SF Prep

SSC MTS 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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3261 news · 8869 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 84 questions
India is world's 2nd largest mobile manufacturer; 99.2% of phones sold in India now made locally
Q1

According to Ashwini Vaishnaw on 4 February 2025, what is India's rank among mobile manufacturing countries?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Second

PIB (4 Feb 2025): India has become the world's 2nd largest mobile manufacturing country, i.e. Second.

Q2 Advanced

What share of mobile phones sold in India are now made in India, as per the data shared on 4 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 99.2%

PIB (4 Feb 2025): 99.2% of all mobile phones sold in India are made in India, against 26% in 2014-15.

Q3 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India's mobile manufacturing, based on data shared on 4 February 2025: 1. India had only 2 mobile manufacturing units in 2014 and has over 300 now. 2. Mobile phone exports crossed ₹1,29,000 crore in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

PIB (4 Feb 2025): India had only 2 mobile manufacturing units in 2014 and now has over 300, and exports crossed ₹1,29,000 crore in 2024. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passes away in Lisbon at 88
Q4

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, passed away on 4 February 2025 in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Lisbon

The Aga Khan Development Network announced that Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV passed away in Lisbon, Portugal, on 4 February 2025, aged 88.

Q5 Advanced

Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away on 4 February 2025, was the founder of which network?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Aga Khan Development Network

Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, founded the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which announced his death.

Q6 Advanced

In which year was Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed away in February 2025, conferred India's Padma Vibhushan?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2015

The Aga Khan was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, at a civil investiture ceremony in New Delhi in 2015.

Rajnath Singh: patrolling on India-China border restored; 38,000 sq km of Aksai Chin under Chinese control since 1962
Q7 Advanced

According to Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh's statement of 4 February 2025, how much Indian territory in Aksai Chin has been under Chinese control since the 1962 conflict?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 38,000 sq km

PIB (4 Feb 2025): 38,000 sq km of Indian territory in Aksai Chin has been under Chinese control since the 1962 conflict; 5,180 sq km was ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963.

Q8 Advanced

As per Rajnath Singh's statement of 4 February 2025, how much territory did Pakistan cede to China in 1963?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 5,180 sq km

PIB (4 Feb 2025): 5,180 sq km of territory was ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963.

40 projects in 23 states sanctioned under SASCI for iconic tourist centres in 2024-25
Q9 Advanced

How many projects were sanctioned in 2024-25 under SASCI - Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale, as told to the Lok Sabha on 3 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 40

PIB (3 Feb 2025): 40 projects in 23 states were sanctioned for ₹3,295.76 crore in 2024-25.

Q10 Advanced

In the scheme name 'SASCI', what does the abbreviation stand for?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the scheme is 'Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) - Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale'.

Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar portal: 4.5 lakh of 6.5 lakh villages now live
Q11 Advanced

The National Mission on Cultural Mapping, whose Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar portal was discussed in the Lok Sabha on 3 February 2025, is implemented by:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the National Mission on Cultural Mapping is implemented by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

Q12 Advanced

The Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar portal aims to document the cultural heritage of how many villages?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 6.5 lakh

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the MGMD portal aims to document the cultural heritage of 6.5 lakh villages; 4.5 lakh villages are currently live.

India has retrieved 655 antiquities from abroad since 1976, 642 of them since 2014
Q13 Advanced

According to the Lok Sabha reply of 3 February 2025, how many antiquities has the Government retrieved from foreign countries from 1976 to 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 655

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the Government has retrieved 655 antiquities from foreign countries from 1976 to 2024, of which 642 have been retrieved since 2014.

Q14 Advanced

Of the antiquities retrieved from abroad between 1976 and 2024, how many were retrieved since 2014?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 642

PIB (3 Feb 2025): of the 655 antiquities retrieved from 1976 to 2024, 642 antiquities have been retrieved since 2014.

Government lists support for India's 11 classical languages in Lok Sabha reply
Q15

Which was the first language notified as a classical language by the Government of India, in 2004?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tamil

PIB (3 Feb 2025, Lok Sabha reply): the languages earlier notified as classical were Tamil (2004), Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013) and Odia (2014).

Q16 Advanced

Which of the following languages was NOT among the five notified as classical languages on 4 October 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Odia

PIB (3 Feb 2025): Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali were notified on 4 October 2024. Odia was notified earlier, in 2014.

Q17 Advanced

Consider the following statements based on the Lok Sabha reply of 3 February 2025: 1. The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada is in Mysuru. 2. The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Malayalam is in Thiruvananthapuram. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

PIB (3 Feb 2025): the Classical Kannada centre is located in Mysuru, Karnataka, so statement 1 is correct. The Classical Malayalam centre operates from Tirur, Malappuram, Kerala, not Thiruvananthapuram, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.

India beat South Africa by nine wickets to retain the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup
Q18

Which team did India beat in the final of the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025 on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — South Africa

ICC and BBC (2 Feb 2025): India beat South Africa by nine wickets in the final in Kuala Lumpur.

Q19

Who was named Player of the Tournament at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Gongadi Trisha

ICC media release (2 Feb 2025): India's Gongadi Trisha was named Player of the Tournament after scoring 309 runs in seven innings.

Q20 Advanced

In which city was the final of the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025 played?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Kuala Lumpur

ICC and BBC (2 Feb 2025): the final was played at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025: 1. India also won the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2023. 2. Gongadi Trisha scored the first century in U19 Women's World Cup history. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

ICC media release: India successfully defended the title they first won in 2023, and Trisha made the first century in U19 Women's World Cup history (110 not out against Scotland). Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Chandrika Tandon's 'Triveni' wins Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album
Q22

Chandrika Tandon won a Grammy at the 67th Grammy Awards on 2 February 2025 for which album?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Triveni

GRAMMY.com and PIB: Chandrika Tandon won for the album Triveni. Break of Dawn was Ricky Kej's nominated album in the same category.

Q23 Advanced

In which Grammy category did 'Triveni' win at the 67th Grammy Awards?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

GRAMMY.com (2 Feb 2025): Triveni by Wouter Kellerman, Eru Matsumoto and Chandrika Tandon won Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.

Q24 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Grammy-winning album 'Triveni': 1. Chandrika Tandon shared the award with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. 2. Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar were also nominated in the same category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

GRAMMY.com and The Hindu: Tandon won with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto, and the category's other nominees included Ricky Kej (Break of Dawn) and Anoushka Shankar (Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn). Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

PM Modi addresses Maha Kumbhabhishegam of Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam in Jakarta
Q25 Advanced

On 2 February 2025, PM Narendra Modi addressed the Maha Kumbhabhishegam of Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, a temple of which deity, in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Lord Murugan; Jakarta

PIB (2 Feb 2025): the PM congratulated devotees of Lord Murugan on the Maha Kumbhabhishegam of the Jakarta temple, Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam.

Q26 Advanced

In his Jakarta temple remarks on 2 February 2025, PM Modi said which festival of Odisha celebrates ancient maritime voyages connecting India and Indonesia?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Bali Jatra

PIB (2 Feb 2025): the Bali Jatra festival in Odisha celebrates the ancient maritime voyages that once connected India and Indonesia.

R Praggnanandhaa wins Tata Steel Masters 2025, beating world champion D Gukesh in a tiebreak
Q27

Who won the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament on 2 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — R Praggnanandhaa

R Praggnanandhaa won the Tata Steel Masters 2025 after beating D Gukesh in a blitz tiebreak; Gukesh was second and Abdusattorov third.

Q28 Advanced

R Praggnanandhaa beat which player in the tiebreak to win the Tata Steel Masters 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — D Gukesh

Praggnanandhaa and world champion D Gukesh tied on 8.5/13; Praggnanandhaa won the blitz tiebreak 2–1, taking the sudden-death game.

Q29 Advanced

The 87th Tata Steel Chess Tournament, whose Masters section R Praggnanandhaa won in February 2025, was held in which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Netherlands

The 87th Tata Steel Chess Tournament was held from 18 January to 2 February 2025 at Wijk aan Zee in the Netherlands.

Budget 2025-26: ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission for small modular reactors
Q30

What is the outlay of the Nuclear Energy Mission for research and development of Small Modular Reactors announced in the Union Budget 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹20,000 crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): a Nuclear Energy Mission for R&D of Small Modular Reactors with an outlay of ₹20,000 crore will be set up.

Q31 Advanced

Under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, at least 5 indigenously developed Small Modular Reactors are to be operational by:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2033

PIB (1 Feb 2025): at least 5 indigenously developed SMRs will be operationalized by 2033.

Q32 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Union Budget 2025-26: 1. It said development of at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential for the energy transition. 2. It proposed amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act for partnership with the private sector. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Budget speech (para 61): at least 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 is essential, and the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act will be amended for private-sector partnership. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Q33 Advanced

The modified UDAN scheme announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 aims to connect how many new destinations over the next 10 years?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 120

Budget speech: a modified UDAN scheme will enhance regional connectivity to 120 new destinations and carry 4 crore passengers in the next 10 years.

Union Budget 2025-26: fiscal deficit 4.8% in 2024-25 (RE), 4.4% target for 2025-26
Q34

What fiscal deficit target for 2025-26 (as a share of GDP) was announced in the Union Budget presented on 1 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 4.4 per cent

Budget speech (para 113): the fiscal deficit for 2025-26 is estimated to be 4.4 per cent of GDP.

Q35

According to the Union Budget 2025-26, what is the Revised Estimate of the fiscal deficit for 2024-25?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 4.8 per cent of GDP

Budget speech (para 111): the Revised Estimate of the fiscal deficit is 4.8 per cent of GDP.

Q36 Advanced

What capital expenditure did the Union Budget 2025-26 provide for 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹11.21 lakh crore

PIB Highlights (1 Feb 2025): capex is ₹11.21 lakh crore (3.1% of GDP). ₹10.18 lakh crore is the 2024-25 Revised Estimate and ₹14.82 lakh crore is gross market borrowings.

Q37

Which Budget document is mandated by Article 112 of the Constitution of India?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Annual Financial Statement

Key to Budget Documents 2025-26: the Annual Financial Statement, Demands for Grants and Finance Bill are mandated by Articles 112, 113 and 110(a) respectively; Budget at a Glance is an explanatory document.

Q38 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Union Budget documents: 1. Demands for Grants are mandated by Article 113 of the Constitution. 2. The Finance Bill is mandated by Article 110(a) of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Key to Budget Documents 2025-26: the AFS, Demands for Grants and Finance Bill are mandated by Articles 112, 113 and 110(a) respectively. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Union Budget 2025-26: no income tax up to ₹12 lakh under the new regime
Q39

Under the new tax regime announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 on 1 February 2025, no income tax is payable on normal income up to:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹12 lakh

Budget speech and PIB (1 Feb 2025): there will be no income tax payable on income up to ₹12 lakh under the new regime, other than special rate income such as capital gains.

Q40

For salaried taxpayers under the new regime, what is the nil-tax income limit after the Union Budget 2025-26, taking the standard deduction into account?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹12.75 lakh

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the limit will be ₹12.75 lakh for salaried taxpayers, with a standard deduction of ₹75,000.

Q41 Advanced

In the revised new-regime slabs of the Union Budget 2025-26, what rate applies to the income slab of ₹12-16 lakh?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 15 per cent

Budget speech (para 158): 12-16 lakh rupees is taxed at 15 per cent under the revised new-regime structure.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the income-tax changes in the Union Budget 2025-26: 1. Under the new regime, the 30% rate applies to income above ₹24 lakh. 2. The ₹12 lakh nil-tax threshold also covers special rate income such as capital gains. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Budget speech: the top slab is above 24 lakh rupees at 30 per cent, so statement 1 is correct. The ₹12 lakh limit is for income other than special rate income such as capital gains, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.

Q43 Advanced

The Union Budget 2025-26 extended the time limit for filing updated income-tax returns for any assessment year from two years to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Four years

PIB Summary (1 Feb 2025): the time limit to file updated returns was increased from two years to four years.

Budget 2025-26: PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana for 100 districts, pulses mission, KCC limit to ₹5 lakh
Q44

The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will cover how many districts?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 100

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the programme will cover 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity and below-average credit parameters.

Q45 Advanced

How many farmers is the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana expected to help, as per the Union Budget 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1.7 crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the programme will help 1.7 crore farmers. The 7.7 crore figure refers to Kisan Credit Card beneficiaries.

Q46

The Union Budget 2025-26 raised the loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme for Kisan Credit Card loans from ₹3 lakh to:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹5 lakh

Budget speech (para 22): the loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme will be enhanced from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh for loans taken through the KCC.

Q47 Advanced

The 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will run for how many years and focus on which pulses?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 6 years; Tur, Urad and Masoor

Budget speech: a 6-year 'Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses' with a special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor; NAFED and NCCF will procure these pulses during the next 4 years.

Budget 2025-26: 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, 10,000 more medical seats, cancer day-care centres in all district hospitals
Q48

How many Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools over the next 5 years, as announced in the Union Budget 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 50,000

PIB (1 Feb 2025): 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs will be set up in government schools in the next 5 years.

Q49 Advanced

What outlay did the Union Budget 2025-26 provide for a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹500 crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education with a total outlay of ₹500 crore.

Q50 Advanced

According to the Union Budget 2025-26, how many medical seats are to be added over the next 5 years?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 75,000

Budget speech: 10,000 additional seats will be added in the next year, towards the goal of adding 75,000 seats in the next 5 years.

Q51 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Union Budget 2025-26: 1. Day Care Cancer Centres will be set up in all district hospitals in the next 3 years. 2. Gig workers on online platforms will be given healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Budget speech and PIB Highlights: Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals in the next 3 years (200 in 2025-26), and healthcare under PM Jan Arogya Yojana for gig workers. Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Budget 2025-26: MSME investment and turnover limits raised 2.5 and 2 times
Q52

By how many times did the Union Budget 2025-26 enhance the investment limit for classification of all MSMEs?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2.5 times

PIB (1 Feb 2025): investment and turnover limits for classification of all MSMEs will be enhanced to 2.5 and 2 times respectively.

Q53 Advanced

The Union Budget 2025-26 enhanced the credit guarantee cover for micro and small enterprises from ₹5 crore to:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹10 crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): credit guarantee cover for micro and small enterprises enhanced from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore.

Budget 2025-26: ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund; Jal Jeevan Mission extended to 2028
Q54 Advanced

The ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 will finance up to what share of the cost of bankable projects?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 25 per cent

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the fund will finance up to 25 per cent of the cost of bankable projects, with at least 50 per cent of the cost funded from bonds, bank loans and PPPs.

Q55

Until which year was the Jal Jeevan Mission extended in the Union Budget 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 2028

PIB (1 Feb 2025): Jal Jeevan Mission extended until 2028, with the total budget outlay enhanced to ₹67,000 crore.

Budget 2025-26: FDI limit in insurance raised from 74% to 100%
Q56

The Union Budget 2025-26 raised the FDI limit for the insurance sector from 74% to:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 100 per cent

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the FDI limit for the insurance sector will be raised from 74 to 100 per cent.

Q57 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Union Budget 2025-26: 1. The enhanced insurance FDI limit is available only to companies that invest the entire premium in India. 2. The 'Grameen Credit Score' framework will be developed by the Reserve Bank of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

PIB and Budget speech: the higher FDI limit is for companies investing the entire premium in India, so statement 1 is correct. The Grameen Credit Score framework will be developed by Public Sector Banks, not the RBI, so statement 2 is wrong. Answer: 1 only.

Budget 2025-26: record ₹6.81 lakh crore for the Ministry of Defence, up 9.53%
Q58 Advanced

The Union Budget 2025-26 allocation for the Ministry of Defence was how much higher than the 2024-25 Budget Estimate?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 9.53%

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the allocation of ₹6,81,210.27 crore is 9.53% more than the Budgetary Estimate of 2024-25. 13.45% is its share of the Union Budget.

Q59 Advanced

How much did the Union Budget 2025-26 allocate for capital outlay on defence services?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹1.80 lakh crore

PIB (1 Feb 2025): ₹1.80 lakh crore (₹1,80,000 crore), i.e. 26.43% of the total allocation, is for capital outlay on defence services; ₹1.12 lakh crore of the capital budget is earmarked for domestic procurement.

Indian Coast Guard celebrates its 49th Raising Day
Q60

What is the motto of the Indian Coast Guard, which celebrated its 49th Raising Day on 1 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Vayam Rakshamah

PIB (1 Feb 2025): with its motto 'Vayam Rakshamah' (We Protect), the ICG has ensured the safety and security of India's maritime zones.

Q61 Advanced

As of its 49th Raising Day on 1 February 2025, what was the Indian Coast Guard's force level?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 151 ships and 76 aircraft

PIB (1 Feb 2025): the ICG now comprises 151 ships and 76 aircraft; 200 surface platforms and 100 aircraft is its 2030 target.

Budget Session 2025 begins with President Murmu's address to both Houses
Q62 Advanced

Under which Article of the Constitution did the President address both Houses assembled together on 31 January 2025, the first session of the year?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Article 87(1)

PIB 2118954: this being the first session of the year, the President addressed both Houses assembled together in terms of Article 87(1) on 31 January 2025.

Q63 Advanced

How many property cards had been issued under the SVAMITVA scheme, according to the President's address of 31 January 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2.25 crore

PIB 2097836: under SVAMITVA, 2.25 crore property cards had been issued, about 70 lakh of them in the last six months.

Economic Survey 2024-25 tabled: FY25 growth 6.4%, FY26 projected at 6.3–6.8%
Q64

What real GDP growth range did the Economic Survey 2024-25 project for FY26?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 6.3–6.8%

PIB 2097919: the real GDP is projected to grow between 6.3 and 6.8 per cent in FY26; FY25 growth was estimated at 6.4%.

Q65 Advanced

According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, the gross NPA ratio of scheduled commercial banks fell to a 12-year low of:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2.6%

PIB 2097919: GNPA of scheduled commercial banks declined to a 12-year low of 2.6 per cent.

Q66 Advanced

The Economic Survey 2024-25 used the German term 'Mittelstand' to refer to which sector it wants to build up in India?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Small and medium enterprises

PIB 2097919: the focus of reforms and Ease of Doing Business 2.0 is to create India's Mittelstand, i.e. India's SME sector.

Q67 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Economic Survey 2024-25: 1. It estimated FY25 real GDP growth at 6.4%. 2. It said forex reserves of USD 640.3 billion could cover 10.9 months of imports. 3. It reported retail inflation rising from 4.9% in FY24 to 5.4% in April–December 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2097919: FY25 growth was 6.4% and forex of USD 640.3 billion covered 10.9 months of imports; retail inflation softened from 5.4% in FY24 to 4.9% in April–December 2024, so statement 3 reverses the figures.

Aadhaar authentication opened to private entities under amended Good Governance Rules
Q68 Advanced

Under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Amendment Rules, 2025, which body grants final approval to an entity seeking to use Aadhaar authentication?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

PIB 2098223: applications are examined by UIDAI and MeitY issues the approval based on UIDAI's recommendation.

Q69 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Aadhaar authentication amendment rules notified on 31 January 2025: 1. They were notified under the Aadhaar Act, 2016. 2. They allow non-government entities to use Aadhaar authentication for public-interest services. 3. Entities apply directly to the Reserve Bank of India for approval. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2098223: the rules are under the Aadhaar Act, 2016 and open authentication to non-government entities; applications go to the concerned ministry or department, are examined by UIDAI and approved by MeitY, not the RBI.

India adds four new Ramsar sites, taking its tally to 89; Sikkim and Jharkhand get their first
Q70 Advanced

Which of the following was NOT among the four wetlands added to India's Ramsar list, as announced on 31 January 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary

PIB (2 Feb 2025) and TOI (31 Jan 2025): the four new sites were Sakkarakottai and Therthangal (Tamil Nadu), Khecheopalri (Sikkim) and Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand). Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary was already on the list (MoEFCC list, as on 30.01.2025), so Nanjarayan is NOT one of the four.

Q71

After the four additions announced on 31 January 2025, which State had the maximum number of Ramsar sites in India?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Tamil Nadu

PIB (2 Feb 2025): Tamil Nadu continues to have the maximum number of Ramsar sites (20), followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).

Q72 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Ramsar Convention: 1. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance was signed in 1971. 2. India has been a party to the Convention since 1982. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

PIB (2 Feb 2025): World Wetlands Day commemorates the signing of the Ramsar Convention in 1971, and India is a party to the Convention since 1982, so both statements are correct.

Railways launches 'SwaRail' SuperApp for beta testing
Q73

What is the name of the Indian Railways SuperApp introduced for beta testing on 31 January 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — SwaRail

PIB 2098305: the Ministry of Railways introduced the SuperApp 'SwaRail' for beta testing.

Q74 Advanced

Which organisation developed the SwaRail SuperApp of Indian Railways?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)

PIB 2098305: the SuperApp was developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).

Government approves 88-member Indian contingent for 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin
Q75

Where were the 9th Asian Winter Games held in February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Harbin, China

PIB 2097997: the 9th Asian Winter Games were scheduled from 7 to 14 February 2025 in Harbin, China.

Q76 Advanced

Under which scheme did the Government extend full financial support, for the first time, to Indian athletes at the 2025 Asian Winter Games?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme

PIB 2097997: full financial support is being extended for the first time under the Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSF) Scheme.

HCES 2023-24 report: rural MPCE ₹4,122, urban ₹6,996; consumption inequality falls
Q77

What was the average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in rural India in 2023-24, as per HCES 2023-24 (without imputation)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹4,122

PIB 2097601: average MPCE in 2023-24 was ₹4,122 (rural) and ₹6,996 (urban) without imputed values; with imputation ₹4,247 and ₹7,078.

Q78 Advanced

Among major states, which state had the lowest urban–rural gap in average MPCE in 2023-24 according to HCES 2023-24?

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Correct answer: A — Kerala

PIB 2097601: the lowest urban–rural gap in 2023-24 was in Kerala (about 18%) and the highest in Jharkhand (around 83%).

Q79 Advanced

Consider the following statements about HCES 2023-24: 1. The urban–rural gap in MPCE declined to 70% in 2023-24. 2. The Gini coefficient of consumption in rural areas declined to 0.237. 3. The Gini coefficient in urban areas rose compared to 2022-23. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2097601: the urban–rural gap fell to 70% and rural Gini fell to 0.237; urban Gini also fell, from 0.314 to 0.284, so statement 3 is wrong.

INSV Tarini crosses Point Nemo during Navika Sagar Parikrama II
Q80

Which Indian Navy sailboat crossed Point Nemo on 30 January 2025 during Navika Sagar Parikrama II?

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Correct answer: D — INSV Tarini

PIB 2098252: INSV Tarini, sailed by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, crossed Point Nemo at 0030 hrs IST on 30 January 2025.

Q81 Advanced

Point Nemo, crossed by INSV Tarini in January 2025, is known as:

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Correct answer: A — The Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility

PIB 2098252: Point Nemo is the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, about 2,688 km from the nearest landmass.

Q82 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Navika Sagar Parikrama II: 1. INSV Tarini was flagged off from Goa on 2 October 2024. 2. Point Nemo was crossed during the leg from Lyttelton to Port Stanley. 3. Water samples from Point Nemo are to be analysed by ISRO. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

PIB 2098252: the crew were flagged off from Goa on 2 October 2024 and crossed Point Nemo on the Lyttelton–Port Stanley leg; the samples will be analysed by the National Institute of Oceanography, not ISRO.

Sahitya Akademi invites books directly from authors for the first time for 2025 awards
Q83 Advanced

In how many Indian languages does the Sahitya Akademi give its main annual award, for which books were invited directly for the first time in 2025?

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Correct answer: C — 24

PIB 2097806: books in 24 Indian languages recognised by the Akademi were invited directly for the main award for 2025.

Q84 Advanced

Books published in which period were eligible for the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 under the new submission system?

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Correct answer: B — 2019 to 2023

PIB 2097806: books published between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023 could be sent by 28 February 2025.