Current Affairs Quiz — March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
UIDAI's school drive for mandatory biometric updates in Aadhaar was enabled by integration with which application?
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Correct answer: D — UDISE+
UIDAI integrated with UDISE+ of the Department of School Education and Literacy, which shows children's MBU status.
Which principle did India and Canada adopt on 2 March 2026 as the guiding framework for their renewed Strategic Partnership?
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Correct answer: D — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
The Joint Leaders' Statement adopted 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' as the overarching framework.
Which Canadian company signed a long-term uranium supply contract with India's Department of Atomic Energy during the Carney visit?
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Correct answer: A — Cameco
The DAE signed a long-term contract with Cameco for the supply of uranium ore concentrates.
According to Cameco, over which period will it supply nearly 22 million pounds of uranium ore concentrate to India?
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Correct answer: B — 2027–2035
Cameco said deliveries are expected to begin in 2027 and run through 2035, a nine-year period.
The trilateral MoU on technology and innovation signed during the visit involves India, Canada and which third country?
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Correct answer: D — Australia
The India–Canada–Australia trilateral MoU falls under the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
Consider the following statements about Mark Carney's visit to India (27 February – 2 March 2026): 1. It was the first bilateral visit to India by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2018. 2. A Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence is to be set up at NIFTEM Kundli. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Joint Statement says it was the first bilateral visit by a Canadian PM since 2018, and the outcomes list a Declaration of Intent on a Joint Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at NIFTEM Kundli.
What interest rate on EPF deposits for 2025-26 did EPFO's Central Board of Trustees recommend on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 8.25%
The CBT recommended 8.25%, the same rate as declared for 2024-25.
Who chairs the Central Board of Trustees of the EPF, as at its 239th meeting on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Union Labour and Employment Minister
The Union Labour and Employment Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, chaired the meeting; the Central Provident Fund Commissioner is the Member Secretary.
The new EPF, EPS and EDLI Schemes, 2026, approved by the CBT on 2 March 2026, are aligned with which law?
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Correct answer: B — Code on Social Security, 2020
The new schemes were approved for notification under the Code on Social Security, 2020, to replace the current schemes.
Consider the following statements about decisions of the 239th CBT meeting of EPF (2 March 2026): 1. A one-time Amnesty Scheme was approved for exempted establishments under the EPF & MP Act, 1952. 2. A pilot was approved for auto-settlement of inoperative accounts with balances of ₹10,000 or less. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The auto-settlement pilot covers inoperative accounts with unclaimed balances of ₹1,000 or less (over 1.33 lakh accounts), not ₹10,000.
With which shipyard did the Defence Ministry sign a contract on 2 March 2026 for four 500-tonne fuel barges for the Navy?
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Correct answer: A — Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane
The contract was concluded with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane, an MSME shipyard.
Under whose classification rules will the Navy's new self-propelled fuel barges be built?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Register of Shipping
The barges will be built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
At how many locations is the nationwide ASMITA athletics league to be held on International Women's Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 250
The league was announced for 250 locations on 8 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about ASMITA: 1. ASMITA stands for 'Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action'. 2. ASMITA leagues were started in 2021 as part of Khelo India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. ASMITA is part of Khelo India's gender-neutral mission, and its leagues began in 2021.
To which city did INSV Kaundinya make her maiden overseas voyage, completed with her flag-in at Mumbai on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Muscat
INSV Kaundinya returned after her maiden overseas voyage to Muscat, Oman.
The design of INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a 5th-century CE depiction found at which site?
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Correct answer: A — Ajanta Caves
The Navy says INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a 5th-century CE depiction from the Ajanta Caves.
Consider the following statements about INSV Kaundinya: 1. Her wooden planks are stitched together with coir rope and sealed with natural resins. 2. She was inducted into the Indian Navy in May 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The vessel uses ancient stitched-plank construction with coir rope and natural resins, and was inducted in May 2025.
Where was MeitY's 30 kW Wide Band Gap-based Integrated Drive System for EVs launched on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — IIT Madras, Chennai
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan launched the system at IIT Madras, Chennai.
Under which national mission was the 30 kW WBG-based Integrated Drive System for EVs developed?
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Correct answer: D — National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET)
C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram developed it with IIT Madras and Lucas TVS under NaMPET.
What was India's IIP growth rate for January 2026 according to the quick estimate released on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 4.8%
IIP grew 4.8% year-on-year in January 2026.
Which of the three IIP sectors recorded the highest growth in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Electricity
Electricity grew 5.1%, ahead of manufacturing (4.8%) and mining (4.3%).
Which industry group was the top positive contributor to manufacturing growth in January 2026, growing 13.2%?
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Correct answer: D — Manufacture of basic metals
Manufacture of basic metals (13.2%) was the top contributor, followed by motor vehicles (10.9%) and other non-metallic mineral products (9.9%).
With which Japanese agency did NITI Aayog sign the Record of Discussions for Phase II of SDG cooperation in Aspirational Districts and Blocks on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — JICA
NITI Aayog signed the Record of Discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Consider the following statements: 1. The Aspirational Districts Programme was launched in January 2018 to transform 112 districts. 2. The Aspirational Blocks Programme was launched in January 2023 covering 500 blocks. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. NITI Aayog states ADP was launched in January 2018 for 112 districts; PIB states ABP was launched on 7 January 2023 with 500 blocks from 329 districts.
Where was the 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan CEPA held on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Tokyo
The 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan CEPA was held in Tokyo on 2 March 2026.
Who co-chaired the 7th India–Japan CEPA Joint Committee meeting from the Indian side?
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Correct answer: D — Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal co-chaired the meeting with the Senior Deputy Minister of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consider the following statements about the India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: 1. It was signed on 16 February 2011. 2. It entered into force on 1 August 2011. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The India–Japan CEPA was signed on 16 February 2011 and came into force on 1 August 2011, according to the Department of Commerce.
What is the total outlay of Haryana's budget for 2026-27, presented on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — About ₹2.23 lakh crore
The 2026-27 budget outlay is ₹2,23,658.17 crore, about ₹2.23 lakh crore.
Haryana's 2026-27 budget proposed a new 'Haryana Agri DISCOM'. What will it serve?
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Correct answer: A — All agricultural feeders and farm consumers
The Haryana Agri DISCOM, the state's third distribution company, will serve all 5,084 agricultural feeders and 7.12 lakh agricultural consumers.
Consider the following statements about Haryana's budget 2026-27: 1. The fiscal deficit is estimated at 2.65% of the state's GDP. 2. Under the FRBM Act, 2003, a state's fiscal deficit should stay below 3% of its GDP, as cited in the budget speech. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The speech puts the fiscal deficit at ₹40,293.17 crore (2.65% of GDP) and cites the FRBM Act, 2003 ceiling of 3%.
Who signed the Terms of Reference for the India–Canada CEPA on behalf of India on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal signed the ToR with Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.
What bilateral trade target by 2030 did India and Canada set while launching CEPA negotiations?
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Correct answer: D — US$50 billion
PM Modi said the goal is to take bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030.
According to the Commerce Ministry, what was India–Canada bilateral trade in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: A — US$8.66 billion
Bilateral trade was US$8.66 billion in 2024-25, with exports of US$4.22 billion and imports of US$4.44 billion (DGCI&S).
How many hours of mandatory On-the-Job Training or Group Project must ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme complete, as per DGT guidelines of 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 150 hours
DGT made 150 hours of OJT or Group Project mandatory for ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.
At which venue in New Delhi was Tribes Art Fest 2026 inaugurated on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Travancore Palace
Jual Oram inaugurated Tribes Art Fest 2026 at Travancore Palace, K.G. Marg, New Delhi.
Which leader, who is both Crown Prince and Prime Minister of his country, did PM Modi speak with on 2 March 2026 about the West Asia situation?
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Correct answer: C — Mohammed bin Salman
PM Modi held discussions with Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
In which city did PM Modi launch infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,400 crore on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Madurai
The projects worth over ₹4,400 crore were launched in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
The four-laning of which stretch, launched on 1 March 2026, will improve access to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi?
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Correct answer: B — Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram
The Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram four-laning, worth over ₹1,800 crore, will improve access to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi.
What rail budget allocation for Tamil Nadu for 2026–27 did PM Modi cite in Madurai?
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Correct answer: D — ₹7,600 crore
Modi said the allocation rose from an average of ₹880 crore a year in 2009–14 to ₹7,600 crore for 2026–27.
Consider the following statements about the projects launched in Madurai on 1 March 2026: 1. The Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth line was dedicated to the nation. 2. New Akashvani FM relay transmitters were opened at Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The PM dedicated the Chennai Beach–Egmore fourth line and inaugurated Akashvani FM relay transmitters at Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore.
What is the total value of the development projects PM Modi launched in Puducherry on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Over ₹2,700 crore
The projects in Puducherry were worth over ₹2,700 crore.
In PM Modi's 'BEST Puducherry' mantra, what does the letter 'S' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Spirituality
BEST stands for Business, Education, Spirituality and Tourism.
At which institution was the new Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block inaugurated on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — NIT Karaikal
The Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Engineering Block and hostel facilities were inaugurated at NIT Karaikal.
Three Critical Care Blocks in Puducherry and Karaikal are being built under PM-ABHIM. Consider the following statements about PM-ABHIM: 1. It was launched by the Prime Minister in Varanasi on 25 October 2021. 2. It has an outlay of ₹64,180 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PM-ABHIM was launched in Varanasi on 25 October 2021, with an outlay of ₹64,180 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26.
Which logo was unveiled at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's Foundation Day on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — BEE@25
Power Minister Manohar Lal unveiled the BEE@25 logo to mark the Bureau's 25th year.
By how much has India reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP from 2005 levels, as stated at BEE's 25th Foundation Day?
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Correct answer: C — 36%
Manohar Lal said India has reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 36% from 2005 levels.
Consider the following statements about the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): 1. It was set up on 1 March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. 2. It is a statutory body under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. BEE was set up on 1 March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, and is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power.
Which body, chaired by the Prime Minister, met on 1 March 2026 to review the evolving situation in West Asia?
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Correct answer: B — Cabinet Committee on Security
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, met on the evening of 1 March 2026.
With which Gulf leader did PM Modi speak on 1 March 2026, condemning attacks on his country?
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Correct answer: D — UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
On 1 March 2026 Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and condemned the attacks on the UAE.
Janaushadhi Saptah 2026, which began on 1 March 2026, leads up to which edition of Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March?
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Correct answer: C — 8th
The Saptah leads up to the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about Janaushadhi Saptah 2026: 1. The health camps are organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. 2. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. PMBJP was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers), and PMBI, under that Department, is its implementing agency — not the Health Ministry.
Where is the Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors, inaugurated on 1 March 2026, located?
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Correct answer: C — BRIC-RGCB Thiruvananthapuram
The facility was inaugurated at BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram.
Consider the following statements about the BioE3 Policy cited at BRIC-RGCB on 1 March 2026: 1. BioE3 stands for 'Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment'. 2. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 August 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Cabinet approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing on 24 August 2024.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, on 1 March 2026 during the Lokayan-26 expedition?
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Correct answer: D — INS Sudarshini
INS Sudarshini arrived at Alexandria on 1 March 2026 during Lokayan-26.
Through which canal did INS Sudarshini transit northbound before reaching Alexandria on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Suez Canal
The ship made a northbound transit of the 193-km Suez Canal after departing Safaga.
Where was the Shaheedi Samagam for the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur held on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Navi Mumbai
The Samagam organised by the Maharashtra government was held in Navi Mumbai.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, whose 350th martyrdom year was marked on 1 March 2026, is revered by which title?
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Correct answer: A — Hind di Chadar
Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is revered as 'Hind di Chadar'.
Which body introduced the deferred customs duty payment facility for Eligible Manufacturer Importers on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — CBIC
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced the facility.
For what period will the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) deferred duty facility be in force?
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Correct answer: B — 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028
The EMI facility is available from 1 April 2026 and remains in force until 31 March 2028.
Consider the following statements about the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme: 1. Duty under the scheme is paid monthly as prescribed in the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016. 2. Only entities already holding AEO-T3 status are eligible to apply. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Existing AEO-T1 entities, including MSMEs, can also apply if they meet the criteria; EMIs are expected to progress to AEO-T2 or AEO-T3 during the scheme.
The explosives factory where a blast killed workers on 1 March 2026 is located in which district of Maharashtra?
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Correct answer: B — Nagpur
The blast took place at SBL Energy Limited's factory at Raulgaon in Nagpur district.