40 Important Questions for UPSC, SSC, Banking & All Competitive Exams

Q1. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2025 was awarded to three scientists for their discoveries concerning which aspect of the immune system?

A) Discovery of antibodies and their role in infection
B) Discovery of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and peripheral immune tolerance
C) Development of mRNA vaccine technology
D) Discovery of CRISPR gene-editing mechanism

✅ Answer: B) Discovery of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and peripheral immune tolerance

📝 Explanation: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for discovering regulatory T cells (Tregs) that act as “peacekeepers” of the immune system, preventing autoimmune diseases by controlling when the immune system attacks the body’s own cells.

Q2. The Nobel Prize in Physics 2025 was awarded for “the discovery of macroscopic quantum mechanical tunnelling and energy quantisation in an electric circuit.” Who were the recipients?

A) Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser, Anton Zeilinger
B) John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, John M. Martinis
C) Geoffrey Hinton, John Hopfield
D) Moungi Bawendi, Louis Brus, Alexei Ekimov

✅ Answer: B) John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, John M. Martinis

📝 Explanation: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for demonstrating that quantum mechanical effects could be observed in large, tangible systems using superconducting circuits cooled to near absolute zero. Their work laid the foundation for quantum computing.

Q3. The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 was awarded for the development of which revolutionary class of porous crystalline materials?

A) Graphene composites
B) Perovskite solar cells
C) Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
D) Carbon nanotubes

✅ Answer: C) Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs)

📝 Explanation: The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded primarily to Omar M. Yaghi (along with co-winners) for developing Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) — highly porous crystalline materials where metal ions are linked by organic molecules. MOFs have critical applications in carbon capture, clean energy, drug delivery, and water harvesting.

Q4. The Nobel Peace Prize 2025 was awarded to Maria Corina Machado. She is a democracy activist from which country?

A) Colombia
B) Brazil
C) Cuba
D) Venezuela

✅ Answer: D) Venezuela

📝 Explanation: The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Maria Corina Machado of Venezuela for her tireless work promoting democratic rights and for her extraordinary civilian courage in uniting a divided political opposition to peacefully strive for free elections and a just transition from dictatorship to democracy.

Q5. The Nobel Prize in Literature 2025 was awarded to László Krasznahorkai. He is a writer from which country?

A) Poland
B) Czech Republic
C) Hungary
D) Romania

✅ Answer: C) Hungary

📝 Explanation: László Krasznahorkai of Hungary won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature “for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.” His works, including Satantango, explore themes of human folly and the endurance of art amid social collapse.

Q6. Nobel Prize announcements are made every October. Where is the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony held every year on December 10?

A) Stockholm, Sweden
B) Copenhagen, Denmark
C) Geneva, Switzerland
D) Oslo, Norway

✅ Answer: D) Oslo, Norway

📝 Explanation: While the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economics are presented in Stockholm, Sweden, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held in Oslo, Norway every December 10 — the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awards the Peace Prize.

Q7. Navi Mumbai International Airport was inaugurated in October 2025 under a ceremony led by PM Modi. This airport is located in which state?

A) Gujarat
B) Goa
C) Maharashtra
D) Karnataka

✅ Answer: C) Maharashtra

📝 Explanation: Navi Mumbai International Airport was inaugurated in October 2025 by PM Modi. Located in Maharashtra, it is set to significantly ease the passenger load at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai — one of the busiest airports in India. It will cater to both domestic and international passengers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Q8. Who was appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India in 2025?

A) Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
B) Rajiv Kumar
C) Gyanesh Kumar
D) Anup Chandra Pandey

✅ Answer: C) Gyanesh Kumar

📝 Explanation: Gyanesh Kumar was appointed as the 26th Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India in 2025. The CEC is appointed under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, which vests the superintendence, direction, and control of all elections in the Election Commission of India.

Q9. Flights between China and India resumed on October 27, 2025. These flights had been suspended since which year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions?

A) 2019
B) 2020
C) 2021
D) 2022

✅ Answer: B) 2020

📝 Explanation: Direct flights between India and China resumed on October 27, 2025, ending a suspension that had lasted since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020–2021 China–India border standoff. This resumption was part of the gradual normalisation of India–China relations throughout 2025.

Q10. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) completed how many years of implementation in October 2025, having resolved debt worth ₹26 lakh crore?

A) 7 years
B) 8 years
C) 9 years
D) 10 years

✅ Answer: C) 9 years

📝 Explanation: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) completed 9 years of implementation in October 2025, having resolved debt worth an estimated ₹26 lakh crore. It was introduced in 2016 to replace inefficient debt recovery systems like SARFAESI, DRT, and SICA, and has transformed India’s insolvency resolution landscape.

Q11. In the 2025 Rajya Sabha elections for Jammu & Kashmir seats, which party won three out of four seats contested?

A) BJP
B) Congress
C) Jammu & Kashmir National Conference
D) PDP

✅ Answer: C) Jammu & Kashmir National Conference

📝 Explanation: In the 2025 Rajya Sabha elections for four seats in Jammu & Kashmir, the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference won three seats and the BJP won one seat. This was the first Rajya Sabha election from J&K after it regained its statehood-level legislative assembly following the 2019 reorganisation.

Q12. India ranked at which position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, released around October 2025?

A) 28th
B) 32nd
C) 38th
D) 45th

✅ Answer: C) 38th

📝 Explanation: India ranked 38th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). India has been steadily climbing the GII rankings over the years, driven by improvements in ICT services, scientific publications, and innovation ecosystem development.

Q13. India and Australia signed a bilateral security agreement in October 2025. What was the key provision of this agreement?

A) Joint development of a fighter aircraft
B) Establishment of a joint staff talks forum and submarine rescue cooperation
C) Sharing of nuclear technology for civilian use
D) Joint cyber warfare capabilities development

✅ Answer: B) Establishment of a joint staff talks forum and submarine rescue cooperation

📝 Explanation: On October 9, 2025, India and Australia signed a bilateral security agreement allowing for the establishment of a forum for joint staff talks between their militaries and cooperation on submarine rescue. This deepened the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two Quad member nations.

Q14. The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4, assessing the conservation status of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in October 2025 in which city?

A) Dubai, UAE
B) Abu Dhabi, UAE
C) Singapore
D) Bangkok, Thailand

✅ Answer: B) Abu Dhabi, UAE

📝 Explanation: The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 was launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It assesses the conservation status of all natural and mixed UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Approximately 15 sites were added to the “World Heritage in Danger” list, reflecting rising conflict-linked habitat loss and pollution.

Q15. The Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSMEs) was launched in 2025 to provide loan guarantees for which sector?

A) Agriculture
B) Startups
C) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
D) Real Estate

✅ Answer: C) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

📝 Explanation: The Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSMEs) was launched in 2025 to provide loan guarantees for the MSME sector, making credit more accessible for small businesses. MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and exports.

Q16. Canada designated which criminal gang as a terrorist organisation in September–October 2025, citing violence against Indian Canadians?

A) D-Company
B) Babbar Khalsa International
C) Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
D) Khalistan Liberation Force

✅ Answer: C) Lawrence Bishnoi Gang

📝 Explanation: On September 29, 2025, Canada designated the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist organisation on charges of waging terrorism and violence against Indian Canadians. The Bishnoi gang is a transnational criminal network linked to several high-profile crimes in India and violent incidents in Canada.

Q17. The ‘Bima Sugam’ portal was launched in 2025 as an insurance marketplace. Which existing financial platform inspired its model of disrupting a traditional sector?

A) BHIM App
B) UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
C) DigiLocker
D) GeM (Government e-Marketplace)

✅ Answer: B) UPI (Unified Payments Interface)

📝 Explanation: The Bima Sugam portal was envisioned as the “UPI moment for insurance”, drawing inspiration from how UPI transformed India’s banking and payment sector. Bima Sugam is a one-stop digital marketplace for all insurance policies — life, health, and general — allowing consumers to buy, manage, and claim insurance digitally.

Q18. India climbed to which position in the Network Readiness Index 2025, moving up four places?

A) 35th
B) 40th
C) 45th
D) 50th

✅ Answer: C) 45th

📝 Explanation: India climbed four places to 45th in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2025, published by the Portulans Institute. The NRI measures countries’ readiness to participate in the networked world. India’s improvement was driven by digital infrastructure growth, mobile connectivity, and technology adoption across industries.

Q19. The EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 showed which family topped as India’s most generous donors, contributing ₹2,708 crore?

A) Mukesh Ambani and family
B) Shiv Nadar and family
C) Azim Premji and family
D) Ratan Tata and family

✅ Answer: B) Shiv Nadar and family

📝 Explanation: Shiv Nadar and his family topped the EdelGive Hurun India Philanthropy List 2025 as India’s most generous donors, contributing ₹2,708 crore, primarily through the Shiv Nadar Foundation which focuses on education and art. Mukesh Ambani and family contributed ₹626 crore, ranking second.

Q20. Which Indian city was ranked as “Asia’s happiest city” in the Time Out City Life Index 2025, with 94% of residents reporting joy?

A) Delhi
B) Bengaluru
C) Chennai
D) Mumbai

✅ Answer: D) Mumbai

📝 Explanation: Mumbai was ranked as Asia’s happiest city in the Time Out City Life Index 2025, with 94% of residents reporting their city brings them joy. The index evaluated factors like culture, nightlife, food quality, and community vibes to determine overall happiness and well-being across global cities.

Q21. Google announced plans to establish India’s first gigawatt-scale data centre and AI hub in which state?

A) Maharashtra
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Karnataka
D) Uttar Pradesh

✅ Answer: A) Maharashtra

📝 Explanation: Google announced plans to establish India’s first gigawatt-scale data centre and AI hub in Maharashtra. This massive infrastructure investment reflects the growing demand for cloud computing and AI services in India, and positions Maharashtra as a key hub for India’s digital economy and data sovereignty goals.

Q22. Two new antlion species — Indophanes keralaensis and Indophanes sahyadriensis — were discovered by researchers in October 2025. They belong to which insect order?

A) Coleoptera
B) Lepidoptera
C) Neuroptera
D) Diptera

✅ Answer: C) Neuroptera

📝 Explanation: Researchers discovered two new antlion species — Indophanes keralaensis and Indophanes sahyadriensis — from the family Myrmeleontidae under the order Neuroptera in October 2025. The species were found in Kerala’s Palakkad and Wayanad regions, areas of rich biodiversity in the Western Ghats.

Q23. UNESCO launched the world’s first Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects at which conference in October 2025?

A) COP 30 in Belém
B) MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona
C) UNESCO General Conference in Paris
D) G20 Cultural Summit in New Delhi

✅ Answer: B) MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona

📝 Explanation: UNESCO launched the world’s first Virtual Museum of Stolen Cultural Objects at the World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development (MONDIACULT 2025) held in Barcelona, Spain. This digital museum documents and tracks stolen cultural objects globally, aiming to reunite nations with their displaced heritage.

Q24. The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) was scheduled for December 2025 at which university?

A) Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
B) Panjab University, Chandigarh
C) University of Hyderabad
D) Jadavpur University, Kolkata

✅ Answer: B) Panjab University, Chandigarh

📝 Explanation: The 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) was scheduled to take place from December 6–9, 2025 at Panjab University, Chandigarh. IISF is India’s premier science festival that aims to showcase scientific achievements, promote innovation, and engage the public with science and technology.

Q25. The 17th BRICS Summit 2025 was held in which city, under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance”?

A) Beijing, China
B) Cape Town, South Africa
C) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
D) New Delhi, India

✅ Answer: C) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

📝 Explanation: The 17th BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 6-7, 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” Brazil held the BRICS Presidency in 2025. PM Modi proposed redefining BRICS as “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”

Q26. Which country became the newest full member of BRICS in early 2025, making it the first Southeast Asian nation to join the bloc?

A) Vietnam
B) Malaysia
C) Thailand
D) Indonesia

✅ Answer: D) Indonesia

📝 Explanation: Indonesia officially joined BRICS in early 2025, becoming the first Southeast Asian member of the bloc. With Indonesia’s entry, BRICS expanded to include 10 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Indonesia. India took over the BRICS Presidency from Brazil in January 2026.

Q27. Michael Randrianirina was appointed Transitional President of which country following mass protests and military intervention in October 2025?

A) Niger
B) Madagascar
C) Mali
D) Mozambique

✅ Answer: B) Madagascar

📝 Explanation: Following mass protests and a military intervention, Michael Randrianirina was appointed Transitional President of Madagascar in October 2025, replacing former President Andriy Rajoelina. Madagascar is an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa, known for its unique biodiversity and endemic species.

Q28. The Slovenian city of Bled was honoured as the World’s Best Tourism Village of the Year 2025 by which UN agency?

A) UNEP
B) UNESCO
C) UN Tourism (UNWTO)
D) UNDP

✅ Answer: C) UN Tourism (UNWTO)

📝 Explanation: The Slovenian city of Bled was honoured as the World’s Best Tourism Village of the Year 2025 by the United Nations Tourism Agency (UNWTO). Bled is internationally known for its stunning glacial lake, island church, and medieval castle. The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Village initiative promotes rural tourism and sustainable development.

Q29. India’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve was added to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2025. This reserve is located in which state/region?

A) Ladakh
B) Uttarakhand
C) Himachal Pradesh (Spiti Valley)
D) Jammu & Kashmir

✅ Answer: C) Himachal Pradesh (Spiti Valley)

📝 Explanation: The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve, located in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, was included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2025. The UNESCO inclusion was announced at the 37th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China. It became India’s 13th biosphere reserve to join UNESCO’s global network.

Q30. The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve’s UNESCO recognition was announced at the 37th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves. Where was this congress held?

A) Geneva, Switzerland
B) Paris, France
C) Hangzhou, China
D) Nairobi, Kenya

✅ Answer: C) Hangzhou, China

📝 Explanation: The 37th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves was held in Hangzhou, China, where UNESCO announced the inclusion of the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve (Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh) in its global network. UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme, launched in 1971, promotes sustainable development through science and local knowledge.

Q31. A fire broke out in October 2025 at a warehouse belonging to which iconic Indian children’s publication in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, destroying nearly 600,000 books?

A) Champak
B) Tinkle
C) Amar Chitra Katha
D) Chandamama

✅ Answer: C) Amar Chitra Katha

📝 Explanation: On October 1, 2025, a fire broke out at a warehouse belonging to Amar Chitra Katha in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, destroying nearly 600,000 books and archival materials before being extinguished on October 5. Amar Chitra Katha is one of India’s most beloved comic book and children’s publication brands, known for retelling Indian mythology and history.

Q32. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved a separate census code in October 2025 for which religion followed by the Bodo community?

A) Sanamahism
B) Bathu religion
C) Sarna religion
D) Gondi religion

✅ Answer: B) Bathu religion

📝 Explanation: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved a separate census code for the Bathu religion followed by the Bodo community in October 2025. This ensures that during the next census, the Bathu faith will be recorded distinctly, providing better representation and recognition for the community’s cultural and religious identity in Assam and Northeast India.

Q33. Which team topped the medal tally at the 38th National Games held in 2025?

A) Maharashtra
B) Haryana
C) Services
D) Karnataka

✅ Answer: C) Services

📝 Explanation: The Services sports team topped the medal tally at the 38th National Games 2025. The National Games are a multi-sport event held in India where athletes from all states, union territories, and services compete. The 38th National Games were a significant platform for identifying talent ahead of future international competitions.

Q34. In the 2025 Ranji Trophy (Ranji Trophy 2025), which team won the title?

A) Maharashtra
B) Delhi
C) Mumbai
D) Vidarbha

✅ Answer: C) Mumbai

📝 Explanation: Mumbai won the Ranji Trophy 2025, continuing their dominant legacy in Indian domestic cricket. Mumbai holds the record for the most Ranji Trophy titles in history, making them the most successful team in India’s premier domestic first-class cricket competition, the Ranji Trophy.

Q35. Jannik Sinner won the 2025 Wimbledon Men’s Singles title. He represents which country?

A) Spain
B) Germany
C) Italy
D) France

✅ Answer: C) Italy

📝 Explanation: Jannik Sinner of Italy won the 2025 Wimbledon Men’s Singles title, cementing his position as one of the world’s top tennis players. Sinner, known for his powerful baseline game and mental resilience, has been a dominant force on the ATP Tour and claimed multiple Grand Slam titles in the 2024-2025 period.

Q36. World Mental Health Day is observed every year on which date in October?

A) October 5
B) October 10
C) October 15
D) October 20

✅ Answer: B) October 10

📝 Explanation: World Mental Health Day is observed globally on October 10 every year to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilise support for mental health. Established by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) in 1992, the day advocates for a world where mental health is valued, promoted, and protected.

Q37. World Food Day is observed on October 16 every year. It marks the founding anniversary of which UN agency?

A) WHO (World Health Organization)
B) UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
C) FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
D) IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development)

✅ Answer: C) FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)

📝 Explanation: World Food Day is observed on October 16 every year to mark the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. The day promotes awareness of hunger and actions to ensure food security for all. India observes this day with initiatives related to food production, nutrition, and zero hunger.

Q38. United Nations Day is observed on October 24 every year. It marks the entry into force of the UN Charter in which year?

A) 1942
B) 1945
C) 1948
D) 1950

✅ Answer: B) 1945

📝 Explanation: United Nations Day is observed on October 24 every year, marking the entry into force of the UN Charter on October 24, 1945. The United Nations was established after World War II with the primary goals of maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, and fostering international cooperation.

Q39. A veteran journalist’s memoir titled “They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict” was released in October 2025. Who authored this book?

A) Barkha Dutt
B) Harinder Baweja
C) Shekhar Gupta
D) Rajdeep Sardesai

✅ Answer: B) Harinder Baweja

📝 Explanation: Veteran journalist Harinder Baweja released her memoir “They Will Shoot You, Madam: My Life Through Conflict” on October 1, 2025 in Delhi. The memoir details over 40 years of fearless conflict reporting covering Operation Blue Star, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, regions like Kashmir, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It was launched in the presence of Rajdeep Sardesai and Captain Amarinder Singh.

Q40. The Ortolan Bunting, a rare European bird, was recently spotted in which Indian state in October 2025?

A) Rajasthan
B) Kerala
C) West Bengal
D) Assam

✅ Answer: C) West Bengal

📝 Explanation: The rare European bird Ortolan Bunting was recently spotted at Baruipur, West Bengal in October 2025, marking only its second sighting in Bengal. The Ortolan Bunting is a small Palearctic migrant songbird that travels long distances during migration. Such rare sightings highlight India’s importance as a habitat for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway.