1. The toxic gas leak inside the under-construction Teesta Stage-IV Hydroelectric Project tunnel occurred in which Indian State?

A. Arunachal Pradesh
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Sikkim
D. Uttarakhand

Answer: C. Sikkim

Explanation: A suspected methane gas leak inside the under-construction Teesta Stage-IV Hydroelectric Project tunnel in North Sikkim killed 20 workers, while rescue operations continued for those trapped. The project is being developed by NHPC.

2. The Teesta Stage-IV Hydroelectric Project, recently seen in the news, is being developed by which organisation?

A. NTPC Limited
B. SJVN Limited
C. THDC India Limited
D. NHPC Limited

Answer: D. NHPC Limited

Explanation: The Teesta Stage-IV Hydroelectric Project is an NHPC project located in North Sikkim. It came into the news following a methane gas leak during tunnel construction.

3. The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) recently cancelled lifting crude oil from which country?

A. Russia
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Iran
D. Iraq

Answer: D. Iraq

Explanation: Indian Oil Corporation cancelled the lifting of crude oil from Iraq’s Basrah Oil Terminal due to increased security concerns and attacks linked to regional tensions.

4. The Strait of Hormuz, recently in the news due to the killing of Indian seafarers, connects the Persian Gulf with which water body?

A. Red Sea
B. Arabian Sea (via the Gulf of Oman)
C. Mediterranean Sea
D. Gulf of Aden

Answer: B. Arabian Sea (via the Gulf of Oman)

Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It handles a significant share of the world’s oil trade.

5. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently uncovered a cryptocurrency money-laundering scam worth approximately:

A. $10 million
B. $20 million
C. $35 million
D. $100 million

Answer: C. $35 million

Explanation: The Enforcement Directorate’s Bengaluru Zonal Office uncovered an alleged $35 million cryptocurrency money-laundering operation, making it significantly larger than the previously reported $10 million fraud.

6. Farmers protesting against the proposed India–U.S. trade agreement recently suspended their march after assurances from which Union Minister?

A. Shivraj Singh Chouhan
B. Piyush Goyal
C. Rajnath Singh
D. Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Agriculture Minister)

Answer: D. Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Union Agriculture Minister)

Explanation: Punjab farmers suspended their planned protest march to Delhi after the Haryana government assured them of the release of detained farmers and a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to discuss their concerns over the proposed India–U.S. trade deal.

7. The Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly recently passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill primarily for which region?

A. Entire State of Madhya Pradesh
B. Scheduled Areas only
C. Tribal-dominated Amarpatan Division (Amar, Akbar, Anthony, Robin and Rahim villages)
D. Urban local bodies of Bhopal

Answer: C. Tribal-dominated Amarpatan Division (Amar, Akbar, Anthony, Robin and Rahim villages)

Explanation: The Madhya Pradesh Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill to implement a UCC in a selected pilot region. The legislation seeks to provide a common civil law framework in the notified area.

8. The outbound portability of medical treatment benefits for Rajasthan patients has been enabled under which flagship health insurance scheme?

A. Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
B. Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)
C. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
D. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

Answer: C. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

Explanation: Rajasthan has enabled outbound portability under the Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY scheme, allowing eligible beneficiaries to receive cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals across India.

9. A recent study to assess the impact of heat stress on health has been launched in which two States?

A. Kerala and Andhra Pradesh
B. Maharashtra and Gujarat
C. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
D. Odisha and Telangana

Answer: C. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

Explanation: Researchers have initiated a study in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to examine the impact of heat stress on physical and mental health. The project aims to develop an India-specific heat impact metric and recommend policy interventions.

10. The Andhra Pradesh government recently signed an MoU with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to establish a:

A. Semiconductor manufacturing park
B. Green hydrogen hub
C. Food Cluster in Andhra Pradesh
D. Space technology incubation centre

Answer: C. Food Cluster in Andhra Pradesh

Explanation: Andhra Pradesh signed an MoU with the UAE to establish a Food Cluster aimed at boosting food processing, agricultural exports, and investment in the State.

11. Preparations for the Kanwar Yatra were recently reviewed by district administrations in which region?

A. Eastern Uttar Pradesh
B. Haryana and Punjab
C. Uttarakhand only
D. Western Uttar Pradesh

Answer: D. Western Uttar Pradesh

Explanation: Authorities in western Uttar Pradesh reviewed security, traffic management, and inter-departmental coordination for the annual Kanwar Yatra, one of North India’s largest religious pilgrimages.

