Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 10th 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) Which bank was excluded from the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934, following the cancellation of its banking licence?

(a) Paytm Payments Bank Limited

(b) Fino Payments Bank Limited

(c) Airtel Payments Bank Limited

(d) India Post Payments Bank

(e) Jio Payments Bank

 

3) Which organisations launched the UNDP–Generali Insurance Innovation Challenge to develop insurance solutions for strengthening the resilience of India’s MSMEs?

(a) UNDP and LIC

(b) UNDP and Generali Central

(c) World Bank and Generali Central

(d) UNDP and IRDAI

(e) ADB and Generali Central

4) Which ministry released the ‘Strategy for Environmental-Economic Accounts in India: 2026–2030’?

(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

(b) Ministry of Finance

(c) Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation

(d) Ministry of Earth Sciences

(e) Ministry of Rural Development

5) Consider the following statements regarding National PNG Drive 3.0:

1. It was launched by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
2. The drive is being conducted from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.

III. India has laid 6,87,966 inch-km of pipeline, creating potential for an additional 1.30            crore PNG connections.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) I only

(b) II only

(c) I and II only

(d) All of the above

(e) None of the above

6) Which tiger reserve has become the third cheetah habitat in Madhya Pradesh, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary?

(a) Panna Tiger Reserve

(b) Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

(c) Kanha Tiger Reserve

(d) Satpura Tiger Reserve

(e) Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve

7) What was GIFT City’s global rank in the Global Financial Centres Index 40, improving from 46th position in the previous edition?

(a) 29th

(b) 32nd

(c) 35th

(d) 37th

(e) 40th

8) What allocation has the Ministry of Commerce proposed for the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme for FY 2026–27?

(a) ₹10,000 crore

(b) ₹15,000 crore

(c) ₹18,233 crore

(d) ₹21,000 crore

(e) ₹23,000 crore

9)When is the National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid scheduled to be launched to strengthen India’s tourism and hospitality infrastructure?

(a) 15 August 2026

(b) 5 September 2026

(c) 27 September 2026

(d) 2 October 2026

(e) 27 December 2026

10) Which city in the United States hosted the G20 Trade Ministers’ Meeting from 30 September to 1 October 2026 under the US G20 Presidency?

(a) Washington, D.C.

(b) New York

(c) Chicago

(d) Boston

(e) Milwaukee

11) Who was announced as the winner of the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, in recognition of her efforts to promote peace, protect human rights and strengthen international law?

(a) Narges Mohammadi

(b) Navanethem “Navi” Pillay

(c) Maria Ressa

(d) Shirin Ebadi

(e) Leymah Gbowee

 

12) Which ministry reconstituted the Press Council of India (PCI) on 8 October 2026 by nominating 13 journalists?

(a) Ministry of Home Affairs

(b) Ministry of Culture

(c) Ministry of Law and Justice

(d) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

(e) Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

13) Who was appointed as an independent director on the 15-member Supervisory Board of SWIFT?

(a) Nandan Nilekani

(b) Dilip Asbe

(c) T. Rabi Sankar

(d) Sanjay Malhotra

(e) S. S. Mundra

14) Which French aerospace and defence company signed an MoU with Hical Technologies Private Limited to explore establishing a joint venture in India for manufacturing systems for Rafale fighter aircraft?

(a) Dassault Aviation

(b) Thales Group

(c) Safran Aerosystems

(d) Airbus Defence and Space

(e) MBDA

15) Which organisation developed CERVAVAC®, India’s first indigenously developed gender-neutral quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine, that received prequalification from the WHO?

(a) Serum Institute of India

(b) Biological E. Limited

(c) Bharat Biotech

(d) Indian Immunologicals Limited

(e) Zydus Lifesciences

16) Which organisation signed an MoU with Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) to expand drone pilot training and promote entrepreneurship in agriculture?

(a) Garuda Aerospace Private Limited

(b) Fuselage Flying Club Private Limited

(c) DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited

(d) ideaForge Technology Limited

(e) Asteria Aerospace Limited

 

17) Which company delivered India’s first indigenously built military-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to the Indian Navy?

(a) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited

(b) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers

(c) EyeROV (IROV Technologies Private Limited)

(d) Bharat Electronics Limited

(e) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

18) Which global civic technology company partnered with Philip Morris India Trading Private Limited to launch the first phase of the 12-month anti-littering initiative under Project Unmesha in Delhi on 5 October 2026?

(a) Recykal

(b) Litterati

(c) Saahas Zero Waste

(d) Hasiru Dala

(e) Waste Warriors

19) How many coal blocks were offered under the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions launched by the Ministry of Coal?

