World Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
On which date is World Lion Day observed, the occasion on which India highlighted its Asiatic lion numbers in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 10 August
World Lion Day is observed on 10 August; on that day in 2026 the Environment Minister highlighted the rise in Asiatic lion numbers.
According to the Environment Ministry in August 2026, what was India's Asiatic lion population in 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 891
The Asiatic lion population rose from 523 in 2015 to 891 in 2025.
When was 'Project Lion' for the long-term conservation of the Asiatic lion announced by PM Narendra Modi?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 15 August 2020
PM Modi announced Project Lion on 15 August 2020; the lion range has since expanded from about 30,000 sq km to nearly 35,000 sq km.
Consider the following statements about Asiatic lion conservation, as stated in August 2026: 1. The lion range has expanded to nearly 35,000 sq km from around 30,000 sq km in 2020. 2. The lion population more than doubled between 2015 and 2025. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The range grew to nearly 35,000 sq km, but the population rose from 523 to 891, which is less than double.
Which nationwide short code did Government e Marketplace (GeM) introduce for its helpdesk on its 10th Foundation Day in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 14550
GeM introduced the short code 14550 for helpdesk services and launched a customised 'My Stamp' on its 10th Foundation Day.
Where was the 10th Foundation Day of Government e Marketplace (GeM) celebrated on 10 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Bharat Mandapam
GeM's 10th Foundation Day was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal.
Over which region did scientists detect an unusually high stratospheric ozone concentration, as reported in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — North Bay of Bengal
The unusual ozone layer was detected over the North Bay of Bengal during the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign.
The indigenous 206.5 MHz Stratosphere–Troposphere Radar used in the 2026 study on stratospheric ozone over the Bay of Bengal is located at which institute?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Nainital
The 206.5 MHz ST Radar is at ARIES, Nainital, an autonomous DST institute; similar radars at Haringhata, Gadanki and Kochi also contributed data.
In August 2026, the DRI busted a clandestine amphetamine manufacturing unit in Jewar. In which district is Jewar?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Gautam Buddha Nagar
The facility was in a residential premises in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
Which agency busted the clandestine amphetamine lab in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Directorate of Revenue Intelligence
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized about 30 kg of amphetamine and 30 kg of precursor chemicals and arrested two people.
Who launched NITI Aayog's report 'India's Services Sector: Insights on Regulatory Regime in Professional Services' on 10 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ashok Kumar Lahiri
NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Kumar Lahiri launched the report, in the presence of CEO Nidhi Chhibber and MoSPI Secretary Saurabh Garg.
Professional services account for roughly what share of India's total services exports, according to NITI Aayog's August 2026 report?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — About one-quarter
Professional services account for nearly a quarter of India's total services exports.
Consider the following statements about NITI Aayog's August 2026 report on professional services: 1. It is the first report in NITI Aayog's Services Thematic Series. 2. It benchmarks India's regulatory framework against select foreign jurisdictions. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. The report is the third in the Services Thematic Series, and it benchmarks India's framework against select foreign jurisdictions.
What was the urban unemployment rate (age 15+) in the PLFS quarterly bulletin for April–June 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 6.7%
The urban unemployment rate stayed broadly stable at 6.7% in April–June 2026.
Which organisation conducts the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — National Statistics Office, MoSPI
The PLFS is conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Consider the following statements about the PLFS bulletin for April–June 2026: 1. The overall LFPR rose compared with the previous quarter. 2. The share of regular wage/salaried employees rose in both rural and urban areas. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Overall LFPR fell from 55.5% to 54.6%, while the regular wage share rose in rural (16.1%) and urban (49.3%) areas.
After the Home Ministry notified 11 more ports in August 2026, how many international ports allow entry of e-Visa holders?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 88
The total rose to 88: 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports.
Of the 11 international ports newly notified for e-Visa entry in August 2026, how many are land ports?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Nine
The 11 new ports comprise 9 land ports and 2 airports.
Consider the following statements about e-Visa entry ports in India as of August 2026: 1. Seaports outnumber airports among the ports allowing e-Visa entry. 2. India processes about 95% of e-Visa applications in under 72 hours. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. There are 38 seaports and 37 airports among the 88 ports, and about 95% of e-Visa applications are processed in under 72 hours.
Under TRAI's August 2026 direction, which number series will be used for service and transactional calls by utilities, courier and logistics firms?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1601
The 1601 series is for non-BFSI, non-government entities, starting with utilities, courier and logistics in Phase-I; the 1600 series is for BFSI and government.
Within how many days must telecom service providers onboard Phase-I entities onto the 1601 series under TRAI's August 2026 direction?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 90 days
Telecom service providers must complete migration and onboarding of Phase-I entities within 90 days of the order.
Who assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Srinivasa Kumar Tummala
Oceanographer Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, former Director of INCOIS, took over from N. Kalaiselvi, who held additional charge.
