United States Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting that concluded on 2 October 2026 was held in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Milwaukee
It was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the United States G20 Presidency.
Which country holds the G20 Presidency in 2027, as per India's support stated at the Milwaukee meeting?
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Correct answer: C — United Kingdom
Piyush Goyal extended India's full support to the United Kingdom for its G20 Presidency in 2027.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution prohibits forced labour, as cited by India at the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting?
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Correct answer: B — Article 23
Goyal noted that Article 23 prohibits forced labour as a fundamental right enforceable by the Supreme Court.
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.
At the UN High-Level Meeting on pandemic preparedness (25 September 2026), India said it had supplied how many COVID-19 vaccine doses to around 100 countries?
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Correct answer: B — 300 million
India supplied 300 million vaccine doses to around 100 countries and medical assistance to over 150 countries.
India's endorsement of the Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security was announced on the sidelines of which meeting in September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — G20 Innovation Ministerial
The announcement came on the sidelines of the G20 Innovation Ministerial at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
What share of global 6G standards and patents does India aim to contribute, as stated while endorsing the 6G Call to Action?
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Correct answer: B — 10 percent
The government said India aims to contribute 10 percent of 6G global standards and patents.
Consider the following about India's endorsement of the Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security: 1. The Department of Telecommunications will take forward India's engagement under it. 2. India is the only Asian country among its endorsers and the initiative has fewer than ten members. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. DoT will lead the follow-up; India joined over 20 like-minded governments, so the group is not under ten members.
Where was the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting held on 1–2 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The meeting was held in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, hosted by the US Department of Commerce and the White House OSTP.
Who led the Indian delegation at the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting in September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Jitin Prasada
MoS for Electronics & IT and Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada led India's delegation.
The 'Carolina Principles', agreed at the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting in 2026, relate to what?
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Correct answer: A — Emerging technologies
Ministers reached consensus on the Carolina Principles for Emerging Technologies, covering foundational research, commercialisation and trusted technology adoption.
Consider the following statements about the G20 Innovation Ministerial Statement of September 2026: 1. It sets out shared agreement across six pillars, including intellectual property policies for AI. 2. The meeting was hosted by the US Department of Commerce and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per MeitY's release.
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launched on 30 August 2026, will operate from which location?
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Correct answer: B — Sun–Earth L2 point
Roman is travelling about one million miles to orbit the second Sun–Earth Lagrange point (L2).
Which rocket launched NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope on 30 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — SpaceX Falcon Heavy
Roman launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.
In Trump v. California (24 August 2026), what did the US Supreme Court do regarding the President's executive order on mail-in voting?
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Correct answer: C — Stayed a district court injunction that had blocked parts of the order
The Court granted a stay of the Massachusetts district court's injunction, holding the order itself does not harm the states; it did not rule on the order's lawfulness.
Consider the following statements about Trump v. California (August 2026): 1. The ruling was unanimous. 2. The challenge had been brought by 23 states and the District of Columbia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The decision was 6–3, with Justice Sotomayor (joined by Justice Kagan) among the dissenters.
Where were the 17–21 August 2026 talks between DR Congo and AFC/M23 held?
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Correct answer: D — Switzerland
The talks were held in Switzerland; the joint statement was released on 22 August 2026.
When was the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between DR Congo and AFC/M23 signed?
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Correct answer: A — 15 November 2025
The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Doha on 15 November 2025.
Consider the following statements about the DR Congo–AFC/M23 joint statement of 22 August 2026: 1. Togo took part as the African Union mediator. 2. The parties agreed that the order of negotiating protocols does not dictate the order of implementing them. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The statement was also issued with Qatar, the US, Switzerland and the AU Commission.
Where did the eighth edition of the IN–USN Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise conclude on 14 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Southern Naval Command, Kochi
The eighth IN–USN EOD Exercise concluded at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
The IN–USN exercise that concluded at Kochi on 14 August 2026 focused on which specialisation?
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Correct answer: D — Explosive ordnance disposal
It was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise covering IED threats, render-safe procedures, mine neutralisation and unmanned underwater systems.
INS Sudarshini, which departed Boston on 25 July 2026 under 'Lokayan 26', is the Indian Navy's:
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Correct answer: A — Sail training ship
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship; it represented India at SAIL 250 and the International Naval Review 250 in the USA.
Under the final US Section 301 measures announced on 23 July 2026, what additional duty was imposed on imports from India?
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Correct answer: A — 10%
USTR imposed an additional 10% ad valorem duty on Indian imports, down from 12.5% proposed on 2 June 2026.
The US Section 301 investigation concluded in July 2026 related to which issue?
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Correct answer: C — Prohibitions on importing goods made with forced labour
The investigation covered 60 economies' acts, policies and practices on prohibiting imports of goods produced with forced labour.