(a) 15

(b) 20

(c) 35

(d) 30

(e) 25

20) Which quick-commerce platform partnered with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to help PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries expand the market reach of their handcrafted products?

(a) Blinkit

(b) Swiggy Instamart

(c) Zepto

(d) BigBasket

(e) Flipkart Minutes

21) Who won the 2026 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, securing the first victory for Red Bull Racing in the 2026 season?

(a) Lewis Hamilton

(b) Kimi Antonelli

(c) Charles Leclerc

(d) Max Verstappen

(e) Isack Hadjar

23) In news, Veteran Actor and Padma Shri Awardee Nana Patekar Passed Away at 75, In which year was Nana Patekar awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to the field of Arts?

(a) 2008

(b) 2010

(c) 2011

(d) 2013

(e) 2015

23) In which Indian state did veteran freedom fighter P. Vasu, popularly known as ‘Socio Vasu’, pass away on 8 October 2026?

(a) Tamil Nadu

(b) Karnataka

(c) Andhra Pradesh

(d) Maharashtra

(e) Kerala

24) Recently, Padma Shri awardee Roshan Kumari passed away at the age of 82. Which field was renowned Padma Shri awardee Roshan Kumari associated with?

(a) Classical singing

(b) Classical dancing

(c) Theatre

(d) Film direction

(e) Instrumental music

25) What is the theme of the 94th Indian Air Force Day, celebrated on 8 October 2026?

(a) Touch the Sky with Glory

(b) Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise

(c) Air Power Beyond Boundaries

(d) Strength, Security and Sovereignty

(e) Excellence Through Innovation

26) On which date is the International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South observed annually?

(a) 8 September

(b) 12 September

(c) 15 September

(d) 16 September

(e) 26 September

 

27) On which date is the International Day for Interventional Cardiology observed annually to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases?

(a) 10 September

(b) 12 September

(c) 16 September

(d) 20 September

(e) 29 September

28) Who is the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)?

(a) Rao Inderjit Singh

(b) Jitendra Singh

(c) Arjun Ram Meghwal

(d) Jayant Chaudhary

(e) Krishan Pal Gurjar

 

29) Which Union Minister represents the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh and heads the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas?

(a) Dharmendra Pradhan

(b) Hardeep Singh Puri

(c) Piyush Goyal

(d) Manohar Lal

(e) Pralhad Joshi

30) Which national park is located in Madhya Pradesh?

(a) Kaziranga National Park

(b) Gir National Park

(c) Van Vihar National Park

(d) Periyar National Park

(e) Dachigam National Park

 

Answers:

1) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) excluded Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) from the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934, following the cancellation of its banking licence and the court-directed winding-up process.

The RBI notification was dated 31 July 2026 and was published in the Gazette of India in September 2026; the exclusion was announced in an RBI statement on 7 October 2026.

The Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934 contains the list of scheduled banks recognised under the Act, which receive certain operational privileges.

The Delhi High Court ordered the winding up of PPBL through orders dated 8 July and 22 July 2026, under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, read with the Companies Act, 2013.

The court appointed Girikumar M. Nair, former State Bank of India (SBI) Chief General Manager, as the Official Liquidator to oversee the winding-up process.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) excluded Paytm Payments Bank Limited (PPBL) from the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934, following the cancellation of its banking licence and the court-directed winding-up process.

The RBI notification was dated 31 July 2026 and was published in the Gazette of India in September 2026; the exclusion was announced in an RBI statement on 7 October 2026.

The Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934 contains the list of scheduled banks recognised under the Act, which receive certain operational privileges.

The Delhi High Court ordered the winding up of PPBL through orders dated 8 July and 22 July 2026, under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, read with the Companies Act, 2013.

The court appointed Girikumar M. Nair, former State Bank of India (SBI) Chief General Manager, as the Official Liquidator to oversee the winding-up process.

The RBI cancelled PPBL’s banking licence with effect from the close of business on 24 April 2026, citing serious regulatory violations and non-compliance with licence conditions.

The RBI stated that the bank’s affairs were conducted in a manner detrimental to its own interests and those of its depositors.

On 11 March 2022, the RBI barred PPBL from onboarding new customers because of material supervisory concerns.

 

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) eased the mandatory appointment of merchant bankers for certain eligible listed issuers raising funds through the private placement of debt securities.

The revised framework was announced through a SEBI circular dated 7 October 2026 and came into effect immediately.

The measure aims to promote ease of debt issuance and improve retail investors’ access to high-rated debt securities.

The exemption applies to eligible issuers privately placing debt securities or non-convertible redeemable preference shares (NCRPS) with a face value of ₹10,000; appointing a merchant banker remains the default requirement for issuers that do not qualify.

Detailed Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) eased the mandatory appointment of merchant bankers for certain eligible listed issuers raising funds through the private placement of debt securities.

The revised framework was announced through a SEBI circular dated 7 October 2026 and came into effect immediately.

The measure aims to promote ease of debt issuance and improve retail investors’ access to high-rated debt securities.

The exemption applies to eligible issuers privately placing debt securities or non-convertible redeemable preference shares (NCRPS) with a face value of ₹10,000; appointing a merchant banker remains the default requirement for issuers that do not qualify.

Eligible issuers must be regulated by an Indian financial-sector regulator, such as SEBI, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), or the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

The issuer must have been listed on a recognised stock exchange for at least one year.

The issuer must have no pending fines or penalties from SEBI or stock exchanges for violations of applicable listing regulations, and the stock exchange must confirm compliance during in-principle approval.

 

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Generali Central launched the UNDP–Generali Insurance Innovation Challenge to develop and scale insurance solutions that strengthen the resilience of India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Generali Central represents the Generali Group’s general and life insurance businesses in India.

India has more than 73 million MSMEs, which contribute approximately 30% of GDP and 44% of exports, while employing around 60% of the workforce.

The challenge aims to bridge the MSME insurance protection gap caused by low awareness, perceived costs and insurance products that do not adequately meet MSMEs’ needs.

Detailed Explanation:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Generali Central launched the UNDP–Generali Insurance Innovation Challenge to develop and scale insurance solutions that strengthen the resilience of India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Generali Central represents the Generali Group’s general and life insurance businesses in India.

India has more than 73 million MSMEs, which contribute approximately 30% of GDP and 44% of exports, while employing around 60% of the workforce.

The challenge aims to bridge the MSME insurance protection gap caused by low awareness, perceived costs and insurance products that do not adequately meet MSMEs’ needs.

The initiative seeks accessible and relevant insurance solutions to help MSMEs manage climate shocks, supply-chain disruptions, workplace risks and unexpected personal shocks affecting owners and workers.

The challenge focuses on insurance products and distribution models addressing health-related events, business interruption and asset loss.

The challenge is open to insurance providers, insurtech companies, technology service providers, social enterprises, and insurance sales and distribution companies legally registered in India.

4) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the ‘Strategy for Environmental-Economic Accounts in India: 2026-2030’.

The strategy builds upon the earlier 2022-2026 roadmap and aims to strengthen and systematically develop environmental accounting in India.

The document provides a broad roadmap for expanding the coverage and scope of environmental-economic accounts during 2026-2030.

It focuses on new subjects and enhanced coverage of areas including forests, minerals, soil resources, land, water, carbon stock, biodiversity, environment-related activities and environment statistics.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the ‘Strategy for Environmental-Economic Accounts in India: 2026-2030’.

The strategy builds upon the earlier 2022-2026 roadmap and aims to strengthen and systematically develop environmental accounting in India.

The document provides a broad roadmap for expanding the coverage and scope of environmental-economic accounts during 2026-2030.

It focuses on new subjects and enhanced coverage of areas including forests, minerals, soil resources, land, water, carbon stock, biodiversity, environment-related activities and environment statistics.

The strategy aims to address data gaps, identify potential data sources and provide an action plan for developing environmental-economic accounts in the country.

It is expected to help States and Union Territories strengthen their environmental accounting systems and improve their understanding of the relationship between natural resources, the economy and the environment.

The strategy will serve as a guiding framework for the more systematic and coordinated development of environmental-economic accounting in India during 2026-2030.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched National PNG Drive 3.0 to accelerate the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and support the Government’s goal of increasing natural gas’s share in India’s primary energy mix from around 6%.

The initiative aims to promote cleaner, reliable and affordable energy and was launched during the event marking the 20th Foundation Day of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.

National PNG Drive 3.0 is being conducted from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, City Gas Distribution entities, public sector oil marketing companies and other stakeholders.

Detailed Explanation:

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched National PNG Drive 3.0 to accelerate the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and support the Government’s goal of increasing natural gas’s share in India’s primary energy mix from around 6%.

The initiative aims to promote cleaner, reliable and affordable energy and was launched during the event marking the 20th Foundation Day of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board.

National PNG Drive 3.0 is being conducted from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027 in collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board, City Gas Distribution entities, public sector oil marketing companies and other stakeholders.

The drive aims to encourage the shift from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to PNG and ensure better utilisation of the existing City Gas Distribution infrastructure.

