Polity & Governance Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, notified on 17 August 2026, amends which principal Act?
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Correct answer: C — MMDR Act, 1957
The 2026 Amendment Act amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, under which mining in India is regulated.
According to the PIB backgrounder on the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, roughly how many taxes, charges and fees do States currently impose on mining?
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Correct answer: A — Around 14
The backgrounder said States impose around 14 taxes, charges and fees, including royalty, auction premium, dead rent, DMF payments, GST and transit fee.
Consider the following statements about the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026: 1. It completely abolishes royalty payable on major minerals. 2. It allows States to levy fresh taxes on mineral-bearing lands without any conditions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The Act does not abolish royalty; it bars States from levying fresh taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands except within conditions prescribed by the Central Government.
On 17 August 2026, the Supreme Court directed all States to set up dedicated SITs to probe fraudulent claims in which area?
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Correct answer: A — Motor accident insurance claims
The order concerns suspected fraudulent motor accident insurance claims, including cases where the same vehicle was shown in multiple accidents.
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's 17 August 2026 order on fraudulent motor accident claims: 1. The SITs are to be constituted by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at the national level. 2. Top management of insurance companies will be held accountable if fraud-indicative claims are forwarded selectively. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Court directed each State to form a dedicated SIT at the State level, not a single national SIT under the Union ministry.
Under the Supreme Court's 17 August 2026 directions, what must an insurer do when a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal rejects a claim on the ground of fraud or collusion?
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Correct answer: D — Forward details to the State SIT and run an in-house inquiry into collusion by its own officers
The Court directed insurers to immediately forward such cases to the SIT of the State where the claim was raised and to investigate whether their own officers colluded.
What is the name of the memorial of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee where PM Modi paid homage on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Sadaiv Atal
Prime Minister Modi paid homage to Vajpayee at his memorial, Sadaiv Atal, on his Punya Tithi.
In which city of Rajasthan did Amit Shah unveil a 21-foot statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chittorgarh
The 21-foot statue, built at a cost of over ₹1.5 crore, was unveiled in Chittorgarh, where 944 projects worth ₹5,755 crore were also launched.
In his 80th Independence Day address on 15 August 2026, PM Modi announced AI-skills training for how many youth over the next one year?
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Correct answer: B — 1 crore
The Prime Minister announced that one crore youth would be trained in AI skills over the next one year.
What nuclear power capacity target for 2047 did PM Modi mention in his Independence Day address of 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 100 GW
The Prime Minister said India is working towards 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with five new reactors planned within this decade.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's address on 15 August 2026: 1. The PM said Vande Mataram was resonating from the Red Fort on 15 August for the first time since Independence. 2. The PM said 20 more semiconductor plants will be set up by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. On semiconductors, the PM said three plants have been initiated and five to eight more are expected in the next seven to eight years.
What new target for 'Lakhpati Didis' did the Prime Minister announce on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 6 crore
After the earlier target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis was surpassed, the PM set a new goal of 6 crore.
The nationwide sports talent hunt announced by the Prime Minister on 15 August 2026 targets children of which age group?
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Correct answer: A — 5 to 15 years
The talent hunt will be run across villages, cities and schools to identify sporting talent among children aged 5 to 15, with an eye on the 2036 Olympics.
In the National Framework released by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 15 August 2026, what does 'ITDA' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Integrated Tribal Development Agency
ITDAs and ITDPs are Integrated Tribal Development Agencies and Projects, the principal field-level institutions for tribal development.
Consider the following statements about the National Framework for Strengthening of ITDAs and ITDPs released on 15 August 2026: 1. It was jointly released by Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and NITI Aayog Member R. Balasubramaniam. 2. It is based on a consultation covering ITDAs/ITDPs in all 28 States. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The consultation covered 217 ITDAs/ITDPs across 19 States and Union Territories.
In her address on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu said the country is celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of which social reformer?
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Correct answer: B — Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
The President said the country is celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and recalled the contributions of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule to social justice and women's education.
According to President Murmu's address of 14 August 2026, how many people have been lifted out of poverty in India?
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Correct answer: C — More than 25 crore
The President said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty.
Consider the following statements based on the President's address on the eve of the 80th Independence Day: 1. Women won 8 of India's 13 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. 2. Of the nearly 59 crore Jan Dhan account holders, fewer than 20 crore are women. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The President said more than 32 crore of the nearly 59 crore Jan Dhan account holders are women.
What share of India's population did President Murmu say is below the age of 35 in her address of 14 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 65 percent
The President said 65 percent of the country's population is below the age of 35.
How many Medals for Gallantry were awarded to police and fire service personnel on Independence Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 301
A total of 301 Medals for Gallantry were awarded, 272 to police and 29 to fire service personnel, out of 1,057 medals overall.
Consider the following statements about the Independence Day 2026 police and service medals: 1. The largest share of Medals for Gallantry went to personnel from the Jammu & Kashmir region. 2. 664 Medals for Meritorious Service were awarded. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The largest share of gallantry medals, 197 of 301, went to personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas; J&K accounted for 51.
The government announced on 14 August 2026 that it is removing the advertisement duration cap for TV channels. What was the cap?
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Correct answer: D — 12 minutes per hour
The 12-minute advertisement duration cap for television channels is being removed to enable fair competition and ease of doing business.
Under which rules was the TV advertisement duration cap introduced in 2006?
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Correct answer: A — Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994
The cap was introduced in 2006 under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994; its removal takes effect when the amendment to these rules is notified.
Consider the following statements about the removal of the TV advertisement cap: 1. When the cap was introduced, India had only 62 TV channels. 2. Digital media platforms in India were subject to the same 12-minute cap. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. India had 62 channels in 2006 against more than 900 now; the Ministry cited a non-level playing field because digital media had no such cap.
How many Bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session 2026, which ended on 13 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 12
Twelve Bills were passed by both Houses during the session, which had 19 sittings over 25 days.
The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, passed in the Monsoon Session, renames the state by amending which part of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: B — First Schedule
The Bill amends the First Schedule to the Constitution, in accordance with Article 3, to rename Kerala as 'Keralam'.
Consider the following statements about the Monsoon Session 2026: 1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 brings Vande Mataram under the 1971 Act. 2. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by both Houses. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 was referred to a Joint Committee of the Houses for examination, not passed.
Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in the Monsoon Session, within what time must trials be completed?
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Correct answer: D — Three months
The Bill mandates completion of investigation within two months and trial within three months, with Special Fast Track Courts designated by states and UTs.
Consider the following statements about the productivity of Parliament in the Monsoon Session 2026: 1. Lok Sabha productivity was higher than Rajya Sabha productivity. 2. Rajya Sabha productivity was above 50%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. Productivity was about 19% in the Lok Sabha and about 39% in the Rajya Sabha.
Which of the following is NOT among the four sectors analysed in NITI Aayog's August 2026 report 'Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub'?
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Correct answer: D — Automobiles
The report analyses Chemicals, Telecom and Networking Equipment, Textiles and Solar PV manufacturing; automobiles is not one of the four.
Which body released the report 'Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub' on 13 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog released the report, which analyses chemicals, telecom and networking equipment, textiles and solar PV manufacturing.
The India Code Portal, revamped and relaunched on 13 August 2026 with AI-assisted search, is maintained by which department?
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Correct answer: C — Legislative Department
The India Code Portal belongs to the Legislative Department of the Law Ministry and provides the Constitution, Central Acts and Rules.
Against which terror syndicate did security agencies carry out a coordinated operation across 14 states on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Shahzad Bhatti Network
The operation targeted the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day.
How many people were detained across 14 states in the 12 August 2026 operation against the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
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Correct answer: D — 253
The operation led to 253 detentions across 14 states, with over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests recorded.
Which state recorded the highest number of detentions in the 12 August 2026 crackdown on the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
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Correct answer: C — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh had the most detentions (62), followed by Haryana (52), Delhi (51) and Punjab (44).
Consider the following statements about the operation against the Shahzad Bhatti Network: 1. Grenades recovered bore Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings. 2. The operation used a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Recoveries included grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, and the operation relied on real-time intelligence sharing with State Police forces.
What is the title of former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography released by PM Modi on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles
The autobiography is titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles' and was released at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Where was former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography released on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
PM Modi released the autobiography at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
At the release of Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography, PM Modi said the former President is still working on which reform?
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Correct answer: A — One Nation, One Election
The PM said that even after retiring as President, Kovind is working on 'One Nation, One Election', which could start a new chapter in democracy.
The 'One Herb, One Standard' MoU renewed on 12 August 2026 is between the PCIM&H and which body?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
The MoU is between the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (Ayush) and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (Health Ministry).
How many monographs were developed in the first phase of the 'One Herb, One Standard' initiative?
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Correct answer: B — 50
The renewed three-year framework builds on 50 monographs developed in the first phase.
Under which Article of the Constitution does the National Commission for Scheduled Castes present its report, as it did to the President on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Article 338
The NCSC's report on the working of safeguards for Scheduled Castes is presented under Article 338 of the Constitution.
Who led the National Commission for Scheduled Castes delegation that submitted the Annual Report 2024–25 to the President in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Kishor Makwana
The delegation was led by NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana, along with members including Love Kush Kumar.
Which nationwide short code did Government e Marketplace (GeM) introduce for its helpdesk on its 10th Foundation Day in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 14550
GeM introduced the short code 14550 for helpdesk services and launched a customised 'My Stamp' on its 10th Foundation Day.
Where was the 10th Foundation Day of Government e Marketplace (GeM) celebrated on 10 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Bharat Mandapam
GeM's 10th Foundation Day was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
In August 2026, the DRI busted a clandestine amphetamine manufacturing unit in Jewar. In which district is Jewar?
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Correct answer: D — Gautam Buddha Nagar
The facility was in a residential premises in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
Which agency busted the clandestine amphetamine lab in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized about 30 kg of amphetamine and 30 kg of precursor chemicals and arrested two people.
Who launched NITI Aayog's report 'India's Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services' on 10 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Ashok Kumar Lahiri
NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri launched the report, in the presence of CEO Nidhi Chhibber and MoSPI Secretary Saurabh Garg.
