Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 14th February 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.

 

Start Quiz

1) What is the theme of the ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’ half marathon announced by Punjab National Bank?

(a) Run for Unity, Run for India

(b) PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers

(c) Fitness First, Nation Next

(d) Marathon for Nation Building

(e) Run for Health, Run for Honour

2) What recent approval did Singapore-based fintech EximPe receive from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)?

(a) Payment Aggregator–Cross Border (PA-CB) authorisation

(b) Payment Aggregator–Domestic (PA-D) licence

(c) Unified Payments Interface (UPI) certification

(d) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) clearance

(e) Digital Banking licence


3) Who chaired the meeting in New Delhi to prepare the roadmap for Financial Inclusion 2.0?

(a) Shri Nirmala Sitharaman

(b) Shri Shaktikanta Das

(c) Shri Ajay Seth

(d) Shri M. Nagaraju

(e) Shri P. K. Mishra

4) Where was the strategic collaboration between Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) and the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) formally unveiled?

(a) New Delhi

(b) Bengaluru

(c) Bhubaneswar

(d) Mumbai

(e) Hyderabad

5) Which Indian state signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink to provide satellite-based internet connectivity to remote and tribal regions?

(a) Maharashtra

(b) Gujarat

(c) Karnataka

(d) Rajasthan

(e) Tamil Nadu

6) What was India’s unemployment rate in Q3 (October–December) FY 2025–26 according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National Statistics Office (NSO)?

(a) 4.8%

(b) 4.5%

(c) 5.5%

(d) 6.7%

(e) 6.9%

7) Which company deployed BHASHINI’s end-to-end sovereign AI cloud transformation in India?

(a) Infosys

(b) TCS

(c) Yotta Data Services

(d) Wipro

(e) HCL Technologies

8) Who launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?

(a) Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

(b) Dr. Jitendra Singh

(c) Dr. Rajiv Kumar

(d) Dr. K. Vijay Raghavan

(e) Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal

 

9) What is the total financial assistance provided under the Delhi Government’s Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana to each eligible girl child?

(a) ₹50,000

(b) ₹75,000

(c) ₹60,000

(d) ₹56,000

(e) ₹1,00,000

10) As of 2026, Indian Railways Approves Key Line Expansion and Bypass Projects in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. What is the cost

(a) ₹497.07 crore

(b) ₹350.50 crore

(c) ₹520.25 crore

(d) ₹450.00 crore

(e) ₹600.00 crore

11) Which state received Rs. 80,240.00 lakh (Rs. 802.40 crore) as the 2nd installment of the Fifteenth Finance Commission Untied Grants for FY 2025–26?

(a) Haryana

(b) West Bengal

(c) Himachal Pradesh

(d) Uttar Pradesh

(e) Bihar

12) Which country did India sign a bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) with to benefit cross-border workers?

(a) United States

(b) United Kingdom

(c) Germany

(d) Canada

(e) Australia

13) Which task force of Combined Task Force (CTF) did the Indian Navy assume command of a multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), reflecting its growing role in maritime security?

(a) CTF 150

(b) CTF 151

(c) CTF 154

(d) CTF 155

(e) CTF 156

14) What was the total value of proposals approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 12 February 2026?

(a) ₹2.50 lakh crore

(b) ₹3.00 lakh crore

(c) ₹3.60 lakh crore

(d) ₹4.00 lakh crore

(e) ₹4.50 lakh crore

15) How many Dornier 228 aircraft did the Ministry of Defence sign a contract for with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Coast Guard at a cost of ₹2,312 crore under the Buy (Indian) category?

(a) 6

(b) 8

(c) 10

(d) 12

(e) 15

16) Which domestic company signed an MoU with the Indian Army to supply carbon fabrics and advanced composite materials?

(a) Bharat Forge

(b) Larsen & Toubro

(c) Tata Advanced Materials

(d) Reliance Defence

(e) Agneevasthraa

17) What is the total outlay of the Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) initiative under which the first national call for the BIRAC–RDI Fund was announced?

