Q.1) Kavach 5.0 is related to which type of railway technology?
[a] Train manufacturing
[b] Automatic Train Protection system
[c] Ticketing system
[d] Rail electrification
View Answer
Answer: [b] Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system
Explanation:
Ministry of Railways has announced the implementation of Kavach 5.0, an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, to increase the number of local train services in Mumbai by 30%. Kavach enhances safety and efficiency by automatically controlling train movement to prevent collisions and ensure signal adherence.
Currently, Kavach 4.0 is being deployed across various parts of the Indian Railways, while Mumbai’s suburban network will benefit from the advanced Kavach 5.0. This move is expected to decongest local trains, provide better service frequency, and improve the commuting experience for millions of daily passengers.
Q.2) What is the primary objective of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) launched by the Government of India in 2025?
[a] Promote exports of rare earth metals
[b] Establish self-reliance in the critical mineral sector
[c] Develop private mining in India
[d] Ban critical mineral imports
View Answer
Answer: [b] Establish self-reliance in the critical mineral sector
Explanation:
National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) was launched by the Government of India in 2025 to ensure self-reliance and build a resilient supply chain for critical minerals vital to national development and strategic industries like electronics, renewable energy, defense, and batteries.
Under this mission, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) will conduct 1,200 exploration projects over a span of 7 years (2024-25 to 2030-31) to identify and assess India’s mineral resources. These minerals are key for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), and semiconductor manufacturing—sectors that are central to India’s strategic growth and energy transition goals.
Q.3) Which organization recently conducted a successful trial of the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system?
[a] BHEL
[b] Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL)
[c] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[d] Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL)
View Answer
Answer: [c] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Explanation:
DRDO has successfully tested the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), showcasing India’s advanced capability to neutralize aerial threats using high-powered laser beams. This is a major step toward futuristic warfare technologies. DEW system can disable or destroy enemy drones, missiles, and surveillance systems by emitting a focused laser beam, offering silent, precise, and cost-effective defense without traditional ammunition.
With this achievement, India joins an elite group of nations—including the US, China, and Israel—that have operational high-energy laser-based weapons for military applications. The successful demonstration included a series of “kills” on fixed-wing UAVs, swarm drones, and fixed surveillance sensors, marking a significant leap in India’s indigenous defense technology capabilities.
Q.4) Which state government recently banned the sale of hybrid paddy (non-Basmati) seeds?
[a] Haryana
[b] Uttar Pradesh
[c] Punjab
[d] Madhya Pradesh
View Answer
Answer: [c] Punjab
Explanation:
Punjab government has banned the sale of hybrid paddy seeds (non-Basmati), citing concerns over poor milling outcomes and excessive seed pricing. These seeds have been linked to a higher percentage of broken grains during milling, which lowers the quality and market price of rice. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) sets strict standards for rice procurement, and hybrid seeds reportedly lead to non-compliance with these norms.
Q.5) What is the name of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) recently tested by DRDO from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft?
[a] Tejas
[b] Gaurav
[c] Astra
[d] Shakti
View Answer
Answer: [b] Gaurav
Explanation:
DRDO has successfully conducted the release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named ‘Gaurav’ from an Indian Air Force Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. This marks a significant development in India’s indigenous weapons program, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s standoff strike capabilities. The LRGB is a precision-guided munition designed to hit targets from long distances, keeping fighter jets out of enemy air defense zones.
Q.6) Which government body has launched the Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk?
[a] Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
[b] Department of Economic Affairs
[c] Directorate General of Foreign Trade
[d] NITI Aayog
View Answer
Answer: [c] Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
Explanation:
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched a ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to help Indian exporters and stakeholders respond effectively to evolving international trade scenarios. The helpdesk is designed to track:
- Export-related barriers or opportunities.
- Tariff and counter-tariff measures globally,
- Import surges from specific countries,
Q.7) Which Indian state recently launched a Unified Health Insurance Scheme by combining central and state-level healthcare programmes?
[a] Kerala
[b] Odisha
[c] Maharashtra
[d] Tamil Nadu
View Answer
Answer: [b] Odisha
Explanation:
Odisha government has launched a Unified Health Insurance Scheme that integrates: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) – Odisha’s own health insurance programme, and newly introduced Ayushman Vayo-Vandana Yojana, aimed at providing health insurance for senior citizens. The initiative ensures that beneficiaries get seamless, broader, and more inclusive health coverage under a unified platform, improving access and reducing overlaps in public healthcare schemes.
Q.8) Maharashtra’s power generation company signed a cooperation agreement with which Russian state-owned corporation for developing a Thorium-based reactor?
[a] Gazprom
[b] Lukoil
[c] ROSATOM
[d] Rostec
View Answer
Answer: [c] ROSATOM
Explanation:
Maharashtra State Power Generation Corporation Limited (MAHAGENCO) has partnered with Russia’s ROSATOM, a state-owned nuclear energy corporation, to jointly develop a Small Modular Reactor (SMR).
The significant feature of this agreement is the use of thorium as a fuel — a move aligning with India’s long-standing nuclear policy that promotes thorium usage due to its abundance in India and safety advantages.
Q.9) Which Indian institution hosted the 75th anniversary celebrations of ICCR in Bangladesh?
[a] Indian Cultural Exchange Board
[b] Indian Museum Council
[c] Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre
[d] Bharat Bhavan Dhaka
View Answer
Answer: [c] Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre
Explanation:
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) marked 75 years of its establishment with a grand celebration hosted by the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The event highlighted ICCR’s enduring legacy in promoting India’s cultural diplomacy, fostering people-to-people ties, and building international goodwill through arts, heritage, and cultural programs.
ICCR, founded in 1950, plays a pivotal role in showcasing India’s soft power and cultural richness on the global stage. Its initiatives include cultural performances, scholarships, art residencies, and academic exchanges with numerous countries. The celebration in Dhaka underlined India–Bangladesh cultural cooperation and the significant role ICCR has played in building regional harmony through cultural engagement.
Q.10) What is the title of the World Bank’s social protection report released in 2025?
[a] Global Welfare and Equity Report
[b] The 2-Billion-Person Challenge
[c] Social Equity in the 21st Century
[d] Global Safety Net Report
View Answer
Answer:[b] The 2-Billion-Person Challenge
Explanation:
World Bank’s report titled “The State of Social Protection Report 2025: The 2-Billion-Person Challenge” highlights a global crisis in social safety coverage. It reveals that 1.6 billion people worldwide—mostly in low- and middle-income countries—still receive no form of social protection, such as health insurance, pensions, unemployment aid, or child support.
This massive coverage gap poses a major threat to global development, poverty reduction, and human capital formation. The report calls for urgent, targeted reforms and stronger investment in social protection systems to create inclusive, resilient societies.