SF Prep

MPPSC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months

Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.

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2403 news · 5678 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 72 questions
1,043 Indians helped out of Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan; 4.26 lakh back from West Asia since 28 February
Q1

Through which two countries were Indian nationals in Iran being assisted to travel to India, as stated on 25 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Armenia and Azerbaijan

MEA said Indians in Iran were being assisted to travel to India via Armenia and Azerbaijan; 1,043 had crossed out with the Mission's help.

Q2 Advanced

According to the inter-ministerial briefing of 25 March 2026, about how many passengers had returned to India from West Asia since 28 February?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 4,26,000

Around 4,26,000 passengers had returned from the region to India since 28 February.

Q3 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Operation Sindhu: 1. It was launched in June 2025 to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran and Israel. 2. More Indians were evacuated from Israel than from Iran under the operation. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. Operation Sindhu, launched on 18 June 2025, evacuated 4,415 Indians — 3,597 from Iran and 818 from Israel.

ASUSE 2025: unincorporated establishments rise to 7.92 crore; 74.52 lakh jobs added
Q4

As per ASUSE 2025, the estimated number of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments in India was about:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 7.92 crore

Establishments rose from 7.34 crore in ASUSE 2023-24 to 7.92 crore in ASUSE 2025, about 7.97% growth.

Q5 Advanced

In ASUSE 2025, which sector recorded the highest growth in Gross Value Added over ASUSE 2023-24?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Trade

GVA growth was led by trade (16.77%), followed by manufacturing (8.52%) and other services (7.36%). Construction is excluded from ASUSE.

Q6 Advanced

Consider the following about ASUSE 2025: 1. The share of establishments using the internet rose to 39.4%. 2. Women-owned proprietary establishments declined compared with ASUSE 2023-24. 3. The survey covers construction along with manufacturing, trade and other services. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Women-owned proprietary establishments rose from 26.2% to 27%, and ASUSE excludes construction; only statement 1 is correct.

World TB Day 2026: Nadda launches 100-day TB Mukt Bharat campaign; TB incidence down 21% in a decade
Q7

What is the theme of World TB Day 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Yes! We Can End TB!

The 2026 theme is 'Yes! We Can End TB!'. World TB Day is observed every year on 24 March.

Q8 Advanced

According to the Health Ministry (March 2026), by how much did TB incidence in India decline over the past decade?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 21%

TB incidence fell 21% and TB mortality 25% over the past decade, both outpacing global averages.

Q9 Advanced

Consider the following launched or reported on World TB Day 2026: 1. A 100-day TB Mukt Bharat campaign covering 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards. 2. An AI-enabled chatbot named 'Khushi' in the TB Mukt Bharat App. 3. About 10.9 lakh asymptomatic TB patients detected since the intensified Abhiyaan began in December 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3

All three are correct. Of 32.65 lakh patients detected after screening over 20 crore people, about 10.9 lakh had no classical symptoms.

India's total exports reach USD 714.73 billion in April–January FY 2025-26, up 5.26%
Q10

India's total exports (merchandise and services) in April–January of FY 2025-26 were about:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — USD 714.73 billion

Exports were USD 714.73 billion, up 5.26% from USD 679.02 billion in April–January 2024-25. USD 828.25 billion was the full-year 2024-25 figure.

Q11 Advanced

Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 as cited by the Commerce Ministry?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Import substitution

The four pillars are trade facilitation, export promotion, state-level partnerships and digital integration; import substitution is not one of them.

RBI revising rules on unauthorised e-banking transactions; MuleHunter.AI live in 26 banks
Q12 Advanced

'MuleHunter.AI', mentioned by the Finance Ministry in March 2026, is used to:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Detect mule accounts used in cyber frauds

MuleHunter.AI is RBI's AI/ML-based solution to detect mule accounts used to divert and layer money from cyber frauds; it is live in 26 banks.

Q13 Advanced

Consider the following about the Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC): 1. It was incorporated as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013. 2. Its mandate is real-time detection and prevention of fraud in digital payments. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

IDPIC was incorporated on 16 October 2025 as a Section 8 company, with the mandate to detect, prevent and analyse digital payment fraud in real time using AI, ML and big data.

Ayush Ministry and DBT announce clinical study on Ayurveda as adjunct therapy for TB
Q14 Advanced

The 'Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis', announced on World TB Day 2026, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Ayush and:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Department of Biotechnology

The study is a collaboration of the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.

Q15

In the Ayush–DBT TB study announced in March 2026, Ayurveda is being tested as:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — An adjunct (add-on) to anti-TB treatment

The study evaluates Ayurveda as an adjunct therapy alongside standard anti-TB treatment, not as a replacement.

AgriStack Farmers Registry crosses 9.20 crore Farmer IDs
Q16

How many Farmer IDs had been generated under the AgriStack Farmers Registry as of 19 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — More than 9.20 crore

More than 9.20 crore Farmer IDs had been generated, including 47.63 lakh in Bihar.

Q17 Advanced

As cited by the Agriculture Ministry (March 2026), which state used AgriStack to transfer over ₹14,000 crore to 89 lakh farmers for Kharif 2025 crop losses within 5 days?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Maharashtra

Maharashtra used AgriStack for this disaster-relief transfer; Chhattisgarh used Farmer ID for MSP paddy procurement covering 32 lakh+ farmers.

NSO CAPEX survey: private corporate capex estimated at ₹11.44 lakh crore for 2025-26
Q18

According to the NSO CAPEX survey released in March 2026, aggregate provisional private corporate capex for 2025-26 is estimated at about:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹11.44 lakh crore

Provisional capex for 2025-26 is ₹11,43,879 crore; ₹9,55,281 crore is the investment intention for 2026-27.

Q19 Advanced

As per the NSO CAPEX survey, the largest source of financing for private corporate capex in 2025-26 is:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Internal accruals

About 65.35% of 2025-26 capex is sourced from internal accruals, while 23.25% comes from domestic debt.

Q20 Advanced

In the NSO CAPEX survey, the 'realisation ratio' for 2024-25 was 96.3%. This means:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Actual capex per enterprise was 96.3% of what was planned

Estimated capex per enterprise for 2024-25 was ₹180.2 crore and actual capex ₹173.5 crore – a realisation ratio of 96.3%.

Government restores full RoDTEP rates and value caps for exporters amid West Asia disruption
Q21

The RoDTEP scheme, whose rates were restored in March 2026, relates to:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Remission of duties and taxes on exported products

RoDTEP stands for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products; its rates and value caps were restored from 23 March 2026.

Q22 Advanced

By the decision of 23 March 2026, RoDTEP rates were restored to the levels in force on:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 22 February 2026

The restored rates are those in force on 22 February 2026, withdrawing the 50% restriction imposed on 23 February 2026.

Q23 Advanced

Consider the following about the RoDTEP restoration of March 2026: 1. It withdrew a 50% restriction on RoDTEP rates imposed in February 2026. 2. It applies only to exports bound for West Asian countries. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The restoration covers all eligible export products, not only West Asia-bound exports; it withdrew the 50% restriction of Notification No. 60/2025-26.

Ministry of Mines launches seventh tranche of critical and strategic mineral auctions with 19 blocks
Q24 Advanced

How many blocks are on offer in the seventh tranche of critical and strategic mineral auctions launched on 23 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 19

The 7th tranche offers 19 blocks across 10 States; 46 is the number auctioned in the earlier six tranches and 24 the number of notified critical and strategic minerals.

Q25 Advanced

Consider the following about auctions of critical and strategic minerals: 1. The MMDR Act was amended on 17 August 2023 to notify 24 minerals as critical and strategic and let the Centre auction them. 2. The Mineral (Auction) Amendment Rules, 2026 allow an Insurance Surety Bond as an alternative to a bank guarantee. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Ministry of Mines releases of 22 and 23 March 2026.

Shaheed Diwas: nation pays tribute to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev
Q26

Shaheed Diwas on 23 March marks the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev in which year?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1931

They laid down their lives on 23 March 1931, as recalled by the Rajya Sabha Chairman on 23 March 2026.

Q27 Advanced

Whose birth anniversary, besides Shaheed Diwas, did the Prime Minister mark on 23 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia

The PM paid tribute to socialist leader Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia on his birth anniversary on 23 March.

ECI issues digital time vouchers for free party broadcasts on Doordarshan and AIR
Q28 Advanced

Under which provision does the Election Commission allot free broadcast and telecast time on Doordarshan and AIR to recognised parties?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951

The ECI issued the directions under Section 39A of the RP Act, 1951, for the 2026 Assembly elections.

Q29

For the 2026 Assembly elections, what base broadcast time has the ECI allotted to each recognised party on both Doordarshan and All India Radio?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 45 minutes

Each party gets a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and AIR, plus extra time based on its previous Assembly poll performance.

MoSPI's MCP server links AI tools to official statistics; now covers 21 products
Q30 Advanced

Through which portal does MoSPI's Model Context Protocol (MCP) server give AI tools access to official statistics?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — eSankhyiki

The MCP server allows AI applications to access verified Government data through the National Statistical Portal, eSankhyiki.

Q31 Advanced

Consider the following about MoSPI's MCP server (March 2026): 1. Its beta version covered 7 statistical products, including PLFS and CPI. 2. It has now been extended to 21 products on eSankhyiki. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the beta's 7 products (PLFS, CPI, ASI, IIP, National Accounts, etc.) have been extended to 21 products.

GARBH-INi: India's largest pregnancy cohort of 12,000 women to build AI tools for preterm birth
Q32 Advanced

The GARBH-INi programme, highlighted in March 2026, focuses on developing AI tools to predict:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Preterm births

GARBH-INi aims at indigenous, AI-driven solutions for preterm births, a leading cause of neonatal mortality.

Q33 Advanced

Consider the following about GARBH-INi: 1. It is an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology. 2. It has enrolled around 12,000 pregnant women. 3. It is run by the Indian Council of Medical Research under the Ministry of Health. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only

GARBH-INi is a Department of Biotechnology initiative, not an ICMR programme; it has enrolled about 12,000 pregnant women.

National DMF Summit 2026 focuses on using mineral funds in aspirational districts and blocks
Q34 Advanced

The National DMF Summit 2026 focused on effective use of District Mineral Foundation funds in which areas?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Aspirational District and Aspirational Block Programme areas

The theme was 'Effective Utilisation of DMF Funds for Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) Areas'.

Narendra Modi becomes the longest-serving head of a government in India, passing Pawan Kumar Chamling
Q35

On 22 March 2026 Narendra Modi surpassed whose record to become the longest-serving head of a government in India?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Pawan Kumar Chamling

Modi passed the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

Q36 Advanced

The record surpassed by Narendra Modi on 22 March 2026 was of how many days as head of a government?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 8,930 days

Chamling's record was 8,930 days; Modi reached 8,931 days.

Q37 Advanced

Consider the following about the record set on 22 March 2026: 1. The count includes Narendra Modi's tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. 2. The previous record-holder was a former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

The 8,931 days cover Modi's time as Gujarat CM and then as PM; the previous record-holder, Pawan Kumar Chamling, was Chief Minister of Sikkim.

PM chairs CCS meeting on West Asia conflict; group of Ministers and Secretaries to steer whole-of-government response
Q38

Which body, chaired by the Prime Minister, met on 22 March 2026 to review mitigating measures for the West Asia conflict?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Cabinet Committee on Security

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, reviewed the situation and mitigating measures.

Q39 Advanced

At the CCS meeting of 22 March 2026, the Prime Minister directed the creation of:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — A group of Ministers and Secretaries working in a whole-of-government approach

The PM directed that a group of Ministers and Secretaries be created to work dedicatedly in a whole-of-government approach, with sectoral groups consulting stakeholders.

Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 operational guidelines released as Jal Mahotsav 2026 ends on World Water Day
Q40

Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, whose operational guidelines were released on 22 March 2026, has been extended till:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — December 2028

The Cabinet approved extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028, with focus on sustainability and service delivery.

Q41 Advanced

Jal Mahotsav 2026 was a 15-day campaign held between which two days?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — International Women's Day and World Water Day

Jal Mahotsav 2026 ran from 8 March (International Women's Day) to 22 March (World Water Day).

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following about the release of JJM 2.0 guidelines on 22 March 2026: 1. The guidelines were released by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. 2. The 5th Sujal Gram Samvad held alongside involved communities from 5 villages of 5 states. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

The guidelines were released by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, so statement 1 is wrong; the 5th Sujal Gram Samvad involved 5 villages of 5 states.

Coal gasification key to energy security, says Kishan Reddy; mission targets 100 MT by 2030
Q43

Coal gasification, promoted under the National Coal Gasification Mission, converts coal mainly into:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Syngas

Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which can be used to make cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and hydrogen.

Q44 Advanced

What is the coal gasification target of the National Coal Gasification Mission for 2030?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 100 million tonnes

The mission targets 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030, with a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework.

Q45 Advanced

Consider the following statements made by the Coal Minister on 22 March 2026: 1. Coal accounts for nearly 74% of India's electricity generation. 2. An incentive framework of ₹8,500 crore supports coal gasification projects. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: coal provides nearly 74% of electricity generation, and a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework supports public and private gasification projects.

Maiden Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 concludes with 35,000+ exhibition attendees
Q46

India's target for non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, cited at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, is:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 500 GW

India is advancing towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and has crossed over 50% non-fossil capacity.

Q47 Advanced

Who gave the valedictory address at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 on 22 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Manohar Lal

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal gave the valedictory address at the maiden summit.

ECI orders Assured Minimum Facilities at all 2,18,807 polling stations for 2026 polls
Q48 Advanced

How many standardised Voter Facilitation Posters must be displayed at each polling station in the 2026 polls, as per the ECI's direction of 22 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Four

Four uniform Voter Facilitation Posters will show polling station details, list of candidates, do's and don'ts, approved ID documents and the voting process.

Q49 Advanced

Consider the following about the ECI's directions of 22 March 2026 for polling stations: 1. Provision of Assured Minimum Facilities is advisory and left to the discretion of CEOs. 2. Voters can deposit their switched-off mobile phones with a volunteer outside the polling station entrance. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

The ECI said AMF provisioning is mandatory and will be monitored, so statement 1 is wrong; a mobile phone deposit facility will be provided outside the entrance.

Government introduces CGSMFI-2.0 to revive bank lending to microfinance institutions
Q50

Through which entity does CGSMFI-2.0, introduced in March 2026, provide credit guarantee cover?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company

CGSMFI-2.0 provides guarantee cover to banks and FIs through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC).

Q51 Advanced

Under CGSMFI-2.0, what is the guarantee coverage for loans to small NBFC-MFIs/MFIs?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 80% of the amount in default

Coverage is 80% for small, 75% for medium and 70% for large NBFC-MFIs/MFIs.

Q52 Advanced

Consider the following about CGSMFI-2.0: 1. It is valid till 30 June 2026 or until loans of ₹20,000 crore are guaranteed, whichever is earlier. 2. MFIs must on-lend to small borrowers at 1% below their average lending rate of the past six months. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the scheme runs till 30 June 2026 or ₹20,000 crore of guaranteed loans, and on-lending is capped at 1% below the six-month average rate.

Indian Carbon Market Portal launched at Prakriti 2026 conference on carbon markets
Q53

Prakriti 2026, at which the Indian Carbon Market Portal was launched, was organised by:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bureau of Energy Efficiency

Prakriti 2026, the International Conference on Carbon Markets, was organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Q54 Advanced

According to the Power Minister on 21 March 2026, GEI targets have been notified for about how many obligated entities under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — About 490

GEI targets have been notified for nearly 490 obligated entities across seven energy-intensive sectors.

Q55 Advanced

Consider the following about the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme as described on 21 March 2026: 1. It has nine notified methodologies on the offset side. 2. Compliance targets cover obligated entities across twelve energy-intensive sectors. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

There are nine notified methodologies; compliance targets cover about 490 entities across seven, not twelve, energy-intensive sectors.

National Biodiversity Authority sets up Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species
Q56

Which body constituted the Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — National Biodiversity Authority

The National Biodiversity Authority constituted the committee following NGT directions.

Q57 Advanced

Who chairs the NBA's Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Dhananjai Mohan

Dhananjai Mohan, former PCCF and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand, chairs it; Prof. A. Biju Kumar is Co-Chair.

Q58 Advanced

Consider the following about the NBA's Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species: 1. It was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. It followed a suo motu proceeding of the National Green Tribunal. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

The committee was constituted under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023), so statement 1 is wrong; it followed NGT's suo motu case O.A. No. 162/2023.

Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs modified: service sector added, special terms for exporters
Q59 Advanced

Under the modified MCGS-MSME of March 2026, what guarantee coverage is offered to eligible exporters?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 75% of the amount in default

Exporters get 75% coverage on a ₹20 crore guaranteed loan, compared with the base 60% cover of the scheme.

Q60 Advanced

Consider the following about the modifications to MCGS-MSME in March 2026: 1. Service-sector MSMEs have been included in the scheme. 2. The minimum share of equipment/machinery in project cost has been raised from 60% to 75%. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Service-sector MSMEs were added; the minimum equipment/machinery share was reduced to 60% from 75%, not raised, so statement 2 is wrong.

PM Modi speaks with Iranian President Pezeshkian, stresses freedom of navigation
Q61

Prime Minister Modi spoke with which Iranian President on 21 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Masoud Pezeshkian

PM Modi spoke with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings.

Q62 Advanced

During his call with the Iranian President on 21 March 2026, PM Modi conveyed greetings for which two occasions?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Eid and Nowruz

Modi conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings and hoped the festive season would bring peace to West Asia.

First randomisation of EVM-VVPATs completed in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry
Q63 Advanced

In the first stage of EVM randomisation, EVMs are randomly allocated:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — From district warehouses to Assembly Constituencies

In the first stage EVMs move from district warehouses to ACs; in the second stage from AC level to polling stations.

Q64

Through which software system was the first randomisation of EVM-VVPATs carried out in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — EVM Management System (EMS)

District Election Officers carried out the first randomisation through the EVM Management System (EMS).

Q65 Advanced

Consider the following about the first randomisation of EVM-VVPATs in March 2026: 1. Only machines that passed First Level Checking were included. 2. It was carried out in the presence of representatives of recognised political parties. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: only FLC-passed EVM-VVPATs were randomised, in the presence of representatives of National and State recognised parties.

Reform-linked JJM 2.0 MoUs signed with Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Goa
Q66

Which of the following states was NOT among those that signed reform-linked JJM 2.0 MoUs on 20 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Rajasthan

The MoUs were signed with Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa; Rajasthan was not among them.

Q67 Advanced

On which date did the Union Cabinet approve Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 10 March 2026

The Union Cabinet approved JJM 2.0 on 10 March 2026; state MoUs followed on 20 March and guidelines were released on 22 March.

Eight core industries grow 2.3% in February 2026
Q68

By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in February 2026 (provisional)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2.3%

The ICI grew 2.3% in February 2026; 4.7% was the final January figure and 2.9% the April–February cumulative growth.

Q69 Advanced

Which of the eight core industries carries the largest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Petroleum refinery products

Petroleum refinery products have the largest weight, 28.04%.

Q70 Advanced

Consider the following about the core industries data for February 2026: 1. Crude oil and natural gas production declined compared with February 2025. 2. The eight core industries together account for about 40% of the weight of items in the IIP. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: crude oil fell 5.2% and natural gas 5.0%, and the core industries make up 40.27% of the IIP weight.

India crosses 1 billion tonne coal production for the second year in a row
Q71

On 20 March 2026, India crossed which coal production milestone for the second year in a row?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 billion tonnes

India reached 1 billion tonnes of coal production on 20 March 2026, for the second consecutive year.

Q72 Advanced

Consider the following about India's coal output milestone of March 2026: 1. It was the first time India produced 1 billion tonnes of coal in a year. 2. The Ministry said it enabled record-high coal stocks at thermal power plants. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

It was the second year in a row, not the first, so statement 1 is wrong; the ministry said it supported record-high coal stocks at thermal plants.