1. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has asked the States to maintain the status quo in which river basin dispute?

A. Krishna River Basin
B. Godavari River Basin
C. Cauvery River Basin
D. Mahanadi River Basin

Answer: C. Cauvery River Basin

Explanation: The Central Water Commission (CWC) has advised the concerned States to maintain the status quo regarding the Cauvery river basin. The Cauvery water dispute involves the sharing of river water among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry and is periodically monitored by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

2. India and China recently emphasized stabilising bilateral relations during the meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart. Who is the current Foreign Minister of China?

A. Wang Yi
B. Qin Gang
C. Liu Jianchao
D. Han Zheng

Answer: A. Wang Yi

Explanation: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and stressed the importance of stable bilateral ties. India-China relations remain significant due to issues such as border management, trade, and regional cooperation.

3. Which constitutional provision empowers the High Courts to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights and other legal rights?

A. Article 32
B. Article 226
C. Article 227
D. Article 136

Answer: B. Article 226

Explanation: Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs not only for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights but also for any other legal right. It has a wider scope than Article 32, which is confined to Fundamental Rights.

4. The Aravalli Range, recently in the news over a Supreme Court-appointed panel, extends across which of the following States?

A. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi
B. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
C. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa
D. Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh

Answer: A. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi

Explanation: The Aravalli Range is one of the world’s oldest fold mountain systems. It stretches from Gujarat through Rajasthan and Haryana to Delhi and plays a vital role in preventing desertification, recharging groundwater, and maintaining ecological balance.

The Aravalli Range is regarded as the oldest fold mountain range in India. It is rich in mineral resources and serves as an important ecological barrier against the eastward expansion of the Thar Desert.

5. Which statutory body is responsible for implementing the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s award and regulating water sharing among the basin States?

A. Central Water Commission (CWC)
B. Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)
C. National Water Development Agency (NWDA)
D. Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)

Answer: B. Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)

Explanation: The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) was established by the Central Government in 2018 to implement the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s award, as modified by the Supreme Court. It regulates water sharing among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.

The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 to adjudicate the long-standing water-sharing dispute among the riparian States. The Act provides the legal framework for resolving disputes over inter-state rivers.

6. The Kerala Cabinet recently approved an anti-ragging law. Which committee had earlier recommended measures to curb ragging in educational institutions in India?

A. Sarkaria Committee
B. Raghavan Committee
C. Punchhi Commission
D. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee

Answer: B. Raghavan Committee

Explanation: The R.K. Raghavan Committee was constituted by the Supreme Court to recommend measures for preventing ragging in educational institutions. Its recommendations led to stricter anti-ragging regulations by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

7. Which Fundamental Right under the Constitution of India guarantees citizens the right to assemble peacefully and without arms?

A. Article 19(1)(a)
B. Article 19(1)(b)
C. Article 21
D. Article 25

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

Explanation: Article 19(1)(b) guarantees all citizens the right to assemble peacefully and without arms. This right is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, and public order, under Article 19(3).

8. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), recently in the news, primarily regulates:

A. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in companies
B. Foreign donations received by individuals and organisations
C. External commercial borrowings by companies
D. Foreign trade agreements

Answer: B. Foreign donations received by individuals and organisations

Explanation: The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and NGOs to ensure they do not adversely affect national interests.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) administers the FCRA. It grants, renews, suspends, or cancels FCRA registrations of eligible organisations receiving foreign contributions.

9. The Teesta-VI Hydroelectric Project, frequently in the news, is located in which State?

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

Answer: C. Sikkim

Explanation: The Teesta-VI Hydroelectric Project is an NHPC project located on the Teesta River in Sikkim. The project has been in the news following a tunnel explosion and concerns related to construction safety.

10. The recently discussed “Rome Declaration for an Unarmed and Disarming Peace” primarily calls for:

A. A global ban on nuclear energy
B. An international treaty to prevent autonomous AI systems from launching nuclear weapons
C. A ban on all artificial intelligence research
D. Complete prohibition of cyber warfare

Answer: B. An international treaty to prevent autonomous AI systems from launching nuclear weapons

Explanation: The Rome Declaration urges countries to negotiate an international treaty preventing autonomous AI systems from accessing or authorising nuclear weapon launches. It emphasizes that meaningful human control must remain central to nuclear decision-making.

11. The Amazon Rainforest, recently in the news, is spread across how many South American countries?

A. 5
B. 7
C. 9
D. 12

Answer: C. 9

Explanation: The Amazon Rainforest extends across nine South American political entities—Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana (France). Brazil contains the largest share of the forest.

Around 60% of the Amazon Rainforest lies within Brazil. It is the world’s largest tropical rainforest and plays a crucial role in global climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.

12. The Amazon Rainforest is often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth” primarily because it:

A. Produces most of the world’s groundwater
B. Contains the world’s largest freshwater lake
C. Plays a major role in carbon storage and global climate regulation
D. Is the source of all major South American rivers

Answer: C. Plays a major role in carbon storage and global climate regulation

Explanation: The Amazon acts as one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, helping regulate the global climate. It also supports unparalleled biodiversity and influences regional and global rainfall patterns.

