World Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What is the name of the unified WhatsApp chatbot for government services launched by Odisha on 25 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Ama Sathi
The New Indian Express and Pragativadi: CM Mohan Charan Majhi launched the 'Ama Sathi Unified WhatsApp Chatbot'.
Odisha's 'Ama Sathi' chatbot, launched in December 2025, gives access to how many government services?
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Correct answer: D — Over 150
The New Indian Express and Pragativadi: the chatbot provides access to over 150 essential government services.
Which body has the Environment Ministry asked to identify additional no-mining zones and prepare a Management Plan for Sustainable Mining for the Aravallis (December 2025)?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
PIB 2208234: MoEF&CC directed ICFRE to identify additional areas where mining should be prohibited while preparing the MPSM for the entire Aravalli region.
As described by the Environment Ministry in December 2025, the Aravalli Range stretches between:
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Correct answer: A — Gujarat and the National Capital Region
PIB 2208234: the Aravallis form a continuous geological ridge extending from Gujarat to the National Capital Region.
Consider the following statements about the Centre's December 2025 directions on the Aravallis: 1. States must not grant any new mining leases anywhere in the Aravallis. 2. All mines already operating in the Aravallis must close immediately. 3. The Management Plan for Sustainable Mining will be placed in the public domain for consultation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2208234: the ban covers grant of new mining leases and the MPSM will be placed in the public domain. Existing mines are to be regulated stringently in line with the Supreme Court's order, not closed, so statement 2 is wrong.
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.
What was the theme of National Consumer Day 2025, observed on 24 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice
PIB 2208179: the theme for National Consumer Day 2025 was 'Efficient and Speedy Disposal through Digital Justice'.
According to the Consumer Affairs Minister on National Consumer Day 2025, how much did the National Consumer Helpline secure in refunds between April and December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — ₹42.6 crore
PIB 2208179: the NCH facilitated refunds of ₹42.6 crore across 30 sectors by resolving over 63,800 refund grievances between April and December 2025. (₹2.13 crore is the CCPA's total penalties.)
Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT), approved by SEBI as a public InvIT in December 2025, is sponsored by:
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Correct answer: B — National Highways Authority of India
PIB 2208143: NHAI-sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust has received SEBI approval as an InvIT.
Which investor group is the NHAI's public InvIT, RIIT, primarily meant to target?
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Correct answer: C — Retail and domestic investors
PIB 2208143: the public InvIT creates a long-term investment instrument primarily targeting retail and domestic investors.
Where was the two-day PESA Mahotsav held on 23–24 December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Visakhapatnam
PIB 2208189: the two-day PESA Mahotsav (23–24 December 2025) was held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
How many states are listed as PESA States by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj?
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Correct answer: D — Ten
PIB 2208189: participants came from all ten PESA States — Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana.
Which of the following states is NOT a PESA State, as per the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (December 2025)?
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Correct answer: D — Karnataka
PIB 2208189: the ten PESA States are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana; Karnataka is not among them.
Which Indian Standard released by BIS on National Consumer Day 2025 covers incense sticks (agarbatti)?
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Correct answer: D — IS 19412:2025
PIB 2208829: IS 19412:2025 – Incense Sticks (Agarbatti) — Specification was released on National Consumer Day 2025. IS 19445 is for bomb disposal systems and IS 19262 for electric tractors.
The BIS standard IS 19445:2025 on bomb disposal systems was taken up at the request of the Ministry of Home Affairs and which DRDO laboratory?
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Correct answer: A — Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory
PIB 2209191: formulation of IS 19445:2025 was initiated on a request from the MHA and the Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), DRDO, which also convened the drafting panel.
Consider the following statements about BIS standards released on National Consumer Day 2025: 1. IS 19412:2025 prohibits the use of certain insecticides such as permethrin and fipronil in agarbattis. 2. IS 19262:2025 is a test code for electric agricultural tractors. 3. IS 19412:2025 applies only to machine-made agarbattis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2208829 and 2209159: IS 19412 bans insecticides including permethrin and fipronil, and IS 19262 is the electric tractor test code. IS 19412 classifies agarbattis as machine-made, hand-made and traditional masala, so statement 3 is wrong.
Which Delhi Metro Phase V(A) corridor approved on 24 December 2025 will connect the Central Vista and Kartavya Bhawans?
