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.
The Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (17 September–2 October 2025) was jointly led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and which other ministry?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Women and Child Development
PIB (MoHFW): the Abhiyaan was jointly led by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
Consider the following statements about the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan: 1. Over 18 lakh health camps were held under it. 2. It registered a footfall of nearly 10 crore citizens. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (MoHFW): by 2 October 2025, over 18 lakh (18,08,071) health camps were held, registering a footfall of nearly 10 crore (9,85,63,619) citizens and benefiting more than 6.5 crore women.
On 3 October 2025, envoys of four nations presented credentials to President Droupadi Murmu. Which of the following countries was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: D — Croatia
PIB (President's Secretariat): the President accepted credentials from the envoys of Mauritania, Luxembourg, Canada and Slovenia. Croatia was not among them.
In October 2025, the last date for submitting new applications under the PLI Scheme for Textiles was extended up to which date?
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Correct answer: D — 31 December 2025
PIB (Ministry of Textiles): the application portal for the PLI Scheme for Textiles will remain open until 31 December 2025.
How many applications did the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) receive by the close of its window in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 249
ECMS received 249 applications with proposed investment of ₹1,15,351 crore.
What is the financial outlay of the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹22,919 crore
The Union Cabinet approved ECMS on 28 March 2025 with an outlay of ₹22,919 crore; ₹59,350 crore was the investment target.
By what multiple did projected production under ECMS exceed its target, as announced in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 2.2 times
Projected production of about ₹10,34,700 crore is 2.2 times the ₹4,56,000 crore target.
Consider the following statements about the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS): 1. The scheme is projected to create about 1,42,000 direct jobs, above its target of 91,600. 2. The application window opened on 1 May 2025 and was extended till 30 September 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the MeitY release of 2 October 2025.
Which Union Minister launched the NIELIT Digital University platform on 2 October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Ashwini Vaishnaw
Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and IT, launched the NIELIT Digital University platform in New Delhi.
Which of the following was NOT among the five new NIELIT centres inaugurated on 2 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Shillong
The five new centres are at Muzaffarpur, Balasore, Tirupati, Lunglei and Daman; Shillong was not among them.
Consider the following statements about the NIELIT Digital University launched in October 2025: 1. It will offer industry-focused programmes in fields such as AI, cybersecurity, data science and semiconductors. 2. At the launch, NIELIT exchanged MoUs with Microsoft and Zscaler, among others. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the MeitY release.
Which birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was observed on 2 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 156th
The Vice-President paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat on his 156th birth anniversary on 2 October 2025.
According to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Gandhi Jayanti 2025, sales of Khadi and village industry products have risen to over how much in 11 years?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1.7 lakh crore
Amit Shah said sales rose about fivefold, from ₹33,000 crore to over ₹1.7 lakh crore.
Consider the following statements about Gandhi Jayanti observances on 2 October 2025: 1. The Vice-President attended a Sarva Dharma Prarthana at Raj Ghat. 2. While paying tribute, the Vice-President recalled Gandhiji's idea of Antyodaya. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the Sarva Dharma Prarthana at Raj Ghat and recalled Gandhiji's emphasis on Antyodaya.
Who founded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which completed 100 years in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar
The RSS was founded by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925.
Which motto did the Vice-President cite while greeting the RSS on its centenary in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Seva Parmo Dharmah
C. P. Radhakrishnan said RSS volunteers are guided by the motto 'Seva Parmo Dharmah'.
The Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign culminated on which day?
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Correct answer: C — Swachh Bharat Diwas (2 October)
SHS 2025 ran from 17 September to 2 October 2025 and culminated on Swachh Bharat Diwas.
Consider the following statements about the Swachhata Hi Seva 2025 campaign: 1. It was organised jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. 2. By 1 October 2025, over 16 crore citizens had participated in it. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Jal Shakti Ministry release.
As clarified by the CCPA in October 2025 after GST 2.0 complaints, at what GST rate does domestic LPG continue to be taxed?
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Correct answer: D — 5%
CCPA clarified that domestic LPG continues at 5% GST, with no change under the reforms.
On 2 October 2025, the Vice-President paid tribute to Lal Bahadur Shastri at which memorial in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: C — Vijay Ghat
Vijay Ghat is Lal Bahadur Shastri's memorial; the Vice-President paid tribute there on his birth anniversary.
What was the tagline of the Fit India Freedom Run 6.0 held on Gandhi Jayanti 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Swachhta se Swasthya ki or
The tagline was 'Swachhta se Swasthya ki or', meaning towards good health through cleanliness.
What is the financial outlay of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses approved in October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹11,440 crore
The six-year Mission has an outlay of ₹11,440 crore.
What pulses production target does the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses set for 2030-31?
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Correct answer: D — 350 lakh tonnes
The Mission aims to raise pulses production to 350 lakh tonnes by 2030-31.
Consider the following statements about the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: 1. It provides for 100% procurement of tur, urad and masoor from farmers at MSP during the next four years. 2. The Mission runs from 2024-25 to 2028-29. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Mission runs for six years, from 2025-26 to 2030-31.
What is the MSP of wheat for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27, approved in October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,585 per quintal
Wheat MSP was raised by ₹160 to ₹2,585 per quintal.
Which Rabi crop received the highest absolute increase in MSP for marketing season 2026-27?
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Correct answer: A — Safflower
Safflower got the highest increase of ₹600 per quintal, followed by lentil at ₹300.
For Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27, which crop has the highest margin of MSP over its cost of production?
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Correct answer: B — Wheat
Wheat has the highest margin at 109%, followed by rapeseed and mustard (93%) and lentil (89%).
Consider the following statements about Rabi MSPs for marketing season 2026-27: 1. The MSP of lentil (masur) has been fixed at ₹7,000 per quintal. 2. The MSP of barley has been raised by ₹170 per quintal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: lentil MSP is ₹7,000 and barley MSP rose by ₹170 to ₹2,150.
After the hike approved on 1 October 2025, what is the Dearness Allowance rate for Central Government employees?
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Correct answer: C — 58%
The 3% increase takes DA from 55% to 58% of basic pay.
From which date is the DA/DR increase approved by the Cabinet on 1 October 2025 effective?
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Correct answer: B — 1 July 2025
The additional instalment of DA and DR is effective from 1 July 2025.
Consider the following statements about the DA hike approved in October 2025: 1. It will benefit about 68.72 lakh Central Government employees. 2. The increase follows a formula based on the recommendations of the 8th Central Pay Commission. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: 68.72 lakh is the number of pensioners (employees are 49.19 lakh), and the formula is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission.
At what level did the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee keep the policy repo rate on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 5.50%
The MPC unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.50%.
In its October 2025 policy, what real GDP growth did the RBI project for 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 6.8%
The RBI raised its 2025-26 real GDP growth projection to 6.8% from 6.5%.
After the RBI's October 2025 policy, what is the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate?
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Correct answer: D — 5.25%
With the repo rate at 5.50%, the SDF rate remains at 5.25% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate at 5.75%.
Consider the following statements about the RBI's monetary policy of 1 October 2025: 1. The MPC cut the repo rate by 25 basis points. 2. The CPI inflation projection for 2025-26 was lowered to 2.6%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the repo rate was kept unchanged at 5.50%. Statement 2 is correct: the inflation projection was cut to 2.6% from 3.1%.
What investment objective is included in the India–EFTA TEPA, which came into force on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — USD 100 billion over 15 years
TEPA includes an investment objective of USD 100 billion over 15 years and one million direct jobs in India.
Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)?
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Correct answer: C — Denmark
EFTA comprises Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein; Denmark is an EU member.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA TEPA: 1. Austria is one of the four EFTA countries party to the agreement. 2. The agreement entered into force on 1 January 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the four EFTA countries are Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and TEPA entered into force on 1 October 2025.
What did Prime Minister Narendra Modi release at the RSS centenary celebrations on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — A commemorative postage stamp and coin
The PM released a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin.
The commemorative stamp released at the RSS centenary in October 2025 recalls RSS volunteers marching in the Republic Day parade of which year?
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Correct answer: D — 1963
The PM said the stamp recalls RSS volunteers proudly marching in the 1963 Republic Day parade.
How much additional tax devolution did the Union Government release to States on 1 October 2025 as an advance instalment?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1,01,603 crore
The Centre released ₹1,01,603 crore on 1 October 2025, in addition to the regular instalment due on 10 October.
Which State received the largest share of the advance tax devolution released on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh received the largest share at ₹18,227 crore.
Under which legal provision did FIU-IND issue notices to offshore Virtual Digital Asset service providers in October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Section 13 of the PMLA, 2002
The notices were issued under Section 13 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.
How many offshore Virtual Digital Asset service providers received non-compliance notices from FIU-IND, as announced on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 25
FIU-IND issued notices to 25 offshore VDA service providers.
How many new Kendriya Vidyalayas did the Cabinet approve on 1 October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 57
The CCEA approved 57 new KVs in the civil sector.
Kendriya Vidyalayas function abroad in three cities. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: C — Dubai
The three KVs abroad are in Moscow, Kathmandu and Tehran.
Consider the following statements about Kendriya Vidyalayas: 1. The Government approved the scheme of Kendriya Vidyalayas in 1972. 2. The 57 KVs approved in October 2025 are the first to be sanctioned with Balvatikas. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the KV scheme was approved in November 1962. Statement 2 is correct.
The Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP), whose Phase III was approved in October 2025, is run by the Department of Biotechnology in partnership with which organisation?
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Correct answer: D — Wellcome Trust, UK
BRCP is a DBT–Wellcome Trust (UK) partnership implemented through the India Alliance SPV.
Consider the following statements about Phase III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme: 1. Its total cost is ₹1,500 crore, of which the Department of Biotechnology contributes ₹1,000 crore. 2. The programme was first launched in 2018-19. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: BRCP was launched in 2008-09; Phase II began in 2018-19.
On which date is NPS Diwas observed every year?
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Correct answer: D — 1 October
NPS Diwas is observed annually on 1 October.
At NPS Diwas 2025, PFRDA exchanged an MoU with which institution to reach farmers through Farmer Producer Organisations?
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Correct answer: B — NABARD
PFRDA exchanged an MoU with NABARD to strengthen outreach to the agriculture and rural sectors through FPOs.
The Union Cabinet on 1 October 2025 approved nationwide celebrations to mark how many years of the national song 'Vande Mataram'?
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Correct answer: A — 150 years
The Cabinet approved nationwide celebrations to commemorate 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'.
Which city hosted MONDIACULT 2025, the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development?
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Correct answer: C — Barcelona
MONDIACULT 2025 was held in Barcelona, Spain, and closed on 1 October 2025.
On 30 September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed whose comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict?
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Correct answer: B — US President Donald Trump
Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement of a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict.
Consider the following statements about India's response to the US plan on Gaza (September 2025): 1. PM Modi said the plan provides a viable pathway to long-term peace for the Palestinian and Israeli people. 2. PM Modi said the plan could also bring peace, security and development to the larger West Asian region. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PMO statement of 30 September 2025.
Which company's acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates Limited was approved by the CCI on 30 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Jindal Power Limited
The CCI approved the acquisition of JAL by Jindal Power Limited.
Consider the following statements about the Jindal Power–Jaiprakash Associates combination approved in September 2025: 1. The acquisition is pursuant to a corporate insolvency resolution process under the IBC, 2016. 2. Jaiprakash Associates is primarily engaged in the power sector. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: it is the acquirer, Jindal Power, that is primarily in the power sector; JAL is in real estate, cement, hospitality and EPC.
How many lost and stolen mobile handsets had been recovered through DoT's Sanchar Saathi platform, as announced on 30 September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Over 6 lakh
The 'Block Your Lost/Stolen Mobile Handset' facility crossed the milestone of over 6 lakh recoveries.
Up to August 2025, the Government of India's total receipts were what share of the 2025-26 Budget Estimate?
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Correct answer: A — 36.7%
Total receipts of ₹12,82,709 crore were 36.7% of the BE; expenditure was 37.1% of BE.
Consider the following statements about the Government of India's accounts up to August 2025: 1. Total expenditure was 37.1% of the 2025-26 Budget Estimate. 2. Tax devolution to States was ₹5,30,148 crore, higher than in the same period a year earlier. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: expenditure was 37.1% of BE, and devolution of ₹5,30,148 crore was ₹74,431 crore higher than a year earlier.
By how much did India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grow year-on-year in August 2025 as per the Quick Estimate?
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Correct answer: A — 4.0%
IIP grew 4.0% in August 2025; the July 2025 Quick Estimate was 3.5% and mining grew 6.0%.
Which manufacturing industry group grew the fastest among the top three contributors to IIP growth in August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Basic metals
Basic metals grew 12.2%, motor vehicles 9.8% and coke and refined petroleum products 5.4%.
Under the revised calendar announced with the August 2025 data, on which day of every month is the Quick Estimate of IIP released?
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Correct answer: B — 28th
The Quick Estimate of IIP is now released on the 28th of every month, or the next working day if the 28th is a holiday.
Consider the following statements about India's IIP for August 2025: 1. Consumer non-durables recorded positive growth under the use-based classification. 2. The index is compiled on the base year 2011-12. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: consumer non-durables fell 6.3%. Statement 2 is correct: the base is 2011-12=100.
Under the use-based classification, which category recorded the highest year-on-year growth in India's IIP for August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Infrastructure/construction goods
Infrastructure/construction goods grew 10.6%, against 5.2% for primary goods, 4.4% for capital goods and 3.5% for consumer durables.
A report on which subject was released at the 16th meeting of the Empowered Task Force on Ganga Rejuvenation in September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Geomorphic and ecological impacts of sand mining in large rivers
The meeting chaired by C.R. Paatil released a report on the geomorphic and ecological impacts of sand mining in large rivers.