Current Affairs Quiz — 04 March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on 4 March 2026 off which coastal town?
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Correct answer: D — Galle, Sri Lanka
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship was operating about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Where was the distress call from IRIS Dena received on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — MRCC Colombo
The distress call was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, as reported by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Which Indian Navy ship, operating nearby, reached the IRIS Dena search area by 1600 hrs on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — INS Tarangini
INS Tarangini was deployed to aid the rescue effort and arrived in the search area by 1600 hrs; INS Ikshak later sailed from Kochi.
According to AP, how many people did the Sri Lanka Navy rescue after IRIS Dena sank?
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Correct answer: B — 32
AP reported that the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 people and recovered 87 bodies.
Consider the following statements about the IRIS Dena incident of 4 March 2026: 1. The ship was in the search-and-rescue region under India's responsibility when it sent the distress call. 2. The ship had recently taken part in International Fleet Review 2026, an exercise hosted by India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Ministry of Defence said the ship was in the SAR region under Sri Lanka's responsibility, so Sri Lanka led the search; BBC reported its participation in International Fleet Review 2026 hosted by India.
The second phase of Meghalaya's FOCUS+ scheme was launched on 4 March 2026 in which district?
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Correct answer: C — North Garo Hills
CM Conrad K. Sangma launched FOCUS+ Phase II at Resubelpara, North Garo Hills, with 2,000 additional beneficiaries.
The FOCUS+ Phase II launch on 4 March 2026 coincided with the 10th death anniversary of which leader?
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Correct answer: D — P.A. Sangma
The programme marked the 10th death anniversary of former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma and eight years of the MDA Government.
Consider the following statements about Meghalaya's Green Meghalaya programme as announced on 4 March 2026: 1. The programme, covering 50,000 hectares, is to be expanded by another 50,000 hectares. 2. Under the Green Meghalaya Plus model, incentives of up to ₹20,000 per hectare per year are paid through a Payment for Ecosystem Services framework. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct, as reported by the Meghalaya Times and Northeast News: coverage will double from 50,000 hectares, and Green Meghalaya Plus pays up to ₹20,000 per hectare per year under a Payment for Ecosystem Services model.
What was the HSBC India Services PMI for February 2026, released on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 58.1
The services PMI was 58.1 in February, compared with 58.5 in January.
Which agency compiles the HSBC India Services PMI?
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Correct answer: B — S&P Global
The HSBC India PMI series is compiled by S&P Global; data for February 2026 were collected from 9 to 25 February.
Consider the following statements about India's PMI data for February 2026: 1. New orders in the services sector rose at the slowest pace since January 2025. 2. The composite PMI fell from January's level. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. New services orders grew at a 13-month low, but the composite PMI rose to 58.9 from 58.4, the fastest private-sector growth in three months.
What was the theme of National Safety Day 2026, observed on 4 March?
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Correct answer: D — Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety
The 55th National Safety Day/Week in 2026 had the theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
National Safety Day on 4 March commemorates the founding of which organisation?
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Correct answer: A — National Safety Council of India
National Safety Day marks the foundation of the National Safety Council of India on 4 March 1966.
Consider the following statements about National Safety Day: 1. The National Safety Council of India was founded on 4 March 1966. 2. National Safety Day was first observed in 1972. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the Council was founded on 4 March 1966 and the day was first observed in 1972. The 2026 observance was the 55th edition.
The Saraighat Rana Smritisaudh, inaugurated in Guwahati on 4 March 2026, commemorates a battle fought in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1671
The memorial honours warriors of the Battle of Saraighat, fought in 1671 under Ahom general Lachit Borphukan.
How many warriors' names are engraved on the Saraighat Rana Smritisaudh in Guwahati?
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Correct answer: C — 132
The memorial, built in traditional Ahom style at Panbazar, bears the engraved names of 132 warriors.
Consider the following statements about the Battle of Saraighat: 1. The Ahom forces were led by Lachit Borphukan. 2. The battle was a naval clash fought on the Brahmaputra against Mughal forces. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: India Today NE and the Times of India state that Ahom general Lachit Borphukan led the 1671 battle, and the Times of India describes it as a naval clash on the Brahmaputra that halted Mughal expansion.
Which ministry set up a special control room on 4 March 2026 for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs set up the control room, working from 9 am to 9 pm.
According to the MEA in March 2026, roughly how many Indian citizens live in West Asia?
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Correct answer: A — Nearly one crore
The MEA said nearly one crore Indian citizens reside in West Asia and their safety is of utmost priority.
What is the toll-free number of the MEA special control room set up on 4 March 2026 for the West Asia situation?
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Correct answer: A — 1800118797
The control room can be reached on the toll-free number 1800118797 and on three Delhi landline numbers from 9 am to 9 pm.
Which team did New Zealand beat in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — South Africa
New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets, ending South Africa's unbeaten run in the tournament.
Finn Allen's unbeaten 100 in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, the fastest century in men's T20 World Cups, came off how many balls?
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Correct answer: B — 33
Allen made 100 not out off 33 balls, with 10 fours and eight sixes according to BBC Sport.
Consider the following statements about the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: 1. New Zealand chased the target with 43 balls to spare. 2. It was New Zealand's first appearance in a men's T20 World Cup final. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: New Zealand made 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs. The ICC noted it would be their second men's T20 World Cup final, after 2021.
The Dinesh Goswami Flyover, inaugurated on 4 March 2026, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Guwahati
The 1.2-km flyover at Bharalumukh, Guwahati, was completed in 15 months against a 24-month target.
Which body organised the free health check-up camps during Janaushadhi Saptah 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, organised the camps at about 250 locations from 1 to 5 March 2026.
According to officials, roughly how many devotees visited the Braj region for Holi festivities between 24 February and 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Over 44 lakh
Officials said more than 44 lakh devotees visited Mathura, Vrindavan and other Braj sites, with five to six lakh more expected.