CDS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
As of August 2026, how many coal blocks have been successfully auctioned since commercial coal mining began in 2020?
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Correct answer: B — 147
With the six blocks of August 2026, 147 coal blocks have been auctioned since 2020, with a production capacity of 377.974 MTPA.
Consider the following statements about the coal block auctions concluded on 4 August 2026: 1. The highest final offer, 37.50%, was for the Tara (Revised) block in Chhattisgarh. 2. All six blocks auctioned were fully explored blocks. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: four blocks were fully explored and two partially explored.
According to the MHA in August 2026, how many fugitive criminals were brought back to India between 2019 and 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 274
274 fugitives were brought back from 36 countries; 401 is the number of Red Corner Notices in the last three years.
BHARATPOL connects more than 1,400 Indian agencies with which organisation?
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Correct answer: D — INTERPOL
BHARATPOL connects more than 1,400 agencies with INTERPOL, reducing information-sharing time to 3–10 days.
In August 2026, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana crossed which milestone of rooftop solar households?
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Correct answer: C — 50 lakh
The scheme crossed 50.06 lakh beneficiary households with rooftop solar installations.
What is the financial outlay of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana?
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Correct answer: D — ₹75,021 crore
The scheme has an outlay of ₹75,021 crore; ₹28,024 crore is the subsidy released so far through DBT.
Consider the following statements about PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana as of August 2026: 1. Rooftop solar capacity of about 25 GW has been commissioned under the scheme. 2. About 20 lakh rooftop solar installations were recorded in the ten years before the scheme. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: 14.8 GW has been commissioned, and only 7.94 lakh installations were recorded in the previous ten years.
International Clouded Leopard Day is observed on which date?
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Correct answer: D — 4 August
International Clouded Leopard Day is observed on 4 August.
How many priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India are identified in India's Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan?
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Correct answer: A — 14
The CAP identifies 14 priority conservation landscapes across Northeast India.
Consider the following statements about India's Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan: 1. It was released at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life held at Kaziranga. 2. The clouded leopard has been included in the Species Recovery Programme of the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the CAP was released at the 91st SC-NBWL meeting in Coimbatore. Statement 2 is correct.
Which institution conducted the third-party assessment of the KCC–Modified Interest Subvention Scheme reported in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC), Bengaluru
The assessment was conducted through ISEC, Bengaluru.
According to the ISEC assessment, every ₹1 invested under KCC-MISS contributes how much to net value addition in agriculture and allied sectors?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2.30
Every ₹1 invested under KCC-MISS contributes ₹2.30 to net value addition; ₹1.87 lakh crore is the subsidy outlay till 2024-25.
Consider the following statements about KCC-MISS: 1. Its estimated subsidy outlay from inception till 2024-25 was about ₹1.87 lakh crore. 2. Farmers receiving the Prompt Repayment Incentive showed better credit discipline, according to the ISEC study. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements reflect the ISEC findings reported by the Finance Ministry.
How much freight did Indian Railways load in July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 141.3 million tonnes
Indian Railways loaded 141.3 MT in July 2026 against 129.7 MT in July 2025, a 9% rise.
Which commodity recorded the highest year-on-year growth in railway loading in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Iron ore
Iron ore loading grew 22.2%, ahead of fertilisers (12%) and coal and food grains (11.5% each).
As reported in August 2026, what share of India's inhabited villages is served by a banking outlet within 5 km?
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Correct answer: A — 99.92%
99.92% of inhabited villages (6,00,868 of 6,01,328) are served by a banking outlet within 5 km.
The coverage of villages by banking outlets is tracked using data uploaded by banks on which app?
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Correct answer: B — Jan Dhan Darshak
The figures are based on data uploaded by banks on the Jan Dhan Darshak (JDD) app.
Consider the following statements: 1. RBI permits banks to open branches anywhere without prior approval, provided 25% of them are in unbanked rural areas. 2. More than 75 crore PMJDY accounts had been opened as of August 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: 58.77 crore PMJDY accounts had been opened.
The revamped 'TRAI MyCall' app launched in August 2026 is meant for consumers to assess what?
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Correct answer: D — Voice-call quality
TRAI MyCall lets consumers rate and report their voice-calling experience, including call drops and audio issues.
What was India's position on the medal table of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?
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Correct answer: B — 4th
India finished 4th with 39 medals, behind Australia, England and Canada and ahead of Scotland on silver medals.
How many medals did India win at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?
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Correct answer: D — 39 medals, including 13 gold
India won 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze.
In which sport did India win the most gold medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games?
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Correct answer: A — Boxing
Boxing gave India 7 of its 13 golds (7 gold, 3 silver).
Consider the following statements about the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games: 1. At the closing ceremony, the Games were handed over to Ahmedabad, host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. 2. India won more medals in weightlifting than in boxing. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: India won 8 medals in weightlifting and 10 in boxing.
As per the Government's reply in the Rajya Sabha published on 2 August 2026, how many sewer and septic tank workers had been validated under the NAMASTE Scheme?
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Correct answer: C — 89,915
PIB (2 Aug 2026): under the NAMASTE Scheme, 89,915 sewer and septic tank workers have been validated across the country.
The fresh survey reported in August 2026, which found no manual scavengers, was conducted under which law?
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Correct answer: B — Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013
PIB (2 Aug 2026): the fresh survey was conducted across all districts under the provisions of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act, 2013).
Consider the following statements, as stated in the Government's reply of August 2026: 1. The NAMASTE Scheme was launched during 2023-24. 2. Swachh Bharat Mission–Urban 2.0 was launched on 1 October 2021. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB (2 Aug 2026): NAMASTE was launched during 2023-24 and SBM-U 2.0 was launched on 1 October 2021, so both are correct.
Pingali Venkayya, whose 150th birth anniversary was marked on 2 August 2026, is remembered for his role in giving India what?
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Correct answer: D — The Tricolour (National Flag)
The PM remembered Pingali Venkayya for his invaluable role in giving the nation the Tricolour.
Which birth anniversary of Pingali Venkayya was observed on 2 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 150th
2 August 2026 marked Pingali Venkayya's 150th birth anniversary.
What is the duration of the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan' launched in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 100 weeks
It is a 100-week campaign, with dedicated activities every Sunday.
The 'Nasha Mukt Yuva' initiative was piloted the previous year from which place before its national launch?
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Correct answer: B — Kashi (Varanasi)
The PM said the initiative was first launched as a pilot from Kashi, backed by the Kashi Declaration.
Consider the following statements about the 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan': 1. Campaign activities spanning art, culture, sports and meditation are planned for every Sunday. 2. Over 125 spiritual organisations support it under the Kashi Declaration. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the launch release.
What was India's total coal production in July 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: A — 69.75 million tonnes
Production was 69.75 MT, up 7.51% from 64.88 MT; 86.33 MT was dispatch and 50.35 MT was Coal India's output.
By how much did India's coal dispatch grow year on year in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 17.34%
Coal dispatch grew 17.34% to 86.33 MT; production grew 7.51%.
How much coal did Coal India Limited (CIL) produce in July 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: B — 50.35 MT
Ministry of Coal (2 Aug 2026): Coal India Limited contributed 50.35 MT (provisional) to July 2026 production, 8.42% more than in July 2025.
Whom did Tanvi Sharma defeat in the Taipei Open 2026 women's singles final?
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Correct answer: C — Nguyen Thuy Linh
Tanvi Sharma beat Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh 21-16, 21-16 in the final on 2 August 2026.
The Taipei Open, won by Tanvi Sharma in August 2026, belongs to which level of the BWF World Tour?
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Correct answer: B — Super 300
The Taipei Open is a BWF Super 300 event; it was Tanvi's maiden World Tour title.
Consider the following statements about Tanvi Sharma's Taipei Open 2026 win: 1. The final went to three games. 2. She is coached by Pullela Gopichand. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong: she won in straight games (21-16, 21-16), and her coach is Park Tae-sang.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority release in August 2026 as access and benefit-sharing for the use of Indian rice varieties?
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Correct answer: B — ₹8.22 crore
NBA released ₹8.22 crore – ₹2.47 crore to research institutions and ₹5.75 crore to 33 state/UT biodiversity bodies.
Which institution received the largest share of the NBA's rice benefit-sharing disbursement of August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad
ICAR–IIRR, Hyderabad received ₹2.43 crore, the largest share; G.B. Pant University received ₹3.26 lakh.
Consider the following statements about the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA): 1. It is a statutory body established under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. 2. It functions under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the NBA is under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
How much did the Union Government release to states as an additional tax devolution instalment on 1 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹1,09,019 crore
The Centre released ₹1,09,019 crore as an additional instalment, besides the normal monthly devolution due on 10 August.
Which state received the largest share of the additional tax devolution instalment released on 1 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh received ₹19,208 crore, the largest share, followed by Bihar (₹10,845 crore).
Consider the following statements about the tax devolution released on 1 August 2026: 1. It was in addition to the normal monthly devolution due on 10 August 2026. 2. Bihar received the highest amount among all states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Uttar Pradesh received the highest amount (₹19,208 crore).
How much did the Centre approve on 1 August 2026 as advance release from the Central share of SDRF to flood-affected states?
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Correct answer: C — ₹2,117.85 crore
Amit Shah approved an advance release of ₹2,117.85 crore from the Central share of SDRF.
To which states had Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) already been deputed to assess flood damage, as of 1 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
IMCTs had been deputed to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam; one was being constituted for Nagaland.
Consider the following statements about the SDRF advance approved on 1 August 2026: 1. Gujarat was approved ₹500 crore as advance release of the first instalment. 2. Assam was sanctioned ₹379.35 crore as advance release of the first instalment. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the MHA release.
In July 2026 the Union Cabinet approved 'Samudra Manthan'. What is this scheme about?
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Correct answer: D — National offshore oil and gas exploration
Samudra Manthan is the National Offshore Exploration Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, approved on 31 July 2026.
What is the approved outlay of the Samudra Manthan scheme approved in July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Rs 84,084 crore
The Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan with an outlay of Rs 84,084 crore for implementation up to FY 2030–31.
Consider the following statements about the Samudra Manthan scheme (July 2026): 1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented through state governments. 2. It is expected to catalyse reserve accretion of over 600 MMTOE. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Samudra Manthan is a Central Sector Scheme (not Centrally Sponsored) of the Petroleum Ministry; it is expected to catalyse reserve accretion of over 600 MMTOE.
The 'Samudra Manthan' scheme approved in July 2026 translates a vision first articulated by the Prime Minister on which occasion?
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Correct answer: D — Independence Day 2025 from the Red Fort
The scheme translates the Prime Minister's vision, articulated from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025, of a modern-day Samudra Manthan.
Who became the first woman Director General of the Geological Survey of India on 31 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Varsha Ashok Aglawe
Varsha Ashok Aglawe assumed charge as the 54th DG of GSI, the first woman to head it in its 176-year history.
Varsha Ashok Aglawe, who took charge as GSI Director General in July 2026, succeeded whom?
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Correct answer: D — Asit Saha
She succeeded Asit Saha, who served as Director General from 27 July 2024 to 31 July 2026.
Consider the following statements about the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as per the July 2026 PIB release: 1. Varsha Ashok Aglawe is its 54th Director General. 2. GSI functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
She is the 54th DG of GSI; the release was issued by the Ministry of Mines, under which GSI works – not the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The 'Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana' approved by the Cabinet in July 2026 is meant for which type of projects?
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Correct answer: D — Floating solar PV projects with energy storage
PM-SSY is a scheme for Floating Solar Photovoltaic projects with Energy Storage Systems.
How much floating solar capacity does PM Surya Sarovar Yojana (July 2026) aim to develop?
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Correct answer: C — 5,000 MW
The scheme envisages 5,000 MW of floating solar PV with co-located storage of 10,000 MWh.
Under PM Surya Sarovar Yojana, what Central Financial Assistance is given for eligible floating solar projects after commissioning?
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Correct answer: A — Rs 1 crore per MW
CFA of Rs 1 crore per MW is provided after successful commissioning; up to Rs 50 lakh per project is separately available for feasibility studies.
Which institution estimated India's floating solar potential at about 102.18 GWp, cited in the PM-SSY Cabinet approval of July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — National Institute of Solar Energy
The approval followed an assessment by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), which estimated floating solar potential of about 102.18 GWp.
In July 2026 the Union Cabinet approved continuation of PM-KISAN up to which year?
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Correct answer: C — 2030-31
The Cabinet approved continuation of PM-KISAN from 2026–27 to 2030–31.
What financial outlay was approved in July 2026 for continuing PM-KISAN for 2026–27 to 2030–31?
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Correct answer: B — Rs 3.15 lakh crore
A total financial outlay of Rs 3.15 lakh crore was approved for the scheme for this period.
Consider the following statements about PM-KISAN as per the Cabinet release of July 2026: 1. Eligible farmer families receive Rs 6,000 a year in three equal instalments. 2. The scheme was launched in February 2019. 3. Women make up about half of all beneficiaries. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PM-KISAN was launched in February 2019 and gives Rs 6,000 a year in three equal instalments; nearly one out of every four beneficiaries (not half) is a woman farmer.
As per the July 2026 Cabinet release, how many instalments of PM-KISAN had been released, transferring over Rs 4.47 lakh crore?
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Correct answer: C — 23
More than Rs 4.47 lakh crore has been transferred to farmers through 23 instalments; the 23rd instalment benefited over 9.49 crore farmers.
What is the combined outlay approved in July 2026 for the revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations for 2026–31?
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Correct answer: B — Rs 36,441 crore
The Cabinet approved a combined outlay of Rs 36,441 crore for 2026–27 to 2030–31.
Under the revamped Khelo India Scheme (July 2026), which two new initiatives were introduced to strengthen school sports?
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Correct answer: A — Khelo India Feeder Schools and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas
The scheme introduced Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) and Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV) to integrate sports with education.
Consider the following statements about the revamped Khelo India Scheme approved in July 2026: 1. Its outlay is nearly eight times that of the previous Khelo India Scheme. 2. It creates a new category called Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
PIB states the outlay is nearly eight times the previous scheme and that a new Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category is created.
Who won India's first-ever judo gold medal in Commonwealth Games history, at Glasgow 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Asmita Dey
Asmita Dey won the women's 48 kg judo final on 31 July 2026, India's first-ever CWG judo gold.
In which weight category did Harsh Singh win gold at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Indian man to win CWG judo gold?
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Correct answer: A — Men's 60 kg
Harsh Singh won the men's 60 kg judo final, beating Australia's Joshua Katz.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games, where India won its first judo golds, were held in which city?
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Correct answer: C — Glasgow
PIB releases refer to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026.
As per the Labour Minister in July 2026, about how many people in India are covered by social protection systems, as highlighted by the ILO?
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Correct answer: C — 101 crore
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said India's social protection systems cover about 101 crore people, over 68% of the population.
The ILO highlighted India's social protection coverage of over one billion people at which meeting held in Hyderabad in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — BRICS Labour Ministers' Meeting
The figure was highlighted by the ILO at the BRICS Labour Ministers' Meeting in Hyderabad.
The indigenous Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel launched by the Army chief in July 2026 remains effective down to what temperature?
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Correct answer: D — Minus 42°C
XWG Diesel remains effective at temperatures as low as minus 42 degrees Celsius.
Consider the following statements about the XWG Diesel launched in July 2026: 1. It was developed jointly by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies. 2. Army vehicles need engine modification to use it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
It was developed by the Indian Army with Oil Marketing Companies and can be used in the existing fleet without any engine modification.
The revised Captive Policy for Port Dependent Industries approved by the Cabinet in July 2026 updates the Captive Policy of which year?
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Correct answer: B — 2016
The revised policy updates the existing Captive Policy of 2016.
Under the revised Captive Policy for major ports (July 2026), fresh capacity is to be awarded through competitive bidding with which feature?
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Correct answer: B — Right of First Refusal (RoFR)
The policy provides for competitive bidding with a Right of First Refusal (RoFR) to unlock fresh capacity at major ports.
In July 2026 PM Narendra Modi congratulated whom on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
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Correct answer: A — Andy Burnham
PM Modi received a call from UK PM Andy Burnham on 31 July 2026 and congratulated him on assuming office.
During the Modi–Burnham call of July 2026, cooperation was to be deepened in line with which framework?
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Correct answer: D — India-UK Vision 2035
The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in priority areas in line with the India-UK Vision 2035.
In the NBA's July 2026 Access and Benefit Sharing release, a family-run farm in Haryana was paid for access to the breeding stock of which animal?
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Correct answer: B — Murrah buffalo
A family-run Murrah buffalo farm in Haryana received ₹4.30 lakh for access to its Murrah breeding stock.
Consider the following statements about the National Biodiversity Authority's benefit-sharing release of 31 July 2026: 1. ICRISAT, Patancheru received the largest single share of about ₹5.36 lakh. 2. With this release, NBA's total Access and Benefit Sharing disbursals reached about ₹153 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the NBA release.
In July 2026 Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja was appointed to which post?
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Correct answer: B — Director General Armed Forces Medical Services
The government appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as the next Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja will take over as DGAFMS on the retirement of which officer on 31 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
He will assume the appointment upon the retirement of the incumbent DGAFMS, Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, on 31 August 2026.
Former Army chief Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma, who died in July 2026, was the younger brother of which war hero?
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Correct answer: D — Maj Som Nath Sharma
He was the younger brother of Major Som Nath Sharma, independent India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee.
Gen Vishwa Nath Sharma, who passed away on 31 July 2026, served as Chief of the Army Staff during which period?
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Correct answer: B — 1988–1990
He was Chief of the Army Staff from 30 June 1988 to 30 June 1990.