UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
'Chongpreng', a three-stringed bamboo musical instrument mentioned in Mann Ki Baat on 26 July 2026, belongs to which State?
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Correct answer: C — Tripura
The PM described Chongpreng as an instrument from Tripura, popular among its tribal communities, whose tune resembles the sarod.
The traditional 'Vagu' mat, whose revival was praised in the 136th Mann Ki Baat, is made from what and belongs to which region?
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Correct answer: A — Reeds and paddy straw – Kashmir
Vagu is Kashmir's traditional mat crafted from reeds and paddy straw; it keeps cool in summer and warm in winter.
According to the PM's Mann Ki Baat of 26 July 2026, Khadi sales have grown how much over the last 12 years?
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Correct answer: B — Six-fold, to nearly ₹8,000 crore
The PM said Khadi sales have increased six-fold over the last 12 years and reached nearly ₹8,000 crore.
'Aksharakanduk', mentioned in the 136th episode of Mann Ki Baat, is:
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Correct answer: D — A school project in Ernakulam, Kerala that teaches Sanskrit letters through football terms
Aksharakanduk is a project of a school Sanskrit club in South Chittoor, Ernakulam, Kerala, where a teacher explains Sanskrit letters by linking them to football terms.
Who heads the high-powered task force on examination reforms announced by the Prime Minister on 26 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Nandan Nilekani
The task force is led by Nandan Nilekani. S. Somanath and V. Kamakoti are members.
The Nilekani-led task force constituted in July 2026 is to recommend reforms mainly for examinations conducted by which body?
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Correct answer: B — National Testing Agency
The task force will recommend technology-driven and structural reforms for examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Which of the following is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau named as a member of the examination-reforms task force in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Tapan Deka
Tapan Deka is the former IB director on the panel. Anita Karwal is a former education secretary and Amrit Lal Meena a logistics expert and former civil servant.
Consider the following statements about the examination-reforms task force announced on 26 July 2026: 1. It has six members. 2. Former ISRO chairman S. Somanath is a member. 3. The Director of IIT Madras is a member. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct: the six members are Nandan Nilekani (chair), S. Somanath, Tapan Deka, V. Kamakoti (Director, IIT Madras), Anita Karwal and Amrit Lal Meena.
Volunteers of which platform took part in the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026, with whom the PM interacted on 26 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat)
MY Bharat volunteers shared experiences from border villages; over 5,000 volunteers from 245 districts joined virtually.
During the Viksit Vibrant Village Programme 2026 interaction, what share of their travel budget did the PM urge citizens to spend on local products?
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Correct answer: A — At least 5%
The PM urged citizens to spend at least five per cent of their travel budget on purchasing local products.
As stated by the PM in Mann Ki Baat on 26 July 2026, how did India perform in the 2026 Physics Olympiad?
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Correct answer: D — All five students won gold; India ranked first
The PM said all five Indian students won gold in the Physics Olympiad and India secured the top rank.
According to the PM's Mann Ki Baat (26 July 2026), what was India's medal haul in the 2026 Mathematics Olympiad?
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Correct answer: B — Two gold and four silver
In the Mathematics Olympiad, Indian students secured two gold and four silver medals.
Who took charge of the Union Ministry of Education on 26 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Pralhad Joshi
Pralhad Joshi took charge of the Ministry of Education at Kartavya Bhavan. Jayant Chaudhary is the Minister of State for Education.
Besides Education, which of the following Ministries does Pralhad Joshi also hold, as stated when he took charge in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — New and Renewable Energy
He also holds Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy.
Pralhad Joshi took over the Education Ministry after the resignation of which minister on 25 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Dharmendra Pradhan
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister on 25 July 2026.
'Prarambh', which concluded on 26 July 2026, was:
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Correct answer: B — A two-day orientation workshop for newly elected and nominated Rajya Sabha members
Prarambh was a two-day orientation workshop for new Rajya Sabha members; Deputy Chairman Harivansh gave the valedictory address.
Which Union Minister resigned from the Council of Ministers on 25 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Dharmendra Pradhan
The President accepted Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation; Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge of Education.
Under which constitutional provision did the President accept a Union Minister's resignation on 25 July 2026, on the Prime Minister's advice?
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Correct answer: A — Article 75(2)
The communique cited clause (2) of Article 75, under which Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the President. Article 164 deals with State ministers.
Consider the following statements about the events of 25 July 2026: 1. Pralhad Joshi was given the Education Ministry in addition to his existing portfolio. 2. The Cockroach Janta Party called off its agitation after the government accepted its demands. 3. The agitation was mainly over the NEET paper leak and exam irregularities. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct, as per the President's Secretariat communique and media reports of 25 July 2026.
As of 30 April 2026, how many Fast Track Special Courts (including exclusive POCSO courts) were functional in India?
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Correct answer: A — 775
775 FTSCs, including 398 exclusive POCSO courts, were functional in 29 States/UTs. 790 was the target under the last extension.
The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Fast Track Special Courts has been temporarily extended up to which date?
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Correct answer: C — 30 September 2026
After the last extension expired on 31 March 2026, the scheme was temporarily extended up to 30 September 2026.
What is the approved outlay of the DISHA 2.0 scheme for 2026-31?
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Correct answer: B — ₹255 crore
DISHA 2.0 is a Central Sector Scheme with an approved outlay of ₹255 crore for 2026-31.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four components of DISHA 2.0?
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Correct answer: D — e-Courts Phase III
The four components are Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu, Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness, and VIDHI-Sanjeevani. e-Courts Phase III is a separate scheme.
Somnath Chatterjee, whose birth anniversary was observed on 25 July 2026, was the Speaker of which Lok Sabha?
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Correct answer: D — 14th
He was unanimously elected Speaker of the 14th Lok Sabha on 4 June 2004 and served until 31 May 2009.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee was born in 1929 in which place?
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Correct answer: B — Tezpur, Assam
Somnath Chatterjee was born on 25 July 1929 in Tezpur, Assam.
Who became the first Indian to win the World Squash Junior Championship title in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Anahat Singh
Anahat Singh won the 2026 women's world junior title; Joshna Chinappa had been runner-up in 2005.
Anahat Singh defeated Ruqayya Salem in the final of the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships. Ruqayya Salem represents which country?
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Correct answer: B — Egypt
Ruqayya Salem, the second seed, is from Egypt; Anahat won 11-3, 11-7, 11-9.
Where were the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships, won by India's Anahat Singh, held?
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Correct answer: C — Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
The championships were held at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (per World Squash). Anahat had won bronze at the previous edition in Cairo.
The appraisal well MN-DWN18-1-HD, whose drilling began on 25 July 2026, is in which basin?
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Correct answer: C — Mahanadi Offshore Basin
MN-DWN18-1-HD is the first appraisal well in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin.
MN-DWN18-1-HD is the first of how many planned deepwater wells to evaluate the Mahanadi Offshore Basin?
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Correct answer: A — Four
It is the first of four planned deepwater wells.
INS Sudarshini, which departed Boston on 25 July 2026 under 'Lokayan 26', is the Indian Navy's:
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Correct answer: A — Sail training ship
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship; it represented India at SAIL 250 and the International Naval Review 250 in the USA.
How many dedicated Chemical Parks will be set up under the BHAVYA Rasayan scheme approved by the Cabinet in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Three
BHAVYA Rasayan provides for three dedicated Chemical Parks.
What is the total financial outlay of the BHAVYA Rasayan scheme?
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Correct answer: C — ₹3,030 crore
Total outlay is ₹3,030 crore – ₹3,000 crore for common infrastructure and basic utilities and ₹30 crore for administrative expenditure.
Under BHAVYA Rasayan, the Centre's grant per Chemical Park is up to ₹1,000 crore subject to what minimum contribution by the State Government?
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Correct answer: D — ₹500 crore
The central grant of up to ₹1,000 crore per park is subject to a minimum State contribution of ₹500 crore.
Consider the following statements about the BHAVYA Rasayan scheme: 1. It was announced in the Union Budget 2026-27. 2. It will run from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. 3. Its entire outlay is meant for land acquisition by States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: ₹3,000 crore is for Common Infrastructure Facilities and Basic Utilities inside the parks and ₹30 crore for administration.
Who won India's first medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow?
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Correct answer: B — Jhandu Kumar
Para powerlifter Jhandu Kumar opened India's tally with a men's heavyweight bronze on 24 July 2026.
What was Jhandu Kumar's best successful lift in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event at Glasgow 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 190 kg
He lifted 181 kg, then 190 kg (130.9 points); his 196 kg attempt failed.
In the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event at Glasgow 2026, which athlete won the gold medal?
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Correct answer: C — Riluwan Idris (Nigeria)
Riluwan Idris of Nigeria won gold with 132.8 points; Matthew Harding (131.0) took silver and Jhandu Kumar (130.9) bronze.
Under the TV Rating Policy 2026, the number of metered homes for audience measurement is to be expanded to:
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Correct answer: D — 80,000
Metered homes are to be increased from 50,000 to 80,000.
The TV Rating Policy 2026 reduced the net-worth requirement for TV rating agencies from ₹20 crore to:
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Correct answer: B — ₹5 crore
The net-worth criterion was reduced from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore.
Consider the following statements about the TV Rating Policy 2026: 1. It replaces the Guidelines for TV Rating Agencies issued in January 2014. 2. It provides for establishment surveys every three years. 3. It excludes the landing page from computation of viewership data. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct per the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
As per RBI data shared in Parliament in July 2026, what was the value of India's services exports in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: C — USD 421.3 billion
Services exports were USD 421.3 billion in FY 2025-26, up from USD 387.5 billion in FY 2024-25.
Which sub-sector had the largest share (about 49%) of India's services exports in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: D — Telecommunications, computer and information services
Telecommunications, computer and information services earned USD 206.6 billion, 49.03% of the total; business services were second at 29.5%.
Which anniversary of Income Tax Day was celebrated by the CBDT on 24 July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 167th
The CBDT celebrated the 167th Income Tax Day in New Delhi on 24 July 2026.
Which of the following is NOT one of the '5Rs of Responsive Tax Governance' outlined by the Finance Minister on Income Tax Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Revenue
The 5Rs are Recognise, Respond, Redress, Reflect and Reform. 'Revenue' is not one of them.
Which body hosted the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi on 24 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
The NDMA, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, hosted the meeting under India's BRICS Chairship 2026.
Who chaired the 3rd BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction held in New Delhi in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Nityanand Rai
The meeting was chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
Consider the following statements about BRICS cooperation on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): 1. The BRICS Joint Statement on DRR adopted in July 2026 seeks to accelerate the BRICS DRR Work Plan (2025–2028). 2. The Udaipur Declaration on DRR dates to 2016. 3. The Kazan Declaration dates to 2024. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct as stated by MoS Nityanand Rai at the meeting, per the MHA release.
In July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu received an Honorary Doctorate from a university in which country?
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Correct answer: B — Romania
The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, conferred the Honorary Doctorate on 24 July 2026.
As informed in July 2026, how many products have been identified under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative?
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Correct answer: B — 1,244
1,244 products have been identified across 773 districts under ODOP.
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.