1. The Global Cooling Watch 2025 report, recently in the news, was released by which organisation?

(a) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
(b) UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
(c) World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
(d) International Energy Agency (IEA)

Correct Answer: (b) UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

Detailed Explanation:

The Global Cooling Watch 2025 report has been launched by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), particularly its Cool Coalition initiative. The document was presented during the COP30 climate meeting in Brazil and highlights the rising global cooling demand, urging a shift towards sustainable cooling systems.
Thus, the report’s publisher is UNEP.

2. Which pair of Indian cities are included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities of Gastronomy?

(a) Delhi and Kolkata
(b) Hyderabad and Lucknow
(c) Lucknow and Delhi
(d) Hyderabad and Kolkata

Correct Answer: (b) Hyderabad and Lucknow

Detailed Explanation:

Lucknow was recently added to UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network under the Gastronomy category, acknowledging its famed Awadhi cuisine.
Hyderabad had already earned this tag in 2019 for its rich culinary heritage, particularly its Deccani and Hyderabadi dishes.
Thus, the two Indian cities recognised for gastronomy are Hyderabad and Lucknow.

3. “Unguarded” is the autobiography of which Indian cricketer?

(a) Mithali Raj
(b) Anjum Chopra
(c) Jhulan Goswami
(d) None of the above

Correct Answer: (a) Mithali Raj

Detailed Explanation:

The book “Unguarded” is a personal narrative written by Mithali Raj, India’s longest-serving women’s cricket captain. It presents her journey, challenges, leadership experience, and her influence on women’s cricket.
Hence, the correct answer is Mithali Raj.

4. Which Indian state has successfully exported its indigenous black sticky rice to the global market?

(a) Bihar
(b) Tripura
(c) Manipur
(d) Sikkim

Correct Answer: (c) Manipur

Detailed Explanation:

Manipur is well-known for its special black sticky rice, popularly called Chak-hao. Rich in nutrients and distinct in flavour, it has been successfully exported to international markets. Recently, the state also signed an MoU with Japan to begin trial exports of white sticky rice.
Thus, the correct state is Manipur.

5. Venkateswara Temple, which was in the news due to a stampede incident, is located in which state?

(a) Telangana
(b) Andhra Pradesh
(c) Kerala
(d) Karnataka

Correct Answer: (b) Andhra Pradesh

Detailed Explanation:

The unfortunate stampede occurred at the Kasibugga Venkateswara Temple in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh. Reports highlighted crowd mismanagement and the presence of a single entry–exit path as reasons for the tragedy.
Thus, the temple is in Andhra Pradesh.

6. Which of the following substances are commonly used for cloud seeding?

1. Silver iodide
2. Sodium chloride
3. Ammonium nitrate
4. Calcium carbonate

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b) 1 and 2 only

Detailed Explanation:

Cloud seeding mainly uses silver iodide and sodium chloride, as these help form ice crystals or enhance condensation within clouds.
Ammonium nitrate and calcium carbonate are not used for this purpose.
Therefore, the correct option is 1 and 2 only.

7. The scientific payloads POLIX and XSPECT belong to which Indian space mission?

(a) ASTROSAT
(b) Chandrayaan-2
(c) Aditya-L1
(d) XPoSat

Correct Answer: (d) XPoSat

Detailed Explanation:

XPoSat is India’s first dedicated mission to study X-ray polarization.
It carries two instruments:

• POLIX → measures X-ray polarization.
• XSPECT → studies X-ray spectra in detail.
  Both aim to enhance India’s capability in space-based astrophysics.
  Hence, the payloads belong to XPoSat.

8. Strait of Hormuz – consider the following statements:

1. It links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
2. India’s LNG imports from Qatar pass through this strait.

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Detailed Explanation:

• The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and further to the Arabian Sea.
• India imports a large share of its LNG from Qatar, and tankers use this strait to reach Indian ports.
  Both statements are correct → option (c).

9. The Durand Line serves as the boundary between which two countries?

(a) India–Myanmar
(b) India–Afghanistan
(c) Afghanistan–Pakistan
(d) China–Pakistan

Correct Answer: (c) Afghanistan–Pakistan

Detailed Explanation:

The Durand Line, drawn during the British era in 1893, demarcates the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Afghanistan disputes its validity, which is a major point of tension between the two nations.
Thus, option (c) is correct.

10. Consider the following statements about the Election Commission of India:

1. It is a Constitutional Body.
2. It was established on 25 January 1950.
3. It consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
4. It does not conduct elections for the office of President.

How many statements are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four

Correct Answer: (c) Only three

Detailed Explanation:

• The Election Commission is a Constitutional institution → Statement 1 is correct.
• It was indeed created on 25 January 1950 → Statement 2 is correct.
• Today it functions as a three-member body → Statement 3 is correct.
• It does conduct elections for the President and Vice President, so statement 4 is incorrect.

Thus, three statements are correct → option (c).

For more updated MCQs and detailed explanations, keep checking this section regularly.

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