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Correct answer: D — R.K. Ashram Marg – Indraprastha
PIB 2208096: the R.K. Ashram Marg–Indraprastha section (9.913 km) will provide Metro connectivity to the Central Vista area and all Kartavya Bhawans.
What is the total length of the three Delhi Metro Phase V(A) corridors approved by the Cabinet in December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 16.076 km
PIB 2208096: the three corridors together make up 16.076 km. (111 km is Phase-IV, now under construction.)
Consider the following statements about Delhi Metro Phase V(A) approved in December 2025: 1. Its total cost is ₹12,014.91 crore. 2. The new sections extend the Magenta Line and the Golden Line. 3. All 13 new stations will be elevated. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2208096: the cost is ₹12,014.91 crore and the extensions are of the Magenta and Golden Lines. Of the 13 stations, 10 will be underground and 3 elevated, so statement 3 is wrong.
GRAP Stage-IV, revoked across the NCR on 24 December 2025, had been invoked on 13 December 2025 when Delhi's average AQI crossed:
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Correct answer: D — 450
PIB 2208266: the Commission invoked Stage-IV on 13 December 2025 when Delhi's average AQI breached the 450 mark; it was revoked when the AQI improved to 271.
Which body revoked GRAP Stage-IV restrictions across the NCR on 24 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Commission for Air Quality Management
PIB 2208266: the Sub-Committee on GRAP of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) revoked Stage-IV.
In December 2025, which state's Cabinet approved in principle a permanent, photo-embedded nativity card to replace the nativity certificate?
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Correct answer: C — Kerala
The Hindu and ABP Live (PTI): the Kerala Cabinet gave in-principle approval on 24 December 2025 for a permanent nativity card with a photo.
Which Kerala department was asked to draft the law giving legal validity to the proposed nativity card?
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Correct answer: B — Revenue Department
The Hindu and ABP Live (PTI): the Revenue Department was tasked with preparing a draft law, in consultation with the Law Department.
The Revised Jharia Master Plan, reviewed by the Coal Minister in December 2025, mainly addresses which problems in the Jharia Coalfield?
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Correct answer: B — Mine fires, land subsidence and rehabilitation
PIB 2208187: the RJMP, approved by the CCEA on 25 June 2025, aims to address mine fires, land subsidence and rehabilitation in the Jharia Coalfield.
Under the Revised Jharia Master Plan, which body rehabilitates non-BCCL families from endangered areas?
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Correct answer: D — Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority
PIB 2208187: rehabilitation of non-BCCL families is undertaken by the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority (JRDA) under the State Government, while BCCL rehabilitates families within its operational areas.
Who was conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Ratna Puraskar 2025 (posthumously) on 23 December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Jayant Vishnu Narlikar
PIB 2207860: the Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievement was awarded posthumously to astrophysicist Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar.
The Rashtriya Vigyan Team Puraskar 2025 was won by which team, credited with the 'Purple Revolution'?
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Correct answer: C — CSIR Aroma Mission
PIB 2207860: the Vigyan Team Award went to the CSIR-led Aroma Mission, which promoted lavender cultivation in the Himalayan region ('Purple Revolution').
Consider the following statements about the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025: 1. It was the second edition of the awards. 2. The Vigyan Yuva–Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award is for scientists below the age of 45. 3. Lavender cultivation promoted by the winning team began at Bhaderwah and Gulmarg. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB 2207860: the 2025 ceremony was the second edition; Vigyan Yuva–SSB is for scientists below 45; and lavender entrepreneurship began from Bhaderwah and Gulmarg in J&K. All three are correct.
Kisan Diwas (National Farmers' Day), observed on 23 December, marks the birth anniversary of which former Prime Minister?
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Correct answer: A — Chaudhary Charan Singh
ICAR: Kisan Diwas, observed annually on 23 December, commemorates the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Chaudhary Charan Singh, whose birth anniversary is observed as Kisan Diwas, was India's Prime Minister in which order?
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Correct answer: C — Fifth
ICAR-IIWM report (23.12.2025): National Farmers' Day commemorates the birth anniversary of India's fifth Prime Minister, Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh.
What is the total installed capacity of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, whose first unit began commercial operation in December 2025?
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Correct answer: D — 2,000 MW
PIB 2207797: the Subansiri Lower project is 2,000 MW (8 × 250 MW); the North-East will receive 1,000 MW from it.
The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is located along the border of which two states?
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Correct answer: B — Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
Deccan Herald and TOI: the project at Gerukamukh is situated along the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border.
Consider the following statements about the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project: 1. It is designed as a run-of-the-river scheme with small pondage. 2. Its dam is a 116-metre concrete gravity dam, the largest in North-East India. 3. It is being developed by NTPC Limited. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2207797: Subansiri Lower is a run-of-the-river scheme with small pondage and has a 116-m concrete gravity dam, the largest in the North-East. The developer is NHPC, not NTPC, so statement 3 is wrong.
Which of the following correctly describes the Akash-NG missile system whose User Evaluation Trials were completed in December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Indigenous RF seeker and solid rocket motor
PIB 2207971: Akash-NG is equipped with an indigenous RF seeker and propelled by a solid rocket motor.
Representatives of which service witnessed the User Evaluation Trials of Akash-NG?
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Correct answer: D — Indian Air Force
PIB 2207971: the trials were witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and user representatives from the Indian Air Force.
Vinod Kumar Shukla, who died on 23 December 2025, was the first Jnanpith Award winner from which state?
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Correct answer: B — Chhattisgarh
The Hindu and NDTV (PTI): Shukla was the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the Jnanpith Award.
Which work of Vinod Kumar Shukla won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999?
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Correct answer: C — Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi
The Tribune and Indian Express: 'Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi' won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999.
Consider the following statements about Vinod Kumar Shukla: 1. He received the 59th Jnanpith Award. 2. He was born in Rajnandgaon. 3. The Jnanpith Award was presented to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
NDTV and The Tribune: he got the 59th Jnanpith and was born on 1 January 1937 in Rajnandgaon. The award was presented on 21 November 2025 at his residence in Raipur, not at Rashtrapati Bhavan, so statement 3 is wrong.
As announced by MoSPI in December 2025, what will be the base year of the new Consumer Price Index series?
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Correct answer: B — 2024
PIB 2207861: the new series of CPI with base year 2024 is scheduled for release on 12 February 2026.
Consider the following statements about MoSPI's base revision plans announced in December 2025: 1. The new National Accounts (GDP) series will have 2022-23 as base year. 2. The new IIP series is scheduled for release before the new CPI series. 3. GST and PFMS data will be among the new data sources used. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2207861: GDP and IIP will have base 2022-23, and GST and PFMS are new data sources. The new CPI is due on 12 February 2026 while the new IIP is due on 28 May 2026, so statement 2 is wrong.
Where was MoSPI's first pre-release consultative workshop on the base revision of GDP, CPI and IIP held?
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Correct answer: C — Mumbai
PIB 2207861: the first pre-release consultative workshop was held on 26 November 2025 at Mumbai; the second was on 23 December 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Which shipyard built 'Samudra Pratap', the Indian Coast Guard's first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel inducted in December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Goa Shipyard Limited
PIB 2208089: Samudra Pratap (Yard 1267) was built under the two-PCV project of Goa Shipyard Limited.
Samudra Pratap is the first Indian Coast Guard ship to be equipped with which capability?
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Correct answer: C — Dynamic Positioning (DP-1)
PIB 2208089: the PCV is the first Indian Coast Guard ship to be equipped with Dynamic Positioning capability (DP-1).
Consider the following statements about ICGS Samudra Pratap: 1. It is the largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard fleet. 2. It has over 60% indigenous content. 3. Its displacement is about 6,100 tonnes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2208089: Samudra Pratap is the largest ship in the ICG fleet with over 60% indigenous content. Its displacement is 4,170 tonnes, so statement 3 is wrong.
In how many Scheduled districts of Jharkhand will the PESA rules approved by the state Cabinet on 23 December 2025 apply?
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Correct answer: C — 15
UNI and IANS: the PESA rules clear the way for the law to become operational across 15 Scheduled districts of Jharkhand.
The PESA Act, whose implementation rules Jharkhand approved in December 2025, was enacted in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1996
PIB 2208189 and UNI: the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act dates from 1996.
Under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, coal-based thermal plants must use a minimum blend of crop-residue pellets or briquettes of:
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Correct answer: A — 5%
PIB 2207853: the 2023 Rules mandate all coal-based TPPs to use a minimum 5% blend of biomass pellets or briquettes made of crop residue along with coal.
Which thermal power plant faced the largest proposed environmental compensation in CAQM's show cause notices of December 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, Mansa
PIB 2207853: Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (Vedanta), Mansa, Punjab faced a proposed EC of about ₹33.02 crore, the highest of the six.
Under the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025, who now approves the opening of a coal mine or seam by a coal company?
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Correct answer: C — Board of the concerned coal company
PIB 2208844: the authority to approve mine/seam opening has been vested with the board of the concerned coal company; prior CCO permission is dispensed with.
Consider the following statements about the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025: 1. They amend Rule 9 of the Colliery Control Rules, 2004. 2. Entities other than companies no longer need any approval to open a mine. 3. The company must submit information about mine opening to the Coal Controller's Organisation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2208844: Rule 9 of the 2004 Rules was amended and companies must inform the CCO. For entities other than companies, approval continues to be through the CCO, so statement 2 is wrong.
How many internships a year will be offered under the Sports Ministry's Comprehensive Internship Policy launched in December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 452
PIB 2207862: under the new policy, 452 internships will be offered annually across MYAS and its key institutions.
Which of the following is NOT named among the bodies offering internships under the Sports Ministry's December 2025 internship policy?
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Correct answer: D — Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education
PIB 2207862: the key institutions named are SAI, NADA and NDTL, along with the Ministry itself.
In the 14th round of commercial coal block auctions (bids opened on 23 December 2025), how many bids were received?
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Correct answer: C — 49
PIB 2207831: 49 bids were received against 24 of the 41 coal blocks offered; 11 companies participated.
On which portal is the electronic auction of commercial coal blocks conducted?
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Correct answer: B — MSTC portal
PIB 2207831: technically qualified bidders will be shortlisted for the electronic auction to be conducted on the MSTC portal.
India's first VR-based mine simulator for coal mining safety, inaugurated in December 2025, was developed by which institute?
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Correct answer: D — IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
PIB 2207948: the VRMS was developed by IIT (ISM) Dhanbad in collaboration with Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries NCL and ECL.
The Centre of Excellence inaugurated at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad on 23 December 2025 was set up under which mission?
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Correct answer: A — National Critical Minerals Mission
PIB 2207948: the minister inaugurated the Center of Excellence under the National Critical Minerals Mission hosted in IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.
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.
Which core industry recorded the highest growth in November 2025, as per the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: D — Cement
PIB 2207434: cement production rose 14.5% in November 2025, the highest among the eight core industries.
The eight core industries together make up what share of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?
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Correct answer: B — 40.27%
PIB 2207434: the Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the IIP. (28.04% is refinery products' weight within the ICI; 19.85% is electricity's.)
Which of the eight core industries carries the largest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries (base 2011-12)?
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Correct answer: D — Petroleum Refinery Products
PIB 2207434: petroleum refinery products carry a weight of 28.04%, followed by electricity (19.85%), steel (17.92%) and coal (10.33%).
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.
Which of the following districts is NOT part of the Kashi-Vindhya Region approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet in December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Prayagraj
Amar Ujala and TOI: the region comprises Varanasi, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Ghazipur, Mirzapur, Bhadohi and Sonbhadra; Prayagraj is not included.
How many districts make up the Kashi-Vindhya Region approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet in December 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Seven
Amar Ujala and TOI: seven districts of the Varanasi and Vindhyachal divisions form the Kashi-Vindhya Region.
NITI Aayog's December 2025 report on internationalisation of higher education was prepared in collaboration with a consortium led by which institution?
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Correct answer: A — IIT Madras
PIB 2207555: the report is an outcome of collaboration between NITI Aayog and an IIT Madras-led consortium of knowledge partners.
At the launch of NITI Aayog's internationalisation report, what target for hosting international students by 2030 was suggested?
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Correct answer: D — 1 lakh
PIB 2207555: Dr. V.K. Paul said India must target to host 1 lakh international students across Central and State Universities by 2030.
Under which model will the Badwah–Dhamnod four-lane road, approved by the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet in December 2025, be built?
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Correct answer: C — Hybrid Annuity Model
TOI and ANI: the 62.795-km Badwah–Dhamnod four-lane road will be built under the Hybrid Annuity Model at ₹2,508.21 crore.
The WINDS programme approved by the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet in December 2025 is implemented under which central scheme?
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Correct answer: D — Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
ANI and Amar Ujala: the Cabinet approved implementation of the WINDS (Weather Information Network and Data System) programme under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, with ₹434.58 crore.