Q1. What is Operation Nader, launched by Indian Armed Forces?
[a] A humanitarian rescue mission
[b] A counter-terror operation in Jammu & Kashmir
[c] A border infrastructure project
[d] A joint military exercise with foreign nations
View Answer
Answer: [b] A counter-terror operation in Jammu & Kashmir
Explanation:
Operation Nader is a high-priority counter-terror initiative launched in Nader area of Tral, part of the Awantipora sub-division of Pulwama district, Jammu & Kashmir. It is being conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The operation follows the Pahalgam Terror Attack, which has heightened the urgency to neutralize terror threats in the region. The region of South Kashmir, including Tral, has historically been a sensitive and active zone for militant activities. Operation Nader reflects India’s coordinated internal security efforts to dismantle active terrorist networks and maintain peace in the region.
Q.2) Where has Uttarakhand’s first Cycad Garden been established?
[a] Dehradun
[b] Ranikhet
[c] Haldwani
[d] Nainital
View Answer
Answer: [c] Haldwani
Explanation:
Cycads are ancient seed plants often referred to as “living fossils” and are highly significant in biodiversity conservation. The Cycad Garden in Haldwani is Uttarakhand’s first, developed on over two acres of land. It hosts 31 different cycad species, of which 17 are classified as threatened under conservation norms. The initiative is funded by JICA, which has been supporting several biodiversity and forest conservation projects in India. This garden aims to preserve rare and endangered cycad species, serve as an educational hub, and raise awareness about plant biodiversity.
Q.3) Where was India’s first publicly funded DST-ICGEB Bio-foundry inaugurated?
[a] Bengaluru
[b] Hyderabad
[c] Pune
[d] New Delhi
View Answer
Answer: [d] New Delhi
Explanation:
The DST-ICGEB Bio-foundry is India’s first publicly funded bio-foundry, located in New Delhi. It was inaugurated during the 31st session of the ICGEB Board of Governors meeting. Department of Science and Technology (DST) and International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) jointly set up facility.. A bio-foundry is a research facility that supports the design, construction, testing, and scaling up of biological systems or products using synthetic biology. It will act as a collaborative innovation platform for startups, researchers, and biotech developers working on bio-based solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environment.
Q.4) What is Akashteer, recently in the news for its operational success during an aerial attack?
[a] Anti-tank missile system
[b] Space surveillance satellite
[c] Automated air defence system
[d] Naval missile shield
View Answer
Answer: [c] Automated air defence system
Explanation:
Akashteer is India’s indigenous, automated, mobile and real-time air defence control system, developed by the DRDO. Successfully deployed during Operation Sindoor, where it intercepted every drone and missile launched in a large-scale aerial attack by Pakistan. No damage was reported to either military or civilian infrastructure due to its effective performance. The system marks a critical shift from static to network-centric air defence warfare, integrating radar, control nodes, and automated response systems. It significantly boosts India’s preparedness against unmanned aerial threats, cruise missiles, and precision attacks.
Q.5) Which organization has developed an indigenous polymeric membrane for seawater desalination?
[a] ISRO
[b] CSIR
[c] DRDO
[d] NITI Aayog
View Answer
Answer: [c] DRDO
Explanation:
DRDO’s DMSRDE (Kanpur) laboratory, developed an indigenously developed nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane suitable for high-pressure desalination of seawater. This membrane supports the Make in India initiative by reducing dependency on imported desalination membranes, widely used in coastal and defence installations. It is useful in defence bases, submarines, and remote coastal areas, ensuring self-reliant potable water solutions. It strengthens India’s defence logistics and resilience in maritime operations.
Q.6) What is the name of the joint disaster relief exercise conducted by the Indian Army and NDRF in Nagaland?
[a] Exercise Suraksha
[b] Exercise Mitra
[c] Exercise Raahat
[d] Exercise Shakti
View Answer
Answer: [c] Exercise Raahat
Explanation:
Exercise Raahat was a 3-day joint disaster relief exercise conducted by the Indian Army (Spear Corps) in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). It was held at Rangapahar Military Station, Nagaland, underscoring the importance of disaster preparedness in the northeast region, which is vulnerable to natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and floods. The exercise simulated real-time disaster scenarios, tested inter-agency coordination, rapid response capabilities, and emergency evacuation processes. It showcased a “whole-of-government” approach with synergy between civil and military disaster management agencies.
Q.7) What is the name of the Indian Coast Guard’s annual operation to protect Olive Ridley turtles?
[a] Operation Raksha
[b] Operation Olivia
[c] Operation Turtle Shield
[d] Operation Blue Wave
View Answer
Answer: [b] Operation Olivia
Explanation:
Operation Olivia is an annual mission of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched since 1980s to protect Olive Ridley turtles during their nesting season on India’s eastern coast. In February 2025, the operation ensured the safe nesting of over 6.98 lakh turtles at the Rushikulya river mouth, a significant mass nesting site in Ganjam district, Odisha. Gahirmatha Beach in Kendrapada district, Odisha, is another globally recognized nesting ground protected under this initiative. The operation involves night patrolling, aerial surveillance, enforcement against trawling, and coordination with Forest and Fisheries Departments to prevent harm to the turtles during breeding season. Olive Ridley turtles are listed as “Vulnerable” under the IUCN Red List and are protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Q.8) What is the name of India’s first manned deep ocean mission?
[a] Ocean Quest
[b] Samudrayaan
[c] Neerayan
[d] Deep Blue
View Answer
Answer: [b] Samudrayaan
Explanation:
Samudrayaan is India’s first manned deep-sea exploration mission, part of the Deep Ocean Mission initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The mission involves sending humans to a depth of 6,000 metres in the ocean using an indigenously developed manned submersible named ‘Matsya’. The first full-depth mission is planned by end of 2026, while a 500-metre trial dive is expected by the end of 2025. The vehicle is designed to carry three humans, and the total journey (descent and ascent) is estimated to take 8 hours (4 hours each way).
Q.10) Who recently became India’s 86th Chess Grandmaster?
[a] Pranesh M
b] R Praggnanandhaa
[c] Srihari L R
[d] Bharath Subramaniyam
View Answer
Explanation:
Answer: [c] Srihari L R
Srihari L R officially became the 86th Indian Grandmaster, a prestigious chess title awarded by FIDE (International Chess Federation). He achieved this milestone at the Asian Individual Men’s Chess Championship 2025. A draw against Grandmaster Pranesh M in the penultimate (second-last) round earned him his third and final GM-norm, making the final round result irrelevant to his GM title. A Grandmaster (GM) title requires players to fulfill three GM-norms and cross the FIDE rating of 2500, which Srihari successfully achieved. His achievement continues India’s steady rise in global chess, with the country having produced a growing number of Grandmasters, especially among youth.