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Daily Current Affairs
18 April, 2025
1. Which Indian state launched the ‘Bhu Bharati’ portal for land record management?
- A) Maharashtra
- B) Telangana
- C) Karnataka
- D) Gujarat
- E) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B) Telangana Explanation: The Telangana government launched the ‘Bhu Bharati’ portal to digitize and streamline land record management, enhancing transparency and efficiency in land administration.
2. How many blocks were awarded under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) Round-IX to boost India’s energy sector?
- A) 15
- B) 20
- C) 28
- D) 35
- E) 40
Answer: C) 28 Explanation: Under OALP Round-IX, 28 blocks were awarded to various companies, aiming to explore and harness untapped energy resources across India.
3. What unique biological feature of the mantis shrimp is inspiring advancements in phononic shielding mechanisms?
- A) Its vibrant coloration
- B) Its complex eye structure
- C) Its powerful claw strike
- D) Its rapid swimming ability
- E) Its regenerative limbs
Answer: C) Its powerful claw strike Explanation: The mantis shrimp’s claw can deliver extremely fast and forceful strikes. Researchers study its microstructure to develop phononic shielding mechanisms that can absorb and dissipate energy efficiently.
4. What is the primary function of phononic shielding mechanisms inspired by biological structures?
- A) Enhancing optical communication
- B) Improving thermal insulation
- C) Blocking specific sound frequencies
- D) Increasing electrical conductivity
- E) Facilitating chemical reactions
Answer: C) Blocking specific sound frequencies Explanation: Phononic shielding mechanisms are designed to block or control specific sound frequencies, reducing noise and vibrations, which is useful in various engineering applications.
5. Which financial services company received SEBI’s approval to launch mutual fund operations under the name ‘Capitalmind Mutual Fund’?
- A) Groww
- B) Zerodha
- C) Capitalmind Financial Services
- D) Upstox
- E) Paytm Money
Answer: C) Capitalmind Financial Services Explanation: Capitalmind Financial Services, founded by Deepak Shenoy, received SEBI’s approval to launch ‘Capitalmind Mutual Fund’, expanding its offerings in the asset management space.
6. On its 131st foundation day, how many new products did Punjab National Bank (PNB) launch?
- A) 20
- B) 25
- C) 30
- D) 34
- E) 40
Answer: D) 34 Explanation: PNB launched 34 new products on its 131st foundation day, aiming to enhance customer experience and expand its service offerings.
7. What was India’s retail inflation rate in March 2025, marking the lowest since August 2019?
- A) 3.61%
- B) 3.34%
- C) 4.85%
- D) 5.22%
- E) 2.85%
Answer: B) 3.34% Explanation: India’s retail inflation eased to 3.34% in March 2025, the lowest since August 2019, primarily due to a decline in food prices, especially vegetables. This rate is within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range of 2-6%.
8. What was India’s wholesale inflation rate (WPI) for March 2025?
- A) 1.75%
- B) 2.05%
- C) 2.25%
- D) 2.50%
- E) 3.10%
Answer: B) 2.05% Explanation: According to the data, India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation rose to 2.05% in March 2025. This increase was mainly driven by higher food and primary article prices.
9. Which state has received the GI tag for ‘Aduthurai Betel Leaves’?
- A) Kerala
- B) Karnataka
- C) Andhra Pradesh
- D) Tamil Nadu
- E) Odisha
Answer: D) Tamil Nadu Explanation: Tamil Nadu’s ‘Aduthurai Betel Leaves’, known for their unique aroma and taste, have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which will help boost the local farming community and preserve its traditional heritage.
10. Which Indian institute is developing climate-resilient wheat and paddy varieties?
- A) IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute)
- B) ICAR-CSSRI
- C) IRRI India
- D) NIPGR
- E) TNAU
Answer: A) IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) Explanation: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) is working on developing climate-resilient wheat and paddy varieties to counter the adverse effects of climate change on Indian agriculture, such as erratic rainfall and extreme heat.
