RPSC RAS Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Exercise MAITREE, whose 15th edition began in August 2026, is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
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Correct answer: A — Thailand
MAITREE is the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise; the 15th edition is held at Surat Thani, Thailand, from 18 to 31 August 2026.
Troops from which Indian Army regiment primarily represent India at Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026)?
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Correct answer: D — 9 Gorkha Rifles
The Indian Army contingent of 85 personnel is drawn primarily from 9 Gorkha Rifles.
Where was the previous (14th) edition of the India–Thailand exercise MAITREE held in September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya
The Ministry of Defence said the last edition was conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.
At which place in Rajasthan did Shivraj Singh Chouhan hand over 2.89 lakh PMAY-G houses on 17 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Baran
The state-level PMAY-G programme was held in Baran, with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
To what figure was Rajasthan's Lakhpati Didi target raised on 17 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 32 lakh
Shivraj Singh Chouhan doubled Rajasthan's Lakhpati Didi target to 32 lakh; 29.13 lakh is the number of new PMAY-G beneficiaries surveyed.
How many additional proposals did MeitY approve under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on 17 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 31
MeitY approved 31 more proposals with projected investment of ₹6,844 crore, in addition to 75 approved earlier.
After the approvals of 17 August 2026, how many ECMS projects had been approved in total, and how many plants had started manufacturing?
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Correct answer: C — 106 approved; 38 operational
Of the 106 projects approved so far, 38 plants have commenced manufacturing and 16 more are at advanced stages of construction or machinery installation.
The ECMS approval event of 17 August 2026 was held in collaboration with which industry body?
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Correct answer: A — Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA)
MeitY held the event for handing over approvals in New Delhi in collaboration with ELCINA, whose president Sasikumar Gendham attended.
What theme has India adopted for the BRICS Energy Track during its 2026 Chairship, as highlighted at the 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit?
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Correct answer: C — सर्वेषां ऊर्जम् (Energy for All)
Within the Energy Track of India's 2026 BRICS Chairship, India adopted the theme "सर्वेषां ऊर्जम्" (Energy for All).
At the 3rd Apex Monitoring Authority meeting of NICDIT on 17 August 2026, the Finance Minister stressed convergence of 'FIRE' corridors. What does 'FIRE' stand for?
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Correct answer: D — Freight, Industrial Development, Railways, Expressways
Nirmala Sitharaman underlined the convergence of Freight, Industrial Development, Railways and Expressways, the FIRE corridors, for the success of the industrial corridor programme.
During his August 2026 visit to Nepal, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth is to receive which honour?
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Correct answer: B — Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army
In keeping with a tradition between the two armies, the President of Nepal confers the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army on the Indian Army Chief.
Consider the following statements about General Dhiraj Seth's Nepal visit of 17–19 August 2026: 1. The honorary rank is to be conferred by the Prime Minister of Nepal. 2. The Ex-Servicemen Rally during the visit is to be held at Biratnagar. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The honorary rank is conferred by Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel, and the Ex-Servicemen Rally is at Pokhara.
Where is General Dhiraj Seth to address student officers of the Army Command and Staff Course during his Nepal visit?
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Correct answer: A — Shivapuri
On 18 August 2026 he is to address student officers of the Army Command and Staff Course at Shivapuri; Tundikhel is where he lays a wreath and Pokhara hosts the ex-servicemen rally.
At which place in Nepal was Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth scheduled to attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Pokhara
PIB (16 Aug 2026): on 19 August 2026 General Dhiraj Seth will attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally at Pokhara and felicitate Veer Naris and gallantry awardees.
Against which team did the Indian women's hockey team draw 2-2 in its FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 opener on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — China
India drew 2-2 with Olympic silver medallists China in their Pool D opener at Amstelveen.
Consider the following statements about India's opening match at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026: 1. Navneet Kaur and Deepika scored India's goals. 2. The match was played at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Navneet Kaur and Deepika scored as India drew 2-2 with China at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on 16 August 2026.
Who was the head coach of the Indian women's hockey team at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Sjoerd Marijne
The Hindu and The Indian Express (16 Aug 2026): head coach Sjoerd Marijne, back for a third stint, guided India in the 2-2 draw with China.
Under which trade agreement did syndicates fraudulently claim duty exemption on areca nut imports, as uncovered by the DRI on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — SAFTA
The syndicates claimed duty exemption under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) by mis-declaring the origin of the areca nuts.
In the areca nut fraud uncovered by the DRI in August 2026, the imports were falsely declared as originating from which country?
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Correct answer: D — Bangladesh
The South-East Asian areca nuts were routed through an export processing zone in Bangladesh and passed off as Bangladeshi-origin goods.
Consider the following statements about the DRI's areca nut case announced on 16 August 2026: 1. Areca nut imports into India normally attract a Basic Customs Duty of 100%. 2. The estimated loss to the exchequer is more than ₹2,500 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Normal BCD on areca nuts is 100%, whereas eligible SAFTA imports are exempt; the DRI put the revenue loss at over ₹2,500 crore.
In which country did US envoy Jared Kushner meet Hamas leaders on 16 August 2026 to push the Gaza road map?
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Correct answer: A — Egypt
Kushner met Hamas leaders in Egypt and also held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Consider the following statements about the Gaza road map in August 2026: 1. The US-backed road map for the second phase of the Gaza plan has 15 points. 2. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted the road map before Kushner's meeting with Hamas. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Netanyahu rejected the 15-point road map the week before, while Hamas said it accepted the road map for the second phase.
Projects of what total value did Amit Shah inaugurate and lay foundation stones for in Alwar, Rajasthan, on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹6,453 crore
The Alwar event covered Rajasthan Government projects worth ₹6,453 crore across 17 districts; ₹5,755 crore was the Chittorgarh event the same day.
What is the initial daily capacity of the milk-processing plant for which bhoomi pujan was performed in Alwar on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 3 lakh litres
Amit Shah said the Alwar plant will have a capacity of 3 lakh litres a day, to be raised soon to 5 lakh litres.
On 16 August 2026, Saras Dairy plants worth ₹274 crore were commissioned in four Rajasthan districts. Which of the following was NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: D — Bikaner
PIB (16 Aug 2026): four Saras Dairy plants were commissioned in Bhilwara, Jaipur, Pali and Rajsamand at a total cost of ₹274 crore; Bikaner is not one of them, so Bikaner is NOT in the list.
What is the name of the memorial of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee where PM Modi paid homage on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Sadaiv Atal
Prime Minister Modi paid homage to Vajpayee at his memorial, Sadaiv Atal, on his Punya Tithi.
In which city of Rajasthan did Amit Shah unveil a 21-foot statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chittorgarh
The 21-foot statue, built at a cost of over ₹1.5 crore, was unveiled in Chittorgarh, where 944 projects worth ₹5,755 crore were also launched.
At the Chittorgarh event on 16 August 2026, Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for how many Rajasthan Government projects?
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Correct answer: B — 944
PIB (16 Aug 2026): at Chittorgarh, 944 development projects worth ₹5,755 crore across 15 districts were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid.
Speaking at Chittorgarh on Vajpayee's death anniversary in August 2026, Amit Shah credited Atal Bihari Vajpayee with establishing which ministry for the welfare of tribals?
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Correct answer: C — Ministry of Tribal Affairs
PIB (16 Aug 2026): Amit Shah said Atal ji established the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the welfare of tribals.
INS Sudarshini concluded a port call at Ponta Delgada on 16 August 2026 as part of which expedition?
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Correct answer: C — Lokayan 2026
The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini made the Ponta Delgada (Azores) port call as part of Lokayan 2026 and then sailed for Lisbon.
