Q.1) Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, one of the world’s largest gatherings for the mobile and technology industry, was held in which city?
[a] Geneva
[b] Barcelona
[c] Paris
[d] Berlin
View Answer
Answer: [b] Barcelona
Explanation:
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, one of the world’s largest global events for the mobile and technology industry, was held from 2–5 March 2026 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain. The event is organised annually by the GSMA, a global industry organisation representing mobile network operators and companies across the telecommunications ecosystem. The participation of Indian telecom innovators and companies was coordinated by the Telecom Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC) with support from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications. The congress serves as a major platform for showcasing technological innovations, digital infrastructure solutions, and next-generation communication technologies.
Q.2) Janaushadhi Saptah 2026, organised to promote affordable generic medicines in India, is implemented under which government scheme?
[a] Ayushman Bharat Scheme
[b] Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
[c] National Health Mission
[d] Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
View Answer
Answer: [b] Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Explanation:
Janaushadhi Saptah 2026 was organised across India from 1–5 March 2026 as part of nationwide outreach activities leading up to the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March. During this week, health check-up camps and awareness programmes were conducted across various States and Union Territories to promote the use of affordable, high-quality generic medicines among the public. The initiative was organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, which functions under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. The theme for Janaushadhi Saptah 2026 was “जन औषधि सस्ती भी, भरोसेमंद भी, सेहत की बात, बचत के साथ,” emphasising that Jan Aushadhi medicines are affordable, reliable, and help people maintain health while saving money.
Q.3) The Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), under which mandatory On-the-Job Training (OJT) has been introduced in ITIs, was launched in which year?
[a] 1947
[b] 1950
[c] 1965
[d] 1975
View Answer
Answer: [b] 1950
Explanation:
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has issued guidelines making 150 hours of On-the-Job Training (OJT) or Group Project mandatory for trainees enrolled in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). This reform aims to strengthen practical skill development and industry exposure among trainees. The provision has been implemented starting from the academic session 2022–23, ensuring that ITI students gain hands-on experience in real work environments or through structured group projects. The Craftsmen Training Scheme, launched in 1950, is one of India’s oldest and most important vocational training programmes. It focuses on developing a skilled workforce across various trades by providing technical training through a nationwide network of ITIs.
Q.4) The Government Bank Dashboard and Government Bank Manual, aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in government banking operations, were launched by which authority?
[a] Reserve Bank of India
[b] Controller General of Accounts
[c] Department of Financial Services
[d] Comptroller and Auditor General of India
View Answer
Answer: [b] Controller General of Accounts
Explanation:
Controller General of Accounts (CGA) recently launched two important initiatives- the Government Bank Dashboard and the Government Bank Manual- to improve governance, transparency, and efficiency in banks that handle government transactions. The CGA functions under the Department of Expenditure of the Ministry of Finance and is responsible for maintaining and compiling the accounts of the Union Government. The Government Bank Dashboard is a digital monitoring tool designed to provide real-time data and analytics related to banking operations involving government receipts and payments. It enables better oversight, faster decision-making, and improved monitoring of the performance of agency banks handling government business.
Q.5) The Survey of India recently signed a five-year MoU with which institution to promote geospatial research and digital innovation?
[a] IIT Madras
[b] Kerala Digital University
[c] IISc Bengaluru
[d] National Institute of Technology Calicut
View Answer
Answer: [b] Kerala Digital University
Explanation:
The Survey of India (SoI) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kerala Digital University to collaborate on geospatial research and digital innovation. The partnership focuses on enhancing capabilities in geospatial data collection, processing, and analysis by leveraging advanced technologies such as geoinformatics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML). The collaboration aims to strengthen joint research and development initiatives, promote innovation in geospatial technologies, and build expertise in modern mapping and spatial data analytics. It will also contribute to capacity building in the geospatial domain, enabling researchers, students, and professionals to develop advanced skills in digital mapping and geospatial intelligence.
Q.6) The Saksham Skill Census, India’s first AI-powered skill census aimed at mapping youth skills and employment opportunities, was launched in which city?
[a] Bengaluru
[b] New Delhi
[c] Mumbai
[d] Hyderabad
View Answer
Answer: [c] Mumbai
Explanation:
India’s first AI-powered skill census, called the Saksham Skill Census, has been launched at RD National College in Mumbai. The initiative focuses on developing a comprehensive livelihood intelligence model for the Mumbai Suburban district, particularly the H-West Ward region. The Saksham Skill Census aims to use Artificial Intelligence and data analytics to systematically assess the skills of young people aged 18–40 years. By mapping existing skills and identifying gaps, the initiative seeks to provide valuable insights into training requirements, employability patterns, and emerging job opportunities. The collected data will help build a data-driven workforce intelligence system, enabling policymakers and institutions to design more effective skill development and employment programmes.
Q.7) The Rajasthan Government recently renamed the hill station Mount Abu as what?
[a] Arbuda Raj
[b] Abu Raj
[c] Abu Parvat
[d] Sirohi Raj
View Answer
Answer: [b] Abu Raj
Explanation:
The Government of Rajasthan has officially decided to rename the hill station Mount Abu as Abu Raj as part of a broader initiative to restore historical and cultural identity and move away from colonial-era place names. Located in Sirohi district, Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan and is known for its pleasant climate, scenic landscapes, and rich architectural heritage. The area is also famous for the Dilwara Jain Temples, renowned for their intricate marble carvings and historical significance. The new name “Abu Raj” is believed to be inspired by the ancient name Arbuda, which historically referred to the region. The term “Raj” symbolises sovereignty or regal heritage, thereby emphasising the cultural and historical importance of the area.
Q.8) Sri Lanka’s first-ever Blue Bond issued by DFCC Bank was recently dually listed on which exchange in India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)?
[a] BSE International Exchange
[b] NSE International Exchange (NSE IX)
[c] India International Exchange (India INX)
[d] MCX International Exchange
View Answer
Answer: [b] NSE International Exchange (NSE IX)
Explanation:
Sri Lanka’s first-ever Blue Bond, worth LKR 3 billion, issued by DFCC Bank, has been dually listed on the NSE International Exchange (NSE IX) at GIFT City, Gujarat. This marks the first blue bond admitted for trading within India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) jurisdiction, highlighting the growing role of GIFT City as a hub for innovative financial instruments and sustainable finance. The dual listing was enabled through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSE International Exchange and the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). The collaboration aims to strengthen cross-border capital market cooperation, facilitate dual listings of financial instruments, and promote innovative and sustainable finance products between India and Sri Lanka.
Q.9) India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant was inaugurated in which city of Gujarat?
[a] Surat
[b] Ahmedabad
[c] Sanand
[d] Vadodara
View Answer
Answer: [c] Sanand
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first semiconductor fabrication plant in Sanand, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push to build a domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Along with the fabrication plant, Semiconductor Assembly, Test and Packaging (ATMP) facility of Micron Technology’s India arm at the same location was also launched. The project involves an initial investment of over ₹22,000 crore, reflecting India’s commitment to strengthening its technological and industrial capabilities. Establishing semiconductor manufacturing infrastructure is strategically important. The facility in Sanand represents a major step toward reducing India’s dependence on imported microchips and strengthening the country’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Q.10) SBI Life Insurance recently partnered with which company to deploy AI-driven applications for improving customer engagement and sales support?
[a] Haptik
[b] Sarvam
[c] Zoho
[d] TCS
View Answer
Answer: [b] Sarvam
Explanation:
SBI Life Insurance has partnered with Sarvam to develop and deploy AI-driven applications aimed at improving customer engagement and sales support across its extensive insurance distribution network. The initiative will significantly expand the adoption of generative artificial intelligence in India’s insurance sector. The rollout of these AI-powered solutions is expected to benefit more than 8 crore policyholders and assist over 3.5 lakh distributors across the country. Through this collaboration, SBI Life aims to enhance service delivery, provide personalised customer interactions, and improve the efficiency of its insurance sales ecosystem.
Q.11) The Space Cyber Security Framework for securing India’s space communication assets was jointly launched by CERT-In in collaboration with which organisation?
[a] Indian Space Association (ISpA)
[b] Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India)
[c] NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
[d] Antrix Corporation
View Answer
Answer: [b] Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India)
Explanation:
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, collaborated with the Satcom Industry Association of India (SIA-India) to launch a comprehensive Space Cyber Security Framework and guidelines aimed at protecting India’s space communication infrastructure. The framework was unveiled during the DefSat Conference & Expo 2026 held in New Delhi. The initiative aims to strengthen cybersecurity measures across India’s rapidly expanding space ecosystem, particularly in areas related to satellite communication and space-based services. The guidelines focus on enhancing the space cybersecurity value chain, covering a wide range of stakeholders including satellite operators, ground station controllers, equipment manufacturers, private space companies, and government agencies.
Q.12) The Mumbai Cricket Association recently decided to name a stand at Wankhede Stadium after which former Indian cricketer and coach?
[a] Kapil Dev
[b] Ravi Shastri
[c] Sunil Gavaskar
[d] Rahul Dravid
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ravi Shastri
Explanation:
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to name a stand at the Wankhede Stadium after former Indian cricketer, coach, and commentator Ravi Shastri. The stand to be named after Shastri is the Level 1 stand located below the Press Box, recognising his contributions to Mumbai and Indian cricket. The decision was taken by the MCA Apex Council, which also approved naming several entry gates of the stadium after notable figures in Indian cricket. These include Dilip Sardesai, Eknath Solkar, and Diana Edulji. According to the announcement, Entrance Gate No. 3 will be named after Dilip Sardesai, Gate No. 6 after Eknath Solkar, and Gate No. 5 after Diana Edulji.
Q.13) Which state government has launched the Divyang Sahayak Portal, an integrated platform to streamline welfare schemes for persons with disabilities?
[a] Gujarat
[b] Maharashtra
[c] Karnataka
[d] Tamil Nadu
View Answer
Answer: [b] Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Government of Maharashtra has launched the Divyang Sahayak Portal, described as India’s first integrated digital platform for welfare schemes for persons with disabilities. The portal has been developed to improve the delivery of government services and strengthen the implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The platform acts as a one-stop digital interface where persons with disabilities can easily search and apply for government welfare schemes. The Divyang Sahayak Portal also introduces fully digital processing of applications, reducing manual paperwork and procedural delays. It includes built-in Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and an auto-forward mechanism, which automatically moves applications to the next stage if officials do not process them within the specified timeline.
Q.14) Investment proposals worth about ₹1,600 crore to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem were announced in which Indian state during the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026?
[a] Karnataka
[b] Gujarat
[c] Tamil Nadu
[d] Telangana
View Answer
Answer: [b] Gujarat
Explanation:
The state of Gujarat received major investment proposals worth ₹1,600 crore from companies based in Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia to strengthen its electronics and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The announcements were made during the Gujarat Semiconnect Conference 2026 held in Gandhinagar. The proposed investments aim to support various components of the semiconductor value chain, including manufacturing units, semiconductor chemicals, equipment, research and development centres, and advanced technology startups. The investments highlight the increasing interest of global companies in Gujarat’s rapidly developing semiconductor ecosystem.
Q.15) The endangered bird species Forest Owlet (Blewitt’s Owl) was recently sighted for the first time in which national park?
[a] Kanha National Park
[b] Satpura National Park
[c] Kuno National Park
[d] Pench National Park
View Answer
Answer: [c] Kuno National Park
Explanation:
A rare sighting of the Forest Owlet, an endangered bird species listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has been recorded for the first time in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The species was spotted in the Parond Beat area of the park and the sighting was confirmed by Vivek Patel from the Wildlife Research and Conservation Society, Pune. The Forest Owlet, also known as Blewitt’s Owl, was first discovered in 1872 by Irish naturalist F R Blewitt in central India. After 1884, the species was not seen for many decades and was widely believed to be extinct, until it was rediscovered in India in the late 20th century. The recent sighting in Kuno National Park is significant because it represents the first authenticated record of this endangered bird species in the park.