Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  12th 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 RBI’s recent measure, advances backed by eligible fresh FCNR(B) and NRE deposits can be excluded from which benchmark while calculating Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets?

(a) Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL)

(b) Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC)

(c) Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR)

(d) Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)

(e) Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)

2) As per the recent RBI approval, which licence has been granted to Indel Remit, the foreign exchange division of Indel Money Limited?

(a) Authorised Dealer–I (AD-I) licence

(b) Authorised Dealer–II (AD-II) licence

(c) Authorised Dealer–III (AD-III) licence

(d) Money Transfer Operator (MTO) licence

(e) Full-Fledged Money Changer (FFMC) licence

 

3) As per the recent announcement, which bank partnered with EazyDiner to launch the ‘EazyDiner IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’?

(a) HDFC Bank

(b) IndusInd Bank

(c) ICICI Bank

(d) Axis Bank

(e) Kotak Mahindra Bank

 

4) As per the recent announcement, when and where will the PSB Confluence be organised by the Department of Financial Services (DFS)?

(a) 17–18 August 2026, New Delhi

(b) 16–17 August 2026, Mumbai

(c) 18–19 August 2026, Bengaluru

(d) 20–21 August 2026, New Delhi

(e) 22–23 August 2026, Hyderabad

5) As per the RBI’s 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) conducted in July 2026, what was the projected real GDP growth rate for FY27?

(a) 6.5%

(b) 6.6%

(c) 6.7%

(d) 6.9%

(e) 7.0%

6) As per the recent announcement, ‘Param Pragya’, an AI-powered high-performance supercomputing facility, was inaugurated at which institution?

(a) IIT Bombay

(b) IIT Kanpur

(c) IIT Madras

(d) IIT Delhi

(e) IIT Hyderabad

 

7) As per the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, which type of records of bankers’ books will be admissible as evidence in judicial proceedings?

(a) Only physical records

(b) Only certified paper records

(c) Electronic or digital records

(d) Only handwritten records

(e) Only records authenticated by a court

 

8) As per the recent announcement, the addition of 11 international ports by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has increased the total number of designated entry points for Indian e-Visa holders to:

(a) 88

(b) 82

(c) 81

(d) 91

(e) 100

9) As per the recent announcement, how much scholarship and fellowship funds were transferred through DBT to agriculture students under the NSP-DBT system?

(a) ₹15.35 crore

(b) ₹18.50 crore

(c) ₹20.75 crore

(d) ₹21.35 crore

(e) ₹25.00 crore

10) As per the recent development, which legislation has been cited by the Karnataka Government in its challenge regarding the operation of motorcycles as bike taxis?

(a) Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

(b) Road Transport Act, 1990

(c) National Highways Act, 1956

(d) Motor Transport Regulation Act, 2001

(e) Road Safety Act, 2015

11) As per the recent announcement, which digital platform was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to provide single-window maritime services?

(a) e-NAVIK

(b) SeaConnect

(c) SagarSetu

(d) Maritime India Portal

(e) E-Samudra

 

12) As per the recent announcement, which police force was conferred with the prestigious President’s Colours by Union Home Minister Amit Shah?

(a) Goa Police

(b) Puducherry Police

(c) Chandigarh Police

(d) Delhi Police

(e) Jammu & Kashmir Police

 

13) As per the recent announcement, who among the following was awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)?

(a) Bernard Derrida

(b) Marc Mézard

(c) Haim Sompolinsky

(d) Deepak Dhar

(e) Paul Dirac

14) As per the recent announcement, which organisation signed an MoU with the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) to strengthen quality standards and conformity assessment in the Ayush sector?

(a) National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

(b) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

(c) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

(d) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

(e) National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA)

15) As per the recent announcement, the 8th Edition of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 is being conducted between the Indian Navy and which country’s Navy?

(a) United States

(b) Russia

(c) France

(d) Japan

(e) Australia

 

16) With reference to the Independence Day 2026 celebrations, consider the following statements:

1. India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026.
2. The year 2026 marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.
3. The theme of the Independence Day 2026 celebrations will highlight ‘Yuva Shakti’.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Only 1 and 3

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

17) With reference to the Independence Day 2026 celebrations, consider the following statements:

1. 25 cloak rooms have been arranged at six locations to improve public convenience during the celebrations.
2. Delhi Metro services will begin from 4:00 AM on 15 August 2026, and invitees will be provided free metro services.
3. The achievements of 19 medal-winning students from the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads 2026 will be recognised during the celebrations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Only 1 and 3

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

18) As per the recent development, which three countries signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to strengthen defence and security cooperation?

(a) Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye

(b) Saudi Arabia, Iran and Türkiye

(c) Pakistan, Iran and Qatar

(d) Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan

(e) Türkiye, Qatar and Pakistan

 

19) As per the recent announcement, which Indian space startup unveiled EVEREST, India’s first privately developed 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine?

(a) Skyroot Aerospace

(b) Agnikul Cosmos

(c) Astrobase Space Technologies Private Limited

(d) Pixxel

(e) Bellatrix Aerospace

 

20) As per the recent study on the unusual ozone event, which organisation played an important role in investigating the high ozone concentration over the North Bay of Bengal?

(a) Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)

(b) Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

(c) National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL)

(d) India Meteorological Department (IMD)

(e) Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)

 

21) As per the recent announcement, which organisation launched India’s first-of-its-kind Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories?

(a) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)

(b) National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)

(c) Quality Council of India (QCI)

(d) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

(e) National Accreditation Board for Testing and

 

22) As per the recent announcement, in which city did Microsoft launch its largest data centre region in India, the India South Central region?

(a) Mumbai, Maharashtra

(b) Pune, Maharashtra

(c) Hyderabad, Telangana

(d) Chennai, Tamil Nadu

(e) Bengaluru, Karnataka

 

23) As per the recent announcement, which astronauts successfully completed a 6-hour 27-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS)?

(a) Anil Menon and Jessica Meir

(b) Sunita Williams and Anil Menon

(c) Jessica Meir and Chris Hadfield

(d) Anil Menon and Raja Chari

(e) Peggy Whitson and Jessica Meir

 

24) As per the recent announcement, who became the first Indian to win a gold medal in the Senior Individual Women’s event at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships 2026?

(a) Dipa Karmakar

(b) Ariha Pangambam

(c) Pranati Nayak

(d) Ashish Kumar

(e) Srishti Khandwal

 

25) As per the recent observance, on which date is World Biofuel Day observed annually?

(a) 5 August

(b) 8 August

(c) 10 August

(d) 12 August

(e) 15 August

 

26) Every year on August 10 observed as World Lion Day, was first observed in which year as an international initiative to raise awareness about the threats faced by lions and the need for their conservation?

(a) 2009

(b) 2011

(c) 2012

(d) 2013

(e) 2017

27) At the 2026 Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships was held from 4 to 7 August 2026 in which country?

(a) Philippines

(b) Thailand

(c) Indonesia

(d) Malaysia

(e) Vietnam

28) Which of the following is NOT included among Microsoft’s four Cloud regions in India?

(a) Hyderabad

(b) Pune

(c) Chennai

(d) Bengaluru

(e) Mumbai

 

29) Which of the following is the currency of Türkiye?

(a) Euro

(b) Lira

(c) Riyal

(d) Dinar

(e) Franc

30) At the 7th edition of the India–US Navy Salvage and EOD Exercise (SALVEX) was conducted in which city?

(a) Mumbai

(b) Chennai

(c) Visakhapatnam

(d) Kochi

(e) Goa

Answers:

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to exclude advances backed by eligible fresh FCNR(B) and NRE deposits from Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) while calculating their Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets.

The measure provides regulatory relief to commercial banks that mobilise Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits during the specified period.

FCNR(B) deposits: Advances against fresh FCNR(B) deposits with a maturity of 3 to 5 years, mobilised between 8 June 2026 and 30 September 2026, will be excluded from ANBC calculation.

Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) is an important benchmark used by banks for determining their Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets.

Commercial banks generally have to allocate 40% of ANBC to Priority Sectors, including agriculture, micro-enterprises, and weaker sections.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to exclude advances backed by eligible fresh FCNR(B) and NRE deposits from Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) while calculating their Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets.

The measure provides regulatory relief to commercial banks that mobilise Non-Resident Indian (NRI) deposits during the specified period.

FCNR(B) deposits: Advances against fresh FCNR(B) deposits with a maturity of 3 to 5 years, mobilised between 8 June 2026 and 30 September 2026, will be excluded from ANBC calculation.

The FCNR(B) provision also covers deposits renewed upon maturity, subject to the specified eligibility conditions.

NRE deposits: Advances against fresh Non-Resident External (NRE) term deposits with a maturity of 3 years or more, mobilised between 19 June 2026 and 30 September 2026, will also be excluded from ANBC.

The NRE provision also includes term deposits renewed upon maturity, subject to the applicable conditions.

RBI clarified that the amount excluded from ANBC for PSL calculation cannot exceed the amount of fresh FCNR(B)/NRE deposits that are eligible for exemption from Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) requirements.

The measure is expected to reduce the PSL compliance burden for banks that actively mobilise non-resident deposits during the specified window.

Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) is an important benchmark used by banks for determining their Priority Sector Lending (PSL) targets.

Commercial banks generally have to allocate 40% of ANBC to Priority Sectors, including agriculture, micro-enterprises, and weaker sections.

In June 2026, RBI introduced a US dollar–rupee swap facility for fresh FCNR(B) dollar funds mobilised for a minimum of 3 years and maximum of 5 years, aimed at encouraging capital inflows and strengthening India’s balance of payments.

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Indel Remit, the foreign exchange division of Indel Money Limited, has received a perpetual Authorised Dealer–II (AD-II) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The AD-II licence will enable Indel Remit to expand its foreign exchange and trade remittance services.

Under the new approval, Indel Remit can undertake eligible non-trade current account transactions permitted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and applicable RBI regulations.

The company will be able to provide foreign exchange and remittance services to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), traders, and business executives.

Detailed Explanation:

Indel Remit, the foreign exchange division of Indel Money Limited, has received a perpetual Authorised Dealer–II (AD-II) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

The AD-II licence will enable Indel Remit to expand its foreign exchange and trade remittance services.

Under the new approval, Indel Remit can undertake eligible non-trade current account transactions permitted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and applicable RBI regulations.

The company will be able to provide foreign exchange and remittance services to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), traders, and business executives.

The licence will strengthen Indel Remit’s capabilities in cross-border payments and foreign exchange services.

