Important Days & Themes Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Besides Mahatma Gandhi, the birth anniversary of which former Prime Minister falls on 2 October?
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Correct answer: B — Lal Bahadur Shastri
2 October is the birth anniversary of both Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
What was the theme of National Voluntary Blood Donation Day 2026, observed on 1 October?
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Correct answer: B — One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.
The theme of NVBDD 2026 was 'One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.'
The call of 'Jai Jagat', recalled by PM Modi on 11 September 2026, is associated with which leader?
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Correct answer: A — Acharya Vinoba Bhave
PM Modi recalled Acharya Vinoba Bhave's call of 'Jai Jagat' while paying tributes on his Jayanti.
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed on which date?
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Correct answer: B — 7 September
The day is observed every year on 7 September; the UN General Assembly designated it in 2019.
What is 'PRANA' in the context of India's air quality management?
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Correct answer: A — A portal for monitoring implementation of the National Clean Air Programme
PRANA, the Portal for Regulation of Air-Pollution in Non-Attainment cities, tracks the physical and financial progress of NCAP city action plans. SAMEER is the AQI app.
Consider the following statements about the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): 1. It was launched in 2019 and covers 130 cities. 2. Cities receive NCAP funds as performance-linked grants based on air quality. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: NCAP was launched in 2019 in 130 cities, and ₹16,423.55 crore was given as air-quality performance-linked grants from 2019-20 to 2025-26.
Which city will host the main celebration of the 11th Ayurveda Day on 23 September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Nagpur
The main Ayurveda Day 2026 celebration will be held in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
What is the theme of Ayurveda Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow
The theme announced on 7 September 2026 is 'Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow'.
International Vulture Awareness Day 2026 was celebrated on 6 September 2026 at which place?
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Correct answer: A — Panchkula, Haryana
The national celebration was held at Panchkula, Haryana, led by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
The Jatayu Conservation Breeding Centre at Pinjore is a collaborative initiative of the Haryana Forest Department and which organisation?
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Correct answer: D — Bombay Natural History Society
JCBC Pinjore is a collaborative initiative of the Haryana Forest Department and BNHS.
What was the theme of the national workshop held on International Vulture Awareness Day 2026?
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Correct answer: B — From Crisis to Recovery – Conserving India's Vultures
The workshop theme was 'From Crisis to Recovery – Conserving India's Vultures'.
How many teachers and educators were selected for the National Teachers Awards 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 82
82 teachers and educators were selected from three departments.
How many of the National Teachers Awards 2026 awardees were from the Department of School Education and Literacy?
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Correct answer: C — 48
48 were school teachers; 21 were from HEIs and polytechnics and 13 were MSDE skill trainers.
Teachers' Day in India on 5 September marks the birth anniversary of whom?
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Correct answer: B — Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
President Murmu paid floral tributes to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on his birth anniversary on 5 September; the PM said Teachers' Day is a day to pay homage to him.
Consider the following statements about the National Teachers Awards 2026: 1. 13 of the awardees were skill trainers from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the awardees at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg a day before Teachers' Day. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: 13 MSDE skill trainers were among the 82, and the PM met them at 7, LKM on 4 September.
National Sports Day on 29 August 2026 marked which birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand?
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Correct answer: C — 121st
The 2026 National Sports Day commemorated the 121st birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
Which nationwide initiative was the focus of National Sports Day 2026 celebrations?
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Correct answer: A — Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein
The celebrations centred on 'Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein', urging at least one hour of sport.
Consider the following statements about National Sports Day 2026: 1. It marked the 125th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand. 2. The 'Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein' initiative aims to strengthen the Fit India Movement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: it was the 121st birth anniversary. Statement 2 is correct.
Telugu Language Day, observed on 29 August, marks the birth anniversary of which reformer?
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Correct answer: B — Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy
Telugu Language Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy (born 29 August 1863).
Consider the following statements about Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy: 1. Gidugu championed the classical literary style (Grandhika Bhasha) over spoken Telugu. 2. Gidugu developed a script for the Savara tribal language. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Gidugu championed spoken Telugu (Vyavaharika) over Grandhika. Statement 2 is correct.
The International Day against Nuclear Tests (29 August) was established on the initiative of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan initiated UNGA resolution 64/35 to mark the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site on 29 August 1991.
The date 29 August for the International Day against Nuclear Tests marks the closure of which nuclear test site?
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Correct answer: D — Semipalatinsk
The Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan was closed on 29 August 1991.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996, has entered into force. 2. The International Day against Nuclear Tests was first observed in 2010. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the CTBT, adopted on 10 September 1996, has not yet entered into force. Statement 2 is correct: the day was first observed in 2010.
Which edition of National Space Day did India celebrate on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 3rd
23 August 2026 was the third National Space Day, after the day was declared following Chandrayaan-3's landing in 2023.
Which city hosted the national event of National Space Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ahmedabad
The inaugural national event was held at ISRO's Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad.
What is the theme of National Space Day 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership
The 2026 theme is 'Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership'.
