1. For Union Budget 2025, India has pegged its fiscal deficit goal at what share of GDP?
Answer: B. The budget fixes the deficit target at 4.4% of GDP, continuing the consolidation path while still funding infrastructure and welfare. The figure is below the target of the preceding year.
2. Economic Survey 2024-25 forecasts what GDP growth rate for India in FY25?
Answer: D. The Survey puts FY25 growth at 6.4%, with FY26 expected in a 6.3-6.8% band. Outside agencies such as the IMF and World Bank see growth of 6.5-7%.
3. A ₹1 lakh crore allocation in Budget 2025 was earmarked for which digital push?
Answer: E. Government set aside ₹1 lakh crore for development of AI, quantum computing and semiconductors. The aim is technological self-reliance and wider digital transformation.
4. Budget 2025 announced India's first Nuclear Energy Mission; what is its central goal?
Answer: A. The mission targets 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 as part of the shift toward clean and sustainable energy.
5. The Economic Survey 2024-25 reports India's present unemployment rate to be what?
Answer: C. Unemployment has fallen to 3.2%, reflecting better job creation and post-pandemic recovery. Earlier years saw it around 6%.
6. What was the approximate value of UPI transactions in India during FY24?
Answer: D. UPI transaction value came close to ₹2 lakh billion in FY24, showing how widely digital payments and financial inclusion have spread.
7. Between 2011 and 2022, which segment of Indian agriculture grew at the fastest CAGR?
Answer: B. Fisheries led with an 8.7% CAGR, ahead of Meat & Eggs at 7.5% and Livestock & Milk at 5.8%. This shows stronger growth outside cereals.
8. Regarding AI use in banking, which main worry does the Economic Survey 2024-25 flag?
Answer: C. The Survey cautions that AI adoption could cost jobs and calls for protection of workers, reskilling programmes and AI regulation to manage the risks.
9. Budget 2025 earmarked how much money for green hydrogen efforts?
Answer: A. An outlay of ₹19,000 crore goes to the Green Hydrogen Mission, which supports clean energy and lowers reliance on fossil fuels.
10. Per Economic Survey 2024-25, the services sector employs roughly what share of India's workforce?
Answer: B. Services generate 55% of GVA yet provide jobs to just 30% of workers, which signals a need to create more employment in the sector.
11. Under the presumptive tax regime announced in the 2025 Budget for foreign workers in India's electronics manufacturing, what portion of their total pay is treated as taxable?
Answer: C. Only a quarter of the total remuneration earned by foreign nationals in electronics manufacturing is taxable under the proposed presumptive scheme, which sharply cuts their effective tax rate.
12. Reforms in the 2025 Budget are expected to push which sector past $200 billion, roughly doubling it within three to four years?
Answer: E. The budget reforms are projected to double India's electronics manufacturing industry to above $200 billion over the coming three to four years.
13. Within the electronics manufacturing reforms, the Safe Harbour rule for non-residents chiefly aims at what?
Answer: A. Safe Harbour lets non-resident firms keep components meant for electronics production stored in India, which cuts down tax disputes and eases the paperwork.
14. By what percentage does the 2025 Budget project the government's income tax collection to rise?
Answer: D. The budget sets a goal of 14.4% growth in income tax receipts for the upcoming financial year.
15. An increased FDI cap to draw investment and widen financial inclusion was proposed in the 2025 Budget for which sector?
Answer: B. To deepen financial inclusion and attract capital, the budget proposes lifting the foreign investment ceiling in insurance to 100%.
16. Which districts does the PM Dhan-Dhanya Krishi Yojana target to lift crop productivity and farm credit access?
Answer: E. The scheme concentrates on 100 districts where farm productivity is low, aiming to improve yields, crop diversification and farmers' access to credit.
17. The 2025-26 Agriculture Budget raised the borrowing ceiling on Kisan Credit Cards to what amount?
Answer: C. The KCC limit moves up from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, making credit easier to get for about 77 million farmers.
18. Which main obstacle to privatising Public Sector Undertakings is noted in the 2025 Budget discussion?
Answer: A. Selling off PSUs gets stuck over legacy liabilities and asset questions, particularly where firms own very large land holdings.
19. What is a central theme of the fisheries framework brought in by the 2025 Budget?
Answer: B. The fisheries framework stresses sustainable practices and opening export opportunities, which is meant to help the sector expand.
20. The 2025 Budget points to which pair of problems as a major challenge for Indian agriculture?
Answer: D. Rising food prices and weather-linked risks are flagged as core difficulties for farming, and the budget's reforms and support measures address them.
21. Citing bias and a poor handling of COVID-19, which country has pulled out of the WHO?
Answer: C. Under President Trump the U.S. quit the WHO, alleging a tilt toward China and poor pandemic management. As the biggest donor, its exit created a funding crisis for the agency.
22. India's updated Bilateral Investment Treaty is chiefly meant to do what?
Answer: A. The revision builds an investor-friendly framework with fewer legal hurdles and broader coverage, to attract FDI while India negotiates free trade agreements.
23. Under American pressure, which Latin American nation quit China's Belt and Road Initiative?
Answer: D. Panama left the BRI, putting its ties with Washington first. The step dents China's sway in Latin American trade and infrastructure.
24. Mission 3000 sets what cargo-handling goal for Indian Railways by 2030?
Answer: B. Railways want to move 3,000 mt of freight by 2030, though current growth points to only about 1,700 mt in FY25-26. Annual investment of ₹2.5 trillion backs the goal.
25. What concern did the Supreme Court stress on forest conservation in India?
Answer: E. The Court held that forest land cannot shrink without compensatory afforestation, questioning the 2023 amendment to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, which limited forests to government-declared land.
