Q.1) During the recent state visit of South Korean President to India, which of the following areas was a key focus of cooperation between India and the Republic of Korea?
[a] Space exploration and nuclear weapons
[b] Shipbuilding, maritime logistics and industrial cooperation
[c] Agriculture subsidies and fisheries only
[d] Tourism and cultural exchanges only
View Answer
Answer: [b] Shipbuilding, maritime logistics and industrial cooperation
Explanation:
The visit of Lee Jae Myung led to strengthening of the India–Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership. Key outcomes included a Joint Strategic Vision, frameworks on shipbuilding, shipping and maritime logistics, and 15 MoUs covering ports, SMEs, and steel supply chains, expanding cooperation into strategic industrial and sustainability sectors.
Q.2) The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI), is released by which of the following?
[a] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[b] NITI Aayog
[c] Office of the Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[d] Reserve Bank of India
View Answer
Answer: [c] Office of the Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Explanation:
ICI came into news as it recorded a 0.4% decline in March 2026. It is a monthly index tracking output of eight core sectors and acts as a lead indicator of industrial growth. It is compiled and released by the Office of the Economic Adviser and has a 27% weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
Q.3) The Government of India recently approved export of an additional 25 LMT of wheat, taking the total permitted wheat exports to how much?
[a] 25 LMT
[b] 40 LMT
[c] 50 LMT
[d] 60 LMT
View Answer
Answer: [c] 50 LMT
Explanation:
The decision came after reviewing production, stock levels and price trends. With an additional 25 LMT approved, total wheat exports now stand at 50 LMT (plus 10 LMT wheat products). The move aims to improve market liquidity, stabilise domestic prices, prevent distress sales and boost farmers’ incomes while ensuring food security.
Q.4) The BSE Housing Finance Index, recently launched, is constructed using which methodology?
[a] Equal-weighted index method
[b] Price-weighted index method
[c] Capped free-float market capitalisation method
[d] Full market capitalisation method
View Answer
Answer: [c] Capped free-float market capitalisation method
Explanation:
The index came into news as BSE Ltd launched a dedicated benchmark for housing finance companies. It follows a capped free-float market capitalisation methodology with semi-annual rebalancing (June and December), comprising 11 companies from the BSE 1000 to provide targeted investment exposure to the housing finance sector.
Q.5) The BSE Housing Finance Index launched by BSE Ltd, is constructed using which methodology?
[a] Equal-weighted index method
[b] Price-weighted index method
[c] Capped free-float market capitalisation method
[d] Full market capitalisation method
View Answer
Answer: [c] Capped free-float market capitalisation method
Explanation:
The index came into news as BSE Ltd launched a dedicated benchmark for housing finance companies. It follows a capped free-float market capitalisation methodology with semi-annual rebalancing (June and December), comprising 11 companies from the BSE 1000 to provide targeted investment exposure to the housing finance sector.
Q.6) The Samriddh Gram Initiative, nominated for the WSIS Prizes 2026, is implemented by which of the following departments?
[a] Department of Science and Technology
[b] Department of Telecommunications
[c] Ministry of Rural Development
[d] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
View Answer
Answer: [b] Department of Telecommunications
Explanation:
The Samriddh Gram Initiative came into news after its nomination for WSIS Prizes 2026. It is led by the Department of Telecommunications and built on the BharatNet backbone to promote rural digital empowerment. Through “phygital” Samriddhi Kendras, it delivers services like telemedicine, e-governance, education, and financial inclusion using broadband and public Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Q.7) The recent study on Jamun (genus Syzygium), published in the Journal of Palaeogeography, identifies which region as a major centre of its early diversification?
[a] Australia
[b] Southeast Asia
[c] India
[d] Africa
View Answer
Answer: [c] India
Explanation:
The study came into news for revising the origin and evolution of Jamun (Syzygium). Fossil evidence from India (60–20 million years ago) confirms its continuous presence since the Eocene (~55 million years). It identifies India as a key diversification centre, challenging earlier theories linking its origin to Australia or Southeast Asia and suggesting dispersal from India to other regions.
Q.8) ‘OmegaBall’, recently introduced in India by IIT Madras, is a variant of which sport?
[a] Basketball
[b] Football
[c] Hockey
[d] Rugby
View Answer
Answer: [b] Football
Explanation:
OmegaBall came into news after its launch by Indian Institute of Technology Madras. It is a three-team football variant played on a circular field with three goals, enabling continuous, high-scoring gameplay. With no offside rule and multi-directional play, it reflects innovation in sports formats and IIT Madras’ push for student engagement and sports development.
Q.9) The Laureus World Sports Awards, held in Madrid, are popularly known by which of the following names?
[a] Nobel Prize of Sports
[b] Oscars of Sport
[c] Golden Ball Awards
[d] World Sports Cup
View Answer
Answer: [b] Oscars of Sport
Explanation:
The Laureus World Sports Awards came into news as the 2026 ceremony was held in Madrid, honouring top athletes like Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka. Established in 1999 by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the awards are popularly called the “Oscars of Sport” for recognising global sporting excellence annually.
Q.11) UN Chinese Language Day, to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity is celebrated annually on which date?
[a] 12 November
[b] 1 January
[c] 20 April
[d] 5 June
View Answer
Answer: [c] 20 April
Explanation:
UN Chinese Language Day came into news as it is observed on 20 April to promote multilingualism and cultural diversity. Instituted in 2010 by the United Nations, it honours Cangjie, credited with creating Chinese script. Since 2011, the date aligns with the traditional “Guyu” (Grain Rain) period, highlighting the global significance of Chinese as one of six official UN languages.
Q.12) The Goldman Environmental Prize, which honoured an all-women cohort in 2026, is popularly known by which of the following names?
[a] Blue Planet Prize
[b] Green Nobel Prize
[c] Earth Guardian Award
[d] Global Climate Prize
View Answer
Answer: [b] Green Nobel Prize
Explanation:
The Goldman Environmental Prize came into news in 2026 for honouring an all-women cohort for the first time. Established in 1989 by Richard Goldman and Rhoda Goldman, it is popularly called the “Green Nobel Prize” and recognises grassroots environmental leaders worldwide, with each awardee receiving $200,000.
Q.13) World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID), recognised by UNGA is celebrated annually on which date?
[a] 20 April
[b] 21 April
[c] 22 April
[d] 25 April
View Answer
Answer: [b] 21 April
Explanation:
World Creativity and Innovation Day came into news as it is observed on 21 April to promote creativity for sustainable development and achieving SDGs. Recognised by the United Nations General Assembly, the 2026 theme is “Harnessing Creativity for Global Progress,” highlighting innovation in technology, education, and entrepreneurship as drivers of global growth.