PPSC (Punjab) Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
With the eighth tranche launched on 15 July 2026, how many critical mineral blocks have been offered in total so far?
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Correct answer: C — 88
The eighth tranche takes the total number of critical mineral blocks offered to 88, of which 56 have been auctioned.
How many critical and strategic mineral blocks are on offer in the eighth tranche of auctions launched on 15 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 20
The eighth tranche comprises 20 critical and strategic mineral blocks across nine States.
What was India's overall unemployment rate (15+ years) in June 2026 as per the PLFS monthly bulletin?
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Correct answer: A — 5.5%
The PLFS June 2026 bulletin put the overall unemployment rate at 5.5%.
What was the female labour force participation rate (15+ years) in June 2026 as per PLFS?
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Correct answer: D — 32.7%
Female LFPR was 32.7% in June 2026, 0.7 percentage points above June 2025 (32.0%).
Whose birth anniversary is observed on 15 July, on which PM Modi paid homage in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — K. Kamaraj
PM Modi paid homage to K. Kamaraj on his birth anniversary on 15 July 2026.
What is the base year of the trial Index of Services Production (ISP) first released by MoSPI in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 2024-25
The sub-sectoral trial ISP has base year 2024-25.
The first trial Index of Services Production released in July 2026 covers how many sub-sectors?
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Correct answer: C — 19
The ISP was released for 19 sub-sectors covering about 60% of the services sector.
Consider the following statements about the Index of Services Production (ISP): 1. The 19 sub-sectors cover about 60% of the services sector. 2. Subsequent ISPs will be released on the 29th of every month. 3. The Technical Advisory Committee on ISP was constituted in May 2025. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct: ~60% coverage, release on the 29th of each month, and TAC-ISP constituted in May 2025 (report released 7 July 2026).
What is the target of the Railways' 'Reform Express' initiative announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw?
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Correct answer: A — 52 reforms in 52 weeks
The Ministry's target is 52 reforms in 52 weeks; after 14 July 2026 the total stood at 17.
After the eight reforms announced on 14 July 2026, how many reforms had been implemented under 'Reform Express'?
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Correct answer: C — 17
Eight new reforms took the total under Reform Express to 17.
According to the Railways, about what share of India's annual fly ash generation did Indian Railways transport in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — About 4%
Railways moved about 13 million tonnes of the roughly 340 million tonnes generated, nearly 4%.
Where does the 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' flagged off on 14 July 2026 culminate?
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Correct answer: A — Kargil War Memorial, Dras
The expedition runs from the National War Memorial, New Delhi to the Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.
What is the motto of the 'Shaurya Vijay Yatra' motorcycle expedition for Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026?
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Correct answer: C — One Ride, One Nation, One Salute
The motto of the 13-day, 1,900 km expedition is 'One Ride, One Nation, One Salute'.
The first round of India–Maldives FTA negotiations in 2026 was held in which mode?
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Correct answer: B — Virtual mode
The first round was held in virtual mode from 29 June to 7 July 2026.
Who led India's negotiating team in the first round of India–Maldives FTA negotiations?
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Correct answer: D — Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh
Chief Negotiator Ujjwal Kumar Ghosh, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, led India; Yusuf Riza led the Maldives.
Consider the following statements about India–Maldives economic ties as of July 2026: 1. India is the second-largest trading partner of the Maldives. 2. Bilateral trade in 2025–26 was about USD 771.76 million. 3. The two countries are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: India and the Maldives are commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations.
What was the all-India WPI inflation rate (year-on-year) for June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 9.87%
WPI inflation was 9.87% in June 2026, up from 9.68% in May 2026.
Which major group of the WPI recorded the highest year-on-year inflation in June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Fuel and Power
Fuel and Power inflation was 27.41%, against 7.0% for Primary Articles and 7.48% for Manufactured Products.
Consider the following statements about the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) released in July 2026: 1. The current WPI series has base year 2022-23. 2. Provisional WPI for a month is released on the 14th of the following month. 3. The WPI Food Index has a weight of about 24.99%. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct: base 2022-23, release on the 14th of the next month (or next working day), and Food Index weight 24.99%.
The book 'The Voice of Justice', released by the Vice-President on 14 July 2026, collects the speeches of which former Chief Justice of India?
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Correct answer: D — B. R. Gavai
'The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks' brings together speeches and lectures of former CJI B. R. Gavai.
What revenue did India Post record in the first quarter of FY 2026–27, its highest-ever Q1 figure?
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Correct answer: B — ₹4,009 crore
India Post generated ₹4,009 crore in Q1 FY 2026–27, 22% more than a year earlier; ₹19,803 crore is the annual target.
By what margin did India beat England in the first women's Test at Lord's in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 270 runs
India won the one-off Test at Lord's by 270 runs on 13 July 2026.
Who was named Player of the Match in India's Test win over England at Lord's in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Kranti Gaud
Kranti Gaud was Player of the Match for 5-37 and 2-54.
Consider the following statements about the India–England women's Test at Lord's in July 2026: 1. It was the first women's Test match ever played at Lord's. 2. Yastika Bhatia scored a century in India's second innings. 3. It was the first match of a three-Test series. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct (Bhatia made 113). Statement 3 is wrong: it was a one-off Test.
What was India's CPI-based retail inflation (provisional) for June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 4.38%
Retail inflation was 4.38% in June 2026, up from 3.93% in May.
What was the food inflation based on the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) in June 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 5.32%
CFPI-based food inflation was 5.32% in June 2026, against 4.78% in May.
Consider the following statements about the CPI data for June 2026: 1. The CPI series used has base year 2024=100. 2. Rural inflation was higher than urban inflation. 3. Housing inflation was above headline inflation. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct (rural 4.74% vs urban 3.92%). Statement 3 is wrong: housing inflation was 2.10%, below the headline 4.38%.
NIDAR 2.0, launched by MeitY in July 2026, is a national innovation challenge in which field?
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Correct answer: B — Drone application and research
NIDAR stands for National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research.
The VEGA processor, around which NIDAR 2.0 teams must design a flight controller, is based on which architecture and developed by which body?
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Correct answer: C — RISC-V architecture; C-DAC
VEGA is a family of indigenous microprocessors designed by C-DAC under MeitY's Microprocessor Development Programme, based on the open-standard RISC-V architecture.
What were India's estimated total exports (merchandise and services) in April–June 2026-27?
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Correct answer: C — US$ 232.73 billion
Total exports were estimated at US$ 232.73 billion, up 11.37% from US$ 208.98 billion.
Which merchandise export group recorded the highest year-on-year growth in June 2026 among the major drivers named by the Commerce Ministry?
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Correct answer: A — Gems & Jewellery
Gems & Jewellery grew 34.64%, ahead of engineering goods (20.74%), electronic goods (18.93%) and rice (16.48%).
Where was the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 held?
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Correct answer: A — Bucaramanga, Colombia
The 56th IPhO 2026 was held in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
How many gold medals did the Indian contingent win at the 56th International Physics Olympiad 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Five
All five members of the Indian contingent won gold medals.
What penalty did the Competition Commission of India impose on HP India by its order dated 13 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹11.98 crore
CCI imposed ₹11.98 crore on HP India and about ₹2.30 crore combined on sixteen resellers.
The CCI case against HP India and its resellers arose from a lesser penalty application filed by HP India under which section of the Competition Act, 2002?
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Correct answer: B — Section 46
HP India filed a lesser penalty (leniency) application under Section 46; the penalty itself was imposed under Section 27 for violating Section 3(3)(d) read with 3(1).
Where was the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue held on 13 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Tokyo
The 8th Defence Policy Dialogue was held in Tokyo, Japan.
Who led the Indian delegation at the 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue?
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Correct answer: B — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh led India; Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Kano Koji led Japan.
The 8th India–Japan Defence Policy Dialogue reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening which framework of India–Japan relations?
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Correct answer: A — Special Strategic and Global Partnership
Both sides reaffirmed the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership and discussed the forthcoming 2+2 meeting.
Under which expedition did INS Sudarshini take part in the Grand Parade of Sails at Sail Boston 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini participated as part of her Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
The second edition of the Digital Threat Report 2025–26 released by MeitY in July 2026 focuses on which sector?
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Correct answer: A — Banking, financial services, insurance and payments
The report covers the BFSI and payments ecosystem; it was prepared with CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin and SISA.
On which date did India observe one day of State Mourning for Qatar's Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani?
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Correct answer: B — 13 July 2026
Sheikh Hamad passed away on 12 July 2026; India declared State Mourning on 13 July 2026.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who passed away in July 2026, ruled Qatar during which period?
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Correct answer: D — 1995–2013
He assumed power on 27 June 1995 and handed over to Sheikh Tamim on 25 June 2013.
To whom did Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani hand over Qatar's leadership in 2013?
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Correct answer: A — His son Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
In 2013 he voluntarily handed power to his son and heir apparent, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the current Amir.
Consider the following statements about India's State Mourning for Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani: 1. The National Flag was flown at half-mast throughout India on the day of mourning. 2. There was no official entertainment on that day. 3. The State Mourning lasted three days. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Ministry of Home Affairs declared one day of State Mourning, on 13 July 2026.
Who won the Wimbledon 2026 men's singles title?
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Correct answer: C — Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev in the final on 12 July 2026.
Whom did Jannik Sinner defeat in the Wimbledon 2026 men's singles final?
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Correct answer: A — Alexander Zverev
Sinner beat Germany's Alexander Zverev 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4.
The Wimbledon 2026 title was which Grand Slam title of Jannik Sinner's career?
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Correct answer: D — Fifth
The Wimbledon 2026 win was Sinner's fifth Grand Slam title.
Consider the following statements about the Wimbledon 2026 men's singles final: 1. Jannik Sinner lost the first set on a tie-break. 2. Sinner retained the Wimbledon title he first won in 2025. 3. The final went to five sets. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: Sinner won in four sets, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4.
Which age group can take part in the MY Bharat 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' competitions announced in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 15 to 29 years
The competitions are open to youth aged 15 to 29 years, individually or in groups.
The 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' competitions will culminate at which event?
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Correct answer: D — National Youth Summit, New Delhi
The three-tier competition culminates at the National Youth Summit in New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the MY Bharat 'Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat' competitions: 1. They are held in a three-tier format: district, state and national. 2. Slam Poetry and Nukkad Natak are among the five creative categories. 3. Entries must be submitted only in Hindi or English. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: entries may be in Hindi, English or any regional language.
During which period will the nationwide 'Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar' coastal cleanliness campaign be held in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 10–19 September 2026
The campaign is scheduled along India's coastline from 10 to 19 September 2026.
PM Narendra Modi's July 2026 visit to New Zealand was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to that country in how many years?
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Correct answer: B — 40 years
The joint statement says the 10–11 July 2026 visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.
India and New Zealand set what target for two-way trade in goods and services by 2030?
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Correct answer: D — NZ$7 billion
The leaders agreed to work towards doubling two-way trade to NZ$7 billion, or about ₹35,000 crore, by 2030.
Under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), which pillar did New Zealand nominate as its priority, as welcomed in the July 2026 joint statement?
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Correct answer: A — Maritime Security
India welcomed New Zealand's nomination of Maritime Security as its priority pillar under the IPOI.
Consider the following statements about the India–New Zealand outcomes of July 2026: 1. The two countries endorsed a 'Roadmap to 2030' for their new Strategic Partnership. 2. An arrangement was signed between the National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum. 3. New Zealand joined the International Solar Alliance during the visit. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: PM Modi welcomed New Zealand joining the Global Biofuels Alliance; the leaders only agreed to deepen cooperation through the International Solar Alliance.
Who won the Wimbledon 2026 women's singles title on 11 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Linda Noskova
Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in the final.
Both finalists of the Wimbledon 2026 women's singles, Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova, represent which country?
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Correct answer: C — Czech Republic
Noskova beat fellow Czech player Muchova in the final.
Consider the following statements about the Wimbledon 2026 women's singles final: 1. Linda Noskova won her first Grand Slam title. 2. Noskova became the youngest Wimbledon women's champion since Petra Kvitova in 2011. 3. The final was decided in straight sets. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the final went to three sets, 6-2, 5-7, 6-3.
The PMFME Scheme, which crossed 2 lakh credit-linked beneficiaries in July 2026, is implemented by which ministry?
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Correct answer: A — Ministry of Food Processing Industries
Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan presided over the event; the scheme is run by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
What share of PMFME beneficiaries are women entrepreneurs, as reported on 11 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — About 44%
Nearly 44 percent of PMFME beneficiaries are women entrepreneurs. (77% is the share of women among the 1.76 lakh trained beneficiaries.)
Consider the following statements about the PMFME Scheme: 1. It was launched on 29 June 2020 as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. 2. It is a central sector scheme fully funded by the Centre in all states. 3. It follows the One District One Product (ODOP) approach with an outlay of ₹10,000 crore. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: PMFME is a centrally sponsored scheme; costs are shared 60:40 with states (90:10 with North Eastern and Himalayan states).
According to Amit Shah's directions at the Bureau of Port Security review on 10 July 2026, private security personnel deployed at ports must be trained by which force?
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Correct answer: A — CISF
Amit Shah said only private security personnel who have received training from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) should be deployed.
The 'Nabhmitra' app, which Amit Shah asked to be promoted among fishermen, was developed by which organisation?
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Correct answer: D — ISRO
The Home Minister said the 'Nabhmitra' app, developed by ISRO, should be promoted so more fishermen download it.
Where was the Egmont Group Plenary held at which FIU-IND won runner-up in the Best Egmont Case Award 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Baku, Azerbaijan
The BECA 2026 was presented during the Egmont Group Plenary held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
How many member jurisdictions does the Egmont Group have, as stated in the FIU-IND release of July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 182
FIU-IND's case was one of two finalists among submissions from the Egmont Group's 182 member jurisdictions.
Consider the following statements about FIU-IND's award-winning case at BECA 2026: 1. The case originated from intelligence shared by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). 2. It involved cyber fraud proceeds of about ₹868 crore and more than 5,000 mule bank accounts. 3. The case won the top prize (winner) at BECA 2026. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the FIU-IND case was adjudged the runner-up, not the winner.
The 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), held from 6 to 10 July 2026, took place in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Geneva
CAC49 was held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 6 to 10 July 2026.
At CAC49, the Codex Commission approved India's proposal for new work on a standard for which product?
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Correct answer: D — Cashew kernels
The Commission approved India's proposal to develop a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels under the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Codex Alimentarius Commission was established jointly by the FAO and the WHO. 2. India hosts the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH), with the Spices Board as its Secretariat. 3. The standards for large cardamom, coriander and vanilla were finalised at the CCSCH session held in Kochi in 2024. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the standards were finalised at the Eighth Session of the CCSCH, held in Guwahati in October 2025.
Under the July 2026 amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, high-alcohol formulations were moved to which schedule requiring prescription sale?
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Correct answer: C — Schedule H1
The amendment shifts these products to Schedule H1, which mandates sale against a registered medical practitioner's prescription.
What threshold triggers the new licensing requirement for alcohol-containing formulations under the July 2026 amendment?
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Correct answer: A — More than 12% v/v ethyl alcohol in quantities above 30 mL
Formulations with more than 12% v/v ethyl alcohol in quantities exceeding 30 mL are no longer covered by the Schedule K exemption.
Consider the following statements about the July 2026 amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945: 1. It removes certain alcohol-containing formulations from the licensing exemption under Schedule K. 2. Affected products must now obtain licences under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. 3. The amendment bans the manufacture of all tinctures containing ethyl alcohol. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: there is no ban; the products need licences and prescriptions so they remain available for legitimate therapeutic use.