Today in History (April 12^th,1961)

On April 12, 1961, Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first human to orbit the Earth in the Vostok 1 spacecraft. This historic event, which lasted approximately 108 minutes, marked a pivotal moment in the Cold War space race and opened new avenues for human space exploration.

Weekly Current Affairs (30 Mar – 12 April)

1. Where is the Western Ghats located?

1. Northern India
2. Eastern India
3. Tamil Nadu to Gujrat
4. Gujrat to Rajasthan

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The Western Ghats run parallel to the western coast of India, stretching from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu in the south.

2. Which of the following is another name for the Western Ghats?

1. Sahyadri Hills
2. Vindhya Range
3. Aravalli Range
4. Satpura Range

Answer: 1)

Rationale: The Western Ghats are also known as the Sahyadri Hills in local terms. The Western Ghats are indeed known as the Sahyadri Hills in local terms, particularly in Maharashtra.

3. Which state does NOT have a portion of the Western Ghats?

1. Kerala
2. Tamil Nadu
3. Goa
4. West Bengal

Answer: 4)

Rationale: The Western Ghats do not pass through West Bengal. They mainly stretch across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

4. What is the highest peak in the Western Ghats?

1. Anamudi
2. Doddabetta
3. Nilgiri Peak
4. Meesapulimala

Answer: 1)

Rationale: Anamudi, located in Kerala, is the highest peak in the Western Ghats, standing at 2,695 meters.

5. Which river originates from the Western Ghats?

1. Yamuna
2. Godavari
3. Ganga
4. Narmada

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The Godavari, one of India’s major rivers, originates from the Western Ghats in Maharashtra.

6. What type of climate is most commonly found in the Western Ghats?

1. Desert
2. Tropical Monsoon
3. Temperate
4. Alpine

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The Western Ghats experience a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall, particularly on the western side.

7. What is the Eastern Ghats’ local name in Tamil Nadu?

1. Aravallis
2. Nilgiris
3. Kallarinathi
4. Kamban

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The Eastern Ghats are also referred to as “Kallarinathi” in Tamil Nadu, meaning “stony hills.”

8. Which state does NOT have the Eastern Ghats?

1. Andhra Pradesh
2. Odisha
3. Telangana
4. Punjab

Answer: 4)

Rationale: The Eastern Ghats pass through Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Telangana, but do not extend into Punjab.

9. Which is the highest peak in the Eastern Ghats?

1. Jindhagada
2. Mahendragiri
3. Doddabetta
4. Simhachalam

Answer: 1)

Rationale: The highest peak in the Eastern Ghats is Jindhagada Peak. It has an elevation of 1,690 metres. It is located in the Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh. Araku Valley is well known for its natural beauty and coffee plantation.

10. Which of the following forests are found in the Western Ghats?

1. Deciduous forests
2. Tropical rainforests
3. Alpine forests
4. Tundra

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The Western Ghats are home to tropical rainforests, particularly on the western slopes that receive heavy rainfall.

11. Which wildlife sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats?

1. Jim Corbett National Park
2. Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
3. Sundarbans National Park
4. Ranthambhore National Park

Answer: 2)

Rationale: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kerala, is a famous sanctuary in the Western Ghats, known for its elephants and tigers.

12. Which of the following is a major difference between the Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats?

1. The Western Ghats are higher in altitude.
2. The Eastern Ghats receive more rainfall.
3. The Western Ghats are more close to Himalayas
4. The Eastern Ghats are located in the southernmost part of India.

Answer: 1)

Rationale: The Western Ghats are higher and more continuous compared to the Eastern Ghats, which are broken and lower in elevation.

13. Which of these places is located in the Eastern Ghats?

1. Munnar
2. Coorg
3. Puri
4. Kodaikanal

Answer: 3)

Rationale: Puri, located in Odisha, lies near the Eastern Ghats. The other options are associated with the Western Ghats.

14. The biodiversity of the Western Ghats is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What is the main reason for this?

1. Ancient temples
2. Large freshwater lakes
3. Rich flora and fauna
4. Historical ruins

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The Western Ghats are recognized for their exceptional biodiversity, hosting numerous endemic species of plants and animals.

15. Which of these crops is commonly grown in the Western Ghats region?

1. Wheat
2. Coffee
3. Rice
4. Maize

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The Western Ghats, particularly in areas like Coorg, are famous for coffee plantations.

16. What is a major environmental concern affecting both the Western and Eastern Ghats?

1. Urbanization
2. Overgrazing
3. Deforestation
4. Flooding

Answer: 3)

Rationale: Deforestation due to human activities like agriculture and mining is a significant environmental threat to both the Western and Eastern Ghats.

17. Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, also known as ______, passed in the Parliament in April 2025, proposes significant changes to the governance and management of Waqf properties in India.

1. UMEED Bill
2. Muslims religious property bill
3. Muslims property bill
4. None of the above

Answer: 1)

Rationale: Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, also known as UMEED Bill, passed in the Parliament in April 2025, proposes significant changes to the governance and management of Waqf properties in India.

18. Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, also known as UMEED Bill, passed in the Parliament in April 2025. This legislation seeks to amend the Waqf Act of ______

1. 1998
2. 2001
3. 2005
4. 1995

Answer: 4)

Rationale: Waqf Amendment Bill 2025, also known as UMEED Bill, passed in the Parliament in April 2025, proposes significant changes to the governance and management of Waqf properties in India. This legislation seeks to amend the Waqf Act of 1995, aiming to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the administration of Waqf properties while addressing long-standing issues within the system.

19. What does BIMSTEC stand for?

1. Bay of India and South East Cooperation
2. Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
3. Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation
4. Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka Trade Cooperation

Answer: 2)

Rationale: BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, which is a regional organization involving countries around the Bay of Bengal.

20. Which of the following is NOT a member of BIMSTEC?

1. India
2. Nepal
3. Afghanistan
4. Sri Lanka

Answer: 3)

Rationale: Afghanistan is not a member of BIMSTEC. The member countries are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.

21. Where was BIMSTEC founded?

1. New Delhi
2. Kathmandu
3. Bangkok
4. Dhaka

Answer: 3)

Rationale: BIMSTEC was founded in Bangkok, Thailand, in 1997. It was initially known as the “Bangkok Declaration.”

22. Which sector is NOT included in BIMSTEC’s cooperation?

1. Trade and Investment
2. Science and Technology
3. Tourism
4. Military Cooperation

Answer: 4)

Rationale: BIMSTEC focuses on areas such as trade, investment, science, technology, energy, and culture, but it does not focus on military cooperation.

23. Which country hosted the current summit of BIMSTEC in April 2025?

1. India
2. Thailand
3. Bangladesh
4. Sri Lanka

Answer: 1)

Rationale: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by Thailand, the current chair. The theme of the Summit was – “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”. It reflected the priorities of the leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of the BIMSTEC region, as well as the efforts of BIMSTEC in ensuring shared growth in times of global uncertainties.

24. Which of these is the primary goal of BIMSTEC?

1. Political unification of South Asia
2. Promoting economic cooperation and technical cooperation among its members
3. Establishment of a military alliance
4. Joint defense initiatives

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The main goal of BIMSTEC is to promote economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among its member countries for mutual growth.

25. How many countries are part of BIMSTEC?

1. 6
2. 7
3. 8
4. 9

Answer: 2)

Rationale: BIMSTEC has 7 member countries: Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.

26. Which of the following countries is a landlocked member of BIMSTEC?

1. Thailand
2. Nepal
3. Sri Lanka
4. Myanmar

Answer: 2)

Rationale: Nepal is a landlocked country, and it is part of BIMSTEC along with other coastal nations.

27. The Secretariat of BIMSTEC is located in which city?

1. New Delhi
2. Kathmandu
3. Dhaka
4. Bangkok

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh, where administrative work related to the cooperation framework is managed.

28. Which country is NOT located on the Bay of Bengal and is still a member of BIMSTEC?

1. India
2. Sri Lanka
3. Thailand
4. Bhutan

Answer: 2)

Rationale: Bhutan is a landlocked country and does not border the Bay of Bengal, but it is still a member of BIMSTEC due to its geographical, cultural, and economic ties to the region.

29. Which country has the largest economy in BIMSTEC?

1. Sri Lanka
2. Thailand
3. India
4. Bangladesh

Answer: 3)

Rationale: India has the largest economy among the BIMSTEC members and plays a crucial role in shaping the group’s economic agenda.

30. Which of the following countries is a member of BIMSTEC, but not of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation)?

