SF Prep

Agniveer Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

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1986 news · 5007 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 73 questions
World Braille Day: Braille, rights and inclusion in India
Q1

World Braille Day is observed every year on which date?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 4 January

PIB backgrounder: World Braille Day is observed annually on 4 January.

Q2 Advanced

In which year was Bharati Braille adopted as a single national Braille standard with common codes for Indian languages?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1951

PIB backgrounder: Braille was introduced in India in 1887, and in 1951 Bharati Braille was adopted as a single national standard.

Q3 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Braille as described in PIB's World Braille Day 2026 backgrounder: 1. Braille is a tactile code, not a language. 2. It is named after its 19th-century French inventor, Louis Braille. 3. India's Braille policy ecosystem is anchored in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB backgrounder: Braille is a code, not a language, named after Louis Braille of 19th-century France. The ecosystem is anchored in the RPwD Act, 2016, not a 1995 Act, so statement 3 is wrong.

Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by 46 runs to win maiden ILT20 title
Q4

Which team won the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025-26 title on 4 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Desert Vipers

ESPNcricinfo and BBC: Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final in Dubai to win their first ILT20 title.

Q5 Advanced

Who was named Player of the Tournament in ILT20 2025-26 after finishing as top run-scorer with 397 runs?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Sam Curran

ESPNcricinfo and BBC: Sam Curran finished as the top run-scorer with 397 runs and was Player of the Tournament as well as Player of the Match in the final.

Ashwini Vaishnaw inspects India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, to run Guwahati–Howrah
Q6

Between which two places will India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train run, as announced during its inspection in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Guwahati – Howrah

PIB (Railways): the first Vande Bharat Sleeper will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.

Q7 Advanced

Which indigenous automatic train protection system is fitted on the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train inspected in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — KAVACH

PIB (Railways): the train is equipped with the KAVACH safety system, automatic doors, improved fire safety and CCTV in all coaches.

Q8 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, as described by the Railways Ministry on 3 January 2026: 1. Its full cycle of trials, testing and certification has been completed. 2. The train starting from Guwahati will serve Assamese cuisine. 3. It was flagged off by the Prime Minister on 3 January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only

PIB (Railways): trials, testing and certification are complete, and the Guwahati-origin train will serve authentic Assamese cuisine. The PM was to flag it off later in January; on 3 January the train was only inspected, so statement 3 is wrong.

Government approves 22 proposals worth ₹41,863 crore in third tranche of ECMS
Q9

How many proposals were approved in the third tranche of the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on 2 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 22

PIB (MeitY): 22 proposals were approved in the third tranche; 24 had been approved earlier, taking the total to 46.

Q10 Advanced

What is the projected investment of the 22 ECMS proposals approved in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹41,863 crore

PIB (MeitY): projected investment is ₹41,863 crore; ₹2,58,152 crore is projected production and ₹12,704 crore was the earlier tranche.

Q11 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the third tranche of ECMS approvals (January 2026): 1. The approved products include anode material, a critical item for lithium-ion cells. 2. The approved units are spread across eight states. 3. The approvals cover only bare components and no sub-assemblies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB (MeitY): anode material is among the supply-chain items, and the units are in eight states. Three sub-assemblies (camera module, display module, optical transceiver) were also approved, so statement 3 is wrong.

Export Promotion Mission rolls out interest subvention and collateral guarantee for MSME exporters
Q12 Advanced

Under the NIRYAT PROTSAHAN intervention launched in January 2026, what is the base interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2.75%

PIB (Commerce): a base interest subvention of 2.75% is provided, with additional incentive for exports to notified under-represented or emerging markets.

Q13 Advanced

With which institution is the collateral guarantee support for MSME export credit under the Export Promotion Mission being introduced?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — CGTMSE

PIB (Commerce): the collateral guarantee support is being introduced in partnership with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Q14 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Export Promotion Mission: 1. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 12 November 2025 with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore. 2. Its two sub-schemes are NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. 3. It is implemented by the Department of Commerce alone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB (Commerce): the Mission was approved on 12 November 2025 with ₹25,060 crore and has two sub-schemes, NIRYAT PROTSAHAN and NIRYAT DISHA. It is jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance, so statement 3 is wrong.

