MPSC (Maharashtra) Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
As noted at the 3rd India–Cambodia JWGTI in August 2026, what was India–Cambodia bilateral trade in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — USD 406.78 million
Trade grew by over 36% to USD 406.78 million in 2025-26, up from USD 299 million in the previous year.
Consider the following statements about India–Cambodia economic ties as of August 2026: 1. Cambodia is India's 8th largest trading partner in ASEAN. 2. UPI acceptance at KHQR-enabled merchants in Phnom Penh was launched in June 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Cambodia accounts for 0.31% of India's trade with ASEAN, and UPI acceptance at KHQR merchants in Phnom Penh began on 2 June 2026.
How much foreign exchange had the RBI's special USD-INR swap facility mobilised as of 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — USD 73 billion
The facility mobilised USD 73 billion in under eleven weeks, of which FCNR(B) deposits made up USD 65.40 billion.
The RBI's 2026 USD-INR swap facility was compared with a similar FCNR(B) swap scheme of which earlier year that raised about USD 26 billion?
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Correct answer: D — 2013
The 2013 FCNR(B) swap scheme raised about USD 26 billion over roughly three months; the 2026 facility raised USD 73 billion in under eleven weeks.
Consider the following statements about the RBI's 2026 USD-INR swap facility: 1. It was launched on 8 June 2026. 2. The RBI extended the FCNR(B) window from 31 August to 30 September 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The RBI advanced the closure of the FCNR(B) window from 30 September to 31 August 2026 because the target was met early.
Where was the 4th India–Argentina Joint Trade Committee meeting held on 24 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Buenos Aires
The 4th JTC was held at Palacio San Martín in Buenos Aires.
KABIL's lithium mining activities in Argentina, reviewed at the August 2026 JTC, are located in which province?
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Correct answer: D — Catamarca
KABIL's project in Catamarca is the first lithium mining initiative by an Indian company in Argentina and has completed Phase II drilling; Salta and Jujuy are being explored next.
Consider the following statements about the 4th India–Argentina JTC: 1. India–Argentina trade crossed USD 6.5 billion in 2025. 2. Argentina committed to work towards upgrading India from Annex II to Annex I in its pharmaceutical regulatory framework. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. India is also now Argentina's fifth-largest trading partner.
Where was the 2nd India–New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue held on 24 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Wellington
The second Defence Strategic Dialogue was held in Wellington on 24 August 2026.
The 2nd India–New Zealand Defence Strategic Dialogue discussed implementing which roadmap?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030
The talks focused on implementing the targets in the India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership Roadmap 2030, after ties were elevated to a Strategic Partnership.
Of the six envoys who presented credentials to President Murmu on 24 August 2026, which country's envoy was designated High Commissioner rather than Ambassador?
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Correct answer: D — Nigeria
Muhammad Saidu Dahiru presented credentials as High Commissioner of Nigeria; the envoys of South Sudan, the UAE, Moldova, Germany and Sweden are Ambassadors.
In Trump v. California (24 August 2026), what did the US Supreme Court do regarding the President's executive order on mail-in voting?
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Correct answer: C — Stayed a district court injunction that had blocked parts of the order
The Court granted a stay of the Massachusetts district court's injunction, holding the order itself does not harm the states; it did not rule on the order's lawfulness.
Consider the following statements about Trump v. California (August 2026): 1. The ruling was unanimous. 2. The challenge had been brought by 23 states and the District of Columbia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The decision was 6–3, with Justice Sotomayor (joined by Justice Kagan) among the dissenters.
What is the name of Kazakhstan's new single-chamber parliament, first elected on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kurultai
The Kurultai is the new 145-member unicameral parliament created by Kazakhstan's 2026 constitution.
Which party won Kazakhstan's first Kurultai election in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Adilet
The newly formed pro-government Adilet party won over 71% of the vote; it had absorbed the former ruling party Amanat.
Consider the following statements about Kazakhstan's August 2026 election: 1. The Kurultai is a two-chamber legislature. 2. Voter turnout was about 74%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Kurultai is a single-chamber body that replaced the earlier two-chamber parliament.
The August 2026 restriction covers all fixed dose combinations of chlorpheniramine maleate with which other drug?
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Correct answer: C — Phenylephrine hydrochloride
The restriction applies to all FDCs containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride.
Below what age must the restricted chlorpheniramine–phenylephrine FDCs not be used, as per the mandatory warning?
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Correct answer: A — 4 years
The label must say: 'Fixed Dose Combination shall not be used in children below four years of age.'
Consider the following statements about the August 2026 FDC restriction: 1. The notification was issued under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. 2. The decision followed recommendations of an Expert Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The notification was issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Where were the 17–21 August 2026 talks between DR Congo and AFC/M23 held?
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Correct answer: D — Switzerland
The talks were held in Switzerland; the joint statement was released on 22 August 2026.
When was the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between DR Congo and AFC/M23 signed?
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Correct answer: A — 15 November 2025
The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Doha on 15 November 2025.
Consider the following statements about the DR Congo–AFC/M23 joint statement of 22 August 2026: 1. Togo took part as the African Union mediator. 2. The parties agreed that the order of negotiating protocols does not dictate the order of implementing them. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The statement was also issued with Qatar, the US, Switzerland and the AU Commission.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, in which the IAF took part, was hosted by the air force of which country?
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Correct answer: A — Australia
Pitch Black 2026 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, with air forces from more than 20 nations.
Where was Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 held?
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Correct answer: C — Subang, Malaysia
After Pitch Black, the IAF contingent moved directly to Subang, Malaysia, for Udara Shakti 2026 with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Consider the following statements about the IAF's August 2026 deployments: 1. The IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighters to Exercise Pitch Black 2026. 2. Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 was a trilateral exercise with Australia and Malaysia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The IAF deployed Rafale aircraft to Pitch Black, and Udara Shakti was a bilateral exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority disburse under the Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2.82 crore
The NBA disbursed ₹2.82 crore: ₹2.80 crore to State and UT biodiversity bodies and about ₹2.01 lakh to ICAR-IIHR.
Which state received the largest share of the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat
Gujarat received the largest share (₹44.59 lakh), followed by West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement: 1. The funds came from a payment by Advanta Enterprises for genetic resources behind hybrids of cauliflower, hot pepper, okra and tomato. 2. The money was released to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 UT Biodiversity Councils, besides ICAR-IIHR. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Since the resources could not be traced to specific farmers or communities, the money was shared by crop cultivation area.
INS Sudarshini, which reached Lisbon in August 2026 on the Lokayan 26 expedition, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Sail training ship
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship, a three-masted barque.
The Lisbon stop on 22 August 2026 was INS Sudarshini's which port visit of the Lokayan 26 expedition?
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Correct answer: C — 15th
Lisbon was the ship's 15th port visit in seven months of voyage.
'Vigyan Pragati', the Hindi science magazine that completed 75 years in 2026, is published by:
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-NIScPR
Vigyan Pragati, launched in 1952, is published by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research.
What is the budgetary outlay of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme notified by MeitY in August 2026?
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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 city hosted the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Pune
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting was held in Pune, Maharashtra, on 21 August 2026.
What is the theme of the ICT Track under India's BRICS Chairship in 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future
Scindia introduced the ICT Track theme 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future', with four pillars.
On the sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track meeting in Pune in August 2026, India signed a telecommunications and ICT MoU with which country?
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Correct answer: B — Brazil
Jyotiraditya Scindia and Brazil's Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho signed the MoU.
How many FDI investments had been reported under the revised land-bordering-country framework up to 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 29
29 FDI investments with proposed FDI of ₹4,895.65 crore had been reported up to 20 August 2026.
Under the revised FDI framework of 2026, investors with non-controlling beneficial ownership from land-bordering countries up to what level can use the automatic route?
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Correct answer: B — 10%
Non-controlling LBC beneficial ownership of up to 10% can now come through the automatic route, subject to sectoral caps and reporting.
Consider the following statements about the revised FDI framework for land-bordering-country ownership: 1. It was introduced through Press Note 2 of 2026. 2. Investors using it no longer need to report any information to the government. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The investor entity may proceed without other approvals only after reporting the relevant information to the government.
Which edition of the India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting was held in New Delhi on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 25th
The 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting was held in New Delhi on 21 August 2026.
The Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE), noted at the India–UK DCG meeting, was set up under which initiative?
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Correct answer: A — Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
The two sides acknowledged the RMSCE established under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Consider the following statements about the 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting: 1. It was co-chaired by India's Defence Minister and the UK Defence Secretary. 2. It was held in London. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. It was co-chaired by India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the UK's Permanent Under Secretary for Defence Jeremy Pocklington, in New Delhi.
What stock limit did the Centre impose on sugar dealers from 1 August to 30 November 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 400 tonnes
A stock limit of 400 tonnes was imposed on sugar dealers across the country from 1 August to 30 November 2026.
To improve sugar availability in 2026, the Centre permitted duty-free import of how much raw sugar?
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Correct answer: A — 10 LMT
As a precaution, the government permitted duty-free import of 10 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of raw sugar.
Consider the following statements about the Centre's August 2026 note on sugar prices: 1. The government attributed the price rise mainly to diversion of sugar for ethanol. 2. Sugar production this season is expected to be about 343 LMT. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The government said ethanol diversion was not the cause (its share fell to about 9%), and output is expected at about 306 LMT; 343 LMT was the states' initial estimate.
For what conduct did the CCI sanction the Agro Input Dealers Association and Agro Input Welfare Association in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Cartelisation
The CCI found them guilty of cartelisation under Section 3(3)(b) read with Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.
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.
Which production unit will build the largest share of the 238 AC EMU rakes for the Mumbai Suburban Railway?
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Correct answer: C — Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
ICF Chennai will build 120 rakes, RCF Kapurthala 71 and MCF Raebareli 47.
What is the supply timeline for the 238 AC EMU rakes for Mumbai's suburban railway?
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Correct answer: D — Supply from 2027; completion by 2030
Supply is planned to begin in 2027, with the entire sanctioned quantity due by 2030.
With which Mauritian entity did Indian Oil Corporation sign a long-term petroleum products supply agreement on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — State Trading Corporation
IOCL and the State Trading Corporation (STC) of Mauritius exchanged a long-term sales and purchase agreement.
What is the duration of the IOCL-STC petroleum supply agreement with Mauritius?
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Correct answer: D — Five years
The IOCL-STC agreement is a five-year assured supply commitment.
Consider the following statements about India-Mauritius energy agreements of August 2026: 1. IOCL will supply the entire import requirement of Mauritius for motor spirit, high-speed diesel and aviation turbine fuel. 2. The facility at Mer Rouge, Port Louis, whose groundbreaking Hardeep Singh Puri attended, is a 27.5 MMTPA oil refinery. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Mer Rouge project is Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd's 27.5 TMT (thousand metric tonnes) bunker marine fuel storage facility, not a refinery.
By how much did the Index of Core Industries grow year-on-year in July 2026 (provisional)?
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Correct answer: A — 5.4%
The ICI grew 5.4% in July 2026; June 2026 (final) was 6.0% and April-July cumulative growth was 4.3%.
Which core industry recorded the highest year-on-year growth in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Iron ore
Iron ore grew 29.5%, ahead of cement (13.1%), electricity (9%) and coal (7.6%).
Aboard which research vessel was most of the survey work behind CMLRE's 2026 national report on deep-sea fishery resources carried out?
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Correct answer: D — FORV Sagar Sampada
The Fishery and Oceanographic Research Vessel (FORV) Sagar Sampada served as the floating laboratory for the surveys.
Consider the following statements about CMLRE's National Report on Deep-Sea and Distant-Water Fishery Resources of the Indian EEZ: 1. It describes the mesopelagic 'twilight zone' as extending from 200 to 1,000 metres deep. 2. It covers India's Exclusive Economic Zone of about 2.37 million sq km. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The report also names biodiversity hotspots such as Kollam Bank and Angria Bank.
Which edition of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) did Piyush Goyal attend in Singapore on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 4th
Goyal took part in the 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and the 4th India-Singapore Business Roundtable.
What download milestone did the Aadhaar App cross, as announced on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 5 crore
The Aadhaar App crossed 5 crore (50 million) downloads; over 60 lakh mobile number updates have been done through it.
Who chaired the first meeting of the newly reconstituted National Commission for Minorities on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Harjit Singh Grewal
Chairman Harjit Singh Grewal chaired the meeting; S. Munawari Begum is the Vice Chairperson.
What was the theme of the OCHA-led World Humanitarian Day 2026 campaign?
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Correct answer: A — Families of Fallen Humanitarians
The 2026 OCHA-led campaign focused on 'Families of Fallen Humanitarians'.
World Humanitarian Day on 19 August commemorates which event?
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Correct answer: C — The 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad
On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad killed 22 humanitarian workers, including UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.
Consider the following statements about World Humanitarian Day: 1. It was designated by a resolution of the UN Security Council. 2. The annual campaign is led by the World Health Organization. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The day was designated by UN General Assembly resolution 63/139, and the campaign is led by OCHA. The UN Security Council link in 2026 is the 10th anniversary of Resolution 2286 on health care in armed conflict.
At what level did the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee keep the policy repo rate at its 3-5 August 2026 meeting, as recorded in the minutes released on 19 August?
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Correct answer: B — 5.25%
The MPC unanimously kept the repo rate at 5.25%; the SDF rate is 5.00% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate are 5.50%.
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting held from 3 to 5 August 2026 was its
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Correct answer: D — 62nd meeting
The minutes describe it as the sixty-second meeting of the MPC.
Consider the following statements about the RBI MPC minutes released on 19 August 2026: 1. The minutes are published under Section 45ZL of the RBI Act, 1934. 2. The MPC changed its stance from neutral to accommodative. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The MPC decided to continue with the neutral stance.
Which edition of the Coast Guard Global Summit will India host in New Delhi in February 2027?
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Correct answer: D — 5th
India will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in February 2027, coinciding with the Indian Coast Guard's golden jubilee.