Q.1) Exercise ‘Vayu Shakti–2026’, recently conducted at Pokhran, is associated with which armed force of India?
[a] Indian Army
[b] Indian Navy
[c] Indian Air Force
[d] Indian Coast Guard
View Answer
Answer: [c] Indian Air Force
Explanation:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a grand rehearsal of Exercise ‘Vayu Shakti–2026’ at the Pokhran Firing Range, near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, close to the India–Pakistan border. The exercise showcased the IAF’s modern combat strength, precision strike capability, and operational readiness in a desert warfare environment. During the exercise, various fighter jets, transport aircraft, and attack helicopters engaged designated targets with precision bombing and coordinated manoeuvres. The exercise served as a public demonstration of India’s air power and deterrence capability.
Q.2) The world’s first Sovereign Financial Cloud Service, recently launched with AI capabilities, has been introduced by which country?
[a] Singapore
[b] United States
[c] United Arab Emirates
[d] United Kingdom
View Answer
Answer: [c] United Arab Emirates
Explanation:
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has launched the world’s first Sovereign Financial Cloud Services Infrastructure (SFCSI), also known as the Sovereign Financial Cloud Service. This AI-powered platform has been developed in partnership with Core42, a subsidiary of the AI and technology group G42. The initiative aims to position the United Arab Emirates at the forefront of secure and sovereign digital finance, strengthening its role as a global hub for innovative financial services.
Q.3) The three newly inaugurated inland waterways projects in Dibrugarh are located on which National Waterway?
[a] National Waterway-1 (Ganga)
[b] National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra)
[c] National Waterway-3 (West Coast Canal)
[d] National Waterway-16 (Barak River)
View Answer
Answer: [b] National Waterway-2 (Brahmaputra)
Explanation:
The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) inaugurated three major inland waterways infrastructure projects in Dibrugarh on Brahmaputra River, designated as National Waterway-2 (NW-2). The projects reflect a balanced vision of “Vikas and Virasat” (Development and Heritage) and aim to strengthen logistics and trade connectivity in Northeast India. Projects Inaugurated: Customs and Immigration Complex at Bogibeel; Customs and Immigration Complex at Dhubri and Renovated Heritage Building of the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) at Dibrugarh
Q.4) Jammu & Kashmir won their maiden Ranji Trophy title by defeating which team in the final?
[a] Mumbai
[b] Karnataka
[c] Tamil Nadu
[d] Delhi
View Answer
Answer: [b] Karnataka
Explanation:
Jammu & Kashmir clinched their maiden Ranji Trophy title after drawing the final against Karnataka cricket team, securing the championship on the basis of their first-innings lead. The Ranji Trophy is India’s premier domestic first-class cricket competition. Winning it represents entry into the highest level of Indian domestic cricket. For Jammu & Kashmir, this victory marks a historic breakthrough, their first title in 67 years. Jammu & Kashmir shares a border with Pakistan, and both countries control parts of the region and have fought wars over it. This win symbolises not only sporting success but also a major milestone in integrating Jammu & Kashmir into India’s cricketing mainstream.
Q.5) Rare Disease Day is observed globally on which date?
[a] 15 February
[b] 28 February (or 29 February in leap years)
[c] 1 March
[d] 7 April
View Answer
Answer: [b] 28 February (or 29 February in leap years)
Explanation:
Rare Disease Day is observed every year on the last day of February, 28 February, or 29 February in leap years. It was first held on 29 February 2008 and is now marked in more than 100 countries worldwide. The day is dedicated to raising awareness for over 300 million people globally living with rare diseases and promoting equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, research, and social care. Globally, more than 6,000 rare diseases have been identified, and nearly 72% of them are genetic in origin. In India, rare diseases refer to conditions affecting a small proportion of the population and often requiring specialised and high-cost medical care. Many such diseases pose significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges for affected families.
Q.6) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has partnered with which company to display authorised Aadhaar centres on digital maps?
[a] Microsoft
[b] Meta
[c] Google
[d] Amazon
View Answer
Answer: [c] Google
Explanation:
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has signed an agreement with Google to display authorised Aadhaar centres on Google Maps. This collaboration aims to enhance ease of access and convenience for residents by enabling them to easily locate Aadhaar centres and Aadhaar Seva Kendras across the country. Key Features of the Initiative is display of authorised Aadhaar centres on Google Maps and information on: Divyang-friendly infrastructure, Parking facilities and Operating hours. It covers over 60,000 Aadhaar centres and Aadhaar Seva Kendras nationwide.
