Daily Current Affairs - 2026-03-21
Q1What are the primary challenges currently impacting the tourism and tea sectors in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), as highlighted in recent reports?Options
ALack of adequate rainfall and increased labour costsBPoor infrastructure, pollution, and rapid urbanisationCDecline in local handicrafts and traditional art formsDClosure of major hotels and resorts due to economic downturn
Options
Correct answer
Poor infrastructure, pollution, and rapid urbanisation
Explanation
Udhagamandalam faces challenges in its tourism and tea sectors due to poor infrastructure, pollution, and rapid urbanisation, especially ahead of the summer season.
Q2Which Tamil Nadu institution recently launched new M.Tech and MA programmes focused on frontier technologies and governance?Options
AAnna University, ChennaiBIndian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)CVellore Institute of Technology (VIT)DNational Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli (NIT Trichy)
Options
Correct answer
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
Explanation
IIT Madras recently launched new M.Tech and MA programmes in frontier technologies and governance, aiming to address modern educational needs.
Q3In which hills have Nilgiri tahrs been observed thriving recently, following a government takeover of their land?Options
AKodaikanal HillsBAnamalai HillsCChokramudi HillsDShevaroy Hills
Options
Correct answer
Chokramudi Hills
Explanation
Nilgiri tahrs have been reported thriving in the Chokramudi hills after the government's takeover of land, indicating successful conservation efforts.
Q4What is Metrowater's plan to boost water network efficiency in the added areas of Chennai?Options
AConstructing new large-scale reservoirsBImplementing a 24/7 water supply systemCDividing the network into district metered areas (DMAs)DIncreasing water tariffs for higher consumption
Options
Correct answer
Dividing the network into district metered areas (DMAs)
Explanation
Metrowater plans to divide the water network in Chennai's added areas into district metered areas (DMAs) to enhance efficiency and reduce wastage.
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Q5What was the reason cited by the TNPSC for the recent cancellation of Combined Civil Services exams?Options
ALow applicant turnoutBAdministrative policy changesCTechnical issuesDLack of adequate examination centres
Options
Correct answer
Technical issues
Explanation
The TNPSC cancelled the Combined Civil Services exams due to technical issues, with new dates yet to be announced.
Q6The Indian Carbon Market Portal, reinforcing India’s climate commitments, was recently launched by the Union Power Minister at which summit?Options
AGreen Energy Summit 2026BPrakriti 2026CClimate Action ConclaveDSustainable India Forum
Options
Correct answer
Prakriti 2026
Explanation
The Union Power Minister inaugurated Prakriti 2026 and launched the Indian Carbon Market Portal, reinforcing India’s climate commitments.
Q7What significant concern has ISRO recently highlighted regarding Indian space objects orbiting Earth?Options
AThreat of solar flares damaging satellitesBIncreasing number of Indian space junk posing collision risksCRapid decay of orbits due to atmospheric dragDInterference from foreign space debris
Options
Correct answer
Increasing number of Indian space junk posing collision risks
Explanation
ISRO has raised concerns about 129 pieces of Indian space junk orbiting Earth, which pose collision risks and global concerns.
Q8The Government recently modified the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme to provide support to which sectors, in line with Budget 2025-26?Options
ALarge-scale IT service providersBMSME manufacturers and exportersCAgricultural product processorsDPublic sector undertakings
Options
Correct answer
MSME manufacturers and exporters
Explanation
The Government modified the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme to support MSME manufacturers and exporters, aligning with the Budget 2025-26 proposals.
Q9Which important generic drug for diabetes and weight management was recently rolled out by major Indian pharmaceutical companies?Options
AMetforminBInsulin GlargineCSemaglutideDSitagliptin
Options
Correct answer
Semaglutide
Explanation
Major Indian pharmaceutical companies like Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s, Zydus, and Glenmark have rolled out generic Semaglutide, a drug primarily used for diabetes and weight management.
Q10What specific land issue is proving difficult for prospective beneficiaries to retrieve in the Coimbatore-Tiruppur region of Tamil Nadu?Options
AForest land illegally encroached uponBPanchami land meant for depressed classesCGovernment poramboke land used for private purposesDAgricultural land acquired for industrial projects
Options
Correct answer
Panchami land meant for depressed classes
Explanation
The retrieval of Panchami land, which was originally allocated to depressed classes, is proving to be a tough proposition for beneficiaries in the Coimbatore-Tiruppur belt.
Q11The National Zoological Park recently observed which important day with educational outreach and plantation drives?Options
AWorld Wildlife DayBEarth DayCInternational Day of ForestsDBiodiversity Day
Options
Correct answer
International Day of Forests
Explanation
The National Zoological Park marked the International Day of Forests with educational outreach and a plantation drive.
Q12Which issue is currently forcing eateries in Velankanni, Tamil Nadu, to scale down their menu and has also been a subject of criticism by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister?Options
AShortage of cooking oilBScarcity of fresh vegetablesCLPG cylinder shortageDHigh electricity costs
Options
Correct answer
LPG cylinder shortage
Explanation
LPG cylinder shortage is forcing eateries in Velankanni to scale down their menu and has been a point of criticism by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister against the central government.
Q13What key areas of skill development are being emphasized for future growth in India?Options
ATraditional crafts and manual labourBAgriculture and livestock managementCAI, digital, and emerging technologiesDSports and cultural arts
Options
Correct answer
AI, digital, and emerging technologies
Explanation
Skill development in AI, digital, and emerging technologies is being emphasized to drive future growth and meet global needs.
Q14A new 'Digital Agriculture' course was recently launched in which Tamil Nadu district?Options
ACoimbatoreBMaduraiCErodeDThanjavur
Options
Correct answer
Erode
Explanation
A new 'Digital Agriculture' course has been launched in Erode, aiming to equip farmers with modern technological skills.
Q15A recent wastewater study in major Indian cities highlighted concerns regarding the prevalence of what?Options
AHigh levels of industrial pollutantsBAntimicrobial Resistance (AMR)CPresence of microplasticsDExcessive heavy metal contamination
Options
Correct answer
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Explanation
A wastewater study in major Indian cities exposed the scale of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), indicating a significant public health concern.