Online Current Affairs Test - Current Affairs Test - Random (Last 20 months)

Indranil Bhattacharyya was appointed as the Executive Director (ED) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on March 19, 2025. In his new role, he will oversee the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR), which plays a crucial role in shaping monetary policies and conducting economic research. Bhattacharyya brings with him nearly three decades of experience in critical areas such as monetary policy, fiscal policy, banking regulations, and international economic relations, making him a key figure in the RBI's policy-making processes.

Anugraha Narayana Das, a 1991-batch officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS), has taken charge as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA). With over three decades of experience in defence finance and public administration, he has held several key positions across ministries and defence establishments. His expertise includes auditing, budgeting, procurement policy, and expenditure monitoring. As CGDA, he is responsible for managing defence accounts, ensuring transparency, auditing expenditures, and advising on financial matters. His leadership is expected to strengthen accountability and efficiency in defence spending, which is a crucial component of government expenditure.

ACKO, a leading digital insurance provider in India, has partnered with Tesla to provide insurance solutions for its electric vehicles as the company enters the Indian market. This collaboration is aimed at offering a seamless, fully digital insurance experience, from policy purchase to claim settlement. The plans will be specifically tailored to suit the unique requirements of electric vehicles, including Tesla’s high-performance models. By integrating insurance into the EV purchase process, this move simplifies car ownership and supports the broader adoption of electric mobility in India, aligning with the country's sustainability and clean energy goals.

The Indian Army has collaborated with IIT Guwahati to develop bamboo-based composite bunkers as an alternative to conventional construction materials. These bunkers aim to enhance sustainability, reduce weight, and improve deployability in high-altitude areas like Arunachal Pradesh. The agreement, signed between the Army’s 4 Corps and IIT Guwahati, aligns with the Army’s ‘Decade of Transformation’ vision. The new bunkers will be tested for durability, including small arms fire resistance, and provide an eco-friendly solution to military infrastructure challenges while improving logistics and operational efficiency.

INS Vikrant, India’s first fully indigenous aircraft carrier, arrived at the Port of Colombo to take part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025. The event is part of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th-anniversary celebrations and showcases naval capabilities and regional maritime cooperation by bringing together fleets from multiple countries. Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant represents a significant achievement in India’s naval self-reliance and technological advancement. Its participation in IFR 2025 highlights India’s commitment to strengthening maritime diplomacy, interoperability with international navies, and projecting strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region.

BHEL entered into a significant agreement with the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory for the transfer of technology related to the LM2500 Gas Turbine Infrared Suppression System. This system is crucial for reducing infrared signatures of naval vessels, thereby enhancing stealth and survivability in maritime operations. The agreement includes fabrication, installation, and commissioning of the system for deployment on Indian Navy ships. Developed indigenously under DRDO, this collaboration aligns with the Make in India initiative, promoting self-reliance in advanced defence technologies and strengthening India’s naval capabilities.

Utkarsh 2029 is the medium-term strategic framework introduced by the Reserve Bank of India to enhance and modernise the financial ecosystem. It outlines a structured plan covering a three-year period from April 2026 to March 2029. The framework includes initiatives such as modernisation of currency management, expansion of digital banking infrastructure, and improved financial inclusion through nationwide systems. It also focuses on technological advancements like Central Bank Digital Currency, Artificial Intelligence regulations, and global expansion of payment systems, building upon earlier strategies to ensure a more robust and efficient financial environment.

In FY 2024-25, India achieved a 7.9% reduction in coal imports, bringing the total volume down to 243.62 million tonnes from 264.53 million tonnes in the previous year. This significant decline contributed to foreign exchange savings of approximately $7.93 billion, underlining the country’s efforts toward energy self-reliance. The drop is a result of strategic government measures, including the expansion of domestic coal production through commercial mining and focused programs like Mission Coking Coal. This shift not only reduced dependency on foreign coal but also supported the broader goal of a self-reliant and energy-secure India under the "Viksit Bharat" initiative.

World Polio Day is observed annually on October 24 to raise awareness about poliomyelitis, or polio, and to underscore global efforts to eradicate the disease. This day commemorates the efforts of Dr. Jonas Salk, who developed the first successful polio vaccine and marks the formation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988. The observance emphasizes the importance of continuous vaccination, global cooperation, and surveillance in eradicating polio. Significant progress has been made, with a 99% drop in polio cases worldwide since the launch of GPEI.

The United States, under President Donald Trump, initiated its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 20, 2025, citing mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, financial disparities, and political influence concerns. Additionally, the U.S. suspended all foreign aid for 90 days to reassess its distribution strategies. This decision is expected to have significant global implications, particularly on health initiatives funded by the U.S., such as combating HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The U.S. has been a major contributor to the WHO, providing 18% of its budget.

NASA is preparing to launch the Artemis II mission, marking a significant milestone as the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. The mission will carry four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the far side of the Moon without landing. It will be launched aboard the Space Launch System from the Kennedy Space Centre. The mission has faced delays due to technical issues such as helium leaks and fuel system concerns, but repairs have been completed. Artemis II is a crucial step in NASA’s broader lunar exploration program, paving the way for future missions like Artemis III and IV.

India’s first indigenous 1MW green hydrogen plant was commissioned at Kandla in Gujarat by the Deendayal Port Authority. This pioneering facility is not only a milestone in India’s clean energy and maritime decarbonization efforts but also a showcase of the Make in India initiative, with the electrolyser being domestically manufactured. Initially used to power buses and street lighting within the port, the plant is set to expand to 10MW capacity and will eventually fuel port operations, including vehicles and vessels. The project, supported by the government and inaugurated by the Union Shipping Minister, is a benchmark for sustainable port development in India.

The National Urban Conclave 2025 was inaugurated at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, by Union Minister Manohar Lal under the theme “Sustainable Urban Development and Governance.” The event marked the launch of several key initiatives, including the Dumpsite Remediation Accelerator Programme (DRAP), Urban Invest Window (UiWIN), Swachh Bharat Knowledge Management Unit, and Jal Hi Janani. DRAP aims to remediate 214 major dumpsites accounting for 80% of legacy waste. With participation from over 2,500 experts and policymakers, the conclave emphasized collaborative efforts toward cleaner, sustainable, and efficiently governed urban ecosystems in India.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 'Deep Sea Fishing Vessels' at Mazgaon Dock in Mumbai under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. This initiative aims to enhance the fishing infrastructure and boost marine productivity. Over the next five years, the government plans to distribute 200 deep-sea fishing vessels on a cooperative basis across India. The program is a major step toward empowering fishermen, modernizing the fisheries sector, and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities while promoting sustainable fishing practices.

The 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference was organized in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, from 19 to 21 January. The conference was inaugurated by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, while the keynote address was delivered by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The event witnessed participation from Presiding Officers representing 28 states, 3 Union Territories, and 6 legislative councils. Key discussions during the conference focused on the use of legislative technology, capacity building of legislators, and enhancing accountability in parliamentary and legislative procedures.

India will host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, marking a significant milestone in promoting this traditional Indian sport globally. The event, supported by the Indian Olympic Association and the Kho Kho Federation of India, will feature 24 teams from six continents, including both men's and women's categories. This historic tournament aims to elevate Kho Kho's international recognition, foster sportsmanship, and celebrate India's cultural heritage, potentially paving the way for its inclusion in the global sports calendar.

At the U23 Asian Wrestling Championships 2025 held in Vung Tau, Vietnam, India achieved a remarkable performance by topping the team rankings in men’s freestyle and securing the women's freestyle team title. Indian women wrestlers delivered a dominant performance, winning medals in all 10 categories, including four gold and five silver. This historic feat highlights India's growing strength in wrestling on the continental stage and demonstrates the country’s investment in nurturing young talent for international success. The dual triumph in both men's and women's categories underlines a significant milestone for Indian wrestling.

The Kerala government launched Project Zero on May 26, 2026, as a comprehensive anti-corruption initiative aimed at ensuring zero tolerance towards bribery and promoting transparent public service delivery. The initiative is implemented by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) through a structured and phased approach. Its key objectives include ensuring corruption-free access to government services, protecting whistleblowers with confidentiality, and strengthening internal vigilance systems through training and monitoring. The program also integrates advanced technology to detect modern digital forms of corruption and updates the long-standing Vigilance Manual of 1969 to align with current investigative needs. The initiative reflects Kerala’s broader commitment to administrative transparency and ethical governance.

The glass sea bridge, a 77-meter-long and 10-meter-wide structure, connects the Tiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari, Tamil Nadu. It was inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Tiruvalluvar Statue. This innovative bridge provides safe access between the two landmarks, addressing previous transportation challenges caused by rough seas. The project, worth ₹37 crore, showcases Tamil Nadu's commitment to innovative infrastructure development and tourism growth.

Odisha is the state where the Coal to Ammonium Nitrate project is being developed following a land leasing agreement between Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). The project is located in Lakhanpur and focuses on converting coal into ammonium nitrate, a key chemical used in fertilizers and industrial explosives. This initiative supports India’s broader goal of reducing import dependency and enhancing self-reliance in the chemical and energy sectors through coal gasification technology, thereby contributing to both regional industrial growth and national economic objectives.