1. The U.S. Senate has passed a bill proposing tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries purchasing crude oil from which nation?
A. Iran
B. Venezuela
C. Russia
D. Saudi Arabia
Answer: C. Russia
Explanation: The proposed legislation seeks to impose up to 100% tariffs on imports from countries that continue purchasing Russian crude oil, aiming to increase economic pressure on Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The bill seeks to discourage countries from buying Russian oil by imposing steep tariffs, thereby reducing Moscow’s oil revenue, which is a major source of funding for its economy.
2. The Government of India has stated that some BS-III vehicles may require modifications for compatibility with which fuel?
A. E10 Petrol
B. E15 Petrol
C. E20 Petrol
D. Biodiesel B20
Answer: C. E20 Petrol
Explanation: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways informed that certain BS-III vehicles, particularly those manufactured before 2016, may require replacement of rubber parts and gaskets to safely use 20% ethanol-blended (E20) petrol.
E20 is a blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. India is promoting ethanol blending to reduce crude oil imports, lower emissions, and support the agricultural sector.
3. India is preparing for bilateral visits by which two world leaders in September?
A. Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron
B. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin
C. Keir Starmer and Olaf Scholz
D. Shigeru Ishiba and Anthony Albanese
Answer: B. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin
Explanation: India is preparing for possible visits by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September, reflecting India’s continued diplomatic engagement with major global powers.
4. The Rajya Sabha has passed a bill to criminalise insults to which national symbol?
A. National Flag
B. National Emblem
C. National Song
D. National Anthem
Answer: C. National Song
Explanation: The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection against disrespect to the National Song, “Vande Mataram.”
5. The Madras High Court has directed that the trial of sexual offence cases under the POCSO Act should ordinarily be completed within what period?
A. 30 days
B. 60 days
C. 90 days
D. 6 months
Answer: B. 60 days
Explanation: The Madras High Court directed that POCSO cases should ordinarily be completed within two months (60 days). Adjournments should be granted only in truly exceptional circumstances, with reasons recorded in writing, to ensure speedy justice for child victims.
6. The Madras High Court directed the State Government to constitute Special Courts for speedy trial under which Act?
A. Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
B. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
C. Criminal Procedure Code, 1973
D. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Answer: B. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
Explanation: The Court stressed the need for district-wise Special POCSO Courts, regular monitoring, and adequate judicial infrastructure to ensure timely disposal of child sexual offence cases.
7. The Tamil Nadu government is considering introducing which nutritious meal in school meals once a week?
A. Egg Fried Rice
B. Chicken Biryani
C. Millet Khichdi
D. Fish Curry and Rice
Answer: B. Chicken Biryani
Explanation: The Tamil Nadu government is considering a proposal to serve chicken biryani once a week in school meals to improve nutrition among students. The proposal has reportedly been submitted for the Chief Minister’s approval.
The proposal is intended to enhance the nutritional intake of schoolchildren, particularly by increasing protein consumption under the state’s school meal programme.
8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of sugar mills in which State on November 20?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Bihar
C. Maharashtra
D. Karnataka
Answer: B. Bihar
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for two sugar mills in Bihar, aimed at boosting the State’s sugar industry, employment, and rural economy.
9. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) recently directed Karnataka to release water to which State?
A. Kerala
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Puducherry
Answer: C. Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The CWRC directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water per day for 15 days to Tamil Nadu after assessing reservoir levels, rainfall, and other hydrological parameters.
10. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) recently issued guidelines related to which activity?
A. Commercial satellite launches
B. Space tourism
C. Planned re-entry of space objects into Earth’s atmosphere
D. Human spaceflight missions
Answer: C. Planned re-entry of space objects into Earth’s atmosphere
Explanation: IN-SPACe issued guidelines governing the planned re-entry of space objects, prescribing safety procedures and authorization requirements to minimize risks associated with spacecraft returning to Earth.
11. The Kerala government has approved the allocation of additional land for establishing a new BrahMos missile production facility in which district?
A. Ernakulam
B. Kozhikode
C. Thiruvananthapuram
D. Kannur
Answer: C. Thiruvananthapuram
Explanation: The Kerala government approved the allocation of 90 additional acres to establish a BrahMos missile production facility in Thiruvananthapuram, strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
12. BrahMos is a jointly developed supersonic cruise missile of India and which other country?
A. France
B. Israel
C. Russia
D. United States
Answer: C. Russia
Explanation: BrahMos is a joint venture between India and Russia, developed by BrahMos Aerospace. It is among the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarines.
13. The upcoming BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in which city?
A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad
Answer: C. New Delhi
Explanation: India will host the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where leaders of member countries are expected to discuss global governance, economic cooperation, and geopolitical issues.
14. The PM POSHAN Scheme primarily aims to provide what?
A. Free textbooks to students
B. Nutritious meals to schoolchildren
C. Free uniforms for all students
D. Scholarships for girl students
Answer: B. Nutritious meals to schoolchildren
Explanation: PM POSHAN (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides nutritious cooked meals to children studying in government and government-aided schools to improve nutrition, enrolment, and attendance.
15. The Lok Sabha recently passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. The legislation primarily seeks to curb which malpractice?
A. Question paper translation errors
B. Unfair means and paper leaks in public examinations
C. Private coaching institutes
D. Online education fraud
Answer: B. Unfair means and paper leaks in public examinations
Explanation: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 strengthens the legal framework to prevent paper leaks, organised cheating, and unfair practices in public examinations. It also introduces measures for faster investigation and trial.
16. The Rajya Sabha has passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to which national symbol?
A. National Flag
B. National Emblem
C. National Song – Vande Mataram
D. National Animal
Answer: C. National Song – Vande Mataram
Explanation: The amendment extends protection under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act to the National Song, Vande Mataram, making intentional acts of disrespect punishable under law.
17. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, under which the recent amendment has been made, was originally enacted in which year?
A. 1971
B. 1975
C. 1986
D. 1991
Answer: A. 1971
Explanation: The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 protects national symbols such as the National Flag and the Constitution. The 2026 amendment expands its scope to include the National Song.
18. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme is primarily aimed at:
A. Providing unemployment allowance
B. Encouraging domestic manufacturing and enhancing global competitiveness
C. Supporting agricultural subsidies
D. Promoting exports through tax exemptions only
Answer: B. Encouraging domestic manufacturing and enhancing global competitiveness
Explanation: The PLI Scheme incentivises companies based on incremental production, with the objective of boosting manufacturing, attracting investment, increasing exports, and creating employment in strategic sectors.
19. The Allahabad High Court recently observed that police have no role in which of the following?
A. Registration of marriages
B. Conducting divorce proceedings
C. Investigating the validity of marriages between consenting adults
D. Issuing marriage certificates
Answer: C. Investigating the validity of marriages between consenting adults
Explanation: The Allahabad High Court held that consenting adults have the fundamental right to choose their life partners, and the police should investigate crime, not marriages, unless a cognisable offence is involved.
20. The right of consenting adults to choose their life partner is primarily protected under which Article of the Constitution?
A. Article 14
B. Article 19
C. Article 21
D. Article 25
Answer: C. Article 21
Explanation: The Supreme Court has consistently interpreted Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) to include the right of consenting adults to marry a person of their choice, subject to law.
21. Which State recently increased the procurement limit of green gram from 25% to 60% of production?
A. Rajasthan
B. Madhya Pradesh
C. Maharashtra
D. Chhattisgarh
Answer: B. Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Madhya Pradesh Government increased the procurement limit of green gram (moong) from 25% to 60% of production following demands from farmers to ensure better price support.
22. Rajnath Singh recently inaugurated India’s first Department of Military Medicine at which institution?
A. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
B. AIIMS, New Delhi
C. Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow
D. Army Hospital (Research & Referral), New Delhi
Answer: C. Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated India’s first Department of Military Medicine at the Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow to strengthen specialised military healthcare and research.
