Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  04th July  2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) In July 2026, which bank partnered with NPCI and JP Morgan Payments to provide real-time Foreign Exchange (FX) rates for cross-border UPI transactions?

(a) ICICI Bank

(b) HSBC India

(c) Axis Bank

(d) Standard Chartered Bank

(e) HDFC Bank

 

2) As of 2026, the concluding National Awareness Programme of ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah’ was held at which institution in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, under the leadership of Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar?

(a) Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya

(b) Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV)

(c) IIT Roorkee

(d) Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University

(e) Uttarakhand Ayurved University

 

3) Under the newly notified Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, what minimum balance must an EPFO member retain in the EPF account before making a partial withdrawal?

(a) 10% of the EPF balance

(b) 20% of the EPF balance

(c) 25% of the EPF balance

(d) 30% of the EPF balance

(e) 50% of the EPF balance

 

4) Under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which came into force from 1 July 2026, the statutory wage employment guarantee for every eligible rural household has been increased to how many days?

(a) 115 days

(b) 110 days

(c) 120 days

(d) 125 days

(e) 150 days

 

5) In July 2026, which police force launched ‘Operation Surakshit Cyberspace’ to strengthen cyber safety for women and children?

(a) Maharashtra Police

(b) Gujarat Police

(c) Rajasthan Police

(d) Uttar Pradesh Police

(e) Madhya Pradesh Police

 

6) From 2027, the International Booker Prize will be officially renamed as the_________

(a) Bukhman International Booker Prize

(b) Global Booker Literature Prize

(c) Playrix International Booker Prize

(d) Translated Literature Booker Prize

(e) Bukhman World Literary Prize

 

7) As per the recent news, Dr. A. Jayathilak, who retired on 30 June 2026, was succeeded as the Chief Secretary of Kerala by____________

(a) Biswanath Sinha

(b) V. Venu

(c) T.K. Jose

(d) Santhi Kumari

(e) Rajesh Kumar Sinha

 

5) In news, Former ISRO scientist Mylswamy Annadurai has been appointed by the Government of Tamil Nadu as the Chairman of which committee for School Education?

(a) School Education Reform Committee

(b) Tamil Nadu Academic Planning Council

(c) State Education Advisory Board

(d) Digital Learning Mission Committee

(e) Curriculum Design Committee (CDC)

 

9) As per the news, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 3 July 2026 accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to multiple defence acquisition proposals worth approximately__________

(a) ₹32,000 crore

(b) ₹40,000 crore

(c) ₹52,000 crore

(d) ₹60,000 crore

(e) ₹75,000 crore

 

10) As per the news, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of 100% shareholding in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) by an Aditya Birla Group-led consortium from which company?

(a) Diageo India Limited

(b) United Breweries Limited

(c) Royal Challengers Bengaluru Holdings Limited

(d) United Spirits Limited

(e) Aditya Birla Capital Limited

 

11) As per the news, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 40% equity stake in Tiki Tar and Shell India Private Limited (TTSIPL) from which company?

(a) Shell India Markets Private Limited

(b) Shell Overseas Investments B.V.

(c) Shell Lubricants India Private Limited

(d) Shell Energy India Private Limited

(e) Shell Global Solutions India Private Limited

 

12) As per the news, Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) announced the acquisition of Deutsche Bank India’s Retail Banking, Private Banking, and Wealth Management business for:

(a) ₹181.7 crore

(b) ₹231.7 crore

(c) ₹281.7 crore

(d) ₹381.7 crore

(e) ₹481.7 crore

 

13) As per the news, the 4th Animal Taxonomy Summit (ATS 4.0) was organised in Kolkata, West Bengal to commemorate the 111th Foundation Day of which institution?

(a) Botanical Survey of India (BSI)

(b) Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

(c) Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

(d) National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

(e) Forest Survey of India (FSI)

14) As per the news, the newly renovated State-of-the-Art Skill Development Center at CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune was inaugurated by whom?

