SF Prep

UKSSSC 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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3325 news · 9039 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 80 questions
Government amends Rule 3(1)(d) of IT Rules: only senior officers can order content takedowns
Q1 Advanced

Under the October 2025 amendment to Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, an intimation to intermediaries for removal of unlawful content can be issued (where the rank exists) only by an officer not below the rank of:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Joint Secretary

PIB: intimations can now only be issued by a senior officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary or equivalent (or a Director where such rank is not appointed).

Q2 Advanced

Under the amended Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules (October 2025), which police officer can issue a content-removal intimation to intermediaries?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — A specially authorised officer not below Deputy Inspector General

PIB: in case of police authorities, only an officer not below the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), specially authorised, can issue such intimation.

Q3 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the October 2025 amendment to Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021: 1. All intimations will be reviewed monthly by an officer not below the rank of Secretary of the Appropriate Government. 2. The term 'reasoned intimation' was introduced to align the rule with Section 69A of the IT Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: monthly review by a Secretary-level officer is mandated; 'reasoned intimation' aligns the rule with the 'actual knowledge' requirement of Section 79(3)(b), not Section 69A.

Banking Laws (Amendment) Act nomination rules take effect 1 November: up to four nominees allowed
Q4

Under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 provisions effective from 1 November 2025, a depositor can nominate up to how many persons?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Four

PIB: customers may nominate up to four persons, either simultaneously or successively.

Q5 Advanced

Under the new nomination rules effective 1 November 2025, which type of nomination is permitted for articles in safe custody and safety lockers?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Only successive nomination

PIB: for articles in safe custody and safety lockers, only successive nominations are permitted; deposit accounts can have either.

Q6 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025: 1. It contains 19 amendments across five legislations, including the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. 2. Its nomination provisions came into force on 1 August 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the Act has 19 amendments across five laws. Certain other sections came into force on 1 August 2025; the nomination provisions (Sections 10–13) come into force on 1 November 2025.

India marks International Snow Leopard Day with '#23for23'; first census counted 718 snow leopards
Q7

According to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on International Snow Leopard Day 2025, how many snow leopards did India's first-ever snow leopard census record?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 718

PIB: the first-ever Snow Leopard Census recorded 718 individual snow leopards across the Indian Himalayas, with Ladakh alone hosting 477.

Q8 Advanced

What was the name of the nationwide campaign with which India marked International Snow Leopard Day on 23 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — #23for23

PIB: India observed International Snow Leopard Day with '#23for23', encouraging people to do physical activity for 23 minutes to raise awareness about snow leopard conservation.

ECI's two-day CEOs' conference on Special Intensive Revision preparedness concludes
Q9 Advanced

Where was the Election Commission's two-day Conference of Chief Electoral Officers on SIR preparedness held in October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — India International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Management, New Delhi

PIB (ECI): the two-day conference concluded at the India International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Management (IIIDEM), New Delhi.

Q10 Advanced

At the October 2025 CEOs' conference, the Election Commission held one-to-one interactions with CEOs of poll-bound states/UT. Which one of the following was NOT among them?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Karnataka

PIB (ECI): the Commission interacted one-to-one with CEOs of Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal. Karnataka was not among them.

Rajnath Singh releases Defence Procurement Manual 2025, effective 1 November
Q11

From which date does the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, released by the Defence Minister in October 2025, come into effect?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 November 2025

PIB: DPM 2025 is effective from November 01, 2025; RFPs issued up to October 31, 2025 remain under DPM 2009.

Q12 Advanced

Under DPM 2025, what rate of liquidated damages per week applies in indigenisation cases for delayed delivery?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 0.1% per week

PIB: in indigenisation cases only 0.1% LD per week will be levied instead of 0.5% per week; overall, maximum LD of 10% applies only in cases of inordinate delay.

Q13 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Defence Procurement Manual 2025: 1. RFPs issued after 1 November 2025 will be governed by DPM 2025, while earlier RFPs remain under DPM 2009. 2. It governs capital acquisition of major weapon platforms worth about ₹1 lakh crore. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: DPM 2025 governs revenue procurement (not capital acquisition) of approx ₹1 lakh crore by the three Services and other MoD establishments.

