21. The ‘Aabhar’ online store has been launched on which platform?
[A] MyGov portal
[B] e-Shram portal
[C] Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal
[D] Bharat Craft portal
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal]
Notes:
Indian Railways will promote the ‘Aabhar’ online store launched on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal. The store features over 150 gift items and hampers made by indigenous tribes, handloom weavers, and artisans. Products come from tribal groups, self-help groups (SHGs), handloom weavers, and local craftsmen. Items are part of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, supporting regional specialties. The launch promotes ‘Vocal for Local’ and self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) goals. It highlights GeM’s social inclusion mission by empowering small and rural producers.
22. The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) functions under which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[B] Ministry of Consumer Affairs
[C] Ministry of Science and Technology
[D] Ministry of MSME
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Commerce and Industry]
Notes:
The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) has recently opened its new Bengaluru Centre. IIP is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It was established in 1966 with its headquarters in Mumbai. Its main goal is to boost exports through innovative package design and improved packaging standards. It provides testing, consultancy, R&D, and training in packaging. Training is given to artisans, weavers, exporters, and stakeholders for modern and aesthetic packaging.
23. The Kunar River, that was recently seen in news, flows through which two countries?
[A] India and Pakistan
[B] Pakistan and Afghanistan
[C] Afghanistan and Iran
[D] Afghanistan and Tajikistan
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Pakistan and Afghanistan]
Notes:
India has extended support to Afghanistan to build a dam on the Kunar River, shared between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The move comes amid tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan over water sharing. The Kunar River, also called the Kama River, is about 480 km long. It flows through eastern Afghanistan and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The river originates in the Hindu Kush mountains, fed by melting glaciers and snow. In Pakistan, it is known as the Chitral River. It is a tributary of the Kabul River, which later joins the Indus River, forming part of the Indus watershed.
24. The Kunming Biodiversity Fund was launched during which international conference?
[A] COP 26 of UNFCCC
[B] G20 Environment Summit
[C] COP 15 of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
[D] COP 27 of UNFCCC
Show Answer
Correct Answer: C [COP 15 of Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)]
Notes:
Seven countries have received $5.8 million from the Kunming Biodiversity Fund to promote nature-friendly agriculture. The seven countries are Cook Islands, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Uganda. It is a Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) launched in 2021 during Part 1 of COP 15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It aims to support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) at all governance levels.
25. The Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak was instituted by which ministry?
[A] Ministry of Home Affairs
[B] Ministry of Defence
[C] Ministry of Law and Justice
[D] Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pension
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Ministry of Home Affairs]
Notes:
The ‘Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak’ for 2025 has been announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was instituted in 2024 to promote professional excellence and morale among officers. The award recognizes outstanding work in Special Operations, Investigation, Intelligence, and Forensic Science. It was formed by merging four MHA awards. They are Special Operation Medal, Medal for Excellence in Investigation, Exceptional Intelligence Efficiency Medal, and Union Home Minister’s Award for Meritorious Service. It is announced every year on 31st October, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
26. Know Your Vehicle (KYV) is an initiative of which organization?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
[C] National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
[D] Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)]
Notes:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has simplified the Know Your Vehicle (KYV) process for FASTag users. KYV requires users to upload images of their vehicle and registration certificate (RC) to verify correct tag linkage. It was implemented in 2024 to prevent misuse and leakages in the FASTag system. The verification process must be repeated every three years for continued authenticity. Know Your Vehicle (KYV) is an initiative of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and was notified by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
27. Which city in Uttar Pradesh has been declared a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2025?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Varanasi
[C] Agra
[D] Kanpur
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Lucknow]
Notes:
UNESCO has declared Lucknow a “Creative City of Gastronomy” at its 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Lucknow becomes the second Indian city after Hyderabad to earn this title. The recognition highlights Lucknow’s rich culinary heritage, from royal kitchens to street food. The Uttar Pradesh Directorate of Tourism submitted the nomination on January 31, 2025, and the Government of India approved it on March 3, 2025. The official UNESCO announcement came on October 31, 2025. The UNESCO tag aims to boost culinary tourism, support local food entrepreneurs, and promote sustainable practices.
28. Where was the National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts 2025 held?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Odisha
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Odisha]
Notes:
The National Conference on Handlooms & Handicrafts 2025 concluded in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, reaffirming the vision of making India’s handmade sector a key pillar of Viksit Bharat 2047. The conference was organized by the Ministry of Textiles. The two-day event united officials, experts, and policymakers from across India. The conference stressed the need to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern tools and technology to enhance productivity. The National Traditional Textile Mission (2026–31) was presented, focusing on federal cooperation, women-led growth, financial inclusion, and GI-linked branding.
29. Rohan Bopanna, who recently announced his retirement, is associated with which sports?
[A] Tennis
[B] Football
[C] Badminton
[D] Boxing
Show Answer
Correct Answer: A [Tennis]
Notes:
Tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna announced his retirement at the age of 45. His final match was at the Paris Masters 1000, where he partnered with Alexander Bublik. In 2024, he became the oldest player to win a Men’s Doubles Grand Slam at the Australian Open. He also became the oldest Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) 1000 winner at the Miami Open 2024. He achieved World Number 1 ranking in doubles in 2024. Throughout his career, he won 26 doubles titles, including six ATP Masters 1000 titles.
30. Which ministry has launched the Employee’s Enrolment Scheme 2025?
[A] Ministry of Finance
[B] Ministry of Labour and Employment
[C] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[D] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Show Answer
Correct Answer: B [Ministry of Labour and Employment]
Notes:
Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the Employee’s Enrolment Scheme 2025. The launch took place during the 73rd Foundation Day of the Employee’s Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) in New Delhi. The scheme aims to promote voluntary compliance among employers. It seeks to extend social security coverage to all eligible employees. Employers can voluntarily enrol employees who were left out of EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund) coverage. The coverage period applies to employees excluded between 1st July 2017 and 31st October 2025. The scheme will remain open for six months, from now till 30th April 2026.