1. Which of the following is true about the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III?
1. It is the highest civilian award of Cyprus.
2. It was awarded to PM Modi in 2025.
3. It was previously conferred on Mahatma Gandhi.
4. It symbolizes Cyprus’ highest military recognition.
Choose the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 4
D) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: A
Explanation:
- The Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III is Cyprus’s highest civilian award.
- PM Modi received it on June 16, 2025, during his Cyprus visit.
- It has not been awarded to Mahatma Gandhi.
- It is not a military recognition.
2. What makes India’s 2027 Census historically significant?
A) It will be fully paper-based.
B) It excludes caste enumeration.
C) It is India’s first digital and caste-inclusive census since 1931.
D) It merges with the Lok Sabha delimitation process directly.
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
- India last recorded caste data in 1931 (except for SC/ST).
- 2027 census will allow digital self-enumeration and will be the first caste-based count in over 90 years.
- It’s not paper-based or linked directly to Lok Sabha seats yet (that’s for post-census delimitation).
3. The Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS), recently in news, is meant to:
A) Offer insurance to exporters.
B) Compensate farmers when MSP is not achieved in markets.
C) Provide emergency aid for disaster-hit farmers.
D) Promote organic farming practices.
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- Under PDPS, farmers get direct compensation when market price < MSP.
- Part of market intervention schemes, it’s not for disaster or insurance or organic farming.
4. Which statement is NOT correct about the “Punjab Udyog Kranti”?
A) It uses a deemed approval mechanism for industrial clearances.
B) It is implemented via the FastTrack Punjab Portal.
C) It removes all environmental regulations for industry.
D) It includes a one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for dues.
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
- The scheme includes FastTrack approvals, deemed clearances, and OTS for dues.
- It does NOT bypass environmental regulations, only expedites them within timelines.
5. Who has been appointed the first female Chief of MI6 (UK intelligence agency)?
A) Theresa May
B) Elizabeth Denholm
C) Blaise Metreweli
D) Victoria Atkins
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
- Appointed in June 2025, effective October 1.
- She was earlier Director of Innovation (“Q” unit).
- Historic as MI6 had no female chiefs before.
6. What is the significance of Vietnam joining BRICS as a ‘Partner Country’?
1. Vietnam will have full voting rights in BRICS.
2. It enables Vietnam to attend BRICS summits and dialogues.
3. It reflects BRICS’ shift to include Global South economies.
4. It automatically grants Vietnam access to the UN Security Council.
Choose the correct answer:
A) 1, 2, and 3
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 4 only
D) 3 and 4 only
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- Vietnam joins as a Partner Country, not a full member.
- It can attend dialogues & summits but has no voting rights.
- Reflects BRICS’s strategy to engage Global South nations.
7. What is the role of India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB)?
1. Conduct “no-blame” aviation accident investigations.
2. Maintain and analyze CVR/FDR data.
3. Regulate airline licenses.
4. Coordinate with international agencies under ICAO Annex 13.
Choose the correct answer:
A) 1, 2 and 3
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 4
D) All of the above
✅ Answer: C
Explanation:
- AAIB conducts no-blame crash investigations.
- Uses CVR/FDR labs, works under ICAO Annex 13.
- DGCA, not AAIB, regulates airline licences.
8. What is the purpose of the BioE3 Policy launched in 2024?
A) Regulate mining and heavy industries
B) Promote eco-friendly biomanufacturing and AI-driven biotech innovation
C) Replace traditional agriculture with lab-based farming
D) Nationalize biotechnology companies
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- BioE3 is for green growth, circular bioeconomy, AI-biotech integration.
- Does not regulate mining or nationalize biotech.
9. Which of the following areas are covered under the BioE3 Policy’s six thematic verticals?
1. Biochemicals
2. Smart proteins
3. Climate-resilient agriculture
4. Marine & space biotech
Choose the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) All of the above
✅ Answer: D
Explanation:
- It includes:
- Bio-chemicals
- Smart proteins
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Marine & space biotech
10. Which of the following digital features are part of the 2027 Census?
1. Real-time monitoring and error detection
2. GPS/geotagging
3. Manual data entry on paper
4. Self-enumeration through mobile apps
Choose the correct answer:
A) 1 and 4 only
B) 1, 2, and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) All of the above
✅ Answer: B
Explanation:
- Includes real-time monitoring, GPS/geotagging, self-enumeration apps.
- Manual paper forms are being phased out in favor of digital tools.
