World Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which city did President Droupadi Murmu describe in October 2025 as 'Akshara-nagari' for being a fountain-head of literacy and education?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kottayam
PIB: the President said Kottayam is known as 'Akshara-nagari' as it has been a fountain-head of literacy and education; the Vaikom Satyagraha took place in Kottayam a hundred years ago.
Where did President Droupadi Murmu unveil the bust of former President K.R. Narayanan on 23 October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram
PIB: the President unveiled the bust of former President K.R. Narayanan at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, in the presence of former President Ram Nath Kovind.
According to the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, what is India's global rank in total forest area?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 9th
PIB: India moved up to 9th position in total forest area as per GFRA 2025; it was 10th in the previous assessment.
The Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 was released by which organisation?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
PIB: GFRA 2025 was released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bali.
Consider the following statements regarding India in the Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025: 1. India retained its 3rd position worldwide in annual forest area gain. 2. The assessment was released by FAO at Rome. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: India maintained its 3rd position in annual forest area gain; the GFRA 2025 was released by FAO in Bali, not Rome.
The 16th session of UNCTAD (UNCTAD XVI), where Piyush Goyal led India's delegation in October 2025, was held in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Geneva
PIB: Piyush Goyal attended the XVIth Session of UNCTAD in Geneva and delivered India's national statement.
In which year was the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) established?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1964
PIB (UNCTAD XVI release): UNCTAD, established in 1964, promotes the integration of developing countries into the global economy through trade, investment and sustainable development.
Consider the following statements based on India's address at UNCTAD XVI (October 2025): 1. India contributes about 17% of global emissions, in line with its share of world population. 2. India's current clean energy capacity was stated as 500 GW. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. PIB: India contributes only 3.5% of global emissions despite hosting 17% of the world's population; clean energy stands at 250 GW, with 500 GW as the 2030 target.
India's 7 nm processor announced in October 2025 is being developed by which institution?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IIT Madras
PIB backgrounder: the 7 nm processor is being developed by IIT Madras through its SHAKTI initiative.
Consider the following statements about the SHAKTI processor initiative: 1. It was started in 2013 and is based on an open-source instruction set architecture. 2. The 7 nm processor under it is mainly targeted at smartphones and consumer wearables. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB backgrounder: SHAKTI started in 2013 on an open-source ISA (RISC-V); the 7 nm processor targets server applications in financial services, communications, defence and strategic sectors.
Which Indian Navy ship participated in JAIMEX-25 and made a port call at Yokosuka in October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — INS Sahyadri
PIB: INS Sahyadri, a Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate, took part in JAIMEX-25 and called at Yokosuka on 21 October 2025.
INS Sahyadri, which took part in JAIMEX-25, belongs to which class of warships?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate
PIB: INS Sahyadri is an indigenously built Shivalik-class Guided Missile Stealth Frigate, commissioned in 2012.
Consider the following statements about JAIMEX-25: 1. A JMSDF submarine took part in the sea phase along with surface ships. 2. The sea phase was held after the harbour phase at Yokosuka. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: JMSDF ships Asahi and Oumi and submarine Jinryu joined the sea phase (16–18 Oct); the harbour phase at Yokosuka began on 21 October, after the sea phase.
According to the PIB backgrounder of October 2025, Ladakh is India's largest producer of which fruit?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Apricot
PIB backgrounder: Ladakh is India's largest apricot producer, with Kargil, Leh and the Nubra Valley as its main production hubs.
In which region of Leh is Ladakh's Pashmina wool produced, sustaining over 10,000 nomadic herders?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Changthang
PIB backgrounder: Pashmina wool is produced in the Changthang region in Leh, sustaining over 10,000 nomadic herders.
Consider the following statements about the GST changes described for Ladakh (October 2025): 1. Hotel tariffs up to ₹7,500 per night now attract 5% GST. 2. GST on Pashmina products was reduced from 18% to 12%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB backgrounder: GST on hotel tariffs up to ₹7,500 per night is 5%; GST on Pashmina was reduced from 12% to 5%, not 18% to 12%.
In October 2025, Neeraj Chopra was formally conferred the insignia of which honorary rank?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army
PIB: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh conferred the insignia of Honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army on Neeraj Chopra on 22 October 2025.
Neeraj Chopra, who received an honorary Territorial Army rank in 2025, was born in Khandra village of which district?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Panipat
PIB: he was born on 24 December 1997 in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana.
Consider the following statements about Neeraj Chopra's honorary commission: 1. The honorary commission in the Territorial Army was granted by the President on 16 April 2025. 2. Before the honorary commission, he had served with The Rajputana Rifles of the Indian Army. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: President Droupadi Murmu granted the honorary commission on 16 April 2025; enrolled in 2016, he has served with The Rajputana Rifles.
