Q.1) According to recent research, climate change could primarily impact global health by:
[a] Increasing food production
[b] Reducing physical activity levels
[c] Improving air quality
[d] Reducing healthcare costs
View Answer
Answer: [b] Reducing physical activity levels
Explanation:
The study published in The Lancet Global Health shows that rising global temperatures can discourage physical activity due to unsafe heat conditions. This could lead to higher rates of non-communicable diseases, premature deaths, and productivity losses. It also threatens the World Health Organization goal of reducing inactivity by 15% by 2030, as more people may be unable to meet recommended activity levels. Thus, climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a major public health challenge.
Q.2) Consider the following statements regarding the reforms approved in the 213th Board Meeting of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
- The minimum investment amount in Social Impact Funds (SIFs) has been reduced to ₹1,000.
- Net settlement for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in the cash market will be implemented by 2026.
- Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) are no longer allowed to retain liquidation proceeds after tenure.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[a] 1 and 2 only
[b] 2 and 3 only
[c] 1 and 3 only
[d] 1, 2 and 3
View Answer
Answer: [a] 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
SEBI’s 213th Board Meeting approved major reforms to enhance efficiency and participation. The minimum investment in Social Impact Funds (SIFs) was drastically reduced from ₹2 lakh to ₹1,000 to democratise social investments. Net settlement for FPIs in the cash market is planned by December 31, 2026, to improve liquidity. However, AIFs have been given flexibility to retain liquidation proceeds post-tenure for tax or litigation purposes, making statement 3 incorrect.
Q.3) With reference to the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, consider the following statements:
- The Bill seeks to retain the dominance of IPS officers on deputation in leadership positions of CAPFs.
- It aims to implement the Supreme Court’s directive to reduce IPS deputation in CAPFs.
- There was no comprehensive statutory framework earlier governing IPS deputation in CAPFs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[a] 1 and 3 only
[b] 2 and 3 only
[c] 1 and 2 only
[d] 1, 2 and 3
View Answer
Answer: [a] 1 and 3 only
Explanation:
The Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026 was introduced by the Centre to retain IPS officers’ dominance in leadership roles across CAPFs such as BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. This move effectively counters the Supreme Court of India directive (May 2025), which had ordered a gradual reduction in IPS deputation to DIG and IG posts to improve career progression for cadre officers. Earlier, IPS deputation was governed only by executive orders without a clear statutory framework, leading to ambiguity and litigation.
Q.4) Karnataka Grameena Bank received the National Award for Outstanding Performance (2024–25) for its contribution to which of the following initiatives?
[a] Priority Sector Lending
[b] Self-Help Group (SHG)–Bank Linkage
[c] Digital Payment Infrastructure
[d] Micro Insurance Expansion
View Answer
Answer: [b] Self-Help Group (SHG)–Bank Linkage
Explanation:
Karnataka Grameena Bank was awarded by the Union Ministry of Rural Development for its outstanding performance in promoting SHG–Bank linkage during 2024–25. The award was presented at the National Conference on Financial Literacy and Capacity Building along with the 25th Central Level Coordination Committee (CLCC) meeting held in Hyderabad. The SHG–Bank linkage programme is crucial for enhancing financial inclusion by providing access to credit and financial services, especially for rural and women-led groups, thereby supporting inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Q.5) Which of the following features are included in Gujarat’s Sugam Digital Initiative for digitising citizen services?
1. Aadhaar-based authentication
2. Integration with DigiLocker for document verification
3. Mandatory physical submission of documents for all services
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[a] 1 and 2 only
[b] 2 and 3 only
[c] 1 and 3 only
[d] 1, 2 and 3
View Answer
Answer: [a] 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
The Sugam Digital Initiative by the Government of Gujarat aims to promote faceless, paperless, and cashless governance by digitising 20 high-demand citizen services. Key features include Aadhaar-based authentication, DigiLocker integration, e-Sign facility, UPI-based payments via National Payments Corporation of India, and QR code-enabled certificates. The initiative eliminates the need for physical document submission, ensuring faster, transparent, and efficient service delivery.
Q.6) With reference to the proposed ‘Terafab’ project announced by Elon Musk, consider the following statements:
- It is a semiconductor manufacturing facility to be jointly operated by Tesla Inc. and SpaceX.
- The facility aims to produce one terawatt of computing power annually.
- It is proposed to be set up in Europe to cater to global chip demand.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[a] 1 and 2 only
[b] 2 and 3 only
[c] 1 and 3 only
[d] 1, 2 and 3
View Answer
Answer: [a] 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
The ‘Terafab’ project is a large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facility proposed near Austin, Texas, to be jointly operated by Tesla and SpaceX. It aims to produce up to one terawatt (one trillion watts) of computing power annually to meet the growing demand for AI hardware, automotive chips, and computing systems. The project is driven by the increasing internal demand of these companies, which is expected to exceed global chip supply. It is not planned in Europe, making statement 3 incorrect.
Q.7) The Musi River, recently seen in news due to its rejuvenation project, originates from which of the following?
[a] Confluence of Musa and Esi rivulets in Ananthagiri hills
[b] Western Ghats near Maharashtra
[c] Himalayas in Uttarakhand
[d] Satpura ranges in Madhya Pradesh
View Answer
Answer: [a] Confluence of Musa and Esi rivulets in Ananthagiri hills
Explanation:
The Musi River originates from the confluence of the Musa and Esi rivulets in the Ananthagiri hills of Vikarabad district in Telangana. It flows for about 260 km (including ~55 km through Hyderabad) before joining the Krishna River at Wadapally in Nalgonda district. The rejuvenation project aims to make the river perennial and develop riverfront infrastructure, though it raises concerns of displacement for people living along its banks.
Q.8) The Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species, recently constituted in India, has been set up by which of the following bodies?
[a] National Biodiversity Authority
[b] Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change
[c] National Green Tribunal
[d] NITI Aayog
View Answer
Answer: [a] National Biodiversity Authority
Explanation:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constituted the Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species following directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which took suo motu cognisance of the threats posed by such species. The committee has been formed under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (amended in 2023) and will function for two years. It is a multi-disciplinary body aimed at addressing ecological and socio-economic risks, including impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture, food security, and human and wildlife health, thereby strengthening India’s biodiversity conservation efforts.
Q.9) Which of the following energy sources is projected to contribute the highest installed capacity in India by 2035–36, as per the 20th Electric Power Survey midterm review by the Central Electricity Authority?
[a] Coal
[b] Wind
[c] Solar
[d] Hydro
View Answer
Answer: [c] Solar
Explanation:
The midterm review of the 20th Electric Power Survey projects India’s total installed capacity to reach 1,121 GW by 2035–36, with nearly 70% from non-fossil sources. Solar energy is expected to dominate with about 509 GW capacity, followed by coal (315 GW) and wind (155 GW), highlighting India’s strong shift towards renewable energy.
Q.10) The next edition of the Bharat Electricity Summit (BES) is scheduled to be held in which of the following locations?
[a] Mumbai
[b] Gandhinagar
[c] Hyderabad
[d] Bengaluru
View Answer
Answer: [b] Gandhinagar
Explanation:
The maiden edition of the Bharat Electricity Summit brought together policymakers, global experts, and industry leaders to discuss the future of the power sector and clean energy transition. The next edition of the summit will be held in 2028 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. During the summit, key reports were released by the Power Foundation of India, Central Electricity Authority, and Council on Energy Environment and Water, covering regulatory performance, ash utilisation, and sodium-ion battery ecosystem development.
Q.11) The Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–29, recently seen in news, is associated with bilateral relations between India and which country?
[a] France
[b] Italy
[c] Germany
[d] Spain
View Answer
Answer: [b] Italy
Explanation:
The 9th round of India–Italy Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) was held in New Delhi in March 2026, where both countries reviewed their bilateral ties under the Joint Strategic Action Plan (JSAP) 2025–29. The plan covers cooperation in areas such as trade and economy, technology, space, research and innovation, defence and security, counter-terrorism, renewable energy, education, and people-to-people ties. The consultations also followed high-level engagements between Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni, as well as between S. Jaishankar and Antonio Tajani.
Q.12) Kalpana Soren, recently seen in news, was conferred with the Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award at which event?
[a] G20 Women Leadership Summit 2026
[b] BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026
[c] SAARC Women Empowerment Conference 2026
[d] UN Women Global Summit 2026
View Answer
Answer: [b] BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026
Explanation:
Kalpana Soren, an MLA from Gandey constituency in Jharkhand, received the Women Empowerment Trailblazer Award at the 6th edition of the BRICS CCI WE Annual Women Summit and Felicitation 2026 held in New Delhi. The summit was organised by the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry Women Empowerment Vertical (BRICS CCI WE) from March 21–23, 2026. She was recognised for her contributions to women’s empowerment and socio-economic inclusion through community development initiatives.