HSSC CET Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
According to the Prime Minister, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker's visit to India in April 2026 was the first by an Austrian Chancellor in how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 40 years
The Prime Minister said the Austrian Chancellor's visit to India came after 40 years.
During the Austrian Chancellor's visit in April 2026, FSSAI signed a food safety MoU with which Austrian agency?
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Correct answer: A — AGES
The MoU on food safety was between AGES, Austria and FSSAI, India.
Consider the following statements about the India–Austria outcomes of April 2026: 1. A Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Military Matters builds on the India–EU Defence and Security Partnership signed on 27 January 2026. 2. The two countries signed a Free Trade Agreement during the visit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the list of outcomes contains no bilateral FTA; it includes a Fast Track Mechanism for Indian and Austrian companies.
With which two regulators did FIU-India sign separate MoUs on 16 April 2026 to combat money laundering?
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Correct answer: B — SEBI and PFRDA
FIU-IND signed separate MoUs with SEBI and PFRDA.
The FIU-IND MoUs of April 2026 state that information exchange with foreign financial intelligence units will follow which principles?
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Correct answer: C — Egmont Principles of Information Exchange
The MoUs will assist exchange of information with foreign FIUs through the Egmont Principles of Information Exchange.
In their phone call of 16 April 2026, PM Modi and President Macron agreed on the need to restore freedom of navigation in which waterway?
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Correct answer: D — Strait of Hormuz
The leaders agreed on the urgent need to restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Who chairs the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) constituted by MeitY in April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Ashwini Vaishnaw
The AIGEG is chaired by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with MoS Jitin Prasada as Vice Chairperson.
The constitution of the AIGEG gives formal effect to institutional recommendations made in which two documents?
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Correct answer: B — AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey
MeitY says the AIGEG gives effect to recommendations in India's AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey.
What is the total central assistance under the Urban Challenge Fund, whose Operational Guidelines were launched on 15 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1 lakh crore
The UCF has central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore; ₹4 lakh crore is the total urban investment it aims to catalyse.
Consider the following statements about the Urban Challenge Fund: 1. Central assistance is limited to 25% of project cost. 2. At least 50% of project funding is to be mobilised through municipal bonds, bank loans and public-private partnerships. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per MoHUA.
How much of the Urban Challenge Fund outlay is earmarked for the Credit Repayment Guarantee Sub-Scheme (CRGSS)?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,000 crore
₹5,000 crore is earmarked for the CRGSS; another ₹5,000 crore is for project preparation and capacity building, and ₹90,000 crore for projects.
Consider the following statements about Census 2027: 1. Data collected under the Census Act, 1948 remains confidential and is used only for statistical purposes and development planning. 2. The Self-Enumeration window before field operations lasts 30 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct per MHA. Statement 2 is wrong: the Self-Enumeration period is 15 days; the 30-day period is for house-to-house field operations.
Under which law is data collected in Census 2027 kept confidential?
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Correct answer: B — Census Act, 1948
MHA states that all data collected under the Census Act, 1948 remains strictly confidential.
Houselisting field operations of Census 2027 began on 16 April 2026 in a set of States/UTs. Which of the following was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: D — Bihar
The first group was A&N Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha and Sikkim, plus NDMC and Delhi Cantonment. In Bihar, only the Self-Enumeration window was to start, on 17 April.
Which two new priority areas did India introduce at the first BRICS Health Working Group meeting of 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Healthy Lifestyle and Promotion of Mental Wellness
India added 'Healthy Lifestyle' and 'Promotion of Mental Wellness'; the TB Research Network and evidence-based traditional medicine are continuing priorities.
India's theme for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and ______'. Fill in the blank.
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Correct answer: B — Sustainability
The theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', as stated by the Health Ministry.
Under the DoT–SEBI MoU of April 2026, DoT will automatically share the 'MNRL' with SEBI. What does MNRL stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Mobile Number Revocation List
MNRL is the Mobile Number Revocation List, which lets SEBI-regulated entities ensure investor accounts are linked only to active, valid mobile connections.
Consider the following statements about the DoT–SEBI MoU signed on 15 April 2026: 1. DoT will share its Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) with SEBI to help identify mobile numbers linked to suspicious patterns. 2. The data exchange will run through DoT's Digital Intelligence Platform, which connects more than 1,400 stakeholders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the DoT release.
What was the annual rate of inflation based on the All India Wholesale Price Index for March 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: C — 3.88%
WPI inflation was 3.88% in March 2026; 2.13% was February, 1.68% January, and 6.36% was the Primary Articles group.
Arrange the following major groups of the WPI (base 2011-12) in descending order of their weight: 1. Primary Articles 2. Fuel and Power 3. Manufactured Products Select the correct answer:
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Correct answer: D — 3 – 1 – 2
Weights given in the March 2026 release: Manufactured Products 64.23%, Primary Articles 22.62%, Fuel and Power 13.15%.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, India's total exports (merchandise and services) in FY 2025-26 were estimated at about:
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Correct answer: A — US$ 860 billion
Total exports in FY 2025-26 are estimated at US$ 860.09 billion; US$ 825.26 billion was the FY 2024-25 figure and US$ 441.78 billion was merchandise alone.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 April 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in FY 2025-26 grew faster than total exports. 2. Services figures for March 2026 are estimates, because the latest RBI services data is for February 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: merchandise exports grew 0.93% while total exports grew 4.22%. Statement 2 is correct per the release's note.
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin for March 2026, the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above (CWS) was:
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Correct answer: A — 5.1%
MoSPI put the overall unemployment rate at 5.1% in March 2026.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS monthly bulletin for March 2026: 1. The March 2026 bulletin was the first in the monthly PLFS series. 2. Female LFPR in urban areas was higher than in rural areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The March 2026 bulletin is the twelfth in the series, and urban female LFPR (25.2%) was lower than rural female LFPR (38.9%).
Which birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was observed on 14 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 135th
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment marked the 135th birth anniversary.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, which organised the Ambedkar Jayanti event at Prerna Sthal, functions under which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
PIB states the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Consider the following statements: 1. Prerna Sthal, where the 135th Ambedkar Jayanti tributes were paid, is in the Parliament House premises in New Delhi. 2. The Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: PIB places Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House premises and names Dr. Virendra Kumar as Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
During their phone call on 14 April 2026, PM Modi and US President Trump committed to strengthening which India–US partnership?
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Correct answer: D — Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
The PMO release refers to the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the Modi–Trump phone conversation of 14 April 2026: 1. The call was made by President Trump to Prime Minister Modi. 2. The leaders stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Malacca open and secure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the PM 'received a call' from President Trump. Statement 2 is wrong: the leaders referred to the Strait of Hormuz, in the context of West Asia.
Under the National Highways Fee (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, up to what level of excess load is no overload fee charged?
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Correct answer: B — 10%
No overload fee is charged for excess load up to 10%.
Under the revised rules effective 15 April 2026, a vehicle carrying more than 40% excess load on a National Highway is charged:
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Correct answer: C — Four times the base rate
Above 40% excess load, the fee is four times the base rate; over 10% and up to 40% it is twice the base rate.
Consider the following statements about the overload fee rules for National Highways notified in April 2026: 1. Overload fees are to be collected only through FASTag. 2. Where a fee plaza has no weighment facility, the overload fee is charged on the vehicle's declared Gross Vehicle Weight. 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: where weighment facilities are not available at a fee plaza, no overload fee is levied.
According to IMD's first-stage forecast of April 2026, the 2026 southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be what percentage of the Long Period Average?
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Correct answer: D — 92%
IMD forecast 92% of the LPA with a model error of ±5%, which falls in the below-normal category.
The Long Period Average of India's southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall used by IMD in 2026 is:
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Correct answer: A — 87 cm, based on 1971–2020
IMD states the LPA of seasonal rainfall over the country, based on 1971–2020, is 87 cm.
Consider the following statements from IMD's April 2026 monsoon forecast: 1. The Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System suggests El Niño conditions may develop during the southwest monsoon season. 2. Indian Ocean Dipole conditions are currently neutral, and positive IOD conditions are likely to develop towards the end of the season. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per IMD.
What is the total corpus of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 notified on 13 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹10,000 crore
The scheme has a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore.
Consider the following statements about Startup India FoF 2.0: 1. It builds on the Fund of Funds for Startups launched in 2016 under the Startup India Action Plan. 2. SIDBI will operationalise the scheme as the Implementation Agency from the date of notification. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The commitments under Startup India FoF 2.0 to eligible Alternative Investment Funds are spread across which Finance Commission cycles?
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Correct answer: B — 16th and 17th
The corpus is for commitments to eligible AIFs spread across the 16th and 17th Finance Commission cycles.
The e-SafeHER programme launched on 13 April 2026 aims to reach how many women in rural India?
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Correct answer: B — One million over three years
e-SafeHER aims to reach one million women across India over three years.
Consider the following statements about e-SafeHER: 1. It is anchored under MeitY's Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme. 2. It is being delivered jointly by C-DAC Bengaluru and Reliance Foundation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the C-DAC partner is C-DAC Hyderabad.
What was the All India CPI (Combined) inflation rate for March 2026 (provisional), on base year 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 3.40%
Combined CPI inflation was 3.40%; 3.21% was February, 3.87% food inflation and 3.63% rural inflation.
The CPI data released by MoSPI on 13 April 2026 for March 2026 uses which base year?
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Correct answer: D — 2024
The release is for the Consumer Price Index on base 2024=100.
Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation at the All India combined level in March 2026 (CPI base 2024)?
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Correct answer: A — Silver jewellery
Silver jewellery topped at 148.61%, followed by gold/diamond/platinum jewellery (45.92%), copra (45.52%) and tomato (35.99%).
How many railway projects were sanctioned by Indian Railways in FY 2025–26, as per the Ministry of Railways?
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Correct answer: B — 100
100 projects worth ₹1.53 lakh crore covering over 6,000 km were sanctioned in FY 2025–26.
The Rowghat–Jagdalpur railway line, highlighted as a tribal-area connectivity project among FY 2025–26 sanctions, is in which State?
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Correct answer: C — Chhattisgarh
The Rowghat–Jagdalpur line is in Chhattisgarh.
Consider the following statements about railway project sanctions: 1. In FY 2024–25, 64 projects worth ₹72,869 crore were sanctioned. 2. Among States, Bihar received the highest number of projects sanctioned in FY 2025–26. 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: Maharashtra had the most projects (17), followed by Bihar (11).
Which department issued the D.O. letter of 9 January 2026 asking States to align their crop bonus policies to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets?
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Correct answer: C — Department of Expenditure
The letter was issued by the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
Consider the following statements about the Department of Expenditure's January 2026 letter to States: 1. It was a binding directive requiring States to withdraw bonuses on wheat and paddy. 2. It asked States to align their bonus policies to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the Ministry said the letter was an advisory and not a directive. Statement 2 is correct.
Exercise DUSTLIK, whose 7th edition began in April 2026, is a joint military exercise between India and:
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Correct answer: C — Uzbekistan
DUSTLIK is the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise.
The Indian Army personnel at Exercise DUSTLIK 2026 are mainly from a battalion of which regiment?
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Correct answer: D — MAHAR Regiment
The 45 Army personnel are mainly from a battalion of the MAHAR Regiment; 15 personnel are from the IAF.
Consider the following statements about Exercise DUSTLIK: 1. It is a yearly exercise conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan. 2. Its previous edition was held at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune), in April 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Defence.
Péter Magyar, who won Hungary's parliamentary election on 12 April 2026, leads which party?
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Correct answer: A — Tisza Party
Péter Magyar leads the Tisza Party, which won the election.
How many seats does Hungary's parliament have, as per the reported 2026 election results?
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Correct answer: D — 199
Preliminary results projected 138 of the 199 seats for Tisza.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Hungarian election: 1. The final count reduced the Tisza Party's tally below the preliminary figure. 2. In his congratulatory message, PM Narendra Modi referred to the India-EU Strategic Partnership. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Reuters reported that the final count increased Tisza's majority. Statement 2 is correct.
The 200th birth anniversary commemoration that began on 11 April 2026 honours which social reformer?
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Correct answer: A — Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
The commemoration marks the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827–1890).
Where were floral tributes to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule offered for the first time within Parliament premises on 11 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Prerna Sthal
For the first time, floral tributes were offered at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House Complex.
Consider the following statements about the Phule 200th birth anniversary commemoration: 1. It is guided by a High-Level Committee chaired by the Prime Minister. 2. It was approved by a National Implementation Committee chaired by the Union Home Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: a 126-member High-Level Committee chaired by the PM guides it, and the NIC chaired by the Home Minister approved it on 6 April 2026.
Which organisation is the nodal agency for the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule 200th birth anniversary commemorative initiative?
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Correct answer: D — Dr. Ambedkar Foundation
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is the nodal agency, with activities anchored at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre.
According to the Fisheries Minister at the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026, India's seafood exports this year are approximately:
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Correct answer: D — ₹68,000 crore
Exports grew from ₹62,000 crore last year to about ₹68,000 crore this year.
Consider the following statements about India's seafood exports as stated at the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026: 1. Growth was driven largely by strong performance in non-US markets. 2. The net increase over last year was about ₹6,000 crore. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Which India-flagged LPG vessel, carrying about 20,400 MT of LPG, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz as reported on 11 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Jag Vikram
The India-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram, carrying about 20,400 MT of LPG, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
As part of LPG demand rationalisation during the West Asia situation, the urban LPG booking interval was increased:
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Correct answer: B — From 21 to 25 days
The booking interval was increased from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas.
Under which instruments are State Governments empowered to act against hoarding and black marketing of petroleum products, as cited in the 11 April 2026 update?
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Correct answer: C — Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000
States are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the LPG Control Order, 2000.
What is the notified threshold value for haematite iron ore, below which mined material can be discarded as waste?
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Correct answer: C — 45% Fe (min.)
The notified threshold value for haematite iron ore is 45% Fe (min.).
Under the Mineral Concession (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, the average sale price of haematite iron ore of 35% to below 45% Fe grade will be what percentage of the ASP of the 45% to below 51% Fe grade?
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Correct answer: B — 75%
For 35% to below 45% Fe, the ASP is 75% of the ASP of the 45% to below 51% Fe grade; for below 35% Fe, it is 50%.
Consider the following statements about the April 2026 amendment to the Mineral Concession rules: 1. Banded Haematite Quartzite (BHQ) and Banded Haematite Jasper (BHJ) are covered by the new ASP methodology. 2. If processing of run-of-mine lowers its economic value, royalty is charged on lumps and fines after initial screening of unprocessed run-of-mine. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Mines.
Which hydropower project in Bhutan, described as the largest India-Bhutan joint hydropower venture, marked the pour of concrete of its dam on 10 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Punatsangchhu-I
The dam concrete pour ceremony was held at Punatsangchhu-I, the largest joint hydropower venture between the two countries.
The Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project in Bhutan was jointly inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on:
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Correct answer: D — 11 November 2025
Punatsangchhu-II was jointly inaugurated on 11 November 2025.
From 10 April 2026, user fee at National Highway fee plazas is to be paid only through:
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Correct answer: A — FASTag or UPI
Payments are processed exclusively through FASTag or UPI.
The digital-only toll collection from 10 April 2026 was NOT implemented in which of the following, due to the Model Code of Conduct?
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Correct answer: B — Puducherry
It was not implemented in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and the UT of Puducherry due to the Model Code of Conduct.
The NHAI-WII report on wildlife use of animal underpasses on the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, released in April 2026, is titled:
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Correct answer: C — Landscapes Reconnected
The report is titled 'Landscapes Reconnected'.
The NHAI-WII wildlife study on the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor was conducted along which stretch?
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Correct answer: B — Ganeshpur–Asharodi
The study covered an 18 km stretch between Ganeshpur and Asharodi.
According to MoSPI's April 2026 pilot study, about how many households undertook own-account construction for their own use during the 365-day reference period?
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Correct answer: B — 98.54 lakh
An estimated 98.54 lakh households undertook own-account construction; 10.27 lakh is the number of unincorporated construction agencies.
Consider the following statements about MoSPI's pilot study on unincorporated construction: 1. About 77% of unincorporated construction agencies engaged at least one hired worker on a fairly regular basis. 2. Nearly 23% of rural households doing own-account construction availed institutional funding. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per MoSPI.