Current Affairs Quiz — March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In March 2026, the Prime Minister inaugurated the semiconductor plant of which Indian company at Sanand, Gujarat?
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Correct answer: D — Kaynes Technology
On 31 March 2026 the PM inaugurated the Kaynes Technology semiconductor plant at Sanand, Gujarat.
Which product does the Kaynes semiconductor facility at Sanand supply to a California-based company?
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Correct answer: A — Intelligent Power Modules
The facility supplies Intelligent Power Modules to a California-based company, with a large share of output booked for export.
In which year was the India Semiconductor Mission launched?
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Correct answer: C — 2021
The PM recalled that the India Semiconductor Mission was launched in 2021.
Consider the following statements about India's semiconductor push as stated on 31 March 2026: 1. Production at the Micron plant in Sanand started on 28 February 2026. 2. Under the India Semiconductor Mission, 10 projects worth over ₹1.6 lakh crore are under way across six states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The PM said he was in Sanand on 28 February for the start of production at the Micron plant, and that 10 projects worth over ₹1,60,000 crore are under way in six states.
'Malwan', delivered to the Indian Navy on 31 March 2026, was built by which shipyard?
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Correct answer: D — Cochin Shipyard Limited
Malwan is the second of eight ASW Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
The anti-submarine craft 'Malwan' is named after a coastal town in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Malwan draws its name from the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra.
How many Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) did the CBDT sign in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 219
The CBDT entered into a record 219 APAs in FY 2025-26 (174 in the previous year and 125 the year before).
With which of the following countries did India sign its first-ever bilateral APA in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — Sweden
FY 2025-26 saw India's first-ever bilateral APAs with France, Ireland, Indonesia and Sweden.
Consider the following statements about India's APA programme (as of March 2026): 1. The total number of APAs since inception is 1,034. 2. Bilateral APAs outnumber unilateral APAs in the total. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The total is 1,034 APAs, comprising 750 unilateral and 284 bilateral APAs, so unilateral APAs are more.
'Shachi', launched on 31 March 2026, is the first ship of which class of the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: A — Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel
Shachi (Yard 1280) is the first of eleven Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs).
How many Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are being built for the Indian Navy?
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Correct answer: D — Eleven
Shachi is the first of eleven NGOPVs, built concurrently at GSL Goa and GRSE Kolkata.
Consider the following statements about the NGOPV 'Shachi': 1. It was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata. 2. The NGOPV crest depicts the Ursa Major constellation and a lighthouse. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Shachi was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa; the crest depicts Ursa Major and a red-and-white lighthouse.
Which team became the 48th and final team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, on 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Iraq
Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 at Monterrey to become the 48th and final team to qualify.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, the first with 48 teams, is hosted jointly by:
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Correct answer: A — USA, Canada and Mexico
The 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Which of the following European teams failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after losing in the play-off finals on 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Italy
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Sweden and Türkiye qualified through the play-off finals, while Italy missed out.
From 1 April 2026, CBIC removed which value cap per consignment on courier exports?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10 lakh
The existing ₹10 lakh value limit per consignment for courier exports was completely removed from 1 April 2026.
Under CBIC's new Return to Origin (RTO) mechanism, uncleared courier imports will be returned after how many days?
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Correct answer: C — 15 days
Uncleared courier imports beyond 15 days are to be returned through a simplified RTO process.
Under Andhra Pradesh's free power scheme for weavers starting 1 April 2026, how many units per month are free for handloom weaver households?
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Correct answer: B — 200 units
Handloom weaver households get up to 200 units and powerloom units up to 500 units of free power per month.
Consider the following statements about Andhra Pradesh's free power scheme for weavers: 1. Powerloom units get up to 500 units of free electricity per month. 2. The estimated annual cost of the scheme is about ₹150 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Powerlooms get up to 500 units a month free, and the scheme's estimated annual cost is about ₹150 crore.
Who is the Andhra Pradesh minister for Handlooms & Textiles who announced the free power scheme for weavers in March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — S. Savitha
Handlooms & Textiles Minister S. Savitha announced the rollout of the scheme.
In March 2026 the Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth about ₹1,950 crore with BEL for which equipment for the IAF?
