UPSC Prelims Practice
Current Affairs Quiz 10 July 2026
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16 questions based on today’s current affairs & editorials
16 MCQs
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Question 1 of 16
The Centre of Excellence on Human-Wildlife Conflict, inaugurated in July 2026, is located at which institution?
FACT: The Centre of Excellence on Human-Wildlife Conflict was inaugurated on July 10, 2026 at WII-SACON, Coimbatore, by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, along with the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Portal and a status report. ANALYSIS: SACON is the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History.
📝 Concept Note
The Centre of Excellence was announced by the Prime Minister at the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 environment and conservation. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | human-wildlife conflict, ecological corridors, compensation, early-warning systems. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing SACON (Coimbatore) with WII (Dehradun). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | CoE on HWC is at WII-SACON, Coimbatore. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Coexistence between people and wildlife. |
Question 2 of 16
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) is chaired by:
FACT: The National Board for Wildlife is chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Union Environment Minister as vice-chairperson. ANALYSIS: It is a statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and advises on wildlife conservation and on projects in and around protected areas.
📝 Concept Note
The NBWL is a key clearance body for projects near national parks and sanctuaries.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 environment, GS2 institutions. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | NBWL, protected areas, conservation governance. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | thinking the Environment Minister chairs the NBWL. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | NBWL Chairperson is the Prime Minister. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Balancing development and wildlife. |
Question 3 of 16
In its July 2026 World Economic Outlook update, the IMF projected India’s growth for FY2026-27 at:
FACT: The IMF trimmed India’s FY2026-27 growth projection to 6.4 per cent in its July 2026 WEO update, down 10 basis points from 6.5 per cent in April, citing higher global energy prices and trade uncertainty. ANALYSIS: It raised the FY2027-28 estimate to 6.7 per cent, and India remains the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
📝 Concept Note
The World Economic Outlook (WEO) is an IMF flagship report, published twice a year with two interim updates.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 economy. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | growth resilience, energy-price shocks, consumption-led growth. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing the FY27 (6.4) and FY28 (6.7) numbers. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | IMF July 2026 pegs India FY27 at 6.4 per cent. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Sustaining high growth amid global shocks. |
Question 4 of 16
HFO-1234yf, for which CSIR-IICT developed an indigenous process in July 2026, is best described as:
FACT: HFO-1234yf (Hydrofluoroolefin-1234yf) is a fourth-generation refrigerant with near-zero ozone depletion potential and a very low global warming potential (about 4, versus about 1,430 for R-134a). ANALYSIS: CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad, developed India’s first indigenous process to make it, ready for transfer to industry.
📝 Concept Note
HFO-1234yf replaces high-GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) such as R-134a in air-conditioning and refrigeration.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 science and technology and environment. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | green chemistry, import substitution, Kigali Amendment. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing HFOs with HFCs. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | HFO-1234yf is a low-GWP fourth-generation refrigerant. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Domestic R&D for climate goals. |
Question 5 of 16
The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol deals with the phase-down of which substances?
FACT: The Kigali Amendment (2016) to the Montreal Protocol targets the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used as refrigerants. ANALYSIS: This is why low-GWP alternatives such as HFO-1234yf matter for meeting climate obligations.
📝 Concept Note
The Montreal Protocol (1987) originally protected the ozone layer by phasing out CFCs; India ratified the Kigali Amendment in 2021.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 environment and international conventions. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | ozone layer, HFC phase-down, climate treaties. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | thinking Kigali targets CFCs. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | Kigali Amendment = HFC phase-down. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Ozone and climate co-benefits. |
Question 6 of 16
In July 2026, which country became the first foreign buyer of India’s Astra Mk1 missile?
FACT: Indonesia placed the first-ever export order for India’s indigenous Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, to arm its Sukhoi Su-30 and Su-27 fleet. ANALYSIS: It was part of a larger defence package and marks the first international sale of the Astra.
📝 Concept Note
The Astra Mk1 is developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), with a range of about 80 to 110 km.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 defence, GS2 IR. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | defence exports, indigenisation, Act East, defence diplomacy. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing Astra (air-to-air) with BrahMos (cruise). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | Indonesia is the first Astra Mk1 export customer. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** India as a defence exporter. |
Question 7 of 16
The Astra Mk1 is what type of missile?
FACT: The Astra Mk1 is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) developed by DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited. ANALYSIS: It arms fighter jets such as the Su-30 MKI and has a range of about 80 to 110 km at a speed of around Mach 4.5.
📝 Concept Note
BVRAAM means the missile can engage targets beyond the pilot’s visual range.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 defence and science and technology. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | BVRAAM, indigenisation, Bharat Dynamics. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | classing the Astra as a surface-to-air missile. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | Astra Mk1 = beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Indigenous missile development. |
Question 8 of 16
Geographical Indications (GI) in India are governed by which law?
FACT: GI tags are governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in 2003. ANALYSIS: In July 2026, NABARD facilitated GI registration for 28 new products, taking its GI-supported tally to 176.
📝 Concept Note
The GI Registry is located in Chennai; a GI is valid for 10 years and is renewable. India’s first GI was Darjeeling Tea (2004).
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 economy and IPR, GS1 culture. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | GI, rural livelihoods, intellectual property, cultural heritage. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing a GI with a trademark. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | GI Act 1999; Registry at Chennai; first GI Darjeeling Tea. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Protecting artisan economies. |
Question 9 of 16
NABARD, in the news in July 2026 for facilitating GI registrations, was established in which year?
FACT: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) was established in 1982 as the apex development bank for agriculture and rural development, on the recommendation of the Shivaraman Committee. ANALYSIS: Beyond refinancing, it supports rural enterprise, including GI facilitation for artisan products.
📝 Concept Note
NABARD was set up under the NABARD Act, 1981.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 economy and rural development. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | NABARD, rural credit, developmental banking. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing NABARD’s 1982 establishment with the 1981 Act. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | NABARD established 1982 (Shivaraman Committee). |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Financing rural India. |
Question 10 of 16
The apex decision-making body of the EPFO, which rolled out the CITES 2.01 platform in July 2026, is the:
FACT: The Central Board of Trustees (CBT), chaired by the Union Labour Minister, is the apex body of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). ANALYSIS: In July 2026 EPFO rolled out its upgraded CITES 2.01 platform, migrating about 34 crore accounts into a single national system.
📝 Concept Note
EPFO functions under the Ministry of Labour and Employment; the FY2025-26 EPF interest rate is 8.25 per cent.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS2 governance, GS3 social security. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | provident fund, digital public infrastructure, ease of living. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | placing EPFO under the RBI or PFRDA. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | EPFO’s apex body is the CBT, chaired by the Labour Minister. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Portable social security. |
Question 11 of 16
What is the EPF interest rate for FY2025-26, to reflect in members' passbooks in July 2026?
FACT: The EPF interest rate for FY2025-26 is 8.25 per cent, involving about Rs 1.44 trillion, set to reflect in members’ passbooks by mid-July 2026. ANALYSIS: The CITES 2.01 rollout enables auto-transfer of provident fund on job change and faster claim settlement.
📝 Concept Note
The EPF is governed by the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 economy and social security. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | EPF, retirement savings, formalisation. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing the EPF rate with small-savings rates. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | FY26 EPF interest is 8.25 per cent. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Returns and safety of retirement funds. |
Question 12 of 16
In the World Bank’s income classification updated in July 2026, India remained in which group?
FACT: The World Bank kept India in the lower-middle-income (LMI) group, where it has been since 2009, with a GNI per capita of about 2,760 dollars. ANALYSIS: Reaching high-income status is the central goal of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
📝 Concept Note
The World Bank uses GNI per capita, calculated by the Atlas method, to sort economies into four income bands.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 economy and development. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | middle-income trap, GNI per capita, Viksit Bharat 2047. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing GNI per capita with GDP. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | India is lower-middle-income (World Bank, Atlas method). |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Escaping the middle-income trap. |
Question 13 of 16
The Guwahati Declaration adopted in July 2026 relates to cooperation among BRICS countries on:
FACT: The Guwahati Declaration was adopted at the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, committing members to real-time intelligence sharing against narcotics. ANALYSIS: It proposed a BRICS Virtual Working Group on the drug threat.
📝 Concept Note
India holds the BRICS Chairship in 2026; drug trafficking is treated as a transnational crime and public-health challenge.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS2 international relations, GS3 internal security. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | BRICS, transnational crime, drug trafficking. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | linking the Guwahati Declaration to trade or currency. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | Guwahati Declaration = BRICS anti-narcotics. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Multilateral drug-control cooperation. |
Question 14 of 16
Global Energy Independence Day is observed on which date?
FACT: Global Energy Independence Day is observed on July 10, promoting energy independence through renewable and alternative energy and greater energy efficiency. ANALYSIS: It ties to India’s energy-security push through the International Solar Alliance and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
📝 Concept Note
Reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels is central to India’s energy strategy.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 energy and environment. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | energy security, renewables, energy efficiency. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing it with National Energy Conservation Day (December 14). |
| 📌 Exam Tip | Global Energy Independence Day is July 10. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** India’s path to energy independence. |
Question 15 of 16
The Astra Mk1 exported to Indonesia will primarily equip which aircraft?
FACT: The Astra Mk1 ordered by Indonesia will arm its Sukhoi Su-30 and Su-27 fighter fleet. ANALYSIS: This opens an export market among the many countries that operate the Su-30 family.
📝 Concept Note
The Astra Mk1 is also integrated on the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 defence. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | defence exports, interoperability, Su-30 operators. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | assuming the Astra arms only Indian jets. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | Indonesia will fit the Astra on Su-30/Su-27. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** The economics of defence exports. |
Question 16 of 16
The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Portal launched in July 2026 is intended primarily to:
FACT: The National Human-Wildlife Conflict Portal, launched alongside the Centre of Excellence at Coimbatore, centralises human-wildlife conflict data to support evidence-based mitigation. ANALYSIS: It complements the first status report on human-wildlife conflict in India.
📝 Concept Note
Scientific data helps design early-warning systems, compensation and corridor management.
🎯 Concept Kit — tap to expand
| 🔗 Cross-Paper Links | GS3 environment and governance. |
| ✍️ Mains Keywords | data-driven conservation, conflict mitigation, technology. |
| ⚠️ Common Mistake | confusing the portal with a wildlife-trade tracker. |
| 📌 Exam Tip | the HWC Portal centralises conflict data. |
| 🎤 Interview | ** Using data to reduce conflict. |
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