Daily Current Affairs 4 August 2026

Q1 Who inaugurated Kerala's 'Priyadarshini' free bus travel scheme?

• AC.P. John
• BV.D. SatheesanCorrect
• CPinarayi Vijayan
• DOommen Chandy

Explanation Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the 'Priyadarshini' scheme.

Q2 What controversy arose regarding the 'Priyadarshini' scheme?

• AAllegations of financial mismanagement
• BMinister C.P. John suggested some women pretended to be poor to misuse the schemeCorrect
• CProtests by transport workers
• DDelay in launching the scheme

Explanation Transport Minister C.P. John faced backlash for allegedly suggesting that many women pretended to be poor to avail free travel.

Q3 Who are the beneficiaries of the 'Priyadarshini' free bus travel scheme?

• AAll residents of Kerala
• BWomen and transgender personsCorrect
• CSenior citizens
• DStudents

Explanation The scheme provides free bus travel for women and transgender persons.

Q1 What is the budget allocated by the central government for the horticulture clusters scheme?

• A₹1,000 crore
• B₹2,000 croreCorrect
• C₹5,000 crore
• D₹10,000 crore

Explanation The central government has allocated ₹2,000 crore for the horticulture clusters scheme.

Q2 What is the primary objective of developing horticulture clusters near major cities under the new scheme?

• AIncrease export of fruits and vegetables
• BCut supply-chain costs and reduce post-harvest lossesCorrect
• CPromote organic farming
• DSubsidize fertilizers for farmers

Explanation The scheme aims to cut supply-chain costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve farmers' market access.

Q3 For how many years is the central government's horticulture clusters scheme planned?

• A3 years
• B5 yearsCorrect
• C7 years
• D10 years

Explanation The scheme is planned for a duration of five years.

Q1 Why was Meta summoned for government talks on August 5 and 6?

• AFor a data privacy breach involving Indian users
• BDue to the brief removal of a PM Modi video on examination paper leaksCorrect
• CTo discuss new taxation policies for social media companies
• DFor promoting misinformation during elections

Explanation Meta was summoned after a video posted by PM Modi on action against examination paper leaks was briefly removed from Facebook.

Q2 What was the content of the video posted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was removed?

• AA speech on economic reforms
• BA message on action against examination paper leaksCorrect
• CAn announcement about a new government scheme
• DA campaign video for upcoming elections

Explanation The video was about action against examination paper leaks.

Q3 On which platform was the PM Modi video briefly removed?

• ATwitter
• BInstagram
• CFacebookCorrect
• DYouTube

Explanation The video was briefly removed from Meta Platforms' Facebook.

Q1 What was the Madras High Court's decision regarding Udhayanidhi Stalin's anticipatory bail plea?

• AThe plea was accepted and he was granted bail immediately
• BThe plea was dismissed but he was ordered to be released after questioningCorrect
• CThe plea was dismissed and he was remanded to judicial custody
• DThe plea was postponed for further hearing

Explanation The court dismissed the anticipatory bail plea but ordered Udhayanidhi Stalin's release after questioning, as the police did not intend to remand him.

Q2 According to Advocate General Vijay Narayan, what was the police's intention regarding Udhayanidhi Stalin?

• ATo remand him to judicial custody immediately
• BTo release him without any questioning
• CTo question him and release him on station bail without judicial custodyCorrect
• DTo file additional charges against him

Explanation Advocate General Vijay Narayan stated that the police intended to question Udhayanidhi Stalin and release him on station bail, not remand him to judicial custody.

Q3 How did the DMK describe Udhayanidhi Stalin's arrest?

• AAn act of justice
• BAn act of revengeCorrect
• CA routine police procedure
• DA political victory

Explanation The DMK called the arrest an 'act of revenge'.

Q1 From which reservoir did Karnataka release Cauvery water that reached Tamil Nadu's Hogenakkal?

• AKrishna reservoir
• BKabini reservoirCorrect
• CMettur reservoir
• DBhakra reservoir

Explanation The Karnataka government released Cauvery water from the Kabini reservoir, which reached Hogenakkal in Tamil Nadu.

Q2 What safety measures were imposed in Hogenakkal following the inflow of Cauvery water?

• ABan on fishing and boating
• BBan on bathing and coracle operationsCorrect
• CBan on all water activities
• DNo safety measures imposed

Explanation Authorities imposed a ban on bathing and coracle operations in Hogenakkal due to the increased water inflow.

Q3 What was the recorded inflow of Cauvery water at Hogenakkal after release from Kabini?

• A10,000 cusecs
• B15,000 cusecs
• C18,000 cusecsCorrect
• D20,000 cusecs

Explanation The inflow of Cauvery water at Hogenakkal was recorded at 18,000 cusecs.

Q1 Why did Tamil Nadu approach the Supreme Court regarding the Cauvery water dispute?

• ATo seek a fair share of Cauvery water from Karnataka due to inadequate releasesCorrect
• BTo demand Karnataka to stop all water releases
• CTo request more rainfall in the Cauvery basin
• DTo propose a new water-sharing agreement with Kerala

Explanation Tamil Nadu filed the petition citing inadequate water releases by Karnataka and seeking a fair share of Cauvery water.

Q2 What factors have revived the Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka?

• ADeficient rainfall and unresolved distress sharing issuesCorrect
• BExcessive rainfall and surplus water in reservoirs
• CNew water-sharing agreements signed recently
• DIntervention by the central government

Explanation Deficient rainfall and unresolved issues related to distress sharing have revived the Cauvery water dispute.

Q3 Which legal body is Tamil Nadu approaching to resolve the Cauvery water dispute?

• ASupreme Court of IndiaCorrect
• BNational Green Tribunal
• CCentral Water Commission
• DKarnataka High Court

Explanation Tamil Nadu has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking resolution of the Cauvery water dispute.

Q1 What was the main objective of the Registration of Births and Deaths Bill passed by the Rajya Sabha in 2026?

• ATo ensure every child born and every death is officially recordedCorrect
• BTo introduce new voting rights for children
• CTo reduce the voting age to 16 years
• DTo provide financial benefits to newborns

Explanation The bill aims to ensure that every birth and death is registered to maintain accurate records.

Q2 According to Union Minister Nityanand Rai, what issue does the bill aim to address?

• APreventing deceased persons from being counted as 'ghost voters'Correct
• BIncreasing birth rates in rural areas
• CPromoting digital voting systems
• DEnhancing healthcare facilities for newborns

Explanation The minister stated the bill prevents deceased persons from continuing as 'ghost voters,' which benefits parties pursuing 'appeasement politics.'

Q3 What was the reaction of the Opposition during the passage of the Registration of Births and Deaths Bill in the Rajya Sabha?

• AThey protested against the billCorrect
• BThey fully supported the bill
• CThey proposed amendments to the bill
• DThey boycotted the session

Explanation The Opposition protested during the passage of the bill in the Rajya Sabha.

Q1 What was the main concern of the Indian Statistical Institute community regarding the new government bill?

• AThreat to the institute's autonomyCorrect
• BIncrease in funding for the institute
• CExpansion of the institute's campus
• DIntroduction of new courses

Explanation The ISI community protested because they were concerned that the new bill would threaten the institute's autonomy.

Q2 According to the government, why do even small reforms at the Indian Statistical Institute require approval from the General Body?

• ABecause the institute is a private entity
• BBecause the regulations are prescriptiveCorrect
• CBecause the institute requested it
• DBecause of budgetary constraints

Explanation The government stated that since the regulations are prescriptive, even small reforms require General Body approval.

Q3 When was the protest march held on the ISI Kolkata campus?

• ALast year when the draft bill was first publishedCorrect
• BAfter the bill was passed
• CDuring the institute's annual festival
• DAt the time of the institute's founding anniversary

Explanation The protest march took place last year when the draft bill was first published.

Q1 What did the Supreme Court direct JioStar to do regarding its challenge to TRAI's tariff framework?

• AApproach the Delhi High CourtCorrect
• BFile a petition in the Supreme Court
• CAccept TRAI's regulations
• DApproach the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India

Explanation The Supreme Court asked JioStar to approach the Delhi High Court in its challenge to TRAI's tariff framework.

Q2 What is JioStar's main argument against TRAI's tariff orders and regulations?

• AThey impose unfair pricing by equating commercial and residential subscribersCorrect
• BThey allow unlimited pricing freedom
• CThey exclude residential subscribers from pricing
• DThey only regulate internet tariffs

Explanation JioStar argues that TRAI's tariff orders impose unfair pricing standards by equating commercial and residential subscribers.

Q3 Which aspects of TRAI's regulations are being challenged by JioStar?

• AMRP caps, pricing, and DTH distributionCorrect
• BInternet data limits
• CMobile call tariffs
• DBroadcast content regulations

Explanation The challenge involves regulations on maximum retail price caps, pricing, and direct-to-home (DTH) distribution.

Q1 Who demanded that Mark Zuckerberg apologise for the removal of PM Modi's video?

• ANishikant DubeyCorrect
• BNarendra Modi
• CMark Zuckerberg
• DParliamentary Committee on Finance

Explanation Nishikant Dubey, the parliamentary panel chief, demanded the apology.

Q2 What consequence did Nishikant Dubey warn Meta could face if Zuckerberg does not apologise?

