📌 Lessons from the 2025 paper (Exam Pattern Insight):
- In SI Prelims 2025 (16–21 Jan 2026, 12 shifts), every shift had 10 GK questions. All 120 questions were from national/international current affairs — mostly news from PIB press releases (conferences, MoUs, scheme launches, military exercises, awards).
- Most questions came from news of 1–3 months before the exam (Oct–Dec 2025). So for the exam on 28 Oct 2026, news from Jul–Sep 2026 is the most important.
- Questions on the same event came in several shifts (e.g. World Green Economy Summit, Navy Day, Garuda Shakti, ITU-TRAI workshop). Remember all four: the event's date, venue, theme and organiser.
- The PYQs in this file are real questions from the official paper (the question text is shortened; the options are the same). The answer key was not published — every answer has been verified from PIB/official sources. Questions whose answer was not certain have been left out.
📑 Topics on this page (Jump to Topic):
📍 1. Constitutional & Key Posts
📍 2. Service Chiefs, Agencies & International Heads
📍 3. Elections 2025-26 & States
📍 4. Awards & Honours
📍 5. Sports 2025-26
📍 6. Summits & Diplomacy
📍 7. New Laws, Schemes & Missions
📍 8. Ministries, Departments & Government Initiatives
📍 9. Economy: RBI, Budget, Tax
📍 10. Reports & Indices
📍 11. Defence: Exercises, Ships, Missiles
📍 12. Space
📍 13. Important Days, Culture & Heritage
📍 14. Census, SIR & Surveys
📍 15. New Criminal Laws (BNS/BNSS/BSA)
📍 16. Books & Obituaries
📌 1. Constitutional & Key Posts (as of Sep 2026) (6 min read)
| Post | Name (as of Sep 2026) | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| President | Droupadi Murmu | 15th President, since 25 Jul 2022 |
| Vice-President | C.P. Radhakrishnan | 15th VP; election 9 Sep 2025 (452 vs 300, B. Sudershan Reddy), oath 12 Sep 2025. Jagdeep Dhankhar had resigned on 21 Jul 2025. |
| Prime Minister | Narendra Modi | Third term since 9 Jun 2024 |
| Chief Justice of India (CJI) | Justice Surya Kant | 53rd CJI, from 24 Nov 2025 to 9 Feb 2027; next — Justice Vikram Nath |
| Lok Sabha Speaker | Om Birla | Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman: Harivansh (third term, 17 Apr 2026) |
| Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) | Gyanesh Kumar | 26th CEC, since 19 Feb 2025; Election Commissioners: S.S. Sandhu, Vivek Joshi |
| Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) | Raj Kumar Goyal | Oath 15 Dec 2025 |
| CAG | K. Sanjay Murthy | Since Nov 2024 |
| UPSC Chairman | Ajay Kumar | — |
| NHRC Chairperson | Justice V. Ramasubramanian | — |
| Attorney General (AG) | R. Venkataramani | Reappointed till 30 Sep 2027; Solicitor General: Tushar Mehta |
| 16th Finance Commission | Arvind Panagariya (Chairman) | Report submitted on 17 Nov 2025, placed in Parliament on 1 Feb 2026; period 2026-31; states' share 41% (unchanged) |
| NITI Aayog | CEO Anurag Jain; Vice-Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri | Anurag Jain (former Chief Secretary of MP) took charge on 17 Aug 2026 |
| RBI Governor / SEBI Chairman | Sanjay Malhotra / Tuhin Kanta Pandey | — |
| Others | NSA: Ajit Doval · Cabinet Secretary: T.V. Somanathan · Home Secretary: Govind Mohan · Foreign Secretary: Vikram Misri · CEA: V. Anantha Nageswaran · ISRO: V. Narayanan · IndiaAI Mission Director (Oct 2025): Mohammed Y. Safirulla | |
| Political parties | BJP National President: Nitin Nabin (Working President 14 Dec 2025; elected 12th President on 19 Jan 2026) | |
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- The VP is now C.P. Radhakrishnan (not Dhankhar). CJI is Surya Kant (B.R. Gavai retired on 23 Nov 2025).
- NITI Aayog CEO is now Anurag Jain (not B.V.R. Subrahmanyam).
- CIC in 2025 is Raj Kumar Goyal — Heeralal Samariya was the earlier CIC.
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. Who took oath as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India in December 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (A) Raj Kumar Goyal
President Murmu administered the oath on 15 Dec 2025. Samariya, Sinha, Bhargava — earlier CICs.
President Murmu administered the oath on 15 Dec 2025. Samariya, Sinha, Bhargava — earlier CICs.
Q2. Who was the Director of the IndiaAI Mission, MeitY (October 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Mohammed Y. Safirulla
Director of the IndiaAI Mission as per PIB (Oct 2025).
Director of the IndiaAI Mission as per PIB (Oct 2025).
Q3. Who became the National Working President of BJP in December 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Nitin Nabin
Working President on 14 Dec 2025; on 19 Jan 2026 elected BJP's 12th National President.
Working President on 14 Dec 2025; on 19 Jan 2026 elected BJP's 12th National President.
Q4. Who is the Minister of State for MSME (December 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Shobha Karandlaje
Minister of State for MSME (also for Labour and Employment). Cabinet Minister for MSME: Jitan Ram Manjhi.
Minister of State for MSME (also for Labour and Employment). Cabinet Minister for MSME: Jitan Ram Manjhi.
Q5. Who became the first woman Director General of Medical Services (Army)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (A) Lt Gen Sadhna Saxena Nair
The first woman to become DGMS (Army).
The first woman to become DGMS (Army).
Q6. Who chaired the 197th meeting of the ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) in December 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Mansukh Mandaviya
Union Minister of Labour and Employment (Chairman of ESIC).
Union Minister of Labour and Employment (Chairman of ESIC).
Q7. Along with India, which two countries were chosen as Vice-Chairs of the International IDEA Council for 2026?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Mauritius and Mexico
International IDEA (an institute for democracy and electoral assistance) — for 2026, India (CEC Gyanesh Kumar) is Chair, Mauritius and Mexico are Vice-Chairs.
International IDEA (an institute for democracy and electoral assistance) — for 2026, India (CEC Gyanesh Kumar) is Chair, Mauritius and Mexico are Vice-Chairs.
Practice MCQ Who is the 53rd Chief Justice of India?
Correct answer: (B) Surya Kant
From 24 Nov 2025 to 9 Feb 2027. Gavai was the 52nd and Khanna the 51st CJI.
From 24 Nov 2025 to 9 Feb 2027. Gavai was the 52nd and Khanna the 51st CJI.
Practice MCQ What share of central taxes did the 16th Finance Commission recommend for the states?
Correct answer: (B) 41%
Chaired by Arvind Panagariya; for 2026-31, 41% (the same as the 15th Commission).
Chaired by Arvind Panagariya; for 2026-31, 41% (the same as the 15th Commission).
📌 2. Service Chiefs, Security Agencies & International Heads (5 min read)
(A) Service Chiefs — three changes in 2026
| Post | Name (as of Sep 2026) | Since / Succeeded whom |
|---|---|---|
| CDS | General N.S. Raja Subramani | Third CDS, 31 May 2026 (after Gen Anil Chauhan) |
| Chief of Army Staff | General Dhiraj Seth | 31st COAS, 30 Jun 2026 (after Gen Upendra Dwivedi) |
| Chief of Naval Staff | Admiral Krishna Swaminathan | 27th CNS, 31 May 2026 (after Adm Dinesh K. Tripathi) |
| Chief of Air Staff | Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh | 28th CAS, since 30 Sep 2024 |
(B) Security & Investigation Agencies
CBI: Praveen Sood · IB: Mahesh Dixit · RAW: Parag Jain · NIA: Rakesh Aggarwal · BSF: Praveen Kumar · CRPF: G.P. Singh · CISF: Praveer Ranjan · DRDO: Rajesh Kumar Singh (additional charge)
(C) Heads of International Organisations & Countries
| Organisation / Country | Head (as of Sep 2026) |
|---|---|
| UN Secretary-General | António Guterres (term till 31 Dec 2026) |
| UNGA 81st session President | Khalilur Rahman (Bangladesh) |
| WHO / WTO / IMF / World Bank | Tedros Adhanom / Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala / Kristalina Georgieva / Ajay Banga |
| UNESCO DG | Khaled El-Enany (Egypt; since 15 Nov 2025 — first Arab DG) |
| IOC / ICC / BCCI | Kirsty Coventry (first woman IOC President) / Jay Shah / Mithun Manhas |
| Pope (Vatican) | Pope Leo XIV (since May 2025) |
| Neighbouring countries | Bangladesh PM: Tarique Rahman (17 Feb 2026) · Nepal PM: Balen Shah (27 Mar 2026) |
| Others | UK PM: Andy Burnham (20 Jul 2026) · Japan PM: Sanae Takaichi (first woman PM) |
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- Gen Anil Chauhan, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Adm Dinesh Tripathi — now former chiefs. Only the Air Chief (A.P. Singh) is the same.