PRAGATI has reviewed 3,300+ projects worth ₹85 lakh crore, says Cabinet Secretary
Q15 Advanced

According to the Cabinet Secretary's briefing on 2 January 2026, which was the single biggest cause of issues raised under PRAGATI?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Land acquisition

Indian Express and The Hindu: land acquisition accounted for 35% of issues, forest/wildlife/environment 20% and right of use/way 18%.

Q16

What does the acronym PRAGATI, the project-review mechanism chaired by the Prime Minister, stand for?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation

PIB (Cabinet Secretariat): PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, chaired by the Prime Minister.

Q17 Advanced

Consider the following statements based on the Cabinet Secretary's PRAGATI briefing of 2 January 2026: 1. PRAGATI has reviewed over 3,300 projects worth more than ₹85 lakh crore. 2. Of 7,735 issues raised, 7,156 have been resolved. 3. The government announced plans to amend the land acquisition law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only

Indian Express and The Hindu: over 3,300 projects worth ₹85 lakh crore reviewed; 7,156 of 7,735 issues resolved. The Cabinet Secretary said there was no plan to change the land acquisition law, so statement 3 is wrong.

J. P. Nadda releases Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, the 10th edition
Q18

Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, released on 2 January 2026, is which edition of India's official book of drug standards?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 10th

PIB (Health): IP 2026 is the 10th edition of India's official book of drug standards.

Q19 Advanced

Which new category of monographs has been included for the first time in Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Blood component monographs for transfusion medicine

PIB (Health): IP 2026 includes, for the first time, 20 blood component monographs pertaining to transfusion medicine.

Q20 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP): 1. IP is published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission to fulfil the requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. 2. IP is recognised in 19 countries of the Global South. 3. India ranked 8th in 2025 in contributions to the WHO pharmacovigilance database, up from 123rd in 2009–2014. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Health): IP is published by the IPC under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; it is recognised in 19 Global South countries; and India rose from 123rd (2009–2014) to 8th (2025). All three are correct.

NHAI discontinues KYV for new car FASTags issued from 1 February 2026
Q21

From which date has NHAI discontinued the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for new car FASTags?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 February 2026

PIB (MoRTH): NHAI discontinued KYV for cars for all new FASTag issuances with effect from 1 February 2026.

Q22 Advanced

Under NHAI's revised FASTag norms announced in January 2026, vehicle details must be validated against which database before activation?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — VAHAN

PIB (MoRTH): FASTag activation is permitted only after validation of vehicle details from the VAHAN database.

PFRDA allows banks to set up NPS pension funds; Dinesh Kumar Khara to chair NPS Trust
Q23

Who has been designated Chairperson of the NPS Trust Board by PFRDA, as announced in January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Dinesh Kumar Khara

PIB (Finance): Dinesh Kumar Khara, former Chairman of SBI, has been appointed a trustee and designated Chairperson of the NPS Trust Board.

Q24 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the PFRDA reforms announced in January 2026: 1. Scheduled Commercial Banks may independently set up pension funds to manage NPS, under an in-principle framework. 2. The revised Investment Management Fee for pension funds applies from 1 April 2026. 3. Three new trustees were appointed to the NPS Trust Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Finance): the board approved in principle a framework for banks to set up pension funds; the revised IMF applies from 1 April 2026; and three new trustees were appointed. All three are correct.

President Murmu launches #SkillTheNation AI Challenge; opens IGNOU centre at Rairangpur virtually
Q25

The #SkillTheNation Challenge launched by President Droupadi Murmu on 1 January 2026 is part of which initiative?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness)

PIB (President's Secretariat): the President launched the #SkilltheNation challenge under the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative of MSDE.