• ABan on Facebook in India
• BWithdrawal of safe harbour protection under the IT ActCorrect
• CHeavy financial penalties
• DCriminal charges against Zuckerberg

Explanation Dubey warned that Meta could lose its safe harbour protection under the IT Act.

Q3 What was temporarily removed from Facebook, prompting the demand for an apology?

• AA video of PM Narendra ModiCorrect
• BA post by Nishikant Dubey
• CA Meta company announcement
• DA news article about IT Act

Explanation The temporary removal of PM Narendra Modi's video from Facebook triggered the demand.

Q1 What action did Vinesh Phogat and other female wrestlers decide to take after Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's acquittal?

• AAccept the court's decision
• BAppeal against the acquittalCorrect
• CWithdraw all complaints
• DSupport Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

Explanation Vinesh Phogat and female wrestlers announced they will appeal the decision following Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh's acquittal.

Q2 According to Vinesh Phogat, what was the role of the government and system in Brij Bhushan's acquittal?

• AThey were impartial
• BThey were trying to protect Brij BhushanCorrect
• CThey were unaware of the case
• DThey supported the wrestlers

Explanation Vinesh Phogat stated that the government and the system were working to protect Brij Bhushan.

Q3 Who is Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in the context of this news?

• AA wrestler acquitted in a legal caseCorrect
• BA government official supporting wrestlers
• CA coach of the Indian wrestling team
• DAn athlete appealing a court decision

Explanation Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh is the individual who was acquitted and whose acquittal is being appealed by female wrestlers.

Q1 Which regulatory body issued a prohibition order against Dabur for misleading '100%' claims?

• AFSSAICorrect
• BFDA
• CBIS
• DAGMARK

Explanation The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued the prohibition order against Dabur.

Q2 Which of the following Dabur products was NOT mentioned in the FSSAI prohibition order for misleading claims?

• AHoney
• BApple Cider Vinegar
• CVirgin Coconut Oil
• DToothpasteCorrect

Explanation Toothpaste was not listed among the products with misleading '100%' claims; the order mentioned Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar, Virgin Coconut Oil, and others.

Q3 What was the main reason for FSSAI's prohibition order against Dabur?

• AMisleading '100%' claims on productsCorrect
• BUse of banned ingredients
• CPoor manufacturing practices
• DFailure to pay taxes

Explanation FSSAI issued the order due to misleading '100%' claims on Dabur's products.

Q1 Who has been appointed as the new CEO of IndiGo?

• AWillie WalshCorrect
• BRakesh Jhunjhunwala
• CAditya Ghosh
• DRahul Bhatia

Explanation Willie Walsh, the former IATA chief, has been appointed as the new CEO of IndiGo.

Q2 What is one of the key responsibilities of Willie Walsh as IndiGo's CEO?

• ALeading the airline's global expansionCorrect
• BManaging domestic flight operations only
• CFocusing solely on cargo services
• DOverseeing in-flight catering

Explanation Willie Walsh will lead IndiGo's global expansion, international network growth, and long-term strategy.

Q3 Willie Walsh was formerly the chief of which organization?

• AInternational Air Transport Association (IATA)Correct
• BAir India
• CBoeing
• DInternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

Explanation Willie Walsh was the former chief of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Q1 Which company has moved the Bombay High Court against the FSSAI's flavouring order?

• AUnited SpiritsCorrect
• BRadico Khaitan
• CUnited Breweries
• DSula Vineyards

Explanation United Spirits, owned by Diageo India, challenged the FSSAI's crackdown by moving the Bombay High Court.

Q2 What is the main issue United Spirits is challenging in the Bombay High Court?

• ATaxation on liquor sales
• BFlavouring and labelling practices enforcementCorrect
• CAdvertising restrictions
• DImport duties on liquor

Explanation United Spirits challenged the FSSAI's crackdown on flavouring and labelling practices.

Q3 Which regulatory body is enforcing the crackdown on the IMFL industry?

• AFood Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)Correct
• BCentral Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)
• CMinistry of Commerce
• DBureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

Explanation FSSAI is the regulator enforcing the crackdown on flavouring and labelling in the IMFL industry.

Q1 Who is expected to introduce the Bill proposing easier tax rules for offshore funds in the Lok Sabha?

• APrime Minister Narendra Modi
• BFinance Minister Nirmala SitharamanCorrect
• CMinister of Commerce Piyush Goyal
• DMinister of Finance Arun Jaitley

Explanation The Bill is expected to be introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha.

Q2 What is the main objective of the proposed reforms related to offshore funds?

• ATo increase tax rates on foreign investments
• BTo simplify investment rules and attract more foreign capitalCorrect
• CTo ban offshore funds managed from India
• DTo reduce domestic investment opportunities

Explanation The reforms aim to simplify investment rules, strengthen tax certainty, and attract more overseas fund managers and foreign capital.

