Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
At which cantonment did Rajnath Singh and Yogi Adityanath perform the Bhoomi Pujan for 14 projects worth over ₹100 crore in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Lucknow Cantonment
The 14 projects are at Lucknow Cantonment, Uttar Pradesh.
National Sports Day on 29 August 2026 marked which birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand?
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Correct answer: C — 121st
The 2026 National Sports Day commemorated the 121st birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand.
Which nationwide initiative was the focus of National Sports Day 2026 celebrations?
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Correct answer: A — Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein
The celebrations centred on 'Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein', urging at least one hour of sport.
Consider the following statements about National Sports Day 2026: 1. It marked the 125th birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand. 2. The 'Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein' initiative aims to strengthen the Fit India Movement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: it was the 121st birth anniversary. Statement 2 is correct.
Telugu Language Day, observed on 29 August, marks the birth anniversary of which reformer?
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Correct answer: B — Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy
Telugu Language Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy (born 29 August 1863).
Consider the following statements about Gidugu Venkata Ramamurthy: 1. Gidugu championed the classical literary style (Grandhika Bhasha) over spoken Telugu. 2. Gidugu developed a script for the Savara tribal language. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Gidugu championed spoken Telugu (Vyavaharika) over Grandhika. Statement 2 is correct.
Under which campaign did Madhya Pradesh announce ₹225 crore for 100 former Naxal-affected villages of Balaghat on 29 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Jan-Vishwas Abhiyan
The package was announced under the Jan-Vishwas Abhiyan.
The Balaghat development plan of Madhya Pradesh gives special attention to which tribal community?
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Correct answer: D — Baiga
The plan gives special attention to the Baiga tribal community.
How many PMGSY-IV road projects did Jitendra Singh lay the foundation for in the Udhampur constituency on 29 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 110
He laid the foundation of 110 PMGSY-IV Batch-I roads covering 598.455 km.
What is the total cost of the PMGSY-IV roads whose foundation was laid in the Udhampur constituency in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹1,503 crore
The 110 roads are worth ₹1,503 crore.
From which date did the name 'Keralam' come into effect under the MHA notification?
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Correct answer: C — 25 August 2026
The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the name 'Keralam' with effect from 25 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the Kerala circular of 29 August 2026 on the name 'Keralam': 1. Existing stationery is to be used until stocks run out, with corrections in ink. 2. All existing signboards must be replaced within one month. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: existing signboards need not be replaced immediately; only new material must carry 'Keralam'.
At what level has the compressed biogas (CBG) procurement price been fixed under the GOBARdhan Scheme, as explained in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹2,110 per MMBtu
The CBG price is ₹2,110 per MMBtu; after ₹215 per MMBtu government support, about ₹1,895 is recovered from consumers.
What affordability support will the government provide on compressed biogas under the revised GOBARdhan pricing?
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Correct answer: D — ₹10 per kg
The government will provide ₹10 per kg of CBG, about ₹215 per MMBtu.
The International Day against Nuclear Tests (29 August) was established on the initiative of which country?
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Correct answer: B — Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan initiated UNGA resolution 64/35 to mark the closure of the Semipalatinsk test site on 29 August 1991.
The date 29 August for the International Day against Nuclear Tests marks the closure of which nuclear test site?
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Correct answer: D — Semipalatinsk
The Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan was closed on 29 August 1991.
Consider the following statements: 1. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), adopted in 1996, has entered into force. 2. The International Day against Nuclear Tests was first observed in 2010. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the CTBT, adopted on 10 September 1996, has not yet entered into force. Statement 2 is correct: the day was first observed in 2010.
The Sanjeevani health pilot launched by Andhra Pradesh on 29 August 2026 at Gannela is located in which district?
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Correct answer: A — Alluri Sitharama Raju
Gannela is in Araku Valley mandal of Alluri Sitharama Raju district.
From which date has Andhra Pradesh directed a state-wide roll-out of the Sanjeevani health programme?
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Correct answer: D — 1 January 2027
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to roll out Sanjeevani across Andhra Pradesh from 1 January 2027.
The Karnataka Zilla Parishads, Taluk Panchayat Samitis, Mandal Panchayats and Nyaya Panchayats Act, recalled at Ramakrishna Hegde's centenary, was enacted in which year?
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Correct answer: B — 1985
The Vice President cited the Act of 1985, passed during Ramakrishna Hegde's tenure.
Which Constitutional Amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, as noted at the Ramakrishna Hegde centenary?
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Correct answer: D — 73rd Amendment
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions; the 74th deals with urban local bodies.
Under the settlement that ended the tribal students' hunger strike in Maharashtra on 29 August 2026, recruitment to how many ST-reserved posts is to begin within six months?
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Correct answer: C — 12,500
The government agreed to begin recruitment to 12,500 posts reserved for Scheduled Tribes within six months.
