Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 07th October 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) In news, the SME Growth Fund (SGF) was announced under Para 28 of Union Budget 2026–27 to provide growth-oriented capital to India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). What is the amount of Government of India’s commitment approved for establishing the SME Growth Fund (SGF)?

(a) ₹5,000 crore

(b) ₹7,500 crore

(c) ₹10,000 crore

(d) ₹12,500 crore

(e) ₹15,000 crore

 

2) Which company received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the RBI to operate as a Core Investment Company (CIC) in October 2026?

(a) Indiabulls Limited

(b) Yaari Finance Limited

(c) Indiabulls Housing Finance Limited

(d) Indiabulls Asset Management Limited

(e) Indiabulls Securities Limited

3) What is the proposed Expense of Management (EoM) limit for life insurers after five years under IRDAI’s proposed insurance distribution reforms?

(a) 10%

(b) 12.5%

(c) 15%

(d) 20%

(e) 25%

 

5) Which position did the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) attain globally by market capitalisation after its shares were listed on the BSE?

(a) Third-largest

(b) Fourth-largest

(c) Fifth-largest

(d) Sixth-largest

(e) Seventh-largest

6) How many Centres of Excellence for advanced studies and research in Classical Languages have been approved by the Ministry of Education?

(a) Three

(b) Five

(c) Four

(d) Six

(e) Seven

7) In which city will the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention be held from 7 to 9 January 2027?

(a) Kolkata

(b) Mumbai

(c) New Delhi

(d) Bengaluru

(e) Hyderabad

8) Which district in Uttar Pradesh was renamed “Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi” by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath?

(a) Mirzapur

(b) Bhadohi

(c) Varanasi

(d) Prayagraj

(e) Jaunpur

9) From which date will the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms for passenger vehicles come into effect?

(a) 1 April 2026

(b) 1 January 2027

(c) 1 April 2027

(d) 1 April 2028

(e) 1 January 2028

10) What is the maximum financial support provided per company, project, or portfolio of projects under the New Discovery Track introduced by the Department of Pharmaceuticals?

(a) ₹25 crore

(b) ₹30 crore

(c) ₹40 crore

(d) ₹50 crore

(e) ₹75 crore

 

11) How many targets are included under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which comprises 17 Sustainable Development Goals?

(a) 149

(b) 159

(c) 169

(d) 179

12) Who was awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin?

(a) John Clauser

(b) Francis Halzen

(c) Alain Aspect

(d) Anton Zeilinger

(e) Rainer Weiss

13) Which scientific technique, associated with Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel, has opened a new era in neuroscience by enabling researchers to control nerve cells using light?

(a) CRISPR-Cas9

(b) Neuroplasticity

(c) Gene Therapy

(d) Optogenetics

(e) Stem Cell Therapy

14) How many States and Union Territories will be covered under the four-year longitudinal Impact Assessment Study of rural roads under PMGSY-IV and PM-JANMAN?

(a) 8

(b) 10

(c) 12

(d) 15

(e) 20

15) Consider the following statements regarding the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027:

1. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru secured the 254th position globally and was the highest-ranked Indian institution.
2. Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences was placed in the 326–350 band.
3. The rankings assessed 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) All of the above

(e) None of the above

(e) 189

 

16) In which Indian state is the India-UAE Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 being conducted?

(a) Himachal Pradesh

(b) Sikkim

(c) Uttarakhand

(d) Arunachal Pradesh

(e) Jammu and Kashmir

17) Which is the 3^rd highest peak, located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, was successfully summited by the Joint Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition on 21 September 2026?

(a) Mt Abi Gamin

(b) Mt Nanda Devi

(c) Mt Trishul

(d) Mt Kanchenjunga

(e) Mt Kamet

18)  Which organisation delivered its 2,000th aero-engine from the Koraput Division, Odisha, on 6 October 2026?

(a) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

(b) Bharat Electronics Limited

(c) Bharat Dynamics Limited

(d) Defence Research and Development Organisation

(e) Bharat Earth Movers Limited

 

19) Which shipyard launched Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1) and laid the keel of Fleet Support Ship-5 (FSS-5) on 6 October 2026?

(a) Cochin Shipyard Limited

(b) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers

(c) Hindustan Shipyard Limited

(d) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited

(e) Goa Shipyard Limited

 

20) Where did the Kaveri Dry Engine (KDE) undergo high-altitude testing and flight evaluations for India’s Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV)?

(a) Russia

(b) Israel

(c) France

(d) United States

(e) Germany

 

21) In which country was the new cryptic lizard species Liolaemus arequipensis discovered?

(a) Chile

(b) Bolivia

(c) Ecuador

(d) Peru

(e) Argentina

 

22) In news, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Signs Agreement to Fully Acquire Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation Flying Helicopter Training Institute  From which country did HAL acquire the remaining 50% stake in HATSOFF?

(a) United States

(b) France

(c) Germany

(d) Canada

(e) United Kingdom

23) What is the amount of financial support approved by the Technology Development Board for Project VeerAI under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund?

(a) ₹80 crore

(b) ₹100 crore

(c) ₹120 crore

(d) ₹150 crore

(e) ₹130 crore

24) What was the distance covered by India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link demonstrated by QNu Labs in collaboration with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar?

(a) 3.56 km

(b) 4.56 km

(c) 5.56 km

(d) 6.56 km

(e) 7.56 km

25) Where did the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal cross the coast during the night of 23–24 September 2026?

(a) North Tamil Nadu–South Andhra Pradesh coast

(b) North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast

(c) Odisha–West Bengal coast

(d) Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu coast

(e) South Odisha–North Chhattisgarh coast

 

26) Which facility of the Sanchar Saathi Portal enables citizens to report fraudulent calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages?

(a) Chakshu

(b) TAFCOP

(c) CEIR

(d) IMEI Check

(e) DoT Shield

 

27) Recently, Veteran Filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao Passed away at 94. In which year did Singeetham Srinivasa Rao receive the Life Achievement Award from the Film Federation of India?

(a) 2009

(b) 2010

(c) 2011

(d) 2012

(e) 2013

 

28) On which date is World Teachers' Day, also known as International Teachers' Day, observed annually?

(a) 5 October

(b) 6 October

(c) 7 October

(d) 10 October

(e) 15 October

 

29) In news, World Smile Day is observed on the first Friday of October every year. Who created the original smiley face in 1963?

(a) Harvey Ball

(b) Charles Schulz

(c) Walt Disney

(d) Milton Glaser

(e) Raymond Loewy

30) On which date is World Animal Day observed annually to raise awareness about animal welfare?

(a) 2 October

(b) 3 October

(c) 4 October

(d) 5 October

(e) 6 October

Answers:

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Government of India’s ₹10,000 crore commitment towards establishing the SME Growth Fund (SGF).

The SME Growth Fund (SGF) was announced under Para 28 of Union Budget 2026–27 to provide growth-oriented capital to India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Fund aims to help create champion Indian enterprises across manufacturing, services, technology, innovation-driven sectors and strategic value chains.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Government of India’s ₹10,000 crore commitment towards establishing the SME Growth Fund (SGF).

The SME Growth Fund (SGF) was announced under Para 28 of Union Budget 2026–27 to provide growth-oriented capital to India’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The Fund aims to help create champion Indian enterprises across manufacturing, services, technology, innovation-driven sectors and strategic value chains.

The ₹10,000 crore Government commitment will be provided to an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) established under the SGF framework.

The SGF addresses a structural gap in the availability of equity growth capital for Small and Medium Enterprises, as existing equity funds largely focus on early-stage and micro enterprises.

The Fund will provide patient, long-term growth equity capital to high-potential SMEs with demonstrated business viability and scalability.

A majority of the SGF allocation will be directed towards small and medium manufacturing-focused enterprises.

The Fund will also consider SMEs operating in industrial clusters in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, supporting balanced regional industrial development.

The SGF will help SMEs scale operations, expand manufacturing capacity, adopt advanced technologies, enter international markets and integrate into global value chains.

2) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted Indiabulls Limited a Certificate of Registration (CoR) as a Core Investment Company (CIC), bringing it under the RBI’s regulatory framework.

The approval was disclosed by Indiabulls Limited in a regulatory filing dated 2 October 2026.

A Core Investment Company (CIC) is a category of Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) that primarily holds investments in and provides funding to group companies, rather than conducting conventional lending or other financial businesses.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted Indiabulls Limited a Certificate of Registration (CoR) as a Core Investment Company (CIC), bringing it under the RBI’s regulatory framework.

The approval was disclosed by Indiabulls Limited in a regulatory filing dated 2 October 2026.

A Core Investment Company (CIC) is a category of Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) that primarily holds investments in and provides funding to group companies, rather than conducting conventional lending or other financial businesses.

Under RBI norms, a CIC generally has assets of ₹100 crore or more and holds at least

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) proposed an overhaul of insurance distribution norms through its consultation paper titled “Recalibrating Economics of Insurance Distribution.”

The proposed reforms aim to create a customer-centric, competitive, efficient and transparent insurance distribution ecosystem, while improving outcomes for policyholders, insurers and distributors.

For life insurers, IRDAI proposed shifting the Expense of Management (EoM) limit to a company-level basis linked to Gross Direct Premium Income (GDPI).

The EoM limit for life insurers is proposed to decline to 15% within two years and 12.5% within five years.

Detailed Explanation:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) proposed an overhaul of insurance distribution norms through its consultation paper titled “Recalibrating Economics of Insurance Distribution.”

The proposed reforms aim to create a customer-centric, competitive, efficient and transparent insurance distribution ecosystem, while improving outcomes for policyholders, insurers and distributors.

For life insurers, IRDAI proposed shifting the Expense of Management (EoM) limit to a company-level basis linked to Gross Direct Premium Income (GDPI).

The EoM limit for life insurers is proposed to decline to 15% within two years and 12.5% within five years.

For general insurers, the EoM calculation is proposed to shift from Gross Written Premium (GWP) to domestic Gross Direct Premium Income (GDPI).

The EoM limit for general insurers is proposed to decline from 30% of GWP to 20% of GDPI over five years.

