KPSC (Karnataka) Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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).
What was the theme of the 16th National Voters' Day (2026)?
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Correct answer: D — My India, My Vote
PIB (ECI): NVD-2026 was celebrated with the theme "My India, My Vote" and the tagline "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy".
Who was the Guest of Honour at the 16th National Voters' Day celebration in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: A — Arjun Ram Meghwal
PIB (ECI): Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal was Guest of Honour; President Droupadi Murmu was Chief Guest; CEC Gyanesh Kumar led the event.
The Indian Navy's First Training Squadron made a three-day port call in January 2026 at which Indonesian port?
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Correct answer: B — Belawan
PIB (Defence): 1TS departed Belawan on 23 January 2026 after a three-day port call; the reception was co-hosted with the Consulate General of India, Medan.
Which of the following was NOT part of the First Training Squadron during its January 2026 Indonesia visit?
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Correct answer: D — INS Vikrant
PIB (Defence): the 1TS ships were INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi; INS Vikrant was not part of it.
In the 130th Mann Ki Baat (January 2026), the PM praised the people-led revival of the Tamsa river. The river flows through which district?
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Correct answer: D — Azamgarh
PIB (PMO): the PM said the revival of the Tamsa river passing through Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is a remarkable example of public participation.
Which slogan did the PM use in the 130th Mann Ki Baat while calling for 2026 to be about quality?
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Correct answer: B — Zero Defect, Zero Effect
PIB (PMO): 'Let us make 2026 about quality. Let us focus on Zero Defect, Zero Effect. Let us ensure, Made in India = Excellence.'
Approximately how many appointment letters were distributed at the 18th Rozgar Mela on 24 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Over 61,000
PIB (PMO): more than sixty-one thousand young people received appointment letters for government services at the 18th Rozgar Mela.
At the 18th Rozgar Mela, the PM recalled that 24 January marks the adoption of which of the following?
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Correct answer: D — Jana Gana Mana as National Anthem and Vande Mataram as National Song
PIB (PMO): the PM said that on this day the Constitution adopted 'Jana Gana Mana' as the National Anthem and 'Vande Mataram' as the National Song.
The Second Global Buddhist Summit (January 2026) was held at:
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat addressed the inaugural session of the Second Global Buddhist Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
According to the Culture Minister, the Piprahwa relics were repatriated to India after how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 127
PIB (Culture): Shekhawat recalled the Piprahwa relics, repatriated to India after 127 years.
The exhibition 'The Light & The Lotus: Relics of The Awakened One' is on display at which venue in New Delhi?
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Correct answer: B — Rai Pithora Cultural Centre
PIB (Culture): the international exhibition is on display at the Rai Pithora Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
Veer Gatha 5.0 made its international debut with participation of how many students from CBSE schools abroad?
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Correct answer: B — 28,005
PIB (Defence): for the first time, 28,005 international students studying in CBSE schools abroad took part in Veer Gatha 5.0.
How many of the Veer Gatha 5.0 Super-100 winners are girls?
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Correct answer: C — 64
PIB (Defence): among the 100 winners, 64 are girls from different parts of the country.
Each Super-100 winner of Veer Gatha 5.0 received a cash prize of:
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Correct answer: A — ₹10,000
PIB (Defence): each winner was presented with a cash prize of ₹10,000, a medal and a certificate.
National Girl Child Day is observed in India on:
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Correct answer: B — 24 January
PIB (WCD and PMO): National Girl Child Day was observed on 24 January 2026.
Which school won the Brass Band Girls category at the National School Band Competition 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Providence Girls Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode
PIB (Defence): Providence Girls HSS, Kozhikode (Kerala) won Brass Band Girls; KGBV Kanke won Pipe Band Girls and Kairali School won Pipe Band Boys.
The Grand Finale of the National School Band Competition 2026 was held at:
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Correct answer: D — National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi
PIB (Defence): the Grand Finale was held at the National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi, on 24 January 2026.
Which institution was selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026 in the institutional category?
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Correct answer: D — Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority
PIB (MHA): the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (institutional) and Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke (individual) were selected for 2026.
Lt Col Seeta Ashok Shelke, winner of the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2026, supervised construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge at which place?
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Correct answer: A — Chooralmala, Wayanad
PIB (MHA): during the 2024 Wayanad floods and landslides, she supervised the swift construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge at Chooralmala.
Consider the following about the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar: 1. It is announced every year on 23 January. 2. 271 nominations were received for the 2026 award. 3. It is given only to individuals. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MHA): the award is announced every year on 23 January and 271 nominations were received for 2026; it has both institutional and individual categories.
The PLI Scheme for White Goods covers which two product categories?
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Correct answer: A — Air conditioners and LED lights
PIB (Commerce): the PLI Scheme for White Goods covers Air Conditioners and LED Lights.
What is the total outlay of the PLI Scheme for White Goods?
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Correct answer: D — ₹6,238 crore
PIB: the Cabinet approved the scheme on 7 April 2021 with an outlay of ₹6,238 crore; ₹11,198 crore is the expected investment by 85 companies.
What was the title of the tri-services tableau at the 77th Republic Day Parade?
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Correct answer: A — Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness
PIB (Defence): the tri-service tableau was titled 'Operation Sindoor: Victory Through Jointness'.
Which loitering munition is depicted in the strike segment of the Operation Sindoor tri-services tableau?
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Correct answer: B — HAROP
PIB (Defence): at the heart of the tableau, a HAROP loitering munition is shown eliminating the adversary's targets.
IICDEM 2026, hosted by the Election Commission of India, concluded with the adoption of which document?
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Correct answer: D — Delhi Declaration 2026
PIB (ECI): IICDEM 2026 concluded at Bharat Mandapam with the unanimous adoption of the Delhi Declaration 2026.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five pillars of the Delhi Declaration 2026 adopted at IICDEM?
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Correct answer: C — Campaign Finance Regulation
PIB (ECI): the five pillars are Purity of Electoral Rolls, Conduct of Elections, Research and Publications, Use of Technology, and Training and Capacity Building.
Heads of how many Election Management Bodies attended the closing session of IICDEM 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 42
PIB (ECI): heads of 42 EMBs, experts from over 70 national institutions and 36 CEOs of States/UTs were present.
The third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) was held in January 2026 at:
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Correct answer: C — Kochi
PIB (Shipping): IWDC 3.0 concluded in Kochi, Kerala, on 23 January 2026.
Among the new projects presented at IWDC 3.0, how many jetties are planned in the North-East?
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Correct answer: C — 85
PIB (Shipping): the projects include 110 jetties — 25 in Odisha and 85 in the North-East.
Granth Kutir, inaugurated at Rashtrapati Bhavan in January 2026, has books in how many classical languages of India?
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Correct answer: C — 11
PIB (President's Secretariat): Granth Kutir has about 2,300 books in 11 classical languages of India.
Which of the following languages was NOT among those granted classical language status on 3 October 2024?
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Correct answer: D — Odia
PIB: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali got classical status on 3 October 2024; Odia was among the six that already had it.
Which institution is providing professional expertise for managing and conserving manuscripts at Granth Kutir?
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Correct answer: A — Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
PIB: the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) provides expertise in management, conservation, documentation and display of manuscripts.
According to Nitin Gadkari (January 2026), which radio frequency has DoT allocated for developing vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems?
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Correct answer: C — 30 GHz
PIB (MoRTH): Gadkari informed the Consultative Committee that 30 GHz radio frequency has been allocated by DoT for vehicle-to-vehicle communication.
Who released the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework on 22 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — CDS General Anil Chauhan
PIB (Defence): Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released the framework on 22 January 2026.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of quantum technology in the Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework?
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Correct answer: D — Quantum Cryptocurrency
PIB (Defence): the four pillars are Quantum Communication, Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing & Metrology, and Quantum Materials & Devices.
The Military Quantum Mission Policy Framework is aligned with which national programme?
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Correct answer: A — National Quantum Mission
PIB (Defence): the document aligns with the National Quantum Mission, of which the defence forces are an integral part.
After the January 2026 notification, how many obligated entities are covered under the compliance mechanism of the Indian Carbon Market?
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Correct answer: C — 490
PIB (MoEFCC): with 208 new entities added to the 282 notified in October 2025, the compliance mechanism now covers 490 obligated entities.
Which of the following sectors was brought under GHG emission intensity targets by the January 2026 notification?
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Correct answer: C — Petroleum Refineries
PIB: the January 2026 notification covers Petroleum Refineries, Petrochemicals, Textiles and Secondary Aluminium; Cement, Chlor-Alkali and Pulp & Paper were covered in October 2025.
Consider the following about India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): 1. It was notified in 2023. 2. It operates through a Compliance Mechanism and an Offset Mechanism. 3. Entities that outperform their targets receive Carbon Credit Certificates. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB: the CCTS was notified in 2023, works through Compliance and Offset Mechanisms, and entities beating their GEI targets get tradable Carbon Credit Certificates.
The commissioning of which transmission line took India's network past 5 lakh circuit km in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II line
PIB (Power): the milestone came on 14 January 2026 with the commissioning of the 628 ckm, 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II line in Rajasthan.
By what percentage has India's transmission network (220 kV and above) grown since April 2014?
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Correct answer: C — 71.6%
PIB (Power): since April 2014 the network has grown by 71.6% with the addition of 2.09 lakh ckm.
India's inter-regional power transfer capacity, as stated by the Power Ministry in January 2026, is:
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Correct answer: C — 1,20,340 MW
PIB (Power): inter-regional power transfer capacity now stands at 1,20,340 MW, realising 'One Nation – One Grid – One Frequency'.
PMGSY-IV aims to provide connectivity to how many unconnected habitations?
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Correct answer: B — 25,000
PIB (Rural Development): under PMGSY-IV, 25,000 unconnected habitations (as per Census 2011 norms) are to be connected.
Under PMGSY-IV, what is the minimum population size for an unconnected habitation in LWE-affected districts to be eligible?
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Correct answer: A — 100+
PIB: eligibility is 500+ in plains, 250+ in North-East and hill States/UTs and special category areas, and 100+ in LWE-affected districts.