Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Under the ECI notification of 7 October 2025, how many alternative photo identity documents can an elector use if they cannot produce the EPIC?
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Correct answer: B — 12
PIB: ECI's notification of 7 October 2025 permits electors on the roll who cannot produce their EPIC to show any one of 12 alternative photo identity documents.
Consider the following statements: 1. ECI directs the issue of EPICs under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 read with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960. 2. The UDID card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is one of the alternative documents allowed for voting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: ECI is empowered under the RP Act, 1951 read with the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 to direct the issue of EPICs; the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card is among the 12 alternative photo IDs.
According to NITI Aayog's 'Roadmap for Job Creation in the AI Economy' (October 2025), India's tech services sector could create up to how many new jobs in the next five years?
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Correct answer: D — 4 million
PIB: the roadmap says India's tech services sector has the opportunity to create up to 4 million new jobs in the next five years.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's 'Roadmap for Job Creation in the AI Economy': 1. It was developed by NITI Aayog's Frontier Tech Hub in collaboration with NASSCOM and BCG. 2. It recommends launching a National AI Talent Mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the roadmap was developed by NITI's Frontier Tech Hub with NASSCOM and BCG, and recommends a National AI Talent Mission working with the IndiaAI Mission.
Who was designated Mental Health Ambassador by the Union Health Ministry on World Mental Health Day 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Deepika Padukone
PIB: J P Nadda said Deepika Padukone has been designated as the Mental Health Ambassador for raising awareness about access to mental health services.
After the October 2025 upgrade, the Tele MANAS app is available in how many regional languages in addition to English and Hindi?
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Correct answer: B — 10
PIB: the Tele MANAS app will now be available in 10 regional languages in addition to English and Hindi.
The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) signed an MoU in October 2025 with which entity to support the Bharat Taxi ride-hailing platform?
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Correct answer: B — Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited
PIB: NeGD and Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited formalised their collaboration through an MoU for advisory and technical support to Bharat Taxi, to be launched in December 2025.
Where was the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in October 2025, held?
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Correct answer: A — Bridgetown, Barbados
PIB: the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference was held in Bridgetown, Barbados, where Om Birla led the Indian Parliamentary Delegation.
In which year did the Government of India gift the Speaker's chair in the Barbados Parliament, to mark Barbados' independence?
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Correct answer: D — 1966
PIB: the historic Speaker's chair was a gift from the Government of India in 1966 to mark Barbados' independence.
After the recent GST reforms, what is the GST rate on handloom woven fabrics, according to the PIB explainer on Manipur (October 2025)?
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Correct answer: D — 5%
PIB: the GST on handloom woven fabrics was reduced from 12% to 5%, benefiting about 2.5 lakh weavers in Manipur.
Consider the following statements from the PIB explainer on GST reforms and Manipur (October 2025): 1. Around 10,000 farmers are engaged in coffee cultivation in Manipur. 2. GST on packaged coffee was reduced from 12% to 5%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: around 10,000 farmers grow coffee in Manipur; GST on packaged coffee was cut from 18% (not 12%) to 5%.
During UK PM Keir Starmer's October 2025 visit, which UK university received in-principle approval to open a campus in GIFT City?
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Correct answer: B — University of Surrey
PIB (list of outcomes): in-principle approval was given for opening a campus of the University of Surrey in GIFT City; Lancaster University received an LoI for Bengaluru.
India and the UK agreed in October 2025 to proceed via the government-to-government route on an initial supply of which missile system?
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Correct answer: D — Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM)
PIB (joint statement): both leaders announced agreement to proceed via the government-to-government route on an initial supply of Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) systems to support India's air defence.
Consider the following statements about UK PM Keir Starmer's visit to India (October 2025): 1. Phase II of the UK-India Critical Minerals Supply Chain Observatory includes a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad. 2. It was Starmer's second official visit to India as 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: Phase II of the Observatory will establish a new satellite campus at IIT-ISM Dhanbad; the joint statement says this was Prime Minister Starmer's first official visit to India.
About how many officials did the Election Commission deploy for the 2025 Bihar Assembly election?
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Correct answer: A — 8.5 lakh
PIB: around 8.5 lakh election officials have been deployed, including nearly 4.53 lakh polling personnel and 2.5 lakh police officials.
Consider the following statements about the 2025 Bihar Assembly election arrangements: 1. For the first time, one General Observer has been deployed for each of Bihar's 243 constituencies. 2. Personnel deployed are deemed to be on deputation to the Election Commission under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: in a first, one General Observer has been deployed for each of the 243 constituencies; all deployed personnel are deemed to be on deputation to ECI under Section 28A of the RP Act, 1951.
What did the Election Commission direct parties, candidates and star campaigners to do with AI-generated or synthetic campaign content during the Bihar elections?
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Correct answer: D — Label it prominently
PIB: parties, leaders, candidates and star campaigners shall take necessary measures for prominent labelling of AI-generated/synthetic content shared for campaigning.
According to PM Modi at the Global Fintech Fest 2025, India's approach to AI rests on which three principles?
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Correct answer: C — Equitable Access, Population-scale Skilling, Responsible Deployment
PIB: the PM said India's approach to AI is built on three key principles — Equitable Access, Population-scale Skilling and Responsible Deployment.
What was the central theme of the Global Fintech Fest 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Empowering Finance for a Better World – Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion
PIB: GFF 2025's central theme is 'Empowering Finance for a Better World' – Powered by AI, Augmented Intelligence, Innovation, and Inclusion.
Under the October 2025 amendments to the PLI scheme for textiles, the minimum investment for new applicants in the Part-1 category was reduced to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹150 crore
PIB: with effect from 1 August 2025, the minimum investment for new applicants was reduced from ₹300 crore to ₹150 crore in Part-1 and from ₹100 crore to ₹50 crore in Part-2.
Consider the following statements about the amended PLI scheme for textiles: 1. The incremental turnover required to qualify for incentives has been reduced from 25% to 10%. 2. The application portal has been opened until 31 March 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: from FY 2025–26 applicants need a minimum 10% incremental turnover (down from 25%); the application portal is open until 31 December 2025, not 31 March 2026.
The design of the Sabarmati HSR station, terminal of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train corridor, is inspired by:
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Correct answer: D — Mahatma Gandhi's charkha at Sabarmati Ashram
PIB: the Sabarmati HSR station is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's charkha at Sabarmati Ashram; the Dandi March appears as a mural on the multimodal hub.
Consider the following statements about the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project (October 2025): 1. The Sabarmati rolling stock depot, spread over 84 hectares, is the largest of the three depots. 2. Of the 508 km corridor, 400 km of viaduct has been completed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the 84-hectare Sabarmati depot is the largest of three depots; 325 km of viaduct (and 400 km of pier work) has been completed — not 400 km of viaduct.
What is the duration of the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 launched in October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 60 days
PIB: the 60-day Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 prioritises six enhanced key strategies.
Consider the following statements about the Tobacco Free Youth Campaign: 1. The first campaign was launched on 31 May 2023 to mark World No Tobacco Day. 2. At the launch of TFYC 3.0, the 4th National Tobacco Testing Laboratory was dedicated at AIIMS, New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the inaugural campaign was launched on 31 May 2023 to mark World No Tobacco Day; the 4th National Tobacco Testing Laboratory was dedicated at NIMHANS, Bengaluru, not AIIMS.
In October 2025 the combined assets under management of NPS and Atal Pension Yojana crossed which mark?
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Correct answer: C — ₹16 lakh crore
PIB: the combined AUM of NPS and APY crossed the ₹16 lakh crore mark on 9 October 2025.
Consider the following statements about the pension sector (October 2025): 1. The combined subscriber base of NPS and APY has surpassed 9 crore. 2. PFRDA's Multiple Scheme Framework became effective from 1 April 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the subscriber base has surpassed 9 crore; the Multiple Scheme Framework is effective from 1 October 2025, not 1 April 2025.
How many critical and strategic mineral blocks are offered in Tranche VI of the auction launched in September 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 23
PIB: Tranche VI, launched on 16 September 2025, includes 23 critical and strategic mineral blocks — 19 composite licences and 4 mining leases.
Consider the following statements about Tranche VI of the critical mineral block auction: 1. It comprises 19 composite licences and 4 mining leases. 2. It was launched by the Ministry of Mines on 16 September 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: Tranche VI was launched on 16 September 2025 and includes 23 blocks — 19 composite licences and 4 mining leases.
How many medicinal substances will the CCRAS DRAVYA portal catalogue in its first phase?
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Correct answer: C — 100
PIB: in its first phase, the DRAVYA portal aims to catalogue information on 100 key medicinal substances.
How much did Andhra Pradesh's rural local bodies receive as the first instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for 2025–26?
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Correct answer: B — ₹410.76 crore
PIB: the first instalment of untied grants for Andhra Pradesh, amounting to ₹410.76 crore, has been disbursed; ₹680.71 crore went to West Bengal.
Consider the following statements about XV Finance Commission grants released in October 2025: 1. Untied grants may be used by rural local bodies to pay salaries and establishment costs. 2. The Andhra Pradesh instalment benefits all 13,327 gram panchayats of the state. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: untied grants are for location-specific needs under the 29 Eleventh Schedule subjects, except salaries and establishment costs; the Andhra instalment benefits 13,092 eligible gram panchayats out of 13,327.
