Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 20th & 21st 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 won Global Finance magazine’s World’s Best Consumer Bank 2026 award for the second consecutive year?

(a) DBS Bank

(b) Banco Santander

(c) State Bank of India (SBI)

(d) BBVA

(e) Ecobank

 

2) What is the new tagline introduced by ICICI Life Insurance Limited as part of its new brand identity?

(a) Zindagi Ke Saath

(b) Har Kal Aasaan

(c) Suraksha Har Kal

(d) Jeetega India

(e) Aasaan Bima, Behtar Kal

3) Which multilateral development bank signed financing agreements with AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited for developing a green ammonia plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh?

(a) World Bank

(b) Asian Development Bank (ADB)

(c) New Development Bank (NDB)

(d) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

(e) International Monetary Fund (IMF)

4) Which organisation’s Frontier Tech Hub released the Data Centre Evaluation Framework to help State governments plan and facilitate sustainable data-centre growth in India?

(a) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

(b) NITI Aayog

(c) Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

(d) Ministry of Power

(e) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

5) By which date is the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) proposing to complete the three-phase implementation of Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards?

(a) April 2030

(b) April 2031

(c) April 2033

(d) April 2035

(e) April 2037

 

6) Which edition of the Monthly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) was released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) for September 2026?

(a) 15th

(b) 16th

(c) 17th

(d) 18th

(e) 19th

7) In which state was the BHASHINI Rajyam Workshop organised by the Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) in collaboration with the State Government?

(a) Assam

(b) Meghalaya

(c) Manipur

(d) Tripura

(e) Mizoram

8) Which order was mandated by the Ministry of Cooperation in 2026 to strengthen transparency, accountability and financial discipline in Multi-State Cooperative Societies?

(a) Multi-State Cooperative Societies Governance Order, 2026

(b) Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2026

(c) Cooperative Financial Accountability Order, 2026

(d) Cooperative Audit Reform Order, 2026

(e) Multi-State Cooperative Regulation Order, 2026

9) Who was appointed as the part-time Chairperson of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) for a three-year term by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)?

(a) T. Rabi Sankar

(b) Debasish Panda

(c) M. Nagaraju

(d) Vivek Joshi

(e) Subhas Chandra Lal Das

 

10) Which country was named the incoming Chair of the Boards of Governors of the IMF and World Bank Group for 2027 during the 2026 Annual Meetings?

(a) Bangladesh

(b) Indonesia

(c) Sri Lanka

(d) Pakistan

(e) Egypt

11) From which date will the Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank operate as branches of RBL Bank Limited following the RBI-approved amalgamation?

(a) 1 October 2026

(b) 1 November 2026

(c) 1 December 2026

(d) 1 January 2027

(e) 1 April 2027

12) What is the name of the fundraising campaign launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for IIT Kanpur to raise USD 1 billion by March 2029?

(a) Greater Than Us

(b) Future Tech India

(c) India Innovation Mission

(d) Research for Excellence

(e) Technology for Tomorrow

13) What is the name of the Indian Navy’s historic transoceanic deployment undertaken by the sail training ship INS Sudarshini in 2026?

(a) Samudra Setu

(b) Lokayan-2026

(c) Mission Sagar

(d) Varuna-2026

(e) Sagar Maitri

14) Which aircraft was used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to evacuate a critically ill civilian patient from Leh to Palam, Delhi?

(a) C-17 Globemaster III

(b) Chinook CH-47F

(c) Dornier 228

(d) AN-32

(e) C-130J

15) At which centre did ISRO successfully conduct the Crew Module–Service Module separation tests for the Gaganyaan Mission?

(a) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)

(b) Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC)

(c) U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)

(d) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

(e) ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC)

16) Who launched CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) Ayurshodh 2026 (Second Circular)?

(a) Prof. Maneesha Kothekar

(b) Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha

(c) Prataprao Jadhav

(d) Amitabh Kant

(e) Rajesh S. Gokhale

17) Where was the Quantum Research Lab inaugurated by Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)?

(a) Hyderabad, Telangana

(b) Chennai, Tamil Nadu

(c) Bengaluru, Karnataka

(d) Pune, Maharashtra

(e) Noida, Uttar Pradesh

18) Which Indian private space technology company signed a contract with US-based Reflect Orbital for two dedicated satellite launches to support on-demand sunlight at night?

(a) Agnikul Cosmos

(b) Pixxel

(c) Skyroot Aerospace

(d) Dhruva Space

(e) Bellatrix Aerospace

 

19) Which organisation’s digital systems are integrated into the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) to monitor India’s international trade ecosystem?

(a) Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

(b) Directorate General of Taxes

(c) Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

(d) Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)

(e) Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank)

20) With which country is India working towards concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026?

(a) Australia

(b) Germany

(c) Japan

(d) Canada

(e) South Korea

 

21) Under which framework did India and Myanmar sign five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for implementing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) for FY 2026–27?

(a) BIMSTEC Cooperation Framework

(b) Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)

(c) ASEAN Connectivity Framework

(d) India–Myanmar Development Partnership

(e) South Asian Cooperation Framework

22) Consider the following statements regarding the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026:

1. The report was released by Welthungerhilfe in collaboration with AIIMS and Helvetas.
2. India ranked 100th among 122 countries, with a GHI score of 24.1.
3. A GHI score of 100 indicates the best possible outcome, representing no hunger.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

(e) All of the above

23) Who won the gold medal with a Games-record score of 250.0 points in the women’s 10-metre air rifle SH1 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan?

(a) Avani Lekhara

(b) Manisha Keer

(c) Rubina Francis

(d) Deepa Malik

(e) Mona Agarwal

24) Recently, Veteran Tamil film music director Devanesan Chokkalingam, popularly known as Deva, was famously nicknamed by which title, who passed away on 17 October 2026 at the age of 75 in Chennai?

(a) Thenisai Thendral

(b) Makkal Isai

(c) Isai Puyal

(d) Isai Gnani

(e) Mellisai Mannar

25) What was the theme of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2026, observed on 17 October?

(a) Dignity for All in Practice

(b) Safe Homes for All

(c) Ending Poverty Through Social Inclusion

(d) Building a Sustainable Future for All

(e) Decent Work and Social Protection for All

Answers:

1) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) won Global Finance magazine’s World’s Best Consumer Bank 2026 award for the second consecutive year and the Best Bank in India 2026 award.

The awards recognised SBI’s customer-centric banking approach, digital innovation, service excellence, and commitment to financial inclusion.

The awards were presented at the World’s Best Bank Awards Ceremony, held alongside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty accepted the awards on behalf of the bank’s customers and employees.

Detailed Explanation:

State Bank of India (SBI) won Global Finance magazine’s World’s Best Consumer Bank 2026 award for the second consecutive year and the Best Bank in India 2026 award.

The awards recognised SBI’s customer-centric banking approach, digital innovation, service excellence, and commitment to financial inclusion.

The awards were presented at the World’s Best Bank Awards Ceremony, held alongside the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meeting 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty accepted the awards on behalf of the bank’s customers and employees.

SBI’s digital banking platform, YONO (You Only Need One), surpassed 10 crore registered users, strengthening its digital banking services.

SBI introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered customer services and personalised digital experiences to improve service delivery.

Other winners at the Global Finance World’s Best Bank Awards 2026 included:

Banco Santander (Spain) – World’s Best Bank.

DBS Bank (Singapore) – World’s Best Corporate Bank.

BBVA (Spain) – World’s Best Emerging Markets Bank.

Ecobank (Togo) – World’s Best Frontier Markets Bank.

 

2) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, now known as ICICI Life Insurance Limited, introduced its new brand identity and tagline, ‘Har Kal Aasaan’, to make life insurance simpler and more accessible to Indian customers.

The new tagline ‘Har Kal Aasaan’ reflects the company’s commitment to simplifying life insurance and long-term financial planning.

The brand repositioning focuses on transparency, flexibility, convenience, informed financial decisions, and easier access to life insurance.

Detailed Explanation:

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited, now known as ICICI Life Insurance Limited, introduced its new brand identity and tagline, ‘Har Kal Aasaan’, to make life insurance simpler and more accessible to Indian customers.

The new tagline ‘Har Kal Aasaan’ reflects the company’s commitment to simplifying life insurance and long-term financial planning.

The brand repositioning focuses on transparency, flexibility, convenience, informed financial decisions, and easier access to life insurance.

The redesigned logo retains the signature ICICI Group “i” emblem, alongside the new “ICICI Life” wordmark, with “Insurance” positioned beneath it.

The rebranding marks the company’s 25-year journey in the Indian market, during which it has helped secure the futures of over 20 crore Indians.

The initiative aligns with the national objective of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.

 

3) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan signed financing agreements with AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited, a Hyderabad-based company established by the founders of Greenko Group, to develop a large renewable-powered green ammonia plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

The project will have an annual production capacity of approximately 1.1 million tonnes of green ammonia, supporting India’s clean energy transition and the development of a new green ammonia export industry.

The project includes a USD 100 million loan from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Detailed Explanation:

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Japan signed financing agreements with AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited, a Hyderabad-based company established by the founders of Greenko Group, to develop a large renewable-powered green ammonia plant in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

The project will have an annual production capacity of approximately 1.1 million tonnes of green ammonia, supporting India’s clean energy transition and the development of a new green ammonia export industry.

The project includes a USD 100 million loan from the Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and administered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The project marks the first investment under the Action for Creating Energy Security for Long-term Resilience (ACCEL) initiative, launched by ADB and Japan in May 2026.

The ACCEL initiative aims to strengthen energy security and support more resilient energy systems across Asia and the Pacific.

The project will convert a former natural gas-based ammonia and urea complex in Kakinada into a renewable-powered green ammonia facility.

 

4) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub released the Data Centre Evaluation Framework to help State governments plan and facilitate the sustainable growth of data centres across India.

The Framework was released in the presence of Professor Abhay Karandikar, Member of NITI Aayog; Shri Anurag Jain, Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog; and Ms Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog.

Representatives from the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce, industry and the media also attended the release.

Developed with inputs from industry, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Power and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the Framework provides State governments with a practical approach to planning, evaluating and facilitating data-centre investments.

Detailed Explanation:

NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub released the Data Centre Evaluation Framework to help State governments plan and facilitate the sustainable growth of data centres across India.

The Framework was released in the presence of Professor Abhay Karandikar, Member of NITI Aayog; Shri Anurag Jain, Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog; and Ms Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow at NITI Aayog.

Representatives from the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce, industry and the media also attended the release.

Developed with inputs from industry, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Power and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the Framework provides State governments with a practical approach to planning, evaluating and facilitating data-centre investments.

It helps States assess infrastructure readiness, safeguard critical resources and maximise the long-term economic and strategic value of data-centre projects.

India’s data-centre capacity has increased from approximately 375 megawatts (MW) in 2020 to around 1.5 gigawatts (GW) currently, driven by growing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, high-performance computing and data-intensive digital applications.

Data centres are emerging as critical infrastructure supporting India’s technological and economic ambitions as the country accelerates its AI adoption and digital transformation.

5) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is planning to introduce stricter Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards for new cars and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from 1 April 2029, according to a draft Gazette notification.

The draft notification, dated 12 October, proposes implementing the new emission standards in three phases over six years, from April 2029 to April 2035.

The proposed implementation schedule is as follows:

Phase I – April 2029

Phase II – April 2031

Phase III – April 2035

The proposed standards will impose stricter limits on harmful vehicle emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM).

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is planning to introduce stricter Bharat Stage VII (BS-VII) emission standards for new cars and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) from 1 April 2029, according to a draft Gazette notification.

The draft notification, dated 12 October, proposes implementing the new emission standards in three phases over six years, from April 2029 to April 2035.

The proposed implementation schedule is as follows:

Phase I – April 2029

Phase II – April 2031

Phase III – April 2035

The proposed standards will impose stricter limits on harmful vehicle emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and particulate matter (PM).

The proposed norms will apply to new vehicles and will not affect existing vehicles or their remaining service life, including vehicles that comply with Bharat Stage VI standards.

Bharat Stage (BS) refers to India’s vehicle emission standards, which prescribe limits for pollutants such as:

Carbon monoxide (CO)

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Hydrocarbons (HC)

Particulate matter (PM)

India’s Bharat Stage emission standards are aligned with European emission norms and aim to gradually reduce pollution by tightening limits on vehicle emissions.

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 18th Monthly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for September 2026.

The PLFS is the primary source of data on labour force participation, employment and unemployment conditions in India.

The survey methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates of key labour market indicators.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 18th Monthly Bulletin of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for September 2026.

The PLFS is the primary source of data on labour force participation, employment and unemployment conditions in India.

The survey methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates of key labour market indicators.

The monthly bulletins present all-India estimates based on the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach, covering three key indicators:

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) – The proportion of the population participating in the labour force.

Worker Population Ratio (WPR) – The proportion of the population that is employed.

Unemployment Rate (UR) – The proportion of the labour force that is unemployed.

Monthly bulletins from April 2025 to August 2026 had already been released before the September 2026 edition.

7) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, Government of Manipur, organised the BHASHINI Rajyam Workshop, Manipur Chapter, in Imphal.

The workshop focused on advancing multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI), strengthening language technology and integrating Indian-language solutions into government and citizen-facing digital services.

The programme was attended by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, along with government representatives and other stakeholders who discussed the role of language technology in making digital services more accessible and inclusive.

A key outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Government of Manipur.

Detailed Explanation:

The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), under Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  (MeitY), Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology, Government of Manipur, organised the BHASHINI Rajyam Workshop, Manipur Chapter, in Imphal.

The workshop focused on advancing multilingual Artificial Intelligence (AI), strengthening language technology and integrating Indian-language solutions into government and citizen-facing digital services.

The programme was attended by Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur, along with government representatives and other stakeholders who discussed the role of language technology in making digital services more accessible and inclusive.

A key outcome of the workshop was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Government of Manipur.

The MoU was signed by Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer of DIBD, and Somorjit Salam, Indian Administrative Service officer and Secretary of Information Technology, Government of Manipur.

The MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in language technology, improve language resources and explore multilingual digital service solutions across Manipur.

BHASHINI शिल्पी (BHASHINI Shilpi), an interactive platform for developers, students and innovators, enabled participants to learn, experiment, solve problems and develop solutions using Language AI.

The BHASHINI Mitra initiative was highlighted as a platform through which State institutions and language communities can contribute language data and strengthen multilingual AI resources.

As the next step, DIBD and the Government of Manipur will identify priority use cases, assess language-data requirements and explore the integration of BHASHINI technologies into relevant government platforms.

8) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) and under the leadership of Union  Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation has mandated the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2026 (MSCARO, 2026).

The Order aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, financial discipline and good governance in Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS), while safeguarding the interests of cooperative members.

The Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023 empowered the Central Government under Section 73(6) to prescribe auditing and accounting standards for Multi-State Cooperative Societies.

In accordance with this provision, the Ministry of Cooperation formulated MSCARO, 2026, using inputs from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and Multi-State Cooperative Societies.

Detailed Explanation:

Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation) and under the leadership of Union  Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation has mandated the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2026 (MSCARO, 2026).

The Order aims to strengthen transparency, accountability, financial discipline and good governance in Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS), while safeguarding the interests of cooperative members.

The Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023 empowered the Central Government under Section 73(6) to prescribe auditing and accounting standards for Multi-State Cooperative Societies.

In accordance with this provision, the Ministry of Cooperation formulated MSCARO, 2026, using inputs from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and Multi-State Cooperative Societies.

Modelled on the Companies (Auditor’s Report) Order (CARO) applicable to the corporate sector, MSCARO, 2026 establishes a uniform, structured and risk-based framework for statutory audit reporting in Multi-State Cooperative Societies.

Under the framework, auditors must report on key financial, administrative, governance and statutory compliance parameters using a standardised format containing clear Yes/No responses with relevant remarks. This is intended to improve consistency in audit reporting, identify irregularities and strengthen regulatory oversight

9) Answer: E

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Subhas Chandra Lal Das (SCL Das), a retired 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, as the part-time Chairperson of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).

Subhas Chandra Lal Das was appointed for a three-year term, effective from the date of notification or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), formally issued the appointment.

The ACC also approved the appointment of six part-time members to the FSIB, comprising three members for public sector banks and financial institutions and three members for public sector insurance companies.

10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Pakistan was named the incoming Chair of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) for 2027 during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Pakistan’s appointment marks its first return to the chairmanship since 1953.

Ahad Khan Cheema, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Governor to the World Bank, was named the incoming chair.

Detailed Explanation:

Pakistan was named the incoming Chair of the Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) for 2027 during the 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Pakistan’s appointment marks its first return to the chairmanship since 1953.

Ahad Khan Cheema, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Governor to the World Bank, was named the incoming chair.

The incoming chairmanship was formally announced during the plenary session of the 2026 WBG–IMF Annual Meetings, held from 12 to 18 October 2026.

The 2026 IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings brought together more than 15,000 participants from 191 countries.

11) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of the Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank (National Bank of Dubai) P.J.S.C. (Public Joint Stock Company) with RBL Bank Limited, effective 1 December 2026.

The RBI sanctioned the amalgamation under Section 44A(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of the Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank (National Bank of Dubai) P.J.S.C. (Public Joint Stock Company) with RBL Bank Limited, effective 1 December 2026.

The RBI sanctioned the amalgamation under Section 44A(4) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Following the amalgamation, all Indian branches of Emirates NBD Bank will operate as branches of RBL Bank Limited from 1 December 2026.

The merger was first announced in October 2025 and was completed after receiving the required regulatory approvals from the RBI, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for the mandatory open offer.

Emirates NBD Bank acquired a 60% stake in RBL Bank on 18 June 2026, through a primary capital infusion of approximately USD 2.75 billion (around ₹26,016 crore).

Emirates NBD acquired 929.1 million shares at ₹280 per share through the transaction.

12) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), launched the ‘Greater Than Us’ fundraising campaign of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur).

The ‘Greater Than Us’ campaign aims to raise USD 1 billion by March 2029 to strengthen research, innovation, and technological infrastructure at IIT Kanpur.

The campaign aims to mobilise funds from alumni, industry, donors, and institutional partners to support advanced research, modern infrastructure, faculty development, scholarships, and entrepreneurship.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), launched the ‘Greater Than Us’ fundraising campaign of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur).

The ‘Greater Than Us’ campaign aims to raise USD 1 billion by March 2029 to strengthen research, innovation, and technological infrastructure at IIT Kanpur.

The campaign aims to mobilise funds from alumni, industry, donors, and institutional partners to support advanced research, modern infrastructure, faculty development, scholarships, and entrepreneurship.

The campaign prioritises emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, quantum technologies, semiconductors, drones, medical technology (MedTech), and sustainability.

IIT Kanpur announced plans to establish a defence drone hub in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to promote indigenous defence technology development.

The proposed defence drone hub aims to indigenise critical components, reduce dependence on imports, and strengthen India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Indian Navy’s three-masted sail training ship INS Sudarshini departed Salalah, Oman, after a port visit from 14 to 17 October 2026, as part of its historic transoceanic deployment, Lokayan-2026.

Lokayan-2026 is a historic transoceanic voyage that showcases the Indian Navy’s maritime heritage and promotes professional seamanship, resilience, and leadership among naval trainees.

During the port visit, INS Sudarshini conducted professional interactions and sporting engagements with the Royal Navy of Oman, strengthening naval cooperation, camaraderie, and people-to-people ties.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Navy’s three-masted sail training ship INS Sudarshini departed Salalah, Oman, after a port visit from 14 to 17 October 2026, as part of its historic transoceanic deployment, Lokayan-2026.

Lokayan-2026 is a historic transoceanic voyage that showcases the Indian Navy’s maritime heritage and promotes professional seamanship, resilience, and leadership among naval trainees.

During the port visit, INS Sudarshini conducted professional interactions and sporting engagements with the Royal Navy of Oman, strengthening naval cooperation, camaraderie, and people-to-people ties.

As Lokayan-2026 entered its tenth month, the voyage highlighted the Indian Navy’s commitment to maritime diplomacy, international goodwill, and maritime partnerships.

INS Sudarshini serves as an ambassador of India while traversing international waters and strengthening friendship with other nations.

14) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a short-notice casualty evacuation mission using a C-130J aircraft, airlifting a critically ill 30-year-old civilian patient from Leh to Palam, Delhi, for further medical treatment.

The medical evacuation was conducted late at night, despite darkness and challenging weather conditions.

The mission required a high degree of operational preparedness, professional coordination, and timely execution.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a short-notice casualty evacuation mission using a C-130J aircraft, airlifting a critically ill 30-year-old civilian patient from Leh to Palam, Delhi, for further medical treatment.

The medical evacuation was conducted late at night, despite darkness and challenging weather conditions.

The mission required a high degree of operational preparedness, professional coordination, and timely execution.

After reaching Palam, the patient was transferred to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for further treatment.

The mission demonstrated the IAF’s operational readiness and its ability to respond rapidly to critical humanitarian needs, including medical evacuations in difficult conditions.

 

15) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed a series of Crew Module (CM)–Service Module (SM) separation tests for the Gaganyaan Mission at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The tests were conducted to validate the design adequacy and overall functioning of the CM–SM separation system ahead of the first uncrewed mission, Gaganyaan-1 (G1).

Gaganyaan-1 (G1), the first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan programme, is targeted for launch in 2026 and will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid developed for the mission.

The Gaganyaan Orbital Module consists of two major modules: the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM), which remain connected through a separation system.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed a series of Crew Module (CM)–Service Module (SM) separation tests for the Gaganyaan Mission at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

The tests were conducted to validate the design adequacy and overall functioning of the CM–SM separation system ahead of the first uncrewed mission, Gaganyaan-1 (G1).

Gaganyaan-1 (G1), the first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan programme, is targeted for launch in 2026 and will carry Vyommitra, a half-humanoid developed for the mission.

The Gaganyaan Orbital Module consists of two major modules: the Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM), which remain connected through a separation system.

Before launch, the CM and SM are integrated as a single unit and function together from launch until completion of the on-orbit phase.

Electrical and fluid servicing between the CM and SM is maintained through multiple umbilical connections.

The separation process requires the precise severing of electrical and fluid-service umbilicals, followed by multiple sequenced separation events involving pyrotechnic devices and jettisoning systems.

The Crew Module is separated from the Service Module before atmospheric re-entry, enabling the crew module to return safely to Earth.

For testing, VSSC established a specialised test setup that simulated the integrated CM–SM assembly and used extensive instrumentation to assess the separation process.

16) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Prof. Maneesha Kothekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), launched CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 (Second Circular).

Both initiatives are organised by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of AYUSH.

CCRAS SPARK stands for Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken and aims to develop research skills, analytical thinking, and research aptitude among undergraduate Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students.

Detailed Explanation:

Prof. Maneesha Kothekar, Chairperson of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), launched CCRAS SPARK 5.0 and CCRAS Ayurshodh 2026 (Second Circular).

Both initiatives are organised by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of AYUSH.

CCRAS SPARK stands for Studentship Program for Ayurveda Research Ken and aims to develop research skills, analytical thinking, and research aptitude among undergraduate Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) students.

CCRAS SPARK 5.0 is the fifth edition of the studentship programme for 2026–27 and introduces students to research methodology and techniques through short-term independent research projects.

A total of 300 studentships are being offered under CCRAS SPARK 5.0, with ₹50,000 per student.

Eligible applicants are third- and fourth-year/professional-year BAMS students studying at colleges or universities recognised by NCISM/Government of India.

Registration for CCRAS SPARK 5.0 opens on 15 October 2026, and the last date to apply is 15 November 2026.

17) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) inaugurated a Quantum Research Lab at the IISc campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to strengthen industry–academia collaboration in quantum technology and semiconductor research.

The Quantum Research Lab was established with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from SSIR at IISc’s Department of Electronic Systems Engineering (DESE).

Detailed Explanation:

Samsung Semiconductor India Research (SSIR) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) inaugurated a Quantum Research Lab at the IISc campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to strengthen industry–academia collaboration in quantum technology and semiconductor research.

The Quantum Research Lab was established with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support from SSIR at IISc’s Department of Electronic Systems Engineering (DESE).

The laboratory focuses on qubit characterisation, cryogenic electronics, quantum-device reliability, single-photon sources and detectors, advanced semiconductor materials, and two-dimensional (2D)-material-based quantum devices under cryogenic conditions.

The lab is led by Professor Mayank Shrivastava, Chair of IISc’s Department of Electronic Systems Engineering.

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, an Indian private space technology company, signed a contract with Reflect Orbital, a United States (US)-based space technology startup, for two dedicated satellite launches using Skyroot’s Vikram family of rockets.

The partnership aims to support the development of on-demand sunlight at night by deploying satellites equipped with large mirrors to redirect sunlight towards selected locations after sunset.

The proposed system is designed to provide controllable illumination over an area approximately 5 kilometres (km) wide, with adjustable brightness and an option to switch off the reflected sunlight.

Detailed Explanation:

Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, an Indian private space technology company, signed a contract with Reflect Orbital, a United States (US)-based space technology startup, for two dedicated satellite launches using Skyroot’s Vikram family of rockets.

The partnership aims to support the development of on-demand sunlight at night by deploying satellites equipped with large mirrors to redirect sunlight towards selected locations after sunset.

The proposed system is designed to provide controllable illumination over an area approximately 5 kilometres (km) wide, with adjustable brightness and an option to switch off the reflected sunlight.

The first satellite launch will use Skyroot’s Vikram-1 rocket, while the second launch will use the under-development Vikram-1U launch vehicle, featuring additional first-stage boosters and improved performance.

Potential applications include search-and-rescue operations in disaster-hit areas, extending sunlight availability at solar farms, remote industrial operations, critical infrastructure lighting, defence operations, and public events.

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.

The NSTCC was developed by the Department of Commerce (DoC) to strengthen data-driven monitoring, trade intelligence, and evidence-based governance of India’s international trade ecosystem.

The centre integrates trade-related data to monitor India’s trade performance, export promotion schemes, regulatory approvals, and application processing.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Piyush Goyal, from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.

The NSTCC was developed by the Department of Commerce (DoC) to strengthen data-driven monitoring, trade intelligence, and evidence-based governance of India’s international trade ecosystem.

The centre integrates trade-related data to monitor India’s trade performance, export promotion schemes, regulatory approvals, and application processing.

The NSTCC uses existing digital infrastructure, including Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) systems and the Trade Connect ePlatform, with provisions to integrate datasets from other government departments.

The initial dashboards cover key DGFT functions, including Importer Exporter Code (IEC), Advance Authorisation (AA), Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG), and Certificate of Origin (CoO).

The platform also monitors Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET), restricted imports and exports, and other trade facilitation processes.

20) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Indian and Canadian entities signed commercial agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Karnataka, in the presence of Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade.

The agreements were signed as India and Canada work towards concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.

Trade between India and Canada reached USD 7.96 billion in Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26), according to government data cited in the report.

Official estimates suggest that the proposed CEPA could increase bilateral trade by an additional USD 4.4 billion to USD 6.5 billion.

Detailed Explanation:

Indian and Canadian entities signed commercial agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Karnataka, in the presence of Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade.

The agreements were signed as India and Canada work towards concluding a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.

Trade between India and Canada reached USD 7.96 billion in Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26), according to government data cited in the report.

Official estimates suggest that the proposed CEPA could increase bilateral trade by an additional USD 4.4 billion to USD 6.5 billion.

The negotiating teams from both countries met in Ottawa, Canada, from 5 to 9 October 2026. Discussions covered trade in goods and services, investment, rules of origin, intellectual property rights and trade remedies.

The next round of CEPA negotiations is scheduled to take place in New Delhi in early November 2026, with both countries targeting the conclusion of the agreement by the end of the year.

 

21) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India and Myanmar signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for implementing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework for the Financial Year 2026–27 (FY 2026–27).

The five projects have a total financial allocation of USD 247,502.47 and were signed in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

The projects cover Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), boiler operations, road upgrades, sports facilities and software support.

Detailed Explanation:

India and Myanmar signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) for implementing Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) framework for the Financial Year 2026–27 (FY 2026–27).

The five projects have a total financial allocation of USD 247,502.47 and were signed in Naypyitaw, Myanmar.

The projects cover Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), boiler operations, road upgrades, sports facilities and software support.

The five Quick Impact Projects are as follows:

Infrastructure and Recreation: The Ministry of Ethnic Affairs of Myanmar will upgrade the village ring road at the National Races Village in Yangon to facilitate public recreation and observation.

Disaster Response: The Ministry of Education will provide Water, Sanitation and Hygiene support to schools affected by earthquakes.

Industrial Training: The Ministry of Industry and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development will oversee the upgrading of a boiler operator training centre.

Sports Facilities: The Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement will oversee the construction of a futsal stadium at Patheingyi Boys’ Training School in Mandalay.

Digital Infrastructure: The Office of the Union Auditor-General will procure CaseWare IDEA data analytics software to strengthen data analysis in public-sector auditing.

The projects aim to support local development in Myanmar through improvements in infrastructure, disaster-affected school facilities, industrial training, sports infrastructure and public-sector digital capabilities under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation framework.

22) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Welthungerhilfe (WHH), a Germany-based humanitarian organisation, released the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 in collaboration with the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) and Helvetas.

The report, titled “No Security Without Food Security,” was released at a hybrid event in Berlin, Germany, ahead of World Food Day, observed on 16 October.

India ranked 100th among 122 countries, with a GHI score of 24.1, placing it in the serious hunger category.

