Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In its tariff order of 18 March 2026, the Bihar Electricity Regulatory Commission rejected the DISCOMs' proposal to raise energy charges by how much per unit?
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Correct answer: C — 35 paise
BERC rejected the proposal of both DISCOMs for a 35-paise-per-unit hike and kept tariffs unchanged for 2026-27.
Consider the following about Bihar's electricity tariff order for 2026-27: 1. BERC allowed a 35-paise hike for urban consumers only. 2. Separate tariffs for urban and rural domestic consumers were retained. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: there is no hike for any category, and a uniform tariff now applies to urban and rural domestic consumers.
ALMM List-III, announced by MNRE in March 2026, covers which solar products?
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Correct answer: B — Ingots and wafers
MNRE expanded the ALMM Order to introduce List-III for ingots and wafers; modules and cells were already covered.
From which date must all solar projects use ALMM List-III compliant wafers?
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Correct answer: C — 1 June 2028
The effective date is 1 June 2028, from which all projects, including net-metering and open-access projects, must use ALMM-listed wafers.
In March 2026 the CCEA approved MSP funding of ₹1,718.56 crore for the 2023-24 cotton season to:
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Correct answer: A — Cotton Corporation of India
The MSP funding of ₹1,718.56 crore was approved for the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI), the central nodal agency for cotton MSP operations.
Consider the following about MSP operations in cotton: 1. CCI procures Fair Average Quality cotton subject to a quantity ceiling per farmer. 2. The MSP for seed cotton (kapas) is fixed on the recommendations of the CACP. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: CCI procures all FAQ cotton without any quantitative ceiling when prices fall below MSP. Statement 2 is correct.
Andhra Pradesh's Divyang Shakti scheme, launched on 18 March 2026, provides:
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Correct answer: B — Free travel in APSRTC buses for persons with disabilities
Divyang Shakti gives persons with disabilities free travel in five categories of APSRTC buses.
About how many people are expected to benefit from Andhra Pradesh's Divyang Shakti free bus travel scheme?
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Correct answer: C — 12.76 lakh
The scheme is expected to benefit about 12.76 lakh people, at an annual cost of ₹207 crore to the State.
Maharashtra's Renewable Energy & Energy Storage Policy (notified March 2026) aims for renewables to meet what share of electricity demand by FY 2035-36?
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Correct answer: C — 65%
The State will strive to procure 65% renewable energy as a share of electricity demand by FY 2035-36.
Consider the following about Maharashtra's Renewable Energy & Energy Storage Policy (2026): 1. Distribution companies must procure energy storage equal to at least 10% of their demand by FY 2035-36. 2. The policy remains in force only till 31 March 2030. 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 policy is effective till 31 March 2036.
The Barabanki–Bahraich section of NH-927, approved by CCEA in March 2026, will be built on which mode?
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Correct answer: B — Hybrid Annuity Mode
The 101.515-km 4-lane access-controlled highway will be built on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) at ₹6,969.04 crore.
The upgraded Barabanki–Bahraich NH-927 corridor will improve access to which land port on the India–Nepal border?
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Correct answer: D — Rupaidiha
The project will establish a cross-border trade corridor with Nepal via the Nepalganj border, improving access to Rupaidiha Land Port.
Who assumed charge as Chairperson of the National Commission for Backward Classes on 18 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti assumed charge as NCBC Chairperson with effect from 18 March 2026; Kiran Umesh Mahalle joined as Member on 20 March.
Kiran Umesh Mahalle, who joined the NCBC as a Member in March 2026, was earlier Mayor of which Municipal Corporation?
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Correct answer: A — Amravati
Kiran Umesh Mahalle has served as Mayor of the Municipal Corporation, Amravati.
Consider the following about the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), whose Chairperson took charge in March 2026: 1. The NCBC is a constitutional body under Article 338B, inserted by the Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act, 2018. 2. Before 2018, the NCBC functioned as a statutory body under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 102nd Amendment Act, 2018 inserted Article 338B and gave the NCBC constitutional status; it was earlier constituted under the NCBC Act, 1993, which was repealed in 2018.
On 18 March 2026, PM Modi condemned attacks on the sovereignty of which country during a call with its Crown Prince?
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Correct answer: A — Kuwait
PM Modi spoke with Kuwait's Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and condemned attacks on Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
'RISA: Timeless Tribal', launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 18 March 2026, is:
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Correct answer: B — A premium signature brand for tribal weaves, embroidery and crafts
RISA: Timeless Tribal is a premium signature brand centred on tribal weaves, embroidery and crafts.
Which State signed a reform-linked MoU under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 on 18 March 2026 in the presence of its Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh signed the reform-linked MoU under JJM 2.0 on 18 March 2026; CM Yogi Adityanath joined by video conference.
How many Central Observers did the Election Commission deploy for the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs and the bye-elections?
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Correct answer: C — 1,111
The ECI deployed 1,111 observers: 557 general, 188 police and 366 expenditure observers.
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution read with which provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951?
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Correct answer: D — Section 20B
Central Observers are appointed under Article 324 and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
On 17 March 2026, PM Narendra Modi spoke with the President of which country and stressed safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz?
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Correct answer: D — United Arab Emirates
PM Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the two agreed on safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
As on 1 March 2026, how many FPOs registered under the 10,000 FPOs scheme have 100% women members?
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Correct answer: B — 1,175
1,175 FPOs are registered with 100% women members, and 23.55 lakh women farmers are registered under the scheme.
The scheme for 'Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations', which reached its target by 1 March 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: C — Central Sector Scheme
The Government is implementing a Central Sector Scheme for the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs.
Which two states signed reform-linked MoUs with the Centre under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 on 17 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh signed reform-linked MoUs under JJM 2.0 on 17 March 2026.
How many reform areas are covered by the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 MoUs signed with Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh?
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Correct answer: C — 11
The MoUs cover implementation of 11 key reform areas for rural drinking water governance.
Odisha's State Level Single Window Clearance Authority approved 23 industrial projects on 17 March 2026 with a total investment of:
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Correct answer: A — ₹4,510.65 crore
The 145th SLSWCA meeting approved 23 proposals worth ₹4,510.65 crore, expected to create 10,122 jobs.
Who chaired the 145th meeting of Odisha's State Level Single Window Clearance Authority on 17 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chief Secretary Anu Garg
The SLSWCA meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
Untied grants of the Fifteenth Finance Commission released to rural local bodies can be used for the subjects listed in which Schedule of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: B — Eleventh Schedule
Untied grants are used for location-specific felt needs under the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule, except salaries and establishment costs.
Consider the following about the XV-FC grants announced on 17 March 2026: 1. Madhya Pradesh received the largest first-instalment release among the five states. 2. The grants are released directly by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj without any role of the Ministry of Finance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (₹630.65 crore for MP). Statement 2 is wrong: the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and DDWS recommend the release, which is then made by the Ministry of Finance.
Indian-flagged LPG carriers MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi, which crossed the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026, arrived at which Indian ports?
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Correct answer: D — Mundra and Kandla
The two vessels, carrying about 92,712 tonnes of LPG, arrived at Mundra and Kandla on 16 and 17 March 2026.
Approximately how much LPG were MT Shivalik and MT Nanda Devi carrying together when they crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 13 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — About 92,712 tonnes
The two carriers were carrying approximately 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG.
Consider the following statements about the Strait of Hormuz, crossed by the LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi in March 2026: 1. It lies between Oman and Iran. 2. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Red Sea. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, not the Red Sea (EIA).
The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, passed by the state Legislative Council on 17 March 2026, deals with:
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Correct answer: D — Prohibiting religious conversions through force, fraud, allurement or marriage
The bill seeks to prohibit conversions carried out through force, coercion, allurement, misrepresentation, fraud or marriage.
Consider the following about the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026: 1. The Legislative Assembly passed it a day before the Legislative Council. 2. It became law immediately on passage by the Council, without the Governor's assent. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: the Assembly passed it on 16 March and the Council on 17 March 2026. Statement 2 is wrong: it needs the Governor's assent to become law.
Under the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, what is payable if an unpaid toll is settled after 72 hours of the e-notice?
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Correct answer: C — Twice the toll
The unpaid user fee is twice the applicable toll; only the original fee is payable if paid within 72 hours of the e-notice.
Consider the following about the National Highways Fee (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026: 1. A representation against an e-notice must be disposed of within five days, failing which the claim lapses. 2. Unpaid dues are recorded in the VAHAN system if they remain unpaid beyond 30 days. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: dues are recorded in VAHAN if unpaid beyond 15 days with no pending representation.
The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels whose keels were laid at Ratnagiri on 17 March 2026 are being built for:
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Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard
Yard 16402 and 16403 are the second and third of six NGOPVs for the Indian Coast Guard.
Consider the following about the Indian Coast Guard's Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels: 1. They are being designed and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. 2. Each ship will have a range of 5,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed of 23 knots. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release on the keel laying of 17 March 2026.
As on 31 January 2026, how many entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT?
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Correct answer: C — 2,12,283
A total of 2,12,283 entities had been recognised as startups by DPIIT as on 31 January 2026; 1,02,054 of them have at least one woman director or partner.
The Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) under Startup India is operationalised by:
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Correct answer: B — SIDBI
FFS is operationalised by SIDBI, which provides capital to SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds that invest in startups.
India Post's '24 Speed Post' service launched on 17 March 2026 offers:
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Correct answer: B — Guaranteed next-day (D+1) delivery between six metro cities
24 Speed Post and 24 Speed Post Parcel offer guaranteed next-day (D+1) delivery between New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Consider the following about India Post's new time-definite services launched in March 2026: 1. 48 Speed Post offers assured two-day (D+2) document delivery between the six metros. 2. Deliveries under 24 Speed Post will not be made on Sundays. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: deliveries will also be made on Sundays and holidays, except national holidays.
What bonus did the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet approve on 17 March 2026 on wheat procured at MSP in Rabi Marketing Year 2026-27?
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Correct answer: C — ₹40 per quintal
The Cabinet approved a bonus of ₹40 per quintal on wheat procured from farmers at MSP during RMY 2026-27.
Consider the following decisions of the Madhya Pradesh Cabinet of 17 March 2026: 1. The Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department was renamed the Gaupalan and Animal Husbandry Department. 2. ₹945.20 crore was approved for an elevated corridor in Indore. 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 ₹945.20 crore elevated corridor is in Ujjain.
Which organisation's milestone of five billion meals was commemorated in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on 17 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Akshaya Patra Foundation
The event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre marked five billion meals served by the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
What was the theme of the event held on 17 March 2026 to mark the Akshaya Patra Foundation's five billion meals?
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Correct answer: B — From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India
The theme was 'From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India', linking nutrition and education to Viksit Bharat 2047.
India's total exports (merchandise and services) during April–February 2025-26 are estimated at:
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Correct answer: D — US$ 790.86 billion
Total exports for April–February 2025-26 are estimated at US$ 790.86 billion, up 5.79%; US$ 900.51 billion is the estimate of total imports.
Which sector led India's merchandise export growth in February 2026, rising 12.90% to US$ 10.36 billion?
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Correct answer: D — Engineering goods
Engineering goods exports rose 12.90% from US$ 9.17 billion in February 2025 to US$ 10.36 billion in February 2026.
Consider the following about India's trade data for February 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in February 2026 were higher than in February 2025. 2. India recorded an overall (merchandise plus services) trade deficit in February 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: merchandise exports were US$ 36.61 billion against US$ 36.91 billion in February 2025. Statement 2 is correct: the overall trade balance was –US$ 3.96 billion.
According to the final estimates released in March 2026, India's total horticulture production in 2024-25 was:
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Correct answer: B — 3,707.38 lakh tonnes
Final estimates put 2024-25 production at 3,707.38 lakh tonnes; 3,547.44 was the 2023-24 figure and 3,708.46 is the 2025-26 first advance estimate.
Consider the following about the horticulture estimates released on 16 March 2026: 1. Onion production in 2024-25 rose by over 25% compared with 2023-24. 2. Tomato production in 2024-25 was higher than in 2023-24. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: onion output rose 26.79% to 307.67 lakh tonnes. Statement 2 is wrong: tomato output fell to 205.99 lakh tonnes from 213.23 lakh tonnes, though it is projected to rise in 2025-26.
The fire in the trauma care ICU on 16 March 2026 that killed 12 patients occurred at which hospital?
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Correct answer: C — SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack
The fire broke out in the first-floor trauma care ICU of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.
What ex-gratia did the Prime Minister announce from PMNRF for the next of kin of each person killed in the Cuttack hospital fire?
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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.
Under the National Quantum Mission, approval for quantum teaching laboratories has been granted to how many academic institutions (as disclosed on 16 March 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 23
Quantum teaching labs have been approved in 23 institutions; 100 more are under consideration.
Which city has been identified as the proposed venue for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Pune
Pune has been identified as the proposed venue for IISF 2026, with the Department of Biotechnology preparing the framework.
Who was appointed by the ECI on 16 March 2026 as Special Observer for the Assam Assembly election 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Manjeet Singh
Manjeet Singh, a retired IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, was appointed Special Observer for Assam.
On which date is polling scheduled for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly election?
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Correct answer: B — 9 April 2026
Polling in Assam is on 9 April 2026 and counting on 4 May 2026.
Consider the following about the Special Observer appointed for the 2026 Assam Assembly election: 1. The appointment was made under Article 324 of the Constitution. 2. The Special Observer is a serving IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Manjeet Singh is a retired IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre.
From RMS 2026-27, the commission payable to Arthiyas for wheat procurement in Punjab and Haryana has been raised to:
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Correct answer: A — ₹50.75 per quintal
The Arthiya commission on wheat in Punjab and Haryana rises from ₹46.00 to ₹50.75 per quintal; ₹45.67 is for wheat in Rajasthan and ₹50.61 for paddy.
Under the revised procurement commission structure from RMS 2026-27, procurement carried out at modern silos will earn:
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Correct answer: B — 50% of the mandi rate
For procurement at modern silos, the commission payable will be 50% of the rate applicable in mandis.