Daily Current Affairs 14 July 2026
Daily current affairs for 14 July 2026 — 17 verified news items across International, National, Economy & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice…
In this digest · 17 items
International
US Scientist Detained in China Faces Espionage Trial After Two Years
A Chinese-born American seismologist has been detained in China for nearly two years on espionage charges. The scientist conducted publicly funded research focused on detecting North Korean nuclear tests. The US government has designated this individual as wrongfully detained amid concerns over the espionage allegations.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the nationality of the seismologist detained in China?
- AChinese
- BAmericanCorrect
- CNorth Korean
- DIndian
Explanation The detained seismologist is a Chinese-born American, as stated in the source.
Q2 For what reason has the US scientist been detained in China?
- AIllegal immigration
- BEspionage chargesCorrect
- CTax evasion
- DAcademic misconduct
Explanation The scientist has been detained on espionage charges in China.
Q3 What type of research was the detained scientist conducting?
- AClimate change studies
- BDetecting North Korean nuclear testsCorrect
- CArtificial intelligence
- DSpace exploration
Explanation The scientist conducted publicly funded research on detecting North Korean nuclear tests.
Iran Vows Strait of Hormuz Won't Reopen Through Aggression Amid US Tensions
Amid escalating tensions with the US, Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen through war and aggression. Tehran has introduced a bill focused on managing this strategic waterway. Meanwhile, the US continues military strikes, and Gulf nations have condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the region.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What has Iran declared regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amid tensions with the US?
- AIt will reopen only through diplomatic talks
- BIt will not reopen through war and aggressionCorrect
- CIt will remain closed indefinitely
- DIt will reopen under US supervision
Explanation Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen through war and aggression.
Q2 What action has Tehran taken concerning the Strait of Hormuz?
- ASigned a peace treaty with the US
- BIntroduced a bill on managing the waterwayCorrect
- CClosed the strait permanently
- DAllowed Gulf nations to manage the strait
Explanation Tehran has introduced a bill focused on managing the strategic waterway of the Strait of Hormuz.
Q3 How have Gulf nations responded to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz?
- ASupported Iran's stance
- BCondemned attacks on commercial shippingCorrect
- CRemained neutral
- DClosed their ports
Explanation Gulf nations have condemned attacks on commercial shipping amid the tensions.
Jaishankar Discusses West Asia and Ukraine with UN Chief Guterres
On July 14, 2026, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. The talks focused on global developments, specifically the situations in West Asia and Ukraine. This meeting highlights India's engagement with the UN on pressing international issues.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which global issues did S. Jaishankar discuss with UN Chief António Guterres in July 2026?
- AWest Asia and UkraineCorrect
- BClimate change and trade
- CSouth Asia and Africa
- DTechnology and education
Explanation The discussion focused on global developments including West Asia and Ukraine.
Q2 Who did Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar meet to discuss global developments in 2026?
- AUN Secretary-General António GuterresCorrect
- BUS President
- CRussian Foreign Minister
- DChinese Ambassador
Explanation Jaishankar met with UN Chief António Guterres to discuss global issues.
Q3 When did S. Jaishankar discuss West Asia and Ukraine with the UN Chief?
- AJuly 14, 2026Correct
- BJanuary 1, 2026
- CDecember 31, 2025
- DMarch 15, 2026
Explanation The meeting took place on July 14, 2026.
National
NIA Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Hafiz Saeed in Pahalgam Attack Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Hafiz Saeed, the chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba, in connection with the Pahalgam attack. Hafiz Saeed is designated as a global terrorist by both the Indian and US governments and is known as one of the masterminds behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. The issuance of the warrant paves the way for the trial of the Pahalgam attack case to proceed in absentia.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What legal action did the NIA court take against Hafiz Saeed in the Pahalgam attack case?
- AIssued a non-bailable arrest warrantCorrect
- BAcquitted him of all charges
- CGranted him bail
- DClosed the case
Explanation The NIA court issued a non-bailable arrest warrant against Hafiz Saeed in connection with the Pahalgam attack.
Q2 Which terrorist organization is Hafiz Saeed the chief of?
- ALashkar-e-TaibaCorrect
- BJaish-e-Mohammed
- CAl-Qaeda
- DISIS
Explanation Hafiz Saeed is the chief of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Q3 What is Hafiz Saeed's designation by the Indian and US governments?
- AGlobal terroristCorrect
- BDiplomat
- CHuman rights activist
- DPolitical leader
Explanation Hafiz Saeed is designated as a global terrorist by both the Indian and US governments.
Supreme Court fines comedian Samay Raina ₹3 lakh for insensitive remarks
The Supreme Court of India imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on comedian Samay Raina for making insensitive remarks about persons with disabilities on his show. Initially, the bench considered a fine of ₹10 lakh but reduced it to ₹3 lakh per person. The court warned that if the fine is not complied with, it could increase to ₹30 lakh. This action was taken due to violations of court orders regarding respectful conduct towards persons with disabilities.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What fine did the Supreme Court impose on comedian Samay Raina for insensitive remarks?
- A₹10 lakh
- B₹3 lakhCorrect
- C₹30 lakh
- DNo fine imposed
Explanation The Supreme Court imposed a fine of ₹3 lakh on Samay Raina after initially considering ₹10 lakh.
Q2 What was the reason for the Supreme Court imposing a fine on Samay Raina?
- AMaking insensitive remarks about persons with disabilitiesCorrect
- BTax evasion
- CContempt of court unrelated to remarks
- DViolation of traffic rules
Explanation The fine was imposed due to insensitive remarks made about persons with disabilities on his show.
Q3 What did the Supreme Court warn if the fine imposed on Samay Raina is not complied with?
- AThe case will be dismissed
- BThe fine will be increased to ₹30 lakhCorrect
- CHe will be imprisoned immediately
- DNo further action will be taken
Explanation The court warned that if the fine is not complied with, it could increase to ₹30 lakh.
Delhi Court Convicts Ex-AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain in IB Officer Ankit Sharma Murder Case
A Delhi court convicted former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others in the murder case of IB officer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 riots. The Additional Sessions Judge found five accused guilty, including Hussain, who was convicted on charges such as murder, kidnapping with intent to confine, rioting with deadly weapons, promoting enmity, and using assault and criminal force. However, Hussain was acquitted of charges related to hatching a criminal conspiracy and abetment of mutiny.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who was convicted by the Delhi court in the IB officer Ankit Sharma murder case during the 2020 riots?
- AFormer AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four othersCorrect
- BOnly Tahir Hussain
- CTen accused including Tahir Hussain
- DNo one was convicted
Explanation The court convicted former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others in the murder case.
Q2 Which of the following charges was Tahir Hussain acquitted of in the Ankit Sharma murder case?
- AMurder
- BKidnapping with intent to confine
- CHatching a criminal conspiracy and abetment of mutinyCorrect
- DRioting with deadly weapons
Explanation Tahir Hussain was acquitted on charges of hatching a criminal conspiracy and abetment of mutiny.
Q3 What role did Ankit Sharma hold, who was murdered during the 2020 riots?
- AIB officerCorrect
- BPolice officer
- CPolitician
- DJournalist
Explanation Ankit Sharma was an Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer.
Prashant Kishor and Wife Declare Over ₹208 Crore Assets in Bankipur By-election
In the Bankipur assembly by-election, Prashant Kishor submitted an election affidavit declaring his own assets worth Rs 96 crore and his wife's assets worth Rs 101 crore, totaling over Rs 208 crore. Additionally, Kishor has eight criminal cases pending against him, mostly related to unlawful assembly. This affidavit was filed as part of the nomination process for the by-election.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the total declared asset value of Prashant Kishor and his wife in the Bankipur by-election affidavit?
- AOver Rs 208 croreCorrect
- BRs 96 crore
- CRs 101 crore
- DRs 150 crore
Explanation Prashant Kishor declared Rs 96 crore in his own assets and Rs 101 crore in his wife's assets, totaling over Rs 208 crore.
Q2 How many criminal cases are pending against Prashant Kishor as per his election affidavit?
- AEightCorrect
- BFive
- CTen
- DNone
Explanation Prashant Kishor has eight criminal cases pending, mostly related to unlawful assembly.
Q3 The criminal cases pending against Prashant Kishor mostly relate to which of the following?
- AUnlawful assemblyCorrect
- BCorruption
- CMurder
- DFinancial fraud
Explanation Most of the eight criminal cases against Prashant Kishor deal with unlawful assembly.
IED Blast Near Assam Rifles Vehicle in Nagaland Kills One, Injures Four
An IED blast targeted an Assam Rifles convoy near Sukhovi in Nagaland, killing one jawan and injuring four others. The incident occurred as the convoy was returning from Sukhovi to Dimapur town. Security forces are investigating the attack amid ongoing operations in the region.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Where did the IED blast targeting the Assam Rifles convoy occur?
- ADimapur
- BSukhoviCorrect
- CKohima
- DImphal
Explanation The IED blast occurred near Sukhovi in Nagaland as per the reports.
Q2 What was the outcome of the IED blast near the Assam Rifles vehicle in Nagaland?
- ANo casualties reported
- BOne jawan killed and four injuredCorrect
- CTwo jawans killed
- DOnly injuries, no deaths
Explanation The blast killed one Assam Rifles jawan and injured four others.
Q3 The Assam Rifles convoy was returning from which location when the IED blast occurred?
- ADimapur to Sukhovi
- BSukhovi to DimapurCorrect
- CKohima to Sukhovi
- DImphal to Dimapur
Explanation The convoy was returning from Sukhovi to Dimapur town when the blast happened.
Chinese Lessor Moves DGCA to Deregister Four SpiceJet Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft
SpiceJet is facing legal action from a Chinese lessor seeking to deregister and repossess four grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. While SpiceJet asserts that its operations will not be affected by this move, legal experts warn that deregistration could impact the airline's fleet size and operational capacity.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which airline is facing action from a Chinese lessor to deregister four aircraft?
- ASpiceJetCorrect
- BAir India
- CIndiGo
- DVistara
Explanation SpiceJet is the airline facing action from a Chinese lessor to deregister four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.
Q2 What type of aircraft is the Chinese lessor seeking to repossess from SpiceJet?
- ABoeing 737 MAXCorrect
- BAirbus A320
- CBoeing 777
- DEmbraer E190
Explanation The lessor is seeking to repossess four grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft from SpiceJet.
Q3 What could be the potential impact of deregistering the four SpiceJet aircraft?
- AIncrease in airline's fleet size
- BNo impact on airline operations
- CImpact on fleet and operational capacityCorrect
- DImprovement in airline's financial status
Explanation Legal experts caution that deregistration could impact SpiceJet's fleet size and operational capacity.
Economy
Indian Rupee Falls to 96.30 Against US Dollar Amid Geopolitical Tensions
On July 14, 2026, the Indian rupee depreciated by 62 paise to close at 96.30 against the US dollar. The fall was attributed to rising crude oil prices due to renewed geopolitical tensions and increased demand for the US dollar as investors sought safe-haven assets. Earlier on the same day, the rupee had fallen 48 paise to 96.16 in early trade. On July 13, the rupee had closed at 95.68, depreciating by 30 paise.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the closing value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar on July 14, 2026?
- A95.68
- B96.16
- C96.30Correct
- D95.38
Explanation The rupee closed at 96.30 against the US dollar on July 14, 2026, after falling 62 paise.
Q2 Which factor contributed to the depreciation of the Indian rupee on July 14, 2026?
- ADecrease in crude oil prices
- BRenewed geopolitical tensionsCorrect
- CLower demand for US dollar
- DIncrease in foreign investment
Explanation The rupee fell due to rising crude oil prices caused by renewed geopolitical tensions and increased demand for the US dollar.
Q3 How much did the Indian rupee depreciate on July 13, 2026?
- A30 paiseCorrect
- B48 paise
- C62 paise
- D95.68 paise
Explanation On July 13, 2026, the rupee depreciated by 30 paise to close at 95.68 against the US dollar.
Wholesale Inflation Nears Double Digits in June Due to Food and Fuel Costs
In June, producer price inflation in India rose to 9.87%, approaching double digits. This increase was primarily driven by rising costs in food and petroleum-related products. The surge in wholesale inflation reflects the impact of higher prices in essential commodities such as food and fuel during the month.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the producer price inflation rate in India in June as reported?
- A8.75%
- B9.87%Correct
- C10.5%
- D7.9%
Explanation Producer price inflation climbed to 9.87% in June, as stated in the source.
Q2 Which factors primarily drove the rise in wholesale inflation in June?
- AFood and petroleum costsCorrect
- BHousing and transport costs
- CEducation and healthcare costs
- DClothing and electronics costs
Explanation The increase in wholesale inflation was driven by rising food and petroleum-linked costs.
Retail Inflation Breaches RBI Target in June 2026 Due to Rising Food Prices
In June 2026, India's Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation rose to 4.38% from 3.93% in May, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India's medium-term target of 4% for the first time since January 2025. This increase is primarily driven by rising food prices and is the first breach since the introduction of the new CPI series in January 2026. The inflation rise coincides with concerns over a patchy monsoon, which adds fresh risks to the inflation outlook.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the CPI-based retail inflation rate in India in June 2026?
- A3.93%
- B4.38%Correct
- C4.00%
- D5.00%
Explanation The CPI-based retail inflation rate rose to 4.38% in June 2026.
Q2 What factor primarily drove the rise in retail inflation in June 2026?
- ARising fuel prices
- BRising food pricesCorrect
- CIncrease in housing costs
- DHigher transportation costs
Explanation The rise in retail inflation was primarily driven by rising food prices.
Q3 When was the last time before June 2026 that inflation breached the RBI's medium-term target of 4%?
- AJanuary 2025Correct
- BJanuary 2026
- CMay 2026
- DDecember 2025
Explanation Inflation breached the RBI target for the first time since January 2025.
Aditya Birla Group to Acquire Sprng Energy from Shell in ₹17,200 Crore Deal
India's Aditya Birla Group's renewables arm is set to acquire Sprng Energy from Shell in a deal valued at ₹17,200 crore. This transaction is one of the largest acquisitions in India's renewable energy sector, marking a significant expansion for the Aditya Birla Group in the clean energy market.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which company is acquiring Sprng Energy from Shell?
- AAditya Birla GroupCorrect
- BTata Group
- CReliance Industries
- DAdani Group
Explanation The Aditya Birla Group's renewables arm is acquiring Sprng Energy from Shell.
Q2 What is the value of the deal for acquiring Sprng Energy from Shell?
- A₹10,000 crore
- B₹17,200 croreCorrect
- C₹20,000 crore
- D₹15,500 crore
Explanation The acquisition deal is valued at ₹17,200 crore.
Q3 The acquisition of Sprng Energy by Aditya Birla Group is significant because it is:
- AThe largest acquisition in India's IT sector
- BOne of the largest acquisitions in India's renewable energy sectorCorrect
- CA minor deal in the energy sector
- DThe first acquisition by Aditya Birla Group
Explanation This transaction is among the largest acquisitions in India's renewable energy sector.
Jio Platforms Appoints Pankaj Pawar as CEO Replacing Kiran Thomas Ahead of IPO
Jio Platforms has appointed Pankaj Pawar as its new chief executive officer, replacing Kiran Thomas. This leadership change comes ahead of the company's planned initial public offering (IPO), as revealed in the draft IPO papers.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who has been appointed as the new CEO of Jio Platforms ahead of its IPO?
- AKiran Thomas
- BMukesh Ambani
- CPankaj PawarCorrect
- DAnil Ambani
Explanation Jio Platforms replaced CEO Kiran Thomas with Pankaj Pawar ahead of its planned IPO.
Q2 What significant corporate event is Jio Platforms preparing for during the CEO change?
- AMerger
- BInitial Public OfferingCorrect
- CAcquisition
- DBankruptcy
Explanation The CEO replacement occurred ahead of Jio Platforms' planned initial public offering (IPO).
Q3 Who was the CEO of Jio Platforms before Pankaj Pawar?
- APankaj Pawar
- BKiran ThomasCorrect
- CMukesh Ambani
- DSunil Bharti Mittal
Explanation Kiran Thomas was replaced by Pankaj Pawar as CEO of Jio Platforms.
Birla Group Acquires Sprng Energy in $1.8 Billion Renewable Deal
Kumar Mangalam Birla has significantly increased the Aditya Birla Group's presence in India's renewable energy sector by acquiring Sprng Energy from Shell for $1.8 billion. This acquisition will more than double the group's clean power capacity, positioning it among the top renewable energy players in India.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which company did Kumar Mangalam Birla's Aditya Birla Group acquire to boost its renewable energy capacity?
- ASuzlon Energy
- BReNew Power
- CSprng EnergyCorrect
- DTata Power
Explanation The Aditya Birla Group acquired Sprng Energy from Shell to increase its renewable energy capacity.
Q2 What was the value of the acquisition deal between Aditya Birla Group and Shell for Sprng Energy?
- A$1.2 billion
- B$1.8 billionCorrect
- C$2.5 billion
- D$3 billion
Explanation The acquisition deal was valued at $1.8 billion.
Q3 What is the impact of the Sprng Energy acquisition on Aditya Birla Group's clean power capacity?
- AIt remains the same
- BIt decreases slightly
- CIt more than doublesCorrect
- DIt triples
Explanation The acquisition will more than double the Aditya Birla Group's clean power capacity.
Tamil Nadu
Supreme Court Stays Madras HC Order Banning Cow Slaughter in Tamil Nadu
The Madras High Court on May 27 ordered a blanket ban on the slaughter of cows and calves in Tamil Nadu, citing a 1976 order aimed at protecting milk production and rural economy. The court also ruled that goats and sheep should only be slaughtered in licensed slaughterhouses. Tamil Nadu government appealed against this order to the Supreme Court. Subsequently, the Supreme Court stayed the Madras High Court's order, temporarily suspending the ban on cow slaughter in the state.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did the Madras High Court order on May 27 regarding cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu?
- AA complete ban on cow and calf slaughter in the stateCorrect
- BOnly licensed slaughterhouses can operate for all animals
- CBan on slaughter of goats and sheep only
- DNo restrictions on cow slaughter
Explanation The Madras High Court ordered a blanket ban on the slaughter of cows and calves in Tamil Nadu on May 27.
Q2 What was the basis for the Madras High Court's order banning cow slaughter?
- AA 1976 order aimed at protecting milk production and rural economyCorrect
- BA new law passed by Tamil Nadu assembly
- CA Supreme Court directive
- DA central government notification
Explanation The Madras High Court order was based on a 1976 order which prohibited cow slaughter to protect milk production and improve the rural economy.
Q3 What action did the Supreme Court take regarding the Madras High Court's cow slaughter ban?
- AUpheld the Madras High Court order
- BStayed the Madras High Court orderCorrect
- CModified the ban to exclude calves
- DRejected Tamil Nadu's appeal
Explanation The Supreme Court stayed the Madras High Court's order, temporarily suspending the ban on cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister Vijay inaugurates MLA office and e-Sevai centre in Perambur
Chief Minister Vijay inaugurated the MLA office and the e-Sevai (e-Service) centre in his Perambur constituency. During his visit, he held discussions with officials regarding integrated development projects for Perambur and received petitions from the public. Additionally, he visited a PDS shop and an MTC EV charging depot in the area as part of his engagement with local infrastructure and services.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What facilities did Chief Minister Vijay inaugurate in his Perambur constituency?
- AMLA office and e-Sevai centreCorrect
- BNew hospital and school
- CSports complex and library
- DMetro station and bus terminal
Explanation Chief Minister Vijay inaugurated the MLA office and the e-Sevai (e-Service) centre in Perambur.
Q2 Which of the following did the Chief Minister visit in Perambur besides inaugurations?
- AA PDS shop and an MTC EV charging depotCorrect
- BA railway station and a hospital
- CA school and a sports stadium
- DA library and a community hall
Explanation He visited a PDS shop and an MTC EV charging depot in the area.
Q3 What activity did the Chief Minister undertake with officials during his Perambur visit?
- ADiscussed integrated development projectsCorrect
- BLaunched a new political campaign
- CInaugurated a cultural festival
- DAnnounced new tax reforms
Explanation He held discussions with officials on integrated development projects for Perambur.
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