RPSC RAS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Who released the Ministry of Defence's Manual of Security Instructions 2026 on 9 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh released the manual at South Block, New Delhi.
At the post-Budget webinar on health on 9 March 2026, J.P. Nadda said the government targets how many skilled allied healthcare professionals?
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Correct answer: A — One lakh
Nadda said the government targets one lakh skilled allied healthcare professionals to boost diagnostics and public health.
Who was chosen as Iran's new Supreme Leader in March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Mojtaba Khamenei
The Assembly of Experts chose Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei, on 8 March 2026.
Which Iranian body chose the new Supreme Leader in March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Assembly of Experts
The Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics, chose Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader.
How many members does Iran's Assembly of Experts, which chose the Supreme Leader in March 2026, have?
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Correct answer: C — 88
Reuters and Al Jazeera describe the Assembly of Experts as an 88-member body of clerics.
Consider the following statements about Iran's leadership change in March 2026: 1. The Assembly of Experts described Mojtaba Khamenei as the third Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 2. Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen by Iran's Guardian Council. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Assembly's statement called him 'the third Leader'; he was chosen by the Assembly of Experts, not the Guardian Council.
Which initiative of the Union Budget 2026–27, mentioned by President Murmu on Women's Day 2026, aims to give better markets to products of self-help groups and rural women?
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Correct answer: B — SHE-Mart
The President said the SHE-Mart initiative launched in the Union Budget 2026–27 will provide better markets for SHG and rural women's products.
According to President Murmu on 8 March 2026, how many women-owned MSMEs are active on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?
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Correct answer: D — Over two lakh
She said more than two lakh women-owned MSMEs are active on GeM.
According to PM Modi on 8 March 2026, the national resolve to create how many 'Lakhpati Didis' has been fulfilled?
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Correct answer: C — 3 crore
The PM said the resolve to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis had been fulfilled and set a new goal of 3 crore more.
How many women did PM Modi say are now empowered through Self-Help Groups, in his Women's Day address of 8 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Over 10 crore
He said over 10 crore women are now empowered through Self-Help Groups.
What is the name of the campaign launched by the Income Tax Department in March 2026 to guide restaurants to correct their returns?
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Correct answer: B — SAKSHAM NUDGE
The department started the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign; in phase one, messages go to 63,000 identified restaurants.
The Income Tax Department's survey of restaurants on 8 March 2026 revealed preliminary sales suppression of about how much?
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Correct answer: C — ₹408 crore
The survey of 62 restaurants in 46 cities across 22 states revealed suppression of sales of about ₹408 crore.
Under which provision of the Income Tax Act were restaurants encouraged to file updated returns in the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign?
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Correct answer: D — Section 139(8A)
Taxpayers were encouraged to file updated returns under Section 139(8A) of the Income Tax Act before 31 March 2026.
Janaushadhi Diwas, whose 8th edition was observed in 2026, falls on which date?
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Correct answer: B — 7 March
The 8th Janaushadhi Diwas was observed on 7 March 2026, closing Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.
Which body implements the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?
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Correct answer: A — Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, runs PMBJP and organised Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.
What target has the government set for the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027?
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Correct answer: C — 25,000
Over 18,000 Kendras are open; the target is 25,000 by March 2027 through a franchise-based model.
Janaushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are sold at what price per pad?
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Correct answer: B — ₹1
Suvidha napkins, introduced in 2019, are priced at ₹1 per pad.
Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: 1. Medicines are procured only from manufacturers compliant with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices, and each batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories. 2. Kendra operators receive a trade margin of 20% on the MRP of each drug (excluding taxes). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PIB backgrounder: WHO-GMP sourcing with NABL batch testing, and a 20% trade margin for operators.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of a new airport for Rajasthan's Hadoti region on 7 March 2026. Which city is it meant to serve?
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Correct answer: D — Kota
The Kota–Bundi airport at Shambhupura will serve Kota and the wider Hadoti region.
Which of the following districts is NOT part of the Hadoti region named by the Prime Minister at the Kota airport ceremony?
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Correct answer: A — Ajmer
The PM named Kota, Bundi, Baran and Jhalawar as the Hadoti region; Ajmer is not part of it.
What is the approximate cost of the Kota–Bundi airport whose foundation stone was laid on 7 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹1,500 crore
The PM said the airport would be built at a cost of about one and a half thousand crore rupees.
Consider the following statements about the Kota–Bundi airport ceremony of 7 March 2026: 1. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma were present at Shambhupura. 2. The Prime Minister said the airport had been promised in November 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Om Birla and CM Bhajanlal Sharma attended, and the PM recalled his November 2023 promise.
Under the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme, what is the target for training semiconductor engineers over 10 years?
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Correct answer: C — 85,000
The C2S programme aims to train 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design over 10 years.
Consider the following statements about the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme: 1. Chips designed by students are fabricated and tested at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali. 2. Under India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, the programme is to be expanded to 500 academic institutions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: student chips are made at SCL Mohali, and ISM 2.0 will take the programme from 315 to 500 institutions.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, in which India lost 0–11 to Japan on 7 March 2026, is being hosted by which country?
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Correct answer: A — Australia
The tournament is the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026; India played Japan at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
Who secured the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, whose result was declared on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Anuj Agnihotri
Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate of AIIMS Jodhpur, topped with Medical Science as his optional subject.
How many candidates were recommended for appointment in the Civil Services Examination 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 958
UPSC recommended 958 candidates (659 men and 299 women); 2,736 had qualified for the Personality Test.
What was the optional subject of Anuj Agnihotri, the CSE 2025 topper?
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Correct answer: D — Medical Science
Anuj Agnihotri qualified with Medical Science as his optional subject.
Consider the following statements about the CSE 2025 result: 1. The top 25 candidates include 11 women. 2. The top five candidates include one woman. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the top 25 have 11 women and 14 men, and the top five have one woman (Rajeshwari Suve M, rank 2) and four men.
The Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the Civil Services Examination, is established under which Article of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: A — Article 315
Article 315 provides for a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State. Article 148 is the CAG, 280 the Finance Commission and 324 the Election Commission.
What wheat procurement estimate was fixed for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27 at the State Food Secretaries' meeting on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 303 LMT
The estimate for wheat procurement for RMS 2026-27 was fixed at 303 lakh metric tonnes.
In which state was a pilot to add QR code tags on foodgrain packaging bags successfully completed, as reported on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Andhra Pradesh
The Department of Food and Public Distribution said the QR-code pilot was completed in Andhra Pradesh, with more pilots planned.
According to the Commerce Ministry on 6 March 2026, India's FTA network now consists of how many FTAs spanning how many countries?
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Correct answer: B — 9 FTAs, 38 countries
The ministry said India's network has reached nine FTAs spanning 38 countries.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): 1. It was signed on 10 March 2024. 2. It entered into force on 1 October 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commerce Ministry said the EFTA TEPA was signed on 10 March 2024 and entered into force on 1 October 2025.
Through which platform, mentioned by the PM at the post-Budget webinar on 6 March 2026, is the government building digital public infrastructure for agriculture?
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Correct answer: B — AgriStack
The Prime Minister said the government is developing digital public infrastructure for agriculture through AgriStack.
Under DGFT Public Notice No. 51/2025-26 of 6 March 2026, the export obligation period for eligible Advance and EPCG Authorisations has been extended up to which date?
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Correct answer: C — 31 August 2026
EO periods expiring between 1 March and 31 May 2026 are automatically extended to 31 August 2026, with no composition fee.
INS Tarangini, which reached Colombo on 6 March 2026 after training Sri Lanka Navy cadets, is what type of vessel?
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Correct answer: A — Sail training ship
INS Tarangini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship; it trained 3 officers and 26 trainees of the Sri Lanka Naval and Maritime Academy.
What are the names of the Census-2027 mascots unveiled on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Pragati and Vikas
The mascots are 'Pragati' (female enumerator) and 'Vikas' (male enumerator).
What is the reference date for Census-2027 for most States and Union Territories?
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Correct answer: C — 1 March 2027
The reference date is 00:00 hours of 1 March 2027, except Ladakh and snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (1 October 2026).
Which organisation developed the digital platforms soft-launched for Census-2027?
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Correct answer: D — C-DAC
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) developed the four digital platforms.
Consider the following statements about Census-2027: 1. Respondents can self-enumerate online in 16 languages before the door-to-door survey. 2. The caste-related question will be asked in Phase 1 (Houselisting and Housing Census). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The caste-related question will be included in Phase 2 (Population Enumeration, February 2027), not in the houselisting phase.
Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote at the 11th Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Alexander Stubb
Finnish President Alexander Stubb was chief guest and gave the inaugural keynote; PM Modi inaugurated the Dialogue.
During President Stubb's visit, India–Finland relations were elevated to which status?
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Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability
The two countries elevated ties to a 'Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability'.
By which year do India and Finland aim to double their bilateral trade?
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Correct answer: C — 2030
The two sides aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, capitalising on the India–EU FTA.
Consider the following outcomes of the Finnish President's visit to India in March 2026: 1. A Joint Task Force on 6G linking the University of Oulu and the Bharat 6G Alliance. 2. Co-hosting of the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are listed outcomes: a 6G Joint Task Force (University of Oulu and Bharat 6G Alliance) and co-hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026 with Finland's SITRA.
India's nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, praised by the WHO Director-General on 5 March 2026, targets how many adolescent girls?
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Correct answer: C — 12 million
Dr Tedros praised the campaign targeting 12 million adolescent girls as the world's largest free vaccination drive.
HPV vaccination, discussed by J.P. Nadda at the WHO briefing, is mainly meant to prevent which cancer?
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Correct answer: A — Cervical cancer
The briefing was on India's commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening.
By what date must memorandums be submitted to the 8th Central Pay Commission, as announced on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 30 April 2026
Submissions will be received up to 30 April 2026, only through the online portals.
Who chairs the 8th Central Pay Commission?
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Correct answer: D — Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai is the Chairperson, with Prof. Pulak Ghosh as part-time member and Pankaj Jain as member-secretary.
Consider the following statements about the 8th Central Pay Commission: 1. It was constituted by a Government resolution dated 3 November 2025. 2. It is required to make its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Commission was constituted by a resolution dated 3 November 2025 and must report within 18 months.
The Indian Culture Portal, whose Version 2.0 was launched on 5 March 2026, was originally launched in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2019
The portal was originally launched in December 2019 to democratise access to India's cultural heritage.
Through which platform will UNICEF India channel CSR investments into nutrition under its Statement of Intent with NITI Aayog signed on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — IMPAct4Nutrition
UNICEF India will use its IMPAct4Nutrition (I4N) platform to engage businesses and channel CSR funds into nutrition.
The Cycling League of India, whose logo was unveiled on 5 March 2026, will have how many franchises?
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Correct answer: B — Eight
The league will have eight city- or region-based franchises, each with ten cyclists.
The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on 4 March 2026 off which coastal town?
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Correct answer: D — Galle, Sri Lanka
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship was operating about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, Sri Lanka.
Where was the distress call from IRIS Dena received on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — MRCC Colombo
The distress call was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, as reported by the Sri Lanka Navy.
Which Indian Navy ship, operating nearby, reached the IRIS Dena search area by 1600 hrs on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — INS Tarangini
INS Tarangini was deployed to aid the rescue effort and arrived in the search area by 1600 hrs; INS Ikshak later sailed from Kochi.
According to AP, how many people did the Sri Lanka Navy rescue after IRIS Dena sank?
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Correct answer: B — 32
AP reported that the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 people and recovered 87 bodies.
Consider the following statements about the IRIS Dena incident of 4 March 2026: 1. The ship was in the search-and-rescue region under India's responsibility when it sent the distress call. 2. The ship had recently taken part in International Fleet Review 2026, an exercise hosted by India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Ministry of Defence said the ship was in the SAR region under Sri Lanka's responsibility, so Sri Lanka led the search; BBC reported its participation in International Fleet Review 2026 hosted by India.
What was the HSBC India Services PMI for February 2026, released on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 58.1
The services PMI was 58.1 in February, compared with 58.5 in January.
Which agency compiles the HSBC India Services PMI?
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Correct answer: B — S&P Global
The HSBC India PMI series is compiled by S&P Global; data for February 2026 were collected from 9 to 25 February.
Consider the following statements about India's PMI data for February 2026: 1. New orders in the services sector rose at the slowest pace since January 2025. 2. The composite PMI fell from January's level. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. New services orders grew at a 13-month low, but the composite PMI rose to 58.9 from 58.4, the fastest private-sector growth in three months.
What was the theme of National Safety Day 2026, observed on 4 March?
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Correct answer: D — Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety
The 55th National Safety Day/Week in 2026 had the theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
National Safety Day on 4 March commemorates the founding of which organisation?
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Correct answer: A — National Safety Council of India
National Safety Day marks the foundation of the National Safety Council of India on 4 March 1966.
Consider the following statements about National Safety Day: 1. The National Safety Council of India was founded on 4 March 1966. 2. National Safety Day was first observed in 1972. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the Council was founded on 4 March 1966 and the day was first observed in 1972. The 2026 observance was the 55th edition.
Which ministry set up a special control room on 4 March 2026 for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs set up the control room, working from 9 am to 9 pm.
According to the MEA in March 2026, roughly how many Indian citizens live in West Asia?
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Correct answer: A — Nearly one crore
The MEA said nearly one crore Indian citizens reside in West Asia and their safety is of utmost priority.
What is the toll-free number of the MEA special control room set up on 4 March 2026 for the West Asia situation?
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Correct answer: A — 1800118797
The control room can be reached on the toll-free number 1800118797 and on three Delhi landline numbers from 9 am to 9 pm.
Which body organised the free health check-up camps during Janaushadhi Saptah 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, organised the camps at about 250 locations from 1 to 5 March 2026.
For which force are the six ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters contracted on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard
The six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters, worth ₹2,901 crore, are for the Indian Coast Guard.
With which company did the Defence Ministry sign the contract for Vertical Launch-Shtil missiles on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — JSC Rosoboronexport
The ₹2,182 crore VL-Shtil contract was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation.
What was the combined value of the ALH Mk-III and VL-Shtil contracts signed on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹5,083 crore
The two contracts totalled ₹5,083 crore: ₹2,901 crore for ALH Mk-III and ₹2,182 crore for VL-Shtil.
Consider the following statements about the ALH Mk-III (MR) contract of 3 March 2026: 1. It was placed with HAL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. 2. The helicopters are single-engine platforms meant only for shore-based operations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Ministry describes the ALH Mk-III as twin-engine helicopters able to operate from shore-based airfields and from ships at sea.
Mobile World Congress 2026, where India's Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated on 3 March 2026, was held in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Barcelona
MWC 2026 was held from 2 to 5 March at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.
What was the theme of the GSMA Ministerial session at MWC 2026 where Jyotiraditya Scindia delivered the closing keynote?
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Correct answer: B — Breaking the Cost Barrier
Scindia gave the closing keynote of 'Breaking the Cost Barrier', on the affordability gap that excludes 3.1 billion people.
According to the curtain raiser unveiled at MWC 2026, when will India Mobile Congress 2026 be held?
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Correct answer: C — 7–10 October 2026
IMC 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 7 to 10 October 2026.