Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  30th 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 news, which of the following statements about the proposed polymer banknotes is incorrect?

(a) The field trials will be conducted for ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes.

(b) Polymer banknotes are printed on a polymer (plastic) substrate instead of paper.

(c) The Government has decided to completely replace all paper currency with polymer banknotes.

(d) The RBI will conduct field trials under different climatic and usage conditions.

(e) India first proposed polymer banknotes in 2012.

2) As per the news, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed that all Securitisation Notes (SNs) must be issued, held, and transferred in which form?

(a) Physical certificate form

(b) Bearer form

(c) Paper-based form 

(d) Digital Rupee (CBDC) form

(e) Dematerialised (demat) form

3) As per the news, following the cancellation of Paytm Payments Bank's licence, how many active Payments Banks remain in India?

(a) 4

(b) 5

(c) 6

(d) 7

(e) 8

 

4) As per the news, which Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partner emerged as India's largest merchandise export destination in FY 2025–26?

(a) United Arab Emirates (UAE)

(b) United Kingdom (UK)

(c) Singapore

(d) ASEAN

(e) SAFTA

 

5) As per the news, what is the name of the in-house Business Rules Engine (BRE) launched by Axis Finance Limited (AFL)?

(a) Axis Finance Drishti

(b) Axis Finance Vision

(c) Axis Credit Connect

(d) Axis SmartLend

(e) Axis RiskPro

 

6) As per the news, which company launched India's first Flexi Benefits Basket on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?

(a) Razorpay

(b) BharatPe

(c) Paytm

(d) PhonePe

(e) OmniCard Platform

 

7) As per the news, which mutual fund launched India's first REITs-oriented open-ended passive index fund?

(a) SBI Mutual Fund

(b) HDFC Mutual Fund

(c) Nippon India Mutual Fund

(d) Edelweiss Mutual Fund

(e) ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund

 

8) As per the news, which index will replace the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as the GDP deflator for quarterly and annual GDP estimates, wherever applicable?

(a) Output Producer Price Index (PPI)

(b) Retail Price Index (RPI)

(c) Consumer Price Index (CPI)

(d) Industrial Production Index (IIP)

(e) GDP Price Index (GPI)

 

9) As per the news, Indian Railways has approved the upgradation of the electric traction system on the Parbhani–Mudkhed section from 1×25 kV to which system?

(a) 1×50 kV

(b) 2×25 kV

(c) 2×50 kV

(d) 25×2 kV AC

(e) 3×25 kV

 

10) As per the news, which ice cream brand became the first value-added dairy product from Assam to be exported internationally?

(a) Amul Ice Cream

(b) Mother Dairy Ice Cream

(c) Verka Ice Cream

(d) Purabi Ice Cream

(e) Nandini Ice Cream

11) As per the news, under the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)] Act, 2025, how many days of wage employment are guaranteed to every willing rural household in a financial year?

(a) 100 days

(b) 110 days

(c) 120 days

(d) 125 days

(e) 150 days

 

12) As per the news, how many Tiger Reserves does India have as highlighted during the Global Tiger Day 2026 celebrations?

(a) 54

(b) 56

(c) 58

(d) 60

(e) 62

13) As per the news, the Gulf of Khambhat Project is also popularly known by which name?

(a) Sardar Sarovar Project

(b) Kalpasar Project

(c) Par-Tapi-Narmada Project

(d) Ken–Betwa Project

(e) Sujalam Sufalam Project

14) As per the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India ranks as the world's ______ largest supplier of seafarers.

(a) Second

(b) First

(c) Third

(d) Fourth

(e) Fifth

15) As per the news, which of the following statements about the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana is correct?

(a) Eligible women will receive financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month.

(b) The Delhi Government has allocated ₹5,210 crore for the implementation of the scheme in the 2026–27 Budget.

(c) The scheme is open only to women above 60 years of age.

(d) The registration portal opened on 1 July 2026.

(e) The scheme has been launched by the Government of Haryana.

16) As per the news, the Government of Odisha has initiated land acquisition for Indian Oil Corporation's (IOC) Paradip Petrochemical Complex, which is centred around a ________.

(a) 2.0 MTPA ethylene cracker

(b) 1.5 MTPA dual-feed naphtha cracker

(c) 1.0 MTPA gas cracker

(d) 3.0 MTPA refinery expansion unit

(e) 2.5 MTPA polypropylene unit

 

17) As per the news, what is the name of the mobile application launched by ICAR-CMFRI to enhance awareness and conservation of protected sharks and rays in India?