26. India's manufacturing PMI stood at what level in January 2025, signalling a strong recovery?
Answer: A. The manufacturing PMI climbed to 57.7 in January 2025 on a 14-year export high, more factory orders and firm domestic demand, which also lifted hiring.
27. Which major financial-sector reform features in the Union Budget 2025-26 proposals?
Answer: D. Allowing full foreign ownership of insurers is under consideration to bring in investment, sharpen competition and encourage innovation, potentially reshaping the market.
28. Why is the RBI being careful about lowering interest rates?
Answer: C. The MPC hesitates because retail inflation of 5% sits above the 4% target, compounded by global inflation risks and a strong US dollar.
29. Solar irrigation and solar power plants for farmers are the focus of which clean energy scheme?
Answer: B. PM-KUSUM, begun in 2019, promotes solar pumps and decentralised plants for farmers, though unspent funds and supply-chain problems have limited its success.
30. What is the reason behind steep customs duties on solar modules and cells?
Answer: E. A 40% duty on modules and 25% on cells was imposed so that local production grows and dependence on Chinese imports falls, in line with renewable targets.
31. SEBI's fresh rules on algorithmic trading are mainly intended to do what?
Answer: D. The rules seek transparency, risk control and compliance in algo trading by making brokers more accountable and adding authentication requirements.
32. The government has lifted the Kisan Credit Card borrowing ceiling to which figure?
Answer: B. The KCC ceiling has gone from ₹3 lakh up to ₹5 lakh so that farmers receive stronger financial backing.
33. What does the Trade Assistance Programme (TAP) set out to do?
Answer: E. TAP backs MSMEs in dealing with non-tariff barriers, for example the EU carbon tax and the US rules on turtle exclusion devices.
34. In what way does Partial Credit Enhancement (PCE) benefit firms?
Answer: A. With PCE, companies holding weak ratings can raise the rating of their bonds, which makes the paper more appealing to institutional buyers.
35. Loans against gold have grown in India largely because of what?
Answer: C. Costlier gold together with the RBI tightening rules for unsecured credit made gold an attractive security to borrow against.
36. 205 Indian nationals were deported from the US as a result of which policy?
Answer: B. The removals formed part of the American administration's drive against illegal immigration, now backed by stricter enforcement.
37. Which Indian state is preparing a draft Uniform Civil Code bill that could serve as a model nationally?
Answer: D. A committee formed by Gujarat's government is drafting the UCC bill, meant to bring common personal laws across all religions.
38. India's new ₹10,000 crore Fund of Funds scheme places its emphasis on what?
Answer: C. The fund is meant to strengthen home-grown production and innovation by financing startups in manufacturing and advanced technology.
39. What prompted China to put fresh tariffs on American goods?
Answer: E. Beijing's new duties came as a reply to restrictions imposed by Washington, which deepened the trade war between the two countries.
40. Which measure is one of the approaches India uses to handle its fiscal deficit?
Answer: A. Heavy capital spending on infrastructure forms part of the plan to bring down the deficit while supporting long-term growth.
51. India's ethanol blending programme is chiefly designed to achieve what?
Answer: A. Blending ethanol into petrol lessens reliance on imported crude; the target of 25% blending (E25) by 2026-27 should save foreign exchange and reduce oil use.
52. Which organisation in India's government created the Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch System?
Answer: D. DRDO developed Pinaka, an important artillery system of India's armed forces that reaches 45 km and saw effective use in the Kargil War.
53. Why does Chabahar Port matter to India?
Answer: B. The Iranian port lets India get around Pakistan to reach Afghanistan and Central Asia, while offsetting Chinese influence and lowering freight costs.
54. For FY 2025-26, what fiscal deficit target has India set?
Answer: E. The government aims for a 4.4% fiscal deficit in FY 2025-26, better than the earlier 4.5% estimate, to hold down borrowing and keep finances stable.
55. Banks rely on which benchmark to set the floor for the interest they charge on loans?
Answer: C. MCLR is the minimum loan rate for banks, built from their funding cost and regulatory needs, and lenders adjust MCLR-linked loans to protect profits as rates move.
56. What reason is given for India thinking of moving away from green bonds?
Answer: D. Green bonds fund eco-friendly projects but tend to yield less than conventional instruments, so India is rethinking how it issues them.
57. Appointing ad-hoc judges in Indian High Courts is mainly useful for what?
Answer: A. The Supreme Court permitted retired judges to sit as ad-hoc judges under Article 224(A) to tackle more than 62 lakh cases pending in High Courts.
58. The US froze foreign aid under Trump's administration chiefly for which stated reason?
Answer: E. The administration blamed inefficiency and ideological problems within US-AID for pausing aid, which upset global health, education and humanitarian work.
59. What is a consequence of the RBI lowering the repo rate from 6.5% to 6.25%?
Answer: C. A reduced repo rate makes borrowing cheaper and lifts activity, but surplus liquidity pushing up demand can also create inflationary pressure.
60. On what basis is rural agricultural land free from capital gains tax in India?
Answer: B. Farmland is exempt when it is far enough from municipal limits and in a sparsely populated area, whereas urban agricultural land attracts capital gains tax.
61. The RBI lowered the repo rate by how much, and why?
Answer: D. A 0.25% cut was made to add liquidity to the banking system, promote lending and support growth. Cheaper loans help firms and households invest.
62. The RBI's fresh Liquidity Coverage Ratio rule is mainly designed to achieve what?
Answer: A. Banks must keep a cushion of highly liquid assets so they can survive short-term stress and absorb sudden cash outflows without harming stability.
63. How does a lower repo rate affect the economy?
Answer: E. Cheaper borrowing for businesses and individuals means more credit, more investment and stronger growth.
64. Which formula yields the Liquidity Coverage Ratio?
Answer: B. LCR divides high-quality liquid assets by net cash outflows expected over 30 days, showing whether a bank can meet near-term obligations.
