HPSC HCS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Exercise Khaan Quest 2026, for which an Indian Army contingent departed on 18 June 2026, is being held in which country?
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Correct answer: C — Mongolia
The exercise is scheduled from 20 June to 3 July 2026 at Five Hills Training Area, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Troops from a Battalion of which regiment lead the 40-member Indian Army contingent at Exercise Khaan Quest 2026?
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Correct answer: A — JAT Regiment
The contingent is represented by troops from a Battalion of the JAT Regiment along with personnel from other Arms and Services.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Khaan Quest: 1. It began in 2003 as a bilateral event between the USA and Mongolian Defence Forces. 2. It became a multilateral peacekeeping exercise from 2006 onwards. 3. It trains contingents for peace support operations under Chapter VI of the UN Charter only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the exercise focuses on peace support operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
In what capacity did India participate in VivaTech 2026, held in Paris in June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — AI Country Partner
India is the AI Country Partner in VivaTech 2026.
How many Indian deep-tech companies and start-ups are participating in VivaTech 2026, according to the PMO?
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Correct answer: D — Over 80
Over 80 Indian deep-tech companies and start-ups are participating, India's largest-ever presence at VivaTech.
India and France are celebrating 2026 as which of the following?
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Correct answer: A — India–France Year of Innovation
The PMO release says the two countries are celebrating 2026 as the India–France Year of Innovation.
Consider the following statements about India's engagement with VivaTech: 1. PM Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at VivaTech in 2021. 2. India was the first Country of the Year at VivaTech in 2022. 3. VivaTech has formalised collaboration with the Bengaluru Tech Summit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
All three are stated in the PMO release of 18 June 2026.
Scientists at which DST institute developed the electrolyte additive BDIM for aqueous zinc ion batteries (June 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — Institute of Nano Science and Technology
BDIM was developed by scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous institute of DST.
Consider the following statements about aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs), as described by DST in June 2026: 1. AZIBs are emerging as low-cost, safe alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. 2. Zinc dendrite growth and the hydrogen evolution reaction hinder their commercialisation. 3. The BDIM additive works by replacing the zinc anode with lithium. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: BDIM adsorbs on the zinc surface and regulates the Inner Helmholtz Plane.
Which State emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the PSS procurement approvals for pulses and oilseeds on 18 June 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is the biggest beneficiary, with moong, urad and groundnut approvals worth over ₹1,490 crore at MSP.
Under the June 2026 PSS approvals, how much moong procurement was approved for Gujarat for the Summer 2026 season?
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Correct answer: B — 18,250 MT
18,250 MT of moong was approved for Gujarat, with an MSP value of over ₹160 crore.
Consider the following statements about the PSS approvals of 18 June 2026: 1. Tamil Nadu's moong procurement limit for RMS 2025-26 was raised from 885 MT to 990 MT. 2. Haryana received approval for procurement of 2,115 MT of moong. 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 Ministry of Agriculture release.
Under the GeM–CSC MoU signed on 18 June 2026, how many GeM Suvidha Kendras will initially be set up on a pilot basis?
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Correct answer: C — 50
50 GeM Suvidha Kendras will be established initially on a pilot basis through the CSC network.
Consider the following statements about the GeM–CSC partnership: 1. The earlier GeM–CSC partnership was established in 2022 and focused mainly on seller registration and profile creation. 2. GeM functions under the Ministry of Finance. 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: GeM is the National Public Procurement Portal under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
What was India's record annual defence production in FY 2025-26, as reported by the Ministry of Defence in June 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1.78 lakh crore
Defence production reached an all-time high of ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025-26.
What was the private sector's share in India's defence production in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — 24%
The private sector contributed 24% in FY 2025-26, up from 22% in FY 2024-25.
Consider the following statements about India's defence sector in FY 2025-26: 1. Defence exports reached a record ₹38,424 crore. 2. Defence production grew 15.6% over the previous fiscal year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release.
Who was appointed Chairperson of the National Statistical Commission in June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Saibal Chattopadhyay
The ACC approved Dr. Saibal Chattopadhyay, former Director of IIM Kolkata, as NSC Chairperson.
Which body approved the appointment of the Chairperson and Members of the National Statistical Commission in June 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointments.
In which year was the National Statistical Commission (NSC) set up as the nodal body for all core statistical activities of India?
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Correct answer: A — 2005
MoSPI states that the NSC was set up in 2005.
Consider the following statements about the composition of the National Statistical Commission: 1. It has a part-time Chairperson and four part-time Members. 2. The CEO of NITI Aayog is an ex-officio Member. 3. The Secretary, MoSPI is the Secretary to the NSC. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct as stated by MoSPI.
Where was the G7 Summit held at which PM Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump on 17 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Evian, France
The two leaders met on the margins of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on 17 June 2026.
In the India–U.S. COMPACT reviewed by PM Modi and President Trump at Evian, what does the letter 'M' stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Military Partnership
COMPACT stands for Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology.
Which of the following was NOT among the four suggestions on AI made by PM Modi at the G7 outreach session in Evian on 17 June 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A global moratorium on frontier AI models
The four suggestions were safe-by-design AI; common standards, testing frameworks and regulatory guidelines; global cooperation against deepfakes, misinformation and cyber fraud; and AI benefits for the Global South. A moratorium was not proposed.
In which district of Haryana was KVIC's 'Khadi Rozgar Utsav' held at Siwani on 17 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Bhiwani
The event was held at the New Grain Market complex in Siwani, Bhiwani district, Haryana.
At the Khadi Rozgar Utsav in Siwani, the 3,645 machines and toolkits were distributed under which scheme?
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Correct answer: B — Village Industry Development Scheme (GVY)
The machines and toolkits were distributed to 972 artisans under the Village Industry Development Scheme (GVY).
According to Pralhad Joshi (June 2026), how many States have notified dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies?
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Correct answer: A — Six
Six States have notified dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies; seven others have integrated hydrogen into existing frameworks and four more are finalising policies.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, incentives have been awarded to 15 companies to set up how much indigenous electrolyser manufacturing capacity?
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Correct answer: C — 3,000 MW per annum
Financial incentives have been awarded to 15 companies to establish 3,000 MW per annum of electrolyser manufacturing capacity.
Researchers from which DST institute measured non-methane hydrocarbons at Munsyari in the Himalaya for a study released in June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
The study was by researchers from ARIES, an autonomous institute of DST.
Consider the following findings of the ARIES study at Munsyari: 1. NMHC levels were significantly higher during spring and autumn than in winter and the monsoon. 2. Aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and xylene contributed strongly to ozone formation. 3. Forest fires were identified as the only dominant source of NMHCs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: fuel use (LPG and diesel), vehicular emissions and local construction were the dominant contributors.
Where did PM Narendra Modi meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on 16 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Evian, France, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit
The two Prime Ministers met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on 16 June 2026.
According to the PMO (June 2026), when did Canadian PM Mark Carney visit India?
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Correct answer: D — March 2026
The leaders noted progress since PM Carney's visit to India in March 2026.
What was the title of the G7 outreach session at Evian that PM Modi addressed on 16 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity
On 16 June 2026 PM Modi addressed the session 'Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity'.
At the G7 outreach session in Evian (16 June 2026), PM Modi cited which of the following as examples of India's 'humanity first' approach? 1. International Solar Alliance 2. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 3. Global Biofuel Alliance Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PM Modi cited the International Solar Alliance, CDRI, Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa ke Naam.
The District Collectors' Peyjal Samvad, whose 9th edition was held on 16 June 2026, is organised by which department?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti
The Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, organised the 9th Peyjal Samvad.
Consider the following statements about Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, as described at the 9th Peyjal Samvad: 1. Its focus has moved beyond infrastructure creation to reliable service delivery, sustainability and community ownership. 2. Districts are expected to hold District Water and Sanitation Mission meetings only once a year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Secretary stressed holding DWSM meetings every month.
Where was the 10th Thailand–India Defence Dialogue held on 16 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Bangkok
The 10th Thailand–India Defence Dialogue took place in Bangkok on 16 June 2026.
Which edition of the Thailand–India Defence Dialogue was held in June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 10th
The dialogue held in Bangkok on 16 June 2026 was the 10th edition.
Young representatives from how many universities and institutions took part in the national level of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 757
Young representatives selected from 757 universities and institutions presented their ideas.
Under NHAI's shift to predictive asset management (June 2026), which equipment is used to assess the structural health of pavements and detect weakening sections?
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Correct answer: B — Falling Weight Deflectometer
NHAI uses Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) testing to assess the structural health of pavements before visible failures emerge.
What is the base year of the new Wholesale Price Index (WPI) series released on 15 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 2022-23
The revised WPI series has base year 2022-23 and replaces the 2011-12 series.
How many items does the new WPI series (base 2022-23) cover?
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Correct answer: A — 957
The number of items has increased from 697 in the 2011-12 series to 957.
Which office compiles and releases the Wholesale Price Index in India?
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Correct answer: B — Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT
The Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT, released the revised WPI series.
Consider the following statements about the revised WPI and the new Producer Price Indices (June 2026): 1. Weights in the WPI 2022-23 series are based on Gross Value of Output instead of Net Traded Value. 2. WPI will be released along with PPI for five years and discontinued thereafter. 3. Service PPIs have been compiled for seven services and are released on a quarterly basis. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are stated in the DPIIT release. The shift from WPI to PPI follows IMF recommendations.
Which honour did Slovak President Peter Pellegrini confer on PM Narendra Modi on 15 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Order of the White Double Cross, First Class
President Pellegrini conferred Slovakia's highest State honour, the Order of the White Double Cross, First Class.
To which level did India and Slovakia elevate their relationship during PM Modi's visit on 15 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Comprehensive Partnership
The two Prime Ministers agreed to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership.
At whose invitation did PM Narendra Modi pay the State Visit to Slovakia in June 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Prime Minister Robert Fico
The joint statement says the visit was at the invitation of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Consider the following statements about India–Slovakia relations: 1. The June 2026 visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Slovakia since its independence in 1993. 2. India and Slovakia established diplomatic relations in 1993. 3. The Order of the White Double Cross was conferred on PM Modi by Prime Minister Robert Fico. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are in the joint statement. Statement 3 is wrong: the honour was conferred by President Peter Pellegrini.
Kavach installation sanctioned in June 2026 for the balance sections of Northern Railway's Ambala Division covers how many route kilometres?
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Correct answer: A — 811 route km
The Ambala Division project covers 811 route km at a cost of ₹201 crore.
Which of the following routes is covered by the Kavach work sanctioned for the Ambala Division in June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Kalka–Chandigarh–New Morinda–Sahnewal
The release lists Kalka–Chandigarh–New Morinda–Sahnewal among the covered routes, along with Ambala Cantonment–Ludhiana and others.
India's cumulative exports (merchandise and services) for April–May 2026-27 are estimated at about how much?
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Correct answer: A — US$ 162.69 billion
Cumulative exports for April–May 2026-27 are estimated at US$ 162.69 billion, up 14.66% from US$ 141.89 billion.
Among the major drivers of merchandise export growth in May 2026, which category recorded the highest growth rate over May 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Petroleum Products
Petroleum products exports grew 54.89%, ahead of engineering goods (24.48%), chemicals (12.71%), electronics (11.62%) and gems & jewellery (6.66%).
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin, what was the Labour Force Participation Rate (15+ years) in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 54.4%
LFPR for persons aged 15 years and above was 54.4% in May 2026 (CWS).
In the PLFS, the Current Weekly Status (CWS) of a person is determined on the basis of which reference period?
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Correct answer: D — Last 7 days preceding the survey
CWS is the activity status based on a reference period of the last 7 days preceding the date of survey.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS monthly bulletin for May 2026: 1. The Worker Population Ratio (15+ years) was 51.4%. 2. The unemployment rate (15+ years) in urban areas declined to 6.4%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both figures are given in the MoSPI release on the May 2026 bulletin.
Where did PM Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron hold official talks on 14 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Villa Kerylos, Nice
The talks were held at Villa Kerylos in Nice on 14 June 2026.
The Joint India–France AI Working Group created during PM Modi's June 2026 visit to France is focused on which area?
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Correct answer: C — AI governance
The list of outcomes mentions a Joint India–France AI Working Group focused on AI governance.
Under the outcomes of PM Modi's June 2026 visit to France, how many additional Indian start-ups will be incubated at Station F?
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Correct answer: D — 10
The outcomes include incubation of an additional 10 Indian start-ups at Station F.
Consider the following statements about India–France relations: 1. India–France ties were elevated to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' on 17 February 2026. 2. The India–France Year of Innovation 2026 was jointly inaugurated by PM Modi and President Macron. 3. The Nice talks of 14 June 2026 were the second meeting of the two leaders since the elevation of ties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are in the Innovation Roadmap 2030 text. Statement 3 is wrong: the PMO says the Nice talks were the first meeting since the elevation.
The Letter of Intent between ISRO and CNES signed during PM Modi's June 2026 France visit concerns cooperation in which field?
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Correct answer: C — Microgravity research and human space exploration
The ISRO–CNES Letter of Intent concerns cooperation in microgravity research and human space exploration.
Where was the maiden edition of Bharat Innovates 2026 inaugurated on 14 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Palais des Expositions, Nice
PM Modi and President Macron inaugurated Bharat Innovates 2026 at the Palais des Expositions, Nice.
Bharat Innovates 2026 was organised by the Government of India as an initiative of which ministry?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Education
Bharat Innovates was organised as an initiative of the Union Ministry of Education.
How many deep-tech start-ups were presented at Bharat Innovates 2026 in Nice?
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Correct answer: A — 120
Bharat Innovates presented 120 start-ups and over 20 Institutes of Excellence across 13 technology pillars.
Consider the following statements about Bharat Innovates 2026: 1. The Nice event was the first Bharat Innovates held outside India. 2. It is a three-day event. 3. It showcases innovations across 13 critical technology pillars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
All three are stated in the PMO and Ministry of Education releases of 14 June 2026.
According to the Department of Fertilizers (June 2026), India's domestic urea production reached an all-time high of how much in 2023-24?
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Correct answer: B — 314.07 LMT
Urea production rose from 225 LMT in 2014-15 to a record 314.07 LMT in 2023-24.
Consider the following statements based on the Department of Fertilizers note of June 2026: 1. Six new mega urea plants set up since 2014 have added annual capacity of 76.2 LMT. 2. P&K fertiliser manufacturing reached a record 211.22 LMT in 2024-25. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both figures are given in the Department of Fertilizers release.
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (June 2026), the National Highway network grew from about 91,287 km in 2014 to over how many km in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — 1,46,572 km
The network grew to over 1,46,572 km in FY 2025-26, nearly 61% more than in 2014.
What is the planned length of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, set to become India's longest access-controlled expressway?
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Correct answer: A — About 1,386 km
The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway has a planned length of about 1,386 km and an estimated cost of around ₹1 lakh crore.
Consider the following statements about the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway and highway construction: 1. The first completed section of the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, the 246-km Delhi–Dausa–Lalsot stretch, was inaugurated on 12 February 2023. 2. National Highway construction pace reached nearly 34 km per day in 2025. 3. The Delhi–Mumbai Expressway passes through Punjab. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the expressway connects Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.
How many verified viewers did the Ministry of Ayush record when it set the Guinness World Record for a YouTube live Yoga stream in June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 4,35,831
The Ministry recorded 4,35,831 verified viewers.
Consider the following statements about the Ministry of Ayush Guinness World Record of June 2026: 1. The previous record of 2,46,252 viewers had been set in 2024. 2. The record attempt was part of outreach for International Day of Yoga 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the Ministry of Ayush release.
Consider the following statements about the India–France ATL Bridge (June 2026): 1. It was launched by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and La Fondation Dassault Systèmes. 2. It establishes the first School Innovation Lab in France, inspired by India's Atal Tinkering Lab framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the NITI Aayog release of 14 June 2026.
Who has been appointed the next Chief of the Army Staff with effect from 30 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth
The Government appointed Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Army Staff, as the next Chief from the afternoon of 30 June 2026.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, the Chief of the Army Staff-designate, was commissioned in December 1986 into which arm?
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Correct answer: D — Armoured Corps
He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps in December 1986.
As an Army Commander, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth earned the rare distinction of commanding which two operational Army Commands?
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Correct answer: A — South Western Command and Southern Command
He commanded South Western Command and Southern Command for over two and a half years.
Consider the following statements: 1. Under Article 53(2) of the Constitution, the supreme command of the Defence Forces of the Union is vested in the President. 2. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth was serving as Vice Chief of the Army Staff when appointed the next Army Chief. 3. General Upendra Dwivedi retires on 30 June 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is from Article 53(2). Statements 2 and 3 are in the Ministry of Defence release of 13 June 2026.
According to Dr Jitendra Singh (June 2026), the number of start-ups in India has grown from around 350 to about how many?
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Correct answer: A — 2.3 lakh
Start-ups grew from around 350 to about 2.3 lakh ventures.
Consider the following statements based on Dr Jitendra Singh's remarks of 13 June 2026: 1. India's start-up movement has created nearly 24–25 lakh jobs over the last decade. 2. India is the world's second-largest start-up ecosystem. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the release calls India the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem.
Under which provision has the National Biodiversity Authority reconstituted its Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity (June 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
The committee was reconstituted under Section 13(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, for one year.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's Expert Committee on Agrobiodiversity (June 2026): 1. It has been reconstituted for a period of one year. 2. Dr P. L. Gautam, a former Chairperson of both the NBA and PPVFRA, is its Chair. 3. The Chairperson of PPVFRA serves as its Co-Chair. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are stated in the Ministry of Environment release. The committee has advised the NBA since 2005.