IRDAI proposed cost audits and safeguards against indirect payments to improve accountability and transparency regarding the actual cost of insurance distribution and strengthen consumer protection.

90% of its net assets in investments or loans to group companies.

Of this, at least 60% of net assets must generally comprise equity investments in group companies.

The CIC registration places Indiabulls Limited under the RBI regulatory framework applicable to investment-holding entities.

Indiabulls was formerly known as Yaari Digital Integrated Services Limited and was established in 2000, with its headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana.

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the Portfolio Managers Route for Investing in Mutual Fund Units (PRIM), popularly known as mutual funds and portfolio management services (MF-PMS), creating a mutual-fund-focused portfolio management route between conventional mutual funds and PMS.

Under PRIM, portfolio managers can invest clients’ money in direct plans of mutual funds, ETFs, index funds and Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs).

The minimum investment ticket size under PRIM is ₹25 lakh, which is half the ₹50 lakh minimum applicable to conventional PMS.

A portfolio manager offering PRIM must have a minimum net worth of ₹2 crore, and exit loads are waived under the framework.

The fixed management fee under PRIM is capped at 1% of the client’s Assets Under Management (AUM), while performance-linked fees are also permitted.

Detailed Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved the Portfolio Managers Route for Investing in Mutual Fund Units (PRIM), popularly known as mutual funds and portfolio management services (MF-PMS), creating a mutual-fund-focused portfolio management route between conventional mutual funds and PMS.

Under PRIM, portfolio managers can invest clients’ money in direct plans of mutual funds, ETFs, index funds and Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs).

The minimum investment ticket size under PRIM is ₹25 lakh, which is half the ₹50 lakh minimum applicable to conventional PMS.

A portfolio manager offering PRIM must have a minimum net worth of ₹2 crore, and exit loads are waived under the framework.

The fixed management fee under PRIM is capped at 1% of the client’s Assets Under Management (AUM), while performance-linked fees are also permitted.

Investments in mutual fund schemes managed by an affiliated, group or associate AMC are capped at 25%, helping reduce concentration and conflict-of-interest risks.

Mutual fund distributors offering PRIM must generally segregate their PRIM activities and clients from their mutual fund distribution business, except for accredited investors.

SEBI eased principal officer eligibility for portfolio managers, allowing a graduate, CFA or Chartered Accountant with at least two years of securities-market experience, subject to simplified NISM certification requirements.

SEBI also relaxed the dealing-room requirement for portfolio managers having AUM below ₹100 crore.

 

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) became the sixth-largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization after its shares were listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

NSE is India’s largest stock exchange by total turnover in the cash and equity derivatives segments.

NSE currently commands a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of around 43 times, reflecting its strong market valuation.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) became the sixth-largest stock exchange in the world by market capitalization after its shares were listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).

NSE is India’s largest stock exchange by total turnover in the cash and equity derivatives segments.

NSE currently commands a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of around 43 times, reflecting its strong market valuation.

The five larger listed global exchanges by market capitalisation are Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE parent) – $87.8 billion, Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing – $63.6 billion, Deutsche Börse – $59.5 billion, Nasdaq – $53.3 billion, and London Stock Exchange Group – $53 billion.

NSE’s valuation premium is attributed to its strong operating profitability and expectations of higher earnings growth.

The growth outlook is supported by increasing financialisation of household savings and rising retail participation in India’s capital markets.

6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Education has approved the establishment of five Centres of Excellence for advanced studies and research in Classical Languages.

The Department of Higher Education has approved Centres of Excellence dedicated to the study of Classical Assamese, Classical Bengali, Classical Marathi, Classical Pali and Classical Prakrit.

The five Centres of Excellence will be established at:

Tezpur University, Assam – Classical Assamese

Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal – Classical Bengali

Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune – Classical Marathi

Central University of Odisha – Classical Pali

Central University of Gujarat – Classical Prakrit

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Education has approved the establishment of five Centres of Excellence for advanced studies and research in Classical Languages.

The Department of Higher Education has approved Centres of Excellence dedicated to the study of Classical Assamese, Classical Bengali, Classical Marathi, Classical Pali and Classical Prakrit.

The five Centres of Excellence will be established at:

Tezpur University, Assam – Classical Assamese

Visva-Bharati University, West Bengal – Classical Bengali

Deccan College Post-Graduate and Research Institute, Pune – Classical Marathi

Central University of Odisha – Classical Pali

Central University of Gujarat – Classical Prakrit

The initiative will provide dedicated institutional support for advanced academic research in these Classical Languages.

The Centres will also support the preservation and digitisation of linguistic and literary heritage associated with these languages.

The initiative aims to facilitate the wider dissemination of knowledge relating to the five Classical Languages.

The establishment of these five Centres of Excellence marks an important step towards strengthening India’s institutional ecosystem for the study, research and preservation of Classical Languages.

7) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention will be held from 7 to 9 January 2027 in Kolkata, West Bengal.

The Convention will be organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Government of West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention.

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards and preside over the Valedictory Session of the Convention.

The Convention will also include a Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas segment, providing a platform for young members of the Indian diaspora.

The event will bring together Indian diaspora members, young diaspora leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, innovators and other stakeholders from across the world.

Detailed Explanation:

The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention will be held from 7 to 9 January 2027 in Kolkata, West Bengal.

The Convention will be organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with the Government of West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention.

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards and preside over the Valedictory Session of the Convention.

The Convention will also include a Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas segment, providing a platform for young members of the Indian diaspora.

The event will bring together Indian diaspora members, young diaspora leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, academics, innovators and other stakeholders from across the world.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is observed to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa on 9 January 1915.

The 19th edition of this flagship diaspora-engagement event will build on the success of previous editions and seek to strengthen the deep connections between the Indian diaspora and India.

The Convention will also recognise and celebrate the contributions of the Indian diaspora to India and the world.

Further details regarding the Convention, including registration and the programme schedule, will be announced subsequently.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that Bhadohi district has been renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi.

The announcement was made by the Chief Minister during a programme held in Bhadohi, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 112 development projects worth more than ₹1,340 crore.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the district would henceforth be known as Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi.

Detailed Explanation:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that Bhadohi district has been renamed Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi.

The announcement was made by the Chief Minister during a programme held in Bhadohi, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 112 development projects worth more than ₹1,340 crore.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the district would henceforth be known as Sant Ravidas Nagar Bhadohi.

He said that the decision had been announced on the occasion of Guru Purnima, under which Bhadohi, known for its carpet industry, would be associated with the name of Sant Ravidas, the medieval saint.

According to the Chief Minister, Sant Ravidas worked towards uniting society through spiritual devotion.

The name Sant Ravidas Nagar is also reflected in current Uttar Pradesh government administrative records.

9) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Power, Government of India has notified new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Norms for passenger vehicles, which will come into effect from 1 April 2027 and remain applicable until 31 March 2032.

The new norms will apply to new passenger vehicles manufactured or imported for sale in India and will replace the existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy norms from 1 April 2027.

The new framework will progressively improve fuel economy through year-on-year tightening of targets over the five-year period from 2027–28 to 2031–32.

The fuel-consumption benchmark will be tightened from 3.996 litres per 100 kilometres in 2027–28 to 3.3273 litres per 100 kilometres in 2031–32, representing an improvement of around 16.7%.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Power, Government of India has notified new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Norms for passenger vehicles, which will come into effect from 1 April 2027 and remain applicable until 31 March 2032.

The new norms will apply to new passenger vehicles manufactured or imported for sale in India and will replace the existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy norms from 1 April 2027.

The new framework will progressively improve fuel economy through year-on-year tightening of targets over the five-year period from 2027–28 to 2031–32.

The fuel-consumption benchmark will be tightened from 3.996 litres per 100 kilometres in 2027–28 to 3.3273 litres per 100 kilometres in 2031–32, representing an improvement of around 16.7%.

The revised target line introduces a more balanced and weight-sensitive approach, with relatively softer targets for lighter vehicles and stricter fuel-efficiency requirements for heavier vehicles.

The reference weight has been increased from 1,082 kilograms under the existing norms to 1,229 kilograms under the new norms, an increase of around 13.6%, reflecting the changing characteristics of India’s passenger vehicle fleet.

The passenger vehicle segment accounts for a substantial share of India’s transport energy demand and remains an important contributor to fossil-fuel consumption

10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has introduced a New Discovery Track under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech Scheme to encourage the discovery, development, and commercialisation of new medicines and support start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

The New Discovery Track aims to encourage start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to enter the high-risk innovation ecosystem for the discovery of new drugs and therapies.

The initiative seeks to address the critical funding gap in early-stage novel drug discovery by providing financial support of up to ₹50 crore per company, project, or portfolio of projects.

The financial assistance will be subject to a minimum 25% co-funding of the project cost from bona fide institutional investors.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has introduced a New Discovery Track under the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma and MedTech Scheme to encourage the discovery, development, and commercialisation of new medicines and support start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

The New Discovery Track aims to encourage start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to enter the high-risk innovation ecosystem for the discovery of new drugs and therapies.

The initiative seeks to address the critical funding gap in early-stage novel drug discovery by providing financial support of up to ₹50 crore per company, project, or portfolio of projects.

The financial assistance will be subject to a minimum 25% co-funding of the project cost from bona fide institutional investors.

The funding will serve as large-scale risk capital for start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and is expected to encourage institutional investors to participate at an earlier stage of drug development.

The initiative aims to enable more indigenous New Chemical Entities and New Biological Entities to progress from the discovery stage towards clinical development and contribute to building a globally competitive drug innovation pipeline.

Start-ups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises undertaking New Chemical Entity and New Biological Entity projects at Technology Readiness Levels 1, 2, or 3 are eligible to apply under the New Discovery Track.

11)Answer: C

Short Explanation:

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal and the United Nations Development Programme, organised a National Workshop on Sustainable Development Goals Budgeting in Kolkata, West Bengal under the State Support Mission.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

As a signatory to the 2030 Agenda, India is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through national policies, programmes, and budgetary allocations, with emphasis on localisation for context-specific implementation.

Detailed Explanation:

NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal and the United Nations Development Programme, organised a National Workshop on Sustainable Development Goals Budgeting in Kolkata, West Bengal under the State Support Mission.

The workshop highlighted the importance of integrating Sustainable Development Goals into national and sub-national budgetary processes to ensure coordinated policy implementation, resource allocation, and monitoring across different sectors.

The initiative is aligned with India’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reflects the increasing focus on evidence-based governance and fiscal federalism for achieving developmental outcomes.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, consists of 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169 targets addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.

As a signatory to the 2030 Agenda, India is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through national policies, programmes, and budgetary allocations, with emphasis on localisation for context-specific implementation.

NITI Aayog, established in 2015 as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, plays a key role in coordinating Sustainable Development Goals implementation among Central Ministries, State Governments, and Union Territories through the Sustainable Development Goals India Index and Dashboard.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Francis Halzen for his decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.

The award was announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Francis Halzen, who conceived the idea behind the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, developed the concept of using glacial ice at the South Pole to detect neutrinos, extremely elusive subatomic particles.

Detailed Explanation:

The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded to Francis Halzen for his decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.

The award was announced by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Francis Halzen, who conceived the idea behind the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, developed the concept of using glacial ice at the South Pole to detect neutrinos, extremely elusive subatomic particles.

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is designed to track neutrinos originating from the distant cosmos.

Continuous collection of neutrino interactions by IceCube provides researchers with new information about the violent astrophysical environments in which high-energy neutrinos are produced and may help reveal previously unknown cosmic phenomena.

Extremely high-energy cosmic neutrinos are very rare, requiring an enormous volume of ice to detect a sufficient number of neutrino collisions.

The IceCube Neutrino Observatory covers approximately one cubic kilometre of ice and was completed in 2011.

13) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Karl Deisseroth is associated with Stanford University, California, while Peter Hegemann is associated with Humboldt University of Berlin and Georg Nagel with the University of Würzburg, Germany.

The Nobel Assembly highlighted that their method, optogenetics, is now being used in laboratories worldwide to help researchers understand the mysteries of the brain.

Thomas Perlmann, Secretary of the Medicine Committee, stated that he was able to contact all three Nobel laureates by telephone on the day of the announcement.

Detailed Explanation:

Karl Deisseroth is associated with Stanford University, California, while Peter Hegemann is associated with Humboldt University of Berlin and Georg Nagel with the University of Würzburg, Germany.

The Nobel Assembly highlighted that their method, optogenetics, is now being used in laboratories worldwide to help researchers understand the mysteries of the brain.

Thomas Perlmann, Secretary of the Medicine Committee, stated that he was able to contact all three Nobel laureates by telephone on the day of the announcement.

Optogenetics has opened what the Nobel Assembly described as a new era in neuroscience by enabling scientists to use light as a controlled switch to activate or deactivate nerve cells and circuits in the brain.

The research began with Peter Hegemann’s study of how a single-celled type of green algae moves towards light.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was announced at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, marking the beginning of Nobel Week.

The 2026 Nobel Prize monetary award is 12 million Swedish kronor, approximately US$1.2 million, and the amount applies whether the prize is awarded to an individual, a small group of laureates or an organisation.

The previous year’s Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to three scientists for their research on the immune system.

14) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and the Indian Institute of Management Kolkata signed a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake a comprehensive four-year longitudinal Impact Assessment Study of roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.

The four-year longitudinal study will assess the long-term outcomes of rural road connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.

The study will cover 10 States and Union Territories, 50 districts, 150 blocks, and 250 roads.

The States and Union Territories covered are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and the Indian Institute of Management Kolkata signed a Memorandum of Understanding to undertake a comprehensive four-year longitudinal Impact Assessment Study of roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.

The four-year longitudinal study will assess the long-term outcomes of rural road connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV and Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan.

The study will cover 10 States and Union Territories, 50 districts, 150 blocks, and 250 roads.

The States and Union Territories covered are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand.

The study will follow a longitudinal approach, involving a Baseline Survey before construction and an Endline Survey after construction to assess changes over time.

The assessment will examine the impact of rural roads on mobility, accessibility, socio-economic conditions, and access to essential services.

The Baseline Survey will be conducted over 14 months, followed by an approximately 12-month transition period, while the Endline Survey will be conducted over 22 months.

15) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru has secured the 254th position globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, making it the highest-ranked Indian institution in the latest global rankings.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 were released on 30 September 2026 and assessed 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories, compared with 2,191 institutions in the previous edition.

Other Indian institutions featured in the rankings include:

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences – 326–350 band

Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences – 451–500 band

Jamia Millia Islamia – 510–550 band

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology – 510–550 band

Lovely Professional University – 510–550 band

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings assess research-focused universities across areas including teaching, research environment, research quality, industry links, and international outlook.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru has secured the 254th position globally in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027, making it the highest-ranked Indian institution in the latest global rankings.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 were released on 30 September 2026 and assessed 2,297 universities across 118 countries and territories, compared with 2,191 institutions in the previous edition.

Other Indian institutions featured in the rankings include:

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences – 326–350 band

Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences – 451–500 band

Jamia Millia Islamia – 510–550 band

Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology – 510–550 band

Lovely Professional University – 510–550 band

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings assess research-focused universities across areas including teaching, research environment, research quality, industry links, and international outlook.

The research-related indicators include research reputation, research income, research output, and research impact measured through citations.

The rankings also consider universities' international collaborations and links with industry, along with data supplied by universities and information from millions of research papers and citations.

Three Asian universities entered the global top 15 in the 2027 rankings for the first time, highlighting the growing presence of Asian higher education institutions in global university rankings.

16) Answer: C

India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Joint Military Exercise MOUNTAIN GUARDIAN 2026 commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand.

The exercise is being conducted from 5 to 18 October 2026 and focuses on Mountain Warfare, with the objective of enhancing interoperability, mutual understanding and military cooperation.

A total of 92 personnel are participating in the exercise, with equal representation from the Indian Army and UAE Army.

The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from a Bhairav Battalion, while the UAE Army contingent comprises troops from a Mountain Infantry Battalion.

Women officers and combatants from both armies are also participating in the exercise in various specialist roles.

 

17) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), flagged in the members of the Joint Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition in New Delhi after their successful ascent of two Himalayan peaks.

The expedition successfully summited Mt Abi Gamin (7,355 metres) on 17 September 2026 and Mt Kamet (7,756 metres) on 21 September 2026.

Mt Kamet, located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, is the third-highest peak in India, after Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Nanda Devi.

Detailed Explanation:

General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), flagged in the members of the Joint Indo-Argentine Army Mountaineering Expedition in New Delhi after their successful ascent of two Himalayan peaks.

The expedition successfully summited Mt Abi Gamin (7,355 metres) on 17 September 2026 and Mt Kamet (7,756 metres) on 21 September 2026.

Mt Kamet, located in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, is the third-highest peak in India, after Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Nanda Devi.

The expedition consisted of 35 personnel, including 25 personnel from the Indian Army and 10 personnel from the Argentine Army.

The expedition was led by Lieutenant Colonel Chirag Chatterjee and was flagged off from the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on 21 August 2026.

The mountaineers operated in challenging Himalayan high-altitude conditions, facing extreme cold, high winds, snowfields, steep rock sections and crevasses.

18) Answer: A

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh witnessed the delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Koraput Division, Odisha, on 6 October 2026 and announced the establishment of a second production line for Shakti engines.

The delivery of the 2,000th aero-engine marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities and reflects nearly six decades of HAL Koraput’s contribution.

HAL Koraput has produced engines that have powered frontline aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-27, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI.

HAL Koraput has overhauled more than 9,000 engines, strengthening India’s indigenous repair and overhaul capabilities and contributing to the operational readiness and extended service life of defence assets.

19) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh launched Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1), laid the keel of Fleet Support Ship-5 (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, on 6 October 2026.

The milestones demonstrate India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and strengthen the country’s defence manufacturing self-reliance.

The upgraded Slipway-4, with extended length and enhanced load-bearing capability, along with the 300-tonne Goliath Crane, will enable HSL to build and launch vessels of up to 45,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage).

Detailed Explanation:

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh launched Fleet Support Ship-1 (FSS-1), laid the keel of Fleet Support Ship-5 (FSS-5) and inaugurated the upgraded Slipway-4 and 300-tonne Goliath Crane at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, on 6 October 2026.

The milestones demonstrate India’s growing indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and strengthen the country’s defence manufacturing self-reliance.

The upgraded Slipway-4, with extended length and enhanced load-bearing capability, along with the 300-tonne Goliath Crane, will enable HSL to build and launch vessels of up to 45,000 DWT (Deadweight Tonnage).

The upgraded infrastructure significantly expands Hindustan Shipyard Limited’s capacity to undertake large and complex naval platforms.

FSS-1 is the first of five Fleet Support Ships being built for the Indian Navy.

The 43,500-tonne Fleet Support Ships are designed to replenish warships at sea, thereby increasing the Navy’s endurance, operational reach and sustained deployment capability across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

FSS-1 entered the waters of the Bay of Bengal just 18 months after steel cutting, demonstrating faster and more efficient indigenous shipbuilding capability.

 

20) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Kaveri Dry Engine (KDE), also known as the Kaveri Derivative Engine, was developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The KDE successfully completed high-altitude test facility evaluations and flight trials in Russia for India’s Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).

The high-altitude testing was conducted at the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) in Russia under simulated high-altitude conditions.

Detailed Explanation:

The Kaveri Dry Engine (KDE), also known as the Kaveri Derivative Engine, was developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru, under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The KDE successfully completed high-altitude test facility evaluations and flight trials in Russia for India’s Ghatak Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV).

The high-altitude testing was conducted at the Central Institute of Aviation Motors (CIAM) in Russia under simulated high-altitude conditions.

Flight evaluations were conducted at the Gromov Flight Research Institute, Russia, to assess the engine’s performance in flight.

The Kaveri Dry Engine is a non-afterburning (dry-thrust) derivative of the original Kaveri engine, designed for advanced unmanned combat platforms that do not require afterburner-based thrust.

