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Daily Current Affairs
23 July, 2026
1. The updated Index of Core Industries (ICI) series, released on 20 July 2026, adopts which new base year and adds which industry as the 9th core industry?
A. 2017-18 base; Cement added
B. 2020-21 base; Renewable Energy added
C. 2022-23 base; Iron Ore added
D. 2022-23 base; Aluminium added
E. 2019-20 base; Iron Ore added
View Answer
Explanation: The updated ICI series uses 2022-23 = 100 (replacing 2011-12) and expands the basket from eight to nine core industries with Iron Ore (weight 4.905%). The new series is available from June 2026 with a 38-month back series (Apr 2023-May 2026). This aligns with GDP, WPI and IIP, which have already adopted 2022-23 as the common base year. The ICI is a monthly production volume index — a lead indicator for the IIP — published by the Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA), DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
2. In the updated ICI (2022-23 series), which sector now carries the LARGEST weight?
A. Refinery Products
B. Steel
C. Electricity
D. Coal
E. Crude Oil
View Answer
Explanation: Electricity is now the largest at 30.932% (up from 19.85%), overtaking Refinery Products (22.572%). The combined weight of the 9 core industries in the IIP has been revised to 32.88% (from 40.27%). Other revisions: Steel index now uses gross production (not net) for IIP consistency, and the Coal index tracks raw coal only — removing coal middlings and washed coal to avoid double-counting.
3. As per the RBI Bulletin (July 2026), concessional swap measures led to how much in FCNR(B) deposits between 8 June and 17 July 2026?
A. $10.2 billion
B. $12.8 billion
C. $17.4 billion
D. $21.5 billion
E. $15.0 billion
View Answer
Explanation: The RBI Bulletin (July 2026, released 22 July) noted $17.4 billion in FCNR(B) deposits mobilised via concessional swap measures (8 June-17 July 2026). Other observations: the Indian economy navigated external uncertainties well and remains among the fastest-growing major economies; retail inflation edged up in June while core inflation stayed subdued; liquidity improved supporting strong credit growth; exports-imports grew strongly in Q1 FY27 (with the India-UK CETA expected to help); FDI increased and FPI inflows turned positive in June-July 2026.
4. The “Nifty500 Ahimsa Index” — India’s first index screening companies free from animal cruelty — was launched by NSE Indices Limited in collaboration with which organisation?
A. PETA India
B. Ahimsagain Foundation
C. Animal Welfare Board of India
D. Vegan Society of India
E. Blue Cross of India
View Answer
Explanation: The Nifty500 Ahimsa Index (launched 10 July 2026) was created by NSE Indices Limited with the Ahimsagain Foundation, using its Ahimsa Investment Movement (AIM) framework that classifies companies into Green, Orange and Red bands — only Green-band companies are included. It tracks 326 companies (as of 30 June 2026); top holdings include Bharti Airtel, Infosys, M&M, TCS, Maruti Suzuki and NTPC.
5. Which of the following statements about the Nifty500 Ahimsa Index is INCORRECT?
A. It is free-float market-cap weighted with base date 1 April 2016 and base value 1,000
B. It is rebalanced semi-annually
C. It excludes meat, dairy, leather and animal-testing pharma firms
D. It includes all major commercial banks and NBFCs
E. It can serve as an underlying for ETFs and index funds
View Answer
Explanation: The index EXCLUDES commercial banks, major NBFCs and most Reliance Group companies — along with meat, dairy, poultry, leather, cosmetics, wool/leather fashion and animal-testing pharma firms. It is free-float market-cap weighted (base 1 April 2016 = 1,000), rebalanced semi-annually, and is designed as an underlying for passive products like ETFs and index funds (note: it’s an index, not a mutual fund scheme itself).
6. Under the proposed EPFO 3.0 reforms, at what age can members choose between an Annuity/Pension or a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)?
A. 55 years
B. 58 years
C. 60 years
D. 62 years
E. 65 years
View Answer
Explanation: EPFO 3.0 proposes that at 60 years, members choose Annuity/Pension or a Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Other features: RBI-regulated Core Banking Solution for 60+ crore workers, Target Retirement Sum (TRS) with real-time dashboards, gig/platform worker coverage under the Code on Social Security 2020 (aiming to add 2.5 crore workers), one-to-many UAN linked to multiple employers, and multi-source contributions (workers, employers, government, CSR, NGOs, consumer tips). Singapore’s CPF is being studied as a model.
7. Mission “Golden Spice” — a â‚ą175.45-crore, five-year initiative launched by MDoNER — aims to strengthen the value chain of which GI-tagged product?
A. Naga Mircha
B. Lakadong Turmeric of Meghalaya
C. Kachai Lemon of Manipur
D. Sikkim Large Cardamom
E. Karbi Anglong Ginger
View Answer
Explanation: Mission “Golden Spice” (â‚ą175.45 crore, 2025-2030) by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region strengthens the value chain of GI-tagged Lakadong Turmeric — improving cultivation, processing, branding and exports; MDoNER contributes 50% of funding. Separately, India told the UNSC that the Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly ends cross-border terrorism.
8. Which state tops the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components with 66 manufacturing units?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Gujarat
C. Maharashtra
D. Haryana
E. Karnataka
View Answer
Explanation: Maharashtra leads the PLI-Auto Scheme with 66 units, followed by Tamil Nadu (38), Haryana (35) and Karnataka (35) — 225 units in total under the ₹25,938-crore scheme approved in 2021 (Ministry of Heavy Industries). Separately, the Centre is considering lifting airport-airline cross-ownership restrictions (currently at consultation stage, needing legal clearance and Cabinet approval).
9. ISRO’s VSSC signed an MoU with which institute to develop indigenous eco-friendly blowing agent technology, reducing dependence on imported fluorochemicals?
A. CSIR-NCL Pune
B. CSIR-IICT (Indian Institute of Chemical Technology)
C. IIT Madras
D. BARC
E. CSIR-NAL
View Answer
Explanation: The VSSC-CSIR-IICT MoU will jointly develop eco-friendly blowing agent technology for space applications, strengthening India’s strategic materials capability. Separately, ISRO’s HSFC and SCTIMST launched India’s first indigenous Postdoctoral Fellowship in Bioastronautics.
10. The “Gems of India” Challenge — launched by Ashwini Vaishnaw for grassroots digital creators making 1-3 minute district-showcase videos — runs on which platform?
A. MyGov
B. MyWAVES
C. DigiLocker
D. Bharat Creators Hub
E. UMANG
View Answer
Explanation: The ‘Gems of India’ Challenge pilot runs on the MyWAVES platform — creators make 1-3 minute videos on their district’s culture, heritage, tourism and traditions, with awards up to â‚ą5 lakh; it will later expand to all States/UTs. Separately, ISSDA and GSSE partnered to promote stainless steel in clean energy (green hydrogen, LNG) and advocate a National Stainless Steel Policy; India’s stainless steel market is projected at USD 15.8 billion by 2030.
11. IIT Kanpur will establish the “ECOGEN” Centre of Excellence — for green hydrogen research — under which policy, with approval from which agency?
A. National Green Hydrogen Mission; MNRE
B. UP Green Hydrogen Policy 2024; UPNEDA
C. UP Industrial Policy; Invest UP
D. National Hydrogen Energy Mission; NITI Aayog
E. UP Solar Policy; UPPCL
View Answer
Explanation: The Centre of Excellence on Innovative and Integrated Ecosystem for Green Hydrogen (ECOGEN) at IIT Kanpur — approved by UPNEDA under the UP Green Hydrogen Policy 2024 — will research hydrogen production, storage, distribution and utilisation. Separately, IIPA and ICAI signed a three-year MoU to strengthen municipal accounting and financial management for Urban Local Bodies.
12. As per RBI data, India’s outward FDI commitments declined 47.9% year-on-year in June 2026 to what level?
A. USD 1.5 billion
B. USD 2.2 billion
C. USD 3 billion
D. USD 4.6 billion
E. USD 5.8 billion
View Answer
Explanation: India’s outward FDI commitments fell 47.9% YoY to USD 3 billion in June 2026, with declines across equity, debt and guarantee commitments. ONGC Videsh Rovuma Limited (OVRL) made the largest overseas equity commitment during the month.
13. Eight-year-old Iya Krish from Kerala became the youngest Asian to summit Mount Toubkal (4,167 m) — the highest peak of which region?
A. East Africa
B. North Africa
C. Southern Europe
D. West Asia
E. Central Asia
View Answer
Explanation: Mount Toubkal (4,167 m, in Morocco) is the highest peak in North Africa. Iya Krish prepared through mountain trekking and Kalaripayattu training, and next aims for Mount Elbrus, Kilimanjaro and Everest.
14. INS Malvan, the second Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft, was commissioned at which naval base — becoming the first naval vessel commissioned there?
A. Kochi
B. Visakhapatnam
C. Karwar
D. Mumbai
E. Porbandar
View Answer
Explanation: INS Malvan — second Mahe-class ASW-SWC, built by Cochin Shipyard Limited with 80%+ indigenous content — was commissioned at Naval Base Karwar, the first naval vessel commissioned there, boosting coastal anti-submarine warfare capability.
15. Paninian India launched the “Yantur 4.5 kN” programme — India’s first privately developed engine of which type in its category?
A. Scramjet engine
B. Turbofan engine
C. Turboprop engine
D. Ramjet engine
E. Cryogenic engine
View Answer
Explanation: The Yantur 4.5 kN Turbofan Engine Programme by Paninian India is India’s first privately developed turbofan engine in its category — designed for long-range autonomous cruise missiles and future Collaborative Combat Aerial Vehicles (CCAVs).
16. Researchers from the Agharkar Research Institute discovered five new species of which organism group in Kerala’s Western Ghats (genus Allographa)?
A. Orchids
B. Lichens
C. Ferns
D. Mosses
E. Fungi-feeding beetles
View Answer
Explanation: ARI researchers discovered five new Allographa lichen species in Kerala’s Western Ghats (published in Mycological Progress) — the first comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study of the genus from the region, expanding India’s documented lichen biodiversity.
17. Which Indian Grandmaster won the Menuires International Chess Championship 2026 in France on tie-break?
A. Raja Rithvik
B. S. Rohith Krishna
C. D. Gukesh
D. Arjun Erigaisi
E. Nihal Sarin
View Answer
Explanation: GM S. Rohith Krishna won the Menuires International Chess Championship 2026 on tie-break under FIDE regulations, while GM Raja Rithvik took silver — both unbeaten with 7 points from 9 rounds.
18. Pi Approximation Day is observed on 22 July because:
A. Pi was discovered on this date
B. The fraction 22/7 closely approximates π
C. It is Archimedes’ birthday
D. The decimal 3.14 matches the date
E. It marks the founding of the Mathematical Society
View Answer
Explanation: Pi Approximation Day (22 July, i.e. 22/7) marks the fraction approximating π; first celebrated in 1995 in Sweden. (Pi Day, by contrast, is 14 March — 3.14.)
19. The theme of World Brain Day 2026 (22 July), led by the World Federation of Neurology, was:
A. Brain Health and Disability
B. Brain Health: Access for All
C. Brain Health for Mental Wellbeing
D. Protect Your Brain
E. Neurology for Everyone
View Answer
Explanation: World Brain Day 2026’s theme was “Brain Health: Access for All”, led by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN). The date (22 July) also marks the WFN’s establishment in 1957.
20. Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang presented a FY2026-27 Budget of what size, which included the state’s first Renal Transplant Programme and statewide HPV screening?
A. â‚ą15,480 crore
B. â‚ą17,320 crore
C. â‚ą19,215 crore
D. â‚ą21,650 crore
E. â‚ą23,100 crore
View Answer
Explanation: Sikkim’s â‚ą19,215-crore FY27 Budget prioritises healthcare, education, infrastructure and social welfare — with statewide HPV screening, the first Renal Transplant Programme, an ART Centre, and 100 MBBS seats at the Sikkim Government Medical College.
21. The Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board signed an MoU with the UAE Food Cluster to establish a â‚ą100-crore food processing unit in which district?
A. Krishna
B. Guntur
C. Chittoor
D. Anantapur
E. East Godavari
View Answer
Explanation: The APEDB-UAE Food Cluster MoU will set up a food processing cluster for horticultural exports, including a ₹100-crore processing unit in Chittoor district — promoting value-added processing and UAE investments.
22. The World Bank’s June 2026 Global Economic Prospects report warned that prolonged US-Iran hostilities could cut global growth in 2026 to:
A. 0.8%
B. 1.3%
C. 1.9%
D. 2.2%
E. 2.5%
View Answer
Explanation: The World Bank’s worst-case scenario (severe energy supply disruptions and market volatility lasting 6+ months) sees global growth falling to 1.3% in 2026 (from 2.9% in 2025) with global inflation ~4.5%. The baseline forecast projects 2.5% growth with ~4.0% inflation if disruptions ease.
23. CSIR’s Technology Transfer Event (23 July 2026, New Delhi) — where four indigenous technologies were transferred to industry — was organised by which CSIR lab?
A. CSIR-NPL, New Delhi
B. CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh
C. CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur
D. CSIR-CFTRI, Mysuru
E. CSIR-IITR, Lucknow
View Answer
Explanation: The event — organised by CSIR-CSIO Chandigarh under CSIR DG Dr. N. Kalaiselvi — transferred four indigenous technologies to industry, commercially launched an IoT-enabled Smart Rural Water Monitoring System, and recognised Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for royalty from licensed defence technology.
24. “Prakriti CafĂ©” — promoting healthy dietary practices based on Ayush Ahaar principles — was inaugurated by AYUSH Minister Prataprao Jadhav at which location?
A. AIIA, New Delhi
B. Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi
C. NIA, Jaipur
D. Kerala Ayurveda Campus
E. Yoga Bhawan, Haridwar
View Answer
Explanation: Prakriti CafĂ© at Ayush Bhawan, New Delhi — the Ministry of AYUSH’s first workplace initiative of its kind — promotes nutritious, balanced food choices based on Ayush Ahaar principles aligned with traditional Indian wellness systems.
