Current Affairs Quiz

Daily Current Affairs Quiz – 18th March 2025

Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 of 18th March 2025. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2025 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) Which two state-owned companies are in the fray for revamping RBI’s currency management infrastructure?

(a) BHEL and ONGC

(b) Engineers India and MECON

(c) HAL and BEL

(d) NTPC and GAIL

(e) SAIL and IRCON


2) Recently, the RBI’s approval allows BRISKPE to facilitate which types of transactions?

(a) Domestic peer-to-peer (P2P) payments

(b) Export and import payments

(c) Stock market transactions

(d) Cryptocurrency trading

(e) Only UPI payments


3) The 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law was organized by which regulatory body?

(a) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

(b) Competition Commission of India (CCI)

(c) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

(d) Ministry of Corporate Affairs

(e) National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)


4) Recently, India’s Participation in the 353rd International Labour Organisation Governing Body Meeting. Who led the Indian delegation at the ILO Governing Body Meeting in March 2025?

(a) Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar

(b) Dr. Jitendra Singh

(c) Ms. Sumita Dawra

(d) Smt. Smriti Irani

(e) Shri Bhupender Yadav


5) Which Indian government entity is providing funding and technical support for the Hyperloop project?

(a) NITI Aayog

(b) Indian Railways Ministry

(c) Ministry of Science and Technology

(d) Ministry of Civil Aviation

(e) Department of Space


6) When did India and New Zealand originally begin discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)?

(a) 2005

(b) 2008

(c) 2010

(d) 2015

(e) 2020


7) Where is the Faya Palaeolandscape, which has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, located?

(a) Saudi Arabia

(b) Oman

(c) Sharjah

(d) Yemen

(e) Qatar


8) What was India’s Wholesale Inflation Rate (WPI) in February 2025?

(a) 1.95%

(b) 2.38%

(c) 2.35%

(d) 3.25%

(e) 4.10%


9) What is the main difference between Chandrayaan-3 and Chandrayaan-5?

(a) Chandrayaan-5 will send a larger rover with advanced instruments

(b) Chandrayaan-5 will explore Mars instead of the Moon

(c) Chandrayaan-5 will focus on asteroid mining

(d) Chandrayaan-5 will return lunar samples to Earth

(e) Chandrayaan-5 will be India’s first crewed Moon mission


10) Recently, the Department of Telecommunications (dot), Unveils 5G innovation Hackathon 2025 with ₹1.5 crore Budget. What is the duration of the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025?

(a) 1 month

(b) 3 months

(c) 6 months

(d) 9 months

(e) 12 months


11) Recently, India’s first Exploration Licence (EL) auction was launched in collaboration with which state government?

(a) Rajasthan

(b) Karnataka

(c) Odisha

(d) Goa

(e) Jharkhand


12) Which two companies are acquiring Magma General Insurance for ₹4,500 crore?

(a) Tata Group & Reliance Industries

(b) Patanjali Ayurved & DS Group

(c) HDFC Bank & ICICI Bank

(d) Adani Group & Bajaj Finserv

(e) LIC & SBI General Insurance


13) Where was the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 held?

(a) Beijing, China

(b) Turin, Italy

(c) Tokyo, Japan

(d) Sochi, Russia

(e) Stockholm, Sweden


14) Recently, the Hockey Jharkhand Wins First-Ever Title at the 15th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2025. Which team did Hockey Jharkhand defeat to win their
first-ever national title?

(a) Hockey Odisha

(b) Hockey Haryana

(c) Hockey Punjab

(d) Hockey Karnataka

(e) Hockey Maharashtra


15) Who was the captain of India Masters in the International Masters League (IML) 2025 final?

(a) Rahul Dravid

(b) Sachin Tendulkar

(c) MS Dhoni

(d) Sourav Ganguly

(e) Virender Sehwag


16) When is Ordnance Factories Day observed in India?

(a) March 16

(b) March 17

(c) March 18

(d) March 19

(e) March 20


17) Renowned Odia poet Ramakanta Rath, who recently passed away, was a recipient of which prestigious award?

(a) Jnanpith Award

(b) Sahitya Akademi Award

(c) Padma Bhushan

(d) Bharat Ratna

(e) Saraswati Samman


18) Who captained the West Indies Masters team in the inaugural IML 2025?

(a) Chris Gayle

(b) Brian Lara

(c) Shivnarine Chanderpaul

(d) Kieron Pollard

(e) Dwayne Bravo


19) When did the RBI introduce guidelines to regulate payment aggregators (PAs) and payment gateways?

(a) 2020

(b) 2018

(c) 2021

(d) 2022

(e) 2023


20) How many printing presses are currently used for banknote production in India?

(a) Two

(b) Three

(c) Four

(d) Five

(e) Six


Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

  • State-owned Engineers India and MECON as well as four private entities are in the fray for the project to comprehensively revamp RBI’s currency management infrastructure in order to cater to future cash needs of the country’s fast growing economy.

Detailed Explanation:

  • State-owned Engineers India and MECON as well as four private entities are in the fray for the project to comprehensively revamp RBI’s currency management infrastructure in order to cater to future cash needs of the country’s fast growing economy.
  • Private entities: Accenture Solutions, Colliers International (India) Property Services, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and The Boston Consulting Group (India)
  • The project aims for a comprehensive modernization of RBI’s currency management system to handle future cash demands in India’s fast-growing economy.
  • As per the EoI document, the scope includes the creation of greenfield currency management centres, implementation of warehouse automation, installation of security and surveillance systems, development of an inventory management system, and establishment of a centralized command centre.


2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

  • BRISKPE has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a payment aggregator for cross-border (PA-CB)
  • The approval allows the company to facilitate both export and import payments under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
  • The authorisation aligns with the RBI’s updated regulatory framework introduced in October 2023.

Detailed Explanation:

  • BRISKPE has received in-principle authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a payment aggregator for cross-border (PA-CB)
  • The approval allows the company to facilitate both export and import payments under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
  • The authorisation aligns with the RBI’s updated regulatory framework introduced in October 2023.
  • The company aims to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in international trade.
  • BRISKPE stated that the approval will enable it to provide seamless solutions for businesses facing inefficiencies in international payments.
  • BRISKPE currently processes around 10,000 export service transactions per month.
  • The company expects transaction volume to increase to 100,000 per month by the end of the next financial year.


3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) organized the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in New Delhi.

Detailed Explanation:

  • The Competition Commission of India (CCI) organized the 10th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law in New Delhi.
  • The event, held annually since 2016, brought together scholars, practitioners, and experts to discuss key developments in competition law and market dynamics.
  • Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State (Corporate Affairs & Road Transport and Highways), delivered the Keynote Address, emphasizing the role of competition law in ensuring fair markets.
  • Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, CCI, highlighted the need for regulators to adapt to technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithmic collusion to ensure market integrity.
  • India’s MSME sector plays a vital role in economic growth, contributing 80% of manufacturing output, 45% of exports, and 30% of GDP.


4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

  • India actively participated in the 353rd Governing Body Meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) held in Geneva, Switzerland (March 10-20, 2025).
  • The Indian delegation, led by Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, highlighted India’s achievements in social protection, fair migration, living wages, and responsible business conduct.

Detailed Explanation:

  • India actively participated in the 353rd Governing Body Meeting of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) held in Geneva, Switzerland (March 10-20, 2025).
  • The Indian delegation, led by Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, highlighted India’s achievements in social protection, fair migration, living wages, and responsible business conduct.
  • India reaffirmed its commitment to labour welfare, social justice, and quality employment generation, while supporting ILO’s key global initiatives.
  • Advocated for social protection, responsible business conduct, living wages, AI, and the future of work.
  • Supported ILO’s Fair Migration Agenda, promoting skills-based migration pathways.
  • Showcased India’s progress in social protection, achieving 48.8% coverage (5% higher than the global average).


5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

  • Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras.
  • The 410-meter-long Hyperloop tube will be the world’s longest high-speed tube.
  • The Indian Railways Ministry is providing funding and technical support.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the Hyperloop testing facility at IIT Madras.
  • The 410-meter-long Hyperloop tube will be the world’s longest high-speed tube.
  • The Indian Railways Ministry is providing funding and technical support.
  • Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai is developing electronic technology for the Hyperloop system.
  • Uses magnetically levitated pods traveling through a near-vacuum tube, reducing air resistance and friction.
  • Supported by Indian Railways, marking a major step in modern transportation infrastructure.
  • ICF Chennai, known for Vande Bharat trains, is leading the development of advanced electronic systems for Hyperloop.


6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

  • India and New Zealand have announced the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, a decade after talks stalled in 2015.
  • Discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) began in April 2010 to enhance trade in goods, services, and investment.

Detailed Explanation:

  • India and New Zealand have announced the resumption of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, a decade after talks stalled in 2015.
  • Discussions on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) began in April 2010 to enhance trade in goods, services, and investment.
  • However, negotiations halted after nine rounds in 2015.
  • Both nations have now agreed to relaunch talks, aiming for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial agreement.
  • The Ministry of Commerce stated that the India-New Zealand FTA negotiations seek to:
  • Achieve balanced trade outcomes
  • Improve market access
  • Strengthen supply chain integration
  • Foster economic resilience and prosperity


7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

  • Sharjah’s Faya Palaeolandscape has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, showcasing 210,000 years of human resilience and adaptation while serving as a vital trade link between Arabia and India.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Sharjah’s Faya Palaeolandscape has been nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, showcasing 210,000 years of human resilience and adaptation while serving as a vital trade link between Arabia and India.
  • The 29,085-hectare site, located 55 km from the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, features the Faya Range, a 20-km limestone ridge that acts as a natural barrier between the Rub’ al-Khali desert and the Dhaid-Madam Plain.
  • Evidence of human habitation during hyper-arid climate phases makes Faya unique.
  • Archaeological and environmental data confirm that early settlers adapted to extreme desert conditions, a phenomenon unparalleled globally.


8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

  • Wholesale Inflation Rate: Increased to 2.38% in February, up from 2.31% in January, 2025.
  • Major Contributors: Inflation rise driven by manufactured food products, textiles, and non-food articles.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Wholesale Inflation Rate: Increased to 2.38% in February, up from 2.31% in January, 2025.
  • Major Contributors: Inflation rise driven by manufactured food products, textiles, and non-food articles.
  • Food Index Decline: Dropped from 7.47% in January to 5.94% in February, providing some relief.
  • Historical Trend: WPI inflation was in double digits for 18 months until September 2022, later declining, briefly turning negative in April 2023 and July 2020.
  • Wholesale Price Index (WPI): Measures inflation at the wholesale level, tracking price movements before goods reach consumers.


9) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

  • The Centre has approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission, which will study the Moon, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan
  • Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Narayanan stated that unlike the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which carried a 25-kg rover (Pragyan), the Chandrayaan-5 mission will carry a 250-kg rover to conduct an in-depth study of the lunar surface.

Detailed Explanation:

  • The Centre has approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission, which will study the Moon, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan
  • Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Narayanan stated that unlike the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which carried a 25-kg rover (Pragyan), the Chandrayaan-5 mission will carry a 250-kg rover to conduct an in-depth study of the lunar surface.
  • The Chandrayaan missions focus on lunar surface exploration:
  • Chandrayaan-1 (2008): Conducted chemical, mineralogical, and photo-geologic mapping of the Moon.
  • Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Achieved 98% mission success, though the lander Vikram could not complete its final descent. However, its high-resolution camera continues to send images.
  • Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successfully demonstrated soft-landing on the Moon’s south pole on August 23, 2023.
  • Narayanan confirmed that Chandrayaan-5 will be conducted in collaboration with Japan.


10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

  • Organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025 is a six-month initiative aimed at developing advanced 5G-powered solutions for societal and industrial challenges.
  • Open to students, startups, and professionals, the hackathon provides mentorship, funding, and access to over 100 5G Use Case Labs, enabling participants to develop scalable technologies.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Organized by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025 is a six-month initiative aimed at developing advanced 5G-powered solutions for societal and industrial challenges.
  • Open to students, startups, and professionals, the hackathon provides mentorship, funding, and access to over 100 5G Use Case Labs, enabling participants to develop scalable technologies.
  • Key focus areas include AI-driven network maintenance, IoT solutions, 5G broadcasting, smart health, agriculture, industrial automation, non-terrestrial networks (NTN), D2M, V2X, and quantum communication.
  • The winner will receive ₹5,00,000, the first runner-up ₹3,00,000, and the second runner-up ₹1,50,000.


11) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

  • The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Goa government, launched India’s first-ever Exploration Licence (EL) auction, marking a major step in unlocking critical and deep-seated mineral reserves.
  • The event was presided over by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.

Detailed Explanation:

  • The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Goa government, launched India’s first-ever Exploration Licence (EL) auction, marking a major step in unlocking critical and deep-seated mineral reserves.
  • The event was presided over by Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
  • It also featured a Roadshow for the fifth tranche of critical mineral block auctions.
  • The AI Hackathon 2025 was inaugurated with the theme “Mineral Targeting using Artificial Intelligence”, aimed at leveraging advanced datasets to identify hidden mineral deposits and drive sustainable mining innovation.
  • Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted that India is opening systematic early-stage exploration through a structured and transparent auction process, which will accelerate mineral discovery, attract investors, and support India’s clean energy and industrial goals.


