Teaching Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
With which regional grouping did India sign Terms of Reference for Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — SACU
India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) signed the ToR for PTA negotiations at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the India–SACU Terms of Reference signed in August 2026: 1. It is India's first ToR signing with the African region. 2. SACU was described as the oldest customs union in the world. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal; the PTA is envisaged to cover eight chapters.
How many chapters is the proposed India–SACU Preferential Trade Agreement envisaged to cover?
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Correct answer: D — Eight
The PTA is envisaged to cover eight chapters, including trade in goods and market access, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade remedies.
What is the title of former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography released by PM Modi on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles
The autobiography is titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles' and was released at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Where was former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography released on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
PM Modi released the autobiography at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
At the release of Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography, PM Modi said the former President is still working on which reform?
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Correct answer: A — One Nation, One Election
The PM said that even after retiring as President, Kovind is working on 'One Nation, One Election', which could start a new chapter in democracy.
National Library Day, on which Amit Shah launched the 'Gramin Gyan Setu' app on 12 August 2026, marks the birth anniversary of whom?
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Correct answer: B — S. R. Ranganathan
Amit Shah noted that 12 August marks the birth anniversary of S. R. Ranganathan, celebrated as National Library Day.
The 'Gramin Gyan Setu' app launched in August 2026 interconnects village libraries in which Lok Sabha constituency?
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Correct answer: C — Gandhinagar
The app links libraries in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency of Gujarat; 752 libraries had joined it.
The 'One Herb, One Standard' MoU renewed on 12 August 2026 is between the PCIM&H and which body?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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%.
Kavach Version 4.0 was approved in August 2026 for 660 route km of the Izzatnagar Division. Which railway zone does this division belong to?
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Correct answer: D — North Eastern Railway
Izzatnagar Division is part of North Eastern Railway; Kavach 4.0 was approved there at an estimated ₹295 crore.
Consider the following statements about Kavach: 1. Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system. 2. Kavach is designed to prevent Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) incidents. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Kavach is India's indigenous ATP system that prevents SPAD incidents and collisions by automatically applying brakes when required.
A ₹334.89 crore internal flyover approved in August 2026 to separate road and rail traffic is at which port?
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Correct answer: C — Visakhapatnam Port
The 3.584-km elevated corridor at Visakhapatnam Port will link Convent Junction with the Dock Area.
How many railway level crossings is the Visakhapatnam Port flyover, approved in August 2026, meant to bypass?
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Correct answer: D — Nine
The flyover addresses delays at nine major railway level crossings with about 18 gate closures a day.
What total green hydrogen production capacity has been awarded for refineries under SIGHT Mode-2B of the National Green Hydrogen Mission?
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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?
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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?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic
SIGHT stands for Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition.
Roughly what share of India's agarwood trees is located in the North Eastern Region, according to MDoNER in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — About 96.6%
India has an estimated 139.89 million agarwood trees, nearly 96.6% of them in the North Eastern Region.
Which export promotion council organised the August 2026 industry summit on agarwood oil exports with MDoNER?
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Correct answer: A — CHEMEXCIL
The Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL) organised the summit with MDoNER.
Consider the following statements about MDoNER's agarwood initiatives: 1. The Inter-Ministerial Task Force on agarwood was constituted in February 2025. 2. The Agarwood Steering Group was constituted in November 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. The dates are reversed: the Inter-Ministerial Task Force was set up in November 2023 and the Agarwood Steering Group in February 2025.
Which Indian Railways production unit announced in August 2026 the rollout of its first rake of LHB coaches for Bangladesh Railway?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
At which shipyard was the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Shruti' (Yard 3037) launched on 11 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Kolkata
NGOPV 'Shruti' was launched at GRSE, Kolkata; the class is being built at GRSE and Goa Shipyard Limited.
The name of the Navy's NGOPV 'Shruti', launched in August 2026, refers to what?
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Correct answer: B — The four Vedas
The ship's name 'Shruti' refers to the four Vedas; its crest shows the Ursa Major constellation and a red and white lighthouse.
Consider the following statements about the Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs): 1. They are being built concurrently at Goa Shipyard Limited and GRSE, Kolkata. 2. Their roles include anti-piracy and HADR missions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. NGOPVs are being built at GSL Goa and GRSE Kolkata for surveillance, SAR, offshore asset protection, HADR and anti-piracy missions.
What was India's annual milk production in 2024–25, as stated by the Animal Husbandry Minister in August 2026?
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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?
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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).
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?
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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.
On which date is World Lion Day observed, the occasion on which India highlighted its Asiatic lion numbers in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 10 August
World Lion Day is observed on 10 August; on that day in 2026 the Environment Minister highlighted the rise in Asiatic lion numbers.
According to the Environment Ministry in August 2026, what was India's Asiatic lion population in 2025?
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Correct answer: C — 891
The Asiatic lion population rose from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025.
When was 'Project Lion' for the long-term conservation of the Asiatic lion announced by PM Narendra Modi?
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Correct answer: D — 15 August 2020
PM Modi announced Project Lion on 15 August 2020; the lion range has since expanded from about 30,000 sq km to nearly 35,000 sq km.
Consider the following statements about Asiatic lion conservation, as stated in August 2026: 1. The lion range has expanded to nearly 35,000 sq km from around 30,000 sq km in 2020. 2. The lion population more than doubled between 2015 and 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The range grew to nearly 35,000 sq km, but the population rose from 523 to 891, which is less than double.
Which nationwide short code did Government e Marketplace (GeM) introduce for its helpdesk on its 10th Foundation Day in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 14550
GeM introduced the short code 14550 for helpdesk services and launched a customised 'My Stamp' on its 10th Foundation Day.
Where was the 10th Foundation Day of Government e Marketplace (GeM) celebrated on 10 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Bharat Mandapam
GeM's 10th Foundation Day was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Over which region did scientists detect an unusually high stratospheric ozone concentration, as reported in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — North Bay of Bengal
The unusual ozone layer was detected over the North Bay of Bengal during the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign.
The indigenous 206.5 MHz Stratosphere–Troposphere Radar used in the 2026 study on stratospheric ozone over the Bay of Bengal is located at which institute?
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Correct answer: C — Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital
The 206.5 MHz ST Radar is at ARIES, Nainital, an autonomous DST institute; similar radars at Haringhata, Gadanki and Kochi also contributed data.
In August 2026, the DRI busted a clandestine amphetamine manufacturing unit in Jewar. In which district is Jewar?
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Correct answer: D — Gautam Buddha Nagar
The facility was in a residential premises in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
Which agency busted the clandestine amphetamine lab in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized about 30 kg of amphetamine and 30 kg of precursor chemicals and arrested two people.
Who launched NITI Aayog's report 'India's Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services' on 10 August 2026?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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)?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Correct answer: D — 90 days
Telecom service providers must complete migration and onboarding of Phase-I entities within 90 days of the order.
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?
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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?
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Correct answer: C — 300 GW
Non-fossil capacity reached 300.50 GW, over 60% of the 500 GW target for 2030.
Which source contributes the second-largest share of India's non-fossil power capacity as on 31 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Wind
Wind (58.14 GW) is second after solar (164.59 GW), just ahead of hydro (57.24 GW).
What share of India's total installed electricity capacity came from non-fossil sources as of July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Over 54%
Non-fossil sources make up over 54% of India's total installed capacity of around 552 GW.
Consider the following statements about India's non-fossil power capacity as on 31 July 2026: 1. Nuclear power capacity exceeds bio-power capacity. 2. A record 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity was added in 2025-26. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Nuclear capacity (8.78 GW) is lower than bio-power (11.75 GW); a record 55.29 GW was added in 2025-26.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority disburse under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism, as announced on 9 August 2026?
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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?
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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?
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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.
August Kranti Diwas, observed on 9 August, commemorates which movement?
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Correct answer: D — Quit India Movement
August Kranti Diwas commemorates the Quit India Movement of 1942.
Where did Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launch the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan on 9 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Vice-President hoisted the flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, to launch the campaign on August Kranti Diwas.
While launching Har Ghar Tiranga in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in August 2026, the Vice-President recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian National Flag in the islands on which date?
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Correct answer: C — 30 December 1943
The Vice-President recalled that Netaji hoisted the Indian National Flag in the islands on 30 December 1943.
How many houses had been sanctioned under PMAY-Urban and PMAY-U 2.0 as of August 2026?
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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?
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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?
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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.