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1. In which neighboring country did an earthquake occur in March 2025, causing devastation as far as Thailand?
a. Nepal
b. China
c. Sri Lanka
d. Myanmar
Answer: d. Myanmar
Important Facts
– When did the earthquake occur in Myanmar: The earthquake struck at 12:50 PM local time on March 28 in Myanmar.
– Epicenter of the earthquake: Near Mandalay (the second largest city in Myanmar).
– Depth of the earthquake: About 10 kilometers.
– Magnitude of the earthquake: The first earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, followed by an aftershock of magnitude 6.4, occurring 11 minutes later in the same area. (An aftershock is generally a smaller earthquake that occurs in the same region after a major earthquake. Aftershocks usually happen due to minor adjustments in the fault lines that slipped during the main earthquake. Aftershocks can continue for days, weeks, or even years after the initial earthquake and can be as intense or stronger than the initial earthquake, affecting already damaged areas.)
– Who predicted the death toll could exceed 10,000 : The United States Geological Survey (USGS).
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– The death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar on Friday may exceed 10,000.
– This is the prediction made by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
– The military government of Myanmar has reported that the number of deaths has already surpassed 1,000.
– The tremors were felt in Thailand, Bangladesh, China, and India.
– This is the largest earthquake in 200 years in Myanmar and Thailand.
– Mandalay, the second-largest city in Myanmar, is near the epicenter of the earthquake. Buildings in Bangkok, Thailand, 650 miles away, also suffered significant damage.
– The earthquake will undoubtedly worsen the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, a country already struggling with a bloody civil war since 2021.
– A bridge on the Irrawaddy River collapsed.
– Buildings in Myanmar’s capital city collapsed, and roads were damaged.
The earthquake released energy equivalent to 334 nuclear explosions.
– According to geologist Jess Phoenix, the earthquake in Myanmar released energy equivalent to 334 nuclear bomb explosions.
– Jess Phoenix stated in an interview with CNN that aftershocks could continue for several months.
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Emergency Declared in Six States of Myanmar
– After the earthquake in Myanmar, the country’s military government declared a state of emergency in six states.
– These areas are: Sagain, Mandalay, Bago, Magway, Shan State (eastern part), and Naypyidaw.
– Military government leader General Min Aung Hlaing reported that 96 people died in Naypyidaw, 18 in Sagaing, and 30 in Kyaukse Township, Mandalay region.
– For the first time, Myanmar’s military government has appealed for international assistance for earthquake relief efforts.
What is the meaning of shallow, medium, and deep earthquakes?
– Shallow earthquakes occur at a depth of 0 to 70 km.
– Medium earthquakes occur at a depth of 70 to 300 km.
– Deep earthquakes occur at a depth of 300 to 700 km.
How Destructive Are Shallow Earthquakes?
– Shallow earthquakes, which occur 5 to 10 kilometers below the surface, cause more damage compared to deeper earthquakes.
– One example of the destructive impact of a shallow earthquake was the 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Indonesia in November 2022, which resulted in more than 160 deaths, hundreds of injuries, building collapses, and terrified residents fleeing for safety on the main island of Java.
– According to the United States Geological Survey, “A shallow earthquake is not always the same everywhere. It depends on factors like distance from the earthquake, the type of soil you’re on, building construction, and other reasons.”
Why Does the Depth of an Earthquake Matter?
– The destructive power of an earthquake depends not only on its magnitude but also on factors like location, distance from the epicenter, and depth.
– Earthquakes can occur near the Earth’s surface or deep underground. According to the United States Geological Survey, most earthquakes happen at shallow depths.
– Shallow earthquakes are generally more damaging than deeper ones. Seismic waves from deep earthquakes have to travel longer distances to reach the surface, which causes their energy to dissipate along the way.
– Earthquakes closer to the surface result in stronger vibrations, almost like “a bomb going off right beneath a city.”
Why Do Earthquakes Occur?
– There are several tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface, and these are resting on molten lava. These plates keep moving.
– The areas where these plates collide the most are called fault lines.
– When the plates collide repeatedly, their edges bend.
– The increasing pressure on these plates causes them to break.
– Afterward, the energy beneath the Earth’s surface seeks an escape, and after enough disturbance, an earthquake occurs.
– Around half a million earthquakes occur on Earth every year.
– Only about 20,000 to 100,000 of these are felt, and approximately 100 cause significant damage.
– The most destructive earthquake occurred in 1960 in Chile, with a magnitude of 9.6, killing around 6,000 people.
