Maharashtra State Staff Selection Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
During UK PM Keir Starmer's October 2025 visit, which UK university received in-principle approval to open a campus in GIFT City?
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Correct answer: B — University of Surrey
PIB (list of outcomes): in-principle approval was given for opening a campus of the University of Surrey in GIFT City; Lancaster University received an LoI for Bengaluru.
India and the UK agreed in October 2025 to proceed via the government-to-government route on an initial supply of which missile system?
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Correct answer: D — Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM)
PIB (joint statement): both leaders announced agreement to proceed via the government-to-government route on an initial supply of Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to support India's air defence.
Consider the following statements about UK PM Keir Starmer's visit to India (October 2025): 1. Phase II of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory includes a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad. 2. It was Starmer's second official visit to India as Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: Phase II of the Observatory will establish a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad; the joint statement says this was Prime Minister Starmer's first official visit to India.
According to PM Modi at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, India's approach to AI rests on which three principles?
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Correct answer: C — Equitable Access, Population-scale Skilling, Responsible Deployment
PIB: the PM said India's approach to AI is built on three key principles — Equitable Access, Population-scale Skilling and Responsible Deployment.
What was the central theme of the Global Fintech Fest 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Empowering Finance for a Better World – Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion
PIB: GFF 2025's central theme is 'Empowering Finance for a Better World' – Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion.
The design of the Sabarmati HSR station, terminal of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, is inspired by:
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Correct answer: D — Mahatma Gandhi's charkha at Sabarmati Ashram
PIB: the Sabarmati HSR station is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's charkha at Sabarmati Ashram; the Dandi March appears as a mural on the multimodal hub.
Consider the following statements about the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project (October 2025): 1. The Sabarmati rolling stock depot, spread over 84 hectares, is the largest of the three depots. 2. Of the 508 km corridor, 400 km of viaduct has been completed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the 84-hectare Sabarmati depot is the largest of three depots; 325 km of viaduct (and 400 km of pier work) has been completed — not 400 km of viaduct.
Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, inaugurated on 8 October 2025, was built at a cost of around:
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Correct answer: B — ₹19,650 crore
PIB: the PM inaugurated Phase 1 of NMIA built at a cost of around ₹19,650 crore. ₹12,200 crore was Metro Line 3 Phase 2B and over ₹37,270 crore the whole Metro Line 3.
Navi Mumbai International Airport will be the first airport in India to be connected by:
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Correct answer: C — Water Taxi
PIB: NMIA will also be the first airport in the country to be connected by Water Taxi.
Consider the following statements: 1. Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) is Mumbai's first fully underground metro line, spanning 33.5 km with 27 stations. 2. The 'Mumbai One' app launched on 8 October 2025 covers five public transport operators. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: Metro Line 3 is Mumbai's first and only fully underground metro line, 33.5 km from Cuffe Parade to Aarey JVLR with 27 stations. Mumbai One is an integrated common mobility app for 11 public transport operators.
According to PM Modi at the Navi Mumbai airport inauguration (October 2025), India is now the world's ______ domestic aviation market.
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Correct answer: D — third-largest
PIB: the PM said new airports and the UDAN scheme have made India the world's third-largest domestic aviation market.
The four railway multitracking projects approved by the Cabinet on 7 October 2025 will add about how many km to the Indian Railways network?
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Correct answer: B — 894 km
PIB: the four projects covering 18 districts will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 894 km.
Consider the following statements about the railway multitracking projects approved on 7 October 2025: 1. They improve connectivity to two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon. 2. They are to be completed by 2028-29. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the projects enhance connectivity to about 3,633 villages and two Aspirational Districts (Vidisha and Rajnandgaon); they are to be completed by 2030-31.
Which is the longest of the four railway multitracking projects approved by the Cabinet on 7 October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Wardha–Bhusawal 3rd & 4th line
PIB: Wardha–Bhusawal 3rd & 4th line is 314 km; Vadodara–Ratlam 259 km, Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina 237 km and Gondia–Dongargarh 84 km.
In the investigation following child deaths in Chhindwara (October 2025), the cough syrup 'Coldrif' was found to contain which substance beyond the permissible limit?
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Correct answer: B — Diethylene glycol (DEG)
PIB (MoHFW): of 10 samples analysed, 9 met quality standards, but the cough syrup 'Coldrif' contained DEG (diethylene glycol) beyond the permissible limit; Tamil Nadu FDA acted against the unit in Kancheepuram.
The 'Revised Schedule M', whose strict compliance the Union Health Secretary stressed in October 2025, deals with which of the following?
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Correct answer: D — Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for drug manufacturing units
PIB (MoHFW): the DCGI reiterated that drug manufacturing units must strictly comply with the Revised Schedule M for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Consider the following statements about the Chhindwara cough syrup case (October 2025): 1. The cluster of cases and deaths was reported to IDSP, NCDC by the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit, Nagpur, set up under PM-ABHIM. 2. Risk-based inspections were initiated across 19 drug manufacturing units in six States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (MoHFW): the MSU Nagpur, established under PM-ABHIM, reported the cluster to IDSP, NCDC; Risk-Based Inspections have been initiated across 19 manufacturing units in six States.
India's first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant, inaugurated on 5 October 2025, is located at which place?
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Correct answer: A — Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar (Maharashtra)
PIB (Ministry of Cooperation): Amit Shah inaugurated the country's first cooperative multi-feed CBG plant at the Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements about the cooperative CBG initiative announced at Kopargaon on 5 October 2025: 1. The Kopargaon plant will produce 12 tonnes of CBG daily along with potash from jaggery/molasses. 2. The Centre will support 15 selected sugar mills to set up CBG and potash granule units with assistance from NABARD. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the plant will produce 12 tonnes of CBG daily and 75 tonnes of potash from jaggery/molasses. The support for 15 selected sugar mills will come with the assistance of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), not NABARD.
What is the total length of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (bullet train) corridor?
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Correct answer: B — 508 km
PIB (Ministry of Railways): the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor is 508 km long; by September 2025, 323 km of viaduct had been completed.
Hiromasa Nakano, who visited the bullet train sites with Ashwini Vaishnaw on 3 October 2025, holds which portfolio in Japan?
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Correct answer: D — Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
PIB: Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism, H.E. Hiromasa Nakano, visited the Surat and Mumbai HSR sites with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Consider the following statements about the Mumbai–Ahmedabad HSR project (status as of September–October 2025): 1. 323 km of viaduct had been completed. 2. The Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station is being built as an elevated station. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: 323 km of viaduct had been completed by September 2025. The BKC station is an underground facility, with excavation over 30 metres deep and about 84% complete.
At what level did the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee keep the policy repo rate on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 5.50%
The MPC unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.50%.
In its October 2025 policy, what real GDP growth did the RBI project for 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 6.8%
The RBI raised its 2025-26 real GDP growth projection to 6.8% from 6.5%.
After the RBI's October 2025 policy, what is the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate?
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Correct answer: D — 5.25%
With the repo rate at 5.50%, the SDF rate remains at 5.25% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate at 5.75%.
Consider the following statements about the RBI's monetary policy of 1 October 2025: 1. The MPC cut the repo rate by 25 basis points. 2. The CPI inflation projection for 2025-26 was lowered to 2.6%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the repo rate was kept unchanged at 5.50%. Statement 2 is correct: the inflation projection was cut to 2.6% from 3.1%.
At which port was India's first fleet of electric heavy trucks with swappable batteries flagged off on 25 September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority
The fleet was flagged off at the Nhava Sheva Distribution Terminal of JNPA by Sarbananda Sonowal.
What share of its internal heavy truck fleet does JNPA aim to convert to electric by December 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 90%
JNPA aims to convert 90% of its internal heavy truck fleet of about 600 vehicles by December 2026.
Which Gram Panchayat won the Gold Award in the new grassroots category of the National Awards for e-Governance 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Rohini, Maharashtra
Rohini Gram Panchayat in Dhule district, Maharashtra, won Gold; West Majlishpur won Silver.
Where were the National Awards for e-Governance 2025 for Gram Panchayats conferred on 22 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam
The awards were conferred at the 28th National Conference on e-Governance in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
At which event in Bhavnagar did PM Modi launch works worth over ₹34,200 crore on 20 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Samudra se Samriddhi
The works were launched at the 'Samudra se Samriddhi' event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
What policy reform for the maritime sector did PM Modi announce at Bhavnagar on 20 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Large ships accorded infrastructure status
The Prime Minister announced that large ships have been accorded infrastructure status, making bank loans easier for shipbuilding companies.
The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal, inaugurated by PM Modi on 20 September 2025, is located at:
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Correct answer: D — Indira Dock
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's Gujarat visit on 20 September 2025: 1. A Green Bio-Methanol Plant was among the projects at Deendayal Port, Kandla. 2. The National Maritime Heritage Complex reviewed at Lothal is planned to be the world's largest maritime museum. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: a multi-purpose cargo berth and Green Bio-Methanol Plant at Deendayal Port, Kandla, were among the projects, and the PM said the Lothal complex will be the world's largest maritime museum once completed.
At the 'Samudra se Samriddhi' event on 20 September 2025, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of a new container terminal at which Kolkata port?
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Correct answer: B — Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port
The foundation stone was laid for a new container terminal and associated facilities at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.
The HPLNG regasification terminal inaugurated by PM Modi on 20 September 2025 is located at which Gujarat port?
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Correct answer: C — Chhara
The Prime Minister inaugurated the HPLNG Regasification Terminal at Chhara Port among Gujarat projects worth over ₹26,354 crore.
After seven natural sites were added in September 2025, how many Indian properties are on UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites?
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Correct answer: A — 69
The inclusion of seven natural sites raised India's count on the Tentative List from 62 to 69 properties.
Which cave serves as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age of the Holocene Epoch, as cited in the UNESCO Tentative List addition of September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Mawmluh Cave
The Meghalayan Age Caves, particularly Mawmluh Cave, serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch.
The Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam natural arch are features of which site added to UNESCO's Tentative List in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Tirumala Hills
Tirumala Hills in Andhra Pradesh feature the Eparchaean Unconformity and the Silathoranam (natural arch), representing over 1.5 billion years of Earth's history.
Consider the following pairs of sites added to UNESCO's Tentative List in September 2025 and their states: 1. Naga Hill Ophiolite — Nagaland 2. Erra Matti Dibbalu — Kerala Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 only
Only pair 1 is correct. Naga Hill Ophiolite is in Nagaland, but Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills) is near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh; the Kerala site is Varkala Cliffs.
Consider the following statements about UNESCO's Tentative List as described in the Ministry of Culture release of 18 September 2025: 1. Inclusion in the Tentative List is a prerequisite for a site to be nominated to the World Heritage List. 2. After the September 2025 additions, cultural properties make up the largest share of India's Tentative List. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Under UNESCO's protocol, Tentative List inclusion is a prerequisite for nomination, and India's 69 properties comprise 49 cultural, 17 natural and 3 mixed sites.
Who administered the oath of office to C.P. Radhakrishnan as Vice President of India on 12 September 2025?
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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.
Which post did C.P. Radhakrishnan hold immediately before becoming Vice President of India?
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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.
From which Lok Sabha constituency was C.P. Radhakrishnan elected in 1998 and 1999?
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Correct answer: B — Coimbatore
Radhakrishnan was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time from Coimbatore in 1998 and re-elected in 1999.
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?
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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.
Aboard which vessel is the tri-service all-women circumnavigation expedition 'Samudra Pradakshina' being undertaken?
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Correct answer: C — IASV Triveni
Ten women officers are sailing aboard the indigenously built Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni; INSV Tarini was used in the earlier double-handed circumnavigation by two Navy officers.
Which three great capes will the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition round?
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Correct answer: A — Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope
The crew will cross the Equator twice and round the three great Capes: Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope.
Approximately what distance will the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition cover over nine months?
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Correct answer: D — 26,000 nautical miles
The 10 women officers will sail about 26,000 nautical miles on an easterly route over nine months, returning to Mumbai in May 2026.
Consider the following statements about 'Samudra Pradakshina': 1. It was flagged off from Kochi by the Chief of the Naval Staff. 2. The crew comprises women officers from all three services. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged it off virtually from South Block, with the expedition starting from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. Statement 2 is correct: it is a tri-service all-women expedition of 10 officers.
Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae, reported in September 2025, are new species of which organism group?
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Correct answer: A — Black aspergilli (fungi)
They are two new species of Aspergillus section Nigri, commonly known as black aspergilli, a group of filamentous fungi, found in Western Ghats soil.
Which institute's researchers identified two new Aspergillus species from the Western Ghats in 2025?
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Correct answer: C — MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
Researchers from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of DST, made the identification.
AURIC (Shendra–Bidkin Industrial Area), which marked six years in September 2025, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
AURIC (Shendra–Bidkin Industrial Area) is in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
AURIC in Maharashtra is an integral part of which industrial corridor?
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Correct answer: C — Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor
The ministry said AURIC is an integral part of the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).
The IUCAA-led study publicised on 31 August 2025 used which type of stars to measure the Hubble constant independently of Cepheids?
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Correct answer: D — Oxygen-rich Mira variable stars
The study used 40 oxygen-rich Mira variable stars in 18 clusters of our galaxy as anchors.
Precise geometric distances to the star clusters in the IUCAA Mira study were provided by:
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Correct answer: C — ESA's Gaia mission
The release says the European Space Agency's Gaia mission provided precise geometric distances to the clusters (13,000–55,000 light-years away).
Consider the following statements about the IUCAA Mira-variable study (August 2025): 1. It determined the Hubble constant with 3.7% precision. 2. It found that metal abundance affects Mira luminosity about three times more than it affects Cepheids. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: metal abundance affects Mira luminosity three times LESS than Cepheids, which makes Miras a promising alternative.
As per NeGD's announcement of 31 August 2025, which State offers the highest number of e-Government services on DigiLocker/e-District?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Maharashtra leads with 254 services, followed by Delhi (123), Karnataka (113), Assam (102) and Uttar Pradesh (86).
Consider the following statements about NeGD's milestone announced on 31 August 2025: 1. The services are available in all 36 States and Union Territories. 2. NeGD functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the National e-Governance Division functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Which court delivered the verdict acquitting all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case on 31 July 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Special NIA court, Mumbai
Special Judge A. K. Lahoti of the special NIA court in Mumbai delivered the verdict.
How many accused were acquitted in the 2008 Malegaon blast case on 31 July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Seven
All seven accused, including Pragya Singh Thakur and Lt Col Prasad Purohit, were acquitted.
Apart from IPC offences, the accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case were acquitted on 31 July 2025 of charges under which anti-terror law?
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Correct answer: A — Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
The accused were cleared of charges including offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge on 31 July 2025 as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of:
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Correct answer: A — Western Naval Command
He took over the Western Naval Command from Vice Admiral Sanjay J Singh.
Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who took over the Western Naval Command on 31 July 2025, is a specialist in:
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Correct answer: D — Communication and Electronic Warfare
The Defence Ministry release describes him as a specialist in Communication and Electronic Warfare.
The four railway multitracking projects approved by the CCEA on 31 July 2025 will increase the Indian Railways network by about:
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Correct answer: D — 574 km
The projects will add about 574 km to the existing network.
Which of the following was NOT among the four railway projects approved by the CCEA on 31 July 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Wardha–Ballarshah 4th line
The four projects were Itarsi–Nagpur 4th line, Aurangabad–Parbhani doubling, Aluabari Road–New Jalpaiguri 3rd and 4th lines, and Dangoaposi–Jaroli 3rd and 4th lines.
Where was the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025, won by Divya Deshmukh on 28 July 2025, held?
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Correct answer: A — Batumi, Georgia
FIDE: the 2025 FIDE Women's World Cup took place from 6 to 28 July in Batumi, Georgia.
Whom did Divya Deshmukh defeat in the tiebreaks of the all-Indian final of the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Koneru Humpy
FIDE: Divya defeated Grandmaster Humpy Koneru 1.5-0.5 in the tiebreaks.
Divya Deshmukh is the third winner of the FIDE Women's World Cup. Who were the first two winners, in 2021 and 2023 respectively?
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Correct answer: B — Alexandra Kosteniuk and Aleksandra Goryachkina
FIDE: Divya follows GM Alexandra Kosteniuk (2021) and GM Aleksandra Goryachkina (2023) as the third-ever winner.
Consider the following statements about Divya Deshmukh's FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 win: 1. Divya earned the Grandmaster title automatically by winning the event. 2. The winner received a first prize of USD 50,000. 3. Divya, Koneru Humpy and Tan Zhongyi qualified for the Women's Candidates Tournament. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
FIDE: the win brings the USD 50,000 first prize and an automatic GM title; Divya, Humpy and Tan Zhongyi qualified for the Candidates. All three are correct.
Divya Deshmukh, winner of the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025, hails from which city?
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Correct answer: A — Nagpur
FIDE: Divya Deshmukh is the 19-year-old International Master from Nagpur, Maharashtra.
As mentioned in Mann Ki Baat (27 July 2025), UNESCO recognised 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. How are they distributed?
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Correct answer: B — 11 in Maharashtra and 1 in Tamil Nadu
PIB (Mann Ki Baat, 27 July 2025): UNESCO has recognised 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites, eleven in Maharashtra and one in Tamil Nadu.
As per Mann Ki Baat (27 July 2025), Indian students at the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia won:
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Correct answer: A — 3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze
PIB: in the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia, Indian students won 3 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal.
The 'Gyan Bharatam Mission', highlighted in the 124th Mann Ki Baat, aims to:
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Correct answer: D — Digitise ancient manuscripts
PIB: under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, announced in this year's Budget, ancient manuscripts will be digitised.
Where was the keel of the Indian Coast Guard's first Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel laid on 22 July 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai
PIB (22 July 2025): the keel-laying of Yard 16401, first of six NGOPVs for ICG, was held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai.
How many Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are being built for the Indian Coast Guard under the contract of December 2023?
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Correct answer: D — Six
PIB: Yard 16401 is the first of six NGOPVs, being constructed under a contract signed on 20 December 2023.
Consider the following statements about the ICG's Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (July 2025): 1. Each 117-metre vessel will have a range of 5,000 nautical miles. 2. They are being procured under the Buy (Global) category. 3. They will feature AI-based predictive maintenance and remotely piloted drones. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB: the 117 m vessel has a 5,000 nm range and features AI-based predictive maintenance and remotely piloted drones. The NGOPVs are fully indigenous under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, not Buy (Global), so 2 is wrong.
According to EPFO's provisional payroll data, what was the net addition of members in May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 20.06 lakh
PIB (Labour): EPFO recorded a net addition of 20.06 lakh members in May 2025, the highest since April 2018; 9.42 lakh was the number of new subscribers.
Which state led net payroll additions in EPFO's May 2025 data, with 20.33 percent of the total?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
PIB: Maharashtra led by adding 20.33% of net payroll during the month.
Where was the first campus of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) inaugurated on 18 July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — NFDC Complex, Mumbai
PIB (I&B): the first campus of IICT, including the administrative complex and classrooms, was inaugurated at the NFDC Complex in Mumbai.
According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Indian Institute of Creative Technology will impart advanced training to professionals of which sector?
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Correct answer: B — AVGC-XR
PIB (I&B): IICT will offer completely industry-aligned advanced programmes to impart advanced training to AVGC-XR professionals and trainers.
Which new lichen species from the Western Ghats was reported by MACS-Agharkar Research Institute in July 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Allographa effusosoredica
PIB (S&T): scientists uncovered a previously unknown lichen species, Allographa effusosoredica, from the Western Ghats.
The algal partner (photobiont) identified in the new lichen Allographa effusosoredica belongs to which genus?
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Correct answer: D — Trentepohlia
PIB (S&T): the integrative study unveiled its algal partner, a Trentepohlia species.
Which three cities entered the new 'Super Swachh League' at the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards on 17 July 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Indore, Surat and Navi Mumbai
PIB (MoHUA): Indore, Surat and Navi Mumbai entered the premier Super Swachh League; Ahmedabad, Bhopal and Lucknow emerged as the new clean cities.
Which city won the award for 'Best Ganga Town' in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25?
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Correct answer: C — Prayagraj
PIB (MoHUA): Union Minister Manohar Lal presented the award for Best Ganga Town to Prayagraj.
Consider the following statements about initiatives announced at the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 awards: 1. Under the Swachh City Partnership, each of the 78 top-performing cities will mentor one poor-performing city from its State. 2. The Accelerated Dumpsite Remediation programme is a one-year programme starting from 15 August 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (MoHUA): all 78 top-performing cities will adopt and mentor one poor-performing city each from their States; the 1-year Accelerated Dumpsite Remediation programme starts from 15 August 2025. Both are correct.
The revamped Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 framework, which let smaller cities compete on an equal footing with larger ones, featured:
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Correct answer: D — 10 new parameters and five population categories
PIB (MoHUA): Secretary Srinivas Katikithala said the revamped framework, featuring 10 new parameters and five distinct population categories, enabled smaller cities to compete on an equal footing.
Under the 'One City, One Award' principle in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25, how many cities across States and UTs were recognised as Promising Swachh Shehars?
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Correct answer: B — 34
PIB (MoHUA): following the 'One City, One Award' principle, a total of 34 cities across States and UTs were recognised as Promising Swachh Shehars. (23 = Super Swachh League cities felicitated; 43 = national awards; 78 = mentor cities.)
The Department of Posts signed an MoU on 17 July 2025 with which body for KYC verification of mutual fund investors?
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Correct answer: C — Association of Mutual Funds in India
PIB (Ministry of Communications): the Department of Posts and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) signed the MoU in Mumbai on July 17, 2025.
Under the DoP–AMFI MoU of 17 July 2025, KYC verification services will be provided through a network of over how many post offices?
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Correct answer: D — 1.64 lakh
PIB (Ministry of Communications): DoP will provide KYC verification and document collection services through its network of over 1.64 lakh post offices.