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190 questions · page 4 of 7
- Economy & Banking27 Apr 2026
How does the Fund of Funds for Startups deploy capital to Indian startups?
- A.Direct equity investment by SIDBI in startups
- B.Through SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that invest in startups
- C.Through scheduled commercial banks under priority-sector lending
- D.Through NABARD's rural-development refinance window
Show solution
Answer: B. Through SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) that invest in startups
SIFoF operates as a 'fund of funds' — it does not invest directly in startups. Instead, it invests in SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (primarily Category I and Category II AIFs), which in turn invest in DPIIT-recognised startups. This routes public capital through regulated private intermediaries, leveraging private capital alongside the public corpus.
Read source story → - Uncategorized27 Apr 2026
The 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards (2026) honoured which two Hindustani classical vocalists?
- A.Pandit Jasraj and M.S. Subbulakshmi
- B.Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit
- C.Bhimsen Joshi and Kishori Amonkar
- D.Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle
Show solution
Answer: B. Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit
The 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards honoured Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit, both Hindustani classical vocalists. Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit is associated with the Gwalior gharana, one of the oldest gharanas of Hindustani vocal music.
Read source story → - Economy & Banking27 Apr 2026
When was National Space Day declared in India, and which mission's success does it commemorate?
- A.12 March, commemorating Mangalyaan 2014
- B.23 August, commemorating Chandrayaan-3 lunar south-pole landing in 2023
- C.15 August, commemorating ISRO formation in 1969
- D.5 November, commemorating Aryabhata 1975
Show solution
Answer: B. 23 August, commemorating Chandrayaan-3 lunar south-pole landing in 2023
National Space Day is observed on 23 August. It was declared by the Government of India in 2023 to commemorate Chandrayaan-3's successful soft landing on the lunar south pole at Shiv Shakti Point on 23 August 2023 — the first soft landing in that region globally. Aditya-L1, India's first solar observatory at the Sun-Earth L1 Lagrangian point, was launched in September 2023.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), what is the maximum permissible breadth of a coastal state's territorial sea, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and contiguous zone respectively, measured from the baseline?
- A.6 NM, 100 NM, 12 NM
- B.12 NM, 200 NM, 24 NM
- C.24 NM, 250 NM, 12 NM
- D.12 NM, 100 NM, 50 NM
Show solution
Answer: B. 12 NM, 200 NM, 24 NM
Under UNCLOS, the TERRITORIAL SEA may extend up to 12 nautical miles (NM) from the baseline (full coastal-state sovereignty subject to innocent passage); the CONTIGUOUS ZONE may extend up to 24 NM (limited enforcement jurisdiction for customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitation matters); the EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE (EEZ) may extend up to 200 NM (sovereign rights over natural resources). The CONTINENTAL SHELF may extend up to 200 NM or natural prolongation up to 350 NM. 1 NM = 1.852 km.
Read source story → - Economy & Banking27 Apr 2026
Which startup launched India's first privately-built rocket — Vikram-S — under Mission Prarambh in 2022?
- A.Agnikul Cosmos
- B.Skyroot Aerospace
- C.Pixxel
- D.Bellatrix Aerospace
Show solution
Answer: B. Skyroot Aerospace
Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space-tech startup founded in 2018, launched Vikram-S under Mission Prarambh on 18 November 2022 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC SHAR) Sriharikota. Vikram-S was India's first privately-built rocket and a single-stage solid-fuelled sub-orbital rocket named after Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Agnikul Cosmos (Chennai-based) launched Agnibaan SOrTeD in May 2024.
Read source story → - Economy & Banking27 Apr 2026
Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in India can be registered under which legal frameworks?
- A.Only Companies Act 2013
- B.Only Co-operative Societies Act
- C.Either Companies Act 2013 (Producer Company provisions) or State Co-operative Societies Act
- D.Only Societies Registration Act 1860
Show solution
Answer: C. Either Companies Act 2013 (Producer Company provisions) or State Co-operative Societies Act
FPOs can be registered either under the Companies Act 2013 (specifically Part IXA / Sections 581A-581ZT covering Producer Companies — provisions originally inserted in Companies Act 1956 by 2002 Amendment based on Y.K. Alagh Committee recommendations) OR under the Co-operative Societies Act of the concerned state. They can also take other legal forms providing for sharing of profits/benefits among members.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The Philippines is a founding member of ASEAN — established when, with which other founding members?
- A.1961 with Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei
- B.1967 with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
- C.1971 with Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
- D.1975 with Singapore, Brunei, Thailand
Show solution
Answer: B. 1967 with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
ASEAN was founded on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok with five founding members: INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, and THAILAND. ASEAN currently has 10 members (Brunei joined 1984; Vietnam 1995; Laos 1997; Myanmar 1997; Cambodia 1999). HQ is in Jakarta, Indonesia. Timor-Leste's accession is in process.
Read source story → - Science & Tech27 Apr 2026
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) — apex body for agricultural research in India — was established in which year?
- A.1857
- B.1929
- C.1947
- D.1972
Show solution
Answer: B. 1929
ICAR was established in 1929 (initially as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research). It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture in India, headquartered in New Delhi. It functions under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare.
Read source story → - Science & Tech27 Apr 2026
The Per Drop More Crop component, which complements precision-agriculture approaches, is part of which Indian scheme?
- A.MGNREGA
- B.Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- C.PM-KISAN
- D.National Food Security Mission
Show solution
Answer: B. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
Per Drop More Crop is a component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), launched in 2015 with the motto 'Har Khet Ko Pani' (water to every field). The scheme focuses on accelerated irrigation, micro-irrigation expansion, and watershed development. PM-KISAN is income-support; MGNREGA is rural-employment; National Food Security Mission focuses on production of rice, wheat, pulses, etc.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The Chernobyl disaster occurred at a reactor of which type?
- A.Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR)
- B.Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
- C.Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
- D.RBMK (graphite-moderated channel-type reactor)
Show solution
Answer: D. RBMK (graphite-moderated channel-type reactor)
The disaster occurred at an RBMK reactor — Reaktor Bolshoy Moshchnosti Kanalnyy ('high-power channel-type reactor'), a Soviet-designed graphite-moderated reactor. Critical design flaws included the absence of a pressure-retaining containment structure and a positive void coefficient (where steam in the coolant increased reactivity). India's reactors are mainly PHWR, fundamentally different from the RBMK design.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo on Luzon was one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century. What was its broader climatic impact?
- A.Caused El Niño in the Pacific
- B.Cooled global average temperatures by ~0.5°C for 1-2 years
- C.Triggered a global ice age
- D.Had no measurable global climate impact
Show solution
Answer: B. Cooled global average temperatures by ~0.5°C for 1-2 years
The 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption (VEI 6, one of the largest of the 20th century) injected ~20 million tonnes of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere, which spread globally and temporarily cooled global average temperatures by ~0.5°C for 1-2 years. This is one of the best-documented natural radiative forcing events. The eruption also displaced hundreds of thousands and led to the closure of the US Clark Air Base in Luzon.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
On the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES), the Chernobyl disaster is rated at which level?
- A.Level 5
- B.Level 6
- C.Level 7
- D.Level 8
Show solution
Answer: C. Level 7
Chernobyl is rated Level 7 ('Major Accident') on the INES scale, the highest level. INES has 8 levels (0-7) and was established by the IAEA in 1990. The only other Level 7 event in history is the Fukushima Daiichi disaster (Japan, 11 March 2011). Three Mile Island (USA, 1979) was rated Level 5.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station is located in which present-day country?
- A.Russia
- B.Belarus
- C.Ukraine
- D.Kazakhstan
Show solution
Answer: C. Ukraine
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station is located in present-day UKRAINE (it was in the Ukrainian SSR of the Soviet Union at the time of the 1986 disaster). The disaster impacted Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and through atmospheric dispersal reached as far as Sweden. The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and Chernobyl is now in independent Ukraine.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The Chernobyl nuclear disaster — whose 40th anniversary is being marked — occurred on which date?
- A.6 August 1945
- B.26 April 1986
- C.11 March 2011
- D.28 March 1979
Show solution
Answer: B. 26 April 1986
The Chernobyl disaster occurred on 26 April 1986 at Unit 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station near Pripyat in Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine). It is rated Level 7 ('Major Accident') on the INES scale — the highest level. The other dates: 6 Aug 1945 was the Hiroshima atomic bombing; 11 March 2011 was the Fukushima Daiichi disaster (the only other Level 7 nuclear event); 28 March 1979 was the Three Mile Island accident (Level 5).
Read source story → - Science & Tech27 Apr 2026
The Western Ghats — endemic habitat of the Nilgiri Tahr — was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in which year, with how many component sites?
- A.2008 with 25 components
- B.2010 with 30 components
- C.2012 with 39 components
- D.2015 with 50 components
Show solution
Answer: C. 2012 with 39 components
The Western Ghats were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 with 39 component sites distributed across the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa. The Western Ghats are one of the world's 8 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity (Norman Myers' classification), older than the Himalayas, and run for ~1,600 km along India's western coast.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
India's primary anti-drug legislation — under which the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was constituted — is:
- A.Indian Penal Code, 1860
- B.Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
- C.Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
- D.Disaster Management Act, 2005
Show solution
Answer: B. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 is India's primary anti-drug legislation. It prohibits production, manufacture, sale, transport, possession of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except for medical or scientific purposes. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), established in 1986 under Ministry of Home Affairs, is the apex enforcement agency. PIT-NDPS Act 1988 is a complementary preventive-detention law.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
In the landmark Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992) case, the Supreme Court held that:
- A.The Tenth Schedule is unconstitutional
- B.The Speaker's decision under the Tenth Schedule is final and not subject to judicial review
- C.The Tenth Schedule is constitutional, but the Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review
- D.Only the Election Commission can decide disqualification
Show solution
Answer: C. The Tenth Schedule is constitutional, but the Speaker's decision is subject to judicial review
In Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), a Constitution Bench upheld the constitutional validity of the Tenth Schedule but STRUCK DOWN Paragraph 7 (which had attempted to bar judicial review). The Court held that the Speaker's decision under the Tenth Schedule IS SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL REVIEW — though only on limited grounds (mala fides, perversity, violation of constitutional mandates, and natural-justice violations). The Court also held that while deciding on disqualification, the Speaker acts as a TRIBUNAL.
Read source story → - Science & Tech27 Apr 2026
Which peak — located within Eravikulam National Park — is the highest peak in southern India (south of the Himalayas)?
- A.Doddabetta
- B.Mullayanagiri
- C.Anamudi
- D.Kalsubai
Show solution
Answer: C. Anamudi
Anamudi (2,695 metres) is the highest peak in southern India (south of the Himalayas), located in Eravikulam National Park in Idukki district of Kerala. The name means 'elephant forehead' in Malayalam. Doddabetta (~2,637 m) is the highest peak in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. Mullayanagiri (~1,930 m) is in Karnataka. Kalsubai (~1,646 m) is in Maharashtra.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Under the 'merger' provision of the Tenth Schedule, what proportion of members of the legislature party must agree for the merger to be valid (and thus avoid disqualification)?
- A.More than half (1/2)
- B.At least one-third (1/3)
- C.At least two-thirds (2/3)
- D.All members (unanimity)
Show solution
Answer: C. At least two-thirds (2/3)
Under the Tenth Schedule's merger exception, disqualification does not apply if a member's ORIGINAL POLITICAL PARTY merges with another party AND at least TWO-THIRDS (2/3) of the members of the LEGISLATURE PARTY agree to such merger. The earlier 'split' provision (since omitted by the 91st Amendment 2003) had allowed one-third (1/3) of members to defect — so be careful not to confuse the two.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 made which key change to the Anti-Defection Law?
- A.Added the law for the first time
- B.Omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision
- C.Removed the Speaker as the deciding authority
- D.Made disqualification petitions non-justiciable
Show solution
Answer: B. Omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision
The 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 OMITTED the 'split' provision (which had earlier allowed one-third of legislature party members to defect without disqualification) and retained only the 'MERGER' provision (which requires at least two-thirds of legislature party members to agree to a merger). It also limited the size of Council of Ministers to 15% of Lower House strength and added Articles 75(1B), 164(1B), and 361B. The Speaker remains the deciding authority (with judicial review). The law was originally added by the 52nd Amendment 1985, not 2003.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was originally launched on which date in how many districts?
- A.15 August 2020 in 272 most-affected districts
- B.26 January 2018 in all states
- C.2 October 2019 in 100 districts
- D.15 August 2022 in 500 districts
Show solution
Answer: A. 15 August 2020 in 272 most-affected districts
NMBA was launched on 15 August 2020 (Independence Day) in 272 most-affected districts; it was subsequently expanded to all states. NMBA is India's flagship anti-drug-abuse mission under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, implemented under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
Read source story → - Science & Tech27 Apr 2026
The largest population of Nilgiri Tahr is found in which national park?
- A.Periyar National Park
- B.Eravikulam National Park
- C.Bandipur National Park
- D.Mudumalai National Park
Show solution
Answer: B. Eravikulam National Park
Eravikulam National Park in Idukki district of Kerala (established 1978, ~97 sq km) hosts the largest population of Nilgiri Tahr. The park is located in the Anamalai-High Range region of the Western Ghats and contains Anamudi peak (2,695 m — highest peak south of the Himalayas). Other significant Nilgiri Tahr populations are in the Nilgiris and Anamalai hills.
Read source story → - Economy & Banking27 Apr 2026
The term 'Orange Economy' — referring to an economic model powered by creativity, cultural expression, and intellectual property — was popularised in which country and continent?
- A.South Korea, Asia
- B.Colombia, Latin America
- C.France, Europe
- D.Australia, Oceania
Show solution
Answer: B. Colombia, Latin America
The term 'Orange Economy' was popularised in COLOMBIA (LATIN AMERICA) — Felipe Buitrago Restrepo and Iván Duque Márquez (later President of Colombia) authored the influential 2013 book 'The Orange Economy: An Infinite Opportunity'. The colour orange symbolises creativity. The Orange Economy spans design, film, animation, VFX, gaming, fashion, digital media, and immersive storytelling.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance27 Apr 2026
The Anti-Defection Law is contained in which Schedule of the Constitution of India, and was added by which Constitutional Amendment Act?
- A.Eighth Schedule, by the 42nd Amendment Act 1976
- B.Tenth Schedule, by the 52nd Amendment Act 1985
- C.Tenth Schedule, by the 91st Amendment Act 2003
- D.Eleventh Schedule, by the 73rd Amendment Act 1992
Show solution
Answer: B. Tenth Schedule, by the 52nd Amendment Act 1985
The Anti-Defection Law is contained in the TENTH SCHEDULE of the Constitution, added by the 52ND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT ACT, 1985 under PM Rajiv Gandhi's government. It was further strengthened by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003 which omitted the 'split' provision and retained only the 'merger' provision. The 73rd Amendment 1992 added the Eleventh Schedule (Panchayati Raj). The 42nd Amendment 1976 made many changes but did NOT add the Anti-Defection Law.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The Kothari Commission (1964-66) — chaired by Daulat Singh Kothari — recommended what level of public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP for India?
- A.3% of GDP
- B.5% of GDP
- C.6% of GDP
- D.10% of GDP
Show solution
Answer: C. 6% of GDP
The Kothari Commission recommended public expenditure on education of 6% of GDP — a target India has not yet met (currently around 3% of GDP). The Commission was chaired by Daulat Singh Kothari, who was the Chairman of UGC at the time. The 6% target has been reaffirmed by subsequent education policies including NEP 2020.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 — India's comprehensive higher-education policy — targets what Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by what year?
- A.50% by 2030
- B.50% by 2035
- C.75% by 2040
- D.100% by 2050
Show solution
Answer: B. 50% by 2035
NEP 2020 targets 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035. NEP 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 July 2020 and is the third major NEP after NEP 1968 and NEP 1986 (modified 1992). It was drafted by the K. Kasturirangan Committee. Other key provisions include 4-year UG with multiple entry/exit, Academic Bank of Credits, multidisciplinarity, and Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The University Grants Commission (UGC) — India's apex regulator for non-technical higher education — was established under which Act?
- A.UGC Act, 1956
- B.AICTE Act, 1987
- C.Right to Education Act, 2009
- D.National Education Policy, 2020
Show solution
Answer: A. UGC Act, 1956
The UGC was established under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. UGC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Education with headquarters in New Delhi. It is the apex regulator for non-technical higher education in India. AICTE Act 1987 gave statutory status to AICTE (technical education regulator). NEP 2020 is a policy, not the establishing law for UGC.
Read source story → - Science & Tech26 Apr 2026
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), established under the Disaster Management Act 2005, is chaired by:
- A.The Home Minister
- B.The Prime Minister
- C.The President
- D.The Cabinet Secretary
Show solution
Answer: B. The Prime Minister
The NDMA is chaired by the PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA, with up to 9 members. It is the apex body for disaster management in India under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) — including APSDMA — are chaired by respective Chief Ministers; District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are chaired by District Magistrates/Collectors.
Read source story → - Polity & Governance26 Apr 2026
The recommendation that ultimately led to constitutional status being granted to Panchayati Raj Institutions through the 73rd Amendment came from:
- A.Balwant Rai Mehta Committee (1957)
- B.Ashok Mehta Committee (1977)
- C.L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
- D.GVK Rao Committee (1985)
Show solution
Answer: C. L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986)
The L.M. Singhvi Committee (1986) recommended that Panchayati Raj Institutions should be granted CONSTITUTIONAL STATUS. This seminal recommendation was eventually embodied in the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into force on 24 April 1993.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
Ronald Ross — who demonstrated in 1897 that mosquitoes transmit malaria — received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in:
- A.1900
- B.1902
- C.1907
- D.1923
Show solution
Answer: B. 1902
Ronald Ross received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 — the second Nobel in this category. He demonstrated in 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria parasites. Charles Laveran (who discovered the Plasmodium parasite in 1880 in Algeria) received the Nobel Prize in 1907. Both contributed foundational work to malaria science.
Read source story →