Q.1) Which of the following features is introduced under the Payments Vision 2028 by the Reserve Bank of India to enable seamless transfer of payment mandates when customers change banks?
[a] Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
[b] Payments Switching Service (PaSS)
[c] Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)
[d] National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Payments Switching Service (PaSS)
Explanation:
Under Payments Vision 2028, RBI introduced the Payments Switching Service (PaSS) to allow seamless transfer of payment mandates across banks. The roadmap includes 15 initiatives focusing on fraud prevention, MSME support, and user empowerment. It also expands the “switch on/off” facility to digital modes, introduces e-cheques, and enhances TReDS interoperability for better digital payment efficiency.
Q.2) The term “Net Open Position (NOP)”, recently seen in news, refers to which of the following?
[a] Total foreign exchange reserves held by a country
[b] Difference between a bank’s foreign currency assets and liabilities
[c] Total foreign investment inflows into banks
[d] Exchange rate fixed by the central bank
View Answer
Answer: [b] Difference between a bank’s foreign currency assets and liabilities
Explanation:
The Net Open Position (NOP) measures a bank’s exposure to exchange-rate fluctuations by calculating the difference between its foreign currency assets and liabilities. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India capped NOP at $100 million per day to stabilise the rupee, which fell to ₹94.8 per dollar amid oil price pressures and geopolitical tensions, while preserving declining forex reserves.
Q.3) The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization was held in which of the following locations?
[a] Geneva, Switzerland
[b] Nairobi, Kenya
[c] Yaoundé, Cameroon
[d] Doha, Qatar
View Answer
Answer: [c] Yaoundé, Cameroon
Explanation:
MC14 of the WTO was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon (26–29 March) with participation from 166 member countries. Key outcomes included measures to integrate small economies into global trade and strengthen Special & Differential Treatment under SPS and TBT agreements, along with continued negotiations on fisheries subsidies. The Ministerial Conference is the WTO’s highest decision-making body, established under the Marrakesh Agreement, meeting every two years.
Q.4) The Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), recently seen in news, has been developed by which of the following organisations?
[a] DRDO
[b] MBDA
[c] Bharat Dynamics Limited
[d] HAL
View Answer
Answer: [b] MBDA
Explanation:
ASRAAM is a fourth-generation, heat-seeking “fire-and-forget” missile developed by MBDA with a range over 25 km and speed above Mach 3. The Indian Air Force plans to integrate it on MiG-29UPG jets, replacing R-73 missiles. A 2021 deal enables local assembly with Bharat Dynamics Ltd. It is already deployed on HAL Tejas and Jaguar aircraft, enhancing India’s close-combat air capability.
Q.5) The Great Indian Bustard (GIB), recently seen in news, is classified under which of the following IUCN categories?
[a] Endangered
[b] Vulnerable
[c] Critically Endangered
[d] Near Threatened
View Answer
Answer: [c] Critically Endangered
Explanation:
The Great Indian Bustard is classified as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 150 individuals remaining in the wild across India. A recent chick birth in Kutch, Gujarat, marks a major conservation success under Project GIB (2016). The effort involved MoEFCC, state forest departments, and the Wildlife Institute of India, including transporting an egg from Rajasthan for hatching.
Q.6) According to India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) for 2031–2035, the country aims to achieve what percentage of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources?
[a] 40%
[b] 50%
[c] 60%
[d] 75%
View Answer
Answer: [c] 60%
Explanation:
India’s updated NDC under the Paris Agreement aims for 60% non-fossil power capacity by 2035, along with a 47% reduction in emissions intensity (from 2005 levels) and creation of a 3.5– 4 billion tonne CO₂ carbon sink. NDCs are submitted under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and updated every five years to strengthen climate commitments.
Q.7) According to the World Air Quality Report 2025 by IQAir, which city was ranked as the most polluted in the world?
[a] Delhi
[b] Ghaziabad
[c] Loni
[d] Lahore
View Answer
Answer: [c] Loni
Explanation:
Loni (Uttar Pradesh) was ranked the world’s most polluted city with PM2.5 levels of 112.5 µg/m³- over 22 times the WHO guideline. India ranked 6th globally, while Pakistan topped the list. The report analysed 9,446 cities in 143 countries, with only 14% meeting WHO norms. Major sources include vehicular emissions, industry, stubble burning, construction dust, and climate-driven wildfires.
Q.8) India’s leadership in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs), recently seen in news, is associated with which of the following international agreements?
[a] Paris Agreement
[b] Nagoya Protocol
[c] Montreal Protocol
[d] Kyoto Protocol
View Answer
Answer: [b] Nagoya Protocol
Explanation:
India has issued 3,561 IRCCs (over 56% globally) under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing. IRCCs ensure Prior Informed Consent and Mutually Agreed Terms for use of genetic resources. The protocol (2010, effective 2014) supplements the Convention on Biological Diversity, with implementation in India through the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the National Biodiversity Authority.
Q.9) The ‘Morung’ learning system, recently praised in the 132nd edition of Mann Ki Baat, is associated with which of the following regions?
[a] Ladakh
[b] Nagaland
[c] Meghalaya
[d] Arunachal Pradesh
View Answer
Answer: [b] Nagaland
Explanation:
The Morung is a traditional indigenous education system of Naga tribes in Nagaland, functioning as a youth dormitory and learning space. It involves elder-led teaching through storytelling, folklore and experiential learning, blending cultural knowledge with modern education. It promotes holistic development and preservation of tribal heritage.
Q.10) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), whose Foundation Day is observed on 1 April, was established in which year?
[a] 1926
[b] 1934
[c] 1935
[d] 1949
View Answer
Answer: [c] 1935
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India was established in 1935 under the RBI Act, 1934, based on the Hilton Young Commission’s recommendations. It was initially headquartered in Kolkata, shifted to Mumbai in 1937, and nationalised in 1949. RBI manages monetary policy, currency issuance, banking regulation, and forex under FEMA, 1999.