1. In which district is the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve located?
Answer: D. The reserve spreads over Lahaul-Spiti district.
2. Ethambutol Hydrochloride, subject of an Indian anti-dumping probe, is used to treat which disease?
Answer: B. It is a first-line anti-tuberculosis drug.
3. Which tree-ring based dataset was used in the study on the Ganga's worst dry spell in 1,300 years?
Answer: B. Streamflow was reconstructed using the Monsoon Asia Drought Atlas and hydrological models.
4. Which rocket launched AstroSat in 2015?
Answer: B. AstroSat went up on PSLV-C30 on 28 September 2015.
5. India is exploring a standalone Digital Competition Act to regulate which entities?
Answer: B. The aim is to regulate large technology platforms.
6. Ivermectin is classified as which type of drug in the malaria-control notes?
Answer: C. It is described as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug.
7. What was the size of NBFC lending noted in the credit ecosystem notes?
Answer: A. NBFC loans reached ₹6.1 lakh crore, up 20% YoY.
8. Which BNPL firm was directed by RBI to shut its payments operations immediately?
Answer: A. RBI directed Bengaluru-based Simpl to stop payments operations.
9. What is the size of the risk-sharing facility NaBFID is setting up with the World Bank and ADB?
Answer: C. The facility is $1 billion.
10. Which body asked regulators to permit India Good Delivery bars for MCX and ETFs?
Answer: A. The India Bullion & Jewellers Association made the request.
11. The lump-sum withdrawal cap under NPS reforms rises from 60% to:
Answer: C. The notes say new cap is 80%, with 20% for annuity.
12. IndiGo's co-branded credit card is part of which loyalty programme?
Answer: B. The card is part of the IndiGo BluChip loyalty programme.
13. What is the minimum monthly pension under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?
Answer: C. UPS promises a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month.
14. Which body plans to approach IRDAI to pass part of the GST ITC loss to distributors through lower commissions?
Answer: B. The Life Insurance Council, representing insurers, plans to approach IRDAI.
15. What change do RBI's new digital payment authentication guidelines bring?
Answer: B. SMS OTPs will not be the only authentication method.