Daily Current Affairs Quiz 21st June 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams |

Daily Current Affairs: 21 June, 2026

Q1. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently introduced Rajasthan’s first barrier-less Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system to ensure non-stop traffic transit. At which of the following busy toll plazas was this technology successfully inaugurated?

(a) Shahjahanpur Toll Plaza

(b) Manoharpur Toll Plaza

(d) Lalsot Toll Plaza

(e) Kishangarh Toll Plaza

Answer: c

Solution:

In June 2026, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) successfully launched Rajasthan’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at the Daulatpura Toll Plaza on the Delhi–Jaipur section of National Highway-48 (NH-48).
The MLFF (Multi-Lane Free Flow) system introduces barrier-less toll collection, allowing vehicles to pass through toll plazas without stopping, thereby ensuring seamless traffic movement and reducing travel time.
The system combines Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology with FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) to enable fully automated toll collection with minimal human intervention.
By eliminating physical toll barriers, the MLFF system is expected to reduce congestion, improve fuel efficiency, lower vehicle emissions, and enhance the overall commuting experience.
Following the successful implementation at Daulatpura Toll Plaza, NHAI plans to upgrade the Shahjahanpur and Manoharpur toll plazas on the Delhi–Jaipur corridor to the MLFF system, making the entire stretch barrier-free.

Q2. In June 2026, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) successfully facilitated the first-ever export consignment of fresh litchi from Uttarakhand to the European market. To which of the following countries was this inaugural one-metric-tonne shipment dispatched?

(a)

(b) France

(d) Netherlands

(e) United Kingdom

Answer: a

Solution:

On 18 June 2026, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, facilitated the first export consignment of fresh Uttarakhand litchi from Dehradun to Italy.
The export marks the entry of Uttarakhand’s premium litchi into the European market, reflecting the growing global acceptance of India’s high-quality fresh fruits.
The region is particularly known for premium litchi varieties such as Rose Scented, Calcuttia, and Bedana.
The favourable agro-climatic conditions of Dehradun, Haridwar, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar districts contribute significantly to the fruit’s high quality and market appeal.

Q3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for India’s first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate facility backed by a staggering ₹25,016 crore outlay. In which of the following districts is this project located?

(a) Angul, Odisha

(b) Jharsuguda, Odisha

(d) Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh

(e) Korba, Chhattisgarh

Answer: c

Solution:

On 20 June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a ₹25,016 crore coal gasification project at Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda district, Odisha.
The project is a major initiative aimed at strengthening India’s energy security, reducing dependence on imports, and promoting industrial self-reliance through the use of indigenous coal resources.
The Lakhanpur project is India’s first commercial-scale coal-to-ammonium nitrate facility, marking a significant milestone in the country’s coal gasification programme.
The project is being developed by Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL), a joint venture between Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Coal India Limited (CIL).
The plant will produce 2,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate per day using indigenously developed coal gasification technology designed by BHEL.
The project is expected to reduce India’s dependence on imported ammonium nitrate and support key sectors such as mining, infrastructure, and construction, where ammonium nitrate is widely used.

Q4. In June 2026, during the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Plenary session held in Paris, France, a senior Indian bureaucrat was selected to step into top-tier global financial governance. Who among the following has been appointed as the next Vice-President of the FATF for the 2026–27 term?

(a) Shri Sanjay Malhotra

(b) Shri Vivek Aggarwal

(d) Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch

(e) Shri Urjit Patel

Answer: b

Solution:

In June 2026, Vivek Aggarwal, a senior Indian bureaucrat, was selected as the Vice-President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for the 2026–27 term.
He will succeed Giles Thomson of the United Kingdom as the Vice-President of the global anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing body.
The decision was taken during the FATF Plenary Meeting, held from 17 to 19 June 2026.
Vivek Aggarwal is currently serving as the Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Earlier, he headed the Indian delegation to the FATF and played a significant role in strengthening India’s engagement with the global watchdog on issues related to anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT).

About the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an independent intergovernmental body that develops and promotes global policies to protect the international financial system against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing.
The FATF Recommendations are internationally recognized as the global standards for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT).
Established: 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris, in response to growing concerns over money laundering.
In 2001, FATF expanded its mandate to include combating terrorist financing following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Headquarters: Paris, France.
Membership: FATF comprises 39 members, including major economies such as India, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the European Union.
India became a member of FATF in 2010.
In addition to its members, over 180 jurisdictions participate in the FATF global network through FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs).

Q5. The mass public health and mindfulness event titled “Daud Se Dhyan 2026 – From Movement to Stillness” was successfully organized in June, 2026. Which of the following cities served as the official venue for this initiative?

