Tamil Nadu State Staff Selection Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The three Tamil Nadu temple bronzes whose return was announced in May 2026 are being repatriated from which institution?
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Correct answer: A — Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The bronzes are being repatriated from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in the United States.
The Chola-period Shiva Nataraja (c. 990 CE) being repatriated from the Smithsonian originally belonged to a temple in which district of Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — Thanjavur
It belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Thanjavur district, where it was photographed in 1957.
C. Joseph Vijay, sworn in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on 10 May 2026, heads which party?
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Correct answer: A — Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)
Vijay is the president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK); the VCK was among the parties that backed his government.
Who administered the oath of office to C. Joseph Vijay as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on 10 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar administered the oath of office and secrecy; under Article 164(3) the Governor administers oaths to State ministers.
How many seats did the TVK win in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly in its first election in 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 108
TVK won 108 of 234 seats, short of the majority mark of 118, and formed the government with outside support.
Which of the following parties was NOT among those that backed the TVK government in Tamil Nadu in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — AIADMK
The TVK was backed by the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML; the AIADMK was not among its supporters.
Consider the following statements about Article 164 of the Constitution of India: 1. The Chief Minister of a State is appointed by the Governor. 2. The forms of the oaths of office and secrecy for State Ministers are set out in the Second Schedule. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Article 164(3) says the oath forms are set out in the Third Schedule; the Second Schedule deals with salaries and allowances.
Which institute set up the Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory inaugurated in Chennai in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune
IITM Pune, under Mission Mausam, established the observatory at SRMIST, Ramapuram, Chennai.
Mission Mausam, under which the Chennai Urban Testbed and Aerosol Observatory was set up, was launched in:
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Correct answer: D — September 2024
Mission Mausam was launched by the Prime Minister in September 2024 as a major scientific initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Which party emerged as the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results of 4 May 2026, winning 108 seats?
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Correct answer: C — Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)
Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam won 108 of 234 seats on its debut; the DMK won 59 and the AIADMK 47.
What is the majority mark in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, which the TVK missed by 10 seats in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 118
The majority mark in the 234-member House is 118; the TVK's 108 seats left it 10 short.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election: 1. TVK chief Vijay won from both Perambur and Tiruchi East. 2. The TVK secured more than 45% of the votes polled. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: Vijay won both Perambur and Tiruchi East, but the TVK's vote share was about 35%, not over 45%.
Which party finished second in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election with 59 seats?
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Correct answer: B — DMK
The ruling DMK won 59 seats, behind the TVK's 108; the AIADMK won 47.
Under which provision does the Election Commission allot free broadcast and telecast time on Doordarshan and AIR to recognised parties?
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Correct answer: B — Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
The ECI issued the directions under Section 39A of the RP Act, 1951, for the 2026 Assembly elections.
For the 2026 Assembly elections, what base broadcast time has the ECI allotted to each recognised party on both Doordarshan and All India Radio?
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Correct answer: C — 45 minutes
Each party gets a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and AIR, plus extra time based on its previous Assembly poll performance.
How many standardised Voter Facilitation Posters must be displayed at each polling station in the 2026 polls, as per the ECI's direction of 22 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Four
Four uniform Voter Facilitation Posters will show polling station details, list of candidates, do's and don'ts, approved ID documents and the voting process.
Consider the following about the ECI's directions of 22 March 2026 for polling stations: 1. Provision of Assured Minimum Facilities is advisory and left to the discretion of CEOs. 2. Voters can deposit their switched-off mobile phones with a volunteer outside the polling station entrance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The ECI said AMF provisioning is mandatory and will be monitored, so statement 1 is wrong; a mobile phone deposit facility will be provided outside the entrance.
Which State auctioned the most mineral blocks in FY 2025-26, when India auctioned a record 200 blocks?
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Correct answer: D — Gujarat
Gujarat led with 32 blocks, followed by Rajasthan (30) and Tamil Nadu (22).
Which mineral accounted for the largest number of blocks auctioned in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — Limestone
Limestone accounted for 76 blocks, the most auctioned mineral, followed by iron ore (40) and bauxite (30).
Consider the following about mineral block auctions in FY 2025-26: 1. A majority of the 200 auctioned blocks were Composite Licence blocks. 2. Tamil Nadu conducted mineral block auctions for the first time. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: 123 of the 200 were Mining Lease blocks and 77 Composite Licence blocks. Statement 2 is correct.
Electors above 85 and flagged PwDs who want to vote by postal ballot in the 2026 Assembly elections must apply using:
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Correct answer: A — Form 12D
Such electors can avail the facility using Form 12D, submitted to the Returning Officer through their BLO within 5 days of notification.
Consider the following about the postal ballot facility for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Form 12D can be submitted up to 15 days after the notification of election. 2. The facility for electors above 85 and PwDs flows from Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Form 12D must be submitted within 5 days of notification. Statement 2 is correct.
For the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs, the ECI deployed roughly one election official for every how many electors?
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Correct answer: C — 70
Over 25 lakh officials for over 17.4 crore electors amounts to nearly one official for every 70 electors.
Consider the following about the ECI's deployment for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Expenditure Observers outnumber General Observers among the Central Observers. 2. Deployed personnel are deemed to be on deputation to the ECI under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: there are 557 General Observers and 366 Expenditure Observers. Statement 2 is correct.
How many Central Observers did the Election Commission deploy for the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs and the bye-elections?
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Correct answer: C — 1,111
The ECI deployed 1,111 observers: 557 general, 188 police and 366 expenditure observers.
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution read with which provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951?
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Correct answer: D — Section 20B
Central Observers are appointed under Article 324 and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
In how many phases will the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election be held, as announced by the ECI on 15 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Two
West Bengal votes in two phases, on 23 April and 29 April 2026; Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry vote in a single phase.
On which date will votes be counted for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry?
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Correct answer: D — 4 May 2026
Counting for all five Assemblies is scheduled for 4 May 2026.
Which of the following Assemblies going to polls in 2026 has the largest number of seats?
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Correct answer: D — West Bengal
West Bengal has 294 seats, against 234 in Tamil Nadu, 140 in Kerala, 126 in Assam and 30 in Puducherry.
For the 2026 Assembly elections, the Election Commission fixed the maximum number of electors per polling station at:
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Correct answer: B — 1,200
The ECI press note of 15 March 2026 says there shall be a maximum of 1,200 electors in a polling station.
Consider the following about the 2026 Assembly elections announced on 15 March 2026: 1. The ECI conducts them in exercise of powers under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 2. The Model Code of Conduct comes into force only after the formal notification of each phase. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct as per the ECI press note. Statement 2 is wrong: the Model Code of Conduct came into effect immediately from the announcement of the schedule.
Along with the 2026 Assembly elections, the ECI announced bye-elections to how many Assembly constituencies in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura?
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Correct answer: B — Eight
Bye-elections were announced for 8 Assembly constituencies spread across these six States.
Which postal circle was praised on 15 March 2026 for ranking second in the country in overall revenue?
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Correct answer: A — Tamil Nadu
At the GDS Sammelan in Chennai, MoS Pemmasani lauded the Tamil Nadu postal circle for ranking second in overall revenue.
Consider the following about India Post, as recalled at the GDS Sammelan in Chennai on 15 March 2026: 1. India Post in its present form was established on 1 October 1854. 2. The General Post Office in Calcutta was set up in 1774. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the GPO in Calcutta was set up in 1774, and India Post in its present form was established on 1 October 1854.
According to the MoS Communications on 15 March 2026, India Post works through more than how many post offices?
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Correct answer: C — 1.6 lakh
India Post works through more than 1.6 lakh post offices, with about four lakh regular employees and over 2.5 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks.
What is the toll-free helpline number for pro bono legal services highlighted at the Tele-Law workshop in Chennai on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 14454
The toll-free helpline 14454 offers pro bono legal services under the Tele-Law programme.
Consider the following about the Tele-Law programme discussed in Chennai on 14 March 2026: 1. It is run under the DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) scheme of the Department of Justice. 2. Article 39A of the Constitution, cited at the workshop, deals with equal justice and free legal aid. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Tele-Law is a DISHA programme of the Department of Justice, and the Madras High Court Chief Justice cited Articles 14, 21 and 39A — Article 39A being the Directive Principle on equal justice and free legal aid.
The greenfield bypass awarded by NHAI on 12 March 2026 around Gangaikonda Cholapuram is on which National Highway?
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Correct answer: A — NH-81
The 7-km bypass is on the Kallagam–Meensurutti section of NH-81 in Tamil Nadu.
Which heritage monument is the Gangaikonda Cholapuram bypass, awarded on 12 March 2026, designed to protect?
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Correct answer: B — Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
NH-81 runs very close to the 1,000-year-old Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage monument; the bypass will divert heavy vehicles away from it.
Bharat Petroleum's ₹3,700-crore City Gas Distribution network, whose foundation stone was laid on 11 March 2026, will serve which districts of Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: B — Nilgiris and Erode
The CGD network will supply piped natural gas to nearly nine lakh families in the Nilgiris and Erode districts.