(a) Dr. Vinay Kumar

(b) Dr. Ashish Lele

(c) Dr. Rajesh Gonnade

(d) Mrs. Kanika Goel

(e) Dr. Jitendra Singh

15) As per the news, SHE-LEAPS was launched on which date during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan held in New Delhi?

(a) 26 June 2026

(b) 27 June 2026

(c) 28 June 2026

(d) 29 June 2026

(e) 30 June 2026

 

16) As per the news, consider the following statements about the National Narcotics Helpline MANAS:

1. MANAS stands for Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra.
2. It was launched on 18 July 2024 under the aegis of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs.
3. Calls related to counselling under MANAS are transferred to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s De-addiction Helpline – 14446.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All are correct

(e) 2 only

 

17) As per the news, Harshavardhan G.B. recently became India’s 97th Chess Grandmaster (GM). He belongs to which city?

(a) Bengaluru

(b) Chennai

(c) Hyderabad

(d) Pune

(e) Kolkata

 

18) As per the news, India finished first in the medal standings at the 5th ISSF Junior World Championship 2026 held in Suhl, Germany, with a total of_____

(a) 20 medals

(b) 22 medals

(c) 24 medals

(d) 26 medals

(e) 28 medals

 

19) As per the news, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a men’s FIFA World Cup knockout match after scoring against which team in the Round of 32?

(a) Spain

(b) Argentina

(c) Netherlands

(d) Morocco

(e) Croatia

 

20) As per the news, noted Tamil poet, translator, screenwriter, and actor Puviyarasu, who recently passed away, had the original name________

(a) Subramanian

(b) Jagannathan

(c) Ramasamy

(d) Krishnamurthy

(e) Balasubramanian

21) As per the news, Lieutenant General (Retired) M.M. Lakhera, who recently passed away, served as the 8th Governor of which state?

(a) Mizoram

(b) Nagaland

(c) Manipur

(d) Tripura

(e) Meghalaya

22) As per the news, Vijaya Mehta, who recently passed away and was popularly known as “Bai,” was primarily associated with which field?

(a) Classical music

(b) Indian painting

(c) Hindi journalism

(d) Experimental Marathi theatre

(e) Kathak dance

 

23) As per the news, Dilip Asbe is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of which organisation?

(a) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

(b) National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

(c) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

(d) Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)

(e) National Stock Exchange (NSE)

 

24) As per the news, in which year was the International Booker Prize reintroduced as an annual award for a single translated work of fiction?

(a) 2005

(b) 2010

(c) 2016

(d) 2018

(e) 2027

 

25) As per the news, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence for defence procurement in India, was established in which year?

(a) 1998

(b) 1999

(c) 2000

(d) 2001

(e) 2005

Answers:

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) partnered with HSBC India and JP Morgan Payments to enable real-time Foreign Exchange (FX) settlement for cross-border Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.

The initiative aims to improve the international payment experience by providing greater transparency, faster settlement, and real-time currency conversion for Indian users.

Under the partnership, HSBC India will serve as the banking partner, providing real-time Foreign Exchange (FX) rates through direct Application Programming Interface (API) integration.

HSBC India's global banking network will support secure, 24×7 cross-border transactions, making overseas UPI payments faster and more efficient.

JP Morgan Payments will facilitate real-time FX conversion and multi-currency settlement, enhancing the efficiency of international digital payments.

Detailed Explanation:

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) partnered with HSBC India and JP Morgan Payments to enable real-time Foreign Exchange (FX) settlement for cross-border Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.

The initiative aims to improve the international payment experience by providing greater transparency, faster settlement, and real-time currency conversion for Indian users.

Under the partnership, HSBC India will serve as the banking partner, providing real-time Foreign Exchange (FX) rates through direct Application Programming Interface (API) integration.

HSBC India's global banking network will support secure, 24×7 cross-border transactions, making overseas UPI payments faster and more efficient.

JP Morgan Payments will facilitate real-time FX conversion and multi-currency settlement, enhancing the efficiency of international digital payments.

