UPSC EPFO / APFC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The BHAVYA Scheme, whose guidelines DPIIT released in May 2026, aims to develop:
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Correct answer: D — 100 industrial parks with about ₹33,660 crore
The Scheme provides for 100 industrial parks over 2026-27 to 2031-32 with an outlay of about ₹33,660 crore.
Which body has been designated the Project Management Agency for the BHAVYA Scheme?
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Correct answer: A — National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)
The guidelines designate NICDC as the Project Management Agency for implementation and monitoring.
Over which period will the BHAVYA Scheme be implemented?
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Correct answer: B — 2026-27 to 2031-32
The 100 parks are to be developed over six years, 2026-27 to 2031-32.
Consider the following statements about the BHAVYA Scheme guidelines: 1. The minimum land requirement for a park is 25 acres in hilly states, north-eastern states, Union Territories and smaller states. 2. Up to 50 industrial parks will be taken up in the first phase through a challenge-based competitive selection. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 25 acres (100 acres in non-hilly states) is the minimum, and up to 50 parks are taken up first through challenge-based selection.
During his Canada visit of 25–27 May 2026, Piyush Goyal was to meet which Canadian Minister of International Trade to review India–Canada CEPA?
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Correct answer: D — Maninder Sidhu
PIB: Goyal will meet Mr Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade; Mark Carney is the Prime Minister and Anita Anand the Foreign Minister.
As per the Commerce Ministry, what was the value of India's exports to Canada in FY2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — USD 4.67 billion
Bilateral trade was around USD 8 billion: India's exports USD 4.67 billion and imports USD 3.28 billion.
Consider the following statements: 1. India had a trade surplus with Canada in FY2025-26. 2. Piyush Goyal's May 2026 visit to Canada was scheduled from 25 to 30 May. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Exports (USD 4.67 bn) exceeded imports (USD 3.28 bn), so India had a surplus. The visit was from 25 to 27 May, so statement 2 is wrong.
Which US Cabinet official called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026 as Secretary of State?
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Correct answer: D — Marco Rubio
PIB: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026.
Consider the following statements about US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's call on PM Modi (23 May 2026): 1. Rubio shared the US perspective on regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia. 2. PM Modi asked Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the PIB release: Rubio shared the US view including on West Asia, and the PM asked him to convey greetings to President Trump.
Which edition of the Rozgar Mela was held on 23 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 19th
PIB: the Prime Minister distributed the letters at the 19th Rozgar Mela on 23 May 2026.
How many appointment letters were distributed at the Rozgar Mela on 23 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — More than 51,000
More than 51,000 appointment letters were distributed to newly appointed youth.
How many Indian school students are visiting Japan under the Sakura Science Programme 2026 (24–30 May)?
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Correct answer: B — 56
56 school students (24 boys and 32 girls) and 4 supervisors from India are visiting Japan.
The Sakura Science Programme ('Japan Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science') is implemented by:
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Correct answer: A — Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
PIB: the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) has been implementing the programme since 2014; India has participated since April 2016.
As per the Fisheries Ministry (May 2026), which State/UT was India's leading trout-producing region in 2024-25?
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Correct answer: D — Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir led with around 3,010 MT of trout in 2024-25, supported by the Kokernag hatchery.
The Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade held at Air Force Station Chandinagar on 23 May 2026 marked the passing out of trainees of which force?
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Correct answer: D — IAF Garud special forces
The parade marked the completion of training of Air Force Special Forces operatives of the 'Garud' force at the Garud Regimental Training Centre.
During Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides' State Visit (May 2026), India–Cyprus relations were elevated to a:
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership
The leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership to a Strategic Partnership.
Under which pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) did Cyprus join in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport
The list of outcomes records Cyprus joining the IPOI under the pillar 'Trade, Connectivity and Maritime Transport'.
On which date was the first-ever India–Cyprus Space Day celebrated?
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Correct answer: A — 18 May 2026
The list of outcomes mentions the celebration of the first-ever India–Cyprus Space Day on 18 May 2026.
India and Cyprus agreed to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in:
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Correct answer: B — 2027
Both sides agreed to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027 with special events.
Consider the following statements about the outcomes of the India–Cyprus State Visit (May 2026): 1. A Roadmap for Defence Cooperation between India and Cyprus for 2026–2031 was announced. 2. Cyprus announced its intention to open a Cyprus Trade Center in Bengaluru. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The defence roadmap for 2026–2031 was announced. The proposed Cyprus Trade Center is in Mumbai, not Bengaluru, so statement 2 is wrong.
Who chairs the High-Powered 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee that met for the first time on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — CEO, NITI Aayog
The committee is constituted under the chairpersonship of the CEO, NITI Aayog; Nidhi Chibber chaired the first meeting.
The 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee is meant to help India achieve what share of the global services market by 2047?
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Correct answer: C — 10%
The committee is envisaged to help India achieve a 10% share of the global services market by 2047.
Consider the following statements about the 'Education to Employment and Enterprise' Standing Committee: 1. Its setting up was proposed in the Union Budget 2026-27. 2. The governments of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are represented on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Para 51 of the Union Budget 2026-27 proposed the committee, and the four State governments are among its members.
What does JEEVAN, the mobile app for senior citizens launched in May 2026, stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network
PIB: JEEVAN stands for Joint Elderly Empowerment & Virtual Assistance Network.
SHATAYU, launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 22 May 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Geriatric caregiver dashboard
SHATAYU is a dashboard showing the availability of geriatric caregivers in a district and State.
Where did India and Ethiopia sign the bilateral protocol for Ethiopia's WTO accession on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Geneva
The signing ceremony took place in Geneva, and the protocol was deposited with the WTO Secretariat.
Consider the following statements: 1. India is Ethiopia's second-largest trading partner. 2. India–Ethiopia relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership during PM Modi's visit to Ethiopia in December 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the Commerce Ministry release of 22 May 2026.
As announced in May 2026, how many health records have been linked with ABHA under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission?
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Correct answer: C — Over 100 crore
Over 100 crore health records have been linked with ABHA, doubling from 50 crore in February 2025.
Which State is the leading contributor of ABHA-linked health records, with over 15 crore records (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh leads with over 15.03 crore records, followed by Andhra Pradesh with over 11.95 crore.
In May 2026, the drug Pregabalin was brought under which Schedule of the Drugs Rules, 1945 to curb its misuse?
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Correct answer: C — Schedule H1
Pregabalin was moved from Schedule H to the stricter Schedule H1 by G.S.R. 377(E).
Consider the following statements about the May 2026 notification on Pregabalin: 1. Retailers must maintain a separate register recording details of prescriptions and sales of the drug. 2. The notification was issued under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Retailers must keep a separate register. The change was made in the Drugs Rules, 1945, with penalties under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, not the NDPS Act.
By what vote was Janez Janša elected Prime Minister of Slovenia on 22 May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 51–36
Reuters and AP: Janša won 51 votes to 36 in the 90-seat National Assembly.
Consider the following statements about Slovenia's change of government in 2026: 1. Slovenia's parliamentary election was held on 22 March 2026. 2. After his election, Janez Janša had to bring his Cabinet before parliament for a separate confirmation vote within 15 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Reuters and AP give 22 March as the election date, and AP notes the separate Cabinet vote within 15 days; RTV Slovenia also reports the 15-day deadline.
By how much did adding just 1% spinel oxide nanoparticles raise the specific heat capacity of the phase change material developed by ARCI (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: C — Up to 45%
The nanocomposite PCM showed an increase in specific heat capacity as high as 45% compared with PCM without nanoparticles.
The International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), which developed a new thermal battery material in May 2026, is an autonomous institution under:
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Correct answer: A — Department of Science and Technology
PIB describes ARCI as an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
'The Library Man of India: The Story of P.N. Panicker', released by the Vice President on 22 May 2026, was written by:
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Correct answer: D — P.P. Sathyan
PIB: the book is authored by P.P. Sathyan and was released at Uprashtrapati Bhavan.
Where was the Indian War Memorial, honouring Indian troops of the Korean War, inaugurated on 21 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Imjingak Park, Seoul
Rajnath Singh and Kwon Oh-eul jointly inaugurated the memorial at Imjingak Park, Seoul.