The key focus areas include activating dormant connections, maximising existing City Gas Distribution networks, expanding PNG coverage in semi-urban and rural areas, and connecting new consumers.

India has already laid 6,87,966 inch-km of pipeline, creating potential for an additional 1.30 crore PNG connections.


6) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR) in Sagar district of the Bundelkhand region, Madhya Pradesh, has become the third habitat for cheetahs in the state, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs — male Tholo and female CCB-3 — brought from Kuno National Park, into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.

Detailed Explanation:

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR) in Sagar district of the Bundelkhand region, Madhya Pradesh, has become the third habitat for cheetahs in the state, after Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released two cheetahs — male Tholo and female CCB-3 — brought from Kuno National Park, into Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.

The release took place on the concluding day of Wildlife Conservation Week and marked an expansion of the cheetah conservation and reintroduction programme to another suitable forest area in Madhya Pradesh.

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, also known as Nauradehi Tiger Reserve, is Madhya Pradesh’s largest tiger habitat, covering approximately 2,339 square kilometres across Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts.

The area was established in 1997 and was designated as a tiger reserve on 20 September 2023 after being integrated with the Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary.

The reserve supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, chital, sambar, nilgai and bears, and is also important for the conservation of endangered Indian vulture species.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

GIFT City improved by nine places to rank 37th globally in the latest Global Financial Centres Index 40, compared with 46th position in Global Financial Centres Index 39.

GIFT City also entered the top 15 financial centres in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the FinTech category, GIFT City ranked 26th globally, improving by three places from its previous rank of 29th.

The Global Financial Centres Index assessed 115 financial centres based on factors such as FinTech capabilities, access to finance, skilled talent, regulatory environment, and information and communication technology infrastructure.

Detailed Explanation:

GIFT City improved by nine places to rank 37th globally in the latest Global Financial Centres Index 40, compared with 46th position in Global Financial Centres Index 39.

GIFT City also entered the top 15 financial centres in the Asia-Pacific region.

In the FinTech category, GIFT City ranked 26th globally, improving by three places from its previous rank of 29th.

The Global Financial Centres Index assessed 115 financial centres based on factors such as FinTech capabilities, access to finance, skilled talent, regulatory environment, and information and communication technology infrastructure.

Global Financial Centres Index 40 placed GIFT City among the 15 financial centres expected to gain greater significance over the next two to three years, based on responses from participants in the Global Financial Centres Index survey.

The improvement in GIFT City’s overall and FinTech rankings reflects the continued expansion of its financial services ecosystem and the integration of finance, technology, and innovation.

The Global Financial Centres Index identified digital infrastructure, including cloud services, data connectivity, and cybersecurity resilience, as priority areas for financial centres over the next five years.

The latest edition of the Global Financial Centres Index was based on 144 instrumental factors, 39,531 assessments, and responses from 6,147 participants to the Global Financial Centres Index online questionnaire.

8) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Commerce has proposed increasing the allocation for the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme to ₹23,000 crore for Financial Year 2026–27, compared with the current allocation of ₹10,000 crore.

The Department of Commerce has raised the proposal with the Department of Expenditure, which will take the final decision on the higher allocation.

The Ministry of Commerce has also proposed a five-year extension of the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme.

The scheme was scheduled to remain valid until 30 September 2026, with discussions on its continuation underway.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Commerce has proposed increasing the allocation for the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme to ₹23,000 crore for Financial Year 2026–27, compared with the current allocation of ₹10,000 crore.

The Department of Commerce has raised the proposal with the Department of Expenditure, which will take the final decision on the higher allocation.

The Ministry of Commerce has also proposed a five-year extension of the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme.

The scheme was scheduled to remain valid until 30 September 2026, with discussions on its continuation underway.

The government is considering a framework that would provide exporters with greater certainty regarding the duration of the scheme and refund rates. The Ministry expected clarity on the continuation by 30 September 2026.

The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products scheme refunds duties, taxes, and levies paid at the central, state, and local levels on inputs used for exports when such amounts cannot be claimed as credit.

The refund rate varies according to the exported product and currently ranges from 0.3% to 3.9% of the export value.

Spending under the scheme has already exceeded the current Financial Year 2026–27 allocation. The revised estimate for Financial Year 2025–26 is ₹18,233 crore, compared with ₹18,313 crore spent in Financial Year 2024–25.

9) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Government of India has proposed the creation of a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid to strengthen India's tourism and hospitality infrastructure and help travellers plan and execute their trips.

The National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid is scheduled to be launched on 27 September 2026, as announced by Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the Hotels Association of India Conclave.

