Q.1) Germany recently announced a €20 million “New Large Grant” project for India under which initiative?
[a] Global Environment Facility (GEF)
[b] International Climate Initiative (IKI)
[c] Adaptation Fund
[d] Green Climate Fund (GCF)
View Answer
Answer: [b] International Climate Initiative (IKI)
Explanation:
Germany has announced a €20 million New Large Grant project for India under the International Climate Initiative (IKI). The initiative aims to strengthen climate resilience in several high-risk ecosystems across India. The project focuses on vulnerable ecological regions such as the Himalayas, island ecosystems, Western Ghats, North-East India, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains, which face increasing climate risks including biodiversity loss, floods, and environmental degradation. The project will promote Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approaches to climate change. These include forest restoration, strengthening biodiversity corridors, flood and erosion control measures, groundwater recharge, and community-led natural resource management. By using nature-based solutions, the initiative aims to improve ecosystem resilience while supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Q.2) The Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), recently tested by India, belongs to which category of weapon system?
[a] Surface-to-surface missile
[b] Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS)
[c] Anti-tank guided missile
[d] Ballistic missile defence system
View Answer
Answer: [b] Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS)
Explanation:
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three successive flight trials of the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Integrated Test Range Chandipur (ITR) located off the coast of Odisha. The trials were carried out to revalidate the missile system’s capability to neutralise high-speed aerial threats under different operational conditions such as varying speed, altitude, and engagement ranges. During the trials, the missile successfully intercepted and destroyed high-speed aerial targets, which simulated enemy aircraft in diverse threat scenarios. The engagements were conducted across extreme operational parameters, demonstrating the reliability and effectiveness of the system in battlefield conditions.
Q.3) The indigenously developed 30 kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based Integrated Drive System (IDS) launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is primarily designed for which sector?
[a] Solar power generation
[b] Electric vehicle powertrain systems
[c] Aerospace propulsion systems
[d] Smart grid management
View Answer
Answer: [b] Electric vehicle powertrain systems
Explanation:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched an indigenously developed 30 kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based Integrated Drive System (IDS) for electric vehicle (EV) applications in Chennai. The system has been developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Lucas TVS. The project was implemented under the National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET). The technology is designed specifically for electric vehicle powertrain applications, integrating power electronics components into a compact and efficient drive system. The use of Wide Band Gap (WBG) semiconductor technology enhances energy efficiency, improves thermal performance, and supports higher power density compared to conventional semiconductor technologies.
Q.4) Yuva Sangam – Phase VI, recently launched by the Government of India, is implemented under which national initiative?
[a] Digital India Mission
[b] Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)
[c] National Education Policy Mission
[d] Skill India Programme
View Answer
Answer: [b] Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)
Explanation:
The Ministry of Education has launched the online registration portal for Yuva Sangam – Phase VI under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative. Yuva Sangam is a flagship Youth Exchange Programme implemented by the Department of Higher Education to promote national integration and strengthen emotional bonds among youth from different States and Union Territories of India. The programme facilitates structured exposure visits between paired States and UTs, allowing participants to experience the culture, traditions, language, development models, and educational ecosystems of other regions. Through these exchanges, the initiative promotes the spirit of “Unity in Diversity” and encourages experiential learning among young citizens.
Q.5) The Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), which recently celebrated its 70th Foundation Day, functions under which ministry?
[a] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[b] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[c] Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
[d] Ministry of Food Processing Industries
View Answer
Answer: [c] Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Explanation:
The Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution, recently celebrated its 70th Foundation Day. During the event, the corporation presented its performance overview for FY 2024–25, highlighting strong financial growth. CWC recorded its highest-ever turnover of ₹2,776.88 crore and a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of ₹711.60 crore. This marked a significant increase compared to FY 2023–24, when the corporation reported a turnover of ₹2,303.81 crore and a PBT of ₹590.36 crore. In recognition of its strong financial performance, the corporation proposed and paid a dividend of ₹160.10 crore for the year.
Q.6) India and Canada have recently launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with a target to increase bilateral trade to what level by 2030?
[a] USD 25 billion
[b] USD 40 billion
[c] USD 50 billion
[d] USD 75 billion
View Answer
Answer: [c] USD 50 billion
Explanation:
India and Canada have formally launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in New Delhi. The Terms of Reference (ToR) guiding the negotiations were signed during the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to India. The CEPA aims to deepen economic cooperation between the two countries by expanding trade, investment flows, and economic collaboration across sectors. Both nations have set an ambitious goal to increase bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. The negotiations build upon earlier diplomatic engagements between the two leaders during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 Summit held in Kananaskis, Canada, in October 2025.
Q.7) During the 2026 visit of Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney to India, the Terms of Reference (ToR) were signed for negotiations on which agreement?
[a] Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)
[b] Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
[c] Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
[d] Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
Explanation:
During the official visit of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to India from 27 February to 2 March 2026, several important agreements and strategic outcomes were announced to strengthen bilateral relations. The visit was significant as it marked the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to India since 2018. India and Canada had earlier upgraded their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2018, and the visit aimed to reset and deepen cooperation across economic and technological sectors. One of the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) to begin negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The proposed agreement aims to significantly expand economic engagement between the two countries, with a target to increase bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2030.
Q.8) The recent study challenging the traditional “sigma cycle” model of bacterial gene regulation was conducted by scientists from which Indian institute?
[a] Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
[b] Bose Institute
[c] National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS)
[d] Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Bose Institute
Explanation:
A new scientific study has challenged the long-standing “sigma (σ) cycle” model of bacterial gene regulation, which has been widely described in biology textbooks for nearly five decades. The research was conducted by scientists from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with Rutgers University. The findings were published in the prestigious scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The study provides new insights into how bacteria regulate gene expression, potentially revising long-accepted biological concepts. For decades, the traditional sigma cycle model explained bacterial gene activation by stating that sigma factors bind with RNA polymerase to initiate transcription, the process through which genetic information in DNA is copied into RNA. The new research challenges aspects of this mechanism and suggests that bacterial gene regulation may be more complex than previously believed.
Q.9) What was the growth rate of India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in January 2026?
[a] 3.2%
[b] 4.8%
[c] 6.5%
[d] 7.8%
View Answer
Answer: [b] 4.8%
Explanation:
Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a growth rate of 4.8% in January 2026, indicating a moderation in industrial growth compared to the 7.8% growth recorded in December 2025 (Quick Estimate). The IIP index level for January 2026 stood at 169.4, compared to 161.6 in January 2025, reflecting overall expansion in industrial output year-on-year. The IIP Quick Estimate is released every month on the 28th (or the next working day) and is compiled based on production data collected from factories and industrial establishments across the country. These estimates are provisional and may be revised later according to the official revision policy as more comprehensive data becomes available. The index serves as a key indicator of the performance of India’s industrial sector, helping policymakers, economists, and investors assess the pace of industrial growth and economic activity.
Q.10) The ASMITA Athletics League, organised across India to promote women’s participation in sports, is conducted under which government mission?
[a] Fit India Mission
[b] Khelo India Mission
[c] National Youth Policy
[d] Target Olympic Podium Scheme
View Answer
Answer: [b] Khelo India Mission
Explanation:
The ASMITA Athletics League is a nationwide sports initiative organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Khelo India Mission. The league is being conducted at around 250 locations across the country to mark International Women’s Day. The programme forms part of the ASMITA initiative (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action), which aims to increase participation of women in competitive sports and identify grassroots talent across India. The ASMITA Athletics League is implemented through a collaborative ecosystem involving government sports institutions and local sports bodies. These include MY Bharat, Khelo India Centres (KICs), the Sports Authority of India (SAI) ecosystem and National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), along with State and District Sports Associations and District Youth Officers (DYOs).
Q.11) NITI Aayog recently signed a Record of Discussions (RoD) with which organisation for the project “Promotion of the Program for Japan–India Cooperative Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals – Phase II”?
[a] Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
[b] Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
[c] Asian Development Bank (ADB)
[d] Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Explanation:
The NITI Aayog and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Record of Discussions (RoD) for the project titled “Promotion of the Program for Japan–India Cooperative Actions Towards Sustainable Development Goals – Phase II.” The agreement aims to strengthen India–Japan development cooperation and accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative focuses on improving policy frameworks, institutional capacity, and implementation mechanisms to achieve better development outcomes in priority regions of India. A key focus of the project is to support flagship development initiatives such as the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
Q.12) The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) signed an MoU with which foreign university to strengthen collaboration in food sciences and agrifood innovation?
[a] University of Toronto
[b] University of Saskatchewan
[c] McGill University
[d] University of British Columbia
View Answer
Answer: [b] University of Saskatchewan
Explanation:
The National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management Kundli (NIFTEM-K) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Saskatchewan, located in Saskatoon, Canada, to enhance cooperation in food science, food technology, and agrifood innovation. NIFTEM-K is an Institute of National Importance functioning under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). The collaboration aims to promote joint research, academic exchange, capacity building, and innovation in food processing technologies. The agreement holds particular importance because it follows the announcement of establishing a Centre of Excellence in Pulse Protein, a major initiative under India–Canada collaboration. Under this initiative, NIFTEM-K will serve as the Indian lead institution, while the University of Saskatchewan will act as the Canadian lead institution.
Q.13) World Wildlife Day is observed every year on which date to raise awareness about wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection?
[a] 2 March
[b] 3 March
[c] 5 June
[d] 22 April
View Answer
Answer: [b] 3 March
Explanation:
World Wildlife Day is observed every year on 3 March to raise awareness about the conservation of wild animals, plants, and biodiversity across the globe. The observance highlights the ecological, economic, and cultural importance of wildlife and emphasises the need for sustainable management of natural resources for the well-being of both nature and humanity. The date 3 March was chosen to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. CITES is an international treaty that regulates the global trade of wildlife and wildlife products to ensure that such trade does not threaten the survival of species in the wild. The theme for World Wildlife Day 2026 is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
Q.14) The Indian Navy recently signed a contract with which shipyard for the construction of four 500-tonne Self-Propelled Fuel Barges?
[a] Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd
[b] Cochin Shipyard Limited
[c] Shoft Shipyard Private Limited
[d] Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
View Answer
Answer: [c] Shoft Shipyard Private Limited
Explanation:
The Indian Navy signed a contract with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, an MSME shipyard located in Thane, Maharashtra, for the construction of four 500-tonne Self-Propelled Fuel Barges. This project aims to strengthen the Navy’s logistics support infrastructure and improve operational efficiency within harbour and anchorage areas. The barges will be built in accordance with the classification standards of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS). These specialised vessels will play an important role in supplying fuel to naval ships and submarines, enabling smoother harbour logistics and supporting sustained naval operations. By improving the refuelling capabilities of naval units stationed in ports and anchorages, the project will enhance the operational endurance and logistical readiness of the Indian Navy’s fleet
Q.15) The Ministry of Defence recently signed a contract with which organisation for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard?
[a] Bharat Electronics Limited
[b] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
[c] Bharat Dynamics Limited
[d] Larsen & Toubro
View Answer
Answer: [b] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Explanation:
The Ministry of Defence signed defence contracts worth ₹5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missile systems for the Indian Navy. These procurements aim to enhance India’s maritime surveillance capabilities, air defence strength, and indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. The contract for the ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), headquartered in Bengaluru. These helicopters are designed specifically for maritime operations and will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard in areas such as search and rescue, maritime surveillance, coastal security, and logistics support.