Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The Parang La pass, crossed by the NCC's 'Aparajita' trek flagged off on 18 August 2026, connects which two regions?
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Correct answer: B — Spiti Valley (HP) and Changthang (Ladakh)
Parang La (5,578 m) connects the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh with the Changthang region of Ladakh.
How many girl cadets are taking part in 'Aparajita - Parang La 2026', and what distance will they cover?
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Correct answer: D — 28 cadets; about 250 km in 30 days
Twenty-eight girl cadets, led by three women officers, will cover about 250 km in 30 days.
What does CAQM's Direction No. 102, approved on 18 August 2026, deal with?
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Correct answer: B — Phased shift to cleaner light goods vehicles in Delhi-NCR
Direction No. 102 mandates phased restrictions on new registration of diesel, petrol and CNG N1 light goods vehicles in Delhi-NCR; Direction No. 103 covers stone crushers.
Consider the following statements about CAQM's Direction No. 102: 1. Light goods vehicles form about 1.2% of the active vehicle stock but contribute about 3.3% of particulate emissions from the fleet. 2. Registration restrictions on diesel, petrol and CNG N1 LGVs begin in Delhi from 1 January 2027. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. In the high vehicle density NCR districts the restrictions start from 1 July 2027.
How many knowledge compendiums were launched at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting on 18 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Four
Four knowledge compendiums prepared by the BRICS Environment Working Group were unveiled.
Consider the following statements about the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting: 1. It was held in Pune. 2. The Joint Ministerial Statement was adopted by a majority vote, with India abstaining. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The meeting was held in New Delhi, and the Joint Ministerial Statement was adopted by consensus under India's chairship.
From when is the Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections effective?
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Correct answer: C — 1 September 2026
The scheme, approved on 18 August 2026, is effective from 1 September 2026.
Under the Domestic PNG incentive scheme, how much additional APM gas does a CGD entity get for every incremental billed domestic connection?
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Correct answer: B — 200 SCM
Eligible CGD entities get an additional 200 SCM of domestically produced, lower-priced APM gas per incremental billed connection above the threshold.
Consider the following statements about the Domestic PNG incentive scheme: 1. India currently has about 1.74 crore domestic PNG connections. 2. The scheme runs in four tranches spread over two years. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The scheme runs in two tranches spanning six months.
How many items are on the sixth Positive Indigenisation List notified by the Department of Defence Production on 18 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 405
The sixth PIL has 405 strategically important items with an estimated business potential of ₹3,070 crore.
On which portal is the detailed sixth Positive Indigenisation List available?
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Correct answer: B — SRIJAN
The detailed list is available on the SRIJAN portal (srijandefence.gov.in).
Consider the following statements about the sixth Positive Indigenisation List: 1. It contains 389 items of Defence PSUs and 16 items of the Indian Coast Guard. 2. Its estimated business potential is ₹30,700 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The estimated business potential is ₹3,070 crore.
How much financial support has been approved for the Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh under the agreement signed on 18 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — ₹3,942 crore
₹3,942 crore has been approved for rolling out the Amended BharatNet Program in Chhattisgarh.
Consider the following statements about the Amended BharatNet agreement for Chhattisgarh: 1. The agreement was signed in Raipur. 2. The programme will cover 11,682 gram panchayats. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The agreement was signed at Sanchar Bhawan, New Delhi.
Which Indian official visited Armenia on 17-18 August 2026, during which a defence MoU was signed?
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Correct answer: A — Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited Armenia on 17-18 August 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India-Armenia defence engagement of August 2026: 1. The two sides exchanged Terms of Reference for institutionalising Joint Services Staff Talks. 2. An IT Lab at the Armenian Military Academy has been set up with Indian assistance. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The defence ministries also signed an MoU on joint collaboration, innovation and research.
At which venue did the 65th Subroto Cup International Football Tournament open on 18 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Dr B. R. Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi
The 65th Subroto Cup opened at Dr B. R. Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi, with 108 teams in three categories.
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.