UKPSC Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Who is the President of Romania with whom President Droupadi Murmu held talks in Bucharest on 23 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Nicușor Dan
President Murmu held one-to-one and delegation-level talks with President Nicușor Dan at Cotroceni Palace.
During President Murmu's visit in July 2026, India and Romania agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over what period?
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Correct answer: A — Three years
The two leaders agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next three years.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's State Visit to Romania (July 2026): 1. Romania was the last leg of a tour that also covered Moldova and North Macedonia. 2. An Indian Studies Chair is being set up at the University of Bucharest with ICCR support. 3. It was the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Romania. 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: it was the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in nearly three decades, not the first ever.
Under the final US Section 301 measures announced on 23 July 2026, what additional duty was imposed on imports from India?
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Correct answer: A — 10%
USTR imposed an additional 10% ad valorem duty on Indian imports, down from 12.5% proposed on 2 June 2026.
The US Section 301 investigation concluded in July 2026 related to which issue?
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Correct answer: C — Prohibitions on importing goods made with forced labour
The investigation covered 60 economies' acts, policies and practices on prohibiting imports of goods produced with forced labour.
Consider the following statements regarding the final US Section 301 measures (July 2026) as they apply to India: 1. About 45% of India's exports to the US remain outside the additional 10% duty. 2. Steel, aluminium and auto parts covered under Section 232 are also charged the additional 10% duty. 3. Generic pharmaceuticals and smartphones continue to remain outside its scope. 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: products already under Section 232 measures are not subject to the additional 10% duty.
Where was the second round of India–Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations held in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
The second round was held from 20 to 23 July 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
What was the total merchandise trade between India and Israel in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — USD 3.93 billion
India–Israel merchandise trade stood at USD 3.93 billion in FY 2025-26.
India's Trade Policy Review concluded at the WTO in Geneva on 23 July 2026 was its:
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Correct answer: D — Eighth
It was India's Eighth Trade Policy Review; 68 WTO Members participated.
Who led India's official delegation at its Eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rajesh Agrawal
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal led the delegation.
On 23 July 2026, the Prime Minister announced that the government would set up which of the following for paper leak cases?
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Correct answer: C — Fast-track courts
PM Modi announced fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
What was the stated purpose of the fast-track courts announced by the Prime Minister on 23 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — To ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks
The courts are meant to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
23 July marks the birth anniversary of which two freedom fighters, to whom the Prime Minister paid tributes in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lokmanya Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad
The PM paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries on 23 July.
'AAROH', released by the Ministry of Coal in July 2026, is India's first report on:
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Correct answer: A — Scientific mine closure and repurposing
AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure documents scientific mine closure and repurposing practices.
How many scientifically closed coal mines are documented in the AAROH report?
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Correct answer: C — 42
AAROH documents the transformation journey of 42 scientifically closed coal mines.
In July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Skopje
The bust was unveiled at the Museum of the City of Skopje, North Macedonia, on 22 July 2026.
Which Bharat Ratna awardee, whose memorial President Murmu visited in July 2026, was born in Skopje?
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Correct answer: B — Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, lived there until 1928 and received the Bharat Ratna in 1980.
Under which mechanism did the National Biodiversity Authority release ₹6.67 crore to 11 cotton-growing States in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Access and Benefit Sharing
The money was released under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism of the Biological Diversity Act.
The ₹7.62 crore benefit-sharing amount used for the NBA's July 2026 release to cotton-growing States came from research on how many cotton varieties?
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Correct answer: C — 25,431
The amount was realised from Bayer Science & Innovation for research involving 25,431 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) varieties.
What was India's installed wind power capacity as on 30 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 57,443 MW
Installed wind capacity was 57,443 MW as on 30 June 2026.
According to the GWEC Report 2026 cited by MNRE, what is India's global rank in wind energy installation (till 31 December 2025)?
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Correct answer: D — 4th
India ranked 4th globally in wind energy installation as per the GWEC Report 2026.
Which aircraft type will be converted for DRDO's AEW&C Mk-II programme under the contract signed with AIESL in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — A321
AIESL will convert six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration for the AEW&C Mk-II programme.
Which DRDO laboratory is the nodal lab for the AEW&C Mk-II programme?
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Correct answer: A — Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS)
CABS is the nodal laboratory; it signed both contracts on 22 July 2026.
Consider the following statements about the AEW&C Mk-II contracts signed in July 2026: 1. Adani Defence Systems and Technologies is the Development-cum-Production Partner for mission systems. 2. Airbus Defence & Space is the original equipment manufacturer of the modified platform. 3. Certification will be obtained from CEMILAC and DGAQA. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct per the Defence Ministry release.
