Source: News on Air Context In a major milestone for tribal craftsmanship, four traditional products from Jharkhand, namely Bhagaiya Silk, Kuchai Silk, Munda Jewellery, and Bamboo Craft, have been officially granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag, governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, recognises products with specific geographical origin and qualities essentially due to that place of origin. The tags will boost livelihoods of tribal artisans, provide legal protection against duplication, ensure premium quality assurance, and enable global branding and export value for these traditional Jharkhand crafts. The Four GI-Tagged Products 1. Bhagaiya Silk 2. Kuchai Silk 3. Munda Jewellery 4. Jharkhand Bamboo Craft What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag? About Tussar Silk About the Munda Community About Jharkhand Other Recent Notable GI Tags from Jharkhand Notable Recent GI Tags from Across India Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent GI tags granted to Jharkhand’s traditional products, consider the following statements: 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 the GI Act, 1999, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; GI is a collective right, NOT an individual right.) Q3. With reference to Tussar silk, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; Tussar is mainly produced in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, MP, West Bengal, NOT Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.) Q4. With reference to the Munda community and Birsa Munda, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q5. With reference to GI tags in India, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; GI tags are administered by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, NOT the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.) Answer Key
Jharkhand’s Four Traditional Products Receive Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
Source: News on Air Context In a major milestone for tribal craftsmanship, four traditional products from Jharkhand, namely Bhagaiya Silk, Kuchai Silk, Munda Jewellery, and Bamboo Craft, have been officially granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag, governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, recognises products with specific geographical origin and qualities essentially due to that place of origin. The tags will boost livelihoods of tribal artisans, provide legal protection against duplication, ensure premium quality assurance, and enable global branding and export value for these traditional Jharkhand crafts. The Four GI-Tagged Products 1. Bhagaiya Silk 2. Kuchai Silk 3. Munda Jewellery 4. Jharkhand Bamboo Craft What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag? About Tussar Silk About the Munda Community About Jharkhand Other Recent Notable GI Tags from Jharkhand Notable Recent GI Tags from Across India Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent GI tags granted to Jharkhand’s traditional products, consider the following statements: 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 the GI Act, 1999, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; GI is a collective right, NOT an individual right.) Q3. With reference to Tussar silk, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; Tussar is mainly produced in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, MP, West Bengal, NOT Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.) Q4. With reference to the Munda community and Birsa Munda, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q5. With reference to GI tags in India, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; GI tags are administered by DPIIT under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, NOT the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.) Answer Key
RBI Imposes Restrictions on Mogaveera Co-operative Bank for 6 Months
Source: BS Context In June 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed several restrictions on Mogaveera Co-operative Bank Limited (based in Mumbai, Maharashtra) under direction for a period of 6 months. The restrictions are effective from closure of business on 12 June 2026. The bank cannot grant or renew loans, make investments, or accept fresh deposits without prior RBI approval. Maximum withdrawal has been capped at â‚ą1 lakh per depositor. However, the banking licence has NOT been cancelled, and the bank can continue daily operational expenses like salaries, rent, and electricity bills. Eligible depositors are entitled to deposit insurance coverage of up to â‚ą5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC). The Restrictions Key Restrictions Imposed What is NOT Restricted Deposit Insurance Why Did RBI Impose Restrictions? The “Directions” Mechanism What is a Co-operative Bank? Regulatory Structure for Co-operative Banks About DICGC (Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation) Key Terms Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the RBI’s restrictions on Mogaveera Co-operative Bank, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the banking licence has NOT been cancelled; the bank continues to function with restrictions.) Q2. With reference to deposit insurance in India, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q3. With reference to co-operative banks in India, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; co-operative banks ARE subject to RBI supervision for banking-related operations.) Q4. With reference to DICGC, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; DICGC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RBI, NOT a private foundation.) Q5. With reference to the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; the Banking Regulation Act is administered by the RBI under the Ministry of Finance, NOT the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.) Answer Key Exam Relevance RBI Grade B Core area on banking regulation, co-operative banks, DICGC