The collaboration combines UPI's expanding global acceptance with JP Morgan's foreign exchange expertise to simplify international payment settlements.

Indian users making payments abroad will be able to view the exact payment amount in Indian Rupees (INR) before confirming the transaction.

Overseas merchants will continue to receive payments in their local currencies, while Indian customers pay directly from their Indian bank accounts.

The initiative eliminates the need to rely solely on cash or international credit/debit cards for payments abroad.

UPI is currently accepted in 9 countries: Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nepal, Bhutan, Mauritius, France, Sri Lanka, Qatar, and Cambodia.

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) recently partnered with ACLEDA Bank Plc to launch UPI acceptance in Cambodia.

UPI is further expanding its international presence to countries such as Japan, Maldives, and Greece through NPCI International (NIPL).

 

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar led the concluding National Awareness Programme of 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah', held at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV), Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

The programme was organised to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on 26 June.

The week-long campaign was conducted under the theme "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan."

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar led the concluding National Awareness Programme of 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Saptah', held at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (DSVV), Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

The programme was organised to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on 26 June.

The week-long campaign was conducted under the theme "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – Viksit Bharat Ki Pehchaan."

At the Haridwar event, Dr. Virendra Kumar led a 'Nasha Mukt Rally' with the participation of nearly 4,000 citizens.

He also administered the 'Pledge Against Drug Abuse' and the 'Ageing with Dignity Pledge'.

A key highlight of the programme was the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment and the All World Gayatri Pariwar.

 

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Central Government has notified the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, introducing significant changes to the partial withdrawal rules for members of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

The revised scheme came into effect on 29 June 2026.

The scheme introduces a minimum balance requirement, expands the list of eligible purposes for partial withdrawals, and supports the Government's digital transformation initiatives.

Under the new rules, EPFO members must retain at least 25% of the balance in their Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) account before making any partial withdrawal.

Detailed Explanation:

The Central Government has notified the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, introducing significant changes to the partial withdrawal rules for members of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

The revised scheme came into effect on 29 June 2026.

The scheme introduces a minimum balance requirement, expands the list of eligible purposes for partial withdrawals, and supports the Government's digital transformation initiatives.

Under the new rules, EPFO members must retain at least 25% of the balance in their Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) account before making any partial withdrawal.

The minimum balance requirement applies to both employee contributions and employer contributions.

For example, if the eligible EPF balance is ₹1 lakh, the member must retain ₹25,000, while up to ₹75,000 can be withdrawn, subject to the prescribed conditions.

 

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)] from Mukkavaripalli village, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.

The mission is being implemented under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which came into force from 1 July 2026.

The Act increases the statutory wage employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days per financial year for every eligible rural household.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)] from Mukkavaripalli village, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.

The launch event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

The mission is being implemented under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, which came into force from 1 July 2026.

The Act increases the statutory wage employment guarantee from 100 days to 125 days per financial year for every eligible rural household.

Employment will be provided to adults willing to undertake unskilled manual work, and workers will continue to receive unemployment allowance if employment is not provided within the prescribed time.

The scheme replaces the earlier framework of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with an expanded rural employment and livelihood programme.

 

5) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Gujarat Police launched 'Operation Surakshit Cyberspace', a 28-day statewide campaign, from 1 July to 28 July 2026 to strengthen cyber safety for women and children.

The campaign combines technology-driven policing, cyber awareness programmes, victim outreach, and coordinated enforcement to prevent cybercrimes.

The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of Director General of Police G.S. Malik and coordinated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Crime–Women Cell.

Detailed Explanation:

Gujarat Police launched 'Operation Surakshit Cyberspace', a 28-day statewide campaign, from 1 July to 28 July 2026 to strengthen cyber safety for women and children.

The campaign combines technology-driven policing, cyber awareness programmes, victim outreach, and coordinated enforcement to prevent cybercrimes.

The initiative is being implemented under the guidance of Director General of Police G.S. Malik and coordinated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Crime–Women Cell.

