Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Which body hosted the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi on 24 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
The NDMA, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, hosted the meeting under India's BRICS Chairship 2026.
Who chaired the 3rd BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction held in New Delhi in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Nityanand Rai
The meeting was chaired by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai.
Consider the following statements about BRICS cooperation on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): 1. The BRICS Joint Statement on DRR adopted in July 2026 seeks to accelerate the BRICS DRR Work Plan (2025–2028). 2. The Udaipur Declaration on DRR dates to 2016. 3. The Kazan Declaration dates to 2024. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1, 2 and 3
All three are correct as stated by MoS Nityanand Rai at the meeting, per the MHA release.
On 24 July 2026, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav reviewed the air pollution action plan of which State with its Chief Minister?
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Correct answer: A — Haryana
He reviewed Haryana's measures for Delhi-NCR air quality with CM Nayab Singh Saini.
In July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu received an Honorary Doctorate from a university in which country?
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Correct answer: B — Romania
The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, conferred the Honorary Doctorate on 24 July 2026.
In July 2026, which district became the second in Nagaland, after Mon, to have Intra-Circle Roaming activated by DoT amid heavy rain and landslides?
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Correct answer: C — Longleng
Longleng became the second district in Nagaland after Mon to have ICR activated.
As informed in July 2026, how many products have been identified under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative?
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Correct answer: B — 1,244
1,244 products have been identified across 773 districts under ODOP.
'Kusha', whose maiden flight-test was conducted by DRDO on 23 July 2026, is a:
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Correct answer: B — Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile
Kusha is a Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile designed to neutralise aerial threats such as fighter jets, missiles and UAVs.
From where was the maiden flight-test of the Kusha missile conducted in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — APJ Abdul Kalam Island, off Odisha
The test was conducted from APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
In the maiden test of the Kusha missile, what kind of target was intercepted?
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Correct answer: A — An electronic target simulating a high-speed, high-altitude aerial threat
The missile intercepted an electronic target simulating a high-speed and high-altitude aerial threat.
Consider the following statements about the Kusha missile system: 1. Kusha can engage fighter jets, missiles, UAVs and large aircraft. 2. Kusha's radars and command and control centre were imported, with only the missile made in India. 3. The Defence Minister said the system will eliminate import dependency for such systems. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: C — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: all weapon system elements, including the missiles, radars and command and control centre, were developed by DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
Who is the President of Romania with whom President Droupadi Murmu held talks in Bucharest on 23 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Nicușor Dan
President Murmu held one-to-one and delegation-level talks with President Nicușor Dan at Cotroceni Palace.
During President Murmu's visit in July 2026, India and Romania agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over what period?
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Correct answer: A — Three years
The two leaders agreed to work towards doubling bilateral trade over the next three years.
Consider the following statements about President Murmu's State Visit to Romania (July 2026): 1. Romania was the last leg of a tour that also covered Moldova and North Macedonia. 2. An Indian Studies Chair is being set up at the University of Bucharest with ICCR support. 3. It was the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Romania. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: it was the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in nearly three decades, not the first ever.
Under the final US Section 301 measures announced on 23 July 2026, what additional duty was imposed on imports from India?
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Correct answer: A — 10%
USTR imposed an additional 10% ad valorem duty on Indian imports, down from 12.5% proposed on 2 June 2026.
The US Section 301 investigation concluded in July 2026 related to which issue?
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Correct answer: C — Prohibitions on importing goods made with forced labour
The investigation covered 60 economies' acts, policies and practices on prohibiting imports of goods produced with forced labour.
Consider the following statements regarding the final US Section 301 measures (July 2026) as they apply to India: 1. About 45% of India's exports to the US remain outside the additional 10% duty. 2. Steel, aluminium and auto parts covered under Section 232 are also charged the additional 10% duty. 3. Generic pharmaceuticals and smartphones continue to remain outside its scope. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: products already under Section 232 measures are not subject to the additional 10% duty.
Where was the second round of India–Israel Free Trade Agreement negotiations held in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
The second round was held from 20 to 23 July 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
What was the total merchandise trade between India and Israel in FY 2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — USD 3.93 billion
India–Israel merchandise trade stood at USD 3.93 billion in FY 2025-26.
India's Trade Policy Review concluded at the WTO in Geneva on 23 July 2026 was its:
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Correct answer: D — Eighth
It was India's Eighth Trade Policy Review; 68 WTO Members participated.
Who led India's official delegation at its Eighth Trade Policy Review at the WTO in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Rajesh Agrawal
Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal led the delegation.
On 23 July 2026, the Prime Minister announced that the government would set up which of the following for paper leak cases?
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Correct answer: C — Fast-track courts
PM Modi announced fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
What was the stated purpose of the fast-track courts announced by the Prime Minister on 23 July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — To ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks
The courts are meant to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
Where will the permanent campus of the National Skill Training Institute for Women (NSTI-W), Patna be built?
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Correct answer: B — Bihta
The permanent campus will be developed at Bihta at a cost of ₹99.97 crore.
What is the main purpose of the Skill India International Centre (SIIC) for which MSDE and Bihar exchanged an MoU in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Preparing youth for overseas jobs through language training, counselling and safe-migration support
The SIIC will prepare Bihar's youth for global careers through foreign-language training, international employment counselling, certification guidance, pre-departure orientation and safe-migration support.
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, which concluded on 23 July 2026, was held at:
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Correct answer: C — Southern Naval Command, Kochi
The engagement concluded at Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 was conducted by the Indian Navy in partnership with which multinational grouping?
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Correct answer: D — Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
It was conducted with the Combined Maritime Forces, under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154.
Where did Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launch the 'Bharat Taxi' service on 23 July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Navi Mumbai International Airport
The service was launched at a programme at Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Before Maharashtra (July 2026), in which places had the 'Bharat Taxi' service already been launched?
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Correct answer: C — Delhi and Gujarat
The Ministry of Cooperation release said Maharashtra's launch came after Delhi and Gujarat.
Which city hosted the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting under India's BRICS Chairship in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chandigarh
The 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting concluded in Chandigarh on 23 July 2026.
Which institution will coordinate the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness, as decided at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting?
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Correct answer: B — NIMHANS
NIMHANS will coordinate the BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Mental Wellness.
What is the theme of India's BRICS Chairship 2026, under which the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting was held?
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Correct answer: D — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
India's BRICS Chairship theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
23 July marks the birth anniversary of which two freedom fighters, to whom the Prime Minister paid tributes in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Lokmanya Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad
The PM paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries on 23 July.
Freedom fighter Subramania Siva, remembered on his death anniversary on 23 July 2026, was imprisoned by the British along with which leader?
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Correct answer: B — V. O. Chidambaram Pillai
Subramania Siva was imprisoned along with V. O. Chidambaram Pillai; he hailed from Vatlagundu, Tamil Nadu.
Which vessel carried the 'Samudra Pradakshina' Tri-service all-women circumnavigation expedition that returned to Mumbai in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — IASV Triveni
Nine women officers sailed aboard the Indian Army Sailing Vessel (IASV) Triveni.
How long did the Samudra Pradakshina circumnavigation voyage last?
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Correct answer: D — 314 days
The voyage lasted 314 days and covered nearly 25,500 nautical miles across four oceans.
Rounding which cape earned the Samudra Pradakshina crew membership of the 'Cape Horners' fraternity?
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Correct answer: C — Cape Horn
Passing through the Drake Passage and rounding Cape Horn earned the crew membership of the Cape Horners.
Consider the following statements about 'Samudra Pradakshina': 1. The expedition was flagged off from Mumbai on 11 September 2025. 2. The crew consisted of nine women officers from the three Services. 3. The crew crossed the Equator only once during the voyage. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: meeting the circumnavigation criteria required crossing the Equator twice.
INS Malvan, commissioned on 22 July 2026, belongs to which class of ships?
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Correct answer: C — Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
INS Malvan is the second Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft.
Where was INS Malvan commissioned in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Karwar
INS Malvan was commissioned at Karwar; it was built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.
What symbol appears on the crest of INS Malvan?
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Correct answer: D — Bagh Nakha (tiger's claw)
The crest carries the 'Bagh Nakha' (tiger's claw); the motto is 'Silent Claws'.
Consider the following statements about INS Malvan: 1. INS Malvan is the sixth of 16 ASW Shallow Water Craft to be commissioned into the Indian Navy. 2. INS Malvan has over 80% indigenous content. 3. INS Malvan's commissioning was presided over by the Chief of the Naval Staff. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the ceremony was presided over by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh.
'AAROH', released by the Ministry of Coal in July 2026, is India's first report on:
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Correct answer: A — Scientific mine closure and repurposing
AAROH – Annual Report on Mine Closure documents scientific mine closure and repurposing practices.
How many scientifically closed coal mines are documented in the AAROH report?
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Correct answer: C — 42
AAROH documents the transformation journey of 42 scientifically closed coal mines.
The two Electronics Manufacturing Clusters at Manallur and Pillapaikkam, reported in July 2026, are in which State?
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Correct answer: D — Tamil Nadu
Both EMCs are in Tamil Nadu, with projects worth ₹1,012 crore.
As per MeitY (July 2026), approximately what share of mobile phones sold in India is now manufactured domestically?
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Correct answer: B — 99.2%
India now manufactures around 99.2% of the mobile phones sold in the country.
In July 2026, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in which city?
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Correct answer: D — Skopje
The bust was unveiled at the Museum of the City of Skopje, North Macedonia, on 22 July 2026.
Which Bharat Ratna awardee, whose memorial President Murmu visited in July 2026, was born in Skopje?
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Correct answer: B — Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa was born in Skopje, lived there until 1928 and received the Bharat Ratna in 1980.
Which DRDO laboratory designed India's first indigenous Expendable Turbo Jet Engine of the 350 kg thrust class, delivered in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — GTRE
The engine was designed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE).
Which company manufactured and delivered DRDO's 350 kg thrust class expendable turbojet engine on 22 July 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Azad Engineering, Hyderabad
Azad Engineering, Hyderabad, was GTRE's industry partner and delivered the engine.
Under which mechanism did the National Biodiversity Authority release ₹6.67 crore to 11 cotton-growing States in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Access and Benefit Sharing
The money was released under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism of the Biological Diversity Act.
The ₹7.62 crore benefit-sharing amount used for the NBA's July 2026 release to cotton-growing States came from research on how many cotton varieties?
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Correct answer: C — 25,431
The amount was realised from Bayer Science & Innovation for research involving 25,431 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) varieties.
What was India's installed wind power capacity as on 30 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 57,443 MW
Installed wind capacity was 57,443 MW as on 30 June 2026.
According to the GWEC Report 2026 cited by MNRE, what is India's global rank in wind energy installation (till 31 December 2025)?
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Correct answer: D — 4th
India ranked 4th globally in wind energy installation as per the GWEC Report 2026.
Which aircraft type will be converted for DRDO's AEW&C Mk-II programme under the contract signed with AIESL in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — A321
AIESL will convert six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration for the AEW&C Mk-II programme.
Which DRDO laboratory is the nodal lab for the AEW&C Mk-II programme?
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Correct answer: A — Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS)
CABS is the nodal laboratory; it signed both contracts on 22 July 2026.
Consider the following statements about the AEW&C Mk-II contracts signed in July 2026: 1. Adani Defence Systems and Technologies is the Development-cum-Production Partner for mission systems. 2. Airbus Defence & Space is the original equipment manufacturer of the modified platform. 3. Certification will be obtained from CEMILAC and DGAQA. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct per the Defence Ministry release.
As per the Railways Ministry (July 2026), about what share of Indian Railways' broad gauge network has been electrified?
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Correct answer: C — 99.6%
About 99.6% of the broad gauge network has been electrified.
According to the UIC report of June 2025 cited by the Railways Ministry, India is second only to which country in railway electrification?
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Correct answer: A — Switzerland
India is second only to Switzerland in railway electrification.
In July 2026, the Agriculture Minister backed a recommendation to make what share of real pulp mandatory in mango-based drinks, to help Totapuri mango farmers?
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Correct answer: B — 22–25%
Shivraj Singh Chouhan backed making 22–25% real pulp mandatory in mango-based drinks.
Which body granted marketing authorisation to Qdenga, India's first approved dengue vaccine, in July 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)
CDSCO, under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, granted the marketing authorisation.
For which age group has the Qdenga dengue vaccine been approved in India?
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Correct answer: C — 4 to 60 years
Qdenga is indicated for the prevention of dengue in individuals 4 to 60 years of age.
Which company manufactures the Qdenga dengue vaccine approved by CDSCO?
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Correct answer: D — Takeda GmbH, Germany
Qdenga is manufactured by Takeda GmbH, Germany, and imported by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India Pvt. Ltd.
Consider the following statements about the Qdenga dengue vaccine: 1. Qdenga is given as two doses three months apart. 2. Qdenga is administered as an intramuscular injection. 3. Qdenga uses a dengue virus type-2 backbone. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 1 and 3 only
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong: Qdenga is given as a subcutaneous injection.
'Mission Golden Spice', launched in July 2026, is aimed at which crop of Meghalaya?
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Correct answer: B — Lakadong turmeric
Mission Golden Spice is the Integrated Lakadong Turmeric Value Chain Enhancement Project.
What is the outlay of Mission Golden Spice for Lakadong turmeric?
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Correct answer: C — ₹175.45 crore
Mission Golden Spice is a ₹175.45-crore convergence-led initiative.
Consider the following statements about Mission Golden Spice: 1. Lakadong turmeric, the focus of the Mission, is GI-tagged. 2. The Mission is anchored by MDoNER and the North Eastern Council. 3. The Mission is a single-phase, three-year project. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: the Mission is a five-year roadmap (2025–2030) in two phases.