21. Siachen Glacier, which was seen in news, is located in which mountain range?
[A] Karakoram Range
[B] Zanskar Range
[C] Pir Panjal Range
[D] None of the Above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Karakoram Range]
Notes:
Siachen Glacier now has 4G and 5G services provided by an Indian telecom firm. It is a piedmont glacier in the Karakoram Range, part of the “Third Pole,” containing vast freshwater reserves. It is the world’s second-longest nonpolar glacier after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan. Known as the highest battleground, India gained control in 1984 under Operation Meghdoot.
22. Which ministry has launched the initiatives PRABHAAV Factbook and Bharat Startup Grand Challenge?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of MSMEs
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge and PRABHAAV Factbook to boost innovation and mentorship in India. The initiatives highlight India’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and focus on fostering growth in startups. The government aims to position India as a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship. These efforts reflect India’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and driving economic growth through a robust startup ecosystem.
23. Where was the fifth United States consulate inaugurated in India?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Bengaluru
[C] Bhopal
[D] Jaipur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bengaluru]
Notes:
The United States opened its fifth consulate in India in Bengaluru, joining Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The consulate aims to strengthen US-India ties, especially with Karnataka’s thriving IT and business ecosystem. The consulate will reduce dependency on Chennai for visa services, benefiting Karnataka residents and businesses.
24. The Nord Stream Pipeline is constructed under which Sea?
[A] Red Sea
[B] Baltic Sea
[C] Arabian Sea
[D] Black Sea
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Baltic Sea]
Notes:
A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) study revealed that the 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions caused the largest human-induced methane release ever recorded. Nord Stream is a key natural gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea, connecting Vyborg, Russia, to Lubmin near Greifswald, Germany. It is a twin pipeline system designed to ensure energy security for Europe, especially Germany. The pipeline provides a direct and reliable gas supply from Russia, bypassing transit countries.
25. Upper-Karnali Hydro electric Project is located in which country?
[A] Bhutan
[B] Nepal
[C] Bangladesh
[D] Myanmar
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Nepal]
Notes:
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), SJVN Ltd., GMR Energy Ltd., and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to develop the 900 MW Upper Karnali Hydro-electric Project in Nepal. The project, located on the Karnali River, is a run-of-the-river hydropower initiative. It will supply electricity to Nepal, India, and Bangladesh for 25 years under a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) model. It will generate 3,466 million units of electricity and reduce two million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
26. Which organization has launched Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme?
[A] Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
[B] National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
[C] Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
[D] Ministry of Power
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) ]
Notes:
The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) launched the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme. The program aims to create awareness and develop expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens. The initiative will build a pool of Indian talent to address emerging IG issues. The program offers bi-annual internships: six-month and three-month tracks. Interns receive mentorship from global experts and a stipend of ₹20,000/month, along with support for mandatory outreach programs.
27. What is the growth forecast of India by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for FY26 and FY27?
[A] 6.2%
[B] 6.5%
[C] 7.1%
[D] 7.2%
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [6.5%]
Notes:
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained India’s growth projection at 6.5% for FY26 and FY27, citing it as “in line with potential.” Growth in India slowed due to an unexpected deceleration in industrial activity, with 5.4% growth reported for the September quarter. The World Bank maintained its higher growth projection for India at 6.7% for FY26 and FY27, predicting it to remain the fastest-growing major economy. The World Bank highlighted growth driven by the services sector, strengthened manufacturing, improved logistics, and tax reforms. NSO’s First Advance Estimates project FY25 growth to slow to 6.4%, below RBI’s 6.6% forecast for FY25.
28. Recently, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified 23 species of blood-sucking flies in which state/UT?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Lakshadweep
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Andaman and Nicobar Islands]
Notes:
Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified 23 species of blood-sucking flies, 13 new to India, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These flies, called “bhusi flies,” feed on livestock and wild animals and are similar to mosquitoes. Five species transmit the bluetongue disease virus, threatening livestock and agricultural economies. The study found 17 of the 23 species bite humans, but no human disease transmission was reported. Researchers emphasize the need for surveillance and control measures, especially due to the region’s tourism significance. The study was conducted in 2022-2023, with plans for further surveys and genetic studies.
29. Which country is home to the world’s longest expressway tunnel called Tianshen Shengil Tunnel?
[A] Turkey
[B] China
[C] Vietnam
[D] Japan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [China]
Notes:
China has completed the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel at 22.13 kilometers. It forms part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, connecting northern Xinjiang to Yuli County, reducing travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to 20 minutes. The project faced challenges such as high-altitude conditions, complex geology, and environmental concerns near glaciers and water sources. This project supports China’s Belt and Road Initiative, fostering regional economic growth and integration.
30. Which weland recently hosted the Asian Waterbird Census in Uttarakhand?
[A] Asan Wetland
[B] Dodital Wetland
[C] Nainital Lake
[D] Garudtal Wetland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Asan Wetland ]
Notes:
The Asan Wetland in Dehradun, Uttarakhand hosted the Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) in January 2025. The census recorded 5,225 birds from 117 species. The census is part of the International Waterbird Census (IWC), which is a global program that monitors waterbirds and their habitats. Asan Wetland is located in Dehradun district at the confluence of the Asan River and Eastern Yamuna Canal, near the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border. The wetland was created in 1967 due to the damming of the Asan River during the construction of the Dhalipur powerhouse.