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 MoEFCC–NBA biodiversity governance project launched in April 2026 is a joint initiative of the Government of India with which partners?
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Correct answer: D — GEF and UNDP
It is a joint initiative of the Government of India, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP, with a USD 4.88 million grant.
Under the MoEFCC–NBA project, which protected areas form the Meghalaya landscape in the Garo Hills?
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Correct answer: A — Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary
The Garo Hills landscape covers Nokrek Biosphere Reserve, Balpakram National Park and Siju Wildlife Sanctuary; Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam form the Tamil Nadu landscape.
Consider the following statements about the MoEFCC–NBA project 'Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Securing Biodiversity Conservation Commitments': 1. It runs for the period 2025–2030. 2. In Meghalaya, it works through Village Employment Councils, described as an equivalent of gram panchayats. 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 MoEFCC release.
Raghu Rai, who died on 26 April 2026, was the first Indian photographer invited to join which photo agency?
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Correct answer: C — Magnum Photos
Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977 on the nomination of Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Which photographer nominated Raghu Rai to join Magnum Photos?
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Correct answer: A — Henri Cartier-Bresson
Rai was nominated by French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, a founding member of Magnum.
In which year did Raghu Rai join Magnum Photos?
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Correct answer: D — 1977
The Indian Express and the BBC both report that Rai joined Magnum Photos in 1977.
How many space laboratories in universities and colleges will be set up in the first phase, as reviewed on 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Seven
Seven space labs will be established in the first phase.
With which institution is the ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund for space startups being operationalised?
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Correct answer: D — SIDBI
The ₹1,000 crore venture capital fund is being operationalised with SIDBI to support growth-stage startups.
Consider the following statements about India's space sector as briefed by IN-SPACe in April 2026: 1. Private investment in the sector has exceeded USD 600 million over the past five years. 2. The number of space startups has crossed 1,000. 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: space startups grew to over 400 by early 2026.
How many municipal corporations went to the polls in Gujarat's local body elections on 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 15
Polling was held for 15 municipal corporations, 84 municipalities, 34 district panchayats and 260 taluka panchayats.
In the Gujarat local body elections of April 2026, which party won the Narmada district panchayat?
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Correct answer: D — Aam Aadmi Party
The BJP won 33 of 34 district panchayats; the AAP won the Narmada district panchayat.
Consider the following statements about Gujarat's local body elections of April 2026: 1. Polling was held on 26 April and counting on 28 April. 2. Union Home Minister Amit Shah voted in the Surat Municipal Corporation election. 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: Amit Shah voted in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation election.
According to the Prime Minister in the 133rd Mann Ki Baat (April 2026), India's wind energy capacity has crossed:
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Correct answer: D — 56 GW
The PM said India's wind energy capacity has exceeded 56 GW, with nearly 6 GW added in the last year.
The Fast Breeder Reactor whose criticality was hailed in the 133rd Mann Ki Baat is located at:
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Correct answer: D — Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu
The PM said the Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, has achieved criticality.
Consider the following statements made in the 133rd Mann Ki Baat: 1. India ranks fourth in the world in wind energy capacity. 2. The music of the Beating Retreat ceremony is now available on WAVES OTT for the first time. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements were made by the Prime Minister in the 26 April 2026 episode.
According to the Agriculture Ministry's clarification of April 2026, the 2025–26 wheat crop was sown on an estimated area of:
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Correct answer: A — 33.4 million hectares
The wheat crop was sown on an estimated 33.4 million hectares, with an additional 0.6 million hectares over the previous year.
Consider the following statements about the 2025–26 wheat crop as per the Agriculture Ministry: 1. A major pest outbreak reduced yields in several states. 2. Unusually high temperatures in February exposed the crop to heat stress. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: no incidence of major pests or diseases was reported. Statement 2 is correct.
The 'Srinagar Khel Sankalp' released in April 2026 relates to which sector?
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Correct answer: B — Sports
The Srinagar Khel Sankalp sets out a unified, athlete-centric vision for India's sports ecosystem.
At which event was the Srinagar Khel Sankalp released on 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Three-day Chintan Shivir of State and UT sports ministers
It was released on the final day of the three-day Chintan Shivir of State and UT sports ministers in Srinagar.
Which Indian Navy ship is deployed as Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, which arrived in Singapore on 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — INS Sunayna
IOS SAGAR is INS Sunayna, carrying a multinational crew from 16 friendly foreign countries.
Consider the following statements about the IOS SAGAR deployment of 2026: 1. Singapore was its first port call. 2. The ship's crew is drawn from 16 friendly foreign countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Singapore was the fourth port call, after Malé, Phuket and Jakarta. Statement 2 is correct.
Where was the National Chintan Shivir of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment held from 24 to 26 April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chandigarh
The three-day National Chintan Shivir was held in Chandigarh.
Inclusion of which group in Census-2027 was a focus area of the Social Justice Ministry's Chintan Shivir in April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Denotified Tribes (DNTs)
The Shivir focused on inclusion of Denotified Tribes (DNTs) in Census-2027.
Which DRDO laboratory designed and developed the Advanced Armoured Platforms (Tracked and Wheeled) unveiled in April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Vehicles Research & Development Establishment
The platforms were designed and developed by the Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) and unveiled at Ahilyanagar.
DRDO's Advanced Armoured Platforms were unveiled in April 2026 at:
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Correct answer: B — Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra
The platforms were unveiled at the premises of the DRDO laboratory in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra on 25 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about DRDO's Advanced Armoured Platforms: 1. Both platforms are integrated with a 30 mm crewless turret that can also launch anti-tank guided missiles. 2. Their indigenous content is about 90%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Both platforms carry a 30 mm crewless turret configured to launch ATGMs; indigenous content is about 65%, with a plan to raise it to 90%, so only statement 1 is correct.
Which institution is the initial Implementation Agency for the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 under the April 2026 guidelines?
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Correct answer: C — SIDBI
The guidelines name the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) as the initial Implementation Agency; DPIIT will onboard one more agency.
The corpus of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0, for which DPIIT issued operational guidelines in April 2026, is:
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Correct answer: A — ₹10,000 crore
The guidelines operationalise the ₹10,000 crore corpus of FoF 2.0.
Consider the following statements about the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 guidelines: 1. Funds will be committed to SEBI-registered Category I and II Alternative Investment Funds, which invest in DPIIT-recognised startups. 2. AIFs will be selected in two stages, ending with evaluation by a Venture Capital Investment Committee. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: FoF 2.0 commits to SEBI-registered Category I and II AIFs, and selection involves screening by the Implementation Agency followed by a Venture Capital Investment Committee.
India met its all-time highest peak power demand on 25 April 2026. What was the demand met?
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Correct answer: C — 256.1 GW
The Ministry of Power said India met an all-time high peak demand of 256.1 GW on 25 April 2026 at 15:38 hrs.
Before 25 April 2026, India's previous all-time high peak power demand of 250 GW was recorded on:
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Correct answer: D — 30 May 2024
The previous all-time high of 250 GW was recorded on 30 May 2024; the FY 2025–26 peak was 245.4 GW on 9 January 2026.
Consider the following statements about the April 2026 record power demand: 1. India added a record of around 65 GW of generation capacity during FY 2025–26. 2. Electricity exports to neighbouring countries were suspended to meet the peak. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The ministry cited record capacity addition of around 65 GW in FY 2025–26, and said exports to neighbouring countries were maintained, so only statement 1 is correct.
Census 2027 will be which census in the series since Independence?
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Correct answer: D — 8th
The PIB backgrounder says Census 2027 will be the 16th census in the series and the 8th since Independence.
India's first synchronous census was conducted in:
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Correct answer: B — 1881
The backgrounder says the first modern census was conducted between 1865 and 1872, not simultaneously, and the first synchronous census was held in 1881.
Consider the following statements about Census 2027: 1. The decision to include caste enumeration was taken by the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs on 30 April 2025. 2. Its outlay is ₹11,718.24 crore. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the PIB backgrounder of 25 April 2026.
Vikram-1, flagged off to Sriharikota in April 2026 as India's first privately built orbital rocket, was developed by:
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Correct answer: A — Skyroot Aerospace
Vikram-1 is Skyroot Aerospace's orbital rocket, designed and developed at the company's facility in Hyderabad.
According to reports of its April 2026 flag-off, the payload capacity of Skyroot's Vikram-1 rocket is:
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Correct answer: C — 300 kg
The Hindu and Times of India reported that Vikram-1 can carry a payload of 300 kg, with smaller payloads on the first launches.
Consider the following statements about the Vikram-1 flag-off on 25 April 2026: 1. The rocket hardware was flagged off by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from Sriharikota. 2. Skyroot said it was in talks with IN-SPACe and ISRO for a launch window. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy flagged off the hardware from Hyderabad to Sriharikota; Skyroot said it was in discussions with IN-SPACe and ISRO for a launch window. Only statement 2 is correct.
NITI Aayog's April 2026 report 'Moving Towards Effective City Government' focuses on which category of cities?
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Correct answer: B — Million-plus cities
The report is titled 'Moving Towards Effective City Government – A Framework for Million-plus Cities' and prioritises India's million-plus cities.
Consider the following recommendations of NITI Aayog's report on million-plus cities (April 2026): 1. A directly elected Mayor with a fixed tenure, supported by an empowered Mayor-in-Council. 2. Bringing water supply, sanitation and public transport under city governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are among the report's key recommendations.
Coast Guard District Headquarters No. 13, whose OTM Administrative Complex was inaugurated in April 2026, is responsible for:
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Correct answer: B — Puducherry and central Tamil Nadu
District HQ No. 13 at Puducherry is responsible for Puducherry and central Tamil Nadu, overseeing over 140 nautical miles.
Who inaugurated the Coast Guard OTM Administrative Complex at Puducherry on 25 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Director General, Indian Coast Guard
Director General Indian Coast Guard Paramesh Sivamani inaugurated the complex.
'Mission Jagrook', launched by the Union Finance Minister on 25 April 2026, is a nationwide investor awareness initiative of:
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Correct answer: D — SEBI
Nirmala Sitharaman digitally launched SEBI's nationwide investor awareness initiative 'Mission Jagrook' at SEBI's 38th Foundation Day.
At SEBI's Foundation Day in April 2026, which challenge did the Finance Minister describe as the most pressing for SEBI and regulated entities?
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Correct answer: A — Cyber security
Sitharaman said the most pressing emerging challenge is cyber security, warning that one successful attack on a major market institution could disrupt markets nationally.
The 'Goda to Narmada' Jal Yatra launched by Maharashtra in April 2026 marks the 300th birth anniversary of:
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Correct answer: B — Ahilyabai Holkar
The yatra (25–29 April 2026) commemorates the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar.
From where did Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launch the 'Goda to Narmada' Jal Yatra on 25 April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Trimbakeshwar
Fadnavis launched the yatra from Trimbakeshwar in Nashik district; a parallel leg began from Chondi, Ahilyabai Holkar's birthplace, and the legs were to meet at Shirdi.
According to IMD's heatwave guidance of 25 April 2026, the highest maximum temperature of 44.5°C was recorded at:
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Correct answer: A — Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
IMD said the highest temperature of 44.5°C was recorded at Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.
The India Meteorological Department, which issued heatwave guidance in April 2026, functions under:
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Earth Sciences
The PIB release describes IMD as functioning under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
At HUDCO's 56th Foundation Day in April 2026, the Technical Assistance Framework unveiled was for:
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Correct answer: A — Urban Invest Window (UiWIN)
A symposium on the Urban Challenge Fund and the Urban Invest Window followed the event, at which the UiWIN Technical Assistance Framework was unveiled.
Project DANTAK, which celebrated its 66th Raising Day in April 2026, is a project of the Border Roads Organisation in:
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Correct answer: A — Bhutan
Project DANTAK of the BRO celebrated its 66th Raising Day at Thimphu, Bhutan, where it has worked since April 1961.
Project DANTAK of the Border Roads Organisation was established in Bhutan in:
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Correct answer: C — April 1961
Project DANTAK has served in Bhutan since its establishment in April 1961; its 66th Raising Day in 2026 marked 65 years.
Consider the following statements about Project DANTAK: 1. It was instrumental in building Paro International Airport. 2. It has constructed over 1,500 km of roads in Bhutan, including the East–West Highway connecting Trashigang to Thimphu. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the Ministry of Defence release on the 66th Raising Day.
Who was appointed Vice Chairperson of NITI Aayog under the Cabinet Secretariat notification of 24 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Ashok Kumar Lahiri
The notification approved Ashok Kumar Lahiri's appointment as Vice Chairperson; Rajiv Gauba, K. V. Raju and Abhay Karandikar were among the full-time members.
NITI Aayog, reconstituted in April 2026, was originally constituted through:
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Correct answer: B — A Cabinet resolution dated 1 January 2015
NITI Aayog was constituted by a Cabinet Secretariat resolution dated 1 January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission set up by a Cabinet resolution on 15 March 1950.
Consider the following statements about the April 2026 reconstitution of NITI Aayog: 1. Rajiv Gauba and Gobardhan Das were appointed as full-time members. 2. The ex-officio members and special invitees were also replaced. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Rajiv Gauba and Gobardhan Das are among the five full-time members; the notification says ex-officio members and special invitees remain the same, so only statement 1 is correct.
The Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 report released on 24 April 2026 rationalised the number of indicators from 516 to:
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Correct answer: B — 150
PAI 2.0 rationalised indicators from 516 to 150 and recorded participation of 97.30% of Gram Panchayats.
Provisions relating to Panchayats, given constitutional status by the 73rd Amendment Act, are contained in which Part of the Constitution of India?
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Correct answer: D — Part IX
The PIB backgrounder notes that the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 came into force in 1993 and the provisions related to Panchayats are in Part IX.
Consider the following statements made on National Panchayati Raj Day 2026: 1. The Sixteenth Finance Commission's grant for rural local bodies is nearly 84% higher than under the Fifteenth Finance Commission. 2. Basic and performance grants are split in the ratio 50:50. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The secretary said the 16th FC grant is nearly 84% higher than under the 15th FC, with an 80:20 ratio between basic and performance grants; only statement 1 is correct.
The indigenous Silicon Photonics Process Design Kit launched by MeitY in April 2026 was developed at:
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Correct answer: D — IIT Madras
Both solutions were developed at the MeitY-sponsored CoE-CPPICS, IIT Madras.
Consider the following statements about the silicon photonics solutions launched on 24 April 2026: 1. The Process Design Kit has over 50 verified components. 2. A Silicon Photonics Fab has already been commissioned under the India Semiconductor Mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The PDK has over 50 verified components; a Silicon Photonics Fab is only envisaged after commercial demonstration, so only statement 1 is correct.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, whose 2.0 App was launched in April 2026, was originally launched on 15 August 2020 in how many most vulnerable districts?
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Correct answer: C — 272
NMBA was launched on 15 August 2020 in 272 identified most vulnerable districts and extended to all districts from 15 August 2023.
The NMBA 2.0 App launched in April 2026 is meant to strengthen monitoring under:
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Correct answer: D — National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction
The app strengthens monitoring and institutional coordination under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
The first phase of the DGCA ranking of Flying Training Organisations, whose second phase was released in April 2026, was published on:
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Correct answer: D — 1 October 2025
The ministry said the first phase of the FTO ranking was published on 1 October 2025.
While releasing the FTO ranking in April 2026, the Civil Aviation Minister estimated India's requirement of additional pilots over the next decade at nearly:
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Correct answer: B — 30,000
Ram Mohan Naidu cited an estimated requirement of nearly 30,000 additional pilots over the next decade.
In the post-poll scrutiny conducted after the 23 April 2026 polls, Form 17A refers to the:
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Correct answer: A — Register of Voters
The ECI note describes Form 17A as the Register of Voters, scrutinised with other poll-day documents.
Consider the following statements about the Form 17A scrutiny held on 24 April 2026: 1. In West Bengal Phase I, it covered 152 Assembly constituencies and no repoll was recommended. 2. In Tamil Nadu, repolls were recommended in a few of the 75,064 polling stations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Scrutiny covered all 152 ACs of WB Phase I with no repoll; in Tamil Nadu no repoll was recommended out of 75,064 polling stations. Only statement 1 is correct.
The UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development, launched in April 2026, is hosted at:
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Correct answer: B — Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune
The Chair was launched at Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune, during the conference 'Women Leading the Future of Work'.
Who launched the UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development in Pune on 24 April 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Jayant Chaudhary
Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary launched the Chair.
MoSPI's April 2026 proposal for city-level statistical reports covers how many million-plus cities (as per Census 2011)?
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Correct answer: C — 47
The NSO proposed dedicated city-level statistical reports for 47 million-plus cities as per Population Census 2011.
The proposed city-level statistical reports of MoSPI (April 2026) will be based on data from:
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Correct answer: B — PLFS and ASUSE
The reports will use existing data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE).
What is the outlay of the mining sector reform incentive included in the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for FY 2026-27?
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Correct answer: B — ₹5,000 crore
The Ministry of Mines said an incentive mechanism on mining sector reforms with ₹5,000 crore outlay has been incorporated in SASCI for FY 2026-27.
Under the SASCI 2026-27 mining reform component, a state gets ₹20 crore for each major mineral block auctioned with pre-embedded clearances, subject to an upper cap per state of:
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Correct answer: D — ₹200 crore
The incentive is ₹20 crore per block successfully auctioned up to 31 December 2026, with an upper cap of ₹200 crore per state.