Tamil Nadu Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In the 2026 Assembly elections, ECI flying squads are required to attend to complaints within:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 100 minutes
Over 5,173 flying squads have been deployed to ensure complaints are attended to within 100 minutes.
The system used by the ECI to record seizures of illicit inducements in the 2026 elections is called:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ESMS (Electronic Seizure Management System)
Seizures are tracked through the Electronic Seizure Management System (ESMS), activated on 26 February 2026.
Consider the following about seizures in the 2026 Assembly elections (as of 25 March 2026): 1. Total seizures crossed ₹400 crore. 2. Cash formed the largest part of the seizures. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Seizures totalled over ₹408.82 crore, but cash was only ₹17.44 crore – less than the ₹37.68 crore of liquor alone – so statement 2 is wrong.
Under which provision does the Election Commission allot free broadcast and telecast time on Doordarshan and AIR to recognised parties?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Section 39A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
The ECI issued the directions under Section 39A of the RP Act, 1951, for the 2026 Assembly elections.
For the 2026 Assembly elections, what base broadcast time has the ECI allotted to each recognised party on both Doordarshan and All India Radio?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 45 minutes
Each party gets a base time of 45 minutes on both Doordarshan and AIR, plus extra time based on its previous Assembly poll performance.
How many standardised Voter Facilitation Posters must be displayed at each polling station in the 2026 polls, as per the ECI's direction of 22 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Four
Four uniform Voter Facilitation Posters will show polling station details, list of candidates, do's and don'ts, approved ID documents and the voting process.
Consider the following about the ECI's directions of 22 March 2026 for polling stations: 1. Provision of Assured Minimum Facilities is advisory and left to the discretion of CEOs. 2. Voters can deposit their switched-off mobile phones with a volunteer outside the polling station entrance. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
The ECI said AMF provisioning is mandatory and will be monitored, so statement 1 is wrong; a mobile phone deposit facility will be provided outside the entrance.
Which State auctioned the most mineral blocks in FY 2025-26, when India auctioned a record 200 blocks?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Gujarat
Gujarat led with 32 blocks, followed by Rajasthan (30) and Tamil Nadu (22).
Which mineral accounted for the largest number of blocks auctioned in FY 2025-26?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Limestone
Limestone accounted for 76 blocks, the most auctioned mineral, followed by iron ore (40) and bauxite (30).
Consider the following about mineral block auctions in FY 2025-26: 1. A majority of the 200 auctioned blocks were Composite Licence blocks. 2. Tamil Nadu conducted mineral block auctions for the first time. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: 123 of the 200 were Mining Lease blocks and 77 Composite Licence blocks. Statement 2 is correct.
Electors above 85 and flagged PwDs who want to vote by postal ballot in the 2026 Assembly elections must apply using:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Form 12D
Such electors can avail the facility using Form 12D, submitted to the Returning Officer through their BLO within 5 days of notification.
Consider the following about the postal ballot facility for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Form 12D can be submitted up to 15 days after the notification of election. 2. The facility for electors above 85 and PwDs flows from Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Form 12D must be submitted within 5 days of notification. Statement 2 is correct.
For the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs, the ECI deployed roughly one election official for every how many electors?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 70
Over 25 lakh officials for over 17.4 crore electors amounts to nearly one official for every 70 electors.
Consider the following about the ECI's deployment for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Expenditure Observers outnumber General Observers among the Central Observers. 2. Deployed personnel are deemed to be on deputation to the ECI under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: there are 557 General Observers and 366 Expenditure Observers. Statement 2 is correct.
How many Central Observers did the Election Commission deploy for the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs and the bye-elections?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,111
The ECI deployed 1,111 observers: 557 general, 188 police and 366 expenditure observers.
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution read with which provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Section 20B
Central Observers are appointed under Article 324 and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
In how many phases will the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election be held, as announced by the ECI on 15 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Two
West Bengal votes in two phases, on 23 April and 29 April 2026; Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry vote in a single phase.
On which date will votes be counted for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 4 May 2026
Counting for all five Assemblies is scheduled for 4 May 2026.
Which of the following Assemblies going to polls in 2026 has the largest number of seats?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — West Bengal
West Bengal has 294 seats, against 234 in Tamil Nadu, 140 in Kerala, 126 in Assam and 30 in Puducherry.
For the 2026 Assembly elections, the Election Commission fixed the maximum number of electors per polling station at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1,200
The ECI press note of 15 March 2026 says there shall be a maximum of 1,200 electors in a polling station.
Consider the following about the 2026 Assembly elections announced on 15 March 2026: 1. The ECI conducts them in exercise of powers under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 2. The Model Code of Conduct comes into force only after the formal notification of each phase. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct as per the ECI press note. Statement 2 is wrong: the Model Code of Conduct came into effect immediately from the announcement of the schedule.
Along with the 2026 Assembly elections, the ECI announced bye-elections to how many Assembly constituencies in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Eight
Bye-elections were announced for 8 Assembly constituencies spread across these six States.
Which postal circle was praised on 15 March 2026 for ranking second in the country in overall revenue?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Tamil Nadu
At the GDS Sammelan in Chennai, MoS Pemmasani lauded the Tamil Nadu postal circle for ranking second in overall revenue.
Consider the following about India Post, as recalled at the GDS Sammelan in Chennai on 15 March 2026: 1. India Post in its present form was established on 1 October 1854. 2. The General Post Office in Calcutta was set up in 1774. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the GPO in Calcutta was set up in 1774, and India Post in its present form was established on 1 October 1854.
According to the MoS Communications on 15 March 2026, India Post works through more than how many post offices?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1.6 lakh
India Post works through more than 1.6 lakh post offices, with about four lakh regular employees and over 2.5 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks.
What is the toll-free helpline number for pro bono legal services highlighted at the Tele-Law workshop in Chennai on 14 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 14454
The toll-free helpline 14454 offers pro bono legal services under the Tele-Law programme.
Consider the following about the Tele-Law programme discussed in Chennai on 14 March 2026: 1. It is run under the DISHA (Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice) scheme of the Department of Justice. 2. Article 39A of the Constitution, cited at the workshop, deals with equal justice and free legal aid. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Tele-Law is a DISHA programme of the Department of Justice, and the Madras High Court Chief Justice cited Articles 14, 21 and 39A — Article 39A being the Directive Principle on equal justice and free legal aid.
The greenfield bypass awarded by NHAI on 12 March 2026 around Gangaikonda Cholapuram is on which National Highway?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — NH-81
The 7-km bypass is on the Kallagam–Meensurutti section of NH-81 in Tamil Nadu.
Which heritage monument is the Gangaikonda Cholapuram bypass, awarded on 12 March 2026, designed to protect?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
NH-81 runs very close to the 1,000-year-old Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a UNESCO World Heritage monument; the bypass will divert heavy vehicles away from it.
Bharat Petroleum's ₹3,700-crore City Gas Distribution network, whose foundation stone was laid on 11 March 2026, will serve which districts of Tamil Nadu?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Nilgiris and Erode
The CGD network will supply piped natural gas to nearly nine lakh families in the Nilgiris and Erode districts.
Which facility, described by the PM as one of the world's largest of its kind, was dedicated to the nation on 11 March 2026 during his Tamil Nadu visit?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IOCL Lube Blending Plant, Chennai
The PM dedicated Indian Oil Corporation's Lube Blending Plant in Chennai, saying more local lubricant production cuts imports.
How many kilometres of rural roads built under PMGSY did the PM inaugurate in Tiruchirappalli on 11 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 370 km
The PM inaugurated 370 km of rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
Which airport did the Union Cabinet approve for declaration as an international airport on 10 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Madurai
The Cabinet approved declaring Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu an international airport.
The Madurai Airport, declared international by the Cabinet in March 2026, is described as a crucial gateway to which region?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Southern Tamil Nadu
The government described Madurai Airport as a crucial gateway to southern Tamil Nadu, promoting tourism and pilgrimage.
According to Shivraj Singh Chouhan at a post-Budget meeting in Chennai on 7 March 2026, about how many farmers in India are associated with coconut cultivation?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1.25 crore
He said nearly 1.25 crore farmers grow coconut, while about 3 crore people depend on the sector for their livelihood.
What is the 'Mudhalvar Padaippagam' inaugurated by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin in Chennai on 3 March 2026?
Show answer
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.
Where was MeitY's 30 kW Wide Band Gap-based Integrated Drive System for EVs launched on 2 March 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Mission on Power Electronics Technology (NaMPET)
C-DAC Thiruvananthapuram developed it with IIT Madras and Lucas TVS under NaMPET.
In which city did PM Modi launch infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,400 crore on 1 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Madurai
The projects worth over ₹4,400 crore were launched in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
The four-laning of which stretch, launched on 1 March 2026, will improve access to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram
The Paramakudi–Ramanathapuram four-laning, worth over ₹1,800 crore, will improve access to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi.
What rail budget allocation for Tamil Nadu for 2026–27 did PM Modi cite in Madurai?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹7,600 crore
Modi said the allocation rose from an average of ₹880 crore a year in 2009–14 to ₹7,600 crore for 2026–27.
Consider the following statements about the projects launched in Madurai on 1 March 2026: 1. The Chennai Beach–Chennai Egmore fourth line was dedicated to the nation. 2. New Akashvani FM relay transmitters were opened at Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The PM dedicated the Chennai Beach–Egmore fourth line and inaugurated Akashvani FM relay transmitters at Kumbakonam, Yercaud and Vellore.
In which district of Tamil Nadu is the PM MITRA Park where 190.44 acres were allotted to investors on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Virudhnagar
The land was allotted in the PM MITRA Park at Virudhnagar, Tamil Nadu.
How much committed investment was unlocked by the land allotment at PM MITRA Park Virudhnagar on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — About ₹2,192 crore
The allotment to 23 investors unlocked about ₹2,192.21 crore; ₹1,894 crore is the park's cost and ₹4,445 crore the scheme outlay.
Consider the following statements about the PM MITRA scheme: 1. It provides for seven Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks with an outlay of ₹4,445 crore over five years. 2. The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2021-22. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (October 2021) says the Government approved 7 PM MITRA parks with a total outlay of ₹4,445 crore over 5 years, as announced in the Union Budget 2021-22.
Where was INS Anjadip commissioned into the Indian Navy on 27 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Chennai Port
INS Anjadip was commissioned at Chennai Port.
INS Anjadip, commissioned in February 2026, is the fourth ship of which project?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
INS Anjadip is the fourth ship of the ASW Shallow Water Craft project, after INS Arnala and Androth.
INS Anjadip is named after a historical island off the coast of which place?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Karwar
The ship is named after the historical island of Anjadip off the coast of Karwar.
At which port did Sarbananda Sonowal unveil what the Ministry called India's first Digital Twin deployment at a port, in February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — V.O. Chidambaranar Port
The Digital Twin deployment was unveiled at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tuticorin, on 23 February 2026.
V.O. Chidambaranar Port, where projects worth over ₹1,500 crore were launched in February 2026, is located in which State?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Tamil Nadu
V.O. Chidambaranar Port is at Tuticorin (Thoothukudi) in Tamil Nadu.
In the 131st Mann Ki Baat (22 February 2026), the Prime Minister paid homage to Alin Sherin Abraham, from which State, whose parents donated her organs?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kerala
The PM paid homage to Alin Sherin Abraham from Kerala; her parents Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John donated her organs.
Which episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on 22 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 131st
The 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on 22 February 2026.
On International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2026, the Vice President released the updated Constitution of India in which two languages?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Gujarati and Tamil
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the updated Constitution in Gujarati and Tamil, along with the 8th edition of the Legal Glossary (English–Hindi).
Which department prepared the updated Gujarati and Tamil editions of the Constitution and the Legal Glossary released on 21 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Legislative Department
The Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice brought out the editions; its Secretary Dr. Rajiv Mani described the work.
Consider the following statements about International Mother Language Day (21 February): 1. It traces its origin to the 1952 struggle in the then East Pakistan to protect the Bengali language against the imposition of Urdu. 2. The first Santhali edition of the Constitution was released on this Day in 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The first Santhali edition of the Constitution was released by the President on 25 December 2025, not on 21 February 2026.
What is the name of the first Cadet Training Ship for the Indian Navy, launched at L&T Kattupalli on 16 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Krishna
Krishna (Yard 18003) is the first of three Cadet Training Ships being built by L&T at Kattupalli.
Consider the following statements about the Cadet Training Ship Krishna: 1. It is the first of three Cadet Training Ships under construction at L&T, Kattupalli. 2. It will train only Indian male officer cadets. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The ships will train officer cadets, including women, and cadets from friendly foreign countries.
In the RISE Conclave 2026 held at Chennai in February 2026, what does RISE stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Research–Industry–Startup–Entrepreneurship
RISE stands for Research–Industry–Startup–Entrepreneurship.
The Coimbatore serial bomb blasts, whose victims the Vice-President remembered on 14 February 2026, took place in which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1998
The Coimbatore serial bomb blasts occurred on 14 February 1998, while L. K. Advani was visiting the city.
Which became India's first Major Port to receive the IGBC Platinum rating, as announced on 11 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — V.O. Chidambaranar Port
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, became the first Major Port to receive IGBC Platinum.
What share of the V.O. Chidambaranar Port Administration Building's electricity is generated on site through solar power?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 89%
The building runs on 100% renewable energy: 89% from on-site solar and 11% from the port's off-site renewable sources.
For how much did NHAI accept Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust's offer for five National Highway assets, as announced on 9 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹9,500 crore
NHAI accepted RIIT's offer of ₹9,500 crore for five sections spanning over 260 km.
Which of the following highway sections is NOT among the five assets won by Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust in February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Lucknow–Kanpur
The five assets are Gorhar–Barwa Adda (Jharkhand), Chilakaluripet–Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Chennai Bypass and Chennai–Tada (Tamil Nadu) and Neelmangla–Tumkur (Karnataka).
Kyasanur Forest Disease, for which ICMR announced progress on an improved vaccine on 7 February 2026, is a regional disease mainly of the:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Western Ghats
ICMR describes KFD as an important regional infectious disease in the Western Ghats region.
The improved Kyasanur Forest Disease vaccine is being developed by ICMR–NIV together with:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Indian Immunologicals Limited
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and ICMR–NIV are jointly developing the two-dose adjuvanted inactivated vaccine.
How many Central Observers did the ECI brief on 5–6 February 2026 for the forthcoming Assembly elections?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,444
1,444 officers attended: 714 General, 233 Police and 497 Expenditure Observers.
Consider the following: 1. Article 324 of the Constitution vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission. 2. The Central Observers briefed in February 2026 were for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The fifth state was West Bengal, not Karnataka.
Which became India's first port to initiate an anti-drone security system in February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — V.O. Chidambaranar Port
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority became the first port in India to initiate an advanced anti-drone system.
VOC Port's anti-drone system is being implemented by Central Electronics Limited, which functions under:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
CEL is a Government of India enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Ministry of Science and Technology.