PPSC (Punjab) Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
On what basis will the ₹15.52 crore ABS proceeds from mustard hybrids released by the NBA in August 2026 be shared among states?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Area under mustard cultivation in each state
Because no single farmer or community could be identified, the ABS share is calculated on the area under mustard cultivation in each state, using ICAR-IIRMR data.
Which state, with nearly 42% of India's mustard cultivation area, receives the largest share of the NBA's mustard ABS proceeds?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rajasthan
Rajasthan, which accounts for nearly 42% of India's mustard cultivation, gets the highest share, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's mustard ABS release: 1. The ABS amount came from a company that developed ten commercial Brassica juncea hybrids. 2. The ICAR–Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Pioneer Overseas Corporation developed ten commercial mustard (Brassica juncea) hybrids, and ICAR-IIRMR, whose cultivation data was used, is in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
The India Code Portal, revamped and relaunched on 13 August 2026 with AI-assisted search, is maintained by which department?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Legislative Department
The India Code Portal belongs to the Legislative Department of the Law Ministry and provides the Constitution, Central Acts and Rules.
Against which terror syndicate did security agencies carry out a coordinated operation across 14 states on 12 August 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
The 'One Herb, One Standard' MoU renewed on 12 August 2026 is between the PCIM&H and which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
The MoU is between the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (Ayush) and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (Health Ministry).
How many monographs were developed in the first phase of the 'One Herb, One Standard' initiative?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 50
The renewed three-year framework builds on 50 monographs developed in the first phase.
Three Indian Sanchar Mitras were selected in August 2026 as Generation Connect Youth Envoys of which international organisation?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — International Telecommunication Union
They were selected as ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys for 2026–2030, in recognition of their work under DoT's Sanchar Mitra scheme.
What was the theme of International Youth Day 2026, observed on 12 August?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Different Contexts, Common Aspirations
International Youth Day 2026 was observed under the theme 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations', as noted by the Department of Telecommunications.
Under which Article of the Constitution does the National Commission for Scheduled Castes present its report, as it did to the President on 12 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Article 338
The NCSC's report on the working of safeguards for Scheduled Castes is presented under Article 338 of the Constitution.
Who led the National Commission for Scheduled Castes delegation that submitted the Annual Report 2024–25 to the President in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kishor Makwana
The delegation was led by NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana, along with members including Love Kush Kumar.
What was India's CPI-based retail inflation for July 2026, on the new base year 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 4.45%
Combined CPI inflation was 4.45% in July 2026; 4.84% was rural, 3.96% urban and 5.52% food (CFPI) inflation.
What is the base year of the Consumer Price Index series used for the July 2026 inflation data released by MoSPI?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2024
The CPI series now uses base year 2024=100; the WPI series separately uses base year 2022-23.
Consider the following statements about CPI data for July 2026: 1. Urban inflation was higher than rural inflation. 2. Food inflation (CFPI) was higher than headline CPI inflation. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Rural inflation (4.84%) was higher than urban (3.96%), and food inflation of 5.52% exceeded headline inflation of 4.45%.
How many downloads had Indian Railways' RailOne app recorded as of August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 4.76 crore
RailOne had 4.76 crore downloads and about 10 lakh average daily ticket bookings as of 2 August 2026.
What total green hydrogen production capacity has been awarded for refineries under SIGHT Mode-2B of the National Green Hydrogen Mission?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 30 KTPA
30 KTPA has been awarded: IOCL Panipat and Numaligarh 10 KTPA each, and BPCL Bina and HPCL Vizag 5 KTPA each.
Under SIGHT Mode-2B, which pair of refineries was each awarded 10 KTPA of green hydrogen capacity?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — IOCL Panipat and Numaligarh Refinery
IOCL Panipat and Numaligarh Refinery got 10 KTPA each; BPCL Bina and HPCL Visakhapatnam got 5 KTPA each.
In the acronym SIGHT under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, what does the 'S' stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Strategic
SIGHT stands for Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition.
Which Indian Railways production unit announced in August 2026 the rollout of its first rake of LHB coaches for Bangladesh Railway?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala
Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, was to roll out the first 19-coach LHB rake for Bangladesh Railway on 12 August 2026.
How many coaches are in the first LHB rake built by RCF Kapurthala for Bangladesh Railway?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 19
The rake has 19 coaches: 3 AC Sleeper, 3 AC Chair, 11 Non-AC Chair and 2 Power Cars.
What was the value of India–Namibia bilateral merchandise trade in 2025-26, as reported at the fourth Joint Trade Committee in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — USD 592.94 million
Trade rose to USD 592.94 million in 2025-26 from USD 568.40 million in 2024-25; India's exports were USD 349.09 million.
Which body was designated as India's investment focal point at the India–Namibia Joint Trade Committee in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Invest India
Invest India and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board were designated as the JTC investment focal points.
Consider the following statements about India–Namibia trade ties, as reported in August 2026: 1. India is Namibia's largest source of pharmaceuticals. 2. India's imports from Namibia exceeded its exports in 2025-26. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. India is Namibia's second-largest pharmaceutical source (16.4% share), and India's exports (USD 349.09 million) exceeded imports (USD 243.85 million).
ICMR-SHINE 2026, which opened health research labs to school students on 11–12 August 2026, was held at how many locations?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 83
The second edition of ICMR-SHINE was held across 83 locations for about 30,000 students.
In ICMR-SHINE, what does 'SHINE' stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Science and Health Innovation for NextGen Explorers
SHINE stands for Science and Health Innovation for NextGen Explorers; 2026 is its second edition.
What was India's annual milk production in 2024–25, as stated by the Animal Husbandry Minister in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 247.87 million tonnes
Milk production reached 247.87 million tonnes in 2024–25, above domestic demand of 243 million tonnes.
Consider the following statements about India's livestock sector, as stated in August 2026: 1. KCC coverage for animal husbandry farmers more than tripled between 2021–22 and FY 2025–26. 2. India's milk production in 2024–25 was below its domestic demand. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. KCC coverage rose from 15.08 lakh to 50.42 lakh, while milk production (247.87 MT) exceeded domestic demand (243 MT).
The Liberian parliamentary delegation's South-South peer learning visit to India in August 2026 was funded through which fund?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — IBSA Fund
The visit was funded by India, Brazil and South Africa through the IBSA Fund, administered by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation.
Which scheme accounted for the largest share (₹17,224.63 crore) of the ₹19,216.46 crore disbursed in SC scholarships over three years, as told to the Lok Sabha in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students
The Post Matric Scholarship for SC Students accounted for ₹17,224.63 crore of the total.
Who launched NITI Aayog's report 'India's Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services' on 10 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ashok Kumar Lahiri
NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri launched the report, in the presence of CEO Nidhi Chhibber and MoSPI Secretary Saurabh Garg.
Professional services account for roughly what share of India's total services exports, according to NITI Aayog's August 2026 report?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — About one-quarter
Professional services account for nearly a quarter of India's total services exports.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's August 2026 report on professional services: 1. It is the first report in NITI Aayog's Services Thematic Series. 2. It benchmarks India's regulatory framework against select foreign jurisdictions. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The report is the third in the Services Thematic Series, and it benchmarks India's framework against select foreign jurisdictions.
What was the urban unemployment rate (age 15+) in the PLFS quarterly bulletin for April–June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 6.7%
The urban unemployment rate stayed broadly stable at 6.7% in April–June 2026.
Which organisation conducts the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Statistics Office, MoSPI
The PLFS is conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS bulletin for April–June 2026: 1. The overall LFPR rose compared with the previous quarter. 2. The share of regular wage/salaried employees rose in both rural and urban areas. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Overall LFPR fell from 55.5% to 54.6%, while the regular wage share rose in rural (16.1%) and urban (49.3%) areas.
After the Home Ministry notified 11 more ports in August 2026, how many international ports allow entry of e-Visa holders?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 88
The total rose to 88: 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports.
Of the 11 international ports newly notified for e-Visa entry in August 2026, how many are land ports?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Nine
The 11 new ports comprise 9 land ports and 2 airports.
Consider the following statements about e-Visa entry ports in India as of August 2026: 1. Seaports outnumber airports among the ports allowing e-Visa entry. 2. India processes about 95% of e-Visa applications in under 72 hours. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. There are 38 seaports and 37 airports among the 88 ports, and about 95% of e-Visa applications are processed in under 72 hours.
Under TRAI's August 2026 direction, which number series will be used for service and transactional calls by utilities, courier and logistics firms?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1601
The 1601 series is for non-BFSI, non-government entities, starting with utilities, courier and logistics in Phase-I; the 1600 series is for BFSI and government.
Within how many days must telecom service providers onboard Phase-I entities onto the 1601 series under TRAI's August 2026 direction?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 90 days
Telecom service providers must complete migration and onboarding of Phase-I entities within 90 days of the order.
Who assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Srinivasa Kumar Tummala
Oceanographer Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, former Director of INCOIS, took over from N. Kalaiselvi, who held additional charge.
NABL, which launched India's first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories in August 2026, is a constituent board of which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Quality Council of India
NABL is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI).
How much was disbursed to over 6,000 agriculture students through NSP-DBT when the Agriculture Minister launched the National Scholarship Portal in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹21.35 crore
Over 6,000 agriculture students received ₹21.35 crore in scholarships through NSP-DBT.
India's non-fossil fuel installed power capacity crossed which milestone as on 31 July 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority disburse under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism, as announced on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — About ₹3.79 crore
The NBA disbursed close to ₹3.79 crore to 33 SBBs/UTBCs and national institutes.
Which foreign government body paid an Access and Benefit Sharing amount to India for Sahiwal cattle semen, as reported in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Sri Lanka's Department of Animal Production and Health
An ABS amount arose from Sri Lanka's Department of Animal Production and Health for access to Sahiwal cattle semen.
India's Access and Benefit Sharing framework is implemented under which law?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Biological Diversity Act, 2002
India's ABS framework is implemented under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and is aligned with the Nagoya Protocol.
How many houses had been sanctioned under PMAY-Urban and PMAY-U 2.0 as of August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Over 1.25 crore
Over 1.25 crore houses had been sanctioned, of which more than 1 crore were completed and delivered.
How many houses were sanctioned at the 8th CSMC meeting under PMAY-U 2.0 held on 6 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Over 2.09 lakh
The 8th CSMC meeting sanctioned over 2.09 lakh houses for EWS families, 2.03 lakh of them allotted to women.
Consider the following statements about PMAY-Urban as of August 2026: 1. About 1 crore of the sanctioned houses are allotted to women, as female heads or in joint ownership. 2. The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee under PMAY-U 2.0 is chaired by the Union Housing Minister. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. 1 crore houses are allotted to women; the 8th CSMC was chaired by Satendra Singh, Secretary, Department of Urban Development, not the Minister.
Which Indian shuttler won the women's singles title at the Korea Masters 2026, her maiden BWF World Tour title?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ashmita Chaliha
Ashmita Chaliha beat China's Han Qian Xi 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in the Korea Masters Super 300 final on 9 August 2026.
Whom did Ashmita Chaliha defeat in the Korea Masters 2026 women's singles final?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Han Qian Xi of China
Chaliha beat fourth seed Han Qian Xi of China 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in 53 minutes.
Consider the following statements about Ashmita Chaliha's Korea Masters 2026 title: 1. She became the first Indian woman to win a BWF Super 300 or higher title. 2. The win came a week after Tanvi Sharma won the Taipei Open. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Chaliha is the fifth Indian woman with a Super 300+ title, after Saina Nehwal, P. V. Sindhu, Devika Sihag and Tanvi Sharma; Tanvi had won the Taipei Open the previous week.
Under the aegis of which department was the Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) Foundation Day organised on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Department of Expenditure
The ICoAS Foundation Day was organised under the aegis of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
How is the India–US relationship described in the PMO readout of the Modi–Vance phone call of 8 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
The two leaders reviewed progress in the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Which US leader telephoned PM Narendra Modi on 8 August 2026 to review the India–US partnership?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Vice President J.D. Vance
US Vice President J.D. Vance called PM Modi; the PM also congratulated him on the birth of his son.
Which section of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 does the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 propose to amend in relation to UPI charges?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Section 10A
The Bill proposes to amend Section 10A of the PSS Act, 2007; the NPCI-led UPI and Services Steering Committee would then decide on any MDR.
According to the Finance Ministry's clarification of August 2026, which body will decide on any MDR on UPI once the amendment is passed?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — UPI and Services Steering Committee headed by NPCI
The 'UPI and Services Steering Committee', headed by NPCI, will decide on the MDR, if any.
Consider the following statements based on the Finance Ministry's UPI clarification of August 2026: 1. Person-to-person UPI transactions will continue to be free. 2. Any MDR introduced will be levied on all merchant transactions at a uniform rate. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Any MDR would be threshold-based and apply only to a limited set of merchant transactions, not to all.