Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  09th & 10th August  2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) As per the news, how many Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) were identified by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as NBFC-Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) for 2026–27 under the Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework?

(a) 12 NBFCs

(b) 15 NBFCs

(c) 17 NBFCs

(d) 20 NBFCs

(e) 25 NBFCs

2) As per the news, what type of credit facilities does the RBI draft amendment propose that NBFCs should provide, except for NBFCs authorised to issue credit cards?

(a) Revolving credit facilities only

(b) Term loans only

(c) Overdraft facilities only

(d) Both term loans and revolving credit facilities

(e) None of the above

 

3) Recently in news, which tourist attraction in the UAE became the first to accept Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for e-commerce transactions?

(a) Dubai Mall

(b) Palm Jumeirah

(c) At the Top, Burj Khalifa

(d) Dubai Frame

(e) Museum of the Future

 

4) According to SEBI’s Annual Report 2025–26, consider the following statements regarding India’s capital market performance:

1. India retained the top global position in the number of IPOs during FY 2025–26.
2. India ranked third globally in terms of funds raised through IPOs.
3. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) reached a record 17% equity holding by March 2026.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

5) According to SEBI’s FY 2026–27 roadmap, which project will be rolled out as a nationwide investor awareness and financial literacy programme?

(a) Project Nivesh

(b) Project Jagrook

(c) Project Setu

(d) Project Saksham

(e) Project Vitta

6) Recently in news, which Act is proposed to be amended by the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 to enable the government to permit charges on UPI and other notified electronic payment modes?

(a) Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007

(b) Banking Regulation Act, 1949

(c) Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934

(d) Information Technology Act, 2000

(e) Income Tax Act, 1961

 

7) Recently in news, which ministry informed the Supreme Court that the creamy-layer principle does not apply to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), while also referring to the M. Nagaraj case in this context?

(a) Ministry of Home Affairs

(b) Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

(c) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

(d) Ministry of Law and Justice

(e) Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

 

8) Recently in news, which system will every Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) be required to use for settling invoices for goods or services procured from MSMEs under the MSME Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026?

(a) Government e-Marketplace (GeM)

(b) Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS)

(c) Public Financial Management System (PFMS)

(d) Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP)

(e) Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

 

9) Recently in news, Ratusinh Na Muvada village, which has emerged as a nursery for young chess talent, is located in which state?

(a) Rajasthan

(b) Maharashtra

(c) Haryana

(d) Madhya Pradesh

(e) Gujarat

 

10) Recently in news, the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum was inaugurated at Ganabhaban, the former official residence of the Prime Minister of which country?

(a) Nepal

(b) Myanmar

(c) Sri Lanka

(d) Bangladesh

(e) Bhutan

11) Recently in news, India held bilateral talks with which country on the sidelines of the BRICS 2026 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur to strengthen economic cooperation, trade and investment ties?

(a) Brazil

(b) South Africa

(c) Russia

(d) China

(e) UAE

 

12) Recently in news, India successfully conducted a user trial of which indigenously developed, nuclear-capable Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) from Chandipur, Odisha?

(a) Agni-2

(b) Agni-3

(c) Agni-4

(d) Agni-5

(e) Prithvi-II

 

13) Recently in news, which helicopters were used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to conduct the forest firefighting operation in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh?

(a) Mi-17 V5

(b) Apache

(c) Chinook

(d) Chetak

(e) Dhruv

 

14) Recently in news, who became the first Indian woman fighter pilot to successfully complete the Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course and earn the distinction of India’s first woman “Top Gun” combat pilot?

(a) Avani Chaturvedi

(b) Mohana Singh

(c) Bhawana Kanth

(d) Shivangi Singh

(e) Hina Jaiswal

 

15) Recently in news, IBM has partnered with which Indian AI startup to accelerate the development and deployment of sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions in India?

