Daily Current Affairs - 2026-03-19
Q1What is the election mascot for Dindigul district, highlighting local ecology and election awareness?Options
AElephantBSlender loris (Dindu)CPeacockDTiger
Options
Correct answer
Slender loris (Dindu)
Explanation
The Slender loris, named 'Dindu', has been chosen as the election mascot for Dindigul district to promote voter awareness, especially among youth and first-time voters.
Q2The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a four-lane greenfield highway connecting which major cities in Tamil Nadu?Options
AChennai-Madurai-KanyakumariBCoimbatore-Salem-TirupurCTiruchi-Karur-CoimbatoreDVellore-Tiruvannamalai-Villupuram
Options
Correct answer
Tiruchi-Karur-Coimbatore
Explanation
NHAI is preparing a DPR for a four-lane greenfield highway project that will connect Tiruchi, Karur, and Coimbatore, improving connectivity in the region.
Q3Which agricultural product from Tamil Nadu is significantly impacted by the rising costs and disrupted export orders due to tensions in West Asia?Options
AMangoBTurmericCCoconutDSugarcane
Options
Correct answer
Coconut
Explanation
Coconut growers in Tamil Nadu are facing hardships as export orders have been hit due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, affecting the demand and price for coconut products.
Q4Recently, ISRO recovered debris near the Tamil Nadu coast. To which rocket is this debris believed to belong?Options
AGSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle)BPSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)CSSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)DLVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3)
Options
Correct answer
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
Explanation
ISRO recovered certain metallic debris from the Bay of Bengal near the Tamil Nadu coast, which is believed to be part of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
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Q5Two NGOs in Tamil Nadu have offered machinery free of cost to aid in the removal of which invasive species, commonly known as "seemaikaruvelam"?Options
AEichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth)BLantana camaraCProsopis juliflora (seemaikaruvelam)DParthenium hysterophorus (Congress Grass)
Options
Correct answer
Prosopis juliflora (seemaikaruvelam)
Explanation
Two NGOs in Tamil Nadu have stepped forward to provide machinery at no cost to remove Prosopis juliflora, an invasive tree species widely known as 'seemaikaruvelam' that depletes groundwater and affects local ecosystems.
Q6The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to facilitate voting via postal ballot for which categories of voters in the upcoming Assembly elections?Options
AOverseas Indian voters onlyBYouth voters and first-time votersCElderly, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and Service VotersDMigrant workers only
Options
Correct answer
Elderly, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and Service Voters
Explanation
The ECI has made provisions for Elderly voters (80+), Persons with Disabilities (40% benchmark disability), and Service Voters (armed forces, police etc. on duty) to cast their votes using postal ballots.
Q7A horticulture farm in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, recently began production of which specific product?Options
AOrganic vegetablesBHerbal teaCExotic fruitsDAromatic oils
Options
Correct answer
Herbal tea
Explanation
The Horticulture Farm at Chengalpattu has commenced the production of herbal tea, utilizing various medicinal plants and herbs grown in the region.
Q8According to recent reports, how many airports in India are currently utilizing green energy for their operations?Options
A50B86C105D120
Options
Correct answer
86
Explanation
The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that 86 airports across India are using green energy, contributing to sustainable aviation practices.
Q9The government plans to extend health insurance coverage to the 'missing middle'. Who typically falls into this category in the context of health insurance?Options
AIndividuals with pre-existing medical conditionsBIndividuals and families who are not poor enough to be covered by government schemes but cannot afford private insuranceCHigh-income earners who opt out of social security schemesDElderly citizens already covered by existing pension schemes
Options
Correct answer
Individuals and families who are not poor enough to be covered by government schemes but cannot afford private insurance
Explanation
The 'missing middle' refers to the population segment that is not covered by either government-sponsored health schemes for the poor or employer-provided/private health insurance, often due to affordability issues.
Q10What is the name of India's first indigenous microchip, developed by ISRO, recently highlighted for its features?Options
AShakti-100BPranava-CCVikram-32DAryabhata-X
Options
Correct answer
Vikram-32
Explanation
ISRO has developed Vikram-32, which is India’s first indigenous microchip, intended for various space and terrestrial applications, showcasing advanced computational capabilities.
Q11The Union Agriculture Minister recently announced a major step towards transforming the agriculture sector with a ₹200-crore cluster focusing on which specific crop?Options
AWheatBBananaCCottonDRice
Options
Correct answer
Banana
Explanation
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a ₹200-crore 'Banana Cluster' to boost the production, processing, and export of bananas, aiming to transform the agriculture sector.
Q12What is the name of the new intervention approved by the Government under the Export Promotion Mission to support exporters facing logistics disruptions, particularly in West Asia?Options
ASWIFT (Support for Western International Trade)BRELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation)CGLOBAL (Global Logistics Aid for Businesses)DASSIST (Aid Scheme for Supply Chain Trade)
Options
Correct answer
RELIEF (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation)
Explanation
The Government has approved 'RELIEF' (Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) under the Export Promotion Mission to help exporters cope with logistics disruptions, especially those arising from the situation in West Asia.
Q13What has been a significant point of contention and protest by political parties like DMK, Congress, and VCK in Tamil Nadu recently, leading to criticism of the Union Government?Options
AIncrease in petrol pricesBShortage of essential food grainsCSevere LPG cylinder shortageDNew education policy implementation
Options
Correct answer
Severe LPG cylinder shortage
Explanation
Political parties in Tamil Nadu, including DMK, Congress, and VCK, have been protesting and criticizing the Union Government over the severe shortage of LPG cylinders in the state, impacting households significantly.
Q14The Indian Railways is implementing QR Code-Enabled Identity Cards and Digitally Traceable Food Packets. What is the primary objective of this initiative?Options
ATo provide personalized travel itineraries to passengersBTo eliminate unauthorized vending and ensure verified onboard catering servicesCTo track real-time location of trains for operational efficiencyDTo facilitate cashless transactions for all services
Options
Correct answer
To eliminate unauthorized vending and ensure verified onboard catering services
Explanation
This initiative by Indian Railways aims to enhance the safety and quality of food services by curbing unauthorized vendors and ensuring that only verified catering services are provided to passengers, thereby improving their experience.
Q15India's Bioeconomy has shown significant growth over the last decade. Approximately how much has it surged from its initial value?Options
AFrom $5 billion to $50 billionBFrom $10 billion to $195 billionCFrom $20 billion to $250 billionDFrom $15 billion to $150 billion
Options
Correct answer
From $10 billion to $195 billion
Explanation
India's Bioeconomy has surged from $10 billion to $195 billion in a decade, registering an impressive annual growth rate of 17-18%.
Q16Despite delays from the Centre, many States and Union Territories have set aside their own funds for which crucial rural development initiative?Options
APradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural)BJal Jeevan MissionCRural jobs programmeDPM-Kisan Samman Nidhi
Options
Correct answer
Rural jobs programme
Explanation
States and Union Territories have shown proactiveness by allocating their own funds for the rural jobs programme, despite delays in central government allocations, highlighting its importance for rural livelihoods.