Current Affairs
Question Bank
Every CA question in one place. Filter by subject, month, or exam track. Solutions inline.
Subject
Month
38 questions · page 1 of 2
- International30 Apr 2026
Vietnam is one of India's most important partners under which Indian foreign-policy framework, launched in 2014?
- A.Act East Policy
- B.SAGAR Doctrine
- C.Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
- D.Neighbourhood First Policy
Show solution
Answer: A. Act East Policy
The **Act East Policy** — launched by PM Modi in 2014 (succeeding PM Narasimha Rao's 1991 'Look East' Policy) — anchors India's strategic engagement with Southeast Asia and East Asia. The **SAGAR Doctrine** (2015) is India's Indian Ocean maritime doctrine. **IPOI** (2019) is a broader Indo-Pacific cooperation initiative. **Neighbourhood First Policy** is for India's immediate South Asian neighbours, not Southeast Asia.
Read source story → - International30 Apr 2026
The India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership — whose 10th anniversary coincides with To Lam's visit — was established in:
- A.September 2016, during PM Modi's visit to Vietnam
- B.August 2007, during PM Manmohan Singh's tenure
- C.December 2018, at the East Asia Summit
- D.May 2014, after PM Modi's election
Show solution
Answer: A. September 2016, during PM Modi's visit to Vietnam
The **Comprehensive Strategic Partnership** was established in **September 2016** during **PM Modi's visit to Hanoi**. **August 2007** is when the **Strategic Partnership** (the predecessor tier) was established under PM Manmohan Singh. The **East Asia Summit** is a regular forum but not the venue of the CSP elevation. **May 2014** is shortly after PM Modi's election but predates the CSP.
Read source story → - International30 Apr 2026
Vietnam's President To Lam will pay a state visit to India from 5 to 7 May 2026 at the invitation of which Indian leader?
- A.Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- B.President Droupadi Murmu
- C.Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar
- D.External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
Show solution
Answer: A. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The MEA statement makes clear the visit is **at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi**. **President Droupadi Murmu** will hold a meeting with Lam during the visit but did not extend the invitation. **VP Dhankhar** and **EAM Jaishankar** play supporting roles in such visits but are not the primary inviters for state visits.
Read source story → - International29 Apr 2026
Which other countries have previously left OPEC, and in what years?
- A.Saudi Arabia (1990) and Iran (2000)
- B.Indonesia (left 2009; rejoined 2016; suspended 2017); Qatar (January 2019, focused on LNG leadership); Ecuador (January 2020); Angola (January 2024 over quota disputes)
- C.USA (1973) and Norway (1985)
- D.China (2010) and Brazil (2015)
Show solution
Answer: B. Indonesia (left 2009; rejoined 2016; suspended 2017); Qatar (January 2019, focused on LNG leadership); Ecuador (January 2020); Angola (January 2024 over quota disputes)
**Previous OPEC exits**: **Indonesia** (left 2009, rejoined 2016, suspended again 2017); **Qatar** (left **January 2019** to focus on LNG leadership); **Ecuador** (left **January 2020** for fiscal reasons); **Angola** (left **January 2024** over quota disputes). The UAE's exit on **1 May 2026** is the most influential of these given UAE's status as OPEC's third-largest producer and one of the few members alongside Saudi Arabia with meaningful spare production capacity to influence prices.
Read source story → - International29 Apr 2026
When and where was OPEC founded, and who were its founding members?
- A.1948 in Cairo; Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria
- B.September 1960 at the Baghdad Conference; founding members Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela; HQ since 1965 in Vienna, Austria (originally in Geneva 1960-1965)
- C.1971 in Abu Dhabi; UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain
- D.2000 in Vienna; Russia, Saudi Arabia, USA, China, India
Show solution
Answer: B. September 1960 at the Baghdad Conference; founding members Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela; HQ since 1965 in Vienna, Austria (originally in Geneva 1960-1965)
**OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)** was founded in **September 1960 at the Baghdad Conference** by five founding members: **Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela**. Its headquarters was originally in **Geneva, Switzerland (1960-1965)** and moved to **Vienna, Austria in 1965**, where it has remained. After the UAE's exit, OPEC has 11 members controlling ~30% of global oil supply. **OPEC+** (since 2016) adds 10 non-OPEC partners — Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Brunei, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, South Sudan, Sudan — for a combined ~41% of global supply.
Read source story → - International29 Apr 2026
When does the UAE's exit from OPEC and OPEC+ take effect, and how long was its membership?
- A.31 December 2025; 70 years of membership
- B.1 May 2026 (announced 28 April 2026 by UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei); ending nearly six decades of membership since 1967 (through the emirate of Abu Dhabi, before the UAE was formed as a country in 1971)
- C.1 January 2030; 10 years of membership
- D.15 August 2026; 25 years of membership
Show solution
Answer: B. 1 May 2026 (announced 28 April 2026 by UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei); ending nearly six decades of membership since 1967 (through the emirate of Abu Dhabi, before the UAE was formed as a country in 1971)
The **UAE's exit from OPEC and OPEC+ takes effect on Friday, 1 May 2026**, as announced by **UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei** on **Tuesday, 28 April 2026**. The UAE's OPEC membership began in **1967 through the emirate of Abu Dhabi** (the UAE was formed as a country only in 1971 as a federation of seven emirates), so the exit ends **nearly six decades of membership**. UAE was OPEC's **third-largest producer** at the time of exit, with ~4.8 million bpd capacity and a target of 5 million bpd by 2027.
Read source story → - International28 Apr 2026
Under what pledge framework did India announce 'net-zero by 2070' and the 500 GW non-fossil capacity target?
- A.Stockholm Declaration 1972
- B.Panchamrit pledges at COP26 Glasgow in November 2021
- C.Rio Declaration 1992
- D.Belém Communique 2025
Show solution
Answer: B. Panchamrit pledges at COP26 Glasgow in November 2021
India's **Panchamrit pledges** were announced by **PM Modi at COP26 Glasgow in November 2021** as a five-point commitment: **(1) net-zero by 2070**; (2) **500 GW non-fossil installed capacity by 2030**; (3) 50% energy from renewables by 2030; (4) 1 billion tonne CO2 reduction by 2030; (5) 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 (vs 2005 baseline). India updated its 2015 NDCs in 2022 to reflect these pledges.
Read source story → - International28 Apr 2026
When was the Paris Agreement adopted, and when did it enter into force?
- A.1992 at Rio; 1994
- B.Adopted 12 December 2015 at COP21 Paris; entered into force 4 November 2016
- C.1997 at Kyoto; 2005
- D.2009 at Copenhagen; 2010
Show solution
Answer: B. Adopted 12 December 2015 at COP21 Paris; entered into force 4 November 2016
The **Paris Agreement** was adopted on **12 December 2015** at **COP21 in Paris**, and **entered into force on 4 November 2016**. Its central goal is to limit the increase in global average temperature to **well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels** and **pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C**. It is built on country-driven **Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)** that each party submits and updates every 5 years, with a ratchet mechanism for increasing ambition.
Read source story → - International28 Apr 2026
At which COP did India's PM Modi announce the country's net-zero by 2070 target and the Panchamrit pledges?
- A.COP21 Paris (2015)
- B.COP26 Glasgow (November 2021)
- C.COP28 Dubai (2023)
- D.COP30 Belém (2025)
Show solution
Answer: B. COP26 Glasgow (November 2021)
PM Narendra Modi announced India's **net-zero by 2070** target and the **five-point Panchamrit pledges** at **COP26 Glasgow** in **November 2021**. The Panchamrit includes: net-zero by 2070, 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, 50% energy from renewables by 2030, 1 billion tonne CO2 reduction by 2030, and 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 (vs 2005 baseline).
Read source story → - International28 Apr 2026
Which Indian Navy operation reflects India's SAGAR doctrine of maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region?
- A.Operation Cactus (Maldives, 1988)
- B.Continuous anti-piracy operations off Somalia in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 — including INS Sumitra (April 2024) — under SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) articulated by PM Modi in 2015
- C.Operation Trident (1971)
- D.Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka, 1987)
Show solution
Answer: B. Continuous anti-piracy operations off Somalia in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 — including INS Sumitra (April 2024) — under SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) articulated by PM Modi in 2015
**SAGAR — Security and Growth for All in the Region** — was articulated by PM Modi in 2015 in Mauritius as India's framework for Indian Ocean Region engagement. India's continuous anti-piracy operations off Somalia in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, including **INS Sumitra (April 2024)** and **INS Kolkata**, operationalise SAGAR's maritime-security pillar. India is also part of the **Combined Maritime Forces Combined Task Force 151** for counter-piracy.
