Obituaries Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
D.Y. Patil, who died in August 2026, served as Governor of which states?
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Correct answer: B — Tripura and Bihar, with additional charge of West Bengal
D.Y. Patil was Governor of Tripura (2009–13) and Bihar (2013–14), holding additional charge of West Bengal.
Consider the following statements about D.Y. Patil: 1. He served as Mayor of Kolhapur from 1957 to 1962. 2. He was a recipient of the Padma Shri. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: he was Mayor of Kolhapur in 1957–62 and a Padma Shri awardee.
Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma, who died in July 2026, was the younger brother of which war hero?
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Correct answer: D — Maj Som Nath Sharma
He was the younger brother of Major Som Nath Sharma, independent India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee.
Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma, who passed away on 31 July 2026, served as Chief of the Army Staff during which period?
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Correct answer: B — 1988–1990
He was Chief of the Army Staff from 30 June 1988 to 30 June 1990.
Smt. Chennamma, whose passing the PM condoled on 18 July 2026, was the wife of which former Prime Minister?
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Correct answer: A — H.D. Deve Gowda
Smt. Chennamma was the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.
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 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.
Veteran playback singer S. Janaki, who died on 11 July 2026, passed away in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Mysuru
S. Janaki died at a hospital in Mysuru, Karnataka, on 11 July 2026, aged 88.
Which civilian honour did S. Janaki decline in 2013, saying it had come too late?
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Correct answer: B — Padma Bhushan
Janaki declined the Padma Bhushan announced on the eve of Republic Day 2013, saying the recognition came too late.
How many National Film Awards did S. Janaki win?
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Correct answer: A — Four
S. Janaki was a four-time National Film Award winner and also received 33 State Film Awards.
Teejan Bai, who died on 5 July 2026, was the best-known exponent of Pandavani. Pandavani narrates episodes from which epic?
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Correct answer: A — Mahabharata
Pandavani is the traditional Chhattisgarhi musical narration of episodes from the Mahabharata.
Pandavani, the folk art form taken to the world by Teejan Bai, belongs to which state?
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Correct answer: C — Chhattisgarh
PM Modi said Teejan Bai gave the Pandavani folk art form of Chhattisgarh a unique identity across the world.
In which year was Teejan Bai conferred the Padma Vibhushan?
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Correct answer: D — 2019
The MHA press note of 25 January 2019 lists Ms. Teejan Bai (Art-Vocals-Folk, Chhattisgarh) first among the four Padma Vibhushan awardees of 2019.
Consider the following statements about Teejan Bai: 1. She died at AIIMS Raipur on 5 July 2026. 2. Pandavani, her art form, narrates episodes from the Ramayana. 3. She was a Padma Vibhushan awardee. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
She died at AIIMS Raipur on 5 July 2026 and was a Padma Vibhushan awardee; Pandavani narrates the Mahabharata, not the Ramayana.
Veteran film director Bharathiraja, who died in Chennai on 10 June 2026, was associated with which film industry?
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Correct answer: D — Tamil
Bharathiraja was a veteran Tamil filmmaker credited with transforming Tamil cinema.
Which was the debut film of director Bharathiraja (died June 2026), regarded as a landmark in Tamil cinema?
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Correct answer: C — 16 Vayathinile
Bharathiraja's debut film 16 Vayathinile (1977) is regarded as a landmark in Tamil cinema.
Salim Kumar, who died in Kochi on 6 June 2026, won the National Film Award for Best Actor for which film?
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Correct answer: B — Adaminte Makan Abu
Salim Kumar won the National Film Award for Best Actor for 'Adaminte Makan Abu' (2010).
Dr Subhash C. Kashyap, who died on 4 June 2026, had served as Secretary-General of which body?
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Correct answer: C — Lok Sabha
Kashyap served as Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha from 1983 to 1990.
During which period did Subhash C. Kashyap serve as Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha?
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Correct answer: A — 1983–1990
The Hindu and The Tribune (PTI) report he served as Secretary-General from 1983 to 1990.
Which veteran Hindi film playback singer, known for 'Na Tum Humein Jaano', passed away in Mumbai on 31 May 2026 at the age of 89?
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Correct answer: B — Suman Kalyanpur
Suman Kalyanpur died at her Mumbai residence on 31 May 2026; she was 89.
Consider the following statements about singer Suman Kalyanpur: 1. She died at the age of 89 in Mumbai. 2. Her funeral was held with full State honours ordered by the Maharashtra government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
She died in Mumbai aged 89, and the Maharashtra government ordered full State honours for her funeral.
Dhanendra Kumar, who died in May 2026, was the first Chairman of which body?
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Correct answer: D — Competition Commission of India
Dhanendra Kumar was the first Chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Consider the following statements about Dhanendra Kumar, who died in May 2026: 1. He was a 1968-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre. 2. He represented India as an Executive Director at the World Bank. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
He was a 1968-batch Haryana cadre IAS officer and also represented India at the World Bank as an Executive Director.
