UPSC EPFO / APFC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Whom did India's Commerce and Industry Minister meet as US Trade Representative during the delegation's US visit of 22–24 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Jamieson Greer
The minister met US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and US Ambassador-designate to India Sergio Gor.
In which country did Rajnath Singh inaugurate Tata Advanced Systems' Wheeled Armoured Platform plant on 23 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Morocco
The TASL plant is in Berrechid, Morocco.
The Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8x8 to be produced at the Berrechid plant was jointly designed by TASL and which organisation?
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Correct answer: D — DRDO
WhAP 8x8 was jointly designed by TASL and DRDO.
In which city is Tata Advanced Systems' defence manufacturing facility in Morocco located?
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Correct answer: C — Berrechid
The facility is in Berrechid, Morocco.
Consider the following statements about the TASL facility in Morocco: 1. It is the first such plant set up by an Indian private company in Africa. 2. It became operational three months behind schedule. 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 facility became operational three months ahead of schedule.
What net addition of members did EPFO record in July 2025, as per data released on 23 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 21.04 lakh
EPFO recorded a net addition of 21.04 lakh members; 9.79 lakh were new subscribers.
What share of EPFO's new subscribers in July 2025 were aged 18–25?
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Correct answer: A — 61.06%
5.98 lakh of the 9.79 lakh new subscribers – 61.06% – were aged 18–25.
Consider the following statements about EPFO's payroll data for July 2025: 1. The net addition of 21.04 lakh members was 5.55% higher than in July 2024. 2. About 16.43 lakh members who had exited earlier rejoined EPFO. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the net addition of 21.04 lakh was up 5.55% year-on-year, and about 16.43 lakh members who had exited earlier rejoined.
Which institution released the report 'Pathways to Progress: Analysis and Insights into India's Innovation Story' in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog released the report on 23 September 2025.
TRAI's September 2025 recommendations on FM radio reserve prices covered category 'E' cities in which states/UT?
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Correct answer: C — Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir
The 18 category 'E' cities are in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir; Bilaspur, Rourkela and Rudrapur were also covered.
Where will the two Direct Broadcast Network (DBNet) stations under the NCMRWF–NSIL MoU of September 2025 be set up?
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Correct answer: B — Delhi/NCR and Chennai
The MoU provides for one DBNet station in Delhi/NCR and one in Chennai under Mission Mausam.
The Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, launched on 23 September 2025, is aimed at which group?
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Correct answer: D — School students
It is a nationwide innovation movement for school students, organised by DoSEL with AIM and AICTE.
Under the GST rate structure that took effect on 22 September 2025, what are the Merit Rate and the Standard Rate?
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Correct answer: A — 5% and 18%
The 56th GST Council recommended a two-rate structure with a Merit Rate of 5% and a Standard Rate of 18%.
What special de-merit GST rate did the 56th GST Council recommend for a select few goods and services?
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Correct answer: C — 40%
Alongside the 5% and 18% rates, the Council recommended a special de-merit rate of 40% for a select few goods and services.
Under the GST reforms, the GST on hotel stays priced below ₹7,500 per day was changed to:
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Correct answer: B — 5% (without input tax credit)
GST on hotel stays below ₹7,500 a day was reduced from 12% to 5% without input tax credit.
Consider the following statements about the 56th GST Council decisions: 1. The GST rate on coal was reduced from 18% to 5%. 2. GST on buses with a seating capacity of 10 or more was raised from 18% to 28%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the GST on coal was raised from 5% to 18% (with the ₹400 per tonne compensation cess removed), and GST on buses with 10+ seats was cut from 28% to 18%.
Consider the following statements about the 56th GST Council: 1. The meeting was chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. 2. It recommended exempting all individual life and health insurance policies from GST. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the 56th meeting, which exempted all individual life and health insurance policies from GST.
In which city did India and Morocco sign an MoU on defence cooperation on 22 September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Rabat
The MoU was signed in Rabat, where India will also open a Defence Wing at its embassy.
Consider the following statements about the India–Morocco defence MoU of 22 September 2025: 1. A new Defence Wing will be opened at the Embassy of India in Rabat. 2. The MoU covers cooperation in counter-terrorism and cyber defence. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: India will open a Defence Wing in Rabat, and the MoU covers areas including counter-terrorism and cyber defence.
To which Russian republic did the holy relics of Lord Buddha travel for a first exposition in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Kalmykia
The relics travelled to the Republic of Kalmykia for a first exposition, during the 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Elista.
What is the theme of the 3rd International Buddhist Forum in Elista, where Buddha's relics from India were exhibited?
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Correct answer: C — Buddhism in the New Millennium
The forum's theme is "Buddhism in the New Millennium".
By how much did the Index of Eight Core Industries grow in August 2025 over August 2024?
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Correct answer: C — 6.3%
The index grew 6.3% in August 2025; 3.7% was July's final figure and 2.8% the April–August cumulative growth.
Consider the following statements about the core industries data for August 2025: 1. The eight core industries account for 40.27% of the weight of items in the IIP. 2. Crude oil and natural gas both recorded positive growth. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: the eight core industries make up 40.27% of the IIP weight, while crude oil (−1.2%) and natural gas (−2.2%) declined.
Which of the eight core industries recorded 11.4% growth in August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Coal
Coal output grew 11.4% in August 2025, while crude oil (−1.2%) and natural gas (−2.2%) declined.
How many additional LPG connections under PMUY were approved for FY 2025-26 on 22 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 25 lakh
The Government approved 25 lakh additional PMUY connections for FY 2025-26.
With the 25 lakh additional connections, the total number of PMUY connections will rise to:
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Correct answer: C — 10.58 crore
The total number of PMUY connections will rise to 10.58 crore.
Consider the following statements about the additional Ujjwala connections approved in September 2025: 1. The cost per connection is ₹3,000. 2. The ₹300 targeted subsidy applies to up to 12 refills a year. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the cost is ₹2,050 per connection, and the ₹300 subsidy is for up to 9 refills a year.
The Adi Yuva Fellowship and Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme, launched on 22 September 2025, come under which campaign?
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Correct answer: C — Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan
Both were launched under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, which PM Modi inaugurated on 17 September 2025.
Maitri 2.0, launched by ICAR on 22 September 2025, is a cross-incubation programme in agritech between India and which country?
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Correct answer: D — Brazil
Maitri 2.0 is the second edition of the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech.
By what margin did India beat Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match in Dubai on 21 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 6 wickets
ESPN and Reuters (21 Sep 2025): India beat Pakistan by 6 wickets, reaching the target of 172 with seven balls remaining.
Which Indian batter scored 74 off 39 balls in India's Asia Cup Super Four win over Pakistan on 21 September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Abhishek Sharma
ESPN and Reuters (21 Sep 2025): Abhishek Sharma scored 74 off 39 balls, including six fours and five sixes.
Consider the following statements about the India–Pakistan Asia Cup Super Four match of 21 September 2025: 1. Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill put on 105 runs for the first wicket. 2. Pakistan set India a target of 172. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
ESPN and Reuters (21 Sep 2025): Abhishek and Gill added 105 for the first wicket, and India chased down a target of 172, so both statements are correct.
Which of the following groups of countries formally recognised the State of Palestine on 21 September 2025 in coordinated statements?
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Correct answer: A — UK, Canada and Australia
The UK, Canada and Australia announced formal recognition of the State of Palestine on 21 September 2025 in coordinated statements.
The UN conference on the two-state solution, ahead of which the UK, Canada and Australia recognised Palestine in September 2025, was co-chaired by:
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Correct answer: C — France and Saudi Arabia
The conference was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
Consider the following statements about the recognitions of Palestine on 21 September 2025: 1. The UK recognised Palestinian statehood over provisional borders based on the 1967 lines with equal land swaps. 2. Portugal also announced recognition on the same day. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the UK Foreign Office described recognition over provisional borders based on 1967 lines with equal land swaps, and Portugal announced recognition the same day.
Consider the following statements about the recognition of Palestine on 21 September 2025: 1. The UK and Canada became the first G7 members to recognise the State of Palestine. 2. The US State Department welcomed the recognitions as a step towards peace. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: the UK and Canada were the first G7 members to take the step, while a US State Department spokesperson dismissed the move as "performative".
In his address to the nation on 21 September 2025, what did PM Modi call the beginning of the next-generation GST reforms?
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Correct answer: D — GST Bachat Utsav (savings festival)
The Prime Minister said a 'GST savings festival' (GST Bachat Utsav) would begin from 22 September.
According to PM Modi's address of 21 September 2025, what share of goods earlier taxed at 12% GST moved to the 5% rate?
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Correct answer: B — 99%
The Prime Minister said 99%, i.e. nearly 100%, of goods earlier taxed at 12% had come under the 5% rate.
PM Modi said that the income tax and GST relief decisions taken in one year would save people more than:
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Correct answer: A — ₹2.5 lakh crore
Combining income tax and GST relief, the Prime Minister said people would save more than ₹2.5 lakh crore.
In his address of 21 September 2025, PM Modi said income up to what amount had been made tax-free this year?
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Correct answer: B — ₹12 lakh
The Prime Minister said the government made income up to ₹12 lakh tax-free this year.
At how many locations were the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' youth summits held on 21 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 2,000+
The youth summits were held at more than 2,000 locations as part of Seva Pakhwada.
Which two pledges did young people take at the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' youth summits on 21 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Nasha Mukt Pledge and Swadeshi Bharat Pledge
Young people took the Nasha Mukt Pledge and the Swadeshi Bharat Pledge.
In which feature of the Indian Ocean did India secure exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides under a contract announced on 20 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Carlsberg Ridge
The new 15-year ISA contract covers 10,000 sq km of the Carlsberg Ridge.
With which body did India's Ministry of Earth Sciences sign the contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge?
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Correct answer: D — International Seabed Authority
The 15-year contract was signed between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
What is the duration of India's new ISA contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge?
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Correct answer: A — 15 years
The new contract runs for 15 years and covers 10,000 sq km.
Consider the following statements: 1. India is the first country to hold two ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphide exploration. 2. India's other PMS contract covers the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: with the Carlsberg Ridge contract India became the first country with two ISA PMS contracts, the other covering the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge.
India was designated a 'Pioneer Investor' by virtue of being the first country to receive an area in international waters for exploration of:
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Correct answer: D — Polymetallic nodules
India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and was designated a "Pioneer Investor".
LEADS 2025, launched by Piyush Goyal on 20 September 2025, benchmarks the performance of States and UTs in:
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Correct answer: C — Logistics
LEADS stands for Logistics Ease Across Different States; the 2025 edition benchmarks logistics performance across States and UTs.
The Guidebook on Mapping of HSN Codes released by DPIIT in September 2025 allocates 12,167 HSN codes to how many ministries and departments?
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Correct answer: A — 31
The guidebook allocates 12,167 HSN codes to 31 ministries and departments of the Government of India.
Consider the following statements about the initiatives launched on 20 September 2025: 1. Logistics Data Bank 2.0 was developed by the Asian Development Bank. 2. Integrated State and City Logistics Plans under SMILE begin in 20 cities. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: LDB 2.0 was developed by NICDC Logistics Data Services (ADB supported IPRS 3.0 and SMILE), and the SMILE plans begin in eight cities across eight states.
On which date was the Make in India initiative launched, whose decade was marked in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 25 September 2014
Piyush Goyal said the Prime Minister introduced Make in India on 25 September 2014.
The Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) 3.0, launched in September 2025, was developed by DPIIT with the support of:
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Correct answer: C — Asian Development Bank
IPRS 3.0 was developed by DPIIT with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Who was to lead India's delegation to the United States for trade talks on 22 September 2025, as announced by the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: D — Piyush Goyal
The Commerce Ministry said the delegation would be led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
Officials from which US office visited India on 16 September 2025 for trade deal discussions, before Piyush Goyal's US visit?
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Correct answer: D — Office of the United States Trade Representative
Officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative visited India on 16 September 2025.
International Coastal Cleanup Day, observed by the Indian Coast Guard on 20 September 2025, falls every year on:
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Correct answer: C — The third Saturday of September
The day is observed globally on the third Saturday of September under UNEP and SACEP; the ICG has been India's national coordinator since 2006.
International Coastal Cleanup Day is observed globally under the aegis of which bodies, with the Indian Coast Guard as India's national coordinator?
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Correct answer: A — UNEP and SACEP
The day is observed under the aegis of UNEP and SACEP; the ICG has been national coordinator since 2006.
On which portal of the National Consumer Helpline was a dedicated GST grievance category enabled in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — INGRAM
The Department of Consumer Affairs enabled a dedicated GST category on the NCH's INGRAM portal.
In which city was the WAVES Bazaar – Bharat Pavilion inaugurated at the Asian Contents & Film Market on 20 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Busan
The pavilion was inaugurated at ACFM 2025, held alongside the Busan International Film Festival in Busan, South Korea.
Under the US proclamation of 19 September 2025, what payment must accompany H-1B petitions for the restriction on entry not to apply?
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Correct answer: A — $100,000
The proclamation restricts entry of H-1B specialty-occupation workers except where petitions are accompanied or supplemented by a payment of $100,000.
For how long does the H-1B entry restriction in the US proclamation of September 2025 remain in force, absent extension?
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Correct answer: C — 12 months
The restriction expires 12 months after its effective date of 21 September 2025, unless extended.
Which provisions of the US Immigration and Nationality Act did the H-1B proclamation of 19 September 2025 invoke?
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Correct answer: D — Sections 212(f) and 215(a)
The restriction on entry was imposed pursuant to sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the INA.
Consider the following statements about India's official response to the US H-1B proclamation: 1. The MEA said the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of disruption caused for families. 2. The MEA said the full implications were being studied by all concerned, including Indian industry. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the implications were being studied, including by Indian industry, and that the measure was likely to have humanitarian consequences for families.
Where was the 28th Universal Postal Union Congress held, at which India was re-elected to the UPU's Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council?
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Correct answer: A — Dubai
India was re-elected to both councils at the 28th UPU Congress held in Dubai, UAE.
Since which year has India been a member of the Universal Postal Union?
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Correct answer: C — 1876
India has been a member of the UPU since 1876.
Where did the third round of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations conclude on 19 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Queenstown
The third round, held from 15 to 19 September 2025, concluded in Queenstown, New Zealand.
When were the India–New Zealand FTA negotiations formally launched?
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Correct answer: A — 16 March 2025
The FTA was formally launched on 16 March 2025 at a meeting between Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Trade Minister Todd McClay.
What was India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand in 2024–25, as per the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: C — USD 1.3 billion
India–New Zealand merchandise trade was USD 1.3 billion in 2024–25, growth of nearly 49%.
To what level did Japan's R&I upgrade India's long-term sovereign credit rating on 19 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — BBB+
R&I upgraded India to 'BBB+' from 'BBB', retaining a Stable outlook.
Which agency upgraded India's sovereign rating to 'BBB' from 'BBB-' in August 2025, before R&I's September upgrade?
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Correct answer: D — S&P
S&P upgraded India to 'BBB' from 'BBB-' in August 2025; Morningstar DBRS upgraded India to 'BBB' from 'BBB (low)' in May 2025.
Consider the following statements about India's sovereign rating upgrades in 2025: 1. R&I's upgrade in September 2025 was the third upgrade of India by a sovereign rating agency that year. 2. R&I changed India's outlook from Stable to Positive. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: it was the third upgrade of 2025, and R&I retained the Stable outlook while raising the rating to BBB+.
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron concluded a port visit to Maputo in September 2025. Maputo is the capital of:
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Correct answer: C — Mozambique
The squadron's four-day port visit was to Maputo, Mozambique, where it trained with the Mozambique Navy.
Hindustan Copper Limited signed an MoU on critical and strategic minerals with which Maharatna PSU on 19 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Oil India Limited
HCL signed the MoU with Oil India Limited, a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.