India Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
What are the cost and length of the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa NH-22 four-laning approved by the Cabinet on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — ₹3,590.73 crore; 82.578 km
The project covers 82.578 km at a total capital cost of ₹3,590.73 crore.
On which mode will the Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa section of NH-22 be developed?
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Correct answer: A — Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)
The CCEA approved the project on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
Consider the following statements about the NH-22 Muzaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Sonbarsa project: 1. It links the India-Nepal border at Sonbarsa with Muzaffarpur on NH-27 (East-West Corridor). 2. It is designed for a speed of 120 kmph. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The road is designed for 100 kmph, with an average speed of 80 kmph.
On which route was the proof of concept for domestic-to-international transshipment cargo run from 20 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chennai-Delhi-Frankfurt
The proof of concept ran on the Chennai-Delhi-Frankfurt sector using DIAL's Transshipment Excellence Centre, with Air India operating end-to-end.
By how much did the transshipment proof of concept reduce average end-to-end transit time?
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Correct answer: D — From 60 hours to 20 hours
Ram Mohan Naidu said the proof of concept cut average end-to-end transit time from 60 hours to 20 hours.
Consider the following statements about the transshipment cargo reform at IGI Airport: 1. London and Copenhagen were added as new international destinations on 19 August 2026. 2. The framework allowing secured transshipment cargo to move without re-screening was notified by the DGCA. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The framework was notified by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) through Addendum-II to AVSEC Circular No. 6/2024 on 21 July 2025.
How many women-only bus services did the Delhi government launch on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 56
Delhi launched 56 women-only services: 30 Ladies Special trips on 15 routes and 26 University Ladies Special trips on 13 routes.
Consider the following statements about Delhi's bus induction on 19 August 2026: 1. With 200 new buses, Delhi's electric bus fleet crossed 5,000. 2. All 200 new buses are 12-metre electric buses. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The 200 buses comprise 88 twelve-metre e-buses and 112 nine-metre DEVI buses.
Which institutions developed the 'smart' cancer drug RK-251 announced in August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — IASST Guwahati and IIT Guwahati
RK-251 was developed by researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, and IIT Guwahati.
What triggers the activation of the cancer drug RK-251 inside cancer cells?
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Correct answer: B — High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Cancer cells produce high levels of reactive oxygen species; these trigger RK-251 to release the anticancer compound NBDHEX.
Consider the following statements about RK-251: 1. On activation it releases the anticancer compound NBDHEX. 2. In preclinical studies it showed strong activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Zebrafish embryo tests showed no obvious toxicity, but more studies are needed before patient trials.
The four railway multitracking projects approved by the Cabinet on 19 August 2026 have what total cost and will add roughly how much to the network?
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Correct answer: D — About ₹9,450 crore; about 410 km
The four projects cost about ₹9,450 crore and will add about 410 km to the Indian Railways network.
Which of the four multitracking projects approved on 19 August 2026 spans Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: B — Gummidipundi-Gudur 3rd and 4th lines
The 90-km Gummidipundi-Gudur 3rd and 4th lines span Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; the other three are in Odisha or West Bengal-Odisha.
Consider the following statements about the four railway projects approved on 19 August 2026: 1. They will improve connectivity to about 6,448 villages with a population of about 60 lakh. 2. The added capacity is expected to carry about 76 MTPA of additional freight. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The projects cover eight districts and are to be completed by 2030-31.
At what level did the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee keep the policy repo rate at its 3-5 August 2026 meeting, as recorded in the minutes released on 19 August?
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Correct answer: B — 5.25%
The MPC unanimously kept the repo rate at 5.25%; the SDF rate is 5.00% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate are 5.50%.
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting held from 3 to 5 August 2026 was its
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Correct answer: D — 62nd meeting
The minutes describe it as the sixty-second meeting of the MPC.
Consider the following statements about the RBI MPC minutes released on 19 August 2026: 1. The minutes are published under Section 45ZL of the RBI Act, 1934. 2. The MPC changed its stance from neutral to accommodative. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The MPC decided to continue with the neutral stance.
In which city was the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group meeting held on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Jaipur
The Ministry of Tourism hosted the 2nd BRICS 2026 Tourism Working Group meeting in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
In which city did the DRI bust an ivory artefact trafficking syndicate and seize 54 artefacts on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lucknow
The DRI operation was carried out in Lucknow; the four accused and the artefacts were handed to the UP Forest Department.
Consider the following statements about the DRI ivory seizure of 19 August 2026: 1. The seized artefacts and the accused were handed over to the CBI. 2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 prohibits trade in elephant ivory and articles made from it. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The artefacts and accused were handed over to the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.
Which edition of the Coast Guard Global Summit will India host in New Delhi in February 2027?
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Correct answer: D — 5th
India will host the 5th Coast Guard Global Summit in February 2027, coinciding with the Indian Coast Guard's golden jubilee.
On which Kolkata street did a hotel fire kill nine people, including five Bangladeshi nationals, on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Mirza Ghalib Street
The fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street (Free School Street) in central Kolkata's New Market area.
Where were the BRICS Youth Council Meeting and BRICS Youth Summit held on 19 August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Gandhinagar
Both events were held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, under India's BRICS Chairship.
Who chaired the selection committee for the National Sports Awards 2025, announced on 18 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra
The selection committee was chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) Arun Kumar Mishra.
Which entity received the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025?
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Correct answer: D — Army Paralympic Node, Pune
The Army Paralympic Node, Pune, was the sole entity named for the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2025.
Who received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime) 2025, and in which sport?
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Correct answer: A — I. Arumainayagam, football
Footballer I. Arumainayagam received the Arjuna Award (Lifetime); the others are Dronacharya awardees.
Consider the following statements about the National Sports Awards 2025: 1. Chess players Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh are among the Arjuna awardees. 2. The Dronacharya Award (regular category) went to coaches in athletics, boxing and shooting. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The regular Dronacharya awardees are Parveer Singh (athletics), Chhote Lal Yadav (boxing) and Neha Nandkumar Chavan (shooting).
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.