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
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
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 in 1998, NOT 2026.) Q2. With reference to UPI’s international expansion, 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; UPI has been expanded internationally to multiple countries.) Q3. With reference to ISRO-CNES cooperation, 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 India’s Gaganyaan Mission and Bharatiya Antariksh Station, 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 has plans to launch the Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.) Q5. With reference to India-France bilateral relations, 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; France is a founding member of the European Union (EU).) Answer Key
BRICS Indore Declaration
Source: Times of India Context India’s BRICS Presidency culminated in the adoption of the BRICS Indore Declaration during the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh in June 2026. The Declaration is a unanimous joint agricultural charter adopted by BRICS member countries, serving as a farmer-centric framework for strengthening cooperation on food security, sustainable agriculture, agricultural trade, innovation, and climate resilience. India will lead several major initiatives, including a Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems, a BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture, a BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture, and BRICS AgriN (a network for agro inputs, genetic resources, and information). The Declaration Stated Aims Key Features of the Declaration 1. BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture 2. BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture 3. Global Forum on Farmers’ Rights in Seed Systems 4. BRICS AgriN (Agro Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network) What is BRICS? Recent Expansion (BRICS Plus) What is BRICS Presidency? Recent BRICS Presidencies India’s BRICS Presidency 2026 Theme What is the New Development Bank (NDB)? What is the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)? Practice MCQs Q1. With reference to the BRICS Indore Declaration, 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 Declaration was unanimously adopted by all BRICS members, NOT unilaterally by India.) Q2. With reference to the key features of the BRICS Indore Declaration, 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 BRICS, 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 founding member of BRICS, NOT an observer.) Q4. With reference to the New Development Bank (NDB), 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 India’s farmers’ seed rights framework, 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 has a strong PPV&FR Act, 2001 for farmers’ seed rights.) 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
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 ₹1 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 ₹5 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 ₹0.48 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
