Q.1) The recently discovered fossil bed at Panaiyur in Tamil Nadu belongs to which geological period?
[a] Jurassic
[b] Cretaceous
[c] Pleistocene
[d] Holocene
View Answer
Answer: [d] Holocene
Explanation:
The fossil bed came into focus after its discovery at Panaiyur (Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu) and subsequent survey by the Zoological Survey of India. Dating to the middle-to-late Holocene (8,000–12,000 years ago), it enriches India’s Quaternary fossil record and provides insights into past coastal environments, climate change, and biodiversity patterns.
Q.2) Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), whose supply was disrupted due to ongoing conflict in West Asia, are primarily used for which of the following purposes?
[a] Generating electricity
[b] Connecting and supporting electronic components
[c] Storing digital data
[d] Cooling electronic devices
View Answer
Answer: [b] Connecting and supporting electronic components
Explanation:
PCBs came into focus due to disruptions in global supply chains affecting electronics manufacturing. They form the backbone of electronic devices by providing copper pathways to connect components like chips and circuits. Used in smartphones, computers, and AI servers, PCBs rely on materials such as copper foil, epoxy resins, and glass fiber for functionality and durability.
Q.3) The Petersberg Climate Dialogue 2026, held in Berlin Germany was launched following which major international climate conference?
[a] Kyoto Protocol Conference
[b] Paris Climate Conference (COP21)
[c] Copenhagen Climate Conference (COP15)
[d] Glasgow Climate Conference (COP26)
View Answer
Answer: [c] Copenhagen Climate Conference (COP15)
Explanation:
The Petersberg Climate Dialogue is an informal high-level forum convened annually by Germany since 2010. It was launched after the Copenhagen Climate Conference (COP15) to maintain political momentum and facilitate discussions ahead of formal UNFCCC negotiations. The 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue,(2026) the first major climate ministerial ahead of COP31 UNFCCC was held in in Berlin, Germany.
Q.4) Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development has been established at which institution?
[a] IIT Delhi
[b] Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
[c] Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
[d] IGNOU, New Delhi
View Answer
Answer: [b] Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
Explanation:
The UNESCO Chair was established at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University to promote gender inclusion in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Supported by UNESCO and key ministries, it aims to enhance women’s participation in emerging sectors and build an inclusive, skill-driven workforce.
Q.5) Sikkim became a part of the Indian Union as a full-fledged state in which year?
[a] 1947
[b] 1950
[c] 1975
[d] 1987
View Answer
Answer: [c] 1975
Explanation:
Sikkim’s statehood came into focus during its 50th Statehood celebrations. The former Himalayan kingdom, established under Phuntsong Namgyal, became the 22nd state of India in 1975 after a referendum, marking its transition from a monarchy to a democratic state within the Indian Union.
Q.6) The multilateral military exercise ‘Pragati’, recently in news, is scheduled to be held at which location?
[a] Leh, Ladakh
[b] Umroi, Meghalaya
[c] Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
[d] Pune, Maharashtra
View Answer
Answer: [b] Umroi, Meghalaya
Explanation:
The inaugural ‘Pragati’ exercise will be hosted by the Indian Army at Umroi in Meghalaya. It brings together 11 countries from the Indian Ocean Region to enhance interoperability, strengthen defence cooperation, and promote regional peace and stability under a new multilateral platform.
Q.7) Leaf Spot Disease (LSD) in arecanut, recently in news, is primarily caused by which of the following?
[a] Virus
[b] Fungi
[c] Nematodes
[d] Insects
View Answer
Answer: [b] Fungi
Explanation:
Leaf Spot Disease in arecanut is mainly caused by fungal pathogens (occasionally bacteria). It spreads through wind, rain splash, and irrigation water, especially under high humidity and prolonged leaf wetness. The disease produces yellow-to-black spots on leaves, disrupts photosynthesis, and can significantly reduce crop yield if not managed properly.
Q.8) The prehistoric rock paintings recently discovered at Vellarikkombai are located in which district of Tamil Nadu?
[a] Madurai
[b] Coimbatore
[c] Nilgiris
[d] Salem
View Answer
Answer: [c] Nilgiris
Explanation:
The rock paintings were discovered at Vellarikkombai village in the Nilgiris district during a survey by Yaakkai Trust. Located near Kotagiri, the site features red ochre paintings depicting human and anthropomorphic figures, adding to the region’s rich prehistoric rock art heritage alongside sites like Eluthuparai and Tholikkiparai.
Q.9) The Piprahwa relics of Lord Buddha, brought to Leh for 2569th Buddha Purnima, are originally preserved at which institution?
[a] Indian Museum, Kolkata
[b] National Museum, New Delhi
[c] Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad
[d] Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai
View Answer
Answer: [b] National Museum, New Delhi
Explanation:
The sacred Piprahwa relics were brought to Leh for the Tathagata Holy Relics Exposition. They are originally preserved at the National Museum and were transported by the Indian Air Force. The event marked the 2569th Buddha Purnima, with exhibitions also planned in Kargil and Zanskar.
Q.10) Under the PaRRVA framework operationalised by Securities and Exchange Board of India, which institution has been designated as the verification agency?
[a] CRISIL
[b] CARE Ratings Limited
[c] ICRA Limited
[d] India Ratings and Research
View Answer
Answer: [b] CARE Ratings Limited
Explanation:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has operationalised the PaRRVA framework to verify past risk-return claims made by financial entities. Under this system, CARE Ratings Limited acts as the verification agency, while National Stock Exchange of India Limited functions as the PaRRVA Data Centre (PDC), ensuring transparency and reliable investor information.