RPSC RAS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
By what date must IRDAI-regulated entities adopt '1600' series numbers for service and transactional calls under TRAI's Direction of 16 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 15 February 2026
PIB 2205350: the last date for adoption of 1600-series numbers by IRDAI-regulated entities is 15 February 2026.
Before IRDAI, TRAI had issued similar Directions mandating 1600-series numbers for entities regulated by which regulators?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — RBI, SEBI and PFRDA
PIB 2205350: TRAI had earlier issued similar Directions for entities regulated by RBI, SEBI and PFRDA.
Which of the following bodies is NOT proposed to be subsumed under the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan by the Bill introduced on 15 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Medical Commission
PIB 2204351: UGC, AICTE and NCTE are to be subsumed under the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan. The National Medical Commission is not.
How many independent Councils does the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 propose under the apex body?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Three
PIB 2204351: the Bill establishes the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan as an apex body with three independent Councils for Standards, Regulation and Accreditation.
The reform of the higher education regulatory system proposed in the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 is envisaged in which chapter of the National Education Policy 2020?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Chapter 18
PIB 2204351: NEP 2020, as envisaged in Chapter 18, calls for a fundamental transformation of the higher education regulatory system.
Under an agreement signed during PM Modi's visit to Jordan in December 2025, Ellora is to be twinned with which heritage site?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Petra
PIB 2204384: the outcomes include a Twinning Agreement between Petra and Ellora.
What bilateral trade target did PM Modi propose for India and Jordan over the next five years during talks on 15 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — US$ 5 billion
PIB 2204376: noting India is Jordan's third-largest trading partner, PM Modi proposed enhancing bilateral trade to US$ 5 billion over the next five years. Trade in 2024 was US$ 2.3 billion (PIB 2204593).
Consider the following statements about India–Jordan relations as of December 2025: 1. The two countries were marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. 2. India is Jordan's third-largest trading partner. 3. The Cultural Exchange Programme was renewed for 2025–2029. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB 2204376, 2204384 and 2204593: the visit marked 75 years of diplomatic ties, India is Jordan's third-largest trading partner, and the Cultural Exchange Programme was renewed for 2025–2029. All three are correct.
On 15 December 2025, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank signed how many loan agreements totalling over US$ 2.2 billion?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Five
PIB 2204373: the Government of India and ADB signed agreements for five loans totalling over $2.2 billion.
Which programme received the largest loan (US$ 846 million) among the India–ADB agreements of 15 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Upgraded Industrial Training Institutes skilling programme
PIB 2204373: the PM Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs Programme got US$ 846 million, against US$ 650 million for rooftop solar, US$ 398.8 million for ASTHA and US$ 240 million for Chennai Metro.
ASTHA, one of the projects funded under the India–ADB loans signed on 15 December 2025, relates to tertiary healthcare in which State?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Assam
PIB 2204373: ASTHA is the Assam State Tertiary Health Care Augmentation Project (US$ 398.8 million).
Who assumed office as Chief Information Commissioner of the Central Information Commission on 15 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Raj Kumar Goyal
PIB 2204238: Raj Kumar Goyal was appointed Chief Information Commissioner and assumed office on 15 December 2025.
How many new Information Commissioners were sworn in at the Central Information Commission on 15 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Eight
PIB 2204238: the Chief Information Commissioner administered the oath of office to eight new Information Commissioners.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for November 2025, released on 15 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — (-) 0.32%
PIB 2203914: WPI inflation was (-) 0.32% (provisional) for November 2025; it was (-) 1.21% in October, and the month-on-month change was 0.71%.
Which major group has the highest weight in India's Wholesale Price Index (base year 2011–12)?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Manufactured Products
PIB 2203914: Manufactured Products carry 64.23% weight, against 22.62% for Primary Articles and 13.15% for Fuel & Power.
Which two laws does the SHANTI Bill, 2025, introduced on 15 December 2025, seek to repeal?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010
PIB 2204236: the Bill seeks to repeal the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010.
Under the SHANTI Bill, 2025, which body acts as the appellate authority for nuclear damage claims?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Appellate Tribunal for Electricity
PIB 2204236: the Bill creates a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for severe nuclear damage, with the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity acting as the appellate authority.
The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the SHANTI Bill, 2025 refers to a target of how much nuclear power capacity by 2047?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 100 GW
PIB 2204236: the Statement outlines decarbonisation by 2070 and a target of 100 gigawatts of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
The 'Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2025', launched on 15 December 2025, aims to promote which of the following?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Medical tourism
DIPR Rajasthan, ETV Bharat and Udaipur Times: the Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2025 promotes medical tourism to make Rajasthan an affordable medical value travel destination.
How many mother labs and spokes did Rajasthan inaugurate under the hub-and-spoke diagnostics model on 15 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 11 mother labs and 400 spokes
DIPR Rajasthan, ETV Bharat and Udaipur Times: 11 mother labs and 400 spokes were inaugurated, out of 42 mother labs, 137 hub labs and 1,333 spokes identified.
The statewide FCM injection campaign launched by Rajasthan on 15 December 2025 targets which condition?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Anaemia in pregnant women
DIPR Rajasthan, ETV Bharat and Udaipur Times: the FCM injection campaign aims to make pregnant women anaemia-free.
According to data released on 15 December 2025, India's merchandise exports in November 2025 were about:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — US$ 38.13 billion
PIB 2204071: merchandise exports were US$ 38.13 billion in November 2025, against US$ 31.94 billion in November 2024; total goods and services exports were US$ 73.99 billion.
Which of the following export categories recorded the highest year-on-year growth in November 2025 among those listed by the Commerce Ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Electronic Goods
PIB 2204071: Electronic Goods rose 38.96%, Gems & Jewellery 27.80%, Engineering Goods 23.76% and Drugs & Pharmaceuticals 20.91%.
Exercise Ekatha is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the forces of which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Maldives
PIB 2204321: Exercise Ekatha is an annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force.
Exercise Ekatha 2025, whose closing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff in December 2025, was which edition of the exercise?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 8th
PIB 2204321: Exercise Ekatha was established in 2017, and the 2025 exercise was its 8th edition.
15 December 2025 marked which death anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 75th
PIB 2203824 and 2203923: the PM and Vice-President paid tributes on Sardar Patel's 75th death anniversary on 15 December 2025.
Besides the integration of princely states, the Vice-President recalled Sardar Patel's role in laying the foundation of which institution on 15 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — All India Services
PIB 2203923: the Vice-President recalled Sardar Patel's contribution to the integration of the princely states and to laying the foundation of the All India Services.
Which team did India defeat in the final to win the SDAT Squash World Cup 2025 on 14 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Hong Kong, China
The Hindu and World Squash: India beat top seeds Hong Kong, China 3-0 in the final in Chennai.
Which Indian player won the third and title-clinching match of the Squash World Cup 2025 final by beating Tomato Ho?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Anahat Singh
The Hindu, NIE and World Squash: Anahat Singh beat Tomato Ho 3-0 to seal India's 3-0 win, after Joshna Chinappa and Abhay Singh won the first two matches.
Before winning the title in December 2025, what was India's best finish at the Squash World Cup?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bronze medal in 2023
The Hindu and Olympics.com: the title improved on India's previous best finish, a bronze medal at the 2023 edition.
Which body organised the National Energy Conservation Day 2025 event at which the National Energy Conservation Awards were presented?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bureau of Energy Efficiency
PIB 2203713: the event was organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power.
According to the President on 14 December 2025, India's energy efficiency efforts in 2023–24 saved how much energy?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 53.60 million tonnes of oil equivalent
PIB 2203686: India's energy efficiency efforts in 2023–24 resulted in energy savings of 53.60 million tonnes of oil equivalent.
Consider the following statements made at the National Energy Conservation Day 2025 event: 1. India has reached 50% of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources ahead of its Paris Agreement NDC target. 2. Under the Renewable Consumption Obligation, designated consumers such as DISCOMs must source a minimum share of electricity from non-fossil sources. 3. The awards were presented by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2203713: Power Minister Manohar Lal said 50% non-fossil capacity was reached five years ahead of the NDC target, and the RCO requires designated consumers to source a minimum share from non-fossil sources. The awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu, so statement 3 is wrong.
Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II, honoured with a commemorative stamp on 14 December 2025, ruled from which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Tiruchirappalli
PIB 2203727: the Emperor ruled from Tiruchirappalli for nearly four decades.
The Mutharaiyar dynasty, to which Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II belonged, ruled central Tamil Nadu during which period?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 7th–9th centuries CE
PIB 2203727: the Mutharaiyar dynasty ruled the central regions of Tamil Nadu between the 7th and 9th centuries CE.
Who released the commemorative postage stamp on Emperor Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II on 14 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan
PIB 2203727: Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan released the stamp at the Vice-President's Enclave; PIB 2203810 records the PM welcoming the release.
Who delivered the inaugural Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Craft Lecture on 14 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Rajeev Sethi
PIB 2203796: the inaugural lecture was delivered by Padma Bhushan awardee Rajeev Sethi.
What was the theme of the first Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Craft Lecture Series held at The Kunj, New Delhi?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Handmade for Gen-Next
PIB 2203796: the keynote lecture was on the theme 'Handmade for Gen-Next'.
In the abbreviation LHB, used for modern Indian Railways passenger coaches, what does 'LHB' stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Linke Hofmann Busch
PIB 2203714: LHB stands for Linke Hofmann Busch.
Which coach factory produced the most LHB coaches in 2025–26 up to November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
PIB 2203714: ICF Chennai produced 1,659 LHB coaches, followed by RCF Kapurthala (1,331) and MCF Raebareli (1,234).
What concession in the BIS annual minimum marking fee is given to micro enterprises, as stated by the Government on 14 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 80%
PIB 2203666: concessions are 80% for micro, 50% for small and 20% for medium enterprises, with an extra 10% for North-East or women-led units.
Under the QCO relaxations for MSMEs described on 14 December 2025, how much additional time do micro enterprises get to comply?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 6 months
PIB 2203666: micro enterprises get a 6-month extension and small enterprises a 3-month extension.
On 13 December 2025, the nation paid tributes to those killed in the terrorist attack on Parliament that took place in which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2001
PIB 2203448 and 2203420: the attack on Parliament took place on 13 December 2001.
Kamlesh Kumari, among the martyrs of the 2001 Parliament attack, belonged to which force?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Central Reserve Police Force
PIB 2203448: Smt. Kamlesh Kumari was a Constable of the Central Reserve Police Force.
How many fake IRCTC user accounts had Indian Railways deactivated, as stated on 13 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 3.03 crore
PIB 2203516: Indian Railways deactivated 3.03 crore fake accounts; another 2.7 crore were suspended or identified for suspension.
Which trains were directed on 13 December 2025 to serve local cuisine of the regions they pass through, before extending it to all trains?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Vande Bharat trains
PIB 2203516: the Railway Minister directed officials to provide local cuisine in Vande Bharat trains, to be expanded to all trains progressively.
The Natyashastra, discussed at an IGNCA programme on 13 December 2025, is inscribed in which UNESCO register?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Memory of the World Register
PIB 2203646: a short film on the inscription of the Natyashastra in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register was shown.
Where was the 20th session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage being held in December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Red Fort, Delhi
PIB 2203646: the IGNCA programme was organised during the 20th Session of the Committee at the Red Fort, Delhi.
What were SAIL's total sales in April–November 2025, as reported on 13 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 12.7 million tonnes
PIB 2203613: SAIL sold 12.7 MT in April–November 2025, up 14% from 11.1 MT in the corresponding period last year.
By how much did SAIL's retail sales grow in November 2025 compared with November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 69%
PIB 2203613: retail sales surged 69% to 0.14 MT in November 2025 from 0.084 MT; overall November sales grew 27%.
At what cost did the Union Cabinet approve the Census of India 2027 on 12 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹11,718.24 crore
PIB 2202983: the Cabinet approved conducting the Census of India 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore.
Consider the following statements about the Census of India 2027 approved on 12 December 2025: 1. Houselisting and Housing Census will be held from April to September 2026. 2. Caste data will be captured during the Houselisting phase. 3. Population Enumeration in Ladakh will be held in September 2026. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2202983: Houselisting runs April–September 2026; Population Enumeration is in February 2027 but September 2026 for Ladakh and snow-bound areas; caste data is captured in the second phase (Population Enumeration), not Houselisting.
Under the CoalSETU window approved on 12 December 2025, up to what share of their coal linkage quantity can linkage holders export?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 50%
PIB 2202994: coal linkage holders will be eligible to export coal up to 50% of their coal linkage quantity.
Consider the following statements about the CoalSETU window: 1. Coking coal will be offered under the window. 2. Traders are not allowed to participate. 3. The window is added to the NRS Linkage Auction Policy of 2016. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 and 3 only
PIB 2202994: CoalSETU is a new window in the NRS Linkage Auction Policy of 2016; coking coal shall not be offered and traders shall not be allowed to participate.
What is the outlay of the Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana for 2025-26 to 2030-31?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹476.03 crore
PIB 2203165: the Central Sector Scheme for Development of Makhana has an outlay of ₹476.03 crore for 2025-26 to 2030-31.
In which state did the Prime Minister launch the National Makhana Board on 15 September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bihar
PIB 2203165: the Board was officially launched by the Prime Minister in Bihar on 15 September 2025.
Which Indian festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at the 20th session of the ICH Committee held in New Delhi?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Deepavali
PIB 2203188: one of the highlights of the session was the inscription of Deepavali on UNESCO's Representative List. Durga Puja, Kumbh Mela and Navroz were inscribed in earlier years.
Who is the Director-General of UNESCO, thanked by India at the close of the 20th ICH Committee session on 12 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Khaled El-Enany
PIB 2203188: India thanked UNESCO Director-General Dr Khaled El-Enany; Fumiko Ohinata is Secretary of the Convention.
India's resolution on 'Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires' was adopted on 12 December 2025 at which forum?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — UNEA-7 at Nairobi
PIB 2203299: the resolution was adopted at the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Global Fire Management Hub, cited in India's UNEA-7 resolution on wildfires, was established in 2023 by which two bodies?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — FAO and UNEP
PIB 2203299: the Global Fire Management Hub was established in 2023 by FAO and UNEP.
According to the UNEP report 'Spreading Like Wildfire' cited by India at UNEA-7, by how much may wildfires rise by 2100 if current trends continue?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 50%
PIB 2203299: the report warns wildfires may rise by 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050 and 50% by 2100.
What is the Minimum Support Price for milling copra for the 2026 season, approved on 12 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹12,027 per quintal
PIB 2202999: MSP for FAQ milling copra is ₹12,027 per quintal and for ball copra ₹12,500 per quintal for the 2026 season.
Which agencies act as Central Nodal Agencies for procurement of copra under the Price Support Scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — NAFED and NCCF
PIB 2202999: NAFED and the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation (NCCF) will continue to act as Central Nodal Agencies for copra procurement under the PSS.
What was the all-India year-on-year CPI (General) inflation rate for November 2025 (provisional), released on 12 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 0.71%
PIB 2202940: headline CPI inflation for November 2025 was 0.71% (provisional), 46 basis points higher than October 2025. 1.40% was urban inflation and 2.95% housing inflation.
What was the all-India food inflation based on the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) in November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — –3.91%
PIB 2202940: all-India CFPI inflation was –3.91% (provisional); rural was –4.05% and urban –3.60%.
Through which platform will India Post employees facilitate mutual fund transactions under the MoU signed between the Department of Posts and BSE on 12 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — BSE StAR MF
PIB 2203264: certified postal officials will facilitate mutual fund transactions through the BSE StAR MF platform.
For how long is the Department of Posts–BSE MoU on mutual fund distribution, signed on 12 December 2025, valid?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Three years
PIB 2203264: the MoU will remain valid for three years from 12.12.2025 to 11.12.2028, with provisions for renewal.
Who is the Chairman of the UPSC who announced the 'Centre of Choice' facility for PwBD candidates on 12 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ajay Kumar
PIB 2202733: UPSC Chairman Dr Ajay Kumar spoke about the initiative.