1. Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana was launched by which state government?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Uttarakhand
[D] Punjab
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Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh ]
Notes:
Himachal Pradesh expanded Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana to support daughters of widows pursuing higher education within and outside the state. Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana was launched by Himachal Pradesh government. Scheme earlier covered children of widows, destitute or divorced women and disabled parents up to 18 years. Now eligible daughters can receive benefits up to 27 years of age.
Financial aid of Rs 3,000 per month for 10 months for professional courses in government institutions outside state.
2. Which country announced its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention (Mine Ban Treaty) in February 2026?
[A] Finland
[B] Poland
[C] Hungary
[D] Romania
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Correct Answer: B [Poland]
Notes:
Poland announced withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention to allow quick deployment of Anti-Personnel Landmines (APLs) along its eastern borders if needed. The Ottawa Convention, also called the Mine Ban Treaty, bans use, production, stockpiling and transfer of APLs. Member countries must destroy stockpiled APLs within 4 years and clear planted mines within 10 years. Extension of up to 10 years can be requested for mine destruction. Countries must submit annual reports on stockpiles, mine locations and destruction progress. The treaty came into force on 1 March 1999 and has unlimited duration.
3. The Bhavani River, that was recently seen in news, is tributary of which river?
[A] Narmada
[B] Godavari
[C] Krishna
[D] Cauvery
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Correct Answer: D [Cauvery]
Notes:
An Right to Information (RTI) activist filed an online petition to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking criminal, departmental and regulatory action over pollution of the Bhavani River. Bhavani River is a major tributary of the Cauvery River. It flows through Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is the second largest river of Tamil Nadu. It originates in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It passes through Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, then re-enters Tamil Nadu. It merges with the Cauvery at Bhavani near Bhavani Sangameshwarar Temple.
4. Where was the 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar conducted in India?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Gujarat
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Correct Answer: A [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
Indian Army and United States Army conducted 16th edition of Exercise Vajra Prahar at Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. It is a joint Special Forces exercise between India and United States. The objective is to strengthen defence cooperation and improve interoperability and joint operational readiness. It promotes exchange of advanced Special Operations Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs). Year 2026 marks the 16th edition of this exercise. Training is conducted in realistic combat situations.
5. A new Cobra Lily species named Arisaema siahaense was recently discovered in which northeastern state?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] Mizoram
[D] Nagaland
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Mizoram]
Notes:
Researchers discovered a new Cobra Lily species named Arisaema siahaense in Siaha District of Mizoram, Northeast India. It is an evergreen herb growing up to 1.08 metre (about 3.5 feet) tall. Cobra Lilies are known for spathe shaped like a cobra hood. This species has an exceptionally long spadix appendix up to 21 centimetre with brownish-green hair-like bristles. It grows from a rounded tuber, not creeping rootstock, and has exactly three leaf segments.
