Q1. India’s first Sleeper Vande Bharat train connects which of the following routes?
A. New Delhi – Jammu Tawi
B. Howrah – Kamakhya
C. Chennai – Bengaluru
D. Mumbai – Ahmedabad
β
Answer: B
π Explanation:
India’s first Sleeper Vande Bharat was flagged off on the Howrah (Kolkata) – Kamakhya (Guwahati) route, marking the long-distance semi-high-speed rail phase and improving North-East connectivity .
Q2. The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project is significant primarily because it:
A. Is India’s longest elevated highway
B. Connects Assam with Bhutan
C. Integrates infrastructure development with wildlife conservation
D. Is funded by the World Bank
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
The Kaziranga Elevated Corridor (βΉ6,957 crore) balances transport infrastructure with eco-sensitive wildlife protection , reducing human–animal conflict near Kaziranga National Park.
Q3. Amrit Bharat Express trains are aimed at:
A. High-speed luxury rail travel
B. Freight corridor optimisation
C. Affordable, modern passenger rail services
D. Tourism-only connectivity
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
Amrit Bharat Express focuses on affordable modern rail services , enhancing regional mobility and economic integration , unlike premium Vande Bharat trains.
Q4. MSME Technology Centres approved in Himachal Pradesh are located at:
A. Shimla and Solan
B. Kangra and Mandi
C. Pandoga and Parwanoo
D. Una and Bilaspur
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
Two MSME Technology Centres were approved at Pandoga (Una district) and Parwanoo (Solan district) to support skill development, MSME competitiveness, and regional industrialisation .
Q5. C-DOT’s Cell Broadcast Solution (CBS) is primarily designed for:
A. Mobile banking security
B. Emergency and disaster alerts
C. Defence satellite communication
D. Internet speed optimisation
β
Answer: B
π Explanation:
CBS is a national emergency alert system enabling real-time disaster warnings , strengthening Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and disaster resilience. It won the SKOCH Award 2025 .
Q6. The Padmapani Award was conferred on Ilaiyaraaja in recognition of his contribution to:
A. Classical dance
B. Literature
C. Indian music and cultural diplomacy
D. Film direction
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
Ilaiyaraaja received the Padmapani Award at the Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival , highlighting India’s cultural soft power through music.
Q7. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti is observed annually on:
A. 22 January
B. 23 January
C. 26 January
D. 30 January
β
Answer: B
π Explanation:
23 January marks the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose , a key figure in India’s freedom struggle and nationalist movement .
Q8. Abu Dhabi has been ranked the world’s safest city for the 10th consecutive year by:
A. World Bank
B. World Economic Forum
C. Numbeo
D. UN-Habitat
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
The ranking is released by Numbeo , reflecting indicators such as public safety, law enforcement efficiency, and urban governance .
Q9. The Responsible Nations Index (RNI) differs from traditional indices because it evaluates countries based on:
A. Military strength
B. GDP size
C. Responsibility and ethical conduct
D. Population size
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
Launched by Ram Nath Kovind , RNI assesses nations based on responsibility, sustainability, and ethical governance , not power or wealth.
Q10. India and UAE have set a bilateral trade target of USD 200 billion to be achieved by:
A. 2028
B. 2030
C. 2032
D. 2035
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
India and UAE aim to double bilateral trade to USD 200 billion by 2032 , strengthening CEPA-led economic diplomacy in West Asia.
Q11. Japan’s Foreign Minister visited India in January 2026 primarily to strengthen cooperation in:
A. Agriculture and education
B. Health and climate change
C. Security, technology, and Indo-Pacific strategy
D. Tourism and culture
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
The visit reinforced the India–Japan Special Strategic Partnership , with focus on defence, technology, and Indo-Pacific security .
Q12. According to the IMF World Economic Outlook (January 2026), India’s GDP growth for FY26 is projected at:
A. 6.6%
B. 6.9%
C. 7.1%
D. 7.3%
β
Answer: D
π Explanation:
The IMF revised India’s FY26 GDP growth upward to 7.3% , reaffirming India as the fastest-growing major economy .
Q13. The ammunition manufacturing facility inaugurated in Nagpur supports which national objective?
A. Export-led defence diplomacy
B. Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence
C. Civil nuclear expansion
D. Space weaponisation
β
Answer: B
π Explanation:
The facility at Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd. (SDAL) strengthens defence indigenisation under Atmanirbhar Bharat .
Q14. The shift in Republic Day Parade 2026 towards a battle-based narrative reflects:
A. Reduced defence spending
B. Focus on ceremonial traditions
C. Modern warfare preparedness and defence communication
D. Increased foreign participation
β
Answer: C
π Explanation:
The operational, battle-based narrative showcases modern military readiness and strategic