Q.1) The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana–III (PMGSY-III), recently extended, aims to improve connectivity to which of the following?
[a] Urban metro cities
[b] International trade hubs
[c] Rural habitations linked to markets, schools and hospitals
[d] Coastal ports only
View Answer
Answer: [c] Rural habitations linked to markets, schools and hospitals
Explanation:
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III focuses on strengthening rural connectivity by linking habitations with Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools and hospitals. Extended till March 2028 (bridges in hilly areas till 2029), the scheme has a revised outlay of ₹83,977 crore and includes approval of 161 long-span bridges to enhance rural infrastructure.
Q.2) The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool), recently approved by the Union Cabinet, has been introduced to address which of the following issues?
[a] Shortage of shipbuilding capacity
[b] Rising maritime insurance costs and limited coverage
[c] Decline in port infrastructure
[d] Shortage of skilled maritime workforce
View Answer
Answer: [b] Rising maritime insurance costs and limited coverage
Explanation:
The Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool was approved with a ₹12,980 crore sovereign guarantee to address rising insurance costs and reduced coverage due to geopolitical tensions affecting global shipping. It ensures uninterrupted insurance for Indian trade, builds domestic underwriting capacity, and enhances resilience against sanctions by covering risks like cargo, hull, P&I and war risk on volatile routes.
Q.3) The Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC), recently constituted in India, is associated with governance of which sector?
[a] Biotechnology
[b] Artificial Intelligence
[c] Space Technology
[d] Cybersecurity only
View Answer
Answer: [b] Artificial Intelligence
Explanation:
The Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) was constituted by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology as a standing advisory body for AI governance. It is in news due to India’s push for a structured, two-tier AI governance framework, where TPEC supports the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) with expert inputs aligned to global standards and India’s socio-economic needs.
Q.4) The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), recently seen in news for signing an MoU with BECIL, functions under which ministry?
[a] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
[b] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[c] Ministry of Science and Technology
[d] Ministry of Communications
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Explanation:
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing is an R&D organisation under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It is in news due to its MoU with Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited to collaborate on digital transformation, including AI, cybersecurity, 5G, IoT and cloud computing, along with skill development and technology transfer under the Digital India vision.
Q.5) The Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs (SEED) is implemented by which of the following bodies?
[a] National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
[b] Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities
[c] NITI Aayog
[d] Ministry of Tribal Affairs
View Answer
Answer: [b] Development and Welfare Board for De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities
Explanation:
The SEED scheme, launched in 2023 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, is implemented by DWBDNC to support DNT/NT/SNT communities. It is in news due to significant progress in 2025–26, providing coaching, health insurance (₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat), livelihood support via SHGs, and housing assistance, aiming at socio-economic inclusion of marginalised groups.
Q.6) India’s first Advanced 3D Chip Packaging Unit is being set up in which state?
[a] Tamil Nadu
[b] Karnataka
[c] Odisha
[d] Gujarat
View Answer
Answer: [c] Odisha
Explanation:
India’s first advanced 3D chip packaging unit is being set up at Info Valley, Khordha in Odisha by 3D Glass Solutions Inc. (via HIPSPL). It is in news due to its role in boosting India’s semiconductor ecosystem under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with an investment of ₹1,943.53 crore and focus on sectors like AI, 5G/6G, defence and data centres.
Q.7) In parliamentary terminology, the term “sine die”, recently seen in news, refers to which of the following?
[a] Suspension of a session for a fixed period
[b] Adjournment of a session without a fixed date
[c] Dissolution of the Lok Sabha
[d] Prorogation by the President
View Answer
Answer: [b] Adjournment of a session without a fixed date
Explanation:
The term “sine die” means adjournment without specifying a date for the next sitting. It was in news as the Budget Session 2026 of the Parliament of India ended on 18 April 2026 with both Houses adjourned sine die after 81 days and 31 sittings, during which key business like the Finance Bill 2026 was passed.
Q.8) The Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) serotype SAT1, recently flagged by the World Organisation for Animal Health, primarily affects which category of animals?
[a] Carnivorous animals
[b] Aquatic animals
[c] Cloven-hoofed animals
[d] Birds
View Answer
Answer: [c] Cloven-hoofed animals
Explanation:
FMD came into news as WOAH warned about the global spread of the SAT1 serotype beyond Africa to Asia, Europe and the Middle East. It is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, pigs and sheep, causing severe production losses. It spreads via contact, contaminated objects and air, with control through vaccination and strict biosecurity measures.
Q.9) According to the State of India’s Bats Report 2024–25, bats play a crucial role in which of the following ecosystem services?
[a] Soil erosion
[b] Pollination and pest control
[c] Glacier formation
[d] Ocean currents regulation
View Answer
Answer: [b] Pollination and pest control
Explanation:
The report came into news highlighting threats to bats due to urbanisation, deforestation and climate change. India hosts about 135 bat species, many facing conservation concerns. Bats provide vital ecosystem services like pollination, seed dispersal, pest control and soil enrichment, making them essential for biodiversity and agriculture, despite concerns over zoonotic diseases.
Q.10) The initiative ‘Vishwa Sutra – Weaves of India for the World’, is launched by which ministry?
[a] Ministry of Culture
[b] Ministry of Textiles
[c] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[d] Ministry of Tourism
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ministry of Textiles
Explanation:
The initiative came into news as it was launched by the Ministry of Textiles in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology. It showcases 30 Indian handloom weaves reinterpreted with global design influences, promoting “Vocal for Local to Global” and strengthening international competitiveness under the 5F framework.
Q.11) The Colorado River, recently in news due to declining water flow, originates from which of the following locations?
[a] Sierra Nevada Mountains
[b] Rocky Mountain National Park (Continental Divide)
[c] Appalachian Mountains
[d] Cascade Range
View Answer
Answer: [b] Rocky Mountain National Park (Continental Divide)
Explanation:
The Colorado River came into news due to declining water reaching reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell. A study by the University of Washington highlighted factors like aridification, plant uptake and warming. The river originates at the Continental Divide in Rocky Mountain National Park and is a key water source for about 40 million people in the American Southwest.
Q.12) ‘Claude Mythos’, unveiled under Project Glasswing, is associated with which field?
[a] Space exploration
[b] Cybersecurity and AI
[c] Biotechnology
[d] Climate modelling
View Answer
Answer: [b] Cybersecurity and AI
Explanation:
Claude Mythos came into news as a next-generation AI system developed by Anthropic for cybersecurity. It can autonomously detect deep software vulnerabilities, including zero-day threats, using advanced reasoning and code analysis. The system enhances proactive cyber defence while incorporating safeguards to prevent misuse.
Q.13) The Scarborough Shoal, recently seen in news due to tensions between China and the Philippines, is located in which of the following seas?
[a] East China Sea
[b] South China Sea
[c] Yellow Sea
[d] Sea of Japan
View Answer
Answer: [b] South China Sea
Explanation:
Scarborough Shoal came into news as China tightened control by deploying ships and barriers, restricting access for the Philippines. The shoal is a triangular coral atoll located in the South China Sea, about 120 nautical miles west of Luzon. It is strategically important due to rich fishing grounds, proximity to shipping routes, and potential oil and gas reserves.