Q.1) The India Pharma Conference 2026, recently in news, was organised by which department?
[a] Department of Health Research
[b] Department of Biotechnology
[c] Department of Pharmaceuticals
[d] Department of Science and Technology
View Answer
Answer: [c] Department of Pharmaceuticals
Explanation:
The 9th India Pharma Conference 2026 was organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance. It aims to promote innovation-led growth and position India as a global hub for pharmaceutical research and development.
Q.2) In internet functioning, which protocol is responsible for converting domain names into IP addresses?
[a] HTTP
[b] TCP
[c] DNS
[d] TLS
View Answer
Answer: [c] DNS
Explanation:
The Domain Name System (DNS) converts human-readable domain names into IP addresses, enabling devices to locate websites on the internet. It is one of the key layers where Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can implement website blocking, along with protocols like HTTP/HTTPS, TLS and TCP.
Q.3) Mount Semeru, recently in news due to volcanic eruptions, is located in which country?
[a] Japan
[b] Philippines
[c] Indonesia
[d] Chile
View Answer
Answer: [c] Indonesia
Explanation:
Mount Semeru, also known as Mahameru, is an active stratovolcano located in East Java, Indonesia. It is the tallest volcano on Java (3,676 m) and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Its eruptions are caused by subduction of the Indo-Australian Plate beneath the Sunda Plate.
Q.4) The Sundarbans, recently in news for declining ecological resilience, is located in which region?
[a] Godavari delta
[b] Krishna delta
[c] Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta
[d] Mahanadi delta
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta
Explanation:
The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by India and Bangladesh, is located in the Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna delta. It is the world’s largest mangrove forest and the only mangrove habitat with tigers, but is increasingly vulnerable to climate change and human pressures.
Q.5) The International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP), recently launched in India, is an initiative of which organisation?
[a] Ministry of External Affairs
[b] Election Commission of India
[c] NITI Aayog
[d] Ministry of Home Affairs
View Answer
Answer: [b] Election Commission of India
Explanation:
The International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP) 2026 is a flagship initiative of the Election Commission of India to promote cooperation with global Election Management Bodies. It allows international delegates to observe India’s electoral processes, showcasing transparency, scale and best practices of the world’s largest democracy.
Q.6) The Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica), recently in news, is classified under which conservation status in the IUCN Red List?
[a] Vulnerable
[b] Endangered
[c] Critically Endangered
[d] Near Threatened
View Answer
Answer: [b] Endangered
Explanation:
The Indian Softshell Turtle is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to threats like illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. It is also protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and CITES Appendix I, ensuring the highest level of conservation protection.
Q.7) Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology, recently discussed in India, enables smartphones to connect directly to which of the following?
[a] Wi-Fi routers
[b] Optical fibre networks
[c] Satellites
[d] Bluetooth devices
View Answer
Answer: [c] Satellites
Explanation:
Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites, effectively acting as “cell towers in space.” Discussed by the Department of Telecommunications and TEC, it uses LEO satellite constellations under the NTN framework to extend connectivity to remote and underserved regions.
Q.8) The 1,500-year-old stepped reservoir recently discovered by ASI is located on which island?
[a] Ross Island
[b] Majuli Island
[c] Elephanta Island
[d] Diu Island
View Answer
Answer: [c] Elephanta Island
Explanation:
Archaeological Survey of India discovered the ancient stepped reservoir on Elephanta Island (Gharapuri) near Mumbai. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the discovery highlights advanced ancient water management and engineering practices.
Q.9) With reference to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), consider the following statements:
- It is a constitutional body established under the Constitution of India.
- It was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- It has powers to take suo motu cognisance of human rights violations.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[a] 1 only
[b] 2 and 3 only
[c] 1 and 3 only
[d] 1, 2 and 3
View Answer
Answer: [b] 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
National Human Rights Commission is a statutory (not constitutional) body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It can take suo motu cognisance of violations and perform functions like inquiries, court intervention and review of safeguards for human rights. Recently, NHRC issued notice to Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) seeking a report on legality and functioning of Gleeden app.
Q.10) Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), recently in news, is a joint venture of which of the following organisations?
[a] ONGC, GAIL and IOC
[b] NALCO, Hindustan Copper Limited and MECL
[c] Coal India, NMDC and SAIL
[d] BHEL, HAL and BEL
View Answer
Answer: [b] NALCO, Hindustan Copper Limited and MECL
Explanation:
Khanij Bidesh India Limited is a joint venture of National Aluminium Company Limited, Hindustan Copper Limited and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited in a 40:30:30 ratio. It operates under the Ministry of Mines to secure critical minerals like lithium and cobalt from overseas sources.