Science & Technology Current Affairs Quiz — Last 3 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) has been developed and technically supported by which organisation?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Informatics Centre
iFMS was developed and is technically supported by the National Informatics Centre for the Department of Fertilizers.
According to the Department of Fertilizers (August 2026), iFMS connects more than how many Aadhaar-linked fertilizer buyers?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 14 crore
iFMS connects more than 14 crore Aadhaar-linked buyers and over 2.5 lakh retailers.
Which body conducted NEET-PG 2026 on 30 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences
NEET-PG 2026 was conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).
The Sanjeevani health pilot launched by Andhra Pradesh on 29 August 2026 at Gannela is located in which district?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Alluri Sitharama Raju
Gannela is in Araku Valley mandal of Alluri Sitharama Raju district.
From which date has Andhra Pradesh directed a state-wide roll-out of the Sanjeevani health programme?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1 January 2027
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to roll out Sanjeevani across Andhra Pradesh from 1 January 2027.
By which year does India aim to eliminate malaria, as reaffirmed at the Health Ministry review of August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2030
India's target, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, is malaria elimination by 2030.
According to the Health Ministry, the number of high-burden malaria districts in India fell from 155 to how many between 2015 and 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 33
High-burden districts fell from 155 to 33; 160 is the number of districts with zero indigenous cases in 2022–2025.
Consider the following statements about India's malaria situation as reviewed in August 2026: 1. The 33 high-burden districts accounted for 64% of malaria cases and 54% of malaria deaths in 2025. 2. The 33 high-burden districts are spread across nine States and Union Territories. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 33 districts across nine States/UTs accounted for 64% of cases and 54% of deaths in 2025.
The 'Gnani Artha' sovereign AI stack launched in August 2026 comprises which two components?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Evon 3.3 and Plexus
Gnani Artha comprises Evon 3.3, a large language model, and Plexus, a platform connecting AI with real-world work.
Who launched the 'Gnani Artha' sovereign AI stack at Uprashtrapati Bhavan on 28 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched Gnani Artha at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
What is the financial outlay of the PRIP scheme for pharma and MedTech research?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹5,000 crore
The Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech (PRIP) scheme has an outlay of ₹5,000 crore.
The PRIP scheme is administered by which ministry/department?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
PRIP is run by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Consider the following statements about the PRIP scheme's second call (August 2026): 1. Early-stage projects of startups and MSMEs can receive up to ₹5 crore per project. 2. Later-stage projects can receive up to ₹100 crore, with no limit on the share of project cost. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: later-stage assistance of up to ₹100 crore is capped at 35% of the approved project cost.
Sanchar Saathi, which crossed 75,000 handset recoveries in a single month in 2026, is an initiative of which department?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Telecommunications
Sanchar Saathi is the Department of Telecommunications' citizen-centric initiative.
By how much did monthly handset recoveries through Sanchar Saathi rise between April 2025 and July 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 201%
Monthly recoveries rose 201% between April 2025 and July 2026.
Consider the following statements about India's telecom subscription data at the end of July 2026: 1. Total telephone subscribers stood at about 1,354 million. 2. Rural telephone subscribers outnumbered urban subscribers. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: urban subscribers (796.68 million) outnumbered rural (557.59 million). Statement 2 is correct (1,354.28 million).
The Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 were notified by which department?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Department of Consumer Affairs
The Department of Consumer Affairs notified the Rules on 27 August 2026.
When will the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 come into force?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 180 days after publication in the Official Gazette
The Rules come into force 180 days from their publication in the Official Gazette (29 August 2026), giving organisations time to adapt systems.
Consider the following statements about Indian Standard Time (IST) under the 2026 framework: 1. CSIR-NPL generates IST using an ensemble of atomic clocks and keeps it traceable to UTC. 2. UTC is maintained by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: CSIR-NPL, India's National Metrology Institute, generates IST with atomic clocks traceable within nanoseconds to UTC, which BIPM maintains.
Secondary IST timescales have been set up at Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) in five cities. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kolkata
The five RRSLs are at Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Faridabad and Guwahati; Kolkata is not among them.
Where will the End-to-End Optical Network Testbed, agreed between DoT and C-DOT in August 2026, be located?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — C-DOT campus, New Delhi
The DoT-funded testbed will be located at the C-DOT campus in New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the DoT–C-DOT Optical Network Testbed: 1. The agreement covers a period of five years. 2. The set-up phase includes quantum security elements along with optical core and access. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: it is a five-year agreement, and the set-up phase (years 1–2) covers optical core, optical access and quantum security.
Operation Vajra 2.0, under which about 66.8 lakh psychotropic tablets were seized in August 2026, was conducted by which agency?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Central Bureau of Narcotics
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), through its MP Unit acting on CBN Neemuch intelligence, ran Operation Vajra 2.0.
The Operation Vajra 2.0 interception of August 2026 took place on which interstate route?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Chandigarh–Baddi
The truck was intercepted on the Chandigarh–Baddi route along the Punjab–Himachal Pradesh corridor.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission conclave of 27 August 2026: 1. It was held at NIPER Guwahati and was the first such conclave in the Northeast. 2. The IPC launched botanical reference standards for the first time. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the conclave at NIPER Guwahati was the first in the Northeast, and the five Botanical Reference Standards were the IPC's first ever.
UPI, which completed ten years on 25 August 2026, was developed and launched by which organisation?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — National Payments Corporation of India
UPI was launched on 25 August 2016 by NPCI under the regulatory oversight of the RBI.
As of August 2026, in how many countries is UPI accepted, according to the government?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 11
UPI is accepted in 11 countries, with Greece and the Maldives the latest to adopt it.
Consider the following statements about the evolution of UPI: 1. UPI was piloted in April 2016 with 44 member banks. 2. The BHIM app was launched in August 2016 along with UPI's public rollout. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The April 2016 pilot had 21 member banks (44 banks were live in FY 2016-17), and BHIM was launched in December 2016.
Which laboratory unveiled the indigenous NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 gas turbine engines on 25 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories
CSIR-NAL unveiled the three micro and small gas turbine engines at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi.
What is the thrust class of the NJ-100 engine unveiled by CSIR-NAL in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 100 kg
The NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 have 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg thrust respectively.
Consider the following statements about the CSIR-NAL gas turbine engines unveiled in August 2026: 1. They were unveiled at NAL's campus in Bengaluru. 2. The Chief of the Air Staff was the chief guest. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The engines were unveiled at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi, and the chief guest was Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman COSC.
Which institution will host the Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 launched by the Mines Ministry in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — JNARDDC, Nagpur
The hackathon will be organised and hosted by JNARDDC, Nagpur, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Mines.
Which edition of National Space Day did India celebrate on 23 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 3rd
23 August 2026 was the third National Space Day, after the day was declared following Chandrayaan-3's landing in 2023.
Which city hosted the national event of National Space Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ahmedabad
The inaugural national event was held at ISRO's Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad.
What is the theme of National Space Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership
The 2026 theme is 'Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership'.
Who was the chief guest at the national event of the 3rd National Space Day in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was chief guest; ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan presided and Gujarat minister Arjun Modhwadia was guest of honour.
Consider the following statements made at the National Space Day 2026 event: 1. Ahmedabad was chosen as host because of the Space Applications Centre and the start-up ecosystem around the city. 2. India's space sector reforms were rolled out in 2023, after the Chandrayaan-3 landing. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The space sector reforms were rolled out in 2020 and have led to more than 440 space start-ups.
Which declaration was unanimously adopted at the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting chaired by India in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Chennai Declaration
The meeting closed on 22 August 2026 with the unanimous adoption of the Chennai Declaration, also called the Chennai Consensus.
In the context of BRICS science cooperation, what does 'BRICS GRAIN' stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network
BRICS GRAIN is the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network; the Chennai Declaration records progress towards operationalising it.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting of August 2026: 1. It was the 10th such BRICS science ministerial meeting. 2. BRICS STI cooperation runs through 20 thematic working groups. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. It was the 14th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting, and cooperation runs through 14 thematic working groups.
The August 2026 restriction covers all fixed dose combinations of chlorpheniramine maleate with which other drug?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Phenylephrine hydrochloride
The restriction applies to all FDCs containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride.
Below what age must the restricted chlorpheniramine–phenylephrine FDCs not be used, as per the mandatory warning?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 4 years
The label must say: 'Fixed Dose Combination shall not be used in children below four years of age.'
Consider the following statements about the August 2026 FDC restriction: 1. The notification was issued under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. 2. The decision followed recommendations of an Expert Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The notification was issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The ICMR-supported centre CARBID, inaugurated at VIT Vellore in August 2026, focuses on research in:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bacteriophages and infectious diseases
CARBID is the Centre for Advanced Research in Bacteriophage and Infectious Diseases, aimed at tackling drug-resistant bacteria.
'Vigyan Pragati', the Hindi science magazine that completed 75 years in 2026, is published by:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — CSIR-NIScPR
Vigyan Pragati, launched in 1952, is published by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research.
What is the budgetary outlay of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme notified by MeitY in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹62,500 crore
The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) has a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore.
What is the tenure of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
The scheme runs for five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31; TS2 applicants may get a one-year gestation period.
Under Target Segment 2 (TS2) of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme, what incentive do Indian brands get?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 5%, plus an additional 3% for Indian design and R&D
TS2 gives Indian brands 5%, plus an additional 3% for Indian design and R&D; up to 1.5% more is available for domestic sourcing of key components.
Consider the following statements about the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme: 1. It follows the PLI scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, whose tenure ended on 31 March 2026. 2. To be eligible under Target Segment 1, a manufacturer needs a minimum turnover of ₹10,000 crore in FY 2025-26. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. TS1 also requires existing brands to add ₹5,000 crore in sales each year over FY 2025-26.
Which city hosted the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Pune
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting was held in Pune, Maharashtra, on 21 August 2026.
What is the theme of the ICT Track under India's BRICS Chairship in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future
Scindia introduced the ICT Track theme 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future', with four pillars.
On the sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track meeting in Pune in August 2026, India signed a telecommunications and ICT MoU with which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Brazil
Jyotiraditya Scindia and Brazil's Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho signed the MoU.
With the CEOs and founders of how many space start-ups did PM Modi interact on 21 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 20
The Prime Minister interacted with CEOs and founders of 20 space start-ups at Seva Teerth.
During his August 2026 interaction with space start-ups, PM Modi suggested greater collaboration with which initiative to nurture young minds' interest in space?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Atal Tinkering Labs
He suggested greater collaboration with Atal Tinkering Labs to nurture curiosity and interest in space among young minds.
Aboard which research vessel was most of the survey work behind CMLRE's 2026 national report on deep-sea fishery resources carried out?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — FORV Sagar Sampada
The Fishery and Oceanographic Research Vessel (FORV) Sagar Sampada served as the floating laboratory for the surveys.
Consider the following statements about CMLRE's National Report on Deep-Sea and Distant-Water Fishery Resources of the Indian EEZ: 1. It describes the mesopelagic 'twilight zone' as extending from 200 to 1,000 metres deep. 2. It covers India's Exclusive Economic Zone of about 2.37 million sq km. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The report also names biodiversity hotspots such as Kollam Bank and Angria Bank.
What download milestone did the Aadhaar App cross, as announced on 20 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 5 crore
The Aadhaar App crossed 5 crore (50 million) downloads; over 60 lakh mobile number updates have been done through it.
Which institutions developed the 'smart' cancer drug RK-251 announced in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — IASST Guwahati and IIT Guwahati
RK-251 was developed by researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, and IIT Guwahati.
What triggers the activation of the cancer drug RK-251 inside cancer cells?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Cancer cells produce high levels of reactive oxygen species; these trigger RK-251 to release the anticancer compound NBDHEX.
Consider the following statements about RK-251: 1. On activation it releases the anticancer compound NBDHEX. 2. In preclinical studies it showed strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Zebrafish embryo tests showed no obvious toxicity, but more studies are needed before patient trials.
How much financial support has been approved for the Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh under the agreement signed on 18 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹3,942 crore
₹3,942 crore has been approved for rolling out the Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh.
Consider the following statements about the Amended BharatNet agreement for Chhattisgarh: 1. The agreement was signed in Raipur. 2. The programme will cover 11,682 gram panchayats. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The agreement was signed at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi.
Through which mobile app can commuters buy NHAI's online FASTag Local Pass, extended to 121 toll plazas on 18 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rajmargyatra
Eligible commuters can subscribe to the monthly Local Pass online through the Rajmargyatra mobile app.
How many additional proposals did MeitY approve under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on 17 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 31
MeitY approved 31 more proposals with projected investment of ₹6,844 crore, in addition to 75 approved earlier.
After the approvals of 17 August 2026, how many ECMS projects had been approved in total, and how many plants had started manufacturing?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 106 approved; 38 operational
Of the 106 projects approved so far, 38 plants have commenced manufacturing and 16 more are at advanced stages of construction or machinery installation.
The ECMS approval event of 17 August 2026 was held in collaboration with which industry body?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA)
MeitY held the event for handing over approvals in New Delhi in collaboration with ELCINA, whose president Sasikumar Gendham attended.
With the launch of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY on 16 August 2026, West Bengal became which State to implement the scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 36th
All India Radio reported that West Bengal became the 36th State to implement AB PM-JAY.
Consider the following statements about the launch of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in West Bengal on 16 August 2026: 1. The scheme provides cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. 2. A separate State health insurance scheme was launched alongside for families not eligible for PM-JAY. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PM-JAY covers up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, and the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme was launched for around 80 lakh families outside PM-JAY.
Roughly how many families in West Bengal are to be covered under the State's Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme launched with PM-JAY on 16 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — About 80 lakh
The State scheme covers around 80 lakh families not covered by PM-JAY; about 1.43 crore families fall under PM-JAY itself.