UPSC EPFO / APFC Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
With which Mauritian entity did Indian Oil Corporation sign a long-term petroleum products supply agreement on 20 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — State Trading Corporation
IOCL and the State Trading Corporation (STC) of Mauritius exchanged a long-term sales and purchase agreement.
What is the duration of the IOCL-STC petroleum supply agreement with Mauritius?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Five years
The IOCL-STC agreement is a five-year assured supply commitment.
Consider the following statements about India-Mauritius energy agreements of August 2026: 1. IOCL will supply the entire import requirement of Mauritius for motor spirit, high-speed diesel and aviation turbine fuel. 2. The facility at Mer Rouge, Port Louis, whose groundbreaking Hardeep Singh Puri attended, is a 27.5 MMTPA oil refinery. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Mer Rouge project is Indian Oil (Mauritius) Ltd's 27.5 TMT (thousand metric tonnes) bunker marine fuel storage facility, not a refinery.
By how much did the Index of Core Industries grow year-on-year in July 2026 (provisional)?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 5.4%
The ICI grew 5.4% in July 2026; June 2026 (final) was 6.0% and April-July cumulative growth was 4.3%.
Which core industry recorded the highest year-on-year growth in July 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Iron ore
Iron ore grew 29.5%, ahead of cement (13.1%), electricity (9%) and coal (7.6%).
Aboard which research vessel was most of the survey work behind CMLRE's 2026 national report on deep-sea fishery resources carried out?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — FORV Sagar Sampada
The Fishery and Oceanographic Research Vessel (FORV) Sagar Sampada served as the floating laboratory for the surveys.
Consider the following statements about CMLRE's National Report on Deep-Sea and Distant-Water Fishery Resources of the Indian EEZ: 1. It describes the mesopelagic 'twilight zone' as extending from 200 to 1,000 metres deep. 2. It covers India's Exclusive Economic Zone of about 2.37 million sq km. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The report also names biodiversity hotspots such as Kollam Bank and Angria Bank.
Which edition of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) did Piyush Goyal attend in Singapore on 20 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 4th
Goyal took part in the 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and the 4th India-Singapore Business Roundtable.
What download milestone did the Aadhaar App cross, as announced on 20 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 5 crore
The Aadhaar App crossed 5 crore (50 million) downloads; over 60 lakh mobile number updates have been done through it.
Who chaired the first meeting of the newly reconstituted National Commission for Minorities on 20 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Harjit Singh Grewal
Chairman Harjit Singh Grewal chaired the meeting; S. Munawari Begum is the Vice Chairperson.
What was the theme of the OCHA-led World Humanitarian Day 2026 campaign?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Families of Fallen Humanitarians
The 2026 OCHA-led campaign focused on 'Families of Fallen Humanitarians'.
World Humanitarian Day on 19 August commemorates which event?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — The 2003 bombing of the Canal Hotel in Baghdad
On 19 August 2003, a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad killed 22 humanitarian workers, including UN envoy Sergio Vieira de Mello.
Consider the following statements about World Humanitarian Day: 1. It was designated by a resolution of the UN Security Council. 2. The annual campaign is led by the World Health Organization. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The day was designated by UN General Assembly resolution 63/139, and the campaign is led by OCHA. The UN Security Council link in 2026 is the 10th anniversary of Resolution 2286 on health care in armed conflict.
At what level did the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee keep the policy repo rate at its 3-5 August 2026 meeting, as recorded in the minutes released on 19 August?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 5.25%
The MPC unanimously kept the repo rate at 5.25%; the SDF rate is 5.00% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate are 5.50%.
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting held from 3 to 5 August 2026 was its
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 62nd meeting
The minutes describe it as the sixty-second meeting of the MPC.
Consider the following statements about the RBI MPC minutes released on 19 August 2026: 1. The minutes are published under Section 45ZL of the RBI Act, 1934. 2. The MPC changed its stance from neutral to accommodative. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The MPC decided to continue with the neutral stance.
Which edition of the Coast Guard Global Summit will India host in New Delhi in February 2027?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 5th
India will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in February 2027, coinciding with the Indian Coast Guard's golden jubilee.
Who chaired the selection committee for the National Sports Awards 2025, announced on 18 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra
The selection committee was chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra.
Which entity received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Army Paralympic Node, Pune
The Army Paralympic Node, Pune, was the sole entity named for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025.
Who received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025, and in which sport?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — I. Arumainayagam, football
Footballer I. Arumainayagam received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime); the others are Dronacharya awardees.
Consider the following statements about the National Sports Awards 2025: 1. Chess players Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh are among the Arjuna awardees. 2. The Dronacharya Award (regular category) went to coaches in athletics, boxing and shooting. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The regular Dronacharya awardees are Parveer Singh (athletics), Chhote Lal Yadav (boxing) and Neha Nandkumar Chavan (shooting).
Who was the main challenger to Hakainde Hichilema in Zambia's 2026 presidential election?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Brian Mundubile
Brian Mundubile received about 38% of the vote, against about 60% for Hichilema.
Consider the following statements about Zambia's 2026 presidential election result: 1. Hakainde Hichilema won a second five-year term. 2. Hichilema won more than 75% of the vote. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Hichilema won about 60% of the vote.
From when is the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections effective?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 September 2026
The scheme, approved on 18 August 2026, is effective from 1 September 2026.
Under the Domestic PNG incentive scheme, how much additional APM gas does a CGD entity get for every incremental billed domestic connection?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 200 SCM
Eligible CGD entities get an additional 200 SCM of domestically produced, lower-priced APM gas per incremental billed connection above the threshold.
Consider the following statements about the Domestic PNG incentive scheme: 1. India currently has about 1.74 crore domestic PNG connections. 2. The scheme runs in four tranches spread over two years. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The scheme runs in two tranches spanning six months.
How many items are on the sixth Positive Indigenisation List notified by the Department of Defence Production on 18 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 405
The sixth PIL has 405 strategically important items with an estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore.
On which portal is the detailed sixth Positive Indigenisation List available?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — SRIJAN
The detailed list is available on the SRIJAN portal (srijandefence.gov.in).
Consider the following statements about the sixth Positive Indigenisation List: 1. It contains 389 items of Defence PSUs and 16 items of the Indian Coast Guard. 2. Its estimated business potential is ₹30,700 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The estimated business potential is ₹3,070 crore.
Which Indian official visited Armenia on 17-18 August 2026, during which a defence MoU was signed?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Armenia on 17-18 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India-Armenia defence engagement of August 2026: 1. The two sides exchanged Terms of Reference for institutionalising Joint Services Staff Talks. 2. An IT Lab at the Armenian Military Academy has been set up with Indian assistance. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The defence ministries also signed an MoU on joint collaboration, innovation and research.
The 2nd India-Malaysia Joint Working Group meeting held on 18 August 2026 dealt with cooperation in which field?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Public administration and governance reforms
The JWG is on 'Cooperation in the Field of Public Administration and Governance Reforms', co-chaired by DARPG and Malaysia's Public Service Department.
Through which mobile app can commuters buy NHAI's online FASTag Local Pass, extended to 121 toll plazas on 18 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Rajmargyatra
Eligible commuters can subscribe to the monthly Local Pass online through the Rajmargyatra mobile app.
For what period did the Ministry of Defence lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian RPAS for the Indian Navy under the contract signed on 17 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 30 months
The contract with GA-ASI is for leasing two MQ-9B Sea Guardian HALE RPAS for 30 months.
The approximate value of the MQ-9B Sea Guardian lease contract signed by the Ministry of Defence on 17 August 2026 is:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹1,943 crore
The Ministry of Defence said the contract is valued at approximately ₹1,943 crore.
Consider the following statements about the MQ-9B lease contract of 17 August 2026: 1. The contract was signed with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI). 2. The aircraft are High-Altitude Long-Endurance (HALE) remotely piloted systems meant to boost the Navy's Maritime Domain Awareness. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the vendor is GA-ASI, and the MQ-9B Sea Guardian is a HALE RPAS that the ministry said will strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness through persistent ISR coverage.
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, notified on 17 August 2026, amends which principal Act?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — MMDR Act, 1957
The 2026 Amendment Act amends the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, under which mining in India is regulated.
According to the PIB backgrounder on the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026, roughly how many taxes, charges and fees do States currently impose on mining?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Around 14
The backgrounder said States impose around 14 taxes, charges and fees, including royalty, auction premium, dead rent, DMF payments, GST and transit fee.
Consider the following statements about the MMDR Amendment Act, 2026: 1. It completely abolishes royalty payable on major minerals. 2. It allows States to levy fresh taxes on mineral-bearing lands without any conditions. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The Act does not abolish royalty; it bars States from levying fresh taxes on mineral rights and mineral-bearing lands except within conditions prescribed by the Central Government.
According to the PLFS monthly bulletin for July 2026, what was the overall Labour Force Participation Rate (15 years and above, CWS)?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 55.4%
Overall LFPR rose to 55.4% in July 2026 from 54.4% in June 2026; 58.0% is the rural LFPR and 52.5% the overall WPR.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS monthly bulletin for July 2026: 1. Female LFPR (15 years and above) rose to 34.4% from 32.7% in June 2026. 2. The overall Worker Population Ratio rose to 52.5% from 51.4% in June 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the MoSPI press note on the July 2026 bulletin.
The PLFS monthly bulletin for July 2026 is which number in the monthly series that began with April 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sixteenth
Monthly bulletins for April 2025 to June 2026 were already out, so the July 2026 bulletin is the sixteenth in the series.
On 17 August 2026, the Supreme Court directed all States to set up dedicated SITs to probe fraudulent claims in which area?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Motor accident insurance claims
The order concerns suspected fraudulent motor accident insurance claims, including cases where the same vehicle was shown in multiple accidents.
Consider the following statements about the Supreme Court's 17 August 2026 order on fraudulent motor accident claims: 1. The SITs are to be constituted by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at the national level. 2. Top management of insurance companies will be held accountable if fraud-indicative claims are forwarded selectively. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Court directed each State to form a dedicated SIT at the State level, not a single national SIT under the Union ministry.
Under the Supreme Court's 17 August 2026 directions, what must an insurer do when a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal rejects a claim on the ground of fraud or collusion?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Forward details to the State SIT and run an in-house inquiry into collusion by its own officers
The Court directed insurers to immediately forward such cases to the SIT of the State where the claim was raised and to investigate whether their own officers colluded.
Where did India launch its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems on 17 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar
The guide was launched at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UNCCD in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Which institution organised the publication of India's Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems and its launch event at UNCCD COP17?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE)
The publication and the side event were organised by ATREE in collaboration with IUCN, CoE-SLM, ICFRE and ISRO's Space Applications Centre, under MoEF&CC guidance.
Exercise MAITREE, whose 15th edition began in August 2026, is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Thailand
MAITREE is the India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise; the 15th edition is held at Surat Thani, Thailand, from 18 to 31 August 2026.
Troops from which Indian Army regiment primarily represent India at Exercise MAITREE-XV (2026)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 9 Gorkha Rifles
The Indian Army contingent of 85 personnel is drawn primarily from 9 Gorkha Rifles.
Where was the previous (14th) edition of the India–Thailand exercise MAITREE held in September 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya
The Ministry of Defence said the last edition was conducted at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi, Meghalaya, in September 2025.
How many additional proposals did MeitY approve under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on 17 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 31
MeitY approved 31 more proposals with projected investment of ₹6,844 crore, in addition to 75 approved earlier.
After the approvals of 17 August 2026, how many ECMS projects had been approved in total, and how many plants had started manufacturing?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 106 approved; 38 operational
Of the 106 projects approved so far, 38 plants have commenced manufacturing and 16 more are at advanced stages of construction or machinery installation.
The ECMS approval event of 17 August 2026 was held in collaboration with which industry body?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Electronic Industries Association of India (ELCINA)
MeitY held the event for handing over approvals in New Delhi in collaboration with ELCINA, whose president Sasikumar Gendham attended.
What theme has India adopted for the BRICS Energy Track during its 2026 Chairship, as highlighted at the 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — सर्वेषां ऊर्जम् (Energy for All)
Within the Energy Track of India's 2026 BRICS Chairship, India adopted the theme "सर्वेषां ऊर्जम्" (Energy for All).
At the 3rd Apex Monitoring Authority meeting of NICDIT on 17 August 2026, the Finance Minister stressed convergence of 'FIRE' corridors. What does 'FIRE' stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Freight, Industrial Development, Railways, Expressways
Nirmala Sitharaman underlined the convergence of Freight, Industrial Development, Railways and Expressways, the FIRE corridors, for the success of the industrial corridor programme.
