Daily Current Affairs Quiz
11 July , 2026
National Affairs
1. Third India–Australia Annual Summit
Source: PIB
Why in News?
The Prime Minister of India visited Melbourne, Australia, to participate in the Third India–Australia Annual Summit. Both countries adopted a Joint Statement to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
What is the India–Australia Annual Summit?
- Highest-level bilateral engagement mechanism between India and Australia.
- Held annually to review and expand the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) was established in 2020.
Major Outcomes of the Summit
1. Defence & Maritime Security
- Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation adopted.
- Annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue established.
- India–Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap launched.
- MoU signed between the Australian Maritime Border Command and the Indian Coast Guard.
2. Trade & Critical Minerals
- Both countries agreed to accelerate negotiations for the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
- Reaffirmed implementation of the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
- Strengthened partnership on critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt.
3. Climate, Energy & Space
- Administrative Arrangement signed under the India–Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.
- Enables long-term Australian uranium exports to India under IAEA safeguards.
- Operationalized the Rooftop Solar Academy under the Energy Security Partnership.
- Australia to provide tracking support for Gaganyaan Mission through a tracking station on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
4. Education & People-to-People Ties
- Flinders University received a Letter of Intent to establish a campus in Bengaluru.
- Victoria University received approval to establish a campus in Gurugram.
- Australia announced US$10 million under the Maitri Grants Programme.
- India and Western Australia to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Mining at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
About the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 2020 |
| Partners | India & Australia |
| Focus Areas | Defence, Trade, Maritime Security, Critical Minerals, Energy, Technology, Education |
2. TribeX Digital Learning Platform
Why in News?
The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs launched TribeX, India’s first dedicated digital learning platform for tribal arts, culture, traditional knowledge, and skill development.
What is TribeX?
- TribeX is a centralized digital learning platform and knowledge repository dedicated to preserving, documenting, and promoting India’s tribal heritage.
- Developed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
- Provides open access to learners, researchers, artisans, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Objectives of TribeX
- Preserve tribal arts, culture, languages, and traditional knowledge.
- Promote skill development and sustainable livelihoods.
- Bridge geographical barriers through digital education.
- Connect learners with master tribal artisans and knowledge holders.
- Digitally document India’s indigenous heritage.
3. The ULLAS Initiative
Source: News on Air
Why in News?
Uttarakhand was declared India’s 6th fully literate State under the ULLAS Initiative in July 2026.
What is the ULLAS Initiative?
- Full Form: Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS)
- Also Known As: Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme)
- Launched: FY 2022–27
- Ministry: Ministry of Education
- Nodal Department: Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL)
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
- Purpose: To provide functional literacy, numeracy, life skills, and vocational education to adult non-literates aged 15 years and above.
Objectives of ULLAS
- Achieve Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) for 5 crore adult learners by 2027.
- Target 1 crore learners every year.
- Promote lifelong learning and community participation.
- Improve digital, financial, and vocational literacy among adults.
What is FLNAT?
- Full Form: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test.
- Conducted twice every year.
- Assesses reading, writing, numeracy, digital and financial literacy.
- Successful learners receive a NIOS–DoSEL certificate.
States/UTs Achieving 95%+ Literacy under ULLAS
| 2026 | Andaman & Nicobar Islands (UT) |
| 2026 | Sikkim |
| 2026 | Uttarakhand |
4. India–Kyrgyzstan Tie-up to Study Shared Epic Heritage
Source: TOI
Why in News?
India and Kyrgyzstan jointly established the International Centre for Civilizational Studies “Manas and Mahabharata” in Bishkek. The initiative also marked the release of the first Hindi translation of the Kyrgyz epic Manas, strengthening cultural and academic ties between the two countries.
What is the India–Kyrgyzstan Civilizational Initiative?
- A joint initiative to promote comparative studies of the Mahabharata and the Manas Epic.
- Established to deepen India–Kyrgyzstan cultural diplomacy through research, academic collaboration, and preservation of shared civilizational heritage.
- Manas is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
About the Manas Epic
- National epic of Kyrgyzstan.
- One of the longest epic poems in the world.
- Narrates the life and heroic deeds of Manas, a legendary Kyrgyz warrior.
- Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
About Kyrgyzstan
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Capital | Bishkek |
| Currency | Kyrgyzstani Som |
| Region | Central Asia |
| Neighbouring Countries | Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan |
5. The Astra Mk 1 Missile
Why in News?
India and Indonesia signed a landmark defence agreement for the supply of the indigenously developed Astra Mk 1 Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) during the bilateral summit held in Jakarta.
What is the Astra Mk 1 Missile?
- Astra Mk 1 is an indigenous Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
- It is designed to engage and destroy enemy aircraft at long distances before they come within visual range.
- Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Production Agency: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
- Objective: To provide the Indian Air Force with long-range air combat capability and reduce dependence on imported air-to-air missiles.
About DRDO
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Defence Research and Development Organisation |
| Established | 1958 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi |
| Ministry | Ministry of Defence |
6. The CE20 Cryogenic Engine
Why in News?
ISRO successfully completed the flight acceptance hot test of the indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine for the upcoming LVM3-M7 mission at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri.
What is the CE20 Cryogenic Engine?
- The CE20 is an indigenously developed high-thrust cryogenic rocket engine.
- It powers the upper stage (C25/C32 stage) of India’s Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).
- It uses liquid hydrogen (LH₂) and liquid oxygen (LOX) as propellants to launch heavy satellites into space.
- Developed by: ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
- Testing Facility: ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri.
Background
- The CE20 replaced the earlier CE-7.5 cryogenic engine with a more powerful indigenous design.
- It has successfully powered eight consecutive LVM3 missions, including Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3.
- It is the human-rated cryogenic engine planned for Gaganyaan missions.
About LVM3
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Launch Vehicle Mark-3 |
| Type | Heavy-lift launch vehicle |
| Developed By | ISRO |
| Uses | Satellite launches, Chandrayaan missions, Gaganyaan mission |
| Upper Stage Engine | CE20 Cryogenic Engine |
7. The PaBV-4 Bird Virus
Why in News?
For the first time in India, scientists have identified and genetically characterized Parrot Bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) circulating among captive birds.
What is PaBV-4?
- Parrot Bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4) is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the species Orthobornavirus alphapsittaciforme.
- It is the primary cause of Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), a serious neurological and digestive disease affecting parrots and related birds.
- The virus mainly infects psittacine birds, including parrots, macaws, parakeets, cockatiels, and lovebirds.
About Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Birds | Parrots and other psittacine birds |
| Main Symptoms | Weight loss, poor digestion, enlarged stomach, neurological disorders |
| Cause | Infection with Parrot Bornavirus (mainly PaBV-4) |
| Outcome | Progressive disease that is often fatal |
8. National CAMPA Approves New Wildlife Conservation Projects
Why in News?
The Governing Body of the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA) approved four new wildlife conservation projects. The projects will be funded under a new scheme with an initial corpus of ₹3,000 crore over five years.
What is the New CAMPA Scheme?
- Approved by: National CAMPA Governing Body
- Initial Corpus: ₹3,000 crore
- Duration: 5 years
- Objective: Strengthen the conservation and recovery of threatened wildlife species across India.
Four Conservation Projects Approved
| Project | Objective |
|---|---|
| River Dolphin Conservation Project | Conservation and Recovery Action Plan for river dolphins |
| Project Snow Leopard – Phase II | Conservation and second cycle of population estimation |
| Indian Rhinoceros Conservation Action Plan | Long-term conservation and habitat protection |
| Wild Water Buffalo Conservation Project | Pan-India conservation strategy for the species |
Species Covered
River Dolphin
- National Aquatic Animal of India.
- Primarily found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra river system.
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Snow Leopard
- Found in the Himalayan region.
- Phase II includes the second nationwide population estimation.
- State animal of Ladakh.
Indian Rhinoceros
- Also known as the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.
- Largest population found in Assam (Kaziranga National Park).
