Practice Questions (54 total · Page 1 of 2)
Q1
What is the weight of the first-ever export consignment of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger flagged off from Assam?
Explanation:
Assam flagged off its first-ever trial export consignment of 1.2 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London. The ginger is cultivated in the Singhasan Hills of Karbi Anglong district using traditional Jhum and Tila cultivation methods. The GI tag certifies the unique origin and quality of this premium ginger variety. This milestone supports India's strategy to diversify agricultural exports through region-specific branding.
Q2
Where did the Sukhoi Su-30MKI crash occur in Assam on March 5 2026?
Explanation:
An IAF Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed at Inglong Ekopi Hill in Assam during a routine training mission on March 5 2026. The Su-30MKI is manufactured under license by HAL at its Nashik facility. It is the primary multirole air superiority fighter of the Indian Air Force with over 260 aircraft in inventory. Assam hosts several strategically important IAF air bases given its proximity to sensitive borders.
Q3
Which cultivation method is traditionally used for Karbi Anglong Ginger cultivation?
Explanation:
Karbi Anglong Ginger is cultivated mainly in the Singhasan Hills using traditional Jhum (shifting cultivation) and Tila cultivation methods. This organic and traditional cultivation enhances the natural quality of the ginger. Jhum cultivation is a form of slash-and-burn agriculture practiced by several tribal communities in Northeast India including Assam. The GI recognition enhances export value and ensures better price realization for local tribal farmers.
Q4
The Ruddy Shelduck breeds in India only in which region?
Explanation:
The Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) breeds in India only in Ladakh where it nests in high-altitude wetlands between June and August. It is also known as the Brahminy Duck. Its IUCN status is Least Concern globally. Assam's Brahmaputra floodplains and wetlands serve as important wintering and stopover grounds for this migratory species.
Q5
Which district of Assam produces the GI-tagged ginger exported to London?
Explanation:
Karbi Anglong district of Assam is the production hub of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger. The district is one of Assam's largest autonomous hill districts administered under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The ginger is known for its distinct aroma strong pungency and medicinal properties. The GI recognition helps authenticate the product's origin and fetch premium prices in international markets.
Q6
What percentage of indigenous content does the Su-30MKI feature as of 2026?
Explanation:
As of 2026 the Su-30MKI features over 62.6% indigenous content including Indian-made flight control systems and radar warning receivers. It is manufactured under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Nashik facility. The aircraft uniquely integrates Russian airframe technology with Indian avionics and sub-systems from France and Israel. With over 260 aircraft in inventory it forms the largest component of India's fighter fleet strength.
Q7
Under which Constitutional Schedule is Karbi Anglong district administered?
Explanation:
Karbi Anglong is one of Assam's largest autonomous hill districts administered under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The Sixth Schedule provides for the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in tribal areas of Northeast India. It grants significant legislative and judicial powers to these councils to protect tribal customs and traditions. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) governs the district.
Q8
Which mascots were launched for Census 2027 by the Government of India?
Explanation:
The Union Home Minister unveiled two official mascots for Census 2027: Pragati (female enumerator) and Vikas (male enumerator). The mascots symbolize equal participation of women and men in nation-building. Census 2027 will be India's first fully digital census. It will involve over 30 lakh enumerators and officials making it the world's largest population enumeration exercise.
Q9
Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the Finance Commission established?
Explanation:
The Finance Commission is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution. Its mandate includes recommending the vertical share of taxes for states from the divisible pool and the horizontal formula for distribution among states. The 16th Finance Commission is chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya and covers the award period 2026-31. Finance Commissions are constituted every five years.
Q10
What vertical devolution share did the 16th Finance Commission recommend for states?
Explanation:
The 16th Finance Commission recommended retaining the states' share in the divisible pool of central taxes at 41% maintaining the status quo from the 15th Finance Commission. The horizontal devolution formula introduced a 10% weightage for Contribution to GDP measured by the square root of GSDP. The 16th FC also recommended ₹7.9 Lakh Crore for local body grants. The discontinuation of revenue deficit grants is a major concern for fiscally stressed states.
Q11
What cost-sharing ratio was recommended by the 16th Finance Commission for Himalayan and Northeastern states for disaster management?
Explanation:
The 16th Finance Commission recommended a corpus of ₹2.04 Lakh Crore for State Disaster Relief and Mitigation Funds with a 75:25 cost-sharing ratio for most states and a more favorable 90:10 ratio for Himalayan and Northeastern states. This directly benefits Assam and other NE states that face frequent natural disasters. The disaster management funds are critical for flood-prone states like Assam which experiences annual Brahmaputra floods.
Q12
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam mandates what percentage of reservation for women in Lok Sabha?
Explanation:
The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women's Reservation Act 2023) mandates 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. It will be implemented from the 2029 Lok Sabha elections following the required delimitation exercise. Currently women constitute only about 13.6% of the 18th Lok Sabha (2024). India already has over 1.4 million elected women representatives in Panchayati Raj bodies due to the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.
Q13
Aditya-L1 was launched aboard which rocket?
Explanation:
Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2 2023 aboard PSLV C-57 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle). It was successfully placed in halo orbit around Lagrange Point L1 on January 6 2024. L1 is located approximately 1.5 million km from Earth enabling continuous solar observation without eclipses. The mission captured the first-ever image of a solar flare kernel using the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) developed by IUCAA Pune.
Q14
What class of solar flare was detected by Aditya-L1's SUIT instrument?
Explanation:
Aditya-L1's Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) detected an X6.3-class solar flare one of the most intense solar eruptions recorded. The observation was made in the Near Ultra-Violet (NUV) band (200-400 nm) a wavelength range never studied in such detail before. The discovery validates long-standing theories about solar energy transfer from the surface to the corona. Solar flares can disrupt satellite communications and power grids on Earth.
Q15
Which body developed the Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) onboard Aditya-L1?
Explanation:
SUIT (Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope) was developed by the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) located in Pune. It captures high-resolution images in 11 different NUV wavebands covering the photosphere and chromosphere. IUCAA is one of India's premier astronomical research institutes under University Grants Commission. SUIT's NUV observations between 200-400 nm provide unprecedented detail about energy dynamics in the solar atmosphere.
Q16
What are the altitudes covered by Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO)?
Explanation:
VLEO (Very Low Earth Orbit) refers to altitudes between 150 km and 450 km significantly lower than traditional LEO (500-2000 km). BEL and Bellatrix Aerospace signed an MoU to jointly develop VLEO satellite systems. The proximity to Earth enables superior imaging (sub-meter resolution) ultra-low latency and reduced launch costs. VLEO satellites are particularly useful for border surveillance and intelligence gathering relevant to India's sensitive northeastern borders.
Q17
India's first fully digital census is scheduled for which year?
Explanation:
Census 2027 will be India's first fully digital census using secure mobile applications to replace traditional paper-based enumeration. The process includes a self-enumeration facility available in 16 languages. Four digital platforms were launched: HLBC HLO Mobile App Self-Enumeration Portal and CMMS. Census 2027 will also include caste data collection during the Population Enumeration phase making it significant for social policy planning.
Q18
The MISHTI scheme aims to expand India's mangrove cover by how many square kilometres?
Explanation:
The MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme targets 540 sq km of mangrove expansion across 9 coastal states and 4 Union Territories. Launched in Union Budget 2023-24 it runs from 2023 to 2028 under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. Gujarat became the national leader in mangrove afforestation covering 19020 hectares. Funding comes from the CAMPA Fund and MGNREGS.
Q19
What is India's total mangrove cover as per the India State of Forest Report 2023?
Explanation:
India's total mangrove cover is 4991.68 km² accounting for 15% of the country's total geographical area as per the India State of Forest Report 2023. Gujarat leads national mangrove afforestation under the MISHTI scheme. Mangroves play a critical role in shoreline protection carbon sequestration and providing livelihoods to coastal communities. India supports global mangrove conservation under the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) initiated at COP27.
Q20
Which event launched the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) that India supports?
Explanation:
The Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) was initiated at COP27 (the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC). India's MISHTI scheme aligns with and supports this global mangrove conservation initiative. COP27 was held in Sharm el-Sheikh Egypt in 2022. The MISHTI scheme further aligns with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Q21
The Cali Fund primarily ensures benefit-sharing from which type of resources?
Explanation:
The Cali Fund is a global financial mechanism designed to ensure equitable benefit-sharing from digital genetic resources. It was officially launched at CBD COP16 ensuring that industries using biodiversity-based genetic data (pharmaceuticals biotechnology agriculture) contribute financially to conservation. Fifty percent of the Cali Fund's resources will go to Indigenous communities. The fund was proposed during CBD COP16 discussions in Cali Colombia and officially launched at COP16 in Rome.
