SF Prep

Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

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8188 news · 19206 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 65 questions
PM Surya Ghar: public sector banks sanction 5.79 lakh rooftop-solar loans worth ₹10,907 crore
Q1 Advanced

As of September 2025, public sector banks had sanctioned loans under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana amounting to about:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹10,907 crore

PIB: as of September 2025, PSBs had sanctioned over 5.79 lakh loan applications amounting to ₹10,907 crore.

Q2 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the model loan scheme under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: 1. It offers collateral-free loans of up to ₹2 lakh. 2. It provides a 12-month moratorium from disbursement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the model loan scheme offers loans up to ₹2 lakh without collateral and a 6-month moratorium period from disbursement.

High-Level Committee approves ₹707.97 crore NDRF aid to Assam and Gujarat for 2024 floods; ₹903.67 crore for fire services in three states
Q3 Advanced

Of the ₹903.67 crore approved by the High-Level Committee in October 2025 for expansion and modernisation of fire services, which state received the largest amount?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Madhya Pradesh

PIB: of ₹903.67 crore, ₹117.19 crore was approved for Haryana, ₹397.54 crore for Madhya Pradesh and ₹388.94 crore for Rajasthan.

Q4 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the High-Level Committee decision of 7 October 2025: 1. The additional assistance to Assam and Gujarat from the NDRF is subject to adjustment of 50% of the opening balance in their SDRF. 2. During 2025-26, the Centre released SDRF funds to all 36 States and UTs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the assistance is provided from the NDRF subject to adjustment of 50% of the opening balance available in the SDRF; in 2025-26 the Centre released ₹13,603.20 crore to 27 states under the SDRF.

DRDO releases Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard 1.0 for interoperable military Software Defined Radios
Q5 Advanced

The Indian Radio Software Architecture (IRSA) standard 1.0, released by DRDO in October 2025, is a software specification for:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Software Defined Radios

PIB: IRSA is a comprehensive software specification for Software Defined Radios (SDR), defining standardised interfaces, APIs, execution environments and waveform portability mechanisms.

Q6 Advanced

Consider the following statements about IRSA standard 1.0: 1. DRDO released it in collaboration with the Integrated Defence Staff and the Tri-Services. 2. A DRDO-led core technical team began work on it in 2018. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: DRDO, in collaboration with IDS and the Tri-Services, released IRSA 1.0; the initiative traces its origin to 2021, and a DRDO-led core team began work in 2022.

Cabinet approves four railway multitracking projects worth ₹24,634 crore adding about 894 km in Maharashtra, MP, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh
Q7

The four railway multitracking projects approved by the Cabinet on 7 October 2025 will add about how many km to the Indian Railways network?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 894 km

PIB: the four projects covering 18 districts will increase the existing network of Indian Railways by about 894 km.

Q8 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the railway multitracking projects approved on 7 October 2025: 1. They improve connectivity to two Aspirational Districts — Vidisha and Rajnandgaon. 2. They are to be completed by 2028-29. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the projects enhance connectivity to about 3,633 villages and two Aspirational Districts (Vidisha and Rajnandgaon); they are to be completed by 2030-31.

Q9 Advanced

Which is the longest of the four railway multitracking projects approved by the Cabinet on 7 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Wardha–Bhusawal 3rd & 4th line

PIB: Wardha–Bhusawal 3rd & 4th line is 314 km; Vadodara–Ratlam 259 km, Itarsi–Bhopal–Bina 237 km and Gondia–Dongargarh 84 km.

International Abhidhamma Day 2025 celebrated at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida
Q10 Advanced

International Abhidhamma Day commemorates the Buddha preaching the Abhidhamma to the gods of which heaven?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Tavatimsa

PIB: Abhidhamma Day commemorates the occasion when the Buddha preached the Abhidhamma to the gods of Tavatimsa Heaven, led by his mother Mahamaya, and later shared it with Arahant Sariputta.

Q11 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. International Abhidhamma Day 2025 was celebrated on Sharad Purnima at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida. 2. Pali, the canonical language of Theravada texts including the Abhidhamma Pitaka, has been declared a Classical Language by the Government of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: IBC and partners celebrated International Abhidhamma Day on Sharad Purnima (6–7 October 2025) at GBU, Greater Noida; the Government declared Pali a Classical Language, recognising it as the canonical language of Theravada texts including the Abhidhamma Pitaka.

INS Abhay and fast attack craft INFAC T-82 decommissioned at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
Q12 Advanced

INS Abhay, decommissioned at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai in October 2025, belonged to which class?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Pauk II class

PIB: INS Abhay was an anti-submarine corvette of the Soviet Pauk II class type, commissioned at Poti, Georgia in the erstwhile USSR on 10 March 1989.

Q13 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. INS Abhay was commissioned at Poti, Georgia, in the erstwhile USSR in 1989. 2. INFAC T-82 was an Israeli Super Dvora Mk II class craft commissioned in 2003 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: INS Abhay was commissioned at Poti, Georgia (USSR) on 10 March 1989; INFAC T-82, an Israeli Super Dvora Mk II class craft, was commissioned on 9 October 2003 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

7th India–Brazil Trade Monitoring Mechanism meets in New Delhi; India–MERCOSUR PTA expansion discussed
Q14 Advanced

During PM Modi's July 2025 State visit to Brazil, India and Brazil set a target of raising bilateral trade within five years to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — USD 20 billion

PIB: the leaders set a target to increase bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years.

Q15 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. Brazil is India's largest trading partner in the Latin American and Caribbean region. 2. India–Brazil bilateral merchandise trade in FY 2024-25 was about USD 20 billion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: Brazil is the largest trading partner of India in the LAC region; bilateral merchandise trade in FY 2024-25 stood at USD 12.19 billion (USD 20 billion is the five-year target).

Indigenous customised jaw-joint (TMJ) implant fitted in four patients at MAIDS, New Delhi
Q16 Advanced

The indigenous customised TMJ implant used at MAIDS in October 2025 was developed at the ICMR-DHR mPRAGATI facility located at:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — IIT Delhi

PIB: the TMJ implant was indigenously developed at ICMR-DHR mPRAGATI, a facility coordinated by MDMS at IIT Delhi.

Q17 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the indigenous TMJ implant (October 2025): 1. It costs one-eighth to one-tenth of imported implants. 2. Its turnaround time is about two months. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the implant costs nearly one-fifth of Indian industry-made versions and one-eighth to one-tenth of imported ones; local manufacturing has reduced turnaround time to around two weeks.

GST reforms and Punjab: 12% → 5% on phulkari, woollens, Punjabi jutti, dairy, dry fruits and Ludhiana bicycles
Q18

Phulkari, a GI-tagged craft of Punjab mentioned in the October 2025 PIB explainer on GST reforms, is a form of:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Embroidery

PIB: Phulkari, a GI-tagged craft practised mainly in Amritsar and Patiala, involves traditional embroidered garments and employs around 20,000 artisans.

Q19 Advanced

According to the October 2025 PIB explainer on GST reforms in Punjab, which city is integral to the state's bicycle manufacturing industry?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Ludhiana

PIB: Ludhiana is integral to Punjab's bicycle manufacturing, with the industry employing over 40,000 people directly and indirectly.

World Cotton Day 2025 in New Delhi: theme 'Cotton 2040'; push for Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand
Q20 Advanced

What was the theme of the World Cotton Day 2025 event organised by the Ministry of Textiles and CITI in New Delhi?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Cotton 2040: Technology, Climate & Competitiveness

PIB: the event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Textiles and CITI, focused on the theme 'Cotton 2040: Technology, Climate & Competitiveness'.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements made at World Cotton Day 2025 (New Delhi): 1. India accounts for 40% of the world's cotton area. 2. India's cotton sector supports six million farmers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: Giriraj Singh said India accounts for 40% of the world's cotton area (productivity ~450 kg/ha); Secretary Neelam Shami Rao said the sector supports six million farmers and over 45 million jobs.

MeitY workshop on notices to intermediaries: how Sections 69A and 79(3)(b) of the IT Act work
Q22 Advanced

Which section of the IT Act, 2000 empowers the Government, in its executive capacity, to block online content that threatens national security, public order or friendly relations with foreign States?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Section 69A

PIB: MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan explained that Section 69A empowers the Government, in its executive capacity, to block online content in such cases; Section 79(3)(b) deals with notices to intermediaries.

Q23 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, read with Rule 3(1)(d) of the IT Rules, 2021, empowers ministries, departments and States/UTs to send notices to intermediaries. 2. Under Section 79, final adjudication of an intermediary's liability rests with the executive. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: Section 79(3)(b) read with Rule 3(1)(d) empowers ministries, departments and States/UTs to send notices to intermediaries; Section 79 places intermediaries on notice, while final adjudication rests with the judiciary.

India-AI Impact Summit 2026 logo: Ashoka Chakra with neural-network flares, designed by Ajith P. Suresh
Q24

What symbol sits at the centre of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 logo?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Ashoka Chakra

PIB: at the centre of the winning design is the Ashoka Chakra, symbolising ethical governance, justice and constitutional values.

Q25 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 logo: 1. It was selected through a Logo Design Contest on MyGov that received 599 entries. 2. The Summit is scheduled for 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: MyGov received 599 entries in the contest held from 28 May to 12 June 2025; the Summit is set for 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Q26 Advanced

Who designed the winning logo of the India-AI Impact Summit 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Ajith P. Suresh

PIB: MyGov received 599 entries, and the winning design was submitted by Shri Ajith P. Suresh.

ECI announces Bihar Assembly election 2025: two phases on 6 and 11 November, counting on 14 November
Q27

How many of the 243 seats in the Bihar Legislative Assembly are reserved for Scheduled Castes, as per the ECI press note of 6 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 38

PIB (ECI): the Bihar Assembly has 243 constituencies, of which 38 are reserved for SCs and 2 for STs.

Q28

On which date was counting of votes scheduled for the Bihar Assembly election 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 14 November 2025

ECI schedule (Annexure-I): polling on 6 November (121 ACs) and 11 November (122 ACs); counting on 14 November 2025; election to be completed by 16 November.

Q29 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Bihar Assembly election 2025: 1. With a cap of 1,200 electors per polling station, Bihar's polling stations rose from 77,462 (Lok Sabha 2024) to 90,712. 2. The final electoral roll, after a Special Intensive Revision with 1 July 2025 as qualifying date, was published on 30 September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB (ECI): a maximum of 1,200 electors per polling station took the count from 77,462 to 90,712; the SIR used 01.07.2025 as the qualifying date and the final roll was published on 30.09.2025.

Q30 Advanced

The ECI conducts elections to the Bihar Legislative Assembly under which Article of the Constitution read with Article 172(1)?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Article 324

PIB (ECI): the Commission conducts the election in exercise of powers under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Arunachal Pradesh's first commercial coal mine opens at Namchik Namphuk, Changlang
Q31 Advanced

Arunachal Pradesh's first commercial coal mine, Namchik Namphuk, inaugurated in October 2025, is located in which district?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Changlang

PIB: G. Kishan Reddy and CM Pema Khandu inaugurated the Namchik Namphuk Coal Mine in Changlang district, the state's first commercial coal mining project.

Q32 Advanced

What are the coal reserves of the Namchik Namphuk Coal Mine, according to Coal Minister G. Kishan Reddy (October 2025)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1.5 crore tonnes

PIB: the minister informed that the Namchik Namphuk Coal Mine holds reserves of 1.5 crore tonnes of coal and became operational that day.

Coast Guard's 10th national pollution response exercise NATPOLREX-X held off Chennai
Q33 Advanced

Which of the following is NOT one of the four Pollution Response Centres established by the Indian Coast Guard?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Kochi

PIB: to operationalise the NOSDCP, the ICG has established four Pollution Response Centres at Mumbai, Chennai, Port Blair and Vadinar.

Q34 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. NATPOLREX-X, held off Chennai in October 2025, included the first-ever shoreline clean-up drill at Marina Beach. 2. The National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) was approved in 2003. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: a key highlight was the first-ever shoreline clean-up drill at Marina Beach; the NOSDCP, drafted by the ICG, was approved in 1993.

Navy commissions INS Androth, second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, at Visakhapatnam
Q35 Advanced

INS Androth, commissioned in October 2025, is named after the northernmost island of which island group?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Lakshadweep

PIB: the ship has been named after Androth, the northernmost island of the Lakshadweep group.

Q36 Advanced

Consider the following statements about INS Androth: 1. It is the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft commissioned by the Indian Navy. 2. It was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: INS Androth is the second ASW Shallow Water Craft; it was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, with over 80% indigenous content.

Wildlife Week 2025 at Dehradun on 'Human-Wildlife Coexistence': Project Sloth Bear, Project Gharial, Project Dolphin Phase II launched
Q37

What was the theme of Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations held at Dehradun on 6 October 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Human-Wildlife Coexistence

PIB: this year's theme was 'Human-Wildlife Coexistence', aimed at moving from 'conflict to coexistence'.

Q38 Advanced

At Wildlife Week 2025, a Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management (CoE-HWC) was launched at which institution?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — SACON

PIB: the projects launched included the Centre of Excellence for Human–Wildlife Conflict Management (CoE-HWC) at SACON, a dedicated national centre for policy, research and field mitigation.

ECI schedules bye-elections to 8 Assembly seats in J&K, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana, Punjab, Mizoram and Odisha
Q39

The Ghatsila (ST) Assembly constituency, where a bye-election was announced on 6 October 2025, is in which state?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Jharkhand

PIB (ECI): 45-Ghatsila (ST) in Jharkhand fell vacant on the death of Ramdas Soren.

Q40 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the bye-elections announced on 6 October 2025: 1. The Budgam seat in Jammu and Kashmir fell vacant on the resignation of Omar Abdullah. 2. The Anta seat in Rajasthan fell vacant on the death of the sitting member. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB (ECI): 27-Budgam fell vacant on the resignation of Omar Abdullah; 193-Anta fell vacant on the disqualification of Kanwarlal.

Fourth Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025) on 'Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times' concludes in New Delhi
Q41 Advanced

What was the theme of the Fourth Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times

PIB: the Fourth Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025) was held with the theme 'Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times'.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Fourth Kautilya Economic Conclave (2025): 1. It was organised by the Institute of Economic Growth in partnership with the Ministry of Finance. 2. It was inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: IEG, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, organised KEC 2025; it was inaugurated on 3 October by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and concluded on 5 October with an address by S. Jaishankar.

Sonowal receives VLGC Shivalik, India's third Very Large Gas Carrier under the Indian flag, at Visakhapatnam
Q43

VLGC 'Shivalik', received by Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in October 2025, is the Shipping Corporation of India's:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — third Very Large Gas Carrier

PIB: Shivalik joins Sahyadri and Anandamayi as SCI's third VLGC, and is the country's third VLGC under the Indian flag.

Q44 Advanced

Consider the following statements about VLGC Shivalik: 1. It joins Sahyadri and Anandamayi in the Shipping Corporation of India's fleet. 2. It was built in Japan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: Shivalik joins Sahyadri and Anandamayi as SCI's third VLGC; it was built in South Korea.

NITI Aayog's fourth Trade Watch Quarterly (Q4 FY25): total trade $441 billion; spotlight on leather and footwear
Q45 Advanced

The fourth edition of NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly (Q4 FY25) carries a special focus on which sector?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Leather and footwear

PIB: this edition examines the leather and footwear sector, highlighting its employment potential and export opportunities.

Q46 Advanced

According to NITI Aayog's Trade Watch Quarterly (October 2025), India's share in the $296 billion global leather and footwear market is about:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1.8%

PIB: India's overall share in the $296 billion global market is modest at 1.8%; the sector employs 4.4 million people.

Competition Commission releases market study on Artificial Intelligence and Competition
Q47 Advanced

The Competition Commission of India's 'Market Study on Artificial Intelligence and Competition' (October 2025) was conducted through which institution?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Management Development Institute Society (MDIS)

PIB: CCI released its report Market Study on Artificial Intelligence and Competition, conducted through the Management Development Institute Society (MDIS).

Curtain raiser for maiden ESTIC-2025: science and innovation conclave at Bharat Mandapam, 3–5 November 2025
Q48 Advanced

How many thematic areas will the maiden Emerging Science, Technology & Innovation Conclave (ESTIC-2025) focus on?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 11

PIB: the conclave will focus on emerging and frontier technologies as eleven identified thematic areas; 13 ministries and departments are participating.

Q49 Advanced

What is the theme of ESTIC-2025, to be held at Bharat Mandapam from 3 to 5 November 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Imagine Innovate Inspire for Viksit Bharat 2047

PIB: ESTIC-2025 is themed 'Imagine Innovate Inspire for Viksit Bharat 2047' and slated for 3–5 November 2025 at Bharat Mandapam.

President Murmu presents MY Bharat–NSS Awards 2022-23 at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Q50

What is the motto of the National Service Scheme (NSS)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Not Me, But You

PIB: inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, the motto of NSS is 'NOT ME, BUT YOU' ('स्वयं से पहले आप').

Q51 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. The National Service Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 1969. 2. The MY Bharat–NSS Awards for 2022-23 were given to 30 NSS volunteers, besides ten units and their Programme Officers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB: NSS is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 1969; awards for 2022-23 went to ten NSS units, their ten Programme Officers and 30 NSS volunteers.

Health Ministry meets States on cough syrup safety after Chhindwara child deaths; 'Coldrif' found with DEG
Q52 Advanced

In the investigation following child deaths in Chhindwara (October 2025), the cough syrup 'Coldrif' was found to contain which substance beyond the permissible limit?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Diethylene glycol (DEG)

PIB (MoHFW): of 10 samples analysed, 9 met quality standards, but the cough syrup 'Coldrif' contained DEG (diethylene glycol) beyond the permissible limit; Tamil Nadu FDA acted against the unit in Kancheepuram.

Q53 Advanced

The 'Revised Schedule M', whose strict compliance the Union Health Secretary stressed in October 2025, deals with which of the following?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for drug manufacturing units

PIB (MoHFW): the DCGI reiterated that drug manufacturing units must strictly comply with the Revised Schedule M for Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Q54 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Chhindwara cough syrup case (October 2025): 1. The cluster of cases and deaths was reported to IDSP, NCDC by the Metropolitan Surveillance Unit, Nagpur, set up under PM-ABHIM. 2. Risk-based inspections were initiated across 19 drug manufacturing units in six States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB (MoHFW): the MSU Nagpur, established under PM-ABHIM, reported the cluster to IDSP, NCDC; Risk-Based Inspections have been initiated across 19 manufacturing units in six States.

Amit Shah inaugurates India's first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas plant at Kopargaon, Maharashtra
Q55

India's first cooperative multi-feed Compressed Biogas (CBG) plant, inaugurated on 5 October 2025, is located at which place?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar (Maharashtra)

PIB (Ministry of Cooperation): Amit Shah inaugurated the country's first cooperative multi-feed CBG plant at the Maharshi Shankarrao Kolhe Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana, Kopargaon, Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra.

Q56 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the cooperative CBG initiative announced at Kopargaon on 5 October 2025: 1. The Kopargaon plant will produce 12 tonnes of CBG daily along with potash from jaggery/molasses. 2. The Centre will support 15 selected sugar mills to set up CBG and potash granule units with assistance from NABARD. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: the plant will produce 12 tonnes of CBG daily and 75 tonnes of potash from jaggery/molasses. The support for 15 selected sugar mills will come with the assistance of the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), not NABARD.

'NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory' approved at IIT Bhubaneswar under MPLAD Scheme
Q57 Advanced

The 'NaMo Semiconductor Laboratory' approved at IIT Bhubaneswar in October 2025 is to be funded under which scheme?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — MPLAD Scheme

PIB (MeitY): the NaMo Semiconductor Lab at IIT Bhubaneswar will be funded under the MPLAD Scheme at an estimated cost of ₹4.95 crore.

Q58 Advanced

Consider the following statements made by MeitY on 5 October 2025: 1. Twenty-eight student-designed chips from 20 institutes have been taped out at SCL Mohali. 2. Odisha's two recently approved India Semiconductor Mission projects include a silicon carbide (SiC) compound semiconductor facility and an advanced 3D glass packaging facility. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. PIB (MeitY): 28 student-designed chips from 20 institutes have been taped out at SCL Mohali; Odisha recently received approval for an integrated SiC-based compound semiconductor facility and an advanced 3D glass packaging facility under ISM.

Leprosy in India: prevalence falls to 0.57 per 10,000 in 2024–25; 31 States below elimination threshold
Q59

In which year did India achieve leprosy elimination status at the national level (prevalence rate below 1 per 10,000 population)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2005

PIB (MoHFW explainer): India achieved elimination status in March 2005 at the national level, meaning a prevalence rate below 1 per 10,000 population, and has sustained it.

Q60 Advanced

Nikusth 2.0, the revamped web portal for leprosy data and monitoring, was launched on which occasion?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — National Anti-Leprosy Day, 30 January 2023

PIB: Nikusth 2.0, a revamped web-based ICT portal for recording, reporting and monitoring leprosy activities, was launched on 30 January 2023 (National Anti-Leprosy Day) by the Union Health Minister.

Q61 Advanced

Consider the following statements about leprosy in India: 1. As of March 2025, 31 States and 638 districts had a prevalence rate below 1 per 10,000 population. 2. The new case detection rate rose from 7.0 per 100,000 in 2014–15 to 9.73 per 100,000 in 2024–25. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB: as of March 2025, 31 States and 638 districts had achieved a prevalence rate below 1 per 10,000. The new case detection rate fell (not rose) from 9.73 per 100,000 in 2014–15 to 7.0 in 2024–25.

People's Plan Campaign 2025–26 'Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas' under way for Panchayat plans of FY 2026–27
Q62 Advanced

Which Article of the Constitution entrusts Panchayats with preparing plans for economic development and social justice, the basis of the People's Plan Campaign?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Article 243G

PIB (MoPR): Article 243G recognises Panchayats as institutions of local self-government and entrusts them with the preparation of plans for economic development and social justice; PDPs cover the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule.

Q63 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the People's Plan Campaign (PPC): 1. Panchayat Development Plans cover the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution. 2. PPC 2025–26, launched on 2 October 2025, prepares Panchayat Development Plans for the financial year 2025–26. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. PIB (MoPR): PDPs cover the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule. PPC 2025–26 was launched on 2 October 2025 to prepare PDPs for the financial year 2026–27, not 2025–26.

Exercise Konkan 2025: Indian Navy and Royal Navy begin bilateral drill off India's western coast
Q64

Exercise Konkan, which began on 5 October 2025, is a bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and which navy?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Royal Navy (United Kingdom)

PIB (Indian Navy): Exercise KONKAN-25 is a bilateral exercise between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of the UK, held off India's western coast from 5 to 12 October 2025.

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Exercise Konkan 2025: 1. It was conducted off the eastern coast of India in the Bay of Bengal. 2. The Indian side was represented by the carrier battle group of INS Vikrant. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Only 2 is correct. PIB: the exercise was held off the western coast of India (western seaboard), and the Indian side was represented by the carrier battle group of the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant; the UK CSG 25 was led by HMS Prince of Wales.