Daily Current Affairs Quiz
28 July , 2026
National Affairs
1. Corporate Mitra Scheme
Source: PIB
Context
The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), Shillong, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, organised an awareness webinar on the Corporate Mitra Scheme for youth, students, professionals and MSMEs in Arunachal Pradesh, in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University. The scheme creates a certified cadre of trained para-professionals — “Corporate Mitras” — to provide affordable compliance, accounting and advisory services to MSMEs.
What It Is
- A 12-month skill development and employment-oriented programme preparing young graduates for professional roles supporting MSMEs.
- Creates a pool of accredited para-professionals who handle non-core business operations for small enterprises.
- Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA); implemented through IICA.
Primary Objectives
- Build a skilled and accredited para-professional talent pool for regulatory compliance, GST, accounting, financial guidance, cost accounting, secretarial services and corporate governance.
- Enhance ease of doing business for MSMEs through structured professional guidance.
- Generate employment by making graduates “industry-ready” with high placement opportunities in MSMEs.
- Strengthen professional advisory services through a standardised course and certification, ensuring quality and trust.
2. BitChat Repositories and the I4C Takedown Order
Source: The Indian Express
Context
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, directed GitHub to remove three repositories hosting BitChat, a decentralised Bluetooth mesh messaging app.
What BitChat Is
- An open-source, decentralised, peer-to-peer messaging application that works without internet, cellular networks or central servers.
- Created by Jack Dorsey (co-founder of Twitter/X, CEO of Block), launched in July 2025.
- (Fact-check note: the attribution to “Doris Lima” in the source document does not appear in verified reporting; credit BitChat to Jack Dorsey and his team.)
What is I4C (Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre)?
An MHA body set up in 2018 to coordinate the national response to cybercrime, operating the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and the helpline 1930.
3. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
Source: News on Air
Context
Following directions in a suo motu proceeding by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) constituted a multi-disciplinary Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species. The NBA is an autonomous statutory body under the MoEFCC, implementing the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
About the NBA
- Established: 1 October 2003, headquartered at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Performs regulatory, advisory and facilitative functions to safeguard India’s biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
- Aim: conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits (Access and Benefit Sharing, ABS).
The Three-Tier Structure
- National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) — national level, Chennai.
- State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) — 28 boards, regulating commercial utilisation and bio-surveys by Indian citizens in their territories.
- Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) — about 2.76 lakh at panchayat and municipal level, preparing People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
Key Functions
- Advising the Central Government on conservation, sustainable use and benefit-sharing.
- Biodiversity Heritage Sites — advises state governments on notifying ecologically significant areas under Section 37.
- Regulating IPR and commercial access — grants approvals under Sections 3, 4 and 6 for foreign individuals or entities seeking access to Indian biological resources, transfer of research results, or IPR based on biological material.
- Overseeing SBBs and empowering BMCs.
- Constituting expert committees — such as the new panel on Invasive Alien Species.
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to the National Biodiversity Authority, consider the following statements:
- It is an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, established in 2003 and headquartered at Chennai.
- It was constituted to implement the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
- It advises state governments on the notification of Biodiversity Heritage Sites under Section 37 of the Act.
- Indian citizens and Indian companies must obtain prior approval of the NBA before accessing biological resources for commercial use.
How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
Q2. With reference to biodiversity governance in India, consider the following statements:
- Biodiversity Management Committees at panchayat and municipal level prepare People’s Biodiversity Registers documenting local resources and traditional knowledge.
- Approval of the NBA is required before applying for any intellectual property right based on research on Indian biological resources.
- The Expert Committee on Invasive Alien Species was constituted by the NBA following directions in a suo motu proceeding of the National Green Tribunal.
- India ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity, whose three objectives include the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None
Answer Key
- (c) — Statements 1, 2, 3 are correct; Statement 4 is wrong because Indian citizens and Indian bodies need only give prior intimation to the State Biodiversity Board under Section 7; prior NBA approval under Sections 3, 4 and 6 applies to foreigners, NRIs and foreign-controlled entities.
- (d) — All four statements are correct.
3. Exam Reform Task Force Led by Nandan Nilekani
Source: News on Air
Context
PM Narendra Modi announced a six-member high-powered task force on 26 July 2026, chaired by Nandan Nilekani, to recommend comprehensive reforms to India’s examination system. Formed in response to nationwide protests and the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. It came a day after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Education Minister, with Pralhad Joshi succeeding him.
