Daily Current Affairs Quiz 31st July 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams

Daily Current Affairs: 31 July, 2026

Q1. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) named ‘Machilipatnam’, which was launched in July 2026 for the Indian Navy, was built by which public sector shipyard?

(a) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)

(b) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)

(d) Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL)

(e) Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)

Answer: c

Solution:

Machilipatnam, the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Indian Navy, was launched on 29 July 2026.
The vessel derives its name from the historic port city of Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Machilipatnam is designed for Underwater Surveillance and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations.
The vessel is also capable of undertaking Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Warfare missions.
The ship will strengthen India’s coastal defence capabilities and enhance the Indian Navy’s maritime domain awareness.
The vessel has more than 80% indigenous content, reflecting India’s growing capabilities in indigenous warship design, construction and defence manufacturing.
The ASW SWC project highlights the increasing capability of the Indian shipbuilding industry and supports India’s push towards greater self-reliance in defence production.
Machilipatnam is expected to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational readiness for safeguarding India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Q2. The 9th edition of ‘India Medical Device 2026’ is set to be organized on 7th and 8th August 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Which department is organizing this flagship event in collaboration with FICCI?

(a) Department of Health and Family Welfare

(b) Department of Pharmaceuticals

(d) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

(e) National Health Authority

Answer: b

Solution:

The Department of Pharmaceuticals, under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), will organise the 9th edition of India Medical Device 2026.
The event will be held on 7–8 August 2026 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The theme of India Medical Device 2026 is “Towards Viksit Bharat: Advancing India as a Global Hub for Quality Medical Devices.”
The event aims to deliberate on the future roadmap for India’s rapidly expanding medical devices and MedTech sector.

Q3. The Union Minister for Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, unveiled the theme for Asia’s largest digital technology forum, the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026. What is the official theme for IMC 2026?

(a) Scale without boundaries

(b) From Innovation to Impact

(d) Empowering Next-Gen Connectivity

(e) Secure, Sustainable, Scalable Future

Answer: a

Solution:

Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia unveiled “Scale without boundaries” as the theme for the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026.
India Mobile Congress 2026 will be held from 7–10 October 2026 at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention & Expo Centre), New Delhi.
IMC is described as Asia’s largest digital technology forum, and the 2026 event marks its 10th edition.
The theme “Scale without boundaries” reflects India’s ambition to build a digital future where technology, innovation and connectivity transcend traditional boundaries and reach every sector, community and region.
The theme focuses on taking transformative technologies beyond experimentation and enabling their large-scale adoption, integration and impact.
IMC 2026 is jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

Four Key Pillars of IMC 2026

Srishti – Building the Future: Focuses on innovation, emerging technologies and solutions that will shape the next generation of digital infrastructure.
Suraksha – Strengthening Trust: Focuses on building secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystems.
Sashakt – Expanding Opportunities: Aims to use technology to empower citizens, businesses, startups and communities while promoting inclusive access to digital opportunities.
Samvardhan – Fueling Growth: Highlights the role of digital technologies in promoting economic growth, investment, entrepreneurship, job creation and India’s emergence as a global technology leader.
Together, the four pillars represent the vision of “Scale without boundaries”, taking innovation, connectivity and digital transformation to scale across sectors, geographies and communities.

Q4. The Special Purpose Fund (SPF) created to maintain the corpus and channel funds under the RDI Scheme has been established within which statutory/national research organization?

(a) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

(b) Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

(d) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

(e) National Innovation Foundation (NIF)

Answer: b

Solution:

The Government of India launched the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme in July 2025 to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem and promote the development and commercialisation of indigenous technologies.
The RDI Scheme has a total outlay of ₹1 lakh crore over six years.
The Scheme seeks to encourage greater private-sector investment in Research and Development (R&D) by providing long-term, low-cost financing for technology development and commercialisation.
It particularly focuses on addressing the financing gap faced by research-driven and deep-tech innovations.
The Scheme supports projects at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 and above.
Financial assistance is provided through debt and equity instruments to eligible technology entities.
The Scheme operates through Second-Level Fund Managers (SLFMs), including entities such as Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and Focused Research Organisations (FROs).

Funding and Progress

Financial assistance of ₹1,000 crore each has been sanctioned to the Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), taking the total sanctioned amount to ₹2,000 crore.
Of this, ₹500 crore was disbursed to TDB in March 2026.
TDB has approved 22 projects with a combined project cost of ₹4,744 crore.
These 22 projects involve RDI Fund support of ₹2,192 crore.
BIRAC has shortlisted 8 projects involving ₹390.35 crore for support under the Scheme.
Proposals from AIFs and remaining FROs are under consideration by the competent authority.

Implementation Framework

The RDI Scheme is being operationalised through a Special Purpose Fund (SPF) established within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
The SPF maintains the Scheme’s corpus and channels financing through a two-tier funding structure to Second-Level Fund Managers.
TDB and BIRAC have been designated as SLFMs under the approved framework.
Applications from additional SLFMs, including Fund of Funds, have also been invited and are under evaluation.

Priority Sectors

Priority areas include energy security, energy transition and climate action.
The Scheme supports deep technologies such as quantum computing, robotics and space technologies.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in agriculture, health and education are also priority areas.
Other areas include biotechnology, biomanufacturing, synthetic biology, pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
The Scheme also covers the digital economy, including digital agriculture.
Technologies whose indigenisation is important for strategic or economic security and Atmanirbhar Bharat are also eligible for support.
Other sectors or technologies considered necessary in the public interest may also receive support.

Q5. Which Union Ministry launched the citizen participation initiative ‘DAANVEER’ to strengthen the digital infrastructure of Gram Panchayats across India?