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Correct answer: B — Two Mountain Radars
The contract is for procurement of two Mountain Radars with associated equipment and infrastructure for the IAF, at about ₹1,950 crore.
The Mountain Radar ordered for the IAF in March 2026 was designed and developed by which DRDO laboratory?
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Correct answer: C — Electronics & Radar Development Establishment
The Mountain Radar is indigenously designed and developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment of DRDO.
India leads the world in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under which international agreement?
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Correct answer: B — Nagoya Protocol
India is the global leader in issuing IRCCs under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.
As reported in March 2026, which country is second after India in the number of IRCCs issued under the Nagoya Protocol?
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Correct answer: A — France
India (3,561) is followed by France with 964 certificates, then Spain (320) and Argentina (257).
Consider the following statements: 1. India accounts for over 56% of all IRCCs issued worldwide under the Nagoya Protocol. 2. All 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House have issued IRCCs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
India has issued 3,561 of 6,311 IRCCs (over 56%); of the 142 registered countries, only 34 have issued IRCCs.
Where was the Madhya Pradesh–Uttar Pradesh Sahyog Sammelan held on 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Varanasi
The MP-UP Cooperation Conference was held in Varanasi on 31 March 2026.
The MoU signed at the MP-UP Sahyog Sammelan between the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust and the Mahakaleshwar temple is expected to help preparations for which event?
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Correct answer: B — Simhastha 2028, Ujjain
CM Mohan Yadav said the experience gained in Varanasi would be useful for preparations for Simhastha-2028 in Ujjain.
The Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay, a Jain Heritage Museum inaugurated on 31 March 2026, is located at:
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Correct answer: A — Koba Tirth, Gandhinagar
The PM inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
On which occasion was the Samrat Samprati Museum inaugurated in March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti
It was inaugurated on 31 March 2026, the occasion of Bhagwan Mahavir Jayanti.
On 31 March 2026, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the convocation of Nalanda University at:
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Correct answer: D — Rajgir
The President addressed the Nalanda University convocation at Rajgir, Bihar, on 31 March 2026.
Which country topped India's group (Group C) in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers final round and qualified for the Asian Cup?
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Correct answer: C — Singapore
Singapore topped Group C with 14 points to seal qualification; India beat Hong Kong 2-1 in Kochi on 31 March 2026 to finish on five points.
From which date did the first phase of Census 2027 begin, as announced on 30 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 1 April 2026
The Registrar General said the first phase of Census 2027 would begin from 1 April 2026.
Census 2027 is which census in India's series, and which since Independence?
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Correct answer: B — 16th in series, 8th since Independence
Census 2027 will be the 16th in the series and the 8th since Independence; the last census was in 2011.
What is the reference date of Census 2027 for most of India?
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Correct answer: C — 00:00 hours, 1 March 2027
The reference date is 00:00 hours of 1 March 2027; for Ladakh, snow-bound J&K, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh it is 1 October 2026.
Consider the following statements about Census 2027: 1. It is the first census in India to be conducted digitally, with a self-enumeration option. 2. Enumeration of castes will be done during the first phase (House Listing). 3. The self-enumeration portal and mobile app are available in 16 languages. Which of the above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
Census 2027 is the first digital census with self-enumeration, available in 16 languages; caste enumeration will be done in the second phase (Population Enumeration), not the first.
The 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the WTO, which concluded on 30 March 2026, was held in:
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Correct answer: A — Yaoundé, Cameroon
MC14 was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and concluded on 30 March 2026.
Who led the Indian delegation at the WTO's MC14?
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Correct answer: D — Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal led the Indian delegation to MC14.
At MC14, India did not agree to incorporating which agreement into the WTO framework as an Annex 4 agreement?
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Correct answer: A — Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement
India did not agree to incorporation of the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement as an Annex 4 agreement.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of WTO MC14: 1. Members reached convergence on extending the moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. 2. Ministers agreed to continue fisheries subsidies negotiations with the aim of making recommendations to MC15. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Convergence could not be reached on the e-commerce moratorium; ministers agreed to continue fisheries subsidies negotiations aiming at recommendations to MC15.
The 'Bhavasagara' Referral Centre, designated as India's National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna in March 2026, belongs to which institution?
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Correct answer: D — Centre for Marine Living Resources & Ecology, Kochi
'Bhavasagara' is the Referral Centre of CMLRE, Kochi, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Under which law was 'Bhavasagara' designated as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna?
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Correct answer: A — Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The designation was conferred by MoEFCC under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
What was India's IIP growth rate for February 2026 as per the Quick Estimate released on 30 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5.2%
IIP grew 5.2% in February 2026 (4.8% in January 2026); manufacturing grew 6.0% and mining 3.1%.
Which of the three IIP sectors recorded the lowest growth in February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Electricity
Growth in February 2026: mining 3.1%, manufacturing 6.0%, electricity 2.3% – electricity was the lowest.
Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who died on 30 March 2026, was a former President of which country?
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Correct answer: D — Suriname
Santokhi was President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025; he died on 30 March 2026 aged 67.
Recalling former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, PM Modi noted that he had taken his oath of office in which language?
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Correct answer: A — Sanskrit
PM Modi recalled that Santokhi won many hearts when he took his oath in Sanskrit.
'Sanshodhak', delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 March 2026, is what type of vessel?
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Correct answer: D — Survey Vessel (Large)
Sanshodhak (Yard 3028) is the fourth and last Survey Vessel (Large) built by GRSE for the Navy.
Which of the following is NOT one of the Survey Vessel (Large) ships commissioned before Sanshodhak?
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Correct answer: D — INS Nistar
The earlier SVL ships were INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak and INS Ikshak, commissioned on 3 Feb 2024, 18 Dec 2024 and 6 Nov 2025.
On 30 March 2026, how many more proposals were approved under the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)?
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Correct answer: B — 29
MeitY approved 29 more proposals under ECMS, after 46 applications approved earlier.
The ECMS approvals of 30 March 2026 include India's first facility for which of the following?
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Correct answer: C — Rare earth permanent magnets
The approvals include India's first SMD passive plant for tantalum capacitors, first flexible PCB plant and first rare earth permanent magnet facility.
The 29 ECMS proposals approved on 30 March 2026 are expected to generate how many direct jobs?
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Correct answer: B — 14,246
The approvals are expected to generate 14,246 direct jobs, with projected investment of ₹7,104 crore and production of ₹84,515 crore.
The optional home voting facility for electors above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities is provided under which provision?
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Correct answer: A — Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
ECI provides the optional home voting facility under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
As per ECI data of 30 March 2026, which state had the highest number of electors aged 85+ approved for home voting?
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Correct answer: D — Kerala
Kerala had 1,45,521 electors aged 85+ approved for home voting (71.27%), compared with 19,774 in Assam and 2,066 in Puducherry.
'Dunagiri', delivered to the Indian Navy on 30 March 2026, belongs to which class of frigates?
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Correct answer: A — Nilgiri class (Project 17A)
Dunagiri (Yard 3023) is the fifth ship of the Nilgiri class (Project 17A).
Which shipyard built and delivered the frigate Dunagiri in March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata
Dunagiri is the second P17A ship built at GRSE and was delivered at GRSE, Kolkata.
Consider the following statements about the frigate Dunagiri: 1. It is the fifth Project 17A ship delivered to the Navy. 2. Its predecessor INS Dunagiri was a Leander-class frigate in service from 1977 to 2010. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Dunagiri is the fifth P17A ship delivered in the last 16 months, and the earlier INS Dunagiri was a Leander-class frigate that served from 5 May 1977 to 10 October 2010.
Which agency conducted the competitive bidding for supply of green ammonia to fertiliser units under the National Green Hydrogen Mission?
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Correct answer: D — Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
SECI conducted competitive bidding for the supply of green ammonia to fertiliser units under the SIGHT programme.
About how much green ammonia per annum was allocated to the fertiliser sector under the agreements exchanged on 30 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 7.24 lakh tonnes
Minister J P Nadda said about 7.24 lakh tonnes per annum of green ammonia had been allocated.
Consider the following statements about the National Green Hydrogen Mission: 1. Its outlay is ₹19,744 crore. 2. It targets production of at least 5 MMT of green hydrogen per annum by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The Mission has an outlay of ₹19,744 crore and targets at least 5 MMT of green hydrogen per annum by 2030.
Which state's Assembly passed a Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2026 on 30 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Telangana
The Telangana Assembly passed the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2026 on 30 March 2026.
Under Telangana's gig workers law of 2026, aggregators must contribute what share of their transaction value to the welfare fund?
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Correct answer: B — 1–2%
Aggregators must contribute 1 to 2% of their transaction value to a state-managed welfare fund.
The indigenous bio-bitumen technology highlighted in March 2026 was developed by CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun, and which other CSIR lab?
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Correct answer: D — CSIR–Central Road Research Institute
The technology was developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), New Delhi, and CSIR–IIP, Dehradun.
'Agray', delivered on 30 March 2026, is the fourth of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by which shipyard?
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Correct answer: A — Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
Agray is the fourth of eight ASW SWC indigenously designed and built by GRSE, Kolkata.
How many mineral blocks were operationalised in FY 2025-26, a record for a single financial year?
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Correct answer: B — 30
The Ministry of Mines said 30 mineral blocks were operationalised in FY 2025-26, while more than 200 were auctioned.
Under which Rajasthan scheme are children aged 3–6 years given hot milk five days a week at Anganwadi centres?
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Correct answer: B — Amrit Aahar Yojana
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma said children aged three to six get hot milk five days a week at Anganwadi centres under the Amrit Aahar Yojana.
Consider the following about Rajasthan's Anganwadi announcements of 30 March 2026: 1. About 1.22 lakh Anganwadi workers and helpers received ₹1,000 each through DBT for uniforms. 2. Their honorarium was increased by 10% with effect from 1 April 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The CM transferred ₹1,000 each to about 1.22 lakh workers and helpers for two uniforms and announced a 10% honorarium hike effective 1 April 2026.
The Gyan Bharatam Survey, highlighted in the 132nd Mann Ki Baat on 29 March 2026, collects information about:
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Correct answer: D — Manuscripts
The PM said the objective of the Gyan Bharatam Survey is to collect information about manuscripts across the country, through the Gyan Bharatam App.
According to the PM in Mann Ki Baat (March 2026), about how many artificial water harvesting structures have been created under the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan?
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Correct answer: C — 50 lakh
Nearly 50 lakh artificial water harvesting structures have been created under the Jal Sanchay Abhiyan; nearly 70,000 Amrit Sarovars have been built.
Chizami village, praised in Mann Ki Baat for women preserving over 150 traditional seed varieties in a community seed bank, is in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Nagaland
The PM cited Chizami village in Nagaland, where women preserve over 150 varieties of traditional seeds.
Match the place with its mention in Mann Ki Baat (29 March 2026): 1. Wangmun – a. Seed bank run by women 2. Chizami – b. Rooftop rainwater harvesting in Jampui Hills Which is the correct match?
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Correct answer: B — 1-b, 2-a
Wangmun village in Tripura's Jampui Hills adopted rooftop rainwater harvesting; Chizami village in Nagaland has a women-run community seed bank.
Which Indian athlete, mentioned in Mann Ki Baat in March 2026, became the first Indian to complete a half marathon in under an hour?
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Correct answer: B — Gulveer Singh
The PM said Gulveer Singh of Uttar Pradesh finished third in the New York City Half Marathon and became the first Indian to complete a half marathon in under an hour.
Under Punjab's Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana approved on 29 March 2026, how much will Scheduled Caste women receive per month?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1,500
Women will get ₹1,000 a month, while women from the Scheduled Castes will get ₹1,500 a month.
The 'Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana' for monthly cash assistance to women belongs to which state?
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Correct answer: D — Punjab
The scheme was approved by the Punjab Cabinet chaired by CM Bhagwant Mann on 29 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about Punjab's Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana: 1. Women aged 18 or above who are registered voters in Punjab with valid Aadhaar and voter ID are eligible. 2. The scheme was first announced in the Punjab Budget on International Women's Day, 8 March 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Eligibility: women 18+, registered Punjab voters with valid Aadhaar and voter ID. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced the scheme in the budget on 8 March 2026, International Women's Day.