UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was observed on 14 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 135th
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment marked the 135th birth anniversary.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, which organised the Ambedkar Jayanti event at Prerna Sthal, functions under which ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
PIB states the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Consider the following statements: 1. Prerna Sthal, where the 135th Ambedkar Jayanti tributes were paid, is in the Parliament House premises in New Delhi. 2. The Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: PIB places Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House premises and names Dr. Virendra Kumar as Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
During their phone call on 14 April 2026, PM Modi and US President Trump committed to strengthening which India–US partnership?
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Correct answer: D — Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
The PMO release refers to the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the Modi–Trump phone conversation of 14 April 2026: 1. The call was made by President Trump to Prime Minister Modi. 2. The leaders stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Malacca open and secure. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the PM 'received a call' from President Trump. Statement 2 is wrong: the leaders referred to the Strait of Hormuz, in the context of West Asia.
Under the National Highways Fee (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, up to what level of excess load is no overload fee charged?
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Correct answer: B — 10%
No overload fee is charged for excess load up to 10%.
Under the revised rules effective 15 April 2026, a vehicle carrying more than 40% excess load on a National Highway is charged:
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Correct answer: C — Four times the base rate
Above 40% excess load, the fee is four times the base rate; over 10% and up to 40% it is twice the base rate.
Consider the following statements about the overload fee rules for National Highways notified in April 2026: 1. Overload fees are to be collected only through FASTag. 2. Where a fee plaza has no weighment facility, the overload fee is charged on the vehicle's declared Gross Vehicle Weight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: where weighment facilities are not available at a fee plaza, no overload fee is levied.
According to Dr. M.L. Jat at the NAAS session of April 2026, India's annual fertilizer consumption is nearly:
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Correct answer: D — 33 million tonnes
Dr. Jat said India consumes nearly 33 million tonnes of fertilizers annually, a significant share of it imported.
Consider the following statements about Dr. M.L. Jat, as described in the April 2026 PIB release: 1. He is Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR. 2. He is President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Agriculture release.
India Pharma 2026, which concluded on 14 April 2026, was which edition of the event?
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Correct answer: C — 9th
The Department of Pharmaceuticals describes it as the 9th edition.
India Pharma 2026 was organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in association with:
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Correct answer: B — FICCI and IPA
PIB says the event was organised in association with FICCI and IPA.
In the valedictory address of India Pharma 2026, which three enablers were identified as critical for the next phase of the sector's growth?
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Correct answer: D — Funding, infrastructure and speed
Joint Secretary Satyaprakash T L said discussions converged on funding, infrastructure and speed.
According to IMD's first-stage forecast of April 2026, the 2026 southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over India is expected to be what percentage of the Long Period Average?
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Correct answer: D — 92%
IMD forecast 92% of the LPA with a model error of ±5%, which falls in the below-normal category.
The Long Period Average of India's southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall used by IMD in 2026 is:
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Correct answer: A — 87 cm, based on 1971–2020
IMD states the LPA of seasonal rainfall over the country, based on 1971–2020, is 87 cm.
Consider the following statements from IMD's April 2026 monsoon forecast: 1. The Monsoon Mission Climate Forecast System suggests El Niño conditions may develop during the southwest monsoon season. 2. Indian Ocean Dipole conditions are currently neutral, and positive IOD conditions are likely to develop towards the end of the season. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per IMD.
What is the total corpus of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 notified on 13 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹10,000 crore
The scheme has a total corpus of ₹10,000 crore.
Consider the following statements about Startup India FoF 2.0: 1. It builds on the Fund of Funds for Startups launched in 2016 under the Startup India Action Plan. 2. SIDBI will operationalise the scheme as the Implementation Agency from the date of notification. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The commitments under Startup India FoF 2.0 to eligible Alternative Investment Funds are spread across which Finance Commission cycles?
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Correct answer: B — 16th and 17th
The corpus is for commitments to eligible AIFs spread across the 16th and 17th Finance Commission cycles.