According to the PIB explainer of October 2025, Arunachal Pradesh accounts for what share of India's kiwi output?
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Correct answer: B — Over 50%
PIB: Arunachal Pradesh is India's largest kiwi producer with over 50% of national output (4,492 MT in 2022–23).
Consider the following statements from the PIB explainer on GST cuts in Arunachal Pradesh (October 2025): 1. Yak Churpi, a GI-tagged cheese, is traditionally made by the Brokpa and Monpa communities. 2. GST on spices such as large cardamom was cut from 12% to 5%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: Yak Churpi is a GI-tagged Himalayan cheese made by the yak-herding Brokpa and Monpa communities; GST on spices continues to be 5% — the relief for cardamom growers comes from cheaper inputs such as tractors.
Where did the Indian Navy commission the static firing facility 'Trinetra' in October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Naval Station Bheemunipatnam, near Visakhapatnam
PIB: the Static Firing Facility 'Trinetra' was inaugurated on 8 October 2025 at Naval Station Bheemunipatnam, near Visakhapatnam.
Consider the following statements about the 'Trinetra' facility: 1. It was inaugurated by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. 2. It is indigenously designed and records key performance parameters of missiles, rockets and related systems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB: Trinetra was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, FOC-in-C, Eastern (not Western) Naval Command; it is indigenously designed and captures key performance parameters of missiles, rockets and related systems.
Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, inaugurated on 8 October 2025, was built at a cost of around:
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Correct answer: B — ₹19,650 crore
PIB: the PM inaugurated Phase 1 of NMIA built at a cost of around ₹19,650 crore. ₹12,200 crore was Metro Line 3 Phase 2B and over ₹37,270 crore the whole Metro Line 3.
Navi Mumbai International Airport will be the first airport in India to be connected by:
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Correct answer: C — Water Taxi
PIB: NMIA will also be the first airport in the country to be connected by Water Taxi.
Consider the following statements: 1. Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) is Mumbai's first fully underground metro line, spanning 33.5 km with 27 stations. 2. The 'Mumbai One' app launched on 8 October 2025 covers five public transport operators. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: Metro Line 3 is Mumbai's first and only fully underground metro line, 33.5 km from Cuffe Parade to Aarey JVLR with 27 stations. Mumbai One is an integrated common mobility app for 11 public transport operators.
According to PM Modi at the Navi Mumbai airport inauguration (October 2025), India is now the world's ______ domestic aviation market.
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Correct answer: D — third-largest
PIB: the PM said new airports and the UDAN scheme have made India the world's third-largest domestic aviation market.
NITI Aayog's October 2025 roadmap 'AI for Inclusive Societal Development' proposes which national mission for informal workers?
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Correct answer: D — Mission Digital ShramSetu
PIB: NITI Aayog called for Mission Digital ShramSetu, a proposed national mission to make AI accessible, affordable and impactful for every worker.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's roadmap 'AI for Inclusive Societal Development' (October 2025): 1. It focuses on India's 490 million informal workers. 2. It warns that on the current trajectory, informal workers' average annual income will stagnate at $6,000 by 2047, against a $14,500 target. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the study explores how AI can transform the lives of India's 490 million informal workers and warns that at the current trajectory their average annual income will stagnate at $6,000 by 2047, far below the $14,500 target.
Ahead of the Eighth ISA Assembly, the International Solar Alliance's Regional Committee Meeting for Africa was held in:
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Correct answer: B — Accra
PIB: ISA convened Regional Committee Meetings in Brussels (Europe & Others), Colombo (Asia-Pacific), Santiago (Latin America & the Caribbean) and Accra (Africa, 2–4 September).
Consider the following statements about the International Solar Alliance (ISA): 1. It was launched by India and France at COP21 in Paris in 2015. 2. After 15 countries signed and ratified its Framework Agreement on 6 December 2017, it became the first international intergovernmental organisation headquartered in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: ISA was launched in 2015 by India and France at COP21 in Paris; on 6 December 2017, 15 countries signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement, making ISA the first international intergovernmental organisation headquartered in India.
At the first meeting of the upgraded India–Qatar Joint Commission (October 2025), the two sides set a goal of doubling bilateral trade by:
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Correct answer: B — 2030
PIB: the sides set a shared goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Consider the following statements about Piyush Goyal's October 2025 visit to Qatar: 1. The upgraded Joint Commission replaced the earlier Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce. 2. India–Qatar bilateral trade in 2024–25 was over USD 24 billion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: it was the first meeting of the upgraded Joint Commission, elevated from the earlier Joint Working Group on Trade and Commerce; trade was valued at over USD 14 billion in 2024–25.
The draft Shram Shakti Niti 2025 is described as rooted in which civilisational ethos?
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Correct answer: B — Śrama dharma
PIB: the policy is rooted in India's civilisational ethos of śrama dharma — the dignity and moral value of work.
Under the draft National Labour & Employment Policy – Shram Shakti Niti 2025, which platform is to serve as India's Digital Public Infrastructure for Employment?
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Correct answer: D — National Career Service (NCS)
PIB: the National Career Service (NCS) platform will serve as India's Digital Public Infrastructure for Employment, enabling job matching, credential verification and skill alignment.
Which country received the ISSA award for outstanding achievement in social security immediately before India (in 2022)?
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Correct answer: D — Iceland
PIB: previous recipients include Brazil (2013), China (2016), Rwanda (2019) and Iceland (2022).
Consider the following statements: 1. According to the ILO, India's social protection coverage rose from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025. 2. The ISSA award for outstanding achievement in social security is presented every year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: coverage expanded from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, as highlighted by the ILO; the ISSA Award is presented once every three years at the World Social Security Forum.
India's vote share in the ISSA General Assembly has been raised to which number, the maximum permissible for any member country?
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Correct answer: C — 30
PIB: Dr Mandaviya stressed the rise in India's vote share in the ISSA General Assembly to 30, the maximum permissible limit for any member country.
Where was the 93rd anniversary parade of the Indian Air Force held on 8 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad
PIB: the 93rd anniversary of the IAF was commemorated at Air Force Station Hindan, Ghaziabad, on 08 Oct 2025.
At the Air Force Day parade 2025, the Chief of the Air Staff described the IAF as the world's:
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Correct answer: D — fourth largest Air Force
PIB: the Chief of the Air Staff highlighted the IAF's journey to becoming the 'Fourth largest Air Force in the World'.
What was the theme of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Innovate to Transform
PIB: IMC 2025, organised jointly by DoT and COAI from 8 to 11 October, was held under the theme 'Innovate to Transform'.
Consider the following statements about India Mobile Congress 2025: 1. It was organised jointly by the Department of Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India. 2. PM Modi said the Made in India 4G stack places India among just five countries with this capability. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: IMC 2025 was organised jointly by DoT and COAI; the PM said that with the Made in India 4G stack, India has joined the list of just five countries in the world that possess this capability.
Which form do electors above 85 years and electors with benchmark disabilities use to opt for postal ballot in the Bihar Assembly election 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Form 12D
PIB (ECI): such electors can avail the facility using Form 12D, submitted to the Returning Officer through their BLO within 5 days of the notification.
Consider the following statements regarding postal ballots in the Bihar Assembly election 2025: 1. The facility for electors above 85 years and those with benchmark disabilities is notified under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 2. Service voters receiving ballots through ETPBS must bear the cost of postal services. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB (ECI): the Commission notified the facility as per Section 60(c) of the RP Act, 1951; service voters are not required to bear the cost of postal services.
According to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav (October 2025), the number of Asiatic lions has risen by 32% since 2020 to reach:
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Correct answer: D — 891
PIB: Asiatic lions are now thriving across 35,000 sq km, with their numbers rising by 32% since 2020 to reach 891.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. 2. The Global Summit on Big Cat Conservation planned for 2026 concerns six big cat species. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the minister noted the addition of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves; the summit concerns seven big cat species — tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, jaguar, cheetah and puma.
According to a PIB explainer on GST reforms (October 2025), Kerala accounts for nearly what share of India's coir production?
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Correct answer: D — 85%
PIB: Kerala accounts for nearly 85% of India's coir production and is a major contributor to the country's coir exports.
'Tirur Vettila' from Malappuram, Kerala, mentioned in the October 2025 PIB explainer on GST reforms, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Betel leaf
PIB: the Tirur Vettila (Betel Leaf) from Malappuram's Tirur is set to get a push as GST on value-added mouth fresheners and pastes falls from 18% to 5%.
After the vesting orders issued on 8 October 2025, how many coal blocks had been vested or allocated under commercial coal auctions in total?
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Correct answer: C — 125
PIB (Ministry of Coal): with these vesting orders, a total of 125 coal blocks have been vested or allocated under commercial coal auctions.
Consider the following statements about the five coal blocks for which vesting orders were issued on 8 October 2025: 1. All five blocks are fully explored. 2. Their Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements were signed on 21 August 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB: four of the blocks are partially explored and one is fully explored; the CMDPAs were signed on August 21, 2025.