Maharashtra State Staff Selection Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The coal gasification plant awarded on 29 April 2026 under Category III of Round II of the incentive scheme will be set up in which district and produce which chemical?
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Correct answer: C — Gadchiroli, acetic acid
The LoA was for a small-scale coal-to-acetic acid plant in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, with a capacity of 75,900 TPA.
Under Category III of the Financial Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects, what is the maximum financial assistance per project?
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Correct answer: A — ₹100 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower
Category III supports demonstration and small-scale product-based plants with up to ₹100 crore per project or 15% of capex, whichever is lower.
From 28 April 2026, the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express runs permanently with how many coaches?
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Correct answer: B — 20
The train was augmented from 16 to 20 coaches permanently from journeys commencing 28 April 2026.
Of the 162 Vande Bharat services operational as of April 2026, the largest number run with which formation?
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Correct answer: C — 8 coaches
90 services run with 8 coaches, 38 with 20 coaches and 34 with 16 coaches.
The Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express covers its 491-km route in about how much time?
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Correct answer: A — 5 hours 30 minutes
The train completes the 491-km journey in 5 hours 30 minutes with halts at Borivali, Vapi, Surat and Vadodara.
The new Khambatki Ghat twin-tube six-lane tunnel, partly opened for trial in April 2026, lies on which highway stretch?
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Correct answer: B — Pune–Satara (NH-48)
The tunnel is on NH-4 (new NH-48) on the Pune–Satara highway in Maharashtra.
What was the physical progress of the New Khambatki Ghat tunnel project as reported on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 86%
The project had reached 86% physical progress, with one tube opened for trial.
Which DRDO laboratory designed and developed the Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked and Wheeled) unveiled in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Vehicles Research & Development Establishment
The platforms were designed and developed by the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) and unveiled at Ahilyanagar.
DRDO's Advanced Armoured Platforms were unveiled in April 2026 at:
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Correct answer: B — Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra
The platforms were unveiled at the premises of the DRDO laboratory in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra on 25 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about DRDO's Advanced Armoured Platforms: 1. Both platforms are integrated with a 30 mm crewless turret that can also launch anti-tank guided missiles. 2. Their indigenous content is about 90%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Both platforms carry a 30 mm crewless turret configured to launch ATGMs; indigenous content is about 65%, with a plan to raise it to 90%, so only statement 1 is correct.
'Mission Jagrook', launched by the Union Finance Minister on 25 April 2026, is a nationwide investor awareness initiative of:
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Correct answer: D — SEBI
Nirmala Sitharaman digitally launched SEBI's nationwide investor awareness initiative 'Mission Jagrook' at SEBI's 38th Foundation Day.
At SEBI's Foundation Day in April 2026, which challenge did the Finance Minister describe as the most pressing for SEBI and regulated entities?
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Correct answer: A — Cyber security
Sitharaman said the most pressing emerging challenge is cyber security, warning that one successful attack on a major market institution could disrupt markets nationally.
The 'Goda to Narmada' Jal Yatra launched by Maharashtra in April 2026 marks the 300th birth anniversary of:
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Correct answer: B — Ahilyabai Holkar
The yatra (25–29 April 2026) commemorates the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar.
From where did Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launch the 'Goda to Narmada' Jal Yatra on 25 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Trimbakeshwar
Fadnavis launched the yatra from Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district; a parallel leg began from Chondi, Ahilyabai Holkar's birthplace, and the legs were to meet at Shirdi.
The UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development, launched in April 2026, is hosted at:
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Correct answer: B — Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
The Chair was launched at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, during the conference 'Women Leading the Future of Work'.
Who launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development in Pune on 24 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Jayant Chaudhary
Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary launched the Chair.
Bharat Taxi, which expanded to Mumbai in April 2026, comes under which Union Ministry's initiatives?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Cooperation
The Ministry of Cooperation released the update on Bharat Taxi's Mumbai expansion, in line with Cooperation Minister Amit Shah's vision.
According to the Ministry of Cooperation (April 2026), roughly how many drivers have engaged with the Bharat Taxi platform?
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Correct answer: B — Over 5.17 lakh
The ministry said over 5.17 lakh drivers have engaged with the platform, with more than 50 lakh customers and about 10 lakh rides a month.
Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle died on 12 April 2026 at which hospital?
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Correct answer: B — Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai
Asha Bhosle died at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, aged 92.
Consider the following statements about Asha Bhosle: 1. She was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. 2. She was cremated with full State honours at Shivaji Park on 12 April 2026, the day she died. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (Lok Sabha Speaker's condolence message). Statement 2 is wrong: she died on 12 April and was cremated at Shivaji Park on 13 April 2026.
Asha Bhosle was the younger sister of which singer, who died in 2022?
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Correct answer: D — Lata Mangeshkar
Asha Bhosle was the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, who died in 2022.
Asha Bhosle was nominated twice for which international music award?
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Correct answer: C — Grammy Award
Asha Bhosle was a two-time Grammy nominee.
How much cargo did India's Major Ports handle in 2025-26, as reported by the Ports Ministry on 5 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 915.17 million tonnes
The ministry said Major Ports handled 915.17 MT, surpassing the annual target of 904 MT.
Which Major Port was the top performer by cargo volume in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — Deendayal Port Authority
Deendayal Port Authority handled 160.11 MT, ahead of Paradip (156.45 MT) and JNPA (102.01 MT).
Which Major Port recorded the highest growth rate in cargo handling in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — Mormugao Port Authority
Mormugao Port Authority grew 15.91%, followed by Kolkata Dock System (14.28%) and JNPA (10.74%).
'Malwan', delivered to the Indian Navy on 31 March 2026, was built by which shipyard?
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Correct answer: D — Cochin Shipyard Limited
Malwan is the second of eight ASW Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi.
The anti-submarine craft 'Malwan' is named after a coastal town in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Maharashtra
Malwan draws its name from the historic coastal town of Malwan in Maharashtra.
Vijaypat Singhania, who died in March 2026, was the former chairman of which business group?
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Correct answer: B — Raymond Group
Vijaypat Singhania led the Raymond Group as chairman for two decades till 2000.
Besides industry, Vijaypat Singhania was known for holding a world record in:
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Correct answer: A — Highest altitude reached in a hot-air balloon
He held the world record for the highest altitude gained in a hot-air balloon.
Vijaypat Singhania, who died on 28 March 2026, had been conferred which national honour?
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Correct answer: C — Padma Bhushan
He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan.
The Japanese ODA package of March 2026 (JPY 275.858 billion) covers projects in which three states?
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Correct answer: A — Maharashtra, Karnataka and Punjab
The four projects are in Maharashtra (Mumbai Metro Line 11, healthcare), Karnataka (Bengaluru Metro Phase 3) and Punjab (horticulture).
Which project received the largest share of the Japanese ODA loans committed to India on 24 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase 3 (I)
Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 (I) got JPY 102.480 billion, ahead of Mumbai Metro Line 11 (JPY 92.400 billion), Maharashtra health (JPY 62.294 billion) and Punjab horticulture (JPY 18.684 billion).
Consider the following about the Japanese ODA-funded metro projects (March 2026): 1. Mumbai Metro Line 11 (I) covers about 17.51 km with 14 underground stations. 2. Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 (I) covers about 44.65 km with 31 underground stations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Bengaluru Phase 3 has 31 elevated (not underground) stations over about 44.65 km; Mumbai Line 11 has 14 underground stations over about 17.51 km.
A ₹200-crore Banana Cluster approved in March 2026 will be developed in which district?
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Correct answer: D — Jalgaon
The Union Agriculture Minister announced that the long-pending Banana Cluster in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, has been approved at ₹200 crore.
Subsidies for facilities under the Jalgaon Banana Cluster will be provided under:
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Correct answer: A — MIDH and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
Subsidies will be provided under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
Maharashtra's Renewable Energy & Energy Storage Policy (notified March 2026) aims for renewables to meet what share of electricity demand by FY 2035-36?
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Correct answer: C — 65%
The State will strive to procure 65% renewable energy as a share of electricity demand by FY 2035-36.
Consider the following about Maharashtra's Renewable Energy & Energy Storage Policy (2026): 1. Distribution companies must procure energy storage equal to at least 10% of their demand by FY 2035-36. 2. The policy remains in force only till 31 March 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the policy is effective till 31 March 2036.
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?
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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.
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?
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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.
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, passed by the state Legislative Council on 17 March 2026, deals with:
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Correct answer: D — Prohibiting religious conversions through force, fraud, allurement or marriage
The bill seeks to prohibit conversions carried out through force, coercion, allurement, misrepresentation, fraud or marriage.
Consider the following about the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026: 1. The Legislative Assembly passed it a day before the Legislative Council. 2. It became law immediately on passage by the Council, without the Governor's assent. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the Assembly passed it on 16 March and the Council on 17 March 2026. Statement 2 is wrong: it needs the Governor's assent to become law.
The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels whose keels were laid at Ratnagiri on 17 March 2026 are being built for:
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Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard
Yard 16402 and 16403 are the second and third of six NGOPVs for the Indian Coast Guard.
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?
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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.
How many of the seven coal gasification projects sanctioned for financial incentives under the Centre's scheme are in Maharashtra, as per the Coal Minister on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Four
G. Kishan Reddy said four of the seven sanctioned coal gasification projects are coming up in Maharashtra.
In which district of Maharashtra was the bhoomi pujan of two coal gasification projects held on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Chandrapur
The bhoomi pujan of the Greta Energy and New Era Cleantech projects was held in Chandrapur.
Who presented the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27 on 6 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Devendra Fadnavis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the budget.
What is the approximate total outlay of the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27?
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Correct answer: D — ₹7.69 lakh crore
The budget has an outlay of about ₹7.69 lakh crore; ₹11.02 lakh crore is the projected debt.
The farm loan waiver announced in the Maharashtra Budget 2026-27 is named after whom?
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Correct answer: A — Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar
The scheme is the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana.
Consider the following statements about the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana: 1. It waives crop loans of up to ₹2 lakh for farmers with arrears as of 30 September 2025. 2. Farmers who repaid their loans regularly will receive an incentive of ₹50,000. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the waiver covers crop loans up to ₹2 lakh in arrears as of 30 September 2025, and regular repayers get ₹50,000.
India defeated which team in the second semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 on 5 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — England
India beat England by seven runs at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Which England batter scored 105 off 48 balls in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against India?
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Correct answer: B — Jacob Bethell
Jacob Bethell made 105 off 48 balls, but England finished on 246 for 7.
What was India's total in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England at Wankhede?
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Correct answer: C — 253/7
India made 253 for 7, with Sanju Samson scoring 89 off 42 balls; England replied with 246 for 7.
Consider the following statements about the India–England T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final: 1. The match aggregate of 499 runs was the most in a men's T20 World Cup match. 2. The match was played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: the ICC said 499 runs was a men's T20 World Cup record. The match was played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
With which shipyard did the Defence Ministry sign a contract on 2 March 2026 for four 500-tonne fuel barges for the Navy?
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Correct answer: A — Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane
The contract was concluded with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane, an MSME shipyard.
Under whose classification rules will the Navy's new self-propelled fuel barges be built?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Register of Shipping
The barges will be built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
To which city did INSV Kaundinya make her maiden overseas voyage, completed with her flag-in at Mumbai on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Muscat
INSV Kaundinya returned after her maiden overseas voyage to Muscat, Oman.
The design of INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a 5th-century CE depiction found at which site?
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Correct answer: A — Ajanta Caves
The Navy says INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a 5th-century CE depiction from the Ajanta Caves.
Consider the following statements about INSV Kaundinya: 1. Her wooden planks are stitched together with coir rope and sealed with natural resins. 2. She was inducted into the Indian Navy in May 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The vessel uses ancient stitched-plank construction with coir rope and natural resins, and was inducted in May 2025.
Where was the Shaheedi Samagam for the 350th martyrdom year of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur held on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Navi Mumbai
The Samagam organised by the Maharashtra government was held in Navi Mumbai.
Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur, whose 350th martyrdom year was marked on 1 March 2026, is revered by which title?
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Correct answer: A — Hind di Chadar
Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, is revered as 'Hind di Chadar'.
Where was the National Arogya Fair 2026 inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on 25 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Shegaon
The fair was inaugurated at Shegaon in Buldhana district, Maharashtra.
With which body did the Ministry of Ayush organise the National Arogya Fair 2026?
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Correct answer: D — All India Ayurvedic Congress
The four-day event was organised by the Ministry of Ayush in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress.
Which of the following was NOT among the railway multitracking projects approved by the CCEA on 24 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bhopal–Itarsi 4th line
The three approved projects were Gondia–Jabalpur doubling, Punarakh–Kiul and Gamharia–Chandil 3rd and 4th lines.
By about how many km will the three multitracking projects approved on 24 February 2026 increase the Indian Railways network?
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Correct answer: C — 307 km
The three projects, costing about ₹9,072 crore, will add about 307 km.
To what level did India and France elevate their relations on 17 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Special Global Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and President Macron agreed to elevate relations to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership'.
In which city did PM Modi and President Macron jointly inaugurate the 2026 India–France Year of Innovation?
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Correct answer: B — Mumbai
The Year of Innovation was inaugurated in Mumbai on 17 February 2026.
Which new mechanism did India and France establish on 17 February 2026 to review the elevated partnership?
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Correct answer: D — An annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue
The leaders established an annual Foreign Ministers Comprehensive Dialogue to review bilateral cooperation and the Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Consider the following statements about President Macron's February 2026 visit to India: 1. It was his fourth visit to India. 2. He invited PM Modi to the G7 Summit to be hosted by France in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the India–France Joint Statement of 17 February 2026.
Consider the following statements about India–France relations: 1. The India–France Strategic Partnership marked its 25th anniversary in 2023. 2. The Horizon 2047 Roadmap was adopted to mark the 25th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Joint Statement notes that the two countries celebrated 25 years of the Strategic Partnership in 2023 and adopted the Horizon 2047 Roadmap on that occasion.
In which city were the Unani Day 2026 celebrations held on 14 February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Mumbai
Unani Day 2026 was celebrated in Mumbai, with a national conference at the Yashwantrao Chavan Centre.
Unani Day is observed every year on 11 February to commemorate the birth anniversary of:
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Correct answer: D — Hakim Ajmal Khan
Unani Day marks the birth anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan, a pioneering Unani physician, educationist and freedom fighter.
Consider the following statements: 1. Unani Day is observed on 11 February each year. 2. The 2026 national conference on Unani medicine in Mumbai was organised by the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Unani Day falls on 11 February; the 2026 conference 'Innovation and Evidence in Unani Practice' was organised by CCRUM on 14–15 February.
Which of the following rail sections was NOT among the three multitracking projects approved by the CCEA in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Sainthia–Pakur
The three projects were Kasara–Manmad, Delhi–Ambala and Ballari–Hosapete 3rd and 4th lines.
By about how many kilometres will the three multitracking projects approved on 13 February 2026 increase the Indian Railways network?
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Correct answer: C — 389 km
The three projects will add about 389 km across 12 districts.
The NH-167 Gudebellur–Mahabubnagar widening approved in February 2026 lies on which economic corridor?
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Correct answer: A — Hyderabad–Panaji
The NH-167 stretch in Telangana is on the Hyderabad–Panaji Economic Corridor.
Which highway section in Maharashtra, approved by the CCEA on 13 February 2026, links Ghoti and Trimbak with Jawhar, Manor and Palghar?
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Correct answer: B — NH-160A
The 154.635-km Ghoti–Trimbak (Mokhada)–Jawhar–Manor–Palghar section is part of NH-160A.
Consider the following statements about the highway projects approved on 13 February 2026: 1. The NH-56 project in Gujarat will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode. 2. The NH-160A project in Maharashtra will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The NH-56 (Gujarat) and NH-167 (Telangana) projects are on HAM, while NH-160A (Maharashtra) is on EPC mode.