SF Prep

REET Current Affairs Quiz — All time

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

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3485 news · 9276 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 71 questions
National Dental Commission constituted with three boards; Dental Council of India dissolved
Q1

The National Dental Commission, which came into effect on 19 March 2026, replaced:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Dental Council of India

The NDC and its three autonomous boards replace the Dental Council of India, which is dissolved from 19 March 2026.

Q2 Advanced

Who was appointed Chairperson of the National Dental Commission in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Dr Sanjay Tewari

Dr Sanjay Tewari is the Chairperson of the NDC; Dr Janakiram heads the education board and Lt Gen (Retd) Sahoo the assessment board.

Q3 Advanced

Who heads the Dental Assessment and Rating Board under the National Dental Commission?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Lt Gen (Retd) Nanda Kishore Sahoo

Lt Gen (Retd) Nanda Kishore Sahoo is President of the Dental Assessment and Rating Board; Dr Himanshu Aeran is its Whole Time Member.

Q4 Advanced

Consider the following about the National Dental Commission (NDC): 1. With the NDC Act in force from 19 March 2026, the Dentists Act, 1948 stands repealed. 2. The NDC has four autonomous boards, including a separate Dental Research Board. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the NDC has three autonomous boards – UG & PG Dental Education, Dental Assessment and Rating, and Ethics and Dental Registration.

Government approves RELIEF, a ₹497-crore export support under the Export Promotion Mission, with ECGC as nodal agency
Q5

Which body is the nodal and implementing agency for the RELIEF export intervention approved in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ECGC Ltd

ECGC Ltd has been designated the nodal and implementing agency for verification, claim processing, disbursement and monitoring under RELIEF.

Q6 Advanced

RELIEF, approved on 19 March 2026 to help exporters amid West Asia disruption, is an intervention under:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Export Promotion Mission

RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) is an intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).

Q7 Advanced

What is the approved financial outlay for RELIEF under the Export Promotion Mission?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹497 crore

RELIEF will be implemented under the Export Promotion Mission with an approved outlay of ₹497 crore.

Q8 Advanced

Consider the following about RELIEF (March 2026): 1. ECGC-insured consignments shipped between 14 February and 15 March 2026 can get up to 100% risk cover over and above existing ECGC cover. 2. Non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can get full reimbursement of freight surcharges with no ceiling. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: non-insured MSME exporters get partial reimbursement of up to 50%, capped at ₹50 lakh per exporter.

NITI Aayog report: India's sports equipment exports could rise from $275 million to $8.1 billion by 2036
Q9 Advanced

According to NITI Aayog's March 2026 report, India's current share of global sports equipment exports is about:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 0.5%

India exports about $275 million of sports equipment a year, around 0.5% of the global export market; 11% is the 2036 potential.

Q10 Advanced

Consider the following about NITI Aayog's report on sports equipment manufacturing (March 2026): 1. Nearly half of the sector's production comes from large enterprises. 2. The existing clusters recommended for modernisation are Ludhiana and Kanpur. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2

Both are wrong: nearly 90% of production is by small and micro enterprises, and the clusters to be modernised are Meerut and Jalandhar.

India auctions a record 200 mineral blocks in FY 2025-26; Gujarat leads with 32
Q11

Which State auctioned the most mineral blocks in FY 2025-26, when India auctioned a record 200 blocks?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Gujarat

Gujarat led with 32 blocks, followed by Rajasthan (30) and Tamil Nadu (22).

Q12 Advanced

Which mineral accounted for the largest number of blocks auctioned in FY 2025-26?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Limestone

Limestone accounted for 76 blocks, the most auctioned mineral, followed by iron ore (40) and bauxite (30).

Q13 Advanced

Consider the following about mineral block auctions in FY 2025-26: 1. A majority of the 200 auctioned blocks were Composite Licence blocks. 2. Tamil Nadu conducted mineral block auctions for the first time. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: 123 of the 200 were Mining Lease blocks and 77 Composite Licence blocks. Statement 2 is correct.

ECI sets out postal ballot facility for 85+ voters, PwDs, essential services staff and service voters in 2026 Assembly polls
Q14 Advanced

Electors above 85 and flagged PwDs who want to vote by postal ballot in the 2026 Assembly elections must apply using:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Form 12D

Such electors can avail the facility using Form 12D, submitted to the Returning Officer through their BLO within 5 days of notification.

Q15 Advanced

Consider the following about the postal ballot facility for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Form 12D can be submitted up to 15 days after the notification of election. 2. The facility for electors above 85 and PwDs flows from Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: Form 12D must be submitted within 5 days of notification. Statement 2 is correct.

PM Modi speaks to leaders of France, Malaysia, Oman, Jordan and Qatar on West Asia
Q16 Advanced

On 19 March 2026, PM Modi spoke by phone with leaders of several countries about West Asia. Which of these was NOT among them?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia

On 19 March 2026 the PM spoke with the leaders of France, Malaysia, Oman, Jordan and Qatar; Saudi Arabia was not among them.

Q17 Advanced

In his calls of 19 March 2026, with which two leaders did PM Modi explicitly affirm safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Sultan of Oman and Amir of Qatar

The PMO releases on the calls with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and Amir Sheikh Tamim of Qatar mention safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz; with Jordan the PM backed unhindered transit of goods and energy.

India Bioeconomy Report 2026: bioeconomy at USD 195.3 billion, about 4.8% of GDP
Q18

According to the India Bioeconomy Report 2026, India's bioeconomy in 2025 was valued at about:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — USD 195 billion

IBER 2026 puts India's bioeconomy at USD 195.3 billion in 2025; USD 300 billion is the 2030 target.

Q19 Advanced

The India Bioeconomy Report (IBER) 2026 was released at the 14th Foundation Day of:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — BIRAC

IBER 2026 and the BIRAC Impact Report were released at the 14th Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

Q20 Advanced

Consider the following about India's bioeconomy (IBER 2026): 1. It contributes around 4.8% to the national GDP. 2. India's bioeconomy target is USD 300 billion by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the bioeconomy contributes about 4.8% of GDP, and the Minister said India is moving towards a USD 300 billion target by 2030.

NICDC to anchor BHAVYA scheme for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks
Q21 Advanced

Which organisation will anchor implementation of the BHAVYA scheme for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — NICDC

The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), under DPIIT, will anchor the BHAVYA scheme.

Q22 Advanced

Consider the following: 1. The BHAVYA scheme aims to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme. 2. NICDC is the Project Management Agency for seven PM MITRA Parks of the Ministry of Textiles. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Commerce Ministry's release of 19 March 2026.

Extra gas lifts urea output by about 23%; fertiliser stocks higher ahead of Kharif 2026
Q23 Advanced

After the EPMC gas bidding of March 2026, total gas supply to urea plants rose from 32 MMSCMD to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 39.31 MMSCMD

An additional 7.31 MMSCMD of spot gas raised supply to urea plants by 23%, from 32 to 39.31 MMSCMD.

Q24 Advanced

Consider the following about fertiliser supply as of 19 March 2026: 1. DAP stocks were lower than on the same date in 2025. 2. Domestic urea production is projected to rise from 54,500 to 67,000 tonnes a day. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: DAP stocks more than doubled to 24.24 LMT from 11.85 LMT. Statement 2 is correct.

Rajasthan launches Mukhyamantri Viksit Gram-Ward Abhiyan on Rajasthan Diwas, 19 March 2026
Q25 Advanced

In 2026, Rajasthan observed Rajasthan Diwas on 19 March because the State Government celebrates it on:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Chaitra Shukla Pratipada

The Rajasthan Government has resolved to celebrate Rajasthan Diwas every year on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the Hindu New Year, which fell on 19 March in 2026.

Q26 Advanced

Consider the following about Rajasthan's Mukhyamantri Viksit Gram-Ward Abhiyan: 1. It runs from 19 March to 15 May 2026. 2. The first Gram Sabhas and Ward Sabhas under it were held on 20 March 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the campaign runs from 19 March to 15 May, and the first Gram Sabhas and Ward Sabhas were held on 20 March.

Cabinet approves ₹2,584.60-crore Small Hydro Power Development Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31
Q27

What is the outlay of the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme (FY 2026-27 to 2030-31) approved in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — ₹2,584.60 crore

The Cabinet approved the SHP Development Scheme with an outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore for about 1,500 MW.

Q28 Advanced

The Small Hydro Power Development Scheme (2026-31) supports projects of what capacity range?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1–25 MW

The scheme supports small hydro projects of between 1 and 25 MW capacity.

Q29 Advanced

Consider the following about the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme (2026-31): 1. In North Eastern states and international border districts, central assistance is ₹3.6 crore per MW or 30% of project cost, whichever is lower, capped at ₹30 crore per project. 2. The scheme aims at about 1,500 MW of small hydro capacity. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Cabinet decision of 18 March 2026.

Cabinet approves BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna) with ₹33,660 crore for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks
Q30

BHAVYA, approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 March 2026, stands for:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna

BHAVYA is the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna, approved with ₹33,660 crore for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks.

Q31 Advanced

What allocation has been approved for the BHAVYA scheme for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹33,660 crore

The Cabinet approved BHAVYA with an allocation of ₹33,660 crore.

Q32 Advanced

Under BHAVYA, financial support for core, value-added and social infrastructure is available up to:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹1 crore per acre

Financial support of up to ₹1 crore per acre will be provided for core, value-added and social infrastructure.

Q33 Advanced

Consider the following about the BHAVYA scheme: 1. Industrial parks ranging from 100 to 1,000 acres will be taken up. 2. Projects will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: projects will be selected through a challenge mode.

ECI deploys over 25 lakh officials for 2026 Assembly polls in five States/UTs – about one for every 70 electors
Q34 Advanced

For the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs, the ECI deployed roughly one election official for every how many electors?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 70

Over 25 lakh officials for over 17.4 crore electors amounts to nearly one official for every 70 electors.

Q35 Advanced

Consider the following about the ECI's deployment for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Expenditure Observers outnumber General Observers among the Central Observers. 2. Deployed personnel are deemed to be on deputation to the ECI under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: there are 557 General Observers and 366 Expenditure Observers. Statement 2 is correct.

ALMM extended to solar ingots and wafers through List-III, effective 1 June 2028
Q36 Advanced

ALMM List-III, announced by MNRE in March 2026, covers which solar products?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Ingots and wafers

MNRE expanded the ALMM Order to introduce List-III for ingots and wafers; modules and cells were already covered.

Q37 Advanced

From which date must all solar projects use ALMM List-III compliant wafers?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 June 2028

The effective date is 1 June 2028, from which all projects, including net-metering and open-access projects, must use ALMM-listed wafers.

CCEA approves ₹1,718.56 crore MSP funding to Cotton Corporation of India for cotton season 2023-24
Q38 Advanced

In March 2026 the CCEA approved MSP funding of ₹1,718.56 crore for the 2023-24 cotton season to:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Cotton Corporation of India

The MSP funding of ₹1,718.56 crore was approved for the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), the central nodal agency for cotton MSP operations.

Q39 Advanced

Consider the following about MSP operations in cotton: 1. CCI procures Fair Average Quality cotton subject to a quantity ceiling per farmer. 2. The MSP for seed cotton (kapas) is fixed on the recommendations of the CACP. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: CCI procures all FAQ cotton without any quantitative ceiling when prices fall below MSP. Statement 2 is correct.

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti takes charge as Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes
Q40

Who assumed charge as Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes on 18 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti

Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti assumed charge as NCBC Chairperson with effect from 18 March 2026; Kiran Umesh Mahalle joined as Member on 20 March.

Q41 Advanced

Kiran Umesh Mahalle, who joined the NCBC as a Member in March 2026, was earlier Mayor of which Municipal Corporation?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Amravati

Kiran Umesh Mahalle has served as Mayor of the Municipal Corporation, Amravati.

Q42 Advanced

Consider the following about the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), whose Chairperson took charge in March 2026: 1. The NCBC is a constitutional body under Article 338B, inserted by the Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act, 2018. 2. Before 2018, the NCBC functioned as a statutory body under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018 inserted Article 338B and gave the NCBC constitutional status; it was earlier constituted under the NCBC Act, 1993, which was repealed in 2018.

Election Commission deploys 1,111 Central Observers for Assembly elections in five States/UTs and bye-elections
Q43 Advanced

How many Central Observers did the Election Commission deploy for the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs and the bye-elections?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1,111

The ECI deployed 1,111 observers: 557 general, 188 police and 366 expenditure observers.

Q44 Advanced

The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution read with which provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Section 20B

Central Observers are appointed under Article 324 and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

PM Modi speaks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, stresses safe navigation through Strait of Hormuz
Q45

On 17 March 2026, PM Narendra Modi spoke with the President of which country and stressed safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — United Arab Emirates

PM Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the two agreed on safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Government reaches milestone of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations registered under the central scheme
Q46 Advanced

As on 1 March 2026, how many FPOs registered under the 10,000 FPOs scheme have 100% women members?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1,175

1,175 FPOs are registered with 100% women members, and 23.55 lakh women farmers are registered under the scheme.

Q47

The scheme for 'Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations', which reached its target by 1 March 2026, is a:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Central Sector Scheme

The Government is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs.

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh sign reform-linked MoUs with Centre under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
Q48

Which two states signed reform-linked MoUs with the Centre under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 on 17 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh signed reform-linked MoUs under JJM 2.0 on 17 March 2026.

Q49 Advanced

How many reform areas are covered by the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 MoUs signed with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 11

The MoUs cover implementation of 11 key reform areas for rural drinking water governance.

Centre releases over ₹1,789 crore of XV Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies in five states
Q50 Advanced

Untied grants of the Fifteenth Finance Commission released to rural local bodies can be used for the subjects listed in which Schedule of the Constitution?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Eleventh Schedule

Untied grants are used for location-specific felt needs under the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule, except salaries and establishment costs.

Q51 Advanced

Consider the following about the XV-FC grants announced on 17 March 2026: 1. Madhya Pradesh received the largest first-instalment release among the five states. 2. The grants are released directly by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj without any role of the Ministry of Finance. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct (₹630.65 crore for MP). Statement 2 is wrong: the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and DDWS recommend the release, which is then made by the Ministry of Finance.

Indian-flagged LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi reach Mundra and Kandla after crossing Strait of Hormuz
Q52

Indian-flagged LPG carriers MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026, arrived at which Indian ports?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Mundra and Kandla

The two vessels, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Mundra and Kandla on 16 and 17 March 2026.

Q53 Advanced

Approximately how much LPG were MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi carrying together when they crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 13 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — About 92,712 tonnes

The two carriers were carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG.

Q54 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz, crossed by the LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi in March 2026: 1. It lies between Oman and Iran. 2. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Red Sea. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, not the Red Sea (EIA).

National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 come into force with e-notices and double charge for unpaid toll
Q55 Advanced

Under the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, what is payable if an unpaid toll is settled after 72 hours of the e-notice?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Twice the toll

The unpaid user fee is twice the applicable toll; only the original fee is payable if paid within 72 hours of the e-notice.

Q56 Advanced

Consider the following about the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026: 1. A representation against an e-notice must be disposed of within five days, failing which the claim lapses. 2. Unpaid dues are recorded in the VAHAN system if they remain unpaid beyond 30 days. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: dues are recorded in VAHAN if unpaid beyond 15 days with no pending representation.

Keel laid for two Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Indian Coast Guard at Ratnagiri
Q57 Advanced

The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels whose keels were laid at Ratnagiri on 17 March 2026 are being built for:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard

Yard 16402 and 16403 are the second and third of six NGOPVs for the Indian Coast Guard.

Q58 Advanced

Consider the following about the Indian Coast Guard's Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels: 1. They are being designed and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. 2. Each ship will have a range of 5,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 23 knots. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release on the keel laying of 17 March 2026.

Over 1 lakh of 2.12 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner
Q59 Advanced

As on 31 January 2026, how many entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2,12,283

A total of 2,12,283 entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT as on 31 January 2026; 1,02,054 of them have at least one woman director or partner.

Q60 Advanced

The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) under Startup India is operationalised by:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — SIDBI

FFS is operationalised by SIDBI, which provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds that invest in startups.

India Post launches 24 Speed Post, 48 Speed Post and 24 Speed Post Parcel for time-definite delivery between six metros
Q61

India Post's '24 Speed Post' service launched on 17 March 2026 offers:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Guaranteed next-day (D+1) delivery between six metro cities

24 Speed Post and 24 Speed Post Parcel offer guaranteed next-day (D+1) delivery between New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Q62 Advanced

Consider the following about India Post's new time-definite services launched in March 2026: 1. 48 Speed Post offers assured two-day (D+2) document delivery between the six metros. 2. Deliveries under 24 Speed Post will not be made on Sundays. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: deliveries will also be made on Sundays and holidays, except national holidays.

President Droupadi Murmu attends event marking Akshaya Patra Foundation's five billion meals
Q63

Which organisation's milestone of five billion meals was commemorated in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on 17 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Akshaya Patra Foundation

The event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre marked five billion meals served by the Akshaya Patra Foundation.

Q64 Advanced

What was the theme of the event held on 17 March 2026 to mark the Akshaya Patra Foundation's five billion meals?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India

The theme was 'From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India', linking nutrition and education to Viksit Bharat 2047.

India's total exports for April–February 2025-26 estimated at US$ 790.86 billion, up 5.79%
Q65 Advanced

India's total exports (merchandise and services) during April–February 2025-26 are estimated at:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — US$ 790.86 billion

Total exports for April–February 2025-26 are estimated at US$ 790.86 billion, up 5.79%; US$ 900.51 billion is the estimate of total imports.

Q66 Advanced

Which sector led India's merchandise export growth in February 2026, rising 12.90% to US$ 10.36 billion?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Engineering goods

Engineering goods exports rose 12.90% from US$ 9.17 billion in February 2025 to US$ 10.36 billion in February 2026.

Q67 Advanced

Consider the following about India's trade data for February 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in February 2026 were higher than in February 2025. 2. India recorded an overall (merchandise plus services) trade deficit in February 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: merchandise exports were US$ 36.61 billion against US$ 36.91 billion in February 2025. Statement 2 is correct: the overall trade balance was –US$ 3.96 billion.

Horticulture production hits 3,707.38 lakh tonnes in 2024-25; 2025-26 projected at 3,708.46 lakh tonnes
Q68 Advanced

According to the final estimates released in March 2026, India's total horticulture production in 2024-25 was:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 3,707.38 lakh tonnes

Final estimates put 2024-25 production at 3,707.38 lakh tonnes; 3,547.44 was the 2023-24 figure and 3,708.46 is the 2025-26 first advance estimate.

Q69 Advanced

Consider the following about the horticulture estimates released on 16 March 2026: 1. Onion production in 2024-25 rose by over 25% compared with 2023-24. 2. Tomato production in 2024-25 was higher than in 2023-24. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct: onion output rose 26.79% to 307.67 lakh tonnes. Statement 2 is wrong: tomato output fell to 205.99 lakh tonnes from 213.23 lakh tonnes, though it is projected to rise in 2025-26.

Quantum teaching labs approved in 23 institutions under National Quantum Mission; Pune proposed for IISF 2026
Q70 Advanced

Under the National Quantum Mission, approval for quantum teaching laboratories has been granted to how many academic institutions (as disclosed on 16 March 2026)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 23

Quantum teaching labs have been approved in 23 institutions; 100 more are under consideration.

Q71

Which city has been identified as the proposed venue for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pune

Pune has been identified as the proposed venue for IISF 2026, with the Department of Biotechnology preparing the framework.