UKPSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In March 2026 the CCEA approved MSP funding of ₹1,718.56 crore for the 2023-24 cotton season to:
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Correct answer: A — Cotton Corporation of India
The MSP funding of ₹1,718.56 crore was approved for the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), the central nodal agency for cotton MSP operations.
Consider the following about MSP operations in cotton: 1. CCI procures Fair Average Quality cotton subject to a quantity ceiling per farmer. 2. The MSP for seed cotton (kapas) is fixed on the recommendations of the CACP. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: CCI procures all FAQ cotton without any quantitative ceiling when prices fall below MSP. Statement 2 is correct.
Who assumed charge as Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes on 18 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti assumed charge as NCBC Chairperson with effect from 18 March 2026; Kiran Umesh Mahalle joined as Member on 20 March.
Kiran Umesh Mahalle, who joined the NCBC as a Member in March 2026, was earlier Mayor of which Municipal Corporation?
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Correct answer: A — Amravati
Kiran Umesh Mahalle has served as Mayor of the Municipal Corporation, Amravati.
Consider the following about the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), whose Chairperson took charge in March 2026: 1. The NCBC is a constitutional body under Article 338B, inserted by the Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act, 2018. 2. Before 2018, the NCBC functioned as a statutory body under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018 inserted Article 338B and gave the NCBC constitutional status; it was earlier constituted under the NCBC Act, 1993, which was repealed in 2018.
On 18 March 2026, PM Modi condemned attacks on the sovereignty of which country during a call with its Crown Prince?
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Correct answer: A — Kuwait
PM Modi spoke with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and condemned attacks on Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
'RISA: Timeless Tribal', launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 18 March 2026, is:
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Correct answer: B — A premium signature brand for tribal weaves, embroidery and crafts
RISA: Timeless Tribal is a premium signature brand centred on tribal weaves, embroidery and crafts.
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.
On 17 March 2026, PM Narendra Modi spoke with the President of which country and stressed safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?
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Correct answer: D — United Arab Emirates
PM Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the two agreed on safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
As on 1 March 2026, how many FPOs registered under the 10,000 FPOs scheme have 100% women members?
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Correct answer: B — 1,175
1,175 FPOs are registered with 100% women members, and 23.55 lakh women farmers are registered under the scheme.
The scheme for 'Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations', which reached its target by 1 March 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: C — Central Sector Scheme
The Government is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs.
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.
Indian-flagged LPG carriers MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026, arrived at which Indian ports?
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Correct answer: D — Mundra and Kandla
The two vessels, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Mundra and Kandla on 16 and 17 March 2026.
Approximately how much LPG were MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi carrying together when they crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — About 92,712 tonnes
The two carriers were carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG.
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz, crossed by the LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi in March 2026: 1. It lies between Oman and Iran. 2. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Red Sea. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, not the Red Sea (EIA).
Under the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, what is payable if an unpaid toll is settled after 72 hours of the e-notice?
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Correct answer: C — Twice the toll
The unpaid user fee is twice the applicable toll; only the original fee is payable if paid within 72 hours of the e-notice.
Consider the following about the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026: 1. A representation against an e-notice must be disposed of within five days, failing which the claim lapses. 2. Unpaid dues are recorded in the VAHAN system if they remain unpaid beyond 30 days. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: dues are recorded in VAHAN if unpaid beyond 15 days with no pending representation.
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.
As on 31 January 2026, how many entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT?
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Correct answer: C — 2,12,283
A total of 2,12,283 entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT as on 31 January 2026; 1,02,054 of them have at least one woman director or partner.
The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) under Startup India is operationalised by:
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Correct answer: B — SIDBI
FFS is operationalised by SIDBI, which provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds that invest in startups.
India Post's '24 Speed Post' service launched on 17 March 2026 offers:
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Correct answer: B — Guaranteed next-day (D+1) delivery between six metro cities
24 Speed Post and 24 Speed Post Parcel offer guaranteed next-day (D+1) delivery between New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Consider the following about India Post's new time-definite services launched in March 2026: 1. 48 Speed Post offers assured two-day (D+2) document delivery between the six metros. 2. Deliveries under 24 Speed Post will not be made on Sundays. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: deliveries will also be made on Sundays and holidays, except national holidays.
Which organisation's milestone of five billion meals was commemorated in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on 17 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Akshaya Patra Foundation
The event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre marked five billion meals served by the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
What was the theme of the event held on 17 March 2026 to mark the Akshaya Patra Foundation's five billion meals?
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Correct answer: B — From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India
The theme was 'From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India', linking nutrition and education to Viksit Bharat 2047.
India's total exports (merchandise and services) during April–February 2025-26 are estimated at:
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Correct answer: D — US$ 790.86 billion
Total exports for April–February 2025-26 are estimated at US$ 790.86 billion, up 5.79%; US$ 900.51 billion is the estimate of total imports.
Which sector led India's merchandise export growth in February 2026, rising 12.90% to US$ 10.36 billion?
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Correct answer: D — Engineering goods
Engineering goods exports rose 12.90% from US$ 9.17 billion in February 2025 to US$ 10.36 billion in February 2026.
Consider the following about India's trade data for February 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in February 2026 were higher than in February 2025. 2. India recorded an overall (merchandise plus services) trade deficit in February 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: merchandise exports were US$ 36.61 billion against US$ 36.91 billion in February 2025. Statement 2 is correct: the overall trade balance was –US$ 3.96 billion.
According to the final estimates released in March 2026, India's total horticulture production in 2024-25 was:
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Correct answer: B — 3,707.38 lakh tonnes
Final estimates put 2024-25 production at 3,707.38 lakh tonnes; 3,547.44 was the 2023-24 figure and 3,708.46 is the 2025-26 first advance estimate.
Consider the following about the horticulture estimates released on 16 March 2026: 1. Onion production in 2024-25 rose by over 25% compared with 2023-24. 2. Tomato production in 2024-25 was higher than in 2023-24. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: onion output rose 26.79% to 307.67 lakh tonnes. Statement 2 is wrong: tomato output fell to 205.99 lakh tonnes from 213.23 lakh tonnes, though it is projected to rise in 2025-26.
Under the National Quantum Mission, approval for quantum teaching laboratories has been granted to how many academic institutions (as disclosed on 16 March 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 23
Quantum teaching labs have been approved in 23 institutions; 100 more are under consideration.
Which city has been identified as the proposed venue for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Pune
Pune has been identified as the proposed venue for IISF 2026, with the Department of Biotechnology preparing the framework.
From RMS 2026-27, the commission payable to Arthiyas for wheat procurement in Punjab and Haryana has been raised to:
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Correct answer: A — ₹50.75 per quintal
The Arthiya commission on wheat in Punjab and Haryana rises from ₹46.00 to ₹50.75 per quintal; ₹45.67 is for wheat in Rajasthan and ₹50.61 for paddy.
Under the revised procurement commission structure from RMS 2026-27, procurement carried out at modern silos will earn:
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Correct answer: B — 50% of the mandi rate
For procurement at modern silos, the commission payable will be 50% of the rate applicable in mandis.
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin for February 2026, the urban unemployment rate (15+ years, CWS) was:
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Correct answer: C — 6.6%
Urban unemployment fell to 6.6% in February 2026 from 7.0% in January; rural unemployment was 4.2%.
PLFS monthly estimates of LFPR, WPR and unemployment rate are based on which approach?
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Correct answer: D — Current Weekly Status
The monthly bulletins present all-India estimates following the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.
Consider the following about the PLFS bulletin for February 2026: 1. Female labour force participation rate (15+) rose compared with January 2026. 2. Rural unemployment rate fell sharply compared with January 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: female LFPR rose to 35.3% from 35.1%. Statement 2 is wrong: rural unemployment was unchanged at 4.2%.
What did the Embassy of India in Tehran advise Indian nationals in Iran on 16 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Not to approach or cross any land border without prior coordination with the Embassy
The Embassy advised Indians not to approach or attempt to cross any land border of Iran without prior and explicit coordination with it.
After the US–Israeli strikes of 28 February 2026, the Indian Embassy in Tehran first advised Indians in Iran to:
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Correct answer: A — Remain indoors as far as possible and avoid unnecessary movement
The Embassy advised Indians to remain indoors wherever possible and avoid unnecessary movement, and repeated this on 3 March.
What was India's annual WPI inflation rate (provisional) for February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 2.13%
WPI inflation was 2.13% in February 2026, up from 1.81% in January; 3.27% was the inflation in primary articles.
