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.
What are the fee and validity of the FASTag Annual Pass?
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Correct answer: D — Rs 3,000; one year or 200 crossings
PIB (MoRTH): the annual pass requires a one-time fee of Rs 3,000 for one year's validity or 200 toll plaza crossings.
Consider the following statements about the FASTag Annual Pass: 1. It was launched on 15 August 2025. 2. It is applicable to commercial as well as non-commercial vehicles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB (MoRTH): the pass was launched on 15 August 2025 and is applicable to all non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag.
What is the base year of the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers released for September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 2019=100
PIB: the Labour Bureau releases CPI-AL and CPI-RL with the base year 2019=100.
Which body compiles and releases the Consumer Price Index numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers?
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Correct answer: B — Labour Bureau
PIB: the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour & Employment, releases CPI-AL and CPI-RL.
Consider the following statements about CPI-AL and CPI-RL for September 2025: 1. Year-on-year inflation was -0.07% for agricultural labourers and 0.31% for rural labourers. 2. The indices are based on data collected from 787 sample villages across 34 States/UTs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: YoY inflation stood at -0.07% (AL) and 0.31% (RL) in September 2025; the indices use data from 787 sample villages across 34 States/UTs.
Who took over as Director General of Medical Services (Army) in October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Lt Gen CG Muralidharan
PIB: Lt Gen CG Muralidharan took over as DGMS (Army) from Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, who superannuated on 30 September 2025.
What is the motto of the Army Medical Corps, as cited in the PIB release on the new DGMS (Army)?
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Correct answer: D — Sarve Santu Niramayah
PIB: the Army Medical Corps upholds its motto 'Sarve Santu Niramayah' — health and wellbeing for all.
The IndiaAI Mission has partnered with which organisation to prepare a casebook on real-world AI applications in health systems for the Global South?
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Correct answer: D — World Health Organization
PIB: the IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, announced a global call for abstracts for the casebook.
Consider the following statements about the IndiaAI–WHO casebook on AI in health: 1. Abstracts of up to 250 words were to be submitted by 31 October 2025. 2. Selected entries are to feature at the India–AI Impact Summit 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: abstracts (maximum 250 words) were due by 31 October 2025, and selected entries will feature at the India–AI Impact Summit 2026.
The G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting, where India delivered its closing statement on 17 October 2025, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Cape Town
PIB: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered India's closing statement at the meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.
Consider the following statements made by India at the G20 environment ministerial in October 2025: 1. India raised its non-fossil electric generation capacity to over 50% in 2025, meeting its revised NDC target five years in advance. 2. India's installed solar capacity grew from 27 GW in 2014 to 127 GW in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: non-fossil capacity exceeded 50% in 2025, five years ahead of the revised NDC target; installed solar capacity grew from 2.8 GW in 2014 (not 27 GW) to 127 GW in 2025.
Who is the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka who called on PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Dr Harini Amarasuriya
PIB: H.E. Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, called on PM Modi; Anura Kumara Disanayaka is Sri Lanka's President.
Consider the following statements: 1. Dr Harini Amarasuriya is the President of Sri Lanka. 2. PM Modi made a State visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB: Dr Amarasuriya is the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (the President is Anura Kumara Disanayaka); PM Modi recalled his State visit to Sri Lanka in April this year.
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty briefed PM Modi on 17 October 2025 about which bilateral mechanism held during his visit?
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Correct answer: A — The first India–Egypt Strategic Dialogue
PIB: Foreign Minister Abdelatty briefed the Prime Minister on the first India–Egypt Strategic Dialogue being held during his visit.
PM Modi congratulated Egypt's President on 17 October 2025 for Egypt's role in which agreement?
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Correct answer: D — Gaza Peace Agreement
PIB: the Prime Minister congratulated President Sisi for Egypt's crucial role in the Gaza Peace Agreement.
According to NCRB's Prison Statistics India 2022, cited at the NHRC conference, what was the occupancy rate of Indian prisons in 2022?
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Correct answer: B — 131.4%
PIB: the occupancy rate rose to 131.4% of the actual capacity of 1,330 prisons in 2022, from 118% in 2020.
