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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%).
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%).
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.
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.
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.
In October 2025, the CCI approved the acquisition of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals by which company, subject to voluntary modifications?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Torrent Pharmaceuticals
PIB: the CCI approved the proposed acquisition of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited with voluntary modifications.
PFRDA's October 2025 consultation paper proposes which valuation approach for long-dated government securities held in NPS and APY?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Dual valuation — accrual and fair market
PIB: the consultation paper proposes adoption of a dual valuation framework ('accrual' and 'fair market') for long-dated G-Secs held in NPS/APY.
Consider the stated purposes of PFRDA's dual valuation proposal (October 2025). Which of the following is NOT one of them?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Raise the equity exposure limit for NPS schemes
PIB: the three purposes are stable depiction of pension wealth, reducing short-term interest-rate volatility on NAV, and aligning investments with long-term capital formation; raising equity limits is not mentioned.
Jayant Chaudhary's Knowledge Exchange Mission to the Philippines (20–22 October 2025) was facilitated by which organisation?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — World Bank
PIB: the high-level Knowledge Exchange Mission to the Philippines from 20–22 October 2025 was facilitated by the World Bank.
Which Philippine body, met by the Indian delegation in October 2025, is responsible for technical education and skills development?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — TESDA
PIB: the mission engaged the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), along with DMW, PSA and OWWA.
The October 2025 study showing that black-hole radiation and radio jets jointly drive galactic gas outflows was led by astronomers of which institute?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Indian Institute of Astrophysics
PIB: the study was led by astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute of DST.
According to the IIA study (October 2025), galactic gas outflows driven by active galactic nuclei can reach speeds of up to:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 2,000 km/s
PIB: these powerful winds can travel at speeds of up to 2,000 km per second, fast enough to escape the galaxy's gravitational pull.
How many special trains did Indian Railways say it was operating for Puja, Diwali and Chhath 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 12,011
PIB: IR is operating 12,011 special trains, a significant increase from 7,724 in the same period last year; 3,960 had run between 1 and 19 October.
Which railway zone was operating the highest number of festive special trains in 2025, according to the Railways' figures of 20 October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Central Railway
PIB: Central Railway (1,998 trains) was ahead of Northern Railway (1,919) and Western Railway (1,501); East Central Railway had 1,217.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Which phrase did PM Modi use on 19 October 2025 while urging citizens to buy Indian products during the festive season?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai
PIB: the PM said, 'Let's buy Indian products and say — Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai!' and asked people to share their purchases on social media.
According to the Ayush Ministry's World Osteoporosis Day 2025 note, Ayurveda associates osteoporosis primarily with the vitiation of which dosha?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Vata
PIB: according to Ayurveda, osteoporosis is primarily associated with the vitiation of Vata dosha, which weakens bone strength and density.
Which classical Ayurvedic concept did the CCRAS Director General say aligns closely with the modern understanding of bone fragility (October 2025)?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Asthi Saushirya
PIB: Prof. Rabinarayan Acharya, DG, CCRAS, said the classical concept of Asthi Saushirya aligns closely with the modern understanding of bone fragility.
How many Anganwadi Centres have been made functional in PVTG areas under PM-JANMAN, according to the WCD Ministry (October 2025)?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — More than 2,000
PIB: more than 2000 Anganwadi Centres have been made functional in Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) areas under PM JANMAN.
At which event did the WCD Ministry receive its award for PM-JANMAN implementation in October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — National Conclave on Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan
PIB: the felicitation took place during the National Conclave on 'Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan' at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What are the fee and validity of the FASTag Annual Pass?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rs 3,000; one year or 200 crossings
PIB (MoRTH): the annual pass requires a one-time fee of Rs 3,000 for one year's validity or 200 toll plaza crossings.
Consider the following statements about the FASTag Annual Pass: 1. It was launched on 15 August 2025. 2. It is applicable to commercial as well as non-commercial vehicles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB (MoRTH): the pass was launched on 15 August 2025 and is applicable to all non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag.
What is the base year of the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers released for September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2019=100
PIB: the Labour Bureau releases CPI-AL and CPI-RL with the base year 2019=100.
Which body compiles and releases the Consumer Price Index numbers for Agricultural Labourers and Rural Labourers?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Labour Bureau
PIB: the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour & Employment, releases CPI-AL and CPI-RL.
Consider the following statements about CPI-AL and CPI-RL for September 2025: 1. Year-on-year inflation was -0.07% for agricultural labourers and 0.31% for rural labourers. 2. The indices are based on data collected from 787 sample villages across 34 States/UTs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: YoY inflation stood at -0.07% (AL) and 0.31% (RL) in September 2025; the indices use data from 787 sample villages across 34 States/UTs.
Who took over as Director General of Medical Services (Army) in October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Lt Gen CG Muralidharan
PIB: Lt Gen CG Muralidharan took over as DGMS (Army) from Lt Gen Sadhna S Nair, who superannuated on 30 September 2025.
What is the motto of the Army Medical Corps, as cited in the PIB release on the new DGMS (Army)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sarve Santu Niramayah
PIB: the Army Medical Corps upholds its motto 'Sarve Santu Niramayah' — health and wellbeing for all.
The IndiaAI Mission has partnered with which organisation to prepare a casebook on real-world AI applications in health systems for the Global South?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — World Health Organization
PIB: the IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, announced a global call for abstracts for the casebook.
Consider the following statements about the IndiaAI–WHO casebook on AI in health: 1. Abstracts of up to 250 words were to be submitted by 31 October 2025. 2. Selected entries are to feature at the India–AI Impact Summit 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: abstracts (maximum 250 words) were due by 31 October 2025, and selected entries will feature at the India–AI Impact Summit 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
According to NCRB's Prison Statistics India 2022, cited at the NHRC conference, what was the occupancy rate of Indian prisons in 2022?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 131.4%
PIB: the occupancy rate rose to 131.4% of the actual capacity of 1,330 prisons in 2022, from 118% in 2020.
Consider the following statements in the context of the NHRC conference on prison inmates (October 2025): 1. The Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act was prepared by the Union Government in 2023. 2. Justice V. Ramasubramanian is the Chairperson of the NHRC. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: Justice Ramasubramanian, NHRC Chairperson, cited the 'Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act' prepared by the Union Government in 2023.
NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform launched the 'We Rise' initiative in October 2025 with which partner to boost export readiness of women entrepreneurs?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — DP World
PIB: NITI Aayog's WEP and DP World announced the joint initiative 'We Rise' to enhance the export readiness of 100 women entrepreneurs.
The 'Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar' campaign on unclaimed financial assets follows a '3A' strategy. What do the three A's stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Awareness, Accessibility and Action
PIB (DFS): the campaign focuses on the 3A strategy — Awareness, Accessibility and Action.
What is the total outlay of the PLI Scheme for White Goods (air conditioners and LED lights), launched in April 2021?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹6,238 crore
PIB: the PLI Scheme for White Goods was launched in April 2021 with a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods, whose Round 4 window was extended to 10 November 2025, covers which products?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB: Round 4 of the PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED Lights) was extended till 10 November 2025.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
India was elected Co-Chair of which UN regional body for the 2025–2028 term, as announced in October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — UN-GGIM Asia and the Pacific Regional Committee
PIB: India was elected Co-Chair of the Regional Committee of United Nations Global Geospatial Information Management for Asia and the Pacific (UN-GGIM-AP) for 2025–2028.
Who represented India in its election as Co-Chair of UN-GGIM-AP?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Surveyor General of India, Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana
PIB: India, represented by the Surveyor General of India, Shri Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana, was elected Co-Chair.