1. Where did the latest Brigade Commander-level flag meeting between India and Pakistan take place?
Answer: A. The meeting was held at Chakkan Da Bagh in Poonch amid LoC tensions, and no joint statement followed because of continuing ceasefire violations.
2. Which regional grouping does India prefer for cooperation in place of SAARC?
Answer: C. India favours BIMSTEC, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, since Pakistan has blocked progress in SAARC.
3. India's push to mine critical minerals such as lithium and nickel falls under which programme?
Answer: D. The ₹16,300 crore NCMM aims to strengthen domestic mining and cut import dependence for minerals like lithium, cobalt and rare earths.
4. What bilateral trade target have India and the U.S. set for 2030?
Answer: B. During PM Modi's U.S. visit, the two sides stressed deeper trade partnership and fixed a goal of $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
5. Which reform in broadcasting was recently brought in?
Answer: E. Set-top box interoperability lets consumers change providers without swapping hardware, lowering costs and raising competition in DTH.
6. Under RBI's new project financing norms, what provisioning must banks maintain?
Answer: C. The guidelines require 5% provisioning during the construction phase, reducing once the project is complete. Industry has objected to rigid moratorium periods and NPV conditions.
7. From what date do the RBI's new bond forward guidelines take effect?
Answer: B. The bond forward rules apply from May 2, 2025, helping long-term investors manage interest rate risk and deepening the interest rate derivatives market.
8. According to the PLFS report, unemployment rose in which of these states?
Answer: D. The survey noted increased unemployment in J&K, Assam, Bihar, MP, Haryana and Delhi, while Kerala, Chhattisgarh, UP, Maharashtra and Gujarat improved.
9. What is a main influence on foodgrain output in India?
Answer: A. Monsoon rain was once seen as the key driver, but output is now shaped more by food prices, electricity, fertiliser supply and irrigation infrastructure.
10. Urban farming offers which major advantage?
Answer: C. Through hydroponics, vertical farming and aquaponics, urban farming generates jobs, lowers the cost of moving food and supports environmental sustainability.