1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted a high-powered task force to recommend reforms for securing the examination system. Who has been appointed as its chairman?

A. Prahlad Joshi
B. Nandan Nilekani
C. K. Kasturirangan
D. Amitabh Kant

Answer: B. Nandan Nilekani

Explanation: Former Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani has been appointed to head the task force constituted by the Centre to recommend measures for making India’s examination system secure, transparent and technology-driven following concerns over examination paper leaks.

The committee includes former Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora, along with experts from technology, education and public administration to recommend reforms for conducting secure examinations.

2. The Centre’s newly constituted task force on examinations aims primarily to:

A. Introduce a common national entrance test for all universities
B. Make the examination system secure, transparent and technology-driven
C. Replace all offline examinations with online examinations
D. Increase reservation in higher education institutions

Answer: B. Make the examination system secure, transparent and technology-driven

Explanation: The committee has been tasked with recommending measures to prevent paper leaks, improve governance and strengthen the examination ecosystem using technology and administrative reforms.

3. Which Indian weightlifter won the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Championships?

A. Bindyarani Devi
B. Mirabai Chanu
C. Sanjita Chanu
D. Punam Yadav

Answer: B. Mirabai Chanu

Explanation: Olympic medallist Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg category, continuing her successful international career in weightlifting.

4. Rishikanta Singh, who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Championships, belongs to which sport?

A. Wrestling
B. Boxing
C. Weightlifting
D. Athletics

Answer: C. Weightlifting

Explanation: Rishikanta Singh secured the silver medal in the men’s 60 kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, contributing to India’s medal tally.

5. The Sundarbans, recently in the news after a trawler capsize, are located mainly in:

A. Odisha
B. Gujarat
C. West Bengal
D. Andhra Pradesh

Answer: C. West Bengal

Explanation: The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, form the world’s largest mangrove forest in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta and are spread across India (West Bengal) and Bangladesh.

6. Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he will not contest which Assembly election, marking the end of his electoral political career?

A. 2027 Karnataka Assembly Election
B. 2028 Karnataka Assembly Election
C. 2029 Lok Sabha Election
D. 2030 Karnataka Assembly Election

Answer: B. 2028 Karnataka Assembly Election

Explanation: Siddaramaiah announced that he would not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly election, although he said he would continue to serve the people and remain active in the Congress party.

7. The term “Generation Z (Gen Z)”, mentioned in the news, generally refers to people born during which period?

A. 1981–1996
B. 1997–2012
C. 1965–1980
D. 2013–2025

Answer: B. 1997–2012

Explanation: Generation Z (Gen Z) generally includes people born between 1997 and 2012. They are the first generation to grow up with widespread access to the internet and digital technologies.

8. The Kerala Forest Department has initiated profiling of individual elephants primarily to:

A. Promote elephant tourism
B. Increase elephant population
C. Mitigate human-elephant conflict
D. Prepare elephants for relocation abroad

Answer: C. Mitigate human-elephant conflict

Explanation: The Kerala Forest Department has begun profiling elephants that frequently enter human settlements and agricultural fields to better understand their movement patterns and reduce human-elephant conflict.

Elephant corridors are natural routes connecting elephant habitats. Protecting these corridors helps reduce encounters between elephants and humans and is an important conservation strategy.

9. The proposed Bhogapuram International Airport, recently in the news, is located in which State?

A. Odisha
B. Telangana
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Tamil Nadu

Answer: C. Andhra Pradesh

Explanation: The Bhogapuram International Airport is being developed in Andhra Pradesh. The State government has assured affected farmers that pending land acquisition and rehabilitation issues will be resolved.

The Bhogapuram International Airport project is located in Vizianagaram district and is expected to improve air connectivity in the north coastal region of Andhra Pradesh.

10. Sonam Wangchuk, who was recently in the news, is best known for his work in:

A. Space research
B. Environmental conservation and education in Ladakh
C. Nuclear science
D. Election reforms

Answer: B. Environmental conservation and education in Ladakh

Explanation: Sonam Wangchuk is an engineer, innovator and education reformer from Ladakh, widely known for promoting sustainable development, climate awareness and experiential learning.

11. According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s defence production is scaling new heights due to increasing emphasis on:

A. Import of defence equipment
B. Indigenous technology and self-reliance
C. Foreign military alliances
D. Mandatory private sector ownership

Answer: B. Indigenous technology and self-reliance

Explanation: In his Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that India is achieving new milestones in defence production by strengthening indigenous manufacturing, technological capability and self-reliance (Atmanirbharta).

12. During Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s achievement in hosting which international sporting event for the first time?

A. Commonwealth Games
B. FIFA U-17 World Cup
C. World Para Athletics Championships
D. Chess Olympiad

Answer: D. Chess Olympiad

Explanation: The Prime Minister recalled that India hosted the 44th Chess Olympiad for the first time, reflecting the country’s growing stature in international sports.

13. Three Great Indian Bustard chicks were recently released into a custom-built enclosure in which State?

A. Gujarat
B. Rajasthan
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Maharashtra

Answer: B. Rajasthan

Explanation: Three Great Indian Bustard chicks were released into a protected enclosure at the Sudasari Conservation Centre in Rajasthan’s Desert National Park, as part of ongoing conservation efforts for this critically endangered species.

14. The Great Indian Bustard is listed under which schedule of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972?

A. Schedule II
B. Schedule III
C. Schedule I
D. Schedule V

Answer: C. Schedule I

Explanation: The Great Indian Bustard enjoys the highest level of legal protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is also classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to habitat loss and collisions with power lines.

15. India’s first approved dengue vaccine is Qdenga, manufactured by which pharmaceutical company?

A. Serum Institute of India
B. Bharat Biotech
C. Takeda Pharmaceuticals
D. Moderna

Answer: C. Takeda Pharmaceuticals

Explanation: Qdenga (TAK-003), developed by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, is India’s first approved dengue vaccine. It is designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4).

The dengue virus has four distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4). Qdenga is a tetravalent vaccine intended to protect against all four.

Dengue virus is a member of the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

16. The article on PRAXIS states that NASA selected the mission under which programme?

A. Discovery Program
B. Artemis Program
C. Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Programme
D. Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)

Answer: C. Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Programme

Explanation: PRAXIS (Planetary Rings Autonomous Exploration with In-situ Sampling) was selected for Phase I funding under NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Programme, which supports innovative, high-risk space mission concepts.

17. PRAXIS is a proposed mission to study the rings of which planet?

A. Jupiter
B. Saturn
C. Uranus
D. Neptune

Answer: B. Saturn

Explanation: PRAXIS proposes a bio-inspired robotic explorer to directly sample and study the rings of Saturn, helping scientists better understand their composition and evolution.

18. Which space telescope captured the image of Saturn’s atmosphere shown alongside the PRAXIS article?

A. Hubble Space Telescope
B. Chandra X-ray Observatory
C. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
D. Spitzer Space Telescope

Answer: C. James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

Explanation: The article credits the image to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which has provided highly detailed observations of Saturn and its ring system.

19. Which of the following is NOT a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)?

A. United States
B. France
C. India
D. Japan

Answer: C. India

Explanation: India is not yet a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), although it has sought membership for several years. China has opposed India’s entry without Pakistan’s inclusion.

The NSG is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of nuclear materials, equipment and technology.

20. India became a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in:

A. 2014
B. 2016
C. 2018
D. 2020

Answer: B. 2016

Explanation: India joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, enabling greater cooperation in missile and space technologies and strengthening its strategic capabilities.

21. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT), frequently mentioned in inter-state river disputes, was constituted under which Act?

A. River Boards Act, 1956
B. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
C. Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956
D. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Answer: C. Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956

Explanation: The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 to adjudicate the water-sharing dispute among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

Article 262 empowers Parliament to provide for the adjudication of disputes relating to inter-State rivers and river valleys. Parliament enacted the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 under this provision.

22. Which of the following States is NOT a party to the Cauvery River water dispute?

A. Karnataka
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Kerala
D. Maharashtra

Answer: D. Maharashtra

Explanation: The Cauvery water dispute involves Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Maharashtra is not a party to this dispute.

23. Which Chinese AI model, launched by Moonshot AI, was reported to have outperformed OpenAI’s GPT models in several benchmarks?

A. DeepSeek-V3
B. Kimi K3
C. Qwen 3
D. Ernie Bot

Answer: B. Kimi K3

Explanation: Chinese startup Moonshot AI launched Kimi K3, which reportedly surpassed several leading AI models in multiple benchmarks. The development reflects China’s rapid progress in open-source artificial intelligence despite U.S. technology restrictions.

24. BitChat, recently in the news, is primarily a:

A. Satellite communication network
B. Blockchain-based payment system
C. Decentralised peer-to-peer messaging application using Bluetooth Mesh
D. Government cyber-surveillance platform

Answer: C. Decentralised peer-to-peer messaging application using Bluetooth Mesh

Explanation: BitChat is a decentralised messaging application that uses Bluetooth Mesh networking to enable communication without internet connectivity or central servers.

25. BitChat was reportedly developed by:

A. Sam Altman
B. Jack Dorsey
C. Sundar Pichai
D. Mark Zuckerberg

Answer: B. Jack Dorsey

Explanation: Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter (now X), developed BitChat as a decentralised communication platform that functions without conventional internet infrastructure.

26. Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are traded on:

A. Commodity futures exchanges only
B. Securities exchanges as a SEBI-regulated instrument
C. Reserve Bank of India platform
D. National Spot Exchange only

Answer: B. Securities exchanges as a SEBI-regulated instrument

Explanation: Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) are SEBI-regulated securities representing ownership of physical gold stored in accredited vaults. They are traded on stock exchanges, allowing investors to buy and sell gold electronically.

SEBI introduced the regulatory framework for Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs) to facilitate transparent, secure and exchange-traded investment in physical gold.

An EGR is issued against physical gold deposited in accredited vaults. It enables investors to trade ownership of gold without physically moving the metal.

27. Which flagship Government of India programme aims to modernise ports, enhance port connectivity and promote port-led development?

A. Bharatmala Pariyojana
B. Sagarmala Programme
C. PM Gati Shakti
D. Inland Waterways Mission

Answer: B. Sagarmala Programme

Explanation: The Sagarmala Programme, launched in 2015, aims to promote port-led development through port modernisation, enhanced connectivity, coastal community development and port-linked industrialisation.

28. The Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047 primarily aims to:

A. Expand India’s naval fleet
B. Make India a global maritime hub through port-led development and logistics reforms
C. Privatise all major ports
D. Promote inland fisheries only

Answer: B. Make India a global maritime hub through port-led development and logistics reforms

Explanation: Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047 is India’s long-term maritime roadmap focusing on world-class ports, multimodal logistics, shipbuilding, green shipping and improving India’s global maritime competitiveness.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is responsible for implementing the Sagarmala Programme, India’s flagship initiative for port-led economic development.

29. The proposed Parandur Greenfield Airport is planned in which State?

A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Karnataka
D. Andhra Pradesh

Answer: B. Tamil Nadu

Explanation: The Parandur Greenfield Airport is a proposed second airport for Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The project has faced opposition due to concerns regarding wetlands, agriculture and environmental impacts.

30. The Caspian Sea, where Iran accused Ukraine of attacking a vessel, is the world’s:

A. Largest freshwater lake
B. Largest saltwater lake (enclosed inland water body)
C. Deepest ocean basin
D. Largest river delta

Answer: B. Largest saltwater lake (enclosed inland water body)

Explanation: The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest enclosed inland body of water. It is bordered by Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Azerbaijan.

31. The Tour de France, featured in the news, is primarily associated with which sport?

A. Marathon
B. Motor Racing
C. Cycling
D. Triathlon

Answer: C. Cycling

Explanation: The Tour de France is one of the world’s most prestigious road cycling events. It is held annually, primarily across France, with occasional stages beginning or passing through neighbouring countries.