- The UK PM is now not Keir Starmer but Andy Burnham (Jul 2026).
📝 Practice MCQs:
Practice MCQ Who became India's 31st Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in Jun 2026?
Correct answer: (B) Dhiraj Seth
Since 30 Jun 2026. Raja Subramani = CDS (31 May 2026).
Since 30 Jun 2026. Raja Subramani = CDS (31 May 2026).
Practice MCQ Who is India's third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)?
Correct answer: (C) N.S. Raja Subramani
First Bipin Rawat, second Anil Chauhan, third Raja Subramani (31 May 2026).
First Bipin Rawat, second Anil Chauhan, third Raja Subramani (31 May 2026).
📌 3. Elections 2025-26 & State News (5 min read)
| State / Election | Result | Chief Minister |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi (Feb 2025) | BJP 48/70 | Rekha Gupta (20 Feb 2025) |
| Bihar (Nov 2025) | NDA 202/243 | Nitish Kumar CM for the 10th time (20 Nov 2025); resigned on 14 Apr 2026 → Samrat Choudhary (15 Apr 2026; Bihar's first BJP CM) |
| West Bengal (May 2026) | BJP 207 | Suvendu Adhikari (9 May 2026) |
| Tamil Nadu (May 2026) | TVK 108 | Vijay (10 May 2026) |
| Kerala (May 2026) | UDF 102 | V.D. Satheesan (18 May 2026) |
| Assam (May 2026) | NDA 102 | Himanta Biswa Sarma (12 May 2026) |
| Puducherry (May 2026) | NDA 18 | N. Rangasamy (13 May 2026) |
| Vice-Presidential election (9 Sep 2025) | C.P. Radhakrishnan 452 vs B. Sudershan Reddy 300 | |
- Kerala → "Keralam": Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act 2026 (under Article 3); Lok Sabha 11 Aug, Rajya Sabha 12 Aug 2026; in force from 25 Aug 2026.
- BLO (Booth Level Officers): As of Oct 2025, the most BLOs were in Uttar Pradesh (1,62,486).
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- Bihar's CM is now Samrat Choudhary (not Nitish). Tamil Nadu's CM is Vijay (TVK) — not Stalin.
- A state's name is changed under Article 3 (a law of Parliament) — not by a constitutional amendment (Art 368).
🎯 Official PYQs + Practice:
Q1. Which Indian state had the highest number of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) as of October 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (A) Uttar Pradesh
1,62,486 BLOs in UP (ECI data, during the SIR).
1,62,486 BLOs in UP (ECI data, during the SIR).
Practice MCQ Which state's name was officially changed in Aug 2026?
Correct answer: (B) Kerala → Keralam
In force from 25 Aug 2026. West Bengal's "Bangla" proposal was not accepted.
In force from 25 Aug 2026. West Bengal's "Bangla" proposal was not accepted.
Practice MCQ Who became the Chief Minister of Bihar in Apr 2026?
Correct answer: (B) Samrat Choudhary
15 Apr 2026; Bihar's first BJP Chief Minister.
15 Apr 2026; Bihar's first BJP Chief Minister.
📌 4. Awards & Honours (8 min read)
(A) National Honours
- Bharat Ratna: no Bharat Ratna in 2025 and 2026. It was last given in 2024 to 5 people (Karpoori Thakur, L.K. Advani, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Chaudhary Charan Singh, M.S. Swaminathan).
- Padma 2026: total 131 (5 Vibhushan, 13 Bhushan, 113 Shri). Padma Vibhushan: Dharmendra (posthumous), Justice K.T. Thomas, N. Rajam (violin), P. Narayanan, V.S. Achuthanandan (posthumous). Padma Shri includes Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur.
- National Sports Awards 2025 (18 Aug 2026): this time Khel Ratna was given to no one (the third time — after 2008 and 2014). 17 Arjuna awardees, including Divya Deshmukh, Tejaswin Shankar, Vidit Gujrathi. Selection committee chairman: Justice Arun Kumar Mishra.
- Dadasaheb Phalke 2024: Anant Nag (Kannada actor; presented on 22 Sep 2026 at Ekta Nagar).
- 72nd National Film Awards: Best film "Article 370"; Best Actor: Mammootty and Kartik Aaryan; Best Actress: Yami Gautam.
(B) Literary Awards
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Jnanpith (59th, 2024) | Vinod Kumar Shukla (Hindi, Chhattisgarh; died 23 Dec 2025) |
| Jnanpith (60th, announced 14 Mar 2026) | R. Vairamuthu (Tamil) |
| Sahitya Akademi 2025 | Hindi: Mamta Kalia "Jeete Jee Allahabad"; English: Navtej Sarna "Crimson Spring" |
| Booker Prize 2025 | David Szalay — "Flesh" (Booker 2026 will be announced on 9 Nov 2026) |
| International Booker 2025 | Banu Mushtaq — "Heart Lamp" (Kannada; translated by Deepa Bhasthi) — the first Kannada work |
| International Booker 2026 | "Taiwan Travelogue" — Yáng Shuāng-zǐ (translated by Lin King) |
(C) Nobel Prizes 2025
| Field | Winner | For |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | John Clarke, Michel Devoret, John Martinis | Macroscopic quantum tunnelling |
| Chemistry | Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, Omar Yaghi | Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) |
| Medicine | Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, Shimon Sakaguchi | Peripheral immune tolerance |
| Literature | László Krasznahorkai (Hungary) | Selected by: Swedish Academy |
| Peace | María Corina Machado (Venezuela) | Struggle for democratic rights |
| Economics | Joel Mokyr; Philippe Aghion & Peter Howitt | Innovation-driven growth; "creative destruction" |
(D) Others
- Ramon Magsaysay 2025: "Educate Girls" (an Indian organisation — the first Indian organisation to receive this honour).
- Oscars 2026: Best Picture — "One Battle After Another".
- Word of the Year 2025: Oxford — "rage bait"; Collins — "vibe coding"; Cambridge — "parasocial"; Merriam-Webster — "slop".
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- The Nobel in Literature is selected by the Swedish Academy; Physics/Chemistry/Economics by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences; Peace by the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
- "Rage bait" = Oxford; "vibe coding" = Collins.
- Khel Ratna 2025 was not given to anyone — any option saying "Khel Ratna to X" is wrong.
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. Who announced 'Rage Bait' as the Word of the Year 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Oxford University Press
Collins's Word of the Year 2025 was "vibe coding".
Collins's Word of the Year 2025 was "vibe coding".
Q2. Who won the Nobel Peace Prize 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (A) María Corina Machado
Opposition leader of Venezuela. Malala 2014, Abiy 2019, Suu Kyi 1991.
Opposition leader of Venezuela. Malala 2014, Abiy 2019, Suu Kyi 1991.
Q3. Who won the Nobel Prize in Literature 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) László Krasznahorkai
A Hungarian writer. Orhan Pamuk received it in 2006.
A Hungarian writer. Orhan Pamuk received it in 2006.
Q4. The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded by which body?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (A) Swedish Academy
Karolinska = Medicine; Norwegian Committee = Peace; Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences = Physics, Chemistry, Economics.
Karolinska = Medicine; Norwegian Committee = Peace; Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences = Physics, Chemistry, Economics.
Q5. Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt (Nobel Economics 2025) are known for their theory of —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (A) Creative destruction
Innovation-driven growth (sustained growth through "creative destruction"). The other half of the prize went to Joel Mokyr.
Innovation-driven growth (sustained growth through "creative destruction"). The other half of the prize went to Joel Mokyr.
Q6. In which year was actor Dharmendra conferred the Padma Bhushan?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) 2012
Dharmendra died on 24 Nov 2025; in 2026 he received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously.
Dharmendra died on 24 Nov 2025; in 2026 he received the Padma Vibhushan posthumously.
Q7. Dharmendra served as a Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from which state?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (A) Rajasthan
BJP MP from Bikaner in 2004–09.
BJP MP from Bikaner in 2004–09.
Q8. The IMO (International Maritime Organization) Awards 2025 ceremony was held in —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (A) London
The IMO headquarters is in London; the awards were presented there.
The IMO headquarters is in London; the awards were presented there.
Q9. Sculptor Ram V. Sutar (died Dec 2025) is best known for designing —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Statue of Unity
The 182 m statue of Sardar Patel (Kevadia/Ekta Nagar, Gujarat). Ram Sutar died in Dec 2025 at the age of 100.