Which facility, described by the PM as one of the world's largest of its kind, was dedicated to the nation on 11 March 2026 during his Tamil Nadu visit?
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Correct answer: D — IOCL Lube Blending Plant, Chennai
The PM dedicated Indian Oil Corporation's Lube Blending Plant in Chennai, saying more local lubricant production cuts imports.
How many kilometres of rural roads built under PMGSY did the PM inaugurate in Tiruchirappalli on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 370 km
The PM inaugurated 370 km of rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
Which airport did the Union Cabinet approve for declaration as an international airport on 10 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Madurai
The Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu an international airport.
The Madurai Airport, declared international by the Cabinet in March 2026, is described as a crucial gateway to which region?
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Correct answer: D — Southern Tamil Nadu
The government described Madurai Airport as a crucial gateway to southern Tamil Nadu, promoting tourism and pilgrimage.
Where was MeitY's 30 kW Wide Band Gap-based Integrated Drive System for EVs launched on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — IIT Madras, Chennai
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan launched the system at IIT Madras, Chennai.
Under which national mission was the 30 kW WBG-based Integrated Drive System for EVs developed?
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Correct answer: D — National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET)
C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram developed it with IIT Madras and Lucas TVS under NaMPET.
In which city did PM Modi launch infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,400 crore on 1 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Madurai
The projects worth over ₹4,400 crore were launched in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
The four-laning of which stretch, launched on 1 March 2026, will improve access to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi?
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Correct answer: B — Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram
The Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram four-laning, worth over ₹1,800 crore, will improve access to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi.
What rail budget allocation for Tamil Nadu for 2026–27 did PM Modi cite in Madurai?
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Correct answer: D — ₹7,600 crore
Modi said the allocation rose from an average of ₹880 crore a year in 2009–14 to ₹7,600 crore for 2026–27.
Consider the following statements about the projects launched in Madurai on 1 March 2026: 1. The Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth line was dedicated to the nation. 2. New Akashvani FM relay transmitters were opened at Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The PM dedicated the Chennai Beach–Egmore fourth line and inaugurated Akashvani FM relay transmitters at Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore.
In which district of Tamil Nadu is the PM MITRA Park where 190.44 acres were allotted to investors on 27 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Virudhnagar
The land was allotted in the PM MITRA Park at Virudhnagar, Tamil Nadu.
How much committed investment was unlocked by the land allotment at PM MITRA Park Virudhnagar on 27 February 2026?
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Correct answer: A — About ₹2,192 crore
The allotment to 23 investors unlocked about ₹2,192.21 crore; ₹1,894 crore is the park's cost and ₹4,445 crore the scheme outlay.
Consider the following statements about the PM MITRA scheme: 1. It provides for seven Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks with an outlay of ₹4,445 crore over five years. 2. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2021-22. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (October 2021) says the Government approved 7 PM MITRA parks with a total outlay of ₹4,445 crore over 5 years, as announced in the Union Budget 2021-22.
Where was INS Anjadip commissioned into the Indian Navy on 27 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Chennai Port
INS Anjadip was commissioned at Chennai Port.
INS Anjadip, commissioned in February 2026, is the fourth ship of which project?
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Correct answer: A — Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
INS Anjadip is the fourth ship of the ASW Shallow Water Craft project, after INS Arnala and Androth.
INS Anjadip is named after a historical island off the coast of which place?
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Correct answer: B — Karwar
The ship is named after the historical island of Anjadip off the coast of Karwar.
At which port did Sarbananda Sonowal unveil what the Ministry called India's first Digital Twin deployment at a port, in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — V.O. Chidambaranar Port
The Digital Twin deployment was unveiled at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin, on 23 February 2026.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port, where projects worth over ₹1,500 crore were launched in February 2026, is located in which State?
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Correct answer: A — Tamil Nadu
V.O. Chidambaranar Port is at Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) in Tamil Nadu.
CSIR-CRRI signed an MoA with which steel plant in January 2026 for the first Steel Slag Road implementation in Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — JSW Steel, Salem Works
PIB (S&T): CSIR-CRRI and JSW Steel Limited, Salem Works, entered into the partnership on 24 January 2026.
The 'Steel Slag Road' technology mentioned in the January 2026 CSIR–JSW agreement was developed by:
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-Central Road Research Institute
PIB: the DG, CSIR highlighted CSIR-CRRI's Steel Slag Road technology, already implemented in several states under CSIR-CRRI's guidance.
Consider the following about the CSIR-CRRI–JSW Steel project of January 2026: 1. It covers EOF and LRF steel slag. 2. The processed slag is meant for bituminous road construction. 3. A demonstration road section will be built near Chennai. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: the project converts EOF and LRF steel slag into aggregates for bituminous roads; the demonstration road section will be near Salem, not Chennai.
Kondagai Lake, from which a 4,500-year climate record was reconstructed in a study released in January 2026, lies near which archaeological site?
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Correct answer: A — Keeladi
PIB (Science & Technology): Kondagai Lake lies close to Keeladi, near Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu.
Which institute carried out the Kondagai Lake palaeoclimate study?
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Correct answer: D — Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow
PIB (Science & Technology): researchers from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, an autonomous institution of DST, carried out the study.
Which of the following climatic phases was identified in the Kondagai Lake study published in the journal Holocene?
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Correct answer: C — Roman Warm Period
PIB (Science & Technology): the study documented the 4.2 ka arid event, the 3.2 ka dry phase and the Roman Warm Period.
Which port's Northern Breakwater Head, rehabilitated after cyclone damage at a cost of ₹105 crore, was inaugurated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Kamarajar Port
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): the rehabilitated Northern Breakwater Head of Kamarajar Port was inaugurated at an investment of ₹105 crore.
What was the total value of port projects rolled out by Sarbananda Sonowal in Tamil Nadu on 8 January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹235 crore
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): projects worth ₹235 crore were rolled out at Chennai Port Authority and Kamarajar Port.
What was the theme of the 9th Siddha Day celebrated in January 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Siddha for Global Health
PIB (Ayush): the event was themed 'Siddha for Global Health'.
Consider the following statements about the 9th Siddha Day celebrations (January 2026): 1. They were inaugurated by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan. 2. They were held at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. 3. They were the 10th edition of Siddha Day. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (Ayush): the Vice-President inaugurated the 9th Siddha Day at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. It was the 9th edition, not the 10th, so statement 3 is wrong.
Where was the valedictory function of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 held on 30 December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Rameswaram
PIB (Vice President's Secretariat): the Vice-President addressed the valedictory function of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 at Rameswaram.
At the Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 valedictory, the Vice-President said the initiative reflects the vision of which poet of a united, integrated India?
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Correct answer: B — Subramania Bharati
PIB: quoting Mahakavi Subramania Bharati, the Vice-President said the Sangamam reflects the poet's vision of a united, integrated and confident India.
Which shipyard designed and built 'Anjadip', the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft delivered to the Navy in December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
PIB 2207446: Anjadip was indigenously designed and built by GRSE, Kolkata, in partnership with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.
The ASW SWC 'Anjadip' is named after an island located off the coast of which place?
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Correct answer: A — Karwar, Karnataka
PIB 2207446: the ship derives its name from Anjadip Island located off the coast of Karwar, Karnataka.
Consider the following statements about the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft 'Anjadip': 1. It is the third of eight such craft. 2. These craft are the largest Indian naval warships propelled by waterjets. 3. It has about 60% indigenous content. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2207446: Anjadip is the third of eight ASW SWC, and these are the largest Indian naval warships propelled by waterjets. Its indigenous content is over 80%, so statement 3 is wrong.
In preparation for Cyclone Ditwah (November 2025), the Department of Telecommunications ensured testing of which two facilities across networks as per SOP-2020?
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Correct answer: D — Intra Circle Roaming and Cell Broadcast
As per SOP-2020, DoT completed Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) and Cell Broadcast (CB) testing across all networks.
Cyclone Ditwah (late November 2025) formed over which water body?
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Correct answer: B — Bay of Bengal
DoT's release describes Cyclone Ditwah over the Bay of Bengal, likely to impact coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS 4.0) was scheduled in Varanasi during:
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Correct answer: B — 2 – 15 December 2025
KTS 4.0 runs from 2 to 15 December 2025 in Varanasi, inaugurated at NaMo Ghat on 2 December.
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 coincided with which Tamil festival celebrated on 4 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Karthigai Deepam
PIB notes that KTS 4.0 coincides with Karthigai Deepam, celebrated on 4 December.
The FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025, which began on 28 November 2025, was hosted in which two Indian cities?
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Correct answer: C — Chennai and Madurai
The FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup Tamil Nadu 2025 is being played in Chennai and Madurai from 28 November to 10 December 2025.
In their opening match of the FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025, India beat which team 7-0?
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Correct answer: D — Chile
India beat Chile 7-0 in Pool B at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai, on 28 November 2025.