12. The Union Government recently defended its handling of the NEET paper leak issue by stating that it had taken strict action against the leak after recommendations from which committee?

A. K. Kasturirangan Committee
B. N. Gopalaswami Committee
C. K. Radhakrishnan Committee
D. Y.K. Alagh Committee

Answer: C. K. Radhakrishnan Committee

Explanation: The Centre stated that reforms in the examination system were initiated based on the recommendations of the K. Radhakrishnan Committee following the NEET paper leak controversy.

13. Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated that the demand for the restoration of Statehood to Jammu & Kashmir would continue under which constitutional provision?

A. Article 35A
B. Article 370
C. Article 371
D. Article 3 of the Constitution

Answer: D. Article 3 of the Constitution

Explanation: Omar Abdullah stated that the demand for restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s Statehood would continue and that Parliament has the constitutional power under Article 3 to reorganise States and Union Territories.

14. The recent surrender of 46 insurgents in Manipur involved cadres of which banned outfit?

A. United National Liberation Front (UNLF)
B. People’s Liberation Army (PLA)
C. Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL)
D. Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) [KCP (PWG)]

Answer: D. Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) [KCP (PWG)]

Explanation: Forty-six cadres of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (People’s War Group) laid down arms in Manipur as part of the government’s rehabilitation and peace initiative.

The surrendered militants deposited a significant quantity of arms, including AK rifles, pistols, carbines, self-loading rifles, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), ammunition, and explosives.

15. The Delhi High Court recently criticised the Uttarakhand government for preventing a social activist from joining protests in Delhi under which preventive detention provision?

A. National Security Act (NSA), 1980
B. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023
C. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
D. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973

Answer: B. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023

Explanation: The Court questioned the use of preventive powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to stop a social activist from travelling to Delhi to participate in a peaceful protest.

16. Which Fundamental Right of the Constitution primarily protects the right to assemble peacefully without arms?

A. Article 14
B. Article 19(1)(a)
C. Article 19(1)(b)
D. Article 21

Answer: C. Article 19(1)(b)

Explanation: Article 19(1)(b) guarantees citizens the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, subject to reasonable restrictions imposed in the interests of public order and sovereignty.

17. FEMA, frequently seen in the news, stands for:

A. Foreign Exchange Management Authority Act
B. Financial Exchange Monitoring Act
C. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
D. Foreign Economic Management Act

Answer: C. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999

Explanation: FEMA regulates foreign exchange transactions in India and replaced the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) in 2000. The Enforcement Directorate investigates violations under the Act.

18. The United Nations official who stated that clean energy is the answer to India’s energy transition challenges is the Executive Secretary of:

A. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
B. International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
C. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
D. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Answer: D. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Explanation: UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell highlighted that expanding clean energy is key to addressing India’s growing energy demand while supporting climate goals.

19. Which international climate agreement guides global efforts to limit global warming and accelerate the clean energy transition?

A. Kyoto Protocol
B. Montreal Protocol
C. Paris Agreement, 2015
D. Rio Declaration

Answer: C. Paris Agreement, 2015

Explanation: The Paris Agreement aims to keep the rise in global average temperature well below 2°C while pursuing efforts to limit it to 1.5°C through nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

20. The Russian Ambassador to India was recently summoned following the death of Indian crew members aboard which vessel?

A. MT New Diamond
B. MV Wakashio
C. MT Heroic Idun
D. MT Golden Leo

Answer: D. MT Golden Leo

Explanation: India summoned the Russian envoy after Indian crew members aboard the merchant vessel MT Golden Leo lost their lives in an attack, seeking a thorough investigation.

21. The white-bellied heron, recently in the news due to concerns over a hydropower project, is currently classified by the IUCN as:

A. Endangered
B. Vulnerable
C. Near Threatened
D. Critically Endangered

Answer: D. Critically Endangered

Explanation: The white-bellied heron (Ardea insignis) is one of the world’s rarest birds and has been listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN since 2007. India is estimated to have only about six individuals remaining.

22. The proposed 1,200 MW hydropower project that threatens the habitat of the white-bellied heron is planned in the basin of which river?

A. Teesta
B. Subansiri
C. Lohit
D. Siang

Answer: C. Lohit

Explanation: The proposed hydropower project is located in the Lohit River basin in Arunachal Pradesh. Conservationists fear it could alter river flow and turbidity, threatening the white-bellied heron’s habitat.

23. According to the report, the remaining Indian population of the white-bellied heron is distributed across which three river systems?

A. Siang, Dibang and Subansiri
B. Noa-Dihing, Dibang and Lohit
C. Kameng, Siang and Teesta
D. Lohit, Brahmaputra and Teesta

Answer: B. Noa-Dihing, Dibang and Lohit

Explanation: India has only a handful of white-bellied herons, surviving mainly along the Noa-Dihing, Dibang, and Lohit river systems in Arunachal Pradesh.

24. Environmental clearance for the 1,200 MW Lohit hydropower project was granted by which body?

A. National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
B. Central Water Commission (CWC)
C. National Green Tribunal (NGT)
D. Forest Advisory Committee under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Answer: D. Forest Advisory Committee under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Explanation: The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change granted in-principle forest clearance for the project.

25. Beta Pictoris b, recently in the news, is a:

A. Brown dwarf
B. Neutron star
C. Exoplanet orbiting a nearby star
D. Rogue planet

Answer: C. Exoplanet orbiting a nearby star

Explanation: Beta Pictoris b is a giant exoplanet orbiting the young star Beta Pictoris. It has been directly imaged and was recently studied using observations from the European Southern Observatory and the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Beta Pictoris system lies about 63.4 light-years away in the constellation Pictor, making it one of the closest young planetary systems studied in detail.

26. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which recently contributed to observations of Beta Pictoris b, is primarily a:

A. X-ray space telescope
B. Ultraviolet telescope
C. Radio telescope
D. Infrared space telescope

Answer: D. Infrared space telescope

Explanation: The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the world’s most powerful infrared space observatory. It studies exoplanets, galaxies, stars, and the early universe by observing infrared radiation.

27. According to the latest All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report, undergraduate enrolment in India has:

A. Increased significantly over the previous year
B. Remained unchanged
C. Declined for the first time since AISHE records began
D. Crossed 5 crore students

Answer: C. Declined for the first time since AISHE records began

Explanation: The latest AISHE report recorded the first-ever decline in undergraduate enrolment since the survey began. The decline was observed despite an overall increase in higher education enrolment over the years.

28. Justice Yashwant Varma, recently in the news, served as a judge of which High Court before his resignation?

A. Delhi High Court
B. Bombay High Court
C. Allahabad High Court
D. Punjab & Haryana High Court

Answer: C. Allahabad High Court

Explanation: Justice Yashwant Varma resigned while serving as a judge of the Allahabad High Court after allegations of misconduct. His resignation has raised constitutional questions regarding judicial accountability and removal procedures.

29. The Government of India recently released an updated series of which economic indicator?

A. Consumer Price Index (CPI)
B. Index of Eight Core Industries
C. Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
D. Index of Industrial Production (IIP)

Answer: D. Index of Industrial Production (IIP)

Explanation: The Government released an updated Index of Industrial Production (IIP) series with a revised base year, updated sectoral weights, and broader industrial coverage to better reflect the current structure of India’s economy.

30. The base year of the updated Index of Industrial Production (IIP) series has been revised to:

A. 2011-12
B. 2015-16
C. 2017-18
D. 2022-23

Answer: D. 2022-23

Explanation: The revised IIP series uses 2022-23 as the new base year, replacing the earlier 2011-12 base year, making the index more representative of India’s present industrial structure.

31. Ongoing global conflicts have delayed India’s Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with which of the following regional blocs?

A. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
B. ASEAN and African Union
C. European Union and SAARC
D. BIMSTEC and MERCOSUR

Answer: A. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)

Explanation: India’s FTA negotiations with the GCC and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have been delayed due to geopolitical conflicts in West Asia and Eastern Europe. Together, these proposed FTAs cover a significant share of India’s trade.

32. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) consists of which of the following countries?

A. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan
B. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman
C. Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Yemen
D. Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia and Sudan

Answer: B. Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman

Explanation: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a political and economic alliance of six Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.

33. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), with which India is negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, includes which of the following countries?

A. Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan
B. Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova
C. Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan
D. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan

Answer: A. Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan

Explanation: The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an economic bloc comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. India is negotiating a trade agreement with the grouping.

34. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) recently cancelled the lifting of crude oil from which country due to security concerns?

A. Iran
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Iraq
D. Kuwait

Answer: C. Iraq

Explanation: Indian Oil Corporation cancelled crude oil lifting from Iraq’s Basrah Oil Terminal due to rising security risks linked to attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

35. A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) primarily aims to:

A. Increase customs duties between participating countries
B. Ban imports from member countries
C. Reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers between participating countries
D. Introduce a common currency among member countries

Answer: C. Reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers between participating countries

Explanation: A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) seeks to promote trade by reducing or eliminating tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers while improving market access between participating countries.

36. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering introducing which type of currency notes as an alternative to cotton-paper notes?

A. Polymer (Plastic) banknotes
B. Bamboo-fibre banknotes
C. Digital-only currency notes
D. Graphene banknotes

Answer: A. Polymer (Plastic) banknotes

Explanation: The RBI is exploring the introduction of polymer (plastic) banknotes to improve durability, reduce counterfeiting, and lower replacement costs. Several countries, including Australia and Canada, already use polymer banknotes.

37. Polymer banknotes were first introduced by which country?

A. Canada
B. United Kingdom
C. Australia
D. Singapore

Answer: C. Australia

Explanation: Australia became the first country to introduce polymer banknotes on a large scale in 1988. Since then, more than 60 countries have adopted polymer currency.

38. Ed Miliband, recently appointed in the U.K. Cabinet, has been given charge of which ministry?

A. Home Secretary
B. Chancellor of the Exchequer
C. Foreign Secretary
D. Defence Secretary

Answer: C. Foreign Secretary

Explanation: Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband was appointed the U.K. Foreign Secretary in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Cabinet. He is expected to play a key role in strengthening U.K.-India relations and implementing the India–U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

39 India-born Kanishka Narayan, recently in the news, has been appointed in the U.K. government to oversee:

A. Climate Change Policy
B. Immigration and Border Security
C. Defence Procurement
D. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technology

Answer: D. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technology

Explanation: India-born Kanishka Narayan has been appointed to oversee Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology in the new U.K. government, reflecting the country’s emphasis on emerging technologies.

40. The French Parliament recently approved legislation to ban social media access for children below what age?

A. 13 years
B. 14 years
C. 15 years
D. 16 years

Answer: C. 15 years

Explanation: France’s Parliament approved a Bill banning social media access for children under 15 years of age unless parental consent is obtained. The move aims to improve online child safety.

41. According to a recent United Nations report, which continent has, for the first time, overtaken Asia in the number of people facing hunger?

A. Europe
B. South America
C. North America
D. Africa

Answer: D. Africa

Explanation: A UN report stated that Africa has surpassed Asia as the continent with the highest number of people facing hunger, highlighting worsening food insecurity and undernourishment.

42. The United Nations agency that released the report on global hunger mentioned in the news is:

A. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
B. World Food Programme (WFP)
C. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
D. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Answer: C. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Explanation: The findings on global hunger were released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the UN agency responsible for food security, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and nutrition.

43. Japan recently expressed concern after a Chinese naval destroyer conducted live-fire drills in which water body?

A. East China Sea
B. South China Sea
C. Sea of Japan
D. Pacific Ocean

Answer: D. Pacific Ocean

Explanation: Japan protested after a Chinese naval destroyer carried out live-fire drills in the Pacific Ocean during its first exercise west of the second island chain, raising regional security concerns.

44. The Black Sea, recently in the news following an attack on a Ukraine-bound vessel, is bordered by which of the following countries?

A. Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye and Georgia
B. Russia, Poland, Germany and Sweden
C. Ukraine, Belarus, Latvia and Lithuania
D. Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Greece

Answer: A. Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye and Georgia

Explanation: The Black Sea is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Türkiye, and Georgia. It is strategically important for global trade, energy transport, and regional security.

45. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), recently in the news over South China Sea tensions, has how many member countries?

A. 8
B. 9
C. 10
D. 11

Answer: C. 10

Explanation: ASEAN is a regional organisation comprising 10 Southeast Asian countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. It promotes regional cooperation in economic, political, and security matters.

46. Indian Grandmaster Pranesh M recently defeated which reigning World Champion at the Chennai Grand Masters Tournament?

A. Arjun Erigaisi
B. R. Praggnanandhaa
C. D. Gukesh
D. Vidit Gujrathi

Answer: C. D. Gukesh

Explanation: Indian Grandmaster Pranesh M defeated reigning World Champion D. Gukesh in the Chennai Grand Masters Tournament, handing Gukesh a rare defeat and keeping the title race open.

47. Spain won its second FIFA World Cup title under the coaching of:

A. Luis Enrique
B. Vicente del Bosque
C. Julen Lopetegui
D. Luis de la Fuente

Answer: D. Luis de la Fuente

Explanation: Spain won its second FIFA World Cup under coach Luis de la Fuente, whose possession-based yet more direct style helped Spain reclaim world football’s biggest prize. Spain had previously won the FIFA World Cup in 2010.