HSSC CET Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh (August 2025), India's bioeconomy was valued at about how much in 2024?
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Correct answer: D — $165.7 billion
India's bioeconomy grew from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024; $300 billion is the 2030 target.
India's first Biomanufacturing Institute, cited as an achievement in the first year of the BioE3 Policy, was inaugurated at:
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Correct answer: A — Mohali
The Minister highlighted the inauguration of India's first Biomanufacturing Institute at Mohali.
According to the CMS: Education 2025 survey, government schools account for what share of total school enrolment in India?
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Correct answer: B — 55.9%
Government schools account for 55.9% of total enrolment (66.0% in rural areas); private unaided recognised schools account for 31.9%.
As per the CMS: Education 2025 survey, what proportion of students were taking or had taken private coaching during the current academic year?
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Correct answer: C — 27.0%
27.0% of all students were taking or had taken private coaching – 30.7% in urban and 25.5% in rural areas.
Consider the following statements about the CMS: Education 2025 survey: 1. Average household expenditure per student in government schools was ₹2,863. 2. Textbooks and stationery formed the largest component of household education expenditure per student. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: course fees (₹7,111) were the largest expense, followed by textbooks and stationery (₹2,002).
Under the revised wheat stock limits announced on 26 August 2025, the limit for traders/wholesalers has been reduced to:
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Correct answer: A — 2,000 MT
The limit for traders/wholesalers was cut from 3,000 MT to 2,000 MT, applicable until 31 March 2026.
Wheat stockists violating the revised stock limits (August 2025) face punitive action under which law?
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Correct answer: D — Essential Commodities Act, 1955
Violators are subject to punitive action under Sections 6 and 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
The two-day Vibrant Villages Programme workshop addressed by Amit Shah on 26 August 2025 was organised by:
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Correct answer: C — Border Management Division, MHA
The workshop was organised by the Border Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
At the VVP workshop (August 2025), Amit Shah said borders should be free from encroachment for at least what radius?
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Correct answer: B — 30 km
Amit Shah said borders should be free from encroachment for at least a 30 km radius.
What is the theme of Ayurveda Day 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ayurveda for People & Planet
The 2025 theme announced by the Ministry of Ayush is 'Ayurveda for People & Planet'.
As recalled by the Ministry of Ayush in August 2025, which nationwide campaign was introduced by the Prime Minister on the 9th Ayurveda Day in 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan
On the 9th Ayurveda Day (2024), the PM inaugurated Phase II of AIIA, New Delhi and introduced the nationwide 'Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan'.
Which Prime Minister of Fiji paid an Official Visit to India from 24 to 26 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Sitiveni Rabuka
Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka paid an Official Visit to India from 24 to 26 August 2025, his first visit to India in his current capacity.
The India–Fiji Joint Statement issued on 25 August 2025 was titled 'Partnership in the spirit of ______'.
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Correct answer: A — Veilomani Dosti
The India–Fiji Joint Statement of 25 August 2025 was titled 'Partnership in the spirit of Veilomani Dosti'.
Consider the following statements about outcomes of Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka's visit to India (August 2025): 1. An MoU was signed for a 100-bedded Super Specialty Hospital in Suva, described as the largest project undertaken by India under its Grant-in-Aid Programme in the Pacific region. 2. Fiji joined the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The joint statement describes the 100-bedded Super Specialty Hospital in Suva as India's largest Grant-in-Aid project in the Pacific region, and the list of outcomes announces that Fiji joins the IPOI.
According to the India–Fiji Joint Statement (August 2025), the Girmitiyas — over 60,000 Indian indentured labourers — arrived in Fiji during which period?
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Correct answer: D — 1879 to 1916
The joint statement acknowledged the Girmitiyas, over 60,000 Indian indentured labourers who arrived in Fiji between 1879 and 1916.
With reference to India–Fiji relations as recalled in the August 2025 joint statement, consider the following statements: 1. President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Fiji in August 2024 was the first-ever visit by a President of India to Fiji. 2. The 12th World Hindi Conference was held in Suva in February 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the joint statement calls President Droupadi Murmu's August 2024 visit the historic first-ever visit of an Indian President to Fiji. Statement 2 is incorrect: the 12th World Hindi Conference was held in Nadi, not Suva, in February 2023.
Under the Letter of Intent signed between India and the World Food Programme on 25 August 2025, India offers WFP the opportunity to supply which commodity?
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Correct answer: B — Fortified rice
Under the LoI, the Department of Food and Public Distribution offers WFP the opportunity to supply fortified rice from India for vulnerable populations in crisis zones.
Consider the following statements about the India–WFP Letter of Intent of 25 August 2025: 1. On the Indian side, the initiative is offered by the Department of Food and Public Distribution. 2. The LoI followed discussions at a February 2025 WFP Executive Board side event held in Geneva. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the Department of Food and Public Distribution offers WFP the opportunity to supply fortified rice. Statement 2 is incorrect: the February 2025 Executive Board side event was held in Rome, not Geneva.
As of 21 August 2025, total gross enrolments under Atal Pension Yojana had crossed:
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Correct answer: A — 8.11 crore
PFRDA said total gross enrolments under Atal Pension Yojana crossed 8.11 crore as of 21 August 2025.
According to PFRDA, what share of total Atal Pension Yojana enrolments in FY 2024-25 were women?
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Correct answer: B — 55%
PFRDA said that in FY 2024-25, 55% of total APY enrolments were women, out of more than 1.17 crore new subscribers.
In August 2025, Government e Marketplace (GeM) crossed what milestone in cumulative Gross Merchandise Value since inception?
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Correct answer: D — ₹15 lakh crore
GeM crossed ₹15 lakh crore in cumulative Gross Merchandise Value since its inception in 2016.
Government e Marketplace (GeM), the online public procurement platform that crossed ₹15 lakh crore GMV in August 2025, was started in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2016
The Commerce Ministry stated that GeM crossed ₹15 lakh crore cumulative GMV since its inception in 2016.
Which body released India's first national 'Guidelines and SOPs for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals in India' in August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying released the guidelines and SOPs.
Consider the following statements about the national Guidelines/SOPs for animal blood transfusion released in August 2025: 1. They make blood typing and cross-matching mandatory to prevent incompatibility reactions. 2. They lay out a roadmap for a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network (N-VBBN). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Key highlights include mandatory blood typing and cross-matching to prevent incompatibility reactions and a roadmap for a National Veterinary Blood Bank Network (N-VBBN) with digital registries, real-time inventories and an emergency helpline.
Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi embarked on an official visit to which country from 25 to 28 August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Algeria
Algeria; the visit followed recent visits there by the President of India and the Chief of Defence Staff.
During his August 2025 visit to Algeria, General Upendra Dwivedi was to meet General Saïd Chanegriha, who holds which post?
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Correct answer: D — Chief of Staff of the People's National Army
Chief of Staff of the People's National Army, who is also Minister Delegate to the Minister of National Defence; Lt Gen Mostefa Smaali is Commander of Land Forces.
Which of the following was NOT among the four Gaganyaan astronauts felicitated by Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 24 August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Wg Cdr Rakesh Sharma
The four Gaganyatris felicitated were Group Captains Shubhanshu Shukla, P B Nair, Ajit Krishnan and Angad Pratap; Rakesh Sharma was not among them.
Who felicitated the four Gaganyatris of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission at an event in New Delhi on 24 August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated Group Captains Shubhanshu Shukla, P B Nair, Ajit Krishnan and Angad Pratap in New Delhi on 24 August 2025.
Consider the following statements about the felicitation of the Gaganyatris on 24 August 2025: 1. The event was held at ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru. 2. Gaganyaan is ISRO's maiden human spaceflight mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated the four Gaganyatris at an event in New Delhi.
The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, at which Om Birla will lead the Indian delegation in October 2025, is being held in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Bridgetown
Om Birla will lead the Indian Parliamentary Delegation at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 5 to 12 October 2025.
On what theme will Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla address the General Assembly of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference?
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Correct answer: A — The Commonwealth: A Global Partner
Om Birla will address the General Assembly of the 68th CPC on the theme 'The Commonwealth: A Global Partner'.
Consider the following statements about India's participation in the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference: 1. The conference is scheduled from 5 to 12 October 2025. 2. Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh is part of the Indian delegation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The delegation, led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and representing the CPA India Region, includes Harivansh; the conference is in Bridgetown, Barbados, from 5 to 12 October 2025.
With effect from which date did the Department of Posts temporarily suspend booking of most postal articles to the USA, as announced on 23 August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 25 August 2025
The Department of Posts decided to temporarily suspend booking of all types of postal articles destined for the USA with effect from 25 August 2025, except letters/documents and gifts up to USD 100.
Under US Executive Order No. 14324, the duty-free de minimis exemption was to be withdrawn from 29 August 2025 for goods valued up to:
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Correct answer: D — USD 800
Under Executive Order No. 14324 of 30 July 2025, the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800 was to be withdrawn with effect from 29 August 2025.
Consider the following statements about India Post's suspension of postal bookings to the USA (August 2025): 1. Letters/documents and gift items up to USD 100 in value were exempted from the suspension. 2. The suspension followed US-bound air carriers expressing inability to accept postal consignments after 25 August 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Letters/documents and gifts up to USD 100 continued to be accepted, and US-bound air carriers had expressed inability to accept postal consignments after 25 August, citing lack of operational and technical readiness.
The US Executive Order of 30 July 2025 cited by India's Department of Posts for withdrawing the de minimis exemption is numbered:
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Correct answer: B — 14324
The Department of Posts took note of Executive Order No. 14324 issued by the US Administration on 30 July 2025, which withdraws the de minimis exemption from 29 August 2025.
What was the theme of National Space Day 2025, as stated by PM Narendra Modi?
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Correct answer: C — From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan
PM Modi said this year's theme, 'From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan', reflects both the confidence of India's past and the resolve for its future.
Where was the main National Space Day 2025 programme, addressed by Dr Jitendra Singh, held?
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the National Space Day programme at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
On National Space Day 2025, Dr Jitendra Singh said an Indian will announce 'Viksit Bharat 2047' from the surface of the Moon in which year?
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Correct answer: D — 2040
Dr Jitendra Singh said an Indian will announce 'Viksit Bharat 2047' from the surface of the Moon in 2040.
With reference to National Space Day 2025, consider the following statements: 1. India was hosting the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics, with nearly 300 participants from over 60 countries. 2. The second edition of the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon drew participation from over 61,000 students. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. PM Modi noted that India was hosting the IOAA with nearly 300 young participants from over sixty countries, and the second edition of the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon drew over 61,000 students in 8,744 teams.
As per the timeline outlined by Dr Jitendra Singh on National Space Day 2025, consider the following statements: 1. India will attempt its first human spaceflight under the Gaganyaan mission in 2027. 2. The proposed Bharat Antariksh Station is to be established by 2040. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: India will attempt its first human spaceflight under Gaganyaan in 2027. Statement 2 is incorrect: the proposed Bharat Antariksh Station is to be established by 2035; 2040 is the year mentioned for an Indian on the Moon.
The 11th round of India–Australia CECA negotiations, which concluded on 23 August 2025, was held in:
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Correct answer: A — New Delhi
The 11th round of India–Australia CECA negotiations was held in New Delhi from 18 to 23 August 2025.
In the context of India–Australia trade talks, what does 'CECA' stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement
CECA stands for the India–Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, whose 11th negotiating round concluded in New Delhi on 23 August 2025.
NITI Aayog released the report 'Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways' in August 2025 in collaboration with which organisation?
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Correct answer: A — Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI)
NITI Aayog launched the report in collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
Who released NITI Aayog's report 'Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways' on 22 August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Suman Bery
The report was released by Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog.
Under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, offering or facilitating online money games can attract what maximum punishment for a first offence?
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Correct answer: B — Up to 3 years and ₹1 crore
Offering or facilitating online money games can lead to imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of up to ₹1 crore; repeat offenders face up to five years and ₹2 crore.
After receiving Presidential assent on 22 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act was published as which Act number of 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Act No. 32
The Gazette notification states that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 received assent on 22 August 2025 and is No. 32 of 2025.
Which ministry will prepare guidelines and standards for e-sports tournaments under the online gaming law passed in August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
E-sports are recognised as a legitimate competitive sport, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will prepare guidelines and standards for tournaments.
Consider the following statements about the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025: 1. The ban on online money games applies to games of skill as well as games of chance. 2. Advertising online money games can attract imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the complete ban covers games of chance, games of skill and those combining both, and advertising such games can attract a jail term of up to two years and a fine of up to ₹50 lakh.
Consider the following statements about the online gaming law of 2025: 1. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 20 August 2025 and by the Rajya Sabha on 21 August 2025. 2. Offences under its key provisions are cognisable but bailable. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the Lok Sabha passed the Bill on 20 August and the Rajya Sabha on 21 August 2025. Statement 2 is incorrect: offences under key provisions are cognisable and non-bailable.
Where was the 23rd General Conference of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), at which India was elected Executive Board Chairman, held in August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Phuket, Thailand
The 23rd AIBD General Conference was held from 19 to 21 August 2025 in Phuket, Thailand.
The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) was founded in 1977 under the auspices of which body?
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Correct answer: C — UNESCO
AIBD was founded in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO and is a regional inter-governmental organisation.
How many State Cooperative Banks are covered by UIDAI's Aadhaar authentication framework for cooperative banks launched on 21 August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 34
The framework covers all 34 State Cooperative Banks (SCBs) and 352 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs).
Consider the following statements about UIDAI's Aadhaar framework for cooperative banks (August 2025): 1. Each District Central Cooperative Bank must register separately with UIDAI as an Authentication User Agency. 2. The framework was rolled out to mark the International Year of Cooperatives. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: only State Cooperative Banks register with UIDAI as AUA/KUA, and DCCBs use the Aadhaar application and IT infrastructure of their SCBs. Statement 2 is correct: the framework was rolled out to mark the International Year of Cooperatives.
Lord Swraj Paul, who passed away in London on 21 August 2025, was the founder of which industrial group?
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Correct answer: C — Caparo Group
Lord Swraj Paul was the founder of the UK-based Caparo Group of industries.
Lord Swraj Paul's failed takeover bids for which Indian companies in the 1980s eventually led to the formation of the 'Bombay Club'?
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Correct answer: A — Escorts and Shriram
His failed takeover bids for Escorts and Shriram created a stir in Indian industrial and political circles in the 1980s and eventually led to the formation of the 'Bombay Club'.
In which year did Lord Swraj Paul found the Caparo Group in the UK?
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Correct answer: D — 1968
Lord Paul moved to the UK in 1966 and laid the foundation of the Caparo Group there in 1968.
During their phone call on 21 August 2025, PM Modi and President Macron reaffirmed their commitment to mark 2026 as the India–France year of what?
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Correct answer: D — Year of Innovation
The leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to strengthen the India–France Strategic Partnership and mark 2026 as 'Year of Innovation'.
In the phone call with PM Modi on 21 August 2025, President Macron conveyed support for early conclusion of India's Free Trade Agreement with whom?
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Correct answer: C — European Union
President Macron conveyed support for early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU.
Under the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, removal of a Minister is linked to arrest and detention in custody for more than how many days?
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Correct answer: B — 30 days
The Bills seek removal of the PM, CMs or Ministers facing serious charges who are arrested and detained in custody for more than 30 days; removal is to take place on the 31st day.
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 applies to charges punishable with imprisonment for a term of at least how long?
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Correct answer: D — 5 years or more
The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs states the Bills cover serious criminal charges punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 5 years or more.
What is the composition of the Joint Committee to which the Lok Sabha referred the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 and two related Bills?
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Correct answer: A — 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members
The motion moved by Amit Shah referred the three Bills to a Joint Committee of 21 Lok Sabha members nominated by the Speaker and 10 Rajya Sabha members nominated by the Deputy Chairman.
Consider the following statements about the Bills introduced in the Lok Sabha on 20 August 2025: 1. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 was introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. 2. It was introduced along with the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: Amit Shah introduced the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha on 20 August 2025, together with the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill.
Consider the following statements about the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025: 1. The Prime Minister is kept outside the scope of the removal provision. 2. The Joint Committee examining it is to report by the last day of the first week of the next session. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: the Bills cover the Prime Minister as well as Union Ministers and Chief Ministers and Ministers of States and UTs. Statement 2 is correct: the motion requires the Joint Committee to report by the last day of the first week of the next session.
Where did India and the Eurasian Economic Union sign the Terms of Reference to launch FTA negotiations on 20 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Moscow
The Terms of Reference to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement were signed in Moscow on 20 August 2025.
What was the India–EAEU trade turnover in 2024, as noted when the FTA Terms of Reference were signed?
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Correct answer: D — USD 69 billion
Both sides noted India–EAEU trade turnover of USD 69 billion in 2024, a 7 per cent increase over 2023.
Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, with which India signed FTA Terms of Reference in August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Uzbekistan
The EAEU comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation; Uzbekistan is not listed among its members.
Consider the following statements about the India–EAEU FTA Terms of Reference signed in August 2025: 1. It was signed on India's behalf by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. 2. India and the EAEU have a combined GDP of USD 6.5 trillion. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: the ToR was signed by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce. Statement 2 is correct: the release cites a combined GDP of USD 6.5 trillion.
