Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What was the theme of National Safety Day 2026, observed on 4 March?
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Correct answer: D — Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety
The 55th National Safety Day/Week in 2026 had the theme 'Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety'.
National Safety Day on 4 March commemorates the founding of which organisation?
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Correct answer: A — National Safety Council of India
National Safety Day marks the foundation of the National Safety Council of India on 4 March 1966.
Consider the following statements about National Safety Day: 1. The National Safety Council of India was founded on 4 March 1966. 2. National Safety Day was first observed in 1972. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the Council was founded on 4 March 1966 and the day was first observed in 1972. The 2026 observance was the 55th edition.
The Saraighat Rana Smritisaudh, inaugurated in Guwahati on 4 March 2026, commemorates a battle fought in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1671
The memorial honours warriors of the Battle of Saraighat, fought in 1671 under Ahom general Lachit Borphukan.
How many warriors' names are engraved on the Saraighat Rana Smritisaudh in Guwahati?
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Correct answer: C — 132
The memorial, built in traditional Ahom style at Panbazar, bears the engraved names of 132 warriors.
Consider the following statements about the Battle of Saraighat: 1. The Ahom forces were led by Lachit Borphukan. 2. The battle was a naval clash fought on the Brahmaputra against Mughal forces. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: India Today NE and the Times of India state that Ahom general Lachit Borphukan led the 1671 battle, and the Times of India describes it as a naval clash on the Brahmaputra that halted Mughal expansion.
Which ministry set up a special control room on 4 March 2026 for Indians affected by the West Asia and Gulf crisis?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs set up the control room, working from 9 am to 9 pm.
According to the MEA in March 2026, roughly how many Indian citizens live in West Asia?
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Correct answer: A — Nearly one crore
The MEA said nearly one crore Indian citizens reside in West Asia and their safety is of utmost priority.
What is the toll-free number of the MEA special control room set up on 4 March 2026 for the West Asia situation?
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Correct answer: A — 1800118797
The control room can be reached on the toll-free number 1800118797 and on three Delhi landline numbers from 9 am to 9 pm.
Which team did New Zealand beat in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — South Africa
New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets, ending South Africa's unbeaten run in the tournament.
Finn Allen's unbeaten 100 in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, the fastest century in men's T20 World Cups, came off how many balls?
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Correct answer: B — 33
Allen made 100 not out off 33 balls, with 10 fours and eight sixes according to BBC Sport.
Consider the following statements about the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: 1. New Zealand chased the target with 43 balls to spare. 2. It was New Zealand's first appearance in a men's T20 World Cup final. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: New Zealand made 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs. The ICC noted it would be their second men's T20 World Cup final, after 2021.
The Dinesh Goswami Flyover, inaugurated on 4 March 2026, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Guwahati
The 1.2-km flyover at Bharalumukh, Guwahati, was completed in 15 months against a 24-month target.
Which body organised the free health check-up camps during Janaushadhi Saptah 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)
PMBI, under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, organised the camps at about 250 locations from 1 to 5 March 2026.
According to officials, roughly how many devotees visited the Braj region for Holi festivities between 24 February and 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Over 44 lakh
Officials said more than 44 lakh devotees visited Mathura, Vrindavan and other Braj sites, with five to six lakh more expected.
For which force are the six ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters contracted on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Coast Guard
The six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters, worth ₹2,901 crore, are for the Indian Coast Guard.
With which company did the Defence Ministry sign the contract for Vertical Launch-Shtil missiles on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — JSC Rosoboronexport
The ₹2,182 crore VL-Shtil contract was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation.
What was the combined value of the ALH Mk-III and VL-Shtil contracts signed on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹5,083 crore
The two contracts totalled ₹5,083 crore: ₹2,901 crore for ALH Mk-III and ₹2,182 crore for VL-Shtil.
Consider the following statements about the ALH Mk-III (MR) contract of 3 March 2026: 1. It was placed with HAL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. 2. The helicopters are single-engine platforms meant only for shore-based operations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Ministry describes the ALH Mk-III as twin-engine helicopters able to operate from shore-based airfields and from ships at sea.
