SF Prep

UPSSSC Current Affairs Quiz — All time

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

7 days 1 month 3 months 6 months 12 months All
3370 news · 9169 MCQs
Score: 0 / 0 attempted · 91 questions
Cabinet extends Jal Jeevan Mission to December 2028 as JJM 2.0 with ₹8.69 lakh crore outlay
Q1

Up to when did the Union Cabinet extend the Jal Jeevan Mission on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — December 2028

The Cabinet extended JJM up to December 2028 and restructured it as JJM 2.0.

Q2 Advanced

What is the enhanced total outlay of the Jal Jeevan Mission approved by the Cabinet on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — ₹8.69 lakh crore

The total outlay is ₹8.69 lakh crore, of which central assistance is ₹3.59 lakh crore.

Q3 Advanced

What is the name of the uniform national digital framework under JJM 2.0 that assigns every village a Sujal Gaon / Service Area ID?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Sujalam Bharat

'Sujalam Bharat' is the digital framework; 'Jal Arpan' is the handover of schemes and 'Jal Utsav' the annual community review.

Q4 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Jal Jeevan Mission: 1. When it began in 2019, about 17% of rural households (3.23 crore) had tap water connections. 2. Under JJM 2.0, a gram panchayat may declare itself 'Har Ghar Jal' only after in-village operation and maintenance arrangements are in place. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the 2019 baseline was 3.23 crore rural households (17%), and under the restructured mission a GP certifies 'Har Ghar Jal' only once the State has set up in-village O&M.

Cabinet eases Press Note 3 rules: up to 10% non-controlling stake from land-border countries via automatic route; 60-day approval for key sectors
Q5

Up to what level of non-controlling beneficial ownership from land-border countries will be allowed under the automatic route after the Cabinet decision of 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 10%

Investors with non-controlling beneficial ownership from land-border countries of up to 10% will be permitted under the automatic route, with reporting to DPIIT.

Q6 Advanced

Within how many days will proposals from land-border countries in specified sectors such as electronic components and polysilicon be decided, under the changes approved on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 60 days

Proposals in capital goods, electronic capital goods, electronic components, polysilicon and ingot-wafer will be processed and decided within 60 days.

Q7 Advanced

The definition of 'Beneficial Owner' adopted in the amended FDI policy for land-border countries is drawn from which rules?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005

The amendment uses the definition and criteria of Beneficial Ownership under the Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005, applied at the investor-entity level.

Q8 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Press Note 3 (2020): 1. It was issued on 17 April 2020 to curb opportunistic takeovers of Indian companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2. Under it, an entity of a country sharing a land border with India can invest only under the government route. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: PN3 (2020), dated 17 April 2020, was issued to curb opportunistic takeovers during COVID-19, and it put all investment from land-border-country entities, or where the beneficial owner is from such a country, under the government route.

Q9 Advanced

Under the 10 March 2026 changes, who may revise the list of specified sectors eligible for 60-day decisions on land-border-country investment?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — A Committee of Secretaries under the Cabinet Secretary

The Committee of Secretaries under the Cabinet Secretary may revise the list of specified sectors.

Second Advance Estimates 2025–26: record foodgrain output; wheat at 1,202.10 lakh tonnes
Q10

What is the estimated wheat production for 2025–26 according to the Second Advance Estimates released on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 1,202.10 lakh tonnes

Wheat is estimated at 1,202.10 LMT, up 22.65 LMT from 1,179.45 LMT last year; 1,239.28 LMT is Kharif rice.

Q11 Advanced

Which crop recorded record production in both the Kharif and Rabi seasons in the Second Advance Estimates for 2025–26?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Maize

Kharif maize is a record 302.47 LMT and Rabi maize a record 159.03 LMT.

Q12 Advanced

Which pulse has the largest estimated output in the Second Advance Estimates for 2025–26?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Gram

Gram is estimated at 117.92 LMT, far above tur (34.55 LMT) and lentil (17.33 LMT).

Q13 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Second Advance Estimates of crop production for 2025–26: 1. They cover the Kharif, Rabi and summer seasons. 2. Yield estimates are based on Crop Cutting Experiments, previous trends and other factors. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Statement 1 is wrong: the Second Advance Estimates cover only Kharif and Rabi; the summer season will be included in the Third Advance Estimates. Statement 2 is correct.

Fertilizer plants put in 'Priority Sector-2' for natural gas, assured 70% of average use
Q14

Under the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, fertilizer plants are assured at least what share of their average gas consumption of the last six months?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 70%

Fertilizer plants, placed in 'Priority Sector-2', will get at least 70% of their average consumption over the last six months.

Q15 Advanced

In which category have fertilizer plants been placed for natural gas supply, as announced on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Priority Sector-2

The Department of Fertilizers said fertilizer plants have been categorised under 'Priority Sector-2' for natural gas supply.

UP Cabinet approves Mukhyamantri Gram Parivahan Yojana to bring buses to all 59,163 gram sabhas
Q16

How many gram sabhas will get bus connectivity under Uttar Pradesh's Mukhyamantri Gram Parivahan Yojana-2026, approved on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 59,163

The scheme covers all 59,163 gram sabhas, including about 12,200 villages with no bus service so far.

Q17 Advanced

What concession will private operators get under UP's Mukhyamantri Gram Parivahan Yojana-2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Exemption from permits and taxes

Buses run by private operators on village routes will be exempt from permits and taxes to make the service viable.

Q18 Advanced

Under UP's rural bus scheme, how often must operators serve each gram panchayat in their block?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — At least twice a day

Operators must provide service to each gram panchayat in the block at least twice a day, and buses halt in villages overnight.

C. R. Paatil opens new NDSA office and launches AI platform NETRA for dam safety
Q19

What is 'NETRA', launched by the Jal Shakti Minister on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — An AI-enabled tracking and review platform of the National Dam Safety Authority

NETRA (NDSA Engine for Tracking and Review using AI) is an AI-enabled platform developed by NDSA with the Navy's WESEE.

Q20 Advanced

With which organisation did the NDSA develop its AI platform NETRA?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — WESEE, Indian Navy

NETRA was developed with the Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE), an R&D laboratory of the Indian Navy.

Q21 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the National Dam Safety Authority: 1. It was established under the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and came into force on 18 February 2022. 2. It frames dam safety policy, while the National Committee on Dam Safety implements it. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 reverses the roles: the National Committee on Dam Safety evolves policies, and the NDSA is the regulator that implements them for specified dams.

Rajnath Singh releases 'Defence Forces Vision 2047' roadmap for a future-ready military
Q22

Which document did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh release at South Block on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Defence Forces Vision 2047

Rajnath Singh released 'Defence Forces Vision 2047: A Roadmap for a Future-Ready Indian Military'.

Q23 Advanced

Which headquarters articulated the 'Defence Forces Vision 2047' released in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff

The blueprint was articulated by Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).

CCEA approves ₹3,630.77-crore revised cost for 31.42-km Jewar Airport link to Delhi–Mumbai Expressway
Q24

What is the length of the greenfield corridor linking Jewar International Airport with the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway spur, whose revised cost was approved on 10 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 31.42 km

The corridor is 31.42 km long, of which about 11 km will be elevated; 80.45 km is the NH-752D project approved the same day.

Q25 Advanced

On which mode will the Jewar Airport greenfield connectivity project be built?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Hybrid Annuity Mode

The CCEA approved the project on Hybrid Annuity Mode in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.

Dr Partha Biswas takes charge as Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes
Q26

Dr Partha Biswas assumed charge on 10 March 2026 as a Member of which body?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — National Commission for Scheduled Castes

Dr Partha Biswas took charge as a Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC).

Q27 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Scheduled Castes: 1. It is a constitutional body under Article 338. 2. The Constitution (Eighty-ninth Amendment) Act, 2003 created a separate National Commission for Scheduled Tribes under Article 338A. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the NCSC functions under Article 338, and the 89th Amendment Act, 2003 bifurcated the earlier joint commission, inserting Article 338A for the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

Piyush Goyal at National IP Awards: make India's IP approval system among the world's top five
Q28

According to Piyush Goyal at the National IP Awards on 9 March 2026, India's Global Innovation Index ranking has improved from 81 to what?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 38

Goyal said India's GII ranking improved from 81 to 38.

Q29 Advanced

By how much did Piyush Goyal say patent filings in India have grown in a decade?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 215%

He said India registered 215% growth in patent filings in a decade.

Q30 Advanced

How many new innovation labs in schools, announced in the Union Budget, did Piyush Goyal refer to at the National IP Awards 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 50,000

Goyal referred to the government's initiative to establish 50,000 new innovation labs in schools, announced in the Union Budget.

NHAI releases first annual report on National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) 2025–26
Q31

With which organisation did NHAI prepare the first National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) report released on 9 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — National Remote Sensing Centre (ISRO)

The report was prepared in coordination with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO.

Q32 Advanced

The National Highways Green Cover Index is derived from which measurement made by high-resolution satellite sensors?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chlorophyll content

The assessment is derived from chlorophyll content detected through high-resolution satellite sensors.

Q33 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the first NH-GCI assessment: 1. It covered about 30,000 km of national highways in 24 states. 2. It assessed green cover for the period July–December 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the first cycle covered about 30,000 km of national highways across 24 states for July–December 2024.

PM Modi congratulates Rastriya Swatantra Party leaders on success in Nepal elections
Q34

Who is the Chairman of Nepal's Rastriya Swatantra Party, whom PM Modi congratulated by phone on 9 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Rabi Lamichhane

PM Modi spoke to RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah.

Q35 Advanced

Nepal's House of Representatives, elected on 5 March 2026, has how many members?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 275

The House of Representatives has 275 members: 165 directly elected and 110 through proportional representation.

India and New Zealand discuss sports cooperation as 2026 marks 100 years of sporting ties
Q36

The centenary of India–New Zealand sporting ties in 2026 traces back to which event of 1926?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — The Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand

The ties trace back to the historic 1926 Indian Army hockey tour to New Zealand.

Q37 Advanced

Who led the New Zealand sports delegation that met Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on 9 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Chris Bishop

The delegation was led by Chris Bishop, Associate Minister for Sport and Recreation; Ross Taylor and Raelene Castle were members, and Patrick John Rata is New Zealand's High Commissioner to India.

Iran's Assembly of Experts names Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader
Q38

Who was chosen as Iran's new Supreme Leader in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Mojtaba Khamenei

The Assembly of Experts chose Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ali Khamenei, on 8 March 2026.

Q39 Advanced

Which Iranian body chose the new Supreme Leader in March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Assembly of Experts

The Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 clerics, chose Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader.

Q40 Advanced

How many members does Iran's Assembly of Experts, which chose the Supreme Leader in March 2026, have?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 88

Reuters and Al Jazeera describe the Assembly of Experts as an 88-member body of clerics.

Q41 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Iran's leadership change in March 2026: 1. The Assembly of Experts described Mojtaba Khamenei as the third Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. 2. Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen by Iran's Guardian Council. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only 1 is correct. The Assembly's statement called him 'the third Leader'; he was chosen by the Assembly of Experts, not the Guardian Council.

President Murmu addresses national International Women's Day event in New Delhi
Q42

Which initiative of the Union Budget 2026–27, mentioned by President Murmu on Women's Day 2026, aims to give better markets to products of self-help groups and rural women?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — SHE-Mart

The President said the SHE-Mart initiative launched in the Union Budget 2026–27 will provide better markets for SHG and rural women's products.

Q43 Advanced

According to President Murmu on 8 March 2026, how many women-owned MSMEs are active on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM)?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Over two lakh

She said more than two lakh women-owned MSMEs are active on GeM.

PM Modi says target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis achieved, sets new goal of 3 crore more
Q44

According to PM Modi on 8 March 2026, the national resolve to create how many 'Lakhpati Didis' has been fulfilled?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 3 crore

The PM said the resolve to create 3 crore Lakhpati Didis had been fulfilled and set a new goal of 3 crore more.

Q45 Advanced

How many women did PM Modi say are now empowered through Self-Help Groups, in his Women's Day address of 8 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Over 10 crore

He said over 10 crore women are now empowered through Self-Help Groups.

Income Tax Department surveys 62 restaurants in 46 cities, finds about ₹408 crore of suppressed sales
Q46

What is the name of the campaign launched by the Income Tax Department in March 2026 to guide restaurants to correct their returns?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — SAKSHAM NUDGE

The department started the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign; in phase one, messages go to 63,000 identified restaurants.

Q47 Advanced

The Income Tax Department's survey of restaurants on 8 March 2026 revealed preliminary sales suppression of about how much?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — ₹408 crore

The survey of 62 restaurants in 46 cities across 22 states revealed suppression of sales of about ₹408 crore.

Q48 Advanced

Under which provision of the Income Tax Act were restaurants encouraged to file updated returns in the SAKSHAM NUDGE campaign?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Section 139(8A)

Taxpayers were encouraged to file updated returns under Section 139(8A) of the Income Tax Act before 31 March 2026.

8th Janaushadhi Diwas marked at Bharat Mandapam; PMBJP network crosses 18,000 Kendras
Q49

Janaushadhi Diwas, whose 8th edition was observed in 2026, falls on which date?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 7 March

The 8th Janaushadhi Diwas was observed on 7 March 2026, closing Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.

Q50

Which body implements the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)

PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, runs PMBJP and organised Janaushadhi Saptah 2026.

Q51 Advanced

What target has the government set for the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras by March 2027?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 25,000

Over 18,000 Kendras are open; the target is 25,000 by March 2027 through a franchise-based model.

Q52 Advanced

Janaushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins are sold at what price per pad?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — ₹1

Suvidha napkins, introduced in 2019, are priced at ₹1 per pad.

Q53 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana: 1. Medicines are procured only from manufacturers compliant with WHO Good Manufacturing Practices, and each batch is tested at NABL-accredited laboratories. 2. Kendra operators receive a trade margin of 20% on the MRP of each drug (excluding taxes). Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the PIB backgrounder: WHO-GMP sourcing with NABL batch testing, and a 20% trade margin for operators.

Chips to Startup: EDA tools in 315 institutions; ISM 2.0 to expand to 500
Q54 Advanced

Under the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme, what is the target for training semiconductor engineers over 10 years?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 85,000

The C2S programme aims to train 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design over 10 years.

Q55 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Chips to Startup (C2S) programme: 1. Chips designed by students are fabricated and tested at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali. 2. Under India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, the programme is to be expanded to 500 academic institutions. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: student chips are made at SCL Mohali, and ISM 2.0 will take the programme from 315 to 500 institutions.

UPSC declares Civil Services Examination 2025 result; Anuj Agnihotri tops, 958 recommended
Q56

Who secured the first rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, whose result was declared on 6 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Anuj Agnihotri

Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate of AIIMS Jodhpur, topped with Medical Science as his optional subject.

Q57 Advanced

How many candidates were recommended for appointment in the Civil Services Examination 2025?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 958

UPSC recommended 958 candidates (659 men and 299 women); 2,736 had qualified for the Personality Test.

Q58 Advanced

What was the optional subject of Anuj Agnihotri, the CSE 2025 topper?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Medical Science

Anuj Agnihotri qualified with Medical Science as his optional subject.

Q59 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the CSE 2025 result: 1. The top 25 candidates include 11 women. 2. The top five candidates include one woman. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the top 25 have 11 women and 14 men, and the top five have one woman (Rajeshwari Suve M, rank 2) and four men.

Q60 Advanced

The Union Public Service Commission, which conducts the Civil Services Examination, is established under which Article of the Constitution?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Article 315

Article 315 provides for a Public Service Commission for the Union and for each State. Article 148 is the CAG, 280 the Finance Commission and 324 the Election Commission.

DGCA grants aerodrome licence to Noida International Airport at Jewar
Q61

Noida International Airport, which received its aerodrome licence on 6 March 2026, is located at which place?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Jewar

The airport is at Jewar in Gautam Budh Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.

Q62 Advanced

Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, the developer of Noida International Airport, is a subsidiary of which company?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Zurich Airport International AG

YIAPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.

Q63 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Noida International Airport: 1. It is being developed under a PPP model with a 40-year concession that began on 1 October 2021. 2. On completion of all four phases it will be able to handle up to 70 million passengers a year. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct as per the Ministry of Civil Aviation: a 40-year PPP concession from 1 October 2021, and 70 million passengers a year after all phases (12 million in Phase 1).

Wheat procurement estimate for RMS 2026-27 fixed at 303 LMT
Q64 Advanced

What wheat procurement estimate was fixed for Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27 at the State Food Secretaries' meeting on 6 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 303 LMT

The estimate for wheat procurement for RMS 2026-27 was fixed at 303 lakh metric tonnes.

Q65 Advanced

In which state was a pilot to add QR code tags on foodgrain packaging bags successfully completed, as reported on 6 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Andhra Pradesh

The Department of Food and Public Distribution said the QR-code pilot was completed in Andhra Pradesh, with more pilots planned.

Commerce Ministry: India now has nine FTAs spanning 38 countries
Q66 Advanced

According to the Commerce Ministry on 6 March 2026, India's FTA network now consists of how many FTAs spanning how many countries?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 9 FTAs, 38 countries

The ministry said India's network has reached nine FTAs spanning 38 countries.

Q67 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA): 1. It was signed on 10 March 2024. 2. It entered into force on 1 October 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the Commerce Ministry said the EFTA TEPA was signed on 10 March 2024 and entered into force on 1 October 2025.

Amit Shah unveils Census-2027 mascots Pragati and Vikas and soft-launches four digital tools
Q68

What are the names of the Census-2027 mascots unveiled on 5 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Pragati and Vikas

The mascots are 'Pragati' (female enumerator) and 'Vikas' (male enumerator).

Q69 Advanced

What is the reference date for Census-2027 for most States and Union Territories?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 1 March 2027

The reference date is 00:00 hours of 1 March 2027, except Ladakh and snow-bound areas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand (1 October 2026).

Q70 Advanced

Which organisation developed the digital platforms soft-launched for Census-2027?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — C-DAC

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) developed the four digital platforms.

Q71 Advanced

Consider the following statements about Census-2027: 1. Respondents can self-enumerate online in 16 languages before the door-to-door survey. 2. The caste-related question will be asked in Phase 1 (Houselisting and Housing Census). Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct. The caste-related question will be included in Phase 2 (Population Enumeration, February 2027), not in the houselisting phase.

India and Finland raise ties to Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability during President Stubb's visit
Q72

Who was the chief guest and delivered the inaugural keynote at the 11th Raisina Dialogue on 5 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Alexander Stubb

Finnish President Alexander Stubb was chief guest and gave the inaugural keynote; PM Modi inaugurated the Dialogue.

Q73 Advanced

During President Stubb's visit, India–Finland relations were elevated to which status?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability

The two countries elevated ties to a 'Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability'.

Q74 Advanced

By which year do India and Finland aim to double their bilateral trade?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 2030

The two sides aim to double bilateral trade by 2030, capitalising on the India–EU FTA.

Q75 Advanced

Consider the following outcomes of the Finnish President's visit to India in March 2026: 1. A Joint Task Force on 6G linking the University of Oulu and the Bharat 6G Alliance. 2. Co-hosting of the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are listed outcomes: a 6G Joint Task Force (University of Oulu and Bharat 6G Alliance) and co-hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in India in 2026 with Finland's SITRA.

Nadda at WHO briefing: 86 million women screened for cervical cancer; WHO chief hails HPV drive
Q76 Advanced

India's nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, praised by the WHO Director-General on 5 March 2026, targets how many adolescent girls?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — 12 million

Dr Tedros praised the campaign targeting 12 million adolescent girls as the world's largest free vaccination drive.

Q77 Advanced

HPV vaccination, discussed by J.P. Nadda at the WHO briefing, is mainly meant to prevent which cancer?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — Cervical cancer

The briefing was on India's commitment to eliminating cervical cancer through HPV vaccination and screening.

8th Central Pay Commission invites memorandums from employees and pensioners till 30 April 2026
Q78 Advanced

By what date must memorandums be submitted to the 8th Central Pay Commission, as announced on 5 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 30 April 2026

Submissions will be received up to 30 April 2026, only through the online portals.

Q79 Advanced

Who chairs the 8th Central Pay Commission?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai

Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai is the Chairperson, with Prof. Pulak Ghosh as part-time member and Pankaj Jain as member-secretary.

Q80 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the 8th Central Pay Commission: 1. It was constituted by a Government resolution dated 3 November 2025. 2. It is required to make its recommendations within 18 months of its constitution. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both are correct: the Commission was constituted by a resolution dated 3 November 2025 and must report within 18 months.

Indian Navy joins Sri Lanka-led search and rescue after Iranian warship IRIS Dena sinks off Galle
Q81

The Iranian warship IRIS Dena sank on 4 March 2026 off which coastal town?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Galle, Sri Lanka

According to the Ministry of Defence, the ship was operating about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, Sri Lanka.

Q82 Advanced

Where was the distress call from IRIS Dena received on 4 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — MRCC Colombo

The distress call was received at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo, as reported by the Sri Lanka Navy.

Q83 Advanced

Which Indian Navy ship, operating nearby, reached the IRIS Dena search area by 1600 hrs on 4 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — INS Tarangini

INS Tarangini was deployed to aid the rescue effort and arrived in the search area by 1600 hrs; INS Ikshak later sailed from Kochi.

Q84 Advanced

According to AP, how many people did the Sri Lanka Navy rescue after IRIS Dena sank?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 32

AP reported that the Sri Lanka Navy rescued 32 people and recovered 87 bodies.

Q85 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the IRIS Dena incident of 4 March 2026: 1. The ship was in the search-and-rescue region under India's responsibility when it sent the distress call. 2. The ship had recently taken part in International Fleet Review 2026, an exercise hosted by India. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 2 only

Only statement 2 is correct. The Ministry of Defence said the ship was in the SAR region under Sri Lanka's responsibility, so Sri Lanka led the search; BBC reported its participation in International Fleet Review 2026 hosted by India.

HSBC India Services PMI eases to 58.1 in February 2026 as new orders grow at a 13-month low
Q86

What was the HSBC India Services PMI for February 2026, released on 4 March 2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — 58.1

The services PMI was 58.1 in February, compared with 58.5 in January.

Q87 Advanced

Which agency compiles the HSBC India Services PMI?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — S&P Global

The HSBC India PMI series is compiled by S&P Global; data for February 2026 were collected from 9 to 25 February.

Q88 Advanced

Consider the following statements about India's PMI data for February 2026: 1. New orders in the services sector rose at the slowest pace since January 2025. 2. The composite PMI fell from January's level. Which of the above is/are correct?

Show answer

Correct answer: A — 1 only

Only statement 1 is correct. New services orders grew at a 13-month low, but the composite PMI rose to 58.9 from 58.4, the fastest private-sector growth in three months.

India observes the 55th National Safety Day on 4 March 2026 with the theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'
Q89

What was the theme of National Safety Day 2026, observed on 4 March?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety

The 55th National Safety Day/Week in 2026 had the theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.

Q90 Advanced

National Safety Day on 4 March commemorates the founding of which organisation?

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Correct answer: A — National Safety Council of India

National Safety Day marks the foundation of the National Safety Council of India on 4 March 1966.

Q91 Advanced

Consider the following statements about National Safety Day: 1. The National Safety Council of India was founded on 4 March 1966. 2. National Safety Day was first observed in 1972. Which of the above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

Both statements are correct: the Council was founded on 4 March 1966 and the day was first observed in 1972. The 2026 observance was the 55th edition.