Detailed Explanation:

Welthungerhilfe (WHH), a Germany-based humanitarian organisation, released the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 in collaboration with the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) and Helvetas.

The report, titled “No Security Without Food Security,” was released at a hybrid event in Berlin, Germany, ahead of World Food Day, observed on 16 October.

India ranked 100th among 122 countries, with a GHI score of 24.1, placing it in the serious hunger category.

The GHI is an annual, peer-reviewed assessment of hunger at global, regional and national levels. It combines indicators of inadequate calorie intake, child undernutrition and child mortality.

The GHI score ranges from 0 to 100. A score of 0 indicates the best possible outcome, representing no hunger, while 100 indicates the worst. The score is an index value and not the percentage of people experiencing hunger.

Top-performing countries: Armenia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica and Croatia were among the 24 countries with scores below 5.0, sharing ranks 1–24 without individual rankings within the group. Moldova ranked 25th with 5.0, Mongolia ranked 26th with 5.3, and Argentina, Brazil and Azerbaijan jointly ranked 27th with 5.5.

Countries with the highest calculated hunger scores: Somalia ranked 122nd with 47.0; the Democratic Republic of the Congo ranked 121st with 39.5; Chad ranked 120th with 38.0; Madagascar ranked 119th with 36.5; and Haiti ranked 118th with 34.4. Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad and Madagascar were in the alarming category, while Haiti was in the serious category.

Missing data prevented some crisis-affected countries from receiving numerical rankings.

India’s component indicators in 2026: Undernourishment — 9.8%; child stunting — 29.3%; child wasting — 19.0%; and under-five mortality — 2.7%. These indicators have different population bases and should not be added together.

23) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Mona Agarwal won the gold medal with a Games-record score of 250.0 points in the women’s 10-metre air rifle SH1 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Avani Lekhara, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, won the silver medal with 249.6 points, finishing just 0.4 points behind Mona Agarwal.

India opened its medal account at the Games with a one-two finish, as Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara secured gold and silver medals, respectively, in the same event.

Detailed Explanation:

Mona Agarwal won the gold medal with a Games-record score of 250.0 points in the women’s 10-metre air rifle SH1 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.

Avani Lekhara, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, won the silver medal with 249.6 points, finishing just 0.4 points behind Mona Agarwal.

India opened its medal account at the Games with a one-two finish, as Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara secured gold and silver medals, respectively, in the same event.

Yunri Lee of South Korea won the bronze medal in the women’s 10-metre air rifle SH1 event.

Mona Agarwal had previously won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

 

24) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Veteran Tamil film music director and composer Devanesan Chokkalingam, popularly known as Deva and nicknamed ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away on 17 October 2026 at the age of 75 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Deva was born on 20 November 1950 in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

He rose to prominence in Tamil cinema during the late 1980s and 1990s and became popular for bringing Gaana music into mainstream Tamil cinema.

Deva’s musical style combined folk influences, Gaana rhythms, distinctive beats, and accessible melodies inspired by local culture and everyday life.

Detailed Explanation:

Veteran Tamil film music director and composer Devanesan Chokkalingam, popularly known as Deva and nicknamed ‘Thenisai Thendral’, passed away on 17 October 2026 at the age of 75 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Deva was born on 20 November 1950 in Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

He rose to prominence in Tamil cinema during the late 1980s and 1990s and became popular for bringing Gaana music into mainstream Tamil cinema.

Deva’s musical style combined folk influences, Gaana rhythms, distinctive beats, and accessible melodies inspired by local culture and everyday life.

His music career spanned nearly four decades, during which he composed songs and background scores for more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema.

Deva made his film debut with Mattukkara Mannaru (1986).

His notable Tamil film soundtracks include Annamalai, Baashha, Aasai, Kadhal Kottai, Vaalee, and Kushi.

Deva received the Kalaimamani Award in recognition of his contribution to the arts.

He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Music Director for Vaikasi Poranthachu (1990) and Aasai (1995).

He received the Filmfare Award for Best Music Director – Kannada for the film Amrutha Varshini (1997).

25) Answer: B

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually on 17 October to raise awareness about poverty and promote global efforts to eradicate it.

The 2026 theme is “Safe Homes for All.”

The first commemoration took place in 1987 at the Trocadéro in Paris, France, where more than 100,000 people gathered to honour those who had died due to extreme poverty, violence and hunger.