Daily Current Affairs Quiz
15 July , 2026
National Affairs
1. National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR 2.0)
Source: PIB
Context:
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), in partnership with the Drone Federation of India (DFI), launched the second edition of the National Innovation Challenge for Drone Application and Research (NIDAR 2.0) for 2026–27.
What is NIDAR 2.0?
- A national-level innovation challenge (hackathon) for engineering students to develop indigenous drone technologies.
- Focuses on designing advanced autonomous drone software, hardware and components rather than assembling ready-made drones.
- Operates under MeitY’s SwaYaan Capacity Building Initiative.
Objective
- Promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat in drone technology.
- Build indigenous capabilities in drone hardware, avionics, flight controllers and autonomous systems.
- Encourage innovation and research in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
Key Features
Track 1 – Drone Innovation (System Level)
Focuses on developing autonomous drone solutions for:
- Disaster response and search & rescue using drone swarms.
- Delivery of emergency medical supplies.
- GPS-denied navigation for indoor and industrial inspections.
Track 2 – Component Innovation (Hardware Level)
- Development of indigenous flight controllers and autopilot systems.
- Hardware to be built using the VEGA Microprocessor developed by C-DAC.
About SwaYaan Initiative
What is SwaYaan?
- A national capacity-building programme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and drone technologies.
- Approved by MeitY in July 2022.
Objective
- Develop a skilled workforce in drone technology.
- Promote research, innovation and industry-ready talent.
2. Digital Threat Report 2025–26
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the 2nd Edition of the Digital Threat Report 2025–26 for India’s Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) and payments ecosystem to strengthen cybersecurity preparedness against evolving digital threats.
About the Digital Threat Report 2025–26
What is it?
- The Digital Threat Report 2025–26 is a strategic cybersecurity assessment for India’s Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) and payments ecosystem.
- It provides financial institutions, regulators and cybersecurity leaders with an assessment of emerging cyber threats, attack trends and mitigation strategies.
- The report is based on Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) investigations, CERT-In and CSIRT-Fin observations, and research on adversarial Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Released By
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team)
- CSIRT-Fin (Computer Security Incident Response Team–Finance)
- SISA Information Security
Objective
- To strengthen cybersecurity resilience across India’s digital financial ecosystem.
- To help financial institutions anticipate evolving cyber threats and build proactive defence mechanisms.
Key Highlights of the Report
- AI Asymmetry: AI enables cybercriminals to launch advanced attacks with fewer resources, reducing the advantage of defenders.
- Shrinking Attack Cycle: Cyber threats now evolve within weeks or months instead of years; 6 of 7 previous predictions have already come true.
- Evolving Cyberattacks: Attacks increasingly mimic legitimate user sessions, approved transactions, and normal business activities, making detection difficult.
- 4-Layer Gap Archetype Framework: Introduces the “Anatomy of Cyber Failure” framework to identify vulnerabilities across four organisational layers.
- 18-Month Roadmap: Recommends stronger cyber controls, continuous risk monitoring, better information sharing, and resilient security architecture.
- Major Threats: Social engineering, credential theft, supply-chain attacks, cloud exploitation, AI-driven attacks, and insider threats.
About CERT-In
- National agency for handling cybersecurity incidents.
- Functions under MeitY.
- Established under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (amended in 2008).
- Functions include:
- Cyber incident response.
- Threat alerts and advisories.
- Vulnerability assessment.
- Coordination during cyber emergencies.
- Issuing cybersecurity guidelines and white papers.
About CSIRT-Fin
- Sectoral Computer Security Incident Response Team for India’s financial sector.
- Coordinates cybersecurity for:
- Banks
- Insurance companies
- Securities market infrastructure
- Pension funds
3. Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act, 1997
Source: Indian Express
Context:
The Ladakh Administration has announced that the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Act will be extended to all seven districts of the Union Territory through appropriate legal provisions, following the creation of 17 new tehsils.
What is the LAHDC Act?
- The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils Act, 1997 provides for the establishment of Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDCs) to promote decentralized governance in Ladakh.
