primary responsibility will be to ensure the safety of tourists visiting the state.
– State Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai stated, “This force will be deployed for the security of tourists. Personnel will be given specialized training to guide and protect visitors.”
Pilot Project at Mahabaleshwar Festival
– The Maharashtra Tourism Security Force will be launched on a pilot basis during the Mahabaleshwar Festival, held in Satara from May 1 to 4.
– Personnel will receive necessary training to ensure the safety of tourists.
– To instill a sense of security among visitors and to provide them with essential information about the state’s culture, history, tourist sites, laws, and regulations, the tourism security force will be appointed on a contractual basis.
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