Consider the following statements in the context of the NHRC conference on prison inmates (October 2025): 1. The Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act was prepared by the Union Government in 2023. 2. Justice V. Ramasubramanian is the Chairperson of the NHRC. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: Justice Ramasubramanian, NHRC Chairperson, cited the 'Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act' prepared by the Union Government in 2023.
NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform launched the 'We Rise' initiative in October 2025 with which partner to boost export readiness of women entrepreneurs?
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Correct answer: B — DP World
PIB: NITI Aayog's WEP and DP World announced the joint initiative 'We Rise' to enhance the export readiness of 100 women entrepreneurs.
The 'Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar' campaign on unclaimed financial assets follows a '3A' strategy. What do the three A's stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Awareness, Accessibility and Action
PIB (DFS): the campaign focuses on the 3A strategy — Awareness, Accessibility and Action.
What is the total outlay of the PLI Scheme for White Goods (air conditioners and LED lights), launched in April 2021?
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Correct answer: B — ₹6,238 crore
PIB: the PLI Scheme for White Goods was launched in April 2021 with a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods, whose Round 4 window was extended to 10 November 2025, covers which products?
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Correct answer: C — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB: Round 4 of the PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED Lights) was extended till 10 November 2025.
Which State is ranked first in Category A of the State Mining Readiness Index released by the Ministry of Mines in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Madhya Pradesh
PIB: the top three in Category A are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Which States are the top three in Category C of the State Mining Readiness Index?
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Correct answer: B — Punjab, Uttarakhand and Tripura
PIB: in Category C, the top three ranks were obtained by Punjab, Uttarakhand and Tripura; Goa, Uttar Pradesh and Assam top Category B.
Consider the following statements about the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI): 1. Its release fulfils an announcement made in the Union Budget 2025-26. 2. Its indicators pertain mainly to coal and lignite blocks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: SMRI fulfils the Union Budget 2025-26 announcement; its indicators — auction performance, early mine operationalisation, exploration and sustainable mining — pertain to non-coal minerals.
When was the Framework Agreement between India and MERCOSUR, recalled in the India–Brazil Joint Declaration of October 2025, signed?
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Correct answer: B — 17 June 2003
PIB: the Joint Declaration recalled the Framework Agreement signed between India and MERCOSUR on 17 June 2003.
Who signed the Joint Declaration on deepening the MERCOSUR–India trade agreement with Piyush Goyal on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brazil
PIB: the Vice President of Brazil and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, and Piyush Goyal issued the Joint Declaration.
Consider the following statements about the India–Brazil Joint Declaration on the MERCOSUR–India PTA (October 2025): 1. The parties should endeavour to conclude negotiations within one year from their launch. 2. A meeting of the Joint Administration Committee created under Article 23 of the PTA is to help define the scope of the expansion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the parties should endeavour to conclude negotiations within one year; the next step includes a meeting of the Joint Administration Committee under Article 23 of the PTA to define the scope.
India was elected Co-Chair of which UN regional body for the 2025–2028 term, as announced in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — UN-GGIM Asia and the Pacific Regional Committee
PIB: India was elected Co-Chair of the Regional Committee of United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for 2025–2028.
Who represented India in its election as Co-Chair of UN-GGIM-AP?
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Correct answer: D — Surveyor General of India, Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana
PIB: India, represented by the Surveyor General of India, Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, was elected Co-Chair.
On which date was the National Human Rights Commission of India set up, as recalled at its 32nd Foundation Day in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 12 October 1993
PIB: the Commission was set up on 12 October 1993.
Who was the chief guest at the NHRC's 32nd Foundation Day function in New Delhi on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Former President Ram Nath Kovind
PIB: former President of India Ram Nath Kovind addressed the function as the chief guest.
The 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, where India spoke on healthy ageing in October 2025, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Colombo
PIB: the Ministerial Roundtable of the 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia was held in Colombo during 13–15 October 2025.
Consider the following statements made by India at the 78th WHO SEARO session (October 2025): 1. The National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE) is operational in 92% of districts. 2. India's two National Centres of Ageing are at AIIMS New Delhi and Madras Medical College, Chennai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: NPHCE is operational in 92% of districts; the two National Centres of Ageing are at AIIMS New Delhi and Madras Medical College, Chennai, alongside 17 Regional Geriatric Centres.
Who co-chaired the 5th India–Australia Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Manohar Lal and Chris Bowen
PIB: the meeting was co-chaired by Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, and Chris Bowen MP, Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
Which edition of the India–Australia Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 5th
PIB: India and Australia held the 5th Meeting of the India–Australia Energy Dialogue on 16 October 2025 in New Delhi.
After the increase approved in October 2025, what is the monthly penury grant for aged non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows?
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Correct answer: D — Rs 8,000
PIB: the penury grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary.
Consider the following statements about the enhanced assistance for ex-servicemen approved in October 2025: 1. The marriage grant has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary. 2. The schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the marriage grant rises from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000; the schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the AFFDF.
According to the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for September 2025, what was the overall labour force participation rate for persons aged 15 years and above?
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Correct answer: B — 55.3%
PIB: overall LFPR reached a five-month high of 55.3% in September 2025. 52.4% is the WPR and 57.4% the rural LFPR.
What was the female labour force participation rate (age 15+) in September 2025, as per PLFS?
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Correct answer: D — 34.1%
PIB: female LFPR in September 2025 was 34.1%, the highest since May 2025, up from 32.0% in June 2025.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for September 2025: 1. The unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above rose marginally to 5.2% from 5.1% in August 2025. 2. The PLFS methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: UR climbed marginally to 5.2% in September from 5.1% in August 2025; the PLFS methodology was modified from January 2025 to give monthly and quarterly estimates.
From what altitude did DRDO's Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) complete a combat freefall jump in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 32,000 feet
PIB: MCPS successfully underwent a combat freefall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet, executed by IAF test jumpers.
Which DRDO laboratories developed the Military Combat Parachute System?
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Correct answer: C — ADRDE Agra and DEBEL Bengaluru
PIB: MCPS was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, and the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory, Bengaluru.
India's total exports (merchandise and services) in April–September 2025 were estimated at about how much?
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Correct answer: D — US$ 413.30 billion
PIB (Commerce): total exports during April–September 2025 were estimated at US$ 413.30 billion, up 4.45%. US$ 220.12 billion was merchandise exports alone.
As noted by the Department of Commerce, the IMF's October 2025 World Economic Outlook projected India's GDP growth for 2025 at:
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Correct answer: B — 6.6%
PIB: India's GDP growth is projected to reach 6.6 percent in 2025, followed by 6.2 percent in 2026, as per the October 2025 IMF WEO update.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 October 2025: 1. Merchandise exports in April–September 2025 grew 3.02% to US$ 220.12 billion. 2. Electronic goods exports in September 2025 rose 50.54% over 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. PIB: merchandise exports in April–September 2025 were US$ 220.12 billion (+3.02%); electronic goods exports rose 50.54% from US$ 2.07 billion to US$ 3.12 billion in September 2025.
With which African country did India hold its inaugural Joint Defence Cooperation (JDC) meeting in New Delhi on 15 October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Ethiopia
PIB: the inaugural Joint Defence Cooperation meeting between India and Ethiopia was held in New Delhi on October 15, 2025.
Consider the following statements about India–Ethiopia relations: 1. Defence cooperation between the two countries dates back to 1958. 2. The two countries established full diplomatic relations in 1960. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: India–Ethiopia defence cooperation dates back to 1958; the two nations established full diplomatic relations in 1950.
Which new category has been introduced for the first time in the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Digital content creators and influencers
PIB: for the first time, NECA 2025 introduces a special category for Digital Content Creators and Influencers, aligned with Mission LiFE.
The Ministry of Defence's ₹659.47 crore contract of October 2025 for night sights for the Army's 7.62 x 51 mm assault rifles was signed with which consortium?
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Correct answer: B — MKU Ltd and Medbit Technologies
PIB: the contract was signed with the consortium of M/s MKU Ltd (Lead Member) and M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd on 15 October 2025.
