Daily Current Affairs 15 August 2026

Q1 What natural disasters caused casualties in Arunachal Pradesh as reported?

• AEarthquake and cyclone
• BFlash flood and landslideCorrect
• CDrought and wildfire
• DTsunami and avalanche

Explanation Heavy rainfall triggered a flash flood and a massive landslide in Arunachal Pradesh, causing casualties.

Q2 How many Army personnel were reported missing after the flash flood in Arunachal Pradesh?

• AFour
• BFiveCorrect
• CSix
• DSeven

Explanation Five Army personnel were reported missing in Dibang Valley district after the flash flood.

Q3 In which districts of Arunachal Pradesh did the flash flood and landslide occur?

• ADibang Valley and Upper SubansiriCorrect
• BTawang and West Kameng
• CPapum Pare and Lohit
• DChanglang and East Siang

Explanation The flash flood occurred in Dibang Valley district and the landslide in Upper Subansiri district.

Q1 What major initiative did PM Modi announce on the 80th Independence Day for youth?

• AAI training for 1 crore youthCorrect
• BLaunch of a new space mission
• CIncrease in agricultural subsidies
• DIntroduction of a new tax reform

Explanation PM Modi announced AI training for 1 crore youth as a key initiative on Independence Day.

Q2 What is the purpose of the initiatives announced by PM Modi on Independence Day?

• ATo promote tourism in India
• BTo empower youth and build a Viksit BharatCorrect
• CTo increase exports
• DTo reduce inflation

Explanation The initiatives aim to empower youth and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Q3 Besides AI training, what other support did PM Modi announce for youth?

• AFree online coachingCorrect
• BFree housing schemes
• CSubsidized healthcare
• DScholarships for foreign study

Explanation PM Modi announced free online coaching programs along with AI training for youth.

Q1 How many consecutive Independence Day speeches has PM Narendra Modi delivered as of 2026?

• A10
• B12Correct
• C15
• D17

Explanation PM Modi has delivered 12 consecutive Independence Day speeches, second only to Jawaharlal Nehru's 17.

Q2 Which sectors did PM Modi emphasize in his 2026 Independence Day speech for India's development?

• AAgriculture and textiles
• BDigital technologies and nuclear energyCorrect
• CTourism and education
• DAutomobile and steel

Explanation PM Modi highlighted digital technologies and nuclear energy as key sectors for achieving a developed India by 2047.

Q3 What was notable about PM Modi's Independence Day speech in 2026?

• AIt was the longest speech in 10 years
• BIt was the shortest speech in 4 yearsCorrect
• CHe announced a new national holiday
• DHe broke the record for most speeches

Explanation The 2026 speech was PM Modi's shortest Independence Day speech in four years.

Q1 Who led the Maharashtra FDA raids on Bollywood Cafe and quick-commerce hubs?

• ATukaram MundheCorrect
• BUddhav Thackeray
• CDevendra Fadnavis
• DAjit Pawar

Explanation The raids were led by Tukaram Mundhe as stated in the source.

Q2 What action was taken against units with hygiene violations during the Maharashtra FDA raids?

• ALicences of 14 units suspended and 60 improvement notices issuedCorrect
• BAll units were shut down permanently
• COnly warnings were issued
• DNo action was taken

Explanation The source states that licences of 14 units were suspended and 60 improvement notices were issued.

Q3 How many quick-commerce hubs were inspected by Maharashtra FDA during the raids?

• A86Correct
• B14
• C60
• D100

Explanation The source mentions that 86 quick-commerce hubs were inspected.

Q1 For what reason was IPS officer Nupur Prasad awarded the President's Medal for Meritorious Service?

• AFor leading the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput's deathCorrect
• BFor her role in traffic management in Delhi
• CFor contributions to cyber security
• DFor community policing initiatives

Explanation Nupur Prasad was awarded the President's Medal for Meritorious Service due to her role in the CBI investigation of Sushant Singh Rajput's death.

Q2 What does the President's Medal for Meritorious Service recognize?

• ABravery in combat
• BValuable service distinguished by resourcefulness and dedication to dutyCorrect
• CLong service in the police force
• DExcellence in sports

Explanation The President's Medal for Meritorious Service is conferred for valuable service distinguished by resourcefulness and dedication to duty.

Q1 What term did PM Narendra Modi use in his 13th Independence Day speech to describe India's past economic challenges?

• AFragile FiveCorrect
• BBRICS
• CG7
• DEmerging Seven

Explanation PM Modi referred to India as part of the 'Fragile Five' to highlight past economic challenges.

Q2 According to PM Modi's speech, what has India become after moving beyond the 'Fragile Five' phase?

• AA leading major economyCorrect
• BA developing country
• CA fragile economy
• DA small economy

Explanation PM Modi stated that India has transformed into a leading major economy.

Q3 How many consecutive Independence Day speeches has PM Modi delivered including the one where he mentioned the 'Fragile Five'?

• A13Correct
• B10
• C15
• D12

Explanation The speech mentioning the 'Fragile Five' was PM Modi's 13th consecutive Independence Day address.

Q1 What did PM Narendra Modi request from the youth on Independence Day 2027 regarding Census 2027?