The campaign aims to prevent cybercrimes such as cyberstalking, online harassment, online exploitation, identity theft, financial fraud, and digital privacy violations.

According to Additional Director General of Police (Criminal Investigation Department Crime–Women Cell) Ajay Choudhary, the initiative seeks to identify vulnerable individuals, prevent financial losses, improve cyber awareness, and ensure timely police intervention.

Gujarat Police is collaborating with banks, telecommunication service providers, educational institutions, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and community leaders to strengthen public awareness.

 

6) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The International Booker Prize will be officially renamed the Bukhman International Booker Prize from 2027 following a 10-year funding agreement (2027–2036) with Bukhman Philanthropies.

The annual prize money will increase from £50,000 to £100,000, making it one of the world's richest international literary awards.

Detailed Explanation:

The International Booker Prize will be officially renamed the Bukhman International Booker Prize from 2027 following a 10-year funding agreement (2027–2036) with Bukhman Philanthropies.

The annual prize money will increase from £50,000 to £100,000, making it one of the world's richest international literary awards.

The prize money will continue to be shared equally between the author and the translator, recognising the important contribution of translators.

Each shortlisted book will continue to receive £5,000, shared equally between the author and translator(s).

The partnership aims to strengthen support for translated literature, promote cross-cultural understanding, and encourage global storytelling.

Bukhman Philanthropies was founded by Daria Bukhman and Dmitri Bukhman.

Dmitri Bukhman is the co-founder of Playrix, a global mobile gaming company.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Biswanath Sinha, a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, assumed charge as the Chief Secretary (CS) of Kerala.

Biswanath Sinha's tenure as Chief Secretary of Kerala will continue until September 2028.

He succeeded Dr. A. Jayathilak, a 1991-batch IAS officer, who retired on 30 June 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

Biswanath Sinha, a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Kerala cadre, assumed charge as the Chief Secretary (CS) of Kerala.

Biswanath Sinha's tenure as Chief Secretary of Kerala will continue until September 2028.

He succeeded Dr. A. Jayathilak, a 1991-batch IAS officer, who retired on 30 June 2026.

Biswanath Sinha has over three decades of administrative experience in internal security, police administration, vigilance, and disaster management.

He has served as District Collector of Kottayam, Wayanad, and Kozhikode.

He also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rebuild Kerala Initiative.

His key administrative assignments include the Finance, Planning & Economic Affairs, and Store Purchase Departments, along with serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.

 

8) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Government of Tamil Nadu (TN) appointed former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Mylswamy Annadurai as the Chairman of the Curriculum Design Committee (CDC) for School Education for a 3-year tenure.

The Curriculum Design Committee (CDC) will lead curriculum modernization for around 1.3 crore students across Tamil Nadu.

Detailed Explanation:

Government of Tamil Nadu (TN) appointed former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Mylswamy Annadurai as the Chairman of the Curriculum Design Committee (CDC) for School Education for a 3-year tenure.

The Curriculum Design Committee (CDC) will lead curriculum modernization for around 1.3 crore students across Tamil Nadu.

The primary objective is to strengthen Science, Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), critical thinking skills, and bridge the gap between teaching and learning systems.

Mylswamy Annadurai served as a scientist at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1982 to 2018.

He is popularly known as the "Moon Man of India" for his significant contributions to India's space programme.

 

9) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to multiple defence acquisition proposals on 3 July 2026.

The total value of the AoN approvals is approximately ₹52,000 crore.

Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is the in-principle administrative approval required before the procurement of defence equipment.

For the Indian Army, DAC approved the procurement of AKASH TARANG Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Electronic Warfare System, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Weapon System, Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System (APS) for Tanks, and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System.

Detailed Explanation:

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) to multiple defence acquisition proposals on 3 July 2026.

The total value of the AoN approvals is approximately ₹52,000 crore.

Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is the in-principle administrative approval required before the procurement of defence equipment.

For the Indian Army, DAC approved the procurement of AKASH TARANG Anti-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Electronic Warfare System, Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Systems, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) Weapon System, Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), Active Protection System (APS) for Tanks, and Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System.

AKASH TARANG will provide effective anti-UAV protection to Indian Army formations.

The Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) will enhance the Infantry’s capability to counter enemy mechanised threats.

The Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system will provide medium-range air defence against various stand-off aerial threats.

The Very Short Range Air Defence System (V-SHORADS), equipped with multi-spectral sensing, will improve counter-measure resilience and enhance the air defence capability of the Indian Army.

The Active Protection System (APS) will improve the defence mechanism and survivability of tanks.

The Jet-Based Kamikaze Drone System will enhance Electronic Warfare (EW) capability while providing greater lethality, survivability, and cost-effectiveness

 

10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), approved two major acquisition proposals under the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.

The DWS Group–NIAIF transaction is valued at approximately ₹733 crore.

Approval 2: An Aditya Birla Group-led consortium received approval to acquire 100% shareholding in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) from United Spirits Limited (USL).

Detailed Explanation:

The Competition Commission of India (CCI), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), approved two major acquisition proposals under the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002.

Approval 1: Germany-based DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA (DWS Group) received approval to acquire a 40% stake in Nippon Life India Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) Management Limited (NIAIF).

The DWS Group–NIAIF transaction is valued at approximately ₹733 crore.

Approval 2: An Aditya Birla Group-led consortium received approval to acquire 100% shareholding in Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL) from United Spirits Limited (USL).

RCSPL owns the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchises in both the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Women's Premier League (WPL).

The RCB acquisition was completed through an all-cash deal worth ₹16,660 crore (approximately USD 1.78 billion), making it one of the largest sports franchise acquisitions globally.

 

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a 'Maharatna' Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire a 40% equity stake in Tiki Tar and Shell India Private Limited (TTSIPL).

The acquisition value is ₹85 crore, aimed at strengthening BPCL’s presence in the bitumen and road infrastructure materials segment.

Detailed Explanation:

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a 'Maharatna' Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), signed a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire a 40% equity stake in Tiki Tar and Shell India Private Limited (TTSIPL).

The acquisition value is ₹85 crore, aimed at strengthening BPCL’s presence in the bitumen and road infrastructure materials segment.

The acquisition has been approved by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

The transaction is expected to be completed within 90 days.

Under the agreement, BPCL will acquire the 40% stake in TTSIPL from Shell Overseas Investments B.V.

After completion of the transaction, BPCL will become an equal Joint Venture (JV) partner in TTSIPL alongside the existing shareholder

 

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL), a private sector bank, announced the acquisition of Deutsche Bank India’s Retail Banking, Private Banking, and Wealth Management business for ₹281.7 crore.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, including approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

The transaction is expected to be completed by September 2027.

The acquired business portfolio includes approximately ₹29,000 crore in loans, ₹16,000 crore in deposits, and ₹10,500 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM).

Detailed Explanation:

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL), a private sector bank, announced the acquisition of Deutsche Bank India’s Retail Banking, Private Banking, and Wealth Management business for ₹281.7 crore.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals, including approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI).

The transaction is expected to be completed by September 2027.

The acquired business portfolio includes approximately ₹29,000 crore in loans, ₹16,000 crore in deposits, and ₹10,500 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM).

The business serves around 1.5 lakh customers and has nearly 1,000 employees.

The acquisition will strengthen Kotak Mahindra Bank’s presence in the affluent banking, private banking, wealth management, and Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) segments.

Kotak Mahindra Bank and Deutsche Bank India will work together to ensure uninterrupted customer services during the transition period.

 

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), inaugurated the 4th Animal Taxonomy Summit (ATS 4.0) in Kolkata, West Bengal.

ATS 4.0 was held from 30 June to 2 July 2026 to commemorate the 111th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

The summit highlighted India’s biodiversity research, promoted wildlife conservation, and documented 709 new faunal records.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), inaugurated the 4th Animal Taxonomy Summit (ATS 4.0) in Kolkata, West Bengal.

ATS 4.0 was held from 30 June to 2 July 2026 to commemorate the 111th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

The summit highlighted India’s biodiversity research, promoted wildlife conservation, and documented 709 new faunal records.

During the summit, the annual publications Animal Discoveries–2025 and Plant Discoveries–2025 were officially released.

A nationwide 111-Hours Hackathon on Traditional Knowledge for Biodiversity was organised as one of the key events of the summit.

The summit also featured 16 regional competitions, national semi-finals at Dehradun, and the grand finale at Kolkata.

Two important digital platforms, Fauna of India Checklist Version 3.0 and the PaleoIndia Portal, were launched during the event.

 

14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune inaugurated its newly renovated State-of-the-Art Skill Development Center to strengthen scientific and technical skill development.

The Skill Development Center was inaugurated by Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL.

Chief Guest: Dr. Vinay Kumar, Nodal Scientist for the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative (CSIR-HRDC), Ghaziabad.

Detailed Explanation:

CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune inaugurated its newly renovated State-of-the-Art Skill Development Center to strengthen scientific and technical skill development.

The Skill Development Center was inaugurated by Dr. Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL.

Chief Guest: Dr. Vinay Kumar, Nodal Scientist for the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative (CSIR-HRDC), Ghaziabad.

The modernization of the facility was sponsored by Envalior under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Other dignitaries present included Dr. Rajesh Gonnade (NCL Skill Nodal Officer) and Mrs. Kanika Goel (Controller of Administration – COA, CSIR-NCL).

The CSIR Skill Development Program (SDP) functions under the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative (CSIR-ISI).

 

15) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

SHE-LEAPS stands for Self-Help Entrepreneur–Livelihoods and Enterprise Application for Prosperity and Sustainability.

SHE-LEAPS is a digital platform designed to empower women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across rural India.

The platform provides a unified system for enterprise creation, performance tracking, livelihood generation, enterprise growth, and financial inclusion.

SHE-LEAPS was launched on 29 June 2026 during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan held in New Delhi.

Detailed Explanation:

SHE-LEAPS stands for Self-Help Entrepreneur–Livelihoods and Enterprise Application for Prosperity and Sustainability.

SHE-LEAPS is a digital platform designed to empower women associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across rural India.

The platform provides a unified system for enterprise creation, performance tracking, livelihood generation, enterprise growth, and financial inclusion.

SHE-LEAPS supports both farm and non-farm rural enterprises, helping build a stronger and sustainable rural economy.

The SHE-LEAPS mobile application has been developed by the Digital India Corporation and implemented under the LokOS platform.

LokOS is a digital platform that captures the activities of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), including Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Village Organizations (VOs), and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).

LokOS digitizes member records, financial transactions, livelihood records, and convergence initiatives of rural institutions.

SHE-LEAPS was launched on 29 June 2026 during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan held in New Delhi.

The theme of the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan 2026 was "Gramodaya Se Rashtrodaya".

 

16) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

National Narcotics Helpline MANAS stands for Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra.

MANAS was launched on 18 July 2024 under the aegis of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation (DIC).

Calls related to counselling are transferred to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's De-addiction Helpline – 14446.

MANAS provides 24×7 nationwide services, ensuring uninterrupted access across India.

Detailed Explanation:

National Narcotics Helpline MANAS stands for Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra.

MANAS was launched on 18 July 2024 under the aegis of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation (DIC).

Objective of MANAS: To provide a secure, confidential, technology-driven platform for reporting drug trafficking, substance abuse, and providing counselling and rehabilitation support.

MANAS integrates the vision of Digital India with the mission of Nasha Mukt Bharat.

The platform is accessible through the National Helpline Number – 1933, Official Web Portal, Email, and the UMANG App.

MANAS enables citizens to confidentially report drug trafficking, drug peddling, illegal cultivation of narcotic substances, and other drug-related activities without revealing their identity.

People affected by drug addiction can access professional counselling and rehabilitation support through MANAS.

Calls related to counselling are transferred to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment's De-addiction Helpline – 14446.

MANAS provides 24×7 nationwide services, ensuring uninterrupted access across India.

 

17) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Harshavardhan G.B., a 22-year-old chess player from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, became India's 97th Chess Grandmaster (GM).

He secured his third and final Grandmaster norm at the 2nd Chola Chess Grandmaster Norm Round Robin Tournament held in Chennai.

Detailed Explanation:

Harshavardhan G.B., a 22-year-old chess player from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, became India's 97th Chess Grandmaster (GM).

He secured his third and final Grandmaster norm at the 2nd Chola Chess Grandmaster Norm Round Robin Tournament held in Chennai.

Harshavardhan remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, scoring 6.5 out of 9 points.

He also crossed the 2500 live Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE) rating required to earn the Grandmaster title.

He achieved the milestone after drawing his final-round game against Grandmaster Mihail Nikitenko.

 

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India finished first in the medal standings at the 5th International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championship 2026 (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) held in Suhl, Germany.

The championship featured over 800 shooters from 70 national federations, with India fielding an 84-member contingent.

India won a total of 24 medals:

7 Gold

8 Silver

9 Bronze

This marked India's second consecutive ISSF Junior World Championship medal tally title, after topping the 2024 edition held in Lima, Peru.

Detailed Explanation:

India finished first in the medal standings at the 5th International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Championship 2026 (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) held in Suhl, Germany.

The championship featured over 800 shooters from 70 national federations, with India fielding an 84-member contingent.

India won a total of 24 medals:

7 Gold

8 Silver

9 Bronze

This marked India's second consecutive ISSF Junior World Championship medal tally title, after topping the 2024 edition held in Lima, Peru.

India's Gold Medal Winners:

Sejal Kamble – 10m Air Pistol Women Junior (Individual)

Sejal Kamble, Vanshika Choudhary and Navya Bishnoi – 10m Air Pistol Women Junior Team

Sameer – 25m Rapid Fire Pistol Men Junior

Rohit Kanyan – 50m Rifle 3 Positions Men Junior

Pritam Kendre – 10m Air Rifle Men Junior

Abhinav Deshwal – 25m Standard Pistol Men Junior

Shambhavi Shravan Kshirsagar and Abhinav Shaw – 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team Junior

Notable silver medal winners included Shiva Narwal (10m Air Pistol Men Junior), Prachi Gaikwad (50m Rifle 3 Positions Women Junior), and Aishwarya Ravichandra Balehosur (50m Pistol Women Junior).

Anvii Rathod won the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Women Junior, while Indian teams also secured several bronze medals in rifle and pistol events.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo described India's second consecutive World Championship medal tally victory as a "phenomenal achievement."

Pawankumar Singh is the Secretary General of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).

 

19) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a men's Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup knockout match after converting a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32.

At the age of 41 years and 147 days, Ronaldo scored the equaliser as Portugal defeated Croatia 2–1 to qualify for the Round of 16.

Portugal will now face Spain, the 2010 FIFA World Cup champions, in the Round of 16.

Detailed Explanation:

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a men's Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup knockout match after converting a penalty against Croatia in the Round of 32.

At the age of 41 years and 147 days, Ronaldo scored the equaliser as Portugal defeated Croatia 2–1 to qualify for the Round of 16.

Portugal will now face Spain, the 2010 FIFA World Cup champions, in the Round of 16.

Ronaldo surpassed the previous record held by Lionel Messi to become the oldest goalscorer in a FIFA World Cup knockout-stage match.

He also became the second-oldest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, behind Roger Milla (Cameroon), who scored at 42 years and 39 days during the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Renowned Tamil poet, translator, screenwriter, and actor Puviyarasu passed away at the age of 96 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Puviyarasu was born in 1930 at Lingamanayakkan Puthur, Udumalpet, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.

