Q.1) India has recently developed its first indigenous water-soluble fertilizer technology. This achievement is significant because it can—
[a] Reduce dependence on imports and boost exports in specialty fertilizers
[b] Replace chemical fertilizers with biofertilizers entirely
[c] Eliminate the need for irrigation in agriculture
[d] Make India the largest urea producer in the world
View Answer
Answer: [a] Reduce dependence on imports and boost exports in specialty fertilizers
Explanation:
After seven years of dedicated research, India has successfully developed its first indigenous water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) technology. Till now, India was import-dependent for water-soluble fertilizers, especially critical for horticulture and high-value crops. The new indigenous technology can reduce import dependency and pave the way for India to become an export hub in specialty fertilizers. Water-soluble fertilizers are vital for precision farming, ensuring better nutrient uptake, higher yields, and reduced wastage. This development marks a strategic breakthrough in India’s agricultural input sector, strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat in fertilizers.
Q.2) Which DRDO laboratory recently transferred three advanced materials technologies to industry partners?
[a] Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE)
[b] Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL)
[c] Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE)
[d] Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL)
Explanation:
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred three advanced materials technologies to industry partners through Licensing Agreement for Transfer of Technology (LAToT). The transfer was facilitated by Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, a DRDO lab specializing in advanced materials and metallurgical innovations. These technologies are crucial for the defence and strategic sectors, strengthening India’s indigenisation and self-reliance in critical materials. The LAToT event was organised at DMRL Hyderabad, marking another milestone in DRDO’s industry partnership model to boost domestic defence manufacturing.
Q.3) Axis Bank recently released ‘Pink Capital: The Spectrum of Queer Money’ report. What is its primary focus?
[a] Women entrepreneurs’ access to capital
[b] Financial lives of India’s LGBTQIA+ community
[c] Rural banking and microfinance inclusion
[d] Startup financing ecosystem in India
View Answer
Answer: [b] Financial lives of India’s LGBTQIA+ community
Explanation:
Axis Bank launched a pioneering qualitative report titled ‘Pink Capital: The Spectrum of Queer Money’. The report highlights the financial journeys, challenges, aspirations, and opportunities faced by India’s LGBTQIA+ community, a group historically excluded from mainstream financial narratives. The initiative seeks to amplify queer voices in financial conversations, thereby advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in banking and financial services. The launch coincides with the 7th anniversary of the Supreme Court verdict on Section 377 (2018), which decriminalized homosexuality in India, reaffirming dignity, rights, and authenticity for the LGBTQIA+ community. Through this step, Axis Bank positions itself as a leader in promoting inclusive finance in India.
Q.4) Israel recently launched its latest spy satellite ‘Ofek 19’. What is its primary purpose?
[a] Enhancing agricultural research
[b] Strengthening surveillance and intelligence gathering
[c] Expanding commercial communication services
[d] Supporting space tourism initiatives
View Answer
Answer: [b] Strengthening surveillance and intelligence gathering
Explanation:
Israel has successfully launched its new spy satellite ‘Ofek 19’, marking a major advancement in its space and defense programs. The satellite is equipped with advanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering technologies, specifically designed to monitor activities across the volatile Middle East region. The Ofek series is Israel’s indigenous spy satellite program, operated mainly for defense and intelligence purposes. The successful launch of Ofek 19 further boosts Israel’s strategic advantage in space-based reconnaissance.
Q.5) NASA’s TESS mission recently discovered two new rocky exoplanets, TOI-2322 b and TOI-2322 c. They are located at a distance of:
[a] 95 light-years
[b] 150 light-years
[c] 195 light-years
[d] 250 light-years
View Answer
Answer: [c] 195 light-years
Explanation:
NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission has discovered two new rocky exoplanets — TOI-2322 b and TOI-2322 c. These exoplanets orbit a nearby star located about 195 light-years away from Earth. Being rocky in nature, they belong to the category of Earth-like or terrestrial planets, making them important in the study of planetary habitability. The discovery is significant as it adds to the growing catalog of Earth-sized and potentially habitable exoplanets, expanding our understanding of the diversity of worlds beyond the solar system.
Q.6) Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme related to:
[a] Green Hydrogen production
[b] Critical Mineral Recycling
[c] Solar PV manufacturing
[d] Rare Earth Imports
View Answer
Answer: [b] Critical Mineral Recycling
Explanation:
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved an ₹1,500 crore Incentive Scheme to boost critical mineral recycling capacity in India. The scheme aims at the separation and production of critical minerals from secondary sources, i.e., recycling instead of direct mining. Critical Minerals covered include copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements (REEs). These minerals are vital for clean energy technologies, EV batteries, wind turbines, solar panels, and electronic devices. This step aligns with India’s Energy Transition Goals and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, as global demand for critical minerals is projected to quadruple by 2040.
Q.7) Recently, the Government of India issued guidelines to co-locate nearly 11 lakh Anganwadi Centres with which institutions?
[a] Primary Health Centres
[b] Panchayat Offices
[c] Primary Schools
[d] District Child Development Offices
View Answer
Answer: [c] Primary Schools
Explanation:
Union Government has launched new guidelines to co-locate around 11 lakh Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) with primary schools. Objective is to ensure continuity in early childhood care & education (ECCE) and enable a smooth transition for children from pre-school (0–6 years) to Class 1. Issued by: Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) (which oversees Anganwadi centres under ICDS).
Q.8) From September 15, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) revised the UPI transaction limit to what amount for select categories like insurance, capital markets, and tax payments?
[a] ₹2 lakh
[b] ₹5 lakh (per transaction) and ₹10 lakh (aggregate)
[c] ₹7.5 lakh per transaction
[d] ₹15 lakh per transaction
View Answer
Answer: [b] ₹5 lakh (per transaction) and ₹10 lakh (aggregate)
Explanation:
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) announced new UPI transaction limits effective from 15 September 2025. Key Changes: Per-transaction limit: Raised to ₹5 lakh; Daily aggregate limit (24 hrs): Increased to ₹10 lakh. Applicable for high-value categories: Insurance premium payments, Capital market investments, Government tax payments, and Credit card bill payment etc.
Q.9) Recently, which bank launched bob Digi Udyam, a digital collateral-free financing scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)?
[a] Punjab National Bank
[b] Bank of Baroda
[c] State Bank of India
[d] Canara Bank
View Answer
Answer: [b] Bank of Baroda
Explanation:
Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched bob Digi Udyam, a digital lending platform to provide collateral-free working capital loans to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). Loan Range is from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh. Features include: 100% digital process – faster approvals and disbursements; No collateral required, helping MSEs with limited assets; Designed to support working capital needs of small businesses.
Q.10) When is International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025 observed worldwide?
[a] 5 September
[b] 7 September
[c] 8 September
[d] 10 September
View Answer
Answer: [c] 8 September
Explanation:
International Literacy Day (ILD) 2025 was observed on 8 September across the world. The day, first celebrated in 1967, serves as a global reminder of the crucial role literacy plays in building a more literate, just, peaceful, and sustainable society. It provides a platform for governments, policymakers, educators, and communities to review progress, share best practices, and reinforce the commitment to eradicate illiteracy. The day is especially relevant for countries like India, where literacy remains central to socio-economic development, empowerment, and achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).