IRDAI Proposes Major Amendments to Insurance Registration Regulations Following 100% FDI Limit Increase
Context The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is proposing major amendments to the registration regulations for insurance companies, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, simplifying regulatory processes, reducing compliance costs, improving operational clarity, and facilitating capital infusion. The changes relate to eligibility criteria for Indian and foreign promoters, foreign investment safeguards, Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), approval for share transfers, amalgamation of insurance with non-insurance companies, processing fees, company names, and application procedures. The amendments come in the context of the FDI limit increase to 100 per cent in insurance, requiring updated safeguards and definitions. The Proposed Amendments Stated Objectives The 100 per cent FDI Backdrop Key Recent Insurance Sector Reforms Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent IRDAI proposed amendments to insurance registration regulations, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the amendments aim to facilitate capital infusion and align with 100 per cent FDI, NOT reduce foreign capital inflow.) Q2. With reference to FDI limits in India’s insurance sector, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q3. With reference to IRDAI, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; IRDAI is a statutory body established under the IRDA Act, 1999, NOT a private foundation.) Q4. With reference to India’s insurance sector indicators, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; India’s insurance sector has significant room for growth with low penetration and density.) Q5. With reference to recent insurance sector reforms in India, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Answer Key
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 16 June, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz16 June, 2026 International Affairs 1. Global Peace Index 2026 Source: TOI Context The Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) has released the 20th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026 in June 2026. Iceland has retained its position as the world’s most peaceful country for the 19th consecutive year, with an overall score of 1.161. However, India dropped to 127th position in 2026 with a score of 2.409, from 115th position in 2025, marking a 2.9 per cent decrease in its overall score. The GPI assesses 163 independent states and territories, covering 99.7 per cent of the world’s population, using 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators across three domains: Societal Safety and Security, Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict, and Militarisation. Russia ranked last at 163rd as the least peaceful country. The Report The Three Domains Measured Top 5 Most Peaceful Countries (2026 GPI) Rank Country Score 1 Iceland 1.161 2 New Zealand 1.343 3 Switzerland 1.363 4 Slovenia 1.369 5 Ireland 1.371 Bottom 5 Least Peaceful Countries (2026 GPI) Rank Country 163 (last) Russia (overall score 3.367) 162 Sudan 161 Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 160 Ukraine 159 Israel India’s Position Why India’s Rank Dropped The score deterioration reflects: Iceland’s 19-Year Run at the Top What is the Global Peace Index (GPI)? About the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2026, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; Russia was ranked LAST (163rd) as the least peaceful country, NOT the most peaceful.) Q2. With reference to the GPI methodology, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; lower scores indicate MORE peaceful countries, NOT less peaceful.) Q3. With reference to the top 5 most peaceful countries in GPI 2026, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 2 and 4 only (e) All four (Statements 3 and 4 are wrong; India is at 127th, NOT in the top 10; the bottom 5 include Russia, Sudan, DRC, Ukraine, Israel, NOT the United States.) Q4. With reference to the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; IEP is an independent international think tank, NOT a UN government organisation.) Q5. With reference to Iceland’s position in the GPI, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; Iceland is NOT a member of the EU or the Eurozone; it is a member of EFTA.) Answer Key National Affairs 1. India-France Strategic Partnership Source: Times of India Context India and France unveiled 13 major outcomes during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Nice, France, aimed at deepening cooperation in technology, AI, defence, trade, space, education, and digital infrastructure. The India-France Strategic Partnership, established in 1998, is one of India’s oldest and most comprehensive strategic partnerships, covering defence, space, civil nuclear energy, technology, trade, climate action, education, and people-to-people ties. Key outcomes include the India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030, a Joint AI Working Group, expansion of UPI to France, incubation of 10 Indian startups at Station F, an Economic Security Dialogue, and enhanced space cooperation including the Gaganyaan mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. The 13 Major Outcomes 1. India-France Innovation Roadmap 2030: Long-term framework for AI, critical technologies, startups, innovation ecosystems, academic mobility; promotes industry-academia partnerships. 2. Joint India-France AI Working Group: Dedicated mechanism for AI governance; covers research collaboration, startup partnerships, capacity building, policy coordination. 3. National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Aeronautics: To be established at the National Skill Training Institute, Kanpur; strengthens aerospace manufacturing, aviation maintenance, workforce development. 4. Expansion of UPI in France: UPI services extended to Paris Airport and Nice; benefits Indian tourists, students, businesses, diaspora. 5. Startup Collaboration through Station F: 10 additional Indian startups to be incubated at Station F, Europe’s largest startup hub in Paris. 6. India-France Centre of Digital Sciences: Joint establishment by DST (India) and INRIA (France); supports digital technology research, talent mobility. 7. ICCR India Chair at Universite Paris-Saclay: New academic chair on AI, Innovation and Culture. 8. Health Data and AI Research Collaboration: Partnership between ICMR (India) and France’s Health Data Hub; focus on secure health-data sharing, AI-driven medical research. 9. Mechanism to Double Bilateral Trade: Annual high-level mechanism to double bilateral trade in 5 years. 10. Economic Security Dialogue: New platform covering critical minerals, semiconductors, energy security, cybersecurity, strategic technologies. 11. Railway and High-Speed Rail Cooperation: Declaration of Intent signed for railway modernisation, technology transfer, infrastructure. 12. Agreement on Classified Information Protection: Secure legal framework for exchanging sensitive information; strengthens defence-industrial cooperation and Make in India. 13. Enhanced Space Cooperation: Letter of Intent between ISRO and CNES; covers human spaceflight, microgravity research, Gaganyaan mission, Bharatiya Antariksh Station. What is UPI’s International Expansion? Where is UPI Now Available Internationally? What is Station F? What is INRIA? What is ICCR? What is ISRO-CNES Cooperation? What is the Gaganyaan Mission? What is the Bharatiya Antariksh Station? Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent India-France summit outcomes (PM Modi’s visit to Nice), consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the India-France Strategic Partnership was established
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 14&15 June, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz14&15 June, 2026 National Affair 1. Varya: India’s First Indigenous Distilled Video Story-Generating AI Model Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has officially unveiled Varya, India’s first indigenous, distilled video story-generating AI model. Varya is a generative text-to-video and image-to-video platform developed by Avataar, an AI-native transformation company. The model is designed to democratise high-end generative AI across India by removing the steep barriers of computation cost, language, and hardware requirements. It uses machine learning distillation to compress a large AI model into a lightweight version, generating high-quality videos in just 4 steps instead of 50, at a cost of about â‚ą0.48 per second of video. The Model Key Features Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Varya AI model, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; Varya is an indigenous AI model, NOT a foreign-developed one.) Q2. With reference to the technical features of Varya, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; Varya is trained on Indian contexts, with awareness of regional festivals, attire, food, languages, and everyday life.) Q3. With reference to the IndiaAI Mission, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; the IndiaAI Mission is implemented by MeitY, NOT the Ministry of External Affairs.) Q4. With reference to Bhashini, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q5. With reference to model distillation in machine learning, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; distilled models are smaller and faster, NOT larger and slower than the teacher model.) Answer Key 2. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates 20-kW FM Transmitter in Jaisalmer Source: News on Air Context: In June 2026, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), virtually inaugurated a 20 kilowatt (kW) Akashvani FM Transmitter at Ramgarh in Jaisalmer, during a programme held at Akashvani Jaipur in Rajasthan. With this addition, Rajasthan now has 39 FM transmitters. The new transmitter will provide radio coverage in an 80 km radius, covering nearly 20,000 sq km of Jaisalmer district, strengthening information dissemination and national integration in this border region. During his visit to Malaviya National Institute of Technology (MNIT), Jaipur, the Minister also announced an Advanced Quantum Lab, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab, and a Makers Lab. The FM Transmitter About Akashvani (All India Radio) About Prasar Bharati Why are Border-Area FM Transmitters Important? What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)? What is Quantum Computing? What is Quantum Sensing? India’s National Quantum Mission Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the recent FM transmitter inauguration in Jaisalmer, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; Akashvani is India’s national public service broadcaster under Prasar Bharati, NOT a private entity.) Q2. With reference to Akashvani and Prasar Bharati, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; Prasar Bharati is a statutory body under the Government of India, NOT a private foundation.) Q3. With reference to MNIT Jaipur and the announcements there, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; MNIT Jaipur is an Institute of National Importance under the NIT Act, 2007.) Q4. With reference to India’s National Quantum Mission, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; the National Quantum Mission is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), NOT the RBI.) Q5. With reference to quantum technologies, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; quantum technologies have wide applications in cybersecurity, defence, finance, healthcare, navigation, and drug discovery.) Answer Key 3. Centre Announces 16 Winners of 29th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026 Source: Indian Express Context: The Union government has named 16 projects of the Central, state, and local governments across India as winners of the 29th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026. Of these, 10 will receive Gold Awards and 6 will receive Silver Awards at a ceremony on 2 July 2026. The awards are administered by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions through the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), recognising excellence in e-governance initiatives across seven categories, including the new “Gram Panchayats” category that recognises grassroots digitisation. The Awards Notable Winners What is Agri Stack? What is e-Jagriti? What is the Mahakumbh 2025? What is eSanjeevani? About the National e-Governance Awards (NAeG) Theme of NAeG 2026 Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the 29th National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only
The FIFA World Cup 2026
Context: The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup officially kicked off on 11 June 2026, marking the largest structural expansion in the history of international football. For the first time, the tournament features 48 teams (up from 32), with 104 matches (up from 64), spread across a 39-day international championship. The tournament is jointly hosted by three nations: United States (11 cities), Mexico (3 cities), and Canada (2 cities), for a total of 16 host cities. Argentina enters as the defending champion after winning its third title in 2022. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are making their historic World Cup debuts. The Tournament Hosting Milestones Debut Nations Top Football Champion Nations (All-Time) About FIFA India’s Position Recent FIFA World Cup Winners Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the FIFA World Cup 2026, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the total number of matches has increased from 64 to 104, NOT decreased.) Q2. With reference to hosting milestones at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; India is NOT a host of the 2026 World Cup; only US, Mexico, and Canada are joint hosts.) Q3. With reference to historic World Cup champions, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; England has won only 1 World Cup title (in 1966), NOT 5.) Q4. With reference to FIFA and its confederations, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; India is a member of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation), NOT UEFA.) Q5. With reference to debut nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 2 is wrong; India is NOT making its World Cup debut in 2026; India has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.) Answer Key
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 12 & 13 June, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz12 & 13 June, 2026 International Affairs 1. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Context: The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup officially kicked off on 11 June 2026, marking the largest structural expansion in the history of international football. For the first time, the tournament features 48 teams (up from 32), with 104 matches (up from 64), spread across a 39-day international championship. The tournament is jointly hosted by three nations: United States (11 cities), Mexico (3 cities), and Canada (2 cities), for a total of 16 host cities. Argentina enters as the defending champion after winning its third title in 2022. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are making their historic World Cup debuts. The Tournament Hosting Milestones Debut Nations Top Football Champion Nations (All-Time) About FIFA India’s Position Recent FIFA World Cup Winners Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the FIFA World Cup 2026, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the total number of matches has increased from 64 to 104, NOT decreased.) Q2. With reference to hosting milestones at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; India is NOT a host of the 2026 World Cup; only US, Mexico, and Canada are joint hosts.) Q3. With reference to historic World Cup champions, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; England has won only 1 World Cup title (in 1966), NOT 5.) Q4. With reference to FIFA and its confederations, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; India is a member of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation), NOT UEFA.) Q5. With reference to debut nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 3 and 4 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 2 is wrong; India is NOT making its World Cup debut in 2026; India has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.) Answer Key 2. The First Carbon Credits Under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement Source: Down To Earth Context The United Nations carbon market has officially issued its first-ever carbon credits under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement for a clean-cooking project in Myanmar. The credits are issued for replacing traditional wood-fired stoves with clean-cooking stoves in communities in Myanmar’s central Dry Zone, including the conflict-affected Sagaing Region. The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is the partner nation that will use part of the credits for its Emissions Trading System (ETS) compliance, while the rest supports Myanmar’s NDC goals. The project marks the transition of the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to the Paris Agreement’s Article 6.4 mechanism, but has drawn criticism over the military junta’s control of Myanmar’s environment ministry. The First-Ever Credits What is a Carbon Credit? How the Project Works What is Article 6 of the Paris Agreement? What is the CDM and How is Article 6.4 Different? Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the first-ever carbon credits issued under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the project is transitioning to the Paris Agreement’s Article 6.4 mechanism, NOT operating under the Kyoto CDM.) Q2. With reference to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; Article 6 enables international cooperation through markets and non-market approaches, NOT prohibits it.) Q3. With reference to the CDM and Article 6.4 mechanism, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; the Article 6.4 mechanism requires strict verification, baselines, and Corresponding Adjustments.) Q4. With reference to India’s carbon market and climate position, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; India is a party to the Paris Agreement, having ratified it on 2 October 2016.) Answer Key National Affairs 1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Emerges as Nationwide Movement Promoting Girl Child Empowerment Source: News on Air Context: The Government of India’s flagship initiative, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), has emerged as a nationwide movement promoting behavioural change and empowering the girl child. Launched in January 2015, the scheme was designed to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and gender-based discrimination. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, key indicators have improved over the decade: the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) has improved from 918 (2014-15) to 929 (2024-25) per HMIS data, and girls’ enrolment at secondary level has risen from 75.51 per cent (2014-15) to 80.2 per cent (2024-25) per UDISE data. The scheme continues to focus on community engagement, awareness, and inter-ministerial convergence. The Scheme at a Glance Three-Pillar Objective Key Achievements Over the Decade Linked Schemes
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Emerges as Nationwide Movement Promoting Girl Child Empowerment
Source: News on Air Context: The Government of India’s flagship initiative, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), has emerged as a nationwide movement promoting behavioural change and empowering the girl child. Launched in January 2015, the scheme was designed to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and gender-based discrimination. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, key indicators have improved over the decade: the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) has improved from 918 (2014-15) to 929 (2024-25) per HMIS data, and girls’ enrolment at secondary level has risen from 75.51 per cent (2014-15) to 80.2 per cent (2024-25) per UDISE data. The scheme continues to focus on community engagement, awareness, and inter-ministerial convergence. The Scheme at a Glance Three-Pillar Objective Key Achievements Over the Decade Linked Schemes for Girl Child Why is the Sex Ratio at Birth Important? Sex Ratio vs Child Sex Ratio vs Sex Ratio at Birth India’s Key Indicators (Latest) India’s Performance on Global Gender Indicators Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; BBBP is a central government scheme, NOT a state government scheme.) Q2. With reference to BBBP’s achievements per the recent Ministry update, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; the SRB has improved, NOT declined.) Q3. With reference to sex ratio concepts, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None Q4. With reference to the PCPNDT Act and related laws, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; the PCPNDT Act prohibits prenatal sex selection, NOT mandates it.) Answer Key Exam Relevance Exam Relevance UPSC Prelims GS Paper II on Government Schemes (BBBP, SSY, Mission Shakti, PMMVY); GS Paper I on Society UPSC Mains GS Paper II on Welfare, Women and Child; GS Paper I on Society, Gender BPSC and State PCS Schemes, Women and Child, Current Affairs Banking and NABARD General Awareness on schemes SSC, Insurance, Railway Static and Current GK on BBBP, SRB, CSR, PCPNDT
Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR(B)
Source: The Economic Times Context The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a special dispensation allowing commercial banks to mobilise fresh 3- to 5-year FCNR(B) deposits, with the RBI absorbing the full hedging cost through a special swap window. This is aimed at attracting NRI capital to support the rupee and shore up forex reserves. FCNR(B) deposits are fixed-term foreign currency bank accounts opened in India by NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs, allowing them to retain their savings in foreign currency without rupee depreciation risk. The new scheme uses a 4-step swap mechanism at the FBIL Reference Rate, with interest income tax-free in India and deposits exempt from CRR and SLR. The FCNR(B) Account in Brief Aim of the Scheme The 4-Step Swap Mechanism The RBI’s new swap window works in four clean steps: What is the FBIL Reference Rate? Why is the FCNR(B) Window So Strategic? FCNR(B) vs NRE vs NRO at a Glance Feature FCNR(B) NRE NRO Currency Foreign currency Indian Rupees Indian Rupees Repatriability Fully repatriable Fully repatriable Limited (up to USD 1 mn/year) Tax on interest Tax-free in India Tax-free in India Taxable in India Currency risk Borne by bank Borne by depositor Borne by depositor CRR and SLR Exempt Subject Subject Type Fixed deposit only Savings and FD Savings, FD, current Key Terms Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the FCNR(B) account, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; FCNR(B) deposits are held in foreign currency, so the depositor is protected from rupee depreciation risk; the bank bears the currency risk.) Q2. With reference to the RBI’s new FCNR(B) swap mechanism, consider the following statements: How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four (e) None (Statement 4 is wrong; the RBI bears the hedging cost under the new scheme, NOT the bank.) Q3. With reference to the FBIL Reference Rate, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; FBIL is an Indian benchmark administrator, jointly owned by FIMMDA, FEDAI, and IBA, and regulated by the RBI.) Q4. With reference to NRE, NRO, and FCNR(B) accounts, consider the following statements: Which of the above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1 and 4 only (e) All four (Statement 4 is wrong; only FCNR(B) accounts protect depositors from rupee depreciation; NRE and NRO accounts are held in rupees and expose depositors to rupee risk.) Answer Key