His original name was Jagannathan, and he later adopted the pen name Puviyarasu.

He worked as a Tamil teacher and began publishing poetry in 1952.

Detailed Explanation:

Renowned Tamil poet, translator, screenwriter, and actor Puviyarasu passed away at the age of 96 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Puviyarasu was born in 1930 at Lingamanayakkan Puthur, Udumalpet, Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu.

His original name was Jagannathan, and he later adopted the pen name Puviyarasu.

He worked as a Tamil teacher and began publishing poetry in 1952.

Puviyarasu was a two-time Sahitya Akademi Award recipient.

He received the Sahitya Akademi Award (2007) for "Puratchikaran", the Tamil translation of Kazi Nazrul Islam's work "The Revolutionary".

He won the Sahitya Akademi Award (2010) for "Kaiyoppam (Signature)".

Puviyarasu was widely recognised for his outstanding contributions to Tamil poetry, literary translation, and modern Tamil literature.

 

21) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Lieutenant General (Retired) Madan Mohan (M.M.) Lakhera, former Governor of Mizoram and former Lieutenant Governor (Lt Gov) of Puducherry, passed away at the age of 88 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

M.M. Lakhera was born on 21 October 1937 in Jakhand, United Provinces, British India (present-day Uttarakhand).

M.M. Lakhera served as the 8th Governor of Mizoram from 25 July 2006 to 2 September 2011.

Detailed Explanation:

Lieutenant General (Retired) Madan Mohan (M.M.) Lakhera, former Governor of Mizoram and former Lieutenant Governor (Lt Gov) of Puducherry, passed away at the age of 88 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

M.M. Lakhera was born on 21 October 1937 in Jakhand, United Provinces, British India (present-day Uttarakhand).

He was commissioned into the Indian Army (IA) from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, in June 1958.

M.M. Lakhera served as the 8th Governor of Mizoram from 25 July 2006 to 2 September 2011.

 

22) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Vijaya Mehta, popularly known as “Bai,” passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

She was born in 1934 in Vadodara,Gujarat.

Vijaya Mehta was one of the founder-members of the Rangayan theatre group, along with Vijay Tendulkar, Arvind Deshpande, and Shreeram Lagoo, playing a pioneering role in the growth of experimental Marathi theatre.

Detailed Explanation:

Vijaya Mehta, popularly known as “Bai,” passed away at the age of 92 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

She was born in 1934 in Vadodara,Gujarat.

Vijaya Mehta was one of the founder-members of the Rangayan theatre group, along with Vijay Tendulkar, Arvind Deshpande, and Shreeram Lagoo, playing a pioneering role in the growth of experimental Marathi theatre.

She authored the acclaimed autobiography Zimma: A Memoir, which chronicles her journey in theatre and cinema.

The Government of India (GoI) honoured Vijaya Mehta with the Padma Shri in 1987, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, for her outstanding contribution to Art (Theatre and Cinema).

 

23) Answer: B

About NPCI:

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Founded: 2008

 

24) Answer: C

The International Booker Prize will be officially renamed the Bukhman International Booker Prize from 2027 following a 10-year funding agreement (2027–2036) with Bukhman Philanthropies.

The annual prize money will increase from £50,000 to £100,000, making it one of the world's richest international literary awards.

Evolution of the Prize:

2005: Launched as the Man Booker International Prize (biennial).

2016: Reintroduced as an annual award for a single translated work of fiction.

2019: Renamed the International Booker Prize.

2027: To be renamed the Bukhman International Booker Prize.

CEO: Dilip Asbe

Key Initiatives: Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), RuPay (domestic card payment network), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)

 

25) Answer: D

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the highest decision-making body of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for defence procurement in India.

The DAC was established in 2001.

It was constituted following the recommendations of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on "Reforming the National Security System".

The formation of the DAC was a major reform undertaken after the Kargil War (1999).

The Chairman of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the Union Defence Minister.

Current Chairman: Rajnath Singh.