1. Alongside the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, which body co-developed the State Energy Efficiency Index 2024?
Answer: C. BEE worked with AEEE to release the 2024 edition of the index at the end of August 2025. The index is used to benchmark how states perform on energy efficiency.
2. PM Modi held talks with Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. In which city was it held?
Answer: A. The 2025 SCO gathering took place in the Chinese city of Tianjin. Its theme was 'Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move'.
3. What is the ceiling on the monthly incentive an employer can receive for each new hire under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana?
Answer: E. Firms taking on new staff drawing wages up to ₹1 lakh can claim as much as ₹3,000 per person each month. This lasts two years, extending to four years for manufacturing.
4. RBI figures covering 2000 to 2025 show that deposits held in rural bank branches multiplied by what factor?
Answer: B. Rural deposits expanded twenty-fold over the period. That growth lagged behind semi-urban areas at 22x, urban at 26x and metropolitan centres at 36x.
5. To set up a Small Finance Bank, an applicant needs to meet what minimum paid-up capital?
Answer: D. The RBI sets ₹200 crore as the floor for paid-up capital when licensing an SFB. The promoters' 40% stake also stays locked in for five years.
6. The RBI fined Bandhan Bank ₹44.70 lakh. What was the lapse behind the penalty?
Answer: A. The regulator found the bank paying staff on a commission basis and making manual changes in its backend without audit logs. These breached the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
7. Under the revised tax rules, how is the gain on a ULIP taxed when it fails the conditions for exemption?
Answer: D. A ULIP that does not satisfy the Section 10(10D) conditions is treated as a capital asset. Profits from it are therefore taxed as capital gains.
8. Foreign Portfolio Investors pulled roughly how much out of Indian equities in August 2025, their heaviest net selling in six months?
Answer: B. Net outflows by FPIs came to ₹34,993 crore, about $4 billion. US tariffs, stretched valuations and soft earnings drove the selling and rattled markets.
9. What is the main purpose of the Krishi Nivesh 2.0 portal?
Answer: E. The platform brings public-private partnerships onto one site to draw private money. It aims to improve agricultural infrastructure and cut post-harvest losses.
10. For the first time, mono-floral lavender honey has been produced in which Indian region?
Answer: C. CSIR-IIIM in Pulwama, J&K, made the country's first honey of this type as part of the Purple Revolution. With 61% lavender pollen, it meets premium global standards.
11. India's coal proposals pending, as per the report, stood at which figure?
Answer: D. India has 92 GW of coal proposals pending, while 5.1 GW was commissioned in the first half.
12. The yam species Dioscorea balakrishnanii is named in honour of whom?
Answer: D. It honours Dr V. Balakrishnan, a Deputy Superintendent of Police and environmentalist who backed biodiversity research in Wayanad.
13. Which law did the IEEPA replace, giving Presidents emergency powers over foreign threats?
Answer: B. IEEPA of 1977 replaced the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917, as stated in the notes.
14. Which body released the State Energy Efficiency Index 2024 along with AEEE?
Answer: B. BEE released SEEI 2024 with the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy.
15. Where is the headquarters of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation located?
Answer: C. The notes state SCO headquarters are in Beijing, China.
16. Around how many schools across India are still without an electricity connection, according to the UDISE+ 2024-25 findings that raise concern for digital learning?
Answer: A. While the latest UDISE+ round shows gains in toilets, drinking water and handwashing, more than 25,000 schools remain unelectrified, which holds back digital teaching.
17. DBT and BIRAC rolled out High-Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms as an element of which national policy?
Answer: D. The platforms sit under the BioE3 Policy, whose full name points to a move from bio-manufacturing to a bio-economy by 2047; they aim to back biotech innovation, cut imports and spur green growth.
18. What name was given to the first made-in-India semiconductor chip unveiled at SEMICON India 2025?
Answer: B. The chip honours Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and is the country's first homegrown one, produced with 28nm technology at the Micron plant in Sanand, Gujarat.
19. Where is the 2025 round of the India–US Yudh Abhyas exercise taking place?
Answer: E. This is the biggest Yudh Abhyas so far and is hosted at Fort Wainwright in Alaska, with drills on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping and warfare in extreme cold.
20. Deutsche Bank is reportedly planning to leave retail banking in India. Whose approval is compulsory for transferring such assets?
Answer: C. Under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and FEMA, 1999, any sale or transfer of banking assets, retail business included, needs the RBI's nod.
21. In which year was the ₹2000 banknote first brought into circulation, before RBI pulled it back in May 2023?
Answer: A. The note appeared in November 2016, soon after demonetisation, to restore cash availability quickly; RBI later withdrew it in May 2023 under its Clean Note Policy.
22. What was India's Current Account Deficit for the first quarter of FY26?
Answer: D. The CAD narrowed sharply to $2.4 billion, or 0.2% of GDP, compared with $8.6 billion (0.9%) a year earlier, and the previous quarter had even shown a $13.5 billion surplus.
23. PMJAY and similar health insurance schemes give each household a cover of how much per year?
Answer: B. Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY began in 2018 and offers ₹5 lakh yearly per household, reaching about 58.8 crore people.
24. Loans that Indian companies take from overseas lenders in foreign currency are known as External Commercial Borrowings. From whom are ECBs raised?
Answer: E. ECBs come from non-resident sources such as global banks, institutions and bond markets, are denominated in foreign currency, and are governed by RBI under FEMA 1999.
25. How much did net ECB inflows amount to in Q1FY26?
Answer: C. RBI figures put net ECB inflows at $4.6 billion for April–June 2025, up from $2.8 billion in the same quarter of FY25, which shows stronger appetite for overseas capital.
26. Which of these is NOT among the principles highlighted in the Global Governance Initiative?
Answer: E. The GGI highlights sovereign equality, international law, multilateralism and people-centred policies; military blocs are not among them.
27. The PRATUSH radiometer is built around which compact hardware?
Answer: B. The system is based on a single-board computer roughly the size of a credit card.
28. In UDISE+ 2024-25, which region had the highest share of schools with under 10 students?
Answer: A. Ladakh recorded 32.2%, the highest figure listed.
29. The High-Performance Biomanufacturing Platforms were launched under which policy?
Answer: B. The platforms are part of the BioE3 (Bio-manufacturing to Bio-Economy by 2047) Policy.
30. The 'Vikram' chip unveiled at SEMICON India 2025 is named after whom?
Answer: B. It honours Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, father of India's space programme.
31. India's rank of 6th in the world and top in Asia on the Global Peace Index 2025 went to which country?
Answer: B. Singapore was judged the most peaceful Asian nation and sixth overall in the 2025 GPI. Iceland was first, while India came in at 115th.
32. At the 4th SEMICON India Conference in 2025, what long-term goal for the country's chip sector was stated?
Answer: E. PM Modi said India wants to be a full-stack semiconductor nation by 2030. That means handling design, fabrication, packaging and innovation within the country.
33. Which major relaxation is proposed in the draft changes to the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules?
Answer: A. The draft deletes the clause that required most directors and key managerial personnel to be resident Indians. This would make compliance simpler for overseas investors.
34. What is the net intraday position limit for equity index options under SEBI's framework taking effect in October 2025?
Answer: C. SEBI fixed the net intraday cap at ₹5,000 crore, along with a gross cap of ₹10,000 crore per side. The aim is to rein in risky bets on expiry days.
35. What reason lies behind IRDAI keeping venture capital-backed fintech startups from getting insurance manufacturing licences?
Answer: D. IRDAI feels such firms lack the lasting stability and risk management strength that underwriting needs. It sees them as better suited to distribution roles.
36. Which lender has newly introduced RuPay credit cards secured by fixed deposits?
Answer: D. Suryoday SFB rolled out the RuPay Select and Platinum cards against FDs. They are aimed at homemakers, retired people and those getting their first credit line.
37. In the Council of Insurance Ombudsman's 2023-24 report, which insurer drew the most complaints?
Answer: B. Star Health logged 13,308 complaints, with more than 10,000 of them about rejected claims. That put it at the top of the list.
38. Which alteration in the draft insurance FDI rules is read as a step toward permitting 100% foreign investment?
Answer: A. The text swaps the phrase 'not to exceed 74%' for 'as per Insurance Act, 1938'. This hints that the cap could later be lifted to 100%.
39. APEDA's BHARATI Initiative sets what export target?
Answer: C. The programme plans to back 100 agri-food startups. Its goal is to take agri-food exports to $50 billion by 2030.
40. The RBI study on horticulture pointed to which key problem facing the sector?
Answer: E. The study noted swinging prices of tomatoes, onions and potatoes, which hurt both farmers and buyers. Post-harvest losses add to the strain.
41. Women's share of cancer cases and cancer deaths in the 2025 India report, respectively, is:
Answer: B. Women account for 51.1% of cases but 45% of deaths.
42. Niveshak Didi Phase II mainly targets which group, with training in local languages?
Answer: B. The programme focuses on rural communities and women, teaching savings, safe investing, fraud prevention and digital transactions.
43. Women entrepreneurs in Bihar earlier paid microfinance lenders interest in which range, prompting the new cooperative?
Answer: E. Microfinance institutions charged 18% to 24%, which the cooperative aims to undercut with affordable credit.
44. HOPE, an analogue site for planetary exploration, is located in which region?
Answer: E. The Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration is in Ladakh.
45. The Swarnamukhi River, targeted by Operation SWARNA, flows how far from Pakala to the Bay of Bengal?
Answer: D. The river flows eastwards for about 130 km from Pakala to the Bay of Bengal, passing Tirupati and Srikalahasti.
46. Which set of slabs forms the new tax structure under the GST 2.0 reforms cleared by the GST Council in September 2025?
Answer: B. From 22 Sept 2025 the rates are 0% for exempt goods, 5% as the merit rate, 18% as the standard rate and 40% as the demerit rate.
47. Which item among the following gets a 0% GST rate after the GST 2.0 changes?
Answer: E. Nil GST now applies to UHT milk, paneer, Indian breads, erasers, health and life insurance and 33 life-saving medicines.
48. Under the GST 2.0 reforms, which product falls in the 40% demerit slab?
Answer: C. Tobacco, cigarettes, pan masala and large luxury cars are charged at the topmost 40% demerit slab.
49. What is the 2025 ARTHA framework from the government about?
Answer: A. ARTHA is a funding framework meant to help de-coaled mines get reused for sustainable land use and the energy transition.
50. Which kind of assets do long-duration debt mutual funds mainly put money into?
Answer: D. These funds hold government securities, corporate bonds and debentures that mature after more than 7 years.
51. Long-duration debt funds have lately given weak returns. What was the chief cause?
Answer: B. Inflation worries, the RBI's stance and heavier government borrowing pushed G-sec yields up, so bond prices dropped and the funds' NAV fell.
52. For what main purpose does the RBI use the Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR)?
Answer: E. Under VRRR banks deposit their surplus funds with RBI, which drains liquidity, helps restrain inflation and keeps short-term rates near the repo rate.
53. RBI planned an 8-day VRRR auction in September 2025 to absorb what amount of liquidity?
Answer: C. The central bank announced that the 8-day VRRR auction would suck out ₹1.5 trillion from banking system liquidity.
54. Which borrowers does Bank of Baroda's 'bob Digi Udyam' target with collateral-free digital loans?
Answer: A. The product gives MSEs fast working-capital loans of ₹10–50 lakh with no collateral, covered by a CGTMSE guarantee.
55. Which organisation built the Kapas Kisan App that was launched in September 2025?
Answer: D. CCI, which works under the Ministry of Textiles, created the app to take cotton procurement under the MSP scheme online.
56. How many Thai personnel from the 1st Infantry Battalion are taking part in MAITREE-XIV?
Answer: E. Thailand has sent 53 personnel; India's contingent has 120.
57. Among women under 24, the share reporting public harassment in 2024 was how much?
Answer: D. It doubled from 7% overall to 14% among women under 24.
58. Which conditions form over two-thirds of the mental disorders affecting more than one billion people worldwide?
Answer: E. Anxiety and depressive disorders make up more than two-thirds of mental health conditions worldwide.
59. Which Sankardeva play supplies text found on the Vrindavani Vastra?
Answer: E. The cloth includes text from Sankardeva's devotional play Kaliyadamana.
60. Roughly how many bursts of energetic electrons did Solar Orbiter detect between November 2020 and December 2022?
Answer: C. More than 300 bursts were detected, enabling scientists to match them with specific solar events.
61. The Cabinet cleared a ₹1,500 crore incentive plan for 2025-31 to boost recycling of e-waste and battery waste. It falls under which mission?
Answer: C. The scheme sits within NCMM and aims to strengthen critical mineral supply chains. It does so by recycling e-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap and catalytic converters.
62. India grows about 41% of the world's millets, though per-person consumption fell from 32 kg a year in the 1960s to roughly 4 kg now. What new name did the 2023-24 Union Budget give millets?
Answer: A. The Budget for 2023-24 rebranded millets as 'Shree Anna'. The move was meant to support nutrition, climate resilience, exports and farm incomes.
63. Which institution held on to the top Overall position in NIRF 2025 for a seventh year running?
Answer: E. IIT Madras was again first in the Overall category for the seventh straight year. It also led the Engineering category for the tenth year in a row.
64. In which state was India's first knowledge portal dedicated to vulture conservation introduced?
Answer: B. 'The Vulture Network' went live in Assam on International Vulture Awareness Day 2025. It supports efforts to protect critically endangered vulture species.
65. What theme did Axis Bank choose for Sparsh Week 2025?
Answer: D. Held from 1 to 5 September, the week ran under the theme Raise the Bar. It focused on customer experience, staff engagement and leadership visibility.
66. Which NBFC teamed up with PhonePe to offer Loans Against Mutual Funds?
Answer: A. PhonePe and DSP Finance started the LAMF offering together. Investors can borrow as much as ₹2 crore without redeeming their mutual fund units.
67. Who is the newly approved Arudha SIF platform from Bandhan AMC designed to serve?
Answer: D. Arudha SIF provides equity, debt, hybrid and derivative strategies that go beyond ordinary mutual funds. Its audience is sophisticated investors and HNIs.
68. Which level did the combined assets under management of REITs and InvITs in India go past in 2025?
Answer: B. IRA and BIA reported that the two vehicle types together crossed ₹9 lakh crore. This came nine years after their introduction in 2014.
69. bob Digi Udyam from Bank of Baroda offers fully digital loans without collateral to which segment?
Answer: E. The product gives paperless, collateral-free loans of ₹10 to 50 lakh to small businesses. These loans are covered by CGTMSE.
70. In 2025, Sohan Lal Commodity Management joined hands with IDBI Bank and Punjab & Sind Bank to provide what?
Answer: C. Under the tie-up, farmers and traders can pledge stored agricultural produce to secure loans. SLCM's Agri Reach platform enables real-time monitoring.
71. What is the outlay of the recycling incentive scheme for e-waste and battery waste approved in September 2025?
Answer: D. The Cabinet cleared a ₹1,500 crore scheme.
72. What name did Union Budget 2023-24 give to millets?
Answer: B. Millets were renamed 'Shree Anna' in Budget 2023-24.
73. Which institution topped India Rankings 2025 in the Overall category?
Answer: B. IIT Madras was No. 1 Overall for the 7th year.
74. The Vulture Network, India's first vulture knowledge portal, was launched in which state?
Answer: A. The portal was launched in Assam in September 2025.
75. Angikaar 2025 is a campaign under which scheme?
Answer: B. It is an outreach drive under PMAY-Urban 2.0.
