Q.1) On the occasion of its 70th anniversary, what major green initiative has the State Bank of India (SBI) launched?
[a] Digital Banking Literacy Mission
[b] Financial Inclusion 2.0
[c] Solar Rooftop Programme
[d] Clean ATM Drive
View Answer
Answer: [c] Solar Rooftop Programme
Explanation:
SBI launched the Solar Rooftop Programme on its 70th anniversary in 2025. The bank aims to solarize 4 million homes across India by Financial Year 2027. The move is in line with India’s Net Zero 2070 commitment made at COP26. This programme reflects SBI’s increased focus on sustainable finance, energy transition, and public participation in the renewable energy movement. It also promotes decentralized clean energy adoption and helps reduce dependence on grid electricity.
Q.2) Where has India’s first wooden Gurdwara, Sri Nanak Niwas, been constructed?
[a] Amritsar
[b] Fazilka
[c] Anandpur Sahib
[d] Patiala
View Answer
Answer: [b] Fazilka, Punjab
Explanation:
Sri Nanak Niwas, India’s first Gurdwara made entirely of wood, is located inside the police lines in Fazilka, Punjab. It was constructed using imported Deodhar wood from Finland, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. The 40×40 ft structure is a symbol of devotion, innovation, and architectural finesse, conceptualized by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Bhupinder Singh Sidhu. This Gurdwara is not only a place of worship but also an embodiment of cultural heritage and sustainable architecture.
Q.3) What was the venue of the first ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue hosted by India?
[a] Mumbai Port
[b] Kochi Port
[c] Chennai Port
[d] Visakhapatnam Port
View Answer
Answer: [c] Chennai Port
Explanation:
The first-ever ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue was inaugurated in Chennai, hosted aboard MV Empress (Cordelia Cruises). It marked a milestone in maritime tourism and connectivity between India and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. Over 30 delegates from ASEAN nations participated, along with senior Indian officials and industry stakeholders. The event continued in Mamallapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting India’s rich cultural ties with Southeast Asia. Coordinated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), the dialogue is part of India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy and Act East Policy.
Q.4) Which four countries are involved in the ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’?
[a] India, UK, USA, Australia
[b] India, Japan, USA, Australia
[c] India, France, USA, Japan
[d] India, South Korea, USA, Japan
View Answer
Answer: [b] India, Japan, USA, Australia
Explanation:
The ‘QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission’ is a maritime initiative launched jointly by the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. It marks the first-ever at-sea observer collaboration under the QUAD format. The mission aims to enhance maritime domain awareness, interoperability, and regional security in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region. This move is widely seen as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing naval assertiveness in the region. QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is an informal strategic forum among the four countries committed to promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Q.5) Which Indian Union Territory/State recently hosted its first-ever Astro Tourism Festival?
[a] Jammu & Kashmir
[b] Daman & Diu
[c] Ladakh
[d] Himachal Pradesh
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ladakh
Explanation:
The first-ever Ladakh Astro Tourism Festival was inaugurated in Leh, aiming to position Ladakh as a premier destination for astro-tourism. Organised by: Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh and in collaboration with: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bangalore. The event encourages scientific curiosity among youth and tourists, while also promoting sustainable tourism by leveraging Ladakh’s clear skies and low light pollution, ideal for stargazing and astronomy. Such initiatives also aim to generate local employment, foster science education, and support eco-friendly tourism in the region.
Q.6) In which year did the State Bank of India (SBI) complete 70 years of operations?
[a] 2027
[b] 2026
[c] 2025
[d] 2025
View Answer
Answer: [d] 2025
Explanation:
SBI was officially established on 1 July 1955 under an Act of Parliament, by nationalizing the Imperial Bank of India. Historical Roots: SBI’s lineage traces back to the Bank of Calcutta, founded in 1806, which later became the Imperial Bank of India in 1921. Significance: With over 200 years of heritage, SBI is the largest public sector bank in India and plays a pivotal role in nation-building, financial inclusion, rural banking, and supporting infrastructure and development projects.
Q.7) Reliance Defence Limited has entered into a strategic agreement with which US-based defence contractor to tap into India’s defence MRO market?
[a] Lockheed Martin
[b] Coastal Mechanics Inc
[c] Raytheon Technologies
[d] Northrop Grumman
View Answer
Answer: [b] Coastal Mechanics Inc
Explanation
Reliance Defence Ltd, promoted by Reliance Infrastructure, has signed a strategic agreement with Coastal Mechanics Inc (CMI), USA. Coastal Mechanics Inc is a US Department of Defence-authorised contractor with over 40 years of experience in defence supplies The partnership aims to tap into India’s ₹20,000 crore Defence MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) and upgrade market. This collaboration supports Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and technology transfer goals in the defence sector. India’s growing defence sector provides ample opportunities for public-private and international collaborations in MRO services for military equipment.
Q.8) Who recently became the world’s youngest mountaineer to scale Mount Elbrus?
[a] Wagah Kushagra
[b] Tenzing Sharma
[c] Tegbhir Singh
[d] Aryan Awasthi
View Answer
Answer: [c] Tegbhir Singh
Explanation:
Tegbhir Singh, just 6 years old, from Ropar (Punjab), has set a world record by becoming the youngest mountaineer to summit Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. Mount Elbrus is located in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia and stands at 5,642 metres above sea level. He broke the previous record held by Wagah Kushagra from Maharashtra, who had climbed the peak at the age of 7 years and 3 months in 2023. This achievement brings attention to India’s growing presence in adventure sports and youth excellence on global platforms.
Q.9) What is the name of the mobile alert system being tested for real-time emergency communication?
[a] ALERT India
[b] Disaster Notification Grid
[c] Cell Broadcast System
[d] NDMA Connect
View Answer
Answer: [c] Cell Broadcast System
Explanation:
The Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), is testing a Cell Broadcast system. This system aims to send real-time emergency alerts to mobile phones in specific geographical regions. The alerts will help warn people instantly in case of natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, lightning), gas leaks, or chemical hazards. The alerts will be location-based and reach people even when network congestion occurs during disasters. This system will be crucial in saving lives and enabling faster response from authorities.
Q.10) Which country topped the Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2025 in terms of number of unicorns?
[a] China
[b] India
[c] United Kingdom
[d] United States of America
View Answer
Answer: [d] United States of America (USA)
Explanation:
The Hurun Global Unicorn Index 2025 listed 1,523 unicorns, up by 70 from 2024. These companies are privately held startups valued at $1 billion or more. The total valuation of these unicorns reached $5.6 trillion. The USA continues to dominate the list with the highest number of unicorns, reinforcing its leadership in global startup innovation. The term “unicorn” was first coined by venture capitalist Aileen Lee to signify the rarity of such successful startups.