Defence Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Tri-Services Future Warfare Course (FWC-02) was coordinated by which body?
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Correct answer: A — Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS)
FWC-02 was conducted under HQ Integrated Defence Staff and coordinated by CENJOWS; the Manekshaw Centre was the venue.
Consider the following statements about FWC-02: 1. For the first time, 15 representatives from the private defence industry took part. 2. The inaugural edition of the course was held in September 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
Pope Leo XIV, elected on 8 May 2025, is which Pope in history according to the Vatican?
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Correct answer: C — 267th
The Vatican described him as the 267th Pope (267th Bishop of Rome).
Consider the following statements about Pope Leo XIV: 1. He is the first Pope from the United States of America. 2. He was born in Lima, Peru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 14 September 1955; he served as a missionary in Peru.
Who announced 'Habemus Papam' and the name of the new Pope from the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica on 8 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Cardinal Dominique Mamberti
Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti made the announcement.
How many cardinal electors gathered in the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV?
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Correct answer: D — 133
As per L'Osservatore Romano, 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Sistine Chapel.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit in May 2025 marked which anniversary of India–Iran diplomatic relations?
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Correct answer: C — 75th
The President noted the visit came on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Consider the following statements about the meeting of 8 May 2025: 1. President Murmu welcomed ongoing cooperation in realising the full potential of Chabahar Port. 2. Abbas Araghchi is Iran's Defence Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Abbas Araghchi is Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs.
What was the theme of World Thalassemia Day 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients
The 2025 theme was 'Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients'.
Consider the following statements about the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY): 1. It is a CSR initiative of Coal India Limited supporting free bone marrow transplants for children with thalassemia and aplastic anaemia. 2. The Coal Minister announced a 'One State, One Hospital' goal for bone marrow transplants under it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
Thalassemia, as described by the DEPwD, is what type of genetic disorder?
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Correct answer: B — Autosomal recessive
Thalassemia is a genetic autosomal recessive disorder inherited from one or both parents.
The warship 'Arnala', delivered to the Indian Navy on 8 May 2025, is named after a historic fort located off:
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Correct answer: A — Vasai, Maharashtra
Arnala is named after the historic Arnala fort located off Vasai, Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements about 'Arnala': 1. It is the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by GRSE. 2. It is the largest Indian naval warship propelled by a diesel engine–waterjet combination. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
What is the length of the warship 'Arnala'?
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Correct answer: B — 77 m
Arnala is a 77 m long warship.
When was the India–Chile Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed?
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Correct answer: B — March 2006
The PTA was signed in March 2006; the Framework Agreement in January 2005; the expanded PTA was signed in September 2016 and took effect on 16 May 2017.
Consider the following statements about the India–Chile CEPA: 1. The first round of negotiations was scheduled to be held in Santiago. 2. The expanded India–Chile PTA became effective in January 2005. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the first round was scheduled for 26–30 May 2025 in New Delhi, and the expanded PTA took effect on 16 May 2017.
As noted at the NITI Frontier Tech Hub workshop, India accounts for what share of global datacentre capacity?
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Correct answer: A — 3%
India generates nearly 20% of the world's data but accounts for just 3% of global datacentre capacity.
Consider the following statements about the AI datacentre workshop of 8 May 2025: 1. It was organised by the Ministry of Electronics and IT. 2. It noted that India generates about 3% of the world's data. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: it was hosted by the NITI Aayog Frontier Tech Hub, and India generates nearly 20% of the world's data (3% is its share of datacentre capacity).
As per the SRS Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality 2019-21, released with the SRS 2021 report on 7 May 2025, India's Maternal Mortality Ratio is:
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Correct answer: B — 93
MMR fell from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21. 70 is the SDG target and 45 is Telangana's MMR.
According to the SRS Statistical Report 2021, India's Infant Mortality Rate in 2021 was (per 1,000 live births):
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Correct answer: D — 27
IMR was 27 in 2021, down from 39 in 2014. 19 is the Neonatal Mortality Rate and 31 the Under-Five Mortality Rate for 2021.
Consider the following statements based on the SRS 2021 data released on 7 May 2025: 1. Among the States that have met the SDG target for MMR, Kerala has the lowest MMR. 2. India's Total Fertility Rate was 2.0 in 2021. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Kerala's MMR is 20, and the TFR was 2.0 in 2021.
What is the total outlay of the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation approved by the Union Cabinet on 7 May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ₹60,000 crore
The total outlay is ₹60,000 crore, of which ₹30,000 crore is the Central share, ₹20,000 crore the State share and ₹10,000 crore the industry share.
How many government ITIs are to be upgraded in a hub-and-spoke arrangement under the scheme approved on 7 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 1,000
The scheme covers upgradation of 1,000 government ITIs; 50,000 is the number of trainers to be trained and 5 the number of NSTIs.
Consider the following statements about the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation: 1. The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank will co-finance 50% of the Central share equally. 2. The National Skill Training Institutes to be augmented include Pune and Kolkata. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The five NSTIs are at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur and Ludhiana.
The nationwide civil defence mock drill of 7 May 2025 was directed to be held in how many categorised Civil Defence districts?
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Correct answer: A — 244
The MHA directed the drill across 244 categorised Civil Defence districts.
Consider the following statements about the civil defence mock drill of 7 May 2025: 1. It was directed by the Ministry of Defence. 2. NCC, NSS and NYKS volunteers along with school and college students were to participate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The drill was directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Defence.
According to the Ministry of Defence, how many sites were targeted under Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Nine
The Ministry of Defence said that altogether nine sites were targeted in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Consider the following statements about Operation Sindoor (7 May 2025): 1. The Ministry of Defence stated that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. 2. At the MEA briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was joined by Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The MoD release said no Pakistani military facilities were targeted, and the Foreign Secretary's statement names the two officers who joined the briefing.
Markaz Taiba, one of the nine sites named at the Operation Sindoor briefing, is located at:
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Correct answer: B — Muridke
Markaz Taiba is at Muridke. Bahawalpur was the location of Markaz Subhanallah, Kotli of the Gulpur and Abbas camps, and Sialkot of the Sarjal and Mehmoona Joya camps.
Which organisation was the host of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025 held in New Delhi from 7 to 9 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Space Research Organisation
GLEX 2025 was jointly organised by the International Astronautical Federation, with ISRO as host and the Astronautical Society of India as co-host.
Consider the following statements: 1. GLEX 2025 was the 12th edition of the Global Space Exploration Conference. 2. In his GLEX 2025 address, the Prime Minister said India has deployed over 400 satellites for 34 nations using Indian launch vehicles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the PIB releases of 6 and 7 May 2025.
Which of the following IIT–State/UT pairs, from the five IITs whose expansion was approved on 7 May 2025, is correctly matched?
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Correct answer: D — IIT Palakkad – Kerala
IIT Palakkad is in Kerala. IIT Dharwad is in Karnataka, IIT Bhilai in Chhattisgarh and IIT Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.
After the Phase-B expansion approved on 7 May 2025, the five IITs together will be able to cater to how many students?
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Correct answer: B — 13,687
Capacity rises from 7,111 to 13,687 students, an increase of 6,576.
Under the Revised SHAKTI policy approved on 7 May 2025, the existing eight paras for coal allocation have been mapped into how many windows?
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Correct answer: C — Two
The eight paras were mapped to two windows: Window-I (notified price) and Window-II (premium above notified price).
Consider the following statements about Window-II of the Revised SHAKTI policy: 1. Power producers can secure coal for a period of more than 12 months up to 25 years by paying a premium above the notified price. 2. A power purchase agreement is mandatory for selling electricity generated from Window-II coal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The requirement of a PPA has been done away with for electricity generated from Window-II coal.
In which year was the original SHAKTI policy for coal allocation introduced?
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Correct answer: D — 2017
The Ministry of Coal noted that SHAKTI was introduced in 2017, shifting coal allocation from nomination to auction/tariff-based bidding.
In which year were the Piprahwa Buddhist relics excavated by William Claxton Peppé?
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Correct answer: D — 1898
They were excavated in 1898; most of them were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899.
Consider the following statements about the Piprahwa relics: 1. Most of the relics are classified as 'AA' antiquities under Indian law and were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata. 2. The auction postponed in May 2025 was scheduled at Sotheby's London. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The auction was scheduled by Sotheby's Hong Kong on 7 May 2025.
Consider the following statements about the IDY 2025 review meeting of 7 May 2025: 1. It was chaired by Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav in New Delhi. 2. 'Harit Yoga' refers to the integration of yoga with schools, hospitals and corporates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Integration with schools, hospitals and corporates is 'Yoga Sangam'; 'Harit Yoga' promotes eco-consciousness through yoga-linked plantation drives.
Which IDY 2025 initiative reviewed on 7 May 2025 promotes eco-consciousness through yoga-linked plantation drives?
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Correct answer: D — Harit Yoga
Harit Yoga is the plantation-linked initiative. Yoga Sangam integrates yoga with institutions, Yoga Connect engages global and diaspora communities, and Yoga Bandhan fosters social unity.
Which organisation hosted the MRSAM-India Eco-System Summit 2.0 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on 7 May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS)
CENJOWS hosted the summit in collaboration with Aerospace Services India and Israel Aerospace Industries; DRDO, BDL and BEL were participants.
Under the India–UK FTA concluded on 6 May 2025, India will gain from tariff elimination on about what share of tariff lines?
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Correct answer: B — 99%
India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99% of tariff lines, covering almost 100% of trade value.
Under the India–UK Double Contribution Convention, Indian workers temporarily in the UK and their employers are exempt from UK social security contributions for:
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Correct answer: D — Three years
The exemption is for a period of three years.
Consider the following statements about the India–UK FTA: 1. FTA negotiations resumed in February 2025 after the two Prime Ministers met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. 2. India–UK bilateral trade of about USD 60 billion is projected to double by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Commerce release of 6 May 2025.
Consider the following statements about the India–UK FTA: 1. India will gain tariff elimination on about 90% of tariff lines. 2. The FTA eases mobility for independent professionals such as yoga instructors, musicians and chefs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Tariff elimination is on about 99% of tariff lines.
Anthony Albanese, congratulated by PM Modi on 6 May 2025 on his re-election, is the ___ Prime Minister of Australia.
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Correct answer: C — 32nd
The PMO release describes Albanese's re-election as the 32nd Prime Minister of Australia.
Consider the following statements about the Modi–Albanese call of 6 May 2025: 1. PM Modi invited PM Albanese to India, including for the QUAD Summit to be hosted in India later in the year. 2. The leaders noted the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership had completed ten years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The leaders noted the CSP's five years.
Under the IWAI–Rhenus Logistics MoU of 6 May 2025, how many barges/cargo vessels are to be deployed in a phased manner on national waterways?
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Correct answer: B — 100
100 barges are to be deployed in phases; about 20 barges and 6 pushers in the first phase. 70 is the number of countries Rhenus operates in.
Consider the following statements about the IWAI–Rhenus Logistics MoU: 1. Rhenus Logistics is a Germany-based logistics provider. 2. The first phase covers NW-1, NW-2 and NW-16. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways releases.
What annual cargo movement does the first phase of the IWAI–Rhenus MoU target by the end of 2025?
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Correct answer: A — More than one million tonnes
The first phase targets movement of more than one million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025.
Friedrich Merz assumed office on 6 May 2025 as the Federal Chancellor of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Germany
Merz assumed office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany; PM Modi referred to the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.
As stated on 6 May 2025, when is India's first human spaceflight under Gaganyaan now scheduled?
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Correct answer: D — First quarter of 2027
The first human spaceflight is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. TV-D2 is slated for later in 2025; 2035 and 2040 are the targets for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station and an Indian on the Moon.
Consider the following long-term space goals recalled by Dr. Jitendra Singh on 6 May 2025: 1. Setting up the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035. 2. Sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2047. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The goal is to send the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
Consider the following statements about the national workshop inaugurated by J P Nadda on 6 May 2025: 1. It was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 2. It was the first national workshop on health sector disaster preparedness and fire safety. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. It was the 2nd National Workshop, held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the Permian palaeofire study reported on 6 May 2025: 1. It was carried out by scientists of the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, an autonomous institute of the DST. 2. The shale samples studied were collected from the Raniganj Coalfield. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The samples came from the Godavari Basin; Raniganj Coalfield is mentioned as one of the first sites where fossil charcoal was identified in India.
Consider the following statements about Bharat Telecom 2025: 1. It was inaugurated by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in New Delhi on 6 May 2025. 2. More than 130 foreign delegates from over 35 countries participated. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Communications release.
How many Indian telecom and ICT companies showcased products at Bharat Telecom 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Over 80
Over 80 Indian telecom and ICT companies took part; 130 is the number of foreign delegates and 35 the number of countries.
The Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM), which underwent combat firing in May 2025, was developed primarily by which DRDO laboratory?
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Correct answer: C — Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam
MIGM was developed by NSTL, Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with HEMRL Pune and TBRL Chandigarh. BDL is a production partner.
Consider the following statements about the Multi-Influence Ground Mine (MIGM): 1. Bharat Dynamics Limited, Visakhapatnam, and Apollo Microsystems Limited, Hyderabad, are its production partners. 2. The Chairman DRDO said it requires further user trials before it can be considered for induction. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Chairman DRDO said the system is now ready for induction.
As per provisional data released in May 2025, India's iron ore production in FY 2024-25 was:
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Correct answer: B — 289 MMT
Iron ore production reached 289 MMT in FY 2024-25, breaking the FY 2023-24 record of 277 MMT.
As per the Ministry of Mines (May 2025), India's global rank as a producer of aluminium is:
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Correct answer: A — 2nd
India is the 2nd largest aluminium producer and the 4th largest iron ore producer in the world.
Consider the following statements about mineral production in FY 2024-25: 1. Refined copper production declined compared with FY 2023-24. 2. Bauxite production declined compared with FY 2023-24. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Refined copper grew 12.6% to 5.73 lakh tonnes and bauxite rose 2.9% to 24.7 MMT.
Consider the following statements about the India–Japan defence ministers' meeting of 5 May 2025: 1. It was held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. 2. The Ministers reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Defence release of 5 May 2025.
India and Japan describe their bilateral relationship as a:
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Correct answer: D — Special Strategic and Global Partnership
The 5 May 2025 meeting reviewed the defence and security pillars of the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Consider the following statements about INS Sharda's deployment to the Maldives in May 2025: 1. The HADR exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force. 2. The exercise was planned from 1 to 5 May 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The exercise was planned from 4 to 10 May 2025.
What was the size of India's first mortgage-backed Pass Through Certificate (PTC) issue listed on the NSE on 5 May 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1,000 crore
The issue of ₹1,000 crore (1,00,000 PTCs of face value ₹1,00,000) was fully subscribed.
Consider the following statements about India's first mortgage-backed PTCs: 1. The coupon is 7.26% per annum. 2. The instrument is rated AAA(SO) by CRISIL and CARE Ratings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The PTCs, backed by LIC Housing Finance home loans, have a 7.26% coupon and AAA(SO) ratings.