SF Prep

UKSSSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time

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

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3298 news · 8977 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 83 questions
Centre releases over ₹1,789 crore of XV Finance Commission grants to rural local bodies in five states
Q1 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q2 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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 Shivalik and Nanda Devi reach Mundra and Kandla after crossing Strait of Hormuz
Q3

Indian-flagged LPG carriers MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026, arrived at which Indian ports?

Show answer

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.

Q4 Advanced

Approximately how much LPG were MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi carrying together when they crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 13 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — About 92,712 tonnes

The two carriers were carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG.

Q5 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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).

National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 come into force with e-notices and double charge for unpaid toll
Q6 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q7 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Keel laid for two Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels of the Indian Coast Guard at Ratnagiri
Q8 Advanced

The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels whose keels were laid at Ratnagiri on 17 March 2026 are being built for:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard

Yard 16402 and 16403 are the second and third of six NGOPVs for the Indian Coast Guard.

Q9 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Over 1 lakh of 2.12 lakh DPIIT-recognised startups have at least one woman director or partner
Q10 Advanced

As on 31 January 2026, how many entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT?

Show answer

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.

Q11 Advanced

The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) under Startup India is operationalised by:

Show answer

Correct answer: B — SIDBI

FFS is operationalised by SIDBI, which provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds that invest in startups.

India Post launches 24 Speed Post, 48 Speed Post and 24 Speed Post Parcel for time-definite delivery between six metros
Q12

India Post's '24 Speed Post' service launched on 17 March 2026 offers:

Show answer

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.

Q13 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

India's total exports for April–February 2025-26 estimated at US$ 790.86 billion, up 5.79%
Q14 Advanced

India's total exports (merchandise and services) during April–February 2025-26 are estimated at:

Show answer

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.

Q15 Advanced

Which sector led India's merchandise export growth in February 2026, rising 12.90% to US$ 10.36 billion?

Show answer

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.

Q16 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Horticulture production hits 3,707.38 lakh tonnes in 2024-25; 2025-26 projected at 3,708.46 lakh tonnes
Q17 Advanced

According to the final estimates released in March 2026, India's total horticulture production in 2024-25 was:

Show answer

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.

Q18 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Quantum teaching labs approved in 23 institutions under National Quantum Mission; Pune proposed for IISF 2026
Q19 Advanced

Under the National Quantum Mission, approval for quantum teaching laboratories has been granted to how many academic institutions (as disclosed on 16 March 2026)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 23

Quantum teaching labs have been approved in 23 institutions; 100 more are under consideration.

Q20

Which city has been identified as the proposed venue for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pune

Pune has been identified as the proposed venue for IISF 2026, with the Department of Biotechnology preparing the framework.

Centre raises commission for Arthiyas and cooperative societies in wheat and paddy procurement from RMS 2026-27
Q21 Advanced

From RMS 2026-27, the commission payable to Arthiyas for wheat procurement in Punjab and Haryana has been raised to:

Show answer

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.

Q22 Advanced

Under the revised procurement commission structure from RMS 2026-27, procurement carried out at modern silos will earn:

Show answer

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.

PLFS February 2026: urban unemployment falls to 6.6%, female LFPR rises to 35.3%
Q23 Advanced

According to the PLFS monthly bulletin for February 2026, the urban unemployment rate (15+ years, CWS) was:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 6.6%

Urban unemployment fell to 6.6% in February 2026 from 7.0% in January; rural unemployment was 4.2%.

Q24

PLFS monthly estimates of LFPR, WPR and unemployment rate are based on which approach?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Current Weekly Status

The monthly bulletins present all-India estimates following the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.

Q25 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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%.

Indian Embassy in Tehran tells nationals not to cross Iran's land borders without its coordination
Q26 Advanced

What did the Embassy of India in Tehran advise Indian nationals in Iran on 16 March 2026?

Show answer

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.

Q27

After the US–Israeli strikes of 28 February 2026, the Indian Embassy in Tehran first advised Indians in Iran to:

Show answer

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.

WPI inflation rises to 2.13% in February 2026
Q28

What was India's annual WPI inflation rate (provisional) for February 2026?

Show answer

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.

Q29 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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%.

Election Commission announces Assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry; counting on 4 May
Q30

In how many phases will the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election be held, as announced by the ECI on 15 March 2026?

Show answer

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.

Q31

On which date will votes be counted for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — 4 May 2026

Counting for all five Assemblies is scheduled for 4 May 2026.

Q32 Advanced

Which of the following Assemblies going to polls in 2026 has the largest number of seats?

Show answer

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.

Q33 Advanced

For the 2026 Assembly elections, the Election Commission fixed the maximum number of electors per polling station at:

Show answer

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.

Q34 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q35 Advanced

Along with the 2026 Assembly elections, the ECI announced bye-elections to how many Assembly constituencies in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Eight

Bye-elections were announced for 8 Assembly constituencies spread across these six States.

Chandrika Pujari wins gold as India finish with five medals at World Boxing Futures Cup 2026
Q36

Which Indian boxer won gold in the women's 51 kg category at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok?

Show answer

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.

Q37 Advanced

What was India's medal tally at the World Boxing Futures Cup 2026 in Bangkok?

Show answer

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).

Jannik Sinner wins Indian Wells 2026, completes set of all six Masters 1000 hard-court titles
Q38

Whom did Jannik Sinner defeat in the Indian Wells 2026 men's singles final on 15 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Daniil Medvedev

Sinner beat Daniil Medvedev 7-6(6), 7-6(4) in the final.

Q39 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

FASTag Annual Pass fee raised to ₹3,075 from 1 April 2026
Q40

What will be the FASTag Annual Pass fee for 2026-27, effective 1 April 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹3,075

NHAI revised the fee from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075 for 2026-27.

Q41 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q42 Advanced

The FASTag Annual Pass, whose fee is being revised for 2026-27, was launched on:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 15 August 2025

The FASTag Annual Pass was launched on 15 August 2025 and has over 56 lakh users.

Nominations for Padma Awards 2027 open; last date 31 July 2026
Q43

What is the last date for submitting nominations for the Padma Awards 2027?

Show answer

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.

Q44 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q45 Advanced

On which portal are nominations for the Padma Awards 2027 accepted?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Rashtriya Puraskar Portal (awards.gov.in)

Nominations are received only online on the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal, awards.gov.in.

LPG Control Order amended: households with PNG must surrender domestic LPG connections
Q46

Under the LPG Control Order amendment of 14 March 2026, which consumers must surrender their domestic LPG connections?

Show answer

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.

Q47 Advanced

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?

Show answer

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.

Q48 Advanced

Which ministry notified the amendment requiring PNG households to give up domestic LPG connections in March 2026?

Show answer

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.

Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026 notified to clarify captive power framework
Q49 Advanced

Under the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which body will verify captive status in cases of inter-state captive consumption?

Show answer

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.

Q50 Advanced

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?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Power's release of 14 March 2026.

GCWAS-2026 ends with Delhi Declaration calling for Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems
Q51 Advanced

The Delhi Declaration adopted at GCWAS-2026 on 14 March 2026 calls for establishing a:

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems

The Delhi Declaration calls for a Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems.

Q52 Advanced

ICAR's planned national gender platform, announced at GCWAS-2026, will connect more than how many institutions?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 900

Dr M. L. Jat said the platform will connect more than 900 institutions, including ICAR institutes, KVKs and agricultural universities.

PM-KISAN 22nd instalment: ₹18,640 crore released to 9.32 crore farmers from Guwahati
Q53

From which city did PM Modi release the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN on 13 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Guwahati

The 22nd instalment was released from the Jyoti-Bishnu International Cultural Centre in Guwahati, Assam.

Q54 Advanced

About how much money was transferred under the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN, and to how many farmers?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹18,640 crore to 9.32 crore farmers

About ₹18,640 crore went to more than 9.32 crore farmers; ₹19,480 crore was the value of the Guwahati development projects launched the same day.

Q55 Advanced

Consider the following statements about PM-KISAN: 1. Eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 a year in three equal instalments of ₹2,000. 2. The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹60,000 crore to the scheme. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the scheme pays ₹6,000 a year in three instalments of ₹2,000 each through DBT, and Budget 2026–27 provided ₹60,000 crore for it, as per the PIB backgrounder.

Q56 Advanced

Roughly how many women farmers benefited from the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 2.15 crore

The PIB backgrounder says more than 2.15 crore of the 9.32 crore beneficiaries were women.

Q57 Advanced

According to the PIB backgrounder on the 22nd instalment, how much has been disbursed under PM-KISAN since its launch?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — More than ₹4.27 lakh crore

The backgrounder put cumulative transfers at more than ₹4.27 lakh crore, making PM-KISAN one of the world's largest DBT schemes.

Two years of India–EFTA TEPA: Goyal urges industry to use $100-billion investment pledge
Q58

Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), India's partner in TEPA?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Denmark

EFTA's four members are Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland; Denmark is an EU member.

Q59 Advanced

What legally binding investment commitment does the India–EFTA TEPA contain, as highlighted by Piyush Goyal on 13 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — $100 billion and 1 million jobs

TEPA carries a $100-billion investment commitment with the potential to create 1 million jobs in India.

Q60 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA TEPA: 1. It was signed in New Delhi on 10 March 2024. 2. It came into force on 1 April 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: TEPA came into force on 1 October 2025, as per PIB.

HLC under Amit Shah approves ₹1,912.99 crore from NDRF for five States and J&K hit by 2025 disasters
Q61

Which State received the largest share of the ₹1,912.99 crore NDRF assistance announced on 13 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Gujarat

Gujarat got ₹778.67 crore, the largest share; Andhra Pradesh got ₹341.48 crore and Himachal Pradesh ₹288.39 crore.

Q62 Advanced

Which cyclone of 2025 is named in the Home Ministry's 13 March 2026 release on additional central assistance?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Montha

The assistance covers States hit by floods, cloudbursts, landslides and Cyclone 'Montha' during 2025.

Q63 Advanced

The National Disaster Response Fund, from which the 13 March 2026 assistance was approved, is constituted under:

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005

The NDRF is constituted under Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and supplements a State's SDRF in disasters of a severe nature.

Food safety reforms: perpetual FSSAI licences, registration limit raised to ₹1.5 crore, street vendors deemed registered
Q64

Under the food-safety reforms approved on 13 March 2026, what is the new turnover limit for basic FSSAI registration from 1 April 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹1.5 crore

The limit rises from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore; ₹50 crore is the new upper limit for State licensing.

Q65 Advanced

Street food vendors registered under which law will be deemed registered with FSSAI under the March 2026 reforms?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014

Vendors registered with municipal corporations or town vending committees under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 will be deemed registered, benefiting over 10 lakh vendors.

Q66 Advanced

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is:

Show answer

Correct answer: C — A statutory body set up under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

FSSAI is an independent statutory authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with its head office in Delhi; the Health Ministry is its administrative ministry.

Sujal Gaon ID launched to digitally map rural piped water schemes; Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 runs to December 2028
Q67

What is the 'Sujal Gaon ID' launched by the Jal Shakti Ministry on 13 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — A unique digital identifier for each rural piped water supply scheme

Sujal Gaon ID is a scheme-based digital identifier that maps rural piped water supply assets, giving each scheme a digital identity.

Q68 Advanced

Up to when has Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 been extended, and with what total outlay?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — December 2028; ₹8.69 lakh crore

The Cabinet extended Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 up to December 2028 with an enhanced total outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore.

Q69 Advanced

Consider the following statements made at the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 meeting on 13 March 2026: 1. Water is a State subject, so delivery depends on State governments. 2. Each Sujalam Bharat ID combines a scheme's infrastructure ID and service-area ID. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the minister said water is a State subject, and the release explains that each Sujalam Bharat ID integrates the infrastructure ID and service-area ID.

NMDC becomes India's first mining company to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a year
Q70

Which company became India's first mining company to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a single financial year (announced 13 March 2026)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — NMDC Limited

NMDC Limited, a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel, crossed 50 MT in FY 2025–26.

Q71 Advanced

NMDC's mechanised iron ore mines, mentioned in the 13 March 2026 release, are located in which two States?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Chhattisgarh and Karnataka

The release says NMDC has highly mechanised operations in the mineral-rich regions of Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.

Q72 Advanced

Consider the following statements about NMDC Limited: 1. It was established in 1958 to develop India's iron ore resources. 2. It is a Maharatna company under the Ministry of Mines. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: NMDC is a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel.

Retail inflation rises to 3.21% in February 2026 on the new 2024-base CPI
Q73

What was India's all-India CPI (combined) inflation for February 2026, as released on 12 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 3.21%

February 2026 CPI inflation was 3.21% (provisional), up from 2.74% in January; 3.47% was food inflation.

Q74 Advanced

Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation in the February 2026 CPI?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Silver jewellery

Silver jewellery led at 160.84%, followed by gold/diamond/platinum jewellery at 48.16% and copra at 46.16%.

Q75 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India's new CPI series (base 2024=100): 1. Its item basket and weights are based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023–24. 2. It retains the earlier structure of six broad groups instead of adopting COICOP 2018. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the new series adopts the UN's COICOP 2018, with 12 divisions and 358 items, replacing the earlier six broad groups.

Q76 Advanced

Which items saw the steepest price falls in the February 2026 CPI?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Garlic, onion and potato

Garlic (−31.09%), onion (−28.20%) and potato (−18.46%) had the lowest inflation; tomato was among the highest at 45.29%.

Puri tells Lok Sabha India's crude supply is secure despite Hormuz closure; LPG output up 28%
Q77

According to Hardeep Singh Puri's statement of 12 March 2026, by how much was India's LPG production raised in five days through refinery directives?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 28%

Puri said the LPG Control Order of 8 March made refineries maximise LPG yields, raising production by 28% in five days.

Q78 Advanced

What share of India's crude imports was now coming from non-Hormuz routes, as per the Petroleum Minister on 12 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — About 70%

Non-Hormuz sourcing rose to about 70% of crude imports from 55% before the conflict; about 45% used to transit Hormuz.

Q79 Advanced

Consider the following about the control orders mentioned by the Petroleum Minister on 12 March 2026: 1. The Natural Gas Control Order of 9 March 2026 was issued under the Essential Commodities Act. 2. The LPG Control Order of 8 March 2026 directed refineries to channel propane and butane streams to the three oil marketing companies. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the gas order was issued under the Essential Commodities Act and set a priority sequence with homes and CNG first, and the LPG order sent C3 and C4 streams to the three OMCs for domestic cooking gas.

Q80 Advanced

Roughly what share of the world's crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, as cited in the Lok Sabha on 12 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 20%

Puri said about 20% of the world's crude, 20% of its natural gas and 20% of its LPG flow through the Strait of Hormuz.

Kumaraswamy flags off upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount for Navy at BHEL Haridwar; dedicates 5-MW solar plant
Q81

The upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount flagged off at BHEL on 12 March 2026 is meant for which service?

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Correct answer: C — Indian Navy

The upgraded SRGM, a naval gun for anti-aircraft and anti-surface roles, was flagged off for the Indian Navy.

Q82 Advanced

Where is the BHEL plant at which the upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount was flagged off on 12 March 2026?

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Correct answer: D — Haridwar

The flag-off took place at BHEL's Haridwar facility in Uttarakhand, which houses the Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant and the Central Foundry and Forge Plant.

Q83 Advanced

What are the stated rate of fire and range of the upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount flagged off by BHEL?

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Correct answer: B — 120 rounds a minute, up to 35 km

BHEL said the weapon can fire up to 120 rounds per minute with a range of up to 35 km.