1. NASA's Perseverance rover found possible signs of ancient microbial life in the Sapphire Canyon sample from Jezero Crater. Which pair of minerals was detected?
Answer: C. The sample contained vivianite, an iron phosphate, and greigite, an iron sulfide. Both count as potential biosignatures, although non-biological formation cannot be excluded.
2. The Tribal Affairs Ministry introduced the Adi Sanskriti digital platform. Which of these is NOT one of its three main components?
Answer: A. The three pillars are Adi Vishwavidyalaya, a digital tribal art academy, Adi Sampada, a socio-cultural repository, and Adi Haat, an online marketplace. Adi Krishi Yojana is not among them.
3. Roughly how tall is ISRO's Small Satellite Launch Vehicle?
Answer: E. SSLV stands about 34 metres, uses three solid stages and carries a small liquid Velocity Trimming Module. It is built for cheap launches of small satellites with quick turnaround.
4. What major worldwide trend among children aged 5 to 19 between 2000 and 2022 did UNICEF's 'Feeding Profit' report point out?
Answer: B. In 2000, 13% were underweight and 11% overweight. By 2022 only 10% were underweight while 20% were overweight, so excess weight is now the leading form of malnutrition.
5. What is the web address of the new banknote microsite recently launched by the RBI?
Answer: D. The new site replaces the older paisaboltahai one and teaches the public about notes. It offers 360-degree views, multimedia and awareness of counterfeits.
6. To encourage Udyam registration among MSMEs, PhonePe collaborated with which two bodies?
Answer: A. PhonePe worked with the Ministry of MSME and SIDBI so more small merchants sign up on Udyam. Registration opens access to credit, subsidies and welfare schemes.
7. On what date do SEBI's eased rules for FPIs investing only in government bonds come into force?
Answer: D. The revised rules cover FPIs under the Fully Accessible Route that invest solely in Indian government securities. They apply from 8 February 2026 and bring lighter disclosure duties.
8. Which new facility is the planned EPFO 3.0 expected to give members?
Answer: B. EPFO 3.0 is meant to deliver bank-style digital services. These include taking out provident fund balances smoothly via an ATM or UPI.
9. Which AMFI proposal for retirement savings takes its cue from the American 401(k)?
Answer: E. MF-VRA is patterned on the US 401(k) plan. It features voluntary contributions, tax benefits, employer participation and portability, to lift retirement savings.
10. Under which law are most Farmer Producer Organisations in India registered?
Answer: C. Most FPOs take the form of Producer Companies under the Companies Act, though a few run as cooperatives. They let small farmers combine resources, bargain better and reach markets.
11. Which Martian crater did Perseverance sample for the possible ancient life signs reported in 2025?
Answer: B. The Sapphire Canyon sample came from Jezero Crater.
12. Which component of the Adi Sanskriti platform is a digital marketplace for tribal artisans?
Answer: C. Adi Haat is the digital marketplace giving artisans direct online access to consumers.
13. With which company did ISRO sign the SSLV technology transfer agreement?
Answer: C. The pact is with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
14. The report 'Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children' was released by which organisation?
Answer: D. Unicef released the Feeding Profit report.
15. Which Union Minister launched FTI-TTP at five more airports on 12 September 2025?
Answer: B. Home Minister Amit Shah launched it by videoconference.