Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Current Affairs Quiz — April 29, 2026
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15 questions based on today’s current affairs & editorials
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Question 1 of 15
West Bengal Phase 2 elections on April 29, 2026 cover how many assembly constituencies?
West Bengal Phase 2 (April 29) covers 142 constituencies across Kolkata, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Hooghly, and Purba Bardhaman. Phase 1 (April 23) covered 152 constituencies, primarily in North Bengal, Jhargram, and West Midnapore.
Together the two phases cover all 294 seats. Results for all elections are on May 4, 2026.
Together the two phases cover all 294 seats. Results for all elections are on May 4, 2026.
📝 Concept Note
A common confusion is between 176 (incorrect) and 142 (correct) for Phase 2 seats. The correct split is Phase 1 — 152 seats (April 23), Phase 2 — 142 seats (April 29).
West Bengal Phase 1 recorded a historic 93.19% voter turnout — the highest in the state since Independence.
West Bengal Phase 1 recorded a historic 93.19% voter turnout — the highest in the state since Independence.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
West Bengal elections 2026; Phase 2; ECI; two-phase election
Question 2 of 15
West Bengal Phase 1 (April 23) recorded a historic voter turnout of approximately what percentage?
West Bengal Phase 1 (April 23, 2026) recorded a historic voter turnout of 93.19% — the highest in West Bengal since Independence, surpassing even Tamil Nadu’s celebrated 85.15% in the same election cycle. This extraordinary turnout reflects West Bengal’s highly competitive political dynamics and TMC’s comprehensive booth management.
📝 Concept Note
Across all 2026 state elections, the turnout ranking was — WB Phase 1 at 93.19%, Puducherry 89.83%, Assam 85.38%, Tamil Nadu 85.15%, Kerala 78.03%. High turnout is not necessarily an indicator of incumbency advantage — it can reflect competitive mobilisation by both ruling and opposition parties.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
West Bengal election turnout; 93.19%; Phase 1; voter mobilisation
Question 3 of 15
After West Bengal Phase 2 concludes, the Election Commission lifts the exit poll ban. At what time are exit polls released on April 29?
The Election Commission of India prohibits publication of exit polls until all phases of all ongoing elections are complete. Since West Bengal Phase 2 is the final electoral event of the 2026 cycle, the ban lifts at 6:30 PM on April 29, 2026 — after which all agencies simultaneously release their seat predictions for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry.
📝 Concept Note
Exit poll restrictions under the Representation of the People Act apply to electronic media and print; violation is a punishable offence. The prohibition starts when the election notification is issued and ends 30 minutes after polling closes.
Exit polls are estimates and have historically missed major results — 2004 general elections being the most famous example.
Exit polls are estimates and have historically missed major results — 2004 general elections being the most famous example.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Exit poll ban; ECI; Representation of People Act; election media restrictions
Question 4 of 15
Mamata Banerjee is contesting the 2026 West Bengal election from which constituency?
Mamata Banerjee of TMC is contesting from Bhawanipur, South Kolkata in the 2026 election. In 2021, she lost Nandigram to Suvendu Adhikari by 1,956 votes, then won a Bhawanipur by-election in October 2021 with a 58,835-vote margin to retain the Chief Ministership.
Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) is again contesting from Nandigram. Diamond Harbour is the Lok Sabha constituency of Abhishek Banerjee (Mamata’s nephew).
Suvendu Adhikari (BJP) is again contesting from Nandigram. Diamond Harbour is the Lok Sabha constituency of Abhishek Banerjee (Mamata’s nephew).
📝 Concept Note
Under Article 164 of the Constitution, a Chief Minister who is not a member of the state legislature must become one within 6 months. Mamata’s 2021 Nandigram loss made the Bhawanipur by-election a constitutional necessity.
If she loses Bhawanipur in 2026, the same 6-month convention applies.
If she loses Bhawanipur in 2026, the same 6-month convention applies.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Bhawanipur; Mamata Banerjee; TMC; Nandigram; Article 164; Chief Minister eligibility
Question 5 of 15
Buddha Purnima 2026 falls on which date?
Buddha Purnima 2026 falls on May 1, 2026 — the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. It coincides with International Workers’ Day (Labour Day) and Maharashtra-Gujarat State Formation Day, making May 1, 2026 a triple public holiday.
PM Modi had highlighted this date in his Mann Ki Baat 133rd episode (April 26, 2026).
PM Modi had highlighted this date in his Mann Ki Baat 133rd episode (April 26, 2026).
📝 Concept Note
The Buddhist holy day is called Vesak in Theravada tradition and is observed in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. UNESCO has recognised Vesak as a day of world significance.
In India, it is gazetted as Buddha Purnima and is a national holiday.
In India, it is gazetted as Buddha Purnima and is a national holiday.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Buddha Purnima; Vaishakha Purnima; Vesak; Buddhist calendar; May 1 triple holiday
Question 6 of 15
Buddha Purnima commemorates three events in Gautama Buddha’s life. Which of the following is NOT one of the three events commemorated on this day?
Buddha Purnima commemorates three events — birth (Lumbini), enlightenment/Bodhi (Bodh Gaya), and Parinirvana/death (Kushinagar) — all traditionally held to have occurred on the same lunar date (Vaishakha Purnima). The first sermon (Dhammachakra Pravartana Sutta) was delivered at Sarnath — but this event is NOT commemorated on Buddha Purnima; it has its own significance and is not part of the triple commemoration.
📝 Concept Note
The four main Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India are Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), Kushinagar (Parinirvana), and Varanasi (nearby to Sarnath). Lumbini (birthplace) is in Nepal.
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2002).
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2002).
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Buddha Purnima; Bodh Gaya; Sarnath; Kushinagar; Lumbini; Buddhist pilgrimage sites
Question 7 of 15
Maharashtra Day and Gujarat Day are celebrated on May 1 because both states were formed on that date in 1960. Under which Act were they created?
Maharashtra and Gujarat were formed on May 1, 1960 under the Bombay Reorganisation Act, 1960 — which bifurcated the bilingual Bombay State into Maharashtra (Marathi-speaking) and Gujarat (Gujarati-speaking). This completed the linguistic reorganisation of western India.
The States Reorganisation Act (1956) had reorganised most of India on linguistic lines but left Bombay State bilingual; the 1960 Act resolved the remaining ambiguity.
The States Reorganisation Act (1956) had reorganised most of India on linguistic lines but left Bombay State bilingual; the 1960 Act resolved the remaining ambiguity.
📝 Concept Note
The States Reorganisation Act (1956) was based on the Fazl Ali Commission report. It created states along linguistic boundaries but left Bombay State as a bilingual state due to competing claims from Marathi and Gujarati speakers.
The Samyukta Maharashtra movement (for a separate Marathi state) was the most significant agitation that led to the 1960 bifurcation.
The Samyukta Maharashtra movement (for a separate Marathi state) was the most significant agitation that led to the 1960 bifurcation.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Bombay Reorganisation Act 1960; Maharashtra Day; Gujarat Day; linguistic reorganisation; Samyukta Maharashtra
Question 8 of 15
The Pahalgam terrorist attack (April 22, 2025) that triggered Operation Sindoor killed how many people?
The Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025 killed 26 tourists (including one Nepali national) at the Baisaran meadow, approximately 5 km from Pahalgam town in Jammu & Kashmir. The attack was carried out by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba affiliated group The Resistance Front.
It was India’s deadliest terrorist attack since Pulwama (2019) and directly triggered Operation Sindoor on May 7-10, 2025.
It was India’s deadliest terrorist attack since Pulwama (2019) and directly triggered Operation Sindoor on May 7-10, 2025.
📝 Concept Note
The Pahalgam attack is central to India’s current security narrative. Government of India’s position — reflecting the official stand — is that Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism was responsible.
Under the Official Secrets Act and national security guidelines, the number of victims (26) and location (Baisaran meadow) are confirmed public facts; the investigation is ongoing.
Under the Official Secrets Act and national security guidelines, the number of victims (26) and location (Baisaran meadow) are confirmed public facts; the investigation is ongoing.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Pahalgam attack; Operation Sindoor; cross-border terrorism; J&K security
Question 9 of 15
Under which Article of the Indian Constitution does the Executive (Union Cabinet) hold the power to enter into international treaties and agreements like the India-NZ FTA?
Article 253 of the Constitution grants Parliament the power to make laws for implementing international treaties, agreements, and conventions. However, the treaty-making power itself vests in the Executive under Article 73 (read with the foreign affairs entry in the Union List).
In practice, FTAs are ratified by the Union Cabinet, with Parliament being informed (tabled) but not required to vote on them. This is different from constitutional amendments (Article 368) or parliamentary legislation (Article 248).
In practice, FTAs are ratified by the Union Cabinet, with Parliament being informed (tabled) but not required to vote on them. This is different from constitutional amendments (Article 368) or parliamentary legislation (Article 248).
📝 Concept Note
The India-NZ FTA will be laid before Parliament under Lok Sabha Rule 238 as an international agreement for information, not for approval. This reflects the Westminster convention where treaty-making is an executive prerogative.
Compare with the US where trade agreements need Congressional approval (Fast Track / TPA authority). In India, only treaties that require changes to domestic law need Parliamentary legislation.
Compare with the US where trade agreements need Congressional approval (Fast Track / TPA authority). In India, only treaties that require changes to domestic law need Parliamentary legislation.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Article 253; treaty-making power; India-NZ FTA ratification; Executive power; parliamentary oversight
Question 10 of 15
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 — which reorganised India’s states on linguistic lines — was based on the report of which commission?
The States Reorganisation Act, 1956 was based on the report of the States Reorganisation Commission (also called the Fazl Ali Commission, after its chairman Justice Fazl Ali). The commission had three members — Justice Fazl Ali, K.M. Panikkar, and H.N. Kunzru — and submitted its report in 1955.
The 1956 Act restructured India’s states primarily on linguistic lines, abolishing the earlier Part A/B/C/D classification from the original Constitution.
The 1956 Act restructured India’s states primarily on linguistic lines, abolishing the earlier Part A/B/C/D classification from the original Constitution.
📝 Concept Note
The Sarkaria Commission (1983) dealt with Centre-State relations; the Balwantrai Mehta Committee (1957) dealt with democratic decentralisation and Panchayati Raj; the Punchhi Commission (2007) also dealt with Centre-State relations. The Fazl Ali Commission is specifically associated with linguistic reorganisation of states.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
States Reorganisation Act 1956; Fazl Ali Commission; linguistic reorganisation; Maharashtra; Gujarat
Question 11 of 15
Which Indian city is home to the Mahabodhi Temple — a UNESCO World Heritage Site associated with Buddha’s enlightenment?
The Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya, Bihar is the UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 2002) marking the place where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Sarnath (UP) is where Buddha delivered his first sermon.
Kushinagar (UP) is where Buddha attained Parinirvana. Rajgir (Bihar) is a teaching site but not associated with the Bodhi tree or the Mahabodhi Temple.
Kushinagar (UP) is where Buddha attained Parinirvana. Rajgir (Bihar) is a teaching site but not associated with the Bodhi tree or the Mahabodhi Temple.
📝 Concept Note
The Mahabodhi Temple was built by Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE) and has been reconstructed multiple times. The present structure dates largely from the Gupta period.
The sacred Bodhi tree in the temple complex is said to be a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
The sacred Bodhi tree in the temple complex is said to be a descendant of the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Mahabodhi Temple; Bodh Gaya; UNESCO WHS; Gautama Buddha; Ashoka; Buddhist pilgrimage
Question 12 of 15
Suvendu Adhikari (BJP), the West Bengal Leader of Opposition, is contesting Phase 2 from which constituency?
Suvendu Adhikari is contesting from Nandigram in Phase 2 (April 29, 2026) — the same constituency where he famously defeated Mamata Banerjee in the 2021 election by 1,956 votes, ending Mamata’s direct presence in that constituency. The 2021 Nandigram result was one of the most closely contested in Bengal’s electoral history, with recounts and court challenges.
The 2026 rematch carries enormous symbolic weight for both sides.
The 2026 rematch carries enormous symbolic weight for both sides.
📝 Concept Note
Nandigram is also historically significant for the 2007 peasant movement against land acquisition for a chemical hub, which was a defining moment for Mamata’s political rise against the Left government. The Nandigram movement that destroyed the Left government also helped build Mamata’s image as the people’s champion.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Suvendu Adhikari; Nandigram; BJP West Bengal; Mamata Banerjee; 2021 WB elections
Question 13 of 15
The Election Commission’s exit poll prohibition ends at 6:30 PM on April 29 because WB Phase 2 is the last phase of the 2026 election cycle. How many total seats are being decided across the five 2026 state elections (results on May 4)?
The five 2026 state elections together determine 824 assembly seats — Tamil Nadu (234), West Bengal (294), Kerala (140), Assam (126), and Puducherry (30 elected seats, out of its 33-member assembly where 3 are nominated). All 824 seats will be counted on May 4, 2026, making it one of India’s largest simultaneous state election result days.
📝 Concept Note
Puducherry has 33 assembly seats total — 30 are directly elected, 3 are nominated (by the Centre). The Legislative Assembly of Puducherry is unique as a UT with a legislature.
The 30 elected seats are what go to the polls and are counted on May 4.
The 30 elected seats are what go to the polls and are counted on May 4.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
2026 state elections; 824 seats; May 4 counting; Tamil Nadu; West Bengal; Kerala; Assam; Puducherry
Question 14 of 15
Where did Gautama Buddha deliver his first sermon after attaining enlightenment?
After attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, Gautama Buddha walked to Sarnath (near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh) where he delivered his first sermon — the Dhammachakra Pravartana Sutta (Setting the Wheel of Dharma in Motion) to five former companions. This event is known as Dhammachakra Pravartana (Turning of the Wheel of Dharma).
The Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath marks the spot where the sermon was delivered.
The Dhamek Stupa at Sarnath marks the spot where the sermon was delivered.
📝 Concept Note
Sarnath is not the same as Bodh Gaya, Lumbini, or Kushinagar. For UPSC, distinguish the four major Buddhist sites clearly — Lumbini (birth), Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first sermon), Kushinagar (Parinirvana).
Sarnath is associated with the Dhamek Stupa and the famous Ashoka Pillar (whose lion capital is India’s national emblem).
Sarnath is associated with the Dhamek Stupa and the famous Ashoka Pillar (whose lion capital is India’s national emblem).
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Sarnath; first sermon; Dhammachakra Pravartana; Buddhist pilgrimage; Dhamek Stupa; Ashoka Pillar
Question 15 of 15
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya was originally built by which Indian emperor?
The Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya was originally built by Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE, the Maurya emperor who converted to Buddhism after the Kalinga War). The temple has been modified and expanded over centuries, with the current structure largely from the Gupta period.
Ashoka also erected the famous Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath (whose lion capital is now India’s national emblem), and sent his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism, establishing Theravada Buddhist tradition there.
Ashoka also erected the famous Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath (whose lion capital is now India’s national emblem), and sent his son Mahinda to Sri Lanka to spread Buddhism, establishing Theravada Buddhist tradition there.
📝 Concept Note
Ashoka’s Buddhist identity is crucial for UPSC — he converted after the Kalinga War (261 BCE), propagated Dhamma (not just Buddhism), sent missions to Sri Lanka, Syria, Egypt, Epirus. His edicts (rock edicts, pillar edicts) are primary historical sources for Maurya India.
Kanishka (Kushan king, 1st-2nd century CE) was a major Buddhist patron but post-dates Ashoka by 4 centuries.
Kanishka (Kushan king, 1st-2nd century CE) was a major Buddhist patron but post-dates Ashoka by 4 centuries.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
Ashoka; Mahabodhi Temple; Bodh Gaya; Maurya dynasty; Buddhism; Kalinga War; Dhamma
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