SF Prep

Teaching 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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6376 news · 16773 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 85 questions
India, EU aim to finalise FTA by year-end, says EU Trade Commissioner Šefčovič
Q1 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Maroš Šefčovič

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

Q2

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

Show answer

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

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

Mauritius PM Ramgoolam's state visit: India announces special economic package in Varanasi
Q3

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Varanasi

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

Q4 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — New Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam National Hospital

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

Q5 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chagos Marine Protected Area

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

Q6 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — USD 25 million

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

Q7 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

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

Rajnath Singh flags off 'Samudra Pradakshina', first tri-service all-women circumnavigation
Q8

Aboard which vessel is the tri-service all-women circumnavigation expedition 'Samudra Pradakshina' being undertaken?

Show answer

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.

Q9 Advanced

Which three great capes will the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition round?

Show answer

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.

Q10 Advanced

Approximately what distance will the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition cover over nine months?

Show answer

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.

Q11 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Fast Track Immigration–Trusted Traveller Programme extended to five more airports
Q12 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 13

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

Q13

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Jaipur

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

Q14 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Navi Mumbai and Jewar

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

IIM Ahmedabad's first overseas campus inaugurated in Dubai
Q15

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Dubai

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

Q16 Advanced

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

Show answer

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

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

APEDA opens its first office in Patna; GI-tagged Mithila Makhana consignment flagged off
Q17

In which city did APEDA open its first office in Bihar on 11 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Patna

Piyush Goyal inaugurated APEDA's regional office in Patna at the Bihar Idea Festival on 11 September 2025.

Q18 Advanced

Which GI-tagged product from Bihar was flagged off in a 7-tonne export consignment at the APEDA Patna office inauguration?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Mithila Makhana

A 7 metric ton consignment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana was flagged off for New Zealand, Canada and the USA, exported by Neha Arya of Darbhanga.

PM announces ₹1,200 crore assistance for flood-hit Uttarakhand
Q19

How much financial assistance did PM Modi announce for flood-affected Uttarakhand on 11 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹1,200 crore

The PM announced ₹1,200 crore for Uttarakhand after a review meeting in Dehradun; ₹1,500 crore (Himachal) and ₹1,600 crore (Punjab) were announced on 9 September.

Q20 Advanced

Under which scheme will rural houses damaged by the 2025 Uttarakhand floods be rebuilt, as per the PM's announcement?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — PM Awas Yojana–Gramin 'Special Project'

Assistance will be extended under a 'Special Project' of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin, submitted by the Uttarakhand government, to rebuild damaged rural houses.

MNRE launches ₹100 crore call for green hydrogen start-ups at first R&D conference
Q21 Advanced

What is the maximum support per project under the ₹100 crore call for proposals for hydrogen start-ups launched in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹5 crore

The scheme provides up to ₹5 crore per project for pilots in innovative hydrogen production, storage, transport and utilisation technologies.

Q22 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the National Green Hydrogen Mission: 1. It was launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore. 2. R&D and innovation is one of its four pillars. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the Mission was launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹19,744 crore and rests on four pillars, namely policy and regulatory framework, demand creation, R&D and innovation, and enabling infrastructure.

India targets indigenous solar cells by 2028; non-fossil capacity crosses 251.5 GW
Q23 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2028

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

Q24 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 251.5 GW

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

ECI reviews States' preparedness for nationwide Special Intensive Revision of rolls
Q25 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1,200

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

Q26

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

Show answer

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

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

Q27 Advanced

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

Show answer

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

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

Cabinet approves ₹4,447 crore Mokama–Munger 4-lane greenfield corridor in Bihar
Q28

The Mokama–Munger section approved by the Cabinet in September 2025 is part of which corridor?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Buxar–Bhagalpur High-Speed Corridor

The CCEA approved the Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur High-Speed Corridor in Bihar.

Q29 Advanced

On which model will the Mokama–Munger four-lane section be built?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

The 82.4 km section will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at a total capital cost of ₹4,447.38 crore.

Q30 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Mokama–Munger corridor approved in September 2025: 1. It is an 82.4 km greenfield, access-controlled four-lane section. 2. It has a design speed of 120 km/h and will reduce travel time to under one hour. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect: the design speed is 100 km/h (average 80 km/h) and travel time will be about 1.5 hours.

India, ADB sign $126.42 million loan for climate-resilient tourism at Tehri Lake
Q31

The $126.42 million ADB loan signed with India in September 2025 is for tourism development around which lake?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Tehri Lake

The loan supports the Sustainable, Inclusive, and Climate-Resilient Tourism Development at Tehri Lake Area Project in Uttarakhand.

Q32 Advanced

Which district of Uttarakhand is targeted by the ADB-funded climate-resilient tourism project signed in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Tehri Garhwal

The project targets Tehri Garhwal district, one of Uttarakhand's most climate-vulnerable and economically disadvantaged regions.

Q33 Advanced

How many annual visitors is the ADB Tehri Lake tourism project expected to benefit?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 2.7 million

The project aims to benefit over 87,000 residents and 2.7 million annual visitors.

Cabinet approves ₹3,169 crore doubling of Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line
Q34

The Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat railway doubling approved by the Cabinet in September 2025 passes through which three states?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal

The 177 km section covers five districts in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Q35 Advanced

What is the length of the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat section approved for doubling in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 177 km

The CCEA approved doubling of the 177 km section at a cost of about ₹3,169 crore.

Q36 Advanced

Which pilgrimage destinations get rail connectivity through the Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat section, as mentioned by the government?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham) and Tarapith

The government said the section provides connectivity to Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham) and Tarapith (Shakti Peeth).

World Suicide Prevention Day: National Task Force seeks wider input on student well-being
Q37

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on which date?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 10 September

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

Q38 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 7.6%

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

PM Modi speaks to Qatar's Amir, condemns violation of Qatar's sovereignty after Doha attacks
Q39

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Amir of Qatar

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

Q40 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Gaza

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

CCS (Implementation of UPS) Rules, 2025 released for Central Government employees
Q41

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

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

Q42 Advanced

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

Show answer

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

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

Two new black Aspergillus species discovered in Western Ghats soil
Q43 Advanced

Aspergillus dhakephalkarii and Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae, reported in September 2025, are new species of which organism group?

Show answer

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.

Q44

Which institute's researchers identified two new Aspergillus species from the Western Ghats in 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune

Researchers from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of DST, made the identification.

Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli resigns after Gen Z protests; India's CCS reviews situation
Q45

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — K.P. Sharma Oli

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

Q46 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Cabinet Committee on Security

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

Q47 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — A ban on social media platforms

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

Q48 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

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

PM surveys floods in Himachal and Punjab, announces ₹1,500 crore and ₹1,600 crore aid
Q49

How much financial assistance did the Prime Minister announce for flood-affected Himachal Pradesh on 9 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹1,500 crore

The PM announced ₹1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh after an aerial survey and a review meeting in Kangra; ₹1,600 crore was announced for Punjab.

Q50 Advanced

Where did the Prime Minister hold the official flood review meeting in Punjab on 9 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Gurdaspur

After the aerial survey, the PM held an official review meeting in Gurdaspur with officials and elected representatives.

Q51 Advanced

Under which scheme will children orphaned by the 2025 floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh and Punjab receive comprehensive support, as announced by the PM?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — PM CARES for Children scheme

The PM announced comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme for children orphaned due to the recent floods and landslides.

Q52 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the PM's flood relief announcements of 9 September 2025: 1. The second instalments of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi will be released in advance. 2. Damaged houses will be geotagged under PM Awas Yojana for accurate assessment. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the releases say the second instalments of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi will be released in advance, and damaged houses will be geotagged under PM Awas Yojana for accurate damage assessment and faster aid.

C.P. Radhakrishnan elected Vice President with 452 votes; B. Sudershan Reddy gets 300
Q53

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 452

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

Q54 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha

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

Q55 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 767

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

Q56 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 only

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

India launches UPI–UPU integration at 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai
Q57

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Dubai

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

Q58 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — UPU Interconnection Platform (IP)

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

Q59 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — USD 10 million

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

Q60 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

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

EU lists 102 new Indian fishery establishments for seafood exports
Q61

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 102

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

Q62 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Export Inspection Council (EIC)

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

ESIC's SPREE-2025 and AMNESTY Scheme-2025 to widen social security coverage
Q63

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

Show answer

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

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

Q64 Advanced

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

Show answer

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

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

Agriculture Ministry explains biostimulant regulation under FCO; 146 products in Schedule VI
Q65 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Fertilizer Control Order, 1985

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

Q66 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

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

Indian contingent leaves for multilateral Exercise ZAPAD 2025 in Russia
Q67

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Russia

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

Q68 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Kumaon Regiment

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

Q69 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 65

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

34-million-year-old fossil leaves from Nagaland link Antarctic ice to Indian monsoon
Q70 Advanced

Fossil leaves from which geological formation in Nagaland helped link Antarctic ice formation to the early Indian monsoon, per a DST release of September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Laisong Formation

The study used well-preserved fossil leaves, about 34 million years old, from the Laisong Formation in Nagaland.

Q71 Advanced

According to the BSIP–WIHG study, how did the growth of Antarctic ice about 34 million years ago bring intense monsoon rains to Northeast India?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — By shifting the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

The research found that the growth of Antarctic ice reshaped global wind and rainfall patterns by shifting the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a major rain belt.

International Literacy Day 2025: Himachal Pradesh becomes fully literate; India's literacy at 80.9%
Q72

Which state was recognised as fully literate on International Literacy Day 2025, becoming the fifth fully literate State/UT in India?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh became the fourth state (fifth State/UT) to achieve full functional literacy, after Tripura, Mizoram, Goa and Ladakh.

Q73

What was the theme of International Literacy Day 2025 as celebrated by the Ministry of Education?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era

The Ministry of Education celebrated ILD 2025 with the theme 'Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era'.

Q74 Advanced

Which was the first Union Territory to be declared fully literate, as recalled by the Ministry of Education on International Literacy Day 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Ladakh

Ladakh was declared the first fully literate Union Territory on 24 June 2024.

Q75 Advanced

According to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on International Literacy Day 2025, India's literacy rate rose from 74% in 2011 to what level in 2023–24?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 80.9%

Shri Pradhan said India's literacy rate rose from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24.

Q76 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram as reported on International Literacy Day 2025: 1. Over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers have enrolled. 2. Nearly 1.83 crore learners have taken the foundational literacy and numeracy assessment, with 90% success. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both figures were cited by the Education Minister: over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers enrolled, and about 1.83 crore learners assessed with 90% success.

India and Israel sign Bilateral Investment Agreement in New Delhi
Q77

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Bezalel Smotrich

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

Q78 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — About USD 800 million

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

Q79 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

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

Q80 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Joint space exploration

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

France's Bayrou government falls after losing confidence vote 364–194
Q81

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

Show answer

Correct answer: D — François Bayrou

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

Q82 Advanced

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

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 364 against, 194 for

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

Q83 Advanced

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

Show answer

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

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

INST Mohali scientists show cholesterol-based materials can control electron spin for spintronics
Q84 Advanced

Scientists at INST Mohali reported in September 2025 that cholesterol-based nanomaterials could be used in which emerging technology?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Spintronics

INST Mohali introduced cholesterol-based nanomaterials as platforms for quantum technologies and spintronic applications.

Q85 Advanced

Which property of cholesterol makes it an ideal platform for the spin-controlling materials developed at INST Mohali?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Intrinsic handedness (chirality)

The release said cholesterol's intrinsic handedness (chirality) and flexibility enable precise control over molecular properties.