France Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The 24th edition of the bilateral maritime exercise 'Varuna', in which INS Trishul took part in September 2026, is held between India and which country?
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Correct answer: D — France
Varuna is the annual bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy; INS Trishul took part in the 24th edition.
For the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna (2026), INS Trishul arrived at which French port?
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Correct answer: A — Toulon
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026; Marseille is where the crew laid a wreath at the Mazargues War Memorial.
Along with Gaganyaan, which mission did Jitendra Singh cite as creating new opportunities for India–France space partnership in September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — TRISHNA
Jitendra Singh said TRISHNA, Gaganyaan and India's 400+ space start-ups create new opportunities for the India–France partnership.
The year 2026 has been designated as the India–France Year of what?
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Correct answer: B — Innovation
Jitendra Singh said the 2026 India–France Year of Innovation opens new avenues for scientific and technological cooperation.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, inaugurated on 26 September 2026, is being held at which Air Force Station?
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Correct answer: C — Jodhpur
Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
What is the theme of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Power in Partnership
The exercise is themed 'Power in Partnership'.
Which of the following countries is NOT one of the seven participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Japan
The seven participants are Australia, the USA, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; Japan is not among them.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Tarang Shakti: 1. The first edition of the exercise was held in 2024. 2. The F-35 Lightning II is among the foreign aircraft taking part in the 2026 edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The 2026 edition builds on the inaugural 2024 edition, and the foreign aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II.
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon on 22 September 2026 for which bilateral exercise?
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Correct answer: A — VARUNA
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, for the 24th edition of VARUNA with the French Navy.
The September 2026 edition of the India–France naval exercise VARUNA, joined by INS Trishul at Toulon, was which edition?
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Correct answer: D — 24th
INS Trishul arrived at Toulon for the 24th edition of VARUNA.
In which city was the first International Space Summit, addressed by PM Modi on 10 September 2026, held?
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Correct answer: D — Paris
The summit was held in Paris at the initiative of French President Emmanuel Macron; PM Modi joined via video conference.
According to PM Modi at the International Space Summit, Indian rockets have launched more than 430 payloads from how many countries?
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Correct answer: C — 34
Modi said more than 430 payloads from 34 countries have been launched on Indian rockets.
PM Modi recalled that France has been India's space partner since the start of India's space programme at which place in the 1960s?
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Correct answer: D — Thumba
Modi said France has been a trusted partner since the inception of the Indian space programme at Thumba in the 1960s.
Consider the following statements from PM Modi's address at the International Space Summit (2026): 1. Chandrayaan-3 made India the first nation to land near the lunar south pole. 2. PM Modi attended the summit in person in Paris. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Modi cited Chandrayaan-3's south-pole landing, but he addressed the summit via video conference.
On 6 September 2026, PM Modi addressed the inauguration of a BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Paris
The PM addressed, by video conference, the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris.
Consider the following statements about the PM's address at the Paris temple inauguration: 1. The PM attended the inauguration in person in Paris. 2. The PM called the temple a new milestone in India–France cultural relations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The PM addressed the gathering through video conference.
Where was the International Space Summit of 9–10 September 2026, discussed by Jitendra Singh and Philippe Baptiste, scheduled to be held?
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Correct answer: D — Paris
The International Space Summit was scheduled for 9–10 September 2026 in Paris.
The Bengaluru Space Expo, in which France's participation was discussed in September 2026, was scheduled for which dates?
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Correct answer: B — 7–9 September 2026
The Bengaluru Space Expo was scheduled for 7–9 September 2026; the Paris summit was on 9–10 September.
Air India flight AI2379, which suffered a sudden altitude loss on 4 August 2026, was operated by which aircraft type?
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Correct answer: A — Airbus A320
AI2379 was operated by an Airbus A320, registration VT-EXO.
Which body is investigating the AI2379 occurrence, classified as a Serious Incident?
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Correct answer: C — Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)
The occurrence was classified as a Serious Incident and taken up for investigation by the AAIB under ICAO protocols.
Consider the following statements about the AI2379 incident of 4 August 2026: 1. France's BEA, along with Airbus, is assisting the investigation as the authority of the State of Design and Manufacture. 2. The aircraft lost about 3,000 feet of altitude during cruise. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the altitude variation was about 300 feet.
Where was the India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue co-chaired by Nirmala Sitharaman and Roland Lescure held on 3 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Aix-en-Provence
The Ministers co-chaired the EFD in Aix-en-Provence.
Who co-chaired the India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue on 3 July 2026 for France?
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Correct answer: D — Roland Lescure
Roland Lescure, France's Minister of Economy, Finance, Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty, co-chaired with Nirmala Sitharaman.
In what capacity did India participate in VivaTech 2026, held in Paris in June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — AI Country Partner
India is the AI Country Partner in VivaTech 2026.
How many Indian deep-tech companies and start-ups are participating in VivaTech 2026, according to the PMO?
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Correct answer: D — Over 80
Over 80 Indian deep-tech companies and start-ups are participating, India's largest-ever presence at VivaTech.
India and France are celebrating 2026 as which of the following?
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Correct answer: A — India–France Year of Innovation
The PMO release says the two countries are celebrating 2026 as the India–France Year of Innovation.
Consider the following statements about India's engagement with VivaTech: 1. PM Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at VivaTech in 2021. 2. India was the first Country of the Year at VivaTech in 2022. 3. VivaTech has formalised collaboration with the Bengaluru Tech Summit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
All three are stated in the PMO release of 18 June 2026.
Where was the G7 Summit held at which PM Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump on 17 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Evian, France
The two leaders met on the margins of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on 17 June 2026.
In the India–U.S. COMPACT reviewed by PM Modi and President Trump at Evian, what does the letter 'M' stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Military Partnership
COMPACT stands for Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology.
Which of the following was NOT among the four suggestions on AI made by PM Modi at the G7 outreach session in Evian on 17 June 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A global moratorium on frontier AI models
The four suggestions were safe-by-design AI; common standards, testing frameworks and regulatory guidelines; global cooperation against deepfakes, misinformation and cyber fraud; and AI benefits for the Global South. A moratorium was not proposed.
Where did PM Narendra Modi meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on 16 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Evian, France, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit
The two Prime Ministers met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on 16 June 2026.
According to the PMO (June 2026), when did Canadian PM Mark Carney visit India?
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Correct answer: D — March 2026
The leaders noted progress since PM Carney's visit to India in March 2026.
What was the title of the G7 outreach session at Evian that PM Modi addressed on 16 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity
On 16 June 2026 PM Modi addressed the session 'Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity'.
At the G7 outreach session in Evian (16 June 2026), PM Modi cited which of the following as examples of India's 'humanity first' approach? 1. International Solar Alliance 2. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 3. Global Biofuel Alliance Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PM Modi cited the International Solar Alliance, CDRI, Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa ke Naam.
Where did PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron hold official talks on 14 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Villa Kerylos, Nice
The talks were held at Villa Kerylos in Nice on 14 June 2026.
The Joint India–France AI Working Group created during PM Modi's June 2026 visit to France is focused on which area?
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Correct answer: C — AI governance
The list of outcomes mentions a Joint India–France AI Working Group focused on AI governance.
Under the outcomes of PM Modi's June 2026 visit to France, how many additional Indian start-ups will be incubated at Station F?
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Correct answer: D — 10
The outcomes include incubation of an additional 10 Indian start-ups at Station F.
Consider the following statements about India–France relations: 1. India–France ties were elevated to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' on 17 February 2026. 2. The India–France Year of Innovation 2026 was jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and President Macron. 3. The Nice talks of 14 June 2026 were the second meeting of the two leaders since the elevation of ties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are in the Innovation Roadmap 2030 text. Statement 3 is wrong: the PMO says the Nice talks were the first meeting since the elevation.
The Letter of Intent between ISRO and CNES signed during PM Modi's June 2026 France visit concerns cooperation in which field?
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Correct answer: C — Microgravity research and human space exploration
The ISRO–CNES Letter of Intent concerns cooperation in microgravity research and human space exploration.
Where was the maiden edition of Bharat Innovates 2026 inaugurated on 14 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Palais des Expositions, Nice
PM Modi and President Macron inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 at the Palais des Expositions, Nice.
Bharat Innovates 2026 was organised by the Government of India as an initiative of which ministry?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Education
Bharat Innovates was organised as an initiative of the Union Ministry of Education.
How many deep-tech start-ups were presented at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice?
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Correct answer: A — 120
Bharat Innovates presented 120 start-ups and over 20 Institutes of Excellence across 13 technology pillars.
Consider the following statements about Bharat Innovates 2026: 1. The Nice event was the first Bharat Innovates held outside India. 2. It is a three-day event. 3. It showcases innovations across 13 critical technology pillars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
All three are stated in the PMO and Ministry of Education releases of 14 June 2026.
Under an India–France MoU listed among the outcomes of PM Modi's June 2026 visit to France, a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and Allied Sectors will be set up at which institute?
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Correct answer: A — NSTI, Kanpur
The MoU is for a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and Allied Sectors at NSTI, Kanpur.
Consider the following statements about the India–France ATL Bridge (June 2026): 1. It was launched by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. 2. It establishes the first School Innovation Lab in France, inspired by India's Atal Tinkering Lab framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the NITI Aayog release of 14 June 2026.
The year 2026 has been declared as the Indo-French Year of what, as noted during the India–France ministerial meeting of May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Innovation
2026 has been declared the Indo-French Year of Innovation, offering an opportunity to scale up collaboration in emerging areas.
In their phone call of 16 April 2026, PM Modi and President Macron agreed on the need to restore freedom of navigation in which waterway?
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Correct answer: D — Strait of Hormuz
The leaders agreed on the urgent need to restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Who was elected Mayor of Paris on 29 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Emmanuel Grégoire
The Paris city council elected Emmanuel Grégoire as mayor with 103 votes on 29 March 2026, succeeding Anne Hidalgo.
Emmanuel Grégoire, elected Mayor of Paris in March 2026, succeeded whom?
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Correct answer: A — Anne Hidalgo
Grégoire succeeded Anne Hidalgo as Mayor of Paris; the city council elected him with 103 votes on 29 March 2026.
On 19 March 2026, PM Modi spoke by phone with leaders of several countries about West Asia. Which of these was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: B — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia
On 19 March 2026 the PM spoke with the leaders of France, Malaysia, Oman, Jordan and Qatar; Saudi Arabia was not among them.
In his calls of 19 March 2026, with which two leaders did PM Modi explicitly affirm safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?
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Correct answer: C — Sultan of Oman and Amir of Qatar
The PMO releases on the calls with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and Amir Sheikh Tamim of Qatar mention safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz; with Jordan the PM backed unhindered transit of goods and energy.
Under the India–France Amending Protocol of February 2026, the single 10% tax rate on dividends is replaced by:
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Correct answer: A — 5% for holders of at least 10% of capital and 15% for others
The Protocol replaces the single 10% rate with 5% for those holding at least 10% of capital and 15% in all other cases.
In which year was the original India–France Double Taxation Avoidance Convention signed?
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Correct answer: B — 1992
The India–France DTAC was signed on 29 September 1992.
Consider the following statements about the India–France Amending Protocol announced in February 2026: 1. It deletes the Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause from the Protocol to the DTAC. 2. It gives taxing rights on capital gains from the sale of shares to the country where the shareholder is resident. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Protocol deletes the MFN clause and gives full capital-gains taxing rights to the country where the company (not the shareholder) is resident.
Where was the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IF-CAIH) inaugurated on 18 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — AIIMS New Delhi
J. P. Nadda and Emmanuel Macron inaugurated IF-CAIH at AIIMS, New Delhi.
The Indo-French Centre for AI in Health was set up under a joint MoU between AIIMS New Delhi and which French institutions?
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Correct answer: C — Sorbonne University and Paris Brain Institute
IF-CAIH was established under a joint MoU between AIIMS New Delhi, Sorbonne University and the Paris Brain Institute.
To what level did India and France elevate their relations on 17 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Special Global Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and President Macron agreed to elevate relations to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'.
In which city did PM Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurate the 2026 India–France Year of Innovation?
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Correct answer: B — Mumbai
The Year of Innovation was inaugurated in Mumbai on 17 February 2026.
