Q.1) The PB-SHABD platform, recently in news, is related to:
[a] Digital payments
[b] News content distribution
[c] Satellite communication
[d] Social media regulation
View Answer
Answer: [b] News content distribution
Explanation:
The PB-SHABD platform of Prasar Bharati has been granted free access extension till March 2027 to support India’s media ecosystem. Launched in March 2024, PB-SHABD (Prasar Bharati Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination) is a centralised digital news distribution platform that provides verified, broadcast-ready content to media organisations. The platform offers logo-free content, enabling seamless use without attribution or watermark removal, thereby improving speed and efficiency of news dissemination.
Q.2) Deloitte’s ConnectSafe facility, recently launched in India, primarily focuses on:
[a] Financial fraud detection
[b] Data storage solutions
[c] Cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and human safety
[d] Cloud computing services
View Answer
Answer: [c] Cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and human safety
Explanation:
Deloitte launched ConnectSafe in Bengaluru, marking India’s first facility that goes beyond traditional data-centric cybersecurity. Key features include: Focus on protecting human lives and critical infrastructure, Real-world cyber threat simulations and coverage across sectors like automotive, healthcare (MedTech), and industrial system The initiative represents a shift toward integrated cybersecurity, addressing risks in increasingly connected digital ecosystems.
Q.3) The Van Allen Probe A mission, recently in news, was primarily launched to study:
[a] Black holes
[b] Asteroids
[c] Earth’s radiation belts
[d] Exoplanets
View Answer
Answer: [c] Earth’s radiation belts
Explanation:
The Van Allen Probe A, launched by NASA, was designed to study the Van Allen radiation belt- zones of energetic charged particles surrounding Earth. These belts are crucial because they protect Earth from harmful solar radiation. The mission provided valuable insights into space weather, which affects satellite operations, communication systems, and astronaut safety. The recent news relates to the probe’s re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere, where most of it is expected to disintegrate safely.
Q.4) The Kalinjar Fort region was declared a Geo-Heritage Site due to the presence of which geological feature?
[a] Rift Valley
[b] Eparchaean Unconformity
[c] Fold Mountains
[d] Volcanic Plateau
View Answer
Answer: [b] Eparchaean Unconformity
Explanation:
The Geological Survey of India recognised the area around Kalinjar Fort as a Geo-Heritage Site due to the presence of the Eparchaean Unconformity. An unconformity represents a gap in geological time, where rock layers of vastly different ages lie adjacent. Here, ancient Bundelkhand granite (~2.5 billion years old) is overlain by Kaimur sandstone (~1.2 billion years old), providing key evidence of Earth’s geological evolution. The site also has historical significance, as its natural rock formations provided strategic defence advantages to ancient rulers.
Q.5) Global Recycling Day is observed every year on:
[a] March 5
[b] March 18
[c] April 22
[d] June 5
View Answer
Answer: [b] March 18
Explanation:
Global Recycling Day is observed annually on March 18 to promote awareness about the importance of recycling and sustainable waste management, especially in reducing environmental harm caused by plastics. Established in 2018, the day encourages individuals, governments, and organisations worldwide to adopt recycling practices and move towards a circular economy.
Q.6) The International Day of Happiness was proclaimed by which organisation?
[a] World Health Organization
[b] United Nations General Assembly
[c] UNESCO
[d] World Bank
View Answer
Answer: [b] United Nations General Assembly
Explanation:
The International Day of Happiness is celebrated on March 20, following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 (Resolution 66/281). The day recognises that happiness and well-being are key indicators of human development, alongside economic growth. The 2026 theme “Caring and Sharing” focuses on the importance of kindness, empathy, and community bonding in enhancing happiness levels. It also encourages policymakers to integrate well-being measures into national development strategies.
Q.7) What is the key technological feature of India’s Sheshnaag-150 drone?
[a] Nuclear propulsion
[b] AI-powered swarm technology
[c] Hypersonic speed
[d] Satellite-based targeting only
View Answer
Answer: [b] AI-powered swarm technology
Explanation:
Sheshnaag-150, developed by NewSpace Research and Technologies, is a long-range attack drone with a range of over 1,000 km and payload capacity of 25–40 kg. Its most important feature is AI-powered swarm technology, which allows multiple drones to: Communicate and coordinate autonomously, attack targets simultaneously and overwhelm enemy air defence systems. This makes it a force multiplier in modern warfare, offering a low-cost, high-impact alternative to traditional weapons.
Q.8) The “Fare Se Fursat” scheme ensures:
[a] Free air travel for rural passengers
[b] Fixed airfare irrespective of booking time
[c] Discounted fares only for early bookings
[d] International travel subsidies
View Answer
Answer: [b] Fixed airfare irrespective of booking time
Explanation:
The “Fare Se Fursat” scheme, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and implemented by Alliance Air, introduces a fixed airfare model. Unlike dynamic pricing, where ticket prices fluctuate based on demand and timing, this scheme ensures: same fare for all bookings, no surge pricing for last-minute tickets and predictable and transparent pricing. It supports the UDAN Scheme objective of making air travel more affordable and inclusive, especially for new and price-sensitive travellers.
Q.9) Argentina’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization took effect after how much time from notification?
[a] 6 months
[b] 1 year
[c] 2 years
[d] Immediate effect
View Answer
Answer: [b] 1 year
Explanation:
Argentina formally notified its withdrawal from the World Health Organization in March 2025, and the exit became effective in March 2026. According to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, withdrawal from international agreements typically requires a one-year notice period unless specified otherwise. The decision was taken under the leadership of Javier Milei, aiming to provide greater flexibility in national health policymaking and reduce dependence on international frameworks.
Q.10) The LEED certification, recently in news, is developed by which organisation?
[a] World Bank
[b] United Nations Environment Programme
[c] U.S. Green Building Council
[d] International Energy Agency
View Answer
Answer: [c] U.S. Green Building Council
Explanation
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is developed by the US Green Building Council. It is one of the world’s most widely recognised green building and urban sustainability frameworks, assessing projects on parameters such as: Energy efficiency, Water use, Land use and mobility and Environmental impact and quality of life. The LEED for Cities: Plan and Design rating evaluates projects at the planning stage, ensuring sustainability is embedded from the beginning.