International Relations Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
During their phone call on 21 August 2025, PM Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their commitment to mark 2026 as the India–France year of what?
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Correct answer: D — Year of Innovation
The leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen the India–France Strategic Partnership and mark 2026 as 'Year of Innovation'.
In the phone call with PM Modi on 21 August 2025, President Macron conveyed support for early conclusion of India's Free Trade Agreement with whom?
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Correct answer: C — European Union
President Macron conveyed support for early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU.
Where did India and the Eurasian Economic Union sign the Terms of Reference to launch FTA negotiations on 20 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Moscow
The Terms of Reference to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement were signed in Moscow on 20 August 2025.
What was the India–EAEU trade turnover in 2024, as noted when the FTA Terms of Reference were signed?
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Correct answer: D — USD 69 billion
Both sides noted India–EAEU trade turnover of USD 69 billion in 2024, a 7 per cent increase over 2023.
Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, with which India signed FTA Terms of Reference in August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Uzbekistan
The EAEU comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation; Uzbekistan is not listed among its members.
Consider the following statements about the India–EAEU FTA Terms of Reference signed in August 2025: 1. It was signed on India's behalf by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. 2. India and the EAEU have a combined GDP of USD 6.5 trillion. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: the ToR was signed by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce. Statement 2 is correct: the release cites a combined GDP of USD 6.5 trillion.
The 6th High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard in Hanoi on 20 August 2025 was held under an MoU on Coast Guard Cooperation signed in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 2015
The meeting was held under the framework of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on Coast Guard Cooperation.
Who co-chaired the 24th round of India–China Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on 19 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ajit Doval
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval co-chaired the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives with Wang Yi during his visit to New Delhi.
At the 24th Special Representatives talks, India and China agreed to set up an Expert Group to explore an 'early harvest' in boundary delimitation under which framework?
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Correct answer: A — Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC)
The MEA statement, as reported, said the two sides agreed to set up an Expert Group under the WMCC to explore early harvest in boundary delimitation.
The India–China Special Representatives talks held in New Delhi on 19 August 2025 were which round of the mechanism?
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Correct answer: C — 24th
PIB and the MEA statement describe the 19 August 2025 meeting co-chaired by Ajit Doval and Wang Yi as the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of the 24th India–China Special Representatives talks: 1. The two sides agreed to create General-level mechanisms in the eastern and middle sectors, in addition to the existing one in the western sector. 2. They agreed to seek a settlement framework in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the MEA statement, as reported, refers to new General-level mechanisms in the eastern and middle sectors alongside the existing western-sector mechanism, and to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.
Consider the following statements about the mechanisms agreed at the 24th India–China Special Representatives talks: 1. The Working Group under the WMCC was set up to explore an early harvest in boundary delimitation. 2. The WMCC, under which the new groups were set up, was created in 2012. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: early harvest in boundary delimitation is the task of the Expert Group, while the Working Group is to advance effective border management. Statement 2 is correct: the WMCC was created in 2012.
INS Tamal arrived at which Greek port on 19 August 2025 during her return passage to India after commissioning in Russia?
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Correct answer: A — Souda Bay
INS Tamal, the latest stealth frigate, arrived at Souda Bay, Greece, on 19 August 2025 during her return passage to India post commissioning in Russia.
During INS Tamal's port call at Souda Bay in August 2025, the crew was to be familiarised with operations at which facility?
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Correct answer: D — NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre
The port call included familiarisation with operations and procedures at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre in Souda Bay.
Wang Yi handed over President Xi Jinping's invitation to Prime Minister Modi on 19 August 2025 for the SCO Summit being held in which Chinese city?
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Correct answer: C — Tianjin
Wang Yi handed over a message and invitation from President Xi for the SCO Summit being held in Tianjin, and the Prime Minister conveyed his acceptance.
While receiving Wang Yi on 19 August 2025, Prime Minister Modi welcomed progress in India–China ties since his meeting with President Xi held last year in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Kazan
PIB states the Prime Minister welcomed the steady and positive progress in bilateral ties since his meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year.
Consider the following statements about Wang Yi's call on Prime Minister Modi on 19 August 2025: 1. Wang Yi shared his assessment of his meeting with EAM S. Jaishankar and of the 24th Special Representatives meeting. 2. The Prime Minister cited the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra as part of the progress in ties. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: Wang Yi shared his positive assessment of the meeting with EAM Jaishankar and the 24th SR meeting, and the Prime Minister referred to the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra while welcoming progress since Kazan.
In his talks with Wang Yi on 18 August 2025, S. Jaishankar said India–China ties must be guided by the 'three mutuals'. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: D — Mutual trust
Jaishankar listed the three mutuals as mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest; mutual trust was not one of them.
India and China agreed during Wang Yi's August 2025 visit to reopen border trade through three designated points. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: B — Bum La
The reported outcomes named Lipulekh, Shipki La and Nathu La as the three designated points for reopening border trade; Bum La was not among them.
S. Jaishankar described Wang Yi's August 2025 visit as the first by a Chinese Minister since the two countries' leaders met at which place?
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Correct answer: A — Kazan, October 2024
In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said this was the first visit by a Chinese Minister since the leaders met in Kazan in October 2024.
Consider the following statements about the Jaishankar–Wang Yi talks and the outcomes of Wang Yi's visit in August 2025: 1. Jaishankar said differences must not become disputes, nor competition conflict. 2. The two sides agreed to resume direct flights from 1 September 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: it is part of Jaishankar's opening remarks. Statement 2 is incorrect: the sides agreed to resume direct flights at the earliest and finalise an updated Air Services Agreement, but no date was given for resumption.
SLINEX-25, which concluded at Colombo on 18 August 2025, was which edition of the India–Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise?
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Correct answer: C — 12th
The 12th edition of the India–Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise SLINEX-25 concluded at Colombo on 18 August 2025.
Which Indian naval ships took part in SLINEX-25?
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Correct answer: A — INS Jyoti and INS Rana
Indian naval ships INS Jyoti and INS Rana from the Eastern Fleet took part, along with SLNS Sayura and SLNS Vijayabahu of Sri Lanka.
In his phone call with PM Modi on 18 August 2025, President Putin shared his assessment of his meeting with President Trump held where?
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Correct answer: D — Alaska
President Putin shared his assessment of his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska the previous week.
During the Modi–Putin call of 18 August 2025, the leaders discussed strengthening which partnership between India and Russia?
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Correct answer: B — Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership
The two leaders touched upon bilateral cooperation with a view to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.
INS Tamal carried out a Passage Exercise with which Italian Navy ship before entering Naples harbour in August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ITS Trieste
INS Tamal participated in a PASSEX with ITS Trieste, the recently commissioned Landing Helicopter Dock of the Italian Navy, before entering harbour at Naples.
During INS Tamal's Naples port call, the two sides discussed initiatives under which India–Italy framework?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029
The Commanding Officer and Italian officials discussed various initiatives under the India–Italy Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.
As referred to during INS Tamal's port call at Naples in August 2025, India and Italy have had a Strategic Partnership since which year?
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Correct answer: D — 2023
2023; the two sides also discussed initiatives under the India–Italy Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029.
At which venue did Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin hold their summit in August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage
AP and Reuters reported that the summit took place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.
The Trump–Putin summit in Alaska in August 2025 was the two leaders' first meeting since which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2019
Reuters reported that the Alaska summit was the first meeting between Trump and Putin since 2019.
Consider the following statements about the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska in August 2025: 1. The two leaders announced a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine at the end of the talks. 2. Putin suggested that a next meeting could be held in Moscow. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: no agreement to end the war in Ukraine was announced, and Trump said there was no deal until there is a deal. Statement 2 is correct: Putin suggested that a meeting in Moscow could be next.
The Sakura Science Programme, under which 34 Indian students left for Japan in August 2025, is implemented by which body?
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Correct answer: D — Japan Science and Technology Agency
The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has implemented the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science, or Sakura Science Programme, since 2014; India was included in 2016.
In the context of India–ASEAN trade, what does 'AITIGA' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement
AITIGA is the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement, whose review was taken up at the 10th Joint Committee meeting hosted by India from 10 to 14 August 2025.
Where is the next AITIGA Joint Committee meeting, after the 10th meeting in New Delhi, scheduled to be held?
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Correct answer: B — Jakarta
The next Joint Committee meeting is scheduled for 6–7 October 2025 in Jakarta, hosted by Malaysia.
The year 2025 marks how many years of the India–Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)?
