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. Global Coral Reefs Under Stress: GCRMN Report
Source: Down To Earth
Context: The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) released the 7th Status of Coral Reefs of the World report — finding near-annual bleaching stress, a 9.5 per cent decline in global hard coral cover, and recovery windows shrinking to just 4–6 years.
Key Findings
- Global hard coral cover has declined by about 9.5% compared with the 1980–2009 reference period.
- There has been a pronounced decline since 2010.
- 2023–24 witnessed the 4th Global Mass Coral Bleaching Event.
- In 2024, around 87% of coral reefs experienced unprecedented heat stress.
- 42.6% of global reefs experienced heat stress of ≥8°C-weeks, a level associated with widespread bleaching and mortality.
- In 2025, this figure was 27.4%.
- Global hard coral cover declined by 8.9% between 2023 and 2024, the largest single-year relative decline recorded.
Coral Reefs
- Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems built mainly by tiny marine animals called coral polyps.
- They are found mostly in warm, shallow, clear and nutrient-poor tropical seas.
- Coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which forms the hard reef structure.
How coral reefs form
- Coral polyps live together in colonies.
- They build calcium-carbonate skeletons.
- When corals die, their skeletons remain.
- New corals grow over these structures.
- Over thousands of years, this creates large coral reefs.
Why coral reefs are important
- Biodiversity: Support around 25% of marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.
- Coastal protection: Reduce the impact of waves, storms and erosion.
- Livelihoods: Support fisheries, tourism and coastal communities.
- Carbon and nutrient cycling: Contribute to important marine ecosystem processes.
- Food security: Provide fishing grounds for millions of people.
Major threats
- Ocean warming → coral bleaching
- Ocean acidification → makes calcium-carbonate formation difficult
- Marine pollution
- Overfishing
- Sedimentation
- Coastal development
- Destructive fishing practices
What Coral Bleaching Is
- When water becomes unusually warm, corals become stressed.
- They expel their zooxanthellae.
- The coral loses its pigments and primary nutrient supply
- Turning bone-white, leaving the calcified skeleton vulnerable to disease and starvation
- If stressful conditions continue for a long time, the coral may die.
2. Pichavaram Mangroves: ₹2,485 Crore Economic Value
- Study estimated the Total Economic Value (TEV) of Pichavaram mangroves at ₹2,485.38 crore.
- Per-hectare value: ₹1.83 crore; soil organic carbon stock is 251.14 tonnes/ha.
- Total blue carbon asset value: ₹1,612.40 crore, around 65% of total economic value.
- Highlights the economic importance of mangrove conservation and carbon storage.
Schemes in News
1. Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031
Source: PIB
Context: The Vice-President of India released the Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development, during a fisheries outreach programme at Agatti, Lakshadweep.
What It Is
- An initiative to develop, regulate and scale the ornamental fisheries sector
- Covering the breeding, rearing and trading of decorative fish for home aquariums and commercial displays
- Into an organised, globally competitive industry
About
- Implementing body: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
- Location focus: Lakshadweep Islands — launched from Agatti Island
Key Features
- Standardised Value Chain SOPs
- Common rules for breeding, hatcheries, disease control, packaging and transport.
- Ensures live fish survive transport safely.
- Biosecurity & Quality
- Quarantine + health checks to prevent diseases and invasive pathogens.
- Traceability & Certification
- Tracks captive-bred fish, preventing illegal wild capture and protecting coral reefs.
- Cluster-Based Value Chain
- Under PMMSY: production → logistics → processing → domestic/export markets.
- Livelihoods & Women
- Training fishers, youth and women SHGs in low-cost backyard ornamental fish rearing.
2. Creating Intergenerational Bonding Initiative
- DoSJE signed an MoU with Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
- The initiative aims to strengthen bonds among children, parents and grandparents.
- It will initially cover 200 pilot schools through co-learning games, bilingual resources and teacher certification.
- It complements AVYAY and the Elderline initiative.
RBI Current Affairs
Banking and Finance
1. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
Source: The Hindu
Context: UPI cemented its role as the backbone of India’s digital economy, processing 2,366 crore transactions worth nearly ₹30 lakh crore in July 2026 alone.
What UPI Is
- A real-time interoperable payment system enabling instantaneous inter-bank fund transfers through mobile applications
- Built as open-architecture digital public infrastructure
- Converts a user’s bank account details into a simple Virtual Payment Address (VPA) or UPI ID
About
- Developed by: the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
- Launched: piloted in April 2016 with 21 banks, under then-RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan — now expanding to over 730 participating banks
- Aim: build a seamless, interoperable, cashless ecosystem; bring unbanked and underbanked populations into formal digital finance; and enable friction-free person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) settlement.
The Three-Layer Structure
Worth fixing clearly for exams:
- TPAP — Third-Party Application Provider: the app the user sees (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm)
- PSP Bank — the bank that sponsors the TPAP and connects it to UPI
- NPCI — operates the central switch, routing instructions between banks
2. SBI Research Raises FY27 GDP Forecast
- SBI Research raised India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast from 6.6% to 7.3%.
- India recorded 7.8% real GDP growth in Q1 FY27.
- Growth was supported by domestic demand, government capex, services and manufacturing.
- Q2, Q3 and Q4 growth estimates: 7.3%, 7.2% and 6.9%, respectively.
3. PhonePe Launches UPI 123Pay for Feature Phones
- PhonePe launched UPI 123Pay to enable UPI payments on feature phones without internet access.
- It uses an SMS-based architecture suitable for low/2G connectivity.
- Supports P2P and P2M payments, balance checks and transaction history.
- Includes an AI-powered voice helpline in English and 12 Indian languages.
RBI and NABARD Current Affairs
Social Issue in News
1. V-Dem Democracy Index
Source: The Hindu
Context: The latest V-Dem Democracy Report placed India’s Electoral Democracy Index score at its lowest level since 1975, continuing a decline observed since 2009.
What the Index Is
- A global framework measuring democracy using a multidimensional approach
- Rather than treating democracy merely as the conduct of elections
Dimensions evaluated:
- Electoral integrity
- Civil liberties
- Institutional autonomy
- Judicial accountability
- Freedom of expression
- Public administration
About
- Published by: the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Aim: measure and compare different dimensions of democracy, track progress or decline over time, and identify trends such as democratisation and autocratisation.
Key Findings on India
- Lowest since 1975: Electoral Democracy Index score at its lowest level since 1975, according to V-Dem.
- Autocratisation: India is identified as undergoing slow autocratisation, marked by weakening democratic institutions.
- Institutional decline: Judicial accountability, corruption control, election-body autonomy and impartial administration show major deterioration.
- Media & expression: Decline in freedom of expression and media, with increased harassment of journalists.
- Academic freedom: Declines in academic expression, research/teaching freedom and institutional autonomy.
What “Autocratisation” Means
Autocratisation is the gradual erosion of democratic institutions, as distinct from a sudden coup or breakdown.
Important Facts for Exams
- V-Dem — Varieties of Democracy Institute, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Publishes the annual Democracy Report
- India’s Electoral Democracy Index at its lowest since 1975, the year the Emergency was declared
- India described as undergoing slow autocratisation
- Indicators at 50-year lows: judicial accountability, corruption, Election Management Body autonomy, impartial public administration
- Five V-Dem indices: Electoral, Liberal, Participatory, Deliberative, Egalitarian
- The Electoral Democracy Index is based on the polyarchy concept of Robert Dahl
- Other democracy indices: Freedom House “Freedom in the World”, and the EIU Democracy Index (which classifies countries as full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regime or authoritarian)
- India’s Emergency: 25 June 1975 to 21 March 1977, under Article 352
2. Mission Zero: Depalpur’s Legacy Waste Transformation
Context: Depalpur, Madhya Pradesh, became the first city under the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative to achieve Zero Legacy Waste — remediating 1,250 metric tonnes of waste accumulated over five years, under SBM-U 2.0.
What It Is
- A scientific legacy-waste remediation and urban waste-management initiative
- Undertaken by Depalpur Nagar Parishad with Indore Municipal Corporation
- Under the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0
- Follows the “Each One Teach One” model — experienced mentor cities transfer waste-management practices to mentee cities
Important Facts for Exams
- Depalpur, Madhya Pradesh — first city under Swachh Shehar Jodi to achieve Zero Legacy Waste
- Mentor city: Indore Municipal Corporation
- Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, launched 2021
- Swachh Shehar Jodi follows the “Each One Teach One” model
- 1,250 MT legacy waste remediated; 4.5 tonnes recyclables recovered; 50–60 tonnes RDF
- RDF — Refuse Derived Fuel, the combustible fraction of waste
- Co-processing — using RDF as fuel in cement kilns
- Bio-mining — excavating and separating legacy waste
- SBM-U 2.0 aims at garbage-free cities, focusing on legacy dumpsite remediation and source segregation
- Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 mandate source segregation
- Indore has repeatedly ranked India’s cleanest city in Swachh Survekshan
3. The Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Indus Waters Treaty
Source: Indian Express
Context: The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in force and restricted certain works on the Ratle Hydroelectric Project. India rejected the ruling, calling the arbitration illegally constituted and its decision null and void.
What the PCA Is
- An intergovernmental organisation facilitating international arbitration, conciliation and fact-finding
- For disputes between states, state entities, intergovernmental organisations and private parties
Establishment
- Founded in 1899 at the first Hague Peace Conference
- Under the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes
- Convened by Czar Nicholas II of Russia
- The convention was revised at the second Hague Peace Conference in 1907
- Headquarters: the Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands
- India and Pakistan: both have been Contracting Parties since 1950, adhering to the 1899 and 1907 Hague Conventions
The Indus Waters Treaty
- Signed 1960, brokered by the World Bank.
The allocation:
- Eastern Rivers — Ravi, Beas, Sutlej → India
- Western Rivers — Indus, Jhelum, Chenab → primarily Pakistan
- India permitted limited non-consumptive hydropower use on the Western Rivers
Important Facts for Exams
- PCA — founded 1899, first Hague Peace Conference, under the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes; revised 1907
- Headquarters: Peace Palace, The Hague — which it shares with the International Court of Justice
- Not a standing court — it administers ad-hoc tribunals
- India and Pakistan have been Contracting Parties since 1950
- IWT signed 1960, brokered by the World Bank
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India; Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily to Pakistan
- Article IX provides the graded dispute mechanism: Permanent Indus Commission → Neutral Expert → Court of Arbitration
- Ratle — 850 MW project on the Chenab; Kishenganga — on a tributary of the Jhelum
- Distinguish the PCA from the ICJ: the ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN, with 15 permanent judges, hearing only state-versus-state cases
4. MoSPI–Thapar Institute AI Framework
- MoSPI signed an MoU with Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology to develop an AI-driven framework for monthly consumption expenditure.
- It will use HCES data to estimate MPCE at national and State levels.
- The framework will support poverty estimation, economic planning and policy formulation.
- It promotes the use of AI in official statistics.
Economy in News
1. India’s FY27 GDP Growth Momentum
- India’s economy grew 7.8% in Q1 FY27, according to the SBI Research report.
- Real GVA growth was 8.2% during the quarter.
- Manufacturing grew 9.2%, while services grew around 10%.
- Strong domestic demand and government capital expenditure supported growth.
Misc GA in News
1. INS Nipun Commissioned by Indian Navy
- INS Nipun, the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, was commissioned in Mumbai on 31 August 2026.
- It strengthens deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue capabilities.
- It is particularly important for the Western Naval Command.
- The vessel supports India’s growing underwater and maritime security capabilities.
2. India–Vietnam and India–Laos Engagement
- Union MoS Pabitra Margherita visited Vietnam and Laos from 26–29 August 2026.
- The visit aimed to strengthen partnerships under India’s Act East Policy.
- Laos engagement coincided with the 70th anniversary of India–Laos diplomatic relations.
- Cooperation covered culture, tourism, textiles, education and development projects.
Science & Technology
1. IISc Establishes FQCI under National Quantum Mission
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru established the Foundation for Quantum Computing Innovation (FQCI).
- It will function as a Quantum Computing Thematic Hub under the National Quantum Mission.
- Focus areas include photonic, superconducting, semiconductor, neutral-atom and trapped-ion systems.
- NQM has an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for 2023–24 to 2030–31.
2. China Tests GJ-21 Stealth UAV
- China tested the GJ-21 stealth UAV alongside sea trials of the Type 076 Sichuan.
- The GJ-21 is designed for naval reconnaissance and strike missions.
- Type 076 is equipped with an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
- It represents the growing integration of UAVs with naval warfare.
International Affairs
1. India–Laos Diplomatic Relations
- 2026 marks 70 years of India–Laos diplomatic relations.
- India reaffirmed its commitment to Act East Policy during the visit of MoS Pabitra Margherita.
- Cooperation included culture, heritage preservation and Quick Impact Projects.
- A MoU was witnessed for mural restoration at Wat Pa Khae Temple.
Awards & Recognitions
1. Roger Federer Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
- He won 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 ATP Tour titles.
- He spent a record 310 weeks as World No. 1.
- He completed the Career Grand Slam by winning the French Open in 2009.
Important Days
1. International Day for People of African Descent
- Observed on 31 August every year.
- First observed in 2021 following UNGA Resolution A/RES/75/170.
- The initiative was championed by Costa Rica.
- 2026 theme: “Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent.”