What was India's IIP growth rate (quick estimate) for July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 6.7%
The quick estimate put IIP growth for July 2026 at 6.7%; 7.3% was the June 2026 figure and the manufacturing growth rate.
Which IIP sector recorded a contraction in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Mining & Quarrying
Mining & quarrying contracted 0.9%, while the other sectors grew.
Consider the following statements about the IIP quick estimate for July 2026: 1. The index is compiled on the base year 2022-23=100. 2. MoSPI releases the IIP quick estimate on the 28th of every month (or the next working day). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the index uses base 2022-23=100 and is released on the 28th of every month, or the next working day if the 28th is a holiday.
As of its 12th anniversary in August 2026, roughly how many accounts had been opened under PM Jan-Dhan Yojana?
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Correct answer: C — Over 59 crore
More than 59 crore Jan-Dhan accounts have been opened.
What share of PM Jan-Dhan Yojana accounts belong to women, as of August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 56%
56% of the accounts belong to women; 78% is the share in villages and small towns.
Consider the following statements about PM Jan-Dhan Yojana as of August 2026: 1. Deposits in Jan-Dhan accounts have crossed ₹3.1 lakh crore. 2. In the JAM trinity, 'M' stands for MGNREGA. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: JAM stands for Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile.
Where was the inaugural India–Kuwait Joint Defence Committee meeting held in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — New Delhi
The first JDC meeting was held in New Delhi on 28 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about India–Kuwait relations: 1. India and Kuwait established diplomatic relations in 1971. 2. The India–Kuwait relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership during the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Kuwait in December 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: diplomatic relations were established in 1962. Statement 2 is correct.
By which year does India aim to eliminate malaria, as reaffirmed at the Health Ministry review of August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 2030
India's target, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, is malaria elimination by 2030.
According to the Health Ministry, the number of high-burden malaria districts in India fell from 155 to how many between 2015 and 2025?
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Correct answer: A — 33
High-burden districts fell from 155 to 33; 160 is the number of districts with zero indigenous cases in 2022–2025.
Consider the following statements about India's malaria situation as reviewed in August 2026: 1. The 33 high-burden districts accounted for 64% of malaria cases and 54% of malaria deaths in 2025. 2. The 33 high-burden districts are spread across nine States and Union Territories. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 33 districts across nine States/UTs accounted for 64% of cases and 54% of deaths in 2025.
The 'Gnani Artha' sovereign AI stack launched in August 2026 comprises which two components?
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Correct answer: B — Evon 3.3 and Plexus
Gnani Artha comprises Evon 3.3, a large language model, and Plexus, a platform connecting AI with real-world work.
Who launched the 'Gnani Artha' sovereign AI stack at Uprashtrapati Bhavan on 28 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan launched Gnani Artha at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
What is the financial outlay of the PRIP scheme for pharma and MedTech research?
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Correct answer: D — ₹5,000 crore
The Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech (PRIP) scheme has an outlay of ₹5,000 crore.
The PRIP scheme is administered by which ministry/department?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
PRIP is run by the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Consider the following statements about the PRIP scheme's second call (August 2026): 1. Early-stage projects of startups and MSMEs can receive up to ₹5 crore per project. 2. Later-stage projects can receive up to ₹100 crore, with no limit on the share of project cost. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: later-stage assistance of up to ₹100 crore is capped at 35% of the approved project cost.
Sanchar Saathi, which crossed 75,000 handset recoveries in a single month in 2026, is an initiative of which department?
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Correct answer: A — Department of Telecommunications
Sanchar Saathi is the Department of Telecommunications' citizen-centric initiative.
By how much did monthly handset recoveries through Sanchar Saathi rise between April 2025 and July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 201%
Monthly recoveries rose 201% between April 2025 and July 2026.
Under the August 2026 reforms, the validity of the defence Open General Export Licence (OGEL) was changed to:
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Correct answer: B — Three years
OGEL validity was increased from two to three years.
What was India's record defence export figure for FY 2025-26, cited by the Ministry of Defence in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹38,424 crore
Defence exports touched a record ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025-26; ₹1.78 lakh crore was defence production.
Consider the following statements about the defence export reforms of August 2026: 1. The OGEL requires exporters to seek a separate authorisation for each consignment. 2. Stakeholder consultation has been dispensed with for exports of all items meant for international tenders and exhibitions. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: OGEL lets eligible exporters self-generate authorisations for multiple consignments without a separate authorisation for each. Statement 2 is correct.
Which social reformer, remembered on 28 August 2026, was credited with paving the way for social transformation through education in Keralam and improving the lives of agricultural workers?
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Correct answer: B — Mahatma Ayyankali
The PM and Home Minister paid homage to Mahatma Ayyankali on his birth anniversary, citing his work for education of the marginalised and agricultural workers in Keralam.
