Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 18th & 19th 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 organisation announced a ₹200 crore philanthropic programme for 2026–2030 to strengthen financial literacy across India?

(a) HSBC India

(b) HDFC Bank

(c) ICICI Bank

(d) Axis Bank

(e) Standard Chartered Bank

2) What is the financing target set by the World Bank Group for critical minerals between 2026 and 2030?

(a) USD 10 billion

(b) USD 15 billion

(c) USD 19 billion

(d) USD 25 billion

(e) USD 30 billion

 

3) Which bank launched “Nava Dhamaka 2026 – Enhancing Banking Experience” with nine banking solutions in Bengaluru?

(a) Karnataka Bank Limited

(b) South Indian Bank

(c) Federal Bank

(d) Canara Bank

(e) Bank of Maharashtra

4) Who was appointed as the head of the Union Government committee constituted to examine sugarcane farmers’ concerns?

(a) Rajiv Gauba

(b) Shivraj Singh Chouhan

(c) Pralhad Joshi

(d) Ramesh Chand

(e) Arvind Panagariya

 

5) Which scheme was launched by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) on World Standards Day 2026 to extend certification, purity assurance and hallmarking to silver bullion and coins?

(a) BIS Silver Refinery Scheme

(b) BIS Silver Quality Assurance Scheme

(c) BIS Silver Hallmarking Scheme

(d) BIS Precious Metals Certification Scheme

(e) BIS Silver Purity Certification Scheme

 

6) In news, the first battery-powered solar power project was inaugurated in Spiti Valley by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of which state?

(a) Uttarakhand

(b) Himachal Pradesh

(c) Sikkim

(d) Arunachal Pradesh

(e) Jammu and Kashmir

7) How many days of Productivity-Linked Bonus (PLB) were approved by the Union Cabinet for eligible railway employees for 2025–26?

(a) 60 days

(b) 72 days

(c) 75 days

(d) 78 days

(e) 90 days

8) Which Article of the Constitution of India was referred to by the Supreme Court in its ruling on eligibility for reservation benefits following religious conversion?

(a) Article 14

(b) Article 15(4)

(c) Article 16(4)

(d) Article 17

(e) Article 19(1)

9) Who inaugurated KAUMARACON-2026, the international conference on Kaumarabhritya (Ayurvedic paediatrics), organised by the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi?

(a) Narendra Modi

(b) C. P. Radhakrishnan

(c) Jagdeep Dhankhar

(d) Prataprao Jadhav

(e) Droupadi Murmu

 

10) What is the value of the currency swap facility rolled over by the Government of India for the Maldives to support its financial stability and liquidity needs?

(a) ₹1,000 crore

(b) ₹2,000 crore

(c) ₹3,000 crore

(d) ₹4,000 crore

(e) ₹5,000 crore

11) In which city did India operationalise its resident diplomatic mission in Costa Rica, effective 10 October 2026?

(a) Liberia

(b) Cartago

(c) San José

(d) Heredia

(e) Puntarenas

12) Which test was introduced through the amendments to the India–Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to prevent treaty abuse and tax avoidance?

(a) General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR)

(b) Principal Purpose Test (PPT)

(c) Limitation of Benefits (LOB) Test

(d) Transfer Pricing Test

(e) Arm’s Length Principle (ALP)

13) Under which Article of the Constitution of India was L. Murugan’s resignation from the Union Council of Ministers accepted?

(a) Article 72

(b) Article 74

(c) Article 78

(d) Article 76

(e) Article 75(2)

 

14) Who was elected Chair of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Sub-Commission for the Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO) in October 2026?

(a) Dr. T. M. Balakrishnan Nair

(b) Dr. M. Ravichandran

(c) Dr. S. Somanath

(d) Dr. M. Rajeevan

(e) Dr. Shailesh Nayak

15) Consider the following statements regarding the October 2026 Henley Passport Index:

1. India ranked 84th, sharing the position with Algeria and Mauritania.
2. Singapore ranked first with access to 193 destinations.
3. Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates shared second place with access to 188 destinations each.

(a) Only 1 and 2

(b) Only 2 and 3

(c) Only 1 and 3

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

16) Under which framework is the Tribal Affairs Capacity Building Platform being developed by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Karmayogi Bharat?