(a) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj

(d) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

(e) Ministry of Communications

Answer: b

Solution:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched DAANVEER, a citizen participation initiative aimed at strengthening the digital infrastructure of Gram Panchayats across India.
DAANVEER aims not only to address the immediate computer infrastructure gap in Gram Panchayats, but also to create a long-term citizen-powered ecosystem for strengthening local institutions.
It is a transparent, end-to-end digital and verifiable platform through which citizens and organisations can contribute towards identified technology and infrastructure requirements of Gram Panchayats.
The initiative seeks to institutionalise voluntary public participation by providing a structured, accountable and seamless mechanism for supporting grassroots digital infrastructure.
DAANVEER has been developed by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and DigiHaat.

The tagline of DAANVEER is “Give Back to Your Village.”
Participation under the initiative is entirely voluntary.
DAANVEER is available through the Meri Panchayat mobile application.
Individuals and organisations can contribute standardised and quality-verified computer bundles directly to eligible Gram Panchayats.
The initiative integrates the Meri Panchayat app with the DigiHaat marketplace, allowing donors to select from pre-approved computer bundles.
The computer bundles are mapped to State-specific technical specifications to ensure that contributions meet the identified requirements.
Delivery details are automatically populated, reducing paperwork and simplifying the contribution process.
Donors can digitally track their contributions from dispatch to installation, enhancing transparency and accountability.
Contributors also receive a digital certificate of appreciation in recognition of their support.

Q6. Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), how many pilot projects have been awarded by the Government of India for the deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles across the country?

(a) 8

(b) 10

(d) 15

(e) 21

Answer: c

Solution:

The Government of India is implementing the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) to establish India as a global hub for the production, usage and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Under the NGHM, 12 pilot projects have been awarded for the deployment of hydrogen-powered vehicles and associated refuelling infrastructure.
These pilot projects envisage the deployment of a total of 70 hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The 70 vehicles comprise 27 buses and 43 trucks.
The vehicles include both Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) and Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H₂-ICE) vehicles.
The projects also include the establishment of 16 Hydrogen Refuelling Stations (HRS).
The hydrogen-powered vehicles and refuelling infrastructure will be deployed across 21 routes in different States.
Approximately ₹410.77 crore has been allocated as financial assistance for these pilot projects.
Of the allocated assistance, ₹41.582 crore has been released.

Q7. Senior Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket. Ajinkya Rahane will be best remembered for leading a depleted Indian side to a historic 2–1 Test series victory during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against which country?

(a) England

(b) South Africa

(d) Australia

(e) West Indies

Answer: d

Solution:

Senior Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect.
The 38-year-old announced his decision through an emotional video shared on social media.
Rahane represented India in 85 Tests, 90 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 20 T20 Internationals (T20Is).
His international career began in 2013.
Rahane last represented India during the 2023 Test series against the West Indies.
His last ODI appearance for India came against England in 2018.
In 85 Tests, Rahane scored 5,077 runs at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries.
In 90 ODIs, he scored 2,962 runs at an average of 35.26, including 3 centuries and 24 half-centuries.
In 20 T20Is, Rahane scored 375 runs for India.
One of the defining achievements of Rahane’s international career came during the 2020–21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Rahane took over the captaincy after Virat Kohli returned home following the first Test of the series.
Under Rahane’s leadership, a depleted Indian team registered a historic 2–1 Test series victory over Australia in Australia.
Rahane remained active in domestic cricket and led Mumbai until the 2024–25 season.

Q8. Indian para athlete Dilip Mahadu Gavit won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in the men’s 100-metre T47 event. What was his winning, Games record-setting timing?

(a) 10.65 seconds

(b) 10.83 seconds

(d) 11.02 seconds

(e) 10.71 seconds

Answer: e

Solution:

India scripted history in para athletics at the Commonwealth Games 2026 by securing a one-two finish in the men’s 100m T47 final.
Dilip Mahadu Gavit won the gold medal, while Mohammed Basil Morssinganakath claimed the silver medal for India.
Gavit clocked 10.71 seconds, setting a new Commonwealth Games record and recording his season-best performance.
Basil finished close behind with a season-best time of 10.83 seconds to secure silver.
England’s Kevin Santos won the bronze medal, clocking 10.85 seconds.
The result marked a historic gold-silver finish for India in the men’s 100m T47 event at the Commonwealth Games.

Q9. Which state scripted history by becoming the first state in India to execute an exploration licence for Rare Earth Elements (REE)?

(a) Odisha

(b) Rajasthan

(d) Jharkhand

(e) Gujarat

Answer: b

Solution:

Rajasthan became the first state in India to execute an exploration licence for rare earth elements (REEs) on 29 July 2026.
The exploration licence covers an area of 207.63 square kilometres.
The licensed area extends across the Navatala-Devigarh (Pachpadra) region of Balotra district and Shergarh tehsil of Jodhpur district.
The development marks an important milestone in India’s efforts to expand the exploration of rare earth elements and identify domestic mineral resources.

Q10. Who has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) in July 2026?

(a) Sunil Agrawal

(b) Shatmanyu Shrivastava

(d) Dinesh Kumar Khara

(e) Anuj Tyagi

Answer: b

Solution:

State-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) appointed Shatmanyu Shrivastava as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in July 2026.
Shatmanyu Shrivastava succeeds Sunil Agrawal, who resigned from the position in June 2026 after serving as LIC’s finance chief for more than four years.
The appointment was approved by the LIC Board at its meeting held on 28 July 2026.
The Board approved the appointment based on the recommendation of LIC’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee.