DEFENCE
Naval Exercises
INS Sudarshini Reaches Malta for Lokayan-26 Expedition
Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini has docked at Valletta, Malta, as part of its 'Lokayan-26' transoceanic mission.
The ship will proceed to Sète, France, to participate in the 'Escale à Sète' maritime festival after its stay in Malta.
The Lokayan expedition aims to foster international maritime cooperation and train cadets in traditional sailing skills.
Perspective: Such missions enhance India's 'Soft Power' and maritime diplomacy across different continents.
The ship will proceed to Sète, France, to participate in the 'Escale à Sète' maritime festival after its stay in Malta.
The Lokayan expedition aims to foster international maritime cooperation and train cadets in traditional sailing skills.
Perspective: Such missions enhance India's 'Soft Power' and maritime diplomacy across different continents.
Key Facts / Static GK
Indian Navy Chief: Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi (Current as of 2024-25, check if updated).
Malta Capital: Valletta.
Malta Currency: Euro.
Malta Capital: Valletta.
Malta Currency: Euro.
Practice Quiz — 16 March 2026
Q1. Who administered the oath of office to Syed Ata Hasnain as the Governor of Bihar?
Answer: (C) Chief Justice of Patna High Court — As per the Constitution of India, the oath of office to a Governor is administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court of that state. In this case, Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo of the Patna High Court administered the oath.
Q2. Which Union Ministry was primarily responsible for organizing the 'Purple Fest' at Rashtrapati Bhavan?
Answer: (C) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment — The 'Purple Fest' is an initiative focused on Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities), which falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Q3. What is the new revised fee for the NHAI FASTag Annual Pass for the financial year 2026-27?
Answer: (C) ₹3,075 — The NHAI has revised the FASTag Annual Pass fee from ₹3,000 to ₹3,075 for the financial year 2026-27, effective April 1, 2026.
Q4. Tuticorin Airport, which was recently renamed Thoothukudi Airport, is located in which Indian state?
Answer: (D) Tamil Nadu — The airport is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. The renaming was approved to reflect the local name of the city, Thoothukudi.
Q5. The festival of 'Chapchar Kut' is associated with which Indian state?
Answer: (C) Mizoram — Chapchar Kut is the most important traditional spring festival of the Mizo people in Mizoram, celebrated after the completion of jhum cultivation tasks.
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