Answer: C. It can retain start-up status for up to 20 years
Explanation: As per the DPIIT notification, deep tech start-ups are given a longer runway due to extended R&D timelines. They can be recognised as start-ups for up to 20 years with a turnover limit of ₹300 crore, unlike regular start-ups which are limited to 10 years.

Answer: C. H5N1
Explanation: Laboratory testing of samples collected from a dead crow in Chennai confirmed the presence of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza. H5N1 primarily affects birds and only rarely spreads to humans, though people handling sick or dead birds are advised to take precautions.

Answer: B. Excessive anxiety caused by searching health information online
Explanation: Cyberchondria is an anxiety disorder where individuals repeatedly search for health-related information online, leading to heightened fear of serious illness. Social media algorithms can worsen this by continuously recommending similar alarming content, even when medical evidence does not support such fears.

Answer: C. Ahobilam
Explanation: Paruveta Utsavam is a 600-year-old socio-religious festival associated with Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh. During the festival, the idol of Lord Narasimha undertakes a 40-day procession through 33 surrounding villages, symbolising social equality, communal harmony, and inclusive temple traditions. Efforts are underway to secure UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status for this unique tradition.

Answer: C. Visakhapatnam
Explanation: Rail Robocop ‘ASC Arjun’, India’s first humanoid robot deployed by Indian Railways, was stationed at Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Using AI-powered facial recognition technology, it matched live surveillance visuals with a database of known criminals, enabling the Railway Protection Force to apprehend habitual offenders and strengthening railway security.

Answer: B. 1, 3 and 4 only
Explanation: Under the India-US Interim Trade Agreement framework, India has completely safeguarded major agricultural products including maize, wheat, rice (general, not specifically basmati), soybean, poultry products, milk, paneer, ethanol, tobacco and many vegetables from US imports to protect Indian farmers’ interests. However, basmati rice has actually been identified as a product that will gain special export benefits to the US market with new opportunities in the 18% tariff markets, benefiting farmers in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Therefore, statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct.

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Under the mission, 1,000 pulse mills will be established across the country with the Government of India providing up to ₹25 lakh subsidy per mill, of which 55 will be in Madhya Pradesh. Statement 2 is correct: Farmers joining clusters will receive seed kits and ₹10,000 assistance per hectare for model farming. Statement 3 is correct: Madhya Pradesh is the number one pulses-producing state in India. Statement 4 is incorrect: As part of seed reforms, no seed will be released from Delhi; instead, seeds will be released directly in different states among farmers for better distribution and local adaptation.

Answer: B. Western Ghats region including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Maharashtra
Explanation: Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as Monkey Fever, is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever that is endemic to the Western Ghats region of India, particularly in states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra. The disease is caused by a virus belonging to the family Flaviviridae and is transmitted through the bite of infected hard ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera). ICMR, in collaboration with Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), is developing a fully indigenous two-dose adjuvanted inactivated vaccine, which has entered Phase I human clinical trials after CDSCO approval.

Answer: B. 15%
Explanation: The Tamil Nadu Urban Greening Policy 2026 mandates Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to maintain at least 15% green cover. This target contributes to the state’s long-term goal of achieving 33% overall greening. The policy is a comprehensive framework to systematically expand and manage green spaces in urban areas, integrating climate action, biodiversity conservation and urban livability. Key features include the creation of a dedicated Urban Forest Wing under the Municipal Administration & Water Supply Department, promotion of urban forests, micro-forests, biodiversity parks, mangroves and agroforestry within urban and peri-urban areas.

Answer: A. IMPACT (India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation)
Explanation: The India-Malaysia relations were elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi in 2024, and the partnership is themed around IMPACT, which stands for India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation. Malaysia hosts the world’s second-largest Indian-origin community with nearly 3 million people. During PM Modi’s February 2026 visit to Malaysia, several initiatives were announced including the establishment of a Thiruvalluvar Centre, Thiruvalluvar Scholarships, opening of India’s first consulate in Malaysia, and plans to integrate India’s UPI payment system with Malaysia.