Daily Current Affairs - 2026-03-18
Q1The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu recently urged the Union Government to address the severe shortage of LPG cylinders in the state. What immediate measure was suggested by the Tamil Nadu Food and Civil Supplies Minister to mitigate the impact of this shortage on the hotel industry?Options
ATo switch to electric cooking appliances.BTo adjust operations for a week by reducing menu options.CTo increase the price of food items to offset losses.DTo import LPG cylinders directly from other countries.
Options
Correct answer
To adjust operations for a week by reducing menu options.
Explanation
The Food and Civil Supplies Minister advised hotel owners in Tamil Nadu to adjust their operations for a week to cope with the severe LPG shortage.
Q2To combat coastal erosion, a nature-based bio-shield initiative has been rolled out at which significant location in Tamil Nadu?Options
AEnnore PortBRameswaramCKulasekarapattinamDKanyakumari
Options
Correct answer
Kulasekarapattinam
Explanation
The nature-based bio-shield initiative specifically aimed at combating coastal erosion has been implemented at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu.
Q3Recently, the Madras High Court issued a directive regarding the removal of an invasive tree species that has been a significant environmental concern in Tamil Nadu. Which invasive species is this directive concerned with, leading to a proposed people's movement for its removal?Options
AEichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth)BProsopis juliflora (சீமைக் கருவேலம்)CLantana camaraDParthenium hysterophorus (முட்கரண்டி)
Options
Correct answer
Prosopis juliflora (சீமைக் கருவேலம்)
Explanation
The Madras High Court issued a directive for the removal of Prosopis juliflora (சீமைக் கருவேலம்), an invasive species that poses a major environmental threat in Tamil Nadu. MDMK leader Vaiko is set to launch a people's movement for its removal.
Q4According to recent reports, what were the recorded water levels of the Mullaperiyar Dam and the Mettur Dam, respectively, which are crucial for irrigation and drinking water supply in Tamil Nadu?Options
AMullaperiyar 120.50 feet, Mettur 90.25 feetBMullaperiyar 114.15 feet, Mettur 83.66 feetCMullaperiyar 105.00 feet, Mettur 75.00 feetDMullaperiyar 118.00 feet, Mettur 88.00 feet
Options
Correct answer
Mullaperiyar 114.15 feet, Mettur 83.66 feet
Explanation
Recent reports indicate that the water level in Mullaperiyar Dam was 114.15 feet, and the water level in Mettur Dam stood at 83.66 feet.
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Q5The Chennai Corporation has recently come under scrutiny for transparency concerns. What specific issues were highlighted regarding the Corporation's financial practices and tender process?Options
ADelay in implementing smart city projects and underutilization of central funds.BAwarding contracts without proper competitive bidding and lack of public consultation.CA rush to float 1,200 new tenders while having ₹1,000 crore in unpaid bills.DExcessive allocation of funds for administrative expenses over civic infrastructure.
Options
Correct answer
A rush to float 1,200 new tenders while having ₹1,000 crore in unpaid bills.
Explanation
The Chennai Corporation has raised transparency concerns by floating 1,200 new tenders amidst an outstanding amount of ₹1,000 crore in unpaid bills to contractors.
Q6As part of election monitoring under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Tamil Nadu, significant seizures of cash and goods have been reported. What was the approximate total value of cash and goods seized across Tamil Nadu until March 18, and what specific instruction was given to marriage hall owners in Coimbatore regarding cash distribution?Options
A₹25 crore; To report any suspicious activity to the election commission.B₹42.65 crore; Not to allow premises for cash distribution.C₹50 crore; To verify the source of funds for any event.D₹30 crore; To obtain prior permission for all large gatherings.
Options
Correct answer
₹42.65 crore; Not to allow premises for cash distribution.
Explanation
The Election Commission of India reported that ₹42.65 crore worth of cash and goods were seized in Tamil Nadu as part of poll monitoring till March 18. Additionally, marriage hall owners in Coimbatore were explicitly told not to allow the use of their premises for cash distribution.
Q7The Union Cabinet recently approved the 'Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna' (BHAVYA) scheme with a substantial outlay. What is the primary objective of this ₹33,660 crore scheme and its target for industrial development?Options
ATo establish 50 new agricultural processing zones by 2030.BTo develop 100 new industrial parks for plug-and-play infrastructure by 2032.CTo provide financial assistance for 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by 2028.DTo upgrade infrastructure in 75 existing industrial clusters by 2025.
Options
Correct answer
To develop 100 new industrial parks for plug-and-play infrastructure by 2032.
Explanation
The BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna) scheme, approved with ₹33,660 crore, aims to usher in a new era of plug-and-play industrial development by establishing 100 new industrial parks across the country by 2032.
Q8Aadhaar, a flagship initiative in India, is recognized globally for its scale. What is its current status in terms of global recognition and the approximate number of live Aadhaar holders?Options
AIt is India's largest digital payment system with 100 crore users.BIt is the world's largest biometric identity system with approximately 134 crore live Aadhaar holders.CIt is a national health insurance program covering 120 crore beneficiaries.DIt is an online education platform for 150 crore students.
Options
Correct answer
It is the world's largest biometric identity system with approximately 134 crore live Aadhaar holders.
Explanation
Aadhaar is acclaimed as the world's largest biometric identity system, boasting approximately 134 crore live Aadhaar holders, underscoring its vast reach and implementation.
Q9The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme’. For which specific period has this scheme been approved?Options
AFY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29BFY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30CFY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31DFY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28
Options
Correct answer
FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
Explanation
The Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme, aimed at promoting small-scale hydropower projects, has been approved for the financial years 2026-27 to 2030-31.
Q10Edappadi K Palaniswami recently criticized the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. What were the main issues he highlighted in his criticism?Options
ALack of new infrastructure projects and neglect of rural development.BMismanagement of TNPSC exam administration and improper fund allocation.CFailure to attract foreign investments and create employment opportunities.DRising crime rates and inadequate law and order enforcement.
Options
Correct answer
Mismanagement of TNPSC exam administration and improper fund allocation.
Explanation
Edappadi K Palaniswami criticized the DMK government for alleged mismanagement in the administration of TNPSC examinations and for improper fund allocation.
Q11NavIC, often referred to as India's indigenous GPS system, has recently faced operational challenges. What is the current status of its satellite constellation that has led to concerns about its functionality?Options
AIt is fully operational with 10 satellites.BIt is down to just 3 functional satellites.CIt is being upgraded to include global coverage.DIt has been replaced by a new satellite navigation system.
Options
Correct answer
It is down to just 3 functional satellites.
Explanation
NavIC, India's own satellite navigation system, is currently facing operational difficulties as its functional satellite count has reportedly decreased to just 3.
Q12What specific legislative measure are activists in Tamil Nadu advocating for, and to whom did they submit a memorandum regarding this issue?Options
AA new policy for women's safety, submitted to the Chief Minister.BAn amendment to the existing caste discrimination laws, submitted to the Governor.CA dedicated law against honour killings, submitted to a retired judge.DEnhanced protection for inter-caste couples, submitted to the Director General of Police.
Options
Correct answer
A dedicated law against honour killings, submitted to a retired judge.
Explanation
Activists in Tamil Nadu have submitted a memorandum to a retired judge, advocating for the enactment of a specific law against honour killings in the state.
Q13In the context of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, what initiative are persons with disabilities planning to launch in Chennai?Options
AA voter registration drive for first-time disabled voters.BA campaign advocating for greater accessibility in polling stations and election processes.CA protest demanding reserved seats for disabled candidates.DA workshop to train disabled individuals on political participation.
Options
Correct answer
A campaign advocating for greater accessibility in polling stations and election processes.
Explanation
Persons with disabilities in Chennai are set to launch a campaign during the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, demanding improved accessibility in polling stations and overall election processes.
Q14The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has floated a tender for significant infrastructure development in Tiruchi. What specific projects are included in this tender for the city?Options
AConstruction of a new airport terminal and extension of runways.BDevelopment of a new port and coastal road connectivity.CBuilding of underpasses and an elevated rotary.DRenovation of railway stations and new rail lines.
Options
Correct answer
Building of underpasses and an elevated rotary.
Explanation
The NHAI has invited tenders for the construction of underpasses and an elevated rotary in Tiruchi, aiming to improve traffic flow and infrastructure in the city.
Q15The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently received the 'Initiative of the Year Award' from Central Banking of London. For which specific achievement was the RBI honored?Options
AFor its efforts in financial inclusion through Jan Dhan Yojana.BFor establishing a secure banking domain '.bank.in'.CFor successfully managing inflation and maintaining economic stability.DFor pioneering digital currency implementation.
Options
Correct answer
For establishing a secure banking domain '.bank.in'.
Explanation
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was awarded the 'Initiative of the Year Award' by Central Banking of London for its pivotal role in establishing and managing the secure banking domain '.bank.in'.