Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 09th January 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) Under the RBI’s proposed graded dividend framework, which condition must a bank satisfy to be eligible to pay 100% of adjusted net profit as dividend (within the overall payout cap)?

(a) CET1 ratio above 15% and zero gross NPAs

(b) CET1 ratio above 18% and full provisioning coverage

(c) CET1 ratio above 20% along with compliance with supervisory requirements

(d) CET1 ratio above regulatory minimum plus capital conservation buffer only

(e) CET1 ratio above 25% irrespective of asset quality

2) According to the RBI’s September 2025 quarter data, which category of banks recorded the highest Supervisory Data Quality Index (sDQI) score?

(a) Public Sector Banks

(b) Private Sector Banks

(c) Foreign Banks

(d) Small Finance Banks

(e) Regional Rural Banks

3) The launch of Federal Bank’s refreshed brand identity ‘The Fortuna Wave’ took place in which city and in the presence of which brand ambassador?

(a) Mumbai – Vidya Balan

(b) Kochi – Vidya Balan

(c) New Delhi – Deepika Padukone

(d) Bengaluru – Alia Bhatt

(e) Chennai – Katrina Kaif

4) Which of the following features is specifically included in Axis Bank’s Safety Centre to verify the authenticity of SMS communications received by customers?

(a) Two-factor biometric authentication

(b) AI-based fraud prediction engine

(c) SMS Shield that checks Sender ID against official Axis Bank IDs

(d) End-to-end encryption for all SMS messages

(e) Mandatory OTP validation for every account login

5) As of 2026, HDFC Bank’s SmartGateway platform recently integrated which of the following digital payment instruments issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?

(a) Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)

(b) Unified Payments Interface (UPI Lite)

(c) Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI)

(d) National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT)

(e) Digital Rupee (e₹) – Central Bank Digital Currency

6) As of 2026, India introduced a new electronic business visa for Chinese nationals to facilitate structured and legitimate business engagement. What is this visa called?

(a) e-Tourist Visa

(b) e-Work Visa

(c) e-B-4 Visa

(d) e-Student Visa

(e) e-Medical Visa

7) As of 2026, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated a value-based education programme for children aged 4 to 14 years. What is the name of this initiative?

(a) Gurukul Pathshala

(b) Sanskaar Shaala

(c) Vidya Samriddhi

(d) Bharatiya Shiksha Mission

(e) Parampara Path

8) As of 2026, SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) is an integrated online system for which group of pensioners in India?

(a) Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners

(b) Central Government pensioners excluding DoT

(c) Defence pensioners

(d) State Government pensioners

(e) Private sector pensioners

9) As of 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) revised Director KYC compliance under the Companies Act, 2013. Which of the following is a key change?

(a) Directors must file KYC every year as before

(b) Annual KYC filing has been replaced with a once-in-3-years (triennial) process

(c) KYC is now optional for directors

(d) Digital signature is mandatory for every KYC submission, irrespective of changes

(e) Directors need to update only their bank account details

10) As of 2026, which organisation is providing end-to-end logistics support for transporting pesticide, seed, and fertiliser samples across India under the PAN-India Quality Management System?

(a) Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC)

(b) Food Corporation of India (FCI)

(c) Indian Railways

(d) National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

(e) Department of Posts (DoP)

11) Under the 2026 MoU between the Department of Posts (DoP) and Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), which of the following India Post entities plays a key role in providing doorstep banking services to rural households?

(a) India Post Insurance (IPI)

(b) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)

(c) Central Postal Training Institute (CPTI)

(d) Postal Life Savings Bank (PLSB)

(e) National Postal Transport Network (NPTN)

12) As of 2026, the Government of Tamil Nadu signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with which international organisation to strengthen cooperation in advancing gender equality, women’s safety, and women empowerment?

(a) United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

(b) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

(c) World Health Organization (WHO)

(d) United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

(e) International Labour Organization (ILO)

13) As of 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a one-year extension of Abhishek Dev’s tenure as Chairman of which organisation?

(a) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)

(b) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

(c) National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

(d) Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC)

(e) Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank)

14) As of 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed A. K. Balasubrahmanian as the Chairman of which regulatory body for a three-year term?

(a) Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)

(b) Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)

(c) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

(d) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

(e) Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC)

15) During DRDO’s 68th Foundation Day in 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and Strategic Policy Board (SPB) approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) proposals worth approximately______________crore

(a) ₹26,000 crore

(b) ₹75,000 crore

(c) ₹50,000 crore

(d) ₹1.30 lakh crore

(e) ₹2.00 lakh crore

16) As of 2026, which private company was granted a supply order by the Indian Army for the overhaul-cum-upgradation of in-service first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS)and Battery Command Posts (BCPs)?

(a) Larsen & Toubro (L&T)

(b) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

(c) Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)

(d) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)

(e) Mahindra Defence Systems

17) As of 2026, Indian scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru developed the first-ever supercomputer-powered simulation to explain which phenomenon?

(a) Mpemba effect

(b) Bernoulli’s principle

(c) Photoelectric effect

(d) Doppler effect

(e) Quantum tunnelling

18) As of 2026, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully conducted a flight test of which indigenously developed missile?

(a) Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM)

(b) Shaheen-II Ballistic Missile

(c) Babur Cruise Missile

(d) Ghauri Missile

(e) Raad Air-Launched Missile

19) As of 2026, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’sHubble Space Telescope discovered a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter-dominated cloud named as______________

(a) Cloud-7

(b) Cloud-9

(c) Dark Nebula X

(d) M94 Remnant

(e) RELHIC-1

20) As of 2026, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) commissioned the world’s first and largest Liquid Conversion–Maximum (LC-Max) Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) at which refinery?

(a) Mumbai Refinery, Maharashtra

(b) Jamnagar Refinery, Gujarat

(c) Kochi Refinery, Kerala

(d) Numaligarh Refinery, Assam

(e) Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Refinery, Andhra Pradesh

21) As of 2026, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) 2026 is observed on 9th January to commemorate_____________

(a) The signing of the Indian Constitution

(b) The return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa in 1915

(c) The establishment of the Ministry of External Affairs

(d) India’s first overseas trade mission

(e) The formation of the Indian Diaspora Council

22) In corporate finance, the amount paid on equity shares, including interim paymentbut excluding payment of  Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares (PNCPS), is called as_________

(a) Interest

(b) Bonus

(c) Dividend

(d) Capital Gains

(e) Royalties

23) According to RBI classification, the Supervisory Data Quality Index (sDQI) currently covers how many Scheduled Commercial Banks for evaluating key returns on asset quality, liquidity, risk-based supervision, and capital adequacy?

(a) 87

(b) 80

(c) 89

(d) 90

(e) 95

24) Which of the following statements about Federal Bank are correct?

1. Federal Bank was founded in 1931.
2. Its headquarters are located in Aluva, Kerala, India.
3. The Managing Director & CEO of Federal Bank is KVS Manian.
4. Its tagline is “Banking for Everyone.”

(a) 1, 2, and 3 only

(b) 1 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

(e) 3 and 4 only

25) As of 2026, which bank integrated the Digital Rupee (e₹) into its online merchant payment platform, enabling zero-cost, intermediary-free settlements?

(a) State Bank of India (SBI)

(b) Axis Bank

(c) ICICI Bank

(d) HDFC Bank

(e) Kotak Mahindra Bank

Answers :

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to raise the dividend payout cap for banks to 75% of net profit, up from the earlier 40%, subject to conditions.

Stronger banks with CET1 above 20% can pay 100% of adjusted net profit, which is calculated as net profit minus net non-performing assets for the dividend payment year, while adhering to the 75% payout limit.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to raise the dividend payout cap for banks to 75% of net profit, up from the earlier 40%, subject to conditions.

Bank boards are required to review asset quality, provisioning gaps, capital projections, and long-term growth plans before declaring dividends.

The RBI has introduced a graded structure for dividend payment based on banks' Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital levels.

Stronger banks with CET1 above 20% can pay 100% of adjusted net profit, which is calculated as net profit minus net non-performing assets for the dividend payment year, while adhering to the 75% payout limit.

Systemically important banks such as State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank require CET1 ratios of 20.8%, 20.4%, and 20.2% respectively to pay 100% of adjusted profits.

2) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Among bank groups, Small Finance Banks recorded the highest sDQI score of 91.5, followed by Public Sector Banks at 91.1 in September 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that the Supervisory Data Quality Index (sDQI) score of Scheduled Commercial Banks improved to 90.7 in the September 2025 quarter, up from 89.9 in April–June 2025.

The sDQI measures the quality of supervisory data submitted by banks in terms of accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and consistency.

Among bank groups, Small Finance Banks recorded the highest sDQI score of 91.5, followed by Public Sector Banks at 91.1 in September 2025.

Private Sector Banks (90.6) and Foreign Banks (90.4) also showed improvement and remained in the “good” category.

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Federal Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, launched a refreshed brand identity named ‘The Fortuna Wave’ as part of a strategic brand refresh to signal modernization and future-readiness.

The launch of ‘The Fortuna Wave’ took place in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in the presence of Vidya Balan, the brand ambassador of Federal Bank.

