Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), which opened an all-women operated Central Store Unit at Korba in October 2025, is a subsidiary of which company?
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Correct answer: C — Coal India Limited
PIB (Ministry of Coal): SECL is a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL); it opened CIL's first fully women-operated Central Store Unit at its Central Workshop, Korba.
Before the Korba Central Store Unit, SECL had set up Coal India's first all-women operated dispensary at which place?
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Correct answer: B — Bilaspur
PIB: the Korba initiative follows SECL's earlier achievement of establishing Coal India's first all-women-operated dispensary at Bilaspur.
Rajasthan's first 'Namo Biodiversity Park', named 'NAMO VAN', was inaugurated on 5 October 2025 in which district?
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Correct answer: D — Alwar
PIB (MoEFCC): Rajasthan's first Namo Biodiversity Park, 'NAMO VAN', was inaugurated at Pratap Bandh, Alwar, by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
The 43rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle on 5 October 2025 was held to commemorate which day?
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Correct answer: A — World Teachers' Day
PIB (MYAS): Dr Mansukh Mandaviya led the 43rd edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, commemorating World Teachers' Day, at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about Fit India Sundays on Cycle: 1. Its 43rd edition took place simultaneously at more than 10,000 locations across India. 2. It is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat and MY Bharat. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (MYAS): the 43rd edition was held simultaneously at over 10,000 locations; it is organised by MYAS in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat and MY Bharat.
Which airline told DGCA in October 2025 that it would deploy about 730 additional flights across 42 sectors for the festive season?
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Correct answer: D — IndiGo
PIB (MoCA): IndiGo — about 730 additional flights across 42 sectors; Air India & Air India Express — about 486 across 20 sectors; SpiceJet — about 546 across 38 sectors.
The DGCA watches airfares, especially during festive seasons, under a mandate from which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Civil Aviation
PIB: the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is mandated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to keep a watch on airfares, especially during the festive season.
INS Sahyadri, which visited Kemaman in October 2025, is the third ship of which class of Indian Navy frigates?
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Correct answer: B — Shivalik class
PIB (Indian Navy): INS Sahyadri, indigenously designed, built and commissioned in 2012, is the third ship of the Shivalik-class guided-missile stealth frigates.
Kemaman port, where INS Sahyadri made a port call from 2 October 2025, is in which country?
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Correct answer: C — Malaysia
PIB: INS Sahyadri made a port call at Kemaman port in Malaysia on 2 October 2025; it was the ship's third visit to Malaysia.
What was the theme of the 2nd National Conference and Exhibition on CSR (NCCSR 2025) hosted by IICA in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Leveraging CSR Excellence for Tribal Development
PIB (MCA): NCCSR 2025, hosted by IICA in New Delhi on 6–7 October 2025, had the theme 'Leveraging CSR Excellence for Tribal Development'.
IICA CSR Day, in which the NCCSR conference is rooted, is observed on which date?
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Correct answer: D — 2 October
PIB (MCA): the conference is rooted in the observance of IICA CSR Day on 2 October, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of trusteeship and responsible business.
What is the outlay of PM-SETU, the centrally sponsored scheme launched on 4 October 2025 to upgrade Government ITIs?
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Correct answer: C — ₹60,000 crore
PIB (MSDE): PM-SETU is a ₹60,000 crore centrally sponsored scheme to transform 1,000 Government ITIs into modern, industry-aligned training institutions.
Consider the following statements about announcements made on 4 October 2025: 1. Under PM-SETU, 200 hub ITIs will be linked to 800 spoke ITIs. 2. The 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs inaugurated by the PM are located in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (MSDE): PM-SETU follows a hub-and-spoke model with 200 hub ITIs linked to 800 spoke ITIs; the 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs are in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States and UTs.
The Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh held at Vigyan Bhawan on 4 October 2025 was which edition of the National Skill Convocation?
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Correct answer: D — 4th
PIB (MSDE): the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, where 46 All India ITI Toppers were felicitated, marked the 4th edition of the National Skill Convocation.
ICGS Akshar, commissioned on 4 October 2025, is the second ship of which class of Fast Patrol Vessels?
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Correct answer: A — Adamya class
PIB (MoD): ICGS Akshar is the second in a series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels, designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited.
ICGS Akshar was commissioned on 4 October 2025 at, and will be based at, which place?
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Correct answer: B — Karaikal
PIB: ICGS Akshar was commissioned at Karaikal, Puducherry, and will be based there under Commander Coast Guard Region (East) through Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 13.
Consider the following statements about the ₹1,500 crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme: 1. Its eligible feedstock includes e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries and other scrap. 2. Its incentives are meant for units engaged only in black mass production. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB (Ministry of Mines): eligible feedstock is e-waste, spent LiBs and other scrap. Incentives are for the value chain engaged in actual extraction of critical minerals, not the value chain involved only in black mass production.
Applications under the Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme, opened on 2 October 2025, can be made up to which date?
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Correct answer: B — 1 April 2026
PIB: the scheme is open for applications from 2 October 2025 for six months, i.e. up to 1 April 2026.
According to the government explainer of October 2025, what was India's unemployment rate in 2023–24?
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Correct answer: D — 3.2%
PIB explainer: the unemployment rate fell sharply from 6.0% in 2017–18 to 3.2% in 2023–24.
Consider the following statements based on the government's October 2025 employment explainer: 1. EPFO added fewer than 1 crore net subscribers in 2024–25. 2. The share of self-employment fell from 58.4% in 2017–18 to 52.2% in 2023–24. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: EPFO added over 1.29 crore net subscribers in 2024–25 (up from 61.12 lakh in 2018–19). Self-employment rose (not fell) from 52.2% in 2017–18 to 58.4% in 2023–24, while casual labour fell from 24.9% to 19.8%.
The nationwide campaign 'Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar' on unclaimed financial assets was launched on 4 October 2025 in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Gandhinagar
PIB (Ministry of Finance): FM Nirmala Sitharaman launched the 'Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar' campaign in Gandhinagar, Gujarat; it runs across all States and UTs from October to December 2025.
The '3 A's' named by the Finance Minister as the guiding principles of the 'Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar' campaign are:
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Correct answer: D — Awareness, Accessibility, Action
PIB: Smt. Sitharaman underlined the '3 A's' — Awareness, Accessibility and Action — as the guiding principles of the campaign.
Before UIDAI's October 2025 waiver, what fee was charged per Mandatory Biometric Update (MBU) for a child outside the free age windows?
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Correct answer: C — ₹125
PIB (MeitY/UIDAI): the first and second MBUs were free if done at ages 5–7 and 15–17; thereafter a prescribed fee of ₹125 per MBU was charged. The waiver makes MBU effectively free for all children aged 5–17.
Consider the following statements about Aadhaar for children: 1. Fingerprints and iris biometrics are not captured for Aadhaar enrolment of children below five years of age. 2. UIDAI's waiver of MBU charges, effective 1 October 2025, will remain in force for two years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: fingerprints and iris are not captured below age five because they are not mature. The MBU charge waiver took effect on 1 October 2025 and is in force for one year, not two.
Under the amended National Highways fee rules notified in October 2025, a vehicle without a valid FASTag that pays via UPI will be charged how much of the applicable user fee?
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Correct answer: C — 1.25 times
PIB (MoRTH): non-FASTag users paying in cash will be charged twice the applicable fee, while those paying via UPI will be charged only 1.25 times (e.g. ₹100 → ₹125 by UPI, ₹200 in cash).
From which date did the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025 come into effect?
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Correct answer: D — 15 November 2025
PIB (MoRTH): the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025 come into effect from 15 November 2025.
During his visit to Singapore for 'India-Singapore @60' in October 2025, Piyush Goyal met which President of Singapore at the Istana?
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Correct answer: C — Tharman Shanmugaratnam
PIB (Ministry of Commerce): a highlight of the three-day visit was a meeting with H.E. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, at the Istana.
Consider the following statements about the 'India-Singapore @60' business session of 4 October 2025: 1. It marked the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and was co-organised by FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM. 2. Singapore was represented at the session by its Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the session marked the 60th anniversary of India–Singapore diplomatic relations and was co-organised by FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM. Singapore was represented by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade & Industry — not the Prime Minister.
According to MoSPI, the free foodgrain distribution scheme launched on 1 January 2023 covers what share of the population?
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Correct answer: B — 75% rural and 50% urban
PIB (MoSPI): the free food grain distribution scheme launched by the Government of India from 1 January 2023 covers 75% of the rural and 50% of the urban population.
Which body released the Discussion Paper 2.0 on 'The Treatment of Free PDS Items in CPI Compilation' in October 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
PIB: the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), which is conducting the CPI base revision, released Discussion Paper 2.0 and invited comments.
Bastar Dussehra, attended by Amit Shah at Jagdalpur on 4 October 2025, is a festival lasting how many days?
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Correct answer: D — 75 days
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah described the 75-day-long Bastar Dussehra as significant not only for the tribal community and Chhattisgarh but for the whole country.
The Muria Darbar, a tradition of public dialogue linked to Bastar Dussehra, has been held since which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1874
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah said the Muria Darbar, with its active participation, judicial system and tradition of public dialogue since 1874, is no less than a global heritage.
Consider the following statements about the Bastar Dussehra event of 4 October 2025: 1. The 10th instalment of Chhattisgarh's Mahtari Vandan Yojana was released at the event. 2. Amit Shah reiterated 31 March 2026 as the date by which Naxalism will be completely eradicated. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB (MHA): it was the 20th (not 10th) instalment of the Mahtari Vandan Yojana — ₹607 crore to 70 lakh mothers. Shah firmly stated that 31 March 2026 is the set date by which Naxalism will be completely eradicated.
According to the Ministry of Textiles (October 2025), what was the size of India's textiles and clothing market in 2024?
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Correct answer: B — $179 billion
PIB (Ministry of Textiles): India's textiles and clothing market was $179 billion in 2024, growing at an average annual rate of over 7%; domestic demand is expected to reach $250 billion by 2030.
With the Swadeshi Campaign and other initiatives, the Ministry of Textiles expects India's total domestic textile demand to reach what level by 2030?
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Correct answer: C — $250 billion
PIB: the Ministry expects domestic demand to grow at a CAGR of 9–10% a year to reach a total domestic textile demand of $250 billion by 2030.
'Mhaje Ghar Yojana', launched by Amit Shah on 4 October 2025 to grant home ownership rights to people caught in legal disputes, is a scheme of which State government?
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Correct answer: A — Goa
PIB (MHA): Amit Shah launched the Goa State Government's 'Mhaje Ghar Yojana', granting ownership rights to citizens entangled in nearly 11 types of legal disputes, along with 21 projects worth ₹2,452 crore.
What period of authorisation has TRAI recommended for digital radio broadcasting by private broadcasters (October 2025)?
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Correct answer: B — 15 years
PIB (TRAI): the period of authorisation for digital radio broadcasting should be 15 years.
Consider the following statements about TRAI's October 2025 recommendations on digital radio: 1. New broadcasters should start digital radio in simulcast mode, allowing one analog, three digital and one data channel on the assigned frequency. 2. Frequencies for new channels should be assigned by auction under Section 4(4) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (TRAI): digital radio should commence in simulcast mode (one analog, three digital and one data channel on the assigned spot frequency), and frequencies for new channels should be assigned by auction in accordance with Section 4(4) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
TRAI has recommended an authorisation fee of what share of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) for digital radio in 'A+' and 'A' category cities?
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Correct answer: A — 4%
PIB (TRAI): authorisation fee is 4% of AGR for cities of category 'A+', 'A', 'B', 'C' and 'D'; for 'Others' (border/hilly areas of NE, J&K, Ladakh and island territories) and 'E' category, 2% of AGR for the first 3 years.
What penalty did the CCPA impose on Drishti IAS in October 2025 for misleading UPSC CSE 2022 results advertisements?
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Correct answer: C — ₹5 lakh
PIB (Department of Consumer Affairs): CCPA imposed a penalty of ₹5 lakh on Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd.) for misleading ads claiming '216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022'.
Under which section of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is 'misleading advertisement' defined, as cited by the CCPA in the Drishti IAS case?
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Correct answer: B — Section 2(28)
PIB: concealing the courses taken by successful candidates was held to be a misleading advertisement under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019; Section 2(9) (consumer rights) was cited for the right to make an informed choice.
The Sabar Dairy plant inaugurated by Amit Shah on 3 October 2025, built at about ₹350 crore, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Rohtak
PIB (Ministry of Cooperation): Amit Shah inaugurated the Sabar Dairy Plant in Rohtak, Haryana, built at about ₹350 crore, with daily output including 150 tonnes of curd and 3 lakh litres of buttermilk.
Consider the following statements made by the Union Cooperation Minister at Rohtak on 3 October 2025: 1. India's milk processing capacity is currently 66 million litres per day. 2. The target is to raise milk processing capacity to 100 million litres per day by 2028–29. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: today the country's milk processing capacity is 66 million litres per day, targeted to reach 100 million litres per day by 2028–29.
The first paper in NITI Aayog's Tax Policy Working Paper Series–I (October 2025) deals with which issue?
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Correct answer: C — Permanent Establishment and profit attribution for foreign investors
PIB (NITI Aayog): the first working paper is titled 'Enhancing Tax Certainty in Permanent Establishment and Profit Attribution for Foreign Investors in India'.
NITI Aayog's October 2025 working paper on Permanent Establishment recommends introducing which of the following for foreign companies?
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Correct answer: D — An optional, industry-specific Presumptive Taxation Scheme
PIB (NITI Aayog): the paper recommends an optional, industry-specific Presumptive Taxation Scheme for foreign companies, with legislative clarity, administrative efficiency and robust dispute resolution; it was prepared under NITI's Consultative Group on Tax Policy.
The Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, under which Tribal Village Vision 2030 declarations were passed, was formally inaugurated by the PM on 17 September 2025 at which place?
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Correct answer: B — Dhar
PIB (Ministry of Tribal Affairs): the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister on 17 September 2025 at Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
The Government has declared which period as 'Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh'?
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Correct answer: D — 15 November 2024 to 15 November 2025
PIB (Ministry of Tribal Affairs): the Government of India has declared 15 November 2024 to 15 November 2025 as Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh; the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan was launched as part of it.
Consider the following statements about the Tribal Village Vision 2030 initiative: 1. The declarations were passed by tribal villages and tolas in Special Gram Sabhas on 2 October 2025. 2. Under 'Adi Sewa Samay', villagers contribute one hour per week of voluntary service at Adi Sewa Kendras. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: tribal villages and tolas passed the Tribal Village Vision 2030 Declaration in Special Gram Sabhas on 2 October 2025; Adi Sewa Kendras serve as single-window centres, with villagers contributing 1 hour per week of voluntary service (Adi Sewa Samay).
What is the total length of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (bullet train) corridor?
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Correct answer: B — 508 km
PIB (Ministry of Railways): the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train corridor is 508 km long; by September 2025, 323 km of viaduct had been completed.
Hiromasa Nakano, who visited the bullet train sites with Ashwini Vaishnaw on 3 October 2025, holds which portfolio in Japan?
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Correct answer: D — Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
PIB: Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism, H.E. Hiromasa Nakano, visited the Surat and Mumbai HSR sites with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Consider the following statements about the Mumbai–Ahmedabad HSR project (status as of September–October 2025): 1. 323 km of viaduct had been completed. 2. The Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) station is being built as an elevated station. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: 323 km of viaduct had been completed by September 2025. The BKC station is an underground facility, with excavation over 30 metres deep and about 84% complete.
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.
How many eligible Village Councils in Mizoram benefit from the XV Finance Commission untied grants released in October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 808
PIB (MoPR): the second instalment of ₹14.40 crore for 2025–26 plus a withheld ₹0.1209 crore for 2023–24 will benefit all 808 eligible Village Councils in Mizoram.
Consider the following statements about XV Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies: 1. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation recommend the release, and the Ministry of Finance releases the grants in two instalments in a financial year. 2. Untied grants can be used for location-specific felt needs under the 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (MoPR): MoPR and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (DDWS) recommend XV FC grants for RLBs/PRIs, which the Ministry of Finance releases in two instalments a year; untied grants are for location-specific felt needs under the 29 subjects in the Eleventh Schedule.
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.
AIIMS Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, which marked its 3rd Foundation Day on 3 October 2025, was established under which scheme?
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Correct answer: B — Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)
PIB (MoHFW): AIIMS Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, was established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
Consider the following statements about AIIMS Bilaspur: 1. Its foundation stone was laid by the Prime Minister on 3 October 2017. 2. It was dedicated to the nation in 2020. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the foundation stone was laid by PM Narendra Modi on 3 October 2017, and the institute was dedicated to the nation on 5 October 2022 (not 2020).
According to the government's October 2025 explainer, Jammu and Kashmir accounts for more than what share of India's almond production?
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Correct answer: D — 91%
PIB explainer: J&K accounts for more than 91% of India's almond production; the Kashmiri almond packaging industry benefits from a GST cut from 12% to 5%.
The GI-tagged Basohli painting, described as 'poems in colours', is produced mainly in which district of Jammu and Kashmir?
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Correct answer: A — Kathua
PIB explainer: GI-tagged Basohli Painting, produced mainly in Basohli of Kathua district, employs nearly 500 local artists and is often described as 'poems in colours'; its GST fell from 12% to 5%.