Who was the chief guest at the national event of the 3rd National Space Day in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was chief guest; ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan presided and Gujarat minister Arjun Modhwadia was guest of honour.
Consider the following statements made at the National Space Day 2026 event: 1. Ahmedabad was chosen as host because of the Space Applications Centre and the start-up ecosystem around the city. 2. India's space sector reforms were rolled out in 2023, after the Chandrayaan-3 landing. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The space sector reforms were rolled out in 2020 and have led to more than 440 space start-ups.
What was the theme of the OCHA-led World Humanitarian Day 2026 campaign?
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Correct answer: A — Families of Fallen Humanitarians
The 2026 OCHA-led campaign focused on 'Families of Fallen Humanitarians'.
World Humanitarian Day on 19 August commemorates which event?
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Correct answer: C — The 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad
On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad killed 22 humanitarian workers, including UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.
Consider the following statements about World Humanitarian Day: 1. It was designated by a resolution of the UN Security Council. 2. The annual campaign is led by the World Health Organization. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The day was designated by UN General Assembly resolution 63/139, and the campaign is led by OCHA. The UN Security Council link in 2026 is the 10th anniversary of Resolution 2286 on health care in armed conflict.
The Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 celebrations, which closed with a concert at Bharat Mandapam on 18 August 2026, were dedicated to what?
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Correct answer: A — 150 years of Vande Mataram
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 was dedicated to marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.
How many Indian missions and posts did the Suryapath Tiranga global relay connect on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 54
The relay connected 54 missions and posts across continents, following the path of the rising sun.
From which place did the Suryapath Tiranga relay begin on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Suva, Fiji
The relay began in Suva, Fiji, at 1:30 am IST and ended in San Francisco at 8:30 pm IST.
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026, observed from 9 to 17 August, was which edition of the campaign and centred on which anniversary?
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Correct answer: D — Fifth year; 150 years of Vande Mataram
The Ministry of Culture described 2026 as the fifth year of Har Ghar Tiranga, with 150 years of the National Song, Vande Mataram, at its heart.
Which guns were used for the 21-gun salute at the Red Fort on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns
The 21-gun salute was fired by 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.
Which IAF helicopters showered flower petals during the 80th Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort?
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Correct answer: C — Mi-17
Two IAF Mi-17 helicopters showered petals, one trooping the National Flag and the other a 'Vande Mataram' flag.
Consider the following statements about the 80th Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort: 1. The Indian Army was the coordinating service for the ceremony. 2. India's National Olympiad Programme, whose medallists were special guests, is run by a centre under IIT Bombay. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The National Olympiad Programme is spearheaded by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, a national centre of TIFR, which is an aided institution under the Department of Atomic Energy.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed on 14 August, is also known by which name?
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Correct answer: A — Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is also called Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas; President Murmu referred to it by this name in her address of 14 August 2026.
Where in New Delhi did the Ministry of Culture hold the main observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Central Park, Connaught Place
The main observance, with a Partition Horrors Exhibition, was held at Central Park, Connaught Place; other programmes were held in Amritsar and Kolkata.
Consider the following statements about Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2026: 1. In Amritsar, the observance was held at Guru Nanak Dev University. 2. In Kolkata, the programme was organised in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Amritsar's programme was at GNDU, and Kolkata's two-day programme on 13–14 August was held at the Newtown Convention Centre with the West Bengal government.
Where were the national celebrations of World Elephant Day 2026 held?
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Correct answer: D — Visakhapatnam
The national celebrations were held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where the Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026 were conferred.
According to the Environment Ministry in August 2026, how many Elephant Reserves does India have?
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Correct answer: C — 33
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh said India has 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 scientifically identified elephant corridors.
Consider the following statements made at the World Elephant Day 2026 national celebrations: 1. India has nearly 60% of the world's wild Asian elephant population. 2. The Regional Action Plan on human–elephant conflict released at the event covers north-eastern states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Regional Action Plan released covers southern India: Karnataka, Keralam, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
National Library Day, on which Amit Shah launched the 'Gramin Gyan Setu' app on 12 August 2026, marks the birth anniversary of whom?
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Correct answer: B — S. R. Ranganathan
Amit Shah noted that 12 August marks the birth anniversary of S. R. Ranganathan, celebrated as National Library Day.
The 'Gramin Gyan Setu' app launched in August 2026 interconnects village libraries in which Lok Sabha constituency?
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Correct answer: C — Gandhinagar
The app links libraries in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency of Gujarat; 752 libraries had joined it.
Three Indian Sanchar Mitras were selected in August 2026 as Generation Connect Youth Envoys of which international organisation?
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Correct answer: D — International Telecommunication Union
They were selected as ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys for 2026–2030, in recognition of their work under DoT's Sanchar Mitra scheme.
What was the theme of International Youth Day 2026, observed on 12 August?
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Correct answer: B — Different Contexts, Common Aspirations
International Youth Day 2026 was observed under the theme 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations', as noted by the Department of Telecommunications.
On which date is World Lion Day observed, the occasion on which India highlighted its Asiatic lion numbers in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 10 August
World Lion Day is observed on 10 August; on that day in 2026 the Environment Minister highlighted the rise in Asiatic lion numbers.
According to the Environment Ministry in August 2026, what was India's Asiatic lion population in 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 891
The Asiatic lion population rose from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025.
When was 'Project Lion' for the long-term conservation of the Asiatic lion announced by PM Narendra Modi?
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Correct answer: D — 15 August 2020
PM Modi announced Project Lion on 15 August 2020; the lion range has since expanded from about 30,000 sq km to nearly 35,000 sq km.
Consider the following statements about Asiatic lion conservation, as stated in August 2026: 1. The lion range has expanded to nearly 35,000 sq km from around 30,000 sq km in 2020. 2. The lion population more than doubled between 2015 and 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The range grew to nearly 35,000 sq km, but the population rose from 523 to 891, which is less than double.
August Kranti Diwas, observed on 9 August, commemorates which movement?
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Correct answer: D — Quit India Movement
August Kranti Diwas commemorates the Quit India Movement of 1942.
Where did Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launch the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan on 9 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Vice-President hoisted the flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, to launch the campaign on August Kranti Diwas.
While launching Har Ghar Tiranga in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in August 2026, the Vice-President recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian National Flag in the islands on which date?
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Correct answer: C — 30 December 1943
The Vice-President recalled that Netaji hoisted the Indian National Flag in the islands on 30 December 1943.
National Handloom Day, observed on 7 August, commemorates the launch of which movement in 1905?
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Correct answer: B — Swadeshi Movement
National Handloom Day marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which boosted indigenous industries and handloom.
How many commemorative postage stamps on Indian handloom weaves did the President release on National Handloom Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Four
President Droupadi Murmu released four commemorative postage stamps on Indian handloom weaves.
How many Sant Kabir Handloom Awards for 2025 were conferred on the 12th National Handloom Day?
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Correct answer: A — 3
The President conferred 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards for 2025.
Consider the following statements about National Handloom Day: 1. 7 August was declared National Handloom Day in 2010. 2. The 2026 Handloom Awards ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. The day was declared in 2015, and the 2026 ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
International Clouded Leopard Day is observed on which date?
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Correct answer: D — 4 August
International Clouded Leopard Day is observed on 4 August.
How many priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India are identified in India's Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan?
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Correct answer: A — 14
The CAP identifies 14 priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India.
Consider the following statements about India's Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan: 1. It was released at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life held at Kaziranga. 2. The clouded leopard has been included in the Species Recovery Programme of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the CAP was released at the 91st SC-NBWL meeting in Coimbatore. Statement 2 is correct.
Which edition of the Armed Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) Civilian Services Day was celebrated on 3 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 85th
Rajnath Singh addressed the 85th AFHQ Civilian Services Day celebrations in New Delhi.
31 July is observed as the Balidan Diwas (martyrdom day) of which revolutionary, to whom the PM paid tribute in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Udham Singh
PM Modi paid tribute to Shaheed Udham Singh on his Balidan Diwas on 31 July 2026.
The birth anniversary of Munshi Premchand, on which the PM paid tribute in 2026, falls on which date?
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Correct answer: B — 31 July
PM Modi paid tribute to Munshi Premchand on his birth anniversary on 31 July 2026.
According to the Union Environment Minister on Global Tiger Day 2026, how many tiger reserves does India have?
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Correct answer: C — 58
Bhupender Yadav said the number of tigers (3,682) and tiger reserves (58) has increased remarkably.
What tiger population figure did the Union Environment Minister cite on Global Tiger Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 3,682
The Minister cited 3,682 tigers along with 58 tiger reserves.
Which digital platform was launched by the NTCA on Global Tiger Day 2026?
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Correct answer: A — An eco-tourism webpage linking all tiger reserves
The NTCA Eco-tourism webpage brings information on all tiger reserves together with direct links to their official websites for safari and accommodation bookings.
What was the global theme of World Hepatitis Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down
The Health Ministry observed World Hepatitis Day 2026 (28 July) under the global theme 'Hepatitis: Let's Break It Down'.
Consider the following statements about India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme (NVHCP): 1. It was launched on World Hepatitis Day in 2018 under the National Health Mission. 2. It aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. 3. Hepatitis B birth-dose coverage under it is still below 80%. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
NVHCP was launched on World Hepatitis Day 2018 under NHM with a 2030 elimination goal (SDG 3.3). Hepatitis B birth-dose coverage has crossed 92%.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated which Foundation Day on 27 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 20th
MoES celebrated its 20th Foundation Day at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi.
At the MoES 20th Foundation Day, Secretary Dr N. Kalaiselvi described the ministry as a 'service provider' through which programme?
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Correct answer: D — Mission Mausam
She called MoES the data provider through Prithvi systems, the service provider through Mission Mausam and the technology provider through the Deep Ocean Mission.
The Raising Day of which force is observed on 27 July, on which the Prime Minister greeted its personnel in 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Central Reserve Police Force
The PM greeted CRPF personnel on their Raising Day on 27 July 2026.