International Relations Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The India–EU joint research calls on Marine Plastic Litter and Waste to Green Hydrogen (May 2025) were launched under which mechanism?
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Correct answer: A — India–EU Trade and Technology Council
The calls were launched under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), set up in 2022.
Consider the following statements about the India–EU research calls launched in May 2025: 1. They carry a joint investment of ₹391 crore (about €41 million). 2. The India–EU Trade and Technology Council was established in 2022. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The TTC was set up in 2022 by PM Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The two India–EU coordinated research calls launched on 15 May 2025 address which areas?
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Correct answer: B — Marine Plastic Litter and Waste to Green Hydrogen
The calls focus on Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH).
Consider the following statements about the Ethiopian delegation's India visit (May 2025): 1. The delegation is undergoing a week-long training programme at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). 2. The programme is organised under the ITEC Division of the Ministry of External Affairs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The NCGG programme is organised under MEA's Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Division.
Consider the following statements: 1. PM Narendra Modi and Ethiopian PM Dr Abiy Ahmed met at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023. 2. The Ethiopian delegation that called on Dr Jitendra Singh on 12 May 2025 comprised only Ministers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The delegation comprised Governors, Vice-Governors and Ministers.
As per the Foreign Secretary's statement of 10 May 2025, from what time were both sides to stop all firing and military action?
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Correct answer: C — 1700 hours IST
Both sides were to stop all firing and military action from 1700 hours IST on 10 May 2025; the call itself was at 1535 hours.
Consider the following statements about the Foreign Secretary's statement of 10 May 2025: 1. The DGMO of Pakistan called the DGMO of India at 1535 hours IST. 2. The DGMOs were to talk again on 11 May at 1700 hours. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. The DGMOs were to talk again on 12 May at 1200 hours, so statement 2 is wrong.
The understanding announced on 10 May 2025 covered stopping firing and military action in which domains?
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Correct answer: D — Land, air and sea
The statement said both sides would stop all firing and military action on land and in the air and sea.
The Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on 9 May 2025, attended by Sanjay Seth, marked which anniversary of the Soviet victory in the Second World War?
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Correct answer: B — 80th
The celebrations commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet people in the Second World War (1941–45).
Colonel General Alexander Fomin, with whom Sanjay Seth held a bilateral meeting in Moscow, is Russia's:
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Correct answer: B — Deputy Defence Minister
Colonel General Alexander Fomin is Russia's Deputy Defence Minister.
As per the Ayush Ministry, the Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit was to be held in India on:
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Correct answer: D — 2–4 December 2025
The Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit was to be held in India from 2 to 4 December 2025; 23 May 2025 was the GFTM side event at WHA78.
Consider the following statements about the sixth GFTM meeting: 1. It was held at the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva. 2. The GFTM was to host a high-level side event during the 78th World Health Assembly on 23 May 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
Pope Leo XIV, elected on 8 May 2025, is which Pope in history according to the Vatican?
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Correct answer: C — 267th
The Vatican described him as the 267th Pope (267th Bishop of Rome).
Consider the following statements about Pope Leo XIV: 1. He is the first Pope from the United States of America. 2. He was born in Lima, Peru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 14 September 1955; he served as a missionary in Peru.
Who announced 'Habemus Papam' and the name of the new Pope from the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica on 8 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Cardinal Dominique Mamberti
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti made the announcement.
How many cardinal electors gathered in the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV?
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Correct answer: D — 133
As per L'Osservatore Romano, 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Sistine Chapel.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit in May 2025 marked which anniversary of India–Iran diplomatic relations?
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Correct answer: C — 75th
The President noted the visit came on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Consider the following statements about the meeting of 8 May 2025: 1. President Murmu welcomed ongoing cooperation in realising the full potential of Chabahar Port. 2. Abbas Araghchi is Iran's Defence Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Abbas Araghchi is Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
When was the India–Chile Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed?
