Defence Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
JNCASR's humidity-responsive neuromorphic sensor, announced in April 2026, was inspired by which animal?
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Correct answer: B — Cricket frogs
DST said the sensor was inspired by amphibian frogs, particularly cricket frogs, whose synaptic behaviour is highly moisture-sensitive.
Consider the following statements about the JNCASR neuromorphic sensor: 1. JNCASR, which developed it, is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology. 2. The device relies on a separate sensing unit and a separate memristive element for processing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the point of the device is that it integrates sensing and synapse-like processing in a single platform, unlike most neuromorphic sensors that use separate units.
General Phan Van Giang, congratulated by Rajnath Singh on 9 April 2026, was appointed to which posts in Vietnam?
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Correct answer: B — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence
The Defence Ministry said Phan Van Giang was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam.
Which Union Minister congratulated General Phan Van Giang of Vietnam on 9 April 2026 and spoke of deepening cooperation in security, military exchanges and industry collaboration?
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Correct answer: A — Rajnath Singh
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh posted the congratulations on X.
On which date was the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana launched?
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Correct answer: A — 8 April 2015
The Finance Ministry says PMMY was launched by the Prime Minister on 8 April 2015; it completed 11 years on 8 April 2026.
Under PM Mudra Yojana, collateral-free institutional credit is available up to what amount for non-corporate, non-farm income-generating activities?
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Correct answer: C — ₹20 lakh
The Finance Ministry says PMMY offers collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh for non-corporate and non-farm income-generating activities.
Consider the following statements about PM Mudra Yojana as of April 2026: 1. Two-thirds of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs. 2. More than 57.79 crore loans have been sanctioned, with ₹40.07 lakh crore disbursed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as stated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on PMMY's 11th anniversary.
According to IRENA's Renewable Energy Statistics 2026, India moved ahead of which country to rank third in installed renewable energy capacity?
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Correct answer: B — Brazil
Pralhad Joshi said India moved ahead of Brazil; IRENA lists India at 250.52 GW and Brazil at 228.20 GW, behind China and the USA.
What was India's total installed non-fossil fuel capacity as on 31 March 2026, according to MNRE?
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Correct answer: D — 283.46 GW
MNRE put non-fossil capacity at 283.46 GW on 31 March 2026: 274.68 GW renewable (incl. large hydro) plus 8.78 GW nuclear. 250.52 GW is IRENA's renewable figure as of December 2025.
Consider the following statements: 1. India reached 50% of its cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources in June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 NDC target. 2. Wind capacity additions of 6.05 GW in 2025-26 were the highest ever in a single year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per MNRE: the 50% milestone came in June 2025, and 6.05 GW of wind in 2025-26 was the highest ever (4.15 GW the year before).
Which startup's indigenous technology was used for the 1,000-km quantum communication network demonstrated under the National Quantum Mission?
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Correct answer: A — QNu Labs
DST said the milestone was achieved using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs, a startup supported under the mission.
What is the National Quantum Mission's target for quantum communication network length over an eight-year period?
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Correct answer: D — 2,000 km
DST said the 1,000-km demonstration marks progress against the mission's target of 2,000 km over eight years.
What is the approximate tentative budgetary requirement for Nutrient Based Subsidy on P&K fertilisers for Kharif 2026, as approved on 8 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹41,533.81 crore
The Cabinet put the Kharif 2026 requirement at about ₹41,533.81 crore, around ₹4,317 crore more than Kharif 2025's ₹37,216.15 crore.
Since when has subsidy on phosphatic and potassic fertilisers been governed by the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme?
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Correct answer: B — 1 April 2010
The Cabinet release says subsidy on P&K fertilisers has been governed by the NBS scheme with effect from 1 April 2010.
On departing Malé on 8 April 2026, IOS SAGAR (INS Sunayna) held a Passage Exercise with which Maldivian vessel?
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Correct answer: B — MNDF Coast Guard Ship Ghazee
The Defence Ministry said the ship held a PASSEX with the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Ghazee on departure.
IOS SAGAR's multinational crew during its April 2026 Maldives visit included personnel from how many friendly foreign countries?
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Correct answer: C — 16
The Defence Ministry said the multinational crew comprised personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries.
Where in Egypt is the fourth India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise, Cyclone-IV, being held in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Anshas
The Defence Ministry said Cyclone-IV is scheduled at Anshas from 9 to 17 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Cyclone-IV: 1. It is the fourth edition of the India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise. 2. The previous edition of the exercise was also held in Egypt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Defence Ministry said Cyclone-IV follows the successful conduct of the previous edition in India.
According to NITI Aayog's 'From Borrowers to Builders' report (April 2026), what credit portfolio do women borrowers in India hold, and what share of system credit is it?
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Correct answer: B — ₹76 lakh crore; 26%
The report says women borrowers hold a ₹76 lakh crore credit portfolio, 26% of total system credit. ₹16 lakh crore was the 2017 figure.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's report released on 7 April 2026: 1. It is the second edition of 'From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India's Evolving Credit Market'. 2. Credit penetration among women rose from 19% to 36% between December 2017 and December 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per NITI Aayog's release on the report.
Under NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform, the 'From Borrowers to Builders' report was prepared by which organisations?
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Correct answer: D — TransUnion CIBIL and MicroSave Consulting
NITI Aayog said the report, under the aegis of WEP, was prepared by TransUnion CIBIL and MicroSave Consulting (MSC).
What is the outlay of the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets?
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Correct answer: B — ₹7,280 crore
The Ministry of Heavy Industries said the scheme has an outlay of ₹7,280 crore.
Consider the following statements about the rare earth permanent magnet scheme: 1. The government will select a maximum of five entities through bidding. 2. Each selected entity can set up facilities of up to 1,200 MTPA, adding up to a maximum of 6,000 MTPA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: MHI said at most five entities will be selected, each with up to 1,200 MTPA, for a total of up to 6,000 MTPA.
The rare earth permanent magnet facilities sought under the ₹7,280 crore scheme are for which type of magnet?
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Correct answer: D — Sintered NdFeB
The RFP is for integrated sintered NdFeB (neodymium–iron–boron) rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing facilities.
PM Modi congratulated To Lam on 7 April 2026 on his election to which office?
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Correct answer: B — President of Vietnam
The PMO said Modi congratulated To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
In his message to Vietnam's To Lam on 7 April 2026, PM Modi spoke of deepening which partnership?
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Correct answer: A — Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Modi said he looked forward to deepening the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Which body launched the first-ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — National Statistics Office, MoSPI
MoSPI said the National Statistics Office (NSO) launched the first-ever ASISSE.
Which database is used as the sampling frame for the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)?
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Correct answer: B — GSTN database
MoSPI said the survey uses the GSTN database as its sampling frame.
Consider the following statements about ASISSE: 1. Its reference period is the financial year 2024-25. 2. It covers unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises, which were earlier covered by the Annual Survey of Industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: ASISSE covers incorporated enterprises (companies and LLPs); unincorporated enterprises are covered by ASUSE, and the ASI covers registered manufacturing.
What is the total value of the safety, signalling and communication works approved by Indian Railways, as announced on 6 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1,364.45 crore
The Ministry of Railways said projects worth ₹1,364.45 crore were approved. ₹2,950 crore and ₹4,871 crore are sub-umbrella and umbrella figures, and ₹27,693 crore is the Kavach umbrella work.
Which version of Kavach equipment is to be installed on 232 Southern Railway locomotives under the works approved in April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Version 4.0
The ministry said the work covers installation of Kavach Version 4.0 equipment on 232 locomotives.
Electronic interlocking worth ₹578.02 crore is to replace panel interlocking at 49 stations in which railway zone?
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Correct answer: D — South Central Railway
The ministry said electronic interlocking at 49 stations on high-density routes is in South Central Railway.
The BCAS–Rashtriya Raksha University MoU of 6 April 2026 is for setting up a testing centre mainly for which equipment?
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Correct answer: D — Full body scanners and other airport security screening equipment
The Civil Aviation Ministry said the centre will conduct trials, evaluation and certification of full body scanners and other security screening equipment used at Indian airports.
Consider the following statements about the BCAS–RRU MoU: 1. Rashtriya Raksha University was established in 2010. 2. The MoU was signed at the RRU campus in Gandhinagar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct as per the minister's remarks in the release. Statement 2 is wrong: the MoU was signed in New Delhi.
Scientists from which institution developed the 'paired biometric threshold' to distinguish cereal pollen from wild grass pollen in the Central Ganga Plain?
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Correct answer: B — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences
DST said the study was by scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institution of DST, with collaborators.
Consider the following statements about the BSIP pollen study released in April 2026: 1. Cereal pollen generally exceeds 46 µm in grain diameter and 9 µm in annulus size, pearl millet being an exception. 2. The study was published in the journal Nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is the threshold reported by DST. Statement 2 is wrong: the study was published in The Holocene (SAGE).
On which date is National Maritime Day observed in India?
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Correct answer: B — 5 April
National Maritime Day is observed on 5 April, the date of the SS Loyalty's voyage in 1919.
National Maritime Day commemorates the 1919 voyage of which ship?
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Correct answer: D — SS Loyalty
The Hindu and The Times of India both say the day marks the SS Loyalty's voyage from Mumbai to London on 5 April 1919.
Consider the following statements about the SS Loyalty, whose voyage is commemorated on National Maritime Day: 1. It was owned by the Scindia Steam Navigation Company. 2. Its 1919 voyage was from Kolkata to Singapore. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the voyage was from Mumbai to London.
What share of LPG deliveries were Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based as per the government update of 5 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 90%
The update said DAC-based deliveries rose from 53% in February 2026 to 90%.
To what was the LPG cylinder booking interval in urban areas raised, as part of the measures noted on 5 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 25 days
The update said the interval was raised from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas.
According to the 5 April 2026 update, how many passengers had returned to India from the West Asia region since 28 February?
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Correct answer: A — Over 7,02,000
The update said over 7,02,000 passengers had returned to India since 28 February.
What record freight loading did Indian Railways achieve in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 1,670 million tonnes
The Railway Ministry said freight loading reached a historic high of 1,670 million tonnes.
How many locomotives did Indian Railways produce in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — 1,674
The ministry said 1,674 locomotives were produced; 6,677 is the number of LHB coaches.
Consider the following statements about Indian Railways' performance in 2025-26: 1. The Kavach system has been commissioned over more than 3,100 route km. 2. 35 stations were redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme during the year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: 119 stations were redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme; 35 is the number of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals commissioned.
What was the value of India's marine product exports in 2024-25, as per the Department of Fisheries?
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Correct answer: D — ₹62,408 crore
The department said marine exports rose to ₹62,408 crore in 2024-25; ₹43,334 crore was the shrimp component and ₹30,213 crore the 2013-14 figure.
Which country was the largest destination for India's seafood exports in 2024-25?
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Correct answer: A — United States
The United States accounted for 36.42% of total export value in 2024-25.
What was India's fish production in 2024-25, according to the Department of Fisheries?
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Correct answer: B — 197.75 lakh tonnes
Fish production rose from 141.64 lakh tonnes in 2019-20 to 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024-25.
Under which provision is an employed elector entitled to a paid holiday on polling day?
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Correct answer: C — Section 135B of the RP Act, 1951
The ECI cited Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
As per the ECI schedule cited on 3 April 2026, on which date was the second phase of polling in West Bengal?
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Correct answer: A — 29 April 2026
The ECI listed West Bengal polling on 23 April (Phase I) and 29 April 2026 (Phase II).
Consider the following statements about the paid holiday on polling day, as clarified by the ECI: 1. Employers may deduct wages for the polling-day holiday if the worker is a casual or daily-wage worker. 2. Electors working outside their constituency but registered in a constituency going to polls are not entitled to the paid holiday. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct: the ECI said no wages may be deducted and casual and daily-wage workers are entitled, and electors working outside their constituency are also entitled.
Who is the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, who was present at Om Birla's Census 2027 self-enumeration on 3 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Mritunjay Kumar Narayan
The Lok Sabha Secretariat named Mritunjay Kumar Narayan as the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
Which phrase did the Lok Sabha Speaker invoke while urging participation in Census 2027?
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Correct answer: B — Jan Ganana se Jan Kalyan
Om Birla reaffirmed the vision of 'Jan Ganana se Jan Kalyan' (Census for Public Welfare).
At which port did INS Trikand arrive on 3 April 2026 during its South West Indian Ocean deployment?
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Correct answer: B — Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
The Ministry of Defence said INS Trikand arrived at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, on 3 April 2026.
INS Trikand's port call at Dar-es-Salaam is aligned with which Indian maritime vision?
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Correct answer: D — MAHASAGAR
The release says the port call is aligned with India's vision of MAHASAGAR – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Who is the Commanding Officer of INS Trikand, as named in the release on its Dar-es-Salaam port call?
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Correct answer: A — Captain Sachin Kulkarni
The Ministry of Defence names Captain Sachin Kulkarni as the ship's Commanding Officer.
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 amends 784 provisions across how many Central Acts?
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Correct answer: B — 79
The Commerce Ministry said 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts administered by 23 ministries are amended.
Consider the following statements about the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026: 1. The Lok Sabha Select Committee that examined its 2025 predecessor was chaired by Tejasvi Surya. 2. Of the 784 provisions amended, 717 were amended to facilitate ease of living. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The 717 provisions were decriminalised to promote ease of doing business; 67 provisions were amended for ease of living.
On which date did the Rajya Sabha pass the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 2 April 2026
PRS Bill Track records passage by the Lok Sabha on 1 April and by the Rajya Sabha on 2 April 2026; it was introduced on 27 March.
What was the value of India's defence exports in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — ₹38,424 crore
The Ministry of Defence said defence exports touched an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26; ₹23,622 crore was the FY 2024-25 figure.
Consider the following statements about India's defence exports in FY 2025-26: 1. Defence Public Sector Undertakings contributed a larger share than the private sector. 2. India exported defence equipment to more than 80 countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: DPSUs contributed 54.84% (₹21,071 crore) against the private sector's 45.16%, and exports went to more than 80 countries.
As per the Defence Ministry, how many defence exporters were there in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — 145
The number of exporters rose to 145 from 128, a 13.3% rise.
What was coal production from captive and commercial mines in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — 210.46 MT
The Coal Ministry said production reached 210.46 MT; 204.61 MT was dispatch and 190.95 MT the previous year's production.
How many captive and commercial coal blocks were operationalised through Mine Opening Permission in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — 12
12 blocks were operationalised, adding over 86 MT of capacity; 7 blocks began production within the year.
Till which date has the full customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical products, announced on 2 April 2026, been granted?
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Correct answer: C — 30 June 2026
The Finance Ministry said the exemption is till 30 June 2026.
Consider the following statements about the customs duty exemption on critical petrochemicals announced on 2 April 2026: 1. It is a permanent reduction in customs duty. 2. Methanol (methyl alcohol) is among the products covered. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The ministry called it temporary and targeted relief valid till 30 June 2026, and methanol is listed in the annexure.
For what period does the cost escalation compensation mechanism for National Highway projects, announced on 2 April 2026, apply?
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Correct answer: A — 1 April to 30 June 2026
MoRTH said the measures apply for three months, from 1 April till 30 June 2026, or until further review.
Under the revised price adjustment for EPC highway contracts, the Wholesale Price Index will be taken for which period?
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Correct answer: C — One month before the Interim Payment Certificate month
MoRTH said WPI will now be taken for one month prior to the relevant IPC month, in place of three months prior.
On which date was the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed?
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Correct answer: C — 2 April 2022
The Commerce Ministry said the ECTA was signed on 2 April 2022 and completed four years on 2 April 2026.
From which date are all Indian exports eligible for zero-duty market access into Australia under the ECTA?
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Correct answer: A — 1 January 2026
The ministry said that from 1 January 2026 all Indian exports are eligible for zero-duty access into Australia.
Under the India–Australia ECTA, India granted preferential market access on what share of its tariff lines?
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Correct answer: B — 70.3%
India granted preferential access on 70.3% of its tariff lines, covering 90.6% of trade value; Australia granted it on 100% of its lines, 98.3% of which became duty-free immediately.
KOICA, with which India's Ports Ministry signed a shipbuilding skill development plan on 2 April 2026, is an agency of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Republic of Korea
KOICA is the Korea International Cooperation Agency; the release refers to leveraging the Republic of Korea's expertise.
The MoPSW–KOICA shipbuilding skill development project is aligned with which vision document?
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Correct answer: C — Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
The ministry said the project is aligned with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Where was the fifth India–Mozambique Joint Defence Working Group meeting held on 1–2 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Maputo
The Ministry of Defence said the meeting was held in Maputo, Mozambique.
Which edition of the India–Mozambique Joint Defence Working Group meeting was held in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Fifth
The release describes it as the fifth JDWG meeting.