During his August 2026 visit to Nepal, Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth is to receive which honour?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army
In keeping with a tradition between the two armies, the President of Nepal confers the Honorary Rank of General of the Nepali Army on the Indian Army Chief.
Consider the following statements about General Dhiraj Seth's Nepal visit of 17–19 August 2026: 1. The honorary rank is to be conferred by the Prime Minister of Nepal. 2. The Ex-Servicemen Rally during the visit is to be held at Biratnagar. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The honorary rank is conferred by Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel, and the Ex-Servicemen Rally is at Pokhara.
Where is General Dhiraj Seth to address student officers of the Army Command and Staff Course during his Nepal visit?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Shivapuri
On 18 August 2026 he is to address student officers of the Army Command and Staff Course at Shivapuri; Tundikhel is where he lays a wreath and Pokhara hosts the ex-servicemen rally.
At which place in Nepal was Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth scheduled to attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally on 19 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Pokhara
PIB (16 Aug 2026): on 19 August 2026 General Dhiraj Seth will attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally at Pokhara and felicitate Veer Naris and gallantry awardees.
Against which team did the Indian women's hockey team draw 2-2 in its FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026 opener on 16 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — China
India drew 2-2 with Olympic silver medallists China in their Pool D opener at Amstelveen.
Consider the following statements about India's opening match at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026: 1. Navneet Kaur and Deepika scored India's goals. 2. The match was played at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, Netherlands. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Navneet Kaur and Deepika scored as India drew 2-2 with China at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on 16 August 2026.
Who was the head coach of the Indian women's hockey team at the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Sjoerd Marijne
The Hindu and The Indian Express (16 Aug 2026): head coach Sjoerd Marijne, back for a third stint, guided India in the 2-2 draw with China.
Under which trade agreement did syndicates fraudulently claim duty exemption on areca nut imports, as uncovered by the DRI on 16 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — SAFTA
The syndicates claimed duty exemption under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) by mis-declaring the origin of the areca nuts.
In the areca nut fraud uncovered by the DRI in August 2026, the imports were falsely declared as originating from which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Bangladesh
The South-East Asian areca nuts were routed through an export processing zone in Bangladesh and passed off as Bangladeshi-origin goods.
Consider the following statements about the DRI's areca nut case announced on 16 August 2026: 1. Areca nut imports into India normally attract a Basic Customs Duty of 100%. 2. The estimated loss to the exchequer is more than ₹2,500 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Normal BCD on areca nuts is 100%, whereas eligible SAFTA imports are exempt; the DRI put the revenue loss at over ₹2,500 crore.
In which country did US envoy Jared Kushner meet Hamas leaders on 16 August 2026 to push the Gaza road map?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Egypt
Kushner met Hamas leaders in Egypt and also held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Consider the following statements about the Gaza road map in August 2026: 1. The US-backed road map for the second phase of the Gaza plan has 15 points. 2. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted the road map before Kushner's meeting with Hamas. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Netanyahu rejected the 15-point road map the week before, while Hamas said it accepted the road map for the second phase.
What is the name of the memorial of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee where PM Modi paid homage on 16 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Sadaiv Atal
Prime Minister Modi paid homage to Vajpayee at his memorial, Sadaiv Atal, on his Punya Tithi.
In which city of Rajasthan did Amit Shah unveil a 21-foot statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee on 16 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Chittorgarh
The 21-foot statue, built at a cost of over ₹1.5 crore, was unveiled in Chittorgarh, where 944 projects worth ₹5,755 crore were also launched.
At the Chittorgarh event on 16 August 2026, Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for how many Rajasthan Government projects?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 944
PIB (16 Aug 2026): at Chittorgarh, 944 development projects worth ₹5,755 crore across 15 districts were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid.
Speaking at Chittorgarh on Vajpayee's death anniversary in August 2026, Amit Shah credited Atal Bihari Vajpayee with establishing which ministry for the welfare of tribals?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ministry of Tribal Affairs
PIB (16 Aug 2026): Amit Shah said Atal ji established the Ministry of Tribal Affairs for the welfare of tribals.