Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 18th  March 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) According to Fitch Ratings’ Global Economic Outlook – March 2026, what is India’s projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for FY 2025–26 (FY26)?

(a) 6.5%

(b) 6.7%

(c) 7.4%

(d) 7.5%

(e) 8.0%

2) Under the revised rules by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), what is the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) at the time of listing for certain large companies?

(a) 1%

(b) 2.5%

(c) 5%

(d) 10%

(e) 25%

3) Which of the following statements about the National Mission for Financial Inclusion (NMFI) under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is correct as of February 2026?

(a) Over 57 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened, with more than half belonging to women.

(b) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) has enrolled over 26 crore people, providing life insurance cover of Rs. 1 lakh.

(c) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) provides one-year accidental cover of Rs. 5 lakh for death or disability.

(d) Atal Pension Yojana (APY) cumulative enrolments are below 5 crore subscribers.

(e) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) loans have been limited to Rs. 5 lakh per borrower.

4) Which company secured USD 90 million funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through Sustainability-Linked Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs)?

(a) DCM Shriram Limited

(b) Tata Chemicals Limited

(c) Reliance Industries Limited

(d) Adani Enterprises Limited

(e) Hindustan Unilever Limited

5) Which digital payment system accounted for 81% of total retail digital payments in India in FY 2024–25, making it the largest real-time retail payment system in the world?

(a) Bharat BillPay

(b) UPI (Unified Payments Interface)

(c) NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer)

(d) IMPS (Immediate Payment Service)

(e) RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement)

6) As of 206, The World Bank approved a loan of USD 300 million to support which state’s efforts to improve air quality through the Clean Air Transition Programme?

(a) Bihar

(b) Gujarat

(c) Madhya Pradesh

(d) Rajasthan

(e) Uttar Pradesh

7) Which of the following statements about the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) reforms is incorrect?

(a) Food Business Operators still need to renew licences annually under the new framework

(b) FSSAI registrations and licences now have perpetual validity.

(c) Turnover thresholds for basic registration have been increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore.

(d) State licences apply to businesses with turnover up to ₹50 crore.

(e) Central licences are required for businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore.

8) What is the revised FASTag Annual Pass fee for private non-commercial vehicles, effective from April 1, 2026?

(a) ₹2,950

(b) ₹3,000

(c) ₹3,075

(d) ₹3,150

(e) ₹3,200

 

9) What does SATHEE, the digital learning platform developed by the Ministry of Education and IIT Kanpur, stand for?

(a) Student Assessment Training for Higher Education Exams

(b) Self Analysis and Training Hub for Entrance Exams

(c) Systematic Aptitude Test for Higher Education and Exams

(d) Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Examinations

(e) Student Assistance and Tutorial for Higher Education

10) Which garden, recognised as Asia’s largest tulip garden, was opened to visitors in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir?

(a) Shalimar Bagh Tulip Garden

(b) Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

(c) Nishat Bagh Tulip Garden

(d) Mughal Tulip Garden

(e) Chashme Shahi Tulip Garden

11) Which state launched a vaccination drive against Foot and Mouth Disease under the National Animal Disease Control Programme from March 1 to April 15, 2026?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Rajasthan

(c) Maharashtra

(d) Punjab

(e) Haryana

12) Which renowned Tamil poet and lyricist was awarded the Jnanpith Award for 2025, India’s highest literary honour?

(a) Subramania Bharati

(b) Thirunavukkarasar

(c) Vaali

(d) K. S. Chithra

(e) Vairamuthu

13) Which of the following statements about the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) is incorrect?

(a) One Battle After Another won the Best Picture award.

(b) Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for the film Sinners.

(c) Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for the film Hamnet.

(d) Paul Thomas Anderson won Best Director for the film Sinners.

(e) Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for the film One Battle After Another.

14) Who has been appointed as the Special Observer by the Election Commission of India for the 2026 Assam Legislative Assembly election?

(a) Ashok Lavasa

(b) Manjeet Singh

(c) Sushil Chandra

(d) Sunil Arora

(e) Rajiv Kumar

15) Which company laid the foundation stone for the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh?

(a) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited

(b) Larsen & Toubro Shipbuilding

(c) Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited

(d) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers

(e) Hindustan Shipyard Limited

16) What is the name of the new plant species discovered by researchers from Gauhati University in the grassland ecosystems of Manas National Park, Assam?

(a) Osbeckia zubeengargiana

(b) Rhododendron assamicum

(c) Impatiens manasensis

(d) Magnolia assamica

(e) Melastoma gargii

17) In which river was the new estuarine fish species “Butis bargabhimae” discovered in West Bengal?

(a) Ganga

(b) Hooghly

(c) Damodar

(d) Teesta

(e) Rupnarayan

18) Which Indian mountaineer became the second Indian woman to summit Nevado Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcanic peak in Chile?

(a) Arpita Patra

(b) Arunima Sinha

(c) Premlata Agarwal

(d) Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu

(e) Aanchal Thakur

19) Under the National Quantum Mission, how many academic institutions in India have been approved to establish quantum teaching laboratories?

(a) 15

(b) 23

(c) 50

(d) 75

(e) 100

20) Which company acquired Lila Jamnagar, the first Indian-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) structured through GIFT City IFSC?

(a) GMS Inc.

(b) RFK Shipping IFSC Private Limited

(c) Lila Global

(d) Adani Ports & SEZ

(e) Shipping Corporation of India

 

21) Which state government signed a MoU with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to strengthen its dairy sector and promote dairy products under the ‘HIM’ brand?

(a) Punjab

(b) Uttarakhand

(c) Haryana

(d) Himachal Pradesh

(e) Rajasthan

22) Which of the following statements about the BCCI Naman Awards 2026 is incorrect?

(a) Shubman Gill won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men).

(b) Smriti Mandhana won the Best International Cricketer (Women) award for the first time.

(c) Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid received the Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award.

(d) Mithali Raj received the BCCI Lifetime Achievement Award (Women).

(e) Harshit Rana won Best International Debut (Men).

 

23) On which date is Ordnance Factories Day observed across India every year?

(a) March 15

(b) March 18

(c) April 1

(d) April 15

(e) May 1

 

24) On which date was World Social Work Day 2026 observed globally?

(a) March 17

(b) March 16

(c) March 15

(d) March 18

(e) March 20

25) Under the revised rules, the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) at the time of listing for certain large companies has been reduced from 5% to what percentage?

(a) 1%

(b) 2%

(c) 2.5%

(d) 3%

(e) 3.5%

 

Answers:

1) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Fitch Ratings released its “Global Economic Outlook – March 2026”, projecting India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.5% for FY 2025–26 (FY26).

The GDP forecast for FY26 was slightly increased to 7.5% from 7.4% estimated in December 2025, mainly due to strong domestic demand and stable economic indicators.

Detailed Explanation:

Fitch Ratings released its “Global Economic Outlook – March 2026”, projecting India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.5% for FY 2025–26 (FY26).

The GDP forecast for FY26 was slightly increased to 7.5% from 7.4% estimated in December 2025, mainly due to strong domestic demand and stable economic indicators.

Domestic demand is expected to remain the main growth driver, with consumer spending projected to rise by 8.6% and investment growth estimated at 6.9% in FY26.

For FY 2026–27 (FY27), Fitch Ratings revised its GDP growth forecast upward to 6.7%, compared to 6.4% projected earlier in December 2025.

The agency also expects India’s economic growth to remain around 6.5% in FY 2027–28 (FY28).

According to Fitch, India’s real economic activity showed tentative signs of slowing in January–February, but the overall economy remains resilient with double-digit credit growth.

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has revised the rules related to Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) for large companies planning to list on stock exchanges.

The reform was implemented through an amendment to the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957.

Under the new rules, the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) at the time of listing has been reduced from 5% to 2.5% for certain large companies.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) has revised the rules related to Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) for large companies planning to list on stock exchanges.

The amendment introduces a graded framework, allowing companies to offer a smaller proportion of shares to the public during their Initial Public Offering (IPO).

The reform was implemented through an amendment to the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957.

Under the new rules, the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) at the time of listing has been reduced from 5% to 2.5% for certain large companies.

The objective of the reform is to facilitate easier listing of large companies while ensuring gradual compliance with public shareholding requirements.

Earlier, the timeline to achieve the mandatory 25% Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) was based on three categories of post-issue capital.

The earlier categories included up to ₹1,600 crore, ₹1,600 crore to ₹4,000 crore, and ₹4,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore.

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Government of India launched the National Mission for Financial Inclusion (NMFI) under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in August 2014 to provide universal banking services to every unbanked household, following the principles of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, and funding the unfunded.

Under PMJDY, as on 25.02.2026, 57.78 crore Jan-Dhan accounts have been opened with a deposit balance of Rs. 2,94,702 crore, of which 32.21 crore (55.8%) accounts belong to women and 45.17 crore (78.2%) accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India launched the National Mission for Financial Inclusion (NMFI) under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in August 2014 to provide universal banking services to every unbanked household, following the principles of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, and funding the unfunded.

Under PMJDY, as on 25.02.2026, 57.78 crore Jan-Dhan accounts have been opened with a deposit balance of Rs. 2,94,702 crore, of which 32.21 crore (55.8%) accounts belong to women and 45.17 crore (78.2%) accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas.

Under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), as on 25.02.2026, 26.88 crore cumulative enrolments have been done, providing life insurance cover of Rs. 2 lakh for death due to any reason.

Under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), as on 25.02.2026, 57.11 crore cumulative enrolments have been done, providing one-year accidental cover of Rs. 2 lakh (death or permanent total disability) and Rs. 1 lakh (permanent partial disability).

Under Atal Pension Yojana (APY), as on 25.02.2026, 8.84 crore cumulative enrolments have been done to provide monthly pension to eligible subscribers.

Under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), as on 27.02.2026, 57.26 crore loans amounting to Rs. 39.48 lakh crore have been sanctioned to provide collateral-free institutional finance to micro and small business units up to Rs. 20 lakh for income-generating activities in manufacturing, trading, services, and agriculture-related sectors.

Under the Stand-Up India Scheme (SUPI), as on 31.03.2025, 2.75 lakh loans amounting to Rs. 62,790 crore have been sanctioned to Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe and Women entrepreneurs for setting up greenfield projects in manufacturing, trading, services, and agriculture-related sectors.

4) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

DCM Shriram Limited secured USD 90 million funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), through Sustainability-Linked Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs).

The investment aims to support the company’s strategic initiatives and long-term growth, particularly the expansion of its downstream chemicals business.

Detailed Explanation:

DCM Shriram Limited secured USD 90 million funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group (WBG), through Sustainability-Linked Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs).

The investment aims to support the company’s strategic initiatives and long-term growth, particularly the expansion of its downstream chemicals business.

The funds will also be used to finance capital expenditure in agri-business operations, helping to create rural employment through direct engagement with farmers at the grassroots level.

The financing structure follows global sustainability financing standards, including the International Capital Market Association (ICMA)’s Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles and the Loan Market Association (LMA)’s Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles.

The company’s Sustainability-Linked Framework was independently validated by CareEdge ESG, a specialized Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) subsidiary of CARE Ratings, ensuring transparency and credibility.

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Digital payment transactions in India have grown exponentially due to coordinated efforts of the Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounted for 81% of total retail digital payments in FY2024-25, making it the largest real-time retail payment system in the world.

Detailed Explanation:

Digital payment transactions in India have grown exponentially due to coordinated efforts of the Government, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

The total retail digital payment transactions and growth rate over the last four financial years are:

FY 2021-22: 7,176.90 crore transactions, ₹457.44 lakh crore value.

FY 2022-23: 11,369.56 crore transactions, ₹587.39 lakh crore value; growth Volume 58.42%, Value 28.41%.

FY 2023-24: 16,416.02 crore transactions, ₹719.37 lakh crore value; growth Volume 44.39%, Value 22.47%.

FY 2024-25: 22,167.90 crore transactions, ₹849.12 lakh crore value; growth Volume 35.04%, Value 18.04%.

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) accounted for 81% of total retail digital payments in FY2024-25, making it the largest real-time retail payment system in the world.

Factors driving digital payment growth include smartphone penetration, Aadhaar-enabled authentication, e-KYC, financial inclusion, and expansion of merchant acceptance infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.

6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The World Bank approved a loan of USD 300 million to support Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to improve air quality through a Clean Air Transition Programme.

The funding supports the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program (UP CAMP), targeting pollution in transport, agriculture, and industry sectors.

Detailed Explanation:

The World Bank approved a loan of USD 300 million to support Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to improve air quality through a Clean Air Transition Programme.

The funding supports the Uttar Pradesh Clean Air Management Program (UP CAMP), targeting pollution in transport, agriculture, and industry sectors.

The initiative aims to strengthen environmental sustainability and generate employment opportunities for youth and women in the state.

The programme focuses on integrated interventions across sectors:

Transport: adoption of electric buses and three-wheelers to reduce vehicular emissions.

Industry: use of emissions monitoring systems and adoption of cleaner technologies.

Agriculture: adoption of efficient fertiliser use to improve crop productivity.

Nearly 200 new air quality monitoring stations will be installed across Uttar Pradesh to strengthen air quality management and policy decisions.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved perpetual validity for registrations and licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to improve the ease of doing business in India.

The government has also revised the turnover thresholds for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India registration and licensing, effective from April 1, 2026.

Revised turnover limits:
– Basic Registration: Increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore.
– State Licence: Applicable for businesses with turnover up to ₹50 crore.
– Central Licence: Required for businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved perpetual validity for registrations and licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to improve the ease of doing business in India.

The reform has been implemented based on recommendations of the NITI Aayog to simplify regulatory compliance and reduce administrative burden for food businesses.

Earlier, Food Business Operators had to periodically renew their Food Safety and Standards Authority of India registrations or licences, involving documentation, fees, and regulatory procedures.

Under the new framework, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India licences and registrations will now have perpetual validity, meaning the licence will remain valid indefinitely unless suspended or cancelled due to violations.

This reform will allow regulators to focus more on monitoring, enforcement, and improving food safety standards instead of handling routine licence renewals.

The government has also revised the turnover thresholds for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India registration and licensing, effective from April 1, 2026.

Revised turnover limits:
– Basic Registration: Increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore.
– State Licence: Applicable for businesses with turnover up to ₹50 crore.
– Central Licence: Required for businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The National Highways Authority of India announced a revision in the FASTag Annual Pass fee for private non-commercial vehicles.

The revised fee will come into effect from April 1, 2026, as per the official order issued on March 12, 2026.

Vehicle owners will now pay ₹3,075 for the FASTag Annual Pass, compared to the earlier fee of ₹3,000.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Highways Authority of India announced a revision in the FASTag Annual Pass fee for private non-commercial vehicles.

The revised fee will come into effect from April 1, 2026, as per the official order issued on March 12, 2026.

Vehicle owners will now pay ₹3,075 for the FASTag Annual Pass, compared to the earlier fee of ₹3,000.

The FASTag Annual Pass scheme was introduced to simplify toll payments for frequent highway travellers.

The scheme was officially launched on Independence Day in 2025 to promote digital toll collection across India’s national highways.

It was designed mainly for commuters who frequently travel on highways and make repeated toll payments.

9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The SATHEE Application has been developed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur to support students preparing for major competitive examinations.

SATHEE stands for “Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Examinations.”

Detailed Explanation:

The SATHEE Application has been developed by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur to support students preparing for major competitive examinations.

It is a free digital learning platform that provides high-quality educational resources such as video lectures, mock tests, study materials, and previous years’ question papers.

The platform is especially designed to support students who cannot afford expensive coaching for competitive examinations.

SATHEE stands for “Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Examinations.”

The educational content available on the platform has been developed by experts from Indian Institutes of Technology and other reputed institutions.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, known as Asia’s largest tulip garden, was opened to visitors.

The garden was inaugurated by Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

The opening of the garden marks the official beginning of the spring tourism season in Kashmir.

The garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking the Dal Lake.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar, known as Asia’s largest tulip garden, was opened to visitors.

The garden was inaugurated by Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.

The opening of the garden marks the official beginning of the spring tourism season in Kashmir.

The garden is located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking the Dal Lake.

Every year, the blooming of tulip flowers transforms the Kashmir Valley into a colourful landscape, attracting tourists from across India and abroad.

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is recognised as the largest tulip garden in Asia.

The garden spreads across 74 acres and features terraced patterns filled with colourful tulip varieties.

11) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Gujarat Government launched a statewide vaccination drive against Foot and Mouth Disease to protect livestock and prevent the spread of the disease.

The vaccination campaign began on March 1, 2026 and will continue until April 15, 2026 across the state.

The drive is being implemented under the National Animal Disease Control Programme, a major initiative aimed at eliminating major animal diseases in India.

Detailed Explanation:

The Gujarat Government launched a statewide vaccination drive against Foot and Mouth Disease to protect livestock and prevent the spread of the disease.

The vaccination campaign began on March 1, 2026 and will continue until April 15, 2026 across the state.

The drive is being implemented under the National Animal Disease Control Programme, a major initiative aimed at eliminating major animal diseases in India.

The vaccination campaign targets livestock such as cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats, which are particularly vulnerable to Foot and Mouth Disease.

Veterinary teams are visiting villages and dairy farms across Gujarat to vaccinate animals and monitor their health conditions.

Foot and Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that mainly affects cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats.

Animals infected with the disease often develop fever, mouth ulcers, excessive salivation, and reduced appetite.

12) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Renowned Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu has been awarded the Jnanpith Award for 2025, India’s highest literary honour.

Detailed Explanation:

Renowned Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu has been awarded the Jnanpith Award for 2025, India’s highest literary honour.

The award recognises his decades-long contribution to Tamil literature, poetry, and film lyrics.

The Jnanpith Award is presented annually to authors for exceptional work in Indian languages.

Vairamuthu is widely known for his powerful poetry, literary writings, and thousands of song lyrics in Tamil cinema.

His writings are known for combining classical Tamil literary elements with contemporary themes, making them accessible to readers across generations.

 

13) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The 98th edition of the Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States.

Best Picture: One Battle After Another.

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan for the film Sinners.

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley for the film Hamnet.

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson for the film One Battle After Another.

Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for the film One Battle After Another, marking his third Academy Award.

Detailed Explanation:

The 98th edition of the Academy Awards (Oscars 2026) was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States.

The ceremony honoured the best films released in 2025 across 24 award categories.

The event was hosted by Conan O’Brien.

The film One Battle After Another dominated the awards ceremony by winning six Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

The film Sinners received the highest number of nominations (16) at the ceremony and secured four awards.

Best Picture: One Battle After Another.

Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan for the film Sinners.

Best Actress: Jessie Buckley for the film Hamnet.

Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson for the film One Battle After Another.

Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for the film One Battle After Another, marking his third Academy Award.

Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan for the film Weapons.

Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler for the film Sinners.

Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson for the film One Battle After Another.

 

14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed Manjeet Singh, a retired IAS officer (1988 batch, Rajasthan cadre), as Special Observer for the 2026 General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Assam.

Detailed Explanation:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed Manjeet Singh, a retired IAS officer (1988 batch, Rajasthan cadre), as Special Observer for the 2026 General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Assam.

The Special Observer will visit Assam regularly to monitor poll preparedness and the conduct of elections, providing inputs to the Commission for necessary action.

The appointment of the Special Observer is under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the ECI to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

The General Election in Assam is scheduled for 9th April 2026, with vote counting on 4th May 2026.


15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited laid the foundation stone for the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh (AP).

Detailed Explanation:

Sagar Defence Engineering Private Limited laid the foundation stone for the world’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh (AP).

The proposed centre will function as an advanced shipyard, integrating Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into key production processes to enhance shipbuilding efficiency, workforce productivity, and sustainability.

The centre will have autonomous shipbuilding units, testing infrastructure, an R&D centre, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and a specialised training hub within a single integrated campus.

16) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Researchers from Gauhati University discovered a new plant species, Osbeckia zubeengargiana, in the grassland ecosystems of Manas National Park, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in Assam.

Detailed Explanation:

Researchers from Gauhati University discovered a new plant species, Osbeckia zubeengargiana, in the grassland ecosystems of Manas National Park, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in Assam.

The species was named after Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, and the discovery was published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa.

The species was documented during floristic surveys conducted between 2021 and 2025 in Baksa district, Assam.

Osbeckia zubeengargiana belongs to the Melastomataceae family and the genus Osbeckia.

17) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Scientists in West Bengal have discovered a new estuarine fish species named “Butis bargabhimae”, enhancing India’s aquatic biodiversity.

The species was found in the Rupnarayan River, a tributary of the Hooghly River, in an estuarine ecosystem near Tamluk, West Bengal.

Estuarine environments, where freshwater meets seawater, serve as dynamic habitats supporting diverse aquatic life.

Detailed Explanation:

Scientists in West Bengal have discovered a new estuarine fish species named “Butis bargabhimae”, enhancing India’s aquatic biodiversity.

The species was found in the Rupnarayan River, a tributary of the Hooghly River, in an estuarine ecosystem near Tamluk, West Bengal.

Estuarine environments, where freshwater meets seawater, serve as dynamic habitats supporting diverse aquatic life.

“Butis bargabhimae” belongs to the butid family, commonly called gudgeon gobies, which are adapted to brackish water and fluctuating salinity levels.

Unique morphological features of this species include:

Interorbital scales between the eyes (absent in most butid fishes)

Auxiliary scales across the body

Distinctive light and dark bands on pectoral fins

The species name “bargabhimae” is derived from the Hindu deity Bargabhima, reflecting cultural significance in the Tamluk region.

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Arpita Patra, Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, successfully summited Nevado Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcanic peak and tallest mountain in Chile.

She became the second Indian woman to scale Nevado Ojos del Salado, after Arunima Sinha in 2019.

Detailed Explanation:

Arpita Patra, Professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, successfully summited Nevado Ojos del Salado, the world’s highest volcanic peak and tallest mountain in Chile.

She became the second Indian woman to scale Nevado Ojos del Salado, after Arunima Sinha in 2019.

The summit altitude was 6,893 metres, nearly 7,000 metres, marking the highest elevation she has ever reached.

Previous mountaineering achievements include:

Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m, Africa)

Mount Elbrus (5,642 m, Europe)

Mount Giluwe (4,367 m, Oceania) – she was the first Indian woman to summit.

Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m, North America) – she was the second Indian woman to summit.

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The National Quantum Mission has approved the establishment of quantum teaching laboratories in 23 academic institutions across India, with 100 more under consideration, to support advanced research and training in emerging quantum technologies.

The approval and updates were disclosed during the joint monthly meeting of Secretaries of Science Ministries and Departments, chaired by Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Quantum Mission has approved the establishment of quantum teaching laboratories in 23 academic institutions across India, with 100 more under consideration, to support advanced research and training in emerging quantum technologies.

The approval and updates were disclosed during the joint monthly meeting of Secretaries of Science Ministries and Departments, chaired by Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh.

The meeting included Principal Scientific Adviser Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar, DBT Secretary Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, DSIR Secretary Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, MoES Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran, and ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan.

Preparations for the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2026 were reviewed, with Pune proposed as the venue and the Department of Biotechnology working on the event framework, themes, programme structure, and logistics.

 

20) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Lila Global has acquired Lila Jamnagar, a 298,997 deadweight tonne (DWT) Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), marking the first Indian-flagged VLCC structured through GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

The vessel is registered under RFK Shipping IFSC Private Limited and will be operated through the Lila Global platform, reflecting the growing role of GIFT City in maritime finance and ship leasing.

Detailed Explanation:

Lila Global has acquired Lila Jamnagar, a 298,997 deadweight tonne (DWT) Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC), marking the first Indian-flagged VLCC structured through GIFT City International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

The vessel is registered under RFK Shipping IFSC Private Limited and will be operated through the Lila Global platform, reflecting the growing role of GIFT City in maritime finance and ship leasing.

Lila Jamnagar has completed dry docking and started its maiden voyage under the Indian flag, sailing from the Far East to western markets for crude transportation.

Lila Global is the ship-owning arm of GMS Inc., led by Founder and CEO Anil Sharma.

21) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Himachal Pradesh Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Dairy Development Board to strengthen the dairy sector in the state.

The agreement aims to enhance milk processing capacity, improve dairy infrastructure, and generate employment opportunities for farmers.

Detailed Explanation:

The Himachal Pradesh Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Dairy Development Board to strengthen the dairy sector in the state.

The agreement aims to enhance milk processing capacity, improve dairy infrastructure, and generate employment opportunities for farmers.

The Memorandum of Understanding is expected to support dairy-based industries and promote dairy products under the ‘HIM’ brand.

The agreement focuses on improving the overall infrastructure of the dairy sector in Himachal Pradesh and modernising milk processing facilities across the state.

It also aims to strengthen the dairy supply chain and improve efficiency in milk collection, processing, and distribution.

22) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The BCCI Naman Awards 2026 were held in New Delhi, celebrating achievements and contributions to Indian cricket.

Shubman Gill won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for his consistent performances for India in international cricket.

Smriti Mandhana received the Best International Cricketer (Women) award, marking the fifth time she has won the honour.

Best International Debut (Men): Harshit Rana.

Best International Debut (Women): N Sree Charani.

The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest individual honour presented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, was awarded to Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid.

Mithali Raj received the Board of Control for Cricket in India Lifetime Achievement Award (Women) for her remarkable international career.

Detailed Explanation:

The BCCI Naman Awards 2026 were held in New Delhi, celebrating achievements and contributions to Indian cricket.

The awards are presented annually by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to recognise outstanding performances in international cricket, domestic tournaments, and lifetime contributions to the sport.

The ceremony also honours players, administrators, umpires, and emerging talents in Indian cricket.

Shubman Gill won the Polly Umrigar Award for Best International Cricketer (Men) for his consistent performances for India in international cricket.

Smriti Mandhana received the Best International Cricketer (Women) award, marking the fifth time she has won the honour.

Best International Debut (Men): Harshit Rana.

Best International Debut (Women): N Sree Charani.

The Col. C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest individual honour presented by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, was awarded to Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid.

Mithali Raj received the Board of Control for Cricket in India Lifetime Achievement Award (Women) for her remarkable international career.

23) Answer: B

Ordnance Factories Day is observed across India on March 18 every year to commemorate the establishment of the first ordnance factory in colonial India.

The day marks the foundation of the first ordnance factory set up in 1801 at Cossipore near Kolkata.

24) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

World Social Work Day 2026 was observed globally on March 17, 2026.

World Social Work Day is observed annually on the third Tuesday of March to honour the dedication and work of social workers across the world.

Detailed Explanation:

World Social Work Day 2026 was observed globally on March 17, 2026.

World Social Work Day is observed annually on the third Tuesday of March to honour the dedication and work of social workers across the world.

The theme for 2026 is “Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.”

25) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Under the new rules, the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) at the time of listing has been reduced from 5% to 2.5% for certain large companies.

Detailed Explanation:

Under the new rules, the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) at the time of listing has been reduced from 5% to 2.5% for certain large companies.

The objective of the reform is to facilitate easier listing of large companies while ensuring gradual compliance with public shareholding requirements.

Earlier, the timeline to achieve the mandatory 25% Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) was based on three categories of post-issue capital.

The earlier categories included up to ₹1,600 crore, ₹1,600 crore to ₹4,000 crore, and ₹4,000 crore to ₹1 lakh crore.