Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19 August 2026: 15 Important GK MCQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams

Question 1

AppCoMS 2.0, launched on 17 August 2026 for managing RTI Second Appeals and Complaints, was introduced by which institution?

Accepted Answer

Central Information Commission - Central Information Commission (CIC) launched AppCoMS 2.0 on 17 August 2026 as an upgraded digital platform for Second Appeals and Complaints under the RTI framework. • AppCoMS → Appeal and Complaint Management System • The upgraded portal supports account creation, online case tracking and digital signing of notices and orders through Digital Signature Certificates . Static GK link: The original AppCoMS platform was introduced in September 2016 . The CIC was constituted under the Right to Information Act, 2005 and handles Second Appeals and Complaints submitted to it.

Question 2

The Central Information Commission, which launched AppCoMS 2.0 in August 2026, was constituted under which law?

Accepted Answer

Right to Information Act, 2005 - The Central Information Commission was constituted under the Right to Information Act, 2005 . Its August 2026 update was the launch of AppCoMS 2.0 , which digitises the handling of Second Appeals and Complaints. • Launch date → 17 August 2026 • Users can track case timelines, documents, hearing notices and final decisions online. Static GK link: AppCoMS means Appeal and Complaint Management System . The first version was introduced in September 2016 , while AppCoMS 2.0 adds end-to-end digital case management and support for digitally signed notices and orders.

Question 3

Which SEBI portal launched in August 2026 serves as a central hub for cybersecurity alerts, knowledge resources, policy measures and incident insights?

Accepted Answer

Cyber Suraksha - Cyber Suraksha is the SEBI portal designed as a central cybersecurity information-sharing hub for the securities-market ecosystem. It was launched in August 2026 alongside the SEBI Incident Reporting portal. • Launch setting → SEBI's Symposium on Cyber Defence in Mumbai, scheduled for 17-21 August 2026 • Cyber Suraksha circulates vulnerability alerts, policy measures, knowledge resources and incident insights. Static GK link: The Incident Reporting portal aligns with the FSB's FIRE format for greater consistency in cross-border financial cyber-incident reporting. SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey also inaugurated a RegTech Lab at NISM's Patalganga campus.

Question 4

West Bengal launched Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY on 16 August 2026. What annual cashless hospitalisation cover per family is provided under the scheme?

Accepted Answer

Rs 5 lakh - West Bengal launched Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY on 16 August 2026 , designating the day as Ayushman Diwas . The scheme provides annual cashless hospitalisation cover of Rs 5 lakh per family . • Coverage in the state → around 1.5 crore families • Centre-State cost sharing → 60:40 • Empanelled hospitals in West Bengal → 1,930 . Static GK link: PM-JAY was launched nationally on 23 September 2018 and is implemented by the National Health Authority . The expanded national framework also covers eligible citizens aged 70 years and above .

Question 5

How many pucca houses were sanctioned for Rajasthan under PMAY-G on 17 August 2026?

Accepted Answer

2,89,355 - The Government sanctioned 2,89,355 pucca houses for Rajasthan under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) on 17 August 2026 . Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the package with an outlay of Rs 3,473 crore . • Potential beneficiaries surveyed → 29,13,749 • The same update also cited Rs 340.59 crore under PM-RKVY. Static GK link: PMAY-G was launched in 2016 after restructuring the Indira Awaas Yojana . Its nodal ministry is the Ministry of Rural Development .

Question 6

QpiAI established an advanced Quantum Processing Unit facility in August 2026 in which Indian city?

Accepted Answer

Bengaluru - QpiAI established its advanced Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka , strengthening indigenous quantum-hardware and quantum-computing infrastructure. • Core technology → Quantum Computing • Core hardware → Quantum Processing Unit • Policy context → National Quantum Mission . Static GK link: A QPU performs quantum computation using qubits rather than conventional binary bits. The article links the Bengaluru facility to India's effort to build domestic quantum-computing systems, reduce reliance on overseas infrastructure and strengthen the wider quantum-technology ecosystem.

Question 7

A Quantum Processing Unit, highlighted by QpiAI's Bengaluru facility, performs computation using what basic units of quantum information?

Accepted Answer

Qubits - A Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) performs quantum computation using qubits , rather than the conventional binary bits used in ordinary computing. This distinction is central to the QpiAI facility highlighted in the 19 August 2026 current-affairs article. • Organisation → QpiAI • Location → Bengaluru, Karnataka • Broader policy context → National Quantum Mission . Static GK link: The article connects indigenous QPU development with stronger domestic quantum-computing capacity, reduced reliance on overseas quantum infrastructure and expansion of India's broader quantum technology ecosystem .

Question 8

SEMICON India 2026, the fifth edition of the event, is scheduled for 17-19 September 2026 at which venue?