- Originally applicable to the Leh and Kargil districts.
- Enacted to empower local communities through greater administrative and developmental autonomy.
Objective
- Promote decentralized governance.
- Ensure people’s participation in local planning and development.
- Address the unique geographical, cultural and developmental needs of Ladakh.
Powers and Functions
The Council exercises powers over:
- Local development planning.
- Management of government (Khalsa Sarkar) land transferred to it.
- Management of undemarcated forests.
- Local infrastructure and public services.
- Levy and collection of specified local taxes and fees.
4. The SHANTI Vision
Source: TOI
Context:
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar launched India’s campaign for a 2028–29 non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC) by unveiling the SHANTI Vision, which emphasizes international norms, mutual trust, integrity, and stronger representation for the Global South.
About SHANTI Vision
What is it?
The SHANTI Vision stands for Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity. It serves as India’s diplomatic framework for its 2028–29 UNSC campaign, promoting an inclusive, rules-based international order and strengthening the voice of developing countries in global governance.
Key Features
- Global South Focus: Seeks greater representation of developing countries in global decision-making and addresses their developmental and financial concerns.
- Rules-Based International Order: Advocates respect for international law, multilateralism, trust, and integrity in global governance.
- UN Peacekeeping Reforms: Supports better-equipped, technology-enabled peacekeeping missions and promotes the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
- Addressing Global Challenges: Calls for stronger international cooperation to tackle terrorism, climate change, maritime security, and other transnational threats.
- Responsible Technology Governance: Encourages global norms for the safe, transparent, and responsible use of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
- Development Partnerships: Highlights India’s role as a trusted development partner through infrastructure and capacity-building projects in 79 countries, promoting development as a pathway to peace.
India and the UNSC
- The UN Security Council (UNSC) consists of 15 members:
- 5 Permanent Members (P5): China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- 10 Non-Permanent Members: Elected by the UN General Assembly for two-year terms.
- India has served as a non-permanent member eight times:
- 1950–51
- 1967–68
- 1972–73
- 1977–78
- 1984–85
- 1991–92
- 2011–12
- 2021–22
- India has contributed nearly 3 lakh personnel to around 50 UN peacekeeping missions, making it one of the world’s largest contributors.
- India continues to advocate comprehensive UNSC reforms, including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership to better reflect present-day geopolitical realities.
5. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: TOI
Context:
Odisha has proposed upgrading Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary into Debrigarh-Gaur National Park to strengthen conservation of the Indian gaur and other wildlife.
About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Location
- Situated in Bargarh district, Odisha.
- Located along the Hirakud Reservoir, formed by the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River.
- Covers an area of 353 sq km, with about 290.65 sq km proposed as the core National Park area.
- Dominated by tropical dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky hills, valleys, and seasonal streams.
- The proposed National Park area is free from human settlements and livestock, providing an undisturbed habitat.
- The sanctuary has significant historical importance as Veer Surendra Sai used its forests as a base during his resistance against British rule.
Banking/Finance
1. RBI Amends Bank Board Governance Framework
Source: Mint
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued revised directions on bank board governance to enable boards to focus more on strategic decision-making, risk governance and corporate governance by reducing time spent on routine operational matters. The revised framework will come into effect from 1 October 2026.
About the Revised RBI Bank Board Governance Framework
What is it?
- The RBI has amended its governance framework for banks to strengthen the effectiveness of Boards of Directors.
- The revised norms rationalise the matters placed before bank boards, allowing them to devote greater attention to strategy, risk oversight and governance rather than day-to-day operational issues.
Objective
- Improve corporate governance in banks.
- Strengthen board accountability and strategic oversight.
- Enhance risk management and regulatory compliance.
- Improve the quality of board deliberations and decision-making.
Key Features of RBI’s Board Governance Directions
- Strategic Focus: Boards should prioritize strategy, risk management, governance, financial stability, and long-term sustainability.
- Delegation of Routine Work: Operational matters should be handled by Board/Management Committees, while the Board focuses on policy and strategy.
- Stronger Chairperson’s Role: The Chairperson is responsible for setting the agenda and ensuring meaningful strategic discussions.
- Defined Powers: Clearly distinguish matters reserved for the Board and those delegated to committees or management, with periodic reviews.
- Better Information Flow: Boards should receive timely, high-quality information and may seek independent external reports when required.
- Regular Governance Review: Boards should periodically evaluate agenda quality, delegated responsibilities, information flow, and time spent on strategic and risk issues.
Key Responsibilities of Bank Boards
- Approve business strategy.
- Oversee enterprise-wide risk management.
- Ensure financial stability.
- Monitor related-party exposures.
- Ensure regulatory compliance.
- Oversee governance standards.
- Approve appointment of key managerial personnel.
2. RBI Proposes One-Time Approval for Mutual Funds & Insurers to Acquire Bank Shareholding
Source: IE
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a draft amendment to simplify the approval process for mutual funds, insurance companies and pension funds acquiring significant shareholding in banks by introducing a one-time approval mechanism.
Key Highlights
Current Rule
- Investors such as mutual funds, insurance companies and pension funds must obtain prior RBI approval before acquiring 5% or more shareholding (major shareholding) in a bank.
- If their holding later falls below 5%, they must again seek RBI approval before crossing the threshold in future.
Proposed Change
- RBI approval will continue to be mandatory for the first acquisition of a major shareholding.
- After receiving the initial approval, eligible institutional investors will not need fresh approval every time they again acquire a major stake in the same bank.
- RBI may grant a one-time approval covering future acquisitions.
One-Time Approval Limit
- Valid for acquisitions of up to 10% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights in the same bank.
- Subject to conditions specified by the RBI.
Eligible Investors
- Mutual Funds
- Insurance Companies
- Pension Funds
Agriculture
1. Crystal Crop Protection Launches Six New Agri Innovations for Kharif 2026
Source: BusinessLine
Context:
Crystal Crop Protection Ltd. launched six new agricultural technologies for the Kharif 2026 season to provide integrated solutions for weed, disease, insect, and crop nutrition management, aiming to improve farmers’ productivity and profitability.
About the Launch
What is it?
Crystal Crop Protection has introduced six new crop protection and nutrition products designed to tackle major agricultural challenges such as weeds, pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies across important Kharif crops.
Objective
- Improve crop productivity and quality.
- Reduce cultivation costs.
- Enhance farmers’ income through efficient crop protection and nutrition.
- Address challenges arising from climate change and evolving pest dynamics.
Key Innovations
- Samorian (Soybean):
- Patented herbicide with a three-way mode of action.
- Controls both grassy and broadleaf weeds effectively.
- Takuro (Maize):
- Patented combination herbicide.
- Provides three-layer weed management, rapid systemic action, and long-lasting residual control.
- Xeberia (Paddy):
- Multi-site fungicide.
- Protects against fungal and bacterial diseases.
- MAXentra (Paddy):
- Dual-action fungicide.
- Offers broad-spectrum disease control across different crop growth stages.
- Valtruva (Cotton):
- Advanced insecticide with smart triple-action technology.
- Controls major sucking pests, provides rapid knockdown, and offers extended residual protection.
- KGR-T (GreenAg):
- Patented organic smart nutrition solution.
- Uses an effervescent tablet delivery system with extended nutrient release technology.
- Improves nutrient-use efficiency, flowering, fruiting, crop resilience, and yield quality.
Key Features
- Integrated solutions covering weed management, disease control, insect management, and crop nutrition.
- Developed after extensive field validation across different agro-climatic regions.
- Designed to reduce spray frequency and improve operational efficiency.
- Supports sustainable and profitable farming practices.
2. Vriksh Mitra Abhiyan
Source: PIB
Context:
Union Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a nationwide initiative to transform the Vriksh Mitra Abhiyan into a mass movement for environmental conservation through public participation.
About Vriksh Mitra Abhiyan
What is it?
The Vriksh Mitra Abhiyan is a nationwide people-led environmental movement that encourages every citizen to plant, protect, and nurture trees while promoting sustainable lifestyles, water conservation, soil health, and climate action.
