Daily Current Affairs MCQ – 29 August 2026
UPSC & State PCS Practice
Q1. The FGM-148 Javelin, recently in news in connection with India–US defence cooperation, is a:
A. Surface-to-air missile
B. Anti-tank guided missile
C. Ballistic missile
D. Anti-radiation missile
Answer: B. Anti-tank guided missile
Explanation: Javelin is a fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile. Its top-attack mode allows it to strike the relatively less-protected upper part of an armoured vehicle.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for July 2026:
- Overall IIP grew by 6.7%.
- Manufacturing grew by 7.3%.
- Mining recorded positive growth.
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. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Overall IIP grew 6.7%, manufacturing 7.3%, while mining contracted by 0.9%.
Q3. Under the revised IIP series introduced in 2026, the base year is:
A. 2011–12
B. 2015–16
C. 2020–21
D. 2022–23
Answer: D. 2022–23
Explanation: The revised IIP series uses 2022–23 as the base year.
Q4. Which sector recorded the strongest growth among the following in July 2026?
A. Mining
B. Capital goods
C. Consumer non-durables
D. Crude oil
Answer: B. Capital goods
Explanation: Capital goods grew by 16.1%, which is important because capital-goods production is often linked with investment activity.
Q5. India’s foreign-exchange reserves reached approximately what level in the week ended 21 August 2026?
A. $629 billion
B. $679 billion
C. $729 billion
D. $829 billion
Answer: C. $729 billion
Explanation: India’s forex reserves reached a record $729.33 billion.
Q6. Which of the following are included in India’s foreign-exchange reserves?
- Foreign-currency assets
- Gold
- Special Drawing Rights
- Reserve position in the IMF
Select the correct answer:
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. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation: All four form part of India’s foreign-exchange reserves.
Q7. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completed 12 years on 28 August 2026. It was launched in:
A. 2012
B. 2014
C. 2015
D. 2016
Answer: B. 2014
Explanation: PMJDY was launched on 28 August 2014 to expand access to formal banking.
Q8. The JAM Trinity refers to:
A. Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile
B. Jan Dhan, Agriculture and Markets
C. Justice, Aadhaar and Mobile
D. Jan Arogya, Aadhaar and Mudra
Answer: A. Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile
Explanation: JAM helps support Direct Benefit Transfer, financial inclusion and digital welfare delivery.
Q9. Consider the following statements about PMJDY as of August 2026:
- More than 59 crore accounts had been opened.
- Women constituted more than half of account holders.
- A regular minimum balance is compulsory in every PMJDY basic account.
Which are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Around 59.09 crore accounts had been opened and about 56% of account holders were women. Basic PMJDY accounts do not require a normal minimum balance.
Q10. The Open General Export Licence (OGEL), recently revised by the Ministry of Defence, is associated with:
A. Agricultural exports
B. Defence exports
C. Petroleum imports
D. Pharmaceutical patents
Answer: B. Defence exports
Explanation: OGEL allows eligible exporters to export specified defence items without seeking a separate licence for every consignment. Its validity has been extended from two to three years.
Q11. India held the first Joint Defence Committee meeting on 28 August 2026 with:
A. Qatar
B. Oman
C. Kuwait
D. Bahrain
Answer: C. Kuwait
Explanation: The inaugural India–Kuwait Joint Defence Committee meeting was held in New Delhi.
Q12. The “Golden Triangle”, often mentioned in relation to drug trafficking, consists of:
A. Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran
B. Myanmar, Laos and Thailand
C. Myanmar, India and Bangladesh
D. Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam
Answer: B. Myanmar, Laos and Thailand
Explanation: The Golden Triangle is associated with illicit narcotics production and trafficking in Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
Q13. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recently seized 76 kg of which synthetic drug in Assam and Mizoram?
A. Heroin
B. Cocaine
C. Methamphetamine
D. Cannabis resin
Answer: C. Methamphetamine
Explanation: DRI seized 76 kg of methamphetamine tablets in two operations in the North-East.
Q14. The PRIP Scheme, recently opened for its second call, is related to:
A. Renewable energy
B. Pharma and MedTech research
C. Defence exports
D. Semiconductor fabrication
Answer: B. Pharma and MedTech research
Explanation: Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech (PRIP) has an overall outlay of ₹5,000 crore and aims to strengthen Indian pharmaceutical and medical-technology R&D.
Q15. FSSAI’s proposed front-of-pack warning labels are primarily intended to highlight foods high in:
- Sugar
- Salt
- Saturated fat
- Protein
Select the correct answer:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation: The proposed labels focus on excessive sugar, salt/sodium and saturated fat.
Q16. FSSAI functions under which ministry?
A. Ministry of Consumer Affairs
B. Ministry of Food Processing Industries
C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
D. Ministry of Agriculture
Answer: C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Explanation: FSSAI is India’s food regulator under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Q17. Google’s recent search-policy change in Europe is linked with which EU law?
A. General Data Protection Regulation only
B. Digital Markets Act
C. Schengen Code
D. Artificial Intelligence Treaty
Answer: B. Digital Markets Act
Explanation: The Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulates major digital platforms designated as gatekeepers in the European Union.
Q18. The Strait of Hormuz lies between:
A. Iran and Oman
B. Saudi Arabia and Yemen
C. Egypt and Saudi Arabia
D. Oman and Yemen
Answer: A. Iran and Oman
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints.
Q19. The G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting scheduled for 31 August–1 September 2026 will be held in:
A. Washington, D.C.
B. New York
C. Asheville, North Carolina
D. Chicago
Answer: C. Asheville, North Carolina
Explanation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will lead India’s delegation at the meeting in Asheville.
Q20. India’s long-term nuclear-energy target is:
A. 50 GW by 2040
B. 75 GW by 2047
C. 100 GW by 2047
D. 150 GW by 2050
Answer: C. 100 GW by 2047
Explanation: India aims to increase nuclear-power capacity to 100 GW by 2047. The roadmap includes PHWRs, Fast Breeder Reactors and Small Modular Reactors.
Score Guide
17–20: Excellent — strong command over today’s current affairs
13–16: Very good — revise a few factual points
9–12: Good — revise economy, defence and schemes once
Below 9: Read the 28 August daily compilation again before moving ahead.
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