SF Prep

MPSC (Maharashtra) Current Affairs Quiz — All time

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

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4679 news · 11184 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 75 questions
Government e Marketplace (GeM) crosses ₹15 lakh crore in cumulative GMV
Q1

In August 2025, Government e Marketplace (GeM) crossed what milestone in cumulative Gross Merchandise Value since inception?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹15 lakh crore

GeM crossed ₹15 lakh crore in cumulative Gross Merchandise Value since its inception in 2016.

Q2 Advanced

Government e Marketplace (GeM), the online public procurement platform that crossed ₹15 lakh crore GMV in August 2025, was started in which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2016

The Commerce Ministry stated that GeM crossed ₹15 lakh crore cumulative GMV since its inception in 2016.

India releases first national Guidelines and SOPs for blood transfusion and blood banks for animals
Q3

Which body released India's first national 'Guidelines and SOPs for Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks for Animals in India' in August 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q4 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

India–Japan Ministerial Energy Dialogue held by video conference
Q5 Advanced

The Ministerial-level India–Japan Energy Dialogue of 25 August 2025 was co-chaired on the Japanese side by the Minister of which ministry?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

The dialogue was co-chaired by Power Minister Manohar Lal and Mr Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

IREDA signs performance MoU with MNRE with ₹8,200 crore revenue target for FY 2025-26
Q6 Advanced

Under the performance MoU signed with MNRE on 25 August 2025, what Revenue from Operations target has been set for IREDA for FY 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹8,200 crore

The Government set IREDA a Revenue from Operations target of ₹8,200 crore for FY 2025-26; in FY 2024-25 it achieved ₹6,743.32 crore against a ₹5,957 crore target.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi embarks on official visit to Algeria (25–28 August 2025)
Q7

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi embarked on an official visit to which country from 25 to 28 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Algeria

Algeria; the visit followed recent visits there by the President of India and the Chief of Defence Staff.

Q8 Advanced

During his August 2025 visit to Algeria, General Upendra Dwivedi was to meet General Saïd Chanegriha, who holds which post?

Show answer

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.

Rajnath Singh felicitates the four Gaganyaan astronauts in New Delhi
Q9

Which of the following was NOT among the four Gaganyaan astronauts felicitated by Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 24 August 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q10

Who felicitated the four Gaganyatris of ISRO's Gaganyaan mission at an event in New Delhi on 24 August 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q11 Advanced

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?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Only 2 is correct. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh felicitated the four Gaganyatris at an event in New Delhi.

Om Birla to lead Indian delegation at 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados
Q12

The 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, at which Om Birla will lead the Indian delegation in October 2025, is being held in which city?

Show answer

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.

Q13 Advanced

On what theme will Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla address the General Assembly of the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference?

Show answer

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'.

Q14 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

India Post temporarily suspends booking of most postal articles to the USA from 25 August
Q15

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?

Show answer

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.

Q16 Advanced

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:

Show answer

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.

Q17 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q18 Advanced

The US Executive Order of 30 July 2025 cited by India's Department of Posts for withdrawing the de minimis exemption is numbered:

Show answer

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.

National Space Day 2025: 'From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan'; Jitendra Singh outlines roadmap to an Indian on the Moon by 2040
Q19

What was the theme of National Space Day 2025, as stated by PM Narendra Modi?

Show answer

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.

Q20

Where was the main National Space Day 2025 programme, addressed by Dr Jitendra Singh, held?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

Dr Jitendra Singh addressed the National Space Day programme at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Q21 Advanced

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?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 2040

Dr Jitendra Singh said an Indian will announce 'Viksit Bharat 2047' from the surface of the Moon in 2040.

Q22 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q23 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

11th round of India–Australia CECA negotiations concludes in New Delhi
Q24

The 11th round of India–Australia CECA negotiations, which concluded on 23 August 2025, was held in:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — New Delhi

The 11th round of India–Australia CECA negotiations was held in New Delhi from 18 to 23 August 2025.

Q25 Advanced

In the context of India–Australia trade talks, what does 'CECA' stand for?

Show answer

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.

Konkan Railway runs first Ro-Ro train for private cars between Kolad and Verna
Q26

Konkan Railway's Ro-Ro train service for private cars, started on 23 August 2025, runs between Kolad in Maharashtra and which station in Goa?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Verna

Konkan Railway started the Ro-Ro car train service between Kolad in Maharashtra and Verna in Goa on 23 August 2025.

Q27 Advanced

What is the charge per car for transport from Kolad to Verna on Konkan Railway's Ro-Ro car service launched in August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹7,875

Motorists pay ₹7,875 per car from Kolad to Verna and ₹5,460 from Kolad to Nandgaon.

CCPA fines VLCC ₹3 lakh for misleading CoolSculpting fat-loss advertisements
Q28 Advanced

In August 2025, the CCPA fined VLCC Limited for misleading ads on CoolSculpting. According to the CCPA, the procedure is approved only for localised fat reduction in individuals with a BMI of:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 30 or less

The CCPA noted that CoolSculpting is approved only for localised fat reduction in specific body areas and only for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or less.

Q29

What penalty did the Central Consumer Protection Authority impose on VLCC Limited in August 2025 for misleading fat-loss advertisements?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹3 lakh

The CCPA imposed a penalty of ₹3 lakh on VLCC Limited for misleading advertisements on CoolSculpting fat-loss treatments.

Department of Posts and AMFI sign MoU for India Post to distribute mutual funds through post offices
Q30

With which body did the Department of Posts sign an MoU on 22 August 2025 to distribute mutual funds through post offices?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)

The Department of Posts signed the MoU with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) during AMFI's 30th Foundation Day celebration in Mumbai.

Q31 Advanced

Until when is the Department of Posts–AMFI MoU signed on 22 August 2025 valid, before renewal?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 21 August 2028

The MoU is valid for three years, from 22 August 2025 to 21 August 2028, with provisions for renewal.

Q32 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Department of Posts–AMFI MoU of August 2025: 1. It was signed in the presence of SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey. 2. Under it, Department of Posts staff will function as mutual fund distributors. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct: the MoU was signed in the presence of SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, and under it DoP staff will function as mutual fund distributors, especially in smaller towns and rural regions.

NITI Aayog releases report 'Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways'
Q33 Advanced

NITI Aayog released the report 'Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways' in August 2025 in collaboration with which organisation?

Show answer

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).

Q34

Who released NITI Aayog's report 'Rethinking Homestays: Navigating Policy Pathways' on 22 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Suman Bery

The report was released by Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog.

CCRAS and WHO-SEARO conclude regional workshop on Good Manufacturing Practices for herbal medicines in Mumbai
Q35

In which city did the CCRAS–WHO-SEARO Regional Workshop on WHO Good Manufacturing Practices for Herbal Medicines conclude on 22 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Mumbai

The four-day workshop concluded at RRAP-Central Ayurveda Research Institute, Mumbai.

Parliament passes Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025: online money games banned, e-sports promoted
Q36 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q37

After receiving Presidential assent on 22 August 2025, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act was published as which Act number of 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q38 Advanced

Which ministry will prepare guidelines and standards for e-sports tournaments under the online gaming law passed in August 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q39 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q40 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

India elected Chairman of AIBD Executive Board at 23rd General Conference in Phuket
Q41

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?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Phuket, Thailand

The 23rd AIBD General Conference was held from 19 to 21 August 2025 in Phuket, Thailand.

Q42 Advanced

The Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) was founded in 1977 under the auspices of which body?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — UNESCO

AIBD was founded in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO and is a regional inter-governmental organisation.

UIDAI rolls out Aadhaar authentication framework for State and District Central Cooperative Banks
Q43 Advanced

How many State Cooperative Banks are covered by UIDAI's Aadhaar authentication framework for cooperative banks launched on 21 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 34

The framework covers all 34 State Cooperative Banks (SCBs) and 352 District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs).

Q44 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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, India-born British industrialist and Caparo Group founder, passes away at 94
Q45

Lord Swraj Paul, who passed away in London on 21 August 2025, was the founder of which industrial group?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Caparo Group

Lord Swraj Paul was the founder of the UK-based Caparo Group of industries.

Q46 Advanced

Lord Swraj Paul's failed takeover bids for which Indian companies in the 1980s eventually led to the formation of the 'Bombay Club'?

Show answer

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'.

Q47 Advanced

In which year did Lord Swraj Paul found the Caparo Group in the UK?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1968

Lord Paul moved to the UK in 1966 and laid the foundation of the Caparo Group there in 1968.

PM Modi and President Macron discuss Ukraine, West Asia and India–France 'Year of Innovation' 2026 in phone call
Q48 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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'.

Q49

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?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — European Union

President Macron conveyed support for early conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the EU.

Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 on removal of detained Ministers introduced in Lok Sabha and referred to Joint Committee
Q50

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?

Show answer

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.

Q51 Advanced

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 applies to charges punishable with imprisonment for a term of at least how long?

Show answer

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.

Q52 Advanced

What is the composition of the Joint Committee to which the Lok Sabha referred the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 and two related Bills?

Show answer

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.

Q53 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q54 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

India and Eurasian Economic Union sign Terms of Reference to launch FTA negotiations
Q55

Where did India and the Eurasian Economic Union sign the Terms of Reference to launch FTA negotiations on 20 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Moscow

The Terms of Reference to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement were signed in Moscow on 20 August 2025.

Q56 Advanced

What was the India–EAEU trade turnover in 2024, as noted when the FTA Terms of Reference were signed?

Show answer

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.

Q57 Advanced

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?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Uzbekistan

The EAEU comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation; Uzbekistan is not listed among its members.

Q58 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

UIDAI onboards Starlink for Aadhaar-based customer verification
Q59 Advanced

In what capacity was Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd appointed by UIDAI in August 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q60

Who was the CEO of UIDAI in whose presence Starlink was onboarded for Aadhaar authentication in August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bhuvnesh Kumar

Starlink's appointment was done in the presence of UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar.

EPFO records all-time high net addition of 21.89 lakh members in June 2025
Q61

What net addition of members did EPFO report for June 2025, the highest since payroll tracking began?

Show answer

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.

Q62 Advanced

Since when has EPFO been tracking payroll data, against which the June 2025 net addition was described as the highest?

Show answer

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.

Index of Eight Core Industries grows 2.0% in July 2025
Q63 Advanced

What weight do the eight core industries carry in the items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), as stated in the July 2025 core index release?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 40.27 per cent

The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production.

Plate cutting of Indian Coast Guard's fourth Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel at MDL, Mumbai
Q64

Yard 16404, whose plate cutting took place at MDL Mumbai on 20 August 2025, is the fourth in a series of how many Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Six

Yard 16404 is the fourth in a series of six NGOPVs being constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd for the Indian Coast Guard.

6th High-Level Meeting between Indian Coast Guard and Vietnam Coast Guard held in Hanoi
Q65 Advanced

The 6th High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard in Hanoi on 20 August 2025 was held under an MoU on Coast Guard Cooperation signed in which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2015

The meeting was held under the framework of the 2015 Memorandum of Understanding on Coast Guard Cooperation.

24th India–China Special Representatives talks: Expert Group and Working Group under WMCC agreed
Q66

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?

Show answer

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.

Q67 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q68 Advanced

The India–China Special Representatives talks held in New Delhi on 19 August 2025 were which round of the mechanism?

Show answer

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.

Q69 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q70 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Government exempts all customs duties on raw cotton imports from 19 August to 30 September 2025
Q71

Until what date did the Government exempt raw cotton imports from all customs duties, with effect from 19 August 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q72 Advanced

What was the cumulative import duty on raw cotton that was removed by the exemption announced on 19 August 2025?

Show answer

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.

Q73 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Stealth frigate INS Tamal arrives at Souda Bay, Greece on return passage to India
Q74

INS Tamal arrived at which Greek port on 19 August 2025 during her return passage to India after commissioning in Russia?

Show answer

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.

Q75 Advanced

During INS Tamal's port call at Souda Bay in August 2025, the crew was to be familiarised with operations at which facility?

Show answer

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.