Q.1) The Government recently constituted a committee to formulate SEZ 2.0 policy primarily to reform which sector?
[a] Agriculture exports
[b] Special Economic Zones and export promotion framework
[c] Digital commerce platforms
[d] Banking regulation
View Answer
Answer: [b] Special Economic Zones and export promotion framework
Explanation:
The Government of India has set up a 17-member committee to recommend reforms and prepare a roadmap for SEZ 2.0 policy, aimed at strengthening India’s export ecosystem. The committee will study ways to harmonise multiple export promotion schemes and align them with modern trade realities. These include the Special Economic Zones Act, 2005, Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), MOOWR Scheme, Advance Authorisation Scheme, Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme, and Duty Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) Scheme. The initiative is intended to increase export competitiveness, attract investment, and improve the operational efficiency of SEZs in response to evolving global trade and supply-chain dynamics.
Q.2) The Private Markets Fund II (PMF II) recently raised by NIIF has a target fund size of:
[a] $600 million
[b] $750 million
[c] $1 billion
[d] $2 billion
View Answer
Answer: [c] $1 billion
Explanation:
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (NIIF) raised $750 million in commitments for its Private Markets Fund II (PMF II), while the target fund size is $1 billion. The fund is anchored by the Government of India and has received investments from international institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank. PMF II succeeds Private Markets Fund I, which had a corpus of $600 million and is now fully invested. The objective of the fund is to mobilise long-term institutional capital for infrastructure and growth sectors in India, thereby strengthening the country’s investment ecosystem.
Q.3) According to recent estimates by MoSPI, the Agriculture and Allied sector contributes approximately what percentage to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA)?
[a] 12%
[b] 15%
[c] 18%
[d] 22%
View Answer
Answer: [c] 18%
Explanation:
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) estimates that the Agriculture and Allied sector contributes about 18% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA). Gross Value Added (GVA) measures the value of goods and services produced in the economy and is a key indicator used to calculate Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Agriculture and allied activities including crop cultivation, livestock, forestry, and fisheries play a vital role in ensuring food security, generating rural employment, and sustaining livelihoods. Even with the rapid growth of the services and industrial sectors, agriculture remains a foundational pillar of India’s economic and social structure.
Q.4) The vision document “Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military” was prepared by which organisation?
[a] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[b] National Security Council Secretariat
[c] Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS)
[d] Department of Military Affairs
View Answer
Answer: [c] Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS)
Explanation:
The Ministry of Defence released the strategic document “Defence Forces Vision 2047”, which was prepared by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS). The roadmap outlines long-term defence reforms and capability development strategies to ensure that India’s armed forces remain future-ready in the face of emerging technological and geopolitical challenges. It emphasises integration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, adoption of advanced technologies, strengthening joint operational capabilities, and enhancing India’s overall defence preparedness. The vision also aligns with the national development agenda of Viksit Bharat 2047, which aims to transform India into a developed nation by 2047.
Q.5) Which scheme provides farmers with easy access to short-term institutional credit for agricultural needs?
[a] PM Fasal Bima Yojana
[b] Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
[c] PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
[d] Soil Health Card Scheme
View Answer
Answer: [b] Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme
Explanation:
The Government of India has introduced various measures to increase institutional credit to agriculture. One of the key initiatives is the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which enables farmers to access affordable short-term credit for agricultural activities such as crop cultivation, purchase of seeds, fertilisers, and other farm inputs. Other measures include Ground Level Credit (GLC) targets, strengthened Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms requiring banks to allocate a portion of loans to agriculture, and incentive frameworks to encourage lending to underserved segments. The PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana further supports agricultural financing and rural development.
Q.6) The National Conference of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) of Panchayats was organised under which initiative?
[a] Mission Shakti
[b] Sashakt Panchayat–Netri Abhiyan
[c] Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
[d] Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana
View Answer
Answer: [b] Sashakt Panchayat–Netri Abhiyan
Explanation:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised the National Conference of Women Elected Representatives (WERs) to mark one year of the Sashakt Panchayat–Netri Abhiyan. The initiative focuses on empowering women leaders in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by providing them with training, leadership support, and opportunities for knowledge exchange. The conference provided a platform for women representatives from across the country to share experiences, discuss governance challenges, and strengthen their role in grassroots democracy. Strengthening women’s leadership in local governance is considered vital for inclusive development and effective implementation of rural development programmes.
Q.7) The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) was constituted in which year?
[a] 2014
[b] 2016
[c] 2018
[d] 2020
View Answer
Answer: [c] 2018
Explanation:
The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) was established in 2018 to provide strategic and evidence-based advice to the Prime Minister of India on science, technology, and innovation policies. The 29th PM-STIAC meeting, chaired by Ajay Kumar Sood, focused on strengthening Advanced Manufacturing Systems, including robotics and 3D/4D printing. The council discussed the need for a national mission to reduce import dependence in these emerging technologies, which are critical for industrial competitiveness, technological self-reliance, and future economic growth. PM-STIAC replaced the earlier Scientific Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, consolidating scientific advisory functions under one body.
Q.8) The report titled “Mapping of Textile Waste Value Chain in India” was released by which ministry?
[a] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[b] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[c] Ministry of Textiles
[d] Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ministry of Textiles
Explanation:
The Ministry of Textiles released the report “Mapping of Textile Waste Value Chain in India.” The report studies textile waste generation, recycling technologies, and recovery pathways across the textile sector. It evaluates both pre-consumer waste (generated during manufacturing processes such as cutting, spinning, and weaving) and post-consumer waste (discarded clothing and textile products). The report aims to strengthen circular economy practices, encourage recycling and reuse of textile materials, and reduce environmental impacts associated with textile waste. The initiative is important because the textile sector is one of India’s largest manufacturing and employment-generating industries, making sustainable waste management essential.
Q.9) The global framework called “Agreed Conclusions” to improve access to justice for women and girls was adopted during which UN body’s session?
[a] UN Human Rights Council
[b] Commission on the Status of Women
[c] UN Economic and Social Council
[d] UN Women Executive Board
View Answer
Answer: [b] Commission on the Status of Women
Explanation:
The United Nations adopted the Agreed Conclusions framework during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held in New York. The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. The newly adopted framework focuses on improving access to justice, eliminating discrimination, addressing systemic barriers, and strengthening institutions that protect women’s rights. It also serves as a global roadmap for inclusive governance and social cohesion, helping countries develop policies that ensure fair legal systems and protection for women and girls.
Q.10) The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) was constituted in which year?
[a] 2014
[b] 2016
[c] 2018
[d] 2020
View Answer
Answer: [c] 2018
Explanation:
The Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) was established in 2018 to provide strategic and evidence-based advice to the Prime Minister of India on science, technology, and innovation policies. The 29th PM-STIAC meeting, chaired by Ajay Kumar Sood, focused on strengthening Advanced Manufacturing Systems, including robotics and 3D/4D printing. The council discussed the need for a national mission to reduce import dependence on these emerging technologies, which are critical for industrial competitiveness, technological self-reliance, and future economic growth. PM-STIAC replaced the earlier Scientific Advisory Committee to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, consolidating scientific advisory functions under one body.