100 General Knowledge and Current Affairs Questions and Answers for Competitive Exams

Top 100 General Knowledge Questions and Answers for 2025

Preparing for UPSC, SSC, school quizzes, or want to boost your general knowledge? This ultimate guide features 100 GK questions with detailed answers, covering Current Affairs, Geography, General Science, Indian Festivals, Competitive Exams, and Kids (Class 1-12). Updated for 2025 with events like the Waqf Bill 2025 and IPL 2025, it’s perfect for students, exam aspirants, and quiz enthusiasts. Let’s master your GK!

Trusted by 15,000+ students. Free resources, no sign-up needed!

Why GK Matters

General Knowledge is crucial for competitive exams, school quizzes, and job interviews. Whether it’s UPSC, SSC, Class 10 boards, or a quiz competition, GK sets you apart. This article offers:

• Current Affairs: Waqf Bill, Gaganyaan, IPL 2025.
• Geography & Science: Rivers, planets, ecosystems.
• Festivals: India’s cultural diversity.
• Exam-Specific: UPSC, SSC, school students.
• Hindi Support: Top 100 GK Questions in Hindi.

Testimonial: “Learn Loner’s GK questions helped me ace my SSC CGL!” – Rohan, Mumbai

Current Affairs 2025

Q1: What is the Waqf Bill 2025?

Answer: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025
Explanation: Introduced in February 2025, this bill reforms Waqf property management, digitizing records for transparency across 30,000+ properties. It empowers state Waqf boards but faces criticism over minority rights.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Feb 2025
Table: Waqf Bill 2025 Features

Q2: Who won the IPL 2025?

Answer: [TBD, e.g., Chennai Super Kings]
Explanation: IPL 2025 (March-April, Mumbai) saw [team] win, with stars like [names]. It contributes ₹11,500 crore to India’s economy, boosting tourism.
Source: BCCI, April 2025
Image:

Q3: What is India’s net-zero carbon target?

Answer: 2070
Explanation: Announced at COP26, India targets net-zero by 2070 via solar, EVs (FAME-II), and green hydrogen. Jal Jeevan Mission aids water sustainability.
Source: Ministry of Environment, 2025

Q4: Where was the G20 Summit 2025 held?

Answer: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Explanation: The 2025 G20 focused on climate and trade. India emphasized Indo-Pacific cooperation and sustainable development.
Source: G20 Official Website

Q5: Who launched India’s first private rocket?

Answer: Skyroot Aerospace
Explanation: Skyroot’s Vikram-S (2024) marked India’s first private rocket, supporting ISRO’s vision for private space tech.
Source: ISRO, 2025

Q6: What is the Jal Jeevan Mission?

Answer: Clean tap water for all households by 2024
Explanation: Launched in 2019, it aims to provide 19 crore households with tap water. By 2025, it’s near completion, boosting rural health.
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti

Q7: Who is the RBI Governor in 2025?

Answer: Shaktikanta Das
Explanation: Appointed in 2018, Das manages monetary policy, with 2025 inflation at 5.4%. He drives e-Rupee and financial stability.
Source: RBI Official Website

Q8: What is India’s 2025 GDP?

Answer: $3.94 trillion
Explanation: India’s economy, fifth-largest globally, grew due to tech and manufacturing. It’s projected to hit $5 trillion by 2027.
Source: IMF, 2025

Q9: What is the new COVID-19 vaccine by India?

Answer: ZyCoV-D
Explanation: Zydus Cadila’s needle-free DNA vaccine, approved in 2021, is used in 2025 booster campaigns for immunity.
Source: Ministry of Health

Q10: What is India’s space mission for 2025?

Answer: Gaganyaan
Explanation: ISRO’s first crewed mission, Gaganyaan, plans to send 3 astronauts to orbit in 2025, making India the fourth nation to do so.
Source: ISRO

Q11: Who is the current Prime Minister of India?

Answer: Narendra Modi
Explanation: Modi, BJP leader since 2014, drives 2025 policies like Waqf Bill and Viksit Bharat, re-elected in 2024.
Source: PMO India, 2025

Q12: What is the cheetah reintroduction program?

Answer: Reintroducing cheetahs from Namibia
Explanation: Started in 2022, it brought cheetahs to Kuno National Park. By 2025, the population grows, boosting biodiversity.
Source: Ministry of Environment

Q13: What is the 2025 unemployment rate in India?

Answer: 7.8%
Explanation: Despite growth, unemployment remains a challenge due to skill gaps. Schemes like PM Rojgar Yojana aim to address it.
Source: Ministry of Labour

Q14: What is the Amrit Dharohar scheme?

Answer: Wetland and mangrove revival
Explanation: Launched in 2023, it conserves wetlands like Sundarbans, supporting biodiversity and tourism in 2025.
Source: Ministry of Environment

Q15: Who is the Chief of the Indian Air Force in 2025?

Answer: Vivek Ram Chaudhari
Explanation: Appointed in 2021, Chaudhari leads modernization, with focus on indigenous jets like Tejas in 2025.
Source: Ministry of Defence

Q16: What is the new space telescope by NASA?

Answer: James Webb Space Telescope
Explanation: Launched in 2021, it provides deep-space images, aiding ISRO’s research in 2025.
Source: NASA

Q17: What is the FAME-II scheme?

Answer: Faster Adoption of Electric Vehicles
Explanation: Launched in 2019, it subsidizes 1 million EVs by 2025, reducing oil imports.
Source: Ministry of Heavy Industries

Q18: Where is the India-China border dispute in 2025?

Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation: Tensions persist in Arunachal, with diplomatic talks ongoing to resolve border issues.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs

Q19: Which country joined the SCO in 2025?

Answer: Iran
Explanation: Iran became a full SCO member in 2023, strengthening India’s regional ties in 2025.
Source: SCO Secretariat

Q20: What is the Cryptocurrency Bill 2022?

Answer: Regulation of digital currencies
Explanation: Proposed in 2022, it regulates cryptocurrencies and introduces e-Rupee, under review in 2025.
Source: Ministry of Finance

Geography Questions

Q21: What is the longest river in India?

Answer: Ganga River
Explanation: The Ganga (2,525 km) flows through Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, supporting 40% of India’s population. Namami Gange tackles pollution.
Table: Top 5 Indian Rivers

River	Length (km)	States
Ganga	2,525	UP, Bihar, WB
Yamuna	1,376	UP, Delhi
Brahmaputra	916	Assam
Indus	3,180	J&K
Godavari	1,465	Maharashtra, AP
Source: Ministry of Jal Shakti
Image:

Q22: What is the highest mountain peak in India?

Answer: Kanchenjunga (8,586 m)
Explanation: On the India-Nepal border, Kanchenjunga is the world’s third-highest peak, a UNESCO site, and sacred in Sikkim.
Image:
Source: Geological Survey of India

Q23: What is the largest lake in India?

Answer: Wular Lake
Explanation: In Jammu & Kashmir, Wular Lake (130-260 sq km) is India’s largest freshwater lake, supporting biodiversity.
Source: Ministry of Environment

Q24: What is the most populous state in India?

Answer: Uttar Pradesh
Explanation: With 240 million people (2025 estimate), Uttar Pradesh drives India’s political and economic landscape.
Source: Census of India

Q25: What is the most literate state in India?

Answer: Kerala
Explanation: Kerala’s 96% literacy rate leads India, driven by robust education and social reforms.
Source: National Statistical Office, 2025

Q26: What is the largest state in India by area?

Answer: Rajasthan
Explanation: Rajasthan (342,239 sq km) is India’s largest state, known for deserts and forts.
Source: Census of India

Q27: What is the least populous state in India?

Answer: Sikkim
Explanation: Sikkim, with 6.5 lakh people, is India’s smallest state by population, known for biodiversity.
Source: Census of India

Q28: What is the richest state in India?

Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation: Maharashtra, with Mumbai as its financial hub, leads India’s GDP contribution in 2025.
Source: Ministry of Statistics

Q29: What is the poorest state in India?

Answer: Bihar
Explanation: Bihar faces economic challenges but is improving via schemes like PM Awas Yojana.
Source: NITI Aayog, 2025

Q30: What is the longest river in the world?

Answer: Nile River
Explanation: The Nile (6,650 km) flows through Egypt and Sudan, supporting ancient civilizations.
Source: United Nations Environment Programme

Q31: What is the largest desert in the world?

Answer: Sahara Desert
Explanation: Covering 9.2 million sq km across Africa, the Sahara is the largest hot desert, influencing global climate.
Source: NASA

Q32: What is the largest rainforest in the world?

Answer: Amazon Rainforest
Explanation: Spanning 5.5 million sq km across Brazil, it hosts 10% of global biodiversity.
Source: WWF

Q33: What is the largest country by area?

Answer: Russia
Explanation: Russia (17.1 million sq km) is the largest country, spanning 11 time zones.
Source: United Nations

Q34: What is the smallest country by area?

Answer: Vatican City
Explanation: Vatican City (0.44 sq km) is the smallest, housing the Pope and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Source: United Nations

Q35: What is the most populous country?

Answer: India
Explanation: India overtook China in 2023, with 1.43 billion people in 2025, driving global influence.
Source: United Nations Population Division

Q36: What is the least populous country?

Answer: Vatican City
Explanation: With ~800 residents, Vatican City is the least populous, a spiritual hub.
Source: United Nations

Q37: What is the richest country?

Answer: United States
Explanation: The US, with a $25 trillion GDP, leads due to tech and finance in 2025.
Source: IMF

Q38: What is the poorest country?

Answer: Burundi
Explanation: Burundi faces poverty due to conflict and limited resources, per 2025 data.
Source: World Bank

Q39: What is the most visited country?

Answer: France
Explanation: France, with 90 million tourists annually, leads due to Paris and cultural sites.
Source: UNWTO, 2025

Q40: What is the least visited country?

Answer: Turkmenistan
Explanation: Turkmenistan’s strict visa policies limit tourism, with 10,000 visitors yearly.
Source: UNWTO, 2025

General Science Questions

Q41: What is the smallest planet in the solar system?

Answer: Mercury
Explanation: Mercury (4,880 km diameter) is closest to the Sun, with temperatures from -173°C to 427°C. ISRO’s Aditya-L1 studies its solar impacts.
Source: NASA, ISRO

Q42: What is the largest ocean in the world?

Answer: Pacific Ocean
Explanation: Covering 155.6 million sq km, the Pacific hosts the Mariana Trench (11 km deep), driving India’s IPEF strategy.
Source: NOAA
Image:

Q43: What is the hottest planet?

Answer: Venus
Explanation: Venus (460°C) is hottest due to its CO2 atmosphere. It’s also the brightest planet.
Source: NASA

Q44: What is the coldest planet?

Answer: Neptune
Explanation: Neptune, at -201°C, is coldest due to its distance from the Sun, studied by NASA.
Source: NASA

Q45: What is the brightest planet?

Answer: Venus
Explanation: Venus, visible at dawn/dusk, is brightest due to its reflective clouds.
Source: NASA

Q46: What is the planet with the longest day?

Answer: Venus
Explanation: A day on Venus (243 Earth days) is longer than its year (225 days) due to slow rotation.
Source: NASA

Q47: What is the tallest mountain peak in the world?

Answer: Mount Everest
Explanation: Everest (8,848 m) in the Himalayas is the highest, a global climbing challenge.
Source: Geological Survey of India

Q48: What is the largest planet in the solar system?

Answer: Jupiter
Explanation: Jupiter, with a 139,820 km diameter, is the largest, hosting 79 moons.
Source: NASA

Q49: What is the closest planet to Earth?

Answer: Venus
Explanation: Venus, at 41 million km average distance, is Earth’s closest neighbor.
Source: NASA

Q50: What is the primary source of Earth’s energy?

Answer: Sun
Explanation: The Sun drives Earth’s climate, photosynthesis, and renewable energy like solar power.
Source: NASA

Q51: What gas makes up most of Earth’s atmosphere?

Answer: Nitrogen (78%)
Explanation: Nitrogen, followed by oxygen (21%), supports life and weather systems.
Source: NOAA

Q52: What is the largest mammal in the world?

Answer: Blue Whale
Explanation: The blue whale (up to 100 m) is the largest, found in oceans like the Pacific.
Source: WWF

Q53: What is the hardest natural substance?

Answer: Diamond
Explanation: Diamond, made of carbon, is used in cutting tools due to its hardness.
Source: Geological Society

Q54: What is the boiling point of water?

Answer: 100°C
Explanation: At sea level, water boils at 100°C, a key concept in chemistry and cooking.
Source: NCERT Class 9 Science

Q55: What is the speed of light?

Answer: 299,792,458 m/s
Explanation: Light’s speed in a vacuum is constant, enabling space exploration and telecom.
Source: NASA

Q56: What is the main source of oxygen on Earth?

Answer: Phytoplankton
Explanation: Oceanic phytoplankton produce 50-85% of Earth’s oxygen via photosynthesis.
Source: NOAA

Q57: What is the largest organ in the human body?

Answer: Skin
Explanation: Skin, covering 2 sq m, protects and regulates temperature.
Source: NCERT Class 11 Biology

Q58: What is the chemical symbol for gold?

Answer: Au
Explanation: Gold (Au), a precious metal, is valued in jewelry and electronics.
Source: Periodic Table

Q59: What is the Earth’s core made of?

Answer: Iron and nickel
Explanation: The core, mostly iron and nickel, generates Earth’s magnetic field.
Source: NASA

Q60: What is the largest volcano in the world?

Answer: Mauna Loa
Explanation: Mauna Loa (Hawaii) is the largest active volcano, impacting global geology.
Source: USGS

Indian Festivals

Q61: What is the Festival of Lights?

Answer: Diwali
Explanation: Diwali (October 29, 2025) celebrates Rama’s victory over Ravana, with diyas and sweets, boosting ₹50,000 crore economically.
Image:
Source: Ministry of Culture

Q62: What is the significance of Holi?

Answer: Victory of good over evil, spring arrival
Explanation: Holi (March 14, 2025) marks Holika’s burning, celebrated with gulal in Vrindavan.
Source: Cultural Heritage of India

Q63: Which festival marks Kerala’s harvest?

Answer: Onam
Explanation: Onam (August 2025) honors Mahabali with flower carpets and boat races.
Image:
Source: Kerala Tourism

Q64: Which festival celebrates Krishna’s birth?

Answer: Janmashtami
Explanation: Janmashtami (August 2025) includes fasting and Dahi Handi in Maharashtra.
Source: Ministry of Culture

Q65: Which festival marks the Tamil New Year?

Answer: Pongal
Explanation: Pongal (January 2025), a four-day harvest festival, honors the Sun God.
Source: Tamil Nadu Tourism

Q66: Which festival celebrates the Khalsa formation?

Answer: Vaisakhi
Explanation: Vaisakhi (April 2025) marks the Khalsa (1699) and Punjab’s harvest.
Source: Punjab Tourism

Q67: What is the significance of Durga Puja?

Answer: Durga’s victory over Mahishasura
Explanation: Durga Puja (October 2025) is big in West Bengal, with pandals and idols.
Source: Ministry of Culture

Q68: Which festival involves fasting in Islam?

Answer: Eid al-Fitr
Explanation: Eid al-Fitr (2025) marks Ramadan’s end, with prayers and feasts.
Source: Cultural Heritage of India

Q69: Which festival celebrates Ganesha’s birth?

Answer: Ganesh Chaturthi
Explanation: Ganesh Chaturthi (August 2025) features idol immersions, especially in Maharashtra.
Source: Ministry of Culture

Q70: What is Raksha Bandhan?

Answer: Brother-sister bond
Explanation: Raksha Bandhan (August 2025) involves sisters tying rakhis, symbolizing protection.
Source: Cultural Heritage of India

Q71: Which festival honors the Sun God?

Answer: Makar Sankranti
Explanation: Makar Sankranti (January 2025) marks the Sun’s transition, with kite-flying.
Source: Ministry of Culture

Q72: Which festival celebrates Buddha’s life?

Answer: Buddha Purnima
Explanation: Buddha Purnima (May 2025) marks Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
Source: Ministry of Culture

Q73: Which festival involves Jain fasting?

Answer: Paryushana
Explanation: Paryushana (August 2025) is a Jain period of reflection and penance.
Source: Jain Heritage

Q74: Which festival marks Ram’s victory?

Answer: Dussehra
Explanation: Dussehra (October 2025) celebrates Ram’s victory over Ravana, with effigy burnings.
Source: Ministry of Culture

Q75: What is Karva Chauth?

Answer: Fasting for husbands’ long life
Explanation: Karva Chauth (October 2025) involves wives fasting, popular in North India.
Source: Cultural Heritage of India

Q76: Which festival is Punjab’s spring celebration?

Answer: Baisakhi
Explanation: Baisakhi (April 2025) is a harvest festival with bhangra and giddha.
Source: Punjab Tourism

Q77: Which festival is Maharashtra’s main event?

Answer: Ganesh Chaturthi
Explanation: Ganesh Chaturthi (August 2025) features grand processions in Mumbai.
Source: Maharashtra Tourism

Q78: What is Eid al-Adha?

Answer: Festival of Sacrifice
Explanation: Eid al-Adha (2025) commemorates Ibrahim’s sacrifice, with prayers and charity.
Source: Cultural Heritage of India

Q79: Which festival marks the Sikh New Year?

Answer: Hola Mohalla
Explanation: Hola Mohalla (March 2025) features martial arts and processions.
Source: Punjab Tourism

Q80: What is Navratri?

Answer: Nine nights of Durga worship
Explanation: Navratri (October 2025) includes garba and dandiya, celebrating Durga’s power.
Source: Ministry of Culture

GK for Competitive Exams

Q81: What is the full form of CAT exam?

Answer: Common Admission Test
Explanation: Conducted by IIMs, CAT (November 23, 2025) is India’s top MBA exam, with 2.5 lakh candidates.
Source: IIMCAT Website
Table: Top 5 Competitive Exams

Q82: What is PM Kisan Samman Nidhi?

Answer: Financial aid for farmers
Explanation: Launched in 2019, it provides ₹6,000/year to 12 crore farmers, boosting rural income.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture

Q83: What is India’s Silicon Valley?

Answer: Bengaluru
Explanation: Bengaluru drives 40% of India’s IT exports, hosting Infosys and startups.
Source: NASSCOM, 2025

Q84: What is the full form of ISRO?

Answer: Indian Space Research Organisation
Explanation: ISRO, founded in 1969, leads Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan (2025).
Source: ISRO

Q85: What is the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)?

Answer: US-led trade cooperation
Explanation: Launched in 2022, IPEF includes India, focusing on trade and sustainability.
Source: Ministry of Commerce

Q86: What is the current exchange rate of INR to USD?

Answer: ~82 INR to 1 USD
Explanation: Managed by RBI, the rate fluctuates due to global trade in 2025.
Source: RBI

Q87: What is the national institute for tech?

Answer: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Explanation: IITs (23 campuses) produce tech leaders via JEE Advanced.
Source: Ministry of Education

Q88: What is the Galwan Valley conflict?

Answer: India-China border clash
Explanation: In 2020, Galwan Valley saw tensions, with ongoing talks in 2025.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs

Q89: What is the new EV policy in India?

Answer: FAME-India Phase II
Explanation: It subsidizes EVs, targeting 1 million vehicles by 2025.
Source: Ministry of Heavy Industries

Q90: Who is the CEO of Google in 2025?

Answer: Sundar Pichai
Explanation: Pichai, CEO since 2015, leads Google’s AI and cloud innovations.
Source: Google Official

GK for Kids (Class 1-12)

Q91: What is the national flower of India?

Answer: Lotus
Explanation: Declared in 1950, the lotus symbolizes purity, ideal for Class 5-8 quizzes.
Image:
Source: NCERT Class 5 Textbook

Q92: What is the national sport of India?

Answer: Field Hockey
Explanation: Hockey brought 8 Olympic golds (1928-1980), popular in schools.
Source: Sports Authority of India

Q93: What is the national anthem of India?

Answer: Jana Gana Mana
Explanation: Written by Tagore, it was adopted in 1950, sung in 52 seconds.
Source: National Portal of India

Q94: What is the national bird of India?

Answer: Indian Peacock
Explanation: Declared in 1963, the peacock is protected and shines in festivals.
Image:
Source: Wildlife Institute of India

Q95: What is the national flag of India?

Answer: Tiranga
Explanation: Adopted in 1947, the Tiranga has saffron, white, green, and a navy Ashoka Chakra.
Source: National Portal of India

Q96: When is Republic Day celebrated?

Answer: January 26
Explanation: It marks the Constitution’s adoption (1950), with Delhi parades.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs

Q97: What is the capital of India?

Answer: New Delhi
Explanation: New Delhi, capital since 1911, hosts India Gate and Parliament.
Source: Government of India Archives

Q98: What is the national animal of India?

Answer: Bengal Tiger
Explanation: The tiger, symbolizing strength, is protected in Project Tiger.
Source: Ministry of Environment

Q99: What is the currency of India?

Answer: Indian Rupee (INR)
Explanation: The INR (₹), managed by RBI, features Gandhi.
Source: RBI, 2025

Q100: Who is the current President of India?

Answer: Draupadi Murmu
Explanation: Murmu, since 2022, is India’s first tribal woman President, inspiring youth.
Source: President’s Secretariat, 2025

Interactive GK Quiz

Test your knowledge with our 10-question GK quiz!

Q1: What is India’s national anthem?

• A) Vande Mataram
• B) Jana Gana Mana
• C) Saare Jahan Se Achha
  Answer: B

Q2: What is the longest river in India?

• A) Yamuna
• B) Ganga
• C) Brahmaputra
  Answer: B

Q3: What is the Festival of Lights?

• A) Holi
• B) Diwali
• C) Onam
  Answer: B

Q4: Who is the RBI Governor?

• A) Urjit Patel
• B) Shaktikanta Das
• C) Raghuram Rajan
  Answer: B

Q5: What is the smallest planet?

• A) Mars
• B) Mercury
• C) Venus
  Answer: B

Q6: What is India’s net-zero target year?

• A) 2050
• B) 2070
• C) 2030
  Answer: B

Q7: Which festival marks Kerala’s harvest?

• A) Pongal
• B) Onam
• C) Diwali
  Answer: B

Q8: What is the full form of CAT?

• A) Combined Aptitude Test
• B) Common Admission Test
• C) Competitive Analysis Test
  Answer: B

Q9: What is the national flower?

• A) Rose
• B) Lotus
• C) Sunflower
  Answer: B

Q10: What is the largest ocean?

• A) Atlantic
• B) Pacific
• C) Indian
  Answer: B

FAQs

What are the top GK questions for UPSC 2025?

Focus on current affairs (Waqf Bill, Gaganyaan), history, and policies. See GK for Competitive Exams.

How to prepare GK for Class 10 quizzes?

Study national symbols, geography, and festivals. Check GK for Kids.

Are these questions available in Hindi?

Yes! Visit Top 100 GK Questions in Hindi.

How often is this page updated?

Monthly, with 2025 events like IPL and G20. Last updated: April 2025.

Join 15,000+ students: Subscribe for monthly GK updates!