NHAI's Network Survey Vehicle deployment announced in October 2025 covers about how many kilometres of National Highways in how many states?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 20,933 km in 23 states
PIB: NHAI will deploy NSVs in 23 states covering 20,933 km of National Highways.
Consider the following statements about NHAI's Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs): 1. NSV data will be uploaded on NHAI's AI-based portal called 'Data Lake'. 2. NSVs rely on manual visual inspection by engineers to record potholes and cracks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: data goes to NHAI's AI-based portal Data Lake; the 3D laser-based NSVs capture and report road defects automatically without any human intervention.
In October 2025, the National Biodiversity Authority released ₹67 lakh to the Dapur Biodiversity Management Committee. In which district is Dapur located?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Nashik
PIB: the Dapur BMC is in Sinnar taluk, Nashik district, Maharashtra.
Consider the following statements about the Dapur access and benefit-sharing case (October 2025): 1. The biological resource accessed was soil microorganisms used to develop probiotic supplements. 2. The money was paid directly by the company to the gram panchayat, bypassing the State Biodiversity Board. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the company accessed soil microorganisms from Dapur and developed probiotic supplements; the NBA released the money through the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board.
Who is the author of the book 'Civil-Military Fusion as a Metric of National Power & Comprehensive Security', launched by Rajnath Singh in October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd)
PIB: the book launched by the Raksha Mantri on 22 October 2025 has been written by Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd).
Consider the following statements made by the Raksha Mantri at the October 2025 book launch: 1. Civil-military fusion should be viewed as a strategic enabler that propels the nation towards technological self-reliance. 2. The creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff was an important milestone in strengthening coordination among the three Services. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: he said civil-military fusion is a strategic enabler that fosters innovation and propels technological self-reliance, and called the creation of the CDS post an important milestone for tri-service coordination.
In October 2025, Coal India Limited signed an MoU to establish a 'Centre for Sustainable Energy' at which institution?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IIT Madras
PIB: CIL signed an MoU with IIT Madras on 22 October 2025 to establish the Centre for Sustainable Energy at IIT Madras.
Which of the following is a stated focus area of the Coal India–IIT Madras Centre for Sustainable Energy?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Repurposing coal mines
PIB: the Centre will focus on repurposing coal mines, creating low-carbon technologies and reimagining coal as a feedstock in India's clean energy future.
The Health Ministry's pan-India CPR Awareness Week 2025 focused on which form of CPR?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Compression-only CPR
PIB: the week (13–17 October 2025) aimed to enhance public understanding and practical capacity in compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Approximately how many people received physical compression-only CPR training during the CPR Awareness Week of October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 6.06 lakh
PIB: physical training was imparted to 6,06,374 participants; 7.47 lakh is the total number of citizens engaged, and 79,870 is the MyGov pledge count.
Under the amended VOPPA Order, 2025, edible oil units must register through which platform?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — National Single Window System
PIB: all edible oil-related units must register via the National Single Window System at nsws.gov.in and then file monthly returns.
Non-compliance with the amended VOPPA Order, 2025 attracts penal action under the order and which other law?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Collection of Statistics Act, 2008
PIB: units failing to register or submit returns will face penal action under the amended VOPPA Order and the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008.
The AI playbooks for agriculture and SMEs released by the Principal Scientific Adviser in October 2025 were brought out under which initiative?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — AI for India 2030
PIB: the publications were released under the 'AI for India 2030' initiative led by the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India, World Economic Forum.
Which framework forms the core of both the 'Future Farming in India' and 'Transforming Small Businesses' AI playbooks released in October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IMPACT AI
PIB: the IMPACT AI framework is at the core of the agriculture playbook and is also central to the SME playbook.
Where is the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 scheduled to be held on 12 November 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
PIB: the Tribal Business Conclave 2025 will be held on 12 November 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the Tribal Business Conclave 2025: 1. It is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and DPIIT. 2. 'Roots to Rise' is the name of its pitching session for tribal entrepreneurs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the conclave is jointly organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Culture and DPIIT, and 'Roots to Rise' is its pitching session.
Who was designated Prime Minister of Japan by the Diet on 21 October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sanae Takaichi
Kantei (Japan PMO): on 21 October 2025 Ms. Takaichi Sanae was designated Prime Minister; PIB: PM Modi congratulated her on her election.
According to Japan's Prime Minister's Office, Sanae Takaichi is Japan's Prime Minister number ___ since Ito Hirobumi.
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 104th
Kantei: Prime Minister Takaichi became the 104th Prime Minister since Ito Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan.
Consider the following statements regarding leadership changes greeted by PM Modi on 21 October 2025: 1. Sanae Takaichi succeeded Fumio Kishida as Prime Minister of Japan. 2. Rodrigo Paz Pereira was elected Prime Minister of Bolivia. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. BBC: Takaichi became LDP leader after Shigeru Ishiba resigned, so she succeeded Ishiba; PIB: Rodrigo Paz Pereira was elected President (not Prime Minister) of Bolivia.
Off which coastal locations did PM Modi celebrate Diwali 2025 with naval personnel on INS Vikrant?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Goa and Karwar
PIB: the PM said he was among naval personnel on the western seaboard off Goa and Karwar, with INS Vikrant as the flagship.
Which song written by naval personnel did PM Modi mention from the cultural programme on INS Vikrant in October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kasam Sindoor Ki
PIB: the PM said the naval personnel penned a song 'Kasam Sindoor Ki' which will remain etched in his memory.
Consider the following statements based on PM Modi's remarks on INS Vikrant (October 2025): 1. INS Vikrant was commissioned at Mumbai. 2. INS Vikrant is the largest warship constructed indigenously. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB: the PM called it the largest warship constructed indigenously and recalled the programme in Kochi when it was commissioned — not Mumbai.
Under the Election Commission's arrangement for Bihar 2025, flying squads aim to attend to cVIGIL complaints within how much time?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 100 minutes
PIB: 824 flying squads have been deployed across Bihar so that complaints are attended to within 100 minutes; 94% of cVIGIL complaints were resolved within 100 minutes.
Which call centre number did the Election Commission set up for the public and political parties to lodge complaints during the Bihar elections 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1950
PIB: a complaint monitoring system including Call Centre number 1950 has been set up and is operational 24x7.
Veteran actor Govardhan Asrani, who died in October 2025, is best remembered for which role in 'Sholay'?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — The jailer
The Hindu: Asrani endeared himself to audiences by playing the eccentric jailer in 'Sholay'; India Today also lists Sholay among his best-known films.
Govardhan Asrani, who died on 20 October 2025, was originally from which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Jaipur
India Today: he was originally a resident of Jaipur; NDTV: he was born in Jaipur and studied at Rajasthan College, Jaipur.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in September 2025 (provisional)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 3.0%
PIB: the ICI increased by 3.0% (provisional) in September 2025; 2.9% is the April–September cumulative and 6.5% the final August figure.
Which core industry recorded the highest growth in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Steel
PIB: steel production increased by 14.1% in September 2025, ahead of cement (5.3%), electricity (2.1%) and fertilizers (1.6%).
Consider the following statements about the Index of Eight Core Industries: 1. The eight core industries comprise 40.27% of the weight of items in the Index of Industrial Production. 2. Among the eight, refinery products carry the smallest weight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the eight core industries comprise 40.27% of IIP weight; petroleum refinery products carry the largest weight (28.04%), while fertilizers have the smallest (2.63%).
On which date was the Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN launched?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 21 October 2016
PIB: UDAN was launched on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy; 27 April 2017 is the date of the first UDAN flight.
The first UDAN flight, inaugurated by PM Modi on 27 April 2017, connected which two cities?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Shimla and Delhi
PIB: the first UDAN flight was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 27 April 2017 between Shimla and Delhi.
Consider the following statements about UDAN as of its 9th anniversary (October 2025): 1. The 93 airports connected under UDAN include heliports and water aerodromes. 2. UDAN 5.5 is a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: the 93 unserved and underserved airports include 15 heliports and 2 water aerodromes; UDAN 5.5 is a special bidding round for seaplanes and helicopters.
Police Commemoration Day on 21 October marks the sacrifice of policemen in an ambush by Chinese troops in which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1959
PIB: it was on 21 October 1959 that 10 policemen laid down their lives in an ambush by heavily armed Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh.
The ambush commemorated on Police Commemoration Day took place at which location?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Hot Springs, Ladakh
PIB: the 10 policemen were killed in an ambush laid by Chinese troops at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959.
Consider the following statements about Police Commemoration Day 2025: 1. Ten policemen were killed in the 1959 ambush that the day commemorates. 2. The National Police Memorial in New Delhi was established in 2018. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: 10 policemen died in the Hot Springs ambush of 21 October 1959; the Raksha Mantri said the government established the National Police Memorial in 2018.
The GI-tagged Lakhori Mirchi, mentioned in the October 2025 PIB backgrounder on GST cuts, comes from which district of Uttarakhand?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Almora
PIB backgrounder: the GI-tagged Lakhori Mirchi from Almora is known for its distinctive aroma and flavour.
Pahari Toor Dal in Uttarakhand is traditionally cultivated as part of which mixed cropping system?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Barahnaja
PIB backgrounder: Pahari Toor Dal is cultivated by small rain-fed farmers as part of the traditional Barahnaja mixed cropping system.
Consider the following statements based on the PIB backgrounder on GST cuts in Uttarakhand (October 2025): 1. Aipan is a traditional art form practised mainly in the Garhwal region. 2. GST on petrol vehicles up to 1200cc has been reduced from 28% to 18%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PIB backgrounder: Aipan is practised across the Kumaon region (Almora, Bageshwar, Nainital), not Garhwal; GST on vehicles up to 1200cc (petrol) and 1500cc (diesel) fell from 28% to 18%.
In October 2025, the CCI approved the acquisition of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals by which company, subject to voluntary modifications?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Torrent Pharmaceuticals
PIB: the CCI approved the proposed acquisition of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Limited by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited with voluntary modifications.
In October 2025, how much did Gujarat receive as the second instalment of XV Finance Commission untied grants for 2024–25?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹522.20 crore
PIB: Gujarat received ₹522.20 crore as the 2nd instalment of untied grants for 2024–25; ₹195.13 crore went to Haryana and ₹13.60 crore was a withheld first-instalment portion for Gujarat.
Consider the following statements about the release of XV Finance Commission grants to Panchayati Raj Institutions: 1. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti recommend the release, and the Ministry of Finance releases the grants. 2. The grants are recommended and released in two instalments in a financial year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB: MoPR and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (DDWS) recommend release of XV FC grants, which are then released by the Ministry of Finance in two instalments in a financial year.
TRAI's August 2025 Independent Drive Tests in Agartala and Silchar were conducted under the supervision of which TRAI Regional Office?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kolkata
PIB: the drive tests in both Agartala (Tripura) and Silchar (Assam) were conducted under the supervision of the TRAI Regional Office, Kolkata.
In TRAI's August 2025 drive test of Silchar city, Hailakandi and Karimganj (Assam), which operator recorded both the highest average download speed and a 100% call setup success rate?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Reliance Jio (RJIL)
PIB: RJIL's average download speed was 219.13 Mbps and its call setup success rate 100.00% in auto-selection mode in Silchar, Hailakandi and Karimganj.
PFRDA's October 2025 consultation paper proposes which valuation approach for long-dated government securities held in NPS and APY?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Dual valuation — accrual and fair market
PIB: the consultation paper proposes adoption of a dual valuation framework ('accrual' and 'fair market') for long-dated G-Secs held in NPS/APY.
Consider the stated purposes of PFRDA's dual valuation proposal (October 2025). Which of the following is NOT one of them?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Raise the equity exposure limit for NPS schemes
PIB: the three purposes are stable depiction of pension wealth, reducing short-term interest-rate volatility on NAV, and aligning investments with long-term capital formation; raising equity limits is not mentioned.
Jayant Chaudhary's Knowledge Exchange Mission to the Philippines (20–22 October 2025) was facilitated by which organisation?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — World Bank
PIB: the high-level Knowledge Exchange Mission to the Philippines from 20–22 October 2025 was facilitated by the World Bank.
Which Philippine body, met by the Indian delegation in October 2025, is responsible for technical education and skills development?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — TESDA
PIB: the mission engaged the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), along with DMW, PSA and OWWA.
The October 2025 study showing that black-hole radiation and radio jets jointly drive galactic gas outflows was led by astronomers of which institute?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Indian Institute of Astrophysics
PIB: the study was led by astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), an autonomous institute of DST.
According to the IIA study (October 2025), galactic gas outflows driven by active galactic nuclei can reach speeds of up to:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 2,000 km/s
PIB: these powerful winds can travel at speeds of up to 2,000 km per second, fast enough to escape the galaxy's gravitational pull.
Which two missiles did PM Modi say proved their capabilities during Operation Sindoor, in his INS Vikrant address of October 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — BrahMos and Akash
PIB: the PM said missiles like BrahMos and Akash proved their capabilities during Operation Sindoor and several countries now want to buy them.
According to PM Modi's October 2025 address, how many districts are now affected by Maoist violence, compared with about 125 before 2014?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 11
PIB: before 2014 around 125 districts were affected; today the number has reduced to just 11, with only 3 districts significantly impacted.
Consider the following statements based on PM Modi's INS Vikrant address (October 2025): 1. The Navy hoists the Tricolour on every island of the country on 26 January. 2. Only 3 districts in India remain affected by Maoist violence in any form. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. PIB: the Navy fulfils the resolve of hoisting the Tricolour on every island on Republic Day; 11 districts remain affected, of which only 3 are significantly impacted.
In his Diwali address on board INS Vikrant on 20 October 2025, PM Modi said that, on average, one new indigenous warship or submarine is being added to the Navy every how many days?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 40 days
PIB (20 Oct 2025, English rendering of PM's speech): on average, one new indigenous warship or submarine is being added to the Navy every 40 days.
In his INS Vikrant address of October 2025, PM Modi said the Indian Navy's new naval ensign was inspired by whom?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
PIB (20 Oct 2025, English rendering of PM's speech): inspired by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, our Navy adopted a new naval ensign.