BPSC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Up to what level of non-controlling beneficial ownership from land-border countries will be allowed under the automatic route after the Cabinet decision of 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 10%
Investors with non-controlling beneficial ownership from land-border countries of up to 10% will be permitted under the automatic route, with reporting to DPIIT.
Within how many days will proposals from land-border countries in specified sectors such as electronic components and polysilicon be decided, under the changes approved on 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 60 days
Proposals in capital goods, electronic capital goods, electronic components, polysilicon and ingot-wafer will be processed and decided within 60 days.
The definition of 'Beneficial Owner' adopted in the amended FDI policy for land-border countries is drawn from which rules?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005
The amendment uses the definition and criteria of Beneficial Ownership under the Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005, applied at the investor-entity level.
Consider the following statements about Press Note 3 (2020): 1. It was issued on 17 April 2020 to curb opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Under it, an entity of a country sharing a land border with India can invest only under the government route. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: PN3 (2020), dated 17 April 2020, was issued to curb opportunistic takeovers during COVID-19, and it put all investment from land-border-country entities, or where the beneficial owner is from such a country, under the government route.
Under the 10 March 2026 changes, who may revise the list of specified sectors eligible for 60-day decisions on land-border-country investment?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — A Committee of Secretaries under the Cabinet Secretary
The Committee of Secretaries under the Cabinet Secretary may revise the list of specified sectors.
What is the estimated wheat production for 2025–26 according to the Second Advance Estimates released on 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1,202.10 lakh tonnes
Wheat is estimated at 1,202.10 LMT, up 22.65 LMT from 1,179.45 LMT last year; 1,239.28 LMT is Kharif rice.
Which crop recorded record production in both the Kharif and Rabi seasons in the Second Advance Estimates for 2025–26?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Maize
Kharif maize is a record 302.47 LMT and Rabi maize a record 159.03 LMT.
Which pulse has the largest estimated output in the Second Advance Estimates for 2025–26?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Gram
Gram is estimated at 117.92 LMT, far above tur (34.55 LMT) and lentil (17.33 LMT).
Consider the following statements about the Second Advance Estimates of crop production for 2025–26: 1. They cover the Kharif, Rabi and summer seasons. 2. Yield estimates are based on Crop Cutting Experiments, previous trends and other factors. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the Second Advance Estimates cover only Kharif and Rabi; the summer season will be included in the Third Advance Estimates. Statement 2 is correct.
Under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, fertilizer plants are assured at least what share of their average gas consumption of the last six months?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 70%
Fertilizer plants, placed in 'Priority Sector-2', will get at least 70% of their average consumption over the last six months.
In which category have fertilizer plants been placed for natural gas supply, as announced on 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Priority Sector-2
The Department of Fertilizers said fertilizer plants have been categorised under 'Priority Sector-2' for natural gas supply.
What is 'NETRA', launched by the Jal Shakti Minister on 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — An AI-enabled tracking and review platform of the National Dam Safety Authority
NETRA (NDSA Engine for Tracking and Review using AI) is an AI-enabled platform developed by NDSA with the Navy's WESEE.
With which organisation did the NDSA develop its AI platform NETRA?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — WESEE, Indian Navy
NETRA was developed with the Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE), an R&D laboratory of the Indian Navy.
Consider the following statements about the National Dam Safety Authority: 1. It was established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and came into force on 18 February 2022. 2. It frames dam safety policy, while the National Committee on Dam Safety implements it. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 reverses the roles: the National Committee on Dam Safety evolves policies, and the NDSA is the regulator that implements them for specified dams.
Which document did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh release at South Block on 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Defence Forces Vision 2047
Rajnath Singh released 'Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military'.
Which headquarters articulated the 'Defence Forces Vision 2047' released in March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff
The blueprint was articulated by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).
Dr Partha Biswas assumed charge on 10 March 2026 as a Member of which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Dr Partha Biswas took charge as a Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).
Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Scheduled Castes: 1. It is a constitutional body under Article 338. 2. The Constitution (Eighty-ninth Amendment) Act, 2003 created a separate National Commission for Scheduled Tribes under Article 338A. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the NCSC functions under Article 338, and the 89th Amendment Act, 2003 bifurcated the earlier joint commission, inserting Article 338A for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
How much textile waste does India generate annually, according to the report released by the Textiles Ministry on 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — About 70.73 lakh tonnes
The report 'Mapping of Textile Waste Value Chain in India' estimates about 70.73 lakh tonnes of textile waste a year.
According to Piyush Goyal at the National IP Awards on 9 March 2026, India's Global Innovation Index ranking has improved from 81 to what?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 38
Goyal said India's GII ranking improved from 81 to 38.
By how much did Piyush Goyal say patent filings in India have grown in a decade?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 215%
He said India registered 215% growth in patent filings in a decade.
How many new innovation labs in schools, announced in the Union Budget, did Piyush Goyal refer to at the National IP Awards 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 50,000
Goyal referred to the government's initiative to establish 50,000 new innovation labs in schools, announced in the Union Budget.
With which organisation did NHAI prepare the first National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) report released on 9 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Remote Sensing Centre (ISRO)
The report was prepared in coordination with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO.
The National Highways Green Cover Index is derived from which measurement made by high-resolution satellite sensors?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Chlorophyll content
The assessment is derived from chlorophyll content detected through high-resolution satellite sensors.
Consider the following statements about the first NH-GCI assessment: 1. It covered about 30,000 km of national highways in 24 states. 2. It assessed green cover for the period July–December 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the first cycle covered about 30,000 km of national highways across 24 states for July–December 2024.
Who is the Chairman of Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party, whom PM Modi congratulated by phone on 9 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Rabi Lamichhane
PM Modi spoke to RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah.
Nepal's House of Representatives, elected on 5 March 2026, has how many members?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 275
The House of Representatives has 275 members: 165 directly elected and 110 through proportional representation.
The centenary of India–New Zealand sporting ties in 2026 traces back to which event of 1926?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — The Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand
The ties trace back to the historic 1926 Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand.
Who led the New Zealand sports delegation that met Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on 9 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Chris Bishop
The delegation was led by Chris Bishop, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation; Ross Taylor and Raelene Castle were members, and Patrick John Rata is New Zealand's High Commissioner to India.
Who released the Ministry of Defence's Manual of Security Instructions 2026 on 9 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh released the manual at South Block, New Delhi.
At the post-Budget webinar on health on 9 March 2026, J.P. Nadda said the government targets how many skilled allied healthcare professionals?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — One lakh
Nadda said the government targets one lakh skilled allied healthcare professionals to boost diagnostics and public health.
Who was chosen as Iran's new Supreme Leader in March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mojtaba Khamenei
The Assembly of Experts chose Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei, on 8 March 2026.
Which Iranian body chose the new Supreme Leader in March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Assembly of Experts
The Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics, chose Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader.
How many members does Iran's Assembly of Experts, which chose the Supreme Leader in March 2026, have?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 88
Reuters and Al Jazeera describe the Assembly of Experts as an 88-member body of clerics.
Consider the following statements about Iran's leadership change in March 2026: 1. The Assembly of Experts described Mojtaba Khamenei as the third Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 2. Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen by Iran's Guardian Council. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Assembly's statement called him 'the third Leader'; he was chosen by the Assembly of Experts, not the Guardian Council.
Which initiative of the Union Budget 2026–27, mentioned by President Murmu on Women's Day 2026, aims to give better markets to products of self-help groups and rural women?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — SHE-Mart
The President said the SHE-Mart initiative launched in the Union Budget 2026–27 will provide better markets for SHG and rural women's products.
According to President Murmu on 8 March 2026, how many women-owned MSMEs are active on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Over two lakh
She said more than two lakh women-owned MSMEs are active on GeM.
According to PM Modi on 8 March 2026, the national resolve to create how many 'Lakhpati Didis' has been fulfilled?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 3 crore
The PM said the resolve to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis had been fulfilled and set a new goal of 3 crore more.
How many women did PM Modi say are now empowered through Self-Help Groups, in his Women's Day address of 8 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Over 10 crore
He said over 10 crore women are now empowered through Self-Help Groups.
What is the name of the campaign launched by the Income Tax Department in March 2026 to guide restaurants to correct their returns?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — SAKSHAM NUDGE
The department started the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign; in phase one, messages go to 63,000 identified restaurants.
The Income Tax Department's survey of restaurants on 8 March 2026 revealed preliminary sales suppression of about how much?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹408 crore
The survey of 62 restaurants in 46 cities across 22 states revealed suppression of sales of about ₹408 crore.
Under which provision of the Income Tax Act were restaurants encouraged to file updated returns in the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Section 139(8A)
Taxpayers were encouraged to file updated returns under Section 139(8A) of the Income Tax Act before 31 March 2026.
Janaushadhi Diwas, whose 8th edition was observed in 2026, falls on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 7 March
The 8th Janaushadhi Diwas was observed on 7 March 2026, closing Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.
Which body implements the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, runs PMBJP and organised Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.
What target has the government set for the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 25,000
Over 18,000 Kendras are open; the target is 25,000 by March 2027 through a franchise-based model.
Janaushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are sold at what price per pad?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹1
Suvidha napkins, introduced in 2019, are priced at ₹1 per pad.
Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: 1. Medicines are procured only from manufacturers compliant with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices, and each batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories. 2. Kendra operators receive a trade margin of 20% on the MRP of each drug (excluding taxes). Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PIB backgrounder: WHO-GMP sourcing with NABL batch testing, and a 20% trade margin for operators.
Under the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme, what is the target for training semiconductor engineers over 10 years?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 85,000
The C2S programme aims to train 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design over 10 years.
Consider the following statements about the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme: 1. Chips designed by students are fabricated and tested at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali. 2. Under India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, the programme is to be expanded to 500 academic institutions. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: student chips are made at SCL Mohali, and ISM 2.0 will take the programme from 315 to 500 institutions.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, in which India lost 0–11 to Japan on 7 March 2026, is being hosted by which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Australia
The tournament is the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026; India played Japan at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
Who secured the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, whose result was declared on 6 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Anuj Agnihotri
Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate of AIIMS Jodhpur, topped with Medical Science as his optional subject.
How many candidates were recommended for appointment in the Civil Services Examination 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 958
UPSC recommended 958 candidates (659 men and 299 women); 2,736 had qualified for the Personality Test.
What was the optional subject of Anuj Agnihotri, the CSE 2025 topper?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Medical Science
Anuj Agnihotri qualified with Medical Science as his optional subject.
Consider the following statements about the CSE 2025 result: 1. The top 25 candidates include 11 women. 2. The top five candidates include one woman. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the top 25 have 11 women and 14 men, and the top five have one woman (Rajeshwari Suve M, rank 2) and four men.
The Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the Civil Services Examination, is established under which Article of the Constitution?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Article 315
Article 315 provides for a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State. Article 148 is the CAG, 280 the Finance Commission and 324 the Election Commission.
What wheat procurement estimate was fixed for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27 at the State Food Secretaries' meeting on 6 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 303 LMT
The estimate for wheat procurement for RMS 2026-27 was fixed at 303 lakh metric tonnes.
In which state was a pilot to add QR code tags on foodgrain packaging bags successfully completed, as reported on 6 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Andhra Pradesh
The Department of Food and Public Distribution said the QR-code pilot was completed in Andhra Pradesh, with more pilots planned.
According to the Commerce Ministry on 6 March 2026, India's FTA network now consists of how many FTAs spanning how many countries?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 9 FTAs, 38 countries
The ministry said India's network has reached nine FTAs spanning 38 countries.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): 1. It was signed on 10 March 2024. 2. It entered into force on 1 October 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commerce Ministry said the EFTA TEPA was signed on 10 March 2024 and entered into force on 1 October 2025.
Through which platform, mentioned by the PM at the post-Budget webinar on 6 March 2026, is the government building digital public infrastructure for agriculture?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — AgriStack
The Prime Minister said the government is developing digital public infrastructure for agriculture through AgriStack.
Under DGFT Public Notice No. 51/2025-26 of 6 March 2026, the export obligation period for eligible Advance and EPCG Authorisations has been extended up to which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 31 August 2026
EO periods expiring between 1 March and 31 May 2026 are automatically extended to 31 August 2026, with no composition fee.
INS Tarangini, which reached Colombo on 6 March 2026 after training Sri Lanka Navy cadets, is what type of vessel?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sail training ship
INS Tarangini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship; it trained 3 officers and 26 trainees of the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy.
What are the names of the Census-2027 mascots unveiled on 5 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Pragati and Vikas
The mascots are 'Pragati' (female enumerator) and 'Vikas' (male enumerator).
What is the reference date for Census-2027 for most States and Union Territories?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 March 2027
The reference date is 00:00 hours of 1 March 2027, except Ladakh and snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (1 October 2026).
Which organisation developed the digital platforms soft-launched for Census-2027?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — C-DAC
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) developed the four digital platforms.
Consider the following statements about Census-2027: 1. Respondents can self-enumerate online in 16 languages before the door-to-door survey. 2. The caste-related question will be asked in Phase 1 (Houselisting and Housing Census). Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The caste-related question will be included in Phase 2 (Population Enumeration, February 2027), not in the houselisting phase.
Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote at the 11th Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Alexander Stubb
Finnish President Alexander Stubb was chief guest and gave the inaugural keynote; PM Modi inaugurated the Dialogue.
During President Stubb's visit, India–Finland relations were elevated to which status?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability
The two countries elevated ties to a 'Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability'.
By which year do India and Finland aim to double their bilateral trade?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2030
The two sides aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, capitalising on the India–EU FTA.
Consider the following outcomes of the Finnish President's visit to India in March 2026: 1. A Joint Task Force on 6G linking the University of Oulu and the Bharat 6G Alliance. 2. Co-hosting of the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are listed outcomes: a 6G Joint Task Force (University of Oulu and Bharat 6G Alliance) and co-hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026 with Finland's SITRA.
India's nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, praised by the WHO Director-General on 5 March 2026, targets how many adolescent girls?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 12 million
Dr Tedros praised the campaign targeting 12 million adolescent girls as the world's largest free vaccination drive.
HPV vaccination, discussed by J.P. Nadda at the WHO briefing, is mainly meant to prevent which cancer?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Cervical cancer
The briefing was on India's commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening.
By what date must memorandums be submitted to the 8th Central Pay Commission, as announced on 5 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 30 April 2026
Submissions will be received up to 30 April 2026, only through the online portals.
Who chairs the 8th Central Pay Commission?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai is the Chairperson, with Prof. Pulak Ghosh as part-time member and Pankaj Jain as member-secretary.
Consider the following statements about the 8th Central Pay Commission: 1. It was constituted by a Government resolution dated 3 November 2025. 2. It is required to make its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commission was constituted by a resolution dated 3 November 2025 and must report within 18 months.