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
- Uncategorized30 Apr 2026
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), set to install a new HF radar in Karaikal in 2026, functions under which Union ministry?
- A.Ministry of Earth Sciences
- B.Ministry of Science and Technology
- C.Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
- D.Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Show solution
Answer: A. Ministry of Earth Sciences
**NIOT** (Chennai, established 1993) is an autonomous institute under the **Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)** — which also covers IMD, INCOIS, IITM, and NCPOR. The **Ministry of Science and Technology** has DST/DBT/CSIR but not NIOT. **MoEF&CC** handles environmental regulation. **Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways** (formerly Shipping) handles port and inland-waterways infrastructure, not ocean R&D.
Read source story → - Uncategorized30 Apr 2026
On 30 April 2026, India deployed its Aarogya Maitri portable healthcare infrastructure in which country, marking a milestone in India-CARICOM relations?
- A.Jamaica
- B.Trinidad and Tobago
- C.Guyana
- D.Barbados
Show solution
Answer: A. Jamaica
The 30 April 2026 deployment was in **Jamaica**, building on the November 2025 BHISHM Cube relief sent to Cuba and Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. **Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and Barbados** are all CARICOM members and partners in the broader 'CARICOM' 7-pillar framework (Guyana hosted the first India-CARICOM Summit in September 2024) — but this specific Aarogya Maitri deployment was to Jamaica.
Read source story → - Uncategorized30 Apr 2026
Tatya Tope was a personal adherent and commander-in-chief of which leader during the 1857 Revolt?
- A.Nana Saheb of Bithoor
- B.Bahadur Shah Zafar
- C.Begum Hazrat Mahal
- D.Kunwar Singh of Jagdishpur
Show solution
Answer: A. Nana Saheb of Bithoor
**Nana Saheb (Dhondu Pant)** — the adopted son of the last Peshwa, Baji Rao II — was Tatya Tope's leader; Tope served as his commander-in-chief and led the rebel forces at Kanpur (Cawnpore). **Bahadur Shah Zafar** was the symbolic figurehead of the revolt at Delhi. **Begum Hazrat Mahal** led the revolt in Awadh (Lucknow). **Kunwar Singh** (1777-1858) led the rebellion in Bihar from Jagdishpur — all real 1857 leaders, but Tope was Nana Saheb's man.
Read source story → - Uncategorized30 Apr 2026
Which Ayushman Bharat sub-component provides cashless secondary and tertiary care insurance of ₹5 lakh per family per year to poor and vulnerable families?
- A.Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
- B.Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)
- C.Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
- D.Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Show solution
Answer: A. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
**PM-JAY** is the insurance arm of Ayushman Bharat, providing **₹5 lakh per family per year** cashless secondary/tertiary cover for ~12 crore beneficiary families. **PMSMA** is the free antenatal-care campaign on the 9th of each month. **PMBJP** runs Jan Aushadhi generic-medicine stores. **PMSBY** is an accident-insurance scheme (₹2 lakh cover at ₹20/year) under the Jan-Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile umbrella — not a healthcare-services scheme.
Read source story → - Uncategorized30 Apr 2026
A 1857-era letter linked to Tatya Tope was unearthed in Madhya Pradesh archives in April 2026 under which Government of India initiative?
- A.Gyan Bharatam Mission
- B.Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Project
- C.PRASHAD Scheme
- D.Project Mausam
Show solution
Answer: A. Gyan Bharatam Mission
The letter was surfaced under the **Gyan Bharatam Mission** national manuscripts survey, announced in **Union Budget 2025-26** with ₹60 crore allocation. **Adopt a Heritage 2.0** is a Ministry of Tourism + ASI scheme for monument-stewardship. **PRASHAD** (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive) targets pilgrim destinations. **Project Mausam** is an MEA-backed maritime cultural-routes initiative. All four are real GoI programmes — but only Gyan Bharatam covers manuscripts.
