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
130 news · 351 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 90 questions
Axiom Mission 4 lifts off with Shubhanshu Shukla as Mission Pilot
Q1

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.

Q2 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.

Q3 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.

Q4 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.

Modi and Carney agree on early return of High Commissioners to reset India–Canada ties
Q5

Who was the Prime Minister of Canada with whom PM Modi held a bilateral meeting at Kananaskis on 17 June 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mark Carney

PIB (PMO): PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.

Q6 Advanced

With which step did India and Canada agree to begin restoring stability in their relationship at the Modi–Carney meeting of June 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Early return of High Commissioners to each other's capitals

PIB (PMO): Both sides agreed to take calibrated and constructive steps to restore stability, beginning with the early return of High Commissioners to each other's capitals.

Q7 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Modi–Carney meeting of 17 June 2025: 1. It was held on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta. 2. It was the second in-person meeting between the two leaders since Carney assumed office. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

PIB (PMO): The meeting was held on the G7 sidelines in Kananaskis, Alberta, and it was the first, not second, in-person interaction since Carney assumed office. So the answer is 1 only.

PM Modi addresses G7 Outreach Session on energy security at Kananaskis
Q8

Where was the G7 Summit held at which PM Modi addressed the Outreach Session on 17 June 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Kananaskis, Canada

PIB (PMO): PM Modi participated in the Outreach Session of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

Q9 Advanced

PM Modi's address at the G7 Outreach Session on 17 June 2025 was on which theme?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Energy security

PIB (PMO): He addressed a Session on 'Energy Security: diversification, technology and infrastructure to ensure access and affordability in a changing world'.

Q10 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM Modi's address at the G7 Outreach Session in June 2025: 1. He said India met its Paris commitments ahead of time. 2. He congratulated the G7 on marking 50 years of its journey. 3. He cited the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance among India's global initiatives. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

PIB (PMO): Modi said India met its Paris commitments ahead of time, congratulated the G7 on 50 years, and cited ISA, CDRI, Global Biofuels Alliance, Mission LiFE and OSOWOG. All are correct, so the answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Q11 Advanced

At the G7 Outreach Session in June 2025, PM Modi said which four principles underpin India's approach to energy security?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability

PIB (PMO): He noted that availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability were the principles that underpinned India's approach to energy security.

Canadian PM Mark Carney calls PM Modi, invites him to G7 Summit in Kananaskis
Q12

Where was the G7 Summit, to which Canadian PM Mark Carney invited PM Modi on 6 June 2025, to be held?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Kananaskis

Mark Carney invited the Prime Minister to the G7 Summit in Kananaskis later in June 2025.

Q13 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the phone call between PM Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney on 6 June 2025: 1. PM Modi congratulated Mark Carney on his recent election victory. 2. The G7 Summit to which PM Modi was invited was scheduled for July 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: PM Modi congratulated Carney on his recent election victory. Statement 2 is incorrect: the G7 Summit in Kananaskis was due later in the same month, June 2025.

India highlights forest achievements at UNFF20, invites nations to join International Big Cat Alliance
Q14

As reported by India at UNFF20, what share of India's geographical area is under forest and tree cover?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 25.17%

India reported forest and tree cover of 25.17% of its geographical area as per the latest India State of Forest Report.

Q15 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India at UNFF20: 1. India invited all UN Member States to join the International Big Cat Alliance. 2. India recalled the Country-Led Initiative it hosted in Dehradun in October 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct; the Dehradun initiative focused on forest fire management and forest certification.

Robert Francis Prevost elected Pope, takes the name Leo XIV; first Pope from the United States
Q16

Pope Leo XIV, elected on 8 May 2025, is which Pope in history according to the Vatican?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 267th

The Vatican described him as the 267th Pope (267th Bishop of Rome).

Q17 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Pope Leo XIV: 1. He is the first Pope from the United States of America. 2. He was born in Lima, Peru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on 14 September 1955; he served as a missionary in Peru.