Q.7) In the Global Mind Health Report 2025 by Sapien Labs, India’s youth (18–34 age group) ranked at which position globally in Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) scores?
[a] 49th
[b] 60th
[c] 72nd
[d] 84th
View Answer
Answer: [b] 60th
Explanation:
According to the Global Mind Health Report 2025, released by US-based research organisation Sapien Labs, Indian young adults aged 18–34 years ranked 60th out of 84 countries in terms of Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) scores. The report highlights serious concerns regarding youth mental well-being in India. The study found that Indian youth had an average MHQ score of around 33, placing them in the “Distressed or Struggling” category. In contrast, Indians aged above 55 years performed significantly better, ranking 49th globally, with an average MHQ score close to 100, which falls under the “Managing or Succeeding” category.
Q.8) Tamil Nadu’s first Dark Sky Park has been launched at which location?
[a] Nilgiri Hills
[b] Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills
[c] Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary
[d] Anamalai Tiger Reserve
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills
Explanation:
The Government of Tamil Nadu has announced the launch of the State’s first Dark Sky Park at the Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, located in the Kolli Hills of Namakkal district. This marks Tamil Nadu’s first dark sky conservation initiative and follows India’s first Dark Sky Reserve established at Hanle, Ladakh. A Dark Sky Park is a protected area with minimal artificial light pollution, enabling clear observation of celestial bodies such as the moon, stars, planets, and deep-sky objects. Kolli Hills was selected due to its high altitude, dense forest cover, and low urban light disturbance.
Q.9) The National Governance Conference recently held in Jammu was organised by which department?
[a] NITI Aayog
[b] Ministry of Home Affairs
[c] Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
[d] Department of Personnel and Training
View Answer
Answer: [c] Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
Explanation:
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), in collaboration with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, organised a day-long National Governance Conference in Jammu. The theme of the conference was: “Holistic Development of Districts: Transforming Governance for Viksit Bharat.” The primary objective of the conference was to showcase and disseminate innovative governance practices adopted by districts across India.
Q.10) The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), which recently celebrated its 25th Foundation Day, functions under which Ministry?
[a] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[b] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[c] Ministry of Power
[d] Ministry of Heavy Industries
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ministry of Power
Explanation:
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, celebrated its 25th Foundation Day on 1st March 2026. On this occasion, the BEE@25 logo was formally released, marking the organisation’s entry into its 25th year of promoting energy efficiency in India. To commemorate the milestone, two key digital initiatives were launched: BEE Star Label Mobile Application and RCO (Renewable Consumption Obligation) Portal. RCO is a digital monitoring tool that streamlines compliance with India’s renewable energy consumption targets.
Q.11) The Deferred Customs Duty Payment Facility for Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMIs) has been introduced by which authority?
[a] GST Council
[b] Reserve Bank of India
[c] Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
[d] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
View Answer
Answer: [c] Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
Explanation:
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced a new facilitation measure allowing deferred payment of Customs duty for a new category of importers called Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMIs). This reform has been implemented in pursuance of the Union Budget 2026–27 and is designed as a trust-based compliance facilitation measure, aimed at improving ease of doing business and supporting domestic manufacturing. Key Feature is Deferred Payment Facility i.e. EMIs can clear imported goods without paying Customs duty at the time of clearance. The applicable Customs duty can be paid monthly, instead of upfront.
Q.12) The Government has temporarily discontinued rice fortification under which major food security scheme?
[a] National Food Security Mission
[b] PM-KISAN
[c] Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
[d] Mid-Day Meal Scheme
View Answer
Answer: [c] Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)
Explanation:
The Government of India has decided to temporarily discontinue rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes. The decision follows a study conducted by Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, which found that prolonged storage of fortified rice during large-scale distribution reduces its effective shelf life. This, in turn, limits the intended nutritional benefits, particularly the stability of added micronutrients over time. The temporary pause aims to reassess storage, logistics, and nutrient retention mechanisms before continuing large-scale fortification under food security programmes.