Read source story → - Uncategorized30 Apr 2026
Arrange the following Indian gender-policy and statistics milestones in chronological order: 1. National Family Health Survey-1 (NFHS-1) launched 2. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention) Act enacted 3. First edition of 'Women and Men in India' published 4. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao launched by PM Modi at Panipat Select the correct option:
- A.1 → 3 → 2 → 4
- B.3 → 1 → 2 → 4
- C.1 → 3 → 4 → 2
- D.1 → 2 → 3 → 4
Show solution
Answer: A. 1 → 3 → 2 → 4
**NFHS-1** field work was conducted in **1992-93** (first round). **'Women and Men in India'** was first published in **1995**. The **POSH Act** (Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace, Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) was enacted in **2013**. **Beti Bachao Beti Padhao** was launched on **22 January 2015** at Panipat, Haryana. Correct order: 1 → 3 → 2 → 4.
Read source story → - Uncategorized30 Apr 2026
In Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, which of the Five Tathagatas (Wisdom Buddhas) sits at the centre of the mandala — representing the unity of truth from which the other four emanate?
- A.Vairocana
- B.Akshobhya
- C.Amitabha
- D.Ratnasambhava
Show solution
Answer: A. Vairocana
**Vairocana** sits at the centre of the Five-Tathagata mandala. **Akshobhya** is in the East (transmutes anger; symbol Vajra). **Ratnasambhava** is in the South (transmutes pride; symbol Jewel). **Amitabha** is in the West (Pure Land of Sukhavati). **Amoghasiddhi** (not listed) is in the North.
Read source story → - Uncategorized30 Apr 2026
On 29 April 2026, the sacred Piprahwa relics of the Buddha arrived in which Indian region for a public exposition starting on Buddha Purnima 2026?
- A.Leh, Ladakh
- B.Bodhgaya, Bihar
- C.Sarnath, UP
- D.Tawang, AP
Show solution
Answer: A. Leh, Ladakh
The Piprahwa relics arrived at **Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport, Leh, Ladakh** on 29 April 2026; the public exposition opens at **Jivetsal on 1 May 2026** with HM Amit Shah attending. **Bodhgaya** (Bihar) is the site of Buddha's enlightenment; **Sarnath** (UP) is where he delivered his first sermon; **Tawang** (Arunachal Pradesh) is a major Vajrayana monastery town — but none hosted this exposition.
Read source story → - Uncategorized29 Apr 2026
Match the following Indian rock-art sites with their states: 1. Bhimbetka — a. Tamil Nadu 2. Edakkal Caves — b. Madhya Pradesh 3. Karikkiyoor — c. Kerala 4. Lakhudiyar — d. Uttarakhand Select the correct option:
- A.1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
- B.1-a, 2-b, 3-c, 4-d
- C.1-c, 2-d, 3-b, 4-a
- D.1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c
Show solution
Answer: A. 1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d
**Bhimbetka** is in **Madhya Pradesh** (Raisen district near Bhopal; UNESCO 2003) — 1-b. **Edakkal Caves** are in **Kerala** (Wayanad district; petroglyphs and pictographs) — 2-c. **Karikkiyoor** is in **Tamil Nadu** (Nilgiris; one of the longest rock-art sites in TN with 400+ figures) — 3-a. **Lakhudiyar** is in **Uttarakhand** (Almora district) — 4-d. Bhimbetka was discovered by V S Wakankar in 1957.
Read source story → - Uncategorized29 Apr 2026
When was India's first biosphere reserve, the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, declared?
- A.1972
- B.1980
- C.1986
- D.2002
Show solution
Answer: C. 1986
The **Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve** was declared on **1 September 1986** as **India's first biosphere reserve**. It spans ~5,520 sq km across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. It was added to the **UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2012**. The other years are real environmental milestones (Wildlife Protection Act 1972; Forest Conservation Act 1980) but not the declaration year.
Read source story → - Uncategorized29 Apr 2026
The Bering Strait separates which two continents?
- A.Europe and Africa
- B.Asia and North America
- C.Asia and Africa
- D.Europe and North America
Show solution
Answer: B. Asia and North America
The **Bering Strait** separates **Asia** (Russia's Chukchi Peninsula) and **North America** (Alaska's Seward Peninsula) at their closest point — approximately **85 km (53 miles)** wide at its narrowest. The strait links the Arctic Ocean (north) with the Bering Sea (south, Pacific Ocean). The US-Russia international boundary passes through it. Africa-Europe is separated by the Strait of Gibraltar; Asia-Africa by Bab el-Mandeb.
Read source story → - Uncategorized29 Apr 2026
The Vellarikombai prehistoric rock-art site is located in which district?
- A.Coimbatore
- B.Nilgiris
- C.Erode
- D.Salem
Show solution
Answer: B. Nilgiris
**Vellarikombai** rock-art site is located in **Kotagiri taluk** of **Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu** at ~1,100 m altitude. The Yaakai Heritage Trust has reappraised the site, which was first identified in 1984 by Allen Zackerel. Coimbatore, Erode, and Salem are real adjacent Tamil Nadu districts but not the location of Vellarikombai.
Read source story → - Uncategorized28 Apr 2026
Under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017, paid maternity leave was extended to how many weeks?
- A.12 weeks
- B.26 weeks
- C.52 weeks
- D.8 weeks
Show solution
Answer: B. 26 weeks
The **Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act 2017** extended paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to **26 weeks** for women working in establishments with 10 or more employees. The amendment also mandates **creche facilities** in establishments with 50 or more employees and includes provisions for adoptive and commissioning mothers.
Read source story → - Uncategorized28 Apr 2026
When was the Skill India Mission launched, and which year was the dedicated Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) created?
- A.Mission launched 2010; MSDE created 2008
- B.Mission launched 15 July 2015; MSDE created November 2014
- C.Mission launched 2017; MSDE created 2017
- D.Mission launched 2020; MSDE created 2019
Show solution
Answer: B. Mission launched 15 July 2015; MSDE created November 2014
The **Skill India Mission** was launched on **15 July 2015** by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion of the first World Youth Skills Day. The **Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)** was created in **November 2014** as a dedicated nodal ministry. The two key implementation pillars are PMKVY and NSDC.
Read source story → - Uncategorized28 Apr 2026
The PCPNDT Act 1994 prohibits which practice?
- A.Child marriage
- B.Sex selection and pre-natal sex determination
- C.Domestic violence
- D.Workplace sexual harassment
Show solution
Answer: B. Sex selection and pre-natal sex determination
The **Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act, 1994 (PCPNDT)** prohibits sex selection before or after conception and the misuse of pre-natal diagnostic techniques for sex determination. Child marriage is addressed by the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006; domestic violence by the PWDV Act 2005; workplace sexual harassment by the POSH Act 2013.
Read source story → - Uncategorized28 Apr 2026
When was UNESCO founded, and where is its headquarters located?
- A.1919, in Geneva
- B.1945, in Paris
- C.1948, in New York
- D.1992, in Brussels
Show solution
Answer: B. 1945, in Paris
**UNESCO** — United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization — was founded on **16 November 1945**, with headquarters in **Paris, France**. India is a **founding member**. Its current Director-General is **Audrey Azoulay** (since 2017). The **UNESCO Chairs / UNITWIN Programme** was launched in 1992, with over 950 chairs in 110+ countries today.
Read source story → - Uncategorized28 Apr 2026
Where was Asia's first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development launched, and who inaugurated it?
- A.IIM Ahmedabad; inaugurated by Dharmendra Pradhan
- B.Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune; inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary on 24 April 2026
- C.Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai; inaugurated by Smriti Irani
- D.Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi; inaugurated by Annpurna Devi
Show solution
Answer: B. Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune; inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary on 24 April 2026
Asia's first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development was launched at **Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU), Pune** on **24 April 2026**. It was inaugurated by **Jayant Chaudhary**, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education. The Chair is led by **Dr Swati Mujumdar**, Pro-Chancellor of SSPU.
Read source story → - Uncategorized27 Apr 2026
Under what name was World Design Day first celebrated, and in which year?
- A.Global Creative Day, in 2000
- B.World Graphics Day, in 1995
- C.International Design Festival, in 1985
- D.World Architecture Day, in 1990
Show solution
Answer: B. World Graphics Day, in 1995
World Design Day was first celebrated in **1995** under the name **World Graphics Day**. As the celebration evolved to reflect design's broader impact across industries — beyond just graphics — the day was later renamed and the date shifted to **27 April** to mark the founding of the International Council of Design.
Read source story → - Uncategorized27 Apr 2026
World Design Day is observed every year on which date, and what does it commemorate?
- A.22 April; commemorates Earth Day
- B.27 April; commemorates the founding of the International Council of Design in 1963
- C.26 April; commemorates the WIPO Convention
- D.1 May; commemorates International Workers' Day
Show solution
Answer: B. 27 April; commemorates the founding of the International Council of Design in 1963
**World Design Day** — also known as **International Design Day** — is observed every year on **27 April** to commemorate the founding of the **International Council of Design (ico-D)** in **1963** (originally known as **Icograda — International Council of Graphic Design Associations**, founded in London). Marked in over 50 countries with annual themes.
Read source story → - Uncategorized27 Apr 2026
What is a 'flow battery'?
- A.A battery with continuous flow of electrons through a single solid electrolyte
- B.A rechargeable battery using two liquid electrolytes — a catholyte and an anolyte — stored in external tanks and pumped through a central electrochemical cell
- C.A battery that operates only when water flows over it
- D.A battery that uses tidal flow as its energy source
Show solution
Answer: B. A rechargeable battery using two liquid electrolytes — a catholyte and an anolyte — stored in external tanks and pumped through a central electrochemical cell
A **flow battery** is a rechargeable battery using **two liquid electrolytes** — the **catholyte** (positive side) and the **anolyte** (negative side) — stored in external tanks and pumped through a central electrochemical cell. **Energy capacity** is determined by tank volume; **power output** is determined by cell stack size — energy and power are decoupled, unlike in lithium-ion. This makes flow batteries well-suited to long-duration grid-scale storage.
Read source story → - Uncategorized27 Apr 2026
The Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards were instituted in memory of which person?
- A.Lata Mangeshkar
- B.Jyotsna Darda, founder of Lokmat Sakhi Manch
- C.M.S. Subbulakshmi
- D.Begum Akhtar
Show solution
Answer: B. Jyotsna Darda, founder of Lokmat Sakhi Manch
The awards were instituted by Lokmat Media Group in memory of Jyotsna Darda, the founder of Lokmat Sakhi Manch (a women-focused platform of the Lokmat Group). Vijay Darda, Chairman of the Lokmat Media Group Editorial Board, spoke at the 2026 ceremony.
Read source story → - Uncategorized27 Apr 2026
The 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards (2026) honoured which two Hindustani classical vocalists?
- A.Pandit Jasraj and M.S. Subbulakshmi
- B.Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit
- C.Bhimsen Joshi and Kishori Amonkar
- D.Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle
Show solution
Answer: B. Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit
The 13th edition of the Sur Jyotsna National Music Awards honoured Sumitra Guha and Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit, both Hindustani classical vocalists. Pandit Laxman Krishnarao Pandit is associated with the Gwalior gharana, one of the oldest gharanas of Hindustani vocal music.
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
The 'Vocal for Local' campaign — referenced in CCIC's strategic positioning — was announced under which national initiative?
- A.Make in India (2014)
- B.Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (announced 12 May 2020)
- C.Skill India Mission
- D.Digital India
Show solution
Answer: B. Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (announced 12 May 2020)
The 'Vocal for Local' campaign was launched under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India Mission) announced by PM Narendra Modi on 12 May 2020 in response to COVID-19. The campaign promotes purchase of locally-made products. CCIC's Soul Threads strengthens the expanded 'Vocal for Local to Global' vision through cultural branding of Indian textile heritage.
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
Which of the following GI-tagged textile crafts is correctly matched with its state of origin?
- A.Banarasi sarees — Tamil Nadu
- B.Kanjivaram sarees — Madhya Pradesh
- C.Pochampally Ikat — Telangana
- D.Chanderi sarees — West Bengal
Show solution
Answer: C. Pochampally Ikat — Telangana
Pochampally Ikat is a GI-tagged textile craft from Telangana. Correct matchings: Banarasi sarees (Uttar Pradesh — UP), Kanjivaram sarees (Tamil Nadu — Kanchipuram), Pochampally Ikat (Telangana), Chanderi sarees (Madhya Pradesh — MP), Jamdani (West Bengal/Andhra Pradesh), Pashmina (Jammu & Kashmir), Phulkari (Punjab), Kullu shawls (Himachal Pradesh).
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
India's position in the global handloom sector is best described as:
- A.The third-largest handloom producer
- B.The world's largest handloom producer, accounting for approximately 95% of the world's hand-woven fabric
- C.A small but emerging handloom market
- D.Equal to China in handloom output
Show solution
Answer: B. The world's largest handloom producer, accounting for approximately 95% of the world's hand-woven fabric
India is the world's LARGEST handloom producer and accounts for approximately 95% of the world's hand-woven fabric. The handloom sector is also the second-largest rural employment provider in India after agriculture, with ~35 lakh people directly employed.
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
When is National Handloom Day observed in India, and what does it commemorate?
- A.1 August — Independence-era weavers' protest
- B.7 August — Swadeshi Movement launched against partition of Bengal in 1905
- C.15 August — Independence Day
- D.2 October — Gandhi Jayanti
Show solution
Answer: B. 7 August — Swadeshi Movement launched against partition of Bengal in 1905
National Handloom Day is observed on 7 August every year in India. It commemorates the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7 August 1905 against the partition of Bengal — when Indians boycotted British goods and promoted indigenous handloom and handicraft products. The day was instituted by the Government of India in 2015; the first Handloom Day was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi at Madras University, Chennai.
Read source story → - Uncategorized26 Apr 2026
The Central Cottage Industries Corporation of India (CCIC), which launched the 'Soul Threads' heritage designer collection, functions under which Ministry?
- A.Ministry of Culture
- B.Ministry of Textiles
- C.Ministry of MSME
- D.Ministry of Tourism
Show solution
Answer: B. Ministry of Textiles
CCIC functions under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. It is a Government of India enterprise, founded in 1948 (originally as Cottage Industries Exposition Limited), that promotes and markets authentic Indian handicrafts and handlooms. Note: KVIC (Khadi and Village Industries Commission) is under Ministry of MSME, not Textiles — distinct from CCIC.
Read source story → - Uncategorized25 Apr 2026
The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) introduces a new curricular structure replacing the 10+2 system. The new structure is:
- A.6+4+2
- B.5+3+3+4
- C.4+4+4
- D.7+5
Show solution
Answer: B. 5+3+3+4
NEP 2020 introduces the 5+3+3+4 curricular structure: (1) Foundational stage — 5 years (3 years preschool + Classes 1-2); (2) Preparatory stage — 3 years (Classes 3-5); (3) Middle stage — 3 years (Classes 6-8); (4) Secondary stage — 4 years (Classes 9-12). NEP 2020 was approved by the Union Cabinet on 29 July 2020 — India's third NEP after 1968 and 1986.
Read source story → - Uncategorized25 Apr 2026
The NIPUN Bharat Mission — focused on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy — was launched in:
- A.29 July 2020
- B.5 July 2021
- C.1 April 2022
- D.1 January 2023
Show solution
Answer: B. 5 July 2021
NIPUN Bharat Mission (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) was launched on 5 July 2021 by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education. The goal is for every child to attain foundational learning skills by the end of Grade 3 by 2026-27. NEP 2020 was approved on 29 July 2020 — different milestone.
Read source story → - Uncategorized25 Apr 2026
The concept of 'salience' in public policy — central to the analysis of India's learning crisis — refers to:
- A.The amount of money spent on a programme
- B.How far an issue is acknowledged, prioritised, and translated into action by society
- C.The number of policies addressing an issue
- D.Media coverage of an issue
Show solution
Answer: B. How far an issue is acknowledged, prioritised, and translated into action by society
Salience refers to how far an issue is acknowledged, prioritised, and translated into action by society. High salience drives implementation; low salience leads to policy-practice disconnect. The concept is widely used in political science and public administration to explain why some issues drive reform while others remain neglected despite formal policy frameworks.
Read source story →