Science & Technology Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
From which class did Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar announce AI education in schools on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Class 6
Under the AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula programme, AI education will be introduced in schools from Class 6.
How many key government vacancies did the Karnataka CM say were being filled, with notifications expected within six months?
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Correct answer: D — About 72,000
Shivakumar said recruitment for about 72,000 key vacancies had begun; one lakh is the job target under Udyoga Nidhi.
What economic target for Karnataka by 2047 did CM D.K. Shivakumar set in his Independence Day address of 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — $3 trillion
Shivakumar set a target of taking the State's economy to $3 trillion by 2047 under the slogan of a young Karnataka and new India.
VIHAAN, the broadband chip by Aheesa Digital Innovations that achieved first-pass silicon in August 2026, is built using which indigenous microprocessor?
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Correct answer: B — VEGA
MeitY said VIHAAN is a fibre broadband networking SoC built using the indigenous VEGA microprocessor.
Under which government scheme is chip design startup Aheesa Digital Innovations supported?
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Correct answer: C — Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
Aheesa is a DLI Scheme-backed startup; MeitY said DLI-backed companies have raised over $100 million in VC funding and achieved 35 design tape-outs.
The Qatar–India postal remittance service launched on 15 August 2026 credits money directly to which kind of accounts in India?
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Correct answer: A — UPI-enabled bank accounts
Customers in Qatar can send funds through Qatar Post outlets directly to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India.
Which platform of the Universal Postal Union is part of the Qatar–India UPI-powered postal remittance service?
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Correct answer: D — UPU Interconnection Platform (UPU-IP)
The service was developed by Qatar Post, India Post, the UPU Interconnection Platform (UPU-IP) and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
Which institution developed the RSVC-AMRIT platform launched by the Principal Scientific Adviser on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — NABARD
AMRIT was developed by NABARD in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser.
In the RSVC-AMRIT platform launched on 15 August 2026, what does 'RSVC' stand for?
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Correct answer: C — RuTAGe Smart Village Centre
AMRIT is the digital backbone of the RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC) ecosystem for rural innovation and technology transfer.
Which institution launched CYBER KUSHTI 2026, a national cybersecurity and AI hackathon, on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — NIELIT
CYBER KUSHTI 2026 was launched by NIELIT under MeitY, with CERT-In as Knowledge Partner.
India Post's first-ever drone delivery of the Tiranga on 14 August 2026 took place in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Himachal Pradesh
The drone flew the Tiranga from Mandi Head Post Office to Rehardhar Branch Post Office in Himachal Pradesh.
What total manufacturing capacity does the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets aim to create?
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Correct answer: C — 6,000 MTPA
The scheme aims to set up a total capacity of 6,000 MTPA, with each beneficiary allotted up to 1,200 MTPA; it drew 20 bids by August 2026.
Which ministry runs the scheme for sintered rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing that received 20 bids in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Heavy Industries
The Ministry of Heavy Industries received the 20 bids under the REPM scheme through a global tender on the CPP portal.
Consider the following statements about the REPM scheme: 1. The scheme covers sintered NdFeB (neodymium-iron-boron) magnets. 2. The Union Cabinet approved the scheme in November 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The scheme is for integrated sintered NdFeB rare earth permanent magnet facilities and was approved by the Union Cabinet on 26 November 2025.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, what does a 'Sujal Gaon ID' uniquely identify?
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Correct answer: A — A rural water supply service area (habitation)
Sujal Gaon IDs give digital identities to water supply service areas (habitations), while Sujalam Bharat IDs identify rural water supply schemes; 75% of habitations had Sujal Gaon IDs by August 2026.
Consider the following statements about Sujalam Bharat under the Jal Jeevan Mission: 1. It has been developed as a federated Digital Public Infrastructure. 2. It is integrated with the PM GatiShakti platform. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Sujalam Bharat is a federated DPI for lifecycle management of rural piped water supply schemes and is integrated with PM GatiShakti for GIS-validated architecture.
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.
Which unit of India Optel Limited developed and manufactures the 'GARUD' binoculars launched for the civil market in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Ordnance Factory Dehradun
GARUD is developed and manufactured by Ordnance Factory Dehradun, a unit of India Optel Limited, a Mini Ratna Category-I DPSU.
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.
Three Indian Sanchar Mitras were selected in August 2026 as Generation Connect Youth Envoys of which international organisation?
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Correct answer: D — International Telecommunication Union
They were selected as ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys for 2026–2030, in recognition of their work under DoT's Sanchar Mitra scheme.
What was the theme of International Youth Day 2026, observed on 12 August?
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Correct answer: B — Different Contexts, Common Aspirations
International Youth Day 2026 was observed under the theme 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations', as noted by the Department of Telecommunications.
Kavach Version 4.0 was approved in August 2026 for 660 route km of the Izzatnagar Division. Which railway zone does this division belong to?
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Correct answer: D — North Eastern Railway
Izzatnagar Division is part of North Eastern Railway; Kavach 4.0 was approved there at an estimated ₹295 crore.
Consider the following statements about Kavach: 1. Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system. 2. Kavach is designed to prevent Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) incidents. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Kavach is India's indigenous ATP system that prevents SPAD incidents and collisions by automatically applying brakes when required.
How many downloads had Indian Railways' RailOne app recorded as of August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 4.76 crore
RailOne had 4.76 crore downloads and about 10 lakh average daily ticket bookings as of 2 August 2026.
Which institute, an autonomous body under DST, developed the AI framework announced in August 2026 that detects hidden cancer stem-like cell states?
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Correct answer: C — S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences
Researchers from the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, with Ashoka University, developed the framework, which identifies three developmental states of cancer stem-like cells.
ICMR-SHINE 2026, which opened health research labs to school students on 11–12 August 2026, was held at how many locations?
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Correct answer: A — 83
The second edition of ICMR-SHINE was held across 83 locations for about 30,000 students.
In ICMR-SHINE, what does 'SHINE' stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Science and Health Innovation for NextGen Explorers
SHINE stands for Science and Health Innovation for NextGen Explorers; 2026 is its second edition.
The expansion of which Department of Biotechnology institute, with 50 additional acres from the state, was finalised in the Odisha science roadmap discussed in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar
The expansion of the DBT's Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, was finalised, with the Odisha government to provide 50 more acres.
Over which region did scientists detect an unusually high stratospheric ozone concentration, as reported in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — North Bay of Bengal
The unusual ozone layer was detected over the North Bay of Bengal during the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign.
The indigenous 206.5 MHz Stratosphere–Troposphere Radar used in the 2026 study on stratospheric ozone over the Bay of Bengal is located at which institute?
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Correct answer: C — Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital
The 206.5 MHz ST Radar is at ARIES, Nainital, an autonomous DST institute; similar radars at Haringhata, Gadanki and Kochi also contributed data.
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.
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).
'GrivaVision', supported by the Technology Development Board in August 2026, is an AI-assisted device for screening which disease?
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Correct answer: D — Cervical cancer
GrivaVision is a portable AI-assisted digital colposcope for early detection of cervical pre-cancerous lesions; it will be made at Kollam, Kerala.
What is the name of the integrated digital maritime governance platform launched by Sarbananda Sonowal in Mumbai on 8 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — E-Samudra
E-Samudra integrates services for seafarers, shipping companies and ports; e-NAVIK is a separate 24x7 grievance system.
Which directorate organised the stakeholder interaction at which E-Samudra was launched in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Directorate General of Maritime Administration
The event was organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry.
In the context of seafarer welfare initiatives showcased in August 2026, what does 'd-SEA' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement
d-SEA is the Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement, showcased alongside E-Samudra and e-NAVIK.
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.
Which CSIR laboratory developed the first-of-its-kind 'Eco-Educational Hub' dedicated to the nation in Lucknow in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — CSIR-NBRI
The Eco-Educational Hub was developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.
At which event did J.P. Nadda release the knowledge paper 'AI in MedTech: Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Artificial Intelligence' in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 9th India Medical Device 2026
The paper was released at the 9th edition of India Medical Device 2026, organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals with FICCI.
What milestone of OPD registrations did the ABDM Scan and Register service cross, as announced in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 25 crore
The NHA said the Scan and Register service crossed 25 crore OPD registrations.
By what name was the ABDM 'Scan and Register' service known earlier?
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Correct answer: B — Scan and Share
Scan and Register was earlier known as Scan and Share; it was launched in October 2022.
Where is the international mega science project FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) being built?
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Correct answer: B — Darmstadt, Germany
FAIR is a multipurpose particle accelerator facility being built at Darmstadt, Germany.
Which Indian institute designed the beam catcher equipment for FAIR's super fragment separator, delivered in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur
The beam catcher was designed by CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur, under Bose Institute's supervision.
Consider the following statements about India's participation in FAIR: 1. India's contribution is funded jointly in a 50:50 ratio by the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy. 2. Bose Institute, Kolkata, is India's shareholder in FAIR GmbH. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. DST and DAE fund India's contribution 50:50, and Bose Institute is the Indian shareholder and nodal institution.
Which SMS header did I4C use to alert potential victims of the 'Boss Scam' in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — I4CMHA-G
I4C intimated over 58,000 potential victims through the SMS header 'I4CMHA-G' in 30 days.
Through which portal did geo-blocking of the 'Boss Scam' command-and-control servers protect more than 10,000 Indians?
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Correct answer: B — Sahyog Portal
More than 10,000 Indians were protected by geo-blocking the C2 servers through the Sahyog Portal.
With which Digital Public Infrastructure platform is 'AAERI Verify', launched in August 2026 for students applying to Australian universities, integrated?
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Correct answer: A — DigiLocker
AAERI Verify is integrated with DigiLocker for consent-based verification of student documents.