West Bengal Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
For the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs, the ECI deployed roughly one election official for every how many electors?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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:
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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?
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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?
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Correct answer: B — Eight
Bye-elections were announced for 8 Assembly constituencies spread across these six States.
The DA arrears that West Bengal announced on 15 March 2026 it would pay from March 2026 relate to which pay rules?
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Correct answer: C — ROPA 2009
The arrears are under the West Bengal Revision of Pay and Allowances (ROPA) Rules, 2009.
To what amount did West Bengal raise the monthly honorarium of purohits and muezzins on 15 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,000
The honorarium was raised by ₹500, from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 per month.
A new express train flagged off by PM Modi in Kolkata on 14 March 2026 runs between Anand Vihar Terminal and:
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Correct answer: B — Purulia
The new express connects Purulia in West Bengal with Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi.
Which of the following was NOT among the six stations inaugurated as Amrit Bharat Stations in West Bengal on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Bardhaman
The six stations were Kamakhyaguri, Anara, Tamluk, Haldia, Barabhum and Siuri; Bardhaman was not among them.
Which expressway in West Bengal did PM Modi refer to while launching projects in Kolkata on 14 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway
The PM said completion of the Kharagpur–Moregram Expressway would accelerate economic activity across West Bengal.
Which two railway sections will get a 4th line under the projects approved by the CCEA on 10 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Sainthia–Pakur and Santragachi–Kharagpur
The CCEA approved the Sainthia–Pakur 4th line and the Santragachi–Kharagpur 4th line, worth about ₹4,474 crore.
By about how many kilometres will the two multitracking projects approved on 10 March 2026 increase the Indian Railways network?
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Correct answer: B — 192 km
The two projects across five districts of West Bengal and Jharkhand will add about 192 km to the network.
Where did the Election Commission of India review poll preparedness for the West Bengal Assembly elections on 9 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kolkata
The Commission held the review in Kolkata, meeting political parties and enforcement and district officials.
Which forms did the CEC say could still be filed for inclusion, deletion or correction in the West Bengal electoral rolls after the SIR?
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Correct answer: B — Forms 6, 7 and 8
CEC Gyanesh Kumar said Forms 6/7/8 can still be filed for any inclusions, deletions or changes.
Consider the following statements about Article 324 of the Constitution: 1. It vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President in the Election Commission. 2. The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only in like manner and on the like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Article 324(1) covers elections to Parliament, state legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President, and the proviso to Article 324(5) protects the CEC with Supreme Court-judge-like removal.
President Droupadi Murmu attended the 9th International Santal Conference on 7 March 2026 at which place?
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Correct answer: D — Darjeeling
The President graced the conference at Darjeeling, West Bengal.
The Ol Chiki script, used for Santali, was invented in 1925 by whom?
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Correct answer: A — Pandit Raghunath Murmu
The President said Pandit Raghunath Murmu invented Ol Chiki in 1925; its centenary was celebrated recently.
The Constitution (Ninety-second Amendment) Act, 2003 added which languages to the Eighth Schedule?
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Correct answer: B — Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santali
The 92nd Amendment inserted Bodo, Dogri, Maithili and Santali, taking the Eighth Schedule to 22 languages.
At Sagar Sankalp in Kolkata on 6 March 2026, Rajnath Singh said India's defence exports are poised to reach about how much by April 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹29,000 crore
He said defence exports are poised to reach approximately ₹29,000 crore by April 2026.
What shipbuilding target did Rajnath Singh mention at Sagar Sankalp?
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Correct answer: D — Top 10 by 2030 and top 5 by 2047
The government aims to steer India into the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030 and the top five by 2047.
Which team did New Zealand beat in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at Eden Gardens on 4 March 2026?
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Correct answer: A — South Africa
New Zealand beat South Africa by nine wickets, ending South Africa's unbeaten run in the tournament.
Finn Allen's unbeaten 100 in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final, the fastest century in men's T20 World Cups, came off how many balls?
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Correct answer: B — 33
Allen made 100 not out off 33 balls, with 10 fours and eight sixes according to BBC Sport.
Consider the following statements about the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026: 1. New Zealand chased the target with 43 balls to spare. 2. It was New Zealand's first appearance in a men's T20 World Cup final. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct: New Zealand made 173 for 1 in 12.5 overs. The ICC noted it would be their second men's T20 World Cup final, after 2021.
Mukul Roy, who died on 23 February 2026, had served as Union Minister of which ministry?
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Correct answer: C — Railways
Mukul Roy served as Union Railway Minister in 2012 in the UPA-II government.
Amit Shah addressed the 152nd birth anniversary celebrations of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur on 18 February 2026 in which district of West Bengal?
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Correct answer: B — Nadia
The celebrations were held in Nadia, West Bengal, home to Mayapur, where ISKCON is developing a spiritual centre.
How many stamps were in the 'Puppets of India' commemorative set released by the Department of Posts on 13 February 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 8
The set has eight stamps, each showing a traditional puppetry form.
Match the puppetry form with its state as shown on the 'Puppets of India' stamps: 1. Tolu Bommalatta 2. Pavakathakali 3. Kathi Kundhei Select the correct option:
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Correct answer: A — 1-Andhra Pradesh, 2-Kerala, 3-Odisha
Tolu Bommalatta is from Andhra Pradesh, Pavakathakali from Kerala and Kathi Kundhei from Odisha.
Which state received the largest share of the ₹3,324 crore XV FC untied grants released on 12 February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh received ₹1,559.40 crore for all 75 district panchayats, 826 block panchayats and 57,694 gram panchayats.
Fifteenth Finance Commission untied grants to panchayats can be used for local needs under the subjects listed in which Schedule of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: A — Eleventh Schedule
Untied grants are used under the 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule, except salaries and establishment costs. The Twelfth Schedule lists municipal subjects.
Which new train service did Ashwini Vaishnaw flag off on 8 February 2026 while opening road over bridges in West Bengal?
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Correct answer: A — Asansol–Bokaro
He flagged off a new Asansol–Bokaro train service by video conference.
How many Central Observers did the ECI brief on 5–6 February 2026 for the forthcoming Assembly elections?
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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?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The fifth state was West Bengal, not Karnataka.
Under which scheme are the six sports infrastructure projects whose foundation stones were laid on 3 February 2026 being implemented?
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Correct answer: A — Khelo India Scheme
The six projects, costing ₹82 crore, are under the Khelo India Scheme with SAI support.
What record capital expenditure was planned for Indian Railways in the Union Budget 2026-27?
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Correct answer: A — ₹2,93,030 crore
A record capex of ₹2,93,030 crore was planned for Indian Railways.
The new dedicated freight corridor announced in the Union Budget 2026-27 will connect Dankuni with which city?
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Correct answer: B — Surat
The 2,052 km dedicated freight corridor will link Dankuni in the east with Surat in the west.
Which of the following is NOT among the seven high-speed rail corridors announced in the Union Budget 2026-27?
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Correct answer: D — Delhi–Amritsar
The seven are Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi and Varanasi–Siliguri.
Consider the following about the transport proposals in the Union Budget 2026-27: 1. The rollout of 20 new National Waterways will begin with NW-5 in Odisha, linking Talcher and Angul to the ports of Paradip and Dhamra. 2. The Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme aims to raise the share of inland waterways and coastal shipping to 12% by 2047. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct; the target is to raise the share from 6% to 12% by 2047.
According to the Health Ministry's statement of 27 January 2026, how many confirmed Nipah Virus Disease cases had been reported in West Bengal since December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Two
PIB (Health): as per NCDC, only two confirmed cases of Nipah Virus Disease have been reported from West Bengal since December.
In the January 2026 Nipah clarification, which body's reports did the Health Ministry cite for the confirmed case count?
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Correct answer: C — National Centre for Disease Control
PIB (Health): the figures are 'as per reports received from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)'.
In which district of West Bengal is Singur, where the PM launched projects worth over ₹830 crore on 18 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Hooghly
PIB (PMO): the projects were launched at Singur in Hooghly district, West Bengal.
How many hybrid electric catamarans did the PM launch for passenger transport on Kolkata's waterways in January 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Six
PIB (Ports, Shipping and Waterways): PM Modi launched six hybrid electric catamarans to boost green passenger transport on Kolkata waterways.
At Singur, the PM said an Extended Port Gate System being built at which place would open new opportunities for Hooghly?
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Correct answer: A — Balagarh
PIB (PMO): the PM said the Extended Port Gate System being built in Balagarh will open new opportunities for Hooghly and surrounding areas.
India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, flagged off on 17 January 2026, runs between which two stations?
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Correct answer: A — Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya)
PIB (PMO): the PM flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda Town Railway Station.
At which railway station did the PM flag off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
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Correct answer: D — Malda Town
PIB (PMO): the PM visited Malda Town Railway Station, where he flagged off the train.
What was the total value of the rail and road projects the PM inaugurated and laid foundation stones for at Malda on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹3,250 crore
PIB (PMO): the projects at Malda were worth ₹3,250 crore.
Which of the following was NOT among the four Amrit Bharat Express trains flagged off at Malda on 17 January 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Alipurduar–Chennai
PIB (PMO): the four trains were New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru and Alipurduar–Mumbai. There was no Alipurduar–Chennai train.
The Farakka Barrage Project, reviewed by the Water Resources Secretary in January 2026, is located on which river?
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Correct answer: C — Ganga
PIB (Jal Shakti): the review covered works including an eroded embankment on the upstream left bank of the river Ganga.
In which script is the Santhali version of the Constitution of India, released on 25 December 2025, written?
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Correct answer: A — Ol Chiki
PIB 2208453: the President said the Constitution is now available in the Santhali language, written in the Ol Chiki script.
Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution by which Amendment Act?
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Correct answer: C — 92nd Amendment Act, 2003
PIB 2208453 and 2208484: Santhali was included in the Eighth Schedule through the 92nd Amendment Act, 2003.
Consider the following statements about the Santhali Constitution released in December 2025: 1. The Ol Chiki script was developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925. 2. The translation was published by the Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice. 3. It was released at a joint sitting in Parliament House. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2208484: Ol Chiki was developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu in 1925 and the translation was published by the Legislative Department. It was released at Rashtrapati Bhavan, so statement 3 is wrong.
Which shipyard designed and built 'Anjadip', the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft delivered to the Navy in December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
PIB 2207446: Anjadip was indigenously designed and built by GRSE, Kolkata, in partnership with L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli.
The ASW SWC 'Anjadip' is named after an island located off the coast of which place?
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Correct answer: A — Karwar, Karnataka
PIB 2207446: the ship derives its name from Anjadip Island located off the coast of Karwar, Karnataka.
Consider the following statements about the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft 'Anjadip': 1. It is the third of eight such craft. 2. These craft are the largest Indian naval warships propelled by waterjets. 3. It has about 60% indigenous content. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2207446: Anjadip is the third of eight ASW SWC, and these are the largest Indian naval warships propelled by waterjets. Its indigenous content is over 80%, so statement 3 is wrong.
Where were the 28th Meeting of the NTCA and the 22nd Steering Committee Meeting of Project Elephant held on 21 December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Sundarbans Tiger Reserve
PIB 2207157: both meetings were held on 21 December 2025 at the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, West Bengal.
'STRIPES', one of the publications released at the Sundarbans meetings in December 2025, is the outreach journal of which body?
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Correct answer: C — National Tiger Conservation Authority
PIB 2207157: the Minister released the latest issue of STRIPES, NTCA's outreach journal.
Consider the following statements about the 28th NTCA meeting held in December 2025: 1. Updates included the expansion of Project Cheetah to the Banni Grassland in Gujarat. 2. The meeting was chaired by the Prime Minister. 3. Ground surveys for the sixth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation commenced from November 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
PIB 2207157: updates covered Project Cheetah's expansion to Gandhisagar WLS and the Banni Grassland in Gujarat, and AITE ground surveys began in November 2025. The meeting was chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, so statement 2 is wrong.
How many Border Roads Organisation projects did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh dedicate to the nation from Ladakh on 7 December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 125
PIB 2199999: Rajnath Singh dedicated 125 BRO projects, the most ever inaugurated simultaneously.
The Shyok Tunnel, from where 125 BRO projects were dedicated on 7 December 2025, lies on which road?
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Correct answer: A — Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie road
PIB 2199999: the event was held at the Shyok Tunnel on the Darbuk–Shyok–Daulat Beg Oldie road in Ladakh.
Consider the following statements about the 125 BRO projects dedicated on 7 December 2025: 1. They include 93 bridges. 2. They are spread across 2 Union Territories and 7 States. 3. They cost about ₹5,000 crore, the highest-value inaugurations in BRO's history. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB 2199999: 28 roads, 93 bridges and 4 other projects across 2 UTs and 7 States, costing about ₹5,000 crore, the highest-value inaugurations in BRO's history.
Which war memorial in Ladakh did Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurate on 7 December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Galwan War Memorial
PIB 2199999: Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the Galwan War Memorial in Ladakh.
What type of structure is the 920-metre Shyok Tunnel in Ladakh, inaugurated on 7 December 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Cut-and-cover tunnel
PIB 2199999: the Shyok Tunnel is a 920-metre cut-and-cover tunnel built for all-weather connectivity.
On how many route km had Kavach 4.0 been commissioned as of 5 December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 738
PIB 2199327: Kavach 4.0 commissioned on 738 Rkm: Palwal–Mathura–Nagda (633 Rkm) and Howrah–Bardhaman (105 Rkm).
Which section of the Delhi–Howrah route has Kavach 4.0 been commissioned on?
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Correct answer: A — Howrah–Bardhaman
PIB 2199327: Kavach 4.0 is commissioned on the Howrah–Bardhaman section (105 Rkm) of the Delhi–Howrah route.
Consider the following statements about Kavach: 1. It was adopted as the National Automatic Train Protection system in July 2020. 2. It requires Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) certification. 3. RDSO approved the Kavach version 4.0 specification in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB 2199327: adopted as National ATP in July 2020; requires SIL-4 certification; RDSO approved specification 4.0 on 16 July 2024.
By what margin did South Africa beat India in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata in November 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 30 runs
South Africa won by 30 runs after bowling India out for 93 while chasing 124.
Who was the Player of the Match in the India vs South Africa first Test at Kolkata in November 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Simon Harmer
Off-spinner Simon Harmer took 4-30 and 4-21 (8-51 in the match) and was Player of the Match.
Consider the following statements about the India vs South Africa Kolkata Test (November 2025): 1. It was South Africa's first Test win in India since 2010. 2. India were bowled out for 93 while chasing a target of 124. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct, as reported by The Hindu and BBC Sport.
What is the enumeration phase of Phase II of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
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Correct answer: B — 4 November – 4 December 2025
The enumeration phase runs from 4 November to 4 December 2025.
How many States and Union Territories are covered under Phase II of the SIR of electoral rolls?
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Correct answer: C — 12
Phase II covers 12 States/UTs, from Andaman & Nicobar to West Bengal.
Approximately how many electors (as on 27 October 2025) are covered under Phase II of the SIR?
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Correct answer: D — 50.99 crore
The ECI bulletin lists 50,99,72,687 electors across the 12 States/UTs.
The Kalughat Intermodal Terminal, handed over to a PPP operator by IWAI in November 2025, is located in which district?
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Correct answer: C — Saran, Bihar
IWAI said the Kalughat IMT is strategically located in Saran district of Bihar.
The first consignment from the Haldia Multi-Modal Terminal under the Jal Marg Vikas Project, carrying slag from Tata Steel, was bound for which place?
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Correct answer: D — Pandu, Guwahati
The first consignment of granulated blast furnace slag from Tata Steel was bound for Pandu, Guwahati, in Assam.