PPSC (Punjab) Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
How many new applications were approved under Round III of the PLI Scheme for Textiles, as announced on 10 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 52
52 new applications were approved under Round III.
Among the 52 applications approved under Round III of the textiles PLI scheme, which segment had the most approvals?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — MMF fabrics
MMF fabrics had 19 approvals, technical textiles 18, multiple segments 10 and MMF apparel 5.
INS Trikand concluded a port call on 10 April 2026 at Mombasa, a port in:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kenya
Mombasa is in Kenya; INSAS rifles were handed over to the Kenya Navy during the visit.
India's maritime vision MAHASAGAR, cited during INS Trikand's Mombasa visit, stands for:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
MAHASAGAR stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
What is the theme of Poshan Pakhwada 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Maximizing Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life
The WCD Ministry said the theme for Poshan Pakhwada 2026 is 'Maximizing Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life'.
Consider the following statements about Poshan Pakhwada 2026: 1. It is being observed from 9 April to 23 April 2026. 2. Poshan Abhiyaan, under which these campaigns are held, was launched in 2018. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the campaign runs from 9 to 23 April 2026, and the ministry dates Poshan Abhiyaan to 2018.
Which edition of Poshan Pakhwada was launched at Vigyan Bhawan on 9 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 8th
The ministry launched the 8th edition of Poshan Pakhwada; the MoS noted 7 Pakhwadas had been held earlier since 2018.
The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) signed an MoU announced on 9 April 2026 with which body to combat cyber fraud and financial crimes?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
The Finance Ministry said FIU-IND and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) signed the MoU.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an attached office of the Ministry of Finance. 2. FIU-IND is the central national agency for receiving, processing, analysing and disseminating information on suspect financial transactions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: I4C is an attached office of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Statement 2 is correct as per the Finance Ministry release.
Who, as Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, released the 'Ease of Doing Research & Development in India' reports on 9 April 2026 along with Dr Jitendra Singh?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Suman Bery
The reports were formally released by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery and Dr Jitendra Singh. V. K. Saraswat is a NITI Member, Ajay Kumar Sood the Principal Scientific Adviser and Vivek Kumar Singh a Senior Adviser.
NITI Aayog's Ease of Doing R&D reports (April 2026) drew on insights from roughly how many scientists and researchers?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 850+
NITI Aayog said the exercise involved outreach to 400+ institutional leaders and insights from 850+ scientists and researchers.
Consider the following statements about the NITI Aayog reports released on 9 April 2026: 1. Two reports were released, one of them a survey report on ease of doing R&D in India. 2. The reports were the outcome of an exercise conducted over about nine months. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: NITI released 'Ease of Doing Research & Development in India' and the 'Survey Report on Ease of Doing R&D in India', after an exercise of approximately nine months.
Article 330A of the Constitution of India provides for reservation of seats for women in which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — House of the People
Article 330A is titled 'Reservation of seats for women in the House of the People'. Article 332A covers State Legislative Assemblies.
Consider the following statements about reservation for women in legislatures: 1. As nearly as may be, one-third of the seats to be filled by direct election to the House of the People are to be reserved for women. 2. Under Article 334A, the reservation takes effect immediately on the commencement of the amending Act, without any delimitation exercise. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 reflects Article 330A(3). Statement 2 is wrong: Article 334A says the provisions come into effect after a delimitation exercise based on the first census taken after the 106th Amendment Act, 2023.
Article 334A links the start of women's reservation to the first census taken after the commencement of which Constitution Amendment Act?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — One Hundred and Sixth Amendment Act, 2023
Article 334A refers to the first census taken after the commencement of the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023.
JNCASR's humidity-responsive neuromorphic sensor, announced in April 2026, was inspired by which animal?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Cricket frogs
DST said the sensor was inspired by amphibian frogs, particularly cricket frogs, whose synaptic behaviour is highly moisture-sensitive.
Consider the following statements about the JNCASR neuromorphic sensor: 1. JNCASR, which developed it, is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology. 2. The device relies on a separate sensing unit and a separate memristive element for processing. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the point of the device is that it integrates sensing and synapse-like processing in a single platform, unlike most neuromorphic sensors that use separate units.
Where will Indian Railways now use composite sleepers, as decided on 9 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bridge approaches and points & crossings
The Railways said sleepers used on bridge approaches and at points & crossings will now be composite.
Which new technique did the Railways decide to use to identify minute defects in welded joints of tracks?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Magnetic Particle Testing
The Railways decided to use Magnetic Particle Testing for welds; Ground Penetration Radar is for assessing the track base.
General Phan Van Giang, congratulated by Rajnath Singh on 9 April 2026, was appointed to which posts in Vietnam?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence
The Defence Ministry said Phan Van Giang was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam.
Which Union Minister congratulated General Phan Van Giang of Vietnam on 9 April 2026 and spoke of deepening cooperation in security, military exchanges and industry collaboration?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Rajnath Singh
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh posted the congratulations on X.
Under the Environment (Utilisation of Crop Residue by Thermal Power Plants) Rules, 2023, coal-based thermal plants must use what blend of biomass pellets or briquettes with coal?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 5%
The Rules mandate a 5% blend of biomass pellets or briquettes with coal, with a minimum threshold of 3% prescribed for FY 2024-25.
Which thermal power plant faced the largest Environmental Compensation (about ₹33.02 crore) in CAQM's April 2026 action on biomass co-firing?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Talwandi Sabo Power Limited, Mansa
CAQM listed about ₹33.02 crore on Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (Mansa, Punjab), the highest of the six; Harduaganj had the lowest at about ₹2.74 crore.
Consider the following statements about CAQM's action of April 2026: 1. It covers thermal power plants located within 500 km of Delhi. 2. The minimum co-firing threshold prescribed for FY 2024-25 was 5%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: the six plants are within 300 km of Delhi, and the minimum threshold for FY 2024-25 was 3% (5% is the mandated blend).
On which date was the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana launched?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 8 April 2015
The Finance Ministry says PMMY was launched by the Prime Minister on 8 April 2015; it completed 11 years on 8 April 2026.
Under PM Mudra Yojana, collateral-free institutional credit is available up to what amount for non-corporate, non-farm income-generating activities?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹20 lakh
The Finance Ministry says PMMY offers collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh for non-corporate and non-farm income-generating activities.
Consider the following statements about PM Mudra Yojana as of April 2026: 1. Two-thirds of the loans have been sanctioned to women entrepreneurs. 2. More than 57.79 crore loans have been sanctioned, with ₹40.07 lakh crore disbursed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as stated by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on PMMY's 11th anniversary.
According to IRENA's Renewable Energy Statistics 2026, India moved ahead of which country to rank third in installed renewable energy capacity?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Brazil
Pralhad Joshi said India moved ahead of Brazil; IRENA lists India at 250.52 GW and Brazil at 228.20 GW, behind China and the USA.
What was India's total installed non-fossil fuel capacity as on 31 March 2026, according to MNRE?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 283.46 GW
MNRE put non-fossil capacity at 283.46 GW on 31 March 2026: 274.68 GW renewable (incl. large hydro) plus 8.78 GW nuclear. 250.52 GW is IRENA's renewable figure as of December 2025.
Consider the following statements: 1. India reached 50% of its cumulative installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources in June 2025, five years ahead of its 2030 NDC target. 2. Wind capacity additions of 6.05 GW in 2025-26 were the highest ever in a single year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per MNRE: the 50% milestone came in June 2025, and 6.05 GW of wind in 2025-26 was the highest ever (4.15 GW the year before).
Which startup's indigenous technology was used for the 1,000-km quantum communication network demonstrated under the National Quantum Mission?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — QNu Labs
DST said the milestone was achieved using indigenous technology developed by QNu Labs, a startup supported under the mission.
What is the National Quantum Mission's target for quantum communication network length over an eight-year period?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 2,000 km
DST said the 1,000-km demonstration marks progress against the mission's target of 2,000 km over eight years.
What is the approximate tentative budgetary requirement for Nutrient Based Subsidy on P&K fertilisers for Kharif 2026, as approved on 8 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹41,533.81 crore
The Cabinet put the Kharif 2026 requirement at about ₹41,533.81 crore, around ₹4,317 crore more than Kharif 2025's ₹37,216.15 crore.
Since when has subsidy on phosphatic and potassic fertilisers been governed by the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 April 2010
The Cabinet release says subsidy on P&K fertilisers has been governed by the NBS scheme with effect from 1 April 2010.
On departing Malé on 8 April 2026, IOS SAGAR (INS Sunayna) held a Passage Exercise with which Maldivian vessel?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — MNDF Coast Guard Ship Ghazee
The Defence Ministry said the ship held a PASSEX with the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Ghazee on departure.
IOS SAGAR's multinational crew during its April 2026 Maldives visit included personnel from how many friendly foreign countries?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 16
The Defence Ministry said the multinational crew comprised personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries.
Where in Egypt is the fourth India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise, Cyclone-IV, being held in April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Anshas
The Defence Ministry said Cyclone-IV is scheduled at Anshas from 9 to 17 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Cyclone-IV: 1. It is the fourth edition of the India–Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise. 2. The previous edition of the exercise was also held in Egypt. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Defence Ministry said Cyclone-IV follows the successful conduct of the previous edition in India.
According to NITI Aayog's 'From Borrowers to Builders' report (April 2026), what credit portfolio do women borrowers in India hold, and what share of system credit is it?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹76 lakh crore; 26%
The report says women borrowers hold a ₹76 lakh crore credit portfolio, 26% of total system credit. ₹16 lakh crore was the 2017 figure.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's report released on 7 April 2026: 1. It is the second edition of 'From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India's Evolving Credit Market'. 2. Credit penetration among women rose from 19% to 36% between December 2017 and December 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per NITI Aayog's release on the report.
Under NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform, the 'From Borrowers to Builders' report was prepared by which organisations?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — TransUnion CIBIL and MicroSave Consulting
NITI Aayog said the report, under the aegis of WEP, was prepared by TransUnion CIBIL and MicroSave Consulting (MSC).
What is the outlay of the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹7,280 crore
The Ministry of Heavy Industries said the scheme has an outlay of ₹7,280 crore.
Consider the following statements about the rare earth permanent magnet scheme: 1. The government will select a maximum of five entities through bidding. 2. Each selected entity can set up facilities of up to 1,200 MTPA, adding up to a maximum of 6,000 MTPA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: MHI said at most five entities will be selected, each with up to 1,200 MTPA, for a total of up to 6,000 MTPA.
The rare earth permanent magnet facilities sought under the ₹7,280 crore scheme are for which type of magnet?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sintered NdFeB
The RFP is for integrated sintered NdFeB (neodymium–iron–boron) rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing facilities.
Which two cooperatives were congratulated by Amit Shah on 7 April 2026 for crossing ₹1 lakh crore annual turnover in 2025–26?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Saraswat Cooperative Bank and Amul
The Ministry of Cooperation said Shah congratulated Saraswat Cooperative Bank and Amul.
In which financial year did Saraswat Cooperative Bank and Amul cross ₹1 lakh crore in annual turnover, as per the Ministry of Cooperation?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2025–26
Amit Shah's message refers to crossing the ₹1 lakh crore annual turnover mark in 2025–26.
PM Modi congratulated To Lam on 7 April 2026 on his election to which office?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — President of Vietnam
The PMO said Modi congratulated To Lam on his election as President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
In his message to Vietnam's To Lam on 7 April 2026, PM Modi spoke of deepening which partnership?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Modi said he looked forward to deepening the India–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Guru Tegh Bahadur, whose Parkash Purab was marked on 7 April 2026, was which Guru of Sikhism?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ninth
The Home Ministry release describes Guru Tegh Bahadur as the ninth Guru of Sikhism.
By which title is Guru Tegh Bahadur revered, as cited in the Home Minister's Parkash Purab message of April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Hind di Chadar
Amit Shah's message refers to 'Hind di Chadar' Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
Doordarshan (Prasar Bharati) signed an MoU on 7 April 2026 with which body to expand the global reach of Indian cultural content?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
The I&B Ministry said Doordarshan signed the MoU with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
Consider the following statements about the Doordarshan–ICCR MoU: 1. It provides for joint ownership of content rights, including digital rights, in perpetuity. 2. It was signed on 7 April 2026 at Doordarshan Bhawan, New Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the I&B Ministry release.
Under the ICAR Special Task Force's framework (April 2026), the 'Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav' campaign will prioritise how many aspirational districts?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 100
ICAR said the widened MGMG campaign will prioritise 100 aspirational districts.
The ICAR Special Task Force emphasised 'DSR' as a mechanical intervention. What does DSR stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Direct Seeding of Rice
The ICAR release refers to mechanical solutions including Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR).
Tejveer Singh assumed charge on 7 April 2026 as Secretary of which department?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals
PIB said Tejveer Singh assumed charge as Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Nivedita Shukla Verma, outgoing Secretary of the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, has been appointed Secretary of which department?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
PIB said she has been appointed Secretary, DARPG, with additional charge of the Department of Pensions and Pensioners' Welfare.
Which body launched the first-ever Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE) in April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Statistics Office, MoSPI
MoSPI said the National Statistics Office (NSO) launched the first-ever ASISSE.
Which database is used as the sampling frame for the Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — GSTN database
MoSPI said the survey uses the GSTN database as its sampling frame.
Consider the following statements about ASISSE: 1. Its reference period is the financial year 2024-25. 2. It covers unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises, which were earlier covered by the Annual Survey of Industries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: ASISSE covers incorporated enterprises (companies and LLPs); unincorporated enterprises are covered by ASUSE, and the ASI covers registered manufacturing.
What is the total value of the safety, signalling and communication works approved by Indian Railways, as announced on 6 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹1,364.45 crore
The Ministry of Railways said projects worth ₹1,364.45 crore were approved. ₹2,950 crore and ₹4,871 crore are sub-umbrella and umbrella figures, and ₹27,693 crore is the Kavach umbrella work.
Which version of Kavach equipment is to be installed on 232 Southern Railway locomotives under the works approved in April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Version 4.0
The ministry said the work covers installation of Kavach Version 4.0 equipment on 232 locomotives.
Electronic interlocking worth ₹578.02 crore is to replace panel interlocking at 49 stations in which railway zone?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — South Central Railway
The ministry said electronic interlocking at 49 stations on high-density routes is in South Central Railway.
The BCAS–Rashtriya Raksha University MoU of 6 April 2026 is for setting up a testing centre mainly for which equipment?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Full body scanners and other airport security screening equipment
The Civil Aviation Ministry said the centre will conduct trials, evaluation and certification of full body scanners and other security screening equipment used at Indian airports.
Consider the following statements about the BCAS–RRU MoU: 1. Rashtriya Raksha University was established in 2010. 2. The MoU was signed at the RRU campus in Gandhinagar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct as per the minister's remarks in the release. Statement 2 is wrong: the MoU was signed in New Delhi.
What cumulative Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) did the Government e Marketplace (GeM) report on 6 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹18.4 lakh crore
The Commerce Ministry said GeM achieved a cumulative GMV of ₹18.4 lakh crore; over ₹5 lakh crore was in 2025-26 alone.
What share of total orders on GeM in 2025-26 was executed by Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 68%
The ministry said MSEs executed 68% of total orders, accounting for 47.1% of GMV.
Scientists from which institution developed the 'paired biometric threshold' to distinguish cereal pollen from wild grass pollen in the Central Ganga Plain?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences
DST said the study was by scientists from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institution of DST, with collaborators.
Consider the following statements about the BSIP pollen study released in April 2026: 1. Cereal pollen generally exceeds 46 µm in grain diameter and 9 µm in annulus size, pearl millet being an exception. 2. The study was published in the journal Nature. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is the threshold reported by DST. Statement 2 is wrong: the study was published in The Holocene (SAGE).
Narendra Bhooshan assumed charge on 6 April 2026 as Secretary of which department?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Department of Land Resources
The Ministry of Rural Development said he assumed charge as Secretary, Department of Land Resources.
Narendra Bhooshan, the new Secretary of the Department of Land Resources, belongs to which IAS batch and cadre?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1992 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre
The release says he is a 1992-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.