This is the current affairs of 22 to 29 October 2025. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. Whom did India approach to invite as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations 2026?
a. Antonio Guterres and Ursula von der Leyen
b. Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa
c. Antonio Costa and João Lourenço
d. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin
Answer: b. Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa
– The Indian Express reported this in an exclusive report.
– For the first time, India is inviting the European Union (EU) leadership – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa – as chief guests at the 2026 Republic Day celebrations.
– The formal invitation and official confirmation of acceptance are underway. An announcement will be made by New Delhi and Brussels soon after the process is complete.
This invitation is significant.
– This invitation as the Chief Guest of Republic Day is highly symbolic from the Indian government’s perspective.
– India is combining hospitality with a strategic approach in the selection of its Chief Guest.
– This selection is determined by several factors – strategic and diplomatic, commercial interests, and international geopolitics.
Invitation to the European Union for the first time
– This is the first time the decision to invite the EU leadership has been taken.
– Relations between India and the 27-member European Union have deepened, especially since February 2025, when the College of EU Commissioners visited India.
– On October 20, the European Union approved a new strategic agenda to elevate bilateral relations with India to a higher level, including finalizing ongoing negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), deepening cooperation in technology, defense and security, and people-to-people ties.
– In fact, when the EU leaders visit India in January, the India-EU Leaders’ Summit – which was scheduled to be held in early 2026 – will be held in Delhi that month.
– The timing is crucial as the US administration has made its uncertainty felt by both India and Europe.
– India and the EU are working on an ambitious and strategic roadmap, and European leaders are presenting themselves as “predictable” and “reliable” partners.
European Union and European Council
– The European Commission and the European Council are the two principal institutions of the European Union (EU), playing a key role in EU policy, decision-making, and implementation.
– The Commission is the EU’s executive organ, while the Council provides strategic leadership.
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2. Name the winner of the Central Government’s Vigyan Ratna Award 2025?
a. Professor Pradeep Thalappil
b. Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar
c. Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh
d. Professor Mahan MJ
Answer: b. Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (posthumous) (died in May 2025)
– The award recognizes lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
Introduced the Hoyle-Narlikar Theory
– Narlikar, along with his mentor, Fred Hoyle, formulated the Hoyle-Narlikar Theory of Gravitation.
– This theory was an alternative model to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, intended to incorporate Mach’s Principle.
Challenged the Big Bang Theory
– Professor Jayant Narlikar and Fred Hoyle proposed the Hoyle-Narlikar Theory of Gravity. This theory directly challenged the Big Bang Theory. It stated that the universe had no beginning or end.
Founded IUCAA, Pune
– At the invitation of the University Grants Commission (UGC), he established the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune in 1988.
– He served as its founding director until 2003. The institute’s objective was to promote astronomy and astrophysics in universities across the country.
Awards
– Padma Bhushan (1965) and Padma Vibhushan (2004)
– Received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in 1978.
– Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 for his autobiography, ‘Char Nagarantale Majhe Vishwa’, written in Marathi.
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3. In which categories did the Central Government announce the National Science Award 2025 to 24 scientists?
a. Vigyan Ratna
b. Vigyan Shri and Vigyan Team
c. Vigyan Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above (Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shree, Vigyan Yuva Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award and Science Team Category)
Vigyan Ratna
– Prof. Jayant Vishnu Narlikar (Physics) – Posthumous (died in May 2025)
Why the Award: This award recognizes lifetime achievements and contributions in any field of science and technology.
Vigyan Shri
– Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh (Agricultural Science)
– Dr. Yusuf Mohammed Sheikh (Nuclear Energy)
– Dr. K. Thangaraj (Biological Science)
– Prof. Pradeep Thalappil (Chemistry)
– Prof. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit (Engineering Science)
– Dr. S. Venkat Mohan (Environmental Science)
– Prof. Mahan M.J. (Math and Computer Science)
– Jayan N. (Space Science and Technology)
Why the award: This award recognizes outstanding contributions in any field of science and technology.
Science Youth – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
– Dr. Jagdish Gupta Kapuganti (Agricultural Science)
– Dr. Satendra Kumar Mangarothia (Agricultural Science)
– Debargha Sengupta (Biological Science)
– Dr. Deepa Agashe (Biological Science)
– Dr. Dibyendu Das (Chemistry)
– Dr. Waliur Rahman (Earth Science)
– Prof. Arkaprava Basu (Engineering Science)
– Prof. Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Math and Computer Science)
– Prof. Shweta Prem Agarwal (Math and Computer Science)
– Dr. Suresh Kumar (Medicine)
– Prof. Amit Kumar Agarwal (Physics)
– Prof. Surhud Shrikant More (Physics)
– Ankur Garg (Space Science and Technology)
– Prof. Mohanshankar Sivaprakasam (Technology and Innovation)
Why the Award: This award recognizes and encourages young scientists up to the age of 45 who have made outstanding contributions in any field of science and technology.
