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.
Somnath Chatterjee, whose birth anniversary was observed on 25 July 2026, was the Speaker of which Lok Sabha?
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Correct answer: D — 14th
He was unanimously elected Speaker of the 14th Lok Sabha on 4 June 2004 and served until 31 May 2009.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee was born in 1929 in which place?
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Correct answer: B — Tezpur, Assam
Somnath Chatterjee was born on 25 July 1929 in Tezpur, Assam.
Which anniversary of Income Tax Day was celebrated by the CBDT on 24 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 167th
The CBDT celebrated the 167th Income Tax Day in New Delhi on 24 July 2026.
Which of the following is NOT one of the '5Rs of Responsive Tax Governance' outlined by the Finance Minister on Income Tax Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Revenue
The 5Rs are Recognise, Respond, Redress, Reflect and Reform. 'Revenue' is not one of them.
23 July marks the birth anniversary of which two freedom fighters, to whom the Prime Minister paid tributes in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lokmanya Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad
The PM paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries on 23 July.
Freedom fighter Subramania Siva, remembered on his death anniversary on 23 July 2026, was imprisoned by the British along with which leader?
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Correct answer: B — V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
Subramania Siva was imprisoned along with V. O. Chidambaram Pillai; he hailed from Vatlagundu, Tamil Nadu.
On 19 July 2026, PM Modi paid tributes on the birth anniversary of which revolutionary?
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Correct answer: D — Mangal Pandey
PM Modi paid tributes to Mangal Pandey on his birth anniversary on 19 July 2026.
How many improved crop varieties did ICAR develop over the past year, as stated on its 98th Foundation Day (16 July 2026)?
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Correct answer: A — 386
ICAR developed 386 improved varieties across 44 crops over the past year.
ICAR Foundation Day, observed on 16 July, marks the Council's establishment in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1928
ICAR Foundation Day commemorates the establishment of the Council in 1928.
Consider the following statements about the varieties ICAR developed over the past year: 1. The varieties cover 44 crops. 2. 94% of the varieties are climate-resilient. 3. 29 of the varieties are biofortified. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct: 386 varieties across 44 crops, 94% climate-resilient and 29 biofortified.
PM Modi's Rath Yatra greetings on 16 July 2026 sought the blessings of which deity?
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Correct answer: D — Mahaprabhu Jagannath
The PM sought the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath on Rath Yatra.
How many skill categories are covered by the IndiaSkills Competition 2026–27 guidelines unveiled on World Youth Skills Day 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 63
The guidelines cover 63 industry-relevant skill categories.
What is the approximate size of the proposed Skills Outcomes Fund announced by MSDE on World Youth Skills Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹530 crore
MSDE proposed a Skills Outcomes Fund of about ₹530 crore combining government, CSR and philanthropic capital.
Whose birth anniversary is observed on 15 July, on which PM Modi paid homage in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — K. Kamaraj
PM Modi paid homage to K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary on 15 July 2026.
Where does the 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' flagged off on 14 July 2026 culminate?
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Correct answer: A — Kargil War Memorial, Dras
The expedition runs from the National War Memorial, New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.
What is the motto of the 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' motorcycle expedition for Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026?
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Correct answer: C — One Ride, One Nation, One Salute
The motto of the 13-day, 1,900 km expedition is 'One Ride, One Nation, One Salute'.
On which date did the Health Ministry mark World Zoonoses Day with a national consultation in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 6 July
The consultation was held on 6 July 2026, on the occasion of World Zoonoses Day.
The proposed National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses is framed around which approach?
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Correct answer: C — One Health
The plan is titled 'A Strategic Framework with One Health Approach', linking human, animal and environmental health.
Which platform was cited at the July 2026 zoonoses consultation for integrated disease surveillance?
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Correct answer: D — IHIP 2.0
Additional Secretary Rakesh Gupta referred to integrated surveillance systems through IHIP 2.0.
PM Modi paid tribute on 4 July 2026 to which spiritual leader on his Nirvana Day?
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Correct answer: B — Swami Vivekananda
The PM paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda on his Nirvana Day on 4 July 2026.
On Hul Divas (30 June 2026), the Prime Minister paid tribute to Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav and which other pair of tribal warriors?
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Correct answer: C — Phulo-Jhano
The Prime Minister paid tribute to warriors like Sido-Kanhu, Chand-Bhairav and Phulo-Jhano who stood against the injustice of foreign rule.
What was the theme of the 20th Statistics Day observed by MoSPI on 29 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data
The theme for the 20th Statistics Day was 'Unlocking the Potential of Administrative Data'.
Statistics Day is observed in India on 29 June every year in honour of the birth anniversary of:
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Correct answer: A — Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis
Statistics Day honours Professor Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, the architect of India's modern statistical system and a pioneer in economic planning; 2026 marked his 133rd birth anniversary.
Who received the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics for 2026 on the 20th Statistics Day?
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Correct answer: B — Dr. Arup Bose
Dr. Arup Bose, retired Professor of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, received the Sukhatme National Award in Statistics for 2026.
Which United Nations theme for MSME Day 2026 did Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan refer to on 27 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future
The Vice-President referred to this year's UN theme, 'Human-Centered Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future'.
The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) was felicitated on MSME Day 2026 for its upgradation to:
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Correct answer: D — Schedule 'A' CPSE
NSIC was felicitated on its upgradation from a Schedule 'B' to a Schedule 'A' Central Public Sector Enterprise.
The GI-tagged Ponduru Khadi presented to the Vice-President on MSME Day 2026 comes from which district of Andhra Pradesh?
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Correct answer: C — Srikakulam
Ponduru Khadi is a traditional GI-tagged textile from Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh.
On MSME Day 2026 the ministry enabled access to MSME portals in all 22 Scheduled Indian languages. These languages are listed in which Schedule of the Constitution of India?
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Correct answer: B — Eighth Schedule
The 22 Scheduled languages are those included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, as listed by the Department of Official Language.
Which document did Union Home Minister Amit Shah release at the 10th apex-level meeting of NCORD in New Delhi on 26 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029)
Amit Shah released the 'Vision Document on Drug Control (2026-2029)' and the 'NCB Annual Report-2025' at the 10th NCORD apex meeting.
At the 10th NCORD apex meeting on 26 June 2026, Narcotics Control Bureau zonal offices were e-inaugurated in:
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Correct answer: C — Jammu and Guwahati
Amit Shah e-inaugurated the NCB zonal offices in Jammu and Guwahati.
Consider the following statements about the 10th NCORD apex meeting (26 June 2026): 1. The 'Online Drugs Disposal Fortnight Campaign' targets destruction of narcotics weighing 2,09,500 kg and valued at Rs 6,000 crore. 2. The roadmap for the fight against drugs rests on three pillars. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the roadmap rests on four pillars, namely Enforcement, Intelligence and Operations; Precursor and Synthetic Drug Control; Demand Reduction and Rehabilitation; and Capacity Building and Coordination.
The 10th NCORD apex meeting was held on 26 June, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. In which year did the United Nations establish this day?
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Correct answer: B — 1987
Every year 26 June is observed as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, established by the United Nations in 1987.
Where did the Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah 2026 culminate in a National Awareness Programme on 26 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar
The Saptah culminated in a National Awareness Programme at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV), Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on 26 June 2026.
At Haridwar on 26 June 2026, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed MoUs with the All World Gayatri Pariwar under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and which other scheme?
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Correct answer: C — Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY)
The MoUs were signed under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) and the Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana (AVYAY).
Which autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture organised the Samvidhan Hatya Diwas programme at its New Delhi campus on 25 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT)
The Ministry of Culture commemorated Samvidhan Hatya Diwas through a programme organised by CCRT, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry, at its campus in New Delhi.
What was the title of the exhibition featured at the Culture Ministry's Samvidhan Hatya Diwas programme in June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Long Live Democracy
The programme began with a walkthrough of the exhibition 'Long Live Democracy', inaugurated on 24 June 2026.
According to the Ministry of Culture, over which period did the Government observe the 50th anniversary of the Emergency through Samvidhan Hatya Diwas programmes?
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Correct answer: B — 25 June 2024 to 25 June 2026
The Ministry of Culture states that, to commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Government is observing Samvidhan Hatya Diwas from 25 June 2024 to 25 June 2026.
Where was the national celebration of the 12th International Day of Yoga, led by PM Narendra Modi, held on 21 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Red Road, Kolkata
PM Modi led the national observance at the historic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal.
What was the theme of the International Day of Yoga 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Yoga for Healthy Ageing
The 12th IDY (2026) was observed under the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
Consider the following statements about the International Day of Yoga: 1. The UN General Assembly proclaimed 21 June as the International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014 through resolution 69/131. 2. The draft resolution was proposed by India and endorsed by a record 175 member states. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated on the UN's International Day of Yoga page.
At the IDY 2026 national event, Ayush Minister of State Prataprao Jadhav highlighted which campaign encouraging citizens to practise Yoga throughout the year?
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Correct answer: C — Yoga 365
Prataprao Jadhav said 'Yoga 365' encourages citizens to make Yoga a part of their daily lives throughout the year.
How many NCC cadets and staff took part in International Day of Yoga 2026 sessions, as per the Ministry of Defence?
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Correct answer: B — Over 8.30 lakh
More than 8.30 lakh NCC cadets and staff participated at over 5,000 locations.
Where did Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh perform yoga with around 1,000 soldiers on International Day of Yoga 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Eastern Air Command HQ, Shillong
Rajnath Singh performed yoga at the Eastern Air Command Headquarters in Shillong, Meghalaya.
How much was transferred to farmers under the 23rd instalment of PM-KISAN, released by PM Modi on 20 June 2026?
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Correct answer: D — More than ₹18,880 crore
More than ₹18,880 crore was transferred to over 9.44 crore farmers.
What was the theme of Paschimbanga Divas (West Bengal Day) 2026?
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Correct answer: B — West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development
The theme was 'West Bengal: Heritage, Harmony and Development'.
Consider the following statements about PM-KISAN: 1. The scheme was launched on 24 February 2019. 2. Each eligible farmer family receives ₹6,000 a year in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 through DBT. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated in the PIB backgrounder on the 23rd instalment.
Where were the State-level Paschimbanga Divas celebrations attended by PM Modi held on 20 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Tarakeswar, Hooghly
The State-level celebrations were held at Tarakeswar, Hooghly, a place associated with Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.
Where did President Droupadi Murmu attend the International Sickle Cell Day commemoration on 19 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh
The commemoration was held at Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh.
According to President Murmu (June 2026), screening under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has identified roughly how many carriers of sickle cell disease?
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Correct answer: A — Over 20 lakh
Over 20 lakh carriers have been identified; about 2.5 lakh people have been detected with the disease.
Consider the following statements about screening under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, as stated by the President on 19 June 2026: 1. Seven crore people were screened, ranging from newborns to those up to 40 years of age. 2. The screening target was achieved ahead of schedule. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: seven crore people from newborns to 40 years were screened and the target was met ahead of schedule.
According to Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on 17 June 2026, how much land has India brought under restoration against its 26 million hectare Bonn Challenge target?
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Correct answer: C — 21.76 million hectares
India has brought 21.76 million hectares under restoration against the target of 26 million hectares by 2030.
The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is observed every year on 17 June under which convention?
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Correct answer: A — UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
The day is observed every year on 17 June under the UNCCD.
Consider the following statements about the Bonn Challenge: 1. It is a global initiative launched in 2011 to restore degraded and deforested landscapes. 2. It targets bringing 350 million hectares under restoration by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated in the Environment Ministry release.
According to the Environment Ministry (June 2026), restoration activities in India have generated about how many person-days of employment?
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Correct answer: D — 1.22 billion
Restoration activities have generated around 1.22 billion person-days of employment.
How many verified viewers did the Ministry of Ayush record when it set the Guinness World Record for a YouTube live Yoga stream in June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 4,35,831
The Ministry recorded 4,35,831 verified viewers.
Consider the following statements about the Ministry of Ayush Guinness World Record of June 2026: 1. The previous record of 2,46,252 viewers had been set in 2024. 2. The record attempt was part of outreach for International Day of Yoga 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated in the Ministry of Ayush release.
Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose martyrdom day was observed on 9 June 2026, led which movement against British rule?
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Correct answer: B — Ulgulan
Birsa Munda gave the call for 'Ulgulan' (revolution) against British rule.
Consider the following statements about Bhagwan Birsa Munda: 1. He was born on 15 November 1875 at Ulihatu in present-day Jharkhand. 2. His birth anniversary is observed as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. 3. He breathed his last in Kolkata. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct as per PIB. Statement 3 is wrong: Birsa Munda breathed his last in Ranchi.
What was the WHO theme of World No Tobacco Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction
WHO announced 'Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction' as the 2026 theme.
World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on which date?
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Correct answer: B — 31 May
WHO and partners observe World No Tobacco Day every year on 31 May.
The birth anniversary of which ruler, remembered for reconstructing temples and pilgrimage sites across India, is observed on 31 May?
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Correct answer: C — Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar
On 31 May 2026 the PM paid tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar on her birth anniversary, highlighting her reconstruction of temples and pilgrimage sites.
Goa became which numbered State of India on 30 May 1987?
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Correct answer: C — 25th
Goa became the 25th State of India on 30 May 1987, as recalled at the 40th Statehood Day in 2026.
Which Statehood Day anniversary did Goa celebrate on 30 May 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 40th
The Vice-President graced the 40th Statehood Day celebrations of Goa in Panaji on 30 May 2026.
During Goa's 40th Statehood Day in May 2026, the Vice-President inaugurated an exhibition on the life and works of which Goan cartoonist?
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Correct answer: D — Mario Miranda
The Vice-President inaugurated an exhibition celebrating the life and works of Mario Miranda.
What was the theme of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Invest in Peace
The 2026 observance was centred on the theme 'Invest in Peace'.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed on 29 May because it marks the anniversary of:
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Correct answer: D — The first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948
29 May is the anniversary of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948.