However, the company cannot undertake certain transactions such as gifts and donations, and transactions exceeding the applicable ₹25 lakh permissible limit, as specified under RBI directions.

AD-II entities are authorised to undertake certain foreign exchange transactions, but their permitted activities are narrower than those of AD-I entities.

Indel Remit was established in September 2023 and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

IndusInd Bank Limited and EazyDiner jointly launched the ‘EazyDiner IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’, a lifetime-free co-branded credit card.

The credit card is issued on the RuPay network and provides dining discounts, entertainment benefits, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment functionality.

The Platinum RuPay Credit Card can be linked with various UPI applications, allowing customers to make payments through QR codes.

Customers can earn rewards on eligible UPI transactions made using the RuPay credit card.

The card has no annual fee and no joining fee, making it a lifetime-free credit card.

The card offers annual benefits worth up to ₹21,495, including dining savings of up to ₹18,000.

Detailed Explanation:

IndusInd Bank Limited and EazyDiner jointly launched the ‘EazyDiner IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’, a lifetime-free co-branded credit card.

The credit card is issued on the RuPay network and provides dining discounts, entertainment benefits, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment functionality.

The Platinum RuPay Credit Card can be linked with various UPI applications, allowing customers to make payments through QR codes.

Customers can earn rewards on eligible UPI transactions made using the RuPay credit card.

The card has no annual fee and no joining fee, making it a lifetime-free credit card.

The card offers annual benefits worth up to ₹21,495, including dining savings of up to ₹18,000.

Cardholders can receive an additional ₹500 discount up to three times a month, subject to applicable terms and conditions.

The card provides a BookMyShow Buy One Get One movie ticket every month.

Cardholders receive a 3-month EazyDiner Prime membership worth ₹1,095. EazyDiner Prime members can avail themselves of 25%–50% discounts at participating restaurants across India and Dubai, UAE.

 

4) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance is organising PSB Confluence, a two-day ideation conclave on 17–18 August 2026 in New Delhi.

The PSB Confluence will bring together the leadership of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Public Financial Institutions (PFIs) to promote collaboration, exchange of best practices, and actionable strategies.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance is organising PSB Confluence, a two-day ideation conclave on 17–18 August 2026 in New Delhi.

The PSB Confluence will bring together the leadership of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Public Financial Institutions (PFIs) to promote collaboration, exchange of best practices, and actionable strategies.

The conclave will focus on achieving people-centric outcomes and promoting inclusive economic development through the banking ecosystem.

Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary will grace the PSB Confluence.

The conclave will provide a platform for participating institutions to brainstorm on key themes, share proven practices, and discuss initiatives that can be adopted across the banking sector.

The seven major thematic tracks of PSB Confluence are Deposit Mobilization, Banking for Youth, Supporting the Investment Cycle, Supporting Global Capability Centres, Agriculture & Horticulture Value Chain Infrastructure, Re-imagining the Credit Card Business, and Priority Sector Lending.

 

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF), conducted in July 2026, providing forecasts for India’s economic growth, inflation and external sector.

The SPF raised India’s FY27 real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 6.6%, up from 6.5% projected in the 100th SPF conducted in May 2026.

For FY28, the SPF projected India’s real GDP growth at 7.0%, up from the earlier estimate of 6.9%.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF), conducted in July 2026, providing forecasts for India’s economic growth, inflation and external sector.

The SPF raised India’s FY27 real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 6.6%, up from 6.5% projected in the 100th SPF conducted in May 2026.

For FY28, the SPF projected India’s real GDP growth at 7.0%, up from the earlier estimate of 6.9%.

SPF panellists placed the FY27 GDP growth forecast in the range of 6.0%–7.2%, while the FY28 forecast was placed in the range of 6.5%–7.8%. Real GDP growth is projected at 6.8% year-on-year in Q1 FY27 and is expected to remain between 6.4% and 7.0% during the subsequent four quarters.

The SPF raised the FY27 retail inflation forecast to 5.0%, up from 4.9% in the previous survey.

For FY28, the retail inflation forecast was retained at 4.5%, indicating expectations of moderating inflation.

The FY28 projections suggest a potential “Goldilocks” scenario, characterised by robust economic growth and moderating inflation moving closer to the MPC’s medium-term inflation target of 4%.

In its August 2026 bi-monthly monetary policy review, the RBI separately raised its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% from 6.6%, while lowering its inflation projection to 5.0%.

The RBI’s FY27 growth forecast of 6.7% is therefore 0.1 percentage point higher than the SPF forecast of 6.6%, while both projections place FY27 inflation at 5.0%.

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Param Pragya’, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered high-performance supercomputing facility, at the Sonipat Campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).

The state-of-the-art facility is expected to strengthen IIT Delhi’s capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, data science, advanced computing and interdisciplinary research.

Param Pragya will support advanced computational research and help expand the institute’s capacity to undertake technology-intensive and AI-driven research projects.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Param Pragya’, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered high-performance supercomputing facility, at the Sonipat Campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi).

The state-of-the-art facility is expected to strengthen IIT Delhi’s capabilities in Artificial Intelligence, data science, advanced computing and interdisciplinary research.

Param Pragya will support advanced computational research and help expand the institute’s capacity to undertake technology-intensive and AI-driven research projects.

During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred IIT Delhi’s prestigious academic honours, including the President’s Gold Medal, Director’s Gold Medal, Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Perfect Ten Gold Medals, on meritorious graduating students.

More than 3,000 students received their degrees during the convocation, including 587 PhD scholars.

Harish Salve, Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG), IIT Delhi, and Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, felicitated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Prahlad Joshi.

Prahlad Joshi, the newly appointed Union Education Minister, highlighted the transformation of India's education ecosystem towards being learner-centric, research-driven and future-ready.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Parliament has passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha approved the Bill. The Lok Sabha had already passed it.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, which seeks to modernise the legal framework governing evidence relating to bankers’ books in line with the country's digital banking ecosystem.

A key provision of the Bill makes electronic or digital records of bankers’ books admissible, valid and legally enforceable as evidence in judicial proceedings.

The Bill seeks to replace the outdated legal framework of the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, which was enacted when banking operations were predominantly paper-based.

Detailed Explanation:

Parliament has passed the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026, after the Rajya Sabha approved the Bill. The Lok Sabha had already passed it.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved the Bill in the Rajya Sabha, which seeks to modernise the legal framework governing evidence relating to bankers’ books in line with the country's digital banking ecosystem.

A key provision of the Bill makes electronic or digital records of bankers’ books admissible, valid and legally enforceable as evidence in judicial proceedings.

The Bill seeks to replace the outdated legal framework of the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, which was enacted when banking operations were predominantly paper-based.

Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the rapid digitisation of India's economy, noting that banking and financial transactions are increasingly conducted through digital platforms and mobile devices.

The existing 1891 framework relied heavily on certified copies of physical bank records as admissible evidence. The new Bill establishes a technology-neutral framework that formally recognises electronic and digital banking records.

The Bill also standardises the certification process for bankers’ records and permits authentication through manual, digital and electronic signatures.

8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has added 11 more international ports to the list of designated entry points for foreign nationals holding an Indian e-Visa.

The latest expansion includes 2 airports and 9 land ports, taking the total number of international entry points for e-Visa holders to 88.

The 88 designated entry points comprise:

37 Airports

38 Seaports

13 Land Ports

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has added 11 more international ports to the list of designated entry points for foreign nationals holding an Indian e-Visa.

The latest expansion includes 2 airports and 9 land ports, taking the total number of international entry points for e-Visa holders to 88.

The 88 designated entry points comprise:

37 Airports

38 Seaports

13 Land Ports

The 2 newly added airports are Bhopal Airport (Madhya Pradesh) and Tirupati Airport (Andhra Pradesh).

The newly added land ports include Darranga, Gede, Ghojadanga, Haridaspur, Jaigaon, Dawki, Moreh and Attari (Road).
Note: The source mentions nine additions but lists eight names; the official list should be referred to for the complete count.

Attari (Road), Punjab, located along the India–Pakistan border, has been included among the designated land ports for e-Visa entry.

The e-Visa facility is available to foreign nationals across 17 sub-categories, including tourist, business, medical, student, mountaineering, cruise, transit and group travel categories.

 

9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan released scholarship and fellowship funds for agriculture students through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi.

Under the initiative, ₹21.35 crore was transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 6,000 agriculture students across the country.

Under the new NSP-DBT system, agriculture students will receive their scholarship amounts every month directly through DBT, ensuring timely and hassle-free financial assistance.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan released scholarship and fellowship funds for agriculture students through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Pusa, New Delhi.

Under the initiative, ₹21.35 crore was transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to more than 6,000 agriculture students across the country.

Under the new NSP-DBT system, agriculture students will receive their scholarship amounts every month directly through DBT, ensuring timely and hassle-free financial assistance.

The initiative aims to make scholarship disbursement more transparent, streamlined, faster and seamless, while reducing unnecessary delays.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted the importance of practical training in agricultural education, stating that classroom-based learning alone is not sufficient to develop successful farmers, scientists and agricultural entrepreneurs.

He highlighted the government's focus on food security, nutrition security and farmers’ income security and appreciated the contribution of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) scientists and farmers to India's agricultural progress.

 

10) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Karnataka Government has approached the Supreme Court of India against a Karnataka High Court ruling that paved the way for motorcycles to  be registered and permitted as bike taxis.

The State has challenged the 23 January 2026 judgment of the Karnataka High Court Division Bench, which directed authorities to consider applications for registering motorcycles as transport vehicles and issuing permits for their operation as bike taxis.

The State maintained that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 does not create an unconditional legal right to use a particular category of vehicle as a taxi.

Detailed Explanation:

The Karnataka Government has approached the Supreme Court of India against a Karnataka High Court ruling that paved the way for motorcycles to  be registered and permitted as bike taxis.

The State has challenged the 23 January 2026 judgment of the Karnataka High Court Division Bench, which directed authorities to consider applications for registering motorcycles as transport vehicles and issuing permits for their operation as bike taxis.

The case originated from appeals filed by Ola, Uber, Rapido, motorcycle owners and the Bike Taxi Welfare Association against an earlier order directing bike taxi operators to stop services until the State formulated a regulatory policy.

In its Special Leave Petition (SLP), Karnataka argued that the High Court had effectively converted the discretionary power of transport authorities to grant permits into a mandatory obligation.

The State maintained that the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 does not create an unconditional legal right to use a particular category of vehicle as a taxi.

Karnataka cited concerns related to passenger safety, insurance protection, road congestion, pollution and the comparatively higher fatality risk associated with two-wheelers as reasons for restricting bike taxi operations.

The State also challenged the High Court's interpretation that motorcycles could qualify as “motor cabs” and “contract carriages” under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

 

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated E-Samudra, a comprehensive digital platform aimed at providing single-window maritime services to seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders.

The platform was launched during a national stakeholder interaction on “Seafarer Security, Safety and Welfare and Inauguration of E-Samudra” held in Mumbai and organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

E-Samudra integrates maritime services through end-to-end digital workflows, online payments, real-time tracking and digitally issued certificates, promoting Digital First and Faceless Governance.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated E-Samudra, a comprehensive digital platform aimed at providing single-window maritime services to seafarers, shipping companies, ports and other maritime stakeholders.

The platform was launched during a national stakeholder interaction on “Seafarer Security, Safety and Welfare and Inauguration of E-Samudra” held in Mumbai and organised by the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW).

E-Samudra integrates maritime services through end-to-end digital workflows, online payments, real-time tracking and digitally issued certificates, promoting Digital First and Faceless Governance.

The platform aims to improve Ease of Living for seafarers and Ease of Doing Business for the maritime sector by making services more transparent, predictable and time-bound.

Alongside E-Samudra, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration (DGMA) highlighted several initiatives:

e-NAVIK 24×7 grievance redressal system

Seafarer Tracking Dashboard

Digital Seafarers Employment Agreement (d-SEA)

Enhanced welfare measures under the Seafarers Welfare Fund Society (SWFS)

India has become the second-largest supplier of seafarers globally, with the government aiming to make India the largest supplier of seafarers in the world.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police, recognising the force for its bravery, dedicated service, hard work and commitment towards protecting the Union Territory and maintaining internal security.

The President’s Colours is considered one of the highest honours awarded to a disciplined force in recognition of its exceptional service and contribution.

With this honour, the Puducherry Police joined the ranks of police forces across India that have been conferred with the prestigious President’s Colours.

Amit Shah highlighted the unique cultural and spiritual identity of Puducherry, describing it as a symbol of the spiritual and cultural consciousness of South India.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police, recognising the force for its bravery, dedicated service, hard work and commitment towards protecting the Union Territory and maintaining internal security.

The President’s Colours is considered one of the highest honours awarded to a disciplined force in recognition of its exceptional service and contribution.

With this honour, the Puducherry Police joined the ranks of police forces across India that have been conferred with the prestigious President’s Colours.

Amit Shah highlighted the unique cultural and spiritual identity of Puducherry, describing it as a symbol of the spiritual and cultural consciousness of South India.

The Home Minister appreciated the Puducherry Police for maintaining law and order and safeguarding the Union Territory, which consists of four geographically separated regions.

He recalled the contribution of the Puducherry Police during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its service and courage while working on the front lines.

The post of Director General of Police (DGP) was created in Puducherry on 1 October 1963, after which the police force continued to strengthen internal security in the Union Territory.

The Centre is undertaking the four-laning of National Highway 332-A in Puducherry at a cost of approximately ₹2,200 crore.

An extended runway of approximately 3,400 metres in length and 45 metres in width has also been constructed in Puducherry.

According to Amit Shah, the Centre provided ₹3,500 crore to Puducherry for development works between 1950 and 2014, while ₹13,762 crore was provided between 2014 and 2026.

Over the preceding nine years, the Centre facilitated industrial investments worth ₹39,000 crore in Puducherry.

13) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) for his influential contributions to statistical mechanics and theoretical physics.

Deepak Dhar is an INSA Distinguished Professor and is recognised for his research in statistical physics, stochastic processes and complex systems.

He was selected as one of four physicists to receive the 2026 Dirac Medal. The other recipients are:

Bernard Derrida – Honorary Professor, Collège de France

Marc Mézard – Professor of Theoretical Physics, Bocconi University

Haim Sompolinsky – Professor of Neuroscience and Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Visiting Professor at Harvard University

Dhar was recognised for research explaining how simple interactions between individual components of a system can produce complex behaviour when the system becomes large.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian theoretical physicist Deepak Dhar has been awarded the 2026 Dirac Medal by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) for his influential contributions to statistical mechanics and theoretical physics.

Deepak Dhar is an INSA Distinguished Professor and is recognised for his research in statistical physics, stochastic processes and complex systems.

He was selected as one of four physicists to receive the 2026 Dirac Medal. The other recipients are:

Bernard Derrida – Honorary Professor, Collège de France

Marc Mézard – Professor of Theoretical Physics, Bocconi University

Haim Sompolinsky – Professor of Neuroscience and Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Visiting Professor at Harvard University

Dhar was recognised for research explaining how simple interactions between individual components of a system can produce complex behaviour when the system becomes large.

One of his major contributions is his research on the sandpile model, which helps explain how a small change in a complex system can sometimes trigger a much larger event.

The concepts arising from such research have applications in understanding complex phenomena such as earthquakes, traffic congestion and fluctuations in financial markets.

The Dirac Medal was established in 1985 by the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in memory of renowned British physicist Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac (P.A.M. Dirac).

