Current Affairs Quiz — March 2026
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What is the toll-free helpline number for pro bono legal services highlighted at the Tele-Law workshop in Chennai on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 14454
The toll-free helpline 14454 offers pro bono legal services under the Tele-Law programme.
Consider the following about the Tele-Law programme discussed in Chennai on 14 March 2026: 1. It is run under the DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) scheme of the Department of Justice. 2. Article 39A of the Constitution, cited at the workshop, deals with equal justice and free legal aid. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Tele-Law is a DISHA programme of the Department of Justice, and the Madras High Court Chief Justice cited Articles 14, 21 and 39A — Article 39A being the Directive Principle on equal justice and free legal aid.
A new express train flagged off by PM Modi in Kolkata on 14 March 2026 runs between Anand Vihar Terminal and:
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Correct answer: B — Purulia
The new express connects Purulia in West Bengal with Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi.
Which of the following was NOT among the six stations inaugurated as Amrit Bharat Stations in West Bengal on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Bardhaman
The six stations were Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri; Bardhaman was not among them.
Which expressway in West Bengal did PM Modi refer to while launching projects in Kolkata on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway
The PM said completion of the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway would accelerate economic activity across West Bengal.
Under the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which body will verify captive status in cases of inter-state captive consumption?
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Correct answer: B — National Load Despatch Centre
From 1 April 2026, inter-state captive status will be verified by the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC); intra-state cases by a State/UT nodal agency.
Consider the following about the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026: 1. They amend Rule 3 of the Electricity Rules, 2005, which governs captive generating plants. 2. In a group captive plant set up by an Association of Persons, a member holding 26% or more ownership will have its entire consumption treated as captive. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Power's release of 14 March 2026.
How many Gaudhams does Chhattisgarh plan to set up under the Gaudham Yojana launched on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 1,460
The plan is 10 Gaudhams in every development block, or 1,460 in all; 29 were inaugurated in the first phase.
Under Chhattisgarh's Gaudham Yojana, all Gaudhams will be known by which name?
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Correct answer: B — Surabhi Gaudham
CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the Gaudhams will be known as 'Surabhi Gaudham'.
The Delhi Declaration adopted at GCWAS-2026 on 14 March 2026 calls for establishing a:
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Correct answer: A — Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems
The Delhi Declaration calls for a Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems.
ICAR's planned national gender platform, announced at GCWAS-2026, will connect more than how many institutions?
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Correct answer: C — 900
Dr M. L. Jat said the platform will connect more than 900 institutions, including ICAR institutes, KVKs and agricultural universities.
How many of the seven coal gasification projects sanctioned for financial incentives under the Centre's scheme are in Maharashtra, as per the Coal Minister on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Four
G. Kishan Reddy said four of the seven sanctioned coal gasification projects are coming up in Maharashtra.
In which district of Maharashtra was the bhoomi pujan of two coal gasification projects held on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Chandrapur
The bhoomi pujan of the Greta Energy and New Era Cleantech projects was held in Chandrapur.
Under which law was Sonam Wangchuk detained before the Centre revoked his detention on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — National Security Act
Wangchuk was detained on 26 September 2025 under the National Security Act on an order of the District Magistrate, Leh.
Consider the following about the revocation of Sonam Wangchuk's detention: 1. The detention order had been issued by the District Magistrate, Leh. 2. The detention was revoked by an order of the Supreme Court. 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 Government/MHA revoked the detention by exercising powers under the National Security Act.
The pharmaceutical facility whose foundation was laid in Kathua, J&K, on 14 March 2026 will manufacture which key antibiotic intermediate?
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Correct answer: C — Amino Cephalosporanic Acid
Orchid Pharma's Kathua plant will make Amino Cephalosporanic Acid (ACA), a key intermediate for cephalosporin antibiotics that India mostly imports from China.
A ₹14-crore Khelo India multi-purpose indoor sports complex was founded on 14 March 2026 in which Karnataka district?
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Correct answer: B — Mandya
The foundation stone was laid at VC Farm, Mandya, on the campus of the University of Agricultural Sciences.
From which city did PM Modi release the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Guwahati
The 22nd instalment was released from the Jyoti-Bishnu International Cultural Centre in Guwahati, Assam.
About how much money was transferred under the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN, and to how many farmers?
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Correct answer: B — ₹18,640 crore to 9.32 crore farmers
About ₹18,640 crore went to more than 9.32 crore farmers; ₹19,480 crore was the value of the Guwahati development projects launched the same day.
Consider the following statements about PM-KISAN: 1. Eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 a year in three equal instalments of ₹2,000. 2. The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹60,000 crore to the scheme. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the scheme pays ₹6,000 a year in three instalments of ₹2,000 each through DBT, and Budget 2026–27 provided ₹60,000 crore for it, as per the PIB backgrounder.
Roughly how many women farmers benefited from the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN?
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Correct answer: A — 2.15 crore
The PIB backgrounder says more than 2.15 crore of the 9.32 crore beneficiaries were women.
According to the PIB backgrounder on the 22nd instalment, how much has been disbursed under PM-KISAN since its launch?
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Correct answer: D — More than ₹4.27 lakh crore
The backgrounder put cumulative transfers at more than ₹4.27 lakh crore, making PM-KISAN one of the world's largest DBT schemes.
What is the outlay of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (AP-CMEGP) approved on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹300 crore
AP-CMEGP has ₹300 crore to support about 3,500 micro-entrepreneurs in 175 MSME parks; ₹9,355 crore is for the multi-village water schemes.
The seven multi-village drinking water schemes approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on 13 March 2026 aim to supply how much water per person per day?
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Correct answer: B — 55 litres
The schemes are designed to provide 55 litres per person per day to over 65 lakh people across 76 mandals.
The 'Sakhi Nivas' hostels approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on 13 March 2026 are meant for:
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Correct answer: C — Single working women and widows
Under Mission Shakti, 30 Sakhi Nivas hostels with crèches will give safe, affordable housing to single working women, widows and women living away from family.
Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), India's partner in TEPA?
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Correct answer: B — Denmark
EFTA's four members are Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland; Denmark is an EU member.
What legally binding investment commitment does the India–EFTA TEPA contain, as highlighted by Piyush Goyal on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — $100 billion and 1 million jobs
TEPA carries a $100-billion investment commitment with the potential to create 1 million jobs in India.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA TEPA: 1. It was signed in New Delhi on 10 March 2024. 2. It came into force on 1 April 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: TEPA came into force on 1 October 2025, as per PIB.
Which State received the largest share of the ₹1,912.99 crore NDRF assistance announced on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat
Gujarat got ₹778.67 crore, the largest share; Andhra Pradesh got ₹341.48 crore and Himachal Pradesh ₹288.39 crore.
Which cyclone of 2025 is named in the Home Ministry's 13 March 2026 release on additional central assistance?
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Correct answer: C — Montha
The assistance covers States hit by floods, cloudbursts, landslides and Cyclone 'Montha' during 2025.
The National Disaster Response Fund, from which the 13 March 2026 assistance was approved, is constituted under:
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Correct answer: D — Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005
The NDRF is constituted under Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and supplements a State's SDRF in disasters of a severe nature.
What was the approximate value of the development projects PM Modi launched in Guwahati on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹19,480 crore
The Guwahati projects were worth about ₹19,480 crore; ₹4,570 crore was the Kokrajhar package the same day.
The Lower Kopili project in Assam, highlighted by PM Modi on 13 March 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: D — Hydropower project
The PM said the Lower Kopili Hydropower Project would benefit the whole North East along with Assam.
Bathou, praised by PM Modi in his Kokrajhar address on 13 March 2026, is the traditional faith of which community?
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Correct answer: D — Bodo
The PM said the traditional faith of the Bodo community, Bathou, has been given great respect at the national level.
PM Modi said on 13 March 2026 that the 2020 Bodo agreement was being implemented. Consider the following: 1. Bodo has been made an associate official language. 2. A special development package of ₹1,500 crore has been deployed. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PM's Kokrajhar address: Bodo was made an associate official language and a ₹1,500-crore special development package was deployed, along with new medical colleges.
Under the food-safety reforms approved on 13 March 2026, what is the new turnover limit for basic FSSAI registration from 1 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1.5 crore
The limit rises from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore; ₹50 crore is the new upper limit for State licensing.