(a) Mission Antyodaya

(b) Digital India Mission

(c) iGOT Karmayogi

(d) Mission Vatsalya

(e) PM Gati Shakti

17) Which shipyard designed and constructed INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy’s first Multi-Purpose Vessel commissioned on 16 October 2026?

(a) Cochin Shipyard Limited

(b) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited

(c) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers

(d) Larsen & Toubro Shipyard

(e) Hindustan Shipyard Limited

18) Which edition of the Joint Working Group Meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia was held on 16 October 2026?

(a) 10th

(b) 11th

(c) 12th

(d) 14th

(e) 15th

19) Which university’s researchers identified Melanterite in Neyveli and Gypsum in the Atacama Desert and Tiruchirappalli Badlands as Martian analogue sites?

(a) University of Madras

(b) Anna University

(c) University of Kerala

(d) Bharathidasan University

(e) Indian Institute of Science

20) Which company signed an agreement with the Technology Development Board (TDB) to receive ₹150 crore in financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund for quantum technologies?

(a) QNu Labs Private Limited

(b) Tata Elxsi Limited

(c) Bharat Electronics Limited

(d) Tejas Networks Limited

(e) Centre for Development of Telematics

21) Which Indian Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise signed a cooperation agreement with Africa50 to jointly develop commercially viable power projects across Africa?

(a) Power Grid Corporation of India Limited

(b) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited

(c) NTPC Limited

(d) NHPC Limited

(e) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

22) Which Indian women’s cricketer announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket with immediate effect?

(a) Mithali Raj

(b) Punam Raut

(c) Jhulan Goswami

(d) Harmanpreet Kaur

(e) Smriti Mandhana

23) On which date is World Standards Day observed annually to recognise the contributions of experts and organisations involved in developing international standards?

(a) 10 October

(b) 12 October

(c) 14 October

(d) 15 October

(e) 16 October

24) What was the theme of the 2026 International Day of Rural Women is observed annually on 15 October , as announced by UN Women?

(a) Rural Women Leading Sustainable Development

(b) Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature

(c) Empowering Rural Women for Food Security

(d) Women Farmers for a Greener Future

(e) Rural Women: Agents of Climate Action

25) On which date is World Anaesthesia Day observed annually to commemorate the development of modern anaesthesia?

(a) 14 October

(b) 15 October

(c) 17 October

(d) 16 October

(e) 18 October

Answers:

1) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

HSBC India (Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India) announced a ₹200 crore philanthropic programme for 2026–2030 to strengthen financial literacy across India.

The four-year flagship programme focuses on underserved communities and first-time users of formal financial services.

The programme will be implemented nationwide through partnerships with non-profit organisations, academic institutions and research organisations.

The initiative aims to promote digital financial safety, fraud prevention, informed financial decision-making and livelihood resilience.

The key beneficiaries include women, youth, migrant workers, persons with disabilities, low-income households and first-time users of formal financial services.

Detailed Explanation:

HSBC India (Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India) announced a ₹200 crore philanthropic programme for 2026–2030 to strengthen financial literacy across India.

The four-year flagship programme focuses on underserved communities and first-time users of formal financial services.

The programme will be implemented nationwide through partnerships with non-profit organisations, academic institutions and research organisations.

The initiative aims to promote digital financial safety, fraud prevention, informed financial decision-making and livelihood resilience.

The key beneficiaries include women, youth, migrant workers, persons with disabilities, low-income households and first-time users of formal financial services.

The programme is based on three pillars: Digital Pathways, Financial Capabilities and Income Pathways.

Digital Pathways promotes the use of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enable safe access to digital financial services.

Financial Capabilities focuses on improving financial literacy, informed financial decision-making and fraud prevention.

Income Pathways supports enterprise development, social protection and sustainable livelihoods.

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The World Bank Group plans to increase its financial support for critical minerals fivefold, targeting USD 19 billion in financing between 2026 and 2030.

The announcement was made by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on 16 October 2026 during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand.

The World Bank Group has identified 20 countries as potential partners for developing their critical minerals sectors.

The USD 19 billion financing target combines the World Bank Group’s own resources with private capital it aims to mobilise.

Detailed Explanation:

The World Bank Group plans to increase its financial support for critical minerals fivefold, targeting USD 19 billion in financing between 2026 and 2030.

The announcement was made by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga on 16 October 2026 during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand.

The World Bank Group has identified 20 countries as potential partners for developing their critical minerals sectors.

The USD 19 billion financing target combines the World Bank Group’s own resources with private capital it aims to mobilise.

The World Bank will provide public financing, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will invest in projects and attract private investors, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) will provide investment guarantees to manage risks.

The World Bank Group had previously announced its plan to increase critical minerals financing fivefold at the Mining Indaba 2026 conference, held in South Africa in February 2026.

In Africa, Malawi, Mauritania and Zambia have worked with the World Bank to prepare national mining sector plans.

 

3) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) launched “Nava Dhamaka 2026 – Enhancing Banking Experience” in Bengaluru, Karnataka, introducing nine banking solutions across investments, digital banking, payments, customer engagement and lending.

The launch programme was held at the bank’s Bull Temple Road Office in Bengaluru to improve customer convenience, digital payments, service delivery and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

An integrated online trading and wealth management platform combines demat accounts, brokerage facilities and wealth management services.

The bank introduced an upgraded Retail Internet Banking platform with an enhanced user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).

Detailed Explanation:

Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) launched “Nava Dhamaka 2026 – Enhancing Banking Experience” in Bengaluru, Karnataka, introducing nine banking solutions across investments, digital banking, payments, customer engagement and lending.

The launch programme was held at the bank’s Bull Temple Road Office in Bengaluru to improve customer convenience, digital payments, service delivery and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

An integrated online trading and wealth management platform combines demat accounts, brokerage facilities and wealth management services.

The bank introduced an upgraded Retail Internet Banking platform with an enhanced user interface (UI) and user experience (UX).

Enhanced KBL Mobile Banking features include Soulabhya Plus Deposits and improved FASTag services.

UPI services were introduced for eligible Non-Resident Indian (NRI) customers holding Non-Resident External (NRE) and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts.

The bank introduced PIN-less transactions through the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) platform to make digital payments more convenient.

A comprehensive Point of Sale (POS) solution was introduced for temples, mutts, trusts and other religious institutions to facilitate secure and transparent digital collections.

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Union Government constituted a committee headed by Ramesh Chand, former member of NITI Aayog, to examine sugarcane farmers’ concerns and recommend measures to address them.

The committee was formed following a meeting between sugarcane farmer representatives from Karnataka and Maharashtra, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi.

The committee includes the Agriculture Commissioner in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Joint Secretary (Sugar) in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, and the Joint Secretary (Legal Metrology) in the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Government constituted a committee headed by Ramesh Chand, former member of NITI Aayog, to examine sugarcane farmers’ concerns and recommend measures to address them.

The committee was formed following a meeting between sugarcane farmer representatives from Karnataka and Maharashtra, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi.

The committee includes the Agriculture Commissioner in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Joint Secretary (Sugar) in the Department of Food and Public Distribution, and the Joint Secretary (Legal Metrology) in the Department of Consumer Affairs.

The panel will examine demands for higher returns to sugarcane farmers, taking into account cultivation costs and other relevant factors. It will also review the ex-mill minimum selling price of sugar in relation to production costs, market realisations and the financial viability of sugar mills.

The committee will review the methods used to test and report sugar recovery rates and examine measures to ensure their transparent verification.

It will assess sugarcane weighment practices at mills, including whether weighing equipment is properly calibrated, inspected and verified.

The panel will also examine weight deductions applied to mechanically harvested sugarcane.

 

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched the BIS Silver Refinery Scheme, introduced seven new Indian Standards covering emerging technologies, clean energy mobility, healthcare and building materials, and released standardisation roadmaps for sustainable agriculture and manufacturing on World Standards Day 2026 in New Delhi.

The theme of World Standards Day 2026 was “Shared Vision for a Better World – Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy)”.

The BIS Silver Refinery Scheme extends certification, purity assurance and hallmarking to silver bullion and coins across India, establishing a national framework modelled on the existing Gold Refinery Scheme.

Following the Gazette notification of Amendment No. 1 to Indian Standard IS 2112:2025, titled Silver and Silver Alloys, Jewellery/Artefacts — Fineness and Marking, fine silver bullion and coins of 999.9, 999.5 and 999.0 parts per thousand purities were included in the standard's scope.

Detailed Explanation:

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched the BIS Silver Refinery Scheme, introduced seven new Indian Standards covering emerging technologies, clean energy mobility, healthcare and building materials, and released standardisation roadmaps for sustainable agriculture and manufacturing on World Standards Day 2026 in New Delhi.