Detailed Explanation:

Federal Bank Limited, an Indian private sector bank, launched a refreshed brand identity named ‘The Fortuna Wave’ as part of a strategic brand refresh to signal modernization and future-readiness.

The launch of ‘The Fortuna Wave’ took place in Mumbai, Maharashtra, in the presence of Vidya Balan, the brand ambassador of Federal Bank.

The core element of the brand refresh is a new visual insignia called the ‘Fortuna Wave’.

The Fortuna Wave insignia is built around three wave elements representing authenticity, togetherness, and prosperity.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Axis Bank has launched a new ‘Safety Centre’ on its mobile banking app, open, to help customers protect their accounts from unauthorised or suspicious activities.

The Safety Centre includes an SMS Shield, which verifies the authenticity of SMS messages by checking the Sender ID against Axis Bank’s official IDs.

Detailed Explanation:

Axis Bank has launched a new ‘Safety Centre’ on its mobile banking app, open, to help customers protect their accounts from unauthorised or suspicious activities.

The Safety Centre empowers customers to control and customise security settings independently, without the need to visit a branch or contact customer care.

Customers can tailor security settings based on their usage patterns and comfort levels, enhancing digital banking safety.

The Safety Centre includes an SMS Shield, which verifies the authenticity of SMS messages by checking the Sender ID against Axis Bank’s official IDs.

Customers can disable Internet Banking access completely if not required, and instantly restrict all fund transfer capabilities across Mobile Banking and Internet Banking with a single toggle.

5) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

HDFC Bank integrated the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the Digital Rupee (e₹), into its online merchant payment platform, SmartGateway.

The integration allows SmartGateway to support Digital Rupee (CBDC) payments alongside existing options such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, and net banking.

Detailed Explanation:

HDFC Bank integrated the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), known as the Digital Rupee (e₹), into its online merchant payment platform, SmartGateway.

The integration allows SmartGateway to support Digital Rupee (CBDC) payments alongside existing options such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, and net banking.

Under the new system, merchants can accept Digital Rupee payments at zero transaction cost, enabling an intermediary-free and efficient settlement process.

The integration provides customers with a seamless, instant, and secure digital payment experience, combining UPI-like convenience with a sovereign-backed digital currency.

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India introduced a new electronic business visa category e-B-4 Visa for Chinese nationals to facilitate structured and legitimate business engagement.

Detailed Explanation:

India introduced a new electronic business visa category e-B-4 Visa for Chinese nationals to facilitate structured and legitimate business engagement.

The move aims to simplify business travel, support production and investment-related activities, and gradually normalise India–China people-to-people exchanges.

The e-B-4 Visa can be applied entirely online, without visiting the embassy.

It is specifically meant for production, investment, technical and industrial business activities, not for general commercial visits.

Processing Time: Around 45–50 days.

Maximum Stay: Up to 6 months in India.

7) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the Sanskaar Shaala programme in Guwahati.

It is a value-based education initiative designed for children aged 4 to 14 years.

Detailed Explanation:

Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the Sanskaar Shaala programme in Guwahati.

It is a value-based education initiative designed for children aged 4 to 14 years.

The programme focuses on moral education, ethics, compassion, Indian cultural values, and social responsibility.

It aims to complement formal education and help build responsible, disciplined and value-oriented citizens.

The Governor highlighted that values form the foundation of personality and social harmony and should accompany academic learning.

He also stressed that ancient Indian texts provide timeless guidance on righteous living.

8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Government of India announced that SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) enables pensioners to securely access, store, and retrieve official pension documents anytime and anywhere.

SAMPANN is an integrated online pension management system for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners.

It provides a single platform for processing, sanctioning, and directly disbursing pension into bank accounts.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India announced that SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) enables pensioners to securely access, store, and retrieve official pension documents anytime and anywhere.

SAMPANN is an integrated online pension management system for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners.

It provides a single platform for processing, sanctioning, and directly disbursing pension into bank accounts.

During the 15th Pension Adalat held at IIPA on 24th December 2025, 1,087 long-pending pension grievances were taken up and 815 were resolved on the spot.

Gross enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) reached 8,45,17,419 (as on 30 November 2025).

APY aims to provide a universal social security system, especially for the poor and unorganised sector workers, offering minimum guaranteed pensions of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has revised the Director KYC compliance under the Companies Act, 2013.

The annual KYC filing has been replaced with a once in 3 years (triennial) process.

The change will be effective from 31st March 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has revised the Director KYC compliance under the Companies Act, 2013.

The annual KYC filing has been replaced with a once in 3 years (triennial) process.

The change will be effective from 31st March 2026.

As per the notification dated 31st December 2025, directors must submit an abridged KYC form every 3 years instead of annually.

The new KYC form enables updates like mobile number, email ID, residential address, and DIN reactivation.

Digital signature verification and professional certification are required only if contact or address details are updated.

Directors who have already completed KYC will submit the next KYC by 30th June 2028.

10) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) and the Department of Posts (DoP) signed an MoU to establish a nationwide logistics mechanism for transporting pesticide, seed and fertiliser samples to designated laboratories across India.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) and the Department of Posts (DoP) signed an MoU to establish a nationwide logistics mechanism for transporting pesticide, seed and fertiliser samples to designated laboratories across India.

The MoU was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia and Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

The collaboration is part of the PAN-India Online Pesticide, Seed and Fertiliser Quality Management System, being developed by Centre for Research and Industrial Staff Performance (CRISP).

India Post will provide end-to-end logistics support, ensuring secure, traceable and time-bound movement of samples, leveraging its network of over 1.60 lakh post offices, including 1.40 lakh in rural areas.

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Department of Posts (DoP) and Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen rural development, financial inclusion, digital empowerment, logistics and livelihood opportunities for Self Help Groups (SHGs) and rural households.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Posts (DoP) and Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen rural development, financial inclusion, digital empowerment, logistics and livelihood opportunities for Self Help Groups (SHGs) and rural households.

The MoU was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (Communications & DoNER) and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan (Rural Development & Agriculture).

The initiative aligns with the Government vision of “Dak Sewa, Jan Sewa” and supports Union Budget 2025–26 focus on using India Post’s network for rural economic growth.

India Post’s extensive network includes 1.5 lakh+ rural post offices, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and 2.4 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks, ensuring strong last-mile connectivity.

IPPB will provide doorstep banking services including savings, payments and remittances through its digital platform.

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Government of Tamil Nadu signed an Memorandum of Understandingwith UN Women to strengthen cooperation in advancing gender equality, women’s safety, and women empowerment in the State.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of Tamil Nadu signed an Memorandum of Understandingwith UN Women to strengthen cooperation in advancing gender equality, women’s safety, and women empowerment in the State.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Tamil Nadu government will establish technical support mechanisms to promote gender equality and sustainable development focusing on women’s welfare.

Key implementing departments: Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Home and Excise, and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

A tripartite MoU was also signed among UNICEF, OECD, and OPSI to promote innovative governance services and validation mechanisms for government and quasi-government sectors.

13) Answer: A

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a one-year extension of Abhishek Dev’s tenure as Chairman of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The extension will be effective from February 8, 2026, and was granted under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).

14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appointed distinguished scientist A. K. Balasubrahmanian as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for a three-year term.

Detailed Explanation:

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, appointed distinguished scientist A. K. Balasubrahmanian as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for a three-year term.

A.K. Balasubrahmanian succeeded Dr. D. K. Shukla, who completed his tenure on December 31, 2025.

A.K. Balasubrahmanian has nearly 40 years of experience in the design, development, safety assessment, construction, and commissioning of Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs).

He previously served as Director (Technical) on the Board of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

15) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), celebrated its 68th Foundation Day at DRDO Headquarters, New Delhi, Delhi.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and Strategic Policy Board (SPB) accorded 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals valued at approximately ₹1.30 lakh crore to facilitate indigenous production of critical defence systems.

Detailed Explanation:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), celebrated its 68th Foundation Day at DRDO Headquarters, New Delhi, Delhi.

The event was attended by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Minister of State Sanjay Seth (MoD), and Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, MoD.

DRDO reaffirmed its role as a pivotal force in Aatmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem with future focus areas in Cyber, Space, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and Strategic Policy Board (SPB) accorded 22 Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) approvals valued at approximately ₹1.30 lakh crore to facilitate indigenous production of critical defence systems.

As part of its expanding operational footprint, 11 defence contracts worth ₹26,000 crore were signed with production partners.

16) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Indian Army (IA) granted a supply order to Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the overhaul-cum-upgradation of in-service first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs).

The order marks a significant Public–Private Partnership (PPP) in defence sustainment and was formalised at an event held in New Delhi, Delhi on January 6, 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Army (IA) granted a supply order to Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the overhaul-cum-upgradation of in-service first-generation Pinaka Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and Battery Command Posts (BCPs).

The order marks a significant Public–Private Partnership (PPP) in defence sustainment and was formalised at an event held in New Delhi, Delhi on January 6, 2026.

In the pilot overhaul phase, TASL, in collaboration with the Indian Army’s 510 Advance Base Workshop (ABW), will jointly overhaul selected Pinaka MLRS and BCPs.

