Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In which financial year was the central share released to Karnataka under the SC Post-Matric Scholarship the highest, among 2023-24 to 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — 2024-25
Releases were ₹421.08 crore (2023-24), ₹422.90 crore (2024-25) and ₹334.22 crore (2025-26), so 2024-25 was the highest.
What was the theme of the 85th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, led by Mansukh Mandaviya from Hanol, Gujarat, on 9 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Nasha Mukt Bharat
The 85th edition was held on the theme 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' with the slogan 'Say yes to fitness, Say NO to drugs'.
Which city hosted the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in August 2026, which adopted a declaration named after it?
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Correct answer: B — Bhopal
The XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting was held in Bhopal on 8 August 2026 and adopted the Bhopal Declaration.
What is India's overarching theme for its BRICS Chairship in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
India's BRICS 2026 theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
Which of the following was NOT among the four BRICS partner countries at the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal?
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Correct answer: D — Vietnam
The four partner countries present were Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan and Thailand.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS culture track under India's 2026 Chairship: 1. One of the Culture Working Group meetings was held in Varanasi. 2. All ten BRICS member countries attended the Bhopal ministerial meeting in person. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The second Working Group meeting was held in Varanasi in June; Egypt joined the ministerial meeting online.
How is the India–US relationship described in the PMO readout of the Modi–Vance phone call of 8 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
The two leaders reviewed progress in the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Which US leader telephoned PM Narendra Modi on 8 August 2026 to review the India–US partnership?
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Correct answer: C — Vice President J.D. Vance
US Vice President J.D. Vance called PM Modi; the PM also congratulated him on the birth of his son.
What is the name of the integrated digital maritime governance platform launched by Sarbananda Sonowal in Mumbai on 8 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — E-Samudra
E-Samudra integrates services for seafarers, shipping companies and ports; e-NAVIK is a separate 24x7 grievance system.
Which directorate organised the stakeholder interaction at which E-Samudra was launched in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Directorate General of Maritime Administration
The event was organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry.
In the context of seafarer welfare initiatives showcased in August 2026, what does 'd-SEA' stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement
d-SEA is the Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement, showcased alongside E-Samudra and e-NAVIK.
Where did the Competition Commission of India host the meeting of Heads of BRICS Competition Authorities on 8 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Udaipur
The CCI hosted the meeting in Udaipur, Rajasthan, under India's BRICS Chairship.
Who is the Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India, who addressed the BRICS competition heads' meeting in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Ravneet Kaur
CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur delivered the inaugural address at the meeting in Udaipur.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS competition authorities' meeting of August 2026: 1. The joint statement adopted focused on fair competition, including in renewable energy markets. 2. The Xth BRICS International Competition Conference will be held in India in 2027. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Brazil's CADE is preparing to host the Xth BRICS International Competition Conference in Brazil in 2027.
Which section of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 does the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 propose to amend in relation to UPI charges?
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Correct answer: B — Section 10A
The Bill proposes to amend Section 10A of the PSS Act, 2007; the NPCI-led UPI and Services Steering Committee would then decide on any MDR.
According to the Finance Ministry's clarification of August 2026, which body will decide on any MDR on UPI once the amendment is passed?
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Correct answer: C — UPI and Services Steering Committee headed by NPCI
The 'UPI and Services Steering Committee', headed by NPCI, will decide on the MDR, if any.
Consider the following statements based on the Finance Ministry's UPI clarification of August 2026: 1. Person-to-person UPI transactions will continue to be free. 2. Any MDR introduced will be levied on all merchant transactions at a uniform rate. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Any MDR would be threshold-based and apply only to a limited set of merchant transactions, not to all.
What service for urban cooperative banks was launched by Amit Shah at the NUCFDC event in Mumbai on 8 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Bank in a Box
'Bank in a Box' will offer every branch core banking, digital payments, cloud and compliance services at affordable rates.
About how many urban cooperative banks is NUCFDC aiming to connect as their umbrella organisation, as stated in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 1,400
The objective is to connect nearly 1,400 urban cooperative banks to the umbrella organisation.
Which university was NUCFDC advised to sign an MoU with for cybersecurity and digital forensics support for urban cooperative banks?
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Correct answer: A — National Forensic Sciences University
Amit Shah said NUCFDC was advised to sign an MoU with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU).
To which country did the first-ever commercial sea shipment of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana go in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Australia
APEDA facilitated the 18 MT sea shipment from Bihta, Bihar, to Australia.
The makhana for the first sea-route export of GI-tagged Mithila Makhana in August 2026 was sourced from growers of which district?
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Correct answer: D — Darbhanga
The consignment was sourced from makhana growers of Darbhanga district.
Consider the following statements about the first sea export of Mithila Makhana in August 2026: 1. The consignment weighed 18 metric tonnes. 2. Farmers realised nearly 18% higher returns than prevailing market rates. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct: an 18 MT consignment, with farmers getting nearly 18% higher returns.
Which convocation ceremony of IIT Delhi did Prime Minister Narendra Modi address in person on 8 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 57th
PM Modi addressed the 57th Convocation Ceremony of IIT Delhi on 8 August 2026.
Which CSIR laboratory developed the first-of-its-kind 'Eco-Educational Hub' dedicated to the nation in Lucknow in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — CSIR-NBRI
The Eco-Educational Hub was developed by CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.
At which event did J.P. Nadda release the knowledge paper 'AI in MedTech: Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Artificial Intelligence' in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 9th India Medical Device 2026
The paper was released at the 9th edition of India Medical Device 2026, organised by the Department of Pharmaceuticals with FICCI.
What did Oil Marketing Companies' nationwide testing of E20 petrol, announced on 8 August 2026, conclude about claims of 500 ppm chloride and moisture?
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Correct answer: B — The claims were not validated and quality was within limits
The OMCs said fuel quality stayed within prescribed limits and the claims of 500 ppm chloride and moisture were not validated.
National Handloom Day, observed on 7 August, commemorates the launch of which movement in 1905?
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Correct answer: B — Swadeshi Movement
National Handloom Day marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which boosted indigenous industries and handloom.
How many commemorative postage stamps on Indian handloom weaves did the President release on National Handloom Day 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Four
President Droupadi Murmu released four commemorative postage stamps on Indian handloom weaves.
How many Sant Kabir Handloom Awards for 2025 were conferred on the 12th National Handloom Day?
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Correct answer: A — 3
The President conferred 3 Sant Kabir Handloom Awards and 19 National Handloom Awards for 2025.
Consider the following statements about National Handloom Day: 1. 7 August was declared National Handloom Day in 2010. 2. The 2026 Handloom Awards ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. The day was declared in 2015, and the 2026 ceremony was held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre.
Which city hosted the 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting under India's BRICS Chairship in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Jaipur
The 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting concluded in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on 7 August 2026.
The 'Jaipur Consensus' issued by BRICS Trade Ministers in August 2026 relates to studying which mechanism?
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Correct answer: B — A BRICS Invoice Discounting Mechanism
Ministers issued the Jaipur Consensus to study a BRICS Invoice Discounting Mechanism to ease MSME trade finance.
What size of global trade finance gap, affecting smaller enterprises, was cited at the 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting?
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Correct answer: D — About USD 2.5 trillion
The MSME instruments respond to a global trade finance gap of about USD 2.5 trillion.
Consider the following statements about the 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting: 1. It was chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. 2. It was preceded by the Third Meeting of the BRICS Contact Group on Economic and Trade Issues in New Delhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Piyush Goyal chaired the meeting, and the third CGETI meeting was held in New Delhi on 3–4 August 2026.
How many places/features in Arunachal Pradesh did the Government identify by standard names on Survey of India maps in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 27
The Government identified 27 places/features in Arunachal Pradesh on official Survey of India maps.
On whose official maps were the 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh identified by standard names in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Survey of India
The places were identified on the official maps of the Survey of India, in consultation with the state government.
Consider the following statements about the 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh identified on Survey of India maps: 1. Thag La is among the passes in the list. 2. Sher-e-Thapa is listed as a lake. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Thag La is one of four passes listed; Sher-e-Thapa is a memorial, while Sambho Sarovar is the lake.
Where were the 2026 Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships, at which Ariha Pangambam won India's first senior women's individual gold, held?
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Correct answer: C — Tagaytay City, Philippines
Ariha Pangambam won the gold at the championships in Tagaytay City, Philippines.
Ariha Pangambam of Manipur made history in August 2026 by winning India's first senior Asian gold in which gymnastics discipline?
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Correct answer: D — Aerobic gymnastics
She won the senior women's individual gold at the Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships with 19.100 points.
What milestone of OPD registrations did the ABDM Scan and Register service cross, as announced in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 25 crore
The NHA said the Scan and Register service crossed 25 crore OPD registrations.
By what name was the ABDM 'Scan and Register' service known earlier?
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Correct answer: B — Scan and Share
Scan and Register was earlier known as Scan and Share; it was launched in October 2022.
Where is the international mega science project FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) being built?
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Correct answer: B — Darmstadt, Germany
FAIR is a multipurpose particle accelerator facility being built at Darmstadt, Germany.
Which Indian institute designed the beam catcher equipment for FAIR's super fragment separator, delivered in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur
The beam catcher was designed by CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, Durgapur, under Bose Institute's supervision.
Consider the following statements about India's participation in FAIR: 1. India's contribution is funded jointly in a 50:50 ratio by the Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy. 2. Bose Institute, Kolkata, is India's shareholder in FAIR GmbH. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. DST and DAE fund India's contribution 50:50, and Bose Institute is the Indian shareholder and nodal institution.
Which hydroelectric project in Bhutan, implemented in partnership with India, was reviewed at the India–Bhutan trans-border rivers meeting in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Punatsangchhu-I
The ministers reviewed progress of the Punatsangchhu-I Hydroelectric Project and discussed its expeditious implementation.
Who led Bhutan's delegation at the high-level meeting on trans-border rivers with India's Jal Shakti Ministry in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Lyonpo Gem Tshering
Bhutan's delegation was led by Lyonpo Gem Tshering, Minister for Energy and Natural Resources; India's by C R Paatil.
Which SMS header did I4C use to alert potential victims of the 'Boss Scam' in 2026?
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Correct answer: D — I4CMHA-G
I4C intimated over 58,000 potential victims through the SMS header 'I4CMHA-G' in 30 days.
Through which portal did geo-blocking of the 'Boss Scam' command-and-control servers protect more than 10,000 Indians?
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Correct answer: B — Sahyog Portal
More than 10,000 Indians were protected by geo-blocking the C2 servers through the Sahyog Portal.
How many abandoned mines had South Eastern Coalfields Limited scientifically closed, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries, as of August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 28
SECL had scientifically closed 28 abandoned mines out of 54 identified, the highest among Coal India subsidiaries.
Consider the following statements about SECL's scientific mine closure programme: 1. SECL accounts for 67% of all abandoned mines scientifically closed in India. 2. District Mine Closure Advisory Committees have been set up in its operational districts in Jharkhand and Odisha. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The committees are in SECL's 10 operational districts in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
With which Digital Public Infrastructure platform is 'AAERI Verify', launched in August 2026 for students applying to Australian universities, integrated?
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Correct answer: A — DigiLocker
AAERI Verify is integrated with DigiLocker for consent-based verification of student documents.
What does 'MSS+' stand for in the indigenous road technology presented by CSIR-CRRI to the Rajasthan government in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Modified Mix Seal Surfacing Plus
MSS+ is CSIR-CRRI's Modified Mix Seal Surfacing Plus, a low-emission road construction and maintenance technology.
Production of which Russian regional aircraft was discussed at the 12th India–Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — SJ-100
Cooperation in UAVs, 3-D printing and production of the Russian regional aircraft SJ-100 was discussed.
With which body did the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) sign an MoU in August 2026 to develop quality standards for Ayush?
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Correct answer: C — Bureau of Indian Standards
CCRAS signed the MoU with the Bureau of Indian Standards, India's National Standards Body.
What is the total outlay of the GOBARdhan Compressed Biogas scheme approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Rs 23,731 crore
The Cabinet approved GOBARdhan with a total outlay of Rs 23,731 crore for FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36.
What stable administered price for Compressed Biogas does the GOBARdhan scheme introduce?
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Correct answer: B — Rs 2,110 per MMBTU
GOBARdhan introduces a stable administered CBG price of Rs 2,110 per MMBTU.
Which ministry administers the GOBARdhan Compressed Biogas scheme approved in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas as one platform across the CBG value chain.
Consider the following statements about the GOBARdhan scheme: 1. It will be implemented from FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36. 2. Eligible greenfield CBG projects can get capital assistance of up to Rs 2 crore per tonne per day of installed capacity. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per the Cabinet decision of 6 August 2026.
Till when has Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, approved by the Cabinet in March 2026, extended the mission?
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Correct answer: D — December 2028
JJM 2.0, approved on 10 March 2026, extends the mission till December 2028.
What is the total outlay approved for Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0?
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Correct answer: A — Rs 8.69 lakh crore
JJM 2.0 has a total outlay of Rs 8.69 lakh crore, of which central assistance is Rs 3.59 lakh crore.
From where was the Agni-4 ballistic missile test-fired on 6 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Integrated Test Range, Chandipur
Agni-4 was test-fired from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, Odisha.
Under the aegis of which body was the Agni-4 test of August 2026 carried out?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic Forces Command
The test was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.
About how many Scheduled Tribe entrepreneurs do the Tribal Affairs Ministry's August 2026 MoUs with incubators aim to reach?
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Correct answer: C — 1,000
The partnerships aim to reach approximately 1,000 ST entrepreneurs.
Under the Tribal Affairs Ministry's August 2026 incubator partnerships, a minimum of how many ST entrepreneurs are to be funded and incubated under VCF-ST?
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Correct answer: B — 100
A minimum of 100 ST entrepreneurs are to be funded and incubated under VCF-ST.