1. Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project, that was recently seen in news, is located in which country?
[A] Nepal
[B] Bhutan
[C] China
[D] India
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Bhutan]
Notes:
India and Bhutan discussed better commercial use of power from Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (1020 Megawatt) and early start of Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project (1200 Megawatt). Punatsangchhu-II is a 1020 Megawatt run-of-the-river hydropower project. It is located on the right bank of the Punatsangchhu River in Wangdue Phodrang district of Bhutan. The project is developed under an Inter-Governmental Agreement between the Royal Government of Bhutan and the Government of India. Funding is provided by Government of India with 30 percent grant and 70 percent loan at 10 percent annual interest.
2. Project Himank operates primarily in which region of India?
[A] Ladakh
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Sikkim
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ladakh]
Notes:
A rare snow leopard sighting by Project Himank highlights successful wildlife conservation along with infrastructure growth in the High Himalayas. Project Himank is a Border Roads Organization (BRO) initiative started in 1985 in the Ladakh region of India. Its main objective is to develop and maintain road communication in Ladakh’s high-altitude and harsh terrain. It ensures strategic connectivity near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
3. Exercise KHANJAR is a bilateral military exercise conducted between India and which country?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Indonesia
[C] Kyrgyzstan
[D] Malaysia
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Kyrgyzstan]
Notes:
The 13th edition of Exercise KHANJAR, a joint military exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan, has started at Misamari in Sonitpur district of Assam. Exercise KHANJAR is an annual Joint Special Forces exercise conducted by both countries. The exercise is held alternately in India and the Kyrgyz Republic every year. Khanjar-XIII is a 14-day-long exercise aimed at improving interoperability between Special Forces. The 2026 edition focuses on urban warfare and counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations mandate.
4. A new flowering plant species named Dicliptera pakhalica was recently discovered in which protected area of Telangana?
[A] Amrabad Tiger Reserve
[B] Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary
[C] Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
[D] Kinnersani Wildlife Sanctuary
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary]
Notes:
Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered a new flowering plant species named Dicliptera pakhalica. The discovery was made in Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary located in Warangal district of Telangana. The sanctuary is dominated by mixed deciduous forest vegetation. The area has rich plant diversity including bamboo and teak trees.
5. Which ministry is the nodal ministry for implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme?
[A] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[B] Ministry of Culture
[C] Ministry of Minority Affairs
[D] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Minority Affairs]
Notes:
The Union Minister of Minority Affairs informed the Rajya Sabha about the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) scheme. PM VIKAS is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2025. It focuses on the socio-economic empowerment of six notified minority communities. The scheme aims to ensure inclusive growth for minority and artisan communities, especially youth and women. The Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal ministry for implementation. It promotes skill development through need-based training and employment support. The scheme preserves cultural heritage by promoting traditional arts, crafts, literature, and manuscripts.