With which Portuguese Navy sail training vessel was INS Sudarshini scheduled to hold a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — NRP Sagres
PIB (16 Aug 2026): INS Sudarshini and the Portuguese sail training vessel NRP Sagres are scheduled to undertake a joint PASSEX on 21 August 2026.
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.
How many Indian missions and posts did the Suryapath Tiranga global relay connect on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 54
The relay connected 54 missions and posts across continents, following the path of the rising sun.
From which place did the Suryapath Tiranga relay begin on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Suva, Fiji
The relay began in Suva, Fiji, at 1:30 am IST and ended in San Francisco at 8:30 pm IST.
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026, observed from 9 to 17 August, was which edition of the campaign and centred on which anniversary?
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Correct answer: D — Fifth year; 150 years of Vande Mataram
The Ministry of Culture described 2026 as the fifth year of Har Ghar Tiranga, with 150 years of the National Song, Vande Mataram, at its heart.
The Qatar–India postal remittance service launched on 15 August 2026 credits money directly to which kind of accounts in India?
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Correct answer: A — UPI-enabled bank accounts
Customers in Qatar can send funds through Qatar Post outlets directly to UPI-enabled bank accounts in India.
Which platform of the Universal Postal Union is part of the Qatar–India UPI-powered postal remittance service?
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Correct answer: D — UPU Interconnection Platform (UPU-IP)
The service was developed by Qatar Post, India Post, the UPU Interconnection Platform (UPU-IP) and NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL).
In the National Framework released by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs on 15 August 2026, what does 'ITDA' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Integrated Tribal Development Agency
ITDAs and ITDPs are Integrated Tribal Development Agencies and Projects, the principal field-level institutions for tribal development.
Consider the following statements about the National Framework for Strengthening of ITDAs and ITDPs released on 15 August 2026: 1. It was jointly released by Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and NITI Aayog Member R. Balasubramaniam. 2. It is based on a consultation covering ITDAs/ITDPs in all 28 States. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The consultation covered 217 ITDAs/ITDPs across 19 States and Union Territories.
At which venue did India beat Wales 3-1 in its FIH Men's Hockey World Cup 2026 opener on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Wagener Hockey Stadium, Amstelveen
India's Pool D opener against Wales was played at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands; captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice.
Which institution developed the RSVC-AMRIT platform launched by the Principal Scientific Adviser on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — NABARD
AMRIT was developed by NABARD in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser.
In the RSVC-AMRIT platform launched on 15 August 2026, what does 'RSVC' stand for?
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Correct answer: C — RuTAGe Smart Village Centre
AMRIT is the digital backbone of the RuTAGe Smart Village Centre (RSVC) ecosystem for rural innovation and technology transfer.
Which institution launched CYBER KUSHTI 2026, a national cybersecurity and AI hackathon, on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — NIELIT
CYBER KUSHTI 2026 was launched by NIELIT under MeitY, with CERT-In as Knowledge Partner.
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 Medals for Gallantry were awarded to police and fire service personnel on Independence Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 301
A total of 301 Medals for Gallantry were awarded, 272 to police and 29 to fire service personnel, out of 1,057 medals overall.
Consider the following statements about the Independence Day 2026 police and service medals: 1. The largest share of Medals for Gallantry went to personnel from the Jammu & Kashmir region. 2. 664 Medals for Meritorious Service were awarded. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The largest share of gallantry medals, 197 of 301, went to personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas; J&K accounted for 51.
When was the Jal Jeevan Mission launched?
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Correct answer: B — 15 August 2019
Jal Jeevan Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2019 and completed seven years in August 2026.
What share of rural households had tap water connections as of August 2026, according to the Ministry of Jal Shakti?
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Correct answer: C — About 82%
More than 15.91 crore rural households, or 82.24%, had tap water supply, up from 16.72% at the Mission's launch in 2019.
Consider the following statements about the Jal Jeevan Mission: 1. In JJM, FHTC stands for Functional Household Tap Connection. 2. Under JJM 2.0, the focus shifts to service delivery, source sustainability and community ownership. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. JJM aims to give every rural household a Functional Household Tap Connection, and JJM 2.0 emphasises service delivery, source sustainability, community ownership and long-term functionality.
The government announced on 14 August 2026 that it is removing the advertisement duration cap for TV channels. What was the cap?
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Correct answer: D — 12 minutes per hour
The 12-minute advertisement duration cap for television channels is being removed to enable fair competition and ease of doing business.
Under which rules was the TV advertisement duration cap introduced in 2006?
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Correct answer: A — Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994
The cap was introduced in 2006 under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994; its removal takes effect when the amendment to these rules is notified.
Consider the following statements about the removal of the TV advertisement cap: 1. When the cap was introduced, India had only 62 TV channels. 2. Digital media platforms in India were subject to the same 12-minute cap. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. India had 62 channels in 2006 against more than 900 now; the Ministry cited a non-level playing field because digital media had no such cap.
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, observed on 14 August, is also known by which name?
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Correct answer: A — Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is also called Vibhajan Vibheeshika Smriti Divas; President Murmu referred to it by this name in her address of 14 August 2026.
Where in New Delhi did the Ministry of Culture hold the main observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Central Park, Connaught Place
The main observance, with a Partition Horrors Exhibition, was held at Central Park, Connaught Place; other programmes were held in Amritsar and Kolkata.
Consider the following statements about Partition Horrors Remembrance Day 2026: 1. In Amritsar, the observance was held at Guru Nanak Dev University. 2. In Kolkata, the programme was organised in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Amritsar's programme was at GNDU, and Kolkata's two-day programme on 13–14 August was held at the Newtown Convention Centre with the West Bengal government.
How many medals did India win in total at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow?
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Correct answer: A — 39
India won 39 medals (13 gold, 17 silver, 9 bronze), of which the Indian Army contingent won 16 and the Navy 2.
Consider the following statements about India's performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games: 1. The Indian Army contingent won half of India's gold medals. 2. Women boxers won 4 of India's 6 boxing gold medals. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Army won 8 of India's 13 golds, which is more than half; women boxers won 4 of the 6 boxing golds.
What was India's WPI inflation rate for July 2026 on a year-on-year basis?
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Correct answer: C — 9.78%
WPI inflation was 9.78% in July 2026, slightly lower than 9.87% in June; 6.65% was the food index, 8.52% primary articles and 20.05% fuel and power.
Consider the following statements about WPI data for July 2026: 1. The current WPI series uses 2011-12 as its base year. 2. Fuel and Power inflation fell compared with June 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The WPI series now uses base year 2022-23, and Fuel and Power inflation fell from 27.41% in June to 20.05% in July.
With which two firms did the Ministry of Defence sign ₹1,577 crore contracts for loiter munition systems on 14 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Tata Advanced Systems and NIBE
The contracts were signed with Tata Advanced Systems Limited and NIBE Private Limited for the Indian Army's artillery regiments.
Under which procurement route are the loiter munition systems contracted on 14 August 2026 being acquired?
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Correct answer: B — Buy (Indian) through Fast Track Procedure
The loiter munition systems are being procured under the Buy (Indian) category through the Fast Track Procedure.
Which technology does the Logistics Data Bank mainly use to track India's EXIM containers?
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Correct answer: C — Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
LDB provides visibility of 100% of India's EXIM container movement through RFID-based technology, backed by IoT, Big Data and Cloud; it crossed 10 crore containers tracked in August 2026.
Under which operation did the NCB bring back drug trafficker Virender Singh Basoya from the UAE on 14 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Operation GLOBAL-HUNT
Basoya was brought back under 'Operation GLOBAL-HUNT' after his arrest in the UAE on an INTERPOL Red Notice requested by NCB.