Q.1) Zero Discrimination Day is observed every year on which date?
[a] 27 February
[b] 1 March
[c] 8 March
[d] 10 December
View Answer
Answer: [b] 1 March
Explanation:
Zero Discrimination Day is observed every year on 1 March by the United Nations and various international organisations to promote equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for all people. The day highlights the importance of ensuring equal rights before the law, regardless of gender, race, nationality, health status, or social background. The observance was first launched in 2014 by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. The initiative was announced by Michel Sidibé, then Executive Director of UNAIDS, on 27 February 2014 at a major event held in Beijing. Since then, the day has been observed globally to promote inclusion and respect for human rights. Zero Discrimination Day 2026 emphasised the need to “put people first.” The campaign particularly highlighted the persistent discrimination faced by people living with or at risk of HIV.
Q.2) The theme of World Hearing Day 2026, observed every year on 3 March is:
[a] Ear and Hearing Care for All
[b] Hearing Care for Healthy Ageing
[c] From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children
[d] Addressing Hearing Loss Across the Life Course
View Answer
Answer: [c] From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children
Explanation:
World Hearing Day is observed annually on 3 March to raise awareness about the prevention of hearing loss and the importance of ear and hearing care worldwide. The campaign is organised by WHO through its Office of Prevention of Blindness and Deafness. Each year, various activities such as awareness campaigns, health check-ups, educational programmes, and community outreach events are conducted globally to promote hearing health. The first official World Hearing Day campaign was organised in 2015. Earlier, the observance was known as International Ear Care Day. Every year, the WHO selects a theme, prepares educational resources, and encourages governments, healthcare organisations, schools, and communities to organise awareness initiatives.Theme of World Hearing Day 2026 is “From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children.”
Q.3) World Civil Defence Day is observed globally every year on which date?
[a] 28 February
[b] 1 March
[c] 5 June
[d] 13 October
View Answer
Answer: [b] 1 March
Explanation:
World Civil Defence Day is observed every year on 1 March to raise awareness about the importance of civil defence systems, disaster preparedness, and emergency response mechanisms. The day highlights the crucial role played by civil defence organisations and volunteers in protecting human life, property, and the environment during disasters such as floods, earthquakes, accidents, and other emergencies. The observance is promoted and coordinated by the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO). World Civil Defence Day 2026 emphasises the growing importance of addressing environmental and disaster-related risks. The theme “Managing Environmental Risks for a Resilient and Sustainable Future” highlights the need for stronger policies, preparedness strategies, and community participation to reduce disaster risks and build sustainable and resilient societies.
Q.4) World Seagrass Day is observed every year on which date?
[a] 22 April
[b] 1 March
[c] 5 June
[d] 8 June
View Answer
Answer: [b] 1 March
Explanation:
World Seagrass Day is observed annually on 1 March to raise awareness about the ecological importance of seagrass ecosystems and the need to conserve them. The day highlights the crucial role of seagrasses in maintaining healthy marine environments, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to climate change mitigation. The observance was officially proclaimed by UNGA through Resolution A/RES/76/265 in May 2022. Activities related to the day are promoted globally by organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature, bringing together governments, scientists, civil society, and local communities to promote conservation actions. Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that grow in shallow coastal waters across the world, from tropical regions to areas near the Arctic Circle. These plants form extensive underwater meadows, which are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth.
Q.5) In India, National Safety Day is observed every year to promote workplace safety and accident prevention on which date?
[a] 1 March
[b] 3 March
[c] 4 March
[d] 8 March
View Answer
Answer: [c] 4 March
Explanation:
National Safety Day is observed every year on 4 March in India to promote workplace safety, accident prevention, and awareness about occupational health and environmental protection. The day encourages industries, organisations, and communities to adopt safe practices and build a strong safety culture across workplaces and public spaces. The observance is led by the National Safety Council (NSC), a national body dedicated to promoting safety awareness and preventing industrial accidents. In 2026, India celebrated the 55th National Safety Week, reflecting decades of efforts toward improving workplace safety standards. The theme for National Safety Day 2026 is “Engage, Educate & Empower People to Enhance Safety.”
Q.6) According to the World Obesity Atlas 2026, India ranks which position globally in terms of the number of children who are overweight or living with obesity?
[a] First
[b] Second
[c] Third
[d] Fourth
View Answer
Answer: [b] Second
Explanation:
The World Obesity Atlas 2026, released by the World Obesity Federation on World Obesity Day (4 March), highlights the growing global burden of obesity and related health risks. According to the report, India ranks second in the world in terms of the number of children who are overweight or living with obesity, after China. India has surpassed several Western countries, including the United States, in the number of children affected. Based on data compiled up to 2025, researchers estimate that India could have around 41 million children with high Body Mass Index (BMI) and 14 million children living with obesity. This highlights a growing public health concern, particularly among younger populations. Globally, China, India, and the United States each have more than 10 million children living with obesity, with China leading the list. The report also highlights adult health risks. Among women aged 15–49 years, around 13.4% have high BMI, and 4.2% live with Type-2 diabetes, reflecting the broader impact of obesity on non-communicable diseases.
Q.7) International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed every year on which date?
[a] 1 March
[b] 3 March
[c] 5 March
[d] 10 March
View Answer
Answer: [c] 5 March
Explanation:
The International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness is observed annually on 5 March to promote greater awareness and understanding of disarmament and arms control issues, particularly among young people. The day highlights the importance of reducing and controlling weapons to promote global peace, security, and stability. The observance is led by the United Nations, which has long considered disarmament and arms limitation as key pillars of its efforts to maintain international peace and security. Through awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and public discussions, the day encourages individuals, governments, and institutions to understand the consequences of the uncontrolled spread of weapons.
Q.8) The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed the adoption of which accounting standards for insurers from 1 April 2026?
[a] International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
[b] Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS)
[c] Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
[d] Government Accounting Standards (GAS)
View Answer
Answer: [b] Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS)
Explanation:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed adopting Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) for insurance companies starting 1 April 2026. The proposal is part of an effort to strengthen policyholder protection, improve transparency, and enhance trust in India’s insurance sector by modernising the way insurers report their financial information. To implement this change, IRDAI released an exposure draft proposing amendments to the “Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Actuarial, Finance and Investment Functions of Insurers) Regulations, 2026.” The proposed adoption of Ind AS aims to align India’s insurance sector with globally accepted accounting and financial reporting practices, thereby improving comparability, transparency, and reliability of financial statements.
Q.9) The Government of West Bengal signed a tripartite MoU with which international organisation and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) to develop the Ichhamati and Jalangi river basins?
[a] World Bank
[b] GIZ
[c] Asian Development Bank
[d] UNDP
View Answer
Answer: [b] GIZ
Explanation:
The West Bengal Government signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) to prepare a comprehensive masterplan for the restoration and sustainable development of the Ichhamati and Jalangi river basins. Both rivers are located in the upper Ganga delta region of West Bengal and face ecological stress due to pollution, sedimentation, and other environmental pressures. The project aims to develop a scientific and sustainable basin management strategy to restore river ecosystems, improve water quality, and strengthen river-based livelihoods. The initiative is linked to the ‘Nodi Bandhan’ project, announced in the 2025–26 West Bengal State Budget with a budget allocation of ₹200 crore. The project was designed to prepare a masterplan for river basin management in the state with support from international expert agencies.
Q.10) Which Indian city recently entered the Guinness World Records for planting 2,51,446 saplings within one hour during a mega plantation campaign?
[a] Lucknow
[b] Varanasi
[c] Indore
[d] Jaipur
View Answer
Answer: [b] Varanasi
Explanation:
The city of Varanasi has set a new Guinness World Records record by planting 2,51,446 saplings within one hour during a large-scale plantation campaign conducted at the Sujabad–Domari area. This achievement surpassed the previous record set by China in 2018, where 1,53,981 saplings were planted within the same time frame. The record was officially confirmed after verification through drone surveillance and a digital counting system, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the counting process. The plantation drive covered nearly 350 bighas of land, which is being developed into an urban forest through collaboration between the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, various government departments, institutions, and social organisations. To manage the plantation efficiently, the forest area was divided into 60 sectors. More than 4,000 saplings were planted in each sector, ensuring systematic plantation and monitoring.
Q.11) Which four women-centric welfare initiatives were launched in Delhi in March 2026 under the programme “Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi”?
[a] Beti Bachao Yojana, Pink Bus Scheme, Ladli Pension, Ujjwala Scheme
[b] Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, Free LPG Cylinder Scheme, Saheli Pink Smart Card, Ladli DBT Transfer
[c] PM Ujjwala Scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Ladli Scheme, Pink Card Scheme
[d] Ladli Pension Scheme, Pink Bus Scheme, Ujjwala Scheme, Mahila Samman Yojana
View Answer
Answer: [b] Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, Free LPG Cylinder Scheme, Saheli Pink Smart Card, Ladli DBT Transfer
Explanation:
President Droupadi Murmu launched four major women-centric welfare schemes of the Government of NCT of Delhi in New Delhi on 2 March 2026 under the programme “Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi.” These initiatives are Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, Free LPG Cylinder Scheme, Saheli Pink Smart Card and Ladli DBT Transfer. They aim to strengthen women’s empowerment, safety, financial security, and mobility, while promoting gender-inclusive governance in urban policy frameworks. The schemes also focus on improving women’s daily lives through better access to public transport, financial support, and long-term economic empowerment for girls.
Q.12) Which Indian state has announced a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, becoming the first state in the country to propose such a restriction?
[a] Maharashtra
[b] Karnataka
[c] Tamil Nadu
[d] Telangana
View Answer
Answer: [b] Karnataka
Explanation
The Karnataka Government has announced a proposal to ban social media usage for children below 16 years of age, aiming to protect minors from the negative impacts of excessive smartphone and internet use. Once implemented, Karnataka will become the first Indian state to impose such a restriction on social media access for minors. The policy particularly targets popular platforms widely used by teenagers, including those operated by Meta Platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The initiative is especially significant because Karnataka is home to Bengaluru, one of India’s leading technology hubs. Despite the state’s strong digital ecosystem, authorities have emphasised the need to regulate digital exposure among children to ensure healthy physical, mental, and social development.
Q.13) The India AI Impact Summit 2026 achieved a Guinness World Record for which of the following achievements?
[a] Largest AI conference participation in the world
[b] Most AI startups launched in a single event
[c] Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours
[d] Largest AI training workshop
View Answer
Answer: [c] Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours
Explanation
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 was held from 16–21 February 2026, bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and international organisations to discuss the future of responsible, inclusive, and development-oriented Artificial Intelligence (AI). The summit served as a major global platform for dialogue on ethical AI governance, technological innovation, and sustainable development using artificial intelligence. During the summit, India achieved a Guinness World Records for the: “Most pledges received for an AI responsibility campaign in 24 hours.” More than 2.5 lakh validated pledges were recorded. The campaign encouraged citizens and organisations to commit to responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence.