Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 celebrations, which closed with a concert at Bharat Mandapam on 18 August 2026, were dedicated to what?
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Correct answer: A — 150 years of Vande Mataram
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 was dedicated to marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.
The gauge-converted Kailaras-Sabalgarh-Birpur rail section inaugurated on 18 August 2026 is in which state?
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Correct answer: C — Madhya Pradesh
The section is in the Gwalior-Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh and benefits villages in Morena and Sheopur districts.
The 2nd India-Malaysia Joint Working Group meeting held on 18 August 2026 dealt with cooperation in which field?
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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?
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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?
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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:
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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)?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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)?
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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?
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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.
At which place in Rajasthan did Shivraj Singh Chouhan hand over 2.89 lakh PMAY-G houses on 17 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Baran
The state-level PMAY-G programme was held in Baran, with Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma.
To what figure was Rajasthan's Lakhpati Didi target raised on 17 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 32 lakh
Shivraj Singh Chouhan doubled Rajasthan's Lakhpati Didi target to 32 lakh; 29.13 lakh is the number of new PMAY-G beneficiaries surveyed.
How many additional proposals did MeitY approve under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) on 17 August 2026?
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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?
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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?
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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.
The temple town of Tarapith, where a hotel fire killed nine people on 17 August 2026, is in which district of West Bengal?
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Correct answer: D — Birbhum
Tarapith is in Birbhum district; the fire at Hotel Bideshini killed nine people, five of them from one Meghalaya family.
What theme has India adopted for the BRICS Energy Track during its 2026 Chairship, as highlighted at the 8th BRICS Youth Energy Summit?
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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).
The Ashok Dham temple, where a stampede on 17 August 2026 killed at least seven devotees, is located in which district?
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Correct answer: A — Lakhisarai, Bihar
The stampede took place near the Ashok Dham temple in Lakhisarai district, Bihar, on the third Monday of Shravan.
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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
Projects of what total value did Amit Shah inaugurate and lay foundation stones for in Alwar, Rajasthan, on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹6,453 crore
The Alwar event covered Rajasthan Government projects worth ₹6,453 crore across 17 districts; ₹5,755 crore was the Chittorgarh event the same day.
What is the initial daily capacity of the milk-processing plant for which bhoomi pujan was performed in Alwar on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 3 lakh litres
Amit Shah said the Alwar plant will have a capacity of 3 lakh litres a day, to be raised soon to 5 lakh litres.
On 16 August 2026, Saras Dairy plants worth ₹274 crore were commissioned in four Rajasthan districts. Which of the following was NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: D — Bikaner
PIB (16 Aug 2026): four Saras Dairy plants were commissioned in Bhilwara, Jaipur, Pali and Rajsamand at a total cost of ₹274 crore; Bikaner is not one of them, so Bikaner is NOT in the list.
What is the name of the memorial of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee where PM Modi paid homage on 16 August 2026?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
With the launch of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY on 16 August 2026, West Bengal became which State to implement the scheme?
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Correct answer: B — 36th
All India Radio reported that West Bengal became the 36th State to implement AB PM-JAY.
Consider the following statements about the launch of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY in West Bengal on 16 August 2026: 1. The scheme provides cashless treatment of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. 2. A separate State health insurance scheme was launched alongside for families not eligible for PM-JAY. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PM-JAY covers up to ₹5 lakh per family per year, and the Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme was launched for around 80 lakh families outside PM-JAY.
Roughly how many families in West Bengal are to be covered under the State's Chief Minister's Health Insurance Scheme launched with PM-JAY on 16 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — About 80 lakh
The State scheme covers around 80 lakh families not covered by PM-JAY; about 1.43 crore families fall under PM-JAY itself.
INS Sudarshini concluded a port call at Ponta Delgada on 16 August 2026 as part of which expedition?
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Correct answer: C — Lokayan 2026
The Indian Navy's sail training ship INS Sudarshini made the Ponta Delgada (Azores) port call as part of Lokayan 2026 and then sailed for Lisbon.
With which Portuguese Navy sail training vessel was INS Sudarshini scheduled to hold a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — NRP Sagres
PIB (16 Aug 2026): INS Sudarshini and the Portuguese sail training vessel NRP Sagres are scheduled to undertake a joint PASSEX on 21 August 2026.
In his 80th Independence Day address on 15 August 2026, PM Modi announced AI-skills training for how many youth over the next one year?
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Correct answer: B — 1 crore
The Prime Minister announced that one crore youth would be trained in AI skills over the next one year.
What nuclear power capacity target for 2047 did PM Modi mention in his Independence Day address of 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 100 GW
The Prime Minister said India is working towards 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, with five new reactors planned within this decade.
Consider the following statements about PM Modi's address on 15 August 2026: 1. The PM said Vande Mataram was resonating from the Red Fort on 15 August for the first time since Independence. 2. The PM said 20 more semiconductor plants will be set up by 2030. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. On semiconductors, the PM said three plants have been initiated and five to eight more are expected in the next seven to eight years.
What new target for 'Lakhpati Didis' did the Prime Minister announce on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 6 crore
After the earlier target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis was surpassed, the PM set a new goal of 6 crore.
The nationwide sports talent hunt announced by the Prime Minister on 15 August 2026 targets children of which age group?
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Correct answer: A — 5 to 15 years
The talent hunt will be run across villages, cities and schools to identify sporting talent among children aged 5 to 15, with an eye on the 2036 Olympics.
What is the gold-ring gift scheme for newborns announced by Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay on 15 August 2026 called?
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Correct answer: C — Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam
The Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam for newborns in State-run hospitals will be launched on 15 September at a cost of ₹755.83 crore.
To what amount did Tamil Nadu raise the wedding assistance for daughters of ex-servicemen, as announced on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹50,000
The assistance for the weddings of up to two daughters of ex-servicemen will rise from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000; ₹23,000 is the new freedom fighters' pension.
Consider the following statements about Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's Independence Day announcements of 15 August 2026: 1. The gold-ring scheme for newborns will be launched on 15 August 2026 itself. 2. The pension for freedom fighters is to be raised to ₹23,000. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The gold-ring scheme will be launched on 15 September, the birth anniversary of C.N. Annadurai.
Up to what upper age limit can candidates now take the Odisha Civil Services exam after the six-attempt cap was removed on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 42 years
Candidates can now appear without an attempt limit until the prescribed upper age limit of 42 years, which the state had earlier raised from 32.
Consider the following statements about Odisha's Independence Day 2026 announcements: 1. Before the announcement, free textbooks in Odisha were given only up to Class V. 2. Before the change, SEBC candidates were allowed nine attempts at the OCS exam. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Free textbooks were earlier given up to Class VIII and are now extended to Classes IX and X; earlier, general candidates had six OCS attempts and SEBC candidates nine.
How many Indian missions and posts did the Suryapath Tiranga global relay connect on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 54
The relay connected 54 missions and posts across continents, following the path of the rising sun.
From which place did the Suryapath Tiranga relay begin on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Suva, Fiji
The relay began in Suva, Fiji, at 1:30 am IST and ended in San Francisco at 8:30 pm IST.
Har Ghar Tiranga 2026, observed from 9 to 17 August, was which edition of the campaign and centred on which anniversary?
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Correct answer: D — Fifth year; 150 years of Vande Mataram
The Ministry of Culture described 2026 as the fifth year of Har Ghar Tiranga, with 150 years of the National Song, Vande Mataram, at its heart.
Which guns were used for the 21-gun salute at the Red Fort on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns
The 21-gun salute was fired by 1721 Field Battery (Ceremonial) using indigenous 105 mm Light Field Guns.
Which IAF helicopters showered flower petals during the 80th Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort?
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Correct answer: C — Mi-17
Two IAF Mi-17 helicopters showered petals, one trooping the National Flag and the other a 'Vande Mataram' flag.
Consider the following statements about the 80th Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort: 1. The Indian Army was the coordinating service for the ceremony. 2. India's National Olympiad Programme, whose medallists were special guests, is run by a centre under IIT Bombay. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The National Olympiad Programme is spearheaded by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, a national centre of TIFR, which is an aided institution under the Department of Atomic Energy.
From which class did Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar announce AI education in schools on 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Class 6
Under the AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula programme, AI education will be introduced in schools from Class 6.
How many key government vacancies did the Karnataka CM say were being filled, with notifications expected within six months?
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Correct answer: D — About 72,000
Shivakumar said recruitment for about 72,000 key vacancies had begun; one lakh is the job target under Udyoga Nidhi.
What economic target for Karnataka by 2047 did CM D.K. Shivakumar set in his Independence Day address of 15 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — $3 trillion
Shivakumar set a target of taking the State's economy to $3 trillion by 2047 under the slogan of a young Karnataka and new India.