WBPSC WBCS Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Under which provision does the Election Commission allot free broadcast and telecast time on Doordarshan and AIR to recognised parties?
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Correct answer: B — Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
The ECI issued the directions under Section 39A of the RP Act, 1951, for the 2026 Assembly elections.
For the 2026 Assembly elections, what base broadcast time has the ECI allotted to each recognised party on both Doordarshan and All India Radio?
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Correct answer: C — 45 minutes
Each party gets a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and AIR, plus extra time based on its previous Assembly poll performance.
Through which portal does MoSPI's Model Context Protocol (MCP) server give AI tools access to official statistics?
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Correct answer: B — eSankhyiki
The MCP server allows AI applications to access verified Government data through the National Statistical Portal, eSankhyiki.
Consider the following about MoSPI's MCP server (March 2026): 1. Its beta version covered 7 statistical products, including PLFS and CPI. 2. It has now been extended to 21 products on eSankhyiki. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the beta's 7 products (PLFS, CPI, ASI, IIP, National Accounts, etc.) have been extended to 21 products.
The GARBH-INi programme, highlighted in March 2026, focuses on developing AI tools to predict:
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Correct answer: A — Preterm births
GARBH-INi aims at indigenous, AI-driven solutions for preterm births, a leading cause of neonatal mortality.
Consider the following about GARBH-INi: 1. It is an initiative of the Department of Biotechnology. 2. It has enrolled around 12,000 pregnant women. 3. It is run by the Indian Council of Medical Research under the Ministry of Health. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
GARBH-INi is a Department of Biotechnology initiative, not an ICMR programme; it has enrolled about 12,000 pregnant women.
The National DMF Summit 2026 focused on effective use of District Mineral Foundation funds in which areas?
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Correct answer: A — Aspirational District and Aspirational Block Programme areas
The theme was 'Effective Utilisation of DMF Funds for Aspirational District Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) Areas'.
On 22 March 2026 Narendra Modi surpassed whose record to become the longest-serving head of a government in India?
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Correct answer: D — Pawan Kumar Chamling
Modi passed the 8,930-day record of former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.
The record surpassed by Narendra Modi on 22 March 2026 was of how many days as head of a government?
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Correct answer: B — 8,930 days
Chamling's record was 8,930 days; Modi reached 8,931 days.
Consider the following about the record set on 22 March 2026: 1. The count includes Narendra Modi's tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat. 2. The previous record-holder was a former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The 8,931 days cover Modi's time as Gujarat CM and then as PM; the previous record-holder, Pawan Kumar Chamling, was Chief Minister of Sikkim.
Which body, chaired by the Prime Minister, met on 22 March 2026 to review mitigating measures for the West Asia conflict?
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Correct answer: A — Cabinet Committee on Security
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, reviewed the situation and mitigating measures.
At the CCS meeting of 22 March 2026, the Prime Minister directed the creation of:
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Correct answer: D — A group of Ministers and Secretaries working in a whole-of-government approach
The PM directed that a group of Ministers and Secretaries be created to work dedicatedly in a whole-of-government approach, with sectoral groups consulting stakeholders.
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, whose operational guidelines were released on 22 March 2026, has been extended till:
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Correct answer: A — December 2028
The Cabinet approved extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till December 2028, with focus on sustainability and service delivery.
Jal Mahotsav 2026 was a 15-day campaign held between which two days?
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Correct answer: D — International Women's Day and World Water Day
Jal Mahotsav 2026 ran from 8 March (International Women's Day) to 22 March (World Water Day).
Consider the following about the release of JJM 2.0 guidelines on 22 March 2026: 1. The guidelines were released by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. 2. The 5th Sujal Gram Samvad held alongside involved communities from 5 villages of 5 states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The guidelines were released by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, so statement 1 is wrong; the 5th Sujal Gram Samvad involved 5 villages of 5 states.
Coal gasification, promoted under the National Coal Gasification Mission, converts coal mainly into:
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Correct answer: D — Syngas
Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which can be used to make cleaner fuels, chemicals, fertilisers and hydrogen.
What is the coal gasification target of the National Coal Gasification Mission for 2030?
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Correct answer: C — 100 million tonnes
The mission targets 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030, with a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework.
Consider the following statements made by the Coal Minister on 22 March 2026: 1. Coal accounts for nearly 74% of India's electricity generation. 2. An incentive framework of ₹8,500 crore supports coal gasification projects. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: coal provides nearly 74% of electricity generation, and a ₹8,500 crore incentive framework supports public and private gasification projects.
India's target for non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, cited at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, is:
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Correct answer: C — 500 GW
India is advancing towards 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 and has crossed over 50% non-fossil capacity.
