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.
Where was the first session of the India–Rwanda Joint Trade Committee held in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — New Delhi
The first India–Rwanda JTC was held in New Delhi on 30–31 July 2026.
At the first India–Rwanda Joint Trade Committee, India showed interest in cooperation on which of Rwanda's critical minerals?
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Correct answer: C — Tin, tungsten and tantalum
India expressed interest in Rwanda's tin, tungsten and tantalum resources, including GSI cooperation with the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board.
Consider the following statements about India–Rwanda economic ties as noted at the first Joint Trade Committee (July 2026): 1. India accounts for about 24.5% of Rwanda's pharmaceutical imports. 2. India was Rwanda's largest foreign investor in 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Rwanda said India was its second-largest foreign investor as of 2025.
'Favara', which was linked with India's UPI in July 2026, is the instant payment system of which country?
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Correct answer: D — Maldives
Favara is the Maldives Instant Payment System; its integration with UPI went live on 30 July 2026.
Consider the following statements about the Favara–UPI link (July 2026): 1. The agreement for it was signed between NPCI International Payments Limited and the Maldives Monetary Authority in July 2025. 2. In the first phase, Indians can pay merchants in the Maldives by scanning QR codes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
The NIPL–MMA agreement was executed in July 2025. The first phase allows person-to-person transfers from the Maldives to India; QR-based merchant payments are planned for later phases.
During the fifth India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks in July 2026, a concessional Line of Credit of how much was operationalised for energy projects in Bhutan?
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Correct answer: C — Rs 4,000 crore
An Umbrella Line of Credit Agreement between Bhutan's government and EXIM Bank of India was exchanged for a concessional Rs 4,000 crore LoC for energy projects.
India's development cooperation talks with Bhutan in July 2026 related to which Five Year Plan of Bhutan?
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Correct answer: C — 13th
The 5th India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks were held for Bhutan's 13th Five Year Plan (2024–29), for which India committed Rs 10,000 crore.
What is the theme of the 10th India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Scale without boundaries
Jyotiraditya Scindia unveiled 'Scale without boundaries' as the theme of IMC 2026, to be held on 7–10 October 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
India's first direct commercial container freight train to Nepal, reported in July 2026, ran between which two points?
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Correct answer: B — Kolkata Port and Biratnagar
The 40-wagon train ran from Kolkata Port to the Biratnagar Customs Yard in Nepal under the revised India-Nepal Rail Transit Protocol.
The direct rail freight service to Biratnagar builds on the broad-gauge cross-border link from which Indian station?
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Correct answer: C — Jogbani
It builds on the Jogbani (India)–Biratnagar (Nepal) broad-gauge rail link inaugurated in June 2023.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri began his official visit to China on 27 July 2026 by meeting Sun Haiyan, who holds which post?
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Correct answer: B — Vice Minister, International Department of the CPC Central Committee
Sun Haiyan is Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
Who was India's Ambassador to China, present at Foreign Secretary Misri's meetings in Beijing in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vikram Doraiswami
Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami attended the Foreign Secretary's meeting with Sun Haiyan. Randhir Jaiswal is the MEA spokesperson.
With the inscription of the 'Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath' in July 2026, how many World Heritage properties does India have?
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Correct answer: B — 45
Sarnath became India's 45th property on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee held in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Busan
The decision was taken at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.
Which two component parts make up the inscribed serial property 'Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath'?
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Correct answer: A — Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath
The property comprises the Chaukhandi Stupa and the Archaeological Remains of Sarnath (which include the Dhamekh Stupa, Dharmarajika Stupa, Mulagandhakuti Vihara and Ashokan Pillar).
Consider the following statements about Sarnath's World Heritage inscription (2026): 1. Sarnath had been on India's Tentative List since 1998. 2. It was inscribed under criteria (iii) and (vi). 3. With it, all four principal Buddhist pilgrimage sites are now World Heritage properties. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: three of the four principal sites – Lumbini, Bodh Gaya's Mahabodhi Temple and Sarnath – are now on the list, not all four.
INS Sudarshini, which departed Boston on 25 July 2026 under 'Lokayan 26', is the Indian Navy's:
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Correct answer: A — Sail training ship
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship; it represented India at SAIL 250 and the International Naval Review 250 in the USA.
Which body hosted the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi on 24 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
The NDMA, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, hosted the meeting under India's BRICS Chairship 2026.
Who chaired the 3rd BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction held in New Delhi in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Nityanand Rai
The meeting was chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
Consider the following statements about BRICS cooperation on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): 1. The BRICS Joint Statement on DRR adopted in July 2026 seeks to accelerate the BRICS DRR Work Plan (2025–2028). 2. The Udaipur Declaration on DRR dates to 2016. 3. The Kazan Declaration dates to 2024. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct as stated by MoS Nityanand Rai at the meeting, per the MHA release.
In July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu received an Honorary Doctorate from a university in which country?
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Correct answer: B — Romania
The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, conferred the Honorary Doctorate on 24 July 2026.
Who is the President of Romania with whom President Droupadi Murmu held talks in Bucharest on 23 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Nicușor Dan
President Murmu held one-to-one and delegation-level talks with President Nicușor Dan at Cotroceni Palace.
During President Murmu's visit in July 2026, India and Romania agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over what period?
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Correct answer: A — Three years
The two leaders agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next three years.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's State Visit to Romania (July 2026): 1. Romania was the last leg of a tour that also covered Moldova and North Macedonia. 2. An Indian Studies Chair is being set up at the University of Bucharest with ICCR support. 3. It was the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Romania. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: it was the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in nearly three decades, not the first ever.
Under the final US Section 301 measures announced on 23 July 2026, what additional duty was imposed on imports from India?
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Correct answer: A — 10%
USTR imposed an additional 10% ad valorem duty on Indian imports, down from 12.5% proposed on 2 June 2026.
The US Section 301 investigation concluded in July 2026 related to which issue?
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Correct answer: C — Prohibitions on importing goods made with forced labour
The investigation covered 60 economies' acts, policies and practices on prohibiting imports of goods produced with forced labour.
Consider the following statements regarding the final US Section 301 measures (July 2026) as they apply to India: 1. About 45% of India's exports to the US remain outside the additional 10% duty. 2. Steel, aluminium and auto parts covered under Section 232 are also charged the additional 10% duty. 3. Generic pharmaceuticals and smartphones continue to remain outside its scope. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: products already under Section 232 measures are not subject to the additional 10% duty.
Where was the second round of India–Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations held in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
The second round was held from 20 to 23 July 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
What was the total merchandise trade between India and Israel in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — USD 3.93 billion
India–Israel merchandise trade stood at USD 3.93 billion in FY 2025-26.
India's Trade Policy Review concluded at the WTO in Geneva on 23 July 2026 was its:
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Correct answer: D — Eighth
It was India's Eighth Trade Policy Review; 68 WTO Members participated.
Who led India's official delegation at its Eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rajesh Agrawal
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal led the delegation.
Which city hosted the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting under India's BRICS Chairship in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chandigarh
The 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting concluded in Chandigarh on 23 July 2026.
Which institution will coordinate the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness, as decided at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting?
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Correct answer: B — NIMHANS
NIMHANS will coordinate the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness.
What is the theme of India's BRICS Chairship 2026, under which the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting was held?
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Correct answer: D — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
India's BRICS Chairship theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
In July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Skopje
The bust was unveiled at the Museum of the City of Skopje, North Macedonia, on 22 July 2026.
Which Bharat Ratna awardee, whose memorial President Murmu visited in July 2026, was born in Skopje?
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Correct answer: B — Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, lived there until 1928 and received the Bharat Ratna in 1980.
President Droupadi Murmu's State Visits in July 2026 covered which three countries?
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Correct answer: A — Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania
North Macedonia was the second leg of the President's State Visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania.
Where did President Murmu hold talks with the President of North Macedonia on 21 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Villa Vodno
Villa Vodno in Skopje is the official residence and office of the President of North Macedonia.
Who is the President of North Macedonia who hosted President Murmu in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova hosted President Murmu; Timcho Mucunski is the Foreign Minister who received her at the airport.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's visit to North Macedonia in July 2026: 1. The visit was the first by an Indian President to North Macedonia. 2. The President of North Macedonia received President Murmu at Skopje airport. 3. President Murmu addressed the Assembly of North Macedonia. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: President Murmu was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski.
Which new International Thematic Group was proposed under the BRICS Network University in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
The IGB deliberated on adding Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a new International Thematic Group; the proposal received broad support.
Which BRICS Network University Action Plan did the International Governing Board review in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 2025–2028
The Board reviewed the BRICS Network University Action Plan (2025–2028).
Who presided over the 8th Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services hosted by India in July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani
The meeting was presided over by the Attorney General for India, R. Venkataramani.
Which edition of the Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services did India host virtually on 20–21 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 8th
India hosted the 8th Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services.
In July 2026, Prime Minister Modi congratulated whom on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
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Correct answer: A — Andy Burnham
PM Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on assuming office as UK Prime Minister on 21 July 2026.
Which India–UK trade agreement did PM Modi say entered into force in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — CETA
PM Modi noted that the India–UK CETA entered into force in July 2026.
On 20 July 2026, India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of which WTO agreement?
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Correct answer: B — Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
India became a Party to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
India is the ____ WTO Member to deposit its Instrument of Acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
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Correct answer: C — 123rd
India is the 123rd WTO Member to deposit its Instrument of Acceptance.
At which WTO Ministerial Conference was the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted?
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Correct answer: D — MC12, Geneva
The Agreement was adopted by consensus at the 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022.
Consider the following statements about the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: 1. The Agreement entered into force on 15 September 2025. 2. Aquaculture and inland fisheries are covered by the Agreement. 3. The Agreement is the first multilateral WTO agreement with an environmental sustainability objective. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: aquaculture and inland fisheries are outside the Agreement's scope.
In which capital city did President Droupadi Murmu arrive on 20 July 2026 for the first leg of her State Visits?
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Correct answer: B — Chisinau
President Murmu reached Chisinau, Moldova, on the first leg of her State Visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania.
Who is the President of Moldova who held talks with President Murmu in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Maia Sandu
President Maia Sandu received President Murmu at the Presidential Palace; Mihai Popsoi is Deputy PM and Foreign Minister.
During President Murmu's visit to Moldova, India announced it would double which of the following for Moldovan professionals?
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Correct answer: C — ITEC training slots
India decided to double the number of ITEC training slots for Moldovan professionals, including courses in AI and emerging technologies.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's visit to Moldova in July 2026: 1. The visit was the first by an Indian President to Moldova. 2. Moldova was the second leg of the President's three-nation tour. 3. President Murmu was received at the airport by Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Moldova was the first leg; North Macedonia was the second.
Where was the 3rd India–EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Ministerial Meeting, co-chaired by Piyush Goyal in July 2026, held?
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Correct answer: C — Brussels
Goyal co-chaired the 3rd India–EU TTC Ministerial Meeting in Brussels.
After the EU listed 21 more Indian fishery establishments at the 3rd India–EU TTC, what became the total number of approved Indian establishments?
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Correct answer: A — 625
With 21 more listed, the total of approved Indian fishery establishments reached 625.
With which country did India agree to advance technical talks on interoperability between UPI and that country's 'Bizum' payments platform during Piyush Goyal's July 2026 visit?
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Correct answer: D — Spain
India and Spain agreed to advance technical discussions on UPI–Bizum interoperability; Goyal also outlined the '10×10×10' vision for India–Spain ties.
PM Modi conveyed condolences to Qatar's Amir on 16 July 2026 on the passing of the Father Amir. Who was the Father Amir?
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Correct answer: A — Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
The Father Amir of Qatar was Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; the current Amir is Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
On which date did the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) enter into force?
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Correct answer: B — 15 July 2026
CETA and the Double Contribution Convention entered into force on 15 July 2026.
India–UK CETA provides zero-duty access to approximately what share of India's exports to the UK?
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Correct answer: D — 99%
CETA gives zero-duty access to nearly 99% of India's exports, covering almost 100% of trade value.
Under the India–UK Double Contribution Convention that came into force with CETA, the exemption period for Indian workers on temporary assignment in the UK was raised to how many years?
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Correct answer: A — 5 years
The DCC exemption from UK social security contributions was increased from 3 years to 5 years.
Consider the following statements about the India–UK CETA: 1. Negotiations were concluded on 6 May 2025 after fourteen rounds. 2. CETA was signed in London on 24 July 2025. 3. The Double Contribution Convention was signed on the same day as CETA. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Double Contribution Convention was signed later, on 10 February 2026.
Which city hosted the 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum Summit in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Hyderabad
Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the 15th BRICS TUF Summit in Hyderabad on 14 July 2026.
According to the Labour Minister at the BRICS Trade Union Forum, India's four Labour Codes consolidated how many labour laws?
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Correct answer: D — 29
The four Labour Codes consolidated 29 labour laws into a simplified framework.
Consider the following statements about BRICS labour meetings in Hyderabad in July 2026: 1. The BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers' Meeting was held on 15–16 July 2026. 2. The meeting was preceded by the Third BRICS Employment Working Group meeting. 3. The meetings were held under Brazil's BRICS Chairship. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026, with the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
The first round of India–Maldives FTA negotiations in 2026 was held in which mode?
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Correct answer: B — Virtual mode
The first round was held in virtual mode from 29 June to 7 July 2026.
Who led India's negotiating team in the first round of India–Maldives FTA negotiations?
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Correct answer: D — Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh
Chief Negotiator Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, led India; Yusuf Riza led the Maldives.
Consider the following statements about India–Maldives economic ties as of July 2026: 1. India is the second-largest trading partner of the Maldives. 2. Bilateral trade in 2025–26 was about USD 771.76 million. 3. The two countries are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: India and the Maldives are commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations.
Where was the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue held on 13 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Tokyo
The 8th Defence Policy Dialogue was held in Tokyo, Japan.
Who led the Indian delegation at the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue?
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Correct answer: B — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led India; Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji led Japan.
The 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening which framework of India–Japan relations?
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Correct answer: A — Special Strategic and Global Partnership
Both sides reaffirmed the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and discussed the forthcoming 2+2 meeting.
Under which expedition did INS Sudarshini take part in the Grand Parade of Sails at Sail Boston 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini participated as part of her Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
On which date did India observe one day of State Mourning for Qatar's Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?
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Correct answer: B — 13 July 2026
Sheikh Hamad passed away on 12 July 2026; India declared State Mourning on 13 July 2026.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away in July 2026, ruled Qatar during which period?
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Correct answer: D — 1995–2013
He assumed power on 27 June 1995 and handed over to Sheikh Tamim on 25 June 2013.
To whom did Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani hand over Qatar's leadership in 2013?
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Correct answer: A — His son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
In 2013 he voluntarily handed power to his son and heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Amir.
Consider the following statements about India's State Mourning for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: 1. The National Flag was flown at half-mast throughout India on the day of mourning. 2. There was no official entertainment on that day. 3. The State Mourning lasted three days. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Ministry of Home Affairs declared one day of State Mourning, on 13 July 2026.