Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Project DANTAK, which celebrated its 66th Raising Day in April 2026, is a project of the Border Roads Organisation in:
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Correct answer: A — Bhutan
Project DANTAK of the BRO celebrated its 66th Raising Day at Thimphu, Bhutan, where it has worked since April 1961.
Project DANTAK of the Border Roads Organisation was established in Bhutan in:
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Correct answer: C — April 1961
Project DANTAK has served in Bhutan since its establishment in April 1961; its 66th Raising Day in 2026 marked 65 years.
Consider the following statements about Project DANTAK: 1. It was instrumental in building Paro International Airport. 2. It has constructed over 1,500 km of roads in Bhutan, including the East–West Highway connecting Trashigang to Thimphu. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the Ministry of Defence release on the 66th Raising Day.
Who was appointed Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog under the Cabinet Secretariat notification of 24 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Ashok Kumar Lahiri
The notification approved Ashok Kumar Lahiri's appointment as Vice Chairperson; Rajiv Gauba, K. V. Raju and Abhay Karandikar were among the full-time members.
NITI Aayog, reconstituted in April 2026, was originally constituted through:
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Correct answer: B — A Cabinet resolution dated 1 January 2015
NITI Aayog was constituted by a Cabinet Secretariat resolution dated 1 January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission set up by a Cabinet resolution on 15 March 1950.
Consider the following statements about the April 2026 reconstitution of NITI Aayog: 1. Rajiv Gauba and Gobardhan Das were appointed as full-time members. 2. The ex-officio members and special invitees were also replaced. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Rajiv Gauba and Gobardhan Das are among the five full-time members; the notification says ex-officio members and special invitees remain the same, so only statement 1 is correct.
The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 report released on 24 April 2026 rationalised the number of indicators from 516 to:
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Correct answer: B — 150
PAI 2.0 rationalised indicators from 516 to 150 and recorded participation of 97.30% of Gram Panchayats.
Provisions relating to Panchayats, given constitutional status by the 73rd Amendment Act, are contained in which Part of the Constitution of India?
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Correct answer: D — Part IX
The PIB backgrounder notes that the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 came into force in 1993 and the provisions related to Panchayats are in Part IX.
Consider the following statements made on National Panchayati Raj Day 2026: 1. The Sixteenth Finance Commission's grant for rural local bodies is nearly 84% higher than under the Fifteenth Finance Commission. 2. Basic and performance grants are split in the ratio 50:50. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The secretary said the 16th FC grant is nearly 84% higher than under the 15th FC, with an 80:20 ratio between basic and performance grants; only statement 1 is correct.
The indigenous Silicon Photonics Process Design Kit launched by MeitY in April 2026 was developed at:
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Correct answer: D — IIT Madras
Both solutions were developed at the MeitY-sponsored CoE-CPPICS, IIT Madras.
Consider the following statements about the silicon photonics solutions launched on 24 April 2026: 1. The Process Design Kit has over 50 verified components. 2. A Silicon Photonics Fab has already been commissioned under the India Semiconductor Mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The PDK has over 50 verified components; a Silicon Photonics Fab is only envisaged after commercial demonstration, so only statement 1 is correct.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, whose 2.0 App was launched in April 2026, was originally launched on 15 August 2020 in how many most vulnerable districts?
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Correct answer: C — 272
NMBA was launched on 15 August 2020 in 272 identified most vulnerable districts and extended to all districts from 15 August 2023.
The NMBA 2.0 App launched in April 2026 is meant to strengthen monitoring under:
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Correct answer: D — National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction
The app strengthens monitoring and institutional coordination under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
The first phase of the DGCA ranking of Flying Training Organisations, whose second phase was released in April 2026, was published on:
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Correct answer: D — 1 October 2025
The ministry said the first phase of the FTO ranking was published on 1 October 2025.
While releasing the FTO ranking in April 2026, the Civil Aviation Minister estimated India's requirement of additional pilots over the next decade at nearly:
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Correct answer: B — 30,000
Ram Mohan Naidu cited an estimated requirement of nearly 30,000 additional pilots over the next decade.
In the post-poll scrutiny conducted after the 23 April 2026 polls, Form 17A refers to the:
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Correct answer: A — Register of Voters
The ECI note describes Form 17A as the Register of Voters, scrutinised with other poll-day documents.
Consider the following statements about the Form 17A scrutiny held on 24 April 2026: 1. In West Bengal Phase I, it covered 152 Assembly constituencies and no repoll was recommended. 2. In Tamil Nadu, repolls were recommended in a few of the 75,064 polling stations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Scrutiny covered all 152 ACs of WB Phase I with no repoll; in Tamil Nadu no repoll was recommended out of 75,064 polling stations. Only statement 1 is correct.
The UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development, launched in April 2026, is hosted at:
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Correct answer: B — Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
The Chair was launched at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, during the conference 'Women Leading the Future of Work'.
Who launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development in Pune on 24 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Jayant Chaudhary
Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary launched the Chair.
MoSPI's April 2026 proposal for city-level statistical reports covers how many million-plus cities (as per Census 2011)?
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Correct answer: C — 47
The NSO proposed dedicated city-level statistical reports for 47 million-plus cities as per Population Census 2011.
The proposed city-level statistical reports of MoSPI (April 2026) will be based on data from:
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Correct answer: B — PLFS and ASUSE
The reports will use existing data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE).
What is the outlay of the mining sector reform incentive included in the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for FY 2026-27?
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Correct answer: B — ₹5,000 crore
The Ministry of Mines said an incentive mechanism on mining sector reforms with ₹5,000 crore outlay has been incorporated in SASCI for FY 2026-27.
Under the SASCI 2026-27 mining reform component, a state gets ₹20 crore for each major mineral block auctioned with pre-embedded clearances, subject to an upper cap per state of:
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Correct answer: D — ₹200 crore
The incentive is ₹20 crore per block successfully auctioned up to 31 December 2026, with an upper cap of ₹200 crore per state.
The North Zone Agriculture Conference of the Union Agriculture Ministry was held on 24 April 2026 in:
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Correct answer: C — Lucknow
The conference was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, with Shivraj Singh Chouhan and CM Yogi Adityanath.
The first Regional Workshop on 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' under the Ministry of Cooperation's reform drive was held in April 2026 at:
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Correct answer: D — Jaipur
The first Regional Workshop on 'Sahkar se Samriddhi' was held at Jaipur, Rajasthan on 24 April 2026.
Under which law has the FDI limit in the Indian insurance sector been raised to 100%?
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Correct answer: B — Sabka Bima, Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025
The PIB backgrounder says the FDI limit in insurance was raised to 100% under the Sabka Bima, Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025.
According to the Swiss Re report cited by PIB in April 2026, India's rank among global insurance markets by premium volume is:
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Correct answer: C — 10th
India ranks as the 10th largest insurance market globally by premium volume, per the Swiss Re report.
Consider the following statements from the PIB backgrounder on insurance (April 2026): 1. IRDAI has committed to the vision of 'Insurance for All by 2047'. 2. The share of insurance and pension funds in household financial assets fell between FY19 and FY25. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
IRDAI's vision is 'Insurance for All by 2047'; the share rose from 28.6% in FY19 to 29.6% in FY25, so only statement 1 is correct.
How many Assembly constituencies of West Bengal voted in Phase I on 23 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 152
Phase I covered 152 Assembly constituencies with 1,478 candidates and 44,376 polling stations.
Bye-elections held on 23 April 2026 alongside the Tamil Nadu and West Bengal polls included Baramati and Rahuri in:
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Correct answer: C — Maharashtra
Bye-elections were held in Umreth (Gujarat) and in Baramati and Rahuri (Maharashtra).
Consider the following statements about the polls held on 23 April 2026: 1. Live webcasting was ensured in all polling stations in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. 2. West Bengal Phase I had more polling stations than Tamil Nadu. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
ECI said webcasting covered 100% of polling stations in both states; WB Phase I had 44,376 polling stations against 75,064 in Tamil Nadu, so only statement 1 is correct.
According to ECI's statistical report, the final state polling percentage in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election (including postal ballots) was:
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Correct answer: C — 86.03%
ECI's Statistical Report (Highlights) records a state polling percentage of 86.03%; 78.29% was the previous highest, in 2011.
How many Assembly constituencies of Tamil Nadu went to the polls on 23 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 234
All 234 Assembly constituencies of Tamil Nadu voted in a single phase on 23 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election: 1. Of the 234 constituencies, 44 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 2 for Scheduled Tribes. 2. Before 2026, the highest poll participation in Tamil Nadu was recorded in the 2016 Assembly election. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
ECI's Highlights list 188 general, 44 SC and 2 ST seats; ECI said the previous highest participation was 78.29% in 2011, not 2016. Only statement 1 is correct.
According to the review of BSNL's FY 2025-26 results, its average revenue per user (ARPU) rose to:
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Correct answer: D — ₹101
BSNL's ARPU improved to ₹101 in FY 2025-26 from ₹71 the previous year, a 42% rise.
Which BSNL circle was named the overall best performing circle for FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — Odisha
The Odisha circle was honoured as the overall best performing circle, with about 21% growth in revenue from services.
The 12-km greenfield Dehradun bypass being built by NHAI connects to which corridor?
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Correct answer: C — Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor
The bypass connects to the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor near Asharori Check Post.
To reduce impact on forest land, the right of way of the Dehradun bypass has been optimised to:
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Correct answer: A — 30 metres
The right of way has been optimised to 30 metres, lower than the conventional 60 metres, to preserve forest trees.
Bihar's first-ever structured pulse procurement, reported in April 2026, involves procurement of which pulse by NCCF?
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Correct answer: D — Masoor (lentil)
NCCF initiated organised procurement of masoor (lentil) in Bihar for the first time, with a target of 32,000 MT.
Bihar's first structured pulse procurement in April 2026 was launched under which mission?
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Correct answer: A — Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission
The ministry described it as Bihar's first-ever structured pulse procurement initiative under the Atmanirbhar Pulses Mission.
Bharat Taxi, which expanded to Mumbai in April 2026, comes under which Union Ministry's initiatives?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Cooperation
The Ministry of Cooperation released the update on Bharat Taxi's Mumbai expansion, in line with Cooperation Minister Amit Shah's vision.
According to the Ministry of Cooperation (April 2026), roughly how many drivers have engaged with the Bharat Taxi platform?
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Correct answer: B — Over 5.17 lakh
The ministry said over 5.17 lakh drivers have engaged with the platform, with more than 50 lakh customers and about 10 lakh rides a month.
Which of the following countries' envoy presented credentials to President Droupadi Murmu on 23 April 2026 as a High Commissioner rather than an Ambassador?
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Correct answer: D — Namibia
Namibia's envoy, Wing Commander (Retd.) Alex Lunyazo Tukuhupwele, presented credentials as High Commissioner; the others were Ambassadors.
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary, designated India's 99th Ramsar site (announced April 2026), is located in which district?
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Correct answer: B — Aligarh
Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary is in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh.
With the designation of Shekha Jheel in April 2026, Uttar Pradesh's tally of Ramsar sites rose to:
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Correct answer: D — 12
The minister said Shekha Jheel took India's total to 99 and Uttar Pradesh's tally to 12.
Consider the following statements about Shekha Jheel Bird Sanctuary: 1. It is a stopover on the Central Asian Flyway for birds such as the Bar-headed Goose and Painted Stork. 2. According to its Ramsar Information Sheet, its date of designation is 19 January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the minister described it as a Central Asian Flyway stopover, and the Ramsar Information Sheet lists the designation date as 19 January 2026.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 come into force on:
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Correct answer: B — 1 May 2026
MeitY said the Rules will come into force on 1 May 2026.
Which body do the Online Gaming Rules, 2026 establish as a unified, digital-first regulator for the sector?
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Correct answer: A — Online Gaming Authority of India
The Rules establish the Online Gaming Authority of India as a unified, digital-first regulator.
Consider the following statements about the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025 and its Rules: 1. The Act was enacted by Parliament in August 2025. 2. The Rules have been framed under Section 12 of the Act. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The PROG Act was enacted in August 2025; the Rules were made under Section 19 (Section 12 deals with civil penalties), so only statement 1 is correct.
In April 2026, the IAF activated an Emergency Landing Facility at Sultanpur on which expressway?
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Correct answer: C — Purvanchal Expressway
The ELF activated on 22 April 2026 is on the Purvanchal Expressway in Sultanpur district, Uttar Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the IAF's ELF activation at Sultanpur (22 April 2026): 1. Operations were carried out both by day and by night. 2. The C-295 transport aircraft took part in the operations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the ELF was activated by day and night, and the participating fleet included the C-295 along with Jaguar, Mirage-2000, Su-30MKI and AN-32.
In April 2026 the Centre approved MSP procurement of five crops in Odisha. Which crop accounted for the largest approved MSP value?
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Correct answer: C — Urad
Urad: 1,19,387 tonnes worth ₹931.21 crore, against moong at ₹302.42 crore, out of a total exceeding ₹1,428.31 crore.
Which of the following crops was NOT among the five approved for central procurement in Odisha in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Paddy
The five approved crops were moong, urad, groundnut, sunflower and mustard.
Which ministry administers the Prime Minister Internship Scheme, whose eligibility was expanded to final-year students in April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Corporate Affairs
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs expanded PMIS eligibility, in consultation with the Department of Higher Education.
Under the April 2026 change to the PM Internship Scheme, final-year students applying must submit:
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Correct answer: A — A No Objection Certificate from their institution
Students must submit a No Objection Certificate from their institution confirming the internship will not interfere with academic requirements.
According to ECI, total election seizures in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal up to 22 April 2026 stood at about:
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Correct answer: A — ₹1,072 crore
ECI reported total seizures of ₹1,072.13 crore in the two states, with Tamil Nadu at ₹599.24 crore and West Bengal at ₹472.89 crore.
Consider the following statements about election enforcement in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (2026): 1. The Election Seizure Management System was activated on 26 February 2026. 2. West Bengal recorded higher total seizures than Tamil Nadu up to 22 April 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
ESMS was activated on 26 February 2026; Tamil Nadu (₹599.24 crore) recorded more than West Bengal (₹472.89 crore), so only statement 1 is correct.
The Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of Tathagata announced in April 2026 is to be held in Ladakh during:
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Correct answer: A — 1–15 May 2026
The exposition is scheduled in Ladakh from 1 to 15 May 2026.
Which organisation is partnering the Ministry of Culture and the UT Administration of Ladakh in organising the 2026 exposition of Buddha's relics?
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Correct answer: D — International Buddhist Confederation
The exposition is organised by the Ministry of Culture with the UT Administration of Ladakh and the International Buddhist Confederation.
What is the outlay of the revised Technology Development and Investment Promotion (TDIP) Scheme of DoT for 2026–31?
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Correct answer: D — ₹203 crore
The revised TDIP Scheme has a total outlay of ₹203 crore for 2026–31.
The TDIP Scheme seeks to enhance India's participation in which of the following global telecom standardisation bodies?
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Correct answer: B — ITU, 3GPP and oneM2M
The scheme supports Indian participation in the ITU, 3GPP and oneM2M.
According to the MNRE Minister (April 2026), India's wind energy capacity target for 2030 is:
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Correct answer: B — 100 GW
Pralhad Joshi said India will achieve 100 GW of wind capacity by 2030 and 156 GW by 2036.
Consider the following statements about India's wind energy sector (April 2026): 1. India added a record 6.1 GW of wind capacity in 2025–26. 2. India's wind potential at 150 metres hub height is estimated at nearly 1,164 GW. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both were stated by the minister at the WIPPA Foundation Day on 22 April 2026.
Who was appointed Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court with effect from 25 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Justice Lisa Gill
Justice Lisa Gill was appointed Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, succeeding Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur, who retired on 24 April 2026.
Justice Lisa Gill, appointed Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in April 2026, has which parent High Court?
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Correct answer: D — Punjab and Haryana High Court
The Law Ministry notification lists her parent High Court as Punjab and Haryana.