Who gave the valedictory address at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 on 22 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Manohar Lal
Union Power Minister Manohar Lal gave the valedictory address at the maiden summit.
How many standardised Voter Facilitation Posters must be displayed at each polling station in the 2026 polls, as per the ECI's direction of 22 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Four
Four uniform Voter Facilitation Posters will show polling station details, list of candidates, do's and don'ts, approved ID documents and the voting process.
Consider the following about the ECI's directions of 22 March 2026 for polling stations: 1. Provision of Assured Minimum Facilities is advisory and left to the discretion of CEOs. 2. Voters can deposit their switched-off mobile phones with a volunteer outside the polling station entrance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The ECI said AMF provisioning is mandatory and will be monitored, so statement 1 is wrong; a mobile phone deposit facility will be provided outside the entrance.
Through which entity does CGSMFI-2.0, introduced in March 2026, provide credit guarantee cover?
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Correct answer: B — National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company
CGSMFI-2.0 provides guarantee cover to banks and FIs through the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC).
Under CGSMFI-2.0, what is the guarantee coverage for loans to small NBFC-MFIs/MFIs?
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Correct answer: D — 80% of the amount in default
Coverage is 80% for small, 75% for medium and 70% for large NBFC-MFIs/MFIs.
Consider the following about CGSMFI-2.0: 1. It is valid till 30 June 2026 or until loans of ₹20,000 crore are guaranteed, whichever is earlier. 2. MFIs must on-lend to small borrowers at 1% below their average lending rate of the past six months. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the scheme runs till 30 June 2026 or ₹20,000 crore of guaranteed loans, and on-lending is capped at 1% below the six-month average rate.
Prakriti 2026, at which the Indian Carbon Market Portal was launched, was organised by:
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Correct answer: D — Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Prakriti 2026, the International Conference on Carbon Markets, was organised by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
According to the Power Minister on 21 March 2026, GEI targets have been notified for about how many obligated entities under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme?
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Correct answer: B — About 490
GEI targets have been notified for nearly 490 obligated entities across seven energy-intensive sectors.
Consider the following about the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme as described on 21 March 2026: 1. It has nine notified methodologies on the offset side. 2. Compliance targets cover obligated entities across twelve energy-intensive sectors. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
There are nine notified methodologies; compliance targets cover about 490 entities across seven, not twelve, energy-intensive sectors.
Which body constituted the Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species in March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — National Biodiversity Authority
The National Biodiversity Authority constituted the committee following NGT directions.
Who chairs the NBA's Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species?
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Correct answer: A — Dhananjai Mohan
Dhananjai Mohan, former PCCF and Head of Forest Force, Uttarakhand, chairs it; Prof. A. Biju Kumar is Co-Chair.
Consider the following about the NBA's Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species: 1. It was constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 2. It followed a suo motu proceeding of the National Green Tribunal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The committee was constituted under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (as amended in 2023), so statement 1 is wrong; it followed NGT's suo motu case O.A. No. 162/2023.
Under the modified MCGS-MSME of March 2026, what guarantee coverage is offered to eligible exporters?
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Correct answer: C — 75% of the amount in default
Exporters get 75% coverage on a ₹20 crore guaranteed loan, compared with the base 60% cover of the scheme.
Consider the following about the modifications to MCGS-MSME in March 2026: 1. Service-sector MSMEs have been included in the scheme. 2. The minimum share of equipment/machinery in project cost has been raised from 60% to 75%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Service-sector MSMEs were added; the minimum equipment/machinery share was reduced to 60% from 75%, not raised, so statement 2 is wrong.
Prime Minister Modi spoke with which Iranian President on 21 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Masoud Pezeshkian
PM Modi spoke with Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings.
During his call with the Iranian President on 21 March 2026, PM Modi conveyed greetings for which two occasions?
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Correct answer: B — Eid and Nowruz
Modi conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings and hoped the festive season would bring peace to West Asia.
In the first stage of EVM randomisation, EVMs are randomly allocated:
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Correct answer: C — From district warehouses to Assembly Constituencies
In the first stage EVMs move from district warehouses to ACs; in the second stage from AC level to polling stations.
Through which software system was the first randomisation of EVM-VVPATs carried out in March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — EVM Management System (EMS)
District Election Officers carried out the first randomisation through the EVM Management System (EMS).
Consider the following about the first randomisation of EVM-VVPATs in March 2026: 1. Only machines that passed First Level Checking were included. 2. It was carried out in the presence of representatives of recognised political parties. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: only FLC-passed EVM-VVPATs were randomised, in the presence of representatives of National and State recognised parties.
Which of the following states was NOT among those that signed reform-linked JJM 2.0 MoUs on 20 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Rajasthan
The MoUs were signed with Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Goa; Rajasthan was not among them.
On which date did the Union Cabinet approve Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0?
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Correct answer: B — 10 March 2026
The Union Cabinet approved JJM 2.0 on 10 March 2026; state MoUs followed on 20 March and guidelines were released on 22 March.
By how much did the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grow in February 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: B — 2.3%
The ICI grew 2.3% in February 2026; 4.7% was the final January figure and 2.9% the April–February cumulative growth.
Which of the eight core industries carries the largest weight in the Index of Eight Core Industries?
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Correct answer: D — Petroleum refinery products
Petroleum refinery products have the largest weight, 28.04%.
Consider the following about the core industries data for February 2026: 1. Crude oil and natural gas production declined compared with February 2025. 2. The eight core industries together account for about 40% of the weight of items in the IIP. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: crude oil fell 5.2% and natural gas 5.0%, and the core industries make up 40.27% of the IIP weight.
On 20 March 2026, India crossed which coal production milestone for the second year in a row?
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Correct answer: C — 1 billion tonnes
India reached 1 billion tonnes of coal production on 20 March 2026, for the second consecutive year.
Consider the following about India's coal output milestone of March 2026: 1. It was the first time India produced 1 billion tonnes of coal in a year. 2. The Ministry said it enabled record-high coal stocks at thermal power plants. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
It was the second year in a row, not the first, so statement 1 is wrong; the ministry said it supported record-high coal stocks at thermal plants.
Exercise Lamitiye, held in March 2026, is a military exercise between India and:
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Correct answer: C — Seychelles
Lamitiye is an India–Seychelles exercise; the 2026 edition was the first tri-services edition.
Which Indian Navy ship took part in Exercise Lamitiye 2026?
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Correct answer: D — INS Trikand
Stealth frigate INS Trikand took part and departed Port Victoria on 20 March 2026.
Consider the following about Exercise Lamitiye 2026: 1. It was the first edition of the exercise in which the Indian Navy participated. 2. The word 'Lamitiye' means 'friendship' in Creole. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 2026 tri-services edition marked the Indian Navy's maiden participation, and Lamitiye means 'friendship' in Creole.
The Nd-Fe-B magnets to be made at the new ARCI pilot plant are made of:
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Correct answer: D — Neodymium, iron and boron
Nd-Fe-B stands for neodymium-iron-boron rare earth permanent magnets.
ARCI, Hyderabad, where the Nd-Fe-B magnet pilot plant was set up, is an autonomous institution under:
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Correct answer: A — Department of Science and Technology
ARCI is an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology; DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar inaugurated the plant.
Consider the following about the ARCI Nd-Fe-B pilot plant: 1. It covers only the final magnetisation step, using imported sintered blocks. 2. Nd-Fe-B magnets are used in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
The plant is end-to-end, from strip-cast alloy to finished sintered magnets, so statement 1 is wrong; Nd-Fe-B magnets are essential for EVs and renewable energy systems.
PM Modi spoke with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa on 20 March 2026. He is the King of:
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Correct answer: D — Bahrain
King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa is the King of Bahrain.
In his call with the King of Bahrain on 20 March 2026, PM Modi said attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure hurt global security of:
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Correct answer: A — Food, fuel and fertiliser
Modi underlined the adverse impact of such attacks on global food, fuel and fertiliser security.
What is the MRP of a 45 kg bag of Neem Coated Urea, as stated in the Lok Sabha on 20 March 2026 (excluding neem coating charges and taxes)?
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Correct answer: D — ₹242
A 45 kg bag of Neem Coated Urea costs ₹242; ₹254 is the MRP of a 40 kg bag of Sulphur Coated Urea.
According to the Government, the main purpose of reducing urea bag size from 50 kg to 45 kg was to:
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Correct answer: A — Curb excessive urea use and promote balanced fertilisation
The Government said the smaller bag aims to curb excessive urea consumption and encourage judicious, balanced fertiliser use, with no price increase.
The National Dental Commission, which came into effect on 19 March 2026, replaced:
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Correct answer: D — Dental Council of India
The NDC and its three autonomous boards replace the Dental Council of India, which is dissolved from 19 March 2026.
Who was appointed Chairperson of the National Dental Commission in March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Dr Sanjay Tewari
Dr Sanjay Tewari is the Chairperson of the NDC; Dr Janakiram heads the education board and Lt Gen (Retd) Sahoo the assessment board.
Who heads the Dental Assessment and Rating Board under the National Dental Commission?
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Correct answer: B — Lt Gen (Retd) Nanda Kishore Sahoo
Lt Gen (Retd) Nanda Kishore Sahoo is President of the Dental Assessment and Rating Board; Dr Himanshu Aeran is its Whole Time Member.
Consider the following about the National Dental Commission (NDC): 1. With the NDC Act in force from 19 March 2026, the Dentists Act, 1948 stands repealed. 2. The NDC has four autonomous boards, including a separate Dental Research Board. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the NDC has three autonomous boards – UG & PG Dental Education, Dental Assessment and Rating, and Ethics and Dental Registration.
Which body is the nodal and implementing agency for the RELIEF export intervention approved in March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ECGC Ltd
ECGC Ltd has been designated the nodal and implementing agency for verification, claim processing, disbursement and monitoring under RELIEF.
RELIEF, approved on 19 March 2026 to help exporters amid West Asia disruption, is an intervention under:
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Correct answer: D — Export Promotion Mission
RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) is an intervention under the Export Promotion Mission (EPM).
What is the approved financial outlay for RELIEF under the Export Promotion Mission?
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Correct answer: A — ₹497 crore
RELIEF will be implemented under the Export Promotion Mission with an approved outlay of ₹497 crore.
Consider the following about RELIEF (March 2026): 1. ECGC-insured consignments shipped between 14 February and 15 March 2026 can get up to 100% risk cover over and above existing ECGC cover. 2. Non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can get full reimbursement of freight surcharges with no ceiling. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: non-insured MSME exporters get partial reimbursement of up to 50%, capped at ₹50 lakh per exporter.
According to NITI Aayog's March 2026 report, India's current share of global sports equipment exports is about:
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Correct answer: A — 0.5%
India exports about $275 million of sports equipment a year, around 0.5% of the global export market; 11% is the 2036 potential.
Consider the following about NITI Aayog's report on sports equipment manufacturing (March 2026): 1. Nearly half of the sector's production comes from large enterprises. 2. The existing clusters recommended for modernisation are Ludhiana and Kanpur. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: nearly 90% of production is by small and micro enterprises, and the clusters to be modernised are Meerut and Jalandhar.
Which State auctioned the most mineral blocks in FY 2025-26, when India auctioned a record 200 blocks?
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Correct answer: D — Gujarat
Gujarat led with 32 blocks, followed by Rajasthan (30) and Tamil Nadu (22).
Which mineral accounted for the largest number of blocks auctioned in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — Limestone
Limestone accounted for 76 blocks, the most auctioned mineral, followed by iron ore (40) and bauxite (30).
Consider the following about mineral block auctions in FY 2025-26: 1. A majority of the 200 auctioned blocks were Composite Licence blocks. 2. Tamil Nadu conducted mineral block auctions for the first time. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: 123 of the 200 were Mining Lease blocks and 77 Composite Licence blocks. Statement 2 is correct.
Electors above 85 and flagged PwDs who want to vote by postal ballot in the 2026 Assembly elections must apply using:
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Correct answer: A — Form 12D
Such electors can avail the facility using Form 12D, submitted to the Returning Officer through their BLO within 5 days of notification.
Consider the following about the postal ballot facility for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Form 12D can be submitted up to 15 days after the notification of election. 2. The facility for electors above 85 and PwDs flows from Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Form 12D must be submitted within 5 days of notification. Statement 2 is correct.
On 19 March 2026, PM Modi spoke by phone with leaders of several countries about West Asia. Which of these was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: B — Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia
On 19 March 2026 the PM spoke with the leaders of France, Malaysia, Oman, Jordan and Qatar; Saudi Arabia was not among them.
In his calls of 19 March 2026, with which two leaders did PM Modi explicitly affirm safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?
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Correct answer: C — Sultan of Oman and Amir of Qatar
The PMO releases on the calls with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and Amir Sheikh Tamim of Qatar mention safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz; with Jordan the PM backed unhindered transit of goods and energy.
According to the India Bioeconomy Report 2026, India's bioeconomy in 2025 was valued at about:
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Correct answer: C — USD 195 billion
IBER 2026 puts India's bioeconomy at USD 195.3 billion in 2025; USD 300 billion is the 2030 target.
The India Bioeconomy Report (IBER) 2026 was released at the 14th Foundation Day of:
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Correct answer: D — BIRAC
IBER 2026 and the BIRAC Impact Report were released at the 14th Foundation Day of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
Consider the following about India's bioeconomy (IBER 2026): 1. It contributes around 4.8% to the national GDP. 2. India's bioeconomy target is USD 300 billion by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the bioeconomy contributes about 4.8% of GDP, and the Minister said India is moving towards a USD 300 billion target by 2030.