CDS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In September 2026, Shakti Sharma became the first non-medical woman officer in India's Defence Forces to attain which rank (or equivalent)?
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Correct answer: D — Air Vice Marshal
Shakti Sharma became the first non-medical woman officer to attain the two-star rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent.
Which appointment did AVM Shakti Sharma assume at Air Headquarters on 1 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education)
AVM Shakti Sharma took over as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education).
Consider the following statements about AVM Shakti Sharma: 1. She was commissioned into the Medical Branch of the IAF in 1994. 2. She was the first woman officer from the tri-services to command a Sainik School, as Principal of Sainik School, Kapurthala. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: she was commissioned into the Education Branch on 18 June 1994 and is a non-medical officer. Statement 2 is correct.
Where was the 26th Meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of State held in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Bishkek
The 26th SCO summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on 31 August–1 September 2026.
The 2026 SCO summit in Bishkek marked which anniversary of the organisation?
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Correct answer: C — 25th
The 2026 summit marked the SCO's 25th anniversary.
Consider the following statements about the Bishkek Declaration of the SCO (2026): 1. It includes the India-supported initiative of English as an official language in the SCO Charter. 2. India will host the first edition of the SCO Civilisation Dialogue Forum. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the PMO release.
At the SCO summit in 2026, PM Modi sought concrete outcomes on India's vision for the SCO built on which three pillars?
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Correct answer: B — Security, Connectivity and Opportunity
India had shared its vision of Security, Connectivity and Opportunity at the previous summit; PM Modi called for concrete outcomes on these pillars.
India Post Payments Bank, which marked its 9th Foundation Day in 2026, was launched on which date?
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Correct answer: D — 1 September 2018
IPPB was launched on 1 September 2018 under the Department of Posts.
What did India Post Payments Bank launch for merchants on its 9th Foundation Day?
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Correct answer: B — DakPay Sound Box
IPPB launched the DakPay Sound Box for merchants to simplify digital payment acceptance.
The NHRC was established under which law, which is also a topic of its Human Rights Quiz 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
The NHRC was set up under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993; the quiz covers the PHRA and NHRC's functions.
The NHRC's Human Rights Quiz 2026 runs until 10 October, ahead of its 33rd Foundation Day. On which date was the NHRC established?
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Correct answer: B — 12 October 1993
The NHRC was established on 12 October 1993, so 12 October 2026 is its 33rd Foundation Day.
How many districts are covered under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, reviewed in September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 100
PM-DDKY is being implemented in 100 identified districts.
The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana review in September 2026 focused on the convergence of how many schemes?
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Correct answer: B — 36
The review focused on outcome-based monitoring and convergence of 36 schemes.
To what level did the Centre cut the stock holding limit for sugar dealers from 15 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 2,000 quintals
The limit was cut from 4,000 to 2,000 quintals, effective 15 September to 30 November 2026.
Which area was allowed to keep the higher sugar stock limit of 4,000 quintals under the September 2026 order?
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Correct answer: C — Kolkata and its extended metropolitan area
The 4,000-quintal limit continues for Kolkata and its extended metropolitan area, which supplies eastern India and the North-East.
What was India's real GDP growth in Q1 (April–June) of FY 2026-27, as estimated by MoSPI on 31 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 7.8%
Real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 FY 2026-27; nominal GDP grew 10.3% and real GVA 8.2%.
What was the growth of real Gross Value Added (GVA) in Q1 of FY 2026-27?
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Correct answer: D — 8.2%
Real GVA grew 8.2% to ₹73.82 lakh crore in Q1 FY 2026-27.
The Q1 FY 2026-27 GDP estimates are based on the new national accounts series with which base year?
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Correct answer: A — 2022-23
MoSPI released the new series of GDP estimates with base year 2022-23 on 27 February 2026.
Consider the following statements about India's Q1 FY 2026-27 GDP estimates: 1. Nominal GDP grew faster than real GDP during the quarter. 2. The new GDP series with base year 2022-23 was released in February 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: nominal GDP grew 10.3% against 7.8% real growth, and the new series was released on 27 February 2026.
Where was the 27th India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Cultural matters held in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Moscow
The 27th IGC was held in Moscow on 24 August 2026; Modi and Putin welcomed its outcome in Bishkek.
Before their August 2026 meeting in Bishkek, PM Modi and President Putin last met at which India–Russia Annual Summit in Delhi in December 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 23rd
The two leaders had met in Delhi for the 23rd Annual Summit in December 2025.
PM Modi congratulated Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov on Kyrgyzstan's Independence Day during their Bishkek meeting. On which date does it fall, coinciding with the opening of the 2026 SCO Summit?
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Correct answer: A — 31 August
The Kyrgyz Independence Day on 31 August coincided with the opening of the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek.
The 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, conferred on PM Modi in August 2026, is the highest honour for foreign leaders of which country?
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Correct answer: A — Uzbekistan
It is Uzbekistan's highest honour for foreign leaders, conferred by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
What does the name of the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order mean?
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Correct answer: C — Order of Highest Friendship
'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' means Order of Highest Friendship.
To what level did India and Uzbekistan elevate their relationship during PM Modi's State Visit in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The leaders elevated the bilateral Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
What bilateral trade target did India and Uzbekistan set in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — USD 5 billion by 2030
The leaders agreed to a bilateral trade target of USD 5 billion by 2030 and called for a Business Summit.
Consider the following outcomes of PM Modi's State Visit to Uzbekistan (August 2026): 1. A Letter of Intent was signed for conserving the ancient Buddhist sites of Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa in Termez. 2. Gujarat and the Samarkand region signed a cooperation agreement to establish partnership relations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the official list of outcomes.
During his 2026 visit to Uzbekistan, PM Modi announced scholarships for Uzbek students to learn Hindi, named after which former Prime Minister?
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Correct answer: A — Lal Bahadur Shastri
PM Modi announced 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri Scholarships for Hindi, marking the 60th anniversary of Shastri's death in Tashkent.
Within what period does the UN-facilitated Libya agreement of 30 August 2026 provide for legislative and presidential elections?
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Correct answer: D — 24 months
The agreement provides for legislative and presidential elections within a period not exceeding 24 months.
The 'Smaller Convening' that produced the Libya agreement of 30 August 2026 is better known by which name?
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Correct answer: A — 4+4 format
The talks were held in the smaller 4+4 format, with two representatives from each of Libya's four main institutions.
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launched on 30 August 2026, will operate from which location?
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Correct answer: B — Sun–Earth L2 point
Roman is travelling about one million miles to orbit the second Sun–Earth Lagrange point (L2).
Which rocket launched NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope on 30 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — SpaceX Falcon Heavy
Roman launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.
Under the August 2026 NIPL agreement, Indian UPI apps can scan which QR code for merchant payments in Uzbekistan?
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Correct answer: B — UZQR
UPI apps can scan UZQR, Uzbekistan's national interoperable QR code; NIPC operates the HUMO payment system.
Before the Uzbekistan deal, UPI was accepted in ten countries as per the Finance Ministry. Which of the following was NOT among them?
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Correct answer: D — Japan
The ten were Singapore, UAE, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Greece; Japan was not listed.
The largest component of the ₹5.68 crore Access and Benefit-Sharing funds disbursed by the NBA in August 2026 related to which crop?
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Correct answer: A — Okra
Okra (139 varieties, 28 hybrids) accounted for ₹3.51 crore released to 32 SBBs/UTBCs.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement: 1. The ABS amount for okra was received from Bayer Science and Innovation Pvt. Ltd. 2. The funds were channelled to State Biodiversity Boards, UT Biodiversity Councils and a national research institution. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the okra ABS amount came from Nunhems India Pvt. Ltd. Statement 2 is correct.
The Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) has been developed and technically supported by which organisation?
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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?
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Correct answer: A — 14 crore
iFMS connects more than 14 crore Aadhaar-linked buyers and over 2.5 lakh retailers.
Abhay Singh won his 13th PSA Tour title at the Tuanku Muhriz Trophy on 30 August 2026. Where was the tournament held?
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Correct answer: C — Seremban
The Tuanku Muhriz Trophy 2026 was held in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Which team won the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Argentina
Argentina beat the Netherlands 3–1 in a shoot-out after a 1–1 draw in the final on 29 August 2026.
Before 2026, in which years had Argentina won the Women's Hockey World Cup?
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Correct answer: A — 2002 and 2010
Argentina's earlier titles came in 2002 and 2010; 2026 is the third.
Consider the following statements about the FIH Hockey Women's World Cup 2026 final: 1. The Netherlands were seeking a fourth successive World Cup title. 2. The 2026 title was Argentina's first Women's World Cup title. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Argentina had already won in 2002 and 2010, so 2026 was its third title.
At what level has the compressed biogas (CBG) procurement price been fixed under the GOBARdhan Scheme, as explained in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹2,110 per MMBtu
The CBG price is ₹2,110 per MMBtu; after ₹215 per MMBtu government support, about ₹1,895 is recovered from consumers.
What affordability support will the government provide on compressed biogas under the revised GOBARdhan pricing?
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Correct answer: D — ₹10 per kg
The government will provide ₹10 per kg of CBG, about ₹215 per MMBtu.
The International Day against Nuclear Tests (29 August) was established on the initiative of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan initiated UNGA resolution 64/35 to mark the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site on 29 August 1991.
The date 29 August for the International Day against Nuclear Tests marks the closure of which nuclear test site?
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Correct answer: D — Semipalatinsk
The Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan was closed on 29 August 1991.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996, has entered into force. 2. The International Day against Nuclear Tests was first observed in 2010. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the CTBT, adopted on 10 September 1996, has not yet entered into force. Statement 2 is correct: the day was first observed in 2010.
In the referendum of 29 August 2026, Iceland voted on whether to resume membership talks with which grouping?
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Correct answer: A — European Union
Iceland voted on resuming accession talks with the European Union; about 52.8% voted No.
Consider the following statements about Iceland: 1. Iceland shares the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement with Norway and Liechtenstein. 2. Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Iceland is in the EEA with Norway and Liechtenstein and in the Schengen Area, though it is not an EU member.
What was India's IIP growth rate (quick estimate) for July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 6.7%
The quick estimate put IIP growth for July 2026 at 6.7%; 7.3% was the June 2026 figure and the manufacturing growth rate.
Which IIP sector recorded a contraction in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Mining & Quarrying
Mining & quarrying contracted 0.9%, while the other sectors grew.
Consider the following statements about the IIP quick estimate for July 2026: 1. The index is compiled on the base year 2022-23=100. 2. MoSPI releases the IIP quick estimate on the 28th of every month (or the next working day). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the index uses base 2022-23=100 and is released on the 28th of every month, or the next working day if the 28th is a holiday.
As of its 12th anniversary in August 2026, roughly how many accounts had been opened under PM Jan-Dhan Yojana?
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Correct answer: C — Over 59 crore
More than 59 crore Jan-Dhan accounts have been opened.
What share of PM Jan-Dhan Yojana accounts belong to women, as of August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 56%
56% of the accounts belong to women; 78% is the share in villages and small towns.
Consider the following statements about PM Jan-Dhan Yojana as of August 2026: 1. Deposits in Jan-Dhan accounts have crossed ₹3.1 lakh crore. 2. In the JAM trinity, 'M' stands for MGNREGA. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: JAM stands for Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile.
By which year does India aim to eliminate malaria, as reaffirmed at the Health Ministry review of August 2026?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is the financial outlay of the PRIP scheme for pharma and MedTech research?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Correct answer: D — 201%
Monthly recoveries rose 201% between April 2025 and July 2026.
Under the August 2026 reforms, the validity of the defence Open General Export Licence (OGEL) was changed to:
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Correct answer: B — Three years
OGEL validity was increased from two to three years.
What was India's record defence export figure for FY 2025-26, cited by the Ministry of Defence in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹38,424 crore
Defence exports touched a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26; ₹1.78 lakh crore was defence production.
Consider the following statements about the defence export reforms of August 2026: 1. The OGEL requires exporters to seek a separate authorisation for each consignment. 2. Stakeholder consultation has been dispensed with for exports of all items meant for international tenders and exhibitions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: OGEL lets eligible exporters self-generate authorisations for multiple consignments without a separate authorisation for each. Statement 2 is correct.
The Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 were notified by which department?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Correct answer: B — Kolkata
The five RRSLs are at Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Faridabad and Guwahati; Kolkata is not among them.
Until when has lending under the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme been extended?
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Correct answer: D — 31 March 2030
Lending under the restructured scheme, approved on 27 August 2025, runs until 31 March 2030.
What is the maximum credit limit of the UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card introduced for street vendors under restructured PM SVANidhi?
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Correct answer: B — ₹30,000
Eligible vendors get a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card with a limit of up to ₹30,000; 27,077 had been approved.
Consider the following statements about PM SVANidhi: 1. The scheme was launched on 1 June 2020 to provide collateral-free working capital loans to urban street vendors. 2. The restructured scheme aims to benefit 1.15 crore street vendors, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
Samarthak, delivered to the Indian Navy on 27 August 2026, is the first of which class of vessel?
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Correct answer: A — Multi-Purpose Vessel
Samarthak is the first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), built by L&T at Kattupalli.
Consider the following statements about the Multi-Purpose Vessel Samarthak: 1. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. 2. It has over 75% indigenous content and is conceived as a trial and evaluation platform. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Samarthak was built by Larsen & Toubro at Kattupalli. Statement 2 is correct.