The 182 m statue of Sardar Patel (Kevadia/Ekta Nagar, Gujarat). Ram Sutar died in Dec 2025 at the age of 100.
Practice MCQ Who was given the 60th Jnanpith Award (announced Mar 2026)?
Correct answer: (C) R. Vairamuthu
Tamil poet-lyricist. 59th: Vinod Kumar Shukla; 58th: Gulzar and Rambhadracharya.
Tamil poet-lyricist. 59th: Vinod Kumar Shukla; 58th: Gulzar and Rambhadracharya.
Practice MCQ Who is the author of "Heart Lamp", winner of the International Booker Prize 2025?
Correct answer: (B) Banu Mushtaq
A Kannada short-story collection; translator Deepa Bhasthi. Geetanjali Shree won it in 2022 ("Tomb of Sand").
A Kannada short-story collection; translator Deepa Bhasthi. Geetanjali Shree won it in 2022 ("Tomb of Sand").
Practice MCQ Who was presented the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024?
Correct answer: (C) Anant Nag
Presented on 22 Sep 2026. Mohanlal = 2023, Mithun = 2022, Waheeda Rehman = 2021.
Presented on 22 Sep 2026. Mohanlal = 2023, Mithun = 2022, Waheeda Rehman = 2021.
📌 5. Sports 2025-26 (8 min read)
(A) Cricket
| Tournament | Winner / Facts |
|---|---|
| ICC Champions Trophy 2025 | India beat New Zealand (Dubai) |
| Asia Cup 2025 (T20) | India beat Pakistan (28 Sep 2025) |
| ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 | India — first title; final 2 Nov 2025, DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, beat South Africa by 52 runs. 8 teams; format: round-robin + knockout. PoM: Shafali Verma; Player of Tournament: Deepti Sharma; captain Harmanpreet Kaur |
| ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 | India beat New Zealand by 96 runs, Ahmedabad, 8 Mar 2026. PoM: Bumrah; Player of Tournament: Sanju Samson. India — the first team to win 3 T20 WCs and to defend the title |
| IPL 2025 / IPL 2026 | RCB both (captain Rajat Patidar) |
| Women's T20 World Cup 2026 | Australia (final at Lord's) |
(B) Football, Hockey, Multi-sport
- FIFA World Cup 2026 (USA-Canada-Mexico, 48 teams for the first time): Spain beat Argentina 1–0 (MetLife Stadium, 19 Jul 2026). Golden Ball: Rodri; Golden Boot: Mbappé.
- Hockey: Men's Asia Cup 2025 — India (Rajgir, Bihar). Men's World Cup 2026 — Germany (India 8th). Women's WC 2026 — Argentina. Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 (Ipoh) — India won silver (0–1 to Belgium in the final).
- Commonwealth Games 2026 (Glasgow): India 4th, 39 medals (13 gold). CWG 2030 — Ahmedabad.
- Winter Olympics 2026 (Milan-Cortina): Norway on top.
- Asian Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya, Japan): running till 4 Oct 2026 — check the final medal table before the exam.
- Khelo India University Games 2025: Chandigarh University in first place.
(C) Chess, Tennis, Others
- Chess: FIDE World Cup 2025 (Goa) — Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan). FIDE Women's World Cup 2025 — Divya Deshmukh (became India's 88th GM). Candidates 2026 — Sindarov. World Championship: D. Gukesh vs Sindarov (Geneva, Nov–Dec 2026).
- Tennis Grand Slams 2026 (Men's singles): Australian Open — Carlos Alcaraz; French Open — Alexander Zverev; Wimbledon — Jannik Sinner; US Open — Zverev. Women's: French — Mirra Andreeva; Wimbledon — Linda Nosková; US Open — Elena Rybakina.
- Australian Open 2025: Women's singles — Madison Keys; Men's doubles — Harri Heliövaara & Henry Patten. Venue: Melbourne Park (National Tennis Centre).
- Squash World Cup 2025 (Chennai, Dec 2025): India beat Hong Kong, China 3–0 in the final — first title.
- Shooting: Simranpreet Kaur Brar — gold in 25m pistol at the ISSF World Cup Final 2025.
- Karting: Arshi Gupta — the first woman to win the National Karting Championship (2025).
- National Sports Governance Act 2025: in force from 1 Jan 2026; National Sports Board set up.
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- The Women's WC 2025 final was in Navi Mumbai, against South Africa (not Australia).
- The T20 WC 2026 final was against New Zealand, Ahmedabad (the 2024 final was against South Africa).
- FIFA WC 2026: Spain champion (Argentina was the 2022 champion).
- CWG 2026 = Glasgow, 2030 = Ahmedabad.
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. Where was the 2025 Australian Open held?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) National Tennis Centre, Melbourne Park
Rod Laver Arena is also in Melbourne, not in Sydney — so (A) is wrong.
Rod Laver Arena is also in Melbourne, not in Sydney — so (A) is wrong.
Q2. How many teams participated in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) 8
Held in India and Sri Lanka; India champion for the first time.
Held in India and Sri Lanka; India champion for the first time.
Q3. What was the format of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Round-robin followed by knockout
8 teams played a round-robin, the top 4 went to the semi-finals.
8 teams played a round-robin, the top 4 went to the semi-finals.
Q4. Madison Keys won which title at the Australian Open 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Women's singles
Beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final — her first Grand Slam.
Beat Aryna Sabalenka in the final — her first Grand Slam.
Q5. Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten won which title at the Australian Open 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Men's doubles
A pair from Finland (Heliövaara) and the UK (Patten).
A pair from Finland (Heliövaara) and the UK (Patten).
Q6. Under the National Sports Governance Act 2025, which body is established to oversee sports federations?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) National Sports Board
The Act is in force from 1 Jan 2026; a National Sports Tribunal is also set up.
The Act is in force from 1 Jan 2026; a National Sports Tribunal is also set up.
Q7. Simranpreet Kaur Brar won gold at the ISSF World Cup Final 2025 in which event?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) 25m pistol
ISSF World Cup Final 2025 (Doha).
ISSF World Cup Final 2025 (Doha).
Q8. Who became the first female to win a National Karting Championship in 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (D) Arshi Gupta
The other three are male racers.
The other three are male racers.
Q9. Which medal did India win at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 (Ipoh)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Silver
Lost 0–1 to Belgium in the final.
Lost 0–1 to Belgium in the final.
Q10. Which university topped the medal tally at the Khelo India University Games 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Chandigarh University
Q11. India Post released a stamp in December 2025 to mark the 150th anniversary of —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Bombay Gymkhana
Founded 1875, Mumbai.
Founded 1875, Mumbai.
Practice MCQ Whom did India beat in the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026?
Correct answer: (C) New Zealand
By 96 runs, Ahmedabad, 8 Mar 2026. India's third T20 WC (2007, 2024, 2026).
By 96 runs, Ahmedabad, 8 Mar 2026. India's third T20 WC (2007, 2024, 2026).
Practice MCQ Which city will host the Commonwealth Games 2030?
Correct answer: (B) Ahmedabad
Glasgow = CWG 2026. Delhi hosted in 2010.
Glasgow = CWG 2026. Delhi hosted in 2010.
Practice MCQ Who became India's 88th Grandmaster by winning the FIDE Women's Chess World Cup 2025?
Correct answer: (C) Divya Deshmukh
Beat Koneru Humpy in the final at Batumi (Georgia). FIDE = the world body of chess.
Beat Koneru Humpy in the final at Batumi (Georgia). FIDE = the world body of chess.
📌 6. Summits, Conferences & Diplomacy (9 min read)
(A) Major Summits
| Summit | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| G20 | 20th, Johannesburg, 22–23 Nov 2025 (first in Africa). Theme: "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability". SA presidency: 1 Dec 2024 – 30 Nov 2025 | 21st, Miami (USA), 14–15 Dec 2026 |
| BRICS | 17th, Rio de Janeiro, 6–7 Jul 2025 (Indonesia a full member) | 18th, New Delhi, 12–13 Sep 2026, Bharat Mandapam (India chair for the 4th time). Theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"; New Delhi Declaration |
| SCO | 25th, Tianjin (China), 31 Aug–1 Sep 2025 | 26th, Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan), 1 Sep 2026; next chair Pakistan (2027 Islamabad) |
| G7 | Kananaskis (Canada), 15–17 Jun 2025 | Évian-les-Bains (France), 15–17 Jun 2026 |
| COP (UNFCCC) | COP30, Belém (Brazil), 10–22 Nov 2025 | COP31, Antalya (Türkiye), 9–20 Nov 2026 (Australia "President of Negotiations") |
| ASEAN | Kuala Lumpur; Timor-Leste the 11th member (26 Oct 2025) | Philippines chair |
| AI Impact Summit | — | New Delhi, Bharat Mandapam, Feb 2026 (first in the Global South) |
| CHOGM | — | 28th, Antigua and Barbuda, 1–4 Nov 2026 |
(B) India's Bilateral Agreements & Visits
- India–EU FTA: talks concluded on 27 Jan 2026 ("Mother of All Deals"). Chief guests of the 77th Republic Day: Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa.
