Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The bus fire accident of 26 March 2026 in which at least 14 people died occurred in which district?
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Correct answer: B — Markapuram, Andhra Pradesh
The bus collided with a tipper lorry and caught fire near Rayavaram in Markapuram district, Andhra Pradesh.
For the Markapuram bus accident, the ex-gratia announced by the PM for the next of kin of each deceased from PMNRF was:
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Correct answer: D — ₹2 lakh
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
Who chairs the Governing Body of the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust (NMET)?
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Correct answer: A — Minister of Coal and Mines
The NMET Governing Body is chaired by the Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy.
The Gruh Sugam Portal, launched in March 2026 to ease home loans for defence and government personnel, was launched by:
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Correct answer: D — National Housing Bank
The National Housing Bank (NHB) launched the Gruh Sugam Portal on 26 March 2026.
Consider the following about the Gruh Sugam Portal: 1. Defence, paramilitary and government employees can apply for home loans through their administrative units. 2. It works as a unified digital marketplace for comparing lenders' offers. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Applicants apply digitally through their administrative units, and the portal is a unified digital marketplace for discovering the best-suited offer.
The first Khelo India Tribal Games (March-April 2026) are being held in which state?
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Correct answer: A — Chhattisgarh
The inaugural KITG are being held across Raipur, Jagdalpur and Sarguja in Chhattisgarh, which will be the permanent host.
What is the name of the mascot of the first Khelo India Tribal Games, 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Mor Veer
The mascot 'Mor Veer' symbolises the courage, pride and valour of India's more than 700 tribal communities.
Consider the following about the Khelo India Tribal Games 2026: 1. The Games feature 9 sports disciplines, of which 7 are medal sports. 2. 106 gold medals are at stake. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
KITG 2026 has 9 disciplines (7 medal, 2 demonstration) and 106 gold medals, with about 3,800 participants.
What is the total outlay of the Modified UDAN scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹28,840 crore
Modified UDAN has a total outlay of ₹28,840 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36. ₹12,159 crore is the airport-development component.
Consider the following about the Modified UDAN scheme (2026): 1. It proposes to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips. 2. It proposes 200 modern helipads focused on priority and aspirational districts. 3. It will run for five years from FY 2026-27. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
The scheme runs for ten years (FY 2026-27 to 2035-36), so statement 3 is wrong; 100 airports and 200 helipads are both components.
Under Modified UDAN, aircraft are to be procured from HAL for which two operators?
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Correct answer: A — Pawan Hans and Alliance Air
Two HAL Dhruv helicopters will go to Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft to Alliance Air, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat component.
Under its NDC for 2031-2035 approved in March 2026, India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 2035, from the 2005 level, by:
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Correct answer: C — 47%
The new NDC targets a 47% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2035 over 2005. 33-35% was the 2015 NDC target for 2030.
Consider the following about India's NDC for 2031-2035: 1. It targets 60% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035. 2. It targets an additional carbon sink of 3.5-4.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent through forest and tree cover by 2035 from the 2005 level. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are targets of the NDC 2031-35, alongside the 47% emissions-intensity target.
According to the government (March 2026), what share of India's installed electric power capacity was from non-fossil sources in February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 52.57%
Non-fossil capacity reached 52.57% in February 2026, meeting the updated NDC target five years ahead of the timeline; the new target is 60% by 2035.
How many entries did India record in the global top 50 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 27
India recorded a record 27 top-50 entries in 2026, more than double the 12 in both 2024 and 2025.
In the QS Subject Rankings 2026, India's highest-ranked subject (21st globally) was Mineral & Mining Engineering at:
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Correct answer: A — ISM Dhanbad
ISM Dhanbad's Mineral & Mining Engineering was ranked 21st – India's highest-ranked subject. IIM Ahmedabad was also 21st in Business & Management Studies and Marketing.
Consider the following about India in the QS Subject Rankings 2026: 1. 99 Indian institutions featured, with 599 subject entries. 2. IIT Delhi was the leading Indian institution with six top-50 entries. 3. The rankings covered 55 subjects. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct as per the Ministry of Education release on the rankings released on 25 March 2026.
Of the XV Finance Commission untied grants released to rural local bodies of four states (March 2026), which state received the largest amount?
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Correct answer: A — Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh received ₹631.91 crore, ahead of Jharkhand (₹269.03 crore), Punjab (₹222 crore) and Mizoram (₹14.80 crore).
In Mizoram, the XV Finance Commission rural grants released in March 2026 went to which type of local body?
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Correct answer: B — Village Councils
Mizoram's ₹14.80 crore went to all 816 eligible Village Councils – Mizoram's rural local bodies.
Under the 'Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya' action plan (March 2026), the area within what radius of schools is to be declared a drug-free zone?
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Correct answer: C — 500 metres
The three-year action plan provides for declaring the area within a 500-metre radius of schools as drug-free zones.
The 'Nasha Mukt Vidyalaya' action plan followed directions from the 9th Apex meeting of which body, chaired by the Union Home Minister?
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Correct answer: B — Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD)
The 9th Apex meeting of the Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD), chaired by Amit Shah, asked all departments to prepare a roadmap up to 2029.
Which ICAR institution was the only Indian university in the top 100 for Veterinary Science in the QS Subject Rankings 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ICAR-IVRI, Bareilly
ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, entered the 51-100 band – the only Indian university in the Veterinary Science top 100.
Consider the following about the Agriculture & Forestry subject in the QS Rankings 2026: 1. ICAR-IARI, New Delhi debuted in the 151-200 band. 2. 10 Indian universities featured among 475 ranked globally. 3. CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar was placed in the 51-100 band. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
CCS HAU Hisar made its maiden entry in the 301-350 band, not 51-100; statements 1 and 2 are correct.
The IVFRT scheme, extended by the Union Cabinet in March 2026, relates to:
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Correct answer: D — Immigration, visa and foreigners' registration
IVFRT stands for Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration & Tracking; it was extended to 31 March 2031 with ₹1,800 crore.
Consider the following about the IVFRT scheme: 1. Its continuation for 2026-2031 carries an outlay of ₹1,800 crore. 2. It was first approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in 2010. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
The 2026-31 continuation is ₹1,800 crore; the CCEA first approved the project on 13 May 2010.
About how much green hydrogen production capacity had India commissioned till February 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 8,000 tonnes per annum
Around 8,000 TPA had been commissioned till February 2026; 5 million tonnes per annum is the likely capacity by 2030.
Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the price discovered through competitive bidding for green hydrogen supply to Indian Oil's refinery was:
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Correct answer: B — ₹397 per kg
₹397/kg (including 18% GST) for IOCL's refinery; ₹387/kg for BPCL and HPCL refineries. ₹235/kg is the estimated renewable-power share of cost.
In March 2026, Odisha directed urban local bodies to waive permission fees for laying underground pipelines for:
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Correct answer: A — City gas distribution (PNG)
Odisha's Housing & Urban Development Department waived permission fees for city gas distribution pipelines to accelerate PNG connections.
Till when do Odisha's March 2026 relaxations for city gas distribution projects remain in force (unless further orders)?
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Correct answer: B — 30 June 2026
The fee waiver and simplified approvals remain in force till 30 June 2026 or until further orders.
The 'Veer Udyami Yojana 2026', approved in March 2026 for ex-servicemen and former Agniveers, is a scheme of which state?
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Correct answer: D — Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand Cabinet chaired by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami approved the Uttarakhand Veer Udyami Yojana 2026 on 25 March 2026.
Consider the following about Uttarakhand's Veer Udyami Yojana 2026: 1. It is a supplementary scheme to the Mukhyamantri Swarojgar Yojana. 2. 10% of its target is reserved for ex-servicemen and former Agniveers. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the scheme supplements the Mukhyamantri Swarojgar Yojana and reserves 10% of its target.
From 26 March 2026, Akashvani stations broadcast the full version of 'Vande Mataram' containing how many stanzas?
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Correct answer: D — Six
The full six-stanza version (3 min 10 sec) replaced the two-stanza version (65 sec), following an MHA guideline of 28 January 2026.
The first version of the full 'Vande Mataram' broadcast by Akashvani from March 2026 is sung in which raga?
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Correct answer: A — Raag Des
It is sung by Pt. Chandrashekhar Vaze in Raag Des.
Through which two countries were Indian nationals in Iran being assisted to travel to India, as stated on 25 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Armenia and Azerbaijan
MEA said Indians in Iran were being assisted to travel to India via Armenia and Azerbaijan; 1,043 had crossed out with the Mission's help.
According to the inter-ministerial briefing of 25 March 2026, about how many passengers had returned to India from West Asia since 28 February?
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Correct answer: C — 4,26,000
Around 4,26,000 passengers had returned from the region to India since 28 February.
Consider the following statements about Operation Sindhu: 1. It was launched in June 2025 to evacuate Indian nationals from Iran and Israel. 2. More Indians were evacuated from Israel than from Iran under the operation. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Operation Sindhu, launched on 18 June 2025, evacuated 4,415 Indians — 3,597 from Iran and 818 from Israel.
The Japanese ODA package of March 2026 (JPY 275.858 billion) covers projects in which three states?
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Correct answer: A — Maharashtra, Karnataka and Punjab
The four projects are in Maharashtra (Mumbai Metro Line 11, healthcare), Karnataka (Bengaluru Metro Phase 3) and Punjab (horticulture).
Which project received the largest share of the Japanese ODA loans committed to India on 24 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Bengaluru Metro Rail Project Phase 3 (I)
Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 (I) got JPY 102.480 billion, ahead of Mumbai Metro Line 11 (JPY 92.400 billion), Maharashtra health (JPY 62.294 billion) and Punjab horticulture (JPY 18.684 billion).
Consider the following about the Japanese ODA-funded metro projects (March 2026): 1. Mumbai Metro Line 11 (I) covers about 17.51 km with 14 underground stations. 2. Bengaluru Metro Phase 3 (I) covers about 44.65 km with 31 underground stations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Bengaluru Phase 3 has 31 elevated (not underground) stations over about 44.65 km; Mumbai Line 11 has 14 underground stations over about 17.51 km.
As per ASUSE 2025, the estimated number of unincorporated non-agricultural establishments in India was about:
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Correct answer: C — 7.92 crore
Establishments rose from 7.34 crore in ASUSE 2023-24 to 7.92 crore in ASUSE 2025, about 7.97% growth.
In ASUSE 2025, which sector recorded the highest growth in Gross Value Added over ASUSE 2023-24?
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Correct answer: A — Trade
GVA growth was led by trade (16.77%), followed by manufacturing (8.52%) and other services (7.36%). Construction is excluded from ASUSE.
Consider the following about ASUSE 2025: 1. The share of establishments using the internet rose to 39.4%. 2. Women-owned proprietary establishments declined compared with ASUSE 2023-24. 3. The survey covers construction along with manufacturing, trade and other services. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Women-owned proprietary establishments rose from 26.2% to 27%, and ASUSE excludes construction; only statement 1 is correct.
In March 2026, which state became the second after Uttarakhand to pass a Uniform Civil Code Bill?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat
The Gujarat Assembly passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill on 24 March 2026. Uttarakhand was the first, in February 2024.
The Gujarat UCC Bill (2026) was brought after the report of an expert committee headed by:
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Correct answer: D — Justice Ranjana Desai
The committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai submitted its report before the Bill was tabled by CM Bhupendra Patel.
Consider the following about the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code Bill passed in March 2026: 1. It makes registration of live-in relationships mandatory. 2. It applies to all residents of Gujarat, including the Scheduled Tribe population. 3. Bigamy is punishable with imprisonment of up to 7 years. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
The Bill exempts the Scheduled Tribe population, so statement 2 is wrong; it mandates registration of live-in relationships and prescribes up to 7 years' jail for bigamy.
What is the theme of World TB Day 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Yes! We Can End TB!
The 2026 theme is 'Yes! We Can End TB!'. World TB Day is observed every year on 24 March.
According to the Health Ministry (March 2026), by how much did TB incidence in India decline over the past decade?
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Correct answer: C — 21%
TB incidence fell 21% and TB mortality 25% over the past decade, both outpacing global averages.
Consider the following launched or reported on World TB Day 2026: 1. A 100-day TB Mukt Bharat campaign covering 1.58 lakh villages and urban wards. 2. An AI-enabled chatbot named 'Khushi' in the TB Mukt Bharat App. 3. About 10.9 lakh asymptomatic TB patients detected since the intensified Abhiyaan began in December 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct. Of 32.65 lakh patients detected after screening over 20 crore people, about 10.9 lakh had no classical symptoms.
Which two states signed reform-linked MoUs with the Centre under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 on 24 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Andhra Pradesh and Odisha
Andhra Pradesh (in the presence of CM N. Chandrababu Naidu) and Odisha (CM Mohan Charan Majhi, virtually) signed the MoUs.
The reform-linked MoUs under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 are signed with the Centre through which department?
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Correct answer: B — Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
The MoUs were signed at the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, by its Joint Secretary (Water).
India's total exports (merchandise and services) in April–January of FY 2025-26 were about:
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Correct answer: B — USD 714.73 billion
Exports were USD 714.73 billion, up 5.26% from USD 679.02 billion in April–January 2024-25. USD 828.25 billion was the full-year 2024-25 figure.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of India's Foreign Trade Policy 2023 as cited by the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: C — Import substitution
The four pillars are trade facilitation, export promotion, state-level partnerships and digital integration; import substitution is not one of them.
Why did the Railways sanction a rail-over-rail flyover at Kosamba (Gujarat) in March 2026 instead of a surface crossing?
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Correct answer: D — The Dedicated Freight Corridor alignment makes a surface crossing not feasible
Because of the Dedicated Freight Corridor alignment, the Kosamba–Umrapada gauge-converted line cannot join the Mumbai–Vadodara main line through a surface crossing.
The 13.38 km rail bypass sanctioned by the Ministry of Railways in March 2026 is at which city?
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Correct answer: A — Bhagalpur
The Bhagalpur Bypass (13.38 km) in Bihar, under Eastern Railway, was sanctioned at ₹303.20 crore.
'MuleHunter.AI', mentioned by the Finance Ministry in March 2026, is used to:
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Correct answer: D — Detect mule accounts used in cyber frauds
MuleHunter.AI is RBI's AI/ML-based solution to detect mule accounts used to divert and layer money from cyber frauds; it is live in 26 banks.
Consider the following about the Indian Digital Payment Intelligence Corporation (IDPIC): 1. It was incorporated as a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013. 2. Its mandate is real-time detection and prevention of fraud in digital payments. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
IDPIC was incorporated on 16 October 2025 as a Section 8 company, with the mandate to detect, prevent and analyse digital payment fraud in real time using AI, ML and big data.
The 'Clinical Study on Ayurveda as an Adjunct Therapy for Tuberculosis', announced on World TB Day 2026, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Ayush and:
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Correct answer: C — Department of Biotechnology
The study is a collaboration of the Ministry of Ayush and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology.
In the Ayush–DBT TB study announced in March 2026, Ayurveda is being tested as:
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Correct answer: D — An adjunct (add-on) to anti-TB treatment
The study evaluates Ayurveda as an adjunct therapy alongside standard anti-TB treatment, not as a replacement.
The LL.M. in Corporate Law and Management launched in March 2026 is jointly offered by IICA and which institution?
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Correct answer: D — National Law University and Judicial Academy, Assam
It is a joint programme of the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs and NLUJA Assam; year 1 is at NLUJAA and year 2 at IICA, IMT Manesar.
Consider the following about the IICA–NLUJA Assam LL.M. (2026): 1. It is a two-year, fully residential programme of 54 credits. 2. Its second year is conducted at the IICA campus in IMT Manesar. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 54 credits over four semesters, year 1 at NLUJAA and year 2 at IICA, IMT Manesar; 60 seats per batch.
How many Farmer IDs had been generated under the AgriStack Farmers Registry as of 19 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — More than 9.20 crore
More than 9.20 crore Farmer IDs had been generated, including 47.63 lakh in Bihar.
As cited by the Agriculture Ministry (March 2026), which state used AgriStack to transfer over ₹14,000 crore to 89 lakh farmers for Kharif 2025 crop losses within 5 days?
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Correct answer: B — Maharashtra
Maharashtra used AgriStack for this disaster-relief transfer; Chhattisgarh used Farmer ID for MSP paddy procurement covering 32 lakh+ farmers.
According to the NSO CAPEX survey released in March 2026, aggregate provisional private corporate capex for 2025-26 is estimated at about:
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Correct answer: D — ₹11.44 lakh crore
Provisional capex for 2025-26 is ₹11,43,879 crore; ₹9,55,281 crore is the investment intention for 2026-27.
As per the NSO CAPEX survey, the largest source of financing for private corporate capex in 2025-26 is:
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Correct answer: B — Internal accruals
About 65.35% of 2025-26 capex is sourced from internal accruals, while 23.25% comes from domestic debt.
In the NSO CAPEX survey, the 'realisation ratio' for 2024-25 was 96.3%. This means:
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Correct answer: D — Actual capex per enterprise was 96.3% of what was planned
Estimated capex per enterprise for 2024-25 was ₹180.2 crore and actual capex ₹173.5 crore – a realisation ratio of 96.3%.
The RoDTEP scheme, whose rates were restored in March 2026, relates to:
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Correct answer: D — Remission of duties and taxes on exported products
RoDTEP stands for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products; its rates and value caps were restored from 23 March 2026.
By the decision of 23 March 2026, RoDTEP rates were restored to the levels in force on:
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Correct answer: C — 22 February 2026
The restored rates are those in force on 22 February 2026, withdrawing the 50% restriction imposed on 23 February 2026.
Consider the following about the RoDTEP restoration of March 2026: 1. It withdrew a 50% restriction on RoDTEP rates imposed in February 2026. 2. It applies only to exports bound for West Asian countries. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The restoration covers all eligible export products, not only West Asia-bound exports; it withdrew the 50% restriction of Notification No. 60/2025-26.
In March 2026, which state's Assembly passed a Bill to use ballot papers instead of EVMs in panchayat elections?
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Correct answer: B — Karnataka
The Karnataka Assembly passed the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on 23 March 2026.
The 'Eva Nammava' Bill passed by the Karnataka Assembly on 23 March 2026 deals with:
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Correct answer: D — Honour crimes linked to marriage
The Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026 ('Eva Nammava') aims to curb honour crimes.
Consider the following about the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2026: 1. It provides for ballot papers in gram, taluk and zilla panchayat elections. 2. It also applies to elections to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The Bill amends the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act and covers only gram, taluk and zilla panchayat elections, not Assembly elections.