SF Prep Notes

North America Current Affairs Quiz — All time

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

7 days 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months All
122 news · 327 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 83 questions
Commerce Ministry announces Piyush Goyal-led delegation's US visit for trade talks
Q1

Who was to lead India's delegation to the United States for trade talks on 22 September 2025, as announced by the Commerce Ministry?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Piyush Goyal

The Commerce Ministry said the delegation would be led by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

Q2 Advanced

Officials from which US office visited India on 16 September 2025 for trade deal discussions, before Piyush Goyal's US visit?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Office of the United States Trade Representative

Officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative visited India on 16 September 2025.

US proclamation requires $100,000 payment for new H-1B petitions; MEA flags humanitarian consequences
Q3

Under the US proclamation of 19 September 2025, what payment must accompany H-1B petitions for the restriction on entry not to apply?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — $100,000

The proclamation restricts entry of H-1B specialty-occupation workers except where petitions are accompanied or supplemented by a payment of $100,000.

Q4 Advanced

For how long does the H-1B entry restriction in the US proclamation of September 2025 remain in force, absent extension?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 12 months

The restriction expires 12 months after its effective date of 21 September 2025, unless extended.

Q5 Advanced

Which provisions of the US Immigration and Nationality Act did the H-1B proclamation of 19 September 2025 invoke?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sections 212(f) and 215(a)

The restriction on entry was imposed pursuant to sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the INA.

Q6 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India's official response to the US H-1B proclamation: 1. The MEA said the measure is likely to have humanitarian consequences by way of disruption caused for families. 2. The MEA said the full implications were being studied by all concerned, including Indian industry. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the implications were being studied, including by Indian industry, and that the measure was likely to have humanitarian consequences for families.

US trade team led by Brendan Lynch holds talks in New Delhi; both sides to intensify efforts on trade deal
Q7

Who led the USTR team that held trade talks in India on 16 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Brendan Lynch

The team from the Office of the USTR was led by Brendan Lynch, Chief Negotiator for the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations.

Q8 Advanced

What did India and the US decide at the end of the trade talks held in India on 16 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — To intensify efforts for early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement

The Commerce Ministry said it was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.

PM Modi reaffirms India–US ties, says trade talks to conclude at the earliest
Q9

On 10 September 2025, how did PM Modi describe India and the US while responding to President Trump's post?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Close friends and natural partners

PM Modi said: 'India and the US are close friends and natural partners', adding that the teams were working to conclude trade discussions at the earliest.

Aryna Sabalenka beats Amanda Anisimova to retain US Open title
Q10

Who won the US Open 2025 women's singles title?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Aryna Sabalenka

Aryna Sabalenka beat Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the final to retain her title.

Q11 Advanced

Aryna Sabalenka, who won the US Open 2025, represents which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Belarus

AP describes Aryna Sabalenka as being from Belarus.

Q12 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Aryna Sabalenka's US Open 2025 win: 1. It was her fourth Grand Slam singles title. 2. She became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back US Open titles. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

AP and the BBC reported it was her fourth major and her second straight US Open; the BBC said she was the first woman to retain the title since Serena Williams in 2014. Both statements are correct.

PM Modi 'fully reciprocates' President Trump's positive assessment of India–US ties
Q13 Advanced

How did PM Modi describe the India–US relationship while reciprocating President Trump's sentiments on 6 September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership

PM Modi said India and the US have a very positive and forward-looking Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership.

Q14

On 6 September 2025, PM Modi said he 'deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates' the sentiments of which leader about bilateral ties?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Donald Trump

PM Modi said he deeply appreciates and fully reciprocates President Trump's sentiments and positive assessment of India–US ties.

PM Modi congratulates Jamaica's Andrew Holness on third consecutive election win
Q15

PM Modi congratulated Dr. Andrew Holness in September 2025 on leading his party to a third consecutive victory in which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Jamaica

PM Modi congratulated Dr. Andrew Holness on his party's third consecutive victory in Jamaica.

IIA-led astronomers find strongest evidence of how cosmic dust aligns with the Galaxy's magnetic field
Q16 Advanced

Which institute led the study, reported in September 2025, providing the strongest observational evidence of interstellar dust grains aligning with the Galaxy's magnetic field?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru

The team was led by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of DST.

Q17 Advanced

The IIA-led dust alignment study used the POL-2 polarimeter on which telescope?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — James Clerk Maxwell Telescope, Hawaii

The researchers used the POL-2 polarimeter on the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope in Hawaii to map the cloud G34.43+0.24.

INS Trikand reaches Alexandria for multilateral Exercise Bright Star 2025
Q18 Advanced

Exercise Bright Star 2025, in which INS Trikand participated, was hosted by which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Egypt

Bright Star 2025 was hosted by Egypt from 1 to 10 September 2025; INS Trikand called at Alexandria for it.

Q19 Advanced

Exercise Bright Star is a multilateral exercise of which command?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — US Central Command

Bright Star 2025 is a multilateral US Central Command exercise across the air, land and sea domains.

Q20 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India's participation in Exercise Bright Star 2025: 1. Only the Indian Navy took part, through INS Trikand. 2. The exercise focuses on interoperability in irregular warfare against hybrid threat scenarios. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Besides INS Trikand, contingents from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force also participated, so statement 1 is wrong. The exercise enhances interoperability in irregular warfare against hybrid threat scenarios.

Indian Army contingent departs for India–USA Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 in Alaska
Q21

Yudh Abhyas is a joint military exercise between India and which country?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — United States

Yudh Abhyas is the India–USA joint military exercise; its 21st edition was held in 2025.

Q22 Advanced

Where was the 21st edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas (September 2025) held?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Fort Wainwright, Alaska

The Indian Army contingent departed for Fort Wainwright, Alaska, for Yudh Abhyas 2025, held from 1 to 14 September.

Q23 Advanced

Which edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas was held in September 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 21st

The PIB release describes Yudh Abhyas 2025 as the 21st edition of the India–USA joint military exercise.

Department of Posts completely suspends booking of all categories of mail to the USA
Q24 Advanced

On 31 August 2025, the Department of Posts completely suspended booking of all mail to the USA. Which items, earlier allowed, were now also covered?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Letters, documents and gift items valued up to USD 100

The notice extended the suspension to all categories, including letters, documents and gift items valued up to USD 100.

Q25 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Department of Posts' notice of 31 August 2025 on US-bound mail: 1. It followed a review of an earlier Public Notice dated 22 August 2025. 2. Customers whose booked items could not be dispatched are not eligible for any refund. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: customers whose booked items could not be dispatched may claim a refund of postage.

US additional 25% duty on Indian goods under Executive Order 14329 takes effect on 27 August 2025
Q26

The additional US ad valorem duty on products of India imposed by Executive Order 14329, which took effect on 27 August 2025, is:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 25%

EO 14329 imposed an additional ad valorem duty of 25 percent on imports of articles of India, effective 12:01 a.m. EDT on 27 August 2025.

Q27 Advanced

According to the US Federal Register notice, the additional duty on Indian goods under Executive Order 14329 was imposed because India was:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil

The notice says the duty was imposed on articles of India, 'which is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil'.

Q28 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the US duty on Indian goods effective 27 August 2025: 1. Executive Order 14329 was issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). 2. The new duty replaces the additional duty on Indian goods under the reciprocal-tariff order EO 14257. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the CBP notice says the duty applies in addition to the duty under EO 14257.

Q29 Advanced

Under the CBP Federal Register notice on the additional duty on Indian goods, articles already loaded and in transit before 12:01 a.m. EDT on 27 August 2025 are exempt if entered for consumption before:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 17 September 2025

Heading 9903.01.85 exempts such in-transit goods if entered (or withdrawn from warehouse) for consumption before 12:01 a.m. EDT on 17 September 2025.

