Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 16th May  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 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) capped duty-free gold import authorisations under the Advance Authorisation (AA) scheme at what limit per licence?

(a) 50 kg

(b) 75 kg

(c) 100 kg

(d) 150 kg

(e) 200 kg

2) In 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removed the requirement of prior approval for non-bank entities to enter into tie-up arrangements for enabling outward remittance services through which category of banks?

(a) Small Finance Banks

(b) Payment Banks

(c) Cooperative Banks

(d) Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks

(e) Regional Rural Banks

3) In 2026, SEBI proposed allowing select agricultural commodity derivatives contracts to be initially settled in which manner before transitioning to compulsory physical settlement?

(a) Cash settlement

(b) Net settlement

(c) Financial settlement

(d) Rolling settlement

(e) Gross settlement

 

4) In 2026, India’s retail inflation (CPI) rose to 3.48% in April, marking a 14-month high. What is the revised base year of the updated CPI released by MoSPI?

(a) 2011

(b) 2012

(c) 2015

(d) 2019

(e) 2024

 

5) In 2026, which bank became the first Taiwanese bank to establish a presence in India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City?

(a) CTBC Bank Co. Ltd.

(b) Mega International Commercial Bank

(c) Taipei Fubon Bank

(d) E.SUN Commercial Bank

(e) Taiwan Cooperative Bank

 

6) In 2026, consider the following statements regarding the UDGAM portal:

1. UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access Information) is an online centralized portal developed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
2. The portal has been developed in collaboration with ReBIT and IFTAS along with selected banks.
3. A total of 30 banks have been integrated into the UDGAM portal to help trace unclaimed deposits.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

(e) 3 only

7) In 2026, as per revised norms for GDP data availability, listed companies are required to submit their audited Q4 and annual financial statements within how many days from the end of the financial year?

(a) 30 days

(b) 45 days

(c) 60 days

(d) 90 days

(e) 120 days

 

8) In 2026, India is planning to construct a ₹40,000 crore subsea gas pipeline connecting Oman with which Indian state?

(a) Gujarat

(b) Tamil Nadu

(c) Maharashtra

(d) Andhra Pradesh

(e) Kerala

9) In 2026, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Phase III launched by the Election Commission of India covered almost the entire country except which of the following regions?

(a) Punjab, Haryana and Delhi

(b) Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra

(c) West Bengal, Odisha and Bihar

(d) Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh

(e) Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

 

10) In 2026, India assumed the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board for which period?

(a) 2024–2026

(b) 2025–2027

(c) 2026–2028

(d) 2027–2029

(e) 2026–2030

 

11) In 2026, which irrigation canal was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena in the Changthang region?

(a) Zanskar Canal

(b) Nubra Irrigation Canal

(c) Shyok Water Canal

(d) Indus Valley Canal

(e) Mahey Tokpo–Raldho Irrigation Canal

 

12) In 2026, who was appointed as the first Managing Director (MD) of Jio Platforms Limited (JPL) for a five-year term?

(a) Mukesh Ambani

(b) Anant Ambani

(c) Isha Ambani

(d) Akash Ambani

(e) Nita Ambani

 

13) In 2026, who was sworn in as President of Uganda for a seventh term after winning the presidential election?

(a) Yoweri Museveni

(b) Uhuru Kenyatta

(c) Paul Kagame

(d) William Ruto

(e) Joseph Kabila

 

14) In 2026, N. Rangasamy became the first leader in Puducherry’s history to serve as Chief Minister for how many terms?

(a) Third

(b) Fourth

(c) Seventh

(d) Sixth

(e) Fifth

 

15) In 2026, Afghanistan signed a $46 million agreement with which Indian company to develop customs laboratory infrastructure across the country?

(a) Tata Projects

(b) Larsen & Toubro

(c) TCRC

(d) Engineers India Limited

(e) Reliance Infrastructure

16) In 2026, consider the following statements regarding the Henley Passport Index:

1. India’s passport was ranked 78th in the Henley Passport Index 2026.
2. Japan ranked 1st with access to 192 destinations.
3. India’s passport ranking improved compared to its 2025 position of 85th.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

(e) 1 and 3 only

 

17) In 2026, the Core Integration & Flight Testing Centre for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme was laid at which location?

(a) Bengaluru, Karnataka

(b) Hyderabad, Telangana

(c) Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh

(d) Pune, Maharashtra

(e) Kochi, Kerala

 

18) In 2026, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered two new spider species named Psechrus ntu and Psechrus phenshunyu in which state?

(a) Assam

(b) Nagaland

(c) Meghalaya

(d) Manipur

(e) Arunachal Pradesh

19) In 2026, which institute presented the SVAMITVA(Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme as a successful rural property mapping model to the World Bank?

(a) IIM Ahmedabad

(b) IIM Calcutta

(c) IIM Bangalore

(d) IIT Delhi

(e) NITI Aayog

 

20) In 2026, who was elected as the President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation?

(a) Narinder Batra

(b) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

(c) Gyan Singh

(d) Sahdev Yadav

(e) Rajeev Mehta

 

Answers:

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has tightened regulations for duty-free gold imports under the Advance Authorisation (AA) scheme for the gems and jewellery sector.

The revised norms introduce five new compliance notes under Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) M1 to M8, effective immediately to strengthen monitoring and regulatory control.

Under the new framework, gold import authorisations under the AA scheme are capped at 100 kilograms per licence, aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring better compliance.

Detailed Explanation:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has tightened regulations for duty-free gold imports under the Advance Authorisation (AA) scheme for the gems and jewellery sector.

The revised norms introduce five new compliance notes under Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) M1 to M8, effective immediately to strengthen monitoring and regulatory control.

Under the new framework, gold import authorisations under the AA scheme are capped at 100 kilograms per licence, aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring better compliance.

First-time applicants will now undergo mandatory physical inspection of manufacturing facilities by regional authorities to verify operational capacity and unit existence.

Repeat applicants will receive fresh licences only after fulfilling at least 50% export obligations under previous authorisations, ensuring stronger export compliance discipline.

The move follows the government’s decision to raise gold import duty from 6% to 15%, amid record imports worth $71.98 billion in FY 2025–26.

The policy aims to reduce gold imports, protect foreign exchange reserves, and stabilise the Indian rupee amid global geopolitical tensions.

The Advance Authorisation (AA) scheme allows exporters in the gems and jewellery sector to import gold duty-free, provided it is used exclusively for manufacturing jewellery for export.

 

2) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has removed the requirement of prior approval for non-bank entities (fintechs) to enter into tie-up arrangements for enabling outward remittance services through banks in India.

This move is part of the RBI’s updated operating framework to facilitate outward remittances via Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks.

Earlier, under the 2016 framework, non-bank entities were required to obtain RBI approval before partnering with AD banks for providing outward remittance services.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has removed the requirement of prior approval for non-bank entities (fintechs) to enter into tie-up arrangements for enabling outward remittance services through banks in India.

This move is part of the RBI’s updated operating framework to facilitate outward remittances via Authorised Dealer (AD) Category-I banks.

Earlier, under the 2016 framework, non-bank entities were required to obtain RBI approval before partnering with AD banks for providing outward remittance services.

The revised framework applies to cross-border outward remittance of funds for non-trade current account transactions conducted through websites, online platforms, software applications, and mobile apps operated by third-party entities.

As per RBI directions, AD Category-I banks must ensure compliance with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 and conduct proper Know Your Customer (KYC) due diligence.

Banks are also required to inform customers about the exact foreign exchange amount credited and the maximum time required for fund transfer to the beneficiary.

 

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed allowing select agricultural commodity derivatives contracts to be initially financially settled before transitioning to compulsory physical settlement.

The proposal aims to improve liquidity, revive illiquid agri-derivative contracts, and encourage the launch of new delivery-based commodity contracts on exchanges.

According to the proposed framework, contracts will be designed as delivery-based from inception, while the financially settled phase will function as a temporary market-development mechanism.

Detailed Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed allowing select agricultural commodity derivatives contracts to be initially financially settled before transitioning to compulsory physical settlement.

The proposal aims to improve liquidity, revive illiquid agri-derivative contracts, and encourage the launch of new delivery-based commodity contracts on exchanges.

According to the proposed framework, contracts will be designed as delivery-based from inception, while the financially settled phase will function as a temporary market-development mechanism.

The framework seeks to address liquidity constraints faced by agricultural derivatives, especially during the initial launch phase, when contracts often experience low trading volumes and limited open interest.

SEBI stated that compulsory physical settlement from inception may restrict participation only to entities capable of taking or giving delivery, thereby limiting broader market participation.

Allowing contracts to operate temporarily in a financially settled format is expected to improve market depth, increase trading participation, and enhance price discovery before delivery obligations begin.

 

4) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

India’s retail inflation (CPI) rose to 3.48% in April, marking a 14-month high, primarily due to increased prices of food items, gold, and silver.

The highest inflation was recorded in key commodities such as silver jewellery (144.34%), coconut/copra (44.55%), gold, diamond and platinum jewellery (40.72%), tomato (35.28%), and cauliflower (25.58%).

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the updated Consumer Price Index (CPI) in February, revising the base year to 2024, replacing the earlier 2012 base year.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s retail inflation (CPI) rose to 3.48% in April, marking a 14-month high, primarily due to increased prices of food items, gold, and silver.

Despite the rise, inflation remained below the RBI target of 4%, supporting expectations that interest rates may remain unchanged in the near term.

The highest inflation was recorded in key commodities such as silver jewellery (144.34%), coconut/copra (44.55%), gold, diamond and platinum jewellery (40.72%), tomato (35.28%), and cauliflower (25.58%).

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the updated Consumer Price Index (CPI) in February, revising the base year to 2024, replacing the earlier 2012 base year.

The new CPI 2024 basket includes 358 goods and services, significantly higher than the earlier basket of 59 items, improving the measurement of inflation accuracy and coverage.

 

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

CTBC Bank Co. Ltd. has opened its new branch at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, becoming the first Taiwanese bank to establish presence in India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

Detailed Explanation:

CTBC Bank Co. Ltd. has opened its new branch at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, becoming the first Taiwanese bank to establish presence in India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

The branch was established after receiving necessary approvals from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), marking a key milestone in India–Taiwan financial cooperation.

The new CTBC Bank branch in GIFT City aims to strengthen cross-border financing, trade, and investment flows, and enhance financial connectivity between India, Taiwan, and the wider Asia region.

The bank has maintained a presence in India for over 30 years, demonstrating long-term commitment to the Indian market.

 

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) informed the Supreme Court that 30 banks have been integrated into the UDGAM portal to help legal heirs trace unclaimed funds of deceased account holders.

UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access Information) is an online centralized portal developed by the RBI.

The platform was developed in collaboration with Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT) and Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS) along with selected banks.

The portal covers around 90% of unclaimed deposits (by value) held in the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.

A total of 30 banks are currently part of the UDGAM platform, enabling consolidated search of unclaimed accounts.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) informed the Supreme Court that 30 banks have been integrated into the UDGAM portal to help legal heirs trace unclaimed funds of deceased account holders.

UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access Information) is an online centralized portal developed by the RBI.

The platform was developed in collaboration with Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT) and Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS) along with selected banks.

The portal covers around 90% of unclaimed deposits (by value) held in the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.

A total of 30 banks are currently part of the UDGAM platform, enabling consolidated search of unclaimed accounts.

The portal allows users to search both individual and non-individual unclaimed deposits/accounts.

UDGAM is only a search and information platform and does not process claims; claims must be made directly with the respective bank.

It also provides details of the claim and settlement process of each participating bank.

To search individual accounts, users must provide:

Account holder name

Bank name (one or more)

Any one or more identifiers such as PAN, Driving License, Voter ID, Passport Number, or Date of Birth

After registration, users receive a UDRN (Unclaimed Deposit Reference Number), generated via the Core Banking Solution (CBS).

The UDRN ensures privacy, preventing identification of the account holder or bank branch by third parties.

 

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has revised the release schedule for India’s Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Fourth Quarter (Q4) GDP estimates.

Under the revised system, the Provisional Estimates (PE) of Annual GDP and January–March Quarter GDP data will now be released on 7 June every year, or on the previous working day if 7 June is a holiday.

Listed companies are required to submit their audited Q4 and annual financial statements within 60 days from the end of the financial year, resulting in many filings arriving close to the 31 May deadline.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has revised the release schedule for India’s Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Fourth Quarter (Q4) GDP estimates.

Under the revised system, the Provisional Estimates (PE) of Annual GDP and January–March Quarter GDP data will now be released on 7 June every year, or on the previous working day if 7 June is a holiday.

Earlier, the GDP data used to be released on the last working day of May.

The revision was made after consultations with the Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS) to improve the quality, robustness, reliability, and coverage of national accounts data.

The Ministry stated that the change was necessary because certain critical datasets become available only after a delay of up to two months.

Listed companies are required to submit their audited Q4 and annual financial statements within 60 days from the end of the financial year, resulting in many filings arriving close to the 31 May deadline.

In the case of Central Government Accounts, key fiscal data related to revenue expenditure, capital expenditure, taxes, subsidies, and interest payments for March become available only after a two-month lag.

Under the revised calendar, the Provisional GDP Estimates for FY 2025–26 and Q4 GDP data for January–March 2026 will be released on 5 June 2026.

The revision is part of MoSPI’s continued efforts to strengthen national accounts compilation and align India’s statistical practices with international best practices.

 

8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India is planning to construct a ₹40,000 crore subsea gas pipeline connecting Oman and Gujarat to strengthen long-term energy security.

The Ministry of Petroleum is directing GAIL, Engineers India, and Indian Oil Corporation to prepare a detailed feasibility report for the ₹40,000 crore Middle East-India Deep-water Pipeline (MEIDP).

Detailed Explanation:

India is planning to construct a ₹40,000 crore subsea gas pipeline connecting Oman and Gujarat to strengthen long-term energy security.

The Ministry of Petroleum is directing GAIL, Engineers India, and Indian Oil Corporation to prepare a detailed feasibility report for the ₹40,000 crore Middle East-India Deep-water Pipeline (MEIDP).

This follows a pre-feasibility study by South Asia Gas Enterprise, which has already laid 3,000 metres of test pipeline to assess seabed conditions.

The project, if approved, could take five to seven years to complete and would deliver 31 mmscmd of natural gas directly to Gujarat.

The proposal gained urgency after the 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, which disrupted global energy flows and exposed India’s dependence on a single maritime route.

Nearly 88 percent of India’s crude oil imports and a significant share of Liquefied Natural Gas supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

 

9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Election Commission of India has launched Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision across 16 States and 3 Union Territories to update electoral rolls.

The exercise covers 36.73 crore voters and aims to ensure accurate, transparent, and updated electoral data before upcoming elections.

The exercise will cover almost the entire country except:

Himachal Pradesh

Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh

Detailed Explanation:

The Election Commission of India has launched Phase III of the Special Intensive Revision across 16 States and 3 Union Territories to update electoral rolls.

The exercise covers 36.73 crore voters and aims to ensure accurate, transparent, and updated electoral data before upcoming elections.

The Special Intensive Revision is a detailed process conducted to:

Update electoral rolls

Add new eligible voters

Remove duplicate or ineligible entries

Correct voter details

The revision process helps strengthen the credibility and transparency of the electoral system.

Phase III involves:

36.73 crore electors

Around 3.94 lakh Booth Level Officers

Support from 3.42 lakh Booth Level Agents

The exercise will cover almost the entire country except:

Himachal Pradesh

Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh

 

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India has assumed the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board for 2026–2028, marking a major achievement in the country’s global cybersecurity leadership.

The decision was confirmed during the meeting of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement held in Tokyo, Japan, in April 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

India has assumed the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board for 2026–2028, marking a major achievement in the country’s global cybersecurity leadership.

The decision was confirmed during the meeting of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement held in Tokyo, Japan, in April 2026.

The Common Criteria Development Board is a major technical body responsible for developing and maintaining international cybersecurity evaluation standards.

It functions under the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement, a global framework that enables countries to mutually recognise Information Technology security certifications

 

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Mahey Tokpo–Raldho irrigation canal in the remote Changthang region of Ladakh.

The canal has been constructed at an elevation of more than 14,000 feet, making it a significant engineering achievement in the Himalayan region.

The newly completed canal is 2.10 kilometres long and has been designed to bring water from Yaya Lake to agricultural fields in the Mahey area.

Detailed Explanation:

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Mahey Tokpo–Raldho irrigation canal in the remote Changthang region of Ladakh.

The canal has been constructed at an elevation of more than 14,000 feet, making it a significant engineering achievement in the Himalayan region.

The newly completed canal is 2.10 kilometres long and has been designed to bring water from Yaya Lake to agricultural fields in the Mahey area.

The canal has been built:

Around 200 feet above the road level

With a width and depth of 2 feet each

Using Plain Cement Concrete lining and breast wall protection

These features improve durability, slope stability, and resistance to harsh weather conditions.

Along with the inauguration, the Lieutenant Governor also launched a plantation drive of 15,000 trees with participation from local villagers.

The plantation initiative focuses on:

Soil conservation

Prevention of land erosion

Slope stabilisation

Ecological restoration

Long-term environmental sustainability

 

12) Answer: D

Jio Platforms Limited (JPL), the digital services arm of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), has appointed Akash Ambani as its first Managing Director (MD) for a five-year term effective from 9 April 2026.

Akash Ambani is the eldest son of Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited.

He joined the Board of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL) in October 2014 and has served as its Chairman since June 2022.

13) Answer: A

Yoweri Museveni, leader of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), was sworn in as the President of Uganda for a seventh term after winning the January 2026 presidential election.

He took the oath of office at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala, Uganda, in a ceremony featuring fly-pasts of Russian-made Sukhoi fighter jets.

Museveni first came to power in 1986 as a rebel leader and has since won seven presidential elections, making him one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders.

 

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

N. Rangasamy, leader of the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) from Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies, was sworn in as the Chief Minister (CM) of Puducherry for a fifth term following the 2026 Assembly elections.

With this achievement, N. Rangasamy became the first leader in the history of Puducherry to serve as Chief Minister for five terms.

Detailed Explanation:

N.Rangasamy, leader of the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) from Thattanchavady and Mangalam constituencies, was sworn in as the Chief Minister (CM) of Puducherry for a fifth term following the 2026 Assembly elections.

With this achievement, N. Rangasamy became the first leader in the history of Puducherry to serve as Chief Minister for five terms.

The oath of office and secrecy was administered by the Lieutenant Governor (LG) Kuniyil Kailashnathan at Lok Nivas, Puducherry.

Along with the Chief Minister, two ministers—Malladi Krishna Rao (AINRC) and A. Namassivayam (BJP)—also took oath in the AINRC-led NDA government.

In the 33-member Puducherry Legislative Assembly, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 18 seats, crossing the majority mark of 17 seats.

 

15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has signed a 46 million United States dollar agreement with Indian company TCRC to develop customs laboratory infrastructure across Afghanistan.

The project aims to improve trade quality checks, customs inspection systems, and technical capacity in the country.

The agreement was signed between the Taliban’s economic office and TCRC.

Detailed Explanation:

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has signed a 46 million United States dollar agreement with Indian company TCRC to develop customs laboratory infrastructure across Afghanistan.

The project aims to improve trade quality checks, customs inspection systems, and technical capacity in the country.

The agreement was signed between the Taliban’s economic office and TCRC.

Major features of the project include:

Establishment of laboratory centres in Kabul and nine customs facilities

Project duration of five years

Installation of advanced laboratory equipment

Repair and upgrading of existing systems

Deployment of foreign technical experts

The initiative is intended to strengthen Afghanistan’s customs inspection and trade regulation framework.

 

16) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

India’s passport has been ranked 78th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, slipping from its earlier 75th position.

According to the latest ranking, Indian passport holders have access to 56 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or simplified visa procedures.

Despite the recent decline, India’s passport ranking has improved over the long term:

85th rank in 2025

90th rank in 2021, which was its lowest position

The strongest passports in the 2026 rankings are:

Singapore – Rank 1 with access to 192 destinations

Japan – Rank 2

South Korea – Rank 3

Detailed Explanation:

India’s passport has been ranked 78th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, slipping from its earlier 75th position.

According to the latest ranking, Indian passport holders have access to 56 destinations through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or simplified visa procedures.

The Henley Passport Index is one of the world’s most recognised passport rankings.

It ranks 199 passports globally using data from the International Air Transport Association.

The ranking is based on the number of destinations a passport holder can access without requiring a prior visa.

A higher ranking indicates greater travel freedom, while a lower ranking reflects stricter visa restrictions.

India’s current passport status includes:

Rank in 2026: 78

Previous rank: 75

Access to 56 destinations

Despite the recent decline, India’s passport ranking has improved over the long term:

85th rank in 2025

90th rank in 2021, which was its lowest position

The strongest passports in the 2026 rankings are:

Singapore – Rank 1 with access to 192 destinations

Japan – Rank 2

South Korea – Rank 3

 

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stones and presided over grounding ceremonies of strategic aerospace and defence projects at Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.

The foundation stone was laid for the Core Integration & Flight Testing Centre at Puttaparthi, aimed at accelerating the development of the Fifth-Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and other indigenous aircraft platforms.

Detailed Explanation:

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stones and presided over grounding ceremonies of strategic aerospace and defence projects at Puttaparthi, Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh.

The foundation stone was laid for the Core Integration & Flight Testing Centre at Puttaparthi, aimed at accelerating the development of the Fifth-Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and other indigenous aircraft platforms.

The AMCA programme has a total outlay of around ₹15,000 crore, while the Core Integration & Flight Testing Centre of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under DRDO is being established at a cost of approximately ₹2,000 crore.

The facility will enable India to join the select group of nations capable of developing and testing fifth-generation fighter aircraft domestically, strengthening Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence aviation.

The Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility at T. Sirasapalli village, Anakapalli district, is a ₹480 crore project of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) focused on autonomous underwater vehicles, underwater counter-measure systems, and next-generation torpedoes.

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered two new spider species named Psechrus ntu and Psechrus phenshunyu in Nagaland.

The findings were published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa.

The newly identified spider species were named after Ntu village and Phenshunyu village in Nagaland, highlighting Northeast India as an important biodiversity hotspot.

Detailed Explanation:

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has discovered two new spider species named Psechrus ntu and Psechrus phenshunyu in Nagaland.

The findings were published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa.

The newly identified spider species were named after Ntu village and Phenshunyu village in Nagaland, highlighting Northeast India as an important biodiversity hotspot.

Both newly discovered species belong to the genus Psechrus under the family Psechridae.

The species Psechrus himalayanus was also recorded in the region for the first time.

The ZSI also completed the first comprehensive taxonomic revision of Indian whip scorpions (Thelyphonids) in more than 100 years.

Whip Scorpions, also known as Vinegaroons, are non-venomous arachnids that are different from true scorpions.

 

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) presented the SVAMITVA scheme as a successful governance and rural property mapping model to the World Bank.

The presentation highlighted how the SVAMITVA scheme has strengthened rural property ownership documentation and significantly reduced land-related disputes across villages in India.

Under the scheme, drone-based surveys have been conducted in approximately 3.3 lakh villages, out of a target of 3.44 lakh villages across the country.

Launched in April 2020, SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) provides legal ownership rights of rural residential land using drone-based mapping technology.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) presented the SVAMITVA scheme as a successful governance and rural property mapping model to the World Bank.

The presentation highlighted how the SVAMITVA scheme has strengthened rural property ownership documentation and significantly reduced land-related disputes across villages in India.

Under the scheme, drone-based surveys have been conducted in approximately 3.3 lakh villages, out of a target of 3.44 lakh villages across the country.

Launched in April 2020, SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) provides legal ownership rights of rural residential land using drone-based mapping technology.

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, with support from the Survey of India and NICSI (National Informatics Centre Services Inc.).

The objective of the SVAMITVA scheme is to empower rural citizens through property cards, enabling access to credit facilities, dispute resolution, and improved village-level planning.

According to the study presented by IIM Ahmedabad, the scheme is a landmark reform in rural land governance in India and has the potential to become a global model for replication.

 

20) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Sahdev Yadav has been elected as the President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation.

His election is seen as a significant step in strengthening India’s leadership in South Asian sports governance and promoting regional cooperation in weightlifting.

Sahdev Yadav, who currently heads the Indian Weightlifting Federation, was elected unopposed during the federation elections.

He was elected unanimously as President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation.

Detailed Explanation:

Sahdev Yadav has been elected as the President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation.

His election is seen as a significant step in strengthening India’s leadership in South Asian sports governance and promoting regional cooperation in weightlifting.

Sahdev Yadav, who currently heads the Indian Weightlifting Federation, was elected unopposed during the federation elections.

He was elected unanimously as President of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation.

His appointment reflects India’s growing influence in regional sports organisations and is expected to enhance collaboration among South Asian countries.

Sahdev Yadav already holds several important positions in international sports administration, including:

Treasurer of the Indian Olympic Association

Vice President of the Commonwealth Weightlifting Federation

Assistant to the President of the Asian Weightlifting Federation

These roles highlight his extensive administrative experience and international exposure in sports governance.

Sabina Yadav has also been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the South Asian Weightlifting Federation.