October 2025 Current Affairs Quiz PDF with Answers

Answer: C) 1st October 2025

The India–EFTA TEPA, India’s first FTA linking trade, investment, and job creation with four developed European nations, officially came into effect on 1st October 2025 after being signed on 10th March 2024 in New Delhi.

Answer: B) Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu’s Dugong Conservation Reserve, spread over 448.34 sq. km in Palk Bay, was India’s first such reserve and was recognized by IUCN as a global model for marine biodiversity conservation.

Answer: D) 41.7%

India’s FLFPR rose sharply to 41.7% in 2023–24, up from 23.3% in 2017–18, mainly due to increased participation of rural women, though most shifts were toward self-employment and unpaid work.

Answer: C) ₹23,885 crore

FPIs withdrew ₹23,885 crore from Indian equities in September 2025, continuing the third consecutive month of outflows, leading to market correction and rupee depreciation.

Answer: C) 6.5%

ADB downgraded India’s FY26 GDP growth projection to 6.5% (from 6.7%) due to 50% U.S. tariffs affecting Indian exports such as textiles, jewellery, and chemicals.

Answer: C) Reactivating inoperative accounts and settling unclaimed deposits

RBI introduced a one-year incentive scheme where banks get 5–7.5% commission for reactivating inoperative accounts and settling dormant deposits to their rightful claimants.

Answer: C) 1.5%

The RBI now allows banks to raise the full 1.5% of RWA as Additional Tier-1 (AT1) capital through overseas perpetual debt, enhancing capital adequacy and funding flexibility.

Answer: C) RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra heads the new six-member PRB, replacing the BPSS, to regulate India’s payment systems with both RBI and Government representation.

Answer: C) Tap-and-Pay via NFC-enabled smartphones

PhonePe and Mastercard jointly launched a feature enabling Mastercard cardholders to make tap-and-pay in-store payments using NFC-enabled Android smartphones.

Answer: C) Maharashtra

Maharashtra reported the highest share of farmer suicides (38.5%), primarily from Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, highlighting ongoing agrarian distress.

Answer: B) Agri-drone components

AVPL Ltd launched a Tech Park to localize the manufacturing of agricultural drone components, including AI sensors, navigation systems, and lightweight frames to boost precision farming.

Answer: C) 2015

The BBBP scheme was launched on 22 January 2015 at Panipat, Haryana, by the Government of India to prevent gender-biased sex selection, ensure survival and protection of the girl child, and promote her education.

Answer: B) Simplify complex scientific papers using AI

The SARAL (Simplified and Automated Research Amplification and Learning) Tool uses AI to create simplified summaries of complex research papers, making science more accessible to citizens, policymakers, and industry.

Answer: C) Kept unchanged at 5.5%

In the October 2025 MPC meeting, RBI maintained the repo rate at 5.5% with a neutral stance to support growth and assess the impact of earlier rate cuts.

Answer: C) April 1, 2027

RBI’s ECL framework, a forward-looking provisioning system for banks, will be implemented from April 1, 2027 to improve risk assessment and resilience of the banking system.

Answer: C) Reduced corporate credit share in banking exposure

RBI removed the system-level lending cap as corporates’ share in total banking exposure dropped by around 10%, reducing systemic risk.

Answer: B) Encourage leveraged buyouts and corporate growth

The RBI reform enables banks to finance M&A deals, lowering the cost of corporate takeovers and promoting capital market growth.

Answer: A) They operate mainly in rural areas only.

UCBs function in urban and semi-urban areas, not rural ones. They serve small borrowers and traders under dual regulation of RBI and state cooperative acts.

Answer: C) ₹50 crore

As per SEBI’s Mutual Fund Regulations, a sponsor must have a minimum net worth of ₹50 crore and a five-year profitable track record in financial services.

Answer: D) 350 lakh tonnes

The National Pulses Mission (2025–31) targets production of 350 lakh tonnes of pulses by 2030–31 to achieve self-reliance and reduce import dependency.

Answer: C) 2%

Under PMFBY, the farmer’s premium share is capped at 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for horticultural crops, with the rest subsidised by the government.

Answer: C. It formed over the northeast Arabian Sea and moved west-southwestwards

Cyclone Shakthi developed from a low-pressure area in the northeast Arabian Sea in early October 2025. It was named under the WMO’s naming system and forecasted to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm moving west-southwestwards.

Answer: C. 83

Himachal Pradesh recorded 83 snow leopards in 2025, up from 51 in 2021, under Project Snow Leopard. The species is listed as Vulnerable by IUCN and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Answer: C. Recognized non-resident entities

ECBs are commercial loans raised by Indian entities from recognized non-resident entities in foreign currency or INR. They are regulated by the RBI under FEMA, 1999, and can be raised through automatic or approval routes.

Answer: A. They require a minimum balance of ₹500

BSBD accounts require no minimum balance and are designed for financial inclusion. They allow unlimited deposits and digital transactions, and customers can hold only one BSBD account.

Answer: C. 3 years

RBI’s SBR framework mandates that NBFCs classified in the Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) must list within three years of identification. This strengthens governance and market discipline.

Answer: C. Linking borrowing limits to company’s net worth

The draft ECB overhaul proposes linking borrowing limits to net worth (up to $1 billion or 300% of net worth), removing cost caps, and expanding eligible borrowers/lenders to increase foreign capital access.

