Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The 594-km Ganga Expressway inaugurated on 29 April 2026 connects which two cities of Uttar Pradesh?
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Correct answer: B — Meerut and Prayagraj
The Ganga Expressway runs from Meerut to Prayagraj through 12 districts.
Where did the Prime Minister lay the foundation stone of the Ganga Expressway in December 2021?
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Correct answer: D — Shahjahanpur
In his inauguration speech, the PM said he had come to Shahjahanpur in December 2021 to lay the foundation stone; the inauguration took place at Hardoi.
Consider the following statements about the Ganga Expressway: 1. The expressway passes through 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh. 2. The Prime Minister said the expressway will be extended beyond Meerut to Haridwar. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the expressway passes through 12 districts, and the PM said it will soon extend beyond Meerut to Haridwar.
As per the Election Commission's final statistical reports published with Press Note PN/085/2026, what was West Bengal's polling percentage (EVM plus postal) in the 2026 Assembly election?
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Correct answer: A — 93.71%
ECI's Highlight report (published with PN/085/2026) puts West Bengal's state polling percentage at 93.71%, based on 293 ACs excluding Falta (AC 144). 84.72% was the earlier record set in 2011.
How many Assembly constituencies of West Bengal went to the polls in the second phase on 29 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 142
Phase II covered 142 ACs in 8 districts; Phase I had covered 152 ACs, for a total of 294.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election: 1. ECI's final statistical report for the state excluded Falta (AC 144), where a repoll was scheduled. 2. Men recorded a higher turnout than women, as per ECI's final report. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: women's turnout (93.8%) was higher than men's (92.06%).
With which three states were reform-linked MoUs under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 signed on 29 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Tripura
The reform-linked MoUs were signed with Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Tripura.
On which date did the Union Cabinet approve Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0?
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Correct answer: D — 10 March 2026
The reform-linked MoUs followed the approval of JJM 2.0 by the Union Cabinet on 10 March 2026.
As stated on 29 April 2026, how many Doppler Weather Radars does India now operate, up from 14 in 2014?
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Correct answer: A — 50
The DWR network has grown from 14 operational units in 2014 to 50, covering over 87% of the country.
Under which mission are 50 more Doppler Weather Radars planned, as per the Earth Sciences Ministry?
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Correct answer: C — Mission Mausam
The minister said 50 more DWRs are planned under Mission Mausam.
Where was 'CERT-In SAMVAAD 2026', the national annual conference on cybersecurity audits, held from 27 to 29 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus
The conference was organised with BITS Pilani, Goa, at the BITS Pilani K.K. Birla Goa Campus.
AMBAK, launched at CERT-In SAMVAAD 2026, relates to which area?
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Correct answer: D — Audit monitoring, benchmarking and analysis
AMBAK stands for Audit Monitoring, Benchmarking, Analysis and Kinetic Interventions.
The coal gasification plant awarded on 29 April 2026 under Category III of Round II of the incentive scheme will be set up in which district and produce which chemical?
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Correct answer: C — Gadchiroli, acetic acid
The LoA was for a small-scale coal-to-acetic acid plant in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, with a capacity of 75,900 TPA.
Under Category III of the Financial Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects, what is the maximum financial assistance per project?
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Correct answer: A — ₹100 crore or 15% of capex, whichever is lower
Category III supports demonstration and small-scale product-based plants with up to ₹100 crore per project or 15% of capex, whichever is lower.
How many vessels does India plan to add in FY 2026–27 under the roadmap announced by Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on 29 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 62
Sonowal said India is advancing a roadmap to add 62 vessels in FY 2026–27, backed by ₹51,383 crore, creating 2.85 million GT of capacity.
Consider the following statements about India's FY 2026–27 shipping capacity plan announced on 29 April 2026: 1. The plan is backed by an investment of ₹51,383 crore. 2. It aims to add 2.85 million gross tonnage of capacity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways release.
As per 'Women and Men in India 2025', the all-India sex ratio at birth improved from 904 in 2017–19 to what figure in 2021–23?
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Correct answer: D — 917
The publication shows the sex ratio at birth rising from 904 in 2017–19 to 917 in 2021–23.
In which city did MoSPI release 'Women and Men in India 2025: Selected Indicators and Data' on 29 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bhubaneswar
It was released at the National Deliberative Summit on 'Data for Development' in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Seven people were killed on 29 April 2026 when a compound wall collapsed during heavy rain near which hospital in Bengaluru?
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Correct answer: B — Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital
The compound wall near Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital in Shivajinagar collapsed during heavy rain and hail.
At which venue was the closing ceremony of Sikkim's 50th Year of Statehood celebrations held on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Paljor Stadium, Gangtok
The Prime Minister addressed the closing ceremony at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok.
Which Article of the Constitution, inserted by the Constitution (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1975, contains special provisions with respect to Sikkim?
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Correct answer: D — Article 371F
Article 371F (special provisions with respect to the State of Sikkim) was inserted by the 36th Amendment with effect from 26 April 1975.
Consider the following statements about the Constitution (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1975: 1. It omitted Article 2A, under which Sikkim was associated with the Union. 2. It allotted Sikkim two seats in the Lok Sabha. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the Act allotted Sikkim one seat each in the Council of States and the House of the People.
In which city was the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting held on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Bishkek
Rajnath Singh addressed the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On the sidelines of the SCO Defence Ministers' Meeting in April 2026, what did Rajnath Singh gift to Kyrgyzstan?
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Correct answer: A — Two BHISM Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes
Rajnath Singh gifted two indigenously developed BHISM Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes for HADR and search-and-rescue operations.
Consider the following statements about Rajnath Singh's visit to Bishkek in April 2026: 1. He held bilateral meetings with the defence ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Belarus. 2. He recalled the Tianjin Declaration of the SCO in his address. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence releases of 28 April 2026.
As announced on 28 April 2026, from which date will the South Coastal Railway zone come into effect?
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Correct answer: C — 1 June 2026
The Railway Minister said the gazette notification will be issued with 1 June 2026 as the effective date.
Which state was announced on 28 April 2026 to have achieved 100% electrification of its railway network, along with the creation of the South Coastal Railway zone?
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Correct answer: B — Andhra Pradesh
Ashwini Vaishnaw announced in Visakhapatnam that Andhra Pradesh has achieved 100% electrification of its railway network.
According to the Railway Minister, what is Andhra Pradesh's railway budget allocation, described as a record?
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Correct answer: C — ₹10,134 crore
Andhra Pradesh received a record ₹10,134 crore, compared with ₹886 crore earlier for combined AP and Telangana; ₹1,06,000 crore is the value of projects underway.
From which country did the NCB secure the return of drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Türkiye
NCB secured Dola's return from Türkiye under 'Operation Global-Hunt'.
Under which operation did the Narcotics Control Bureau bring back Mohammad Salim Dola in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Operation Global-Hunt
The return was secured under 'Operation Global-Hunt'.
As per MoSPI's quick estimate, by how much did the Index of Industrial Production grow in March 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 4.1%
IIP grew 4.1% in March 2026, compared with 5.2% in February 2026.
Consider the following statements about the IIP for March 2026: 1. Electricity recorded the highest growth among the three sectors. 2. The IIP uses 2011–12 as its base year. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: mining grew fastest (5.5%), electricity grew just 0.8%. Statement 2 is correct.
For how long will sports-related IP registrations be exempt from fees, as announced by Piyush Goyal on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Three years
All sports-related IP registrations will be exempt from fees for three years, effective immediately.
What was the theme of the World Intellectual Property Day celebrations held in New Delhi on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!
The celebrations were themed 'IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate!'.
Which two Amrit Bharat Express trains did the Prime Minister flag off from Varanasi on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Banaras–Hadapsar (Pune) and Ayodhya–Mumbai (LTT)
The PM flagged off the daily Banaras–Hadapsar (Pune) and weekly Ayodhya–Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus) Amrit Bharat Express trains.
Amrit Bharat Express trains, two of which were flagged off on 28 April 2026, are best described as:
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Correct answer: C — Fully non-AC trains with General and Sleeper coaches
Amrit Bharat trains are fully non-AC services with General and Sleeper class coaches, designed for low- and middle-income families.
Road projects worth how much were approved for Jammu & Kashmir under PMGSY-IV (Batch-II), with the sanction letter handed over on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹3,566 crore
Projects worth ₹3,566 crore under PMGSY-IV (Batch-II) were approved for J&K; ₹4,568.23 crore was the DAY-NRLM Mother Sanction for 24 States/UTs.
Consider the following statements about the event at SKICC, Srinagar on 28 April 2026: 1. A DAY-NRLM Mother Sanction was released for 24 States and Union Territories. 2. The PMGSY-IV sanction letter was handed over to the Lieutenant Governor of J&K. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the sanction letter was handed over to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Which Indian Navy ship participated in the bilateral diving exercise IN–SLN DIVEX 2026 at Colombo?
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Correct answer: A — INS Nireekshak
INS Nireekshak, the Indian Navy's Diving Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel, took part in IN–SLN DIVEX 2026.
Consider the following statements about IN–SLN DIVEX 2026: 1. It was the first edition of the India–Sri Lanka diving exercise. 2. Divers from both navies executed deep-sea dives beyond 55 metres. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: it was the fourth edition. Statement 2 is correct.
What was the 'first' about the four coal mine agreements signed by the Ministry of Coal on 28 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — First commercial coal mines with embedded Underground Coal Gasification provisions
They are the first tranche of commercial coal mines in India with embedded provisions for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG).
Consider the following statements about the coal mine agreements with UCG provisions signed on 28 April 2026: 1. The mines were allotted under the 14th round of commercial coal mine auctions. 2. All four mines are located in Jharkhand. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the mines are in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Who signed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement on behalf of New Zealand on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Todd McClay
The FTA was signed by Piyush Goyal and New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay.
How much investment has New Zealand committed to India under the India–New Zealand FTA?
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Correct answer: A — USD 20 billion
The FTA includes a USD 20 billion investment commitment by New Zealand.
Consider the following statements about the India–New Zealand FTA: 1. India has excluded dairy products from its market-access offer. 2. Negotiations were concluded in a record 9 months after being announced in March 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: dairy is excluded, and talks announced on 16 March 2025 concluded in 9 months, the fastest FTA concluded by India.
What is the last date for submitting nominations for the Padma Awards 2027?
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Correct answer: C — 31 July 2026
Nominations opened on 15 March 2026 and close on 31 July 2026.
In which year were the Padma Awards instituted?
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Correct answer: B — 1954
As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Padma Awards were instituted in 1954.
Consider the following statements about eligibility for the Padma Awards: 1. Government servants, including PSU employees, are not eligible, except doctors and scientists. 2. Self-nomination is not permitted. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: MHA invites nominations including self-nomination.
Under NITI Aayog's DPI@2047 roadmap, which period does 'DPI 2.0' cover?
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Correct answer: B — 2025–2035
DPI 2.0 covers 2025–2035 (livelihood-led growth); DPI 3.0 covers 2035–2047.
NITI Aayog developed the DPI@2047 roadmap in partnership with which organisations?
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Correct answer: D — EkStep Foundation and Deloitte
The roadmap was developed in partnership with EkStep Foundation and Deloitte.
Who unveiled the DPI@2047 roadmap along with NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood
The roadmap was unveiled by Suman Bery and Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood; the CEA was present.
As per ECI data up to 27 April 2026, total seizures of illicit inducements in West Bengal had crossed:
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Correct answer: D — ₹510 crore
Seizures reached ₹510.10 crore, higher than ₹339 crore in the 2021 Assembly election.
Consider the following statements about election seizures in West Bengal reported by ECI on 27 April 2026: 1. Cash formed the largest component of the seizures. 2. Seizures are tracked through the Election Seizure Management System (ESMS). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: cash was ₹30 crore, less than freebies/other (₹184.85 crore) and liquor (₹126.85 crore). Statement 2 is correct.
With which earlier election did ECI compare West Bengal's 2026 seizure total of over ₹510 crore?
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Correct answer: A — 2021 Assembly election (₹339 crore)
ECI said the ₹510.10 crore seized was higher than the ₹339 crore seized in the state during the 2021 Assembly election.
From 28 April 2026, the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express runs permanently with how many coaches?
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Correct answer: B — 20
The train was augmented from 16 to 20 coaches permanently from journeys commencing 28 April 2026.
Of the 162 Vande Bharat services operational as of April 2026, the largest number run with which formation?
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Correct answer: C — 8 coaches
90 services run with 8 coaches, 38 with 20 coaches and 34 with 16 coaches.
The Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express covers its 491-km route in about how much time?
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Correct answer: A — 5 hours 30 minutes
The train completes the 491-km journey in 5 hours 30 minutes with halts at Borivali, Vapi, Surat and Vadodara.
The new Khambatki Ghat twin-tube six-lane tunnel, partly opened for trial in April 2026, lies on which highway stretch?
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Correct answer: B — Pune–Satara (NH-48)
The tunnel is on NH-4 (new NH-48) on the Pune–Satara highway in Maharashtra.
What was the physical progress of the New Khambatki Ghat tunnel project as reported on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 86%
The project had reached 86% physical progress, with one tube opened for trial.
Which body released the consultation paper on 'Proliferation of Public Wi-Fi Networks in India' on 27 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
TRAI released the consultation paper and invited comments by 25 May 2026.
By what date are written comments invited on TRAI's April 2026 consultation paper on public Wi-Fi?
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Correct answer: A — 25 May 2026
Comments are due by 25 May 2026; counter-comments by 8 June 2026.
Andhra University, which celebrated its centenary in April 2026, is located in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Visakhapatnam
The Vice-President attended the centenary celebrations of Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.
Which philosopher-statesman, recalled by the Vice-President at the Andhra University centenary, was a former Vice-Chancellor of the university?
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Correct answer: C — Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
The Vice-President recalled the legacy of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University.
MoSPI's April 2026 approach paper proposes an index to capture short-term movements in which sector?
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Correct answer: B — Services
The paper is on compiling an Index of Service Production (ISP) for the formal sector, as there is no short-term index for services unlike the IIP for industry.
Which data source does MoSPI's approach paper on the Index of Service Production draw on?
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Correct answer: D — Goods and Services Tax (GST) data
The approach paper relies on GST data along with other digitised administrative sources.
The Gandhinagar educational campus highlighted under SBM-Urban 2.0 in April 2026 runs biogas plants with what combined capacity?
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Correct answer: D — 90 cubic metres per day
The campus operates two biogas plants with a combined capacity of 90 cubic metres per day; 222 is the number of cows and 500+ the daily meals.
Under its April 2026 MoU with the Department of Posts, which logistics company gets access to India Post's network of 1.64 lakh post offices?
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Correct answer: D — DTDC Express
DTDC Express Limited signed the MoU with the Department of Posts on 27 April 2026.