Current Affairs Quiz 28 April 2026

Q1.  Consider the following grounds for disqualification under the Anti-Defection Law:

1. Voluntarily giving up party membership
2. Voting against party whip without prior permission
3. Abstaining from voting despite party direction

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

• All three are valid grounds under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
• “Voluntarily giving up membership” is not limited to formal resignation; it can be inferred from conduct (as held in Ravi Naik case, 1994).
• Voting or abstaining against party whip without permission directly attracts disqualification.

Q2. With reference to Payments Banks in India, consider the following statements:

1. They were recommended by the Nachiket Mor Committee.
2. They can provide loans and credit cards.
3. They aim to promote financial inclusion.

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Payments Banks were recommended by the Nachiket Mor Committee to expand access to banking services.
• They cannot lend or issue credit cards → core structural restriction.
• Objective: financial inclusion (migrant workers, small businesses, low-income groups).

Q3. Consider the following statements:

1. The India–New Zealand FTA provides 100% duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand.
2. India has offered tariff liberalisation on all tariff lines under the agreement.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 only
B) 2 only
C) Both 1 and 2
D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement ensures zero-duty access for Indian exports.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: India liberalised only ~70% tariff lines, excluding sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture.

Q4.  Which of the following countries are members of the SCO?

1. India
2. Iran
3. Belarus
4. Japan

Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: B

Explanation:

• Members include India, Iran, Belarus, China, Russia, Central Asian states.
• Japan is not a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Q5.  The Atacama Desert is considered ideal for astronomical observations due to:

1. Extremely dry climate
2. High altitude
3. High humidity levels

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

• The Atacama Desert is the driest non-polar desert with minimal atmospheric moisture.
• High altitude (~3000 m+) reduces atmospheric distortion → better observation clarity.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: humidity is extremely low, not high.
• Additional fact: ~300+ clear nights annually enhance observational efficiency.

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