Daily Current Affairs Quiz | NABARD Grade A & RBI Grade B | Economy, Banking & Agriculture
Daily Current Affairs for NABARD Grade A and RBI Grade B 2026 covering the most important developments in Indian Economy, Banking, RBI, Agriculture, Rural Development, Government Schemes, Financial Markets, Reports & Indices, International Relations, Environment and Science & Technology.
NABARD Current Affairs
Agriculture Current Affairs in News
1. High-Productivity Crop Diversification and Horticulture
Source: Sansad TV
Context
The Union Budget 2026-27 emphasised a crop-specific, regionally differentiated agricultural policy framework to accelerate high-productivity crop diversification — moving beyond cereal monocropping toward high-value horticulture, plantation crops and agroforestry.
What Crop Diversification Means
- Transitioning land use from monoculture systems — notably the water-intensive paddy-wheat rotation — toward pulses, oilseeds, horticulture and commercial tree crops
- Horticulture is the cornerstone, generating higher GVA per unit of land, optimising water use, and building climate resilience
Important Facts for Exams
- Decadal agricultural growth: 4.45 per cent
- Horticulture: 37 per cent of crop sub-sector gross value output; production 370.74 mt (2024-25) — vegetables 217.80, fruits 117.65, others 35.29
- India is second globally in fruits and vegetables; first in onions and shallots (22.42 per cent)
- Horticulture production has exceeded foodgrain production since 2012-13
- Coconut: second in output (22.44 per cent), third in area; 13.97 mt across 2.19 mn ha; yield 6.36 t/ha
- Kerala — largest area; Tamil Nadu — highest production; Andhra Pradesh — highest yield
- Coconut Development Board — headquartered at Kochi, under the Ministry of Agriculture
- Agarwood — from Aquilaria species; yields oud oil; nearly 150 million trees, over 90 per cent in the Northeast; regulated under CITES Appendix II
- Walnut: 3.22 lakh tonnes (2024-25); exports $7.80 million; mainly from Jammu & Kashmir
- MIDH — Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, the main horticulture scheme
2. PM-KUSUM 2.0 Likely to Be Announced Soon
Source: The Hindu
Context
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said the second phase of PM-KUSUM is likely to be announced shortly — speaking at the curtain raiser for the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026.
What Agrivoltaics Is
- Combining agricultural activity with solar power generation on the same land
- Panels are mounted raised or spaced so crops grow beneath or between them
- The land yields both a crop and electricity, instead of one or the other
About PM-KUSUM
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, launched 2019
- Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Three components:
- Component A — decentralised ground-mounted grid-connected solar plants on barren or fallow farmland, up to 2 MW each
- Component B — installation of standalone solar pumps to replace diesel pumps
- Component C — solarisation of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, including feeder-level solarisation
Important Facts for Exams
- PM-KUSUM launched 2019, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; full form: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
- PM-KUSUM 2.0 to add a dedicated agrivoltaics component
- Union Minister, New and Renewable Energy: Pralhad Joshi
- Agriculture accounts for a large share of India’s subsidised power consumption; solar pumps cut both the subsidy burden and diesel use
- India’s solar capacity rose from about 3 GW (2016) to over 160 GW (mid-2026)
- Related: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar), PM Surya Sarovar Yojana (floating solar, ₹5,070 crore, 5,000 MW), National Solar Mission
3. ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting Focuses on Food Security
- The 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AIMMAF) was held in New Delhi on 9 September 2026.
- The meeting focused on agriculture, forestry and food security cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.
- It is important for strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable agriculture, food security and agricultural development.
- The meeting was co-chaired by Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Secretary of Agriculture of the Philippines, and India’s representative.
4. Dr. Karim Maredia Wins 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award
- Dr. Karim Maredia, an Indian-American agricultural scientist, was named the winner of the Borlaug CAST Communication Award 2026.
- He is Associate Dean and Director of the World Agriculture Center at Michigan State University.
- Over more than 30 years, he has trained 15,000+ professionals from 80 countries and contributed extensively to agricultural knowledge and technology transfer.
- The award honours communication and outreach in agricultural science and technology and is associated with the legacy of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug.
Schemes in News
1. Skill Manthan on Women’s Livelihoods
- The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised the virtual inaugural session of Skill Manthan on 9 September 2026.
- The initiative focuses on women’s livelihoods, skills and employment opportunities.
- It provides a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities related to women’s participation in the workforce.
- The programme is relevant to India’s broader objectives of skill development and inclusive economic growth.
2. Chhattisgarh Approves ₹500 Crore NIPUN Mission
- The Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved the Chief Minister’s Startup and NIPUN Mission with a budget of ₹500 crore for five years.
- The mission aims to promote startups, entrepreneurship and skill development in the State.
- It seeks to create greater opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.
- The initiative is linked with strengthening the State’s innovation and employment ecosystem.
3. PM-SETU Approves ₹735.70 Crore for Three ITI Clusters
- The 5th National Steering Committee meeting under PM-SETU approved investments worth ₹735.70 crore for three ITI clusters.
- The clusters are located in Bhiwadi (Rajasthan), Medchal (Telangana) and Meerut (Uttar Pradesh).
- The latest approvals take the total sanctioned investment under PM-SETU to ₹2,171 crore across 9 ITI clusters.
- The approved investments are ₹241 crore for Rajasthan, ₹254.30 crore for Telangana and ₹240.40 crore for Uttar Pradesh.
4. Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the scheme to provide free online coaching and study resources for competitive examinations.
- The first phase will provide free coaching to 11,000 students.
- It covers examinations such as UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Railways, Banking, Defence, NET, GATE, CAT and MAT.
- Eligible students include those from government and government-aided institutions, state universities and recent graduates/postgraduates.
Reports/Articles in News
1. India’s Nuclear Warheads Estimated at 190
- International assessments estimate that India possessed around 190 nuclear warheads in 2026.
- The estimates have been reported by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
- The development is relevant to India’s nuclear deterrence and strategic security.
- India maintains a policy of credible minimum deterrence and No First Use.
2. DFPD–FCI MoU for Modernisation of Foodgrain Management
- The Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed an MoU for FY 2026–27.
- The agreement sets performance targets covering storage, logistics, quality control and technology adoption.
- It focuses on reducing storage losses, improving supply-chain management and optimising storage capacity.
- It also provides for capacity building and skill development of FCI employees to adopt modern foodgrain management technologies.
RBI Current Affairs
Banking and Finance
1. RBI Approves Payment Aggregator and Bank Stake Proposals
- RNFI Services Ltd. received in-principle RBI authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Physical (PA-P).
- The authorisation will allow RNFI to provide physical/in-store payment services through its existing distribution network.
- PB Pay Private Limited, a subsidiary of PB Fintech, commenced commercial operations as a Payment Aggregator after receiving RBI authorisation.
- RBI also approved ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company acquiring up to 9.95% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of CSB Bank.
2. Niyo Gets GIFT City Licence for Cross-Border Financial Services
- Fintech platform Niyo received a Payment Service Provider (PSP) licence from IFSCA to operate from GIFT City, Gujarat.
- The licence provides Niyo with a regulated base for developing international financial services.
- Its planned services will cover areas such as overseas education, employment, global spending and cross-border money movement.
- Niyo plans to combine its digital platform with physical branches for digital and assisted financial services.
RBI and NABARD Current Affairs
1. The Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU)
Source: PIB
Context
Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh, a senior Indian Postal Service (IPoS) officer, was re-elected unopposed by acclamation as Secretary-General of the APPU for a second consecutive four-year term, 2027–2030.
What APPU Is
- An intergovernmental organisation of 32 member countries across the Asia-Pacific
- Functions as a Restricted Union — a regional union — under Article 8 of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Constitution
- The UPU is a specialised agency of the United Nations
- Headquartered at Bangkok, Thailand — relocated from Manila in 2002
Aim
- Extend, facilitate and improve postal relations among member states
- Coordinate cross-border logistics and regulatory standards
- Promote technical cooperation and modernisation of postal networks across the Asia-Pacific
Important Facts for Exams
- Secretary-General: Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh (India), re-elected for 2027–2030 — a second consecutive term
- 32 member countries; headquartered at Bangkok, moved from Manila in 2002
- Founded 1 April 1962 as the Asian-Oceanic Postal Union; renamed via the Asian-Pacific Postal Convention, Yogyakarta, 27 March 1981; in force 1 July 1982
- A Restricted Union under Article 8 of the UPU Constitution
- UPU — Universal Postal Union, founded 1874 by the Treaty of Bern; headquartered at Berne, Switzerland; the second-oldest international organisation
- The UPU became a UN specialised agency in 1948
- India joined the UPU in 1876
- India Post operates the world’s largest postal network, with over 1.5 lakh post offices, about 90 per cent in rural areas
2. Mount Anak Krakatau
Source: The Print
Context
A series of intense volcanic eruptions at Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau blanketed Jakarta and surrounding provinces in dense ash clouds, forcing suspension of flights at Jakarta airport.
What It Is
- An active volcanic island and stratovolcano, featuring a pyroclastic cone
- The name means “Child of Krakatoa” in Indonesian
Formation and Origin
- Emerged within the marine caldera created by the catastrophic 1883 VEI-6 eruption of Krakatoa, which destroyed two-thirds of the original island
- Submarine eruptive activity began in early 1927
- Repeated cycles of basaltic accumulation breached the ocean surface, rising permanently above sea level on 11 August 1930
Important Facts for Exams
- Anak Krakatau — “Child of Krakatoa”; in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra, Indonesia
- Emerged from the caldera of the 1883 Krakatoa eruption (VEI-6); rose above sea level on 11 August 1930
- Lies within Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and last refuge of the Javan rhinoceros
- On the Pacific Ring of Fire; about 700 km north of the Sunda Trench
- Indo-Australian Plate subducts beneath the Sunda Plate — a convergent boundary
- December 2018 flank collapse caused the Sunda Strait tsunami — a volcanogenic tsunami, not seismic, which is why no earthquake warning preceded it
- VEI — Volcanic Explosivity Index, a 0–8 logarithmic scale
- Eruption types: Strombolian (mild, frequent bursts), Vulcanian (more explosive, ash-rich), Plinian (most violent)
- Stratovolcano — a steep, layered cone of lava and pyroclastic material; Somma volcano — a new cone growing inside an older caldera
- Indonesia has the most active volcanoes of any country; other notable ones: Merapi, Tambora, Semeru, Sinabung
- Mount Tambora (1815) was the largest eruption in recorded history, causing the “Year Without a Summer” in 1816
Economy in News
1. Cabinet Approves ₹20,804 Crore Railway Multitracking Projects
- The Union Cabinet approved eight railway multitracking projects across nine States with an estimated cost of ₹20,804 crore.
- The projects involve construction of additional railway lines and doubling of existing lines to improve capacity and connectivity.
- Major projects include Arakkonam–Renigunta, Whitefield–Bangarapet, Hosur–Omalur and Salem–Karur–Dindigul.
- The investment is expected to support freight movement, passenger transport, employment and regional economic development.
2. Karnataka Aerospace Policy 2026–2031
- The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka Aerospace Policy 2026–2031 on 9 September 2026.
- The policy covers aerospace, defence, aviation and space research and development.
- It aims to attract investment and strengthen Karnataka’s position as a major aerospace and defence hub.
- The policy is expected to promote industrial development, innovation and employment in high-technology sectors.
3. GalaxEye Becomes First Indian Startup to Secure US Patent for Satellite Imaging
- Bengaluru-based GalaxEye received a US patent for its OptoSAR satellite imaging technology.
- OptoSAR combines optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors for coordinated satellite imaging.
- The technology has applications in agriculture, national security, infrastructure, insurance, maritime intelligence and disaster management.
- GalaxEye, founded in 2021, is an Indian space-tech startup.
Social Issue in News
1. Article 371(K) Proposed for Ladakh
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs proposed a new constitutional provision described as Chapter K under Article 371 for Ladakh.
- The proposal was discussed in a sub-committee meeting on 9 September 2026.
- The move relates to providing greater constitutional protection and safeguards for Ladakh.
- Article 371 provisions provide special arrangements for specific States; the proposed framework would address the unique administrative and socio-cultural concerns of Ladakh.
2. Stanzin Tsangyang Becomes Kargil’s First Woman Army Officer
- Stanzin Tsangyang was commissioned into the Indian Army on 5 September 2026 at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.
- She became the first woman officer from the Zanskar region of Ladakh.
- Her commissioning represents an important development in women’s participation in the armed forces.
- It also highlights increasing opportunities for women from remote and border regions to enter national services.
Misc. GA in News
1. Sheetal Devi Wins Gold at World Archery Para Series
- Sheetal Devi, India’s armless para-archer, won two medals, including a gold medal, at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad.
- She won the women’s individual compound gold after defeating Kazakhstan’s Seidan Aizada in a shoot-off.
- Sheetal also won compound mixed team bronze with Toman Kumar.
- India finished second in the medal table with 15 medals — 4 gold, 3 silver and 8 bronze, behind Czechia.
2. 22nd India–US Yudh Abhyas 2026
- The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, the annual India–US bilateral military exercise, began on 9 September 2026.
- The exercise is being conducted in a two-theatre format and will continue until 28 September 2026.
- It aims to improve interoperability, joint operational capability and military cooperation between the two countries.
- Yudh Abhyas is an important component of the growing India–US defence partnership.
3. INS Udaygiri Visits Colombo
- Indian Navy’s indigenously built stealth frigate INS Udaygiri arrived at Colombo Port, Sri Lanka, on 8 September 2026.
- The visit is part of a three-day operational turnaround.
- It strengthens maritime cooperation and naval engagement between India and Sri Lanka.
- INS Udaygiri is an important example of India’s growing indigenous naval shipbuilding capability.
4. India–Sri Lanka Sign MoUs to Upgrade L70 Guns
- India and Sri Lanka signed three defence Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Colombo on 9 September 2026.
- The agreements focus on upgrading L70 anti-aircraft guns of the Sri Lankan military.
- The cooperation reflects India’s role as a defence partner and security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
- It further strengthens India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation and military-to-military ties.
5. Munitions India–Drogo Aerospace MoU for Indigenous UAVs
- Munitions India Limited (MIL) signed an MoU with Drogo Aerospace for indigenous UAV and loitering munition development.
- Drogo Aerospace will work on UAV platforms and payload hardware, while MIL will contribute expertise in munitions and warhead technologies.
- The partnership will cover integration, safety evaluation, field trials and quality certification.
- It supports India’s objective of achieving greater self-reliance in defence technology and manufacturing.
6. AASHVAST Lab Set Up by Indian Army to Detect Chinese Components in Drones
- The Indian Army established the AASHVAST Lab at DG EME headquarters in New Delhi.
- The lab is designed to detect Chinese components and assess vulnerabilities in unmanned systems such as drones.
- It uses air-gapped and read-only systems, allowing equipment to be examined without writing information onto it.
- The facility aims to improve cyber resilience, defence-platform security and operational readiness.
7. India–Japan Conduct Veer Guardian 2026 Air Exercise
- The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defence Force conducted the 2nd edition of Veer Guardian 2026 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
- The exercise is being held from 9–22 September 2026.
- India is participating with Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale, while Japan is participating with F-2A fighter aircraft.
- The exercise focuses on interoperability, tactical proficiency and operational synergy between the two air forces.
8. Goa Police Receives President’s Colour
- Union Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Colour to the Goa Police in Panaji.
- The honour recognises more than 80 years of service, courage and professionalism of the Goa Police.
- Goa Police has also introduced an AI-based call agent for the cybercrime helpline 1930.
- The AI system initially supports Konkani, Marathi and Hindi, with plans to expand to all 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule.
9. Vinai Kumar Saxena Gets Additional Charge of Jammu & Kashmir
- Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, was given additional charge of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir.
- He will perform the functions during the absence of incumbent Manoj Sinha.
- Saxena will continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh while handling the additional responsibility.
- He will also administer the oath to Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, the newly appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
10. DRDO Launches SHIELD Programme for Microwave Defence Testing
- DRDO launched the SHIELD programme to strengthen India’s capabilities in high-power microwave and directed-energy technologies.
- The programme is being undertaken under the Technology Development Fund (TDF).
- It will test the vulnerability of electronic systems to high-power microwave attacks and encourage private-sector participation.
- The system uses Gallium Nitride-based solid-state power amplifier technology and is designed for flexible testing, including drone-mounted applications.
11. New Lichen Species Buellia maharajensis Discovered in Kerala
- Researchers discovered the new lichen species Buellia maharajensis in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala.
- The species was found at an altitude of around 1,351 metres and belongs to the Caliciaceae family.
- It is a saxicolous lichen, meaning it grows on rocks.
- A survey of the park recorded around 250 lichen species, including several first-time records for Kerala and India.
12. India Finishes Fourth at Pickleball World Cup 2026
- India finished fourth at the Pickleball World Cup 2026 held in Da Nang, Vietnam.
- The Indian contingent won 41 medals, including 7 gold, 17 silver and 17 bronze.
- Vietnam topped the medal standings, followed by South Korea and the United States.
- India improved from seventh position in the previous edition to fourth position in 2026.
13. Tung Chee-hwa Passes Away at 89
- Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first post-colonial leader, passed away at the age of 89.
- He became Hong Kong’s leader after the end of British rule in 1997 and served until 2005.
- He was involved in the drafting process of Hong Kong’s Basic Law, its constitutional framework.
- He later served as Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
14. International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2026
- The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies was observed on 7 September 2026.
- The 2026 theme was “Clean Air for Climate Action”.
- The United Nations General Assembly designated 7 September as the observance through Resolution 74/212 in 2019.
- In India, MoEFCC observed the day as Swachh Vayu Diwas 2026.
15. International Day of Police Cooperation 2026
- The International Day of Police Cooperation is observed annually on 7 September.
- The 2026 theme was “Protecting against Vulnerability – Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing.”
- The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day through Resolution A/RES/77/241 in 2022.
- The first observance was held in 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of INTERPOL’s predecessor.