Q1. The 11ᵗʰ edition of the India–Sri Lanka joint military exercise Mitra Shakti 2025 was conducted at which location?
(A). Aundh Military Station, Pune
(B). Ampara, Sri Lanka
(C). Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka
(D). Maduru Oya Training Camp, Sri Lanka
Answer: c
Solution:
The correct answer is (c) Foreign Training Node, Belagavi, Karnataka.
- Mitra Shakti is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Sri Lankan Army.
- The 11ᵗʰ edition was held from 10–23 November 2025 at Belagavi, focusing on counter-terrorism and UN peacekeeping operations.
- The exercise enhances joint tactical coordination and inter-operability between the two armies.
Information Booster:
- Exercise Mitra Shakti began in 2013.
- Conducted under UN Chapter VII (Peacekeeping Operations).
- Indian Contingent (2025): Rajput Regiment.
- Sri Lankan Contingent (2025): Gajaba Regiment.
- Modern warfare focus: Drone & Counter-Drone operations, Heliborne insertion, Combat reflex shooting.
Additional Knowledge:
- Major India–Sri Lanka Naval Exercise: SLINEX.
- Major Trilateral Maritime Exercise in the region: DOSTI (India–Maldives–Sri Lanka).
- Other key India joint exercises: Surya Kiran (Nepal), Yudh Abhyas (USA), Garuda Shakti (Indonesia), Shakti (France).
- Belagavi is also home to Maratha Light Infantry Regimental Centre.
Q2. National Education Day is observed every year in India on 11 November to commemorate the birth anniversary of which leader?
(A). Zakir Husain
(B). Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
(C). Syed Ahmad Khan
(D). Dr. S. Radhakrishnan
Answer: b
Solution:
The correct answer is (b) Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
- National Education Day is observed annually on 11 November to honor Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Minister of Education (1947–1958).
- He played a key role in establishing modern educational institutions and cultural academies in independent India.
Information Booster:
- First observed: 2008, notified by the Ministry of Education (then MHRD).
- Birth: 11 November 1888 (Mecca); Died: 22 February 1958.
- Bharat Ratna: Awarded posthumously in 1992.
- Advocated universal education and emphasized scientific and technical learning.
- Key focus: Education as the path to national unity and social progress.
Additional Knowledge:
- He established UGC (1953) to regulate higher education.
- Strong support in the creation of IITs, AICTE, and strengthening of IISc Bengaluru.
- Founded national cultural institutions like Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi to promote literature, performing arts, and visual arts.
- International Day of Education: 24 January (UN Observance), linked to SDG-4 (Quality Education).
Q3. The 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit (2025) will be held at which location?
(A). Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
(B). Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
(C). Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
(D). Kochi International Convention Centre
Answer: b
Solution:
The correct answer is (b) Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- The 2nd WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit is scheduled from 17–19 December 2025.
- It is being hosted jointly by WHO and the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India.
Information Booster:
- Theme:“Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being.”
- Expected participation: Around 7,000 delegates (Hybrid mode).
- Linked to WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034.
- Focus: Integrating evidence-based traditional medicine into modern health systems.
Additional Knowledge:
- 1st WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit (2023) was held in Gujarat.
- Ministry of AYUSH established in 2014.
- AYUSH systems include Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homeopathy.
Q4. What was India’s unemployment rate (for 15+ population) in Q2 (July–September) 2025 as per the PLFS data released by MoSPI?
(A). 5.8%
(B). 5.2%
(C). 4.9%
(D). 6.4%
Answer: b
Solution:
The correct answer is (b) 5.2%.
- As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by MoSPI, India’s unemployment rate in Q2 2025 stood at 5.2%, showing a slight improvement from 5.4% in Q1 2025.
- The data is based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) method, which considers employment status during the last 7 days.
- The improvement reflects slightly better job absorption, particularly in rural areas.
Information Booster:
- Rural unemployment (Q2 2025): 4.4%
- Urban unemployment (Q2 2025): 6.9%
- Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Increased from 33.4% (Q1) to 33.7% (Q2)
- Overall LFPR (15+ years): 55.1% in Q2 2025
- Survey Source: PLFS (launched in 2017) to measure labour indicators quarterly (urban) & annually (rural +
Q5. During which event was the MoA on Mutual Submarine Search and Rescue Support signed between India and Vietnam?
(A). 17th India–Vietnam Maritime Dialogue
(B). 12th ASEAN Defence Meeting
(C). 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue
(D). 5th Quad Maritime Coordination Meet
Answer: c
Solution:
The correct answer is (c) 15th India–Vietnam Defence Policy Dialogue.
- India and Vietnam signed the MoA during the 15th Defence Policy Dialogue held in Hanoi, enhancing cooperation on submarine emergencies and operational readiness.
Information Booster:
- Indian Side: Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
- Vietnam Side: Sr Lt Gen Hoang Xuan Chien
- A Letter of Intent (LoI) was also signed to expand defence industry collaboration.
- The pact improves interoperability, rescue coordination, and maritime security.
Additional Knowledge:
- Agreement aligns with India’s Act East Policy.
- Vietnam is part of India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership since 2016.
- Indo-Pacific security cooperation is key for addressing submarine activities and maritime safety.
Q6. As per the Hurun Global Billionaire Cities List 2025, what is the global rank of Mumbai in terms of the number of billionaires?
(A). 1st
(B). 2nd
(C). 3rd
(D). 4th
Answer: c
Solution:
The correct answer is (c) 3rd.
- According to the Hurun Research Institute (2025), Mumbai ranks 3rd globally with 92 billionaires, making it the third-largest billionaire city in the world.
- This marks a major rise in India’s global economic presence, surpassing major Asian hubs like Beijing and Shanghai.
Information Booster:
- New York ranks 1st with 119 billionaires.
- London ranks 2nd with 97 billionaires.
- New Delhi entered the top 10 for the first time, ranking 9th with 57 billionaires.
- Report Source: Hurun Global Billionaire Cities List 2025.
- Mumbai’s growth is driven by sectors like finance, tech, real estate & stock market wealth.
Additional Knowledge:
- Mumbai is home to major financial institutions like Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and NSE.
- Delhi’s billionaire growth is led by diversified family-owned conglomerates and manufacturing.
- The rise of wealth in Indian cities aligns with India’s expanding startup, digital, and services economy.
- Hurun List is widely used in competitive exams for questions on wealth indices and global rankings.
Q7. Which two institutions signed an MoU in November 2025 to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) for indigenous telecom and cybersecurity research?
(A). C-DOT and IIT Delhi
(B). C-DOT and IIT Gandhinagar
(C). DRDO and IIT Madras
(D). MeitY and IISc Bengaluru
Answer: b
Solution:
The correct answer is (b) C-DOT and IIT Gandhinagar.
- On November 08, 2025, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and IIT Gandhinagar signed an MoU to set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE).
- The CoE will focus on indigenous telecom innovation and cybersecurity research under the Ministry of Communications.
Information Booster:
- C-DOT is the R&D arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- The CoE will work on 5G/6G technologies, quantum communication, AI-driven telecom systems, and satellite communication security.
- It includes joint research, incubation support, pilot deployments, and patent-driven innovation.
- The initiative aligns with India’s Semiconductor Mission and Digital India push.
- The collaboration aims to strengthen technological sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign telecom systems.
Additional Knowledge:
- C-DOT was established: 1984
- Famous early contribution: Rural digital exchanges & telecom switching systems
- Related national missions: BharatNet, 5G Bharat, Cyber Surakshit Bharat
- IIT Gandhinagar location: Gujarat, established in 2008
Q8.Which state announced India’s first ‘Women’s Wellness on Wheels’ (WWW) initiative to provide mobile cancer screening services for women?
(A). Kerala
(B). Tamil Nadu
(C). Karnataka
(D). Maharashtra
Answer: b
Solution:
The correct answer is (b) Tamil Nadu.
- In November 2025, the Tamil Nadu Government launched India’s first “Women’s Wellness on Wheels” (WWW) to ensure early detection and prevention of cervical and breast cancer.
- The project includes 38 mobile screening units deployed across all 38 districts of the state.
Information Booster:
- Budget for WWW: Rs 41 crore.
- Key Focus: Screening for breast cancer & cervical cancer in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Free HPV Vaccination: Girls ≤14 years to prevent cervical cancer.
- HPV Vaccine Procurement: Through Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC).
- Maturity Benefit:Rs 50,000 to eligible girls at age 18 (income limit revised to ₹1.2 lakh/year).
Additional Knowledge:
- HPV vaccine prevents infection from Human Papillomavirus, a leading cause of cervical cancer.
- Cervical Cancer Screening Method: VIA / PAP test.
- Breast Cancer Early Detection: Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) and mammography.
- Tamil Nadu has previously implemented notable schemes like Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (doorstep healthcare).
Q9. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi is proposed to be redeveloped into a ______.
(A). National Coaching Centre
(B). Multi-purpose Cultural Hub
(C). Sports City
(D). International Cricket Stadium
Answer: c
Solution:
The correct answer is (c) Sports City.
The project proposes converting the 102-acre Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium complex into a modern multi-discipline Sports City with training and athlete accommodation facilities.
Information Booster:
- Stadium: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN), New Delhi.
- Status: Proposal / Planning Phase.
- The redevelopment includes indoor & outdoor arenas, high-performance centres, and athlete lodging.
- Project benchmarked with Sports Cities in Qatar and Australia.
Additional Knowledge:
- Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium was a major venue for 2010 Commonwealth Games.
- Built in 1982 for the Asian Games.
- Currently managed by Sports Authority of India (SAI).
- Aim: Improve elite training ecosystem and support long-term athlete development in India.
Q10. In November 2025, how many new Vande Bharat trains were flagged off by PM Narendra Modi from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh?
(A). 2
(B). 3
(C). 4
(D). 5
Answer: c
Solution:
The correct answer is (c) 4.
- PM Narendra Modi flagged off 4 new Vande Bharat trains from Varanasi in November 2025.
- With this, the total number of operational Vande Bharat services increased to 164 across India.
Information Booster:
- Developed by: Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Maximum speed: ~160 km/h (Semi high-speed).
- Made under: ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Train type: AC chair car & executive class configuration.
- First Vande Bharat launched: 2019 (New Delhi – Varanasi).
Additional Knowledge (Routes & Key Benefits):
- Banaras – Khajuraho: Reduces travel time by ~2 hr 40 min; boosts tourism & pilgrimage circuit.
- Lucknow – Saharanpur: Travel time ~7 hr 45 min; improves intra-UP connectivity.
- Firozpur Cantt – Delhi: Fastest among the four; strengthens Punjab–Delhi economic link.
- Ernakulam – Bengaluru: First inter-state premium VB in South; reduces journey time by ~2 hrs.