Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
India Post's first-ever drone delivery of the Tiranga on 14 August 2026 took place in which state?
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Correct answer: D — Himachal Pradesh
The drone flew the Tiranga from Mandi Head Post Office to Rehardhar Branch Post Office in Himachal Pradesh.
Under which operation did the NCB bring back drug trafficker Virender Singh Basoya from the UAE on 14 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Operation GLOBAL-HUNT
Basoya was brought back under 'Operation GLOBAL-HUNT' after his arrest in the UAE on an INTERPOL Red Notice requested by NCB.
Which GI-tagged rice from Tripura was showcased at the APEDA International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet in Agartala in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kalikhasa rice
Tripura's GI-tagged Kalikhasa rice was displayed along with Queen Pineapple, organic ginger and turmeric.
How many Bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session 2026, which ended on 13 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 12
Twelve Bills were passed by both Houses during the session, which had 19 sittings over 25 days.
The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, passed in the Monsoon Session, renames the state by amending which part of the Constitution?
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Correct answer: B — First Schedule
The Bill amends the First Schedule to the Constitution, in accordance with Article 3, to rename Kerala as 'Keralam'.
Consider the following statements about the Monsoon Session 2026: 1. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 brings Vande Mataram under the 1971 Act. 2. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by both Houses. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 was referred to a Joint Committee of the Houses for examination, not passed.
Under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in the Monsoon Session, within what time must trials be completed?
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Correct answer: D — Three months
The Bill mandates completion of investigation within two months and trial within three months, with Special Fast Track Courts designated by states and UTs.
Consider the following statements about the productivity of Parliament in the Monsoon Session 2026: 1. Lok Sabha productivity was higher than Rajya Sabha productivity. 2. Rajya Sabha productivity was above 50%. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. Productivity was about 19% in the Lok Sabha and about 39% in the Rajya Sabha.
What total manufacturing capacity does the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets aim to create?
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Correct answer: C — 6,000 MTPA
The scheme aims to set up a total capacity of 6,000 MTPA, with each beneficiary allotted up to 1,200 MTPA; it drew 20 bids by August 2026.
Which ministry runs the scheme for sintered rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing that received 20 bids in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Ministry of Heavy Industries
The Ministry of Heavy Industries received the 20 bids under the REPM scheme through a global tender on the CPP portal.
Consider the following statements about the REPM scheme: 1. The scheme covers sintered NdFeB (neodymium-iron-boron) magnets. 2. The Union Cabinet approved the scheme in November 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The scheme is for integrated sintered NdFeB rare earth permanent magnet facilities and was approved by the Union Cabinet on 26 November 2025.
Which of the following is NOT among the four sectors analysed in NITI Aayog's August 2026 report 'Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub'?
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Correct answer: D — Automobiles
The report analyses Chemicals, Telecom and Networking Equipment, Textiles and Solar PV manufacturing; automobiles is not one of the four.
Which body released the report 'Key Sectors to Position India as a Global Manufacturing Hub' on 13 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — NITI Aayog
NITI Aayog released the report, which analyses chemicals, telecom and networking equipment, textiles and solar PV manufacturing.
What were India's total exports (merchandise and services) in July 2026, as estimated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry?
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Correct answer: B — $80.14 billion
Total exports in July 2026 were $80.14 billion, up 13.31%; $44.24 billion was merchandise exports, $95.16 billion total imports and $316.42 billion the April–July cumulative exports.
Consider the following statements about India's trade in July 2026: 1. Electronic goods exports grew faster than petroleum product exports. 2. Total imports grew faster than total exports. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Petroleum product exports grew 67.64% against 57.40% for electronics, and total imports grew 15.83% against 13.31% for total exports.
By what percentage did India's electronic goods exports grow in July 2026 over July 2025?
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Correct answer: B — 57.40%
Electronic goods exports rose 57.40%, from $3.76 billion to $5.92 billion; engineering goods grew 17.71% and chemicals 14.39%.
Where were the national celebrations of World Elephant Day 2026 held?
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Correct answer: D — Visakhapatnam
The national celebrations were held at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where the Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026 were conferred.
According to the Environment Ministry in August 2026, how many Elephant Reserves does India have?
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Correct answer: C — 33
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh said India has 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 scientifically identified elephant corridors.
Consider the following statements made at the World Elephant Day 2026 national celebrations: 1. India has nearly 60% of the world's wild Asian elephant population. 2. The Regional Action Plan on human–elephant conflict released at the event covers north-eastern states. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The Regional Action Plan released covers southern India: Karnataka, Keralam, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, what does a 'Sujal Gaon ID' uniquely identify?
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Correct answer: A — A rural water supply service area (habitation)
Sujal Gaon IDs give digital identities to water supply service areas (habitations), while Sujalam Bharat IDs identify rural water supply schemes; 75% of habitations had Sujal Gaon IDs by August 2026.
Consider the following statements about Sujalam Bharat under the Jal Jeevan Mission: 1. It has been developed as a federated Digital Public Infrastructure. 2. It is integrated with the PM GatiShakti platform. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Sujalam Bharat is a federated DPI for lifecycle management of rural piped water supply schemes and is integrated with PM GatiShakti for GIS-validated architecture.
On what basis will the ₹15.52 crore ABS proceeds from mustard hybrids released by the NBA in August 2026 be shared among states?
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Correct answer: B — Area under mustard cultivation in each state
Because no single farmer or community could be identified, the ABS share is calculated on the area under mustard cultivation in each state, using ICAR-IIRMR data.
Which state, with nearly 42% of India's mustard cultivation area, receives the largest share of the NBA's mustard ABS proceeds?
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Correct answer: D — Rajasthan
Rajasthan, which accounts for nearly 42% of India's mustard cultivation, gets the highest share, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Consider the following statements about the NBA's mustard ABS release: 1. The ABS amount came from a company that developed ten commercial Brassica juncea hybrids. 2. The ICAR–Indian Institute of Rapeseed-Mustard Research is located in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Pioneer Overseas Corporation developed ten commercial mustard (Brassica juncea) hybrids, and ICAR-IIRMR, whose cultivation data was used, is in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
Under which two schemes did the Centre approve ₹340.59 crore for Rajasthan and ₹265.12 crore for Telangana on 13 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — PM-RKVY and Krishonnati Yojana
The allocations were approved under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and the Krishonnati Yojana.
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards on 13 August 2026 for which years?
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Correct answer: D — 2024 and 2025
The President presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for the years 2024 and 2025.
The India Code Portal, revamped and relaunched on 13 August 2026 with AI-assisted search, is maintained by which department?
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Correct answer: C — Legislative Department
The India Code Portal belongs to the Legislative Department of the Law Ministry and provides the Constitution, Central Acts and Rules.
Which unit of India Optel Limited developed and manufactures the 'GARUD' binoculars launched for the civil market in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Ordnance Factory Dehradun
GARUD is developed and manufactured by Ordnance Factory Dehradun, a unit of India Optel Limited, a Mini Ratna Category-I DPSU.
Against which terror syndicate did security agencies carry out a coordinated operation across 14 states on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Shahzad Bhatti Network
The operation targeted the Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day.
How many people were detained across 14 states in the 12 August 2026 operation against the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
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Correct answer: D — 253
The operation led to 253 detentions across 14 states, with over 80 FIRs and more than 200 arrests recorded.
Which state recorded the highest number of detentions in the 12 August 2026 crackdown on the Shahzad Bhatti Network?
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Correct answer: C — Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh had the most detentions (62), followed by Haryana (52), Delhi (51) and Punjab (44).
Consider the following statements about the operation against the Shahzad Bhatti Network: 1. Grenades recovered bore Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings. 2. The operation used a real-time intelligence-sharing system with State Police forces. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Recoveries included grenades with Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, and the operation relied on real-time intelligence sharing with State Police forces.
With which regional grouping did India sign Terms of Reference for Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — SACU
India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) signed the ToR for PTA negotiations at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
Consider the following statements about the India–SACU Terms of Reference signed in August 2026: 1. It is India's first ToR signing with the African region. 2. SACU was described as the oldest customs union in the world. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct, according to Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal; the PTA is envisaged to cover eight chapters.
How many chapters is the proposed India–SACU Preferential Trade Agreement envisaged to cover?
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Correct answer: D — Eight
The PTA is envisaged to cover eight chapters, including trade in goods and market access, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade remedies.
What is the title of former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography released by PM Modi on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles
The autobiography is titled 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles' and was released at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Where was former President Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography released on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
PM Modi released the autobiography at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
At the release of Ram Nath Kovind's autobiography, PM Modi said the former President is still working on which reform?
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Correct answer: A — One Nation, One Election
The PM said that even after retiring as President, Kovind is working on 'One Nation, One Election', which could start a new chapter in democracy.
National Library Day, on which Amit Shah launched the 'Gramin Gyan Setu' app on 12 August 2026, marks the birth anniversary of whom?
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Correct answer: B — S. R. Ranganathan
Amit Shah noted that 12 August marks the birth anniversary of S. R. Ranganathan, celebrated as National Library Day.
The 'Gramin Gyan Setu' app launched in August 2026 interconnects village libraries in which Lok Sabha constituency?
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Correct answer: C — Gandhinagar
The app links libraries in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency of Gujarat; 752 libraries had joined it.
The 'One Herb, One Standard' MoU renewed on 12 August 2026 is between the PCIM&H and which body?
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Correct answer: A — Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission
The MoU is between the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (Ayush) and the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (Health Ministry).
How many monographs were developed in the first phase of the 'One Herb, One Standard' initiative?
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Correct answer: B — 50
The renewed three-year framework builds on 50 monographs developed in the first phase.
Three Indian Sanchar Mitras were selected in August 2026 as Generation Connect Youth Envoys of which international organisation?
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Correct answer: D — International Telecommunication Union
They were selected as ITU Generation Connect Youth Envoys for 2026–2030, in recognition of their work under DoT's Sanchar Mitra scheme.
What was the theme of International Youth Day 2026, observed on 12 August?
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Correct answer: B — Different Contexts, Common Aspirations
International Youth Day 2026 was observed under the theme 'Different Contexts, Common Aspirations', as noted by the Department of Telecommunications.
Under which Article of the Constitution does the National Commission for Scheduled Castes present its report, as it did to the President on 12 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Article 338
The NCSC's report on the working of safeguards for Scheduled Castes is presented under Article 338 of the Constitution.
Who led the National Commission for Scheduled Castes delegation that submitted the Annual Report 2024–25 to the President in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Kishor Makwana
The delegation was led by NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana, along with members including Love Kush Kumar.
What was India's CPI-based retail inflation for July 2026, on the new base year 2024?
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Correct answer: B — 4.45%
Combined CPI inflation was 4.45% in July 2026; 4.84% was rural, 3.96% urban and 5.52% food (CFPI) inflation.
What is the base year of the Consumer Price Index series used for the July 2026 inflation data released by MoSPI?
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Correct answer: B — 2024
The CPI series now uses base year 2024=100; the WPI series separately uses base year 2022-23.
Consider the following statements about CPI data for July 2026: 1. Urban inflation was higher than rural inflation. 2. Food inflation (CFPI) was higher than headline CPI inflation. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Rural inflation (4.84%) was higher than urban (3.96%), and food inflation of 5.52% exceeded headline inflation of 4.45%.
Kavach Version 4.0 was approved in August 2026 for 660 route km of the Izzatnagar Division. Which railway zone does this division belong to?
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Correct answer: D — North Eastern Railway
Izzatnagar Division is part of North Eastern Railway; Kavach 4.0 was approved there at an estimated ₹295 crore.
Consider the following statements about Kavach: 1. Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system. 2. Kavach is designed to prevent Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD) incidents. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Kavach is India's indigenous ATP system that prevents SPAD incidents and collisions by automatically applying brakes when required.
How many downloads had Indian Railways' RailOne app recorded as of August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — 4.76 crore
RailOne had 4.76 crore downloads and about 10 lakh average daily ticket bookings as of 2 August 2026.
Which institute, an autonomous body under DST, developed the AI framework announced in August 2026 that detects hidden cancer stem-like cell states?
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Correct answer: C — S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences
Researchers from the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, with Ashoka University, developed the framework, which identifies three developmental states of cancer stem-like cells.
A ₹334.89 crore internal flyover approved in August 2026 to separate road and rail traffic is at which port?
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Correct answer: C — Visakhapatnam Port
The 3.584-km elevated corridor at Visakhapatnam Port will link Convent Junction with the Dock Area.
How many railway level crossings is the Visakhapatnam Port flyover, approved in August 2026, meant to bypass?
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Correct answer: D — Nine
The flyover addresses delays at nine major railway level crossings with about 18 gate closures a day.
What total green hydrogen production capacity has been awarded for refineries under SIGHT Mode-2B of the National Green Hydrogen Mission?
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Correct answer: C — 30 KTPA
30 KTPA has been awarded: IOCL Panipat and Numaligarh 10 KTPA each, and BPCL Bina and HPCL Vizag 5 KTPA each.
Under SIGHT Mode-2B, which pair of refineries was each awarded 10 KTPA of green hydrogen capacity?
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Correct answer: A — IOCL Panipat and Numaligarh Refinery
IOCL Panipat and Numaligarh Refinery got 10 KTPA each; BPCL Bina and HPCL Visakhapatnam got 5 KTPA each.
In the acronym SIGHT under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, what does the 'S' stand for?
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Correct answer: B — Strategic
SIGHT stands for Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition.
Roughly what share of India's agarwood trees is located in the North Eastern Region, according to MDoNER in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — About 96.6%
India has an estimated 139.89 million agarwood trees, nearly 96.6% of them in the North Eastern Region.
Which export promotion council organised the August 2026 industry summit on agarwood oil exports with MDoNER?
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Correct answer: A — CHEMEXCIL
The Chemicals and Allied Products Export Promotion Council (CHEMEXCIL) organised the summit with MDoNER.
Consider the following statements about MDoNER's agarwood initiatives: 1. The Inter-Ministerial Task Force on agarwood was constituted in February 2025. 2. The Agarwood Steering Group was constituted in November 2023. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. The dates are reversed: the Inter-Ministerial Task Force was set up in November 2023 and the Agarwood Steering Group in February 2025.
Which Indian Railways production unit announced in August 2026 the rollout of its first rake of LHB coaches for Bangladesh Railway?
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Correct answer: C — Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala
Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, was to roll out the first 19-coach LHB rake for Bangladesh Railway on 12 August 2026.
How many coaches are in the first LHB rake built by RCF Kapurthala for Bangladesh Railway?
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Correct answer: A — 19
The rake has 19 coaches: 3 AC Sleeper, 3 AC Chair, 11 Non-AC Chair and 2 Power Cars.
What was the value of India–Namibia bilateral merchandise trade in 2025-26, as reported at the fourth Joint Trade Committee in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — USD 592.94 million
Trade rose to USD 592.94 million in 2025-26 from USD 568.40 million in 2024-25; India's exports were USD 349.09 million.
Which body was designated as India's investment focal point at the India–Namibia Joint Trade Committee in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Invest India
Invest India and the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board were designated as the JTC investment focal points.
Consider the following statements about India–Namibia trade ties, as reported in August 2026: 1. India is Namibia's largest source of pharmaceuticals. 2. India's imports from Namibia exceeded its exports in 2025-26. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither statement is correct. India is Namibia's second-largest pharmaceutical source (16.4% share), and India's exports (USD 349.09 million) exceeded imports (USD 243.85 million).