Read source story → - International28 Apr 2026
The 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue (2026) was co-hosted by Germany along with which countries holding the COP31 presidency?
- A.UK and France
- B.COP31 Presidency of Türkiye and Presidency of Negotiations Australia
- C.USA and India
- D.Brazil and South Africa
Show solution
Answer: B. COP31 Presidency of Türkiye and Presidency of Negotiations Australia
The 17th Petersberg Climate Dialogue (2026) was co-hosted by **Germany** alongside the **COP31 Presidency of Türkiye** and the **Presidency of Negotiations Australia**. The Türkiye-Australia co-presidency reflects an unusual COP arrangement where Türkiye hosts the physical summit (in **Antalya**) while Australia co-leads negotiations.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
India shares its longest land border with which neighbour, and approximately how long is it?
- A.China — about 3,488 km along the LAC
- B.Pakistan — about 3,323 km along the IB and LoC
- C.Bangladesh — about 4,096 km
- D.Nepal — about 1,751 km
Show solution
Answer: C. Bangladesh — about 4,096 km
India shares its **longest land border** with **Bangladesh** at approximately **4,096 km**, running through five Indian states — **West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram**. The next longest is the China border (~3,488 km along the LAC), then Pakistan (~3,323 km), Nepal (~1,751 km), Myanmar, and Bhutan.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
Muhammad Yunus, who heads Bangladesh's interim government from August 2024, is internationally recognised for which contribution?
- A.Garment-export-led growth model in Bangladesh
- B.Founding Grameen Bank and pioneering microfinance — Nobel Peace Prize 2006
- C.Climate-adaptation engineering for the Sundarbans
- D.Software services exports from Dhaka
Show solution
Answer: B. Founding Grameen Bank and pioneering microfinance — Nobel Peace Prize 2006
**Muhammad Yunus** is a Bangladeshi economist who founded **Grameen Bank** in **1983** and pioneered **microfinance** — small loans extended without collateral, mainly to rural women. He was awarded the **Nobel Peace Prize 2006** jointly with Grameen Bank. He took charge of Bangladesh's interim government in August 2024 after the ouster of long-time PM Sheikh Hasina.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
Pakistan and China signed three new MoUs during President Asif Ali Zardari's visit. Which sectors did the MoUs cover?
- A.Defence cooperation, nuclear energy, and steel manufacturing
- B.Karachi seawater desalination, agricultural technology, and the tea industry
- C.5G telecom, electric vehicles, and lithium mining
- D.Solar energy, fisheries, and pharmaceuticals
Show solution
Answer: B. Karachi seawater desalination, agricultural technology, and the tea industry
The three MoUs covered: (1) **Karachi seawater desalination** with Lucion Environmental Technology Group; (2) **agricultural technology** with Long Ping Hi-tech; and (3) **tea industry** with Hunan Tea Group and Jiaolong International Technology. All were signed in **Changsha**, capital of **Hunan Province**.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
Why is the head of India's diplomatic mission in Bangladesh styled 'High Commissioner' rather than 'Ambassador'?
- A.Bangladesh has a special bilateral status with India
- B.India and Bangladesh are both Commonwealth member states
- C.The MEA reserves Ambassador titles for the UN P5
- D.Bangladesh has not yet established full diplomatic relations with India
Show solution
Answer: B. India and Bangladesh are both Commonwealth member states
**High Commissioners** are appointed between **Commonwealth member states**, while **Ambassadors** are appointed to non-Commonwealth nations. Both India and Bangladesh are members of the **Commonwealth of Nations** (a voluntary association of 56 member states, mostly former territories of the British Empire). The two ranks are functionally equivalent — only the title differs.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), what is the maximum permissible breadth of a coastal state's territorial sea, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and contiguous zone respectively, measured from the baseline?
- A.6 NM, 100 NM, 12 NM
- B.12 NM, 200 NM, 24 NM
- C.24 NM, 250 NM, 12 NM
- D.12 NM, 100 NM, 50 NM
Show solution
Answer: B. 12 NM, 200 NM, 24 NM
Under UNCLOS, the TERRITORIAL SEA may extend up to 12 nautical miles (NM) from the baseline (full coastal-state sovereignty subject to innocent passage); the CONTIGUOUS ZONE may extend up to 24 NM (limited enforcement jurisdiction for customs, fiscal, immigration, and sanitation matters); the EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE (EEZ) may extend up to 200 NM (sovereign rights over natural resources). The CONTINENTAL SHELF may extend up to 200 NM or natural prolongation up to 350 NM. 1 NM = 1.852 km.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The Philippines is a founding member of ASEAN — established when, with which other founding members?
- A.1961 with Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei
- B.1967 with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
- C.1971 with Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia
- D.1975 with Singapore, Brunei, Thailand
Show solution
Answer: B. 1967 with Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
ASEAN was founded on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok with five founding members: INDONESIA, MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, and THAILAND. ASEAN currently has 10 members (Brunei joined 1984; Vietnam 1995; Laos 1997; Myanmar 1997; Cambodia 1999). HQ is in Jakarta, Indonesia. Timor-Leste's accession is in process.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The Chernobyl disaster occurred at a reactor of which type?
- A.Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR)
- B.Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR)
- C.Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
- D.RBMK (graphite-moderated channel-type reactor)
Show solution
Answer: D. RBMK (graphite-moderated channel-type reactor)
The disaster occurred at an RBMK reactor — Reaktor Bolshoy Moshchnosti Kanalnyy ('high-power channel-type reactor'), a Soviet-designed graphite-moderated reactor. Critical design flaws included the absence of a pressure-retaining containment structure and a positive void coefficient (where steam in the coolant increased reactivity). India's reactors are mainly PHWR, fundamentally different from the RBMK design.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo on Luzon was one of the largest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century. What was its broader climatic impact?
- A.Caused El Niño in the Pacific
- B.Cooled global average temperatures by ~0.5°C for 1-2 years
- C.Triggered a global ice age
- D.Had no measurable global climate impact
Show solution
Answer: B. Cooled global average temperatures by ~0.5°C for 1-2 years
The 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption (VEI 6, one of the largest of the 20th century) injected ~20 million tonnes of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere, which spread globally and temporarily cooled global average temperatures by ~0.5°C for 1-2 years. This is one of the best-documented natural radiative forcing events. The eruption also displaced hundreds of thousands and led to the closure of the US Clark Air Base in Luzon.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
On the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES), the Chernobyl disaster is rated at which level?
- A.Level 5
- B.Level 6
- C.Level 7
- D.Level 8
Show solution
Answer: C. Level 7
Chernobyl is rated Level 7 ('Major Accident') on the INES scale, the highest level. INES has 8 levels (0-7) and was established by the IAEA in 1990. The only other Level 7 event in history is the Fukushima Daiichi disaster (Japan, 11 March 2011). Three Mile Island (USA, 1979) was rated Level 5.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station is located in which present-day country?
- A.Russia
- B.Belarus
- C.Ukraine
- D.Kazakhstan
Show solution
Answer: C. Ukraine
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station is located in present-day UKRAINE (it was in the Ukrainian SSR of the Soviet Union at the time of the 1986 disaster). The disaster impacted Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and through atmospheric dispersal reached as far as Sweden. The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, and Chernobyl is now in independent Ukraine.
Read source story → - International27 Apr 2026
The Chernobyl nuclear disaster — whose 40th anniversary is being marked — occurred on which date?
- A.6 August 1945
- B.26 April 1986
- C.11 March 2011
- D.28 March 1979
Show solution
Answer: B. 26 April 1986
The Chernobyl disaster occurred on 26 April 1986 at Unit 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station near Pripyat in Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine). It is rated Level 7 ('Major Accident') on the INES scale — the highest level. The other dates: 6 Aug 1945 was the Hiroshima atomic bombing; 11 March 2011 was the Fukushima Daiichi disaster (the only other Level 7 nuclear event); 28 March 1979 was the Three Mile Island accident (Level 5).
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The Kothari Commission (1964-66) — chaired by Daulat Singh Kothari — recommended what level of public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP for India?
- A.3% of GDP
- B.5% of GDP
- C.6% of GDP
- D.10% of GDP
Show solution
Answer: C. 6% of GDP
The Kothari Commission recommended public expenditure on education of 6% of GDP — a target India has not yet met (currently around 3% of GDP). The Commission was chaired by Daulat Singh Kothari, who was the Chairman of UGC at the time. The 6% target has been reaffirmed by subsequent education policies including NEP 2020.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 — India's comprehensive higher-education policy — targets what Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by what year?
- A.50% by 2030
- B.50% by 2035
- C.75% by 2040
- D.100% by 2050
Show solution
Answer: B. 50% by 2035
NEP 2020 targets 50% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035. NEP 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 July 2020 and is the third major NEP after NEP 1968 and NEP 1986 (modified 1992). It was drafted by the K. Kasturirangan Committee. Other key provisions include 4-year UG with multiple entry/exit, Academic Bank of Credits, multidisciplinarity, and Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The University Grants Commission (UGC) — India's apex regulator for non-technical higher education — was established under which Act?
- A.UGC Act, 1956
- B.AICTE Act, 1987
- C.Right to Education Act, 2009
- D.National Education Policy, 2020
Show solution
Answer: A. UGC Act, 1956
The UGC was established under the University Grants Commission Act, 1956. UGC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Education with headquarters in New Delhi. It is the apex regulator for non-technical higher education in India. AICTE Act 1987 gave statutory status to AICTE (technical education regulator). NEP 2020 is a policy, not the establishing law for UGC.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
Ronald Ross — who demonstrated in 1897 that mosquitoes transmit malaria — received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in:
- A.1900
- B.1902
- C.1907
- D.1923
Show solution
Answer: B. 1902
Ronald Ross received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1902 — the second Nobel in this category. He demonstrated in 1897 that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria parasites. Charles Laveran (who discovered the Plasmodium parasite in 1880 in Algeria) received the Nobel Prize in 1907. Both contributed foundational work to malaria science.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in October 2021 — about 30-40% effective — is:
- A.BCG
- B.RTS,S (Mosquirix)
- C.R21/Matrix-M
- D.Covishield
Show solution
Answer: B. RTS,S (Mosquirix)
RTS,S (trade name Mosquirix), manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, was the FIRST malaria vaccine recommended by WHO in October 2021 — about 30-40% effective. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine was the SECOND, recommended by WHO in October 2023 — more scalable and lower-cost, manufactured by Serum Institute of India in collaboration with the University of Oxford. BCG is for tuberculosis; Covishield is for COVID-19.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
The 2026 theme of World Malaria Day is:
- A.'Zero Malaria Starts With Me'
- B.'Malaria-Free World Begins With You'
- C.'Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.'
- D.'Beat Malaria Together'
Show solution
Answer: C. 'Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.'
The 2026 theme of World Malaria Day is 'Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.' — highlighting scientific progress (vaccines, diagnostics) and stressing that elimination is achievable with collective effort across governments, healthcare institutions, and global organisations.
Read source story → - International26 Apr 2026
World Malaria Day is observed annually on which date and was established by which body?
- A.7 April — World Health Organization
- B.25 April — World Health Organization
- C.1 December — UNAIDS
- D.24 March — Stop TB Partnership
Show solution
Answer: B. 25 April — World Health Organization
World Malaria Day is observed annually on 25 April. It was established by the World Health Organization (WHO), first observed in 2008, and replaced the earlier Africa Malaria Day (which had been observed since 2001 in line with the Abuja Declaration). World Health Day (7 April), World AIDS Day (1 December), and World TB Day (24 March) are different observances.
Read source story → - International25 Apr 2026
Which of the following is the major India-Japan Army-level joint military exercise (held since 2018)?
- A.JIMEX
- B.Shinyuu Maitri
- C.Dharma Guardian
- D.Malabar
Show solution
Answer: C. Dharma Guardian
DHARMA GUARDIAN is the major India-Japan ARMY-level joint military exercise, conducted since 2018. JIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise) is the Navy bilateral. Shinyuu Maitri is the Air Force exercise. Malabar is the multilateral Navy exercise involving all four Quad members (US, India, Japan, Australia) since 2020.
Read source story →