(a) Ocean Watch

(b) Marine Shield

(c) Shark Aware

(d) Blue Ocean India

(e) Aqua Protect

 

18) As per the news, what is the name of NASA's proposed AI-powered mission concept for the first-ever direct collection and in-situ analysis of particles from Saturn's rings?

(a) CASSINI-II

(b) ORION-RING

(c) RINGEX

(d) SATEX

(e) PRAXIS

 

19) As per the news, Engineers India Limited (EIL) signed an MoU with which organisation to collaborate in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and the critical minerals value chain?

(a) CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT)

(b) Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)

(c) CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML)

(d) Geological Survey of India (GSI)

(e) National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC)

 

20) As per the news, Gulveer Singh became the first Indian athlete to win a Commonwealth Games medal in which event?

(a) Men's 5,000 Metre Race

(b) Men's Marathon

(c) Men's 10,000 Metre Race

(d) Men's 3,000 Metre Steeplechase

(e) Men's 1,500 Metre Race

Answers:

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Government of India (GoI) has approved the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposal to conduct field trials of 1 billion (100 crore) polymer banknotes each in the ₹10 and ₹20 denominations, marking a major step towards introducing more durable and secure currency notes in India.

The proposal was submitted by the RBI, with the recommendation of its Central Board, under Section 25 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, seeking approval for field trials and the regular issuance of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes after successful completion of the trials.

The proposed field trial covers ₹3,000 crore worth of polymer banknotes (₹10 and ₹20 denominations) to evaluate their performance under real-world conditions.

The Government has clarified that there is no proposal to completely replace paper currency, and polymer banknotes will circulate alongside existing paper banknotes as an additional option.

India first proposed polymer banknotes in 2012, but the initiative was deferred due to technological challenges.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India (GoI) has approved the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposal to conduct field trials of 1 billion (100 crore) polymer banknotes each in the ₹10 and ₹20 denominations, marking a major step towards introducing more durable and secure currency notes in India.

The proposal was submitted by the RBI, with the recommendation of its Central Board, under Section 25 of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, seeking approval for field trials and the regular issuance of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes after successful completion of the trials.

The proposed field trial covers ₹3,000 crore worth of polymer banknotes (₹10 and ₹20 denominations) to evaluate their performance under real-world conditions.

The RBI has been authorised to conduct field trials under different climatic and usage conditions to assess the durability, security features, lifespan, and public acceptance of polymer banknotes.

Regular issuance of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes will commence only after the successful completion and evaluation of the field trials.

Polymer banknotes are printed on a non-fibrous, non-porous polymer (plastic) substrate instead of conventional paper substrate, making them longer-lasting, more resistant to wear and tear, dirt, moisture, and contamination, and more secure against counterfeiting.

The Government has clarified that there is no proposal to completely replace paper currency, and polymer banknotes will circulate alongside existing paper banknotes as an additional option.

India first proposed polymer banknotes in 2012, but the initiative was deferred due to technological challenges.

 

2) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft amendments proposing that all Securitisation Notes (SNs) must be issued, held, and transferred only in dematerialised (demat) form to enhance transparency, efficiency, liquidity, and investor protection in the securitisation market.

Securitisation Notes (SNs) are financial instruments created by pooling assets such as home loans, vehicle loans, and other retail loans, which are then sold to investors, enabling banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to raise fresh funds for further lending.

The RBI has proposed to retain the minimum investment size of ₹1 crore, which will apply both at the time of issuance and for every subsequent transfer of Securitisation Notes.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft amendments proposing that all Securitisation Notes (SNs) must be issued, held, and transferred only in dematerialised (demat) form to enhance transparency, efficiency, liquidity, and investor protection in the securitisation market.

Securitisation Notes (SNs) are financial instruments created by pooling assets such as home loans, vehicle loans, and other retail loans, which are then sold to investors, enabling banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to raise fresh funds for further lending.

The RBI has proposed to retain the minimum investment size of ₹1 crore, which will apply both at the time of issuance and for every subsequent transfer of Securitisation Notes.

The draft framework requires agreements between lenders and Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) to ensure continuous compliance with the ₹1 crore minimum investment requirement throughout the life cycle of the securities.

According to the proposal, an issue of Securitisation Notes (SNs) will be treated as a public issue if it is offered to the number of investors specified under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations.

The proposed amendments aim to strengthen the regulatory framework for securitisation, improve market transparency, facilitate efficient trading, and enhance the overall functioning of India's debt and securitisation market.

The RBI has invited public comments and stakeholder feedback on the draft proposals until 27 August 2026.

 

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) with effect from 24 April 2026 under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Following the licence cancellation, the RBI approached the Delhi High Court seeking the winding up of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) and the appointment of an Official Liquidator.

On 8 July 2026 (read with the 22 July 2026 order), the Delhi High Court ordered the winding up of PPBL under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the Companies Act, 2013.

The five active Payments Banks in India are Airtel Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), Fino Payments Bank, Jio Payments Bank, and NSDL Payments Bank.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the banking licence of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) with effect from 24 April 2026 under Section 22(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Following the licence cancellation, the RBI approached the Delhi High Court seeking the winding up of Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) and the appointment of an Official Liquidator.

On 8 July 2026 (read with the 22 July 2026 order), the Delhi High Court ordered the winding up of PPBL under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and the Companies Act, 2013.

The Delhi High Court appointed Shri Girikumar M. Nair, former Chief General Manager (CGM) of the State Bank of India (SBI), as the Official Liquidator to supervise the bank's liquidation process.

The Official Liquidator is responsible for managing the liquidation proceedings, protecting the interests of depositors, creditors, and other stakeholders, and ensuring an orderly closure of the bank.

The winding-up order marks the formal closure of Paytm Payments Bank's banking operations in accordance with the applicable banking and company laws.

After the cancellation of Paytm Payments Bank's licence, the number of active Payments Banks in India has reduced to five.

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India's total exports reached a record US$863.1 billion in FY 2025–26, comprising Merchandise Exports of US$441.8 billion and Services Exports of US$421.3 billion, reflecting strong growth in India's external trade.

The Government of India stated that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Oman, New Zealand, Mauritius, and EFTA member countries have expanded market access, diversified export destinations, and boosted export growth.

Among FTA partners, ASEAN emerged as India's largest merchandise export destination with exports worth US$38.42 billion, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at US$37.36 billion, SAFTA countries at US$25.77 billion, the United Kingdom (UK), and Singapore.

Detailed Explanation:

India's total exports reached a record US$863.1 billion in FY 2025–26, comprising Merchandise Exports of US$441.8 billion and Services Exports of US$421.3 billion, reflecting strong growth in India's external trade.

The Government of India stated that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Oman, New Zealand, Mauritius, and EFTA member countries have expanded market access, diversified export destinations, and boosted export growth.

Among FTA partners, ASEAN emerged as India's largest merchandise export destination with exports worth US$38.42 billion, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at US$37.36 billion, SAFTA countries at US$25.77 billion, the United Kingdom (UK), and Singapore.

The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into force on 15 July 2026, with merchandise exports worth US$13.44 billion during FY26.

Under the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), operational since May 2022, more than 4.45 lakh Certificates of Origin have been issued, while the number of tariff lines exported increased from 7,546 in FY22 to 8,053 in FY26, with exports reaching US$37.3 billion.

The five active Payments Banks in India are Airtel Payments Bank, India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), Fino Payments Bank, Jio Payments Bank, and NSDL Payments Bank.

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Axis Finance Limited (AFL) launched ‘Axis Finance Drishti’, an in-house Business Rules Engine (BRE) and configurable digital platform to strengthen credit decision-making, risk management, and lending efficiency across Retail and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) lending.

The platform aims to enable faster, data-driven, scalable, and consistent credit assessments, while enhancing customer experience and improving the overall loan approval process.

Detailed Explanation:

Axis Finance Limited (AFL) launched ‘Axis Finance Drishti’, an in-house Business Rules Engine (BRE) and configurable digital platform to strengthen credit decision-making, risk management, and lending efficiency across Retail and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) lending.

The platform aims to enable faster, data-driven, scalable, and consistent credit assessments, while enhancing customer experience and improving the overall loan approval process.

Axis Finance Drishti is an internally developed BRE that automates and standardises credit underwriting by leveraging advanced analytics, underwriting workflows, statistical scorecards, and multiple data sources.

In Phase-I, the platform has been deployed for Personal Loans, Business Loans, Loan Against Property (LAP), and Disha Home Loans, enabling quicker and policy-based credit decisions.

6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

OmniCard Platform, developed by Eroute Technologies Private Limited, launched India’s first Flexi Benefits Basket on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), providing a single employee-controlled digital wallet for tax-efficient employee benefits.

The Flexi Benefits Basket is built on OmniCard’s RBI-licensed Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) platform and can be used at nearly 60 million UPI-accepting merchants across India.

The platform enables employees to allocate benefit allowances across multiple tax-efficient categories, including Meals, Fuel, Telecom, Books & Periodicals, Gadgets, and other eligible benefits.

Detailed Explanation:

OmniCard Platform, developed by Eroute Technologies Private Limited, launched India’s first Flexi Benefits Basket on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), providing a single employee-controlled digital wallet for tax-efficient employee benefits.

The Flexi Benefits Basket is built on OmniCard’s RBI-licensed Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) platform and can be used at nearly 60 million UPI-accepting merchants across India.

The platform enables employees to allocate benefit allowances across multiple tax-efficient categories, including Meals, Fuel, Telecom, Books & Periodicals, Gadgets, and other eligible benefits.

The wallet uses Merchant Category Code (MCC)-based spending controls to ensure that benefits are spent only at eligible merchants, improving tax compliance and benefit administration.

The platform allows employees to make payments through simple UPI Scan-and-Pay, eliminating the need for separate meal cards or multiple benefit wallets.

Under the Income-tax Rules, 2026, notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and effective from 1 April 2026, the tax-free limit for employer-provided meals has been increased from ₹50 to ₹200 per meal, applicable under both the Old Tax Regime and the New Tax Regime, subject to prescribed conditions.

The revised meal benefit limit allows employees to receive up to ₹1,05,600 annually as a tax-free meal benefit.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Edelweiss Mutual Fund (MF) launched the Edelweiss Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund, India’s first Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)-oriented open-ended passive index fund.

The fund tracks the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index (TRI) and aims to provide low-cost, long-term capital appreciation through diversified exposure to listed REITs and listed real estate companies.

The benchmark index currently allocates around 60% to listed REITs and 40% to listed real estate companies, with the REIT allocation expected to increase as more REITs are listed.

Detailed Explanation:

Edelweiss Mutual Fund (MF) launched the Edelweiss Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund, India’s first Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)-oriented open-ended passive index fund.

The fund tracks the Nifty REITs & Realty Total Return Index (TRI) and aims to provide low-cost, long-term capital appreciation through diversified exposure to listed REITs and listed real estate companies.

The benchmark index currently allocates around 60% to listed REITs and 40% to listed real estate companies, with the REIT allocation expected to increase as more REITs are listed.

The fund enables investors to gain diversified exposure to India’s real estate sector through a single passive investment vehicle.

Under SEBI regulations, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) were reclassified as equity instruments with effect from 1 January 2026.

REITs became eligible for inclusion in equity indices from 1 July 2026, paving the way for dedicated REIT-based passive index funds.

8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced that the Output Producer Price Index (PPI) will replace the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as the GDP deflator for quarterly and annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates, wherever applicable.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) series was released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in June 2026 to improve GDP measurement and align India's National Accounts with international statistical standards.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced that the Output Producer Price Index (PPI) will replace the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) as the GDP deflator for quarterly and annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) estimates, wherever applicable.

The Producer Price Index (PPI) series was released by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in June 2026 to improve GDP measurement and align India's National Accounts with international statistical standards.

The Output PPI will be used for GDP deflation, improving the accuracy of real GDP growth estimates by reducing distortions caused by the earlier methodology.

Under the revised GDP series, the base year has been updated from 2011–12 to 2022–23, reflecting the latest economic structure and production patterns.

The revised methodology adopts the Double Deflation approach, which separately adjusts output prices and input prices, providing a more accurate measure of real value added.

The earlier Single Deflation method, which used the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for both output and input prices, is being replaced due to its tendency to distort GDP growth estimates

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Indian Railways has sanctioned a ₹163 crore project to upgrade the electric traction system on the Parbhani–Mudkhed double line section in the Nanded Division of the South-Central Railway (SCR).

The project includes the upgradation of the existing 1×25 Kilovolt (kV) electric traction system to the 2×25 kV electric traction system along 164 Track Kilometres (TKM), along with associated power supply infrastructure.

