Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
As noted at the 3rd India–Cambodia JWGTI in August 2026, what was India–Cambodia bilateral trade in 2025-26?
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Correct answer: A — USD 406.78 million
Trade grew by over 36% to USD 406.78 million in 2025-26, up from USD 299 million in the previous year.
Consider the following statements about India–Cambodia economic ties as of August 2026: 1. Cambodia is India's 8th largest trading partner in ASEAN. 2. UPI acceptance at KHQR-enabled merchants in Phnom Penh was launched in June 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Cambodia accounts for 0.31% of India's trade with ASEAN, and UPI acceptance at KHQR merchants in Phnom Penh began on 2 June 2026.
Where did the Ministry of Tribal Affairs begin the National Conclave on Tribal Languages and Museums on 24 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Mysuru
The three-day conclave began in Mysuru, Karnataka, organised with the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute and CIIL.
'Jago', launched at the Mysuru conclave in August 2026, is:
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Correct answer: A — The official AI conversational assistant of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Jago is the ministry's official AI assistant, designed to make information on tribal welfare schemes easier to find and understand.
Consider the following statements about the upgraded Adi Vaani platform launched in August 2026: 1. It was launched with a new Android-only app. 2. Five new languages were added to it. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The upgrade added a new iOS application, five new languages and a logo.
How much foreign exchange had the RBI's special USD-INR swap facility mobilised as of 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — USD 73 billion
The facility mobilised USD 73 billion in under eleven weeks, of which FCNR(B) deposits made up USD 65.40 billion.
The RBI's 2026 USD-INR swap facility was compared with a similar FCNR(B) swap scheme of which earlier year that raised about USD 26 billion?
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Correct answer: D — 2013
The 2013 FCNR(B) swap scheme raised about USD 26 billion over roughly three months; the 2026 facility raised USD 73 billion in under eleven weeks.
Consider the following statements about the RBI's 2026 USD-INR swap facility: 1. It was launched on 8 June 2026. 2. The RBI extended the FCNR(B) window from 31 August to 30 September 2026. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The RBI advanced the closure of the FCNR(B) window from 30 September to 31 August 2026 because the target was met early.
In which state did the Vice-President launch India's first non-GMO, high-expansion popcorn maize hybrid seed on 24 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Andhra Pradesh
The seed was launched at Musunuru in Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh.
Which company was commended by the Vice-President for developing India's first indigenous non-GMO popcorn maize hybrid?
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Correct answer: B — Gourmet Popcornica
The Vice-President commended Gourmet Popcornica and its farmers for developing the indigenous hybrid that reduces reliance on imported technology.
Which edition of the National Security Strategies (NSS) Conference was inaugurated by Amit Shah in New Delhi on 24 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 9th
Amit Shah inaugurated the 9th two-day NSS Conference-2026, held in hybrid format with over 850 participants.
At the NSS Conference-2026, the Home Minister directed AI-based analysis of information on which platform to create SOPs against national security threats?
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Correct answer: A — Multi Agency Centre (MAC)
Amit Shah directed that information available on MAC platforms be analysed using AI to create SOPs for national security challenges.
Consider the following statements about the National Security Strategies Conference: 1. It has been held every year in hybrid format since 2015. 2. The 2026 edition was a one-day event held entirely in virtual mode. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The conference has been held annually in hybrid format since 2021, and the 2026 edition was a two-day hybrid event.
Of the six envoys who presented credentials to President Murmu on 24 August 2026, which country's envoy was designated High Commissioner rather than Ambassador?
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Correct answer: D — Nigeria
Muhammad Saidu Dahiru presented credentials as High Commissioner of Nigeria; the envoys of South Sudan, the UAE, Moldova, Germany and Sweden are Ambassadors.
Which edition of National Space Day did India celebrate on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 3rd
23 August 2026 was the third National Space Day, after the day was declared following Chandrayaan-3's landing in 2023.
Which city hosted the national event of National Space Day 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Ahmedabad
The inaugural national event was held at ISRO's Space Applications Centre in Ahmedabad.
What is the theme of National Space Day 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership
The 2026 theme is 'Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership'.
Who was the chief guest at the national event of the 3rd National Space Day in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was chief guest; ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan presided and Gujarat minister Arjun Modhwadia was guest of honour.
Consider the following statements made at the National Space Day 2026 event: 1. Ahmedabad was chosen as host because of the Space Applications Centre and the start-up ecosystem around the city. 2. India's space sector reforms were rolled out in 2023, after the Chandrayaan-3 landing. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The space sector reforms were rolled out in 2020 and have led to more than 440 space start-ups.
The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis, which marked its 33rd Foundation Day in August 2026, was set up in which year?
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Correct answer: C — 1994
The NCSK was set up in 1994; its 33rd Foundation Day on 23 August 2026 was the first such celebration since then.
According to the NCSK in August 2026, compensation has been provided to how many families out of 1,377 reported cases of sewer and septic tank deaths?
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Correct answer: B — 1,223
Compensation has been paid to 1,223 families out of 1,377 reported cases across the country.
Consider the following statements about the NCSK's 33rd Foundation Day: 1. It was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. 2. The commission said it receives about 120 complaints a year. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The event was held at the Constitution Club of India, and the commission receives more than 1,200 complaints a year.
The Mati Kala Board announced by Bihar's Chief Minister in August 2026 is meant to promote which traditional craft?
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Correct answer: C — Clay and terracotta art
The Mati Kala Board will preserve and promote traditional pottery and terracotta (clay) art.
Bihar's proposed Mati Kala Board will primarily work for the welfare of which community?
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Correct answer: A — Kumhar (Prajapati)
The board will work for the welfare of the Kumhar (Prajapati) community and other clay artisans.
Which city hosted the BWF World Championships 2026, which concluded on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — New Delhi
The BWF World Championships 2026 were held in New Delhi from 17 to 23 August 2026.
Who won the men's singles title at the BWF World Championships 2026, becoming the first Frenchman to do so?
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Correct answer: B — Alex Lanier
Alex Lanier beat Japan's Kodai Naraoka 21-11, 21-11 in the final to become France's first men's singles world champion.
Consider the following statements about the BWF World Championships 2026: 1. An Se-young won her second women's singles world title. 2. India's medal came in women's doubles, through Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. An Se-young beat defending champion Akane Yamaguchi, and Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won bronze.
What is the name of Kazakhstan's new single-chamber parliament, first elected on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kurultai
The Kurultai is the new 145-member unicameral parliament created by Kazakhstan's 2026 constitution.
Which party won Kazakhstan's first Kurultai election in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Adilet
The newly formed pro-government Adilet party won over 71% of the vote; it had absorbed the former ruling party Amanat.
Consider the following statements about Kazakhstan's August 2026 election: 1. The Kurultai is a two-chamber legislature. 2. Voter turnout was about 74%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Kurultai is a single-chamber body that replaced the earlier two-chamber parliament.
Which club won the Durand Cup 2026, beating Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4–1 in the final?
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Correct answer: C — East Bengal
East Bengal beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4–1 in Kolkata on 23 August 2026 to win its 17th Durand Cup.
Who scored a hat-trick for East Bengal in the Durand Cup 2026 final?
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Correct answer: A — Edmund Lalrindika
Edmund Lalrindika scored a first-half hat-trick; Bipin Singh scored East Bengal's other goal and Manvir Singh scored for Mohun Bagan.
Consider the following statements about the Durand Cup 2026: 1. It was the 125th edition of the tournament. 2. With the win, East Bengal overtook Mohun Bagan as the outright most successful club in the tournament. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. It was the 135th edition, and East Bengal's 17th title only drew it level with Mohun Bagan.
Where did the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026 conclude with the adoption of a joint declaration on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Visakhapatnam
The meeting, held under India's BRICS Chairship, concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Which city has been proposed as host of the inaugural BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave in November 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Udaipur
India's proposal for a BRICS Sports Manufacturing Conclave got broad support, with Udaipur, Rajasthan, proposed as host of the first edition.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting 2026: 1. The BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 will be competitive medal events held in New Delhi. 2. The BRICS Sports Joint Declaration was adopted by consensus. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games are proposed for Ahmedabad on 12–13 October 2026 as a non-competitive, cultural event.
What was the total investment in the five GRSE and Yantra India expansion projects whose Bhumi Pujan was held on 23 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — About ₹3,500 crore
The three GRSE and two YIL projects involve a combined investment of about ₹3,500 crore.
Yantra India Limited's two expansion projects launched in August 2026 are at its Metal and Steel Factory located in:
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Correct answer: D — Ishapore
The YIL projects are at the Metal and Steel Factory in Ishapore, West Bengal, to strengthen metallurgical and production capabilities.
Consider the following statements about Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE): 1. It has built over 800 vessels to date. 2. It was recently granted Maharatna status. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Rajnath Singh congratulated GRSE on achieving Navratna status, not Maharatna.
Which declaration was unanimously adopted at the 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministerial Meeting chaired by India in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chennai Declaration
The meeting closed on 22 August 2026 with the unanimous adoption of the Chennai Declaration, also called the Chennai Consensus.
In the context of BRICS science cooperation, what does 'BRICS GRAIN' stand for?
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Correct answer: C — Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network
BRICS GRAIN is the BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network; the Chennai Declaration records progress towards operationalising it.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting of August 2026: 1. It was the 10th such BRICS science ministerial meeting. 2. BRICS STI cooperation runs through 20 thematic working groups. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. It was the 14th BRICS STI Ministerial Meeting, and cooperation runs through 14 thematic working groups.
The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting 2026 built on the outcomes of the BRICS Youth Summit and Youth Council Meeting held in which city?
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Correct answer: B — Gandhinagar
The BRICS Youth Summit and BRICS Youth Council Meeting were held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on 19–20 August 2026; the Ministers' Meeting followed in Visakhapatnam.
Which heritage site near Visakhapatnam did BRICS youth delegates visit in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Totlakonda Buddhist Monastery
Delegates visited the historic Totlakonda Buddhist Monastery near Visakhapatnam.
The August 2026 restriction covers all fixed dose combinations of chlorpheniramine maleate with which other drug?
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Correct answer: C — Phenylephrine hydrochloride
The restriction applies to all FDCs containing chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride.
Below what age must the restricted chlorpheniramine–phenylephrine FDCs not be used, as per the mandatory warning?
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Correct answer: A — 4 years
The label must say: 'Fixed Dose Combination shall not be used in children below four years of age.'
Consider the following statements about the August 2026 FDC restriction: 1. The notification was issued under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897. 2. The decision followed recommendations of an Expert Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The notification was issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Where were the 17–21 August 2026 talks between DR Congo and AFC/M23 held?
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Correct answer: D — Switzerland
The talks were held in Switzerland; the joint statement was released on 22 August 2026.
When was the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement between DR Congo and AFC/M23 signed?
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Correct answer: A — 15 November 2025
The Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed in Doha on 15 November 2025.
Consider the following statements about the DR Congo–AFC/M23 joint statement of 22 August 2026: 1. Togo took part as the African Union mediator. 2. The parties agreed that the order of negotiating protocols does not dictate the order of implementing them. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The statement was also issued with Qatar, the US, Switzerland and the AU Commission.
What was the theme of the national workshop held in Bhubaneswar on GARIMA Diwas 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Mission Zero – Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work
The workshop on 22 August 2026 was themed 'Mission Zero – Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work'.
Odisha's Chief Minister announced in August 2026 that GARIMA Diwas will be observed every year on:
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Correct answer: D — The fourth Saturday of August
Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the fourth Saturday of August will be observed every year as GARIMA Diwas.
Consider the following statements about the 'Mission Zero' workshop of 22 August 2026: 1. Experts and officials from 15 states took part. 2. It was held in Bhubaneswar and attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Experts, officials and sanitation workers from eight states took part.
At Amit Shah's review of Siliguri Corridor security in August 2026, which body presented its progress and recommendations?
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Correct answer: B — Multi Agency Centre's Standing Focus Group on Siliguri Corridor
The Multi Agency Centre's Standing Focus Group on the Siliguri Corridor (SFG-SC) made a presentation on progress and its recommendations.
Which approach to border security did Amit Shah ask all agencies to implement in the Siliguri Corridor?
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Correct answer: D — Quadrangular approach
Shah stressed the concept of a quadrangular approach to border security and directed all agencies to implement it in full spirit.
Consider the following statements about the Siliguri Corridor security review of 22 August 2026: 1. Amit Shah suggested that West Bengal explore opening more Sainik Schools in North Bengal. 2. The review was chaired by the National Security Adviser. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The review was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Exercise Pitch Black 2026, in which the IAF took part, was hosted by the air force of which country?
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Correct answer: A — Australia
Pitch Black 2026 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force, with air forces from more than 20 nations.
Where was Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 held?
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Correct answer: C — Subang, Malaysia
After Pitch Black, the IAF contingent moved directly to Subang, Malaysia, for Udara Shakti 2026 with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Consider the following statements about the IAF's August 2026 deployments: 1. The IAF deployed Su-30MKI fighters to Exercise Pitch Black 2026. 2. Exercise Udara Shakti 2026 was a trilateral exercise with Australia and Malaysia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The IAF deployed Rafale aircraft to Pitch Black, and Udara Shakti was a bilateral exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority disburse under the Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanism in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2.82 crore
The NBA disbursed ₹2.82 crore: ₹2.80 crore to State and UT biodiversity bodies and about ₹2.01 lakh to ICAR-IIHR.
Which state received the largest share of the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement?
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Correct answer: B — Gujarat
Gujarat received the largest share (₹44.59 lakh), followed by West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's August 2026 ABS disbursement: 1. The funds came from a payment by Advanta Enterprises for genetic resources behind hybrids of cauliflower, hot pepper, okra and tomato. 2. The money was released to 27 State Biodiversity Boards and 3 UT Biodiversity Councils, besides ICAR-IIHR. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Since the resources could not be traced to specific farmers or communities, the money was shared by crop cultivation area.
The ICMR-supported centre CARBID, inaugurated at VIT Vellore in August 2026, focuses on research in:
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Correct answer: B — Bacteriophages and infectious diseases
CARBID is the Centre for Advanced Research in Bacteriophage and Infectious Diseases, aimed at tackling drug-resistant bacteria.
'Vigyan Pragati', the Hindi science magazine that completed 75 years in 2026, is published by:
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Correct answer: A — CSIR-NIScPR
Vigyan Pragati, launched in 1952, is published by CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research.
What is the budgetary outlay of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme notified by MeitY in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹62,500 crore
The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) has a budgetary outlay of ₹62,500 crore.
What is the tenure of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS)?
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Correct answer: D — FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
The scheme runs for five years, from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31; TS2 applicants may get a one-year gestation period.
Under Target Segment 2 (TS2) of the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme, what incentive do Indian brands get?
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Correct answer: A — 5%, plus an additional 3% for Indian design and R&D
TS2 gives Indian brands 5%, plus an additional 3% for Indian design and R&D; up to 1.5% more is available for domestic sourcing of key components.
Consider the following statements about the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme: 1. It follows the PLI scheme for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing, whose tenure ended on 31 March 2026. 2. To be eligible under Target Segment 1, a manufacturer needs a minimum turnover of ₹10,000 crore in FY 2025-26. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. TS1 also requires existing brands to add ₹5,000 crore in sales each year over FY 2025-26.
In which city did BRICS Tourism Ministers adopt their 2026 declaration on 21 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Jaipur
The BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting concluded in Jaipur with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration.
Who chaired the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat chaired the meeting.
Consider the following statements about the Jaipur Declaration of BRICS Tourism Ministers: 1. 'Artificial Intelligence and Tourism' was one of the four thematic priorities reflected in it. 2. It was adopted by consensus. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The other priorities were sustainability, skilling and capacity building, and seamless travel facilitation.
What deep-draft capability did Paradip Port mark in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 18.5 metres
The projects inaugurated on 21 August 2026 marked Paradip's 18.5-metre deep-draft capability.
The ₹1,580.36-crore concession agreements signed at Paradip Port in August 2026 aim at:
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Correct answer: D — 100% berth mechanisation by 2030
The three mechanisation projects under these agreements aim at 100% berth mechanisation by 2030.
Consider the following statements about the Paradip Port projects of August 2026: 1. Capital dredging worth ₹352 crore enables the port to handle fully laden Capesize vessels. 2. The projects inaugurated by Sarbananda Sonowal were worth ₹1,580.36 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The inaugurated projects were worth ₹427.80 crore; ₹1,580.36 crore was the value of the concession agreements.
Which city hosted the 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Pune
The 12th BRICS Communications Ministers' Meeting was held in Pune, Maharashtra, on 21 August 2026.
What is the theme of the ICT Track under India's BRICS Chairship in 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future
Scindia introduced the ICT Track theme 'Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future', with four pillars.
On the sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track meeting in Pune in August 2026, India signed a telecommunications and ICT MoU with which country?
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Correct answer: B — Brazil
Jyotiraditya Scindia and Brazil's Communications Minister Frederico de Siqueira Filho signed the MoU.
How many FDI investments had been reported under the revised land-bordering-country framework up to 20 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 29
29 FDI investments with proposed FDI of ₹4,895.65 crore had been reported up to 20 August 2026.
Under the revised FDI framework of 2026, investors with non-controlling beneficial ownership from land-bordering countries up to what level can use the automatic route?
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Correct answer: B — 10%
Non-controlling LBC beneficial ownership of up to 10% can now come through the automatic route, subject to sectoral caps and reporting.
Consider the following statements about the revised FDI framework for land-bordering-country ownership: 1. It was introduced through Press Note 2 of 2026. 2. Investors using it no longer need to report any information to the government. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The investor entity may proceed without other approvals only after reporting the relevant information to the government.
What stock limit did the Centre impose on sugar dealers from 1 August to 30 November 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 400 tonnes
A stock limit of 400 tonnes was imposed on sugar dealers across the country from 1 August to 30 November 2026.
To improve sugar availability in 2026, the Centre permitted duty-free import of how much raw sugar?
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Correct answer: A — 10 LMT
As a precaution, the government permitted duty-free import of 10 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of raw sugar.
Consider the following statements about the Centre's August 2026 note on sugar prices: 1. The government attributed the price rise mainly to diversion of sugar for ethanol. 2. Sugar production this season is expected to be about 343 LMT. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Both are wrong. The government said ethanol diversion was not the cause (its share fell to about 9%), and output is expected at about 306 LMT; 343 LMT was the states' initial estimate.