Current Affairs Questions with Answers

CSC 4.0 is a significant initiative under the Digital India program that ensures the online availability of over 500 government and private services in rural and remote areas, operated by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). Through BharatNet and TEC certification, this initiative is strengthening digital and financial inclusion, e-governance, self-employment, and the goal of a developed India (Viksit Bharat@2047).

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval will be conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award for the year 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to national security and strategic policy formulation. This honor will be presented at a ceremony organized by the Tilak Smarak Trust in Pune on August 1, 2026.

The Central Government has appointed Anurag Jain, a 1989-batch IAS officer, as the new CEO of NITI Aayog; he possesses nearly four decades of experience in governance, industrial policy, and public administration. In 2026, NITI Aayog released the first Investment Friendliness Index, in which Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu emerged as the top three states.

Rahul Himalayan, a 1999-batch IRTS officer, has been entrusted with the additional charge of CMD of IRCTC effective from July 20, 2026, while continuing to discharge his responsibilities as the Director (Tourism & Marketing). IRCTC is a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Railways that operates services such as online ticketing, catering, tourism, and 'Rail Neer'.

International Self-Care Day is observed annually on July 24, aiming to raise awareness about physical, mental, and emotional health and to encourage preventive health services. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers self-care a vital means of strengthening Universal Health Coverage (UHC), while initiatives in India such as Ayushman Bharat, Fit India, and Eat Right India promote it.

France has become the first country in Europe to implement a nationwide age-based ban on social media usage for children under 15. The law aims to protect children's mental health and curb cyberbullying and online exploitation by mandating age verification.

Kanishka Narayan, of Indian origin, has been appointed as Britain's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Minister; he will strengthen AI policy, digital governance, technological innovation, and AI regulation. His appointment is a crucial part of Britain's strategy to promote safe and responsible AI, the digital economy, and global technological leadership.

The Maharashtra government has approved the development of India's first AI-based bird sanctuary at the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS) at a cost of approximately ₹45 crore. This project will promote biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and eco-tourism by monitoring migratory birds in real-time through an AI-enabled surveillance system.

ECOGEN (Centre of Excellence for Green Hydrogen) will be established at IIT Kanpur under the Uttar Pradesh Green Hydrogen Policy, 2024; it will promote research on green hydrogen production, storage, utilization, and advanced technologies. Aligned with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, this initiative is a significant step towards clean energy, energy self-reliance, carbon emission reduction, and making India a global green hydrogen hub.

The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet has approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2026, making the state the fourth in the country to move towards implementing the UCC. This bill is based on Article 44 and grants exemptions to ST and PVTG communities while ensuring equality in matters of marriage, divorce, inheritance, live-in relationships, and property rights.

The Indian Navy has launched the multinational maritime security training exercise 'Operation Southern Readiness 26-2' at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi, with 254 representatives from 26 countries participating. This exercise is being conducted in collaboration with CMF and CTF-154; India is hosting it for the first time, thereby further strengthening its strategic role in the Indian Ocean region.

The Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya Yojana (MAAY) is a flagship health insurance scheme of the Rajasthan government, under which eligible families are provided cashless health insurance of up to ₹25 lakh per year and accident insurance of ₹10 lakh. This scheme was previously operated under the name 'Chief Minister Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme' and has been implemented with the objective of strengthening universal health coverage.

The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to constitute a high-level committee to recommend a uniform retirement benefits policy for retired Chief Justices and High Court judges. This committee will submit its report within three months to ensure equality in accordance with Article 14, the independence of the judiciary, and the dignity of judges.

On July 20, 2026, Andy Burnham assumed office as the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, having been formally appointed by King Charles III. He succeeded Keir Starmer and identified political stability, economic reconstruction, and the restoration of public trust as his government's key priorities.

The IIT Madras-backed 'The ePlane Company' has developed India's first eVTOL aircraft prototype, with plans to commence commercial operations by 2028. This battery-operated aircraft will help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions while boosting urban air transport, air ambulance, and air taxi services.

The DCGI has approved the use of 'QDENGA', India's first dengue vaccine, developed by Japan's Takeda Biopharmaceuticals. This vaccine provides protection against all four dengue serotypes, holds WHO pre-qualification, and has been found to be approximately 80% effective in clinical trials.

The Delhi government has approved the 'Parivartan Yojana', under which air pollution will be reduced by replacing BS-IV and older commercial vehicles with BS-VI, CNG, or electric vehicles. Along with promoting clean and sustainable transport, this scheme will provide eligible vehicle owners with tax exemptions, a 5% interest subsidy, OEM discounts, and other incentives.

Under the Karnataka government's 'Gruha Jyothi Yojana', eligible domestic consumers are provided with up to 200 units of free electricity per month. The objective of this scheme is to reduce the burden of electricity bills, ensure equitable access to energy, and provide financial relief to low- and middle-income families.

American film director James Gray will be honored with the prestigious 'Pardo alla Carriera' award at the 79th Locarno Film Festival 2026 for his outstanding contribution to world cinema. This honor will be presented at the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland on August 9, 2026, prior to the screening of his film 'Paper Tiger'.

The 23rd Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026, featuring athletes from 74 countries and territories competing in 215 gold medal events across 10 sports. India has announced a 120-member contingent, and Mirabai Chanu and Lovlina Borgohain will serve as the flag-bearers for the Indian team at the opening ceremony.