Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 07th 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) Which of the following key documents was presented before the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) during its first meeting to guide the future development of India’s payment ecosystem?

(a) National Digital Payments Policy, 2025

(b) Draft Payments Vision 2028

(c) Financial Stability Report 2025

(d) Digital India Programme Roadmap

(e) National Strategy for Financial Inclusion

2) The agreement under which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will manage the banking operations and rupee public debt of the Government of NCT of Delhi from January 2026 was signed under which provision?

(a) Section 17 of the RBI Act, 1934

(b) Section 20 of the RBI Act, 1934

(c) Section 21A(1) of the RBI Act, 1934

(d) Article 293 of the Indian Constitution

(e) Section 45 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949

3) As of 2026, Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) partnered with TechFini primarily to strengthen which of the following capabilities?

(a) Core banking modernization

(b) Cross-border remittance services

(c) Cybersecurity and fraud analytics

(d) Digital lending and credit scoring

(e) UPI acquiring and issuing infrastructure

4) Which two EU leaders are expected to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2026 as joint chief guests, underscoring the India–EU Strategic Partnership?

(a) Charles Michel and Josep Borrell

(b) Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa

(c) Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz

(d) Roberta Metsola and Kaja Kallas

(e) Jens Stoltenberg and António Guterres

5) The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which completed nine years in 2026, is implemented in accordance with which statutory provision?

(a) Section 3 of the National Health Mission

(b) Article 47 of the Indian Constitution

(c) Section 21A of the RBI Act, 1934

(d) Section 4 of the National Food Security Act, 2013

(e) Section 12 of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

6) The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) launched its new mascot ‘Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी)’ to reinforce which central theme of data-driven governance?

(a) Data for Development

(b) Statistics for Sustainable Development

(c) Digital India for Inclusive Growth

(d) Evidence-based Welfare Delivery

(e) Transparency and Accountability in Governance

7) The 1,200-MW Kalai-II hydropower project, which received a recommendation for environmental clearance from the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), is proposed to be constructed on which river?

(a) Subansiri

(b) Siang

(c) Dibang

(d) Lohit

(e) Kameng

8) In 2026, India recently overtook China to become the world’s largest producer of rice, with a production level of about 150 million tonnes. This achievement was primarily announced in the context of which broader development?

(a) Expansion of organic farming across India

(b) Launch of improved crop varieties by ICAR

(c) Reduction in rice exports to stabilise prices

(d) Shift from rice to millet cultivation

(e) Introduction of a new minimum support price regime

9) According to the Bank of Baroda report for FY 2025–26 (first nine months), which state emerged as India’s leading investment destination with the highest share of proposed capital investments?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) Odisha

(c) Tamil Nadu

(d) Gujarat

(e) Andhra Pradesh

10) The ultra-rare “Sandalwood Leopard” recently recorded in Karnataka is scientifically believed to exhibit which genetic condition responsible for its strawberry-coloured coat?

(a) Hypomelanism or erythrism

(b) Melanism

(c) Albinism

(d) Polymorphism

(e) Leucism

11) As of 2026, Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakatha, appointed as the 24th Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, succeeded which of the following judges?

(a) Justice Sanjay Karol

(b) Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi

(c) Justice Biswanath Somadder

(d) Justice Vikram Nath

(e) Justice Uday Umesh Lalit

12) Which animal, popularly known as the “silent warrior,” is set to make its debut at the 77th Republic Day Parade as part of the Indian Army’s Remount & Veterinary Corps contingent?

(a) Zanskar pony

(b) Army dog

(c) One-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

(d) Double-humped Bactrian camel

(e) Himalayan yak

13) As per the newsIndian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) “Samudra Pratap”, commissioned in January 2026, is significant because it is________________

(a) The first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel of the ICG

(b) The first nuclear-powered ship of the Indian Coast Guard

(c) India’s fastest offshore patrol vessel

(d) A joint Indo-foreign shipbuilding project

(e) The smallest ship commissioned under Aatmanirbhar Bharat

14) Which DRDO laboratory developed the portable Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) to provide safe drinking water to soldiers in remote and coastal areas?

(a) Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ)

(b) Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE)

(c) Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL)

(d) Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL)

(e) High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)

15) Which Indian institute led the development of 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) under Mission Mausam to strengthen weather observation and forecasting?

(a) Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru

(b) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune

(c) Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi

(d) National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL), Gadanki

(e) Centre for Earth Observation, ISRO

16) Which Indian body has been designated as the Anchoring Agency to implement the ‘Ayush Quality Mark Programme’ for promoting AYUSH exports?

(a) Ministry of AYUSH

(b) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

(c) AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL)

(d) Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)

(e) Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil)

17) Under the ‘Viksit Bharat – G Ram G’ law, the administrative expenditure for rural employment schemes has been increased from 6% to what percent?

(a) 7%

(b) 8%

(c) 10%

(d) 9%

(e) 12%

18) What is the full form of the SAMPANN system developed for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners?

(a) Systematic Accounting and Management for Pension and Pay Network

(b) System for Accounting and Management of Pension

(c) Simplified Administration and Monitoring of Pension Network

(d) Secure Automated Management of Pension and Notifications

(e) Standardized Accounting Module for Pension and Payroll

19) As of 2026, China recently commissioned the upgraded guided missile destroyer “Loudi” as part of its naval expansion. To which class does this destroyer belong?

(a) Type 055

(b) Type 093

(c) Type 054A

(d) Type 071

(e) Type 052D

20) Under Mission Shakti, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) falls under which component that focuses on women’s economic empowerment and financial inclusion?

(a) Samarthya

(b) Samriddhi

(c) Saksham

(d) Shakti

(e) Suraksha

Answers :

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) in Mumbai, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) was constituted following an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which came into force on 9 May 2025.

The Draft Payments Vision 2028 was presented before the Board, and strategic guidance was provided to strengthen and advance India’s payment ecosystem.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) held the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) in Mumbai, chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) was constituted following an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which came into force on 9 May 2025.

The PRB reviewed the functions of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS) and examined key focus areas of domestic and global payment systems.

The Draft Payments Vision 2028 was presented before the Board, and strategic guidance was provided to strengthen and advance India’s payment ecosystem.

The RBI shared findings from its Survey on Digital Payments, highlighting emerging trends and developments in digital transactions.

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed an agreement with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) under Section 21A(1) of the RBI Act, 1934.

From 9 January 2026, RBI will manage the banking operations and rupee public debt of GNCTD, marking a major financial reform for Delhi.

Detailed Explanation:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed an agreement with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) under Section 21A(1) of the RBI Act, 1934.

From 9 January 2026, RBI will manage the banking operations and rupee public debt of GNCTD, marking a major financial reform for Delhi.

The agreement was formalised through an MoU at the Delhi Secretariat, chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also holds the Finance portfolio.

Under the new arrangement, Delhi will raise funds through State Development Loans (SDLs) at lower interest rates of around 7%, replacing earlier high borrowing costs of 12–13%, thereby improving fiscal efficiency.

RBI oversight will strengthen cash management, enabling automatic investment of surplus funds, and providing access to Ways and Means Advances (WMA) and Special Drawing Facilities (SDF) for temporary cash requirements.

3) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) entered into a strategic partnership with TechFini, a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure and fintech solutions provider, to strengthen its UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities.

Detailed Explanation:

Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) entered into a strategic partnership with TechFini, a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) infrastructure and fintech solutions provider, to strengthen its UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities.

Under the collaboration, TechFini (provided by Fin Meadows Technologies) will act as a Technology Service Provider (TSP) for TMB, managing UPI switching operations through the TechFini UPI Switch.

The partnership aims to create a faster, secure, and scalable UPI infrastructure to support Payment Aggregators (PAs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), merchants, and fintech partners across India.

