Quiz – 3 November 2026 (Part 1: Q 1–53)

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Quiz – 3 November 2026 (Part 1: Q 1–53) – 53 questions, subject: Current Affairs. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

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1.  
Which national park of Kerala is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve?

Correct Answer: B [Silent Valley]

Explanation:

Silent Valley – evergreen forests of the Kunthi river valley. Periyar and Eravikulam lie outside the Nilgiri reserve.

2.  
Which tiger reserve forms the Tamil Nadu part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

Correct Answer: C [Kalakad–Mundanthurai]

Explanation:

Kalakad–Mundanthurai. The Kerala side has the Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries.

3.  
The drug 'Jeevani' came from 'Arogyapacha', a plant used by an Agasthyamala tribe. Which tribe?

Correct Answer: C [Kani]

Explanation:

Kani – TBGRI (Thiruvananthapuram) shared 50% of the licence fee and royalty with them. Toda and Badaga are of the Nilgiris; Irula of the Nilgiris and northern TN.

4.  
Which is NOT one of the four groups of the 21 islands of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park?

Correct Answer: A [Kanniyakumari group]

Explanation:

There is no Kanniyakumari group. The four are Mandapam (7), Keelakarai (7), Vembar (3) and Tuticorin (4).

5.  
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve lies at the meeting point of which two ranges?

Correct Answer: A [Western & Eastern Ghats]

Explanation:

The Western and Eastern Ghats. The reserve sits at the trijunction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

6.  
Vultr's planned 20 MW AI supercluster in Chennai will use GPUs made by which company?

Correct Answer: C [AMD]

Explanation:

AMD – Instinct MI355X GPUs (288 GB HBM3E). The company calls it India's largest AMD Instinct deployment.

7.  
Why are GPUs (Graphics Processing Units) preferred over CPUs for training AI models?

Correct Answer: B [Massive parallel computing]

Explanation:

Their ability to run thousands of small calculations in parallel. First built for graphics, the GPU is now the main chip for AI.

8.  
AI superclusters train 'LLMs'. What does 'LLM' stand for?

Correct Answer: A [Large Language Model]

Explanation:

Large Language Model – an AI model trained on huge text data to understand and generate language (e.g. chatbots).

9.  
The CANI submarine optical-fibre cable, opened in 2020, links Chennai with which region?

Correct Answer: D [Andaman & Nicobar Islands]

Explanation:

Andaman & Nicobar Islands – about 2,300 km; built by BSNL with USOF funds. It lands at Port Blair and 7 other islands.

10.  
Which organisation built 'PARAM 8000', India's first supercomputer?

Correct Answer: C [C-DAC]

Explanation:

C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing), Pune – in 1991, led by Vijay Bhatkar.

11.  
The award-winning short film 'Awake Before Another Pandemic' raises awareness about which problem?

Correct Answer: D [Air pollution]

Explanation:

Air pollution – it explains the steps needed to stop it from leading to a pandemic. Directed by Mani Arputharaj.

12.  
Tagore, after whom one of the film's awards is named, wrote the national anthem of India and of which other country?

Correct Answer: A [Bangladesh]

Explanation:

Bangladesh – 'Amar Shonar Bangla'. India adopted 'Jana Gana Mana' as its national anthem on 24 Jan 1950.

13.  
Which inscription records Ashoka's remorse after the Kalinga war, recalled by the 'Kalinga' festival's name?

Correct Answer: C [Major Rock Edict XIII]

Explanation:

Major Rock Edict XIII – it expresses grief over the war's deaths and a turn to 'Dhamma-vijaya'. Kalinga is present-day Odisha.

14.  
In which State was India's first COVID-19 case detected?

Correct Answer: D [Kerala]

Explanation:

Kerala – Thrissur, 30 Jan 2020 (a student back from Wuhan). WHO declared a pandemic on 11 March 2020.

15.  
Which famous Dindigul product received a GI tag in 2019?

Correct Answer: A [Lock]

Explanation:

The Dindigul Lock – Aug 2019; Karaikudi's Kandangi saree got its GI at the same time.

16.  
Which nodal agency runs the 'Renewable Energy Application Portal' launched in Nov 2026?

Correct Answer: B [TNGECL]

Explanation:

TNGECL (Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation) – also the nodal agency of the BESS policy. TNERC is the regulatory commission.

17.  
State Electricity Regulatory Commissions like TNERC now function under which Act?

Correct Answer: C [Electricity Act 2003]

Explanation:

Electricity Act 2003 – it replaced the 1910, 1948 and 1998 Acts. The Energy Conservation Act 2001 created the BEE.

18.  
Kadamparai pumped-storage hydro station, Tamil Nadu's 'natural battery', is in which district?

Correct Answer: B [Coimbatore]

Explanation:

Coimbatore – near Valparai; 400 MW (4 × 100 MW), 1987. It went to TNGECL in the 2024 restructuring.

19.  
After the 2024 restructuring, which distribution company will buy stored power under the BESS policy?

Correct Answer: C [TNPDCL]

Explanation:

TNPDCL (Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation) – ex-TANGEDCO's distribution arm. TNPGCL is thermal generation; TANTRANSCO is transmission.

20.  
The BESS policy waives 'wheeling charges' for 10 years. What are these charges paid for?

Correct Answer: D [Using the power network]

Explanation:

For using the utility's wires to carry power to a consumer elsewhere.

21.  
Khaira, hailed as a '100% solar village' after rooftop solar was fitted on all its 141 homes, is in which State?

Correct Answer: C [Chhattisgarh]

Explanation:

Chhattisgarh – Rajnandgaon district; 2 kW per home, ≈ 282 kW in all. No cost to residents – subsidy plus CSR funds.

22.  
Under the 'Model Solar Village' component of PM Surya Ghar, one such village is to be developed in each –

Correct Answer: C [District]

Explanation:

District – the village installing the most renewable capacity in the contest gets ₹1 crore; the component's total outlay is ₹800 crore.

23.  
Modhera, declared India's first 24×7 solar-powered village in 2022, has a Sun Temple built under which dynasty?

Correct Answer: D [Chaulukya (Solanki)]

Explanation:

The Chaulukyas (Solankis) of Gujarat – reign of Bhima I, c. 1026–27 CE; on the Pushpavati river. Odisha's Konark Sun Temple is an Eastern Ganga work.

24.  
In rooftop solar, what does 'net metering' mean?

Correct Answer: B [Billing only the net difference]

Explanation:

A bi-directional meter – surplus power sent to the grid is set off against power drawn, and only the difference is billed. That is why Khaira's bills are zero.

25.  
Suryanar Kovil, the Navagraha shrine dedicated to the Sun god, is in which district of Tamil Nadu?

Correct Answer: B [Thanjavur]

Explanation:

Thanjavur district, near Aduthurai – built in the reign of Kulottunga Chola I (11th century); it also has separate shrines for the other eight planets.

26.  
Under the VB-G RAM G Grievance Redressal Rules 2026, within how many days of receipt must a grievance be resolved?

Correct Answer: C [15 days]

Explanation:

15 days. The enquiry must finish within 7 working days; unresolved grievances escalate automatically to the next level.

27.  
In the name of the 'VB-G RAM G' Act that replaced MGNREGA, what does 'RAM' stand for?

Correct Answer: D [Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission]

Explanation:

Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). It received Presidential assent on 21 Dec 2025.

28.  
Under the new rules, at which three levels must States set up the grievance redressal system?

Correct Answer: A [Gram Panchayat–Block–District]

Explanation:

Gram Panchayat, Block and District – the District Programme Coordinator (DPC) oversees the district level.

29.  
Which department runs 'CPGRAMS', the Centre's public grievance redress portal?

Correct Answer: D [DARPG]

Explanation:

DARPG – under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; portal pgportal.gov.in.

30.  
Modelled on the rural job scheme, which scheme does the Tamil Nadu Government run for the urban poor?

Correct Answer: B [TN Urban Employment Scheme]

Explanation:

TNUES – announced in 2021 with ₹100 crore; most workers are women (State Planning Commission, 2023). Naan Mudhalvan is a skilling scheme.

31.  
Which force announced in Nov 2026 that it had completed 12 straight months without an operational fatality, a first in 47 years?

Correct Answer: B [Central Reserve Police Force]

Explanation:

CRPF – announced by DG G.P. Singh; the last operational fatality was on 30 Oct 2025. The previous such stretch ended in Jan 1979.

32.  
What is the full form of 'CoBRA', the commando unit raised in 2008 for anti-Naxal jungle warfare?

Correct Answer: C [Commando Bn for Resolute Action]

Explanation:

Commando Battalion for Resolute Action – raised in 2008. Riot control is the job of the Rapid Action Force (RAF, 1992).

33.  
A central police force's 'Valour Day' (9 April) recalls the 1965 battle at 'Sardar Post'. In which State is it?

Correct Answer: A [Gujarat]

Explanation:

Gujarat – in the Rann of Kutch; a small CRPF detachment beat back an attack by a Pakistani brigade.

34.  
Which Article of the Constitution makes it the Union's duty to protect every State against internal disturbance?

Correct Answer: B [Article 355]

Explanation:

Article 355 – duty to protect against external aggression and internal disturbance. 352 – National Emergency; 356 – President's Rule in States.

35.  
The Tamil Nadu STF led by K. Vijay Kumar ran which 2004 operation against Veerappan?

Correct Answer: D [Operation Cocoon]

Explanation:

Operation Cocoon – Oct 2004, near Papparapatti, Dharmapuri district. 'Green Hunt' (2009) and 'Kagar' are anti-Naxal operations.

36.  
Under TRAI's Complaint Redressal (Fourth Amendment) Regulations 2026, how must telecom complaint centres now operate?

Correct Answer: A [24×7 on all days]

Explanation:

24×7 – a mix of humans, automated systems and AI agents is allowed, but human help is mandatory for at least 16 hours a day.

37.  
In the telecom sector, which body hears appeals against the decisions of TRAI?

Correct Answer: D [TDSAT]

Explanation:

Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) – created by the 2000 amendment to the TRAI Act; its orders can be appealed in the Supreme Court.

38.  
In January 1882, India's first telephone exchanges opened in Calcutta, Bombay and which other city?

Correct Answer: D [Madras]

Explanation:

Madras (Chennai) – 28 Jan 1882; run by England's Oriental Telephone Company. The 1881 licence also covered Karachi and Ahmedabad.

39.  
Which citizen portal, launched by DoT in 2023, lets users block lost phones and check connections in their name?

Correct Answer: A [Sanchar Saathi]

Explanation:

Sanchar Saathi – 16 May 2023; stolen phones can be blocked through CEIR. DigiLocker and UMANG are MeitY digital services.

40.  
Which new channel for filing telecom complaints and appeals was added by the 2026 amendment?

Correct Answer: C [Operator's mobile app]

Explanation:

The operator's mobile app – in addition to the existing complaint centre, website and portal. Dedicated help desks for persons with disabilities are also mandatory.

41.  
Pune Metro Line 3 (Pink Line), opened on 3 Nov 2026, links Shivajinagar with which IT hub?

Correct Answer: D [Hinjewadi]

Explanation:

Hinjewadi – Maan to District Court, ≈ 23 km, over ₹8,300 crore; ≈ 30% of its power from solar.

42.  
What is special about the operation of Pune Metro Line 3?

Correct Answer: D [All-women train operators]

Explanation:

It will be run entirely by women train operators – a first-of-its-kind step, says PMIndia. It is the first corridor approved as a PPP under the 2017 Metro Rail Policy.

43.  
Pune city stands at the confluence of which two rivers?

Correct Answer: A [Mula and Mutha]

Explanation:

The Mula-Mutha – it joins the Bhima, a Krishna tributary. Phase II Line 4 runs to Khadakwasla on the Mutha.

44.  
Where in Pune was Gandhiji interned during the Quit India Movement, and where Kasturba died?

Correct Answer: C [Aga Khan Palace]

Explanation:

Aga Khan Palace – 9 Aug 1942 to 6 May 1944; Mahadev Desai also died there. The 1932 'Poona Pact' was signed in Yerawada Jail.

45.  
Who, a half-brother of Shivaji, founded Maratha rule in Thanjavur?

Correct Answer: C [Venkoji (Ekoji)]

Explanation:

Venkoji (Ekoji I) – son of Shahaji; captured Thanjavur in the 1670s. Serfoji II later enriched the Saraswathi Mahal Library; the line ended in 1855.

46.  
Dr Padma Gurmet, who received the 'Wellness Visionary Award' in Nov 2026, is the Director of which institute?

Correct Answer: B [Natl Institute of Sowa-Rigpa]

Explanation:

National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, Leh (Ladakh). The award was given by CSJM University, Kanpur, at its 3rd International Conference on Wellness.

47.  
The Himalayan 'Amchi' system of medicine got legal recognition in 2010 through an amendment to which Act?

Correct Answer: C [IMCC Act, 1970]

Explanation:

The Indian Medicine Central Council (IMCC) Act, 1970 – amended in 2010. 'Amchi' is the popular name of Sowa-Rigpa; its education and practice came under regulation.

48.  
Where in Tamil Nadu is the National Institute of Siddha (NIS) of the Ayush Ministry located?

Correct Answer: A [Tambaram, Chennai]

Explanation:

Tambaram Sanatorium, Chennai – opened in 2005. Palayamkottai has the Government Siddha Medical College.

49.  
Since 2021, which body regulates education in Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha?

Correct Answer: A [NCISM]

Explanation:

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) – replacing the old CCIM. NMC regulates modern medicine; NCH is the National Commission for Homoeopathy.

50.  
Which journal did Siddha physician and social reformer Ayothidasa Pandithar start in 1907?

Correct Answer: D [Oru Paisa Tamilan]

Explanation:

'Oru Paisa Tamilan' (1907, Madras). The hospital of the National Institute of Siddha, Tambaram, bears his name; 'Kudi Arasu' was Periyar's (1925).

51.  
Which body launched the 'India S&T Scoreboard', comparing States' research and innovation data, in Nov 2026?

Correct Answer: B [NITI Aayog]

Explanation:

NITI Aayog – released by Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri. It allows side-by-side comparison of any two States.

52.  
As per the India S&T Scoreboard, which State ranked first in research publications in 2024–25?

Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu]

Explanation:

Tamil Nadu – 44,611 papers; UP second, Maharashtra third. Tamil Nadu is also first in patent applications.

53.  
Which body, set up in 1950, was replaced in 2015 by the Government's new policy think-tank?

Correct Answer: C [Planning Commission]

Explanation:

The Planning Commission (1950). NITI Aayog was created by a Cabinet resolution on 1 Jan 2015; the PM is its chairperson.

📰 Read the news behind these questions
› Tamil Nadu's 3 Biosphere Reserves: Nilgiri (1986), Gulf of Mannar (1989), Agasthyamala (2001) › Vultr to deploy a 20 MW AI supercluster in Chennai – powered by AMD Instinct MI355X GPUs › Air-pollution awareness short film starring Dindigul schoolgirl Mukizhanbu wins 3 international awards › Renewable Energy Application Portal launched for quick approvals of solar & wind projects; TN BESS Policy 2026 released › Chhattisgarh's Khaira village: rooftop solar on all 141 homes – a 100% solar village under PM Surya Ghar; power bills fall to zero › VB-G RAM G Grievance Redressal Rules 2026 notified by Rural Development Ministry – grievances to be resolved in 15 days; three-tier GP–Block–District system › For the first time in 47 years, CRPF completes 12 straight months without an operational fatality – PM hails 'a ZERO that speaks volumes' › TRAI's Telecom Consumers Complaint Redressal (Fourth Amendment) Regulations 2026: complaint centres to run 24×7, with human help at least 16 hours a day › PM Modi launches Pune Metro projects worth ₹21,800 crore: opens Line 3 (Pink Line), lays foundation for Phase II (Lines 2A, 2B, 4, 4A) › Dr Padma Gurmet, Director, National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, Leh, gets 'Wellness Visionary Award' for holistic healing from CSJM University, Kanpur
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