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Correct answer: B — March 2006
The PTA was signed in March 2006; the Framework Agreement in January 2005; the expanded PTA was signed in September 2016 and took effect on 16 May 2017.
Consider the following statements about the India–Chile CEPA: 1. The first round of negotiations was scheduled to be held in Santiago. 2. The expanded India–Chile PTA became effective in January 2005. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the first round was scheduled for 26–30 May 2025 in New Delhi, and the expanded PTA took effect on 16 May 2017.
Under the India–UK FTA concluded on 6 May 2025, India will gain from tariff elimination on about what share of tariff lines?
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Correct answer: B — 99%
India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99% of tariff lines, covering almost 100% of trade value.
Under the India–UK Double Contribution Convention, Indian workers temporarily in the UK and their employers are exempt from UK social security contributions for:
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Correct answer: D — Three years
The exemption is for a period of three years.
Consider the following statements about the India–UK FTA: 1. FTA negotiations resumed in February 2025 after the two Prime Ministers met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. 2. India–UK bilateral trade of about USD 60 billion is projected to double by 2030. 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 the Ministry of Commerce release of 6 May 2025.
Consider the following statements about the India–UK FTA: 1. India will gain tariff elimination on about 90% of tariff lines. 2. The FTA eases mobility for independent professionals such as yoga instructors, musicians and chefs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Tariff elimination is on about 99% of tariff lines.
Anthony Albanese, congratulated by PM Modi on 6 May 2025 on his re-election, is the ___ Prime Minister of Australia.
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Correct answer: C — 32nd
The PMO release describes Albanese's re-election as the 32nd Prime Minister of Australia.
Consider the following statements about the Modi–Albanese call of 6 May 2025: 1. PM Modi invited PM Albanese to India, including for the QUAD Summit to be hosted in India later in the year. 2. The leaders noted the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership had completed ten years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The leaders noted the CSP's five years.
Consider the following statements about the India–Japan defence ministers' meeting of 5 May 2025: 1. It was held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. 2. The Ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. 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 the Ministry of Defence release of 5 May 2025.
India and Japan describe their bilateral relationship as a:
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Correct answer: D — Special Strategic and Global Partnership
The 5 May 2025 meeting reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Consider the following statements about INS Sharda's deployment to the Maldives in May 2025: 1. The HADR exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force. 2. The exercise was planned from 1 to 5 May 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The exercise was planned from 4 to 10 May 2025.
The 58th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (4–7 May 2025) was held in:
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Correct answer: B — Milan
The 58th ADB Annual Meeting was held in Milan, Italy.
Consider the following statements about the Finance Minister's visit for the ADB Annual Meeting in May 2025: 1. She was to be a panellist in the ADB Governors' Seminar on 'Cross-Border Collaboration for Future Resilience'. 2. She was to hold bilateral meetings with the Finance Ministers of Italy, Japan and Belgium. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The bilateral meetings were with the Finance Ministers of Italy, Japan and Bhutan.
During the Angolan President's State visit in May 2025, Angola became which member of the International Solar Alliance?
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Correct answer: D — 123rd
Angola signed the ISA Framework Agreement and became the 123rd member of the ISA.
Consider the following statements about India–Angola ties in May 2025: 1. India approved a US$200 million Line of Credit for Angola's defence procurement. 2. India and Angola are marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025. 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 the list of outcomes and the President's Secretariat release of 3 May 2025.
Angolan President João Lourenço, who visited India in May 2025, holds the Chair of which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — African Union
President Murmu congratulated President Lourenço on assuming the Chair of the African Union.
In Singapore's general election of 3 May 2025, how many of the 97 parliamentary seats did the People's Action Party win?
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Correct answer: A — 87 of 97
The PAP won 87 of 97 seats. The Workers' Party retained 10 seats.
Consider the following statements about Singapore's 2025 general election: 1. The PAP's vote share rose to 65.57% from 61.24% in 2020. 2. The Workers' Party retained its 10 seats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as reported by CNA and The Straits Times.
