Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Where did the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026 conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Visakhapatnam
The meeting, held under India's BRICS Chairship, concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Which city has been proposed as host of the inaugural BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave in November 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Udaipur
India's proposal for a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave got broad support, with Udaipur, Rajasthan, proposed as host of the first edition.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026: 1. The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 will be competitive medal events held in New Delhi. 2. The BRICS Sports Joint Declaration was adopted by consensus. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games are proposed for Ahmedabad on 12–13 October 2026 as a non-competitive, cultural event.
What was the total investment in the five GRSE and Yantra India expansion projects whose Bhumi Pujan was held on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — About ₹3,500 crore
The three GRSE and two YIL projects involve a combined investment of about ₹3,500 crore.
Yantra India Limited's two expansion projects launched in August 2026 are at its Metal and Steel Factory located in:
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Correct answer: D — Ishapore
The YIL projects are at the Metal and Steel Factory in Ishapore, West Bengal, to strengthen metallurgical and production capabilities.
Consider the following statements about Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE): 1. It has built over 800 vessels to date. 2. It was recently granted Maharatna status. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Rajnath Singh congratulated GRSE on achieving Navratna status, not Maharatna.
Which declaration was unanimously adopted at the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting chaired by India in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chennai Declaration
The meeting closed on 22 August 2026 with the unanimous adoption of the Chennai Declaration, also called the Chennai Consensus.
In the context of BRICS science cooperation, what does 'BRICS GRAIN' stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network
BRICS GRAIN is the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network; the Chennai Declaration records progress towards operationalising it.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting of August 2026: 1. It was the 10th such BRICS science ministerial meeting. 2. BRICS STI cooperation runs through 20 thematic working groups. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. It was the 14th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting, and cooperation runs through 14 thematic working groups.
The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting 2026 built on the outcomes of the BRICS Youth Summit and Youth Council Meeting held in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Gandhinagar
The BRICS Youth Summit and BRICS Youth Council Meeting were held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 19–20 August 2026; the Ministers' Meeting followed in Visakhapatnam.
Which heritage site near Visakhapatnam did BRICS youth delegates visit in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Totlakonda Buddhist Monastery
Delegates visited the historic Totlakonda Buddhist Monastery near Visakhapatnam.
The August 2026 restriction covers all fixed dose combinations of chlorpheniramine maleate with which other drug?
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Correct answer: C — Phenylephrine hydrochloride
The restriction applies to all FDCs containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride.
Below what age must the restricted chlorpheniramine–phenylephrine FDCs not be used, as per the mandatory warning?
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Correct answer: A — 4 years
The label must say: 'Fixed Dose Combination shall not be used in children below four years of age.'
Consider the following statements about the August 2026 FDC restriction: 1. The notification was issued under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. 2. The decision followed recommendations of an Expert Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The notification was issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Where were the 17–21 August 2026 talks between DR Congo and AFC/M23 held?
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Correct answer: D — Switzerland
The talks were held in Switzerland; the joint statement was released on 22 August 2026.
When was the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between DR Congo and AFC/M23 signed?
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Correct answer: A — 15 November 2025
The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Doha on 15 November 2025.
Consider the following statements about the DR Congo–AFC/M23 joint statement of 22 August 2026: 1. Togo took part as the African Union mediator. 2. The parties agreed that the order of negotiating protocols does not dictate the order of implementing them. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The statement was also issued with Qatar, the US, Switzerland and the AU Commission.
What was the theme of the national workshop held in Bhubaneswar on GARIMA Diwas 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Mission Zero – Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work
The workshop on 22 August 2026 was themed 'Mission Zero – Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work'.
Odisha's Chief Minister announced in August 2026 that GARIMA Diwas will be observed every year on:
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Correct answer: D — The fourth Saturday of August
Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the fourth Saturday of August will be observed every year as GARIMA Diwas.
Consider the following statements about the 'Mission Zero' workshop of 22 August 2026: 1. Experts and officials from 15 states took part. 2. It was held in Bhubaneswar and attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Experts, officials and sanitation workers from eight states took part.
At Amit Shah's review of Siliguri Corridor security in August 2026, which body presented its progress and recommendations?
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Correct answer: B — Multi Agency Centre's Standing Focus Group on Siliguri Corridor
The Multi Agency Centre's Standing Focus Group on the Siliguri Corridor (SFG-SC) made a presentation on progress and its recommendations.
Which approach to border security did Amit Shah ask all agencies to implement in the Siliguri Corridor?
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Correct answer: D — Quadrangular approach
Shah stressed the concept of a quadrangular approach to border security and directed all agencies to implement it in full spirit.
Consider the following statements about the Siliguri Corridor security review of 22 August 2026: 1. Amit Shah suggested that West Bengal explore opening more Sainik Schools in North Bengal. 2. The review was chaired by the National Security Adviser. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The review was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, in which the IAF took part, was hosted by the air force of which country?
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Correct answer: A — Australia
Pitch Black 2026 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, with air forces from more than 20 nations.
Where was Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 held?
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Correct answer: C — Subang, Malaysia
After Pitch Black, the IAF contingent moved directly to Subang, Malaysia, for Udara Shakti 2026 with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Consider the following statements about the IAF's August 2026 deployments: 1. The IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighters to Exercise Pitch Black 2026. 2. Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 was a trilateral exercise with Australia and Malaysia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The IAF deployed Rafale aircraft to Pitch Black, and Udara Shakti was a bilateral exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority disburse under the Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2.82 crore
The NBA disbursed ₹2.82 crore: ₹2.80 crore to State and UT biodiversity bodies and about ₹2.01 lakh to ICAR-IIHR.
Which state received the largest share of the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat
Gujarat received the largest share (₹44.59 lakh), followed by West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement: 1. The funds came from a payment by Advanta Enterprises for genetic resources behind hybrids of cauliflower, hot pepper, okra and tomato. 2. The money was released to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 UT Biodiversity Councils, besides ICAR-IIHR. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Since the resources could not be traced to specific farmers or communities, the money was shared by crop cultivation area.
INS Sudarshini, which reached Lisbon in August 2026 on the Lokayan 26 expedition, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Sail training ship
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship, a three-masted barque.
The Lisbon stop on 22 August 2026 was INS Sudarshini's which port visit of the Lokayan 26 expedition?
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Correct answer: C — 15th
Lisbon was the ship's 15th port visit in seven months of voyage.
The ICMR-supported centre CARBID, inaugurated at VIT Vellore in August 2026, focuses on research in:
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Correct answer: B — Bacteriophages and infectious diseases
CARBID is the Centre for Advanced Research in Bacteriophage and Infectious Diseases, aimed at tackling drug-resistant bacteria.
'Vigyan Pragati', the Hindi science magazine that completed 75 years in 2026, is published by:
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-NIScPR
Vigyan Pragati, launched in 1952, is published by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research.
What is the budgetary outlay of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme notified by MeitY in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹62,500 crore
The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) has a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore.
What is the tenure of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS)?
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Correct answer: D — FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
The scheme runs for five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31; TS2 applicants may get a one-year gestation period.
Under Target Segment 2 (TS2) of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme, what incentive do Indian brands get?
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Correct answer: A — 5%, plus an additional 3% for Indian design and R&D
TS2 gives Indian brands 5%, plus an additional 3% for Indian design and R&D; up to 1.5% more is available for domestic sourcing of key components.
Consider the following statements about the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme: 1. It follows the PLI scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, whose tenure ended on 31 March 2026. 2. To be eligible under Target Segment 1, a manufacturer needs a minimum turnover of ₹10,000 crore in FY 2025-26. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. TS1 also requires existing brands to add ₹5,000 crore in sales each year over FY 2025-26.
In which city did BRICS Tourism Ministers adopt their 2026 declaration on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Jaipur
The BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting concluded in Jaipur with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration.
Who chaired the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat chaired the meeting.
Consider the following statements about the Jaipur Declaration of BRICS Tourism Ministers: 1. 'Artificial Intelligence and Tourism' was one of the four thematic priorities reflected in it. 2. It was adopted by consensus. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The other priorities were sustainability, skilling and capacity building, and seamless travel facilitation.
What deep-draft capability did Paradip Port mark in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 18.5 metres
The projects inaugurated on 21 August 2026 marked Paradip's 18.5-metre deep-draft capability.
The ₹1,580.36-crore concession agreements signed at Paradip Port in August 2026 aim at:
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Correct answer: D — 100% berth mechanisation by 2030
The three mechanisation projects under these agreements aim at 100% berth mechanisation by 2030.
Consider the following statements about the Paradip Port projects of August 2026: 1. Capital dredging worth ₹352 crore enables the port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels. 2. The projects inaugurated by Sarbananda Sonowal were worth ₹1,580.36 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The inaugurated projects were worth ₹427.80 crore; ₹1,580.36 crore was the value of the concession agreements.
Which city hosted the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Pune
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting was held in Pune, Maharashtra, on 21 August 2026.
What is the theme of the ICT Track under India's BRICS Chairship in 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future
Scindia introduced the ICT Track theme 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future', with four pillars.
On the sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track meeting in Pune in August 2026, India signed a telecommunications and ICT MoU with which country?
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Correct answer: B — Brazil
Jyotiraditya Scindia and Brazil's Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho signed the MoU.
How many FDI investments had been reported under the revised land-bordering-country framework up to 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 29
29 FDI investments with proposed FDI of ₹4,895.65 crore had been reported up to 20 August 2026.
Under the revised FDI framework of 2026, investors with non-controlling beneficial ownership from land-bordering countries up to what level can use the automatic route?
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Correct answer: B — 10%
Non-controlling LBC beneficial ownership of up to 10% can now come through the automatic route, subject to sectoral caps and reporting.
Consider the following statements about the revised FDI framework for land-bordering-country ownership: 1. It was introduced through Press Note 2 of 2026. 2. Investors using it no longer need to report any information to the government. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The investor entity may proceed without other approvals only after reporting the relevant information to the government.
Which edition of the India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting was held in New Delhi on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 25th
The 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting was held in New Delhi on 21 August 2026.
The Regional Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (RMSCE), noted at the India–UK DCG meeting, was set up under which initiative?
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Correct answer: A — Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
The two sides acknowledged the RMSCE established under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
Consider the following statements about the 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting: 1. It was co-chaired by India's Defence Minister and the UK Defence Secretary. 2. It was held in London. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. It was co-chaired by India's Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and the UK's Permanent Under Secretary for Defence Jeremy Pocklington, in New Delhi.
What stock limit did the Centre impose on sugar dealers from 1 August to 30 November 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 400 tonnes
A stock limit of 400 tonnes was imposed on sugar dealers across the country from 1 August to 30 November 2026.
To improve sugar availability in 2026, the Centre permitted duty-free import of how much raw sugar?
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Correct answer: A — 10 LMT
As a precaution, the government permitted duty-free import of 10 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of raw sugar.
Consider the following statements about the Centre's August 2026 note on sugar prices: 1. The government attributed the price rise mainly to diversion of sugar for ethanol. 2. Sugar production this season is expected to be about 343 LMT. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The government said ethanol diversion was not the cause (its share fell to about 9%), and output is expected at about 306 LMT; 343 LMT was the states' initial estimate.
Where was the 14th India–Nepal Joint Working Group meeting on border management held in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Dehradun
The 14th India–Nepal JWG met in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on 20–21 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the 14th India–Nepal Joint Working Group meeting: 1. India's delegation was led by a Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs. 2. The next meeting will be held in India. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. India's delegation was led by Joint Secretary (BM-I) of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the next meeting will be in Nepal.
How much is the ADB loan signed in August 2026 for Chennai's water supply and sewerage?
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Correct answer: A — $230 million
India and ADB signed a $230 million loan for the Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project.
Under the ADB-backed project, Chennai will become the first Indian city to implement:
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Correct answer: C — A comprehensive ring-main water supply solution
Chennai will be the first Indian city to implement a comprehensive ring-main solution, a closed-loop plumbing system that balances water pressure.
Consider the following statements about the Chennai Climate-Resilient Water Security and Sewerage Project: 1. It is financed by a World Bank loan. 2. It will lay over 170 km of pipes and upgrade 7 water and 38 sewer pumping stations. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The project is financed by a $230 million loan from the Asian Development Bank.
With the CEOs and founders of how many space start-ups did PM Modi interact on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 20
The Prime Minister interacted with CEOs and founders of 20 space start-ups at Seva Teerth.
During his August 2026 interaction with space start-ups, PM Modi suggested greater collaboration with which initiative to nurture young minds' interest in space?
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Correct answer: A — Atal Tinkering Labs
He suggested greater collaboration with Atal Tinkering Labs to nurture curiosity and interest in space among young minds.
Which shipyard built 'Mangrol', the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft delivered to the Navy in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Cochin Shipyard Limited
Mangrol is the third ASW Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.
The ASW Shallow Water Craft 'Mangrol' is named after a coastal town in which district of Gujarat?
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Correct answer: C — Junagadh
Mangrol is a coastal town and minor port in Junagadh district, Gujarat, known as a fishing harbour.
Consider the following statements about the ship 'Mangrol' delivered in August 2026: 1. It is the first Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft built by Cochin Shipyard. 2. It is propelled by conventional shafts and propellers. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. Mangrol is the third ASW SWC built by CSL, and it is propelled by waterjets.
When and where will the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) be held?
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Correct answer: B — Goa, 20–28 November 2026
The 57th IFFI is scheduled to be held in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2026.
For what conduct did the CCI sanction the Agro Input Dealers Association and Agro Input Welfare Association in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Cartelisation
The CCI found them guilty of cartelisation under Section 3(3)(b) read with Section 3(1) of the Competition Act, 2002.
Which Japanese Defence Minister held the Japan-India Defence Ministers' Meeting with Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Shinjiro Koizumi
Japan's Minister of Defense Shinjiro Koizumi met Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on 20 August 2026.
The India-Japan Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation signed on 20 August 2026 specifically covers which areas?
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Correct answer: D — MDA information sharing, Search and Rescue, and HADR
The Memorandum covers cooperation between the JMSDF and the Indian Navy, including MDA information sharing and cooperation in SAR and HADR.
Under which Japan-India air force exercise, scheduled for 2026, will Japan Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft visit India for the first time?
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Correct answer: A — Veer Guardian 26
Under 'Veer Guardian 26', JASDF fighter aircraft will, for the first time, visit India and take part in the exercise.
Consider the following statements about the India-Japan defence engagement of 20 August 2026: 1. The Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation was signed directly between the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian Navy. 2. 'Dharma Guardian' is the Japan-India Army exercise. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Memorandum was signed between the Ministry of Defense of Japan and the Ministry of Defence of India; it provides for JMSDF-Indian Navy cooperation. Dharma Guardian is the Army exercise and JAIMEX the maritime exercise.
Which production unit will build the largest share of the 238 AC EMU rakes for the Mumbai Suburban Railway?
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Correct answer: C — Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
ICF Chennai will build 120 rakes, RCF Kapurthala 71 and MCF Raebareli 47.
What is the supply timeline for the 238 AC EMU rakes for Mumbai's suburban railway?
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Correct answer: D — Supply from 2027; completion by 2030
Supply is planned to begin in 2027, with the entire sanctioned quantity due by 2030.
Where are the principal seats of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which the Cabinet on 20 August 2026 allowed to sit as a bench in Ladakh?
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Correct answer: A — Srinagar and Jammu
The common High Court has its principal seats at Srinagar and Jammu; the Cabinet decision enables a bench to sit in Ladakh.
Consider the following statements about the Cabinet decision of 20 August 2026 on Ladakh: 1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision in a post on X. 2. The Ladakh bench will replace Jammu as a seat of the High Court. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The decision adds a bench sitting in Ladakh; the High Court's seats at Srinagar and Jammu remain.
With which Mauritian entity did Indian Oil Corporation sign a long-term petroleum products supply agreement on 20 August 2026?
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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?
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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?
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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.