BSSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In his address to the nation on 21 September 2025, what did PM Modi call the beginning of the next-generation GST reforms?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — GST Bachat Utsav (savings festival)
The Prime Minister said a 'GST savings festival' (GST Bachat Utsav) would begin from 22 September.
According to PM Modi's address of 21 September 2025, what share of goods earlier taxed at 12% GST moved to the 5% rate?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 99%
The Prime Minister said 99%, i.e. nearly 100%, of goods earlier taxed at 12% had come under the 5% rate.
PM Modi said that the income tax and GST relief decisions taken in one year would save people more than:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹2.5 lakh crore
Combining income tax and GST relief, the Prime Minister said people would save more than ₹2.5 lakh crore.
In his address of 21 September 2025, PM Modi said income up to what amount had been made tax-free this year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹12 lakh
The Prime Minister said the government made income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free this year.
In which feature of the Indian Ocean did India secure exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides under a contract announced on 20 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Carlsberg Ridge
The new 15-year ISA contract covers 10,000 sq km of the Carlsberg Ridge.
With which body did India's Ministry of Earth Sciences sign the contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — International Seabed Authority
The 15-year contract was signed between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
What is the duration of India's new ISA contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 15 years
The new contract runs for 15 years and covers 10,000 sq km.
Consider the following statements: 1. India is the first country to hold two ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphide exploration. 2. India's other PMS contract covers the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: with the Carlsberg Ridge contract India became the first country with two ISA PMS contracts, the other covering the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge.
India was designated a 'Pioneer Investor' by virtue of being the first country to receive an area in international waters for exploration of:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Polymetallic nodules
India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and was designated a "Pioneer Investor".
LEADS 2025, launched by Piyush Goyal on 20 September 2025, benchmarks the performance of States and UTs in:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Logistics
LEADS stands for Logistics Ease Across Different States; the 2025 edition benchmarks logistics performance across States and UTs.
The Guidebook on Mapping of HSN Codes released by DPIIT in September 2025 allocates 12,167 HSN codes to how many ministries and departments?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 31
The guidebook allocates 12,167 HSN codes to 31 ministries and departments of the Government of India.
Consider the following statements about the initiatives launched on 20 September 2025: 1. Logistics Data Bank 2.0 was developed by the Asian Development Bank. 2. Integrated State and City Logistics Plans under SMILE begin in 20 cities. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: LDB 2.0 was developed by NICDC Logistics Data Services (ADB supported IPRS 3.0 and SMILE), and the SMILE plans begin in eight cities across eight states.
On which date was the Make in India initiative launched, whose decade was marked in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 25 September 2014
Piyush Goyal said the Prime Minister introduced Make in India on 25 September 2014.
The Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) 3.0, launched in September 2025, was developed by DPIIT with the support of:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Asian Development Bank
IPRS 3.0 was developed by DPIIT with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Under the US proclamation of 19 September 2025, what payment must accompany H-1B petitions for the restriction on entry not to apply?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — $100,000
The proclamation restricts entry of H-1B specialty-occupation workers except where petitions are accompanied or supplemented by a payment of $100,000.
For how long does the H-1B entry restriction in the US proclamation of September 2025 remain in force, absent extension?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 12 months
The restriction expires 12 months after its effective date of 21 September 2025, unless extended.
Which provisions of the US Immigration and Nationality Act did the H-1B proclamation of 19 September 2025 invoke?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sections 212(f) and 215(a)
The restriction on entry was imposed pursuant to sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the INA.
Consider the following statements about India's official response to the US H-1B proclamation: 1. The MEA said the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of disruption caused for families. 2. The MEA said the full implications were being studied by all concerned, including Indian industry. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the implications were being studied, including by Indian industry, and that the measure was likely to have humanitarian consequences for families.
Where was the 28th Universal Postal Union Congress held, at which India was re-elected to the UPU's Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Dubai
India was re-elected to both councils at the 28th UPU Congress held in Dubai, UAE.
Since which year has India been a member of the Universal Postal Union?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1876
India has been a member of the UPU since 1876.
Where did the third round of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations conclude on 19 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Queenstown
The third round, held from 15 to 19 September 2025, concluded in Queenstown, New Zealand.
When were the India–New Zealand FTA negotiations formally launched?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 16 March 2025
The FTA was formally launched on 16 March 2025 at a meeting between Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay.
