SF Prep

HPPSC HPAS 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
4373 news · 10497 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 77 questions
PM pays homage to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on Parkash Utsav
Q1

On the Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji (27 December 2025), the PM shared pictures from his earlier visit to which Takht?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib

PIB (PMO): the PM shared pictures from his visit to Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib earlier in the year.

Q2 Advanced

At Takht Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, the PM had darshan of the holy Jore Sahib of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and of:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Mata Sahib Kaur Ji

PIB (PMO): the PM had darshan of the holy Jore Sahib of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mata Sahib Kaur Ji.

England win two-day Melbourne Test, first Test victory in Australia since 2011
Q3

At which ground did England win the fourth Ashes Test of 2025-26 inside two days on 27 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Melbourne Cricket Ground

ESPNcricinfo and ICC: England won the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by four wickets on the second day.

Q4 Advanced

Before the Melbourne win of December 2025, England's previous Test victory in Australia came at:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sydney, January 2011

ICC: it was England's first Test victory in Australia since they won the fifth Test in Sydney in January 2011.

Q5 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the fourth Ashes Test of 2025-26: 1. The match finished inside two days. 2. England chased a target of 175 and won by four wickets. 3. The win levelled the five-match series at 2-2. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

ESPNcricinfo and ICC: the Test ended on day two with England chasing 175 to win by four wickets. Australia lead the series 3-1, so statement 3 is wrong.

Amit Shah inaugurates NIA's Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025; crime manual and databases launched
Q6

Which agency organised the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025 inaugurated in New Delhi on 26 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — National Investigation Agency

PIB 2208950: the two-day conference was organised by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Q7 Advanced

According to the Home Minister at the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025, the terrorists who carried out the Baisaran (Pahalgam) attack were neutralised through:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Operation Mahadev

PIB 2208950: the planners were punished through Operation Sindoor and those who carried out the attack were neutralised through Operation Mahadev.

Q8 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Anti-Terrorism Conference-2025: 1. An Organised Crime Network Database was launched at the conference. 2. The Home Minister asked states to adopt a common ATS structure for their police. 3. It was a one-day conference organised by the Intelligence Bureau. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2208950: the Organised Crime Network Database was launched and states were asked to implement a common ATS structure. The conference was a two-day event organised by the NIA, so statement 3 is wrong.

President confers Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 on 20 children
Q9

How many children received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 26 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 20

PIB backgrounder: 20 children from 18 States and Union Territories were selected for the PMRBP 2025.

Q10 Advanced

Where was the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 conferred by the President on 26 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Vigyan Bhawan

PIB backgrounder: the awards were conferred at a special ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The national Veer Bal Diwas programme was held separately at Bharat Mandapam.

Q11 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: 1. It is given to Indian children aged 5 to 18 years as on 31 July of the year. 2. A maximum of 25 awards are normally conferred in a year. 3. The award is never conferred posthumously. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB backgrounder: eligibility is 5–18 years as on 31 July and at most 25 awards are given annually. Posthumous conferment is possible in rare cases, and two 2025 bravery awards were posthumous, so statement 3 is wrong.

Q12 Advanced

The selection committee for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is chaired by the:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development

PIB backgrounder: the PMRBP Committee is constituted by the Minister for Women and Child Development and chaired by the Secretary, MWCD.

Indian Railways plans to double train-originating capacity of major cities by 2030
Q13 Advanced

Indian Railways' plan announced in December 2025 aims to double the train-originating capacity of major cities by which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2030

PIB 2208869: the works for doubling the originating capacity are to be completed by 2030.

Q14 Advanced

Under Indian Railways' capacity-doubling plan, which stations are being considered along with Pune station to raise Pune's capacity?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Hadapsar, Khadki and Alandi

PIB 2208869: for Pune, Hadapsar, Khadki and Alandi have been considered along with more platforms and stabling lines at Pune station.

Veer Baal Diwas 2025: PM addresses national programme at Bharat Mandapam
Q15

Veer Baal Diwas, observed on 26 December, honours which two Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh Ji?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh

PIB backgrounder: Veer Baal Diwas honours Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, the two youngest sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.

Q16 Advanced

The two youngest Sahibzadas were martyred on 26 December 1704 at:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sirhind (Fatehgarh Sahib)

PIB backgrounder: they were bricked alive and martyred at Sirhind (present-day Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab) on 26 December 1704.

Q17 Advanced

In his Veer Baal Diwas 2025 address, the Prime Minister said the colonial mindset was seeded by Macaulay in which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1835

PIB 2208811: the PM said the mentality was seeded by British politician Macaulay in 1835, and that 2035 will mark 200 years.

IIA scientists use JWST data to find complex hydrocarbons lit up around young star T Chamaeleontis
Q18 Advanced

Data from which instrument did Indian Institute of Astrophysics scientists use to study PAH molecules around the young star T Chamaeleontis?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) of JWST

PIB 2208927: IIA scientists used archival spectroscopic data from JWST's Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI).

Q19 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the IIA study of T Chamaeleontis released in December 2025: 1. T Chamaeleontis is a young star about 350 light-years from Earth. 2. The PAH molecules found contain more than 100 carbon atoms each. 3. Faint PAH signatures were also found in archival Spitzer Space Telescope data. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only

PIB 2208927: T Cha is about 350 light-years away and faint PAH signatures were found in archival Spitzer data. The PAHs are smaller molecules with fewer than 30 carbon atoms, so statement 2 is wrong.

EPFO to get Suvidha Providers, KYC drive and any-office service: Mandaviya
Q20 Advanced

What name has the Labour Ministry given to the authorised facilitators who will guide EPFO members in accessing benefits?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — EPF Suvidha Providers

PIB 2208948: the Government will introduce EPF Suvidha Providers, authorised facilitators who guide members and act as a bridge between citizens and EPFO.

Q21 Advanced

By when did the Labour Minister say India would bring 100 crore citizens under social security coverage?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — March 2026

PIB 2208948: 94 crore people are covered today and by March 2026 India will ensure coverage for 100 crore citizens.

Q22 Advanced

Consider the following statements made at the EPFO event at Vatva on 26 December 2025: 1. EPFO holds a fund corpus of about ₹28 lakh crore. 2. As per the ILO, India's social security coverage rose from 19% before 2014 to 64%. 3. EPF claims of up to ₹1 lakh only are settled automatically. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2208948: the corpus is ₹28 lakh crore and coverage rose from 19% to 64% as per the ILO. Settlements up to ₹5 lakh are now processed automatically, so statement 3 is wrong.

GCCA India–NCB report on carbon uptake by concrete released
Q23 Advanced

The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB), which released the carbon uptake report in December 2025, works under the administrative control of:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade

PIB 2208907: NCB is an apex R&D organisation under the administrative control of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Q24 Advanced

The GCCA India–NCB report 'Carbon Uptake by Concrete' (December 2025) is based on which methodology?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Tier-I methodology of the IVL Swedish Environment Research Institute

PIB 2208907: the report is based on the Tier-I methodology of IVL Swedish Environment Research Institute; it will go to MoEF&CC for possible inclusion as a sink in NATCOM to the UNFCCC.

India to chair the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026
Q25

India will chair which international initiative against trade in 'conflict diamonds' from 1 January 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Kimberley Process

PIB 2208375: the Kimberley Process Plenary selected India to assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026.

Q26 Advanced

How many times will India have chaired the Kimberley Process when it takes over in 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Third

PIB 2208375: this will be the third time India has been entrusted with the chair of the Kimberley Process.

Q27 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Kimberley Process: 1. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme came into effect on 1 January 2003. 2. It has 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as one. 3. Its participants account for about three-fourths of global rough diamond trade. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2208375: KPCS came into effect on 1 January 2003 and KP has 60 participants (EU counted as one). Participants account for over 99% of global rough diamond trade, so statement 3 is wrong.

President releases Constitution of India in Santhali (Ol Chiki script)
Q28

In which script is the Santhali version of the Constitution of India, released on 25 December 2025, written?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Ol Chiki

PIB 2208453: the President said the Constitution is now available in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script.

Q29 Advanced

Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution by which Amendment Act?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 92nd Amendment Act, 2003

PIB 2208453 and 2208484: Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule through the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003.

Q30 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Santhali Constitution released in December 2025: 1. The Ol Chiki script was developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925. 2. The translation was published by the Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice. 3. It was released at a joint sitting in Parliament House. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2208484: Ol Chiki was developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925 and the translation was published by the Legislative Department. It was released at Rashtrapati Bhavan, so statement 3 is wrong.

PMGSY completes 25 years: 7.87 lakh km of rural roads built
Q31

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which completed 25 years in December 2025, was launched on:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 25 December 2000

PIB backgrounder 2208381: PMGSY was launched on 25 December 2000 to ensure all-weather connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.

Q32 Advanced

PMGSY-IV (2024–29) aims to connect how many rural habitations?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 25,000

PIB backgrounder 2208381: under PMGSY-IV, 25,000 habitations are to be connected through 62,500 km of roads with an outlay of ₹70,125 crore. (1,63,339 habitations were sanctioned under Phase I.)

Q33 Advanced

In which year was the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) under the PMGSY framework launched?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2016

PIB backgrounder 2208381: RCPLWEA was launched in 2016 as a targeted intervention; PMGSY Phase II began in 2013.

CCPA fines Vision IAS ₹11 lakh for misleading UPSC result advertisements
Q34 Advanced

What penalty did the CCPA impose on Vision IAS in December 2025 for misleading UPSC result advertisements?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹11 lakh

PIB 2208482: the CCPA imposed a penalty of ₹11 lakh on Vision IAS (AjayVision Education Private Limited).

Q35 Advanced

'Misleading advertisement' is defined under which section of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, as cited by the CCPA in its December 2025 order against a coaching institute?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Section 2(28)

PIB 2208482: concealment of material information constituted a misleading advertisement under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Good Governance Week 2025 ends with national workshop; 45 lakh grievances redressed
Q36

Good Governance Day, observed on 25 December, marks the birth anniversary of:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Atal Bihari Vajpayee

PIB 2208924: the Good Governance Day workshop commemorated the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. (Malaviya was also born on 25 December, but the Day honours Vajpayee.)

Q37 Advanced

According to DARPG, how many public grievances were redressed during Good Governance Week 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Over 45 lakh

PIB 2208924: Good Governance Week saw over 57,000 camps, disposal of over 3 crore service delivery applications and redressal of over 45 lakh public grievances.

Railways rationalises fares from 26 December 2025; no rise for suburban, season tickets
Q38 Advanced

Under the railway fare rationalisation effective 26 December 2025, Second Class Ordinary fares do not increase for journeys up to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 215 km

PIB 2208532: in Second Class Ordinary there is no increase in fare for journeys up to 215 km.

Q39 Advanced

By how much per kilometre were Mail/Express fares (AC and non-AC) revised from 26 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 paise

PIB 2208532: in Mail/Express trains the fare increase is 2 paise per km across non-AC and AC classes.

Q40 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the railway fare rationalisation of December 2025: 1. There is no change in fares for suburban services and season tickets. 2. Reservation fees and superfast surcharges have also been raised. 3. Revised fares apply only to tickets booked on or after 26 December 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only

PIB 2208532: suburban and season ticket fares are unchanged and the new fares apply only to tickets booked on or after 26 December 2025. Reservation fees and superfast surcharges are unchanged, so statement 2 is wrong.

Vice President releases final series of Mahamana Vangmay, Malaviya's collected works
Q41

Who released 'Mahamana Vangmay', the final series of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya's collected works, on 25 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan

PIB 2208546: Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released Mahamana Vangmay at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about 'Mahamana Vangmay': 1. The second and final series comprises 12 volumes. 2. It is published by the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 3. The first series was released by the Prime Minister in 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB 2208546: the final series has 12 volumes (about 3,500 pages), it is published by the Publications Division, and the first series was released by PM Modi in 2023. All three are correct.

Centre bans new mining leases across the entire Aravallis; ICFRE to widen no-mining zones
Q43 Advanced

Which body has the Environment Ministry asked to identify additional no-mining zones and prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the Aravallis (December 2025)?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education

PIB 2208234: MoEF&CC directed ICFRE to identify additional areas where mining should be prohibited while preparing the MPSM for the entire Aravalli region.

Q44

As described by the Environment Ministry in December 2025, the Aravalli Range stretches between:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Gujarat and the National Capital Region

PIB 2208234: the Aravallis form a continuous geological ridge extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region.

Q45 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Centre's December 2025 directions on the Aravallis: 1. States must not grant any new mining leases anywhere in the Aravallis. 2. All mines already operating in the Aravallis must close immediately. 3. The Management Plan for Sustainable Mining will be placed in the public domain for consultation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only

PIB 2208234: the ban covers grant of new mining leases and the MPSM will be placed in the public domain. Existing mines are to be regulated stringently in line with the Supreme Court's order, not closed, so statement 2 is wrong.

LVM3-M6 launches BlueBird Block-2, heaviest payload ever lifted from Indian soil
Q46

The BlueBird Block-2 satellite launched by LVM3-M6 on 24 December 2025 belongs to which company?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — AST SpaceMobile

ISRO and PIB 2208090: the mission launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile under a commercial agreement with NSIL.

Q47 Advanced

Into which orbit did LVM3-M6 place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Low Earth Orbit

ISRO and The Hindu: LVM3-M6 placed BlueBird Block-2 in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Q48 Advanced

Consider the following statements about ISRO's LVM3: 1. LVM3-M6 was the sixth operational flight of LVM3. 2. LVM3's upper stage is the C25 cryogenic stage. 3. LVM3 can carry about 8,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

ISRO: LVM3-M6 is the sixth operational flight and LVM3 has S200 strap-ons, an L110 core and a C25 cryogenic upper stage. Its GTO capability is 4,200 kg, so statement 3 is wrong.

National Consumer Day 2025 observed with theme 'Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice'
Q49

What was the theme of National Consumer Day 2025, observed on 24 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice

PIB 2208179: the theme for National Consumer Day 2025 was 'Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice'.

Q50 Advanced

According to the Consumer Affairs Minister on National Consumer Day 2025, how much did the National Consumer Helpline secure in refunds between April and December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹42.6 crore

PIB 2208179: the NCH facilitated refunds of ₹42.6 crore across 30 sectors by resolving over 63,800 refund grievances between April and December 2025. (₹2.13 crore is the CCPA's total penalties.)

SEBI approves NHAI's Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust as a public InvIT
Q51

Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT), approved by SEBI as a public InvIT in December 2025, is sponsored by:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — National Highways Authority of India

PIB 2208143: NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust has received SEBI approval as an InvIT.

Q52 Advanced

Which investor group is the NHAI's public InvIT, RIIT, primarily meant to target?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Retail and domestic investors

PIB 2208143: the public InvIT creates a long-term investment instrument primarily targeting retail and domestic investors.

BIS standards for bomb disposal systems, electric tractors and agarbattis released on National Consumer Day
Q53 Advanced

Which Indian Standard released by BIS on National Consumer Day 2025 covers incense sticks (agarbatti)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — IS 19412:2025

PIB 2208829: IS 19412:2025 – Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) — Specification was released on National Consumer Day 2025. IS 19445 is for bomb disposal systems and IS 19262 for electric tractors.

Q54 Advanced

The BIS standard IS 19445:2025 on bomb disposal systems was taken up at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs and which DRDO laboratory?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory

PIB 2209191: formulation of IS 19445:2025 was initiated on a request from the MHA and the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), DRDO, which also convened the drafting panel.

Q55 Advanced

Consider the following statements about BIS standards released on National Consumer Day 2025: 1. IS 19412:2025 prohibits the use of certain insecticides such as permethrin and fipronil in agarbattis. 2. IS 19262:2025 is a test code for electric agricultural tractors. 3. IS 19412:2025 applies only to machine-made agarbattis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2208829 and 2209159: IS 19412 bans insecticides including permethrin and fipronil, and IS 19262 is the electric tractor test code. IS 19412 classifies agarbattis as machine-made, hand-made and traditional masala, so statement 3 is wrong.

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025: Vigyan Ratna to Jayant Narlikar posthumously; Team award to CSIR Aroma Mission
Q56

Who was conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Ratna Puraskar 2025 (posthumously) on 23 December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Jayant Vishnu Narlikar

PIB 2207860: the Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement was awarded posthumously to astrophysicist Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar.

Q57 Advanced

The Rashtriya Vigyan Team Puraskar 2025 was won by which team, credited with the 'Purple Revolution'?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — CSIR Aroma Mission

PIB 2207860: the Vigyan Team Award went to the CSIR-led Aroma Mission, which promoted lavender cultivation in the Himalayan region ('Purple Revolution').

Q58 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025: 1. It was the second edition of the awards. 2. The Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award is for scientists below the age of 45. 3. Lavender cultivation promoted by the winning team began at Bhaderwah and Gulmarg. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB 2207860: the 2025 ceremony was the second edition; Vigyan Yuva–SSB is for scientists below 45; and lavender entrepreneurship began from Bhaderwah and Gulmarg in J&K. All three are correct.

Kisan Diwas 2025 observed on Chaudhary Charan Singh's birth anniversary
Q59

Kisan Diwas (National Farmers' Day), observed on 23 December, marks the birth anniversary of which former Prime Minister?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chaudhary Charan Singh

ICAR: Kisan Diwas, observed annually on 23 December, commemorates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Q60 Advanced

Chaudhary Charan Singh, whose birth anniversary is observed as Kisan Diwas, was India's Prime Minister in which order?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Fifth

ICAR-IIWM report (23.12.2025): National Farmers' Day commemorates the birth anniversary of India's fifth Prime Minister, Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh.

DRDO completes user evaluation trials of Akash-NG air defence missile
Q61 Advanced

Which of the following correctly describes the Akash-NG missile system whose User Evaluation Trials were completed in December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Indigenous RF seeker and solid rocket motor

PIB 2207971: Akash-NG is equipped with an indigenous RF seeker and propelled by a solid rocket motor.

Q62

Representatives of which service witnessed the User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Indian Air Force

PIB 2207971: the trials were witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and user representatives from the Indian Air Force.

MoSPI holds second consultative workshop on new GDP, CPI and IIP series; release dates set
Q63 Advanced

As announced by MoSPI in December 2025, what will be the base year of the new Consumer Price Index series?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2024

PIB 2207861: the new series of CPI with base year 2024 is scheduled for release on 12 February 2026.

Q64 Advanced

Consider the following statements about MoSPI's base revision plans announced in December 2025: 1. The new National Accounts (GDP) series will have 2022-23 as base year. 2. The new IIP series is scheduled for release before the new CPI series. 3. GST and PFMS data will be among the new data sources used. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only

PIB 2207861: GDP and IIP will have base 2022-23, and GST and PFMS are new data sources. The new CPI is due on 12 February 2026 while the new IIP is due on 28 May 2026, so statement 2 is wrong.

Q65

Where was MoSPI's first pre-release consultative workshop on the base revision of GDP, CPI and IIP held?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Mumbai

PIB 2207861: the first pre-release consultative workshop was held on 26 November 2025 at Mumbai; the second was on 23 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Indian Coast Guard inducts Samudra Pratap, its first indigenously designed pollution control vessel
Q66

Which shipyard built 'Samudra Pratap', the Indian Coast Guard's first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel inducted in December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Goa Shipyard Limited

PIB 2208089: Samudra Pratap (Yard 1267) was built under the two-PCV project of Goa Shipyard Limited.

Q67 Advanced

Samudra Pratap is the first Indian Coast Guard ship to be equipped with which capability?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Dynamic Positioning (DP-1)

PIB 2208089: the PCV is the first Indian Coast Guard ship to be equipped with Dynamic Positioning capability (DP-1).

Q68 Advanced

Consider the following statements about ICGS Samudra Pratap: 1. It is the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet. 2. It has over 60% indigenous content. 3. Its displacement is about 6,100 tonnes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2208089: Samudra Pratap is the largest ship in the ICG fleet with over 60% indigenous content. Its displacement is 4,170 tonnes, so statement 3 is wrong.

Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025 let coal company boards approve mine openings
Q69 Advanced

Under the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025, who now approves the opening of a coal mine or seam by a coal company?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Board of the concerned coal company

PIB 2208844: the authority to approve mine/seam opening has been vested with the board of the concerned coal company; prior CCO permission is dispensed with.

Q70 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025: 1. They amend Rule 9 of the Colliery Control Rules, 2004. 2. Entities other than companies no longer need any approval to open a mine. 3. The company must submit information about mine opening to the Coal Controller's Organisation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only

PIB 2208844: Rule 9 of the 2004 Rules was amended and companies must inform the CCO. For entities other than companies, approval continues to be through the CCO, so statement 2 is wrong.

Sports Ministry launches internship policy offering 452 internships a year
Q71

How many internships a year will be offered under the Sports Ministry's Comprehensive Internship Policy launched in December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 452

PIB 2207862: under the new policy, 452 internships will be offered annually across MYAS and its key institutions.

Q72 Advanced

Which of the following is NOT named among the bodies offering internships under the Sports Ministry's December 2025 internship policy?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education

PIB 2207862: the key institutions named are SAI, NADA and NDTL, along with the Ministry itself.

14th round of commercial coal block auction draws 49 bids for 24 blocks
Q73 Advanced

In the 14th round of commercial coal block auctions (bids opened on 23 December 2025), how many bids were received?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 49

PIB 2207831: 49 bids were received against 24 of the 41 coal blocks offered; 11 companies participated.

Q74

On which portal is the electronic auction of commercial coal blocks conducted?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — MSTC portal

PIB 2207831: technically qualified bidders will be shortlisted for the electronic auction to be conducted on the MSTC portal.

India and New Zealand conclude Free Trade Agreement negotiations
Q75

Under the India–New Zealand FTA concluded in December 2025, New Zealand will provide zero-duty access on what share of its tariff lines for Indian exports?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 100%

PIB 2207300: New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on 100% of its tariff lines, giving duty-free access to all Indian exports.

Q76 Advanced

How much investment has New Zealand committed to facilitate into India under the FTA concluded in December 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — USD 20 billion over 15 years

PIB 2207300: New Zealand has committed to facilitate investments of USD 20 billion into India over the next fifteen years.

Q77 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–New Zealand FTA: 1. Negotiations were formally launched on 16 March 2025. 2. India has kept dairy products out of its market access offer. 3. The FTA provides a quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas for Indian professionals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB 2207300: talks were launched on 16 March 2025, market access excludes dairy, and there is a quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas. All three are correct.