(a) Krutrim

(b) Neysa

(c) CoRover

(d) Yellow.ai

(e) Sarvam

 

16) Recently in news, researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, developed a light-driven multifunctional nanobot for targeted therapy of which disease?

(a) Lung cancer

(b) Breast cancer

(c) Blood cancer

(d) Cervical cancer

(e) Skin cancer

17) Recently in news, which organisation signed strategic MoUs with Cashfree Payments, Darwin Dynamics, Vultr India, Cars24 and Council for Startup India to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem?

(a) Startup India

(b) NITI Aayog

(c) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

(d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

(e) Invest India

 

18) Recently in news, who became the first Indian to win a gold medal at the FISU World University Squash Championships 2026?

(a) Suraj Kumar Chand

(b) Abhay Singh

(c) Saurav Ghosal

(d) Velavan Senthilkumar

(e) Mahesh Mangaonkar

 

19) In news, Quit India Movement Day is observed every year on which date to commemorate the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942?

(a) 5 August

(b) 7 August

(c) 6 August

(d) 8 August

(e) 10 August

 

20) As per the news, Nagasaki Day is observed annually on which date to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945?

(a) 6 August

(b) 7 August

(c) 8 August

(d) 9 August

(e) 15 August

 

Answers:

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) identified 17 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) as NBFC-Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) for 2026–27 under its Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework, based on their financial position as of 31 March 2026.

The NBFC-UL category consists of large and systemically important NBFCs that require enhanced regulatory oversight, stricter governance standards, stronger risk management and bank-like supervision.

Under the 2026–27 criteria, a standalone NBFC with an asset size of ₹1 lakh crore or more qualifies for inclusion in the Upper Layer, while eligible public-sector financial institutions crossing this threshold are also included.

The Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework classifies NBFCs into four layers: Base Layer (NBFC-BL), Middle Layer (NBFC-ML), Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) and Top Layer (NBFC-TL).

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) identified 17 Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) as NBFC-Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) for 2026–27 under its Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework, based on their financial position as of 31 March 2026.

The NBFC-UL category consists of large and systemically important NBFCs that require enhanced regulatory oversight, stricter governance standards, stronger risk management and bank-like supervision.

Under the 2026–27 criteria, a standalone NBFC with an asset size of ₹1 lakh crore or more qualifies for inclusion in the Upper Layer, while eligible public-sector financial institutions crossing this threshold are also included.

The Scale-Based Regulation (SBR) framework classifies NBFCs into four layers: Base Layer (NBFC-BL), Middle Layer (NBFC-ML), Upper Layer (NBFC-UL) and Top Layer (NBFC-TL).

NBFC-BL represents smaller NBFCs subject to basic regulatory requirements, while NBFC-ML covers larger and significant NBFCs requiring a higher level of regulation.

NBFC-UL covers systemically important NBFCs requiring bank-like regulatory standards, whereas NBFC-TL is reserved for NBFCs posing exceptional systemic risks.

The 17 NBFCs identified in the 2026–27 NBFC-UL list include REC Limited, Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), Bajaj Finance, Shriram Finance, LIC Housing Finance, Tata Capital, Tata Sons, Muthoot Finance, Aditya Birla Capital, HUDCO, Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, L&T Finance, Bajaj Housing Finance, HDB Financial Services and Piramal Finance, with the RBI list comprising 17 entities.

Four government-owned NBFCs in the Upper Layer are REC Limited, Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) and Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), reflecting their large asset size and systemic importance

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Draft Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies – Credit Facilities) Amendment Directions, 2026 to strengthen the regulatory framework for NBFC lending practices.

The draft proposes that Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) should provide only term loans and should not offer revolving credit facilities, except for NBFCs specifically authorised by RBI to issue credit cards.

A term loan is defined as a fixed-amount credit facility disbursed in one or more instalments with a predetermined repayment schedule.

Under the proposed definition, the sanctioned credit limit cannot be restored or replenished after repayment in the case of a term loan.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Draft Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies – Credit Facilities) Amendment Directions, 2026 to strengthen the regulatory framework for NBFC lending practices.

