International Relations Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which city hosted the 7th High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard on 25 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chennai
The 7th ICG–VCG High-Level Meeting was held in Chennai on 25 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the 7th ICG–VCG High-Level Meeting: 1. It was held under the framework of a 2015 MoU on Coast Guard Cooperation. 2. It was co-chaired by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The meeting was held under the 2015 MoU and co-chaired by DG Paramesh Sivamani and VCG Vice Commandant Maj Gen Luong Dinh Hung.
At UNCCD COP17 on 25 August 2026, India's Environment Minister addressed a ministerial dialogue on which theme?
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Correct answer: A — Accelerating Drought Resilience
Bhupender Yadav addressed the Ministerial Dialogue on 'Accelerating Drought Resilience' in Ulaanbaatar, calling drought a predictable, preventable risk.
According to India's Second Progress Report on the Bonn Challenge, presented at UNCCD COP17 in August 2026, how much land did India bring under restoration during 2011–2020?
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Correct answer: D — 21.76 million hectares
India brought 21.76 million hectares under restoration during 2011–2020, generating about 1.22 billion person-days of employment.
Under its enhanced Bonn Challenge commitment, India aims to restore how much degraded and deforested land by 2030?
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Correct answer: C — 26 million hectares
India's initial 2015 Bonn Challenge commitment was later enhanced to 26 million hectares by 2030.
India's next Bonn Challenge reporting cycle, for 2021–2025, is being carried out in collaboration with which two bodies?
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Correct answer: A — ICFRE Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management and IUCN
Yadav said the 2021–2025 cycle is being done with the ICFRE Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management and IUCN, tracking area restored, financial flows and employment.
As noted at the 3rd India–Cambodia JWGTI in August 2026, what was India–Cambodia bilateral trade in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — USD 406.78 million
Trade grew by over 36% to USD 406.78 million in 2025-26, up from USD 299 million in the previous year.
Consider the following statements about India–Cambodia economic ties as of August 2026: 1. Cambodia is India's 8th largest trading partner in ASEAN. 2. UPI acceptance at KHQR-enabled merchants in Phnom Penh was launched in June 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Cambodia accounts for 0.31% of India's trade with ASEAN, and UPI acceptance at KHQR merchants in Phnom Penh began on 2 June 2026.
Where was the 4th India–Argentina Joint Trade Committee meeting held on 24 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Buenos Aires
The 4th JTC was held at Palacio San Martín in Buenos Aires.
KABIL's lithium mining activities in Argentina, reviewed at the August 2026 JTC, are located in which province?
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Correct answer: D — Catamarca
KABIL's project in Catamarca is the first lithium mining initiative by an Indian company in Argentina and has completed Phase II drilling; Salta and Jujuy are being explored next.
Consider the following statements about the 4th India–Argentina JTC: 1. India–Argentina trade crossed USD 6.5 billion in 2025. 2. Argentina committed to work towards upgrading India from Annex II to Annex I in its pharmaceutical regulatory framework. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. India is also now Argentina's fifth-largest trading partner.
Where was the 2nd India–New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue held on 24 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Wellington
The second Defence Strategic Dialogue was held in Wellington on 24 August 2026.
The 2nd India–New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue discussed implementing which roadmap?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030
The talks focused on implementing the targets in the India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030, after ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
Of the six envoys who presented credentials to President Murmu on 24 August 2026, which country's envoy was designated High Commissioner rather than Ambassador?
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Correct answer: D — Nigeria
Muhammad Saidu Dahiru presented credentials as High Commissioner of Nigeria; the envoys of South Sudan, the UAE, Moldova, Germany and Sweden are Ambassadors.
In Trump v. California (24 August 2026), what did the US Supreme Court do regarding the President's executive order on mail-in voting?
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Correct answer: C — Stayed a district court injunction that had blocked parts of the order
The Court granted a stay of the Massachusetts district court's injunction, holding the order itself does not harm the states; it did not rule on the order's lawfulness.
Consider the following statements about Trump v. California (August 2026): 1. The ruling was unanimous. 2. The challenge had been brought by 23 states and the District of Columbia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The decision was 6–3, with Justice Sotomayor (joined by Justice Kagan) among the dissenters.
What is the name of Kazakhstan's new single-chamber parliament, first elected on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kurultai
The Kurultai is the new 145-member unicameral parliament created by Kazakhstan's 2026 constitution.
Which party won Kazakhstan's first Kurultai election in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Adilet
The newly formed pro-government Adilet party won over 71% of the vote; it had absorbed the former ruling party Amanat.
Consider the following statements about Kazakhstan's August 2026 election: 1. The Kurultai is a two-chamber legislature. 2. Voter turnout was about 74%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Kurultai is a single-chamber body that replaced the earlier two-chamber parliament.
Where did the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026 conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Visakhapatnam
The meeting, held under India's BRICS Chairship, concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Which city has been proposed as host of the inaugural BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave in November 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Udaipur
India's proposal for a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave got broad support, with Udaipur, Rajasthan, proposed as host of the first edition.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026: 1. The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 will be competitive medal events held in New Delhi. 2. The BRICS Sports Joint Declaration was adopted by consensus. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games are proposed for Ahmedabad on 12–13 October 2026 as a non-competitive, cultural event.
Which declaration was unanimously adopted at the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting chaired by India in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chennai Declaration
The meeting closed on 22 August 2026 with the unanimous adoption of the Chennai Declaration, also called the Chennai Consensus.
In the context of BRICS science cooperation, what does 'BRICS GRAIN' stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network
BRICS GRAIN is the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network; the Chennai Declaration records progress towards operationalising it.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting of August 2026: 1. It was the 10th such BRICS science ministerial meeting. 2. BRICS STI cooperation runs through 20 thematic working groups. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. It was the 14th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting, and cooperation runs through 14 thematic working groups.
The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting 2026 built on the outcomes of the BRICS Youth Summit and Youth Council Meeting held in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Gandhinagar
The BRICS Youth Summit and BRICS Youth Council Meeting were held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 19–20 August 2026; the Ministers' Meeting followed in Visakhapatnam.
Which heritage site near Visakhapatnam did BRICS youth delegates visit in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Totlakonda Buddhist Monastery
Delegates visited the historic Totlakonda Buddhist Monastery near Visakhapatnam.
Where were the 17–21 August 2026 talks between DR Congo and AFC/M23 held?
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Correct answer: D — Switzerland
The talks were held in Switzerland; the joint statement was released on 22 August 2026.
When was the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between DR Congo and AFC/M23 signed?
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Correct answer: A — 15 November 2025
The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Doha on 15 November 2025.
Consider the following statements about the DR Congo–AFC/M23 joint statement of 22 August 2026: 1. Togo took part as the African Union mediator. 2. The parties agreed that the order of negotiating protocols does not dictate the order of implementing them. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The statement was also issued with Qatar, the US, Switzerland and the AU Commission.
INS Sudarshini, which reached Lisbon in August 2026 on the Lokayan 26 expedition, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Sail training ship
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship, a three-masted barque.
The Lisbon stop on 22 August 2026 was INS Sudarshini's which port visit of the Lokayan 26 expedition?
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Correct answer: C — 15th
Lisbon was the ship's 15th port visit in seven months of voyage.
In which city did BRICS Tourism Ministers adopt their 2026 declaration on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Jaipur
The BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting concluded in Jaipur with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration.
Who chaired the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat chaired the meeting.
Consider the following statements about the Jaipur Declaration of BRICS Tourism Ministers: 1. 'Artificial Intelligence and Tourism' was one of the four thematic priorities reflected in it. 2. It was adopted by consensus. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The other priorities were sustainability, skilling and capacity building, and seamless travel facilitation.
Which city hosted the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Pune
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting was held in Pune, Maharashtra, on 21 August 2026.
What is the theme of the ICT Track under India's BRICS Chairship in 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future
Scindia introduced the ICT Track theme 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future', with four pillars.
On the sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track meeting in Pune in August 2026, India signed a telecommunications and ICT MoU with which country?
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Correct answer: B — Brazil
Jyotiraditya Scindia and Brazil's Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho signed the MoU.
Which edition of the India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting was held in New Delhi on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 25th
The 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting was held in New Delhi on 21 August 2026.
The Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE), noted at the India–UK DCG meeting, was set up under which initiative?
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Correct answer: A — Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
The two sides acknowledged the RMSCE established under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Consider the following statements about the 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting: 1. It was co-chaired by India's Defence Minister and the UK Defence Secretary. 2. It was held in London. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. It was co-chaired by India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the UK's Permanent Under Secretary for Defence Jeremy Pocklington, in New Delhi.
Where was the 14th India–Nepal Joint Working Group meeting on border management held in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Dehradun
The 14th India–Nepal JWG met in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on 20–21 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the 14th India–Nepal Joint Working Group meeting: 1. India's delegation was led by a Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs. 2. The next meeting will be held in India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. India's delegation was led by Joint Secretary (BM-I) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the next meeting will be in Nepal.