The Six Members
| Member | Designation | Expertise Brought |
|---|---|---|
| Nandan Nilekani (Chair) | Infosys co-founder; founding Chairman, UIDAI | Digital public infrastructure, identity systems |
| S. Somanath | Former Chairman, ISRO | Mission-critical, zero-failure systems engineering |
| Tapan Deka | Former Director, Intelligence Bureau | Internal security, organised crime networks |
| V. Kamakoti | Director, IIT Madras | Computer science, cybersecurity, cryptography |
| Anita Karwal | Former Education Secretary, MoE | Education administration, examination governance |
| Amrit Lal Meena | Senior IAS; former Coal Secretary and Chief Secretary, Bihar | Logistics and administration |
Banking/Finance
1. RBI Gets Government Nod to Issue ₹10 and ₹20 Polymer Banknotes
Source: Business Standard
Context
The government has approved the RBI’s proposal to issue 1 billion pieces each of ₹10 and ₹20 polymer banknotes for field trials, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary told the Lok Sabha on 27 July 2026. After successful field trials, the RBI will regularly issue polymer banknotes in these two denominations.
The Approval
- The RBI, on the recommendation of its Central Board, sent the proposal to the government under Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934.
- The proposal covered both the 1 billion-piece field trial in each denomination and regular issuance thereafter.
- The reply came as a written answer to a Lok Sabha question.
Section 25 of the RBI Act, 1934 — The Legal Basis
- It provides that the design, form and material of banknotes shall be approved by the Central Government on the recommendation of the RBI’s Central Board.
- This is why a change of substrate from paper to polymer requires government approval, not merely an RBI decision.
Why Polymer?
- Longer lifespan: the RBI cited international studies showing polymer notes last significantly longer than paper notes — typically 2.5 to 4 times.
- Lower replacement cost over time, despite higher unit printing cost.
- Better resistance to dirt, moisture and wear — relevant for low-denomination notes, which circulate hardest and soil fastest.
- Stronger security features, including transparent windows that are difficult to counterfeit.
- ₹10 and ₹20 are the correct test denominations precisely because they have the shortest life in circulation.
What Paper Notes Are Made Of?
- Indian “paper” banknotes are not wood-pulp paper — they are made from cotton pulp and plant fibres, giving greater durability and a distinctive feel.
- Polymer notes use a biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) substrate.
Agriculture
1. The USDA’s “Dairy: World Markets and Trade” Report
Source: BusinessLine
Context
The USDA’s “Dairy: World Markets and Trade” report forecasts India’s cow’s milk production to rise to 105.4 million tonnes in 2026, from 103.2 mt in 2025. India’s dairy herd is expanding, with cows in milk expected to reach 62.5 million head — the highest among all countries tracked.
Cow Milk vs Total Milk
- The USDA’s 105.4 mt figure is cow’s milk only, which is why the report says India is “second only to the European Union”.
- India’s total milk production, including buffalo, goat and other species, was 247.87 million tonnes in 2024–25 per the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025.
- India is the world’s largest producer of total milk but the second-largest producer of cow’s milk after the EU.
- Buffalo milk is India’s distinguishing feature — no other major dairy nation depends on it at this scale, and it has higher fat content, which is why India dominates butter production.
Key Highlights:
- India’s Dairy Production
- Milk production reached 247.87 million tonnes in 2024–25, up 3.58% from 2023–24 and about 69% higher than in 2014–15.
- Per Capita Availability
- Milk availability increased to 485 g/day, well above the global average of about 322 g/day.
- Leading Milk-Producing States
- Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra together account for 54.09% of India’s total milk production.
- Economic Importance
- India produces nearly one-fourth of the world’s milk. The dairy sector contributes about 5% of the national economy and provides livelihoods to over 8 crore farmers.
- Global Dairy Outlook
- US butter exports are projected to rise 40% in 2026, EU exports by 10%, while New Zealand is expected to achieve record milk production of 22.5 million tonnes.
- Key Observation
- Despite Amul’s global expansion, the USDA report does not project significant growth in India’s dairy exports, indicating India remains primarily a domestic consumption-driven dairy market.
Facts To Remember
1. PM Modi Forms Nandan Nilekani-Led Task Force for Exam Reforms
Prime Minister Narendra Modi constituted a six-member high-powered task force headed by Nandan Nilekani to recommend comprehensive reforms in India’s examination system. The panel was formed following nationwide protests and the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy to improve transparency, security, and credibility. Members include S. Somanath, Tapan Deka, V. Kamakoti, Anita Karwal, and Amrit Lal Meena. The task force will suggest technology-driven measures for conducting secure and trustworthy examinations.
2. BRICS Science Academies Forum 2026 Held at IIT Hyderabad
The 2nd BRICS Science Academies Forum was held at IIT Hyderabad on 22–23 July 2026 under the theme “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Development and Strengthening Global South Cooperation.” India also hosted the 3rd BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction and the BRICS Ministers of Interior Meeting. BRICS CCI Women Empowerment released the WISE Whitepaper to enhance women’s participation in science and innovation. India further organized the BRICS Network University Governing Board Meeting and Conference on Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
3. Sarnath Becomes India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan, South Korea. It became India’s 45th World Heritage Site and Uttar Pradesh’s fourth UNESCO-recognised site. Sarnath was nominated by India in January 2025 after being on UNESCO’s Tentative List since 1998. The inscription recognises its Outstanding Universal Value as the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon.
4. President Droupadi Murmu Visits Moldova, North Macedonia and Romania
President Droupadi Murmu undertook a state visit to Moldova, North Macedonia, and Romania from 19–25 July 2026 to strengthen bilateral cooperation. India unveiled the 3Ts Roadmap (Trade, Technology and Talent) during the Moldova visit. She became the first Indian President to visit North Macedonia and inaugurated a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Skopje. In Romania, three MoUs were signed and 2028 was declared the India–Romania Year of Innovation.
5. VIYONA Gets Bharat Connect Approval for Digital Bill Payments
VIYONA Fintech received approval to operate as a Customer Operating Unit under Bharat Connect (formerly BBPS). The approval enables interoperable bill payments for electricity, water, gas, broadband, insurance, EMIs, education fees, and other services. Banks, NBFCs, fintech firms, and government organisations can integrate Bharat Connect services through its platform. The Hyderabad-based startup already holds NPCI certifications including UPI Switch, IMPS, BOU and eKYC Setu.
6. NSE Launches India’s First Domestic Natural Gas Futures
The National Stock Exchange launched India’s first domestic benchmark-based Natural Gas Futures contract from 27 July 2026. The cash-settled contract is linked to the Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) Gujarat (Dahej) hub price and trades under the symbol NATGASIND. It has a trading unit of 250 mmBtu and aims to help market participants manage gas price volatility. The initiative strengthens India’s commodity derivatives market with a domestic pricing benchmark.
7. EIL and CSIR-IMMT Sign MoU for Critical Minerals Research
Engineers India Limited signed an MoU with CSIR-IMMT to collaborate on research and development in critical and strategic minerals. The partnership focuses on mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, technology scale-up, and commercial deployment projects. It also includes technical knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives. EIL additionally signed another MoU with the Directorate General of Maritime Administration for maritime infrastructure projects.
8. Vizhinjam Port Approved for Direct EXIM Operations
Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala received CBIC approval to commence Export-Import cargo operations from 18 August 2026. The notification designates the port as a Customs Port under the Customs Act, 1962, enabling direct international cargo handling. The project is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership by the Kerala Government and Adani Ports. The approval is expected to reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs and improve India’s trade efficiency.
9. Pralhad Joshi Gets Additional Charge as Education Minister
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi was given additional charge as the Union Education Minister after Dharmendra Pradhan resigned over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy. President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation under Article 75(2) of the Constitution. Naresh Pal Gangwar became Secretary of Higher Education while T.K. Anil Kumar assumed charge of School Education and Literacy. The leadership change aims to restore confidence in India’s education system.
10. SpaceX Starship Completes 13th Test Flight Successfully
SpaceX successfully completed the 13th integrated test flight of Starship from Starbase, Texas, deploying 20 Starlink Version 3 satellites. The mission included a successful re-entry and controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean. It tested spacecraft systems, satellite deployment, and heat shield performance for future missions. NASA monitored the flight as part of preparations for Artemis lunar missions and future Mars exploration.
11. Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026 Observed on 26 July
India observed the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July 2026 to commemorate victory in the 1999 Kargil War through Operation Vijay. The day honours the courage and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces in defending the nation’s sovereignty. The conflict began after Pakistani intrusions across the Line of Control in May 1999. The Indian Army and Air Force successfully recaptured the occupied positions through Operations Vijay and Safed Sagar.
12. International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems 2026
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem was observed on 26 July 2026 under UNESCO’s initiative. The day promotes awareness about the ecological, climatic, and socio-economic importance of mangroves. It was proclaimed by UNESCO in 2015, with the first observance held in 2016. The occasion also commemorates environmental activist Hayhow Daniel Nanoto, who died during a mangrove restoration protest in 1998.
13. Himachal Pradesh Launches Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana
The Himachal Pradesh Government launched the Mukhyamantri Machhuara Samman Nidhi Yojana to support reservoir fishermen during the annual fishing ban. Eligible fishermen will receive a lump-sum financial assistance of ₹3,500 under the scheme. Around 3,700 fishing families across five major reservoirs are expected to benefit. The scheme has an estimated annual expenditure of ₹1.20 crore and will be monitored by the Directorate of Fisheries.
14. Odisha Signs AI Data Centre MoU with HCLTech and Sarvam AI
The Odisha Government signed MoUs with HCLTech and Sarvam AI to establish the state’s first AI Data Centre at the Odisha Sovereign AI Park. The overall investment is ₹14,257 crore, with HCLTech investing around ₹730 crore in the AI facility. The centre will integrate high-performance computing with indigenous AI models for government and enterprise applications. Another MoU was signed to establish a Global Development Centre in Bhubaneswar, expected to generate around 5,000 jobs by 2028.