Consider the following statements regarding the final US Section 301 measures (July 2026) as they apply to India: 1. About 45% of India's exports to the US remain outside the additional 10% duty. 2. Steel, aluminium and auto parts covered under Section 232 are also charged the additional 10% duty. 3. Generic pharmaceuticals and smartphones continue to remain outside its scope. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: products already under Section 232 measures are not subject to the additional 10% duty.
Under which expedition did INS Sudarshini take part in the Grand Parade of Sails at Sail Boston 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini participated as part of her Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
Under which transoceanic expedition did INS Sudarshini sail into New York on 4 July 2026 for the Sail4th 250 celebrations?
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Correct answer: C — Lokayan 2026
The visit is part of the ship's 10-month transoceanic expedition, Lokayan 2026.
On 4 July 2026, PM Modi greeted the United States on which anniversary of its independence?
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Correct answer: A — 250th
PM Modi extended greetings on the historic 250th anniversary of US independence.
INS Sudarshini arrived at the Port of Baltimore, USA, on 26 June 2026 as part of which transoceanic expedition?
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Correct answer: A — Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini arrived at Baltimore as part of the transoceanic expedition Lokayan 26.
The Sail250 celebrations in which INS Sudarshini took part in June 2026 commemorate:
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Correct answer: C — The 250th anniversary of the United States
The Sail250 Maryland celebrations commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Which United States Trade Representative led a US delegation to New Delhi from 22 to 24 June 2026 for India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks?
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Correct answer: B — Jamieson Greer
USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer led the official US delegation to New Delhi from 22 to 24 June 2026.
The interim India-US trade deal discussed in June 2026 is to be finalised in line with the joint statement of:
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Correct answer: D — 7 February 2026
The visit aimed to finalise an interim deal in line with the joint statement of 7 February 2026.
According to the Commerce Ministry (June 2026), the India-US BTA negotiations will strengthen which partnership?
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Correct answer: A — India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
Both sides said the negotiations would deepen economic ties and strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
The three Tamil Nadu temple bronzes whose return was announced in May 2026 are being repatriated from which institution?
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Correct answer: A — Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The bronzes are being repatriated from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in the United States.
The Chola-period Shiva Nataraja (c. 990 CE) being repatriated from the Smithsonian originally belonged to a temple in which district of Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — Thanjavur
It belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Thanjavur district, where it was photographed in 1957.
India and the United States issued a Joint Statement agreeing on a framework for an Interim Agreement on trade on:
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Correct answer: B — 7 February 2026
The Commerce Ministry said the Joint Statement on the framework for an Interim Agreement was issued on 7 February 2026.
The in-person India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement round of 20–23 April 2026 was held in:
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Correct answer: D — Washington D.C.
The Indian delegation visited Washington D.C. for the in-person round from 20 to 23 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India–US trade talks of April 2026: 1. The round aimed to finalise the details of an Interim Agreement. 2. Digital trade and economic security alignment were among the areas discussed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the round sought to finalise the Interim Agreement, and the areas discussed included digital trade and economic security alignment.
Who won the men's singles title at the Miami Open 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner beat Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 6-4 in the Miami Open final on 29 March 2026.
The tennis 'Sunshine Double' refers to winning which two tournaments in the same season?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Wells and Miami Open
The Sunshine Double means winning Indian Wells followed by Miami in the same season.
Before Jannik Sinner in 2026, who was the last man to complete the Sunshine Double?
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Correct answer: D — Roger Federer, 2017
The last male player to complete the double before Sinner was Roger Federer in 2017.
Consider the following statements about the Miami Open 2026 final: 1. Jannik Sinner defeated Jiri Lehecka of Czechia in straight sets. 2. Sinner became the eighth man to win both Indian Wells and Miami in the same season. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Sinner won 6-4, 6-4 against Czech Jiri Lehecka and became the eighth man to complete the Indian Wells–Miami double.
Whom did Aryna Sabalenka defeat in the Miami Open 2026 women's singles final?
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Correct answer: C — Coco Gauff
Sabalenka beat Coco Gauff 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the final on 28 March 2026.
By winning Indian Wells and Miami in 2026, Aryna Sabalenka became the first player to complete the 'Sunshine Double' since:
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Correct answer: D — Iga Swiatek, 2022
She became the first player to complete the Sunshine Double since Iga Swiatek in 2022.
Consider the following statements: 1. Aryna Sabalenka is only the fifth woman to complete the Sunshine Double. 2. The Miami Open 2026 was Sabalenka's first title at Miami. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
She is the fifth woman to complete the double. Miami 2026 was her second straight Miami title – she was the defending champion.
Whom did Jannik Sinner defeat in the Indian Wells 2026 men's singles final on 15 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Daniil Medvedev
Sinner beat Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in the final.
With the Indian Wells 2026 title, Jannik Sinner joined which two players as the only men to win all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles?
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Correct answer: D — Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
Sinner became the third man, after Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, to complete the set of six Masters 1000 hard-court titles.
Which country mediated the US–Iran nuclear talks held in Geneva on 26 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Oman
The indirect talks were mediated by Oman; Switzerland was the host.
Where were technical-level US–Iran discussions scheduled after the Geneva talks of 26 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Vienna
Oman's Foreign Minister said technical-level discussions would take place the next week in Vienna.
Where is the 16th edition of the India–US Special Forces exercise Vajra Prahar being held?
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Correct answer: B — Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
Vajra Prahar 2026 is at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh, from 24 February to 16 March.
Where was the previous (15th) edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar held in November 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Orchard Combat Training Centre, Idaho
The previous edition was held at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, USA, in November 2024.
India formally joined which coalition with the United States on 20 February 2026 to secure the 'silicon stack'?
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Correct answer: D — Pax Silica
India formally joined the Pax Silica coalition on the fifth day of the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
The Pax Silica coalition that India joined in February 2026 aims mainly to:
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Correct answer: A — Secure supply chains from critical minerals and chip fabrication to AI infrastructure among trusted nations
Pax Silica seeks to secure the 'silicon stack' — critical minerals, semiconductor fabrication, AI systems and deployment infrastructure — reduce over-concentration and prevent economic coercion.
The UN Commission for Social Development (CSocD), whose 64th session India attended in 2026, is a functional commission of which UN body?
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Correct answer: B — UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
PIB: The Commission for Social Development is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Who presented his credentials to President Droupadi Murmu as Ambassador of the United States on 14 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Sergio Gor
PIB (President's Secretariat): Sergio Gor, Ambassador of the United States of America, presented his credentials on 14 January 2026.
Envoys of which three countries presented credentials to the President of India on 14 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — USA, Austria, Trinidad and Tobago
PIB (President's Secretariat): the envoys were from Trinidad and Tobago, Austria and the United States of America.
The BlueBird Block-2 satellite launched by LVM3-M6 on 24 December 2025 belongs to which company?
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Correct answer: C — AST SpaceMobile
ISRO and PIB 2208090: the mission launched the BlueBird Block-2 satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile under a commercial agreement with NSIL.
Into which orbit did LVM3-M6 place the BlueBird Block-2 satellite?
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Correct answer: A — Low Earth Orbit
ISRO and The Hindu: LVM3-M6 placed BlueBird Block-2 in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Consider the following statements about ISRO's LVM3: 1. LVM3-M6 was the sixth operational flight of LVM3. 2. LVM3's upper stage is the C25 cryogenic stage. 3. LVM3 can carry about 8,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
ISRO: LVM3-M6 is the sixth operational flight and LVM3 has S200 strap-ons, an L110 core and a C25 cryogenic upper stage. Its GTO capability is 4,200 kg, so statement 3 is wrong.
In November 2025 India signed LOAs worth about ₹7,995 crore with the US for sustainment support of which Navy platform?
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Correct answer: A — MH-60R helicopters
The LOAs cover five years of sustainment support for the Indian Navy's MH-60R helicopter fleet.
The MH-60R sustainment LOAs signed by India in November 2025 were concluded under which US programme?
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Correct answer: B — Foreign Military Sales
The LOAs were inked under the Foreign Military Sales programme of the US.
Under India's first structured LPG import contract with the US (announced November 2025), roughly how much LPG will be imported in contract year 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 2.2 MTPA
PSU oil companies will import about 2.2 MTPA of LPG from the US Gulf Coast, close to 10% of India's annual LPG imports.
Which pricing benchmark is used for India's 2026 LPG import contract with the US?
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Correct answer: B — Mount Belvieu
The discussions with US producers were based on Mount Belvieu as the benchmark for LPG purchases. Saudi CP is the usual Middle East benchmark; Henry Hub is for natural gas.
The 'framework for the US-India major defence partnership' signed on 31 October 2025 is intended to guide the partnership over how many years?
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Correct answer: B — 10 years
The 2025 framework marks a new chapter to further transform the partnership over the next 10 years.
In which city did Rajnath Singh and Pete Hegseth sign the India-US defence framework on 31 October 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Kuala Lumpur
They signed it in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the sidelines of the 12th ADMM-Plus.
At the second India-ASEAN Defence Ministers' Informal Meeting on 31 October 2025, which initiatives did India announce?
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Correct answer: A — ASEAN-India Initiative on Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and ASEAN-India Defence Think-Tank Interaction
Rajnath Singh announced the ASEAN-India Initiative on Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and the ASEAN-India Defence Think-Tank Interaction.