In the full-scale overhaul phase, the remaining Pinaka MLRS and BCPs will be overhauled by 510 ABW, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) under the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME).

TASL will provide engineering expertise, certified spares, and quality assurance for the entire overhaul programme.

17) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Indian scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru (Karnataka), under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), developed the first-ever supercomputer-powered simulation to explain the Mpemba effect.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian scientists from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru (Karnataka), under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), developed the first-ever supercomputer-powered simulation to explain the Mpemba effect.

The Mpemba effect refers to the counter-intuitive phenomenon in which water at a higher initial temperature freezes faster than water at a lower initial temperature under certain conditions.

The phenomenon is named after Erasto Mpemba, who reintroduced it to scientific discussion in the 20th century.

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) during a live-trial exercise.

The Taimoor ALCM was launched from a Mirage IIIE fighter aircraft, demonstrating Pakistan’s operational air-launch capability.

Detailed Explanation:

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully conducted a flight test of the indigenously developed Taimoor Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) during a live-trial exercise.

The Taimoor ALCM was launched from a Mirage IIIE fighter aircraft, demonstrating Pakistan’s operational air-launch capability.

The missile is developed by Pakistan’s Air Weapons Complex, reflecting indigenous defence manufacturing efforts.

Taimoor is a turbojet-powered, subsonic cruise missile, capable of engaging both land and sea targets.

It carries a conventional high-explosive warhead, optimized for precision strikes against defended infrastructure.

The missile has an operational range of approximately 600 kilometres (km), enabling long-distance precision attacks.

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Hubble Space Telescope discovered a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter-dominated cloud named ‘Cloud-9’.

The research findings on Cloud-9 were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters and later presented at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) held in Phoenix.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Hubble Space Telescope discovered a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter-dominated cloud named ‘Cloud-9’.

The research findings on Cloud-9 were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters and later presented at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society (AAS) held in Phoenix.

Cloud-9 is located about 14 million light-years from Earth, near the spiral galaxy Messier 94 (M94).

Scientists consider Cloud-9 a ‘relic’ or remnant of early galaxy formation, representing conditions from the early universe.

Cloud-9 is classified as a Reionization-Limited HI Cloud (RELHIC) due to its nearly identical composition to other RELHICs.

20) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), successfully commissioned the world’s first and largest Liquid Conversion–Maximum (LC-Max) Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) at its Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Refinery, Andhra Pradesh.

Detailed Explanation:

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), successfully commissioned the world’s first and largest Liquid Conversion–Maximum (LC-Max) Residue Upgradation Facility (RUF) at its Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Refinery, Andhra Pradesh.

HPCL also introduced a digital optimization system for the LC-Max unit to enhance operational stability and productivity.

The RUF was developed by HPCL as part of its Visakh Refinery Modernization Project (VRMP).

With an investment of ₹31,407 crore, HPCL’s Visakh Refinery expanded its crude processing capacity from 8.33 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) to 15 MMTPA.

Engineers India Limited (EIL) served as the Project Management Consultant (PMC), and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.

21) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) 2026 is observed on 9th January every year.

The day marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on 9 January 1915, symbolising the contribution of overseas Indians in nation-building.

Detailed Explanation:

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (NRI Day) 2026 is observed on 9th January every year.

The day marks the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on 9 January 1915, symbolising the contribution of overseas Indians in nation-building.

The Government of India decided to observe Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in 2000, acknowledging the role of the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) community.

Although conceptualised in 2000, the day was first officially celebrated in 2003.

22) Answer: C

The term dividend refers to the amount paid on equity shares, including interim dividend, but excludes dividends on Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preference Shares (PNCPS).

Banks can declare dividends only if they have a positive adjusted profit after tax (PAT) in the year for which the dividend is proposed.

23) Answer: A

According to RBI classification, a score above 90 is rated “good”, while 替scores between 80–90 are considered “acceptable”.

The sDQI currently covers 87 Scheduled Commercial Banks and evaluates their key returns on asset quality, liquidity, risk-based supervision, and capital adequacy.

24) Answer: A

About Federal Bank:

Founded: 1931

Headquarters: Aluva, Kerala, India

Managing Director & CEO: KVS Manian

Tagline: "Your Perfect Banking Partner"

25) Answer: D

Under the new system, merchants can accept Digital Rupee payments at zero transaction cost, enabling an intermediary-free and efficient settlement process.

The integration provides customers with a seamless, instant, and secure digital payment experience, combining UPI-like convenience with a sovereign-backed digital currency.

The initiative strengthens HDFC Bank’s digital-first strategy and supports India’s transition towards a cash-light and inclusive digital economy.