The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. It contains nearly one-tenth of all known species and is home to the world’s largest river basin.

13. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, recently in the news, connects which two water bodies?

A. Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
B. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
C. Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf
D. Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea

Answer: B. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden

Explanation: The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a narrow maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, which further opens into the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. It is one of the world’s busiest international shipping routes.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait separates Yemen (Asia) from Djibouti and Eritrea (Africa). It serves as a strategic gateway between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal.

14. Which canal lies to the north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea?

A. Panama Canal
B. Kiel Canal
C. Corinth Canal
D. Suez Canal

Answer: D. Suez Canal

Explanation: Ships travelling from the Indian Ocean to Europe pass through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea, and then the Suez Canal before entering the Mediterranean Sea. Any disruption at Bab el-Mandeb significantly affects global trade.

15. Why is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait strategically important?

A. It is the world’s largest fishing ground.
B. It serves as a key maritime chokepoint linking Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal route.
C. It is the deepest ocean trench in the world.
D. It is the only route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Answer: B. It serves as a key maritime chokepoint linking Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal route.

Explanation: The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. A large share of global trade, oil, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments passes through this route, making its security vital for international commerce.

16. The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) is maintained by which Union Ministry?

A. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
B. Ministry of Education
C. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
D. Ministry of Women and Child Development

Answer: B. Ministry of Education

Explanation: UDISE+ (Unified District Information System for Education Plus) is India’s comprehensive school education database maintained by the Ministry of Education. It collects data on enrolment, infrastructure, teachers, and other school-related indicators.

17. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes inclusive education primarily for:

A. Urban private schools only
B. Children with Special Needs (CWSN) and other disadvantaged groups
C. Students preparing for competitive examinations
D. Students pursuing higher education abroad

Answer: B. Children with Special Needs (CWSN) and other disadvantaged groups

Explanation: NEP 2020 promotes equitable and inclusive education by ensuring that children with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups receive quality education through accessible infrastructure, trained teachers, and appropriate learning support.

18. Which Act provides the legal framework for protecting the educational rights of persons with disabilities in India?

A. Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 only
B. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016
C. National Education Policy, 2020
D. Juvenile Justice Act, 2015

Answer: B. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

Explanation: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 expands the recognised categories of disabilities from 7 to 21 and mandates inclusive education, reasonable accommodation, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

19. Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the number of recognised categories of disabilities increased from:

A. 5 to 15
B. 7 to 21
C. 10 to 25
D. 12 to 24

Answer: B. 7 to 21

Explanation: The RPwD Act, 2016 replaced the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995 and expanded the number of recognised disabilities from 7 to 21, bringing Indian disability law in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

20. India is a signatory to which international convention that promotes the rights of persons with disabilities?

A. Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)
B. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
C. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
D. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Answer: C. United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

Explanation: India signed the UNCRPD in 2007. The convention promotes equality, dignity, accessibility, and full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life, including education.

21. Internet shutdowns in India are generally imposed under which legal framework?

A. Information Technology Act, 2000
B. Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024
C. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
D. Disaster Management Act, 2005

Answer: B. Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024

Explanation: Internet suspension orders are issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, which prescribe the authority, procedure, and safeguards for suspending telecom services.

Internet shutdowns directly affect the freedom of speech and expression [Article 19(1)(a)] and the freedom to practise any profession or carry on trade or business [Article 19(1)(g)], especially in the digital economy.

22. In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court held that:

A. Internet shutdowns can be imposed without review.
B. Internet access is a Fundamental Right under all circumstances.
C. Internet shutdown orders must be temporary, proportionate, and subject to judicial review.
D. Only Parliament can order internet shutdowns.

Answer: C. Internet shutdown orders must be temporary, proportionate, and subject to judicial review.

Explanation: In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court ruled that internet restrictions cannot be indefinite and must satisfy the tests of necessity, proportionality, and periodic review.

23. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately how many people die due to drowning every year worldwide?

A. 1,50,000

B. 2,00,000

C. 3,00,000

D. 5,00,000

Answer: C. 3,00,000

Explanation: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 3,00,000 people die from unintentional drowning every year, making it one of the leading causes of accidental deaths globally, particularly among children and young adults.

24. The 2026 Commonwealth Games are being hosted by which city?

A. Birmingham

B. Gold Coast

C. Glasgow

D. Auckland

Answer: C. Glasgow

Explanation: The 2026 Commonwealth Games are being held in Glasgow, Scotland. Glasgow previously hosted the Games in 2014, becoming one of the few cities to host the event more than once.

25. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) was recently renamed as:

A. Commonwealth Sports Council

B. Commonwealth Athletics Federation

C. Commonwealth Sport

D. Commonwealth Olympic Federation

Answer: C. Commonwealth Sport

Explanation: The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has been rebranded as Commonwealth Sport. The organisation continues to govern the Commonwealth Games and promote sports cooperation among member nations.

26. Who is the mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?

A. Perry

B. Borobi

C. Finnie

D. Clyde

Answer: C. Finnie

Explanation: Finnie is the official mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. It represents the spirit of inclusivity, friendship, and sporting excellence associated with the Games.

27. India recently expressed concern over the proposed 200% U.S. tariff on pharmaceutical imports. Which country is the world’s largest market for generic medicines by value?

A. India

B. China

C. United States

D. Germany

Answer: C. United States

Explanation: The United States is the world’s largest pharmaceutical market and the biggest importer of generic medicines. India is one of its largest suppliers, accounting for a significant share of generic prescriptions dispensed in the U.S.

28. GIFT City, recently in the news, is located in which State?

A. Maharashtra

B. Gujarat

C. Karnataka

D. Telangana

Answer: B. Gujarat

Explanation: GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). It is located between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat.

29. What does IFSC stand for in the context of GIFT City?

A. International Financial Services Centre

B. Indian Financial Securities Corporation

C. International Finance Settlement Council

D. Integrated Fiscal Services Commission

Answer: A. International Financial Services Centre

Explanation: An International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) provides financial services to non-residents and residents (as permitted) in foreign currencies, enabling India to compete with global financial hubs like Dubai and Singapore.

30. Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) becomes negative when:

A. FDI inflows exceed outflows.

B. FDI outflows exceed inflows.

C. Foreign portfolio investment exceeds FDI.

D. India’s exports exceed imports.

Answer: B. FDI outflows exceed inflows.

Explanation: Net FDI turns negative when the total amount of foreign investment leaving the country exceeds the fresh foreign investment coming in during a given period.

31. Which company is facing a lawsuit over the alleged use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in employee layoffs?

A. Google
B. Microsoft
C. Meta
D. Amazon

Answer: C. Meta

Explanation: Meta is facing a lawsuit in which employees allege that Artificial Intelligence was used in layoff decisions. The case has drawn attention to the growing use of AI in human resource management and the need for transparency and accountability in algorithmic decision-making.

32. Free Cash Flow (FCF), recently discussed in relation to Big Tech companies, refers to:

A. The total revenue earned by a company.

B. Cash generated from operations after capital expenditure.

C. Profit before tax.

D. Net worth of a company.

Answer: B. Cash generated from operations after capital expenditure.

Explanation: Free Cash Flow (FCF) is the cash a company generates after meeting its capital expenditure requirements. It indicates the funds available for expansion, debt repayment, dividends, share buybacks, or future investments.

33. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Where is the International Criminal Court headquartered?

A. Geneva

B. Brussels

C. The Hague

D. Vienna

Answer: C. The Hague

Explanation: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands. It prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression.

The Rome Statute, adopted in 1998 and entering into force in 2002, established the International Criminal Court (ICC).

34. Amnesty International primarily works for the protection of:

A. International trade

B. Nuclear disarmament

C. Human rights

D. Climate finance

Answer: C. Human rights

Explanation: Amnesty International is a global human rights organisation that investigates and campaigns against human rights violations, including war crimes, torture, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on civil liberties.

35. The Houthi movement (Ansar Allah), frequently in the news, is primarily based in which country?

A. Syria

B. Iraq

C. Yemen

D. Lebanon

Answer: C. Yemen

Explanation: The Houthis (Ansar Allah) are a Shia political and armed movement based in Yemen. They have been involved in Yemen’s civil war since 2014 and have recently targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

36. Which Indian athlete is the reigning Olympic and World Champion in men’s javelin throw and is leading India’s campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games?

A. Kishore Jena

B. Neeraj Chopra

C. Annu Rani

D. Rohit Yadav

Answer: B. Neeraj Chopra

Explanation: Neeraj Chopra is India’s most decorated javelin thrower and the reigning Olympic and World Champion. He is expected to be one of India’s strongest medal contenders at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

37. Weightlifter Mirabai Chanu competes in which event?

A. Women’s 49 kg

B. Women’s 59 kg

C. Women’s 71 kg

D. Women’s 81 kg

Answer: A. Women’s 49 kg

Explanation: Mirabai Chanu competes in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting category. She is an Olympic silver medallist and former World Champion, and remains one of India’s top medal prospects in international competitions.

38. Alireza Firouzja, who won the Chennai Grand Masters 2026, represents which country?

A. France

B. Iran

C. United States

D. Azerbaijan

Answer: A. France

Explanation: Alireza Firouzja is a French chess Grandmaster and one of the world’s highest-rated players. Born in Iran, he later switched federation to France and has been a regular contender in elite international chess tournaments.

39. Which city hosted the most recent Asian Games in 2023?

A. Beijing

B. Tokyo

C. Hangzhou

D. Guangzhou

Answer: C. Hangzhou

Explanation: The 19th Asian Games were held in Hangzhou, China, from September to October 2023. Although originally scheduled for 2022, they were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.