76. Which products were recently granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR)?
Answer: C. In Assam's BTR, a youth-driven effort backed by the regional government won GI status for 21 local items, including textiles, instruments, drinks, food and medicinal plants.
77. The creation of the Bodoland Territorial Region came about through which accord?
Answer: A. The BTR was formed by the 2020 Bodo Accord, giving more autonomy and taking the place of the BTAD; accords in 1993 and 2003 came before it.
78. A new industrial classification, NIC-2025, is being drafted for India. Which modern sectors does the draft specifically include?
Answer: D. NIC-2025 will cover new areas such as OTT platforms, EV charging, AI, the circular economy and green jobs, in line with international ISIC norms.
79. Which state had the highest birth rate in the 2023 Sample Registration System (SRS)?
Answer: B. Bihar topped the list at 25.8 per 1,000 in 2023, Andaman & Nicobar was lowest at 10.1, and the all-India figure stood at 18.4.
80. Which sector does Bima Sugam, due for launch in December 2025, belong to?
Answer: E. Bima Sugam is the IRDAI's single-window online insurance marketplace, part of the 'Bima Trinity' plan towards 'Insurance for All by 2047'.
81. Under RBI's 2025 co-lending rules, each lender must keep at least what share of a loan on its own books?
Answer: C. The updated framework makes it compulsory for every lender to hold a minimum of 10% of the loan itself so that accountability is shared in co-lending.
82. For whom are deposit-backed credit cards mainly meant?
Answer: A. These secured cards are given against fixed deposits and let first-time borrowers or those with poor scores build a credit record.
83. Pick the statement that does NOT hold true for the e-Rupee (Digital Rupee).
Answer: D. Unlike crypto, the e-Rupee is centrally issued by RBI and backed fully by the Government of India, making it a stable legal tender.
84. Which Jharkhand products is NABARD pursuing GI tags for?
Answer: B. NABARD has shortlisted nine Jharkhand products for GI protection, among them Biru Gamcha, Kuchai Silk Sarees, Kuchai Turmeric, Bhagaiyya Sarees, tribal jewellery and bamboo crafts.
85. What theme did the 5th FPO Conclave, organised by Samunnati and NABARD, follow?
Answer: E. Under its sustainability theme the event discussed farmer-friendly digital tools, sustainable horticulture and ways to connect smallholders to global markets.
86. India would be the fifth country with hydrogen trains. Which of these is NOT among the four already named?
Answer: C. The four named are Germany, France, Sweden and China. Japan is not in that list.
87. Which of the following is NOT listed as an existing framework the audit rules complement?
Answer: D. The article names Green Credit, EPR under waste rules and Ecomark; the PAT scheme is not mentioned.
88. What radius is cited for the electronic denial zones in the TPCR-2025 electronic warfare plans?
Answer: E. The roadmap mentions electronic denial zones with a 15 km radius.
89. How many pillars does the IHCAP have?
Answer: E. IHCAP has five pillars, starting with cooling the city and cooling buildings.
90. Under which agreement was the Bodoland Territorial Region created?
Answer: A. BTR was created under the January 2020 Bodo Peace Accord.
91. What does two-factor authentication ask a user to provide?
Answer: B. It combines something the user knows, the password, with something the user holds, such as an authenticator app or device. This pairing makes attacks harder.
92. The Bhil people are among India's biggest tribal communities. From which word does the name Bhil come?
Answer: E. The name traces back to the Dravidian billu or villu, meaning bow. This reflects the community's long tradition of archery.
93. Who makes up the electoral college that elects India's Vice President?
Answer: A. Unlike the presidential poll, state legislators do not vote. Elected as well as nominated MPs from both Houses form the electorate.
94. What is the IUCN status of Pallas's cat, which was recently photographed in Arunachal Pradesh?
Answer: C. Otocolobus manul is classed as Near Threatened because of its restricted habitat and shrinking numbers. It has not yet reached the endangered category.
95. Because of clearing corporation holidays, SEBI shifted the settlement dates in which pair of market segments?
Answer: D. SEBI altered the settlement calendar for the cash market and the Securities Lending and Borrowing Mechanism. This prevents trouble from holidays at clearing corporations.
96. In the Jane Street matter, which body told SEBI to justify why it had not disclosed certain documents?
Answer: D. SAT, a quasi-judicial authority under the SEBI Act, asked the regulator to respond about holding back papers. The case concerns derivatives trading.
97. Whom do reinsurance companies provide cover to?
Answer: B. Reinsurers take on part of the risks that insurers carry. This lets insurers spread exposure, absorb large claims and stay financially sound.
98. Which lender is waiting for the RBI's approval to move from a Small Finance Bank to a universal bank?
Answer: A. Ujjivan SFB has submitted its application for a universal banking licence. The central bank's decision is expected around December 2025.
99. Which institution held the 'Dream2Demo' Startup Pitch Fest, described as its first?
Answer: C. SBI ran the inaugural pitch fest to bring entrepreneurs and investors together. The goal is to strengthen the startup ecosystem.
100. The SIDBI-CRIF Small Business Spotlight report shows which state with the biggest share of outstanding small business credit?
Answer: E. Maharashtra is on top with ₹606.2 thousand crore outstanding, a 13.4% share. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, UP and Karnataka come next.
101. The 80th UNGA President belongs to which regional group's rotation turn?
Answer: E. The presidency comes from the Western European and Others Group, in the rotation among the five regional groups.
102. When does Phase 2 (population enumeration) take place in most states under Census 2027?
Answer: D. Most states are enumerated in February 2027; hill regions like Ladakh go in September 2026.
103. The first Sunrise Festival will be held for how many days?
Answer: E. It runs from 29 December 2025 to 2 January 2026, a span of five days.
104. The MQ-28A Ghost Bat is best described as which type of platform?
Answer: B. It is a robot wingman for piloted fighter jets.
106. In the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards 2025, which city took first place among cities with over 10 lakh population?
Answer: D. Indore ranked first in the above-10-lakh group and received ₹1.5 crore; the city is also noted for a Guinness record in tree planting and electric public transport.
107. Under which international convention were Indore and Udaipur newly recognised as Wetland Cities?
Answer: B. The Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation honours cities that manage wetlands sustainably; with these two additions India holds 91 Ramsar sites, the most in Asia.
108. Which country is the host of the multilateral Zapad 2025 military exercise?
Answer: E. Zapad, Russian for 'West', is staged by Russia every four years; the 2025 edition is at Mulino Training Ground and includes Indian participation.
109. Which two bodies led the launch of the UK–India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) in September 2024?
Answer: C. This two-country platform started in Sept 2024 to channel private capital into Indian infrastructure, with NITI Aayog and the City of London Corporation as its main institutions.
110. SEBI has suggested lengthening the validity of an FPI licence from today's 3 years to how many years?
Answer: A. To draw in more FPI money, SEBI may raise licence validity from 3 to 5 years; at present FPIs register for 3 years under the 2019 Regulations.
111. Which proposal is part of SEBI's reforms to make FPI investment easier?
Answer: E. SEBI is weighing every one of these: quicker IPO clearance, lighter disclosure for large funds, a regulated NRI route and more time for mega IPOs to meet minimum public shareholding.
112. The secured RuPay credit cards recently introduced by Suryoday Small Finance Bank are issued against what?
Answer: B. The RuPay Select and Platinum cards are backed by a customer's fixed deposit, which suits people who have no credit history or a poor one.
113. Who currently serves as MD & CEO of Suryoday Small Finance Bank?
Answer: E. Suryoday was incorporated in 2008 and turned into a small finance bank in 2017; Baskar Babu Ramachandran leads it as MD & CEO.
114. On what date was National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) set up?
Answer: C. NCEL is a multi-state cooperative society formed on 25 Jan 2023 to help cooperatives export, under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002.
115. What is the main goal of the MoU signed between NCEL and APEDA?
Answer: A. The pact seeks to bolster the cooperative movement by exporting farm and processed food items through cooperatives, thereby lifting farmers' incomes.
