Zapad-2025
News–India Participates in Russia-Led Zapad-2025 Military Exercise.
- Event – India participated in Zapad-2025 with Russia and Belarus.
- Location – Mulino Training Ground, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
- Scale – Over 100,000 troops, 333 aircraft, 247 naval vessels, 41 sites.
- India’s Participation – 65 personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force), led by Kumaon Regiment.
- Focus – Joint tactical drills, counter-terrorism ops, interoperability.
- Other Participants – Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Congo, Mali.
DoP and BSNL Partnership
News-DoP and BSNL Partner to Expand Mobile Connectivity Through Post Offices.
- Event – Department of Posts (DoP) and BSNL signed MoU in New Delhi.
- Aim – Expand mobile connectivity across India.
- Key Feature – 1.65 lakh Post Offices will serve as Points of Sale for BSNL SIM cards and recharges.
- Focus – Rural and remote areas; bridge digital divide.
- Roles –
- DoP → Customer onboarding, transactions.
- BSNL → SIM stock, training.
- Benefits – Supports Digital India and financial inclusion.
- Other Details – 1-year validity (renewable), strict monitoring, cybersecurity and data privacy.
Hathei Chilli Festival
News-Manipur inaugurates Three-Day festival to promote GI-Tagged Hathei Chilli.
- Event – 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival.
- Duration – 14 days.
- Location – Sirarakhong Village, Ukhrul district, Manipur.
- Highlight – Promotion of GI-tagged Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli (unique aroma and flavour).
- Inaugural Activities –
- Flag hoisting ceremony.
- Cultural performances (local heritage).
- Buyer-Seller Meet (support farmers).
- Tree plantation under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.
M. Paramasivam
News-PNB Extends Shri M. Paramasivam’s Term as Executive Director.
- Person – Shri M. Paramasivam, Executive Director, Punjab National Bank (PNB).
- Extension – Tenure extended till March 31, 2027 (superannuation) or until further orders.
- Effective From – 15 Sept 2025.
- Approval – By Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance through govt. notification.
FIDE Grand Swiss and Women’s Grand Swiss
News-Anish Giri and R Vaishali are FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 Open and Women Champions.
- The 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss and Women’s Grand Swiss held in –Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
- Champions – GM Anish Giri (Open) and GM Vaishali Rameshbabu (Women’s).
- Score – Both scored 8/11, secured spots in 2026 Candidates Tournament.
- Prizes –Giri remained undefeated, winning the $90,000 top prize.
- Other Qualifiers – Matthias Bluebaum (7.5/11), Kateryna Lagno (Women’s).
- Indian Performance – GMs Mishra and Arjun performed well but missed qualification.
- Format – 11-round Swiss format with a combined prize pool of $855,000.
MCQs
Q1. India participated in the Zapad-2025 military exercise along with which two main countries?
a) USA and UK
b) Russia and Belarus
c) China and Kazakhstan
d) France and Germany
Q2. How many Post Offices will serve as Points of Sale under the DoP–BSNL MoU?
a) 50,000
b) 1.65 lakh
c) 75,000
d) 2 lakh
Q3. The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival is held in which state?
a) Assam
b) Manipur
c) Nagaland
d) Mizoram
Q4. Till when has Shri M. Paramasivam’s tenure as Executive Director of PNB been extended?
a) March 31, 2025
b) March 31, 2026
c) March 31, 2027
d) March 31, 2028
Q5. Who won the Open section of the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025?
a) Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
b) Anish Giri
c) Arjun Erigaisi
d) Magnus Carlsen