Consider the following statements about the night sights contracted for the Army's 7.62 x 51 mm assault rifles in October 2025: 1. They can engage targets up to an effective range of 500 metres even under starlit conditions. 2. The procurement is classified under the Buy (Global) category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the sights have an effective range of 500 m even under starlit conditions; the procurement is a Buy (Indian-IDDM) case with more than 51% indigenous content.
The relics of which two disciples of the Buddha did India announce in October 2025 would be sent to Mongolia next year?
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Correct answer: A — Sariputra and Maudgalyayana
PIB (PM's statement): the holy relics of two great disciples of Lord Buddha, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, will be sent from India to Mongolia next year.
During the Mongolian President's October 2025 visit, an MoU was signed between Mongolia's Arkhangai Province and which Indian body?
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Correct answer: D — Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council
PIB (PM's statement): the MoU signed between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia's Arkhangai Province will boost cultural ties.
Consider the following statements about India–Mongolia relations as described in October 2025: 1. The Mongolian oil refinery project is supported by an Indian line of credit of US$ 1.7 billion and is India's largest development partnership project globally. 2. The India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership was established in 2005, marking 20 years in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the refinery, supported by India's US$ 1.7 billion line of credit, is India's largest development partnership project globally; the 2025 visit marked 10 years of the Strategic Partnership, elevated during Modi's visit ten years ago.
Before the Ministry of Mines' October 2025 notification, which use of limestone made it a minor mineral?
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Correct answer: B — Limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material
PIB: 'Limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material' had been notified as a minor mineral; the 10 October 2025 notification deleted it from the minor minerals category.
Consider the following statements about the reclassification of limestone in October 2025: 1. It followed recommendations of an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Mines. 2. Existing minor-mineral limestone lessees have until 31 March 2026 to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB: the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Mines & Minerals Sector was chaired by a Member of NITI Aayog, not the Mines Secretary; existing minor-mineral lessees are allowed till 31 March 2026 to register with IBM.
Where is the NSG's new Special Operations Training Centre, whose foundation stone was laid on 14 October 2025, being built?
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Correct answer: A — Manesar, Gurugram
PIB: Amit Shah performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the Special Operations Training Centre at the NSG campus in Manesar, Gurugram.
According to the Home Minister in October 2025, a new NSG hub is being established in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Ayodhya
PIB: a new NSG hub is being established in Ayodhya, following hubs in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Jammu.
Consider the following statements about the NSG's Special Operations Training Centre (SOTC): 1. It is being built on 8 acres at a cost of ₹141 crore. 2. It will train anti-terror units of state police forces in addition to NSG personnel. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the SOTC is being built on 8 acres at ₹141 crore; not only NSG personnel but also anti-terror units of police forces across the country will be trained there.
Under which mechanism did India Post resume international postal services to the USA from 15 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)
PIB: India Post has established a compliant mechanism for Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) processing, under which applicable customs duties are prepaid in India.
As per US CBP guidelines cited by India Post in October 2025, customs duty on postal shipments from India to the USA is levied at:
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Correct answer: A — A flat 50% of the declared FOB value
PIB: customs duty on postal shipments from India to the USA is applicable at a flat rate of 50% of the declared FOB value under the IEEPA tariff; no additional base or product-specific duties apply.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 0.13%
PIB (DPIIT): the annual rate of inflation based on WPI is 0.13% (provisional) for September 2025. (-)1.99% is the WPI Food Index inflation and (-)0.58% the July final figure.
In the Wholesale Price Index (base 2011-12), which major group carries the highest weight?
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Correct answer: C — Manufactured Products
PIB (DPIIT): Manufactured Products have a weight of 64.23%, Primary Articles 22.62% and Fuel & Power 13.15%.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in the maiden India–Republic of Korea Navy bilateral exercise in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — INS Sahyadri
PIB: INS Sahyadri made a port call at Busan Naval Harbour on 13 October 2025 to participate in the maiden IN–RoKN bilateral exercise.
INS Sahyadri, which took part in the first India–RoK Navy exercise, belongs to which class of ships?
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Correct answer: B — Shivalik-class stealth frigates
PIB: commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigates.