Entrance & Scholarship Current Affairs Quiz — Last 3 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The flash flood that devastated central Nepal on 26 August 2026 came down which river from the Nepal–Tibet border?
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Correct answer: B — Bhote Koshi
The flood swept down the Bhote Koshi river, which flows from Tibet into Nepal, hitting Rasuwa and districts downstream.
According to the US Geological Survey, what caused the Nepal–Tibet border flash flood of 26 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A glacial collapse and debris flow
The USGS confirmed the flood was caused by a glacial collapse and debris flow.
As Nepal's floodwater reached India on 26 August 2026, Bihar opened all 36 gates of which barrage?
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Correct answer: A — Gandak barrage
Bihar opened all 36 gates of the Gandak barrage as floodwater from Nepal entered the Gandak river system.
Consider the following statements about India's response to the Nepal flash flood of 26 August 2026: 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and offered humanitarian assistance. 2. The Union Home Minister spoke to the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and NDRF teams in border areas were put on high alert. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct.
Where was the 25th round of India–China Special Representatives talks on the boundary question held on 25 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Beijing
NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi held the 25th round of SR talks in Beijing on 25 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the 25th India–China Special Representatives talks: 1. The two sides agreed to hold the 26th round in China in 2027. 2. The talks were guided by a 2003 agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The 26th round will be held in India in 2027, and the framework is the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.
Under the eight-point consensus of August 2026, which two bodies under the WMCC are to advance an 'early and substantial harvest'?
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Correct answer: A — Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and Working Group on Border Management
The consensus tasks the Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and the Working Group on Border Management, both under the WMCC; their first task is to agree terms of reference.
The 25th India–China Special Representatives talks reaffirmed that the boundary question will be handled within which 2005 framework?
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Correct answer: C — Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India–China Boundary Question
Both sides said they would work in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles agreed in 2005.
UPI, which completed ten years on 25 August 2026, was developed and launched by which organisation?
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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?
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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?
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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.
What is the budgetary outlay of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme notified by MeitY in August 2026?
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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)?
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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?
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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?
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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 Japanese Defence Minister held the Japan-India Defence Ministers' Meeting with Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Shinjiro Koizumi
Japan's Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi met Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 20 August 2026.
The India-Japan Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation signed on 20 August 2026 specifically covers which areas?
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Correct answer: D — MDA information sharing, Search and Rescue, and HADR
The Memorandum covers cooperation between the JMSDF and the Indian Navy, including MDA information sharing and cooperation in SAR and HADR.
Under which Japan-India air force exercise, scheduled for 2026, will Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft visit India for the first time?
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Correct answer: A — Veer Guardian 26
Under 'Veer Guardian 26', JASDF fighter aircraft will, for the first time, visit India and take part in the exercise.
Consider the following statements about the India-Japan defence engagement of 20 August 2026: 1. The Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation was signed directly between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. 2. 'Dharma Guardian' is the Japan-India Army exercise. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of Defence of India; it provides for JMSDF-Indian Navy cooperation. Dharma Guardian is the Army exercise and JAIMEX the maritime exercise.
Who chaired the selection committee for the National Sports Awards 2025, announced on 18 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra
The selection committee was chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra.
Which entity received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Army Paralympic Node, Pune
The Army Paralympic Node, Pune, was the sole entity named for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025.
Who received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025, and in which sport?
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Correct answer: A — I. Arumainayagam, football
Footballer I. Arumainayagam received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime); the others are Dronacharya awardees.
Consider the following statements about the National Sports Awards 2025: 1. Chess players Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh are among the Arjuna awardees. 2. The Dronacharya Award (regular category) went to coaches in athletics, boxing and shooting. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The regular Dronacharya awardees are Parveer Singh (athletics), Chhote Lal Yadav (boxing) and Neha Nandkumar Chavan (shooting).
For what period did the Ministry of Defence lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian RPAS for the Indian Navy under the contract signed on 17 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 30 months
The contract with GA-ASI is for leasing two MQ-9B Sea Guardian HALE RPAS for 30 months.
The approximate value of the MQ-9B Sea Guardian lease contract signed by the Ministry of Defence on 17 August 2026 is:
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Correct answer: D — ₹1,943 crore
The Ministry of Defence said the contract is valued at approximately ₹1,943 crore.
Consider the following statements about the MQ-9B lease contract of 17 August 2026: 1. The contract was signed with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). 2. The aircraft are High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) remotely piloted systems meant to boost the Navy's Maritime Domain Awareness. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the vendor is GA-ASI, and the MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a HALE RPAS that the ministry said will strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness through persistent ISR coverage.
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.
In her address on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu said the country is celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of which social reformer?
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Correct answer: B — Mahatma Jyotiba Phule
The President said the country is celebrating the 200th birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, and recalled the contributions of Mahatma Phule and Savitribai Phule to social justice and women's education.
According to President Murmu's address of 14 August 2026, how many people have been lifted out of poverty in India?
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Correct answer: C — More than 25 crore
The President said more than 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty.
Consider the following statements based on the President's address on the eve of the 80th Independence Day: 1. Women won 8 of India's 13 gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. 2. Of the nearly 59 crore Jan Dhan account holders, fewer than 20 crore are women. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The President said more than 32 crore of the nearly 59 crore Jan Dhan account holders are women.
What share of India's population did President Murmu say is below the age of 35 in her address of 14 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 65 percent
The President said 65 percent of the country's population is below the age of 35.
How many gallantry awards did the President approve for the Defence Forces and CAPFs on the eve of Independence Day 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 78
The President approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous, along with 89 Mention-in-Despatches.
How many Kirti Chakras were approved among the Independence Day 2026 gallantry awards?
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Correct answer: C — 9
Nine Kirti Chakras were approved, seven of them posthumous.
Consider the following statements about the Independence Day 2026 gallantry awards: 1. Most of the Kirti Chakras were awarded posthumously. 2. The awards included more Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) than Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: seven of the nine Kirti Chakras are posthumous, and the awards included 5 Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) against 3 Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry).
How many Bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session 2026, which ended on 13 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 12
Twelve Bills were passed by both Houses during the session, which had 19 sittings over 25 days.
The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, passed in the Monsoon Session, renames the state by amending which part of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: B — First Schedule
The Bill amends the First Schedule to the Constitution, in accordance with Article 3, to rename Kerala as 'Keralam'.
Consider the following statements about the Monsoon Session 2026: 1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 brings Vande Mataram under the 1971 Act. 2. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by both Houses. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 was referred to a Joint Committee of the Houses for examination, not passed.
Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in the Monsoon Session, within what time must trials be completed?
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Correct answer: D — Three months
The Bill mandates completion of investigation within two months and trial within three months, with Special Fast Track Courts designated by states and UTs.
Consider the following statements about the productivity of Parliament in the Monsoon Session 2026: 1. Lok Sabha productivity was higher than Rajya Sabha productivity. 2. Rajya Sabha productivity was above 50%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. Productivity was about 19% in the Lok Sabha and about 39% in the Rajya Sabha.
Against which terror syndicate did security agencies carry out a coordinated operation across 14 states on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Shahzad Bhatti Network
The operation targeted the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day.
How many people were detained across 14 states in the 12 August 2026 operation against the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
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Correct answer: D — 253
The operation led to 253 detentions across 14 states, with over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests recorded.
Which state recorded the highest number of detentions in the 12 August 2026 crackdown on the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
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Correct answer: C — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh had the most detentions (62), followed by Haryana (52), Delhi (51) and Punjab (44).
Consider the following statements about the operation against the Shahzad Bhatti Network: 1. Grenades recovered bore Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings. 2. The operation used a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Recoveries included grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, and the operation relied on real-time intelligence sharing with State Police forces.
With which regional grouping did India sign Terms of Reference for Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — SACU
India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) signed the ToR for PTA negotiations at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the India–SACU Terms of Reference signed in August 2026: 1. It is India's first ToR signing with the African region. 2. SACU was described as the oldest customs union in the world. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal; the PTA is envisaged to cover eight chapters.
How many chapters is the proposed India–SACU Preferential Trade Agreement envisaged to cover?
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Correct answer: D — Eight
The PTA is envisaged to cover eight chapters, including trade in goods and market access, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade remedies.
India's non-fossil fuel installed power capacity crossed which milestone as on 31 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 300 GW
Non-fossil capacity reached 300.50 GW, over 60% of the 500 GW target for 2030.
Which source contributes the second-largest share of India's non-fossil power capacity as on 31 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Wind
Wind (58.14 GW) is second after solar (164.59 GW), just ahead of hydro (57.24 GW).
What share of India's total installed electricity capacity came from non-fossil sources as of July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Over 54%
Non-fossil sources make up over 54% of India's total installed capacity of around 552 GW.
Consider the following statements about India's non-fossil power capacity as on 31 July 2026: 1. Nuclear power capacity exceeds bio-power capacity. 2. A record 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity was added in 2025-26. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Nuclear capacity (8.78 GW) is lower than bio-power (11.75 GW); a record 55.29 GW was added in 2025-26.
What is the total outlay of the GOBARdhan Compressed Biogas scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Rs 23,731 crore
The Cabinet approved GOBARdhan with a total outlay of Rs 23,731 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
What stable administered price for Compressed Biogas does the GOBARdhan scheme introduce?
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Correct answer: B — Rs 2,110 per MMBTU
GOBARdhan introduces a stable administered CBG price of Rs 2,110 per MMBTU.
Which ministry administers the GOBARdhan Compressed Biogas scheme approved in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as one platform across the CBG value chain.
Consider the following statements about the GOBARdhan scheme: 1. It will be implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36. 2. Eligible greenfield CBG projects can get capital assistance of up to Rs 2 crore per tonne per day of installed capacity. 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 Cabinet decision of 6 August 2026.
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.
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.
On 30 July 2026 the Rajya Sabha passed an amendment to which law, completing its passage through Parliament?
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Correct answer: B — Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024
The Rajya Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, as passed by the Lok Sabha.
Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, what is the jail term for individual offenders?
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Correct answer: D — 5 to 10 years
The Bill raises the jail term for individual offenders from 3–5 years to 5–10 years, with a fine of up to Rs 50 lakh.
Consider the following statements about the Public Examinations Amendment Bill, 2026: 1. Investigation of an exam fraud case must be completed within two months. 2. Special Fast Track Courts must complete the trial within 3 months of the chargesheet. 3. It was passed by the Rajya Sabha by division vote. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
The Bill sets a two-month deadline for investigation and a 3-month deadline for trial by Special Fast Track Courts; the Rajya Sabha passed it by voice vote, not a division.
Under the 2026 amendment, organised exam-fraud syndicates face a minimum fine of how much?
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Correct answer: C — Rs 10 crore
For organised crime (Section 11), the jail term becomes 7–10 years with a fine of at least Rs 10 crore (earlier at least Rs 1 crore).
What is the new base year of India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) series released by MoSPI in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 2024=100
MoSPI revised the CPI base year from 2012=100 to 2024=100; the new series was released on 12 February 2026.
How many weighted items are there in the All-India basket of the new CPI (2024=100) series?
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Correct answer: C — 358
The weighted items increased from 299 to 358 – goods from 259 to 308 and services from 40 to 50.
The item basket and weights of the new CPI (2024=100) series are based on which survey?
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Correct answer: A — Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24
MoSPI said the basket and weights are based on the results of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24.
Consider the following statements about the new CPI (2024=100) series: 1. Monthly prices are collected from 1,465 rural and 1,395 urban markets. 2. Online markets have been added to capture e-commerce prices. 3. Its inflation figures can be directly compared with those of the 2012 series. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Prices come from 1,465 rural and 1,395 urban markets plus 12 online markets. MoSPI said a direct comparison with the old series is not feasible because of changes in basket, weights, coverage and methodology.