Answer: B. 3

As per SEBI guidelines, MAAFs must invest in a minimum of three asset classes (equity, debt, commodities such as gold/silver) with at least 10% exposure in each to ensure diversification.

Answer: B. Convert high-value UPI transactions into EMIs with cashback on interest

Kiwi launched India’s first EMI-on-UPI feature that lets users convert UPI transactions into EMIs and receive cashback equal to the interest paid — reducing the effective borrowing cost.

Answer: B. April 1, 2026

The RBI’s unified framework on Related Party Lending will be effective from April 1, 2026. It expands the definition of related parties and strengthens governance, board oversight, and transparency in lending.

Answer: C. Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for NBFCs

RBI recognized FIDC, established in 2004, as the official Self-Regulatory Organisation for NBFCs to enhance compliance, ethical practices, and coordination between RBI and NBFCs.

Answer: B) UK

Exercise KONKAN-2025 is conducted between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK) to strengthen maritime cooperation and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region. It includes both harbour and sea phases with complex naval drills.

Answer: C) West Bengal

Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts in West Bengal experienced landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, causing fatalities and damage to key infrastructure. The region is prone to landslides due to steep gradients, fragile geology, and intense monsoon rains.

Answer: B) Job–skill mismatches and inclusive employment

NEF seeks to synchronize skilling, industrial, and labour policies to ensure job creation, reduce unemployment, and include marginalized groups in economic growth, especially in gig and informal sectors.

Answer: C) National Red List of Endangered Species

India will release its first-ever National Red List of Endangered Species at IUCN WCC 2025, aligning national biodiversity efforts with global conservation goals and promoting sustainable development.

Answer: B) Ethical and responsible use of AI

The Financial Regulation and Ethics in AI (FREE) Committee report by RBI provides a framework for the responsible adoption of AI in banking, ensuring fairness, transparency, and financial inclusion.

Answer: B) Risk-Based Authentication (RBA)

RBA uses signals like device history, transaction behavior, and location to apply additional verification only when suspicious transactions are detected, improving security while maintaining seamless payments.

Answer: B) UPI is available at Lulu Group stores in Qatar

India extended UPI internationally via NPCI International Payments Ltd. in Qatar, enabling real-time, low-cost digital payments for Indian residents and tourists, strengthening financial integration.

Answer: B) Detect financial distress before defaults

The framework will use financial ratios, sector-specific indicators, and mandatory reporting to identify companies at risk of insolvency, enabling pre-emptive restructuring and reducing the load on NCLT.

Answer: C) Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh launched its first commercial coal mining operation at Namchik-Namphuk in Changlang district to boost local employment and energy self-reliance under “Mission Green Coal Regions.”

Answer: C) DARPG

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) evaluates government departments, including banking and insurance, based on grievance handling via CPGRAMS, encouraging better customer service.

Answer: C. Assam

The NCRB 2023 data revealed that Assam saw the sharpest increase in crimes against children, with cases nearly doubling from about 5,100 to 10,000. The surge was mainly due to strict enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.

Answer: B. Anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters

INS Androth, commissioned at Visakhapatnam, is the second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC). It is designed for anti-submarine operations, coastal defense, and surveillance in shallow waters.

Answer: C. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) and FOXP3 gene

Mary Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi received the 2025 Nobel Prize for their discovery of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the FOXP3 gene, which regulate immune tolerance and have major implications for autoimmune diseases and cancer treatment.

Answer: B. Public Sector Banks

Public sector banks like SBI, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Bank saw an increase in market capitalization due to higher retail loan share and domestic economic stability, while private banks underperformed due to global trade uncertainties.

Answer: B. Secure investor payments and prevent fraud

SEBI introduced @valid UPI handles to ensure investors make payments only to registered intermediaries. It displays a green trust symbol for authenticity, reducing the risk of fraudulent fund collection.

Answer: B. NIBM

The National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), established by the RBI in 1969, is conducting the study to evaluate the performance of Business Correspondents and recommend reforms for better financial inclusion.

Answer: B. Increase liquidity for mergers and buyouts

The RBI proposed allowing banks to fund corporate acquisitions to enhance liquidity, reduce reliance on offshore loans, and support strategic M&A activity, subject to prudential and risk norms.

Answer: C. Zoho Payments

Zoho Payments, a subsidiary of Chennai-based SaaS major Zoho, announced the rollout of POS devices and sound boxes to enhance digital payment infrastructure and support merchants nationwide.

Answer: D. ₹11,440 crore

The government launched a ₹11,440 crore mission (2025–31) to achieve self-reliance in pulses, enhance domestic production, and reduce import dependence by developing seeds, expanding cultivation, and improving post-harvest management.

Answer: D. Reduction of GST on imported pulses

The mission focuses on boosting domestic production through seed distribution, assured MSP procurement, cultivation expansion, and establishing 1,000 processing units. GST reduction on imports was not included.

Answer: B) Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas

The People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) 2025–26, launched on 2nd October 2025, aims to promote participatory and transparent local governance under the theme “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas.”

Answer: B) Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)

The PM-SETU (Prime Minister’s Scheme for Empowerment through Technology Upgradation) seeks to upgrade 1,000 government ITIs across India with modern facilities and align training with global skill demands.

Answer: C) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

The DRDO, along with Integrated Defence Staff and Tri-Services, developed the IRSA Standard 1.0 to modernize and standardize Software Defined Radios (SDRs) across India’s armed forces.

