Q.1) In August 2025, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) achieved a milestone by crossing how many transactions for the first time in a single month?
[a] 15 billion
[b] 18 billion
[c] 20 billion
[d] 25 billion
View Answer
Answer: [c] 20 billion
Explanation:
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) crossed 20 billion transactions for the first time ever in August 2025. Data: 20.01 billion transactions recorded (YoY growth of 34%, up from 14.9 billion in August 2024). Transaction value: ₹24.85 lakh crore (YoY growth of 24%). Average daily transactions: 645 million in August 2025. This milestone reflects UPI’s role in driving digital payments adoption, financial inclusion, and cashless economy in India.
Q.2) Where was the newly constructed Royal Bhutan Buddhist Temple inaugurated in India?
[a] Bodh Gaya
[b] Rajgir
[c] Nalanda
[d] Kushinagar
View Answer
Answer: [b] Rajgir
Explanation:
The Royal Bhutan Buddhist Temple was inaugurated at Rajgir, Bihar — a site of immense importance in Buddhism as it is associated with the penance of Lord Buddha. The inauguration took place with traditional Bhutanese rituals and Buddhist customs. Inaugurated by: Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Govt. of India; Representatives from both India and Bhutan.
Q.3) Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) Phase-II, developed by Singapore’s PSA International, was inaugurated at which Indian port?
[a] Mundra Port
[b] Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)
[c] Kandla Port
[d] Vizag Port
View Answer
Answer: [b] Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Navi Mumbai
Explanation:
Prime Minister of India and his Singapore counterpart virtually inaugurated the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (BMCT) Phase-II, also known as PSA Mumbai Phase-II. Developed by Singapore’s PSA International, a global port operator. Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. This makes PSA Mumbai the largest container terminal in India. Capacity Doubled: Handling capacity increased to 4.8 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units). Boosts India’s container trade, efficiency, and global logistics competitiveness.
Q.4) During Singapore PM Lawrence Wong’s visit to India in September 2025, which key initiative was adopted to deepen bilateral ties?
[a] India–Singapore Defence Pact 2025
[b] Roadmap for Indo-Pacific Partnership
[c] Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Roadmap
[d] Indo-Singapore Trade & Tech Pact
View Answer
Answer: [c] Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Roadmap
Explanation:
Visit of Singapore PM Lawrence Wong to India (Sept 2025). Adoption of India–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) Roadmap. Focus is on expanding cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Eight Core Domains of Cooperation: Semiconductors – boosting supply chain resilience & joint R&D; Defence Technology – advanced collaboration in innovation & co-production; Maritime Security – cooperation in Indian Ocean & South China Sea; Digital Innovation & Fintech – enhancing digital payments & cross-border UPI use; Green Transition & Clean Energy – joint projects in renewables, hydrogen; Trade & Connectivity – improving logistics & air/sea linkages; Education & Skill Development – academic exchanges & joint training; Health & Biotechnology – joint vaccine & pharma R&D.
Q.5) Where was India’s first Vulture Knowledge Portal launched in September 2025?
[a] Madhya Pradesh
[b] Rajasthan
[c] Assam
[d] Gujarat
View Answer
Answer: [c] Assam
Explanation:
India’s first Vulture Knowledge Portal has been launched in Assam by We Foundation India, in collaboration with Gauhati University’s Department of Zoology. The portal, accessible at www.thevulturenetwork.org, is designed to build a national network of individuals and organisations engaged in vulture conservation. It will act as a repository of knowledge, research, and best practices on vulture protection, enabling conservationists, researchers, and citizens to share data and strategies. The launch event was organised ahead of International Vulture Awareness Day, observed every year on the first Saturday of September, to highlight the ecological importance of vultures and the urgent need for their conservation.
Q.6) The Centre recently notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) rules under the National Pension System (NPS). Which rules have been framed for this purpose?
[a] Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2025
[b] Central Civil Services (Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System) Rules, 2025
[c] National Pension System (Implementation) Rules, 2025
[d] Civil Services Unified Pension Framework Rules, 2025
View Answer
Answer: [b] Central Civil Services (Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System) Rules, 2025
Explanation:
Central Government has notified rules for regulating service matters related to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), integrating it with the National Pension System (NPS). The new framework is titled: Central Civil Services (Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System) Rules, 2025. Key Provisions: Covers enrolment under UPS for government employees. Provides a switch facility for employees: they can opt to move from UPS to NPS either one year before retirement or three months before voluntary retirement (VRS). Seeks to streamline pension entitlements, service benefits, and withdrawal processes for employees under the reformed pension system.
Q.7) From which date has India introduced voluntary HUID-based silver hallmarking?
[a] 1 August 2025
[b] 1 September 2025
[c] 1 October 2025
[d] 1 January 2026
View Answer
Answer: [b] 1 September 2025
Explanation:
India has begun Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID)-based hallmarking for silver jewellery and articles from 1 September 2025, on a voluntary basis. The move is aimed at enhancing consumer confidence and trust by guaranteeing purity and authenticity of silver items. HUID system is a six-digit alphanumeric code is issued for every hallmarked jewellery item. It ensures traceability, transparency, and prevents malpractices in the sale of precious metals.
Q.8) Which bank has recently signed an MoU with DPIIT to support startups and innovators under the Startup India framework?
[a] HDFC Bank
[b] ICICI Bank
[c] State Bank of India
[d] Axis Bank
View Answer
Answer: [b] ICICI Bank
Explanation:
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ICICI Bank to boost startup growth and innovation in India. Under this MoU: ICICI Bank will design and launch a Startup Engagement Programme on the Startup India portal. The program will be integrated with outreach and visibility initiatives to ensure wider adoption by startups. The initiative aims to provide financial assistance, mentorship, and market linkages for startups across sectors.
Q.9) India recently developed a rare Anti-Doping Reference Material (RM) for global use. Which institutions collaborated in this achievement?
[a] NIPER Guwahati & NDTL New Delhi
[b] AIIMS New Delhi & ICMR
[c] NIPER Mohali & NADA
[d] IISc Bengaluru & SAI
View Answer
Answer: [a] NIPER Guwahati & NDTL New Delhi
Explanation:
India has achieved a milestone in the fight against doping in sports by developing a rare, high-purity Reference Material (RM) – Methandienone Long-Term Metabolite (LTM). Developed by: National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati – under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), New Delhi – premier sports anti-doping testing lab. It is the first such indigenous Reference Material for global anti-doping use. It helps in accurate detection of banned performance-enhancing substances in athletes’ samples. It reduces dependency on expensive imported RMs. Also, strengthens India’s role in global anti-doping ecosystem and supports World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) compliance.
Q.10) Axis Bank recently launched ‘Sparsh Week 2025’ with the theme ‘Raise the Bar’. What is its primary focus?
[a] Expanding digital banking infrastructure
[b] Enhancing customer experience and employee engagement
[c] Launching new credit card services
[d] Promoting financial literacy among school children
View Answer
Answer: [b] Enhancing customer experience and employee engagement
Explanation:
Axis Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, launched Sparsh Week 2025 from 1st–5th September. The initiative is a flagship customer and employee engagement program where leadership and staff across the country interact directly with customers. Theme for 2025: “Raise the Bar” – highlighting the Bank’s vision to further improve customer experience, employee engagement, and leadership visibility. This event reinforces Axis Bank’s service-first culture and commitment to building stronger customer relationships across its nationwide network.