Daily Current Affairs Quiz
08 July , 2026
International & National Affairs
1. Mission Drishti
Source: The Hindu
Context
GalaxEye’s Mission Drishti — the world’s first OptoSAR satellite and India’s largest privately built Earth-observation satellite — was lost after a geomagnetic solar storm damaged a critical onboard system.
Before Understanding the News
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Earth Observation (EO) Satellite | Satellite that images Earth for defence, agri, disaster mgmt |
| Electro-Optical Sensor | Optical imaging — needs sunlight + clear skies |
| SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) | Radar-based imaging — all-weather, day + night |
| OptoSAR | Fusion of EO + SAR on a single platform |
| LEOP | Launch and Early Orbit Phase (initial weeks post-launch) |
| Geomagnetic Storm | Disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field due to solar wind / CME |
Mission Drishti
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Company | GalaxEye Space (Bengaluru, IIT Madras-incubated) |
| Type | OptoSAR — world’s first |
| Launch date | 3 May 2026 |
| Launch vehicle | SpaceX Falcon 9 |
| Launch site | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California |
| Orbit | Low Earth Orbit (LEO) |
| Applications | Defence, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure |
2. UNCTAD World Investment Report 2026
Source: Business Standard
Context
India climbed 2 places to become the 11th-largest FDI recipient globally, with inflows jumping 44% to $38.89 billion in 2025, driven by advanced manufacturing push and Alphabet’s record $14.5 bn greenfield data centre announcement.
Before Understanding the News
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FDI | Investment by foreign entity in domestic business (10%+ equity) |
| Greenfield Investment | New project built from scratch by foreign investor |
| Brownfield Investment | Foreign investor acquires/expands existing facility |
| Inward FDI | Money coming INTO India |
| Outward FDI | Investment by Indian firms in foreign countries |
| Global Value Chain (GVC) | Cross-border production networks |
India’s FDI Trajectory (UNCTAD Data)
| Year | Inflows ($ bn) | Global Rank | Outflows ($ bn) | Home Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 44.8 | 8th | 17.3 | 25th |
| 2022 | 49.4 | 8th | 14.6 | 23rd |
| 2023 | 28.1 | 16th | 13.9 | 23rd |
| 2024 | 27.1 | 13th | 24.3 | 20th |
| 2025 | 38.9 | 11th | 35.7 | 18th |
Global FDI Rankings (2025)
| Rank | Country | Inflows ($ bn) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 277 (–2%) |
| 4 | China | 104.66 (down from 116.24) |
| 11 | India | 38.89 (+44%) |
Global FDI Trends (2025)
- Developing economies overall: +2%.
- Developing Asia: +3%.
- US inflows: –2%.
- China inflows: Fell (US$ 116.24 bn → US$ 104.66 bn).
Who is UNCTAD?
- Full form: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
- Established: 1964 (as a permanent intergovernmental body of the UN).
- HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Members: 195 states.
- Secretary-General (2026): Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica) — since 2021.
- Flagship reports: World Investment Report (WIR), Trade and Development Report, Digital Economy Report, Technology and Innovation Report.
- Note: Recently rebranded as UN Trade and Development (2024).
Key Terms
- World Investment Report (WIR): UNCTAD’s flagship annual report on global FDI trends; published since 1991.
- FDI: Investment where a foreign entity holds 10% or more equity in a business — implies lasting interest and management involvement.
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to India’s FDI ranking per UNCTAD World Investment Report 2026, consider the following statements:
- India rose to the 11th position among global FDI recipients in 2025.
- India’s FDI inflows reached US$ 38.89 billion in 2025 — a 44% jump from 2024.
- India was ranked 13th in 2024 with inflows of US$ 27.09 billion.
- The report is published by the World Bank.
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 World Investment Report (WIR) is published by UNCTAD, NOT the World Bank. UNCTAD is headquartered in Geneva.)
Q2. With reference to global FDI trends in 2025 (per UNCTAD WIR 2026), consider the following statements:
- The United States remained the world’s largest FDI recipient with US$ 277 billion.
- China retained its 4th position despite inflows declining to US$ 104.66 billion.
- Developing economies overall saw a 2% rise in FDI inflows.
- Developing Asia saw a 15% surge in FDI.
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; Developing Asia saw only a 3% rise in FDI — NOT 15%. India’s rebound was against this modest regional trend.)
Answer Key
- (c) — Statement 4 wrong: WIR published by UNCTAD, not World Bank.
- (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Developing Asia grew 3%, not 15%.
3. Global Passport Index (GPI) 2026
Source: IE
Context
In July 2026, the 5th annual Global Passport Index (GPI) 2026 — released by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), a Portugal-based residency and citizenship advisory firm — ranked 197 countries on the strength of their passports. India was ranked 125th with a composite score of 45.1 — its highest in 5 years — but slipped 1 rank from 124th (2025); over 5 years, India has moved up just 2 places (from 127th). Sweden topped the list with 96.05, followed by Switzerland (2nd), Finland (3rd), Germany (4th), Netherlands (5th) — Nordic + European nations continue to dominate. The GPI uses three parameters: Enhanced Mobility (50%), Investment (25%), Quality of Life (25%). India’s category-wise performance: 136th in Enhanced Mobility (down 1), 118th in Quality of Life (up 11), and 94th in Investment (up 3).
What is India’s ranking?
- Rank 2026: 125th (of 197).
- Score: 45.1 (highest in 5 years).
- Change from 2025: Down 1 rank (from 124th).
- Change over 5 years: Up 2 ranks (from 127th).
Who leads the GPI 2026 (Top 10)?
- 1st: Sweden — 96.05.
- 2nd: Switzerland.
- 3rd: Finland.
- 4th: Germany.
- 5th: Netherlands.
- 6th: Denmark.
- 7th: Ireland.
- 8th: United Kingdom.
- 9th: Norway.
- 10th: Singapore.
What are the 3 categories of GPI?
- Enhanced Mobility — 50% weightage.
- Investment — 25% weightage.
- Quality of Life — 25% weightage.
India’s Category-wise Performance
- Enhanced Mobility: 136th (↓ 1 from 2025).
- Quality of Life: 118th (↑ 11 from 2025).
- Investment: 94th (↑ 3 from 2025).
Other Major Global Indices Where India is Ranked
| # | Index | Publisher | India’s Rank | Latest Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Human Development Index (HDI) | UNDP | 130 / 193 | HDR 2025 (released May 2025) |
| 2 | Global Hunger Index (GHI) | Concern Worldwide + Welthungerhilfe (+ IFHV) | 102 / 123 | 2025 |
| 3 | Global Innovation Index (GII) | WIPO (with Portulans Institute) | 38 / 139 | 2025 |
| 4 | Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) | Transparency International | 91 / 182 | 2025 (released Feb 2026) |
| 5 | World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) | Reporters Without Borders (RSF) | 151 / 180 | 2025 |
| 6 | Global Peace Index (GPI) | Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) | 115 / 163 | 2025 |
| 7 | Ease of Doing Business (Doing Business Report) | World Bank (discontinued Sept 2021) | 63 / 190 | 2020 (last edition) |
| 8 | Sustainable Development Report (SDG Index) | UN SDSN | 94 / 167 | 2026 |
| 9 | World Happiness Report | University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre (with Gallup and UN SDSN) | 116 / 147 | 2026 |
| 10 | Environmental Performance Index (EPI) | Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy + Columbia CIESIN | 176 / 180 | 2024 (biennial; next edition 2026) |
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to the Global Passport Index (GPI) 2026, consider the following statements:
- It is published by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), a Portugal-based firm.
- It ranks 197 countries.
- Sweden topped the rankings with a score of 96.05.
- It is published by the World Economic Forum (WEF).
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 GPI is published by Global Citizen Solutions (GCS), NOT the World Economic Forum. WEF publishes different reports — Global Competitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report.)
Q2. With reference to India’s rank in GPI 2026, consider the following statements:
- India was ranked 125th of 197 countries.
- India’s composite score was 45.1 — its highest in 5 years.
- India dropped 1 rank from 2025 (was 124th).
- India was ranked 100th in Enhanced Mobility.
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 was ranked 136th in Enhanced Mobility (down 1 from 2025) — NOT 100th. India performs best in Investment (94th).)
Answer Key
- (c) — Statement 4 wrong: Published by GCS, not WEF.
- (c) — Statement 4 wrong: India ranked 136th in Mobility, not 100th.
Exam Relevance
- UPSC Prelims & Mains: CRITICAL — GS-II (International Relations, Global Indices); Prelims (indices, publishers, India’s rank); Mains-Essay on India’s global standing.
- NABARD Grade A: High — general awareness on global indices.
- State PCS: Very High — indices are recurring GK.
- RBI Grade B (Phase I + II): CRITICAL — ESI on economic indices, external sector.
4. INS Mahendragiri (F38)
Context
The Indian Navy will formally commission INS Mahendragiri (F38) — its 6th of 7 Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) indigenous guided-missile stealth frigates — on 11 July 2026 at Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) of the Indian Navy and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, the frigate features 75%+ indigenous content — showcasing India’s push under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Named after the Mahendragiri mountain range in the Eastern Ghats (Odisha) — the 2nd-highest peak in Odisha (~1,501 m) — it joins the Eastern Fleet under the Eastern Naval Command. The frigate is powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system, is 149 metres long, and was delivered to the Navy on 30 April 2026 — about 17 months after the lead ship INS Nilgiri (December 2024). Its construction involved 200+ MSMEs, ~4,000 direct jobs, and ~10,000 indirect jobs. The programme cost is ~₹45,000 crore for all 7 ships.
The commissioning at a glance
- Ship: INS Mahendragiri (F38).
- Class: Nilgiri-class (Project 17A).
- Position: 6th of 7 frigates.
- Commissioning: 11 July 2026, Visakhapatnam.
- Attended by: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
- Fleet: Eastern Fleet, Eastern Naval Command.
- Delivered: 30 April 2026.
What is Project 17A?
- Series of 7 advanced stealth frigates — successor to Project 17 (Shivalik-class).
- Total cost: ~₹45,000 crore.
- Builders: 4 by MDL Mumbai + 3 by GRSE Kolkata.
- Predecessor: Shivalik-class (Project 17) — first stealth frigate class.
- Successor: Project 17B (under design).
5. Nepal’s 17th-Century Jestha Varna Mahavihar Receives UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award 2025
Source: PIB
Context
In July 2026, the 17th-century Jestha Varna Mahavihar — a historic Buddhist monastery in Lalitpur, Nepal — received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit 2025 for its outstanding conservation and restoration following the 2015 Gorkha earthquake (magnitude 7.8). The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu handed over the Award of Merit at a ceremony where Jaco Du Toit, UNESCO Representative in Nepal, presented a metal plaque and official certificate to the Jestha Varna Mahavihar User Committee, in the presence of Chiri Babu Maharjan (Mayor, Lalitpur Metropolitan City) and Rakesh Pandey (Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu). Also known as Jyaba Bahi or Chakrabahil, the monastery lies 300 metres from the UNESCO-listed Patan Durbar Square. It was recognised for exemplary community-centred conservation, combining modern seismic retrofitting with preservation of Newari woodcarvings + architecture, while sustaining the living heritage and practices of the Newar Buddhist community. The restoration was funded through the Government of India’s post-2015 earthquake cultural heritage reconstruction grant of NPR 13.78 crore.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal (Total: 4)
- Kathmandu Valley (1979).
- Sagarmatha National Park (1979) — Everest.
- Chitwan National Park (1984).
- Lumbini (1997) — Buddha’s birthplace.
Who is UNESCO?
- Full form: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
- Established: 16 November 1945.
- HQ: Paris, France.
- Members: 194 countries (India joined 4 November 1946).
- Director-General: Audrey Azoulay (France; since 2017).
- Motto: “Building peace in the minds of men and women.”
- Notable programmes: World Heritage List (1972), Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), Memory of the World (1992), Man and the Biosphere (MAB), Global Geoparks.
Practice MCQs
Q1. With reference to Jestha Varna Mahavihar, consider the following statements:
- It is a 17th-century Buddhist monastery in Lalitpur, Nepal.
- It received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit 2025.
- Its restoration was funded by India’s post-Gorkha earthquake grant of NPR 13.78 crore.
- It lies within the UNESCO-listed Patan Durbar Square.
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; Jestha Varna Mahavihar is located 300 metres AWAY from Patan Durbar Square — NOT within it.)
Q2. With reference to UNESCO, consider the following statements:
- It was established on 16 November 1945.
- It is headquartered in Paris, France.
- Its current Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
- India joined UNESCO in 1950.
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 joined UNESCO on 4 November 1946, NOT 1950.)
Answer Key
- (c) — Statement 4 wrong: 300 m from Patan Durbar Square, not within.
- (c) — Statement 4 wrong: India joined UNESCO in 1946, not 1950.
Facts To Remember
1. New Chiefs Appointed for BPR&D, NCRB & SVPNPA
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed Alok Kumar Mittal as DG of BPR&D, Amit Garg as Director of NCRB, and Sujeet Pandey as Director of SVPNPA. All three are senior IPS officers from the 1993–94 batches. The appointments strengthen leadership in India’s key police and law enforcement institutions.
2. NPCI’s Dilip Asbe Appointed to SWIFT Supervisory Board
NPCI MD & CEO Dilip Asbe was appointed to the Supervisory Board of SWIFT. The appointment reflects India’s growing influence in global digital payment infrastructure. It also highlights the international recognition of India’s UPI-led payment ecosystem.
3. TPG-Led Consortium to Acquire Aseem Infrastructure Finance
TPG Rise Climate, along with GIC and ICICI Bank, signed an agreement to acquire 100% stake in Aseem Infrastructure Finance from NIIF. The deal aims to boost climate financing and sustainable infrastructure investment in India. It is among India’s largest private climate-focused infrastructure transactions.
4. China Launches HY-2E Marine Observation Satellite
China launched the Haiyang-2E (HY-2E) ocean observation satellite aboard the Long March-4B rocket. The satellite will monitor sea conditions, weather, marine ecosystems, and support disaster management. It marks China’s 47th space mission of 2026.
5. India Wins 41 Medals at U15 & U20 Asian Wrestling Championships
India secured 41 medals at the U15 and U20 Asian Wrestling Championships held in Pattaya, Thailand. The tally included 12 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze medals. The performance highlights India’s growing strength in junior wrestling.
6. ‘Bridge Man of India’ Girish Bharadwaj Passes Away
Padma Shri awardee Girish Bharadwaj passed away at the age of 76. He was known for constructing over 150 low-cost suspension bridges across five Indian states. His work significantly improved connectivity in remote and rural regions.
7. APEDA Facilitates Export of Jharkhand’s Amrapali Mangoes to Dubai
APEDA facilitated the export of 2 metric tonnes of Amrapali mangoes from Gumla and Deoghar districts of Jharkhand to Dubai. The consignment was supplied by women-led Farmer Producer Companies for sale through Lulu stores. The initiative increased farmers’ returns by around 180% while promoting exports from tribal regions.
8. Ministry of Panchayati Raj Holds Atmanirbhar Panchayat Workshop
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj organised the third Outreach Workshop on the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Programme in Kochi, Kerala. Over 800 Panchayats participated to discuss financial self-reliance, local resource mobilisation, and sustainable rural governance. The programme encourages Panchayats to strengthen their own revenue and prepare bankable development projects.
9. World Kiswahili Language Day Observed on July 7
World Kiswahili Language Day is observed annually on 7 July under UNESCO. The 2026 theme is “Kiswahili for Peace, Solidarity and Global Economic Diplomacy.” The day promotes Kiswahili’s role in fostering unity, cultural exchange, and international cooperation.
10. World Bioproduct Day Observed on July 7
World Bioproduct Day is observed every year on 7 July to promote the use of renewable bio-based products. It highlights the importance of bioproducts in supporting environmental sustainability, climate action, and the circular bioeconomy. The observance was launched in 2021 by the World BioEconomy Forum and the World Bioeconomy Association.