Which Japanese Defence Minister held the Japan-India Defence Ministers' Meeting with Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Shinjiro Koizumi
Japan's Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi met Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 20 August 2026.
The India-Japan Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation signed on 20 August 2026 specifically covers which areas?
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Correct answer: D — MDA information sharing, Search and Rescue, and HADR
The Memorandum covers cooperation between the JMSDF and the Indian Navy, including MDA information sharing and cooperation in SAR and HADR.
Under which Japan-India air force exercise, scheduled for 2026, will Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft visit India for the first time?
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Correct answer: A — Veer Guardian 26
Under 'Veer Guardian 26', JASDF fighter aircraft will, for the first time, visit India and take part in the exercise.
Consider the following statements about the India-Japan defence engagement of 20 August 2026: 1. The Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation was signed directly between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. 2. 'Dharma Guardian' is the Japan-India Army exercise. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of Defence of India; it provides for JMSDF-Indian Navy cooperation. Dharma Guardian is the Army exercise and JAIMEX the maritime exercise.
With which Mauritian entity did Indian Oil Corporation sign a long-term petroleum products supply agreement on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — State Trading Corporation
IOCL and the State Trading Corporation (STC) of Mauritius exchanged a long-term sales and purchase agreement.
What is the duration of the IOCL-STC petroleum supply agreement with Mauritius?
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Correct answer: D — Five years
The IOCL-STC agreement is a five-year assured supply commitment.
Consider the following statements about India-Mauritius energy agreements of August 2026: 1. IOCL will supply the entire import requirement of Mauritius for motor spirit, high-speed diesel and aviation turbine fuel. 2. The facility at Mer Rouge, Port Louis, whose groundbreaking Hardeep Singh Puri attended, is a 27.5 MMTPA oil refinery. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Mer Rouge project is Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd's 27.5 TMT (thousand metric tonnes) bunker marine fuel storage facility, not a refinery.
Which edition of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) did Piyush Goyal attend in Singapore on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 4th
Goyal took part in the 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and the 4th India-Singapore Business Roundtable.
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.
In which city was the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group meeting held on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Jaipur
The Ministry of Tourism hosted the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Which edition of the Coast Guard Global Summit will India host in New Delhi in February 2027?
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Correct answer: D — 5th
India will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in February 2027, coinciding with the Indian Coast Guard's golden jubilee.
Where were the BRICS Youth Council Meeting and BRICS Youth Summit held on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Gandhinagar
Both events were held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, under India's BRICS Chairship.
Who was the main challenger to Hakainde Hichilema in Zambia's 2026 presidential election?
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Correct answer: B — Brian Mundubile
Brian Mundubile received about 38% of the vote, against about 60% for Hichilema.
Consider the following statements about Zambia's 2026 presidential election result: 1. Hakainde Hichilema won a second five-year term. 2. Hichilema won more than 75% of the vote. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Hichilema won about 60% of the vote.
How many knowledge compendiums were launched at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting on 18 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Four
Four knowledge compendiums prepared by the BRICS Environment Working Group were unveiled.
Consider the following statements about the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting: 1. It was held in Pune. 2. The Joint Ministerial Statement was adopted by a majority vote, with India abstaining. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The meeting was held in New Delhi, and the Joint Ministerial Statement was adopted by consensus under India's chairship.
Which Indian official visited Armenia on 17-18 August 2026, during which a defence MoU was signed?
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Correct answer: A — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Armenia on 17-18 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India-Armenia defence engagement of August 2026: 1. The two sides exchanged Terms of Reference for institutionalising Joint Services Staff Talks. 2. An IT Lab at the Armenian Military Academy has been set up with Indian assistance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The defence ministries also signed an MoU on joint collaboration, innovation and research.
The 2nd India-Malaysia Joint Working Group meeting held on 18 August 2026 dealt with cooperation in which field?
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Correct answer: D — Public administration and governance reforms
The JWG is on 'Cooperation in the Field of Public Administration and Governance Reforms', co-chaired by DARPG and Malaysia's Public Service Department.
Where did India launch its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems on 17 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar
The guide was launched at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Which institution organised the publication of India's Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems and its launch event at UNCCD COP17?
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Correct answer: A — Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)
The publication and the side event were organised by ATREE in collaboration with IUCN, CoE-SLM, ICFRE and ISRO's Space Applications Centre, under MoEF&CC guidance.