World Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Where is Rajasthan's first semiconductor plant, inaugurated in May 2026, located?
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Correct answer: D — Bhiwadi
Sahasra Semiconductors' ATMP/OSAT facility, Rajasthan's first semiconductor plant, is at Bhiwadi.
Which company's facility at Bhiwadi was described by MeitY in May 2026 as India's first SME-led semiconductor facility?
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Correct answer: A — Sahasra Semiconductors
MeitY described the ATMP/OSAT facility of Sahasra Semiconductors at Bhiwadi as India's first SME-led semiconductor facility.
According to a PIB backgrounder (May 2026), what is India's world rank in terms of large dams?
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Correct answer: C — 3rd
India ranks third in the world with 6,628 specified dams.
Which state has the highest number of specified dams in India, as per the PIB backgrounder of May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Maharashtra
Maharashtra has the highest number of specified dams, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements: 1. Under the Dam Safety Act, 2021, the National Dam Safety Authority is the apex body of the four-tier mechanism. 2. Phase I of the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) was launched in April 2012 with World Bank support. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the National Committee on Dam Safety is the apex body; the NDSA is the regulatory and implementing arm. Statement 2 is correct.
In which city did the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 conclude under India's Chairship?
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Correct answer: D — Mumbai
The KP Intersessional 2026 concluded in Mumbai; the KP Plenary is to be held in New Delhi later in 2026.
What do the '3Cs' in the theme of India's Kimberley Process Chairship (2026) stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Credibility, Compliance and Consumer Confidence
India's KP Chairship theme is the 3Cs – Credibility, Compliance and Consumer Confidence.
Consider the following statements about the Kimberley Process: 1. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established under UN General Assembly Resolution 55/56 of 2000 to prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate trade. 2. The KP Chair for 2026 is Suchindra Misra of India. 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 PIB: the KPCS was established under UNGA Resolution 55/56 of 2000, and Suchindra Misra is KP Chair 2026.
From which date will only electric L5 three-wheelers be registered in Delhi under CAQM's draft direction of May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 1 January 2027
Draft Direction No. 100 mandates EV-only L5 three-wheeler registration in Delhi from 1 January 2027 (HVD districts 2028, rest of NCR 2029).
The CAQM issues directions such as those approved at its 28th meeting (May 2026) under Section 12 of which law?
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Correct answer: C — CAQM Act, 2021
The draft directions were approved under Section 12 of the CAQM Act, 2021.
What target does CAQM's Draft Direction No. 99 (May 2026) set for paddy stubble burning in the NCR states in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Complete elimination
Draft Direction No. 99 sets a target of complete elimination of paddy stubble burning in the NCR states in 2026.
Which institution's campus at Jinja, Uganda, is described by PIB (May 2026) as India's first overseas public academic campus?
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Correct answer: A — National Forensic Sciences University
PIB describes the NFSU Uganda Campus in Jinja, which enrolled its first batch in October 2025, as India's first overseas public academic campus.
Hindustan Copper Limited, which reported a record profit in FY 2025-26, is which category of CPSE under the Ministry of Mines?
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Correct answer: B — Miniratna
PIB describes Hindustan Copper Limited as a Miniratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines.
What does SODAR, the technology transferred by CSIR-AMPRI to industry in May 2026, stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Sound Detection and Ranging
SODAR stands for Sound Detection and Ranging; CSIR-AMPRI transferred the technology to Meteoxperts Solutions, Noida.
CSIR-AMPRI, which celebrated its 46th Foundation Day in May 2026, is based in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Bhopal
AMPRI (Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute) is a Bhopal-based constituent laboratory of CSIR.
'BIRSA 101', discussed at a workshop in May 2026, is:
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Correct answer: D — India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease
BIRSA 101, named after Bhagwan Birsa Munda, is India's first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease.
Which CSIR laboratory is associated with BIRSA 101, the CRISPR-based gene therapy for sickle cell disease?
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Correct answer: B — CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi
The workshop on BIRSA 101 was organised with CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) at CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi.
As per the Environment Ministry (May 2026), the estimated lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape in 2025 was:
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Correct answer: D — 891
The lion population in the Greater Gir Landscape rose to an estimated 891 in 2025, a 32% increase over 2020.
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) works for the conservation of how many big cat species?
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Correct answer: C — Seven
IBCA covers seven big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar and puma.
Consider the following statements about the Asiatic lion: 1. Project Lion was launched by the Government of India in 2020. 2. The Asiatic lion is listed in Appendix II of CITES. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Asiatic lion is in Appendix I of CITES (and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972), not Appendix II.
What is the motto of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)?
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Correct answer: B — Aapda Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra
Amit Shah noted at the President's Colour ceremony that NDRF personnel go anywhere with the motto 'Aapda Seva Sadaiv Sarvatra'.
Where was the President's Colour presented to the NDRF on 14 May 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 8th Battalion, Ghaziabad
Amit Shah presented the President's Colour at a parade held at 8th Bn NDRF, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): 1. It was constituted under the Disaster Management Act, which was enacted in December 2005. 2. It was raised in 2006 with 8 battalions and now has 16 battalions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Disaster Management Act was enacted on 26 December 2005 and provided for the NDRF, which started with 8 battalions in 2006 and has expanded to 16.
What was India's annual WPI inflation rate (provisional) for April 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 8.30%
WPI inflation was 8.30% in April 2026; 3.88% was March, 9.17% primary articles and 24.71% fuel and power.
Which major group of the WPI recorded the highest annual inflation in April 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Fuel & Power
Fuel & Power inflation was 24.71%, against 9.17% for primary articles, 4.62% for manufactured products and 2.31% for the food index.
Consider the following statements about the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) in India: 1. The current WPI series has 2011-12 as its base year. 2. DPIIT releases the WPI on the 14th of every month with a time lag of two weeks of the reference month. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as stated in DPIIT's April 2026 WPI release (base year 2011-12; release on the 14th, or the next working day, with a two-week lag).
SIR Phase III of electoral rolls, ordered by the ECI on 14 May 2026, covers about how many electors?
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Correct answer: B — 36.73 crore
Over 3.94 lakh BLOs will go house to house to 36.73 crore electors in SIR Phase III.
Which of the following is NOT covered in SIR Phase III announced by the ECI in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Himachal Pradesh
Phase III covers the whole country except Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, whose schedule will be announced later.
Consider the following statements about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Phase III (2026): 1. The ECI ordered it under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. 2. Enumeration begins first, on 30 May 2026, in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim and Manipur. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The ECI order cites Article 324 and Section 21 of the RP Act, 1950, and the house-to-house enumeration starts on 30 May in Odisha, Mizoram, Sikkim and Manipur.
In which year did Central Electronics Limited (CEL) manufacture India's first solar cell, as recalled at the dedication of its 200 MW module line (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 1977
India's first solar cell was manufactured by CEL in 1977, and the country's first solar plant was set up by CEL in 1979.
Which technology did CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories transfer to Central Electronics Limited in May 2026, described as now fully indigenous?
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Correct answer: D — Drishti Transmissometer System
Technology transfer covered the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and the new-generation Drishti Transmissometer System, which is now fully indigenous.
When Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on PM Modi in May 2026, he briefed him on progress since which India–Russia Annual Summit held in December 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 23rd
Lavrov briefed the PM on progress since the leaders' meeting in December 2025 for the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.
Consider the following statements about Sergei Lavrov's call on PM Modi on 14 May 2026: 1. PM Modi reiterated India's stand in favour of dialogue and diplomacy. 2. The talks were limited to bilateral trade and did not cover Ukraine. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The two discussed regional and global issues including Ukraine and West Asia, so statement 2 is wrong.
About how many devotees paid obeisance during the 14-day Sacred Exposition of the Holy Relics of the Tathāgata in Ladakh (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — Over 1.18 lakh
More than 1,18,000 devotees paid obeisance during the 14-day exposition in Leh and Zanskar.
The concluding ceremony of the Holy Relics exposition in Leh on 14 May 2026 coincided with which festival of Ladakh?
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Correct answer: C — Monlam Chenmo
The closing coincided with Monlam Chenmo, Ladakh's annual Great Prayer Festival dedicated to world peace and universal happiness.
At the ITU Council 2026 in Geneva, India's proposal to host which ITU event was accepted?
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Correct answer: D — ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2030
The ITU Council accepted India's proposal to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-2030); it is likely to be approved at PP-2026 in Doha.
Consider the following statements about the ITU Council: 1. It is the governing body of the ITU and comprises 48 elected Member States. 2. India became a member of the ITU Council only in 1992. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. DoT states that India has been a member of the ITU Council since 1952.
The dual-targeting CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma being developed by Helix Cell Therapeutics with TDB support targets which two markers?
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Correct answer: D — BCMA and CD19
The therapy simultaneously targets both BCMA and CD19 markers expressed on multiple myeloma cells.
The TDB-backed CAR-T project of Helix Cell Therapeutics (May 2026) is being implemented under a collaborative framework between India and which country?
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Correct answer: C — Singapore
The project is under the Indo-Singapore collaborative framework in partnership with Biocell Innovations, Singapore.
According to the Commerce Ministry (May 2026), India–Africa bilateral trade in 2025-26 stood at about:
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Correct answer: A — US$93.69 billion
Bilateral trade reached US$93.69 billion in 2025-26 (exports US$45.42 bn, imports US$48.27 bn); US$3.4 trillion is the value of AfCFTA.
Consider the following statements about India–Africa trade, as stated at the IAFS-IV business curtain raiser (May 2026): 1. In 2025-26, India's imports from Africa were higher than its exports to Africa. 2. India and Africa share the ambition of tripling bilateral trade by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct: imports were US$48.27 bn against exports of US$45.42 bn. The stated ambition is doubling, not tripling, trade by 2030.
India's chairship of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) for 2026–2028 was confirmed at a CCRA meeting held in April 2026 in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Tokyo
It was confirmed at the 1st Quarter Meeting of the CCRA held from 14 to 16 April 2026 in Tokyo, Japan.
Consider the following statements about India and the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA): 1. India has been a member of the CCRA since September 2013 as a Certificate Authorizing Nation. 2. CERT-In acts as India's official certification body for IT security evaluations under the Common Criteria. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. India joined on 16 September 2013; the official certification body is MeitY's STQC Directorate, not CERT-In.
As per the Commerce Ministry, what was the European Union's rank among markets for Indian seafood exports in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — Third
The EU emerged as the third-largest market, with 18.94% of total export value (US$1.593 billion).
Consider the following statements about India's seafood exports to the EU (May 2026): 1. India had been omitted from the EU's Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598 on third countries allowed to export from September 2026. 2. EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905 concerns the use of antimicrobials in animals whose products are exported to the EU. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. India's omission was in Regulation (EU) 2024/2598, and Regulation (EU) 2023/905 requires exported animals and products to be free of antimicrobials used for growth promotion or reserved for humans.
N. Rangasamy, sworn in as Chief Minister of Puducherry on 13 May 2026, began which term in the post?
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Correct answer: A — Fifth
Rangasamy was sworn in for a record fifth term as Puducherry Chief Minister.
Who administered the oath of office to N. Rangasamy as Chief Minister of Puducherry on 13 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan
Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan administered the oaths of office and secrecy at Lok Nivas, Puducherry.
Consider the following statements about Article 239A of the Constitution of India: 1. It enables Parliament, by law, to create a Legislature and/or a Council of Ministers for the Union Territory of Puducherry. 2. A law made under it is not deemed to be an amendment of the Constitution for the purposes of Article 368. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Article 239A, inserted by the Constitution (Fourteenth Amendment) Act, 1962, provides for both, and clause (2) says such a law is not an amendment for Article 368.
What is the financial outlay of the Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects approved by the Cabinet in May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹37,500 crore
The scheme has an outlay of ₹37,500 crore; ₹8,500 crore was the earlier scheme approved in January 2024.
Under the 2026 coal/lignite gasification scheme, the financial incentive for any single project is capped at:
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Correct answer: A — ₹5,000 crore
The cap is ₹5,000 crore per project, ₹9,000 crore per product (except SNG and urea) and ₹12,000 crore per entity group.
Consider the following statements about India's coal gasification push: 1. India has a national target of gasifying 100 million tonnes of coal by 2030. 2. Under the 2026 scheme, the incentive is capped at 20% of the cost of plant and machinery. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The scheme advances the 100 MT-by-2030 target (building on the National Coal Gasification Mission, 2021) and offers up to 20% of plant and machinery cost.
India's first mega greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi is being developed with which Korean company?
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Correct answer: C — HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering
The tripartite MoU is between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), NSHIP-TN and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd.
Consider the following statements: 1. Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 aims to place India among the top five shipbuilding nations with output of 4.5 million GT per annum by 2047. 2. The proposed Thoothukudi greenfield shipyard alone has an envisaged annual capacity of 4.5 million GT. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The Thoothukudi shipyard's envisaged annual capacity is 2.5 million GT; 4.5 million GT is the national MAKV 2047 target.
Which project, approved by the CCEA in May 2026, will be Indian Railways' first semi high-speed project?
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Correct answer: A — Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera
The ₹20,667-crore Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line will be Indian Railways' first semi high-speed project.
The Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera semi high-speed project will add about how many km to the Indian Railways network?
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Correct answer: B — 134 km
The project in Ahmedabad district will increase the network by about 134 km.
For kharif marketing season 2026-27, which crop got the highest absolute increase in MSP over the previous year?
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Correct answer: C — Sunflower seed
Sunflower seed got the highest increase (₹622 per quintal), followed by cotton (₹557), nigerseed (₹515) and sesamum (₹500).
Under the kharif MSP 2026-27, the expected margin over cost of production is highest for which crop?
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Correct answer: D — Moong
Moong has the highest expected margin (61%), followed by bajra (56%), maize (56%) and tur/arhar (54%).
Consider the following statements about Minimum Support Prices (MSP): 1. Fixing MSP at least at 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production was announced in the Union Budget 2014-15. 2. The MSP of paddy (common) for marketing season 2026-27 is ₹2,441 per quintal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The 1.5-times-cost principle was announced in the Union Budget 2018-19, as the Cabinet release states.
The three Tamil Nadu temple bronzes whose return was announced in May 2026 are being repatriated from which institution?
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Correct answer: A — Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The bronzes are being repatriated from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in the United States.
The Chola-period Shiva Nataraja (c. 990 CE) being repatriated from the Smithsonian originally belonged to a temple in which district of Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — Thanjavur
It belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Thanjavur district, where it was photographed in 1957.
How much was released on 13 May 2026 as the first instalment of mother sanction for 2026-27 under the CSS for infrastructure of district and subordinate courts?
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Correct answer: C — ₹401.50 crore
Arjun Ram Meghwal released ₹401.50 crore to States/UTs through PFMS as the first instalment for 2026-27.
Consider the following statements about the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Infrastructure Facilities for District and Subordinate Courts: 1. The Department of Justice has been running this effort since 1993-94. 2. Union Territories share its cost with the Centre in a 90:10 ratio. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The fund-sharing pattern is 60:40 for most states, 90:10 for north-eastern and two Himalayan states, and 100% central for UTs.
The Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee constituted by the Chief Justice of India on 12 May 2026 is chaired by:
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Correct answer: B — Justice Aravind Kumar
The committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Justice Aravind Kumar, Judge, Supreme Court of India.
Under the Cabinet decision of May 2026, Nagpur airport is to be licensed for 30 years to which concessionaire?
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Correct answer: B — GMR Nagpur International Airport Ltd
The lease extension enables MIHAN India Ltd to license Nagpur airport to GMR Nagpur International Airport Ltd (GNIAL) for 30 years from COD.
Consider the following statements about MIHAN India Limited (MIL): 1. It was formed in 2009 as a joint venture of the Airports Authority of India and Maharashtra Airport Development Company. 2. The Airports Authority of India holds the majority (51%) equity in MIL. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The AAI–MADC equity structure is 49:51, so MADC, not AAI, holds the majority.
Nagpur's Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport is planned to be developed to an ultimate capacity of how many passengers a year?
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Correct answer: D — 30 million
GNIAL's phased development envisages an ultimate capacity of 30 million passengers annually.
What is the outlay of the Mizoram Ginger Mission launched in May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹189.79 crore
The Mizoram Ginger Mission is a ₹189.79-crore convergence-led initiative for ginger cultivation and value-chain development.
Which Union ministry anchors the Mizoram Ginger Mission?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
The mission is anchored by the Ministry of DoNER and converges schemes of the agriculture, rural development and food processing ministries.
How much central financial support has been approved for the Amended BharatNet Programme in Andhra Pradesh (May 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — ₹2,432 crore
The Government of India approved ₹2,432 crore; 1,692 and 3,942 are the numbers of Phase I gram panchayats and on-demand villages.
Consider the following statements about the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP): 1. The Union Cabinet approved the Amended BharatNet Programme on 4 August 2023. 2. In Andhra Pradesh, ABP will be implemented under the state-led model through Andhra Pradesh BharatNet Infrastructure Limited (APBIL). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct, as stated by DoT: Cabinet approval came on 4 August 2023, and in Andhra Pradesh the state-led model is implemented through APBIL.