UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The E85 fuel rollout launched on 5 June 2026 began at how many public sector OMC retail outlets?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 48
The rollout commenced at 48 public sector OMC retail outlets.
E85 fuel, launched on 5 June 2026, contains what share of ethanol?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 80–85 per cent
E85 comprises 80–85 per cent ethanol and 14–19 per cent petrol, for flex-fuel vehicles.
Consider the following statements about the E85 rollout announced on 5 June 2026: 1. E85 is priced nearly ₹20 per litre lower than conventional petrol. 2. The rollout is planned to reach about 5,000 outlets by December 2026. 3. Ethanol blending in petrol has risen from 1.53 per cent in 2014 to 20 per cent. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The plan is 500 outlets by December 2026 and about 5,000 by December 2027.
The Padma Awards, for which nominations for 2027 are open till 31 July 2026, were instituted in which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1954
The MHA release states the Padma Awards were instituted in 1954.
India's first flex-fuel passenger vehicle, launched on 4 June 2026, was made by:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Maruti Suzuki
Hardeep Singh Puri launched India's first flex-fuel passenger vehicle by Maruti Suzuki.
Flex-fuel vehicles, such as the one launched on 4 June 2026, can operate on ethanol–petrol blends in which range?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — E20 to E100
The release states flex-fuel vehicles can operate on blends from E20 up to E100.
The India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory was launched on 4 June 2026 by G. Kishan Reddy and:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Yvette Cooper
It was launched by Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Which Indian institute is a partner, along with TEXMiN and the University of Cambridge, in the India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — IIT (ISM) Dhanbad
The Observatory is a joint initiative of TEXMiN, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and the University of Cambridge.
The Mines Minister said the India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory would advance the objectives of which Indian mission?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — National Critical Mineral Mission
Reddy said the Observatory would support evidence-based policymaking and advance the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM).
As stated on 4 June 2026, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to cross how many households by December 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 75 lakh
Pralhad Joshi said the scheme, which has crossed 40 lakh households, is expected to cross 75 lakh by December 2026.
Which new model was introduced on 4 June 2026 to speed up rooftop solar adoption among underserved households under PM Surya Ghar?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Utility-Linked Aggregation model
The Utility-Linked Aggregation (ULA) model was introduced, with about 30 lakh installations planned across States.
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana was approved by the Cabinet with what total outlay?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹75,021 crore
The Cabinet approved the scheme with an outlay of ₹75,021 crore for one crore households (PIB, 29 February 2024).
In June 2026, the Union Cabinet approved one-time budgetary support of up to how much for ATF price stabilisation for Scheduled Indian Airlines?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹10,000 crore
The Cabinet approved one-time budgetary support not exceeding ₹10,000 crore for OMCs.
Under the ATF Price Stabilisation Fund approved on 3 June 2026, the budgetary support will reach Oil Marketing Companies in which form?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Interest-free advances
The support is given as interest-free advances to OMCs through the Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Consider the following statements about the ATF Price Stabilisation Fund approved in June 2026: 1. It covers both domestic and international operations of Scheduled Indian Airlines. 2. It will be implemented through an MoU between participating airlines and OMCs, with the Ministries of Civil Aviation and Petroleum and Natural Gas as signatories. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are in the Cabinet release: coverage is domestic and international, and implementation is through an airline–OMC MoU with MoCA and MoPNG as signatories.
Under the ATF price stabilisation mechanism of June 2026, amounts recovered from OMCs when ATF prices moderate go back to the Consolidated Fund of India. Which Article of the Constitution creates the Consolidated Fund of India?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Article 266
Article 266(1) provides that all revenues, loans raised and loan repayments received by the Government of India form the Consolidated Fund of India. Article 267 deals with the Contingency Fund.
According to the Sports Ministry, what was the theme of World Bicycle Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Cycling for a Greener Future
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports said the 2026 theme is 'Cycling for a Greener Future'.
Consider the following statements about World Bicycle Day, observed on 3 June: 1. It was declared by the UN General Assembly through resolution A/RES/72/272. 2. The UN General Assembly resolution of 15 March 2022 dealt with integrating mainstream bicycling into public transportation systems. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both are on the UN observance page: A/RES/72/272 declared World Bicycle Day, and A/RES/76/255 of 15 March 2022 is on integrating bicycling into public transport.
How many Panchayats received the National Panchayat Awards 2025 in New Delhi on 3 June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 42
The National Panchayat Awards 2025 were conferred on 42 Panchayats.
Under the National Panchayat Awards 2025, which award was conferred on 8 Panchayats (3 District, 2 Block and 3 Gram Panchayats) as best performers on an overall basis?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar
The Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar went to 8 Panchayats; the Deen Dayal Upadhyay award went to 34 Gram Panchayats.
Consider the following statements about the National Panchayat Awards 2025: 1. Awardee Panchayats receive financial incentives under the Incentivization of Panchayats scheme, a component of the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan. 2. The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar is based on the nine themes of Localisation of SDGs. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj: incentives of ₹50 lakh to ₹5 crore come under IoP, an RGSA component, and DDUPSVP covers the nine LSDG themes.
South Africa's Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation who held talks with Jitendra Singh on 3 June 2026 was:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Nomalungelo Gina
Dr Nomalungelo Gina, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, held bilateral talks with Jitendra Singh.
At the launch of Hero MotoCorp's first flex-fuel motorcycles on 3 June 2026, Nitin Gadkari said flex-fuel technology can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by about:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 77 per cent
Gadkari said adoption of the technology can reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 77 per cent.
Which Union Territory signed a reform-linked MoU under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 on 2 June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Puducherry
The MoUs were signed with four States and one UT – Puducherry.
Which of the following States was NOT among those that signed reform-linked MoUs under JJM 2.0 on 2 June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kerala
The four States were Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Nagaland; Kerala was not among them.
The reform-linked MoUs under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 signed in June 2026 mandate which model of rural water governance?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model
The MoUs mandate a Gram Panchayat-led, service-based and community-centred model of rural water governance.
Which DRDO laboratory was the nodal laboratory for developing the RudraM-II missile flight-tested in June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad
RudraM-II was indigenously developed by Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, as the nodal DRDO laboratory.
Flight data confirming the RudraM-II test objectives in June 2026 was captured by range instruments of the Integrated Test Range located at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Chandipur
All test objectives were confirmed by flight data from range instruments deployed by ITR, Chandipur.
Consider the following statements about the RudraM-II tests of June 2026: 1. RudraM-II is an air-to-surface missile and was tested from an airborne platform. 2. The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) was the nodal DRDO laboratory for its development. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, was the nodal laboratory; DRDL was one of the sister labs.
As noted by President Murmu on 2 June 2026, South Africa was the first country with which India established a Strategic Partnership. In which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1997
The President said South Africa was the very first country with which India established a Strategic Partnership in 1997.
Who is the Deputy President of South Africa who called on President Droupadi Murmu on 2 June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile
Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile, Deputy President of South Africa, called on the President on his first visit to India.
According to President Murmu (June 2026), bilateral trade between India and South Africa is about:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — USD 15.5 billion
The President noted that India–South Africa bilateral trade is about USD 15.5 billion.
The VYOMA Innovation Challenge launched by BHASHINI in June 2026 builds on which handheld multilingual AI reference device?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sunno Sutra
VYOMA builds on Sunno Sutra, a voice-first, open-source handheld AI device developed by BHASHINI and Current AI.
Mario Voigt, who met Jitendra Singh on 2 June 2026 to discuss quantum communication and photonics, is the Minister-President of which German State?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Thuringia
Mario Voigt is Minister-President of the Free State of Thuringia, Germany.
Rabi Lamichhane, whose delegation met Amit Shah in New Delhi on 2 June 2026, is the chairman of which Nepalese party?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Rastriya Swatantra Party
Rabi Lamichhane is the chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
The India–Oman CEPA, which entered into force on 1 June 2026, was signed on 18 December 2025 in:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Muscat
The CEPA was signed in Muscat on 18 December 2025 in the presence of PM Modi and Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.
Under the India–Oman CEPA, what share of India's exports to Oman gets zero-duty access?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 99.38%
The Commerce Ministry release says the CEPA offers zero-duty access for 99.38% of India's exports to Oman.
Consider the following statements about the India–Oman CEPA: 1. India is the first country to secure a comprehensive bilateral trade pact with Oman. 2. India has excluded dairy and edible oils from market access under the Agreement. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: India is the second nation after the United States. Statement 2 is correct: dairy and edible oils are among the sensitive sectors excluded.
Under the India–Oman CEPA, Oman raised the ceiling for intra-corporate transferees (ICT) from 20% to:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 50%
The release says the ICT ceiling was raised from 20% to 50%.
The notifications of 1 June 2026 appointing five Supreme Court judges were issued under which provision of the Constitution?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Article 124(2)
The Law Ministry notifications cite clause (2) of Article 124, under which the President appoints Supreme Court judges.
Who among the following was appointed a Supreme Court judge on 1 June 2026 directly from the Bar as a senior advocate?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Venkita Subramani Mohana
Venkita Subramani Mohana was a senior advocate; the other four appointees were High Court Chief Justices.
Justice Sheel Nagu, appointed a Supreme Court judge on 1 June 2026, was until then the Chief Justice of which High Court?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Punjab and Haryana
Justice Sheel Nagu was Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.
Consider the following statements: 1. Justice Shree Chandrashekhar was the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court before his appointment to the Supreme Court on 1 June 2026. 2. On 5 May 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a Bill to raise the number of Supreme Court judges from 33 to 37, excluding the Chief Justice of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the Law Ministry release names him as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, and the Cabinet release of 5 May 2026 gives the 33-to-37 increase excluding the CJI.
Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing began his first official visit to India (30 May–3 June 2026) at:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Bodh Gaya
The joint statement says the President visited Bodh Gaya on 30 May 2026 and prayed at the Mahabodhi Temple.
India announced during the Myanmar President's visit that Mekong Ganga ICCR scholarships for Myanmar students would be raised from 36 to:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 100
The joint statement says the scholarships will be enhanced from 36 to 100 from 2026 onwards.
Consider the following statements about the India–Myanmar joint statement of 1 June 2026: 1. The Prime Minister said Myanmar lies at the confluence of India's Neighbourhood First, Act East and MAHASAGAR policies. 2. Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral trade, including through the Rupee-Kyat settlement mechanism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Both 1 and 2
Both statements appear in the joint statement.
In India's MAHASAGAR policy, cited in the India–Myanmar joint statement of 1 June 2026, MAHASAGAR stands for:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions
The joint statement expands MAHASAGAR as Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
As per the first release of the new IIP series on 1 June 2026, industrial growth in April 2026 was:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 4.9%
MoSPI's quick estimate puts IIP growth for April 2026 at 4.9%.
The new series of the Index of Industrial Production released on 1 June 2026 uses which base year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2022-23
MoSPI revised the IIP base year from 2011-12 to 2022-23.
Consider the following statements about IIP for April 2026 (new series): 1. Mining and Quarrying contracted by 5.1%. 2. Manufacturing grew by 4.9%. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: manufacturing grew 6.2%; 4.9% was the headline IIP growth and the growth of electricity and gas supply.
What is the outlay of the ANRF–Ministry of Jal Shakti MAHA Water Mission launched on 1 June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹200 crore
Dr Jitendra Singh launched the ₹200-crore MAHA Water Mission.
The MAHA Water Mission launched by ANRF on 1 June 2026 is mainly meant to support:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Startups in the water sector
The Mission supports startups with technology development, field validation and deployment for water challenges.
The second India–Australia Defence Ministers' Dialogue on 1 June 2026 was co-chaired by Rajnath Singh and:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Richard Marles
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles co-chaired the dialogue.
As co-leads of the IORA Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, India and Australia planned a Search and Rescue and tabletop exercise in June 2026 at the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Chennai
The Defence Ministry release names MRCC Chennai.
Air Marshal Tarun Chaudhry, who succeeded Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan on 1 June 2026, became AOC-in-C of which IAF command?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Central Air Command
He assumed the appointment of AOC-in-C, Central Air Command; he was earlier SASO at HQ Southern Air Command.
Who assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff of the Indian Navy on 31 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Admiral Krishna Swaminathan
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan assumed charge as the 27th Chief of the Naval Staff on 31 May 2026.
Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, who became Navy Chief in May 2026, is a specialist in which field?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Communication and Electronic Warfare
PIB describes him as a Communication and Electronic Warfare specialist.
Before taking over as Chief of the Naval Staff in May 2026, Admiral Krishna Swaminathan was Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of which command?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Western Naval Command
Prior to assuming charge as CNS, he was the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.
Consider the following statements about Admiral Krishna Swaminathan: 1. He succeeded Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi as Chief of the Naval Staff. 2. He was commissioned into the Indian Navy in 1985. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
He succeeded Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi; he was commissioned on 1 July 1987, not in 1985.
On 31 May 2026, who assumed charge as the third Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of India?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — General NS Raja Subramani
General NS Raja Subramani assumed charge as the third CDS and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, on 31 May 2026.
General NS Raja Subramani, who became CDS in May 2026, was commissioned in December 1985 into which regiment?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Garhwal Rifles
He was commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles in December 1985.
Immediately before becoming CDS in May 2026, General NS Raja Subramani held which post?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Military Adviser, National Security Council Secretariat
Prior to assuming the appointment of CDS, he served as Military Adviser at the National Security Council Secretariat.
Consider the following statements about the Chief of Defence Staff who took charge on 31 May 2026: 1. He also holds the post of Secretary, Department of Military Affairs. 2. He has served as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
General NS Raja Subramani took charge as CDS and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs; his earlier posts include GOC-in-C, Central Command.
In May 2026, the holy relics of which two chief disciples of Lord Buddha were enshrined in Mongolia for an exposition?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Sariputra and Mahamoggallana
The relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana were enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery, Ulaanbaatar.
The Buddhist relics sent to Mongolia in May 2026 are preserved in India in the stupas of which site?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sanchi
The relics of Sariputra and Mahamoggallana have been preserved for centuries in the sacred stupas of Sanchi.
In which monastery of Ulaanbaatar were the relics of Lord Buddha's chief disciples enshrined on Buddha Purnima 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Gandantegchenling Monastery
The relics were enshrined at the Gandantegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar for an exposition from 31 May to 10 June 2026.
What was the WHO theme of World No Tobacco Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction
WHO announced 'Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction' as the 2026 theme.
World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 31 May
WHO and partners observe World No Tobacco Day every year on 31 May.
In May 2026, which party won a record fourth consecutive term in Malta's general election under Prime Minister Robert Abela?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Labour Party
Malta's Labour Party, led by PM Robert Abela, won an unprecedented fourth consecutive term.
Where was the 2nd National Conference of Counsels representing the Election Commission of India held on 31 May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — IIIDEM, New Delhi
CEC Gyanesh Kumar inaugurated the 2nd National Conference of ECI Counsels at IIIDEM, New Delhi.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority realise through the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism in FY 2025–26?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹21.26 crore
NBA realised ₹21.26 crore under ABS in 2025–26; ₹11.75 crore was the seed sector's share.
Which sector was the largest contributor to the National Biodiversity Authority's ABS receipts in FY 2025–26?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Seed
The seed sector was the largest contributor with ₹11.75 crore, followed by AYUSH with ₹5.56 crore.