(a) New Delhi

(b) Mumbai

(d) Bengaluru

(e) Hyderabad

Answer: c

Solution:

Daud Se Dhyan 2026 – From Movement to Stillness was a major citywide wellness event held in Kolkata, West Bengal, on 19 June 2026.
The event was organised as part of the nationwide celebrations leading up to the 12th International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2026.
The initiative aimed to promote Yoga as a holistic way of life, encouraging participants to progress from physical activity to mental calmness and mindfulness.
A 2-kilometre Yoga Run was organised simultaneously across 11 prominent locations in Kolkata, witnessing enthusiastic participation from people of all age groups and diverse sections of society.
Following the run, participants took part in collective meditation and mindfulness sessions, symbolising the journey from energetic movement (Daud) to inner stillness (Dhyan).

Q6. The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors recently cleared a $1.5 billion assistance package for India focused heavily on addressing structural rigidities and spurring private sector-led hiring. Under which specific operational framework has this financing been extended?

(a) Extended Fund Facility (EFF)

(b) Special Drawing Rights Window (SDRW)

(d) Development Policy Financing (DPF) Operation

(e) Program-for-Results (PforR) Financing

Answer: d

Solution:

On 19 June 2026, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved US$1.5 billion in financing for India to support structural reforms aimed at accelerating private sector-led job creation and sustainable economic growth.
The financing will be provided under the Development Policy Financing (DPF) Operation, which supports policy and institutional reforms through budgetary assistance.
The programme is designed to strengthen India’s reform agenda by improving the business environment, enhancing productivity, and promoting private sector investment.
According to the World Bank, the initiative has the potential to create employment opportunities for nearly 11 million young people who are expected to enter India’s labour market every year over the next two decades.

Q7. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has constituted a high-powered 7-member working group in June 2026 to govern the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the insurance sector. Who among the following has been appointed as the Chairperson of this panel?

(a) Shri Nandkumar Saravade

(b) Prof. Sandeep K. Shukla

(d) Shri Debasish Panda

(e) Shri Deepak Gaikwad

Answer: b

Solution:

In June 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) constituted a seven-member Working Group on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide strategic guidance on the adoption and governance of AI in the insurance sector.
The Working Group will be chaired by Professor Sandeep K. Shukla, Director of the International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad.
The initiative aims to establish governance frameworks, best practices, and safeguards for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in the insurance industry.

About IRDAI

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is the statutory regulator of the insurance sector in India.
It was established under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999.
Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana

Q8. In June 2026, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited (THGPPL) recommended a major corporate transition to guide the media house through structural shifts in digital and print media landscapes. Who among the following has been unanimously appointed as the next Chairman of the Board of Directors of THGPPL for a three-year term?

(a) Shri N. Ram

(b) Shri Suresh Nambath

(d) Shri N. Ravi

(e) Shri Krishna Srinivasan

Answer: c

Solution:

In June 2026, N. Murali was unanimously appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited (THGPPL).
He has been appointed for a term of three years.
N. Murali succeeds Dr. Nirmala Lakshman, who stepped down as Chairperson at the Board meeting held on 18 June 2026, upon nearing the completion of her three-year tenure.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board, chaired by Senior Advocate Krishna Srinivasan, unanimously recommended N. Murali’s appointment.

Q9. In June 2026, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India assigned the additional charge of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of UCO Bank to which of the following personalities?

(a) Shri Ashwani Kumar

(b) Shri Vijaykumar Nivrutti Kamble

(d) Shri Hari Har Mishra

(e) Dr. Sarada Prasan Mohanty

Answer: c

Solution:

In June 2026, UCO Bank entrusted Rajendra Kumar Saboo, the Executive Director of the bank, with the additional charge of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO).
The appointment became effective from 19 June 2026.
The additional charge was assigned following the vacancy created after the completion of the tenure of the former MD & CEO, Ashwani Kumar, whose term ended on 31 May 2026.
According to the bank’s regulatory filing, Rajendra Kumar Saboo will hold the additional charge until 31 August 2026, or until a regular MD & CEO is appointed, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Q10. In June 2026, who became the first person of Indian origin to receive the prestigious Wolf Prize in Physics?

(a) Shri Ashwani Kumar

(b) Professor Venkatesan Sundaresan

(d) Dr. Sarada Prasan Mohanty

(e) Shri Hari Har Mishra

Answer: c

Solution:

In June 2026, Indian-origin theoretical physicist Professor Jainendra K. Jain was awarded the Wolf Prize in Physics for his pioneering discovery of composite fermions, a breakthrough that revolutionized the understanding of the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect (FQHE).
Jainendra K. Jain became the first person of Indian origin to receive the Wolf Prize in Physics, one of the world’s most prestigious honours in the field of science.
The award was presented by Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a state ceremony held at the Knesset (Parliament) in Jerusalem on 18 June 2026.