The upgraded 2×25 kV traction system will provide a more reliable and efficient power supply, enabling the section to handle higher freight and passenger traffic.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Railways has sanctioned a ₹163 crore project to upgrade the electric traction system on the Parbhani–Mudkhed double line section in the Nanded Division of the South-Central Railway (SCR).

The project includes the upgradation of the existing 1×25 Kilovolt (kV) electric traction system to the 2×25 kV electric traction system along 164 Track Kilometres (TKM), along with associated power supply infrastructure.

The upgraded 2×25 kV traction system will provide a more reliable and efficient power supply, enabling the section to handle higher freight and passenger traffic.

The Parbhani–Mudkhed section is part of the strategically important Highly Utilised Network (HUN) Route-9, connecting:

Ajmer

Indore

Khandwa

Akola

Purna

Mudkhed

Secunderabad

Mahbubnagar

Dhone

10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Assam achieved a major milestone in its dairy sector by exporting the first international consignment of 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan, marking the beginning of value-added dairy exports from the North Eastern Region.

The export consignment was flagged off by Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, in Guwahati on 28th July 2026.

The consignment was exported by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL) and will be supplied to major markets in Bhutan, including:

Thimphu

Paro

Phuentsholing

Wangdue

Detailed Explanation:

Assam achieved a major milestone in its dairy sector by exporting the first international consignment of 5,627 litres of Purabi Ice Cream to Bhutan, marking the beginning of value-added dairy exports from the North Eastern Region.

The export consignment was flagged off by Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, in Guwahati on 28th July 2026.

The consignment was exported by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL) and will be supplied to major markets in Bhutan, including:

Thimphu

Paro

Phuentsholing

Wangdue

Purabi Ice Cream is manufactured by the West Assam Milk Producers' Cooperative Union Limited (WAMUL) and marketed by North East Dairy and Foods Limited (NEDFL).

The ice cream is produced using milk procured through Purabi Dairy's cooperative network of dairy farmers across Assam.

The inaugural export consignment included a variety of products such as:

Ice cream cups

Family packs

Cones

Gallon packs

11) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Government of India has allocated ₹95,692 crore for the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)] Act, 2025 during the Financial Year 2026–27.

Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, informed the Lok Sabha that this is the highest-ever Budget Estimate allocation made for any rural employment programme in India.

The VB-G RAM (G) Act, 2025 provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in a financial year to every willing rural household demanding work.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India has allocated ₹95,692 crore for the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM (G)] Act, 2025 during the Financial Year 2026–27.

Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, informed the Lok Sabha that this is the highest-ever Budget Estimate allocation made for any rural employment programme in India.

The VB-G RAM (G) Act, 2025 provides a statutory guarantee of 125 days of wage employment in a financial year to every willing rural household demanding work.

The new Act replaces the earlier provision of 100 days of guaranteed wage employment under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

The scope of permissible works has been significantly expanded with emphasis on:

Water security

Core rural infrastructure

Livelihood infrastructure

Mitigation of extreme weather events

The Act also promotes convergence with Central and State Government schemes through a whole-of-government approach to improve implementation and resource utilisation.

 

12) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Global Tiger Day was celebrated on 29th July 2026 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in New Delhi to promote tiger conservation and strengthen public awareness about protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, addressed the event and called for a conservation-oriented lifestyle and a stronger societal connection with nature.

India's achievements in tiger conservation, that the country now has 3,682 tigers and 58 Tiger Reserves, reflecting significant progress over the last 12 years.

Detailed Explanation:

Global Tiger Day was celebrated on 29th July 2026 by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in New Delhi to promote tiger conservation and strengthen public awareness about protecting wildlife and natural habitats.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, addressed the event and called for a conservation-oriented lifestyle and a stronger societal connection with nature.

The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh, senior government officials, wildlife experts, forest personnel, students, and other stakeholders.

India's achievements in tiger conservation, that the country now has 3,682 tigers and 58 Tiger Reserves, reflecting significant progress over the last 12 years.

During the event, Bhupender Yadav launched the NTCA Eco-Tourism Webpage, which provides direct links to the official websites of all Tiger Reserves for safari and accommodation bookings, promoting responsible and sustainable eco-tourism.

Five publications were released during the celebrations:

NTCA Outreach Journal – STRIPES (July 2026 Edition)

Security Audit Report of 24 Tiger Reserves

Habitat Suitability Assessment for Sloth Bears across Tiger Landscapes in India

Tigers of the World (published by International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and Global Tiger Forum (GTF))

The Rehman Khera Tiger.

