Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  19th & 20th 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 RBI's final prudential norms, what is a Specified Non-Financial Asset (SNFA)?

(a) A financial security acquired by banks for investment purposes

(b) An immovable asset acquired by a lender in full or partial settlement of its claims against an NPA borrower

(c) A movable asset pledged as collateral for a performing loan

(d) A government-owned asset transferred to banks during recapitalisation

(e) A digital asset acquired under insolvency proceedings

 

2) As per the FATF's updated list released after the June 2026 Plenary Meeting, which of the following countries was added to the Grey List (Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring)?

(a) Iran

(b) Myanmar

(c) Iraq

(d) Algeria

(e) North Korea

 

3) As per the recent news, Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed an MoU with the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) to promote multilingual AI solutions under which initiative?

(a) BHASHINI for Seva/Sanchalan

(b) Digital Bharat Mission

(c) AI for Financial Inclusion Programme

(d) National Language Computing Mission

(e) BharatNet Digital Banking Initiative

 

4) As per the recent news, which two digital platforms were launched by the Uttar Pradesh Government on World Youth Skills Day 2026 to modernise vocational training and improve skill development services?

(a) Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi

(b) Skill India and e-Shram

(c) NCS and DigiLocker

(d) PMKVY Connect and Skill Portal

(e) Udyam Mitra and Rozgar Setu

5) As per the recent news, the draft Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2025 (KAOMA) aims to align apartment regulations with which Act?

(a) Consumer Protection Act, 2019

(b) Companies Act, 2013

(c) Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016

(d) Transfer of Property Act, 1882

(e) Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016

6) As per the recent news, the foundation stone for a 150-bed Modern Critical Care Block at PGIMER, Chandigarh was laid under which scheme?

(a) Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

(b) National Health Mission (NHM)

(c) Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)

(d) PM Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)

(e) National Medical Commission Mission

 

7) As per the recent news, the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is a Mission Mode Project under which programme?

(a) Smart Cities Mission

(b) Digital India Programme

(c) National e-Governance Plan

(d) PM Gati Shakti

(e) BharatNet Programme

 

8) As per the recent news, NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) evaluates States and Union Territories based on how many key pillars?

(a) 6

(b) 7

(c) 9

(d) 8

(e) 10

9) As per the recent NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index (IFI), consider the following statements:

Gujarat emerged as the best-performing large State with a score of 56.6 out of 100.

Uttarakhand was the top-performing Hilly and North Eastern State.

Goa emerged as the top-performing City State and Union Territory.

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) Only 1 and 3

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

10) As per the 72nd National Film Awards, which of the following statements is INCORRECT?

Article 370 won the Best Feature Film award.

Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for Article 370.

Captain Miller won the Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment award.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Only 3

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

11) As per the recent news, who has assumed charge as the Director (Commercial) of NMDC Limited?

(a) Amitava Mukherjee

(b) Vivek Nishant Nath

(c) Arun Kumar Shukla

(d) R. K. Gupta

(e) Vinay Kumar

 

12) As per the recent news, who was sworn in as the 20th Prime Minister of Lithuania?

(a) Gitanas Nausėda

(b) Inga Ruginienė

(c) Gabrielius Landsbergis

(d) Saulius Skvernelis

(e) Mindaugas Sinkevičius

13) As per the recent news, who has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Policybazaar?

(a) Shah Rukh Khan

(b) Amitabh Bachchan

(c) Aamir Khan

(d) Akshay Kumar

(e) Anil Kapoor

 

14) As per the recent news, which company emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank?

(a) Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited

(b) Brookfield Asset Management

(c) Blackstone Inc.

(d) Temasek Holdings

(e) Bain Capital

 

15) As per the recent news, India's first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integrated vertical university campus was inaugurated at which institution?

(a) VIT University, Vellore

(b) SRM Institute of Science and Technology

(c) Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

(d) Anna University, Chennai

(e) VELS Institute of Science, Technology, & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)

 

16) As per the recent news, pi-labs entered into a strategic partnership with which company to develop secure, scalable, and mission-ready AI solutions for India?

(a) Microsoft Azure

(b) Amazon Web Services (AWS)

(c) Google Cloud

(d) Oracle Cloud

(e) IBM Cloud

17) As per the recent news, consider the following statements regarding Bharat Tex 2026:

Bharat Tex 2026 is guided by the 5F Vision – Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign.

Indie Haat 2026 is being organised at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi alongside Bharat Tex 2026.

Indie Haat 2026 features 48 artisans and weavers along with 12 design-led brands.

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) Only 1 and 3

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

18) As per the recent news, the M72/AS01E vaccine candidate is being developed to prevent which disease?

(a) Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

(b) Dengue

(c) Malaria

(d) Hepatitis B

(e) Japanese Encephalitis

 

19) As per the recent news, Moozhikkal Pankajakshi, who passed away recently, was renowned for which traditional art form?

(a) Kathakali

(b) Mohiniyattam

(c) Koodiyattam  

(d) Theyyam

(e) Nokkuvidya Pavakkali

 

20) As per the recent news, 20 July is observed as which of the following?

(a) World Chess Day and International Moon Day

(b) World Youth Skills Day and International Moon Day

(c) World Chess Day and World Population Day

(d) International Moon Day and World Environment Day

(e) World Chess Day and International Yoga Day

Answers:

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final prudential norms for Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) regarding Specified Non-Financial Assets (SNFAs) acquired while resolving stressed loans or Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

A Specified Non-Financial Asset (SNFA) is an immovable asset (such as property) acquired by a lender in full or partial settlement of its claims against a borrower, and can be acquired only when the lender's exposure is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA).

SNFAs may be acquired against full or partial extinguishment of a lender's exposure on a non-recourse basis.

Detailed Explanation:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued final prudential norms for Banks, Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) regarding Specified Non-Financial Assets (SNFAs) acquired while resolving stressed loans or Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).

A Specified Non-Financial Asset (SNFA) is an immovable asset (such as property) acquired by a lender in full or partial settlement of its claims against a borrower, and can be acquired only when the lender's exposure is classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA).

SNFAs may be acquired against full or partial extinguishment of a lender's exposure on a non-recourse basis.

If an SNFA is acquired through partial settlement of a loan, the remaining outstanding loan will be treated as a restructured loan and will be subject to the prudential norms applicable to restructured accounts.

Under the new framework, Banks, SFBs, and NBFCs cannot sell an SNFA back to the defaulting borrower or its related parties, and this restriction will continue even if the asset ceases to be classified as an SNFA.

All Banks, SFBs, and NBFCs must formulate Board-approved policies governing the acquisition, valuation, management, and disposal of SNFAs.

 

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released its updated High-Risk Jurisdictions and Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (Grey List) following the FATF Plenary Meeting held from 17–19 June 2026.

Under the Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (Grey List), Algeria and Namibia have been removed, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq have been added after the June 2026 FATF Plenary review.

Detailed Explanation:

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released its updated High-Risk Jurisdictions and Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (Grey List) following the FATF Plenary Meeting held from 17–19 June 2026.

Under the High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action (Black List), North Korea (DPRK), Iran, and Myanmar continue to remain on the list.

Myanmar, which was added to the High-Risk Jurisdictions list in October 2022, continues to remain under enhanced due diligence requirements as per the latest FATF review.

FATF has advised all member countries to apply enhanced due diligence for transactions involving North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar, while ensuring that humanitarian assistance, legitimate Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) activities, and remittances are not disrupted.

Under the Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring (Grey List), Algeria and Namibia have been removed, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iraq have been added after the June 2026 FATF Plenary review.

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to develop multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for inclusive banking under the BHASHINI for Seva/Sanchalan initiative.

The MoU was signed by Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DIBD, and Atish Kumar Rout, Chief General Manager (CGM-Digital), Digital Banking Transformation Division, PNB.

Detailed Explanation:

Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB) to develop multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for inclusive banking under the BHASHINI for Seva/Sanchalan initiative.

The MoU was signed by Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), DIBD, and Atish Kumar Rout, Chief General Manager (CGM-Digital), Digital Banking Transformation Division, PNB.

The objective of the partnership is to integrate BHASHINI's language translation Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and reference applications into PNB's digital banking platform, enabling language-inclusive banking services.

Under the MoU, PNB will integrate BHASHINI's multilingual AI tools and platforms, including Udyat, Mitra, AppMitra, Pravakta, and Bhashadaan, into its digital banking ecosystem.

The collaboration will enable customers to access banking information, digital platforms, and financial services in their preferred Indian languages, thereby improving customer experience, financial inclusion, and AI-driven banking innovation.

 

4) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh Government launched two digital platforms, Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi, during the celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2026 to modernise vocational training and improve skill development services in the state.

The platforms aim to bring vocational training online, enhance transparency in skill development programmes, and strengthen cooperation between industries, training institutions, and job seekers.

The two portals have been introduced to improve the functioning of the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM).

Detailed Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh Government launched two digital platforms, Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi, during the celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2026 to modernise vocational training and improve skill development services in the state.

The platforms aim to bring vocational training online, enhance transparency in skill development programmes, and strengthen cooperation between industries, training institutions, and job seekers.

The two portals have been introduced to improve the functioning of the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM).

Kaushal Setu is the official digital portal of the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) that allows training centres and institutions to register and apply online.

The platform replaces manual procedures with a paperless digital system, enabling training partners to submit applications and documents electronically.

Kaushal Setu will improve efficiency through online registration, digital document submission, transparent empanelment of training partners, and faster administrative processing.

Kaushal Sarathi is a digital platform designed for students and job seekers, providing information about training centres, available courses, and skill development partners across Uttar Pradesh.

 

5) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Karnataka Government has released the draft Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2025 (KAOMA) to modernise apartment management, strengthen the rights of apartment owners, and resolve long- standing disputes in the state’s growing real estate sector.

The proposed Bill aims to introduce joint ownership of land and common facilities, create a legal framework for redevelopment of old apartment buildings, and align apartment regulations with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016.

Detailed Explanation:

Karnataka Government has released the draft Karnataka Apartment (Ownership and Management) Bill, 2025 (KAOMA) to modernise apartment management, strengthen the rights of apartment owners, and resolve long- standing disputes in the state’s growing real estate sector.

The proposed Bill aims to introduce joint ownership of land and common facilities, create a legal framework for redevelopment of old apartment buildings, and align apartment regulations with the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA), 2016.

The Karnataka Government has invited public feedback until 6 August 2026 and plans to introduce the Bill during the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Karnataka Legislature.

The need for a new apartment law has emerged due to rapid urbanisation, especially in Bengaluru, which has witnessed a significant increase in apartment-based housing.

 

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 150-bed Modern Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

Detailed Explanation:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Advanced Mother and Child Centre and the Advanced Neurosciences Centre at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for a 150-bed Modern Critical Care Block under the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

These healthcare projects aim to improve access to advanced medical facilities, strengthen emergency healthcare preparedness, and promote medical education and research in Northern India.

The event was attended by the Governor of Punjab, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda, Union Minister for Railways, Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Chandigarh Member of Parliament Manish Tewari.

The Advanced Mother and Child Centre has been established to provide comprehensive tertiary healthcare services for women and children.

 

7) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Maharashtra Government is set to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme, a Mission Mode Project under the Digital India Programme initiated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India.

The implementation of NeVA follows the vision of “One Nation One Application” and aims to digitise the functioning of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Maharashtra Legislative Council.

Detailed Explanation:

Maharashtra Government is set to implement the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) programme, a Mission Mode Project under the Digital India Programme initiated by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India.

The implementation of NeVA follows the vision of “One Nation One Application” and aims to digitise the functioning of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and Maharashtra Legislative Council.

The initiative will improve efficiency, transparency, accessibility, and public participation in legislative processes by reducing dependence on paper-based systems.

A high-level meeting was held at Vidhan Bhawan, Mumbai to accelerate the implementation of National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in Maharashtra.

The meeting was attended by officials from:

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India

Department of Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Maharashtra

Secretariat of Maharashtra Legislature

 

8) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

NITI Aayog has introduced the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to assess the readiness of 36 States and Union Territories (UTs) in attracting and sustaining investments based on governance, economic, and infrastructure parameters.

The first edition of the index evaluated States and Union Territories using 84 indicators grouped under eight key pillars.

Detailed Explanation:

NITI Aayog has introduced the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to assess the readiness of 36 States and Union Territories (UTs) in attracting and sustaining investments based on governance, economic, and infrastructure parameters.

The index aims to provide policymakers with insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different States and Union Territories and support reforms to improve the investment climate and ease of doing business.

The Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) is not intended as a competition among States but as a benchmarking mechanism to provide data-based feedback and encourage policy improvements.

The first edition of the index evaluated States and Union Territories using 84 indicators grouped under eight key pillars.

The eight pillars of the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) are:

Infrastructure

Business Climate

Resources

Government Policy

Regulatory Ease

Financial Health

Institutional Environment

Environmental Resilience

 

9) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Gujarat emerged as the best-performing large State, securing a score of 56.6 out of 100 among 17 large States.

Among Hilly and North Eastern States, the top performers included:

Uttarakhand – 47.5

Among City States and Union Territories, Goa emerged as the top performer with a score of 53.1, followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.

Detailed Explanation:

Gujarat emerged as the best-performing large State, securing a score of 56.6 out of 100 among 17 large States.

The top-performing large States in the Investment Friendliness Index are:

Gujarat – 56.6

Maharashtra – Around 53

Tamil Nadu – Around 53

Odisha – 52.4

Gujarat’s strong performance was attributed to its infrastructure development, reliable power supply, and efficient port facilities, making it one of the most attractive investment destinations.

Among Hilly and North Eastern States, the top performers included:

Uttarakhand – 47.5

Assam

Himachal Pradesh

Among City States and Union Territories, Goa emerged as the top performer with a score of 53.1, followed by Delhi and Chandigarh.

During the launch of the report, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Ashok Lahiri stated that the index is not designed to create competition among States but to provide evidence-based feedback for reforms.

He highlighted that while the Central Government frames broad policies, actual investment takes place at the State level, making State-level reforms essential for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat.

 

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Major Winners:

Best Feature Film: Article 370

Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)

Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)

Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)

Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD

Best Film Promoting National & Social Values: Captain Miller

Detailed Explanation:

The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi to honour the best Indian films certified by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024.

The awards were selected by a jury headed by Malayalam filmmaker Jayaraj.

Major Winners:

Best Feature Film: Article 370

Best Actor: Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion) and Mammootty (Bramayugam)

Best Actress: Yami Gautam (Article 370)

Best Director: Rajkumar Periasamy (Amaran)

Best Feature Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: Kalki 2898 AD

Best Film Promoting National & Social Values: Captain Miller

Special Mention (Feature Films):

Dhanush (Captain Miller)

Suren G (Meiyazhagan)

 

11) Answer: B

Shri Vivek Nishant Nath has assumed charge as Director (Commercial) of NMDC Limited, India's largest iron ore producer, following his appointment by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India (GoI).

He has been appointed as Director (Commercial) on the NMDC Board for a 5-year tenure from the date of assuming charge, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The appointment order was issued by the Ministry of Steel on 14 July 2026, and NMDC officially informed the stock exchanges on 15 July 2026.

 

12) Answer: E

Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), was sworn in as the 20th Prime Minister (PM) of Lithuania.

He assumed office after the Lithuanian Parliament (Seimas) approved the government manifesto presented by the LSDP-led coalition.

Mindaugas Sinkevičius succeeded Inga Ruginienė, who stepped down on 14 July 2026.

In the 141-member Seimas, the government manifesto was approved with 72 votes in favour, 29 votes against, and 4 abstentions.

 

13) Answer: B

Policybazaar, India's leading online insurance marketplace, appointed Amitabh Bachchan as its Brand Ambassador to lead the nationwide awareness campaign "Parivaar Sabse Pehle" (Family Comes First).

The "Parivaar Sabse Pehle" campaign has been developed by MagicCircle Communications to promote awareness about health insurance and term insurance across India.

The campaign aims to encourage Indian families to purchase health and term insurance without delaying important financial protection decisions.

 

14) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax) emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank Limited from the Government of India (GoI) and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).

The proposed acquisition is valued at Rs. 52,932 crore (approximately USD 5.5 billion), making it one of the largest banking acquisition deals in India.

If approved, the transaction will become the largest foreign investment in an Indian bank, subject to regulatory approvals.

Detailed Explanation:

Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (Fairfax) emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank Limited from the Government of India (GoI) and Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).

The proposed acquisition is valued at Rs. 52,932 crore (approximately USD 5.5 billion), making it one of the largest banking acquisition deals in India.

If approved, the transaction will become the largest foreign investment in an Indian bank, subject to regulatory approvals.

The acquisition requires approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), and a SEBI-mandated open offer to public shareholders.

Under the stake divestment plan, the Government of India will sell 30.48%, while LIC will divest 30.24%, resulting in a combined stake sale of 60.72% in IDBI Bank.

Before the transaction, the GoI held 45.48% and LIC held 49.24% equity in IDBI Bank.

 

15) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd., inaugurated the Thiruvanmiyur campus of VELS Institute of Science, Technology, & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The newly inaugurated VISTAS Thiruvanmiyur campus is regarded as India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integrated vertical university campus.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder and Chancellor of VISTAS, along with Dr. Preetha Ganesh, Vice-President (VP), VELS Group of Institutions.

Detailed Explanation:

Padma Shri Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist and Co-founder of Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd., inaugurated the Thiruvanmiyur campus of VELS Institute of Science, Technology, & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The newly inaugurated VISTAS Thiruvanmiyur campus is regarded as India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-integrated vertical university campus.

The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder and Chancellor of VISTAS, along with Dr. Preetha Ganesh, Vice-President (VP), VELS Group of Institutions.

The campus houses Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (CoEs) established in collaboration with Intel Unnati, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) iON, Microsoft, and Oracle Academy.

During the event, VISTAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aspin Holding LLC Group and MH Cockpit.

The MoU aims to establish a Flying School in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to strengthen aviation education and pilot training.

The partnership will promote faculty exchange, student internships, skill development, research collaboration, and international career opportunities in the aviation sector.

 

16) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

pi-labs, an Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake detection company, entered into a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to develop secure, scalable, and mission-ready AI solutions for India.

The collaboration aims to strengthen regional security operations, digital governance, public sector organisations, and critical enterprise infrastructure through AI-powered technologies.

Detailed Explanation:

pi-labs, an Indian Artificial Intelligence (AI) and deepfake detection company, entered into a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to develop secure, scalable, and mission-ready AI solutions for India.

The collaboration aims to strengthen regional security operations, digital governance, public sector organisations, and critical enterprise infrastructure through AI-powered technologies.

Under the partnership, pi-labs will combine its indigenous AI capabilities with the Google Distributed Cloud Tactical Appliance to meet the evolving requirements of government institutions and critical infrastructure.

Google Cloud will provide the secure, scalable, and resilient cloud infrastructure required to host advanced AI workloads, ensuring reliable and mission-critical AI deployment.

17) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Bharat Tex 2026 showcases India's textile ecosystem by bringing together manufacturers, handloom cooperatives, traditional artisans, technology startups, and global buyers under one platform.

The event is guided by the 5F Vision – Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign, highlighting India's complete textile value chain from raw material production to global exports.

Running alongside Bharat Tex, Indie Haat 2026 is being organised at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi, showcasing India's rich handloom and handicraft heritage.

Indie Haat 2026 features 48 artisans and weavers along with 12 design-led brands, providing a contemporary platform for promoting regional craftsmanship.

Detailed Explanation:

Bharat Tex 2026 showcases India's textile ecosystem by bringing together manufacturers, handloom cooperatives, traditional artisans, technology startups, and global buyers under one platform.

The event is guided by the 5F Vision – Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign, highlighting India's complete textile value chain from raw material production to global exports.

Indian enterprises are exploring international markets, while overseas companies are assessing investment and business opportunities in India's textile sector.

Bharat Tex 2026 places traditional Indian art forms at the centre of global attention, including Tikuli Art of Bihar, renowned for its vibrant colours and intricate enamel work.

Running alongside Bharat Tex, Indie Haat 2026 is being organised at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi, showcasing India's rich handloom and handicraft heritage.

Indie Haat 2026 features 48 artisans and weavers along with 12 design-led brands, providing a contemporary platform for promoting regional craftsmanship.

 

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Serum Institute of India (SII) has entered into an agreement with the Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) to establish manufacturing capacity for the M72/AS01E Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate.

Under the partnership, Serum Institute of India will manufacture and supply the M72/AS01E Tuberculosis vaccine candidate on a large scale, subject to the successful completion of Phase III clinical trials and necessary regulatory approvals.

The M72/AS01E vaccine candidate is one of the most advanced vaccine candidates for preventing pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) among adults and adolescents.

Detailed Explanation:

Serum Institute of India (SII) has entered into an agreement with the Gates Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI) to establish manufacturing capacity for the M72/AS01E Tuberculosis (TB) vaccine candidate.

Under the partnership, Serum Institute of India will manufacture and supply the M72/AS01E Tuberculosis vaccine candidate on a large scale, subject to the successful completion of Phase III clinical trials and necessary regulatory approvals.

The agreement aims to strengthen global efforts against Tuberculosis (TB), one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, and enhance India’s position as a leading global centre for vaccine manufacturing.

The partnership focuses on:

Establishing large-scale vaccine manufacturing capacity

Making the vaccine affordable and accessible

Supplying vaccines to Tuberculosis high-burden countries

Supporting global efforts towards Tuberculosis elimination

Improving vaccine access for Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

The M72/AS01E vaccine candidate is one of the most advanced vaccine candidates for preventing pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB) among adults and adolescents.

 

19) Answer: E

Padma Shri awardee Moozhikkal Pankajakshi, the renowned Nokkuvidya Pavakkali exponent, passed away at the age of 90 in Koothattukulam (Monippally), Kottayam district, Kerala.

Born on 14 March 1936 at Urulikunnath, Pala, Kottayam district, Kerala, she was one of the foremost practitioners of Kerala’s traditional Nokkuvidya Pavakkali (puppetry) art form.

She was conferred the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2020 for her outstanding contribution to the field of Arts.

Moozhikkal Pankajakshi began learning Nokkuvidya Pavakkali from her mother, Paappiyamma, at the age of 11 and practised the rare folk art for over eight decades.

20) Answer: A

World Chess Day is observed every year on 20 July to commemorate the establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924 at Paris, France.

Chess is believed to have originated in India during the 5th century and was known as “Chaturanga”, an ancient board game that later evolved into modern chess.

International Moon Day is observed every year on 20 July to commemorate the anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission and to promote international cooperation in space exploration.

International Moon Day 2026 marks the 57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing, which took place on 20 July 1969.

On 20 July 1969, American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, while Michael Collins orbited the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission.