HPPSC HPAS Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
OrbitAID Aerospace, funded by the Technology Development Board in March 2026, is developing technology for:
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Correct answer: A — In-orbit satellite docking and refuelling
The TDB-funded project develops docking and refuelling systems to extend the life of satellites in orbit.
What is the 'SIDRP' being developed by OrbitAID Aerospace?
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Correct answer: B — A Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port
SIDRP is the Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port, a TRL-7 system for autonomous docking and propellant transfer between satellites.
Who was the President of Iran with whom PM Modi spoke by telephone on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Masoud Pezeshkian
PM Modi spoke with Iran's President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, who briefed him on the situation in Iran and the region.
Which two priorities did PM Modi highlight in his call with Iran's President on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Safety of Indian nationals and unhindered transit of energy and goods
Modi highlighted the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in the region, including Iran, and the importance of unhindered transit of energy and goods.
PM Modi paid homage on 12 March 2026 to the participants of the Dandi March. In which year did the Dandi March begin on 12 March?
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Correct answer: C — 1930
The Dandi March began on 12 March 1930; the PM marked the anniversary on 12 March 2026.
C-DOT's FraudPro, a top finalist at the Glomo Awards 2026, is used to:
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Correct answer: D — Detect fraudulent mobile connections using AI and facial deduplication
FraudPro uses AI/ML, facial image deduplication and forged-document detection to identify fraudulent mobile connections; it was a finalist at the GSMA's Glomo Awards at MWC 2026, Barcelona.
Which body released 'Bharat 2026 – A Reference Annual' on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
The Publications Division of the I&B Ministry released the reference annual in English and Hindi, printed fully in four colours for the first time.
How was the resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla disposed of on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rejected by voice vote
After nearly 13 hours of debate, the Lok Sabha rejected the resolution by voice vote amid Opposition protests.
Who was in the Chair of the Lok Sabha during the debate and vote on the resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Jagdambika Pal
Jagdambika Pal presided; a Speaker cannot preside while a resolution for his own removal is under consideration.
Consider the following statements about the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha under Article 94(c): 1. The resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the House. 2. At least 14 days' notice must be given of the intention to move the resolution. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Article 94(c) requires a majority of all the then members of the House (an effective majority, not just those present and voting), and its proviso requires at least 14 days' notice.
Consider the following about the Speaker while a resolution for his removal is under consideration in the Lok Sabha (Article 96): 1. The Speaker cannot preside over the sitting. 2. The Speaker has the right to speak in the House. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: under Article 96 the Speaker does not preside while a removal resolution is under consideration, but may speak and take part in the proceedings.
Before 2026, in which year was a motion for the removal of a Lok Sabha Speaker last moved, against Balram Jakhar?
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Correct answer: C — 1987
Earlier motions were moved against G. V. Mavalankar (1954), Hukam Singh (1966) and Balram Jakhar (1987); Amit Shah noted the 2026 motion came after nearly four decades.
Who graced the national event of Jal Mahotsav 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — President Droupadi Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu led the Jal Kalash ceremony and felicitated community members at the national event.
Under which mission is the first National Jal Mahotsav campaign (8–22 March 2026) being held?
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Correct answer: A — Jal Jeevan Mission
The campaign by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation strengthens community participation in rural drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
How much emergency oil did IEA member countries agree to make available on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 400 million barrels
The 32 IEA members agreed to release 400 million barrels, the largest stock release in the agency's history; 1.2 billion barrels is the size of their public stocks.
What is India's status in the International Energy Agency, as stated by the Petroleum Ministry on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Associate Member
The Petroleum Ministry welcomed the IEA decision 'as an Associate Member of the International Energy Agency'.
Consider the following statements about the International Energy Agency: 1. It was created in 1974. 2. The March 2026 release was its first-ever coordinated emergency stock release. 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 March 2026 action was the sixth collective action, after 1991, 2005, 2011 and two in 2022.
How many member and signatory countries does the International Solar Alliance have, as stated on its Foundation Day on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 125
Pralhad Joshi said the ISA has emerged as a global platform with 125 member and signatory countries.
The International Solar Alliance was jointly launched by India and which country at COP21 in Paris in 2015?
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Correct answer: B — France
India and France launched the ISA on 30 November 2015 on the sidelines of COP21 in Paris.
Consider the following statements about the International Solar Alliance: 1. Its Framework Agreement entered into force on 6 December 2017, making it a treaty-based intergovernmental organisation. 2. Its secretariat is located at the National Institute of Solar Energy campus in Gurugram, Haryana. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Framework Agreement, concluded at Marrakesh in November 2016, came into force on 6 December 2017 after the 15th ratification, and the secretariat is at the NISE campus, Gwal Pahari, Gurugram.
On how many route km has Kavach 4.0 been commissioned, as per the Railway Ministry on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 1,452 route km
Kavach 4.0 is commissioned on 1,452 route km of the Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah routes; 24,427 route km is the length on which work has been taken up.
Kavach 4.0 has been commissioned on sections of which two high-density routes?
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Correct answer: B — Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah
The 1,452 route km cover the high-density Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah routes.
Consider the following statements about Kavach: 1. It was adopted as the National Automatic Train Protection system in July 2020. 2. The Kavach version 4.0 specification was approved by the RDSO in July 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Kavach became the National ATP system in July 2020, and the RDSO approved the version 4.0 specification on 16 July 2024; the system is certified to SIL-4.
Which body launched its first structured bug bounty programme with a panel of 20 ethical hackers in March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — UIDAI
UIDAI launched the programme to test the UIDAI website, the myAadhaar portal and the Secure QR Code app for vulnerabilities.
Where and when will Bharat Tex 2026, launched on 11 March 2026, be held?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, 14–17 July 2026
Bharat Tex 2026, the third edition, will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 14 to 17 July 2026.
Up to when did the Union Cabinet extend the Jal Jeevan Mission on 10 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — December 2028
The Cabinet extended JJM up to December 2028 and restructured it as JJM 2.0.
What is the enhanced total outlay of the Jal Jeevan Mission approved by the Cabinet on 10 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹8.69 lakh crore
The total outlay is ₹8.69 lakh crore, of which central assistance is ₹3.59 lakh crore.
What is the name of the uniform national digital framework under JJM 2.0 that assigns every village a Sujal Gaon / Service Area ID?
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Correct answer: D — Sujalam Bharat
'Sujalam Bharat' is the digital framework; 'Jal Arpan' is the handover of schemes and 'Jal Utsav' the annual community review.
Consider the following statements about the Jal Jeevan Mission: 1. When it began in 2019, about 17% of rural households (3.23 crore) had tap water connections. 2. Under JJM 2.0, a gram panchayat may declare itself 'Har Ghar Jal' only after in-village operation and maintenance arrangements are in place. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 2019 baseline was 3.23 crore rural households (17%), and under the restructured mission a GP certifies 'Har Ghar Jal' only once the State has set up in-village O&M.
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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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)?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.