Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In which city was the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting held on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Bishkek
Rajnath Singh addressed the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in April 2026, what did Rajnath Singh gift to Kyrgyzstan?
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Correct answer: A — Two BHISM Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes
Rajnath Singh gifted two indigenously developed BHISM Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes for HADR and search-and-rescue operations.
Consider the following statements about Rajnath Singh's visit to Bishkek in April 2026: 1. He held bilateral meetings with the defence ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Belarus. 2. He recalled the Tianjin Declaration of the SCO in his address. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence releases of 28 April 2026.
As announced on 28 April 2026, from which date will the South Coastal Railway zone come into effect?
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Correct answer: C — 1 June 2026
The Railway Minister said the gazette notification will be issued with 1 June 2026 as the effective date.
Which state was announced on 28 April 2026 to have achieved 100% electrification of its railway network, along with the creation of the South Coastal Railway zone?
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Correct answer: B — Andhra Pradesh
Ashwini Vaishnaw announced in Visakhapatnam that Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100% electrification of its railway network.
According to the Railway Minister, what is Andhra Pradesh's railway budget allocation, described as a record?
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Correct answer: C — ₹10,134 crore
Andhra Pradesh received a record ₹10,134 crore, compared with ₹886 crore earlier for combined AP and Telangana; ₹1,06,000 crore is the value of projects underway.
What was India–Kenya bilateral trade in 2025–26, as noted at the 10th Joint Trade Committee?
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Correct answer: D — USD 4.31 billion
Trade stood at USD 4.31 billion in 2025–26, up 24.91% from USD 3.45 billion in 2024–25.
At the 10th India–Kenya JTC, an MoU for exchange of pre-arrival customs information was signed between CBIC and which Kenyan body?
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Correct answer: C — Kenya Revenue Authority
The MoU was signed between CBIC and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA); a separate BIS–KEBS MoU on standards was reviewed.
From which country did the NCB secure the return of drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Türkiye
NCB secured Dola's return from Türkiye under 'Operation Global-Hunt'.
Under which operation did the Narcotics Control Bureau bring back Mohammad Salim Dola in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Operation Global-Hunt
The return was secured under 'Operation Global-Hunt'.
As per MoSPI's quick estimate, by how much did the Index of Industrial Production grow in March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 4.1%
IIP grew 4.1% in March 2026, compared with 5.2% in February 2026.
Consider the following statements about the IIP for March 2026: 1. Electricity recorded the highest growth among the three sectors. 2. The IIP uses 2011–12 as its base year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: mining grew fastest (5.5%), electricity grew just 0.8%. Statement 2 is correct.
For how long will sports-related IP registrations be exempt from fees, as announced by Piyush Goyal on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Three years
All sports-related IP registrations will be exempt from fees for three years, effective immediately.
What was the theme of the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations held in New Delhi on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!
The celebrations were themed 'IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!'.
Which two Amrit Bharat Express trains did the Prime Minister flag off from Varanasi on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Banaras–Hadapsar (Pune) and Ayodhya–Mumbai (LTT)
The PM flagged off the daily Banaras–Hadapsar (Pune) and weekly Ayodhya–Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) Amrit Bharat Express trains.
Amrit Bharat Express trains, two of which were flagged off on 28 April 2026, are best described as:
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Correct answer: C — Fully non-AC trains with General and Sleeper coaches
Amrit Bharat trains are fully non-AC services with General and Sleeper class coaches, designed for low- and middle-income families.
Road projects worth how much were approved for Jammu & Kashmir under PMGSY-IV (Batch-II), with the sanction letter handed over on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹3,566 crore
Projects worth ₹3,566 crore under PMGSY-IV (Batch-II) were approved for J&K; ₹4,568.23 crore was the DAY-NRLM Mother Sanction for 24 States/UTs.
Consider the following statements about the event at SKICC, Srinagar on 28 April 2026: 1. A DAY-NRLM Mother Sanction was released for 24 States and Union Territories. 2. The PMGSY-IV sanction letter was handed over to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K. 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 sanction letter was handed over to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Which Indian Navy ship participated in the bilateral diving exercise IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 at Colombo?
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Correct answer: A — INS Nireekshak
INS Nireekshak, the Indian Navy's Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, took part in IN–SLN DIVEX 2026.
Consider the following statements about IN–SLN DIVEX 2026: 1. It was the first edition of the India–Sri Lanka diving exercise. 2. Divers from both navies executed deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: it was the fourth edition. Statement 2 is correct.
What was the 'first' about the four coal mine agreements signed by the Ministry of Coal on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — First commercial coal mines with embedded Underground Coal Gasification provisions
They are the first tranche of commercial coal mines in India with embedded provisions for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG).
Consider the following statements about the coal mine agreements with UCG provisions signed on 28 April 2026: 1. The mines were allotted under the 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions. 2. All four mines are located in Jharkhand. 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 mines are in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Who signed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement on behalf of New Zealand on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Todd McClay
The FTA was signed by Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay.
How much investment has New Zealand committed to India under the India–New Zealand FTA?
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Correct answer: A — USD 20 billion
The FTA includes a USD 20 billion investment commitment by New Zealand.
Consider the following statements about the India–New Zealand FTA: 1. India has excluded dairy products from its market-access offer. 2. Negotiations were concluded in a record 9 months after being announced in March 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: dairy is excluded, and talks announced on 16 March 2025 concluded in 9 months, the fastest FTA concluded by India.
What is the last date for submitting nominations for the Padma Awards 2027?
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Correct answer: C — 31 July 2026
Nominations opened on 15 March 2026 and close on 31 July 2026.
In which year were the Padma Awards instituted?
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Correct answer: B — 1954
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Padma Awards were instituted in 1954.
Consider the following statements about eligibility for the Padma Awards: 1. Government servants, including PSU employees, are not eligible, except doctors and scientists. 2. Self-nomination is not permitted. 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: MHA invites nominations including self-nomination.
Under NITI Aayog's DPI@2047 roadmap, which period does 'DPI 2.0' cover?
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Correct answer: B — 2025–2035
DPI 2.0 covers 2025–2035 (livelihood-led growth); DPI 3.0 covers 2035–2047.
NITI Aayog developed the DPI@2047 roadmap in partnership with which organisations?
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Correct answer: D — EkStep Foundation and Deloitte
The roadmap was developed in partnership with EkStep Foundation and Deloitte.
Who unveiled the DPI@2047 roadmap along with NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood
The roadmap was unveiled by Suman Bery and Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood; the CEA was present.
As per ECI data up to 27 April 2026, total seizures of illicit inducements in West Bengal had crossed:
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Correct answer: D — ₹510 crore
Seizures reached ₹510.10 crore, higher than ₹339 crore in the 2021 Assembly election.
Consider the following statements about election seizures in West Bengal reported by ECI on 27 April 2026: 1. Cash formed the largest component of the seizures. 2. Seizures are tracked through the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: cash was ₹30 crore, less than freebies/other (₹184.85 crore) and liquor (₹126.85 crore). Statement 2 is correct.
With which earlier election did ECI compare West Bengal's 2026 seizure total of over ₹510 crore?
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Correct answer: A — 2021 Assembly election (₹339 crore)
ECI said the ₹510.10 crore seized was higher than the ₹339 crore seized in the state during the 2021 Assembly election.
From 28 April 2026, the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express runs permanently with how many coaches?
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Correct answer: B — 20
The train was augmented from 16 to 20 coaches permanently from journeys commencing 28 April 2026.
Of the 162 Vande Bharat services operational as of April 2026, the largest number run with which formation?
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Correct answer: C — 8 coaches
90 services run with 8 coaches, 38 with 20 coaches and 34 with 16 coaches.
The Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express covers its 491-km route in about how much time?
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Correct answer: A — 5 hours 30 minutes
The train completes the 491-km journey in 5 hours 30 minutes with halts at Borivali, Vapi, Surat and Vadodara.
The new Khambatki Ghat twin-tube six-lane tunnel, partly opened for trial in April 2026, lies on which highway stretch?
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Correct answer: B — Pune–Satara (NH-48)
The tunnel is on NH-4 (new NH-48) on the Pune–Satara highway in Maharashtra.
What was the physical progress of the New Khambatki Ghat tunnel project as reported on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 86%
The project had reached 86% physical progress, with one tube opened for trial.
Which body released the consultation paper on 'Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India' on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
TRAI released the consultation paper and invited comments by 25 May 2026.
By what date are written comments invited on TRAI's April 2026 consultation paper on public Wi-Fi?
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Correct answer: A — 25 May 2026
Comments are due by 25 May 2026; counter-comments by 8 June 2026.
Andhra University, which celebrated its centenary in April 2026, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam
The Vice-President attended the centenary celebrations of Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.
Which philosopher-statesman, recalled by the Vice-President at the Andhra University centenary, was a former Vice-Chancellor of the university?
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Correct answer: C — Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
The Vice-President recalled the legacy of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University.
MoSPI's April 2026 approach paper proposes an index to capture short-term movements in which sector?
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Correct answer: B — Services
The paper is on compiling an Index of Service Production (ISP) for the formal sector, as there is no short-term index for services unlike the IIP for industry.
Which data source does MoSPI's approach paper on the Index of Service Production draw on?
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Correct answer: D — Goods and Services Tax (GST) data
The approach paper relies on GST data along with other digitised administrative sources.
The Gandhinagar educational campus highlighted under SBM-Urban 2.0 in April 2026 runs biogas plants with what combined capacity?
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Correct answer: D — 90 cubic metres per day
The campus operates two biogas plants with a combined capacity of 90 cubic metres per day; 222 is the number of cows and 500+ the daily meals.
Under its April 2026 MoU with the Department of Posts, which logistics company gets access to India Post's network of 1.64 lakh post offices?
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Correct answer: D — DTDC Express
DTDC Express Limited signed the MoU with the Department of Posts on 27 April 2026.
The MoEFCC–NBA biodiversity governance project launched in April 2026 is a joint initiative of the Government of India with which partners?
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Correct answer: D — GEF and UNDP
It is a joint initiative of the Government of India, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP, with a USD 4.88 million grant.
Under the MoEFCC–NBA project, which protected areas form the Meghalaya landscape in the Garo Hills?
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Correct answer: A — Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary
The Garo Hills landscape covers Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary; Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam form the Tamil Nadu landscape.
Consider the following statements about the MoEFCC–NBA project 'Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments': 1. It runs for the period 2025–2030. 2. In Meghalaya, it works through Village Employment Councils, described as an equivalent of gram panchayats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the MoEFCC release.
Raghu Rai, who died on 26 April 2026, was the first Indian photographer invited to join which photo agency?
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Correct answer: C — Magnum Photos
Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977 on the nomination of Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Which photographer nominated Raghu Rai to join Magnum Photos?
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Correct answer: A — Henri Cartier-Bresson
Rai was nominated by French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, a founding member of Magnum.
In which year did Raghu Rai join Magnum Photos?
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Correct answer: D — 1977
The Indian Express and the BBC both report that Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977.
How many space laboratories in universities and colleges will be set up in the first phase, as reviewed on 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Seven
Seven space labs will be established in the first phase.
With which institution is the ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund for space startups being operationalised?
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Correct answer: D — SIDBI
The ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund is being operationalised with SIDBI to support growth-stage startups.
Consider the following statements about India's space sector as briefed by IN-SPACe in April 2026: 1. Private investment in the sector has exceeded USD 600 million over the past five years. 2. The number of space startups has crossed 1,000. 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: space startups grew to over 400 by early 2026.
How many municipal corporations went to the polls in Gujarat's local body elections on 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 15
Polling was held for 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats and 260 taluka panchayats.
In the Gujarat local body elections of April 2026, which party won the Narmada district panchayat?
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Correct answer: D — Aam Aadmi Party
The BJP won 33 of 34 district panchayats; the AAP won the Narmada district panchayat.
Consider the following statements about Gujarat's local body elections of April 2026: 1. Polling was held on 26 April and counting on 28 April. 2. Union Home Minister Amit Shah voted in the Surat Municipal Corporation election. 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: Amit Shah voted in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation election.
According to the Prime Minister in the 133rd Mann Ki Baat (April 2026), India's wind energy capacity has crossed:
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Correct answer: D — 56 GW
The PM said India's wind energy capacity has exceeded 56 GW, with nearly 6 GW added in the last year.
The Fast Breeder Reactor whose criticality was hailed in the 133rd Mann Ki Baat is located at:
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Correct answer: D — Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
The PM said the Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, has achieved criticality.
Consider the following statements made in the 133rd Mann Ki Baat: 1. India ranks fourth in the world in wind energy capacity. 2. The music of the Beating Retreat ceremony is now available on WAVES OTT for the first time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements were made by the Prime Minister in the 26 April 2026 episode.
INS Sudarshini's port call at Las Palmas in April 2026 was part of which expedition?
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Correct answer: C — Lokayan 26
The port call was a milestone in INS Sudarshini's Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
After Las Palmas, INS Sudarshini's next stop, its final African stopover before the trans-Atlantic passage, is:
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Correct answer: B — Mindelo, Cape Verde
The ship proceeds to Mindelo, Cape Verde, its final African stopover before crossing the Atlantic.
According to the Agriculture Ministry's clarification of April 2026, the 2025–26 wheat crop was sown on an estimated area of:
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Correct answer: A — 33.4 million hectares
The wheat crop was sown on an estimated 33.4 million hectares, with an additional 0.6 million hectares over the previous year.
Consider the following statements about the 2025–26 wheat crop as per the Agriculture Ministry: 1. A major pest outbreak reduced yields in several states. 2. Unusually high temperatures in February exposed the crop to heat stress. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: no incidence of major pests or diseases was reported. Statement 2 is correct.
The 'Srinagar Khel Sankalp' released in April 2026 relates to which sector?
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Correct answer: B — Sports
The Srinagar Khel Sankalp sets out a unified, athlete-centric vision for India's sports ecosystem.
At which event was the Srinagar Khel Sankalp released on 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Three-day Chintan Shivir of State and UT sports ministers
It was released on the final day of the three-day Chintan Shivir of State and UT sports ministers in Srinagar.
Which Indian Navy ship is deployed as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, which arrived in Singapore on 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — INS Sunayna
IOS SAGAR is INS Sunayna, carrying a multinational crew from 16 friendly foreign countries.
Consider the following statements about the IOS SAGAR deployment of 2026: 1. Singapore was its first port call. 2. The ship's crew is drawn from 16 friendly foreign countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Singapore was the fourth port call, after Malé, Phuket and Jakarta. Statement 2 is correct.