Daily Current Affairs 22 July 2026

Q1 What is the duration of the nuclear agreement approved by Donald Trump with Saudi Arabia?

• A10 years
• B20 years
• C30 yearsCorrect
• D50 years

Explanation The agreement approved by Trump is expected to last 30 years.

Q2 What key capability may Saudi Arabia gain under the nuclear agreement with the US?

• ABuild nuclear weapons
• BEnrich uraniumCorrect
• CExport nuclear technology
• DDevelop nuclear submarines

Explanation The deal may allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium under US cooperation.

Q3 What concern has been raised regarding the US-Saudi nuclear agreement?

• AEconomic instability in Saudi Arabia
• BNuclear proliferation risks in the Middle EastCorrect
• CUS firms losing contracts
• DEnvironmental hazards in Saudi Arabia

Explanation The deal is expected to face scrutiny over concerns it could raise nuclear proliferation risks in the Middle East.

Q1 Why did Saudi oil tankers bound for China and India make a U-turn in the Red Sea in July 2026?

• ADue to a threat from the Iran-backed Houthi rebel groupCorrect
• BBecause of a mechanical failure on the tankers
• CDue to a diplomatic agreement between Saudi Arabia and India
• DBecause of bad weather conditions in the Red Sea

Explanation The tankers made a U-turn after threats from the Iran-backed Houthi rebel group in the Red Sea.

Q2 Which new front did the Houthi rebel group open in their campaign as of July 2026?

• AThe Red Sea, beyond the Strait of HormuzCorrect
• BThe Persian Gulf
• CThe Arabian Sea
• DThe Gulf of Aden

Explanation The Houthis expanded their campaign beyond the Strait of Hormuz by opening a new front in the Red Sea.

Q3 The regional conflict involving the Houthi rebel group in 2026 includes which major countries?

• AUnited States and IranCorrect
• BChina and India
• CSaudi Arabia and Russia
• DUnited Kingdom and France

Explanation The conflict involves the United States and Iran, with the Houthi group backed by Iran.

Q1 Who is the lead actor in the film 'Jana Nayagan' discussed by director H Vinoth?

• ATamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph VijayCorrect
• BActor Pooja Hegde
• CMusic Director Anirudh Ravichander
• DDirector H Vinoth

Explanation 'Jana Nayagan' stars Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as the lead actor, as stated by director H Vinoth.

Q2 What challenge did the film 'Jana Nayagan' face before its release?

• AIt was leaked onlineCorrect
• BIt was banned by the government
• CThe lead actor withdrew from the film
• DThe director left the project

Explanation The film 'Jana Nayagan' faced the challenge of being leaked online before its release.

Q3 According to H Vinoth, what kind of support did Vijay provide during the film's turbulent months?

• AUnwavering supportCorrect
• BFinancial support
• CNo support
• DSupport only after release

Explanation H Vinoth mentioned that Vijay provided unwavering support during the turbulent months before the film's release.

Q1 What relief measure did the Tamil Nadu government announce for the victims of the Karur stampede?

• AFinancial compensation to all victims
• BGovernment jobs for kin of 32 victimsCorrect
• CFree medical treatment for victims
• DScholarships for victims' children

Explanation The Tamil Nadu government announced government jobs for the kin of 32 victims of the Karur stampede.

Q2 Who visited Karur nine months after the stampede incident?

• AChief Minister of Tamil Nadu
• BActor VijayCorrect
• CUnion Home Minister
• DGovernor of Tamil Nadu

Explanation Actor Vijay visited Karur nine months after the stampede.

Q3 How many victims' kin are to receive government jobs as per the announcement?

• A10
• B20
• C32Correct
• D50

Explanation The government announced jobs for the kin of 32 victims of the Karur stampede.

Q1 What recent change did PFRDA introduce for pension fund managers under NPS?

• AFixed annual registration period
• BOn-tap registration allowing applications anytimeCorrect
• CMandatory government approval for all funds
• DRestriction on new fund managers

Explanation PFRDA has introduced an on-tap registration process allowing eligible firms to apply at any time to manage assets under NPS.

Q2 Which pension schemes are affected by PFRDA's new on-tap registration process?

• AEmployees' Provident Fund and Gratuity Scheme
• BNational Pension System and Unified Pension SchemeCorrect
• CAtal Pension Yojana and Public Provident Fund
• DNational Savings Certificate and Senior Citizen Savings Scheme

Explanation The on-tap registration applies to pension fund managers under the National Pension System and Unified Pension Scheme.

Q1 What regulatory relaxation is Punjab & Sind Bank expecting?

• ARelaxation in FCNR(B) norms for banks without foreign branchesCorrect
• BRelaxation in CRR norms for all banks
• CRelaxation in lending norms for foreign branches
• DRelaxation in deposit insurance norms

Explanation Punjab & Sind Bank expects relaxation in FCNR(B) norms specifically for banks without foreign branches.

