1. What is ‘Diplocentrum papillosum’ that was recently seen in news?
[A] A newly discovered species of Orchid
[B] A new type of virus
[C] Invasive weed
[D] Traditional medicine
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [A newly discovered species of Orchid]
Notes:
A new orchid species named Diplocentrum papillosum was discovered in Kanthalloor, Marayoor, in the Idukki district of Kerala. It belongs to the Diplocentrum genus, which is found only in the southern part of the Western Ghats. The orchid grows on rocks and tree branches and has strong roots to survive high winds. The name papillosum refers to the papillose, or small bump-like, texture of its flowers. It has unbranched flower clusters with pink and white, fragrant, and eye-catching blooms.
2. The traditional practice known as Paathara (or Khoni) is primarily related to which activity?
[A] Community-based rainwater harvesting
[B] Underground storage of agricultural produce
[C] Shifting cultivation in hilly terrains
[D] Preservation of forest produce using natural methods
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Underground storage of agricultural produce]
Notes:
Paathara practice, also called Khoni, is an ancient method of storing grains in underground pits. It was followed by farmers along the Mahendratanaya River in the Uddanam region of Srikakulam district near the Andhra Pradesh–Odisha border. Freshly harvested paddy was stored in rectangular pits plastered with straw and clay. The pit was sealed with cow dung to protect grains from moisture, rodents, and theft. Paathara was built in front of thatched houses and supported joint family food security. The tradition is declining due to lack of space, awareness, and changing rural housing styles.
3. The ‘CHAKRA’-Centre of Excellence (CoE) has been launched by which bank to finance sunrise sectors?
[A] State Bank of India
[B] Bank of Baroda
[C] Punjab National Bank
[D] Canara Bank
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [State Bank of India]
Notes:
State Bank of India launched CHAKRA, meaning Centre of Excellence, to finance sunrise sectors vital for India’s economic growth. It will act as a knowledge-based platform supporting technology-driven and sustainable industries. CHAKRA focuses on renewables, data centres, electric mobility, batteries, semiconductors, green hydrogen, decarbonization, and smart infrastructure. The centre aims to boost investments, global value chain integration, and Net Zero targets. It will promote technology and Artificial Intelligence innovation and provide advisory support. CHAKRA will collaborate with policymakers, banks, industry, startups, and global institutions.
4. Which state won the national award for Most Proactive State under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN in the Non-Priority Area category?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Gujarat
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Madhya Pradesh
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Uttar Pradesh]
Notes:
Uttar Pradesh won the national award for Most Proactive State under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)–UDAN in the Non-Priority Area category. The award recognises states that are neither hill states nor in the North-East, highlighting UP’s aviation expansion under CM Yogi Adityanath. Air passenger numbers grew from 59.97 lakh in 2016 to 1.28 crore in 2024 and 1.55 crore in 2025. Air cargo volume increased from 5,895 metric tonnes in 2016 to 29,761 metric tonnes in 2025, a CAGR of 17.58% over nine years.
5. World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on which day?
[A] February 1
[B] February 2
[C] February 3
[D] February 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [February 2]
Notes:
World Wetlands Day is celebrated every year on 2 February. It marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, on the Caspian Sea. The 2026 theme is “Wetlands and traditional knowledge: Celebrating cultural heritage.” The theme emphasizes the role of indigenous and local knowledge in protecting wetlands. It highlights the importance of wetlands in preserving cultural identity and guiding conservation and management practices.
6. Which tennis players won the Women’s Doubles title at the Australian Open 2026?
[A] Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai
[B] Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic
[C] Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens
[D] Prarthana Thombare and Mark Philippoussis
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai]
Notes:
Elise Mertens and Zhang Shuai reunited at the Australian Open to win the women’s doubles tennis title. The Belgian–Chinese pair defeated Anna Danilina and Aleksandra Krunic 7-6(4), 6-4. This was their ninth Grand Slam doubles title together in just their seventh event as a pair. Mertens now has six Grand Slam titles, including three Australian Opens, while Zhang has three. Mertens secured her 40th week as World Number One in doubles. In mixed doubles, Olivia Gadecki and John Peers defended the Australian Open title, ending a 37-year gap.
7. Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed annually on which day?
[A] February 1
[B] February 2
[C] February 3
[D] February 4
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [February 2]
Notes:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day is observed every year on 2 February to spread awareness about rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting millions of people worldwide. The day was started in 2013 by the Rheumatoid Patient Foundation to educate the public and break myths. The organisation is now inactive, leading to limited global observance of the day. The awareness day highlights the need for early diagnosis and timely treatment. It promotes advocacy, support systems, and research for better care.
8. Which initiative was launched in Union Budget 2026–27 to develop India into a global biopharmaceutical manufacturing hub?
[A] Biopharma SHAKTI
[B] Make in India–Pharma
[C] Pharma Vision 2030
[D] Pharma Vision 2030
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Biopharma SHAKTI]
Notes:
The Union Finance Minister announced the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative in the Union Budget 2026–27 initiative to strengthen India’s biopharmaceutical sector. Biopharma SHAKTI stands for Strategy for Healthcare Advancement through Knowledge, Technology and Innovation. It aims to make India a global hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The initiative will support domestic production of biologics and biosimilars. It will build a biopharma-focused network with three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER).
9. The GOBARdhan scheme is an integral component of which government mission?
[A] National Biogas Mission
[B] National Rural Livelihood Mission
[C] National Agroforestry Mission
[D] Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: D [Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen)]
Notes:
Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) scheme was launched in 2018 under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen). It focuses on solid waste management in villages by converting bio-waste like cattle dung, kitchen waste, crop residue, and market waste into biogas and bio-slurry. The scheme incentivizes Gram Panchayats to recover biodegradable waste and supports rural cleanliness. State/UT-wise details of functional Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) and community/cluster biogas projects are available on the GOBARdhan portal as of 27 January 2026. Information provided by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri V. Somanna in Rajya Sabha.
10. Which two states are involved the the Pennaiyar river dispute, recently seen in news?
[A] Tamil Nadu and Karnataka
[B] Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
[C] Bihar and Jharkhand
[D] Gujarat and Rajasthan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu and Karnataka]
Notes:
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to set up a tribunal for the long-pending Pennaiyar River water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu filed the case in 2018 against Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion works. Tamil Nadu argued that water in an inter-state river is a national asset and cannot be claimed exclusively by any state. Pennaiyar River, also called South Pennar, Dakshina Pinakini, Thenpennai, or Ponnaiyar, flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
