1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s support for which long-standing solution to resolve the Israel–Palestine conflict?
A. Confederation Model
B. One-State Solution
C. Two-State Solution
D. UN Trusteeship Model
Answer: C. Two-State Solution
Explanation: India reiterated its consistent support for a two-state solution, calling for the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state living peacefully alongside Israel. India has traditionally balanced its strategic ties with Israel while continuing to support the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
2. During his visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted cooperation in which emerging defence sector?
A. Ballistic Missile Defence
B. Nuclear-powered submarines
C. Maritime security, cyber security and space cooperation
D. Anti-satellite weapons
Answer: C. Maritime security, cyber security and space cooperation
Explanation: India and Indonesia discussed expanding cooperation in maritime security, cyber security, space, and defence industries. Both countries are important maritime partners in the Indo-Pacific region.
3. Which country’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Bintang Adipurna’, was conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
A. Malaysia
B. Singapore
C. Vietnam
D. Indonesia
Answer: D. Indonesia
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Bintang Adipurna’, recognising his contribution to strengthening India–Indonesia bilateral relations and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
4. What does UDISE+ stand for?
A. Unified Digital Information System for Education
B. Universal District Information System for Elementary Education
C. Unified District Information System for Education Plus
D. Unified Database for Indian School Education
Answer: C. Unified District Information System for Education Plus
Explanation: UDISE+ is the Ministry of Education’s nationwide school education database. It collects information on enrolment, infrastructure, teachers, learning facilities, and other indicators to support educational planning and policy-making.
5. Scientists have recently developed an Internet of Things (IoT)-based health tracker for which Himalayan animal?
A. Snow Leopard
B. Himalayan Tahr
C. Yak
D. Red Panda
Answer: C. Yak
Explanation: Scientists have developed an IoT-based smart health monitoring system for high-altitude Himalayan yaks. The device continuously monitors vital health parameters and movement, helping detect diseases early and improving livestock management in remote Himalayan regions.
6. The indigenous Himalayan yak belongs to which biological family?
A. Cervidae
B. Equidae
C. Bovidae
D. Camelidae
Answer: C. Bovidae
Explanation: The yak (Bos grunniens) is a member of the Bovidae family. It is native to the Himalayan and Tibetan Plateau regions and is an important source of milk, meat, wool and transport for mountain communities.
7. From August 2026, Maharashtra has made which document mandatory for obtaining a driving licence?
A. Aadhaar Card
B. PAN Card
C. Passport
D. Domicile Certificate
Answer: D. Domicile Certificate
Explanation: The Maharashtra Government has made a domicile certificate mandatory for obtaining a driving licence from August 2026. The measure aims to regulate app-based transport services and improve accountability within the sector.
8. Which National Highway connects Imphal with Dimapur and serves as a key lifeline for Manipur?
A. NH-2
B. NH-27
C. NH-44
D. NH-37
Answer: D. NH-37
Explanation: National Highway-37 (NH-37) connects Imphal (Manipur) with Dimapur (Nagaland) and serves as an important alternative route for transporting essential goods, especially when NH-2 is disrupted.
9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the new international airport at Bhogapuram in which State?
A. Odisha
B. Telangana
C. Andhra Pradesh
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: C. Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh. The airport is expected to improve air connectivity in north coastal Andhra Pradesh and boost tourism, trade and regional development.
The Bhogapuram International Airport is located in Vizianagaram district, near Visakhapatnam. It is being developed as a major greenfield international airport to serve the region.
10. Kerala has launched an anti-drug awareness campaign under which programme?
A. Mission Shakti
B. Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
C. Operation D-Hunt
D. Project Udaan
Answer: C. Operation D-Hunt
Explanation: As part of Operation D-Hunt, Kerala has intensified its anti-drug campaign. Schools are conducting awareness activities, including sports events, to educate students about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
11. Four States recently reached an agreement regarding pending payments under which multipurpose river valley project?
A. Sardar Sarovar Project
B. Ken–Betwa Link Project
C. Narmada Valley Project
D. Polavaram Project
Answer: C. Narmada Valley Project
Explanation: The States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan signed an agreement to resolve long-pending payment disputes related to the Narmada Valley Project. The settlement is expected to improve inter-state cooperation in water and power sharing.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the meeting that led to the resolution of the pending payment issue among the four States. The agreement is expected to strengthen cooperative federalism.
12. A petition in the Supreme Court has challenged the rollout of E20 petrol mainly on what ground?
A. It increases fuel prices.
B. It violates GST provisions.
C. It was introduced without mandatory disclosure of its effects on legacy vehicles.
D. It promotes imported crude oil.
Answer: C. It was introduced without mandatory disclosure of its effects on legacy vehicles.
Explanation: The petition argues that consumers have a right to know the impact of E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend) on older vehicles, including engine compatibility, maintenance costs and long-term performance before the fuel is widely adopted.
13. What does ‘E20’ in E20 petrol denote?
A. Petrol containing 20% biodiesel
B. Petrol containing 20% methanol
C. Petrol blended with 20% ethanol and 80% petrol
D. Petrol with 20% synthetic fuel
Answer: C. Petrol blended with 20% ethanol and 80% petrol
Explanation: E20 fuel consists of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. It is part of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, aimed at reducing crude oil imports, lowering emissions and supporting farmers through increased ethanol production.
14. The Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) will establish its first overseas campus in which country?
A. Singapore
B. United Arab Emirates
C. Malaysia
D. Indonesia
Answer: D. Indonesia
Explanation: IIM Bangalore will establish its first overseas campus in Indonesia, marking a significant step in the internationalisation of Indian higher education and strengthening academic cooperation between the two countries.
The new IIM Bangalore campus will be set up in the Kendal Special Economic Zone (Kendal SEZ) in Indonesia. The campus will offer programmes focused on business, digital transformation, sustainability and healthcare management.
15. A three-member committee has been constituted to probe alleged irregularities in donations at which temple?
A. Kedarnath Temple
B. Jagannath Temple
C. Somnath Temple
D. Badrinath Temple
Answer: D. Badrinath Temple
Explanation: The Uttarakhand Government constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate alleged irregularities in the handling of donations and offerings at the Badrinath Temple.
Badrinath Temple, one of the four sacred shrines of the Char Dham pilgrimage, is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
16. The Parliamentary Joint Committee (JPC) reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill is associated with which proposed electoral reform?
A. Simultaneous delimitation of constituencies
B. Electoral bonds reform
C. Right to Recall
D. Simultaneous elections (‘One Nation, One Election’)
Answer: D. Simultaneous elections (‘One Nation, One Election’)
Explanation: The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill seeks to facilitate simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies under the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal.
The proposal seeks to hold Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections together, reducing the frequency of elections, governance disruptions, and election-related expenditure.
17. Leaders of the National Conference (NC) recently passed a resolution demanding the restoration of what in Jammu and Kashmir?
A. Article 370
B. Separate Constitution
C. Legislative Council
D. Statehood
Answer: D. Statehood
Explanation: Leaders of the National Conference (NC) adopted a resolution demanding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that it is essential for democratic governance and development.
The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) is one of the oldest regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and has consistently advocated for the restoration of statehood and greater autonomy.
18. According to the latest UDISE+ report, which stage of school education recorded the highest dropout rate in India during 2024–25?
A. Primary (Classes 1–5)
B. Upper Primary (Classes 6–8)
C. Secondary (Classes 9–10)
D. Higher Secondary (Classes 11–12)
Answer: C. Secondary (Classes 9–10)
Explanation: The UDISE+ 2024–25 report shows that the secondary level (Classes 9–10) recorded the highest dropout rate at 10.70%, although dropout rates declined across all major stages of school education.
UDISE+ is the Ministry of Education’s national database for school education. It collects information on enrolment, teachers, infrastructure, digital facilities, and learning outcomes to support educational planning.
The UDISE+ report states that women teachers now account for 55% of India’s school teaching workforce, indicating improved gender representation in the education sector.
19. Bengaluru-based GalaxEye recently lost contact with Drishti, which is India’s first satellite of what type?
A. Communication satellite
B. Weather satellite
C. Navigation satellite
D. Optical Synthetic Aperture Radar (OptoSAR) satellite
Answer: D. Optical Synthetic Aperture Radar (OptoSAR) satellite
Explanation: Drishti, developed by Bengaluru-based GalaxEye, is the world’s first OptoSAR satellite, combining optical imaging with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to provide high-quality Earth observation even under cloudy or low-light conditions.
20. What is the major advantage of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology used in satellites?
A. It works only during daylight.
B. It requires cloud-free weather.
C. It can capture images day and night and through clouds.
D. It is used only for communication.
Answer: C. It can capture images day and night and through clouds.
Explanation: Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) uses microwave signals instead of visible light, enabling satellites to image the Earth’s surface through clouds, smoke and darkness, making it valuable for disaster management, surveillance and environmental monitoring.
21. The BRICS nations recently called for timely exchange of information to combat which global problem?
A. Cyber terrorism
B. Climate change
C. Human trafficking
D. Drug trafficking
Answer: D. Drug trafficking
Explanation: At the BRICS Anti-Drug Working Group meeting, member countries called for the timely exchange of intelligence and information to strengthen international cooperation against drug trafficking and transnational organised crime.
22. Which drug has recently been shown to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) even in patients without diabetes?
A. Metformin
B. Empagliflozin
C. Finerenone
D. Losartan
Answer: C. Finerenone
Explanation: Three global studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and The Lancet found that Finerenone can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) even in patients who do not have diabetes, significantly expanding its potential use.
Finerenone is a non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). It works by blocking inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys and heart, thereby slowing kidney damage rather than merely lowering blood pressure or blood sugar.
Unlike drugs that primarily control blood sugar or blood pressure, Finerenone reduces inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) in the kidneys, thereby preserving kidney function and slowing disease progression.
23. Which scientific concept explains why life on Earth is expected to become unsustainable billions of years from now, according to the article?
A. Continental drift
B. Plate tectonics
C. Gradual increase in the Sun’s brightness as it ages
D. Weakening of Earth’s magnetic field
Answer: C. Gradual increase in the Sun’s brightness as it ages
Explanation: As the Sun ages, it gradually becomes more luminous, increasing Earth’s surface temperature. This will eventually disrupt the carbon cycle, eliminate photosynthetic life, and make Earth uninhabitable.
The study estimates that Earth’s increasing temperature will eventually reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide below the level required for photosynthesis, making the planet unsuitable for complex life in about 1.68 billion years.
24. Which maritime chokepoint became strategically important during the recent West Asian crisis due to concerns over global oil supplies?
A. Strait of Malacca
B. Bab el-Mandeb Strait
C. Bosporus Strait
D. Strait of Hormuz
Answer: D. Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Around one-fifth of the world’s crude oil trade passes through it, making it strategically vital.
25. Which institution projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.6% for 2026–27, as mentioned in the editorial?
A. NITI Aayog
B. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
C. World Bank
D. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Answer: D. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.6% for 2026–27, while noting that global geopolitical uncertainties and commodity prices remain key risks.
26. India and Australia recently elevated their bilateral relationship to which level?
A. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
B. Strategic Partnership
C. Enhanced Strategic Partnership
D. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)
Answer: D. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)
Explanation: India and Australia upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2020. Cooperation now spans defence, trade, critical minerals, education, technology, maritime security, and the Indo-Pacific.
27. Which grouping does both India and Australia actively participate in to promote a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific?
A. BRICS
B. BIMSTEC
C. I2U2
D. Quad
Answer: D. Quad
Explanation: The Quad comprises India, Australia, Japan and the United States. It promotes cooperation in the Indo-Pacific across areas such as maritime security, resilient supply chains, critical technologies, climate action and disaster response.
28. Which government scheme was India’s first major initiative to officially support the retrofitting of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into electric vehicles (EVs)?
A. PM E-Drive Scheme
B. National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)
C. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme
D. National Green Hydrogen Mission
Answer: C. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme
Explanation: The FAME Scheme was India’s first major initiative to promote electric mobility. Besides supporting EV adoption, it also permitted incentives for retrofitted electric vehicles, encouraging cleaner transportation.
29. In the context of electric mobility, what is meant by retrofitting?
A. Replacing an EV battery with a larger battery
B. Manufacturing a new electric vehicle from scratch
C. Installing solar panels on an electric vehicle
D. Converting an existing petrol or diesel vehicle into an electric vehicle
Answer: D. Converting an existing petrol or diesel vehicle into an electric vehicle
Explanation: Retrofitting involves replacing the internal combustion engine (ICE) and related components with an electric motor, battery pack, controller, and associated electrical systems, thereby converting an existing vehicle into an EV.
The FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to promote electric mobility, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and strengthen domestic EV manufacturing.
30. The Government of India has decided to include caste enumeration as part of which Census?
A. Census 2021
B. Census 2026
C. Census 2027
D. Census 2031
Answer: C. Census 2027
Explanation: The Government has announced that caste enumeration will be conducted as part of the 2027 Census, marking the first time since Independence that all castes will be enumerated in the regular Population Census.
31. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with which water body?
A. Red Sea
B. Gulf of Aden
C. Gulf of Oman
D. Arabian Gulf
Answer: C. Gulf of Oman
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, which opens into the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints for global energy trade.
32. Which sector is the largest consumer of natural gas in India, according to the article?
A. Power generation
B. Fertiliser industry
C. City Gas Distribution (CGD)
D. Steel industry
Answer: B. Fertiliser industry
Explanation: The fertiliser sector is the largest consumer of natural gas in India. Natural gas is a key feedstock in the production of ammonia, which is further used to manufacture urea and other nitrogenous fertilisers.
33. Natural gas is primarily used in the fertiliser industry to produce which chemical?
A. Sulphuric acid
B. Phosphoric acid
C. Potash
D. Ammonia
Answer: D. Ammonia
Explanation: Natural gas is used as a feedstock to produce ammonia through the Haber-Bosch process. Ammonia is the basic raw material for manufacturing urea and several other nitrogen-based fertilisers.
34. According to the “News in Numbers” section, India received approximately how much Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2025?
A. US$ 28 billion
B. US$ 39 billion
C. US$ 44 billion
D. US$ 52 billion
Answer: C. US$ 44 billion
Explanation: According to the News in Numbers section, India received US$ 44 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2025, reinforcing its position as a major destination for global investment.
35. Which institution is the largest investor in Government Securities (G-Secs) in India?
A. Commercial Banks
B. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)
C. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
D. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
Answer: D. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
Explanation: According to the article, LIC is the largest investor in Government Securities among Indian institutions. Life insurers collectively hold nearly one-fourth of India’s outstanding Central Government dated securities, making them an important source of long-term financing for government expenditure.
Government Securities (G-Secs) are debt instruments issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India to finance fiscal deficits and other government expenditure.
Since life insurance policies are long-term in nature, life insurance companies invest a substantial portion of their funds in long-term Government Securities to ensure stable returns and meet future policyholder liabilities.
36. According to the report, which weather phenomenon is expected to put pressure on India’s rural demand by affecting the monsoon?
A. La Niña
B. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
C. Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)
D. El Niño
Answer: D. El Niño
Explanation: El Niño is expected to weaken monsoon rainfall, reducing agricultural output and rural incomes. This could negatively impact rural demand, consumption, and overall economic growth.
37. El Niño is characterised by the abnormal warming of sea surface temperatures in which ocean?
A. Indian Ocean
B. Atlantic Ocean
C. Arctic Ocean
D. Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean
Answer: D. Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific Ocean
Explanation: El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and is characterised by unusually warm sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, often leading to weaker monsoon rainfall in India.
38. Which weather phenomenon is generally associated with above-normal monsoon rainfall in India?
A. El Niño
B. Polar Vortex
C. Southern Annular Mode
D. La Niña
Answer: D. La Niña
Explanation: La Niña is the cool phase of ENSO and is generally associated with stronger southwest monsoon rainfall over India, although regional variations may occur.
39. LNG stands for:
A. Low Nitrogen Gas
B. Liquid Natural Gasoline
C. Liquefied Natural Gas
D. Light Natural Gas
Answer: C. Liquefied Natural Gas
Explanation: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to about –162°C, reducing its volume by nearly 600 times. This makes it economical to transport over long distances where pipelines are not feasible.
40. Which retirement fund organisation recently partnered with IDFC FIRST Bank to enable direct provident fund payments?
A. National Pension System (NPS)
B. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
C. Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
D. Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
Answer: D. Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
Explanation: IDFC FIRST Bank partnered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to facilitate direct provident fund payments through the EPFO portal, improving convenience for subscribers.
41. Which Chinese Artificial Intelligence (AI) company is reportedly developing its own AI chip to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers?
A. Baidu
B. Alibaba
C. Tencent
D. DeepSeek
Answer: D. DeepSeek
Explanation: Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is reportedly developing its own AI chip to reduce dependence on imported chips, particularly amid U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors.
DeepSeek currently depends on Nvidia and Huawei chips for training and running its AI models. Developing its own chip would reduce dependence on external suppliers.
42. Burkina Faso is located in which region of Africa?
A. Horn of Africa
B. Southern Africa
C. Central Africa
D. West Africa (Sahel Region)
Answer: D. West Africa (Sahel Region)
Explanation: Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa and forms part of the Sahel, a semi-arid region that has witnessed increasing insurgency and humanitarian crises.
43. Marine Le Pen, recently in the news, is a prominent political leader from which country?
A. Germany
B. Italy
C. Spain
D. France
Answer: D. France
Explanation: Marine Le Pen is a leading French far-right politician and former leader of the National Rally (Rassemblement National). She was recently in the news following a court ruling affecting her political future.
44. The city of El Fasher, frequently in the news, is located in which Sudanese state?
A. Khartoum
B. Blue Nile
C. South Darfur
D. North Darfur
Answer: D. North Darfur
Explanation: El Fasher is the capital of North Darfur and has become a major centre of fighting between the SAF and RSF. It is strategically important as the last major city in Darfur under government control.
45. The annual Running of the Bulls festival, shown in the news, is associated with which festival?
A. La Tomatina
B. Las Fallas
C. Feria de Abril
D. San Fermín Festival
Answer: D. San Fermín Festival
Explanation: The famous Running of the Bulls (Encierro) is held during the San Fermín Festival every year in Pamplona, Spain, attracting participants and tourists from around the world.
46. Wimbledon is played on which type of court?
A. Clay Court
B. Hard Court
C. Carpet Court
D. Grass Court
Answer: D. Grass Court
Explanation: Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament played on grass courts. The other Grand Slams are played on hard courts (Australian Open and US Open) and clay courts (French Open).
47. The 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG), for which the Indian contingent was officially flagged off, will be held in which city?
A. Birmingham
B. Gold Coast
C. Manchester
D. Glasgow
Answer: D. Glasgow
Explanation: The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, beginning on 23 July 2026. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) officially flagged off the Indian contingent before the event.
48. Who is the current President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)?
A. Anil Khanna
B. Narinder Batra
C. Adille Sumariwalla
D. P.T. Usha
Answer: D. P.T. Usha
Explanation: P.T. Usha, one of India’s greatest athletes, is the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). She became the first Olympian and the first woman to hold the post.
49. Vidhi Choudhary, who recently tested positive for a banned substance, is associated with which athletics event?
A. Discus Throw
B. Javelin Throw
C. Hammer Throw
D. Shot Put
Answer: D. Shot Put
Explanation: Indian athlete Vidhi Choudhary is a shot putter. She recently made headlines after testing positive for a banned substance, leading to disciplinary proceedings.
50. Which Formula One Grand Prix did Charles Leclerc win recently, ending Ferrari’s winless streak?
A. Monaco Grand Prix
B. British Grand Prix
C. Austrian Grand Prix
D. Belgian Grand Prix
Answer: C. Austrian Grand Prix
Explanation: Charles Leclerc won the Austrian Grand Prix, giving Ferrari its first victory in several races and reviving its challenge in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Charles Leclerc is a Formula One driver representing Scuderia Ferrari. He is regarded as one of the leading contenders in the Drivers’ Championship.
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