UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
At the BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting in May 2025, India stated an electricity capacity target of how much by 2032?
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Correct answer: C — 900 GW
India's capacity reached 475 GW in 2025 and the target is 900 GW by 2032; 100 GW is the nuclear target for 2047.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting of 19 May 2025: 1. The Ministers welcomed the updated BRICS Roadmap for Energy Cooperation (2025–2030). 2. The meeting was hosted in Rio de Janeiro. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The meeting was hosted in Brasília under Brazil's Presidency.
As highlighted by India at the BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting (May 2025), what is India's nuclear energy capacity target for 2047?
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Correct answer: D — 100 GW
India has set a target of 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
GeMAI, described by GeM as India's first generative AI-powered chatbot in the public sector, supports voice and text interactions in how many Indian languages?
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Correct answer: B — 10
GeMAI supports both voice and text interactions in 10 Indian languages.
Consider the following statements made on GeM's 8th Incorporation Day (May 2025): 1. Over 10 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises are part of the GeM ecosystem. 2. Among States and UTs, Maharashtra leads in GeM adoption. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. GeM has been adopted in all 36 States and UTs, with Uttar Pradesh leading the way.
According to GeM (May 2025), independent assessments including by the World Bank and the Economic Survey found an average saving of nearly how much in government procurement through GeM?
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Correct answer: D — 10%
Independent assessments, including from the World Bank and the Economic Survey, note an average cost saving of nearly 10%.
The e-Civil List 2025 of IAS officers launched in May 2025 is which edition of the Civil List?
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Correct answer: C — 70th
It is the 70th edition of the Civil List and the fifth in fully digital format.
Consider the following statements about the e-Civil List 2025: 1. It shows a total authorised IAS cadre strength of 6,877 officers. 2. It is the first Civil List to be brought out in fully digital format. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The 2025 edition is the fifth in fully digital format; what is new is that officers' photographs are included for the first time.
Haj 2025 pilgrims from India are departing from how many embarkation points (airports)?
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Correct answer: B — 18
Pilgrims are embarking from 18 airports; Lap-I used 12 of them.
Consider the following statements about the May 2025 amendment to the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957: 1. The amendment was made to Rule 8 by the Department of Economic Affairs. 2. It followed a consultation paper released by the DEA in September 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. DEA amended Rule 8 of the SCRR, 1957 via G.S.R. 318(E), after a consultation paper in September 2024.
The revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal launched in May 2025 serves over how many existing OCI cardholders?
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Correct answer: B — 5 million
The new portal serves over 5 million existing OCI cardholders and new users.
The revamped Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) portal launched in May 2025 was developed by which ministry?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Home Affairs
The revamped OCI portal was developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs and launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
On which platform did UIDAI begin sharing non-personal, anonymised Aadhaar Dashboard data in May 2025?
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Correct answer: D — data.gov.in
UIDAI began sharing the datasets on the open government data platform data.gov.in.
How many candidates did UPSC recommend for appointment in the final result of the Indian Forest Service Examination, 2024 (declared May 2025)?
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Correct answer: B — 143
UPSC recommended 143 candidates against 150 vacancies reported by the Government.
Consider the following statements about the NCC Mount Everest expedition of 2025: 1. It was the NCC's third successful Everest ascent, after 2013 and 2016. 2. It was flagged off by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh from New Delhi on 3 April 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The team summited on 18 May 2025 — the third NCC ascent after 2013 and 2016 — and had been flagged off from South Block, New Delhi on 3 April 2025.
The NCC cadet team that scaled Mount Everest on 18 May 2025 consisted of how many cadets?
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Correct answer: A — 10 (5 girls and 5 boys)
Ten cadets — five girls and five boys — made up the team; 15 cadets had been shortlisted for the winter training.
What was the average age of the NCC cadets who scaled Mount Everest in May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 19 years
The cadets had an average age of 19 years; the youngest was 16.
How old was the youngest cadet in the NCC team that scaled Mount Everest in May 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 16 years
The youngest cadet was only 16 years old.
What is the theme of International Museum Day 2025?
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Correct answer: D — The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities
The 2025 theme, set by ICOM, is 'The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities'.
Consider the following statements: 1. International Museum Day is organised every year on 18 May by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). 2. The ICOM General Conference 2025 was scheduled to be held in Paris. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The ICOM General Conference 2025 was scheduled in Dubai from 11 to 17 November 2025.
Consider the following statements about Khelo India events in the 2024-25 sporting year: 1. The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 were hosted by Bihar. 2. The Khelo India Para Games 2025 were held in Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Youth Games were hosted by Bihar in May 2025 and the Para Games were held in Delhi in March–April 2025; the Winter Games were in Jammu & Kashmir (Gulmarg).
