Q.1) Which organisation has unveiled the ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ framework to strengthen India’s future digital identity ecosystem?
[a] NIC
[b] NITI Aayog
[c] UIDAI
[d] MeitY
View Answer
Answer: [c] UIDAI
Explanation:
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has unveiled the ‘Aadhaar Vision 2032’ framework, a strategic roadmap designed to future-proof India’s digital identity ecosystem. Developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the framework integrates artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, quantum computing, and advanced encryption technologies to ensure robust security and efficiency. Its goal is to redefine how digital identity services evolve over the next decade, supporting next-generation digital governance and enhancing citizen-centric service delivery. This long-term vision builds upon the success of Aadhaar as the world’s largest digital identity system and aligns with India’s broader push towards secure, inclusive, and technology-driven governance.
Q.2) What is the primary aim of the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project?
[a] To promote rural tourism through cultural programs
[b] To integrate physical and digital services in rural areas using BharatNet infrastructure
[c] To establish rural manufacturing hubs
[d] To train rural youth in e-commerce
View Answer
Answer: [b] To integrate physical and digital services in rural areas using BharatNet infrastructure
Explanation:
Telecom Centres of Excellence (TCoE) has launched the Samriddh Gram Phygital Services Pilot Project, a pioneering initiative to digitally transform rural India by integrating physical and digital service delivery through BharatNet infrastructure. The project has been rolled out in partnership with three key implementation partners- Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) in Ari and Umri (Madhya Pradesh), I-Novate Infotech Pvt. Ltd. in Chaurawala (Uttar Pradesh), and Corpus Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. in Narakoduru (Andhra Pradesh). This pilot aims to build digitally connected, empowered rural ecosystems where villagers can seamlessly access government schemes, financial services, and market opportunities through a phygital (physical + digital) model, marking a major step toward inclusive rural digitalization and Smart Village development in India.
Q.3) What is the new name of the FIDE World Chess Cup Trophy?
[a] Magnus Carlsen Cup
[b] Viswanathan Anand Cup
[c] Garry Kasparov Cup
[d] Bobby Fischer Cup
Answer: [b] Viswanathan Anand Cup
Explanation:
FIDE World Chess Cup Trophy has been officially renamed as the Viswanathan Anand Cup, in honour of India’s first Chess Grandmaster and five-time World Chess Champion, Viswanathan Anand. The announcement was made during the prestigious FIDE World Chess Cup held in Panjim, Goa, marking a historic moment for Indian and global chess. The renaming recognises Anand’s monumental contributions to the sport- from popularizing chess in India to inspiring a generation of world-class players. It is a global tribute to his legacy, celebrating India’s rising influence in the world of chess and the nation’s emergence as a global chess powerhouse.
Q.4) Which international literary work was recently released by Sahitya Akademi in Hindi translation?
[a] The Last Day
[b] The Silent Valley
[c] The Baltic Horizon
[d] The Eternal Night
View Answer
Answer: [a] The Last Day
Explanation:
Sahitya Akademi has released the Hindi translation of the acclaimed Lithuanian novel “The Last Day”, titled “Antim Din”, marking a milestone in Indo-Lithuanian literary exchange. Authored by Jaroslavas Melnikas, a prominent Lithuanian-Ukrainian writer, the novel delves into profound themes of existential transformation, identity, and cultural introspection. The Hindi translation was released in collaboration with the Embassy of Lithuania in New Delhi, highlighting the growing cultural and literary ties between India and Lithuania. This initiative by Sahitya Akademi reinforces its commitment to promoting global literary collaboration and enriching Indian readers with world literature in their native language.
Q.5) Which country recently launched the Shenzhou-21 crewed mission, with the youngest astronaut and Lab Mice to its space station?
[a] Japan
[b] China
[c] Russia
[d] USA
View Answer
Answer: [b] China
Explanation:
China successfully launched the Shenzhou-21 crewed mission to the Tiangong Space Station, marking the seventh manned flight since the station’s completion in 2022. The spacecraft, carried by a Long March-2F rocket, lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. The mission includes three astronauts, among them the youngest member of China’s astronaut corps, highlighting the nation’s emphasis on cultivating a new generation of space explorers. In a groundbreaking first, the crew is accompanied by four black lab mice, the first small mammals to be sent to the Chinese space station. This experiment aims to study microgravity effects on small mammals, advancing China’s space biology and life sciences research. The mission further solidifies China’s growing leadership in human spaceflight and scientific innovation.
Q.6) Which was the first Indian city to be recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy?
[a] Varanasi
[b] Kolkata
[c] Hyderabad
[d] Jaipur
View Answer
Answer: [c] Hyderabad
Explanation:
Lucknow has earned a place on the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities of Gastronomy list, highlighting its rich Awadhi culinary heritage and centuries-old food traditions that blend artistry, culture, and hospitality. With this honour, Lucknow becomes the second Indian city, after Hyderabad (2019), to be recognized in the gastronomy category. This global recognition under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) puts a spotlight on the flavours and craftsmanship of Awadhi cuisine- from kebabs and biryanis to slow-cooked delicacies that reflect the region’s royal past. The recognition not only celebrates India’s diverse culinary legacy but also reinforces the cultural and economic potential of gastronomy-driven tourism and creative industries in South Asia.
Q.7) Which Indian company has launched the country’s first electric vehicle (EV) designed for defence operations?
[a] Tata Motors
[b] Mahindra Defence Systems
[c] Pravaig Dynamics
[d] Ashok Leyland
View Answer
Answer: [c] Pravaig Dynamics
Explanation:
In a landmark achievement for India’s electric mobility and defence innovation sectors, Pravaig Dynamics, a Bengaluru-based startup, unveiled ‘Veer’- India’s first Electric Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (E-TATV) designed specifically for defence operations. The near-production-ready Veer blends advanced EV technology with stealth design and military-grade engineering, making it ideal for modern warfare, reconnaissance, and rapid mobility missions across diverse terrains. The vehicle exemplifies India’s commitment to self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in defence technology and sustainable innovation. By integrating clean energy mobility with defence-grade ruggedness and stealth, the Veer marks a major step forward in the indigenization of advanced tactical vehicles within the Indian armed forces.
Q.8) Which city will host the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the IONS Conclave of Chiefs?
[a] Mumbai
[b] Kochi
[c] Visakhapatnam
[d] Chennai
View Answer
Answer: [c] Visakhapatnam
Explanation:
India is set to host a historic maritime convergence from February 15 to 25, 2026, in Visakhapatnam, where three prestigious naval events- the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026, Exercise MILAN 2026, and the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs- will take place simultaneously for the first time. This landmark event underscores India’s growing stature as a leading maritime power in the Indo-Pacific region and reflects its commitment to promoting naval diplomacy, regional security cooperation, and maritime stability. Bringing together navies and maritime leaders from across the globe, the 2026 convergence will showcase India’s strategic vision, technological prowess, and collaborative approach in addressing common challenges such as maritime safety, blue economy, and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean.
Q.9) Which company announced achieving the world’s first verifiable quantum advantage with its new quantum processor “Willow”?
[a] IBM
[b] Google
[c] Intel
[d] MicrosofT
View Answer
Answer: [b] Google
Explanation:
Google has announced a major milestone in computing by achieving the first-ever verifiable quantum advantage with its “Willow” quantum processor. Using a newly developed algorithm named Quantum Echoes, Willow executed computations 13,000 times faster than the world’s most powerful classical supercomputers. This achievement not only demonstrates the immense potential of quantum computing in solving highly complex problems but also marks a critical breakthrough where the results can be verified and validated- addressing a major challenge in previous quantum claims. The Willow chip’s performance showcases the evolution of quantum technology from experimental stages to practical, verifiable superiority, paving the way for future advancements in cryptography, artificial intelligence, and advanced material science.
Q.10) Which Small Finance Bank’s application for a Universal Bank Licence was returned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?
[a] AU Small Finance Bank
[b] Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
[c] Jana Small Finance Bank
[d] Equitas Small Finance Bank
View Answer
Answer: [c] Jana Small Finance Bank
Explanation:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) returned the application of Jana Small Finance Bank (SFB), which had sought to transition into a Universal Bank, citing non-fulfilment of the eligibility criteria required for such an upgrade. The move underscores RBI’s stringent evaluation framework for granting universal banking licences, ensuring that only financially sound and operationally compliant institutions qualify. Jana SFB, one of India’s prominent small finance banks, had applied voluntarily for conversion to expand its banking operations. However, as per RBI’s guidelines, only SFBs meeting certain benchmarks related to financial performance, governance standards, capital adequacy, and operational stability are eligible for such a transition. The decision highlights the regulator’s focus on maintaining stability, prudence, and systemic integrity in the Indian banking ecosystem.