During flight testing, the KDE achieved a maximum dry thrust of 48.5 kilonewtons (kN).

21) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Scientists associated with the Natural History Museum of San Marcos University (UNMSM), Peru, discovered a new cryptic lizard species named Liolaemus arequipensis.

The new species was discovered at an elevation of 4,818 metres above sea level in the Arequipa region of southern Peru.

The discovery of Liolaemus arequipensis was published in the Swiss scientific journal Diversity.

Detailed Explanation:

Scientists associated with the Natural History Museum of San Marcos University (UNMSM), Peru, discovered a new cryptic lizard species named Liolaemus arequipensis.

The new species was discovered at an elevation of 4,818 metres above sea level in the Arequipa region of southern Peru.

The discovery of Liolaemus arequipensis was published in the Swiss scientific journal Diversity.

The newly discovered lizard belongs to the Liolaemus genus, a diverse group of South American lizards commonly found in the Andes Mountains.

Liolaemus arequipensis has a compact body measuring around 6–8 centimetres (2.4–3.2 inches) in length.

22) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), signed a Share Transfer Agreement with Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation Flying (HATSOFF) Helicopter Training Private. Limited. to acquire the remaining stake in the helicopter training institute.

HAL will acquire 50% stake in HATSOFF from CAE, Canada, comprising 3,84,04,205 equity shares with a face value of ₹10 each, at nil consideration.

After completion of the transaction, HATSOFF will become a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of HAL, giving HAL complete management control.

The acquisition is expected to be completed within 60 days of signing the Share Transfer Agreement.

Detailed Explanation:

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a defence Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), signed a Share Transfer Agreement with Helicopter Academy to Train by Simulation Flying (HATSOFF) Helicopter Training Private. Limited. to acquire the remaining stake in the helicopter training institute.

HAL will acquire 50% stake in HATSOFF from CAE, Canada, comprising 3,84,04,205 equity shares with a face value of ₹10 each, at nil consideration.

After completion of the transaction, HATSOFF will become a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of HAL, giving HAL complete management control.

The acquisition is expected to be completed within 60 days of signing the Share Transfer Agreement.

HAL received administrative approval from the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence (MoD), with due concurrence from DIPAM, Ministry of Finance (MoF).

HATSOFF was established as a 50:50 Joint Venture between HAL and CAE, Canada, and was incorporated in 2008, with operations beginning in 2010.

HATSOFF is headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, near HAL’s Bangalore Complex on Old Airport Road, and provides simulator-based training to military and civil helicopter pilots.

23) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with BigEndian Semiconductors, Bengaluru, Karnataka to provide ₹130 crore financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The project, named Project VeerAI, has a total project cost of ₹260 crore and aims to advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-5 to TRL-9.

The ₹130 crore financial support will be provided through Optional Convertible Debt (OCD).

Detailed Explanation:

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with BigEndian Semiconductors, Bengaluru, Karnataka to provide ₹130 crore financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The project, named Project VeerAI, has a total project cost of ₹260 crore and aims to advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-5 to TRL-9.

The ₹130 crore financial support will be provided through Optional Convertible Debt (OCD).

Project VeerAI aims to develop a camera-focused AI Vision System-on-Chip (SoC) on a sovereign technology platform for secure, intelligent and application-specific semiconductor solutions.

The project focuses initially on developing a secure AI chip for surveillance applications, particularly CCTV systems, to reduce India’s dependence on externally developed semiconductor and technology supply chains.

The proposed platform will combine AI processing, smart features, security, privacy and connectivity capabilities in an application-specific semiconductor solution.

24) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

QNu Labs, in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, Gujarat, successfully demonstrated India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link over a distance of 5.56 km.

The field trial was conducted on 27–28 September 2026, establishing a secure quantum communication link between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The demonstration used a Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system to maintain stable free-space quantum communication.

Detailed Explanation:

QNu Labs, in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, Gujarat, successfully demonstrated India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link over a distance of 5.56 km.

The field trial was conducted on 27–28 September 2026, establishing a secure quantum communication link between BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The demonstration used a Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system to maintain stable free-space quantum communication.

The system achieved a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) below 5% and generated secure encryption keys at 230–260 bits per second (bps).

The generated quantum keys were integrated with the Vedic Kavach platform, enabling end-to-end encryption and decryption.

 

25) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal crossed the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast near southwest of Kalingapatnam during the night of 23–24 September 2026.

The weather system is not officially named “Arnab” unless it intensifies into a Cyclonic Storm and is formally assigned that name.

“Arnab” is the next unused name in the predetermined North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone naming list.

The name Arnab was contributed by Bangladesh and means “ocean” in Bengali.

Detailed Explanation:

A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal crossed the North Andhra Pradesh–South Odisha coast near southwest of Kalingapatnam during the night of 23–24 September 2026.

The weather system is not officially named “Arnab” unless it intensifies into a Cyclonic Storm and is formally assigned that name.

“Arnab” is the next unused name in the predetermined North Indian Ocean tropical cyclone naming list.

The name Arnab was contributed by Bangladesh and means “ocean” in Bengali.

Tropical cyclone names in the region are maintained under the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones, with names contributed by its member countries.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea was expected to intensify into a depression around 21 September 2026.

The system was expected to bring heavy rainfall and squally weather to West Bengal from 22–26 September 2026.

Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas were expected to receive heavier rainfall, with gusty winds of 40–50 kmph.

The system combined hardware-based QKD using the Armos device with software-based post-quantum cryptography.

 

26) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Sanchar Saathi Portal, developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), was launched in May 2023 to protect citizens from telecom fraud, identity misuse and mobile theft.

The Sanchar Saathi Portal has recorded more than 30 crore visits, highlighting its role in preventing telecom-related frauds.

The Chakshu facility enables citizens to report fraudulent calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages, including fake KYC alerts, impersonation, investment scams, job scams and loan scams.

Citizens can use Sanchar Saathi to check mobile connections registered in their name and report unauthorised or unwanted connections to prevent SIM fraud and identity misuse.

Detailed Explanation:

The Sanchar Saathi Portal, developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), was launched in May 2023 to protect citizens from telecom fraud, identity misuse and mobile theft.

The Sanchar Saathi Portal has recorded more than 30 crore visits, highlighting its role in preventing telecom-related frauds.

The Chakshu facility enables citizens to report fraudulent calls, SMS and WhatsApp messages, including fake KYC alerts, impersonation, investment scams, job scams and loan scams.

Citizens can use Sanchar Saathi to check mobile connections registered in their name and report unauthorised or unwanted connections to prevent SIM fraud and identity misuse.

The portal allows users to block lost or stolen mobile handsets across all telecom networks, trace them and unblock them after recovery.

Users can verify the genuineness of a mobile handset through its IMEI number, which is useful while purchasing new or second-hand phones.

Sanchar Saathi enables citizens to report international calls disguised as Indian +91 numbers, helping the Government identify illegal telecom operations.

 

27) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Veteran Indian filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 94 at a hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

He was born on 21 September 1931 in Gudur, Andhra Pradesh.

Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was a filmmaker, producer, music composer and actor, widely recognised for his innovative and versatile filmmaking.

Singeetham Srinivasa Rao received 2 National Film Awards (1973, 1988), 5 Nandi Awards (1985, 1992, 1994, 2012), 3 Karnataka State Film Awards (1982, 1985, 1986) and 3 Filmfare Awards South (1974, 1985, 1987) during his career.

He received the Life Achievement Award in 2011 from the Film Federation of India.

Detailed Explanation:

Veteran Indian filmmaker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao passed away at the age of 94 at a hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

He was born on 21 September 1931 in Gudur, Andhra Pradesh.

Singeetham Srinivasa Rao was a filmmaker, producer, music composer and actor, widely recognised for his innovative and versatile filmmaking.

He had a career spanning over six decades and directed around 60 films across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi and English.

His notable films include Pushpaka Vimanam (1987), Aditya 369 (1991), Mayuri (1985) and Bhairava Dweepam (1994).

He collaborated with Kamal Haasan on films including Apoorva Sagodharargal and Michael Madana Kama Rajan.

Singeetham Srinivasa Rao received 2 National Film Awards (1973, 1988), 5 Nandi Awards (1985, 1992, 1994, 2012), 3 Karnataka State Film Awards (1982, 1985, 1986) and 3 Filmfare Awards South (1974, 1985, 1987) during his career.

He received the Life Achievement Award in 2011 from the Film Federation of India.

28) Answer: A

World Teachers' Day, also known as International Teachers' Day, is observed annually on 5 October to recognise the important role of teachers in society.

Teachers play a prominent role in people’s lives by guiding, encouraging and supporting students in achieving their goals.

The official 2026 theme of World Teachers' Day is “Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status and shaping our futures”.

 

29) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

World Smile Day is observed on the first Friday of October every year. In 2026, it was observed on 2 October.

The smiley face was created in 1963 by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Massachusetts, United States of America.

The original smiley face design featured a yellow circle with black eyes and a simple curved smile, representing a genuine smile.

Detailed Explanation:

World Smile Day is observed on the first Friday of October every year. In 2026, it was observed on 2 October.

The smiley face was created in 1963 by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Massachusetts, United States of America.

The original smiley face design featured a yellow circle with black eyes and a simple curved smile, representing a genuine smile.

Harvey Ball created the smiley face as a design for a campaign of the State Mutual Life Insurance Company.

To restore the original message of spreading smiles and happiness, Harvey Ball established the observance of World Smile Day on the first Friday of October.

 

30) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

World Animal Day is observed annually on 4 October to raise awareness about animal welfare and welfare standards.

The official World Animal Day portal has announced the 2026 theme as “See the World Through Their Eyes.”

Detailed Explanation:

World Animal Day is observed annually on 4 October to raise awareness about animal welfare and welfare standards.

The official World Animal Day portal has announced the 2026 theme as “See the World Through Their Eyes.”

Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms belonging to the biological kingdom Animalia.

Animals play an important role in maintaining the functioning of ecosystems and food webs and are generally classified into two major types.

World Animal Day was first organised by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German writer, on 24 March 1925 in Berlin, Germany