1. India and Australia adopted the Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation primarily to strengthen cooperation in which region?
A. Arctic Region
B. Indo-Pacific Region
C. Mediterranean Region
D. South Atlantic Region
Answer: B. Indo-Pacific Region
Explanation: India and Australia adopted a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation to deepen collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. The partnership focuses on maritime security, defence cooperation, critical minerals, supply chain resilience, civil nuclear energy, and a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
2. India and Australia signed an agreement for cooperation in which sector during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia?
A. Space exploration
B. Artificial Intelligence
C. Civil nuclear energy
D. Fisheries management
Answer: C. Civil nuclear energy
Explanation: The two countries signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement that will facilitate the supply of Australian uranium to India for peaceful civilian nuclear energy purposes, further strengthening their strategic partnership.
3. Australia’s recently announced social media restrictions prohibit children below which age from having social media accounts?
A. 13 years
B. 14 years
C. 15 years
D. 16 years
Answer: D. 16 years
Explanation: Australia has introduced one of the world’s strictest social media regulations by banning social media accounts for children under 16 years of age. The move is intended to improve online safety and protect minors from harmful digital content.
4. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon covered the entire country in 2026 on:
A. July 5
B. July 7
C. July 9
D. July 10
Answer: C. July 9
Explanation: The IMD reported that the southwest monsoon covered the entire country on July 9, one day later than the normal date of July 8. The monsoon is crucial for India’s agriculture, water resources, and overall economy.
5. The southwest monsoon normally covers the entire country by which date?
A. June 30
B. July 5
C. July 8
D. July 15
Answer: C. July 8
Explanation: Under normal climatic conditions, the southwest monsoon covers the entire Indian mainland by July 8. In 2026, this milestone was achieved a day later, on July 9.
6. Gujarat has launched a new Data Centre Policy with a target to attract investments worth approximately:
A. ₹2 lakh crore
B. ₹4 lakh crore
C. ₹6 lakh crore
D. ₹10 lakh crore
Answer: C. ₹6 lakh crore
Explanation: Gujarat’s new Data Centre Policy aims to attract investments of around ₹6 lakh crore and create a 7.5 GW data centre capacity. The policy seeks to make Gujarat a preferred destination for data centres and AI-driven digital infrastructure.
The policy targets the creation of 7.5 GW of data centre capacity, supported by incentives such as capital subsidies, electricity duty exemption, SGST reimbursement, and stamp duty concessions.
The policy focuses on promoting data centres that support Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, digital services, and high-performance computing, which are key components of India’s digital transformation.
7. The Tamil Nadu government announced government jobs for the family members of victims of which tragic incident?
A. Kallakurichi hooch tragedy
B. Coonoor helicopter crash
C. Tamluk train accident
D. T. Kallupatti stampede at Tamluk Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) event
Answer: D. T. Kallupatti stampede at Tamluk Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) event
Explanation: The Tamil Nadu government announced government employment for eligible family members of those who died in the Tamluk Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) stampede, along with compensation and other relief measures.
8. Karnataka recently launched a drive to improve HIV diagnosis under which State programme?
A. Karnataka Health Mission
B. Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS)
C. Ayushman Bharat Karnataka
D. National Viral Disease Control Programme
Answer: B. Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS)
Explanation: The Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS) launched a campaign to identify people unaware of their HIV status, encouraging voluntary testing and early diagnosis to improve treatment outcomes.
9. According to the report, more than how many people in Karnataka are estimated to be living with HIV without knowing their status?
A. 25,000
B. 36,000
C. 56,000
D. 1 lakh
Answer: C. 56,000
Explanation: KSAPS estimates that over 56,000 people in Karnataka are living with HIV but remain unaware of their status. The awareness drive focuses on increasing voluntary testing and reducing stigma.
10. Karnataka plans to revive which digital initiative to combat fake news?
A. Digital India Fact Portal
B. TruthCheck Karnataka
C. The Infodemic Detector Dashboard (IDD)
D. FactCheck India Portal
Answer: C. The Infodemic Detector Dashboard (IDD)
Explanation: The Karnataka government plans to revive the Infodemic Detector Dashboard (IDD) to identify and counter fake news and misinformation through fact-checking and public awareness.