The Khelo India Annual Calendar launched in May 2025 is aimed at preparing India for which two events?
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Correct answer: A — Commonwealth Games 2030 and Olympic Games 2036
The Minister said the calendar will build the foundation as India gears up for the Commonwealth Games 2030 and the Olympic Games 2036.
According to CBIC at its 'Sundays on Cycle' event (May 2025), GST unified around how many different indirect taxes into a single tax structure?
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Correct answer: B — 30
CBIC Member (GST) Shashank Priya said GST unified around 30 different indirect taxes into a single, transparent tax structure.
In the context of GST, what does the QRMP Scheme for small taxpayers stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Quarterly Return Monthly Payment
QRMP is the Quarterly Return Monthly Payment Scheme, which reduces the compliance burden for small taxpayers.
How many all-party delegations did the Government announce on 17 May 2025 to visit key partner countries and convey India's zero-tolerance message against terrorism?
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Correct answer: B — 7
Seven all-party delegations were announced, to visit key partner countries including UN Security Council members.
Consider the following statements about the all-party delegations announced on 17 May 2025: 1. Shashi Tharoor and Ravi Shankar Prasad were among the MPs named to lead the delegations. 2. The delegations were to visit key partner countries, including members of the UN Security Council. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The seven leaders were Shashi Tharoor, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Sanjay Kumar Jha, Baijayant Panda, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Supriya Sule and Shrikant Eknath Shinde.
Under the port restrictions imposed by DGFT on imports from Bangladesh in May 2025, imports of which of the following were exempted?
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Correct answer: D — Edible oil
The restrictions do not apply to fish, LPG, edible oil and crushed stone. Readymade garments are allowed only via Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports; processed food and wooden furniture are barred through the specified land ports.
Consider the following statements about DGFT Notification No. 07/2025-26 (May 2025): 1. The port restrictions do not apply to Bangladeshi goods transiting through India to Nepal and Bhutan. 2. The port restrictions apply to imports of fish and LPG from Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Fish, LPG, edible oil and crushed stone are exempt from the restrictions.
As per DGFT's May 2025 notification, readymade garments from Bangladesh may be imported only through which route?
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Correct answer: D — Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports
Readymade garments of all kinds may not be imported through any land port and are allowed only through Nhava Sheva and Kolkata seaports.
What is the theme of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Gender equality in digital transformation
The 2025 theme, set by ITU Council 2023 in Resolution 1416, is 'Gender equality in digital transformation'.
Consider the following statements: 1. 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of ITU. 2. ITU marks its 150th anniversary in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. ITU commemorates its 160th anniversary in 2025.
What is the theme of World Hypertension Day 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer
The 2025 theme is 'Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer'.
Consider the following statements about World Hypertension Day: 1. It is an initiative of the World Hypertension League. 2. It was first held in 2005. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. World Hypertension Day, started by the World Hypertension League, was first held on 14 May 2005 and is now observed on 17 May.
Under the DPIIT–GEAPP MoU of May 2025, what does 'ENTICE' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge
GEAPP will launch the Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge (ENTICE), a competitive platform with up to $500,000 in rewards.
The ENTICE challenge under the DPIIT–GEAPP partnership (May 2025) offers rewards of up to how much?
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Correct answer: B — $500,000
ENTICE offers up to $500,000 in rewards for high-impact clean-energy solutions.
Which is the earliest Archaeological Site Museum in the ASI's network?
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Correct answer: A — Sarnath
Sarnath (1910) is the earliest in the series of ASI Archaeological Site Museums.
India's first underground museum, mentioned by ASI in May 2025, is located at which World Heritage Site?
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Correct answer: D — Humayun's Tomb
ASI noted the recent inauguration of India's first underground museum at the World Heritage Site of Humayun's Tomb.
Consider the following statements about the Archaeological Survey of India (as of May 2025): 1. ASI manages 52 site museums. 2. 26 ASI sites are on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. ASI has 3,698 protected monuments and sites, 52 museums, and 26 sites on the World Heritage List.
How many protected monuments and sites does the Archaeological Survey of India look after, as stated in May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 3,698
ASI has a pan-India reach with 3,698 protected monuments and sites.
According to DGTR on its 8th Foundation Day (May 2025), India has initiated over how many trade remedy investigations since 1995?
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Correct answer: B — 1,200
Since 1995, India has initiated over 1,200 trade remedy investigations.
In which year did the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) launch a dedicated helpdesk to assist MSMEs?
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Correct answer: C — 2019
DGTR launched a dedicated helpdesk for MSMEs in 2019 to help them navigate trade remedy processes.
International Day of Yoga 2025 is which edition of the Day?
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Correct answer: C — 11th
The Ministry of Ayush announced 10 signature events to mark the 11th edition of IDY in 2025.
'Yoga Sangam', a signature event of International Day of Yoga 2025, is a synchronised yoga demonstration planned at how many locations?
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Correct answer: B — 1,00,000
Yoga Sangam is a synchronised yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations.
The India–US Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation that met from 13 to 16 May 2025 held which edition of its meeting?
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Correct answer: D — 8th
The 8th meeting of the JWGACTC was organised in India from 13 to 16 May 2025.
The India–US Joint Working Group on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation is constituted under which framework?
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Correct answer: B — Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)
The JWGACTC is constituted under the auspices of the India–US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
Consider the following statements about the 8th India–US JWG on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (May 2025): 1. The US delegation was headed by Rear Admiral Casey Moton. 2. The US delegation visited defence establishments in Delhi and Goa. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. A six-member US delegation headed by RAdm Casey Moton, PEO Aircraft Carriers, visited establishments in Delhi and Goa.
At the Doha Diamond League on 16 May 2025, Neeraj Chopra set a new Indian record with a throw of:
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Correct answer: A — 90.23 m
Chopra threw 90.23 m in the third round. 89.94 m was his previous best, 91.06 m was Julian Weber's winning throw and 88.44 m was Chopra's opening throw.
Who won the men's javelin throw at the Doha Diamond League 2025, in which Neeraj Chopra finished second?
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Correct answer: D — Julian Weber
Germany's Julian Weber won with a final-round throw of 91.06 m. Anderson Peters was third and Kishore Jena eighth.
Consider the following statements about the men's javelin at the Doha Diamond League (16 May 2025): 1. Neeraj Chopra became the 25th man in history to throw beyond 90 m. 2. Anderson Peters finished second, ahead of Neeraj Chopra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Chopra finished second; Anderson Peters was third with 85.64 m.
In May 2025, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) announced its first overseas campus in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Dubai
IIFT announced the establishment of its first overseas campus in Dubai, UAE.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT): 1. It is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education. 2. Its Dubai campus required No Objection Certificates from the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the UGC. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. IIFT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry; the Ministry of Education gave approval for the campus.
The first Sagarmatha Sambaad, held in Kathmandu in May 2025, had which theme?
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Correct answer: B — Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity
The theme of the first Sagarmatha Sambaad was 'Climate Change, Mountains, and the Future of Humanity'.
According to India's first Snow Leopard Population Assessment (2019–2023), cited at the Sagarmatha Sambaad, how many snow leopards were found in India?
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Correct answer: D — 718
The assessment found a total of 718 snow leopards across India, about 10–15% of the global population.
Consider the following statements made by India at the first Sagarmatha Sambaad (May 2025): 1. South Asia accounts for only about 4% of historical global CO2 emissions despite being home to nearly 25% of the world's population. 2. Himalayan nations were called upon to collaborate under the International Solar Alliance to protect snow leopards. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The call for transboundary conservation of snow leopards, tigers and leopards was made under the International Big Cats Alliance.
On 16 May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 58th Jnanpith Award on which Sanskrit scholar at Vigyan Bhavan?
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Correct answer: B — Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
The 58th Jnanpith Award was conferred on Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. The other names are earlier women Jnanpith awardees recalled by the President.
Consider the following statements regarding the 58th Jnanpith Award ceremony (16 May 2025): 1. The Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust has been giving the award to writers in Indian languages since 1965. 2. Gulzar received the award in person at the ceremony. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The President congratulated Gulzar, who could not attend the ceremony.
The 'National Accounts Statistics – 2025' released by MoSPI presents constant-price estimates with which base year?
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Correct answer: D — 2011-12
Estimates are presented at current and constant (2011-12) prices.
Consider the following statements about 'National Accounts Statistics – 2025': 1. It includes Final Estimates for 2022-23 and First Revised Estimates for 2023-24. 2. It was released by the Reserve Bank of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The publication was released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
As per data released in May 2025, cumulative Aadhaar authentication transactions crossed which milestone by the end of April 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 150 billion
Cumulative Aadhaar authentications crossed 150 billion (15,011.82 crore) by the end of April 2025.
Consider the following statements about Aadhaar usage in April 2025: 1. Aadhaar e-KYC transactions numbered 37.3 crore, about 39.7% more than in April 2024. 2. UIDAI's face authentication recorded around 14 crore transactions. 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 UIDAI figures released on 16 May 2025.
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).