Q.1) Which defence system was successfully tested by the Indian Army at 15,000 ft altitude in Ladakh?
[a] Barak-8
[b] Akash Prime
[c] Astra Mk2
[d] QRSAM
View Answer
Answer: [b] Akash Prime
Explanation:
Akash Prime is an upgraded surface-to-air missile system developed by DRDO. It was tested successfully at 15,000 ft altitude in Ladakh, demonstrating performance in extreme high-altitude conditions. Conducted by the Fire and Fury Corps of the Indian Army, headquartered in Leh, which handles operations in Ladakh. The integrated firing drill also tested battlefield equalisers, new-generation systems, and coordination across units. Akash Prime has improved low-temperature operability, better target acquisition, and enhanced accuracy. Akash Missile Range: Up to 30 km (Akash Prime has slightly enhanced range and precision). DRDO: Developer of Akash missile system.
Q.2) Which Indian state has recently granted agricultural status to livestock farming?
[a] Gujarat
[b] Maharashtra
[c] Karnataka
[d] Uttar Pradesh
View Answer
Answer: [b] Maharashtra
Explanation:
Maharashtra Government has granted agricultural status to livestock farming to integrate animal husbandry into the mainstream agricultural sector. It covers farmers involved in dairy, poultry, goat, sheep, and pig rearing. This move will enable access to agricultural loans, subsidies, tax exemptions, and other agricultural welfare schemes. It aligns with the Livestock Census and government’s broader goal of doubling farmers’ income by integrating allied sectors.
Q.3) What is the name of the new sectoral benchmark launched by Asia Index?
[a] BSE Financial Index
[b] BSE Insurance Index
[c] BSE Mutual Fund Index
[d] BSE Investment Index
View Answer
Answer: [b] BSE Insurance Index
Explanation:
Asia Index, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), has launched a new BSE Insurance Index. The index serves as a sectoral benchmark, helping investors and fund managers to track the performance of listed insurance companies in India. It is derived from the BSE 1000 Index, specifically from companies classified under the insurance industry. This move supports increased transparency, analysis, and investment decisions within the insurance sector, which is gaining prominence in India’s financial landscape.
Q.4) India recently co-chaired a United Nations meeting in July 2025 focusing on what issue?
[a] Climate Change Mitigation
[b] Reforming the Security Council
[c] Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers
[d] Nuclear Disarmament
Answer: [c] Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers
Explanation:
India co-chaired a high-level United Nations Group of Friends (GoF) meeting to promote accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. The meeting took place at the UN Headquarters, New York. India has consistently advocated for justice for peacekeepers killed or injured in the line of duty. This initiative is crucial for ensuring the safety and morale of UN Peacekeeping Forces globally.
Q.5) According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), what was the global travel and tourism sector’s contribution to the world economy in 2023?
[a] US$ 9.5 trillion
[b] US$ 10.9 trillion
[c] US$ 11.5 trillion
[d] US$ 8.7 trillion
View Answer
Answer: [b] US$ 10.9 trillion
Key Facts:
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reported that global tourism contributed $10.9 trillion to the global economy in 2023, nearing pre-pandemic levels. The data reflects a strong post-COVID recovery despite emerging challenges such as environmental strain and over-tourism concerns in local communities. The report also outlines the top 10 biggest tourism economies (country-wise rankings may vary by report).
Q.6) What does MVIS stand for in the context of a new safety initiative by Indian Railways and DFCCIL?
[a] Machine Virtual Inspection Software
[b] Manual Vision Integration System
[c] Machine Vision-Based Inspection System
[d] Motion Verification Intelligence Solution
Answer: [c] Machine Vision-Based Inspection System
Explanation:
Indian Railways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) to deploy Machine Vision-Based Inspection System (MVIS). The system is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). MVIS will automatically monitor and assess the condition of critical train components and infrastructure like tracks, coaches, wheels, etc. This marks a major step toward proactive maintenance, minimizing manual inspection errors, and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Q.7) Which edition of the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook was released in 2025?
[a] 15th
[b] 18th
[c] 21st
[d] 25th
View Answer
Answer: [c] 21st
Explanation:
OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034 is the 21st annual edition of this flagship report jointly published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The report provides a ten-year forward-looking assessment of trends and projections for agricultural commodity markets — including crop, livestock, fish, biofuels, and agricultural trade. It also explores policy challenges, food security issues, climate impacts, and sustainability of food systems globally, with a special focus on low- and middle-income countries. The Outlook serves as a critical tool for governments, researchers, and stakeholders in shaping future food and agricultural policy.
Q.8) Which organisation recently celebrated its 44th Foundation Day and launched key digital and rural development initiatives?
[a] SIDBI
[b] NABARD
[c] NITI Aayog
[d] SEBI
View Answer
Answer: [b] NABARD
Explanation
On the occasion of its 44th Foundation Day (established in 1982), the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched key digital and innovation-driven programmes: NIVARAN – A grievance redressal mechanism aimed at strengthening governance and service delivery across NABARD’s ecosystem. RuralTech Initiatives – Focused on fostering innovation in rural technology, promoting scalable models for agriculture, credit access, rural infrastructure, and entrepreneurship. NABARD has played a pivotal role in rural credit, agricultural infrastructure, and financial inclusion, and these new initiatives reinforce its commitment to sustainable and inclusive rural development.
Q.9) What is the purpose of the helpline number 14473 launched on NAMASTE Day?
[a] Reporting crimes against sanitation workers
[b] Grievance redressal for electricity issues
[c] Assisting waste pickers and sanitation workers
[d] Emergency ambulance services
View Answer
Answer: [c] Assisting waste pickers and sanitation workers
Explanation:
On 16th July, celebrated as NAMASTE Day (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem), Union Ministry of State for Social Justice and Empowerment launched a dedicated helpline – 14473 to support waste pickers and sanitation workers. The initiative aims to strengthen the welfare ecosystem for vulnerable sanitation workers. Additionally, PPE kits and Ayushman Bharat cards were distributed to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and Waste Pickers to promote health protection and dignity of labour.
Q.10) Which city was declared the cleanest city in India in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 rankings?
[a] Indore
[b] Ahmedabad
[c] Surat
[d] Mysuru
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ahmedabad
Explanation:
Ahmedabad has topped the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, India’s largest annual sanitation survey, conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This is the first time Ahmedabad has secured the No.1 cleanest city spot, marking a major milestone in urban sanitation. Indore, a six-time consecutive winner, has now been elevated to a new category called ‘Swachh Bharat Super League 1.0’, which acknowledges its sustained and exceptional cleanliness record. The Swachh Survekshan initiative, launched under the Swachh Bharat Mission, is an annual urban cleanliness ranking exercise aimed at promoting healthy competition among cities.