Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  16th  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) As per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2026, India ranked as the _____ largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the world in 2025.

(a) 9th

(b) 10th

(c) 11th

(d) 12th

(e) 13th

 

2) As per the news, which bank became the first in the world to successfully process a cross-border remittance under SWIFT's new Retail Payments Framework?

(a) HSBC

(b) Standard Chartered

(c) Citibank

(d) ICICI Bank

(e) State Bank of India

3) As per the news, which Public Sector Bank (PSB) launched the national-level cybersecurity hackathon "FinSpark'26", offering a prize pool of more than ₹10 lakh?

(a) Punjab National Bank

(b) Bank of Baroda

(c) Canara Bank

(d) Bank of Maharashtra (BoM)

(e) Indian Bank

 

4) As per the news, which organisation launched "Gramodyam", a three-year entrepreneurship development programme for rural youth with a target of creating approximately 4,000 rural entrepreneurs?

(a) Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)

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

(c) National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

(d) Ministry of Rural Development

(e) Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

 

5) As per the news, India announced the establishment of which of the following under its new humanitarian and developmental assistance package for Palestine?

1. A Specialty Medical Hospital
2. An Artificial Limb Fitting Centre
3. An Institute for Vocational Training

Which of the above is/are correct?

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Only 3

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

6) As per the news, how much monthly financial assistance will be provided to eligible women under the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana?

(a) ₹1,500 per month

(b) ₹2,000 per month

(c) ₹2,500 per month

(d) ₹3,000 per month

(e) ₹3,500 per month

7) As per the news, the Government of India has officially renamed the Central Vista redevelopment area as what?

(a) Bharat Bhawan Area

(b) Kartavya Bhawan Area

(c) Rashtriya Bhawan Complex

(d) Jan Seva Bhawan Area

(e) Amrit Bhawan Complex

 

8) As per the news, Unjha Cumin (Jeera) and Unjha Fennel (Saunf), which recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, originate from which state?

(a) Rajasthan

(b) Haryana

(c) Madhya Pradesh

(d) Maharashtra

(e) Gujarat

 

9) As per the news, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation procedure under which agreement?

(a) India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

(b) India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA)

(c) India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

(d) India–Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)

(e) India–Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (ISLFTA)

 

10) As per the news, the Central Government has proposed the establishment of Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDCs) in every district of which Union Territory?

(a) Jammu & Kashmir

(b) Ladakh

(c) Chandigarh

(d) Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu

(e) Lakshadweep

 

11) As per the news, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, New Zealand announced its decision to join which India-led global initiative?

(a) Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

(b) International Solar Alliance (ISA)

(c) One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)

(d) International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

(e) Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA)

 

12) As per the news, the 80th meeting of the Board of Control Canteen Services (BOCCS) was held in which state?

(a) Bihar

(b) Chhattisgarh

(c) Odisha

(d) Jharkhand

(e) West Bengal

 

13) As per the news, Phase-III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) is jointly implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, in collaboration with which organisation?

(a) World Health Organization (WHO)

(b) Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

(c) Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom (UK)

(d) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

(e) Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)

 

14) As per the news, which space agency successfully conducted the first lift-off and landing test of the RV-X reusable rocket prototype?

(a) Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

(b) European Space Agency (ESA)

(c) NASA

(d) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

(e) China National Space Administration (CNSA)

15) As per the news, the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS), recently tested by ISRO under the Gaganyaan Mission, is designed to perform which function?

(a) Dock the Crew Module with the space station

(b) Ensure the Crew Module returns to an upright position after sea splashdown

(c) Control the Crew Module during orbital manoeuvres

(d) Provide life support to astronauts during flight

(e) Enable re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere

 

16) As per the Brand Finance India 100 – 2026 Report, which company was recognised as the Most Valuable Tyre Brand and the Strongest Tyre Brand in India?

(a) Apollo Tyres

(b) CEAT

(c) JK Tyre

(d) MRF Limited

(e) Bridgestone India

17) As per the news, how many gold medals did India win at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026?

(a) 3

(b) 4

(c) 5

(d) 6

(e) 7

 

18) As per the news, H. Hanumanthappa, who passed away recently, was associated with which political party?

(a) Indian National Congress (INC)

(b) Janata Dal (Secular) [JD(S)]

(c) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)

(d) Communist Party of India (CPI)

(e) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)

 

19) As per the news, Renowned Tamil writer and novelist Poomani, whose original name was Pulithurai Manickavasagam, passed away. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award (Tamil) in 2014 for which novel?

(a) Agnaadi

(b) Vekkai

(c) Piragu

(d) Naivedhyam

(e) Oru Kottukku VeliyE

20) As per the news, what is the tagline of the Bank of Maharashtra?

(a) Trusted Family Bank

(b) One Family One Bank

(c) Banking for All

(d) Your Trusted Partner

(e) Together We Prosper

Answers:

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2026, India became the 11th-largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the world in 2025, improving from 13th position in 2024.

FDI inflows into India increased by 44%, rising from USD 27.09 billion (2024) to USD 38.89 billion (2025).

Detailed Explanation:

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) World Investment Report 2026, India became the 11th-largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the world in 2025, improving from 13th position in 2024.

FDI inflows into India increased by 44%, rising from USD 27.09 billion (2024) to USD 38.89 billion (2025).

India's improved ranking was driven by policy support for advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, and deeper integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs).

India's strong FDI performance contrasted with developing economies, where FDI inflows increased by only 2%, while developing Asia recorded 3% growth.

Despite higher overall FDI inflows, the value of announced greenfield investments in India declined from USD 111.14 billion (2024) to USD 74.12 billion (2025).

India attracted the world's largest announced greenfield investment project in 2025, with Alphabet Inc. (USA) announcing a USD 14.5 billion data centre investment.

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Standard Chartered became the first bank in the world to successfully process a cross-border remittance under SWIFT's new Retail Payments Framework.

The first live cross-border transaction was completed from Australia to India in just 37 seconds, demonstrating near real-time international payments.

The transaction was initiated by Westpac (Australia) and routed through Standard Chartered using the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) network.

Detailed Explanation:

Standard Chartered became the first bank in the world to successfully process a cross-border remittance under SWIFT's new Retail Payments Framework.

The first live cross-border transaction was completed from Australia to India in just 37 seconds, demonstrating near real-time international payments.

The transaction was initiated by Westpac (Australia) and routed through Standard Chartered using the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) network.

The transaction enabled near real-time credit to the beneficiary bank in India, showcasing the efficiency of SWIFT's enhanced payment infrastructure.

Standard Chartered became the first bank in India to process a cross-border remittance under SWIFT's Retail Payments Framework.

The SWIFT Retail Payments Framework is designed to make international remittances as simple, secure, transparent, and efficient as domestic payment systems.

 

3) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), one of India's leading Public Sector Banks (PSBs), launched "FinSpark'26", a national-level cybersecurity hackathon, under the theme "Securing the Future of Banking".

FinSpark'26 aims to encourage students and dropouts across India to develop innovative solutions for real-world cybersecurity challenges in the banking sector.

Detailed Explanation:

Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), one of India's leading Public Sector Banks (PSBs), launched "FinSpark'26", a national-level cybersecurity hackathon, under the theme "Securing the Future of Banking".

FinSpark'26 aims to encourage students and dropouts across India to develop innovative solutions for real-world cybersecurity challenges in the banking sector.

The hackathon is being organised by Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) in association with the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), Department of Financial Services (DFS), Government of India (GoI), and COEP Technological University, Pune.

FinSpark'26 offers a prize pool of more than ₹10 lakh to encourage innovation in banking cybersecurity.

The top 20 teams will get an opportunity to present their solutions at the Grand Finale to be held at COEP Technological University, Pune, Maharashtra.

The winning teams will also receive an opportunity to showcase their innovations at the Global FinTech Fest 2026.

 

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched Gramodyam, an entrepreneurship development programme for rural youth, during its 45th Foundation Day celebrations.

Gramodyam aims to identify, nurture, mentor, and empower aspiring rural entrepreneurs by helping them establish sustainable rural enterprises and generate employment opportunities.

Detailed Explanation:

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched Gramodyam, an entrepreneurship development programme for rural youth, during its 45th Foundation Day celebrations.

Gramodyam aims to identify, nurture, mentor, and empower aspiring rural entrepreneurs by helping them establish sustainable rural enterprises and generate employment opportunities.

The programme seeks to convert local ideas into viable businesses, promoting sustainable economic growth in rural India.

Gramodyam is a three-year pilot programme with a target of creating approximately 4,000 rural entrepreneurs.

The programme follows a digital-first hybrid delivery model, ensuring implementation across all States and Union Territories (UTs) of India.

Gramodyam is a collaborative initiative of NABARD and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

 

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India has reiterated its support for Palestine’s application for full membership of the United Nations (UN) and reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and peaceful Palestine.

Under the new assistance programme, India will establish:

A Specialty Medical Hospital

An Artificial Limb Fitting Centre

An Institute for Vocational Training

Detailed Explanation:

India has reiterated its support for Palestine’s application for full membership of the United Nations (UN) and reaffirmed its commitment to the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and peaceful Palestine.

India expressed its support during international meetings held in Brussels, Belgium and New York, United States of America, highlighting the importance of the two-state solution for achieving lasting peace in West Asia.

India maintained that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective approaches for ensuring peace and stability between Israel and Palestine.

Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar announced a new humanitarian and developmental assistance package for Palestine.

Under the new assistance programme, India will establish:

A Specialty Medical Hospital

An Artificial Limb Fitting Centre

An Institute for Vocational Training

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has renamed its flagship women's welfare scheme Mahila Samriddhi Yojana as the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana.

The scheme is expected to be launched around Raksha Bandhan 2026 and aims to provide ₹2,500 per month to eligible women through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has renamed its flagship women's welfare scheme Mahila Samriddhi Yojana as the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana.

The scheme is expected to be launched around Raksha Bandhan 2026 and aims to provide ₹2,500 per month to eligible women through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.

The initiative is intended to strengthen the financial security and economic independence of women belonging to economically weaker sections.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the renaming as part of the government's preparations for the official rollout of the scheme.

The change in the scheme's name does not alter its objective, which remains focused on providing direct financial assistance to eligible women.

Under the scheme, the monthly financial assistance will be credited directly to beneficiaries' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and reducing leakages.

7) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Government of India has officially renamed the Central Vista redevelopment area as the Kartavya Bhawan Area (also referred to as the Kartavya Bhawan Complex).

Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, announced that the term "Central Vista" should no longer be used in official communications and government documents, and should be replaced with "Kartavya Bhawan Area".

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India has officially renamed the Central Vista redevelopment area as the Kartavya Bhawan Area (also referred to as the Kartavya Bhawan Complex).

Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, announced that the term "Central Vista" should no longer be used in official communications and government documents, and should be replaced with "Kartavya Bhawan Area".

The announcement was made during the Foundation Day celebrations of the Central Public Works Department (CPWD).

The renaming is aimed at reflecting India's evolving national identity and continuing the effort to replace colonial-era nomenclature with names rooted in Indian values and public service.

The term "Kartavya" means "Duty", symbolising the responsibility and commitment of public institutions and civil servants towards citizens.

 

8) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Geographical Indications Registry has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Unjha Cumin (Jeera) and Unjha Fennel (Saunf), recognising them as unique agricultural products originating from Unjha, Mehsana district, Gujarat.

The GI certification strengthens the global identity of Gujarat's spice sector, enhances export opportunities, improves farmers' income, and protects the products from imitation and misuse.

The registration was facilitated through the joint efforts of the Unjha Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Department of Horticulture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of Gujarat, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU), and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII).

Detailed Explanation:

The Geographical Indications Registry has granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Unjha Cumin (Jeera) and Unjha Fennel (Saunf), recognising them as unique agricultural products originating from Unjha, Mehsana district, Gujarat.

The GI certification strengthens the global identity of Gujarat's spice sector, enhances export opportunities, improves farmers' income, and protects the products from imitation and misuse.

The registration was facilitated through the joint efforts of the Unjha Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Department of Horticulture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of Gujarat, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU), and the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII).

The GI tag ensures that only cumin and fennel produced in the Unjha region can be marketed under these names, preserving their authenticity and regional identity.

The recognition is expected to increase consumer confidence, strengthen regional branding, boost export competitiveness, and safeguard the traditional agricultural heritage of Gujarat

 

9) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry has notified the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation procedure under the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force on 1 June 2026 to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between India and Oman.

Under the agreement, specified goods imported from Oman will be eligible for preferential tariff treatment, including reduced or zero customs duty, within the prescribed quota limits.

Detailed Explanation:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry has notified the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation procedure under the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force on 1 June 2026 to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and economic cooperation between India and Oman.

Under the agreement, specified goods imported from Oman will be eligible for preferential tariff treatment, including reduced or zero customs duty, within the prescribed quota limits.

A Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allows the import of a specified quantity of goods at lower or nil customs duty, while imports beyond the quota are subject to the applicable normal customs duty.

Products covered under the TRQ mechanism include dates, marble and travertine blocks, copper weld wire, aluminium ingots, aluminium billets, aluminium wires, ethylene glycol, linear alkylbenzenes, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and selected petrochemical products.

10) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Central Government has proposed the establishment of Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDCs) in every district of Ladakh to strengthen local self-governance while preserving the region's unique identity.

At present, Leh and Kargil have Autonomous Hill Development Councils.

The proposal extends the system to the newly created districts of Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass.

Detailed Explanation:

The Central Government has proposed the establishment of Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDCs) in every district of Ladakh to strengthen local self-governance while preserving the region's unique identity.

At present, Leh and Kargil have Autonomous Hill Development Councils.

The proposal extends the system to the newly created districts of Sham, Nubra, Changthang, Zanskar, and Drass.

The proposed councils are expected to function under a special constitutional framework inspired by Article 371 of the Constitution of India, ensuring greater local participation in governance while safeguarding the interests of Ladakh.

Article 371 provides special constitutional provisions to certain states and regions based on their historical, cultural, geographical, tribal, administrative, and developmental needs, while preserving India's federal structure.

States and regions covered under Article 371 and its sub-clauses include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, and the Hyderabad-Karnataka region of Karnataka.

 

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited New Zealand from 10–11 July 2026 as the final leg of his three-nation tour, which included Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The visit was made at the invitation of Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

PM Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland, where he was received by PM Christopher Luxon, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited New Zealand from 10–11 July 2026 as the final leg of his three-nation tour, which included Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand.

The visit was made at the invitation of Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.

PM Narendra Modi arrived in Auckland, where he was received by PM Christopher Luxon, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.

During the visit, PM Modi received the traditional Māori Powhiri ceremonial welcome at Government House, Auckland, showcasing New Zealand's indigenous Māori culture and traditions.

PM Narendra Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Christopher Luxon at Government House, Auckland.

India and New Zealand agreed to establish a Maritime Security Dialogue to strengthen cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

New Zealand designated Maritime Security as the priority pillar under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

New Zealand also announced its decision to join the Government of India-led Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA).

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth reviewed the functioning of the Canteen Services Department (CSD) during the 80th meeting of the Board of Control Canteen Services (BOCCS) held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on 14 July 2026.

The meeting focused on improving operational efficiency, administrative reforms, and enhancing service quality for serving Defence personnel, Ex-servicemen, and their dependents.

Detailed Explanation:

Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth reviewed the functioning of the Canteen Services Department (CSD) during the 80th meeting of the Board of Control Canteen Services (BOCCS) held in Ranchi, Jharkhand, on 14 July 2026.

The meeting focused on improving operational efficiency, administrative reforms, and enhancing service quality for serving Defence personnel, Ex-servicemen, and their dependents.

Major agenda items included enhancement of budgetary support for CSD, modernisation of CSD depots, extension of Central and State Government subsidies on electric two-wheelers (EVs) purchased through CSD, induction of cooperative products into the supply chain, and human resource-related reforms.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Defence Services, and the Canteen Services Department (CSD) participated in the meeting.

Sanjay Seth stated that the ongoing transformation of CSD is driven by continuous reforms and a beneficiary-centric approach to meet the evolving needs of the Defence Forces community.

 

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched Phase-III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) with a total outlay of ₹1,500 crore to strengthen India's biomedical research ecosystem.

Phase-III of BRCP has funding support of ₹1,000 crore from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and ₹500 crore from the Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom (UK).

The programme is jointly implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and the Wellcome Trust (UK) through the DBT–Wellcome Trust India Alliance.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched Phase-III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) with a total outlay of ₹1,500 crore to strengthen India's biomedical research ecosystem.

Phase-III of BRCP has funding support of ₹1,000 crore from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and ₹500 crore from the Wellcome Trust, United Kingdom (UK).

The programme is jointly implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and the Wellcome Trust (UK) through the DBT–Wellcome Trust India Alliance.

BRCP aims to build a globally competitive biomedical research workforce, including basic scientists, clinician-researchers, public health experts, science communicators, and research managers.

The programme promotes interdisciplinary, collaborative, and translational biomedical research to develop technologies, diagnostics, and affordable healthcare solutions.

Phase-III seeks to strengthen India's biomedical innovation ecosystem while encouraging international collaborations and philanthropic partnerships in scientific research.

14) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully conducted the first lift-off and landing test of its RV-X reusable rocket prototype at the Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture, Japan.

During the test, the RV-X rocket lifted off to approximately 10 metres (33 feet), remained airborne for about 40 seconds, and completed a safe vertical landing.

The test marked Japan's first successful lift-off and landing demonstration of a reusable rocket prototype.

Detailed Explanation:

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully conducted the first lift-off and landing test of its RV-X reusable rocket prototype at the Noshiro Testing Center, Akita Prefecture, Japan.

During the test, the RV-X rocket lifted off to approximately 10 metres (33 feet), remained airborne for about 40 seconds, and completed a safe vertical landing.

The test marked Japan's first successful lift-off and landing demonstration of a reusable rocket prototype.

RV-X successfully demonstrated Vertical Take-Off and Vertical Landing (VTVL) technology, a key capability for future reusable launch vehicles.

The RV-X reusable rocket was jointly developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

The RV-X measures 7.3 metres in length and 1.8 metres in diameter.

The prototype is equipped with an enhanced-durability rocket engine and four shock-absorbing landing legs to enable safe and repeated landings.

The successful test is a major milestone in Japan's reusable launch vehicle programme, aimed at developing next-generation reusable space transportation systems.

15) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted three critical tests of the Gaganyaan Crew Module (CM) systems as part of India's Human Spaceflight Programme.

The successful tests mark another significant milestone towards India's first crewed orbital mission under the Gaganyaan Mission.

The first test validated the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) through a Float Inflation Test.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted three critical tests of the Gaganyaan Crew Module (CM) systems as part of India's Human Spaceflight Programme.

The successful tests mark another significant milestone towards India's first crewed orbital mission under the Gaganyaan Mission.

The first test validated the Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) through a Float Inflation Test.

The Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) ensures that the Crew Module returns to an upright position after splashdown in the sea, which is a critical astronaut safety feature.

The CMUS is based on stored cold-gas technology, enabling automatic uprighting of the crew module after ocean landing.

The second test involved the Umbilical Separation Testing of the Connect-Disconnect System (CS-CDS).

16) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

MRF Limited (Madras Rubber Factory Limited) has been recognised as the Most Valuable Tyre Brand and the Strongest Tyre Brand in India in the Brand Finance India 100 – 2026 Report.

MRF Limited also secured the position of the 3rd Strongest Tyre Brand in the World in the Brand Finance Tyres 25 – 2026 Rankings.

The company achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.7 out of 100, highlighting strong customer loyalty, brand reputation, marketing efficiency, and business performance.

Detailed Explanation:

MRF Limited (Madras Rubber Factory Limited) has been recognised as the Most Valuable Tyre Brand and the Strongest Tyre Brand in India in the Brand Finance India 100 – 2026 Report.

MRF Limited also secured the position of the 3rd Strongest Tyre Brand in the World in the Brand Finance Tyres 25 – 2026 Rankings.

The company achieved a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 87.7 out of 100, highlighting strong customer loyalty, brand reputation, marketing efficiency, and business performance.

In the Brand Finance India 100 – 2026 Report, MRF Limited was ranked among the Top 50 Most Valuable Brands in India.

The ranking was based on parameters such as financial performance, market presence, brand investment, customer perception, and overall brand strength.

The achievement reflects the leadership of MRF Limited in the Indian tyre manufacturing sector and highlights India's growing importance in the global automobile industry.

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India secured 5 gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, with all five members of the Indian team winning gold medals.

With this achievement, India finished in joint first place along with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Detailed Explanation:

India secured 5 gold medals at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026, with all five members of the Indian team winning gold medals.

With this achievement, India finished in joint first place along with China, Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, and Taiwan.

The 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO) 2026 was held in Bucaramanga, Colombia, with 381 students from 87 countries participating.

The five Indian gold medalists are:

Kanishk Jain – Pune, Maharashtra

Riddhesh Anant Bendale – Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Rishit Garg – Dwarka, Delhi

Shresth Suraiya – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Svarit Joshi – Ahmedabad, Gujarat

 

18) Answer: A

Veteran Indian National Congress (INC) leader and former Member of Parliament (MP) H. Hanumanthappa passed away at the age of 94 in Chitradurga, Karnataka.

H. Hanumanthappa was born on 13 May 1932 in Guddadarangenahalli, Chitradurga district, Karnataka.

He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) and made significant contributions to public service and rural development.

H. Hanumanthappa served three terms as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) representing the state of Karnataka.

19)Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Renowned Tamil writer and novelist Poomani, whose original name was Pulithurai Manickavasagam, passed away at the age of 79 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Poomani was born on 12 May 1947 in Andipatti, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.

He adopted the pen name "Poomani" and became widely known for his realistic portrayal of life in the Karisal Bhoomi region of southern Tamil Nadu.

Poomani was honoured with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 in the Tamil language category for his acclaimed novel "Agnaadi".

Detailed Explanation:

Renowned Tamil writer and novelist Poomani, whose original name was Pulithurai Manickavasagam, passed away at the age of 79 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Poomani was born on 12 May 1947 in Andipatti, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.

He adopted the pen name "Poomani" and became widely known for his realistic portrayal of life in the Karisal Bhoomi region of southern Tamil Nadu.

Poomani was honoured with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014 in the Tamil language category for his acclaimed novel "Agnaadi".

The novel "Agnaadi" is based on the Kazhugumalai communal conflict (1895) and the Sivakasi communal conflict (1899).

His literary works primarily depicted rural life, social inequalities, and the lives of marginalized communities in Tamil Nadu.

 

20) Answer: B

About Bank of Maharashtra:

Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra

Founded: September 16, 1935

MD & CEO: Nidhu Saxena

Tagline: "One Family One Bank"