1. Recently thorium deposits, with the coverage of 700 acres, were discovered by Geological Survey of India (GSI) at
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Explanation
Thorium is a naturally occurring radioactive metal and a potential alternative nuclear fuel.
A recent discovery revealed that thorium deposits cover 700 acres, with 20 acres designated for a mining auction.
Discovered Gundlupet taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Mysuru, by Geological Survey of India (GSI).
Gundlupet is located on the southern edge of the Deccan Plateau, right where the plateau meets the Western Ghats.
2. What is the theme of the World Population Day, observed in July 11, in this year 2026?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : b
Explanation
World Population Day, observed globally on July 11, highlights critical demographic and human development issues.
Established by the United Nations Development Programme in 1989, the day raises awareness about critical issues like family planning, gender equality, maternal health, poverty, and human rights
3. Recently, the trilateral partnership countries signed the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI) MoU. The focus areas of this partnership will be
To leverage the strengths of three countries to drive green energy innovation, resilient supply chains and critical minerals.
To support net zero goals and promote greater diversification of supply chains for a secure, sustainable and resilient future.
To develop and widen adoption of AI to improve the lives of citizens.
To secure patent for the new AI products by these signatory countries
Which of the statements given above is correct?
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : a
Explanation
Recently, the trilateral partnership countries signed the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI) MoU.
Objective – To boost collaboration in critical and emerging technologies while complementing existing bilateral initiatives between the three countries.
Significance
To leverage the strengths of three countries to drive green energy innovation, resilient supply chains and critical minerals.
To support net zero goals and promote greater diversification of supply chains for a secure, sustainable and resilient future.
To develop and widen adoption of AI to improve the lives of citizens.
4. Aldrin is a pesticide from the organochlorine group. It persists in the environment for a long time and pollutes soil and water. It gradually accumulates in the food chain, causing serious adverse effects on the nervous system of humans and wildlife. Recently, this pesticide was reported for the deaths of
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : c
Explanation
Kota mugger crocodile deaths: Banned pesticide Aldrin found in Chandraloi River.
Its manufacture, import, and use were banned in India in the 1990s.
Chandraloi River – It is a small perennial tributary of Chambal River in Rajasthan.
5. Arrange the following in the order of low too high in terms of Installed energy capacity of India, as of July 2026.
Small Hydro
Large Hydro
Wind
Solar
Coal and lignite
Select the correct answer using the codes given below
a.
b.
c.
d.
Answer : d
Explanation
As of early 2026, India’s total installed energy capacity stands at approximately 533 GW. When arranged from lowest to highest capacity, the major energy sources are as follows:
Nuclear: ~8.8 GW (1.6% of total)
Small Hydro & Other Renewables: ~11.7 GW (2.2% of total)
Large Hydro: ~51 GW (9.6% of total)
Wind: ~56 GW (10.5% of total)
Solar: ~150 GW (28.1% of total)
Coal & Lignite: ~222 GW (41.6% of total)
Fossil fuels (primarily coal) account for about 47%, while non-fossil fuel sources like solar and wind now dominate with roughly 53% of the total installed capacity.
