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.
As per the Economic Survey 2025-26, what was India's rank in the Global Innovation Index 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 38th
PIB: India's GII rank improved from 66th in 2019 to 38th in 2025.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, how many semiconductor manufacturing and packaging projects had been approved, with cumulative investment of ₹1.60 lakh crore?
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Correct answer: C — 10
PIB: Ten semiconductor projects with ₹1.60 lakh crore investment have been approved in 6 states.
Which three Indian cities feature among the world's top 50 most innovation-intensive clusters, as noted in the Economic Survey 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai
PIB: Bengaluru, Delhi and Mumbai feature among the top 50 most innovation-intensive clusters worldwide.
In January 2026, which mineral was notified as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957?
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Correct answer: A — Coking coal
PIB (29 Jan 2026): The Government notified coking coal as a Critical and Strategic Mineral under the MMDR Act, 1957.
India's coking coal resources, estimated at 37.37 billion tonnes, are largely located in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Jharkhand
PIB: Coking coal resources are largely in Jharkhand, with more in Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
Consider the following statements about the January 2026 notification on coking coal: 1. Coking coal was included in Part D of the First Schedule of the MMDR Act, which lists critical and strategic minerals. 2. Royalty and auction premium from such mining leases will now go to the Central Government instead of the states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
PIB: Coking coal was added to Part D. Under Section 11D(3), royalty, auction premium and other payments continue to accrue to the State Governments.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, India's remittance inflows in FY25 were:
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Correct answer: C — USD 135.4 billion
PIB: India remains the world's largest recipient of remittances with inflows of USD 135.4 billion in FY25.
As per the Economic Survey 2025-26, India's total exports (merchandise and services) in FY25 reached a record of:
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Correct answer: C — USD 825.3 billion
PIB: Total exports reached a record USD 825.3 billion in FY25; services alone were USD 387.6 billion.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, India's share of global merchandise exports in 2024 was about:
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Correct answer: B — 1.8%
PIB: India's share of global merchandise exports nearly doubled from 1% in 2005 to 1.8% in 2024.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, the number of airports in India increased from 74 in 2014 to how many in 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 164
PIB: The number of airports increased from 74 in 2014 to 164 in 2025.
As per the Economic Survey 2025-26, international IIT campuses have been established in which two places?
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Correct answer: A — Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi
PIB: India has 23 IITs, 21 IIMs and 20 AIIMS, alongside two international IIT campuses in Zanzibar and Abu Dhabi.
Consider the following statements based on the Economic Survey 2025-26: 1. Power DISCOMs recorded a positive profit after tax for the first time in FY25. 2. Multidimensional poverty (NITI Aayog) declined to 11.28% in 2022-23. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB: DISCOMs recorded a positive PAT of ₹2,701 crore in FY25 for the first time, and MPI declined from 55.3% (2005-06) to 11.28% (2022-23).
Under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, waste must be segregated at source into four streams. Which of the following is NOT one of these four streams?
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Correct answer: A — Construction and demolition waste
PIB: the four streams are wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and special care waste.
Consider the following statements about the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026: 1. They have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and supersede the SWM Rules, 2016. 2. An entity generating 100 kg or more of solid waste per day is a Bulk Waste Generator. 3. Environmental compensation will be levied by the Central Pollution Control Board directly. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB: notified under EP Act 1986, superseding 2016 rules; 100 kg/day is one Bulk Waste Generator threshold. CPCB prepares guidelines but SPCBs/PCCs levy the compensation, so statement 3 is wrong.
From which date will the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 come into full effect?
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Correct answer: B — 1 April 2026
PIB: the rules will come into full effect from April 1, 2026.
India and the EU concluded negotiations on financial services in the India-EU FTA. According to the Finance Ministry, total India-EU services trade in 2024 was around:
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Correct answer: C — USD 83 billion
PIB (Finance): in 2024, total services trade between India and EU is around $83 billion.
Consider the following statements about the India-EU FTA financial services chapter: 1. It was finalised during the last round of negotiations held on 6 January 2026. 2. It contains provisions on digital payments and fintech. 3. In 2024 India imported more financial services from the EU than it exported to the EU. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: finalised on 6 January 2026 with innovative provisions on digital payments and fintech. India exported USD 700 million and imported about USD 600 million, so statement 3 is wrong.
The Budget Session of Parliament that began on 28 January 2026 with the President's address is which session of the 18th Lok Sabha?
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Correct answer: C — 7th Session
PIB (Lok Sabha Secretariat): 'On the first day of the 7th Session of the 18th Lok Sabha…' (28 January 2026).
In her address to Parliament at the start of the Budget Session on 28 January 2026, President Droupadi Murmu referred to the celebration of how many years of Vande Mataram?
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Correct answer: C — 150 years
PIB (President's Secretariat): "At present, India is celebrating 150 years of Vande Mataram."
Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, launched by NITI Aayog on 28 January 2026, will run until which date?
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Correct answer: B — 14 April 2026
PIB (NITI Aayog): a 3-month campaign running from 28 January to 14 April 2026.
Under Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, how many Key Performance Indicators are to be saturated in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks respectively?
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Correct answer: B — 5 and 6
PIB (NITI Aayog): saturation of 5 KPIs in Aspirational Districts and 6 KPIs in Aspirational Blocks.
According to MoSPI's quick estimate, by how much did India's Index of Industrial Production grow in December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 7.8%
PIB (MoSPI): IIP rose by 7.8% in December 2025, the highest level in over two years. 8.1% was manufacturing growth; 7.2% was November (revised).
In the December 2025 IIP, which manufacturing industry group recorded the highest growth (34.9%)?
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Correct answer: A — Computer, electronic and optical products
PIB (MoSPI): computer, electronic and optical products 34.9%; motor vehicles 33.5%; other transport equipment 25.1%.
The new Aadhaar App launched on 28 January 2026 allows management of how many Aadhaar profiles on a single device under the 'One Family – One App' concept?
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Correct answer: D — Five
PIB (MeitY): it allows management of up to five Aadhaar profiles on a single device.
Who dedicated the new Aadhaar App to the nation on 28 January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Jitin Prasada
PIB (MeitY): Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics & IT Jitin Prasada dedicated the new Aadhaar App to the nation.
Which freedom fighter, popularly called 'Punjab Kesari', was remembered on his birth anniversary on 28 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lala Lajpat Rai
PIB (PMO): the PM paid tributes to Punjab Kesari Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary on 28 January 2026.
Which of the following was NOT part of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron that held a PASSEX with HTMS Huahin off Phuket on 28 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — INS Vikrant
PIB (Defence): 1TS comprised INS Tir, INS Sujata, INS Shardul and ICGS Sarathi.
A January 2026 study found that dust storms from western India carry airborne pathogens to Eastern Himalayan hilltops. Which institute carried out this study?
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Correct answer: B — Bose Institute
PIB (DST): researchers from Bose Institute, an autonomous institute of DST, conducted the study, published in Science of the Total Environment.
The conclusion of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement was announced on 27 January 2026 at which India–EU Summit?
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Correct answer: C — 16th
PIB (Commerce): announced at the 16th India–EU Summit.
Consider the following statements about the India–EU FTA concluded in January 2026: 1. Over 99% of Indian exports by trade value gain preferential access to the EU. 2. India has given the EU market access in the dairy sector. 3. Negotiations had been relaunched in 2022. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
PIB (Commerce): 99%+ exports get preferential entry; negotiations relaunched in 2022; sensitive agriculture and dairy get no market access, so statement 2 is wrong.
According to the Commerce Ministry, India's bilateral trade in goods with the EU in 2024-25 was about:
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Correct answer: C — USD 136.54 billion
PIB (Commerce): goods trade USD 136.54 billion in 2024-25 (exports USD 75.85 bn, imports USD 60.68 bn).
What is the title of the overarching document adopted at the 16th India–EU Summit in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Towards 2030: A Joint India–EU Comprehensive Strategic Agenda
PIB (PMO, List of Outcomes): 'Towards 2030: A Joint India-European Union Comprehensive Strategic Agenda' is the overarching document.
Consider the following outcomes of the 16th India–EU Summit (27 January 2026): 1. A Security and Defence Partnership 2. Constitution of a Green Hydrogen Task Force 3. India's full membership of the Horizon Europe programme Which of the above were outcomes of the summit?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (List of Outcomes): Security and Defence Partnership and a Green Hydrogen Task Force were outcomes; on Horizon Europe only exploratory talks for an association agreement were launched.
Who were the Chief Guests of India's 77th Republic Day celebrations in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen
PIB (President's Secretariat): European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were Chief Guests of the 77th Republic Day.
At India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, India and Canada launched which renewed mechanism?
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Correct answer: B — India–Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue
PIB (Petroleum): the two Ministers launched the renewed India-Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue.
Consider the following statements about the India–Canada energy meeting at IEW 2026: 1. Canada was represented by Energy Minister Timothy Hodgson. 2. It was the first high-level participation of a Canadian Cabinet Minister at IEW. 3. It followed up on the Prime Ministers' interaction at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Petroleum): Hodgson attended, marking the first high-level participation of a Canadian Cabinet Minister at IEW; it followed the PMs' interaction at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis (June 2025), not the G20.
Under the next phase of the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme, the government aims to enable at least how many fabless semiconductor companies?
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Correct answer: C — 50
PIB (MeitY): target of enabling at least 50 fabless semiconductor companies in the next phase.
Which of the following is NOT among the six key semiconductor design domains identified for the next phase of the DLI Scheme?
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Correct answer: C — Display Panels
PIB (MeitY): the six domains are Compute Systems, RF, Networking, Power Management, Sensors and Memory.
The MoU signed by the RBI with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) in January 2026 primarily aims to:
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Correct answer: A — Enable ESMA's formal recognition of CCIL and other RBI-regulated central counterparties
PIB (Finance): the primary objective is to enable formal recognition of CCIL and other RBI-regulated CCPs by ESMA.
In financial market terminology, what is CCIL, which was covered by the RBI–ESMA MoU of January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A central counterparty regulated by the RBI
PIB (Finance): the MoU covers the Clearing Corporation of India Ltd. (CCIL) and other RBI-regulated Central Counterparties.
In January 2026, the Department of Posts signed an agreement with which entity to promote citizens' access to regulated capital market services?
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Correct answer: B — Stock Holding Services Limited
PIB (Communications): DoP signed an agreement with Stock Holding Services Limited (SSL) on 27 January 2026.
The Halwa ceremony held on 27 January 2026 marks which stage of the Union Budget process?
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Correct answer: D — Final stage of Budget preparation, before the lock-in of officials
PIB (Finance): the Halwa ceremony marks the final stage of Budget preparation and precedes the lock-in of officials.
Who commanded the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path on 26 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar
PIB (Defence): the parade was commanded by Parade Commander Lt Gen Bhavnish Kumar, GOC Delhi Area; Maj Gen Navraj Dhillon was Second-in-Command.
What was showcased for the first time at the 77th Republic Day Parade (2026)?
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Correct answer: D — A phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army including an aerial component
PIB (Defence): 'For the first time, the parade will showcase a phased Battle Array Format of the Indian Army, including the aerial component.'
Consider the following about the 77th Republic Day Parade: 1. The Indian Coast Guard contingent was all-women. 2. The animal contingent included Bactrian camels and black kites. 3. Its celebrations were themed around 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB (Defence): all-women ICG contingent led by Asst Comdt Nishi Sharma; animal contingent with Bactrian camels, Zanskar ponies, black kites and dogs; parade blends 150 years of Vande Mataram.
Which organisation's contingent marched in India's Republic Day Parade for the first time in 2026, carrying four flags including those of EU Naval Force Atalanta and Aspides?
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Correct answer: D — European Union
PIB (Defence): the EU contingent carried the flags of the EU, EU Military Staff, EU Naval Force Atalanta and EU Naval Force Aspides; the President's Secretariat called it the first EU participation in Republic Day.
In which capacity did India participate in Gulfood 2026, the world's largest annual food and beverage trade exhibition?
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Correct answer: A — Country Partner
PIB (Commerce): India marked its presence at Gulfood 2026 as the Country Partner.
Under which APEDA initiative did eight Indian agri-food startups showcase innovations at Gulfood 2026?
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Correct answer: A — BHARATI
PIB (Commerce): eight Indian startups showcased agri-food innovation under APEDA's BHARATI initiative.
Which party claimed victory in Myanmar's 2025-26 election, the first since the 2021 military coup?
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Correct answer: B — Union Solidarity and Development Party
AP and DVB: the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed victory.
Myanmar's 2025-26 election was held in how many phases?
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Correct answer: C — Three
DVB: rounds on 28 December and 11 January, and the third and final round on 25 January; AP also describes three phases.
On which date was the third and final round of voting held in Myanmar's 2025-26 election?
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Correct answer: C — 25 January 2026
DVB: the third and final round of voting was on 25 January; AP reported the USDP's victory claim the next day.
The LR-AShM showcased by DRDO at the 2026 Republic Day parade is best described as:
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Correct answer: D — A hypersonic glide missile for the Indian Navy's coastal batteries
PIB (Defence): LR-AShM is a hypersonic glide missile designed to meet the coastal battery requirements of the Indian Navy.
According to DRDO, the LR-AShM begins at about Mach 10. What average speed does it maintain with multiple skips?
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Correct answer: C — Mach 5
PIB (Defence): hypersonic speeds starting at Mach 10 and maintaining average Mach 5.0 with multiple skips.
Which of the following systems was NOT listed among those displayed on the MHA tableau on new criminal laws at Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — CCTNS 3.0
PIB (MHA): the tableau displayed e-Sakshya, e-Summons, Nyaya Shruti, NAFIS and ICJS.
In the context of India's criminal justice technology shown on the MHA tableau, NAFIS stands for:
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Correct answer: A — National Automated Fingerprint Identification System
NAFIS is the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System, displayed on the MHA tableau along with e-Sakshya, e-Summons, Nyaya Shruti and ICJS (PIB, MHA).
Who was awarded the Ashoka Chakra on the eve of Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
PIB (Defence): the lone Ashoka Chakra went to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the IAF; the other three received the Kirti Chakra.
How many Kirti Chakras were approved on the eve of Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Three
PIB: the 70 gallantry awards include one Ashoka Chakra, three Kirti Chakras and 13 Shaurya Chakras.
Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K and Roopa A of the Indian Navy were among the Republic Day 2026 recipients of which award?
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Correct answer: C — Shaurya Chakra
PIB (Defence): Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A (Navy) are listed under the Shaurya Chakra.
How many Padma Vibhushan awards were announced for 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5
PIB (MHA): the 131 Padma Awards for 2026 comprise 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri.
Which of the following received the Padma Vibhushan 2026 posthumously?
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Correct answer: A — V S Achuthanandan
PIB: V S Achuthanandan (Public Affairs, Kerala) and Dharmendra Singh Deol received Padma Vibhushan posthumously; Shibu Soren, Piyush Pandey and V K Malhotra received Padma Bhushan posthumously.
Consider the following about the Padma Awards 2026: 1. 19 of the awardees are women. 2. 16 awards are posthumous. 3. Cricketer Rohit Sharma received the Padma Bhushan. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: 19 awardees are women and 16 are posthumous. Rohit Sharma (Sports, Maharashtra) is in the Padma Shri list, not Padma Bhushan.
Sir Mark Tully, who died in January 2026, was widely known as the 'voice of India' of which broadcaster?
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Correct answer: C — BBC
AP, The Hindu and BBC: Mark Tully, long-time BBC correspondent and New Delhi bureau chief, was known as the BBC's 'voice of India'.
In which city was journalist Mark Tully born?
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Correct answer: A — Kolkata
AP and The Hindu: Tully was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935.
Of the 125 Medals for Gallantry announced for Republic Day 2026, the largest number were for actions in which region?
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Correct answer: C — Jammu & Kashmir
PIB (MHA): 45 gallantry medals were for Jammu & Kashmir, 35 for LWE-affected areas, 5 for the North-East and 40 for other regions.
How many personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence and Correctional Services were awarded medals on Republic Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 982
PIB (MHA): 982 personnel were awarded — 125 Medals for Gallantry, 101 President's Medals for Distinguished Service and 756 Medals for Meritorious Service.
The SAARG committee constituted by PFRDA in January 2026 is chaired by:
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Correct answer: A — Narayan Ramachandran
PIB (Finance): SAARG is chaired by Narayan Ramachandran, former Country Head and CEO of Morgan Stanley India.
In PFRDA's SAARG committee, what does 'SAARG' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance
PIB: PFRDA constituted a committee of investment experts for Strategic Asset Allocation and Risk Governance (SAARG).