65. Expected Credit Loss is built from which three components?
Answer: C. ECL rests on PD, LGD and EAD, and lets banks estimate the likely losses on their loans.
66. What has the RBI altered about the NDS-OM platform?
Answer: A. NDS-OM was opened up to individuals, who can now trade government securities directly, making bonds easier for them to access.
67. What are the main aims of the new Income Tax Bill?
Answer: D. The Bill seeks easier compliance, fewer ambiguities and fewer disputes through simpler tax provisions.
68. Under the BioE3 policy, biomanufacturing concentrates on what?
Answer: B. BioE3 encourages biomanufacturing across healthcare, agriculture and industry to advance sustainability and innovation.
69. What advantage can states gain by adopting BioE3 biomanufacturing policies early?
Answer: C. Early-adopting states can get central incentives, funding and help with building infrastructure.
70. What did the DRPSC recommend on PM-Kisan?
Answer: E. The parliamentary standing committee (DRPSC) advised enlarging PM-Kisan assistance to give farmers better support.
71. The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) exists chiefly to do what?
Answer: E. Set up in 2003 under the Ministry of Culture, NMM works to preserve and digitise the country's large manuscript heritage, and plans exist to make it autonomous with ₹500 crore.
72. What makes antibiotic resistance an increasing worry around the world?
Answer: C. Resistant bacteria adapt and share resistance genes so infections are tougher to cure; such bacteria were behind 1.2 million deaths worldwide in 2021.
73. India is co-chairing the AI Action Summit 2025. What is its main focus?
Answer: D. The Paris summit, co-chaired by India, stresses democratising AI, its use in health, education and farming, and handling AI risks in developing countries.
74. Which feature characterises India's National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)?
Answer: B. Under NMP, assets such as roads, railways and power lines are leased to private operators while the government stays the owner, targeting ₹6 trillion from FY22 to FY25.
75. How did Budget 2025-26 affect research and development funding in India?
Answer: A. The budget earmarked ₹20,000 crore for small modular nuclear reactors and ₹28,000 crore for innovation via the Department of Science & Technology to strengthen R&D.
76. Which major problem do urban local bodies (ULBs) in India face?
Answer: C. With GST in place and direct transfers reduced, ULBs receive less money, which limits how much they can spend on city development.
77. Drones are chiefly beneficial in Indian farming because they do what?
Answer: E. Used for spraying, soil analysis and live data collection, drones lift productivity and help farmers cope with climate challenges.
78. Why does Karnataka's new ordinance worry microfinance institutions (MFIs)?
Answer: B. Stricter MFI rules could send borrowers to unregulated moneylenders and deepen distress; comparable rules in Andhra Pradesh and Assam ended with MFI collapses.
79. Which significant tax change is anticipated from the forthcoming Income Tax Bill (2024-25)?
Answer: A. The bill is meant to make tax laws simpler, cut litigation and create a clearer structure, continuing earlier moves like faceless assessment and the Vivad se Vishwas scheme.
80. What makes nano fertilizers valuable for Indian agriculture?
Answer: D. Nano-coated fertilizers let nutrients out gradually, so less is wasted and soil health improves, making them more efficient than the traditional kind.
81. Why is the Supreme Court worried about the criminalisation of politics?
Answer: C. Data showed that 46% of Lok Sabha MPs have pending criminal cases and 170 face serious charges carrying 5+ years in prison. This endangers democratic integrity and strengthens the case for electoral reform.
82. Which central commitment is part of the India-EFTA trade agreement?
Answer: A. EFTA members Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland pledged $100 billion over 15 years, expected to generate millions of jobs and industrial growth in India.
83. Saudi Arabia's position on Trump's Gaza proposal matters because it does what?
Answer: D. Crown Prince MbS rejected the idea of relocating Gaza's people and demanded a two-state solution before diplomatic ties with Israel. This shapes West Asian geopolitics considerably.
84. The Market Intervention Scheme is chiefly intended for what purpose?
Answer: B. MIS guards against sharp price crashes in perishables like tomatoes, onions and potatoes, and it kicks in when market prices drop at least 10% relative to the previous season.
85. Which feature stands out in the RBI's new rules for gold loan auctions?
Answer: E. The rules require that borrowers be allowed to bid in gold auctions. The reserve price must be at least 85% of the 30-day average price of 22-carat gold.
86. What does a Non-Deliverable Forward (NDF) refer to?
Answer: C. NDFs are used to hedge currency swings in restricted markets and are settled in cash, typically in USD, instead of swapping the currencies themselves.
87. What notable change did the government make in how it presents disinvestment in Budget 2025-26?
Answer: B. Rather than naming disinvestment, the budget groups it within miscellaneous capital receipts, a shift that comes as privatisation targets were missed repeatedly.
88. Why did India lower tariffs on American products such as pecan nuts?
Answer: A. The cuts on U.S. goods including pecans were meant to improve trade ties, and talks cover restoring India's GSP benefits and exploring a possible free trade agreement.
89. How is India placing itself within its Global South strategy?
Answer: D. India presents itself as a Global South leader, keeping strong diplomatic ties with developed nations while countering China's influence in emerging economies.
90. What was a main result of the UK-India Defence Partnership Initiative?
Answer: E. The initiative deepens defence links through deals on missile systems, joint manufacturing and naval propulsion, adding to India's defence capabilities.
91. NITI Aayog's report on strengthening State Public Universities (SPUs) lists several recommendations. Which option is not one of them?
Answer: C. NITI Aayog favours a multidisciplinary approach to education instead of a purely technical emphasis; fee autonomy, a research policy, an infrastructure finance agency and CSR funding are among its proposals.
92. By 2030, how much renewable energy capacity has India committed to installing?
Answer: E. India's 2030 goal is 500 GW of renewable capacity drawn from solar, wind and hydro, supporting its pledge to cut carbon emissions.
93. Consider SEBI's crackdown on stock price manipulation. Which statement about it is incorrect?
Answer: A. SEBI acted to stop artificial inflation of share prices, keep trading fair and shield retail investors from manipulation, so saying it allowed inflation is false.
94. India's target for ethanol blending in fuel by 2025 is what percentage?
Answer: D. The country wants fuel to contain 20% ethanol by 2025, a step to lean less on fossil fuels and to cut carbon emissions.
95. Which country has proposed to India that Su-57 fighter jets be produced locally?
Answer: B. Russia offered to manufacture its fifth-generation Su-57 jets in India, a proposal that fits the Make in India push in defence technology.
96. COP29 has been nicknamed the 'Climate Finance COP'. What is its principal focus?
Answer: E. Negotiations at COP29 centre on carbon credit trading under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, which lets nations trade emission cuts to meet their targets.
97. What total capital expenditure was allotted in India's Budget 2025-26?
Answer: C. The Budget 2025-26 set aside ₹15.48 trillion for capital spending, directed at infrastructure, manufacturing and investment-led growth.
98. NABARD's 'Export Pathshala' workshop is meant to achieve what?
Answer: A. Export Pathshala trains Farmer Producer Organizations in export paperwork, quality standards and international trade practice so they can compete in global markets.
99. Budget 2025-26 fixes the fiscal deficit target at what share of GDP?
Answer: B. The 2025-26 target of 4.4% of GDP signals a commitment to fiscal discipline while still supporting economic growth.
100. What does the 'Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana' from Budget 2025-26 set out to accomplish?
Answer: D. The scheme targets 100 districts with weak farm output in order to lift productivity, supporting food security and economic growth.
101. What is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) mainly designed to do?
Answer: B. IMEC is a joint effort of India, the Middle East and Europe to upgrade connectivity and trade infrastructure, and it came up during PM Modi's trip to France.
102. The Hyderabad Bird Atlas Project has which principal purpose?
Answer: D. By mapping where birds occur in Hyderabad, the project helps policymakers and conservationists plan land use and protect wildlife.
103. In what way is TRAI strengthening consumer protection in telecom?
Answer: A. TRAI brought in AI-based spam detection along with tougher penalties to check fraudulent calls and messages.
104. What was the reason for the RBI first restricting and later easing curbs on Kotak Mahindra Bank?
Answer: C. Curbs were applied because of weaknesses in IT management; once compliance was verified, they were lifted and the bank could again onboard digital customers and issue credit cards.
105. The RBI Consumer Confidence Survey points to which major worry?
Answer: E. Though inflation has eased, respondents still worry about job security and stable incomes, which weigh on consumer confidence.
106. Which feature is introduced by the Income Tax Bill, 2025?
Answer: B. The Bill modernises and simplifies tax law, and the new 'Tax Year' is meant to help with better financial planning.
107. What explains rural inflation staying above urban inflation in India?
Answer: A. Overall inflation has cooled, but rural prices are lifted by costlier food and essential goods, while urban inflation stays under the RBI's 4% target.
108. NCAER recommends independent fiscal councils in states, with what aim?
Answer: C. According to the NCAER report, such councils would build institutional capacity, assess government budgets and maintain state financial discipline.
109. Which shortcoming affects NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index (FHI)?
Answer: B. The FHI gauges state finances but does not show how well states deliver basics such as healthcare and education.
110. Which notable problem affects measuring state fiscal health in India?
Answer: E. States follow different methods to estimate GSDP, which creates inconsistent data and complicates fiscal comparisons.
111. The world's biggest hydroelectric dam is being built on the Yarlung Zangbo River by which country?
Answer: D. China is putting up the dam on the Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet; India and Bangladesh worry about water security, especially since no water-sharing treaty exists to protect downstream flow.
112. What important result came out of the Trump-Putin conversation on Ukraine?
Answer: B. The talks hinted at a US policy shift that could accept Russian control of Crimea and curb Ukraine's NATO hopes, which would weaken Kyiv's position.
113. After COVID-19, for how long is a US B1/B2 visa holder now eligible for an interview waiver?
Answer: E. Washington restored its pre-pandemic renewal rules and shortened the interview waiver window from 48 months to 12, which has lengthened waiting times.
114. President's Rule in Manipur was imposed using which Article of the Constitution?
Answer: A. After Chief Minister N. Biren Singh quit amid ethnic violence, the Centre stepped in under Article 356, which covers situations where a state government cannot function.
115. Where does India stand in the long-term Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2025 ranking?
Answer: C. Though its short-term position improved from 7th to 49th, India remains the sixth most affected country over 1993-2022 in the long-term index because of climate disasters.
116. What was one key proposal raised at the meeting between the RBI and NBFCs?
Answer: B. NBFCs asked the RBI to lift the automatic ECB ceiling to $750 million so they can tap foreign funds more easily as bank lending to them shrinks.
117. Which significant change does the Income Tax Bill, 2025 propose?
Answer: D. The bill drops 'previous year' and 'assessment year' to make the tax law simpler and easier to understand and comply with.
118. This week, the RBI sold how much in the forex market to steady the rupee?
Answer: C. To steady the rupee during a liquidity squeeze, the central bank intervened in the currency market with sales of $12-14 billion.
119. SEBI is asking for which authority in relation to financial advice on social media?
Answer: E. The regulator wants greater power to take down misleading financial content on WhatsApp and Telegram, though the messaging companies resist because of privacy laws.
120. Faced with Global Economic Fragmentation (GEF), which economic strategy is India following?
Answer: A. Amid protectionism and trade curbs, India concentrates on home-grown growth by raising tariffs and encouraging manufacturing through PLI schemes.
121. India and the U.S. aim to lift their bilateral trade to what level under 'Mission 500'?
Answer: C. Mission 500 seeks to grow two-way trade to $500 billion by 2030, partly through more energy imports from the U.S. and by settling tariff disputes.
122. What is a principal worry for India about buying the F-35 stealth fighter?
Answer: A. Although the F-35 would boost India's capabilities, the concerns are high cost, limited technology transfer and possible effects on defence ties with Russia.
123. Which natural event wrecked the Teesta-3 dam in October 2023?
Answer: B. Rapid melting of a glacial lake triggered a GLOF that destroyed the Sikkim dam, killing over 100 people and displacing many more.
124. Earth experiences seasons mainly because of what?
Answer: D. Earth's tilt of about 23.5 degrees means different regions receive different amounts of sunlight over the year, producing seasons.
125. What prompted the RBI to supersede the New India Cooperative Bank?
Answer: E. The RBI took over because of mismanagement concerns and possible misuse of funds, and an administrator was named to run operations.
126. Why did NFRA approach the Supreme Court with a petition?
Answer: C. NFRA went to the apex court after the Delhi HC set aside 11 show-cause notices over procedural lapses; the government is weighing a restructuring of NFRA for stronger audit oversight.
127. Which economic principle is at the heart of 'MAGAnomics'?
Answer: A. MAGAnomics, linked to Donald Trump's economic approach, features protectionist trade steps, deficit spending, deregulation and a focus on industrial policy.
128. What helped push up India's forex reserves recently?
Answer: B. Reserves grew by $7.6 billion on the back of higher foreign currency assets, gold holdings and RBI's strategic market interventions.
129. What is the Aquatic Animal Diseases Symposium at the 14AFAF chiefly meant to achieve?
Answer: D. Discussions centred on better biosecurity, tighter disease surveillance and sustainability in India's aquaculture.
130. India's consumer price inflation in January, close to the RBI's target, came in at what figure?
Answer: A. CPI inflation slid to 4.3% in January, near the RBI's 4% goal, helped by softer food inflation and possible policy measures.
131. Which technology partnership was announced during PM Modi's visit to the US?
Answer: A. TRUST was launched to deepen India-US collaboration in emerging fields like AI, semiconductors and quantum computing.
132. What is the chief environmental objection to the Pune Riverfront Development Project?
Answer: D. Campaigners oppose it because 22,000 trees would be cut, ecology could suffer, and sacred groves with cultural and environmental value would be lost.
133. Which initiative is intended to strengthen defence cooperation between India and the US?
Answer: B. COMPACT was introduced to expand India-US military ties, concentrating on defence technology, sharing of intelligence and Indo-Pacific security.
134. Although outlawed, rat hole mining persists in Assam and Meghalaya. What explains this?
Answer: E. Even after the NGT ban of 2014 and a Supreme Court ruling in 2019, illegal mining carries on, backed by coal mafias and political involvement.
135. What has the TrailGuard AI system achieved in Similipal Tiger Reserve?
Answer: C. Its AI-equipped cameras spot poachers, which led to 96 arrests and 86 seized guns in ten months and better protection of wildlife.
136. A main cause of the fall in labour migration in India is which?
Answer: D. After the pandemic many workers favour staying put, since city living costs are climbing and rural welfare schemes have improved, so migrating is less necessary.
137. Fintech firms trying to bring in Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) struggle mainly with what?
Answer: A. UPI already gives smooth real-time payments, so CBDC has a hard time showing fintech companies any competitive edge.
138. What is the reason behind the government's plan to merge Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)?
Answer: E. Under the 'One State, One RRB' policy, mergers are meant to raise efficiency, bring down bad loans and make these banks financially sound.
139. SEBI's handling of the Religare Enterprises takeover contest brought what regulatory issue to light?
Answer: C. SEBI turned down Danny Gaekwad's bid on procedural grounds, prompting debate about loosening rules to encourage competing takeover offers.
140. The RBI restricted the New India Co-operative Bank because of what?
Answer: B. Withdrawals were frozen for six months over fraud-linked financial mismanagement, hitting more than 130,000 depositors and exposing weak governance in co-operative banks.
141. Which state accounted for the largest share of Indians deported from the U.S. in 2025?
Answer: B. Punjab topped the list with 38% of deportees, ahead of Haryana at 33% and Gujarat at 22%, a pattern tied to illegal migration and human trafficking networks.
142. A major criticism of the new law on appointing Election Commissioners is what?
Answer: E. The law replaces the panel laid down by the Supreme Court and drops the CJI, which raises fears of executive sway over choosing the Chief Election Commissioner.
143. What was the main effect of the Kaveri 2.0 cyberattack?
Answer: C. The attack sent 6.2 lakh requests within two hours and crashed the Encumbrance Certificate system, possibly for financial or political advantage.
144. What makes the Aravali Safari Park project contentious?
Answer: A. Covering 3,858 hectares, it could deplete groundwater and destroy fragile ecosystems; conservationists would rather see the Aravalis declared a national park.
145. What does the SEBI rule require concerning changes to its regulations?
Answer: D. SEBI now requires public participation in amending regulations, which adds transparency and builds investor confidence and compliance.
146. In what way does a repo rate cut help borrowers?
Answer: B. Cheaper borrowing for floating-rate customers means smaller EMIs, which especially benefits homebuyers.
147. Which key difficulty did the RBI face in managing liquidity in 2024?
Answer: E. The RBI sold dollars to curb the rupee's fall, which produced a ₹1.2 trillion liquidity deficit and reduced banks' ability to lend.
148. Which significant problem affects India's manufacturing sector?
Answer: C. Even with government schemes, its share of employment edged up only from 10.4% in 1980-81 to 10.6% in 2022-23, trailing services.
149. What is PM-AASHA principally aimed at?
Answer: A. The scheme helps growers obtain fair prices through effective procurement operations and market stability.
150. What does the study on AI cognitive decline indicate about AI chatbots?
Answer: D. Models such as ChatGPT and Gemini scored under 26 on MoCA tests, showing weak memory, attention and reasoning, which questions their long-term reliability.
151. India elevated its bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership with which country recently?
Answer: E. The upgrade with Qatar deepens cooperation in trade, investment, energy and security, while talks on a Free Trade Agreement with the GCC are also under way.
152. Which issue poses the main diplomatic difficulty in India-Qatar ties?
Answer: C. Even though seven Indian detainees were sent home, the continued detention of ex-Navy commander Purnendu Tiwary remains a sensitive matter between the two countries.
153. Which of these is not among the measures in SEBI's strengthened security framework for online trading?
Answer: D. SEBI brought in SIM binding, biometrics, QR-based logins and investor control options against cyber fraud, but email OTP was not listed as a new feature.
154. What is the main obstacle to the proposed Russia-US negotiations over the Ukraine war?
Answer: B. The US and Russia began diplomatic efforts, yet Ukraine objects to being excluded and European allies worry about being pushed aside.
155. How did COVID-19 affect India's greenhouse gas emissions?
Answer: A. Lower economic activity during the pandemic cut emissions by 7.93% in 2020, although the upcoming Biannual Transparency Report is expected to show a rise.
156. India's first PSLV built by private industry is expected to fly in which year?
Answer: C. A consortium of HAL and L&T will build the vehicle, slated for launch in the third quarter of 2025, opening a new phase of private involvement in space missions.
157. The RBI's action against New India Cooperative Bank points to which financial risk in Indian banking?
Answer: E. Withdrawal curbs were placed on the bank owing to asset-liability mismatches, which heighten systemic risk and erode trust in banks.
158. How has India been handling import tariffs?
Answer: B. Duties went up on machinery and industrial items but down on transport and textiles, while farm tariffs stay above 38% to shield domestic farmers.
159. Which Indian state records the highest female unemployment rate?
Answer: A. Himachal Pradesh has the top female unemployment rate at 24%, whereas Gujarat shows the lowest overall unemployment at 3%.
160. What is the aim of India's ₹1,000 crore Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR financing?
Answer: D. By promoting electronic Warehouse Receipts, the scheme helps farmers obtain loans so they do not have to sell crops in distress.
161. What drove India's GDP growth momentum in the second half of FY25?
Answer: B. As per the RBI Bulletin, growth in H2 FY25 was powered mainly by strong fiscal policies and rising rural demand.
162. SEBI's Information Ratio (IR) disclosure for mutual funds is chiefly meant to do what?
Answer: D. SEBI began daily disclosure of the Information Ratio to add transparency and help do-it-yourself investors evaluate the risk-adjusted returns of funds.
163. Which of these could threaten India's inflation outlook?
Answer: A. Even as food prices ease, global uncertainty, volatile energy prices and weather disruptions remain risks to inflation.
164. A serious problem seen in India's African Cheetah Translocation Project is what?
Answer: E. An unexpectedly high death rate among the introduced cheetahs raised ethical concerns, and experts now suggest participatory conservation over forced relocation.
165. What led to the imposition of President's Rule in Manipur?
Answer: C. Prolonged ethnic violence and failing governance, with trust in state institutions sharply lower, put Manipur under President's Rule.
166. Which technological upgrade was added to the Soil Health Card scheme?
Answer: B. The scheme was upgraded with GIS integration, geo-tagging, QR code tracking and mobile app graphics to improve monitoring of soil health.
167. What important finding about the Iron Age emerged from Tamil Nadu?
Answer: A. New discoveries place Tamil Nadu's Iron Age at 5300 years ago, challenging older theories and underlining its role in early metallurgy.
168. What is the chief concern about the rising snow line in the Everest region?
Answer: D. The snow line has climbed 490 feet in under two months, a strong climate change signal that may threaten glaciers and water supplies.
169. What is the motive behind Donald Trump's 25% tariff on autos, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors?
Answer: E. The tariffs form part of a trade policy meant to strengthen U.S. industry and reduce reliance on foreign goods, hitting sectors like pharma and chips.
170. What effect does India's inclusion in the Bloomberg Emerging Markets Local Currency Index have?
Answer: C. The inclusion drew global investors and raised foreign portfolio investment in India's debt market.
171. Why did the RBI hold an Open Market Operation (OMO) auction while liquidity was tight?
Answer: D. With the banking system short of liquidity for nine straight weeks, the RBI bought bonds through OMOs to supply longer-lasting funds.
172. In special circumstances, up to what amount can depositors of the troubled New India Co-op Bank withdraw under RBI's permission?
Answer: B. Customers may take out as much as ₹5 lakh for medical or personal emergencies, a figure that matches the deposit insurance cover.
173. SEBI has suggested fast-track Follow-on Public Offers (FPOs) for REITs and InvITs. What is the main purpose?
Answer: E. The proposal gives already-listed REITs and InvITs easier and faster access to capital markets, which should help liquidity and investor participation.
174. In what way does a Follow-on Public Offer (FPO) differ from an Initial Public Offering (IPO)?
Answer: A. A listed company uses an FPO to issue more shares and raise capital, whereas an IPO is when a company first sells its shares to the public.
175. How do the growth drivers of India and China compare?
Answer: C. Consumption makes up roughly 60.3% of India's GDP growth, while China has long given priority to investment of about 41.3% of GDP, which helped its per capita income rise faster.
176. Which of these is not a tool the RBI generally uses to manage liquidity in banks?
Answer: B. Fiscal policy belongs to the government rather than the RBI, which manages liquidity through OMOs, CRR changes, VRR auctions and forex swaps.
177. Why did Microsoft introduce its Majorana 1 chip?
Answer: D. The chip is aimed at improving quantum computing by lowering computational errors, which could affect AI, cryptography and medical research.
178. What is the chief aim of Phase-2 of the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS)?
Answer: C. Phase-2 widens the scheme to 115,000 internships spanning 25 sectors, working with firms such as ONGC, HDFC and Reliance to build skills among young people.
179. What was the Supreme Court's reasoning for staying the Lokpal order that brought High Court judges within its ambit?
Answer: E. The Court held that the Lokpal Act concerns public servants, whereas accountability of judges is handled by the judiciary's own internal oversight.
180. Which main hurdle stands in the way of India's $200 billion electronics export goal?
Answer: A. India's average electronics tariff is 9% against only 1% in the US, which makes it hard for Indian manufacturers to be competitive abroad.
181. 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.
182. 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.
183. 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.
184. 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.
185. 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.
186. 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.
187. 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.
188. 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.
189. 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.
190. 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.
191. What is the main purpose of the RBI's recent $10 billion dollar-rupee swap auction?
Answer: D. The swap auction gives banks longer-term liquidity, works against the rupee's slide, and helps restrain inflation by managing excess money supply.
192. One of the following is not part of IRDAI's Bima Trinity. Which one?
Answer: B. The Trinity comprises Bima Sugam, a digital insurance platform, Bima Vistaar for rural cover, and Bima Vahak for women-led distribution; Bima Raksha is no part of it.
193. What is a chief worry over SEBI's proposal to scrap the 200-investor limit for angel funds?
Answer: E. Widening the QIB definition and dropping investor caps may create problems verifying investors, admit financially weak people, and raise compliance issues under the Companies Act, 2013.
194. Recent budget reports show which state with the smallest debt-to-GSDP ratio?
Answer: A. Gujarat's debt-to-GSDP ratio of 15% is the lowest, a sign of sound fiscal management, while Rajasthan and West Bengal carry much heavier debt.
195. Microsoft's new quantum chip 'Majorana 1' is meant to speed progress in which area?
Answer: C. Majorana 1 is expected to make fault-tolerant quantum computing possible, with effects on AI, cryptography and science, though researchers call for its claims to be validated further.
196. What mainly explains gold beating other asset classes in 2024?
Answer: B. Prices jumped on inflation fears, economic uncertainty and heavy gold buying by central banks, notably those of China and India.
197. Why does Tamil Nadu object to the three-language policy in NEP 2020?
Answer: D. The state has long resisted Hindi imposition and prefers a two-language system of Tamil and English over the three-language model of NEP 2020.
198. Although gross NPAs have fallen, which major challenge do Indian banks still face?
Answer: C. Low-cost CASA deposits are shrinking, which hurts profitability, and any RBI rate cuts could squeeze banks' net interest margins further.
199. What is India's motivation for developing submarines under Projects 75 and 76?
Answer: E. Diesel-electric and nuclear-powered submarines under these projects are meant to bolster naval defence against China's rising influence in the Indo-Pacific.
200. What is a leading criticism of India's AI-based TB detection programme?
Answer: A. Though tools like qXR and Genki exist, the government picked the unvalidated DeepCXR, which raises doubts about transparency and effectiveness in TB elimination.
201. What is the central point of the Ukraine-U.S. minerals agreement?
Answer: C. Under the deal, the U.S. gets access to Ukraine's resources in return for security guarantees and wartime support. Trump has insisted on mineral access in exchange for any American aid.
202. Who is tipped to become Germany's next Chancellor, moving policy toward conservative governance?
Answer: A. CDU leader Friedrich Merz is expected to steer Germany rightward, with a focus on tax cuts, tighter fiscal discipline and tougher immigration policy.
203. Recent trends raise which main worry about the U.S. stock market?
Answer: D. High valuations and reliance on tech giants give the market bubble-like signs, and the lasting sustainability of growing AI investment is uncertain.
204. In trade talks with the U.K., which agreement does India give priority to?
Answer: E. India wants the SSA, which covers social security benefits for Indian professionals working in the U.K., whereas the U.K. is keener on the BIT.
205. What has caused the Right to Information Act to lose strength in India?
Answer: B. Bureaucratic resistance, delayed information commission replies, weak penalties and new digital laws restricting access to public data have eroded the RTI Act.
206. What is a key objection to India's frequent internet shutdowns?
Answer: A. India saw 84 shutdowns in 2024, mainly during protests, communal violence and exams, and critics say they unduly limit communication and fundamental rights.
207. By which year does India expect carbon credit trading to begin under its new carbon market scheme?
Answer: C. The market will roll out in phases: emission intensity targets were to be set by February 2025 and credit trading is due to start by October 2026.
208. What is the likely effect of the RBI's ban on prepayment penalties for NBFCs?
Answer: D. The proposed ban for small business and retail loans will heighten competition, pushing NBFCs to alter lending strategies or increase rates.
209. Which big development has taken place in India's digital currency space?
Answer: E. Working with Yes Bank, CRED and MobiKwik introduced e-Rupee wallets to spur adoption, with 5 million users and 420,000 merchants on board.
210. A possible Trump administration's trade retaliation is seen as a high risk for which set of countries?
Answer: B. An S&P Global report lists India, South Korea and Thailand as most exposed to American retaliation, chiefly via higher tariffs.
211. What is one key demand the European Union has made in the India-EU Free Trade Agreement talks?
Answer: A. Brussels wants India to cut duties on high-value goods such as cars, wines and spirits, while India seeks better access for its pharmaceuticals, IT services and farm products.
212. What accounts for India having the most internet shutdowns anywhere in the world?
Answer: D. Shutdowns are often used to maintain law and order during protests and communal tension, although the Supreme Court insists they must pass tests of necessity and proportionality.
213. Which is a significant environmental worry linked to the growth of AI?
Answer: B. AI needs huge computing power, so data centres consume a great deal of energy; remedies include moving to renewables and making hardware more efficient.
214. Why do Ultra Conserved Elements (UCEs) matter in genetics?
Answer: E. UCEs are stretches of DNA unchanged across millions of years that work as 'poison exons', helping control protein output and keeping genes stable.
215. For what reason does the government intend to cut its holding in five public sector banks (PSBs)?
Answer: C. The government plans to sell down up to 20% in certain PSBs so that at least 25% of a listed company's shares are with the public by August 2026, as SEBI requires.
216. What led the RBI to undo its earlier rise in risk weights on NBFC loans?
Answer: D. The higher risk weights were meant to limit financial risk but they hurt credit growth and funding for NBFCs, so the RBI withdrew them.
217. What keeps governance problems alive in Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)?
Answer: A. Despite RBI's regulatory efforts, many UCBs see frauds and weak internal controls, made worse by political meddling and outdated technology.
218. Why is SEBI tightening its rules for equity and index derivatives?
Answer: E. New limits on positions and stricter eligibility conditions are meant to hold back excessive speculation and keep derivatives trading in line with the fundamentals of stocks.
219. What is the reason for Tata Capital's planned $1.7 billion IPO?
Answer: C. The RBI has told large NBFCs to list on the exchanges for better transparency and governance, and the IPO will also build Tata Capital's capital base and market standing.
220. What has driven the Indian rupee's recent fall in value?
Answer: B. The rupee weakened as importers bought more dollars and the RBI intervened only to a limited extent in offshore forward contract settlements.
221. Which provision is central to the U.S.-Ukraine Economic Deal?
Answer: D. The pact gives the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earths, vital for defence, electric vehicles and semiconductors, and deepens economic and defence ties.
222. What makes the EU delegation's visit to India noteworthy?
Answer: A. Led by Ursula von der Leyen, the record-sized delegation signals strategic engagement on trade, technology and global politics, and also touches on India's stance on Ukraine.
223. What is the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?
Answer: B. CBAM puts a carbon price on imports of emissions-heavy goods, aiming to stop carbon leakage and hold trade partners accountable on the environment.
224. What worry surrounds Trump's 'Gold Card' visa plan?
Answer: C. The high-priced visa is aimed at wealthy people and could end up helping Russian oligarchs and other rich foreigners, raising national security and ethical concerns.
225. What is a serious problem with maternity benefits under PMMVY?
Answer: E. Benefits are stuck at old levels that ignore inflation, and administrative inefficiencies leave many women receiving less than they expect.
226. Which environmental effect is linked to coal power plants in India?
Answer: A. NO₂ released by coal-fired plants harms crops and cuts agricultural output, notably in states such as West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
227. Why did the RBI relax risk weight norms on bank loans to NBFCs?
Answer: D. The RBI reversed its earlier hike in risk weights on bank loans to NBFCs, freeing up more credit, especially for microfinance and small-ticket lending.
228. What is a main aim of the UK-India trade agreements?
Answer: B. The agreements cover technology, life sciences and insurance, with India raising FDI limits in some areas and UK companies expanding investment in India.
229. What is a significant concern about ethanol blending in India?
Answer: C. Though promoted as sustainable, ethanol production uses excessive water and pollutes, and there have been protests over regulatory inaction.
230. What has Microsoft's 'Project Farm Vibes' achieved for agriculture in India?
Answer: E. Microsoft's AI-driven tools lifted productivity while optimising water and fertiliser use, showing strong potential for sustainable farming in India.
231. What explains banks' cautious stance when lending to NBFCs?
Answer: E. Because stress on assets is mounting, particularly among microfinance institutions, banks restrict exposure to highly rated NBFCs and avoid risk.
232. Why has the Centre suggested lowering states' share of taxes from 41% to 40%?
Answer: C. Trimming the states' portion could yield about ₹350 billion for central spending, although the move may meet political resistance.
233. What is the principal fear of southern states about the coming delimitation exercise?
Answer: D. Since delimitation follows population and the south has grown more slowly than the north, these states expect to lose Lok Sabha seats in the 2026 exercise.
234. Why does the IMF advise India to lower its fiscal deficit to 3% of GDP?
Answer: B. The IMF expects a smaller deficit to steady finances, draw investment, bring India in line with global fiscal norms and lessen debt risks.
235. According to government policy, what does India's debt strategy seek to achieve?
Answer: A. The plan is to bring the debt-to-GDP ratio down from 57.1% in FY25 to 50% by FY31 through stable, long-term domestic borrowing.
236. What is a central issue in India-EU relations?
Answer: C. The EU treats India as a strategic partner but has voiced concerns about human rights, free speech and minority rights, which create diplomatic friction.
237. What is a likely result of Trump's proposed 25% tariff on EU imports?
Answer: E. The European Union has cautioned that it would retaliate against the proposed tariffs, which could heighten trade tensions.
238. What defines Trump's 'Gold Card' immigration plan?
Answer: B. Under the proposal, wealthy investors and top graduates could obtain green card benefits by investing $5 million, and it would take the place of the EB-5 visa programme.
239. What lies behind EPFO subscribers' call for a higher interest rate on PF accounts?
Answer: A. With the current PF rate at 8.25%, workers want more because inflation is lowering the real value of their savings.
240. Why does Russia refuse to negotiate over the Ukrainian regions it has annexed?
Answer: D. Moscow rules out talks on Crimea (2014) and the areas annexed in 2022, calling them inseparable parts of Russia, which sustains tension with Ukraine and the West.