SF Prep

SSC Stenographer 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
3256 news · 8854 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 89 questions
India Post Payments Bank marks 8th Foundation Day with over 12 crore customers
Q1 Advanced

India Post Payments Bank celebrated which Foundation Day on 1 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 8th

IPPB celebrated its 8th Foundation Day, known as IPPB Day, on 1 September 2025.

Q2 Advanced

As of its 8th Foundation Day in September 2025, India Post Payments Bank had onboarded over how many customers?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 12 crore

The bank has successfully onboarded over 12 crore customers, using more than 1.64 lakh post offices.

Indian Army contingent departs for India–USA Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 in Alaska
Q3

Yudh Abhyas is a joint military exercise between India and which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — United States

Yudh Abhyas is the India–USA joint military exercise; its 21st edition was held in 2025.

Q4 Advanced

Where was the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas (September 2025) held?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Fort Wainwright, Alaska

The Indian Army contingent departed for Fort Wainwright, Alaska, for Yudh Abhyas 2025, held from 1 to 14 September.

Q5 Advanced

Which edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas was held in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 21st

The PIB release describes Yudh Abhyas 2025 as the 21st edition of the India–USA joint military exercise.

Magnitude-6 earthquake in eastern Afghanistan kills over 800; India offers humanitarian aid
Q6

The magnitude-6 earthquake that struck Afghanistan at the end of August 2025 mainly hit which provinces?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Kunar and Nangarhar

Reuters reported that the quake killed 812 people in the eastern provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar.

Q7 Advanced

The Afghanistan earthquake of 31 August 2025 struck near which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Jalalabad

AP reported that the 6.0 magnitude quake hit towns in Kunar province near the city of Jalalabad in neighbouring Nangarhar province.

Q8 Advanced

What were the magnitude and depth of the Afghanistan earthquake of 31 August 2025, as reported by Reuters?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 6.0 and 10 km

Reuters reported a magnitude 6 quake around midnight local time at a depth of 10 km.

T.C.A. Kalyani takes charge as 29th Controller General of Accounts
Q9 Advanced

Who assumed charge as the Controller General of Accounts on 1 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — T.C.A. Kalyani

T.C.A. Kalyani, a 1991-batch ICAS officer, assumed charge as the 29th Controller General of Accounts.

Q10 Advanced

The Controller General of Accounts functions under which department of the Ministry of Finance?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Department of Expenditure

The PIB release says the CGA post is in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.

PM Modi meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin; both call India and China partners, not rivals
Q11

Where did PM Modi hold a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping on 31 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Tianjin

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin.

Q12 Advanced

Before the Tianjin meeting of 31 August 2025, PM Modi and President Xi had last met in:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Kazan, October 2024

The PIB readout says the leaders welcomed progress since their last meeting in Kazan in October 2024.

Q13 Advanced

At the Tianjin meeting, PM Modi invited President Xi Jinping to which summit to be hosted by India in 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — BRICS Summit

The Prime Minister invited President Xi to the BRICS Summit that India will host in 2026; Xi offered support to India's BRICS Presidency.

Q14 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Modi–Xi meeting of 31 August 2025: 1. The leaders said India and China are development partners and not rivals. 2. The Prime Minister said India–China relations should be seen through the lens of their ties with third countries. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Prime Minister said the relationship should NOT be seen through a third-country lens, as both pursue strategic autonomy.

Q15 Advanced

In his Tianjin remarks of 31 August 2025, PM Modi said the cooperation between India and China is linked to the interests of how many people of the two nations?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2.8 billion

Both the readout and the Prime Minister's remarks refer to the 2.8 billion people of the two countries.

Department of Posts completely suspends booking of all categories of mail to the USA
Q16 Advanced

On 31 August 2025, the Department of Posts completely suspended booking of all mail to the USA. Which items, earlier allowed, were now also covered?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Letters, documents and gift items valued up to USD 100

The notice extended the suspension to all categories, including letters, documents and gift items valued up to USD 100.

Q17 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Department of Posts' notice of 31 August 2025 on US-bound mail: 1. It followed a review of an earlier Public Notice dated 22 August 2025. 2. Customers whose booked items could not be dispatched are not eligible for any refund. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: customers whose booked items could not be dispatched may claim a refund of postage.

PM Modi meets Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing on SCO sidelines in Tianjin
Q18

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, whom PM Modi met in Tianjin on 31 August 2025, is the Chairman of which body of Myanmar?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — State Security and Peace Commission

The PIB release describes him as Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission of Myanmar.

Q19 Advanced

At the 31 August 2025 meeting, PM Modi said India's ties with Myanmar are part of which policies? 1. Neighbourhood First 2. Act East 3. Indo-Pacific Select the correct answer:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

The release names all three: Neighbourhood First, Act East and Indo-Pacific policies.

Q20 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM Modi's meeting with Myanmar's leadership on 31 August 2025: 1. PM Modi hoped Myanmar's forthcoming elections would be held in a fair and inclusive manner. 2. India said it supports an externally mediated peace process in Myanmar led by ASEAN. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: India said it supports a Myanmar-led and Myanmar-owned peace process, with peaceful dialogue as the only way forward.

PM Modi and PM Ishiba visit Tokyo Electron's Sendai plant; Modi meets 16 Japanese Prefecture Governors
Q21

On 30 August 2025, PM Modi and Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba visited a semiconductor facility in Sendai. Sendai lies in which Prefecture?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Miyagi

The PIB release says the two leaders travelled to Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture.

Q22 Advanced

Which semiconductor company's facility did the two Prime Ministers visit in Sendai on 30 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd

They visited Tokyo Electron Miyagi Ltd (TEL Miyagi), a leading Japanese company in the semiconductor sector.

Q23 Advanced

How many Governors of Japanese Prefectures took part in PM Modi's interaction on 30 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 16

The release says sixteen Governors participated in the interaction.

Q24 Advanced

PM Modi urged Japanese Governors to use which initiative, launched at the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit, to deepen sub-national ties?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative

He underlined the State-Prefecture Partnership Initiative launched at the 15th Annual Summit to boost trade, technology, tourism, skills, security and cultural links.

Q25 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM Modi's visit to Japan in August 2025: 1. It was an Official Working Visit on 29–30 August 2025 for the 15th Annual Summit. 2. The Sendai visit built on a Memorandum of Cooperation on the Japan–India Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. The Joint Statement describes an Official Working Visit on 29–30 August 2025 for the 15th Annual Summit, and the PIB release says cooperation builds on the MoC on the Japan–India Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership.

INS Kadmatt reaches Port Moresby for Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Day celebrations
Q26

Which Indian Navy ship arrived at Port Moresby on 30 August 2025 for Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Day celebrations?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — INS Kadmatt

The indigenous ASW corvette INS Kadmatt arrived at Port Moresby on 30 August 2025.

Q27 Advanced

Consider the following statements about INS Kadmatt's visit to Papua New Guinea in August 2025: 1. INS Kadmatt is an indigenous anti-submarine warfare corvette. 2. The visit marked Papua New Guinea's 75th Independence Day. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the ship joined Papua New Guinea's 50th Independence Day celebrations.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty win bronze at BWF World Championships 2025 in Paris
Q28

The 2025 BWF World Championships, where Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won bronze, were held in:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Paris

The 2025 BWF World Championships were held in Paris; the Indian pair lost the semi-final on 30 August.

Q29 Advanced

Satwik–Chirag lost the men's doubles semi-final of the 2025 BWF World Championships to a pair from:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — China

They lost 19-21, 21-18, 12-21 to China's Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi.

Q30 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Satwik–Chirag's bronze at the 2025 BWF World Championships: 1. It was the pair's second World Championships medal, after bronze in Tokyo in 2022. 2. With it, India kept its streak of at least one medal at every World Championships since 2011. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct, as reported by Olympics.com and the New Indian Express.

PM Modi speaks with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy, reaffirms India's position for peaceful settlement
Q31

PM Modi held a telephone conversation on 30 August 2025 with the President of which country, reaffirming India's position for peaceful settlement of the conflict?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Ukraine

The Prime Minister spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and reaffirmed India's position for peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Q32 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Modi–Zelenskyy call of 30 August 2025: 1. The leaders reviewed progress in the India–Ukraine bilateral partnership. 2. India announced it would mediate formal peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is not in the readout: the PM reaffirmed India's position for peaceful settlement and support for efforts to restore peace, and the leaders agreed to remain in touch.

India's real GDP grows 7.8% in Q1 (April–June) of FY 2025-26, says NSO
Q33

According to NSO estimates released on 29 August 2025, India's real GDP growth in Q1 (April–June) of FY 2025-26 was:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 7.8%

Real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 FY 2025-26, against 6.5% in Q1 FY 2024-25; 8.8% was nominal GDP growth.

Q34 Advanced

Which sector registered a contraction in real GVA in Q1 of FY 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mining & Quarrying

Mining & Quarrying contracted 3.1%; utilities grew only 0.5%, while agriculture grew 3.7% and construction 7.6%.

Q35 Advanced

The Q1 FY 2025-26 GDP estimates were released by:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — National Statistics Office, MoSPI

The quarterly estimates were released by the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

Q36 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Q1 FY 2025-26 GDP estimates: 1. The tertiary sector grew faster than manufacturing during the quarter. 2. Real private final consumption expenditure growth was higher than in Q1 of FY 2024-25. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: tertiary 9.3% vs manufacturing 7.7%. Statement 2 is wrong: real PFCE grew 7.0%, lower than 8.3% in Q1 FY 2024-25.

MoEFCC notifies Environment Audit Rules, 2025, creating certified and registered environment auditors
Q37

The Environment Audit Rules, 2025 were notified by the Union Environment Ministry on:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 29 August 2025

MoEFCC notified the Environment Audit Rules, 2025 on 29 August 2025.

Q38 Advanced

Under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, which body certifies and registers environment auditors?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Environment Audit Designated Agency

Auditors are certified and registered by the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA) notified by MoEFCC.

Q39 Advanced

Under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, an individual can become a Certified Environment Auditor through:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Recognition of Prior Learning or the National Certification Examination

Certification is through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or the National Certification Examination (NCE).

Q40 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Environment Audit Rules, 2025: 1. Registered Environment Auditors will be assigned to project entities by a random assignment method. 2. The rules replace State Pollution Control Boards as the authority for monitoring environmental compliance. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the rules aim to bridge manpower and infrastructure gaps of CPCB, the Ministry's regional offices and State PCBs; The Hindu describes auditors as supplementing the work of State PCBs.

15th India–Japan Annual Summit in Tokyo: Joint Vision for the Next Decade, security declaration and ¥10 trillion investment target
Q41

At the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit (29 August 2025), what new target was set for private investment from Japan to India over the next decade?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — JPY 10 trillion

The Joint Vision sets a new target of JPY 10 trillion of private investment, building on the 2022–2026 target of JPY 5 trillion of public and private investment and financing.

Q42 Advanced

The Action Plan for India–Japan Human Resource Exchange adopted in August 2025 aims at a two-way exchange of how many people in five years?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 5,00,000

The plan targets two-way exchange of 500,000 people, including 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled personnel from India to Japan, in the next five years.

Q43 Advanced

An Implementing Arrangement signed between ISRO and JAXA at the 15th Annual Summit concerns which mission?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Chandrayaan-5 (joint lunar polar exploration)

The ISRO–JAXA Implementing Arrangement concerns the Joint Lunar Polar Exploration Mission, i.e. the Chandrayaan-5 mission.

Q44 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–Japan Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation (August 2025): 1. It envisages enhanced maritime domain awareness through the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR). 2. It provides for exploring a new meeting framework on comprehensive dialogue between the Joint Staffs of the two sides. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. The Declaration lists cooperation through IFC-IOR and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, and exploring a new Joint Staffs dialogue framework, among other measures.

Q45 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the outcomes of PM Modi's visit to Japan (29 August 2025): 1. A Memorandum of Cooperation on the Joint Crediting Mechanism was signed to diffuse decarbonising technologies. 2. The Joint Vision for the Next Decade lays out five lines of effort. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Joint Vision lays out eight lines of effort (economic partnership, economic security, mobility, ecological sustainability, technology and innovation, health, people-to-people and state-prefecture engagement).

Piyush Goyal at 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave: India and Africa should double bilateral trade by 2030
Q46

At the 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave (29 August 2025), Piyush Goyal said India and Africa must work to double bilateral trade by:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2030

The Minister said India and Africa must work to double bilateral trade by 2030.

Q47 Advanced

Consider the following statements based on Piyush Goyal's address at the 20th CII India–Africa Business Conclave: 1. India's exports to Africa are about USD 42.7 billion. 2. India runs a trade deficit of more than USD 20 billion with Africa. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: trade is fairly balanced, with exports of USD 42.7 billion and imports of USD 40 billion.

TRAI registers first eight Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies to star-rate buildings for network quality
Q48 Advanced

Under which regulations did TRAI register the first eight Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies in August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024

The DCRAs were registered under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024.

Q49 Advanced

Consider the following statements about TRAI's Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs): 1. Their registration is valid for three years from 27 August 2025. 2. They will assign star ratings to properties for digital connectivity. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: registration is for five years from 27 August 2025. Statement 2 is correct.

PM Modi and PM Ishiba address India–Japan Economic Forum in Tokyo; PM lists five areas for business collaboration
Q50 Advanced

The India–Japan Economic Forum attended by PM Modi and PM Ishiba in Tokyo on 29 August 2025 was organised by CII and:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Keidanren

The Forum was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and Keidanren (Japan Business Federation).

Q51 Advanced

At the India–Japan Economic Forum (29 August 2025), PM Modi said India contributes about what share of global growth?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 18%

The Prime Minister stated that India was contributing around 18% to global growth.

UDISE+ 2024-25: number of school teachers crosses 1 crore for the first time; dropout rates fall
Q52

According to UDISE+ 2024-25, which milestone was reached for the first time since UDISE+ began?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Number of teachers crossed 1 crore

For the first time, the total number of teachers crossed 1 crore (1,01,22,420) in 2024-25.

Q53 Advanced

As per UDISE+ 2024-25, the dropout rate at the Secondary stage was:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 8.2%

The Secondary dropout rate fell from 10.9% in 2023-24 to 8.2% in 2024-25; 3.5% is the Middle-stage rate.

Q54 Advanced

The Pupil-Teacher Ratio at the Secondary level reported in UDISE+ 2024-25 is:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 21

PTRs are 10 (Foundational), 13 (Preparatory), 17 (Middle) and 21 (Secondary), all better than the NEP norm of 30:1.

Q55 Advanced

Consider the following statements about UDISE+ 2024-25: 1. The number of teachers rose by about 6.7% compared with 2022-23. 2. The retention rate at the Secondary level is above 75%. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Secondary-level retention rose from 45.6% to 47.2%.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completes 11 years: over 56 crore accounts, ₹2.68 lakh crore deposits
Q56

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, which completed 11 years in August 2025, was launched on:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 28 August 2014

PMJDY was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28 August 2014.

Q57 Advanced

As per the Finance Ministry (August 2025), how many Jan Dhan accounts have been opened in 11 years?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — More than 56 crore

More than 56 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, with deposits of ₹2.68 lakh crore.

Q58 Advanced

What share of PMJDY accounts belong to women, according to the Finance Minister in August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 56%

56% of PMJDY accounts are opened by women; 67% are in rural or semi-urban areas.

Q59 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PMJDY as of August 2025: 1. More than 38 crore free RuPay cards have been issued to account holders. 2. Under a saturation campaign, camps are being held in each of the 2.7 lakh gram panchayats. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Finance Ministry release of 28 August 2025.

Q60 Advanced

As per the Finance Ministry, how much was credited to bank accounts under various DBT schemes during FY 2024-25 through the JAM trinity?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹6.9 lakh crore

₹6.9 lakh crore was credited under DBT schemes in FY 2024-25; ₹2.68 lakh crore is the total PMJDY deposit balance.

India and Bhutan sign MoU on technical cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors in Thimphu
Q61

India signed an MoU on technical cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors in August 2025 with which country, in its capital Thimphu?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bhutan

The India–Bhutan MoU was signed in Thimphu, followed by the first Joint Technical Working Group meeting.

Q62 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–Bhutan agriculture MoU (August 2025): 1. It was signed at the level of Agriculture Secretaries of the two countries. 2. A Joint Technical Working Group met for the first time after the signing. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: Secretaries Devesh Chaturvedi and Thinley Namgyel signed it, and the first JTWG session followed.

7th India–Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation meets in New Delhi
Q63 Advanced

The 7th meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation was held on 28 August 2025 in:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — New Delhi

The 7th JCDC meeting took place in New Delhi on 28 August 2025.

Q64 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India–Saudi Arabia defence ties (August 2025): 1. A Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation was added under the Strategic Partnership Council during the PM's visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2025. 2. At the 7th JCDC, Saudi Arabia offered to provide training to the Indian Armed Forces. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: it was India that offered to provide training to the Saudi Armed Forces.

Index of Industrial Production grows 3.5% in July 2025, led by 5.4% manufacturing growth
Q65

As per MoSPI's quick estimate, India's Index of Industrial Production grew by how much in July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 3.5%

IIP grew 3.5% in July 2025; 5.4% was manufacturing growth and 1.5% was June's IIP growth.

Q66 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the IIP release of 28 August 2025: 1. The mining sector contracted in July 2025. 2. Under the revised calendar, the IIP quick estimate is released on the 12th of every month. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: mining fell 7.2%. Statement 2 is wrong: the quick estimate is now released on the 28th of every month.

Health Ministry publishes draft amendments to New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 to ease test licences and BA/BE studies
Q67 Advanced

Under the draft amendments to the NDCT Rules, 2019 published on 28 August 2025, the statutory processing time for test licence applications is proposed to be reduced from 90 days to:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 45 days

The draft reduces the overall statutory processing time for test licence applications from 90 days to 45 days.

Q68 Advanced

In the context of drug regulation, 'BA/BE studies', addressed in the draft NDCT amendments of August 2025, stand for:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Bioavailability / Bioequivalence studies

The draft amendments concern applications for Bioavailability/Bioequivalence (BA/BE) studies.

Q69 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the draft amendments to the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 (August 2025): 1. Test licences for all drugs, including high-risk categories, will be replaced by an intimation system. 2. The Ministry expects the number of licence applications to fall by about 50%. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: a small category of high-risk drugs is excluded from the intimation system. Statement 2 is correct.

Centre extends import duty exemption on cotton till 31 December 2025
Q70

On 28 August 2025, the Centre extended the import duty exemption on cotton (HS 5201) till:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 31 December 2025

The exemption, originally from 19 August to 30 September 2025, was extended till 31 December 2025.

Q71 Advanced

The temporary import duty exemption on cotton, later extended in August 2025, had originally come into force on:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 19 August 2025

The Centre had temporarily exempted cotton from import duty from 19 August 2025 till 30 September 2025.

Cabinet restructures PM SVANidhi and extends lending period till 31 March 2030 with ₹7,332 crore outlay
Q72

Under the restructuring approved on 27 August 2025, the lending period of the PM SVANidhi scheme has been extended till:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 31 March 2030

The Cabinet extended the lending period of PM SVANidhi until 31 March 2030.

Q73 Advanced

Under the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme (August 2025), the first-tranche loan amount has been raised to up to:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹15,000

First-tranche loans rise to ₹15,000 from ₹10,000; second-tranche loans rise to ₹25,000 from ₹20,000.

Q74 Advanced

What is the total outlay of the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme approved by the Cabinet in August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹7,332 crore

The total outlay is ₹7,332 crore; ₹13,797 crore is the amount of loans already disbursed as of 30 July 2025.

Q75 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme (August 2025): 1. A UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card will be provided to beneficiaries who have repaid the second loan. 2. The third-tranche loan has been raised from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the third tranche remains unchanged at ₹50,000.

US additional 25% duty on Indian goods under Executive Order 14329 takes effect on 27 August 2025
Q76

The additional US ad valorem duty on products of India imposed by Executive Order 14329, which took effect on 27 August 2025, is:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 25%

EO 14329 imposed an additional ad valorem duty of 25 percent on imports of articles of India, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT on 27 August 2025.

Q77 Advanced

According to the US Federal Register notice, the additional duty on Indian goods under Executive Order 14329 was imposed because India was:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil

The notice says the duty was imposed on articles of India, 'which is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil'.

Q78 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the US duty on Indian goods effective 27 August 2025: 1. Executive Order 14329 was issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). 2. The new duty replaces the additional duty on Indian goods under the reciprocal-tariff order EO 14257. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the CBP notice says the duty applies in addition to the duty under EO 14257.

Q79 Advanced

Under the CBP Federal Register notice on the additional duty on Indian goods, articles already loaded and in transit before 12:01 a.m. EDT on 27 August 2025 are exempt if entered for consumption before:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 17 September 2025

Heading 9903.01.85 exempts such in-transit goods if entered (or withdrawn from warehouse) for consumption before 12:01 a.m. EDT on 17 September 2025.

Over 700 Indian Armed Forces personnel set for multilateral Exercise Bright Star 2025 in Egypt
Q80

Multilateral Exercise Bright Star, in which over 700 Indian personnel were set to participate from 28 August 2025, is hosted by:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Egypt, in conjunction with the US

Exercise Bright Star is hosted by Egypt in conjunction with the US since 1980.

Q81 Advanced

Exercise Bright Star, one of the largest tri-service multilateral exercises in its region, is held:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Biennially

The exercise is held biennially; the previous edition took place in 2023.

Annual Survey of Industries 2023-24: GVA up 11.89%, employment up 5.92%; Tamil Nadu tops in employment
Q82

According to the Annual Survey of Industries 2023-24, which state ranked first in terms of employment?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five states by employment, in that order.

Q83 Advanced

As per ASI 2023-24 results released on 27 August 2025, Gross Value Added in the sector grew in current prices by:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 11.89%

GVA grew 11.89% in current prices; output grew more than 5.80% and employment 5.92%.

Q84 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Annual Survey of Industries 2023-24: 1. Gujarat ranked first among states in terms of employment. 2. The sector added about 57 lakh jobs during 2014-15 to 2023-24. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: Tamil Nadu ranked first and Gujarat second. Statement 2 is correct.

One year of BioE3 Policy: Jitendra Singh launches National Biofoundry Network; bioeconomy target $300 billion by 2030
Q85 Advanced

According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh (August 2025), India's bioeconomy was valued at about how much in 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — $165.7 billion

India's bioeconomy grew from $10 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024; $300 billion is the 2030 target.

Q86 Advanced

India's first Biomanufacturing Institute, cited as an achievement in the first year of the BioE3 Policy, was inaugurated at:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Mohali

The Minister highlighted the inauguration of India's first Biomanufacturing Institute at Mohali.

NSS Comprehensive Modular Survey on Education 2025: government schools account for 55.9% of enrolment
Q87 Advanced

According to the CMS: Education 2025 survey, government schools account for what share of total school enrolment in India?

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Correct answer: B — 55.9%

Government schools account for 55.9% of total enrolment (66.0% in rural areas); private unaided recognised schools account for 31.9%.

Q88 Advanced

As per the CMS: Education 2025 survey, what proportion of students were taking or had taken private coaching during the current academic year?

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Correct answer: C — 27.0%

27.0% of all students were taking or had taken private coaching – 30.7% in urban and 25.5% in rural areas.

Q89 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the CMS: Education 2025 survey: 1. Average household expenditure per student in government schools was ₹2,863. 2. Textbooks and stationery formed the largest component of household education expenditure per student. Which of the above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: course fees (₹7,111) were the largest expense, followed by textbooks and stationery (₹2,002).