Street food vendors registered under which law will be deemed registered with FSSAI under the March 2026 reforms?
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Correct answer: B — Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014
Vendors registered with municipal corporations or town vending committees under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 will be deemed registered, benefiting over 10 lakh vendors.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is:
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Correct answer: C — A statutory body set up under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
FSSAI is an independent statutory authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with its head office in Delhi; the Health Ministry is its administrative ministry.
Where is the ₹188-crore Regional Centre of Excellence of IWAI, whose bhoomi pujan was held on 13 March 2026, located?
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Correct answer: B — Bogibeel, Dibrugarh
The Regional Centre of Excellence is at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh and will train over 5,000 students a year in vessel operations and inland navigation.
The elevated road corridor dedicated on 13 March 2026 connects Pandu Port in Guwahati with which highway?
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Correct answer: C — NH-27
The ₹180-crore corridor links the Pandu Port complex to NH-27, closing a last-mile gap between river and road.
Consider the following statements about National Waterway-2: 1. It is the 891-km stretch of the Brahmaputra between the Bangladesh border and Sadiya. 2. It was first declared a national waterway by the National Waterways Act, 2016. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: IWAI records that NW-2 was declared on 1 September 1988, by the National Waterway (Sadiya–Dhubri Stretch of the Brahmaputra River) Act, 1988.
What is the 'Sujal Gaon ID' launched by the Jal Shakti Ministry on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A unique digital identifier for each rural piped water supply scheme
Sujal Gaon ID is a scheme-based digital identifier that maps rural piped water supply assets, giving each scheme a digital identity.
Up to when has Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 been extended, and with what total outlay?
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Correct answer: A — December 2028; ₹8.69 lakh crore
The Cabinet extended Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 up to December 2028 with an enhanced total outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore.
Consider the following statements made at the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 meeting on 13 March 2026: 1. Water is a State subject, so delivery depends on State governments. 2. Each Sujalam Bharat ID combines a scheme's infrastructure ID and service-area ID. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the minister said water is a State subject, and the release explains that each Sujalam Bharat ID integrates the infrastructure ID and service-area ID.
After two chicks hatched in March 2026, how many Great Indian Bustards are in captivity under Project GIB?
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Correct answer: A — 70
The two new chicks took the tally of birds in captivity to 70, the Environment Minister said.
How were the two Great Indian Bustard chicks announced on 13 March 2026 produced?
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Correct answer: D — One by natural mating, one by artificial insemination
One chick came from natural mating and the other from artificial insemination at the Conservation Breeding Centre in Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements about the Great Indian Bustard: 1. It is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. It is the state bird of Gujarat. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: Schedule I gives it the highest legal protection. Statement 2 is wrong: the Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan.
Which company became India's first mining company to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a single financial year (announced 13 March 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — NMDC Limited
NMDC Limited, a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel, crossed 50 MT in FY 2025–26.
NMDC's mechanised iron ore mines, mentioned in the 13 March 2026 release, are located in which two States?
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Correct answer: C — Chhattisgarh and Karnataka
The release says NMDC has highly mechanised operations in the mineral-rich regions of Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
Consider the following statements about NMDC Limited: 1. It was established in 1958 to develop India's iron ore resources. 2. It is a Maharatna company under the Ministry of Mines. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: NMDC is a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel.
The Accounts & Audit Module launched on 13 March 2026 on the UMEED Central Portal is meant for:
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Correct answer: A — Waqf institutions
The module lets Waqf institutions record income and expenditure and pay statutory contributions to State Waqf Boards through the portal.
The TCCCPR, 2018, to which TRAI proposed a third amendment on 13 March 2026, mainly deals with:
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Correct answer: D — Unsolicited commercial communication (spam calls and messages)
TRAI issued the TCCCPR on 19 July 2018 to curb unsolicited commercial communication; it was amended in December 2018 and February 2025.
The Green Corridor project, whose second phase was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath on 13 March 2026, is in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
The Green Corridor is in Lucknow; its second phase runs from Daliganj to Samatamulak Chauraha.
Under Odisha's CM-KISAN scheme, mentioned by CM Mohan Charan Majhi on 13 March 2026, how much extra do eligible farmers get each year?
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Correct answer: D — ₹4,000 in two instalments
Majhi said CM-KISAN gives eligible farmers an additional ₹4,000 a year in two instalments, on top of PM-KISAN's ₹6,000.
What was India's all-India CPI (combined) inflation for February 2026, as released on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 3.21%
February 2026 CPI inflation was 3.21% (provisional), up from 2.74% in January; 3.47% was food inflation.
Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation in the February 2026 CPI?
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Correct answer: A — Silver jewellery
Silver jewellery led at 160.84%, followed by gold/diamond/platinum jewellery at 48.16% and copra at 46.16%.
Consider the following statements about India's new CPI series (base 2024=100): 1. Its item basket and weights are based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023–24. 2. It retains the earlier structure of six broad groups instead of adopting COICOP 2018. 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 new series adopts the UN's COICOP 2018, with 12 divisions and 358 items, replacing the earlier six broad groups.
Which items saw the steepest price falls in the February 2026 CPI?
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Correct answer: D — Garlic, onion and potato
Garlic (−31.09%), onion (−28.20%) and potato (−18.46%) had the lowest inflation; tomato was among the highest at 45.29%.
According to Hardeep Singh Puri's statement of 12 March 2026, by how much was India's LPG production raised in five days through refinery directives?
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Correct answer: C — 28%
Puri said the LPG Control Order of 8 March made refineries maximise LPG yields, raising production by 28% in five days.
What share of India's crude imports was now coming from non-Hormuz routes, as per the Petroleum Minister on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — About 70%
Non-Hormuz sourcing rose to about 70% of crude imports from 55% before the conflict; about 45% used to transit Hormuz.
Consider the following about the control orders mentioned by the Petroleum Minister on 12 March 2026: 1. The Natural Gas Control Order of 9 March 2026 was issued under the Essential Commodities Act. 2. The LPG Control Order of 8 March 2026 directed refineries to channel propane and butane streams to the three oil marketing companies. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the gas order was issued under the Essential Commodities Act and set a priority sequence with homes and CNG first, and the LPG order sent C3 and C4 streams to the three OMCs for domestic cooking gas.
Roughly what share of the world's crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, as cited in the Lok Sabha on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 20%
Puri said about 20% of the world's crude, 20% of its natural gas and 20% of its LPG flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
To which two countries was the first consignment of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam exported on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — United Kingdom and Italy
The 25-tonne consignment went to the United Kingdom and Italy; earlier small shipments had gone to Vietnam and five Middle Eastern countries.
Which body facilitated the first export of Joha rice to the UK and Italy in March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — APEDA
APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the export with Assam's Department of Agriculture.
Consider the following statements about Joha rice: 1. It is an indigenous aromatic rice of Assam that received a GI tag in 2017. 2. Majuli is among its major producing districts. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Joha got its GI tag in 2017, and its major districts include Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang and Golaghat.
In which city did Netflix open its Eyeline Studios VFX and virtual production hub on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Hyderabad
Eyeline Studios opened at HITEC City in Hyderabad, inaugurated by Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy.
In the term 'AVGC' sector, used for the Eyeline Studios launch, what does 'G' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Gaming
AVGC stands for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics.
The upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount flagged off at BHEL on 12 March 2026 is meant for which service?
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Correct answer: C — Indian Navy
The upgraded SRGM, a naval gun for anti-aircraft and anti-surface roles, was flagged off for the Indian Navy.
Where is the BHEL plant at which the upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount was flagged off on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Haridwar
The flag-off took place at BHEL's Haridwar facility in Uttarakhand, which houses the Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant and the Central Foundry and Forge Plant.
What are the stated rate of fire and range of the upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount flagged off by BHEL?
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Correct answer: B — 120 rounds a minute, up to 35 km
BHEL said the weapon can fire up to 120 rounds per minute with a range of up to 35 km.
With what throw did Sumit Antil win javelin gold at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 69.25 m
Antil threw 69.25 m in the men's F43/F44/F64 javelin; 75 m is the mark he says he is targeting.
At which Paralympic Games has Sumit Antil won gold in javelin?
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Correct answer: A — Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024
Antil won back-to-back Paralympic gold medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.