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Correct answer: C — 20
The India–Singapore CECA was signed in 2005, so 2025 marks 20 years of the agreement along with 60 years of diplomatic relations.
Consider the following statements about India–Singapore economic ties, as noted at the 4th JWGTI in August 2025: 1. Singapore is India's largest trading partner in ASEAN. 2. Singapore is India's largest source of FDI. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: Singapore is India's largest trading partner in ASEAN, with trade of USD 34.26 billion in 2024–25. Statement 2 is incorrect: Singapore is India's second-largest source of FDI.
Who led the Singapore ministerial delegation that called on President Droupadi Murmu on 13 August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Gan Kim Yong
The delegation was led by Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore, who was in Delhi for the third ISMR.
The Singapore delegation that met the President on 13 August 2025 was in Delhi for which edition of the India–Singapore Ministerial Roundtable?
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Correct answer: C — Third
The delegation was in Delhi for the third meeting of the India–Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR).
As recalled when the Singapore delegation called on President Murmu on 13 August 2025, the year 2025 marks how many years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore?
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Correct answer: B — 60
60 years; President Tharman Shanmugaratnam made a State Visit to India earlier in 2025.
The President of which country telephoned PM Narendra Modi on 12 August 2025 to convey Independence Day greetings?
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Correct answer: C — Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called PM Modi on 12 August 2025, conveyed Independence Day greetings and reviewed bilateral cooperation.
Which edition of the High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard was held in New Delhi on 11 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 8th
The 8th High-Level Meeting between the ICG and SLCG was held in New Delhi on 11 August 2025.
In which year was the Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Coast Guard and the Sri Lanka Coast Guard signed, under which the August 2025 visit took place?
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Correct answer: C — 2018
The SLCG delegation visited India from 10 to 14 August 2025 under the framework of the MoU signed between the ICG and SLCG in 2018.
During his telephone conversation with President Zelenskyy on 11 August 2025, what position did PM Modi reaffirm?
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Correct answer: D — India's consistent position for a peaceful settlement of the conflict
PM Modi reaffirmed India's steadfast and consistent position for a peaceful settlement of the conflict and support for efforts aimed at the earliest restoration of peace.
Who is the Chief of the Australian Army who began a four-day visit to India on 11 August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Lt Gen Simon Stuart
Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of the Australian Army, visited India from 11 to 14 August 2025 and called on COAS General Upendra Dwivedi.
During his phone call with President Putin on 8 August 2025, PM Modi invited him to India for which edition of the India–Russia Annual Summit?
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Correct answer: D — 23rd
PM Modi invited President Putin to India later in the year for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.
How is the India–Russia partnership officially described in the readout of the Modi–Putin call of 8 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.
Before meeting President Putin at the Kremlin on 7 August 2025, NSA Ajit Doval held talks with which Russian official?
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Correct answer: D — Sergei Shoigu
Doval held talks with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu earlier on 7 August before calling on President Putin.
Which country's President telephoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 August 2025 to discuss taking their Strategic Partnership to new heights?
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Correct answer: D — Brazil
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil called PM Modi, and the two reiterated their commitment to the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership.
What additional tariff did the US impose on Indian goods through the executive order of 6 August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 25%
The executive order imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods over India's purchases of Russian oil, taking the combined rate to 50%.
How did India's Ministry of External Affairs describe the additional US tariffs in its statement of 6 August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Unfair, unjustified and unreasonable
The MEA said: 'We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.'
Consider the following statements about India's response to the US tariff order of 6 August 2025: 1. India said its oil imports are based on market factors and aimed at the energy security of 1.4 billion people. 2. India said it would take all actions necessary to protect its national interests. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The MEA said India's imports are based on market factors to ensure the energy security of 1.4 billion people, and that India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests.
Who co-chaired the 11th session of the India–Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation from the Indian side in August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Secretary, DPIIT
The session was co-chaired from the Indian side by Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
During the State Visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in August 2025, India and the Philippines elevated their ties to which level?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership
On 5 August 2025, the two countries signed a Declaration establishing a Strategic Partnership between India and the Philippines.
The India–Philippines Strategic Partnership established in August 2025 is guided by a Plan of Action covering which period?
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Correct answer: D — 2025-2029
The declaration states that the Strategic Partnership is guided by the Plan of Action (2025-2029), adopted on 5 August 2025.
Consider the following statements about the India–Philippines Strategic Partnership declaration of August 2025: 1. It marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, established in 1949, and recalls the Treaty of Friendship signed on 11 July 1952. 2. It reiterates both countries' strong support for ASEAN Centrality. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The declaration celebrates 75 years of diplomatic relations established in 1949, emphasises the Treaty of Friendship of 11 July 1952, and reiterates strong support for ASEAN Centrality.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of the Philippine President's State Visit to India in August 2025: 1. India extended a gratis e-tourist visa facility to Filipino nationals for one year from August 2025. 2. India and the Philippines signed a Free Trade Agreement during the visit. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: a gratis e-tourist visa facility was extended to Filipino nationals for one year from August 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect: the two sides only adopted Terms of Reference for negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement.
During the Philippine President's visit in August 2025, a Statement of Intent on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space was signed between the Philippine Space Agency and which Indian body?
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Correct answer: D — Indian Space Research Organisation
The list of outcomes includes a Statement of Intent between the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Philippine Space Agency on cooperation on the peaceful uses of outer space.
The inaugural India–New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue, held in New Delhi on 5 August 2025, was constituted under an MoU signed in which month?
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Correct answer: A — March 2025
The dialogue was constituted under an MoU signed between the two countries in March 2025.
Consider the following statements about the inaugural India–New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue (August 2025): 1. It was held in Wellington. 2. It was co-chaired by the defence ministers of the two countries. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: the dialogue was held in New Delhi. Statement 2 is incorrect: it was co-chaired by Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) Amitabh Prasad and New Zealand's Head of International Branch Kathleen Pearce.
What reciprocal tariff rate did the US executive order of 31 July 2025 set for India?
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Correct answer: A — 25%
Annex I of Executive Order 14326 lists India at 25%.
From which date did the 25% US reciprocal tariff on Indian goods under the executive order of 31 July 2025 take effect?
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Correct answer: D — 7 August 2025
The order applies from 12:01 a.m. EDT seven days after 31 July 2025, i.e. 7 August 2025; Business Standard reported it took effect on 7 August.
Consider the following statements about Annex I of US Executive Order 14326 (31 July 2025): 1. Bangladesh is listed at 20%. 2. Japan is listed at 15%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per Annex I of the order.
Which rocket launched the NASA-ISRO satellite NISAR on 30 July 2025?
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Correct answer: A — GSLV-F16
NISAR was launched aboard GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota at 17:40 IST.
In the NISAR satellite launched on 30 July 2025, which radar bands were provided by NASA and ISRO respectively?
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Correct answer: C — L-band and S-band
NASA provided the L-band SAR and ISRO the S-band SAR.
Consider the following statements about the GSLV-F16/NISAR mission: 1. It was GSLV's first mission to a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. 2. It was the 12th flight of GSLV with the indigenous cryogenic stage. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are in the ISRO launch brochure; GSLV-F16 was also the 18th GSLV flight.
NISAR, launched on 30 July 2025, will scan the entire globe at what interval?
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Correct answer: B — Every 12 days
ISRO says NISAR will scan the globe and provide data at a 12-day interval.
The sacred Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, whose return to India was announced on 30 July 2025, were discovered at Piprahwa in which State?
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Correct answer: B — Uttar Pradesh
The relics were discovered in 1898 at Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh.
Where were the Piprahwa relics slated to be auctioned in May 2025 before the Culture Ministry intervened?
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Correct answer: D — Hong Kong
The relics were originally slated for auction in Hong Kong in May 2025.
Consider the following statements about the Piprahwa relics: 1. They were discovered in 1898 by British civil engineer William Claxton Peppé. 2. Their repatriation in 2025 was made possible through a partnership between the Government of India and the Godrej Industries Group. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are in the Culture Ministry release.
Where was the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the Ramsar Convention, which adopted India's wetlands resolution on 30 July 2025, held?
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Correct answer: C — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ramsar COP15 was held at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
India's resolution adopted at Ramsar COP15 on 30 July 2025 was titled:
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Correct answer: B — Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands
The resolution was 'Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles for the Wise Use of Wetlands'.
According to the Environment Ministry, India's resolution at Ramsar COP15 received support from how many Ramsar Contracting Parties?
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Correct answer: A — 172
The release says the resolution received support from the 172 Ramsar Contracting Parties.