UPPSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The first Indian biological experiment planned aboard the ISS, announced in May 2025, will study the effect of microgravity on:
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Correct answer: B — Edible microalgae
The first experiment will examine the impact of microgravity and space radiation on edible microalgae as a sustainable space nutrition source.
Consider the following statements about India's planned space biology experiments (announced May 2025): 1. They will be carried out aboard ISRO's Gaganyaan G1 mission. 2. The second experiment will compare growth of cyanobacteria such as Spirulina in urea- and nitrate-based media. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The experiments are part of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as a crew member.
How many startups did DPIIT approve for income tax exemption under Section 80-IAC, as announced on 15 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 187
187 startups were approved: 75 at the 79th and 112 at the 80th IMB meeting. Over 3,700 is the cumulative total.
Under Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, eligible startups can claim:
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Correct answer: D — 100% deduction on profits for any 3 consecutive years within 10 years of incorporation
Eligible startups get a 100% income tax deduction on profits for any three consecutive years within a ten-year window from incorporation.
Consider the following statements about the Section 80-IAC startup tax benefit: 1. Startups incorporated before 1 April 2030 are now eligible to apply. 2. Under DPIIT's revised framework, complete applications are reviewed within 90 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Complete applications are reviewed within 120 days.
The India–EU joint research calls on Marine Plastic Litter and Waste to Green Hydrogen (May 2025) were launched under which mechanism?
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Correct answer: A — India–EU Trade and Technology Council
The calls were launched under the India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), set up in 2022.
Consider the following statements about the India–EU research calls launched in May 2025: 1. They carry a joint investment of ₹391 crore (about €41 million). 2. The India–EU Trade and Technology Council was established in 2022. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The TTC was set up in 2022 by PM Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The two India–EU coordinated research calls launched on 15 May 2025 address which areas?
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Correct answer: B — Marine Plastic Litter and Waste to Green Hydrogen
The calls focus on Marine Plastic Litter (MPL) and Waste to Green Hydrogen (W2GH).
Which body wrote to all States and UTs in May 2025 seeking immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's 14 directives against manual scavenging?
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Correct answer: B — National Human Rights Commission
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) wrote to the Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all States and UTs.
How many directives did the Supreme Court issue in Dr. Balram Singh v. Union of India (2023) to eliminate manual scavenging?
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Correct answer: D — 14
The Supreme Court issued 14 directives in its 2023 judgment.
Consider the following statements regarding the NHRC's May 2025 communication on manual scavenging: 1. It noted the Supreme Court's complete ban announced on 29 January 2025 in six cities including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. 2. It sought action taken reports within four weeks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The NHRC sought action taken reports within eight weeks.
The high-level fisheries review chaired by the Prime Minister on 15 May 2025 focused on:
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Correct answer: A — Fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone and high seas
The meeting focused on fishing in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the high seas.
Consider the following statements about the PM's fisheries review (15 May 2025): 1. The PM suggested using drones, as per technical protocols, to transport fresh fish to nearby city markets. 2. The PM suggested exploring uses of seaweed for fuel, nutrition and pharmaceuticals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PMO release.
The DRDO laboratory that developed the high-pressure polymeric membrane for seawater desalination (May 2025) is based in:
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Correct answer: B — Kanpur
The membrane was developed by DMSRDE, DRDO's Kanpur-based laboratory.
Consider the following statements about DRDO's desalination membrane (May 2025): 1. It was developed for desalination plants on Indian Coast Guard ships. 2. Final operational clearance will be given after 500 hours of operational testing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Initial trials were held on an ICG Offshore Patrol Vessel.
Who took oath as Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission on 15 May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Dr Ajay Kumar
Dr Ajay Kumar, former Defence Secretary, took oath as UPSC Chairman. Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd), the senior-most Member, administered the oath.
Consider the following statements about the new UPSC Chairman (May 2025): 1. He is a 1990-batch IAS officer. 2. The oath of office was administered to him by the President of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Dr Ajay Kumar is a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, and the oath was administered by Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd), the senior-most Member of the Commission.
As per the PLFS monthly bulletin for April 2025, the unemployment rate (Current Weekly Status, age 15+) was:
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Correct answer: D — 5.1%
The unemployment rate in CWS for persons aged 15 and above was 5.1% in April 2025.
The labour force participation rate (CWS, age 15+) in April 2025, as per the PLFS monthly bulletin, was:
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Correct answer: A — 55.6%
LFPR was 55.6%. 52.8% was the overall WPR, 58.0% rural LFPR and 50.7% urban LFPR.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS bulletin for April 2025: 1. The PLFS sampling methodology was revamped from January 2025. 2. The female unemployment rate was higher than the male unemployment rate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The male UR (5.2%) was slightly higher than the female UR (5.0%).
Which body revoked the security clearance of M/s Celebi and its associated companies in May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the clearance on grounds related to national security.
Consider the following statements about the revocation of Celebi's security clearance (May 2025): 1. It was revoked on grounds related to national security. 2. It was revoked by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The clearance was revoked by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
India's total exports (merchandise and services) in April 2025 were estimated at:
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Correct answer: A — US$ 73.80 billion
Total exports were US$ 73.80 billion. US$ 65.48 billion was the April 2024 figure, US$ 82.45 billion was total imports and US$ 38.49 billion was merchandise exports.
Among the following export categories, which recorded the highest year-on-year growth in April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Electronic goods
Electronic goods exports grew 39.51%, against 11.28% for engineering goods, 10.74% for gems and jewellery and 2.37% for drugs and pharmaceuticals.
Consider the following statements about India's trade in April 2025: 1. Merchandise exports were US$ 38.49 billion, up 9.02% year-on-year. 2. Total imports (merchandise and services) were estimated at US$ 82.45 billion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Commerce Ministry's release of 15 May 2025.
Under the Government's partnership-mode initiative, how many new Sainik Schools are to be set up?
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Correct answer: D — 100
The initiative is to set up 100 new Sainik Schools; 86 have been approved so far.
Consider the following statements about the new Sainik Schools initiative (May 2025): 1. The Ministry of Defence has approved 86 schools as new Sainik Schools. 2. Registration for the fourth round was open from 15 May to 14 June 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release of 15 May 2025.
Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, sworn in on 14 May 2025, is which Chief Justice of India?
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Correct answer: C — 52nd
Justice B.R. Gavai is the 52nd Chief Justice of India; he succeeded Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
Consider the following statements about Chief Justice B.R. Gavai: 1. He succeeded Justice Sanjiv Khanna as Chief Justice of India. 2. He is the second Chief Justice of India from the Scheduled Caste community, after Justice K.G. Balakrishnan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
Where was Justice B.R. Gavai sworn in as Chief Justice of India on 14 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan
The ceremony was held in the Ganatantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he took the oath before the President.
The semiconductor unit approved by the Union Cabinet on 14 May 2025 will be set up in Uttar Pradesh at:
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Correct answer: D — Near Jewar airport, YEIDA
The HCL–Foxconn unit will be set up near Jewar airport in the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) area.
Consider the following statements about the semiconductor unit approved on 14 May 2025: 1. It is a joint venture of HCL and Foxconn. 2. It will manufacture display driver chips. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The chips are for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs and other devices with displays.
The HCL–Foxconn semiconductor plant approved in May 2025 is designed for a capacity of:
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Correct answer: A — 20,000 wafers per month
The plant is designed for 20,000 wafers per month, with a design output of 36 million units per month.
What investment will the semiconductor unit approved by the Cabinet on 14 May 2025 attract?
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Correct answer: B — ₹3,700 crore
The new semiconductor unit will attract an investment of ₹3,700 crore.
Annual WPI-based inflation for April 2025 (provisional) was:
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Correct answer: A — 0.85%
WPI inflation was 0.85% in April 2025. 2.05% was March 2025, 2.45% was February 2025, and -0.19% was the month-on-month change.
Consider the following statements about WPI data for April 2025: 1. The WPI series uses 2011-12 as the base year. 2. Inflation in primary articles was negative. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Primary articles inflation was -1.44% in April 2025.
How many field-level electoral officials took part in the ECI training programme inaugurated at IIIDEM on 14 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 371
371 officials took part: 306 BLOs from Bihar, 30 from Haryana and 35 from Delhi. Over 2,600 is the number trained in two months.
Consider the following statements about the ECI training programme of 14 May 2025: 1. It was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at IIIDEM, New Delhi. 2. The 306 Booth Level Officers in the batch were from Haryana. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The 306 BLOs were from Bihar.
The NHRC's Short Film Awards scheme on human rights, whose 11th edition was announced in May 2025, was instituted in:
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Correct answer: B — 2015
The Short Film Awards scheme was instituted by the NHRC in 2015.
Consider the following statements about the NHRC's 11th short film competition (2025): 1. Films can be up to 30 minutes long. 2. Films must be in Hindi only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Films must be 3 to 10 minutes long and may be in English or any Indian language with English subtitles.
International Day of Yoga on 21 June 2025 marked which anniversary of IDY?
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Correct answer: D — 10th
IDY 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga.
'Samyoga', a signature event of IDY 2025, primarily aims to:
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Correct answer: B — Integrate evidence-based yoga practices into contemporary healthcare systems
Samyoga aims to translate evidence-based yoga practices into contemporary healthcare systems, including Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy and Sowa Rigpa.
The NCPCR national consultation of 14 May 2025 focused on awareness of which laws?
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Correct answer: D — POCSO Act, 2012 and Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986
The consultation covered the POCSO Act, 2012 and the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986.
Consider the following statements about the NCPCR consultation of 14 May 2025: 1. The NCPCR Chairperson is Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal. 2. About 300 participants took part. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The NCPCR Chairperson is Tripti Gurha; Preeti Bharadwaj Dalal is a Member of the Commission.
All-India CPI-based headline inflation for April 2025 (provisional) was:
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Correct answer: C — 3.16%
Headline CPI inflation was 3.16%. 2.92% was rural inflation and 1.78% was food inflation.
Consider the following statements about CPI data for April 2025: 1. Headline CPI inflation was the lowest year-on-year rate since July 2019. 2. Food inflation (CFPI) was the lowest since October 2021. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per MoSPI's release of 13 May 2025.
The Consumer Price Index released by MoSPI for April 2025 uses which base year?
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Correct answer: D — 2012
The CPI numbers are on base 2012=100.
India's first 3-nanometre chip design centres, inaugurated in Noida and Bengaluru on 13 May 2025, belong to which company?
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Correct answer: A — Renesas Electronics
The two design facilities belong to Renesas Electronics India Private Limited.
Consider the following statements about the Renesas design centres inaugurated in May 2025: 1. They were described as India's first design centres working on 3 nm chip design. 2. The two facilities are located in Noida and Hyderabad. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The facilities are in Noida and Bengaluru.
How many vulnerable individuals were screened under the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, as reviewed by the PM on 13 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 12.97 crore
12.97 crore vulnerable individuals were screened; 7.19 lakh TB cases were detected, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases.
Consider the following statements about the 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: 1. About 1.297 crore people were screened during the campaign. 2. 7.19 lakh TB cases were detected, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic cases. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals were screened.
India's Major Ports handled approximately how much cargo in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: B — 855 million tonnes
Major Ports handled about 855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25, up 4.3% from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023-24.
Which commodity group had the largest share of cargo handled at India's Major Ports in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: A — Petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL)
POL led with 254.5 million tonnes (29.8%), followed by containers (193.5 MT) and coal (186.6 MT).
Ayurveda Day will now be observed every year on:
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Correct answer: D — 23 September
Ayurveda Day has been fixed on 23 September every year.
Consider the following statements about the new date for Ayurveda Day: 1. It was notified through a Gazette Notification dated 23 March 2025. 2. Ayurveda Day was earlier observed on Diwali. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Ayurveda Day was earlier observed on Dhanteras.
The new date chosen for Ayurveda Day, 23 September, coincides with which astronomical event?
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Correct answer: B — Autumnal equinox
23 September coincides with the autumnal equinox, when day and night are nearly equal.
By what percentage did India's coal imports fall in April 2024–February 2025 compared with the same period a year earlier?
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Correct answer: B — 9.2%
Coal imports fell 9.2% to 220.3 MT. 15.3% was the fall for the non-regulated sector, 38.8% for blending imports, and 5.45% was growth in domestic output.
Consider the following statements about India's coal imports in April 2024–February 2025: 1. The fall in imports saved about US$ 6.93 billion in foreign exchange. 2. Imports for blending by thermal power plants fell by 38.8%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Coal release of 13 May 2025.
In his address to the nation on 12 May 2025, the Prime Minister said Operation Sindoor was carried out on:
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Correct answer: B — 6–7 May
As per the PIB release, the PM said the pledge of Operation Sindoor was fulfilled on 6-7 May.
In the address of 12 May 2025, the Prime Minister said any talks with Pakistan would focus on:
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Correct answer: C — Terrorism and PoK
The PM said any discussions with Pakistan would focus on terrorism and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Consider the following statements about the Prime Minister's address of 12 May 2025: 1. One of the three pillars he outlined was no tolerance for nuclear blackmail. 2. He said India had permanently ended its counter-operations against Pakistan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The PM said India had decided to temporarily suspend its counter-operations and would assess Pakistan's every move.
In his address of 12 May 2025, the Prime Minister referred to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that took place on:
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Correct answer: D — 22 April
The PM referred to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April 2025.
How many Test matches did Virat Kohli play before announcing his retirement from Test cricket on 12 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 123
Kohli played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs. He captained India in 68 of them.
Consider the following statements about Virat Kohli's Test career: 1. He won 40 of the 68 Tests in which he captained India, the most wins by an Indian Test captain. 2. He scored 30 Test centuries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the ICC and ESPNcricinfo.
How many Test double hundreds did Virat Kohli score, the most by an Indian?
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Correct answer: D — Seven
Kohli made seven Test double hundreds, the most ever by an Indian.
Virat Kohli retired as the fourth-most successful Test captain by wins. Who holds the record for the most Test wins as captain?
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Correct answer: D — Graeme Smith
Graeme Smith leads with 53 wins, followed by Ricky Ponting (48), Steve Waugh (41) and Kohli (40).
What was the theme of International Nurses Day 2025, chosen by the International Council of Nurses?
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Correct answer: A — Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies
The IND 2025 theme was 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring for nurses strengthens economies'. 'The Economic Power of Care' was the 2024 theme.
According to the State of the World's Nursing 2025 report, the global stock of nurses in 2023 was:
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Correct answer: B — 29.8 million
The global stock was 29.8 million in 2023 (27.9 million in 2018). 36 million is the 2030 projection; 5.8 million is the 2023 shortage.
Consider the following statements about the State of the World's Nursing 2025 report: 1. The global nursing shortage was 5.8 million in 2023 and is projected to fall to 4.1 million by 2030. 2. About 49% of the world's nurses are in countries that have 78% of the world's population. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. It is the reverse: about 78% of nurses are in countries with only 49% of the world's population.
The MoU signed between C-DOT and Synergy Quantum India in May 2025 is for developing Quantum Key Distribution systems suited for deployment on:
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Correct answer: D — Drones
The MoU covers development of drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems.
Consider the following statements about the C-DOT–Synergy Quantum MoU (May 2025): 1. C-DOT is an R&D institution under the Ministry of Electronics and IT. 2. The QKD systems are to be developed at Technology Readiness Level 6 or above. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. C-DOT is under the Department of Telecommunications (Ministry of Communications).
Consider the following statements about the Ethiopian delegation's India visit (May 2025): 1. The delegation is undergoing a week-long training programme at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG). 2. The programme is organised under the ITEC Division of the Ministry of External Affairs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The NCGG programme is organised under MEA's Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Division.
Consider the following statements: 1. PM Narendra Modi and Ethiopian PM Dr Abiy Ahmed met at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023. 2. The Ethiopian delegation that called on Dr Jitendra Singh on 12 May 2025 comprised only Ministers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The delegation comprised Governors, Vice-Governors and Ministers.
On 12 May 2025, the Ministry of Civil Aviation lifted the temporary closure for civil aircraft operations at how many airports?
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Correct answer: D — 32
The temporary closure of 32 airports, earlier in force till 05:29 hrs of 15 May 2025, was lifted with immediate effect.