Current Affairs Questions with Answers

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.

World Snake Day is observed annually on 16 July to promote snake conservation and awareness about their ecological importance. India is home to more than 300 snake species, of which around 60 are venomous. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized Snakebite Envenoming as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD), highlighting the need for timely treatment and public awareness.

Under the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has notified the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation process. It allows selected products to be imported at reduced or zero customs duty within the prescribed quota. Importers must submit a Certificate of Origin to avail of the benefit.

The Government of India has officially renamed the Central Vista Redevelopment Area as the Kartavya Bhavan Area. The renaming reflects the values of public service, constitutional duties, and an Indian perspective, while supporting administrative modernization and improved coordination among government ministries.

The Government of India has proposed establishing Autonomous Hill Development Councils (AHDCs) in every district of Ladakh to promote decentralized governance and strengthen local administration. The initiative is significant in the context of Article 371, asymmetrical federalism, and demands for constitutional safeguards in Ladakh.