North America Current Affairs Quiz — Last 6 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
The G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting that concluded on 2 October 2026 was held in which city?
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Correct answer: A — Milwaukee
It was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the United States G20 Presidency.
Which country holds the G20 Presidency in 2027, as per India's support stated at the Milwaukee meeting?
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Correct answer: A — United Kingdom
Piyush Goyal extended India's full support to the United Kingdom for its G20 Presidency in 2027.
Which Article of the Indian Constitution prohibits forced labour, as cited by India at the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting?
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Correct answer: D — Article 23
Goyal noted that Article 23 prohibits forced labour as a fundamental right enforceable by the Supreme Court.
Which Indian institute was part of the CHIME collaboration that made the first standalone detection of early-universe hydrogen glow (reported September 2026)?
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Correct answer: B — Raman Research Institute
CHIME collaborators at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institute of DST, were part of the study.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, inaugurated on 26 September 2026, is being held at which Air Force Station?
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Correct answer: C — Jodhpur
Tarang Shakti 2026 is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 26 September to 12 October 2026.
What is the theme of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Power in Partnership
The exercise is themed 'Power in Partnership'.
Which of the following countries is NOT one of the seven participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Japan
The seven participants are Australia, the USA, the UAE, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh; Japan is not among them.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Tarang Shakti: 1. The first edition of the exercise was held in 2024. 2. The F-35 Lightning II is among the foreign aircraft taking part in the 2026 edition. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The 2026 edition builds on the inaugural 2024 edition, and the foreign aircraft include the F-35 Lightning II.
Which Indian Coast Guard ship sailed from Chennai to Perth on 25 September 2026 for the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission?
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Correct answer: B — ICGS Shaunak
ICG Ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai for Perth with six Sea Riders from the Quad countries.
Consider the following statements about the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission of September 2026: 1. The ship sailed from Chennai for Perth, Australia. 2. Sea Riders from all four Quad countries embarked on the ship. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. Six Sea Riders embarked: two each from India and Japan and one each from Australia and the USA.
At the UN High-Level Meeting on pandemic preparedness (25 September 2026), India said it had supplied how many COVID-19 vaccine doses to around 100 countries?
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Correct answer: B — 300 million
India supplied 300 million vaccine doses to around 100 countries and medical assistance to over 150 countries.
India's endorsement of the Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security was announced on the sidelines of which meeting in September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — G20 Innovation Ministerial
The announcement came on the sidelines of the G20 Innovation Ministerial at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
What share of global 6G standards and patents does India aim to contribute, as stated while endorsing the 6G Call to Action?
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Correct answer: B — 10 percent
The government said India aims to contribute 10 percent of 6G global standards and patents.
Consider the following about India's endorsement of the Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security: 1. The Department of Telecommunications will take forward India's engagement under it. 2. India is the only Asian country among its endorsers and the initiative has fewer than ten members. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. DoT will lead the follow-up; India joined over 20 like-minded governments, so the group is not under ten members.
Where was the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting held on 1–2 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Chapel Hill, North Carolina
The meeting was held in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, hosted by the US Department of Commerce and the White House OSTP.
Who led the Indian delegation at the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting in September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Jitin Prasada
MoS for Electronics & IT and Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada led India's delegation.
The 'Carolina Principles', agreed at the G20 Innovation Ministers' Meeting in 2026, relate to what?
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Correct answer: A — Emerging technologies
Ministers reached consensus on the Carolina Principles for Emerging Technologies, covering foundational research, commercialisation and trusted technology adoption.
Consider the following statements about the G20 Innovation Ministerial Statement of September 2026: 1. It sets out shared agreement across six pillars, including intellectual property policies for AI. 2. The meeting was hosted by the US Department of Commerce and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per MeitY's release.
NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launched on 30 August 2026, will operate from which location?
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Correct answer: B — Sun–Earth L2 point
Roman is travelling about one million miles to orbit the second Sun–Earth Lagrange point (L2).
Which rocket launched NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope on 30 August 2026?
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Correct answer: C — SpaceX Falcon Heavy
Roman launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center.
In Trump v. California (24 August 2026), what did the US Supreme Court do regarding the President's executive order on mail-in voting?
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Correct answer: C — Stayed a district court injunction that had blocked parts of the order
The Court granted a stay of the Massachusetts district court's injunction, holding the order itself does not harm the states; it did not rule on the order's lawfulness.
Consider the following statements about Trump v. California (August 2026): 1. The ruling was unanimous. 2. The challenge had been brought by 23 states and the District of Columbia. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The decision was 6–3, with Justice Sotomayor (joined by Justice Kagan) among the dissenters.
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.
Where did the eighth edition of the IN–USN Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exercise conclude on 14 August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Southern Naval Command, Kochi
The eighth IN–USN EOD Exercise concluded at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi.