Q26 Advanced

Where is the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre that President Murmu inaugurated virtually on 1 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Rairangpur, Odisha

PIB (President's Secretariat): the President virtually inaugurated the IGNOU Regional Centre and Skill Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha.

Q27 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the SOAR initiative: 1. It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. 2. It was launched in July 2025. 3. Its courses are offered on the Skill India Digital Hub. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (MSDE): SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness is MSDE's flagship programme launched in July 2025, and the President urged citizens to enrol in the SOAR course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). All three are correct.

DRDO marks 68th Foundation Day; record ₹1.30 lakh crore of AoNs for DRDO systems in 2025
Q28 Advanced

According to DRDO on its 68th Foundation Day, what was the approximate value of Acceptances of Necessity accorded in 2025 for DRDO-developed systems?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹1.30 lakh crore

PIB (MoD): 22 AoNs worth approximately ₹1.30 lakh crore were accorded in 2025, the highest in any single year; ₹26,000 crore was the value of 11 contracts signed.

Q29

'Anant Shastra', mentioned by DRDO in January 2026 among systems accorded AoN, is the name of which system?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System

PIB (MoD): the AoNs include the Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System 'Anant Shastra'.

Q30 Advanced

Who is the Chairman of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, who addressed DRDO staff on its 68th Foundation Day?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Dr Samir V. Kamat

PIB (MoD): Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V. Kamat addressed DRDO staff.

Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor takes over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff
Q31

Who took charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Indian Air Force, on 1 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor

PIB (MoD): Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor took charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 1 January 2026.

Q32 Advanced

Which IAF command did Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas take over as AOC-in-C on 1 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Training Command

PIB (MoD): Air Marshal Seethepalli Shrinivas took over as AOC-in-C, Training Command; Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took over South Western Air Command.

Q33 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, who became Vice Chief of the Air Staff in January 2026: 1. He served as Defence Attaché to Pakistan. 2. Immediately before this, he was AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command. 3. He was commissioned in the transport stream of the IAF. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB (MoD): Kapoor was Defence Attaché to Pakistan and served as AOC-in-C Training Command and thereafter South Western Air Command before becoming VCAS. He was commissioned in the fighter stream, so statement 3 is wrong.

BSNL launches Voice over WiFi calling nationwide
Q34 Advanced

BSNL's Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) service, rolled out nationwide on 1 January 2026, is based on which network architecture?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem)

PIB (Communications): VoWiFi is an IMS-based service supporting seamless handovers between Wi-Fi and mobile networks, without third-party apps.

India's broadband subscriber base crosses 1 billion
Q35

India's broadband subscriber base crossed which milestone in November 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 billion

PIB (Communications): the broadband subscriber base crossed the 1 billion (100 crore) mark in November 2025, reaching 100.37 crore.

Q36 Advanced

By how much has India's broadband subscriber base grown between November 2015 and November 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — More than six times

PIB (Communications): the base grew from 13.15 crore in November 2015 to 100.37 crore in November 2025 — more than six times.

DRDO conducts salvo launch of two Pralay missiles off Odisha coast
Q37 Advanced

Pralay, of which DRDO conducted a salvo launch on 31 December 2025, is best described as a:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Solid-propellant quasi-ballistic missile

PIB (MoD): Pralay is an indigenously developed solid propellant quasi-ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple types of warheads.

Q38

Which DRDO laboratory led the development of the Pralay missile?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad

PIB (MoD): Pralay has been developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories such as DRDL, ASL and ARDE.

Q39 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Pralay salvo test of 31 December 2025: 1. Two missiles were launched in quick succession from the same launcher. 2. The test was part of user evaluation trials. 3. Tracking was done by the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (MoD): two Pralay missiles were launched in quick succession from the same launcher as part of user evaluation trials, and their trajectories were confirmed by sensors of ITR Chandipur. All three are correct.

PM Modi chairs 50th PRAGATI meeting; reviews five projects worth over ₹40,000 crore
Q40 Advanced

PRAGATI, whose 50th meeting PM Modi chaired on 31 December 2025, was built on the experience of which platform he launched as Gujarat Chief Minister?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — SWAGAT

PIB (PMO): the PM recalled that as Gujarat Chief Minister he launched the SWAGAT platform (State Wide Attention on Grievances by Application of Technology), which he later expanded nationally through PRAGATI.

Q41

In the 50th PRAGATI meeting on 31 December 2025, the PM reviewed five infrastructure projects with a cumulative cost of more than:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹40,000 crore

PIB (PMO): the PM reviewed five critical infrastructure projects spanning five states with a cumulative cost of more than ₹40,000 crore.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 50th PRAGATI meeting (31 December 2025): 1. The PM's mantra for the next phase was 'Reform to Simplify, Perform to Deliver, Transform to Impact'. 2. Around 94% of issues identified in projects reviewed under PRAGATI since 2014 have been resolved. 3. The PM asked states to set up PRAGATI-like mechanisms, especially for the social sector, at the Chief Secretary level. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (PMO): the mantra was 'Reform to Simplify, Perform to Deliver, Transform to Impact'; 2,958 of 3,162 issues (about 94%) were resolved; and the PM encouraged states to institutionalise PRAGATI-like mechanisms for the social sector at Chief Secretary level. All three are correct.

Centre notifies commencement of select provisions of National Sports Governance Act, 2025 from 1 January 2026
Q43 Advanced

From which date did select provisions of the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 come into force, as notified on 31 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 January 2026

PIB (Sports): the Central Government appointed 1 January 2026 as the date for select provisions; the Act itself was notified in the Gazette on 18 August 2025.

Q44 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the National Sports Governance Act, 2025: 1. It was notified in the Official Gazette on 18 August 2025. 2. Its section 1(2) allows different dates to be appointed for different provisions. 3. The provisions brought into force from 1 January 2026 include the constitution of the National Sports Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (Sports): the Act was gazetted on 18 August 2025; section 1(2) permits different dates for different provisions; and the provisions in force from 1 January 2026 include the constitution of the National Sports Board. All three are correct.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan assures MGNREGA functionaries of continuity under VB-G RAM G Act
Q45

In his video-conference with MGNREGA functionaries on 30 December 2025 about the VB-G RAM G Act, Shivraj Singh Chouhan interacted with roughly how many functionaries?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Over 2 lakh

PIB (Rural Development): more than 2 lakh MGNREGA functionaries joined from about 45,000 locations.

Q46 Advanced

The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, 2025 replaces which law?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005

PIB (assent release, 21 December 2025): the Act replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.

Q47 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025: 1. It guarantees not less than 125 days of wage employment per rural household in each financial year. 2. States may notify a pause period aggregating sixty days in a financial year to free labour for peak sowing and harvesting. 3. Its cost is shared 75:25 between the Centre and all States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB (assent release): Section 5(1) guarantees at least 125 days and Section 6 allows a 60-day aggregate pause. Cost-sharing is 60:40, 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States and 100% central for UTs without legislatures, so statement 3 is wrong.

Q48 Advanced

Under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025, what is the Centre–State cost-sharing ratio for North Eastern and Himalayan States?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 90:10

PIB (assent release): the cost-sharing pattern is 60:40 between Centre and States, 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States, and 100% central funding for UTs without legislatures.

SMFCL, India's first maritime NBFC, begins lending with ₹4,300 crore of sanctions
Q49

Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) began lending at its 51st Board Meeting on 30 December 2025 by sanctioning loans of about:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹4,300 crore

PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): SMFCL approved loan sanctions of about ₹4,300 crore at its 51st Board Meeting on 30 December 2025. ₹8,000 crore is its FY26 lending target and ₹25,000 crore its borrowing limit.

Q50 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL): 1. SMFCL is India's first maritime-focused Non-Banking Financial Company. 2. SMFCL is targeting a loan book of ₹8,000 crore in 2025-26. 3. The largest share of its first tranche of sanctions went to Goa Shipyard. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB: SMFCL is India's first maritime-focused NBFC and targets an ₹8,000 crore loan book in FY26. About ₹4,000 crore of the ₹4,300 crore went to a greenfield port project; Goa Shipyard got ₹110 crore, so statement 3 is wrong.