Q18 Advanced

Who announced 'Habemus Papam' and the name of the new Pope from the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica on 8 May 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Cardinal Dominique Mamberti

Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti made the announcement.

Q19 Advanced

How many cardinal electors gathered in the Conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 133

As per L'Osservatore Romano, 133 cardinal electors gathered in the Sistine Chapel.

India is Country Champion at World Bank Land Conference 2025; SVAMITVA showcased
Q20

In what role did India participate in the World Bank Land Conference 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Country Champion

India assumed the role of a Country Champion under the leadership of Panchayati Raj Secretary Vivek Bharadwaj.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. Under SVAMITVA, 68,000 sq km has been surveyed. 2. Gram Manchitra is a land-titling app for urban local bodies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. Gram Manchitra is a geospatial planning platform for Gram Panchayats.

India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks held in Washington, D.C.
Q22 Advanced

Consider the following about the India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks reported on 29 April 2025: 1. The talks between the Department of Commerce and USTR were held in Washington, D.C., on 23–25 April 2025. 2. The sides discussed concluding the first tranche of the agreement by Fall 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct. The talks were in Washington, D.C., on 23–25 April 2025, and the pathway to a first tranche by Fall 2025 was discussed.

Q23

Where was the round of India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks held before the April 2025 Washington round?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — New Delhi

The earlier round was held in New Delhi in March 2025.

Jakub Menšík beats Novak Djokovic to win Miami Open, denying him a 100th title
Q24

Who beat Novak Djokovic in the Miami Open 2025 men's singles final on 30 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Jakub Menšík

Jakub Menšík won 7-6(4), 7-6(4) for his first ATP title.

Q25 Advanced

Losing the Miami Open 2025 final on 30 March 2025 denied Novak Djokovic which milestone?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — His 100th career title

Djokovic was seeking his 100th career title and a record seventh Miami Open title.

India–US trade talks in New Delhi conclude; sides aim for first tranche of BTA by fall 2025
Q26

By when did India and the US aim to finalise the first tranche of their Bilateral Trade Agreement, according to the Commerce Ministry on 29 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — By fall 2025

The two sides aimed to finalise the first tranche of the BTA by fall 2025.

Q27 Advanced

Under the India–US Joint Statement of 13 February 2025, bilateral trade was to be expanded to what level by 2030?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — $500 billion

The two sides agreed to expand bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Q28 Advanced

The India–US trade talks that concluded in New Delhi on 29 March 2025 lasted how many days?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Four

The talks were held from 26 to 29 March 2025, four days of discussions.

Q29 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–US trade talks of March 2025: 1. On the US side, the talks were held with the Office of the US Trade Representative. 2. Sectoral expert-level engagements under the BTA were to begin in person in New Delhi immediately after the talks. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

India's Department of Commerce met the Office of the USTR. Sectoral expert-level engagements were to start virtually in the coming weeks, paving the way for an in-person round later.

Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win her first Miami Open title
Q30

Whom did Aryna Sabalenka beat in the Miami Open 2025 women's singles final on 29 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Jessica Pegula

Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2.

Q31 Advanced

The Miami Open 2025 women's final of 29 March 2025 was a rematch of which earlier final?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2024 US Open final

Sabalenka and Pegula had met in the 2024 US Open final, which Sabalenka also won.

Canadian PM Mark Carney calls snap election for 28 April as Parliament is dissolved
Q32

For which date did Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney call a snap general election on 23 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 28 April 2025

Carney called the election for 28 April 2025; it had not been due until October.

Q33 Advanced

Who dissolved Canada's 44th Parliament on 23 March 2025 on the advice of Prime Minister Mark Carney?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Governor General Mary Simon

Governor General Mary Simon approved Carney's advice and issued proclamations dissolving Parliament and ordering election writs.

Q34 Advanced

How many seats in Canada's House of Commons were up for election in the vote called on 23 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 343

AP reported that the 37-day campaign was for 343 seats in the House of Commons.

Sunita Williams and NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 return to Earth; Williams and Wilmore complete 286 days in space
Q35

What was the name of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft that brought Sunita Williams and the Crew-9 astronauts back to Earth in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Freedom

NASA says the Dragon spacecraft Freedom splashed down off Tallahassee, Florida, returning Crew-9; it was Freedom's fourth flight.

Q36 Advanced

Crew-9 splashed down at 5:57 pm EDT on 18 March 2025. What was this time in Indian Standard Time?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 3:27 am IST, 19 March 2025

NASA's timeline puts splashdown at 21:57 GMT on 18 March; adding 5 hours 30 minutes gives 3:27 am IST on 19 March 2025.

Q37 Advanced

How many days did Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore spend in space on the mission that ended with the Crew-9 splashdown in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 286 days

NASA says Williams and Wilmore spent 286 days in space; 171 days was the figure for Hague and Gorbunov, and 608 days is Williams' career total.

Q38

Off the coast of which city did NASA's SpaceX Crew-9 splash down on 18 March 2025 (EDT)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Tallahassee, Florida

Crew-9 splashed down in the Gulf of America off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.

Q39 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the return of Sunita Williams in March 2025: 1. Williams and Butch Wilmore had reached the International Space Station in June 2024 aboard Boeing's Starliner on its Crew Flight Test. 2. The Crew-9 return was the first flight of the Dragon spacecraft Freedom. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Williams and Wilmore launched on Starliner on 5 June 2024 and reached the station on 6 June. Crew-9 was Freedom's fourth flight; it earlier flew Crew-4, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.

Putin agrees to Trump's proposal for a 30-day halt on strikes on energy infrastructure
Q40

In their phone call on 18 March 2025, Vladimir Putin agreed to Donald Trump's proposal for a 30-day halt on strikes on which targets?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Energy infrastructure

The Kremlin said Trump proposed that the parties mutually refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days, and Putin immediately ordered Russian troops to comply.

Q41 Advanced

After the Trump–Putin call of 18 March 2025, the White House said technical negotiations would begin on a maritime ceasefire in which sea?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Black Sea

The White House said the movement to peace would begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire and technical negotiations on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Trump–Putin phone call of 18 March 2025: 1. Putin accepted the full 30-day ceasefire across the front line proposed by the US. 2. The broader 30-day truce sought by the US had already been accepted by Ukraine. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Putin agreed only to a 30-day halt on strikes on energy infrastructure and set conditions for any wider ceasefire, so statement 1 is wrong. Reuters reported that the blanket 30-day truce sought by the US had been accepted by Ukraine.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard calls on PM Modi and meets Rajnath Singh in New Delhi
Q43

Tulsi Gabbard, who called on PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 17 March 2025, holds which US post?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Director of National Intelligence

Tulsi Gabbard is the US Director of National Intelligence.

Q44 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Tulsi Gabbard's India visit of 17 March 2025: 1. The PMO described it as the first high-level visit to India from the US in President Trump's second term. 2. She also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: PM Modi noted it was the first high-level visit to India from the US in Trump's second term, and Rajnath Singh met her the same day.

Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva win Indian Wells 2025 titles; 17-year-old Andreeva beats world No. 1 Sabalenka
Q45

Who won the men's singles title at Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open) on 16 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Jack Draper

Britain's Jack Draper beat Denmark's Holger Rune 6-2, 6-2 for his first ATP Masters 1000 title.

Q46 Advanced

Whom did 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva beat in the Indian Wells women's final on 16 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Aryna Sabalenka

Andreeva came back to beat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Q47 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Indian Wells 2025 finals: 1. Mirra Andreeva became the tournament's youngest women's champion since Serena Williams in 1999. 2. Jack Draper had already won two Masters 1000 titles before Indian Wells 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct (AP, Reuters). Statement 2 is wrong: Indian Wells 2025 was Draper's first Masters 1000 final and title.

US launches large-scale air strikes on Yemen's Houthis over Red Sea shipping attacks
Q48

The US air strikes ordered by President Trump on 15 March 2025 targeted which group in Yemen?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Houthis

Trump ordered strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen over their attacks on shipping.

Q49 Advanced

Which city, struck by US air strikes on 15 March 2025, is the capital of Yemen held by the Houthis?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sanaa

Trump said he ordered strikes on Yemen's capital Sanaa and other Houthi-held areas.

Q50 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the US strikes on Yemen's Houthis on 15 March 2025: 1. The Houthis had begun attacking military and commercial ships after the Israel–Hamas war started in October 2023. 2. The operation was carried out jointly by the US and the UK. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct (AP). Statement 2 is wrong: a US official said the 15 March operation was conducted solely by the United States.

Mark Carney sworn in as Canada's 24th Prime Minister at Rideau Hall, replacing Justin Trudeau
Q51

Who was sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada on 14 March 2025, succeeding Justin Trudeau?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Mark Carney

Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada's Prime Minister on 14 March 2025, replacing Justin Trudeau.

Q52 Advanced

Mark Carney became Canada's Prime Minister of which number in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 24th

The Prime Minister's Office states that Mark Carney is Canada's 24th Prime Minister.

Q53 Advanced

Who presided over the swearing-in of Mark Carney as Canada's Prime Minister at Rideau Hall?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Governor General Mary Simon

Governor General Mary Simon presided over the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on 14 March 2025.

Q54 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Canadian ministry sworn in on 14 March 2025: 1. It is the 30th Canadian Ministry and has 23 ministers besides the Prime Minister. 2. Mélanie Joly was moved from Foreign Affairs to Finance. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct as per the Prime Minister's Office. Statement 2 is wrong: Joly stayed Foreign Minister, and François-Philippe Champagne became Finance Minister.

G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, ends with joint statement and maritime security declaration
Q55

Where was the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting held from 12 to 14 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Charlevoix, Quebec

Canada hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, from 12 to 14 March 2025.

Q56 Advanced

Who hosted the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Charlevoix in March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mélanie Joly

Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly hosted the meeting.

Q57 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting of March 2025: 1. Besides the joint statement, it issued a declaration on maritime security and prosperity. 2. The European Union's High Representative took part alongside the seven member countries' foreign ministers. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per Global Affairs Canada: the meeting issued a joint statement and a G7 Foreign Ministers' Declaration on Maritime Security and Prosperity, and the EU High Representative attended.

NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 launches to the ISS, clearing the way for Crew-9's return with Sunita Williams
Q58

Who commanded NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission launched on 14 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Anne McClain

NASA astronaut Anne McClain is Crew-10's commander; Nichole Ayers is the pilot.

Q59 Advanced

Which JAXA astronaut flew on NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Takuya Onishi

JAXA astronaut Takuya Onishi flew as a mission specialist on Crew-10, his second flight to the station.

Q60 Advanced

Consider the following statements about NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission: 1. It launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. 2. Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov was on his first flight to the space station. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: Crew-10 launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Statement 2 is correct as per NASA.

At Jeddah talks, Ukraine accepts US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire; US lifts pause on intelligence sharing and aid
Q61

In which city did US and Ukrainian officials hold talks on 11 March 2025 that led to Ukraine accepting a 30-day ceasefire proposal?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Jeddah

The talks were held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hosted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Q62 Advanced

What was the length of the interim ceasefire that Ukraine expressed readiness to accept at the Jeddah talks of March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 30 days

The joint statement refers to an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, extendable by mutual agreement.

Q63 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the US–Ukraine joint statement issued in Jeddah on 11 March 2025: 1. The ceasefire was to take effect immediately regardless of Russia's response. 2. The US agreed to lift its pause on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: the ceasefire was subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by Russia. Statement 2 is correct.

Mark Carney wins Liberal Party leadership with 85.9%, set to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada's PM
Q64

Who won the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership race on 9 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Mark Carney

Mark Carney won on the first ballot with 85.9% of the points.

Q65 Advanced

Before entering politics, Mark Carney headed which two central banks?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bank of Canada and Bank of England

Carney is a former Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.

Q66 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Liberal Party of Canada's leadership vote of March 2025: 1. Mark Carney needed several rounds of the ranked ballot to cross 50%. 2. Chrystia Freeland, the former Finance Minister, finished second. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: Carney won on the first ballot with 85.9% of the points. Statement 2 is correct: Freeland was second with 8.0%.

97th Academy Awards: 'Anora' wins Best Picture among five Oscars; Sean Baker wins four
Q67

Which film won Best Picture at the 97th Academy Awards held on 2 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Anora

'Anora' won Best Picture and four other awards; 'The Brutalist', 'Conclave' and 'Emilia Pérez' were among the other nominees.

Q68

Who won the Best Actor Oscar at the 97th Academy Awards on 2 March 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Adrien Brody

Adrien Brody won Best Actor for 'The Brutalist', his second win in the category; Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor.

Q69 Advanced

Which film won Best International Feature at the 97th Academy Awards (2 March 2025)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — I'm Still Here (Brazil)

Brazil's 'I'm Still Here' won Best International Feature; 'No Other Land' won Best Documentary Feature.

Q70 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 97th Academy Awards held on 2 March 2025: 1. Sean Baker became the first person to win four Oscars for the same film. 2. Mikey Madison won Best Actress for 'Anora'. 3. The ceremony was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel at the Dolby Theatre. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only

Statements 1 and 2 are correct: Sean Baker won Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay and Editing for 'Anora', and Mikey Madison won Best Actress. Statement 3 is wrong: the 2025 ceremony at the Dolby Theatre was hosted by Conan O'Brien.

UN General Assembly adopts two resolutions on Ukraine on the war's third anniversary; India abstains
Q71

How did India vote on the Ukraine-tabled UN General Assembly resolution 'Advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine' on 24 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Abstained

India was among the 65 member states that abstained on the Ukraine-tabled resolution; it also abstained on the amended US resolution.

Q72 Advanced

What was the vote on the Ukraine-tabled UN General Assembly resolution adopted on 24 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 93 in favour, 18 against, 65 abstentions

The Ukraine-tabled text passed by 93 in favour, 18 against and 65 abstentions; the amended US text passed by 93 to 8 with 73 abstentions.

Modi and Trump launch U.S.-India COMPACT, set 'Mission 500' trade goal in Washington
Q73

Under 'Mission 500', announced by PM Modi and President Trump on 13 February 2025, India–US bilateral trade is to reach $500 billion by which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2030

The leaders set 'Mission 500', aiming to more than double total bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.

Q74 Advanced

In the India–US 'TRUST' initiative launched on 13 February 2025, what does TRUST stand for?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology

TRUST stands for 'Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology', covering defence, AI, semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology, energy and space.

Q75 Advanced

The India–US Joint Statement of February 2025 said the first tranche of which agreement would be negotiated by fall 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Bilateral Trade Agreement

The leaders announced plans to negotiate the first tranche of a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement by fall 2025; for defence, they only called for opening Reciprocal Defense Procurement talks.

Q76 Advanced

Which new initiative did India and the US announce on 13 February 2025 to scale industry partnerships and production of autonomous systems in the Indo-Pacific?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA)

The leaders announced the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA), building on the US-India Roadmap for Defense Industrial Cooperation.

Q77 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–US Joint Statement of February 2025: 1. It announced plans for procurement and co-production of Javelin missiles and Stryker vehicles in India. 2. It announced plans to sign a new ten-year Framework for the Major Defense Partnership in 2025. 3. It described 'Tiger Triumph' as a bilateral naval exercise first held in 2023. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

The statement announced Javelin and Stryker co-production plans and a new ten-year defence framework to be signed that year. Tiger Triumph is a tri-service exercise first held in 2019, so the third statement is wrong.

Rajnath Singh and US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agree to draft 2025–2035 defence framework
Q78 Advanced

In their first phone call on 6 February 2025, Rajnath Singh and Pete Hegseth agreed to draft a defence cooperation framework for which period?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2025–2035

India and the US agreed to draft a comprehensive framework on defence cooperation for 2025–2035.

Q79

Pete Hegseth, with whom Rajnath Singh held a phone call on 6 February 2025, had recently been confirmed as:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — US Secretary of Defense

Rajnath Singh congratulated Pete Hegseth on his confirmation as US Secretary of Defense in their first phone call.

US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indians lands in Amritsar
Q80

How many deported Indian nationals were on the US military aircraft that landed in Amritsar on 5 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 104

The US Air Force C-17 carried 104 deported Indians; earlier reports of 205 deportees proved incorrect.

Q81 Advanced

At which airport did the first US military deportation flight to India land on 5 February 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar

The C-17 from San Antonio, Texas, landed at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, Punjab.

Chandrika Tandon's 'Triveni' wins Grammy for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album
Q82

Chandrika Tandon won a Grammy at the 67th Grammy Awards on 2 February 2025 for which album?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Triveni

GRAMMY.com and PIB: Chandrika Tandon won for the album Triveni. Break of Dawn was Ricky Kej's nominated album in the same category.

Q83 Advanced

In which Grammy category did 'Triveni' win at the 67th Grammy Awards?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album

GRAMMY.com (2 Feb 2025): Triveni by Wouter Kellerman, Eru Matsumoto and Chandrika Tandon won Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.

Q84 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Grammy-winning album 'Triveni': 1. Chandrika Tandon shared the award with South African flautist Wouter Kellerman and Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto. 2. Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar were also nominated in the same category. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

GRAMMY.com and The Hindu: Tandon won with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto, and the category's other nominees included Ricky Kej (Break of Dawn) and Anoushka Shankar (Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn). Both statements are correct. Answer: Both 1 and 2.

Donald Trump sworn in as the 47th President of the United States
Q85

Who administered the presidential oath to Donald Trump on 20 January 2025?

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Correct answer: A — Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.

Congressional Record: Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. administered the presidential oath.

Q86 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the US inauguration on 20 January 2025: 1. Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President. 2. The vice-presidential oath to JD Vance was administered by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. 3. The ceremony was held in the Great Rotunda. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only

Congressional Record: Trump was sworn in as the 47th President in the Great Rotunda; Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh, not the Chief Justice, administered Vance's oath.

Q87 Advanced

Who administered the vice-presidential oath to JD Vance on 20 January 2025?

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Correct answer: D — Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh

Congressional Record: Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh administered the vice-presidential oath to James David Vance.

NSA Doval meets US NSA Jake Sullivan; US moves to delist Indian nuclear entities
Q88 Advanced

What step did US NSA Jake Sullivan announce in New Delhi on 6 January 2025 to promote civil nuclear cooperation with India?

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Correct answer: D — Efforts to finalise steps to delist Indian nuclear entities

MEA joint press release: Sullivan announced US efforts to finalise necessary steps to delist Indian nuclear entities.

Q89 Advanced

The India–US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) was launched on the sidelines of which summit?

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Correct answer: A — Quad Summit in Tokyo, May 2022

MEA: iCET was launched by PM Modi and President Biden on the sidelines of the Quad Summit in Tokyo on 24 May 2022.

Q90 Advanced

Under which regime did the US brief India on updated missile export control policies on 6 January 2025 to boost commercial space cooperation?

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Correct answer: B — Missile Technology Control Regime

MEA: Sullivan briefed India on updates to US missile export control policies under the MTCR that will boost US commercial space cooperation with India.