Rajasthan and national news for RAS, Patwari, VDO and other exams·38 items·each with its source·published 6 October 2026
Rajasthan
Gang Canal centenary celebrated at Sadhuwali; Ferozepur Feeder reconstruction work begins
On 5 December 2025, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated the Gang Canal centenary celebration at Sadhuwali in Sri Ganganagar and began work to rebuild and improve the Ferozepur Feeder. Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner, the canal's founder, had laid its foundation stone on 5 December 1925. The CM also raised the sugarcane price by ₹15 per quintal.
Exam angleGang Canal: founder Maharaja Ganga Singh, foundation 1925, centenary venue
India–Malaysia exercise Harimau Shakti-2025 held at Mahajan Field Firing Range, 5–18 December
The fifth edition of the India–Malaysia joint military exercise Harimau Shakti began on 5 December 2025 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan and ran till 18 December. The Indian Army was represented by the Dogra Regiment and Malaysia by the 25th Battalion of the Royal Malaysian Army. The drill rehearsed sub-conventional (counter-terrorism) operations under Chapter VII of the UN mandate.
Exam angleExercise–partner–venue: Harimau Shakti, Malaysia, Mahajan (Bikaner)
5th Khelo India University Games end in Jaipur; Chandigarh University retains overall title
The fifth Khelo India University Games, hosted by Rajasthan from 24 November to 5 December 2025 in seven cities (Jaipur, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota and Bharatpur), closed in Jaipur on 5 December. Chandigarh University topped the medal table, Lovely Professional University was runner-up and Guru Nanak Dev University came third. Union MoS Raksha Khadse attended the closing ceremony.
Exam angleKIUG 2025 host state and overall champion
Work orders for ₹5,184 crore Nonera and Parwan-Akawad drinking water projects in Hadoti
In December 2025, the Rajasthan government issued work orders for two Jal Jeevan Mission drinking water projects costing ₹5,184 crore for Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar and Baran districts. The Nonera project (₹1,661 crore) will serve 749 villages and 6 towns of Kota and Bundi, and the Parwan-Akawad project (₹3,523 crore) 1,402 villages of Baran, Jhalawar and the Sangod area of Kota. Both are due for completion by August 2027.
First Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas held at JECC Jaipur; NRR Policy-2025 unveiled
Rajasthan observed its first Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas on 10 December 2025 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC). Governor Haribhau Bagade, CM Bhajanlal Sharma and Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal attended, and investment projects worth about ₹1 lakh crore were launched. The state unveiled the NRR Policy-2025 for non-resident Rajasthanis and a new department for their affairs.
Exam anglePravasi Rajasthani Diwas date (10 December) and venue
Rajasthan signs ₹8.5 crore MoU with IIT Hyderabad for AI-based mineral exploration
During Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas 2025 at JECC Jaipur, the Rajasthan government signed an MoU worth over ₹8.5 crore with IIT Hyderabad. IITH will build an AI and machine-learning system that maps critical minerals such as lithium, copper, graphite and rare earth elements across 39 districts. The project runs in four phases over 18 months, with outputs for the Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust (RSMET).
Exam anglePartner institute for AI mineral mapping in Rajasthan
Innovation Day–Startup Conclave: ₹10.79 crore given to 333 startups; DigiFest 2026 announced
On 12 December 2025, CM Bhajanlal Sharma addressed the Innovation Day–Startup Conclave in Jaipur, part of events marking two years of the state government. ₹10.79 crore was given to 333 selected startups; over 7,200 startups are registered under iStart Rajasthan, including more than 2,600 led by women. He announced Rajasthan DigiFest 2026, to be held in January 2026 with TiE Global.
Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2025 launched on the state government's second anniversary
On 15 December 2025, the day the state government completed two years, CM Bhajanlal Sharma launched the Heal in Rajasthan Policy 2025 at the RUHS hospital in Jaipur. It aims to make Rajasthan an affordable, reliable destination for medical value travel (medical tourism). Under a hub-and-spoke model, over 100 specialised tests were made free at 11 mother labs and 400 spokes.
Tigress PN-224 airlifted from Pench (MP) and released in Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve
Tigress PN-224 from Madhya Pradesh's Pench Tiger Reserve was flown to Jaipur in an IAF Mi-17 helicopter on 21 December 2025 and taken by road to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve in Bundi. After a stay in a soft-release enclosure, she entered the forest on 28 December. The inter-state translocation aims to improve the gene pool of Rajasthan's tigers.
Exam angleSource and destination reserves of the airlifted tigress
State-level farmers' conference at Merta City (Nagaur); ₹2,089 crore PMGSY sanction handed over
On 23 December 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and CM Bhajanlal Sharma attended a farmers' conference at Merta City in Nagaur district. Over ₹187 crore was sent by DBT to 35,800 farmers, over ₹617 crore of input subsidy to more than 5 lakh farmers and ₹151 crore to 5 lakh milk producers. Chouhan handed over a ₹2,089 crore sanction for 12,600 roads under PM Gram Sadak Yojana.
Exam angleVenue (Merta, Nagaur) and PMGSY amount for Rajasthan
Rajasthan Cabinet approves Vehicle Scrapping Policy-2025 and Green Credit Voucher Initiative-2025
On 30 December 2025, the Rajasthan Cabinet chaired by CM Bhajanlal Sharma approved the Rajasthan Vehicle Scrapping Policy-2025 to phase out unfit and polluting vehicles, such as those over 15 years old. Owners get a scrapping certificate and up to 50% (maximum ₹1 lakh) relief in motor vehicle tax on a new vehicle. The Cabinet also approved the Green Credit Voucher Initiative-2025 to reward green projects by urban local bodies and investors.
Exam angleVehicle scrapping benefit: up to 50% tax relief, max ₹1 lakh
The same Cabinet meeting on 30 December 2025 approved the Rajasthan AI-ML Policy-2026, which provides for an AI Centre of Excellence, AI nodal officers in departments and training for youth and officials. It also revised the cost of the Rajasthan Refinery project at Pachpadra (Balotra) to ₹79,459 crore, up by ₹6,522 crore; the state holds 26% equity. Inauguration was expected in January 2026.
Exam angleRefinery revised cost and state equity (26%)
Siliserh Lake in Alwar declared a Ramsar site: India's 96th, Rajasthan's fifth
In December 2025, Siliserh Lake in Alwar district was added to the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance, along with Kopra Jalashay of Chhattisgarh (that state's first). This took India's count to 96, and Siliserh became Rajasthan's fifth Ramsar site. The lake was built in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh of Alwar and lies near the Sariska Tiger Reserve.
Exam angleRajasthan's Ramsar sites (5) and India's total (96)
Union Cabinet approves ₹11,718.24 crore for Census 2027, India's first digital census
On 12 December 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the scheme for conducting Census of India 2027 at a cost of ₹11,718.24 crore. About 30 lakh field functionaries will collect data on mobile apps, making it the first digital census, and caste enumeration will be included. It will be the 16th census in the series and the 8th since Independence.
Exam angleCensus 2027: cost, 16th census, 8th since Independence
Parliament passes SHANTI Bill opening civil nuclear power to private companies
On 18 December 2025, Rajya Sabha passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025, after Lok Sabha. It lets licensed private companies and joint ventures build and operate nuclear plants, gives the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board statutory status and repeals the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. The President later gave assent, making it an Act.
Exam angleSHANTI full form; statutory status for AERB; 100 GW by 2047 goal
Winter Session ends: 15 sittings, 8 Bills passed; special debate on 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'
The Winter Session of Parliament, which began on 1 December 2025, was adjourned sine die on 19 December after 15 sittings; 8 Bills were passed by both Houses. A special discussion on the 150th anniversary of the National Song 'Vande Mataram' was held in Lok Sabha on 8 December (initiated by the Prime Minister) and in Rajya Sabha on 9–11 December. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 was sent to a Joint Committee.
Exam angleVande Mataram 150 years; Bills of the Winter Session 2025
VB-G RAM G Act replaces MGNREGA; rural job guarantee raised from 100 to 125 days
The President gave assent on 21 December 2025 to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament on 18 December. It replaces MGNREGA, 2005 and guarantees at least 125 days of wage work a year to rural households. Centre–state funding is 60:40 (90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states), with a 60-day no-work window in peak sowing and harvest seasons.
Exam angleGuaranteed days (125); law replaced (MGNREGA); funding ratio 60:40
PM inaugurates Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow on Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary
On 25 December 2025, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on the 101st birth anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The 65-acre memorial has 65-foot bronze statues of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya and a lotus-shaped museum. It was built at a cost of about ₹230 crore.
Exam angleMemorial city and the three leaders whose statues stand there
Supreme Court stays its 20 November order on the Aravalli definition; new expert committee ordered
On 29 December 2025, a vacation bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices J.K. Maheshwari and A.G. Masih stayed the Supreme Court's 20 November 2025 order on defining the Aravalli hills, which was based on a 100-metre height criterion. The Court ordered a new expert committee and sought replies from the Centre and the four Aravalli states: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Haryana. The Centre said the ban on new mining leases remains.
Exam angleAravalli states (4); 100-metre height criterion stayed
23rd India–Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi; 16 agreements and Programme 2030 adopted
President Vladimir Putin paid a State visit to India on 4–5 December 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit with PM Narendra Modi. The sides exchanged 16 agreements and adopted the Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India–Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030 (Programme 2030), with a bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030. India announced a free 30-day e-tourist visa for Russians, and Russia agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance.
Exam angleSummit number (23rd); trade target USD 100 bn by 2030
UNESCO inscribes Deepavali on Intangible Cultural Heritage list at Red Fort session; India's 16th element
On 10 December 2025, Deepavali was added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision came at the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee, held at the Red Fort, New Delhi, from 8 to 13 December, the first time India hosted it. Deepavali is India's 16th element on the list; earlier ones include Garba (2023) and Durga Puja in Kolkata (2021).
Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine ends in New Delhi; WHO SEARO building inaugurated
The second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, co-organised by WHO and India, and concluded on 19 December 2025, with the theme 'Restoring Balance: The Science and Practice of Health and Well-being'. PM Modi addressed the closing on 19 December and, with WHO Director-General Dr Tedros, inaugurated the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office and launched AYUSH initiatives including the Ayush Mark. The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is at Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Exam angleSummit venue and theme; WHO GCTM location (Jamnagar)
India selected to chair the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026, for the third time
The Kimberley Process Plenary selected India to chair the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026; India became Vice Chair from 25 December 2025. The KP is a tripartite scheme of governments, the diamond industry and civil society to stop trade in 'conflict diamonds'. Its certification scheme began on 1 January 2003, and its 60 participants cover over 99% of the global rough diamond trade. This is India's third time as chair.
Exam angleKimberley Process = conflict diamonds; India chair 2026 (third time)
RBI cuts repo rate by 25 bps to 5.25%; 2025-26 GDP growth forecast raised to 7.3%
On 5 December 2025, the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously cut the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% and kept a neutral stance. The SDF rate became 5.00% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate 5.50%. GDP growth for 2025-26 was projected at 7.3% (up from 6.8%) and CPI inflation at 2.0%.
Exam angleRepo 5.25%; GDP projection 7.3%; CPI projection 2.0%
Parliament passes Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha Bill allowing up to 100% FDI in insurance companies
On 17 December 2025, Parliament passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025. It allows up to 100% FDI in Indian insurance companies and amends the Insurance Act, 1938, the LIC Act, 1956 and the IRDA Act, 1999. The net owned fund requirement for foreign reinsurance branches was cut from ₹5,000 crore to ₹1,000 crore, and a Policyholders' Education and Protection Fund was created.
Exam angleInsurance FDI cap 100%; three Acts amended
India and Oman sign CEPA in Muscat; zero duty on 98.08% of Oman's tariff lines
On 18 December 2025, in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in Muscat. Oman gives zero-duty access on 98.08% of its tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India's exports by value. It was India's second FTA in six months after the UK and includes the first-ever commitment by any country on traditional medicine services.
India and New Zealand conclude FTA talks in nine months; zero duty on 100% of Indian exports
On 22 December 2025, India and New Zealand announced the conclusion of Free Trade Agreement negotiations launched on 16 March 2025, India's fastest FTA with a developed country. New Zealand will give zero-duty access to 100% of India's exports and committed USD 20 billion of investment over 15 years. India kept dairy, sugar, onions, spices and edible oils out of market access.
Exam angleFastest FTA with a developed country; USD 20 bn investment pledge
LVM3-M6 places BlueBird Block-2, heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil, in low Earth orbit
On 24 December 2025, ISRO's LVM3-M6 lifted off from Sriharikota and placed the BlueBird Block-2 communication satellite of US-based AST SpaceMobile into low Earth orbit. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan called it the heaviest satellite launched from Indian soil by an Indian launcher and the third fully commercial LVM3 mission. The satellite is meant to give direct-to-mobile broadband from space.
Exam angleHeaviest payload from India; commercial LVM3 mission
President Droupadi Murmu takes a dived sortie on submarine INS Vaghsheer off Karwar
On 28 December 2025, President Droupadi Murmu embarked the Kalvari-class submarine INS Vaghsheer at Karwar Naval Harbour, Karnataka, and spent over two hours on a dived sortie on the Western Seaboard. Navy chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi accompanied her. She became the second President to sail in a submarine, after Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
Exam angleSecond President on a submarine sortie; Kalvari-class INS Vaghsheer
DRDO conducts maiden flight test of 120 km Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket at Chandipur
On 29 December 2025, DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur (Odisha), for its maximum range of 120 km. It was fired from the in-service Pinaka launcher and hit the target precisely. The rocket was designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory.
Exam anglePinaka LRGR range (120 km) and test site (Chandipur)
India win first-ever bronze at FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup; Germany take 8th title
At the FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup 2025, India beat Argentina 4-2 in Chennai on 10 December 2025 to win bronze, their first bronze medal at the event. Germany beat Spain 3-2 in a shoot-out (1-1 in regulation time) in the final in Chennai to win a record eighth title.
Exam angleJunior Hockey World Cup 2025: winner Germany, India bronze
India win Squash World Cup for the first time, beating Hong Kong 3-0 in Chennai
On 14 December 2025, hosts India beat top seeds Hong Kong 3-0 in the final in Chennai to win the WSF Squash World Cup for the first time. Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh and 17-year-old Anahat Singh won their matches.
Exam angleSquash World Cup 2025: India champion, final opponent Hong Kong
Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy win bronze at FIDE World Rapid Championships in Doha
At the 2025 FIDE World Rapid Championships in Doha, which ended on 28 December 2025, Arjun Erigaisi won bronze in the open section and Koneru Humpy won bronze in the women's section. Magnus Carlsen won the open title and Aleksandra Goryachkina the women's title.
Exam angleWorld Rapid 2025: venue Doha; Indian bronze medallists
Raj Kumar Goyal sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner by President Murmu
On 15 December 2025, President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to Raj Kumar Goyal as Chief Information Commissioner at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Goyal is a 1990-batch retired IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre who retired on 31 August 2025 as Secretary, Department of Justice. Eight new Information Commissioners also took oath in the Central Information Commission the same day.
Exam angleNew CIC and who administers the CIC's oath (President)
PM Modi conferred 'Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia', Ethiopia's highest award
On 16 December 2025, during his first bilateral visit to Ethiopia, PM Narendra Modi received the 'Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia' from Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali at the Addis International Convention Centre. He was the first global Head of State or Government to get this award. India–Ethiopia ties were raised to a Strategic Partnership during the visit.
Exam angleAward–country match: Great Honour Nishan – Ethiopia
PM Modi receives the First Class of the Order of Oman, his 29th international honour
On 18 December 2025 in Muscat, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik conferred the First Class of the Order of Oman, the Sultanate's highest civilian honour, on PM Narendra Modi. It was the 29th international civilian honour given to him. The visit marked 70 years of India–Oman diplomatic ties and saw the signing of the India–Oman CEPA.
Exam angleOrder of Oman; count of Modi's international honours (29th)
Human Rights Day 2025 observed with the theme 'Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials'
Human Rights Day is observed on 10 December to mark the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The 2025 theme was 'Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials'. In India, NHRC held its function at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with President Droupadi Murmu as chief guest, along with a national conference on 'Ensuring Everyday Essentials: Public Services and Dignity for All'.
Exam angleHuman Rights Day date, UDHR year (1948), 2025 theme
National Energy Conservation Day: President presents National Energy Conservation Awards 2025
On National Energy Conservation Day, 14 December 2025, President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 and National Painting Competition prizes in New Delhi. The awards are an initiative of the Ministry of Power. The President noted that energy-efficiency efforts in 2023-24 saved 53.60 million tonnes of oil equivalent.
Exam angleEnergy Conservation Day (14 Dec); NECA given by the Ministry of Power
15 questions on this news. Think of your answer, then press “Show answer”.
Q1
The Gang Canal, whose centenary was celebrated at Sadhuwali (Sri Ganganagar) in December 2025, had its foundation laid in 1925 by:
(1)Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner✓ Correct answer
(2)Maharaja Sardul Singh of Bikaner
(3)Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur
(4)Sawai Man Singh II of Jaipur
Answer: (1) Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner
Explanation
Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner laid the foundation of the Gang Canal on 5 December 1925. Its centenary was celebrated on 5 December 2025 at Sadhuwali.
Q2
In December 2025, Rajasthan observed its first Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas. On which date and where was it held?
(1)15 December, Birla Auditorium, Jaipur
(2)9 January, Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur
(3)10 December, JECC, Jaipur✓ Correct answer
(4)30 March, Umaid Bhawan, Jodhpur
Answer: (3) 10 December, JECC, Jaipur
Explanation
The first Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas was held on 10 December 2025 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC). Investment projects worth about ₹1 lakh crore were launched there.
Q3
The Nonera and Parwan-Akawad drinking water projects, for which work orders worth ₹5,184 crore were issued in December 2025, will serve which group of districts?
(1)Ajmer, Bhilwara, Tonk and Kekri
(2)Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar and Baran✓ Correct answer
(3)Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh and Pratapgarh
(4)Sikar, Jhunjhunu, Churu and Nagaur
Answer: (2) Kota, Bundi, Jhalawar and Baran
Explanation
Nonera covers 749 villages and 6 towns of Kota and Bundi, and Parwan-Akawad covers 1,402 villages of Baran, Jhalawar and Sangod (Kota). Both are Jal Jeevan Mission projects due by August 2027.
Q4
During Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas in December 2025, Rajasthan signed an MoU of over ₹8.5 crore to build an AI- and ML-based system for mapping critical minerals across its districts. The partner institution was:
(1)IIT Jodhpur
(2)IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
(3)Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
(4)IIT Hyderabad✓ Correct answer
Answer: (4) IIT Hyderabad
Explanation
Rajasthan signed the MoU with IIT Hyderabad; the system will cover 39 districts in four phases over 18 months. Its outputs go to the Rajasthan State Mineral Exploration Trust.
Q5
On 23 December 2025, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over a ₹2,089 crore PMGSY sanction to Rajasthan at a state-level farmers' conference. Where was it held?
(1)Merta City, Nagaur✓ Correct answer
(2)Sojat, Pali
(3)Kishangarh, Ajmer
(4)Nimbahera, Chittorgarh
Answer: (1) Merta City, Nagaur
Explanation
The conference was held at Merta City in Nagaur district. The ₹2,089 crore was for 12,600 roads under PM Gram Sadak Yojana.
Q6
Under the Rajasthan Vehicle Scrapping Policy-2025, approved by the State Cabinet in December 2025, what benefit does a scrapping-certificate holder get on buying a new vehicle?
(1)Full waiver of registration fee, with no upper limit
(2)25% cash subsidy, up to ₹50,000
(3)Free insurance for the first three years
(4)Up to 50% relief in motor vehicle tax, up to ₹1 lakh✓ Correct answer
Answer: (4) Up to 50% relief in motor vehicle tax, up to ₹1 lakh
Explanation
Certificate holders can get up to 50% exemption in motor vehicle tax, subject to a maximum of ₹1 lakh. Vehicles over 15 years old and polluting or unfit vehicles can be scrapped.
Q7
The VB-G RAM G Act, which received the President's assent in December 2025, guarantees how many days of wage employment a year to a rural household, and which law does it replace?
(1)150 days; National Food Security Act, 2013
(2)100 days; Rural Housing Act, 2016
(3)125 days; MGNREGA, 2005✓ Correct answer
(4)120 days; Code on Social Security, 2020
Answer: (3) 125 days; MGNREGA, 2005
Explanation
The Viksit Bharat–G RAM G Act guarantees at least 125 days of wage work and replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005. Centre–state funding is 60:40 (90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states).
Q8
The Rashtra Prerna Sthal, inaugurated in Lucknow on 25 December 2025, has 65-foot statues of three leaders. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
(1)Atal Bihari Vajpayee
(2)Madan Mohan Malaviya✓ Correct answer
(3)Syama Prasad Mookerjee
(4)Deendayal Upadhyaya
Answer: (2) Madan Mohan Malaviya
Explanation
The statues are of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. The memorial was opened on Vajpayee's 101st birth anniversary.
Q9
On 29 December 2025, the Supreme Court stayed its 20 November 2025 order on defining the Aravalli hills. That definition was based on:
(1)A minimum forest cover of 33%
(2)A slope of more than 30 degrees
(3)A 100-metre height criterion✓ Correct answer
(4)Rock age older than 1,000 million years
Answer: (3) A 100-metre height criterion
Explanation
The stayed definition used a 100-metre height criterion. The Court ordered a new expert committee and sought replies from the Centre and Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi and Haryana.
Q10
Consider the following statements about Deepavali's inscription on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2025:
1. The decision was taken at a session of the Intergovernmental Committee held at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
2. Deepavali became India's 16th element on the list.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(1)1 only
(2)2 only
(3)Neither 1 nor 2
(4)Both 1 and 2✓ Correct answer
Answer: (4) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Both are correct: the 20th session of the Committee met at the Red Fort from 8 to 13 December 2025, and Deepavali was inscribed on 10 December as India's 16th element.
Q11
India was selected in December 2025 to chair the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026. The Kimberley Process deals with:
(1)Stopping trade in conflict diamonds✓ Correct answer
(2)Regulating trade in endangered wildlife
(3)Controlling export of nuclear materials
(4)Certifying sustainable palm oil
Answer: (1) Stopping trade in conflict diamonds
Explanation
The Kimberley Process is a scheme of governments, industry and civil society to stop trade in conflict diamonds; its certification began in 2003. India will chair it for the third time.
Q12
The Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR 120) flight-tested by DRDO on 29 December 2025 belongs to which rocket system, and where was it tested?
(1)Pralay; Abdul Kalam Island
(2)Pinaka; ITR Chandipur✓ Correct answer
(3)Smerch; Pokhran
(4)Prahaar; Mahajan range
Answer: (2) Pinaka; ITR Chandipur
Explanation
It was the maiden test of the Pinaka LRGR at the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, for its 120 km maximum range. It was fired from the in-service Pinaka launcher.
Q13
In its policy of December 2025, the RBI projected India's real GDP growth for 2025-26 at:
(1)6.5%
(2)6.8%
(3)7.3%✓ Correct answer
(4)7.8%
Answer: (3) 7.3%
Explanation
On 5 December 2025 the RBI raised its 2025-26 growth projection to 7.3% from 6.8%. It also projected CPI inflation for the year at 2.0%.
Q14
In December 2025, India won the Squash World Cup for the first time. Whom did India beat in the final, and where?
(1)Egypt, in Cairo
(2)Hong Kong, in Chennai✓ Correct answer
(3)Malaysia, in Kuala Lumpur
(4)England, in Chennai
Answer: (2) Hong Kong, in Chennai
Explanation
India beat top seeds Hong Kong 3-0 in the final in Chennai on 14 December 2025. Joshna Chinappa, Abhay Singh and Anahat Singh won the three matches.
Q15
'Great Honour Nishan', conferred on PM Narendra Modi in December 2025, is the highest award of which country?
(1)Jordan
(2)Kenya
(3)Oman
(4)Ethiopia✓ Correct answer
Answer: (4) Ethiopia
Explanation
Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed Ali conferred the Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia on Modi on 16 December 2025 in Addis Ababa. Two days later Oman gave him the First Class of the Order of Oman.