What was India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand in 2024–25, as per the Commerce Ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — USD 1.3 billion
India–New Zealand merchandise trade was USD 1.3 billion in 2024–25, growth of nearly 49%.
To what level did Japan's R&I upgrade India's long-term sovereign credit rating on 19 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — BBB+
R&I upgraded India to 'BBB+' from 'BBB', retaining a Stable outlook.
Which agency upgraded India's sovereign rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-' in August 2025, before R&I's September upgrade?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — S&P
S&P upgraded India to 'BBB' from 'BBB-' in August 2025; Morningstar DBRS upgraded India to 'BBB' from 'BBB (low)' in May 2025.
Consider the following statements about India's sovereign rating upgrades in 2025: 1. R&I's upgrade in September 2025 was the third upgrade of India by a sovereign rating agency that year. 2. R&I changed India's outlook from Stable to Positive. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: it was the third upgrade of 2025, and R&I retained the Stable outlook while raising the rating to BBB+.
Where will the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 be held?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The India-AI Impact Summit 2026 will be held on 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Which three 'Sutras' guide the India-AI Impact Summit 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — People, Planet, Progress
The Summit is guided by the principles or Sutras of People, Planet and Progress.
Which emblem forms the core identity of the official logo of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ashoka Chakra
The logo's identity is the Ashoka Chakra, an emblem of ethical governance and constitutional values, with neural network flares radiating outward.
Consider the following statements about the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 announcements of 18 September 2025: 1. The Summit is the first to be hosted by a Global South nation. 2. Eight foundation model projects were launched under the IndiaAI Foundation Models pillar, selected from about 506 proposals. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. MeitY said the Summit is being hosted for the first time by a Global South nation, and eight foundation model projects selected from about 506 proposals were launched.
After seven natural sites were added in September 2025, how many Indian properties are on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 69
The inclusion of seven natural sites raised India's count on the Tentative List from 62 to 69 properties.
Which cave serves as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age of the Holocene Epoch, as cited in the UNESCO Tentative List addition of September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Mawmluh Cave
The Meghalayan Age Caves, particularly Mawmluh Cave, serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch.
The Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam natural arch are features of which site added to UNESCO's Tentative List in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Tirumala Hills
Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh feature the Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam (natural arch), representing over 1.5 billion years of Earth's history.
Consider the following pairs of sites added to UNESCO's Tentative List in September 2025 and their states: 1. Naga Hill Ophiolite — Nagaland 2. Erra Matti Dibbalu — Kerala Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 only
Only pair 1 is correct. Naga Hill Ophiolite is in Nagaland, but Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills) is near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh; the Kerala site is Varkala Cliffs.
Consider the following statements about UNESCO's Tentative List as described in the Ministry of Culture release of 18 September 2025: 1. Inclusion in the Tentative List is a prerequisite for a site to be nominated to the World Heritage List. 2. After the September 2025 additions, cultural properties make up the largest share of India's Tentative List. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Under UNESCO's protocol, Tentative List inclusion is a prerequisite for nomination, and India's 69 properties comprise 49 cultural, 17 natural and 3 mixed sites.
What was the last date for eligible central government employees and past retirees under NPS to opt for the Unified Pension Scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 30 September 2025
The Department of Financial Services said the last date to opt for UPS is 30 September 2025.
Under the DFS Office Memorandum of 25 August 2025, at least how long before superannuation must a UPS subscriber exercise the one-time switch to NPS?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — One year
The switch must be exercised at least one year before superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement, whichever is earlier.
With whom did Prime Minister Narendra Modi hold a telephone conversation on 18 September 2025 as head of Nepal's Interim Government?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Sushila Karki
PM Modi spoke with Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal, and congratulated her on her appointment.
For which upcoming occasion did PM Modi extend felicitations to Nepal during his call with PM Sushila Karki on 18 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Day of Nepal
PM Modi extended felicitations on the occasion of the upcoming National Day of Nepal.
Consider the following statements about the Modi–Karki telephone call of 18 September 2025: 1. PM Modi extended condolences for the loss of life during the recent protests in Nepal. 2. PM Modi conveyed India's full support to Nepal in its efforts towards restoring peace and stability. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the PMO release records condolences for the loss of life during the protests and India's full support for restoring peace and stability in Nepal.
Which UAE institution's Managing Director co-chaired the 13th meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), co-chaired the meeting with Piyush Goyal.
