Explore 10-year trends and PYQs on Current Affairs Questions in UPSC Prelims. Know key topics like schemes, reports, IR, and science. Get expert tips to master dynamic sections and boost your score in UPSC Prelims 2025.
theIAShub | 27 May, 2025 | 6903 | 0 |
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Current Affairs Questions in UPSC Prelims play a crucial role. These questions test a candidate’s awareness and understanding of recent events in India and around the world. The UPSC often frames questions from both static and dynamic parts of the syllabus, but current affairs remain an unpredictable yet high-scoring area if prepared properly. This article covers essential areas, preparation tips, and a 10-year trend of economics-related current affairs questions in Prelims.
The Current Affairs section in UPSC Prelims 2025 included 13 questions, reflecting its continued relevance in assessing a candidate’s awareness of recent national and international developments. The difficulty level ranged from moderate to difficult, with many questions requiring a deep understanding of current events rather than just surface-level knowledge. Topics from government schemes, international organizations, reports, and recent policy changes were frequently asked. Aspirants who regularly followed credible news sources and monthly current affairs compilations found this section more manageable.
Current Affairs play a pivotal role in UPSC Prelims 2025, influencing questions across multiple subjects like Polity, Economy, Environment, and Science & Technology. Questions are often based on recent government schemes, national and international events, policy changes, and major reports like the Budget and Economic Survey. Unlike static portions, current affairs demand daily reading of reliable sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and Yojana. Aspirants must focus on both factual details and analytical understanding. Regular revision and practicing current-affairs-based MCQs are crucial to retain information and improve accuracy. A strong grasp of current events greatly boosts prelims performance.
| Prelims Question Paper 2025 |
| UPSC Prelims Answer Key 2025 |
1. Consider the following statements in respect of BIMSTEC:
I. It is a (regional) organization consisting of seven member States till January 2025.
II. It came into existence with the signing of the Dhaka Declaration, 1999.
III. Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Nepal are founding member States of BIMSTEC.
IV. In BIMSTEC, the subsector of ‘tourism’ is being led by India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) I and II
(b) II and III
(c) I and IV
(d) I only
2. Who amongst the following are members of the Jury to select the recipient of ‘Gandhi Peace Prize’?
I. The President of India
II. The Prime Minister of India
III. The Chief Justice of India
IV. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) II and IV only
(b) I, II and III
(c) II, III and IV
(d) I and III only
3. GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
II. It will allow more uniform and high-quality air traffic management.
III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) I, II and III
(b) II and III only
(c) I only
(d) I and II only
4. Consider the following statements regarding AI Action Summit held in Grand Palais, Paris in February 2025:
I. Co-chaired with India, the event builds on the advances made at the Bletchley Park Summit held in 2023 and the Seoul Summit held in 2024.
II. Along with other countries, US and UK also signed the declaration on inclusive and sustainable AI.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
5. Consider the following pairs:
I. International Year of the Woman Farmer : 2026
II. International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism : 2027
III. International Year of Peace and Trust : 2025
IV. International Year of Asian Awareness and Planetary Defence : 2029
How many of the pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All the four
6. Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:
I. 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan.
II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS.
III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I and II
(b) II and III
(c) I and III
(d) I only
7. Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup:
I. The event was held in Delhi, India.
II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78–40 in the final to become the World Champion in men’s category.
III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54–36 in the final to become the World Champion in women’s category.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II and III only
(c) I and III only
(d) I, II and III
8. Consider the following statements:
I. In the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad held in 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju became the world’s youngest winner after defeating the Russian player Nepomniachtchi.
II. Abhimanyu Mishra, an American chess player, holds the record of becoming the world’s youngest ever Grandmaster.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) I only
(b) II only
(c) Both I and II
(d) Neither I nor II
The trend of Current Affairs questions in UPSC Prelims from 2013 to 2024 clearly highlights their significant and consistent presence in the General Studies Paper 1. On average, around 23–26 questions each year are directly or indirectly linked to recent events, with 2013 and 2016 witnessing as many as 29 and 28 questions, respectively. Even in years like 2018, where the number dipped slightly to 18, current affairs continued to influence questions across Polity, Economy, Environment, and Science & Tech. This trend emphasizes the importance of staying updated with daily news, government initiatives, and international developments for success in the exam.
| Year | Questions |
| 2013 | 29 |
| 2014 | 20 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 28 |
| 2017 | 26 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 25 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2024 | 26 |
(a) Operation Sankalp
(b) Operation Maitri
(c) Operation Sadbhavana
(d) Operation Madad
Shantiniketan
Rani-ki-Vav
Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas
Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodhgaya
How many of the above properties were included in 2023?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
The Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
(a) Bhupender Yadav
(b) Nalin Mehta
(c) Shashi Tharoor
(d) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Success in Current Affairs Questions in UPSC Prelims depends on a well-rounded and consistent preparation strategy. By covering all important areas, analyzing past question patterns, and regularly revising notes, you can confidently attempt even the trickiest current affairs questions. Make current affairs your strength, not a burden.
You should cover at least 12 months prior to the exam. However, questions are often framed from events even 1.5 years earlier, so context is key.
On average, 15 to 20 questions in the UPSC Prelims General Studies Paper I are directly or indirectly related to current affairs.
Newspapers are important but not sufficient alone. Combine them with monthly magazines, government sources, and revision test series for a complete approach.
Key topics include Government Schemes, International Relations, Science and Tech, Economy, Environment, and major National and Global Events.
Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.
Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !
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