Daily Current Affairs 21 July 2026
Daily current affairs for 21 July 2026 — 17 verified news items across Sports, National, Economy & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice MCQs.
In this digest · 17 items
Sports
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final: Argentina vs Spain Showdown
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final features a highly anticipated clash between Argentina and Spain. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faces Spain, captained by Yamal. The match is highlighted by contrasting styles, with Argentina's offense set against Spain's defense. Notably, Argentina recorded an unwanted statistic of zero shots in 90 minutes against Spain in the final. The referees for the match have been appointed, adding to the event's significance.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which two teams competed in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
- AArgentina and Brazil
- BSpain and Germany
- CArgentina and SpainCorrect
- DFrance and Spain
Explanation The final match was between Argentina and Spain as stated in the sources.
Q2 What was the notable unwanted record Argentina set against Spain in the final?
- ANo goals scored in 90 minutes
- BZero shots in 90 minutesCorrect
- CMost fouls committed
- DMost yellow cards received
Explanation Argentina recorded zero shots in 90 minutes against Spain in the final.
Q3 Who is the key offensive player for Argentina mentioned in the final?
- AYamal
- BLionel MessiCorrect
- CIsco
- DArtime
Explanation Lionel Messi is highlighted as the key offensive player for Argentina.
FIFA to Investigate Argentina Players' Violent Conduct After World Cup Final Brawl
Following the FIFA World Cup final held in New Jersey, a violent altercation broke out between Argentina and Spain players immediately after the final whistle. The incident began when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shoved Spain's Gavi to the ground as Spanish substitutes entered the pitch to celebrate their 1-0 victory. This led to a brawl involving players from both teams. In response, FIFA has announced an investigation into the violent conduct of Argentina players during the match.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What triggered the brawl between Argentina and Spain players after the FIFA World Cup final?
- AArgentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shoved Spain’s Gavi to the groundCorrect
- BSpain players refused to shake hands with Argentina players
- CThe referee gave a controversial penalty
- DArgentina players celebrated prematurely
Explanation The brawl started when Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes shoved Spain’s Gavi to the ground as Spanish substitutes entered the pitch to celebrate.
Q2 What action did FIFA take following the violent conduct in the World Cup final?
- AFIFA announced an investigation into Argentina players' conductCorrect
- BFIFA awarded the match to Argentina
- CFIFA banned Spain players from next tournament
- DFIFA ignored the incident
Explanation FIFA announced a probe into the violent conduct of Argentina players after the World Cup final brawl.
Q3 Where was the FIFA World Cup final held where the brawl occurred?
- ANew JerseyCorrect
- BMadrid
- CBuenos Aires
- DLondon
Explanation The final and the subsequent brawl took place in New Jersey.
Spain Wins FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Against Argentina with Ferran Torres' Goal
In the FIFA World Cup 2026 final held on July 19, 2026, Spain defeated Argentina with a goal by Ferran Torres in extra time. Spain dominated the match, while Argentina played with ten men and was largely tepid throughout the game. This victory marks Spain's second World Cup title.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who scored the winning goal in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
- ALionel Messi
- BFerran TorresCorrect
- CYamal
- DSergio Ramos
Explanation Ferran Torres scored the winning goal for Spain in extra time.
Q2 Which team won the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
- AArgentina
- BSpainCorrect
- CBrazil
- DGermany
Explanation Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Argentina.
Q3 What was notable about Argentina's team during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
- AThey played with 11 men throughout
- BThey dominated the match
- CThey played with 10 menCorrect
- DThey scored first
Explanation Argentina played with 10 men during the match.
Spain wins 2026 FIFA World Cup with Ferran Torres' winning goal
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, securing their second World Cup trophy. The only goal of the match was scored by Ferran Torres, echoing the historic 2010 final when Andres Iniesta scored in extra time to give Spain their first title. Spain's victory also involved successfully containing Argentina's star player Lionel Messi.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who scored the winning goal for Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?
- AAndres Iniesta
- BFerran TorresCorrect
- CLionel Messi
- DSergio Ramos
Explanation Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, leading Spain to victory.
Q2 Which team did Spain defeat to win their second FIFA World Cup title in 2026?
- ABrazil
- BGermany
- CArgentinaCorrect
- DFrance
Explanation Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to win their second title.
Q3 Which Spanish player scored the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final?
- AFerran Torres
- BAndres IniestaCorrect
- CDavid Villa
- DXavi Hernandez
Explanation Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal in extra time in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, securing Spain's first title.
National
Government Proposes Increasing Supreme Court Judges to 38
In 2026, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal to increase the number of Supreme Court judges to 38 to reduce case pendency. Following this, the government appointed five new judges on 1 June. Subsequently, a bill was tabled in the Lok Sabha to formalize this increase in the Supreme Court bench strength. This move aims to address the backlog of cases involving complex legal questions in the apex court.
Source PRS Legislative Research
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the new proposed strength of the Supreme Court bench as per the 2026 government proposal?
- A33 judges
- B38 judgesCorrect
- C40 judges
- D45 judges
Explanation The government proposed increasing the Supreme Court bench strength to 38 judges.
Q2 When did the government appoint five new Supreme Court judges to help reduce pendency?
- A1 May 2026
- B1 June 2026Correct
- C20 July 2026
- D15 August 2026
Explanation The government appointed five new judges on 1 June 2026 to reduce case pendency.
Q3 What was the primary reason for increasing the number of Supreme Court judges in 2026?
- ATo handle more criminal cases
- BTo reduce pendency of cases involving complex legal questionsCorrect
- CTo increase the retirement age of judges
- DTo reduce the number of benches
Explanation The increase aimed to reduce the pendency of cases involving complex legal questions in the Supreme Court.
India Approves First Dengue Vaccine QDENGA for Ages 4 to 60
India has approved Takeda's QDENGA vaccine, the country's first dengue vaccine, for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. The Drug Controller General of India authorized the two-dose vaccine, which can be administered without prior dengue screening. QDENGA is designed to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes, providing a new prevention tool amid the rising burden of dengue disease in India.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the age range for which India's first dengue vaccine QDENGA has been approved?
- A2 to 50 years
- B4 to 60 yearsCorrect
- C5 to 65 years
- D10 to 70 years
Explanation QDENGA has been approved for people aged 4 to 60 years as per the official approval.
Q2 Which of the following is true about Takeda's QDENGA vaccine approved in India?
- ARequires prior dengue screening before administration
- BProtects against only one dengue virus serotype
- CIs a two-dose vaccine protecting against all four dengue virus serotypesCorrect
- DIs approved only for adults above 18 years
Explanation QDENGA is a two-dose vaccine designed to protect against all four dengue virus serotypes and can be administered without prior dengue screening.
Q3 Who approved the QDENGA dengue vaccine in India?
- AIndian Council of Medical Research
- BDrug Controller General of IndiaCorrect
- CMinistry of Health and Family Welfare
- DCentral Drugs Standard Control Organization
Explanation The Drug Controller General of India approved Takeda's QDENGA vaccine.
Monsoon Session Begins Amid Opposition Protests and Lok Sabha Adjournment
The Monsoon Session of Parliament started on a stormy note with Opposition MPs protesting over issues including the NEET paper leak and Ram Temple donation theft. The Lok Sabha proceedings were repeatedly disrupted, leading to an adjournment. MPs from Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress trooped into the Well of the House during the protests. Additionally, the DMK raised the Mekedatu issue but skipped a Congress-led meeting. The Opposition also flagged concerns about Parliament gates being closed during the session.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which issues did Opposition MPs raise during the first day of the Monsoon Session?
- ANEET paper leak and Ram Temple donation theftCorrect
- BFarmers' protest and GST hike
- CForeign policy and inflation
- DEducation reform and healthcare
Explanation Opposition MPs raised the NEET paper leak and Ram Temple donation theft issues during the Monsoon Session.
Q2 What action did MPs from Congress, SP, and Trinamool Congress take during the Lok Sabha disruptions?
- ATrooped into the Well of the HouseCorrect
- BLeft the Parliament premises
- CHeld a press conference outside
- DAttended a Congress-led meeting
Explanation MPs from Congress, Samajwadi Party, and Trinamool Congress trooped into the Well of the House during the disruptions.
Q3 Which party raised the Mekedatu issue but skipped the Congress-led meeting?
- ADMKCorrect
- BBJP
- CTrinamool Congress
- DSamajwadi Party
Explanation The DMK raised the Mekedatu issue but skipped the Congress-led meeting.
Supreme Court Stays Tamil Nadu's Cow Slaughter Ban Order
The Supreme Court of India has stayed the Tamil Nadu government's order banning cow slaughter in the state. This development is significant in the ongoing legal and political discourse surrounding animal slaughter laws in Tamil Nadu. The stay means that the ban will not be enforced until further orders from the court. This issue is part of broader legal challenges and political cases currently being addressed by the Supreme Court, including urgent hearings on other matters related to Tamil Nadu politics.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What recent action did the Supreme Court take regarding Tamil Nadu's cow slaughter ban?
- AUpheld the ban on cow slaughter
- BStayed the order banning cow slaughterCorrect
- CIssued a new ban on cow slaughter
- DRejected all petitions related to cow slaughter
Explanation The Supreme Court stayed the Tamil Nadu government's order banning cow slaughter, meaning the ban will not be enforced for now.
Q2 Which state's government issued the order banning cow slaughter that the Supreme Court stayed?
- AKerala
- BKarnataka
- CTamil NaduCorrect
- DAndhra Pradesh
Explanation The order banning cow slaughter was issued by the Tamil Nadu government.
Q3 Besides the cow slaughter ban, what other urgent case is the Supreme Court hearing related to Tamil Nadu?
- ADMK's case against TVKCorrect
- BFarmers' protest case
- CWater dispute case
- DEducation policy case
Explanation The Supreme Court is also hearing DMK's case against TVK urgently.
Economy
Godrej Agrovet inaugurates ₹300 crore integrated oil palm complex in Telangana
Godrej Agrovet inaugurated a ₹300 crore integrated oil palm complex in Khammam, Telangana. The complex encompasses all stages of the oil palm value chain, including seed and genetics, nursery, research and development center, mill, and a new refinery. This seed-to-refinery facility is expected to support the company's expansion plans in the oil palm sector.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the total investment made by Godrej Agrovet in the integrated oil palm complex inaugurated in Telangana?
- A₹100 crore
- B₹200 crore
- C₹300 croreCorrect
- D₹400 crore
Explanation Godrej Agrovet invested ₹300 crore in the integrated oil palm complex in Telangana.
Q2 Which of the following stages is NOT part of the integrated oil palm complex inaugurated by Godrej Agrovet?
- ASeed and genetics
- BNursery
- CR&D center
- DTextile manufacturingCorrect
Explanation The complex includes seed and genetics, nursery, R&D center, mill, and refinery, but not textile manufacturing.
Q3 Where is the Godrej Agrovet integrated oil palm complex located?
- AHyderabad
- BKhammamCorrect
- CWarangal
- DNizamabad
Explanation The integrated oil palm complex is located in Khammam, Telangana.
India’s Core Sector Growth Hits Five-Month High of 5% in June 2026
India's core sector growth rose to a five-month high of 5% in June 2026, according to the newly released Index of Core Industries. The updated index features a revised base year of 2022-23, includes iron ore as the ninth sector, and has revised weightages. Despite the overall growth, output of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, and fertiliser declined during this period.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the growth rate of India's core sectors in June 2026 as per the new index?
- A3%
- B5%Correct
- C7%
- D10%
Explanation The core sector growth rose to a five-month high of 5% in June 2026 according to the new index.
Q2 Which new sector was added to India's core sector index in the revised 2022-23 base year series?
- ACoal
- BIron oreCorrect
- CCement
- DElectricity
Explanation Iron ore was added as the ninth sector in the revised core sector index with the 2022-23 base year.
Q3 Which of the following sectors saw a decline in output despite the overall core sector growth in June 2026?
- AIron ore
- BCrude oilCorrect
- CCoal
- DCement
Explanation Output of crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, and fertiliser declined despite overall growth.
India Joins WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement to Promote Sustainable Fishing
On 20th July 2026, India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, officially becoming a Party to the agreement. This move aims to promote sustainable fishing practices. Notably, the agreement excludes aquaculture and inland fisheries from its scope, allowing India to continue supporting its shrimp export sector.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 When did India become a Party to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies?
- A20th July 2026Correct
- B15th August 2026
- C1st January 2026
- D10th June 2026
Explanation India deposited its Instrument of Acceptance on 20th July 2026, becoming a Party to the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Q2 Which sectors remain outside the scope of the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement that India joined?
- AAquaculture and inland fisheriesCorrect
- BMarine fisheries only
- CShrimp export sector
- DAll fisheries sectors
Explanation Aquaculture and inland fisheries remain outside the agreement’s scope, allowing continued support for India's shrimp export sector.
Q3 What is the main objective of India joining the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement?
- ATo promote sustainable fishingCorrect
- BTo ban shrimp exports
- CTo increase subsidies for all fisheries
- DTo exclude aquaculture from regulations
Explanation India joined the agreement to promote sustainable fishing practices.
International
Hungary's ruling party backs chess legend Judit Polgar for President
Hungary's ruling party has endorsed Judit Polgar, widely regarded as the greatest female chess player, for the largely ceremonial role of President. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced that he would ask Polgar to assume the presidency until a new constitution is passed. This move could see Polgar shatter another glass ceiling in Hungary's political landscape.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who has Hungary's ruling party backed for the largely ceremonial role of President?
- AJudit PolgarCorrect
- BPeter Magyar
- CViktor Orbán
- DAnna Nagy
Explanation Hungary's ruling party has backed Judit Polgar, the chess legend, for the role of President.
Q2 What is Judit Polgar widely regarded as?
- AThe greatest female chess playerCorrect
- BHungary's Prime Minister
- CA famous tennis player
- DA constitutional lawyer
Explanation Judit Polgar is widely regarded as the greatest female chess player.
Q3 Until when will Judit Polgar serve as President according to Prime Minister Peter Magyar?
- AUntil a new constitution is passedCorrect
- BFor a full five-year term
- CUntil the next election
- DIndefinitely
Explanation Prime Minister Peter Magyar said Polgar would serve until a new constitution is passed.
Tensions Escalate in West Asia as Iran and US Exchange Hostile Statements
In July 2026, tensions in West Asia escalated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reporting explosions and immobilization of two oil tankers attempting to transit the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared that the U.S. President's signature is 'worthless and invalid' and vowed to teach the U.S. 'unforgettable lessons.' In response, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran 'will pay' for killing U.S. soldiers, highlighting the ongoing conflict and hostility between the two nations.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What incident involving oil tankers did Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps report in July 2026?
- ATwo oil tankers exploded and were immobilized in the Strait of HormuzCorrect
- BOil tankers were safely escorted through the Strait of Hormuz
- CIran seized two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf
- DOil tankers were attacked near the Suez Canal
Explanation The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that two oil tankers exploded and were immobilized after attempting to transit the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Q2 What was Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's statement about the U.S. President's signature?
- AHe called it 'worthless and invalid'Correct
- BHe praised it as a step towards peace
- CHe ignored it completely
- DHe accepted it as binding
Explanation Mojtaba Khamenei said the U.S. President's signature is 'worthless and invalid' in the context of escalating tensions.
Q3 How did former U.S. President Donald Trump respond to the killing of U.S. soldiers by Iran?
- AHe said Iran 'will pay' for killing U.S. soldiersCorrect
- BHe called for immediate peace talks
- CHe remained silent on the issue
- DHe supported Iran's actions
Explanation Donald Trump stated that Iran 'will pay' for killing U.S. soldiers, indicating a strong response to the incident.
Andy Burnham Becomes UK's Seventh Prime Minister in a Decade
Andy Burnham, former Greater Manchester mayor and newly elected Labour MP, has become the United Kingdom's seventh Prime Minister in the last ten years. His appointment marks a significant political event in the UK, highlighting frequent changes in the country's leadership over the past decade.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who is the seventh Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in the last ten years?
- ABoris Johnson
- BAndy BurnhamCorrect
- CTheresa May
- DDavid Cameron
Explanation Andy Burnham is the seventh Prime Minister in the UK in the last decade.
Q2 What was Andy Burnham's political position before becoming the UK Prime Minister?
- AMayor of London
- BGreater Manchester mayorCorrect
- CMember of Parliament for Liverpool
- DChancellor of the Exchequer
Explanation Andy Burnham was the former Greater Manchester mayor before becoming Prime Minister.