As per the Railways Ministry (July 2026), about what share of Indian Railways' broad gauge network has been electrified?
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Correct answer: C — 99.6%
About 99.6% of the broad gauge network has been electrified.
According to the UIC report of June 2025 cited by the Railways Ministry, India is second only to which country in railway electrification?
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Correct answer: A — Switzerland
India is second only to Switzerland in railway electrification.
Which body granted marketing authorisation to Qdenga, India's first approved dengue vaccine, in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
CDSCO, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, granted the marketing authorisation.
For which age group has the Qdenga dengue vaccine been approved in India?
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Correct answer: C — 4 to 60 years
Qdenga is indicated for the prevention of dengue in individuals 4 to 60 years of age.
Which company manufactures the Qdenga dengue vaccine approved by CDSCO?
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Correct answer: D — Takeda GmbH, Germany
Qdenga is manufactured by Takeda GmbH, Germany, and imported by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd.
Consider the following statements about the Qdenga dengue vaccine: 1. Qdenga is given as two doses three months apart. 2. Qdenga is administered as an intramuscular injection. 3. Qdenga uses a dengue virus type-2 backbone. 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: Qdenga is given as a subcutaneous injection.
President Droupadi Murmu's State Visits in July 2026 covered which three countries?
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Correct answer: A — Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania
North Macedonia was the second leg of the President's State Visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania.
Where did President Murmu hold talks with the President of North Macedonia on 21 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Villa Vodno
Villa Vodno in Skopje is the official residence and office of the President of North Macedonia.
Who is the President of North Macedonia who hosted President Murmu in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova
President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova hosted President Murmu; Timcho Mucunski is the Foreign Minister who received her at the airport.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's visit to North Macedonia in July 2026: 1. The visit was the first by an Indian President to North Macedonia. 2. The President of North Macedonia received President Murmu at Skopje airport. 3. President Murmu addressed the Assembly of North Macedonia. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: President Murmu was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Timcho Mucunski.
Which new International Thematic Group was proposed under the BRICS Network University in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems
The IGB deliberated on adding Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a new International Thematic Group; the proposal received broad support.
Which BRICS Network University Action Plan did the International Governing Board review in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 2025–2028
The Board reviewed the BRICS Network University Action Plan (2025–2028).
What was India's installed renewable energy capacity as on 30 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 288.58 GW
Renewable capacity was 288.58 GW; 297.36 GW is total non-fossil capacity including nuclear.
Consider the following statements about India's renewable energy capacity as on 30 June 2026: 1. Solar power is the largest component. 2. Wind power installed capacity is higher than hydro power installed capacity. 3. The 288.58 GW figure includes nuclear power capacity. 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 (solar 162.15 GW; wind 57.44 GW vs hydro 57.24 GW). Statement 3 is wrong: nuclear (8.78 GW) is counted separately in the 297.36 GW non-fossil total.
Who presided over the 8th Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services hosted by India in July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani
The meeting was presided over by the Attorney General for India, R. Venkataramani.
Which edition of the Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services did India host virtually on 20–21 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 8th
India hosted the 8th Meeting of BRICS Heads of Prosecution Services.
How many sanitation worker deaths during hazardous sewer and septic tank cleaning were reported between January 2021 and June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 332
332 sanitation workers died in 18 States and UTs; 193 is the number of FIRs registered in the last five years.
Consider the following statements about the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013: 1. The Act came into force on 6 December 2013. 2. Section 8 of the Act provides imprisonment of up to five years for employing a manual scavenger. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Section 8 provides imprisonment of up to two years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.
In July 2026, Prime Minister Modi congratulated whom on assuming office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom?
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Correct answer: A — Andy Burnham
PM Modi congratulated Andy Burnham on assuming office as UK Prime Minister on 21 July 2026.
Which India–UK trade agreement did PM Modi say entered into force in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — CETA
PM Modi noted that the India–UK CETA entered into force in July 2026.
Who assumed office as Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities on 21 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Harjit Singh Grewal
Harjit Singh Grewal assumed office as NCM Chairman on 21 July 2026.
Glenn Souza Ticlo, who joined the National Commission for Minorities in July 2026, represents which community?
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Correct answer: D — Christian
Glenn Souza Ticlo is the Member representing the Christian community; Berjis Desai represents the Parsi community.
Allographa, of which five new species were described from the Western Ghats in July 2026, is a genus of:
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Correct answer: C — Lichen-forming fungi
Allographa is a genus of script lichens (lichen-forming fungi) in the family Graphidaceae.
Researchers of which institute described the five new Allographa species from the Western Ghats?
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Correct answer: B — MACS Agharkar Research Institute, Pune
The team was from MACS Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, an autonomous institute of DST.
What is the base year of the new Index of Core Industries series released in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 2022-23
The new ICI series has base year 2022-23 and replaces the 2011-12 series.
Which item has been added as a new core industry in the Index of Core Industries (base 2022-23)?
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Correct answer: A — Iron ore
Iron ore was added, raising the number of core industries from eight to nine.
Consider the following statements about the new Index of Core Industries (base year 2022-23): 1. The number of core industries has increased from eight to nine. 2. The steel index is compiled using net production data. 3. Coal middling and washed coal have been excluded, retaining only raw coal. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: the new series uses gross production for steel, replacing net production.
On 20 July 2026, India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance of which WTO agreement?
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Correct answer: B — Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
India became a Party to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
India is the ____ WTO Member to deposit its Instrument of Acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
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Correct answer: C — 123rd
India is the 123rd WTO Member to deposit its Instrument of Acceptance.
At which WTO Ministerial Conference was the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies adopted?
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Correct answer: D — MC12, Geneva
The Agreement was adopted by consensus at the 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022.
Consider the following statements about the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies: 1. The Agreement entered into force on 15 September 2025. 2. Aquaculture and inland fisheries are covered by the Agreement. 3. The Agreement is the first multilateral WTO agreement with an environmental sustainability objective. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: aquaculture and inland fisheries are outside the Agreement's scope.
In which capital city did President Droupadi Murmu arrive on 20 July 2026 for the first leg of her State Visits?
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Correct answer: B — Chisinau
President Murmu reached Chisinau, Moldova, on the first leg of her State Visits to Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania.
Who is the President of Moldova who held talks with President Murmu in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Maia Sandu
President Maia Sandu received President Murmu at the Presidential Palace; Mihai Popsoi is Deputy PM and Foreign Minister.
During President Murmu's visit to Moldova, India announced it would double which of the following for Moldovan professionals?
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Correct answer: C — ITEC training slots
India decided to double the number of ITEC training slots for Moldovan professionals, including courses in AI and emerging technologies.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's visit to Moldova in July 2026: 1. The visit was the first by an Indian President to Moldova. 2. Moldova was the second leg of the President's three-nation tour. 3. President Murmu was received at the airport by Moldova's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Moldova was the first leg; North Macedonia was the second.
How many users were onboarded on UPI as of June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 55.49 crore
NPCI informed that 55.49 crore users were onboarded on UPI as of June 2026.
What was the value of UPI transactions in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — ₹314.23 lakh crore
UPI transactions in FY 2025-26 were worth ₹314.23 lakh crore (24,161.69 crore transactions).
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, in which the IAF is participating, is being held at which base?
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Correct answer: C — RAAF Base Darwin
Exercise Pitch Black 2026 is being held at RAAF Base Darwin from 20 July to 7 August 2026.
Which fighter aircraft is the IAF contingent operating at Exercise Pitch Black 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Rafale
The IAF contingent operates Rafale fighters, supported by C-17 Globemaster III and IL-78 aircraft.
To which country did Uttarakhand make its first export of frozen French fries, facilitated by APEDA in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Iraq
The first 24-tonne consignment of frozen French fries from Uttarakhand was exported to Iraq.
From which place in Uttarakhand was the first consignment of frozen French fries exported?
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Correct answer: C — Kashipur, Udham Singh Nagar
The consignment was exported from Kashipur in Udham Singh Nagar district.
Under 'Operation Vajra' (July 2026), the Central Bureau of Narcotics seized 12 crore tablets of which drug?
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Correct answer: A — Tramadol Hydrochloride
CBN seized 12 crore high-strength (250 mg) Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets from a Delhi warehouse.
The Tramadol consignment seized under Operation Vajra was declared for export to which country, while suspected to be meant for Libya?
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Correct answer: C — Guinea-Bissau
The consignment was ostensibly destined for Guinea-Bissau but appeared to be intended for diversion to Libya.
What is the outlay of the Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects approved in 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹37,500 crore
The scheme is worth ₹37,500 crore and was approved by the Union Cabinet on 13 May 2026.
How many jobs is the ₹37,500-crore coal/lignite gasification scheme expected to generate?
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Correct answer: A — About 50,000
The scheme is expected to generate about 50,000 employment opportunities and use nearly 75 million tonnes of coal a year.
On which date did the Monsoon Session 2026 of Parliament begin?
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Correct answer: C — 20 July 2026
The Monsoon Session began on 20 July 2026, when PM Modi addressed the media at Parliament.
How many newly elected or re-elected members took oath in the Rajya Sabha on 20 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Nine
Nine members took oath: five in Hindi, two in English and two in Bengali.
Who administered the oath to the new Rajya Sabha members on 20 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan
Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan administered the oath/affirmation in the Rajya Sabha Chamber.