In what capacity was Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd appointed by UIDAI in August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Sub-Authentication User Agency and Sub-eKYC User Agency
Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd was appointed as a Sub-Authentication User Agency and Sub-eKYC User Agency.
Who was the CEO of UIDAI in whose presence Starlink was onboarded for Aadhaar authentication in August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Bhuvnesh Kumar
Starlink's appointment was done in the presence of UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar.
What net addition of members did EPFO report for June 2025, the highest since payroll tracking began?
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Correct answer: B — 21.89 lakh
EPFO's provisional payroll data for June 2025 showed a net addition of 21.89 lakh members, the highest since tracking began in April 2018.
Since when has EPFO been tracking payroll data, against which the June 2025 net addition was described as the highest?
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Correct answer: C — April 2018
The June 2025 net addition of 21.89 lakh was the highest since payroll data tracking began in April 2018.
Who co-chaired the 24th round of India–China Special Representatives talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New Delhi on 19 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ajit Doval
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval co-chaired the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives with Wang Yi during his visit to New Delhi.
At the 24th Special Representatives talks, India and China agreed to set up an Expert Group to explore an 'early harvest' in boundary delimitation under which framework?
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Correct answer: A — Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC)
The MEA statement, as reported, said the two sides agreed to set up an Expert Group under the WMCC to explore early harvest in boundary delimitation.
The India–China Special Representatives talks held in New Delhi on 19 August 2025 were which round of the mechanism?
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Correct answer: C — 24th
PIB and the MEA statement describe the 19 August 2025 meeting co-chaired by Ajit Doval and Wang Yi as the 24th meeting of the Special Representatives.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of the 24th India–China Special Representatives talks: 1. The two sides agreed to create General-level mechanisms in the eastern and middle sectors, in addition to the existing one in the western sector. 2. They agreed to seek a settlement framework in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the MEA statement, as reported, refers to new General-level mechanisms in the eastern and middle sectors alongside the existing western-sector mechanism, and to a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable framework in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.
Consider the following statements about the mechanisms agreed at the 24th India–China Special Representatives talks: 1. The Working Group under the WMCC was set up to explore an early harvest in boundary delimitation. 2. The WMCC, under which the new groups were set up, was created in 2012. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: early harvest in boundary delimitation is the task of the Expert Group, while the Working Group is to advance effective border management. Statement 2 is correct: the WMCC was created in 2012.
Until what date did the Government exempt raw cotton imports from all customs duties, with effect from 19 August 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 30 September 2025
The Government exempted all customs duties on the import of raw cotton with effect from 19 August 2025 until 30 September 2025.
What was the cumulative import duty on raw cotton that was removed by the exemption announced on 19 August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 11%
The exemption removed the 5% Basic Customs Duty, the 5% AIDC and a 10% Social Welfare Surcharge on both, cumulatively an 11% import duty on cotton.
Consider the following statements about the customs duty exemption on raw cotton announced in August 2025: 1. The exemption was notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). 2. The exemption took effect from 1 September 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct: the exemption was notified by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), and it took effect from 19 August 2025, running until 30 September 2025.
INS Tamal arrived at which Greek port on 19 August 2025 during her return passage to India after commissioning in Russia?
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Correct answer: A — Souda Bay
INS Tamal, the latest stealth frigate, arrived at Souda Bay, Greece, on 19 August 2025 during her return passage to India post commissioning in Russia.
During INS Tamal's port call at Souda Bay in August 2025, the crew was to be familiarised with operations at which facility?
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Correct answer: D — NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre
The port call included familiarisation with operations and procedures at the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre in Souda Bay.
Among the ECI initiatives listed on 19 August 2025, what is the maximum number of voters now set per polling station?
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Correct answer: A — 1,200
The ECI listed a polling station limit of 1,200 voters to reduce crowding and shorten queues.
ECINET, listed by the Election Commission among its recent initiatives, subsumes how many apps and websites?
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Correct answer: C — 40+
ECINET is described as a one-stop digital platform subsuming 40+ apps and websites for electors and other stakeholders.
Consider the following statements about the ECI initiatives listed on 19 August 2025: 1. Under a new SOP, EPICs are to be delivered within 30 days of an update in the electoral rolls. 2. Honorarium has been provided to EROs and AEROs for the first time. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: the new SOP enables delivery of EPICs within 15 days of an update in the electoral rolls. Statement 2 is correct: honorarium was provided to EROs and AEROs for the first time.