Answer: C) Macroscopic quantum tunnelling

John Clarke, Michel Devoret, and John Martinis received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for demonstrating macroscopic quantum tunnelling in superconducting circuits, deepening understanding of quantum phenomena.

Answer: B) RBI will wait and learn from other countries before expansion.

RBI has decided to continue limited CBDC pilot testing and observe other nations’ experiences (like China’s Digital Yuan) before launching nationwide retail use.

Answer: C) 6.5%

The World Bank upgraded India’s GDP growth projection for FY26 to 6.5%, citing strong domestic demand and GST rate cuts.

Answer: B) 20%

The RBI’s draft norms assign a 20% risk weight to AAA & AA-rated corporate exposures, reducing capital burden on banks for high-quality lending.

Answer: B) IFRS 9

The RBI’s ECL-based provisioning framework aligns with IFRS 9 standards, shifting from incurred-loss to forward-looking credit risk assessment.

Answer: B) PhonePe & Utkarsh Small Finance Bank

PhonePe and Utkarsh SFB launched the “Wish Credit Card” powered by Visa to promote digital-first credit access for semi-urban and first-time users.

Answer: D) ₹30 lakh

The new Ombudsman Scheme 2025 proposes compensation up to ₹30 lakh for consequential losses and ₹3 lakh for harassment or mental anguish, enhancing consumer protection.

Answer: B) Establish a universal and portable social security system

The policy aims to integrate major national and state-level welfare and employment databases (EPFO, ESIC, PM-JAY, e-SHRAM) to ensure portability of social security benefits across sectors and geographies.

Answer: B) 3Ps – Protection, Productivity, Participation

The policy is rooted in India’s ethos of śrama dharma and is based on the 3Ps framework to balance workers’ welfare with enterprise growth and sustainable livelihoods.

Answer: B) Richard Robson

The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar Yaghi for developing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) — ultra-porous materials with wide applications.

Answer: B) To tokenize financial assets and enable CBDC-based settlements

UMI is a digital infrastructure announced by RBI to improve efficiency, transparency, and security in financial transactions, supporting wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency settlements.

Answer: B) Agriculture, Self-Help Groups, and Gig workers

PFRDA plans to extend pensions to underserved sectors like farmers (via FPOs), SHGs, and gig/platform workers, leveraging fintech platforms for onboarding.

Answer: B) Transaction status checks, complaint resolution, and mandate management

The AI-based UPI Help system uses NPCI’s Small Language Model (SLM) to assist users with payments, complaints, and mandates in the UPI ecosystem.

Answer: B) Provide pre-approved credit through UPI

Clou allows users, especially new-to-credit segments, to access a pre-approved credit line directly via their UPI app. It leverages digital payment footprints for credit assessment.

Answer: B) AI-powered personal finance assistant with health insurance decoding

SimpliFi provides personalized insights for financial planning, investment tracking, and health insurance management, including decoding any policy instantly.

Answer: B) Reduces methane emissions and water use, lowers cost

DDSR grows rice on dry soil without puddling, saving 50–60% water, reducing methane emissions, lowering input costs, and maintaining comparable yields to traditional methods.

Answer: B) Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology

Kerala’s initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save water, and improve climate resilience by promoting AWD, a low-emission rice cultivation method.

Answer: C) To evaluate extinction risk and conservation status of species

The National Red List Assessment aims to assess the conservation status of nearly 11,000 species of plants and animals by 2030 under India’s biodiversity framework.

Answer: D) New Delhi, India

India will host the 8th ISA Assembly from October 27–30, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, to promote global collaboration on solar energy.

Answer: C) Critically Depleted

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) was classified as “Critically Depleted” in the IUCN’s first Green Status Report, highlighting its dependence on habitat restoration and breeding programs.

Answer: D) László Krasznahorkai

Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature for his visionary and philosophical novels known for long, single-sentence narratives.

Answer: A) Razorpay, NPCI, and OpenAI

Razorpay, NPCI, and OpenAI jointly launched Agentic Payments, integrating UPI-powered transactions directly within ChatGPT.

Answer: B) Identity, Payments, Data

The DPI comprises three key layers — Identity (Aadhaar), Payments (UPI, AePS), and Data (Account Aggregator) — forming the base for digital financial inclusion.

Answer: B) To enable temporary lending or borrowing of shares

SLBM allows investors to lend or borrow securities temporarily, enabling short selling, hedging, and improving market liquidity.

Answer: B) Listed Corporate Debt Securities

RBI removed the restriction on lending against listed corporate debt securities to deepen the corporate bond market and improve liquidity.

Answer: B) To support startups with non-dilutive debt funding

The “HSBC Innovation Banking” platform was launched in Mumbai to offer debt-based funding for startups, helping them grow without diluting ownership.

Answer: D) 247

After adding 9 new commodities such as Green Tea, Mustard Oil, and Mentha Oil, the total number of tradable items on e-NAM reached 247.

Answer: C. Strengthen cooperation in development, stability, and counterterrorism

India’s decision to upgrade its Kabul mission to an embassy reflects its intent to enhance engagement with Afghanistan in areas of national development, regional stability, and counterterrorism efforts while maintaining humanitarian support.

Answer: B. India and the United Kingdom

The bilateral maritime Exercise KONKAN 2025 was held off the western coast of India between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy (UK), enhancing coordination and maritime interoperability.

Answer: B. Monitor and manage demographic changes for balanced growth

The Demographic Mission 2025 focuses on monitoring population changes, preventing illegal infiltration, and promoting balanced and sustainable population growth through data-driven governance.