While congratulating Lawrence Wong in May 2025, PM Modi described India–Singapore ties as a:
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Correct answer: B — Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
PM Modi said he looked forward to further advancing the India–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Which declaration was adopted by member nations at the Global Media Dialogue in Mumbai on 2 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — WAVES Declaration
The Global Media Dialogue culminated in the adoption of the WAVES Declaration by member nations.
According to the I&B Secretary, WAVES Bazaar 2025 recorded confirmed transactions worth how much within its first day and a half?
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Correct answer: D — ₹250 crore
Sanjay Jaju said WAVES Bazaar recorded confirmed transactions worth ₹250 crore within the first day and a half.
Consider the following statements about the Global Media Dialogue at WAVES 2025: 1. The I&B Minister welcomed delegates from 100 countries. 2. India said the 32 Create in India Challenges identified over 700 top creators. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed delegates from 77 countries.
Piyush Goyal's meeting in Brussels on 2 May 2025 followed the March 2025 India visit of which Belgian royal, who led an over 300-member economic mission?
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Correct answer: D — Princess Astrid
It followed the March 2025 visit of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, who led the over 300-member Belgian Economic Mission.
Consider the following statements: 1. Belgium is India's largest trading partner within the EU. 2. India and the EU reaffirmed their resolve to conclude the FTA by the end of 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Belgium is India's 5th largest trading partner within the EU, with trade of US$15.07 billion in 2023–24.
The original India–Denmark energy cooperation MoU, renewed on 2 May 2025, was signed on which date?
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Correct answer: A — 5 June 2020
The original MoU was signed on 5 June 2020 and was set to expire on 5 June 2025.
The renewed India–Denmark energy MoU supports India's target of net-zero emissions by which year?
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Correct answer: D — 2070
The renewed MoU supports India's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
At which port did IOS SAGAR (INS Sunayna) arrive on 1 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Port Victoria, Seychelles
IOS SAGAR arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 1 May 2025; Port Louis, Dar es Salaam and Nacala were earlier port calls.
Consider the following statements about IOS SAGAR's deployment: 1. Its multinational crew has 44 naval personnel from 15 nations. 2. After Port Victoria, its final port of call was Malé. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The crew has 44 naval personnel from 9 friendly foreign nations.
The BRS COPs held in Geneva in 2025 relate to which three conventions?
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Correct answer: B — Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm
BRS stands for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.
What was the theme of the high-level segment of the BRS COPs 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes
The theme was 'Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes'.
Consider the following about the PM's congratulatory messages of 29 April 2025: 1. Mark Carney was congratulated on his election as Prime Minister of Canada, and the Liberal Party on its victory. 2. Kamla Persad-Bissessar was congratulated on her election as Prime Minister of Canada. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Kamla Persad-Bissessar was congratulated on her election victory in Trinidad and Tobago, not Canada.
Consider the following about the India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks reported on 29 April 2025: 1. The talks between the Department of Commerce and USTR were held in Washington, D.C., on 23–25 April 2025. 2. The sides discussed concluding the first tranche of the agreement by Fall 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The talks were in Washington, D.C., on 23–25 April 2025, and the pathway to a first tranche by Fall 2025 was discussed.
Where was the round of India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks held before the April 2025 Washington round?
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Correct answer: B — New Delhi
The earlier round was held in New Delhi in March 2025.
How many Rafale-Marine aircraft are to be procured for the Indian Navy under the India–France IGA signed on 28 April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 26
The IGA covers 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft: 22 single-seater and four twin-seater.
Consider the following about the India–France Rafale-Marine IGA of 28 April 2025: 1. It was signed by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. 2. The signed copies were exchanged at South Block in the presence of the Chief of Defence Staff. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The signed copies were exchanged at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Of the 26 Rafale-Marine aircraft in the IGA signed on 28 April 2025, how many are twin-seaters?
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Correct answer: D — 4
The 26 aircraft comprise 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft.
Under the Vaccine Maitri initiative, India provided nearly how many vaccine doses, as stated by Piyush Goyal at the WHS Regional Meeting Asia on 27 April 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 300 million
India provided nearly 300 million vaccine doses to less developed and vulnerable countries under Vaccine Maitri.
Consider the following about the World Health Summit Regional Meeting Asia 2025: 1. It was the first WHS Regional Meeting held in Asia. 2. It was held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The meeting was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
As stated at the WHS Regional Meeting Asia on 27 April 2025, more than how many people are now eligible for free healthcare under Ayushman Bharat?
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Correct answer: D — 620 million
Piyush Goyal said more than 620 million people are now eligible for free healthcare under Ayushman Bharat.
According to PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat (27 April 2025), how many space startups are now working in India, compared with only one company 10 years ago?
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Correct answer: B — More than 325
The PM said there was only one company 10 years ago and today there are more than 325 space startups.
Consider the following based on Mann Ki Baat of 27 April 2025: 1. April 2025 marks 50 years of the launch of the Aryabhatta satellite. 2. Dr K. Kasturirangan played a major role in formulating the National Education Policy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as stated by the PM in the 121st episode.
Consider the following about India's assistance mentioned in Mann Ki Baat of 27 April 2025: 1. Operation Brahma was launched to help Nepal. 2. India recently sent a large quantity of vaccine for the people of Afghanistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Operation Brahma was for earthquake-hit Myanmar; Nepal was sent medicines and vaccines on its request.
Consider the following about IOS SAGAR's deployment in April 2025: 1. It made a port call at Port Louis, Mauritius, from 26 to 28 April 2025. 2. On departure, it was to undertake a joint EEZ surveillance with the Mauritius Coast Guard. 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 the Defence Ministry release of 29 April 2025.
Consider the following about India's representation at Pope Francis's funeral on 26 April 2025: 1. President Droupadi Murmu attended the funeral Mass at Saint Peter's Square, Vatican City. 2. Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian were part of the official Indian delegation. 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 the President's Secretariat release of 26 April 2025.
Which position does Joshua De Souza, part of India's official delegation at Pope Francis's funeral on 26 April 2025, hold?
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Correct answer: A — Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly
Joshua De Souza is the Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly.
Who led the Indian delegation at the 11th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting in Brasília on 25 April 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Shobha Karandlaje
Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje led the Indian delegation.
Under which slogan was the 11th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting convened?
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Correct answer: B — Strengthening the Cooperation of the Global South for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance
The meeting was convened under the slogan 'Strengthening the Cooperation of the Global South for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance'; 'Technology for Empowerment, Not Exclusion' is the PM's vision cited by India.
Consider the following about the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting of 25 April 2025: 1. It was the 11th such meeting and was held under Brazil's presidency. 2. It was held in New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The meeting was held in Brasília.
How many Land Customs Stations are there along the India–Bhutan border, as per the CBIC release on the 6th JGC meeting?
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Correct answer: C — 10
There are 10 Land Customs Stations along the India–Bhutan border: 6 in West Bengal and 4 in Assam.
Consider the following about the 6th India–Bhutan Joint Group of Customs meeting: 1. It was co-chaired by Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), CBIC. 2. India accounts for about 80% of Bhutan's overall trade. 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 the Finance Ministry release.
Consider the following about the State Mourning for Pope Francis announced by the Government of India: 1. A total of two days of State Mourning was announced. 2. On 26 April 2025, the National Flag was to be flown at half-mast and there was to be no official entertainment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. A three-day State Mourning was announced: 22 and 23 April, and 26 April 2025.
On which two days was State Mourning observed after the passing of Pope Francis, before the one day on his funeral?
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Correct answer: D — 22 and 23 April 2025
Two days of State Mourning were observed on 22 and 23 April 2025.