- India–UK CETA: signed 24 Jul 2025, in force 15 Jul 2026. India–Oman CEPA: in force 1 Jun 2026. India–New Zealand FTA: in force 20 Oct 2026. India–US trade deal: not signed as of Sep 2026.
- 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit: New Delhi, 4–5 Dec 2025 (Putin); "Programme 2030"; trade target of $100 billion by 2030.
- 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC (India–Russia military-technical commission): Dec 2025, Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi; co-chaired by Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
(C) Other Conferences Asked in the 2025 Paper (Oct–Dec 2025)
| Conference | Key facts |
|---|---|
| 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) | Dubai World Trade Centre, 1–2 Oct 2025; organisers: Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, DEWA and WGEO; theme: "Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy" |
| ITU–TRAI Workshop (QoS/QoE) | Bhubaneswar, 4–5 Dec 2025 (2 days) |
| WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine (2nd) | New Delhi, 17–19 Dec 2025 |
| IFAD–India Day | Rome (IFAD headquarters), Dec 2025 |
| Regional AI Impact Conferences | Shillong (Meghalaya); Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit — 17 Oct 2025; Gujarat pre-summit — with IIT Gandhinagar |
| 46th IASP Conference | Kolkata, 27–29 Nov 2025 |
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- BRICS 2026 in New Delhi (India chair); SCO 2026 Bishkek; G20 2026 USA (Miami).
- COP30 = Belém (Brazil), COP31 = Antalya (Türkiye) — Australia only presides over the negotiations.
- WGES was at the Dubai World Trade Centre (not ADNEC, Abu Dhabi).
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. What was the theme of the G20 2025 (South Africa)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability
Johannesburg summit, 22–23 Nov 2025.
Johannesburg summit, 22–23 Nov 2025.
Q2. What was the period of South Africa's G20 Presidency?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Dec 2024 – Nov 2025
The G20 presidency runs from 1 Dec to 30 Nov.
The G20 presidency runs from 1 Dec to 30 Nov.
Q3. Who co-chaired the 22nd India–Russia IRIGC-M&MTC (2025) from the Russian side?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (D) Andrei Belousov
Defence Minister of Russia (since May 2024; after Shoigu).
Defence Minister of Russia (since May 2024; after Shoigu).
Q4. Who co-chaired the 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC from the Indian side?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister. (Jaishankar = co-chair of the trade/economic IRIGC-TEC.)
Defence Minister. (Jaishankar = co-chair of the trade/economic IRIGC-TEC.)
Q5. Where was the 22nd IRIGC-M&MTC held in December 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (D) Manekshaw Centre
Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi.
Delhi Cantonment, New Delhi.
Q6. India and Russia set a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by which year?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) 2030
At the 23rd Annual Summit (4–5 Dec 2025), "Programme 2030".
At the 23rd Annual Summit (4–5 Dec 2025), "Programme 2030".
Q7. Who organised the 11th World Green Economy Summit 2025 (UAE)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, DEWA and WGEO
DEWA = Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; WGEO = World Green Economy Organization.
DEWA = Dubai Electricity and Water Authority; WGEO = World Green Economy Organization.
Q8. What was the venue of the 11th World Green Economy Summit 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Dubai World Trade Centre
Q9. On which dates was the 11th World Green Economy Summit held?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) 1–2 Oct 2025
Q10. What was the theme of the 11th World Green Economy Summit 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Innovating for Impact: Accelerating the Future of the Green Economy
Q11. In early December 2025, where was the ITU–TRAI Workshop on Performance, QoS and QoE inaugurated?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Bhubaneswar
4–5 Dec 2025.
4–5 Dec 2025.
Q12. What was the duration of the ITU–TRAI workshop (Dec 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) 2 days
4 and 5 Dec 2025.
4 and 5 Dec 2025.
Q13. TRAI organised the QoS/QoE workshop in Dec 2025 in partnership with —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (A) ITU
International Telecommunication Union (headquarters Geneva).
International Telecommunication Union (headquarters Geneva).
Q14. When and where was the WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine held?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) 17–19 Dec 2025, New Delhi
The second WHO Global Summit (the first was in 2023, Gandhinagar).
The second WHO Global Summit (the first was in 2023, Gandhinagar).
Q15. Where was 'IFAD–India Day' held in December 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Rome
IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) has its headquarters in Rome.
IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development) has its headquarters in Rome.
Q16. In which city was the Regional AI Impact Conference 2025 (North-East) held?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Shillong
Regional conferences held before the AI Impact Summit 2026 (New Delhi).
Regional conferences held before the AI Impact Summit 2026 (New Delhi).
Q17. On which date was the Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit 2025 held?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (A) 17 Oct 2025
Q18. Which institution collaborated with the IndiaAI Mission and Gujarat Government to host the Regional Pre-Summit event (Dec 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) IIT Gandhinagar
Q19. Where was the 46th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for the Study of Population (IASP) held?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Kolkata
27–29 Nov 2025.
27–29 Nov 2025.
Q20. The Kunar river, in news in 2025, flows through which countries?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Pakistan and Afghanistan
It rises in Chitral (Pakistan) and joins the Kabul river in Afghanistan. Afghanistan had announced a dam on it.
It rises in Chitral (Pakistan) and joins the Kabul river in Afghanistan. Afghanistan had announced a dam on it.
Practice MCQ Where was the 18th BRICS Summit (Sep 2026) held?
Correct answer: (C) New Delhi
12–13 Sep 2026, Bharat Mandapam; "New Delhi Declaration". Rio = 2025, Kazan = 2024, Johannesburg = 2023.
12–13 Sep 2026, Bharat Mandapam; "New Delhi Declaration". Rio = 2025, Kazan = 2024, Johannesburg = 2023.
Practice MCQ In which country is COP31 (Nov 2026) being held?
Correct answer: (B) Türkiye
Antalya, 9–20 Nov 2026. COP30 Brazil (Belém), COP29 Azerbaijan (Baku).
Antalya, 9–20 Nov 2026. COP30 Brazil (Belém), COP29 Azerbaijan (Baku).
Practice MCQ Which country became the 11th member of ASEAN (Oct 2025)?
Correct answer: (B) Timor-Leste
26 Oct 2025, Kuala Lumpur summit.
26 Oct 2025, Kuala Lumpur summit.
📌 7. New Laws, Schemes & Missions (Acts, Schemes & Missions) (9 min read)
(A) Major Acts of 2025
| Act | Key point |
|---|---|
| VB-G RAM G Act 2025 (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)) | Replaces MGNREGA; guarantees 125 days of employment to a rural household (earlier 100); President's assent 20 Dec 2025; states can notify a 60-day pause during the peak farming season |
| SHANTI Act 2025 | Nuclear energy sector; replaces the Atomic Energy Act 1962 and the Nuclear Liability Act 2010; nuclear power opened to private companies; assent 20 Dec 2025 |
| 4 Labour Codes | In force from 21 Nov 2025; replace 29 old labour laws |
| GST 2.0 | 56th GST Council meeting (3 Sep 2025); two slabs — 5% and 18% + 40% (luxury/sin goods); in force 22 Sep 2025 |
| Income-tax Act 2025 | Replaces the 1961 Act; in force from 1 Apr 2026 |
| Online Gaming Act 2025 | Ban on online money games |
| MMDR Amendment Act 2025 | Provision for mineral exchanges; new name of the National Mineral Exploration Trust — National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust |
| 130th Constitution Amendment Bill 2025 | A PM/CM/Minister held in custody for 30 consecutive days will be removed from office; with the JPC — not passed as of Sep 2026 |
(B) Major Schemes & Missions
| Scheme / Mission | Facts |
|---|---|
| PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ELI scheme) | ₹99,446 crore; 3.5 crore+ jobs; 1 Aug 2025 – 31 Jul 2027; about 1.92 crore (19.2 million) first-time job seekers |
| PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana | ₹24,000 crore/year; 100 districts (with low farm productivity); launched 11 Oct 2025 |
| Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses | ₹11,440 crore; self-reliance in pulses by 2030-31 |
| National Critical Mineral Mission | ₹16,300 crore (Jan 2025); critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite |
| National Quantum Mission | ₹6,003.65 crore; 2023-24 to 2030-31 |
| "Samudra Manthan" (National Offshore Exploration) | ₹84,084 crore (cabinet 31 Jul 2026) |
| GOBARdhan (CBG scheme) | ₹23,731 crore (cabinet 6 Aug 2026) |
| PM-DHARA (Green Energy Corridor Phase III) | ₹1,86,405 crore; cabinet 30 Sep 2026; 135 GW renewable energy |
| Nayi Chetna 4.0 | Gender equality campaign (DAY-NRLM), 25 Nov – 23 Dec 2025; launched by Shivraj Singh Chouhan; through the SHG network of 10 crore rural women |
| Violence-Free Village Initiative | Tripartite MoU: Ministries of Rural Development, Women and Child Development, Law and Justice |
| MAHA-MedTech Mission | ANRF + ICMR + Gates Foundation |
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- VB-G RAM G gives 125 days (MGNREGA gave 100).
- GST 2.0 removed the 12% and 28% slabs — now 5% and 18% (+40% special rate).
- The 130th Amendment is a Bill, not an Act (not passed).
- Gold is not a critical mineral.
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. Under the Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Bill 2025, how many days of wage employment are guaranteed per rural household?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) 125
President's assent 20 Dec 2025.
President's assent 20 Dec 2025.
Q2. Which legislation enabled mineral exchanges in India (2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) MMDR Amendment Bill 2025
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment.
Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment.
Q3. Under the MMDR Amendment 2025, the National Mineral Exploration Trust was renamed as —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust
Q4. Under the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill 2025, a PM/CM/Minister in custody for how many consecutive days would be removed?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) 30
As of Sep 2026 the Bill is with the JPC, not passed.
As of Sep 2026 the Bill is with the JPC, not passed.
Q5. Who launched the Nayi Chetna 4.0 campaign on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (D) Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Minister of Rural Development; 25 Nov 2025.
Union Minister of Rural Development; 25 Nov 2025.
Q6. What is the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in India's Nayi Chetna 4.0 campaign in 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Grassroots network mobilizing 10 crore rural women
Q7. Which three ministries signed the Inter-Ministerial Tripartite MoU for the Violence-Free Village Initiative 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (A) Rural Development, WCD, Law & Justice
Q8. Approximately how many first-time employees are targeted under the ELI (Employment Linked Incentive) scheme?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) 19.2 million
ELI is now called the "PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana" (total target 3.5 crore jobs).
ELI is now called the "PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana" (total target 3.5 crore jobs).
Q9. How many districts are covered under the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) 100
Launched on 11 Oct 2025; ₹24,000 crore/year.
Launched on 11 Oct 2025; ₹24,000 crore/year.
Q10. What is the duration of the National Quantum Mission?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) 2023-24 to 2030-31
₹6,003.65 crore (8 years).
₹6,003.65 crore (8 years).
Q11. Which of the following is NOT in the list of critical minerals under the National Critical Mineral Mission?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (D) Gold
Q12. 'Peyjal Samvad' is associated with which mission?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Jal Jeevan Mission
Har Ghar Jal — Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Har Ghar Jal — Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Q13. The 1st Regional Conference on Water Use Efficiency in the Irrigation Sector was held on which date?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) 22 November 2025
Q14. The MAHA-MedTech Mission was launched by —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) ANRF with ICMR and Gates Foundation
ANRF = Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
ANRF = Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
Practice MCQ What are the two main slabs under GST 2.0 (from 22 Sep 2025)?
Correct answer: (C) 5% and 18%
Plus a 40% special (de-merit) rate; decided at the 56th GST Council meeting.
Plus a 40% special (de-merit) rate; decided at the 56th GST Council meeting.
Practice MCQ From when did the four new Labour Codes come into force?
Correct answer: (B) 21 November 2025
They replace 29 old labour laws. 1 Jul 2024 = BNS/BNSS/BSA; 1 Apr 2026 = Income-tax Act 2025.
They replace 29 old labour laws. 1 Jul 2024 = BNS/BNSS/BSA; 1 Apr 2026 = Income-tax Act 2025.
📌 8. Ministries, Departments & Government Initiatives (PIB-style Questions) (6 min read)
Concept: Many questions in the 2025 paper came from small PIB news items — Department of Posts projects, BIS hallmarking, food processing schemes, history of ministries. They are put together in one place below.
| Department | Initiative / Facts |
|---|---|
| Department of Posts | APT 2.0 (Advanced Postal Technology) — real-time delivery update, OTP-based delivery, e-commerce API; hosted on MeghRaj 2.0 (government cloud). MPOP — automation and advanced parcel sorting. DREAM app — on Android smartphones of Branch Post Offices. DIGIPIN — digital address code. |
| BIS (Consumer Affairs) | HUID on hallmarked silver jewellery — from 1 Sep 2025 (hallmarking itself is still voluntary). App to verify HUID: BIS CARE. |
| Food Processing (MoFPI) | APC (Agro Processing Cluster) scheme; PLISFPI — 170 applications, ₹9,032 crore investment by Oct 2025; NIFTEM Thanjavur and Kundli — Institutes of National Importance. Export promotion of processed food — APEDA (Ministry of Commerce). |
| Ministry of Tribal Affairs | Set up in 1999; carved out of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. |
| DGCA | Attached to the Ministry of Civil Aviation. |
| DRI (Revenue Intelligence) | 68th Founding Day (Dec 2025) — inaugurated by the Minister of State for Finance (Pankaj Chaudhary); report "Smuggling in India Report 2024–25" released. |
| IEPFA | "Niveshak Didi" — with IPPB (India Post Payments Bank). |
| Others | India's cloud data centre capacity ~1,280 MW (Dec 2025). NEST Phase 2 inaugurated at SEEPZ (Mumbai) (Piyush Goyal). J.P. Nadda discussed TB-Mukt Bharat with Bihar MPs at the Extended Parliament House Annexe. |
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- APT 2.0 = OTP/real-time delivery; MPOP = automation/parcel sorting; DREAM = Branch PO app — do not mix up the three.
- APEDA is under the Ministry of Commerce (not MoFPI, not FSSAI).
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. Which Dept of Posts project (Dec 2025) aims at end-to-end process optimisation through automation and advanced parcel sorting?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) MPOP
Q2. Which Dept of Posts project provides real-time delivery updates, OTP-based delivery and API integration for e-commerce?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) APT 2.0
Q3. The APT platform of India Post is hosted on which cloud (Aug 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) MeghRaj 2.0
The Government of India's indigenous cloud (NIC).
The Government of India's indigenous cloud (NIC).
Q4. Which app, running on Android smartphones at Branch Post Offices, strengthens rural delivery?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) DREAM
Q5. From which date did BIS make HUID mandatory for (hallmarked) silver jewellery?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) 1 September 2025
Note: silver hallmarking is still voluntary; jewellery that is hallmarked must carry HUID from 1 Sep 2025.
Note: silver hallmarking is still voluntary; jewellery that is hallmarked must carry HUID from 1 Sep 2025.
Q6. Which app can be used to verify the HUID of hallmarked jewellery?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) BIS CARE
Q7. Which body provides export incentives for processed food products?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) APEDA
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority.
Q8. The APC (Agro Processing Cluster) scheme is implemented by which ministry?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Food Processing Industries
A component of the PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.
A component of the PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.
Q9. Which Institutes of National Importance provide skill training in food processing?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) NIFTEM Thanjavur and Kundli
Kundli — Haryana; Thanjavur — Tamil Nadu.
Kundli — Haryana; Thanjavur — Tamil Nadu.
Q10. Under PLISFPI, by October 2025, how many applications were approved and what investment was made?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) 170 applications, ₹9,032 crore
PLISFPI = Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry.
PLISFPI = Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry.
Q11. In which year was the Ministry of Tribal Affairs established?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) 1999
Q12. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs was carved out of which ministry?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Social Justice and Empowerment
Q13. The DGCA is an attached office of which ministry?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Civil Aviation
Q14. Who inaugurated the 68th Founding Day of the DRI in New Delhi (Dec 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Union Minister of State for Finance
Pankaj Chaudhary.
Pankaj Chaudhary.
Q15. Which flagship publication was released by the DRI on its 68th Founding Day?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Smuggling in India Report 2024–25
Q16. The 'Niveshak Didi' initiative of IEPFA (1,110 camps, 68,738 beneficiaries) is run in partnership with —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) IPPB only
Women postal workers of India Post Payments Bank spread financial literacy in villages.
Women postal workers of India Post Payments Bank spread financial literacy in villages.
Q17. What was India's approximate cloud data centre capacity (Dec 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) 1,280 MW
Q18. What did Piyush Goyal inaugurate at SEEPZ, Mumbai in December 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) NEST Phase 2
Q19. Where did J.P. Nadda interact with Bihar MPs on TB-Mukt Bharat (Dec 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Extended Parliament House Annexe
📌 9. Economy: RBI, Union Budget 2026-27, Tax (6 min read)
(A) RBI Monetary Policy (as of Sep 2026)
| Rate | Current |
|---|---|
| Repo Rate | 5.25% (62nd MPC, 3–5 Aug 2026 — no change for the 4th time in a row; stance: Neutral) |
| SDF / MSF / Bank Rate | 5.00% / 5.50% / 5.50% |
| CRR / SLR | 3% / 18% |
| Total cut in 2025 | 125 basis points (Feb, Apr, Jun — 50 bps, Dec) — from 6.50% to 5.25% |
The Aug 2025 MPC had cut the CPI inflation projection for FY26 from 3.7% to 3.1%.
(B) Union Budget 2026-27 (1 Feb 2026, Nirmala Sitharaman)
- Total expenditure ₹53.5 lakh crore; fiscal deficit 4.3% of GDP; capital expenditure (capex) ₹12.2 lakh crore.
- Defence budget ₹7.85 lakh crore (+15.19%).
- Announcements: Biopharma SHAKTI (₹10,000 crore), India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, Rare Earth Corridors, 7 high-speed rail corridors.
- Economic Survey 2025-26 (29 Jan 2026): FY27 growth estimate 6.8–7.2%.
- New GDP series — base year 2022-23 (27 Feb 2026); FY26 real growth (provisional) 7.7%.
(C) Others
- Defence exports FY2025-26: ₹38,424 crore (+62.66%); target ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
- The Income Tax Department identified suspicious deduction claims under sections 80G and 80GGC (donations / contributions to political parties).
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- The repo rate is 5.25% (5.50% or 6.50% are old).
- Be careful with questions on the economy's "rank" — the IMF (Apr 2026) puts India at 6th, while older government releases say "4th". Think after looking at the options.
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. In August 2025, what did the RBI MPC revise downward for FY26?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) CPI inflation projection
From 3.7% to 3.1%.
From 3.7% to 3.1%.
Q2. Under which Income Tax sections were suspicious deduction claims identified (2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) 80G and 80GGC
80G = charitable donations; 80GGC = contributions to political parties.
80G = charitable donations; 80GGC = contributions to political parties.
Q3. What defence export target has been set for 2029?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) ₹50,000 crore
Practice MCQ What is the RBI's Repo Rate as of Sep 2026?
Correct answer: (C) 5.25%
5.00% = SDF; 5.50% = MSF/Bank Rate.
5.00% = SDF; 5.50% = MSF/Bank Rate.
Practice MCQ What is the fiscal deficit target in the Union Budget 2026-27?
Correct answer: (B) 4.3%
Practice MCQ What is the base year of India's new GDP series?
Correct answer: (C) 2022-23
Released on 27 Feb 2026 (earlier it was 2011-12).
Released on 27 Feb 2026 (earlier it was 2011-12).
📌 10. Reports & Indices (4 min read)
| Index | Released by | India's rank | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Innovation Index 2026 (29 Sep 2026) | WIPO | 38 / 139 | Switzerland |
| World Happiness Report 2026 | UN SDSN / Gallup / Oxford | 116 / 147 | Finland (9th time) |
| Global Peace Index 2026 | IEP | 127 / 163 | Iceland |
| World Press Freedom Index 2026 | RSF | 157 / 180 | — |
| Corruption Perceptions Index 2025 | Transparency International | 91 / 182 (score 39) | Denmark |
| Global Gender Gap 2026 | WEF | 131 / 145 | Iceland |
| Henley Passport Index (Jul 2026) | Henley & Partners | 81 | Singapore |
| Sustainable Development Report 2026 | UN SDSN | 94 / 169 | Finland |
| Global Hunger Index 2025 | Welthungerhilfe / Concern | 102 / 123 ("serious") | — |
| Human Development Report 2025 | UNDP | 130 / 193 (HDR 2026 not yet released) | — |
| QS World University Rankings 2027 | QS | IIT Delhi 118 (top Indian institution) | MIT |
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- GII is released by WIPO; Gender Gap — WEF; Press Freedom — RSF; HDI — UNDP.
- Swachh Survekshan 2025-26 results had not come out as of Sep 2026 — the latest is 2024-25 (Indore top in the Super Swachh League; Ahmedabad cleanest big city).
📝 Practice MCQs:
Practice MCQ What is India's rank in the Global Innovation Index 2026?
Correct answer: (B) 38
Released by WIPO on 29 Sep 2026; Switzerland in first place.
Released by WIPO on 29 Sep 2026; Switzerland in first place.
Practice MCQ Who releases the Global Gender Gap Report?
Correct answer: (C) World Economic Forum
In 2026 India was 131st, Iceland first.
In 2026 India was 131st, Iceland first.
📌 11. Defence: Military Exercises, Ships & Missiles (8 min read)
(A) Operation Sindoor
7 May 2025 — in response to the Pahalgam attack (22 Apr 2025), strikes on 9 terrorist sites in Pakistan and PoK (Bahawalpur — JeM, Muridke — LeT).
(B) Military Exercises
| Exercise | Countries | Venue / Date |
|---|---|---|
| Yudh Abhyas 2026 (22nd) | India–USA (Army) | Auli (Uttarakhand) and Mahajan (Rajasthan), 15–28 Sep 2026 |
| Tarang Shakti 2026 (2nd) | IAF multilateral | Jodhpur, 26 Sep – 12 Oct 2026; theme "Power in Partnership"; 7 foreign air forces |
| Varuna 2026 (24th) | India–France (Navy) | Toulon (France), Sep 2026 — INS Trishul |
| Dharma Guardian 2026 (7th) | India–Japan (Army) | Chaubattia (Uttarakhand), 24 Feb – 9 Mar 2026 |
| Surya Kiran XIX | India–Nepal | Pithoragarh, 25 Nov – 8 Dec 2025 |
| Garuda Shakti (10th) | India–Indonesia (Special Forces) | SFTS Bakloh (HP), 3–12 Dec 2025; from India the Parachute Regiment (SF) |
| Mitra Shakti (11th) | India–Sri Lanka | Belagavi, 10–22 Nov 2025 |
| Malabar 2025 | India–USA–Japan–Australia | Guam, Nov 2025 (INS Sahyadri) |
| Garuda 25 | India–France (Air Force) | IAF contingent supported by the C-17 Globemaster III |
| Zapad-2025 | Russia–Belarus (India also took part) | Indian contingent ~65 soldiers |
(C) Navy
- INS Vikrant — India's first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1); commissioned 2 Sep 2022 (Kochi).
- Navy Day 2025 (Navy Day = 4 Dec): operational demonstration on 3 Dec 2025, Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram; chief guest President Droupadi Murmu; INS Vikrant took part.
- Commissioned in 2026: INS Anjadip, INS Taragiri, INS Dunagiri, INS Mahendragiri (6th frigate of Project 17A), INS Nipun.
- INSV Kaundinya — a "stitched" ship built with ancient technique; India–Oman maritime relations (voyage from Porbandar to Muscat).
- India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell passenger vessel — commercial service began in Varanasi (Namo Ghat) on 11 Dec 2025; built by Cochin Shipyard.
- Khabarovsk — Russia's new nuclear submarine (Nov 2025).
(D) Missile Tests 2026 & Others
Agni-3 (6 Feb), MIRV-equipped Advanced Agni — Kalam Island (8 May), Agni-1 (22 May), Agni-4 (6 Aug 2026). 78th Army Day (15 Jan 2026) — Jaipur (parade outside a cantonment for the first time).
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- INS Vikrant was commissioned in 2022 (the year in the 2025 PYQ was wrong, but the answer is still Vikrant).
- Surya Kiran = Nepal; Mitra Shakti = Sri Lanka; Garuda Shakti = Indonesia; Garuda (without Shakti) = France air force; Dharma Guardian = Japan; Yudh Abhyas = USA.
- Navy Day is 4 Dec, but the 2025 demonstration was held on 3 Dec in Thiruvananthapuram.
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. Which Indian unit participated in the 2025 Garuda Shakti exercise?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Parachute Regiment
Parachute Regiment (Special Forces); 10th edition of India–Indonesia exercise.
Parachute Regiment (Special Forces); 10th edition of India–Indonesia exercise.
Q2. What were the dates of Exercise Garuda Shakti 2025 conducted in India?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) 03–12 December 2025
SF Training School, Bakloh (Himachal Pradesh).
SF Training School, Bakloh (Himachal Pradesh).
Q3. What is the name of the 19th India–Nepal joint military exercise?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Surya Kiran XIX
Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), 25 Nov – 8 Dec 2025.
Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand), 25 Nov – 8 Dec 2025.
Q4. In 2025, India commissioned its first indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-1). What is its name?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (A) INS Vikrant
Note: the question said "2025", whereas INS Vikrant was commissioned on 2 Sep 2022. The answer is still INS Vikrant.
Note: the question said "2025", whereas INS Vikrant was commissioned on 2 Sep 2022. The answer is still INS Vikrant.
Q5. Which aircraft carrier took part in the Navy Day 2025 operational demonstration?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) INS Vikrant
INS Viraat has been decommissioned; INS Shivalik is a frigate, not an aircraft carrier.
INS Viraat has been decommissioned; INS Shivalik is a frigate, not an aircraft carrier.
Q6. Who graced the Indian Navy Day 2025 event as the Chief Guest?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) President of India
President Droupadi Murmu (Supreme Commander of all three services).
President Droupadi Murmu (Supreme Commander of all three services).
Q7. Where was the Navy Day 2025 operational demonstration held?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Shangumugham Beach, Thiruvananthapuram
3 Dec 2025. (In 2024 it was at Puri, Odisha.)
3 Dec 2025. (In 2024 it was at Puri, Odisha.)
Q8. Which transport aircraft supported the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent during Exercise Garuda 25?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) C-17 Globemaster III
Garuda = India–France air force exercise.
Garuda = India–France air force exercise.
Q9. What was the approximate size of the Indian contingent at Exercise Zapad-2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) 65
Zapad = a large Russia–Belarus exercise (Sep 2025).
Zapad = a large Russia–Belarus exercise (Sep 2025).
Q10. The nuclear submarine 'Khabarovsk', in news in 2025, belongs to which country?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Russia
Q11. The voyage of INSV Kaundinya reinforces maritime relations between India and —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Oman
A ship built with the ancient "stitched ship" technique; Gujarat to Muscat.
A ship built with the ancient "stitched ship" technique; Gujarat to Muscat.
Q12. Where was India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell passenger vessel flagged off for commercial service in December 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Varanasi
Namo Ghat, 11 Dec 2025; built by Cochin Shipyard.
Namo Ghat, 11 Dec 2025; built by Cochin Shipyard.
Practice MCQ Yudh Abhyas 2026 was held between the armies of which two countries?
Correct answer: (B) India–USA
22nd edition; Auli and Mahajan, 15–28 Sep 2026.
22nd edition; Auli and Mahajan, 15–28 Sep 2026.
Practice MCQ When was Operation Sindoor launched?
Correct answer: (B) 7 May 2025
22 Apr 2025 = Pahalgam terrorist attack.
22 Apr 2025 = Pahalgam terrorist attack.
📌 12. Space Missions (5 min read)
| Mission | Date | Facts |
|---|---|---|
| NISAR (GSLV-F16) | 30 Jul 2025 | NASA–ISRO joint radar satellite (L-band NASA, S-band ISRO) |
| LVM3-M5 / CMS-03 | 2 Nov 2025 | ~4,410 kg — the heaviest communication satellite sent to GTO from India |
| LVM3-M6 / BlueBird Block-2 | 24 Dec 2025 | ~6,100 kg — the heaviest payload ever launched from India (AST SpaceMobile, USA) |
| PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 | 12 Jan 2026 | Failed (fault in the third stage). PSLV-C61 (18 May 2025) had also failed |
| GSLV-F17 / EOS-05 | 4 Sep 2026 | First Indian imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit |
| Axiom-4 | 25 Jun – 15 Jul 2025 | Shubhanshu Shukla — the first Indian to go to the ISS |
| Gaganyaan G1 | — | Uncrewed flight (Vyommitra) — not launched as of Sep 2026 |
| Bharatiya Antariksh Station | — | First module BAS-01 — by 2028; full station by 2035 |
| Artemis II (NASA) | 1–10 Apr 2026 | Crewed mission that orbited the Moon |
From Jan 2014 to Nov 2025, India launched about 398 foreign satellites. ISRO Chairman: V. Narayanan.
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- CMS-03 = heaviest communication satellite (GTO); BlueBird Block-2 = heaviest payload launched from India. Both on LVM3.
- No Gaganyaan flight had taken place as of Sep 2026.
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. Approximately how many foreign satellites has India launched between January 2014 and November 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) 398
Q2. The heaviest communication satellite CMS-03 was launched by which launch vehicle?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) LVM3-M5
2 Nov 2025, Sriharikota.
2 Nov 2025, Sriharikota.
Q3. Which satellite did LVM3 place in orbit on 24 December 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) BlueBird Block-2
LVM3-M6; ~6,100 kg.
LVM3-M6; ~6,100 kg.
Practice MCQ Which satellite was launched by GSLV-F17 in Sep 2026?
Correct answer: (B) EOS-05
4 Sep 2026. EOS-N1 was on PSLV-C62 (failed, Jan 2026).
4 Sep 2026. EOS-N1 was on PSLV-C62 (failed, Jan 2026).
📌 13. Important Days, Culture & Heritage (Days, Themes & Heritage) (8 min read)
(A) Major Days & Themes of 2026
| Day | Theme / Facts |
|---|---|
| 77th Republic Day (26 Jan 2026) | Themes: "Swatantrata ka Mantra: Vande Mataram" and "Samriddhi ka Mantra: Aatmanirbhar Bharat"; chief guests: Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa (EU); best tableau: Maharashtra |
| 80th Independence Day (15 Aug 2026) | "150 Years of Vande Mataram" and "Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047" |
| International Yoga Day 2026 (12th) | "Yoga for Healthy Ageing"; main event Kolkata |
| World Environment Day 2026 | Host: Azerbaijan |
| World Water Day 2026 | "Water and Gender" |
| World Health Day 2026 | "Together for health. Stand with science." |
| National Space Day 2026 (23 Aug, 3rd) | "Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership" |
| International Literacy Day 2026 (8 Sep) | "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity" |
| World Ozone Day 2026 (16 Sep) | 10 years of the Kigali Amendment — "Global action for a cooler planet" |
| World Tourism Day 2026 (27 Sep) | "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism"; host El Salvador |
| UN International Years 2026 | Rangelands and Pastoralists; Volunteers for Sustainable Development; the Woman Farmer |
(B) Heritage
- Sarnath ("Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath") — India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site (25 Jul 2026; 48th session, Busan, South Korea).
- India has 101 Ramsar sites — 101st Glaw Lake (Arunachal's first, 3 Aug 2026); 100th Surha Tal (Ballia, UP).
- 20th session of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Committee — Red Fort, New Delhi, 8–13 Dec 2025 (India host for the first time). India's national ICH inventory is maintained by the Sangeet Natak Akademi.
- Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD) — Ministry of Culture, since 2023; a digital record of a village's oral traditions, heritage, food, art — everything.
(C) Culture/Day Facts Asked in the 2025 Paper
- Purple Fest — linked to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 Dec). Divya Kala Mela 2025 (New Delhi).
- Asom Diwas (2 Dec) — in memory of Chaolung Sukapha, founder of the Ahom kingdom.
- Hornbill Festival (Nagaland, 1–10 Dec) — named after the Hornbill bird.
- Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 — Varanasi, Dec 2025.
- Dharma Dhwaja — hoisted by the PM on the spire of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on 25 Nov 2025; shape right-angled triangle.
- Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial and Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum — Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh (1 Nov 2025).
- Indian National Congress founded in 1885 — 140 years in 2025.
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- Sarnath = 45th World Heritage Site (44th Maratha Military Landscapes, 2025).
- ICH inventory = Sangeet Natak Akademi; Natyashastra event = IGNCA; MGMD = Ministry of Culture.
- Purple Fest = International Day of Persons with Disabilities (there is no UN day named "World Disability Day").
🎯 Previous Year Questions (Official PYQs — SI Prelims 2025):
Q1. Purple Fest 2025 commemorates which day?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) International Day of Persons with Disabilities
3 December.
3 December.
Q2. 'Disability Does Not Limit Potential – Perspective Does' was the title of the event that concluded which programme in Dec 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Divya Kala Mela 2025
Q3. Which phrase did Chief Minister Rekha Gupta use to emphasize inclusive national progress during her address in Divya Kala Mela 2025, New Delhi?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) "A Nation That Walks Forward Together Leaves No One Behind"
("जो राष्ट्र साथ चलता है, वह किसी को पीछे नहीं छोड़ता" — the same phrase in Hindi)
("जो राष्ट्र साथ चलता है, वह किसी को पीछे नहीं छोड़ता" — the same phrase in Hindi)
Q4. PM Modi's Asom Diwas message (Dec 2025) linked Assam's progress to the vision of —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (A) Swargadeo Chaolung Sukapha
Founder of the Ahom dynasty (13th century).
Founder of the Ahom dynasty (13th century).
Q5. The Hornbill Festival of Nagaland is named after —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) The Hornbill bird
Q6. Who maintains India's National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Sangeet Natak Akademi
India's nodal body for UNESCO ICH.
India's nodal body for UNESCO ICH.
Q7. Where was the 20th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee on ICH held in India?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Red Fort
Lal Qila, New Delhi.
Lal Qila, New Delhi.
Q8. What were the dates of the 20th session of the UNESCO ICH Committee (IGC)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) 8–13 Dec 2025
Q9. Which institution organised 'Natyashastra – Synthesis of Theory and Praxis' during the 20th session of the UNESCO ICH Committee, Delhi (Dec 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) IGNCA
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.
Q10. The 'Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar' (MGMD) programme covers —[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (D) All of these
Q11. The MGMD programme is run by which ministry?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) Culture
Q12. In which year was 'Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar' launched?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (D) 2023
Q13. Who inaugurated 'CraftKatha 2025' at Handloom Haat, New Delhi (Dec 2025)?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 16 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Sudha Murty
Rajya Sabha MP (nominated).
Rajya Sabha MP (nominated).
Q14. Who said "The Kashi Tamil Sangamam brings two ancient traditions even closer…" at KTS 4.0 (Dec 2025), and where?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (B) Jayant Chaudhary, Varanasi
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Minister of State for Education.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Minister of State for Education.
Q15. What is the shape of the Dharma Dhwaja to be hoisted at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir by PM Narendra Modi in Nov 2025?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 20 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Right-angled triangular
Hoisted on 25 Nov 2025.
Hoisted on 25 Nov 2025.
Q16. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Memorial-cum-Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum is located in which state?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 18 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (C) Chhattisgarh
Nava Raipur; inaugurated by the PM on 1 Nov 2025 (Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav).
Nava Raipur; inaugurated by the PM on 1 Nov 2025 (Chhattisgarh Rajyotsav).
Q17. As of 2025, how many years have passed since the Indian National Congress was founded?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 21 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (C) 140
Founded 28 Dec 1885, Bombay (A.O. Hume); 2025 − 1885 = 140.
Founded 28 Dec 1885, Bombay (A.O. Hume); 2025 − 1885 = 140.
Practice MCQ Which became India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jul 2026?
Correct answer: (B) Sarnath
25 Jul 2026, 48th session, Busan. Sanchi has been a WHS since 1989.
25 Jul 2026, 48th session, Busan. Sanchi has been a WHS since 1989.
Practice MCQ What was the theme of International Yoga Day 2026?
Correct answer: (C) Yoga for Healthy Ageing
2025 = One Earth One Health; 2024 = Self and Society.
2025 = One Earth One Health; 2024 = Self and Society.
📌 14. Census 2027, SIR & Surveys (3 min read)
- Census 2027: ₹11,718 crore; India's 16th census (8th since Independence); first digital census; caste enumeration included.
- Phase I (Houselisting): Apr–Sep 2026. Phase II (Population enumeration): Feb 2027, reference date 1 Mar 2027. Snow-bound areas (parts of J&K, Ladakh, HP, Uttarakhand): reference date 1 Oct 2026.
- SIR (Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls): began in Bihar (Jun 2025); Phase II (27 Oct 2025) covered 12 states/UTs including MP; Phase III from 30 May 2026.
- National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 — the first fully digital census; launched at Kochi (CMFRI), 31 Oct 2025.
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- The census is called "Census 2027"; the 2021 census was not held.
- Reference date: 1 Mar 2027 (rest of the country) and 1 Oct 2026 (snow-bound areas).
🎯 Official PYQ + Practice:
Q1. Where was the first fully digitised National Marine Fisheries Census 2025 launched?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 19 Jan 2026, Shift 1]
Correct answer: (D) Kochi
31 Oct 2025; CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute) has its headquarters in Kochi.
31 Oct 2025; CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute) has its headquarters in Kochi.
Practice MCQ What is the reference date of the population phase of Census 2027 (excluding snow-bound areas)?
Correct answer: (C) 1 March 2027
1 Oct 2026 = reference date for snow-bound areas.
1 Oct 2026 = reference date for snow-bound areas.
📌 15. New Criminal Laws — BNS, BNSS, BSA (Basics) (5 min read)
All three laws came into force on 1 Jul 2024 after the President's assent on 25 Dec 2023. They are very important for Police SI.
| New law | Replaces | Sections (new / old) |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 | IPC 1860 | 358 / 511 |
| Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 | CrPC 1973 | 531 / 484 |
| Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023 | Indian Evidence Act 1872 | 170 / 167 |
Key changes
- BNS: 20 new offences; punishment of community service for 6 petty offences (Section 4(f)); murder — Section 103 (mob lynching 103(2)); organised crime — 111; terrorist act — 113; sedition (124A) replaced by Section 152 (endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India); snatching — 304.
- BNSS: Zero FIR and e-FIR (Section 173; e-FIR to be signed within 3 days); trial in absentia of absconding accused (Section 356); visit of a forensic team to the crime scene is mandatory for offences punishable with 7 years or more.
- BSA: Electronic/digital records given the status of primary evidence.
⚠️ Exam Traps:
- BNS has 358 sections (not 356 or 511); BNSS has 531; BSA has 170.
- The date of coming into force is 1 Jul 2024 (assent 25 Dec 2023).
- The word "sedition" has been removed; the new provision is Section 152 BNS.
📝 Practice MCQs:
Practice MCQ How many sections are there in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023?
Correct answer: (B) 358
511 = IPC; 531 = BNSS; 170 = BSA.
511 = IPC; 531 = BNSS; 170 = BSA.
Practice MCQ Which section of the BNS replaced the old sedition provision (IPC 124A)?
Correct answer: (C) Section 152
103 = murder; 111 = organised crime; 304 = snatching.
103 = murder; 111 = organised crime; 304 = snatching.
Practice MCQ Under the BNSS, a forensic visit is mandatory for offences punishable with how many years or more?
Correct answer: (C) 7 years
📌 16. Books & Major Obituaries (3 min read)
(A) Books & Authors (Award-winning)
| Book | Author | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Flesh | David Szalay | Booker 2025 |
| Heart Lamp | Banu Mushtaq (tr. Deepa Bhasthi) | International Booker 2025 |
| Taiwan Travelogue | Yáng Shuāng-zǐ (tr. Lin King) | International Booker 2026 |
| Jeete Jee Allahabad | Mamta Kalia | Sahitya Akademi 2025 (Hindi) |
| Crimson Spring | Navtej Sarna | Sahitya Akademi 2025 (English) |
(B) Major Obituaries (Oct 2025 – Sep 2026)
| Name | Known as | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Zubeen Garg | Assamese singer | 19 Sep 2025 |
| Satish Shah | Actor | 25 Oct 2025 |
| Piyush Pandey | Advertising guru ("Ab ki baar Modi sarkar", Fevicol) | Oct 2025 |
| Dharmendra | Actor; former MP (Bikaner); posthumous Padma Vibhushan in 2026 | 24 Nov 2025 |
| Swaraj Kaushal | Senior advocate; former Governor of Mizoram; husband of Sushma Swaraj | 4 Dec 2025 |
| Ram V. Sutar | Sculptor — Statue of Unity | Dec 2025 |
| Vinod Kumar Shukla | Hindi poet-novelist; 59th Jnanpith | 23 Dec 2025 |
| Ajit Pawar | Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra (plane crash) | 28 Jan 2026 |
| Asha Bhosle | Playback singer | 12 Apr 2026 |
🎯 Official PYQ + Practice:
Q1. Swaraj Kaushal (died Dec 2025) had served as the Governor of which state?[MPESB SI Prelims 2025 — 17 Jan 2026, Shift 2]
Correct answer: (B) Mizoram
Practice MCQ For which work was the Sahitya Akademi Award 2025 (Hindi) given?
Correct answer: (A) Jeete Jee Allahabad — Mamta Kalia
🔄 Check these before the exam (Oct 2026) — they may change by then:
- Final medal table of the Asian Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya) (till 4 Oct 2026).
- Nobel Prizes 2026 (announced around 6–13 Oct 2026).
- Booker 2026 (9 Nov — after the exam), Global Hunger Index 2026 (Oct).
- Appointment of new Governors (Mangubhai Patel's term in MP has already ended).