Q.1) Which global clothing brand has appointed Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh as its Global Ambassador?
[a] Adidas
[b] Levi’s
[c] Nike
[d] Puma
View Answer
Answer: [b] Levi’s
Explanation:
Levi’s, the globally renowned American clothing brand, has appointed Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh as its Global Ambassador. This partnership signifies an important moment in the fashion industry, as it merges Levi’s timeless style with Diljit’s versatile artistry, creating a strong resonance with youth culture and modern fashion trends.
Diljit Dosanjh, known for his charismatic personality and influence in music, cinema, and fashion, will represent the brand globally, reinforcing Levi’s connection with young consumers. His unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles aligns with Levi’s identity as a brand that celebrates self-expression and individuality.
Q.2) Which asset reconstruction company has acquired Ujjivan Small Finance Bank’s (SFB) stressed loan portfolio?
[a] Edelweiss ARC
[b] Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Ltd (ARCIL)
[c] Reliance ARC
[d] Phoenix ARC
View Answer
Answer: [b] Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Ltd (ARCIL)
Explanation:
Asset Reconstruction Company (India) Ltd (ARCIL), backed by Avenue Capital and State Bank of India (SBI), has acquired Ujjivan Small Finance Bank’s (SFB) non-performing microfinance portfolio worth ₹365.5 crore for ₹34.26 crore. This move is part of Ujjivan SFB’s strategy to clean up its balance sheet by offloading non-performing assets (NPAs) and written-off loans.
ARCIL is India’s first and largest Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC), established to resolve NPAs by acquiring stressed assets from Indian banks and financial institutions. Its role is to help clean up bad loans and improve the financial health of the banking sector.
Q.3) Which Indian fintech company has acquired Digiledge in India’s first e-rupee-related acquisition?
[a] PhonePe
[b] Paytm
[c] Mintoak
[d] Razorpay
View Answer
Answer: [c] Mintoak
Explanation:
In a landmark deal withinentral bank digital currency (CBDC) sector, Mintoak, an Indian fintech company backed by PayPal and HDFC Bank, has acquired Digiledge for $3.5 million. This is India’s first acquisition related to the e-rupee, strengthening the adoption of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).
The e-rupee, also known as Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), is a digital form of India’s fiat currency, issued and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI launched a pilot program for the e-rupee in December 2022, aiming to provide a secure and efficient digital alternative to physical cash.
Q.4) Who has been appointed as the new CEO of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in 2024?
[a] Tuhin Kanta Pandey
[b] Ajay Bhadoo
[c] Rajesh Kumar Singh
[d] Alok Tandon
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ajay Bhadoo
Explanation:
The government has appointed Ajay Bhadoo, a 1999-batch IAS officer from the Gujarat cadre, as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). He currently serves as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce (Ministry of Commerce & Industry) and will assume the new role alongside his existing responsibilities.
The GeM portal was launched on August 9, 2016, as India’s largest e-marketplace for government procurement, enabling central ministries and departments to purchase goods and services online in a transparent, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Ajay Bhadoo’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the digital transformation of public procurement in India.
Q.5) Who won the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of Architecture”?
[a] Tadao Ando
[b] Liu Jiakun
[c] Zaha Hadid
[d] Norman Foster
View Answer
Answer: [b] Liu Jiakun
Explanation:
The 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize has been awarded to Liu Jiakun, a renowned Chinese architect known for his contributions to heritage conservation, urban renewal, and community-focused design. Liu Jiakun, founder of Jiakun Architects (established in 1999), is recognized for his ability to blend traditional Chinese architectural elements with modern innovation, emphasizing social equity in the built environment.
The Pritzker Architecture Prize, established in 1979 by the Pritzker family of Chicago through the Hyatt Foundation, is considered the highest honor in the field of architecture. Often called the “Nobel Prize of Architecture,” it is awarded annually to a living architect who has made significant achievements in the field. The prize includes $100,000 (USD) and a bronze medallion.
Q.6) Which public sector bank has signed an MoU with CII-IGBC to promote green buildings?
[a] State Bank of India
[b] Punjab National Bank
[c] Indian Overseas Bank
[d] Bank of Baroda
View Details
Answer: [c] Indian Overseas Bank
Explanation:
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Confederation of Indian Industry – Indian Green Building Council (CII-IGBC) to provide financial support for developers and homebuyers investing in IGBC-certified green buildings. This collaboration aims to promote eco-friendly construction by making it more financially viable.
The initiative supports India’s commitment to sustainable urban development, aligning with green building practices to reduce carbon footprint and environmental impact. Through this MoU, IOB will offer financial incentives and loan support for green-certified projects, encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient and environment-friendly buildings.
Q.7) What is the name of the multi-nation alliance launched by India for city-to-city collaboration on sustainable urban development?
[a] Global Green Cities Initiative
[b] Smart Cities Alliance
[c] Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)
[d] Urban Sustainability Network
View Answer
Answer: [c] Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)
Explanation:
India launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) during the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This multi-nation alliance aims to foster city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships for sustainable urban development.
The C-3 initiative provides a critical platform for policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and development partners to work together in implementing sustainable solutions for waste management, resource efficiency, and circular economy practices across the Asia-Pacific region.
Q.8) What is the significance of niobium diselenide (NbSe₂) in superconductivity research?
[a] It is a conventional superconductor.
[b] It exhibits properties of a Bose metal.
[c] It remains an insulator at all temperatures.
[d] It is used exclusively for semiconductor applications.
View Answer
Answer: [b] It exhibits properties of a Bose metal.
Explanation:
Researchers have discovered that niobium diselenide (NbSe₂) can exhibit characteristics of a Bose metal, which is an intermediate state between a regular metal and a superconductor. In a Bose metal state, Cooper pairs (electron pairs) form, similar to those found in superconductors, but they do not undergo complete condensation into a superconducting state. This leads to enhanced electrical conductivity but without the zero resistance seen in full superconductivity.
Superconductivity is a phenomenon where electrical resistance drops to zero below a critical temperature. However, in a Bose metal, while electron pairing occurs, the material does not reach a superconducting phase, making it an anomalous metallic state.
Q.9) According to The Lancet’s projections, by 2050, India is expected to have the world’s ______ largest obese population.
[a] First
[b] Second
[c] Third
[d] Fourth
View Details
Answer: [b] Second
Explanation:
According to a study published in The Lancet, India is projected to have over 440 million overweight or obese people by 2050, making it the second-largest country in terms of obesity. The study is part of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021, conducted in collaboration with researchers, including those from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The global trend suggests that by 2050:
- More than half of all adults will be overweight or obese.
- One-third of children and adolescents will also be overweight or obese.
Q.10) India’s advanced light tank ‘Zorawar’ will feature a turret developed in collaboration with which country?
[a] France
[b] Belgium
[c] Germany
[d] Israel
View Answer
Answer: [b] Belgium
Explanation:
India’s Zorawar light tank, which is currently in trial phases and will soon be inducted into Indian Army, is set to feature a world-class turret developed through a joint venture between India’s Electro Pneumatics and Hydraulics (EPHL) and Belgium’s John Cockerill Defence (JCD).
The turret, which is a rotating armored structure housing the tank’s main weapon, will be manufactured in India under this partnership. Apart from being used in Zorawar, the JV also plans to export these turrets to other nations. The Zorawar light tank is designed for high-altitude warfare and rapid deployment, making it a crucial asset for the Indian Army’s operations in mountainous and challenging terrains.