Consider the following statements about the tributes paid on 28 August 2026: 1. The Prime Minister paid tributes to Sree Narayana Guru on his birth anniversary. 2. The Prime Minister paid homage to Mahatma Ayyankali on his death anniversary. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: 28 August 2026 was Mahatma Ayyankali's birth anniversary, not his death anniversary.
In August 2026, Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury was appointed a permanent judge of which High Court?
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Correct answer: D — Calcutta High Court
Justice Biswaroop Chowdhury, an additional judge, was appointed a permanent judge of the Calcutta High Court.
Consider the following statements about India's telecom subscription data at the end of July 2026: 1. Total telephone subscribers stood at about 1,354 million. 2. Rural telephone subscribers outnumbered urban subscribers. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: urban subscribers (796.68 million) outnumbered rural (557.59 million). Statement 2 is correct (1,354.28 million).
The Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 were notified by which department?
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Correct answer: D — Department of Consumer Affairs
The Department of Consumer Affairs notified the Rules on 27 August 2026.
When will the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 come into force?
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Correct answer: D — 180 days after publication in the Official Gazette
The Rules come into force 180 days from their publication in the Official Gazette (29 August 2026), giving organisations time to adapt systems.
Consider the following statements about Indian Standard Time (IST) under the 2026 framework: 1. CSIR-NPL generates IST using an ensemble of atomic clocks and keeps it traceable to UTC. 2. UTC is maintained by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: CSIR-NPL, India's National Metrology Institute, generates IST with atomic clocks traceable within nanoseconds to UTC, which BIPM maintains.
Secondary IST timescales have been set up at Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs) in five cities. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
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Correct answer: B — Kolkata
The five RRSLs are at Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Faridabad and Guwahati; Kolkata is not among them.
Where and when will the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo (BRESE) 2026 be held?
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Correct answer: B — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, 2–5 November 2026
BRESE 2026 will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 2 to 5 November 2026; the Mumbai event was a roadshow.
Consider the following statements made at the BRESE 2026 Mumbai roadshow: 1. India's non-fossil-fuel capacity has risen from 80.3 GW to about 300.5 GW over 12 years. 2. Reaching 500 GW of non-fossil-fuel capacity by 2030 will need more than ₹30 lakh crore of investment over the next five years. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated by Pralhad Joshi.
Until when has lending under the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme been extended?
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Correct answer: D — 31 March 2030
Lending under the restructured scheme, approved on 27 August 2025, runs until 31 March 2030.
What is the maximum credit limit of the UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card introduced for street vendors under restructured PM SVANidhi?
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Correct answer: B — ₹30,000
Eligible vendors get a UPI-linked RuPay Credit Card with a limit of up to ₹30,000; 27,077 had been approved.
Consider the following statements about PM SVANidhi: 1. The scheme was launched on 1 June 2020 to provide collateral-free working capital loans to urban street vendors. 2. The restructured scheme aims to benefit 1.15 crore street vendors, including 50 lakh new beneficiaries. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
The T-Series Tanks Overhaul Project, whose Bhoomi Pujan was held on 27 August 2026, is located at:
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Correct answer: A — Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur
The ₹472 crore project is at Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur, a unit of AVNL.
How many tanks per year will the new overhaul facility at Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur be able to overhaul?
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Correct answer: D — 80
The facility is planned to overhaul 80 tanks per annum; the Army needs 230 a year and HVF Avadi handles 150.
Consider the following statements about the T-Series tank overhaul project of August 2026: 1. Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur is a unit of Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), a Mini Ratna DPSU. 2. The project covers overhaul of T-72 and T-90 tanks at an estimated cost of ₹472 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
Where will the End-to-End Optical Network Testbed, agreed between DoT and C-DOT in August 2026, be located?
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Correct answer: A — C-DOT campus, New Delhi
The DoT-funded testbed will be located at the C-DOT campus in New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the DoT–C-DOT Optical Network Testbed: 1. The agreement covers a period of five years. 2. The set-up phase includes quantum security elements along with optical core and access. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: it is a five-year agreement, and the set-up phase (years 1–2) covers optical core, optical access and quantum security.
The Khelo India Samvaad addressed by the Prime Minister on 27 August 2026 was part of celebrations for which day?
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Correct answer: B — National Sports Day
The Samvaad was part of National Sports Day 2026 celebrations; the day falls on 29 August, Major Dhyan Chand's birth anniversary.
Youth and athletes from about how many institutes joined the Prime Minister's Khelo India Samvaad in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Over 5,000
Participants connected from over 5,000 institutes across the country.
Samarthak, delivered to the Indian Navy on 27 August 2026, is the first of which class of vessel?
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Correct answer: A — Multi-Purpose Vessel
Samarthak is the first Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), built by L&T at Kattupalli.
Consider the following statements about the Multi-Purpose Vessel Samarthak: 1. It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers. 2. It has over 75% indigenous content and is conceived as a trial and evaluation platform. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Samarthak was built by Larsen & Toubro at Kattupalli. Statement 2 is correct.