Wild Water Buffalo
- Found mainly in Assam and Chhattisgarh.
- Focus on a pan-India conservation approach.
What is National CAMPA?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority |
| Ministry | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) |
| Purpose | Management and utilization of Compensatory Afforestation Funds |
| Legal Basis | Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016 |
Objectives of the New Scheme
- Protect threatened wildlife species.
- Restore and improve critical habitats.
- Strengthen scientific monitoring and population assessment.
- Promote long-term conservation planning.
- Support biodiversity conservation across India.
Agriculture
1. Regenerative Mustard Programme
Source: BusinessLine
Why in News?
AWL Agri Business Ltd welcomed the results of the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) Regenerative Mustard Model Farm Programme for the 2025–26 rabi season. Demonstration farms in Rajasthan, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh recorded mustard yield improvements of up to 30%.
What is the Programme?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | SEA Regenerative Mustard Model Farm Programme |
| Launched | 2019 |
| Implemented by | Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) |
| Implementation Partner | Solidaridad Network Asia |
| Coverage | 3,000 front-line demonstration plots across 14 districts |
| States | Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana |
Objectives
- Increase mustard productivity.
- Improve soil health through regenerative agriculture.
- Promote balanced nutrient use and sustainable cultivation practices.
- Enhance farmers’ incomes and climate resilience.
- Reduce India’s dependence on imported edible oils.
About SEA
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Solvent Extractors’ Association of India |
| Type | Apex body of the vegetable oil and solvent extraction industry |
| Role | Promotes oilseed production, processing, trade and policy advocacy |
Facts To Remember
1. RBI Absorbs ₹1.10 Lakh Crore Surplus Liquidity
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) absorbed ₹1.10 lakh crore of surplus liquidity from the banking system on 9 July 2026 through money market operations. The move indicates excess cash availability with banks despite ongoing money market activity.
2. SEBI Allows Mutual Funds to Avail Intraday Borrowing
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) permitted mutual funds to use intraday borrowing facilities to address temporary liquidity mismatches caused by differences in market settlement timings. The measure aims to improve operational efficiency without increasing long-term leverage.
3. Hyderabad to Become Major High-Speed Rail Hub
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced plans to develop Hyderabad as a major high-speed rail hub. Proposed bullet train corridors will connect Hyderabad with Pune, Chennai, and Bengaluru, strengthening regional connectivity and economic growth.
4. World Population Day Observed on 11 July
World Population Day was observed on 11 July 2026 to raise awareness about population-related challenges and sustainable development. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda highlighted the importance of voluntary family planning, informed choices, and healthy families for inclusive growth.
5. India and New Zealand Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership
India and New Zealand upgraded their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Both countries also set a target to double bilateral trade to ₹35,000 crore by 2030.
6. Indigenous Stealth Frigate INS Mahendragiri Commissioned
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the indigenous stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri, reaffirming India’s commitment to building a strong, self-reliant, and future-ready defence force. The warship will enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime capabilities.
7. BRICS Adopts 2026 Transport Ministerial Declaration
BRICS Transport Ministers adopted the BRICS Ministerial Declaration 2026 to strengthen technological and innovation-driven cooperation in the transport sector. The declaration focuses on sustainable, carbon-neutral transport across road, rail, aviation, and waterways.
8. NITI Aayog Holds Consultation on SHANTI Act 2025
NITI Aayog organised a stakeholder consultation on the implementation of the SHANTI Act 2025. Discussions focused on regulatory frameworks, financing, insurance, manufacturing capabilities, public awareness, and operational preparedness.
9. Operation Amistad Successfully Concludes
India successfully concluded Operation Amistad, its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission to earthquake-hit Venezuela. The Venezuelan government thanked India for its timely support and assistance during the crisis.
10. India and New Zealand Celebrate 100 Years of Sporting Relations
India and New Zealand marked 100 years of sporting ties in 2026. The relationship began with the Indian Army Hockey Team’s tour in 1926, and hockey continues to strengthen the friendship between the two nations.
