Q.1) The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative is primarily aimed at:
[a] Promoting urban smart city infrastructure
[b] Integrating physical and digital services in rural areas
[c] Expanding defence communication networks
[d] Providing subsidies for telecom companies
View Answer
Answer: [b] Integrating physical and digital services in rural areas
Explanation:
The Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Initiative, launched by the Ministry of Communications, aims to transform rural India by combining physical infrastructure (Samriddhi Kendras) with digital connectivity through BharatNet. This “phygital” model ensures that rural citizens can access multiple essential services: healthcare, education, agriculture advisory, and e-governance at one place, supported by local entrepreneurs. The initiative is being implemented by the Department of Telecommunications with field support from the Digital Empowerment Foundation, ensuring community participation and digital literacy. The pilot rollout across multiple states aims to create a replicable and scalable rural development model.
Q.2) FraudPro, recently in news, is associated with which of the following?
[a] Satellite navigation system
[b] AI-based telecom fraud detection
[c] Digital payment gateway
[d] Cyber warfare defence system
View Answer
Answer: [b] AI-based telecom fraud detection
Explanation:
FraudPro is an indigenous AI-driven telecom security solution developed by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT). It is designed to detect and prevent identity-based fraud in telecom networks, such as misuse of SIM cards or fraudulent connections. The platform is currently deployed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as part of India’s Digital Intelligence Platform and works in integration with the Sanchar Saathi Portal, which helps citizens track and secure telecom resources. Its selection as a finalist at the Global Mobile Awards during the Mobile World Congress 2026 highlights India’s advancement in AI-powered telecom security and fraud prevention technologies.
Q.3) Sujal Gaon ID, recently launched by the Government of India, is related to:
[a] Digital identity for farmers
[b] Rural water supply infrastructure mapping
[c] Smart village governance ranking
[d] Rural employment tracking system
View Answer
Answer: [b] Rural water supply infrastructure mapping
Explanation:
The Sujal Gaon ID initiative, launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, provides a unique digital identifier to each rural piped water supply scheme under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. This ID enables comprehensive digital mapping of rural water infrastructure, including water sources, pipelines, service areas, and household connections. It is linked with the Sujalam Bharat ID, which integrates infrastructure and service delivery data into a single national platform. The initiative improves real-time monitoring, accountability, and efficient management of water supply systems.
Q.4) The recently signed MoU between DEPwD and the “Coalition of the Willing” aims to:
[a] Develop AI-based hearing devices
[b] Create an integrated life-cycle support model for hearing-impaired persons
[c] Provide scholarships to disabled students
[d] Establish special schools for disabled children
View Answer
Answer: [b] Create an integrated life-cycle support model for hearing-impaired persons
Explanation:
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has partnered with the Coalition of the Willing to establish a first-of-its-kind integrated life-cycle support model for persons with hearing impairment. This model is designed to provide end-to-end support, starting from early intervention and education, moving to skill development and employment, and ensuring social inclusion and accessibility. The initiative adopts a holistic and inclusive approach, bringing together expertise from multiple sectors such as technology, education, and accessibility, thereby strengthening India’s commitment to divyangjan empowerment and inclusive development.
Q.5) The proposed Economic Stabilisation Fund (ESF) is primarily aimed at:
[a] Funding infrastructure projects
[b] Providing fiscal buffer against global economic shocks
[c] Supporting startup ecosystem
[d] Financing agricultural subsidies
View Answer
Answer: [b] Providing fiscal buffer against global economic shocks
Explanation:
The Economic Stabilisation Fund (ESF), proposed by Nirmala Sitharaman, is designed as a ₹1 lakh crore fiscal buffer to help India manage external economic shocks. Such shocks may arise from global oil price volatility, geopolitical conflicts (e.g., West Asia), and supply chain disruptions. The ESF ensures that the government can respond effectively to such crises without compromising its fiscal discipline, particularly the 4.4% fiscal deficit target for FY26.
Q.6) Which of the following statements about the Public Provident Fund (PPF) is correct?
[a] It offers market-linked returns
[b] It is a government-backed savings scheme with tax-free returns
[c] It has no lock-in period
[d] It is only for senior citizens
View Answer
Answer: [b] It is a government-backed savings scheme with tax-free returns
Explanation:
The Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a government-backed small savings scheme that provides guaranteed returns and tax benefits. Unlike market-linked instruments, PPF offers a fixed interest rate (7.1% for FY 2025–26), which is compounded annually and reviewed quarterly by the Ministry of Finance. The scheme ensures tax-free returns under the EEE (Exempt-Exempt-Exempt) category, making it highly attractive for long-term wealth creation.
Q.7) Annapurna Devi, whose birth centenary was commemorated by India Post, was associated with which musical instrument?
[a] Sitar
[b] Tabla
[c] Surbahar
[d] Veena
View Answer
Answer: [c] Surbahar
Explanation:
Annapurna Devi was a legendary surbahar (bass sitar) player and a key figure in Hindustani classical music. She belonged to the prestigious Maihar gharana, founded by her father Ustad Allauddin Khan. Despite her immense contribution, she remained reclusive, focusing more on teaching and preserving musical traditions rather than public performances. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan for her contribution to Indian music. The release of a special cover by India Post marks her birth centenary, highlighting her lasting impact on Indian classical music.
Q.8) South Indian Bank has partnered with which organisation to enable EPF payments through its internet banking platform SIBerNet?
[a] RBI
[b] SEBI
[c] EPFO
[d] NABARD
View Answer
Answer: [c] EPFO
Explanation:
South Indian Bank has integrated its digital banking platform SIBerNet with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to facilitate online EPF contribution payments. This partnership allows employers and businesses to remit provident fund contributions directly through internet banking, ensuring faster, secure, and hassle-free transactions. It reduces paperwork, enhances transparency, and improves compliance with statutory obligations. The initiative reflects the growing emphasis on digital financial services and e-governance, making it easier for businesses to interact with government systems efficiently.
Q.9) The MoU between MSDE and GATI Foundation primarily aims to:
[a] Promote domestic employment schemes
[b] Enhance global skill mobility and overseas employment
[c] Develop startup incubation centres
[d] Strengthen agricultural exports
View Answer
Answer: [b] Enhance global skill mobility and overseas employment
Explanation:
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) partnered with the GATI Foundation to strengthen India’s global workforce mobility ecosystem. The initiative focuses on creating structured overseas employment pathways, aligning Indian skills with global labour market requirements, and improving coordination between central and state-level institutions. It also marks the first central-level collaboration for the GATI Foundation, aimed at building a systematic and scalable model for international job placements. This initiative supports India’s vision of becoming a global supplier of skilled manpower.
Q.10) Oil India Limited (OIL) has partnered with which organisation to improve tribal healthcare in Madhya Pradesh?
[a] NABARD
[b] NSTFDC
[c] NITI Aayog
[d] AIIMS
View Answer
Answer: [b] NSTFDC
Explanation:
Oil India Limited (OIL) signed an MoU with the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) to enhance healthcare services in tribal areas of Rajgarh. NSTFDC operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and works towards socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes. The project involves upgrading CHCs and PHCs, providing ambulances, and installing advanced life-support and diagnostic equipment such as ventilators and ultrasound (USG) machines. This initiative targets tribal populations in an Aspirational District, aiming to improve accessibility, quality of care, and emergency response systems, thereby strengthening healthcare delivery in underserved regions.
Q.11) The collaboration between NCCBM and TraceXero Technologies is related to:
[a] Renewable energy generation
[b] Carbon capture and utilisation in cement industry
[c] Waste management in urban areas
[d] Hydrogen fuel development
View Answer
Answer: [b] Carbon capture and utilisation in cement industry
Explanation:
The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCCBM) has collaborated with TraceXero Technologies Private Limited to develop Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies. CCU involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources like cement plants and converting them into valuable products such as fuels, chemicals, or building materials. This helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating economic value. The cement sector is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions, so adopting CCU technologies can significantly support India’s climate goals and net-zero target by 2070, while promoting a circular economy.
Q.12) T-Hub has partnered with which organisation to build an India–Japan Startup Innovation Corridor?
[a] JICA
[b] JETRO
[c] SoftBank
[d] Nikkei Group
View Answer
Answer: [b] JETRO
Explanation:
T-Hub, India’s leading startup incubator, has collaborated with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to strengthen India–Japan startup cooperation. JETRO is a government-related organisation that promotes trade and investment between Japan and other countries. Through this partnership, startups from both nations will gain access to markets, funding, mentorship, and innovation ecosystems. The initiative particularly focuses on deep-tech sectors such as AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, aiming to foster cross-border innovation and global entrepreneurship, while strengthening economic ties between India and Japan.
Q.13) Amol Palekar was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at which event in 2026?
[a] National Film Awards
[b] International Film Festival of India
[c] Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META)
[d] Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards
View Answer
Answer: [c] Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META)
Explanation:
Amol Palekar has been conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) 2026 for his outstanding contributions to Indian theatre and cinema. META, established in 2006 by the Mahindra Group and produced by Teamwork Arts, is one of India’s leading theatre award platforms. It aims to encourage innovation, recognise excellence, and promote regional theatre traditions. Palekar’s work is known for its realistic narratives and artistic depth, making him a significant figure in parallel cinema and theatre movements in India.
Q.14) Tata Advanced Systems has partnered with Ramco Systems to support maintenance operations of which aircraft?
[a] Sukhoi Su-30 MKI
[b] Rafale
[c] C-130J Super Hercules
[d] Tejas LCA
View Answer
Answer: [c] C-130J Super Hercules
Explanation:
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has selected Ramco Systems to implement an advanced aviation software platform for its MRO facility dedicated to the Indian Air Force fleet of Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. The software will manage end-to-end MRO operations including maintenance scheduling, hangar operations, supply chain, engineering processes, and billing systems. It also provides real-time data access and digital tools to improve efficiency. This initiative is a major step in building indigenous aerospace maintenance infrastructure, reducing dependency on foreign MRO services and enhancing operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
Q.15) ‘Nagauri Pan Methi’, recently granted protection by PPVFRA, belongs to which category?
[a] Hybrid variety
[b] Genetically modified crop
[c] Community farmers’ variety
[d] Commercial export variety
View Answer
Answer: [c] Community farmers’ variety
Explanation:
The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPVFRA) granted protection to ‘Nagauri Pan Methi’, a traditional fenugreek variety from Nagaur, under the ‘community farmers’ variety’ category. This category recognises collective ownership of traditional crop varieties developed and preserved by farming communities over generations. Under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001, farmers receive legal rights, protection against misuse, and benefit-sharing opportunities. The recognition promotes agrobiodiversity conservation, indigenous knowledge systems, and strengthens the economic security of farmers.