Daily Current Affairs 15 July 2026

Q1 Who is the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary whose service was extended by six months in 2026?

• AN. Muruganandam
• BM. Sai KumarCorrect
• CSandeep Mittal
• DK. Shanmugam

Explanation The Centre extended the service of M. Sai Kumar, the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary, by six months.

Q2 Which officer was relieved from the duties of Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary before M. Sai Kumar's extension?

• AN. MuruganandamCorrect
• BSandeep Mittal
• CM. Sai Kumar
• DR. Subramanian

Explanation N. Muruganandam was relieved from his duties as Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary before the extension of M. Sai Kumar's service.

Q3 Who was appointed to head the Armed Police and DVAC in Tamil Nadu as per the recent appointments?

• AM. Sai Kumar
• BN. Muruganandam
• CSandeep MittalCorrect
• DR. K. Singh

Explanation Sandeep Mittal was appointed to head the Armed Police and the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Tamil Nadu.

Q1 Who accused the Tamil Nadu government of handing over Karur temple lands to encroachers?

• AChief Minister Vijay
• BActivist T.R. RameshCorrect
• CHR & CE officials
• DTVK government spokesperson

Explanation Activist T.R. Ramesh accused the government and HR & CE of handing over temple lands to encroachers during CM Vijay's visit.

Q2 What is the approximate value of the Karur temple lands involved in the controversy?

• A₹10,000 crore
• B₹15,000 crore
• C₹25,000 croreCorrect
• D₹30,000 crore

Explanation The lands in question are valued at around ₹25,000 crore as per the allegations.

Q3 Which department is alleged to have handed over the temple lands to encroachers?

• ARevenue Department
• BHR & CE DepartmentCorrect
• CForest Department
• DMunicipal Corporation

Explanation The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) department is alleged to have handed over the lands.

Q1 What is the current stance of the Communist Party of India (CPI) regarding joining the TVK-led Tamil Nadu government?

• ACPI plans to join immediately
• BCPI has no plans to join currentlyCorrect
• CCPI is already part of the government
• DCPI will join only after national elections

Explanation Veerapandian stated that CPI has no plans to join the TVK-led Tamil Nadu government at present.

Q2 According to Veerapandian, what is the CPI's position on the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu?

• ACPI is a key member of the DMK alliance
• BCPI is no longer part of the DMK-led allianceCorrect
• CCPI is planning to join the DMK alliance soon
• DCPI has merged with DMK

Explanation Veerapandian confirmed that CPI is no longer part of the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu.

Q3 When will CPI decide its political stand according to Veerapandian?

• AAfter national parliamentary elections
• BDuring the next state assembly elections
• CIn the coming local body and other electionsCorrect
• DImmediately after this announcement

Explanation Veerapandian mentioned that CPI will decide its stand in the coming local body and other elections.

Q1 From where did Anil Menon and the Russian cosmonauts lift off for their ISS mission?

• AKennedy Space Center
• BBaikonur CosmodromeCorrect
• CGuiana Space Centre
• DVostochny Cosmodrome

Explanation The spacecraft carrying Anil Menon and the Russian cosmonauts lifted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Q2 What is the duration of the International Space Station mission involving Anil Menon?

• A6 months
• B8 monthsCorrect
• C12 months
• D3 months

Explanation Anil Menon and his team are on an eight-month mission aboard the ISS.

Q3 What is one of the main objectives of Anil Menon's mission on the ISS?

• ATo repair the ISS modules
• BTo conduct scientific research and technology demonstrationsCorrect
• CTo train new astronauts
• DTo launch new satellites

Explanation Anil Menon will conduct scientific research and technology demonstrations aimed at advancing human space exploration and benefiting life on Earth.

Q1 What causes cyclosporiasis?

• AA microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensisCorrect
• BA bacterial infection from contaminated water
• CA viral infection spread by mosquitoes
• DA fungal infection from spoiled food

Explanation Cyclosporiasis is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis.

Q2 What is a main drawback of compensatory afforestation?

• AIt is very expensive to implement
• BPlantations are inherently different from natural ecosystemsCorrect
• CIt causes soil erosion
• DIt reduces agricultural productivity

Explanation One main drawback of compensatory afforestation is that plantations differ inherently from natural ecosystems.

Q3 How does cyclosporiasis spread?

• AThrough airborne droplets
• BThrough the faeco-oral routeCorrect
• CThrough direct skin contact
• DThrough contaminated soil

Explanation Cyclosporiasis spreads through the faeco-oral route.

Q1 What is the approved budget for the India Semiconductor Mission 2.0?

• A₹1.27 lakh croreCorrect
• B₹4 lakh crore
• C₹2 lakh crore
• D₹3 lakh crore

Explanation The Union Cabinet approved ₹1.27 lakh crore for the second edition of the India Semiconductor Mission.

Q2 What is the expected semiconductor production value during the Semiconductor Mission 2.0 period?

• A₹1.27 lakh crore
• B₹4 lakh crore
• C₹2 lakh croreCorrect
• D₹3 lakh crore

Explanation The government expects semiconductor production worth ₹2 lakh crore during the scheme period.

Q3 Who is the Union Minister associated with the announcement of the Semiconductor Mission 2.0?

• AAshwini VaishnawCorrect
• BNirmala Sitharaman
• CPiyush Goyal
• DRajnath Singh

Explanation Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the approval of the Semiconductor Mission 2.0.

Q1 Which company is acquiring Shell-owned Solenergi Power in a ₹17,200 crore deal?

• AAditya Birla RenewablesCorrect
• BTata Power
• CReliance Industries
• DAdani Green Energy

Explanation Aditya Birla Renewables is acquiring Shell-owned Solenergi Power in the ₹17,200 crore deal.

Q2 What is the significance of the Aditya Birla Group's acquisition of Sprng Energy?

• AIt is the largest acquisition in India's oil sector
• BIt is among the largest acquisitions in India's renewable energy sectorCorrect
• CIt marks the entry of Shell into the Indian market
• DIt is a joint venture between Aditya Birla and Shell

Explanation The acquisition is among the largest in India's renewable energy sector.

Q3 What is the approximate value of the deal for acquiring Shell's renewable energy company?

• A₹10,000 crore
• B₹17,200 croreCorrect
• C₹25,000 crore
• D₹5,000 crore

Explanation The deal is valued at ₹17,200 crore.

Q1 What is Washington Sundar's attitude towards batting in different positions for India?

• AHe prefers to bat only in the top order
• BHe has no problem batting anywhere and enjoys different rolesCorrect
• CHe avoids batting in pressure situations
• DHe only bats in the middle order

Explanation Washington Sundar stated he has no problem batting anywhere and finds excitement in different batting roles.

Q2 According to Washington Sundar, what excites him about batting in different roles?

• AThe chance to score centuries
• BBeing in different situations and phases of the gameCorrect
• CAvoiding pressure from the team
• DFocusing only on his personal performance

Explanation He mentioned that it is exciting to be in different situations and phases of the game.

Q3 What is Washington Sundar's primary goal when batting for India?

• ATo score the most runs in the tournament
• BTo help the team winCorrect
• CTo bat only in familiar positions
• DTo avoid risky shots

Explanation He said he tries his best to help the team win.

Q1 Which players scored for Spain in their 2-0 victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal?

• AOyarzabal and PorroCorrect
• BMbappe and Griezmann
• COyarzabal and Mbappe
• DPorro and Griezmann

Explanation Oyarzabal and Porro scored the goals that led Spain to a 2-0 win over France.

Q2 How many shots on target did France manage in their semifinal match against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

• ATwoCorrect
• BFive
• CZero
• DTen

Explanation France managed only two shots on target as Spain nullified their attack.

Q3 What was the significance of Spain's victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal?

• ASpain booked a spot in the World Cup finalCorrect
• BSpain was eliminated from the tournament
• CFrance advanced to the final
• DThe match ended in a draw

Explanation Spain's 2-0 win over France secured their place in the World Cup final.

Q1 Who starred alongside Axar Patel in the match-winning partnership in the 1st ODI against England?

• AShubman Gill
• BWashington SundarCorrect
• CVirat Kohli
• DRohit Sharma

Explanation Axar Patel formed a match-winning partnership with Washington Sundar as per The Hindu report.

Q2 What was the result of the 1st ODI between India and England?

• AIndia won by 6 wicketsCorrect
• BEngland won by 6 wickets
• CMatch tied
• DMatch abandoned

Explanation India defeated England by 6 wickets in the 1st ODI as reported by Indian Express.

Q3 What notable contribution did the Indian captain make in the 1st ODI against England?

• AScored a century
• BTook five wickets
• CScored 80 runs before retiring hurtCorrect
• DDid not play

Explanation The Indian captain laid the platform with a classy 80 before retiring hurt, according to The Hindu.

Q1 How many knockout goals did Jude Bellingham score in the FIFA World Cup 2026?

• ATwo
• BThree
• CFourCorrect
• DFive

Explanation Jude Bellingham scored four decisive knockout goals in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Q2 What has Jude Bellingham's performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026 led to?

• ABeing England's top scorer in the group stage
• BBecoming the player England relies on in difficult momentsCorrect
• CWinning the Golden Boot
• DBeing named team captain

Explanation Bellingham's four knockout goals have made him the player England turns towards in difficult moments.

Q1 What was significant about India's win over England in the women's Test at Lord's?

• AIt was India's first win in a women's Test match at Lord's
• BIt was the first ever women's Test match held at Lord'sCorrect
• CIndia won by a record margin in women's cricket
• DIt was the first women's cricket match between India and England

Explanation The match was the first ever women's Test held at Lord's, and India won emphatically.

Q2 Which players did the Indian coach particularly praise after the win at Lord's?

• ARookie pacer Kranti and centurion YastikaCorrect
• BCaptain and wicketkeeper
• COpening batsman and lead spinner
• DAll-rounder and vice-captain

Explanation The coach highlighted the performances of rookie pacer Kranti and centurion Yastika.

Q3 What did the Indian coach attribute the victory to in the women's Test at Lord's?

• AIndividual brilliance of the captain
• BTeamwork among playersCorrect
• CHome ground advantage
• DSuperior fitness levels

Explanation The coach attributed the triumph to teamwork among the players.

Q1 Which two teams are set to face each other in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals?

• AEngland and ArgentinaCorrect
• BBrazil and Germany
• CFrance and Italy
• DSpain and Portugal

Explanation The article states that England and Argentina have made it to the semifinals and will face each other.

Q2 What has contributed to the rivalry between England and Argentina in the FIFA World Cup?

• AMemorable matches and controversyCorrect
• BGeographical proximity
• CSame football league
• DShared players

Explanation The rivalry is described as being forged by memorable matches, war, and controversy.

Q3 What qualities have England and Argentina shown to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals?

• ACharacter and resilienceCorrect
• BLuck and favoritism
• CFinancial power
• DHome advantage

Explanation Both teams have shown character and resilience to make it to the semifinals.

Q1 How many World Cup tournaments has Cristiano Ronaldo participated in without winning?

• AFour
• BFive
• CSixCorrect
• DSeven

Explanation Cristiano Ronaldo has participated in six World Cup tournaments but has not won the event.

Q2 What aspect of Ronaldo's career remains unaffected despite not winning the World Cup?

• AHis legacy as one of the greatest footballersCorrect
• BHis record as the top World Cup scorer
• CHis coaching career
• DHis achievements in cricket

Explanation Despite not winning the World Cup, Ronaldo's legacy as one of the greatest footballers remains intact.

Q3 Which nationality does Cristiano Ronaldo represent?

• ABrazil
• BSpain
• CPortugalCorrect
• DArgentina

Explanation Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese footballer.

Q1 Which of the following events was NOT mentioned as organized by companies in Technopark during FIFA World Cup 2026?

• AJersey Day
• BPenalty shootout
• CFans’ tournament
• DMarathon raceCorrect

Explanation The events mentioned include Jersey Day, penalty shootout, fans’ tournament, prediction contests, and quiz; marathon race was not mentioned.

Q2 Where are companies organizing events like Jersey Day and penalty shootouts to celebrate FIFA World Cup 2026?

• ATechnopark, ThiruvananthapuramCorrect
• BInfosys, Bengaluru
• CTidel Park, Chennai
• DDLF Cyber City, Gurgaon

Explanation The events are being organized by companies in Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram.

Q3 What is the main purpose of the events organized by companies in Technopark during FIFA World Cup 2026?

• ATo promote cricket in India
• BTo engage employees and fans in the spirit of the tournamentCorrect
• CTo raise funds for charity
• DTo recruit new employees

Explanation The events aim to engage employees and football enthusiasts in the spirit of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Q1 What challenge did Indian karting sensation Atiqa face while racing in Europe?

• ALack of sponsorship
• BBullying by boys on the trackCorrect
• CTechnical issues with her kart
• DLanguage barriers

Explanation Atiqa faced bullying by boys on the track but learned to stand up to them.

Q2 Where is Indian karting sensation Atiqa making a mark in her sport?

• AAsia
• BEuropeCorrect
• CNorth America
• DAustralia

Explanation Atiqa is blazing a trail in European karting circuits.

Q1 Which teams have reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals according to the analysis?

• ATeams ranked in the top four prior to the World CupCorrect
• BTeams ranked outside the top ten
• CTeams from the host country only
• DTeams that won the previous World Cup

Explanation The semi-finals feature the teams with the top four rankings prior to the World Cup.

Q2 What does the analysis of the FIFA semi-finals focus on?

• AThe different paths and relative strengths of the top four teamsCorrect
• BThe number of goals scored by each team in the tournament
• CThe weather conditions during the matches
• DThe ticket sales for the semi-final matches

Explanation The analysis shows the different paths the top four teams have taken and their relative strengths.

Q3 What is expected about the two FIFA World Cup semi-final matches?

• AThey could be closely contestedCorrect
• BThey will be one-sided matches
• CThey will be played in the same stadium
• DThey will feature teams from the same continent

Explanation The matches are expected to be close based on the analysis of team strengths.

Q1 Why did India summon the Iranian envoy in July 2026?

• ATo discuss trade agreements
• BFollowing an attack in the Strait of Hormuz where an Indian sailor was killedCorrect
• CTo plan a joint naval exercise
• DTo invite Iran to a cultural festival

Explanation India summoned the Iranian envoy after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz resulted in the death of an Indian sailor.

Q2 What was the Indian External Affairs Ministry's response to the attack on the ship?

• AThey ignored the incident
• BThey expressed deepest concerns and urged for de-escalationCorrect
• CThey imposed sanctions on Iran
• DThey requested military intervention

Explanation The External Affairs Ministry conveyed deepest concerns about the incident and urged for de-escalation.

Q3 Where did the attack that killed the Indian sailor take place?

• ABay of Bengal
• BStrait of HormuzCorrect
• CArabian Sea
• DGulf of Aden

Explanation The attack occurred in the Strait of Hormuz.

Q1 Who issued the order allowing Bengaluru restaurants to remain open till 3:30 a.m. during FIFA World Cup matches?

• ABengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar SinghCorrect
• BNational Restaurant Association of India
• CKarnataka Chief Minister
• DFIFA officials

Explanation The order was issued by Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh.

Q2 What was the reason for Bengaluru restaurants being allowed to stay open till 3:30 a.m.?

• ATo celebrate a local festival
• BFollowing a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India for FIFA World Cup matchesCorrect
• CTo boost tourism during summer
• DDue to a government holiday

Explanation The extension was granted following a representation from the National Restaurant Association of India for FIFA World Cup matches.

Q3 Until what time can Bengaluru restaurants remain open during FIFA World Cup matches as per the new order?

• AMidnight
• B2:00 a.m.
• C3:30 a.m.Correct
• D5:00 a.m.

Explanation Restaurants can remain open until 3:30 a.m. during FIFA World Cup matches.