Answer: D. 6.2%

The Sa-Dhan report showed that loans overdue by more than 30 days (PAR 30+) rose sharply from 2.1% in FY24 to 6.2% in FY25, indicating growing stress among small and rural borrowers.

Answer: B. Shift to a market-linked accounting system

RBI recommended that EPFO move from a book-value-based system to a market-value-based accounting system to better reflect true financial positions and align with global best practices.

Answer: C. 238

To simplify regulatory compliance, the RBI consolidated 9,000 regulatory circulars into 238 master circulars covering 11 regulated entities and 30 regulatory areas.

Answer: B. Integrate UPI with the global PayPal World platform

NPCI and PayPal’s partnership integrates India’s UPI into PayPal World, enabling global wallet-to-wallet transactions and promoting digital payment interoperability.

Answer: D. ₹35,440 crore

The combined outlay for the two schemes is ₹35,440 crore — ₹24,000 crore for the PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and ₹11,440 crore for the Dalhan Atmanirbharata Mission to improve crop productivity and pulse self-reliance.

Answer: C. 2030

PMDDKY 2025 is a long-term agricultural modernization mission targeting 100 low-performing districts, with the goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2030 through technology-driven and sustainable farming.

Answer: C. ₹1.44 lakh crore

The Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) has a budget allocation of ₹1.44 lakh crore over six years (2025–31) to integrate 36 existing schemes and modernize agriculture in 100 districts.

Answer: D. Embassy

India has upgraded its Kabul mission from a technical team to a full-fledged Embassy, reflecting New Delhi’s renewed engagement with Afghanistan while continuing to monitor the security situation.

Answer: A. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh continues to expand its “One District One Product (ODOP)” scheme to support traditional artisans and boost exports by promoting local handicrafts and handloom industries.

Answer: C. ADB (Asian Development Bank)

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) sanctioned a $1.5 billion loan to strengthen India’s infrastructure and enhance climate resilience projects under its sustainable development plan.

Answer: B. NBFCs

RBI has rolled out a new scale-based regulatory framework for Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to ensure better supervision and risk management in the sector.

Answer: A. SBI

State Bank of India (SBI) launched the “Nari Shakti Savings Account” providing special interest rates and benefits for women entrepreneurs to encourage financial inclusion.

Answer: B. MSME

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) was launched to ensure collateral-free loans and strengthen small businesses post-pandemic.

Answer: C. $600 billion

India’s foreign exchange reserves crossed the $600 billion mark, indicating strong economic fundamentals and stability in external financial buffers.

Answer: D. 10,000

The government aims to form 10,000 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to promote collective farming, enhance market access, and improve farmers’ income.

Answer: A. Maharashtra

Maharashtra has emerged as the top agricultural exporter, particularly in fruits, vegetables, and processed food items, as per the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Answer: E. Tur (Arhar)

The government raised the MSP of Tur (Arhar) the highest among major crops to encourage pulse cultivation and reduce dependence on imports.

Answer: B) 1.54%

India’s retail inflation fell to 1.54% in September 2025, driven by declining food prices and easing fuel rates, marking the lowest level since June 2017 (1.46%).

Answer: B) Jharkhand

The sex ratio at birth (females per 1,000 males) was lowest in Jharkhand at 899, followed closely by Bihar (900), highlighting regional disparities in gender ratio at birth.

Answer: B) Test a fixed-fare model for select routes

The government launched this pilot scheme (Oct–Dec 2025) to provide transparent and affordable fares for regional passengers, replacing the dynamic pricing system.

Answer: B) Non-sensitive infrastructure data

The portal allows industries, researchers, and developers to access geospatial infrastructure datasets to optimize planning, logistics, and digital applications, promoting public-private collaboration.

Answer: B) Dr. Sonali Ghosh

Dr. Sonali Ghosh, Field Director of Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve, Assam, became the first Indian to receive this international award for innovation and excellence in protected area management.

Answer: B) Biometric Authentication

UPI now supports fingerprint and facial scan authentication, replacing PIN entry to make transactions faster, safer, and more accessible, especially for senior citizens and first-time users.

Answer: B) Detect digital payment frauds in real-time

The Digital Payments Intelligence Platform (DPIP) uses AI to identify suspicious transactions instantly, with a negative registry and risk scoring, helping banks prevent fraud.

Answer: B) Emirates NBD Bank

Emirates NBD Bank plans to acquire 51% stake in RBL Bank for over $1 billion, marking significant Gulf investment in India’s banking sector.

Answer: B) Provide annual interest of 2.5%

SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold, offering 2.5% annual interest, with 8-year maturity and option to redeem after 5 years, helping reduce gold imports and inflation hedging.

Answer: B) 7.16 million tonnes

India has largely unexploited deep-sea waters, with potential to yield 7.16 million tonnes of fish, supporting livelihoods, exports, and sustainable Blue Economy growth.

Answer: -- B) Strengthen UN peacekeeping operations and global stability

The UNTCC Conclave focused on improving peacekeeping effectiveness, sharing best practices, and addressing operational challenges among troop-contributing countries. It emphasized consultation, cooperation, coordination, and capacity building.

Answer: -- D) Japan

Over 30 military chiefs from 32 nations participated. Key troop-contributing countries explicitly mentioned included Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nepal. Japan was not listed among the primary participants.

