Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
From which city did PM Modi release the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Guwahati
The 22nd instalment was released from the Jyoti-Bishnu International Cultural Centre in Guwahati, Assam.
About how much money was transferred under the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN, and to how many farmers?
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Correct answer: B — ₹18,640 crore to 9.32 crore farmers
About ₹18,640 crore went to more than 9.32 crore farmers; ₹19,480 crore was the value of the Guwahati development projects launched the same day.
Consider the following statements about PM-KISAN: 1. Eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 a year in three equal instalments of ₹2,000. 2. The Union Budget 2026–27 allocated ₹60,000 crore to the scheme. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the scheme pays ₹6,000 a year in three instalments of ₹2,000 each through DBT, and Budget 2026–27 provided ₹60,000 crore for it, as per the PIB backgrounder.
Roughly how many women farmers benefited from the 22nd instalment of PM-KISAN?
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Correct answer: A — 2.15 crore
The PIB backgrounder says more than 2.15 crore of the 9.32 crore beneficiaries were women.
According to the PIB backgrounder on the 22nd instalment, how much has been disbursed under PM-KISAN since its launch?
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Correct answer: D — More than ₹4.27 lakh crore
The backgrounder put cumulative transfers at more than ₹4.27 lakh crore, making PM-KISAN one of the world's largest DBT schemes.
What is the outlay of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Employment Generation Programme (AP-CMEGP) approved on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹300 crore
AP-CMEGP has ₹300 crore to support about 3,500 micro-entrepreneurs in 175 MSME parks; ₹9,355 crore is for the multi-village water schemes.
The seven multi-village drinking water schemes approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on 13 March 2026 aim to supply how much water per person per day?
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Correct answer: B — 55 litres
The schemes are designed to provide 55 litres per person per day to over 65 lakh people across 76 mandals.
The 'Sakhi Nivas' hostels approved by the Andhra Pradesh Cabinet on 13 March 2026 are meant for:
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Correct answer: C — Single working women and widows
Under Mission Shakti, 30 Sakhi Nivas hostels with crèches will give safe, affordable housing to single working women, widows and women living away from family.
Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), India's partner in TEPA?
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Correct answer: B — Denmark
EFTA's four members are Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland; Denmark is an EU member.
What legally binding investment commitment does the India–EFTA TEPA contain, as highlighted by Piyush Goyal on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — $100 billion and 1 million jobs
TEPA carries a $100-billion investment commitment with the potential to create 1 million jobs in India.
Consider the following statements about the India–EFTA TEPA: 1. It was signed in New Delhi on 10 March 2024. 2. It came into force on 1 April 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: TEPA came into force on 1 October 2025, as per PIB.
Which State received the largest share of the ₹1,912.99 crore NDRF assistance announced on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat
Gujarat got ₹778.67 crore, the largest share; Andhra Pradesh got ₹341.48 crore and Himachal Pradesh ₹288.39 crore.
Which cyclone of 2025 is named in the Home Ministry's 13 March 2026 release on additional central assistance?
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Correct answer: C — Montha
The assistance covers States hit by floods, cloudbursts, landslides and Cyclone 'Montha' during 2025.
The National Disaster Response Fund, from which the 13 March 2026 assistance was approved, is constituted under:
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Correct answer: D — Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005
The NDRF is constituted under Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and supplements a State's SDRF in disasters of a severe nature.
What was the approximate value of the development projects PM Modi launched in Guwahati on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹19,480 crore
The Guwahati projects were worth about ₹19,480 crore; ₹4,570 crore was the Kokrajhar package the same day.
The Lower Kopili project in Assam, highlighted by PM Modi on 13 March 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: D — Hydropower project
The PM said the Lower Kopili Hydropower Project would benefit the whole North East along with Assam.
Bathou, praised by PM Modi in his Kokrajhar address on 13 March 2026, is the traditional faith of which community?
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Correct answer: D — Bodo
The PM said the traditional faith of the Bodo community, Bathou, has been given great respect at the national level.
PM Modi said on 13 March 2026 that the 2020 Bodo agreement was being implemented. Consider the following: 1. Bodo has been made an associate official language. 2. A special development package of ₹1,500 crore has been deployed. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PM's Kokrajhar address: Bodo was made an associate official language and a ₹1,500-crore special development package was deployed, along with new medical colleges.
Under the food-safety reforms approved on 13 March 2026, what is the new turnover limit for basic FSSAI registration from 1 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1.5 crore
The limit rises from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore; ₹50 crore is the new upper limit for State licensing.
Street food vendors registered under which law will be deemed registered with FSSAI under the March 2026 reforms?