– On December 26, 2004, an earthquake off the coast of Indonesia triggered a tsunami in the Indian Ocean, claiming the lives of around 2.3 lakh people.
Speed of Earthquakes and Their Impact:
Richter Scale – Effects
– 0 to 1.9: Only detectable by seismographs.
– 2 to 2.9: Light shaking.
– 3 to 3.9: Shaking similar to a truck passing by.
– 4 to 4.9: Windows may break, and objects hanging on walls may fall.
– 5 to 5.9: Heavy objects like sofas and cabinets may move.
– 6 to 6.9: Building foundations may crack, and upper floors may be damaged.
– 7 to 7.9: Buildings may collapse, and underground pipes may rupture.
– 8 to 8.9: Buildings and large bridges collapse.
– 9 or more: Devastating destruction, the ground will visibly shake, and there is a risk of a tsunami.
Myanmar
– Capital: Naypyidaw
– Military Government Leader: Min Aung Hlaing (Acting President and Prime Minister)
Source: The Hindu | Indian Express | USGS | The New York Times
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2. Which place was declared as “emergency zone” by the Thailand government due to the earthquake in March 2025?
a. Bangkok
b. Chiang Mai
c. Pattaya
d. Kanchanaburi
Answer: a. Bangkok
– The epicenter of the earthquake was in Myanmar, but its major impact was felt in Thailand.
– This is because the Eurasian tectonic plate and the Indian tectonic plate pass through Myanmar and Thailand.
Bangkok – Emergency Zone
– The Prime Minister of Thailand, Phaethongtarn Shinawatra, declared Bangkok as an “emergency zone.”
– After the earthquake, a construction building in Bangkok collapsed.
– The Deputy Governor of Bangkok reported that 101 people went missing from three construction sites.
– The building that collapsed was located in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok.
– The building was being constructed for the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand.
– This 30-story building was in the final stages of construction, with many workers present at the site. It was being built by a private company.
– In Thailand, swimming pools from 30 to 35-story buildings were seen with water sloshing.
– Motorcycles and pedestrians on the streets fell due to the tremors.
– Chandeliers and decorations on walls were swaying.
– People were seen running in panic in hotels, homes, and airports, trying to save themselves.
Thailand
– Capital: Bangkok
– King: Maha Vajiralongkorn
– Prime Minister: Phaethongtarn Shinawatra
Source : The Hindu
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3. Which operation did India launch to rescue people affected by earthquake in Myanmar?
a. Operation Brahma
b. Operation Burma
c. Operation Dost
d. Operation Fast
Answer: a. Operation Brahma
India was one of the first countries to come forward to assist Myanmar after the earthquake.
– India sent relief materials under Operation Brahma.
– As part of Operation Brahma, 15 tons of relief materials, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, sanitation kits, generators, and essential medicines, were dispatched. The first batch has already reached Yangon, Myanmar.
– The relief materials are being handed over to the Myanmar authorities.
Disaster Relief in the Budget
– The Indian government has allocated 64 crore rupees for disaster relief in its 2025-26 budget.
Disaster Relief Operations by India
– Operation Brahma: Relief operation in Myanmar after the 2025 earthquake.
– Operation Dost: Relief operation in Turkey after the 2023 earthquake.
– Operation Maitri: Relief operation in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake.
– Operation Rainbow: Relief operation in Sri Lanka after the 2004 tsunami.
– Operation Castor: Relief operation in the Maldives after the 2004 tsunami.
Other Relief Operations
– Japan (2011 tsunami): NDRF team and relief materials sent.
– Myanmar (2008 Cyclone Nargis): Relief materials were sent.
– United States (2005 Hurricane Katrina): Relief materials sent to cyclone victims.
Some Notable Rescue Operations
– Operation Indravati (2024): During the criminal gang violence in Haiti.
– Operation Ajay (2023): During the Hamas-Israel war.
– Operation Cauvery (2023): During the civil war in Sudan.
– Operation Ganga (2022): After Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
– Operation Rahat (2015): During the conflict in Yemen.
Source : The Hindu | MEA on Social media X
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4. How much loan has the Central Government decided to take through long-term securities in the first half (April – September) of the financial year 2025-26?
a. ₹ 5 lakh crore
b. ₹ 6 lakh crore
c. ₹ 7 lakh crore
d. ₹ 8 lakh crore
Answer: d. ₹ 8 lakh crore
– The Ministry of Finance has made this announcement.
– This amount will be raised to bridge the revenue shortfall.
New Borrowing of 14.82 Lakh Crore for the Entire Financial Year
– The government estimates to borrow a total of 14.82 lakh crore rupees from the market for the financial year 2025-26, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the budget speech.
– Out of this, it is planned to borrow 8 lakh crore rupees (54%) in the first half of the year through securities with long and fixed maturity periods.
– This includes 10,000 crore rupees in government green bonds.
Why is the Government Borrowing?
– The fiscal deficit (the difference between total revenue and total expenditure) for the fiscal year 2025-26 is estimated to be 4.4% of the GDP, compared to 4.8% in the current fiscal year.
– The absolute fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is projected to be 15,68,936 crore rupees.
– To cover the fiscal deficit, the net market borrowing from long-term securities is expected to be 11.54 lakh crore rupees. The remaining amount is expected to come from small savings and other sources.
What kind of loan will the government take
– Market borrowing will be raised through securities with tenures of three, five, seven, 10, 15, 30, 40 and 50 years.
– The share of borrowing (including green bonds) under different maturity periods will be three years (5.3 percent), five years (11.3 percent), seven years (8.2 percent), 10 years (26.2 percent), 15 years (14 percent), 30 years (10.5 percent), 40 years (14 percent) and 50 years (10.5 percent).
Fiscal deficit means = Total Non Debt Expenditure- Total Non Debt Receipts
– Total Non Debt Expenditure means total expenditure without debt
– Total Non Debt Receipts means Revenue Receipts and Capital Receipts without debt
Some figures of income and expenditure in Budget 2025-26
Sources of Income
# 24% : Borrowings and Other Liabilities [16.13 lakh crore]
# 22% : Income Tax
# 18% : GST
# 17% : Corporation Tax
# 9% : Non-Tax Revenue
# 5% : Union Excise Duty
# 4% : Customs
# 1% : Non Debt Capital Receipts
Sources of Expenditure
# 22% : Share of Taxes and Duties to States
# 20% : Interest Payment [11.62 lakh crore]
# 16% : Central Sector Schemes
# 8% : Finance Commission and other transfers
# 8% : Centrally Sponsored Schemes
# 8% : Defence (Defence)
# 6% : Subsidy
# 4% : Pension
# 8% : Other Expenses
Source : The Hindu Businessline
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5. Which state topped the medal tally with a total of 104 medals in Khelo India Para Games 2025?
a. Haryana
b. Tamil Nadu
c. Uttar Pradesh
d. Rajasthan
Answer: a. Haryana
– The second edition of Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025 was held in Delhi in March 2025.
– Held at three major venues: Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium and Karni Singh Shooting Range.
Rank, State, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Total Medals
1, Haryana, 34, 39, 31, 104
2, Tamil Nadu, 28, 19, 27, 74
3, Uttar Pradesh, 23, 21, 20, 64
4, Rajasthan, 22, 18, 24, 64
5, Maharashtra, 18, 13, 12, 43
6, Gujarat, 12, 24, 23, 59
7, Karnataka, 10, 5, 7, 22
8, Delhi, 8, 11, 20, 39
9, Punjab, 8, 2, 5, 15
10, Andhra Pradesh, 4, 8, 3, 15
Source : SportStar (The Hindu)
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6. Lok Sabha passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025, what is the punishment for using fake passport or visa?
a. Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine up to Rs 10 lakh
b. Imprisonment up to 17 years and fine up to Rs 10 lakh
c. Imprisonment up to 27 years and fine up to Rs 10 lakh
d. Imprisonment up to 37 years and fine up to Rs 10 lakh
Answer: a. Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine up to Rs 10 lakh
– Bill Name: Immigration and Foreigners Bill 2025
– The Lok Sabha passed this bill in March 2025.
– The Home Minister stated that this bill will strengthen the country’s security.
Provisions of the Bill
– Any person who intentionally uses or supplies a fake or fraudulent passport or other travel documents or visa to enter, stay in, or leave India will be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of two years, which can be extended up to seven years, along with a fine of at least one lakh rupees, which can be increased to ten lakh rupees.
– Any foreigner entering any area of India without a valid passport or visa or other travel documents, violating the provisions of the law or any rules or orders issued under it, may be punished with imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to five lakh rupees, or both.
– The bill mandates that hotels, universities, other educational institutions, hospitals, and nursing homes must report information about foreigners staying with them to keep track of foreigners who stay longer than the prescribed period.
– This bill gives the central government the authority to control locations where “foreigners frequently visit or stay.”
Proposal to repeal these laws
– Matters relating to foreigners and immigration are currently administered through four laws, which are now proposed to be repealed. All these will be under the new law.
1) Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
2) Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
3) Foreigners Act, 1946
4) Immigration (Carriers Liability) Act, 2000
Source : The Hindu | PRS India (Copy of the Bill)
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7. The Lok Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in March 2025, in this how many nominees will a bank account holder have the right to make?
a. 1
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4
Answer: d. 4
– The Lok Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in March 2025.
– The aim of the bill is to improve governance standards in India’s banking system.
Proposed Amendments to the Following Laws through the Bill:
– RBI Act, 1934
– Banking Regulation Act, 1949
– State Bank of India Act, 1955
– Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970 and 1980
Key Provisions of the Bill
– Definition of Fortnight for Cash Reserves: The definition of a fortnight for cash reserves has been redefined as either 1st to 15th of each month or 16th to the last day of the month, applicable to both scheduled and non-scheduled banks.
– Provision for Nominee: The bill allows bank account holders to appoint up to four nominees instead of just one. These nominees can be appointed either simultaneously or sequentially. However, in the case of bank lockers, nominees can only be added sequentially.
– Sufficient Interest: Based on the current economic conditions, the proposal is to increase the “sufficient interest” for the position of director from 5 lakh rupees to 2 crore rupees.
– Term of Directors in Co-operative Banks: The term of directors (except for the Chairman and full-time directors) in co-operative banks is proposed to be extended from eight years to ten years to align it with the Constitution (97th Amendment) Act, 2011.
Benefits of the Banking Laws Amendment Bill 2024
– Better Governance: The new amendments are expected to improve the quality of audits in public sector banks, thereby strengthening governance standards within the banks.
– Customer Convenience: The provision for multiple nominees simplifies the succession process and reduces incidents of unclaimed deposits.
Source : The Hindu | PRS India (Copy of the bill passed by Lok Sabha)
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8. According to the World Social Security Report 2024-26 of the International Labour Organization (ILO), India’s social security coverage will increase to what in the year 2024?
a. 24.4%
b. 48.8%
c. 50.8%
d. 61.4%
Answer: b. 48.8%
– International Labour Organization (ILO) World Social Security Report 2024-26 was released in March 2025.
– According to this report, India’s social security coverage has doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024.
– This means that 48.8% of India’s population is receiving cash benefits.
Central Government’s Data is Slightly Higher
– However, the Ministry of Labour and Employment of the Indian government has released another figure by looking at social security coverage from a different perspective.
– According to this, 65% of the population (92 crore people) is receiving at least one social security benefit (both cash and in-kind).
– However, if we only consider cash benefits, the figure is 48.8%, as per ILO’s report.
Union Minister’s Statement: The Figure Could Be Higher
– Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has stated that the ILO report has underestimated the figures. He said, “The report does not include in-kind benefits such as food security and housing benefits provided to citizens, nor does it include social security schemes administered by the states. Considering this data, the real social security coverage in India is expected to be much higher.”
What is Social Security Coverage?
– Social Security Coverage refers to the system by which the government or any organization provides economic and social security to citizens.
– Its goal is to reduce the financial impact on families due to various risks in life, such as old age, illness, unemployment, disability, and death.
Key Types of Social Security Schemes
– Pension Scheme: Provides a source of income in old age. (e.g., EPF, NPS, Atal Pension Scheme)
– Health Security: Covers the expenses of illness or accidents. (e.g., Ayushman Bharat, ESI)
– Disability Assistance: Provides financial assistance to disabled individuals.
– Maternity Benefits: Provides economic support during pregnancy and childbirth. (e.g., Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana)
– Life and Accident Insurance: Provides financial security to families. (e.g., PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana)
Scope of Social Security in India
– In India, social security schemes are run by both the government and private organizations. These schemes are available for workers in the unorganized sector as well as employees in the organized sector.
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9. In which state was the military exercise ‘Prachand Prahar’ held in March 2025, in which all three armies participated?
a. Bihar
b. West Bengal
c. Arunachal Pradesh
d. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: c. Arunachal Pradesh
– The Army, Air Force, and Navy participated in this exercise.
– In Arunachal Pradesh, under the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, a Tri-Service Integrated Multi-Domain War Exercise “Prachand Prahar” was conducted.
– The purpose of this exercise was to enhance operational readiness and integration between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while validating an integrated approach for surveillance, command, control, and precision strike capabilities in modern warfare scenarios.
– The exercise included advanced platforms such as long-range reconnaissance aircraft, UAVs, armed helicopters, and space-based assets.
Source : Times of India
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