116. Under the Supreme Court direction on Bihar's SIR, who lacks the authority to decide a voter's citizenship?
Answer: B. The notes say citizenship determination is beyond the authority of Booth Level Officers.
117. Which pair of instruments on Perseverance was used to analyse the Cheyava Falls sample?
Answer: C. PIXL and SHERLOC analysed the Sapphire Canyon sample, per the notes.
118. Roughly how long did the drone incursion into Polish airspace last, according to the timeline reported?
Answer: E. It ran from about 23:30 CEST to 06:45 CEST, around 7 hours 15 minutes.
119. The Giant African Snail is reported to feed on how many plant species?
Answer: E. The snail feeds on over 500 plant species, including crops.
120. What was the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day in 2024?
Answer: E. The 2024 theme was 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide'; 'Creating Hope Through Action' covered 2021-2023.
121. 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.
122. 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.
123. 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.
124. 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.
125. 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.
126. 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.
127. 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.
128. 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.
129. 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.
130. 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.
131. 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.
132. 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.
133. With which company did ISRO sign the SSLV technology transfer agreement?
Answer: C. The pact is with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
134. The report 'Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children' was released by which organisation?
Answer: D. Unicef released the Feeding Profit report.
135. Which Union Minister launched FTI-TTP at five more airports on 12 September 2025?
Answer: B. Home Minister Amit Shah launched it by videoconference.
136. Which veterinary medicine is chiefly blamed for the 95% fall in India's vulture numbers since the 1990s?
Answer: E. Vultures that ate carcasses of animals treated with diclofenac suffered kidney failure, which wiped out roughly 95% of the population.
137. Which of these is NOT a Critically Endangered vulture species in India?
Answer: C. Of India's 9 vulture species, three are Critically Endangered: White-rumped, Indian and Slender-billed; the Himalayan Griffon is only Near Threatened.
138. In which state are Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) presently functioning?
Answer: A. BWHGs are sanctioned for 7 border states, but only Rajasthan runs them now, with 2,279 active personnel.
139. Which one of these is NOT part of the Great Nicobar Island Project?
Answer: D. The project comprises a transhipment terminal, an airport, a township and a power plant, but it has no metro rail corridor.
140. Why is the 'Samudra Pradakshina' expedition noteworthy?
Answer: B. The voyage is the first ever sailing circumnavigation by an all-women crew drawn from the Army, Navy and Air Force together.
141. When will the next All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) and Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) be carried out?
Answer: E. The 81st NSS round, run by the NSO under MoSPI between July 2026 and June 2027, will take up both AIDIS and SAS.
142. What share of storage capacity have Indian dams lost to sedimentation, as per an IISER Bhopal study?
Answer: C. The IISER Bhopal researchers concluded that reservoirs across the country have seen close to half of their capacity filled up by accumulated sediment.
143. Under which Act was Nabfid created?
Answer: A. Nabfid is a Development Finance Institution set up through the NABFID Act, 2021 with the job of providing long-term infrastructure finance.
144. The RBI's idea of letting lenders remotely lock phones mainly concerns which loan category?
Answer: D. The proposal would let lenders lock a phone bought on credit if the borrower defaults, and it is aimed at small-ticket consumer lending.
145. How many Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) are left after the One State-One RRB consolidation?
Answer: B. After the May 2025 merger exercise, the RRB count dropped from 43 to 28, spread over 26 states and 3 Union Territories.
146. Who dissolved Nepal's Federal Parliament on Karki's recommendation on 12 September 2025?
Answer: B. President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved Parliament on her recommendation.
147. Through which messaging platform can the Never Alone web-based app be accessed?
Answer: E. The programme runs through a web-based app accessible via WhatsApp.
148. Which veterinary drug was the primary cause of India's vulture crash?
Answer: B. Diclofenac caused kidney failure in vultures.
149. In which state are Border Wing Home Guards currently operational?
Answer: D. The notes say BWHG works only in Rajasthan.
150. What is the planned capacity of the ICTT under the Great Nicobar Island Project?
Answer: C. The ICTT is planned for 14.2 million TEU.
151. What is the principal aim of the Gyan Bharatam Portal launched by the Prime Minister?
Answer: B. The portal acts as an online archive of ancient manuscripts. It speeds up their preservation, guards against intellectual piracy and displays India's knowledge tradition.
152. The Prime Minister said India has the largest manuscript collection in the world. About how many manuscripts are estimated?
Answer: E. Nearly one crore manuscripts exist in India. They cover subjects such as science, medicine, mathematics, philosophy and astronomy.
153. What vision was laid out at the government's PSB Manthan 2025 conclave?
Answer: A. The conclave ties into the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap. The idea is to strengthen PSBs so that two of them rank in the global top 20 by assets.
154. Under SEBI's revised IPO norms, a company with a market capitalisation between ₹1 trillion and ₹5 trillion must offer at least what to the public?
Answer: C. SEBI imposed this minimum offer on big issuers. The aim is to deepen capital markets and widen public shareholding.
155. What change was made to the reservation for anchor investors in IPOs?
Answer: D. SEBI lifted the anchor portion to 40%, with one-third of it set aside only for domestic mutual funds. This encourages more domestic participation.
156. What does the SEBI-launched SWAGAT-FI framework deal with?
Answer: D. SWAGAT-FI gives low-risk FPIs, such as sovereign wealth funds, a simpler way to register. It eases compliance and is meant to attract foreign inflows.
157. What does SEBI say about Deeds of Family Settlement involving listed companies?
Answer: B. SEBI clarified that such agreements need to be disclosed for transparency under LODR. They do not, however, legally bind the company.
158. Why has SEBI created an automatic window for FPI registration?
Answer: A. A streamlined, automated process for eligible FPIs is meant to encourage overseas investment. This comes after recent outflows from equities.
159. Why are Farmer Producer Organizations seen as crucial for adopting agricultural technology?
Answer: C. By grouping farmers, FPOs make technology affordable. They also open doors to credit, knowledge hubs and common facilities.
160. Through which channel did the Agriculture Ministry send its AI-driven monsoon forecasts to farmers?
Answer: E. Forecasts that combine Google and ECMWF models reached 3.8 crore farmers by text message. The messages carried guidance specific to each region.
161. The new gecko Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka was found on slopes of Jatinga in which hill range?
Answer: E. It lives on forested slopes of Jatinga in the Barail Hills of Dima Hasao.
162. Which policy of 2018 focuses on energy diversification and farmer welfare through biofuels?
Answer: A. The notes cite the National Biofuel Policy (2018).
163. PSB Manthan 2025 set a goal of how many PSBs in the global top 20 by 2047?
Answer: B. The vision is at least two PSBs in the top 20.
164. What is the new overall reservation for anchor investors in IPOs after SEBI's reforms?
Answer: C. Reservation rose from 33.33% to 40%.
165. Before which court did SEBI clarify its stand on Deeds of Family Settlement disclosure?
Answer: C. SEBI made the clarification before the Bombay High Court.
166. Who opened the 2nd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads in New Delhi in September 2025?
Answer: A. Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, inaugurated the second ANTF Heads conference in the capital in September 2025.
167. In which state was India's first bamboo-based bioethanol plant inaugurated?
Answer: D. PM Narendra Modi opened the country's first bamboo-fed ethanol facility at Golaghat in Assam, supporting the clean and renewable energy drive.
168. Which institution organised Purple Fest 2025, which centred on empowering persons with disabilities?
Answer: B. ISLRTC held the festival together with Amity University, Noida, with a focus on including and empowering Divyangjan.
169. What was launched at the ANTF Conference to ensure seized narcotics are destroyed safely?
Answer: E. A digital platform called the Online Drug Disposal Campaign debuted at the conference to make the destruction of confiscated drugs transparent and safe.
170. RBI data show which country as the leading destination for India's outward FDI in 2024–25?
Answer: C. Singapore drew about 22.6% of India's outward foreign direct investment, placing it first among destinations.
171. What FDI ceiling in insurance does the Insurance Amendment Bill propose?
Answer: A. The Bill would lift the permitted foreign investment in insurance from the current 74% to 100%, in order to raise competition and penetration.
172. UPI-based cardless cash withdrawal is set to be extended to how many business correspondents (BCs) in India?
Answer: D. NPCI intends to take UPI cash withdrawal to more than 2 million BCs, improving access in rural and semi-urban areas.
173. Which of these is a reform SEBI has brought in to deepen India's capital markets?
Answer: B. One SEBI step gives newly listed companies extra time to reach public shareholding norms, which eases compliance and encourages participation.
174. Which firm introduced new pesticides in India for Downy Mildew in grapes and Late Blight in potatoes?
Answer: E. The global agri-science company Corteva Agriscience brought out the products, built on Zorvec Entecta technology, to tackle diseases in grape and potato.
175. Corteva's new pesticide offers protection against wash-off within how long after being sprayed?
Answer: C. The product acts fast and gives crops rainfast protection just 20 minutes after application.
176. Which express train from Sairang was launched weekly along with the line?
Answer: E. The Sairang-Delhi Rajdhani Express runs weekly; the Guwahati train is daily and the Kolkata train thrice a week.
177. IFC-IOR, supported by INS Aravali, was established in which year?
Answer: E. IFC-IOR was established in 2018; IMAC dates to 2014.
178. Which three parties claim Scarborough Shoal, according to the notes?
Answer: B. China, Taiwan and the Philippines all claim the shoal, which China has controlled de facto since 2012.
179. The New York Declaration proposes a phased plan of how many months for a demilitarised Palestine?
Answer: E. The declaration describes a 15-month phased plan, per the notes.
180. The 15 September date was chosen to coincide with which body's Universal Declaration on Democracy, adopted in 1997?
Answer: E. The date matches the Inter-Parliamentary Union's declaration of September 1997.
181. The 'Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan' was set to begin on 17 September 2025. Which pair of ministries leads it together?
Answer: C. Both of these ministries jointly run the campaign. Its focus is women's health, viewed as the base for stronger families and communities.
182. Which tribal community has traditionally followed the Manki-Munda system of governance?
Answer: A. The Ho people of Jharkhand's Kolhan region follow this hereditary, community-run system. It was given a formal code under British rule through Wilkinson's Rules.
183. For the first time in India, Eustoma (Lisianthus) was grown successfully by CSIR-NBRI scientists at which place?
Answer: E. The flower was raised in a polyhouse at Sanatanpali in Sambalpur district. It is a costly imported bloom, and this was the first time it was adapted to hot conditions in India.
184. Which of the following is among SEBI's recent easing measures for Foreign Portfolio Investors?
Answer: B. SEBI wants simpler FPI procedures through shared KYC, digital signatures and Swagat-FI for trusted investors. It is also stretching the registration cycle to ten years.
185. What are mule accounts, which are often used in digital fraud?
Answer: D. These are idle accounts that criminals exploit for many small-value transfers. They are commonly tied to money laundering, scams or cyber fraud.
186. For mutual fund investment purposes, SEBI now classes Real Estate Investment Trusts as which kind of security?
Answer: A. REITs used to be regarded as hybrid instruments, but SEBI now counts them as equity. That lets mutual funds hold more of them and supports real estate investment.
187. Which of the following describes securitisation most accurately?
Answer: D. Illiquid assets such as loans or mortgages are bundled and converted into securities that can be traded. This brings liquidity and shifts risk.
188. The RBI imposed a ₹21 lakh penalty on PhonePe for breaching which Act that governs Prepaid Payment Instruments?
Answer: B. The penalty was levied under the PSS Act, 2007. PhonePe's escrow balance had dropped under the minimum needed for PPIs.
189. Which three states are permitted to grow opium poppy under India's Opium Licensing Policy 2025-26?
Answer: E. Only these three states hold licences for poppy farming, under the NDPS Act, 1985. The crop is meant for medical and pharmaceutical use.
190. About how many farmers qualify for licences under the 2025-26 Opium Licensing Policy?
Answer: C. Roughly 1.21 lakh cultivators are eligible. That is 23.5% more than the year before, with an emphasis on high-yield farming.
191. The Tirumala Hills are part of which biosphere reserve?
Answer: C. Tirumala Hills lie within the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, along with Venkateswara National Park.
192. Which two events will accompany the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in Chennai?
Answer: C. The International Coast Guard Fleet Review and World Coast Guard Seminar are planned.
193. Which edition of Poshan Maah coincided with the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan launch?
Answer: C. The campaign was launched alongside the 8th Poshan Maah.
194. The Manki-Munda system of traditional self-governance belongs to which tribal community?
Answer: D. It is the traditional governance system of the Ho community.
195. Where in Odisha was Eustoma successfully cultivated for the first time by CSIR-NBRI?
Answer: A. The polyhouse is at Sanatanpali in Sambalpur district.
196. Which startup unveiled what it calls the world's first open-source Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) network in 2025?
Answer: B. Sentient's open-source AGI network, with over 2 million users on its waitlist, lets several AI agents and data sources work together in real time.
197. By 2035, what GDP growth rate is targeted by NITI Aayog's 'AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap'?
Answer: E. The roadmap aims for sustained growth above 8% through 2035, using AI gains in productivity, sector adoption and R&D to cover 30–35% of India's growth gap.
198. Where was the 21st edition of the India–US exercise 'Yudh Abhyas 2025' conducted?
Answer: C. The exercise ran in Alaska from Sept 1 to 14, 2025, deepening defence ties between India and the United States.
199. Under the RBI's new directions, what is the initial minimum net worth for non-bank Payment Aggregators (PAs)?
Answer: A. Non-bank PAs need ₹15 crore when they apply, and this has to grow to ₹25 crore by the close of the third financial year.
200. Which feature is NOT part of RBI's final guidelines on Payment Aggregators?
Answer: D. PAs are barred from keeping card credentials, which protects customer data, while the other items listed are genuine requirements.
201. Swagat-FI, a framework from SEBI, mainly targets which type of investor?
Answer: B. It makes onboarding easier for low-risk overseas investors such as sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and central banks, and gives them a 10-year validity.
202. Which regulator has permitted several bespoke pension plans for one subscriber under the National Pension System (NPS)?
Answer: E. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority enabled multiple plans per subscriber, giving NPS members more flexibility and personalisation.
203. How will users mainly gain from the forthcoming 'Netbanking 2.0' system built by NPCI?
Answer: C. Netbanking 2.0 is an interoperable switch that standardises settlements, chargebacks and reconciliation, so no separate integration with every bank is required.
204. Which Hyderabad-based fintech got NPCI's approval as a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) for UPI?
Answer: A. NPCI cleared Viyona Fintech as a TPAP; it offers UPI services through the GraamPay and Viyona Pay apps with a rural focus.
205. Which weather condition expected in late 2025 should help wheat, barley and mustard crops in North India?
Answer: D. Forecasters expect a winter colder than usual after heavy monsoon rains, which should lift Rabi crops such as wheat, barley and mustard in the north.
206. To what depth can India's Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles operate, according to the notes?
Answer: E. The DSRVs, inducted in 2018-19, can operate to a depth of 650 metres.
207. What is the name of the consumer interface of Sentient's open-source AGI network?
Answer: A. Users access the network through Sentient Chat.
208. Which body launched the AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap?
Answer: A. NITI Aayog launched it under its Frontier Tech Hub.
209. In which US location was the 2025 edition of Yudh Abhyas held?
Answer: B. It took place at Fort Wainwright and Yukon Training Area, Alaska.
210. What is the minimum net worth a non-bank payment aggregator must reach by the end of the 3rd financial year?
Answer: D. Net worth starts at ₹15 crore and rises to ₹25 crore.
211. India's power-sector CO2 emissions fell 1% in the first half of 2025 against the same period of 2024. What contributed most to the fall?
Answer: B. India added 25.1 GW of clean power in H1 2025, 70% more than a year earlier, while fossil-based generation dropped by 29 TWh. Renewable growth was therefore the main driver.
212. The Tri-Services Education Corps announced at CCC 2025 will bring together the education branches of which forces?
Answer: E. The Corps will merge the education wings of the three armed services. The idea is to foster jointness, use manpower better and deepen integration.
213. In which country will the Bharat Innovates 2026 summit take place?
Answer: A. Nice in France will host the event on 17 to 19 June 2026. It will showcase Indian deeptech and seek to attract global investment.
214. How often will the RBI's newly created Regulatory Review Cell examine regulations?
Answer: C. The Cell begins work on 1 October 2025. It will make sure each RBI regulation gets a thorough internal review once every five to seven years.
215. Which regulator is moving to widen participation in non-agricultural commodity derivatives?
Answer: D. SEBI is overhauling commodity markets so banks, insurers, pension funds and FPIs can take part in metals and energy derivatives. This should add liquidity and global linkage.
216. What is the main role of the Bima Sugam platform launched by IRDAI?
Answer: D. Bima Sugam is the country's first electronic marketplace for insurance. It enables paperless buying, renewal, portability and claims across life, health and general policies.
217. On which payment network does the CRED and IndusInd Bank co-branded credit card run?
Answer: B. The co-branded card was introduced on the RuPay network. It gives broad and flexible reward redemption across different platforms.
218. What was the theme of the BASAI 2025 conference held in New Delhi?
Answer: A. The meeting backed climate-resilient farming using bio-stimulants, biofertilizers and biopesticides. These are meant to raise productivity and give residue-free food.
219. Where is the GI Facilitation Centre set up by EDII and NABARD located?
Answer: C. The centre operates from EDII in Ahmedabad. It helps artisans and entrepreneurs register and market traditional crafts and agricultural products.
220. What is the chief objective of Farmer Producer Organizations?
Answer: E. FPOs are legal bodies in which farmers jointly produce, buy inputs and market produce. This brings better prices, easier credit and greater use of sustainable methods.
221. Which 2014 judgment is cited among earlier safeguards in matrimonial offence cases?
Answer: C. Arnesh Kumar (2014) is listed among related precedents.
222. By how much did CO2 emissions from India's electricity sector fall in H1 2025 versus H1 2024?
Answer: A. The analysis reported a 1% decline.
223. In which city was the Combined Commanders' Conference 2025 held?
Answer: C. The three-day CCC 2025 took place in Kolkata.
224. Where will Bharat Innovates 2026 be held?
Answer: B. The event is set for Nice, France, 17–19 June 2026.
225. By when was the CAG's first LLM version expected?
Answer: B. The first version was expected by November 2025.
226. India reached 99th in the 2025 SDG Index, its highest ever. Which SDG is still India's weakest?
Answer: C. Even with gains in infrastructure and services, India trails on health measures such as maternal and under-5 mortality, life expectancy and affordability of care.
227. The 2024 NSS Consumption Survey suggests close to half of rural households cannot afford how many thalis a day?
Answer: A. Roughly half of rural and a fifth of urban India cannot manage two basic thalis daily, pointing to affordability gaps even though the PDS works well for cereals.
228. According to the WMO 'State of Global Water Resources Report 2024', how many people lack adequate water for at least a month each year?
Answer: D. About 3.6 billion people face water shortage every year, a number projected to climb to 5 billion by 2050 as climate and water stress worsen.
229. The WMO reported above-normal river discharge in 2024 for which region?
Answer: B. Wetter-than-usual conditions across Northern India, Pakistan and Southern Russia gave higher-than-average flows in the Ganges, Godavari and Indus basins.
230. Which transaction does RBI's new 2025 Payment Aggregator framework disallow unless the landlord is a registered merchant?
Answer: E. Rent payments were being abused as disguised person-to-person transfers, so RBI demanded complete merchant KYC and shut out landlords lacking merchant status.
231. Which SEBI regulation targets stock price rigging and insider trading, as invoked in the Adani–Hindenburg matter?
Answer: C. The Prevention of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices Regulations, 2003 ban price rigging, insider trading and misleading disclosures.
232. What does EPFO's newly introduced 'Passbook Lite' mainly offer?
Answer: A. Passbook Lite gives members a simple snapshot of PF activity, and the detailed graphical passbook continues to exist separately.
233. In what capacity did PhonePe recently get RBI authorisation?
Answer: D. The RBI approval allows PhonePe to onboard merchants directly, SMEs in particular, strengthening its place in India's digital payments sector.
234. How does the RBI's Variable Rate Repo (VRR) differ from a fixed-rate repo?
Answer: B. In contrast to fixed repo operations, VRR lets banks borrow at competitive, market-driven rates, which helps RBI calibrate liquidity.
235. By December 2025, how much liquidity is RBI's staged CRR reduction expected to release into banks?
Answer: E. Four tranches of 25 bps each in the CRR cut will put nearly ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system to keep liquidity sufficient by year-end.
236. The geothermal policy aligns with which national climate goal?
Answer: C. It aligns with India's commitment to reach Net Zero by 2070.
237. India is ranked first among which income group in GII 2025?
Answer: D. India tops the lower-middle-income group and Central and Southern Asia.
238. What was India's rank in the SDG Index in June 2025?
Answer: B. India ranked 99th of 167 countries, its best ever.
239. Which metric uses a standard South Asian meal to gauge primary food consumption?
Answer: A. The notes name the Thali Index as the metric.
240. Which organisation released the report on the status of global water resources in 2024?
241. 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.
242. 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.
243. 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.
244. 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.
245. 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.
246. 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.
247. 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%.
248. 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.
249. 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%.
250. 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.
251. Which country finished second at Intervision 2025 with 373 points?
Answer: E. Kyrgyzstan was second with 373 points, ahead of Qatar's 369.
252. What fee did the US proclamation impose on each H-1B visa sponsorship?
Answer: B. The fee is $100,000 per H-1B sponsorship.
253. Where was the 28th Universal Postal Union Congress held?
Answer: C. The notes place the 28th UPU Congress in Dubai.
254. Which shipyard built the ASW shallow water craft Androth?
Answer: C. GRSE, Kolkata built Androth.
255. Which district topped the INSPIRE Award-MANAK 2025 national list?
Answer: A. Muzaffarpur submitted 7,403 ideas, the highest.
256. The UN Gender Snapshot 2025 estimates what share of women's jobs is exposed to risk from AI and automation?
Answer: D. The UN report says 28% of jobs held by women are at risk from AI and automation versus 21% of men's jobs, so women are more vulnerable.
257. To which period has the Kilnamandi Sarcophagus find in Tamil Nadu been dated?
Answer: B. Radiocarbon testing of the sarcophagus found at Kilnamandi village in Tiruvannamalai district gave a date near 1692 BCE, which falls in the Late Harappan phase.
258. In CAG's State Finances Publication 2025, which state shows the top committed expenditure ratio of 74%?
Answer: E. Nagaland's committed spending took up 74% of its revenue expenditure, the largest among states, with Kerala next at 63%.
259. Which ministry runs the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) initiative?
Answer: C. DPIIT, part of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, administers LEADS, which ranks states and works to improve their logistics ecosystems.
260. In which situations does EPFO's new instruction on PF settlements permit part payments?
Answer: E. Rather than rejecting claims, EPFO will now pay in part where there are employer defaults, delayed contributions, partial accumulations or transfer problems.
261. By what earlier name was the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) known?
Answer: D. Before GST arrived, the Finance Ministry body went by the name Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
262. Which body did RBI recognise as the Self-Regulatory Organisation for FinTech (SRO-FT)?
Answer: B. RBI gave the SRO-FT status to the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE), which sets standards on debt collection and borrower protection.
263. India is reported to have the world's largest number of stablecoin holders. How many?
Answer: E. Around 314 million Indians hold stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, which makes India the biggest stablecoin market worldwide.
264. In 2025, RBI asked which institution to broaden forex settlement beyond the USD–INR pair?
Answer: C. The Clearing Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL) was invited to build systems for trading and settling several currency pairs, helping rupee internationalisation.
265. The HyFarm Paathshala initiative trains farmers in modern growing methods for which crop?
Answer: A. Run by the HyFun Group in Gujarat, it teaches potato farmers practices like soil testing, irrigation and harvesting to improve yield and quality.
266. In UN's Gender Snapshot 2025, what share of women's jobs is estimated to be at risk from AI and automation?
Answer: A. The report puts women's job risk at about 28%, versus 21% for men.
267. Which dating method was used to date the charcoal found with the Kilnamandi sarcophagus?
Answer: A. The deposit was dated by the AMS radiocarbon method.
268. Which state had the highest committed expenditure share in CAG's State Finances Publication 2025?
Answer: B. Nagaland recorded 74%, followed by Kerala at 63%.
269. Which department administers LEADS?
Answer: A. LEADS is administered by DPIIT under the Commerce and Industry Ministry.
270. EPFO's part-payment instruction is based on which provision?
Answer: A. The notes cite para 10.11 of the Manual of Accounting Procedure Part-IIA.
271. The Supreme Court restated that secularism is part of the Constitution's basic structure. Which of these is NOT a key element of Indian secularism?
Answer: B. In India's model the state treats every faith equally and favours none. It also safeguards minority rights and stays neutral on religion.
272. Which case laid down the Basic Structure Doctrine in India?
Answer: E. Kesavananda Bharati set out that features like secularism, democracy and fundamental rights lie beyond Parliament's power to amend.
273. In the CPCB's 2023 report, which state had the most polluted river stretches?
Answer: A. Maharashtra topped the list with 54 polluted stretches in 2023. This points to serious river pollution in the state.
274. Which Gram Panchayat took the Gold Award at the National Awards for e-Governance 2025?
Answer: C. Rohini won for running a completely paperless e-Office system and offering 1,027 services online.
275. SEBI proposed amendments to the Technical Glitch Framework for stockbrokers. Which brokers will now fall outside it?
Answer: D. Small brokers having fewer than 10,000 clients, along with those that offer no internet trading platform, are excluded from the glitch compliance rules.
276. What minimum capital must a platform hold to operate as an NBFC-P2P lending entity in India?
Answer: D. The RBI requires ₹2 crore of capital before it grants the Certificate of Registration to a P2P lending platform.
277. In the Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund merger, which scheme is being folded into the Short Duration Fund?
Answer: B. The Banking & PSU Bond Fund will be merged into the Short Duration Fund. This simplifies management, and unitholders may exit within 30 days.
278. What do the RBI's P2P lending rules stress about borrowers' and lenders' money?
Answer: A. Every disbursal and repayment has to pass through the bank accounts of registered lenders and borrowers via escrow. This ensures transparency and safety.
279. In NABARD's Rural Sentiment Survey of September 2025, what share of rural households expected their income to improve over the next quarter?
Answer: C. Near-term optimism in rural areas slipped, with only 51.6% foreseeing better income. The July 2025 figure had been 56.4%.
280. What is the focus of the Maitri 2.0 programme between India and Brazil?
Answer: E. Maitri 2.0 links innovators, startups and institutions of both countries in agritech. It stresses sustainable farming, digital tools and resilient food systems.
281. Which country recognised Palestine on 22 September 2025, a day after the UK and Canada?
Answer: E. Malta, with France, Monaco, Luxembourg, Andorra and San Marino, recognised Palestine on 22 September.
282. Roughly how large is the quasi-satellite 2025 PN7?
Answer: B. Its mean diameter is about 19 metres.
283. Which case established the basic structure doctrine?
Answer: B. The doctrine was developed in Kesavananda Bharati (1973).
284. Which ministry organises World Food India?
Answer: B. WFI is the flagship event of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
285. In CPCB's river water quality assessment, rivers with BOD above what level are unfit for bathing?
Answer: B. BOD above 3 mg/litre is deemed unfit for bathing.
286. Which ministry launched the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025?
Answer: E. The Union Education Ministry started it to foster grassroots innovation among Class 6–12 students in six lakh schools.
287. What overall rank did India obtain in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025?
Answer: C. India has climbed from 81st in 2015 to 38th in 2025, although energy productivity and industrial diversification are still weak spots.
288. What is the main focus of the CORE Programme introduced by HQ IDS?
Answer: A. The Combined Operational Review and Evaluation programme seeks to deepen civil-military dialogue, build strategic awareness and promote well-rounded decisions in complex security situations.
289. What growth did S&P Global Ratings keep as its forecast for India's GDP in FY2025-26?
Answer: D. S&P kept FY26 growth at 6.5%, citing domestic demand, a good monsoon and public investment, even though Q1 FY26 growth came in at 7.8%.
290. Into which fund are unclaimed deposits sent after staying inactive for 10 years?
Answer: B. Dormant accounts and matured FDs go to the DEA Fund held at RBI after a decade, and depositors can still claim the money with interest later.
291. In which year did RBI recognise FACE as India's first fintech Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO)?
Answer: E. The Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment was given India's first fintech SRO recognition in July 2024, to promote transparency, consumer protection and ethical practices.
292. Which ministry is weighing powers for the Centre to empanel private ODR firms for delayed MSME payments?
Answer: C. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises is studying the idea to resolve disputes faster, since over 2.5 lakh MSME claims on late payments are pending.
293. Which bank has started eRUPI Person-to-Person (P2P) digital gifting on its UPI app?
Answer: A. Bank of Baroda brought in P2P digital gifting on its own UPI app using NPCI's eRUPI system, enabling secure e-vouchers of up to ₹10,000.
294. Who was given the Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 71st National Film Awards (2023)?
Answer: D. The veteran actor Mohanlal received the award at the 71st National Film Awards in recognition of his huge contribution to Indian cinema.
295. Which film was named Best Feature Film at the 71st National Film Awards?
Answer: B. The Hindi movie 12th Fail, featuring Vikrant Massey, took the top feature film prize for its moving storytelling and uplifting social message.
296. Which portal digitises Ayurvedic substances and was among the digital platforms highlighted?
Answer: B. The DRAVYA portal digitises Ayurvedic substances, per the notes.
297. What is the total outlay approved for the 25 lakh additional PMUY connections?
Answer: E. Rs 512.5 crore plus Rs 160 crore plus Rs 3.5 crore adds up to Rs 676 crore.
298. Which classes are eligible for the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025?
Answer: B. Students of Classes 6 to 12 can participate.
299. What was India's rank in the Global Innovation Index 2025 as per the notes?
Answer: A. India ranked 38th in 2025, up from 81st in 2015.
300. Which organisation launched the CORE Programme in New Delhi?
Answer: B. HQ IDS launched the Combined Operational Review and Evaluation Programme.
301. In which country was India's first defence manufacturing plant overseas opened?
Answer: C. Rajnath Singh opened the facility in Berrechid, run by Tata Advanced Systems Limited. It builds Wheeled Armoured Platforms for the Royal Moroccan Army.
302. Agni-Prime was tested from a rail-based launcher. What is the missile's maximum range?
Answer: A. It is an intermediate-range ballistic missile reaching up to 2,000 km. The first trial from a mobile rail launcher aimed to improve mobility and survivability while lowering detectability.
303. By how much did India's total forest area grow between 2010-11 and 2021-22?
Answer: E. MoSPI's forest accounts show the area rising from 697,898 to 715,342 sq km. That is a net gain of 17,444 sq km, or 2.5%.
304. What is the main role of the newly launched GST Appellate Tribunal?
Answer: B. GSTAT is a nationwide independent appellate body for GST disputes. It promises decisions within set timelines, written in plain language, with hearings held digitally.
305. What does the RBI require for every digital payment transaction in India from 1 April 2026?
Answer: D. The RBI made 2FA compulsory to improve security and curb fraud. At least two of three factors are needed: something known, something owned or something the user is.
306. UPI acceptance began at Qatar Duty Free outlets. In which country is this?
Answer: A. NPCI worked with Qatar National Bank to enable UPI in Qatar. Qatar Duty Free was the first merchant to offer smooth payments to Indian tourists.
307. Which entities are required to undergo Social Stock Exchange audits?
Answer: D. SEBI's revised norms call for Annual Impact Report audits of social enterprises that have actually raised money through the SSE. This confirms real, measurable social impact.
308. The RBI reported that the Supervisory Data Quality Index rose to what level in June 2025?
Answer: B. The sDQI gauges the quality of data that banks submit. It went from 89.3 in March 2025 to 89.9 in June, supporting risk-based supervision.
309. Why is the NDB issuing a rupee-denominated bond in India?
Answer: E. The bank plans its first rupee bond to fund infrastructure and development projects. This also helps push the rupee's internationalisation.
310. According to Moody's, by how much are retail NBFC NPAs likely to increase in FY26?
Answer: C. Moody's sees only a modest rise in retail NPAs at NBFCs, linked to growth in vehicle loans and credit. Overall loan quality should stay steady.
311. The MiG-21 is associated with which distinction in the Indian Air Force?
Answer: E. It was the first supersonic fighter to enter IAF service, in 1963.
312. Kenya's Joseph Nguthiru won the 2025 UNEP award for HyaPak, which turns which invasive plant into biodegradable packaging?
Answer: B. HyaPak converts invasive water hyacinth into biodegradable packaging.
313. How many earlier Election Commission applications does ECINET integrate?
Answer: D. ECINET integrates over 40 previous mobile and web applications.
314. Where was India's first overseas defence manufacturing facility inaugurated by Rajnath Singh?
Answer: B. The Tata Advanced Systems plant is at Berrechid, Morocco.
315. What was new about the recent Agni-Prime test?
Answer: C. It was the first test from a rail-based mobile launcher.
316. What is the principal aim of the campaign 'Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath' under Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025?
Answer: A. It relies on mass public participation to clear garbage-prone spots, keep public places clean and encourage sustainable, plastic-free habits.
317. Which ministry launched the 'Prayas' Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre?
Answer: D. Ayush opened Prayas at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, putting Ayurveda, Yoga, physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy in a single place.
318. The FCRA, 2010 requires foreign contributions to be received at which bank branch?
Answer: B. To keep things transparent and traceable, FCRA allows foreign contributions only into a designated account at SBI's New Delhi branch.
319. RBI skipped buying dollars in July 2025 for the first time since 2014. Why?
Answer: E. As the rupee slid 2.23% in July 2025, RBI sold $2.54B rather than buying, putting currency stability ahead of building reserves.
320. What all-time low did the Indian rupee touch on September 23, 2025?
Answer: C. The rupee weakened against the dollar, euro and pound alike, reaching a record ₹88.6/USD amid a trade imbalance, weak inflows and tighter global finance.
321. Which bank received authorisation as a Trading-Cum-Clearing Member at the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) in GIFT City?
Answer: A. IFSCA approved Bank of Baroda to act as a TCM at the GIFT City bullion exchange, supporting transparent gold and silver trading.
322. RBI's ITBS Survey (2024–25) shows which location as the new leading source of fee income for Indian banks?
Answer: D. Hong Kong replaced the UK as the biggest earner of fee income for Indian banks overseas, indicating a change in global banking patterns.
323. Which country became the 8th to accept UPI for Indian travellers in September 2025?
Answer: B. NPCI International and Qatar National Bank brought UPI payments to Qatar Duty Free at Hamad International Airport in Doha.
324. To what level has SEBI recently lifted the minimum net worth required of custodians?
Answer: E. The custodian net worth requirement went up from ₹50 crore to ₹75 crore, meant to strengthen governance, risk management and safety of assets.
325. What is Soilification Technology, created at the Central University of Rajasthan, mostly used for?
Answer: C. The method binds sand grains using polymers and bioformulations, which improves water holding and microbial activity and so makes desert land farmable.
326. Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath is part of which 2025 campaign?
Answer: A. It falls within Swachhata Hi Seva 2025.
327. Prayas, India's first integrated neuro-rehabilitation centre, was launched at which institute?
Answer: B. Prayas was launched at the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa.
328. Which institution grew wheat in Ajmer's desert land using soilification?
Answer: A. The work was by researchers at Central University of Rajasthan.
329. Which ministry launched the People's Plan Campaign 'Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas'?
Answer: A. MoPR is launching the campaign from 2 October 2025.
330. In July 2025 the RBI recorded its first month with zero dollar purchases since which year?
Answer: A. The notes say the first zero-purchase month since February 2014.
346. By how much did India's industrial output, as per the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), expand in August 2025?
Answer: B. IIP growth eased slightly to 4% in August 2025 from 4.3% a month before, on weaker manufacturing, though mining and electricity improved.
347. After two new Ramsar sites were added in Bihar in 2025, what is India's total number of Ramsar sites?
Answer: E. With Gokul Jalashay in Buxar and Udaipur Jheel in West Champaran designated, India's count reaches 93, the highest in Asia and third in the world.
348. Which ministry manages the Sahyog portal, whose validity was upheld by the Karnataka High Court?
Answer: C. The Home Ministry runs Sahyog through the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to send content takedown requests to social media platforms.
349. In NCRB's Crime in India Report 2023, which category showed the sharpest increase in rate over 2022?
Answer: A. Cybercrime cases rose 31.2% in 2023, largely online fraud, sexual exploitation and extortion, a sign of the challenges of digitalisation.
350. In RBI's revised liquidity management framework, which rate continues as monetary policy's operating target?
Answer: D. RBI kept WACR as the operating target so that short-term money market rates remain in line with the policy repo rate.
351. Under RBI's new guidelines, when can banks revise the credit spread on small business loans?
Answer: B. Banks may now adjust loan spreads before the earlier 3-year restriction ends, giving them flexibility and benefiting borrowers.
352. At which level has Moody's affirmed India's long-term sovereign rating?
Answer: E. Moody's left India at Baa3, the lowest investment-grade rung, with a stable outlook, citing fiscal challenges offset by strong economic fundamentals.
353. Which benchmark is going to take the place of MIBOR in India?
Answer: C. SORR will succeed MIBOR as the main benchmark, offering a transparent, secured overnight rate along the lines of the global SOFR.
354. Which pair of organisations formed a bancassurance tie-up to widen non-life insurance reach in semi-urban areas?
Answer: A. Under the deal, TATA AIG's general insurance products will be sold through Equitas Bank's branch network to extend insurance into rural areas.
355. For which initiative did Arya.ag win the SmartAG Award 2025?
Answer: D. The Smart Farm Centre Model combines climate-smart technology with women-led agri-services to make smallholder farmers more resilient and sustainable.
356. Which organisation partnered in setting up the integrative oncology unit at AIIA Goa, according to reports?
Answer: E. A report states the unit was established in partnership with Tata Memorial Centre.
357. India's IIP growth in August 2025 was:
Answer: B. IIP grew 4% in August 2025.
358. Which two Bihar wetlands were newly designated as Ramsar sites?
Answer: B. The notes name Gokul Jalashay (Buxar) and Udaipur Jheel (West Champaran).
359. Which ministry developed the SAHYOG portal?
Answer: B. The portal was developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
360. By how much did cybercrime rise in NCRB's Crime in India 2023 report?
Answer: C. Cybercrime rose 31.2% in 2023, mostly fraud (68.9%).