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1841. Which Cabinet approval in February 2024 sanctioned a semiconductor fabrication plant at Dholera, Gujarat, with Taiwan's Powerchip (PSMC)?
- A. Vedanta-Foxconn
- B. HCL
- C. Micron Technology
- D. Tata Electronics
Answer: Tata Electronics
Explanation: Tata Electronics' Rs 91,000 crore fab is India's first commercial fab; Micron's ATMP unit at Sanand was approved in June 2023.
1842. The National Critical Mineral Mission, approved in January 2025, has an outlay of:
- A. Rs 1,500 crore
- B. Rs 16,300 crore
- C. Rs 30,000 crore
- D. Rs 5,000 crore
Answer: Rs 16,300 crore
Explanation: The mission, with an additional Rs 18,000 crore from PSUs, seeks to secure supply of lithium, cobalt, rare earths and other critical minerals.
1843. The National Green Hydrogen Mission (approved January 2023, outlay Rs 19,744 crore) targets annual green hydrogen production of how much by 2030?
- A. 10 million tonnes
- B. 25 million tonnes
- C. 1 million tonnes
- D. 5 million tonnes
Answer: 5 million tonnes
Explanation: The mission also envisages about 125 GW of associated renewable energy capacity and cutting fossil-fuel imports.
1844. The India AI Mission, approved by the Cabinet in March 2024, has an outlay of about:
- A. Rs 10,372 crore
- B. Rs 3,600 crore
- C. Rs 25,000 crore
- D. Rs 1,000 crore
Answer: Rs 10,372 crore
Explanation: The mission aims to build a public compute infrastructure of over 10,000 GPUs and support indigenous foundation models.
1845. The high-level committee on 'One Nation, One Election' that submitted its report in March 2024 was headed by:
- A. Ram Nath Kovind
- B. Justice A. K. Sikri
- C. Pranab Mukherjee
- D. N. K. Singh
Answer: Ram Nath Kovind
Explanation: The Kovind panel recommended simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, followed by local body polls within 100 days; the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill was introduced in December 2024.
1846. The Railways (Amendment) Act, 2024 mainly:
- A. Creates a separate Railway Regulatory Authority
- B. Merges the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989
- C. Privatises passenger train operations
- D. Transfers railway police to State governments
Answer: Merges the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989
Explanation: The amendment (passed December 2024) incorporates the 1905 Board Act into the 1989 Act and gives statutory backing to the Railway Board's functioning.
1847. The three new criminal laws, which came into force on 1 July 2024, contain how many sections in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam respectively?
- A. 358, 531 and 170
- B. 356, 533 and 171
- C. 360, 520 and 160
- D. 511, 484 and 167
Answer: 358, 531 and 170
Explanation: They replace the IPC (511), CrPC (484) and Indian Evidence Act (167). Presidential assent was given on 25 December 2023.
1848. The National Sports Governance Act, 2025 establishes which new bodies?
- A. National Anti-Doping Court and Federation Commission
- B. Sports Authority of India Commission and Olympic Council
- C. National Sports Board and National Sports Tribunal
- D. National Sports Council and Games Ombudsman
Answer: National Sports Board and National Sports Tribunal
Explanation: The Act also brings the BCCI under its framework to the extent it receives government support and sets up a Sports Tribunal to settle disputes.
1849. The Online Gaming (Promotion and Regulation) Act, 2025 primarily:
- A. Bans all video games for minors
- B. Requires all game servers to be hosted in India
- C. Taxes all online games at 40 per cent
- D. Prohibits online money games while promoting e-sports and social games
Answer: Prohibits online money games while promoting e-sports and social games
Explanation: Passed in August 2025, it bans offering, advertising and financing real-money games and sets up a regulatory authority.
1850. The new Income-tax Act, 2025, which replaces the Income-tax Act, 1961 from 1 April 2026, replaces 'previous year' and 'assessment year' with a single concept called:
- A. Tax year
- B. Fiscal term
- C. Financial block
- D. Assessment cycle
Answer: Tax year
Explanation: The new Act is shorter, with 536 sections against the 819 of the 1961 Act, and uses 'tax year' for simplicity.
1851. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 renamed the Waqf Act, 1995 as:
- A. Waqf Properties Regulation Act, 1995
- B. Unified Waqf Administration and Development Act, 1995
- C. Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995
- D. Waqf Reforms and Transparency Act, 1995
Answer: Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development (UMEED) Act, 1995
Explanation: The Act received Presidential assent on 5 April 2025 after passing the Lok Sabha (288-232) and Rajya Sabha (128-95).
1852. The Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2024, notified on 11 March 2024, extend fast-track citizenship to non-Muslim minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan who entered India on or before:
- A. 31 December 2019
- B. 15 August 1947
- C. 31 December 2014
- D. 1 January 2015
Answer: 31 December 2014
Explanation: The CAA of December 2019 covers Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who entered on or before 31 December 2014.
1853. The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 decriminalised provisions in how many Central Acts?
- A. 42
- B. 19
- C. 68
- D. 24
Answer: 42
Explanation: The Act amended 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts administered by 19 ministries, replacing imprisonment with penalties in many cases.
1854. The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act, 2023 subsumed which existing body?
- A. Indian Council of Medical Research
- B. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
- C. Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
- D. Defence Research and Development Organisation
Answer: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)
Explanation: ANRF, with an outlay of Rs 50,000 crore over five years, is governed by a board chaired by the Prime Minister.
1855. The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 prescribes a maximum monetary penalty of:
- A. Rs 50 crore
- B. Rs 250 crore
- C. Rs 100 crore
- D. Rs 500 crore
Answer: Rs 250 crore
Explanation: The highest penalty of Rs 250 crore applies to failure to take reasonable security safeguards; adjudication is by the Data Protection Board of India.
1856. The Telecommunications Act, 2023 repealed which two colonial-era laws?
- A. Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and Cable Television Act, 1995
- B. Indian Post Office Act, 1898 and Telegraph Wires Act, 1950
- C. Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Information Technology Act, 2000
- D. Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933
Answer: Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933
Explanation: The Act received assent in December 2023 and also covers satellite spectrum assignment and public-emergency powers.
1857. The PM Internship Scheme, piloted from October 2024, offers interns aged 21-24 a monthly stipend of:
- A. Rs 3,000
- B. Rs 8,000
- C. Rs 10,000
- D. Rs 5,000
Answer: Rs 5,000
Explanation: The 12-month internship pays Rs 5,000 a month (Rs 4,500 from the Centre, Rs 500 from the company's CSR funds) plus a one-time Rs 6,000 grant.
1858. Which scheme was announced in the Budget 2025-26 to cover 100 low-agricultural-productivity districts by convergence of existing schemes?
- A. PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
- B. PM Fasal Bima Yojana
- C. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
- D. Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses
Answer: PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana
Explanation: The Cabinet approved PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana in July 2025 with an outlay of Rs 24,000 crore a year for six years.
1859. The new Parliament building, inaugurated on 28 May 2023, has a Lok Sabha chamber designed to seat up to:
- A. 888
- B. 790
- C. 1,272
- D. 543
Answer: 888
Explanation: The Lok Sabha hall seats 888 (1,272 in joint sittings) and the Rajya Sabha chamber 384; the Sengol was installed near the Speaker's chair.
1860. The Constitution (106th Amendment) Act, 2023, known as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, provides:
- A. One-third reservation for women in the Rajya Sabha
- B. 50 per cent reservation for women in Panchayats
- C. Reservation for women in the Union Cabinet
- D. One-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, to take effect after delimitation
Answer: One-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, to take effect after delimitation
Explanation: It inserted Articles 330A, 332A and 334A; the Lok Sabha passed it 454-2 on 20 September 2023 and the Rajya Sabha unanimously with 214 votes.
1861. The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), approved in August 2024 and effective 1 April 2025, assures a pension of what proportion of average basic pay for a minimum of 25 years' service?
- A. 40 per cent of the average of last 10 months
- B. 50 per cent of the average basic pay of the last 12 months
- C. 50 per cent of the last drawn pay
- D. 60 per cent of the average of last 36 months
Answer: 50 per cent of the average basic pay of the last 12 months
Explanation: UPS also guarantees a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month after 10 years of service and a family pension of 60 per cent.
1862. The Namo Drone Didi scheme, approved in November 2023, provides drones to:
- A. 25,000 cooperative societies
- B. 5,000 Krishi Vigyan Kendras
- C. 15,000 women Self Help Groups for agricultural services
- D. 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations
Answer: 15,000 women Self Help Groups for agricultural services
Explanation: Selected women SHGs get drones with 80 per cent subsidy (up to Rs 8 lakh) to provide fertiliser and pesticide spraying on rent.
1863. The PM-eBus Sewa scheme, approved in August 2023 with an outlay of about Rs 57,613 crore, aims to deploy how many electric buses on a PPP model?
- A. 5,000
- B. 20,000
- C. 50,000
- D. 10,000
Answer: 10,000
Explanation: The scheme targets 10,000 e-buses across 169 cities with a central support of Rs 20,000 crore, over a ten-year operation period.
1864. The PM E-DRIVE scheme (approved September 2024, Rs 10,900 crore) was designed to succeed which scheme?
- A. PM-KUSUM
- B. PLI for Auto
- C. UDAY
- D. FAME-II
Answer: FAME-II
Explanation: PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) supports e-two-wheelers, e-three-wheelers, e-buses, e-ambulances and charging infrastructure after FAME-II ended.
1865. The Ayushman Vay Vandana card, launched on 29 October 2024, extends Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover of Rs 5 lakh to:
- A. Citizens aged 60 and above below the poverty line
- B. All citizens aged 70 and above regardless of income
- C. All women above 65
- D. Pensioners of central government above 70
Answer: All citizens aged 70 and above regardless of income
Explanation: Senior citizens aged 70+ are covered irrespective of income; those already covered by other schemes can choose either one.
1866. The PM-JANMAN mission, launched on 15 November 2023 at Khunti (Jharkhand) with an outlay of Rs 24,104 crore, targets:
- A. Nomadic and denotified tribes
- B. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
- C. Border-area villages
- D. Scheduled Caste landless labourers
Answer: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups
Explanation: PM-JANMAN (PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) covers 75 PVTGs with 11 interventions across nine ministries; the date is Janjatiya Gauray Divas, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary.
1867. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (approved February 2024) targets rooftop solar for how many households, with a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore?
- A. 50 lakh
- B. 25 lakh
- C. Two crore
- D. One crore
Answer: One crore
Explanation: The scheme promises up to 300 units of free electricity a month, with central subsidy of Rs 30,000 per kW for the first 2 kW and Rs 18,000 for the third kW, capped at Rs 78,000.
1868. Under the PM Vishwakarma scheme (launched 17 September 2023, outlay Rs 13,000 crore), artisans receive a toolkit incentive of:
- A. Rs 5,000
- B. Rs 10,000
- C. Rs 15,000
- D. Rs 25,000
Answer: Rs 15,000
Explanation: The scheme covers 18 traditional trades, offers Rs 500/day stipend during training, Rs 15,000 toolkit incentive and collateral-free credit of Rs 1 lakh then Rs 2 lakh at 5 per cent interest.
1869. Which group, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, toppled Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria in December 2024?
- A. Hezbollah
- B. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
- C. Muslim Brotherhood
- D. Syrian Democratic Forces
Answer: Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
Explanation: HTS-led forces entered Damascus on 8 December 2024; Assad fled to Russia, ending the family's rule since 1971.
1870. Masoud Pezeshkian became Iran's President in July 2024 after the death of Ebrahim Raisi in:
- A. An air strike in April 2024
- B. A heart attack in January 2024
- C. A helicopter crash in May 2024
- D. An assassination in Tehran in 2024
Answer: A helicopter crash in May 2024
Explanation: Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian died in a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan on 19 May 2024.
1871. Friedrich Merz became Chancellor of Germany in May 2025, succeeding:
- A. Olaf Scholz
- B. Armin Laschet
- C. Wolfgang Schäuble
- D. Angela Merkel
Answer: Olaf Scholz
Explanation: Merz of the CDU was elected on the second ballot in the Bundestag; Scholz had led the 'traffic-light' coalition since December 2021.
1872. Lee Jae-myung won South Korea's presidential election of June 2025, a snap poll caused by the removal of:
- A. Moon Jae-in
- B. Park Geun-hye
- C. Han Duck-soo
- D. Yoon Suk Yeol
Answer: Yoon Suk Yeol
Explanation: Yoon declared martial law in December 2024 and was removed by the Constitutional Court on 4 April 2025.