Objective
- Transform tree plantation into a nationwide social movement.
- Increase public participation in environmental conservation.
- Promote sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and climate resilience.
- Support the objectives of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
Key Features
- Tree on Every Auspicious Occasion: Every family is encouraged to plant a tree on birthdays, wedding anniversaries, birth of children, and in memory of parents, making tree planting a lifelong social tradition.
- “One Tree, Five Companions” Pledge: Every Vriksh Mitra should plant at least one tree every year and motivate five more people to join the campaign.
- Vriksh Mitra Pariwar: A structured network will be created from the national, state, district, block, and village levels to coordinate plantation and monitoring activities.
- Hariyali Amavasya Tree Festival: A nationwide plantation drive will be organised on Hariyali Amavasya (12 August) to celebrate tree planting as a national festival.
- Designated Plantation Sites: Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies will identify dedicated plantation sites and ensure long-term protection and maintenance of planted trees.
- Link with Government Schemes: Plantation will be integrated with schemes such as PM Gram Sadak Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, Lakhpati Didi Yojana, and other Agriculture and Rural Development programmes.
- Focus on Sustainable Agriculture: Encourages balanced use of water and chemicals, soil conservation, and environmentally sustainable farming practices.
- Mission LiFE Integration: Promotes energy conservation, water saving, waste segregation, plastic-free living, and adoption of sustainable lifestyles.
3. Union Government Bans Herbicide Paraquat
Source: The Hindu
Context
The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has banned Paraquat Dichloride, a highly toxic herbicide associated with thousands of deaths due to suicides, accidental poisoning, and homicides in India.
About Paraquat Dichloride
- Type: Non-selective contact herbicide.
- Use: Controls weeds by destroying green plant tissue.
- Commonly sprayed after harvesting to clear fields before the next crop.
- One of the most toxic herbicides used in agriculture.
Reason for the Ban
- Extremely toxic to humans.
- No specific antidote is available.
- Even small quantities can cause:
- Multi-organ failure
- Lung fibrosis
- Kidney and liver damage
- Death
- Frequently used in cases of:
- Suicide
- Accidental poisoning
- Homicide
Facts To Remember
1. CPWD Celebrates 172nd Annual Day; MoHUA Unveils SANKALP Framework
The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) celebrated its 172nd Annual Day at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. During the event, Union Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal unveiled the SANKALP Framework to strengthen the quality, sustainability, and efficiency of public infrastructure. The occasion also featured the release of two publications highlighting India’s urban development journey.
2. MeitY Releases Digital Threat Report 2025–26 for BFSI Sector
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), along with CERT-In, CSIRT-Fin, and SISA, released the 2nd edition of the Digital Threat Report 2025–26 for the Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI) and payments ecosystem. The report introduces the “Anatomy of Cyber Failure – 4 Layer Gap Archetype Framework” and provides an 18-month roadmap to strengthen cybersecurity against emerging AI-driven threats.
3. DoT and TSDSI Sign MoU to Boost India’s Telecom Standards
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed an MoU with the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI) to strengthen India’s participation in global telecom standards under the TDIP Scheme. The initiative supports startups and MSMEs under the Bharat 6G Mission by providing financial assistance for participation in international standard-setting organizations.
4. PM Modi Visits New Zealand; Bilateral Ties Elevated to Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited New Zealand from 10–11 July 2026, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 40 years. India and New Zealand elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, signed 10 MoUs, adopted a Roadmap to 2030, announced plans to double bilateral trade to NZD 7 billion by 2030, and strengthened cooperation in defence, maritime security, agriculture, education, and critical technologies.
5. Bank of Maharashtra Launches ‘FinSpark’26 Cybersecurity Hackathon
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) launched FinSpark’26, a national-level cybersecurity hackathon under the theme “Securing the Future of Banking.” The competition aims to encourage students and innovators to develop solutions for banking security, AI-based fraud detection, insider threats, and cyber resilience, with prize money exceeding ₹10 lakh.
6. FIU-IND Named Runner-up at BECA 2026
The Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) was declared Runner-up at the Best Egmont Case Award (BECA) 2026 for uncovering a major cyber fraud and money laundering network involving nearly ₹868 crore. The investigation led to seizure of cash and cryptocurrency, attachment of assets, and prosecution under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
7. ISRO Successfully Conducts Three Gaganyaan Crew Module Tests
ISRO successfully completed three critical tests of the Gaganyaan Crew Module systems, including the Crew Module Up-Righting System (CMUS), Connect-Disconnect System (CS-CDS), and Apex Cover qualification test. The tests validate splashdown recovery, parachute deployment, and module separation, bringing India closer to its first human spaceflight mission.
8. Japan Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket Prototype
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully carried out the first lift-off and landing test of its RV-X reusable rocket prototype. The rocket flew about 10 metres, remained airborne for 40 seconds, and landed safely, marking an important milestone in Japan’s reusable launch vehicle programme.
9. India Women Register Historic Test Victory at Lord’s
The Indian Women’s Cricket Team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, defeated England by 270 runs in the first-ever Women’s Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Yastika Bhatia became the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s, while debutant Kranti Gaud starred with a five-wicket haul, helping India register one of its biggest Test victories.
10. Anjum Chopra and Kevin Pietersen Inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
Former India captain Anjum Chopra and former England captain Kevin Pietersen were inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame 2026. Anjum Chopra became the third Indian woman and 13th Indian overall to receive the prestigious honour for her outstanding contribution to international cricket.
11. Sahitya Akademi Award-Winning Tamil Writer Poomani Passes Away
Renowned Tamil writer Poomani passed away at the age of 79. He was best known for his acclaimed novel Agnaadi, which won the Sahitya Akademi Award (2014), and for his realistic portrayal of rural Tamil Nadu through works such as Vekkai, later adapted into the film Asuran.
12. Former Rajya Sabha MP H. Hanumanthappa Passes Away
Veteran Indian National Congress (INC) leader and former Rajya Sabha MP H. Hanumanthappa passed away at the age of 94. He served three terms in the Rajya Sabha and also chaired the Central Silk Board, contributing significantly to agriculture and regional development in Karnataka.
13. Shubhanshu Shukla Launches Debut Book The Second Orbit
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla launched his debut book “The Second Orbit: Belief of a Man… Dreams of 1.4 Billion Hearts.” The book narrates his journey as an astronaut, his Axiom-4 mission, and India’s growing ambitions in human spaceflight.
14. International Malala Day Observed on 12 July
International Malala Day was observed on 12 July to commemorate the birth anniversary of Malala Yousafzai and promote girls’ education worldwide. The day marks her historic United Nations speech in 2013, advocating universal access to education.
15. International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms Observed
The International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms was observed on 12 July to raise awareness about the environmental, health, and economic impacts of sand and dust storms. The 2026 theme was “From Source to Impact: Protecting Land and Life from Sand and Dust Storms.”
16. Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Pillale Sampada’ Initiative
The Andhra Pradesh Government launched the ‘Pillale Sampada’ (Children are Wealth) initiative to encourage balanced population growth and address declining fertility rates. The scheme proposes financial assistance of ₹30,000 for a third child and ₹40,000 for a fourth child, along with greater focus on maternal health, childcare, and public awareness.
17. Union Government Launches Seafarer Safety Tracker
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Seafarer Safety Tracker to enhance the safety of Indian seafarers operating in conflict-prone regions, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. Based on a ‘Seafarer-First’ approach, the system enables continuous monitoring, timely emergency response, and coordinated assistance for Indian crew members during maritime crises.
18. Brand Finance India 100 Report 2026 Released
Brand Finance released the India 100 Report 2026, valuing India’s top 100 brands at US$252.8 billion, reflecting a 7% increase over 2025. Tata Group retained its position as India’s most valuable brand with a valuation of US$33.6 billion, followed by Infosys and Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), highlighting the growing global strength and resilience of Indian brands.
