Q1. Which pesticide was globally banned under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by Conference of Parties (COPs) to BRS Conventions?
[a] Endosulfan
[b] Atrazine
[c] Glyphosate
[d] Chlorpyrifos
View Answer
Answer: [d] Chlorpyrifos
Explanation:
A global deal was reached to eliminate Chlorpyrifos, one of the world’s most hazardous pesticides, under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The decision was taken at the Conference of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva.
India opposed the ban, citing lack of viable alternatives and the threat to national food security, and was granted exemptions. This decision is part of global efforts to manage hazardous chemicals and waste in an environmentally safe manner.
Q.2) Where was the World Bank Land Conference 2025 held?
[a] Geneva, Switzerland
[b] Paris, France
[c] Washington, D.C., USA
[d] New Delhi, India
View Answer
Answer: [c] Washington, D.C., USA
Explanation:
India led key discussions on global land reforms at the World Bank Land Conference 2025 in Washington, D.C., USA. India’s initiatives were highlighted as transformative models in land governance and rural development. The Indian delegation presented:
Gram Manchitra platform: a digital platform for panchayats to visualize developmental works and land management.
SVAMITVA Scheme: aims to provide property ownership rights to rural people by mapping inhabited lands using drone technology.
Q3. What was the theme of Conference of the Parties (COPs) to Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS 2025) high-level segment?
[a] Building Climate Resilience for the Future
[b] Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wases
[c] Zero Waste Cities for Sustainable Development
[d] Chemicals-Free Planet 2050
View Answer
Answer: [b] Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes
Explanation:
India took part in the 2025 COPs to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva, Switzerland. These conventions aim to control hazardous chemicals, waste movements, and protect human health and the environment.
The 2025 theme highlighted the importance of addressing often-overlooked threats from chemicals and waste: “Make visible the invisible: Sound management of chemicals and wastes.” India reaffirmed its commitment to global cooperation for safe and sustainable management of chemicals and waste.
Q.4) Which organization published the report accusing the World Bank of ‘climate-washing’?
[a] Amnesty International
[b] Transparency International
[c] Oakland Institute
[d] Human Rights Watch
View Answer
Answer: [c] Oakland Institute
Explanation:
The Oakland Institute released a report titled “Climatewash: The World Bank’s Fresh Offensive on Land Rights” just ahead of the World Bank’s 2025 Land Conference in Washington, D.C., USA. The report accuses the World Bank of misusing climate action as a cover to push land reforms that primarily benefit corporations at the expense of local communities’ rights and environmental safeguards. The allegations have triggered debate over the ethics of global climate financing and land policies.
Q.5) What is the full form of the WAVES Summit held in India in 2025?
[a] World Audio Video Entertainment Summit
[b] World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit
[c] World Animation and Visual Effects Summit
[d] Worldwide Audio Visual Exchange Summit
View Answer
Answer: [b] World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit
Explanation:
India hosted the first World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, marking its debut as a global hub for media and entertainment dialogue. The summit witnessed the adoption of the WAVES Declaration, reflecting international commitment to collaboration in the audio-visual sector. Over 10,000 delegates from more than 90 countries participated in the four-day summit, establishing India as a key player in the global entertainment and media industry.
Q.6) What is the newly revised length of India’s maritime border?
[a] 7,561.60 km
[b] 8,500 km
[c] 11,098.81 km
[d] 12,000 km
View Answer
Answer: [c] 11,098.81 km
Explanation:
India’s coastline has been revised to 11,098.81 km — a nearly 50% increase from the earlier figure of 7,561.60 km, due to a change in the methodology of calculation as per the Union Shipping Ministry. The recalculation will allow better planning for coastal security, maritime boundary management, climate change adaptation, and coastal infrastructure development. Going forward, the revised coastline will be reviewed every 10 years using updated datasets.
Q.7) Which bank has signed an MoU with the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to improve banking services at land ports?
[a] Punjab National Bank
[b] Bank of Baroda
[c] State Bank of India
[d] ICICI Bank
View Answer
Answer: [c] State Bank of India
Explanation:
State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest public sector bank, signed an MoU with the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) to improve banking services at 26 land ports on India’s borders with neighboring countries. This will help boost cross-border trade, improve financial access at land ports, and strengthen India’s border trade infrastructure. LPAI manages land ports to facilitate secure and smooth movement of goods and passengers.
Q.8) Which institution has launched new voter-centric reforms to improve electoral roll accuracy and voter services?
[a] Supreme Court of India
[b] Election Commission of India
[c] Ministry of Home Affairs
[d] NITI Aayog
View Answer
Answer: [b] Election Commission of India
Explanation:
Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out three major voter-centric reforms aimed at improving the accuracy of electoral rolls and simplifying voter-related services. These initiatives were announced following the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) held in March, under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and in the presence of other Election Commissioners. The reforms are part of ECI’s efforts to strengthen the integrity, inclusivity, and transparency of the electoral process.
Q.9) What is the title of the report released by NITI Aayog focusing on improving the performance of MSMEs in India?
[a] Strengthening MSME Foundations
[b] Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India
[c] MSME Growth Roadmap 2030
[d] India MSME Vision
View Answer
Answer: [b] Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India
Explanation:
The NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) released a report titled ‘Enhancing MSMEs Competitiveness in India’. The report provides a detailed blueprint to strengthen India’s MSME sector through reforms in financing, skilling, innovation, and market access. The goal is to unlock the potential of MSMEs — a sector critical to employment generation, exports, and GDP contribution in India.
Q.10) Which public sector bank signed an MoU with Sa-Dhan to expand financing access?
[a] State Bank of India
[b] Punjab National Bank
[c] Bank of India
[d] Bank of Baroda
View Answer
Answer: [c] Bank of India
Explanation:Bank of India (BOI) and Sa-Dhan signed an MoU to expand financial access for small, micro, and women-led enterprises. Sa-Dhan is an RBI-appointed SRO for microfinance and impact finance institutions. The partnership supports India’s goals on financial inclusion and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This move strengthens the microfinance ecosystem and empowers grassroots-level businesses.