Q3 Which legislative body is the Bill on easing tax relief for offshore funds expected to be introduced in?

• ARajya Sabha
• BLok SabhaCorrect
• CState Legislative Assembly
• DFinance Commission

Explanation The Bill is expected to be introduced in the Lok Sabha.

Q1 What was the main reason for the slowdown in India's manufacturing activity in July 2026 according to the HSBC PMI?

• ASharp moderation in new ordersCorrect
• BIncrease in inflationary pressures
• CDecline in export demand
• DRise in employment levels

Explanation The slowdown was mainly due to a sharp moderation in new orders, which curbed input purchasing.

Q2 Which of the following factors showed improvement despite the slowdown in India's manufacturing sector in July 2026?

• AExport demand strengthenedCorrect
• BNew orders increased
• CInflationary pressures intensified
• DSupplier delivery times lengthened

Explanation Export demand strengthened even as the manufacturing activity growth slowed.

Q3 What does the HSBC India Manufacturing PMI measure?

• AOverall manufacturing conditions including new orders, output, employment, supplier delivery times, and stocks of purchasesCorrect
• BOnly the export demand of manufacturing goods
• CInflation rates in the manufacturing sector
• DEmployment trends in the service sector

Explanation The PMI is a gauge of overall manufacturing conditions derived from multiple measures including new orders, output, employment, supplier delivery times, and stocks of purchases.

Q1 What percentage stake in LIC is the Centre planning to sell in the August 2026 OFS?

• A5%
• B6.5%Correct
• C10%
• D15%

Explanation The Centre will sell up to 6.5% stake in LIC as per the announcement.

Q2 At what floor price per share will the Centre sell LIC shares in the OFS?

• A₹350
• B₹382Correct
• C₹400
• D₹420

Explanation The floor price for LIC shares in the OFS is set at ₹382 per share.

Q3 On which date can retail investors bid for LIC shares in the OFS?

• AAugust 3
• BAugust 4
• CAugust 5Correct
• DAugust 6

Explanation Retail investors can bid on August 5 during the two-day OFS.

Q1 What milestone did Ather Energy achieve as a new-age EV two-wheeler maker?

• AReached EBITDA breakevenCorrect
• BLaunched first electric car
• CStarted exports to Europe
• DReceived government subsidy

Explanation Ather became the first new-age EV two-wheeler maker to achieve EBITDA breakeven.

Q2 By what percentage did Ather's sales increase during the June quarter?

• A81%Correct
• B50%
• C100%
• D25%

Explanation Ather's sales increased by 81% during the June quarter.

Q3 What external event contributed to Ather's EV sales boom?

• AWest Asia warCorrect
• BGlobal chip shortage
• CNew government policy
• DMonsoon season

Explanation The West Asia war-driven EV boom helped increase Ather's sales.

Q1 What did Trump describe the ongoing US-Iran talks as?

• AA routine diplomatic discussion
• BTehran's last chance to reach a dealCorrect
• CA minor negotiation with no urgency
• DAn opportunity to increase sanctions

Explanation Trump called the talks Tehran's 'last chance' to reach a deal, emphasizing their urgency.

Q2 What is one of the main goals of the US-Iran talks mentioned by Trump?

• ATo increase shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz
• BTo reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address US concerns about Iran's nuclear programCorrect
• CTo establish a military alliance between the US and Iran
• DTo impose new economic sanctions on Iran

Explanation Trump stated the talks aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create a pathway to address US concerns about Iran's nuclear program.

Q3 What has been a consequence of the US-Iran conflict prior to these talks?

• AIncreased trade between the US and Iran
• BDisruption of shipping through the Strait of HormuzCorrect
• CResolution of regional security concerns
• DExpansion of Iran's nuclear program

Explanation The conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and heightened regional security concerns.

Q1 Which organization has threatened FIFA with legal action over a failed World Cup stake sale?

• AFIFA
• BUEFACorrect
• CAFC
• DCONMEBOL

Explanation UEFA has threatened FIFA with legal action over the failed plan to sell World Cup stakes.

Q2 Who among the following FIFA executives was named in UEFA's letter to retain evidence?

• AGianni InfantinoCorrect
• BSepp Blatter
• CMichel Platini
• DDidier Deschamps

Explanation Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, was named among the 18 executives in UEFA's letter.

Q3 What did UEFA instruct the named FIFA executives to retain?

• AOnly financial records
• BOnly electronic messages
• CData, documents, and electronic messagesCorrect
• DOnly contracts related to players

Explanation UEFA instructed the executives to retain data, documents, and electronic messages as potential evidence.