Over 700 Indian Armed Forces personnel set for multilateral Exercise Bright Star 2025 in Egypt
Q30

Multilateral Exercise Bright Star, in which over 700 Indian personnel were set to participate from 28 August 2025, is hosted by:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Egypt, in conjunction with the US

Exercise Bright Star is hosted by Egypt in conjunction with the US since 1980.

Q31 Advanced

Exercise Bright Star, one of the largest tri-service multilateral exercises in its region, is held:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Biennially

The exercise is held biennially; the previous edition took place in 2023.

India Post temporarily suspends booking of most postal articles to the USA from 25 August
Q32

With effect from which date did the Department of Posts temporarily suspend booking of most postal articles to the USA, as announced on 23 August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 25 August 2025

The Department of Posts decided to temporarily suspend booking of all types of postal articles destined for the USA with effect from 25 August 2025, except letters/documents and gifts up to USD 100.

Q33 Advanced

Under US Executive Order No. 14324, the duty-free de minimis exemption was to be withdrawn from 29 August 2025 for goods valued up to:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — USD 800

Under Executive Order No. 14324 of 30 July 2025, the duty-free de minimis exemption for goods valued up to USD 800 was to be withdrawn with effect from 29 August 2025.

Q34 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India Post's suspension of postal bookings to the USA (August 2025): 1. Letters/documents and gift items up to USD 100 in value were exempted from the suspension. 2. The suspension followed US-bound air carriers expressing inability to accept postal consignments after 25 August 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. Letters/documents and gifts up to USD 100 continued to be accepted, and US-bound air carriers had expressed inability to accept postal consignments after 25 August, citing lack of operational and technical readiness.

Q35 Advanced

The US Executive Order of 30 July 2025 cited by India's Department of Posts for withdrawing the de minimis exemption is numbered:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 14324

The Department of Posts took note of Executive Order No. 14324 issued by the US Administration on 30 July 2025, which withdraws the de minimis exemption from 29 August 2025.

Trump–Putin summit in Alaska ends without a deal on the Ukraine war
Q36

At which venue did Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin hold their summit in August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage

AP and Reuters reported that the summit took place at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska.

Q37 Advanced

The Trump–Putin summit in Alaska in August 2025 was the two leaders' first meeting since which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2019

Reuters reported that the Alaska summit was the first meeting between Trump and Putin since 2019.

Q38 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Trump–Putin summit in Alaska in August 2025: 1. The two leaders announced a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine at the end of the talks. 2. Putin suggested that a next meeting could be held in Moscow. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is incorrect: no agreement to end the war in Ukraine was announced, and Trump said there was no deal until there is a deal. Statement 2 is correct: Putin suggested that a meeting in Moscow could be next.

Bhavina Patel wins gold at ITTF World Para Elite in Spokane, rises to world No. 1
Q39

In which category did Bhavina Patel win gold at the ITTF World Para Elite event in Spokane in August 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Women's Singles Class 4–5

Bhavina Patel clinched the gold medal in the Women's Singles Class 4–5 category at the ITTF World Para Elite event held from 9 to 13 August 2025.

Q40 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Bhavina Patel's performances in Spokane in August 2025: 1. She won silver in the same category at the ITTF World Para Future event held days earlier. 2. The results lifted her to No. 1 in the ITTF World Para rankings for Women's Singles Classes 1 to 5. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct. Bhavina Patel won silver at the ITTF World Para Future event from 6 to 8 August and, after her gold at the World Para Elite event, rose to No. 1 in Women's Singles Classes 1 to 5.

US executive order sets 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods
Q41

What reciprocal tariff rate did the US executive order of 31 July 2025 set for India?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 25%

Annex I of Executive Order 14326 lists India at 25%.

