Answer: C. Two-thirds majority
Explanation: The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2026 was a Constitutional Amendment Bill, which required a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in Lok Sabha. Although 298 members voted in favour, it fell short of the required 352 votes. As a result, the Bill was defeated. This also led to withdrawal of the linked Delimitation Bill and Union Territories Laws Amendment Bill.

Answer: C. 5
Explanation: The Andhra Pradesh government has announced the establishment of five animal shelters in every district. The initiative aims to manage stray and abandoned animals while improving public safety and animal welfare. Each shelter will be developed under the VB-G RAM G Scheme. The plan also involves community participation through Self-Help Groups.

Answer: C. Nanduri Venkata Subba Rao
Explanation: ‘Yenki Paatalu’ was written by Nanduri Venkata Subba Rao and first published in 1925. It is a celebrated anthology in Telugu literature known for its use of regional dialects and depiction of rural life. The work is considered a landmark in modern Telugu poetry. It remains culturally and literary significant.

Answer: B. Machilipatnam
Explanation: The Dutch Armoury, also known as the Dutch Fort, is located in Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It was used by the Dutch for managing marine trade operations on the Coromandel Coast. The structure reflects the region’s colonial and maritime history.

Answer: B. Kakinada Bay
Explanation: Hope Island is located in Kakinada Bay off the coast of Andhra Pradesh. It has recently been in the news due to a proposed satellite launch facility and concerns over ecological impacts. The island is important for migratory birds, Olive Ridley turtle nesting, and the Coringa mangrove ecosystem. It is also inhabited by local fisher communities.

Answer: B. Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu) and Visakhapatnam (Duvvada)
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved third and fourth railway lines between Rajahmundry (Nidadavolu) and Visakhapatnam (Duvvada) in Andhra Pradesh. The project is part of the Howrah–Chennai High Density Network. It aims to ease congestion, improve freight movement, and strengthen port connectivity. It is a major rail infrastructure project for the East Coast region.

Answer: C. March 2028
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of PMGSY-III up to March 2028. The extension aims to complete rural road upgradation and improve connectivity to markets, schools, and hospitals. The scheme supports rural development and inclusive growth. Bridges in hilly areas have a separate extended deadline till March 2029.

Answer: C. ₹12,980 crore
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMI Pool) with a sovereign guarantee of ₹12,980 crore. The guarantee is intended to support uninterrupted maritime insurance coverage and strengthen India’s trade resilience amid geopolitical risks.

Answer: B. 18 April
Explanation: World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed every year on 18 April. It aims to promote awareness about the protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage across the world.