NABL, which launched India's first accreditation scheme for mobile food testing laboratories in August 2026, is a constituent board of which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Quality Council of India
NABL is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI).
'GrivaVision', supported by the Technology Development Board in August 2026, is an AI-assisted device for screening which disease?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Cervical cancer
GrivaVision is a portable AI-assisted digital colposcope for early detection of cervical pre-cancerous lesions; it will be made at Kollam, Kerala.
How much was disbursed to over 6,000 agriculture students through NSP-DBT when the Agriculture Minister launched the National Scholarship Portal in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹21.35 crore
Over 6,000 agriculture students received ₹21.35 crore in scholarships through NSP-DBT.
From which state did Dergang FPO make the first-ever export of mustard honey to Dubai, facilitated by APEDA in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Tripura
Dergang FPO from Tripura exported 1 MT of mustard honey to Dubai with APEDA's facilitation.
India's non-fossil fuel installed power capacity crossed which milestone as on 31 July 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 300 GW
Non-fossil capacity reached 300.50 GW, over 60% of the 500 GW target for 2030.
Which source contributes the second-largest share of India's non-fossil power capacity as on 31 July 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Wind
Wind (58.14 GW) is second after solar (164.59 GW), just ahead of hydro (57.24 GW).
What share of India's total installed electricity capacity came from non-fossil sources as of July 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Over 54%
Non-fossil sources make up over 54% of India's total installed capacity of around 552 GW.
Consider the following statements about India's non-fossil power capacity as on 31 July 2026: 1. Nuclear power capacity exceeds bio-power capacity. 2. A record 55.29 GW of non-fossil capacity was added in 2025-26. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Nuclear capacity (8.78 GW) is lower than bio-power (11.75 GW); a record 55.29 GW was added in 2025-26.
How much did the National Biodiversity Authority disburse under the Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism, as announced on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — About ₹3.79 crore
The NBA disbursed close to ₹3.79 crore to 33 SBBs/UTBCs and national institutes.
Which foreign government body paid an Access and Benefit Sharing amount to India for Sahiwal cattle semen, as reported in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Sri Lanka's Department of Animal Production and Health
An ABS amount arose from Sri Lanka's Department of Animal Production and Health for access to Sahiwal cattle semen.
India's Access and Benefit Sharing framework is implemented under which law?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Biological Diversity Act, 2002
India's ABS framework is implemented under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and is aligned with the Nagoya Protocol.
August Kranti Diwas, observed on 9 August, commemorates which movement?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Quit India Movement
August Kranti Diwas commemorates the Quit India Movement of 1942.
Where did Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan launch the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Vice-President hoisted the flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, to launch the campaign on August Kranti Diwas.
While launching Har Ghar Tiranga in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in August 2026, the Vice-President recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian National Flag in the islands on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 30 December 1943
The Vice-President recalled that Netaji hoisted the Indian National Flag in the islands on 30 December 1943.
How many houses had been sanctioned under PMAY-Urban and PMAY-U 2.0 as of August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Over 1.25 crore
Over 1.25 crore houses had been sanctioned, of which more than 1 crore were completed and delivered.
How many houses were sanctioned at the 8th CSMC meeting under PMAY-U 2.0 held on 6 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Over 2.09 lakh
The 8th CSMC meeting sanctioned over 2.09 lakh houses for EWS families, 2.03 lakh of them allotted to women.
Consider the following statements about PMAY-Urban as of August 2026: 1. About 1 crore of the sanctioned houses are allotted to women, as female heads or in joint ownership. 2. The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee under PMAY-U 2.0 is chaired by the Union Housing Minister. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. 1 crore houses are allotted to women; the 8th CSMC was chaired by Satendra Singh, Secretary, Department of Urban Development, not the Minister.
How many members of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission resigned on 9 August 2026 amid student protests?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Three
All three JPSC members resigned amid protests over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination and other tests.
The student protests in Ranchi that led to the resignation of JPSC members in August 2026 were over alleged irregularities in which JPSC examination?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 14th JPSC
The protests concerned alleged irregularities, including paper leaks, in the 14th JPSC examination and other recruitment tests.
Which Indian shuttler won the women's singles title at the Korea Masters 2026, her maiden BWF World Tour title?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Ashmita Chaliha
Ashmita Chaliha beat China's Han Qian Xi 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in the Korea Masters Super 300 final on 9 August 2026.
Whom did Ashmita Chaliha defeat in the Korea Masters 2026 women's singles final?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Han Qian Xi of China
Chaliha beat fourth seed Han Qian Xi of China 14-21, 21-14, 21-14 in 53 minutes.
Consider the following statements about Ashmita Chaliha's Korea Masters 2026 title: 1. She became the first Indian woman to win a BWF Super 300 or higher title. 2. The win came a week after Tanvi Sharma won the Taipei Open. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Chaliha is the fifth Indian woman with a Super 300+ title, after Saina Nehwal, P. V. Sindhu, Devika Sihag and Tanvi Sharma; Tanvi had won the Taipei Open the previous week.