By what title did wounded soldiers and civilians in Korea remember the Indian Army's 60 Para Field Ambulance?
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Correct answer: D — Maroon Angels
The unit's bravery and humanitarian approach earned it the title 'Maroon Angels' from wounded soldiers and civilians of the Republic of Korea.
'Hind Nagar', set up by the Custodian Force of India in September 1954 where the new memorial stands, housed almost how many prisoners of war?
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Correct answer: C — 22,000
PIB: Hind Nagar housed almost 22,000 prisoners of war until their peaceful repatriation.
Consider the following statements about the Indian War Memorial in Seoul (May 2026): 1. The Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission after the Korean War was chaired by India under Lt Gen KS Thimayya. 2. The memorial was built with funding support from India's Ministry of Defence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the PIB release: India chaired the NNRC under Lt Gen KS Thimayya, and the project had funding support from the Ministry of Defence.
What does UMMID, the programme for rare genetic disorders dedicated to the nation in May 2026, stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders
PIB: UMMID stands for Unique Methods of Management of Inherited Disorders.
Which department runs the UMMID programme for inherited and rare genetic disorders?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Biotechnology
The dedication was organised by the Department of Biotechnology, which runs the UMMID network.
As per NSO's QBUSE for January–March 2026, the estimated number of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments was:
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Correct answer: C — 9.16 crore
Establishments rose to 9.16 crore from 7.85 crore in the same quarter a year earlier, a 16.69% increase.
Consider the following statements based on the QBUSE for January–March 2026: 1. Employment in the unincorporated non-agricultural sector crossed 15 crore for the first time. 2. Urban establishments grew faster than rural establishments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Employment reached 15.17 crore, crossing 15 crore for the first time. Rural growth (20.46%) was faster than urban (12.59%), so statement 2 is wrong.
What share of total employment in the unincorporated non-agricultural sector did women account for in January–March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — More than 29%
The women workforce constituted more than 29% of total employment in the sector.
By what date were stakeholders invited to comment on the Sports Ministry's proposed amendments to criminalise organised doping (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 18 June 2026
Comments and suggestions were invited during the public consultation by 18 June 2026.
Consider the following statements about the proposed anti-doping amendments (May 2026): 1. Athletes not involved in offences such as trafficking will not be criminalised merely for anti-doping rule violations or positive tests. 2. The proposals are aligned with India's commitments under the UNESCO Convention against doping in sport. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated: athletes remain outside criminal prosecution for rule violations alone, and the measures align with the UNESCO Convention and the WADA approach.
The proposed Indian anti-doping amendments of May 2026 are stated to be aligned with which international instrument?
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Correct answer: A — UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport
The Ministry said the measures are aligned with India's commitments under the UNESCO Convention against doping in sport and consistent with the WADA approach.
The First International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Summit, postponed in May 2026, was originally scheduled for:
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Correct answer: B — 1 June 2026, New Delhi
The Summit was scheduled for 1 June 2026 in New Delhi, in conjunction with the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit.
Consider the following statements: 1. The First IBCA Summit was to be held in Kolkata. 2. The decision to hold the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit later was taken by India alone, without consulting the African Union. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
The IBCA Summit was to be held in New Delhi, and the IAFS-IV decision was taken in consultation with the African Union Chairperson and the AU Commission. Both statements are wrong.
According to Piyush Goyal at the AmCham Annual Leadership Summit (21 May 2026), commitments from American industry in India over the last six months were estimated at upwards of:
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Correct answer: C — $60 billion
Goyal said commitments from American industry in the last six months were estimated to be upwards of $60 billion, including data centre investments by Amazon and Google.
Which three new centres did UPSC add for the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bhubaneswar, Kanpur and Meerut
UPSC introduced new centres at Bhubaneswar, Kanpur and Meerut, raising the total from 80 to 83.
Which of the new UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2026 centres received the most applications?
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Correct answer: D — Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar received 10,656 applications, Kanpur 6,938 and Meerut 5,902; Ghaziabad is an existing centre.
From which country were the nearly 3 lakh e-cigarettes seized by the DRI in May 2026 sourced?
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Correct answer: D — China
The DRI found the prohibited e-cigarettes were sourced from China in every instance.
In which year was the law prohibiting the production, import, sale and advertisement of electronic cigarettes in India enacted?
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Correct answer: B — 2019
E-cigarettes and all ENDS are prohibited under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (...) Act, 2019.
Consider the following statements about the DRI's e-cigarette seizure (May 2026): 1. The seizures were made in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Telangana. 2. The consignments were concealed in items declared as 'Furniture' and 'Metal Chair Parts'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The seizures were in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi and West Bengal, so statement 1 is wrong; the goods were concealed as 'Furniture' and 'Metal Chair Parts'.
Which UN agency conferred its Agricola Medal for 2026 on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
FAO conferred the Agricola Medal for 2026 at its headquarters in Rome on 20 May 2026.
Who presented the Agricola Medal 2026 to PM Modi at FAO Headquarters?
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Correct answer: D — Qu Dongyu
PIB: the Prime Minister received the award from Dr Qu Dongyu, Director General of FAO.
According to the Prime Minister's remarks at FAO, about how many climate-resilient crop varieties has India developed in the last 10 years?
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Correct answer: B — 3,000
The Prime Minister stated that India had developed around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties in the last 10 years.
To what level did India and Italy elevate their relations during PM Modi's visit to Italy in May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Special Strategic Partnership
The India-Italy Joint Declaration of 20 May 2026 states that the two leaders decided to elevate relations to a Special Strategic Partnership.
Consider the following statements about the India-Italy Joint Declaration (May 2026): 1. The two sides aim to reach €20 billion in bilateral trade by 2029. 2. The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 was adopted at the G7 Summit in Italy in June 2024. 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 Action Plan was adopted when the leaders met at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024.
Under the May 2026 India-Italy Joint Declaration, which mechanism will review the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29?
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Correct answer: D — A Foreign Ministers-led mechanism
The leaders agreed to establish a Foreign Ministers-led mechanism to review the Action Plan and guide the Special Strategic Partnership.
In the ICMR-CCRAS Phase III trial presented in May 2026, Punarnavadi Mandura was compared with which standard therapy for anaemia?
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Correct answer: C — Iron Folic Acid supplementation
The trial compared Punarnavadi Mandura, alone and with Drakshavaleha, against standard Iron Folic Acid supplementation and found them therapeutically equivalent.
The ICMR report on First-in-Human Phase 1 clinical trials, launched in May 2026, was based on what kind of study?
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Correct answer: A — A Delphi study with 37 experts
The report is 'A Delphi Study on Regulatory Pathways and Opportunities', developed through two rounds of consultation with 37 experts.
Consider the following statements about the 1st ICMR Annual Clinical Trial Meet (May 2026): 1. The anaemia trial enrolled pregnant women in their second trimester. 2. ICMR released Operational Guidelines for Single Ethics Review of Multicentre Research in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the trial enrolled nearly 4,000 non-pregnant women aged 18–49 with moderate anaemia. Statement 2 is correct.
How many new subscribers did the Atal Pension Yojana add in FY 2025-26, its highest-ever annual enrolment?
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Correct answer: D — 1.35 crore
A record 1.35 crore subscribers were added to APY during FY 2025-26.
What was the share of women in Atal Pension Yojana enrolments during FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — 55.14%
PFRDA reported that women's participation under APY reached a record 55.14% during FY 2025-26.
By how much did the Index of Eight Core Industries grow (provisional) in April 2026 over April 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 1.7%
The ICI rose 1.7% (provisional) in April 2026. 2.7% is the cumulative growth for 2025-26.
Which of the eight core industries carries the largest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: C — Petroleum refinery products
Refinery products have the largest weight at 28.04%, followed by electricity, steel (17.92%) and coal (10.33%).
What was the theme of World Metrology Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making
The Department of Consumer Affairs stated that the 2026 theme is 'Metrology: Building Trust in Policy Making'.
World Metrology Day is observed on 20 May to mark the anniversary of the signing of which treaty?
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Correct answer: B — The Metre Convention
The Metre Convention was signed in Paris on 20 May 1875; 2026 marked its 151st anniversary.