1. In Swachh Survekshan 2024–25, which city came first among cities with more than 10 lakh residents?
Answer: D. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which ran the survey, placed Ahmedabad at the top in the over-10-lakh population category.
2. What is the chief purpose behind SEBI's latest curbs on F&O trading?
Answer: A. The restrictions followed data showing 91% of retail F&O traders lost money; the aim is to discourage speculation and steer people to safer long-term investing.
3. What is the Akash Prime missile system built to do?
Answer: A. DRDO developed Akash Prime as a surface-to-air system that intercepts drones and aircraft, notably at high altitudes.
4. What explains the recent drop in ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) investments?
Answer: C. Since the 80C benefit is not available under the new tax regime, ELSS loses appeal, though it still saves tax under the old regime.
5. After July 2025, what must NGOs do to receive CSR funding?
Answer: B. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs wants NGOs to submit Form CSR-1 and hold 12A and 80G registrations, so CSR money flows transparently.
6. For cooperative mills, what is the chief advantage of ethanol from grain over ethanol from sugarcane?
Answer: C. Grain lets mills work outside the sugarcane season, so ethanol output is year-round, supporting rural jobs and E20 blending targets.
7. What has made active factor-based mutual funds popular in recent years?
Answer: E. These funds apply tailored quantitative models built on factors like momentum, quality and value to improve returns, which has drawn fund houses and investors.
8. Which cantonment board was named 'Best Cantonment Board' in Swachh Survekshan 2024–25?
Answer: D. It received the award for its performance on cleanliness and waste management in the 2024–25 survey.
9. From which financial year will RBI's new climate risk disclosure norms become compulsory?
Answer: E. Banks and financial institutions must disclose climate risk from FY 2027–28 onward, in support of India's Net Zero 2070 vision.
10. Which town won the 'Best Ganga Town' award in the Swachh Survekshan 2024–25 rankings?
Answer: B. Prayagraj was honoured as Best Ganga Town for its strong work in keeping the area around the Ganga clean.
11. The lower voting age in the UK is expected to apply from the general election anticipated in which year?
Answer: C. The reform is expected to apply to the next general election, anticipated in 2029.
12. How many cities compete in the Super Swachh League introduced in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25?
Answer: B. The notes say 20 cities now compete in this elite category.
13. Which organisation developed the Akash Prime missile?
Answer: B. Akash Prime was developed by DRDO.
14. Which ministry introduced the revised Form CSR-1 for non-profits executing CSR on behalf of companies?
Answer: B. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued the revised Form CSR-1.
15. Where was the long-billed bush warbler rediscovered in 2025?
Answer: C. The notes say it was found in the Suru Valley of Ladakh.