India rises to 9th in global forest area, stays 3rd in annual forest gain: FAO's Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025
Q14

According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, what is India's global rank in total forest area?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 9th

PIB: India moved up to 9th position in total forest area as per GFRA 2025; it was 10th in the previous assessment.

Q15 Advanced

The Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 was released by which organisation?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

PIB: GFRA 2025 was released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali.

Q16 Advanced

Consider the following statements regarding India in the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025: 1. India retained its 3rd position worldwide in annual forest area gain. 2. The assessment was released by FAO at Rome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: India maintained its 3rd position in annual forest area gain; the GFRA 2025 was released by FAO in Bali, not Rome.

Piyush Goyal leads India's delegation at UNCTAD XVI in Geneva
Q17

The 16th session of UNCTAD (UNCTAD XVI), where Piyush Goyal led India's delegation in October 2025, was held in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Geneva

PIB: Piyush Goyal attended the XVIth Session of UNCTAD in Geneva and delivered India's national statement.

Q18 Advanced

In which year was the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) established?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1964

PIB (UNCTAD XVI release): UNCTAD, established in 1964, promotes the integration of developing countries into the global economy through trade, investment and sustainable development.

Q19 Advanced

Consider the following statements based on India's address at UNCTAD XVI (October 2025): 1. India contributes about 17% of global emissions, in line with its share of world population. 2. India's current clean energy capacity was stated as 500 GW. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

Neither is correct. PIB: India contributes only 3.5% of global emissions despite hosting 17% of the world's population; clean energy stands at 250 GW, with 500 GW as the 2030 target.

India begins 7 nm processor design at IIT Madras under SHAKTI: PIB backgrounder
Q20

India's 7 nm processor announced in October 2025 is being developed by which institution?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — IIT Madras

PIB backgrounder: the 7 nm processor is being developed by IIT Madras through its SHAKTI initiative.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the SHAKTI processor initiative: 1. It was started in 2013 and is based on an open-source instruction set architecture. 2. The 7 nm processor under it is mainly targeted at smartphones and consumer wearables. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB backgrounder: SHAKTI started in 2013 on an open-source ISA (RISC-V); the 7 nm processor targets server applications in financial services, communications, defence and strategic sectors.

JAIMEX-25: INS Sahyadri joins Japan-India Maritime Exercise, makes port call at Yokosuka
Q22

Which Indian Navy ship participated in JAIMEX-25 and made a port call at Yokosuka in October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — INS Sahyadri

PIB: INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate, took part in JAIMEX-25 and called at Yokosuka on 21 October 2025.

Q23 Advanced

INS Sahyadri, which took part in JAIMEX-25, belongs to which class of warships?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate

PIB: INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built Shivalik-class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, commissioned in 2012.

Q24 Advanced

Consider the following statements about JAIMEX-25: 1. A JMSDF submarine took part in the sea phase along with surface ships. 2. The sea phase was held after the harbour phase at Yokosuka. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: JMSDF ships Asahi and Oumi and submarine Jinryu joined the sea phase (16–18 Oct); the harbour phase at Yokosuka began on 21 October, after the sea phase.

Sanae Takaichi becomes Japan's first woman Prime Minister; PM Modi also greets Bolivia's President-elect Rodrigo Paz Pereira
Q25

Who was designated Prime Minister of Japan by the Diet on 21 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sanae Takaichi

Kantei (Japan PMO): on 21 October 2025 Ms. Takaichi Sanae was designated Prime Minister; PIB: PM Modi congratulated her on her election.

Q26 Advanced

According to Japan's Prime Minister's Office, Sanae Takaichi is Japan's Prime Minister number ___ since Ito Hirobumi.

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 104th

Kantei: Prime Minister Takaichi became the 104th Prime Minister since Ito Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan.

Q27 Advanced

Consider the following statements regarding leadership changes greeted by PM Modi on 21 October 2025: 1. Sanae Takaichi succeeded Fumio Kishida as Prime Minister of Japan. 2. Rodrigo Paz Pereira was elected Prime Minister of Bolivia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

Neither is correct. BBC: Takaichi became LDP leader after Shigeru Ishiba resigned, so she succeeded Ishiba; PIB: Rodrigo Paz Pereira was elected President (not Prime Minister) of Bolivia.

Eight core industries grow 3.0% in September 2025; steel up 14.1%
Q28

By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in September 2025 (provisional)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 3.0%

PIB: the ICI increased by 3.0% (provisional) in September 2025; 2.9% is the April–September cumulative and 6.5% the final August figure.

Q29 Advanced

Which core industry recorded the highest growth in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Steel

PIB: steel production increased by 14.1% in September 2025, ahead of cement (5.3%), electricity (2.1%) and fertilizers (1.6%).

Q30 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Index of Eight Core Industries: 1. The eight core industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production. 2. Among the eight, refinery products carry the smallest weight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the eight core industries comprise 40.27% of IIP weight; petroleum refinery products carry the largest weight (28.04%), while fertilizers have the smallest (2.63%).

UDAN turns nine: 649 routes connecting 93 unserved and underserved airports
Q31

On which date was the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN launched?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 21 October 2016

PIB: UDAN was launched on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy; 27 April 2017 is the date of the first UDAN flight.

Q32 Advanced

The first UDAN flight, inaugurated by PM Modi on 27 April 2017, connected which two cities?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Shimla and Delhi

PIB: the first UDAN flight was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 27 April 2017 between Shimla and Delhi.

Q33 Advanced

Consider the following statements about UDAN as of its 9th anniversary (October 2025): 1. The 93 airports connected under UDAN include heliports and water aerodromes. 2. UDAN 5.5 is a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: the 93 unserved and underserved airports include 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes; UDAN 5.5 is a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters.

GST cuts to help Uttarakhand's hill farmers, crafts, tourism and auto belt: PIB backgrounder
Q34

The GI-tagged Lakhori Mirchi, mentioned in the October 2025 PIB backgrounder on GST cuts, comes from which district of Uttarakhand?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Almora

PIB backgrounder: the GI-tagged Lakhori Mirchi from Almora is known for its distinctive aroma and flavour.

Q35 Advanced

Pahari Toor Dal in Uttarakhand is traditionally cultivated as part of which mixed cropping system?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Barahnaja

PIB backgrounder: Pahari Toor Dal is cultivated by small rain-fed farmers as part of the traditional Barahnaja mixed cropping system.

Q36 Advanced

Consider the following statements based on the PIB backgrounder on GST cuts in Uttarakhand (October 2025): 1. Aipan is a traditional art form practised mainly in the Garhwal region. 2. GST on petrol vehicles up to 1200cc has been reduced from 28% to 18%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Only 2 is correct. PIB backgrounder: Aipan is practised across the Kumaon region (Almora, Bageshwar, Nainital), not Garhwal; GST on vehicles up to 1200cc (petrol) and 1500cc (diesel) fell from 28% to 18%.

Holy Relics of Lord Buddha return to India after first exposition in Kalmykia, Russia
Q37

The Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were exhibited in October 2025 in which republic of the Russian Federation?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Kalmykia

PIB: the relics returned to India after a week-long exposition (11–18 October 2025) in the Republic of Kalmykia, Russia; the delegation departed from Elista, its capital.

Q38 Advanced

Who led the Indian delegation accompanying the Buddha relics to Kalmykia in October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of J&K

PIB: the Indian delegation was led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha; UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya inaugurated Vasudeo Kamath's art exhibition there.

Q39 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Buddha relics exposition in Kalmykia (October 2025): 1. It was organised by the Ministry of Culture with the International Buddhist Confederation, the National Museum and IGNCA. 2. Artist Vasudeo Kamath donated all 28 paintings displayed there to the National Museum in Elista. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: the exposition was a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Culture, IBC, National Museum and IGNCA; Kamath donated all 28 paintings to the National Museum of Elista.

Mines Ministry adds intermediate timelines and penalties to speed up operationalisation of auctioned mineral blocks
Q40 Advanced

The Ministry of Mines' October 2025 amendment introducing intermediate timelines for auctioned mineral blocks was made to which rules?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015

PIB: the Ministry of Mines notified an amendment to the Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2015, introducing intermediary timelines from LoI to execution of the mining lease.

Q41 Advanced

Under the amended mineral auction rules (October 2025), what penalty applies for delay beyond a prescribed intermediate timeline?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Appropriation of 1% of the bank guarantee per month of delay

PIB: delay beyond the prescribed timelines attracts appropriation of the bidder's bank guarantee to the extent of 1% for each month or part of a month.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about mineral block auctions as described by the Ministry of Mines in October 2025: 1. All 585 major mineral blocks auctioned since 2015 are critical mineral blocks. 2. For a mining lease auction, the total penalty-free timeline from LoI to lease execution is 7 years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

Neither is correct. PIB: of 585 major mineral blocks auctioned, 34 are critical mineral blocks auctioned by the Centre; the penalty-free timeline is 3 years for a mining lease and 7 years for a composite licence.

Nafithromycin, India's first indigenously discovered antibiotic; first indigenous haemophilia gene therapy trial
Q43

Which is described by the Government as India's first indigenously discovered antibiotic, developed by the Department of Biotechnology with Wockhardt?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Nafithromycin

PIB: Dr Jitendra Singh said India has developed its first indigenously discovered antibiotic 'Nafithromycin', developed by DBT in collaboration with Wockhardt.

Q44 Advanced

India's first successful indigenous clinical trial of gene therapy for haemophilia, announced in October 2025, was carried out at which institution?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Christian Medical College, Vellore

PIB: the trial, supported by DBT, was done in a non-government hospital, Christian Medical College Vellore.

Q45 Advanced

Consider the following statements made by Dr Jitendra Singh on 18 October 2025: 1. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation has an outlay of ₹50,000 crore over five years, of which ₹36,000 crore will come from non-government sources. 2. The findings of the indigenous haemophilia gene therapy trial were published in The Lancet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: ANRF has a total outlay of ₹50,000 crore over five years, ₹36,000 crore from non-government sources; the gene therapy findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

GST Bachat Utsav: Finance Ministry says rate cuts fully passed on for 54 monitored products
Q46

How many products did the Finance Ministry closely monitor to check that Next-Gen GST rate cuts reached consumers, as stated on 18 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 54

PIB: the Finance Minister said prices of 54 products were closely monitored and the benefits had been fully passed on across all 54 items.

Q47 Advanced

According to Ashwini Vaishnaw on 18 October 2025, production had commenced at which two semiconductor manufacturing facilities?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — CG Semi and Kaynes

PIB: Shri Vaishnaw announced that production has commenced at two semiconductor manufacturing facilities — CG Semi and Kaynes.

Q48 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Next-Gen GST reforms, as described at the 18 October 2025 press conference: 1. They came into effect on 22 September 2025, the first day of Navratri. 2. They reduced the number of GST slabs from four to three. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the Next-Gen GST reforms came into effect on 22 September, the first day of Navratri, and brought the number of slabs down from four to two.

Chandrayaan-2's CHACE-2 makes first-ever observation of a solar CME's effect on the Moon's exosphere
Q49

Which instrument on the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter made the first-ever observation of a solar CME's effect on the lunar exosphere, as announced by ISRO on 18 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — CHACE-2

ISRO (18 Oct 2025): the observation was made by Chandra's Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2) on board the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter.

Q50 Advanced

On which date did the series of coronal mass ejections occur whose impact on the Moon was observed by Chandrayaan-2's CHACE-2?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 10 May 2024

ISRO (18 Oct 2025): the opportunity came in a rare occurrence on 10 May 2024, when a series of CMEs were hurled by the Sun.

Q51 Advanced

Consider the following statements, as stated by ISRO in October 2025: 1. The Moon's exosphere falls under the category of a 'surface boundary exosphere'. 2. Coronal mass ejections comprise mostly helium and hydrogen ions. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

ISRO (18 Oct 2025): the Moon's exosphere is a 'surface boundary exosphere', and CMEs comprise mostly helium and hydrogen ions, so both statements are correct.

Bhupender Yadav delivers India's closing statement at G20 Environment Ministers' Meeting in Cape Town
Q52

The G20 Climate and Environmental Sustainability Working Group Ministerial Meeting, where India delivered its closing statement on 17 October 2025, was held in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Cape Town

PIB: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered India's closing statement at the meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.

Q53 Advanced

Consider the following statements made by India at the G20 environment ministerial in October 2025: 1. India raised its non-fossil electric generation capacity to over 50% in 2025, meeting its revised NDC target five years in advance. 2. India's installed solar capacity grew from 27 GW in 2014 to 127 GW in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: non-fossil capacity exceeded 50% in 2025, five years ahead of the revised NDC target; installed solar capacity grew from 2.8 GW in 2014 (not 27 GW) to 127 GW in 2025.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya calls on PM Modi
Q54

Who is the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka who called on PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Dr Harini Amarasuriya

PIB: H.E. Dr Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, called on PM Modi; Anura Kumara Disanayaka is Sri Lanka's President.

Q55 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. Dr Harini Amarasuriya is the President of Sri Lanka. 2. PM Modi made a State visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Only 2 is correct. PIB: Dr Amarasuriya is the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka (the President is Anura Kumara Disanayaka); PM Modi recalled his State visit to Sri Lanka in April this year.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty calls on PM Modi during first India–Egypt Strategic Dialogue
Q56 Advanced

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty briefed PM Modi on 17 October 2025 about which bilateral mechanism held during his visit?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — The first India–Egypt Strategic Dialogue

PIB: Foreign Minister Abdelatty briefed the Prime Minister on the first India–Egypt Strategic Dialogue being held during his visit.

Q57

PM Modi congratulated Egypt's President on 17 October 2025 for Egypt's role in which agreement?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Gaza Peace Agreement

PIB: the Prime Minister congratulated President Sisi for Egypt's crucial role in the Gaza Peace Agreement.

Ministry of Mines releases State Mining Readiness Index; Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Punjab top their categories
Q58

Which State is ranked first in Category A of the State Mining Readiness Index released by the Ministry of Mines in October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Madhya Pradesh

PIB: the top three in Category A are Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Q59 Advanced

Which States are the top three in Category C of the State Mining Readiness Index?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Punjab, Uttarakhand and Tripura

PIB: in Category C, the top three ranks were obtained by Punjab, Uttarakhand and Tripura; Goa, Uttar Pradesh and Assam top Category B.

Q60 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the State Mining Readiness Index (SMRI): 1. Its release fulfils an announcement made in the Union Budget 2025-26. 2. Its indicators pertain mainly to coal and lignite blocks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: SMRI fulfils the Union Budget 2025-26 announcement; its indicators — auction performance, early mine operationalisation, exploration and sustainable mining — pertain to non-coal minerals.

India and Brazil issue Joint Declaration to deepen the MERCOSUR–India Preferential Trade Agreement
Q61

When was the Framework Agreement between India and MERCOSUR, recalled in the India–Brazil Joint Declaration of October 2025, signed?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 17 June 2003

PIB: the Joint Declaration recalled the Framework Agreement signed between India and MERCOSUR on 17 June 2003.

Q62 Advanced

Who signed the Joint Declaration on deepening the MERCOSUR–India trade agreement with Piyush Goyal on 16 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Geraldo Alckmin, Vice President of Brazil

PIB: the Vice President of Brazil and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, and Piyush Goyal issued the Joint Declaration.

Q63 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–Brazil Joint Declaration on the MERCOSUR–India PTA (October 2025): 1. The parties should endeavour to conclude negotiations within one year from their launch. 2. A meeting of the Joint Administration Committee created under Article 23 of the PTA is to help define the scope of the expansion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: the parties should endeavour to conclude negotiations within one year; the next step includes a meeting of the Joint Administration Committee under Article 23 of the PTA to define the scope.

Raksha Mantri doubles financial assistance for ex-servicemen and dependents: penury, education and marriage grants
Q64

After the increase approved in October 2025, what is the monthly penury grant for aged non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rs 8,000

PIB: the penury grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary.

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the enhanced assistance for ex-servicemen approved in October 2025: 1. The marriage grant has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary. 2. The schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: the marriage grant rises from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000; the schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the AFFDF.

PLFS September 2025: labour force participation at 55.3%, female LFPR at 34.1%, unemployment at 5.2%
Q66

According to the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for September 2025, what was the overall labour force participation rate for persons aged 15 years and above?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 55.3%

PIB: overall LFPR reached a five-month high of 55.3% in September 2025. 52.4% is the WPR and 57.4% the rural LFPR.

Q67 Advanced

What was the female labour force participation rate (age 15+) in September 2025, as per PLFS?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 34.1%

PIB: female LFPR in September 2025 was 34.1%, the highest since May 2025, up from 32.0% in June 2025.

Q68 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for September 2025: 1. The unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above rose marginally to 5.2% from 5.1% in August 2025. 2. The PLFS methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: UR climbed marginally to 5.2% in September from 5.1% in August 2025; the PLFS methodology was modified from January 2025 to give monthly and quarterly estimates.

DRDO's indigenous Military Combat Parachute System tested in a freefall jump from 32,000 feet
Q69

From what altitude did DRDO's Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) complete a combat freefall jump in October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 32,000 feet

PIB: MCPS successfully underwent a combat freefall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet, executed by IAF test jumpers.

Q70 Advanced

Which DRDO laboratories developed the Military Combat Parachute System?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ADRDE Agra and DEBEL Bengaluru

PIB: MCPS was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, and the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory, Bengaluru.

India's total exports for April–September 2025 estimated at US$ 413.30 billion, up 4.45%
Q71

India's total exports (merchandise and services) in April–September 2025 were estimated at about how much?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — US$ 413.30 billion

PIB (Commerce): total exports during April–September 2025 were estimated at US$ 413.30 billion, up 4.45%. US$ 220.12 billion was merchandise exports alone.

Q72 Advanced

As noted by the Department of Commerce, the IMF's October 2025 World Economic Outlook projected India's GDP growth for 2025 at:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 6.6%

PIB: India's GDP growth is projected to reach 6.6 percent in 2025, followed by 6.2 percent in 2026, as per the October 2025 IMF WEO update.

Q73 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 October 2025: 1. Merchandise exports in April–September 2025 grew 3.02% to US$ 220.12 billion. 2. Electronic goods exports in September 2025 rose 50.54% over September 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: merchandise exports in April–September 2025 were US$ 220.12 billion (+3.02%); electronic goods exports rose 50.54% from US$ 2.07 billion to US$ 3.12 billion in September 2025.

Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa's state visit: 70 years of ties, Buddha relics to travel, free e-visas
Q74

The relics of which two disciples of the Buddha did India announce in October 2025 would be sent to Mongolia next year?

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Correct answer: A — Sariputra and Maudgalyayana

PIB (PM's statement): the holy relics of two great disciples of Lord Buddha, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, will be sent from India to Mongolia next year.

Q75 Advanced

During the Mongolian President's October 2025 visit, an MoU was signed between Mongolia's Arkhangai Province and which Indian body?

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Correct answer: D — Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council

PIB (PM's statement): the MoU signed between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia's Arkhangai Province will boost cultural ties.

Q76 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India–Mongolia relations as described in October 2025: 1. The Mongolian oil refinery project is supported by an Indian line of credit of US$ 1.7 billion and is India's largest development partnership project globally. 2. The India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership was established in 2005, marking 20 years in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the refinery, supported by India's US$ 1.7 billion line of credit, is India's largest development partnership project globally; the 2025 visit marked 10 years of the Strategic Partnership, elevated during Modi's visit ten years ago.

Ministry of Mines classifies all limestone as a major mineral, ending the end-use distinction
Q77 Advanced

Before the Ministry of Mines' October 2025 notification, which use of limestone made it a minor mineral?

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Correct answer: B — Limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material

PIB: 'Limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material' had been notified as a minor mineral; the 10 October 2025 notification deleted it from the minor minerals category.

Q78 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the reclassification of limestone in October 2025: 1. It followed recommendations of an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Mines. 2. Existing minor-mineral limestone lessees have until 31 March 2026 to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: B — 2 only

Only 2 is correct. PIB: the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Mines & Minerals Sector was chaired by a Member of NITI Aayog, not the Mines Secretary; existing minor-mineral lessees are allowed till 31 March 2026 to register with IBM.

India Post resumes all international postal services to the USA from 15 October 2025 under Delivery Duty Paid system
Q79 Advanced

Under which mechanism did India Post resume international postal services to the USA from 15 October 2025?

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Correct answer: D — Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)

PIB: India Post has established a compliant mechanism for Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) processing, under which applicable customs duties are prepaid in India.

Q80 Advanced

As per US CBP guidelines cited by India Post in October 2025, customs duty on postal shipments from India to the USA is levied at:

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Correct answer: A — A flat 50% of the declared FOB value

PIB: customs duty on postal shipments from India to the USA is applicable at a flat rate of 50% of the declared FOB value under the IEEPA tariff; no additional base or product-specific duties apply.