1. Nepal
2. Bhutan
3. Myanmar
4. India

Answer: 3)

Rationale: SAARC has 8 members: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while BIMSTEC has 7 members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

31. What was the original name of BIMSTEC when it was founded in 1997?

1. Bay of Bengal Economic Cooperation
2. South Asian Economic Cooperation
3. Bangladesh-India-Myanmar-Sri Lanka Economic Cooperation
4. Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka Initiative

Answer: 1)

Rationale: The organization was originally called the “Bay of Bengal Economic Cooperation” (BEC) and was later expanded and renamed BIMSTEC.

32. What is the theme of latest BIMSTEC Summit held in Thailand, April 2025?

1. “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”
2. “BIMSTEC: Progressive, Protective and Persistent”
3. “BIMSTEC: Growing, Great and Gently”
4. “BIMSTEC: Open, Omnipotent and Optimistic”

Answer: 1)

Rationale: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today participated in the 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit hosted by Thailand, the current chair. The theme of the Summit was – “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open”. It reflected the priorities of the leaders and the aspirations of the peoples of the BIMSTEC region, as well as the efforts of BIMSTEC in ensuring shared growth in times of global uncertainties.

33. China has retaliated the USA with more export controls on some rare earth elements, find the correct rare earth element from the given below.

1. Gadolinium
2. Plutonium
3. Thorium
4. Hydrogen

Answer: 1)

Rationale: the examples of some rare earth elements are Lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and lutetium (Lu). Plutonium, thorium, hydrogen are not considered as the rare earth elements.

34. Consider the following statements regarding Chang’e 7 Mission.

Find incorrect statement.

1. It is a Chinese Space Agency (CNSA) mission
2. It is to study the Moon
3. It is to study the Sun
4. This mission is planned to launched in 2026

Answer: 3)

Rationale: Chang’e 7 is a Chinese Space Agency (CNSA) mission, aimed at studying the Moon. This mission is planned to launch in 2026 and its objective is to collect data from orbit and surface of the Moon. Several scientific objectives will be accomplished under this mission, which will include studying the Moon’s internal structure, water and vapors, and providing important information about the Moon’s surface and environment. The primary objective of Chang’e-7 is to collect information about the Moon’s internal structure, which includes the study of minerals and elements’ composition, electrical and magnetic fields, heat flow, and gravitational fields.

35. Which country-imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) in February 2025?

1. Russia
2. Mexico
3. S.A.
4. None of these

Answer: 3)

Rationale: In February 2025, the United States, under President Donald Trump, imposed sanctions on the ICC, accusing it of illegitimate actions against U.S. and Israeli citizens. Financial and visa restrictions were part of the sanctions.

36. What was the main reason cited by the U.S. for imposing sanctions on the ICC?

1. ICC supported Russia
2. ICC failed to prosecute war criminals
3. ICC targeted U.S. and Israel in investigations
4. ICC imposed trade restrictions on U.S.

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The executive order claimed the ICC was conducting politically motivated investigations against the United States and its ally Israel, which led to the sanctions.

37. Where is the headquarters of the International Criminal Court located?

1. Geneva, Switzerland
2. New York, USA
3. Vienna, Austria
4. The Hague, Netherlands

Answer: 4)

Rationale: The ICC is based in The Hague, Netherlands. It is a global court that prosecutes individuals for serious crimes like genocide and war crimes.

38. When was the International Criminal Court officially established?

1. 1995
2. 1998
3. 2002
4. 2010

Answer: 3)

Rationale: Though the Rome Statute was signed in 1998, the ICC was officially established in 2002, 1 July, as a permanent international tribunal to try serious crimes under international law.

39. Which of the following countries is not a member of the ICC?

1. France
2. Canada
3. Israel
4. Germany

Answer: 3)

Rationale: Neither Israel nor the United States are members of the ICC. Both have refused to accept the court’s jurisdiction over their nationals.

40. Where was the 1st BIMSTEC Youth Summit, 2025 held?

1. Kathmandu, Nepal
2. Colombo, Sri Lanka
3. Dhaka, Bangladesh
4. Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Answer: 4)

Rationale: The 1st BIMSTEC Youth Summit took place from 7–11 February 2025 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.

41. What was the main theme of the 1st BIMSTEC Youth Summit, 2025?

1. Youth and Innovation in Asia
2. One Youth, One Bay
3. Youth as a bridge for intra-BIMSTEC exchange
4. Strengthening Regional Youth Policy

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The central theme of the summit was “Youth as a bridge for intra-BIMSTEC exchange”, promoting youth collaboration among member nations.

42. Who were the organizers of the 1st BIMSTEC Youth Summit, 2025?

1. Ministry of Home Affairs and CII
2. Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of External Affairs, and CII YI
3. United Nations and Ministry of Culture
4. SAARC Secretariat and Indian Council for Cultural Relations

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The summit was jointly organized by:

• Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
• Ministry of External Affairs
• CII YI (Confederation of Indian Industry – Young Indians)

43. How many BIMSTEC member countries are there?

1. 5
2. 6
3. 7
4. 8

Answer: 3)

Rationale: BIMSTEC has seven member countries: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan.

44. What is the headquarter (secretariat) location of BIMSTEC?

1. New Delhi, India
2. Colombo, Sri Lanka
3. Dhaka, Bangladesh
4. Thimphu, Bhutan

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The BIMSTEC Secretariat is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

45. In which year was BIMSTEC established?

1. 2001
2. 1997
3. 1985
4. 2010

Answer: 2)

Rationale: BIMSTEC was established in 1997 to foster regional cooperation and development among Bay of Bengal countries.

46. Which Indian Prime Minister announced hosting the 1st BIMSTEC Youth Summit during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit?

1. Manmohan Singh
2. Narendra Modi
3. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
4. Rajiv Gandhi

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The announcement for hosting the Youth Summit was made by PM Narendra Modi during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu (Aug 30–31, 2018).

47. Which member of BIMSTEC have no direct connectivity with Bay of Bengal?

1. Thailand, Bangladesh
2. Myanmar, Sri Lanka
3. Nepal, Bhutan
4. India, Bangladesh

Answer: 3)

Rationale: Its full form is Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. It comprises seven member states: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan. Except Nepal and Bhutan all members of BIMSTEC have direct connectivity with Bay of Bengal. Establishment year – 1997. Secretariat – Dhaka, Bangladesh.

48. The 13th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between India and ______. 

1. Nepal
2. Bhutan
3. Sri Lanka
4. Maldives

Answer: 4)

Rationale: The 13th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between the Indian Army and Maldives National Defence Force was organized in February,2025 in Maldives. ‘Ekuverin’, meaning ‘friend’, is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternately in India and the Maldives. It was commenced in 2009.

49. Where was the AI Everything Global 2025 Summit held in February 2025?

1. Doha
2. Abu Dhabi
3. Bengaluru
4. Riyadh

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The AI Everything Global 2025 Summit took place at the Dubai Exhibition Center, Abu Dhabi, UAE, in February 2025.

50. Who organized the AI Everything Global 2025 Summit?

1. United Nations and ITU
2. Dubai World Trade Center and GITEX Global
3. Ministry of AI, India and NASSCOM
4. Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The summit was organized by the Dubai World Trade Center in collaboration with GITEX Global, one of the world’s largest tech expos.

51. What was the main focus of the AI Everything Global 2025 Summit?

1. Promoting digital tourism
2. Launching AI-powered hardware
3. Exploring the transformative potential of AI technologies
4. Building space exploration strategies

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The summit aimed to explore how AI technologies can transform industries and society, with emphasis on ethical and responsible development.

52. What is the title of the official song for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025?

1. Cricket ke Sitare
2. Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke
3. Khel Ka Junoon
4. Game On

Answer: 2)

Rationale: The ICC launched the official song for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 titled “Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke” on 7 February 2025.

53. Who composed the music for the song “Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke”?

1. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
2. Atif Aslam
3. Abdullah Siddiqui
4. Adnan Dhool

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The music for the song was composed by Abdullah Siddiqui, a known Pakistani music producer.

54. Where was the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 held?

1. India and Sri Lanka
2. England and Australia
3. Pakistan and the UAE
4. South Africa and Zimbabwe

Answer: 3)

Rationale: The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 was held in Pakistan and the UAE from 19 February to 9 March 2025.

55. Marcelo has announced his retirement from __ at the age of 36.

1. Cricket
2. Badminton
3. Football
4. Hockey

Answer: 3)

Rationale: Former Real Madrid and Brazil defender Marcelo has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36. Marcelo’s full name is Marcelo Vieira da Silva Junior. Marcelo also had an impressive career with Fluminense in his home country of Brazil, where he helped the team win the Copa Libertadores in 2023.