12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

  • Patanjali Ayurved and DS Group will acquire Magma General Insurance for ₹4,500 crore.
  • Acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals.
  • Magma General Insurance (formerly Magma HDI General Insurance) is majority-owned by Sanoti Properties LLP.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Patanjali Ayurved and DS Group will acquire Magma General Insurance for ₹4,500 crore.
  • Acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals.
  • Magma General Insurance (formerly Magma HDI General Insurance) is majority-owned by Sanoti Properties LLP.
  • Sanoti Properties LLP is jointly held by Adar Poonawalla and Rising Sun Holdings Pvt Ltd.
  • Magma General Insurance offers over 70 products across multiple insurance categories.
  • Reported Gross Written Premium (GWP) of ₹3,295 crore in FY24.
  • Expected GWP for FY25: ₹3,650-3,700 crore.
  • Profit Before Tax for FY25 estimated at ₹20-25 crore.


13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

  • India concluded its campaign at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy, with a total of 33 medals.

Detailed Explanation:

  • India concluded its campaign at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy, with a total of 33 medals.
  • The final day saw India securing 12 more medals, bringing the final tally to:
  • 8 Gold
  • 18 Silver
  • 7 Bronze

Final Medal Breakdown by Sport

 

  • This was the 12th edition of the Special Olympics Winter Games, happening after a long wait of 8 years.


14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

  • Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Haryana in the final at Tau Devi Lal Complex, Panchkula, Haryana.
  • Historic Victory: First-ever national title for Hockey Jharkhand.

Detailed Explanation:

  • Hockey Jharkhand defeated Hockey Haryana in the final at Tau Devi Lal Complex, Panchkula, Haryana.
  • Historic Victory: First-ever national title for Hockey Jharkhand.
  • Score: 1-1 draw in regulation time, followed by a 4-3 win in the penalty shootout.
  • 42nd Minute: Hockey Haryana’s captain, Rani, scored the opening goal.
  • 44th Minute: Pramodni Lakra (Jharkhand) equalized, making it 1-1.


15) Answer: B

  • India Masters emerged triumphant in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a thrilling grand finale at the SVNS International Stadium.
  • Led by the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, the team showcased a clinical performance before a roaring crowd of nearly 50,000 fans and secured a prize money of ₹1 crore.
  • West Indies Masters batted first and posted 148/7 in 20 overs.
  • India Masters chased the target successfully, winning with six wickets in hand and 17 balls remaining.
  • The inaugural IML 2025 was a celebration of cricket’s golden era, reviving the nostalgia of past glories with a star-studded lineup featuring legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara (who led West Indies Masters).


16) Answer: C

  • Ordnance Factories Day 2025 is observed on the 18th March 2025.
  • It is a national event celebrated annually on the 18th of March every year all over India.
  • Purpose : To commemorate the foundation of the first Ordnance Factory in colonial India at Cossipore near Kolkata in 1801.


17) Answer: C

  • ​Renowned Odia poet and Padma Bhushan awardee, Ramakanta Rath, passed away at his residence in Bhubaneswar at the age of 91, marking the end of an era in Odia literature.
  • Born on December 13, 1934, in Cuttack, Rath pursued a master’s degree in English from Ravenshaw University before joining the Indian Administrative Service in 1957.
  • He held several key positions, including serving as the Chief Secretary of Odisha, before retiring in 1992.​


18) Answer: B

  • India Masters emerged triumphant in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a thrilling grand finale at the SVNS International Stadium.
  • Led by the iconic Sachin Tendulkar, the team showcased a clinical performance before a roaring crowd of nearly 50,000 fans and secured a prize money of ₹1 crore.
  • The inaugural IML 2025 was a celebration of cricket’s golden era, reviving the nostalgia of past glories with a star-studded lineup featuring legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara (who led West Indies Masters).


19) Answer: A

  • Online payment aggregators are companies that facilitate online payments by acting as intermediaries between the customer and the merchant.
  • The RBI introduced Guidelines for Regulating PAs and Payment Gateway in March 2020.


20) Answer: C

  • Currently, banknotes are printed at four presses, and coins are minted at four mints.
  • The new banknotes and coins are received at 19 Issue Offices (IOs) across the country and further distributed through 2,800 Currency Chests (CCs) operated by scheduled banks.
  • Many central banks face rising costs and security risks due to increasing banknote volumes.
  • Countries like Austria, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, and the USA have modernized their currency management infrastructure.
  • RBI aims to establish state-of-the-art storage and handling capacity, increase efficiency in currency operations, enhance security standards, and adopt eco-friendly management practices.

This post was last modified on March 19, 2025 1:06 pm