The IN–USN exercise that concluded at Kochi on 14 August 2026 focused on which specialisation?
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Correct answer: D — Explosive ordnance disposal
It was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal exercise covering IED threats, render-safe procedures, mine neutralisation and unmanned underwater systems.
How is the India–US relationship described in the PMO readout of the Modi–Vance phone call of 8 August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
The two leaders reviewed progress in the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Which US leader telephoned PM Narendra Modi on 8 August 2026 to review the India–US partnership?
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Correct answer: C — Vice President J.D. Vance
US Vice President J.D. Vance called PM Modi; the PM also congratulated him on the birth of his son.
Who became the first Indian to win the World Squash Junior Championship title in July 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Anahat Singh
Anahat Singh won the 2026 women's world junior title; Joshna Chinappa had been runner-up in 2005.
Anahat Singh defeated Ruqayya Salem in the final of the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships. Ruqayya Salem represents which country?
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Correct answer: B — Egypt
Ruqayya Salem, the second seed, is from Egypt; Anahat won 11-3, 11-7, 11-9.
Where were the 2026 World Squash Junior Championships, won by India's Anahat Singh, held?
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Correct answer: C — Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
The championships were held at Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (per World Squash). Anahat had won bronze at the previous edition in Cairo.
INS Sudarshini, which departed Boston on 25 July 2026 under 'Lokayan 26', is the Indian Navy's:
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Correct answer: A — Sail training ship
INS Sudarshini is the Indian Navy's sail training ship; it represented India at SAIL 250 and the International Naval Review 250 in the USA.
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.
Under which expedition did INS Sudarshini take part in the Grand Parade of Sails at Sail Boston 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini participated as part of her Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition.
Under which transoceanic expedition did INS Sudarshini sail into New York on 4 July 2026 for the Sail4th 250 celebrations?
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Correct answer: C — Lokayan 2026
The visit is part of the ship's 10-month transoceanic expedition, Lokayan 2026.
On 4 July 2026, PM Modi greeted the United States on which anniversary of its independence?
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Correct answer: A — 250th
PM Modi extended greetings on the historic 250th anniversary of US independence.
INS Sudarshini arrived at the Port of Baltimore, USA, on 26 June 2026 as part of which transoceanic expedition?
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Correct answer: A — Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini arrived at Baltimore as part of the transoceanic expedition Lokayan 26.
The Sail250 celebrations in which INS Sudarshini took part in June 2026 commemorate:
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Correct answer: C — The 250th anniversary of the United States
The Sail250 Maryland celebrations commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Which United States Trade Representative led a US delegation to New Delhi from 22 to 24 June 2026 for India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement talks?
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Correct answer: B — Jamieson Greer
USTR Ambassador Jamieson Greer led the official US delegation to New Delhi from 22 to 24 June 2026.
The interim India-US trade deal discussed in June 2026 is to be finalised in line with the joint statement of:
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Correct answer: D — 7 February 2026
The visit aimed to finalise an interim deal in line with the joint statement of 7 February 2026.
According to the Commerce Ministry (June 2026), the India-US BTA negotiations will strengthen which partnership?
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Correct answer: A — India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership
Both sides said the negotiations would deepen economic ties and strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Where did PM Narendra Modi meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on 16 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Evian, France, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit
The two Prime Ministers met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on 16 June 2026.
According to the PMO (June 2026), when did Canadian PM Mark Carney visit India?
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Correct answer: D — March 2026
The leaders noted progress since PM Carney's visit to India in March 2026.
What was the title of the G7 outreach session at Evian that PM Modi addressed on 16 June 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity
On 16 June 2026 PM Modi addressed the session 'Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity'.
At the G7 outreach session in Evian (16 June 2026), PM Modi cited which of the following as examples of India's 'humanity first' approach? 1. International Solar Alliance 2. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 3. Global Biofuel Alliance Select the correct answer using the code given below.
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Correct answer: C — 1, 2 and 3
PM Modi cited the International Solar Alliance, CDRI, Global Biofuel Alliance, Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa ke Naam.
Which team did Mexico defeat in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on 11 June 2026?
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Correct answer: B — South Africa
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the Group A opening match.
Who scored the first goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the opening match on 11 June 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Julián Quiñones
Julián Quiñones scored in the 9th minute; Raúl Jiménez added the second in the 67th minute.
Consider the following statements about the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026: 1. The match was played at Mexico City Stadium. 2. Three players were sent off during the match. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — Both 1 and 2
FIFA lists the venue as Mexico City Stadium, and FIFA, Concacaf and BBC report three red cards (Sithole, Zwane, Montes).
Major Abhilasha Barak, who received the 2025 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award on 5 June 2026, is serving with which UN mission?
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Correct answer: B — UNIFIL (Lebanon)
She serves as Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point with the Indian Battalion in UNIFIL, Lebanon.
The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award recognises promotion of the principles of which UN Security Council Resolution?
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Correct answer: D — Resolution 1325
The award, given annually since 2016, recognises promotion of UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
Consider the following statements about Major Abhilasha Barak: 1. She is the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army. 2. She received the award at UN Headquarters in New York. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are stated by UN Peacekeeping and UN India.
As per the Canada-India Joint Statement of May 2026, by when do both sides aim to conclude negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)?
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Correct answer: A — By the end of 2026
Both Ministers affirmed their shared objective of concluding CEPA negotiations by the end of this year (2026).
Which platform was launched by India and Canada in May 2026 to bring together business leaders of both countries?
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Correct answer: A — Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum
The Ministers launched the Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum as a key platform for Canadian and Indian business leaders.
INS Sudarshini, which completed her first trans-Atlantic crossing in May 2026, is part of which Indian Navy expedition?
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Correct answer: B — Lokayan 26
INS Sudarshini's voyage is part of the ongoing Lokayan 26 expedition.
Consider the following statements about INS Sudarshini's voyage (May 2026): 1. The last trans-Atlantic crossing by an Indian Navy sail training ship before this was by INS Tarangini in 2007. 2. The expedition began from Visakhapatnam in January 2026. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
INS Tarangini made the last such crossing in 2007; the expedition departed from Kochi on 20 January 2026, not Visakhapatnam.
During his Canada visit of 25–27 May 2026, Piyush Goyal was to meet which Canadian Minister of International Trade to review India–Canada CEPA?
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Correct answer: D — Maninder Sidhu
PIB: Goyal will meet Mr Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade; Mark Carney is the Prime Minister and Anita Anand the Foreign Minister.
As per the Commerce Ministry, what was the value of India's exports to Canada in FY2025-26?
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Correct answer: B — USD 4.67 billion
Bilateral trade was around USD 8 billion: India's exports USD 4.67 billion and imports USD 3.28 billion.
Consider the following statements: 1. India had a trade surplus with Canada in FY2025-26. 2. Piyush Goyal's May 2026 visit to Canada was scheduled from 25 to 30 May. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Exports (USD 4.67 bn) exceeded imports (USD 3.28 bn), so India had a surplus. The visit was from 25 to 27 May, so statement 2 is wrong.
Which US Cabinet official called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026 as Secretary of State?
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Correct answer: D — Marco Rubio
PIB: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23 May 2026.
Consider the following statements about US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's call on PM Modi (23 May 2026): 1. Rubio shared the US perspective on regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia. 2. PM Modi asked Rubio to convey his warm greetings to President Trump. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are in the PIB release: Rubio shared the US view including on West Asia, and the PM asked him to convey greetings to President Trump.
According to Piyush Goyal at the AmCham Annual Leadership Summit (21 May 2026), commitments from American industry in India over the last six months were estimated at upwards of:
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Correct answer: C — $60 billion
Goyal said commitments from American industry in the last six months were estimated to be upwards of $60 billion, including data centre investments by Amazon and Google.
The three Tamil Nadu temple bronzes whose return was announced in May 2026 are being repatriated from which institution?
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Correct answer: A — Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
The bronzes are being repatriated from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art in the United States.
The Chola-period Shiva Nataraja (c. 990 CE) being repatriated from the Smithsonian originally belonged to a temple in which district of Tamil Nadu?
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Correct answer: D — Thanjavur
It belonged to the Sri Bhava Aushadesvara Temple in Thanjavur district, where it was photographed in 1957.
Where was the second round of India–Canada CEPA negotiations held from 4 to 8 May 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
The second round was held at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, hosted by the Department of Commerce.
When and where is the next (third) round of India–Canada CEPA negotiations scheduled, as per the joint statement of May 2026?
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Correct answer: B — July 2026, Ottawa
The next round is scheduled for July 2026 in Ottawa, with intersessional engagements in the interim.
India and the United States issued a Joint Statement agreeing on a framework for an Interim Agreement on trade on:
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Correct answer: B — 7 February 2026
The Commerce Ministry said the Joint Statement on the framework for an Interim Agreement was issued on 7 February 2026.
The in-person India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement round of 20–23 April 2026 was held in:
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Correct answer: D — Washington D.C.
The Indian delegation visited Washington D.C. for the in-person round from 20 to 23 April 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India–US trade talks of April 2026: 1. The round aimed to finalise the details of an Interim Agreement. 2. Digital trade and economic security alignment were among the areas discussed. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the round sought to finalise the Interim Agreement, and the areas discussed included digital trade and economic security alignment.