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Correct answer: B — Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014
Vendors registered with municipal corporations or town vending committees under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 will be deemed registered, benefiting over 10 lakh vendors.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is:
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Correct answer: C — A statutory body set up under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
FSSAI is an independent statutory authority established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, with its head office in Delhi; the Health Ministry is its administrative ministry.
Where is the ₹188-crore Regional Centre of Excellence of IWAI, whose bhoomi pujan was held on 13 March 2026, located?
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Correct answer: B — Bogibeel, Dibrugarh
The Regional Centre of Excellence is at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh and will train over 5,000 students a year in vessel operations and inland navigation.
The elevated road corridor dedicated on 13 March 2026 connects Pandu Port in Guwahati with which highway?
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Correct answer: C — NH-27
The ₹180-crore corridor links the Pandu Port complex to NH-27, closing a last-mile gap between river and road.
Consider the following statements about National Waterway-2: 1. It is the 891-km stretch of the Brahmaputra between the Bangladesh border and Sadiya. 2. It was first declared a national waterway by the National Waterways Act, 2016. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: IWAI records that NW-2 was declared on 1 September 1988, by the National Waterway (Sadiya–Dhubri Stretch of the Brahmaputra River) Act, 1988.
What is the 'Sujal Gaon ID' launched by the Jal Shakti Ministry on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A unique digital identifier for each rural piped water supply scheme
Sujal Gaon ID is a scheme-based digital identifier that maps rural piped water supply assets, giving each scheme a digital identity.
Up to when has Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 been extended, and with what total outlay?
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Correct answer: A — December 2028; ₹8.69 lakh crore
The Cabinet extended Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 up to December 2028 with an enhanced total outlay of ₹8.69 lakh crore.
Consider the following statements made at the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 meeting on 13 March 2026: 1. Water is a State subject, so delivery depends on State governments. 2. Each Sujalam Bharat ID combines a scheme's infrastructure ID and service-area ID. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the minister said water is a State subject, and the release explains that each Sujalam Bharat ID integrates the infrastructure ID and service-area ID.
After two chicks hatched in March 2026, how many Great Indian Bustards are in captivity under Project GIB?
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Correct answer: A — 70
The two new chicks took the tally of birds in captivity to 70, the Environment Minister said.
How were the two Great Indian Bustard chicks announced on 13 March 2026 produced?
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Correct answer: D — One by natural mating, one by artificial insemination
One chick came from natural mating and the other from artificial insemination at the Conservation Breeding Centre in Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements about the Great Indian Bustard: 1. It is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. It is the state bird of Gujarat. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: Schedule I gives it the highest legal protection. Statement 2 is wrong: the Great Indian Bustard is the state bird of Rajasthan.
Which company became India's first mining company to produce 50 million tonnes of iron ore in a single financial year (announced 13 March 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — NMDC Limited
NMDC Limited, a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel, crossed 50 MT in FY 2025–26.
NMDC's mechanised iron ore mines, mentioned in the 13 March 2026 release, are located in which two States?
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Correct answer: C — Chhattisgarh and Karnataka
The release says NMDC has highly mechanised operations in the mineral-rich regions of Chhattisgarh and Karnataka.
Consider the following statements about NMDC Limited: 1. It was established in 1958 to develop India's iron ore resources. 2. It is a Maharatna company under the Ministry of Mines. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: NMDC is a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel.
The Accounts & Audit Module launched on 13 March 2026 on the UMEED Central Portal is meant for:
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Correct answer: A — Waqf institutions
The module lets Waqf institutions record income and expenditure and pay statutory contributions to State Waqf Boards through the portal.
The TCCCPR, 2018, to which TRAI proposed a third amendment on 13 March 2026, mainly deals with:
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Correct answer: D — Unsolicited commercial communication (spam calls and messages)
TRAI issued the TCCCPR on 19 July 2018 to curb unsolicited commercial communication; it was amended in December 2018 and February 2025.
The Green Corridor project, whose second phase was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath on 13 March 2026, is in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Lucknow
The Green Corridor is in Lucknow; its second phase runs from Daliganj to Samatamulak Chauraha.
Under Odisha's CM-KISAN scheme, mentioned by CM Mohan Charan Majhi on 13 March 2026, how much extra do eligible farmers get each year?
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Correct answer: D — ₹4,000 in two instalments
Majhi said CM-KISAN gives eligible farmers an additional ₹4,000 a year in two instalments, on top of PM-KISAN's ₹6,000.
What was India's all-India CPI (combined) inflation for February 2026, as released on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 3.21%
February 2026 CPI inflation was 3.21% (provisional), up from 2.74% in January; 3.47% was food inflation.
Which item recorded the highest year-on-year inflation in the February 2026 CPI?
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Correct answer: A — Silver jewellery
Silver jewellery led at 160.84%, followed by gold/diamond/platinum jewellery at 48.16% and copra at 46.16%.
Consider the following statements about India's new CPI series (base 2024=100): 1. Its item basket and weights are based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023–24. 2. It retains the earlier structure of six broad groups instead of adopting COICOP 2018. 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 new series adopts the UN's COICOP 2018, with 12 divisions and 358 items, replacing the earlier six broad groups.
Which items saw the steepest price falls in the February 2026 CPI?
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Correct answer: D — Garlic, onion and potato
Garlic (−31.09%), onion (−28.20%) and potato (−18.46%) had the lowest inflation; tomato was among the highest at 45.29%.
According to Hardeep Singh Puri's statement of 12 March 2026, by how much was India's LPG production raised in five days through refinery directives?
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Correct answer: C — 28%
Puri said the LPG Control Order of 8 March made refineries maximise LPG yields, raising production by 28% in five days.
What share of India's crude imports was now coming from non-Hormuz routes, as per the Petroleum Minister on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — About 70%
Non-Hormuz sourcing rose to about 70% of crude imports from 55% before the conflict; about 45% used to transit Hormuz.
Consider the following about the control orders mentioned by the Petroleum Minister on 12 March 2026: 1. The Natural Gas Control Order of 9 March 2026 was issued under the Essential Commodities Act. 2. The LPG Control Order of 8 March 2026 directed refineries to channel propane and butane streams to the three oil marketing companies. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the gas order was issued under the Essential Commodities Act and set a priority sequence with homes and CNG first, and the LPG order sent C3 and C4 streams to the three OMCs for domestic cooking gas.
Roughly what share of the world's crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, as cited in the Lok Sabha on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 20%
Puri said about 20% of the world's crude, 20% of its natural gas and 20% of its LPG flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
To which two countries was the first consignment of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam exported on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — United Kingdom and Italy
The 25-tonne consignment went to the United Kingdom and Italy; earlier small shipments had gone to Vietnam and five Middle Eastern countries.
Which body facilitated the first export of Joha rice to the UK and Italy in March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — APEDA
APEDA, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the export with Assam's Department of Agriculture.
Consider the following statements about Joha rice: 1. It is an indigenous aromatic rice of Assam that received a GI tag in 2017. 2. Majuli is among its major producing districts. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Joha got its GI tag in 2017, and its major districts include Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sivasagar, Majuli, Chirang and Golaghat.
In which city did Netflix open its Eyeline Studios VFX and virtual production hub on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Hyderabad
Eyeline Studios opened at HITEC City in Hyderabad, inaugurated by Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy.
In the term 'AVGC' sector, used for the Eyeline Studios launch, what does 'G' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Gaming
AVGC stands for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics.
The upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount flagged off at BHEL on 12 March 2026 is meant for which service?
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Correct answer: C — Indian Navy
The upgraded SRGM, a naval gun for anti-aircraft and anti-surface roles, was flagged off for the Indian Navy.
Where is the BHEL plant at which the upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount was flagged off on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Haridwar
The flag-off took place at BHEL's Haridwar facility in Uttarakhand, which houses the Heavy Electrical Equipment Plant and the Central Foundry and Forge Plant.
What are the stated rate of fire and range of the upgraded Super Rapid Gun Mount flagged off by BHEL?
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Correct answer: B — 120 rounds a minute, up to 35 km
BHEL said the weapon can fire up to 120 rounds per minute with a range of up to 35 km.
With what throw did Sumit Antil win javelin gold at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in New Delhi on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 69.25 m
Antil threw 69.25 m in the men's F43/F44/F64 javelin; 75 m is the mark he says he is targeting.
At which Paralympic Games has Sumit Antil won gold in javelin?
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Correct answer: A — Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024
Antil won back-to-back Paralympic gold medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
The 'Eva Nammava Eva Nammava' Bill, 2026, cleared by a State Cabinet on 12 March 2026, belongs to which State?
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Correct answer: A — Karnataka
The Karnataka Cabinet cleared the Bill on freedom of choice in marriage and against honour crimes.
What minimum prison term does Karnataka's 'Eva Nammava Eva Nammava' Bill propose for those responsible for honour killings?
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Correct answer: B — Five years
The revised draft proposes a minimum prison term of five years for honour killings.
OrbitAID Aerospace, funded by the Technology Development Board in March 2026, is developing technology for:
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Correct answer: A — In-orbit satellite docking and refuelling
The TDB-funded project develops docking and refuelling systems to extend the life of satellites in orbit.
What is the 'SIDRP' being developed by OrbitAID Aerospace?
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Correct answer: B — A Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port
SIDRP is the Standard Interface Docking and Refueling Port, a TRL-7 system for autonomous docking and propellant transfer between satellites.
The greenfield bypass awarded by NHAI on 12 March 2026 around Gangaikonda Cholapuram is on which National Highway?
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Correct answer: A — NH-81
The 7-km bypass is on the Kallagam–Meensurutti section of NH-81 in Tamil Nadu.
Which heritage monument is the Gangaikonda Cholapuram bypass, awarded on 12 March 2026, designed to protect?
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Correct answer: B — Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
NH-81 runs very close to the 1,000-year-old Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage monument; the bypass will divert heavy vehicles away from it.
Who was the President of Iran with whom PM Modi spoke by telephone on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Masoud Pezeshkian
PM Modi spoke with Iran's President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, who briefed him on the situation in Iran and the region.
Which two priorities did PM Modi highlight in his call with Iran's President on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Safety of Indian nationals and unhindered transit of energy and goods
Modi highlighted the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in the region, including Iran, and the importance of unhindered transit of energy and goods.
PM Modi paid homage on 12 March 2026 to the participants of the Dandi March. In which year did the Dandi March begin on 12 March?
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Correct answer: C — 1930
The Dandi March began on 12 March 1930; the PM marked the anniversary on 12 March 2026.
C-DOT's FraudPro, a top finalist at the Glomo Awards 2026, is used to:
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Correct answer: D — Detect fraudulent mobile connections using AI and facial deduplication
FraudPro uses AI/ML, facial image deduplication and forged-document detection to identify fraudulent mobile connections; it was a finalist at the GSMA's Glomo Awards at MWC 2026, Barcelona.
Which body released 'Bharat 2026 – A Reference Annual' on 12 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
The Publications Division of the I&B Ministry released the reference annual in English and Hindi, printed fully in four colours for the first time.
How was the resolution seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla disposed of on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rejected by voice vote
After nearly 13 hours of debate, the Lok Sabha rejected the resolution by voice vote amid Opposition protests.
Who was in the Chair of the Lok Sabha during the debate and vote on the resolution to remove Speaker Om Birla on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Jagdambika Pal
Jagdambika Pal presided; a Speaker cannot preside while a resolution for his own removal is under consideration.
Consider the following statements about the removal of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha under Article 94(c): 1. The resolution must be passed by a majority of all the then members of the House. 2. At least 14 days' notice must be given of the intention to move the resolution. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Article 94(c) requires a majority of all the then members of the House (an effective majority, not just those present and voting), and its proviso requires at least 14 days' notice.
Consider the following about the Speaker while a resolution for his removal is under consideration in the Lok Sabha (Article 96): 1. The Speaker cannot preside over the sitting. 2. The Speaker has the right to speak in the House. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: under Article 96 the Speaker does not preside while a removal resolution is under consideration, but may speak and take part in the proceedings.
Before 2026, in which year was a motion for the removal of a Lok Sabha Speaker last moved, against Balram Jakhar?
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Correct answer: C — 1987
Earlier motions were moved against G. V. Mavalankar (1954), Hukam Singh (1966) and Balram Jakhar (1987); Amit Shah noted the 2026 motion came after nearly four decades.
Which State topped the 18 major States in NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index 2026, released on 11 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Odisha
Odisha retained the top rank with a score of 73.1, ahead of Goa (54.7) and Jharkhand (50.5).
Which State ranked first among the North-Eastern and Himalayan States in the Fiscal Health Index 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh ranked first, followed by Uttarakhand and Tripura; Himachal Pradesh and Manipur were at the bottom.
Which major State was ranked last, with a score of 12.4, in the Fiscal Health Index 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Punjab
Punjab scored 12.4, the lowest among the 18 major States; Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and Kerala were also in the bottom 'aspirational' group.
The Fiscal Health Index 2026 assesses the fiscal performance of States for which year?
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Correct answer: B — 2023–24
The second edition, released in March 2026, ranks States on their finances for 2023–24; the first edition covered 2022–23.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index 2026: 1. It ranks all 28 States together in a single list. 2. NITI Aayog noted that States account for nearly one-third of India's general government debt. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the 18 major States and the 10 North-Eastern and Himalayan States are ranked separately because of structural differences. Statement 2 is correct.