Answer: -- C) Establishment of a joint India-Mongolia space research center

PM Modi’s initiatives focused on cultural, educational, and strategic cooperation, including free e-visas, heritage links, and energy security projects. Space research was not part of the announcements.

Answer: -- B) Due to lapses in internal controls and fund management

POSB and EPFO showed cases of misappropriation, accounting anomalies, and conflict of interest. RBI oversight is sought to strengthen internal controls, ensure transparency, and improve fund management.

Answer: -- B) 25%

To promote retirement savings discipline, members must retain 25% of their PF contributions while allowing up to 100% of eligible balance for withdrawals under simplified rules.

Answer: -- B) Japan

The MoU allows Indian tourists in Japan to make payments using UPI, expanding India’s digital payment ecosystem internationally.

Answer: -- C) 2.5%

SEBI allows large companies to list with as low as 2.5% public shareholding initially, giving them 10 years to reach the standard 25% threshold. This avoids oversupply and supports pre-IPO private investments.

Answer: -- B) Debunking myths and promoting science-backed healthy food choices

The initiative aimed to create informed dialogue, address misconceptions around food like A1 vs A2 ghee, processed foods, and protein supplements, and empower consumers with evidence-based choices.

Answer: -- D) Wheat

The centres focus on mango, papaya, guava, pulses (red gram, Bengal gram), red chilli, groundnut, and tamarind. Wheat was not listed among the crops.

Answer: -- B) Modernize banking operations and enhance digital adoption in rural areas

NABARD’s initiative will improve efficiency, accessibility, and digital banking adoption for rural cooperative banks and regional rural banks (RRBs).

Answer: C. 8.1 million hectares

The Forest Declaration Assessment 2025 reported that global deforestation reached 8.1 million hectares in 2024, indicating the world is 63% off-track to achieve zero deforestation by 2030.

Answer: D. Ahmedabad

The Commonwealth Sport Executive Board has recommended Ahmedabad, Gujarat, as the proposed host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games — marking 100 years of the Games first held in 1930.

Answer: B. Sukhoi

The Su-57 is a fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia’s Sukhoi company. The proposal aims to enhance India’s air combat capabilities under Make-in-India.

Answer: D. Khangchendzonga National Park

The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 2025 placed Western Ghats, Manas, and Sundarbans under “Significant Concern.” Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim was rated as “Good.”

Answer: A. Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka

The RBI amended FEMA regulations to allow Authorised Dealer banks to lend in Indian Rupees to Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to strengthen regional trade integration.

Answer: C. 3 months

Exporters can now retain export proceeds in foreign currency accounts in IFSC banks for up to 3 months before repatriation, enhancing cash flow and flexibility.

Answer: B. 43rd

In GFCI 38 (2025), GIFT City rose from 46th to 43rd globally, showing India’s growing global competitiveness in financial services and FinTech.

Answer: B. Jan Suraksha and Bima Lakshmi

LIC launched Jan Suraksha (for low-income groups) and Bima Lakshmi (for women) on 15 October 2025, promoting financial inclusion and savings benefits.

Answer: D. 75%

EPFO members can now withdraw up to 75% of their PF balance for purposes like illness, marriage, housing, or education while retaining 25% for future needs.

Answer: D. 27

The Centre will use technology-driven monitoring and quarterly reviews for over 27 major farmer-centric schemes, including PM-KISAN and PMFBY, to ensure transparency and timely benefits.

Answer: C. US$ 24 billion

The UNEP SFF 2025 report highlights that current investments (US$ 8 billion) are far below the required US$ 24 billion per year needed by 2030 to achieve climate, biodiversity, and land restoration goals.

Answer: C. Belém, Brazil

COP30 will take place in Belém, Brazil — known as the gateway to the Amazon — emphasizing forest conservation, indigenous participation, and actionable climate financing.

Answer: B. HAL and ADA

The Tejas Mk1A is an advanced version of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).

Answer: D. Karnataka

Karnataka leads with 6,013 elephants, followed by Assam (4,159) and Tamil Nadu (3,136), as per the SAIEE 2021–25 census.

Answer: D. Economically weaker sections

LIC’s Jan Suraksha (880) is a non-linked savings plan focused on financial inclusion by offering affordable life cover for lower-income individuals.

Answer: B. ESAF Small Finance Bank

Getepay partnered with ESAF SFB to launch VEGA — a real-time, scalable, and secure payment switch to strengthen India’s digital transaction ecosystem.

Answer: C. Digital gold rewards on spends and receipts

LxmePay by Lxme is the first women-centric UPI app in India that provides digital gold rewards for both spending and receiving money, along with smart expense tracking tools.

Answer: C. Bajaj Finserv AMC

Bajaj Finserv AMC introduced this unique feature allowing investors to make UPI payments directly from mutual funds, blending investment and liquidity convenience.

Answer: B. Agriculture Value Chain

The collaboration aims to strengthen the agricultural value chain, benefiting around 1 lakh small and marginal farmers in Jharkhand, with a special focus on women-led FPOs.

Answer: D. 40,000

The program aims to empower about 40,000 women through 20 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) across 20 blocks, promoting inclusive rural development.

Answer: B. Malaysia

The ASEAN Summit 2025 and the East Asia Summit are being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Oct 26–28, 2025). India’s Prime Minister Modi will attend to balance strategic ties between Quad and BRICS.

Answer: D. CAQM

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) introduced and enforces GRAP in Delhi-NCR since 2017, under Supreme Court directives, to manage air quality through a four-stage action plan.