Q42 Advanced

From which date did the 25% US reciprocal tariff on Indian goods under the executive order of 31 July 2025 take effect?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 7 August 2025

The order applies from 12:01 a.m. EDT seven days after 31 July 2025, i.e. 7 August 2025; Business Standard reported it took effect on 7 August.

Q43 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Annex I of US Executive Order 14326 (31 July 2025): 1. Bangladesh is listed at 20%. 2. Japan is listed at 15%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per Annex I of the order.

GSLV-F16 launches NASA-ISRO satellite NISAR from Sriharikota
Q44

Which rocket launched the NASA-ISRO satellite NISAR on 30 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — GSLV-F16

NISAR was launched aboard GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota at 17:40 IST.

Q45 Advanced

In the NISAR satellite launched on 30 July 2025, which radar bands were provided by NASA and ISRO respectively?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — L-band and S-band

NASA provided the L-band SAR and ISRO the S-band SAR.

Q46 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the GSLV-F16/NISAR mission: 1. It was GSLV's first mission to a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. 2. It was the 12th flight of GSLV with the indigenous cryogenic stage. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are in the ISRO launch brochure; GSLV-F16 was also the 18th GSLV flight.

Q47 Advanced

NISAR, launched on 30 July 2025, will scan the entire globe at what interval?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Every 12 days

ISRO says NISAR will scan the globe and provide data at a 12-day interval.

Axiom-4 splashes down: Shubhanshu Shukla returns after 18 days on the ISS
Q48

Around what time (IST) did the Axiom-4 Dragon carrying Shubhanshu Shukla splash down on 15 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Shortly after 3 PM IST

ISRO: splashdown occurred on July 15, 2025 at approximately 15:03 hrs IST; NASA: 5:31 a.m. EDT (= 15:01 IST); PIB (DoS): shortly after 3 PM IST.

Q49

Where did the Axiom-4 crew capsule splash down on 15 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pacific Ocean, off the coast of California

ISRO and NASA: the Dragon splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California.

Q50 Advanced

What was the name of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that brought the Axiom-4 crew back to Earth?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Grace

PIB (DoS): Shukla returned to Earth in the SpaceX Dragon capsule 'Grace', which splashed down off the coast of San Diego.

Q51 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Axiom-4 mission: 1. Shubhanshu Shukla flew as the mission commander. 2. Shukla completed seven ISRO-led microgravity experiments aboard the ISS. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

PIB (Cabinet) and PIB (DoS): Shukla was Mission Pilot and Peggy Whitson was mission commander, so 1 is wrong; ISRO: Shukla completed a suite of seven microgravity experiments, so 2 is correct.

Q52 Advanced

According to ISRO, after undocking from the ISS the Axiom-4 Dragon flew in Earth orbit for about how long before splashdown, and how many orbits did ISRO say the mission covered?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — About 22 hours 30 minutes; ~282 orbits

ISRO: after an Earth-orbiting free flight lasting nearly 22 hours and 30 minutes, the Dragon splashed down; ISRO titled the mission 'a saga of ~12 million kilometers and ~282 orbits aboard ISS'.

Axiom-4 Crew Dragon with Shubhanshu Shukla undocks from the ISS
Q53

According to ISRO, at what time (IST) did the Axiom-4 Crew Dragon undock from the ISS on 14 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 16:45 IST

ISRO: 'On July 14, 2025 (16:45 hrs IST), Crew Dragon spacecraft ... successfully undocked from International Space Station.'

Q54 Advanced

After undocking on 14 July 2025, where was the Axiom-4 Crew Dragon expected to splash down, according to ISRO?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Near the coast of California, USA

ISRO: the Crew Dragon spacecraft is expected to splash down near the coast of California, USA, on July 15, 2025 at 15:00 hrs (IST).

Chelsea beat PSG 3-0 to win the first expanded FIFA Club World Cup
Q55

Which club won the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final on 13 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Chelsea

AP and Reuters: Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final of the first expanded Club World Cup.

