Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Operation Vajra 2.0, under which about 66.8 lakh psychotropic tablets were seized in August 2026, was conducted by which agency?
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Correct answer: D — Central Bureau of Narcotics
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), through its MP Unit acting on CBN Neemuch intelligence, ran Operation Vajra 2.0.
The Operation Vajra 2.0 interception of August 2026 took place on which interstate route?
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Correct answer: A — Chandigarh–Baddi
The truck was intercepted on the Chandigarh–Baddi route along the Punjab–Himachal Pradesh corridor.
In August 2026, judicial officer Chirag Bhanu was appointed a Judge of which High Court?
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Correct answer: A — Himachal Pradesh High Court
Chirag Bhanu was appointed a Judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, along with two Additional Judges.
Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, who visited India from 26 to 29 August 2026, heads which navy?
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Correct answer: B — Sri Lanka Navy
Vice Admiral Damian Fernando is the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy; this was his maiden visit to India in that role.
The 'Kanda Express' initiative, expanded in 2025-26, relates to:
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Correct answer: A — Rail movement of buffer onions to consumption centres
Kanda Express moves buffer onions by rail; in 2025-26, 86 rakes carried about 88,000 tonnes to 16 cities.
At what price were buffer onions sold in Delhi-NCR under the government's August 2026 market intervention?
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Correct answer: D — ₹35 per kg
Buffer onions were sold at ₹35 per kg through retail outlets and mobile points in Delhi-NCR.
Gujarat Vidyapith, whose 72nd convocation was held on 27 August 2026, was established in which year?
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Correct answer: A — 1920
Gujarat Vidyapith was established on 18 October 1920.
According to the Home Minister at the Gujarat Vidyapith convocation (August 2026), the turnover of Khadi and Village Industries in 2025–26 was about:
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Correct answer: D — ₹1.87 lakh crore
KVI turnover rose from ₹31,000 crore in 2013–14 to ₹1.87 lakh crore in 2025–26.
Consider the following statements about the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission conclave of 27 August 2026: 1. It was held at NIPER Guwahati and was the first such conclave in the Northeast. 2. The IPC launched botanical reference standards for the first time. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the conclave at NIPER Guwahati was the first in the Northeast, and the five Botanical Reference Standards were the IPC's first ever.
The flash flood that devastated central Nepal on 26 August 2026 came down which river from the Nepal–Tibet border?
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Correct answer: B — Bhote Koshi
The flood swept down the Bhote Koshi river, which flows from Tibet into Nepal, hitting Rasuwa and districts downstream.
According to the US Geological Survey, what caused the Nepal–Tibet border flash flood of 26 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — A glacial collapse and debris flow
The USGS confirmed the flood was caused by a glacial collapse and debris flow.
As Nepal's floodwater reached India on 26 August 2026, Bihar opened all 36 gates of which barrage?
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Correct answer: A — Gandak barrage
Bihar opened all 36 gates of the Gandak barrage as floodwater from Nepal entered the Gandak river system.
Consider the following statements about India's response to the Nepal flash flood of 26 August 2026: 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and offered humanitarian assistance. 2. The Union Home Minister spoke to the Chief Ministers of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, and NDRF teams in border areas were put on high alert. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct.
Which city hosted the Asian Junior Classical Chess Championship 2026, where India won both the Open and Girls titles?
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Correct answer: D — Mumbai
The championship was held in Mumbai.
Who won the Open section of the Asian Junior Classical Chess Championship 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Mayank Chakraborty
Top seed Mayank Chakraborty won the Open section with 7.5 points; Pratitee Bordoloi won the Girls section.
The Hutatma Smruti Smarak at Patradevi, Goa, marks the site where satyagrahis faced Portuguese fire during the satyagraha of which date?
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Correct answer: C — 15 August 1955
On 15 August 1955 the first group of satyagrahis entered Goa through Patradevi and was met with Portuguese machine-gun fire.
Through which 1961 military operation did the Indian armed forces liberate Goa, as recalled at Patradevi on 26 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Operation Vijay
The Indian armed forces liberated Goa from Portuguese rule through Operation Vijay in 1961.
Consider the following statements about the Goa liberation satyagrahis honoured at Patradevi on 26 August 2026: 1. Karnail Singh, one of the satyagrahis honoured, was from Punjab. 2. Sahodra Devi, one of the satyagrahis honoured, was from Kerala. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Sahodra Devi was from Madhya Pradesh.
Which of the following Japanese cities was NOT part of Piyush Goyal's August 2026 Japan visit?
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Correct answer: D — Kyoto
Piyush Goyal's engagements were held in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
At the India–Japan Startup Roundtable in Tokyo on 26 August 2026, what global rank did Piyush Goyal give India's startup ecosystem?
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Correct answer: B — Third-largest
Piyush Goyal said India is the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, with nearly 2.5 lakh startups set up over the last decade.
Consider the following statements made during Piyush Goyal's Japan visit of August 2026: 1. A target of JPY 10 trillion in Japanese private investment in India over a decade was agreed during the Prime Minister's 2025 visit to Japan. 2. India's semiconductor demand is projected to reach USD 150 billion by 2032. 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 Commerce Ministry release.
How much monthly assistance will eligible women get under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana launched on 26 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹2,500
Eligible women will receive ₹2,500 a month by direct benefit transfer from 1 September 2026.
What is the age group of women eligible under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana?
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Correct answer: D — 21–60 years
The scheme covers eligible women aged 21 to 60 years.
Consider the following statements about the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana: 1. The first instalment is to be paid on 1 September 2026. 2. Beneficiaries can take ₹1,000 a month through a digital currency wallet and put ₹1,500 in a fixed or recurring deposit. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct.
Who led India's delegation at its 11th periodic review before the UN CERD in Geneva in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
India's inter-ministerial delegation was led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) monitors the implementation of which treaty?
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Correct answer: B — ICERD
CERD monitors the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
Consider the following statements about India and the UN CERD in August 2026: 1. India's 11th periodic review under ICERD was held in Geneva on 11–12 August 2026. 2. India accepted the Committee's observations and said no response was needed. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: India rejected the 'politically motivated' references and said it would respond through the established procedure.
Which city hosted the 17th Conference of Parties (COP17) of the UNCCD in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ulaanbaatar
UNCCD COP17 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17 to 28 August 2026.
What was the theme of UNCCD COP17 held in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Restoring Land. Restoring Hope
COP17 was held under the theme 'Restoring Land. Restoring Hope'.
Consider the following statements made by India at UNCCD COP17 on 26 August 2026: 1. India has around 25,000 community-protected sacred groves covering about 0.6 million hectares. 2. India has about 10 million hectares of permanent pastures and grazing lands. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct as per India's address at the ministerial dialogue.
The pension released early by EPFO to Keralam pensioners on 26 August 2026 is paid under the Employees' Pension Scheme of which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1995
The pension is paid under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995.
How many students will receive scholarships under the IICT–Netflix initiative announced on 26 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 100
IICT and Netflix announced scholarships for 100 students, with up to 80% financial support.
Where was the 25th round of India–China Special Representatives talks on the boundary question held on 25 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Beijing
NSA Ajit Doval and Wang Yi held the 25th round of SR talks in Beijing on 25 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the 25th India–China Special Representatives talks: 1. The two sides agreed to hold the 26th round in China in 2027. 2. The talks were guided by a 2003 agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The 26th round will be held in India in 2027, and the framework is the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles.
Under the eight-point consensus of August 2026, which two bodies under the WMCC are to advance an 'early and substantial harvest'?
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Correct answer: A — Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and Working Group on Border Management
The consensus tasks the Expert Group on Boundary Delimitation and the Working Group on Border Management, both under the WMCC; their first task is to agree terms of reference.
The 25th India–China Special Representatives talks reaffirmed that the boundary question will be handled within which 2005 framework?
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Correct answer: C — Agreement on the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India–China Boundary Question
Both sides said they would work in accordance with the political parameters and guiding principles agreed in 2005.
Under which scheme did the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approve the purchase of 25 lakh free tablets for youth on 25 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana
The tablets will be given under the five-year Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana, with ₹2,374.60 crore provided for 2026-27.
Uttar Pradesh's Lokmata Ahilyabai Matrushakti Yojana, approved in August 2026, provides what benefit?
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Correct answer: A — Free UPSRTC bus travel for resident women aged 60 and above
The scheme lets resident women aged 60 and above travel free on UPSRTC buses on showing Aadhaar or a voter ID.
Consider the following statements about the Ganga Expressway extension approved by the UP Cabinet on 25 August 2026: 1. The extension will take the expressway to Dehradun. 2. The Centre will share 50% of the cost. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The extension goes to Haridwar, and the Uttar Pradesh government will bear the entire cost of about ₹10,761 crore.
The Ganga Expressway extension to Haridwar approved in August 2026 is described as linking which two Kumbh cities?
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Correct answer: B — Prayagraj and Haridwar
The extension is planned as a corridor connecting Prayagraj and Haridwar, two Kumbh cities on the Ganga.
UPI, which completed ten years on 25 August 2026, was developed and launched by which organisation?
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Correct answer: B — National Payments Corporation of India
UPI was launched on 25 August 2016 by NPCI under the regulatory oversight of the RBI.
As of August 2026, in how many countries is UPI accepted, according to the government?
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Correct answer: C — 11
UPI is accepted in 11 countries, with Greece and the Maldives the latest to adopt it.
Consider the following statements about the evolution of UPI: 1. UPI was piloted in April 2016 with 44 member banks. 2. The BHIM app was launched in August 2016 along with UPI's public rollout. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The April 2016 pilot had 21 member banks (44 banks were live in FY 2016-17), and BHIM was launched in December 2016.
What does the acronym PRAGATI, the platform whose 53rd meeting the PM chaired on 25 August 2026, stand for?
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Correct answer: A — Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation
PRAGATI is the ICT-enabled, multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
The six projects reviewed at the 53rd PRAGATI meeting had a cumulative cost of more than:
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Correct answer: C — ₹30,000 crore
The six Railway, Road and Power projects, spread over nine states, cost more than ₹30,000 crore in total.
Consider the following statements about the 53rd PRAGATI meeting: 1. The six projects reviewed were from the Railway, Road and Ports sectors. 2. AgriStack was reviewed as part of the National e-Governance Plan. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The projects were from the Railway, Road and Power sectors, and AgriStack falls under the Digital Agriculture Mission.
The DRI's 56 kg methamphetamine seizure of 25 August 2026 at Lalpani took place near which town?
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Correct answer: D — Silchar
Lalpani is about 40 km from Silchar, near the Assam–Manipur border.
Consider the following statements about DRI's methamphetamine seizures in the North-East in August 2026: 1. The entire 76 kg was seized in a single operation. 2. The Mizoram consignment had been smuggled from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar–Champhai sector. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The 76 kg came from two operations: 56 kg at Lalpani, Assam, and 20 kg at Bung Bangla, Mizoram.
In August 2026, the Defence Minister approved transfer of DRDO technologies to Indian industry for which category of missiles?
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Correct answer: C — All conventional missile systems
The approval covers the transfer of DRDO-developed technologies of all conventional missile systems for production in India.
Consider the following statements about the DRDO missile transfer of technology approved on 25 August 2026: 1. It covers DRDO's strategic nuclear-capable missiles. 2. One stated aim is to bring Indian MSMEs into the missile supply chain. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The approval covers conventional missile systems; it aims to create opportunities for MSMEs and other technology partners.
Which city hosted the 7th High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard and the Vietnam Coast Guard on 25 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chennai
The 7th ICG–VCG High-Level Meeting was held in Chennai on 25 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the 7th ICG–VCG High-Level Meeting: 1. It was held under the framework of a 2015 MoU on Coast Guard Cooperation. 2. It was co-chaired by ICG Director General Paramesh Sivamani. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The meeting was held under the 2015 MoU and co-chaired by DG Paramesh Sivamani and VCG Vice Commandant Maj Gen Luong Dinh Hung.
The National Shipping Board, which held its first 'Sagar Samvad' in August 2026, was originally constituted as a statutory body in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1958
Sonowal noted that the NSB is a statutory body constituted in 1958, older than the shipping ministry it advises; it was reconstituted in May 2025.
At the first Sagar Samvad on 25 August 2026, how many new vessels did the Shipping Minister say India plans to add over five years?
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Correct answer: A — 100
Sonowal said India plans to add 100 vessels to its merchant fleet over five years to cut a $75 billion foreign freight bill.
What record net profit did Regional Rural Banks report for FY 2025-26, according to the Finance Ministry review of 25 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹10,176 crore
RRBs' net profit rose to an all-time high of ₹10,176 crore in FY 2025-26, up from ₹6,820 crore in FY 2024-25.
As per the August 2026 review, how many Regional Rural Banks are currently operating in India?
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Correct answer: A — 28
28 RRBs operate through 22,273 branches across 26 states and 3 Union Territories, covering about 700 districts.
Consider the following statements about Regional Rural Banks in FY 2025-26: 1. Their gross NPA fell to an all-time low of 5.3%. 2. Their credit-deposit ratio reached an all-time high of 75.2%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. GNPA fell to 5.3% (NNPA 2.1%) and the credit-deposit ratio rose to 75.2%.
Which laboratory unveiled the indigenous NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 gas turbine engines on 25 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories
CSIR-NAL unveiled the three micro and small gas turbine engines at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi.
What is the thrust class of the NJ-100 engine unveiled by CSIR-NAL in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 100 kg
The NJ-05, NJ-50 and NJ-100 have 5 kg, 50 kg and 100 kg thrust respectively.
Consider the following statements about the CSIR-NAL gas turbine engines unveiled in August 2026: 1. They were unveiled at NAL's campus in Bengaluru. 2. The Chief of the Air Staff was the chief guest. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The engines were unveiled at CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi, and the chief guest was Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman COSC.
Which shipyard handed over the Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Ajit to the Indian Coast Guard on 25 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Goa Shipyard Limited
Goa Shipyard Limited built ICGS Ajit (Yard 1277) and handed it over in Goa on 25 August 2026.
Which feature of ICGS Ajit is described as a first for its class of Fast Patrol Vessels?
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Correct answer: D — Controllable pitch propellers driven by twin diesel engines
ICGS Ajit's twin marine diesel engines drive controllable pitch propellers, a first-of-its-kind feature in this class.
Consider the following statements about ICGS Ajit: 1. It has more than 65% indigenous content. 2. It has an endurance of 3,000 nautical miles. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. ICGS Ajit's endurance is 1,500 nautical miles.
At UNCCD COP17 on 25 August 2026, India's Environment Minister addressed a ministerial dialogue on which theme?
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Correct answer: A — Accelerating Drought Resilience
Bhupender Yadav addressed the Ministerial Dialogue on 'Accelerating Drought Resilience' in Ulaanbaatar, calling drought a predictable, preventable risk.
Which institution will host the Critical Minerals Innovation Hackathon 2026 launched by the Mines Ministry in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — JNARDDC, Nagpur
The hackathon will be organised and hosted by JNARDDC, Nagpur, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Mines.
Under Tamil Nadu's 'Annapoorani Super Six' scheme announced on 24 August 2026, how many LPG cylinders a year will the state pay for?
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Correct answer: B — Three
The state will reimburse eligible families for three domestic LPG cylinders a year from Pongal 2027, as a first phase of the six-cylinder promise.
Tamil Nadu's expanded free bus travel scheme for women, announced in August 2026, is now called:
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Correct answer: D — Vettri Payanam
The scheme, earlier called Vidiyal Payanam, has been renamed Vettri Payanam and extended to express, LSS, deluxe and mofussil buses from 2 October 2026.
Consider the following statements about Tamil Nadu's welfare announcements of 24 August 2026: 1. The Annapoorani Super Six scheme will be launched on Pongal Day in 2027. 2. The expanded women's free bus travel will carry an income ceiling of ₹2.5 lakh. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The expanded bus scheme has no income ceiling and no limit on the number of trips.
According to India's Second Progress Report on the Bonn Challenge, presented at UNCCD COP17 in August 2026, how much land did India bring under restoration during 2011–2020?
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Correct answer: D — 21.76 million hectares
India brought 21.76 million hectares under restoration during 2011–2020, generating about 1.22 billion person-days of employment.
Under its enhanced Bonn Challenge commitment, India aims to restore how much degraded and deforested land by 2030?
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Correct answer: C — 26 million hectares
India's initial 2015 Bonn Challenge commitment was later enhanced to 26 million hectares by 2030.
India's next Bonn Challenge reporting cycle, for 2021–2025, is being carried out in collaboration with which two bodies?
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Correct answer: A — ICFRE Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management and IUCN
Yadav said the 2021–2025 cycle is being done with the ICFRE Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management and IUCN, tracking area restored, financial flows and employment.