In which year was the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments established?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2013
The Joint Task Force was established in 2013 as a forum for strengthening economic ties and resolving investor issues.
Consider the following statements based on the 13th India-UAE Joint Task Force meeting: 1. India-UAE bilateral non-oil trade reached nearly US$38 billion in the first half of 2025. 2. The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was implemented in May 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Non-oil trade reached nearly US$38 billion in H1 2025 (+34%), but the CEPA was implemented in May 2022, not 2024.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in the maiden India–Greece bilateral maritime exercise that concluded on 18 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — INS Trikand
The Indian Navy was represented by the guided missile stealth frigate INS Trikand.
At which Greek naval base was the harbour phase of the maiden India–Greece maritime exercise held in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Salamis
The harbour phase was held from 13 to 17 September 2025 at Salamis Naval Base.
Consider the following statements about the maiden India–Greece bilateral maritime exercise of September 2025: 1. Its sea phase included joint anti-submarine warfare and cross-deck helicopter operations. 2. Its pre-sail conference was held aboard INS Trikand. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The sea phase included joint ASW and cross-deck helicopter operations, but the pre-sail conference was held aboard HS Themistokles, an Elli-class frigate of the Hellenic Navy.
In which city did Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement on 17 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Riyadh
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and PM Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement in Riyadh during Sharif's state visit.
What is the core clause of the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement of September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both
The joint statement said the agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.
Consider the following statements about India's official response to the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defence pact: 1. The MEA said the Government was aware that the development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement, had been under consideration. 2. The MEA said India would study its implications for national security as well as for regional and global stability. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Government was aware the pact had been under consideration and that India would study its implications for national security and for regional and global stability.
Which ministry holds regulatory and stewardship responsibility for geothermal energy under the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Under the policy, regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal energy rest with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
How many geothermal projects, including pilot and resource assessment projects, had MNRE sanctioned as of the notification of the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Five
MNRE has sanctioned five projects in the sector, including pilot initiatives and resource assessment projects.
Consider the following statements about the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025): 1. It promotes R&D in retrofitting abandoned oil wells and Enhanced/Advanced Geothermal Systems. 2. It covers direct uses such as district heating and Ground Source Heat Pumps besides power generation. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the policy promotes R&D in hybrid geothermal-solar plants, retrofitting abandoned oil wells and EGS/AGS, and covers direct uses like district heating and GSHPs alongside electricity generation.
Under which rule of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, did the ECI revise guidelines for EVM ballot papers in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rule 49B
The ECI revised the existing guidelines under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, for the design and printing of EVM ballot papers.
Under the revised ECI guidelines of September 2025, what colour of paper is to be used for EVM ballot papers in Assembly elections?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Pink
For Assembly elections, pink-coloured paper of specified RGB values is to be used; ballot papers are printed on 70 GSM paper.
Consider the following statements about the ECI's revised EVM ballot paper guidelines of September 2025: 1. Candidates' photographs will be printed in colour, with the face occupying three-fourths of the photo space. 2. Serial numbers of candidates and NOTA will be printed in Devanagari numerals. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Photographs will be in colour with the face covering three-fourths of the space, but serial numbers will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals, not Devanagari numerals.
What was the theme of World Ozone Day 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — From science to global action
The theme for World Ozone Day 2025 was 'From science to global action', emphasising how scientific discovery can guide policy and international cooperation.
According to UNDP's Resident Representative at the 31st World Ozone Day event, what reduction target in HCFC production and consumption has India achieved?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 67.5%
UNDP Resident Representative Angela Lusigi said India achieved the 67.5% reduction target in HCFC production and consumption and completely phased out HCFC-141b.
World Ozone Day on 16 September commemorates the signing of which international agreement?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Montreal Protocol
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987.
Consider the following statements about the ozone treaties: 1. The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol were the first UN treaties to achieve universal ratification. 2. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, agreed in 2016, deals with the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. On 16 September 2009 the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first UN treaties to achieve universal ratification, and the Kigali Amendment agreed on 15 October 2016 provides for the phase-down of HFCs.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1985. 2. Under the Kigali Amendment, India's HFC phase-down is to be implemented from 2028 onwards. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Vienna Convention was adopted and signed on 22 March 1985, and MoEFCC noted that the HFC phase-down under the Kigali Amendment is to be implemented from 2028 onwards.
Over what period does the nationwide Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign of the Department of Financial Services run?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 July – 30 September 2025
DFS launched the three-month campaign from 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025.
How many new PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts were opened in the first 2.5 months of the Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign, as reported in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — More than 61 lakh
The campaign resulted in over 61 lakh new PMJDY accounts; 2.6 crore was the number of new enrolments under the three Jan Suraksha schemes.
Which of the following schemes are NOT among the flagship schemes targeted by the Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign of 2025? 1. Atal Pension Yojana 2. PM Suraksha Bima Yojana 3. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Select the correct answer:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 3 only
Only PM-KISAN is not targeted. The campaign covers PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY.
What is the name of the strategic partnership between India and Denmark that the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed on 16 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Green Strategic Partnership
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements based on the Modi–Frederiksen call of 16 September 2025: 1. Denmark was holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union at the time. 2. Denmark was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council at the time. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: PM Modi conveyed best wishes for Denmark's ongoing Presidency of the Council of the EU and its non-permanent membership of the UNSC.
To which UNESCO list is India seeking a multinational nomination of Chhath Mahaparva, as discussed by the Ministry of Culture in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The nomination is for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 Convention.
Under which UNESCO convention would Chhath Mahaparva be inscribed on the intangible heritage list?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2003 Convention
The multinational nomination of Chhath Mahaparva is for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 Convention.
Which of the following countries were represented by senior diplomats at the Ministry of Culture's IGNCA meeting of 16 September 2025 on the Chhath Mahaparva nomination?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — UAE, Suriname and the Netherlands
Senior diplomatic representatives of the UAE, Suriname and the Netherlands attended the IGNCA meeting; envoys to Mauritius and Fiji joined a separate virtual interaction later.
What is the number of the MANAS anti-drug helpline that Amit Shah urged greater use of at the ANTF heads conference in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1933
Amit Shah said greater use should be made of the MANAS helpline number 1933.
How much quantity of drugs was destroyed under the NCB drug disposal campaign launched by Amit Shah on 16 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1.37 lakh kg
Under the campaign, 1.37 lakh kilograms of drugs worth ₹4,800 crore were destroyed at 11 locations.
Consider the following statements about the three-pronged anti-drug strategy outlined by Amit Shah at the second ANTF heads conference: 1. It calls for a humane approach towards the drug supply chain. 2. It calls for a strategic approach towards demand reduction. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Shah called for a ruthless approach to the drug supply chain, a strategic approach to demand reduction and a humane approach to harm reduction.
Who led the USTR team that held trade talks in India on 16 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Brendan Lynch
The team from the Office of the USTR was led by Brendan Lynch, Chief Negotiator for the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations.
What did India and the US decide at the end of the trade talks held in India on 16 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — To intensify efforts for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement
The Commerce Ministry said it was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
The Prime Minister inaugurated a new airport terminal, built in less than five months, during his visit to Bihar on 15 September 2025. Which airport was it?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Purnea
The PM inaugurated the new terminal of Purnea Airport, constructed in less than five months, and flagged off its first commercial flight.
The thermal power project at Pirpainti, whose foundation stone was laid on 15 September 2025, has what capacity and is located in which district of Bihar?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 3x800 MW, Bhagalpur
The PM laid the foundation stone of the 3x800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, Bihar's largest private sector investment at ₹25,000 crore, based on ultra-super critical technology.
Consider the following statements in the context of the PM's Purnea projects of 15 September 2025: 1. Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi intra-state river link project will expand the Eastern Kosi Main Canal. 2. Bihar accounts for about 90% of India's makhana production. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi link (over ₹2,680 crore) will expand the Eastern Kosi Main Canal, and the release notes that Bihar accounts for about 90% of the country's makhana production.
The Araria–Galgalia (Thakurganj) rail line inaugurated on 15 September 2025 provides direct rail connectivity between Araria and which district?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Kishanganj
The new Araria–Galgalia (Thakurganj) line, worth over ₹4,410 crore, establishes direct rail connectivity between Araria and Kishanganj districts.
Where was the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025, won by Vaishali Rameshbabu, held?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The FIDE Grand Swiss and Women's Grand Swiss 2025 were held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, ending on 15 September 2025.
Consider the following statements about Vaishali Rameshbabu's win at the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025: 1. She became the first player to win the Grand Swiss twice in a row. 2. She finished in clear first place, a full point ahead of the rest of the field. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: FIDE said a second consecutive Grand Swiss win had never been achieved before in either section. Statement 2 is incorrect: Vaishali and Kateryna Lagno both scored 8/11, and Vaishali took first place on tiebreak.
Apart from Vaishali Rameshbabu, which player qualified for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament from the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kateryna Lagno
Russia's Kateryna Lagno also scored 8/11 and, with Vaishali, took the two Candidates spots from the Women's Grand Swiss; Bibisara Assaubayeva finished third.
Which bench of the Supreme Court passed the interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on 15 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — CJI B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih
The interim order of 15 September 2025 was passed by a bench of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih.
Under the Supreme Court's interim directions on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, what is the maximum number of non-Muslim members allowed in the Central Waqf Council and in a State Waqf Board, respectively?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 4 and 3
The Court directed that the Central Waqf Council should not have more than 4 non-Muslim members and a State Waqf Board not more than 3, recording the Solicitor General's statement to the same effect.
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's interim order of 15 September 2025 on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025: 1. The Court stayed the operation of the entire Act until the petitions are finally decided. 2. The condition that a person must be practising Islam for at least five years to create a waqf was stayed until State Governments frame rules for a mechanism to determine it. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: the Court found no case to stay the entire statute. Statement 2 is correct: the five-year condition was stayed until State Governments frame rules, since without a mechanism it could lead to arbitrary exercise of power.
While staying the Collector's powers to decide disputes over waqf property under the amended Act, which constitutional principle did the Supreme Court say would be violated if the executive determined citizens' rights?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Separation of powers
The Court said permitting the Collector to adjudicate the rights of citizens would violate the separation of powers, and stayed those provisions until the Waqf Tribunal decides.
India's second contract with the International Seabed Authority for polymetallic sulphides exploration, signed on 15 September 2025, covers an area in which feature of the Indian Ocean?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Carlsberg Ridge
The 15-year contract gives India exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in an allotted 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge.
Consider the following statements about India's PMS exploration contract with the ISA signed in September 2025: 1. India became the first country to hold two ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphides exploration. 2. The contract is valid for 30 years. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: India is the first country with two ISA PMS contracts (the earlier, from 2016, covers the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges). Statement 2 is incorrect: the contract is for 15 years.
The International Seabed Authority, with which India signed its second PMS exploration contract, is based in which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Jamaica
The International Seabed Authority, the UN body that regulates mineral exploration in international seabed areas, is based in Jamaica.
The 'AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap' and the Frontier Tech Repository were launched on 15 September 2025 under which NITI Aayog platform?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Frontier Tech Hub
NITI Aayog launched both initiatives under its Frontier Tech Hub, which the Finance Minister likened to a honeycomb bringing together government, industry and innovators.
Which two levers does NITI Aayog's 'AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap' highlight?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Accelerating AI adoption across industries, and transforming R&D with generative AI
The roadmap highlights two major levers: accelerating adoption of AI across industries to enhance productivity and efficiency, and transforming R&D with generative AI.
In which event did Anandkumar Velkumar win gold at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025 to become India's first world champion in skating?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Senior men's 1000m sprint
Velkumar won gold in the senior men's 1000m sprint in 1:24.924, a day after winning bronze in the 500m sprint.
Where were the Speed Skating World Championships 2025, at which Anandkumar Velkumar won gold, held?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Beidaihe, China
The championships were held in Beidaihe, China, where Velkumar won the senior men's 1000m sprint on 15 September 2025.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for August 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 0.52%
WPI inflation was 0.52% (provisional) in August 2025, turning positive after -0.19% in June and -0.58% in July.
What is the base year of the Wholesale Price Index series used for the August 2025 release?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2011-12
The WPI release for August 2025 uses the series with base year 2011-12.
What were India's estimated total exports (merchandise and services combined) in August 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — US$ 69.16 billion
Total exports in August 2025 were estimated at US$ 69.16 billion, up 9.34% from US$ 63.25 billion in August 2024; US$ 35.10 billion was merchandise exports alone.
Which merchandise export category recorded the highest growth (25.93%) among the major drivers listed for August 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Electronic goods
Electronic goods exports rose 25.93%, from US$ 2.32 billion to US$ 2.93 billion; gems and jewellery grew 15.57%, drugs and pharmaceuticals 6.94% and petroleum products 6.54%.