Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  30th 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.

 

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1) In 2026, Goldman Sachs, in its report titled “India: Improved Macro Outlook after the United States–Iran Deal”, revised India's Calendar Year (CY26) Real GDP growth forecast to which of the following?

(a) 6.8%

(b) 6.5%

(c) 6.2%

(d) 7.0%

(e) 7.8%

2) In 2026, Amazon announced an investment of USD 48 billion in India during 2026–2030. Out of this, how much has been earmarked specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure?

(a) USD 10 billion

(b) USD 13 billion

(c) USD 15 billion

(d) USD 20 billion

(e) USD 35 billion

3) As of 2026, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a Small Expenditure Financing Facility (SEFF) of how much to support the bamboo industry in India's North Eastern Region (NER)?

(a) USD 32.2 million

(b) USD 38.5 million

(c) USD 42.2 million

(d) USD 45.0 million

(e) USD 50.0 million

 

4) As of 2026, 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' commemorates the anniversary of which historical event in India?

(a) Adoption of the Constitution in 1950

(b) Quit India Movement of 1942

(c) Imposition of the Emergency in 1975

(d) First General Elections in 1951–52

(e) Integration of Princely States in 1947

 

5) As of 2026, the book "Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto" released by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan is primarily based on which traditional folk music genre?

(a) Bihu

(b) Baul

(c) Lavani

(d) Bhawaiya

(e) Pandavani

6) As of 2026, India joined 34 other countries in endorsing the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity at the 2nd Pax Silica Summit held in which city?

(a) New York, United States

(b) San Francisco, United States

(c) Chicago, United States

(d) Washington, D.C., United States

(e) Boston, United States

 

7) As of 2026, which state government launched the GO-EAST (Eastern Investment Accelerator and Special Task Force) policy to promote investments and manufacturing?

(a) West Bengal

(b) Jharkhand

(c) Chhattisgarh

(d) Andhra Pradesh

(e) Odisha

 

8) As of 2026, India's world's first hydrogen production facility based on nuclear process heat has been commissioned at which research centre?

(a) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam

(b) Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore

(c) Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata

(d) Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC), Hyderabad

(e) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai

 

9) As of 2026, two Indian conservationists, Parveen Shaikh and Dr. Barkha Subba, were honoured with which international conservation award, popularly known as the "Green Oscars"?

(a) UNEP Champions of the Earth Award

(b) Goldman Environmental Prize

(c) Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award

(d) WWF Living Planet Award

(e) Whitley Awards

 

10) As of 2026, how many Indian schools were shortlisted among the Top 10 finalists for the World's Best School Prizes 2026?

(a) 5

(b) 6

(c) 7

(d) 8

(e) 10

 

11) As of 2026, who has been appointed as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram?

(a) Dr. A. Rajarajan

(b) Dr. U.P. Rajeev

(c) V. Narayanan

(d) Dr. K. Sivan

(e) Dr. S. Somanath

 

13) As of 2026, Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella was elected as the President of which country for the 2026–2030 term?

(a) Colombia

(b) Chile

(c) Ecuador

(d) Argentina

(e) Peru

 

14) As of 2026, Project BRAHMANK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its which Raising Day on 29 June 2026?

(a) 10th

(b) 12th

(c) 16th

(d) 15th

(e) 14th

 

16) As of 2026, the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026) was released primarily to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of which type of projects?

(a) Research & Development (R&D) projects

(b) Space exploration projects

(c) Digital governance projects

(d) Border infrastructure projects

(e) Disaster management projects

 

16) As of 2026, scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali developed a new electrolyte additive to improve the performance of which type of batteries?

(a) Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs)

(b) Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs)

(c) Solid-State Batteries (SSBs)

(d) Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries (NiMH)

(e) Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs)

 

17) As of 2026, which of the following is India's largest integrated digital agro-advisory platform that provides timely, authentic, multilingual, and personalized agricultural advisories to farmers?

(a) AgriStack

(b) Digital Kisan Portal

(c) e-NAM

(d) PM-Kisan Portal

(e) Kisan Sarathi

 

18) As of 2026, which Union Minister launched the AI-enabled Rural Internal Audit Portal during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan in New Delhi?

(a) Rajnath Singh

(b) Shivraj Singh Chouhan

(c) Piyush Goyal

(d) J. P. Nadda

(e) Nitin Gadkari

 

19) As of 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for academic and research collaboration with which foreign university?

(a) University of California, Berkeley

(b) State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury

(c) Stanford University

(d) Harvard University

(e) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

 

20) As of 2026, England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Rothesay Test against which country?

(a) New Zealand

(b) India

(c) South Africa

(d) Pakistan

(e)Australia  

 

21) As of 2026, veteran Tamil filmmaker Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj, who passed away at the age of 73, made his directorial debut with which film?

(a) 16 Vayathinile

(b) Mundhanai Mudichu

(c) Andha 7 Naatkal

(d) Darling Darling Darling

(e) Suvarilladha Chiththirangal

22) As of 2026, International Asteroid Day is observed every year on which date?

(a) 22 April

(b) 30 June

(c) 21 June

(d) 15 July

(e) 25 June

 

23) As of 2026, Goldman Sachs expects India to record a Balance of Payments (BoP) surplus equivalent to what percentage of GDP?

(a) 0.3%

(b) 0.5%

(c) 0.7%

(d) 0.9%

(e) 1.1%

 

24) As of 2026, the revised Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022 of Odisha provides additional incentives for setting up non-mineral-based industries in how many backward districts?

(a) 10

(b) 12

(c) 14

(d) 15

(e) 18

 

25) As of 2026, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), India's premier nuclear research and development institution, is headquartered in which city?

(a) Chennai

(b) Hyderabad

(c) Bengaluru

(d) New Delhi

(e) Mumbai

Answers:

1) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Goldman Sachs, an American financial services firm, released its latest report titled “India: Improved Macro Outlook after the United States–Iran Deal”, raising India’s Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth Forecast to 6.8%.

Goldman Sachs increased India’s CY26 Real GDP Growth Forecast from 6.5% to 6.8%, an upward revision of 30 basis points (bps).

The firm also raised its Financial Year 2026–27 (FY27) GDP Growth Forecast by 40 basis points (bps) to 6.5%.

Detailed Explanation:

Goldman Sachs, an American financial services firm, released its latest report titled “India: Improved Macro Outlook after the United States–Iran Deal”, raising India’s Calendar Year 2026 (CY26) Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth Forecast to 6.8%.

Goldman Sachs increased India’s CY26 Real GDP Growth Forecast from 6.5% to 6.8%, an upward revision of 30 basis points (bps).

The firm also raised its Financial Year 2026–27 (FY27) GDP Growth Forecast by 40 basis points (bps) to 6.5%.

India’s Real GDP expanded by 7.8% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) in Q1 (January–March 2026), which was around 50 basis points (bps) higher than Goldman Sachs’ earlier estimate.

Goldman Sachs lowered India’s Retail Inflation Forecast for CY26 to 4.4%, reducing it by 20 basis points (bps) from its previous projection.

The report reduced the Core Goods Inflation Forecast for CY26 by 30 basis points (bps) to 3.2%.

For FY27, Core Goods Inflation was revised downward by 50 basis points (bps) to 4.1%.

 

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Amazon, an American multinational technology company, announced an investment of USD 48 billion in India during 2026–2030 to strengthen its e-commerce, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and logistics businesses.

The announcement followed a meeting between Andy Jassy, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amazon, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Delhi.

Amazon has committed a total investment of USD 48 billion, which includes USD 13 billion specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure.

Detailed Explanation:

Amazon, an American multinational technology company, announced an investment of USD 48 billion in India during 2026–2030 to strengthen its e-commerce, Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and logistics businesses.

The announcement followed a meeting between Andy Jassy, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Amazon, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, Delhi.

Amazon has committed a total investment of USD 48 billion, which includes USD 13 billion specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure.

The latest investment builds upon Amazon’s earlier commitment of USD 35 billion, announced in 2025, to expand its operations in India.

Under the expansion plan, Amazon Web Services (AWS) will expand its data centres in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Hyderabad (Telangana).

In 2026, Amazon will establish more than 20 fulfilment centres and 100 last-mile delivery stations to strengthen its logistics and supply chain network across India.

By 2030, Amazon aims to support 3.8 million jobs across India through its expanding business ecosystem.

 

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 42.2 million Small Expenditure Financing Facility (SEFF) to support the bamboo industry in India’s North Eastern Region (NER).

The SEFF is aligned with the Government of India’s National Bamboo Mission (NBM) and aims to strengthen bamboo cultivation, production, processing, and marketing.

Detailed Explanation:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 42.2 million Small Expenditure Financing Facility (SEFF) to support the bamboo industry in India’s North Eastern Region (NER).

The SEFF is aligned with the Government of India’s National Bamboo Mission (NBM) and aims to strengthen bamboo cultivation, production, processing, and marketing.

The financing facility will support community-based bamboo projects across six North Eastern States: Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura.

The USD 42.2 million assistance will be provided through multiple sub-loans to enhance the growth, sustainable use, and management of bamboo resources in the region.

The initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity, strengthen rural livelihoods, and reduce India’s dependence on imported bamboo products.

 

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Culture commemorated 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' through a special programme organised by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) at its campus in New Delhi.

The programme marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975 and aimed to promote awareness about democracy, constitutional values, and citizens' rights.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Culture commemorated 'Samvidhan Hatya Diwas' through a special programme organised by the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) at its campus in New Delhi.

The programme marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency imposed in 1975 and aimed to promote awareness about democracy, constitutional values, and citizens' rights.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the event as the Chief Guest.

The Minister highlighted the importance of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom to dissent, independent media, rule of law, and the supremacy of the Constitution.

An exhibition titled "Long Live Democracy" showcased the impact of the Emergency, the importance of protecting constitutional freedoms, and the role of democratic institutions.

 

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book "Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto" (Bhawaiya: A Cultural Treasure and Its Historical Journey) at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

The book is authored by Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy, Member of Parliament (MP), Lok Sabha, and Ms. Sangita Roy.

Detailed Explanation:

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book "Sanskritir Ratna Bhandar: Bhaowaiyar Itibritto" (Bhawaiya: A Cultural Treasure and Its Historical Journey) at Uprashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

The book is authored by Dr. Jayanta Kumar Roy, Member of Parliament (MP), Lok Sabha, and Ms. Sangita Roy.

The book traces the history, evolution, and cultural significance of Bhawaiya, a traditional folk music genre of North Bengal, Assam, and adjoining regions.

It highlights the contribution of the Koch Rajbanshi community in preserving and promoting the Bhawaiya tradition.

The Vice President stressed the importance of preserving India's cultural heritage, regional languages, folk traditions, and traditional knowledge systems for future generations.

 

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India, along with 34 other countries, participated in the 2nd Pax Silica Summit held in Washington, D.C., United States (US).

The participating countries endorsed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, a United States (US)-led initiative to build trusted and resilient supply chains for Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

Detailed Explanation:

India, along with 34 other countries, participated in the 2nd Pax Silica Summit held in Washington, D.C., United States (US).

The participating countries endorsed the Joint Statement on AI Opportunity, a United States (US)-led initiative to build trusted and resilient supply chains for Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.

The statement supports a pro-growth and pro-innovation regulatory approach for the AI ecosystem.

United States (US) Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg highlighted the importance of strengthening the India–US partnership and discussed cooperation under the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and the TRUST initiative.

India was represented by S. Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), along with representatives from Indian industry.

 

7) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Government of Odisha launched the GO-EAST (Government of Odisha Eastern Investment Accelerator and Special Task Force) policy along with amendments to the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022.

The initiative was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region Council meeting held in Bhubaneswar.

The policy aims to attract new investments, accelerate project implementation, and promote manufacturing, especially in backward districts.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of Odisha launched the GO-EAST (Government of Odisha Eastern Investment Accelerator and Special Task Force) policy along with amendments to the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022.

The initiative was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region Council meeting held in Bhubaneswar.

The policy aims to attract new investments, accelerate project implementation, and promote manufacturing, especially in backward districts.

GO-EAST will function as a dedicated investment facilitation platform for industries from Eastern and North-Eastern India.

Key features of the initiative include single-window investment facilitation, faster project approvals, real-time investment tracking, a dedicated GO-EAST Cell, and a Go SWIFT digital monitoring module.

The policy aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Purvodaya" vision for the development of Eastern India.

 

8) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

India has commissioned the world's first hydrogen production facility based on nuclear process heat at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

The facility was inaugurated by Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The project uses the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) as the heat source for hydrogen production.

Detailed Explanation:

India has commissioned the world's first hydrogen production facility based on nuclear process heat at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

The facility was inaugurated by Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

The project uses the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) as the heat source for hydrogen production.

It produces hydrogen using the indigenously developed Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle, developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai.

The facility has been established as a technology demonstrator to validate the feasibility of producing clean hydrogen using nuclear energy.

The Cu-Cl Thermochemical Cycle uses high-temperature nuclear process heat (around 500°C) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through a series of chemical reactions.

 

9) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Two Indian conservationists, Parveen Shaikh and Dr. Barkha Subba, were honoured with the Whitley Awards 2026, popularly known as the 'Green Oscars'.

The awards recognise grassroots conservation leaders for their contributions to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

The awards ceremony was held at the Royal Geographical Society, London, where the honours were presented by Princess Anne of the United Kingdom.

Each winner received £50,000 to support their ongoing conservation projects.

Detailed Explanation:

Two Indian conservationists, Parveen Shaikh and Dr. Barkha Subba, were honoured with the Whitley Awards 2026, popularly known as the 'Green Oscars'.

The awards recognise grassroots conservation leaders for their contributions to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.

The awards ceremony was held at the Royal Geographical Society, London, where the honours were presented by Princess Anne of the United Kingdom.

Each winner received £50,000 to support their ongoing conservation projects.

Indian Awardees

Parveen Shaikh, a conservation scientist with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), was recognised for her work in conserving the Indian Skimmer, a rare river bird found in the Chambal River ecosystem.

Through the "Guardians of the Skimmer" initiative, she has trained over 30 local villagers to protect and monitor Indian Skimmer nesting colonies.

Dr. Barkha Subba, associated with the Federation of Societies for Environmental Protection (FOSEP), Darjeeling, was honoured for conserving the Himalayan Salamander.

Her work includes scientific monitoring, wetland restoration, community participation, and efforts to control fungal diseases affecting amphibians.

Other Whitley Awards 2026 Winners

Farwiza Farhan (Indonesia) – Gold Award for protecting the Leuser Ecosystem.

Moreangels Mbizah (Zimbabwe) – Human–wildlife coexistence and lion conservation.

Issah Seidu (Ghana) – Conservation of Critically Endangered guitarfish.

Marina Kameni (Cameroon) – Conservation of endemic amphibian species.

 

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Seven Indian schools have been shortlisted among the Top 10 finalists for the World's Best School Prizes 2026.

India recorded the highest number of shortlisted schools by any country in a single year since the awards were launched.

The achievement highlights India's excellence in innovation, community engagement, environmental action, leadership, and quality education.

Detailed Explanation:

Seven Indian schools have been shortlisted among the Top 10 finalists for the World's Best School Prizes 2026.

India recorded the highest number of shortlisted schools by any country in a single year since the awards were launched.

The achievement highlights India's excellence in innovation, community engagement, environmental action, leadership, and quality education.

The World's Best School Prizes 2026 are organised by T4 Education.

Indian schools have been shortlisted across the five award categories, including Innovation and Community Collaboration.

In the Innovation category, PCMC Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj English Medium School, Kasarwadi (Pune) and Army Goodwill School, Wuzur (Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir) were shortlisted.

 

11) Answer: B

Dr. U.P. Rajeev has been appointed as the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, one of the premier centres of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Dr. U.P. Rajeev succeeds Dr. A. Rajarajan, who retired as Director of VSSC upon attaining the age of superannuation (60 years).

12) Answer: D

The Telangana Government appointed Sanjay Jaju, a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Telangana cadre, as the new Chief Secretary of Telangana.

Sanjay Jaju will succeed K. Ramakrishna Rao, who is scheduled to retire on 30 June 2026.

Along with the post of Chief Secretary, Sanjay Jaju has been given Full Additional Charge (FAC) of the Industries, Commerce, and Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) Departments.

 

13) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella, a political newcomer backed by the Defenders of the Homeland (Defensores de la Patria) Alliance, won Colombia's Presidential Runoff Election for the 2026–2030 term.

Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella defeated left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda of the Historic Pact (Pacto Histórico) to become the President-elect of Colombia.

Detailed Explanation:

Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella, a political newcomer backed by the Defenders of the Homeland (Defensores de la Patria) Alliance, won Colombia's Presidential Runoff Election for the 2026–2030 term.

Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella defeated left-wing candidate Iván Cepeda of the Historic Pact (Pacto Histórico) to become the President-elect of Colombia.

In the presidential runoff election, Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella secured 49.66% of the votes, while Iván Cepeda received 48.70%.

Jaime Abelardo de la Espriella will officially assume office on 7 August 2026.

He will succeed the incumbent President Gustavo Petro as the next President of Colombia.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Project BRAHMANK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 16th Raising Day on 29 June 2026 at Ranaghat, Arunachal Pradesh, marking 15 years of dedicated service in developing strategic infrastructure and connectivity.

Project BRAHMANK was raised on 29 June 2011 at Ranaghat, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, and became fully operational on 3 December 2011.

Detailed Explanation:

Project BRAHMANK of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 16th Raising Day on 29 June 2026 at Ranaghat, Arunachal Pradesh, marking 15 years of dedicated service in developing strategic infrastructure and connectivity.

Project BRAHMANK was raised on 29 June 2011 at Ranaghat, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, and became fully operational on 3 December 2011.

The project is responsible for the development and maintenance of strategic road infrastructure across Siang, East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang, and Shi-Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh, along with parts of Dhemaji district, Assam.

Project BRAHMANK currently maintains and develops 811 km of strategic roads and approximately 86 bridges, including culverts, steel bridges, and arch bridges.

One of its major engineering achievements is the 100-metre Steel Arch Bridge over Siyom Nallah.

 

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026) on 29 June 2026 to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of strategic Research & Development (R&D) projects.

DFP-2026 is a major financial reform aimed at empowering the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with greater financial autonomy for faster implementation of defence projects.

Detailed Explanation:

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh released the Delegation of Financial Powers to DRDO (DFP-2026) on 29 June 2026 to enhance the efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of strategic Research & Development (R&D) projects.

DFP-2026 is a major financial reform aimed at empowering the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with greater financial autonomy for faster implementation of defence projects.

The new framework will facilitate the faster production and induction of indigenously developed systems, platforms, and technologies emerging from the R&D ecosystem into the Indian Armed Forces.

DFP-2026 will promote stronger collaboration among DRDO, industry, and academia, reinforcing the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The revised framework is expected to enhance self-reliance in defence technologies and strengthen India’s defence preparedness.

 

16) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), developed a new electrolyte additive to improve the performance of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs).

The newly developed electrolyte additive, 1,3-bis (1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride (BDIM), enhances the safety, lifespan, and affordability of rechargeable zinc batteries.

Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs) are emerging as low-cost, safe, and sustainable alternatives to Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage.

Detailed Explanation:

Scientists from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), developed a new electrolyte additive to improve the performance of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs).

The newly developed electrolyte additive, 1,3-bis (1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride (BDIM), enhances the safety, lifespan, and affordability of rechargeable zinc batteries.

Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs) are emerging as low-cost, safe, and sustainable alternatives to Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs) for large-scale energy storage.

The commercialization of AZIBs has been limited by challenges such as zinc dendrite growth, Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER), corrosion, and poor cycling stability.

Instead of expensive material redesign, the research uses interface engineering to improve zinc anode stability and battery performance.

The BDIM additive selectively adsorbs onto the zinc metal surface and regulates the Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP), where key electrochemical reactions occur.

BDIM contains multiple oxygen and nitrogen donor sites, enabling strong interaction with the zinc anode during battery operation.

 

17) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Kisan Sarathi was launched in July 2021 and is India’s largest integrated digital agro-advisory platform providing timely, authentic, multilingual, and personalized agricultural advisories to farmers.

Kisan Sarathi is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW).

The platform is implemented by the Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) and the Digital India Corporation (DIC).

Detailed Explanation:

Kisan Sarathi was launched in July 2021 and is India’s largest integrated digital agro-advisory platform providing timely, authentic, multilingual, and personalized agricultural advisories to farmers.

Kisan Sarathi is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW).

The platform is implemented by the Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) and the Digital India Corporation (DIC).

Kisan Sarathi is powered by the Interactive Information Dissemination System (IIDS), a two-way communication platform that enables seamless interaction between farmers and agricultural experts.

IIDS supports voice calls, video calls, text messages, image sharing, and video exchange, ensuring effective lab-to-land transfer of agricultural knowledge.

The platform connects farmers with 730+ Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), 100+ ICAR Institutes, and 65+ Agricultural Universities, creating a national agricultural advisory ecosystem.

 

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the AI-enabled Rural Internal Audit Portal during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan at Pusa Campus, New Delhi, to strengthen transparency, accountability, and technology-driven governance.

The Rural Internal Audit Portal is the first-of-its-kind unified digital platform for end-to-end management of internal audits, covering both risk-based audits and compliance audits.

The Portal was conceived by the Office of the Chief Controller of Accounts (CCA), Ministry of Rural Development, and developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the AI-enabled Rural Internal Audit Portal during the Rashtriya Gramin Vikas Sammelan at Pusa Campus, New Delhi, to strengthen transparency, accountability, and technology-driven governance.

The Rural Internal Audit Portal is the first-of-its-kind unified digital platform for end-to-end management of internal audits, covering both risk-based audits and compliance audits.

The Portal was conceived by the Office of the Chief Controller of Accounts (CCA), Ministry of Rural Development, and developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

The Portal transforms the audit process from a paper-based, fragmented, and manual system into a transparent, data-driven, technology-enabled digital ecosystem.

It integrates audit planning, execution, reporting, compliance management, monitoring, analytics, Action Taken Reports (ATRs), para settlement, and archival of records on a single platform.

The pilot project of the Portal was launched in Chandauli district, Uttar Pradesh, on 1 April 2025, while all core modules became operational from October 2025.

The Portal was developed to address challenges such as manual correspondence, delayed reporting, dispersed records, inadequate monitoring, and the absence of a centralized audit repository.

 

19) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in New York, United States (US) to strengthen academic and research collaboration.

The LoI was signed by Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, and Dr. Timothy E. Sams, President of SUNY Old Westbury, in the presence of Binaya Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.

The collaboration will focus on engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), multidisciplinary research, technology, and other emerging fields.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the State University of New York (SUNY) Old Westbury signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in New York, United States (US) to strengthen academic and research collaboration.

The LoI was signed by Professor Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, and Dr. Timothy E. Sams, President of SUNY Old Westbury, in the presence of Binaya Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York.

The collaboration will focus on engineering, Artificial Intelligence (AI), multidisciplinary research, technology, and other emerging fields.

Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the partnership aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes the internationalisation of Indian higher education.

The partnership aims to promote faculty and researcher exchanges, joint research projects, and the organisation of joint conferences and symposia.

The collaboration is expected to strengthen research, innovation, and global academic engagement, while creating new opportunities for students, scholars, and researchers.

Ambassador of India to the United States Vinay Mohan Kwatra also participated virtually during the announcement.

 

20) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

England Test captain Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the Trent Bridge Test will be his final international match.

Stokes will also step down as England Men's Test captain, a position he has held since April 2022.

Detailed Explanation:

England Test captain Ben Stokes has announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Rothesay Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that the Trent Bridge Test will be his final international match.

Stokes will also step down as England Men's Test captain, a position he has held since April 2022.

He made his international debut in 2011 and his Test debut during the 2013 Ashes series against Australia.

Stokes played a crucial role in England's first ICC Men's Cricket World Cup victory in 2019, scoring an unbeaten 84 in the final against New Zealand.

He produced a historic unbeaten 135 at Headingley during the 2019 Ashes, leading England to a famous one-wicket victory over Australia.

 

21) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, and director Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj passed away at the age of 73 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).

Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj was born on 7 January 1953 in Gobichettipalayam, Erode district, Tamil Nadu.

He began his film career as an Assistant Director under renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja.

Bhagyaraj made his acting debut with the Tamil film 16 Vayathinile (1977) before establishing himself as a successful screenplay and dialogue writer.

He made his directorial debut with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal (1979).

Detailed Explanation:

Veteran Tamil filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, and director Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj passed away at the age of 73 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).

Krishnaswamy Bhagyaraj was born on 7 January 1953 in Gobichettipalayam, Erode district, Tamil Nadu.

He began his film career as an Assistant Director under renowned filmmaker Bharathiraja.

Bhagyaraj made his acting debut with the Tamil film 16 Vayathinile (1977) before establishing himself as a successful screenplay and dialogue writer.

He made his directorial debut with Suvarilladha Chiththirangal (1979).

During a career spanning nearly five decades, Bhagyaraj directed more than 25 films and acted in over 75 films.

 

22) Answer: B

International Asteroid Day is observed every year on 30 June to raise awareness about asteroids, their role in the solar system, and the need for planetary defence.

The day commemorates the Tunguska Event of 30 June 1908, when a massive asteroid explosion occurred over Siberia, Russian Federation.

In December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 30 June as International Asteroid Day through Resolution A/RES/71/90.

 

23) Answer: C

Goldman Sachs reduced India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) forecast by 20 basis points (bps) to 1.1% of GDP.

The report now expects India to record a Balance of Payments (BoP) Surplus equivalent to 0.7% of GDP.

 

24) Answer: D

The revised IPR 2022 provides additional incentives for setting up non-mineral-based industries in 15 backward districts, including Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Gajapati.

The GO-EAST Cell and Go SWIFT platform will monitor project approvals, incentive disbursement, implementation progress, and improve transparency.

During the event, the Odisha Government signed 7 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) involving investments worth ₹24,823 crore across sectors such as chemicals, power, green energy equipment, apparel, and steel manufacturing.

 

25) Answer: E

About Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Parent Organisation: Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)

Function: India's premier nuclear research and development institution.