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Polity & Governance
Doctrine of Passive Resistance & Aurobindo Ghosh
- The Doctrine of Passive Resistance was prominently propounded by Aurobindo Ghosh in 1907.
- He published a detailed series of articles on this concept in the Bande Mataram journal.
- It advocated for the boycott of British goods, government schools, and colonial courts.
- This philosophy laid the intellectual foundation for the later mass non-cooperation movements in India.
- Aurobindo Ghosh later shifted his focus to spiritualism and established a famous ashram in Pondicherry.
Exam Perspectives
📚
UPSC
Significance of 'Bande Mataram' and Aurobindo's political ideology in shaping the Swadeshi Movement phase.
📋
SSC
Name of the journal where the Doctrine of Passive Resistance was published (Bande Mataram).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Context of nationalist movements that fueled the creation of an independent Indian military ethos.
History and Origin of EVM Usage in India
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were first used in India in 1982 in the Parur Assembly constituency of Kerala.
- They were developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in collaboration with ECIL and BEL.
- The widespread use of EVMs across the country began during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections.
- The VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) was later introduced to ensure greater transparency.
- EVMs have significantly reduced the time required for vote counting and eliminated invalid votes.
Exam Perspectives
📚
UPSC
Constitutional backing of EVMs under Section 61A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
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SSC
The state and year where EVMs were first used (Kerala, 1982).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Secure indigenous manufacturing of EVMs by defence PSUs like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
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International Relations
PM Modi's Visit to Indonesia & Bilateral Agreements
- PM Modi was conferred with the Bintang Adipurna, the highest civilian award of Indonesia, by President Prabowo Subianto during his three-day visit (July 6–8, 2026).
- Both nations signed an agreement to jointly develop Indonesia's Sabang Port, near the strategic Strait of Malacca.
- An agreement was signed to establish an offshore campus of IIM Bengaluru (IIM Bangalore) in Indonesia.
- India and Indonesia's Election Commissions signed an MoU under which India will help Indonesia build Indonesia-specific EVMs for its 2029 elections.
- This marks a major milestone in India's Act East Policy and maritime security vision.
Exam Perspectives
📚
UPSC
Strategic significance of maritime port development in the Indo-Pacific region concerning the Strait of Malacca.
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SSC
The highest civilian award of Indonesia received by PM Modi (Bintang Adipurna).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Enhancement of joint naval exercises and maritime domain awareness between Indian and Indonesian Navies.
BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting
- The BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting was successfully held in Guwahati, Assam (July 6–7, 2026).
- The primary focus was on combating the trafficking of synthetic drugs and illicit chemicals.
- Member nations emphasized the need for real-time intelligence sharing and border control.
- India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), led by DG Anurag Garg, presented India's approach to tracking maritime trafficking routes.
- A joint declaration (the "Guwahati Declaration") was adopted to strengthen real-time intelligence sharing and disrupt the financial networks of drug syndicates.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Global institutional mechanisms to combat drug trafficking and India's vulnerability due to the Golden Triangle.
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SSC
The host city for the recent BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting (Guwahati).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Role of the Coast Guard and Border Security Forces in neutralizing cross-border narco-terrorism networks.
Keiko Fujimori Elected President-elect of Peru
- Keiko Fujimori has been declared president-elect of Peru and is set to be inaugurated on 28 July 2026.
- She represents the right-wing Popular Force political party in the nation.
- Her narrow victory comes after a prolonged period of political instability in the South American nation, though tensions and disputes over the result persist.
- The election focused heavily on economic recovery and combating internal corruption.
- Peru is a key global exporter of copper, making its political climate important for global markets.
Exam Perspectives
📚
UPSC
India's bilateral trade relations with Latin American nations and the Pacific Alliance.
📋
SSC
The president-elect and capital of Peru (Keiko Fujimori, Lima).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Geopolitical implications of leadership changes in resource-rich Latin American states.
India Chairs UNCTAD's Consumer Protection Meeting in Geneva
- India chaired the Ninth Session of the Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy, organised by UNCTAD, in Geneva from 6–8 July 2026.
- India was represented by Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, who chaired the three-day session.
- The session deliberated on emerging issues in consumer protection, product safety standards, and cross-border consumer disputes.
- India showcased its National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and the AI-enabled e-Jagriti platform as models of grievance redressal.
- The IGE, constituted under the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection, is the principal intergovernmental platform for cooperation on consumer-protection policy.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
India's growing role in global consumer-protection governance and the significance of the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection.
📋
SSC
Headquarters of UNCTAD where the recent meeting was held (Geneva, Switzerland).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Relevance of secure digital consumer-grievance platforms as a model for citizen-facing digital systems used by defence welfare boards.
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Defence & Security
Sale of BrahMos and Astra Missiles to Indonesia
- India signed an agreement to sell BrahMos and Astra missiles to Indonesia during PM Modi's Jakarta visit (July 7, 2026).
- The BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia.
- The Astra is India's indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
- This deal heavily boosts India's goal of expanding its defence exports in Southeast Asia.
- With this, Indonesia becomes the third country (after the Philippines and Vietnam) to buy BrahMos, and the first-ever export customer for the Astra missile.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Strategic impact of India emerging as a net security provider and arms exporter in the ASEAN region.
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SSC
Astra is what type of missile system? (Air-to-Air Missile).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Technical superiority of ramjet propulsion in BrahMos providing critical strike capabilities against naval targets.
Commissioning of INS Mahendragiri (F38)
- The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Mahendragiri (F38) on 11 July 2026 at Visakhapatnam — the sixth of seven stealth frigates under Project 17A.
- The warship was constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
- It is named after a prominent mountain peak in the Eastern Ghats of Odisha.
- The ship is equipped with advanced radar-evading stealth features and indigenous weapons, including BrahMos missiles.
- Project 17A significantly enhances India's naval capabilities and self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta), with over 75% indigenous content.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Details of Project 17A (Nilgiri-class) and the role of stealth technology in modern naval warfare.
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SSC
Under which project was INS Mahendragiri built? (Project 17A).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Integration of indigenous combat management systems and SAMs on F38 for multi-dimensional threat neutralization.
UN Medal for Indian Peacekeepers in DRC
- 651 Indian Army peacekeepers stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were awarded the prestigious UN Medal on 3 July 2026.
- They were serving under the UN stabilization mission known as MONUSCO.
- The award recognizes their professionalism and courage in protecting civilians in conflict zones of North Kivu.
- India remains one of the largest troop-contributing countries to United Nations missions globally.
- India has contributed over 270,000 personnel across 49 UN missions since 1948, the largest cumulative contribution of any nation.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
India's historical role and strategic rationale behind contributing to UN Peacekeeping operations.
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SSC
What does MONUSCO stand for in the context of UN missions? (Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Operational challenges faced by regular army contingents deployed in asymmetric African conflict zones.
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Economy & Finance
Indian States Cross World Bank's Upper-Middle-Income Threshold
- A recent analysis applying the World Bank's country-level income thresholds to India's states found that five states have crossed into the upper-middle-income bracket by per-capita income, even though India overall remains a lower-middle-income economy.
- It categorizes states based on per-capita income, derived from their state income data.
- The five states that crossed the threshold are Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
- Maharashtra, Haryana, and Kerala came very close to the threshold, missing it by only a few dollars.
- The analysis highlights the growing economic disparity between industrialized and agrarian states — Bihar remains the poorest major state.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Implications of regional economic disparities on cooperative federalism and Finance Commission allocations.
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SSC
Which international organization's income thresholds were used in this analysis of Indian states? (World Bank).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Correlation between higher state GDPs and localized investments in defence manufacturing corridors.
🌾
Agriculture
GI Tags: Sirsa Kinnow & MP's Registrations
- The Sirsa Kinnow, a premium citrus fruit from Haryana, officially received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag on 17 June 2026.
- This is Haryana's first fruit to receive a GI tag, protecting its unique identity and preventing unauthorized branding.
- Simultaneously, Madhya Pradesh emerged as the leading state in securing new GI tag registrations (26 new tags) in FY2025-26.
- MP's diverse array of agricultural and handicraft products contributed to this achievement.
- GI tags are governed under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999 in India.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Role of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) via GI tags in boosting agricultural exports and rural economy.
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SSC
Sirsa Kinnow, which recently got a GI tag, belongs to which state? (Haryana).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Use of specialized regional GI-tagged high-altitude crops in formulating rations for forward-deployed troops.
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Govt Schemes
LokOS Application Expands Reach for SHGs
- The LokOS application has significantly expanded its reach to digitize the operations of Self Help Groups (SHGs) nationwide.
- It operates under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
- The app facilitates seamless financial accounting and member profiling of SHGs, Village Organisations, and Cluster Level Federations.
- Its newer companion platform, SHE-LEAPS (launched 29 June 2026), specifically links rural women's micro-enterprises with the formal banking sector.
- The initiative is a major step toward promoting transparency and data-driven policy making.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
The socio-economic impact of DAY-NRLM and digital financial inclusion of women in rural areas.
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SSC
Under which scheme does the LokOS app operate? (DAY-NRLM).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Importance of robust digital financial infrastructure resilient against cyber threats in rural border areas.
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Health & Medicine
FSSAI 'Eat Right Campus' at Lucknow Airport
- Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow became India's first airport to be awarded the FSSAI 'Eat Right Campus' certification, with a 3-star rating.
- This certification, valid from 24 March 2026 to 23 March 2028, is part of the Eat Right India movement initiated by FSSAI.
- It ensures that all food outlets on the premises strictly follow food safety and hygiene standards.
- The audit process involves checking the nutritional value, storage, and waste management of food.
- The initiative promotes public health by encouraging safe, healthy, and sustainable diets.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Role of FSSAI under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 in curbing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
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SSC
Which airport recently received the FSSAI Eat Right Campus tag? (Lucknow Airport).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Maintaining strict FSSAI quality benchmarks in military canteens and supply depots.
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Education
Mission Kayakalp in Delhi Government Schools
- The Delhi Government under CM Rekha Gupta has launched Mission Kayakalp to upgrade the infrastructure of Delhi government schools.
- The initiative aims to provide world-class amenities like smart classrooms and modernised science labs.
- It also focuses on improving sanitation, drinking water facilities, and facilities for children with special needs, such as sensory parks.
- The project involves active participation from district administrations, CSR partners, and local communities.
- It reflects a state-driven approach to implementing the core goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Importance of decentralized governance in educational administration via School Management Committees.
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SSC
Mission Kayakalp recently associated with school infrastructure upgrades was implemented in? (Delhi).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Upgradation of infrastructure in Sainik Schools on the lines of modern technological interventions.
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Space
ISRO's SOLVE Test & JAXA's Hayabusa2 Flyby of Torifune
- ISRO successfully conducted a ground test of the solid motor for SOLVE (Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments), at Sriharikota on 3 July 2026.
- SOLVE will be used to test the intricate parachute deployment system necessary for the Gaganyaan crew module's safe splashdown.
- Meanwhile, Japan's space agency JAXA received global praise after its Hayabusa2 probe performed a high-speed flyby of asteroid Torifune on 5 July 2026.
- The flyby tested high-precision navigation technology relevant to future planetary defence against asteroid threats.
- Both events mark significant strides in human spaceflight preparation and deep-space exploration.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Significance of asteroid deflection and navigation tests in developing global planetary defence capabilities.
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SSC
Hayabusa2 is a successful space mission of which country's space agency? (Japan/JAXA).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Militarization of space and the dual-use nature of advanced re-entry and landing technologies.
🦁
Biodiversity
Eurasian Lynx Photographed in Sikkim
- The rare Eurasian Lynx was photographically captured for the first time in the state of Sikkim, at the Tso Lhamo Plateau (5,250m).
- It is a medium-sized wild cat known for its thick fur and characteristic tufted ears.
- This is only the second photographic record of the species in the Eastern Himalayas, after Arunachal Pradesh in 2025.
- It is currently listed as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List globally, but rare in India.
- In India, it receives the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Impact of climate change on high-altitude flora and fauna and the shift of the tree line in the Himalayas.
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SSC
In which Indian state was the Eurasian Lynx recently photographed for the first time? (Sikkim).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Role of the Indian Army in high-altitude wildlife conservation and preventing cross-border poaching.
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Culture & Heritage
Jain Heritage: Udayagiri Caves & Lord Mahavira
- The Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves in Odisha are prime examples of ancient Jain rock-cut architecture.
- They were excavated during the reign of King Kharavela of the Mahameghavahana dynasty.
- The caves served as residential blocks for Jain monks traveling through the Kalinga region.
- Jainism traces its primary historical evolution back to Lord Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara.
- Lord Mahavira taught the rigorous observance of non-violence (Ahimsa) and the doctrine of Anekantavada.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Hathigumpha inscription of King Kharavela and its significance in reconstructing Jain history in Eastern India.
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SSC
The Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves are located in which state? (Odisha).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Historical study of ancient martial traditions of the Kalinga empire detailed in the Hathigumpha inscriptions.
Banaskhera Inscription & IVC Sites
- The Banaskhera inscription is a crucial historical copper plate dating back to 628 CE.
- It is highly significant because it bears the royal signature of Emperor Harshavardhana.
- The plate records a land grant issued to two Brahmin scholars by the Vardhana dynasty ruler.
- In older history, the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) represents India's earliest urban culture.
- Prominent archaeological sites of IVC like Dholavira and Rakhigarhi highlight advanced drainage systems.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Administrative structure and land grant (Agrahara) system during the reign of King Harshavardhana.
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SSC
The Banaskhera inscription is associated with which famous Indian ruler? (Harshavardhana).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Evolution of fortified urban settlements and defensive walls in early Indus Valley Civilisation cities.
Traditional Festivals of North East India
- The diverse festivals of North East India act as massive tools for cultural integration.
- Nagaland celebrates the famous Hornbill Festival, known as the 'Festival of Festivals'.
- Assam's Bihu marks the state's agricultural harvest cycle with traditional dances.
- Manipur hosts the annual Sangai Festival to promote its state animal and tourism.
- These festivals have received a major push under the central government's Act East Policy.
Exam Perspectives
📚
UPSC
Role of cultural diplomacy and tourism in curbing insurgency and promoting assimilation in the Northeast.
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SSC
The Hornbill Festival is primarily celebrated in which state? (Nagaland).
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CDS/CAPF/NDA
Contribution of Assam Rifles in facilitating peaceful conduct of cultural festivals in disturbed border zones.
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Geography
Rigvedic Saraswati River & Global Volcanoes
- Modern geological studies strongly identify the extinct Saraswati River with the Ghaggar-Hakra river system.
- The Saraswati is extensively praised in the Rigveda as a mighty and sacred river.
- Globally, geographical studies focus on the distribution of Volcanoes, mostly found along tectonic plate boundaries.
- The Pacific Ring of Fire hosts the majority of the world's active stratovolcanoes.
- India's only active volcano is located on Barren Island in the Andaman Sea.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Tectonic processes responsible for the drying up of the Saraswati river system and desertification of the Thar region.
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SSC
Where is India's only active volcano located? (Barren Island).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Strategic implications of volcanic topography and archipelagos in maritime naval placements in the Andamans.
🏆
Sports
FIFA World Cup 2026 & Women's T20 WC
- The FIFA World Cup 2026 is co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
- For the very first time, the FIFA tournament format has been expanded to include 48 teams.
- In cricket, Australia clinched the title of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, beating England by 7 wickets at Lord's.
- This was Australia's record-extending seventh T20 World Cup title, cementing its dominance in women's international cricket.
- The event witnessed a massive surge in global viewership, setting new records for women's sports broadcasting.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
The socio-economic impact of hosting mega sporting events on the infrastructure development of developing nations.
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SSC
Which three countries are hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026? (USA, Canada, Mexico).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Utilization of major sports platforms to promote armed forces recruitment, akin to the Agnipath scheme awareness.
Neymar Retires from International Football
- Brazilian football superstar Neymar has announced his retirement from international football (Brazil's national team), following Brazil's Round-of-16 exit to Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
- He had a highly decorated club career playing for giants like Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
- Neymar finishes his international career as the all-time top scorer for the Brazilian national team, with 80 goals — three more than Pelé.
- He famously led Brazil to its first-ever Olympic football gold medal in Rio 2016.
- His legacy is defined by extraordinary dribbling skills and bringing flair back to modern South American football.
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
Soft power diplomacy of nations like Brazil through international sporting legends and cultural exports.
📋
SSC
Which country does the recently retired footballer Neymar represent? (Brazil).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Sports quotas and integration of elite athletic training regimens within the armed services.
📌
Miscellaneous
Tributes: Girish Bharadwaj & Teejan Bai
- The nation mourned the passing of Girish Bharadwaj, famously known as the 'Bridge Man of India', who died on 7 July 2026 at age 76.
- He built over 140 low-cost suspension bridges across rural areas, primarily in Karnataka and Kerala.
- He was awarded the Padma Shri (2017) for his selfless contribution to rural connectivity.
- Tributes were also paid to late Teejan Bai, the legendary folk artist from Chhattisgarh, who died on 5 July 2026 at age 70.
- She was globally renowned for her Pandavani performances and was a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan (2019).
Exam Perspectives
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UPSC
The role of grassroots innovators (like Bharadwaj) and traditional art preservers in India's inclusive development.
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SSC
Who is known as the 'Bridge Man of India'? (Girish Bharadwaj).
🛡️
CDS/CAPF/NDA
Army Engineering Corps adopting cost-effective suspension bridge models for rapid border infrastructure deployment.
📝
MCQ Practice — 08 July 2026
SELECT YOUR ANSWER · EXPLANATION APPEARS AUTOMATICALLY
0/13 correct
1
Who among the following was the prominent propounder of the 'Doctrine of Passive Resistance' in 1907?
Explanation: Aurobindo Ghosh wrote a series of articles on the Doctrine of Passive Resistance in the Bande Mataram journal in 1907.
2
In which Indian state were Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) first used on an experimental basis in 1982?
Explanation: EVMs were first used in the Parur Assembly constituency of Kerala in 1982.
3
PM Modi received the 'Bintang Adipurna', the highest civilian award of which country?
Explanation: Indonesia awarded its highest civilian honor, Bintang Adipurna, to PM Modi during his bilateral visit, making him the second Indian PM to receive it after Nehru.
4
Which Indian city recently hosted the BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting?
Explanation: The BRICS Heads of Anti-Drug Agencies Meeting was held in Guwahati (July 6-7, 2026) to discuss synthetic drug trafficking.
5
Keiko Fujimori has been declared president-elect of which South American country?
Explanation: Keiko Fujimori, representing the Popular Force party, was declared president-elect of Peru and will be inaugurated on 28 July 2026.
6
The UNCTAD session recently chaired by India in Geneva was the Ninth Session of which body?
Explanation: India, represented by Nidhi Khare, chaired the Ninth Session of UNCTAD's Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) on Consumer Protection Law and Policy in Geneva.
7
India's indigenous Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) exported to Indonesia is named?
Explanation: Astra is India's indigenous BVRAAM; Indonesia is its first-ever export customer, alongside additional BrahMos missiles.
8
INS Mahendragiri (F38), set to be commissioned in July 2026, is being built under which Indian Navy project?
Explanation: INS Mahendragiri is the sixth of seven stealth frigates under Project 17A, built by Mazagon Dock, scheduled for commissioning on 11 July 2026.
9
Indian peacekeepers awarded the UN Medal recently were serving in the MONUSCO mission in which country?
Explanation: 651 Indian peacekeepers received the UN Medal for their service under the MONUSCO mission in the DRC.
10
A recent analysis of Indian states' per-capita income used the income thresholds of which institution?
Explanation: The analysis applied the World Bank's country-level income thresholds to Indian states, finding Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat cross into upper-middle income.
11
'Sirsa Kinnow', which recently received a GI tag, is an agricultural product from which state?
Explanation: Sirsa Kinnow is a premium citrus fruit grown in Haryana that obtained the GI tag on 17 June 2026 — Haryana's first fruit to do so.
12
The LokOS application, which digitizes the operations of Self Help Groups, operates under which scheme?
Explanation: LokOS is aimed at financial profiling of SHGs under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission.
13
What is the primary purpose of the NCW's 24x7 helpline (14490)?
Explanation:
⚡
One-Liner Rapid Fire
READ THE QUESTION → RECALL → CHECK ANSWER BELOW
Aurobindo Ghosh
Parur (Kerala)
Bintang Adipurna
Guwahati
Keiko Fujimori
Geneva
Astra
Project 17A (6th of 7 frigates)
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
World Bank
Haryana
Self Help Groups (SHGs)
National Commission for Women (NCW)
Lucknow Airport
Delhi
Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments
Torifune (98943 Torifune)
Sikkim
USA, Canada, Mexico
Australia (7th title)
Neymar
Girish Bharadwaj
Pandavani
Jainism