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On March 3, 2025, Christian Stocker was officially sworn in as the Federal Chancellor of Austria, marking the beginning of a new era for the country. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, ending a prolonged period of political uncertainty.
A New Coalition Government
Stocker’s appointment comes as part of a newly formed coalition government consisting of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), the Social Democrats (SPÖ), and the liberal Neos party. This coalition aims to address the economic challenges facing the country and implement stricter immigration and extremism measures.
Dubai, March 4, 2025 – India secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final after a thrilling four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at Dubai International Stadium.
Australia Posts 264 in a Competitive Battle
Batting first, Australia posted a total of 264 all out, led by strong performances from skipper Steve Smith and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey, both scoring crucial half-centuries. Given Dubai’s tendency to produce low-scoring matches in this tournament, their total was considered competitive.
Virat Kohli Anchors India’s Chase
Chasing 265, Virat Kohli played a brilliant knock of 84, guiding India’s innings before falling short of finishing the match. KL Rahul ensured India’s victory with an unbeaten 42-run cameo, helping the team reach the target with 11 balls to spare.
India Awaits the Final Battle
With this win, India advances to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand, scheduled for Wednesday, March 6, 2025. The grand finale will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Dubai.
On March 4, 2025, US President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions by imposing significant tariffs on three of America’s largest trading partners—Mexico, Canada, and China. The move sparked immediate retaliation from these countries, raising concerns about global economic stability.
Trump’s Tariff Announcement
Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Mexican and Canadian imports, with a reduced 10% tariff on Canadian energy products. Additionally, he doubled last month’s tariff on Chinese goods, increasing it from 10% to 20%. The decision sent shockwaves through international markets, prompting swift responses from affected nations.
Canada’s Response: Trudeau Rejects US Justification
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the US tariffs, calling them an attack on America’s closest ally and trading partner. He announced that Canada would retaliate with tariffs on over $100 billion worth of US goods within 21 days.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also vowed a strong response, confirming that Mexico would implement retaliatory tariffs to counter the new US trade restrictions.
China Hits Back with Agriculture Tariffs
China, a major importer of US agricultural products, introduced 10% to 15% tariffs on key American exports, including corn, wheat, and soybeans. This move is expected to have a severe impact on US farmers, given that China is their largest buyer.
US Commerce Secretary Signals Possible Compromise
Despite the escalating trade tensions, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at a possible resolution. He suggested that the US might meet Canada and Mexico “in the middle,” with an announcement expected soon. However, he clarified that the tariffs would remain in place until a deal is reached.
Stock Market and Economic Impact
Following Trump’s tariff announcement, US stock markets saw a sharp decline, with investors reacting negatively to the uncertainty. On Monday, Trump stated there was “no room left” for negotiations, further fueling concerns. Most stocks continued to trade lower as the new tariffs took effect.
Economic Impact: A $1.5 Trillion Burden
According to a report from the Yale University Budget Lab, Trump’s tariffs could cost the US economy between $1.4 trillion and $1.5 trillion over the next decade. The study warns that these tariffs will disproportionately affect lower-income Americans, leading to higher consumer prices and economic hardship.
Conclusion: The Future of US Trade Relations
With trade tensions at an all-time high, the global economy faces a period of uncertainty. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the US, Canada, Mexico, and China can negotiate a resolution or if the trade war will escalate further.
Important Ancient History of India GK MCQ questions for Competitive Exams. Topic wise practice set in English from previous year exam question papers of SSC, UPSSSC and other government jobs exams.
Prehistoric Era and Harappan Civilization
Q.1: The social system of the Harappan people was ……………? a) Fairly egalitarian b) Slave-labor based c) Caste-based d) Varna-based
Answer
Answer:a) Fairly egalitarian
Q.2: The houses in the Indus Valley were made of? a) Bricks b) Bamboo c) Stone d) Wood
Answer
Answer: a) Bricks
Q.3: The inhabitants of Harappa were- a) Rural b) Urban c) Nomadic d) Tribal
Answer
Answer: b) Urban
Q.4: The Harappan people were the first to produce which of the following? a) Coins b) Bronze tools c) Cotton d) Barley
Answer
Answer:c) Cotton
Q.5: The Harappan civilization belonged to which age? a) Bronze Age b) Neolithic Age c) Paleolithic Age d) Iron Age
Answer
Answer: a) Bronze Age
Q.6: What was the script of the Indus Valley Civilization? a) Tamil b) Kharosthi c) Unknown d) Brahmi
Answer
Answer: c) Unknown
Q.7: The first ancient city discovered in India was? a) Harappa b) Punjab c) Mohenjo-daro d) Sing
Answer
Answer: a) Harappa
Q.8: Epigraphy refers to a) Study of coins b) Study of inscriptions c) Study of epics d) Study of geography
Answer
Answer: b) Study of inscriptions
Q.9: The discovery of measuring scales proved that the Indus Valley people were familiar with measurement and weighing. Where was this discovery made? a) Kalibangan b) Harappa c) Chanhudaro d) Lothal
Answer
Answer: d) Lothal
Q.10: One of the most significant sculptures of the Indus Valley Civilization was? a) Nataraja b) Dancing girl c) Buddha d) Narasimha
Answer
Answer: b) Dancing girl
Q.11: Who among the following is NOT associated with the study of Harappan culture? a) Charles Masson b) Cunningham c) M. Wheeler d) P. S. Vats
Answer
Answer: d) P. S. Vats
Q.12: Who was the first to discover the Harappan Civilization? a) Sir John Marshall b) R. D. Banerjee c) A. Cunningham d) Daya Ram Sahni
Answer
Answer: d) Daya Ram Sahni
Q.13: Which of the following was the port city of the Indus Valley Civilization? a) Kalibangan b) Lothal c) Ropar d) Mohenjo-daro
Answer
Answer: b) Lothal
Q.14: Which of the following domesticated animals was NOT present in the terracotta figurines of the Indus Valley Civilization? a) Buffalo b) Sheep c) Cow d) Pig
Answer
Answer: c) Cow
Vedic Civilization: Ancient History GK MCQ
Q.15: Which of the following Vedas provides information about the civilization of the ancient Vedic era?
a) Rigveda b) Yajurveda c) Atharvaveda d) Samaveda
Answer
a) Rigveda
Q.16: The primary food of the Vedic Aryans was?
a) Barley and Rice b) Milk and its products c) Rice and Pulses d) Vegetables and Fruits
Answer
b) Milk and its products
Q.17: Which metal was first used by the Vedic people?
a) Silver b) Gold c) Iron d) Copper
Answer
d) Copper
Q.18: The Aryans were successful in their conflicts with pre-Aryans because –
a) They used elephants on a large scale b) They were taller and stronger c) They belonged to an advanced urban culture d) They used chariots driven by horses
Answer
d) They used chariots driven by horses
Q.19: In the Aryan civilization, the stages of life, in ascending order, were –
a) Brahmacharya-Grihastha-Vanaprastha-Sannyasa b) Grihastha-Brahmacharya-Vanaprastha-Sannyasa c) Brahmacharya-Vanaprastha-Sannyasa-Grihastha d) Grihastha-Sannyasa-Vanaprastha-Brahmacharya
Answer
a) Brahmacharya-Grihastha-Vanaprastha-Sannyasa
Q.20: In the early Vedic period, the Varna system was based on –
a) Education b) Birth c) Profession d) Talent
Answer
c) Profession
Q.21: Who was the first European to call ‘Aryans’ a race?
a) Sir William Jones b) H. H. Wilson c) Max Muller d) General Cunningham
Answer
c) Max Muller
Q.22: From where is the famous ‘Gayatri Mantra’ taken?
a) Yajurveda b) Atharvaveda c) Rigveda d) Samaveda
Answer
c) Rigveda
Q.23: Which of the following crafts was not practiced by the Aryans?
a) Pottery b) Jewelry c) Carpentry d) Blacksmithing
Answer
d) Blacksmithing
Q.24: Which of the following learned women challenged the invincible Yajnavalkya in a debate?
a) Ghosha b) Apala c) Maitreyi d) Gargi
Answer
d) Gargi
Buddhism and Jainism
Q.25: Where was Gautam Buddha born?
a) Kushinagar b) Sarnath c) Bodh Gaya d) Lumbini
Answer
d) Lumbini
Q.26: To which clan did Buddha belong?
a) Jnatrika b) Maurya c) Shakya d) Kuru
Answer
c) Shakya
Q.27: Where was the First Buddhist Council held?
a) Vaishali b) Kashmir c) Rajgriha d) Pataliputra
Answer
c) Rajgriha
Q.28: What is the meaning of ‘Buddha’?
a) Enlightened b) Preacher of religion c) Talented d) Powerful
Answer
a) Enlightened
Q.29: Identify the Buddhist literature from the following:
a) Tripitaka b) Upanishads c) Anga d) Aranyakas
Answer
a) Tripitaka
Q.30: Buddhism made a significant impact by connecting two sections of society. These sections were:
a) Merchants and Priests b) Moneylenders and Slaves c) Warriors and Traders d) Women and Shudras
Answer
d) Women and Shudras
Q.31: Where did Buddha deliver his first sermon?
a) Gaya b) Sarnath c) Pataliputra d) Vaishali
Answer
b) Sarnath
Q.32: The Gandhara art style of painting was initiated by which tradition?
a) Hinayana Sect b) Mahayana Sect c) Vaishnavism d) Shaivism
Answer
b) Mahayana Sect
Q.33: Metal coins first appeared during:
a) Harappan Civilization b) Later Vedic Period c) Buddha’s time d) Mauryan Period
Answer
c) Buddha’s time
Q.34: Early Buddhist literature was composed in which language?
a) Pali b) Sanskrit c) Aramaic d) Prakrit
Answer
a) Pali
Q.35: During whose reign was the engraving work in the famous Ajanta caves started?
a) Kadamba b) Satavahana c) Rashtrakuta d) Maratha
Answer
b) Satavahana
Q.36: In Buddhism, the ‘Bull’ is associated with which event of Buddha’s life?
a) Birth b) Great Renunciation c) Enlightenment d) Mahaparinirvana
Answer
a) Birth
Q.37: Where did Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana?
a) Kushinagar b) Kapilavastu c) Pava d) Kundagrama
Answer
a) Kushinagar
Q.38: Where did Buddha attain enlightenment?
a) Sarnath b) Bodh Gaya c) Kapilavastu d) Rajgriha
Answer
b) Bodh Gaya
Q.39: Which religion preaches that “Desire is the root cause of all suffering”?
a) Buddhism b) Jainism c) Sikhism d) Hinduism
Answer
a) Buddhism
Q.40: The Tamil literary masterpiece ‘Jivaka Chintamani’ is associated with which religion?
a) Jain b) Buddh c) Hindu d) Christian
Answer
a) Jainism
Q.41: Who was Mahavira?
a) 21st Tirthankara b) 24th Tirthankara c) 23rd Tirthankara d) 22nd Tirthankara
Answer
b) 24th Tirthankara
Q.42: Who was the mother of Mahavira? a) Yashoda b) Anojja c) Trishala d) Devnandi
Answer
c) Trishala
Q.43: In which Kshatriya clan was Mahavira born? a) Shakya b) Jnatrika c) Mallas d) Licchavi
Answer
b) Jnatrika
Q.44: Who was the famous ruler of ancient India who adopted Jainism in his later years? a) Samudragupta b) Bindusara c) Chandragupta d) Ashoka
Answer
c) Chandragupta
Q.45: Which type of pottery is considered a symbol of the beginning of the second urbanization in India?
a) Painted Grey Ware b) Northern Black Polished Ware c) Ochre-colored Pottery d) Black and Red Ware
Answer
Answer: b) Northern Black Polished Ware
Q.46: Which was the first ruler responsible for the rise of Magadha?
a) Bindusara b) Ajatashatru c) Bimbisara d) Vasudeva
Answer
Answer: c) Bimbisara
Q.47: Who was the teacher of Alexander the Great?
a) Darius b) Cyrus c) Socrates d) Aristotle
Answer
Answer: d) Aristotle
Q.48: Alexander the Great died in 323 BCE in –
a) Persia b) Babylon c) Macedonia d) Taxila
Answer
Answer: b) Babylon
Q.49: In ancient times, which language was used to write source materials?
a) Sanskrit b) Pali c) Brahmi d) Kharosthi
Answer
Answer: a) Sanskrit
Q.50: Which of the following ancient Indian cities was home to the three learned sages Kapila, Gargi, and Maitreya?
a) Kashi b) Mithila c) Ujjayini d) Pataliputra
Answer
Answer: b) Mithila
Q.51: The ‘Mahabhashya’ was written by
a) Gargi b) Manu c) Bana d) Patanjali
Answer
Answer: d) Patanjali
Maurya Period
Q.52: Who succeeded Chandragupta Maurya on the Mauryan throne? a) Bimbisara b) Ashoka c) Bindusara d) Vishnugupta
Answer
Answer: c) Bindusara
Q.53: Which of the following would best describe the Mauryan monarchy under Ashoka?
a) Enlightened despotism b) Centralized autocracy c) Oriental despotism d) Guided democracy
Answer
Answer: b) Centralized autocracy
Q.54: Which of the following was not a part of the Maurya dynasty?
a) Ajatashatru b) Bindusara c) Chandragupta Maurya d) None of the above
Answer
Answer: a) Ajatashatru
Q.55: Who among the following was also known as ‘Devanam Priyadarshi’?
a) Maurya King Ashoka b) Maurya King Chandragupta Maurya c) Gautama Buddha d) Lord Mahavira
Answer
Answer: a) Maurya King Ashoka
Q.56: Which foreign traveler visited India first among the following?
a) Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang) b) Megasthenes c) I-Tsing d) Fa-Hien
Answer
Answer: b) Megasthenes
Q.57: Who wrote ‘Indica’?
a) I-Tsing b) Megasthenes c) Fa-Hien d) Xuanzang (Hieun Tsang)
Answer
Answer: b) Megasthenes
Q.58: Ashoka embraced Buddhism after being influenced by which Buddhist monk?
a) Vishnugupta b) Upagupta c) Brahmagupta d) Brihadratha
Answer
Answer: b) Upagupta
Q.59: Chandragupta Maurya’s famous teacher, Chanakya, was associated with which educational center?
a) Taxila b) Nalanda c) Vikramshila d) Vaishali
Answer
Answer: a) Taxila
Q.60: The impact of the Kalinga War on Ashoka is most evident in
a) Edicts engraved on pillars b) The 13th rock edict c) Inscriptions d) None of the above
Answer
Answer: b) The 13th rock edict
Q.61: In all of his inscriptions, Ashoka consistently used which Prakrit language?
a) Ardha-Magadhi b) Shuraseni c) Magadhi d) Angika
Answer
Answer: a) Ardha-Magadhi
Q.62: Who was the first person to decipher Ashoka’s inscriptions, and when?
a) 1810 – Harry Smith b) 1787 – John Tower c) 1825 – Charles Metcalfe d) 1837 – James Prinsep
Answer
Answer: d) 1837 – James Prinsep
Q.63: Who provided patronage to the Third Buddhist Council?
a) Kanishka b) Ashoka c) Mahakasyapa Upali d) Sabakarni
Answer
Answer: b) Ashoka
Q.64: Which dynasty ruled Magadha after the Maurya dynasty?
a) Satavahana b) Shunga c) Nanda d) Kanva
Answer
Answer: b) Shunga
Post-Mauryan Period
Q.65: Who started the Shaka era, which is used by the Government of India?
a) Kanishka b) Vikramaditya c) Samudragupta d) Ashoka
Answer
a) Kanishka
Q.66: Who initiated the famous ‘Silk Route’ for Indians?
a) Kanishka b) Ashoka c) Harsha d) Fa-Hien
Answer
a) Kanishka
Q.67: Who introduced the ‘Yavanika’ (curtain) in Indian theatre?
a) Shakas b) Parthians c) Greeks d) Kushans
Answer
c) Greeks
Q.68: Charaka was the royal physician of which ruler?
a) Harsha b) Chandragupta Maurya c) Ashoka d) Kanishka
Answer
d) Kanishka
Q.69: The school of art developed by the fusion of Indian and Greek styles during the Kushan period is known by which name?
a) Kushan Art b) Persian Art c) Gandhara Art d) Mughal Art
Answer
c) Gandhara Art
Q.70: In which year did Kanishka ascend the throne?
a) 108 AD b) 78 AD c) 58 AD d) 128 AD
Answer
b) 78 AD
Q.71: Which field saw the greatest development during the Kushan period?
a) Religion b) Art c) Literature d) Architecture
Answer
b) Art
Q.72: Which of the following pairs of authors and books is incorrect?
Author
Book
(a) Vishakhadatta
Mudrarakshasa
(b) Kautilya
Arthashastra
(c) Megasthenes
Indica
(d) Nagarjuna
Dhruvaswamini
Ancient History GK Questions in English
Answer
(d) Nagarjuna, Dhruvaswamini
Q.73: In which museum is the collection of Kushan sculptures most prominently displayed? a) Mathura Museum b) Bombay Museum c) Madras Museum d) Delhi Museum
Answer
a) Mathura Museum
Q.74: Match the following:
(a) Vikram Samvat
1. 248 A.D.
(b) Shaka Samvat
2. 320 A.D.
(c) Kalachuri Samvat
3. 58 B.C.
(d) Gupta Samvat
4. 78 A.D.
a) A1, B2, C3, D4 b) A3, B4, C1, D2 c) A4, B3, C2, D1 d) A2, B1, C4, D3
Answer
b) A3, B4, C1, D2
Q.75: Who discovered the art of paper making in the 2nd century B.C.?
a) The Chinese b) The Romans c) The Greeks d) The Mongols
Answer
a) The Chinese
Q.76: The Gandhara style of sculpture during the Kushan period is a mixture of which of the following? a) Indian-Islamic style b) Indian-Persian style c) Indian-Chinese style d) Indian-Greek (Hellenistic) style
Answer
d) Indian-Greek (Hellenistic) style
Q.77: What is the name of the art style that combines characteristics of Indian and Greek art? a) Shikhar b) Varn c) Nagan d) Gandhara
Answer
d) Gandhara
Q.78: The literary figures during Kanishka’s reign were a) Nagarjuna and Ashvaghosha b) Vasumitra and Ashvaghosha c) Charaka and Sushruta d) Ashvaghosha and Kalidasa
Answer
a) Nagarjuna and Ashvaghosha
Gupta Period
Q.79: Who was the first known Gupta ruler? a) Shri Gupta b) Chandragupta I c) Ghatotkacha d) Kumaragupta I
Answer
a) Shri Gupta
Q.80: Who was the founder of the Gupta era? a) Ghatotkacha b) Shri Gupta c) Chandragupta d) Samudragupta
Answer
c) Chandragupta
Q.81: Which ‘Gupta’ king assumed the title of ‘Vikramaditya’? a) Skandagupta b) Samudragupta c) Chandragupta II d) Kumaragupta
Answer
c) Chandragupta II
Q.82: Which Gupta king stopped the Huns from invading India? a) Kumaragupta b) Samudragupta c) Skandagupta d) Chandragupta
Answer
c) Skandagupta
Q.83: Harishena was the court poet of which of the following kings? a) Ashoka b) Samudragupta c) Chandragupta d) Harshavardhan
Answer
b) Samudragupta
Q.84: India’s trade with the Roman Empire ended with the attack on Rome by whom? a) Arabs b) Hungarians c) Huns d) Turks
Answer
c) Huns
Q.85: Who among the following is called the Napoleon of India due to his conquests? a) Skandagupta b) Chandragupta c) Brahmagupta d) Samudragupta
Answer
d) Samudragupta
Q.86: Which metal coins were issued the most during the Gupta period? a) Gold b) Silver c) Copper d) Iron
Answer
a) Gold
Q.87: Who was the court poet of Kalidasa? a) Chandragupta Maurya b) Samudragupta c) Chandragupta Vikramaditya d) Harsh
Answer
c) Chandragupta Vikramaditya
Q.88: Who among the following was a great astronomer and mathematician during the Gupta rule? a) Bhanugupta b) Vagbhata c) Aryabhata d) Varahamihira
Answer
c) Aryabhata
Q.89: Which of the following literary works is related to classical Sanskrit literature? a) ‘Dhammapada’ b) ‘Vedas’ c) ‘Meghadutam’ d) ‘Dighanikaya’
Answer
c) ‘Meghadutam’
Q.90: Which of the following is not a physician? a) Sushruta b) Charaka c) Charvaka d) Dhanvantari
Answer
c) Charvaka
Q.91: Who discovered the concept of zero? a) Varahamihira b) Aryabhata c) Bhaskara d) None of the above
Answer
b) Aryabhata
South India
Q.92: The Sangam era is associated with the history of which region? a) Banaras b) Allahabad c) Tamil Nadu d) Khajuraho
Answer
c) Tamil Nadu
Q.93: Which Chera king, known as the ‘Lal Chera,’ built the temple of Kannagi? a) Elara b) Karikala c) Senguttuvan d) Nedunjeral Adan
Answer
c) Senguttuvan
Q.94: Where did the Chalukyas establish their empire? a) Far South b) Malwa c) South d) Gujarat
Answer
c) South
Q.95: The caves and rock-cut temples at Ellora represent which religions? a) Only Buddhists b) Buddhists and Jains c) Hindus and Jains d) Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains
Answer
d) Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains
Q.96: Which Chola king carried the Ganges from North to South? a) Rajaraja Chola b) Mahendra c) Rajendra Chola d) Parantaka
Answer
c) Rajendra Chola
Q.97: Who constructed the Virupaksha Temple? a) Chalukyas b) Pallavas c) Vakatakas d) Satavahanas
Answer
a) Chalukyas
Q.98: The caves and rock-cut temples at Ellora are of which religions? a) Hindu and Buddhist b) Buddhist and Jain c) Hindu and Jain d) Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain
Answer
d) Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain
Q.99: Which religion did the Chola kings patronize? a) Jainism b) Buddhism c) Shaivism d) Vaishnavism
Answer
c) Shaivism
Q.100: Which of the following great composers was a ruler of a state? a) Tyagaraja b) Syama Sastri c) Muthuswami Dikshitar d) Swathi Thirunal
Answer
d) Swathi Thirunal
Q.101: Which ancient Indian empire is incorrectly paired with its capital? a) Maurya – Pataliputra b) Pandya – Madurai c) Pallava – Vellore d) Kakatiya – Warangal
Answer
c) Pallava – Vellore
Q.102: Pulakeshin II was the greatest ruler of which dynasty? a) Chalukyas of Kalyani b) Pallavas of Kanchi c) Cholas of Tamil Nadu d) Chalukyas of Vatapi
Answer
d) Chalukyas of Vatapi
Q.103: Which inscription is associated with the Chalukya emperor Pulakeshin II? a) Maski b) Hathigumpha c) Aihole d) Nasik
Answer
c) Aihole
Q.104: The Rath Temples at Mahabalipuram were built during the reign of which Pallava ruler? a) Mahendravarman I b) Narasimhavarman I c) Parameswaravarman I d) Nandivarman I
Answer
b) Narasimhavarman I
Q.105: Which Chola king was the first to conquer Lanka (Sri Lanka)? a) Aditya I b) Rajaraja I c) Rajendra d) Vijayalaya
Answer
b) Rajaraja I
Q.106: The most powerful Chola king to conquer Sri Lanka was- a) Rajaraja I b) Rajendra II c) Rajendra Chola d) Gangai Kondachola
Answer
c) Rajendra Chola
Post-Gupta Era: Ancient Indian History GK MCQ
Q.107: Which university became famous in the Post-Gupta period?
a) Kanchi b) Taxila c) Nalanda d) Vallabhi
Answer
Answer: c) Nalanda
Q.108: Who among the following wrote ‘Harshacharita’?
a) Kalidasa b) Banabhatta c) Valmiki d) Vyasa
Answer
Answer: b) Banabhatta
Q.109: Who was the author of the great romantic drama ‘Kadambari’?
a) Banabhatta b) Harshavardhana c) Bhaskaravardhana d) Bindusara
Answer
Answer: a) Banabhatta
Q.110: Who wrote ‘Prithviraj Raso’ among the following?
a) Bhavabhuti b) Jayadeva c) Chand Bardai d) Banabhatta
Answer
Answer: c) Chand Bardai
Q.111: Which of the following rulers established the famous Vikramashila University for Buddhists?
a) Mahipal b) Devpal c) Gopal d) Dharmapal
Answer
Answer: d) Dharmapal
Q.112: Who among the following was the last Buddhist king, also known as a great scholar and writer of Sanskrit?
a) Kanishka b) Ashoka c) Bimbisara d) Harshavardhana
Answer
Answer: d) Harshavardhana
Q.113: Who built the Khajuraho temples?
a) Holkar b) Scindia c) Bundela Rajputs d) Chandel Rajputs
Answer
Answer: d) Chandel Rajputs
Q.114: Which Rajput ruler among the following founded the city of Bhopal?
a) Prithviraj Chauhan b) Dharmapal c) Raja Bhoj d) Jaychand
Answer
Answer: c) Raja Bhoj
Q.115: During whose reign did Xuanzang visit India?
a) Chandragupta I b) Chandragupta II c) Harshavardhana d) Rudradaman
Answer
Answer: c) Harshavardhana
Q.116: Who was given the title ‘Prince of Pilgrims’?
a) Fa Hien b) I-tsing c) Xuanzang d) Megasthenes
Answer
Answer: c) Xuanzang
Q.117: The two greatest Indian artists, Bitpal and Dhiman, belonged to which period?
a) Pala period b) Gupta period c) Maurya period d) Pathan period
Answer
Answer: a) Pala period
Q.118: In which Indian state is Nalanda University located?
a) Bengal b) Bihar c) Odisha d) Uttar Pradesh
Answer
Answer: b) Bihar
Q.119: Who was the main proponent of the Advaita philosophy? a) Madhvacharya b) Shankaracharya c) Ramakrishna Paramahamsa d) Ramanujacharya
Answer
Answer: b) Shankaracharya
Q.120: Who defeated Harshavardhana?
a) Prabhakar Vardhan b) Pulakeshin II c) Narasimhavarman Pallava d) Shashanka
Answer
Answer: b) Pulakeshin II
Q.121: Who defeated the Arabs in 738 AD?
a) Pratiharas b) Rashtrakutas c) Palas d) Chalukyas
Answer
a) Pratiharas
Q.122: Which of the following was not a center of learning in ancient India? a) Takshashila b) Vikramshila c) Nalanda d) Kaushambi
Answer
d) Kaushambi
Q.123: The Great Stupa of Sanchi is located in a) Uttar Pradesh b) Madhya Pradesh c) Arunachal Pradesh d) Andhra Pradesh
Answer
b) Madhya Pradesh
Q.124: The Kalinga king Kharavela patronized which religion? a) Hinduism (Vaishnavism) b) Shaivism c) Buddhism d) Jainism
In a landmark move for wildlife conservation, the Prime Minister released the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report on March 3, 2025, during the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife held at Sasan Gir, Junagadh district.
Key Highlights of the Riverine Dolphin Estimation 2025
✅ Total Dolphins Counted:6,327 ✅ Survey Coverage:28 rivers across 8 states ✅ Survey Effort:3,150 man-days covering 8,500+ km ✅ Top States with Highest Dolphin Populations:
Indian shot putter Krishna Jayasankar made history at the 2025 Mountain West Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 2, 2025, by becoming the first Indian woman to surpass the 16-metre mark in indoor shot put. She achieved a record-breaking throw of 16.03 metres, surpassing the previous Indian indoor record of 15.54 metres, set by Poornarao Rane at the 2023 American Athletic Conference Indoor Championships.
A Stunning Comeback to Win Bronze
Initially placed fourth, Krishna delivered her best performance in the final round, securing the bronze medal.
Gold: Mya Lesnar (USA)
Silver: Gabby Morns (USA)
Bronze: Krishna Jayasankar (India)
This victory marks a significant milestone in Indian athletics, showcasing Krishna’s immense potential on the international stage.
Breaking Records and Setting New Milestones
Krishna’s previous best indoor shot put throw was 15.03 metres, recorded just last month at the same venue. While her new record is a major achievement, India’s overall women’s shot put record remains 18.41 metres, set by Abha Khatua at the 2024 Federation Cup.
The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 are set to take place from March 9 to 12 in the picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir. This event, initially scheduled for February, was postponed due to insufficient snowfall but is now ready to welcome athletes and spectators alike.
The Games will feature four major snow sports: Alpine Skiing, Ski Mountaineering, Snowboarding, and Nordic Skiing. With over 300 athletes from across the country participating, the event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and sportsmanship.
The Khelo India Winter Games aim to promote winter sports in India by providing athletes with a competitive platform in one of the country’s premier snow destinations. The event will also include cultural programs, night skiing demonstrations, fireworks, and a laser show, making it a memorable experience for all attendees.
The prestigious 97th edition of the Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, celebrating the best in cinema. The grand event saw remarkable wins, emotional speeches, and record-breaking achievements.
Anora Dominates the Oscars
Director Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama Anora emerged as the biggest winner of the night, sweeping five major awards. The film took home accolades for:
Best Picture
Best Director (Sean Baker)
Best Original Screenplay
Best Film Editing
Best Actress (Mikey Madison)
Top Acting Honors
While Emilia Pérez led the nominations with 13 nods, it was The Brutalist’s Adrien Brody who secured the Best Actor Oscar. Mikey Madison’s stellar performance in Anora earned her the Best Actress award.
Supporting Role Triumphs
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), winning her first Oscar in an emotional moment.
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain), recognized for his outstanding performance.
Technical and Creative Achievements
Dune: Part Two took home two major awards for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.
Paul Tazewell made history by winning Best Costume Design for Wicked.
No Other Land received the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature, overcoming early distribution challenges.
Conclave won Best Adapted Screenplay.
The Substance was awarded Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
MCQs on Oscars Awards 2025
Q: Which film won the Best Picture award at the 97th Academy Awards? a) The Brutalist b) Emilia Pérez c) Anora d) Dune: Part Two Answer: c) Anora The prestigious 97th edition of the Academy Awards took place on March 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. Director Sean Baker’s romantic comedy-drama Anora emerged as the biggest winner, sweeping five major awards.
Q: Who won the Best Director award at the Oscars 2025 for his film Anora ? a) Denis Villeneuve b) Sean Baker c) Greta Gerwig d) Christopher Nolan Answer: b) Sean Baker
Q: Which actor won the Best Actor award for his role in The Brutalist? a) Leonardo DiCaprio b) Adrien Brody c) Kieran Culkin d) Timothée Chalamet Answer: b) Adrien Brody
Q: Mikey Madison won Best Actress for which film? a) Emilia Pérez b) Wicked c) Anora d) The Substance Answer: c) Anora
Ramadan commenced in India on Sunday, 2 March 2025, as Muslims across the country began their first day of fasting. The month-long observance started in various other nations as well, following the sighting of the crescent moon.
On Saturday, Maulana Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, the Shahi Imam of Fatehpuri Mosque, along with religious organizations, announced the official start of Ramadan. Due to poor weather conditions, the crescent moon was not visible on Saturday, making Sunday the first fasting day.
Ramadan is observed as a month of fasting from dawn to sunset, concluding with Eid-ul-Fitr. Muslims also participate in special nightly prayers, Tarawih, during which the entire Quran is recited over the month. The fasting period ends with the sighting of the Eid moon, marking the beginning of festivities.
World Wildlife Day, celebrated annually on March 3rd, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of protecting our planet’s diverse flora and fauna. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013, this day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to conserve wildlife and their habitats for future generations.
The Significance of World Wildlife Day
World Wildlife Day highlights the urgent need to combat wildlife crime and promote sustainable use of natural resources. With over 8,000 species of animals and plants at risk of extinction, it is crucial to take action to protect biodiversity and ensure the survival of endangered species.
2025 Theme: “Recovering Key Species for Ecosystem Restoration”
The theme for World Wildlife Day 2025 focuses on recovering key species that play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance. By restoring these species, we can enhance the resilience of ecosystems and promote sustainable development.
On March 2, 2025, India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the final Group A match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This win solidifies India’s dominance as they head into the semifinals.
Match Summary: India vs. New Zealand
India’s Batting Performance After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first. The Men in Blue set a competitive total of 249/9 in 50 overs.
Shreyas Iyer was the top scorer with 79 runs.
Hardik Pandya contributed 45 runs to strengthen India’s innings.
Matt Henry was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 5 wickets.
New Zealand’s Chase and India’s Bowling Brilliance Chasing 250 runs, New Zealand was bowled out for 205 runs in 45.3 overs.
Kane Williamson was the top scorer for the Kiwis with 81 runs.
Varun Chakravarthy delivered a match-winning spell, taking 5 wickets.
Kuldeep Yadav claimed 2 wickets, while Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja took 1 wicket each.
Player of the Match Varun Chakravarthy was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling performance.
Semifinal Implications & Kohli’s Milestone
Both India and New Zealand have already qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinals from Group A.
The winner of this match will face Australia in the semifinals, while the loser will take on South Africa.
This match is historic for Virat Kohli, who is playing his 300th ODI today.
Key Highlights of the Match
✔ India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in a thrilling ODI clash. ✔ Varun Chakravarthy’s 5-wicket haul dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup. ✔ Shreyas Iyer’s 79-run knock played a crucial role in India’s total. ✔ Virat Kohli achieves a career milestone with his 300th ODI appearance. ✔ India tops Group A and is set to face Australia in the semifinals.
On March 2, 2025, Zoe Saldaña made history by winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her outstanding performance in the Spanish-language musical, Emilia Pérez. This monumental victory marks her as the first American of Dominican descent to receive an Academy Award, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in Hollywood.
Zoe Saldaña’s Role in Emilia Pérez
Saldaña delivered a compelling portrayal of Rita Castro, a struggling lawyer hired by a Mexican drug lord to facilitate gender-affirming surgery. Her performance captivated both audiences and critics, showcasing her remarkable versatility and emotional depth. The film, celebrated for its unique narrative and powerful storytelling, gained widespread acclaim, contributing to Saldaña’s success this awards season.
Emotional Acceptance Speech
During her heartfelt acceptance speech, Saldaña thanked her family, cast, and crew, dedicating the award to her grandmother, who immigrated to the United States in 1961. She also acknowledged the strong women who shaped her journey and emphasized the importance of immigrant representation in Hollywood. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents,” she declared, inspiring many with her words.
A Winning Streak in Awards Season
Saldaña’s Oscar win follows an impressive awards season, where she also secured victories at the:
Golden Globe Awards
BAFTAs
Critics Choice Awards
Screen Actors Guild Awards
Her success in Emilia Pérez cements her place in cinematic history and highlights the growing impact of diverse storytelling in Hollywood.
Other Notable Oscar Wins
In addition to Saldaña’s triumph, Kieran Culkin won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in A Real Pain.
An avalanche struck near Mana village in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, trapping 57 Border Roads Organisation (BRO) workers. As of February 28, 2025, 32 workers have been safely rescued, while 25 remain trapped, with ongoing rescue operations.
Rescue Efforts: Uttarakhand Disaster Management Department is conducting relief operations on a war footing.
The avalanche occurred six kilometers from Badrinath Dham, affecting a GREF camp of BRO. Search and rescue operations continue to save the remaining trapped workers.
India’s economy grew by 6.2% in real terms during the October-December quarter of 2024-25, according to official data released on 28 February 2025. This growth was higher than the 5.6% recorded in the previous quarter but below the 6.8% forecast by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The weaker-than-expected growth is attributed to sluggish consumption and stock market performance.
The RBI’s GDP growth projection for 2024-25 is 6.6%, with the economy expected to grow by 7.2% in the January-March quarter. India’s real GDP growth for 2024-25 is estimated at 6.5%, lower than the 8.2% growth in 2023-24. Nominal GDP is projected to grow at 9.7% in 2024-25.
India remained the fastest-growing major economy, with 8.2% growth in 2023-24, following 7.2% in 2022-23 and 8.7% in 2021-22. The World Bank emphasized the need for 7.8% average growth over the next 22 years for India to become a developed nation by 2047, requiring bold reforms and effective execution.
The Indian stock market experienced a sharp decline on February 28, 2025, due to weak global cues and escalating trade tensions. The Sensex plunged 1,414 points (1.9%) to close at 73,198, marking a monthly loss of 4,303 points (5.6%) and a 15% drop from its all-time high. Similarly, the Nifty 50 fell 420 points (1.86%) to settle at 22,125, recording a 5.9% decline in February and a 16% drop from its peak.
The downturn followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on Canada, Mexico (starting March 4), and an additional 10% on China, triggering fears of a global trade war. The sell-off was broad-based, with all sectoral indices closing in the red. IndusInd Bank (-7%) led the losses, followed by Tech Mahindra, Tata Motors, Infosys, and Nestle India (-4% to -6%). Only HDFC Bank (+2%) managed to gain.
IT and auto stocks suffered the most, falling 4% each, while FMCG, healthcare, and capital goods declined over 2%. The BSE MidCap and SmallCap indices dropped over 2%, with the SmallCap index recording its steepest monthly fall in five years.
Investor sentiment remained highly negative, with 3,248 stocks declining out of 4,081 traded, and 476 hitting lower circuit limits. Analysts predict Nifty support at 21,800-22,000, with further downside risks if breached.
On February 28, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump clashed publicly at the White House over Ukraine’s war with Russia. Zelenskiy sought U.S. support, but Trump and Vice President JD Vance pushed for diplomacy, with Trump accusing Zelenskiy of disrespecting the U.S. and being unwilling to make peace.
Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. support unless Ukraine negotiated with Russia, telling Zelenskiy, “You don’t have the cards.” Zelenskiy refused to compromise with “a killer” like Putin, while Vance criticized him for not showing gratitude.
A natural resources deal between Ukraine and the U.S. was left unsigned. The agreement would have given the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth but lacked security guarantees, disappointing Kyiv. Trump argued that U.S. business presence would serve as a guarantee.
Trump’s shift away from European security commitments has alarmed Kyiv and its allies, raising fears that Ukraine could be forced into a Russia-favored peace deal. Trump, aiming to end the war and improve U.S.-Russia relations, criticized Zelenskiy’s leadership, calling him a “dictator.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in India on February 27, 2025 for a two-day visit to strengthen India-EU bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defense, and clean energy.
Key Highlights:
Held talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi on the India-EU free trade deal, tariffs on goods, and defense exports.
Discussions aimed at finalizing a new strategic partnership roadmap to be unveiled at the India-EU Summit later in 2025.
Stressed India’s role as a strategic ally for Europe amid global conflicts and competition.
Met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other senior officials.
National Science Day is celebrated annually on February 28 in India to honor the discovery of the Raman Effect by the Indian physicist Sir C.V. Raman on this day in 1928. The celebration of this day highlights the importance of science and its role in society.
Historical Background: National Science Day was first celebrated in 1987, after the Government of India accepted a proposal from the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) to mark this occasion. The day serves as a tribute to Sir C.V. Raman, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his groundbreaking work in the field of light scattering.
The 10th edition of the India International Dance and Music Festival, themed “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family), was held from February 22 to February 27, 2025, in New Delhi. It was organized by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) in collaboration with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) at Baansera Park on the banks of the Yamuna River.
The festival showcased a diverse array of dance and music performances from artists around the world. Participants from countries including India, Russia, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Fiji, Malaysia, Maldives, Vietnam, South Africa, and Rwanda highlighted their rich cultural heritage, promoting cross-cultural understanding and artistic collaboration.
The theme, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” emphasized global unity and harmony. The event also marked the ecological revival of the Yamuna floodplain, symbolizing the confluence of culture and nature. With thousands of attendees, the festival was a resounding success, embodying the spirit of global togetherness and cultural exchange.
On February 27, 2025, Tuhin Kanta Pandey was appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch. Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, brings extensive experience in financial and economic policy to his new role.
As the 11th chairman of SEBI, Pandey will serve a three-year term, during which he is expected to focus on enhancing market transparency, investor protection, and the overall stability of the financial markets.
Pandey’s predecessor, Madhabi Puri Buch, was the first woman to lead SEBI and served a three-year term that concluded on February 28, 2025. Her tenure was marked by significant regulatory advancements and initiatives aimed at strengthening the financial ecosystem in India.
On February 27, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the White House to finalize a significant minerals agreement with the United States. This deal grants the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits, which are crucial for industries such as aerospace, defense, and nuclear.
President Donald Trump, who announced the visit, emphasized that the agreement would help the U.S. recoup some of the financial aid provided to Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump framed the deal as a way for Kyiv to repay the U.S. for the support it has received, while also strengthening ties between the two nations.
However, Zelenskyy insisted on security guarantees before finalizing the agreement, highlighting the importance of continued U.S. military support for Ukraine. The framework of the economic deal had been established, but the full agreement hinged on the upcoming talks in Washington.
The minerals deal represents a preliminary step toward a comprehensive package that will require ratification by the Ukrainian parliament. As the two leaders continue their discussions, the world watches closely to see how this agreement will shape the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025 was held on February 25-26, 2025, in Guwahati, Assam. This summit aimed to position Assam as a premier investment destination in India and Southeast Asia, showcasing the state’s potential across various sectors.
Key Highlights:
Investment Proposals: The summit concluded with investment proposals worth Rs 10,785 crore signed across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, hospitality, and green energy.
Major Announcements: The Adani Group announced a massive Rs 50,000 crore investment in Assam, focusing on airports, aero-cities, city gas distribution, power transmission, cement, and road projects. Additionally, the Central government pledged Rs 1 lakh crore for infrastructure development in sectors such as road transport, railway connectivity, waterways enhancement, and air connectivity.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): A total of 164 MoUs were signed across 15 sectors, reflecting the growing confidence of industry leaders in Assam’s economic potential. Notable agreements included investments in data centers, super-specialty hospitals, cement plants, hydrogen and steam generation plants, eco-resorts, and manufacturing plants.
International Collaborations: The summit also saw several international collaborations, including an MoU with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for developmental support in health and agriculture. Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry signed an agreement to cooperate on nursing talent skills, while Japanese companies committed to establishing skill training institutes and language centers.
Government Support: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the summit, emphasizing Assam’s strategic importance and its role in India’s growth story. He highlighted the state’s dynamic workforce, rapid growth, and the government’s commitment to promoting industry and ease of doing business.
Over ₹10 lakh crore in loans have been provided under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), benefiting 7.72 crore farmers. KCC offers timely and affordable credit for agricultural inputs.
The government provides a 1.5% interest subvention on short-term agricultural loans up to ₹3 lakh, reducing the interest rate to 7% per annum. Additionally, a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive lowers the effective interest rate to 4% for timely repayments.
The total loan amount under KCC has more than doubled from ₹4.26 lakh crore in 2014 to over ₹10 lakh crore in December 2024.
DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The missile was launched from an Indian Naval Seaking Helicopter and demonstrated its capability against ship targets.
The missile, equipped with an Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red Seeker, achieved a direct hit in sea-skimming mode. It also demonstrated a high-bandwidth two-way datalink for live image transmission and advanced mid-course guidance systems, including a Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based INS, Radio Altimeter, and Electro-Mechanical actuators.
The United States has announced the introduction of the Gold Card Investor Visa Programme, a new initiative aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals to invest in the country. This programme, announced by President Donald Trump on February 25, 2025, is set to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program.
Under the Gold Card Investor Visa Programme, foreign investors can obtain permanent residency in the United States by making a $5 million investment (Rs 43.5 Crore Approximately). This investment will grant them Green Card privileges and provide a pathway to U.S. citizenship. The programme is designed to streamline the process for wealthy individuals to gain residency, with the aim of stimulating the U.S. economy through their investments.
Unlike the EB-5 program, which required investments in American businesses and the creation of jobs, the Gold Card Visa will not have such requirements. Instead, it allows for a direct purchase of a Green Card by paying a flat fee to the U.S. government. This change is expected to reduce the risks of fraud and misuse that were associated with the EB-5 program.
The Gold Card Investor Visa Programme is anticipated to bring significant revenue to the U.S. government and attract business leaders capable of creating jobs and driving economic growth. However, it has also raised concerns about the ethical implications of putting American citizenship on sale and potentially favoring wealthy individuals over skilled professionals.
The programme is expected to launch in the coming weeks, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administering and regulating the issuance of the Gold Card.
The Mahakumbh, a grand spiritual gathering that takes place once every 12 years, culminated on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri, February 26, 2025. This 45-day event, which began on January 13 (Paush Purnima), saw millions of devotees from across India and beyond converge at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj.
Mahashivratri, a significant day in Hinduism, commemorates the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It holds special importance in the context of the Kumbh Mela, as it is believed that bathing in the holy waters on this day cleanses one of past sins and paves the way for spiritual liberation.
The Mahakumbh 2025 witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with over 64 crore pilgrims participating in the event. The final day saw a massive influx of devotees, with over 41.11 lakh people taking a holy dip at the Sangam by 6 am. The event featured grand processions of Naga Sadhus and three ‘Amrit Snans’ (holy baths), adding to the religious fervor.
Despite the grandeur, the Mahakumbh 2025 was also marked by unfortunate incidents, including a deadly stampede on January 29 that claimed 30 lives and injured over 60 people. Several fire incidents and road accidents also occurred as pilgrims traveled to and from the Kumbh.
As the Mahakumbh concluded on Mahashivratri, devotees bid farewell to this historic event, carrying with them blessings, memories, and the hope of returning to the next great gathering.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed a draft policy to conduct two board exams for Class 10 starting from the 2025-26 academic session. According to the proposal:
Exams will be held in two phases: February-March (first phase) and May (second phase).
Class 10 and 12 exams will begin on the first Tuesday after February 15.
The policy aligns with NEP 2020 recommendations, allowing students to take board exams twice a year, with one main attempt and an optional improvement attempt.
Stakeholders have been asked to submit their feedback by the 9th of next month.
Friedrich Merz is set to become the next Chancellor of Germany after winning the early election on February 23, 2025. A veteran politician from Sauerland, western Germany, Merz previously served in the European Parliament (1989) and later in the Bundestag, earning a reputation as a strong speaker.
He is known for advocating liberal economic policies, nuclear power, and reducing bureaucracy. After a period in the private sector, he returned to politics in 2022 and became the leader of the CDU. His victory represents a conservative shift in German politics, with a focus on economic growth and stricter migration policies.
Germany faces economic stagnation and migration concerns, and Merz’s leadership is expected to address these challenges with pro-business reforms and deregulation.
The Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit (GIS) 2025 was held on February 24-25 in Bhopal and aimed to showcase the state’s investment climate and industrial infrastructure. The event attracted global leaders, industrialists, and experts, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the summit and Home Minister Amit Shah attending the closing ceremony.
The summit featured the Madhya Pradesh Experience Zone and Tourism Pavilion, which impressed delegates with digital displays, interactive technology, and virtual reality experiences. Notably, Gautam Adani announced a ₹2.1 lakh crore investment blueprint for Madhya Pradesh, expected to create over 1.2 lakh jobs by 2030. German officials praised the state’s facilities for investors and its ease of doing business.
Overall, the GIS 2025 successfully positioned Madhya Pradesh as a leading destination for global investors, highlighting its commitment to industrial growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme, launched on 24 February, 2019, has completed six years of providing financial assistance to farmers across India. This initiative, aimed at ensuring stability and enhancing crop production, has played a crucial role in reducing agricultural costs and improving farmers’ economic conditions.
Under the PM-KISAN scheme, eligible farmers receive ₹6,000 annually, credited directly to their bank accounts in three installments of ₹2,000 each. This financial aid is transferred through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, eliminating middlemen and ensuring that the rightful benefits reach the farmers without any delays or discrepancies.
Over the past six years, the scheme has disbursed approximately ₹3.5 lakh crore to farmers’ accounts, benefiting millions of small and marginal farmers across the country. The 19th installment of the PM-KISAN financial assistance was recently released, providing over ₹22,000 crore to 9.8 crore farmers, including 2.41 crore female farmers.
The PM-KISAN scheme has not only provided financial support but has also brought respect, prosperity, and new strength to India’s food providers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing their livelihoods through various initiatives, including the PM-KISAN scheme.
In addition to the financial aid, the government has also dedicated 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to the country, further strengthening the support system for agricultural producers. The scheme has significantly contributed to reducing the cost of agriculture, increasing farmers’ access to the market, and improving their income.
