Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What is the name of the new EPFO facility announced in September 2025 that lets members view a summary of their PF passbook within the member portal?
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Correct answer: D — Passbook Lite
EPFO introduced 'Passbook Lite' in its member portal for a simple summarised view of contributions, withdrawals and balance.
In the EPFO reforms of September 2025, 'Annexure K', made available online to members, refers to which document?
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Correct answer: A — Transfer Certificate for PF transfer
EPFO enabled online access to Annexure K, the Transfer Certificate, for transparency in PF transfers.
From which district did PM Modi launch the 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan' on 17 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Dhar
PM Modi launched the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan along with the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
Which edition of the Rashtriya Poshan Maah was launched along with the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 8th
The 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah was launched along with the SNSP Abhiyaan in Dhar on 17 September 2025.
The national mission against sickle cell anaemia, under which the one-croreth screening card was handed over in Madhya Pradesh in September 2025, was launched in 2023 from which place?
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Correct answer: A — Shahdol
The mission was launched in 2023 from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, where the first sickle cell screening card was issued.
Consider the following statements about the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan: 1. More than 10 lakh health camps were planned in government health facilities from 17 September to 2 October 2025. 2. The Prime Minister urged women to get screened for diseases including cancer, anaemia, TB and sickle cell. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: over 10 lakh health camps were planned for 17 September–2 October 2025, and the PM appealed to women to get screened for cancer, anaemia, TB and sickle cell.
Which district of Madhya Pradesh hosts the PM MITRA Park that PM Modi linked to the legacy of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar on 17 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Dhar
Speaking at Dhar on 17 September 2025, PM Modi said Devi Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy is now being advanced through the PM MITRA Park in Dhar.
According to the Prime Minister, approximately how much land has been allocated for the PM MITRA Park in Dhar?
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Correct answer: C — 1,300 acres
The Prime Minister noted that approximately 1,300 acres of land have been allocated for the PM MITRA Park in Dhar, with over 80 industrial units already allotted.
How many new jobs is the PM MITRA Park in Dhar expected to generate, as stated by the Prime Minister on 17 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 3 lakh
The Prime Minister said the park is expected to generate three lakh new employment opportunities.
The '5F vision' for the textile industry, cited by the Prime Minister at Dhar, describes which sequence?
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Correct answer: D — Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign
The PM said the government is working with the 5F vision for textiles: Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion and Fashion to Foreign.
Where was the Combined Commanders' Conference 2025 held?
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Correct answer: D — Kolkata
The Combined Commanders' Conference 2025 was held in Kolkata, West Bengal, from 15 to 17 September 2025.
What was the theme of the Combined Commanders' Conference 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future
This year's theme was 'Year of Reforms – Transforming for the Future'.
In which city did Saudi Arabia and Pakistan sign the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement on 17 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Riyadh
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and PM Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement in Riyadh during Sharif's state visit.
What is the core clause of the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement of September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both
The joint statement said the agreement states that any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.
Consider the following statements about India's official response to the Saudi Arabia–Pakistan defence pact: 1. The MEA said the Government was aware that the development, which formalises a long-standing arrangement, had been under consideration. 2. The MEA said India would study its implications for national security as well as for regional and global stability. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Government was aware the pact had been under consideration and that India would study its implications for national security and for regional and global stability.
Which ministry holds regulatory and stewardship responsibility for geothermal energy under the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Under the policy, regulatory and stewardship responsibilities for geothermal energy rest with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
How many geothermal projects, including pilot and resource assessment projects, had MNRE sanctioned as of the notification of the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025)?
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Correct answer: C — Five
MNRE has sanctioned five projects in the sector, including pilot initiatives and resource assessment projects.
Consider the following statements about the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025): 1. It promotes R&D in retrofitting abandoned oil wells and Enhanced/Advanced Geothermal Systems. 2. It covers direct uses such as district heating and Ground Source Heat Pumps besides power generation. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the policy promotes R&D in hybrid geothermal-solar plants, retrofitting abandoned oil wells and EGS/AGS, and covers direct uses like district heating and GSHPs alongside electricity generation.
How many tribal citizens does the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, launched by PM Modi on 17 September 2025, aim to cover?
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Correct answer: C — 11 crore
The Abhiyan covers 11 crore tribal citizens across 1 lakh villages in 30 States/UTs.
Under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, what is the name of the AI-based app meant to connect officials with tribal communities in their native languages?
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Correct answer: B — Adi Vaani
The Adi Vaani App, an AI-based language bridge, will connect government officers with tribal communities in their native languages.
Consider the following statements about the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan: 1. It is part of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh, observed from 15 November 2024 to 15 November 2025. 2. Every village under it is to set up an Adi Sewa Kendra as a single-window citizen service centre. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Abhiyan is a landmark initiative of Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (15 Nov 2024–15 Nov 2025), and every village will establish an Adi Sewa Kendra.
