Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
At the Lairai Jatra in Shirgao, Goa, where a stampede occurred on 3 May 2025, the special devotees of Goddess Lairai Devi are called:
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Correct answer: A — Dhonds
The special devotees are called dhonds. Agnidivya is the fire-walking ritual, a beth is the cane carried by dhonds, and zatra is another name for the festival.
Consider the following statements about the Shirgao stampede of May 2025: 1. The State's fact-finding committee was headed by Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai. 2. The Goa Chief Minister ordered a magisterial inquiry and said its report would be made public. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The fact-finding committee was headed by Revenue Secretary Sandeep Jacques; the Governor met the victims' families.
The report 'From Content to Commerce: Mapping India's Creator Economy', released at WAVES 2025, was prepared by:
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Correct answer: A — Boston Consulting Group
The creator economy report was prepared by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Which firm prepared the report 'A Studio Called India', released at WAVES 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ernst & Young
'A Studio Called India' was prepared by Ernst & Young.
Consider the following statements about the white paper 'India's Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative': 1. It was prepared by EventFAQs Media and commissioned by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. 2. It says India is on track to be among the top five live entertainment destinations globally by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of I&B release of 3 May 2025.
In Singapore's general election of 3 May 2025, how many of the 97 parliamentary seats did the People's Action Party win?
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Correct answer: A — 87 of 97
The PAP won 87 of 97 seats. The Workers' Party retained 10 seats.
Consider the following statements about Singapore's 2025 general election: 1. The PAP's vote share rose to 65.57% from 61.24% in 2020. 2. The Workers' Party retained its 10 seats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as reported by CNA and The Straits Times.
While congratulating Lawrence Wong in May 2025, PM Modi described India–Singapore ties as a:
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Correct answer: B — Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
PM Modi said he looked forward to further advancing the India–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
India's Mediation Act, referred to by the President at the first National Mediation Conference (May 2025), was enacted in:
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Correct answer: C — 2023
The President described the Mediation Act, 2023 as the first step in consolidating India's civilisational legacy.
Consider the following statements about the President's address at the first National Mediation Conference (3 May 2025): 1. She graced the launch of the Mediation Association of India. 2. She said the Mediation Act's mechanism should be confined to commercial disputes in cities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. She said the mechanism should be extended to rural areas so that Panchayats are legally empowered to mediate.
In how many categories is the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar conferred?
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Correct answer: D — Six
It is conferred in six categories: Bravery, Social Service, Environment, Sports, Art & Culture, and Science & Technology.
Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025: 1. Self-nomination by children is not allowed. 2. The award is conferred by the Prime Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. Children may self-nominate, and the award is conferred annually by the President of India.
What export target did Amit Shah set for National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) in May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — ₹2 lakh crore
He set an ambitious target of ₹2 lakh crore in exports by NCEL.
Consider the following statements about the national cooperative bodies reviewed on 3 May 2025: 1. NCOL was set a turnover target of more than ₹300 crore for FY 2025-26. 2. A BBSSL centre at Kalol, Gujarat will develop improved varieties of crops such as pigeon pea, black gram and maize. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Cooperation release of 3 May 2025.
Kamle district, where a Khelo India Multipurpose Hall was inaugurated on 3 May 2025, is in:
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Correct answer: D — Arunachal Pradesh
The hall was inaugurated in Kamle district of Arunachal Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's Foundation Day event on 3 May 2025: 1. It was DMRC's 30th Foundation Day. 2. It was held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. It was DMRC's 31st Foundation Day, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
As announced on 3 May 2025, how many new platforms are planned in the transformation of Pune railway station?
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Correct answer: B — Four
World-class facilities including four new platforms are planned at Pune railway station.
Consider the following statements made by the Railway Minister at Hadapsar on 3 May 2025: 1. A Pune–Nagpur Vande Bharat train has been discussed with the Maharashtra Chief Minister. 2. Development plans for six stations, including Hadapsar and Khadki, are in the final stage. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as per the Ministry of Railways release of 3 May 2025.
As stated at the 8th National Community Radio Conference (May 2025), how many community radio stations are there in India at present?
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Correct answer: C — 531
There are 531 community radio stations across the country at present.