14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the apex research organisation under the Ministry of Ayush, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standards Body, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen quality standards, conformity assessment, scientific research and capacity building in the Ayush sector.

The MoU was signed by Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, and Sanjay Pant, Deputy Director General (Standardisation-II), BIS, in the presence of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.

The partnership aims to establish globally benchmarked quality standards for Ayurveda, supporting the development of safer, scientifically validated and internationally accepted Ayurvedic products, practices and research.

Detailed Explanation:

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), the apex research organisation under the Ministry of Ayush, and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India’s National Standards Body, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen quality standards, conformity assessment, scientific research and capacity building in the Ayush sector.

The MoU was signed by Prof. (Vaidya) Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General, CCRAS, and Sanjay Pant, Deputy Director General (Standardisation-II), BIS, in the presence of Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush.

The partnership aims to establish globally benchmarked quality standards for Ayurveda, supporting the development of safer, scientifically validated and internationally accepted Ayurvedic products, practices and research.

The collaboration will facilitate the joint development of Indian Standards for Ayurveda and other Ayush systems, strengthen laboratory quality and conformity assessment mechanisms, and promote the scientific validation of traditional knowledge.

The partnership will also enhance India's participation in international standardisation initiatives and support the development of evidence-based standards for the global acceptance of Ayurveda.

Sanjay Pant highlighted that this MoU is the 100th MoU signed by BIS and the first MoU between BIS and an Ayush organisation, marking a significant milestone for the standards body.

 

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian Navy (IN) and United States Navy (USN) commenced the 8th Edition of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala.

EOD Exercise 2026 is being conducted from 10 August to 14 August 2026 and is a five-day bilateral naval exercise.

The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, operational synergy and professional cooperation between the specialist diving and EOD teams of the Indian Navy and US Navy.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Navy (IN) and United States Navy (USN) commenced the 8th Edition of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala.

EOD Exercise 2026 is being conducted from 10 August to 14 August 2026 and is a five-day bilateral naval exercise.

The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, operational synergy and professional cooperation between the specialist diving and EOD teams of the Indian Navy and US Navy.

The exercise focuses on improving operational procedures, mutual understanding and response capabilities against complex and evolving EOD challenges.

The training programme includes Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), cross-training sessions, equipment demonstrations and scenario-based practical exercises.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) involves the detection, identification, rendering safe, recovery and disposal of explosive devices.

16) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, New Delhi.

2026 marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, and the National Song will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung upon the Prime Minister’s arrival at the Red Fort, followed by the National Flag hoisting and the Prime Minister’s address to the nation.

The theme of the 2026 celebrations will highlight ‘Yuva Shakti’, recognising the contribution of India’s youth towards building Viksit Bharat @2047.

Detailed Explanation:

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, New Delhi.

2026 marks 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, and the National Song will be sung from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the first time as part of the Independence Day celebrations.

‘Vande Mataram’ will be sung upon the Prime Minister’s arrival at the Red Fort, followed by the National Flag hoisting and the Prime Minister’s address to the nation.

The Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced the key details of the Independence Day 2026 celebrations on 10 August 2026.

17) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, New Delhi.

The achievements of 19 medal-winning students from the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads 2026 will be recognised during the celebrations.

25 cloak rooms at six locations have been arranged to improve public convenience during the celebrations.

The Dharm Chakra on the invitation card symbolises the eternal movement of righteous duty and continuous selfless action.

A post-event Swachhta Campaign will be conducted at the Red Fort by NCC cadets and MY Bharat Volunteers to promote the message of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Delhi Metro services will begin from 4:00 AM on 15 August 2026, and metro services will be provided free of cost to invitees.

Detailed Explanation:

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the celebrations from the historic Red Fort, New Delhi.

The achievements of 19 medal-winning students from the International Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematical Olympiads 2026 will be recognised during the celebrations.

Around 5,000 Special Guests from different walks of life have been invited to the Independence Day celebrations as contributors to the Viksit Bharat @2047 journey.

Special guests include youth innovators, PM Internship Scheme interns, startups, PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana beneficiaries, MY Bharat volunteers, artisans, farmers, women entrepreneurs, scientists and innovators.

Other invited categories include beneficiaries of PM Mudra Yojana, PMAY(U), PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM Vishwakarma, PM-SYM and PM SVANidhi.

Special recognition will also be given to sanitation workers, Delhi Metro workers, Central Vista workers, nursing orderlies and other frontline workers.

More than 1,500 Delhi-based people from different States and Union Territories, dressed in traditional attire, will attend the ceremony to showcase India’s cultural diversity.

The Ministry of Defence, in collaboration with MyGov, organised quizzes and competitions covering AI, Fundamental Rights and Duties, India’s freedom movement, space technology and nuclear technology.

Around 600 winners of these competitions will participate in the Independence Day celebrations.

25 cloak rooms at six locations have been arranged to improve public convenience during the celebrations.

Around 200 volunteers from MY Bharat and NCC will assist visitors, while 20 wheelchairs will be available for visitors requiring assistance.

Delhi Metro services will begin from 4:00 AM on 15 August 2026, and metro services will be provided free of cost to invitees.

Google Maps and Mappls Maps will display traffic restrictions on the day of the main event.

Rain ponchos will be provided to invitees because of the possibility of unpredictable weather conditions.

The invitation cards for Independence Day 2026 feature ‘Seva Teerth’, symbolising duty, compassion, commitment and Nation First.

The Dharm Chakra on the invitation card symbolises the eternal movement of righteous duty and continuous selfless action.

A post-event Swachhta Campaign will be conducted at the Red Fort by NCC cadets and MY Bharat Volunteers to promote the message of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

The seating enclosures for Independence Day 2026 have been named after major lakes of India, highlighting the importance of water conservation.

The theme of the 2026 celebrations will highlight ‘Yuva Shakti’, recognising the contribution of India’s youth towards building Viksit Bharat @2047.

Around 2,500 NCC cadets and My Bharat volunteers will form ‘वंदे मातरम्’ on Gyanpath opposite the Red Fort rampart.

An Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter will carry a banner commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram and shower flower petals over people gathered at the Red Fort.

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to strengthen defence and security cooperation amid rising tensions in the Middle East and the escalating conflict involving Iran.

The agreement was signed in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A key provision of the agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three, establishing a collective-defence commitment.

Detailed Explanation:

Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement to strengthen defence and security cooperation amid rising tensions in the Middle East and the escalating conflict involving Iran.

The agreement was signed in Mecca by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A key provision of the agreement states that an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all three, establishing a collective-defence commitment.

The collective-defence provision has led to the pact being described as “NATO-style”, as it resembles NATO’s Article 5, which is based on the principle of collective defence.

However, the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement is not a Middle Eastern version of NATO, as it does not establish permanent institutions, an integrated military command structure, or clearly defined mechanisms for a collective military response.

19) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Astrobase Space Technologies Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based Indian space startup, unveiled EVEREST, India’s first privately developed 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, on 7 August 2026.

EVEREST is a liquid oxygen (LOX)–methane engine designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles and advanced orbital missions.

The 800 kN FFSC engine makes India the fourth country to develop high-thrust Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) engine technology, after Russia, the United States, and China.

FFSC technology fully gasifies both the fuel and oxidiser, and the resulting gases are routed back into the combustion chamber, improving propellant utilisation and engine efficiency.

Detailed Explanation:

Astrobase Space Technologies Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based Indian space startup, unveiled EVEREST, India’s first privately developed 800 kN Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, on 7 August 2026.

EVEREST is a liquid oxygen (LOX)–methane engine designed for reusable medium-lift launch vehicles and advanced orbital missions.

The 800 kN FFSC engine makes India the fourth country to develop high-thrust Full-Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) engine technology, after Russia, the United States, and China.

FFSC technology fully gasifies both the fuel and oxidiser, and the resulting gases are routed back into the combustion chamber, improving propellant utilisation and engine efficiency.

The EVEREST engine delivers 800 kN thrust, supports approximately 50%–110% throttling, and has a specific impulse of around 340 seconds.

The LOX–methane propulsion system supports precise thrust control, multiple restarts, and reusability, making it suitable for next-generation launch systems.

EVEREST is significant because it is the first Indian privately developed high-thrust LOX–methane FFSC engine, supporting the development of cleaner and reusable launch vehicles.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Scientists have detected an unusually high concentration of ozone in the upper atmosphere over the North Bay of Bengal, providing new insights into the transport of ozone through the stratosphere.

The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun and normally reaches its maximum concentration at an altitude of around 25–30 km.

The study involved scientists from several Indian institutions, with the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) playing an important role.

Detailed Explanation:

Scientists have detected an unusually high concentration of ozone in the upper atmosphere over the North Bay of Bengal, providing new insights into the transport of ozone through the stratosphere.

The ozone layer protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun and normally reaches its maximum concentration at an altitude of around 25–30 km.

The study involved scientists from several Indian institutions, with the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) playing an important role.

ARIES is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and is located in Nainital, Uttarakhand.

The research was conducted under the Phase-I NetRAD-ASMA campaign, a nationwide scientific programme aimed at understanding complex atmospheric processes.

Scientists used observations from atmospheric radars, weather balloons, satellites and advanced atmospheric models to investigate the unusual ozone event.

The indigenously developed 206.5 MHz Stratosphere–Troposphere (ST) Radar at ARIES, Nainital provided important data during the campaign.

21) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has launched India’s first-of-its-kind Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories.

NABL is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), and the scheme was launched under the Integrated Assessment Programme.

The initiative was launched at the ‘Gunvatta Samanvaya – A Multilateral MoU Exchange Ceremony’ held at Hotel Ashoka, New Delhi.

The Mobile Food Testing Laboratories Accreditation Scheme aims to provide reliable, quality-assured and internationally benchmarked food testing services closer to communities.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) has launched India’s first-of-its-kind Accreditation Scheme for Mobile Food Testing Laboratories.

NABL is a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), and the scheme was launched under the Integrated Assessment Programme.

The initiative was launched at the ‘Gunvatta Samanvaya – A Multilateral MoU Exchange Ceremony’ held at Hotel Ashoka, New Delhi.

The Mobile Food Testing Laboratories Accreditation Scheme aims to provide reliable, quality-assured and internationally benchmarked food testing services closer to communities.

The scheme extends accredited food testing services beyond conventional laboratories, thereby improving access to testing facilities in different communities.

The initiative is expected to strengthen food safety surveillance, enable faster regulatory interventions, improve access to quality testing, and enhance consumer confidence.

The Multilateral MoU Exchange brought participating organisations together to promote regulatory convergence, coordinated assessments and regulatory harmonisation.

 

22) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Microsoft has launched its largest data centre region in India, the India South Central region, in Hyderabad, Telangana, to meet the growing demand for Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) services.

With the Hyderabad launch, Microsoft now has four Cloud regions in India—Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Mumbai.

The Hyderabad data centre region has three Availability Zones (AZs) and provides secure, scalable and locally hosted cloud infrastructure for enterprises.

Detailed Explanation:

Microsoft has launched its largest data centre region in India, the India South Central region, in Hyderabad, Telangana, to meet the growing demand for Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) services.

With the Hyderabad launch, Microsoft now has four Cloud regions in India—Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Mumbai.

The Hyderabad data centre region has three Availability Zones (AZs) and provides secure, scalable and locally hosted cloud infrastructure for enterprises.

The Hyderabad region enables customers to run eligible Microsoft Cloud and AI workloads within India, offering greater data localisation, security, compliance and governance.

Early customers of Microsoft’s Hyderabad region include Adani Group, Bajaj Finserv, HDFC Bank and PB Pay.

Microsoft’s Hyderabad facility is part of its global cloud infrastructure comprising 500+ data centres across 80 regions in 34 countries.

 

23) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir successfully completed a 6-hour 27-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to carry out structural and power-system upgrades.

The spacewalk was Anil Menon’s first and Jessica Meir’s sixth, and it marked the 281st spacewalk conducted in support of the ISS.

The astronauts exited through the Quest Airlock and performed structural upgrades on the exterior of the International Space Station.

Detailed Explanation:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir successfully completed a 6-hour 27-minute spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) to carry out structural and power-system upgrades.

The spacewalk was Anil Menon’s first and Jessica Meir’s sixth, and it marked the 281st spacewalk conducted in support of the ISS.

The astronauts exited through the Quest Airlock and performed structural upgrades on the exterior of the International Space Station.

Their primary task was to install mounting hardware on the station’s 3B power channel, located on the Starboard 6 (S6) truss.

The newly installed hardware will prepare the ISS for the installation of additional Roll-Out Solar Arrays (iROSA).

The future iROSA solar arrays will generate additional electricity for the ISS, supporting its critical systems and maintaining sufficient power during the station’s remaining operational period.

24) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Ariha Pangambam, a 22-year-old gymnast from Manipur, created history by becoming the first Indian ever to win a gold medal in the Senior Individual Women’s event at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships.

She won the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships, held in Tagaytay City, Philippines, from 4 to 7 August 2026.

Ariha topped the entire continental field in the final with a score of 19.100, securing India’s maiden gold medal in the Senior Individual Women’s event at the championships.

Detailed Explanation:

Ariha Pangambam, a 22-year-old gymnast from Manipur, created history by becoming the first Indian ever to win a gold medal in the Senior Individual Women’s event at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships.

She won the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships, held in Tagaytay City, Philippines, from 4 to 7 August 2026.

Ariha topped the entire continental field in the final with a score of 19.100, securing India’s maiden gold medal in the Senior Individual Women’s event at the championships.

Her final score was divided into:

Artistry: 8.650

Execution: 7.600

Difficulty: 2.850

Sudhir Mital, President of the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI), congratulated Ariha Pangambam and her coach Yumnam Ranjan Singh on the historic achievement and described it as a major milestone for Indian gymnastics.

Ariha Pangambam has previously won gold medals at the National Games in 2023 and 2025.

 

25) Answer: C

World Biofuel Day is observed annually on 10 August to create awareness about the importance of biofuels and highlight initiatives undertaken to promote their production and use.

In India, World Biofuel Day has been observed since August 2015, with initiatives led by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

 

26) Answer: D

World Lion Day is observed annually on 10 August to raise awareness about the conservation, protection and ecological importance of lions.

The scientific name of the lion is Panthera leo. Lions are popularly known as the “King of the Jungle” because of their distinctive appearance, strength and social behaviour.

World Lion Day was first observed in 2013 as an international initiative to create awareness about the threats faced by lions and the need for their conservation.

The Big Cat Initiative (BCI) was established in 2009 by conservationists and filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, in partnership with National Geographic, to support the conservation of big cats, including lions.

27) Answer: A

The 2026 Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championships brought together gymnasts from across Asia to compete in individual and team aerobic gymnastics categories.

The championship was held at Tagaytay City, Philippines, from 4 to 7 August 2026

 

28) Answer: D

Microsoft has launched its largest data centre region in India, the India South Central region, in Hyderabad, Telangana, to meet the growing demand for Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) services.

With the Hyderabad launch, Microsoft now has four Cloud regions in India—Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Mumbai.

29) Answer: B

About Türkiye :

President : Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Capital : Ankara

Currency : Turkish lira

30) Answer: D

The Indian Navy (IN) and United States Navy (USN) commenced the 8th Edition of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, Kerala.

The Indian Navy and US Navy have been conducting joint Salvage and EOD exercises since 2005, making this exercise an important component of their longstanding bilateral naval cooperation.

The 7th edition of the India–US Navy Salvage and EOD Exercise (SALVEX) was conducted in Kochi from 26 June to 6 July 2023.