PIB Digest & Quiz: 2026-09-28 Daily Verified Archive Editorial Digest Included

Current Affairs Test — September 29, 2026

Dedicated daily current affairs & news roundup test for September 29, 2026.

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Verified PIB Daily Editorial Digest

Coverage: 28 September 2026Press Information Bureau (PIB)Daily Executive Brief

Daily PIB Summary — 28 September 2026

1. Social Justice & Vulnerable Sections: Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojna (PM-AJAY)

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Scheme Architecture & Merged Verticals: Implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, PM-AJAY is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in FY 2021-22. It unified three erstwhile schemes: Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP), and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).

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Core Components & Key Benchmarks:

Adarsh Gram Component: Targets villages with ≥40% SC population and total population ≥500. Over 47,243 villages covered, with 18,093 villages declared as Adarsh Grams as of September 2026.

Grants-in-Aid (GIA) for Socio-Economic Interventions: Prioritizes families with annual household income not exceeding ₹2.50 lakh per annum for comprehensive livelihood generation and skill training.

Hostel Construction & Repair: Focuses on expanding institutional residential facilities in aspirational and SC-dominated districts, with central assistance allocated for modern infrastructure.

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Funding Matrix: Up to 50% allocated for gap-filling in Adarsh Gram villages; up to 5% for Project Implementation Units (PIUs) / Technical Support Groups (TSG); up to 2% for central hostel infrastructure; balance funds distributed via GIA on population-ratio matrices.

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Static Linkage: Operates under the constitutional umbrella of Article 46 (Promotion of educational and economic interests of SCs, STs, and weaker sections) and Article 15(4).

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Reference Link: PIB Release on PM-AJAY Framework

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2. Infrastructure & Environmental Stewardship: Green Highways & Bio-Bitumen Innovation

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National Highway Expansion & Green Cover Index: India's National Highway network expanded by ~61% from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,572 km by March 2026. NHAI in collaboration with ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) published the first Annual Report on National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) 2025–26, assessing ~30,000 km in the O&M phase.

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Rigid Compliance Benchmarks (September 2026 Guidelines): Highway projects require at least 80% coverage of designated Right of Way (RoW) and a mandatory 90% sapling survival rate for provisional commercial operation / completion certification.

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Technological Breakthrough in Circular Economy: CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-IIP completed technology transfer of Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis of farm residue (paddy straw), curbing import dependency (India imports ~50% of bitumen demand) and addressing stubble burning. A successful 100-metre test stretch was operationalized on the Jorabat–Shillong Expressway (NH-40).

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Ecological Innovations: Integration of Miyawaki urban afforestation, pollinator corridors under the "Trees for Bees" campaign on the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, and extensive utilization of Fly Ash and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP).

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Static Linkage: Aligns with Article 48A (Protection and improvement of environment and safeguarding of forests) and India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the UNFCCC.

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Reference Link: PIB Release on Green Highway Infrastructure & Bio-Bitumen

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3. Macroeconomics & Industrial Trajectory: IIP Trends & Base Realignment

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Index of Industrial Production (IIP) Performance: The Quick Estimates for August 2026 registered an 8.0% year-on-year growth (Base 2022-23=100), compared to 6.7% in July 2026.

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Sectoral Dynamics: Electricity & Gas Supply surged by 12.3%, followed by Manufacturing at 9.0% (recording ≥8% growth for three consecutive months), whereas Mining & Quarrying contracted by (-) 5.6%.

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Use-Based Segmentation: Significant surge led by Capital Goods (16.9%), Intermediate Goods (13.7%), and Consumer Durables (11.1%), indicating resilient gross fixed capital formation and domestic festive consumption.

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Administrative Compliance: CBDT exercised powers under Section 119 of the Income-tax Act, 1961, extending the tax return filing deadline for AY 2026-27 for audited entities from 31st October 2026 to 21st November 2026.

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Static Linkage: IIP acts as a critical short-term economic volume metric, compiled monthly by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

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Reference Link: PIB Release on Quick Estimates of IIP August 2026

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4. Blue Economy & Risk Management: Aquaculture Insurance under PM-MKSSY

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Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY): Operationalized under PMMSY Component 1-B, delivering risk alleviation via the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP) via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

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Fiscal Support & Subsidy Slabs: Offers up to 40% premium incentive (capped at ₹25,000/ha of water spread area, maximum ₹1,00,000 for up to 4 hectares). For high-density systems (RAS, Biofloc, Cage culture), incentive capped at ₹1,00,000 per unit (up to 1,800 m³). An additional 10% incentive is extended to SC, ST, and women farmers.

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Strict Claim Timelines: Mandatory claim settlement window of 30 days for shrimp/prawn culture and 45 days for other inland finfish species through four empaneled public sector insurers (OICL, AICL, NIAL, UIIC).

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Production Footprint: India's fish production surged over 106% from 9.6 million tonnes (2013-14) to 19.8 million tonnes (2024-25); seafood exports reached USD 8.46 billion in 2025-26, anchored by frozen shrimp which constitutes ~66% of seafood exports.

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Reference Link: PIB Release on PM-MKSSY Aquaculture Insurance

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5. Biodiversity, Forestry & International Conventions

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FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO 28), Rome: India highlighted its national forest and tree cover spanning 82.74 million hectares (25.17% of total geographical area), ranking 9th globally in forest area and 3rd in net annual forest gain per FAO Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025.

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Global & Regional Restoration Milestones: India reported restoration of 21.76 million hectares against its Bonn Challenge pledge of 26 million hectares by 2030; Aravalli Green Wall designated 6.45 million hectares; Ramsar network expanded to 101 wetlands of international importance; carbon sink target enhanced to 3.5–4.0 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by 2035.

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International Whaling Commission (IWC-70), Hobart: Reaffirmed statutory safeguards for cetaceans under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, highlighting specialized protection for the vulnerable Arabian Sea Humpback Whale and execution of Project Dolphin.

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Reference Link: PIB Release on India's Address at FAO COFO 28 | PIB Release on IWC-70 Cetacean Conservation

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6. Bilateral Engagements & Defence Diplomacy

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14th India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI): Advanced local-currency settlement mechanisms (LCR), inter-linking of national fast payment platforms / CBDCs, bilateral investment into the Gujarat Food Park, and Dholera Aviation & Logistics Hub.

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India-France Strategic & Innovation Dialogue: Celebrated the India-France Year of Innovation 2026; reviewed the Indo-French high-resolution thermal infrared satellite TRISHNA (Thermal infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment), Gaganyaan flight surgeon training, and French university branch campus setups in GIFT City.

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Defence Exercises & Institutional Architecture: Indian Army contingent from the Garhwal Rifles deployed to Oskemen for Exercise KAZIND-2026 (India-Kazakhstan); bilateral joint defence meetings held with Fiji (Indo-Pacific maritime domain awareness) and Ethiopia (strategic partnership implementation).

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Counter-Terrorism Strategy (PRAHAAR): Ministry of Home Affairs rolled out the Seven Pillars of PRAHAAR and launched the centralized Extradition Portal for swift inter-agency repatriation of economic and terrorist fugitives.

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Reference Link: PIB Release on India-UAE 14th HLJTFI Meeting | PIB Release on Exercise KAZIND-2026

Archived MCQs & Explanations (15 Questions)

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Question 1 of 15Current Affairs — September 07, 2026

With reference to the volcanic activity and geography of Indonesia, consider the following statements: 1. Indonesia lies directly along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most seismically and volcanically active regions in the world. 2. All active volcanoes in Indonesia are currently placed under the highest national alert status. 3. Mount Anak Krakatau is among the Indonesian volcanoes currently elevated to the second-highest alert status. Which of the statements given above are correct?

इंडोनेशिया की ज्वालामुखी गतिविधि और भूगोल के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. इंडोनेशिया सीधे प्रशांत रिंग ऑफ फायर के साथ स्थित है, जो इसे दुनिया के सबसे अधिक भूकंपीय और ज्वालामुखी सक्रिय क्षेत्रों में से एक बनाता है। 2. इंडोनेशिया के सभी सक्रिय वर्तमान में सर्वोच्च राष्ट्रीय चेतावनी स्थिति के तहत रखे गए हैं। 3. माउंट अनाक क्राकाटाउ उन इंडोनेशियाई ज्वालामुखियों में से एक है जो वर्तमान में दूसरे सबसे उच्च चेतावनी स्तर पर हैं। उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-से सही हैं?

A1 and 2 only

B2 and 3 only

C1 and 3 onlyCorrect Key

D1, 2 and 3

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• Statement 1 is correct: Indonesia is situated directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, hosting hundreds of volcanoes. • Statement 2 is incorrect: Only five of Indonesia's active volcanoes are currently at the second-highest alert status, not all active volcanoes. • Statement 3 is correct: Mount Anak Krakatau is one of the active volcanoes listed under the second-highest alert status.

Question 2 of 15Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (28 September 2026)

The first Annual Report on the National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) was prepared in collaboration with which of the following organizations?

राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग हरित आवरण सूचकांक (NH-GCI) पर पहली वार्षिक रिपोर्ट निम्नलिखित में से किस संगठन के सहयोग से तैयार की गई थी?

ANational Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISROCorrect Key

BForest Survey of India (FSI)

CWildlife Institute of India (WII)

DCentral Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

Explanation & Analytical Context:

The National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) report was prepared in collaboration with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO using advanced space-based technologies.

Question 3 of 15Department of Space / ISRO (28 September 2026)

The TRISHNA mission, frequently mentioned in international space cooperation discussions between India and France, is primarily designed for:

भारत और फ्रांस के बीच अंतरराष्ट्रीय अंतरिक्ष सहयोग चर्चाओं में अक्सर उल्लेखित 'ट्रishna' (TRISHNA) मिशन मुख्य रूप से किसके लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया है?

AHigh-resolution thermal infrared imaging for water cycle and ecosystem monitoringCorrect Key

BLunar south pole exploration and regolith analysis

CQuantum key distribution and encrypted satellite communication

DDeep space navigation and asteroid tracking

Explanation & Analytical Context:

TRISHNA (Thermal infraRed Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural resource Assessment) is a joint earth observation satellite mission between ISRO and CNES focusing on high-resolution thermal infrared imaging for water cycle and ecosystem monitoring.

Question 4 of 15Ministry of Home Affairs / PIB Release ID: 2307200 — September 06, 2026

According to Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah's press conference in Panaji, what is the official nomenclature of the integrated database and digital framework created for tracking narcotics offenders?

पणजी में केंद्रीय गृह मंत्री श्री अमित शाह के संवाददाता सम्मेलन के अनुसार, मादक पदार्थों के अपराधियों को ट्रैक करने के लिए बनाए गए एकीकृत डेटाबेस और डिजिटल ढांचे का आधिकारिक नाम क्या है?

ABHARATPOL Portal

BNIDAAN PortalCorrect Key

CMANAS Helpline Database

DNCORD Integrated Grid

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• A national database of narcotics offenders was specifically created through the NIDAAN portal, while BHARATPOL was established for tracking international and inter-state fugitives.

Question 5 of 15Multiple Ministries / PIB Dossier (28 September 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding India's environmental conservation initiatives and institutional frameworks: 1. The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti to oversee dam safety protocols and emergency action plans. 2. The Steel Industry Safety Council (SISC) has been established to standardize safety protocols specifically across India's steel sector under the Ministry of Steel. 3. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 provides the highest level of legal protection to cetacean species occurring in Indian territorial waters. How many of the statements given above are correct?

भारत की पर्यावरण संरक्षण पहलों और संस्थागत ढांचों के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: 1. राष्ट्रीय बांध सुरक्षा प्राधिकरण (NDSA) बांध सुरक्षा प्रोटोकॉल और आपातकालीन कार्रवाई योजनाओं की देखरेख के लिए जल शक्ति मंत्रालय के तहत कार्य करता है। 2. इस्पात मंत्रालय के तहत भारत के इस्पात क्षेत्र में विशेष रूप से सुरक्षा प्रोटोकॉल को मानकीकृत करने के लिए इस्पात उद्योग सुरक्षा परिषद (SISC) की स्थापना की गई है। 3. वन्यजीव (संरक्षण) अधिनियम, 1972 भारतीय प्रादेशिक जलक्षेत्र में पाई जाने वाली सीटेसियन प्रजातियों को सर्वोच्च स्तर का कानूनी संरक्षण प्रदान करता है। उपर्युक्त में से कितने कथन सही हैं?

AOnly one

BOnly two

CAll threeCorrect Key

DNone

Explanation & Analytical Context:

All three statements are correct: NDSA operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti; SISC was recently announced by the Ministry of Steel for industrial safety; and Indian cetaceans are legally protected under Schedule/provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

Question 6 of 15National Current Affairs — August 2026

Who was appointed to chair the high-powered task force constituted by the Union Government to recommend next-generation reforms in the public examination system?

सार्वजनिक परीक्षा प्रणाली में अगली पीढ़ी के सुधारों की सिफारिश करने के लिए केंद्र सरकार द्वारा गठित उच्च अधिकार प्राप्त टास्क फोर्स की अध्यक्षता करने के लिए किसे नियुक्त किया गया था?

AK. Radhakrishnan

BNandan NilekaniCorrect Key

CS. Somnath

DTapan Deka

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• The Government constituted a high-powered task force headed by Nandan Nilekani to recommend next-generation reforms in the public examination system.

Question 7 of 15Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (28 September 2026)

The newly launched 'Livestock Insurance Portal' operates under which of the following central government schemes?

हाल ही में लॉन्च किया गया 'पशुधन बीमा पोर्टल' (Livestock Insurance Portal) निम्नलिखित में से किस केंद्रीय सरकारी योजना के तहत संचालित होता है?

ARashtriya Gokul Mission

BNational Livestock Mission (NLM)Correct Key

CPradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

DRashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Livestock Insurance Portal was launched under the Livestock Insurance activity of the National Livestock Mission (NLM) by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.

Question 8 of 15Ministry of Railways (28 September 2026)

The Barbil-Bolanikhadan Doubling Project, recently approved by Indian Railways, is strategically important for the movement of which major mineral commodity?

भारतीय रेलवे द्वारा हाल ही में अनुमोदित बारबिल-बोलानीखादान दोहरीकरण परियोजना (Barbil-Bolanikhadan Doubling Project), किस प्रमुख खनिज वस्तु की आवाजाही के लिए रणनीतिक रूप से महत्वपूर्ण है?

AIron oreCorrect Key

BCoal

CBauxite

DManganese

Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Barbil-Bolanikhadan Doubling Project supports the 'Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridor' of Indian Railways, facilitating originating iron ore traffic from SAIL's Bolani mines and private sidings to steel plants and ports.

Question 9 of 15PIB Backgrounder / Ministry of Home Affairs / PIB Release ID: 2307094 — September 2026 (September 06, 2026)

The second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II), approved to cover international land borders beyond the northern border, was formally launched from which village?

उत्तरी सीमा से परे अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्थलीय सीमाओं को कवर करने के लिए स्वीकृत वाइब्रेंट विलेजेस प्रोग्राम के दूसरे चरण (VVP-II) को औपचारिक रूप से किस गांव से लॉन्च किया गया था?

AKibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh

BNathanpur, AssamCorrect Key

CMana, Uttarakhand

DKargil, Ladakh

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• VVP-II was formally launched on February 20, 2026, at Nathanpur village in the Cachar district of Assam, carrying an outlay of ₹6,839 crore.

Question 10 of 15Ministry of Communications / PIB Release ID: 2307116 — September 06, 2026

Which specific inter-governmental organization headquartered in Bangkok serves as a specialized regional union of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and includes 32 member countries?

बैंकॉक में मुख्यालय वाला कौन सा विशिष्ट अंतर-सरकारी संगठन यूनिवर्सल पोस्टल यूनियन (UPU) के एक विशेष क्षेत्रीय संघ के रूप में कार्य करता है और इसमें 32 सदस्य देश शामिल हैं?

AAsian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU)Correct Key

BWorld Postal Consultative Forum (WPCF)

CAsia Postal Cooperation Alliance (APCA)

DInternational Postal Services Union (IPSU)

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• Headquartered in Bangkok, the Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU) is an inter-governmental organization of 32 member countries operating as a regional union of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

Question 11 of 15Ministry of Science & Technology / CSIR (28 September 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding Bio-Bitumen developed in India: 1. It is produced through the pyrolysis of post-harvest rice straw farm residue. 2. It completely eliminates India's dependence on petroleum-based bitumen without requiring any blending. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

भारत में विकसित बायो-बिटुमन के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार करें: 1. इसका उत्पादन फसल कटाई के बाद बचे धान के पुआल के पाइरोलिसिस के माध्यम से किया जाता है। 2. यह बिना किसी सम्मिश्रण (ब्लेंडिंग) की आवश्यकता के पेट्रोलियम-आधारित बिटुमन पर भारत की निर्भरता को पूरी तरह समाप्त कर देता है। उपर्युक्त में से कौन सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?

AOnly 1Correct Key

BOnly 2

CBoth 1 and 2

DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation & Analytical Context:

Statement 1 is correct: Bio-bitumen is produced via the pyrolysis of farm residue (rice straw) developed jointly by CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-IIP. Statement 2 is incorrect because the bio-oil produced is blended with conventional bitumen to produce the bio-bitumen blend, not entirely replacing conventional inputs instantly without blending.

Question 12 of 15Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) (28 September 2026)

What is the primary objective of 'Special Campaign 6.0' undertaken by government ministries and departments?

सरकारी मंत्रालयों और विभागों द्वारा शुरू किए गए 'विशेष अभियान 6.0' (Special Campaign 6.0) का प्राथमिक उद्देश्य क्या है?

AInstitutionalizing cleanliness (Swachhata), improving space management, and minimizing pendency of public grievances and references.Correct Key

BConducting nationwide census operations and socioeconomic surveys.

CAuditing public sector banking non-performing assets (NPAs).

DImplementing universal digital identity verification across rural districts.

Explanation & Analytical Context:

Special Campaign 6.0, coordinated by DARPG, focuses on institutionalizing Swachhata, efficient record management, space optimization, and minimizing pendency in government offices.

Question 13 of 15Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (28 September 2026)

Dholera, frequently in the news for hosting semiconductor manufacturing plants and advanced industrial infrastructure projects, is located in which of the following states?

सेमीकंडक्टर विनिर्माण संयंत्रों और उन्नत औद्योगिक बुनियादी ढांचा परियोजनाओं की मेजबानी के लिए अक्सर खबरों में रहने वाला धोलेरा (Dholera), निम्नलिखित में से किस राज्य में स्थित है?

AMaharashtra

BGujaratCorrect Key

CKarnataka

DTamil Nadu

Explanation & Analytical Context:

Dholera is a planned smart industrial city and major semiconductor hub located in the state of Gujarat.

Question 14 of 15Ministry of Railways (28 September 2026)

What is 'Kavach 4.0', recently seen in the news?

हाल ही में चर्चा में रहा 'कवच 4.0' (Kavach 4.0) क्या है?

AAn indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system.Correct Key

BA space situational awareness satellite launched by ISRO.

CAn AI-powered cybersecurity framework for defense networks.

DA newly introduced anti-ballistic missile defence shield.

Explanation & Analytical Context:

Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed by Indian Railways to prevent Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) and enhance train operation safety.

Question 15 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB Release ID: 2307093 — September 06, 2026

The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre (JCBC), which successfully breeds critically endangered vultures, is located at which place?

जटायु संरक्षण प्रजनन केंद्र (JCBC), जो गंभीर रूप से लुप्तप्राय गिद्धों का सफलतापूर्वक प्रजनन करता है, किस स्थान पर स्थित है?

APinjore, HaryanaCorrect Key

BBharatpur, Rajasthan

CWayanad, Kerala

DCorbett, Uttarakhand

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre (JCBC) is located at Pinjore, Haryana, and functions as a collaborative initiative of the Haryana Forest Department and BNHS.

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