Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  26th June  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.

 

Start Quiz

 

1) As of 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the "RBI (Trade Receivables Discounting System) Directions, 2026" primarily to simplify onboarding for which category of enterprises and strengthen invoice financing?

(a) Large Corporate Enterprises

(b) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)

(c) Startups registered under DPIIT only

(d) Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)

(e) Cooperative Banks

 

2) As of June 2026, which country became the 27th member nation of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?

(a) Nepal

(b) Sri Lanka

(c) Myanmar

(d) Bhutan

(e) Bangladesh

 

3) In 2026, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report "Review of Maritime Transport 2025", what was India's share in global ship recycling in 2025?

(a) 30.1%

(b) 32.8%

(c) 35.4%

(d) 38.6%

(e) 40.0%

 

4) In 2026, V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) achieved what percentage reduction in net carbon emissions, emerging as a model for sustainable maritime development in India?

(a) 25%

(b) 35%

(c) 40%

(d) 45%

(e) 50%

 

5) In 2026, which city is hosting the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting, organised by ISRO and the Department of Space?

(a) Bengaluru

(b) New Delhi

(c) Hyderabad

(d) Chennai

(e) Ahmedabad

 

6) In 2026, who was appointed as the Chairperson of the five-member committee constituted by the Rajasthan Government to prepare a draft law for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

(a) Justice Indu Malhotra

(b) Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai

(c) Justice R. Banumathi

(d) Justice Gyan Sudha Misra

(e) Justice Hima Kohli

7) In 2026, Indian-origin physicist Jainendra K. Jain received the 2025 Wolf Prize in Physics for his discovery of which concept that revolutionised the understanding of the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect (FQHE)?

(a) Higgs Boson

(b) Quantum Entanglement Network

(c) Graphene Lattice Theory

(d) Composite Fermions

(e) Bose–Einstein Condensate

 

8) In 2026, consider the following statements regarding the Padma Awards:

1. The Government of India announced a total of 131 Padma Awards for 2026.
2. The awards included 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri.
3. President Droupadi Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards during the second phase of the investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) All are correct

(e) 2 and 3 only

 

9) In 2026, who was appointed as the Executive Advisor to Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran?

(a) Rajiv Bansal

(b) Pradeep Singh Kharola

(c) Campbell Wilson

(d) Vistara Shankar

(e) Ashwani Lohani

 

10) As of June 2026, approximately how many Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter aircraft have been integrated with BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missiles?

(a) 20

(b) 30

(c) 40

(d) 50

(e) 60

 

10) In 2026, AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 was launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) primarily in response to the outbreak of which disease?

(a) Monkeypox

(b) COVID-19

(c) Marburg Virus Disease

(d) Nipah Virus Disease

(e) Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease)

 

12) In 2026, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) integrated the Pharma Jan Samadhan Portal with which portal to provide a unified platform for medicine price verification and grievance redressal?

(a) eSanjeevani Portal

(b) Pharma Sahi Daam Portal

(c) Jan Aushadhi Portal

(d) National Digital Health Portal

(e) PMBJP Portal

 

13) In 2026, which of the following applications was launched by Union Minister Amit Shah to enhance biometric identification and criminal investigation capabilities?

(a) e-Prosecution 2.0

(b) CrPI (Criminal Procedure Identification)

(c) Abhigyan

(d) e-Forensics 2.0

(e) ICJS Connect

 

14) In 2026, NASA's Swift Boost Mission is primarily aimed at extending the operational life of which space observatory?

(a) Hubble Space Telescope

(b) Chandra X-ray Observatory

(c) James Webb Space Telescope

(d) Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory

(e) Spitzer Space Telescope

 

15) In 2026, the Biopolymer-Based Smart Seed Coating Technology developed by ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR) has the potential to increase crop yields by up to_________

(a) 25%

(b) 30%

(c) 37%

(d) 42%

(e) 50%

 

16) In 2026, which state government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google for Education to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology training to more than 4 lakh teachers?

(a) Karnataka

(b) Gujarat

(c) Telangana

(d) Tamil Nadu

(e) Maharashtra

 

17) In 2026, consider the following statements regarding the QS World Future Skills Index 2027:

1. The United States secured the 1st position in the index.
2. The QS World Future Skills Index 2027 assessed 89 countries.
3. India secured the 12th position globally in the index.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 2 only

(e) All are correct

18) In 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to score in how many different FIFA World Cup tournaments?

(a) Three

(b) Four

(c) Five

(d) Six

(e) Seven

 

19) As of 2026, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on_______

(a) 21 June

(b) 23 June

(c) 26 June

(d) 30 June

(e) 1 July

 

20) In 2026, Francois Englert, who passed away at the age of 93, was jointly awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics with whom?

(a) Stephen Hawking

(b) Peter Higgs

(c) David Gross

(d) Frank Wilczek

(e) Gerard 't Hooft

Answers:

1) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the “RBI (Trade Receivables Discounting System) Directions, 2026” to simplify onboarding for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthen invoice financing.

The revised directions aim to improve ease of doing business, enhance operational efficiency, and encourage greater participation on TReDS platforms.

TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System) is an electronic marketplace that enables MSMEs to convert approved invoices into immediate cash by discounting their trade receivables.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the “RBI (Trade Receivables Discounting System) Directions, 2026” to simplify onboarding for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and strengthen invoice financing.

The revised directions aim to improve ease of doing business, enhance operational efficiency, and encourage greater participation on TReDS platforms.

TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System) is an electronic marketplace that enables MSMEs to convert approved invoices into immediate cash by discounting their trade receivables.

The platform facilitates financing of MSME trade receivables from corporate buyers, government departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

TReDS brings together participants for invoice uploading, acceptance, bidding, discounting, and settlement, thereby improving liquidity for MSMEs.

Under the new framework, MSME sellers will benefit from a simplified onboarding process on TReDS platforms.

The RBI has allowed financiers to avail insurance cover for TReDS transactions, provided the insurance premium is not borne by the MSME seller.

Such credit insurance cannot be treated as a credit risk mitigant for availing prudential regulatory benefits.

 

2) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Bangladesh joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on 24 June 2026, becoming the 27th member nation of the alliance.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a treaty-based inter-governmental international organisation and a legal entity headquartered in New Delhi, India.

The IBCA was launched in April 2023 by Narendra Modi during the commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger.

The alliance became a full-fledged treaty-based international organisation on 23 January 2025.

Detailed Explanation:

Bangladesh joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on 24 June 2026, becoming the 27th member nation of the alliance.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is a treaty-based inter-governmental international organisation and a legal entity headquartered in New Delhi, India.

The IBCA was launched in April 2023 by Narendra Modi during the commemoration of 50 years of Project Tiger.

The alliance became a full-fledged treaty-based international organisation on 23 January 2025.

The main objective of the IBCA is the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of big cat species through international cooperation.

The alliance promotes knowledge-sharing, capacity building, technical expertise, and collaborative conservation efforts among member countries.

The IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

Bangladesh's Cabinet approved the proposal to join the IBCA on 22 May 2026.

The proposal was initiated by Bangladesh's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

 

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) announced that India became the world's leading ship recycling nation in 2025.

India's share in global ship recycling increased to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024.

The country's ship recycling volume rose to 2.99 million Gross Tons (GT) from 1.86 million Gross Tons (GT) in 2024, registering a growth of nearly 60%.

With this achievement, India surpassed the target set under Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 five years ahead of schedule.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) announced that India became the world's leading ship recycling nation in 2025.

India's share in global ship recycling increased to 35.4% in 2025 from 30.1% in 2024.

The country's ship recycling volume rose to 2.99 million Gross Tons (GT) from 1.86 million Gross Tons (GT) in 2024, registering a growth of nearly 60%.