1873. Mark Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as Canada's Prime Minister in March 2025, had earlier governed which two central banks?
- A. Bank of Canada and US Federal Reserve
- B. Bank of England and European Central Bank
- C. Bank of Canada and Reserve Bank of Australia
- D. Bank of Canada and Bank of England
Answer: Bank of Canada and Bank of England
Explanation: Carney led the Bank of Canada (2008-13) and the Bank of England (2013-20) before entering politics as Liberal leader.
1874. Claudia Sheinbaum, inaugurated on 1 October 2024, became the first woman President of which country?
- A. Chile
- B. Mexico
- C. Colombia
- D. Argentina
Answer: Mexico
Explanation: Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, succeeded Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
1875. Muhammad Yunus, who became Bangladesh's Chief Adviser on 8 August 2024, is a Nobel Peace laureate of which year?
- A. 2006
- B. 2009
- C. 2014
- D. 1998
Answer: 2006
Explanation: Yunus shared the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize with Grameen Bank for microcredit; the interim government followed Sheikh Hasina's exit on 5 August 2024.
1876. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, sworn in as Sri Lanka's President in September 2024, leads which party/alliance?
- A. Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna
- B. National People's Power (JVP)
- C. United National Party
- D. Samagi Jana Balawegaya
Answer: National People's Power (JVP)
Explanation: Dissanayake of the NPP/JVP won the first Sri Lankan presidential election decided by counting second preferences, defeating Sajith Premadasa.
1877. Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal's interim Prime Minister in September 2025. She had earlier been Nepal's:
- A. President
- B. Chief Justice
- C. Speaker of Parliament
- D. Foreign Minister
Answer: Chief Justice
Explanation: Karki, the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal, was chosen after Gen Z protests over a social-media ban forced K. P. Sharma Oli to resign.
1878. Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan's Prime Minister in October 2025, is notable as the country's:
- A. First woman Prime Minister
- B. First Prime Minister from the opposition in a decade
- C. First Prime Minister born after 1960
- D. Youngest Prime Minister
Answer: First woman Prime Minister
Explanation: Takaichi, leader of the LDP, succeeded Shigeru Ishiba (who had followed Fumio Kishida in October 2024).
1879. Robert Francis Prevost, elected on 8 May 2025 as Pope Leo XIV, is notable as:
- A. The first pope from Africa
- B. The first Jesuit pope
- C. The first pope from the United States
- D. The first pope from Asia
Answer: The first pope from the United States
Explanation: Prevost, an Augustinian born in Chicago, succeeded Pope Francis, who died on 21 April 2025. Francis was the first Jesuit pope.
1880. Jay Shah became ICC Chairman on 1 December 2024. Before this he was the:
- A. Secretary of the BCCI
- B. President of the BCCI
- C. Chairman of the Asian Cricket Council only
- D. CEO of the IPL
Answer: Secretary of the BCCI
Explanation: Shah served as BCCI Secretary and succeeded Greg Barclay as the youngest ICC chairman at 36.
1881. Kirsty Coventry, elected IOC President in March 2025, is the first woman and first African to hold the post. She represents:
- A. Kenya
- B. South Africa
- C. Nigeria
- D. Zimbabwe
Answer: Zimbabwe
Explanation: Coventry, a Zimbabwean swimming gold medallist and the country's sports minister, succeeded Thomas Bach; she assumed office on 23 June 2025.
1882. Ajay Banga, who took office as World Bank President on 2 June 2023, previously led which company?
- A. PepsiCo
- B. Citigroup
- C. Mastercard
- D. Visa
Answer: Mastercard
Explanation: Banga was Mastercard's CEO and was the sole candidate nominated by the US to succeed David Malpass.
1883. Who was the Pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha, administering oaths to new members in June 2024?
- A. Virendra Kumar
- B. Kodikunnil Suresh
- C. Bhartruhari Mahtab
- D. Radha Mohan Singh
Answer: Bhartruhari Mahtab
Explanation: Bhartruhari Mahtab, a seven-time MP from Cuttack, served as Pro-tem Speaker before Om Birla was re-elected Speaker on 26 June 2024.
1884. In the 18th Lok Sabha, who was named Leader of the Opposition in June 2024, the first holder of the post since 2014?
- A. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
- B. Akhilesh Yadav
- C. Rahul Gandhi
- D. Mallikarjun Kharge
Answer: Rahul Gandhi
Explanation: Congress won 99 seats, crossing the one-tenth threshold, so Rahul Gandhi became LoP. Kharge is the LoP in the Rajya Sabha.
1885. T. V. Somanathan became Cabinet Secretary in August 2024. Which post had he held immediately before?
- A. Revenue Secretary
- B. Principal Secretary to the PM
- C. Home Secretary
- D. Finance Secretary
Answer: Finance Secretary
Explanation: Somanathan, formerly Finance and Expenditure Secretary, succeeded Rajiv Gauba, who had served five years as Cabinet Secretary.
1886. Tuhin Kanta Pandey took charge as SEBI Chairman on 1 March 2025. Whom did he succeed?
- A. Madhabi Puri Buch
- B. U. K. Sinha
- C. Ujjal Kumar Singh
- D. Ajay Tyagi
Answer: Madhabi Puri Buch
Explanation: Madhabi Puri Buch was SEBI's first woman chairperson (March 2022 to February 2025); Pandey was previously Finance Secretary.
1887. K. Sanjay Murthy was appointed the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in November 2024. He succeeded:
- A. Shashi Kant Sharma
- B. Girish Chandra Murmu
- C. Rajiv Mehrishi
- D. Vinod Rai
Answer: Girish Chandra Murmu
Explanation: Murthy, formerly Secretary of Higher Education, replaced G. C. Murmu. Mehrishi (2017-20), Sharma (2013-17) and Rai (2008-13) were earlier CAGs.
1888. V. Narayanan was appointed ISRO Chairman in January 2025. Which ISRO centre had he headed before?
- A. U. R. Rao Satellite Centre
- B. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
- C. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre
- D. Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Answer: Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre
Explanation: Narayanan, a cryogenic propulsion specialist, directed the LPSC before succeeding S. Somanath on 14 January 2025.
1889. Vikram Misri became India's Foreign Secretary in July 2024. Whom did he succeed?
- A. Vinay Mohan Kwatra
- B. Vijay Gokhale
- C. Harsh Vardhan Shringla
- D. S. Jaishankar
Answer: Vinay Mohan Kwatra
Explanation: Misri succeeded Vinay Kwatra, who became India's Ambassador to the US. Shringla (2020-22), Jaishankar (2015-18) and Gokhale (2018-20) were earlier Foreign Secretaries.
1890. Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh took over as Chief of the Air Staff on 30 September 2024. Whom did he succeed?
- A. ACM R. K. S. Bhadauria
- B. ACM B. S. Dhanoa
- C. ACM Arup Raha
- D. ACM V. R. Chaudhari
Answer: ACM V. R. Chaudhari
Explanation: A. P. Singh, earlier Vice Chief of Air Staff, succeeded ACM V. R. Chaudhari, who held the post from September 2021.
1891. Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi took over as Chief of the Naval Staff on 30 April 2024 from:
- A. Admiral Sunil Lanba
- B. Admiral R. Hari Kumar
- C. Admiral Karambir Singh
- D. Admiral Anil Chauhan
Answer: Admiral R. Hari Kumar
Explanation: Adm. Tripathi succeeded Adm. R. Hari Kumar. Karambir Singh (2019-21) and Lanba (2016-19) were earlier chiefs; Anil Chauhan became CDS in 2022.
1892. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi assumed charge on 30 June 2024 as the which Chief of the Army Staff?
- A. 29th
- B. 30th
- C. 28th
- D. 31st
Answer: 30th
Explanation: Gen. Dwivedi succeeded Gen. Manoj Pande (29th COAS) as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff; he was earlier Vice Chief of Army Staff.
1893. Sanjay Malhotra took over as RBI Governor on 11 December 2024. Which post did he hold immediately before?
- A. Finance Secretary
- B. Revenue Secretary
- C. Secretary, DIPAM
- D. Economic Affairs Secretary
Answer: Revenue Secretary
Explanation: Malhotra, a 1990-batch Rajasthan-cadre IAS officer, was Revenue Secretary; he succeeded Shaktikanta Das, who served six years from December 2018.
1894. C. P. Radhakrishnan was elected the 15th Vice-President of India in September 2025. Whom did he defeat and by what vote count?
- A. Gopalkrishna Gandhi; 483 votes to 242
- B. Meira Kumar; 400 votes to 330
- C. B. Sudershan Reddy; 452 votes to 300
- D. Margaret Alva; 528 votes to 182
Answer: B. Sudershan Reddy; 452 votes to 300
Explanation: Radhakrishnan, formerly Governor of Maharashtra, polled 452 votes against opposition candidate B. Sudershan Reddy's 300 after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned on 21 July 2025.
1895. Who was the 51st Chief Justice of India, serving from 11 November 2024 to 13 May 2025 immediately after D. Y. Chandrachud?
- A. Surya Kant
- B. U. U. Lalit
- C. B. R. Gavai
- D. Sanjiv Khanna
Answer: Sanjiv Khanna
Explanation: Sanjiv Khanna was the 51st CJI. Gavai (52nd) and Surya Kant (53rd) followed; U. U. Lalit was the 49th CJI in 2022.
1896. Justice B. R. Gavai, sworn in as the 52nd Chief Justice of India on 14 May 2025, is notable for being:
- A. The first CJI from the Northeast
- B. The first CJI directly elevated from the Bar
- C. The first Buddhist CJI and the second Dalit CJI after K. G. Balakrishnan
- D. The first woman CJI
Answer: The first Buddhist CJI and the second Dalit CJI after K. G. Balakrishnan
Explanation: Justice Gavai succeeded Sanjiv Khanna and served until 23 November 2025, when Surya Kant became the 53rd CJI.
1897. Under the CEC and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, the selection committee for appointing the CEC consists of:
- A. Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
- B. Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM, and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
- C. Prime Minister, Home Minister and Speaker of Lok Sabha
- D. President, Prime Minister and Vice-President
Answer: Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM, and the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
Explanation: The 2023 Act replaced the CJI (placed in the panel by the Anoop Baranwal judgment of March 2023) with a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM.
1898. Who took over as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India on 19 February 2025, the first CEC chosen under the CEC and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023?
- A. Anup Chandra Pandey
- B. Gyanesh Kumar
- C. Om Prakash Rawat
- D. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
Answer: Gyanesh Kumar
Explanation: Gyanesh Kumar succeeded Rajiv Kumar as CEC on 19 February 2025. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu was appointed Election Commissioner alongside him in March 2024.
1899. The Best Actress award at the 70th National Film Awards was shared by Nithya Menen and:
- A. Manasi Parekh
- B. Rani Mukerji
- C. Kriti Sanon
- D. Alia Bhatt
Answer: Manasi Parekh
Explanation: Nithya Menen (Thiruchitrambalam) and Manasi Parekh (Kutch Express) shared it. Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon shared Best Actress at the 69th NFA.
1900. Who won the Best Actor award at the 70th National Film Awards (announced August 2024)?
- A. Vikrant Massey for 12th Fail
- B. Rishab Shetty for Kantara
- C. Allu Arjun for Pushpa: The Rise
- D. Mammootty for Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam
Answer: Rishab Shetty for Kantara
Explanation: Rishab Shetty won Best Actor for 'Kantara' at the 70th NFA. Allu Arjun won at the 69th for 'Pushpa'.
1901. At the 71st National Film Awards, the Best Actor award was shared by:
- A. Manoj Bajpayee and Vikrant Massey
- B. Allu Arjun (Pushpa) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
- C. Rishab Shetty (Kantara) and Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan)
- D. Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Answer: Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) and Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)
Explanation: Shah Rukh Khan (his first National Award) and Vikrant Massey shared Best Actor at the 71st NFA; Rani Mukerji won Best Actress for 'Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway'.
1902. Which film won the Best Feature Film award at the 71st National Film Awards (announced August 2025)?
- A. Rocketry: The Nambi Effect
- B. Jawan
- C. 12th Fail
- D. Aattam
Answer: 12th Fail
Explanation: '12th Fail' won Best Feature Film at the 71st NFA. 'Aattam' won at the 70th and 'Rocketry' at the 69th.
1903. Sonali Mishra, appointed in July 2024, holds which distinction in the Railway Protection Force?
- A. First woman Director General of RPF
- B. First woman commandant of an RPSF battalion
- C. First woman IG of an RPF zone
- D. First woman Chief Commissioner for Railway Safety
Answer: First woman Director General of RPF
Explanation: Sonali Mishra (IPS, 1993, Madhya Pradesh cadre) became the first woman Director General of the RPF in July 2024.
1904. Who succeeded Jaya Varma Sinha as Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board on 1 September 2024?
- A. Vinay Kumar Tripathi
- B. Anil Kumar Lahoti
- C. Ashwini Vaishnaw
- D. Satish Kumar
Answer: Satish Kumar
Explanation: Satish Kumar (IRSME) became Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board on 1 September 2024. Lahoti and Tripathi were earlier chairmen; Vaishnaw is the Railway Minister.
1905. Who was the first woman to be appointed Chairperson & CEO of the Railway Board (September 2023)?
- A. Madhabi Puri Buch
- B. Preeti Sudan
- C. Jaya Varma Sinha
- D. Sonali Mishra
Answer: Jaya Varma Sinha
Explanation: Jaya Varma Sinha took charge as the first woman Chairperson & CEO of the Railway Board on 1 September 2023; Satish Kumar succeeded her on 1 September 2024.
1906. The 72nd Miss World pageant (2025) was held in India. In which city was the finale held, and who won?
- A. Hyderabad - Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand)
- B. Mumbai - Krystyna Pyszková (Czech Republic)
- C. Hyderabad - Krystyna Pyszková (Czech Republic)
- D. New Delhi - Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand)
Answer: Hyderabad - Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand)
Explanation: The 72nd Miss World finale was in Hyderabad (Telangana) in May 2025, won by Thailand's Opal Suchata Chuangsri. The 71st (Mumbai, March 2024) was won by Krystyna Pyszková.
1907. Aitana Bonmatí won the women's Ballon d'Or in 2023, 2024 and 2025. She plays for which national team?
- A. Spain
- B. Brazil
- C. France
- D. England
Answer: Spain
Explanation: Aitana Bonmatí is a Spanish midfielder (FC Barcelona) and became the first player to win three consecutive women's Ballon d'Or awards.
1908. The Ballon d'Or 2025 (men) was won by Ousmane Dembélé. Who won the men's Ballon d'Or in 2024?
- A. Erling Haaland
- B. Rodri
- C. Vinícius Júnior
- D. Lionel Messi
Answer: Rodri
Explanation: Spain's Rodri (Manchester City) won in 2024; Messi won his record 8th in 2023; Dembélé (PSG) won in 2025.
1909. The Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021, announced in June 2023, was conferred on:
- A. Sultan Qaboos (posthumous)
- B. Gita Press, Gorakhpur
- C. Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari
- D. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (posthumous)
Answer: Gita Press, Gorakhpur
Explanation: Gita Press, Gorakhpur (founded 1923) received the 2021 prize in its centenary year. Mujibur Rahman got the 2020 prize and Sultan Qaboos 2019.
1910. 'The Elephant Whisperers', the Oscar-winning documentary short (2023), is set in which tiger reserve?
- A. Periyar (Kerala)
- B. Corbett (Uttarakhand)
- C. Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu)
- D. Bandipur (Karnataka)
Answer: Mudumalai (Tamil Nadu)
Explanation: The film follows Bomman and Bellie, caretakers of orphaned elephant Raghu at Theppakadu Elephant Camp in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu.
1911. At the 95th Oscars (2023), India won two awards. Which pair is correct?
- A. 'Jai Ho' (Best Original Song) and 'Period. End of Sentence' (Best Documentary Short)
- B. 'Naatu Naatu' (Best Original Song) and 'The Elephant Whisperers' (Best Documentary Short)
- C. 'RRR' (Best International Feature) and 'The Elephant Whisperers' (Best Documentary Short)
- D. 'Naatu Naatu' (Best Original Song) and 'All That Breathes' (Best Documentary Feature)
Answer: 'Naatu Naatu' (Best Original Song) and 'The Elephant Whisperers' (Best Documentary Short)
Explanation: 'Naatu Naatu' (RRR, music M.M. Keeravani, lyrics Chandrabose) and 'The Elephant Whisperers' (Kartiki Gonsalves, Guneet Monga) won. 'All That Breathes' was only nominated.
1912. At the 96th Academy Awards (2024), 'Oppenheimer' won Best Picture. Who won Best Actor for playing J. Robert Oppenheimer?
- A. Adrien Brody
- B. Robert Downey Jr.
- C. Cillian Murphy
- D. Paul Giamatti
Answer: Cillian Murphy
Explanation: Cillian Murphy won Best Actor; Robert Downey Jr. won Best Supporting Actor for the same film. Adrien Brody won Best Actor in 2025 for 'The Brutalist'.
1913. Which film won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 97th Oscars (March 2025)?
- A. Anora
- B. Conclave
- C. Oppenheimer
- D. The Brutalist
Answer: Anora
Explanation: Anora won Best Picture at the 97th Oscars; Mikey Madison won Best Actress for it. Oppenheimer won at the 96th (2024).
1914. The Pritzker Architecture Prize 2025 was awarded to Liu Jiakun. Who won it in 2024?
- A. Francis Kéré
- B. Riken Yamamoto
- C. David Chipperfield
- D. Balkrishna Doshi
Answer: Riken Yamamoto
Explanation: Riken Yamamoto (Japan) won in 2024; David Chipperfield in 2023; Francis Kéré in 2022; B.V. Doshi (first Indian) in 2018.
1915. Masaki Kashiwara, Abel Prize 2025 laureate, is the first person from which country to win the prize?
- A. Japan
- B. China
- C. Taiwan
- D. South Korea
Answer: Japan
Explanation: Kashiwara, of Kyoto University's RIMS, is the first Japanese Abel laureate, honoured for algebraic analysis and representation theory (D-modules).
1916. The Abel Prize, often called the 'Nobel of mathematics', was awarded in 2025 to Masaki Kashiwara. Who received it in 2024?
- A. Dennis Sullivan
- B. Terence Tao
- C. Luis Caffarelli
- D. Michel Talagrand
Answer: Michel Talagrand
Explanation: Michel Talagrand (France) won the Abel Prize 2024 for work in probability theory; Luis Caffarelli won in 2023, Dennis Sullivan in 2022.
1917. The 2023 Turing Award (presented in 2024) was given to Avi Wigderson. The 2024 Turing Award (presented in 2025) honoured Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton for their contributions to:
- A. Deep learning hardware (GPUs)
- B. Quantum error correction
- C. Public-key cryptography
- D. Reinforcement learning
Answer: Reinforcement learning
Explanation: Barto and Sutton were recognised for developing the conceptual and algorithmic foundations of reinforcement learning.
1918. The 2024 International Booker Prize went to 'Kairos', written by Jenny Erpenbeck and translated by Michael Hofmann. In which language was it originally written?
- A. Bulgarian
- B. French
- C. Spanish
- D. German
Answer: German
Explanation: Kairos is a German novel set in East Berlin. 'Time Shelter' by Georgi Gospodinov (Bulgarian) won the 2023 International Booker.
1919. Which pair correctly matches the Booker Prize winner with the work?
- A. Shehan Karunatilaka - Kairos (2022)
- B. David Szalay - Flesh (2025)
- C. Paul Lynch - Orbital (2023)
- D. Samantha Harvey - Prophet Song (2024)
Answer: David Szalay - Flesh (2025)
Explanation: David Szalay won the 2025 Booker for 'Flesh'. Paul Lynch won 2023 for 'Prophet Song', Harvey 2024 for 'Orbital'; Karunatilaka won 2022 for 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida'.
1920. The Booker Prize 2024 was won by Samantha Harvey for 'Orbital'. What is the setting of the novel?
- A. A dystopian Ireland under authoritarian rule
- B. A single day of six astronauts aboard the International Space Station
- C. An Indian railway journey during Partition
- D. A Hungarian village after the fall of communism
Answer: A single day of six astronauts aboard the International Space Station
Explanation: 'Orbital' follows six astronauts over one day (16 orbits) on the ISS. 'Prophet Song' (2023 winner, Paul Lynch) depicts an authoritarian Ireland.
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