Which police force received the President's Colours from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Puducherry Police
Amit Shah presented the President's Colours to Puducherry Police.
Who presented the President's Colours to Puducherry Police in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President's Colours to Puducherry Police on 9 August 2026.
Across how many geographically separated regions does the Puducherry Police maintain law and order, as noted at the President's Colours ceremony in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Four
Amit Shah noted that the Puducherry Police maintain law and order across Puducherry's four geographically separated regions.
Where did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurate the 'Sindoor Maharaktadan Yatra' blood donation camp on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt
The camp was inaugurated at Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt, with 1,000 sportspersons from Maharashtra among the donors.
Under the aegis of which department was the Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) Foundation Day organised on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Department of Expenditure
The ICoAS Foundation Day was organised under the aegis of the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
In which financial year was the central share released to Karnataka under the SC Post-Matric Scholarship the highest, among 2023-24 to 2025-26?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2024-25
Releases were ₹421.08 crore (2023-24), ₹422.90 crore (2024-25) and ₹334.22 crore (2025-26), so 2024-25 was the highest.
What was the theme of the 85th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle, led by Mansukh Mandaviya from Hanol, Gujarat, on 9 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Nasha Mukt Bharat
The 85th edition was held on the theme 'Nasha Mukt Bharat' with the slogan 'Say yes to fitness, Say NO to drugs'.
Which city hosted the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in August 2026, which adopted a declaration named after it?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bhopal
The XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting was held in Bhopal on 8 August 2026 and adopted the Bhopal Declaration.
What is India's overarching theme for its BRICS Chairship in 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
India's BRICS 2026 theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
Which of the following was NOT among the four BRICS partner countries at the XI BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting in Bhopal?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Vietnam
The four partner countries present were Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan and Thailand.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS culture track under India's 2026 Chairship: 1. One of the Culture Working Group meetings was held in Varanasi. 2. All ten BRICS member countries attended the Bhopal ministerial meeting in person. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The second Working Group meeting was held in Varanasi in June; Egypt joined the ministerial meeting online.
How is the India–US relationship described in the PMO readout of the Modi–Vance phone call of 8 August 2026?
Show answer
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?
Show answer
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.
What is the name of the integrated digital maritime governance platform launched by Sarbananda Sonowal in Mumbai on 8 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — E-Samudra
E-Samudra integrates services for seafarers, shipping companies and ports; e-NAVIK is a separate 24x7 grievance system.
Which directorate organised the stakeholder interaction at which E-Samudra was launched in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Directorate General of Maritime Administration
The event was organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry.
In the context of seafarer welfare initiatives showcased in August 2026, what does 'd-SEA' stand for?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement
d-SEA is the Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement, showcased alongside E-Samudra and e-NAVIK.
Where did the Competition Commission of India host the meeting of Heads of BRICS Competition Authorities on 8 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Udaipur
The CCI hosted the meeting in Udaipur, Rajasthan, under India's BRICS Chairship.
Who is the Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India, who addressed the BRICS competition heads' meeting in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Ravneet Kaur
CCI Chairperson Ravneet Kaur delivered the inaugural address at the meeting in Udaipur.
Consider the following statements about the BRICS competition authorities' meeting of August 2026: 1. The joint statement adopted focused on fair competition, including in renewable energy markets. 2. The Xth BRICS International Competition Conference will be held in India in 2027. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Brazil's CADE is preparing to host the Xth BRICS International Competition Conference in Brazil in 2027.
Which section of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 does the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 propose to amend in relation to UPI charges?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Section 10A
The Bill proposes to amend Section 10A of the PSS Act, 2007; the NPCI-led UPI and Services Steering Committee would then decide on any MDR.
According to the Finance Ministry's clarification of August 2026, which body will decide on any MDR on UPI once the amendment is passed?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — UPI and Services Steering Committee headed by NPCI
The 'UPI and Services Steering Committee', headed by NPCI, will decide on the MDR, if any.
Consider the following statements based on the Finance Ministry's UPI clarification of August 2026: 1. Person-to-person UPI transactions will continue to be free. 2. Any MDR introduced will be levied on all merchant transactions at a uniform rate. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. Any MDR would be threshold-based and apply only to a limited set of merchant transactions, not to all.
What service for urban cooperative banks was launched by Amit Shah at the NUCFDC event in Mumbai on 8 August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bank in a Box
'Bank in a Box' will offer every branch core banking, digital payments, cloud and compliance services at affordable rates.
About how many urban cooperative banks is NUCFDC aiming to connect as their umbrella organisation, as stated in August 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,400
The objective is to connect nearly 1,400 urban cooperative banks to the umbrella organisation.
Which university was NUCFDC advised to sign an MoU with for cybersecurity and digital forensics support for urban cooperative banks?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — National Forensic Sciences University
Amit Shah said NUCFDC was advised to sign an MoU with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU).