Q.1) From which date will RBI’s new authentication norms for digital payments come into effect?
[a] January 1, 2026
[b] April 1, 2026
[c] July 1, 2026
[d] October 1, 2026
View Answer
Answer: [b] April 1, 2026
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced new authentication guidelines for digital payments to enhance transaction security and protect users from online frauds. Effective from April 1, 2026, the directive mandates the implementation of dynamic two-factor authentication (2FA) for all digital payment channels. RBI also encouraged biometric-based authentication and alternative verification technologies to improve convenience without compromising safety. This move is part of RBI’s broader initiative to strengthen the digital payment ecosystem amid rising incidents of cyber fraud and phishing attacks. The guidelines aim to ensure real-time adaptive security through dynamic codes, replacing static PINs or OTPs that are more vulnerable to breaches.
Q.2) Which country has appointed the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Minister named Diella?
[a] Estonia
[b] Albania
[c] Japan
[d] Singapore
View Answer
Answer: [b] Albania
Explanation:
In a groundbreaking global first, Albania has appointed Diella, the world’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Minister. Unlike traditional human ministers, Diella is a virtual AI-powered system, made entirely of code and pixels, designed to handle government procurement functions. This marks a historic shift in governance, as Albania becomes the first country to induct a digital minister into its cabinet framework. Diella’s role is to streamline public procurement, enhance transparency, minimize corruption, and ensure efficiency through data-driven decision-making. The initiative demonstrates Albania’s forward-thinking approach to integrating AI in public administration, positioning it as a pioneer in AI governance and digital transformation.
Q.3) Which country will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2027?
[a] China
[b] India
[c] Pakistan
[d] Kyrgyzstan
View Answer
Answer: [c] Pakistan
Explanation:
Pakistan has been chosen to host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in 2027, with preparations already directed to begin in Islamabad. This will be a significant diplomatic event for Pakistan, as it will be hosting the summit for the first time since becoming a full member of the SCO in 2017. The next SCO Summit (2026) is scheduled to be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan before Pakistan takes over the presidency for 2027.
Q.4) As per The Lancet study, what trend has been observed in India’s non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality between 2010–2019?
[a] Significant decline
[b] Stable trend
[c] Increase in NCD mortality
[d] Decrease in NCD mortality
View Answer
Answer: [c] Increase in NCD mortality
Explanation:
A recent study published in The Lancet analyzed data from 185 countries to track progress in reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) between 2010 and 2019. NCDs include conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. The study found that while most countries witnessed a declining trend in NCD mortality, India’s probability of dying from NCDs increased during the same period. This trend contrasts sharply with the global pattern, signaling a critical public health challenge for India. The findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened national policies, healthcare interventions, and preventive strategies targeting NCDs to curb premature deaths and improve overall population health.
Q.5) What is the primary objective of the NAVYA initiative launched in June 2025?
[a] To provide health insurance to rural women
[b] To train adolescent girls in non-traditional and emerging sectors
[c] To promote sports among school girls
[d] To offer scholarships for higher education abroad
View Answer
Answer: [b] To train adolescent girls in non-traditional and emerging sectors
Explanation:
NAVYA initiative, launched on June 24, 2025, is a government-led programme designed to empower adolescent girls aged 16–18 years by equipping them with modern, industry-relevant skills in non-traditional and emerging sectors. Implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0), NAVYA aims to strengthen the Skill India Mission by focusing on future-oriented domains such as digital marketing, cybersecurity, and other tech-based skills.
Q.6) Which two organizations launched the ‘Promise to Children’ digital campaign?
[a] ICC and WHO
[b] ICC and UNICEF
[c] UNICEF and UNDP
[d] ICC and UNESCO
View Answer
Answer: [b] ICC and UNICEF
Explanation:
The ‘Promise to Children’ Campaign, a joint digital initiative by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and UNICEF, was launched during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, held across India and Sri Lanka. The campaign aims to mobilize global cricket audiences, fans, and players to unite for a social cause — ensuring equal opportunities and rights for all children, with a focus on those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.
Q.7) The India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) aims to attract an investment of how much over 15 years?
[a] USD 50 billion
[b] USD 75 billion
[c] USD 100 billion
[d] USD 150 billion
View Answer
Answer: [c] USD 100 billion
Explanation:
India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) officially came into force during the Prosperity Summit held in New Delhi, marking a major step in India’s global trade expansion strategy. The agreement includes an investment commitment of USD 100 billion over the next 15 years, aimed at creating 1 million direct jobs in India. The partnership provides enhanced market access for goods and services between India and the four EFTA countries — Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. It is expected to strengthen India’s integration into European value chains, boost manufacturing, and facilitate technology transfer and innovation.
Q.8) Which regulatory body recently announced major amendments to banking regulations, including easing gold loan norms and personal loan rules?
[a] SEBI
[b] NABARD
[c] RBI
[d] Ministry of Finance
View Answer
Answer: [c] RBI
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced major regulatory amendments to modernize and streamline banking operations. These changes aim to improve the transmission of policy rate cuts (ensuring borrowers benefit faster), ease gold and silver-backed lending, and liberalize capital-raising norms for banks and non-banking entities. Of the seven new regulatory directions, three have come into effect immediately, while the remaining four are open for public consultation before implementation. The measures are part of RBI’s broader effort to enhance financial system efficiency, reduce regulatory bottlenecks, and align India’s banking framework with evolving market conditions.
Q.9) In which tiger reserve was the ‘Gaj Rakshak’ mobile app launched?
[a] Kanha Tiger Reserve
[b] Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
[c] Satpura Tiger Reserve
[d] Pench Tiger Reserve
View Answer
Answer: [b] Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve
Explanation:
‘Gaj Rakshak’ mobile app has been launched in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve to aid in real-time monitoring of elephants and to minimize human-elephant conflict incidents. This initiative comes amid the rising elephant population in the region, which has led to frequent movement across forest and human-dominated landscapes. The app was jointly developed by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife Conservation Trust, and Kalpvag Company, aiming to provide field staff with a digital tool to track elephant herds, alert nearby villages, and document behavior and movement data for scientific analysis.
Q.10) What percentage of Dearness Allowance (DA) hike has been approved by the Union Cabinet for Central Government employees in October 2025?
[a] 2%
[b] 3%
[c] 4%
[d] 5%
View Answer
Answer: [b] 3%
Explanation:
Union Cabinet has approved a 3% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners, effective October 1, 2025. This revision raises the total DA/DR from the existing 55% to 58% of the Basic Pay/Pension. This decision, based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission, aims to offset the impact of rising inflation on government employees and retirees. The increment reflects the government’s commitment to employee welfare amid changing economic conditions.