Current Affairs Quiz — March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The 'Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis', announced on World TB Day 2026, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Ayush and:
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Correct answer: C — Department of Biotechnology
The study is a collaboration of the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.
In the Ayush–DBT TB study announced in March 2026, Ayurveda is being tested as:
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Correct answer: D — An adjunct (add-on) to anti-TB treatment
The study evaluates Ayurveda as an adjunct therapy alongside standard anti-TB treatment, not as a replacement.
The LL.M. in Corporate Law and Management launched in March 2026 is jointly offered by IICA and which institution?
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Correct answer: D — National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam
It is a joint programme of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and NLUJA Assam; year 1 is at NLUJAA and year 2 at IICA, IMT Manesar.
Consider the following about the IICA–NLUJA Assam LL.M. (2026): 1. It is a two-year, fully residential programme of 54 credits. 2. Its second year is conducted at the IICA campus in IMT Manesar. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 54 credits over four semesters, year 1 at NLUJAA and year 2 at IICA, IMT Manesar; 60 seats per batch.
How many Farmer IDs had been generated under the AgriStack Farmers Registry as of 19 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — More than 9.20 crore
More than 9.20 crore Farmer IDs had been generated, including 47.63 lakh in Bihar.
As cited by the Agriculture Ministry (March 2026), which state used AgriStack to transfer over ₹14,000 crore to 89 lakh farmers for Kharif 2025 crop losses within 5 days?
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Correct answer: B — Maharashtra
Maharashtra used AgriStack for this disaster-relief transfer; Chhattisgarh used Farmer ID for MSP paddy procurement covering 32 lakh+ farmers.
According to the NSO CAPEX survey released in March 2026, aggregate provisional private corporate capex for 2025-26 is estimated at about:
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Correct answer: D — ₹11.44 lakh crore
Provisional capex for 2025-26 is ₹11,43,879 crore; ₹9,55,281 crore is the investment intention for 2026-27.
As per the NSO CAPEX survey, the largest source of financing for private corporate capex in 2025-26 is:
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Correct answer: B — Internal accruals
About 65.35% of 2025-26 capex is sourced from internal accruals, while 23.25% comes from domestic debt.
In the NSO CAPEX survey, the 'realisation ratio' for 2024-25 was 96.3%. This means:
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Correct answer: D — Actual capex per enterprise was 96.3% of what was planned
Estimated capex per enterprise for 2024-25 was ₹180.2 crore and actual capex ₹173.5 crore – a realisation ratio of 96.3%.
The RoDTEP scheme, whose rates were restored in March 2026, relates to:
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Correct answer: D — Remission of duties and taxes on exported products
RoDTEP stands for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products; its rates and value caps were restored from 23 March 2026.
By the decision of 23 March 2026, RoDTEP rates were restored to the levels in force on:
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Correct answer: C — 22 February 2026
The restored rates are those in force on 22 February 2026, withdrawing the 50% restriction imposed on 23 February 2026.
Consider the following about the RoDTEP restoration of March 2026: 1. It withdrew a 50% restriction on RoDTEP rates imposed in February 2026. 2. It applies only to exports bound for West Asian countries. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The restoration covers all eligible export products, not only West Asia-bound exports; it withdrew the 50% restriction of Notification No. 60/2025-26.
In March 2026, which state's Assembly passed a Bill to use ballot papers instead of EVMs in panchayat elections?
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Correct answer: B — Karnataka
The Karnataka Assembly passed the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on 23 March 2026.
The 'Eva Nammava' Bill passed by the Karnataka Assembly on 23 March 2026 deals with:
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Correct answer: D — Honour crimes linked to marriage
The Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026 ('Eva Nammava') aims to curb honour crimes.
Consider the following about the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026: 1. It provides for ballot papers in gram, taluk and zilla panchayat elections. 2. It also applies to elections to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The Bill amends the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act and covers only gram, taluk and zilla panchayat elections, not Assembly elections.
The Navayug Palika Yojana approved by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet in March 2026 covers urban local bodies at how many district headquarters?
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Correct answer: B — 58
The ₹2,916-crore, fully state-funded scheme covers urban bodies at 58 district headquarters.
Consider the following about Uttar Pradesh's wheat procurement for rabi marketing season 2026-27: 1. The procurement target was raised to 5 million metric tonnes from an earlier 3 million. 2. Procurement runs from 1 April to 30 June 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: procurement runs from 30 March to 15 June 2026.
Under Telangana's Parents Support Bill approved by the Cabinet in March 2026, how much is deducted from the salary of an employee who neglects aged parents?
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Correct answer: C — 15% of salary or ₹10,000, whichever is lower
15% of salary or ₹10,000, whichever is lower, will be deducted and paid directly to the parents.
The Telangana Cabinet meeting of 23 March 2026, which cleared a hate speech Bill, was chaired by:
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Correct answer: A — A. Revanth Reddy
The Cabinet met under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Consider the following about the Telangana Cabinet decisions of 23 March 2026: 1. The gig workers Bill is expected to benefit about 4.2 lakh gig and platform workers. 2. Under the Parents Support Bill, the deducted salary is paid into a state welfare fund rather than to the parents. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The deducted amount is paid directly to the parents, so statement 2 is wrong; the gig workers Bill covers about 4.2 lakh workers.
How many blocks are on offer in the seventh tranche of critical and strategic mineral auctions launched on 23 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 19
The 7th tranche offers 19 blocks across 10 States; 46 is the number auctioned in the earlier six tranches and 24 the number of notified critical and strategic minerals.
Consider the following about auctions of critical and strategic minerals: 1. The MMDR Act was amended on 17 August 2023 to notify 24 minerals as critical and strategic and let the Centre auction them. 2. The Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2026 allow an Insurance Surety Bond as an alternative to a bank guarantee. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Mines releases of 22 and 23 March 2026.
Shaheed Diwas on 23 March marks the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1931
They laid down their lives on 23 March 1931, as recalled by the Rajya Sabha Chairman on 23 March 2026.
Whose birth anniversary, besides Shaheed Diwas, did the Prime Minister mark on 23 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia
The PM paid tribute to socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary on 23 March.
Under which provision does the Election Commission allot free broadcast and telecast time on Doordarshan and AIR to recognised parties?
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Correct answer: B — Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
The ECI issued the directions under Section 39A of the RP Act, 1951, for the 2026 Assembly elections.
For the 2026 Assembly elections, what base broadcast time has the ECI allotted to each recognised party on both Doordarshan and All India Radio?
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Correct answer: C — 45 minutes
Each party gets a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and AIR, plus extra time based on its previous Assembly poll performance.
Through which portal does MoSPI's Model Context Protocol (MCP) server give AI tools access to official statistics?
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Correct answer: B — eSankhyiki
The MCP server allows AI applications to access verified Government data through the National Statistical Portal, eSankhyiki.
Consider the following about MoSPI's MCP server (March 2026): 1. Its beta version covered 7 statistical products, including PLFS and CPI. 2. It has now been extended to 21 products on eSankhyiki. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the beta's 7 products (PLFS, CPI, ASI, IIP, National Accounts, etc.) have been extended to 21 products.
The cold storage collapse of 23 March 2026, in which four workers died, took place in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Prayagraj
Part of Adarsh Cold Storage in Phaphamau, Prayagraj (UP) collapsed after an explosion in its ammonia gas chamber.
After the Prayagraj cold storage collapse (March 2026), the Prime Minister announced ex gratia from PMNRF of:
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Correct answer: A — ₹2 lakh per deceased and ₹50,000 per injured
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for each deceased's next of kin and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The GARBH-INi programme, highlighted in March 2026, focuses on developing AI tools to predict:
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Correct answer: A — Preterm births
GARBH-INi aims at indigenous, AI-driven solutions for preterm births, a leading cause of neonatal mortality.
Consider the following about GARBH-INi: 1. It is an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology. 2. It has enrolled around 12,000 pregnant women. 3. It is run by the Indian Council of Medical Research under the Ministry of Health. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
GARBH-INi is a Department of Biotechnology initiative, not an ICMR programme; it has enrolled about 12,000 pregnant women.
The 'orphan and widow cess' on petrol and diesel, approved by a state Assembly in March 2026, belongs to which state?
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Correct answer: B — Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed the HP VAT (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on 23 March 2026.
What is the maximum 'orphan and widow cess' per litre on petrol and high-speed diesel permitted by Himachal Pradesh's VAT amendment of March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹5
The Bill allows a cess of up to ₹5 per litre; CM Sukhu said the actual rate could be much lower.
The National DMF Summit 2026 focused on effective use of District Mineral Foundation funds in which areas?
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Correct answer: A — Aspirational District and Aspirational Block Programme areas
The theme was 'Effective Utilisation of DMF Funds for Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) Areas'.
On 22 March 2026 Narendra Modi surpassed whose record to become the longest-serving head of a government in India?
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Correct answer: D — Pawan Kumar Chamling
Modi passed the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.
The record surpassed by Narendra Modi on 22 March 2026 was of how many days as head of a government?
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Correct answer: B — 8,930 days
Chamling's record was 8,930 days; Modi reached 8,931 days.
Consider the following about the record set on 22 March 2026: 1. The count includes Narendra Modi's tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. 2. The previous record-holder was a former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The 8,931 days cover Modi's time as Gujarat CM and then as PM; the previous record-holder, Pawan Kumar Chamling, was Chief Minister of Sikkim.
Which body, chaired by the Prime Minister, met on 22 March 2026 to review mitigating measures for the West Asia conflict?
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Correct answer: A — Cabinet Committee on Security
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, reviewed the situation and mitigating measures.
At the CCS meeting of 22 March 2026, the Prime Minister directed the creation of:
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Correct answer: D — A group of Ministers and Secretaries working in a whole-of-government approach
The PM directed that a group of Ministers and Secretaries be created to work dedicatedly in a whole-of-government approach, with sectoral groups consulting stakeholders.
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, whose operational guidelines were released on 22 March 2026, has been extended till:
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Correct answer: A — December 2028
The Cabinet approved extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028, with focus on sustainability and service delivery.
Jal Mahotsav 2026 was a 15-day campaign held between which two days?
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Correct answer: D — International Women's Day and World Water Day
Jal Mahotsav 2026 ran from 8 March (International Women's Day) to 22 March (World Water Day).
Consider the following about the release of JJM 2.0 guidelines on 22 March 2026: 1. The guidelines were released by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. 2. The 5th Sujal Gram Samvad held alongside involved communities from 5 villages of 5 states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The guidelines were released by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, so statement 1 is wrong; the 5th Sujal Gram Samvad involved 5 villages of 5 states.
Coal gasification, promoted under the National Coal Gasification Mission, converts coal mainly into:
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Correct answer: D — Syngas
Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which can be used to make cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and hydrogen.
What is the coal gasification target of the National Coal Gasification Mission for 2030?
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Correct answer: C — 100 million tonnes
The mission targets 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030, with a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework.
Consider the following statements made by the Coal Minister on 22 March 2026: 1. Coal accounts for nearly 74% of India's electricity generation. 2. An incentive framework of ₹8,500 crore supports coal gasification projects. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: coal provides nearly 74% of electricity generation, and a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework supports public and private gasification projects.
'Bindu', launched by the Odisha CM on World Water Day 2026, is:
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Correct answer: C — An AI-powered citizen feedback chatbot
'Bindu' is an AI-powered citizen feedback chatbot, launched as a pilot at the state's World Water Day event.
What was the total value of the 141 water resources projects unveiled by the Odisha CM on 22 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,612 crore
The 141 projects were worth ₹2,612 crore: 17 new projects of ₹2,292 crore and 124 completed projects of about ₹320 crore.
Consider the following about Odisha's World Water Day event of 22 March 2026: 1. Foundation stones were laid for 17 projects worth ₹2,292 crore. 2. The state's Water Resources Department signed an MoU with the Central Water Commission. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 17 projects worth ₹2,292 crore got foundation stones, and an MoU was signed with the Central Water Commission.
India's target for non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, cited at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, is:
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Correct answer: C — 500 GW
India is advancing towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and has crossed over 50% non-fossil capacity.
Who gave the valedictory address at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 on 22 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Manohar Lal
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal gave the valedictory address at the maiden summit.
Kavach, commissioned on the Prayagraj–Kanpur section in March 2026, is:
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Correct answer: A — An indigenous Automatic Train Protection system
Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system that prevents Signal Passing at Danger and applies brakes automatically.
On how many route kilometres of the Prayagraj–Kanpur section was Kavach commissioned on 22 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 190 route km
Kavach was commissioned on the 190 route-km Prayagraj (excluding)–Kanpur (excluding) section of the Delhi–Howrah corridor.
Consider the following about the Kavach commissioning of 22 March 2026: 1. The section lies on the Delhi–Mumbai high-density corridor. 2. More than 20,000 km of passenger trial runs were completed before commissioning. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The Prayagraj–Kanpur section is on the Delhi–Howrah corridor, so statement 1 is wrong; over 20,000 km of passenger trials were completed.
Rythu Bharosa, whose first tranche was released on 22 March 2026, is a scheme of which state?
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Correct answer: A — Telangana
Rythu Bharosa is Telangana's investment assistance for farmers; CM A. Revanth Reddy released the first tranche at Narmetta, Siddipet.
How much did the Telangana CM say would be released to farmers under Rythu Bharosa within 45 days?
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Correct answer: B — ₹9,000 crore
₹9,000 crore is to be credited to about 70 lakh farmers in three phases within 45 days.
Consider the following about the Telangana programme of 22 March 2026: 1. The entire Rythu Bharosa amount is to be paid in a single instalment. 2. An oil palm processing factory was inaugurated at Narmetta in Siddipet district. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The funds are to be released in three phases within 45 days, so statement 1 is wrong; the oil palm factory at Narmetta, Siddipet, was inaugurated.
How many standardised Voter Facilitation Posters must be displayed at each polling station in the 2026 polls, as per the ECI's direction of 22 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Four
Four uniform Voter Facilitation Posters will show polling station details, list of candidates, do's and don'ts, approved ID documents and the voting process.
Consider the following about the ECI's directions of 22 March 2026 for polling stations: 1. Provision of Assured Minimum Facilities is advisory and left to the discretion of CEOs. 2. Voters can deposit their switched-off mobile phones with a volunteer outside the polling station entrance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The ECI said AMF provisioning is mandatory and will be monitored, so statement 1 is wrong; a mobile phone deposit facility will be provided outside the entrance.
Bihar Diwas, celebrated on 22 March, marks Bihar's separation in 1912 from:
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Correct answer: A — Bengal Presidency
On 22 March 1912 Bihar was carved out of the Bengal Presidency; 2026 marked the 114th foundation day.
What was the theme of Bihar Diwas 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Unnat Bihar, Ujjwal Bihar
The 114th Bihar Diwas was celebrated on the theme 'Unnat Bihar, Ujjwal Bihar'.
On 22 March 2026, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini handed over housing keys to 2,709 beneficiaries in which district?
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Correct answer: C — Gurugram
The keys were handed over at the Viksit Badshahpur Maharally in Kakrola village, Gurugram.
At the Gurugram event of 22 March 2026, the Haryana CM said urban plots would be allotted under which state scheme?
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Correct answer: D — Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana
He said more than 15,000 plots would be allotted under the Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana, and over 23,000 houses built under PMAY (Rural).
Through which entity does CGSMFI-2.0, introduced in March 2026, provide credit guarantee cover?
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Correct answer: B — National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company
CGSMFI-2.0 provides guarantee cover to banks and FIs through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC).
Under CGSMFI-2.0, what is the guarantee coverage for loans to small NBFC-MFIs/MFIs?
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Correct answer: D — 80% of the amount in default
Coverage is 80% for small, 75% for medium and 70% for large NBFC-MFIs/MFIs.
Consider the following about CGSMFI-2.0: 1. It is valid till 30 June 2026 or until loans of ₹20,000 crore are guaranteed, whichever is earlier. 2. MFIs must on-lend to small borrowers at 1% below their average lending rate of the past six months. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the scheme runs till 30 June 2026 or ₹20,000 crore of guaranteed loans, and on-lending is capped at 1% below the six-month average rate.
Prakriti 2026, at which the Indian Carbon Market Portal was launched, was organised by:
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Correct answer: D — Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Prakriti 2026, the International Conference on Carbon Markets, was organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
According to the Power Minister on 21 March 2026, GEI targets have been notified for about how many obligated entities under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme?
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Correct answer: B — About 490
GEI targets have been notified for nearly 490 obligated entities across seven energy-intensive sectors.
Consider the following about the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme as described on 21 March 2026: 1. It has nine notified methodologies on the offset side. 2. Compliance targets cover obligated entities across twelve energy-intensive sectors. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
There are nine notified methodologies; compliance targets cover about 490 entities across seven, not twelve, energy-intensive sectors.
Which body constituted the Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species in March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — National Biodiversity Authority
The National Biodiversity Authority constituted the committee following NGT directions.
Who chairs the NBA's Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species?
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Correct answer: A — Dhananjai Mohan
Dhananjai Mohan, former PCCF and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand, chairs it; Prof. A. Biju Kumar is Co-Chair.
Consider the following about the NBA's Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species: 1. It was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. It followed a suo motu proceeding of the National Green Tribunal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The committee was constituted under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023), so statement 1 is wrong; it followed NGT's suo motu case O.A. No. 162/2023.