Q.1) Which of the following sectors are included in the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI)?
- Coal
- Steel
- Electricity
- Banking
Select the correct answer:
[a] 1 and 2 only
[b] 1, 2 and 3 only
[c] 2 and 4 only
[d] 1, 2, 3 and 4
View Answer
Answer: [b] 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) tracks output in eight infrastructure sectors, including:Coal, Fertilizers, Electricity, Cement, Steel, Natural gas, Crude oil, Refinery products. Banking is not part of ICI, as it is a service sector. ICI is crucial because these industries provide core inputs for industrial production, making it an important indicator of economic activity.
Q.2) PRARAMBH 2026 campaign is primarily related to:
[a] GST reforms
[b] Income Tax awareness
[c] Banking sector reforms
[d] Digital payments
View Answer
Answer: [b] Income Tax awareness
Explanation
PRARAMBH 2026 is an awareness campaign launched to familiarise citizens with the Income Tax Act, 2025. Key features include: Simplified tax structure and compliance rules, Launch of Income Tax Website 2.0 for better user experience, Introduction of Kar Saathi (AI chatbot) for real-time support. The initiative aims to make taxation more transparent, accessible, and user-friendly, encouraging voluntary compliance.
Q.3) The National Dental Commission (NDC) replaced which organisation?
[a] Medical Council of India
[b] National Medical Commission
[c] Dental Council of India
[d] AIIMS
View Answer
Answer: [c] Dental Council of India
Explanation:
With the implementation of the NDC Act, 2026, the Dental Council of India has been dissolved and replaced by the National Dental Commission (NDC). The reform aims to: Enhance quality of dental education, Ensure global standardisation, Introduce specialised regulatory boards. The NDC’s structure ensures better regulation, assessment, and transparency in dental education and practice.
Q.4) Under the MCGS-MSME scheme, what percentage of loan guarantee is provided?
[a] 40%
[b] 50%
[c] 60%
[d] 75%
View Answer
Answer: [c] 60%
Explanation:
Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) is designed to ease access to credit by reducing the risk faced by lenders. Under the scheme, the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company provides a 60% guarantee cover on loans, which encourages banks and financial institutions to lend more freely to MSMEs without demanding high collateral. With the recent modifications, the scheme now supports loans up to ₹100 crore for investment in plant, machinery, and equipment, particularly benefiting manufacturing and export-oriented MSMEs.
Q.5) CGSMFI 2.0 primarily aims to provide guarantee cover to:
[a] Individual borrowers
[b] NBFC-MFIs and MFIs through banks
[c] State governments
[d] Large corporate firms
View Answer
Answer: [b] NBFC-MFIs and MFIs through banks
Explanation:
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions 2.0 (CGSMFI 2.0) provides a risk cover to banks and financial institutions lending to microfinance institutions (MFIs). Through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company, the government guarantees a portion of potential losses, encouraging banks to continue lending despite sectoral stress. This ensures that NBFC-MFIs and MFIs can access funds, which they further lend to small and vulnerable borrowers at the grassroots level. The scheme strengthens financial inclusion and supports livelihoods at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
Q.6) INS Taragiri (F41) belongs to which project/class?
[a] Project 15B
[b] Project 17A
[c] Project 75
[d] Project 28
View Answer
Answer: [b] Project 17A
Explanation:
INS Taragiri (F41) is part of the Project 17A stealth frigate programme, an advanced class of warships designed to enhance the Indian Navy’s combat and surveillance capabilities. It is built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and euipped with stealth features for reduced radar visibility. It uses CODOG (Combined Diesel or Gas) propulsion for operational flexibility. The project supports indigenous defence manufacturing, involving extensive participation from Indian industries.
Q.7) The RELIEF Scheme is implemented by which organisation?
[a] RBI
[b] ECGC
[c] SEBI
[d] EXIM Bank
View Answer
Answer: [b] ECGC
Explanation:
The RELIEF Scheme is implemented by the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC), a government-owned body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It provides risk coverage for export consignments, supports against rising freight and insurance costs and protection to exporters, especially MSMEs, during geopolitical disruptions. By reducing uncertainties in global trade, the scheme helps maintain export stability and competitiveness.
Q.8) The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as which of the following?
[a] Climate Monitoring Authority
[b] Environment Audit Designated Agency
[c] Pollution Control Authority
[d] Carbon Trading Regulator
View Answer
Answer: [b] Environment Audit Designated Agency
Explanation:
Under the Environment Audit Rules, 2025, the National Productivity Council has been designated as the Environment Audit Designated Agency (EADA). It is responsible for managing the environmental audit system, certifying and registering auditors (CEA & REA) and ensuring compliance and performance monitoring. This institutional mechanism enhances transparency, standardisation, and efficiency in environmental auditing across industries.
Q.9) The ₹200-crore Banana Cluster Project in Jalgaon is primarily aimed at:
[a] Increasing foodgrain production
[b] Strengthening horticulture value chain and exports
[c] Promoting dairy farming
[d] Expanding irrigation facilities
View Answer
Answer: [b] Strengthening horticulture value chain and exports
Explanation:
The Banana Cluster Project in Jalgaon focuses on improving the entire horticulture ecosystem, from production to export. Key aspects include: Infrastructure like cold storage, ripening chambers, and logistics, Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Financial support through Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. This integrated approach helps reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality, and boost export competitiveness and farmer income.
Q.10) Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma set a Guinness World Record for climbing which of the following?
[a] Seven Highest Peaks
[b] Seven Volcanic Summits
[c] Seven Continents
[d] Seven Desert Expeditions
View Answer
Answer: [b] Seven Volcanic Summits
Explanation:
Bhupathiraju Anmish Varma achieved the record by climbing the Seven Volcanic Summits, which are the highest volcanoes on each continent. Completing this challenge in just 92 days required overcoming extreme weather, difficult terrains, and logistical challenges, making it a remarkable global achievement. The expedition included peaks such as: Mount Elbrus (Russia), Kilimanjaro (Tanzania), Mount Damavand (Iran), Mount Sidley (Antarctica) etc.
Q.11) Which state is the leading textile exporter in India as per FY 2024–25 data?
[a] Gujarat
[b] Maharashtra
[c] Tamil Nadu
[d] Karnataka
View Answer
Answer: [c] Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Tamil Nadu leads India’s textile exports with nearly USD 8 billion in FY 2024–25, contributing over one-fifth of total exports. The growth is driven by: Strong textile manufacturing base, Efficient supply chains and infrastructure and Export-oriented industrial policies. Other major contributors include Gujarat and Maharashtra, but Tamil Nadu remains the top performer.
Q.12) The India–Vietnam agreement on tribal and ethnic development is aligned with which policy?
[a] Look West Policy
[b] Act East Policy
[c] Neighbourhood First Policy
[d] SAGAR Doctrine
View Answer
Answer: [b] Act East Policy
Explanation:
The cooperation between India and Vietnam on tribal development aligns with India’s Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries. The agreement focuses on: Sustainable development practices, Healthcare and livelihood improvement, Cultural heritage preservation. It is significant as it marks the first ministerial-level engagement dedicated to tribal and ethnic issues, reflecting growing importance of inclusive development and cultural cooperation.