Q.1) Which new air defence missile system has India recently acquired from Russia?
[a] S-400
[b] Igla-S
[c] BrahMos
[d] Barak-8
View Answer
Answer: [b] Igla-S
Explanation:
India has procured a new batch of Russian-origin Igla-S missiles to strengthen its air defence shield. Igla-S is a portable, shoulder-fired missile system designed to target low-flying enemy aircraft, helicopters, and drones with precision. It provides a last-line, short-range defence against aerial threats, especially useful in rugged terrains and forward areas. The induction of Igla-S will enhance India’s tactical air defence capability, particularly at sensitive border zones.
Q.2) What is the full form of STRIDE-EUI, recently launched to enhance EU-India ties?
[a] Strategic Research, Innovation & Dialogue for EU-India Engagement
[b] Strategic Reform, Innovation & Development for EU-India Engagement
[c] Strengthening Research and Innovation Dialogue for EU-India Integration
[d] Strategic Research and International Development for EU-India
View Answer
Answer: [a] Strategic Research, Innovation & Dialogue for EU-India Engagement
Explanation:
STRIDE-EUI = Strategic Research, Innovation & Dialogue for EU-India Engagement. It was launched by The Dialogue and Grayspace Law and Policy Consulting. It will function from Brussels (EU’s political capital) and New Delhi (India’s political capital). Focus is to strengthen the EU-India strategic partnership in areas like trade, technology, and security. Approach includes, thematic meetings, expert research papers, and joint programs to align policies and business between both regions.
Q.3) Which state hosted the Strawberry Festival 2025 to promote agro-tourism?
[a] Nagaland
[b] Meghalaya
[c] Sikkim
[d] Assam
View Answer
Answer: [b] Meghalaya
Explanation:
Meghalaya Strawberry Festival 2025 aimed to promote agro-tourism and strengthen rural income. Organised by Meghalayan Age Limited (state government entity), along with Departments of Tourism and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Featured cultural and recreational activities to attract tourists and benefit local communities.
Q.4) What is the name of the new digital platform the Election Commission of India (ECI) is launching to integrate its electoral apps?
[a] ECI Portal
[b] ECINET
[c] VoteConnect
[d] MyVote India
View Answer
Answer: [b] ECINET
Explanation:
ECINET is a single-point digital platform by the Election Commission of India. It will integrate over 40 existing mobile and web applications of the Commission. It aims to provide a seamless, user-friendly experience to electors, election officials, political parties, and civil society. Part of ECI’s broader efforts toward digital transformation and voter-centric reforms.
Q.5) Which organisation recently conducted the maiden flight trials of a Stratospheric Airship Platform in India?
[a] BEL
[b] ISRO
[c] DRDO
[d] HAL
View Answer
Answer: [c] DRDO
Explanation
DRDO conducted maiden flight trials of its Stratospheric Airship Platform from Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh. This cutting-edge platform will significantly enhance India’s earth observation and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The system operates in the stratosphere, providing persistent coverage and data for defence and strategic applications.
Q.6) In which Indian state is the Quantum Valley Tech Park being developed?
[a] Karnataka
[b] Maharashtra
[c] Andhra Pradesh
[d] Telangana
View Answer
Answer: [c] Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) and IBM have partnered to support the Quantum Valley Tech Park project in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India’s first-of-its-kind quantum technology hub. The focus will be on accelerating algorithm discovery and giving Indian developers access to cutting-edge quantum technologies. The initiative is expected to position India as a leader in the global quantum technology race.
Q.7) What are the names of the two genome-edited rice varieties unveiled by India?
[a] Basmati 401 and Sona Masuri
[b] DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1
[c] Pusa Basmati 1509 and IR 64
[d] Dhanashree and Pratibha
View Answer
Answer: [b] DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1
Explanation:
India launched the world’s first genome-edited rice varieties: DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1.These crops offer 25–30% higher yields, do not carry foreign DNA, and are exempt from GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee) approval since they are classified as non-GMO. The initiative is expected to boost India’s rice production, reduce agricultural emissions, and revolutionize Indian farming practices.
Q.8) Which regulatory body recently imposed penalties on five cooperative banks?
[a] SEBI
[b] NABARD
[c] RBI
[d] APEDA
View Answer
Answer: [c] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Explanation:
RBI imposed monetary penalties on five cooperative banks for violating regulatory norms under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The penalized banks are: Nicholson Cooperative Town Bank, Jammu Central Cooperative Bank, Sree Harihareshwara Urban Cooperative Bank, Shree Warana Sahakari Bank and Vishwakalyan Sahakara Bank. The penalties were related to various compliance lapses and operational violations.
Q.9) Which country recently announced its withdrawal from UNESCO over the 2025 press freedom award?
[a] Venezuela
[b] Nicaragua
[c] Cuba
[d] Belarus
View Answer
Answer: [b] Nicaragua
Explanation:
Nicaragua announced its exit from UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). The move was a protest against UNESCO’s press freedom award being given to Nicaraguan newspaper La Prensa. The award ceremony took place in Brussels, Belgium, during the World Conference on Press Freedom. La Prensa has faced government crackdowns and censorship, making the award politically sensitive. This incident has drawn international attention to press freedom and human rights issues in Nicaragua