Current Affairs Quiz — March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
As on 31 January 2026, India's overall tele-density including M2M cellular mobile connections was:
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Correct answer: C — 92.22%
Overall tele-density with M2M connections was 92.22%; without M2M it was 84.26%.
On Ugadi 2026, Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu's first file approved Chief Minister's Relief Fund assistance of how much for 6,787 beneficiaries?
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Correct answer: A — ₹55.63 crore
The CM approved the release of ₹55.63 crore under the CMRF to benefit 6,787 individuals on Ugadi, 19 March 2026.
Maharashtra signed a reform-linked MoU on 19 March 2026 under which mission, approved in its 2.0 form by the Union Cabinet on 10 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Jal Jeevan Mission
The MoU was signed under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, which the Union Cabinet approved on 10 March 2026.
What is the outlay of the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme (FY 2026-27 to 2030-31) approved in March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,584.60 crore
The Cabinet approved the SHP Development Scheme with an outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore for about 1,500 MW.
The Small Hydro Power Development Scheme (2026-31) supports projects of what capacity range?
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Correct answer: A — 1–25 MW
The scheme supports small hydro projects of between 1 and 25 MW capacity.
Consider the following about the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme (2026-31): 1. In North Eastern states and international border districts, central assistance is ₹3.6 crore per MW or 30% of project cost, whichever is lower, capped at ₹30 crore per project. 2. The scheme aims at about 1,500 MW of small hydro capacity. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Cabinet decision of 18 March 2026.
BHAVYA, approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 March 2026, stands for:
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna
BHAVYA is the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna, approved with ₹33,660 crore for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks.
What allocation has been approved for the BHAVYA scheme for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks?
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Correct answer: A — ₹33,660 crore
The Cabinet approved BHAVYA with an allocation of ₹33,660 crore.
Under BHAVYA, financial support for core, value-added and social infrastructure is available up to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹1 crore per acre
Financial support of up to ₹1 crore per acre will be provided for core, value-added and social infrastructure.
Consider the following about the BHAVYA scheme: 1. Industrial parks ranging from 100 to 1,000 acres will be taken up. 2. Projects will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: projects will be selected through a challenge mode.
For the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs, the ECI deployed roughly one election official for every how many electors?
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Correct answer: C — 70
Over 25 lakh officials for over 17.4 crore electors amounts to nearly one official for every 70 electors.
Consider the following about the ECI's deployment for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Expenditure Observers outnumber General Observers among the Central Observers. 2. Deployed personnel are deemed to be on deputation to the ECI under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: there are 557 General Observers and 366 Expenditure Observers. Statement 2 is correct.
In its tariff order of 18 March 2026, the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission rejected the DISCOMs' proposal to raise energy charges by how much per unit?
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Correct answer: C — 35 paise
BERC rejected the proposal of both DISCOMs for a 35-paise-per-unit hike and kept tariffs unchanged for 2026-27.
Consider the following about Bihar's electricity tariff order for 2026-27: 1. BERC allowed a 35-paise hike for urban consumers only. 2. Separate tariffs for urban and rural domestic consumers were retained. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: there is no hike for any category, and a uniform tariff now applies to urban and rural domestic consumers.
ALMM List-III, announced by MNRE in March 2026, covers which solar products?
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Correct answer: B — Ingots and wafers
MNRE expanded the ALMM Order to introduce List-III for ingots and wafers; modules and cells were already covered.
From which date must all solar projects use ALMM List-III compliant wafers?
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Correct answer: C — 1 June 2028
The effective date is 1 June 2028, from which all projects, including net-metering and open-access projects, must use ALMM-listed wafers.
In March 2026 the CCEA approved MSP funding of ₹1,718.56 crore for the 2023-24 cotton season to:
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Correct answer: A — Cotton Corporation of India
The MSP funding of ₹1,718.56 crore was approved for the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), the central nodal agency for cotton MSP operations.
Consider the following about MSP operations in cotton: 1. CCI procures Fair Average Quality cotton subject to a quantity ceiling per farmer. 2. The MSP for seed cotton (kapas) is fixed on the recommendations of the CACP. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: CCI procures all FAQ cotton without any quantitative ceiling when prices fall below MSP. Statement 2 is correct.
Andhra Pradesh's Divyang Shakti scheme, launched on 18 March 2026, provides:
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Correct answer: B — Free travel in APSRTC buses for persons with disabilities
Divyang Shakti gives persons with disabilities free travel in five categories of APSRTC buses.
About how many people are expected to benefit from Andhra Pradesh's Divyang Shakti free bus travel scheme?
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Correct answer: C — 12.76 lakh
The scheme is expected to benefit about 12.76 lakh people, at an annual cost of ₹207 crore to the State.
Maharashtra's Renewable Energy & Energy Storage Policy (notified March 2026) aims for renewables to meet what share of electricity demand by FY 2035-36?
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Correct answer: C — 65%
The State will strive to procure 65% renewable energy as a share of electricity demand by FY 2035-36.
Consider the following about Maharashtra's Renewable Energy & Energy Storage Policy (2026): 1. Distribution companies must procure energy storage equal to at least 10% of their demand by FY 2035-36. 2. The policy remains in force only till 31 March 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the policy is effective till 31 March 2036.
The Barabanki–Bahraich section of NH-927, approved by CCEA in March 2026, will be built on which mode?
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Correct answer: B — Hybrid Annuity Mode
The 101.515-km 4-lane access-controlled highway will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at ₹6,969.04 crore.
The upgraded Barabanki–Bahraich NH-927 corridor will improve access to which land port on the India–Nepal border?
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Correct answer: D — Rupaidiha
The project will establish a cross-border trade corridor with Nepal via the Nepalganj border, improving access to Rupaidiha Land Port.
Who assumed charge as Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes on 18 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti assumed charge as NCBC Chairperson with effect from 18 March 2026; Kiran Umesh Mahalle joined as Member on 20 March.
Kiran Umesh Mahalle, who joined the NCBC as a Member in March 2026, was earlier Mayor of which Municipal Corporation?
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Correct answer: A — Amravati
Kiran Umesh Mahalle has served as Mayor of the Municipal Corporation, Amravati.
Consider the following about the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), whose Chairperson took charge in March 2026: 1. The NCBC is a constitutional body under Article 338B, inserted by the Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act, 2018. 2. Before 2018, the NCBC functioned as a statutory body under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018 inserted Article 338B and gave the NCBC constitutional status; it was earlier constituted under the NCBC Act, 1993, which was repealed in 2018.
On 18 March 2026, PM Modi condemned attacks on the sovereignty of which country during a call with its Crown Prince?
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Correct answer: A — Kuwait
PM Modi spoke with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and condemned attacks on Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
'RISA: Timeless Tribal', launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 18 March 2026, is:
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Correct answer: B — A premium signature brand for tribal weaves, embroidery and crafts
RISA: Timeless Tribal is a premium signature brand centred on tribal weaves, embroidery and crafts.
Which State signed a reform-linked MoU under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 on 18 March 2026 in the presence of its Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh signed the reform-linked MoU under JJM 2.0 on 18 March 2026; CM Yogi Adityanath joined by video conference.
How many Central Observers did the Election Commission deploy for the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs and the bye-elections?
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Correct answer: C — 1,111
The ECI deployed 1,111 observers: 557 general, 188 police and 366 expenditure observers.
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution read with which provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951?
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Correct answer: D — Section 20B
Central Observers are appointed under Article 324 and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
On 17 March 2026, PM Narendra Modi spoke with the President of which country and stressed safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?
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Correct answer: D — United Arab Emirates
PM Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the two agreed on safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
As on 1 March 2026, how many FPOs registered under the 10,000 FPOs scheme have 100% women members?
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Correct answer: B — 1,175
1,175 FPOs are registered with 100% women members, and 23.55 lakh women farmers are registered under the scheme.
The scheme for 'Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations', which reached its target by 1 March 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: C — Central Sector Scheme
The Government is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs.
Which two states signed reform-linked MoUs with the Centre under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 on 17 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh signed reform-linked MoUs under JJM 2.0 on 17 March 2026.
How many reform areas are covered by the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 MoUs signed with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh?
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Correct answer: C — 11
The MoUs cover implementation of 11 key reform areas for rural drinking water governance.
Odisha's State Level Single Window Clearance Authority approved 23 industrial projects on 17 March 2026 with a total investment of:
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Correct answer: A — ₹4,510.65 crore
The 145th SLSWCA meeting approved 23 proposals worth ₹4,510.65 crore, expected to create 10,122 jobs.
Who chaired the 145th meeting of Odisha's State Level Single Window Clearance Authority on 17 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chief Secretary Anu Garg
The SLSWCA meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
Untied grants of the Fifteenth Finance Commission released to rural local bodies can be used for the subjects listed in which Schedule of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: B — Eleventh Schedule
Untied grants are used for location-specific felt needs under the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule, except salaries and establishment costs.
Consider the following about the XV-FC grants announced on 17 March 2026: 1. Madhya Pradesh received the largest first-instalment release among the five states. 2. The grants are released directly by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj without any role of the Ministry of Finance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (₹630.65 crore for MP). Statement 2 is wrong: the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and DDWS recommend the release, which is then made by the Ministry of Finance.
Indian-flagged LPG carriers MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026, arrived at which Indian ports?
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Correct answer: D — Mundra and Kandla
The two vessels, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Mundra and Kandla on 16 and 17 March 2026.
Approximately how much LPG were MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi carrying together when they crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — About 92,712 tonnes
The two carriers were carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG.
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz, crossed by the LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi in March 2026: 1. It lies between Oman and Iran. 2. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Red Sea. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, not the Red Sea (EIA).
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, passed by the state Legislative Council on 17 March 2026, deals with:
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Correct answer: D — Prohibiting religious conversions through force, fraud, allurement or marriage
The bill seeks to prohibit conversions carried out through force, coercion, allurement, misrepresentation, fraud or marriage.
Consider the following about the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026: 1. The Legislative Assembly passed it a day before the Legislative Council. 2. It became law immediately on passage by the Council, without the Governor's assent. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the Assembly passed it on 16 March and the Council on 17 March 2026. Statement 2 is wrong: it needs the Governor's assent to become law.
Under the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, what is payable if an unpaid toll is settled after 72 hours of the e-notice?
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Correct answer: C — Twice the toll
The unpaid user fee is twice the applicable toll; only the original fee is payable if paid within 72 hours of the e-notice.
Consider the following about the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026: 1. A representation against an e-notice must be disposed of within five days, failing which the claim lapses. 2. Unpaid dues are recorded in the VAHAN system if they remain unpaid beyond 30 days. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: dues are recorded in VAHAN if unpaid beyond 15 days with no pending representation.
The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels whose keels were laid at Ratnagiri on 17 March 2026 are being built for:
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Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard
Yard 16402 and 16403 are the second and third of six NGOPVs for the Indian Coast Guard.
Consider the following about the Indian Coast Guard's Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels: 1. They are being designed and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. 2. Each ship will have a range of 5,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 23 knots. 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 Defence release on the keel laying of 17 March 2026.
As on 31 January 2026, how many entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT?
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Correct answer: C — 2,12,283
A total of 2,12,283 entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT as on 31 January 2026; 1,02,054 of them have at least one woman director or partner.
The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) under Startup India is operationalised by:
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Correct answer: B — SIDBI
FFS is operationalised by SIDBI, which provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds that invest in startups.
India Post's '24 Speed Post' service launched on 17 March 2026 offers:
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Correct answer: B — Guaranteed next-day (D+1) delivery between six metro cities
24 Speed Post and 24 Speed Post Parcel offer guaranteed next-day (D+1) delivery between New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Consider the following about India Post's new time-definite services launched in March 2026: 1. 48 Speed Post offers assured two-day (D+2) document delivery between the six metros. 2. Deliveries under 24 Speed Post will not be made on Sundays. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: deliveries will also be made on Sundays and holidays, except national holidays.
What bonus did the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approve on 17 March 2026 on wheat procured at MSP in Rabi Marketing Year 2026-27?
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Correct answer: C — ₹40 per quintal
The Cabinet approved a bonus of ₹40 per quintal on wheat procured from farmers at MSP during RMY 2026-27.
Consider the following decisions of the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet of 17 March 2026: 1. The Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department was renamed the Gaupalan and Animal Husbandry Department. 2. ₹945.20 crore was approved for an elevated corridor in Indore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the ₹945.20 crore elevated corridor is in Ujjain.
Which organisation's milestone of five billion meals was commemorated in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on 17 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Akshaya Patra Foundation
The event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre marked five billion meals served by the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
What was the theme of the event held on 17 March 2026 to mark the Akshaya Patra Foundation's five billion meals?
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Correct answer: B — From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India
The theme was 'From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India', linking nutrition and education to Viksit Bharat 2047.