MoD signs ₹4,666 crore contracts for CQB carbines and heavyweight torpedoes
Q51 Advanced

The 48 heavyweight torpedoes contracted on 30 December 2025 for the Indian Navy's Kalvari-class submarines will be supplied by a firm from which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Italy

PIB (Defence): the torpedo contract was signed with WASS Submarine Systems S.R.L., Italy.

Q52 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the defence contracts signed on 30 December 2025: 1. The Close Quarter Battle carbines are for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. 2. The heavyweight torpedoes are for the Kalvari-class (P-75) submarines. 3. Delivery of the torpedoes will begin from April 2028. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2 and 3 only

PIB (Defence): the carbines are for the Indian Army and the Indian Navy, not the Air Force. The torpedoes are for the six Kalvari-class (P-75) submarines, with deliveries from April 2028 to early 2030.

PM-YUVA 3.0 results: 43 young authors chosen in 22 Indian languages and English
Q53 Advanced

Under PM-YUVA 3.0, whose results were declared on 30 December 2025, each selected young author receives a monthly scholarship of:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹50,000

PIB (Education): each selected author gets a scholarship of ₹50,000 per month during six months of mentorship, plus a 10% lifetime royalty.

Q54 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM-YUVA 3.0: 1. It selected book proposals from authors below 30 years of age. 2. It is implemented by the Sahitya Akademi under the Ministry of Culture. 3. Selected authors get a lifetime royalty of 10% on their published books. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only

PIB (Education): authors are below 30 and receive a 10% lifetime royalty. The scheme is implemented by the National Book Trust, India under the Ministry of Education, not the Sahitya Akademi.

Jal Shakti Ministry launches Jal Seva Aankalan for Gram Panchayat-led water service assessment
Q55 Advanced

What is 'Jal Seva Aankalan', launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on 30 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — A Gram Panchayat-led digital self-assessment of drinking water service functionality in Har Ghar Jal villages

PIB (Jal Shakti): Jal Seva Aankalan is a Gram Panchayat-led digital drinking water service functionality assessment tool on the JJM portal for Har Ghar Jal villages.

Q56

Jal Seva Aankalan was launched on the portal of which mission?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Jal Jeevan Mission

PIB: the tool was e-launched on the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) portal by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

Arjun Erigaisi wins bronze at FIDE World Blitz Championship 2025 in Doha
Q57 Advanced

Arjun Erigaisi settled for bronze at the FIDE World Blitz Championship 2025 in Doha after losing the semifinal to:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Nodirbek Abdusattorov

The Hindu and Sportstar: Erigaisi lost the semifinal 2.5–0.5 to Uzbekistan's Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Carlsen beat Caruana in the other semifinal and won the title.

Q58 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Arjun Erigaisi at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025 in Doha: 1. Erigaisi topped the Open Swiss stage of the World Blitz Championship. 2. Erigaisi also won bronze at the World Rapid Championship the same week. 3. Erigaisi is the first Indian ever to win medals at both the world rapid and blitz championships. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only

Sportstar and ESPN: Erigaisi topped the Swiss stage and also won rapid bronze. Viswanathan Anand did the rapid–blitz double in 2017, so Erigaisi is the first since Anand, not the first ever.

DoT releases National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025, effective 30 December 2025
Q59 Advanced

NFAP-2025, effective 30 December 2025, identifies which frequency band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) to expand mid-band spectrum for 5G and 6G?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 6425–7125 MHz

PIB (DoT): NFAP-2025 identifies the 6425–7125 MHz band for IMT, significantly enhancing mid-band availability for 5G, 5G Advanced and future 6G.

Q60

The National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025, which governs radio-frequency spectrum allocation in India, was released by:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Department of Telecommunications

PIB: NFAP-2025 was released by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications.

NCC Republic Day Camp 2026 begins with a record 2,406 cadets
Q61

What is the motto of the National Cadet Corps, recalled at the start of the Republic Day Camp 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Unity and Discipline

PIB (Defence): the Republic Day Camp upholds the NCC motto 'Unity and Discipline'.

Q62 Advanced

How many cadets are taking part in the NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, the highest so far?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2,406

PIB: 2,406 cadets including 898 girl cadets from 28 states and 8 UTs are participating, the highest to date.

DRDO conducts maiden flight test of Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120)
Q63 Advanced

In its maiden flight test on 29 December 2025, the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket was tested for its maximum range of:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 120 km

PIB (Defence): LRGR 120 was tested for its maximum range of 120 km at ITR Chandipur, demonstrating all planned in-flight manoeuvres.

Q64 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Pinaka LRGR 120 test of 29 December 2025: 1. The rocket was designed by ARDE in association with HEMRL. 2. A new dedicated launcher had to be developed to fire the rocket. 3. The test was carried out at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only

PIB (Defence): ARDE designed the rocket with HEMRL and the test was at ITR Chandipur. It was fired from the in-service Pinaka launcher, not a new one, so statement 2 is wrong.

Principal Scientific Adviser unveils National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework
Q65 Advanced

The National Technology Readiness Assessment Framework (NTRAF), unveiled on 29 December 2025, assesses projects across how many Technology Readiness Levels?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 9

PIB (Office of PSA): NTRAF assesses projects across 9 TRLs, from proof of concept (TRL 1-3) to prototype (TRL 4-6) and operational deployment (TRL 7-9).

Q66

The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser developed NTRAF in collaboration with which industry body?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

PIB (Office of PSA): NTRAF was developed in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Industrial output grows 6.7% in November 2025, led by 8% manufacturing growth
Q67

According to the quick estimate released on 29 December 2025, India's Index of Industrial Production grew by how much in November 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 6.7%

PIB (MoSPI): IIP grew 6.7% in November 2025. 0.4% was October's growth, 8.0% manufacturing and 5.4% mining.

Q68 Advanced

Which IIP sector recorded a contraction in November 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Electricity

PIB (MoSPI): growth rates for November 2025 were Mining 5.4%, Manufacturing 8.0% and Electricity (−)1.5%.

Q69 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Index of Industrial Production (IIP): 1. The current IIP series uses 2011-12 as its base year. 2. The quick estimate of IIP is released on the 28th of every month, or the next working day if the 28th is a holiday. 3. In November 2025, electricity was the fastest-growing IIP sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only

PIB (MoSPI): the IIP base is 2011-12=100 and quick estimates come out on the 28th of every month (or the next working day). In November 2025 electricity contracted 1.5% while manufacturing grew fastest at 8.0%.

DAC clears proposals worth ₹79,000 crore for the three Services
Q70

The Defence Acquisition Council meeting of 29 December 2025 accorded Acceptance of Necessity to proposals worth about:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹79,000 crore

PIB (Defence): the DAC chaired by Rajnath Singh accorded AoN for proposals of the three Services amounting to about ₹79,000 crore.

Q71 Advanced

For which Service did the DAC approve the leasing of High Altitude Long Range (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems on 29 December 2025?

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Correct answer: D — Indian Navy

PIB (Defence): AoN was accorded to the Indian Navy for leasing HALE RPAS to ensure continuous ISR and maritime domain awareness over the Indian Ocean Region.

India AI Impact Summit 2026 to focus on 'Democratizing AI, Bridging the AI Divide'
Q72 Advanced

The India AI Impact Summit 2026 is anchored in which three guiding 'Sutras'?

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Correct answer: A — People, Planet and Progress

PIB (MeitY): the Summit is anchored in three guiding Sutras: People, Planet and Progress.

Q73

The three Sutras of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 are operationalised through how many thematic 'Chakras' (working groups)?

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Correct answer: B — Seven

PIB (MeitY): the Sutras are operationalised through seven thematic Chakras, or working groups.