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India’s Republic Day celebrations on 26th January 2026 are expected to have strong diplomatic significance, with European Union (EU) leaders likely to attend as chief guests.

The expected chief guests include Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s Republic Day celebrations on 26th January 2026 are expected to have strong diplomatic significance, with European Union (EU) leaders likely to attend as chief guests.

As per media reports, the European Union has officially accepted India’s invitation, highlighting the growing importance of the India–EU Strategic Partnership amid changing global economic and geopolitical conditions.

The expected chief guests include Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and António Costa, President of the European Council.

Their joint presence reflects the EU’s identity as a unified political and economic bloc, rather than representation by individual member countries.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) completed nine years of implementation on 1st January 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen maternal health, nutrition, and women’s welfare.

PMMVY was launched on 1st January 2017 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).

The scheme is implemented in accordance with Section 4 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which mandates maternity benefits for eligible women.

Detailed Explanation:

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) completed nine years of implementation on 1st January 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen maternal health, nutrition, and women’s welfare.

PMMVY was launched on 1st January 2017 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).

The scheme is implemented in accordance with Section 4 of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which mandates maternity benefits for eligible women.

The primary objective of PMMVY is to provide partial wage compensation to pregnant women and lactating mothers and to promote safe pregnancy and institutional childbirth.

The scheme aims to reduce maternal and infant malnutrition and improve overall maternal and child health outcomes.

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled its new logo and official mascot ‘Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी)’ in New Delhi, Delhi, marking a step towards modernising its institutional identity and strengthening public outreach.

The launch aligns with the central theme “Data for Development”, highlighting the growing importance of reliable, timely, and transparent data in evidence-based policymaking and governance.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled its new logo and official mascot ‘Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी)’ in New Delhi, Delhi, marking a step towards modernising its institutional identity and strengthening public outreach.

The launch aligns with the central theme “Data for Development”, highlighting the growing importance of reliable, timely, and transparent data in evidence-based policymaking and governance.

The launch also focuses on enhancing public engagement, presenting statistics not just as technical numbers but as tools influencing economic growth, social development, and public welfare.

The theme “Data for Development” underscores that accurate data and robust statistical systems are essential for effective policy design, tracking development outcomes, and ensuring inclusive growth.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment Ministry has recommended environmental clearance for the 1,200-MW Kalai-II hydropower project on the Lohit River in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh.

Detailed Explanation:

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the Union Environment Ministry has recommended environmental clearance for the 1,200-MW Kalai-II hydropower project on the Lohit River in Anjaw district, Arunachal Pradesh.

The clearance has triggered concerns from environmentalists and conservation experts over shortcomings in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The Kalai-II project, to be developed by THDC India Ltd, involves a 128.5-metre concrete gravity dam, pondage, and an underground powerhouse, with an estimated cost of ₹14,176 crore.

The EIA report, prepared by WAPCOS Ltd, documented 28 bird species but did not mention the critically endangered white-bellied heron, despite its known presence in the region.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India has achieved a major agricultural milestone by becoming the world’s largest producer of rice, overtaking China.

The announcement was made by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

During an event in New Delhi, the minister launched 184 improved crop varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Detailed Explanation:

India has achieved a major agricultural milestone by becoming the world’s largest producer of rice, overtaking China.

The announcement was made by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

India’s rice production reached 150.18 million tonnes, surpassing China’s production of 145.28 million tonnes.

This achievement reflects the success of improved irrigation facilities, adoption of high-yielding varieties, and strong policy support for farmers.

Increased rice production has strengthened domestic food security and enhanced India’s role in global agricultural markets.

India is now supplying rice to overseas markets, boosting its position as a major global food supplier and contributing to export earnings.

During an event in New Delhi, the minister launched 184 improved crop varieties developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

These include 122 cereals, 6 pulses, 13 oilseeds, 11 fodder crops, 6 sugarcane varieties, 24 cotton varieties, and one variety each of jute and tobacco.

9) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

According to a Bank of Baroda report, the state secured 25.3% of India’s total proposed capital investments during the first nine months of Financial Year 2025–26, the highest share among all states.

Andhra Pradesh moved ahead of Odisha (13.1%) and Maharashtra (12.8%) in terms of proposed investments.

Detailed Explanation:

Andhra Pradesh has emerged as India’s leading investment destination in the current financial year, reflecting strong investor confidence.

According to a Bank of Baroda report, the state secured 25.3% of India’s total proposed capital investments during the first nine months of Financial Year 2025–26, the highest share among all states.

Andhra Pradesh moved ahead of Odisha (13.1%) and Maharashtra (12.8%) in terms of proposed investments.

Nationwide, investment announcements reached ₹26.6 lakh crore, registering an 11.5% year-on-year growth.

Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra together accounted for over 51% of total proposed investments, indicating rising investor interest in eastern and southern India.

10) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Karnataka has recorded its first-ever sighting of an ultra-rare strawberry-coloured leopard, popularly named the “Sandalwood Leopard”, drawing national and global attention.

Scientists attribute this rare coloration to unusual genetic conditions such as hypomelanism (reduced dark pigmentation) or erythrism (excess red pigmentation), making the animal extremely rare.

Detailed Explanation:

Karnataka has recorded its first-ever sighting of an ultra-rare strawberry-coloured leopard, popularly named the “Sandalwood Leopard”, drawing national and global attention.

This is only the second recorded sighting in India, with the earlier instance reported from Ranakpur, Rajasthan, in 2021.

Leopards usually have a tawny-yellow coat with black rosettes, whereas the Sandalwood Leopard displays a pale reddish-pink or strawberry-coloured coat with light-brown rosettes.

Internationally, such leopards are referred to as “strawberry leopards”.

Scientists attribute this rare coloration to unusual genetic conditions such as hypomelanism (reduced dark pigmentation) or erythrism (excess red pigmentation), making the animal extremely rare.

The leopard was documented in Vijayanagara district, Karnataka, using camera traps.

11) Answer: C

Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakatha, the senior-most Judge of the Kerala High Court (HC), was sworn in as the 24th Chief Justice (CJ) of the Sikkim High Court.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, his council of ministers, and senior state officials.

Justice Mustaque succeeded Justice Biswanath Somadder, who retired as Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court on 14 December 2025.

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Indian Army will showcase a special animal contingent of the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) at the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path for the first time, highlighting the strategic use of animals in military operations.

Ladakh’s double-humped Bactrian camels, popularly known as “silent warriors,” are set to debut at the 77th Republic Day Parade, symbolizing endurance and adaptability.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Army will showcase a special animal contingent of the Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC) at the Republic Day Parade on Kartavya Path for the first time, highlighting the strategic use of animals in military operations.

The animal contingent will include Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, Army dogs, and raptors, reflecting the Army’s capability in logistics, mobility, surveillance, and combat support.

Ladakh’s double-humped Bactrian camels, popularly known as “silent warriors,” are set to debut at the 77th Republic Day Parade, symbolizing endurance and adaptability.

Bactrian camels, inducted into the Indian Army in 2020, are deployed in Ladakh’s cold deserts and can carry up to 250 kg at altitudes above 15,000 feet with minimal food and water requirements.

Zanskar ponies, an indigenous breed of Ladakh, can carry 40–60 kg and cover up to 70 km in a single day, even in high-altitude and extreme cold conditions.

The double-humped Bactrian camel, scientifically known as Camelus bactrianus, is a large even-toed ungulate adapted to harsh climatic conditions.

13) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Samudra Pratap’ in Goa on January 05, 2026, marking a major boost to Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding.

ICGS Samudra Pratap is the first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the largest ship in the ICG fleet to date.

Detailed Explanation:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Samudra Pratap’ in Goa on January 05, 2026, marking a major boost to Aatmanirbharta in shipbuilding.

ICGS Samudra Pratap is the first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the largest ship in the ICG fleet to date.

The vessel has been built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) with over 60% indigenous content, reflecting India’s mature defence industrial ecosystem.

The ship is 114.5 metres long, has a displacement of about 4,170–4,200 tonnes, speed exceeding 22 knots, and an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles.

Samudra Pratap is powered by two 7,500 kW diesel engines with indigenously developed Controllable Pitch Propellers, ensuring superior manoeuvrability and flexibility.

14) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), developed a portable water purification system named Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) to provide safe drinking water to soldiers deployed in remote, coastal, and water-scarce regions.

Detailed Explanation:

The Defence Laboratory Jodhpur (DLJ), under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), developed a portable water purification system named Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS) to provide safe drinking water to soldiers deployed in remote, coastal, and water-scarce regions.

SWaDeS is available in manual-operated and engine-driven variants, offering flexibility for deployment in diverse and challenging terrains.

The engine-operated variant can desalinate seawater with Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) up to ~35,000 mg/L to below 500 mg/L, sufficient to meet the needs of 20–25 soldiers.

The manual-operated unit is lightweight and portable, designed to support 10–12 personnel, especially in power-scarce and remote locations.

The engine-operated SWaDeS can be set up within 2–3 minutes, enabling rapid deployment during operations, while manual units are suited for long-range patrols.

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Indian scientists, led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), developed indigenously manufactured 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) under Mission Mausam, strengthening India’s weather observation and forecasting capabilities.

The first batch of 3D-printed AWS is scheduled to be deployed in Delhi from February 2026, marking the beginning of large-scale urban implementation.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian scientists, led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), developed indigenously manufactured 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) under Mission Mausam, strengthening India’s weather observation and forecasting capabilities.

The first batch of 3D-printed AWS is scheduled to be deployed in Delhi from February 2026, marking the beginning of large-scale urban implementation.

The AWS units are fully manufactured in India using 3D-printing technology under the Make in India initiative, reducing production costs and enabling flexible and precise designs.

The key features of these indigenous AWS include being low-cost, lightweight, and quick to deploy, supporting real-time and high-density weather data collection, especially in remote and disaster-prone regions.

These automatic stations continuously record and transmit temperature, wind speed, humidity, and rainfall in real time, and are solar-powered, making them suitable for urban as well as remote areas.

The initiative aims to fill observation gaps, improve hyper-local weather forecasting, and enhance sensor density in urban microclimates and complex terrains such as the Himalayas.

16) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I) announced that India’s traditional medical systems under AYUSH—Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—have been formally recognised in bilateral agreements, including the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The announcement was made during the 4th Establishment Anniversary celebrations of the AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL), held in New Delhi, Delhi.

Detailed Explanation:

Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I) announced that India’s traditional medical systems under AYUSH—Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—have been formally recognised in bilateral agreements, including the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

The announcement was made during the 4th Establishment Anniversary celebrations of the AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL), held in New Delhi, Delhi.

AYUSHEXCIL has been designated as the Anchoring Agency to implement the ‘Ayush Quality Mark Programme’, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 2nd WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine, held in New Delhi.

Exports of AYUSH and herbal products rose from USD 649.2 million in 2023–24 to USD 688.89 million in 2024–25, recording a growth of 6.11%, highlighting rising global demand for Indian traditional medicine.

17) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, speaking in Erode, Tamil Nadu, stated that the ‘Viksit Bharat – G Ram G’ law is a major initiative to build self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) villages through employment generation, basic infrastructure, and public participation.

Administrative expenditure has been enhanced from 6% to 9% to ensure timely salary payments to field staff and improve implementation efficiency of rural employment schemes.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, speaking in Erode, Tamil Nadu, stated that the ‘Viksit Bharat – G Ram G’ law is a major initiative to build self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) villages through employment generation, basic infrastructure, and public participation.

Under the new employment guarantee provisions, the number of guaranteed workdays has been increased from 100 days to 125 days, strengthening rural livelihood security.

The law provides for unemployment allowance if work is not provided and interest on wages if salary payments are delayed beyond 15 days, ensuring worker protection and accountability.

Administrative expenditure has been enhanced from 6% to 9% to ensure timely salary payments to field staff and improve implementation efficiency of rural employment schemes.

In Erode, the Minister announced the establishment of a testing laboratory for Turmeric City, with support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), boosting value addition and quality testing for turmeric.

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) is an integrated online pension management system developed for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners.

It provides a single digital platform for processing, sanctioning, and direct disbursal of pensions to the bank accounts of telecom retirees.

Detailed Explanation:

SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) is an integrated online pension management system developed for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners.

It provides a single digital platform for processing, sanctioning, and direct disbursal of pensions to the bank accounts of telecom retirees.

The system offers online grievance redressal, digital profile management, and complete transaction records, ensuring greater transparency and operational efficiency.

As part of the Government’s digital governance and paperless services initiative, key pension documents are now integrated with DigiLocker.

Pension-related documents available via DigiLocker include Gratuity Payment Orders, Pension Certificates / ePPOs, Pension Commutation Payment Orders, and Form 16.

19) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

China has commissioned a new upgraded guided missile destroyer as part of its rapid naval expansion to narrow the gap with United States maritime power.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) inducted the Type 052D destroyer “Loudi”, reflecting China’s focus on enhancing blue-water combat capabilities amid strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.

The Type 052D class is considered the backbone of China’s modern surface fleet, with the “Loudi” entering active service to strengthen naval modernization.

Detailed Explanation:

China has commissioned a new upgraded guided missile destroyer as part of its rapid naval expansion to narrow the gap with United States maritime power.

The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) inducted the Type 052D destroyer “Loudi”, reflecting China’s focus on enhancing blue-water combat capabilities amid strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.

The Type 052D class is considered the backbone of China’s modern surface fleet, with the “Loudi” entering active service to strengthen naval modernization.

The destroyer incorporates a new system architecture with upgrades in radar, weapons, and networking capabilities, enhancing air defence, anti-surface warfare, and task force coordination.

Type 052D destroyers are central to China’s plan to operate carrier strike groups and conduct sustained operations far from its coastline.

20) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

In 2022, PMMVY was brought under Mission Shakti, an umbrella initiative for women’s safety, security, and empowerment.

Under Mission Shakti, PMMVY is part of the Samarthya component, which focuses on economic empowerment and financial inclusion of women.

This integration improved scheme convergence, monitoring efficiency, and targeted delivery of benefits at the grassroots level.

Detailed Explanation:

In 2022, PMMVY was brought under Mission Shakti, an umbrella initiative for women’s safety, security, and empowerment.

Under Mission Shakti, PMMVY is part of the Samarthya component, which focuses on economic empowerment and financial inclusion of women.

This integration improved scheme convergence, monitoring efficiency, and targeted delivery of benefits at the grassroots level.

Under PMMVY, benefits are provided for the first two living children, with the condition that the second child must be a girl, promoting gender equity and the value of the girl child.

Ineligible beneficiaries include pregnant women and lactating mothers who are in regular employment with Central Government, State Governments, or Public Sector Undertakings, or those receiving similar maternity benefits under any other law.

For the first child, PMMVY provides ₹5,000 in two instalments.

For the second child, ₹6,000 is provided in one instalment, only if the child is a girl.

The first instalment of ₹3,000 is released upon registration of pregnancy and completion of at least one antenatal check-up within six months from the date of the last menstrual period.

The second instalment of ₹2,000 is provided after birth and registration of the child, subject to completion of mandatory vaccinations up to 14 weeks under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).