Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
At its 129th Enforcement Task Force meeting on 17 April 2026, CAQM reviewed how many inspections carried out by its flying squads during the 15-day reporting period?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 162
162 inspections were carried out between 27 March and 10 April 2026, finding 64 violations.
In the CAQM inspections reviewed in April 2026, which category accounted for the largest number of inspections and violations?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Diesel generator sets
DG sets accounted for 109 of 162 inspections and 42 of 64 violations.
The SEZ notified in April 2026 for India's first chip fabrication plant, by Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing, is located at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Dholera
The SEZ is at Dholera, Gujarat; Sanand hosts Micron's ATMP SEZ and Dharwad the Aequs SEZ.
The amendment to the SEZ Rules, 2006 notified on 3 June 2025 for semiconductor and electronics SEZs reduced the minimum land requirement:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — From 50 hectares to 10 hectares
The minimum land requirement was reduced from 50 hectares to 10 hectares.
Consider the following statements about the Dholera SEZ notified in April 2026: 1. It will be spread over 66.166 hectares. 2. It is expected to provide employment to 21,000 persons. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Commerce Ministry.
The motion to introduce the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on 16 April 2026 was carried by what vote in the division?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 251 to 185
The Hindu and BusinessLine report 251 in favour and 185 against at the introduction stage; 298–230 was the vote on passage on 17 April.
Under the Delimitation Bill, 2026 (as summarised by PRS), the proposed Delimitation Commission would consist of: 1. A chairperson who is or has been a Supreme Court judge 2. The Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner nominated by the CEC 3. The State Election Commissioner of the state concerned 4. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha Select the correct answer:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3 only
PRS lists the chairperson (serving or former SC judge), the CEC or a nominated EC, and the State Election Commissioner; the Speaker is not a member.
The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 proposed that the Delimitation Commission fix the number of Assembly seats at not less than the existing number. Match the UT with that minimum: 1. Puducherry – 30 2. Delhi – 70 3. Jammu and Kashmir – 90 How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Only two
Pairs 1 and 2 are correct. PRS gives the existing figure for Jammu and Kashmir under the 2019 Reorganisation Act as 114, not 90.
Consider the following statements, based on PRS Legislative Research's analysis of the Delimitation Bills of 2026: 1. The last Delimitation Commission was constituted in 2002 and its orders were finalised in 2008. 2. The Delimitation Bill, 2026 provided that the census to be used is the latest one published when the Commission is constituted, implying the 2011 Census. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per PRS.
With which two regulators did FIU-India sign separate MoUs on 16 April 2026 to combat money laundering?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — SEBI and PFRDA
FIU-IND signed separate MoUs with SEBI and PFRDA.
The FIU-IND MoUs of April 2026 state that information exchange with foreign financial intelligence units will follow which principles?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Egmont Principles of Information Exchange
The MoUs will assist exchange of information with foreign FIUs through the Egmont Principles of Information Exchange.
GRAP Stage-I was invoked across the NCR on 16 April 2026 when Delhi's daily average AQI was recorded at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 226
Delhi's AQI was 226, in the 'Poor' category (201–300).
Consider the following statements about the GRAP action of April 2026: 1. The AQI range for the 'Poor' category, as cited by CAQM, is 201–300. 2. Stage-I was applied only to Delhi and not to the rest of the NCR. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Stage-I actions were invoked across the entire NCR.
Who chairs the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG) constituted by MeitY in April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ashwini Vaishnaw
The AIGEG is chaired by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, with MoS Jitin Prasada as Vice Chairperson.
The constitution of the AIGEG gives formal effect to institutional recommendations made in which two documents?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey
MeitY says the AIGEG gives effect to recommendations in India's AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey.
The Final Conference of WADA's GAIIN, addressed by the Sports Minister in New Delhi in April 2026, relates to which area?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Anti-doping intelligence and investigations
GAIIN is WADA's Global Anti-Doping Intelligence & Investigations Network.
Which statute did the Sports Minister cite in April 2026 as India's statutory framework against doping, later aligned with global standards by a 2025 amendment?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — National Anti-Doping Act, 2022
He cited the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 and the National Anti-Doping Amendment Act, 2025.
In April 2026, the NHRC heard 216 cases of alleged bonded labour in brick kilns of which state?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
The cases related to brick kilns across various districts of Uttar Pradesh.
The law under which bonded labourers are entitled to rescue, release and rehabilitation, cited by the NHRC in April 2026, is the:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
The NHRC cited the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976 and the Central Sector Scheme.
The Brackishwater Aquaculture Cluster reviewed by the Fisheries Secretary in April 2026 is located at:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bhimavaram
The review was of the PMMSY Brackishwater Aquaculture Cluster at Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh.
The Bhimavaram aquaculture cluster reviewed in April 2026 was notified under which scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
The cluster is notified under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
After commissioning of EVMs for the April 2026 polls, a mock poll of how many votes is held in 5% of randomly selected EVMs?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,000
ECI said commissioning is followed by a mock poll of 1,000 votes in 5% of EVMs randomly selected by candidates.
Consider the following statements about EVM allocation for the 2026 Assembly polls, as described by ECI: 1. EVMs are allotted to polling stations through a two-stage randomisation using the EVM Management System. 2. Tamil Nadu has more polling stations voting on 23 April than West Bengal Phase I. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: two-stage randomisation is done through EMS, and Tamil Nadu has 75,064 polling stations against 44,378 in West Bengal Phase I.
MoSPI's PAIMANA platform for monitoring Central Sector infrastructure projects replaced which earlier system?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — OCMS-2006
PAIMANA, operational from 25 September 2025, replaced the Online Computerized Monitoring System (OCMS-2006).
MoSPI currently monitors infrastructure performance across how many key sectors and sub-indicators?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 11 sectors, 28 sub-indicators
MoSPI monitors 11 key sectors covering 28 sub-indicators.
What is the total central assistance under the Urban Challenge Fund, whose Operational Guidelines were launched on 15 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹1 lakh crore
The UCF has central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore; ₹4 lakh crore is the total urban investment it aims to catalyse.
Consider the following statements about the Urban Challenge Fund: 1. Central assistance is limited to 25% of project cost. 2. At least 50% of project funding is to be mobilised through municipal bonds, bank loans and public-private partnerships. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per MoHUA.
How much of the Urban Challenge Fund outlay is earmarked for the Credit Repayment Guarantee Sub-Scheme (CRGSS)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹5,000 crore
₹5,000 crore is earmarked for the CRGSS; another ₹5,000 crore is for project preparation and capacity building, and ₹90,000 crore for projects.
Who administered the oath of office to Samrat Choudhary as Chief Minister of Bihar on 15 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Governor Syed Ata Hasnain
The Hindu and Business Standard report that Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath at Lok Bhawan, Patna.
Consider the following statements about the change of government in Bihar in April 2026: 1. Samrat Choudhary is the first BJP leader to become Chief Minister of Bihar. 2. Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, who took oath alongside him, are BJP leaders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct per The Hindu and Business Standard. Statement 2 is wrong: both are JD(U) leaders.
Which Article of the Constitution of India provides that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and the other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Article 164
Article 164(1) provides for the appointment of the Chief Minister by the Governor and of other Ministers on the CM's advice. Article 163 deals with the Council of Ministers aiding and advising the Governor; Article 167 with the CM's duties to furnish information; Article 356 with failure of constitutional machinery.
Consider the following statements about Census 2027: 1. Data collected under the Census Act, 1948 remains confidential and is used only for statistical purposes and development planning. 2. The Self-Enumeration window before field operations lasts 30 days. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct per MHA. Statement 2 is wrong: the Self-Enumeration period is 15 days; the 30-day period is for house-to-house field operations.
Under which law is data collected in Census 2027 kept confidential?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Census Act, 1948
MHA states that all data collected under the Census Act, 1948 remains strictly confidential.
Houselisting field operations of Census 2027 began on 16 April 2026 in a set of States/UTs. Which of the following was NOT among them?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bihar
The first group was A&N Islands, Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Mizoram, Odisha and Sikkim, plus NDMC and Delhi Cantonment. In Bihar, only the Self-Enumeration window was to start, on 17 April.
Which two new priority areas did India introduce at the first BRICS Health Working Group meeting of 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Healthy Lifestyle and Promotion of Mental Wellness
India added 'Healthy Lifestyle' and 'Promotion of Mental Wellness'; the TB Research Network and evidence-based traditional medicine are continuing priorities.
India's theme for its BRICS Chairship in 2026 is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and ______'. Fill in the blank.
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Sustainability
The theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability', as stated by the Health Ministry.
Under the DoT–SEBI MoU of April 2026, DoT will automatically share the 'MNRL' with SEBI. What does MNRL stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mobile Number Revocation List
MNRL is the Mobile Number Revocation List, which lets SEBI-regulated entities ensure investor accounts are linked only to active, valid mobile connections.
Consider the following statements about the DoT–SEBI MoU signed on 15 April 2026: 1. DoT will share its Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) with SEBI to help identify mobile numbers linked to suspicious patterns. 2. The data exchange will run through DoT's Digital Intelligence Platform, which connects more than 1,400 stakeholders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the DoT release.
As per ECI instructions, distribution of Voter Information Slips must be completed at least how many days before polling day?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 5 days
ECI says the process is to be completed at least 5 days before the day of poll.
Consider the following statements about Voter Information Slips (VIS) for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Voters with visual impairment receive Braille-enabled Accessible Voter Information Slips in addition to the regular VIS. 2. VIS may be printed in any language a voter requests. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: ECI has instructed that VIS be only in the languages in which the electoral roll is published for that constituency.
What was the annual rate of inflation based on the All India Wholesale Price Index for March 2026 (provisional)?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 3.88%
WPI inflation was 3.88% in March 2026; 2.13% was February, 1.68% January, and 6.36% was the Primary Articles group.
Arrange the following major groups of the WPI (base 2011-12) in descending order of their weight: 1. Primary Articles 2. Fuel and Power 3. Manufactured Products Select the correct answer:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 3 – 1 – 2
Weights given in the March 2026 release: Manufactured Products 64.23%, Primary Articles 22.62%, Fuel and Power 13.15%.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, India's total exports (merchandise and services) in FY 2025-26 were estimated at about:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — US$ 860 billion
Total exports in FY 2025-26 are estimated at US$ 860.09 billion; US$ 825.26 billion was the FY 2024-25 figure and US$ 441.78 billion was merchandise alone.
Consider the following statements about India's trade data released on 15 April 2026: 1. Merchandise exports in FY 2025-26 grew faster than total exports. 2. Services figures for March 2026 are estimates, because the latest RBI services data is for February 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: merchandise exports grew 0.93% while total exports grew 4.22%. Statement 2 is correct per the release's note.
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin for March 2026, the unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above (CWS) was:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 5.1%
MoSPI put the overall unemployment rate at 5.1% in March 2026.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS monthly bulletin for March 2026: 1. The March 2026 bulletin was the first in the monthly PLFS series. 2. Female LFPR in urban areas was higher than in rural areas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The March 2026 bulletin is the twelfth in the series, and urban female LFPR (25.2%) was lower than rural female LFPR (38.9%).
Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri, where the Prime Minister inaugurated the Sri Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira on 15 April 2026, is in which district of Karnataka?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Mandya
PIB places Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya, Karnataka.
In the appeals made at Adichunchanagiri on 15 April 2026, by how much did the Prime Minister ask people to reduce the oil in their food to tackle obesity?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 10%
The seventh appeal was to reduce the amount of oil in food by 10%.
The nicotine sensor developed at INST Mohali is based on which material?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Iron metal-organic framework nanospheres
DST says the sensor uses iron (Fe-III) metal-organic framework nanospheres.
Consider the following statements about the INST Mohali nicotine sensor: 1. Cotinine, which the sensor also detects, is a stable biomarker of nicotine present in blood, saliva and urine. 2. The sensor is a 'turn-off' type whose fluorescence weakens when nicotine binds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: it is a 'turn-on' sensor; the nanospheres glow brighter when nicotine or cotinine enters their pores.
NHAI said many FASTag–number plate mismatches involve FASTags issued before FASTag issuance was integrated with which database?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — VAHAN
NHAI said many mismatches relate to FASTags issued before integration with the VAHAN database, when validation was largely manual.
Consider the following statements about NHAI's April 2026 FASTag directive: 1. FASTag issuer banks must blacklist FASTags found linked to incorrect or invalid vehicle registration numbers. 2. Under Multi-Lane Free Flow tolling, e-Notices to non-compliant vehicles will depend on accurate vehicle identification data. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the NHAI release.
What is the length of the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor inaugurated on 14 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 213 km
BusinessLine, The Statesman and CNBC-TV18 all report a length of 213 km.
Consider the following statements about the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor: 1. It is a six-lane, access-controlled corridor built at a cost of over ₹12,000 crore. 2. It passes through Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as reported by BusinessLine, The Statesman and CNBC-TV18.
The Prime Minister highlighted an elevated wildlife corridor built as part of the Delhi–Dehradun expressway so that animals including elephants face no disruption. What is its approximate length, as stated by PIB?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — About 12 km
PIB says a nearly 12-kilometre elevated wildlife corridor has been built as part of the expressway.
Which birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was observed on 14 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 135th
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment marked the 135th birth anniversary.
The Dr. Ambedkar Foundation, which organised the Ambedkar Jayanti event at Prerna Sthal, functions under which ministry?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
PIB states the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Consider the following statements: 1. Prerna Sthal, where the 135th Ambedkar Jayanti tributes were paid, is in the Parliament House premises in New Delhi. 2. The Chairman of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation is the Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: PIB places Prerna Sthal in the Parliament House premises and names Dr. Virendra Kumar as Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Chairman, Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
What ex-gratia did the Prime Minister announce from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each worker killed in the Sakti power plant explosion of 14 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹2 lakh
The PM announced ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF per deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured; ₹5 lakh was the Chhattisgarh government's assistance.
Consider the following statements about the power plant explosion in Chhattisgarh on 14 April 2026: 1. The explosion occurred at Vedanta's power plant at Singhitarai in Sakti district. 2. The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister announced ₹5 lakh for the families of each deceased worker. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as reported by The Hindu.
How many candidates are in the fray for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election after withdrawals, as per ECI?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 2,926
ECI gives 2,926 in total: 1,478 in Phase I and 1,448 in Phase II.
On which date does Phase II of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election go to the polls?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 29 April 2026
ECI states that Phase II goes to the polls on 29 April 2026; 13 April was the last date of withdrawal.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election: 1. Phase I covers more assembly constituencies than Phase II. 2. Phase II has more contesting candidates than Phase I. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct: 152 constituencies in Phase I against 142 in Phase II. Statement 2 is wrong: Phase II has 1,448 candidates and Phase I has 1,478.
Under the National Highways Fee (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, up to what level of excess load is no overload fee charged?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 10%
No overload fee is charged for excess load up to 10%.
Under the revised rules effective 15 April 2026, a vehicle carrying more than 40% excess load on a National Highway is charged:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Four times the base rate
Above 40% excess load, the fee is four times the base rate; over 10% and up to 40% it is twice the base rate.
Consider the following statements about the overload fee rules for National Highways notified in April 2026: 1. Overload fees are to be collected only through FASTag. 2. Where a fee plaza has no weighment facility, the overload fee is charged on the vehicle's declared Gross Vehicle Weight. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: where weighment facilities are not available at a fee plaza, no overload fee is levied.
What is the title of the philatelic exhibition inaugurated at the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya on 14 April 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat: Celebrating India's Unity & Democracy through Postage Stamps
The Department of Posts titled it 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat: Celebrating India's Unity & Democracy through Postage Stamps'.
Picture postcards released at the philatelic exhibition on 14 April 2026 marked which Foundation Day of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 4th
One set of picture postcards marked the 4th Foundation Day of the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya.
According to Dr. M.L. Jat at the NAAS session of April 2026, India's annual fertilizer consumption is nearly:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 33 million tonnes
Dr. Jat said India consumes nearly 33 million tonnes of fertilizers annually, a significant share of it imported.
Consider the following statements about Dr. M.L. Jat, as described in the April 2026 PIB release: 1. He is Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and Education and Director General of ICAR. 2. He is President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Ministry of Agriculture release.