17. The 18th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference 2025 was held in:
A) Delhi
B) Gurugram
C) Bengaluru
D) Pune
Answer: B) Gurugram
Explanation: The UMI 2025 Conference was inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal in Gurugram to promote sustainable transport and smart city innovations.
18. The BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Conference 2025 was hosted in which city?
A) Chennai
B) Kochi
C) Kolkata
D) Port Blair
Answer: B) Kochi
Explanation: The first BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network (BIMReN) Conference was held in Kochi from November 4–6, 2025.
19. Which company did BCP Asia II Holdco VII Pvt. Ltd. acquire a majority stake in?
A) PNB Housing Finance
B) LIC Housing Finance
C) Aadhar Housing Finance
D) Tata Housing
Answer: C) Aadhar Housing Finance
Explanation: The CCI approved BCP Asia II Holdco VII Pvt. Ltd.’s acquisition of up to 80.15% in Aadhar Housing Finance Ltd.
20. Mahindra & Mahindra sold its 3.5% stake in which bank for ?678 crore?
A) Axis Bank
B) Kotak Mahindra Bank
C) RBL Bank
D) Yes Bank
Answer: C) RBL Bank
Explanation: Mahindra & Mahindra divested its 3.5% stake in RBL Bank, earning a 62.5% return on its 2023 investment.
International Affairs
21. Which country became the first South Asian nation to join the UN Water Convention in 2025?
A) Nepal
B) Bangladesh
C) Sri Lanka
D) Bhutan
Answer: B) Bangladesh
Explanation: Bangladesh joined the UN Water Convention in 2025 to promote transboundary water cooperation and sustainable management.
22. The US recently tested which intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)?
A) Minuteman III (GT-254)
B) Titan II
C) Trident D5
D) Polaris A3
Answer: A) Minuteman III (GT-254)
Explanation: The US conducted a routine operational test of the unarmed Minuteman III ICBM (GT-254) from California to validate its nuclear deterrent reliability.
23. China’s third aircraft carrier, recently commissioned, is named:
A) Liaoning
B) Shandong
C) Fujian
D) Hainan
Answer: C) Fujian
Explanation: Fujian is China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a major step in its naval modernization efforts.
?? Science & Obituaries
24. James D. Watson, who passed away at 97, was famous for discovering:
A) RNA sequencing
B) DNA double helix structure
C) Genetic cloning
D) Gene editing (CRISPR)
Answer: B) DNA double helix structure
Explanation: James D. Watson, along with Francis Crick, co-discovered the structure of DNA, revolutionizing the field of molecular biology.
Important Days
25. When is National Legal Services Day observed in India?
A) 7 November
B)