1. Brent Crude oil, recently in the news due to tensions in West Asia, is primarily a benchmark for crude oil produced from which region?
A. Gulf of Mexico
B. North Sea
C. Persian Gulf
D. Siberia
Answer: B. North Sea
Explanation: Brent Crude is the international benchmark for pricing crude oil and originates from oil fields in the North Sea. It is widely used to price crude exported from Europe, Africa and West Asia.
2. The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, recently in the news over an alleged data leak, is located in which State?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Kerala
D. Karnataka
Answer: B. Tamil Nadu
Explanation: The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) is located in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is India’s largest nuclear power station and has been developed with Russian assistance.
Kudankulam was developed under an Indo-Russian agreement with technical cooperation from Russia’s nuclear sector. The plant operates pressurised water reactors.
3. Assam Rifles, recently in the news after an attack in Manipur, functions under which Ministry?
A. Ministry of Home Affairs
B. Ministry of Defence
C. Ministry of External Affairs
D. Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Answer: A. Ministry of Home Affairs
Explanation: Assam Rifles is India’s oldest paramilitary force. It is administratively controlled by the Ministry of Home Affairs, while its operational control rests with the Indian Army.
Assam Rifles is the primary border-guarding force along the India–Myanmar border and plays a major role in counter-insurgency operations in Northeast India.
4. The Union Cabinet recently approved the setting up of Semicon 2.0 projects for manufacturing which of the following?
A. Solar panels
B. Fertilizers
C. Urea
D. Lithium-ion batteries
Answer: C. Urea
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved Semicon 2.0 projects to establish new urea manufacturing plants, aimed at increasing domestic fertilizer production and reducing import dependence.
5. Delimitation in India refers to:
A. Redrawing the boundaries of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies
B. Creation of new States
C. Division of financial resources among States
D. Reservation of seats in Parliament
Answer: A. Redrawing the boundaries of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies
Explanation: Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies based on population to ensure fair representation. It is carried out by a Delimitation Commission constituted by Parliament.
6. Which constitutional provision deals with the readjustment of seats in the Lok Sabha after each Census?
A. Article 80
B. Article 81
C. Article 123
D. Article 280
Answer: B. Article 81
Explanation: Article 81 provides for the composition of the Lok Sabha and the readjustment of seats among States based on population, subject to constitutional amendments that have currently frozen delimitation until after the first Census following 2026.
7. Road safety education campaigns like the one reported in Delhi primarily support the objectives of which UN initiative?
A. Paris Agreement
B. Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
C. UN Decade of Action for Road Safety
D. Convention on Biological Diversity
Answer: C. UN Decade of Action for Road Safety
Explanation: The UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030) aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries through safer roads, vehicles, enforcement, education and post-crash care. India aligns many of its road safety initiatives with these global objectives.
8. Mullaperiyar Dam, recently in the news over low water storage, is located in which State?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Kerala
C. Karnataka
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: B. Kerala
Explanation: The Mullaperiyar Dam is located on the Periyar River in Kerala, but it is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu under a long-term lease agreement. It is one of India’s most important inter-State water-sharing issues.
The Mullaperiyar Dam is constructed across the Periyar River. Its waters are diverted eastward to irrigate drought-prone districts of Tamil Nadu.
9. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), under which the ED recently filed a complaint, was enacted in:
A. 1999
B. 2002
C. 2005
D. 2008
Answer: B. 2002
Explanation: The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 provides the legal framework to prevent money laundering and confiscate proceeds of crime. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the primary agency enforcing the Act.
10. The Viksit Bharat Gram Rozgar Yojana (VB-GRAM), recently in the news, has been introduced as a replacement for which scheme?
A. PM-KISAN
B. MGNREGS
C. PMGSY
D. DAY-NRLM
Answer: B. MGNREGS
Explanation: According to the report, the Viksit Bharat Gram Rozgar Yojana (VB-GRAM) has replaced MGNREGS. The new scheme introduces changes in worker registration and verification procedures.
11. The On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, recently in the news, is used by:
A. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
B. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
C. National Testing Agency (NTA)
D. University Grants Commission (UGC)
Answer: B. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Explanation: The On-Screen Marking (OSM) system is used by CBSE for digital evaluation of answer scripts. It enables examiners to assess scanned answer sheets electronically.
12. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), whose recommendations were cited for highway projects, is a committee of:
A. NITI Aayog
B. Parliament of India
C. Finance Commission
D. Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Answer: B. Parliament of India
Explanation: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is one of Parliament’s most important Financial Committees. It examines the CAG reports and scrutinises whether public money has been spent according to Parliament’s approval.
The PAC consists of 22 members—15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha. Ministers cannot be members of this committee.
13. Which international agreement provides the global framework for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity?
A. Ramsar Convention
B. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
C. Montreal Protocol
D. UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Answer: B. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Explanation: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), adopted at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, aims at conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
14. China’s “Great Green Wall”, recently in the news, is primarily intended to:
A. Prevent coastal erosion
B. Reduce desertification and control sandstorms
C. Protect coral reefs
D. Increase hydroelectric generation
Answer: B. Reduce desertification and control sandstorms
Explanation: China’s Great Green Wall, officially known as the Three-North Shelter Forest Program, aims to combat desertification, reduce sandstorms and restore degraded land through large-scale afforestation.
