Daily Current Affairs Quiz
18 July , 2026
National Affairs
1. Investment Friendliness Index (IFI)
Source: PIB
Context
NITI Aayog released the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to assess and compare the investment ecosystem across States and Union Territories. The Index aims to promote competitive and cooperative federalism by encouraging reforms that attract domestic and foreign investments.
About Investment Friendliness Index (IFI)
What is it?
- A data-driven benchmarking framework developed by NITI Aayog.
- Measures how effectively States and UTs create a business-friendly environment for investment.
- Supports the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 through Viksit Rajya @2047.
Background
- Proposed during the 9th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog (July 2024).
- Announced in the Union Budget 2025–26.
Objectives
- Improve the investment climate across States and UTs.
- Encourage policy reforms and ease of doing business.
- Attract higher domestic and foreign investment.
- Promote competitive and cooperative federalism.
Coverage
- Covers 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
Eight Pillars of Assessment
- Infrastructure
- Business Climate
- Resources
- Government Policy
- Regulatory Ease
- Institutional Environment
- Financial Health
- Environmental Resilience
Performance Categories
- Top Performers: Score above 50
- Frontrunners: Score 45–50
- Emerging Performers: Score 40–45
- Aspiring States: Score below 40
Top Performers (Overall)
| Rank | State |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gujarat |
| 2 | Maharashtra |
| 3 | Tamil Nadu |
| 4 | Goa |
| 5 | Odisha |
Top States by Category
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large States | Gujarat | Maharashtra | Tamil Nadu |
| Hilly & North-Eastern States | Uttarakhand | Assam | Himachal Pradesh |
| Union Territories / City States | Goa | Delhi | Chandigarh |
2. White Rabbit Technology Demonstration Network
Source: PIB
Context
The Union Minister inaugurated India’s first White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time (IST) Distribution Demonstration Network at the Regional Reference Standards Laboratory (RRSL), Jakkur, Bengaluru.
About White Rabbit Technology Demonstration Network
What is it?
- India’s first high-precision network for distributing Indian Standard Time (IST) through fibre-optic/Ethernet networks.
- Ensures highly accurate and synchronized time across critical sectors.
Developed By
- Legal Metrology Division, Ministry of Consumer Affairs
- In collaboration with:
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
- ISRO
- BSNL
- SEBI
How It Works
- Atomic Clock: NPL and ISRO generate the official Indian Standard Time (IST).
- Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588): Transfers time through fibre-optic/Ethernet networks.
- Automatic Synchronization: Devices continuously correct clock errors for precise timing.
Key Features
- Ultra-high precision: Synchronization accuracy below 1 nanosecond.
- Deterministic communication: Fixed and predictable data transmission delay.
- Highly scalable: Can connect thousands of devices over 1,000+ km.
- Open-source technology: Based on CERN’s White Rabbit Technology.
Applications
- Defence & National Security: Reduces dependence on GPS and protects against spoofing attacks.
- Financial Sector: Accurate timestamping for stock exchanges and digital payments.
- Telecommunications: Supports 5G/6G networks.
- Space & Quantum Technologies: Enables precise synchronization for advanced scientific applications.
- Power & Nuclear Infrastructure: Improves coordination of critical infrastructure.
3. Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft (ASW-SWC) – Malvan
Source: News on Air
Context
The Indian Navy is set to commission Malvan, the second indigenous Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
About Malvan
What is it?
- A Mahe-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC).
- Designed to detect, track, and destroy enemy submarines and underwater threats in shallow coastal waters.
Built By
- Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), Kochi
Objective
- Strengthen India’s coastal security.
- Protect ports, harbours, islands, and coastal infrastructure from underwater threats.
Key Features
- Over 80% indigenous content.
- Optimized for shallow-water operations.
- Lightweight and highly manoeuvrable.
- Equipped with:
- Hull-mounted sonar
- Towed array sonar
- Lightweight torpedoes
- Anti-submarine rocket launchers
- Mine-laying capability
4. Congo Colobus (Colobus congoensis)
Context
Scientists have officially identified a new monkey species, Congo Colobus (Colobus congoensis), locally known as Likweli, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
About Congo Colobus
What is it?
- A newly discovered species of Colobus monkey.
- Scientific name: Colobus congoensis.
- Belongs to the Colobus genus, a group of African leaf-eating monkeys.
Habitat
- Found only in Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
- Lives in high-altitude tropical rainforest canopies.
- Considered endemic to this region.
Key Features
- Feeds on leaves, fruits, and seeds.
- Produces deep, loud roaring calls to communicate over long distances.
Ecological Importance
- Helps in seed dispersal, supporting forest regeneration.
- Maintains the health and biodiversity of tropical rainforests.
5. Manasbal Lake
Source: The Hindu
Context
After several years of ecological decline, Manasbal Lake in Ganderbal district, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed the return of migratory birds, indicating improvement in the lake’s ecosystem.
About Manasbal Lake
What is it?
- Manasbal Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in India.
- Located in Ganderbal district, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Managed by the Wullar-Manasbal Development Authority (WMDA).
Why is it in News?
- Migratory birds returned in large numbers during Winter (December 2025–January 2026).
- A Bird Watching Festival was organised by WMDA.
- More than 46 bird species from 23 families were recorded.
Major Migratory & Resident Birds
- Mallard
- White-headed Duck
- Eurasian Hoopoe
- Eurasian Collared Dove
- Lesser Pied Kingfisher
- Golden Eagle
- Grey-backed Shrike
- Tickell’s Thrush
- Horned Grebe
- Long-eared Owl
Banking/Finance
1. Vishwas 2026 Scheme
Source: News on Air
Context
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched Vishwas 2026, a one-time dispute resolution scheme to settle pending provident fund penalty and damages cases.
About Vishwas 2026
What is it?
- A one-time dispute resolution scheme for employers.
- Helps settle disputes related to damages and penalties under EPF laws.
- Effective from 29 June 2026.
- Operational for 6 months.
Objectives
- Promote voluntary compliance by employers.
- Reduce long-pending litigation.
- Ensure faster resolution of EPF disputes.
- Protect employees’ provident fund interests.
Implemented By
- Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
- Ministry of Labour & Employment
Legal Basis
- Section 14B of the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
- Section 128 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
- Notified under the EPF Scheme, 2026.
Key Features
- Fully online (digital) application process.
- Transparent and time-bound settlement.
- Applicable to eligible pending disputes.
- Covers defaults made before 14 June 2024.
Revised Penalty Rates
- Up to 2 months default: 0.25% per month
- 2 to less than 4 months: 0.50% per month
- More than 4 months: 1% per month
2. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin – June 2026
Source: PIB
Context
The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the PLFS Monthly Bulletin – June 2026, the 15th monthly bulletin covering both rural and urban India.
About PLFS
What is it?
- The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) measures employment and unemployment trends in India.
- Conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
Objectives
- Estimate labour force participation.
- Measure employment and unemployment.
- Provide timely labour market data for policy formulation.
Key Findings (June 2026)
Unemployment Rate (UR)
- Overall India: 5.5% (unchanged from May 2026)
- Rural: 5.0% (down from 5.1%)
- Urban: 6.6% (up from 6.4%)
Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
- All India (15 years & above): 54.4%
Worker Population Ratio (WPR)
- All India: 51.4%
- Rural: 53.8%
- Urban: 46.8%
Important Terms
- Unemployment Rate (UR)
- Percentage of people in the labour force who are unemployed but actively seeking work.
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
- Percentage of the population that is either working or actively looking for work.
- Worker Population Ratio (WPR)
- Percentage of the total population that is employed.
- Current Weekly Status (CWS)
- A person is considered employed if they worked for at least one hour during the last seven days.
Agriculture
1. Lakhpati Didis at Bharat Tex 2026
Source: PIB
Context
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), through DAY-NRLM, showcased products made by Lakhpati Didis and Self Help Groups (SHGs) at Bharat Tex 2026, highlighting rural entrepreneurship, traditional crafts, and market opportunities.
About Lakhpati Didi Initiative
What is it?
- A flagship initiative to help rural women earn an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh through sustainable livelihood activities.
- Implemented under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
- Launch Date: August 15, 2023
Implemented By
- Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
Objectives
- Increase the income of rural women.
- Promote women-led enterprises.
- Strengthen Self Help Groups (SHGs).
- Improve access to finance, skills, and markets.
About Bharat Tex 2026
- India’s largest global textile exhibition and trade event.
- Brings together the entire textile value chain from raw materials to finished products.
- Organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF) with support from the Ministry of Textiles.
Facts To Remember
1. India Launches Phase III of Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP)
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, launched Phase III of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP) with a total outlay of ₹1,500 crore, including ₹1,000 crore from DBT and ₹500 crore from the Wellcome Trust (UK). The programme aims to strengthen India’s biomedical research ecosystem by nurturing globally competitive scientists and researchers.