Consider the following about WPI data for February 2026: 1. The 'Fuel & Power' group recorded negative annual inflation. 2. 'Manufactured Products' have the largest weight among the three major groups of the WPI. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Fuel & Power inflation was –3.78%, and Manufactured Products carry a weight of 64.23%.
Who delivered the keynote address at the CCI's 11th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law on 16 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Rajiv Gauba
NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba delivered the keynote; CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur gave the special address.
Consider the following about the CCI's National Conference on Economics of Competition Law: 1. The CCI has organised it every year since 2016. 2. The March 2026 conference was its 11th edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the conference has been held annually since 2016, and the 16 March 2026 event was the 11th edition.
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 Indian boxer won gold in the women's 51 kg category at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok?
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Correct answer: A — Chandrika Pujari
Chandrika Pujari beat Uzbekistan's Mardonova Nazokat by unanimous decision in the women's 51 kg final; it was India's only gold.
What was India's medal tally at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok?
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Correct answer: A — 1 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze
India won five medals: one gold (Chandrika Pujari), three silver (Gunjan, Joyshree Devi, L. Ambekar Meetei) and one bronze (Radhamani Longjam).
Whom did Jannik Sinner defeat in the Indian Wells 2026 men's singles final on 15 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Daniil Medvedev
Sinner beat Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in the final.
With the Indian Wells 2026 title, Jannik Sinner joined which two players as the only men to win all six ATP Masters 1000 hard-court titles?
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Correct answer: D — Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
Sinner became the third man, after Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, to complete the set of six Masters 1000 hard-court titles.
What will be the FASTag Annual Pass fee for 2026-27, effective 1 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹3,075
NHAI revised the fee from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075 for 2026-27.
Consider the following about the FASTag Annual Pass: 1. The fee revision for 2026-27 was carried out under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. 2. The pass is valid for one year or 200 toll plaza crossings and is available to commercial as well as non-commercial vehicles. 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 pass is valid for one year or 200 crossings, but only for non-commercial vehicles with a valid FASTag.
The FASTag Annual Pass, whose fee is being revised for 2026-27, was launched on:
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Correct answer: C — 15 August 2025
The FASTag Annual Pass was launched on 15 August 2025 and has over 56 lakh users.
What is the last date for submitting nominations for the Padma Awards 2027?
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Correct answer: C — 31 July 2026
Nominations opened on 15 March 2026 and close on 31 July 2026, online only on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
Consider the following about the Padma Awards: 1. They were instituted in 1954 and are announced on Republic Day every year. 2. Government servants working with PSUs are eligible, but doctors and scientists in government service are not. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 reverses the rule: government servants, including PSU staff, are not eligible, except doctors and scientists.
On which portal are nominations for the Padma Awards 2027 accepted?
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Correct answer: D — Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (awards.gov.in)
Nominations are received only online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, awards.gov.in.
At the Aditya Birla Memorial Polo Cup final on 15 March 2026, Rajnath Singh said which sport can be designated a 'Heritage Sport' of India?
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Correct answer: B — Polo
Rajnath Singh said polo, rooted in India's sporting traditions, can rightfully be designated a 'Heritage Sport' of India.
Under the LPG Control Order amendment of 14 March 2026, which consumers must surrender their domestic LPG connections?
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Correct answer: D — Households with a piped natural gas (PNG) connection
Persons having both a PNG connection and a domestic LPG connection must surrender the LPG connection immediately.
Consider the following about the LPG Control Order amended on 14 March 2026: 1. The amendment was made under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. 2. The parent order being amended is the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the amendment order, S.O. 1333(E), was issued under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and amends the LPG (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000.
Which ministry notified the amendment requiring PNG households to give up domestic LPG connections in March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notified the LPG (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order, 2026 on 14 March 2026.
Under the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which body will verify captive status in cases of inter-state captive consumption?
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Correct answer: B — National Load Despatch Centre
From 1 April 2026, inter-state captive status will be verified by the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC); intra-state cases by a State/UT nodal agency.
Consider the following about the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026: 1. They amend Rule 3 of the Electricity Rules, 2005, which governs captive generating plants. 2. In a group captive plant set up by an Association of Persons, a member holding 26% or more ownership will have its entire consumption treated as captive. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Power's release of 14 March 2026.