15. Desertification refers to:
A. Formation of new deserts through volcanic activity
B. Land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions due to climatic variations and human activities
C. Conversion of forests into grasslands naturally
D. Seasonal drying of rivers
Answer: B. Land degradation in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions due to climatic variations and human activities
Explanation: As defined by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), desertification is land degradation in drylands caused by climatic factors and unsustainable human activities such as deforestation and overgrazing.
The UNCCD, adopted in 1994, is the only legally binding international agreement specifically focused on combating desertification, restoring degraded land and improving drought resilience.
16. Biodiversity conservation in situ refers to:
A. Conserving species in zoos and botanical gardens
B. Conserving species in their natural habitats
C. Preserving only seeds in seed banks
D. Maintaining DNA samples in laboratories
Answer: B. Conserving species in their natural habitats
Explanation: In situ conservation protects plants and animals within their natural ecosystems, such as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and biosphere reserves. It is generally considered the most effective approach for conserving biodiversity.
17. Which of the following is an example of ex situ conservation?
A. Biosphere Reserve
B. Wildlife Sanctuary
C. Botanical Garden
D. National Park
Answer: C. Botanical Garden
Explanation: Ex situ conservation involves conserving species outside their natural habitats, such as in botanical gardens, zoos, seed banks and gene banks, especially when wild populations are under threat.
18. India has developed the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar Port under a bilateral agreement with:
A. Iraq
B. Iran
C. Qatar
D. Kuwait
Answer: B. Iran
Explanation: India has invested in the Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar Port to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
19. The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), often linked with Chabahar Port, connects India primarily with:
A. Southeast Asia
B. Europe and Russia via Iran and the Caspian region
C. Australia through the Indian Ocean
D. East Africa through the Red Sea
Answer: B. Europe and Russia via Iran and the Caspian region
Explanation: The INSTC is a multimodal transport corridor linking India, Iran, the Caspian Sea region, Russia and Europe. It aims to reduce transit time and logistics costs.
20. According to the Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy, from 2027, registration of which category of new vehicles is proposed to be only electric?
A. Private cars
B. Two-wheelers
C. Three-wheelers
D. Heavy trucks
Answer: C. Three-wheelers
Explanation: The proposed Delhi Electric Vehicle Policy aims to permit only electric three-wheelers for new registrations from 2027, with two-wheelers planned to follow in later phases.
Vehicular emissions contribute significantly to PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ levels, making the transport sector a major source of urban air pollution. Promoting electric vehicles is intended to reduce these emissions.
21. PM2.5, frequently mentioned in discussions on urban air quality, refers to particulate matter with a diameter of:
A. Less than 25 micrometres
B. Less than 2.5 micrometres
C. Less than 0.25 micrometres
D. Less than 10 micrometres
Answer: B. Less than 2.5 micrometres
Explanation: PM2.5 consists of fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, posing serious health risks.
22. Which of the following pollutants is most closely associated with emissions from petrol and diesel vehicles?
A. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
B. Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
C. Methane only
D. Ozone emitted directly from engines
Answer: B. Particulate Matter (PM2.5) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
Explanation: Internal combustion engine vehicles emit PM2.5, PM10, Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and other pollutants. Reducing these emissions is a key objective of electric mobility policies.
23. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), recently mentioned in the context of criminal justice reforms, replaced which legislation?
A. Indian Penal Code, 1860
B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
C. Indian Evidence Act, 1872
D. Police Act, 1861
Answer: B. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
Explanation: The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 replaced the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 as part of India’s criminal law reforms.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, introducing several reforms in substantive criminal law.
24. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 replaced the:
A. Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
B. Indian Evidence Act, 1872
C. Official Secrets Act, 1923
D. Information Technology Act, 2000
Answer: B. Indian Evidence Act, 1872
Explanation: The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 replaced the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and gives greater recognition to electronic and digital evidence in criminal proceedings.
25. Which of the following is not one of the three new criminal laws that came into force in India?
A. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
B. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
C. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)
D. National Security Act (NSA)
Answer: D. National Security Act (NSA)
Explanation: India’s three new criminal laws are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). The National Security Act (NSA) is a separate preventive detention law.
26. Digital evidence has become increasingly important under which of the following new criminal laws?
A. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023
B. Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
C. Representation of the People Act, 1951
D. Indian Forest Act, 1927
Answer: A. Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023
Explanation: The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023 modernises India’s law of evidence by providing greater legal recognition to electronic records and digital evidence, reflecting the increasing use of technology in criminal investigations.
27. Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries are most commonly associated with:
A. Textile manufacturing
B. Electric vehicles and energy storage systems
C. Cement production
D. Shipbuilding
Answer: B. Electric vehicles and energy storage systems
Explanation: ACC batteries are high-performance rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems due to their high energy density and efficiency.
28. Semaglutide, recently in the news, belongs to which class of drugs?
A. SGLT-2 inhibitors
B. GLP-1 receptor agonists
C. DPP-4 inhibitors
D. Sulfonylureas
Answer: B. GLP-1 receptor agonists
Explanation: Semaglutide is a GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonist used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. It helps lower blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss by increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon release, and slowing gastric
Semaglutide was developed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and is marketed under brand names such as Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for obesity).
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone secreted by L-cells of the small intestine after food intake. It stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon, slows gastric emptying and increases satiety.
Semaglutide is approved for Type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management in eligible patients. It has gained global attention because of its effectiveness in weight reduction.
29. SK Hynix, frequently in the news, is primarily known for manufacturing:
A. Aircraft engines
B. Semiconductor memory chips
C. Electric vehicles
D. Solar panels
Answer: B. Semiconductor memory chips
Explanation: SK Hynix is a South Korean technology company specialising in DRAM and NAND flash memory chips. It is among the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers.
30. The India–U.K. Double Contribution Convention (DCC), recently in the news, aims to prevent:
A. Double taxation of corporate profits
B. Double payment of social security contributions
C. Double customs duties on imports
D. Double GST on services
Answer: B. Double payment of social security contributions
Explanation: The India–U.K. Double Contribution Convention (DCC) exempts eligible employees on temporary assignments from paying social security contributions in both countries, thereby reducing the financial burden on employers and employees.
The agreement applies to employees who are temporarily posted from one country to the other. It avoids double social security contributions during the specified period of deputation.
31. Which country recently adopted a landmark Bill allowing assisted dying for certain terminally ill adults?
A. Germany
B. France
C. Italy
D. Spain
Answer: B. France
Explanation: The French Parliament approved a landmark assisted-dying Bill that would allow eligible terminally ill adults, subject to strict legal safeguards, to seek medical assistance in ending their lives.
The Supreme Court of India has recognised passive euthanasia under specified conditions and has also permitted living wills/advance medical directives subject to prescribed safeguards. Active euthanasia remains illegal.
In Common Cause v. Union of India (2018), the Supreme Court recognised the legality of passive euthanasia and advance medical directives (living wills) as part of the right to die with dignity under Article 21.
32. Which Indian space mission is specifically aimed at providing broadband internet services using satellites?
A. GSAT-11 Mission
B. BharatiNet Mission
C. Indian National Satellite Communication Programme (satellite broadband initiatives through ISRO/NSIL)
D. Chandrayaan-3
Answer: C. Indian National Satellite Communication Programme (satellite broadband initiatives through ISRO/NSIL)
Explanation: India is expanding satellite-based broadband services through ISRO and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). Private satellite communication services are also being developed under India’s space sector reforms.
33. Myanmar’s current political crisis began after the military coup in:
A. 2018
B. 2019
C. 2021
D. 2023
Answer: C. 2021
Explanation: Myanmar’s military seized power in February 2021, overthrowing the elected government. The coup triggered widespread protests, armed resistance and prolonged political instability.
Myanmar is one of the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), although its participation in high-level meetings has been limited following the 2021 military coup.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. It promotes regional cooperation in political, economic and socio-cultural fields.
34. India finished with how many medals at the Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships?
A. 15
B. 18
C. 21
D. 24
Answer: C. 21
Explanation: India concluded its campaign at the Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships with 21 medals, including 5 gold, 8 silver and 8 bronze, reflecting India’s growing strength in age-group boxing.
35. Which country hosted the Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships mentioned in the news?
A. India
B. Kazakhstan
C. Uzbekistan
D. Thailand
Answer: C. Uzbekistan
Explanation: The Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships were held in Uzbekistan, where Indian boxers secured an impressive medal haul.
36. Rory McIlroy, mentioned in the news, is associated with which sport?
A. Tennis
B. Golf
C. Badminton
D. Snooker
Answer: B. Golf
Explanation: Rory McIlroy is a professional golfer from Northern Ireland and is one of the most successful players in modern golf.
37. The 2026 Asian Games will be hosted in:
A. Hangzhou, China
B. Doha, Qatar
C. Nagoya, Japan
D. Busan, South Korea
Answer: C. Nagoya, Japan
Explanation: The 20th Asian Games (2026) will be held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, bringing together athletes from across Asia.
38. Sarvesh Kushare competes in which athletics event?
A. Pole Vault
B. Long Jump
C. High Jump
D. Triple Jump
Answer: C. High Jump
Explanation: Sarvesh Kushare is an Indian high jumper who equalled the National Record of 2.31 metres, strengthening India’s medal hopes in athletics.
39. The 2026 Asian Games are officially known as the:
A. XIX Asian Games
B. XX Asian Games
C. XXI Asian Games
D. XXII Asian Games
Answer: B. XX Asian Games
Explanation: The 2026 Nagoya–Aichi Asian Games will be the 20th edition (XX) of the Asian Games.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is the governing body responsible for organising the Asian Games and promoting sports across Asia.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is headquartered in Kuwait City, Kuwait, and oversees continental multi-sport events in Asia.
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