The question asks to identify the pair of Union Territories (UTs) that were merged to form a single UT in 2020. This requires knowledge of recent administrative changes in India's Union Territories.
A) Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu — These two Union Territories were indeed merged into a single UT named "Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu" on January 26, 2020, to improve administrative efficiency and reduce duplication of services.
The 13th edition of the joint military exercise 'Ekuverin' 2025 was conducted in which country?
The question asks about the location of the 13th edition of the joint military exercise 'Ekuverin' 2025. This requires knowledge of recent defense exercises between India and other countries.
C) Maldives — The 'Ekuverin' joint military exercise is conducted between India and the Maldives. The 13th edition of this exercise was indeed held in the Maldives in 2023 (the question states 2025, but the 13th edition was in 2023, which is the most recent publicly known one. Assuming the question intends to refer to the most recent or a future edition that would follow the pattern). The exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability and joint operations between the two armies.
The question asks to identify the government initiative primarily focused on the construction of individual household toilets in India. We need to evaluate each option based on its core objectives.
A) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is directly associated with the construction of individual household toilets as its main goal was to achieve an Open Defecation Free (ODF) India by promoting and facilitating the construction and use of toilets.
The question asks for the founding year of the Mauryan Empire by Chandragupta Maurya. This is a factual question requiring knowledge of ancient Indian history, specifically the timeline of major empires.
Chandragupta Maurya founded the Mauryan Empire after overthrowing the Nanda dynasty. Historical sources generally agree that this event occurred around 322 BCE, shortly after Alexander the Great's departure from India.
Correct Option: D) 322 BCE is the widely accepted year for the founding of the Mauryan Empire by Chandragupta Maurya. He overthrew the Nanda dynasty and established his rule, marking a significant period in Indian history.
The question asks for the specific year when the Government of India disinvested a majority stake (51%) in Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) to Sterlite Industries (India) Limited (now Vedanta Limited). This is a factual question related to India's economic reforms and disinvestment policy.
The Government of India disinvested 51% of its shares in Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) to Sterlite Industries (India) Limited in 2001. This was a significant step in the government's privatization drive during that period.
Correct Option: C) 2001The disinvestment of 51% of shares in Bharat Aluminium Company Limited (BALCO) to Sterlite Industries (India) Limited (now Vedanta Limited) occurred in the year 2001. This was a major privatization initiative by the Government of India.
The question asks to identify the recipient of the "Freedom to Publish" award at the 2025 British Book Awards gala. This requires knowledge of recent literary awards and their recipients.
Correct Option: B) Margaret Atwood received the "Freedom to Publish" award at the 2025 British Book Awards gala for her advocacy for free expression and her support for writers at risk.
The question asks to identify the Indian astronaut who is slated to participate in the Axiom Mission-4 to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025 for space agriculture experiments. This requires knowledge of recent space missions and astronaut selections related to India's space program and collaborations.
Correct Option: D) Shubhanshu Shukla is the Indian astronaut-designate who has been selected to participate in the Axiom Mission-4 to the ISS in 2025 to conduct space agriculture experiments. This was a key announcement in early 2024, highlighting India's growing collaboration in human spaceflight.
The question asks to identify a hazardous pesticide that was agreed to be eliminated under the Stockholm Convention in 2025. This requires knowledge of the Stockholm Convention and its listed Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Correct Option: B) Chlorpyrifos was agreed to be eliminated under the Stockholm Convention in 2023, with the elimination coming into effect around 2025.
This question asks for a specific factual detail regarding the number of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India as of a particular date. To answer this, one needs to recall or refer to the latest official data released by relevant government bodies, such as the Ministry of Education or its associated surveys like AISHE (All India Survey on Higher Education).
Correct Option: A) 70,683