Q56 Advanced

Where was the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final played?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

AP and Reuters: the final was played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Q57 Advanced

Which Chelsea player scored twice and set up the third goal in the 2025 Club World Cup final?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Cole Palmer

AP and Reuters: Cole Palmer scored twice and set up João Pedro for the third goal.

Farewell ceremony for Axiom-4 crew held aboard the ISS
Q58 Advanced

According to ISRO, in which ISS module was the Axiom-4 crew's farewell ceremony on 13 July 2025 marked with commemorative patches and final photographs?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Harmony

ISRO: Expedition 73 crew and mission control teams marked the occasion with commemorative mission patches and final photographs in the Harmony module.

Iga Swiatek beats Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 for first Wimbledon title
Q59

Whom did Iga Swiatek defeat 6-0, 6-0 in the Wimbledon 2025 women's singles final on 12 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Amanda Anisimova

AP, Reuters, BBC: Iga Swiatek beat American Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 to win her first Wimbledon title.

Q60 Advanced

The Wimbledon 2025 title was which Grand Slam singles title of Iga Swiatek's career?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Sixth

AP and Reuters: the win delivered Swiatek's first Wimbledon title and sixth Grand Slam (major) title.

Coast Guard rescues two crew of US yacht 'Sea Angel' off Andaman & Nicobar
Q61

To which harbour was the disabled US yacht 'Sea Angel' towed by the Indian Coast Guard on 11 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Campbell Bay

Ministry of Defence: on the morning of July 11, 2025, the yacht was towed and escorted to Campbell Bay harbour.

PM Modi receives 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago'; first Indian PM to address T&T Parliament
Q62

Which honour did Trinidad & Tobago confer on PM Narendra Modi on 4 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago

PMO: the President of Trinidad & Tobago conferred upon PM Modi the highest national award, 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago'.

Q63 Advanced

Who conferred 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago' on PM Modi on 4 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — President Christine Carla Kangaloo

PMO: in a special ceremony at the President's House in Port of Spain, President Christine Carla Kangaloo conferred the award.

Q64 Advanced

While accepting the T&T award, PM Modi recalled that Indians arrived in Trinidad & Tobago how many years ago?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 180 years

PMO: the special ties were based on shared history and cultural heritage forged by Indians who arrived in the country 180 years ago.

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following about PM Modi's engagements in Trinidad & Tobago on 4 July 2025: 1. He was the first foreign leader to receive 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago'. 2. He was the first Indian Prime Minister to address the T&T Parliament. 3. He addressed the Parliament at the invitation of the T&T Prime Minister alone. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

Statements 1 and 2 are correct (PMO). Statement 3 is wrong: he addressed the Joint Assembly at the invitation of Senate President Wade Mark and House Speaker Jagdeo Singh.

Q66 Advanced

Which gift from India in the T&T Parliament did PM Modi cite as reflecting close ties between the two democracies?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — The Speaker's Chair

PMO: the close ties between the two democracies are aptly reflected in the Speaker's Chair gifted by India.

India–T&T outcomes: OCI extended to 6th generation; T&T joins CDRI and Global Biofuel Alliance
Q67

Up to which generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago was the OCI card facility extended in July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 6th generation

PMO list of outcomes: extension of OCI card facility up to the 6th generation of Indian diaspora members in T&T; earlier it was available up to the 4th generation.

Q68 Advanced

Which two India-led global initiatives did Trinidad & Tobago announce it was joining during PM Modi's visit in July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — CDRI and Global Biofuel Alliance

PMO list of outcomes: T&T announced that it is joining India's global initiatives, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).

Q69 Advanced

At which university will two ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies be re-established under an India–T&T MoU of July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — University of West Indies

PMO list of outcomes: MoU on the re-establishment of two ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago.

PM Modi arrives in Trinidad & Tobago, first bilateral PM visit since 1999; addresses Indian diaspora
Q70

PM Modi's State Visit to Trinidad & Tobago in July 2025 was the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to that country since which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1999

PMO: this is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to T&T since 1999.

Q71 Advanced

Who received PM Modi at the airport in Port of Spain on 3 July 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar

PMO: in a special gesture, the Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, received Prime Minister Modi at the airport along with members of her Cabinet.

Q72 Advanced

In July 2025, Trinidad & Tobago was celebrating how many years of the first arrival of Indian immigrants?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 180 years

PMO: the visit came at a time when the nation is celebrating 180 years of the first arrival of Indian immigrants on its shores.

QUAD Coast Guards launch first 'QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission'
Q73

Aboard which vessel did officers embark for the first 'QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission' (June 2025)?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — USCGC Stratton

PIB: two officers from each country embarked on board the US Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Stratton, which is sailing to Guam.

Q74 Advanced

Which Australian agency took part in the first QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission alongside the Coast Guards of India, Japan and the US?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Australian Border Force

PIB: the mission deepens operational ties between the Indian Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, US Coast Guard and Australian Border Force (ABF).

Q75 Advanced

The QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission was launched under which declaration, adopted at the QUAD Leaders' Summit of September 2024?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Wilmington Declaration

PIB: the mission was launched under the Wilmington Declaration and reflects the vision laid out at the QUAD Leaders' Summit in September 2024.

Axiom-4 Dragon docks with the ISS; Ax-4 crew enters station
Q76 Advanced

To which module of the International Space Station did the Axiom Mission 4 Dragon dock on 26 June 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Harmony module (space-facing port)

NASA: the spacecraft docked to the space-facing port of the space station's Harmony module.

Q77

After the hatch opened on 26 June 2025, who was the first Axiom-4 crew member to enter the International Space Station?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Commander Peggy Whitson

NASA: Ax-4 Commander Peggy Whitson was the first to enter the station after the hatch opened, followed by Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla.

Q78 Advanced

Which institutions conduct the Axiom-4 experiment studying the germination of sprouting moong and methi seeds in space, as described by Dr. Jitendra Singh?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — UAS Dharwad and IIT Dharwad

PIB: the second experiment, by UAS Dharwad and IIT Dharwad, investigates the germination and nutritional properties of sprouting moong and methi seeds. ICGEB and BRIC-NIPGR lead the microalgae experiment.

Q79 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Axiom-4 arrival at the ISS: 1. The Dragon docked to the space-facing port of the Harmony module. 2. After the arrival, eleven people were aboard the station, including seven Expedition 73 crew members. 3. The mission had launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only

NASA: statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: Ax-4 launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida.

Axiom Mission 4 lifts off with Shubhanshu Shukla as Mission Pilot
Q80

At what time (IST) did Axiom Mission 4 lift off on 25 June 2025, according to ISRO?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 12:01 IST

ISRO: the mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Centre at 12:01 Hrs IST aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9.

Q81 Advanced

Which ISRO astronaut from the Gaganyaan pool was nominated as the backup crew member for Axiom Mission 4?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Prashanth B. Nair

ISRO: Prashanth B. Nair, also an ISRO astronaut from the Gaganyaan pool, was nominated as the backup crew member.

Q82 Advanced

ISRO said the Axiom-4 mission follows the legacy of international cooperation that sent Rakesh Sharma to space in 1984. Aboard which spacecraft did he fly?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Soviet Soyuz

ISRO: the mission follows the legacy of international cooperation that sent Rakesh Sharma to space in 1984 aboard the Soviet Soyuz.

Q83 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the launch of Axiom Mission 4: 1. The mission lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. 2. It was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. 3. A launch scheduled on 19 June 2025 had been called off before the eventual launch. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

ISRO: all three are correct. Lift-off was from LC-39A, KSC, on a Falcon 9, and the launch scheduled on 19 June was called off to resolve issues.