Consider the following statements about the 10th National Community Radio Awards: 1. Twelve community radio stations were honoured. 2. The conference at which they were presented was organised by the Ministry of I&B and Prasar Bharati. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The 8th National Community Radio Conference was organised by the Ministry of I&B and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.
Consider the following statements about the Repairability Index framework report (May 2025): 1. Original Equipment Manufacturers are to self-declare the Repairability Index using standard scoring criteria. 2. The Repairability Index is to be expressed on a ten-point scale. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Repairability Index is arrived at on a five-point numeric scale.
With which State's Chief Secretary did Coal Secretary Vikram Dev Dutt hold a high-level energy security meeting on 2 May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Tamil Nadu
The meeting was held in Chennai with Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam on the energy security of Tamil Nadu.
Anuradha Prasad, who took oath as UPSC Member on 2 May 2025, belongs to which service?
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Correct answer: C — Indian Defence Accounts Service
She belongs to the 1986 batch of the Indian Defence Accounts Service.
NITI Aayog prepared its May 2025 report on MSME competitiveness in collaboration with which organisation?
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Correct answer: C — Institute for Competitiveness
The report was prepared by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC).
As per the NITI Aayog MSME report (May 2025), the share of micro and small enterprises accessing credit through scheduled banks rose from 14% in 2020 to what in 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 20%
It rose from 14% to 20%; for medium enterprises it rose from 4% to 9%.
Which declaration was adopted by member nations at the Global Media Dialogue in Mumbai on 2 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — WAVES Declaration
The Global Media Dialogue culminated in the adoption of the WAVES Declaration by member nations.
According to the I&B Secretary, WAVES Bazaar 2025 recorded confirmed transactions worth how much within its first day and a half?
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Correct answer: D — ₹250 crore
Sanjay Jaju said WAVES Bazaar recorded confirmed transactions worth ₹250 crore within the first day and a half.
Consider the following statements about the Global Media Dialogue at WAVES 2025: 1. The I&B Minister welcomed delegates from 100 countries. 2. India said the 32 Create in India Challenges identified over 700 top creators. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed delegates from 77 countries.
Which ministry organised the 'Ageing with Dignity' event at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 2 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The event was organised by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Which of the following was NOT among the locations of the five Senior Citizen Homes inaugurated by the President on 2 May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Anantapur
The five homes are in Tawang, Wokha, Vellore, Anakapalli and Nainital; Anantapur is not among them.
Before taking over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff on 2 May 2025, Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari was AOC-in-C of which command?
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Correct answer: D — South Western Air Command
He was Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South Western Air Command before becoming Vice Chief.
Piyush Goyal's meeting in Brussels on 2 May 2025 followed the March 2025 India visit of which Belgian royal, who led an over 300-member economic mission?
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Correct answer: D — Princess Astrid
It followed the March 2025 visit of HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium, who led the over 300-member Belgian Economic Mission.
Consider the following statements: 1. Belgium is India's largest trading partner within the EU. 2. India and the EU reaffirmed their resolve to conclude the FTA by the end of 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Belgium is India's 5th largest trading partner within the EU, with trade of US$15.07 billion in 2023–24.
The original India–Denmark energy cooperation MoU, renewed on 2 May 2025, was signed on which date?
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Correct answer: A — 5 June 2020
The original MoU was signed on 5 June 2020 and was set to expire on 5 June 2025.
The renewed India–Denmark energy MoU supports India's target of net-zero emissions by which year?
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Correct answer: D — 2070
The renewed MoU supports India's target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Which new paragraph was inserted in the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to prohibit imports from Pakistan in May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Para 2.20A
DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 inserted a new Para 2.20A in FTP 2023.
Which body issued the notification of 2 May 2025 prohibiting the import of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan?
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Correct answer: A — Directorate General of Foreign Trade
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issued the notification.
Where in Andhra Pradesh did the Prime Minister lay the foundation stone of a Missile Test Range on 2 May 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Nagayalanka
The foundation stone of the Missile Test Range was laid at Nagayalanka, worth around ₹1,460 crore.
The Land Pooling Scheme infrastructure projects in Amaravati, launched on 2 May 2025, cover roads of what length?