The e-SafeHER programme launched on 13 April 2026 aims to reach how many women in rural India?
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Correct answer: B — One million over three years
e-SafeHER aims to reach one million women across India over three years.
Consider the following statements about e-SafeHER: 1. It is anchored under MeitY's Information Security Education and Awareness (ISEA) programme. 2. It is being delivered jointly by C-DAC Bengaluru and Reliance Foundation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the C-DAC partner is C-DAC Hyderabad.
What was the All India CPI (Combined) inflation rate for March 2026 (provisional), on base year 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 3.40%
Combined CPI inflation was 3.40%; 3.21% was February, 3.87% food inflation and 3.63% rural inflation.
The CPI data released by MoSPI on 13 April 2026 for March 2026 uses which base year?
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Correct answer: D — 2024
The release is for the Consumer Price Index on base 2024=100.
Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation at the All India combined level in March 2026 (CPI base 2024)?
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Correct answer: A — Silver jewellery
Silver jewellery topped at 148.61%, followed by gold/diamond/platinum jewellery (45.92%), copra (45.52%) and tomato (35.99%).
Under its MoU with the Labour Ministry, Porter aims to generate how many logistics and driving opportunities by 2030?
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Correct answer: D — Over 30 lakh
Porter targets the creation of over 30 lakh opportunities by 2030.
According to the Labour Minister in April 2026, roughly how many establishments are registered on the National Career Service portal?
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Correct answer: C — 59 lakh
Nearly 59 lakh establishments have registered on NCS; 7 lakh is the number of active vacancies.
ANRF's AI-based platform 'SARAL AI' will produce simplified research content in how many Indian languages?
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Correct answer: B — 18
SARAL AI will produce content including podcasts and short videos in 18 Indian languages.
In the context of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation, what does 'MAHA' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Mission for Advancement in High Impact Areas
ANRF's MAHA programmes are 'Mission for Advancement in High Impact Areas'.
What was India's medal haul at the Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para Series?
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Correct answer: A — 13 medals: 7 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze
India won 13 medals — 7 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze — to top the table.
Which country finished second on the medal table at the Bangkok 2026 World Archery Para Series?
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Correct answer: C — Indonesia
Indonesia was second with 6 medals, followed by host Thailand with 5.
How many railway projects were sanctioned by Indian Railways in FY 2025–26, as per the Ministry of Railways?
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Correct answer: B — 100
100 projects worth ₹1.53 lakh crore covering over 6,000 km were sanctioned in FY 2025–26.
The Rowghat–Jagdalpur railway line, highlighted as a tribal-area connectivity project among FY 2025–26 sanctions, is in which State?
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Correct answer: C — Chhattisgarh
The Rowghat–Jagdalpur line is in Chhattisgarh.
Consider the following statements about railway project sanctions: 1. In FY 2024–25, 64 projects worth ₹72,869 crore were sanctioned. 2. Among States, Bihar received the highest number of projects sanctioned in FY 2025–26. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Maharashtra had the most projects (17), followed by Bihar (11).
Which department issued the D.O. letter of 9 January 2026 asking States to align their crop bonus policies to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets?
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Correct answer: C — Department of Expenditure
The letter was issued by the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
Consider the following statements about the Department of Expenditure's January 2026 letter to States: 1. It was a binding directive requiring States to withdraw bonuses on wheat and paddy. 2. It asked States to align their bonus policies to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the Ministry said the letter was an advisory and not a directive. Statement 2 is correct.
Exercise DUSTLIK, whose 7th edition began in April 2026, is a joint military exercise between India and:
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Correct answer: C — Uzbekistan
DUSTLIK is the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise.
The Indian Army personnel at Exercise DUSTLIK 2026 are mainly from a battalion of which regiment?
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Correct answer: D — MAHAR Regiment
The 45 Army personnel are mainly from a battalion of the MAHAR Regiment; 15 personnel are from the IAF.
Consider the following statements about Exercise DUSTLIK: 1. It is a yearly exercise conducted alternately in India and Uzbekistan. 2. Its previous edition was held at the Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune), in April 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Defence.
Péter Magyar, who won Hungary's parliamentary election on 12 April 2026, leads which party?
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Correct answer: A — Tisza Party
Péter Magyar leads the Tisza Party, which won the election.
How many seats does Hungary's parliament have, as per the reported 2026 election results?
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Correct answer: D — 199
Preliminary results projected 138 of the 199 seats for Tisza.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Hungarian election: 1. The final count reduced the Tisza Party's tally below the preliminary figure. 2. In his congratulatory message, PM Narendra Modi referred to the India-EU Strategic Partnership. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Reuters reported that the final count increased Tisza's majority. Statement 2 is correct.
NECTAR, which co-organised the April 2026 conference on transforming tribal lives through science and technology, stands for:
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Correct answer: A — North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach
NECTAR is the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach; it co-organised the conference with DST and ITITI Doon Sanskriti School.
At the April 2026 tribal conference, the Vice President cited which guiding principle of Viksit Bharat @ 2047?
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Correct answer: D — Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi
The Vice President said the guiding principle is 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi'.
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle campaign, whose 69th edition was held on 12 April 2026, began in:
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Correct answer: D — December 2024
The campaign started in December 2024 and has reached 28 lakh people.
Through the Fit India App, citizens participating in cycling can earn:
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Correct answer: C — Carbon credits redeemable for products
The Fit India App lets citizens earn carbon credits by cycling, which can be redeemed to buy products.
The nationwide Nari Shakti Youth Parliament held on 12 April 2026 was organised through which platform?
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Correct answer: B — MY Bharat
It was organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) platform.
The Nari Shakti Youth Parliament of 12 April 2026 was held simultaneously across how many zones?
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Correct answer: C — 17
It was held across 17 zones with over 7,000 young women.
The 200th birth anniversary commemoration that began on 11 April 2026 honours which social reformer?
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Correct answer: A — Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
The commemoration marks the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule (1827–1890).
Where were floral tributes to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule offered for the first time within Parliament premises on 11 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Prerna Sthal
For the first time, floral tributes were offered at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House Complex.
Consider the following statements about the Phule 200th birth anniversary commemoration: 1. It is guided by a High-Level Committee chaired by the Prime Minister. 2. It was approved by a National Implementation Committee chaired by the Union Home Minister. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: a 126-member High-Level Committee chaired by the PM guides it, and the NIC chaired by the Home Minister approved it on 6 April 2026.
Which organisation is the nodal agency for the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule 200th birth anniversary commemorative initiative?
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Correct answer: D — Dr. Ambedkar Foundation
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, is the nodal agency, with activities anchored at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre.
According to the Fisheries Minister at the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026, India's seafood exports this year are approximately:
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Correct answer: D — ₹68,000 crore
Exports grew from ₹62,000 crore last year to about ₹68,000 crore this year.
Consider the following statements about India's seafood exports as stated at the Seafood Exporters Meet 2026: 1. Growth was driven largely by strong performance in non-US markets. 2. The net increase over last year was about ₹6,000 crore. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Which India-flagged LPG vessel, carrying about 20,400 MT of LPG, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz as reported on 11 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Jag Vikram
The India-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram, carrying about 20,400 MT of LPG, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
As part of LPG demand rationalisation during the West Asia situation, the urban LPG booking interval was increased:
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Correct answer: B — From 21 to 25 days
The booking interval was increased from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas.
Under which instruments are State Governments empowered to act against hoarding and black marketing of petroleum products, as cited in the 11 April 2026 update?
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Correct answer: C — Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000
States are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and the LPG Control Order, 2000.
The Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative, presented to Union Minister Manohar Lal in April 2026, belongs to which country?
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Correct answer: B — Bhutan
Manohar Lal was briefed on Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative during his Bhutan visit.
Consider the following statements about Manohar Lal's Bhutan visit on 11 April 2026: 1. He met Bhutan's Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Lyonpo Chandra Bahadur Gurung. 2. He visited Simtokha Dzong, believed to be the oldest fort built by the founder of Bhutan in the 17th century. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Power.
Bhutan's development philosophy, on which Manohar Lal attended a presentation in April 2026, is known as:
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Correct answer: D — Gross National Happiness
The presentation covered Bhutan's development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
In his call with Piyush Goyal on 11 April 2026, Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi represented Saudi Arabia as its:
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Correct answer: C — Minister of Commerce
Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi is the Minister of Commerce of Saudi Arabia.
During the India-Saudi Arabia ministerial call of 11 April 2026, both sides expressed optimism for early progress in negotiations on a free trade agreement between India and:
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Correct answer: D — the Gulf Cooperation Council
The Ministers expressed optimism for early progress in the India-GCC FTA negotiations.
Who is the Chairperson of the National Commission for Homoeopathy, as named at the World Homoeopathy Day 2026 convention?
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Correct answer: B — Dr. Tarkeshwar Jain
Dr. Tarkeshwar Jain is the NCH Chairperson; Dr. Subhash Kaushik is DG, CCRH, and Dr. Pralay Sharma is Director, NIH.
The World Homoeopathy Day 2026 convention of the Ministry of Ayush was held at:
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Correct answer: D — Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
The convention was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 10 and 11 April 2026.
What is the notified threshold value for haematite iron ore, below which mined material can be discarded as waste?
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Correct answer: C — 45% Fe (min.)
The notified threshold value for haematite iron ore is 45% Fe (min.).
Under the Mineral Concession (Third Amendment) Rules, 2026, the average sale price of haematite iron ore of 35% to below 45% Fe grade will be what percentage of the ASP of the 45% to below 51% Fe grade?
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Correct answer: B — 75%
For 35% to below 45% Fe, the ASP is 75% of the ASP of the 45% to below 51% Fe grade; for below 35% Fe, it is 50%.
Consider the following statements about the April 2026 amendment to the Mineral Concession rules: 1. Banded Haematite Quartzite (BHQ) and Banded Haematite Jasper (BHJ) are covered by the new ASP methodology. 2. If processing of run-of-mine lowers its economic value, royalty is charged on lumps and fines after initial screening of unprocessed run-of-mine. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Mines.
Which hydropower project in Bhutan, described as the largest India-Bhutan joint hydropower venture, marked the pour of concrete of its dam on 10 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Punatsangchhu-I
The dam concrete pour ceremony was held at Punatsangchhu-I, the largest joint hydropower venture between the two countries.
The Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project in Bhutan was jointly inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on:
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Correct answer: D — 11 November 2025
Punatsangchhu-II was jointly inaugurated on 11 November 2025.
From 10 April 2026, user fee at National Highway fee plazas is to be paid only through:
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Correct answer: A — FASTag or UPI
Payments are processed exclusively through FASTag or UPI.
The digital-only toll collection from 10 April 2026 was NOT implemented in which of the following, due to the Model Code of Conduct?
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Correct answer: B — Puducherry
It was not implemented in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and the UT of Puducherry due to the Model Code of Conduct.
The NHAI-WII report on wildlife use of animal underpasses on the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, released in April 2026, is titled:
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Correct answer: C — Landscapes Reconnected
The report is titled 'Landscapes Reconnected'.
The NHAI-WII wildlife study on the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor was conducted along which stretch?
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Correct answer: B — Ganeshpur–Asharodi
The study covered an 18 km stretch between Ganeshpur and Asharodi.
According to MoSPI's April 2026 pilot study, about how many households undertook own-account construction for their own use during the 365-day reference period?
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Correct answer: B — 98.54 lakh
An estimated 98.54 lakh households undertook own-account construction; 10.27 lakh is the number of unincorporated construction agencies.
Consider the following statements about MoSPI's pilot study on unincorporated construction: 1. About 77% of unincorporated construction agencies engaged at least one hired worker on a fairly regular basis. 2. Nearly 23% of rural households doing own-account construction availed institutional funding. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per MoSPI.