Q3 Which political party does Andy Burnham belong to?
- AConservative
- BLabourCorrect
- CLiberal Democrats
- DGreen Party
Explanation Andy Burnham is a newly elected Labour MP.
Tamil Nadu
Key Political Developments in Tamil Nadu: Arrests and Party Changes
In early July 2026, Tamil Nadu witnessed significant political events including the arrest of DMK MLA Anitha Radhakrishnan on July 3. Around the same period, three men were arrested in connection with an attempt to lure a TVK MLA. Additionally, former health minister C. Vijayabaskar joined the TVK party on July 2, marking a notable shift in the state's political landscape.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which DMK MLA was arrested in Tamil Nadu in early July 2026?
- AAnitha RadhakrishnanCorrect
- BC. Vijayabaskar
- CA TVK MLA
- DThree men involved in a lure case
Explanation Anitha Radhakrishnan, a DMK MLA, was arrested on July 3, 2026.
Q2 What significant political move did C. Vijayabaskar make in July 2026?
- AJoined DMK
- BJoined TVKCorrect
- CWas arrested
- DResigned from politics
Explanation C. Vijayabaskar joined the TVK party on July 2, 2026.
Q3 Why were three men arrested in Tamil Nadu in early July 2026?
- AFor attempting to lure a TVK MLACorrect
- BFor protesting against the government
- CFor financial fraud
- DFor supporting DMK
Explanation Three men were arrested in connection with a bid to lure a TVK MLA.
Banking
Indian Overseas Bank Q1FY27 Profit Surges 49% on Higher Income and Recoveries
Indian Overseas Bank reported a 49% rise in net profit for Q1FY27, reaching ₹1,659 crore, driven by higher net interest income and recoveries. The bank's total income increased to ₹10,938 crore during April-June 2026, up from ₹8,866.47 crore in the same period last year. Additionally, the bank aims to raise around $1 billion by September through FCNR (B) deposits and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings (OFCBs).
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 By what percentage did Indian Overseas Bank's net profit increase in Q1FY27?
- A49%Correct
- B25%
- C60%
- D35%
Explanation The bank's net profit rose by 49% in Q1FY27 as reported.
Q2 What is the target amount Indian Overseas Bank aims to raise by September through FCNR (B) deposits and OFCBs?
- A$1 billionCorrect
- B$500 million
- C$2 billion
- D$750 million
Explanation The bank has set a target of raising around $1 billion by September through FCNR (B) deposits and Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings.
Q3 What was the total income of Indian Overseas Bank during April-June 2026?
- A₹10,938 croreCorrect
- B₹8,866.47 crore
- C₹12,000 crore
- D₹9,500 crore
Explanation The total income rose to ₹10,938 crore during April-June 2026.
IOB and ICICI Bank Report Significant Q1 Profit Growth in 2026
In the first quarter of 2026, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) reported a net profit increase of 49.32%, reaching ₹1,659 crore. Meanwhile, ICICI Bank's profit after tax (PAT) rose by 16% to ₹14,805 crore. ICICI Bank also reduced its provisions (excluding tax) to ₹1,260 crore from ₹1,815 crore compared to the same period last year. These financial results highlight strong performance and improved profitability for both banks in Q1 2026.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 By what percentage did Indian Overseas Bank's net profit increase in Q1 2026?
- A16%
- B49.32%Correct
- C25%
- D10%
Explanation IOB's net profit rose by 49.32% to ₹1,659 crore in Q1 2026.
Q2 What was ICICI Bank's profit after tax (PAT) in Q1 2026?
- A₹1,659 crore
- B₹14,805 croreCorrect
- C₹1,260 crore
- D₹1,815 crore
Explanation ICICI Bank's PAT rose 16% to ₹14,805 crore in Q1 2026.
Q3 How did ICICI Bank's provisions (excluding tax) in Q1 2026 compare to the previous year?
- AIncreased from ₹1,260 crore to ₹1,815 crore
- BDecreased from ₹1,815 crore to ₹1,260 croreCorrect
- CRemained the same at ₹1,815 crore
- DRemained the same at ₹1,260 crore
Explanation ICICI Bank's provisions (excluding tax) decreased from ₹1,815 crore to ₹1,260 crore compared to the previous year.
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