Q.1) From which date will the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 come into effect?
[a] 1st October 2025
[b] 1st November 2025
[c] 1st December 2025
[d] 1st January 2026
View Details
Answer: [b] 1st November 2025
Explanation:
Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 was released by the Union Defence Minister in New Delhi. The new manual will be effective from 1st November 2025 and is expected to facilitate revenue procurement of around ₹1 lakh crore by the three Services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and other Ministry of Defence establishments. DPM 2025 introduces simplified procedures and ensures uniformity in procurement processes. It emphasizes fairness, transparency, and accountability in defence procurement. Importantly, it also seeks to create greater participation opportunities for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, thus promoting ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in the defence manufacturing and technology sectors.
Q.2) Which organization has signed an MoU with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. to support startups in India?
[a] NITI Aayog
[b] SIDBI
[c] DPIIT
[d] Invest India
View Answer
Answer: [c] DPIIT
Explanation:
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem. The objective of this collaboration is to enhance both financial and non-financial support for startups across India, helping them access funding, mentorship, and business growth opportunities. The partnership aligns with the vision of Startup India, a flagship initiative launched in 2016 to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
Q.3) India has been re-elected as the Vice-Chairperson of which international body’s Bureau for the 2025–2027 term?
[a] UNESCO Executive Board
[b] COP10 Bureau to the International Convention against Doping in Sport
[c] World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)
[d] International Olympic Committee (IOC)
View Answer
Answer: [b] COP10 Bureau to the International Convention against Doping in Sport
Explanation:
India has been re-elected as Vice-Chairperson of the COP10 Bureau to the International Convention against Doping in Sport, reaffirming its growing leadership role in promoting clean sport globally. The decision was taken during the 10th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP10) held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. India will serve as the Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau for the Asia-Pacific region for the 2025–2027 term. The International Convention against Doping in Sport, established under UNESCO in 2005, aims to strengthen the global fight against doping through education, testing, and the harmonization of anti-doping policies among member nations.
Q.4) Which country will host the first-ever IIT campus in West Africa under India’s global education outreach initiative?
[a] Ghana
[b] Kenya
[c] Nigeria
[d] South Africa
View Answer
Answer: [c] Nigeria
Explanation:
Government of India (GOI) has partnered with Nigeria to establish the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus in West Africa, marking a landmark step in India’s international education outreach. This initiative is part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages top Indian institutions to set up campuses abroad to promote global academic collaboration and knowledge exchange. The upcoming IIT Nigeria will serve as a hub for STEM education, innovation, and research, helping build technical capacity and foster educational cooperation between India and African nations. This development follows India’s earlier international expansions such as IIT Madras in Zanzibar (Tanzania), further solidifying India’s position as an emerging global education leader.
Q.5) The Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in which multinational air combat exercise hosted by Spain in October 2025?
[a] Exercise Desert Eagle
[b] Exercise Ocean Sky 2025
[c] Exercise Pitch Black
[d] Exercise Cobra Warrior
View Answer
Answer: [b] Exercise Ocean Sky 2025
Explanation:
Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Ocean Sky 2025, a multinational air combat exercise hosted by the Spanish Air Force at Gando Air Base, Spain, from October 20 to 31, 2025. This exercise aims to foster mutual learning, enhance interoperability, sharpen air combat tactics, and strengthen defence cooperation among friendly nations. The IAF’s participation showcases India’s growing role in global military collaborations and commitment to maintaining operational readiness with allied air forces. Such joint exercises allow participating nations to practice advanced aerial manoeuvres, combat simulations, and tactical coordination, which are crucial for strengthening international defence partnerships and building collective security frameworks.
Q.6) Who has been ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists for the third consecutive year (2023–2025) by Stanford University and Elsevier Publishers?
[a] Dr. Gagandeep Kang
[b] Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu
[c] Dr. Soumya Swaminathan
[d] Dr. Randeep Guleria
View Answer
Answer: [b] Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu
Explanation:
Nilgiris-based researcher Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu has achieved a remarkable distinction by being listed among the world’s top 2% scientists for the third consecutive year (2023, 2024, and 2025) by Stanford University in collaboration with Elsevier Publishers. This recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to environmental and health research, marking a rare global honour for an Indian scientist. The Stanford-Elsevier global database identifies scientists based on standardized citation indicators such as research productivity, publication impact, and citation performance across disciplines. Dr. Ashokkumar’s consistent ranking underscores his long-term research excellence, global academic influence, and contribution to sustainable environmental health solutions.
Q.7) What is the name of the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) delivered by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) to the Indian Navy?
[a] INS Kadmat
[b] INS Mahe
[c] INS Kavaratti
[d] INS Prabal
View Answer
Answer: [b] INS Mahe
Explanation:
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has successfully delivered ‘Mahe’, the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs), to the Indian Navy, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding programme. The vessel, designed and built entirely in India, is specifically engineered for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, reflecting the Navy’s focus on enhancing its littoral warfare capabilities. The ASW-SWC class ships are equipped with state-of-the-art sonar systems, torpedo launchers, and advanced communication equipment to detect and neutralize underwater threats. The remaining seven vessels of this series will be progressively delivered in the coming years to strengthen the Navy’s anti-submarine fleet.
Q.8) Which three aerospace and defence companies signed an MoU to merge their satellite operations to form a European joint venture?
[a] Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales
[b] Boeing, Airbus, and Northrop Grumman
[c] Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Safran
[d] Thales, Dassault, and Airbus
View Answer
Answer: [a] Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales
Explanation:
In a landmark development for Europe’s space industry, Leonardo SpA (Italy), Airbus SE (France), and Thales SA (France) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to merge their satellite operations and create a European joint venture. The new alliance aims to consolidate Europe’s fragmented satellite manufacturing and communications market to compete globally with private players like Elon Musk’s SpaceX and other U.S.-based aerospace giants. This collaboration will combine the strengths of the three leading aerospace and defence firms in satellite design, communication systems, and space technology, enabling Europe to enhance its strategic autonomy in space.
Q.9) Infantry Day commemorates which historic event in Indian military history?
[a] Victory in the Kargil War
[b] Establishment of the Indian Army
[c] Airlifting of 1 SIKH Battalion to Srinagar in 1947
[d] Signing of the Instrument of Accession by Jammu & Kashmir
View Answer
Answer: [c] Airlifting of 1 SIKH Battalion to Srinagar in 1947
Explanation:
Infantry Day is celebrated every year on October 27 to honour the valour, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of the Indian Army’s Infantry Regiment, considered the backbone of the nation’s defence. The day commemorates the historic airlifting of the 1 SIKH Battalion to Srinagar on 27 October 1947, marking India’s first military operation after independence. This rapid action came immediately after the Instrument of Accession was signed by Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu & Kashmir, allowing Indian troops to defend the state from invading tribal forces supported by Pakistan. Infantry Day stands as a reminder of the bravery and swift response of Indian soldiers that ensured Jammu and Kashmir remained an integral part of India.
Q.10) Punjab National Bank (PNB) recently reduced its stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance from 23% to what percentage?
[a] 15%
[b] 13%
[c] 10%
[d] 12%
View Answer
Answer: [b] 13%
Explanation:
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has reduced its stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Ltd. from 23% to 13%, divesting a 10% stake through an Offer for Sale (OFS) during the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO). This move aligns with PNB’s ongoing strategy to monetize non-core investments and strengthen its capital position. Canara HSBC Life Insurance- a joint venture between Canara Bank, HSBC, and PNB was established to provide life insurance and related financial solutions. Following the divestment, Canara Bank remains the largest shareholder, while PNB’s role becomes more strategic.