Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  18th September 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) Which proposed initiative of IRDAI aims to establish a population-scale, interoperable and non-exclusionary Digital Public Infrastructure for India’s insurance sector?

(a) Insurance Information Exchange

(b) Public Insurance Registry (PIR)

(c) National Insurance Gateway

(d) Digital Insurance Network

(e) Insurance Data Repository

 

2) Which bank has launched the AI-powered mobile banking application “bob World 2.0”?

(a) State Bank of India

(b) Punjab National Bank

(c) Bank of Baroda

(d) Canara Bank

(e) Union Bank of India

3) Which fintech company partnered with Suryoday Small Finance Bank to enable booking of its Fixed Deposit products through Money Spot White Label ATMs?

(a) SprintMoney

(b) Paytm

(c) BharatPe

(d) Razorpay

(e) PhonePe

4) Which bank has launched the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) to help taxpayers deposit unutilised capital gains?

(a) City Union Bank

(b) Federal Bank

(c) South Indian Bank

(d) Karur Vysya Bank

(e) Karnataka Bank

5) Which bank launched the “ARISE Homecoming” initiative to provide career opportunities in India to Indian students and professionals with overseas education or early work experience?

(a) HDFC Bank

(b) ICICI Bank

(c) Axis Bank

(d) Kotak Mahindra Bank

(e) IndusInd Bank

 

6) Which bank has launched a corporate credit card directly linked to businesses’ existing Overdraft (OD) and Cash Credit (CC) accounts?

(a) HDFC Bank

(b) IndusInd Bank

(c) Axis Bank

(d) ICICI Bank

(e) Kotak Mahindra Bank

7) What is the extended compliance deadline for existing Angel Funds to implement the Accredited Investor mandate?

(a) 8 September 2026

(b) 31 December 2026

(c) 31 March 2027

(d) 30 June 2027

(e) 10 September 2027

 

8) Which bank partnered with ScoreMe Solutions to launch a digital lending solution using GST filing data for MSMEs?

(a) Bank of Baroda

(b) UCO Bank

(c) Punjab National Bank

(d) Canara Bank

(e) Union Bank of India

 

9) Consider the following statements regarding White Label ATMs (WLAs) in India:

1. WLAs are set up, owned and operated by non-bank entities.
2. Non-bank WLA operators are authorised by the RBI under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
3. A non-bank WLA operator must maintain a minimum net worth of ₹100 crore at all times.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

10) Under the RBI Swap Facility for FCNR(B) Deposits, what does the RBI’s foreign exchange swap cover?

(a) Only the interest component

(b) Both principal and interest components

(c) Only the principal amount

(d) Principal amount and exchange-rate gains

(e) Interest component and exchange-rate gains

 

11) Consider the following statements regarding the recent Uttar Pradesh Cabinet decisions:

1. An ethanol plant will be established at the Chhata sugar mill in Mathura district, which had remained closed for 19 years.
2. The proposed ethanol plant will use sugarcane and paddy as feedstock and is expected to produce 3.96 crore litres of ethanol annually.
3. The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the establishment of a Regional Centre of the National Security Guard at Milkipur, Ayodhya.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

12) Consider the following statements regarding the recent revision of the EPFO wage ceiling:

1. The mandatory EPFO coverage wage ceiling has been increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
2. The revised ceiling is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory EPFO coverage.
3. The EPFO wage ceiling was last increased from ₹5,500 to ₹15,000 in September 2014.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

13) Who has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for outstanding contribution to Indian cinema?

(a) Naseeruddin Shah

(b) Anant Nag

(c) Mithun Chakraborty

(d) Shabana Azmi

(e) Kamal Haasan

 

14) Consider the following statements regarding the Global Gender Gap Report 2026:

1. India retained the 131st position among 145 economies, with an overall gender parity score of 64.5%.
2. India recorded 96.6% parity in Educational Attainment in 2026.
3. Political Empowerment was India’s highest-ranked subindex, with 24.5% of the gender gap closed.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

15) Consider the following statements regarding the Global Gender Gap Report 2026 rankings:

1. Iceland retained the first position for the 17th consecutive year and remained the only economy to have closed more than 90% of its gender gap.
2. Australia entered the global top 10 for the first time, ranking eighth.
3. Chad ranked 145th, followed by Iran at 144th and Pakistan at 143rd.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

16) Consider the following statements regarding the Free to Think 2026 report:

1. Scholars at Risk documented 382 attacks on higher education communities across 59 countries and territories.
2. India was placed in the “severely restricted” category for academic freedom.
3. Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia and Türkiye were included in the “severely restricted” category.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

17) Consider the following statements regarding the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025:

1. Delhi topped the IEMI 2025 with a score of 84 points.
2. Karnataka led the Charging Infrastructure Readiness category, followed by Maharashtra and Haryana.
3. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were the leading performers in Electric Vehicle Research and Innovation.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

18) Which of the following statements regarding the QS Global Full-Time MBA Rankings 2027 is incorrect?

(a) IIM Bangalore remained the highest-ranked Indian institution for the fourth consecutive year, securing joint 64th position.

(b) IIM Ahmedabad secured joint 70th position in the 2027 rankings.

(c) IIM Calcutta ranked 95th globally and recorded the sharpest decline among the three IIMs in the global top 100.

(d) IIM Bangalore ranked 29th globally and second in Asia for Employability.

(e) IIM Bangalore ranked 51st globally for Entrepreneurship and Alumni Outcomes.

 

19) Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance?

(a) Subrata Mondal

(b) Tatsuya Fujimoto

(c) Hiroshi Tanaka

(d) Kenji Nakamura

(e) Satoshi Yamamoto

 

20) What was the name of the DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet at which policy initiatives were unveiled to support MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups in the defence sector?

(a) Defence Tech Summit 2026

(b) VIMARSH 2026

(c) DRDO Innovation Meet 2026

(d) Raksha Udyog 2026

(e) Defence Industry Forum 2026

21) Which organisation is serving as the nodal institute for the Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Intellectual Property Rights?

(a) National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur

(b) National Medicinal Plants Board

(c) Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences

(d) All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa

(e) Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda

 

22) Which company has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) to modernise its market infrastructure?

(a) Infosys

(b) Wipro

(c) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

(d) HCL Technologies

(e) Tech Mahindra

 

23) Who authored the book “A Century of Service – The RSS in 100 Acts of Seva”?

(a) C. P. Radhakrishnan

(b) Tamilisai Soundararajan

(c) Amit Shah

(d) Venkaiah Naidu

(e) K. Annamalai

 

24) Recently, Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas, popularly known as ‘Alla Nani’, served as the Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister of which state?

(a) Telangana

(b) Karnataka

(c) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Tamil Nadu

(e) Odisha

 

25) On which date is World Ozone Day observed annually?

(a) 5 June

(b) 16 September

(c) 22 April

(d) 23 March

(e) 2 February

 

Answers:

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has released a consultation paper on the proposed Public Insurance Registry (PIR).

Public Insurance Registry (PIR) is proposed as a population-scale, interoperable and non-exclusionary Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for India’s insurance sector.

The main objective of PIR is to make the insurance ecosystem more transparent, accessible, connected, efficient and resilient.

PIR aims to address information gaps and interoperability gaps in the insurance market by establishing a consistent and authoritative view of insurance records.

Detailed Explanation:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has released a consultation paper on the proposed Public Insurance Registry (PIR).

Public Insurance Registry (PIR) is proposed as a population-scale, interoperable and non-exclusionary Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for India’s insurance sector.

The main objective of PIR is to make the insurance ecosystem more transparent, accessible, connected, efficient and resilient.

PIR aims to address information gaps and interoperability gaps in the insurance market by establishing a consistent and authoritative view of insurance records.

The registry would allow relevant information to remain with the respective source institutions, while enabling appropriate interoperability across the insurance ecosystem.

The proposed PIR aims to promote insurance growth and inclusion, build trust and transparency, improve affordability, and strengthen financial sustainability.

PIR is expected to reduce information barriers and encourage greater competition among insurers through innovative products, competitive pricing, better services and improved customer experience.

The proposed registry would enable easier insurance product discovery and comparison for customers.

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched “bob World 2.0”, a next-generation AI-powered mobile banking application designed to provide more intelligent, secure and personalised banking services.

bob World 2.0 has four key capabilities: voice-enabled payments and navigation, Personal Financial Management (PFM), hyper-personalisation, and multi-layered security.

The voice-enabled payments and navigation feature allows customers to initiate transactions and access banking functionalities through voice commands.

Detailed Explanation:

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched “bob World 2.0”, a next-generation AI-powered mobile banking application designed to provide more intelligent, secure and personalised banking services.

bob World 2.0 has four key capabilities: voice-enabled payments and navigation, Personal Financial Management (PFM), hyper-personalisation, and multi-layered security.

The voice-enabled payments and navigation feature allows customers to initiate transactions and access banking functionalities through voice commands.

The Personal Financial Management (PFM) module provides customers with a consolidated view of their finances, helping them understand spending, manage money and improve overall financial wellness.

The hyper-personalisation feature provides a persona-based customer experience tailored to individual customer needs.

The application includes a multi-layered security framework designed to provide real-time protection to customers.

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB) has partnered with fintech firm SprintMoney to make its Fixed Deposit (FD) products bookable through Hitachi Payment Services’ Android-powered Money Spot White Label ATMs.

The partnership was announced on 11 September 2026 at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB) has partnered with fintech firm SprintMoney to make its Fixed Deposit (FD) products bookable through Hitachi Payment Services’ Android-powered Money Spot White Label ATMs.

The partnership was announced on 11 September 2026 at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026.

Through this integration, customers using participating Money Spot ATMs can discover and initiate a digital Fixed Deposit booking process directly from the ATM, without visiting a bank branch or logging into a separate digital banking platform.

The three-way integration connects Suryoday Small Finance Bank’s deposit products, SprintMoney’s Financial Marketplace technology, and Hitachi Payment Services’ ATM infrastructure.

SprintMoney acts as the technology and integration layer connecting financial institutions with distribution channels.

 

4) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Karnataka Bank has launched the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) to provide taxpayers with a convenient and compliant way to deposit unutilised capital gains while planning eligible reinvestments.

CGAS is meant for taxpayers who earn capital gains from the transfer of eligible capital assets but are unable to complete the prescribed reinvestment within the stipulated time limit.

Detailed Explanation:

Karnataka Bank has launched the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) to provide taxpayers with a convenient and compliant way to deposit unutilised capital gains while planning eligible reinvestments.

CGAS is meant for taxpayers who earn capital gains from the transfer of eligible capital assets but are unable to complete the prescribed reinvestment within the stipulated time limit.

Under the scheme, eligible capital gains can be deposited into a CGAS account within the prescribed period, allowing customers to avail themselves of applicable tax benefits subject to the provisions of the Income-tax Act and related regulations.

Karnataka Bank is among the authorised banks permitted to offer CGAS.

The expansion of CGAS availability through additional banking partners has improved accessibility for taxpayers seeking to manage their capital gains through authorised banking channels.

5) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Axis Bank has launched the “ARISE Homecoming” initiative to provide career opportunities in India to Indian students and professionals who have gained education or early work experience abroad.

The initiative aims to bring globally exposed Indian talent back into India’s domestic workforce and enable them to contribute their international education, skills and diverse perspectives to India’s financial and economic ecosystem.

Detailed Explanation:

Axis Bank has launched the “ARISE Homecoming” initiative to provide career opportunities in India to Indian students and professionals who have gained education or early work experience abroad.

The initiative aims to bring globally exposed Indian talent back into India’s domestic workforce and enable them to contribute their international education, skills and diverse perspectives to India’s financial and economic ecosystem.

ARISE Homecoming is open to Indian students currently pursuing or recently completing education at overseas universities.

The programme is also open to professionals with up to two years of international work experience.

The initiative welcomes candidates across degrees, disciplines and educational institutions, with emphasis on skills, potential and role fit.

Selected candidates can explore career opportunities across business, technology, digital, strategy, wealth, governance and other functions, depending on the bank’s requirements.

6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

IndusInd Bank has launched a corporate credit card directly linked to businesses’ existing Overdraft (OD) and Cash Credit (CC) accounts.

The card allows businesses to make payments using their sanctioned working capital limits, without requiring a separate credit line.

The card draws funds in real time from the linked OD or CC account for both online and offline payments.

The product is available across India to eligible IndusInd Bank business customers.

Detailed Explanation:

IndusInd Bank has launched a corporate credit card directly linked to businesses’ existing Overdraft (OD) and Cash Credit (CC) accounts.

The card allows businesses to make payments using their sanctioned working capital limits, without requiring a separate credit line.

The card draws funds in real time from the linked OD or CC account for both online and offline payments.

The product is available across India to eligible IndusInd Bank business customers.

The card is particularly relevant for businesses and MSMEs seeking to integrate their working capital facilities with digital and card-based payments.

The card operates across four payment networks — RuPay, Mastercard, Visa and NPCI platform.

The underlying product infrastructure is powered by PropelGo Technologies.

The card can be used for vendor payments, routine operational expenses and other business-related spending.

 

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has extended the compliance deadline for existing Angel Funds to implement the Accredited Investor mandate from 8 September 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The extension provides existing Angel Funds with nearly seven additional months to comply with the revised regulatory framework.

The extension applies specifically to Angel Funds registered with SEBI on or before 10 September 2025.

These Angel Funds were earlier required to implement the Accredited Investor requirement by 8 September 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has extended the compliance deadline for existing Angel Funds to implement the Accredited Investor mandate from 8 September 2026 to 31 March 2027.

The extension provides existing Angel Funds with nearly seven additional months to comply with the revised regulatory framework.

The extension applies specifically to Angel Funds registered with SEBI on or before 10 September 2025.

These Angel Funds were earlier required to implement the Accredited Investor requirement by 8 September 2026.

The deadline was extended following representations from the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) industry, which requested additional time for Angel Funds to complete the required compliance.

During the extended period up to 31 March 2027, eligible existing Angel Funds can continue to offer investment opportunities to non-accredited investors.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

UCO Bank and ScoreMe Solutions have launched “GST Smart”, a digital lending solution that uses GST filing data to support faster and more data-driven credit decisions for MSMEs.

GST Smart brings GST intelligence into the credit decisioning process, helping lenders create a more unified view of the borrower.

The solution is designed to enable faster and more data-driven lending journeys while keeping credit decisions within the bank’s existing policy, governance and approval frameworks.

GST filings provide lenders with a regularly refreshed view of business activity and compliance, which can support more consistent credit assessment.

Detailed Explanation:

UCO Bank and ScoreMe Solutions have launched “GST Smart”, a digital lending solution that uses GST filing data to support faster and more data-driven credit decisions for MSMEs.

GST Smart brings GST intelligence into the credit decisioning process, helping lenders create a more unified view of the borrower.

The solution is designed to enable faster and more data-driven lending journeys while keeping credit decisions within the bank’s existing policy, governance and approval frameworks.

GST filings provide lenders with a regularly refreshed view of business activity and compliance, which can support more consistent credit assessment.

GST Smart addresses credit-access challenges faced by MSMEs, including limited financial documentation, thin credit histories and difficulties in demonstrating financial strength.

The solution combines data intelligence, workflow orchestration and automated decisioning to support digital lending operations.

ScoreMe Solutions developed the GST Smart solution, while UCO Bank retains control over credit policies, governance, risk assessment and final approval decisions.

 

9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a computerised machine that allows bank customers to access their accounts, withdraw cash, and perform various financial and non-financial transactions without visiting a bank branch.

The world's first automated teller machine (ATM) was installed on June 27, 1967, at a Barclays Bank branch in Enfield, North London.

White Label ATMs (WLAs) are ATMs set up, owned and operated by non-bank entities.

Non-bank WLA operators are authorised under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

A non-bank WLA operator must have a minimum net worth of ₹100 crore as per the latest audited financial year's balance sheet, and this net worth must be maintained at all times.

Detailed Explanation:

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is a computerised machine that allows bank customers to access their accounts, withdraw cash, and perform various financial and non-financial transactions without visiting a bank branch.

The world's first automated teller machine (ATM) was installed on June 27, 1967, at a Barclays Bank branch in Enfield, North London.

White Label ATMs (WLAs) are ATMs set up, owned and operated by non-bank entities.

Non-bank WLA operators are authorised under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

A non-bank WLA operator must have a minimum net worth of ₹100 crore as per the latest audited financial year's balance sheet, and this net worth must be maintained at all times.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% is permitted under the automatic route in White Label ATM (WLA) operations.

The main objective of allowing WLAs is to increase the geographical spread of ATMs, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas, and improve customer service.

For customers, using a White Label ATM is similar to using a bank ATM.

ATMs/WLAs may provide facilities such as account information, cash deposits, bill payments, mini/short statements, PIN changes and cheque-book requests.

Mobile re-load voucher purchases are generally available at ATMs but are not permitted at WLAs.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Indian banks, including their overseas branches, are permitted to extend loans to non-residents against FCNR(B) deposits mobilised under the RBI Swap Facility for FCNR(B) Deposits.

Banks can also issue a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) in favour of overseas lenders against eligible FCNR(B) deposits.

The RBI's forex swap covers only the principal amount of the FCNR(B) deposits and does not cover the interest component.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian banks, including their overseas branches, are permitted to extend loans to non-residents against FCNR(B) deposits mobilised under the RBI Swap Facility for FCNR(B) Deposits.

Banks can also issue a Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) in favour of overseas lenders against eligible FCNR(B) deposits.

Banks can extend loans to FCNR(B) account holders and are permitted to mark a lien on the FCNR(B) deposits.

The above lending and SBLC facilities are available without affecting the normal lending or SBLC issuance by Authorised Dealer (AD) Banks on a secured or unsecured basis.

Under the RBI swap facility, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) provides a foreign exchange swap against eligible FCNR(B) deposits.

The RBI's forex swap covers only the principal amount of the FCNR(B) deposits and does not cover the interest component.

11) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved 23 proposals covering industries, transport, agriculture, education and employment.

The Cabinet approved the setting up of an ethanol plant at the Chhata sugar mill in Mathura district, which had remained closed for 19 years.

The proposed ethanol plant will use sugarcane and paddy as feedstock and is expected to produce 3.96 crore litres of ethanol annually.

A proposal for establishing a Regional Centre of the National Security Guard was approved for Milkipur, Ayodhya.

Detailed Explanation:

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved 23 proposals covering industries, transport, agriculture, education and employment.

The Cabinet approved the setting up of an ethanol plant at the Chhata sugar mill in Mathura district, which had remained closed for 19 years.

The proposed ethanol plant will use sugarcane and paddy as feedstock and is expected to produce 3.96 crore litres of ethanol annually.

The plant will operate for around 11 months a year and will involve an investment of ₹200 crore.

The existing sugar mill has 96 acres of land, where warehouses and a complex will also be developed.

Sugar production will be restarted at the unit once sufficient sugarcane availability is ensured. A sugar mill requires around 50 lakh tonnes of sugarcane annually for smooth operations.

The Cabinet approved the Uttar Pradesh Toy Manufacturing Promotion Policy, 2025 to promote toy manufacturing, attract investment and generate employment in the state.

A proposal for establishing a Regional Centre of the National Security Guard was approved for Milkipur, Ayodhya.

The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a new university in Aligarh.

Amendments were approved to the rules governing Automatic Testing Centres for vehicles. The earlier minimum land requirement of 2.5 acres had made it difficult to establish such centres.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment to increase the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.

The decision is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory EPFO coverage, thereby expanding statutory social security protection.

The EPFO wage ceiling was last increased from ₹6,500 to ₹15,000 in September 2014. It had remained unchanged during 2004–2014.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment to increase the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.

The decision is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory EPFO coverage, thereby expanding statutory social security protection.

Employees joining a job with wages above ₹15,000 per month were earlier not automatically covered under the mandatory Employees’ Provident Fund framework. The revised ceiling will bring employees earning between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per month within mandatory coverage.

The enhanced coverage will provide access to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) savings, pension protection under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) and insurance protection under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI), subject to applicable scheme provisions.

The EPFO wage ceiling was last increased from ₹6,500 to ₹15,000 in September 2014. It had remained unchanged during 2004–2014.

The increase to ₹25,000 takes into account rising wages, higher incomes and the expansion of formal employment in India.

The decision is expected to support formalisation of employment, employee retention, workforce stability and long-term retirement security.

The proposal was examined through inter-ministerial consultations and was recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee at its meeting held on 16 June 2026.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

The award will be presented to Anant Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony to be held at Kevadia, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026.

The selection was made on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, and the announcement was made by the Press Information Bureau.

Anant Nag, born as Anant Nagarkatte on 4 September 1948, is one of the prominent personalities of Kannada cinema.

Detailed Explanation:

Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

The award will be presented to Anant Nag at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony to be held at Kevadia, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026.

The selection was made on the recommendation of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award Selection Committee, and the announcement was made by the Press Information Bureau.

Anant Nag, born as Anant Nagarkatte on 4 September 1948, is one of the prominent personalities of Kannada cinema.

He has acted in 300+ films, including 250+ Kannada films, and has also worked in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and English films.

He also appeared in the popular Doordarshan television series Malgudi Days, based on the stories of renowned author R. K. Narayan.

Anant Nag has received 5 Karnataka State Film Awards during his career.

In 2025, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, by the Government of India.

14) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Gender Gap Report 2026, marking the 20th edition of the index.

India retained the 131st position among 145 economies, with its overall gender parity score improving slightly to 64.5%.

India has improved its overall gender parity by 4.3 percentage points since 2006, with the major long-term gains coming from Educational Attainment.

Political Empowerment was India’s highest-ranked subindex, with 24.5% of the gender gap closed and India ranking 67th globally on this subindex.

In Educational Attainment, India recorded 96.6% parity, although the score declined by 0.5 percentage points from the previous year.

Detailed Explanation:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Gender Gap Report 2026, marking the 20th edition of the index.

India retained the 131st position among 145 economies, with its overall gender parity score improving slightly to 64.5%.

India has improved its overall gender parity by 4.3 percentage points since 2006, with the major long-term gains coming from Educational Attainment.

Globally, 69.2% of the gender gap has been closed in 2026, an improvement of 0.4 percentage points over the previous year. At the current rate of progress, full global gender parity is estimated to be 120 years away.

The Global Gender Gap Index measures gender parity across four dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.

In Economic Participation and Opportunity, India recorded 41.2% parity, an improvement of 0.5 percentage points from the previous edition.

Parity among professional and technical workers increased from 26.6% in 2006 to 49.9% in 2026.

Representation of women among legislators, senior officials and managers improved by 10 percentage points since 2006, reaching 13.1% in 2026.

India’s labour-force participation parity stood at 44.1% in 2026.

In Educational Attainment, India recorded 96.6% parity, although the score declined by 0.5 percentage points from the previous year.

In Health and Survival, India improved to 95.6% parity.

Political Empowerment was India’s highest-ranked subindex, with 24.5% of the gender gap closed and India ranking 67th globally on this subindex.

India’s parliamentary parity stood at 16.1%, representing an overall improvement of 7 percentage points since 2006.

 

15) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Gender Gap Report 2026, marking the 20th edition of the index.

Iceland retained the first position for the 17th consecutive year and remained the only economy to have closed more than 90% of its gender gap.

Finland and Norway retained the second and third positions, respectively, for the third consecutive year.

Namibia climbed four places to fourth position and became the highest-ranked economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Australia entered the global top 10 for the first time, ranking eighth.

Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden are the only four economies to have appeared in the top 10 in every edition since 2006.

Chad ranked 145th, making it the lowest-ranked economy, followed by Iran (144th) and Pakistan (143rd).

The Southern Asia region closed 64.5% of its gender gap and remained the lowest-scoring region in Economic Participation and Opportunity, with 40.9% parity.

Detailed Explanation:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Gender Gap Report 2026, marking the 20th edition of the index.

India retained the 131st position among 145 economies, with its overall gender parity score improving slightly to 64.5%.

India has improved its overall gender parity by 4.3 percentage points since 2006, with the major long-term gains coming from Educational Attainment.

Globally, 69.2% of the gender gap has been closed in 2026, an improvement of 0.4 percentage points over the previous year. At the current rate of progress, full global gender parity is estimated to be 120 years away.

Iceland retained the first position for the 17th consecutive year and remained the only economy to have closed more than 90% of its gender gap.

Finland and Norway retained the second and third positions, respectively, for the third consecutive year.

Namibia climbed four places to fourth position and became the highest-ranked economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Australia entered the global top 10 for the first time, ranking eighth.

Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden are the only four economies to have appeared in the top 10 in every edition since 2006.

Chad ranked 145th, making it the lowest-ranked economy, followed by Iran (144th) and Pakistan (143rd).

The Southern Asia region closed 64.5% of its gender gap and remained the lowest-scoring region in Economic Participation and Opportunity, with 40.9% parity.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Scholars at Risk (SAR) released its Free to Think 2026 report, documenting 382 attacks on higher education communities across 59 countries and territories between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

India was placed in the “severely restricted” category for academic freedom, along with Hong Kong, Indonesia, Pakistan, the West Bank and Ukraine.

The “completely restricted” category included Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, Türkiye, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and Gaza.

Detailed Explanation:

Scholars at Risk (SAR) released its Free to Think 2026 report, documenting 382 attacks on higher education communities across 59 countries and territories between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

The report examined attacks on higher education as well as government actions affecting university autonomy, academic expression, research, teaching and campus activities.

According to the 2026 Academic Freedom Index, academic freedom declined significantly in 50 of 179 countries analysed over the past decade, while 9 countries recorded improvements.

India was placed in the “severely restricted” category for academic freedom, along with Hong Kong, Indonesia, Pakistan, the West Bank and Ukraine.

The “completely restricted” category included Afghanistan, China, Iran, Russia, Türkiye, Syria, Venezuela, Zimbabwe and Gaza.

The report attributed concerns in India to increased government involvement in university governance, leadership appointments and academic priorities, as well as actions by university administrations affecting campus discourse and student expression.

17) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

NITI Aayog released the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025 in New Delhi, ranking Delhi as the top-performing State/Union Territory in electric mobility adoption.

Delhi secured the first position with 84 points, followed by Maharashtra (78), Karnataka (73), Chandigarh (71) and Goa (65).

The India Electric Mobility Index 2025 is the second edition of the index and measures the progress of Indian States and Union Territories towards their electric mobility goals.

Karnataka led the Charging Infrastructure Readiness category, followed by Maharashtra and Haryana.

Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were the leading performers in Electric Vehicle Research and Innovation, based on parameters including electric vehicle start-ups and intellectual property generation in clean mobility.

Detailed Explanation:

NITI Aayog released the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025 in New Delhi, ranking Delhi as the top-performing State/Union Territory in electric mobility adoption.

Delhi secured the first position with 84 points, followed by Maharashtra (78), Karnataka (73), Chandigarh (71) and Goa (65).

The India Electric Mobility Index 2025 is the second edition of the index and measures the progress of Indian States and Union Territories towards their electric mobility goals.

The index evaluates all States and Union Territories on a 100-point scale using 16 indicators under three core themes: Transport Electrification Progress, Charging Infrastructure Readiness, and Electric Vehicle Research and Innovation Status.

The index aims to support data-driven decision-making, encourage healthy competition among States and Union Territories, and facilitate the sharing of best practices.

The median score of States and Union Territories increased from 36 in 2024 to 40 in 2025, while the highest score improved from 77 to 84.

Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Chandigarh maintained their leading positions compared with the previous edition.

Ladakh recorded the largest decline in ranking, while Punjab, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh also recorded declines.

Delhi topped the Transport Electrification Progress category, followed by Chandigarh and Maharashtra.

Karnataka led the Charging Infrastructure Readiness category, followed by Maharashtra and Haryana.

Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were the leading performers in Electric Vehicle Research and Innovation, based on parameters including electric vehicle start-ups and intellectual property generation in clean mobility.

18) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the QS Global Full-Time Master of Business Administration Rankings 2027, covering more than 420 Master of Business Administration programmes across 65 countries and territories.

19 Indian institutions featured in the 2027 rankings, compared with 7 in 2022 and 5 in 2020. Five Indian institutions entered the rankings for the first time in 2027.

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore remained the highest-ranked Indian institution for the fourth consecutive year, securing joint 64th position, compared with 52nd in 2026.

Woxsen School of Business was placed in the 251–300 band globally and recorded the strongest Indian performance for Diversity, ranking first in Asia and 33rd globally.

Detailed Explanation:

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released the QS Global Full-Time Master of Business Administration Rankings 2027, covering more than 420 Master of Business Administration programmes across 65 countries and territories.

19 Indian institutions featured in the 2027 rankings, compared with 7 in 2022 and 5 in 2020. Five Indian institutions entered the rankings for the first time in 2027.

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore remained the highest-ranked Indian institution for the fourth consecutive year, securing joint 64th position, compared with 52nd in 2026.

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad secured joint 70th position, compared with 58th in 2026.

Indian Institute of Management Calcutta ranked 95th, compared with 64th in 2026, recording the sharpest decline among the three Indian Institutes of Management in the global top 100.

Indian Institute	QS Master of Business Administration 2027	QS Master of Business Administration 2026	Change
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore	64=	52	Down 12
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad	70=	58	Down 12
Indian Institute of Management Calcutta	95	64	Down 31

All three Indian Institutes of Management remained among the global top 100.

According to Quacquarelli Symonds, Indian business schools faced stronger competition from global institutions particularly in Return on Investment, Entrepreneurship and Alumni Outcomes, and Diversity.

10 Indian entries improved their performance in the Thought Leadership indicator.

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore ranked 29th globally and second in Asia for Employability and 51st globally for Thought Leadership.

Woxsen School of Business was placed in the 251–300 band globally and recorded the strongest Indian performance for Diversity, ranking first in Asia and 33rd globally.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management secured the first position globally, moving up from third place in 2026.

Harvard Business School retained second position, while Stanford Graduate School of Business moved from fourth to third.

Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, which topped the 2026 ranking, moved to fourth position in 2027.

19) Answer: B

IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance appointed Tatsuya Fujimoto as its new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Tatsuya Fujimoto succeeded Subrata Mondal as the MD & CEO of IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance.

IFFCO-TOKIO General Insurance Company Limited is a 51:49 joint venture between Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) and Tokio Marine Group of Japan.

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a series of policy initiatives to reduce technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups in the defence sector.

The initiatives were launched at VIMARSH 2026, the DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet, held in New Delhi, Delhi, under the theme “Varta se Vikas”.

A new framework for MSMEs and start-ups was introduced, providing direct funding, incubation support and dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a series of policy initiatives to reduce technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups in the defence sector.

The initiatives were launched at VIMARSH 2026, the DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet, held in New Delhi, Delhi, under the theme “Varta se Vikas”.

A new framework for MSMEs and start-ups was introduced, providing direct funding, incubation support and dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities.

A standardised and secure framework for sharing DRDO-developed software source codes with licensed industries was introduced to promote software-defined defence capabilities and address technology obsolescence.

9 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToTs) were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners to facilitate the commercial production of advanced defence systems.

21) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Intellectual Property Rights commenced in Goa and will conclude on 17 September 2026.

The conference is being organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, with the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa serving as the nodal institute.

Detailed Explanation:

The Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Intellectual Property Rights commenced in Goa and will conclude on 17 September 2026.

The conference is being organised by the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, with the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa serving as the nodal institute.

The conference is being held alongside the Second Meeting of the BIMSTEC Nodal Group on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and Intellectual Property Rights.

The two-day conference brings together experts, officials and representatives from BIMSTEC member countries.

Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, chaired the Inaugural Session and highlighted the role of the BIMSTEC Task Force for Traditional Medicine (BTFTM).

Representatives from all seven BIMSTEC member countries — Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand — shared their national policies, legal frameworks and experiences.

The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) was discussed, including controlled-access documentation, prior-art protection and the possible regional application of its experience.

22) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) to modernise and future-proof DGCX’s market infrastructure.

The partnership will introduce a next-generation integrated solution covering trading, clearing and surveillance platforms.

The transformation programme aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen market resilience, and support DGCX’s expansion into emerging asset classes.

Detailed Explanation:

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) to modernise and future-proof DGCX’s market infrastructure.

The partnership will introduce a next-generation integrated solution covering trading, clearing and surveillance platforms.

The transformation programme aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen market resilience, and support DGCX’s expansion into emerging asset classes.

TCS will integrate TCS BaNCS™ for Market Infrastructure, Quartz™ for Surveillance, TCS BaNCS Securities Trading Platform, and Quartz Gateway for DGCX.

The integrated platform will strengthen market operations, risk management and surveillance across DGCX’s derivatives ecosystem.

The technology upgrade is expected to strengthen DGCX’s ability to meet the evolving requirements of regional and international market participants.

23) Answer: B

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “A Century of Service – The RSS in 100 Acts of Seva” at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

The book has been authored by Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, former Governor of Telangana and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.

The book documents the century-long service activities of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), highlighting its social responsibility and contribution to nation-building.

 

24) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas, popularly known as ‘Alla Nani’, was a former Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Health Minister who passed away at the age of 56 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, reportedly due to cardiac arrest.

He was born on 30 December 1969 in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh.

From June 2019 to April 2022, he served as Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education in the Cabinet of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Detailed Explanation:

Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas, popularly known as ‘Alla Nani’, was a former Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Health Minister who passed away at the age of 56 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, reportedly due to cardiac arrest.

He was born on 30 December 1969 in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh.

From June 2019 to April 2022, he served as Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education in the Cabinet of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

After the YSRCP lost the 2024 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, Alla Nani resigned from the YSRCP on 17 August 2024.

He later joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on 13 February 2025.

 

25) Answer: B

World Ozone Day is observed annually on 16 September to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ozone layer.

In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly designated 16 September as World Ozone Day to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol.

The theme of World Ozone Day 2026 is “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”