SSC MTS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
According to the PIB backgrounder of April 2026, how many centrally protected monuments does the Archaeological Survey of India safeguard?
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Correct answer: D — 3,686
The backgrounder says the ASI safeguards 3,686 centrally protected monuments.
Consider the following statements, based on the PIB backgrounder on monuments (April 2026): 1. India has 44 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the latest being the Maratha Military Landscapes. 2. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 empowers the government, through the ASI, to regulate construction around protected monuments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the backgrounder.
INS Sudarshini concluded a port call at which city on 18 April 2026 during its Lokayan 26 deployment?
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Correct answer: C — Casablanca
INS Sudarshini concluded its port call at Casablanca, Morocco, on 18 April 2026.
After leaving Morocco in April 2026, INS Sudarshini proceeded to which port?
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Correct answer: A — Las Palmas, Spain
The Ministry of Defence said INS Sudarshini proceeds to Las Palmas, Spain.
The DA/DR instalment approved by the Cabinet on 18 April 2026 raised the rate by 2% over an existing rate of what percentage of basic pay/pension?
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Correct answer: D — 58%
The increase is 2% over the existing rate of 58% of basic pay/pension.
The formula used to revise Dearness Allowance for Central Government employees, as cited in the April 2026 Cabinet decision, is based on the recommendations of:
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Correct answer: B — 7th Central Pay Commission
The Cabinet release says the increase is in accordance with the accepted formula based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
Who was appointed Secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat with effect from 18 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Dr K.S. Somashekhar
Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan appointed Dr K.S. Somashekhar as Secretary from 18 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about Dr K.S. Somashekhar, appointed Secretary in the Rajya Sabha Secretariat in April 2026: 1. He joined the Rajya Sabha Secretariat in 1993. 2. He has served in senior capacities in the Government of Karnataka. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Rajya Sabha Secretariat release.
The Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) constituted by MeitY in April 2026 is chaired by:
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Correct answer: A — Secretary, MeitY
The TPEC is chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
Consider the following statements about India's AI governance architecture as described by MeitY in April 2026: 1. The AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) sets strategic direction and coordinates policy across government. 2. The TPEC is a temporary task force that will be dissolved after drafting a single report. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the TPEC is a standing expert advisory body.
How many women are among the 958 candidates recommended in the Civil Services Examination 2025, as stated by the Personnel Minister in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 299
Out of 958 recommended candidates, 299 are women, over 31% of the total.
According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, women formed roughly what share of successful Civil Services candidates about a decade before CSE 2025?
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Correct answer: B — About 20%
The Minister said women were roughly around 20% of successful candidates a decade ago; the CSE 2025 share is over 31%.
India's indicative Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending target in ATF for international flights for the year 2030 is:
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Correct answer: C — 5%
The indicative targets are 1% in 2027, 2% in 2028 and 5% in 2030.
The amendment notified on 17 April 2026 to bring SAF-blended fuel under regulation was made to which instrument?
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Correct answer: D — Aviation Turbine Fuel (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001
The Government amended the ATF (Regulation of Marketing) Order, 2001, the ATF Control Order.
Consider the following statements about CORSIA, cited in the April 2026 ATF Control Order amendment: 1. CORSIA is a scheme implemented by the International Civil Aviation Organization to control emissions from international flights. 2. The mandatory phase of CORSIA begins from 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the mandatory phase begins from 2027, requiring international flights to offset emissions above a baseline.
In the Lok Sabha vote of 17 April 2026 on the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, how many members voted in favour and against?
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Correct answer: A — 298 in favour, 230 against
With 528 members present, 298 voted in favour and 230 against (The Hindu, Indian Express); the Bill needed 352.
Under Article 368(2) of the Constitution, a Bill to amend the Constitution must be passed in each House by:
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Correct answer: D — A majority of the total membership of that House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting
Article 368(2) requires both limbs in each House: a majority of the total membership and not less than two-thirds of members present and voting. In April 2026, 298 of 528 met the first limb but not the second (352 needed).
Consider the following statements about the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026, as summarised by PRS Legislative Research: 1. It proposed raising the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha from 550 to 850, with up to 35 members from Union Territories. 2. It proposed raising the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha above 250. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: PRS notes the Bill left the Rajya Sabha maximum of 250 (Article 80) unchanged.
The existing freeze on the allocation of Lok Sabha seats among states, based on the 1971 census, was extended until the first census after 2026 by which Constitutional Amendment?
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Correct answer: C — 84th Amendment, 2001
PRS notes the 42nd Amendment (1976) froze seats on the 1971 census until the first census after 2000, and the 84th Amendment (2001) extended it until the first census after 2026.
Which two countries were added in April 2026 to the eligible destinations under the RELIEF export support intervention?
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Correct answer: B — Egypt and Jordan
Egypt and Jordan were added for shipments meant for delivery or transhipment.
RELIEF – Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation is implemented through which nodal agency?
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Correct answer: C — ECGC
RELIEF is implemented through ECGC as the nodal agency, under the Export Promotion Mission.
Which document was released during the first Naval Commanders' Conference of 2026 (14–17 April 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Navy Maritime Security Strategy (INMSS-2026)
The Indian Navy Maritime Security Strategy (INMSS-2026) was released during the conference.
The Naval Commanders' Conference concluded in April 2026 was held at which venue?
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Correct answer: D — Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi
The conference was held at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, from 14 to 17 April 2026.
During its April 2026 port call at Phuket, IOS SAGAR (INS Sunayna) conducted a Passage Exercise with which Royal Thai Navy ship?
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Correct answer: D — HTMS Klongyai
The PASSEX was conducted with HTMS Klongyai.
In the MAHASAGAR vision cited for the IOS SAGAR deployment, what does 'MAHASAGAR' stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
The Ministry of Defence expands MAHASAGAR as Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
Who was elected Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha unopposed on 17 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Harivansh
Harivansh was elected unopposed; the Chairman noted it was his third election to the office.
Consider the following statements about the election of the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman in April 2026: 1. The election was unopposed. 2. It was Harivansh's first election to the office. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Chairman said it was his election to the office for the third time.
Which state had the highest number of DPIIT-recognised startups as on 31 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Maharashtra led with 38,660+ recognised startups, followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about Startup India data released in April 2026: 1. More than 55,200 startups were recognised in FY 2025-26, the highest in a single year. 2. About 48% of recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 55,200+ were recognised in FY 2025-26, and 1.07 lakh+ (about 48%) have a woman director or partner.
How many coal blocks are offered in the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions launched on 17 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 11
11 coal blocks are offered (7 fully and 4 partially explored); 6 more are offered in the second attempt of the 13th round.
Consider the following statements about the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions: 1. Of the 11 blocks, 8 are offered under the MMDR Act, 1957 and 3 under the CMSP Act, 2015. 2. All 11 blocks are coking coal blocks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: only 1 block is coking coal; 10 are non-coking.
The motion to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on 16 April 2026 was carried by what vote in the division?
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Correct answer: A — 251 to 185
The Hindu and BusinessLine report 251 in favour and 185 against at the introduction stage; 298–230 was the vote on passage on 17 April.
Under the Delimitation Bill, 2026 (as summarised by PRS), the proposed Delimitation Commission would consist of: 1. A chairperson who is or has been a Supreme Court judge 2. The Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner nominated by the CEC 3. The State Election Commissioner of the state concerned 4. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha Select the correct answer:
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3 only
PRS lists the chairperson (serving or former SC judge), the CEC or a nominated EC, and the State Election Commissioner; the Speaker is not a member.
The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposed that the Delimitation Commission fix the number of Assembly seats at not less than the existing number. Match the UT with that minimum: 1. Puducherry – 30 2. Delhi – 70 3. Jammu and Kashmir – 90 How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
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Correct answer: B — Only two
Pairs 1 and 2 are correct. PRS gives the existing figure for Jammu and Kashmir under the 2019 Reorganisation Act as 114, not 90.
Consider the following statements, based on PRS Legislative Research's analysis of the Delimitation Bills of 2026: 1. The last Delimitation Commission was constituted in 2002 and its orders were finalised in 2008. 2. The Delimitation Bill, 2026 provided that the census to be used is the latest one published when the Commission is constituted, implying the 2011 Census. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per PRS.
According to the Prime Minister, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker's visit to India in April 2026 was the first by an Austrian Chancellor in how many years?
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Correct answer: C — 40 years
The Prime Minister said the Austrian Chancellor's visit to India came after 40 years.
During the Austrian Chancellor's visit in April 2026, FSSAI signed a food safety MoU with which Austrian agency?
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Correct answer: A — AGES
The MoU on food safety was between AGES, Austria and FSSAI, India.
Consider the following statements about the India–Austria outcomes of April 2026: 1. A Letter of Intent on Cooperation in Military Matters builds on the India–EU Defence and Security Partnership signed on 27 January 2026. 2. The two countries signed a Free Trade Agreement during the visit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the list of outcomes contains no bilateral FTA; it includes a Fast Track Mechanism for Indian and Austrian companies.
With which two regulators did FIU-India sign separate MoUs on 16 April 2026 to combat money laundering?
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Correct answer: B — SEBI and PFRDA
FIU-IND signed separate MoUs with SEBI and PFRDA.
The FIU-IND MoUs of April 2026 state that information exchange with foreign financial intelligence units will follow which principles?
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Correct answer: C — Egmont Principles of Information Exchange
The MoUs will assist exchange of information with foreign FIUs through the Egmont Principles of Information Exchange.
In their phone call of 16 April 2026, PM Modi and President Macron agreed on the need to restore freedom of navigation in which waterway?
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Correct answer: D — Strait of Hormuz
The leaders agreed on the urgent need to restore safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Who chairs the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) constituted by MeitY in April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Ashwini Vaishnaw
The AIGEG is chaired by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with MoS Jitin Prasada as Vice Chairperson.
The constitution of the AIGEG gives formal effect to institutional recommendations made in which two documents?
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Correct answer: B — AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey
MeitY says the AIGEG gives effect to recommendations in India's AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey.
What is the total central assistance under the Urban Challenge Fund, whose Operational Guidelines were launched on 15 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1 lakh crore
The UCF has central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore; ₹4 lakh crore is the total urban investment it aims to catalyse.
Consider the following statements about the Urban Challenge Fund: 1. Central assistance is limited to 25% of project cost. 2. At least 50% of project funding is to be mobilised through municipal bonds, bank loans and public-private partnerships. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per MoHUA.
How much of the Urban Challenge Fund outlay is earmarked for the Credit Repayment Guarantee Sub-Scheme (CRGSS)?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,000 crore
₹5,000 crore is earmarked for the CRGSS; another ₹5,000 crore is for project preparation and capacity building, and ₹90,000 crore for projects.
Consider the following statements about Census 2027: 1. Data collected under the Census Act, 1948 remains confidential and is used only for statistical purposes and development planning. 2. The Self-Enumeration window before field operations lasts 30 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct per MHA. Statement 2 is wrong: the Self-Enumeration period is 15 days; the 30-day period is for house-to-house field operations.
Under which law is data collected in Census 2027 kept confidential?
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Correct answer: B — Census Act, 1948
MHA states that all data collected under the Census Act, 1948 remains strictly confidential.
Houselisting field operations of Census 2027 began on 16 April 2026 in a set of States/UTs. Which of the following was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: D — Bihar
The first group was A&N Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha and Sikkim, plus NDMC and Delhi Cantonment. In Bihar, only the Self-Enumeration window was to start, on 17 April.
Which two new priority areas did India introduce at the first BRICS Health Working Group meeting of 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Healthy Lifestyle and Promotion of Mental Wellness
India added 'Healthy Lifestyle' and 'Promotion of Mental Wellness'; the TB Research Network and evidence-based traditional medicine are continuing priorities.
India's theme for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and ______'. Fill in the blank.
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Correct answer: B — Sustainability
The theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', as stated by the Health Ministry.
Under the DoT–SEBI MoU of April 2026, DoT will automatically share the 'MNRL' with SEBI. What does MNRL stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Mobile Number Revocation List
MNRL is the Mobile Number Revocation List, which lets SEBI-regulated entities ensure investor accounts are linked only to active, valid mobile connections.
Consider the following statements about the DoT–SEBI MoU signed on 15 April 2026: 1. DoT will share its Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) with SEBI to help identify mobile numbers linked to suspicious patterns. 2. The data exchange will run through DoT's Digital Intelligence Platform, which connects more than 1,400 stakeholders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the DoT release.
What was the annual rate of inflation based on the All India Wholesale Price Index for March 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: C — 3.88%
WPI inflation was 3.88% in March 2026; 2.13% was February, 1.68% January, and 6.36% was the Primary Articles group.
Arrange the following major groups of the WPI (base 2011-12) in descending order of their weight: 1. Primary Articles 2. Fuel and Power 3. Manufactured Products Select the correct answer:
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Correct answer: D — 3 – 1 – 2
Weights given in the March 2026 release: Manufactured Products 64.23%, Primary Articles 22.62%, Fuel and Power 13.15%.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, India's total exports (merchandise and services) in FY 2025-26 were estimated at about:
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Correct answer: A — US$ 860 billion
Total exports in FY 2025-26 are estimated at US$ 860.09 billion; US$ 825.26 billion was the FY 2024-25 figure and US$ 441.78 billion was merchandise alone.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 April 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in FY 2025-26 grew faster than total exports. 2. Services figures for March 2026 are estimates, because the latest RBI services data is for February 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: merchandise exports grew 0.93% while total exports grew 4.22%. Statement 2 is correct per the release's note.
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin for March 2026, the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above (CWS) was:
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Correct answer: A — 5.1%
MoSPI put the overall unemployment rate at 5.1% in March 2026.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS monthly bulletin for March 2026: 1. The March 2026 bulletin was the first in the monthly PLFS series. 2. Female LFPR in urban areas was higher than in rural areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The March 2026 bulletin is the twelfth in the series, and urban female LFPR (25.2%) was lower than rural female LFPR (38.9%).
Which birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was observed on 14 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 135th
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment marked the 135th birth anniversary.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, which organised the Ambedkar Jayanti event at Prerna Sthal, functions under which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
PIB states the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Consider the following statements: 1. Prerna Sthal, where the 135th Ambedkar Jayanti tributes were paid, is in the Parliament House premises in New Delhi. 2. The Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: PIB places Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House premises and names Dr. Virendra Kumar as Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
During their phone call on 14 April 2026, PM Modi and US President Trump committed to strengthening which India–US partnership?
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Correct answer: D — Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
The PMO release refers to the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the Modi–Trump phone conversation of 14 April 2026: 1. The call was made by President Trump to Prime Minister Modi. 2. The leaders stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Malacca open and secure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the PM 'received a call' from President Trump. Statement 2 is wrong: the leaders referred to the Strait of Hormuz, in the context of West Asia.
Under the National Highways Fee (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, up to what level of excess load is no overload fee charged?
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Correct answer: B — 10%
No overload fee is charged for excess load up to 10%.
Under the revised rules effective 15 April 2026, a vehicle carrying more than 40% excess load on a National Highway is charged:
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Correct answer: C — Four times the base rate
Above 40% excess load, the fee is four times the base rate; over 10% and up to 40% it is twice the base rate.
Consider the following statements about the overload fee rules for National Highways notified in April 2026: 1. Overload fees are to be collected only through FASTag. 2. Where a fee plaza has no weighment facility, the overload fee is charged on the vehicle's declared Gross Vehicle Weight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: where weighment facilities are not available at a fee plaza, no overload fee is levied.
According to IMD's first-stage forecast of April 2026, the 2026 southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be what percentage of the Long Period Average?
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Correct answer: D — 92%
IMD forecast 92% of the LPA with a model error of ±5%, which falls in the below-normal category.
The Long Period Average of India's southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall used by IMD in 2026 is:
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Correct answer: A — 87 cm, based on 1971–2020
IMD states the LPA of seasonal rainfall over the country, based on 1971–2020, is 87 cm.
Consider the following statements from IMD's April 2026 monsoon forecast: 1. The Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System suggests El Niño conditions may develop during the southwest monsoon season. 2. Indian Ocean Dipole conditions are currently neutral, and positive IOD conditions are likely to develop towards the end of the season. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per IMD.