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

Q1. In the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election, how many seats did the NDA alliance win out of 243 total seats?

A) 125
B) 163
C) 202
D) 220

✅ Answer: C) 202

📝 Explanation: The NDA alliance won a landslide victory in Bihar’s 2025 Assembly elections, securing 202 of 243 seats — only the second time NDA crossed the 200-seat mark, after 206 seats in 2010. The BJP won 89 seats and JD(U) 85 seats. The opposition Mahagathbandhan secured just 35 seats. This result was seen as a massive endorsement of PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar.

Q2. Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for the record tenth time on which date after the 2025 Bihar election victory?

A) November 14, 2025
B) November 17, 2025
C) November 20, 2025
D) November 25, 2025

✅ Answer: C) November 20, 2025

📝 Explanation: Nitish Kumar took oath as Chief Minister of Bihar for a record 10th time on November 20, 2025, accompanied by 26 ministers, including one Muslim and three women. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Chaudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were re-sworn in for the second consecutive term. Nitish Kumar, popularly known as “Sushasan Babu,” has dominated Bihar politics for over two decades.

Q3. In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, which party became the single largest party in Bihar for the first time in its history?

A) JD(U) (Janata Dal United)
B) BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)
C) RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal)
D) Congress

✅ Answer: B) BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party)

📝 Explanation: The 2025 Bihar election saw the BJP emerge as the single largest party in Bihar for the first time, winning 89 seats — more than its NDA partner JD(U) which won 85 seats. The LJP (Ram Vilas) won 19 seats. This historic achievement reflected the BJP’s growing electoral strength in what was traditionally JD(U) territory.

Q4. Kerala declared itself the first state in India to eradicate extreme poverty on which date in November 2025?

A) Kerala Piravi Day (November 1, 2025)
B) November 10, 2025
C) November 15, 2025
D) November 26, 2025

✅ Answer: A) Kerala Piravi Day (November 1, 2025)

📝 Explanation: On Kerala Piravi Day (November 1, 2025) — Kerala’s Formation Day, the state declared that it had eradicated extreme poverty, becoming India’s first state to achieve this milestone. The success came under the Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP) launched in 2021 by the LDF government. 59,000 families had been confirmed as extremely poor and were supported through 4 lakh trained personnel.

Q5. The 16th Finance Commission submitted its report for the period 2026–31 to President Murmu in November 2025. Who is the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission?

A) N.K. Singh
B) Raghuram Rajan
C) Arvind Panagariya
D) Montek Singh Ahluwalia

✅ Answer: C) Arvind Panagariya

📝 Explanation: The 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, submitted its report for 2026–31 to President Droupadi Murmu on November 17, 2025. The Finance Commission is constituted under Article 280 of the Constitution to recommend the distribution of tax revenues between the Centre and States.

Q6. India’s first modern river terminal on the Brahmaputra River was inaugurated in Guwahati, Assam in November 2025. Who inaugurated it?

A) PM Narendra Modi
B) Nirmala Sitharaman
C) Amit Shah
D) Rajnath Singh

✅ Answer: B) Nirmala Sitharaman

📝 Explanation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated India’s first modern river terminal on the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam in November 2025. This terminal is a major milestone for India’s inland waterway infrastructure, boosting connectivity in the Northeast region under the government’s Sagarmala and waterway development programme.

Q7. India won its first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in November 2025. Which team did India defeat in the final?

A) Australia
B) England
C) New Zealand
D) South Africa

✅ Answer: D) South Africa

📝 Explanation: India won its maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup on the midnight of November 2, 2025, at the D.Y. Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, defeating South Africa by 52 runs. Shafali Verma was named Player of the Match for her 87-run innings and two crucial wickets. Deepti Sharma was Player of the Series for her 22 wickets and 215 runs.

Q8. Who was the captain of the Indian Women’s cricket team that won the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025?

A) Smriti Mandhana
B) Deepti Sharma
C) Harmanpreet Kaur
D) Shafali Verma

✅ Answer: C) Harmanpreet Kaur

📝 Explanation: Harmanpreet Kaur led the Indian Women’s cricket team to their historic maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 victory. Under her captaincy, India defeated Australia in the semi-final and South Africa in the final. The victory triggered nationwide celebrations, with PM Modi personally congratulating the team. Harmanpreet Kaur is one of India’s most accomplished women cricketers.

Q9. Rohit Sharma was named the Tournament Ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in November 2025. Who made this announcement?

A) BCCI President Roger Binny
B) ICC Chairman Jay Shah
C) ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta
D) PM Narendra Modi

✅ Answer: B) ICC Chairman Jay Shah

📝 Explanation: In November 2025, ICC Chairman Jay Shah announced former India captain Rohit Sharma as the Tournament Ambassador for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Rohit had led India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title and is one of only two players to have won the Men’s T20 World Cup twice (2007 and 2024).

Q10. Lakshya Sen won the BWF Australian Open Super 500 men’s singles title in November 2025, defeating which Japanese player?

A) Kento Momota
B) Yushi Tanaka
C) Kodai Naraoka
D) Kanta Tsuneyama

✅ Answer: B) Yushi Tanaka

📝 Explanation: Lakshya Sen won the BWF Australian Open Super 500 men’s singles title in November 2025 by defeating Japan’s Yushi Tanaka 21-15, 21-11. This was his first BWF World Tour title of the 2025 season and the sixth of his career. He became the second Indian to win a BWF World Tour title in 2025, after Ayush Shetty.

Q11. India hosted the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025 starting November 28. In which city were the matches held?

A) Mumbai
B) Bhubaneswar
C) Rourkela
D) Chennai

✅ Answer: D) Chennai

📝 Explanation: The FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2025, beginning November 28 and running till December 10, was hosted in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Egmore. India were coached by PR Sreejesh and scored 29 goals in the pool stages — the highest of any team — before reaching the semi-finals.

Q12. India’s blind women’s cricket team won the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind in November 2025. Which team did India defeat in the final?

A) Pakistan
B) Bangladesh
C) Sri Lanka
D) Nepal

✅ Answer: D) Nepal

📝 Explanation: India’s blind women’s cricket team won the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup for the Blind on November 23, 2025, in Colombo, defeating Nepal in the final. Led by Deepika TC, the team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. This historic victory highlighted the resilience of physically challenged women athletes and called for stronger institutional support for para-sports.

Q13. Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25, the 8th edition of a bilateral military exercise, was held in November 2025 at which location?

A) Suryalanka, Andhra Pradesh
B) Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan
C) Babina Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh
D) Pokhran, Rajasthan

✅ Answer: B) Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan

📝 Explanation: The 8th edition of Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25, a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and British Army, was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan from November 17–30, 2025. The 14-day exercise involved 240 personnel equally from both armies. The Indian contingent comprised troops from the Sikh Regiment. The exercise focused on counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate.

Q14. Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25 focused on which primary mission in semi-urban terrain?

A) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
B) Counter-terrorism operations
C) Amphibious warfare
D) Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare

✅ Answer: B) Counter-terrorism operations

📝 Explanation: Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR-25 focused on counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain, conducted under Chapter VII of the United Nations mandate. The exercise strengthened interoperability, mutual trust, and coordination between the Indian and British armies for joint counter-terror responses to complex security threats.

Q15. The Government of India designated which force as the new security regulator for over 250 major and minor seaports across India in November 2025?

A) BSF (Border Security Force)
B) CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force)
C) CISF (Central Industrial Security Force)
D) Indian Coast Guard

✅ Answer: C) CISF (Central Industrial Security Force)

📝 Explanation: In November 2025, the Government of India designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the new nodal safety and security regulator for nearly 250 major and minor seaports across India. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. CISF was established in 1969 and already protects airports, nuclear plants, metro systems, and PSUs.

Q16. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) with France’s Safran in November 2025 to localise manufacturing of which weapon system for the IAF and Indian Navy?

A) Mistral Missile
B) HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range)
C) SCALP Cruise Missile
D) Exocet Anti-ship Missile

✅ Answer: B) HAMMER

📝 Explanation: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a Joint Venture Cooperation Agreement (JVCA) with France’s Safran Defence Electronics (SED) in November 2025 to localise the production, supply, and maintenance of HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) air-to-ground weapon systems for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. This supports India’s Make-in-India initiative in defence manufacturing.

Q17. India’s Indian Air Force formally retired its fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft in 2025. How many years of service did the MiG-21 complete with the IAF?

A) 45 years
B) 52 years
C) 58 years
D) 62 years

✅ Answer: D) 62 years

📝 Explanation: The Indian Air Force formally retired its fleet of MiG-21 fighter aircraft in 2025 after 62 years of service. The MiG-21, introduced in 1963, was the IAF’s workhorse for decades and saw action in the 1965, 1971 wars and the Kargil conflict of 1999. Despite being nicknamed “Flying Coffin” due to crash accidents in later years, it played a critical role in India’s air defence for over six decades.

Q18. The 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) was held in which city in November 2025?

A) São Paulo, Brazil
B) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
C) Belém, Brazil
D) Santiago, Chile

✅ Answer: C) Belém, Brazil

📝 Explanation: COP30 (30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC) was held from November 10–22, 2025 in Belém, Brazil. It brought together leaders from 190+ countries marking a decade since the Paris Agreement. The summit concluded with the adoption of the ‘Belém Package’. COP30 was notable as the first such summit held in the Amazon region, symbolically highlighting deforestation concerns.

Q19. COP30 concluded with the adoption of which package as its final outcome document?

A) Glasgow Climate Pact
B) Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan
C) Dubai Framework
D) Belém Package

✅ Answer: D) Belém Package

📝 Explanation: COP30 concluded with the adoption of the ‘Belém Package’ as its formal outcome. The package launched two new initiatives — a Global Implementation Accelerator and the “Belém Mission to 1.5” — to enhance NDC implementation and keep 1.5°C of warming within reach. However, the package drew criticism for not including explicit fossil fuel phase-out language, reversing progress made at COP28 in Dubai.

Q20. India’s national statement at COP30 was delivered by India’s Ambassador to Brazil on behalf of PM Modi. Who was India’s Ambassador to Brazil?

A) Harsh Vardhan Shringla
B) Dinesh Bhatia
C) Vikram Misri
D) Bhupender Yadav

✅ Answer: B) Dinesh Bhatia

📝 Explanation: At COP30’s Leaders’ Summit, India’s national statement was delivered by Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia, India’s Ambassador to Brazil, on behalf of PM Modi. The statement reaffirmed India’s commitment to equitable climate action, noted India’s 36% reduction in emission intensity between 2005 and 2020, 50%+ non-fossil power capacity, and called for greater ambition from developed nations on climate finance.

Q21. The UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025 stated India recorded the highest increase in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023-24. However, which distinction did India still maintain?

A) Highest renewable energy capacity
B) Lowest per capita emissions among major economies
C) Largest green hydrogen producer
D) Most forest cover among G20 nations

✅ Answer: B) Lowest per capita emissions among major economies

📝 Explanation: The UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025 noted India recorded the highest increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally in 2023-24, adding 165 million tonnes. However, India maintained the lowest per capita emissions among major economies — an important distinction in climate equity discussions, supporting India’s call for developed nations to bear more responsibility for emission reductions.

Q22. Brazil created how many new Indigenous Territories during COP30 at Belém, as part of its climate and forest conservation commitments?

A) 5
B) 7
C) 10
D) 15

✅ Answer: C) 10

📝 Explanation: Brazil created 10 new Indigenous Territories during COP30 at Belém, underscoring its commitment to forest conservation and indigenous rights as part of its climate action strategy. Brazil’s President Lula da Silva also proposed a “Tropical Forest Forever Fund” to incentivise countries to preserve their rainforests as a climate solution.

Q23. The 16th Finance Commission is constituted under which Article of the Indian Constitution?

A) Article 270
B) Article 275
C) Article 280
D) Article 312

✅ Answer: C) Article 280

📝 Explanation: The Finance Commission is constituted under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution by the President of India. It defines the financial relations between the Central Government and State Governments by recommending the distribution of tax revenues (tax devolution) and grants-in-aid to states. The 16th Finance Commission, chaired by Arvind Panagariya, made recommendations for the period 2026–31.

Q24. India emerged as the fastest-growing alcohol market globally for the first half of 2025 for the third consecutive year, according to which research firm?

A) Nielsen IQ
B) Euromonitor International
C) IWSR (International Wine and Spirits Record)
D) Statista

✅ Answer: C) IWSR (International Wine and Spirits Record)

📝 Explanation: According to global research firm IWSR (International Wine and Spirits Record), India emerged as the fastest-growing alcohol market in the world for the first half of 2025 — with a 7% rise in total alcohol volume — for the third consecutive year, ranking it first among 20 major economies. This underscores India’s position as a booming centre for the global beverage industry.

Q25. The Department of Telecommunications ordered smartphone makers to pre-install which state-owned cybersecurity app on all new devices in November 2025?

A) DigiShield
B) Sanchar Saathi
C) CyberSafe
D) SafeNet

✅ Answer: B) Sanchar Saathi

📝 Explanation: On November 28, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) ordered smartphone makers to pre-install Sanchar Saathi, a state-owned cybersecurity app, on all new devices as part of efforts against cybercrime. Sanchar Saathi is developed by C-DOT and allows citizens to track lost phones, detect fraudulent SIM connections, and verify device authenticity via the IMEI number (CEIR portal).

Q26. Nationwide protests were held on November 26, 2025 by 10 trade unions against which government policy?

A) Privatisation of PSUs
B) New labour codes
C) GST rate changes
D) Changes in Provident Fund rules

✅ Answer: B) New labour codes

📝 Explanation: On November 26, 2025, a nationwide protest was held by 10 trade unions against the introduction of new labour codes. India’s new labour codes consolidate 29 central labour laws into four codes — the Code on Wages, Industrial Relations Code, Social Security Code, and Occupational Safety Code. Trade unions have long opposed these codes, claiming they weaken worker protections and make it easier for employers to hire and fire.

Q27. The eruption of which volcano in Ethiopia caused major aviation disruptions in Indian airspace on November 24–25, 2025?

A) Nabro Volcano
B) Erta Ale Volcano
C) Hayli Gubbi Volcano
D) Dabbahu Volcano

✅ Answer: C) Hayli Gubbi Volcano

📝 Explanation: On November 24–25, 2025, ash clouds from the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia caused major disruptions to aviation in Indian airspace. Ash clouds from volcanic eruptions can pose serious risks to jet engines and aircraft electronics, often forcing airlines to reroute or cancel flights. Ethiopia’s Afar region hosts one of the world’s most volcanically active zones.

Q28. The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) completed how many years of operation in November 2025, having been launched in 1975?

A) 45 years
B) 48 years
C) 50 years
D) 52 years

✅ Answer: C) 50 years

📝 Explanation: India’s flagship Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) completed 50 years of operation in November 2025, having been launched in 1975. ICDS is India’s largest early childhood care and nutrition programme, delivering health, nutrition, and pre-school services through Anganwadi Centres to children aged 0–6 years, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Q29. India recorded the second position globally in e-waste generation in 2025, according to reports. Which country topped the list?

A) USA
B) Japan
C) China
D) Germany

✅ Answer: C) China

📝 Explanation: In 2025, India became the third-largest global generator of e-waste, after China (1st) and the USA (2nd). This reflects India’s rapidly growing electronics consumption. E-waste contains hazardous materials like lead and mercury, making its safe management critical for public health and environmental sustainability under India’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.

Q30. Jannik Sinner of Italy won the ATP Finals 2025 held in Turin. Who did he defeat in the final?

A) Novak Djokovic
B) Carlos Alcaraz
C) Alexander Zverev
D) Taylor Fritz

✅ Answer: B) Carlos Alcaraz

📝 Explanation: Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4), 7-5 to claim the ATP Finals 2025 title in Turin — their sixth meeting of the year. Sinner and Alcaraz dominated men’s tennis in 2025. In the WTA Finals, Elena Rybakina beat Aryna Sabalenka to win the women’s title. Italy also won the Davis Cup for the third consecutive year.

Q31. The first woman to be appointed as head of UN Tourism (previously UNWTO) was from which country in November 2025?

A) Saudi Arabia
B) United Arab Emirates
C) Qatar
D) Bahrain

✅ Answer: B) United Arab Emirates

📝 Explanation: Shaikha Nasser Al Nowais from the United Arab Emirates was appointed as the first-ever woman to head UN Tourism (formerly UNWTO — World Tourism Organization) in November 2025. This appointment marks a landmark moment for gender equality in multilateral organisations, particularly in the Gulf region.

Q32. Pakistan announced the induction of Hangor-class submarines in 2025, built in collaboration with which country?

A) Turkey
B) France
C) China
D) Russia

✅ Answer: C) China

📝 Explanation: Pakistan announced that its naval capabilities would receive a significant boost with the induction of Hangor-class submarines built in collaboration with China from 2026. This development has significant strategic implications for the Indian Navy’s operations in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean Region, reinforcing India’s need for maritime domain awareness.

Q33. The US longest-ever government shutdown in history ended in November 2025 after how many days?

A) 28 days
B) 35 days
C) 43 days
D) 55 days

✅ Answer: C) 43 days

📝 Explanation: The longest government shutdown in US history ended after 43 days on November 12, 2025. The deal to reopen the government included a Senate vote on healthcare tax credits in the Affordable Care Act, full back pay for furloughed workers, and funding for entities like the Department of Veterans Affairs through September 2026. The previous record was 35 days.

Q34. Tesla shareholders approved a $1 trillion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk in November 2025. What does this package potentially offer?

A) Fixed annual salary of $100 billion
B) Stock awards worth up to $1 trillion over the next decade, subject to performance targets
C) Cash payment of $500 billion
D) Dividends from Tesla’s global operations

✅ Answer: B) Stock awards worth up to $1 trillion over the next decade, subject to performance targets

📝 Explanation: On November 26, 2025, Tesla shareholders approved a $1 trillion compensation package for CEO Elon Musk — one of the largest in corporate history. Under the plan, Musk could receive stock awards worth up to $1 trillion over the next decade if he meets a series of ambitious financial and operational targets for the electric vehicle company.

Q35. World Television Day is observed every year on which date in November?

A) November 14
B) November 17
C) November 21
D) November 26

✅ Answer: C) November 21

📝 Explanation: World Television Day is observed on November 21 every year. Established by the United Nations in 1996, it recognises television’s growing role in shaping public opinion, drawing attention to global issues, and informing decision-making. The 2025 observance highlighted the impact of streaming platforms and digital media on traditional television consumption patterns.

Q36. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on which date in November?

A) November 19
B) November 20
C) November 25
D) November 28

✅ Answer: C) November 25

📝 Explanation: The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on November 25 every year, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly. It marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, which runs through December 10 (Human Rights Day). India observes this day to raise awareness against domestic violence and harassment.

Q37. The 10th edition of the International Gita Festival (International Gita Mahotsav) 2025 was held in which Indian state?

A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Haryana
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Rajasthan

✅ Answer: B) Haryana

📝 Explanation: The 10th edition of the International Gita Festival 2025 (International Gita Mahotsav) was held in Haryana at Kurukshetra — the sacred land where Lord Krishna is believed to have delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. The partner state for this edition was Madhya Pradesh. The festival celebrates India’s spiritual and cultural heritage by promoting the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita globally.

Q38. World Jellyfish Day is celebrated annually on which date in November?

A) November 1
B) November 3
C) November 7
D) November 10

✅ Answer: B) November 3

📝 Explanation: World Jellyfish Day is celebrated annually on November 3 to raise awareness about the importance of jellyfish in marine ecosystems. Jellyfish are ancient creatures that have survived multiple mass extinctions. Despite their delicate appearance, they play important roles in ocean food webs and are being studied for biomedical applications, including potential cancer treatments.

Q39. Which country became the least populous nation to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in November 2025?

A) Iceland
B) Cape Verde
C) Curaçao
D) San Marino

✅ Answer: C) Curaçao

📝 Explanation: Curaçao became the least populous country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a population of approximately 150,000. The Caribbean island nation’s qualification was a remarkable achievement in international football. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — the first World Cup with 48 teams.

Q40. India hosted the World Boxing Cup Finals in November 2025. India finished with how many gold medals in the tournament held in Greater Noida?

A) 5
B) 7
C) 9
D) 11

✅ Answer: C) 9

📝 Explanation: India hosted the World Boxing Cup Finals in Greater Noida in November 2025 and delivered a sterling performance, winning 9 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze medals. The strong performance on home turf reflected India’s growing prowess in boxing, building on the legacy of Olympians and world champions who have inspired a new generation of Indian boxers.