22 August 2026 Current Affairs MCQ
20 UPSC-Level + 10 State PCS-Level Questions
Part A — UPSC Prelims Level
Q1. Baaz Battalion
With reference to the recently raised Baaz Battalion, consider the following statements:
- It is associated with specialised drone capabilities of the Indian Army.
- Vajra Corps is the first Army formation to operationalise it.
- Vajra Corps is another name for 11 Corps.
- The first Baaz Battalion has been raised in Punjab.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation: All four are correct. The first Baaz Battalion has been raised in Punjab under 11 Corps/Vajra Corps to enhance aerial agility, responsiveness and battlefield reach.
Q2. Drone Warfare
Consider the following pairs:
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. ISR | Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance |
| 2. Loitering Munition | Weapon capable of waiting in a target area before striking |
| 3. RPA | Remotely Piloted Aircraft |
| 4. C-UAS | Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System |
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
A. Only one
B. Only two
C. Only three
D. All four
Answer: D
Explanation: All four are standard concepts associated with modern unmanned warfare. The Baaz Battalion makes these concepts particularly relevant for Prelims.
Q3. Network-Centric Warfare
Which of the following best explains network-centric warfare?
A. Warfare conducted entirely through the internet
B. Integration of sensors, decision-makers and weapon systems through information networks
C. Replacement of conventional forces entirely by autonomous weapons
D. Use of social media exclusively for psychological warfare
Answer: B
Explanation: Network-centric warfare seeks to connect sensors → commanders → shooters, enabling faster information flow and battlefield response.
Q4. Fixed-Dose Combination Regulation
With reference to the government's latest decision concerning Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, consider the following statements:
- The restriction concerns their use in children below four years.
- Manufacturers must carry an age-specific warning.
- The decision followed recommendations involving the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
- The notification was issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation: All four are correct. The warning must appear on labels, package inserts and promotional literature.
Q5. DTAB
The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) is associated primarily with:
A. Regulation of food standards
B. Technical advice on matters relating to administration of drug law
C. Fixation of prices of all pharmaceutical products
D. Accreditation of medical colleges
Answer: B
Explanation: DTAB is an important statutory technical advisory institution under India's drug-regulatory framework.
Q6. Section 26A
Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 empowers the Central Government, subject to statutory conditions, to:
A. Grant medical degrees
B. Regulate/restrict or prohibit manufacture, sale or distribution of specified drugs/cosmetics in public interest
C. Fix hospital consultation charges
D. Regulate medical insurance premiums
Answer: B
The current FDC restriction was issued under this provision.
Q7. India–UK Defence Cooperation
Consider the following:
- India–UK Vision 2035
- Ten-Year Defence Industrial Roadmap
- Joint research and development
- Indo-Pacific maritime-security cooperation
Which of the above are associated with the contemporary India–UK defence partnership?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
The 25th India–UK Defence Consultative Group reviewed defence-industrial cooperation and joint R&D alongside wider military and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Q8. Defence Partnership
The recent India–UK defence developments most clearly indicate a transition from:
A. Multilateralism to isolationism
B. Defence imports alone towards co-development, R&D and industrial partnership
C. Maritime cooperation towards exclusively continental security
D. Conventional warfare towards complete nuclear deterrence
Answer: B
Explanation: Joint R&D and defence-industrial cooperation are increasingly important components of India's major defence partnerships.
Q9. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
Consider the following statements about the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI):
- It was proposed by India.
- It seeks practical cooperation in the maritime domain.
- It is a formal military alliance comparable to NATO.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
Explanation: IPOI is an Indian maritime-cooperation initiative, not a military alliance.
Q10. Television Advertisement Regulation
Consider the following statements:
- The Central Government has removed the 12-minute advertisement-duration cap for television channels.
- The change involves the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994.
- The advertisement-duration cap had been introduced in 2006.
- The government cited competition from digital media among the reasons for revisiting the restriction.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
All four are supported by the government's announcement.
Q11. Broadcasting Transformation
Which of the following were cited in the context of changes in India's television ecosystem since the advertisement cap was introduced?
- Digitisation of cable television
- Expansion in the number of television channels
- Competition from digital media
- Greater consumer choice
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
The government noted that India had only 62 TV channels in 2006, compared with more than 900 currently, alongside digitisation and digital-platform competition.
Q12. Revised FDI Framework
With reference to India's revised FDI framework for investors linked to land-bordering countries, consider the following statements:
- Non-controlling ownership of up to 10% can qualify for relaxation from prior government approval, subject to applicable conditions.
- The revised framework was notified through the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Amendment Rules.
- It completely abolishes government scrutiny of all investments originating from land-bordering countries.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 2 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
Explanation: Statement 3 is incorrect. The reform is a limited relaxation, not complete abolition of screening.
Q13. FDI vs FPI
Which of the following best distinguishes FDI from FPI?
A. FDI generally involves a lasting interest/influence in an enterprise, whereas FPI primarily involves investment in financial securities.
**B. FDI can only be undertaken by governments.
C. FPI always provides management control.
D. FDI cannot enter the manufacturing sector.**
Answer: A
Q14. FEMA Non-Debt Instruments
The Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules are most directly associated with:
A. Monetary-policy transmission
B. Foreign investment in equity and other specified non-debt instruments
C. Government fiscal deficit
D. External commercial borrowing alone
Answer: B
This gives an important current-static linkage to today's FDI development.
Q15. India–Nepal Border
With reference to the India–Nepal border, consider the following statements:
- India and Nepal have an open-border arrangement.
- Border management cooperation includes maintenance of boundary pillars.
- Integrated Check Posts, road connectivity and railway networks form part of border-management cooperation.
- Trans-border crime was discussed at the latest Joint Working Group meeting.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 4 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
The 14th JWG covered trans-border crime, infrastructure, ICPs, transport links, encroachments and boundary pillars.
Q16. Integrated Check Posts
Integrated Check Posts along India's international borders are best understood as:
A. Exclusively military bases
B. Integrated facilities supporting movement of people and goods along with immigration, customs and related border functions
C. Satellite surveillance stations
D. River-water monitoring centres
Answer: B
Q17. Terrier Cyber Quest
Consider the following:
- Bug Hunting
- AI Kavach
- National Creators Challenge
The above are associated with:
A. National Quantum Mission
B. Terrier Cyber Quest 2026
C. IndiaAI Mission
D. Defence Space Challenge
Answer: B
TCQ 3.0 focuses on cybersecurity, AI and digital/information awareness.
Q18. Cybersecurity
Which of the following could constitute an information-security threat?
- Deepfake
- Phishing
- Disinformation
- Malware
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 2 and 4 only
C. 1, 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Explanation: Contemporary security increasingly overlaps cyber, information and cognitive domains.
Q19. BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting
With reference to the BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting on 22 August 2026, consider the following statements:
- It is being hosted in Visakhapatnam.
- India is hosting it under its BRICS Chairship.
- Youth development, education, skills, employment and entrepreneurship are among the subjects for discussion.
- The Sports Ministers' Meeting is scheduled separately for 23 August.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
Q20. Current Affairs Mapping
Consider the following pairs:
| Development | Principal syllabus linkage |
|---|---|
| Baaz Battalion | Defence technology |
| FDC restriction | Public-health regulation |
| India–UK DCG | International relations/defence |
| Terrier Cyber Quest | Cybersecurity |
How many pairs are correctly matched?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. Three only
D. All four
Answer: D
Part B — State PCS Level
Q21.
The first Baaz Battalion has been raised in:
A. Rajasthan
B. Punjab
C. Gujarat
D. Ladakh
Answer: B — Punjab
Q22.
Vajra Corps is:
A. 9 Corps
B. 10 Corps
C. 11 Corps
D. 14 Corps
Answer: C — 11 Corps
Q23.
Chlorpheniramine–Phenylephrine FDCs must carry a warning against their use in children below:
A. 2 years
B. 4 years
C. 6 years
D. 8 years
Answer: B — 4 years
Q24.
DTAB stands for:
A. Drug Testing Advisory Bureau
B. Drugs Technical Advisory Board
C. Drug Treatment Assessment Board
D. Directorate of Technical Approval of Biologics
Answer: B
Q25.
The recent India–UK Defence Consultative Group meeting was the:
A. 20th
B. 23rd
C. 25th
D. 30th
Answer: C — 25th
Q26.
The television advertisement-duration cap recently removed was:
A. 8 minutes
B. 10 minutes
C. 12 minutes
D. 15 minutes
Answer: C — 12 minutes
Q27.
Under the revised FDI framework, the relevant non-controlling ownership threshold discussed for land-bordering-country investors is up to:
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 20%
D. 26%
Answer: B — 10%
Q28.
The 14th India–Nepal Joint Working Group meeting on border management and security was held in:
A. Patna
B. Lucknow
C. Dehradun
D. Gangtok
Answer: C — Dehradun
Q29.
Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 is associated with:
A. Territorial Army
B. Border Security Force
C. Indian Coast Guard
D. National Cadet Corps
Answer: A — Territorial Army
Q30.
The BRICS Youth Ministers' Meeting of 22 August 2026 is being held at:
A. Jaipur
B. Chennai
C. Visakhapatnam
D. Hyderabad
Answer: C — Visakhapatnam
Answer Key
| Q | Ans | Q | Ans | Q | Ans |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D | 11 | D | 21 | B |
| 2 | D | 12 | C | 22 | C |
| 3 | B | 13 | A | 23 | B |
| 4 | D | 14 | B | 24 | B |
| 5 | B | 15 | D | 25 | C |
| 6 | B | 16 | B | 26 | C |
| 7 | D | 17 | B | 27 | B |
| 8 | B | 18 | D | 28 | C |
| 9 | B | 19 | D | 29 | A |
| 10 | D | 20 | D | 30 | C |
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