Oceania Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
Which Indian Coast Guard ship sailed from Chennai to Perth on 25 September 2026 for the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission?
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Correct answer: B — ICGS Shaunak
ICG Ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai for Perth with six Sea Riders from the Quad countries.
Consider the following statements about the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission of September 2026: 1. The ship sailed from Chennai for Perth, Australia. 2. Sea Riders from all four Quad countries embarked on the ship. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Six Sea Riders embarked: two each from India and Japan and one each from Australia and the USA.
From which date will the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement enter into force?
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Correct answer: D — 20 October 2026
The FTA will enter into force on 20 October 2026, a date chosen to coincide with Dussehra–Vijaya Dashami.
Where was the India–New Zealand FTA signed on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The FTA was signed at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay.
Under the India–New Zealand FTA, what share of India's exports to New Zealand becomes duty-free from day one?
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Correct answer: B — 100%
Every tariff line covering 100% of India's exports to New Zealand becomes duty-free from entry into force.
Consider the following about the India–New Zealand FTA: 1. New Zealand's Parliament passed the enabling legislation on 16 September 2026. 2. Prime Minister Modi's July 2026 visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Commerce Ministry release of 21 September 2026.
Where was the 2nd India–New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue held on 24 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Wellington
The second Defence Strategic Dialogue was held in Wellington on 24 August 2026.
The 2nd India–New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue discussed implementing which roadmap?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030
The talks focused on implementing the targets in the India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030, after ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, in which the IAF took part, was hosted by the air force of which country?
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Correct answer: A — Australia
Pitch Black 2026 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, with air forces from more than 20 nations.
Where was Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 held?
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Correct answer: C — Subang, Malaysia
After Pitch Black, the IAF contingent moved directly to Subang, Malaysia, for Udara Shakti 2026 with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Consider the following statements about the IAF's August 2026 deployments: 1. The IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighters to Exercise Pitch Black 2026. 2. Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 was a trilateral exercise with Australia and Malaysia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The IAF deployed Rafale aircraft to Pitch Black, and Udara Shakti was a bilateral exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
With which Digital Public Infrastructure platform is 'AAERI Verify', launched in August 2026 for students applying to Australian universities, integrated?
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Correct answer: A — DigiLocker
AAERI Verify is integrated with DigiLocker for consent-based verification of student documents.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, in which the IAF is participating, is being held at which base?
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Correct answer: C — RAAF Base Darwin
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is being held at RAAF Base Darwin from 20 July to 7 August 2026.
Which fighter aircraft is the IAF contingent operating at Exercise Pitch Black 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rafale
The IAF contingent operates Rafale fighters, supported by C-17 Globemaster III and IL-78 aircraft.
PM Narendra Modi's July 2026 visit to New Zealand was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to that country in how many years?
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Correct answer: B — 40 years
The joint statement says the 10–11 July 2026 visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
India and New Zealand set what target for two-way trade in goods and services by 2030?
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Correct answer: D — NZ$7 billion
The leaders agreed to work towards doubling two-way trade to NZ$7 billion, or about ₹35,000 crore, by 2030.
Under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which pillar did New Zealand nominate as its priority, as welcomed in the July 2026 joint statement?
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Correct answer: A — Maritime Security
India welcomed New Zealand's nomination of Maritime Security as its priority pillar under the IPOI.
Consider the following statements about the India–New Zealand outcomes of July 2026: 1. The two countries endorsed a 'Roadmap to 2030' for their new Strategic Partnership. 2. An arrangement was signed between the National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum. 3. New Zealand joined the International Solar Alliance during the visit. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: PM Modi welcomed New Zealand joining the Global Biofuels Alliance; the leaders only agreed to deepen cooperation through the International Solar Alliance.
Which city hosted the 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit on 9 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Melbourne
The Third India–Australia Annual Summit was held in Melbourne.
The India–Australia Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation (July 2026) renews which earlier document?
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Correct answer: D — Joint Declaration on Security (2009)
The list of outcomes says the JDDSC renews the existing Joint Declaration on Security of 2009.
Which Australian university received a Letter of Intent at the July 2026 summit to set up a campus in Bengaluru?
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Correct answer: A — Flinders University
A Letter of Intent was handed to Flinders University for a campus in Bengaluru; Victoria University got a Letter of Approval for Gurugram.
Consider the following statements about the 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit (July 2026): 1. The two countries established an Annual Defence Ministers' Dialogue. 2. Australia returned three antiquities that originated in Tamil Nadu. 3. Victoria University will set up its Indian campus in Bengaluru. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: Victoria University's campus is approved for Gurugram; Flinders University is the one coming to Bengaluru.
The Administrative Arrangement finalised at the July 2026 Melbourne summit operationalises the India–Australia Civil Nuclear Agreement signed in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2014
The Arrangement operationalises the India–Australia Civil Nuclear Agreement signed in 2014.
Australian uranium exports to India under the July 2026 arrangement will be under the safeguards of which body?
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Correct answer: A — International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
The Arrangement enables uranium exports for peaceful purposes under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.
Consider the following statements, as given in PIB's July 2026 backgrounder on India–Australia civil nuclear cooperation: 1. Australia has the largest uranium resources in the world, more than one-third of the global total. 2. India operates 24 nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 8.78 GW. 3. India's Nuclear Energy Mission targets 50 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Nuclear Energy Mission targets 100 GW by 2047.
India's Traditional Knowledge Digital Library access agreement of July 2026 was signed between CSIR and which Australian body?
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Correct answer: B — IP Australia
CSIR and IP Australia entered into the TKDL access agreement during the 3rd India–Australia Annual Summit.
After the July 2026 agreement with IP Australia, how many patent offices have access to the TKDL database?
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Correct answer: D — 18
With the signing of the Agreement with IP Australia, eighteen patent offices now have access to the database under NDAs.
Consider the following statements about the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): 1. It was established in 2001 by CSIR and the Ministry of AYUSH. 2. It holds information on over 5.2 lakh formulations and practices in five international languages. 3. Hindi is one of the five languages in which TKDL is made available to patent examiners. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the five languages are English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish.
The Global Skills Challenge 2026, for which Team India was sent off on 21 June 2026, is being held in which country?
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Correct answer: A — Australia
The GSC 2026 is held in Australia from 23 to 29 June 2026, organised by WorldSkills Australia.
The Global Skills Challenge 2026 serves as a preparatory platform ahead of which edition of the WorldSkills Competition, to be held in Shanghai?
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Correct answer: D — 48th
It is a full-scale simulation ahead of the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China.
The second India–Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue on 1 June 2026 was co-chaired by Rajnath Singh and:
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Correct answer: C — Richard Marles
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles co-chaired the dialogue.
As co-leads of the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, India and Australia planned a Search and Rescue and tabletop exercise in June 2026 at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in:
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Correct answer: B — Chennai
The Defence Ministry release names MRCC Chennai.
Which edition of the India–Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in New Delhi on 8 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 10th
The 10th edition of the India–Australia Defence Policy Talks was held in New Delhi on 8 May 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India–Australia Defence Policy Talks of May 2026: 1. The Indian delegation was led by the Defence Secretary. 2. The first India–Australia Joint Staff Talks were held alongside the Defence Policy Talks in New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad, and both sides only looked forward to holding the first Joint Staff Talks later in the year.
On which date was the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed?
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Correct answer: C — 2 April 2022
The Commerce Ministry said the ECTA was signed on 2 April 2022 and completed four years on 2 April 2026.
From which date are all Indian exports eligible for zero-duty market access into Australia under the ECTA?
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Correct answer: A — 1 January 2026
The ministry said that from 1 January 2026 all Indian exports are eligible for zero-duty access into Australia.
Under the India–Australia ECTA, India granted preferential market access on what share of its tariff lines?
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Correct answer: B — 70.3%
India granted preferential access on 70.3% of its tariff lines, covering 90.6% of trade value; Australia granted it on 100% of its lines, 98.3% of which became duty-free immediately.
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), reviewed at a meeting on the sidelines of WTO MC14, was signed in:
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Correct answer: C — July 2025
The India-UK CETA was signed in July 2025 by PM Narendra Modi and PM Keir Starmer.
With which country's trade minister did Piyush Goyal discuss expediting 'CEPA' negotiations on the sidelines of WTO MC14 in March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Canada
Goyal's meeting with Canada's Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu focused on expediting the recently launched India-Canada CEPA negotiations.
Who is the EU Trade Commissioner whom Piyush Goyal met at WTO MC14 in March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Maroš Šefčovič
Goyal held a bilateral meeting with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič on the sidelines of MC14.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, in which India lost 0–11 to Japan on 7 March 2026, is being hosted by which country?
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Correct answer: A — Australia
The tournament is the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026; India played Japan at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
Whom did Carlos Alcaraz beat in the Australian Open 2026 men's singles final on 1 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Novak Djokovic
Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5.
With his Australian Open 2026 title, Carlos Alcaraz became the youngest man to achieve what?
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Correct answer: C — Complete a career Grand Slam
By winning his first Australian Open, the 22-year-old became the youngest man to win all four majors — a career Grand Slam.
Who won the women's singles title at the Australian Open 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Elena Rybakina
Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the final on 31 January 2026.
Elena Rybakina, the Australian Open 2026 women's champion, represents which country?
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Correct answer: C — Kazakhstan
Rybakina is from Kazakhstan; the runner-up Sabalenka is from Belarus.
With the Australian Open 2026, Elena Rybakina won her second Grand Slam title. Which was her first?
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Correct answer: A — Wimbledon 2022
AP/BBC: Rybakina's first major was Wimbledon 2022; she lost the 2023 Australian Open final to Sabalenka.
At which ground did England win the fourth Ashes Test of 2025-26 inside two days on 27 December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Melbourne Cricket Ground
ESPNcricinfo and ICC: England won the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by four wickets on the second day.
Before the Melbourne win of December 2025, England's previous Test victory in Australia came at:
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Correct answer: D — Sydney, January 2011
ICC: it was England's first Test victory in Australia since they won the fifth Test in Sydney in January 2011.
Consider the following statements about the fourth Ashes Test of 2025-26: 1. The match finished inside two days. 2. England chased a target of 175 and won by four wickets. 3. The win levelled the five-match series at 2-2. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
ESPNcricinfo and ICC: the Test ended on day two with England chasing 175 to win by four wickets. Australia lead the series 3-1, so statement 3 is wrong.
Under the India–New Zealand FTA concluded in December 2025, New Zealand will provide zero-duty access on what share of its tariff lines for Indian exports?
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Correct answer: C — 100%
PIB 2207300: New Zealand will eliminate tariffs on 100% of its tariff lines, giving duty-free access to all Indian exports.
How much investment has New Zealand committed to facilitate into India under the FTA concluded in December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — USD 20 billion over 15 years
PIB 2207300: New Zealand has committed to facilitate investments of USD 20 billion into India over the next fifteen years.
Consider the following statements about the India–New Zealand FTA: 1. Negotiations were formally launched on 16 March 2025. 2. India has kept dairy products out of its market access offer. 3. The FTA provides a quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas for Indian professionals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB 2207300: talks were launched on 16 March 2025, market access excludes dairy, and there is a quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas. All three are correct.
How many articles does the Financial Services Annex of the India–New Zealand FTA, concluded in December 2025, contain?
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Correct answer: B — 18
PIB 2207641: the annex text evolved into 18 articles, a notable advancement over standard GATS commitments.
Consider the following statements about the Financial Services Annex of the India–New Zealand FTA: 1. Negotiations on the annex began in May 2025. 2. It provides for cooperation on cross-border payments through Fast Payment Systems. 3. It requires India to allow unrestricted transfer of all financial data abroad. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2207641: annex talks began in May 2025 and cover Fast Payment Systems cooperation. On financial information, each party keeps the right to maintain its own rules on transfer, processing and storage, so statement 3 is wrong.
In November 2025, PM Narendra Modi congratulated which head of government on his wedding with Jodie Haydon?
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Correct answer: D — Anthony Albanese
PM Modi congratulated Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon on their wedding on 29 November 2025.
Under the ACITI Partnership announced on 22 November 2025, officials of India, Australia and Canada agreed to convene in:
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Correct answer: B — the first quarter of 2026
The joint statement said officials should convene in the first quarter of 2026 to take the initiative forward.
Consider the following statements about the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership: 1. It emphasises green energy innovation and resilient supply chains, including in critical minerals. 2. It will examine the development and mass adoption of artificial intelligence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the trilateral joint statement of 22 November 2025.
In which year was the India–Australia relationship elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
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Correct answer: C — 2020
The PMO release noted the elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2020.
PM Modi met Australian PM Anthony Albanese on 21 November 2025 on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in:
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Correct answer: D — Johannesburg
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The proposed India–Australia CECA builds on the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). When did ECTA enter into force?
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Correct answer: C — December 2022
The Commerce Ministry said ECTA entered into force in December 2022.
What was India–Australia bilateral merchandise trade in FY 2024–25, as per the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — USD 24.1 billion
India–Australia merchandise trade stood at USD 24.1 billion in FY 2024–25.
Where was the fourth round of India–New Zealand FTA negotiations, concluded on 8 November 2025, held?
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Correct answer: D — Auckland and Rotorua
The fourth round concluded in Auckland and Rotorua after five days of discussions.
What was India's bilateral merchandise trade with New Zealand in FY 2024–25, as per the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — USD 1.3 billion
Trade stood at USD 1.3 billion in FY 2024–25, up nearly 49% year on year. USD 24.1 billion was India–Australia trade.
Who is New Zealand's Minister for Trade with whom Piyush Goyal reviewed progress in the India–NZ FTA talks in November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Todd McClay
Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Minister for Trade Todd McClay acknowledged steady progress in the fourth round. Don Farrell is Australia's Trade Minister.
With which New Zealand minister did Piyush Goyal co-chair the India–New Zealand CEOs Roundtable on 6 November 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Todd McClay
Goyal and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay co-chaired the India–New Zealand CEOs Roundtable.
Te Puia in Rotorua, where Piyush Goyal received a traditional Pōwhiri on 6 November 2025, is New Zealand's national centre for what?
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Correct answer: A — Māori culture and arts
Te Puia is the national centre for Māori culture and arts, where Goyal was accorded a traditional Māori welcome (Pōwhiri).
In November 2025, APEDA facilitated the export of 20 metric tonnes of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh to which country?
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Correct answer: B — Papua New Guinea
APEDA facilitated the export of 20 MT of fortified rice from Chhattisgarh to Papua New Guinea.
Who co-chaired the 5th India–Australia Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Manohar Lal and Chris Bowen
PIB: the meeting was co-chaired by Manohar Lal, Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, and Chris Bowen MP, Australia's Minister for Climate Change and Energy.
Which edition of the India–Australia Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 16 October 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 5th
PIB: India and Australia held the 5th Meeting of the India–Australia Energy Dialogue on 16 October 2025 in New Delhi.