11. Australia has announced the repatriation of three antiquities that were originally taken from temples in which Indian State?
A. Karnataka
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Odisha
Answer: C. Tamil Nadu
Explanation: Australia announced that it will return three ancient artefacts that were illegally removed from temples in Tamil Nadu. The repatriation reflects growing international cooperation in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
12. The three antiquities to be repatriated by Australia belong primarily to which historical period?
A. Maurya Period (3rd century BCE)
B. Gupta Period (4th–6th century CE)
C. Chola Period (9th–13th century CE)
D. Mughal Period (16th–18th century CE)
Answer: C. Chola Period (9th–13th century CE)
Explanation: The artefacts include Chola-period sculptures, including a Nandi, a Karthikeya (Shanmukha) idol, and a Bhadrakali trident. Chola bronzes and temple sculptures are renowned worldwide for their artistic excellence.
13. The Supreme Court is considering referring to a larger Bench the issue of furnishing reasons for arrest under which provision of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023?
A. Section 35
B. Section 47
C. Section 50
D. Section 403
Answer: D. Section 403
Explanation: The Supreme Court is examining whether investigating agencies must provide written grounds for arrest under Section 403 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, a matter that may be decided by a larger Bench.
14. The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhiniyam (VBSA), 2025, seeks to replace which existing legislation governing higher education?
A. National Education Policy, 2020
B. University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956
C. Right to Education Act, 2009
D. Institutes of Technology Act, 1961
Answer: B. University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956
Explanation: The proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhiniyam (VBSA), 2025 aims to replace the UGC Act and create a unified regulatory framework for higher education by subsuming bodies like the UGC, AICTE, and NCTE.
15. Which three regulatory bodies are proposed to be brought under the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhiniyam (VBSA), 2025?
A. UGC, AICTE and NCTE
B. UGC, NMC and BCI
C. AICTE, ICAR and PCI
D. NMC, NCTE and BCI
Answer: A. UGC, AICTE and NCTE
Explanation: The Bill proposes a single regulatory framework by integrating the University Grants Commission (UGC), All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).
16. The proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhiniyam (VBSA), 2025 has drawn criticism mainly because it is perceived to:
A. Reduce funding for higher education
B. Increase centralisation of powers over higher education institutions
C. Privatise all Central universities
D. Abolish reservations in higher education
Answer: B. Increase centralisation of powers over higher education institutions
Explanation: Several States and universities have expressed concerns that the proposed law grants excessive powers to the Centre, potentially reducing the autonomy of universities and existing regulatory institutions.
17. The controversy over alleged forged gram sabha consent is related to a proposed mining project in:
A. Korba, Chhattisgarh
B. Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh
C. Keonjhar, Odisha
D. Bellary, Karnataka
Answer: B. Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh
Explanation: The Congress alleged that gram sabha consent was forged for a proposed mining project in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh, leading to political controversy over environmental clearances and tribal rights.
18. Which constitutional provision provides for the establishment of Gram Sabhas in rural areas?
A. Article 243A
B. Article 243D
C. Article 243G
D. Article 280
Answer: A. Article 243A
Explanation: Article 243A of the Constitution empowers the Gram Sabha to exercise powers and perform functions at the village level as determined by the State Legislature. Gram Sabha consent is often required in matters involving land acquisition and projects affecting tribal areas.
19. The Indian Navy ordered a Board of Inquiry after the crash of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) near which place?
A. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
B. Porbandar, Gujarat
C. Jamnagar, Gujarat
D. Kutch, Gujarat
Answer: B. Porbandar, Gujarat
Explanation: An Indian Navy Drishti-10 Starliner UAV crashed during a routine training sortie near Porbandar in Gujarat. A Board of Inquiry has been constituted to investigate the incident.
20. The Drishti-10 Starliner UAV operated by the Indian Navy is manufactured by:
A. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
B. Adani Defence and Aerospace
C. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
D. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)
Answer: B. Adani Defence and Aerospace
Explanation: The Drishti-10 Starliner is manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace in partnership with Israel’s Elbit Systems. It is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle.
21. According to the Income Tax Department, tax benefits available to spouses under the Income Tax Act cannot presently be extended to same-sex couples because:
A. Same-sex marriage is prohibited under the Constitution.
B. The Income Tax Act does not recognize the relationship under the current definition of “spouse”.
C. The Supreme Court has declared same-sex unions illegal.
D. Parliament has already rejected an amendment to the Income Tax Act.
Answer: B. The Income Tax Act does not recognize the relationship under the current definition of “spouse”.
Explanation: The Income Tax Department argued before the Bombay High Court that the current Income Tax Act defines tax benefits based on the legally recognized meaning of “spouse”, which does not presently include same-sex couples.
22. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Delhi High Court has challenged the functioning of which statutory body?
A. National Biodiversity Authority
B. National Green Tribunal
C. National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
D. Central Zoo Authority
Answer: C. National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
Explanation: The PIL alleges that the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) approved a very high proportion of proposals involving forest diversion and wildlife habitats, raising concerns over environmental safeguards and decision-making.
23. The NeoSep1 clinical trial, recently launched in India, primarily aims to address:
A. Tuberculosis in adults
B. Antimicrobial-resistant neonatal sepsis
C. Malaria in pregnant women
D. Cervical cancer screening
Answer: B. Antimicrobial-resistant neonatal sepsis
Explanation: NeoSep1 is an international clinical trial evaluating effective antibiotic combinations for newborns with antimicrobial-resistant neonatal sepsis. The study seeks to identify safer and more effective treatments to reduce neonatal mortality.
24. The NeoSep1 trial in India is being coordinated by which institution?
A. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
B. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
C. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
D. Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
Answer: B. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry
Explanation: The first Indian participant in the NeoSep1 trial was enrolled at JIPMER, Puducherry. The trial is part of a multinational effort to tackle antimicrobial resistance in newborns.
25. The NeoSep1 trial is supported globally by which organization?
A. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
B. Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)
C. Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP)
D. The Global Fund
Answer: C. Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP)
Explanation: The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) is leading the NeoSep1 study in collaboration with international research institutions to develop evidence-based treatments for drug-resistant neonatal sepsis.
26. Neonatal sepsis refers to a severe bloodstream infection occurring in infants up to what age?
A. 7 days
B. 14 days
C. 28 days
D. 90 days
Answer: C. 28 days
Explanation: Neonatal sepsis is a life-threatening bloodstream infection occurring in newborns during the first 28 days of life. It remains a major cause of neonatal mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
27. The annual Amarnath Yatra is associated with which Union Territory?
A. Ladakh
B. Himachal Pradesh
C. Jammu and Kashmir
D. Uttarakhand
Answer: C. Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation: The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave Shrine located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Pilgrims generally travel via the Pahalgam or Baltal routes.
28. The Centre has proposed amendments to the National Food Security Act (NFSA) affecting beneficiaries under which scheme?
A. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
B. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
C. Annapurna Scheme
D. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)
Answer: B. Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)
Explanation: The proposed amendment seeks to change the foodgrain entitlement for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries from the existing 35 kg per household per month to 7 kg per person per month, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household.
29. Under the Centre’s proposed amendment to the NFSA, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) beneficiaries would receive:
A. 5 kg per person per month with no upper limit
B. 7 kg per person per month, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household
C. 10 kg per person per month
D. 35 kg per person per month
Answer: B. 7 kg per person per month, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household
Explanation: The proposal shifts the entitlement from a household-based allocation to a per-capita allocation while capping the maximum entitlement at 35 kg per household.
30. The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) primarily targets:
A. All rural households
B. Government employees below the poverty line
C. The poorest and most vulnerable households
D. Senior citizens above 60 years only
Answer: C. The poorest and most vulnerable households
Explanation: Launched in 2000, the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) aims to provide highly subsidised foodgrains to the poorest of the poor households under the National Food Security framework.
31. The Maharashtra government recently withdrew its proposal to make which language compulsory as a third language in primary schools?
A. Sanskrit
B. Hindi
C. Urdu
D. English
Answer: B. Hindi
Explanation: The Maharashtra government withdrew its proposal to make Hindi compulsory as a third language in Classes I to V after widespread protests and political opposition. The issue reignited debates on linguistic identity and federalism.
