Online Current Affairs Test - Current Affairs Test - Random (Last 4 months)

Temasek Holdings, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, appointed Piyush Gupta, former CEO of DBS Bank, as its non-executive Chairman for India, effective December 1, 2025. In this role, Gupta will guide India-focused investment strategies, support portfolio companies, and strengthen engagement with government and business stakeholders. Gupta’s extensive experience, including leading DBS Bank through a digital transformation and regional expansion across Asia-Pacific, positions him to provide strategic insight and deepen Temasek’s presence in India. His appointment reflects the firm’s commitment to long-term growth in key sectors such as financial services, technology, healthcare, and clean energy.

KV Subramanian became the first Indian economist to receive the prestigious University of Chicago Alumni Award for Professional Achievement in the award’s 85-year history. The honour recognises his significant contributions to economic policy and research. During his tenure as Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, he authored three influential Economic Surveys that provided key insights into India’s economic strategy, emphasising competitive markets, policy autonomy, and inclusive growth. He has also served as Executive Director for India at the International Monetary Fund, focusing on issues affecting emerging markets. Currently, he works as a Professor of Finance at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

IDFC FIRST Bank introduced the IDFC FIRST Global Savings Account specifically for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) at GIFT City. This account is unique as it is separate from regular domestic and traditional NRI savings accounts. It allows account holders to maintain balances in foreign currencies like USD and Euro, eliminating currency conversion risk. Key benefits include full repatriability of funds, zero remittance charges, and interest income that is exempt from TDS. Additionally, the account offers attractive interest of 4.75% on USD balances with monthly compounding and supports seamless digital global transfers, making it highly beneficial for NRIs managing international finances.

Article 324 of the Indian Constitution vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission of India (ECI). These plenary powers enable the Commission to oversee electoral rolls and conduct elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. The authority under Article 324 supplements statutory provisions such as the Representation of the People Act, 1950, ensuring that elections remain free, fair, and credible. It also empowers the ECI to adjust procedural timelines, including Special Intensive Revision processes, to maintain transparency and effective electoral roll management.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) recently conducted the maiden flight of the Dhruv–New Generation (NG) helicopter in Bengaluru, marking its entry into the civil and export helicopter markets. The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter derived from the Dhruv ALH Mk-III civil platform, powered by indigenous Shakti engines. It is designed for day-night, all-weather operations, including offshore roles for ONGC. With DGCA certification for the Shakti civil engine and EASA restricted certification, Dhruv NG strengthens India’s indigenous helicopter capabilities, supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and provides a cost-effective alternative to imported twin-engine helicopters.

The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade achieved the top rank in the Times Business-School Ranking 2026, highlighting its strong reputation in global trade and international business education. Established in 1963, the institute has played a significant role in developing skilled professionals for India’s trade and commerce sectors. With multiple campuses across India and plans to expand internationally through its first overseas campus in Dubai, the institute continues to strengthen its global presence. Its focus on trade policy, international business, and applied research has contributed to its recognition as a leading business school in the country.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is the nodal agency responsible for overseeing and implementing India’s first compliance-based Carbon Credit Trading Scheme. The programme aims to regulate and monitor industrial emissions by assigning emission targets to nearly 490 industrial units across seven sectors for the 2025–26 period. Units emitting below prescribed limits can earn carbon credits, while those exceeding limits must purchase credits or face penalties. The initiative is designed to promote energy efficiency, encourage adoption of cleaner technologies, enhance transparency through verification processes, and strengthen India’s commitment to climate action and sustainable industrial growth.

$35.18 Million was the amount contributed by India to the United Nations Regular Budget for 2026. The payment was made within the prescribed deadline, allowing India to be included in the UN’s honour roll of countries that cleared their assessed contributions in full and on time. This contribution supports the UN’s core functions such as peacekeeping, development initiatives, human rights work, and administrative operations. Timely payment also enhances India’s credibility as a responsible global stakeholder and underscores its commitment to multilateral cooperation and a rules-based international order.

JP Morgan announced its plan to establish Asia’s largest Global Capability Centre in India, marking a significant milestone in the country’s global services landscape. The centre will be located in Powai, Mumbai, spread across 2 million square feet, and is expected to employ around 30,000 people by 2029. This move highlights India’s growing importance as a hub for banking, financial services, and technology-driven operations. It also reflects global corporations’ confidence in India’s skilled workforce, cost efficiency, and robust digital ecosystem, further strengthening the nation’s position in global finance.

Goa Liberation Day is observed annually on December 19 to mark the historic liberation of Goa from Portuguese colonial rule in 1961. The day commemorates the successful conclusion of Operation Vijay, a military action that led to the integration of Goa into the Indian Union after more than 450 years of foreign rule. It holds deep national significance as it symbolises the final end of European colonialism in India and reinforces the country’s commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The occasion also honours the sacrifices of Indian soldiers and freedom fighters, with the day being celebrated through tributes, cultural programmes, and patriotic events across Goa.

The International Solar Alliance is a multilateral initiative aimed at promoting solar energy adoption globally, particularly in developing countries. In January 2026, a major development occurred when the United States announced its withdrawal from the ISA, five years after joining in 2021. This decision is significant because the United States is one of the world’s largest economies and carbon emitters, and its exit could weaken global momentum on climate cooperation and solar energy financing. The withdrawal may also impact investor confidence and collective efforts to meet ambitious solar and climate targets set under the ISA framework.

India is the country designated as the Country of the Year at BIOFACH 2026 held in Nuremberg. This recognition highlights the nation’s leadership and growing prominence in the field of organic agriculture. APEDA is spearheading India’s participation by organising a large pavilion that showcases a wide range of organic products, including rice, spices, oilseeds, herbs, and value-added items. The involvement of over 20 States and Union Territories demonstrates the country’s rich agricultural diversity and its expanding footprint in the global organic export market, strengthening its position internationally.

The AYUSH Expo was organised in New Delhi as a major component of the 2nd WHO Global Conference on Traditional Medicine. Hosted at Bharat Mandapam between December 17 and 19, 2024, the event was jointly organised by the Ministry of AYUSH and the World Health Organization. The expo highlighted India’s rich heritage of traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy. It also featured specialised pavilions and zones such as medicinal plants, spices, metallotherapeutics, wellness practices, and the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library, reinforcing India’s leadership in traditional healthcare knowledge.

Pawan Kalyan, the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, became the first Indian to be formally inducted into Kenjutsu, an ancient Japanese samurai swordsmanship tradition. This rare honour is traditionally reserved for Japanese practitioners and recognises mastery in discipline, precision, and ethical conduct. His induction highlights India’s growing engagement with global martial arts and cultural traditions. Beyond technical skill, it reflects acceptance into a centuries-old lineage, showcasing dedication to martial arts, personal growth, and cross-cultural respect. Kalyan’s achievement also strengthens India-Japan cultural ties and places him among an elite group of non-Japanese practitioners worldwide.

The 23rd BioAsia 2026 Summit was inaugurated in Hyderabad by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The summit, themed ‘TechBio Unleashed – AI, Automation, and Revolutionary Changes in Life Sciences,’ brought together global experts and industry leaders. Over two days, participants discussed AI-driven research and development, next-generation biologics, digital transformation, and the evolving future of life sciences. The event also highlighted Telangana’s strategic vision to position itself as a world-class biopharma hub by 2047, reinforcing its growing prominence in biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Khanikar Stadium in Dibrugarh, Assam, which is set to become the state’s largest multi-sports hub. The facility aims to host regional and national sports events, enhance sports tourism, and provide expanded opportunities for athletes at the state level. This development represents a significant step toward modern sports infrastructure in Assam, promoting youth engagement and supporting the state’s vision of nurturing athletic talent. The location in Dibrugarh positions it strategically for regional accessibility and long-term sports development initiatives.

East Bengal FC created history by winning the inaugural SAFF Women’s Club Championship 2025, becoming the first Indian women’s club to secure an international football title. The final was held at Dasrath Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal, where East Bengal delivered a dominant performance to defeat the host team APF by 3–0. The team showcased strong tactical discipline, effective teamwork, and defensive solidity throughout the match. This landmark victory marks a significant milestone for Indian women’s football, enhancing the country’s reputation in South Asia and encouraging greater participation, investment, and development in the women’s game.

Sambar deer, the largest deer species in South Asia, were recorded at unusually high elevations in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. Traditionally, these deer are found in the lower Shivalik hills, moist deciduous forests, and regions below about 2,000 metres. However, camera trap images documented their presence in higher-altitude areas such as the Kalatop–Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gamgul Wildlife Sanctuary, where elevations exceed 2,500 to 3,000 metres. This observation is significant because it suggests possible shifts in wildlife distribution patterns. Factors such as climate change, habitat changes, and improved protection of forest areas may be influencing the movement and habitat range of species like the sambar deer.

India’s first government hospital–based AI clinic was launched at GIMS Noida as a pioneering step in integrating artificial intelligence into public healthcare. Established under the GIMS Centre for Medical Innovation, the clinic focuses on enhancing patient safety, improving diagnostic precision, and reducing treatment time through the use of AI-driven tools. In addition to direct patient benefits, the facility also acts as a real-world testing and validation platform for AI healthcare startups, supporting innovation and practical deployment of emerging technologies within the government healthcare system.

BIRSA 101 is India’s first fully indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy developed to treat Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), marking a major milestone in the nation’s genomic medicine capabilities. Launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh and dedicated to Birsa Munda on his 150th anniversary, the therapy represents a significant step toward India’s mission to eliminate SCD. It is designed as a low-cost alternative to global treatments that currently cost ₹20–25 crore, making advanced gene therapy accessible to a wider population. This innovation strengthens public health efforts while boosting India’s position in advanced biomedical research and healthcare technology.