1. Which festival was celebrated across India on 5th November 2025, resulting in a national holiday for schools and banks?
A) Diwali
B) Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima
C) Eid-ul-Fitr
D) Christmas
Answer: B) Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima
Explanation: The two major festivals, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartik Purnima, coincided on 5 November 2025, leading to a nationwide public holiday.
2. State Bank of India (SBI) executed its first gold trade on which exchange platform as a Special Category Client (SCC)?
A) Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
B) India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)
C) Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)
D) National Stock Exchange (NSE)
Answer: B) India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)
Explanation: SBI conducted its first bullion trade as a Special Category Client on IIBX at GIFT City, Gujarat, marking a milestone in India’s formalised gold import system.
3. Where was the new species of jumping spider “Pilia malenadu” discovered in India?
A) Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
B) Sundarbans, West Bengal
C) Madhugundi, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka
D) Wayanad, Kerala
Answer: C) Madhugundi, Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka
Explanation: The spider species was discovered in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, known for its rich biodiversity.
4. Which important international day is observed on November 5 every year?
A) World Water Day
B) World Tsunami Awareness Day
C) World Earth Day
D) International Disaster Reduction Day
Answer: B) World Tsunami Awareness Day
Explanation: The day is observed to raise awareness about tsunami risks and promote disaster preparedness globally.
5. Which financial institution’s participation strengthens India’s bullion market transparency through IIBX?
A) HDFC Bank
B) State Bank of India
C) Axis Bank
D) ICICI Bank
Answer: B) State Bank of India
Explanation: SBI’s involvement in bullion trading through IIBX marks a major step toward a regulated gold import framework.
6. India won its maiden ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2025 by defeating which team in the final?
A) Australia
B) England
C) South Africa
D) New Zealand
Answer: C) South Africa
Explanation: India defeated South Africa to win their first-ever ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup title hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
7. The Dalai Lama Conference in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, primarily focuses on which theme?
A) Economic Growth and Globalization
B) Peace, Compassion, and Global Spirituality
C) Technology and Innovation
D) Trade and Commerce
Answer: B) Peace, Compassion, and Global Spirituality
Explanation: The conference emphasizes the teachings and philosophy of the Dalai Lama promoting peace and compassion.
8. What is the main objective of India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)?
A) Facilitating cryptocurrency trade
B) Promoting transparent and formal gold trade
C) Supporting digital banking
D) Launching international stock trading
Answer: B) Promoting transparent and formal gold trade
Explanation: IIBX aims to formalize and regulate gold imports, improve price discovery, and enhance transparency in India’s bullion market.
9. In which Indian state is the GIFT City, home to India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), located?
A) Maharashtra
B) Gujarat
C) Delhi
D) Tamil Nadu
Answer: B) Gujarat
Explanation: The GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) in Gujarat houses the IIBX, India’s first international bullion exchange.
10. Which biodiversity hotspot is known for hosting several endemic species including the newly discovered Pilia malenadu spider?
A) Eastern Himalayas
B) Western Ghats
C) Thar Desert
D) Indo-Gangetic Plains
Answer: B) Western Ghats
Explanation: The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to diverse flora and fauna, including many endemic species.