• ATo help families ensure error-free census dataCorrect
• BTo conduct the entire census independently
• CTo ignore the census process
• DTo focus only on urban census data

Explanation PM Modi asked the youth to help their families ensure accurate and error-free data recording for Census 2027.

Q2 How much time did PM Modi suggest the youth dedicate to helping with Census 2027 data recording?

• AJust an hour or twoCorrect
• BA full day
• CA week
• DNo specific time mentioned

Explanation PM Modi emphasized that just an hour or two of the youth's time would be sufficient to help ensure accurate census data.

Q1 What major change did the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announce regarding TV advertisements?

• AIntroduction of a new 10-minute cap on ad breaks
• BScrapping the 20-year-old 12-minute cap on ad breaksCorrect
• CReducing ad breaks to 5 minutes
• DBanning advertisements during prime time

Explanation The Ministry scrapped the 20-year-old rule that limited TV ad breaks to 12 minutes.

Q2 Why did the I&B Ministry decide to remove the 12-minute cap on TV ad breaks?

• ABecause the television landscape has drastically evolved since 2006Correct
• BTo increase government revenue from advertisements
• CDue to complaints from viewers about too many ads
• DTo align with international broadcasting standards

Explanation The ministry stated the 2006 rule was obsolete due to drastic changes in the television landscape.

Q3 Since when was the 12-minute cap on TV advertisement breaks in place before being scrapped?

• ASince 2010
• BSince 2006Correct
• CSince 2015
• DSince 2000

Explanation The 12-minute cap on TV ad breaks was a rule from 2006.

Q1 What did President Murmu emphasize about exams in her Independence Day eve address?

• AExams must be more secureCorrect
• BExams should be abolished
• CExams should be made easier
• DExams should be conducted online only

Explanation President Murmu called for reforms to make examinations more secure, addressing concerns about paper leaks.

Q2 How did President Murmu describe students in her address?

• AAs the architects of India's futureCorrect
• BAs the leaders of the present
• CAs the critics of the system
• DAs the beneficiaries of reforms

Explanation She described students as the architects of India's future, emphasizing their importance.

Q3 According to President Murmu, what is required to safeguard the present and future of students?

• ACollective effortsCorrect
• BGovernment funding only
• CTechnological advancements
• DPrivate sector involvement

Explanation She stated that safeguarding students' present and future requires collective efforts.

Q1 Why was Union Health Minister JP Nadda admitted to AIIMS?

• AFor a routine check-up
• BAfter experiencing uneasinessCorrect
• CFor a scheduled surgery
• DTo attend a conference

Explanation JP Nadda was admitted to AIIMS after experiencing uneasiness.

Q2 What procedure did JP Nadda undergo at AIIMS?

• AMRI scan
• BCoronary angiographyCorrect
• CKidney dialysis
• DBrain surgery

Explanation JP Nadda underwent a coronary angiography at AIIMS.

Q3 In which department is JP Nadda under observation at AIIMS?

• ANeurology
• BCardiologyCorrect
• COrthopedics
• DGastroenterology

Explanation JP Nadda is under observation in the cardiology department at AIIMS.

Q1 What change did the Indian government make to the windfall gains tax on petrol exports in early August?

• AIncreased it significantly
• BReduced it to zeroCorrect
• CMaintained the previous rate
• DImposed a new tax

Explanation The government cut the windfall gains tax on petrol exports to zero starting early August.

Q2 By how much did the government reduce the excise duty on diesel per litre?

• A₹2.5 per litre
• B₹1.5 per litreCorrect
• C₹3 per litre
• DNo reduction

Explanation The excise duty on diesel was reduced by ₹1.5 per litre.

Q3 What was the reduction in excise duty on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)?

• A₹1.5 per litre
• B₹2.5 per litreCorrect
• C₹3 per litre
• DNo change

Explanation The excise duty on ATF was cut by ₹2.5 per litre.

Q1 By what percentage did passenger vehicle dispatches increase in India in July 2026 according to SIAM?

• A22.6%
• B34.3%Correct
• C15.6%
• D19.2%

Explanation SIAM reported a 34.3% year-on-year increase in passenger vehicle dispatches in July 2026.

Q2 How many two-wheelers were sold in India in July 2026 as per SIAM data?

• A1,569,120 units
• B1,923,483 unitsCorrect
• C457,810 units
• D2,000,000 units

Explanation Two-wheeler sales rose to 1,923,483 units in July 2026, up from 1,569,120 units in July 2025.

Q3 What factor did SIAM cite as improving ahead of the key festive period in July 2026?

• ASupply chain conditions
• BDemand conditionsCorrect
• CExport orders
• DFuel prices

Explanation SIAM noted that demand conditions were improving ahead of the key festive period.

Q1 What is the primary purpose of Google's Gemini 3.7 Flash AI model?

• AEnhancing coding and agent workflowsCorrect
• BImproving search engine algorithms
• CDeveloping autonomous vehicles
• DAdvancing quantum computing

Explanation The Gemini 3.7 Flash AI model is designed to enhance coding and agent workflows as per the sources.