23. A Bengaluru-based startup recently claimed to replace rare-earth permanent magnets in electric vehicle (EV) motors using which technology?
A. Superconducting coils
B. Virtual magnets
C. Graphene batteries
D. Hydrogen fuel cells
Answer: B. Virtual magnets
Explanation: A Bengaluru startup has developed “virtual magnet” technology, which generates the required magnetic field electronically instead of using permanent rare-earth magnets. The innovation aims to reduce dependence on critical rare-earth materials in EV motors.
24. Which rare-earth magnet is most commonly used in high-performance electric vehicle motors?
A. Ferrite magnet
B. Alnico magnet
C. Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnet
D. Samarium-Cobalt battery
Answer: C. Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnet
Explanation: Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets are widely used in EV motors because they offer very high magnetic strength while occupying less space. They are among the strongest permanent magnets available commercially.
25. Nepal’s latest tiger survey estimates the country’s wild tiger population at approximately:
A. 312
B. 355
C. 429
D. 512
Answer: C. 429
Explanation: Nepal’s latest nationwide survey estimates its wild tiger population at 429, representing about a 20% increase over the previous estimate. The achievement reflects continued conservation efforts despite challenges such as habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict.
26. Nepal became the first country to achieve the global goal of doubling its wild tiger population ahead of the target year under the TX2 initiative. What was the target year?
A. 2020
B. 2022
C. 2025
D. 2030
Answer: B. 2022
Explanation: The TX2 initiative, launched in 2010, aimed to double the global wild tiger population by 2022. Nepal became the first country to meet this target through effective conservation and habitat protection.
27. The global TX2 initiative to double wild tiger numbers was launched in which year?
A. 2008
B. 2010
C. 2012
D. 2015
Answer: B. 2010
Explanation: The TX2 initiative was launched in 2010 at the St. Petersburg Tiger Summit with the goal of doubling the world’s wild tiger population by 2022.
28. Which international day is observed every year on July 29, highlighting the need for tiger conservation?
A. World Wildlife Day
B. International Tiger Day
C. International Biodiversity Day
D. Earth Day
Answer: B. International Tiger Day
Explanation: International Tiger Day is observed annually on 29 July to raise awareness about tiger conservation, habitat protection, and measures to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
29. The International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 193, recently discussed in the context of gig workers, is related to:
A. Elimination of Child Labour
B. Decent Work in the Platform Economy
C. Freedom of Association
D. Occupational Safety in Mines
Answer: B. Decent Work in the Platform Economy
Explanation: ILO Convention No. 193 is the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, adopted in 2025. It seeks to provide labour protections for platform (gig) workers, including fair remuneration, occupational safety, social security, and algorithmic transparency. India abstained during its adoption.
30. China has recently promoted which type of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models as part of its global AI strategy?
A. Closed-source AI models
B. Open-weight AI models
C. Quantum AI models
D. Rule-based AI systems
Answer: B. Open-weight AI models
Explanation: China has increasingly promoted open-weight AI models, allowing developers to download and build upon model weights. The move is seen as both a response to computing and chip constraints as well as an effort to expand China’s influence in the global AI ecosystem.
31. The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) was founded by whom?
A. Jagadish Chandra Bose
B. C.V. Raman
C. Mahendralal Sircar
D. Meghnad Saha
Answer: C. Mahendralal Sircar
Explanation: The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) was founded in 1876 by Dr. Mahendralal Sircar to promote scientific research by Indians. It is one of India’s oldest research institutions and played a major role in the development of modern Indian science.
32. According to the latest official data, private industry accounted for approximately what share of India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) in FY 2023-24?
A. 24.5%
B. 35.8%
C. 45.8%
D. 60.2%
Answer: C. 45.8%
Explanation: Official data show that private industry contributed 45.8% of India’s GERD in FY 2023-24, surpassing the government’s share for the first time. This marks a significant shift towards greater private-sector participation in India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
33. Which company emerged as India’s largest electric vehicle (EV) exporter in the first quarter of FY 2026-27?
A. Tata Motors
B. Mahindra & Mahindra
C. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
D. Hyundai Motor India
Answer: C. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.
Explanation: Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. became India’s top EV exporter in Q1 FY2026-27, driven primarily by exports of its electric SUV e-Vitara to multiple international markets.
34. The Union Ministry of Petroleum has been urged by Team Bharat to continue the supply of which fuel alongside E20 petrol?
A. E5 Petrol
B. E10 Petrol
C. E15 Petrol
D. Flex Fuel
Answer: B. E10 Petrol
Explanation: Amid concerns over the compatibility of older vehicles with E20 petrol, Team Bharat urged the government to continue supplying E10 (10% ethanol-blended petrol) to provide consumers with a suitable alternative.
35. Semiconductor company Marvell has announced an investment of approximately how much in India?
A. $100 million
B. $150 million
C. $250 million
D. $500 million
Answer: C. $250 million
Explanation: Marvell Technology announced an investment of $250 million in India over the next three years to expand its engineering, research, and semiconductor design capabilities, reinforcing India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
36. The Reserve Bank of India’s Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) is primarily used to measure:
A. Foreign exchange reserves
B. Inflation rate
C. External competitiveness of a country’s currency
D. Fiscal deficit
Answer: C. External competitiveness of a country’s currency
Explanation: The Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) is an inflation-adjusted weighted average of a country’s currency against the currencies of its major trading partners. A rising REER generally indicates an appreciation in real terms and may reduce export competitiveness, while a lower REER may improve competitiveness.
37. The Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER) differs from the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) because NEER:
A. Adjusts for inflation
B. Measures only bilateral exchange rates with the U.S. dollar
C. Does not account for inflation differentials
D. Includes only merchandise trade
Answer: C. Does not account for inflation differentials
Explanation: NEER is the weighted average of the value of a country’s currency against those of its trading partners without adjusting for inflation. REER is derived by adjusting NEER for relative inflation, making it a better indicator of external competitiveness.
38. The Strait of Hormuz, recently mentioned in the context of Red Sea shipping, connects the Persian Gulf with which water body?
A. Arabian Sea
B. Gulf of Aden
C. Red Sea
D. Gulf of Oman
Answer: D. Gulf of Oman
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints for global oil trade.
39. Yemen’s Houthi movement recently announced plans to regulate commercial shipping through which strategic waterway?
A. Bosporus Strait
B. Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C. Strait of Malacca
D. Suez Canal
Answer: B. Bab el-Mandeb Strait
Explanation: The Houthis announced plans to impose regulations and fees on commercial vessels transiting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime route linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
40. Gulveer Singh became the first Indian man to win a medal in the 10,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games. Which medal did he win?
A. Gold
B. Silver
C. Bronze
D. No medal
Answer: B. Silver
Explanation: Gulveer Singh created history by becoming the first Indian man to win a medal in the 10,000 m at the Commonwealth Games, claiming the silver medal with a timing of 27:49.78 at Glasgow.
41. Harjinder Kaur won a silver medal for India in which event at the Commonwealth Games?
A. Discus Throw
B. Weightlifting
C. Wrestling
D. Boxing
Answer: B. Weightlifting
Explanation: Harjinder Kaur secured the silver medal in weightlifting, adding another Commonwealth Games medal to her career and strengthening India’s medal tally.
42. The 2026 World Chess Championship match between D. Gukesh and Hans Niemann will be hosted in which country?
A. India
B. United Arab Emirates
C. Singapore
D. Kazakhstan
Answer: C. Singapore
Explanation: Singapore will host the 2026 World Chess Championship, where D. Gukesh will defend his title against Hans Niemann. The venue is significant as Singapore is hosting the event for the first time.
43. The 2026 Asian Games will be jointly hosted by which two Japanese cities?
A. Tokyo and Osaka
B. Kyoto and Kobe
C. Aichi and Nagoya
D. Hiroshima and Fukuoka
Answer: C. Aichi and Nagoya
Explanation: The 2026 Asian Games will be jointly hosted by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya in Japan, marking another edition of Asia’s premier multi-sport event.
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