PPSC (Punjab) Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
On which date were the Terms of Reference for negotiating the India–Chile CEPA signed?
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Correct answer: C — 8 May 2025
The Commerce Ministry said the ToR were signed on 8 May 2025; the first round began on 26 May.
The launch of India–Chile CEPA negotiations was welcomed during the State Visit to India in April 2025 of which Chilean President?
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Correct answer: B — Gabriel Boric Font
The release says the launch was welcomed during the State Visit of President Gabriel Boric Font in April 2025.
Which three DPSUs were granted Miniratna status by the Defence Minister on 29 May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — MIL, AVNL and IOL
Munitions India Ltd, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd and India Optel Ltd were granted Miniratna status.
Which category of Miniratna status was granted to MIL, AVNL and IOL?
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Correct answer: D — Category-I
The Defence Ministry said the three DPSUs were granted Miniratna Category-I status.
Until when are the wheat stock limits imposed by the Centre in May 2025 applicable?
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Correct answer: B — 31 March 2026
The Food Ministry said the order is applicable until 31 March 2026 in all States and UTs.
What is the wheat stock limit for traders/wholesalers under the order of 27 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 3,000 MT
The stock limit for traders/wholesalers is 3,000 MT; retailers have 10 MT per outlet.
Consider the following statements about the wheat stock limits of May 2025: 1. Retailers may hold 10 MT of wheat for each retail outlet. 2. Processors may hold 50% of their monthly installed capacity multiplied by the remaining months of FY 2025-26. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The processors' limit is 70% (not 50%) of monthly installed capacity times the remaining months of FY 2025-26.
Who led the Indian all-party parliamentary delegation that visited Colombia from 29 to 31 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Shashi Tharoor
The Colombia delegation was led by MP Shashi Tharoor, as per the Embassy of India in Bogotá.
With the vesting orders of 29 May 2025, for how many coal blocks have vesting/allocation orders been issued under commercial auctions?
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Correct answer: D — 116
The Coal Ministry said vesting/allocation orders have now been issued for 116 coal blocks under commercial auctions.
Which Coal India subsidiary became the first to secure a coal block through commercial auction, as noted by the Coal Ministry in May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Western Coalfields Ltd
The ministry said Western Coalfields Ltd had, for the first time, secured a coal block through commercial auction.
Exercise Nomadic Elephant is a joint military exercise between India and:
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Correct answer: B — Mongolia
Nomadic Elephant is the India–Mongolia joint military exercise.
Which edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant was held in Ulaanbaatar from 31 May to 13 June 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 17th
The Ministry of Defence said it was the 17th edition.
Where was the previous (July 2024) edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant held?
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Correct answer: D — Umroi, Meghalaya
The previous edition was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya, in July 2024.
Under the MHA decision of May 2025, which personnel of CAPFs and Assam Rifles will get an honorary rank one level higher on retirement?
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Correct answer: A — Constable to Sub-Inspector
The decision covers personnel below officer rank, from Constable to Sub-Inspector.
Consider the following statements about the honorary rank decision of May 2025: 1. It applies to the Assam Rifles as well as the CAPFs. 2. The honorary rank comes with additional pension benefits. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct: the decision covers CAPFs and Assam Rifles, but the honorary rank carries no financial or pension benefits.
How many villages will be covered under Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 21,000
The Jal Shakti Ministry said SSG 2025 will cover 21,000 villages across 761 districts.
Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2025 is conducted by which department?
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Correct answer: C — Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
SSG 2025 is a survey by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti.
According to the Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom 2025, what share of Indian households possessed at least one smartphone?
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Correct answer: D — 85.5%
MoSPI found approximately 85.5% of households possessed at least one smartphone.
As per CMS: Telecom 2025, what percentage of rural persons aged 15–29 used mobile phones in the last three months?
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Correct answer: B — 96.8%
Rural mobile phone use in the 15–29 age group was about 96.8%; 97.6% was urban use and 92.7% rural internet use.
Among persons aged 15–29 able to perform online banking transactions, what share could do so through UPI, as per CMS: Telecom 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 99.5%
About 99.5% of such persons reported the ability to transact through UPI.
For how many kharif crops did the Cabinet approve increased MSPs for marketing season 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — 14
The CCEA approved increased MSPs for 14 kharif crops.
Which kharif crop saw the highest absolute increase in MSP for marketing season 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — Nigerseed
Nigerseed had the highest absolute increase (₹820 per quintal), followed by ragi (₹596), cotton (₹589) and sesamum (₹579).
What is the MSP of common paddy for kharif marketing season 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — ₹2,369 per quintal
Common paddy MSP is ₹2,369 per quintal (up from ₹2,300); ₹2,389 is Grade A paddy and ₹2,400 is maize.
What is India's foodgrain production for 2024-25 as per the Third Advance Estimates released on 28 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 3,539.59 lakh tonnes
Foodgrain production is estimated at a record 3,539.59 LMT; 3,322.98 LMT was the 2023-24 figure.
As per the Third Advance Estimates for 2024-25, India's rice production is estimated at:
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Correct answer: D — 1,490.74 LMT
Rice is estimated at 1,490.74 LMT (up from 1,378.25 LMT); 1,175.07 LMT is wheat.
From which date did the rules under the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act 2023 come into effect?
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Correct answer: D — 27 May 2025
The rules came into effect on 27 May 2025. The Act got assent on 15 August 2023 and came into force on 10 May 2024; ISOs were notified on 27 December 2024.
Under which section of the Inter-Services Organisations Act 2023 were the rules notified in May 2025 framed?
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Correct answer: B — Section 11
The Defence Ministry said the subordinate rules were framed under Section 11 of the Act.
Consider the following statements about the Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act 2023: 1. It received the assent of the President on 15 August 2023. 2. It came into force with effect from 10 May 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release.
What was India's IIP growth in April 2025 as per the quick estimate?
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Correct answer: C — 2.7%
IIP grew 2.7% in April 2025; 3.0% was March, 3.4% manufacturing and 1.1% electricity.
Under MoSPI's revised calendar announced in May 2025, the quick estimate of IIP is released on which day of every month?
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Correct answer: B — 28th
As per the revised calendar, the quick estimate of IIP is released on the 28th of every month (or the next working day if it is a holiday).
At what rate is interest subvention provided to lending institutions under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme continued for 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 1.5%
The Cabinet continued MISS with the existing 1.5% interest subvention; 3% is the Prompt Repayment Incentive.
Under MISS, what is the effective interest rate on KCC loans for farmers who repay promptly?
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Correct answer: A — 4%
Loans are at 7%; a Prompt Repayment Incentive of up to 3% brings the effective rate to 4%.
Consider the following statements about the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme: 1. Farmers can get short-term loans of up to ₹3 lakh through KCC at a subsidised rate. 2. For loans taken exclusively for animal husbandry or fisheries, the interest benefit applies up to ₹2 lakh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Cabinet release.
Which ASEAN official did the Indian multi-party delegation meet in Jakarta on 28 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary-General
The Embassy of India, Jakarta, said the delegation met ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. Arief Havas Oegroseno is Indonesia's Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Who led the Indian multi-party parliamentary delegation that visited Indonesia from 28 to 31 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Sanjay Kumar Jha
The Embassy of India, Jakarta, said the delegation was led by MP Sanjay Kumar Jha.
In Riyadh on 28 May 2025, the Indian all-party delegation held discussions with Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Who is he?
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Correct answer: C — Adel bin Ahmed al-Jubeir
The Embassy of India, Riyadh, said the delegation met Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed al-Jubeir. Mishaal Al-Sulami is Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council.
How many parts does UPSC's new Online Application Portal, announced on 28 May 2025, have?
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Correct answer: B — Four
UPSC said the portal has four parts arranged in four cards: Account Creation, Universal Registration, Common Application Form and Examination.
Consider the following statements about UPSC's new Online Application Portal: 1. The old One Time Registration (OTR) module will not be applicable. 2. Examination-specific details must be filled in only during the period allowed in the examination notification. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the OTR module no longer applies, and only exam-specific information is filled in during the notified period.
At the PRAGATI meeting of 28 May 2025, the PM reviewed three infrastructure projects with a cumulative cost of:
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Correct answer: D — Over ₹62,000 crore
The PMO said three projects with a cumulative cost of over ₹62,000 crore were reviewed.
At the May 2025 PRAGATI meeting, the PM asked state governments to ensure mandatory registration of eligible real estate projects under:
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Correct answer: A — RERA
He asked states to ensure mandatory registration of all eligible real estate projects under RERA.
In its updated forecast of May 2025, what did IMD forecast for the 2025 southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over the country as a whole?
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Correct answer: C — 106% of LPA
IMD forecast 106% of the Long Period Average with a model error of ±4%.
According to IMD's updated 2025 monsoon forecast, which region is likely to receive below-normal rainfall?
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Correct answer: A — Northeast India
Northeast India is likely to get below-normal rain (<94% of LPA); Central India and the South Peninsula above normal; Northwest India normal.
Consider the following statements about IMD's updated 2025 southwest monsoon forecast: 1. The Monsoon Core Zone is forecast to receive above-normal rainfall. 2. Northwest India is expected to receive normal rainfall in the range of 92–108% of LPA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Monsoon Core Zone is forecast above normal and Northwest India normal (92–108% of LPA).
Which agency will execute the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme under the execution model approved in May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Aeronautical Development Agency
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) will execute the AMCA programme through industry partnership.
Consider the following statements about the AMCA Programme Execution Model approved in May 2025: 1. Only public sector undertakings are eligible to bid. 2. A bidder may bid independently, as a joint venture or as a consortium, but must be an Indian company. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: private and public sectors get equal opportunities on a competitive basis. Statement 2 is correct.
After approval of the AMCA execution model, what is the Aeronautical Development Agency to issue next for the AMCA Development Phase?
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Correct answer: D — Expression of Interest (EoI)
ADA is to shortly issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the AMCA Development Phase.
What was India's total FDI inflow (provisional) in FY 2024-25 as per the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — USD 81.04 billion
FDI inflow was USD 81.04 billion (provisional) in FY 2024-25, up 14% from USD 71.28 billion in FY 2023-24.
Which country was the largest source of FDI equity inflows into India in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: C — Singapore
Singapore led with a 30% share, followed by Mauritius (17%) and the United States (11%).
Consider the following statements about FDI in FY 2024-25: 1. Maharashtra received the highest share of FDI equity inflows among states. 2. Computer software and hardware was the top sector for FDI equity, ahead of services. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (Maharashtra 39%). Statement 2 is wrong: services led with 19%, ahead of computer software and hardware (16%).
DIGIPIN, for which the Department of Posts launched a 'Know Your DIGIPIN' portal in May 2025, was developed in collaboration with which institutions?
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Correct answer: D — IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO
DIGIPIN was developed by the Department of Posts with IIT Hyderabad and NRSC, ISRO.
Consider the following statements about DIGIPIN: 1. It is an open-source, geo-coded, grid-based digital address system. 2. The 'Know Your DIGIPIN' portal was launched in alignment with the National Geospatial Policy 2022. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Communications.
Who led the Indian all-party parliamentary delegation that visited Greece from 27 to 29 May 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Kanimozhi Karunanidhi
The Greece delegation was led by MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi; Supriya Sule led the South Africa leg, Ravi Shankar Prasad the Italy leg and Sanjay Kumar Jha the Singapore leg.
The all-party delegation led by Ravi Shankar Prasad that arrived in Rome on 27 May 2025 was also scheduled to visit which of the following?
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Correct answer: A — France, Denmark, Germany, the UK and the EU in Brussels
As per the Embassy of India in Rome, the delegation was visiting Italy, France, Denmark, Germany, the UK and the European Union in Brussels.
Consider the following statements about the all-party delegations on 27 May 2025: 1. The delegation to South Africa, led by Supriya Sule, began its engagement in Johannesburg. 2. In Singapore, the delegation led by Sanjay Kumar Jha called on Senior Minister of State Sim Ann. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the High Commission in Pretoria and the PIB release on the Singapore meeting.
By how much did India's coal imports fall in FY 2024-25 compared with FY 2023-24?
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Correct answer: A — 7.9%
Coal imports fell 7.9% to 243.62 MT. 8.95% is the fall for the non-regulated sector and 41.4% for blending imports by thermal plants; 5% is domestic output growth.
Consider the following statements about coal in FY 2024-25: 1. Imports of coal for blending by thermal power plants fell by 41.4%. 2. Coal-based power generation declined during the year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: coal-based power generation grew by 3.04%.
How many blocks were successfully auctioned in Tranche V of the critical and strategic mineral block auctions?
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Correct answer: A — 10 out of 15
Tranche V concluded with 10 of the 15 offered blocks successfully auctioned.
Tranche V of the critical mineral auctions marked the first successful auction of a critical and strategic mineral block in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Rajasthan
Tranche V marked the first-ever successful auction of a critical and strategic mineral block in Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements about Tranche V of the critical mineral block auctions: 1. It included the Government of India's first-ever successful auction of a potash block. 2. With it, the total number of blocks auctioned by the Central Government reached 34. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Mines.
To which date did CBDT extend the due date for filing ITRs for AY 2025-26 that were originally due on 31 July 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 15 September 2025
The due date was extended from 31 July 2025 to 15 September 2025.
Consider the following statements about the ITR due-date extension announced in May 2025: 1. It was made by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. 2. One reason cited was structural and content revisions in the notified ITR forms. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the extension was by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Statement 2 is correct.
From which date are RoDTEP benefits restored for exports by Advance Authorisation holders, EOUs and SEZ units?
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Correct answer: D — 1 June 2025
The restored benefits apply to eligible exports made from 1 June 2025; earlier cover for these categories ended on 5 February 2025.
Consider the following statements about the RoDTEP scheme: 1. It has been operational since 1 January 2021. 2. It reimburses embedded duties, taxes and levies that are not refunded under any other scheme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Commerce Ministry release.
What is the resolution of the Bharat Forecast System launched in May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 6 km
The Bharat Forecast System improves resolution from 12 km to 6 km.
Which institute developed the Bharat Forecast System?
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Correct answer: D — Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune
It was developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
Consider the following statements about the Bharat Forecast System: 1. Its development was spearheaded by four women scientists. 2. It is meant to enable village-specific forecasts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
What is the value of the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics awarded to the LHC experiments?
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Correct answer: D — USD 3 million
The USD 3 million prize is allocated to the ATLAS, CMS, ALICE and LHCb experiments.
According to the Department of Atomic Energy, Indian scientists played a significant role in which two LHC experiments that shared the 2025 Breakthrough Prize?
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Correct answer: B — ALICE and CMS
Indian scientists and institutes contributed significantly to ALICE and CMS.
By what percentage did the Central Apprenticeship Council recommend increasing the stipend under NAPS and NATS in May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 36%
The 38th CAC meeting recommended a 36% increase in stipend.
Under the Central Apprenticeship Council's May 2025 recommendation, what would be the revised monthly stipend range under NAPS and NATS?
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Correct answer: A — ₹6,800–₹12,300
The stipend range would be revised from ₹5,000–₹9,000 to ₹6,800–₹12,300.
Maldives Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel led the Maldives side at which meeting in New Delhi on 26 May 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 2nd India–Maldives High Level Core Group meeting
He led Maldives at the 2nd India–Maldives High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting reviewing the Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
Where is the 3rd India–Maldives High Level Core Group meeting to be held?
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Correct answer: C — Malé
It was decided that the 3rd HLCG meeting will be held in Malé, Maldives.