Daily Current Affairs 24 July 2026
Daily current affairs for 24 July 2026 — 12 verified news items across Economy, International, National & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and practice…
In this digest · 12 items
Economy
Infosys Names Ashiss Kumar Dash as CEO Designate Effective April 2027
Infosys has appointed Ashiss Kumar Dash as the CEO-designate, who will take charge as Managing Director and CEO from April 1, 2027. He will succeed Salil Parekh, whose nine-year tenure and two terms conclude on March 31, 2027. During Parekh's leadership, Infosys grew its revenue from $10 billion to over $20 billion. The announcement coincides with Infosys reporting a 12% rise in net profit for the first quarter ending June 2026.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who has been named the CEO-designate of Infosys to take charge from April 1, 2027?
- ASalil Parekh
- BAshiss Kumar DashCorrect
- CNandan Nilekani
- DVishal Sikka
Explanation Ashiss Kumar Dash has been named CEO-designate and will take charge as CEO and MD from April 1, 2027.
Q2 What was the percentage rise in Infosys' net profit in the first quarter of 2026?
- A5%
- B8%
- C12%Correct
- D15%
Explanation Infosys posted a 12% rise in net profit in the first quarter ending June 2026.
Q3 How long did Salil Parekh serve as CEO of Infosys before stepping down in 2027?
- A5 years
- B7 years
- C9 yearsCorrect
- D11 years
Explanation Salil Parekh served as CEO for over 9 years, completing two terms before March 31, 2027.
India Eases FDI Rules for Inventory-Based E-Commerce to Boost Exports
On July 23, 2026, India revised its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy to ease restrictions on inventory-based e-commerce models exclusively for exports of goods produced in India. The policy change, detailed in Press Note 3 of 2026, allows inventory-based e-commerce firms to engage in business-to-consumer (B2C) sales for export purposes, while maintaining the existing ban on such models for domestic sales. This move aims to support small businesses in accessing global markets and aligns with India's goal of achieving $1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the key change in India's FDI policy for e-commerce announced in July 2026?
- AAllowing inventory-based e-commerce exclusively for exports of India-made goodsCorrect
- BPermitting inventory-based e-commerce for domestic B2C sales
- CBanning all foreign investment in e-commerce
- DRemoving all restrictions on e-commerce operations in India
Explanation The revised FDI policy allows inventory-based e-commerce exclusively for exports of India-made goods, while the ban on such models for domestic sales remains.
Q2 What is the main objective behind easing FDI rules for inventory-based e-commerce in India?
- ATo support small businesses in accessing global marketsCorrect
- BTo increase domestic e-commerce competition
- CTo ban foreign companies from Indian e-commerce
- DTo reduce merchandise exports
Explanation The policy shift aims to help small businesses access global markets and support India's target of reaching $1 trillion in merchandise exports by 2030.
Q3 Which official document details the easing of FDI restrictions for e-commerce exports in India?
- APress Note 3 of 2026Correct
- BPress Note 1 of 2025
- CForeign Trade Policy 2024
- DE-Commerce Act 2026
Explanation Press Note 3 of 2026 specifies that restrictions on inventory-based e-commerce and B2C sales under the FDI policy will not apply for exports of goods produced in India.
Trump announces phased tariff hike on generic drugs from India starting 2028
US President Donald Trump has announced a phased tariff increase on generic drugs imported into the United States, primarily affecting Indian pharmaceutical companies. Starting August 1, 2026, tariffs will remain at zero for two years, then rise to 100% for one year, and finally reach 200%. Indian pharma firms see little immediate threat but warn that the 200% tariff could imperil Americans by increasing drug costs. The tariff hike aims to encourage generic drug manufacturing in the US by August 2028.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 When will the tariff on generic drugs imported into the US start increasing from zero?
- AAugust 1, 2026Correct
- BAugust 1, 2028
- CJanuary 1, 2027
- DDecember 31, 2026
Explanation Tariffs will remain zero until August 1, 2026, after which they will begin to increase.
Q2 What is the final tariff percentage planned by Trump on generic drugs imported into the US?
- A100%
- B150%
- C200%Correct
- D50%
Explanation The tariff will ultimately rise to 200% after a phased increase.
Q3 What is the main reason behind the US tariff hike on generic drugs from India?
- ATo encourage generic drug manufacturing in the US by August 2028Correct
- BTo ban Indian pharma companies from the US market
- CTo reduce drug prices in the US
- DTo increase exports from India
Explanation The tariff hike aims to promote domestic generic drug manufacturing in the US by August 2028.
RBI Links Edible Oil Price Rise to Biofuel Demand and Indonesia's B50 Mandate
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has attributed the broad-based increase in edible oil prices to the rising demand for biofuels. A significant factor highlighted is Indonesia's implementation of a higher palm oil blending mandate known as the B50 mandate, which has impacted global edible oil supplies and contributed to food inflation.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What key factor did the RBI cite as contributing to the broad-based rise in edible oil prices?
- AIncreased domestic production of edible oils
- BIndonesia's higher palm oil blending B50 mandateCorrect
- CReduction in import duties on edible oils
- DDecrease in global demand for biofuels
Explanation The RBI linked the rise in edible oil prices to Indonesia's higher palm oil blending mandate called B50, which increased biofuel demand.
Q2 According to the RBI, what is the relationship between biofuel demand and edible oil prices?
- ABiofuel demand has no impact on edible oil prices
- BRising biofuel demand has led to a broad-based rise in edible oil pricesCorrect
- CBiofuel demand has decreased edible oil prices
- DEdible oil prices affect biofuel demand but not vice versa
Explanation The RBI stated that the growing demand for biofuels is linked to the broad-based rise in edible oil prices.
International
US and Saudi Arabia Announce Civilian Nuclear Energy Deal
The United States and Saudi Arabia have announced a civilian nuclear deal that will enable Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear energy program using US technology. American companies are expected to build nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia, generating contracts worth tens of billions of dollars over the coming decades. The agreement establishes a legal foundation for a long-term partnership aimed at advancing economic and strategic objectives, including nuclear nonproliferation, according to the US Energy Department.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the primary purpose of the US-Saudi Arabia civilian nuclear deal?
- ATo develop Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear energy program using US technologyCorrect
- BTo establish a military alliance between the US and Saudi Arabia
- CTo export Saudi oil to the US
- DTo build nuclear weapons in Saudi Arabia
Explanation The deal enables Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear energy program with US technology.
Q2 According to the US Energy Department, what is one of the strategic objectives of the US-Saudi nuclear agreement?
- ANuclear nonproliferationCorrect
- BIncreasing oil production
- CMilitary cooperation
- DSpace exploration
Explanation The agreement advances strategic objectives including nuclear nonproliferation.
Q3 What economic impact is expected from the US-Saudi civilian nuclear deal?
- AContracts worth tens of billions of dollars for American companies building nuclear reactorsCorrect
- BImmediate reduction in Saudi oil exports
- CClosure of US nuclear plants
- DIncrease in US agricultural exports to Saudi Arabia
Explanation American companies are expected to build nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia, generating contracts worth tens of billions of dollars.
US Signs Landmark Nuclear Deal with Saudi Arabia to Develop Civilian Nuclear Program
On July 22, 2026, the United States announced a landmark nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, aimed at enabling the Kingdom to develop a civilian nuclear program. The deal, which requires approval from the US Congress, has raised concerns in Israel about potentially igniting an arms race in West Asia. The agreement focuses on uranium enrichment and civilian nuclear energy development, marking a significant shift in the region's nuclear landscape.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the primary purpose of the nuclear deal signed between the US and Saudi Arabia in 2026?
- ATo allow Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear programCorrect
- BTo establish a military nuclear alliance
- CTo ban uranium enrichment in Saudi Arabia
- DTo provide nuclear weapons to Saudi Arabia
Explanation The deal is meant to allow Saudi Arabia to develop a civilian nuclear program.
Q2 What concern has Israel expressed regarding the US-Saudi nuclear deal?
- AIt could ignite a West Asia arms raceCorrect
- BIt will lead to economic sanctions on Israel
- CIt will reduce US influence in the region
- DIt will cause Saudi Arabia to abandon nuclear energy
Explanation Israel fears that the deal could ignite a West Asia arms race.
Q3 What is a necessary step before the US-Saudi nuclear deal can be fully implemented?
- AApproval by the US CongressCorrect
- BApproval by the United Nations
- CApproval by the Saudi Arabian Parliament
- DApproval by the International Atomic Energy Agency
Explanation The agreement still needs Congressional approval in the US.
National
CBI Clears Sanjeev Mukhiya in NEET-UG 2024 Paper Leak Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has found no evidence linking Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya to the theft or distribution of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper. While Bihar police had named him in the FIR due to his involvement in other examination paper leak cases, the CBI's probe identified the entire conspiracy and chargesheeted 45 accused, excluding Mukhiya from the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the conclusion of the CBI investigation regarding Sanjeev Mukhiya in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case?
- AHe was found guilty of stealing the question paper
- BNo evidence linked him to the theft or distribution of the paperCorrect
- CHe was the mastermind behind the leak
- DHe was charged along with 45 other accused
Explanation The CBI found no evidence linking Sanjeev Mukhiya to the theft or distribution of the NEET-UG 2024 question paper.
Q2 Why was Sanjeev Mukhiya initially named in the FIR by Bihar police?
- AFor involvement in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak
- BFor involvement in other examination paper theft/leak casesCorrect
- CFor distributing the NEET-UG 2024 question paper
- DFor masterminding the entire conspiracy
Explanation Bihar police named him in the FIR because he was involved in other examination paper theft/leak cases, not specifically the NEET-UG 2024 leak.
Q3 How many accused were chargesheeted by the CBI in the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case?
- A10
- B25
- C45Correct
- D60
Explanation The CBI chargesheeted 45 accused in connection with the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak.
PM Modi Announces Tougher Anti-Paper Leak Measures Amid Student Protests
Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement of tougher measures against examination paper leaks. The government plans to establish fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and stringent punishments for those involved in paper leaks. These measures were set to be discussed in the upcoming Friday cabinet meeting as part of the Centre's intensified efforts to tackle examination fraud and engage with protesting students.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What action did Sonam Wangchuk take that ended after PM Modi's announcement on anti-paper leak measures?
- AHe ended a 26-day hunger strikeCorrect
- BHe started a new protest march
- CHe filed a legal petition
- DHe resigned from his post
Explanation Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following PM Modi's announcement of tougher anti-paper leak measures.
Q2 What measure did PM Modi announce to ensure speedy trials for paper leak cases?
- AEstablishment of fast-track courtsCorrect
- BFormation of a special investigation team
- CIntroduction of new examination patterns
- DIncrease in examination fees
Explanation PM Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.
Q3 When was the tougher anti-paper leak measures to be discussed by the government?
- AIn Friday's cabinet meetingCorrect
- BDuring the next Parliament session
- CAt a special student conference
- DIn the upcoming budget session
Explanation The tougher anti-paper leak measures were scheduled to be discussed in Friday's cabinet meeting.
Air India and Saudia Sign MoU to Enhance India-Saudi Air Connectivity
Air India and Saudia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their codeshare agreement and strengthen air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. The MoU aims to boost connectivity, explore terminal co-location, integrate loyalty programmes, and identify new commercial opportunities between the two airlines.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the primary objective of the MoU signed between Air India and Saudia?
- ATo expand codeshare and strengthen India-Saudi air connectivityCorrect
- BTo merge both airlines into a single entity
- CTo launch new domestic flights within India
- DTo reduce airfares between India and Saudi Arabia
Explanation The MoU aims to expand codeshare and strengthen air connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia.
Q2 Which of the following is NOT a focus area mentioned in the Air India-Saudia MoU?
- ABoosting connectivity
- BExploring terminal co-location
- CIntegrating loyalty programmes
- DLaunching a joint cargo serviceCorrect
Explanation The MoU mentions boosting connectivity, exploring terminal co-location, and integrating loyalty programmes but does not mention launching a joint cargo service.
Q3 The MoU between Air India and Saudia aims to identify new opportunities in which sector?
- ACommercial opportunitiesCorrect
- BAgricultural trade
- CEducational exchange
- DDefense cooperation
Explanation The MoU aims to identify new commercial opportunities between the two airlines.
Banking
UCO Bank and IndusInd Bank Report Strong Q1FY27 Profit Growth
In Q1FY27, UCO Bank's net profit increased by 8% to ₹656 crore, driven by higher operating profit and lower provisions. The bank's net interest income rose significantly to ₹2808.26 crore from ₹1403.23 crore in the same period last fiscal. Similarly, IndusInd Bank reported a 47% rise in profit after tax (PAT) for Q1FY27, attributing the growth to lower costs and reduced provisions for bad loans.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 By what percentage did UCO Bank's net profit increase in Q1FY27?
- A8%Correct
- B47%
- C15%
- D25%
Explanation UCO Bank's net profit increased by 8% in Q1FY27 as reported.
Q2 What was the main reason for IndusInd Bank's 47% PAT increase in Q1FY27?
- AHigher operating profit
- BLower costs and provisions for bad loansCorrect
- CIncreased net interest income
- DGovernment subsidies
Explanation IndusInd Bank's PAT rose 47% due to lower costs and provisions for bad loans.
Q3 What was UCO Bank's net interest income in Q1FY27?
- A₹2808.26 croreCorrect
- B₹1403.23 crore
- C₹656 crore
- D₹2000 crore
Explanation UCO Bank's net interest income rose to ₹2808.26 crore in Q1FY27.
Government Schemes
Parliamentary Panel Urges FSSAI to Finalise Front-of-Pack Labelling Regulations Promptly
The Parliamentary Panel has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to finalise and notify the Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) regulations in a time-bound manner. The draft regulations were initially notified on September 13, 2022, and since then, over 14,000 stakeholder comments have been received and are under examination. The panel emphasized the need for mandatory declarations of added sugar and the implementation of colour-coded warnings on packaged foods across India to enhance consumer awareness and health safety.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What has the Parliamentary Panel directed the FSSAI to do regarding Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL)?
- ADelay the notification of FOPNL regulations
- BFinalise and notify FOPNL regulations in a time-bound mannerCorrect
- CWithdraw the draft FOPNL regulations
- DConsult only a few stakeholders before notification
Explanation The Parliamentary Panel has directed FSSAI to finalise and notify the FOPNL regulations in a time-bound manner.
Q2 What specific features did the Parliamentary Panel seek to be included in the front-of-pack labelling?
- AMandatory calorie count only
- BMandatory added sugar declarations and colour-coded warningsCorrect
- COnly ingredient list
- DNo specific features were suggested
Explanation The panel sought mandatory added sugar declarations and colour-coded warnings on packaged foods.
Q3 When were the draft FOPNL regulations initially notified by FSSAI?
- AJuly 23, 2026
- BSeptember 13, 2022Correct
- CJanuary 1, 2025
- DDecember 31, 2023
Explanation The draft FOPNL regulations were notified on September 13, 2022.
Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's Final Film 'Jana Nayagan' Released Amid Emotional Celebrations
On July 23, 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's much-anticipated film 'Jana Nayagan' was released across the state. The movie, considered Vijay's swansong before his full-time political career, was originally expected to premiere ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The release sparked grand fan celebrations and emotional reactions from ministers and MLAs, highlighting the strong connection between the star-actor and the people of Tamil Nadu.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What is the significance of the film 'Jana Nayagan' starring Tamil Nadu CM Vijay?
- AIt is Vijay's debut film
- BIt is considered Vijay's swansong before full-time politicsCorrect
- CIt was released after the 2026 Assembly elections
- DIt is a documentary on Tamil Nadu politics
Explanation 'Jana Nayagan' is considered Mr. Vijay’s swansong before his transition to full-time politics.
Q2 When was the film 'Jana Nayagan' released in Tamil Nadu?
- AJuly 23, 2026Correct
- BAhead of the 2024 Assembly elections
- CJanuary 1, 2026
- DAugust 15, 2026
Explanation 'Jana Nayagan' hit the screens on July 23, 2026.
Q3 What was the reaction of ministers and MLAs to the release of 'Jana Nayagan'?
- AThey boycotted the release
- BThey turned emotional and were movedCorrect
- CThey criticized the film
- DThey were indifferent
Explanation Ministers and MLAs broke into tears and turned emotional as the film released.
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