SF Prep

CDS Current Affairs Quiz — All time

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

7 days 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months All
3688 news · 9452 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 88 questions
NITI Aayog releases 'Pathways to Progress' report on India's innovation story
Q1 Advanced

Which institution released the report 'Pathways to Progress: Analysis and Insights into India's Innovation Story' in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — NITI Aayog

NITI Aayog released the report on 23 September 2025.

TRAI recommends reserve prices for FM radio channel auctions in smaller cities
Q2 Advanced

TRAI's September 2025 recommendations on FM radio reserve prices covered category 'E' cities in which states/UT?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir

The 18 category 'E' cities are in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir; Bilaspur, Rourkela and Rudrapur were also covered.

NCMRWF and NSIL sign MoU for two satellite DBNet stations under Mission Mausam
Q3 Advanced

Where will the two Direct Broadcast Network (DBNet) stations under the NCMRWF–NSIL MoU of September 2025 be set up?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Delhi/NCR and Chennai

The MoU provides for one DBNet station in Delhi/NCR and one in Chennai under Mission Mausam.

GST 2.0 takes effect: two main rates of 5% and 18%, special 40% de-merit rate
Q4

Under the GST rate structure that took effect on 22 September 2025, what are the Merit Rate and the Standard Rate?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 5% and 18%

The 56th GST Council recommended a two-rate structure with a Merit Rate of 5% and a Standard Rate of 18%.

Q5 Advanced

What special de-merit GST rate did the 56th GST Council recommend for a select few goods and services?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 40%

Alongside the 5% and 18% rates, the Council recommended a special de-merit rate of 40% for a select few goods and services.

Q6 Advanced

Under the GST reforms, the GST on hotel stays priced below ₹7,500 per day was changed to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 5% (without input tax credit)

GST on hotel stays below ₹7,500 a day was reduced from 12% to 5% without input tax credit.

Q7 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 56th GST Council decisions: 1. The GST rate on coal was reduced from 18% to 5%. 2. GST on buses with a seating capacity of 10 or more was raised from 18% to 28%. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

Both are wrong: the GST on coal was raised from 5% to 18% (with the ₹400 per tonne compensation cess removed), and GST on buses with 10+ seats was cut from 28% to 18%.

Q8 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 56th GST Council: 1. The meeting was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 2. It recommended exempting all individual life and health insurance policies from GST. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 56th meeting, which exempted all individual life and health insurance policies from GST.

India and Morocco sign MoU on defence cooperation in Rabat
Q9

In which city did India and Morocco sign an MoU on defence cooperation on 22 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rabat

The MoU was signed in Rabat, where India will also open a Defence Wing at its embassy.

Q10 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–Morocco defence MoU of 22 September 2025: 1. A new Defence Wing will be opened at the Embassy of India in Rabat. 2. The MoU covers cooperation in counter-terrorism and cyber defence. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: India will open a Defence Wing in Rabat, and the MoU covers areas including counter-terrorism and cyber defence.

Buddha's holy relics travel to Russia's Kalmykia for first exposition
Q11

To which Russian republic did the holy relics of Lord Buddha travel for a first exposition in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Kalmykia

The relics travelled to the Republic of Kalmykia for a first exposition, during the 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Elista.

Q12 Advanced

What is the theme of the 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Elista, where Buddha's relics from India were exhibited?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Buddhism in the New Millennium

The forum's theme is "Buddhism in the New Millennium".

Eight core industries grow 6.3% in August 2025; coal up 11.4%
Q13

By how much did the Index of Eight Core Industries grow in August 2025 over August 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 6.3%

The index grew 6.3% in August 2025; 3.7% was July's final figure and 2.8% the April–August cumulative growth.

Q14 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the core industries data for August 2025: 1. The eight core industries account for 40.27% of the weight of items in the IIP. 2. Crude oil and natural gas both recorded positive growth. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct: the eight core industries make up 40.27% of the IIP weight, while crude oil (−1.2%) and natural gas (−2.2%) declined.

Q15 Advanced

Which of the eight core industries recorded 11.4% growth in August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Coal

Coal output grew 11.4% in August 2025, while crude oil (−1.2%) and natural gas (−2.2%) declined.

Government approves 25 lakh more Ujjwala LPG connections; total to reach 10.58 crore
Q16

How many additional LPG connections under PMUY were approved for FY 2025-26 on 22 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 25 lakh

The Government approved 25 lakh additional PMUY connections for FY 2025-26.

Q17 Advanced

With the 25 lakh additional connections, the total number of PMUY connections will rise to:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 10.58 crore

The total number of PMUY connections will rise to 10.58 crore.

Q18 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the additional Ujjwala connections approved in September 2025: 1. The cost per connection is ₹3,000. 2. The ₹300 targeted subsidy applies to up to 12 refills a year. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

Both are wrong: the cost is ₹2,050 per connection, and the ₹300 subsidy is for up to 9 refills a year.

Asia Cup 2025 Super Four: India beat Pakistan by six wickets in Dubai; Abhishek Sharma hits 74 off 39
Q19

By what margin did India beat Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match in Dubai on 21 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 6 wickets

ESPN and Reuters (21 Sep 2025): India beat Pakistan by 6 wickets, reaching the target of 172 with seven balls remaining.

