1. To which two councils of the Universal Postal Union was India re-elected recently?
Answer: C. The vote took place at the 28th UPU Congress in Dubai. Re-election to the CA and the POC reinforces India's part in worldwide postal cooperation.
2. What kind of vessel is 'Androth', which the Indian Navy recently commissioned?
Answer: A. Built by GRSE, Androth is the second ship in an eight-vessel ASW-SWC series. It will handle coastal security and submarine hunting in shallow seas.
3. Which district came first in the INSPIRE Award-MANAK 2025 national innovation rankings?
Answer: E. Muzaffarpur in Bihar led with 7,403 student ideas. Bengaluru Urban and Bagalkot followed it.
4. Which Japanese rating agency raised India's sovereign rating to BBB+ in 2025?
Answer: B. The Tokyo-based agency R&I lifted the rating to BBB+. It cited macroeconomic stability, GST reforms and robust domestic demand.
5. SEBI and the RBI are working towards Corporate Bond Index Futures. What is the defining feature of these contracts?
Answer: D. CBIF would be cash-settled derivatives tied to an index of bonds rated AA+ and above. No bonds change hands physically.
6. PFRDA is in discussions with SEBI about letting pension funds invest in which asset class?
Answer: A. PFRDA wants pension money to be able to access gold, silver and other metal derivatives. Farm commodities stay out because of their price volatility.
7. Under the new Multiple Scheme Framework of NPS, what is the highest equity share permitted in high-risk schemes?
Answer: D. Non-government NPS subscribers can hold several schemes under a single PRAN. High-risk options may now carry up to 100% equity, against an earlier ceiling of 75%.
8. Which bank became the first foreign bank subsidiary in India to be authorised by the RBI as an Agency Bank?
Answer: B. DBS Bank India can now collect GST and other government payments. It is the first wholly owned foreign subsidiary to get such authorisation.
9. SEBI brought back B-30 incentives for mutual funds. What is the ceiling on the incentive for each new investor?
Answer: E. Distributors are rewarded for enrolling investors from smaller towns and women investors, up to ₹2,000 per new PAN. The exit load is limited to 3%.
10. BASAI wants clarity on the GST for biostimulants. Which rate does it say should apply?
Answer: C. Biostimulants are plant growth enhancers used in sustainable farming. The association argues for 5%, matching fertilizers, rather than the 18% charged in some cases.
11. Which country finished second at Intervision 2025 with 373 points?
Answer: E. Kyrgyzstan was second with 373 points, ahead of Qatar's 369.
12. What fee did the US proclamation impose on each H-1B visa sponsorship?
Answer: B. The fee is $100,000 per H-1B sponsorship.
13. Where was the 28th Universal Postal Union Congress held?
Answer: C. The notes place the 28th UPU Congress in Dubai.
14. Which shipyard built the ASW shallow water craft Androth?
Answer: C. GRSE, Kolkata built Androth.
15. Which district topped the INSPIRE Award-MANAK 2025 national list?
Answer: A. Muzaffarpur submitted 7,403 ideas, the highest.