Professional services account for roughly what share of India's total services exports, according to NITI Aayog's August 2026 report?
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Correct answer: C — About one-quarter
Professional services account for nearly a quarter of India's total services exports.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's August 2026 report on professional services: 1. It is the first report in NITI Aayog's Services Thematic Series. 2. It benchmarks India's regulatory framework against select foreign jurisdictions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The report is the third in the Services Thematic Series, and it benchmarks India's framework against select foreign jurisdictions.
After the Home Ministry notified 11 more ports in August 2026, how many international ports allow entry of e-Visa holders?
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Correct answer: C — 88
The total rose to 88: 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports.
Of the 11 international ports newly notified for e-Visa entry in August 2026, how many are land ports?
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Correct answer: A — Nine
The 11 new ports comprise 9 land ports and 2 airports.
Consider the following statements about e-Visa entry ports in India as of August 2026: 1. Seaports outnumber airports among the ports allowing e-Visa entry. 2. India processes about 95% of e-Visa applications in under 72 hours. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. There are 38 seaports and 37 airports among the 88 ports, and about 95% of e-Visa applications are processed in under 72 hours.
Under TRAI's August 2026 direction, which number series will be used for service and transactional calls by utilities, courier and logistics firms?
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Correct answer: C — 1601
The 1601 series is for non-BFSI, non-government entities, starting with utilities, courier and logistics in Phase-I; the 1600 series is for BFSI and government.
Within how many days must telecom service providers onboard Phase-I entities onto the 1601 series under TRAI's August 2026 direction?
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Correct answer: D — 90 days
Telecom service providers must complete migration and onboarding of Phase-I entities within 90 days of the order.
Who assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Srinivasa Kumar Tummala
Oceanographer Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, former Director of INCOIS, took over from N. Kalaiselvi, who held additional charge.
NABL, which launched India's first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories in August 2026, is a constituent board of which body?
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Correct answer: C — Quality Council of India
NABL is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI).
How many members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission resigned on 9 August 2026 amid student protests?
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Correct answer: D — Three
All three JPSC members resigned amid protests over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination and other tests.
The student protests in Ranchi that led to the resignation of JPSC members in August 2026 were over alleged irregularities in which JPSC examination?
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Correct answer: C — 14th JPSC
The protests concerned alleged irregularities, including paper leaks, in the 14th JPSC examination and other recruitment tests.
Which police force received the President's Colours from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 9 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Puducherry Police
Amit Shah presented the President's Colours to Puducherry Police.
Who presented the President's Colours to Puducherry Police in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President's Colours to Puducherry Police on 9 August 2026.
Across how many geographically separated regions does the Puducherry Police maintain law and order, as noted at the President's Colours ceremony in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Four
Amit Shah noted that the Puducherry Police maintain law and order across Puducherry's four geographically separated regions.
Under the aegis of which department was the Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) Foundation Day organised on 9 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Department of Expenditure
The ICoAS Foundation Day was organised under the aegis of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
Which section of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 does the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 propose to amend in relation to UPI charges?
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Correct answer: B — Section 10A
The Bill proposes to amend Section 10A of the PSS Act, 2007; the NPCI-led UPI and Services Steering Committee would then decide on any MDR.
According to the Finance Ministry's clarification of August 2026, which body will decide on any MDR on UPI once the amendment is passed?
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Correct answer: C — UPI and Services Steering Committee headed by NPCI
The 'UPI and Services Steering Committee', headed by NPCI, will decide on the MDR, if any.
Consider the following statements based on the Finance Ministry's UPI clarification of August 2026: 1. Person-to-person UPI transactions will continue to be free. 2. Any MDR introduced will be levied on all merchant transactions at a uniform rate. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Any MDR would be threshold-based and apply only to a limited set of merchant transactions, not to all.
How many places/features in Arunachal Pradesh did the Government identify by standard names on Survey of India maps in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 27
The Government identified 27 places/features in Arunachal Pradesh on official Survey of India maps.
On whose official maps were the 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh identified by standard names in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Survey of India
The places were identified on the official maps of the Survey of India, in consultation with the state government.
Consider the following statements about the 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh identified on Survey of India maps: 1. Thag La is among the passes in the list. 2. Sher-e-Thapa is listed as a lake. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Thag La is one of four passes listed; Sher-e-Thapa is a memorial, while Sambho Sarovar is the lake.
Under the inventory-based cross-border e-commerce export framework notified in August 2026, export-only inventory operations are undertaken through which entity?
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Correct answer: B — Exporter-on-Record
Eligible e-commerce entities run export-only inventory operations through a registered Exporter-on-Record, which exports in its own name.
Under which policy was the inventory-based cross-border e-commerce export framework operationalised in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Foreign Trade Policy 2023
The framework was operationalised under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 through Notification No. 27/2026-27.
Which city hosted the Second Meeting of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group under India's BRICS Presidency in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Hyderabad
DoPT hosted the Second Meeting of the BRICS Anti-Corruption Working Group in Hyderabad on 4–5 August 2026.