Q22
What percentage of the Cali Fund's resources is directed to Indigenous communities?
Explanation:
The Cali Fund mandates that 50% of its resources will go to Indigenous communities recognizing their vital role in protecting biodiversity. This is part of a Fair Benefit-Sharing Model under the CBD framework. The fund generates revenue through Access-and-Benefit-Sharing (ABS) mechanisms. India's rich tribal biodiversity knowledge in states like Assam is protected under similar ABS frameworks at the national level through the Biological Diversity Act 2002.
Q23
India's tiger population reached what number as reported in the 7th National Report to CBD?
Explanation:
India's 7th National Report to CBD reported that the tiger population has reached 3167 alongside increases in Asiatic lion numbers and stable one-horned rhino populations. India's forest and tree cover reached 25.17% of its total geographical area. The report confirmed 24.1 million hectares of land restored or under restoration nearing India's 26 million hectare Bonn Challenge pledge. India's forest carbon stock increased by 81.5 million tonnes.
Q24
Which scheme was launched in India's Union Budget 2023-24 for mangrove conservation?
Explanation:
MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) was launched in Union Budget 2023-24. It runs from 2023 to 2028 under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change. The scheme is funded through CAMPA Fund and MGNREGS. Gujarat became the national leader under this scheme covering 19020 hectares in two years of implementation.
Q25
The WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) is hosted in which African city?
Explanation:
The WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) is being held in Yaoundé Cameroon from March 26-29 2026 chaired by Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana. It is the highest decision-making body of the WTO comprising trade ministers from all 166 member nations. Key agenda items include a permanent food security solution finalization of Phase 2 fisheries subsidies and restoration of the Appellate Body. India submitted proposals protecting food security and small-scale fishermen.
Q26
The Peace Clause protecting India's food subsidy programs was established at which WTO Ministerial Conference?
Explanation:
The Peace Clause protecting developing nations from WTO challenges on agricultural subsidy limits was established at MC9 Bali in 2013 as part of the Bali Package. It prevents member countries from legally challenging a developing nation if it breaches its 10% agricultural subsidy ceiling for food security programs. This directly protects India's Public Distribution System (PDS) which is crucial for food-deficit states. India has been pushing for a permanent solution to the food subsidy issue at subsequent Ministerial Conferences.
Q27
SEBI's new circular mandating social media disclosure applies to which of the following platforms?
Explanation:
SEBI's circular covers a wide range of platforms including YouTube Instagram WhatsApp Telegram X (formerly Twitter) Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Threads and even closed or semi-closed groups. All SEBI-registered market intermediaries must display their registered name and SEBI registration number on profiles and at the beginning of each securities-related post. This aims to help investors distinguish authorized SEBI-regulated entities from unregistered financial influencers. The measure is part of SEBI's Ease of Doing Investment initiative.
Q28
The EU-India Trade and Technology Council has how many working groups?
Explanation:
The EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) has three working groups: Digital and Strategic Technologies (focusing on 6G AI and quantum technology); Green and Clean Energy Technologies (covering battery supply chains and renewable energy); and Trade Investment and Supply Chain Resilience (focusing on semiconductors and data governance). The TTC was announced in April 2022 and formally launched in February 2023. It is the EU's second TTC after the US-EU TTC and India's first TTC with any country.
Q29
Which country joined the Raisina Dialogue 2026 as keynote speaker via its President?
Explanation:
Finland's President Alexander Stubb delivered the keynote address at the Raisina Dialogue 2026 inaugurated by India's Prime Minister on March 5 2026. The 11th edition had around 2700 participants from 110 countries. The theme was Saṁskāra – Assertion Accommodation Advancement. The Raisina Dialogue launched in 2016 is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Q30
What is the theme of Raisina Dialogue 2026?
Explanation:
The theme of Raisina Dialogue 2026 (11th edition) is Saṁskāra – Assertion Accommodation Advancement. Raisina Dialogue is India's premier multilateral conference on geopolitics and geo-economics. The name Raisina comes from Raisina Hill the seat of Government of India. It is comparable globally to the Munich Security Conference and the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Q31
Approximately what percentage of India's crude oil imports come from West Asia?
Explanation:
West Asia accounted for approximately 49-55% of India's total crude oil imports in 2025 and nearly 70% of its gas. About 40-50% of India's crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. India's Operation Sankalp (launched June 2019) ensures safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels in the region. The escalating Iran-Israel conflict in 2026 has pushed crude prices toward $83-100 per barrel threatening India's Current Account Deficit.
Q32
India's Operation Sankalp was officially launched in which year?
Explanation:
Operation Sankalp (Sanskrit for Commitment) was officially launched on June 19 2019 following escalating security concerns and attacks on commercial shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. It ensures safe passage of Indian commercial vessels through these strategic waterways. The operation is supported by the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022. In 2026 the Indian Navy placed Operation Sankalp assets on standby for potential HADR operations amid the Iran-Israel conflict.
Q33
The Durand Line was established in which year?
Explanation:
The Durand Line was drawn in 1893 as an agreement between Sir Henry Mortimer Durand of British India and Emir Abdur Rahman Khan of Afghanistan. It extends approximately 2600 km from the Iran-Afghanistan border in the west to the China-Pakistan border in the east. It divides Pashtun and Baloch tribal communities across Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghanistan has never recognized the Durand Line as a legitimate international boundary since Pakistan's creation in 1947.
Q34
The Strait of Hormuz lies between which two countries?
Explanation:
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran (north) and Oman (south) connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. At its narrowest point it is about 33 km wide with shipping lanes only 3 km wide in each direction. Approximately 20% of global oil supply (over 20 million barrels per day) transits through this chokepoint. It is the second-busiest oil transit chokepoint after the Strait of Malacca.
Q35
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was established under which Act?
Explanation:
BEE was established on March 1 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act 2001 under the Ministry of Power Government of India. It serves as India's nodal institution for designing and implementing energy conservation policies and programmes. Key programmes include the Standards and Labelling Programme and the Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme. BEE is transitioning toward market-based carbon mechanisms such as the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
Q36
India's first Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) is being held in which state?
Explanation:
The first-ever Khelo India Tribal Games (KITG) is scheduled from March 25 to April 6 2026 in Chhattisgarh hosted across Raipur Jagdalpur and Sarguja. It is the first national sporting event exclusively for tribal athletes in India organised under the Khelo India Scheme. The official mascot is Morveer. Medal sports include Athletics Football Hockey Weightlifting Archery Swimming and Wrestling.
Q37
What is the official mascot of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026?
Explanation:
The official mascot of the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026 is Morveer symbolizing courage pride and identity of tribal communities. KITG is organised under the Khelo India Scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This event was declared an Event of National Importance in 2020 under the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act 2007. Seven medal sports and two demonstration sports (Mallakhamb and Kabaddi) are featured.
Q38
Under which constitutional article does the Governor of a state have ordinance-making power?
Explanation:
Article 213 of the Indian Constitution grants the Governor power to promulgate ordinances when the state legislature is not in session which have the same force as an act. The Governor's pardoning power is under Article 161. Article 356 deals with imposition of President's Rule in a state. Article 155 specifies the procedure for appointment of Governors by the President.
Q39
What is the minimum age qualification for appointment as a Governor under the Indian Constitution?
Explanation:
Article 157 and 158 of the Indian Constitution outline the qualifications and conditions for the office of Governor. The Governor must be a citizen of India and at least 35 years of age. Governors are neither directly nor indirectly elected but are appointed by the President on the nomination of the Central Government. Two key conventions are that the Governor should be an outsider (not from the appointed state) and the President usually consults the Chief Minister.
Q40
India's average growth rate requirement to achieve high-income status by 2047 according to the World Bank is?
Explanation:
The World Bank's India Country Economic Memorandum (2025) states India needs an average growth rate of 7.8% until 2047 to achieve high-income status (Viksit Bharat). India needs to raise investment from 33.5% to 40% of GDP by 2035. Female workforce participation needs to increase from 35.6% to 50%. Female LFPR in urban areas was only 25.2% in Oct-Dec 2024 far below male LFPR of 75.4%.
Q41
The Income-Tax Bill 2025 introduced which new concept to replace the assessment year?
Explanation:
The Income-Tax Bill 2025 introduced the concept of 'tax year' aligned with the financial year (April 1 to March 31) replacing the existing 'assessment year.' Virtual digital assets (VDAs) like cryptocurrency and NFTs are now classified as capital assets. The Bill reduces provisos and cross-references making it easier for taxpayers to understand their liabilities. However critics note the Bill lacks major structural changes in compliance burden and penalty structures.
Q42
Which Lagrange point is Aditya-L1 positioned at?
Explanation:
Aditya-L1 is positioned at Lagrange Point L1 approximately 1.5 million km from Earth. This position enables continuous solar observation without eclipses or occultations. The spacecraft was successfully placed in halo orbit around L1 on January 6 2024. Aditya-L1 was launched on September 2 2023 aboard PSLV C-57 as India's first space-based solar mission.
Q43
The 16th Finance Commission introduced what new mechanism to incentivize merger of peri-urban villages with urban local bodies?
Explanation:
The 16th Finance Commission introduced a unique Urbanisation Premium of ₹10000 Crore as a grant to incentivise the merger of peri-urban villages into larger urban local bodies. The Commission retained states' vertical share in the divisible pool at 41%. Local body grants totaling ₹7.9 Lakh Crore were recommended with 80% as basic grants and 20% as performance-linked grants. Cesses and surcharges which account for nearly 20% of gross tax revenue remain outside the divisible pool.
Q44
What percentage of India's land area was reported as degraded in India's 7th National Report to CBD?
Explanation:
India's 7th National Report to CBD noted that 29.77% of India's land remains degraded despite restoration efforts. India has restored or put under restoration 24.1 million hectares of land nearing its 26 million hectare Bonn Challenge pledge. Forest Protected Areas cover only about 5% of India far from the 30x30 global target. India's forest and tree cover has reached 25.17% of the country's total geographical area.
Q45
The Striped Hyena in India is protected under which Schedule of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972?
Explanation:
The Striped Hyena is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 providing it the highest level of legal protection in India. Its global IUCN status is Near Threatened (Vulnerable in the Mediterranean region). Tajikistan and Uzbekistan proposed including it in Appendix I and II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) at CMS COP15 in Brazil. India is a major stronghold for the species particularly in Rajasthan Gujarat Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Q46
Megalithic rock-cut chambers recently discovered in Kerala are locally known by which of the following names?
Explanation:
Megalithic rock-cut chambers in Kerala are locally known by names such as Muniyara (Hermit's cell) Pandava Cave Peeranki Cave (Cannon cave) Nidhikuzhi (Treasure pit) and Kalppathayam (Stone box/granary). A 2000-year-old laterite rock-cut chamber from the Megalithic period was recently unearthed in Panayal Kasaragod district of Kerala. These structures date to the Iron Age/Megalithic period (roughly 2000-2500 years ago). They were primarily used for secondary burial practice.
Q47
The India-Canada uranium supply agreement signed in 2026 is for how many years?
Explanation:
India and Canada signed a 10-year uranium supply agreement valued at approximately $2.6 billion as part of the strategic reset between the two countries. This long-term uranium supply agreement strengthens India's nuclear energy programme. CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) negotiations were also formally launched aiming to increase bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. Canada hosts 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and approximately 400000 Indian students.
Q48
Which framework supports India's 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity?
Explanation:
India's 7th National Report (NR7) to the CBD is the first comprehensive assessment since the adoption of the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The report tracks progress toward 23 global biodiversity targets set for 2030. It was coordinated by MoEFCC and the National Biodiversity Authority using 142 national indicators. Tiger population reached 3167 and forest carbon stock increased by 81.5 million tonnes.
Q49
The Dusky Eagle-Owl was sighted after a 15-year hiatus in which forest division of Uttarakhand?
Explanation:
The Dusky Eagle-Owl (Ketupa coromanda) was sighted in the Phato tourism zone of Uttarakhand's Terai West forest division after a 15-year hiatus. It is a large partly diurnal bird of prey found across South and Southeast Asia classified as Least Concern by IUCN. It is considered a litmus test species whose presence indicates a healthy undisturbed ecosystem with a robust prey base. Its sighting reflects success of habitat management in the Corbett landscape.
Q50
The Sixteenth Finance Commission was chaired by which economist?
Explanation:
The 16th Finance Commission was chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya covering the award period 2026-31. Former RBI Governor C. Rangarajan expressed concerns over the discontinuation of traditional grants particularly Article 275 revenue deficit grants. The Commission recommended retaining the 41% vertical devolution share and introduced a new horizontal formula with 10% weightage for GDP contribution. The 90:10 cost sharing for Himalayan and NE states for disaster management directly benefits Assam.