Q2 What is the total business mix target set by Punjab & Sind Bank for FY29?

• A₹2 lakh crore
• B₹3 lakh crore
• C₹4 lakh croreCorrect
• D₹5 lakh crore

Explanation The bank aims to expand its total business mix to ₹4 lakh crore by FY29.

Q1 Why has Air India suspended flights on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route until the end of September?

• ADue to the ongoing security situation in the regionCorrect
• BBecause of technical issues with aircraft
• CDue to low passenger demand
• DBecause of weather-related disruptions

Explanation Air India suspended flights due to the prevailing security situation in the region.

Q2 What is the impact of Air India's flight suspension on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route?

• AIt has caused major worries among more than 40,000 Indians living in IsraelCorrect
• BIt has led to increased tourism in Israel
• CIt has improved flight safety standards
• DIt has reduced travel costs for passengers

Explanation The suspension has caused major worries among over 40,000 Indians living in Israel who wish to travel to India.

Q3 For how long has Air India been extending the suspension of flights on the Tel Aviv-Delhi route?

• AFor several monthsCorrect
• BFor one week
• CFor one year
• DFor one month

Explanation Air India has been continuously extending the suspension for several months.

Q1 Which of the following is a provision of the Madhya Pradesh Uniform Civil Code Bill passed in 2026?

• ALegalisation of polygamy
• BCriminalisation of nikaha halalaCorrect
• CAbolition of live-in relationships
• DExemption of religious personal laws

Explanation The Bill criminalises polygamy and nikaha halala, and mandates registration of live-in relationships.

Q2 Which political party criticized the Madhya Pradesh UCC Bill as an 'RSS agenda'?

• ABJP
• BCongressCorrect
• CAam Aadmi Party
• DSamajwadi Party

Explanation The Congress party slammed the Bill, calling it an RSS agenda.

Q3 What was the atmosphere in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly when the UCC Bill was passed?

• AUnanimous support without opposition
• BSloganeering and protests by Congress membersCorrect
• CComplete boycott by opposition parties
• DCelebrations by all parties

Explanation The Bill was passed amid Congress sloganeering and protests.

Q1 What is the current government stance on increasing ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%?

• ANo decision has been taken to increase blending beyond 20%Correct
• BBlending increased to 30% recently
• CBlending decreased to 10%
• DBlending with diesel is now allowed

Explanation The Minister of State for Petroleum confirmed no decision has been taken to increase ethanol blending in petrol beyond 20%.

Q2 Has the government received widespread complaints about engine failures due to ethanol blending?

• AYes, many complaints from vehicle manufacturers
• BNo widespread or substantiated complaints receivedCorrect
• COnly consumer groups complained
• DComplaints only about diesel blending

Explanation The minister stated that no widespread or substantiated complaints have been received from vehicle manufacturers, automobile associations, or consumer groups.

Q3 What is the status of ethanol blending with diesel for commercial use according to the Petroleum Ministry?

• ADecision taken to blend ethanol with diesel
• BNo decision taken to blend ethanol with dieselCorrect
• CBlending with diesel is mandatory
• DBlending with diesel is banned

Explanation The Minister of State for Petroleum informed that no decision has been taken to blend ethanol with diesel for commercial usage.

Q1 By what percentage is India's edible oil import bill expected to rise in the 2025-26 marketing year?

• A9%Correct
• B15%
• C20%
• D25%

Explanation The import bill is expected to rise by 9% to ₹1.75 lakh crore in 2025-26 as per SEA.

Q2 What amount is India's edible oil import bill projected to reach in the 2025-26 marketing year?

• A₹1.5 lakh crore
• B₹1.75 lakh croreCorrect
• C₹2 lakh crore
• D₹2.25 lakh crore

Explanation The import bill is projected to reach ₹1.75 lakh crore in 2025-26.

Q3 What solution did the SEA President suggest to address the rising edible oil import bill?

• AIncreasing imports from other countries
• BDelaying oilseed production
• CStarting an oilseed revolution in IndiaCorrect
• DReducing edible oil consumption

Explanation The SEA President stated that an oilseed revolution in India could no longer wait to reduce import dependency.

Q1 What was the percentage decline of the BSE Sensex on July 22, 2026?

• A0.79%
• B0.92%Correct
• C1.5%
• D1%

Explanation The BSE Sensex declined by 0.92% to settle at 76,755.05 on July 22, 2026.

Q2 Which factors contributed to the decline in Indian stock markets on July 22, 2026?

• AHigher crude oil prices and selling in bank stocksCorrect
• BLower crude oil prices and buying in IT stocks
• CGovernment policy changes and foreign investment inflows
• DStrong corporate earnings and positive geopolitical developments

Explanation The decline was due to higher crude oil prices and selling pressure in bank stocks, along with geopolitical tensions.

Q3 What was the closing value of the NSE Nifty on July 22, 2026?

• A23,996.25Correct
• B24,500.00
• C76,755.05
• D23,000.00

Explanation The NSE Nifty closed at 23,996.25 on July 22, 2026.

Q1 What was the closing value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar on July 22, 2026?

• A96.36
• B96.59Correct
• C95.99
• D97.00

Explanation The rupee closed at 96.59 against the US dollar on July 22, 2026, after falling 34 paise.

Q2 Which of the following factors contributed to the fall of the Indian rupee against the US dollar?

• APositive domestic equity trends
• BRisk aversion in global marketsCorrect
• CDecrease in crude oil prices
• DImproved security of oil shipments

Explanation Risk aversion in global markets and negative domestic equity trends contributed to the rupee's fall, along with concerns over oil shipment security supporting crude oil prices.

Q3 Concerns over the security of oil shipments through which locations supported crude oil prices?

• ASuez Canal and Panama Canal
• BRed Sea and Strait of HormuzCorrect
• CMalacca Strait and Bab el-Mandeb
• DGulf of Aden and Gulf of Mexico

Explanation Concerns over the security of oil shipments through the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz supported crude oil prices.

Q1 What was the approximate percentage increase in Mahindra Finance's consolidated net profit in Q1 FY27 according to Livemint?

• A50%
• B70%
• C75%Correct
• D80%

Explanation Livemint reported a 75% jump in Mahindra Finance's consolidated net profit in Q1 FY27.

Q2 Which factor was NOT mentioned as contributing to Mahindra Finance's profit growth in Q1 FY27?

• AHigher net interest margins
• BLower provisions
• CIncreased disbursements
• DGovernment subsidyCorrect

Explanation Government subsidy was not mentioned; profit growth was attributed to higher net interest margins, lower provisions, increased disbursements, and strategic initiatives.

Q3 By how much did Mahindra Finance's assets under management (AUM) grow in Q1 FY27 as per BusinessLine?

• A10%
• B13%Correct
• C15%
• D20%

Explanation BusinessLine reported a 13% growth in Mahindra Finance's AUM to ₹1.37 lakh crore in Q1 FY27.

Q1 Which sector received the highest investment under the PLI schemes until March 2026?

• APharmaceuticals
• BAutomobiles
• CHigh efficiency solar PV modulesCorrect
• DElectronics

Explanation The high efficiency solar PV modules sector received the highest investment of ₹64,873 crore under the PLI schemes.

Q2 How many jobs were generated through the PLI schemes till March 2026?

• AOver 10 lakh
• BOver 12 lakh
• COver 14 lakhCorrect
• DOver 16 lakh

Explanation The PLI schemes generated over 14 lakh jobs till March 2026.

Q3 What is the approximate total investment attracted by the PLI schemes till March 2026?

• A₹1.5 lakh crore
• B₹2.4 lakh croreCorrect
• C₹3.0 lakh crore
• D₹4.0 lakh crore

Explanation The PLI schemes attracted investments of over ₹2.4 lakh crore until March 2026.

Q1 By how much did the Kerala government increase the support price for natural rubber in 2026?

• A₹30 per kg
• B₹50 per kgCorrect
• C₹70 per kg
• D₹100 per kg

Explanation The Kerala government hiked the natural rubber support price by ₹50 per kg effective July 3, 2026.

Q2 What was the natural rubber price after the Kerala government’s support price hike?

• A₹232
• B₹282Correct
• C₹332
• D₹2820

Explanation Natural rubber prices ruled firm at ₹282 following the Kerala government's price hike.

Q3 What additional step was suggested to increase natural rubber production in Kerala?

• AIncreasing export duties
• BFinding suitable tappers in untapped plantations at panchayat levelsCorrect
• CReducing support price
• DImporting rubber from other states

Explanation There was a plea to initiate steps to increase production in untapped plantations at panchayat levels by finding suitable tappers.

Q1 Which Argentina player was involved in the on-field confrontation with Spain players during the World Cup celebrations?

• ALionel Messi
• BLeandro ParedesCorrect
• CAngel Di Maria
• DPaulo Dybala

Explanation Leandro Paredes was seen shoving Spain's Eric Garcia and pushing Gavi to the ground during the scuffle.

Q2 Which team recently supplanted Argentina to top the FIFA rankings?

• ABrazil
• BFrance
• CSpainCorrect
• DGermany

Explanation Spain, the world champions, have replaced Argentina at the top of the FIFA rankings.

Q3 What action did FIFA take following the on-field incident between Argentina and Spain players?

• AAwarded a penalty to Spain
• BLaunched an investigationCorrect
• CBanned Leandro Paredes immediately
• DIgnored the incident

Explanation FIFA has launched an investigation into the confrontation involving Argentina and Spain players.