(a) ₹50,000 crore

(b) ₹75,000 crore

(c) ₹1 lakh crore

(d) ₹1.5 lakh crore

(e) ₹2 lakh crore

 

18) How many proposals were received for the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative before three startups such as Astrome Technologies Private Limited, Azista Industries Private Limited, and Dhruva Space Private Limited were selected?

(a) 10

(b) 12

(c) 18

(d) 15

(e) 20


19) Which two organisations signed a collaborative agreement to jointly undertake R&D activities for extreme and challenging environments?

(a) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

(b) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

(c) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

(d) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

(e) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)

20) What is the maximum stake ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company and ICICI Group entities are allowed to acquire in select banks as per RBI approval?

(a) 5.25%

(b) 11.45%

(c) 10.50%

(d) 9.95%

(e) 20.65%

21) Which organisation did the Department of Posts (India Post) sign a three-year MoU with to distribute Mutual Fund products?

(a) National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE)

(b)Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) 

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

(d) Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)

(e) State Bank of India (SBI)

22) Which company did the Technology Development Board (TDB) sign an agreement with for the renal care diagnostic project Proflo-U?

(a) M/s Biocon Limited, Karnataka

(b) M/s Prantae Solutions Private Limited, Odisha

(c) M/s Serum Institute of India, Pune

(d) M/s Tata Medical & Diagnostics, Mumbai

(e) M/s DRL Healthcare, Delhi

23) What is the official tagline of Punjab National Bank (PNB)?

(a) Pure Banking, Pure India

(b) Your Friendly Bank

(c) Banking for All

(d) Trusted Since 1894

(e) The Name You Can Bank Upon

24) Which Indian state expanded direct financial assistance to support girls’ education beyond primary school?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Maharashtra

(c) Rajasthan

(d) Tamil Nadu

(e) Karnataka

 

25) As of 2026, Untied Grants for Panchayati Raj Institutions/Rural Local Bodies can be used for location-specific needs under how many subjects of the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution?

(a) 21

(b) 25

(c) 29

(d) 32

(e) 36


Answers:

1) Answer: B

Punjab National Bank (PNB), a leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), announced ‘PNB Soldierathon 2026’, a themed half marathon, at its Corporate Office in Dwarka, New Delhi.

The announcement was made ahead of PNB’s 132nd Foundation Day Celebrations to be observed on April 12, 2026.

The event is branded under the theme “PNB Soldierathon 2026 – Run with Soldiers, Run for Soldiers”, marking the second edition of PNB’s marquee half marathon.

2) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

EximPe, a Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments fintech, secured final Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) authorisation.

The approval enables international merchants to collect payments from Indian customers via Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, wallets, and net banking.

Detailed Explanation:

EximPe, a Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments fintech, secured final Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) authorisation.

The approval enables international merchants to collect payments from Indian customers via Unified Payments Interface (UPI), cards, wallets, and net banking.

Notably, the company obtained the PA-CB licence without holding a prior domestic Payment Aggregator (PA) licence.

With this authorisation, EximPe can now operate under the PA-CB framework for both import and export transactions.

3) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, chaired a meeting in New Delhi to deliberate on the preparation of the roadmap for Financial Inclusion 2.0.

The roadmap aims to ensure access to banking services for all citizens, including rural and vulnerable populations.

Detailed Explanation:

Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, chaired a meeting in New Delhi to deliberate on the preparation of the roadmap for Financial Inclusion 2.0.

The roadmap aims to ensure access to banking services for all citizens, including rural and vulnerable populations.

It seeks augmentation of banking infrastructure in villages to improve service delivery.

The initiative emphasizes availability of formal credit, especially for women and vulnerable sections of society.

One of the goals is to achieve insurance and pension coverage for all citizens by 2047.

4) Answer: C

Detailed Explanation:

Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) and the Startup Policy Forum (SPF) announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate financial technology and digital innovation.

The partnership focuses on coordinated policy engagement, ecosystem development, and cross-border growth initiatives.

The collaboration was formally unveiled at the Black Swan Summit India 2026 held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The partnership aims to strengthen global–India innovation corridors and enable structured policy dialogue between regulators and industry stakeholders.

It will also support the international expansion of Indian startups.

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Government of Gujarat signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink, the satellite internet subsidiary of SpaceX (founded by Elon Musk).

The agreement was exchanged in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of Gujarat signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Starlink, the satellite internet subsidiary of SpaceX (founded by Elon Musk).

The agreement was exchanged in Gandhinagar in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

The initiative aims to provide reliable, high-speed satellite-based internet connectivity to remote, tribal, and border regions of Gujarat, where traditional telecom infrastructure faces geographical constraints.

Under the proposed pilot projects, Starlink technology will connect Common Service Centres (CSCs) and e-Governance facilities in Aspirational Districts such as Narmada and Dahod.

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India’s unemployment rate eased to a three-quarter low of 4.8 per cent in October–December (Q3) FY 2025–26, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

This marks a sequential decline in unemployment during the financial year.

In rural areas (Current Weekly Status - CWS), the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above declined to 4 per cent in Q3 from 4.4 per cent in Q2 (July–September).

Detailed Explanation:

India’s unemployment rate eased to a three-quarter low of 4.8 per cent in October–December (Q3) FY 2025–26, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

This marks a sequential decline in unemployment during the financial year.

In rural areas (Current Weekly Status - CWS), the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above declined to 4 per cent in Q3 from 4.4 per cent in Q2 (July–September).

In urban areas, it fell to 6.7 per cent from 6.9 per cent during the same period.

Under the Current Weekly Status (CWS) framework, a person is classified as unemployed if they did not work for even one hour on any day during the reference week, but were seeking or available for work for at least one hour during that week.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Yotta Data Services, India’s leading sovereign cloud infrastructure and platform services provider, successfully deployed BHASHINI’s end-to-end sovereign Artificial Intelligence cloud transformation.

The deployment was carried out on Yotta’s Government Community Cloud and Shakti Cloud.

Detailed Explanation:

Yotta Data Services, India’s leading sovereign cloud infrastructure and platform services provider, successfully deployed BHASHINI’s end-to-end sovereign Artificial Intelligence cloud transformation.

The deployment was carried out on Yotta’s Government Community Cloud and Shakti Cloud.

With this migration, BHASHINI now operates entirely on Indian cloud and Graphics Processing Unit infrastructure, ensuring that language datasets, Artificial Intelligence models, and citizen interactions remain within India’s jurisdiction.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology stated that the deployment is aligned with the objectives of the IndiaAI Mission.

It represents a major step towards building self-reliant, secure, and scalable Artificial Intelligence capabilities in India.

The development was showcased at The India Artificial Intelligence Sovereignty Dialogues, an official Pre-Summit Event of the Artificial Intelligence Impact Summit 2026.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB).

The Open Call is launched under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, launched the first Open Call of the Technology Development Board (TDB).

The Open Call is launched under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

The objective is to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem by supporting the commercialisation of indigenous technologies through structured, long-term financing.

The initiative marks a departure from conventional government funding models, as it provides direct government-backed financial support to private sector innovation, beyond philanthropy or Corporate Social Responsibility-led funding.

9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Delhi Government launched the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana in 2026 to secure the educational and financial future of girl children in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Under the scheme, each eligible beneficiary will receive ₹56,000 in phased instalments.

Detailed Explanation:

The Delhi Government launched the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana in 2026 to secure the educational and financial future of girl children in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

The scheme was announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.

The scheme provides financial assistance from birth till completion of graduation, making it a long-term education-linked welfare initiative.

Under the scheme, each eligible beneficiary will receive ₹56,000 in phased instalments.

After successful completion of graduation, the accumulated amount will mature into more than ₹1 lakh, providing financial security at the beginning of adulthood.

10) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Indian Railways approved major infrastructure projects including third-line construction, line doubling, and bypass alignment to enhance operational efficiency, safety, capacity and regional connectivity.

Third Line between Aunrihar – Varanasi City (31.36 km), Uttar Pradesh approved at a cost of ₹497.07 crore under North Eastern Railway.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Railways approved major infrastructure projects including third-line construction, line doubling, and bypass alignment to enhance operational efficiency, safety, capacity and regional connectivity.

Third Line between Aunrihar – Varanasi City (31.36 km), Uttar Pradesh approved at a cost of ₹497.07 crore under North Eastern Railway.

The section handles heavy passenger and freight traffic, including cement, coal, food grains, iron, steel and industrial materials.

The third line will allow 7.13 additional trains per direction per day and support freight growth of 1.99 million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).

Existing line capacity of 87.93 per cent will increase to over 102 per cent, reducing congestion and improving punctuality.

The project will strengthen logistics efficiency and trade corridors in eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions.

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Union Government sanctioned and released the 2nd installment of Fifteenth Finance Commission Untied Grants for FY 2025–26 to Panchayati Raj Institutions/Rural Local Bodies in Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Bihar received Rs. 80,240.00 lakh (Rs. 802.40 crore) covering 38 District Panchayats, 533 Block Panchayats and 8,053 Gram Panchayats.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Government sanctioned and released the 2nd installment of Fifteenth Finance Commission Untied Grants for FY 2025–26 to Panchayati Raj Institutions/Rural Local Bodies in Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Bihar received Rs. 80,240.00 lakh (Rs. 802.40 crore) covering 38 District Panchayats, 533 Block Panchayats and 8,053 Gram Panchayats.

An additional Rs. 139.10 lakh (Rs. 1.39 crore) from the withheld portion of the 1st installment was released to 3 Block Panchayats and 7 Gram Panchayats that became eligible.

Haryana was provided Rs. 19,762.70 lakh (Rs. 197.627 crore) covering 19 District Panchayats, 138 Block Panchayats and 6,194 Gram Panchayats.

A further Rs. 249.80 lakh (Rs. 2.50 crore) was released from the earlier withheld amount to 1 District Panchayat, 4 Block Panchayats and 30 Gram Panchayats.

Himachal Pradesh received Rs. 6,830.03 lakh (Rs. 68.30 crore) for 12 District Panchayats, 80 Block Panchayats and 3,602 Gram Panchayats.

Additionally, Rs. 34.53 lakh (Rs. 0.35 crore) was released to 26 newly eligible Gram Panchayats.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India signed a bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) with the United Kingdom (UK) focusing on social security contributions for cross-border workers.

The agreement prevents double taxation on social security payments and facilitates smoother mobility for Indian professionals working in the UK.

Detailed Explanation:

India signed a bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) with the United Kingdom (UK) focusing on social security contributions for cross-border workers.

The agreement prevents double taxation on social security payments and facilitates smoother mobility for Indian professionals working in the UK.

Under the pact, employees on short-term assignments (up to 36 months) will not pay social security contributions in both countries, reducing the financial burden for individuals and employers.

Approximately 75,000 Indian professionals, especially in IT, engineering, finance, and consultancy, are expected to benefit from the agreement.

Indian companies operating in the UK will find it more cost-effective to deploy staff for short-term assignments.

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), reflecting India’s growing role in maritime security and capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.

The change of command ceremony took place on 11 Feb 2026 at CMF Headquarters, Manama, Bahrain, presided over by VAdm Curt A Renshaw, Commander, CMF / US NAVCENT / US Fifth Fleet.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Navy has assumed command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 154, a multinational training task force under the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), reflecting India’s growing role in maritime security and capacity building in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and beyond.

The change of command ceremony took place on 11 Feb 2026 at CMF Headquarters, Manama, Bahrain, presided over by VAdm Curt A Renshaw, Commander, CMF / US NAVCENT / US Fifth Fleet.

Cmde Milind M Mokashi, Shaurya Chakra, formally took over as Commander CTF 154 from the outgoing Italian Navy Commander, with VAdm Tarun Sobti, DCNS, Indian Navy, in attendance.

CTF 154, established in May 2023, focuses on training and capacity building of CMF member nations and strengthens India’s position as a Preferred Security Partner among the 47 CMF nations.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the Services valued at about ₹3.60 lakh crore on 12 February 2026.

AoN approved for procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) [Rafale], Combat Missiles, and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).

Detailed Explanation:

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, approved Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for various proposals of the Services valued at about ₹3.60 lakh crore on 12 February 2026.

AoN approved for procurement of Multi Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) [Rafale], Combat Missiles, and Air-Ship Based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (AS-HAPS).

MRFA procurement will enhance air dominance, long-range offensive strikes, and deterrence capabilities, with the majority manufactured in India.

Combat Missiles will boost stand-off ground attack capability, deep strike power, and high accuracy.

AS-HAPS will be used for persistent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance), Electronic Intelligence, telecommunication, and remote sensing for military purposes.

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of ₹2,312 crore under the Buy (Indian) category.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at a cost of ₹2,312 crore under the Buy (Indian) category.

The contract signing took place in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on 12 February 2026.

The programme is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment by strengthening HAL’s production ecosystem and supporting a broad network of MSMEs and ancillary industries.

The procurement reinforces the Government of India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives while bolstering India’s maritime security architecture.

16) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Agneevasthraa, a domestic manufacturer of carbon fabrics and advanced composite materials, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) to supply materials for defence applications.

The MoU covers carbon fabrics, which are lightweight, high-strength textiles made from carbon fibers, and composite materials, combining two or more constituent materials for defence-specific properties.

Detailed Explanation:

Agneevasthraa, a domestic manufacturer of carbon fabrics and advanced composite materials, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) to supply materials for defence applications.

The MoU covers carbon fabrics, which are lightweight, high-strength textiles made from carbon fibers, and composite materials, combining two or more constituent materials for defence-specific properties.

The supplied materials will be used in armour systems, protective gear, structural components, and high-performance defence platforms.

The collaboration aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, promoting domestic defence manufacturing.

Agneevasthraa has a long-standing association with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in delivering world-class material innovations.

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the first national call for the BIRAC–RDI Fund, under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) initiative of the Government of India.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the first national call for the BIRAC–RDI Fund, under the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) initiative of the Government of India.

The launch reflects India’s shift from late entrant to early mover in emerging technologies and science-led growth.

India’s biotech startup ecosystem expanded from ~50 startups in 2014 to 11,000+ today, reflecting a quantum jump in scale and ambition.

The bioeconomy grew from $8 billion in 2014 to $165.7 billion in 2024, targeting $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047.

Biotechnology is expected to drive the next industrial revolution, complementing IT-led transformation, and focus areas include advanced manufacturing, biotech innovation, and new-age entrepreneurship.

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of ISRO, selected three Indian private startups — Astrome Technologies Private Limited, Azista Industries Private Limited, and Dhruva Space Private Limited — under the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative.

A total of 15 proposals were received by July 2025, and the three firms were selected after a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), the commercial arm of ISRO, selected three Indian private startups — Astrome Technologies Private Limited, Azista Industries Private Limited, and Dhruva Space Private Limited — under the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS) initiative.

A satellite bus provides essential services to payloads and acts as a cost-effective, modular platform for domestic and international missions.

Under SBaaS, each selected company will receive a ₹5 crore grant for the development and demonstration of a robust, modular, and scalable satellite bus.

IN-SPACe will provide access to ISRO and Department of Space (DoS) infrastructure, along with testing facilities and technical guidance.

The SBaaS initiative was announced through an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) in April 2025, inviting proposals from Indian Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs).

A total of 15 proposals were received by July 2025, and the three firms were selected after a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process.

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a collaborative agreement with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), to jointly undertake Research and Development (R&D) activities.

Detailed Explanation:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed a collaborative agreement with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoS&T), to jointly undertake Research and Development (R&D) activities.

The collaboration aims to develop technologies that enhance human sustenance and performance in extreme and challenging environments.

Key focus areas include high-altitude survival, human performance enhancement, off-grid energy systems, and waste management solutions for extreme and remote environments.

The initiative aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting technological self-sufficiency.

By collaborating and sharing expertise and equipment, DRDO and CSIR aim to enhance India’s overall innovation base and mitigate challenges posed by extreme climate conditions.

20) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, along with group entities of ICICI Bank, received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to acquire up to 9.95% paid-up share capital or voting rights in select banks.

The approval marks a strategic expansion of the ICICI Group’s presence in the banking sector.

Detailed Explanation:

ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, along with group entities of ICICI Bank, received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to acquire up to 9.95% paid-up share capital or voting rights in select banks.

The approval marks a strategic expansion of the ICICI Group’s presence in the banking sector.

The eight banks covered under this approval include Bandhan Bank, City Union Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, Federal Bank, IDFC FIRST Bank, HDFC Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, and RBL Bank.

As per approval conditions, major shareholding must be completed within the one-year validity period.

21) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Department of Posts (DoP), also known as India Post under the Ministry of Communications, signed a three-year renewable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).

The MoU aims to enable distribution of Mutual Fund products through India Post’s nationwide network.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Posts (DoP), also known as India Post under the Ministry of Communications, signed a three-year renewable Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE).

The MoU aims to enable distribution of Mutual Fund products through India Post’s nationwide network.

Under the partnership, India Post will utilise its network of over 1.64 lakh post offices to facilitate Mutual Fund investments through the NSE MF Invest platform.

The NSE MF Invest platform provides end-to-end services, including electronic Know Your Customer, investor onboarding, transaction processing, and back-office integration.

The implementation will be carried out in a phased manner.

Initially, simple Do-It-Yourself investment options will be offered.

In later phases, access will be expanded to a comprehensive Mutual Fund ecosystem.

22) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology signed an agreement with M/s Prantae Solutions Private Limited, Odisha for financial assistance.

The project titled “Manufacturing and Commercialization of Renal Care Innovative Diagnostic Product: Proflo-U for Point-of-Care Kidney Health Assessment” aims to enable early detection and monitoring of kidney disease and pregnancy-related complications at the primary healthcare level.

Detailed Explanation:

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology signed an agreement with M/s Prantae Solutions Private Limited, Odisha for financial assistance.

The project titled “Manufacturing and Commercialization of Renal Care Innovative Diagnostic Product: Proflo-U for Point-of-Care Kidney Health Assessment” aims to enable early detection and monitoring of kidney disease and pregnancy-related complications at the primary healthcare level.

The initiative aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and promotes affordable, accessible, and technology-driven healthcare systems.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) remains a major public health challenge, with over two lakh patients added annually to the end-stage renal disease category in India.

Early detection through biomarkers such as urine albumin, creatinine, and Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) is crucial, especially among diabetes, hypertension patients and the geriatric population.

23) Answer: E

About Punjab National Bank (PNB):

Founded: 1894

Headquarters: New Delhi, India

Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Chandra

Tagline: "The Name You Can Bank Upon"


24) Answer: A

Girls education in Gujarat has received a major boost with a large-scale financial support announcement. To ensure that economic hardship does not interrupt schooling after primary education, the state government has expanded direct assistance for adolescent girls. 

25) Answer: C

Untied Grants can be used by Panchayati Raj Institutions/Rural Local Bodies for location-specific needs under the Twenty-Nine Subjects of the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and establishment costs.

Tied Grants are to be utilised for basic services such as:

Sanitation and maintenance of Open Defecation Free status, including household waste management, human excreta and fecal sludge management.

Drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting and water recycling