1. Republic Day 2026 is expected to have strong diplomatic significance due to the likely presence of leaders from which group?
A. G7
B. BRICS
C. European Union
D. ASEAN
Answer: C. European Union
Explanation: EU leaders are likely to attend as Chief Guests, highlighting India–EU strategic ties.
2. Who chaired the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) held in Mumbai?
A. Shaktikanta Das
B. Sanjay Malhotra
C. Nirmala Sitharaman
D. Urjit Patel
Answer: B. Sanjay Malhotra
Explanation: RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra chaired the first PRB meeting.
3. RBI signed an agreement with GNCTD under which provision of the RBI Act, 1934?
A. Section 17
B. Section 20
C. Section 21A(1)
D. Section 45
Answer: C. Section 21A(1)
Explanation: The agreement strengthens cooperation in government banking operations.
4. Tamilnad Mercantile Bank partnered with which company to enhance UPI capabilities?
A. PayU
B. NPCI
C. TechFini
D. PhonePe
Answer: C. TechFini
Explanation: The partnership focuses on UPI acquiring and issuing capabilities.
5. India became the world’s largest rice producer in 2024–25 with production of:
A. 145.28 million tonnes
B. 148.90 million tonnes
C. 150.18 million tonnes
D. 152.40 million tonnes
Answer: C. 150.18 million tonnes
Explanation: India surpassed China (145.28 MT) to become the largest producer.
6. Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque Ayumantakatha was sworn in as Chief Justice of which High Court?
A. Meghalaya
B. Tripura
C. Sikkim
D. Manipur
Answer: C. Sikkim
Explanation: He became the 24th Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.
7. Which corps’ animal contingent will be showcased for the first time at the Republic Day Parade?
A. Army Medical Corps
B. Remount & Veterinary Corps
C. Territorial Army
D. NCC
Answer: B. Remount & Veterinary Corps
Explanation: Highlights the strategic role of animals in military operations.
8. ICGS ‘Samudra Pratap’ was commissioned in which state?
A. Kerala
B. Maharashtra
C. Goa
D. Gujarat
Answer: C. Goa
Explanation: Commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
9. SWaDeS, developed by DRDO, is a:
A. Drone surveillance system
B. Portable water desalination system
C. Missile tracking radar
D. Field medical unit
Answer: B. Portable water desalination system
Explanation: SWaDeS provides safe drinking water to soldiers in remote areas.
10. AYUSH systems were formally recognised under India’s trade agreements with:
A. UAE & UK
B. Oman & New Zealand
C. Australia & Japan
D. Nepal & Bhutan
Answer: B. Oman & New Zealand
Explanation: Recognition included in India–Oman CEPA and India–New Zealand FTA.
11. ‘Viksit Bharat – Gram G’ initiative focuses on:
A. Smart cities
B. Digital governance
C. Atmanirbhar villages
D. Industrial corridors
Answer: C. Atmanirbhar villages
Explanation: Emphasises employment, infrastructure and public participation.
12. SAMPANN is related to:
A. Defence pensions
B. Banking pensions
C. DoT pensioners
D. State government pensions
Answer: C. DoT pensioners
Explanation: It is an integrated online pension management system.
13. PMMVY completed how many years on 1 January 2026?
A. 7 years
B. 8 years
C. 9 years
D. 10 years
Answer: C. 9 years
Explanation: Marks progress in maternal health and nutrition.
14. ‘Sankhyiki (सांख्यिकी)’ is the mascot of which ministry?
A. Finance Ministry
B. MoSPI
C. NITI Aayog
D. Commerce Ministry
Answer: B. MoSPI
Explanation: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation unveiled it.
15. Kalai-II hydropower project (1,200 MW) is located on which river?
A. Siang
B. Subansiri
C. Lohit
D. Dibang
Answer: C. Lohit
Explanation: Located in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.
16. Which state emerged as India’s leading investment destination in the current financial year?
A. Gujarat
B. Maharashtra
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: D. Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: Reflects strong investor confidence.
17. 3D-printed Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) were developed by scientists led by:
A. ISRO
B. IIT Bombay
C. IITM Pune
D. IMD
Answer: C. IITM Pune
Explanation: Marks a major indigenous technological milestone.
18. The ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ refers to a rare leopard sighting in:
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Karnataka
D. Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C. Karnataka
Explanation: First-ever sighting of a strawberry-coloured leopard in the state.
19. Sri Vijaya Puram, where Amit Shah inaugurated projects, is in:
A. Lakshadweep
B. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
C. Puducherry
D. Goa
Answer: B. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
20. The 72nd National Volleyball Tournament will be inaugurated by:
A. President of India
B. Sports Minister
C. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
D. Vice President of India