SF Prep

SSC MTS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months

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

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1726 news · 4612 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 92 questions
PM Modi says target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis achieved, sets new goal of 3 crore more
Q1

According to PM Modi on 8 March 2026, the national resolve to create how many 'Lakhpati Didis' has been fulfilled?

Show answer

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.

Q2 Advanced

How many women did PM Modi say are now empowered through Self-Help Groups, in his Women's Day address of 8 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Over 10 crore

He said over 10 crore women are now empowered through Self-Help Groups.

Income Tax Department surveys 62 restaurants in 46 cities, finds about ₹408 crore of suppressed sales
Q3

What is the name of the campaign launched by the Income Tax Department in March 2026 to guide restaurants to correct their returns?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — SAKSHAM NUDGE

The department started the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign; in phase one, messages go to 63,000 identified restaurants.

Q4 Advanced

The Income Tax Department's survey of restaurants on 8 March 2026 revealed preliminary sales suppression of about how much?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹408 crore

The survey of 62 restaurants in 46 cities across 22 states revealed suppression of sales of about ₹408 crore.

Q5 Advanced

Under which provision of the Income Tax Act were restaurants encouraged to file updated returns in the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign?

Show answer

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.

8th Janaushadhi Diwas marked at Bharat Mandapam; PMBJP network crosses 18,000 Kendras
Q6

Janaushadhi Diwas, whose 8th edition was observed in 2026, falls on which date?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 7 March

The 8th Janaushadhi Diwas was observed on 7 March 2026, closing Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.

Q7

Which body implements the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)

PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, runs PMBJP and organised Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.

Q8 Advanced

What target has the government set for the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 25,000

Over 18,000 Kendras are open; the target is 25,000 by March 2027 through a franchise-based model.

Q9 Advanced

Janaushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are sold at what price per pad?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹1

Suvidha napkins, introduced in 2019, are priced at ₹1 per pad.

Q10 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Chips to Startup: EDA tools in 315 institutions; ISM 2.0 to expand to 500
Q11 Advanced

Under the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme, what is the target for training semiconductor engineers over 10 years?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 85,000

The C2S programme aims to train 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design over 10 years.

Q12 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

UPSC declares Civil Services Examination 2025 result; Anuj Agnihotri tops, 958 recommended
Q13

Who secured the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, whose result was declared on 6 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Anuj Agnihotri

Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate of AIIMS Jodhpur, topped with Medical Science as his optional subject.

Q14 Advanced

How many candidates were recommended for appointment in the Civil Services Examination 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 958

UPSC recommended 958 candidates (659 men and 299 women); 2,736 had qualified for the Personality Test.

Q15 Advanced

What was the optional subject of Anuj Agnihotri, the CSE 2025 topper?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Medical Science

Anuj Agnihotri qualified with Medical Science as his optional subject.

Q16 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q17 Advanced

The Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the Civil Services Examination, is established under which Article of the Constitution?

Show answer

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.

Wheat procurement estimate for RMS 2026-27 fixed at 303 LMT
Q18 Advanced

What wheat procurement estimate was fixed for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27 at the State Food Secretaries' meeting on 6 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 303 LMT

The estimate for wheat procurement for RMS 2026-27 was fixed at 303 lakh metric tonnes.

Q19 Advanced

In which state was a pilot to add QR code tags on foodgrain packaging bags successfully completed, as reported on 6 March 2026?

Show answer

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.

Commerce Ministry: India now has nine FTAs spanning 38 countries
Q20 Advanced

According to the Commerce Ministry on 6 March 2026, India's FTA network now consists of how many FTAs spanning how many countries?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 9 FTAs, 38 countries

The ministry said India's network has reached nine FTAs spanning 38 countries.

Q21 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Amit Shah unveils Census-2027 mascots Pragati and Vikas and soft-launches four digital tools
Q22

What are the names of the Census-2027 mascots unveiled on 5 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Pragati and Vikas

The mascots are 'Pragati' (female enumerator) and 'Vikas' (male enumerator).

Q23 Advanced

What is the reference date for Census-2027 for most States and Union Territories?

Show answer

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).

Q24 Advanced

Which organisation developed the digital platforms soft-launched for Census-2027?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — C-DAC

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) developed the four digital platforms.

Q25 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

India and Finland raise ties to Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability during President Stubb's visit
Q26

Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote at the 11th Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Alexander Stubb

Finnish President Alexander Stubb was chief guest and gave the inaugural keynote; PM Modi inaugurated the Dialogue.

Q27 Advanced

During President Stubb's visit, India–Finland relations were elevated to which status?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability

The two countries elevated ties to a 'Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability'.

Q28 Advanced

By which year do India and Finland aim to double their bilateral trade?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2030

The two sides aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, capitalising on the India–EU FTA.

Q29 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Nadda at WHO briefing: 86 million women screened for cervical cancer; WHO chief hails HPV drive
Q30 Advanced

India's nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, praised by the WHO Director-General on 5 March 2026, targets how many adolescent girls?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 12 million

Dr Tedros praised the campaign targeting 12 million adolescent girls as the world's largest free vaccination drive.

Q31 Advanced

HPV vaccination, discussed by J.P. Nadda at the WHO briefing, is mainly meant to prevent which cancer?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Cervical cancer

The briefing was on India's commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening.

8th Central Pay Commission invites memorandums from employees and pensioners till 30 April 2026
Q32 Advanced

By what date must memorandums be submitted to the 8th Central Pay Commission, as announced on 5 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 30 April 2026

Submissions will be received up to 30 April 2026, only through the online portals.

Q33 Advanced

Who chairs the 8th Central Pay Commission?

Show answer

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.

Q34 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Indian Navy joins Sri Lanka-led search and rescue after Iranian warship IRIS Dena sinks off Galle
Q35

The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on 4 March 2026 off which coastal town?

Show answer

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.

Q36 Advanced

Where was the distress call from IRIS Dena received on 4 March 2026?

Show answer

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.

Q37 Advanced

Which Indian Navy ship, operating nearby, reached the IRIS Dena search area by 1600 hrs on 4 March 2026?

Show answer

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.

Q38 Advanced

According to AP, how many people did the Sri Lanka Navy rescue after IRIS Dena sank?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 32

AP reported that the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 people and recovered 87 bodies.

Q39 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

HSBC India Services PMI eases to 58.1 in February 2026 as new orders grow at a 13-month low
Q40

What was the HSBC India Services PMI for February 2026, released on 4 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 58.1

The services PMI was 58.1 in February, compared with 58.5 in January.

Q41 Advanced

Which agency compiles the HSBC India Services PMI?

Show answer

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.

Q42 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

India observes the 55th National Safety Day on 4 March 2026 with the theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'
Q43

What was the theme of National Safety Day 2026, observed on 4 March?

Show answer

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'.

Q44 Advanced

National Safety Day on 4 March commemorates the founding of which organisation?

Show answer

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.

Q45 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

MEA sets up special control room for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis
Q46

Which ministry set up a special control room on 4 March 2026 for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Ministry of External Affairs

The Ministry of External Affairs set up the control room, working from 9 am to 9 pm.

Q47 Advanced

According to the MEA in March 2026, roughly how many Indian citizens live in West Asia?

Show answer

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.

Q48 Advanced

What is the toll-free number of the MEA special control room set up on 4 March 2026 for the West Asia situation?

Show answer

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.

Defence Ministry signs ₹5,083 crore contracts for six ALH Mk-III helicopters and VL-Shtil missiles
Q49

For which force are the six ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters contracted on 3 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard

The six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters, worth ₹2,901 crore, are for the Indian Coast Guard.

Q50 Advanced

With which company did the Defence Ministry sign the contract for Vertical Launch-Shtil missiles on 3 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — JSC Rosoboronexport

The ₹2,182 crore VL-Shtil contract was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation.

Q51 Advanced

What was the combined value of the ALH Mk-III and VL-Shtil contracts signed on 3 March 2026?

Show answer

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.

Q52 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Scindia opens Bharat Pavilion and delivers keynotes at MWC 2026 in Barcelona
Q53

Mobile World Congress 2026, where India's Bharat Pavilion was inaugurated on 3 March 2026, was held in which city?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Barcelona

MWC 2026 was held from 2 to 5 March at Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.

Q54 Advanced

What was the theme of the GSMA Ministerial session at MWC 2026 where Jyotiraditya Scindia delivered the closing keynote?

Show answer

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.

Q55 Advanced

According to the curtain raiser unveiled at MWC 2026, when will India Mobile Congress 2026 be held?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 7–10 October 2026

IMC 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 7 to 10 October 2026.

Shipping Ministry steps up monitoring of Indian vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf
Q56

Who chaired the 3 March 2026 review of the security of Indian vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the review.

Q57 Advanced

Through which body did the Shipping Ministry activate enhanced monitoring of Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Directorate General of Shipping

The Directorate General of Shipping started real-time tracking and 24×7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre.

Total lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026: most of India sees only the ending at moonrise
Q58

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.

Q59 Advanced

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.

Q60 Advanced

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.

PM Modi addresses second post-Budget webinar on 'Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth'
Q61

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'.

Q62 Advanced

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.

World Wildlife Day 2026 observed on the theme 'Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods'
Q63

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'.

Q64 Advanced

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).

Q65 Advanced

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.

TRAI report: India's internet subscribers reach 1,028.61 million at end of December 2025
Q66

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.

Q67 Advanced

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.

India well stocked on crude and fuels amid Middle East hostilities, says Petroleum Minister Puri
Q68

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.

Q69 Advanced

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.

Q70 Advanced

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.

India and Canada issue Joint Leaders' Statement as Carney's visit ends with uranium deal and CEPA launch
Q71

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.

Q72

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.

Q73 Advanced

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.

Q74 Advanced

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.

Q75 Advanced

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.

EPFO trustees recommend 8.25% interest on EPF for 2025-26
Q76

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.

Q77 Advanced

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.

Q78 Advanced

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.

Q79 Advanced

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.

Sports Ministry announces nationwide ASMITA athletics league at 250 locations for Women's Day
Q80

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.

Q81 Advanced

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.

Industrial output grows 4.8% in January 2026
Q82

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.

Q83 Advanced

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%).

Q84 Advanced

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%).

NITI Aayog and JICA sign Phase II pact on SDGs in Aspirational Districts and Blocks
Q85

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).

Q86 Advanced

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.

India–Japan CEPA Joint Committee holds 7th meeting in Tokyo
Q87

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.

Q88 Advanced

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.

Q89 Advanced

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.

India and Canada sign Terms of Reference and launch CEPA negotiations
Q90

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.

Q91 Advanced

What bilateral trade target by 2030 did India and Canada set while launching CEPA negotiations?

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Correct answer: D — US$50 billion

PM Modi said the goal is to take bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030.

Q92 Advanced

According to the Commerce Ministry, what was India–Canada bilateral trade in FY 2024-25?

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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).