1. The Supreme Court is considering framing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) primarily for which type of cases?
A. Commercial disputes
B. Election petitions
C. Urgent cases affecting citizens’ life and liberty
D. Tax-related matters
Answer: C. Urgent cases affecting citizens’ life and liberty
Explanation: The Supreme Court is examining the need for an SOP to ensure urgent constitutional matters—such as illegal detention, demolition drives, deportation, custodial violence, and similar cases affecting life and liberty—are heard without delay and receive timely judicial intervention.
2. The Indian sailor killed in the missile strike was serving on which merchant vessel?
A. MT Mercer Street
B. MV True Confidence
C. MT Sounion
D. MT Omnia
Answer: D. MT Omnia
Explanation: The deceased Indian national was a crew member aboard the Liberian-flagged merchant vessel MT Omnia, which was hit during transit near the Strait of Hormuz.
3. India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that came into force on July 15, 2026, is with which country?
A. Australia
B. United Arab Emirates
C. Japan
D. United Kingdom
Answer: D. United Kingdom
Explanation: The India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement officially came into force, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
4. India recently announced a ban on the import of products made using which practice?
A. Prison labour
B. Contract labour
C. Forced labour
D. Child apprenticeship
Answer: C. Forced labour
Explanation: India has prohibited the import of goods produced through forced labour, aligning its trade practices more closely with international labour standards and ethical sourcing principles.
5. India’s imports from which country reportedly crossed $80 billion, according to the report highlighted on the front page?
A. United States
B. Russia
C. Germany
D. China
Answer: D. China
Explanation: Despite geopolitical and trade concerns, India’s imports from China have continued to rise, crossing the $80 billion mark, reflecting India’s continued dependence on Chinese intermediate goods and manufacturing inputs.
6. The West Bengal government withdrew its appeal in the Supreme Court against the Calcutta High Court’s order removing OBC status for how many castes?
A. 55
B. 63
C. 77
D. 102
Answer: C. 77
Explanation: The West Bengal government withdrew the appeal filed by the previous government against the Calcutta High Court’s judgment that invalidated OBC status for 77 castes, while clarifying that other aggrieved parties may still pursue the matter.
7. Akhil Gogoi criticized the proposed “pushback” of suspected Bangladeshi nationals, arguing that it violates which constitutional principle?
A. Right to Equality
B. Freedom of Religion
C. Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21)
D. Right to Constitutional Remedies
Answer: C. Right to Life and Personal Liberty (Article 21)
Explanation: Akhil Gogoi argued that deporting or pushing back individuals without following due legal procedures would violate Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty.
8. The West Bengal government has allocated over 1,000 acres of land for which major infrastructure project?
A. Inland Waterway Terminal
B. Greenfield Airport
C. Industrial Corridor
D. Border fencing along the India–Bangladesh border
Answer: D. Border fencing along the India–Bangladesh border
Explanation: The State government has allocated more than 1,000 acres of land to facilitate border fencing, strengthening security and expediting the transfer of land to the Border Security Force (BSF).
9. Which bird species has successfully resumed breeding in Gujarat’s Gir Forest after more than six decades?
A. Great Indian Bustard
B. Sarus Crane
C. White-rumped Vulture
D. Indian Grey Hornbill
Answer: D. Indian Grey Hornbill
Explanation: Conservation efforts have led to the successful breeding of the Indian Grey Hornbill in Gir Forest, marking the revival of a species that had disappeared from the region over 60 years ago.
The revival is the result of long-term conservation measures, including habitat restoration, protection of nesting sites, and species reintroduction, demonstrating the success of ecosystem-based conservation.
10. The Union Government has banned which herbicide due to concerns over accidental deaths and health hazards?
A. Glyphosate
B. Atrazine
C. Paraquat Dichloride + Glyphosate
D. Paraquat Dichloride
Answer: D. Paraquat Dichloride
Explanation: The Centre prohibited the use of Paraquat Dichloride, citing its high toxicity, accidental deaths, and health risks. The herbicide has been widely used for weed control in several crops.
11. The Union Government invoked which legal provision to ban Paraquat Dichloride?
A. Insecticides Act, 1968
B. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
C. Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968
D. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
Answer: C. Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968
Explanation: The ban was notified under Section 27 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, which empowers the Central Government to prohibit the manufacture, sale or use of insecticides in public interest.
12. Which State-owned dairy brand has decided to revive milk sales through Automatic Milk Vending Machines (AVMS)?
A. Nandini
B. Verka
C. Saras
D. Aavin
Answer: D. Aavin
Explanation: Tamil Nadu’s cooperative dairy brand Aavin is reviving Automatic Milk Vending Machines (AVMS) to improve public access to milk and modernize its retail distribution network.
Aavin had previously operated Automatic Milk Vending Machines, but they were discontinued in 2014. The cooperative now plans to reintroduce them.
13. A handloom weaver from which State created a silk saree that can fit inside a matchbox?
A. Karnataka
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Odisha
D. Telangana
Answer: D. Telangana
Explanation: A handloom weaver from Siricilla, Telangana, presented an intricately woven silk saree that can fit inside a matchbox, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and promoting India’s handloom heritage.
14. The Union Government launched the ‘Seafarer’ first-response tracker primarily to enhance safety for Indian seafarers in which strategic maritime region?
A. Malacca Strait
B. Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
C. Suez Canal
D. Strait of Hormuz
Answer: D. Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways launched the ‘Seafarer’ first-response tracker to monitor and assist Indian seafarers operating in high-risk areas, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) introduced the tracker to provide real-time monitoring and emergency support for Indian seafarers.
15. According to the Government of India, an Indian passport is legally regarded as a:
A. Proof of Indian citizenship
B. National identity card
C. Permanent residence certificate
D. Travel document, not a citizenship document
Answer: D. Travel document, not a citizenship document
Explanation: The Government clarified that an Indian passport is primarily a travel document issued under the Passports Act, 1967. While it is commonly used as proof of identity, citizenship is determined under the Citizenship Act, not solely by possession of a passport.
16. The Kuki-Zo protests reported in Manipur were primarily triggered by demands for:
A. Repeal of AFSPA
B. Separate Statehood
C. Restoration of Internet services
D. Release of arrested community leaders and withdrawal of security action
Answer: D. Release of arrested community leaders and withdrawal of security action
Explanation: Kuki-Zo groups staged protests demanding the release of arrested leaders, alleging bias by security forces and calling for an impartial approach to law enforcement in the region.
17. Under the India–U.K. CETA, approximately what percentage of India’s tariff lines will become duty-free?
A. 75%
B. 85%
C. 99%
D. 100%
Answer: C. 99%
Explanation: The agreement provides duty-free access to about 99% of India’s tariff lines, significantly improving market access for Indian exports to the United Kingdom.
18. India’s ban on imports made using forced labour is consistent with which international labour convention?
A. ILO Convention No. 87
B. ILO Convention No. 98
C. ILO Forced Labour Convention (Convention No. 29)
D. ILO Convention No. 138
Answer: C. ILO Forced Labour Convention (Convention No. 29)
Explanation: The new framework aligns India’s trade policy with the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (Convention No. 29), which seeks to eliminate all forms of forced or compulsory labour.
19. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ to commemorate:
A. 1965 Indo-Pak War
B. 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War
C. 1999 Kargil War
D. Kargil Vijay Diwas
Answer: D. Kargil Vijay Diwas
Explanation: Rajnath Singh flagged off the ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ as part of the celebrations leading up to Kargil Vijay Diwas, honouring the sacrifices of Indian Armed Forces during the 1999 Kargil War.
The motorcycle expedition titled ‘Shaurya Vijay Yatra’ was flagged off by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh from the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour Kargil War heroes.
20. The India–U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is expected to particularly benefit which of the following sectors?
A. Petroleum and Coal
B. Defence Equipment only
C. Textiles, leather, engineering goods, marine products, and agriculture
D. Space Technology only
Answer: C. Textiles, leather, engineering goods, marine products, and agriculture
Explanation: The India–U.K. CETA provides improved market access for several labour-intensive sectors, including textiles, leather, engineering goods, marine products, agriculture, and MSMEs, thereby enhancing export opportunities.
21. The Supreme Court questioned the use of the term “native” in a CBSE circular while hearing petitions related to:
A. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
B. Right to Education Act
C. Three-language formula under the CBSE curriculum
D. National Curriculum Framework (NCF)
Answer: C. Three-language formula under the CBSE curriculum
Explanation: The Supreme Court questioned the use of the term “native” in a CBSE circular and observed whether English, having evolved in India over centuries, could also be regarded as an Indian language in the context of the three-language policy.
During the hearing, the Court remarked that English has been used in India for generations and questioned whether it should continue to be viewed merely as a foreign or colonial language.
22. The draft National Health Research Policy proposes establishing which apex body to coordinate health research in India?
A. National Medical Commission (NMC)
B. National Health Authority (NHA)
C. National Health Research Council
D. National Bioethics Commission
Answer: C. National Health Research Council
Explanation: The draft policy proposes a National Health Research Council to strengthen coordination among institutions, improve funding, and build a robust health research ecosystem in the country.
The policy aims to improve India’s health research ecosystem by promoting public health research, biomedical sciences, innovation, and evidence-based healthcare policies.
23. The Union Government informed the Supreme Court that acid ingestion has been included under which law?
A. Indian Penal Code, 1860
B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
C. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
D. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
Answer: C. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
Explanation: The Centre informed the Supreme Court that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 now includes acid ingestion within the legal definition of acid attacks, expanding protection for victims.
The amendment broadens the scope of acid attack offences by including cases where victims are forced to ingest corrosive substances, ensuring stricter punishment.
24. The Supreme Court observed that call detail records (CDRs) alone cannot constitute:
A. Proof of identity
B. Electronic evidence
C. Conclusive proof of murder or criminal conspiracy
D. Evidence under the Information Technology Act
Answer: C. Conclusive proof of murder or criminal conspiracy
Explanation: The Court held that call detail records (CDRs) by themselves are insufficient to establish guilt in murder or conspiracy cases and must be corroborated with other evidence.
25. Scientists recently observed a “gene hop” from a predator to its prey through which biological process?
A. Vertical gene transfer
B. Genetic drift
C. Horizontal gene transfer
D. Gene duplication
Answer: C. Horizontal gene transfer
Explanation: Researchers reported direct evidence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), where a mobile genetic element moved from one organism to another without reproduction. HGT plays a major role in microbial evolution and the spread of antibiotic resistance.
26. The recently observed gene transfer involved which type of genetic element?
A. Plasmid
B. DNA transposon
C. Messenger RNA (mRNA)
D. Group II intron (jumping gene)
Answer: D. Group II intron (jumping gene)
Explanation: Scientists tracked a Group II intron, a type of jumping gene, moving directly from a predatory microorganism into its prey, providing rare visual evidence of horizontal gene transfer.
27. The microorganism identified as the predator in the reported gene-transfer study belongs to which domain of life?
A. Bacteria
B. Eukarya
C. Viruses
D. Archaea
Answer: D. Archaea
Explanation: The study involved archaea, a distinct domain of life different from bacteria and eukaryotes. Researchers observed gene transfer between archaeal microorganisms.
28. Horizontal gene transfer is most commonly associated with which group of organisms?
A. Flowering plants
B. Mammals
C. Birds
D. Microorganisms such as bacteria and archaea
Answer: D. Microorganisms such as bacteria and archaea
Explanation: Horizontal gene transfer is especially common among bacteria and archaea, enabling rapid acquisition of traits such as antibiotic resistance and new metabolic capabilities.
29. Astronomers recently detected the complex sugar erythrulose in which region of space?
A. Orion Nebula
B. Andromeda Galaxy
C. A molecular cloud near the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy
D. Large Magellanic Cloud
Answer: C. A molecular cloud near the centre of the Milky Way Galaxy
Explanation: Astronomers detected erythrulose, a complex sugar, in a molecular cloud near the centre of the Milky Way, providing further evidence that complex organic molecules can form naturally in interstellar space.
The presence of erythrulose suggests that prebiotic organic molecules can form in space and may have been delivered to planets, contributing to the chemical building blocks required for life.
30. Under which provision of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 is trial in absentia provided?
A. Section 173
B. Section 299
C. Section 356
D. Section 528
Answer: C. Section 356
Explanation: Section 356 of the BNSS, 2023 introduces the provision for trial in absentia, allowing courts to conduct trials in the absence of a proclaimed offender in specified cases involving serious offences.
Trial in absentia is not applicable to every absconding accused. It can be initiated only after the accused has been legally declared a proclaimed offender under the provisions of the BNSS.
The provision is intended for serious criminal offences carrying punishment of 10 years or more, life imprisonment, or death, provided the accused has been declared a proclaimed offender.
The BNSS contains safeguards to ensure a fair trial. If the accused later appears or is arrested, legal remedies remain available, and the evidence recorded during the trial is preserved for review.
31. The recently issued non-bailable warrant against Hafiz Saeed in connection with the Pahalgam terror attack is expected to facilitate which legal process under the BNSS?
A. Plea bargaining
B. Preventive detention
C. Trial in absentia
D. Summary trial
Answer: C. Trial in absentia
Explanation: Since Hafiz Saeed remains outside India, investigators may invoke the trial in absentia provisions under the BNSS after fulfilling the prescribed legal requirements.
32. During the Gaganyaan mission, which module is designed to safely return the astronauts to Earth?
A. Service Module
B. Orbital Module
C. Propulsion Module
D. Crew Module
Answer: D. Crew Module
Explanation: The Crew Module is the only part of the Gaganyaan spacecraft designed to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and safely bring astronauts back to Earth, while the Service Module separates before re-entry.
33. The Gaganyaan Orbital Module consists of:
A. Crew Module and Launch Escape System
B. Crew Module and Propulsion Module
C. Crew Module and Service Module
D. Service Module and Re-entry Module
Answer: C. Crew Module and Service Module
Explanation: The Orbital Module (OM) of Gaganyaan comprises the Crew Module (CM), which carries astronauts, and the Service Module (SM), which provides propulsion, power, and other mission support functions.
ISRO has adopted a sphere-cone configuration for the Crew Module because it provides the required aerodynamic stability, manages heat effectively during re-entry, and enables a safe splashdown in the sea.
34. The inaugural Index of Services Production (ISP) has been launched by which organisation?
A. NITI Aayog
B. Reserve Bank of India
C. Ministry of Finance
D. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
Answer: D. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
Explanation: MoSPI released India’s first Index of Services Production (ISP) to measure the performance of the services sector through a high-frequency index, similar to the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
35. The base year for the newly launched Index of Services Production (ISP) is:
A. 2011–12
B. 2015–16
C. 2022–23
D. 2023–24
Answer: C. 2022–23
Explanation: The inaugural Index of Services Production (ISP) has been introduced with 2022–23 as the base year, enabling regular tracking of growth in key service sectors.
36. According to the inaugural Index of Services Production, how many service sectors recorded double-digit growth in April?
A. 8
B. 10
C. 12
D. 14
Answer: D. 14
Explanation: The first release of the Index of Services Production (ISP) showed that 14 service sectors registered double-digit growth in April, indicating broad-based expansion in the services economy.
37. India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation rose to what level in June 2026?
A. 7.82%
B. 8.65%
C. 9.87%
D. 10.45%
Answer: C. 9.87%
Explanation: India’s WPI inflation increased to 9.87% in June 2026, mainly due to higher prices of food articles, manufactured products, and fuel.
38. Which company founded by Elon Musk has been accused of operating unpermitted gas turbine units affecting nearby communities?
A. Tesla
B. SpaceX
C. Neuralink
D. xAI
Answer: D. xAI
Explanation: xAI, Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, has faced allegations that unpermitted gas turbine units at one of its data centres contributed to air pollution concerns in nearby communities.
The report highlights concerns that gas turbine emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides and other pollutants, may have adversely affected air quality around the xAI data centre.
The report states that the environmental burden from emissions is disproportionately borne by predominantly Black communities, raising concerns about environmental justice and equitable enforcement of pollution regulations.
39. Former NASA astronaut Anil Menon began his mission to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard which spacecraft?
A. Crew Dragon Endurance
B. Starliner
C. Shenzhou-20
D. Soyuz MS-29
Answer: D. Soyuz MS-29
Explanation: Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon launched on an eight-month mission to the ISS aboard Soyuz MS-29 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome along with two Roscosmos cosmonauts.
40. Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian cricketer to achieve which rare bowling milestone?
A. 100 Test, 100 ODI and 100 T20I wickets
B. 200 Test, 150 ODI and 100 T20I wickets
C. 250 Test, 200 ODI and 100 T20I wickets
D. 300 Test, 150 ODI and 100 T20I wickets
Answer: B. 200 Test, 150 ODI and 100 T20I wickets
Explanation: Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian to complete 200 Test wickets, 150 ODI wickets, and 100 T20I wickets, highlighting his consistency across all three international formats.
Leave a Comment