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Correct answer: D — 1,281 km
The Land Pooling Scheme projects cover 1,281 km of roads worth over ₹20,400 crore; the 320 km network is part of the trunk and flood works.
Consider the following statements about the Amaravati projects of 2 May 2025: 1. Projects worth over ₹58,000 crore were launched. 2. The foundation stone of the PM Ekta Mall was laid at Madhurawada in Visakhapatnam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PIB release.
Which port, dedicated to the nation on 2 May 2025, is described as India's first dedicated container transshipment port?
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Correct answer: A — Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport
Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala is the country's first dedicated container transshipment port.
Consider the following statements about the Vizhinjam seaport: 1. It was developed at a cost of ₹8,800 crore. 2. The Prime Minister said its transshipment capacity will triple in the coming years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the port cost ₹8,800 crore and its capacity is set to triple in the coming years.
According to the Prime Minister at Vizhinjam, what share of India's transshipment operations was earlier conducted at foreign ports?
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Correct answer: D — 75%
He said 75% of India's transshipment operations were previously conducted at foreign ports.
What was India's record total export figure (goods and services) for 2024–25?
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Correct answer: C — US$824.9 billion
Total exports reached an all-time high of US$824.9 billion in 2024–25.
By what percentage did India's services exports grow in 2024–25, reaching US$387.5 billion?
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Correct answer: B — 13.6%
Services exports grew 13.6% to a historic high of US$387.5 billion; total exports grew 6.01%.
Consider the following statements about India's exports in 2024–25: 1. Merchandise exports excluding petroleum products reached a record US$374.1 billion. 2. The figures were based on services trade data released by NITI Aayog. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The services trade data for March 2025 was released by the Reserve Bank of India, not NITI Aayog.
What was Delhi's AQI on 1 May 2025, when GRAP Stage-I was revoked across the NCR?
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Correct answer: C — 184
Delhi's AQI was recorded as 184 ('Moderate') on 1 May 2025.
Which body's sub-committee revoked Stage-I of GRAP in the NCR on 1 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas
The Sub-Committee on GRAP of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) took the decision; CPCB, IMD and IITM provided AQI data and forecasts.
How tall is the statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma unveiled in New Delhi on 1 May 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 9 feet
A 9-foot-high life-size statue of Bodofa Upendranath Brahma was unveiled.
1 May 2025, when Bodofa Upendranath Brahma's statue was unveiled in New Delhi, marked which death anniversary of his?
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Correct answer: B — 35th
1 May 2025 was his 35th death anniversary.
Arvind Shrivastava, who took charge on 1 May 2025, became Secretary of which department?
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Correct answer: C — Department of Revenue
He took charge as Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
What was India's provisional coal production in April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 81.57 MT
Coal production in April 2025 was 81.57 MT (provisional), against 78.71 MT in April 2024.
Consider the following statements about coal in April 2025: 1. Production from captive and other mines was 14.51 MT. 2. Total coal dispatch was 86.64 MT. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Coal.
At which port did IOS SAGAR (INS Sunayna) arrive on 1 May 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Port Victoria, Seychelles
IOS SAGAR arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 1 May 2025; Port Louis, Dar es Salaam and Nacala were earlier port calls.
Consider the following statements about IOS SAGAR's deployment: 1. Its multinational crew has 44 naval personnel from 15 nations. 2. After Port Victoria, its final port of call was Malé. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The crew has 44 naval personnel from 9 friendly foreign nations.
Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed on 1 May of which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1960
Both States were born on 1 May 1960 from the State of Bombay.
Maharashtra and Gujarat were carved out of which earlier State?
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Correct answer: D — Bombay State
On 1 May 1960 two States, Gujarat and Maharashtra, were born from the State of Bombay (Mumbai).
The Sugar (Control) Order, 2025 replaces the Sugar (Control) Order of which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1966
It was formulated after a comprehensive review of the Sugar (Control) Order, 1966.
Consider the following statements about the Sugar (Control) Order, 2025: 1. Khandsari units with crushing capacity above 500 TCD are brought under it. 2. A separate Sugar Price (Control) Order will continue alongside it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The provisions of the Sugar Price (Control) Order, 2018 have been incorporated, so there will be no separate price order.