32. Which mountain in Greece was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List?

A. Mount Athos
B. Mount Olympus
C. Mount Parnassus
D. Mount Ida

Answer: B. Mount Olympus

Explanation: Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and renowned in Greek mythology as the home of the Olympian gods, was recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

33. The D-Day beaches, also added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, are associated with which historical event?

A. Battle of Stalingrad
B. Normandy Landings during World War II
C. Battle of the Bulge
D. Dunkirk Evacuation

Answer: B. Normandy Landings during World War II

Explanation: The D-Day beaches in Normandy, France, were the landing sites of Allied forces on 6 June 1944 (Operation Overlord), a turning point in World War II.

34. Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won her third consecutive gold medal in which weight category at the Commonwealth Championships?

A. Women’s 45 kg
B. Women’s 48 kg
C. Women’s 49 kg
D. Women’s 55 kg

Answer: B. Women’s 48 kg

Explanation: Mirabai Chanu completed a hat-trick of gold medals in the women’s 48 kg category at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, setting new records in the process.

35. Neeraj Chopra is associated with which athletics event?

A. Shot Put
B. Discus Throw
C. Javelin Throw
D. Hammer Throw

Answer: C. Javelin Throw

Explanation: Neeraj Chopra is India’s Olympic and World Champion in the javelin throw. He was in the news ahead of his return to the Commonwealth Games.

36. Neeraj Chopra won India’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in athletics at which Olympic Games?

A. Rio 2016
B. Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021)
C. Paris 2024
D. London 2012

Answer: B. Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021)

Explanation: Neeraj Chopra created history by winning India’s first Olympic gold medal in athletics in the men’s javelin throw at the Tokyo Olympics.

37. Tadej Pogačar, who equalled the record with his fifth Tour de France title, belongs to which country?

A. France
B. Belgium
C. Slovenia
D. Croatia

Answer: C. Slovenia

Explanation: Tadej Pogačar is a Slovenian professional cyclist. By winning his fifth Tour de France, he equalled the record for most titles.

38. Lando Norris, who secured his first Formula One victory of the season in Hungary, drives for which team?

A. Ferrari
B. Mercedes
C. McLaren
D. Red Bull Racing

Answer: C. McLaren

Explanation: Lando Norris races for McLaren. His victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix marked his first win of the 2026 Formula One season.

39. Which Indian city hosted the Durand Cup match in which Jamshedpur FC registered a convincing victory?

A. Kolkata
B. Guwahati
C. Ranchi
D. Shillong

Answer: C. Ranchi

Explanation: Jamshedpur FC recorded an emphatic win in a Durand Cup match played at Ranchi, one of the host cities for Asia’s oldest football tournament.

40. Sir Garfield (Garry) Sobers is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket and represented:

A. England
B. Australia
C. West Indies
D. South Africa

Answer: C. West Indies

Explanation: Sir Garfield Sobers of the West Indies is considered one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, excelling with both bat and ball.

41. Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, recently in the news over a demolition dispute, is located in:

A. Lucknow
B. Rampur
C. Aligarh
D. Prayagraj

Answer: B. Rampur

Explanation: Mohammad Ali Jauhar University is a private university located in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. It was in the news following a demolition notice issued by local authorities over alleged planning violations.

Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar was a prominent freedom fighter, journalist and one of the leading figures of the Khilafat Movement. He also served as the President of the Indian National Congress (1923).

Mohammad Ali Jauhar presided over the 1923 Kakinada Session of the Indian National Congress.

42. Which constitutional provision guarantees minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice?

A. Article 21A
B. Article 29
C. Article 30
D. Article 32

Answer: C. Article 30

Explanation: Article 30 of the Constitution grants religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. This provision is frequently cited in issues involving minority educational institutions.

43. The right of any section of citizens to conserve its distinct language, script or culture is guaranteed under:

A. Article 25
B. Article 26
C. Article 29
D. Article 30

Answer: C. Article 29

Explanation: Article 29 protects the cultural and educational rights of citizens by safeguarding their language, script and culture. It complements Article 30, which specifically protects minority educational institutions.