HPSC HCS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
During President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Angola in November 2025, India welcomed Angola's decision to join which of the following?
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Correct answer: A — International Big Cat Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance
President Murmu welcomed Angola's decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).
Consider the following statements about the India–Angola talks held in Luanda on 9 November 2025: 1. MoUs on cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and marine resources, and on consular matters were exchanged. 2. An MoU on joint defence production was exchanged. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The MoUs exchanged were on fisheries, aquaculture and marine resources, and on consular matters. No defence production MoU was announced.
Who was the President of Angola with whom President Droupadi Murmu held talks in Luanda in November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço
President Murmu held talks with President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola at the Presidential Palace, Luanda.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in Exercise Malabar 2025 at Guam?
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Correct answer: D — INS Sahyadri
The Defence Ministry said INS Sahyadri, an indigenously designed and built guided-missile stealth frigate, was at Guam for Malabar 2025.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Malabar: 1. It began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the United States and India. 2. Its 2025 edition, held at Guam, was the 29th edition and was led by the United States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The US Navy said Malabar began in 1992 as a bilateral US–India exercise and later added Japan and Australia; the 2025 edition at Guam was the 29th and was led by the US, with the lead rotating every year.
Exercise Malabar 2025 was held at which location?
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Correct answer: A — Guam
INS Sahyadri participated in Malabar 2025 at Guam in the Northern Pacific.
Where was the 18th Urban Mobility India Conference & Exhibition 2025 held?
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Correct answer: A — Gurugram
The three-day UMI Conference & Exhibition 2025 concluded in Gurugram, Haryana, on 9 November 2025.
Which city won the award for the Best Public Transport System at Urban Mobility India 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Chennai
Chennai won Best Public Transport System; Udaipur won Best Non-Motorised Transport System; Aizawl got a Special Award for traffic management.
The logo and website of which scheme were launched at the valedictory session of Urban Mobility India 2025?
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Correct answer: D — PM e-Bus Sewa
Union Minister Manohar Lal launched the logo and website of the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme at the valedictory event.
Where in Thimphu was the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 ceremonially inaugurated by the King of Bhutan?
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Correct answer: A — Changlimithang Ground
The GPPF was inaugurated at Changlimithang Ground, Thimphu, by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Chief Abbot Trulku Jigme Choedra. The IBC exhibitions were at Tashichhodzong.
The 'Jabzhi', a key event of the Global Peace Prayer Festival 2025 in Bhutan, is a ritual of which tradition?
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Correct answer: C — Vajrayana Buddhism
The Culture Ministry described Jabzhi as a profound Vajrayana Buddhist ritual believed to cleanse negative karma.
In which city did India and Saudi Arabia sign an MoU on Cultural Cooperation on 9 November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Riyadh
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud signed the MoU in Riyadh.
The Culture Ministers of India and Saudi Arabia co-chair the Ministerial Committee of Tourism and Cultural Cooperation, created under which India–Saudi Arabia mechanism?
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Correct answer: D — Strategic Partnership Council
The committee was newly created under the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), announced during PM Modi's State Visit to Jeddah.
How much revenue did the Special Swachhata campaigns in central government offices earn from scrap disposal since 2021, as per Dr Jitendra Singh in November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — About ₹4,085 crore
Dr Jitendra Singh said ₹4,085 crore 24 lakh had been earned through five annual campaigns since 2021.
How much office space was freed through the Special Swachhata campaigns since 2021?
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Correct answer: B — 231.75 lakh sq ft
231.75 lakh sq ft of space that had been blocked with waste, worn-out furniture and scrap was freed for productive use.
Which training module did PM Narendra Modi launch at the National Conference on Strengthening Legal Aid Delivery Mechanisms on 8 November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Community Mediation Training Module
PM Modi launched NALSA's Community Mediation Training Module, saying it revives the tradition of resolving disputes through dialogue.
Consider the following statements: 1. Article 39A of the Constitution of India provides for free legal aid. 2. National Legal Services Day is observed on 9 November because the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, came into force on that date in 1995. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Article 39A provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections (Law Ministry backgrounder). The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, came into force on 9 November 1995, which is why 9 November is National Legal Services Day.
Under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is headed by whom?
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Correct answer: D — Chief Justice of India
The PIB backgrounder says the Act set up a three-tier system, with NALSA headed by the Chief Justice of India and State Legal Services Authorities headed by the Chief Justice of the High Court.
Where was the National Urban Conclave 2025 inaugurated on 8 November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
Union Minister Manohar Lal inaugurated the conclave at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
How many high-impact dumpsites, holding about 80% of the legacy waste, will the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme prioritise?
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Correct answer: A — 214
About 80% of the legacy waste is in 214 sites across 202 ULBs, which DRAP will prioritise; 1,428 sites are under remediation overall.
Consider the following statements about the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP) launched in November 2025: 1. It is a year-long, mission-mode initiative. 2. Its priority sites hold about 8.8 crore tonnes of legacy waste. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The Housing Ministry described DRAP as a year-long, mission-mode initiative; its 214 priority sites cover about 8.8 crore MT of legacy waste.
The Urban Invest Window (UiWIN), launched at the National Urban Conclave 2025, is an initiative of which organisation?
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Correct answer: C — HUDCO
UiWIN is an initiative of HUDCO, under the guidance of the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry, to serve as a one-stop investment facilitation platform for cities.
The proposed India–Australia CECA builds on the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). When did ECTA enter into force?
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Correct answer: C — December 2022
The Commerce Ministry said ECTA entered into force in December 2022.
What was India–Australia bilateral merchandise trade in FY 2024–25, as per the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — USD 24.1 billion
India–Australia merchandise trade stood at USD 24.1 billion in FY 2024–25.
Where was the fourth round of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations, concluded on 8 November 2025, held?
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Correct answer: D — Auckland and Rotorua
The fourth round concluded in Auckland and Rotorua after five days of discussions.
What was India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand in FY 2024–25, as per the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — USD 1.3 billion
Trade stood at USD 1.3 billion in FY 2024–25, up nearly 49% year on year. USD 24.1 billion was India–Australia trade.
Who is New Zealand's Minister for Trade with whom Piyush Goyal reviewed progress in the India–NZ FTA talks in November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Todd McClay
Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Minister for Trade Todd McClay acknowledged steady progress in the fourth round. Don Farrell is Australia's Trade Minister.
The Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha taken to Bhutan in November 2025 are enshrined in India at which institution?
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Correct answer: B — National Museum, New Delhi
The Culture Ministry said the relics, enshrined at the National Museum, New Delhi, arrived in Bhutan on 8 November 2025.
For which period was the public exposition of the holy relics of Lord Buddha held in Bhutan in 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 8–18 November
The relics arrived in Bhutan for a public exposition from 8 to 18 November 2025.
According to PM Modi's address on 7 November 2025, in which journal did Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay publish 'Vande Mataram' in 1875?
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Correct answer: B — Bangadarshan
PM Modi said Bankim Babu published Vande Mataram in Bangadarshan in 1875; it also appears in his novel Anandamath.
Consider the following statements: 1. Rabindranath Tagore sang 'Vande Mataram' at the Calcutta session in 1896. 2. The year-long commemoration of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' runs from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PM Modi recalled that Tagore sang Vande Mataram at the Calcutta Session in 1896, and the programme launched a commemoration from 7 November 2025 to 7 November 2026.
What did PM Modi release on 7 November 2025 to mark 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'?
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Correct answer: D — A commemorative coin and postage stamp
A special commemorative coin and postage stamp dedicated to Vande Mataram were released.
With which European Commission official did Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal hold stocktaking meetings on the India–EU FTA on 5–6 November 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Sabine Weyand
Rajesh Agrawal met Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade, European Commission, for two days of stocktaking.
Where and when was the India–EU FTA negotiating round held in November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — New Delhi, 3–7 November
The EU negotiating team visited New Delhi from 3 to 7 November 2025; the stocktake meetings were on 5–6 November.
Who delivered India's National Statement at the Leaders' Summit of COP30 in Belém on 7 November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dinesh Bhatia, Ambassador of India to Brazil
India's Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, delivered the National Statement at the Leaders' Summit on 7 November 2025.
In what capacity did India join Brazil's Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) at COP30?
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Correct answer: C — Observer
India welcomed Brazil's initiative to set up the TFFF and joined the Facility as an Observer.
According to India's National Statement at COP30, by how much did India reduce the emission intensity of its GDP between 2005 and 2020?
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Correct answer: B — 36%
The statement said India reduced the emission intensity of GDP by 36% between 2005 and 2020. 50% refers to the non-fossil share of installed power capacity.
NHPC Limited, which celebrated its 51st Raising Day on 7 November 2025, holds which status among central public sector enterprises?
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Correct answer: A — Navratna
The Power Ministry described NHPC Limited as a 'Navratna' enterprise of the Government of India.
Where is the Corporate Office of NHPC, where its Golden Jubilee celebration was held on 7 November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Faridabad
The Golden Jubilee celebration was held at NHPC's Corporate Office in Faridabad, Haryana.
The Supreme Court's 6 November 2025 ruling that grounds of arrest must be given in writing to every arrestee was based on which constitutional provision?
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Correct answer: B — Article 22(1)
The court held that the Article 22(1) requirement to inform an arrested person of the grounds of arrest applies to all offences and must be met in writing.
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's 6 November 2025 judgment in Mihir Rajesh Shah vs State of Maharashtra: 1. Grounds of arrest must be supplied in writing, in a language the arrestee understands, for offences under all statutes. 2. Where written grounds cannot be given at the time of arrest, they must be supplied at least 24 hours before production for remand. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The court required written grounds in the arrestee's language for all offences; if not given at arrest, they must be supplied at least two hours (not 24 hours) before production for remand.
Who authored the Supreme Court judgment of 6 November 2025 making written grounds of arrest mandatory for all offences?
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Correct answer: D — Justice Augustine George Masih
The Bench of CJI B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih delivered the verdict; Justice Masih wrote the 52-page judgment.
India won the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 by defeating which team in the final on 2 November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — South Africa
India beat South Africa in the final on Sunday, 2 November 2025.
While hosting the World Cup winners on 6 November 2025, President Murmu praised them for defeating which 'seven-time world champion' team?
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Correct answer: B — Australia
The President said the team defeated the seven-time world champion and then-undefeated Australian team.
Who was the coach of the Indian team that won the ICC Women's World Cup 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Amol Mazumdar
Coach Amol Mazumdar thanked the Prime Minister when the team met him on 5 November 2025.
The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (Amendment) Rules, 2025, notified on 6 November 2025, were framed under which Act?
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Correct answer: C — Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994
The Health Ministry notified the amendment rules under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994 on 6 November 2025.
Which mandatory requirement for Corneal Transplantation Centres was removed by the THOTA (Amendment) Rules, 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Clinical Specular equipment
The amendment removed the mandatory requirement of Clinical Specular equipment in Corneal Transplantation Centres.
According to the Health Ministry, the THOTA (Amendment) Rules notified in November 2025 further strengthen which programme?
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Correct answer: D — National Organ Transplant Programme
The ministry said the amendment further strengthens the National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP).
A high-level delegation from which country concluded a week-long visit to India in November 2025 to study DAY-NRLM?
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Correct answer: B — Ethiopia
A delegation from the Government of Ethiopia concluded a week-long learning and exposure visit focused on DAY-NRLM on 6 November 2025.
The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (now DAY-NRLM), studied by an Ethiopian delegation in November 2025, was created by restructuring which earlier scheme?
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Correct answer: D — Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
NRLM was launched by restructuring the erstwhile Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY).
In which year was the National Rural Livelihoods Mission renamed Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM)?
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Correct answer: C — 2016
The Ministry of Rural Development renamed NRLM as DAY-NRLM with effect from 29 March 2016.
With which New Zealand minister did Piyush Goyal co-chair the India–New Zealand CEOs Roundtable on 6 November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Todd McClay
Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay co-chaired the India–New Zealand CEOs Roundtable.
Te Puia in Rotorua, where Piyush Goyal received a traditional Pōwhiri on 6 November 2025, is New Zealand's national centre for what?
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Correct answer: A — Māori culture and arts
Te Puia is the national centre for Māori culture and arts, where Goyal was accorded a traditional Māori welcome (Pōwhiri).
With which company did the Directorate General of Training (MSDE) sign an MoU on 6 November 2025 to build digital design and make skills among ITI and NSTI trainers?
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Correct answer: B — Autodesk
DGT under MSDE and Autodesk exchanged an MoU to advance digital design and make skills among faculty and trainers in NSTIs and ITIs.
Who formally unveiled the India AI Governance Guidelines on 5 November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser
The guidelines were formally unveiled by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
The India AI Governance Guidelines released in November 2025 were drafted by a high-level committee chaired by whom?
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Correct answer: A — Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, IIT Madras
The guidelines were drafted by a high-level committee under the chairmanship of Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, IIT Madras.
Consider the following statements about the India AI Governance Guidelines (November 2025): 1. The framework includes seven guiding principles (Sutras) and recommendations across six pillars of AI governance. 2. The guidelines propose a new standalone AI law to replace existing legislation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The framework has seven Sutras and six pillars; MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said the focus remains on using existing legislation wherever possible, so statement 2 is wrong.
The IndiaAI Mission, under which the AI Governance Guidelines were released, was approved by the Union Cabinet on 7 March 2024 with what outlay?
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Correct answer: D — ₹10,371.92 crore
The Cabinet approved the IndiaAI Mission on 7 March 2024 with a budget outlay of ₹10,371.92 crore.
The launch of the India AI Governance Guidelines in November 2025 was described as a key milestone ahead of which event?
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Correct answer: C — India–AI Impact Summit 2026
MeitY said the launch marks a key milestone ahead of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026.
Where was the 9th round of India–Peru Trade Agreement negotiations held from 3 to 5 November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Lima
The 9th round was held in Lima, Peru, from 3 to 5 November 2025.
Who led the Indian delegation as Chief Negotiator at the 9th round of India–Peru trade talks in November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Vimal Anand
The Indian delegation was led by Vimal Anand, Joint Secretary and Chief Negotiator; Vishvas Vidu Sapkal is India's Ambassador to Peru.
The 3rd round of India–Chile CEPA negotiations, mentioned alongside the 9th India–Peru round, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Santiago
The 3rd round of India–Chile CEPA negotiations was held in Santiago, Chile, from 27 to 30 October 2025.
Which centre hosted the third Maritime Information Sharing Workshop (MISW-25) in Gurugram in November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region
MISW-25 (3–5 November 2025) was hosted by the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
Which indigenous software was used for the table-top exercise at MISW-25 in November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — MANTRA
MISW-25 included a practical table-top exercise using the indigenous MANTRA software.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) was established at Gurugram in December 2018. 2. The Maritime Information Sharing Workshop held in November 2025 was its first edition. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
IFC-IOR was established at Gurugram on 22 December 2018; the November 2025 workshop (MISW-25) was the 3rd edition, so statement 2 is wrong.
According to India's statement at the Second World Summit for Social Development (Doha, November 2025), India's social security coverage in 2025 stood at about:
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Correct answer: D — 64.3%
Mandaviya said India's social security coverage rose from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025.
India's statement at the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha recalled a declaration adopted 30 years earlier that placed people at the centre of development. Which was it?
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Correct answer: B — Copenhagen Declaration
The statement said that 30 years ago the Copenhagen Declaration placed people at the centre of development.
According to India's November 2025 statement in Doha, approximately how many Indians were lifted out of multidimensional poverty in the last 10 years?
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Correct answer: C — 250 million
Mandaviya said approximately 250 million Indians had been lifted out of multidimensional poverty in the last 10 years.
Which body conferred the 'Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security' on India in 2025, as cited at the Doha social summit?
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Correct answer: B — International Social Security Association
Mandaviya said the International Social Security Association conferred the 'ISSA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security' on India this year.
What is the month-long target of the nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign 4.0 (1–30 November 2025)?
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Correct answer: D — 2 crore
Campaign 4.0 has a month-long target of two crore DLCs; over 22 lakh were generated in its first four days.
Who formally launched the nationwide Digital Life Certificate Campaign 4.0 on 5 November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS (Independent Charge) and MoS for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, formally launched the campaign.
MOIL, which recorded its best-ever October production in October 2025 (1.60 lakh tonnes), mainly produces which ore?
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Correct answer: A — Manganese ore
MOIL recorded production of 1.60 lakh tonnes of manganese ore in October 2025, its best October since inception.
Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which began on 4 November 2025, covers how many States and Union Territories?
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Correct answer: B — 9 States and 3 UTs
SIR Phase II covers 9 States and 3 UTs (Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Puducherry).
Consider the following statements about SIR Phase II (November 2025): 1. The Election Commission ordered it under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. 2. Its enumeration period runs until 4 December 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
ECI ordered the SIR under Article 324 and Section 21 of the RP Act, 1950, and the enumeration period runs from 4 November to 4 December 2025.
Approximately how many electors are covered by Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision that began in November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 51 crore
Phase II covers nearly 51 crore electors across 321 districts and 1,843 Assembly constituencies.
Which of the following is NOT among the States/UTs covered by SIR Phase II, which began on 4 November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Assam
Phase II covers Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and Puducherry; Assam is not in the list.
The Rules for 'Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone', notified on 4 November 2025, fulfil an announcement made in which Union Budget?
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Correct answer: C — 2025–26
The Rules fulfil the Budget 2025–26 announcement of an enabling framework for sustainable fisheries from the Indian EEZ and high seas.
According to the Fisheries Ministry (November 2025), the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep together account for what share of India's EEZ area?
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Correct answer: D — 49%
The ministry said the island regions of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep together account for 49% of India's EEZ area.
Consider the following statements about the EEZ fisheries Rules notified in November 2025: 1. Mechanised and large motorised vessels need an Access Pass, available free of cost through the ReALCraft portal. 2. Foreign fishing vessels can obtain an Access Pass through joint-venture arrangements with Indian firms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The Access Pass is free through ReALCraft for mechanised and large motorised vessels, but foreign fishing vessels are not allowed an Access Pass under any arrangement.
Which vessel concept, allowing mid-sea transshipment, is introduced by the EEZ fisheries Rules of November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Mother-and-child vessels
The Rules introduce the mother-and-child vessel concept, allowing mid-sea transshipment under RBI-regulated monitoring.
Where was the 17th India–Israel Joint Working Group meeting on defence cooperation held on 4 November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Tel Aviv
The 17th JWG meeting took place in Tel Aviv on 4 November 2025, where an MoU on Defence Cooperation was signed.
Which edition of the India–Israel Joint Working Group on defence cooperation met in November 2025 and signed an MoU on Defence Cooperation?
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Correct answer: D — 17th
It was the 17th meeting of the India–Israel JWG on defence cooperation.
Who co-chaired the 17th India–Israel Joint Working Group meeting on defence cooperation from the Indian side?
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Correct answer: A — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Israeli MoD Director General Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram.