Current Affairs Quiz 11 April 2026

Q1. With reference to the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) conducted by Indian Space Research Organisation, consider the following statements:

1. The test was primarily designed to validate the launch escape system during the initial ascent phase.
2. A Chinook helicopter was utilized to simulate the descent conditions for the Crew Module.
3. The recovery operations were conducted in a coordinated effort between ISRO and the Indian Navy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Incorrect:
  • IADT focuses on parachute-based deceleration and recovery systems, not the Launch Escape System (LES).
  • LES is tested separately under abort missions (e.g., TV-D1).
• Statement 2 – Correct:
  • An Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter lifted the Crew Module (~5.7 tonnes) to ~3 km altitude.
  • Simulates realistic re-entry descent conditions.
• Statement 3 – Correct:
  • Successful sea landing and recovery by the Indian Navy.
  • Validates end-to-end crew recovery logistics, crucial for Gaganyaan mission readiness.

Q2. Under the MSME Development (MSMED) Act, 2006, the classification of MSMEs was revised to a composite criterion of investment and annual turnover. As per the revision effective from April 1, 2025, a ‘Small’ enterprise is defined as:

A) Investment ≤ ₹10 crore and Turnover ≤ ₹50 crore

B) Investment ≤ ₹25 crore and Turnover ≤ ₹100 crore

C) Investment ≤ ₹50 crore and Turnover ≤ ₹250 crore

D) Investment ≤ ₹125 crore and Turnover ≤ ₹500 crore

Answer: B) Investment ≤ ₹25 crore and Turnover ≤ ₹100 crore

Explanation:

• The MSME classification was first shifted to a composite criterion (investment + turnover) in 2020.
• In the Union Budget 2025, the Government further revised the thresholds upward to allow MSMEs to scale without losing benefits. These revised limits came into effect from April 1, 2025.
• Current Classification (as of 2026):
  • Micro Enterprise: Investment ≤ ₹2.5 crore and Turnover ≤ ₹10 crore
  • Small Enterprise: Investment ≤ ₹25 crore and Turnover ≤ ₹100 crore
  • Medium Enterprise: Investment ≤ ₹125 crore and Turnover ≤ ₹500 crore

Q3. With reference to the Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor), consider the following statements:

1. It is a freshwater cetacean that is functionally blind and relies on echolocation for navigation.
2. In India, its only known natural habitat is the Beas River.
3. It has been designated as the National Aquatic Animal of India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct:
  • Adapted to turbid river systems, hence functionally blind.
  • Uses echolocation for navigation and hunting.
• Statement 2 – Correct:
  • In India, restricted to Beas River (Punjab).
  • Majority population in Pakistan (Indus system).
• Statement 3 – Incorrect:
  • National Aquatic Animal: Ganges River Dolphin
  • Indus Dolphin → State Aquatic Animal of Punjab

Q4. The Bakarwal tribe, primarily found in Jammu & Kashmir, is traditionally associated with the rearing of which livestock?

A) Yaks and Mithuns
B) Camels and Cattle
C) Sheep and Goats
D) Buffaloes and Pigs

Answer: C) Sheep and Goats

Explanation:

• Etymology:
  • ‘Bakra’ (goat) + ‘wal’ (keeper).
• Livelihood Pattern:
  • Pastoral nomadic tribe practicing transhumance.
  • Seasonal migration between Jammu plains (winter) and Kashmir Himalayas (summer).

Q5. Which of the following constitutional provisions empowers Parliament to restrict or abrogate the Fundamental Rights of members of the Armed Forces or forces charged with maintaining public order?

A) Article 32
B) Article 33
C) Article 34
D) Article 35

Answer: B) Article 33

Explanation:

• Article 33:
  • Empowers Parliament to restrict/modify Fundamental Rights of:
    • Armed Forces
    • Paramilitary Forces
    • Police Forces
• Objective:
  • Ensure discipline, duty efficiency, and national security.
• Key Distinction:
  • Article 34: Martial law-related restrictions
  • Article 35: Parliament’s power to legislate on FR-related matters

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