32. The Samyukta Maharashtra Movement led to the formation of Maharashtra on:
A. January 26, 1950
B. November 1, 1956
C. May 1, 1960
D. August 15, 1962
Answer: C. May 1, 1960
Explanation: Maharashtra was formed on 1 May 1960 following the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, which demanded a separate Marathi-speaking State.
33. Which commission is closely associated with the recommendation for linguistic reorganisation of States in India?
A. Sarkaria Commission
B. Fazl Ali Commission (States Reorganisation Commission)
C. Punchhi Commission
D. Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
Answer: B. Fazl Ali Commission (States Reorganisation Commission)
Explanation: The States Reorganisation Commission (1953), headed by Justice Fazl Ali, recommended the reorganisation of States primarily on linguistic lines, leading to the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.
34. The Government recently waived customs duty on key inputs used for manufacturing which of the following?
A. Electric vehicles only
B. Electronics, including smartphones, laptops and smart TVs
C. Solar panels only
D. Medical devices only
Answer: B. Electronics, including smartphones, laptops and smart TVs
Explanation: The Centre exempted customs duty on key components such as lithium-ion battery cell inputs and inductor coil modules to boost domestic manufacturing of electronics, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs.
35. The U.S. administration’s recent crackdown over the alleged misuse of H-1B visas has brought scrutiny on which Indian IT company?
A. Infosys
B. Wipro
C. Cognizant
D. HCLTech
Answer: C. Cognizant
Explanation: U.S. authorities have intensified scrutiny of Cognizant over allegations related to the misuse of the H-1B visa programme, which allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialised occupations.
36. British insurer Aviva recently announced plans to acquire full ownership of its life insurance joint venture in India. Which company is its current joint venture partner?
A. HDFC Life
B. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
C. Dabur Invest Corp
D. Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance
Answer: C. Dabur Invest Corp
Explanation: Aviva announced that it will acquire the remaining stake in its Indian life insurance joint venture from Dabur Invest Corp, following India’s decision to allow 100% FDI in the insurance sector.
37. India recently allowed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to what limit under the automatic route in the insurance sector?
A. 74%
B. 80%
C. 90%
D. 100%
Answer: D. 100%
Explanation: India has increased the FDI limit in the insurance sector to 100%, subject to prescribed conditions, with the objective of attracting greater foreign investment and expanding insurance penetration.
38. Which public sector telecom company recently announced a satellite phone priced at around ₹1.34 lakh for use in challenging environments?
A. MTNL
B. BharatNet
C. BSNL
D. RailTel
Answer: C. BSNL
Explanation: BSNL launched a satellite phone priced at approximately ₹1.34 lakh, designed for use in remote and disaster-prone areas where conventional mobile networks are unavailable.
39. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is witnessing a surge in cases of which viral disease?
A. Marburg virus disease
B. Lassa fever
C. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
D. Yellow fever
Answer: C. Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)
Explanation: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported a fresh surge in Ebola cases, with the death toll reaching 600. Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
40. Syria welcomed the United States’ decision to remove it from which list?
A. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Grey List
B. State Sponsors of Terrorism List
C. United Nations Sanctions List
D. OECD Blacklist
Answer: B. State Sponsors of Terrorism List
Explanation: The United States announced the removal of Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a move expected to ease sanctions and support the country’s economic recovery.
41. Ukrainian drones recently targeted Russian oil depots and tankers in which body of water?
A. Baltic Sea
B. Black Sea
C. Caspian Sea
D. Sea of Azov
Answer: B. Black Sea
Explanation: Ukraine carried out drone strikes on Russian oil depots and tankers in the Black Sea, targeting fuel and logistics infrastructure as part of the ongoing conflict.
42. The Labour Party leadership contest in the United Kingdom has brought which politician closer to becoming the country’s Prime Minister?
A. Rishi Sunak
B. Nigel Farage
C. Andy Burnham
D. Jeremy Corbyn
Answer: C. Andy Burnham
Explanation: Following developments in the Labour Party leadership race, Andy Burnham has emerged as the leading contender to become the next Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, if the party forms the government.
43. India won a total of how many medals at the Asian Under-23 Athletics Championships?
A. Three
B. Five
C. Seven
D. Nine
Answer: B. Five
Explanation: India secured five medals at the Asian U-23 Athletics Championships, reflecting a strong performance by the country’s young athletes.
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