Under which rule of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, did the ECI revise guidelines for EVM ballot papers in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Rule 49B
The ECI revised the existing guidelines under Rule 49B of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, for the design and printing of EVM ballot papers.
Under the revised ECI guidelines of September 2025, what colour of paper is to be used for EVM ballot papers in Assembly elections?
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Correct answer: A — Pink
For Assembly elections, pink-coloured paper of specified RGB values is to be used; ballot papers are printed on 70 GSM paper.
Consider the following statements about the ECI's revised EVM ballot paper guidelines of September 2025: 1. Candidates' photographs will be printed in colour, with the face occupying three-fourths of the photo space. 2. Serial numbers of candidates and NOTA will be printed in Devanagari numerals. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Photographs will be in colour with the face covering three-fourths of the space, but serial numbers will be printed in the international form of Indian numerals, not Devanagari numerals.
The Technology Development Board announced support in September 2025 for India's first electric motorcycle platform of what operating voltage?
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Correct answer: C — 240 volt
TDB supported the development and commercialisation of a 240-volt electric motorcycle platform by Raptee Energy Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs invited public comments in September 2025 on establishing Indian 'MDP' firms. What does MDP stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Multi-Disciplinary Partnership
The MCA invited comments on the establishment of Indian Multi-Disciplinary Partnership (MDP) firms, linked to developing domestic consulting and auditing firms.
In which state was the proof of concept implemented before the Department of Posts–BSNL MoU for SIM sales through post offices was signed in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Assam
The proof of concept was implemented in Assam, where it showed significant success, before the nationwide MoU.
What was the theme of World Ozone Day 2025?
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Correct answer: B — From science to global action
The theme for World Ozone Day 2025 was 'From science to global action', emphasising how scientific discovery can guide policy and international cooperation.
According to UNDP's Resident Representative at the 31st World Ozone Day event, what reduction target in HCFC production and consumption has India achieved?
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Correct answer: D — 67.5%
UNDP Resident Representative Angela Lusigi said India achieved the 67.5% reduction target in HCFC production and consumption and completely phased out HCFC-141b.
World Ozone Day on 16 September commemorates the signing of which international agreement?
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Correct answer: A — Montreal Protocol
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987.
Consider the following statements about the ozone treaties: 1. The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol were the first UN treaties to achieve universal ratification. 2. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, agreed in 2016, deals with the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. On 16 September 2009 the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol became the first UN treaties to achieve universal ratification, and the Kigali Amendment agreed on 15 October 2016 provides for the phase-down of HFCs.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1985. 2. Under the Kigali Amendment, India's HFC phase-down is to be implemented from 2028 onwards. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Vienna Convention was adopted and signed on 22 March 1985, and MoEFCC noted that the HFC phase-down under the Kigali Amendment is to be implemented from 2028 onwards.
Over what period does the nationwide Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign of the Department of Financial Services run?
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Correct answer: C — 1 July – 30 September 2025
DFS launched the three-month campaign from 1 July 2025 to 30 September 2025.
How many new PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts were opened in the first 2.5 months of the Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign, as reported in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — More than 61 lakh
The campaign resulted in over 61 lakh new PMJDY accounts; 2.6 crore was the number of new enrolments under the three Jan Suraksha schemes.
Which of the following schemes are NOT among the flagship schemes targeted by the Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign of 2025? 1. Atal Pension Yojana 2. PM Suraksha Bima Yojana 3. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Select the correct answer:
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Correct answer: A — 3 only
Only PM-KISAN is not targeted. The campaign covers PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY.
In which city did Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurate the new office of semiconductor design company ARM on 16 September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Bengaluru
Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated ARM's new office in Bengaluru on 16 September 2025.
Chips of which node did Ashwini Vaishnaw say would be designed at ARM's new Bengaluru unit?
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Correct answer: C — 2 nm
Vaishnaw said the new Bengaluru unit of ARM will design chips including 2 nm chips for products such as mobile phones.
According to Ashwini Vaishnaw at the ARM office launch in September 2025, what is the current size of India's electronics industry?
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Correct answer: B — ₹11.5 lakh crore
Vaishnaw said the current Indian electronics industry is worth ₹11.5 lakh crore.
To which UNESCO list is India seeking a multinational nomination of Chhath Mahaparva, as discussed by the Ministry of Culture in September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
The nomination is for inscription on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 Convention.
Under which UNESCO convention would Chhath Mahaparva be inscribed on the intangible heritage list?
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Correct answer: B — 2003 Convention
The multinational nomination of Chhath Mahaparva is for the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the 2003 Convention.
Which of the following countries were represented by senior diplomats at the Ministry of Culture's IGNCA meeting of 16 September 2025 on the Chhath Mahaparva nomination?
