1. Who chaired the 16th Finance Commission (XVIFC), which recently submitted its report to the President of India?
A. N. K. Singh
B. Arvind Panagariya
C. Bibek Debroy
D. Raghuram Rajan
Answer: B. Arvind Panagariya
Explanation: The 16th Finance Commission is headed by Arvind Panagariya , former Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog.
2. Which Australian sportsperson won the Don Award 2025, the country’s highest sporting honour?
A. Daniel Ricciardo
B. Alex de Minaur
C. Oscar Piastri
D. Steve Smith
Answer: C. Oscar Piastri
Explanation: Formula One driver Oscar Piastri received the Don Award for his outstanding 2025 season.
3. Where were the 2025 Governors Awards, where Tom Cruise received an Honorary Oscar, held?
A. Beverly Hills Hotel
B. Dolby Theatre
C. Ray Dolby Ballroom, Los Angeles
D. Universal Studios
Answer: C. Ray Dolby Ballroom, Los Angeles
Explanation: Tom Cruise, aged 63, received his first Honorary Oscar at the Ray Dolby Ballroom .
4. What sector is associated with the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) 2025?
A. Environment
B. Livestock and Dairy
C. Sports
D. Rural Governance
Answer: B. Livestock and Dairy
Explanation: NGRA is among India’s highest civilian honours in the livestock and dairy sector .
5. Who was appointed UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate in 2025?
A. Sai Pallavi
B. Keerthy Suresh
C. Alia Bhatt
D. Richa Chadha
Answer: B. Keerthy Suresh
Explanation: National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh will promote child rights, education and gender equality.
6. Which military exercise between India and the UK began on 17 November 2025?
A. Yudh Abhyas
B. Indradhanush
C. Ajeya Warrior-25
D. Konkan Shakti
Answer: C. Ajeya Warrior-25
Explanation: Ajeya Warrior is the bilateral army exercise held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.
7. India won how many total medals at the 24th Asian Archery Championships 2025 in Dhaka?
A. 8
B. 9
C. 10
D. 12
Answer: C. 10
Explanation: India topped the championship with 10 medals – 6 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze.
8. Which platform became India’s first UPI service designed exclusively for women?
A. PayHer
B. FemUPI
C. LxmePay
D. ShaktiPay
Answer: C. LxmePay
Explanation: LxmePay has been launched to encourage women-focused digital finance.
9. Which rocket did Blue Origin launch carrying NASA’s ESCAPADE Mars mission?
A. New Shepard
B. Vulcan Centaur
C. Falcon Heavy
D. New Glenn
Answer: D. New Glenn
Explanation: New Glenn , Blue Origin’s heavy-lift rocket, successfully carried the ESCAPADE mission from Cape Canaveral.
10. Which African country will host West Africa’s first IIT Campus?
A. Kenya
B. Ghana
C. Nigeria
D. Senegal
Answer: C. Nigeria
Explanation: Under the NEP 2020 vision, Nigeria will host the first IIT campus in West Africa.
11. Who was sworn in again as President of Cameroon, the world’s oldest sitting head of state?
A. Cyril Ramaphosa
B. Paul Biya
C. Teodoro Mbasogo
D. William Ruto
Answer: B. Paul Biya
Explanation: Paul Biya won with 53.66% votes and remains the oldest sitting head of a nation.
12. What is the theme of International Men’s Day 2025?
A. Building Stronger Fathers
B. Men’s Mental Health Matters
C. Celebrating Men and Boys
D. Gender Equality for All
Answer: C. Celebrating Men and Boys
Explanation: The theme for 2025 honours men’s contributions to family, community and society.
13. World Toilet Day 2025 focuses on which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)?
A. SDG 4 – Quality Education
B. SDG 6 – Clean Water & Sanitation
C. SDG 3 – Good Health
D. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities
Answer: B. SDG 6 – Clean Water & Sanitation
Explanation: World Toilet Day emphasises sanitation and access to clean water as per SDG 6 .