Major General B. C. Khanduri (Retd.), whose demise was condoled by the Prime Minister on 19 May 2026, had served as Chief Minister of which state?
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Correct answer: C — Uttarakhand
PIB describes him as former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and former Union Minister.
Major General B. C. Khanduri (Retd.), who died on 19 May 2026, held which Union portfolio in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government?
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Correct answer: B — Road Transport and Highways
Khanduri was Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways in the Vajpayee government and is credited with executing the Golden Quadrilateral.
Consider the following statements about Major General B. C. Khanduri (Retd.), who died in May 2026: 1. He served two terms as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, 2007–2009 and 2011–2012. 2. The Golden Quadrilateral, executed during his tenure as Road Transport and Highways Minister, was part of Phase II of the National Highways Development Project (NHDP). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the 5,846-km Golden Quadrilateral was part of the first phase of NHDP; Phase II mainly covered the North-South and East-West Corridors.
Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle died on 12 April 2026 at which hospital?
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Correct answer: B — Breach Candy Hospital, Mumbai
Asha Bhosle died at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, aged 92.
Consider the following statements about Asha Bhosle: 1. She was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. 2. She was cremated with full State honours at Shivaji Park on 12 April 2026, the day she died. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct (Lok Sabha Speaker's condolence message). Statement 2 is wrong: she died on 12 April and was cremated at Shivaji Park on 13 April 2026.
Asha Bhosle was the younger sister of which singer, who died in 2022?
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Correct answer: D — Lata Mangeshkar
Asha Bhosle was the younger sister of Lata Mangeshkar, who died in 2022.
Asha Bhosle was nominated twice for which international music award?
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Correct answer: C — Grammy Award
Asha Bhosle was a two-time Grammy nominee.
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk (Retd), whose passing was mourned in April 2026, was awarded which gallantry award for the 1999 Kargil war?
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Correct answer: B — Maha Vir Chakra
Colonel Sonam Wangchuk was a Maha Vir Chakra awardee of the 1999 Kargil war.
The 1999 Kargil war operation in which Colonel Sonam Wangchuk led his men by personal example is known as:
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Correct answer: C — Operation Vijay
Rajnath Singh recalled his leadership by personal example during Operation Vijay.
Mohsina Kidwai, who died on 8 April 2026, entered national politics by winning the 1978 Lok Sabha by-election from which constituency?
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Correct answer: A — Azamgarh
The Hindu and NDTV both report that she entered national politics after winning the 1978 by-election from Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about Mohsina Kidwai: 1. She served as a member of the Legislative Council, the Legislative Assembly, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha at different points in her career. 2. She entered the Rajya Sabha in 2004. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: The Hindu and NDTV note that she served in four legislatures (MLC, MLA, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) and entered the Rajya Sabha in 2004.
Which memoir did Mohsina Kidwai publish in 2022?
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Correct answer: D — My Life in Indian Politics
Both reports say she published her memoir 'My Life in Indian Politics' in 2022.
Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who died on 30 March 2026, was a former President of which country?
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Correct answer: D — Suriname
Santokhi was President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025; he died on 30 March 2026 aged 67.
Recalling former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, PM Modi noted that he had taken his oath of office in which language?
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Correct answer: A — Sanskrit
PM Modi recalled that Santokhi won many hearts when he took his oath in Sanskrit.
Vijaypat Singhania, who died in March 2026, was the former chairman of which business group?
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Correct answer: B — Raymond Group
Vijaypat Singhania led the Raymond Group as chairman for two decades till 2000.
Besides industry, Vijaypat Singhania was known for holding a world record in:
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Correct answer: A — Highest altitude reached in a hot-air balloon
He held the world record for the highest altitude gained in a hot-air balloon.
Vijaypat Singhania, who died on 28 March 2026, had been conferred which national honour?
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Correct answer: C — Padma Bhushan
He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan.
Mukul Roy, who died on 23 February 2026, had served as Union Minister of which ministry?
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Correct answer: C — Railways
Mukul Roy served as Union Railway Minister in 2012 in the UPA-II government.
Vungzagin Valte, who died on 20 February 2026, was a BJP MLA from which state?
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Correct answer: D — Manipur
Vungzagin Valte was a BJP MLA from Manipur, injured during the May 2023 ethnic violence.
Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, who died on 19 February 2026, represented which Lok Sabha constituency?
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Correct answer: A — Shillong
Syngkon was the Lok Sabha MP from Shillong, Meghalaya, elected in 2024 on a Voice of the People Party ticket.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar died on 28 January 2026 in an air crash at which place?
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Correct answer: B — Baramati
PIB (Civil Aviation): the Learjet 45 VT-SSK met with an accident at Baramati while operating the Mumbai–Baramati sector.
Consider the following statements about the Baramati air crash of 28 January 2026: 1. The aircraft was a Learjet 45 operated by VSR Ventures Pvt Ltd. 2. Five persons, including two crew members, were on board. 3. Ajit Pawar had earlier been a Member of the 10th Lok Sabha from Baramati. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
PIB: Learjet 45 VT-SSK of VSR Ventures with 5 persons on board including 2 crew; the Lok Sabha Speaker noted Pawar served in the 10th Lok Sabha from Baramati.
Tamil scholar D. Gnanasundaram, who died in January 2026, was praised by the Prime Minister for his exceptional understanding of which work?
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Correct answer: A — Kamba Ramayanam
PIB (PMO): the PM said Gnanasundaram's understanding of the Kamba Ramayanam was exceptional.
The Prime Minister recalled meeting D. Gnanasundaram in January 2024 at which temple?
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Correct answer: B — Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirappalli
PIB (PMO): the PM recalled interacting with him during his visit to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirappalli, in January 2024.
Sir Mark Tully, who died in January 2026, was widely known as the 'voice of India' of which broadcaster?
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Correct answer: C — BBC
AP, The Hindu and BBC: Mark Tully, long-time BBC correspondent and New Delhi bureau chief, was known as the BBC's 'voice of India'.
In which city was journalist Mark Tully born?
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Correct answer: A — Kolkata
AP and The Hindu: Tully was born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935.
Biswa Bandhu Sen, who died on 26 December 2025, was the Speaker of which state's Legislative Assembly?
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Correct answer: A — Tripura
PIB 2208733, The Hindu and The Economic Times: Biswa Bandhu Sen was Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly.
Tripura Assembly Speaker Biswa Bandhu Sen represented which constituency?
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Correct answer: D — Dharmanagar
The Economic Times and The New Indian Express: Sen was the MLA from Dharmanagar in North Tripura; The Economic Times says he won the seat four times.
Vinod Kumar Shukla, who died on 23 December 2025, was the first Jnanpith Award winner from which state?
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Correct answer: B — Chhattisgarh
The Hindu and NDTV (PTI): Shukla was the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive the Jnanpith Award.
Which work of Vinod Kumar Shukla won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999?
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Correct answer: C — Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi
The Tribune and Indian Express: 'Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi' won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999.
Consider the following statements about Vinod Kumar Shukla: 1. He received the 59th Jnanpith Award. 2. He was born in Rajnandgaon. 3. The Jnanpith Award was presented to him at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
NDTV and The Tribune: he got the 59th Jnanpith and was born on 1 January 1937 in Rajnandgaon. The award was presented on 21 November 2025 at his residence in Raipur, not at Rashtrapati Bhavan, so statement 3 is wrong.
Ram Sutar, who died on 17 December 2025, was the sculptor of which of the following?
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Correct answer: B — Statue of Unity, Kevadia
TOI, The Week (PTI) and The Tribune: Ram Sutar designed the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Kevadia, Gujarat.
Ram Sutar was born in 1925 in Gondur village of which district of Maharashtra?
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Correct answer: A — Dhule
TOI and The Week (PTI): Ram Sutar was born on 19 February 1925 in Gondur village in Maharashtra's Dhule district.
In which year was Ram Sutar conferred the Padma Bhushan?
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Correct answer: C — 2016
TOI and The Week (PTI): Ram Sutar received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016.
Prafulla Govinda Baruah, who died on 14 December 2025, was the long-time editor of which newspaper?
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Correct answer: D — The Assam Tribune
The Hindu, The Assam Tribune and The Sentinel: P.G. Baruah was editor and managing director of The Assam Tribune group.
Who founded The Assam Tribune, the newspaper led for decades by P.G. Baruah?
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Correct answer: A — Radha Govinda Baruah
The Assam Tribune and India Today NE: the newspaper was founded by his father, Radha Govinda Baruah.
Shivraj Patil, who passed away on 12 December 2025, served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha during which period?
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Correct answer: B — 1991–1996
The Hindu (12 Dec 2025): Patil was the 10th Speaker of the Lok Sabha from 1991 to 1996.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Shivraj Patil passed away on 12 December 2025 in which town?
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Correct answer: D — Latur
NDTV, Indian Express, The Hindu and India Today (12 Dec 2025): he passed away at his home in Latur, Maharashtra, aged 90.
Swaraj Kaushal, who passed away in December 2025, was India's youngest Governor of which State?
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Correct answer: D — Mizoram
PIB 2198880: 'He became India's youngest Governor and left a lasting impression on the people of Mizoram during his gubernatorial tenure.'
Consider the following statements about Swaraj Kaushal as described in the PM's condolence message of 4 December 2025: 1. Swaraj Kaushal was a lawyer. 2. Swaraj Kaushal served as a Parliamentarian. 3. Swaraj Kaushal served as Chief Justice of a High Court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2198880: Kaushal distinguished himself as a lawyer and 'his insights as a Parliamentarian were also noteworthy'; no judicial office is mentioned.