The announcement comes amid an ongoing review of India's tourism sector by the Prime Minister's Office, along with discussions on reforms required over the next five years and the next decade.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India has proposed the creation of a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid to strengthen India's tourism and hospitality infrastructure and help travellers plan and execute their trips.

The National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid is scheduled to be launched on 27 September 2026, as announced by Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at the Hotels Association of India Conclave.

The announcement comes amid an ongoing review of India's tourism sector by the Prime Minister's Office, along with discussions on reforms required over the next five years and the next decade.

The government plans to focus not only on investment in hospitality infrastructure and hotels, but also on developing and equipping human resources in the tourism sector.

The government is moving towards a facilitator model rather than a traditional governance model, with the objective of enabling reforms and supporting the growth of different sectors. Tourism and hospitality have a significant multiplier effect across the economy.

Domestic tourism has recorded substantial growth, with domestic visits increasing from 1.32 billion in 2014 to 4.26 billion in 2025, more than tripling over the decade. This represents a compound annual growth rate of 11%.

 

10) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), attended the Group (G20) Trade Ministers’ Meeting held from 30 September to 1 October 2026 in Milwaukee, United States of America (USA).

The meeting was held under the USA’s G20 Presidency as part of Piyush Goyal’s week-long official visit to the USA.

The meeting discussed key global trade challenges, including food security, structural excess production capacity, forced labour in supply chains and reforms to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), attended the Group (G20) Trade Ministers’ Meeting held from 30 September to 1 October 2026 in Milwaukee, United States of America (USA).

The meeting was held under the USA’s G20 Presidency as part of Piyush Goyal’s week-long official visit to the USA.

The meeting discussed key global trade challenges, including food security, structural excess production capacity, forced labour in supply chains and reforms to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

G20 Trade Ministers reached a consensus on the G20 Statement on the Weaponization of Food through Coercive Trade Actions, reaffirming their commitment to international cooperation.

Piyush Goyal emphasised the importance of food security, protecting farmers’ interests and preventing food from being used as a tool of economic or political pressure.

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian Tamil origin, was announced as the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize winner by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway.

The award recognises her efforts to promote peace, protect human rights, strengthen international law, and ensure accountability for serious international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Birth: 23 September 1941, Durban, South Africa. Pillay grew up under apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination.

Detailed Explanation:

Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, a South African jurist of Indian Tamil origin, was announced as the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize winner by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo, Norway.

The award recognises her efforts to promote peace, protect human rights, strengthen international law, and ensure accountability for serious international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

Birth: 23 September 1941, Durban, South Africa. Pillay grew up under apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination.

As a lawyer, she defended people facing unfair treatment and became the first non-white woman to serve as a judge on South Africa’s High Court.

Pillay served as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court. She also served as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.

During her tenure at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, she contributed to important cases concerning the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Her judicial work helped establish that rape could constitute an act of genocide under international law in certain circumstances.

 

12) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) reconstituted the Press Council of India (PCI) on 8 October 2026 by nominating 13 journalists, comprising six editors and seven other working journalists.

The nominations were made under Sections 5 and 6 of the Press Council Act, 1978, to strengthen journalist representation in the statutory body.

The Press Council of India (PCI) is a statutory, autonomous and quasi-judicial body established under the Press Council Act, 1978.

The PCI is responsible for preserving press freedom, improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies, and promoting responsible journalism in India.

The PCI comprises one Chairperson and 28 other members, making a total of 29 members.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) reconstituted the Press Council of India (PCI) on 8 October 2026 by nominating 13 journalists, comprising six editors and seven other working journalists.

The nominations were made under Sections 5 and 6 of the Press Council Act, 1978, to strengthen journalist representation in the statutory body.

The Press Council of India (PCI) is a statutory, autonomous and quasi-judicial body established under the Press Council Act, 1978.

The PCI is responsible for preserving press freedom, improving the standards of newspapers and news agencies, and promoting responsible journalism in India.

The PCI comprises one Chairperson and 28 other members, making a total of 29 members.

The PCI’s composition includes 13 working journalists (six editors and seven other journalists), six newspaper-owner representatives, five Members of Parliament (MPs) and three representatives from specialised fields.

The three specialised-field representatives are nominated from the University Grants Commission (UGC), Bar Council of India (BCI) and Sahitya Akademi.

Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (Retd.), a former Supreme Court of India judge, is the Chairperson of the PCI; she was appointed on 24 April 2026 for a three-year term.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Dilip Asbe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was appointed as an independent director on the 15-member Supervisory Board of SWIFT.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, an international messaging network that enables banks and financial institutions to exchange standardised instructions for cross-border payments.

