UPSC EPFO / APFC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
On which date was the National Human Rights Commission of India set up, as recalled at its 32nd Foundation Day in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 12 October 1993
PIB: the Commission was set up on 12 October 1993.
Who was the chief guest at the NHRC's 32nd Foundation Day function in New Delhi on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Former President Ram Nath Kovind
PIB: former President of India Ram Nath Kovind addressed the function as the chief guest.
The 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia, where India spoke on healthy ageing in October 2025, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Colombo
PIB: the Ministerial Roundtable of the 78th Session of the WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia was held in Colombo during 13–15 October 2025.
Consider the following statements made by India at the 78th WHO SEARO session (October 2025): 1. The National Programme for Healthcare of the Elderly (NPHCE) is operational in 92% of districts. 2. India's two National Centres of Ageing are at AIIMS New Delhi and Madras Medical College, Chennai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: NPHCE is operational in 92% of districts; the two National Centres of Ageing are at AIIMS New Delhi and Madras Medical College, Chennai, alongside 17 Regional Geriatric Centres.
Who co-chaired the 5th India–Australia Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Manohar Lal and Chris Bowen
PIB: the meeting was co-chaired by Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, and Chris Bowen MP, Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
Which edition of the India–Australia Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 5th
PIB: India and Australia held the 5th Meeting of the India–Australia Energy Dialogue on 16 October 2025 in New Delhi.
After the increase approved in October 2025, what is the monthly penury grant for aged non-pensioner ex-servicemen and widows?
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Correct answer: D — Rs 8,000
PIB: the penury grant has been doubled from Rs 4,000 to Rs 8,000 per month per beneficiary.
Consider the following statements about the enhanced assistance for ex-servicemen approved in October 2025: 1. The marriage grant has been raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000 per beneficiary. 2. The schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the marriage grant rises from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1,00,000; the schemes are funded through the Raksha Mantri Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund, a subset of the AFFDF.
According to the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for September 2025, what was the overall labour force participation rate for persons aged 15 years and above?
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Correct answer: B — 55.3%
PIB: overall LFPR reached a five-month high of 55.3% in September 2025. 52.4% is the WPR and 57.4% the rural LFPR.
What was the female labour force participation rate (age 15+) in September 2025, as per PLFS?
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Correct answer: D — 34.1%
PIB: female LFPR in September 2025 was 34.1%, the highest since May 2025, up from 32.0% in June 2025.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for September 2025: 1. The unemployment rate for persons aged 15 and above rose marginally to 5.2% from 5.1% in August 2025. 2. The PLFS methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: UR climbed marginally to 5.2% in September from 5.1% in August 2025; the PLFS methodology was modified from January 2025 to give monthly and quarterly estimates.
From what altitude did DRDO's Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) complete a combat freefall jump in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 32,000 feet
PIB: MCPS successfully underwent a combat freefall jump from an altitude of 32,000 feet, executed by IAF test jumpers.
Which DRDO laboratories developed the Military Combat Parachute System?
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Correct answer: C — ADRDE Agra and DEBEL Bengaluru
PIB: MCPS was developed by the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Agra, and the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory, Bengaluru.
India's total exports (merchandise and services) in April–September 2025 were estimated at about how much?
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Correct answer: D — US$ 413.30 billion
PIB (Commerce): total exports during April–September 2025 were estimated at US$ 413.30 billion, up 4.45%. US$ 220.12 billion was merchandise exports alone.
As noted by the Department of Commerce, the IMF's October 2025 World Economic Outlook projected India's GDP growth for 2025 at:
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Correct answer: B — 6.6%
PIB: India's GDP growth is projected to reach 6.6 percent in 2025, followed by 6.2 percent in 2026, as per the October 2025 IMF WEO update.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 October 2025: 1. Merchandise exports in April–September 2025 grew 3.02% to US$ 220.12 billion. 2. Electronic goods exports in September 2025 rose 50.54% over 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. PIB: merchandise exports in April–September 2025 were US$ 220.12 billion (+3.02%); electronic goods exports rose 50.54% from US$ 2.07 billion to US$ 3.12 billion in September 2025.
With which African country did India hold its inaugural Joint Defence Cooperation (JDC) meeting in New Delhi on 15 October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Ethiopia
PIB: the inaugural Joint Defence Cooperation meeting between India and Ethiopia was held in New Delhi on October 15, 2025.
Consider the following statements about India–Ethiopia relations: 1. Defence cooperation between the two countries dates back to 1958. 2. The two countries established full diplomatic relations in 1960. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: India–Ethiopia defence cooperation dates back to 1958; the two nations established full diplomatic relations in 1950.
Which new category has been introduced for the first time in the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Digital content creators and influencers
PIB: for the first time, NECA 2025 introduces a special category for Digital Content Creators and Influencers, aligned with Mission LiFE.
The Ministry of Defence's ₹659.47 crore contract of October 2025 for night sights for the Army's 7.62 x 51 mm assault rifles was signed with which consortium?
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Correct answer: B — MKU Ltd and Medbit Technologies
PIB: the contract was signed with the consortium of M/s MKU Ltd (Lead Member) and M/s Medbit Technologies Pvt Ltd on 15 October 2025.
Consider the following statements about the night sights contracted for the Army's 7.62 x 51 mm assault rifles in October 2025: 1. They can engage targets up to an effective range of 500 metres even under starlit conditions. 2. The procurement is classified under the Buy (Global) category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the sights have an effective range of 500 m even under starlit conditions; the procurement is a Buy (Indian-IDDM) case with more than 51% indigenous content.
The relics of which two disciples of the Buddha did India announce in October 2025 would be sent to Mongolia next year?
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Correct answer: A — Sariputra and Maudgalyayana
PIB (PM's statement): the holy relics of two great disciples of Lord Buddha, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, will be sent from India to Mongolia next year.
During the Mongolian President's October 2025 visit, an MoU was signed between Mongolia's Arkhangai Province and which Indian body?
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Correct answer: D — Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council
PIB (PM's statement): the MoU signed between the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council and Mongolia's Arkhangai Province will boost cultural ties.
Consider the following statements about India–Mongolia relations as described in October 2025: 1. The Mongolian oil refinery project is supported by an Indian line of credit of US$ 1.7 billion and is India's largest development partnership project globally. 2. The India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership was established in 2005, marking 20 years in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the refinery, supported by India's US$ 1.7 billion line of credit, is India's largest development partnership project globally; the 2025 visit marked 10 years of the Strategic Partnership, elevated during Modi's visit ten years ago.
Before the Ministry of Mines' October 2025 notification, which use of limestone made it a minor mineral?
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Correct answer: B — Limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material
PIB: 'Limestone used in kilns for manufacture of lime used as building material' had been notified as a minor mineral; the 10 October 2025 notification deleted it from the minor minerals category.
Consider the following statements about the reclassification of limestone in October 2025: 1. It followed recommendations of an Inter-Ministerial Committee chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Mines. 2. Existing minor-mineral limestone lessees have until 31 March 2026 to register with the Indian Bureau of Mines. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB: the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Mines & Minerals Sector was chaired by a Member of NITI Aayog, not the Mines Secretary; existing minor-mineral lessees are allowed till 31 March 2026 to register with IBM.
Under which mechanism did India Post resume international postal services to the USA from 15 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Delivery Duty Paid (DDP)
PIB: India Post has established a compliant mechanism for Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) processing, under which applicable customs duties are prepaid in India.
As per US CBP guidelines cited by India Post in October 2025, customs duty on postal shipments from India to the USA is levied at:
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Correct answer: A — A flat 50% of the declared FOB value
PIB: customs duty on postal shipments from India to the USA is applicable at a flat rate of 50% of the declared FOB value under the IEEPA tariff; no additional base or product-specific duties apply.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 0.13%
PIB (DPIIT): the annual rate of inflation based on WPI is 0.13% (provisional) for September 2025. (-)1.99% is the WPI Food Index inflation and (-)0.58% the July final figure.
In the Wholesale Price Index (base 2011-12), which major group carries the highest weight?
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Correct answer: C — Manufactured Products
PIB (DPIIT): Manufactured Products have a weight of 64.23%, Primary Articles 22.62% and Fuel & Power 13.15%.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in the maiden India–Republic of Korea Navy bilateral exercise in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — INS Sahyadri
PIB: INS Sahyadri made a port call at Busan Naval Harbour on 13 October 2025 to participate in the maiden IN–RoKN bilateral exercise.
INS Sahyadri, which took part in the first India–RoK Navy exercise, belongs to which class of ships?
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Correct answer: B — Shivalik-class stealth frigates
PIB: commissioned in 2012, INS Sahyadri is the third ship of the Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigates.
The IndiaAI Face Authentication Challenge launched in October 2025 aims to develop AI solutions mainly for:
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Correct answer: B — Photo verification and de-duplication in public examinations
PIB: the challenge invites solutions for image verification and application de-duplication to strengthen the integrity of large-scale public examinations.
Under its October 2025 MoU with the Labour Ministry, about how many flexible livelihood opportunities will Zomato list annually on the National Career Service portal?
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Correct answer: B — 2.5 lakh
PIB: under the new 'Aggregator' category, Zomato will list around 2.5 lakh flexible livelihood opportunities annually on the NCS portal.
Consider the following statements made by the Labour Ministry in October 2025: 1. The National Career Service portal was launched in 2020 and has mobilised over 7.7 crore vacancies. 2. India's social security coverage rose from 19% in 2015 to 74.3% in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: the NCS portal was launched in 2015 (not 2020) and has mobilised over 7.7 crore vacancies; social security coverage rose from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% (not 74.3%) in 2025, reaching 94 crore citizens.
India's headline CPI inflation for September 2025 (1.54%) was the lowest since:
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Correct answer: B — June 2017
PIB (MoSPI): headline inflation of 1.54% in September 2025 is the lowest year-on-year inflation after June 2017.
What was the all-India food inflation based on the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — -2.28%
PIB (MoSPI): CFPI-based food inflation for September 2025 is -2.28% (provisional); -2.17% and -2.47% are the rural and urban figures.
Consider the following statements about the CPI release for September 2025: 1. The housing index used in CPI is compiled for the urban sector only. 2. Urban headline inflation was lower than rural headline inflation in September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the housing index is compiled for the urban sector only; urban headline inflation (2.04%) was higher than rural (1.07%).
Who chairs the Technical Expert Group constituted by MoSPI to guide the National Household Income Survey 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Dr Surjit S. Bhalla
PIB: MoSPI constituted a Technical Expert Group under the Chairmanship of Dr Surjit S. Bhalla, former Executive Director of India, IMF.
When is the National Household Income Survey (NHIS), India's first pan-India household income survey, scheduled to be launched?
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Correct answer: D — February 2026
PIB: the National Household Income Survey is scheduled to be launched in February 2026 and will be the first-ever pan-India survey focused on household income.
The PM GatiShakti National Master Plan, which completed four years in October 2025, was launched on:
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Correct answer: C — 13 October 2021
PIB: launched on 13 October 2021, PM GatiShakti integrates geospatial data from more than 57 Central Ministries, Departments and States/UTs.
'PM GatiShakti – Offshore', launched in October 2025, is primarily meant for:
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Correct answer: A — Integrated planning and management of offshore development
PIB: PM GatiShakti – Offshore is a digital platform for the integrated planning and management of offshore development, consolidating datasets from multiple ministries.
Consider the following statements about PM GatiShakti District Master Plans: 1. They were first developed for 28 Aspirational Districts in October 2024. 2. As of October 2025, they are being rolled out to all 112 Aspirational Districts. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: PM GatiShakti District Master Plans were launched for 28 Aspirational Districts in October 2024 and are now being progressively rolled out across all 112 Aspirational Districts.
Where was COP30 to the UNFCCC scheduled to be held from 10 to 21 November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Belém, Brazil
PIB: the 30th Conference of Parties (CoP30) to the UNFCCC would be held in Belém from November 10–21, 2025; the Pre-COP was in Brasilia.
At the Pre-COP30 Ministerial Roundtable in October 2025, India said COP30 should be the 'COP of':
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Correct answer: D — Adaptation
PIB: 'COP30 should be the COP of Adaptation', the Minister emphasized, urging a minimum package of indicators from the UAE–Belém Work Programme.
Under the 'Vishwas Scheme' approved by EPFO's CBT in October 2025, penal damages for delayed PF remittance (beyond 4 months) are set at:
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Correct answer: B — A flat rate of 1% per month
PIB: under Vishwas Scheme the rate of penal damages will be a flat 1% per month, except graded rates of 0.25% for default up to 2 months and 0.50% up to 4 months.
Consider the following statements about the partial withdrawal changes approved at the 238th CBT meeting: 1. Members can withdraw up to 100% of the eligible balance, including the employer's share. 2. The minimum service requirement for all partial withdrawals has been reduced to 12 months. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: members can withdraw up to 100% of the eligible balance including employee and employer share, and the minimum service requirement has been uniformly reduced to 12 months for all partial withdrawals.
How many earlier partial-withdrawal provisions of the EPF Scheme were merged into a single rule by the CBT in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 13
PIB: CBT simplified partial withdrawals by merging 13 complex provisions into a single rule under three categories.
During which period will the Employees' Enrolment Scheme 2025 of EPFO remain operational?
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Correct answer: A — 1 November 2025 to 30 April 2026
PIB: the scheme shall be operational from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
Under the Employees' Enrolment Scheme 2025, what penal damage must an employer pay?
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Correct answer: D — A lump sum of Rs 100 only
PIB: employers availing the scheme shall be liable to pay a nominal Penal Damage of Rs 100 only as a lump sum.
Which of the following Global Impact Challenges under the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 is meant for young innovators aged 13–21 years?
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Correct answer: D — YUVAi
PIB: YUVAi is a youth-first initiative for innovators aged 13–21 years to develop AI solutions for public good.
Consider the following statements about the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 challenges: 1. 'AI by HER' is organised by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform of NITI Aayog. 2. The Summit is scheduled for 16–20 February 2026 in New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: AI by HER is organised by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), NITI Aayog; the grand showcase is the India-AI Impact Summit 2026, 16–20 February 2026, New Delhi.
According to NITI Aayog's October 2025 report on deep-sea fisheries, India accounts for what share of global fish production?
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Correct answer: A — 8%
PIB: India is the second-largest fish-producing country in the world, accounting for 8% of global production.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's report 'India's Blue Economy: Strategy for Harnessing Deep-Sea and Offshore Fisheries': 1. India's EEZ has an estimated potential yield of 7.16 million tonnes. 2. Phase 1 of the proposed roadmap covers 2025–28. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the EEZ has an estimated potential yield of 7.16 million tonnes; Phase 1 (laying the foundation and fostering early growth) spans 3 years, 2025–28.
What is the key feature of Alliance Air's 'Fare Se Fursat' scheme launched in October 2025?
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Correct answer: C — A single fixed fare that stays the same regardless of booking date
PIB: under the scheme, Alliance Air will offer a single, fixed fare that remains constant regardless of the booking date, even on the day of departure.
What was the Ministry of Defence's total capital allocation for FY 2025-26, of which it had used over 50% by September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Rs 1,80,000 crore
PIB: capital expenditure stood at Rs 92,211.44 crore (51.23%) out of the total allocation of Rs 1,80,000 crore. Rs 1,59,768.40 crore was the previous year's fully used capex.
According to the MoD, on which category was the majority of its capital expenditure in FY 2025-26 (till September) incurred?
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Correct answer: B — Aircraft and aero engines
PIB: the majority of the expenditure has been on aircraft and aero engines, followed by land systems, electronic warfare equipment, armaments and projectiles.
LEAPS 2025, launched by DPIIT in October 2025, recognises excellence in which sector?
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Correct answer: D — Logistics
PIB: the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2025 aims to benchmark logistics excellence, aligned with the National Logistics Policy and PM GatiShakti.
Exercise AUSTRAHIND, whose 2025 edition began on 13 October 2025, is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: A — Australia
PIB: an Indian Army contingent departed for Perth, Australia, to take part in the India–Australia joint military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025.
Where was Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025 held?
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Correct answer: C — Irwin Barracks, Perth
PIB: the contingent departed for Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, for AUSTRAHIND 2025, scheduled from 13 to 26 October 2025.
Consider the following statements about Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2025: 1. It was the third edition of the exercise. 2. The Indian contingent was led by a battalion of the Sikh Regiment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: AUSTRAHIND 2025 was the fourth edition, and the Indian contingent of 120 personnel was led by a battalion of the Gorkha Rifles.
What does IMD's 'Mausamgram' platform, reviewed in October 2025, mainly provide?
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Correct answer: B — Hyperlocal weather forecasts down to the village level
PIB: Mausamgram (Har Har Mausam, Har Ghar Mausam) is a citizen-focused platform providing hyperlocal, location-specific forecasts down to the village level.
According to Dr Jitendra Singh in October 2025, how much did IMD's indigenous Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System save?
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Correct answer: D — About ₹250 crore
PIB: the Minister commended IMD for saving ₹250 crore through the self-reliant Multi-Hazard Early Warning forecast system, ending foreign vendor dependence.
Consider the following statements about IMD's forecasting upgrades as of October 2025: 1. The lead period of forecasts and warnings has increased from 5 to 7 days. 2. Under Mission Mausam, IMD aims to forecast severe weather hazards at a 5x5 km scale by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the re-engineered process increased the lead period from 5 to 7 days; Mission Mausam will enable severe weather hazard forecasting at a 5x5 km scale by 2030.