 

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Government of Gujarat has proposed the ambitious Gulf of Khambhat Project, also known as the Kalpasar Project, as a major water resources development initiative.

The project aims to create one of the world’s largest coastal freshwater reservoirs through the construction of a dam across the Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat.

The information regarding the project was provided by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of Gujarat has proposed the ambitious Gulf of Khambhat Project, also known as the Kalpasar Project, as a major water resources development initiative.

The project aims to create one of the world’s largest coastal freshwater reservoirs through the construction of a dam across the Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat.

The information regarding the project was provided by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.

The Kalpasar Project is expected to:

Enhance freshwater availability in the Saurashtra region.

Address regional water scarcity by providing a reliable source of water for irrigation and other requirements.

Support agricultural development through improved water management.

The project includes the construction of a highway-cum-rail corridor over the dam across the Gulf of Khambhat.

 

14) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India has become the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, contributing 311,936 maritime professionals to the global shipping industry.

India now accounts for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce, ranking second after the Philippines, and ahead of China, the Russian Federation, and Indonesia.

The report estimates the global seafaring workforce at 2.57 million, while the global demand stands at 2.55 million, highlighting a shortage of qualified officers in the maritime industry.

Detailed Explanation:

According to the BIMCO-ICS Seafarer Workforce Report 2026, India has become the world’s second-largest supplier of seafarers, contributing 311,936 maritime professionals to the global shipping industry.

India now accounts for 12.16% of the global seafaring workforce, ranking second after the Philippines, and ahead of China, the Russian Federation, and Indonesia.

The report estimates the global seafaring workforce at 2.57 million, while the global demand stands at 2.55 million, highlighting a shortage of qualified officers in the maritime industry.

India’s share of the global seafaring workforce has increased significantly:

2015: 5.2% (Ranked 5th globally)

2021: 6% (Ranked 5th globally)

2026: 12.16% (Ranked 2nd globally)

India currently supplies:

140,718 Officers, accounting for 13.41% of the global officer workforce.

171,218 Ratings, accounting for 11.29% of the global ratings serving on merchant vessels.

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced the Mission 20% initiative, which aims to increase India’s share of the global seafaring workforce from 12.16% to 20%.

 

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Delhi Government approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a welfare scheme aimed at the economic empowerment and social security of women.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat.

Under the scheme, eligible women will receive financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month.

The Delhi Government has allocated ₹5,110 crore for the implementation of the scheme in the 2026–27 Budget.

The registration portal for the scheme will open on 1st August 2026.

Women aged between 21 and 60 years with an annual family income of up to ₹2.5 lakh will be eligible to avail the benefits under the scheme.

Detailed Explanation:

The Delhi Government approved the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana, a welfare scheme aimed at the economic empowerment and social security of women.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat.

Under the scheme, eligible women will receive financial assistance of ₹2,500 per month.

The Delhi Government has allocated ₹5,110 crore for the implementation of the scheme in the 2026–27 Budget.

The registration portal for the scheme will open on 1st August 2026.

Women aged between 21 and 60 years with an annual family income of up to ₹2.5 lakh will be eligible to avail the benefits under the scheme.

The scheme aims to promote:

Financial security

Education

Healthcare

Skill development

Savings

Greater social participation of women

The scheme is expected to benefit more than 17 lakh women across Delhi, helping them become self-reliant and economically empowered.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Government of Odisha has initiated the land acquisition process for Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)'s ₹61,077 crore Paradip Petrochemical Complex, marking IOC's largest-ever single-location investment.

The Paradip Petrochemical Complex will be developed around a 1.5 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) dual-feed naphtha cracker, supported by multiple downstream petrochemical units and the proposed Paradip Plastic Park.

The Odisha Government has started the mandatory Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for acquiring approximately 220 acres of private land, which forms part of the total 2,200 acres required for the integrated project.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of Odisha has initiated the land acquisition process for Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)'s ₹61,077 crore Paradip Petrochemical Complex, marking IOC's largest-ever single-location investment.

The Paradip Petrochemical Complex will be developed around a 1.5 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) dual-feed naphtha cracker, supported by multiple downstream petrochemical units and the proposed Paradip Plastic Park.

The Odisha Government has started the mandatory Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for acquiring approximately 220 acres of private land, which forms part of the total 2,200 acres required for the integrated project.

The private land identified for acquisition is located at Badakantakandha village, Erasama Tehsil, Jagatsinghpur district, adjacent to IOC's existing Paradip Refinery.

The land acquisition will be carried out through the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO).

The project is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in April 2025 between Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and the Government of Odisha in the presence of Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) launched the "Shark Aware" mobile application and an interactive e-learning module to enhance awareness, identification, and conservation of protected and endangered sharks and rays in India.

The digital tools were released by Kerala Fisheries Minister V. E. Abdul Gafoor and developed by a scientific team led by Dr. Livi Wilson, Senior Scientist, Finfish Fisheries Division, ICAR-CMFRI, with financial support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) launched the "Shark Aware" mobile application and an interactive e-learning module to enhance awareness, identification, and conservation of protected and endangered sharks and rays in India.

The digital tools were released by Kerala Fisheries Minister V. E. Abdul Gafoor and developed by a scientific team led by Dr. Livi Wilson, Senior Scientist, Finfish Fisheries Division, ICAR-CMFRI, with financial support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).

The "Shark Aware" mobile app enables users to identify legally protected sharks and rays and provides scientific, legal, conservation, and species identification information in a user-friendly format.

The app includes details of species protected under Schedules I, II, and IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022, along with information on legal protection status, international trade regulations, and their conservation significance.

 

18) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has proposed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered mission concept named PRAXIS (Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling) under Phase I of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) 2026 Program.

The PRAXIS mission aims to achieve the first-ever direct collection and in-situ analysis of particles from Saturn's rings, addressing one of the highest priorities in planetary science decadal surveys.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has proposed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered mission concept named PRAXIS (Planetary Rings Autonomous EXploration with In-situ Sampling) under Phase I of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) 2026 Program.

The PRAXIS mission aims to achieve the first-ever direct collection and in-situ analysis of particles from Saturn's rings, addressing one of the highest priorities in planetary science decadal surveys.

The project is being led by Dr. B. Marco Quadrelli, Principal and Group Supervisor of the Robotics Modelling and Simulation Group at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, United States (USA).

The primary objective of PRAXIS is to provide the first direct observations of millimetre- to centimetre-sized (mm–cm) ring particles, which were not directly studied by NASA's Cassini mission.

Saturn's rings are composed mainly of water ice and contain particles ranging from tiny grains to house-sized boulders, which continuously collide, merge, and break apart.

The mission will use an AI-powered, bio-inspired robotic explorer equipped with robotic autonomy, collision avoidance, precision sampling, and real-time in-situ scientific analysis to safely collect and study ring particles.

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Engineers India Limited (EIL), a public sector engineering consultancy company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, to strengthen collaboration in:

Mineral processing

Extractive metallurgy

Critical and strategic minerals value chain

Detailed Explanation:

Engineers India Limited (EIL), a public sector engineering consultancy company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT), Bhubaneswar, to strengthen collaboration in:

Mineral processing

Extractive metallurgy

Critical and strategic minerals value chain

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by:

Rajiv Agarwal – Director (Technical), Engineers India Limited (EIL)

Ramanuj Narayan – Director, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT)

Under the agreement, Engineers India Limited (EIL) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) will jointly:

Identify, evaluate and undertake Research and Development (R&D) initiatives in critical and strategic minerals.

Facilitate the exchange of technical expertise.

Conduct capacity-building programmes.

Support technology scale-up and commercial deployment of innovative solutions.

Execute pilot-scale and commercial projects in the minerals and metallurgy sector.

20) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Gulveer Singh created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the Men's 10,000 Metre race at the Commonwealth Games, securing the Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The reigning Asian champion clocked 27 minutes 49.78 seconds to finish second behind Ky Robinson (Australia), who won the Gold Medal.

Detailed Explanation:

Gulveer Singh created history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win a medal in the Men's 10,000 Metre race at the Commonwealth Games, securing the Silver Medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland.

The reigning Asian champion clocked 27 minutes 49.78 seconds to finish second behind Ky Robinson (Australia), who won the Gold Medal.

Harjinder Kaur won the Silver Medal in the Women's 69 Kilogram Weightlifting event with a combined lift of 227 kilograms.

The medal marked Harjinder Kaur's second consecutive Commonwealth Games medal, having won the Bronze Medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, England.

Harjinder Kaur's achievement became India's seventh medal in weightlifting from eight weightlifting events at the Commonwealth Games 2026.