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 total outlay of the Financial Incentive Scheme for Coal Gasification launched in January 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹8,500 crore
The scheme, launched on 24 January 2024, has a total outlay of ₹8,500 crore.
Consider the following statements about the Coal Gasification Financial Incentive Scheme: 1. It aims to achieve 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030. 2. It was launched on 24 January 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The scheme was launched on 24 January 2024.
NAMASTE, the scheme under which sanitation kits were distributed on 8 May 2025, stands for:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem
NAMASTE is the National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem scheme.
As per the Social Justice Ministry, how many sewer and septic tank workers have been profiled under NAMASTE so far?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 68,547
68,547 workers have been profiled; 45,871 received PPE kits and 28,447 Ayushman cards; 110 were profiled in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Consider the following statements: 1. SEED stands for Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs. 2. The Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities functions under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The DWBDNC was established by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
In what role did India participate in the World Bank Land Conference 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Country Champion
India assumed the role of a Country Champion under the leadership of Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj.
Consider the following statements: 1. Under SVAMITVA, 68,000 sq km has been surveyed. 2. Gram Manchitra is a land-titling app for urban local bodies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Gram Manchitra is a geospatial planning platform for Gram Panchayats.
At what cost were the new buildings and hostels of the Government Model School at Thuvakudi, Tiruchi, built?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹57.47 crore
The buildings and hostels were built at a cost of ₹57.47 crore.
Consider the following statements: 1. Tamil Nadu has 50 government model schools. 2. The new hostels at Thuvakudi can house about 1,000 boys. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: Tamil Nadu has 38 model schools, one per district, and the hostels house about 440 boys and an equal number of girls.
The smart modular cattle cage highlighted by the DST on 8 May 2025 was developed by a team from an engineering college in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Nashik
It was developed by Prof. Sandip S. Patil's team at Guru Gobind Singh College of Engineering and Research Centre, Nashik, Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements about the smart cattle cage: 1. Its development was funded under DST-SEED (Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development). 2. It has a ramp that doubles as a door. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
As per the SRS Special Bulletin on Maternal Mortality 2019-21, released with the SRS 2021 report on 7 May 2025, India's Maternal Mortality Ratio is:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 93
MMR fell from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21. 70 is the SDG target and 45 is Telangana's MMR.
According to the SRS Statistical Report 2021, India's Infant Mortality Rate in 2021 was (per 1,000 live births):
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 27
IMR was 27 in 2021, down from 39 in 2014. 19 is the Neonatal Mortality Rate and 31 the Under-Five Mortality Rate for 2021.
Consider the following statements based on the SRS 2021 data released on 7 May 2025: 1. Among the States that have met the SDG target for MMR, Kerala has the lowest MMR. 2. India's Total Fertility Rate was 2.0 in 2021. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Kerala's MMR is 20, and the TFR was 2.0 in 2021.
What is the total outlay of the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation approved by the Union Cabinet on 7 May 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹60,000 crore
The total outlay is ₹60,000 crore, of which ₹30,000 crore is the Central share, ₹20,000 crore the State share and ₹10,000 crore the industry share.
How many government ITIs are to be upgraded in a hub-and-spoke arrangement under the scheme approved on 7 May 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1,000
The scheme covers upgradation of 1,000 government ITIs; 50,000 is the number of trainers to be trained and 5 the number of NSTIs.
Consider the following statements about the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation: 1. The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank will co-finance 50% of the Central share equally. 2. The National Skill Training Institutes to be augmented include Pune and Kolkata. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The five NSTIs are at Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur and Ludhiana.
The nationwide civil defence mock drill of 7 May 2025 was directed to be held in how many categorised Civil Defence districts?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 244
The MHA directed the drill across 244 categorised Civil Defence districts.
Consider the following statements about the civil defence mock drill of 7 May 2025: 1. It was directed by the Ministry of Defence. 2. NCC, NSS and NYKS volunteers along with school and college students were to participate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The drill was directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Ministry of Defence.
According to the Ministry of Defence, how many sites were targeted under Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Nine
The Ministry of Defence said that altogether nine sites were targeted in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Consider the following statements about Operation Sindoor (7 May 2025): 1. The Ministry of Defence stated that no Pakistani military facilities were targeted. 2. At the MEA briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was joined by Colonel Sofia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The MoD release said no Pakistani military facilities were targeted, and the Foreign Secretary's statement names the two officers who joined the briefing.
Markaz Taiba, one of the nine sites named at the Operation Sindoor briefing, is located at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Muridke
Markaz Taiba is at Muridke. Bahawalpur was the location of Markaz Subhanallah, Kotli of the Gulpur and Abbas camps, and Sialkot of the Sarjal and Mehmoona Joya camps.
Under the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva approved by the Odisha cabinet on 7 May 2025, what fare concession will women, students and senior citizens get?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 50%
The cabinet approved a 50% fare concession for women, transgender persons, students, persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
Consider the following statements about the Odisha cabinet meeting of 7 May 2025: 1. It approved eight proposals of five departments. 2. It approved continuation of the 'Free Diagnostic and Dialysis Services – NIDAAN' (2nd phase) for five years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as reported by OTV, Kalinga TV and IANS.
Which organisation was the host of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) 2025 held in New Delhi from 7 to 9 May 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Indian Space Research Organisation
GLEX 2025 was jointly organised by the International Astronautical Federation, with ISRO as host and the Astronautical Society of India as co-host.
Consider the following statements: 1. GLEX 2025 was the 12th edition of the Global Space Exploration Conference. 2. In his GLEX 2025 address, the Prime Minister said India has deployed over 400 satellites for 34 nations using Indian launch vehicles. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the PIB releases of 6 and 7 May 2025.
Which of the following IIT–State/UT pairs, from the five IITs whose expansion was approved on 7 May 2025, is correctly matched?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IIT Palakkad – Kerala
IIT Palakkad is in Kerala. IIT Dharwad is in Karnataka, IIT Bhilai in Chhattisgarh and IIT Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.
After the Phase-B expansion approved on 7 May 2025, the five IITs together will be able to cater to how many students?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 13,687
Capacity rises from 7,111 to 13,687 students, an increase of 6,576.
Which agency will continue as the special purpose vehicle for the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) in Kochi?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kochi Metro Rail Limited
KMRL continues as the SPV; the Kerala Water Authority implements the sewerage components, and KIIFB and the NRCD provide funding.
What revised estimate did the Kerala cabinet approve on 7 May 2025 for the Kochi canals project (IURWTS)?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹3,716.10 crore
The cabinet approved ₹3,716.10 crore. ₹1,325 crore was the 2018 estimate and ₹1,528 crore the February 2021 revision.
Under the Revised SHAKTI policy approved on 7 May 2025, the existing eight paras for coal allocation have been mapped into how many windows?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Two
The eight paras were mapped to two windows: Window-I (notified price) and Window-II (premium above notified price).
Consider the following statements about Window-II of the Revised SHAKTI policy: 1. Power producers can secure coal for a period of more than 12 months up to 25 years by paying a premium above the notified price. 2. A power purchase agreement is mandatory for selling electricity generated from Window-II coal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The requirement of a PPA has been done away with for electricity generated from Window-II coal.
In which year was the original SHAKTI policy for coal allocation introduced?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 2017
The Ministry of Coal noted that SHAKTI was introduced in 2017, shifting coal allocation from nomination to auction/tariff-based bidding.
In which year were the Piprahwa Buddhist relics excavated by William Claxton Peppé?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1898
They were excavated in 1898; most of them were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata, in 1899.
Consider the following statements about the Piprahwa relics: 1. Most of the relics are classified as 'AA' antiquities under Indian law and were transferred to the Indian Museum, Kolkata. 2. The auction postponed in May 2025 was scheduled at Sotheby's London. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The auction was scheduled by Sotheby's Hong Kong on 7 May 2025.
Consider the following statements about the IDY 2025 review meeting of 7 May 2025: 1. It was chaired by Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav in New Delhi. 2. 'Harit Yoga' refers to the integration of yoga with schools, hospitals and corporates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Integration with schools, hospitals and corporates is 'Yoga Sangam'; 'Harit Yoga' promotes eco-consciousness through yoga-linked plantation drives.
Which IDY 2025 initiative reviewed on 7 May 2025 promotes eco-consciousness through yoga-linked plantation drives?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Harit Yoga
Harit Yoga is the plantation-linked initiative. Yoga Sangam integrates yoga with institutions, Yoga Connect engages global and diaspora communities, and Yoga Bandhan fosters social unity.
Dravyaratnakara Nighantu, the 15th-century Ayurvedic lexicon revived by CCRAS in May 2025, was authored by:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mudgala Pandita
It was authored by Mudgala Pandita in 1480 AD. Dravyanamakara Nighantu is attributed to Bhisma Vaidya; Dr. Kamat edited both texts.
Dravyanamakara Nighantu, revived by CCRAS, is an appendix to which text?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Dhanvantari Nighantu
Dravyanamakara Nighantu is a standalone appendix to the Dhanvantari Nighantu, focusing on homonyms of drug and plant names.
As per the DPIIT release on its MoU with Hafele India (7 May 2025), Hafele has already committed how much in an Indian appliance manufacturing startup?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Over USD 2.5 million
Hafele has committed over USD 2.5 million in an Indian appliance manufacturing startup.
For how long will the DPIIT–Hafele India MoU signed on 7 May 2025 remain in effect from the date of signing?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Two years
The MoU remains in effect for two years from signing, with scope for extension by mutual agreement.
How many participants from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were part of the Tamil-language training batch at IIIDEM announced on 7 May 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 293
The batch had 293 participants, including 264 BLO Supervisors and 14 EROs; nearly 2,300 is the total trained at IIIDEM in recent weeks.
Consider the following statements regarding appeals against final electoral rolls, as explained at the IIIDEM training: 1. The first appeal lies with the District Magistrate under Section 24(a) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. 2. The second appeal lies with the Chief Election Commissioner of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The second appeal lies with the Chief Electoral Officer of the State/UT under Section 24(b).
Which organisation hosted the MRSAM-India Eco-System Summit 2.0 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on 7 May 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS)
CENJOWS hosted the summit in collaboration with Aerospace Services India and Israel Aerospace Industries; DRDO, BDL and BEL were participants.
Under the India–UK FTA concluded on 6 May 2025, India will gain from tariff elimination on about what share of tariff lines?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 99%
India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99% of tariff lines, covering almost 100% of trade value.
Under the India–UK Double Contribution Convention, Indian workers temporarily in the UK and their employers are exempt from UK social security contributions for:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Three years
The exemption is for a period of three years.
Consider the following statements about the India–UK FTA: 1. FTA negotiations resumed in February 2025 after the two Prime Ministers met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024. 2. India–UK bilateral trade of about USD 60 billion is projected to double by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Commerce release of 6 May 2025.
Consider the following statements about the India–UK FTA: 1. India will gain tariff elimination on about 90% of tariff lines. 2. The FTA eases mobility for independent professionals such as yoga instructors, musicians and chefs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Tariff elimination is on about 99% of tariff lines.
Anthony Albanese, congratulated by PM Modi on 6 May 2025 on his re-election, is the ___ Prime Minister of Australia.
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 32nd
The PMO release describes Albanese's re-election as the 32nd Prime Minister of Australia.
Consider the following statements about the Modi–Albanese call of 6 May 2025: 1. PM Modi invited PM Albanese to India, including for the QUAD Summit to be hosted in India later in the year. 2. The leaders noted the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership had completed ten years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The leaders noted the CSP's five years.
In which year was the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), which got approval for a GIFT City centre in May 2025, established?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1963
IIFT was established in 1963 under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 1956 is the year of the UGC Act and 2023 of the deemed university regulations.
Consider the following statements about IIFT's GIFT City centre: 1. The approval was given by the Ministry of Education under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956. 2. The centre will offer IIFT's flagship MBA (International Business) programme. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Commerce Ministry release of 6 May 2025.
At its meeting in Chaundi on 6 May 2025, the Maharashtra cabinet approved about ₹681 crore for:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar memorial at Chaundi
About ₹681 crore was approved for the Ahilyadevi Holkar memorial at Chaundi; the Tulja Bhavani plan got ₹1,865 crore.
Consider the following statements about the Maharashtra cabinet meeting of 6 May 2025: 1. It was held at Chaundi in Ahilyanagar district, chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis. 2. It approved ₹1,865 crore for the Tulja Bhavani temple plan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as reported by The Indian Express and Hindusthan Samachar.
Under the IWAI–Rhenus Logistics MoU of 6 May 2025, how many barges/cargo vessels are to be deployed in a phased manner on national waterways?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 100
100 barges are to be deployed in phases; about 20 barges and 6 pushers in the first phase. 70 is the number of countries Rhenus operates in.
Consider the following statements about the IWAI–Rhenus Logistics MoU: 1. Rhenus Logistics is a Germany-based logistics provider. 2. The first phase covers NW-1, NW-2 and NW-16. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways releases.
What annual cargo movement does the first phase of the IWAI–Rhenus MoU target by the end of 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — More than one million tonnes
The first phase targets movement of more than one million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025.
Friedrich Merz assumed office on 6 May 2025 as the Federal Chancellor of which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Germany
Merz assumed office as the Federal Chancellor of Germany; PM Modi referred to the India–Germany Strategic Partnership.
The Nathmalpur Bhagad wetland, approved for conservation by NMCG's 62nd Executive Committee, is in which district?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bhojpur
Nathmalpur Bhagad is in Bhojpur district, Bihar. Muzaffarnagar, Prayagraj and Ballia host earlier Namami Gange wetlands in Uttar Pradesh.
Which of the following wetlands taken up earlier under the Namami Gange Programme is a Ramsar site?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Udhwa Lake
Udhwa Lake in Sahibganj, Jharkhand, is the Ramsar site among the four earlier Namami Gange wetlands.
Consider the following statements: 1. Nathmalpur Bhagad is the fifth wetland being taken up under the Namami Gange Programme. 2. The 62nd Executive Committee meeting of NMCG was chaired by its Director-General, Rajeev Kumar Mital. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Jal Shakti release.
As stated on 6 May 2025, when is India's first human spaceflight under Gaganyaan now scheduled?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — First quarter of 2027
The first human spaceflight is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. TV-D2 is slated for later in 2025; 2035 and 2040 are the targets for the Bharatiya Antariksha Station and an Indian on the Moon.
Consider the following long-term space goals recalled by Dr. Jitendra Singh on 6 May 2025: 1. Setting up the Bharatiya Antariksha Station by 2035. 2. Sending the first Indian to the Moon by 2047. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The goal is to send the first Indian to the Moon by 2040.
Consider the following statements about the UN Vesak Day 2025 celebrations: 1. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju conveyed the greetings of the President and the Prime Minister of India. 2. The celebrations were held at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Hanoi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Vietnam Buddhist Academy venue was in Ho Chi Minh City.
The 6th Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament (29 April – 6 May 2025) was held at:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Chandigarh
It was held at the Raghbir Singh Bhola Hockey Stadium of Air Force Station Chandigarh.
Consider the following statements about the 6th Arjan Singh Memorial Hockey Tournament: 1. Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, won the final. 2. Twelve teams took part, including Air Force teams from two foreign countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Indian Railways beat Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, in the final.