Which new mechanism did India and France establish on 17 February 2026 to review the elevated partnership?
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Correct answer: D — An annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue
The leaders established an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue to review bilateral cooperation and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Consider the following statements about President Macron's February 2026 visit to India: 1. It was his fourth visit to India. 2. He invited PM Modi to the G7 Summit to be hosted by France in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the India–France Joint Statement of 17 February 2026.
Consider the following statements about India–France relations: 1. The India–France Strategic Partnership marked its 25th anniversary in 2023. 2. The Horizon 2047 Roadmap was adopted to mark the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Joint Statement notes that the two countries celebrated 25 years of the Strategic Partnership in 2023 and adopted the Horizon 2047 Roadmap on that occasion.
Where will the India–France National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics and Defence, announced on 17 February 2026, be set up?
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Correct answer: A — NSTI Kanpur
The NCoE will be at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Kanpur, under PM-SETU.
PM-SETU, the scheme under which the Kanpur aeronautics skilling centre is being set up, stands for:
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Correct answer: B — Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs
PM-SETU is the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Bharat Electronics Limited and Safran signed an MoU on 17 February 2026 for a joint venture to manufacture which missiles in India?
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Correct answer: D — Hammer
BEL and Safran Electronics and Defence signed an MoU on a joint venture to manufacture Hammer missiles in India.
Consider the following statements about the 6th India–France Annual Defence Dialogue held on 17 February 2026: 1. It was held in Bengaluru. 2. The bilateral defence cooperation agreement was renewed for another 10 years. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The dialogue was co-chaired in Bengaluru and the defence cooperation agreement was renewed for 10 years.
Where is the Tata Advanced Systems final assembly line for the Airbus H125 helicopter, inaugurated on 17 February 2026, located?
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Correct answer: A — Vemagal, Karnataka
The H125 final assembly line is at Vemagal, Karnataka. Vadodara hosts the C-295 final assembly line.
The H125, whose final assembly line was inaugurated in India on 17 February 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Light utility helicopter
The Airbus H125 is a light utility helicopter.
Consider the following statements about the H125 final assembly line inaugurated on 17 February 2026: 1. It was inaugurated virtually from Mumbai by PM Modi and President Macron. 2. It is the first Tata–Airbus manufacturing collaboration in India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The H125 line follows the earlier Tata–Airbus collaboration to manufacture the C-295 transport aircraft in India.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship set off on the Lokayan 26 expedition on 20 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — INS Sudarshini
PIB (Defence): INS Sudarshini was flagged off from Kochi for Lokayan 26.
During Lokayan 26, INS Sudarshini is scheduled to visit how many ports in how many countries?
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Correct answer: C — 18 ports in 13 countries
PIB (Defence): the ship will traverse about 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 ports in 13 countries.
The SIGMA 30N system, whose production India Optel Limited will take up under a December 2025 agreement with Safran, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Digital ring laser gyro inertial navigation system
PIB 2207389: SIGMA 30N is a digital ring laser gyro inertial navigation system used in artillery guns, air defence systems, missiles and radars.
India Optel Limited, which signed a production agreement with Safran in December 2025, is categorised as a:
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Correct answer: C — Mini Navratna Defence PSU
PIB 2207389: India Optel Limited is a Mini Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking.
With which French body did DRDO sign a Technical Agreement on defence R&D on 20 November 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Directorate General of Armaments (DGA)
The agreement was signed with the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), France.
Where was the DRDO–DGA (France) Technical Agreement signed in November 2025?
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Correct answer: D — DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi
It was signed at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi on 20 November 2025.
Exercise Garuda 25, held in November 2025, is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the air force of:
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Correct answer: B — France
Garuda is the bilateral air exercise between the IAF and the French Air and Space Force.
Where was the 8th edition of Exercise Garuda held in November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Mont-de-Marsan, France
Garuda 25 was held at Mont-de-Marsan, France from 16 to 27 November 2025.
Which IAF fighter aircraft took part in Exercise Garuda 25?
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Correct answer: B — Su-30MKI
The IAF participated with Su-30MKI fighters, supported by C-17 and IL-78 aircraft.