Current affairs preparation for the CDS examination should not be limited to defence news. Candidates need to stay updated with important developments in national affairs, international relations, defence, sports, science and technology, economy, and government initiatives.
To make daily revision easier, this CDS Current Affairs Quiz includes 10 questions from different areas. Some of the questions are directly based on recent events.
1. The Indian government recently highlighted 10 years of UPI. What does UPI stand for?
A. Unified Payment Interface
B. Unified Payments Interface
C. Universal Payments Interface
D. United Payment Integration
Option B. Unified Payments Interface
Explanation: UPI stands for Unified Payments Interface. It was developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and has become one of India's most widely used digital payment systems. The government recently highlighted UPI's 10-year journey and its role in India's digital payments growth.
CDS Link: This question connects a recent economic and technological development with basic knowledge of India's digital infrastructure.
2. The 2nd India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue was recently held in which city?
A. Auckland
B. Christchurch
C. Wellington
D. Hamilton
Option C. Wellington
Explanation: The 2nd India-New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue was held in Wellington. Discussions included maritime security, joint military training, and greater defence cooperation. Both countries also discussed their commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
CDS Link: Remember the country, capital, and the main area of cooperation. International relations and India's strategic partnerships are important for CDS.
3. Mitchell Starc recently became the No. 1-ranked Test bowler in the ICC rankings. He plays for which country?
A. South Africa
B. Australia
C. New Zealand
D. England
Option B. Australia
Explanation: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc recently moved to the top position in the ICC Test bowling rankings, replacing India's Jasprit Bumrah. Starc achieved the No. 1 position for the first time in his career after his strong performance against Bangladesh.
CDS Link: Sports current affairs are an important part of general awareness preparation. Candidates should regularly revise major international sporting achievements and rankings.
4. Which organisation is responsible for India's monetary policy and regulation of the banking system?
A. SEBI
B. NABARD
C. RBI
D. NITI Aayog
Option C RBI
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India's central bank. It manages monetary policy, regulates banks, and plays an important role in maintaining financial stability. The RBI has recently highlighted risks to inflation from factors such as crude oil prices, monsoon conditions, and global economic uncertainty.
CDS Link: Candidates should understand basic economic terms such as inflation, repo rate, RBI, and monetary policy, along with current economic news.
5. The Indian Coast Guard recently held a high-level meeting with the Coast Guard of which country?
A. Vietnam
B. Japan
C. Indonesia
D. Malaysia
Option A. Vietnam
Explanation: The 7th High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard was held recently in Chennai. The two sides discussed maritime security, search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, marine pollution response, and other areas of cooperation.
CDS Link: India’s relations with countries in the Indo-Pacific region are important for both current affairs and international relations preparation.
6. The Union Government has recently approved a new Khelo India Scheme for which period?
A. 2025–30
B. 2026–31
C. 2027–32
D. 2026–36
Option B. 2026–31
Explanation: The Centre has allocated ₹36,441 crore for the new Khelo India Scheme for the 2026–31 period. The programme aims to support athletes and strengthen India's sports ecosystem.
CDS Link: Government schemes related to sports, youth development and national programmes should be included in regular current-affairs revision.
7. INS Nipun, recently in the news, is associated with which type of vessel?
A. Aircraft Carrier
B. Diving Support Vessel
C. Destroyer
D. Frigate
Option B. Diving Support Vessel
Explanation: INS Nipun is a Diving Support Vessel of the Indian Navy and belongs to the Nistar class. It is designed to support deep-sea diving and underwater operations. The vessel is scheduled to be commissioned by the Indian Navy on 31 August 2026.
CDS Link: Defence current affairs should cover important ships, aircraft, missiles, exercises, and military developments, but they should form only one part of the overall quiz.
8. The 53rd PRAGATI meeting was recently chaired by the Prime Minister. What does PRAGATI stand for?
A. Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation
B. Programme for Rapid Growth and Timely Investment
C. Public Review and Governance for Timely Action
D. Pro-Active Government and Technology Initiative
Option A. Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation
Explanation: PRAGATI stands for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation. It is an important platform used by the government to review major projects and address issues affecting their implementation. The Prime Minister recently chaired the 53rd PRAGATI meeting.
CDS Link: This is a good example of how a current national-affairs event can be connected with a basic question about a government initiative.
9. India recently witnessed the use of an MR-Linac system in Bengaluru. What is the main technology combined in an MR-Linac?
A. MRI and radiation therapy
B. X-ray and ultrasound
C. CT scan and surgery
D. PET scan and dialysis
Option A. MRI and radiation therapy
Explanation: An MR-Linac combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a linear accelerator used for radiation therapy. A cancer centre in Bengaluru has begun using Karnataka's first Elekta Unity MR-Linac, allowing doctors to view a tumour using real-time MRI while delivering radiation.
CDS Link: Science and technology questions in CDS can come from recent developments in medicine, space, biotechnology, defence technology and other fields.
10. India recently approved the transfer of technology for DRDO-developed conventional missile systems to Indian defence industries. What is the main objective of this move?
A. Increase dependence on imported weapons
B. Reduce domestic defence production
C. Strengthen self-reliance in defence
D. Stop private-sector participation in defence
Option C. Strengthen self-reliance in defence
Explanation: The decision aims to give Indian defence industries a greater role in producing indigenous missile systems. It supports India's larger goal of Aatmanirbharta in Defence, which focuses on increasing domestic defence production and reducing dependence on imports.
CDS Link: Defence current affairs are important, but aspirants should also understand the larger ideas behind them, such as self-reliance, defence production, and national security.
How to Prepare Current Affairs for CDS
CDS aspirants must not prepare current affairs only by simply learning headlines; instead, make it so that you connect every major incident with its basic details. For example, if you read about the India-New Zealand defence dialogue. Also remember where in the world they lie & which is New Zealand’s capital & how engaged India is in the Indo-Pacific.
Likewise, if you read about UPI, remember the basics about digital payments and NPCI.
You remember sports, players, countries, tours; you read about sports victories. Defence news: read about the basics of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and key defence organizations. This process kills two birds with one arrow- both are better for current affairs preparation, general knowledge & GK preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should CDS current affairs include sports and the economy?
Yes, CDS current affairs preparation should cover more than defence news. Candidates should follow important developments in national affairs, international relations, sports, economy, science and technology, government schemes, awards and other major events.
2. How many current-affairs questions should I practise every day?
A daily set of 10 quality questions is a practical target. The important thing is to revise the answers and understand why they are important.
3. Should I study static GK along with current affairs?
Yes, CDS preparation becomes easier when current affairs are connected with static GK. A recent event can help you revise related information about geography, history, organisations, capitals, international relations, or science.
4. Are current affairs useful for the SSB interview?
Yes, Current affairs can help candidates during Group Discussions, lecturettes, and personal interviews. Candidates should be able to explain important events in simple words and give a balanced opinion.
Conclusion
During the time of making notes for CDS, current affairs must be broad and regular, and must relate to the basic understanding of life. It is significant for aspirants to pay attention to defence-related news too, as it is a significant component of the CDS preparation. But the aspirants must continue the habit of keeping track of national events, international issues that are important to mention in the CDS exam, sports updates, the economy, science & technology, government schemes, and relevant important personalities related to national/international status.
By practicing a set of 10 questions from a daily CDS current-affairs quiz, they can revise it easily and eventually develop a gradually solid foundation for the written paper as well as the second round, which is the SSB Interview.
Read more:
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CDS 2 2026 Current Affairs Preparation: Important Topics for Defence Aspirants