Accepted Answer

Yashobhoomi, New Delhi - SEMICON India 2026 , the fifth edition , is scheduled for 17-19 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi . Its theme is 'Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem' . • Expected exhibitors → more than 500 • Expected participation → stakeholders from more than 40 countries • Focus areas include AI, digital transformation and semiconductor supply-chain resilience. Static GK link: The event is organised by the India Semiconductor Mission, MeitY and SEMI . The Semicon India Programme is intended to strengthen domestic semiconductor design and manufacturing capabilities.

Question 9

Vulcan, described in August 2026 as India's first transformer-based AI foundation model built specifically for payments, was launched by which company?

Accepted Answer

Razorpay - Razorpay launched Vulcan on 18 August 2026 . It was described as India's first transformer-based AI foundation model built specifically for payments . • Intended uses → transaction routing, fraud detection and payment-failure reduction • Training and analysis scale → roughly 3 trillion data points • Technology partners cited → NVIDIA and AWS. Static GK link: Vulcan uses transformer-based artificial intelligence . The company reports payment-success improvements of up to 10% and also positions the model for stronger detection of international-card fraud and disputed transactions.

Question 10

India's first Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems was launched during a side event at which conference and host city?

Accepted Answer

UNCCD COP17 - Ulaanbaatar - India launched its first-ever Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs) during a side event at UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia . The initiative was launched under the guidance of MoEFCC . • Landscapes covered include Himalayan and Terai grasslands, the Thar and Banni landscapes and Deccan savannas • It also covers scrublands, rocky plateaus, ravines, coastal systems and deserts. Static GK link: The guide highlights themes such as pastoralism, fire ecology and carbon sequestration . The article notes that open natural ecosystems have often been overlooked because of their naturally low tree cover.

Question 11

Which combination correctly gives the establishment year and headquarters of the UNCCD, linked to India's new grasslands guide?

Accepted Answer

1994 - Bonn - The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 and has its headquarters in Bonn, Germany . These facts are directly linked to India's grasslands and open-natural-ecosystems initiative highlighted at UNCCD COP17. • Host city for COP17 → Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia • Indian initiative → first Guide to Grasslands and Other Open Natural Ecosystems . Static GK link: The guide covers grasslands, savannas, scrublands, rocky plateaus, ravines, coastal systems and deserts, while drawing attention to pastoralism, fire ecology and carbon sequestration as important themes for conservation and restoration.

Question 12

How many knowledge compendiums were unveiled at the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting chaired by India on 18 August 2026?

Accepted Answer

Four - The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting , chaired by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on 18 August 2026 , unveiled four knowledge compendiums on environmental cooperation. • One covers sustainable lifestyles , including Mission LiFE and circular-economy practices • Another addresses integrated wildfire management and early-warning systems • The others cover landscape restoration, biodiversity, Extended Producer Responsibility, digital traceability and recycling. Static GK link: India holds the BRICS chairship in 2026 . The meeting used the compendiums to consolidate practical cooperation across major environmental-policy themes.

Question 13

How many strategically important items are included in the sixth Positive Indigenisation List notified by the Ministry of Defence on 18 August 2026?

Accepted Answer

405 - The Ministry of Defence notified the sixth Positive Indigenisation List on 18 August 2026 with 405 strategically important items to promote domestic defence manufacturing and reduce import dependence. • Indian Coast Guard items → 16 • DPSU items → 389 • Estimated business potential → Rs 3,070 crore . Static GK link: The requirements are made available to industry through the SRIJAN Portal , launched in August 2020 . The article states that more than 15,700 defence items were indigenised in the previous five years, with import substitution of around Rs 9,000 crore .

Question 14

Which company became the first Indian firm to secure GE Aerospace S400 laboratory approval for international metallic-material testing in August 2026?

Accepted Answer

MIDHANI - Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) became the first Indian company to secure GE Aerospace S400 laboratory approval on 18 August 2026 . The qualification covers a defined scope of chemical, mechanical and metallurgical testing of metallic materials. • It enables MIDHANI's laboratory to support the global GE Aerospace supply chain • Continuing surveillance audits are required for the approved scope. Static GK link: MIDHANI was established in 1973 , is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana , and is a Mini-Ratna Category-I PSU under the Ministry of Defence. The S400 laboratory approval is unrelated to Russia's S-400 air-defence system.

Question 15

Which system completed its maiden flight in Lucknow on 11 August 2026 and was described as India's first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition?

Accepted Answer

Divyastra Mk3 - Divyastra Mk3 completed its maiden flight in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on 11 August 2026 . It was described as India's first indigenous jet-powered loitering munition and was developed by Kawa UAV Pvt. Ltd. (HoverIt) . • Indigenous jet engine → developed by DG Propulsion • Development-to-maiden-flight timeline → about one calendar year . Static GK link: A loitering munition can remain airborne before engaging an identified target. The same source also reports final-configuration trials of DRDO's ULPGM-V3 near Kurnool in air-to-ground and air-to-air engagement modes.

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