Who chaired the 3 March 2026 review of the security of Indian vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf?
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Correct answer: D — Sarbananda Sonowal
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the review.
Through which body did the Shipping Ministry activate enhanced monitoring of Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf in March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Directorate General of Shipping
The Directorate General of Shipping started real-time tracking and 24×7 monitoring through the MMDAC DGComm Centre.
What type of eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Total lunar eclipse
A total lunar eclipse occurred on 3 March 2026, with totality from 16:34 to 17:33 IST.
During the total lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026, the end of totality was visible from which parts of India?
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Correct answer: A — Parts of North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Most of India saw only the ending at moonrise; some places in North-East India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could also see the end of totality.
Consider the following statements about the lunar eclipse of 3 March 2026: 1. The totality phase lasted from 16:34 to 17:33 IST. 2. Most places in India saw the entire totality phase because the Moon had already risen. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Moon had not risen over most of India during totality, so most places saw only the ending of the eclipse at moonrise.
The Capital Region Ring Road project, for which NHAI issued Letters of Award in March 2026, is being built around which city?
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Correct answer: B — Bhubaneswar
The 111-km Capital Region Ring Road is also called the Bhubaneswar Bypass, in Odisha.
Under which model will the Bhubaneswar Capital Region Ring Road be built?
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Correct answer: C — Hybrid Annuity Mode
The 111-km road will be built in three packages under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
Consider the following statements about the Capital Region Ring Road (Bhubaneswar Bypass): 1. It runs for 111 km from Rameshwar to Tangi. 2. It is a four-lane brownfield upgrade of an existing highway. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The project is a six-lane access-controlled greenfield road with a design speed of 100 kmph.
What was the theme of the post-Budget webinar addressed by PM Modi on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth
The second webinar of the post-Budget series was on 'Sustaining and Strengthening Economic Growth'.
According to J.P. Nadda at the 3 March 2026 webinar, how much has been allocated over five years for the BioPharma mission?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10,000 crore
₹10,000 crore over five years is for the BioPharma mission, within a total ₹13,000 crore provision for BioPharma SHAKTI and three chemical parks.
Attukal Pongala, held on 3 March 2026, takes place in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Thiruvananthapuram
Attukal Pongala is offered by women devotees to the deity of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Why was the sanctum of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple closed from 3.10 pm to 7 pm on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — A lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse fell on the same day, so the sanctum closed after the Pongala rituals and reopened at 7 pm.
According to TRAI's report released on 3 March 2026, how many internet subscribers did India have at the end of December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 1,028.61 million
Internet subscribers rose to 1,028.61 million, of which 1,007.35 million were broadband.
Consider the following statements based on TRAI's report for October–December 2025: 1. Broadband subscribers crossed 1,000 million. 2. Narrowband internet subscribers increased during the quarter. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: broadband reached 1,007.35 million. Narrowband subscribers fell 4.18% to 21.25 million.
Which minister briefed the media on 3 March 2026 on India's energy preparedness amid hostilities in the Middle East?
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Correct answer: D — Hardeep Singh Puri
Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri gave the briefing.
According to the Petroleum Ministry in March 2026, what is India's global rank as a refiner?
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Correct answer: B — Fourth
India is the fourth-largest refiner, third-largest importer and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products globally.
Consider the following statements from the Petroleum Ministry's briefing of 3 March 2026: 1. Indian energy companies have access to some supplies that are not routed through the Strait of Hormuz. 2. A 24×7 control room has been set up to monitor supply and stock positions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: the ministry cited supplies that avoid the Strait of Hormuz and set up a 24×7 control room to monitor stocks nationwide.
The Kaziranga Orchid Park, inaugurated on 3 March 2026, is located at which place in Assam?
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Correct answer: B — Kohora
The park is at Kohora in Kaziranga National Park, Golaghat district.
What is the 'Mudhalvar Padaippagam' inaugurated by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin in Chennai on 3 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — A Chief Minister's Creative Centre with a modern library
Mudhalvar Padaippagam means Chief Minister's Creative Centre; the Ashok Nagar centre has a modern library and was built by CMDA.
