1. Which technology is NOT a component of the recently piloted mobile-based e-voting system?
A. Blockchain-enabled data storage
B. Aadhaar-linked facial recognition
C. OTP-based two-step authentication
D. Fingerprint biometric verification
Answer: D
Explanation: The pilot system uses blockchain, facial recognition, and OTP verification but not fingerprint biometrics.
2. The US recently targeted which Iranian asset in airstrikes that led to regional retaliation?
A. Civilian airports
B. Oil shipping terminals
C. Nuclear infrastructure
D. Border military outposts
Answer: C
Explanation: The US targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, prompting a missile response toward US bases.
3. According to WMO (2024), how does Asia’s warming rate compare to the global average?
A. Slightly below global average
B. Equal to global average
C. 1.5 times faster
D. Nearly twice as fast
Answer: D
Explanation: Asia is warming at nearly twice the global average, causing significant climate concerns.
4. Which sector demonstrated resilience during India’s GDP slowdown in 2024–25?
A. Services
B. Manufacturing
C. Construction
D. Agriculture
Answer: D
Explanation: Despite a GDP slowdown, agriculture remained stable while other sectors weakened.
5. As per the Supreme Court’s order on the Forest Rights Act, when can eviction from forest lands occur?
A. On the recommendation of the State Forest Department
B. After claims are rejected through due process by District Committees
C. Based on the discretionary power of the Collector
D. If the land is needed for infrastructure projects
Answer: B
Explanation: The SC emphasized that eviction must follow due legal rejection of claims by Forest Rights Committees.
6. Why was Hisar significant in the IMD’s recent heat tracker update?
A. First city to receive pre-monsoon rainfall
B. Lowest temperature recorded in Haryana
C. Highest day and night temperatures recorded
D. First to implement heatwave early warning system
Answer: C
Explanation: Hisar recorded both highest daytime and night-time temperatures, underscoring extreme heat conditions.
7. How many medals did India win at the 2025 Archery Asia Cup Stage 2 in Singapore?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 9
D. 11
Answer: C
Explanation: India topped the medal tally with 9 medals, demonstrating archery excellence.
8. What is the key concern raised in the editorial “Inflation Falls but Not Unemployment”?
A. Rising inflation and rising unemployment
B. Falling inflation but stagnant or rising unemployment
C. Rural inflation disproportionately high
D. Deflation leading to job losses
Answer: B
Explanation: The editorial critiques jobless growth and stresses that low inflation hasn’t reduced unemployment.
9. The NAVYA initiative, launched in June 2025, is initially implemented in how many districts?
A. 15
B. 19
C. 27
D. 33
Answer: C
Explanation: The pilot targets 27 districts across 19 states, with a focus on vocational training for girls.
10. What is the primary benefit of mobile-based e-voting from an electoral reform perspective?
A. Ensures faster counting
B. Reduces ballot paper wastage
C. Increases voter access, especially for migrants
D. Allows only real-time voting
Answer: C
Explanation: The system aims to improve accessibility, especially for urban migrants and remote voters.
11. Which glacial region is most affected by mass loss due to warming in Asia?
A. Arctic Basin
B. Alps
C. Tibetan Plateau and Himalayas
D.Andes
Answer: C
Explanation: The Himalayan and Tibetan glaciers are experiencing severe melting due to rapid warming.
12. Why is the Strait of Hormuz considered crucial to global security?
A. Most submarine cables pass through it
B. It connects Indian and Pacific Oceans
C. Major US naval bases are located there
D. A large portion of global oil is shipped through it
Answer: D
Explanation: The Strait handles ~20% of global oil shipments, making it strategically vital during conflicts.
13. What was the Supreme Court’s key message in its recent Forest Rights Act judgement?
A. Eviction of tribal claimants should be immediate
B. Forest development should override tribal rights
C. Balance between tribal livelihood and forest conservation
D. Forest land must not be distributed under any circumstance
Answer: C
Explanation: The court emphasized a balanced approach—protecting both environment and tribal rights
14. Which policy response was advocated to address jobless growth in India?
A. Shift to agricultural subsidies
B. Increase repo rate to manage inflation
C. Invest in MSMEs and public infrastructure
D. Promote self-employment only in urban areas
Answer: C
Explanation: The editorial recommends investment in MSMEs and job-intensive sectors to reduce unemployment.
15. Which schemes have played a key role in India’s performance in recent archery events?
A. Ayushman Bharat & Digital India
B. Khelo India & Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
C. National Sports Talent Search & Mid-Day Meal
D. Smart Cities & Digital Governance
Answer: B
Explanation: Khelo India and TOPS fund talent scouting, training, and international exposure for sportspersons.
