Science & Technology Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences celebrated which Foundation Day on 27 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 20th
MoES celebrated its 20th Foundation Day at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi.
At the MoES 20th Foundation Day, Secretary Dr N. Kalaiselvi described the ministry as a 'service provider' through which programme?
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Correct answer: D — Mission Mausam
She called MoES the data provider through Prithvi systems, the service provider through Mission Mausam and the technology provider through the Deep Ocean Mission.
The blue straggler star reported by IIA in July 2026 was found in which star cluster?
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Correct answer: A — Collinder 261
The binary system TIC 327546480 lies in the old open star cluster Collinder 261, about 9,500 light-years away.
Consider the following statements about the IIA blue straggler study (July 2026): 1. It used light curves from NASA's TESS mission. 2. Radial-velocity data came from ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile. 3. The star was found to be forming through a collision of two unrelated stars. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
The study combined TESS light curves with VLT radial velocities and found the blue straggler actively gaining material from its binary companion (mass transfer), not a collision.
Blue Straggler Stars in a star cluster typically appear, compared with other cluster stars of similar type:
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Correct answer: B — Hotter, brighter and more massive
Blue Straggler Stars appear hotter, brighter and more massive than their peers in the cluster, which is why their origin has long puzzled astronomers.
Ladakh's first Yoga Wellness Instructor Certificate Course (400 hours) was launched in July 2026 at which institute in collaboration with MDNIY?
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Correct answer: A — National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa, Leh
The course was launched at the National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa (NISR), Leh, with the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga.
Under the TV Rating Policy 2026, the number of metered homes for audience measurement is to be expanded to:
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Correct answer: D — 80,000
Metered homes are to be increased from 50,000 to 80,000.
The TV Rating Policy 2026 reduced the net-worth requirement for TV rating agencies from ₹20 crore to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹5 crore
The net-worth criterion was reduced from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore.
Consider the following statements about the TV Rating Policy 2026: 1. It replaces the Guidelines for TV Rating Agencies issued in January 2014. 2. It provides for establishment surveys every three years. 3. It excludes the landing page from computation of viewership data. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct per the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
In July 2026, which district became the second in Nagaland, after Mon, to have Intra-Circle Roaming activated by DoT amid heavy rain and landslides?
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Correct answer: C — Longleng
Longleng became the second district in Nagaland after Mon to have ICR activated.
'Kusha', whose maiden flight-test was conducted by DRDO on 23 July 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
Kusha is a Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile designed to neutralise aerial threats such as fighter jets, missiles and UAVs.
From where was the maiden flight-test of the Kusha missile conducted in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha
The test was conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
In the maiden test of the Kusha missile, what kind of target was intercepted?
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Correct answer: A — An electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat
The missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed and high-altitude aerial threat.
Consider the following statements about the Kusha missile system: 1. Kusha can engage fighter jets, missiles, UAVs and large aircraft. 2. Kusha's radars and command and control centre were imported, with only the missile made in India. 3. The Defence Minister said the system will eliminate import dependency for such systems. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: all weapon system elements, including the missiles, radars and command and control centre, were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
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'.
The two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters at Manallur and Pillapaikkam, reported in July 2026, are in which State?
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Correct answer: D — Tamil Nadu
Both EMCs are in Tamil Nadu, with projects worth ₹1,012 crore.
As per MeitY (July 2026), approximately what share of mobile phones sold in India is now manufactured domestically?
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Correct answer: B — 99.2%
India now manufactures around 99.2% of the mobile phones sold in the country.
Which DRDO laboratory designed India's first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine of the 350 kg thrust class, delivered in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — GTRE
The engine was designed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE).
Which company manufactured and delivered DRDO's 350 kg thrust class expendable turbojet engine on 22 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Azad Engineering, Hyderabad
Azad Engineering, Hyderabad, was GTRE's industry partner and delivered the engine.
Which body granted marketing authorisation to Qdenga, India's first approved dengue vaccine, in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
CDSCO, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, granted the marketing authorisation.
For which age group has the Qdenga dengue vaccine been approved in India?
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Correct answer: C — 4 to 60 years
Qdenga is indicated for the prevention of dengue in individuals 4 to 60 years of age.
Which company manufactures the Qdenga dengue vaccine approved by CDSCO?
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Correct answer: D — Takeda GmbH, Germany
Qdenga is manufactured by Takeda GmbH, Germany, and imported by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd.
Consider the following statements about the Qdenga dengue vaccine: 1. Qdenga is given as two doses three months apart. 2. Qdenga is administered as an intramuscular injection. 3. Qdenga uses a dengue virus type-2 backbone. 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: Qdenga is given as a subcutaneous injection.
Allographa, of which five new species were described from the Western Ghats in July 2026, is a genus of:
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Correct answer: C — Lichen-forming fungi
Allographa is a genus of script lichens (lichen-forming fungi) in the family Graphidaceae.
Researchers of which institute described the five new Allographa species from the Western Ghats?
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Correct answer: B — MACS Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
The team was from MACS Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of DST.
How many projects for API manufacturing have been approved in Telangana under the PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs, as per the reply of July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 13
13 projects under the PLI Scheme for Bulk Drugs; 16 applicants run 48 units under the PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, 25 of them in Sangareddy.
Where was the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad held in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Tashkent
The 58th IChO was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 10 to 19 July 2026.
What was the Indian team's medal tally at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad?
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Correct answer: D — All four gold
All four Indian students won gold, India's first all-gold haul at the IChO.
Consider the following statements about the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (2026): 1. The Olympiad had 363 students from 93 countries. 2. India was placed first in the country-wise tally, jointly with China, Vietnam and Individual Participants Group B. 3. The Olympiad was held in Vilnius, Lithuania. 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: IChO 2026 was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Vilnius hosted the Biology Olympiad.
What was India's medal tally at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (2026)?
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Correct answer: B — 1 gold and 3 silver
All four Indian students won medals: 1 gold and 3 silver.
Which Indian student won the gold medal at the 37th International Biology Olympiad in Vilnius?
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Correct answer: D — Bhavyaa Gunwal
Bhavyaa Gunwal of Mahendragarh, Haryana, won gold; the other three won silver.
Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital launch vehicle that reached orbit on 18 July 2026, was built by which company?
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Correct answer: A — Skyroot Aerospace
Vikram-1 was developed by Skyroot Aerospace and launched under Mission Aagaman.
Under which mission name was Skyroot's Vikram-1 launched on 18 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Mission Aagaman
The Vikram-1 orbital launch was called Mission Aagaman.
How much payload can Vikram-1 place into Low Earth Orbit, as per the government backgrounder?
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Correct answer: D — 350 kg
The backgrounder says Vikram-1 can place 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit.
Consider the following statements about Vikram-1: 1. Vikram-1 has an all-carbon composite structure and a 3D-printed liquid engine. 2. Vikram-1 was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. 3. Vikram-1 uses only liquid-fuel stages, with no solid boosters. 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: Vikram-1 uses solid-fuel boosters along with a 3D-printed liquid engine.
How many downloads had the Aadhaar App crossed, as announced by UIDAI on 18 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 40 million
The Aadhaar App crossed 40 million (4 crore) downloads.
Until when has the email update feature (earlier priced at ₹75) been made free on the Aadhaar App?
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Correct answer: D — 31 December 2026
The email update feature, earlier priced at ₹75, is free on the Aadhaar App till 31 December 2026.
Under which mission was the foundation stone of a 150-bed Critical Care Block laid at PGIMER, Chandigarh, on 17 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — PM-ABHIM
The 150-bed Critical Care Block is under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).
Which two centres did PM Modi inaugurate at PGIMER, Chandigarh, on 17 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Advanced Mother and Child Centre and Advanced Neurosciences Centre
The PM inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at PGIMER.
The 'White Rabbit Technology'-based Indian Standard Time distribution demonstration network inaugurated on 16 July 2026 is located in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Bengaluru
The network was inaugurated at the Regional Reference Standards Laboratory (RRSL), Jakkur, Bengaluru.
Which body is the nodal agency for the White Rabbit-based IST distribution project?
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Correct answer: A — Legal Metrology Division, Department of Consumer Affairs
The Legal Metrology Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs is the nodal agency, working with NPL, ISRO, BSNL and SEBI.
Consider the following statements about the IST Distribution Demonstration Network inaugurated on 16 July 2026: 1. The network is implemented under the 'One Nation, One Time' vision. 2. The network aims to reduce reliance on foreign time sources such as GPS. 3. The network operates outside Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) protocols. 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: the indigenous system complies with global UTC protocols.
What bioeconomy size does NITI Aayog's roadmap launched on 16 July 2026 target for India by 2035?
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Correct answer: B — $691 billion
The roadmap targets $691 billion by 2035 and $2.6 trillion by 2047.
How many National BioMissions does NITI Aayog's bioeconomy roadmap recommend as execution platforms?
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Correct answer: D — Six
A central recommendation is the creation of six National BioMissions.
As per NITI Aayog's roadmap, what share of India's GDP did the bioeconomy contribute in 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 4.8%
India's bioeconomy was $195.3 billion in 2025, contributing 4.8% to national GDP.
Consider the following statements about the bioeconomy roadmap launched on 16 July 2026: 1. The roadmap was developed by the NITI Frontier Tech Hub. 2. India's bioeconomy grew from $10 billion in 2014 to $195.3 billion in 2025. 3. At the launch, India's first Engineering Biology graduation course was announced. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct as per the NITI Aayog and Ministry of Science & Technology releases.
How many improved crop varieties did ICAR develop over the past year, as stated on its 98th Foundation Day (16 July 2026)?
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Correct answer: A — 386
ICAR developed 386 improved varieties across 44 crops over the past year.
ICAR Foundation Day, observed on 16 July, marks the Council's establishment in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1928
ICAR Foundation Day commemorates the establishment of the Council in 1928.
Consider the following statements about the varieties ICAR developed over the past year: 1. The varieties cover 44 crops. 2. 94% of the varieties are climate-resilient. 3. 29 of the varieties are biofortified. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct: 386 varieties across 44 crops, 94% climate-resilient and 29 biofortified.
What is the total outlay of Semicon 2.0, approved by the Union Cabinet on 15 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1,27,500 crore
Semicon 2.0 has a total budget outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore.
On how many pillars is Semicon 2.0 built?
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Correct answer: A — Six
Semicon 2.0 has six pillars: design, machines and materials, fabs, ATMP/OSAT, R&D, and talent development.
According to the Semicon 2.0 Cabinet release, in which year is India's first semiconductor fab scheduled to be commissioned?
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Correct answer: D — 2028
The release states that the first fab is scheduled to be commissioned in 2028.
Consider the following statements about India's semiconductor programmes: 1. The Semicon India programme was approved by the Cabinet in December 2021 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore. 2. The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was set up under the 2021 programme to drive the sector. 3. Under ISM 1.0, twelve semiconductor manufacturing units have been approved. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct: the Cabinet approved the ₹76,000-crore programme and set up ISM on 15 December 2021, and twelve units have been approved under ISM 1.0.
What is the budgetary outlay of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) approved on 15 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹62,500 crore
The Cabinet approved MPMS with a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore.
What additional incentive does MPMS provide on eligible sales for design and R&D to build Indian brands?
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Correct answer: C — 3%
MPMS gives an additional 3% incentive on eligible sales for design and R&D of the product to build Indian brands.
Consider the following statements about the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS): 1. The scheme runs from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. 2. India is the world's second-largest mobile phone manufacturer by volume. 3. The scheme gives a flat 10% incentive on all eligible sales. 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: the incentive is at differentiated rates of 2.25% to 5%, with extra incentives for domestic sourcing and design.
Where is the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) located?
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Correct answer: D — Umiam, Meghalaya
Jitendra Singh visited NESAC at Umiam, Meghalaya.
Geospatial mapping of which international border is being carried out by NESAC, as stated by Jitendra Singh in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — India–Myanmar
NESAC is contributing to geospatial mapping of the India–Myanmar border and inter-State boundaries in the Northeast.
NESAC was set up in September 2000 as a joint initiative of the Department of Space and which body?
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Correct answer: C — North Eastern Council
NESAC is a joint initiative of the Department of Space (DOS) and the North Eastern Council (NEC), and came into being on 5 September 2000.
Which institution developed the room-temperature ammonia sensor based on a VOx/VS2 heterostructure, announced in July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Bengaluru
Researchers at CeNS, Bengaluru, an autonomous institution of DST, developed the sensor.
NIDAR 2.0, launched by MeitY in July 2026, is a national innovation challenge in which field?
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Correct answer: B — Drone application and research
NIDAR stands for National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research.
The VEGA processor, around which NIDAR 2.0 teams must design a flight controller, is based on which architecture and developed by which body?
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Correct answer: C — RISC-V architecture; C-DAC
VEGA is a family of indigenous microprocessors designed by C-DAC under MeitY's Microprocessor Development Programme, based on the open-standard RISC-V architecture.
Where was the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held?
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Correct answer: A — Bucaramanga, Colombia
The 56th IPhO 2026 was held in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
How many gold medals did the Indian contingent win at the 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Five
All five members of the Indian contingent won gold medals.
The second edition of the Digital Threat Report 2025–26 released by MeitY in July 2026 focuses on which sector?
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Correct answer: A — Banking, financial services, insurance and payments
The report covers the BFSI and payments ecosystem; it was prepared with CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin and SISA.
Which age group can take part in the MY Bharat 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' competitions announced in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 15 to 29 years
The competitions are open to youth aged 15 to 29 years, individually or in groups.
The 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' competitions will culminate at which event?
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Correct answer: D — National Youth Summit, New Delhi
The three-tier competition culminates at the National Youth Summit in New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the MY Bharat 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' competitions: 1. They are held in a three-tier format: district, state and national. 2. Slam Poetry and Nukkad Natak are among the five creative categories. 3. Entries must be submitted only in Hindi or English. 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: entries may be in Hindi, English or any regional language.
In which city did Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurate Ashoka Health City on 12 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Nashik
Om Birla inaugurated Ashoka Health City in Nashik, Maharashtra.
During which period will the nationwide 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' coastal cleanliness campaign be held in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 10–19 September 2026
The campaign is scheduled along India's coastline from 10 to 19 September 2026.