Daily Current Affairs โ 29 July 2026
Daily Current Affairs ยท 29 July 2026
10 fully-analysed topics ยท 30 bilingual MCQs ยท 3 embedded videos ยท built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
๐ฏ 30 MCQs
๐ฌ 3 Videos
๐ฎ๐ณ Hindi + English
UPSC Current Affairs MCQ โ 29 July 2026
10 UPSC-standard bilingual MCQs covering today's top stories ยท 10-sec timer per question
Score yourself as you go. Get a feel for how UPSC-level questions are framed around the day's news.
History
Pickaxe Mountain
Pickaxe Mountain in Iran has gained global attention after US threatened military strikes, amid reports that the mountain may conceal deep underground nuclear facilities linked to Iran's nuclear programme.
- The developments have also revived discussions on India's decision not to launch a pre-emptive strike on Pakistan's Kahuta nuclear facility in theโฆ
- Geographical Setting: Situated roughly 220 km south of Tehran near Natanz
- Tectonic Origin: The range forms part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt
- Rock Composition (Lithology): The bedrock is predominantly made of mechanically strong volcanic rocks (including andesite
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- Structural Complexity & Wave Dispersion: Extensive network of fault zones
- Strategic Defense & Hardening: The high energy required to fracture intact volcanic rock combined with deep-seated natural subterranean shieldingโฆ
- Pokhran-I (1974) (Smiling Buddha) marked India's first nuclear test
- In 1981, the Indian Air Force studied the feasibility of a pre-emptive strike on Kahuta, though no official plan was confirmed.
- India ultimately chose strategic restraint over military action
- To reduce the risk of attacks on nuclear facilities
Which statement correctly describes Pickaxe Mountain?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Geography
Strait of Hormuz
Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz and diverted it into Iranian territorial waters.
- Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India's Interests
- This incident has raised concerns about maritime security in one of the world's most strategic energy chokepoints.
- Strategic Location: It is a narrow maritime chokepoint (55โ95 km wide) between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula
- Major exporters such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar depend on this route, with over 80% of the oil headed toward Asian marketsโฆ
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- However, a complete shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz has never occurred, though the region has experienced major disruptions.
- Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Opening a new canal across the Kra isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman Sea.
Around 40% of India's crude oil imports and nearly 54% of its LNG imports pass through the Strait, underscoring its importance for India's energy security.
Which statement correctly describes Strait of Hormuz?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
History
Project Kusha
Defence Minister described Project Kusha as a "game changer" for India's security architecture while inaugurating the Advanced Weapon System Complex at DRDO's Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad.
- About Project Kusha: Project Kusha, also known as the Extended Range Air Defence System, is an indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile systemโฆ
- Key Features: The system is expected to have three interceptor variants โ M1 with around 150 km range
- Threat Coverage: Project Kusha is designed to counter fighter aircraft
- Operational Role: The system is expected to be integrated with the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System
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- Broader Defence Architecture: Project Kusha is expected to complement other air defence assets such as QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile)
- Strategic Significance: It will strengthen India's indigenous air defence capability
Which statement correctly describes Project Kusha?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
S&T
S-400 Triumf (Sudarshan) System
India is fast-tracking the procurement and induction of its remaining S-400 Triumf air defence systems from Russia to significantly fortify its national airspace security.
- About: The S-400 Triumf, officially designated as 'Sudarshan' in Indian service, is a state-of-the-art long-range air defence system procured fromโฆ
- As of 2026, three squadrons are fully operational and strategically deployed along the western and northern borders, with the final two scheduled forโฆ
Which statement correctly describes S-400 Triumf (Sudarshan) System?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Geography
Conflict Zones in the US – Israel – Iran War
The United States and Israel carried out coordinated strikes on Iran, prompting Iranian retaliatory attacks on economic targets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
- Rising tensions in the Persian Gulf have led India's Ministry of Ports
- The escalating conflict between the United States
- Strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz
- United States & Israel: Seeking to definitively dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities and proxy networks to restructure the regional balance of power
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- Iran aims to raise the cost of war for the US and its allies by spreading the conflict across the region.
- The strategy seeks to create fear of a wider regional war and push international actors to pressure Washington to stop military operations.
- Many of these countries host major US military bases
- Iran has targeted their economic and civilian infrastructure
- Hezbollah (Lebanon): Hezbollah is firmly aligned with Iran and engaging Israel in a brutal two-front war (fighting Iran on one front
- Houthis (Yemen): In solidarity with Iran and the broader "Axis of Resistance." Houthis use their geographical position to attack commercial ships inโฆ
Which statement correctly describes Conflict Zones in the US – Israel – Iran War?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
๐ Indian History MCQ Quiz ยท เคญเคพเคฐเคคเฅเคฏ เคเคคเคฟเคนเคพเคธ
10 bilingual MCQs ยท Indian History ยท Members Only on YouTube
Today's rotation: Indian History. Take this break between news topics to sharpen the core concept.
Economy
Bank of Baroda Data Breach on Dark Web
Public sector lender Bank of Baroda (BoB) has initiated a forensic investigation following an alleged data breach that reportedly leaked around 1 TBโฆ
- The bank stated that its core banking systems were not compromised and continue to remain secure.
- Cyber incidents, such as the Tata Electronics ransomware attack (2026), BSNL data breach (2024), WazirX crypto heist (2024), ICMR data leak (Darkโฆ
- Dark Web: The World Wide Web consists of three broad layers: Surface Web: Publicly accessible and indexed by search engines (e.g.
- Deep Web: Unindexed but legitimate parts of the web requiring authentication (e.g., banking portals, private email inboxes, corporate databases).
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- Dark Web: A small, intentionally hidden subset of the Deep Web that requires specific software (like the Tor browser) to access
- CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team): The nodal agency to deal with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing
- In case of a personal data breach, significant penalties can be levied for failing to deploy reasonable security safeguards.
Which statement correctly describes Bank of Baroda Data Breach on Dark Web?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Polity
Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025
India notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025. This marks the full operationalisation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023.
- Together, the Act and the Rules form a clear and citizen-centred framework for the responsible use of digital personal data.
- About: The DPDP Rules, 2025 operationalise the DPDP Act by creating a clear, practical system for personal data protection
- The Rules reduce digital harms, support innovation and help build a secure, trusted digital economy for India.
- The DPDP framework puts citizens at the centre of data protection, giving them clear control over how their personal data is used.
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- Phased and Practical Implementation: The Rules allow an 18-month compliance window
- Significant Data Fiduciaries must undergo independent audits
- Appeals against the Board's decisions will be heard by the Appellate Tribunal, TDSAT.
- About: The DPDP Act, passed in August 2023, sets out India's framework for protecting digital personal data
- The DPDP framework also aligns with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 by balancing privacy rights with the public's right to information.
- These principles guide every stage of data processing. They also ensure that personal data is used only for lawful and specific purposes.
Citizens must be informed quickly about breaches, their impact and the steps to take.
Which statement correctly describes Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP)โฆ?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
History
Dark Net
Recently, the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET-UG) and University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam paper leaks onโฆ
- Dark Net: The dark net is a concealed section of the internet that regular search engines do not index
- It was initially developed to facilitate secure, anonymous communication, primarily for government and military use
- Malware flourishes on the dark net, where it is actively traded on certain platforms, providing cybercriminals with tools for launching cyberattacks
Which statement correctly describes Dark Net?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan (BHAVYA Rasayan) Scheme for establishing three dedicated Chemical Parks across India.
- About: Announced in the Union Budget 2026โ27, BHAVYA Rasayan aims to establish three dedicated Chemical Parks with integrated infrastructure forโฆ
- Funding: The scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 3,030 crore, comprising Rs. 3,000 crore for common infrastructure and basic utilities and Rs
- Centre-State Contribution: The Central Government will provide up to Rs. 1,000 crore per park, subject to a minimum contribution of Rs
- Implementation: The scheme will be implemented for five years
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- Land Requirement: Each Chemical Park must have at least 8 sq. km. or 2,000 acres of contiguous and encumbrance-free land.
- Infrastructure: The parks will provide plug-and-play facilities such as effluent treatment plants
- Economic Benefits: The scheme will reduce logistics and production costs
- Significance: Sustainable infrastructure and better environmental compliance will support employment generation
Which statement correctly describes BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Economy
Union Budget 2026โ27
The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs presented the Union Budget 2026โ27 in Parliament, marking the first Budget prepared in the newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhawan.
- The budget framed as a Yuva Shakti-driven Budget
- The Budget is guided by three Kartavyas (duties) aimed at accelerating economic growth
- Sustain Economic Growth: To enhance productivity, competitiveness, and build resilience against volatile global dynamics.
- Fulfill Aspirations: To build the capacity of the youth and citizens, making them strong partners in India's prosperity.
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- Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas: To ensure every family, community, region, and sector has access to resources and opportunities, focusing on the "Lastโฆ
- Manufacturing & Industry (Strategic Sectors): To position India as a global manufacturing hub
- It focuses on manufacturing semiconductor equipment and materials and strengthening resilient supply chains
- The Self-Reliant India Fund will get an additional Rs 2,000 crore to continue supporting micro enterprises and ensure steady access to risk capital
- High-Speed Rail: 7 High-Speed Rail corridors between cities – Mumbai-Pune
- Sustainable Movement of Cargo: To promote environmentally sustainable cargo movement
Which statement correctly describes Union Budget 2026โ27?
โ Correct! That fact belongs to this topic.
โ Not quite โ that fact is from another headline. The green option is right.
Simple Current Affairs MCQ โ 29 July 2026
10 accessible MCQs covering the same topics ยท great for quick revision
End your study session with these simpler MCQs to lock in recall of today's current affairs.
