March 2026 Current Affairs MCQs (Part-2)

Explanation: The major ores of Titanium are Ilmenite (FeTiO3) and Rutile (TiO2). IIT Kharagpur and Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) Ahmedabad jointly discovered titanium-rich rocks on the lunar surface.

Explanation: Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) is between 150 to 450 km altitude. BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) signed an MoU with Bellatrix Aerospace for developing VLEO satellites.

Explanation: Atomic clocks work on the principle of vibration/oscillation of atoms — specifically Rubidium and Cesium atoms. IRNSS-1F satellite's atomic clock failed, triggering this news.

Explanation: The Moon Shot Project on brain co-processors (brain-computer interfaces) is associated with IISc Bangalore, in partnership with Pratyaksha Trust.

Explanation: The Clarion-Clipperton Zone is in the Pacific Ocean. Dark oxygen is produced by polymetallic nodules on the seafloor through an electrochemical process — not dependent on sunlight.

Explanation: The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) tested the Floating LIDAR Buoy System off the Tamil Nadu coast. LIDAR stands for Light Detection and Ranging — used here to measure offshore wind speeds.

Explanation: Silver Pit Crater is located in the North Sea, near the UK. It was discovered in 2002 and confirmed as an ancient asteroid impact site.

Explanation: Artemis 2 is NASA's first crewed mission using the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft, carrying 4 astronauts — 3 American and 1 Canadian — for a 10-day mission around the Moon.

Explanation: The Van Allen Probes were launched in 2012 to study the radiation belts (Van Allen Belts) surrounding Earth. They have been in the news as they re-enter Earth's atmosphere after ~14 years.

Explanation: The Ladakh Magmatic Arc spans from Jurassic to Eocene period — approximately 103 million years of igneous rock history. It holds geothermal energy potential and was studied by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology.

Explanation: SpaceTime 4D Printing Solutions, a Kerala-based startup, developed the Aakash 300 — a 3D printer that can operate at up to 350°C (potential 550°C) and gifted it to ISRO for extreme-temperature printing of components.

Explanation: The Nagoya Protocol deals with Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) of genetic resources. Adopted on October 29, 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. India recently submitted its first Nagoya Protocol Report and 7th National Report to the CBD Secretariat (by MoEFCC + NBA).

Explanation: The 2nd Indian Bison Fest was hosted at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Bargarh district, Odisha. Located near Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River.

Explanation: NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) released the National Highway Green Cover Index, developed with ISRO's NRSC using 5m resolution satellites. Top state = Assam. Covers 30,000 km highways in 24 states.

Explanation: Kanha Tiger Reserve is entirely in Madhya Pradesh — NOT shared with Maharashtra. It IS connected to Pench (MP) via a wildlife corridor. 50 Wild Asiatic Water Buffaloes were recently translocated here from Kaziranga. Mascot is 'Bhoorsingh the Barasingha.'

Explanation: Anavaran was developed by Forest Survey of India using Sentinel-2 satellite + Google Earth Engine + Machine Learning. It generates deforestation alerts every 15 days. Currently deactivated.

Explanation: Striped Hyena is: IUCN = Near Threatened globally; India = Schedule 1 (Wildlife Protection Act). It is the only hyena species found in the Indian subcontinent — nocturnal carnivore. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan proposed it for CMS Appendix 1 & 2.

Explanation: Hypercapnic Hypoxia = condition of low oxygen (hypoxia) + high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) in water. It threatens mangroves, particularly in warm, shallow tropical coastal sites due to climate change.

Explanation: Pragati and Vikas are the mascots of India's Digital Census 2027, unveiled by Home Minister Amit Shah. Four digital tools were launched for Census operations.

Explanation: The Supreme Court permitted passive euthanasia (withdrawal of life support) under strict guidelines. Active euthanasia remains a criminal offense. Case reference: Harish Rana; AIIMS Delhi to administer; Justices JB Pardiwala and KV Vishwanathan.

Explanation: The Amendment removes the right to self-identification (conflicting with NALSA 2014 judgment) and mandates a medical board + CMO certificate for gender recognition. It narrows the definition of transgender persons.

Explanation: The Bill applies to only 5 CAPFs (CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, SSB) — India has 7 total CAPFs. IPS deputation ratios: IG = 50%, ADG = 67%, DG = 100%. So Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is wrong — making 'Only 1' correct. However the answer given was D (Neither) — indicating the exact wording of the statements made both wrong in context.

Explanation: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is chaired by the Prime Minister. Its members include the Home Minister, Defence Minister, Finance Minister, and External Affairs Minister.

Explanation: RELIEF = Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation. Implementing agency = ECGC. Covers exporters dealing with UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, Iran, Yemen. Past shipments = 100% coverage; upcoming = 95% coverage.

Explanation: VB G-RAM-G (Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajivika Mission Grameen) provides 125 days of employment guarantee — replacing MGNREGA's 100 days. Funding ratio: 60:40 (Centre:State); NE/Himalayan states = 90:10.

Explanation: The Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme was approved for 2026-27 to 2030-31. It focuses on run-of-river technology, domestic machinery, and special attention to NE and hilly states.

Explanation: India's Updated NDC targets 47% reduction in GDP emissions intensity by 2031-35. Other targets: 60% non-fossil fuel energy by 2035; 3.5–4 billion tonnes CO2 carbon sink. Paris Agreement target: 1.5°C.

Explanation: The Appropriation Bill (Article 114) authorizes withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India. It is a Money Bill. Rajya Sabha must return it within 14 days.

Explanation: PM Kisan provides ₹6000/year in three ₹2000 installments. It was launched from Gorakhpur, UP on February 24, 2019 (NOT Kurukshetra). The 20th installment was released from Guwahati, Assam — the first NE state to host the release. It is a Central Sector Scheme.

Explanation: The Blue Book is a Confidential Protocol and Security Manual issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for visits of High Constitutional Authorities. It was in news when WB CM Mamata Banerjee allegedly did not receive President Murmu at Bagdogra Airport as per Blue Book protocol.

Explanation: As per Article 324(5), the Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed through a process identical to that of a Supreme Court judge — requiring special majority, NOT simple majority. TMC filed an impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar (rejected in April).

Explanation: SHINE = Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment App was launched by Indian Railways on International Women's Day for railway women workers to report sexual harassment incidents.

Explanation: Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, was the Chief Guest at Raisina Dialogue 2026 (11th edition). Organized by ORF + Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Theme: 'Samskar: Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.'

Explanation: AHAAR 2026 (40th edition), organized as a B2B food and hospitality trade fair, was inaugurated by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. Italy was the partner country.

Explanation: NCDC (National Cooperative Development Corporation) under the Ministry of Cooperation launched this scheme. Eligibility: cooperatives must have 3+ years of existence, positive net worth, no cash losses, and no loan defaults.

Explanation: BHAVYA = Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana. Cabinet-approved scheme for 100 plug-and-play industrial parks (100–1000 acres each), ₹3360 crore outlay, linked to PM GatiShakti, state + private sector collaboration.

Explanation: NMDC (National Mineral Development Corporation) is a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel. HQ in Hyderabad, Telangana. It also operates India's only diamond mine at Panna, MP.

Explanation: RISA Timeless Tribal brand is implemented by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Explanation: Under the revamped Stand Up India Scheme, the minimum loan is ₹10 lakh (maximum ₹1 crore). It supports only greenfield projects; mandates one SC/ST and one woman borrower per bank branch. For age 18+.

Explanation: India hosted the GLOBE Network 12th Steering Committee Meeting in New Delhi. MHA is India's central authority; CBI and ED are member authorities. GLOBE started under Saudi Arabia's G20 presidency.

Explanation: Garbhini is under the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology. It is NOT under Women and Child Development. Partners: THSTI + IIT Madras; South Asia's largest pregnancy cohort with 12,000 women. Preterm = birth before 37 weeks.

Explanation: BEML (Bengaluru-based) is manufacturing B28 bullet train sets. Contract awarded by ICF Chennai. These are for the Surat-Vapi stretch of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor. Indigenously developed.

Explanation: Morung is a community-based indigenous knowledge system of the Naga community (Nagaland). It integrates traditional knowledge — storytelling, oral traditions — with modern curriculum (Science, Mathematics). PM Modi praised it in the 134th episode of Mann ki Baat.

Explanation: KAVACH is an Automatic Train Protection System designed by RDSO (Research Designs and Standards Organisation). It prevents head-on, rear-end and side collisions; works at speeds up to 160 km/h. Commissioned on the Prayagraj-Kanpur section.

Explanation: The Mulga Kelbayi Peth Festival is celebrated in Goa. Goddess Kelbayi is believed to visit her sister annually. A decorated wooden box ('pet') is carried in a cultural procession by the Chougale community.

Explanation: Both statements are correct. Sarhul = worship of the Sal tree. Sama Maa (local deity) resides in the Sal tree. It celebrates the renewal of life and the union of Sun and Earth. Primarily celebrated in Jharkhand by Oraon, Munda, Santhal, Kharia Ho communities. President Murmu greeted the nation on Sarhul.

Explanation: Both are correct. Bihar shares its northern border with Nepal. Jharkhand was carved out of Bihar as a separate state in November 2000. Bihar became an independent province in 1912 from Bengal Presidency. World Water Day (March 22) coincides with Bihar Diwas.

Explanation: Both statements are correct — neither is incorrect. Chapchar Kut is Mizoram's spring festival celebrated after the arduous jungle clearing for Jhum cultivation. Cheraw (bamboo dance) is indeed its cultural highlight. Other Mizoram festivals: Pawl Kut, Chapchar Kut, Anthurium Festival.

Explanation: Sharansthali Initiative was launched by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K in Srinagar. It provides government jobs (on compassionate grounds) to families of terror attack victims.

Explanation: Statement 1 is wrong — eligible women get ₹1000/month; SC women get ₹1500/month. Statement 2 is correct — government employees, income taxpayers, current/former MPs and MLAs, and women receiving social security pensions are excluded. (Note: Punjab has no Scheduled Tribes, hence no ST mention.)

Explanation: Andhra Pradesh Forest Development Corporation (for Eucalyptus plantations) is set to receive the first PRAMAN Certificate. PRAMAN = Programme for Recognition and Accreditation of Sustainable Management Practices for Agroforestry and Natural Forestry Resources. With support from IFM Bhopal; launched by MoEFCC.

Explanation: The university will be established in Sri Anandpur Sahib. It will be North India's first specialised university offering programs in Defence, Aerospace, Cyber Security, and Quantum Computing.

Explanation: Nirbhaya Nisha (meaning 'Fearless Night') is an initiative of Kerala Police. It provides immediate assistance to women travelling at night through the 112 national emergency number.

Explanation: The G-Spider AI-powered robot for canal cleaning was deployed in Thiruvananthapuram. Developed by Jain Robotic Initiative Innovations under Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 to avoid manual scavenging.

Explanation: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) is used in smog-eating photocatalytic coatings. It neutralizes harmful gases (NOx, VOCs) when activated by UV light. Works well with cement, gravel, and construction materials.

Explanation: Abhedya was launched by Haryana Police. It blocks fraudulent calls, suspicious messages, and cyber harassment attempts before they reach citizens — preventing extortion, stalking, and scam calls.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — HPV is indeed the most common STI. Statement 2 is wrong — HPV is associated with CERVICAL cancer (95%+ cases), not breast cancer. PM Modi launched HPV vaccination for girls aged 14+ from Ajmer, Rajasthan. There is no cure for HPV once infected.

Explanation: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones Ltd developed the Hadiaya Bulk Terminal. PM Modi inaugurated it at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata — India's first fully automated dry bulk cargo facility.

Explanation: Jahajpur (Bhilwara district) was renamed Yagyapur — NOT Garudpur. Mount Abu (Sirohi) → Aburaj; Kama (Bharatpur) → Kamvan. Announced by CM Bhajanlal Sharma.

Explanation: Oleum = H2S2O7 (SO3 dissolved in H2SO4) = Fuming Sulfuric Acid / Pyrosulfuric Acid. Highly corrosive. Creates dense white fumes on contact with moist air. Over 2600 people were evacuated during the Palghar gas leak.

Explanation: Petroglyphs = images carved/engraved on rock surfaces. Petroglyphs differ from Petrographs (rock paintings). They represent prehistoric human communication and artistic expression.

Explanation: The Matua Dharma Mela was organized in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. The Matua faith was founded by Harichandra Thakur and works against caste oppression. Followers gathered for this cultural and religious celebration.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — Karbilangong (Karbi Anglong) Ginger from Assam is traditionally grown using Jhum (shifting) and Teela (mound/terrace) cultivation methods. Statement 2 is wrong — it has a distinctly strong, pungent taste with high medicinal properties. First consignment exported to UK.

Explanation: Tamil Nadu's first Dark Sky Park was inaugurated at Arshola Forest Reserve in Kolli Hills, Namakkal District — an area with minimal light pollution, ideal for astronomical observation.

Explanation: The Mi Health app was launched by the Kerala Health Department. It helps users find hospitals, dispensaries, and available doctors within a 10 km radius for timely healthcare access.

Explanation: The Pink Line (Delhi Metro) became India's first fully operational ring metro — a 71.56 km circular corridor. The Majlis Park to Maujpur-Babarpur segment completion made the loop circular. Inaugurated by PM Modi.

Explanation: Yaksha App was launched by UP Police. It stores multi-angle photographs of criminals (left profile, right profile, front) for quick identification. Used in Jaunpur to catch robbers in 3 hours. Also helps identify unidentified bodies and missing persons.

Explanation: Devbhoomi Family Bill 2026 (Uttarakhand) creates a verified family-based database to ensure effective implementation of government welfare schemes. The eldest female member (18+) in the family is registered as the head of household.

Explanation: Kalinjar Fort is in Banda, Uttar Pradesh near the Vindhyan Mountains and Ken River. Established during the Gupta period; later Chandela dynasty capital. Never conquered by Mahmud Ghazni, Qutbuddin Aibak, or Humayun — finally taken by Akbar, gifted to Birbal. Main attraction: Neelkanth Temple with blue stone Shivling.

Explanation: The Kind Semiconductor Plant was inaugurated in Sananand, Gujarat by PM Modi. It is the 2nd semiconductor plant in Sananand. It handles packaging, testing, and production of semiconductor chips. PM also inaugurated Samrat Samprati Museum at Koba, Gandhinagar.

Explanation: V.O. Chidambaranar Port (formerly Tuticorin Port, Tamil Nadu) became India's first port to launch a Digital Twin Initiative — a complete digital replica of the port for logistics, movement, and capacity planning. Famous for pearl fisheries.

Explanation: Gudi Padwa (also called Samvatsara Padwa) is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra month (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada) — marking the Marathi New Year. Observed in Maharashtra and Goa by the Marathi community.

Explanation: Both statements are correct. Joha Rice from Assam is a short-grain aromatic variety (distinct aroma and flavor) that received GI status in 2017. It has recently been exported to the UK and Italy.

Explanation: Kusumpur village is set to become Odisha's first Smart Village, using technology and sustainable practices for development.

Explanation: Repeat offenders under the Maharashtra Dharma Swatantrya Bill 2026 face 10 years imprisonment and ₹5 lakh fine. For mass conversions: 7 years + ₹5 lakh. Fine for first offense: ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh. Marriage through forced conversion = null and void. Investigation by Sub-Inspector rank or above.

Explanation: Masi Magam is an auspicious day for the Irular community (Tamil Nadu). Their patron goddess Kanyamma is associated with cobras. Irulars are PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) and one of the world's oldest indigenous communities, known for traditional medicine and capturing venomous snakes.

Explanation: Sruti Pradhan from Sikkim was selected to represent India at the World Youth Parliament organized in Bengaluru, Karnataka, where youth from different countries discuss global issues.

Explanation: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed during Operation Epic Fury — a joint US-Israel military operation against Iran.

Explanation: Operation Lions Roar is Israel's military operation against Iran (similar context to Operation Epic Fury). Answer: C — Israel's military operation against Iran.

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct — Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula (UAE + Oman). Statement 2 is wrong — it connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Mediterranean-Red Sea link is via the Suez Canal. Narrowest point: 29 nautical miles. 30% world LNG and 25% oil passes through it.

Explanation: Iran shares land borders with: Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Armenia (A3) + Turkey, Turkmenistan (T2) + Iraq, Pakistan (IP). Syria does NOT share a land border with Iran. Maritime borders: Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman.

Explanation: Iraq is NOT a member of the GCC. The 6 GCC member states are: UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. GCC was founded in 1981 for regional cooperation.

Explanation: All three statements are correct. Golestan Palace in Tehran: royal residence of the Qajar dynasty; inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. It blends Persian architecture with European elements and reflects Iran's historic ties to the West.

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — USA has signed but NOT ratified UNCLOS. UNCLOS (Constitution of the Oceans) defines maritime zones and came into force in 1994.

Explanation: Kharg Island is located in the North Persian Gulf, 30 km from the Iranian mainland. It is a rocky limestone/coral island with fresh water reserves. It is the critical hub for Iran's oil exports and is strategically located near Strait of Hormuz.

Explanation: PM Modi announced the 'Village of Excellence Initiative' during his state visit to Israel in February 2026. The initiative aims to connect 150 rural Indian villages with modern Israeli agricultural technology to boost farm productivity and farmer income.

Explanation: Qeshm Island (meaning 'Long Island') is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, belonging to Iran. It is separated from the Iranian mainland by the Clarence Strait. Recently in news due to US attacks on its desalination plant.

Explanation: The Ashmolean Museum (Oxford Museum) returned the 16th-century bronze idol of Tirumankai Alvar to the Sundarajaswami Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu — the first repatriation by this museum.

Explanation: Fujairah Port is in the Emirate of Fujairah, UAE. It opens directly to the Gulf of Oman/Arabian Sea — bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The Shah Gas Field was also damaged in recent attacks.

Explanation: Statement 1 is wrong — Panama Canal is a man-made waterway (NOT natural). Statement 2 is correct — it connects the Atlantic Ocean (Caribbean Sea) with the Pacific Ocean via the Isthmus of Panama. Completed by USA in 1914. Currently operating at peak capacity due to Strait of Hormuz tensions.

Explanation: Both statements are correct. Bab-el-Mandeb (meaning 'Gate of Tears') lies between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. Narrowest point: ~29 km. One of the world's most vital shipping lanes (further connecting via Suez Canal to Mediterranean).

Explanation: Earth Hour was initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) starting in Sydney in 2007. The 20th Earth Hour was observed in March 2026 with iconic monuments, heritage sites, and government buildings switching off lights for one hour.