Science Team:
– Team – Aroma Mission CSIR (Agricultural Science)
Why the Award: The award will be given to a team of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made outstanding contributions, working as a team, in any field of science and technology.
– Aroma Mission is an initiative of the Government of India.
– These awards are for research, innovation, and strengthening the rural economy in aromatic crops.
– Dr. Trivedi’s team (Dr. Alok Kalra, Dr. Anil Tripathi, Dr. Ajit Shashani, Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Dr. Sudip Tandon)
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4. Name the Queen Mother of Thailand, who died on 24 October 2025?
a. Ubolratana
b. Sirikit
c. Sirindhorn
d. Chulaborn
Answer: b. Sirikit (was 93 years old)
– Queen Mother Sirikit was the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and the mother of the current King Vajiralongkorn.
– She is known as the “Mother of the Nation.”
– Queen Mother Sirikit was Queen of Thailand from 28 April 1950 to 13 October 2016.
– King Bhumibol Adulyadej died on 13 October 2016.
– They have four children: the current King Maha Vajiralongkorn, and Princesses Ubolratana, Sirindhorn, and Chulabhorn.
Thailand’s Monarchy
– Thailand is a constitutional monarchy that operates within the framework of democracy, but autocratic rule has prevailed since the 2014 coup.
– The King is the head of state, but his powers are limited and he operates in accordance with the Constitution.
– There are three branches of government: the legislature (lawmaking), the executive (administration), and the judiciary (justice system), of which the judiciary is considered independent.
– The monarchy is hereditary, and succession is based on the Palace Law of 1924.
Thailand
– Capital: Bangkok
– King: Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) {King of the Chakri dynasty, Thailand is a Buddhist-majority country, but its royal traditions are also influenced by Hinduism. Although the king himself practices Buddhism}
– PM: Anutin Charnvirakul
– Currency: Thai Baht
– Language: Thai
– Population: 71.62 million (2025)
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5. Name the asteroid discovered in the year 2025, orbiting the Sun along with the Earth and which is being called the new half-moon of the Earth?
a. 2025 PN7
b. 2025 QX1
c. 2024 FD2
d. 2023 AB5
Answer: a. 2025 PN7 (The crescent moon belongs to the Arjuna group)
– Asteroid 2025 PN7 was observed in August 2025 with the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope at the Haleakala Observatory in Hawaii. It was confirmed in September 2025.
– This observatory is funded by NASA and surveys near-Earth objects.
– It is approximately 19 meters (62 feet) wide, about the length of a school bus.
– It orbits Earth in a similar way, making it appear to hover near Earth, although it is not gravitationally bound to the planet.
How long will this half-moon last?
– According to the Hindustan Times, NASA has confirmed that a small asteroid named 2025 PN7 has been orbiting Earth since the 1960s and will remain our half-moon until approximately 2083.
How many half-moons have been discovered so far?
– The seven known half-moons belong to the Arjuna group and orbit Earth at the same time (365 days a year). These are:
– 164207 Cardia
– 277810 (2006 FV35)
– 2013 LX28
– 2014 OL339
– 469219 Kamoʻoalewa (2016)
– 2023 FW13
– 2025 PN7
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6. Who became the third highest run-scorer in ODI cricket for India?
a. Rohit Sharma
b. Suryakumar Yadav
c. Virat Kohli
d. K.L. Rahul
Answer: a. Rohit Sharma (38 years old)
– Indian opener Rohit Sharma scored 73 runs in the second ODI against Australia on October 23.
– With this, he became the third-highest run-scorer for India in ODI cricket.
– He surpassed former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.
Rohit Sharma’s ODI runs
– Rohit has scored 11,249 runs in 267 ODI innings at an average of 48.69.
– This includes 32 centuries and 59 half-centuries, with his highest score being 264.
Most runs in ODIs (INDIA)
1. Sachin Tendulkar – 18,426 runs
2. Virat Kohli – 14,181 runs
3. Rohit Sharma – 11,249
4. Sourav Ganguly – 11,221
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7. Which Indian javelin thrower was conferred the honorary rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army in October 2025?
a. Neeraj Chopra
b. Kishore Jena
c. Shivpal Singh
d. Davinder Singh Kang
Answer: a. Neeraj Chopra (two-time Olympic medalist)
– Olympic gold medalist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra was awarded the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on Wednesday (October 22, 2025).
– Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi conferred the title on Neeraj Chopra at a ceremony held in New Delhi.
What other ranks has he received?
– Naib Subedar in 2016
– Subedar in 2021
– Subedar Major in 2022
– Lieutenant Colonel in 2025
Neeraj Chopra
– Neeraj Chopra was born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, Haryana.
– He created history by winning the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
– This was India’s first Olympic gold medal in athletics.
– In 2023, he won the gold medal at the World Athletics Championships.
– Neeraj brought glory to the country by winning the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Territorial Army
– The Territorial Army is a unit of the Indian Army. Its volunteers undergo military training for a few days each year so that they can be utilized for national defense if needed.
– Salary is paid only during training and upon being called up for service.
– The Territorial Army was established in India in October 1941.
– Note: Mahendra Singh Dhoni was given this honorary rank in 2011.
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8. Who became the 11th member country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?
a. Ukraine
b. Russia
c. East Timor
d. Taiwan
Answer: c. East Timor (also known as Timor-Leste, a country in Southeast Asia)
– East Timor’s Prime Minister Zenana Gusmão praised the move, calling it a “dream come true.”
– The ASEAN Summit was held on October 26–28, 2025.
– Malaysia is the ASEAN Chair for 2025.
– During the Summit, the Philippines assumed the chairmanship of the organization for 2026.
ASEAN Summit
– The ASEAN Summit is a biannual meeting held by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address the economic, political, security, and socio-cultural development of Southeast Asian countries.
– This means that the meeting is held twice a year. For example, this time the 46th meeting was held on May 26–27, 2025, and the 47th meeting was held on October 26–28, 2025.
– The first ASEAN Summit was held in Bali, Indonesia, in February 1976.
The theme of the ASEAN Summit is “Inclusiveness and Stability.”
ASEAN was founded: August 8, 1967
– Headquarters: Jakarta (Indonesia)
– Objective: To promote economic growth and trade among member states.
Accession to ASEAN after a 14-year wait
– East Timor has finally been admitted to ASEAN after a 14-year wait.
– This is considered ASEAN’s greatest achievement under Malaysia’s chairmanship.
– East Timor was previously ruled by Portugal for nearly 300 years.
– Portugal abruptly left the territory in 1975.
– Indonesia then occupied it, which was sometimes violent.
– East Timor gained independence in 2002 after a long struggle.
– East Timor’s President, José Ramos-Horta, had been pursuing ASEAN membership for many years.
– He first applied in 2011.
– Now that his country has become a member, it is considered a major success for him and the country.
11 ASEAN Countries
Countries and Capitals
1. Myanmar – Naypyidaw
2. Thailand – Bangkok
3. Laos – Vientiane
4. Vietnam – Hanoi
5. Cambodia – Phnom Penh
6. Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur
7. Singapore – Singapore (city)
8. Indonesia – Jakarta
9. Brunei – Bandar Seri Begawan
10. Philippines – Manila
11. East Timor – Kuala Lumpur
About East Timor
– Capital: Dili
– Currency: US Dollar (USD)
– Official Language: Tetum and Portuguese
– Location: Southeast Asia (island country east of Indonesia)
– Independence: May 20, 2002 (from Indonesia)
– Political System: Republic
– President: José Ramos-Horta (until 2025)
– Prime Minister: Xanana Gusmão
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9. In which city was the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit held in October 2025, in which PM Modi participated virtually?
a. Naypyidaw
b. Bangkok
c. Hanoi
d. Kuala Lumpur
Answer: d. Kuala Lumpur (capital of Malaysia)
– The 22nd ASEAN-India Summit was organized by the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) organization on October 26, 2025.
– The event was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
– External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar led the Indian delegation in Kuala Lumpur.
Difference between the ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN-India Summit
– The ASEAN Summit is attended only by the heads of state of ASEAN member states, while the ASEAN-India Summit is attended by both ASEAN countries and India, where key issues from both summits are discussed.
About the ASEAN-India Summit
– The ASEAN-India Summit is a high-level annual meeting between the 11 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India.
– The Summit provides a platform to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two sides and to discuss areas such as trade, security, connectivity, digital transformation, environment and cultural cooperation.
– India began its formal engagement with ASEAN as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 1992, elevated to Full Dialogue Partner in 1995, and hosted the first ASEAN-India Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia in 2002.
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10. Which year was declared as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation by PM Modi at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit?
a. 2026
b. 2027
c. 2030
d. 2035
Answer: a. 2026
– PM Modi participated virtually in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit.
– In his speech, he emphasized maritime cooperation, saying, “India has stood firmly with its ASEAN friends in every crisis. Our cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly. With this in mind, we are declaring 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.'”
– He further said, “We are also continuously advancing our cooperation in the fields of education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. We will continue to work together to preserve our shared cultural heritage and strengthen people-to-people ties.”
Some important announcements
1. Extended support for the implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030).
2. Celebrating the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, adopt the ASEAN-India Leaders’ Joint Statement on Sustainable Tourism to further strengthen tourism cooperation.
3. Designation of the year 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation” to build partnerships in the blue economy.
4. Proposal to hold the Second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the Second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise for a Safer Maritime Environment.
5. India will continue its role as the first responder in times of crisis in the neighbourhood, and further strengthen cooperation in disaster preparedness and HADR.
6. Training of 400 professionals in renewable energy to support the ASEAN Power Grid Initiative
7. Extension of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Timor-Leste
8. Proposed establishment of a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University to develop regional expertise
9. Supporting ongoing cooperation in education, energy, science and technology, fintech, and cultural preservation, the need to enhance cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductors, emerging technologies, rare earth elements, and critical minerals was emphasized.
10. Organizing the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival and a Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation in Lothal, Gujarat.
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11. What was the name of Aurangabad railway station in Maharashtra changed to?
a. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station
b. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station
c. Subedar Tanaji Malusare Railway Station
d. Peshwa Bajirao I Railway Station
Answer: b. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station
– South Central Railway renamed Aurangabad Railway Station in Maharashtra as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Railway Station on October 25, 2025.
– He was the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
– The new station, which falls under the Nanded Division of South Central Railway, has the code ‘CPSN’.
– On October 15, the Maharashtra government issued a gazette notification in this regard.
What’s the history?
– Aurangabad was named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
– According to historians, Aurangabad railway station was built in 1900 during the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad.
– Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar is a famous tourist destination.
– It is home to many historical monuments and sites, such as the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Maharashtra
– Capital: Mumbai
– Chief Minister: Acharya Devvrat
– Governor: C.P. Radhakrishnan
– Population: 110 million (2011)
– Language: Marathi
– Neighboring states: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Goa
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12. How many medals did India win in the 4th South Asian (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships 2025?
a. 48
b. 50
c. 58
d. 60
Answer: c. 58 (20 Gold, 20 Silver and 18 Bronze)
– The 4th South Asian (SAAF) Senior Athletics Championships was held from 24 to 26 October 2025 at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
– This was the third time the championships were held in India.
– India had previously hosted the events in 1997 and 2008.
– Sri Lanka hosted the second edition in 1998.
Who did not participate in this championship?
– This time, 206 athletes from six South Asian countries – India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Maldives – competed in 37 medal events over three days.
– Pakistan is also a member of this championship, but despite an invitation from SAAF, Pakistan did not participate in the championships.
Medal Table
Country – Gold – Silver – Bronze – Total
India – 20 – 20 – 18 – 58
Sri Lanka – 16 – 14 – 10 – 40
Nepal – 00 – 02 – 04 – 06
Bangladesh – 00 – 00 – 03 – 03
Maldives – 00 – 00 – 01 – 01
Bhutan – 00 – 00 – 00 – 00
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13. In which country, the statue of Rabindranath Tagore was unveiled at the Indian Embassy in October 2025?
a. Germany
b. China
c. Singapore
d. Ukraine
Answer: b. China
– A statue of Rabindranath Tagore was unveiled at the Indian Embassy in Beijing on October 25, 2025.
– The statue was unveiled by the Indian Embassy on the occasion of a symposium titled ‘Sangamam: A Confluence of Indian Philosophical Traditions’.
– This statue of Rabindranath Tagore is created by renowned Chinese sculptor Yuan Shikun.
– The renowned sculptor Yuan has also created a statue of Gandhiji (installed in 2005) in which Mahatma Gandhi is seated in a unique posture, holding a book in his hand.
Rabindranath Tagore’s Visit to China
– Rabindranath Tagore visited China three times during his lifetime. He has a strong following in China.
– Tagore, along with India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, was included in a 2009 opinion poll conducted to mark China’s 60th founding anniversary, among the 50 foreigners who contributed most to shaping China’s modern development.
About Rabindranath Tagore
– Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, into a Bengali family.
– Rabindranath Tagore wrote India’s national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” and Bangladesh’s national anthem, “Amar Sonar Bangla.”
– He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 in recognition of his collection “Gitanjali,” which was initially published in London in 1912.
– He composed more than 2,000 songs, known as “Tagore songs”.
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14. Who became the first woman president of the Indian Cricketers Association (ICA)?
a. Mithali Raj
b. Shanta Rangaswamy
c. Jhulan Goswami
d. Anjum Chopra
Answer: b. Shanta Rangaswamy (former captain of the Indian women’s team)
– The Indian Cricketers’ Association (ICA) is an organisation of former Indian cricketers.
– Born in Chennai in 1954, Rangaswamy captained India to its first women’s Test win, a historic victory over the West Indies in Patna in 1976.
– Former Indian women’s captain Shantha Rangaswamy became the ICA’s first woman president in October.
– Former Delhi men’s team opener Venkat Sundaram was appointed secretary.
– Sundaram was serving as the ICA president until December 2024.
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15. Which medal did India win in men’s Kabaddi at the Asian Youth Games 2025 held in Bahrain?
a. Gold Medal
b. Silver Medal
c. Bronze Medal
d. All of the above
Answer: a. Gold Medal
– India defeated Iran 35-32 in the men’s Kabaddi gold medal match.
– India has won a total of 24 medals as of October 28, including three gold, 10 silver, and 11 bronze medals. India is ranked ninth in the medal tally.
– Pritismita Bhoi won India’s third gold medal in weightlifting.
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16. Which medal did India win in women’s Kabaddi at the Asian Youth Games 2025 held in Bahrain?
a. Gold Medal
b. Silver Medal
c. Bronze Medal
d. All of the above
Answer: a. Gold Medal
– India defeated Iran by a score of 75-21 in the women’s Kabaddi gold medal match.
– Silver and bronze medals were also won in other sports events.
– A total of 222 Indian athletes (both men and women) are representing their country at the Asian Youth Games 2025.
Asian Youth Games 2025
– Where: Bahrain
– When: October 22 to 31, 2025
– Number of teams: 45
– Number of athletes: Approximately 4,074
– Number of Indian athletes: 222
– Number of sports: 26
– Motto: Inspire dreams, build a legacy
Three editions
1. First edition (2009): Singapore
2. Second edition (2013): Nanjing, China
3. Third edition (2025): Manama, Bahrain
Note: (2017 and 2021 editions cancelled)
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17. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified the Western Ghats and which national park as “critical concern” in its list of natural World Heritage Sites across Asia?
a. Manas National Park
b. Sundarbans National Park
c. Ranthambore National Park
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (Manas National Park in Assam and Sundarbans National Park in West Bengal)
– The IUCN released its “World Heritage Outlook 4” report at a conference in Abu Dhabi in early October.
– The report identifies four major threats contributing to habitat and species loss in South Asia.
1. Climate change
2. Tourism activities
3. Invasive alien species
4. Roads
– The report categorizes natural sites as “good,” “good with some concerns,” “significant concern,” and “critical.”
– Introducing the report, IUCN Director-General Grethel Aguilar stated that more than 200 natural and mixed World Heritage sites worldwide have been evaluated.
– Nearly 40% of sites still face conservation concerns, and climate change remains the greatest threat.
Threats to natural World Heritage sites are changing:
– Climate change is the biggest threat in 2025, while poaching was the biggest threat in 2020.
– Tourism is the second biggest threat this time.
– Invasive alien species are the third biggest threat.
– Other threats include forest fires, poaching, road accidents, waste disposal, encroachment, illegal logging, and road construction.
Which Indian sites were rated “Good with Some Concerns” in the report?
– 32 sites in Asia were rated “Good with Some Concerns,” including four in India: Great Himalayan National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Keoladeo National Park, and Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks.
– Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim was rated “Good,” meaning its condition is good and will remain good in the future if current conservation measures continue.
Manas National Park
– Manas National Park is a famous national park and wildlife sanctuary located in the Indian state of Assam. The park is renowned for its biodiversity, natural beauty, and wildlife conservation.
– It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
– Approximately 55 mammalian, 450 bird, 50 reptile, and numerous amphibian species are found here. These include tigers, Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, water buffalo, etc.
Sundarbans National Park
– Sundarbans National Park is a world-renowned mangrove forest area located in the Indian state of West Bengal.
– It is the largest mangrove forest in the world and a major habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger.
How many species are endangered in the Western Ghats?
– The Western Ghats, a mix of forests and grasslands, are older than the Himalayas and have an extraordinary level of biological diversity and endemism.
– According to UNESCO, 325 globally endangered (listed on the IUCN Red List) species of plants, animals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish are found here.
– These include the Nilgiri Tahr, a strong and agile goat found nowhere else in the world.
Why are the Western Ghats endangered?
– The Western Ghats are greatly endangered due to numerous hydroelectric projects.
For example, the proposed ₹5,843 crore Sillahalla Pumped Storage Project in the Nilgiris will involve building dams on the Sillahalla and Kunda rivers.
– It aims to generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity for the plains of Tamil Nadu.
How many species will be assessed at risk of extinction across the country?
– For the first time, the central government will assess the extinction risk of 11,000 species (7,000 plants, 4,000 animals) in the country to prepare a ‘National Red List’.
– Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh presented the 2025-2030 plan at the IUCN World Congress in Abu Dhabi.
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
– The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) is a global organization that works for the conservation of nature and natural resources. It was founded in 1948.
– It is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network.
– It has over 160 member countries.
– 1,400+ member organizations (both governmental and non-governmental)
– Over 17,000 experts (such as scientists, environmentalists, policymakers)
– Main objective: Nature conservation, biodiversity protection, and addressing global environmental issues.
– Notable work: Red List of Threatened Species – a database of endangered species, such as the Indian one-horned rhino or snow leopard.
– India has been a member of the IUCN since 1969.
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18. According to the latest IUCN Red List (October 2025), out of the 1,72,620 species assessed in the world, how many species are endangered?
a. 20,987
b. 16,844
c. 12,298
d. 48,646
Answer: d. 48,646 (28%)
– The IUCN Red List is the global standard for measuring species’ extinction risk. The latest update (2025-2), released on 10 October 2025, assessed 172,620 species, of which 48,646 (28%) are threatened.
Note: Among birds, 61% of the world’s species are experiencing population declines, compared to around 44% in 2016.
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19. Name the Indian conservationist, who became the first Asian Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC)?
a. Vivek Menon
b. Medha Patkar
c. Rajendra Singh
d. Salim Ali
Answer: a. Vivek Menon
– He has been elected Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) for the term 2025-2029.
– He was elected at the IUCN World Conservation Congress held in Abu Dhabi on 15 October 2025.
– This is the first time in the Commission’s 75-year history that an Asian leader will lead the global body.
Vivek Menon and his conservation journey
– Vivek Menon is a leading Indian wildlife conservationist, environmental critic, author, and photographer with a deep passion for elephants.
– A conservation leader whose lifelong dedication has brought positive, global change for wildlife and natural habitats.
– In India, he founded five major environmental and conservation organizations, including the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI).
– He has also led numerous important initiatives.
– He has traveled to more than 100 countries in a career spanning over 30 years.
– Under his leadership, enforcement personnel from more than 50 countries have been trained.
– Enforcement personnel means police officers, traffic police, security guards, or others.
– Honors for his work in conserving Asian elephants: In 2019, he received the Clark R. Bavin Award, Whitley Continuation Award in 2018, Sanskar Round Glass Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017, Rufford Prize for International Conservation in 2001, etc.
What is the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC)?
– The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) is the largest of the six commissions of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a science-based network of thousands of volunteer experts dedicated to species conservation.
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20. Where was the Indo-Japanese naval maritime exercise ‘JAIMEX 2025’ held, in which INS Sahyadri participated?
a. Visakhapatnam
b. yokosuka
c. Osaka
d. Rajasthan
Answer: b. Yokosuka (Japan)
– INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built Shivalik-class guided missile stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, participated in the exercise.
– The exercise was conducted from 16 to 18 October 2025 at Yokosuka.
– The exercise included both harbour and sea phases.
– INS Sahyadri and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships Asahi, Omi, and submarine Jinryu participated in the sea phase of Japan-India Maritime Exercise-25.
– During the Yokosuka port phase, INS Sahyadri’s crew and units of the Japanese Naval Forces participated in various professional and cultural exchanges.
Other India-Japan Military Exercises
– Dharma Guardian (Army)
– Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) [Navy]
– Malabar Exercise – (India-US-Japan-Australia) [Navy]
About Japan
– Japan is an island country in East Asia.
– Capital: Tokyo
– Prime Minister: Sanae Takaichi
– Emperor: Naruhito
– Population: Approximately 124 million (124 million) [as of 2024]
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21. Who became the first female Prime Minister of Japan?
a. Katayama Satsuki
b. Sanae Takaichi
c. Shigeru Ishiba
d. ito hirobumi
Answer: b. Sanae Takaichi (64 years old)
– She is known as Japan’s “Iron Lady.”
– She is a supporter of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s conservative vision for Japan.
– She has held prominent party and government positions, including Minister of Economic Security, Internal Affairs, and Gender Equality.
– She is the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
– She holds 237 votes in the powerful lower house of parliament and 125 in the upper house, with 465 seats.
About Japan
– Japan is an island country in East Asia.
– Capital: Tokyo
– Prime Minister: Sanae Takaichi
– Emperor: Naruhito
– Population: Approximately 124 million (124 million) [as of 2024]
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22. Name the Indian-origin historian, whose book ‘The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years’ has been declared the winner of the British Academy Book Prize 2025?
a. Sunil Amrit
b. Gaurishankar Hirachand
c. Yadunath Sarkar
d. Arundhati Roy
Answer: a. Sunil Amrit (13th winner)
– The announcement was made by Professor Rebecca Earl FBA, chair of the jury, at a ceremony held at the British Academy on October 22nd.
– The prize, worth £25,000, is awarded to honor the world’s finest non-fiction books.
– In 2024, the award was given to Ross Perlin for his book “Language City: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues.”
What is the book’s story?
– Amrit’s book tells the story of many countries and a long time. It covers everything from the silver mines of Peru to the gold mines of South Africa, from colonial-era railway lines to the oil pipelines of Central Asia.
– It explores how mining and empire shaped the modern world.
British Academy Book Awards
– The British Academy Book Awards were established in 2013.
– Its purpose is to honor authors who write deeply researched and based on true events.
– These books help people better understand different times, places, societies, and cultures around the world.
– This award can be awarded to authors from any country.
Sunil Amrit
– He is a professor of environmental history at Yale University and the author of five books.
– He was born in Nairobi, Kenya, raised in Singapore, and educated at Cambridge. He now lives in Connecticut.
– His parents were Indian. They later moved to Singapore.
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23. Indian scientist Professor Eknath Vasant Chitnis passed away on 22 October 2025, he played an important role in the establishment of which organization?
a. IMD
b. ISRO
c. DRDO
d. FSSAI
Answer: b. ISRO [initially named INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research)]
– INCOSPAR Full Form: Indian National Committee for Space Research
– Established: 1962
– Founder: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
– Later in 1969, it was renamed ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).
– Dr. Chitnis was 100 years old, he died of a heart attack on 22 October 2025.
Chitnis Achievements
– Dr. Chitnis also played a key role in the selection of India’s first rocket launch site at Thumba in Kerala.
– From 1981 to 1985, he served as the second Director of ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad.
– He was instrumental in the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) project, which he directed in 1975-76.
– This project used NASA’s ATS-6 satellite to conduct educational programs in 2,400 villages across six states and laid the foundation for the digital revolution.
– He also served on the board of directors of the Press Trust of India from 1983 to 2010 and served as its Chairman twice.
– He also received the Padma Bhushan Award in 1985.
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24. Which is the first city in India to launch Real Time Flood Forecasting System and Spatial Decision Support System (RTFF & SDSS)?
a. Kochi
b. Bhubaneswar
c. Chennai
d. Mumbai
Answer: c. Chennai
– Chennai frequently experiences heavy flooding, and accurate forecasting using this technology can save lives and prevent damage to the city.
– Real-time flood forecasting and spatial decision support system (RTFF & SDSS) is an advanced technological system that helps collect real-time data to monitor and predict flood events.
How much area will this technology cover?
– The Chennai RTFF and SDSS, built at a cost of approximately ₹107.2 crore, is India’s first such project.
– It plans to connect lakes, rivers, streams, and the sea.
– While Chennai is the main area, the system covers 4,974 square kilometers, including the districts of Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet. It will also focus on important river sub-basins, including the Adyar River, Cooum River, Kosasthalaiyar River, and Kovalam River.
Several modern equipment will be used:
– Automatic Rain Gauges (ARGs), Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), Automatic Water Level Gauges (AWLRs), and Gate Sensors (GS). All these equipment collect accurate information on rainfall, weather, and water levels, allowing authorities to predict weather and floods in a timely manner.
– The project is funded by the World Bank and implemented by Tamil Nadu Urban Infrastructure Financial Services Limited (TNUIFSL).
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25. Who inaugurated the Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit in Dehradun, which is a pre-summit to the India AI Impact Summit 2026?
a. Amit Shah
b. Jitin Prasada
c. Dharmendra Pradhan
d. Nitin Gadkari
Answer: b. Jitin Prasada (Union Minister of State for Information Technology)
– In collaboration with the Government of India, Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit 2025 was organized at Hotel Ramada, Dehradun on October 17, 2025. This is a pre-summit to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, which will be held on February 19-20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Digital Development from AI in Uttarakhand
– The Uttarakhand AI Impact Summit 2025 positions the state as a leader in responsible and inclusive AI-driven development.
– The pre-summit event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, startups, and academia to explore how AI can accelerate sustainable development in Uttarakhand and advance the state’s Digital Uttarakhand vision by fostering innovation, improving governance, and empowering entrepreneurship through the adoption of responsible and inclusive AI.
Uttarakhand
– CM: Pushkar Singh Dhami
– Governor: Gurmeet Singh
– Capital: Dehradun (winter), Bhararisain (summer)
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26. Which is India’s first indigenous antibiotic, which is effective against resistant respiratory infections?
a. Penicillin
b. Erythromycin
c. Naphthromycin
d. Pyocyanase
Answer: c. Naphthromycin (is an antibiotic drug.)
– Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on October 18, 2025, that India has developed its first indigenous antibiotic, “Naphthromycin.”
– This drug is effective in treating drug-resistant respiratory infections, especially in patients with cancer and uncontrolled diabetes.
– This antibiotic is the first molecule completely formulated, developed, and tested in India.
– This is considered a major achievement towards becoming self-reliant in the field of drug manufacturing.
– This antibiotic has been developed by the Department of Biotechnology of India in collaboration with the renowned private pharma company Wockhardt.
What is Naphthromycin?
– Naphthromycin is India’s first indigenously developed antibiotic, designed to treat respiratory infections caused by chemotherapy-resistant bacteria, specifically community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP).
– It belongs to the ketolide class and works by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
– The development of this drug is a significant advancement towards combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Major breakthrough in gene therapy too
– He also inaugurated a three-day medical workshop on “Use of Artificial Intelligence for Multi-Omics Data Integration and Analysis.”
– He also said that India has achieved a major breakthrough in gene therapy, the first successful indigenous clinical trial for hemophilia treatment.
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27. Who has become the new President of Bolivia?
a. Remy Gonzales
b. Edwin Charcayo
c. Rodrigo Paz Pereira
d. Pereira Remicayo
Answer: c. Rodrigo Paz Pereira (58 years old)
– He defeated former President Jorge Tuto Quiroga in the election.
– He belongs to the Christian Democratic Party.
– With this victory, he ended two decades of leftist rule.
Bolivia
– Capital – Sucre
– President – Rodrigo Paz Pereira
– Currency – Boliviano
– It is a landlocked country.
– Neighboring countries – Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Peru
– It is the 27th largest country in the world.
– It is the largest landlocked country in the Southern Hemisphere.
– It is the seventh largest landlocked country on Earth, after Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Chad, Niger, Mali, and Ethiopia.
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28. When is International Snow Leopard Day celebrated?
a. October 22nd
b. October 23rd
c. October 24th
d. October 25th
Answer: b. October 23rd
– Snow leopards are found in 12 countries: India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
– Snow leopards live in high mountain areas that are above 18,000 feet in altitude, mostly in high and cold areas.
– The snow leopard is the state animal of Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh.
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29. When is Mole Day celebrated?
a. October 22nd
b. October 23rd
c. October 24th
d. October 25th
Answer: b. October 23rd
– This day is popular among all chemistry enthusiasts.
– Mole is the SI unit of matter.
– It is the base unit of the International System of Units.
– One mole of a substance is the amount of matter containing the same number of particles.
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30. When is World Polio Day celebrated?
a. October 25th
b. October 24th
c. October 23rd
d. October 22nd
Answer: b. October 24th
– This day is celebrated worldwide every year to raise awareness about polio.
– World Polio Day is celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Jonas Salk.
– He was an American virologist who helped develop the world’s first safe and effective polio vaccine.
– Dr. Jonas Salk introduced the polio prevention drug to the world on April 12, 1955.
– Polio is often spread through the feces of an infected person, which can come into contact with others through contaminated food and water, poor sanitation, etc. Therefore, along with vaccination, people are also educated about the importance of handwashing, boiling drinking water, and exclusive breastfeeding for children under six months of age.
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31. When is World Day for Audiovisual Heritage celebrated?
a. October 26
b. October 27
c. October 28
d. October 29
Answer: b. October 27
– UNESCO and the Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations (CCAAA) have declared this day for audiovisual heritage.
– The purpose of celebrating this day is to make everyone aware of audiovisual sounds.
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32. When is Jammu and Kashmir Accession (Merger) Day celebrated?
a. October 20
b. October 21
c. October 24
d. October 26
Answer: d. October 26
– This day is celebrated to commemorate October 26, 1947.
– On this day, Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession, acceding Jammu and Kashmir to the Dominion of India.
– Accession Day is a public holiday in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Note: This day became an official public holiday in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time in 2020, following the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019.
Jammu and Kashmir
– Capital: Srinagar (Summer) Jammu (Winter)
– Chief Minister: Omar Abdullah
– Lieutenant Governor: Manoj Sinha
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33.
When and how long is Disarmament Week celebrated?
a. October 20th to 27th
b. October 21st to 28th
c. October 22nd to 29th
d. October 24th to 30th
Answer: d. October 24th to 30th
– This week begins on October 24th, the founding day of the United Nations, and continues until October 30th.
– One of the main goals of the United Nations is to achieve world peace.
– It is celebrated annually to promote awareness and understanding of disarmament issues.
– The week aims to reduce the use of weapons, especially nuclear weapons, to bring peace to society.
United Nations
Secretary-General – Antonio Guterres
Headquarters – New York
Established – 1945
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34.
When is Infantry Day of Indian Army celebrated?
a. October 26
b. October 27
c. October 28
d. October 29
Answer: b. October 27
– This day is celebrated to commemorate the first military engagement of independent India.
– In fact, after independence in 1947, the Kashmir Valley was invaded by Pakistani forces and Lashkar-e-Taiba (military forces).
– At that time, the 1st Battalion of the Sikh Regiment of the Indian Army fought to win the first attack on Indian soil.
What is Infantry?
– Infantry is a general branch of the army that engages in military combat on foot. Soldiers of this branch fight at close range with the enemy.
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