HPSC HCS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Where was the Global Conference of Meditation Leaders addressed by the Vice President on 5 April 2026 held?
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Correct answer: D — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
The Vice President's Secretariat said the conference was held at Bharat Mandapam.
Which Tamil sage did the Vice President cite at the Global Conference of Meditation Leaders, describing the body as a temple and meditation as a means to realise the Divine within?
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Correct answer: D — Thirumoolar
The Vice President recalled the teachings of the Tamil sage Thirumoolar.
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 Department of Social Justice and Empowerment's highest-ever expenditure in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — ₹11,810.82 crore
Dr Virendra Kumar said the department spent ₹11,810.82 crore in 2025-26; ₹10,409 crore was the 2024-25 figure.
By roughly what percentage did the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment's expenditure grow in 2025-26 over 2024-25?
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Correct answer: C — Nearly 14%
The ministry said the increase was nearly 14% over the ₹10,409 crore spent in 2024-25.
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 the review meeting on 3 April 2026, what did the Railway Minister direct officials to prioritise for crossing railway tracks?
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Correct answer: D — Convenient underpasses (puliyas) over foot overbridges
Ashwini Vaishnaw directed officials to give priority to convenient and accessible underpasses (puliyas) over foot overbridges.
Consider the following statements about the Railway Minister's review of 3 April 2026: 1. He asked officials to resolve railway land encroachment with a humane approach so that livelihoods are not affected. 2. He described railway stations as the face of Indian Railways. 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 the Railway Ministry release.
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.
Who was the first to complete self-enumeration when Census 2027 began on 1 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — President Droupadi Murmu
The Home Ministry said the exercise began with the enumeration of President Droupadi Murmu, upholding the tradition of starting with the First Citizen.
Between which dates will the Houselisting and Housing Census phase of Census 2027 be conducted across the country?
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Correct answer: A — 1 April – 30 September 2026
The HLO phase runs nationally from 1 April to 30 September 2026; 16 April–15 May is the houselisting window in the first set of states/UTs.
How many questions have been notified for Phase I (Houselisting and Housing Census) of Census 2027?
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Correct answer: C — 33
A total of 33 questions for Phase I were notified in January 2026; 16 is the number of regional languages for self-enumeration.
On which date did the Income-tax Act, 2025 receive the President's assent?
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Correct answer: C — 21 August 2025
The Finance Ministry said the Bill was passed by Parliament on 12 August 2025 and received assent on 21 August 2025; the Rules were notified on 20 March 2026 and the Act came into force on 1 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about the Income-tax Act, 2025: 1. It replaces the Income-tax Act, 1961. 2. It alters the underlying tax policy to introduce new tax rates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The ministry said the Act simplifies the law without altering the underlying tax policy.
Which body notified the Income-tax Rules, 2026 to operationalise the Income-tax Act, 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Central Board of Direct Taxes
The Income-tax Rules, 2026 were notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes on 20 March 2026.
On which date was the Reserve Bank of India established?
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Correct answer: A — 1 April 1935
The RBI says it was established on 1 April 1935 under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Consider the following statements about the Reserve Bank of India: 1. Its Central Office was initially established in Kolkata and moved permanently to Mumbai in 1937. 2. It has been fully owned by the Government of India since its nationalisation in 1949. 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 the RBI's 'About Us' page.
The Reserve Bank of India was established in accordance with the provisions of which Act?
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Correct answer: B — Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
The RBI was established under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Under the concessional customs duty notified on 1 April 2026, SEZ units can clear goods to the Domestic Tariff Area up to what limit?
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Correct answer: C — 30% of the highest annual FOB export value in the preceding three years
The cap is 30% of the highest annual free-on-board export value achieved in any of the three immediately preceding financial years.
What minimum value addition within the SEZ is required to avail the concessional duty on SEZ-to-DTA clearances?
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Correct answer: B — 20%
The notification prescribes a minimum 20% value addition within the SEZ.
Who assumed the appointment of Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 1 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth
The Ministry of Defence said Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth assumed the appointment of VCOAS on 1 April 2026.
Who took over as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, from Lt Gen RC Tiwari in April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lt Gen VMB Krishnan
Lt Gen VMB Krishnan, previously Quarter Master General, took over Eastern Command from Lt Gen RC Tiwari.
Who assumed command of the Army's Southern Command on 1 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lt Gen Sandeep Jain
Lt Gen Sandeep Jain succeeded Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth as GOC-in-C, Southern Command.
What capital outlay for the Defence Services did the Ministry of Defence fully utilise in FY 2025-26 (Revised Estimates)?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1.86 lakh crore
The ministry fully utilised ₹1.86 lakh crore at the RE stage; ₹1.80 lakh crore was the original appropriation.
What was the overall utilisation of the defence budget, including MoD (civil) and pensions, in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — 99.62%
The ministry said overall utilisation stood at 99.62% against the final allocation.
Who assumed charge as Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on 1 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chanchal Kumar
The ministry said Chanchal Kumar assumed charge on 1 April 2026, succeeding Sanjay Jaju.
Chanchal Kumar, the new Secretary of Information and Broadcasting, belongs to which IAS batch and cadre?
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Correct answer: C — 1992 batch, Bihar cadre
He is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre.
How much central assistance has been released to Haryana under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, as stated in Parliament on 1 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹113.60 crore
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying said central assistance of ₹113.60 crore has been released to Haryana.
Where has the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying set up an IVF lab in Haryana for genetic upgradation of indigenous breeds?
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Correct answer: B — Hisar
The reply says one IVF lab has been established at Hisar, including for the Hariana breed of cattle.
Up to which date has the RoSCTL scheme for apparel and made-ups exports been extended?
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Correct answer: D — 30 September 2026
The Ministry of Textiles extended RoSCTL up to 30 September 2026 or until approval for the 16th Finance Commission cycle, whichever is earlier.
Since when has the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme been operational?
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Correct answer: A — 7 March 2019
The ministry said RoSCTL has been operational since 7 March 2019.
How many Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) did the CBDT sign in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 219
The CBDT entered into a record 219 APAs in FY 2025-26 (174 in the previous year and 125 the year before).
With which of the following countries did India sign its first-ever bilateral APA in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — Sweden
FY 2025-26 saw India's first-ever bilateral APAs with France, Ireland, Indonesia and Sweden.
Consider the following statements about India's APA programme (as of March 2026): 1. The total number of APAs since inception is 1,034. 2. Bilateral APAs outnumber unilateral APAs in the total. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The total is 1,034 APAs, comprising 750 unilateral and 284 bilateral APAs, so unilateral APAs are more.
Which team became the 48th and final team to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, on 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Iraq
Iraq beat Bolivia 2-1 at Monterrey to become the 48th and final team to qualify.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, the first with 48 teams, is hosted jointly by:
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Correct answer: A — USA, Canada and Mexico
The 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Which of the following European teams failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 after losing in the play-off finals on 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Italy
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czechia, Sweden and Türkiye qualified through the play-off finals, while Italy missed out.
From 1 April 2026, CBIC removed which value cap per consignment on courier exports?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10 lakh
The existing ₹10 lakh value limit per consignment for courier exports was completely removed from 1 April 2026.
Under CBIC's new Return to Origin (RTO) mechanism, uncleared courier imports will be returned after how many days?
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Correct answer: C — 15 days
Uncleared courier imports beyond 15 days are to be returned through a simplified RTO process.
In March 2026 the Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth about ₹1,950 crore with BEL for which equipment for the IAF?
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Correct answer: B — Two Mountain Radars
The contract is for procurement of two Mountain Radars with associated equipment and infrastructure for the IAF, at about ₹1,950 crore.
The Mountain Radar ordered for the IAF in March 2026 was designed and developed by which DRDO laboratory?
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Correct answer: C — Electronics & Radar Development Establishment
The Mountain Radar is indigenously designed and developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment of DRDO.
India leads the world in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under which international agreement?
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Correct answer: B — Nagoya Protocol
India is the global leader in issuing IRCCs under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.
As reported in March 2026, which country is second after India in the number of IRCCs issued under the Nagoya Protocol?
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Correct answer: A — France
India (3,561) is followed by France with 964 certificates, then Spain (320) and Argentina (257).
Consider the following statements: 1. India accounts for over 56% of all IRCCs issued worldwide under the Nagoya Protocol. 2. All 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House have issued IRCCs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
India has issued 3,561 of 6,311 IRCCs (over 56%); of the 142 registered countries, only 34 have issued IRCCs.