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Correct answer: D — UAE, Suriname and the Netherlands
Senior diplomatic representatives of the UAE, Suriname and the Netherlands attended the IGNCA meeting; envoys to Mauritius and Fiji joined a separate virtual interaction later.
What is the number of the MANAS anti-drug helpline that Amit Shah urged greater use of at the ANTF heads conference in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 1933
Amit Shah said greater use should be made of the MANAS helpline number 1933.
How much quantity of drugs was destroyed under the NCB drug disposal campaign launched by Amit Shah on 16 September 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 1.37 lakh kg
Under the campaign, 1.37 lakh kilograms of drugs worth ₹4,800 crore were destroyed at 11 locations.
Consider the following statements about the three-pronged anti-drug strategy outlined by Amit Shah at the second ANTF heads conference: 1. It calls for a humane approach towards the drug supply chain. 2. It calls for a strategic approach towards demand reduction. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Shah called for a ruthless approach to the drug supply chain, a strategic approach to demand reduction and a humane approach to harm reduction.
Which company delivered DSC A20, the first indigenous Diving Support Craft, to the Indian Navy in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd
DSC A20 was delivered by Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL), Kolkata, on 16 September 2025, the first of five craft contracted in February 2021.
Which company received CCI approval on 16 September 2025 for the proposed acquisition of Jaiprakash Associates Limited, a company under insolvency resolution?
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Correct answer: C — PNC Infratech Limited
The CCI approved the proposed acquisition of 95–100% of Jaiprakash Associates Limited by PNC Infratech Limited; JAL is under CIRP under the IBC, 2016.
Which company received CCI approval in September 2025 to acquire up to 75% shareholding in Akzo Nobel India Limited?
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Correct answer: A — JSW Paints Limited
The CCI approved the acquisition of up to 75% shareholding in Akzo Nobel India Limited by JSW Paints Limited.
What did the ARIES study of more than 6,000 open clusters, reported in September 2025, find about interstellar dust in the Milky Way?
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Correct answer: D — It forms a thin, wavy layer rather than being evenly distributed
The study led by Dr. Y. C. Joshi found that the dust is not evenly distributed and instead forms a thin, wavy layer.
The Prime Minister inaugurated a new airport terminal, built in less than five months, during his visit to Bihar on 15 September 2025. Which airport was it?
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Correct answer: D — Purnea
The PM inaugurated the new terminal of Purnea Airport, constructed in less than five months, and flagged off its first commercial flight.
The thermal power project at Pirpainti, whose foundation stone was laid on 15 September 2025, has what capacity and is located in which district of Bihar?
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Correct answer: B — 3x800 MW, Bhagalpur
The PM laid the foundation stone of the 3x800 MW thermal power project at Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, Bihar's largest private sector investment at ₹25,000 crore, based on ultra-super critical technology.
Consider the following statements in the context of the PM's Purnea projects of 15 September 2025: 1. Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi intra-state river link project will expand the Eastern Kosi Main Canal. 2. Bihar accounts for about 90% of India's makhana production. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Phase 1 of the Kosi-Mechi link (over ₹2,680 crore) will expand the Eastern Kosi Main Canal, and the release notes that Bihar accounts for about 90% of the country's makhana production.
The Araria–Galgalia (Thakurganj) rail line inaugurated on 15 September 2025 provides direct rail connectivity between Araria and which district?
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Correct answer: A — Kishanganj
The new Araria–Galgalia (Thakurganj) line, worth over ₹4,410 crore, establishes direct rail connectivity between Araria and Kishanganj districts.
Where was the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025, won by Vaishali Rameshbabu, held?
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Correct answer: D — Samarkand, Uzbekistan
The FIDE Grand Swiss and Women's Grand Swiss 2025 were held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, ending on 15 September 2025.
Consider the following statements about Vaishali Rameshbabu's win at the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025: 1. She became the first player to win the Grand Swiss twice in a row. 2. She finished in clear first place, a full point ahead of the rest of the field. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: FIDE said a second consecutive Grand Swiss win had never been achieved before in either section. Statement 2 is incorrect: Vaishali and Kateryna Lagno both scored 8/11, and Vaishali took first place on tiebreak.
Apart from Vaishali Rameshbabu, which player qualified for the 2026 Women's Candidates Tournament from the FIDE Women's Grand Swiss 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Kateryna Lagno
Russia's Kateryna Lagno also scored 8/11 and, with Vaishali, took the two Candidates spots from the Women's Grand Swiss; Bibisara Assaubayeva finished third.
Which bench of the Supreme Court passed the interim order on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 on 15 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — CJI B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih
The interim order of 15 September 2025 was passed by a bench of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice A.G. Masih.
Under the Supreme Court's interim directions on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, what is the maximum number of non-Muslim members allowed in the Central Waqf Council and in a State Waqf Board, respectively?
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Correct answer: A — 4 and 3
The Court directed that the Central Waqf Council should not have more than 4 non-Muslim members and a State Waqf Board not more than 3, recording the Solicitor General's statement to the same effect.
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's interim order of 15 September 2025 on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025: 1. The Court stayed the operation of the entire Act until the petitions are finally decided. 2. The condition that a person must be practising Islam for at least five years to create a waqf was stayed until State Governments frame rules for a mechanism to determine it. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is incorrect: the Court found no case to stay the entire statute. Statement 2 is correct: the five-year condition was stayed until State Governments frame rules, since without a mechanism it could lead to arbitrary exercise of power.
While staying the Collector's powers to decide disputes over waqf property under the amended Act, which constitutional principle did the Supreme Court say would be violated if the executive determined citizens' rights?
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Correct answer: D — Separation of powers
The Court said permitting the Collector to adjudicate the rights of citizens would violate the separation of powers, and stayed those provisions until the Waqf Tribunal decides.
India's second contract with the International Seabed Authority for polymetallic sulphides exploration, signed on 15 September 2025, covers an area in which feature of the Indian Ocean?
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Correct answer: C — Carlsberg Ridge
The 15-year contract gives India exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in an allotted 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge.
Consider the following statements about India's PMS exploration contract with the ISA signed in September 2025: 1. India became the first country to hold two ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphides exploration. 2. The contract is valid for 30 years. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: India is the first country with two ISA PMS contracts (the earlier, from 2016, covers the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges). Statement 2 is incorrect: the contract is for 15 years.
The International Seabed Authority, with which India signed its second PMS exploration contract, is based in which country?
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Correct answer: B — Jamaica
The International Seabed Authority, the UN body that regulates mineral exploration in international seabed areas, is based in Jamaica.
The 'AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap' and the Frontier Tech Repository were launched on 15 September 2025 under which NITI Aayog platform?
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Correct answer: D — Frontier Tech Hub
NITI Aayog launched both initiatives under its Frontier Tech Hub, which the Finance Minister likened to a honeycomb bringing together government, industry and innovators.
Which two levers does NITI Aayog's 'AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap' highlight?
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Correct answer: A — Accelerating AI adoption across industries, and transforming R&D with generative AI
The roadmap highlights two major levers: accelerating adoption of AI across industries to enhance productivity and efficiency, and transforming R&D with generative AI.
In which event did Anandkumar Velkumar win gold at the Speed Skating World Championships 2025 to become India's first world champion in skating?
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Correct answer: B — Senior men's 1000m sprint
Velkumar won gold in the senior men's 1000m sprint in 1:24.924, a day after winning bronze in the 500m sprint.
Where were the Speed Skating World Championships 2025, at which Anandkumar Velkumar won gold, held?
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Correct answer: D — Beidaihe, China
The championships were held in Beidaihe, China, where Velkumar won the senior men's 1000m sprint on 15 September 2025.
What was India's annual WPI-based inflation rate (provisional) for August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 0.52%
WPI inflation was 0.52% (provisional) in August 2025, turning positive after -0.19% in June and -0.58% in July.
What is the base year of the Wholesale Price Index series used for the August 2025 release?
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Correct answer: C — 2011-12
The WPI release for August 2025 uses the series with base year 2011-12.
What were India's estimated total exports (merchandise and services combined) in August 2025?
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Correct answer: D — US$ 69.16 billion
Total exports in August 2025 were estimated at US$ 69.16 billion, up 9.34% from US$ 63.25 billion in August 2024; US$ 35.10 billion was merchandise exports alone.
Which merchandise export category recorded the highest growth (25.93%) among the major drivers listed for August 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Electronic goods
Electronic goods exports rose 25.93%, from US$ 2.32 billion to US$ 2.93 billion; gems and jewellery grew 15.57%, drugs and pharmaceuticals 6.94% and petroleum products 6.54%.
In which district of Jharkhand did CoBRA and Jharkhand Police neutralise Maoist Central Committee member Sahdev Soren on 15 September 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Hazaribagh
The anti-Naxal operation in which Sahdev Soren alias Parvesh (₹1 crore bounty) was neutralised took place in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.
The CoBRA battalions, which led the Hazaribagh operation of 15 September 2025, belong to which force?
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Correct answer: B — Central Reserve Police Force
The operation was carried out by the CoBRA battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) together with Jharkhand Police.
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin, what was India's overall unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above in August 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 5.1%
The overall unemployment rate declined for the second consecutive month, from 5.6% in June and 5.2% in July to 5.1% in August 2025.
The monthly estimates of the Periodic Labour Force Survey are based on which approach?
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Correct answer: B — Current Weekly Status
The PLFS monthly bulletins present LFPR, WPR and unemployment rate estimates at the all-India level following the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.