2. India Hosts 12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Hyderabad
India hosted the 12th BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Hyderabad, Telangana, under its BRICS Chairship 2026 themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The meeting concluded with the adoption of the BRICS Labour and Employment Ministers’ Declaration and the launch of BRICS CONNECT, an Indian initiative to promote technical cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among BRICS nations.
3. MoPSW Approves Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster and Ship Repair Facility in Gujarat
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) granted in-principle approval for a Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster in Porbandar and a Ship Repair Facility at Vadinar, Gujarat, under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS). These projects support the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 to strengthen India’s indigenous shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities.
4. President Murmu Inaugurates ‘Saushrutam 2026’ at AIIA
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated ‘Saushrutam 2026’, a three-day international seminar on Ayurvedic Surgery, at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, on the occasion of Sushruta Jayanti. During the event, she also inaugurated an AI-enabled 3 Tesla High Field MRI and released an NCISM study on women Ayurveda graduates.
5. Union Government Launches e-VSP Portal for Digital Legal Publications
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched the electronic Vidhi Sahitya Prakashan (e-VSP) Portal, providing digital access to legal books, journals, and publications. Developed in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the portal aims to support law students, researchers, advocates, judges, and legal professionals with easy access to legal resources.
6. India’s First AI-Integrated Vertical University Campus Opens in Chennai
The VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) inaugurated India’s first AI-integrated vertical university campus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The campus features Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence with partners including Intel Unnati, Microsoft, Oracle Academy, and TCS iON, promoting AI, cloud computing, and emerging technology education.
7. Pi-labs Partners with Google Cloud for Mission-Ready AI Solutions
Indian AI company pi-labs partnered with Google Cloud to develop secure and scalable mission-ready AI solutions for public sector organisations, digital governance, and critical infrastructure. The collaboration combines Google’s cloud infrastructure with pi-labs’ indigenous AI models to enhance cybersecurity, regional language processing, and security analytics.
8. DIBD and PNB Sign MoU for Multilingual AI-Based Banking
The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed an MoU to integrate BHASHINI’s multilingual AI platform into PNB’s digital banking services. The initiative aims to improve financial inclusion by enabling customers to access banking services in multiple Indian languages.
9. Dr. Nandini Azad Receives Bharat Samman 2026
Social activist Dr. Nandini Azad, President of the Working Women’s Forum (India) and Indian Cooperative Network for Women, received the Bharat Samman 2026 for her outstanding contribution to women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and grassroots development through cooperative movements.
10. Mindaugas Sinkevičius Becomes Lithuania’s New Prime Minister
Mindaugas Sinkevičius, leader of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), was sworn in as the 20th Prime Minister of Lithuania after receiving parliamentary approval. He succeeds Inga Ruginienė and will lead a centre-left coalition government.
11. Amitabh Bachchan Becomes Brand Ambassador of Policybazaar
Policybazaar appointed veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan as its Brand Ambassador for its nationwide insurance awareness campaign “Parivaar Sabse Pehle”, aimed at promoting health and term insurance while supporting IRDAI’s Insurance for All by 2047 vision.
12. Fairfax to Acquire 60.72% Stake in IDBI Bank
Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings emerged as the preferred bidder to acquire a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank from the Government of India and LIC in a ₹52,932 crore deal. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to become the largest foreign investment in an Indian bank.
13. India Finishes Third at Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships 2026
India secured 29 medals, including 5 gold, 13 silver, and 11 bronze, to finish third at the Asian U-19 & U-23 Boxing Championships 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Uzbekistan topped the medal table, followed by Kazakhstan.
14. ICC Approves New Formats for ODI and T20 World Cups
The International Cricket Council (ICC) approved new competition formats for future Men’s ODI and T20 World Cups. The ODI World Cup will feature a Super 7 stage, while the T20 World Cup will introduce a Super 10 stage with Eliminators, increasing competitiveness and reducing dead-rubber matches.
15. Padma Shri Awardee Moozhikkal Pankajakshi Passes Away
Renowned Nokkuvidya Pavakkali artist and Padma Shri awardee Moozhikkal Pankajakshi passed away at the age of 90 in Kerala. She was internationally recognised for preserving and promoting Kerala’s unique traditional puppetry art.
16. AI Appreciation Day Observed on 16 July
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Appreciation Day was observed globally on 16 July to recognise AI’s transformative role in innovation, governance, healthcare, education, and economic development. The day also highlights the evolution and ethical development of AI technologies.
17. World Snake Day Observed on 16 July
World Snake Day was observed on 16 July to raise awareness about the ecological importance of snakes, their conservation, and the need to reduce myths and fear surrounding them. India is home to around 300 snake species, protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
