Current Affairs Questions with Answers

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched the ‘Vishwas 2026’ one-time dispute settlement scheme for a period of six months, aiming to facilitate the speedy resolution of pending disputes related to damages and penalties and to promote voluntary compliance. Under this scheme, concessions on damages and penalties will be granted in eligible cases, and applications are to be submitted through the EPFO's online portal.

According to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Financial Stability Report (FSR) of June 2026, the Indian banking system remains robust, recording a credit growth of 14.5%, Gross NPA at 1.8%, and a profit after tax of ₹4.05 lakh crore. The report identifies cybersecurity, geopolitical tensions, inflation, climate change, and a global economic slowdown as key future risks.

The 72nd National Film Awards were announced in New Delhi, honoring films certified by the CBFC between January 1 and December 31, 2024. This year, 'Article 370' won the award for Best Feature Film; Yami Gautam won Best Actress; Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty jointly won Best Actor; and Rajkumar Periasamy won the award for Best Director.

Spain won its second men's World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final; this was the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. Spain conceded only one goal throughout the tournament and set a record by remaining unbeaten for 38 consecutive international matches under the leadership of coach Luis de la Fuente.

International Nelson Mandela Day is observed annually on July 18—Nelson Mandela's birthday—to promote the values ​​of human rights, equality, democracy, and peace. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared this observance in 2009, and people are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes to community service in honor of Mandela's 67 years of public service.

At the third meeting of the India-European Union (EU) Trade and Technology Council (TTC) held in Brussels, an agreement was reached to enhance cooperation in sectors such as AI, semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and secure supply chains. This collaboration will strengthen India's technological capabilities, investments, clean energy, digital innovation, and the goal of a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

The Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued global tenders for setting up ACC (Advanced Chemistry Cell) battery manufacturing units with a capacity of 10 GWh under the final phase of the ₹18,100 crore PLI scheme. Its objective is to reduce import dependence by boosting domestic battery manufacturing and to strengthen the electric vehicle, energy storage, and green energy ecosystems.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the National Urea Investment Policy-2026 (NIPU-2026), which aims to boost domestic production by increasing investment in modern gas-based urea plants. This policy will reduce dependence on imports, ensure timely availability of urea to farmers, and strengthen 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) and food security.

The Union Cabinet has approved the Semicon 2.0 program with a budget of ₹1,27,500 crore, aiming to make India a global semiconductor manufacturing hub. This scheme will empower 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) and high-technology industries by fostering chip design, fabrication, ATMP/OSAT, R&D, and skill development.

Kolkata Metro has received approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) for GoA-4 based driverless metro operations on the Green Line. Based on CBTC technology, this system will make metro operations safer, more efficient, energy-efficient, and fully automated.

The Government of India revised the Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED)/windfall tax on the export of petroleum products effective July 16, 2026; duties on diesel and ATF were increased, while the duty on petrol was reduced. The objective is to curb excessive profits during the rise in global oil prices, maintain domestic fuel availability, and strengthen energy security.

The Union Cabinet approved the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) worth ₹62,500 crore on July 15, 2026, to be implemented from 2026-27 to 2030-31. Its objective is to transform India into a global hub for mobile manufacturing and exports by promoting indigenous mobile manufacturing, value addition, R&D, and Indian brands.

International Justice Day is observed annually on July 17, commemorating the adoption of the 1998 Rome Statute and the establishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC is headquartered in The Hague (Netherlands) and adjudicates cases involving genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

Europe, in collaboration with Ukraine and nine other European nations, has established an anti-ballistic missile defense alliance aimed at strengthening Europe's joint and indigenous missile defense capabilities. Under this alliance, advanced defense technologies such as the 'Freya' missile defense system and Exo-atmospheric Interceptors will be developed.

The Indian Grey Hornbill was successfully reintroduced in Gujarat's Gir Forest after nearly 60 years; a total of 40 hornbills were released between 2021 and 2023, with scientific confirmation of their acclimatization and breeding. The Indian Grey Hornbill is a crucial seed disperser, playing a vital role in natural forest regeneration, biodiversity conservation, and maintaining ecological balance.

The Karnataka government announced the establishment of India's first government Artificial Intelligence (AI) university and an AI Hub during Google I/O Connect India 2026. The initiative aims to develop Karnataka into an 'AI-Native State' by fostering AI research, innovation, startups, digital governance, and a skilled workforce.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released India's first monthly Index of Service Production (ISP) on a pilot basis with the base year 2024-25; it covers 19 service sub-sectors and approximately 60% of the service economy. This index will be released on the 29th of every month and will play a crucial role in assessing economic activities within the service sector and in evidence-based policy formulation.

In the Brand Finance India 100–2026 report, MRF Limited was declared India's most valuable and strongest tyre brand, while globally, it secured the position of the world's third-strongest tyre brand. Established in 1946 and headquartered in Chennai, MRF recorded a Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 87.7/100.

Renowned Tamil poet, lyricist, and writer R. Vairamuthu was conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award for the year 2025 by Bharatiya Jnanpith. He became the third litterateur from Tamil Nadu to receive this honor after a gap of 24 years; this award is India's highest literary honor.

The Delhi Government unveiled 'Mayur' as the official mascot for the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026, scheduled to be held at the Thyagaraj Stadium, New Delhi, from July 27 to August 2, 2026. 'Mayur' is inspired by India's national bird, the peacock, and symbolizes unity, cultural diversity, sportsmanship, and international cooperation.