Q20 Advanced

Which Indian batter scored 74 off 39 balls in India's Asia Cup Super Four win over Pakistan on 21 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Abhishek Sharma

ESPN and Reuters (21 Sep 2025): Abhishek Sharma scored 74 off 39 balls, including six fours and five sixes.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–Pakistan Asia Cup Super Four match of 21 September 2025: 1. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill put on 105 runs for the first wicket. 2. Pakistan set India a target of 172. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

ESPN and Reuters (21 Sep 2025): Abhishek and Gill added 105 for the first wicket, and India chased down a target of 172, so both statements are correct.

UK, Canada and Australia formally recognise the State of Palestine
Q22

Which of the following groups of countries formally recognised the State of Palestine on 21 September 2025 in coordinated statements?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — UK, Canada and Australia

The UK, Canada and Australia announced formal recognition of the State of Palestine on 21 September 2025 in coordinated statements.

Q23 Advanced

The UN conference on the two-state solution, ahead of which the UK, Canada and Australia recognised Palestine in September 2025, was co-chaired by:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — France and Saudi Arabia

The conference was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.

Q24 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the recognitions of Palestine on 21 September 2025: 1. The UK recognised Palestinian statehood over provisional borders based on the 1967 lines with equal land swaps. 2. Portugal also announced recognition on the same day. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the UK Foreign Office described recognition over provisional borders based on 1967 lines with equal land swaps, and Portugal announced recognition the same day.

Q25 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the recognition of Palestine on 21 September 2025: 1. The UK and Canada became the first G7 members to recognise the State of Palestine. 2. The US State Department welcomed the recognitions as a step towards peace. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct: the UK and Canada were the first G7 members to take the step, while a US State Department spokesperson dismissed the move as "performative".

PM Modi addresses the nation on the eve of next-generation GST reforms
Q26

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.

Q27 Advanced

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.

Q28 Advanced

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.

Q29 Advanced

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.

India gets exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in Carlsberg Ridge; first country with two PMS contracts
Q30

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.

Q31 Advanced

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).

Q32 Advanced

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.

Q33 Advanced

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.

Q34 Advanced

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".

Make in India decade: Piyush Goyal launches LEADS 2025, LDB 2.0, IPRS 3.0 and commemorative coin
Q35 Advanced

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.

Q36 Advanced

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.

Q37 Advanced

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.

Q38

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.

Q39 Advanced

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).

US proclamation requires $100,000 payment for new H-1B petitions; MEA flags humanitarian consequences
Q40

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.

Q41 Advanced

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.

Q42 Advanced

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.

Q43 Advanced

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.

India re-elected to UPU's Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council
Q44 Advanced

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.

Q45 Advanced

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.

Third round of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations concludes in Queenstown
Q46

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.

Q47 Advanced

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.

Q48 Advanced

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%.

Japan's R&I upgrades India's sovereign rating to BBB+ (Stable), third upgrade of 2025
Q49

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.

Q50 Advanced

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.

Q51 Advanced

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+.

Indian Navy's First Training Squadron concludes port call at Maputo, Mozambique
Q52 Advanced

The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron concluded a port visit to Maputo in September 2025. Maputo is the capital of:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Mozambique

The squadron's four-day port visit was to Maputo, Mozambique, where it trained with the Mozambique Navy.

Greek PM Mitsotakis calls PM Modi, backs early India–EU FTA
Q53 Advanced

In his call with PM Modi on 19 September 2025, the Greek Prime Minister conveyed support for the success of which summit to be hosted by India in 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — AI Impact Summit

Kyriakos Mitsotakis conveyed support for the AI Impact Summit to be hosted by India in 2026, and for an early India–EU FTA.

MeitY unveils logo and flagship initiatives of India-AI Impact Summit 2026; eight foundation model projects launched
Q54

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.

Q55 Advanced

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.

Q56 Advanced

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.

Q57 Advanced

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.

Seven Indian natural heritage sites added to UNESCO's Tentative List; India's count rises to 69
Q58

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.

Q59 Advanced

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.

Q60 Advanced

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.

Q61 Advanced

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.

Q62 Advanced

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.

DFS sets 30 September 2025 as last date to opt for Unified Pension Scheme; one-time switch back to NPS allowed
Q63

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.

Q64 Advanced

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.

PM Modi speaks with Nepal's interim PM Sushila Karki, offers condolences over protest deaths
Q65

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.

Q66 Advanced

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.

Q67 Advanced

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.

13th India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments meets in Abu Dhabi
Q68

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.

Q69 Advanced

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.

Q70 Advanced

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.

Maiden India–Greece bilateral naval exercise concludes in the Mediterranean
Q71

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.

Q72 Advanced

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.

Q73 Advanced

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.

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement; India to study implications
Q74

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.

Q75 Advanced

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.

Q76 Advanced

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.

Government notifies National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)
Q77

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.

Q78 Advanced

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.

Q79 Advanced

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.

ECI revises EVM ballot paper guidelines; colour photos of candidates from Bihar polls
Q80

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.

Q81 Advanced

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.

Q82 Advanced

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.

Department of Posts and BSNL sign MoU for SIM sales and recharges at post offices
Q83 Advanced

In which state was the proof of concept implemented before the Department of Posts–BSNL MoU for SIM sales through post offices was signed in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Assam

The proof of concept was implemented in Assam, where it showed significant success, before the nationwide MoU.

India marks 31st World Ozone Day; 67.5% HCFC reduction target achieved
Q84

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.

Q85 Advanced

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.

Q86 Advanced

World Ozone Day on 16 September commemorates the signing of which international agreement?

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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.

Q87 Advanced

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?

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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.

Q88 Advanced

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?

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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.