As the new year approaches, UPSC aspirants must intensify their preparation, with current affairs forming the bedrock of success in the preliminary examination. The Indian Express presents its weekly current affairs quiz for the period of December 14 to December 20, 2025, featuring 15 crucial multiple-choice questions designed to consolidate your knowledge and identify key areas for revision.
Key Highlights from This Week's Quiz
This edition of the quiz spans a diverse range of topics, from advanced meteorological technology and strategic defence agreements to cultural heritage projects and international diplomacy. A special focus is placed on India's first nature-themed airport terminal, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Assam, which draws inspiration from the state's rich biodiversity.
Science & Technology: Doppler Weather Radars
One of the featured questions tests knowledge on Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs). The Minister of State for Earth Sciences recently informed Parliament that India currently has a network of 47 DWRs. These sophisticated instruments are pivotal for weather forecasting and tracking extreme events like cyclones.
Contrary to a common misconception, DWRs do not operate on infrared waves. They emit radio waves that scatter upon striking atmospheric objects like raindrops. By analyzing the reflected energy and the shift in the wave's phase (the Doppler effect), these radars can determine both the position and movement of precipitation. India utilizes S-band, C-band, and X-band radars, with X-band radars specializing in thunderstorm detection and C-band radars aiding in cyclone tracking.
Defence & International Relations
The quiz also covers the landmark Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement between India and Russia. Signed into law by President Vladimir Putin following ratification by the Russian Parliament, this pact formalizes procedures for the mutual provision of logistical support. It facilitates port calls, the use of airspace for military aircraft, and the smooth movement of troops and equipment, significantly enhancing interoperability between the two nations.
Another question delves into India's banking presence abroad, revealing that only two Indian banks—State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of India (BOI)—have branches in Japan, primarily serving corporate and trade finance needs.
Culture, Sports, and Infrastructure
Athletics features with a question on the Santosh Trophy, India's premier national football championship. Started in 1941 and named after Sir Manmatha Nath Roy Chowdhary, the tournament has been dominated by West Bengal, which holds a record 32 titles.
On the infrastructure front, PM Modi inaugurated the new terminal of the Lokapriya Gopinath Bardoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Designed with a 'Bamboo Orchids' theme, it is India's first nature-themed airport terminal. It boasts a 'Sky Forest' with nearly one lakh indigenous plants and incorporates advanced features like full-body scanners and AI-driven operations.
Policy and Governance Updates
The quiz examines the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), the government's flagship skill certification scheme. A recent CAG report highlighted irregularities in its implementation between 2015 and 2022. While PMKVY is indeed the flagship scheme and has seen three versions, the ongoing PMKVY 4.0 is being implemented from FY 2022-2026, not 2024-2029.
In legislative news, the Winter Session of Parliament 2025 saw the passage of eight bills, including the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, and the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill, 2025. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025, was referred to a joint committee.
Global Affairs and Miscellaneous
International developments include questions on the strategic Siliguri Corridor (India's vital link to the Northeast), India-Jordan ties marking 75 years of diplomacy, and the composition of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). A current events question focuses on the US imposing a blockade on Venezuela, which holds the world's largest proven oil reserves.
The Indian Navy also made news with the commissioning of its second MH-60R 'Osprey' helicopter squadron, enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities. In a nod to tradition, the Navy's stitched ship, INSV Kaundinya, modelled on a 5th-century vessel from Ajanta paintings, is set to retrace ancient maritime routes to Oman.
This weekly quiz serves as an essential tool for aspirants to regularly assess their grasp of dynamic current affairs, a critical component for cracking the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination.