With this achievement, India surpassed the target set under Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 five years ahead of schedule.

The achievement was highlighted in the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report titled "Review of Maritime Transport 2025".

A key factor behind this success is the Ship-breaking Credit Note (SbCN) Scheme.

Under the scheme, ship owners receive credits worth 40% of the scrap value, which can be utilised up to 5% of the cost of a new vessel.

The Government has also provided ₹53.5 crore as modernization support to promote environmentally sustainable ship recycling practices.

The support has enabled 115 Hong Kong International Convention (HKC)-compliant ship recycling facilities in the country.

 

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W), announced that V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has emerged as a model for sustainable maritime development in India.

The announcement was made at an event held at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi.

VOCPA achieved a 45% reduction in net carbon emissions, highlighting its commitment to green and sustainable port operations.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W), announced that V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has emerged as a model for sustainable maritime development in India.

The announcement was made at an event held at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi.

VOCPA achieved a 45% reduction in net carbon emissions, highlighting its commitment to green and sustainable port operations.

The Union Minister dedicated six key initiatives undertaken by VOCPA in the fields of education, green energy and digital transformation.

During the event, VOCPA released its first comprehensive sustainability disclosure report titled "VOCPA Sustainability Report 2026: Towards a Green Maritime Future".

A case study titled "The Hydrogen Pivot: Orchestrating the Green Transition at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority" was also released.

The case study was prepared by Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and highlights VOCPA's transition towards sustainable and hydrogen-based port operations.

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India is hosting the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting 2026 in Bengaluru, bringing together senior representatives and heads of space agencies from all 11 BRICS member countries.

The meeting is being hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space (DoS) with support from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The event aligns with India's BRICS Chairship theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

Detailed Explanation:

India is hosting the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) Meeting 2026 in Bengaluru, bringing together senior representatives and heads of space agencies from all 11 BRICS member countries.

The meeting is being hosted by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Space (DoS) with support from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The event aligns with India's BRICS Chairship theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability."

The meeting serves as a platform for strengthening cooperation in space exploration, satellite applications, Earth observation, remote sensing and emerging space technologies.

Participating countries include Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

A major focus of the meeting is space sustainability, including issues related to space debris, orbital congestion, sustainable space operations and responsible satellite deployment.

Member countries are expected to discuss space debris mitigation measures, national regulatory frameworks and best practices for safe and sustainable space activities.

 

6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Government of Rajasthan has constituted a five-member committee to prepare a draft law for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.

The committee will be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai.

The panel has been tasked with examining legal, social and administrative aspects related to the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in Rajasthan.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of Rajasthan has constituted a five-member committee to prepare a draft law for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.

The committee will be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai.

The panel has been tasked with examining legal, social and administrative aspects related to the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in Rajasthan.

The committee will hold consultations with citizens, legal experts, community representatives, religious leaders, women's organisations and social groups before submitting its recommendations.

To ensure wider public participation, the committee will visit divisional headquarters across Rajasthan and gather views from various stakeholders.

The state government will also launch a dedicated online portal through which citizens can submit suggestions and opinions.

A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) refers to a common set of civil laws applicable to all citizens irrespective of religion, caste or community.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Jainendra K. Jain, an Indian-origin theoretical physicist based in the United States of America (USA), received the 2025 Wolf Prize in Physics for his discovery of composite fermions, a breakthrough that revolutionised the understanding of the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect (FQHE).

He shared the award with James P. Eisenstein and Mordehai Heiblum for advancing the understanding of two-dimensional electron systems in strong magnetic fields.

Jain became the first person of Indian origin to receive the Wolf Prize in Physics since the award was established in 1978.

Detailed Explanation:

Jainendra K. Jain, an Indian-origin theoretical physicist based in the United States of America (USA), received the 2025 Wolf Prize in Physics for his discovery of composite fermions, a breakthrough that revolutionised the understanding of the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect (FQHE).

He shared the award with James P. Eisenstein and Mordehai Heiblum for advancing the understanding of two-dimensional electron systems in strong magnetic fields.

Jain became the first person of Indian origin to receive the Wolf Prize in Physics since the award was established in 1978.

The discovery that earned him the award dates back to 1989, when he was a postdoctoral scholar at Yale University.

The award was presented by Isaac Herzog at a state ceremony held in the Knesset, Jerusalem, Israel.

Jain is the Founding Director of the Lodha Theoretical Physics Institute, India's first fully privately funded institute dedicated to fundamental research in theoretical physics.

He also serves as Evan Pugh University Professor and Eberly Family Chair in Physics at Pennsylvania State University.

8) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

President Droupadi Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards during the second phase of the Padma Awards 2026 investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The awards recognised distinguished contributions in fields such as sports, cinema, music, literature, public affairs, social service, science and culture.

The awards presented during the ceremony included:

2 Padma Vibhushan

7 Padma Bhushan

56 Padma Shri

Earlier, the Government of India had announced a total of 131 Padma Awards for 2026, comprising:

5 Padma Vibhushan

13 Padma Bhushan

113 Padma Shri

Detailed Explanation:

President Droupadi Murmu conferred 65 Padma Awards during the second phase of the Padma Awards 2026 investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The awards recognised distinguished contributions in fields such as sports, cinema, music, literature, public affairs, social service, science and culture.

The awards presented during the ceremony included:

2 Padma Vibhushan

7 Padma Bhushan

56 Padma Shri

Earlier, the Government of India had announced a total of 131 Padma Awards for 2026, comprising:

5 Padma Vibhushan

13 Padma Bhushan

113 Padma Shri

Prominent personalities honoured during the ceremony included:

Rohit Sharma – Cricket

R. Madhavan – Cinema

Mammootty – Cinema

Alka Yagnik – Music

Vijay Amritraj – Sports

9) Answer: B

Pradeep Singh Kharola, former Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India and former Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), has rejoined Air India as Executive Advisor to Chairman N. Chandrasekaran.

The appointment became effective immediately and is aimed at strengthening Air India's leadership during a period of transition.

Pradeep Singh Kharola will work closely with N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Air India and the Tata Group, on strategic and operational matters.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

As of 25 June 2026, around 40 Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter aircraft have been integrated with BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missiles.

The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi (Russia) and manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under licence.

The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of approximately 270 Su-30MKI fighter jets, making it the backbone of India's combat air power.

Detailed Explanation:

As of 25 June 2026, around 40 Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter aircraft have been integrated with BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missiles.

The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi (Russia) and manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under licence.

The Indian Air Force currently operates a fleet of approximately 270 Su-30MKI fighter jets, making it the backbone of India's combat air power.

BrahMos-A is the air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

BrahMos is a joint India-Russia missile programme developed by BrahMos Aerospace in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The BrahMos Joint Venture between India and Russia was established in 1998.

The BrahMos missile is among the world's fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles.

The missile can be launched from land, sea, air, and submarine platforms, making it a versatile strategic weapon system.

The air-launched BrahMos-A weighs approximately 2.5 tonnes, compared to nearly 3 tonnes for the land-based version.

 

11) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, an upgraded contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal.

AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 has been launched to strengthen public health surveillance at Points of Entry (PoE) in response to the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak.

The launch follows the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the Ebola/Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, an upgraded contactless Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal.

AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 has been launched to strengthen public health surveillance at Points of Entry (PoE) in response to the ongoing Ebola disease outbreak.

The launch follows the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of the Ebola/Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

The PHEIC declaration was made on 17 May 2026 under the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005.

The current outbreak has been confirmed as Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD).

Countries bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, including South Sudan, have been classified as high-risk areas for transmission.

AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 was developed in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW).

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has integrated the Pharma Jan Samadhan Portal with the Pharma Sahi Daam Portal to strengthen citizen-centric digital governance.

The integration has been carried out under the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

The unified platform combines medicine price information and grievance redressal services on a single digital portal.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has integrated the Pharma Jan Samadhan Portal with the Pharma Sahi Daam Portal to strengthen citizen-centric digital governance.

The integration has been carried out under the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

The unified platform combines medicine price information and grievance redressal services on a single digital portal.

Citizens can now seamlessly access both medicine price verification and complaint registration services through the integrated Pharma Sahi Daam interface.

The Pharma Sahi Daam Portal was developed to provide consumers with instant access to prices of scheduled and non-scheduled medicines.

The platform helps consumers verify whether medicines are being sold within government-approved price limits.

The Pharma Jan Samadhan Portal was designed to facilitate the reporting and resolution of complaints related to medicine pricing.

Prior to this integration, both services were connected through the mobile application, but operated through separate web portals.

 

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Amit Shah, holding the portfolios of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation, launched four digital policing applications at the 26th All India Fingerprint Conference 2026 in New Delhi.

The four applications launched by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) are Abhigyan, Criminal Procedure Identification (CrPI), e-Prosecution 2.0, and e-Forensics 2.0.

These applications are designed to strengthen the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) through Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven biometric identification, forensic integration, and digital prosecution management.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Amit Shah, holding the portfolios of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation, launched four digital policing applications at the 26th All India Fingerprint Conference 2026 in New Delhi.

The four applications launched by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) are Abhigyan, Criminal Procedure Identification (CrPI), e-Prosecution 2.0, and e-Forensics 2.0.

These applications are designed to strengthen the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) through Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven biometric identification, forensic integration, and digital prosecution management.

The primary objective of the initiative is to ensure faster investigation, prosecution, and conviction through seamless integration of police, forensic, and judicial systems.

The government aims to complete the entire criminal justice process within three years, from First Information Report (FIR) registration to conviction.

The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), an organization under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), developed all four digital applications.

Abhigyan is designed to enhance biometric identification and criminal investigation capabilities.

CrPI (Criminal Procedure Identification) supports digital management of criminal identification records and procedures.

e-Prosecution 2.0 aims to improve the efficiency of prosecution management and facilitate the speedy disposal of pending cases.

e-Forensics 2.0 strengthens the integration of forensic science into criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.

 

14) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is preparing the Swift Boost Mission to raise the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a space telescope launched in November 2004.

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is a U.S. government scientific satellite designed for astrophysical observations, particularly the study of gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic phenomena.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is preparing the Swift Boost Mission to raise the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a space telescope launched in November 2004.

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is a U.S. government scientific satellite designed for astrophysical observations, particularly the study of gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic phenomena.

The observatory is gradually losing altitude due to atmospheric drag caused by increased solar activity.

Without intervention, the observatory could re-enter Earth's atmosphere by late 2026.

The primary objective of the Swift Boost Mission is to increase the satellite's orbit and extend its operational life.

The mission is scheduled for launch on 27 June 2026.

The mission will be launched aboard a Pegasus XL rocket developed by Northrop Grumman.

15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, has developed and patented a Biopolymer-Based Smart Seed Coating Technology to improve seed quality, crop establishment, and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses.

According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the technology has the potential to increase crop yields by up to 37%.

Extensive field trials were conducted across seven major crops: Soybean, Maize, Groundnut, Chickpea, Cotton, Mustard, and Pigeon Pea.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad, has developed and patented a Biopolymer-Based Smart Seed Coating Technology to improve seed quality, crop establishment, and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses.

The Smart Seed Coating Technology is an Indian-patented, biodegradable seed enhancement platform designed to improve crop performance from the earliest stages of growth.

The innovation replaces conventional single-purpose seed treatments with a multifunctional protective shield that enhances germination, seedling vigor, and crop productivity.

The technology aligns with national priorities related to sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, improved seed systems, and resource-use efficiency.

According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the technology has the potential to increase crop yields by up to 37%.

Extensive field trials were conducted across seven major crops: Soybean, Maize, Groundnut, Chickpea, Cotton, Mustard, and Pigeon Pea.

Field trials demonstrated productivity gains ranging from 12% to 37% compared to untreated seeds.

 

16) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Maharashtra School Education Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google for Education to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology training to more than 4 lakh teachers across the state.

Under the programme, selected Master Trainers will first receive specialised training and will subsequently train teachers throughout Maharashtra.

The initiative aims to enhance Artificial Intelligence literacy, digital skills and technology-enabled teaching practices among educators.

Detailed Explanation:

The Maharashtra School Education Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google for Education to provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technology training to more than 4 lakh teachers across the state.

Under the programme, selected Master Trainers will first receive specialised training and will subsequently train teachers throughout Maharashtra.

The initiative aims to enhance Artificial Intelligence literacy, digital skills and technology-enabled teaching practices among educators.

Training content will be provided in Marathi, Hindi and English to ensure wider accessibility and effective learning.

The programme will promote the use of Google's Artificial Intelligence tools for educational purposes and support teachers' professional development.

The entire training programme will be provided free of cost by Google, resulting in no financial burden on the Maharashtra Government.

The Maharashtra Government will retain full control over the implementation process while ensuring digital safety and security for teachers.

17) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India secured the 13th position globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global higher education analytics firm.

The QS World Future Skills Index 2027 assessed 89 countries using higher education data, labour market indicators, Artificial Intelligence readiness metrics and economic transformation measures.

The top three countries in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027 are:

United States

Australia

United Kingdom

Detailed Explanation:

India secured the 13th position globally in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027, released by QS Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global higher education analytics firm.

The index highlights India's growing readiness for an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven economy and recognises India as one of the strongest-performing lower-middle-income economies in preparing for AI-led economic transformation.

The QS World Future Skills Index 2027 assessed 89 countries using higher education data, labour market indicators, Artificial Intelligence readiness metrics and economic transformation measures.

India achieved an overall score of 89.4 out of 100 and was described in the report as possessing "exceptional system scale".

The report identified India as one of the countries best positioned to accelerate Artificial Intelligence-led economic growth among developing economies.

The top three countries in the QS World Future Skills Index 2027 are:

United States

Australia

United Kingdom

With its 13th rank, India is among the leading countries preparing for future digital and technology-driven economies and ranks ahead of many emerging economies.

18) Answer: D

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo created football history by becoming the first player to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments.

He achieved the milestone during Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

At 41 years of age, Ronaldo continued his remarkable international career by scoring twice in the match.

His first goal came in the sixth minute after receiving a cross from João Cancelo.

The goal ensured that Ronaldo had scored in six separate FIFA World Cup editions, a feat never achieved before in men's or women's football.

 

19) Answer: C

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on 26 June to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking on individuals, families, and society.

The day promotes global action to prevent drug abuse, strengthen rehabilitation efforts, and combat illegal drug trade.

The observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution 42/112 on 7 December 1987.

 

20) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Francois Englert, the renowned Belgian theoretical physicist, passed away at the age of 93 years in Uccle, Brussels, Belgium.

Francois Englert was one of the key scientists behind the theoretical framework that led to the discovery of the Higgs Boson, often referred to as the "God Particle."

Francois Englert was awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics jointly with Peter Higgs.

Detailed Explanation:

Francois Englert, the renowned Belgian theoretical physicist, passed away at the age of 93 years in Uccle, Brussels, Belgium.

Francois Englert was one of the key scientists behind the theoretical framework that led to the discovery of the Higgs Boson, often referred to as the "God Particle."

His work helped explain how fundamental particles acquire mass, one of the most important questions in modern physics.

Francois Englert was awarded the 2013 Nobel Prize in Physics jointly with Peter Higgs.

The Nobel Prize was awarded for the theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the origin of mass of subatomic particles.