SF Prep

RPSC RAS Current Affairs Quiz — All time

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

7 days 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months All
4474 news · 10746 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 82 questions
Rajnath Singh approves Defence Procurement Manual 2025
Q1

The Defence Procurement Manual 2025, approved on 14 September 2025, replaces a manual that was last promulgated in which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2009

The DPM, which regulates revenue procurement by the Defence Services, was last promulgated in 2009; the revised DPM 2025 was approved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Q2 Advanced

The Defence Procurement Manual 2025 primarily governs which type of procurement by the Ministry of Defence?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Revenue procurement of goods and services

The DPM lays down principles for all revenue procurements in the Ministry, valued at around ₹1 lakh crore in the current financial year.

Q3 Advanced

Consider the following statements about liquidated damages (LD) under the Defence Procurement Manual 2025: 1. No LD will be levied during the development phase of a contract. 2. The maximum LD has been lowered to 5%, rising to 10% only in cases of inordinate delay. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: DPM 2025 introduces no LD during the development phase and a minimal 0.1% LD after the prototype is developed; maximum LD is lowered to 5%, and only for inordinate delays can it reach 10%.

Q4 Advanced

Under DPM 2025, for how long can the Ministry of Defence give assured orders (in terms of quantity) to suppliers who develop items?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Up to five years, extendable by up to five more years in special circumstances

DPM 2025 provides an assured guarantee of orders in terms of quantity for up to five years and, in special circumstances, up to another five years.

Minakshi and Jaismine win gold as India's women take four medals at World Boxing Championships
Q5

Where were the World Boxing Championships 2025, at which Minakshi Hooda and Jaismine Lamboria won gold, held?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Liverpool, United Kingdom

The World Boxing Championships 2025 were held in Liverpool, where Minakshi won the 48kg and Jaismine the 57kg title.

Q6 Advanced

In which weight category did Jaismine Lamboria win gold at the World Boxing Championships 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 57kg

Jaismine Lamboria won the women's 57kg title, beating Poland's Julia Szeremeta 4-1; Minakshi Hooda won the 48kg title.

Q7 Advanced

Whom did Minakshi Hooda defeat in the women's 48kg final at the World Boxing Championships 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Nazym Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan

Minakshi beat Kazakhstan's Paris Olympics bronze medallist Nazym Kyzaibay 4-1 in the 48kg final; she had beaten Mongolia's Altantsetseg Lutsaikhan in the semi-final.

Q8 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India's campaign at the World Boxing Championships 2025: 1. India won four medals, all of them in the women's section. 2. Nupur Sheoran won gold in the women's 80+kg category. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: India won two golds (Minakshi, Jaismine), a silver and a bronze, all by women, while the men drew a blank. Statement 2 is incorrect: Nupur Sheoran won silver in the 80+kg after losing the final 3-2 to Poland's Agata Kaczmarska.

India settle for silver as China win Women's Hockey Asia Cup and World Cup berth
Q9

Which team defeated India in the final of the Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 on 14 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — China

Hosts China beat India 4-1 in the final in Hangzhou to win their third Women's Asia Cup title.

Q10 Advanced

Who scored India's only goal in the Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2025 final?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Navneet Kaur

Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner in the first minute to give India the lead before China scored four times.

Q11 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Women's Hockey Asia Cup 2025: 1. India's loss in the final meant they missed direct qualification for the 2026 FIH Women's World Cup. 2. The final was played in India. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: continental champions qualify directly, so China qualified and India must go through the qualifiers. Statement 2 is incorrect: the final was played at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park in Hangzhou, China.

Q12 Advanced

The 2026 FIH Women's Hockey World Cup, for which China qualified by winning the Asia Cup 2025, will be co-hosted by which countries?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Belgium and the Netherlands

The 2026 FIH Women's Hockey World Cup is to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

Government reopens PLI Scheme for White Goods application window
Q13 Advanced

The PLI Scheme for White Goods, whose application window was reopened from 15 September to 14 October 2025, covers which products?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Air conditioners and LED lights

The PLI Scheme for White Goods (PLIWG) covers air conditioners and LED lights; its application window was reopened for 30 days on the same terms as the scheme notified in April 2021.

Q14

When was the PLI Scheme for White Goods originally notified?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 16 April 2021

The reopened window runs on the same terms as the PLIWG Scheme notified on 16 April 2021, with guidelines issued on 4 June 2021.

Second phase of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan for rabi crops from 3–18 October
Q15

The second phase of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, announced on 13 September 2025, focuses on which crop season?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Rabi

The second phase is a 16-day campaign for rabi crops from 3 to 18 October 2025; the first phase had focused on kharif crops.

Q16 Advanced

What is the duration of the second phase of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan scheduled for October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 16 days

The second phase is a 16-day campaign, from 3 to 18 October 2025, during which agricultural scientists will visit villages to meet farmers.

C.P. Radhakrishnan sworn in as 15th Vice President of India
Q17

Who administered the oath of office to C.P. Radhakrishnan as Vice President of India on 12 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — President Droupadi Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office of Vice President to C.P. Radhakrishnan at Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Q18 Advanced

Which post did C.P. Radhakrishnan hold immediately before becoming Vice President of India?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Governor of Maharashtra

Radhakrishnan was formerly the Governor of Maharashtra; he had earlier been Governor of Jharkhand with additional charge of Telangana and Puducherry.

Q19 Advanced

From which Lok Sabha constituency was C.P. Radhakrishnan elected in 1998 and 1999?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Coimbatore

Radhakrishnan was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time from Coimbatore in 1998 and re-elected in 1999.

Q20 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. The Vice President of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. 2. C.P. Radhakrishnan is the 17th person to hold the office of Vice President of India. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct. Radhakrishnan took oath as the 15th Vice President and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha; 'seventeenth' refers to the number of the Vice-Presidential election held in 2025, not to the office-holder.

Sushila Karki sworn in as Nepal's interim Prime Minister, first woman in the post; India welcomes
Q21

Who was sworn in as Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government on 12 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Sushila Karki

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister, becoming Nepal's first woman Prime Minister.

Q22 Advanced

For which date were Nepal's new parliamentary elections scheduled after President Paudel dissolved Parliament on Sushila Karki's recommendation in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 5 March 2026

The President's office said Parliament was dissolved on Karki's recommendation and new elections were scheduled for 5 March 2026.

Q23 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Sushila Karki: 1. Before becoming Nepal's first woman Prime Minister, she had been Nepal's first woman Chief Justice. 2. India's MEA welcomed the formation of the interim government led by her, hoping it would foster peace and stability. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: Karki was appointed Nepal's first woman Chief Justice in 2016, and the MEA welcomed the interim government she leads, saying it was hopeful this would help foster peace and stability.

Agriculture Ministry sent AI-based monsoon forecasts to 3.8 crore farmers
Q24

Through which platform did the Agriculture Ministry send AI-based monsoon forecasts by SMS to about 3.8 crore farmers in 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — m-Kisan

The ministry sent AI-based monsoon forecasts via SMS through m-Kisan to nearly 3.8 crore farmers across 13 states.

Q25 Advanced

The AI-based monsoon forecasts sent to farmers in 2025 blended which two open-access models?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Google's NeuralGCM and ECMWF's AIFS

The forecasts used by the ministry were a blend of Google's NeuralGCM and the ECMWF's Artificial Intelligence Forecasting System (AIFS), which outperformed other forecasts at predicting local monsoon onset.

CPI inflation rises to 2.07% in August 2025; food inflation stays negative
Q26

What was India's CPI-based retail inflation (provisional) for August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2.07%

All India CPI inflation was 2.07% (provisional) in August 2025, 46 basis points higher than in July; 0.52% was the WPI figure for August.

Q27 Advanced

What was the base year of the CPI series used for the August 2025 inflation release?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2012

The release gives Consumer Price Index numbers on base 2012=100 for rural, urban and combined.

Q28 Advanced

Consider the following statements about CPI data for August 2025: 1. Food inflation based on CFPI was negative for the third consecutive month. 2. Rural headline inflation was higher than urban headline inflation. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: CFPI food inflation was -0.69%, negative for the third month in a row. Statement 2 is incorrect: rural inflation was 1.69% while urban inflation was 2.47%.

India, EU aim to finalise FTA by year-end, says EU Trade Commissioner Šefčovič
Q29 Advanced

Which EU Commissioner addressed the 65th Annual Session of ACMA on 12 September 2025 and said India and the EU aim to finalise their FTA by year-end?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Maroš Šefčovič

Maroš Šefčovič, EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, said India and the EU were negotiating a ground-breaking FTA with unprecedented momentum and working to finalise it by year-end.

Q30

At the annual session of which industry body did Piyush Goyal speak about the India–EU FTA on 12 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA)

Goyal addressed the 65th Annual Session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), saying the FTA would open new opportunities for the auto component sector.

Mauritius PM Ramgoolam's state visit: India announces special economic package in Varanasi
Q31

In which Indian city did PM Modi hold talks with Mauritius PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam on 11 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Varanasi

PM Modi welcomed PM Ramgoolam to his parliamentary constituency, Kashi (Varanasi), where the talks and joint press statement took place.

Q32 Advanced

Which of the following is a grant project in India's special economic package for Mauritius announced in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — New Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital

The new SSR National Hospital is among the grant projects (with an AYUSH Centre of Excellence, a veterinary school and helicopters); Motorway M4, the ATC tower and Ring Road Phase II are grant-cum-LoC projects.

Q33 Advanced

India agreed in principle to assist Mauritius in developing and surveilling which area, as part of the September 2025 package?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chagos Marine Protected Area

On the strategic side, the two sides agreed in principle on redevelopment of a port in Mauritius and assistance in development and surveillance of the Chagos Marine Protected Area.

Q34 Advanced

How much budgetary assistance did India agree in principle to extend to Mauritius in the current financial year (2025-26)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — USD 25 million

India agreed in principle to extend budgetary assistance of USD 25 million in the current financial year.

Q35 Advanced

Consider the following outcomes of the Mauritius PM's state visit to India in September 2025: 1. An agreement was signed to establish a telemetry, tracking and telecommunication station for satellites and launch vehicles. 2. NTPC will work towards a 17.5 MW floating solar PV project at Tamarind Falls. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the list of outcomes includes the space telemetry, tracking and telecommunication station agreement and an announcement to take forward a 17.5 MW floating solar PV project at Tamarind Falls, with an NTPC team to finalise an agreement with CEB.

Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme extended to five more airports
Q36 Advanced

After the September 2025 expansion, at how many airports is the Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) operational?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 13

With Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode and Amritsar added on 11 September 2025, Amit Shah said FTI-TTP is operational at a total of 13 airports.

Q37

Which of the following airports was NOT among the five added to FTI-TTP on 11 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Jaipur

The five airports added were Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode and Amritsar.

Q38 Advanced

Which two upcoming airports does the Home Ministry plan to integrate with FTI-TTP?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Navi Mumbai and Jewar

Amit Shah said the Ministry of Home Affairs has planned to integrate the programme with the upcoming Navi Mumbai and Jewar airports.

IIM Ahmedabad's first overseas campus inaugurated in Dubai
Q39

Where did IIM Ahmedabad open its first-ever overseas campus in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Dubai

The Crown Prince of Dubai inaugurated IIM Ahmedabad's first-ever overseas campus in Dubai on 11 September 2025.

Q40 Advanced

Who inaugurated the IIM Ahmedabad campus in Dubai on 11 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

The campus was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.

India targets indigenous solar cells by 2028; non-fossil capacity crosses 251.5 GW
Q41 Advanced

By which year does India target indigenous solar cell manufacturing, as announced by the MNRE Minister in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2028

Pralhad Joshi said India targets indigenous solar cell manufacturing by 2028 and is moving towards domestic wafers and ingots.

Q42 Advanced

As of September 2025, India's non-fossil fuel capacity had crossed about how much, against its 2030 target of 500 GW?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 251.5 GW

Joshi said India has crossed 251.5 GW of non-fossil capacity, achieving over half of its 2030 target of 500 GW.

Navy's First Training Squadron completes port calls at Port Louis and La Réunion
Q43 Advanced

Which ship of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron conducted joint EEZ surveillance with the Mauritius National Coast Guard at Port Louis in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — INS Shardul

At Port Louis, INS Shardul undertook joint EEZ surveillance, a PASSEX and cross-boarding exercises with MCGS Valiant; INS Tir and ICGS Sarathi were at La Réunion.

ECI reviews States' preparedness for nationwide Special Intensive Revision of rolls
Q44 Advanced

Under the ECI's polling station rationalisation reviewed in September 2025, no polling station should have more than how many electors?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1,200

The Commission reviewed rationalisation of polling stations to ensure that no polling station has over 1,200 electors.

Q45

The ECI's conference of Chief Electoral Officers on 10 September 2025 assessed preparedness for which exercise?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls

The Commission assessed the preparedness of the offices of CEOs of all States/UTs for the nationwide SIR exercise.

Q46 Advanced

Where was the ECI's conference of Chief Electoral Officers held on 10 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — India International Institute for Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi

The third CEOs' conference of the year was held at IIIDEM in New Delhi.

World Suicide Prevention Day: National Task Force seeks wider input on student well-being
Q47

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on which date?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 10 September

The Ministry of Education's release marked World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2025.

Q48 Advanced

According to NCRB's 2022 report cited by the Education Ministry, students accounted for what share of all suicide deaths in India?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 7.6%

The ministry cited NCRB's 2022 report: 13,044 students died by suicide, accounting for 7.6% of all suicide deaths.

PM Modi speaks to Qatar's Amir, condemns violation of Qatar's sovereignty after Doha attacks
Q49

With which leader did PM Modi speak on 10 September 2025, condemning the violation of his country's sovereignty after attacks in its capital?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Amir of Qatar

PM Modi spoke with Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, expressed deep concern over the attacks in Doha and condemned the violation of Qatar's sovereignty.

Q50 Advanced

During the call of 10 September 2025, PM Modi appreciated Qatar's mediation efforts in which conflict?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Gaza

The PM appreciated Qatar's role in promoting regional peace, including its mediation efforts in Gaza to achieve a ceasefire and release of all hostages.

CCS (Implementation of UPS) Rules, 2025 released for Central Government employees
Q51

The CCS rules released on 10 September 2025 enable Central Government employees to choose between NPS and which scheme?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

The CCS (Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System) Rules, 2025 let employees choose between NPS and the newly introduced UPS.

Q52 Advanced

At which event were the CCS (Implementation of UPS under NPS) Rules, 2025 released?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 14th Pension Adalat at Vigyan Bhawan

Jitendra Singh released the rules during the 14th Pension Adalat held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 10 September 2025.

PM Modi reaffirms India–US ties, says trade talks to conclude at the earliest
Q53

On 10 September 2025, how did PM Modi describe India and the US while responding to President Trump's post?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Close friends and natural partners

PM Modi said: 'India and the US are close friends and natural partners', adding that the teams were working to conclude trade discussions at the earliest.

Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli resigns after Gen Z protests; India's CCS reviews situation
Q54

Which Prime Minister of Nepal resigned on 9 September 2025 following youth-led 'Gen Z' protests?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — K.P. Sharma Oli

K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on 9 September 2025 after protests sparked by a social media ban turned deadly.

Q55 Advanced

Which body did Prime Minister Narendra Modi chair on 9 September 2025 to discuss the developments in Nepal?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Cabinet Committee on Security

On his return from Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, the PM chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to discuss the developments in Nepal.

Q56 Advanced

What immediately triggered the 'Gen Z' protests in Nepal that led to the Prime Minister's resignation in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — A ban on social media platforms

Reuters and AP reported that the outrage was sparked by a ban on social media platforms, alongside anger over corruption.

Q57 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Nepal crisis of September 2025: 1. The Nepal government kept the social media ban in force even after 19 people were killed on 8 September. 2. Sushila Karki became interim Prime Minister on the same day that K.P. Sharma Oli resigned. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

Neither is correct: the government lifted the ban after 19 people were killed on 8 September, and Oli resigned on 9 September while Karki was sworn in on 12 September.

C.P. Radhakrishnan elected Vice President with 452 votes; B. Sudershan Reddy gets 300
Q58

How many votes did C.P. Radhakrishnan secure in the Vice-Presidential election of 9 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 452

Returning Officer P.C. Mody declared Radhakrishnan elected with 452 first-preference votes; B. Sudershan Reddy received 300.

Q59 Advanced

Who was the Returning Officer for the Vice-Presidential election of 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha

The ECI said the Returning Officer was the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha; P.C. Mody announced the result.

Q60 Advanced

Out of 781 eligible electors in the Vice-Presidential election of September 2025, how many cast their votes?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 767

The ECI said 767 of the 781 eligible electors voted and 15 ballot papers were declared invalid, leaving 752 valid votes.

Q61 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Vice-Presidential election of 2025: 1. With 15 ballots declared invalid, the majority of first-preference votes required to win was 377. 2. The certificate of election was signed by the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners on 9 September 2025, the day of the poll. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct. With 752 valid votes the required majority was 377, but the ECI said the certificate of election was signed on 10 September 2025, the day after the poll.

India launches UPI–UPU integration at 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai
Q62

Where was the 28th Universal Postal Congress, at which India launched the UPI–UPU Integration project, held in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Dubai

Jyotiraditya Scindia unveiled the UPI–UPU Integration project at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, UAE.

Q63 Advanced

The UPI–UPU Integration project links India's UPI with which UPU system?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — UPU Interconnection Platform (IP)

The project integrates India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UPU Interconnection Platform (IP), combining the postal network's reach with UPI's speed and affordability.

Q64 Advanced

How much financial support did India commit to the global postal sector during this UPU cycle, as announced at the Dubai Congress?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — USD 10 million

Scindia announced India's commitment of 10 million dollars during this cycle to channel technology into innovation, with special focus on e-commerce and digital payments.

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the UPI–UPU Integration project: 1. It was developed jointly by the Department of Posts, NPCI International Payments Limited and the Universal Postal Union. 2. At the Congress, India announced its candidature for the UPU's Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the project was developed by the Department of Posts, NIPL and the UPU, and Scindia announced India's candidature for the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council.

EU lists 102 new Indian fishery establishments for seafood exports
Q66

How many new Indian fishery establishments did the European Union list for exports, as announced in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 102

The EU listed 102 new Indian fishery establishments for export to EU member countries in 2025.

Q67 Advanced

Which Indian body implements the official control mechanisms whose robustness led to the EU listing of 102 new fishery establishments?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Export Inspection Council (EIC)

The ministry said the meetings built confidence in India's robust official control mechanisms implemented by the Export Inspection Council (EIC).

ESIC's SPREE-2025 and AMNESTY Scheme-2025 to widen social security coverage
Q68

In ESIC's SPREE-2025 initiative, what does 'SPREE' stand for?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Scheme for Promoting Registration of Employers and Employees

SPREE-2025 is the Scheme for Promoting Registration of Employers and Employees, operational till 31 December 2025.

Q69 Advanced

ESIC's AMNESTY Scheme-2025 is a one-time dispute resolution scheme in force during which period?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 October 2025 – 30 September 2026

The AMNESTY Scheme-2025 is in effect from 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026 to settle issues related to damages, interest and coverage under the ESI Act.

Agriculture Ministry explains biostimulant regulation under FCO; 146 products in Schedule VI
Q70 Advanced

Under which law/order are biostimulants regulated in India, following a notification of February 2021?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Fertilizer Control Order, 1985

Notification S.O. 882(E) of 23 February 2021 included biostimulants in the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, with Clause 20C providing for quality regulation; pesticides and plant growth regulators remain under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

Q71 Advanced

Consider the following statements about biostimulant regulation in India: 1. Only 146 biostimulant products have so far been included in Schedule VI of the Fertilizer Control Order. 2. Plant growth regulators are classified as biostimulants under the Fertilizer Control Order. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct as per the ministry. Statement 2 is incorrect: the FCO definition of biostimulant excludes pesticides and plant growth regulators, which are regulated under the Insecticides Act, 1968.

Indian contingent leaves for multilateral Exercise ZAPAD 2025 in Russia
Q72

In which country was the multilateral military exercise ZAPAD 2025, joined by an Indian contingent, held?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Russia

The Indian contingent departed for the Mulino Training Ground, Nizhniy, Russia, for ZAPAD 2025 held from 10 to 16 September 2025.

Q73 Advanced

A battalion of which regiment led the Indian Army component at Exercise ZAPAD 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Kumaon Regiment

The Indian Army contingent was led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment along with troops from other arms and services.

Q74 Advanced

What was the strength of the Indian Armed Forces contingent for ZAPAD 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 65

The contingent had 65 personnel: 57 from the Indian Army, 7 from the Indian Air Force and 1 from the Indian Navy.

ECGC reports record export support of ₹8.55 lakh crore in FY 2024-25
Q75

What was the record value of exports supported by ECGC in FY 2024-25, as reported at its 67th AGM?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹8.55 lakh crore

ECGC said the value of exports supported in FY 2024-25 was an all-time high of ₹8.55 lakh crore, a growth of 17%.

India and Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement in New Delhi
Q76

Who signed the India–Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement on behalf of Israel in New Delhi on 8 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Bezalel Smotrich

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich signed the BIA with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Q77 Advanced

According to the Government of India, what is the present level of bilateral investment between India and Israel, cited at the signing of the BIA in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — About USD 800 million

The release said bilateral investments presently stand at a total of USD 800 million.

Q78 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–Israel Bilateral Investment Agreement signed in September 2025: 1. It provides an independent dispute resolution mechanism through arbitration. 2. It removes the host State's right to regulate in the public interest in favour of investor protection. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The BIA provides arbitration-based dispute resolution, but the government said it balances investor protection with the State's regulatory rights, preserving policy space. So only statement 1 is correct.

Q79 Advanced

Which of the following was NOT listed as an area of cooperation committed to by the Finance Ministers of India and Israel at the BIA signing in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Joint space exploration

The ministers committed to cooperation in fintech innovation, infrastructure development, financial regulation and digital payment connectivity; space exploration was not listed.

France's Bayrou government falls after losing confidence vote 364–194
Q80

Which French Prime Minister lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly on 8 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — François Bayrou

François Bayrou and his minority government were ousted in the confidence vote on 8 September 2025.

Q81 Advanced

What was the result of the confidence vote that brought down the French government on 8 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 364 against, 194 for

Reuters, AP and the BBC reported 364 votes against Bayrou and 194 in his favour.

Q82 Advanced

The French government's confidence vote of 8 September 2025 was centred on which issue?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Plans to cut spending and rein in national debt

Bayrou staked his government on winning support for plans to cut public spending and tame the ballooning national debt.