OPSC OCS Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What type of eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Total lunar eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026, with totality from 16:34 to 17:33 IST.
During the total lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026, the end of totality was visible from which parts of India?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Most of India saw only the ending at moonrise; some places in North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could also see the end of totality.
Consider the following statements about the lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026: 1. The totality phase lasted from 16:34 to 17:33 IST. 2. Most places in India saw the entire totality phase because the Moon had already risen. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Moon had not risen over most of India during totality, so most places saw only the ending of the eclipse at moonrise.
The Capital Region Ring Road project, for which NHAI issued Letters of Award in March 2026, is being built around which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bhubaneswar
The 111-km Capital Region Ring Road is also called the Bhubaneswar Bypass, in Odisha.
Under which model will the Bhubaneswar Capital Region Ring Road be built?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Hybrid Annuity Mode
The 111-km road will be built in three packages under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
Consider the following statements about the Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass): 1. It runs for 111 km from Rameshwar to Tangi. 2. It is a four-lane brownfield upgrade of an existing highway. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The project is a six-lane access-controlled greenfield road with a design speed of 100 kmph.
What was the theme of the post-Budget webinar addressed by PM Modi on 3 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth
The second webinar of the post-Budget series was on 'Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth'.
According to J.P. Nadda at the 3 March 2026 webinar, how much has been allocated over five years for the BioPharma mission?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹10,000 crore
₹10,000 crore over five years is for the BioPharma mission, within a total ₹13,000 crore provision for BioPharma SHAKTI and three chemical parks.
What was the theme of World Wildlife Day 2026, observed on 3 March?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods
The 2026 theme was 'Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods'.
World Wildlife Day on 3 March marks the adoption of which international convention?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — CITES
The day marks the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Consider the following statements based on the PIB backgrounder for World Wildlife Day 2026: 1. India is one of 17 mega-biodiverse countries. 2. Of India's roughly 15,000 medicinal plant species, about 8,000 are used in Indian medicine. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct according to the PIB backgrounder on World Wildlife Day 2026.
According to TRAI's report released on 3 March 2026, how many internet subscribers did India have at the end of December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,028.61 million
Internet subscribers rose to 1,028.61 million, of which 1,007.35 million were broadband.
Consider the following statements based on TRAI's report for October–December 2025: 1. Broadband subscribers crossed 1,000 million. 2. Narrowband internet subscribers increased during the quarter. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: broadband reached 1,007.35 million. Narrowband subscribers fell 4.18% to 21.25 million.
Which minister briefed the media on 3 March 2026 on India's energy preparedness amid hostilities in the Middle East?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Hardeep Singh Puri
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri gave the briefing.
According to the Petroleum Ministry in March 2026, what is India's global rank as a refiner?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Fourth
India is the fourth-largest refiner, third-largest importer and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products globally.
Consider the following statements from the Petroleum Ministry's briefing of 3 March 2026: 1. Indian energy companies have access to some supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. A 24×7 control room has been set up to monitor supply and stock positions. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the ministry cited supplies that avoid the Strait of Hormuz and set up a 24×7 control room to monitor stocks nationwide.
UIDAI's school drive for mandatory biometric updates in Aadhaar was enabled by integration with which application?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — UDISE+
UIDAI integrated with UDISE+ of the Department of School Education and Literacy, which shows children's MBU status.
Which principle did India and Canada adopt on 2 March 2026 as the guiding framework for their renewed Strategic Partnership?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
The Joint Leaders' Statement adopted 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' as the overarching framework.
Which Canadian company signed a long-term uranium supply contract with India's Department of Atomic Energy during the Carney visit?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Cameco
The DAE signed a long-term contract with Cameco for the supply of uranium ore concentrates.
According to Cameco, over which period will it supply nearly 22 million pounds of uranium ore concentrate to India?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2027–2035
Cameco said deliveries are expected to begin in 2027 and run through 2035, a nine-year period.
The trilateral MoU on technology and innovation signed during the visit involves India, Canada and which third country?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Australia
The India–Canada–Australia trilateral MoU falls under the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
Consider the following statements about Mark Carney's visit to India (27 February – 2 March 2026): 1. It was the first bilateral visit to India by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2018. 2. A Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence is to be set up at NIFTEM Kundli. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Joint Statement says it was the first bilateral visit by a Canadian PM since 2018, and the outcomes list a Declaration of Intent on a Joint Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at NIFTEM Kundli.
What interest rate on EPF deposits for 2025-26 did EPFO's Central Board of Trustees recommend on 2 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 8.25%
The CBT recommended 8.25%, the same rate as declared for 2024-25.
Who chairs the Central Board of Trustees of the EPF, as at its 239th meeting on 2 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Union Labour and Employment Minister
The Union Labour and Employment Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, chaired the meeting; the Central Provident Fund Commissioner is the Member Secretary.
The new EPF, EPS and EDLI Schemes, 2026, approved by the CBT on 2 March 2026, are aligned with which law?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Code on Social Security, 2020
The new schemes were approved for notification under the Code on Social Security, 2020, to replace the current schemes.
Consider the following statements about decisions of the 239th CBT meeting of EPF (2 March 2026): 1. A one-time Amnesty Scheme was approved for exempted establishments under the EPF & MP Act, 1952. 2. A pilot was approved for auto-settlement of inoperative accounts with balances of ₹10,000 or less. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The auto-settlement pilot covers inoperative accounts with unclaimed balances of ₹1,000 or less (over 1.33 lakh accounts), not ₹10,000.
At how many locations is the nationwide ASMITA athletics league to be held on International Women's Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 250
The league was announced for 250 locations on 8 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about ASMITA: 1. ASMITA stands for 'Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action'. 2. ASMITA leagues were started in 2021 as part of Khelo India. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. ASMITA is part of Khelo India's gender-neutral mission, and its leagues began in 2021.
What was India's IIP growth rate for January 2026 according to the quick estimate released on 2 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 4.8%
IIP grew 4.8% year-on-year in January 2026.
Which of the three IIP sectors recorded the highest growth in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Electricity
Electricity grew 5.1%, ahead of manufacturing (4.8%) and mining (4.3%).
Which industry group was the top positive contributor to manufacturing growth in January 2026, growing 13.2%?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Manufacture of basic metals
Manufacture of basic metals (13.2%) was the top contributor, followed by motor vehicles (10.9%) and other non-metallic mineral products (9.9%).
With which Japanese agency did NITI Aayog sign the Record of Discussions for Phase II of SDG cooperation in Aspirational Districts and Blocks on 2 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — JICA
NITI Aayog signed the Record of Discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Consider the following statements: 1. The Aspirational Districts Programme was launched in January 2018 to transform 112 districts. 2. The Aspirational Blocks Programme was launched in January 2023 covering 500 blocks. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. NITI Aayog states ADP was launched in January 2018 for 112 districts; PIB states ABP was launched on 7 January 2023 with 500 blocks from 329 districts.
Where was the 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan CEPA held on 2 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Tokyo
The 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan CEPA was held in Tokyo on 2 March 2026.
Who co-chaired the 7th India–Japan CEPA Joint Committee meeting from the Indian side?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal co-chaired the meeting with the Senior Deputy Minister of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consider the following statements about the India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: 1. It was signed on 16 February 2011. 2. It entered into force on 1 August 2011. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The India–Japan CEPA was signed on 16 February 2011 and came into force on 1 August 2011, according to the Department of Commerce.
Who signed the Terms of Reference for the India–Canada CEPA on behalf of India on 2 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal signed the ToR with Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.
What bilateral trade target by 2030 did India and Canada set while launching CEPA negotiations?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — US$50 billion
PM Modi said the goal is to take bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030.
According to the Commerce Ministry, what was India–Canada bilateral trade in FY 2024-25?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — US$8.66 billion
Bilateral trade was US$8.66 billion in 2024-25, with exports of US$4.22 billion and imports of US$4.44 billion (DGCI&S).
How many hours of mandatory On-the-Job Training or Group Project must ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme complete, as per DGT guidelines of 2 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 150 hours
DGT made 150 hours of OJT or Group Project mandatory for ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.
Which leader, who is both Crown Prince and Prime Minister of his country, did PM Modi speak with on 2 March 2026 about the West Asia situation?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Mohammed bin Salman
PM Modi held discussions with Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
Which logo was unveiled at the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's Foundation Day on 1 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — BEE@25
Power Minister Manohar Lal unveiled the BEE@25 logo to mark the Bureau's 25th year.
By how much has India reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP from 2005 levels, as stated at BEE's 25th Foundation Day?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 36%
Manohar Lal said India has reduced the emissions intensity of its GDP by 36% from 2005 levels.
Consider the following statements about the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE): 1. It was set up on 1 March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. 2. It is a statutory body under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. BEE was set up on 1 March 2002 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, and is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power.
Which body, chaired by the Prime Minister, met on 1 March 2026 to review the evolving situation in West Asia?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Cabinet Committee on Security
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, met on the evening of 1 March 2026.
With which Gulf leader did PM Modi speak on 1 March 2026, condemning attacks on his country?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
On 1 March 2026 Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and condemned the attacks on the UAE.
Janaushadhi Saptah 2026, which began on 1 March 2026, leads up to which edition of Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 8th
The Saptah leads up to the 8th Janaushadhi Diwas on 7 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about Janaushadhi Saptah 2026: 1. The health camps are organised by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. 2. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. PMBJP was launched in November 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers), and PMBI, under that Department, is its implementing agency — not the Health Ministry.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship arrived at Alexandria, Egypt, on 1 March 2026 during the Lokayan-26 expedition?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — INS Sudarshini
INS Sudarshini arrived at Alexandria on 1 March 2026 during Lokayan-26.
Through which canal did INS Sudarshini transit northbound before reaching Alexandria on 1 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Suez Canal
The ship made a northbound transit of the 193-km Suez Canal after departing Safaga.
Which body introduced the deferred customs duty payment facility for Eligible Manufacturer Importers on 1 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — CBIC
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced the facility.
For what period will the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) deferred duty facility be in force?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028
The EMI facility is available from 1 April 2026 and remains in force until 31 March 2028.
Consider the following statements about the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme: 1. Duty under the scheme is paid monthly as prescribed in the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016. 2. Only entities already holding AEO-T3 status are eligible to apply. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Existing AEO-T1 entities, including MSMEs, can also apply if they meet the criteria; EMIs are expected to progress to AEO-T2 or AEO-T3 during the scheme.
Which two countries launched air strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — United States and Israel
The United States and Israel launched the strikes on Iran on 28 February 2026.
Iran's Supreme Leader killed in the strikes of 28 February 2026 had held the post since which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1989
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had led Iran since 1989, according to Reuters.
Where had US–Iran nuclear talks been held two days before the strikes of 28 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Geneva
The strikes came two days after US–Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, ended without a breakthrough.
Consider the following statements about India's response on 28 February 2026: 1. The Civil Aviation Ministry reviewed preparedness with AAI, DGCA, airlines and airport operators. 2. Indian airlines were directed to suspend all international flights indefinitely. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Airlines were told to monitor NOTAMs and reroute or divert flights where needed, not to suspend all international flights.
What was the theme of National Science Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat
DST announced 'Women in Science: Catalysing Viksit Bharat' as the theme for National Science Day 2026.
Consider the following statements about National Science Day: 1. It marks the discovery of the Raman Effect by C.V. Raman in 1928. 2. C.V. Raman received the Nobel Prize in Physics for this discovery in 1930. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. National Science Day commemorates the 1928 discovery of the Raman Effect, for which Raman won the 1930 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Which institute's study led the Centre to temporarily discontinue rice fortification in February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IIT Kharagpur
The Government assigned IIT Kharagpur a study on the shelf life of fortified rice kernels and fortified rice under actual storage conditions.
Which of the following was cited as the main problem with fortified rice in the February 2026 decision?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Micronutrient loss and shorter shelf life during prolonged storage
The study found fortified rice kernels and fortified rice lose micronutrients and shelf life during prolonged storage and handling, while rice stays in storage for two to three years.
Under the February 2026 decision on rice fortification, which of the following is correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — States/UTs may supply either fortified or non-fortified rice as a transitional measure
Entitlements are not reduced and PDS, ICDS and Mid-Day Meal are unaffected; States/UTs get flexibility to supply fortified or non-fortified rice.
Consider the following statements about India's rice fortification initiative: 1. It was announced by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address on 15 August 2021. 2. Universal coverage of fortified rice in all government schemes was achieved by March 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (October 2024) says the initiative followed the PM's 75th Independence Day address, the CCEA approved a phased rollout in April 2022, and universal coverage was achieved by March 2024.
What is the base year of the new GDP series released by MoSPI on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2022-23
The new series uses base year 2022-23, replacing the 2011-12 series.
What real GDP growth rate for 2025-26 was estimated in the Second Advance Estimates released on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 7.6%
Real GDP growth for 2025-26 is estimated at 7.6%, against 7.1% in 2024-25; 8.6% is the nominal growth.
According to the new series, India's real GDP grew by how much in Q3 (October–December) of 2025-26?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 7.8%
Real GDP grew 7.8% in Q3 of 2025-26; 8.9% was the nominal growth in that quarter.
Which of the following data sources is NOT mentioned by PIB among the new sources integrated in the 2022-23 GDP series?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Census 2011
PIB lists ASUSE, PLFS, GST and PFMS as new, improved data sources in the revised series.
Consider the following statements about the new GDP series released in February 2026: 1. 2022-23 was chosen as base year because it is a recent normal year after the COVID-19 disruptions, with robust data across sectors. 2. In an annual revision, unlike a base year revision, the conceptual framework and data sources are changed. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. MoSPI says annual revisions only use updated data without changing the conceptual framework or adding new data sources; base year revisions change methodology, data sources and coverage.
From which test range did DRDO conduct three successive flight trials of VSHORADS, announced on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Integrated Test Range, Chandipur
The trials were conducted from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.
Which DRDO laboratory designed and developed VSHORADS?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
VSHORADS was designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat with other DRDO labs and industry partners.
Who launched the Government Bank Dashboard and the Government Bank Manual on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Controller General of Accounts
Controller General of Accounts T.C.A. Kalyani launched both initiatives in New Delhi.
Which hydroelectric project in Bhutan, under construction with India's partnership, was reviewed by the Indian Water Resources Secretary in February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Punatsangchhu-I
The Secretary reviewed the under-construction Punatsangchhu-I and the recently commissioned Punatsangchhu-II projects.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship arrived at Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — INS Tarangini
INS Tarangini arrived at Trincomalee Harbour on a training visit after the International Fleet Review 2026.
Where was the 6th India–UK Home Affairs Dialogue held on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — New Delhi
The 6th India–UK Home Affairs Dialogue was held in New Delhi.