Detailed Explanation:

Dilip Asbe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was appointed as an independent director on the 15-member Supervisory Board of SWIFT.

SWIFT stands for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, an international messaging network that enables banks and financial institutions to exchange standardised instructions for cross-border payments.

The SWIFT Supervisory Board is chaired by Graeme Munro, Managing Director of J.P. Morgan’s Commercial and Investment Bank.

The Supervisory Board brings together senior executives and independent directors with expertise in global banking, payments, securities, market infrastructure, technology, risk and corporate governance.

 

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Hical Technologies Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based Indian aerospace and defence manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French aerospace and defence company Safran Aerosystems to explore establishing a Joint Venture (JV) in India.

The proposed JV aims to manufacture complex systems for Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft in India under the Make in India initiative.

The proposed manufacturing scope includes complex fluid systems, fuel systems, and related assemblies for Rafale aircraft.

Detailed Explanation:

Hical Technologies Private Limited, a Bengaluru-based Indian aerospace and defence manufacturer, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French aerospace and defence company Safran Aerosystems to explore establishing a Joint Venture (JV) in India.

The proposed JV aims to manufacture complex systems for Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft in India under the Make in India initiative.

The proposed manufacturing scope includes complex fluid systems, fuel systems, and related assemblies for Rafale aircraft.

Hical Technologies’ newly inaugurated aerospace manufacturing facility at Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, Karnataka, will support the proposed partnership and expand its manufacturing capabilities.

The MoU strengthens the role of Indian manufacturers in global aerospace and defence supply chains and supports India’s efforts to develop advanced indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

15) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

CERVAVAC®, India’s first indigenously developed gender-neutral quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine, developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII), received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO prequalification allows United Nations agencies to procure the vaccine, supporting its wider global availability.

CERVAVAC® received the 32nd WHO prequalification for products/biologicals from the Serum Institute of India.

The vaccine targets four HPV types: HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18.

Detailed Explanation:

CERVAVAC®, India’s first indigenously developed gender-neutral quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus (qHPV) vaccine, developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII), received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO prequalification allows United Nations agencies to procure the vaccine, supporting its wider global availability.

CERVAVAC® received the 32nd WHO prequalification for products/biologicals from the Serum Institute of India.

The vaccine targets four HPV types: HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18.

HPV types 16 and 18 are associated with cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers, while HPV types 6 and 11 cause most cases of genital warts.

CERVAVAC® is indicated for girls and boys aged 9–26 years, with its use depending on the relevant population and approved indications.

Individuals aged 9–14 years receive a two-dose schedule at 0 and 6 months, while those aged 15–26 years receive a three-dose schedule at 0, 2 and 6 months.

The vaccine is administered intramuscularly and is available in 0.5 ml single-dose vials and 1.0 ml two-dose vials.

CERVAVAC® was developed in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Gates Foundation.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and Fuselage Flying Club Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand drone pilot training and promote entrepreneurship in agriculture.

The MoU aims to strengthen the Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) operating under KAU’s Agri-Business Incubator.

KAU’s RPTO was established under a National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) initiative to promote technological innovation in agriculture.

Detailed Explanation:

Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) and Fuselage Flying Club Private Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand drone pilot training and promote entrepreneurship in agriculture.

The MoU aims to strengthen the Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) operating under KAU’s Agri-Business Incubator.

KAU’s RPTO was established under a National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) initiative to promote technological innovation in agriculture.

Fuselage Innovations received a national award for outstanding agricultural start-up and is involved in the indigenous development and manufacture of agricultural drones.

The partnership combines KAU’s academic and research capabilities with Fuselage’s expertise in agricultural drone technology and entrepreneurship.

Agricultural drones can be procured under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme.

 

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

EyeROV (IROV Technologies Private Limited), a Kochi, Kerala-based marine robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup, delivered two EyeROV TROUT military-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to the Indian Navy (IN).

The delivery marked the introduction of India’s first indigenously built military-grade underwater ROV, designed, developed, manufactured and qualified in India for naval operations.

Detailed Explanation:

EyeROV (IROV Technologies Private Limited), a Kochi, Kerala-based marine robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup, delivered two EyeROV TROUT military-grade underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems to the Indian Navy (IN).

The delivery marked the introduction of India’s first indigenously built military-grade underwater ROV, designed, developed, manufactured and qualified in India for naval operations.

The delivery is part of the Indian Navy’s order for five EyeROV TROUT systems.

In September 2025, EyeROV secured a ₹47 crore contract from the Indian Navy to supply advanced underwater ROV systems.

EyeROV TROUT is a rugged underwater robotic platform designed for mission-critical naval and subsea operations.

Its key applications include underwater inspection, surveillance and reconnaissance, search and recovery, detection, and robotic intervention.

18) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Philip Morris India Trading Private Limited (PM India) partnered with Litterati, a global civic technology company, to launch the first phase of a 12-month anti-littering initiative in Delhi under Project Unmesha on 5 October 2026.

Project Unmesha is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of Philip Morris India focused on environmental stewardship, circularity, climate resilience and sustainable urban public spaces.

The collaboration aims to identify littering patterns and develop data-driven solutions to create cleaner and more sustainable public spaces.

Detailed Explanation:

Philip Morris India Trading Private Limited (PM India) partnered with Litterati, a global civic technology company, to launch the first phase of a 12-month anti-littering initiative in Delhi under Project Unmesha on 5 October 2026.

Project Unmesha is a flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme of Philip Morris India focused on environmental stewardship, circularity, climate resilience and sustainable urban public spaces.

The collaboration aims to identify littering patterns and develop data-driven solutions to create cleaner and more sustainable public spaces.

Litterati will use community science and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled image recognition to identify litter hotspots, map litter composition and establish scientific baselines.

The data collected will support behaviour change, responsible waste disposal, waste recovery and targeted clean-up solutions, contributing to the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

The 12-month programme aims to establish a replicable, data-driven model combining litter mapping, impact measurement, behaviour change, infrastructure improvement and waste-management system strengthening.

19) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Coal signed Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements with successful bidders of six coal mines auctioned during earlier commercial coal mine auction rounds.

The agreements were signed for Tara (Revised), Margo West, Margo East, Mandla South, Dongeri Tal-II, and Dip Side of PKoC.

The six coal mines have combined geological reserves of 1,504 million tonnes and a total peak rated capacity of 11.62 million tonnes per annum.

Once operational, the six mines are expected to generate annual revenue of ₹1,984 crore, attract capital investment of ₹1,743 crore, and create around 15,700 employment opportunities.

The Ministry of Coal also launched the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering 25 coal blocks.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Coal signed Coal Mine Development and Production Agreements with successful bidders of six coal mines auctioned during earlier commercial coal mine auction rounds.

The agreements were signed for Tara (Revised), Margo West, Margo East, Mandla South, Dongeri Tal-II, and Dip Side of PKoC.

The successful bidders included CG Syn-Gas & Chemicals, Jharkhand Exploration & Mining Corporation, Qube Commercial, Gallant Ispat, and The Singareni Collieries.

The six coal mines have combined geological reserves of 1,504 million tonnes and a total peak rated capacity of 11.62 million tonnes per annum.

Once operational, the six mines are expected to generate annual revenue of ₹1,984 crore, attract capital investment of ₹1,743 crore, and create around 15,700 employment opportunities.

The Ministry of Coal also launched the 16th round of commercial coal mine auctions, offering 25 coal blocks.

The 16th auction round includes 21 fully explored coal mines and 4 partially explored coal mines spread across nine coal-bearing states: Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and West Bengal.

Of the 25 coal blocks, 6 mines are offered under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, while 19 mines are offered under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.

20) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has partnered with quick-commerce platform Blinkit to help artisans and craftspeople covered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme access a wider customer base and expand their market reach.

The initiative is being piloted in Bengaluru and is planned to be expanded to other cities. The Ministry has not disclosed the duration of the pilot, number of participating artisans, or cities proposed for the next phase.

Under the collaboration, handcrafted products made by PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries will be listed on the Blinkit application, enabling customers to purchase these products through the quick-commerce platform.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has partnered with quick-commerce platform Blinkit to help artisans and craftspeople covered under the PM Vishwakarma scheme access a wider customer base and expand their market reach.

The initiative is being piloted in Bengaluru and is planned to be expanded to other cities. The Ministry has not disclosed the duration of the pilot, number of participating artisans, or cities proposed for the next phase.

Under the collaboration, handcrafted products made by PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries will be listed on the Blinkit application, enabling customers to purchase these products through the quick-commerce platform.

The product range will include traditional and handcrafted items such as pottery, dolls, toys, decorative products, and other artisan-made goods.

The products will be sourced directly from PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, providing artisans with an additional platform to reach consumers and strengthen their market opportunities.

21) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Max Verstappen, the Dutch-Belgian racing driver representing Oracle Red Bull Racing, won the 2026 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The victory marked Red Bull Racing's first win of the 2026 Formula One season and Verstappen's 72nd Grand Prix victory.

The race was the 22nd edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix and the 16th round of the 2026 Federation Internationale de l'Automobile Formula One World Championship.

Detailed Explanation:

Max Verstappen, the Dutch-Belgian racing driver representing Oracle Red Bull Racing, won the 2026 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The victory marked Red Bull Racing's first win of the 2026 Formula One season and Verstappen's 72nd Grand Prix victory.

The race was the 22nd edition of the Bahrain Grand Prix and the 16th round of the 2026 Federation Internationale de l'Automobile Formula One World Championship.

The event marked the return of Formula One racing to the Sepang International Circuit after nearly a decade, with the previous Formula One race at the circuit held in 2017.

The 56-lap race was affected by a rain-delayed start, followed by several dramatic developments during the race.

Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes finished second, while Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured third and fourth positions, respectively. Isack Hadjar of Red Bull Racing finished fifth.

Verstappen ultimately held off Antonelli and won with a time of 1 hour, 47 minutes and 14.808 seconds, finishing 2.307 seconds ahead of Antonelli.

22) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 at his home in Goa.

Nana Patekar’s birth name was Vishwanath Patekar, and he was born on 1 January 1951 in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra.

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contributions to the field of Arts.

Detailed Explanation:

Veteran Indian actor and filmmaker Nana Patekar passed away at the age of 75 at his home in Goa.

Nana Patekar’s birth name was Vishwanath Patekar, and he was born on 1 January 1951 in Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra.

He received wider international recognition through Salaam Bombay!, directed by Mira Nair, which was nominated for an Academy Award (Oscar).

Nana Patekar made his directorial debut with Prahaar: The Final Attack (1991).

He received three National Film Awards for his performances in Hindi cinema:

1990: Best Supporting Actor for Parinda (1989).

1995: Best Actor for Krantiveer (1994).

1997: Best Supporting Actor for Agni Sakshi (1996).

He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contributions to the field of Arts.

23) Answer: E

Veteran freedom fighter P. Vasu, popularly known as ‘Socio Vasu’, passed away on 8 October 2026 at his residence in Cheruvannur, Kozhikode, Keralam, at the age of 103.

P. Vasu was born in January 1923 and developed an interest in India’s freedom struggle after attending a public meeting addressed by Mahatma Gandhi during his 1934 visit to Kozhikode.

He participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942 and led a protest march from Kundaithodu to Cheruvannur against British rule.

For his participation in the freedom movement, he was arrested, assaulted by British police, and imprisoned for three-and-a-half months.

24) Answer: B

Renowned Indian classical dancer, choreographer and Padma Shri awardee Roshan Kumari passed away at the age of 82 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Roshan Kumari was born on 24 December 1937 in Ambala, Haryana.

She was a prominent exponent of the Jaipur Gharana of Kathak, known for her performances, choreography and teaching.

She received the Padma Shri in 1984 in the field of Art; the Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award.

25) Answer: B

India celebrates the 94th Indian Air Force Day on 8 October 2026 to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Air Force and raise awareness about its role in safeguarding India's national security.

The theme for 2026 is “Indian Air Force – Infallible, Impervious and Precise”, highlighting the force's operational preparedness, resilience and precision.

The Indian Air Force conducted its first operational flight on 1 April 1933.

 

26) Answer: D

The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is observed annually on 16 September.

The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly on 9 January 2024 through Resolution A/RES/78/259.

The observance is rooted in the Havana Declaration, adopted by the leaders of the Group of 77 and China during the Summit on Science, Technology and Innovation held in Havana, Cuba, in September 2023.

27) Answer: C

The International Day for Interventional Cardiology is observed annually on 16 September to raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and the importance of interventional cardiology in addressing the global burden of non-communicable diseases.

The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in September 2022 through Resolution A/RES/76/302.

16 September also marks the anniversary of the first coronary angioplasty, performed by Dr. Andreas Grüntzig on 16 September 1977.

28) Answer: A

About Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation:

Minister of State (Independent Charge): Rao Inderjit Singh

Constituency: Gurgaon, Haryana

29) Answer: B

About Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas:

Cabinet Minister: Hardeep Singh Puri

Constituency: Rajya Sabha, Uttar Pradesh

30) Answer: C

About Madhya Pradesh:

Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav

Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel

Capital: Bhopal

National Parks: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park, Satpura National Park, Sanjay National Park, Madhav National Park, Van Vihar National Park, Mandla Plant Fossils National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary, Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary, Pench Wildlife Sanctuary, Panna Wildlife Sanctuary, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Singhori Wildlife Sanctuary, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary