Q1. What is the name of India’s first indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)?’
[a] INS Vikrant
[b] Arnala
[c] INS Trikand
[d] Varunastra
View Answer
Answer: [b] Arnala
Explanation:
‘Arnala’ is the first in a series of 8 indigenously designed Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWCs). Delivered to the Indian Navy, this vessel enhances India’s maritime and coastal security by countering underwater threats. These crafts are specially built for shallow water operations, making them ideal for coastal submarine detection and neutralization. The class is named after Arnala, a coastal town in Maharashtra known for its strategic maritime history.
Q.2) Which government department recently announced the expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS)?
[a] NITI Aayog
[b] Department of Financial Services
[c] Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
[d] Ministry of MSME
View Answer
Answer: [c] Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
Explanation:
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) has been expanded by DPIIT to boost collateral-free credit access. It supports working capital, term loans, and venture debt for eligible startups. The scheme forms part of the Startup India Action Plan, originally launched in 2016, while CGSS was formally notified in 2022. The goal is to enhance financial inclusion, support entrepreneurial growth, and create an innovation-driven economy.
Q.3) Which ministry signed agreements under the Coal Gasification Financial Incentive Scheme?
[a] Ministry of Power
[b] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[c] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[d] Ministry of Coal
View Answer
Answer: [d] Ministry of Coal
Explanation:
The Ministry of Coal has signed the Coal Gasification Plant Development and Production Agreement (CGPDPA) with applicants under Category II of the Coal Gasification Financial Incentive Scheme. This initiative aims to accelerate coal gasification projects that can convert coal into synthetic gas (syngas), which can be used in power, fertilizer, chemicals, and steel production.
It is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce environmental pollution and move towards clean energy and sustainable industrial development. Coal gasification also helps reduce reliance on imported crude oil and minimize emissions in heavy industries.
Q.4) Which organization released the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021 on maternal and child health in India?
[a] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[b] National Health Authority
[c] Registrar General of India (RGI)
[d] NITI Aayog
View Answer
Answer: [c] Registrar General of India (RGI)
Explanation:
The Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, published by the Registrar General of India, presents strong evidence of declining trends in maternal and child mortality in India. India’s progress is outpacing global averages, reflecting successful implementation of national health programs such as Janani Suraksha Yojana, POSHAN Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush, and LaQshya. These improvements support India’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3) related to good health and well-being. Key health indicators improving include:
Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR)
Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
Q.5) What does the acronym SEED stand for in the context of a central government scheme?
[a] Skill Enhancement and Employment Development
[b] Social Empowerment and Employment Development
[c] Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs
[d] Support for Education and Employment of Disadvantaged
View Answer
Answer: [c] Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs
Explanation:
SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs) was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme aims to integrate DNT, NT, and SNT communities (historically marginalized and often excluded from development initiatives) into the mainstream by providing: Health insurance coverage, Livelihood support, Quality coaching for education and competitive exams and Financial aid for housing. It covers families with annual income ≤ ₹2.5 lakh, not already availing similar benefits under central/state schemes.
Q.6) What is the primary purpose of the CEPA agreement between India and Chile?
[a] Military cooperation
[b] Cultural exchange
[c] Expansion of bilateral trade and investment
[d] Climate change mitigation
View Answer
Answer: [c] Expansion of bilateral trade and investment
Explanation:
India and Chile have officially signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) to begin negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This is a significant milestone in boosting bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation in multiple sectors between the two nations. CEPA is a broad trade agreement that typically includes trade in goods and services, investments, intellectual property, and technical cooperation. Chile is a key Latin American partner for India, and this agreement is expected to diversify trade ties and strengthen economic engagement.
Q.7) Which global credit rating agency recently upgraded India’s sovereign credit rating to BBB with a Stable trend?
[a] S&P Global Ratings
[b] Fitch Ratings
[c] Morningstar DBRS
[d] Moody’s
View Answer
Answer: [c] Morningstar DBRS
Explanation:
Morningstar DBRS, a Canada-based global credit rating agency, has upgraded India’s sovereign credit ratings, reflecting a positive outlook on the country’s macroeconomic stability and fiscal performance. The trend for all ratings has been revised from Positive to Stable, indicating expectations of continued stability in India’s economic performance. The upgrades are as follows:
- Short-Term Foreign and Local Currency – Issuer Ratings: From R-2 (middle) ➝ R-2 (high) (Stable trend)
- Long-Term Foreign and Local Currency – Issuer Ratings: From BBB (low) ➝ BBB (Stable trend)
Q.8) On which date is National Technology Day celebrated in India every year?
[a] 10th May
[b] 11th May
[c] 15th May
[d] 9th May
View Answer
Answer: [b] 11th May
Explanation:
National Technology Day is celebrated every year on 11th May to mark India’s technological breakthroughs, including the successful Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted on 11 May 1998. The day is observed to honour scientists, engineers, and technologists for their contributions to India’s science and technology advancement. Theme for 2025: “YANTRA – Yugantar for Advancing New Technology, Research & Acceleration”. The theme was unveiled by the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Q.9) Which organization hosted the MRSAM-India Eco-System Summit 2.0 in collaboration with Aerospace Services India and Israel Aerospace Industries?’
[a] DRDO
[b] CENJOWS
[c] BEL
[d] HAL
View Answer
Answer: [b] CENJOWS (Centre for Joint Warfare Studies)
Explanation:
The MRSAM-India Eco-System Summit 2.0 was organized by the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies (CENJOWS)in partnership with: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Aerospace Services India (ASI) at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. Purpose of Summit:
- Strengthen partnerships between Indian and Israeli defence sectors.
- To promote indigenization in India’s Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) systems.
- Reinforce India’s strategic goal of achieving self-reliance in air and missile defence technologies.
Q.10) What is the primary objective of the Delhi Police’s ‘Nayi Disha’ initiative?
[a] To recruit school students into community policing
[b] To provide scholarships to top-performing students
[c] To reintegrate school dropouts into the education system
[d] To promote traffic awareness among youth
View Answer
Answer: [c] To reintegrate school dropouts into the education system
Explanation:
‘Nayi Disha – A Path Back to Learning’ is a community outreach initiative by the Delhi Police aimed at reducing school dropout rates in the capital city. The initiative focuses on reintegrating out-of-school children back into the education system, addressing a key social issue. The program targets school dropouts, working towards their re-entry into formal education through support mechanisms and community engagement.