Q.1) The Krishi Sakhi Initiative primarily focuses on:
[a] Promoting agricultural exports
[b] Empowering women farmers
[c] Expanding irrigation facilities
[d] Enhancing food processing industries
View Answer
Answer: [b] Empowering women farmers
Explanation:
The Krishi Sakhi Initiative, launched by the Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited, aims to empower women farmers through: Capacity building and awareness programmes, Increased participation in agriculture and crop insurance, Promotion of gender-inclusive agricultural practices. Aligned with the Food and Agriculture Organization recognition of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the initiative highlights the vital role of women in agriculture and rural development.
Q.2) MSP funding for cotton season 2023–24 was provided to which organisation?
[a] FCI
[b] NABARD
[c] Cotton Corporation of India
[d] SEBI
View Answer
Answer: [c] Cotton Corporation of India
Explanation:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved ₹1,718.56 crore MSP funding for the Cotton Corporation of India. CCI acts as the nodal agency for cotton procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism, ensuring farmers are protected from price volatility. This support is crucial because cotton is a major cash crop, sustaining millions of farmers and supporting India’s textile industry, which is a key contributor to the economy.
Q.3) The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) are being procured under which category?
[a] Buy (Global)
[b] Buy (Indian–IDDM)
[c] Make-II
[d] Strategic Partnership Model
View Answer
Answer: [b] Buy (Indian–IDDM)
Explanation:
The NGOPVs are being procured under the Buy (Indian–IDDM) category, which stands for Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured. This category prioritises domestic defence production and promotes self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). The vessels are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for the Indian Coast Guard, enhancing India’s maritime security capabilities.
Q.4) The IOS SAGAR initiative is primarily aimed at:
[a] Trade promotion
[b] Maritime cooperation and naval training
[c] Space exploration
[d] Cybersecurity coordination
View Answer
Answer: [b] Maritime cooperation and naval training
Explanation:
The Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, led by the Indian Navy, is designed to enhance maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. It allows naval personnel from friendly countries to: Train together onboard Indian naval ships, Participate in joint operational activities and Build interoperability and mutual understanding. India’s leadership role in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium further strengthens its position in promoting regional maritime security and cooperation.
Q.5) The SDG Bulletins titled “Planet in Focus” and “Delivering Prosperity at Scale” are aligned with which global framework?
[a] Paris Agreement
[b] Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
[c] Kyoto Protocol
[d] Sendai Framework
View Answer
Answer: [b] Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Explanation:
The SDG Bulletins released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the 2030 Agenda. They focus on: Planet (Environmental sustainability) and Prosperity (Economic growth and development). These reports are part of a broader effort to create data-driven monitoring frameworks and track progress across SDG pillars such as People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnership.
Q.6) Which of the following schemes focuses on improving nutrition and health indicators of women and children?
[a] Mission Shakti
[b] Mission Vatsalya
[c] Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0
[d] Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
View Answer
Answer: [c] Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0
Explanation:
Under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, three major verticals exist: Mission Shakti (Women safety and empowerment), Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 (Nutrition and health of women and children) and Mission Vatsalya (Child protection and welfare). Thus, Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0 specifically targets malnutrition and health improvement, making it the correct answer.
Q.7) The Bascule Bridge, recently in news, is primarily associated with:
[a] Road tunnel system
[b] Movable bridge for ship passage
[c] Suspension bridge design
[d] Railway-only infrastructure
View Answer
Answer: [b] Movable bridge for ship passage
Explanation:
The Bascule Bridge in the Kolkata Dock System is a movable bridge that uses a double-leaf mechanism to lift its sections and allow ships to pass. Approved for renovation by the Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways, the project aims to maintain its heritage value while enhancing functional efficiency. Such bridges are crucial in port cities, where both road transport and maritime navigation must coexist efficiently.
Q.8) UN French Language Day is observed to promote which of the following?
- Multilingualism
- Cultural diversity
- Equal use of UN official languages
Select the correct answer:
[a] 1 only
[b] 1 and 2 only
[c] 2 and 3 only
[d] 1, 2 and 3
View Answer
Answer: [d] 1, 2 and 3
Explanation:
UN French Language Day, observed on March 20, was established by the United Nations Department of Public Information in 2010. Its objectives include: Promoting multilingualism, Encouraging cultural diversity and Ensuring equal use of all six UN official languages. The date also commemorates the anniversary of the International Organization of La Francophonie, which promotes the French language globally.
Q.9) The theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” is associated with which observance?
[a] World Health Day
[b] World Oral Health Day
[c] International Day of Happiness
[d] World Nutrition Day
View Answer
Answer: [b] World Oral Health Day
Explanation:
World Oral Health Day, observed on March 20, focuses on promoting oral hygiene awareness. The 2026 theme “A Happy Mouth is a Happy Life” highlights that good oral health is essential for: Overall physical health, Confidence and social interaction and Prevention of diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. The observance aims to encourage preventive care practices and reduce the global burden of oral diseases.
Q.10) World Sparrow Day is an initiative led by which organisation?
[a] WWF
[b] Nature Forever Society
[c] UNEP
[d] BirdLife International
View Answer
Answer: [b] Nature Forever Society
Explanation:
World Sparrow Day, observed on March 20, is led by the Nature Forever Society, founded by Mohammed Dilawar. The initiative aims to: Raise awareness about declining sparrow populations, Promote urban biodiversity conservation and Encourage simple actions like installing birdhouses and feeding stations. The 2026 theme “I LOVE SPARROWS” focuses on building a human nature connection and encouraging active conservation efforts.