Rajasthan and national news for RAS, Patwari, VDO and other exams·38 items·each with its source·published 6 October 2026
Rajasthan
CM honours Glasgow CWG medallists; boxer Arundhati Choudhary gets ₹1 crore for 70kg gold
In August 2026, CM Bhajan Lal Sharma felicitated Rajasthan's medal winners from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. Boxer Arundhati Choudhary, who won the women's 70kg gold by beating England's Chantelle Reid, received ₹1 crore, and javelin thrower Yashvir Singh, a bronze medallist, received ₹30 lakh. India won a record seven boxing gold medals at Glasgow 2026.
NHAI starts barrier-free MLFF tolling at Shahjahanpur plaza on Delhi–Jaipur NH-48
On 2 August 2026, NHAI introduced Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling at the Shahjahanpur toll plaza on the Delhi–Jaipur section of National Highway-48. The system combines Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras with FASTag-based electronic toll collection, so vehicles pass without stopping. Shahjahanpur is the third plaza on this corridor to adopt MLFF, after Daulatpura and Manoharpura.
Exam angleMLFF on NH-48; third plaza after Daulatpura and Manoharpura
Centre tells Lok Sabha Mangarh Dham (Banswara) does not qualify as a Monument of National Importance
On 4 August 2026, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat told the Lok Sabha, in reply to MP Hanuman Beniwal, that Mangarh Dham in Banswara does not meet the criteria for a Monument of National Importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. He said widespread modern construction at the site has affected its archaeological character and authenticity. Mangarh is where more than 1,500 tribals, gathered under Govind Guru, were killed by British forces on 17 November 1913.
Jaipur hosts 10th BRICS Industry and 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meetings under India's chairship
Under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, Jaipur hosted the 10th BRICS Industry Ministers' Meeting (concluded 6 August 2026) and the 16th BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting (7 August 2026), both chaired by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. The trade meeting issued the 'Jaipur Consensus' to study a BRICS Invoice Discounting Mechanism for easier trade finance for small businesses. India's BRICS 2026 theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'.
Exam angleJaipur Consensus; edition numbers of the two meetings
Rajasthan Cabinet backs 'One State, One Election' for local bodies; clears Agri & Food Processing Policy
On 7 August 2026, the Rajasthan Cabinet chaired by CM Bhajan Lal Sharma decided that Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections will be held together ('One State, One Election') and accepted the OBC (Political Representation) Commission's recommendations on reservation in these bodies. It also approved the Rajasthan Agriculture and Food Processing Policy-2026 and the Rajasthan Food Park Development Policy-2026, and cleared a Trees Outside Forests policy.
Exam angleSimultaneous panchayat and urban body polls; names of the two new policies
On 13 August 2026, the Rajasthan Cabinet approved the draft Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code Bill-2026, prepared on the recommendations of a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. It proposes uniform rules on marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance and live-in relationships, compulsory registration of marriages within 60 days and a ban on polygamy. Rituals and customs of tribal communities are kept outside its purview.
Exam angleCommittee head Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai; tribal customs exempted
Draft Rajasthan Trees (Protection) Bill-2026 gives special protection to 29 species including Khejri
The same Cabinet meeting on 13 August 2026 approved the draft Rajasthan Trees (Protection) Bill, 2026 to regulate the felling of trees on non-forest land. It gives special protection to 29 species, including Khejri (the state tree), Rohida, Bargad and Peepal. Cutting a tree without permission can bring up to one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both, and permitted felling must be compensated by planting trees in the same area.
Exam angle29 protected species; penalty up to 1 year and ₹1 lakh
At Alwar, Amit Shah launches ₹6,453-crore works and four new district cooperative banks
On 16 August 2026 in Alwar, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched 954 works worth ₹6,453 crore across 17 districts of Rajasthan. These included a milk processing plant at Alwar of 3 lakh litres a day and four new district cooperative banks at Phalodi, Balotra, Didwana-Kuchaman and Pratapgarh, which will offer zero-interest farm loans. ₹667 crore was also transferred to 67 lakh farmers under the Mukhyamantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.
2.89 lakh PMAY-G houses worth ₹3,473 crore approved for Rajasthan at state event in Baran
At a state-level programme in Baran on 17 August 2026, Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over approvals for 2,89,355 pucca houses worth ₹3,473 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin to CM Bhajan Lal Sharma. A further ₹340.59 crore was approved for agricultural schemes in the state, and a target was set to double Lakhpati Didis in Rajasthan from 16 lakh to 32 lakh.
Exam anglePMAY-G houses for Rajasthan: 2,89,355; event at Baran
BRICS Tourism Ministers adopt 'Jaipur Declaration' at meeting chaired by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
On 21 August 2026, the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting in Jaipur, presided over by Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, adopted by consensus the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Communiqué 2026, called the 'Jaipur Declaration'. It sets four priorities: AI and tourism; sustainability and responsible tourism; tourism skilling and capacity building; and tourism exchanges and seamless travel.
Exam angleJaipur Declaration (tourism) vs Jaipur Consensus (trade)
Supreme Court bans construction within 100 metres of Rajasthan's polluted Jojari river
On 24 August 2026, a Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta barred all construction and development within 100 metres of the edge of the Jojari river until its high flood line and ecological buffer zones are scientifically marked. It also barred hazardous or polluting industry within 500 metres on either side of the flood line. The order came in a suo motu case on industrial pollution of the Jojari–Bandi–Luni river system in western Rajasthan.
Exam angleJojari: 100 m construction ban, 500 m industry ban; Luni system
Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill passed; registrations over 2 years late need a Judicial Magistrate
The Rajya Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 by voice vote on 4 August 2026, after the Lok Sabha passed it on 31 July. Registration delayed by one to two years will need approval of the District Magistrate, Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an authorised Executive Magistrate, while registration delayed beyond two years will need a Judicial Magistrate (First Class). The aim is to curb fraudulent records.
Exam angleDelay over 2 years: Judicial Magistrate (First Class)
Parliament raises Supreme Court strength from 34 to 38 judges, including the Chief Justice
The Rajya Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 on 5 August 2026, after the Lok Sabha passed it on 3 August. It raises the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 33 to 37 judges besides the Chief Justice of India, that is, from 34 to 38 in all. The Bill replaces an ordinance of May 2026; Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal piloted it.
Vice-President launches Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan from Sri Vijaya Puram on August Kranti Diwas
On 9 August 2026, August Kranti Diwas (anniversary of the 1942 Quit India Movement), Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan launched the Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan by hoisting the national flag at Flag Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He recalled that Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Tricolour there on 30 December 1943.
Exam angleLaunch place: Sri Vijaya Puram; Netaji's flag hoisting 30 Dec 1943
Parliament passes Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026; National Tribunals Commission to handle appointments
Parliament passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 when the Rajya Sabha cleared it on 11 August 2026, a day after the Lok Sabha; it repeals the Tribunal Reforms Act, 2021. It creates a National Tribunals Commission, headed by a former Supreme Court judge or former High Court Chief Justice, with two judicial and two technical members, to make appointments to tribunals in a transparent, merit-based way. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said the Bill does not change the jurisdiction of tribunals.
Exam angleNew body: National Tribunals Commission; repeals 2021 Act
Parliament passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 renaming the State 'Keralam'
Parliament passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, which renames the State of Kerala as 'Keralam'; the Lok Sabha passed it on 11 August and the Rajya Sabha cleared it by voice vote on 12 August 2026. The change is made under Article 3 of the Constitution by amending the First Schedule. The Kerala Assembly had passed a unanimous resolution for the change in 2024.
Exam angleArticle 3; First Schedule; new name Keralam
The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which began on 20 July 2026, ended on 13 August 2026 after 19 sittings, with 12 Bills passed by both Houses. Productivity was about 19% in the Lok Sabha and 39.17% in the Rajya Sabha because of disruptions. Bills passed included those on the Supreme Court's strength, births and deaths registration, tribunals, the Keralam name change and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment).
80th Independence Day: PM lays out 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara', seven pillars for Viksit Bharat 2047
In his address from the Red Fort on 15 August 2026, India's 80th Independence Day, PM Narendra Modi outlined 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara' (Sapta Dhara), seven pillars for a developed India by 2047: manufacturing; agriculture and food processing; technology and innovation; Gati Shakti connectivity; defence production; green energy and the blue economy; and soft power. He also recalled the 'Panch Pran' he had earlier set out from the Red Fort.
Exam angleSaptadhara: seven pillars; 80th Independence Day
I-Day announcements: AI skills for 1 crore youth in a year, 6 crore Lakhpati Didis, 100 GW nuclear by 2047
In the same address, the PM announced that 1 crore youth would be trained in AI skills within one year and that a nationwide free online coaching network for competitive exams would be launched. The Lakhpati Didi target was doubled from 3 crore to 6 crore, and targets were set of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 and 5 to 8 more semiconductor plants. A national sports talent hunt for children aged 5 to 15 was also announced.
Lebanon's parliament abolishes the death penalty; life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour replaces it
On 11 August 2026, Lebanon's parliament voted to abolish the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour for the gravest crimes. Lebanon had carried out no executions since 2004, and at least 85 people were on death row at the time.
Exam angleCountry that abolished the death penalty; what replaced it
India and Japan sign Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation
On 20 August 2026 in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation. It covers information sharing on Maritime Domain Awareness, Search and Rescue, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. The two sides noted that Japanese fighter aircraft would come to India for the first time for Air Force exercise Veer Guardian 26.
Exam angleIndia–Japan maritime pact; Veer Guardian = air force exercise
India and Uzbekistan elevate ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership; $5 billion trade target by 2030
During PM Narendra Modi's state visit to Tashkent on 30–31 August 2026, India and Uzbekistan raised their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership after talks with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. They set a target of $5 billion in bilateral trade by 2030 and 11 agreements were signed, covering areas from critical minerals and uranium to trade, defence, digital payments and education.
Exam angleTies upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.25% with neutral stance; FY27 growth forecast raised to 6.7%
On 5 August 2026, the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee under Governor Sanjay Malhotra unanimously kept the policy repo rate at 5.25% and retained a neutral stance. The SDF rate stayed at 5% and the MSF rate and Bank Rate at 5.5%. The RBI projected real GDP growth of 6.7% for 2026-27.
Cabinet approves ₹23,731-crore GOBARdhan National Circular Bioenergy Scheme for compressed biogas
On 6 August 2026, the Union Cabinet approved the GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore for 2026-27 to 2035-36. Run by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, it aims to raise compressed biogas (CBG) output nearly tenfold. CBG blending targets are 3% in 2026-27, 4% in 2027-28 and 5% from 2028-29.
Exam angleOutlay ₹23,731 crore; CBG blending 5% from 2028-29
UPI completes 10 years; launched by NPCI on 25 August 2016, now in 11 countries
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI), launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on 25 August 2016, completed 10 years on 25 August 2026. Annual transactions grew from 1.78 crore in 2016-17 to over 24,162 crore in 2025-26, and the IMF calls it the world's largest real-time payment system by volume. UPI now works in 11 countries, including the UAE, France, Singapore and Mauritius.
Exam angleUPI launch date 25 Aug 2016; developer NPCI
India's real GDP grows 7.8% in April–June 2026 (Q1 FY27), above RBI's 7% estimate
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released data on 31 August 2026 showing India's real GDP grew 7.8% in April–June 2026, the first quarter of 2026-27, against 6.9% a year earlier and the RBI's estimate of 7%. Real GVA grew 8.2% and nominal GDP 10.3%. Manufacturing grew 9.2% and gross fixed capital formation 11.9%.
Glaw Lake in Kamlang Tiger Reserve becomes India's 101st Ramsar site, Arunachal Pradesh's first
On 3 August 2026, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh had been designated a Ramsar site, India's 101st and the state's first wetland of international importance. The freshwater lake lies in the Eastern Himalayas within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary and supports more than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species. India had 26 Ramsar sites in 2014.
Exam angle101st Ramsar site; first in Arunachal Pradesh
Agni-4 ballistic missile successfully test-fired from Chandipur, Odisha
On 6 August 2026, India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 ballistic missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha, under the Strategic Forces Command. The missile has a range of up to 4,000 km. The test validated all operational and technical parameters, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called it a 'textbook mission'.
Exam angleAgni-4 range up to 4,000 km; test site Chandipur
NASA launches Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope to study dark energy, dark matter and exoplanets
On 30 August 2026, NASA launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The roughly $4-billion observatory will work near Lagrange Point 2 to study dark energy and dark matter, search for exoplanets and map over two billion galaxies. It is named after astronomer Nancy Grace Roman.
Exam angleRoman telescope: Falcon Heavy; L2; dark energy
Glasgow Commonwealth Games end; India 4th with 39 medals including 13 gold
The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (23 July–2 August 2026) ended on 2 August with India fourth in the medal table with 39 medals: 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze. Australia topped the table. Women won 8 of India's 13 golds, and boxers won a record seven gold medals.
Treesa Jolly–Gayatri Gopichand win India's first women's doubles medal at badminton Worlds since 2011
At the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand beat world No. 4 Jia Yifan and Zhang Shuxian of China 16-21, 21-15, 21-13 on 21 August 2026 to reach the semi-finals, assuring a medal. They lost the semi-final to China's Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning 21-18, 13-21, 8-21 and took bronze. It was India's first women's doubles medal at the Worlds since Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa's bronze in 2011.
Exam angleFirst women's doubles Worlds medal since 2011
R. Praggnanandhaa becomes first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour, beating Fabiano Caruana 15-13
R. Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour, defeating defending champion Fabiano Caruana of the USA 15-13 in the final of the 2026 Grand Chess Tour Finals in St. Louis. After trailing in the classical games, he won the rapid section and held on in blitz. The title carried a $200,000 first prize.
Exam angleFirst Indian Grand Chess Tour winner; final vs Caruana
President confers Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 on over 100 artists
On 13 August 2026 in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for 2024 and 2025 on more than 100 artists. A Fellowship carries ₹3 lakh and an Award ₹1 lakh, with a Tamrapatra and Angavastram. The honours cover music, dance, theatre, folk and tribal arts and puppetry.
Exam angleFellowship ₹3 lakh, Award ₹1 lakh; years 2024 and 2025
National Sports Awards 2025: no Khel Ratna this year; 17 sportspersons named for Arjuna Award
On 18 August 2026, the Sports Ministry announced the National Sports Awards 2025 on the recommendation of a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Arun Kumar Mishra. No one was named for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, while 17 sportspersons were named for the Arjuna Award, including chess players Vidit Gujrathi and Divya Deshmukh, badminton pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, and para-shooter Rudransh Khandelwal. Army Paralympic Node, Pune, got the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar.
Exam angleNo Khel Ratna for 2025; 17 Arjuna awardees
Uzbekistan confers its highest honour, 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, on PM Modi
On 30 August 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev conferred the 'Oliy Darajali Do'stlik' Order, the country's highest honour, on PM Narendra Modi in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral ties. DD News reported that the PM has now received over 30 international honours.
Exam angleHonour name and country: Oliy Darajali Do'stlik, Uzbekistan
Ramon Magsaysay Award 2026 announced for Tommy Koh, Runa Khan and Bo Kyi
On 31 August 2026, the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation named three awardees for 2026: Singapore diplomat and law professor Tommy Koh, Bangladeshi development leader Runa Khan (founder of the NGO Friendship), and Myanmar human-rights advocate Bo Kyi, co-founder of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. The theme of the 68th awards is 'A World for All'. The awards will be presented in Manila on 15 November 2026.
Exam angle2026 awardees and their countries; no Indian awardee
World Elephant Day: national event held in Visakhapatnam on 13 August; Gaj Gaurav Awards presented
India's national observance of World Elephant Day 2026 was held on 13 August 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where Union Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh presented the Gaj Gaurav Awards for elephant conservation. India is home to about 60% of the world's wild Asian elephants and has 33 Elephant Reserves and 150 identified elephant corridors. Project Elephant was launched in 1992.
Exam angleElephant Reserves 33; Project Elephant 1992; Gaj Gaurav Awards
National Space Day 2026 marked on 23 August, anniversary of Chandrayaan-3's Moon landing
India observed National Space Day on 23 August 2026, the anniversary of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander touching down near the Moon's south pole in 2023. The 2026 theme was 'Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership'.
15 questions on this news. Think of your answer, then press “Show answer”.
Q1
The draft Rajasthan Trees (Protection) Bill, 2026, approved by the State Cabinet in August 2026, gives special protection to how many tree species?
(1)19
(2)25
(3)29✓ Correct answer
(4)36
Answer: (3) 29
Explanation
The draft Bill protects 29 species, including Khejri, Rohida, Bargad and Peepal. Unauthorised felling can bring up to one year's jail and a fine of up to ₹1 lakh.
Q2
The draft Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code Bill-2026, approved by the State Cabinet on 13 August 2026, is based on the recommendations of a committee headed by:
(1)Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai✓ Correct answer
(2)Justice Arun Kumar Mishra
(3)Justice Rohinton Nariman
(4)Justice Indu Malhotra
Answer: (1) Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai
Explanation
The draft is based on the report of a committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. Customs of tribal communities are kept outside its purview.
Q3
In August 2026, the Centre told the Lok Sabha that Mangarh Dham, the site of the 1913 massacre of tribals gathered under Govind Guru, does not qualify as a Monument of National Importance. Mangarh Dham is in which district?
(1)Dungarpur
(2)Udaipur
(3)Pratapgarh
(4)Banswara✓ Correct answer
Answer: (4) Banswara
Explanation
Mangarh Dham is in Banswara district. The Centre said modern construction at the site has affected its archaeological authenticity under the 1958 Act.
Q4
What was the outcome document adopted at the BRICS Tourism Ministers' Meeting held in Jaipur in August 2026 called?
(1)Jaipur Consensus
(2)Jaipur Declaration✓ Correct answer
(3)Amer Accord
(4)Pink City Charter
Answer: (2) Jaipur Declaration
Explanation
The BRICS Tourism Ministers' Communiqué 2026 is called the Jaipur Declaration. The 'Jaipur Consensus' came from the BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting earlier that month.
Q5
In its order of 24 August 2026 on pollution of the Jojari river in Rajasthan, the Supreme Court barred construction and development within what distance of the river's edge?
(1)50 metres
(2)200 metres
(3)100 metres✓ Correct answer
(4)1 kilometre
Answer: (3) 100 metres
Explanation
Construction is barred within 100 metres of the river's edge until the flood line is marked. Polluting industry is barred within 500 metres on either side of the flood line.
Q6
Consider the following statements about events in Rajasthan in August 2026:
1. On 7 August 2026, the State Cabinet decided that Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections will be held together.
2. On 16 August 2026, four new district cooperative banks were launched for Phalodi, Balotra, Didwana-Kuchaman and Pratapgarh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(1)1 only
(2)2 only
(3)Neither 1 nor 2
(4)Both 1 and 2✓ Correct answer
Answer: (4) Both 1 and 2
Explanation
Both are correct. The Cabinet backed 'One State, One Election' for local bodies on 7 August, and Amit Shah launched the four banks at Alwar on 16 August 2026.
Q7
After the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026 was passed by Parliament in August 2026, the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court, including the Chief Justice of India, became:
(1)38✓ Correct answer
(2)34
(3)36
(4)40
Answer: (1) 38
Explanation
The strength rose from 33 to 37 judges besides the CJI, i.e. from 34 to 38 in all. The Bill replaced an ordinance of May 2026.
Q8
Under the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament in August 2026, whose approval is needed for a registration delayed by more than two years?
Registration delayed beyond two years needs a Judicial Magistrate (First Class); a delay of one to two years needs an Executive Magistrate.
Q9
Consider the following statements about the Prime Minister's address on 15 August 2026:
1. It was delivered on India's 80th Independence Day.
2. It set a target of training 1 crore youth in AI skills within one year.
3. It set a target of 6 crore Lakhpati Didis.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(1)1 and 2 only
(2)1, 2 and 3✓ Correct answer
(3)2 and 3 only
(4)1 and 3 only
Answer: (2) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
All three are correct. In the same speech the PM also outlined 'Shakti Ki Saptadhara', seven pillars for Viksit Bharat 2047.
Q10
In August 2026, which country's parliament voted to abolish the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour?
(1)Jordan
(2)Lebanon✓ Correct answer
(3)Tunisia
(4)Oman
Answer: (2) Lebanon
Explanation
Lebanon's parliament voted on 11 August 2026 to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment with aggravated hard labour. It had carried out no executions since 2004.
Q11
The Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation, signed in New Delhi on 20 August 2026, was between India and:
(1)Australia
(2)France
(3)Japan✓ Correct answer
(4)Philippines
Answer: (3) Japan
Explanation
It was signed by Rajnath Singh and Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. It covers Maritime Domain Awareness, Search and Rescue, and HADR.
Q12
Glaw Lake, designated as India's 101st Ramsar site in August 2026, lies within which protected area?
(1)Kamlang Tiger Reserve✓ Correct answer
(2)Namdapha Tiger Reserve
(3)Pakke Tiger Reserve
(4)Manas Tiger Reserve
Answer: (1) Kamlang Tiger Reserve
Explanation
Glaw Lake is in the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. It is Arunachal Pradesh's first Ramsar site.
Q13
According to MoSPI data released on 31 August 2026, India's real GDP growth in April–June 2026 (Q1 of 2026-27) was:
(1)6.9%
(2)7.0%
(3)8.2%
(4)7.8%✓ Correct answer
Answer: (4) 7.8%
Explanation
Real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 of 2026-27, against 6.9% a year earlier and the RBI's 7% estimate. 8.2% was the growth of real GVA.
Q14
At the BWF World Championships held in New Delhi in August 2026, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won India's first women's doubles medal at the Worlds since which year?
(1)2009
(2)2011✓ Correct answer
(3)2015
(4)2019
Answer: (2) 2011
Explanation
The last Indian women's doubles medal at the Worlds was the 2011 bronze of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa. Treesa and Gayatri won bronze in 2026 after losing the semi-final.
Q15
In August 2026, R. Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour by defeating which player in the final in St. Louis?
(1)Hikaru Nakamura
(2)Wesley So
(3)Fabiano Caruana✓ Correct answer
(4)Vincent Keymer
Answer: (3) Fabiano Caruana
Explanation
Praggnanandhaa beat defending champion Fabiano Caruana 15-13 after coming back in the rapid section. The title carried a $200,000 prize.