UIDAI's school drive for mandatory biometric updates in Aadhaar was enabled by integration with which application?
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Correct answer: D — UDISE+
UIDAI integrated with UDISE+ of the Department of School Education and Literacy, which shows children's MBU status.
Which principle did India and Canada adopt on 2 March 2026 as the guiding framework for their renewed Strategic Partnership?
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Correct answer: D — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
The Joint Leaders' Statement adopted 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'One Earth, One Family, One Future' as the overarching framework.
Which Canadian company signed a long-term uranium supply contract with India's Department of Atomic Energy during the Carney visit?
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Correct answer: A — Cameco
The DAE signed a long-term contract with Cameco for the supply of uranium ore concentrates.
According to Cameco, over which period will it supply nearly 22 million pounds of uranium ore concentrate to India?
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Correct answer: B — 2027–2035
Cameco said deliveries are expected to begin in 2027 and run through 2035, a nine-year period.
The trilateral MoU on technology and innovation signed during the visit involves India, Canada and which third country?
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Correct answer: D — Australia
The India–Canada–Australia trilateral MoU falls under the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation (ACITI) Partnership.
Consider the following statements about Mark Carney's visit to India (27 February – 2 March 2026): 1. It was the first bilateral visit to India by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2018. 2. A Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence is to be set up at NIFTEM Kundli. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Joint Statement says it was the first bilateral visit by a Canadian PM since 2018, and the outcomes list a Declaration of Intent on a Joint Pulse Protein Centre of Excellence at NIFTEM Kundli.
What interest rate on EPF deposits for 2025-26 did EPFO's Central Board of Trustees recommend on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 8.25%
The CBT recommended 8.25%, the same rate as declared for 2024-25.
Who chairs the Central Board of Trustees of the EPF, as at its 239th meeting on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Union Labour and Employment Minister
The Union Labour and Employment Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, chaired the meeting; the Central Provident Fund Commissioner is the Member Secretary.
The new EPF, EPS and EDLI Schemes, 2026, approved by the CBT on 2 March 2026, are aligned with which law?
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Correct answer: B — Code on Social Security, 2020
The new schemes were approved for notification under the Code on Social Security, 2020, to replace the current schemes.
Consider the following statements about decisions of the 239th CBT meeting of EPF (2 March 2026): 1. A one-time Amnesty Scheme was approved for exempted establishments under the EPF & MP Act, 1952. 2. A pilot was approved for auto-settlement of inoperative accounts with balances of ₹10,000 or less. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The auto-settlement pilot covers inoperative accounts with unclaimed balances of ₹1,000 or less (over 1.33 lakh accounts), not ₹10,000.
With which shipyard did the Defence Ministry sign a contract on 2 March 2026 for four 500-tonne fuel barges for the Navy?
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Correct answer: A — Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane
The contract was concluded with Shoft Shipyard Private Limited, Thane, an MSME shipyard.
Under whose classification rules will the Navy's new self-propelled fuel barges be built?
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Correct answer: B — Indian Register of Shipping
The barges will be built under the classification rules of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
At how many locations is the nationwide ASMITA athletics league to be held on International Women's Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 250
The league was announced for 250 locations on 8 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about ASMITA: 1. ASMITA stands for 'Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women Through Action'. 2. ASMITA leagues were started in 2021 as part of Khelo India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. ASMITA is part of Khelo India's gender-neutral mission, and its leagues began in 2021.
To which city did INSV Kaundinya make her maiden overseas voyage, completed with her flag-in at Mumbai on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Muscat
INSV Kaundinya returned after her maiden overseas voyage to Muscat, Oman.
The design of INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a 5th-century CE depiction found at which site?
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Correct answer: A — Ajanta Caves
The Navy says INSV Kaundinya is inspired by a 5th-century CE depiction from the Ajanta Caves.
Consider the following statements about INSV Kaundinya: 1. Her wooden planks are stitched together with coir rope and sealed with natural resins. 2. She was inducted into the Indian Navy in May 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The vessel uses ancient stitched-plank construction with coir rope and natural resins, and was inducted in May 2025.
Where was MeitY's 30 kW Wide Band Gap-based Integrated Drive System for EVs launched on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — IIT Madras, Chennai
MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan launched the system at IIT Madras, Chennai.
Under which national mission was the 30 kW WBG-based Integrated Drive System for EVs developed?
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Correct answer: D — National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET)
C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram developed it with IIT Madras and Lucas TVS under NaMPET.
What was India's IIP growth rate for January 2026 according to the quick estimate released on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 4.8%
IIP grew 4.8% year-on-year in January 2026.
Which of the three IIP sectors recorded the highest growth in January 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Electricity
Electricity grew 5.1%, ahead of manufacturing (4.8%) and mining (4.3%).
Which industry group was the top positive contributor to manufacturing growth in January 2026, growing 13.2%?
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Correct answer: D — Manufacture of basic metals
Manufacture of basic metals (13.2%) was the top contributor, followed by motor vehicles (10.9%) and other non-metallic mineral products (9.9%).
With which Japanese agency did NITI Aayog sign the Record of Discussions for Phase II of SDG cooperation in Aspirational Districts and Blocks on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — JICA
NITI Aayog signed the Record of Discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Consider the following statements: 1. The Aspirational Districts Programme was launched in January 2018 to transform 112 districts. 2. The Aspirational Blocks Programme was launched in January 2023 covering 500 blocks. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. NITI Aayog states ADP was launched in January 2018 for 112 districts; PIB states ABP was launched on 7 January 2023 with 500 blocks from 329 districts.
Where was the 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan CEPA held on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Tokyo
The 7th Joint Committee meeting under the India–Japan CEPA was held in Tokyo on 2 March 2026.
Who co-chaired the 7th India–Japan CEPA Joint Committee meeting from the Indian side?
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Correct answer: D — Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal co-chaired the meeting with the Senior Deputy Minister of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Consider the following statements about the India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement: 1. It was signed on 16 February 2011. 2. It entered into force on 1 August 2011. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The India–Japan CEPA was signed on 16 February 2011 and came into force on 1 August 2011, according to the Department of Commerce.
What is the total outlay of Haryana's budget for 2026-27, presented on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — About ₹2.23 lakh crore
The 2026-27 budget outlay is ₹2,23,658.17 crore, about ₹2.23 lakh crore.
Haryana's 2026-27 budget proposed a new 'Haryana Agri DISCOM'. What will it serve?
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Correct answer: A — All agricultural feeders and farm consumers
The Haryana Agri DISCOM, the state's third distribution company, will serve all 5,084 agricultural feeders and 7.12 lakh agricultural consumers.
Consider the following statements about Haryana's budget 2026-27: 1. The fiscal deficit is estimated at 2.65% of the state's GDP. 2. Under the FRBM Act, 2003, a state's fiscal deficit should stay below 3% of its GDP, as cited in the budget speech. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The speech puts the fiscal deficit at ₹40,293.17 crore (2.65% of GDP) and cites the FRBM Act, 2003 ceiling of 3%.
Who signed the Terms of Reference for the India–Canada CEPA on behalf of India on 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Piyush Goyal
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal signed the ToR with Canada's Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu.
What bilateral trade target by 2030 did India and Canada set while launching CEPA negotiations?
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Correct answer: D — US$50 billion
PM Modi said the goal is to take bilateral trade to US$50 billion by 2030.
According to the Commerce Ministry, what was India–Canada bilateral trade in FY 2024-25?
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Correct answer: A — US$8.66 billion
Bilateral trade was US$8.66 billion in 2024-25, with exports of US$4.22 billion and imports of US$4.44 billion (DGCI&S).
How many hours of mandatory On-the-Job Training or Group Project must ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme complete, as per DGT guidelines of 2 March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 150 hours
DGT made 150 hours of OJT or Group Project mandatory for ITI trainees under the Craftsmen Training Scheme.