Q2 Who has urged Google's AI staff to fully commit to the Gemini model?

• ASundar Pichai
• BSergey BrinCorrect
• CLarry Page
• DEric Schmidt

Explanation Sergey Brin, Google's co-founder, has urged key AI staff to go all in on the Gemini model.

Q3 What is Alphabet's strategic goal with the Gemini AI model?

• ATo close the gap with AI rivalsCorrect
• BTo enter the gaming industry
• CTo reduce cloud computing costs
• DTo launch a new smartphone

Explanation Alphabet aims to close the gap with rivals in AI technology through the Gemini model.

Q1 What was India's response to Pakistan's claim about the Indus Waters Treaty?

• AIndia changed its position on the treaty
• BIndia maintained its unchanged position on the treatyCorrect
• CIndia agreed to renegotiate the treaty
• DIndia suspended the treaty unilaterally

Explanation India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that India's position on the Indus Waters Treaty remains unchanged despite Pakistan's accusations.

Q2 What did Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office accuse India of regarding the Indus Waters Treaty?

• AStrengthening the treaty
• BUnilaterally and illegally suspending the treatyCorrect
• CIgnoring Pakistan's water needs
• DProposing a new treaty

Explanation Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office accused India of unilaterally and illegally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty.

Q3 How did Pakistan describe its water issue in response to India's actions?

• AA negotiable matter
• BA red line issueCorrect
• CAn internal matter
• DA shared resource

Explanation Pakistan declared that its water is a red line issue following India's actions related to the treaty.

Q1 What significant event related to Fidel Castro was marked on August 13, 2026?

• AHis 100th birth anniversaryCorrect
• BHis death anniversary
• CThe anniversary of the Cuban Revolution
• DThe release of his autobiography

Explanation August 13, 2026, marked the 100th birth anniversary of Fidel Castro.

Q2 What was the theme of the quiz published on August 13, 2026, in The Hindu?

• AFidel Castro and his revolutionary legacyCorrect
• BEvents related to the letter Z
• CCuban culture and history
• DGlobal political leaders

Explanation The quiz focused on Fidel Castro and his revolutionary legacy to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary.

Q3 Which of the following best describes Fidel Castro?

• AA revolutionary leaderCorrect
• BA famous scientist
• CA renowned author
• DA sports personality

Explanation Fidel Castro is known as a revolutionary leader.

Q1 What is the primary focus of the talks between India and Russia as mentioned by the MEA?

• ADeepening cooperation on the Northern Sea RouteCorrect
• BJoint military exercises in the Arctic region
• CDeveloping a new space exploration program
• DEstablishing a free trade agreement

Explanation The talks between India and Russia focus on deepening cooperation on the Northern Sea Route, as stated by the MEA.

Q2 Why is Moscow developing the Northern Sea Route?

• AAs a major Europe-Asia trade linkCorrect
• BFor exclusive military use
• CTo promote tourism in the Arctic
• DTo establish a fishing zone

Explanation Moscow is developing the Northern Sea Route as a major Europe-Asia trade link.

Q3 What is India exploring in relation to the Northern Sea Route?

• AConnectivity opportunities along the Arctic corridorCorrect
• BBuilding naval bases in the Arctic
• CLaunching satellites from the Arctic region
• DSetting up research stations for climate studies

Explanation India is exploring connectivity opportunities along the Arctic corridor associated with the Northern Sea Route.

Q1 How many police officers from Tamil Nadu were awarded the President’s Medals on Independence Day?

• A15
• B20Correct
• C25
• D30

Explanation The Government of India announced President’s Medals for 20 police officers from Tamil Nadu.

Q2 What is the weight of the gold medal presented to each recipient of the President’s Medal in Tamil Nadu?

• A5 grams
• B8 gramsCorrect
• C10 grams
• D12 grams

Explanation Each recipient will be presented with a gold medal weighing eight grams.

Q3 Who will present the Police Medals to 15 officers and personnel in Tamil Nadu on Independence Day?

• AGovernor of Tamil Nadu
• BPrime Minister of India
• CTamil Nadu CM VijayCorrect
• DUnion Home Minister

Explanation Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay will present medals to 15 officers and personnel.

Q1 What occasion was Chennai celebrating when The Hindu Weekend featured romantic haunts in the city?

• AChennai's 387th Madras DayCorrect
• BChennai's Republic Day
• CChennai's Independence Day
• DChennai's Foundation Day

Explanation The Hindu Weekend featured romantic haunts as part of Chennai's 387th Madras Day celebrations.

Q2 Which location is highlighted as a quiet date spot with a wooded walkway by the river in Chennai?

• AMarina Beach
• BAdyar parkCorrect
• CGuindy National Park
• DSemmozhi Poonga

Explanation The hidden Adyar park by the Adyar River is noted for its wooded walkway and is a quiet date spot in Chennai.

Q3 What feature makes the hidden Adyar park a popular spot for couples in Chennai?

• AIts amusement rides
• BWooded walkway and peaceful environmentCorrect
• CShopping facilities
• DLarge open grounds for sports

Explanation The wooded walkway and peaceful environment of Adyar park make it ideal for walks and conversations, attracting couples.