The draft proposes that Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) should provide only term loans and should not offer revolving credit facilities, except for NBFCs specifically authorised by RBI to issue credit cards.

A term loan is defined as a fixed-amount credit facility disbursed in one or more instalments with a predetermined repayment schedule.

Under the proposed definition, the sanctioned credit limit cannot be restored or replenished after repayment in the case of a term loan.

Any fund-based credit facility that does not satisfy the conditions of a term loan will be classified as revolving credit.

If implemented, the amendment would restrict NBFCs from offering revolving credit lines, reusable credit limits, and other similar revolving lending facilities.

The proposed RBI changes aim to improve credit discipline, enhance transparency in lending, and promote prudent lending practices in the NBFC sector.

The draft also seeks to reduce risks associated with revolving debt and strengthen consumer protection in NBFC lending.

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has enabled Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments for online bookings at “At the Top, Burj Khalifa” in Dubai through a partnership with UAE-based NEOPAY and Emaar Entertainment.

The initiative allows Indian travellers to use UPI for online ticket bookings before arriving in Dubai, expanding the convenience of India’s digital payment system for international travel.

“At the Top, Burj Khalifa” has become the first tourist attraction in the UAE to accept UPI for e-commerce transactions.

Detailed Explanation:

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has enabled Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments for online bookings at “At the Top, Burj Khalifa” in Dubai through a partnership with UAE-based NEOPAY and Emaar Entertainment.

The initiative allows Indian travellers to use UPI for online ticket bookings before arriving in Dubai, expanding the convenience of India’s digital payment system for international travel.

“At the Top, Burj Khalifa” has become the first tourist attraction in the UAE to accept UPI for e-commerce transactions.

Earlier, UPI acceptance in the UAE was primarily available for QR code-based merchant payments at physical stores; the latest initiative extends UPI to online cross-border e-commerce transactions.

NEOPAY has become the first payment service provider in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to enable UPI acceptance for e-commerce transactions.

The latest integration builds on the NIPL–NEOPAY partnership established in 2022, under which QR-based UPI merchant payments were enabled across NEOPAY’s merchant network in the UAE.

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

According to SEBI’s Annual Report 2025–26, India retained the top global position in the number of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and ranked third globally in funds raised through IPOs, highlighting the resilience of India’s capital markets amid global economic uncertainties.

During FY 2025–26, SEBI introduced several reforms to strengthen the primary market, including linking minimum public shareholding (MPS) requirements with the issue size.

SEBI extended the timeline for large companies to achieve 25% public shareholding to 10 years, providing greater flexibility for large issuers.

Corporate bond mobilisation declined by 8.4% to ₹9.1 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, marking the first decline in four years.

Public debt issuances increased by nearly 39% during FY 2025–26, showing stronger activity in the public debt market.

Municipal bond fundraising surged to ₹1,756 crore through 14 issues, highlighting the growing role of municipal bonds in raising funds for urban development.

Detailed Explanation:

According to SEBI’s Annual Report 2025–26, India retained the top global position in the number of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and ranked third globally in funds raised through IPOs, highlighting the resilience of India’s capital markets amid global economic uncertainties.

During FY 2025–26, SEBI introduced several reforms to strengthen the primary market, including linking minimum public shareholding (MPS) requirements with the issue size.

SEBI extended the timeline for large companies to achieve 25% public shareholding to 10 years, providing greater flexibility for large issuers.

SEBI allowed founders of new-age companies to retain their pre-IPO Employee Stock Option Plans (ESOPs), supporting employee ownership in technology-driven companies.

Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) ownership in Indian equities declined to a 15-year low, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) reached a record 17% equity holding by March 2026.

Mutual fund participation continued to expand rapidly, particularly in Tier-3 cities, reflecting increasing retail participation in India’s capital markets.

Average monthly Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) contributions crossed ₹16,400 crore, reaching a record level and indicating growing household participation in mutual funds.

Around 62% of retail investors were influenced by financial influencers (finfluencers) on social media, prompting SEBI to strengthen investor protection measures.

Corporate bond mobilisation declined by 8.4% to ₹9.1 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, marking the first decline in four years.

Public debt issuances increased by nearly 39% during FY 2025–26, showing stronger activity in the public debt market.

Municipal bond fundraising surged to ₹1,756 crore through 14 issues, highlighting the growing role of municipal bonds in raising funds for urban development.

 

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced a comprehensive FY 2026–27 roadmap to simplify regulations, deepen capital markets, reduce compliance burdens and strengthen investor protection through technology-driven reforms and financial literacy initiatives.

SEBI plans to launch an AI-enabled multilingual investor awareness campaign through WhatsApp and other digital platforms to improve investor awareness and financial literacy.

Project Jagrook will be rolled out as a nationwide investor awareness and financial literacy programme to strengthen investor education across India.

Project Jagrook will involve stock exchanges, depositories, Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).

Detailed Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced a comprehensive FY 2026–27 roadmap to simplify regulations, deepen capital markets, reduce compliance burdens and strengthen investor protection through technology-driven reforms and financial literacy initiatives.

SEBI plans to launch an AI-enabled multilingual investor awareness campaign through WhatsApp and other digital platforms to improve investor awareness and financial literacy.

Project Jagrook will be rolled out as a nationwide investor awareness and financial literacy programme to strengthen investor education across India.

Project Jagrook will involve stock exchanges, depositories, Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM).

SEBI will develop the SEBI Setu portal to modernise intermediary interfaces and make regulatory processes more efficient and user-friendly.

A single-window clearance mechanism will be introduced for intermediaries associated with multiple Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), reducing duplication and making regulatory compliance faster and easier.

SEBI plans to simplify nomination norms for demat accounts and mutual fund folios, thereby reducing compliance burdens for investors.

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on 6 August 2026, which includes amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and enables the government to permit charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI), RuPay debit cards and other notified electronic payment modes.

The Bill seeks to remove the existing legal restriction on charging Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specified electronic payment modes, including UPI and RuPay debit cards.

The amendment modifies Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which earlier prohibited banks and payment system providers from imposing direct or indirect charges on specified electronic payment transactions.

 

Detailed Explanation:

The Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on 6 August 2026, which includes amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and enables the government to permit charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI), RuPay debit cards and other notified electronic payment modes.

The Bill seeks to remove the existing legal restriction on charging Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on specified electronic payment modes, including UPI and RuPay debit cards.

The amendment modifies Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which earlier prohibited banks and payment system providers from imposing direct or indirect charges on specified electronic payment transactions.

The amendment is only an enabling provision, meaning that UPI charges will not automatically apply; any charges would require a separate notification by the Central Government.

Under the proposed framework, future charges are expected to primarily cover large merchants with annual turnover exceeding ₹50 crore, while consumers and small merchants are expected to remain protected through subsequent government notifications.

Section 269SU of the Income Tax Act requires businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ₹50 crore to provide specified electronic payment facilities, including RuPay debit cards and BHIM-UPI QR codes.

The amendment is significant because UPI transactions have so far remained exempt from MDR, whereas payment services such as RTGS and NEFT attract applicable service charges.

 

7) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Union Government has opposed petitions seeking the introduction of a creamy-layer exclusion within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), similar to the existing system applicable to Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Supreme Court of India through an affidavit that judicial precedents have clarified that the creamy-layer principle does not apply to SCs and STs.

The Centre stated that in a majority of welfare and development schemes for SCs, STs and OBCs, a means test is already used to ensure that benefits reach people who genuinely require them.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Government has opposed petitions seeking the introduction of a creamy-layer exclusion within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), similar to the existing system applicable to Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment informed the Supreme Court of India through an affidavit that judicial precedents have clarified that the creamy-layer principle does not apply to SCs and STs.

The Centre stated that in a majority of welfare and development schemes for SCs, STs and OBCs, a means test is already used to ensure that benefits reach people who genuinely require them.

However, this does not currently apply to reservation in educational institutions and government services.

The government argued that introducing an income-based creamy-layer criterion within reserved categories should be preceded by a comprehensive review, empirical study and socio-economic data analysis of beneficiaries.

The Centre maintained that the present issue does not raise a constitutional question or involve violation of any fundamental right. It also rejected arguments based on certain earlier judgments, stating that references to the creamy-layer concept in the M. Nagaraj case were general observations concerning OBC reservations.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Parliament passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Lok Sabha approving it on august 6.

The Rajya Sabha had already passed the Bill on August 3, 2026.

The Bill seeks to amend the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.

The Bill was moved in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi and primarily aims to address payment delays faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and streamline the dispute resolution mechanism.

Under the proposed provisions, every Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) must settle invoices for procurement of goods or services from MSMEs through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS).

Detailed Explanation:

Parliament passed the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, with the Lok Sabha approving it on august 6.

The Rajya Sabha had already passed the Bill on August 3, 2026.

The Bill seeks to amend the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.

The Bill was moved in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Jitan Ram Manjhi and primarily aims to address payment delays faced by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and streamline the dispute resolution mechanism.

Under the proposed provisions, every Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) must settle invoices for procurement of goods or services from MSMEs through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS).

The Bill provides that if mediation fails, the dispute must be referred to arbitration within 30 days from the date of termination of mediation. An arbitral award must be made within 90 days from the completion of pleadings.

If a case remains pending for more than six months, at least 50% of the awarded amount must be paid to the MSME supplier, strengthening protection against prolonged payment disputes.

The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006 provides the legal framework for the promotion, development and enhancement of the competitiveness of MSMEs in India.

 

9) Answer:E

Short Explanation:

Ratusinh Na Muvada, a small village in Mahisagar district, Gujarat, with around 100 households, has emerged as an unexpected nursery for young chess talent, producing 120 trophies and 179 medals in competitive chess.

The chess movement was started in 2021 by Sandip Upadhyay, a 45-year-old government school teacher, who introduced chess among rural students with the ambitious goal of producing 50 Grandmasters and 10 World Champions from rural Gujarat.

Upadhyay, who teaches Mathematics and Gujarati, taught himself advanced chess during the COVID-19 pandemic and later began providing regular training to students. He also translated The Magnus Method into Gujarati to make advanced chess concepts accessible to rural children.

Detailed Explanation:

Ratusinh Na Muvada, a small village in Mahisagar district, Gujarat, with around 100 households, has emerged as an unexpected nursery for young chess talent, producing 120 trophies and 179 medals in competitive chess.

The chess movement was started in 2021 by Sandip Upadhyay, a 45-year-old government school teacher, who introduced chess among rural students with the ambitious goal of producing 50 Grandmasters and 10 World Champions from rural Gujarat.

Upadhyay, who teaches Mathematics and Gujarati, taught himself advanced chess during the COVID-19 pandemic and later began providing regular training to students. He also translated The Magnus Method into Gujarati to make advanced chess concepts accessible to rural children.

Using his own salary, Upadhyay purchased chess boards, digital clocks and study materials and supported students with tournament registration expenses. The school also has a 10-computer laboratory, where students play online matches against international opponents and analyse chess positions.

The initiative has received support from individual donors, including Rajiv Talwar of Bengaluru and Kailash Ranganathan of Chennai, who contributed nearly ₹8 lakh for digital tablets and tournament-related expenses.

 

10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Bangladesh inaugurated the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at the former official residence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, marking one year since the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the collapse of her government.

The July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum has been established at Ganabhaban, which previously served as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The museum aims to preserve memories, documents and evidence related to the July 2024 mass protests and their historical significance.

Detailed Explanation:

Bangladesh inaugurated the July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum at the former official residence of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, marking one year since the 2024 student-led uprising that led to the collapse of her government.

The July Mass Uprising Memorial Museum has been established at Ganabhaban, which previously served as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

The museum aims to preserve memories, documents and evidence related to the July 2024 mass protests and their historical significance.

Bangladesh’s interim government established the memorial to commemorate those who lost their lives during the nationwide protests.

The museum is intended to serve as a symbol of Bangladesh’s democratic movement and preserve the legacy of the 2024 mass uprising.

 

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India and South Africa held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS 2026 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur to strengthen economic cooperation, trade and investment ties.

The discussions focused on critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and expanding overall bilateral trade and investment between India and South Africa.

Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, recognising their strategic importance for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), advanced manufacturing, and resilient global supply chains.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal discussed the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the India–SACU Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with South African Trade Minister Parks Tau.

Detailed Explanation:

India and South Africa held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS 2026 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Jaipur to strengthen economic cooperation, trade and investment ties.

The discussions focused on critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and expanding overall bilateral trade and investment between India and South Africa.

Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, recognising their strategic importance for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), advanced manufacturing, and resilient global supply chains.

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal discussed the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the India–SACU Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) with South African Trade Minister Parks Tau.

India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) also discussed the early conclusion of negotiations for the proposed preferential trade pact.

The India–SACU PTA negotiations began in 2008, nearly two decades ago, but were stalled due to differences over sensitive sectors and market access.

The renewed interest in the India–SACU trade pact is particularly focused on strengthening cooperation in critical minerals and pharmaceuticals.

 

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India successfully conducted a user trial of the Agni-4 Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) on 6 August 2026 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

The Agni-4 test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), and the launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

Agni-4 is an indigenously developed, nuclear-capable Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Detailed Explanation:

India successfully conducted a user trial of the Agni-4 Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) on 6 August 2026 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.

The Agni-4 test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), and the launch successfully validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile.

Agni-4 is an indigenously developed, nuclear-capable Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The missile has a strike range of approximately 4,000 km and is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear warheads.

Agni-4 is powered by a two-stage solid-fuel propulsion system, which enables the missile to achieve its required range and operational performance.

The missile incorporates advanced indigenous technologies, including a Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG), Micro Navigation System (MINGS), advanced inertial navigation system, and onboard guidance systems.

These advanced navigation and guidance technologies provide Agni-4 with high accuracy, reliability, and operational effectiveness.

 

13) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian Air Force (IAF), along with the Indian Army and Himachal Pradesh state authorities, successfully concluded a forest firefighting operation in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.

The operation was carried out using four Mi-17 V5 helicopters, which completed more than 150 sorties and dropped approximately 62,500 litres of water to control the massive forest fire.

The firefighting mission continued for over 27 hours and involved coordinated efforts by the IAF, Army, Forest Department and local administration.

The forest fire spread near the Air Force Station, Kasauli, threatening military infrastructure and nearby residential areas due to dry vegetation and strong winds.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Air Force (IAF), along with the Indian Army and Himachal Pradesh state authorities, successfully concluded a forest firefighting operation in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.

The operation was carried out using four Mi-17 V5 helicopters, which completed more than 150 sorties and dropped approximately 62,500 litres of water to control the massive forest fire.

The firefighting mission continued for over 27 hours and involved coordinated efforts by the IAF, Army, Forest Department and local administration.

The forest fire spread near the Air Force Station, Kasauli, threatening military infrastructure and nearby residential areas due to dry vegetation and strong winds.

The Army’s Kasauli Brigade launched a coordinated response operation to prevent the fire from spreading across the dense forest areas and rugged terrain.

The IAF Mi-17 V5 helicopters used Bambi Buckets to collect water from Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh, and conduct precision water drops over affected areas.

Each helicopter sortie carried around 2,000–2,500 litres of water using firefighting buckets suspended beneath the helicopters.

The operation included Night Vision Goggle (NVG)-aided sorties, enabling helicopters to continue firefighting operations even after dark.

The use of aerial firefighting capability helped prevent the fire from spreading towards military installations and civilian areas.

Bambi Bucket is a collapsible aerial firefighting bucket attached beneath a helicopter through a cable system to collect and release water over fire-affected areas.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth became the first Indian woman fighter pilot to successfully complete the prestigious Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course, earning the distinction of India’s first woman “Top Gun” combat pilot.

The elite 20-week Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course is conducted at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) in Gwalior.

Bhawana Kanth was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2016 and was among the first three women inducted into the fighter pilot stream, along with Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh.

Detailed Explanation:

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth became the first Indian woman fighter pilot to successfully complete the prestigious Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course, earning the distinction of India’s first woman “Top Gun” combat pilot.

The elite 20-week Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course is conducted at the Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE) in Gwalior.

Bhawana Kanth was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2016 and was among the first three women inducted into the fighter pilot stream, along with Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh.

The induction of Bhawana Kanth, Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh into the fighter pilot stream marked a historic milestone for gender inclusion in India’s combat aviation.

In 2019, Bhawana Kanth became the first Indian woman fighter pilot to qualify for daytime combat missions on the MiG-21 Bison.

She later transitioned to flying the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, one of the Indian Air Force’s frontline multirole fighter aircraft.

 

15) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

IBM and Indian AI startup Sarvam have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for central and state governments, public sector organisations, and regulated industries in India.

The collaboration combines IBM Sovereign Core, which provides secure data governance, operational control and compliance, with Sarvam’s Sovereign AI stack.

Sarvam’s Sovereign AI stack includes India-first multilingual language models, reasoning models and voice AI, which are trained from scratch in India to address the country’s digital governance requirements.

Detailed Explanation:

IBM and Indian AI startup Sarvam have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the development and deployment of sovereign Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for central and state governments, public sector organisations, and regulated industries in India.

The collaboration combines IBM Sovereign Core, which provides secure data governance, operational control and compliance, with Sarvam’s Sovereign AI stack.

Sarvam’s Sovereign AI stack includes India-first multilingual language models, reasoning models and voice AI, which are trained from scratch in India to address the country’s digital governance requirements.

The partnership aims to promote the adoption of trusted, governed and sovereign AI through innovation pilots, solution accelerators, technical advisory and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

The combined AI solutions will support use cases such as citizen services, grievance redressal, document processing and administrative workflows, enabling secure and multilingual, voice-enabled Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services.

 

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, developed an advanced light-driven multifunctional nanobot for targeted breast cancer therapy.

The newly developed nanobot-based therapy platform aims to overcome limitations of conventional chemotherapy, such as severe side effects, drug resistance, damage to healthy tissues, poor tumour penetration and non-specific drug distribution.

Detailed Explanation:

Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, developed an advanced light-driven multifunctional nanobot for targeted breast cancer therapy.

The newly developed nanobot-based therapy platform aims to overcome limitations of conventional chemotherapy, such as severe side effects, drug resistance, damage to healthy tissues, poor tumour penetration and non-specific drug distribution.

The research was led by Dr. Jiban Jyoti Panda (INST, Mohali) in collaboration with Dr. Santosh K. Gupta (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre - BARC, Mumbai).

The research team developed Upconversion Nanoparticle (UCNP)-based nanobots capable of converting Near-Infrared (NIR) light into heat energy and showing directional movement under NIR light irradiation.

The developed nanobots are fuel-free, NIR-responsive nanorobots that enable externally controlled and minimally invasive cancer treatment.

The nanobots use Near-Infrared (NIR) light of 980 nm wavelength to generate localized heating through polydopamine, creating a temperature gradient that drives their movement.

 

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Cashfree Payments India Private Limited, Darwin Dynamics LLP, Vultr India Private Limited, Cars24 Services Private Limited, and Council for Startup India (CSI) to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem.

DPIIT–Cashfree Payments: The partnership will provide DPIIT-recognised startups with access to digital payment and payout solutions, identity verification, risk management, preferential onboarding and commercial benefits. It will also support workshops, mentoring, Artificial Intelligence (AI) buildathons, hackathons, Know Your Customer (KYC), fraud prevention and cross-border transactions.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Cashfree Payments India Private Limited, Darwin Dynamics LLP, Vultr India Private Limited, Cars24 Services Private Limited, and Council for Startup India (CSI) to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem.

DPIIT–Cashfree Payments: The partnership will provide DPIIT-recognised startups with access to digital payment and payout solutions, identity verification, risk management, preferential onboarding and commercial benefits. It will also support workshops, mentoring, Artificial Intelligence (AI) buildathons, hackathons, Know Your Customer (KYC), fraud prevention and cross-border transactions.

DPIIT–Darwin Dynamics: The collaboration aims to promote inclusive entrepreneurship across Tier-II, Tier-III and rural regions. It will support startup formalisation, entrepreneurship bootcamps, mentorship, investor connect and international market access, with a focus on clean energy, green hydrogen, Artificial Intelligence, climate technologies and advanced manufacturing.

DPIIT–Vultr India: The partnership will strengthen access to cloud computing and digital infrastructure for DPIIT-recognised startups. Startups will receive cloud credits, preferential pricing and technical support, along with training in cloud computing, storage, databases, Kubernetes, networking and application deployment.

DPIIT–Cars24: The partnership will promote innovation in mobility, automotive technology and Artificial Intelligence. It will provide founder mentorship, mobility and auto-technology skilling, Artificial Intelligence enablement, innovation challenges and hackathons, along with potential investment opportunities.

DPIIT–Council for Startup India: The partnership will facilitate investment, strategic partnerships, mentorship, leadership development and global market access. It will support investment readiness, corporate engagement, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) matchmaking, governance, financial readiness, compliance and international expansion.

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Suraj Kumar Chand created history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal at the FISU World University Squash Championships, defeating Hungary’s Benedek Takács in the men’s final by 5–11, 11–8, 11–5, 6–11, 11–4.

The FISU World University Squash Championships 2026 are being held at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai.

Detailed Explanation:

Suraj Kumar Chand created history by becoming the first Indian to win a gold medal at the FISU World University Squash Championships, defeating Hungary’s Benedek Takács in the men’s final by 5–11, 11–8, 11–5, 6–11, 11–4.

The FISU World University Squash Championships 2026 are being held at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai.

The championship is organised by the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and features players from 14 countries and regions.

This was Suraj Kumar Chand’s second medal at the championships.

He had previously won the men’s singles bronze medal at the earlier edition held in Johannesburg.

Suraj Kumar Chand defeated Simon Rynt of Czechia in the opening round, Matteo Carrouget of France in the quarter-final and Joshua Jacques-Phinera of France in the semi-final to reach the title clash.

19) Answer: D

Quit India Movement Day is observed on 8 August every year to commemorate the launch of the Quit India Movement in 1942, which demanded an immediate end to British rule in India.

The movement was launched by Mahatma Gandhi during the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) on 8 August 1942, during the Second World War.

Gandhi gave the historic call of “Do or Die”, urging Indians to participate in mass civil disobedience and continue the struggle for independence.

20) Answer: D

Nagasaki Day is observed annually on 9 August to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Japan, by the United States (US) on 9 August 1945, during the Second World War.

The atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki was code-named “Fat Man”. The bombing caused massive destruction and loss of life, with tens of thousands of people killed, while many survivors suffered from radiation-related illnesses.

The Nagasaki bombing, along with the earlier atomic bombing of Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, played a major role in Japan’s decision to surrender in the Second World War.