The theme of World Standards Day 2026 was “Shared Vision for a Better World – Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Clean and Affordable Energy)”.

The BIS Silver Refinery Scheme extends certification, purity assurance and hallmarking to silver bullion and coins across India, establishing a national framework modelled on the existing Gold Refinery Scheme.

Following the Gazette notification of Amendment No. 1 to Indian Standard IS 2112:2025, titled Silver and Silver Alloys, Jewellery/Artefacts — Fineness and Marking, fine silver bullion and coins of 999.9, 999.5 and 999.0 parts per thousand purities were included in the standard's scope.

The hallmark will contain the BIS Standard Mark, the word SILVER, the purity grade, the manufacturer's identification mark and a unique serial number for batch traceability.

The silver standard prescribes sampling and testing procedures using Gravimetric Testing (IS 2113), the Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) difference method (IS 16900 / ISO 15096) and the Spark Optical Emission Spectrometry (Spark-OES) difference method (IS 19563 / ISO 18214).

6) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, inaugurated the first battery-powered solar power project in Spiti Valley, marking a step towards expanding renewable energy infrastructure in the high-altitude Himalayan region.

The project combines solar power generation with battery storage to improve electricity availability in remote areas facing challenges due to difficult terrain, harsh climatic conditions and geographical isolation.

The initiative supports the state's broader focus on clean energy development, reliable electricity access and reduced dependence on conventional power sources.

Detailed Explanation:

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, inaugurated the first battery-powered solar power project in Spiti Valley, marking a step towards expanding renewable energy infrastructure in the high-altitude Himalayan region.

The project combines solar power generation with battery storage to improve electricity availability in remote areas facing challenges due to difficult terrain, harsh climatic conditions and geographical isolation.

The initiative supports the state's broader focus on clean energy development, reliable electricity access and reduced dependence on conventional power sources.

Decentralised solar installations with battery storage can provide a local or supplementary electricity source in geographically isolated settlements where extending and maintaining conventional power infrastructure can be challenging.

The project's effective operation will depend on factors such as solar generation capacity, battery storage capacity, system design, maintenance and local electricity demand.

Spiti Valley's extreme cold, snowfall and seasonal accessibility constraints make appropriate equipment selection, battery temperature management, regular monitoring and maintenance essential for reliable operation.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 78-day Productivity-Linked Bonus (PLB) worth ₹2,009.61 crore for 11,40,770 eligible railway employees, recognising their performance during the financial year 2025–26.

The bonus is paid annually to eligible non-gazetted railway employees before the Durga Puja/Dussehra holidays.

The payment serves as an incentive to motivate employees to improve railway performance.

The maximum bonus payable to an eligible railway employee is ₹17,951 for 78 days.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a 78-day Productivity-Linked Bonus (PLB) worth ₹2,009.61 crore for 11,40,770 eligible railway employees, recognising their performance during the financial year 2025–26.

The bonus is paid annually to eligible non-gazetted railway employees before the Durga Puja/Dussehra holidays.

The payment serves as an incentive to motivate employees to improve railway performance.

The maximum bonus payable to an eligible railway employee is ₹17,951 for 78 days.

Employees covered include track maintainers, locomotive pilots, train managers (guards), station masters, supervisors, technicians, technician helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff and other Group C employees.

Indian Railways recorded strong operational performance during 2025–26, including:

Record freight loading of 1,670 million tonnes.

Transportation of approximately 7.41 billion passengers.

The Productivity-Linked Bonus recognises the contribution of railway employees to freight and passenger operations and aims to encourage continued improvements in railway efficiency and performance.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India ruled that individuals converting from Hinduism to Islam or another non-Hindu religion cannot automatically claim reservation benefits under a Backward Class category solely on the basis of their pre-conversion caste or community status.

A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Shree Chandrashekhar dismissed the Tamil Nadu Government’s plea challenging the Madras High Court’s judgment that quashed a State Government Order issued in March 2024.

The Court held that social backwardness associated with a person’s previous caste or community cannot automatically be transferred to a notified Backward Class community following religious conversion.

It clarified that conversion to a non-Hindu social order does not, by itself, establish membership in any officially notified Backward Class community.

Eligibility for reservation under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India cannot be determined solely by a person’s pre-conversion status.

Detailed Explanation:

The Supreme Court of India ruled that individuals converting from Hinduism to Islam or another non-Hindu religion cannot automatically claim reservation benefits under a Backward Class category solely on the basis of their pre-conversion caste or community status.

A bench comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Shree Chandrashekhar dismissed the Tamil Nadu Government’s plea challenging the Madras High Court’s judgment that quashed a State Government Order issued in March 2024.

The Court held that social backwardness associated with a person’s previous caste or community cannot automatically be transferred to a notified Backward Class community following religious conversion.

It clarified that conversion to a non-Hindu social order does not, by itself, establish membership in any officially notified Backward Class community.

Eligibility for reservation under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India cannot be determined solely by a person’s pre-conversion status.

The case concerned a Tamil Nadu Government Order dated 9 March 2024, which provided a mechanism for eligible individuals from Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities and Scheduled Castes who converted to Islam to obtain Backward Class Muslim community certificates.

The Supreme Court upheld the Madras High Court’s decision to invalidate the order, stating that a person must establish the necessary legal and social connection to the specific notified Backward Class community. Private religious bodies cannot independently determine statutory eligibility for reservation benefits.

The Court reiterated that under the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, Scheduled Caste status is restricted to persons professing Hinduism, Sikhism or Buddhism

 

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, inaugurated KAUMARACON-2026, the third edition of the international conference on Kaumarabhritya (Ayurvedic paediatrics), organised by the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.

The Vice-President called for greater scientific research and validation of Ayurveda to establish the efficacy of traditional healthcare practices, strengthen patient confidence and increase the global acceptance of India's traditional systems of medicine.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of developing AIIA on a level comparable to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

He referred to interdisciplinary collaborations between the Ministry of AYUSH and institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Detailed Explanation:

C. P. Radhakrishnan, Vice-President of India, inaugurated KAUMARACON-2026, the third edition of the international conference on Kaumarabhritya (Ayurvedic paediatrics), organised by the All-India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.

The Vice-President called for greater scientific research and validation of Ayurveda to establish the efficacy of traditional healthcare practices, strengthen patient confidence and increase the global acceptance of India's traditional systems of medicine.

He also referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of developing AIIA on a level comparable to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

He referred to interdisciplinary collaborations between the Ministry of AYUSH and institutions such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

The Vice-President also cited the international recognition of Yoga and the establishment of the World Health Organization Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, Gujarat, as milestones in promoting India's traditional knowledge globally.

The conference theme was “Shaping the Future of Child Health: Global Perspectives, Research Innovations, and Clinical Frontiers in Kaumarabhritya.” It emphasised the need to ensure that every child grows in a healthy and supportive environment.

10) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Government of India approved the rollover of a ₹30 billion (₹3,000 crore) currency swap facility for the Maldives to support its financial stability and liquidity needs.

The currency swap facility falls under the Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Countries and the bilateral INR Currency Swap Framework for 2024–2027.

The arrangement was agreed between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) during Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024.

The first ₹30 billion drawdown under the arrangement was provided to the Maldives on 23 April 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

The Government of India approved the rollover of a ₹30 billion (₹3,000 crore) currency swap facility for the Maldives to support its financial stability and liquidity needs.

The currency swap facility falls under the Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Countries and the bilateral INR Currency Swap Framework for 2024–2027.

The arrangement was agreed between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) during Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024.

The first ₹30 billion drawdown under the arrangement was provided to the Maldives on 23 April 2026.

The currency swap framework provides concessional terms, favourable interest rates and other supportive conditions to help the Maldives meet its foreign-currency liquidity requirements.

Since the currency swap framework was introduced in 2012, the RBI has extended cumulative currency swap support exceeding USD 1.1 billion to the Maldives.

A currency swap arrangement allows countries to access funds in another currency to meet liquidity requirements and support macroeconomic and financial stability.

Beyond the currency swap facility, India subscribed to Maldivian long-term Treasury bonds worth USD 250 million and USD 100 million, totalling USD 350 million.

 

11) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) operationalised India’s resident diplomatic mission in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, effective 10 October 2026.

The new mission aims to expand India’s diplomatic presence in Central America and strengthen bilateral relations between India and Costa Rica.

The mission will promote bilateral trade, investment, commercial cooperation and economic ties between the two countries.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) operationalised India’s resident diplomatic mission in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, effective 10 October 2026.

The new mission aims to expand India’s diplomatic presence in Central America and strengthen bilateral relations between India and Costa Rica.

The mission will promote bilateral trade, investment, commercial cooperation and economic ties between the two countries.

Priority areas of cooperation include pharmaceuticals, Information Technology (IT), commerce, investment and cultural exchanges.

The mission will strengthen people-to-people contacts and facilitate closer political engagement between India and Costa Rica.

It will promote sustained cooperation with Costa Rica on regional and multilateral issues.

12) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Central Government notified amendments to the India–Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) on 13 October 2026, introducing the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) to prevent treaty abuse and tax avoidance.

The amended India–Mauritius DTAA came into force on 10 August 2026, following the completion of the necessary legal formalities by both countries.

The amendments were notified in India under Section 159(1) of the Income-tax Act, 2025.

India and Mauritius signed the protocol amending the DTAA on 7 March 2024 in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Detailed Explanation:

The Central Government notified amendments to the India–Mauritius Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) on 13 October 2026, introducing the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) to prevent treaty abuse and tax avoidance.

The amended India–Mauritius DTAA came into force on 10 August 2026, following the completion of the necessary legal formalities by both countries.

The amendments were notified in India under Section 159(1) of the Income-tax Act, 2025.

India and Mauritius signed the protocol amending the DTAA on 7 March 2024 in Port Louis, Mauritius.

The Principal Purpose Test (PPT) allows tax treaty benefits to be denied if obtaining those benefits was one of the principal purposes of a transaction or arrangement, unless granting them is consistent with the object and purpose of the relevant treaty provisions.

Investments made before 1 April 2017 are exempt from the PPT provisions under the amended treaty.

Mauritius-based investors and investment funds claiming treaty benefits may face greater scrutiny regarding the commercial substance and purpose of their transactions.

13) Answer: E

President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of L. Murugan from the Union Council of Ministers with immediate effect.

L. Murugan served as the Minister of State (MoS) for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs.

The resignation was accepted under Article 75(2) of the Constitution of India, on the advice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

14) Answer: A

Dr. T. M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), was elected Chair of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) Sub-Commission for the Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO).

The election took place during the 2nd Intergovernmental Session of IOCINDIO in Bali, Indonesia, from 12–14 October 2026.

Dr. Nair is a founding member of INCOIS with over 30 years of experience in operational oceanography, marine science and real-time ocean observation systems.

15) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

India ranked 84th in the October 2026 Henley Passport Index, sharing the position with Algeria and Mauritania.

This marks an improvement from 85th place in October 2025, although India's destination-access score declined from 57 to 55 destinations.

India’s October 2026 ranking was three places lower than its July 2026 position of 81st.

Top-ranking passports in October 2026

Singapore ranked first, with access to 193 destinations.

Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates shared second place, with access to 188 destinations each.

Detailed Explanation:

India ranked 84th in the October 2026 Henley Passport Index, sharing the position with Algeria and Mauritania.

This marks an improvement from 85th place in October 2025, although India's destination-access score declined from 57 to 55 destinations.

India’s October 2026 ranking was three places lower than its July 2026 position of 81st.

During 2026, India's passport ranking was 80th in January, 75th in February, 81st in July and 84th in October.

The ranking highlights the distinction between a passport’s global rank and destination-access score.

The Henley Passport Index, published by Henley & Partners, ranks 199 passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without obtaining a traditional visa before departure. It covers 227 travel destinations and uses data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Reasons for the decline in India's destination-access score – According to the supplied report, Iran suspended visa-free entry for Indian nationals earlier in 2026, while Bolivia replaced visa-on-arrival access for Indian citizens with an electronic visa requirement. These changes reduced the number of destinations accessible without obtaining a visa in advance. Changes in other countries' scores also affect India's relative ranking.

Top-ranking passports in October 2026

Singapore ranked first, with access to 193 destinations.

Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates shared second place, with access to 188 destinations each.

16) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and Karmayogi Bharat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to develop and operate the Tribal Affairs Capacity Building Platform under the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi framework.

The initiative extends the capacity-building framework of Mission Karmayogi, which was previously focused on civil servants, to Adi Karmayogi Volunteers (AKVs) and grassroots functionaries responsible for implementing tribal development schemes.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and Karmayogi Bharat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to develop and operate the Tribal Affairs Capacity Building Platform under the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) Karmayogi framework.

The initiative extends the capacity-building framework of Mission Karmayogi, which was previously focused on civil servants, to Adi Karmayogi Volunteers (AKVs) and grassroots functionaries responsible for implementing tribal development schemes.

The initiative is part of the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan, which aims to institutionalise more than 76,000 Adi Sewa Kendras (ASKs) and a network of over 1,54,000 AKVs as sustainable village-level platforms for facilitation, citizen engagement and last-mile convergence.

According to data reported by States on the portal, 60,507 Adi Sewa Kendras and 1,22,072 Adi Karmayogi Volunteers had been registered so far.

A dedicated Adi Karmayogi Volunteer microsite on iGOT Karmayogi has been developed to provide standardised, mobile-friendly learning resources that volunteers can access anytime and anywhere.

17)  Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Samarthak, the first of class Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 16 October 2026.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, in the presence of Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff.

INS Samarthak was designed and constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard, marking a major milestone in indigenous shipbuilding.

INS Samarthak is the first major warship built by an Indian private shipyard, highlighting the growing role of the private sector in India’s defence manufacturing.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Samarthak, the first of class Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 16 October 2026.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, in the presence of Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff.

INS Samarthak was designed and constructed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Shipyard, marking a major milestone in indigenous shipbuilding.

INS Samarthak is the first major warship built by an Indian private shipyard, highlighting the growing role of the private sector in India’s defence manufacturing.

The ship has over 75% indigenous content, supporting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthening India’s domestic defence industrial ecosystem.

The vessel incorporates modular construction and pre-outfitting, helping optimise construction processes and timelines.

18) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The 14th Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on 16 October 2026.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Ishita Ganguli Tripathy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, India, and Brigadier General Gansukh E., Deputy State Secretary of Defence, Mongolia.

Both countries reviewed ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and discussed measures to strengthen their India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership.

Detailed Explanation:

The 14th Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting between the Defence Ministries of India and Mongolia was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on 16 October 2026.

The meeting was co-chaired by Dr Ishita Ganguli Tripathy, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, India, and Brigadier General Gansukh E., Deputy State Secretary of Defence, Mongolia.

Both countries reviewed ongoing bilateral defence cooperation and discussed measures to strengthen their India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership.

Both sides appreciated the successful conclusion of the Nomadic Elephant military exercise, which strengthens bilateral defence cooperation.

Mongolia acknowledged India’s support in capacity building and training of Mongolian Armed Forces personnel.

Dr Ishita Ganguli Tripathy met Major General Usukhbayar J., Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces, to discuss further defence cooperation.

The Indian delegation visited National Defence University, Mongolia, to review the Cyber Security Training Centre established with Indian assistance.

Mongolia appreciated India’s support in cybersecurity, language training and knowledge-sharing.

19) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Researchers from the University of Kerala identified Melanterite in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, and Gypsum in the Atacama Desert, Chile, and Tiruchirappalli Badlands, Tamil Nadu, establishing these locations as Martian analogue sites.

The research team was led by Dr. Sajin Kumar K. S., Project Coordinator of the DST-FIST programme.

The study used a Laser Raman Spectrometer, supported by the Department of Science and Technology’s Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (DST-FIST) at the Department of Geology, University of Kerala, to identify the minerals through their distinctive spectral fingerprints.

Melanterite and gypsum are hydrous sulphate minerals that provide evidence of water–rock interactions, which are important for understanding Mars’s geological history.

Detailed Explanation:

Researchers from the University of Kerala identified Melanterite in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, and Gypsum in the Atacama Desert, Chile, and Tiruchirappalli Badlands, Tamil Nadu, establishing these locations as Martian analogue sites.

The research team was led by Dr. Sajin Kumar K. S., Project Coordinator of the DST-FIST programme.

The study used a Laser Raman Spectrometer, supported by the Department of Science and Technology’s Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (DST-FIST) at the Department of Geology, University of Kerala, to identify the minerals through their distinctive spectral fingerprints.

Melanterite and gypsum are hydrous sulphate minerals that provide evidence of water–rock interactions, which are important for understanding Mars’s geological history.

Gypsum preserves evidence of past aqueous environments and may preserve biosignatures within its mineral structure.

Melanterite indicates short-lived, wet, acidic and oxidising conditions associated with sulphide oxidation, a process relevant to sulphate formation on Mars.

Terrestrial analogue sites help scientists study Martian geological and environmental conditions because orbital data alone cannot fully characterise Martian minerals.

 

20) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with QNu Labs Private Limited, Bengaluru, Karnataka, to provide ₹150 crore in financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The project has a total cost of ₹300 crore, with TDB’s support provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).

The project aims to develop an indigenous technology backbone for India’s Quantum Secure and Sensing Networks (IQSN), strengthening India’s capabilities in quantum technologies and secure communications.

The programme aims to advance technologies from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–5 to TRL-9, enabling further development, integration, validation and deployment.

Detailed Explanation:

The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with QNu Labs Private Limited, Bengaluru, Karnataka, to provide ₹150 crore in financial support under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.

The project has a total cost of ₹300 crore, with TDB’s support provided through Optionally Convertible Debt (OCD).

The project aims to develop an indigenous technology backbone for India’s Quantum Secure and Sensing Networks (IQSN), strengthening India’s capabilities in quantum technologies and secure communications.

The programme aims to advance technologies from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4–5 to TRL-9, enabling further development, integration, validation and deployment.

The initiative is built around four pillars: identity security, location integrity, network security and time integrity.

Identity security will use Quantum Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) and quantum-safe Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) for secure device identity, authentication and cryptographic protection.

21) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

NTPC Limited (National Thermal Power Corporation), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power (MoP), Government of India, signed a cooperation agreement with Africa50 to jointly develop commercially viable power projects across Africa.

The partnership aims to identify, assess and develop power projects, attract investment and improve electricity supply for households and businesses across African countries.

Detailed Explanation:

NTPC Limited (National Thermal Power Corporation), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Power (MoP), Government of India, signed a cooperation agreement with Africa50 to jointly develop commercially viable power projects across Africa.

The partnership aims to identify, assess and develop power projects, attract investment and improve electricity supply for households and businesses across African countries.

The agreement will explore cross-border electricity trading opportunities to strengthen regional power connectivity and improve electricity availability across Africa.

NTPC will provide technical expertise in project assessment, engineering, construction, operations and technical solutions.

Africa50 will identify priority projects, coordinate with governments and regulators, structure investments and facilitate project financing and development.

22) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Punam Raut, an Indian women’s cricket team top-order batter, announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket with immediate effect.

Raut, who turned 37, represented India from 2009 to 2021, playing 4 Tests, 73 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 35 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

One Day Internationals were her most productive format, in which she scored 2,299 runs, including 3 centuries and 15 half-centuries, at an average of 34.83.

Detailed Explanation:

Punam Raut, an Indian women’s cricket team top-order batter, announced her retirement from all formats of international cricket with immediate effect.

Raut, who turned 37, represented India from 2009 to 2021, playing 4 Tests, 73 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 35 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

One Day Internationals were her most productive format, in which she scored 2,299 runs, including 3 centuries and 15 half-centuries, at an average of 34.83.

She represented India in three Women’s One Day International World Cups — 2009, 2013 and 2017.

During the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, she scored a century against Australia in a league match and finished as India’s highest scorer in the final against England, scoring 86 runs.

In 2017, Raut and Deepti Sharma established a record opening partnership of 320 runs against Ireland in an ODI at Potchefstroom, South Africa. Raut retired hurt after scoring 109 off 116 balls, while Sharma made 188 off 160 balls.

23) Answer: C

World Standards Day is observed annually on 14 October to recognise the contributions of experts and organisations involved in developing international standards and to highlight the importance of standardisation in global trade, economic development and cooperation.

The 2026 theme is “Shared Vision for a Better World,” with a special focus on Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) – Affordable and Clean Energy.

24) Answer: B

International Day of Rural Women is observed annually on 15 October to recognise the contributions, achievements and resilience of rural women and highlight their role in agriculture, food production, food security and rural community development.

The 2026 theme is “Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature,” as announced by United Nations Women (UN Women). The theme highlights the role of rural women farmers in caring for the natural environment.

25) Answer: D

World Anaesthesia Day is observed annually on 16 October to commemorate the development of modern anaesthesia and recognise its importance in surgical care.

The 2026 theme, announced by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA), is “Anaesthesiology Along the Patient Pathway.”