Answer: C. CHACE-2

CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2), aboard the Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter, recorded a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) impact, revealing a tenfold rise in lunar exosphere density.

Answer: D. 99%

The UNDP–OPHI Global MPI 2025 Report shows that ~99% of India’s poor live in climate-vulnerable areas, highlighting the link between poverty and climate risks in India.

Answer: C. 7%

The RBI report highlights India’s economic resilience with GDP growth above 7%, supported by strong domestic demand, infrastructure investment, and stable inflation.

Answer: A. Insurance and Asset Management

RBI plans to allow banks to form subsidiaries freely, except in insurance and asset management, which still require approvals from IRDAI and SEBI respectively.

Answer: A. UAE, Indonesia, Mauritius

RBI is promoting rupee internationalisation by establishing direct rupee reference rates with major trade partners like UAE, Indonesia, and Mauritius to reduce USD dependence.

Answer: C. GSTR-3B

GSTR-3B is a monthly self-declaration form used by GST-registered taxpayers to report summary details of supplies, Input Tax Credit (ITC), and tax payments.

Answer: C. IEPFA

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs is launching Portal 2.0, integrating AI and Aadhaar KYC to speed up unclaimed share settlements.

Answer: B. PM-Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY aims to improve irrigation coverage and water-use efficiency, making agriculture more climate-resilient and sustainable through techniques like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.

Answer: D. 1.9

The UNFPA 2025 Report states that India’s TFR has fallen to 1.9 — below the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates India has entered a sub-replacement fertility phase, raising concerns about ageing and workforce decline.

Answer: C. Strategic Autonomy and Multi-Alignment

India maintains strong ties with both Quad (US, Japan, Australia) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa), following a policy of strategic autonomy and balancing global powers.

Answer: B. 6.50%

The RBI retained the repo rate at 6.50% for the eighth consecutive time to manage inflation and ensure economic stability.

Answer: C. 52 crore

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has crossed 52 crore accounts, with over 55% held by women — reflecting strong financial inclusion.

Answer: B. Sovereign Green Bonds

The RBI launched India’s first Sovereign Green Bonds to raise funds for environmentally sustainable projects, marking a major step in green finance.

Answer: C. 7.0%

India’s GDP growth projection for FY 2025–26 stands around 7%, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy globally.

Answer: C. 5.1% of GDP

Fiscal deficit for FY 2026 is targeted at 5.1% of GDP, with continued focus on fiscal consolidation and capital expenditure.

Answer: C. 96%

The 2025 Southwest Monsoon recorded 96% of the Long Period Average, categorized as “normal,” supporting a stable kharif crop output.

Answer: D. $60 billion

India’s agricultural exports touched $60 billion, led by rice, spices, and marine products, with focus on value-added exports.

Answer: C. 4 crore

Around 4 crore farmers received benefits under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, providing protection against crop loss and ensuring income stability.

Answer: B. 3rd

The FAO’s Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) 2025 ranked India 3rd globally in annual forest gain and 9th in total forest area, showcasing India’s strong forest restoration and conservation policies like the Green India Mission and CAMPA.

Answer: B. Formalising e-waste and lithium battery recycling

The Ministry of Mines launched this ₹1,500 crore scheme to strengthen India’s domestic recycling ecosystem for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and better feedstock collection.

Answer: B. Treat mine water and provide safe drinking water

The PARAM JAL model, developed by ACIC IIT-ISM Dhanbad, converts mine discharge water into safe potable water through automated Water ATMs, ensuring clean water access and local livelihood generation.

Answer: B. Creating a data-driven, AI-based labour ecosystem

The Shram Shakti Niti policy aims to modernize India’s employment ecosystem through AI-enabled job matching, digital credentials, and AI-integrated education, ensuring inclusivity for formal, informal, and gig workers.

Answer: B. The overnight uncollateralised interbank lending rate

The WACR is the average interest rate at which banks borrow and lend funds to each other overnight without collateral. It serves as the operating target of RBI’s monetary policy to maintain short-term liquidity stability.

Answer: B. Borrower’s credit score improves

The RBI has allowed banks to revise and reduce the spread earlier if a borrower’s creditworthiness improves, ensuring fairer treatment for existing borrowers and lower EMIs without waiting for a 3-year lock-in.

Answer: B. Nominate multiple nominees for deposits and lockers

The Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025, effective from November 1, allows multiple nominations for deposit accounts, safe custody articles, and lockers—ensuring smoother claim settlements and fewer legal disputes.

Answer: B. To ensure consistent reporting and transparency in derivatives markets

The RBI’s proposal to assign a UTI (up to 52 characters) to every OTC derivative aims to standardize data reporting and improve risk monitoring across financial markets.

Answer: B. Violations of SEBI (Merchant Bankers) Regulations, 1992

SEBI barred FOCL for two years and fined ₹20 lakh for violating disclosure, compliance, and due diligence norms under the Merchant Bankers Regulations, which govern issue management and investor protection.

Answer: C. Kuwait–India

As per RBI’s Payments System Report 2025, India received $137.7 billion remittances in 2024, with the Kuwait–India corridor offering the lowest cost at 2.10%, below the UN SDG target of 3%.

Answer: B. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

The SOAR program was launched by MSDE in coordination with the Ministry of Education to promote AI literacy among students (Classes 6–12) and educators as part of the Skill India Mission.

Answer: B. Prevent train–elephant collisions using AI and sensors

The IDS uses vibration-sensitive fibre optic cables to detect elephants or large animals near railway tracks and sends real-time alerts to prevent accidents.

Answer: B. 500 m to 200 m

NITI Aayog proposed reducing the CRZ limit from 500 meters to 200 meters from the high-tide line to unlock coastal land for economic activities while balancing environmental concerns.

Answer: D. Near Threatened

The blackbuck is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List. It was locally extinct in Chhattisgarh in 2017 but revived under a five-year conservation plan (2021–26).

Answer: C. 718

The first-ever National Snow Leopard Census under the ‘#23for23’ initiative found 718 snow leopards across the Indian Himalayan region. The campaign aimed to raise awareness and involve citizens in conservation efforts.

Answer: C. Four

Under the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 (effective November 1, 2025), customers can nominate up to four individuals with clearly defined entitlement shares, ensuring transparency and faster claim settlements.

Answer: B. 3

To prevent borrower over-indebtedness, MFIN fixed the limit at three lenders per borrower from April 1, 2025, ensuring responsible lending and financial stability in the microfinance sector.

Answer: D. 880 tonnes

RBI’s total gold reserves reached 880 tonnes, valued around $95 billion. The RBI has been gradually increasing its gold holdings to hedge against global volatility and strengthen financial stability.

Answer: B. Promote agritech startups and innovation in agriculture

The AgriSURE Fund (Agriculture Sector Upscaling and Resilience Enhancement Fund) supports agritech startups, digital financial inclusion, and rural entrepreneurship for a sustainable agri-ecosystem.

Answer: C. Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025

NABARD announced its first investment under the AgriSURE Fund during the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2025, highlighting its commitment to fostering agritech and rural innovation.

Answer: B. Upgrading existing schools as model institutions aligned with NEP 2020

The PM SHRI scheme, launched in September 2022, aims to upgrade 14,500 existing schools to model schools that embody NEP 2020’s vision — focusing on experiential learning, digital education, and holistic development.

Answer: B. Digitisation and preservation of India’s manuscript heritage

The Gyan Bharatam Mission aims to identify, document, conserve, and digitise India’s vast manuscript heritage through a National Digital Repository and partnerships with 50+ institutions.

Answer: C. Goa Shipyard Limited

The Indian Coast Guard launched two indigenous FPVs, ICGS Ajit and ICGS Aparajit, at Goa Shipyard Limited under ‘Make in India’. These vessels enhance maritime security and coastal surveillance.

Answer: C. Anamudi

Anamudi, located in Kerala, is the highest peak of the Western Ghats at 2,695 meters. The downgrade reflects threats like climate change, deforestation, and unregulated tourism.

Answer: C. 70%

The RBI’s proposed guidelines permit banks to finance up to 70% of acquisition value for corporates, with the remaining 30% to be funded by the acquirer’s own equity.

Answer: C. 20% of Tier-I capital

RBI’s draft norms cap the total exposure of banks to capital markets and acquisition finance at 20% of Tier-I capital to ensure stability and risk diversification.

Answer: C. Prevent holding of unlisted shares in case of IPO delays

SEBI’s decision ensures that mutual funds only invest as anchor investors a day before IPOs open, preventing regulatory violations due to delayed or cancelled IPOs.

Answer: C. 3 working days

Under GST 2.0 (from November 1, 2025), low-risk applicants will get automatic GST registration approval within 3 working days to enhance ease of doing business.

Answer: B. Support affordable housing by reviving stalled projects

The Swamih Fund, launched in 2019, provides debt financing to stalled affordable housing projects and has been exempted from RBI’s tightened AIF provisioning rules.

Answer: E. 75%

The RBI raised the LTV ratio for loans against debt mutual funds from 50% to 75%, aiming to enhance credit flow and improve market liquidity while maintaining prudential safeguards.

Answer: B) Justice A.M. Khanwilkar

Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, former Supreme Court judge, is the current Chairperson of the Lokpal of India (as of 2025). The Lokpal investigates corruption cases against high-level public officials under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

Answer: B) Create a unified communication system

The integration of RNI, CBC, and PIB under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is intended to create a unified, transparent, and responsive media communication framework for better coordination and verified government information dissemination.

Answer: C) Army, Navy, and Air Force jointly

Exercise ‘Trishul’ is a tri-service exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, conducted along India’s western front to enhance joint operational readiness and interoperability.

Answer: B) PMKVY and PMMY

PMKMY integrates the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (skill development) and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (collateral-free loans) to link skill training with financial support for youth and entrepreneurs.

Answer: C) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The Maha MedTech Mission is launched by ANRF, ICMR, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to promote innovation, affordability, and indigenization in India’s medical technology sector.

Answer: C) Increase in gold reserves

India’s forex reserves surpassed $700 billion for the first time, largely due to higher gold prices and increased gold acquisitions by the RBI, strengthening India’s external sector resilience.

Answer: B) SEBI and IRDAI

LIC’s investment decisions are autonomous and governed by SEBI (for market operations) and IRDAI (for insurance regulation), ensuring transparency and policyholder protection.

Answer: D) MCX

The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) launched options trading on its bullion index ‘Bulldex,’ which tracks gold and silver futures to provide better hedging opportunities for investors.

Answer: B) Offer payouts based on predefined climatic parameters

Parametric insurance provides automatic payouts when specific weather parameters (like rainfall, temperature) exceed thresholds, offering fast, transparent relief to farmers affected by climate shocks.

Answer: C) Seed Management 2.0

NSC introduced Seed Management 2.0 and an online seed booking portal to enhance transparency, traceability, and real-time access to certified seeds for farmers across India.

Answer: B. Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship

The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched the portal to streamline skill mapping, training, and employment opportunities nationwide.

Answer: C. Telangana

Telangana has become the first state to fully roll out a digital health card system under its state health mission.

Answer: C. 7

The PM MITRA scheme aims to boost the textile industry by establishing seven Mega Textile Parks across different states.

Answer: A. Indore

Indore has consistently maintained the top position due to its innovative waste management practices.

Answer: D. Kotak Mahindra Bank

Kotak Mahindra Bank introduced an AI-based wealth advisory system to offer personalized financial solutions to customers.

Answer: D. ₹2,000

RBI enhanced UPI Lite’s single transaction limit to ₹2,000 to promote small-value digital payments.

Answer: B. 4.0%

RBI kept the CRR unchanged at 4%, ensuring stability in liquidity management.

Answer: B. RBI

RBI issued the “Green Deposit Framework” to encourage environmentally sustainable banking practices.

Answer: A. Pay international bills

BBPS expansion now supports cross-border bill payments for NRIs and Indian customers abroad.

Answer: B. Warehouse & storage infrastructure

Agri Infra Plus focuses on improving cold storage, warehouses, and logistics infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.

Answer: B. Silver iodide

Cloud seeding uses silver iodide or sodium chloride particles to act as condensation nuclei for artificial rainfall.

Answer: D. Malaysia

The 2025 ASEAN Summit took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where PM Modi addressed virtually.

Answer: C. 41%

The report highlighted that the top 1% globally produces 41% of ownership-based emissions, far higher than their consumption-based share.

Answer: B. Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai

The 8th CPC is headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (Retd.), with other members including Prof. Pulak Ghosh and Pankaj Jain.

Answer: D. 2003

MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange of India) was established in 2003 and is headquartered in Mumbai.

Answer: D. 75%

SFBs must allocate 75% of their adjusted net bank credit to the priority sector as per RBI regulations.

Answer: D. 0.02%

SEBI proposes lowering the cash market brokerage cap from 12 bps (0.12%) to 2 bps (0.02%) for mutual funds.

Answer: C. SOFR

SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate) is the new global benchmark replacing LIBOR for USD loans including ECBs.

Answer: D. 4

Customers can now appoint up to four nominees with clearly defined percentage share in the account or locker.

Answer: C. Cotton

MCX trades several agri-commodities, including cotton, mentha oil, cardamom, etc., but not wheat or rice.

Answer: C. 15%

India’s elderly population is expected to reach 230 million, accounting for ~15% of the total population by 2036.

Answer: C. Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

MoSJE coordinates all major schemes like AVYAY, RVY, IPSrC, and the Senior Citizens Welfare Fund.

Answer: C. Duties & taxes not refunded by other mechanisms

RoDTEP refunds embedded taxes and levies that are not reimbursed through any other central, state, or local mechanism.

Answer: D. Vishvasya Blockchain Stack

Vishvasya Stack is an indigenous modular platform offering BaaS, open APIs, and distributed deployment for government applications.

Answer: C. Removed from TER calculation

SEBI proposes that statutory levies like GST, STT, CTT, and Stamp Duty should be disclosed separately, not included in TER.

Answer: C. 30 minutes

RBI requires near real-time reconciliation with a maximum gap of 30 minutes to speed up inward remittances.

Answer: B. Conversational Chat & Pay

The Chat & Pay model enables payments within messaging apps for a seamless user journey.

Answer: D. Person to Merchant

P2M refers to individual-to-business payments, such as payments to shops, utilities, and online merchants.

Answer: D. Textile & Apparel

RoSCTL provides rebates of state & central levies mainly for the textile and apparel industry to boost exports.

Answer: C. Based on nutrient content (N, P, K, S)

NBS provides a fixed ₹/kg subsidy for each nutrient, promoting balanced fertilizer use and efficiency.

Answer: C

Several states such as Kerala, Sikkim, Rajasthan and others have proposed adding breakfast to the PM-Poshan meal scheme to improve morning nutrition, concentration, and attendance.

Answer: D

The report states developing countries need US$310–365 billion annually by 2035, while current availability is only US$26 billion.

Answer: B

The KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard integrates data from production, logistics, dispatch, ports, and utilities to improve transparency and decision-making.

Answer: C

India backs Afghanistan’s plan to build a dam on the Kunar River to improve irrigation, hydropower generation, and drinking water, strengthening regional water security.

Answer: B

IRDAI is working towards the vision ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ using tech-led reforms and micro-insurance expansion.

Answer: B

SEBI has given interim relief allowing IAs and RAs to share past performance data if it is verified by a CA/CMA and shared only on client request.

Answer: D

SEBI mandates that the top 3 stocks together cannot exceed 45%, ensuring diversification and reducing manipulation risk.

Answer: C

Using rupee for global trade reduces exchange rate risk, lowers transaction cost, and increases India’s financial autonomy.

Answer: C

Nearly 69% of services employment is informal, with low social security and dominance of family-run enterprises.

Answer: B

The new law targets substandard seeds and spurious pesticides, focusing on traceability, NABL-accredited labs, and strict penalties.