Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 24th October 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) In news, the Paytm AU SFB Credit Card, launched by AU Small Finance Bank in partnership with Paytm, belongs to which payment network?

(a) Visa

(b) Mastercard

(c) American Express

(d) RuPay

(e) Diners Club International

 

2) Where is the headquarters of AU Small Finance Bank located?

(a) Mumbai, Maharashtra

(b) Jaipur, Rajasthan

(c) Ahmedabad, Gujarat

(d) New Delhi, Delhi

(e) Pune, Maharashtra

 

3) In Oct 2026, Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched its festive campaign “bob Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang – Shubh bhi, Labh bhi”, offering home loans at interest rates starting from what rate per annum?

(a) 7.10%

(b) 7.25%

(c) 7.40%

(d) 7.50%

(e) 7.75%

4) In Oct 2026, the Department of Financial Services (DFS) launched the nationwide Financial Inclusion Saturation Campaign. Match the schemes in Column I with their respective launch years in Column II.

Column I (Schemes)	Column II (Launch Year)
1. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)	A. 2019
2. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)	B. 2014
3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)	C. 2015
4. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan)	D. 2016

Options:

(a) 1–B, 2–C, 3–D, 4–A

(b) 1–C, 2–B, 3–A, 4–D

(c) 1–B, 2–D, 3–C, 4–A

(d) 1–A, 2–C, 3–B, 4–D

(e) 1–D, 2–A, 3–B, 4–C

5) On which date is World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD), also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day, observed annually?

(a) 16 October

(b) 19 October

(c) 21 October

(d) 24 October

(e) 31 October

 

6) What percentage of the rupee value of eligible foreign exchange derivative contracts must banks maintain as Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) in their CRR accounts, as clarified by the RBI?

(a) 10%

(b) 15%

(c) 20%

(d) 25%

(e) 30%

7) In October 2026, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will launch the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026” from which state?

(a) Punjab

(b) Haryana

(c) Rajasthan

(d) Uttar Pradesh

(e) Madhya Pradesh

 

8) In news, the Punjab Government launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges under its flagship campaign “Yudh Nashean Virudh” in partnership with which organisation?

(a) Reliance Foundation

(b) Tata Trusts

(c) Aditya Birla Education Trust

(d) Infosys Foundation

(e) Azim Premji Foundation

9) Which Indian city was included in National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2027” list of destinations worth visiting?

(a) Udaipur

(b) Mysuru

(c) Jodhpur

(d) Varanasi

(e) Jaipur

10) The Digital India BHASHINI Division and IISc, Bengaluru, jointly developed text-to-speech (TTS) models for _________minority Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly in Tamil Nadu.

(a) Tulu

(b) Kodava

(c) Bodo

(d) Sourashtra

(e) Dogri

11) From which academic year will Ladakh’s first Government Medical College in Leh be operationalised, following approval by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare?

(a) 2025–26

(b) 2026–27

(c) 2027–28

(d) 2028–29

(e) 2029–30

12) In October 2026, how many constituencies did Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena notify for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), nearly doubling the existing strength of 52?

(a) 75

(b) 80

(c) 90

(d) 100

(e) 120

 

13) In October 2026, UNESCO released the 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Gender Report titled “Gender Equity in Access to Education” on the occasion of which international observance?

(a) World Teachers’ Day

(b) International Literacy Day

(c) International Day of the Girl Child

(d) International Women’s Day

(e) World Education Day

14) What was the cash award received by Ameena Nazreen A S at the 2026 Global Youth Institute in the United States?

(a) US$100

(b) US$250

(c) US$500

(d) US$750

(e) US$1,000

 

15) Which edition of the Charles Correa Gold Medal was awarded in 2026 to recognise outstanding undergraduate architectural thesis projects?

(a) 25th Charles Correa Gold Medal

(b) 26th Charles Correa Gold Medal

(c) 27th Charles Correa Gold Medal

(d) 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal

(e) 29th Charles Correa Gold Medal

 

16) In news, India and Poland agreed to pursue the shared target of doubling bilateral trade by which year during discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk?

(a) 2027

(b) 2028

(c) 2030

(d) 2032

(e) 2035

 

17) In News, Karmayogi Bharat signed an MoU with which organisation to integrate approved AI learning resources into the iGOT Karmayogi digital learning platform?

(a) Google

(b) Microsoft

(c) IBM

(d) NVIDIA

(e) OpenAI

18) The 33rd edition of the Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) commenced on 21 October 2026 at which location?

(a) Kochi, Kerala

(b) Mumbai, Maharashtra

(c) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

(d) Chennai, Tamil Nadu

(e) Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

 

19) Which of the following vessels comprised the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS) that arrived off Malé, Maldives, on 21 October 2026?

(a) INS Tir, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi

(b) INS Vikrant, INS Vikramaditya, and INS Chennai

(c) INS Shivalik, INS Satpura, and INS Sahyadri

(d) INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, and INS Chennai

(e) INS Sumedha, INS Sunayna, and ICGS Vajra

 

20) In news, NASA’s Perseverance rover set a new extraterrestrial driving record by travelling how far on Mars on 11 October 2026?

(a) 42.50 kilometres

(b) 44.75 kilometres

(c) 45.16 kilometres

(d) 45.22 kilometres

(e) 46.10 kilometres

21) In news, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signed an MoU with which institution to establish its sixth Centre of Excellence (CoE)?

(a) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras

(b) Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru

(c) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

(d) National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy

(e) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT BHU), Varanasi

 

22) Which organisations have been shortlisted as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) for developing India’s first indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system?

(a) Bharat Electronics Limited and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

(b) SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group

(c) Tata Advanced Systems and Larsen & Toubro

(d) Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders

(e) Bharat Dynamics Limited and Solar Industries India

23) In news, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of 100% of the equity share capital of Sahrudaya Health Care Private Limited by which company?

(a) KKR India Advisors Private Limited

(b) Temasek Holdings

(c) Blackstone India

(d) Maybach Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd.

(e) Abu Dhabi Investment Authority

 

24) Which edition of the AgriVoltaics World Conference (AWC) was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 21 to 23 October 2026?

(a) 5th edition

(b) 6th edition

(c) 7th edition

(d) 8th edition

(e) 9th edition

 

25)  Which Indian pair won the gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the 2026 Asian Para Games by defeating Indonesia 151–148 in the final?

(a) Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar

(b) Rakesh Kumar and Jyoti Baliyan

(c) Harvinder Singh and Pooja Jatyan

(d) Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar

(e) Toman Kumar and Jyoti Baliyan

 

26) Which Indian table tennis players secured a mixed doubles medal at the 29th ITTF–ATTU Asian Table Tennis Championships 2026 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan?

(a) Manika Batra and G. Sathiyan

(b) Sreeja Akula and Sharath Kamal

(c) Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai

(d) Diya Chitale and Manav Thakkar

(e) Archana Kamath and A. Sharath Kamal

27) Which Indian para badminton players won gold medals in the men’s singles SL3 and SL4 categories, respectively, at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan?

(a) Pramod Bhagat and Nitesh Kumar

(b) Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar

(c) Naveen Sivakumar and Pramod Bhagat

(d) Tarun Dhillon and Nitesh Kumar

(e) Krishna Nagar and Naveen Sivakumar

28) In news, against which country did England’s limited-overs captain Harry Brook score the fastest double century in ODI cricket, reaching 200 runs in 114 balls?

(a) Australia

(b) India

(c) Pakistan

(d) Sri Lanka

(e) South Africa

29) Who authored the book “The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account”, released by former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash?

(a) Rajdeep Sardesai

(b) Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey

(c) Barkha Dut

(d) Prannoy Roy

(e) Shekhar Gupta

30) Who was the renowned jeweller and craftsman who passed away at the age of 99 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu?

(a) Vummidi Ethiraj

(b) Vummidi Raghavachari

(c) B. Govindaswamy Naidu

(d) T. S. Kalyanaraman

(e) M. P. Ahammed

 

Answers:

1) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) partnered with Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd.) to launch the Paytm AU SFB Credit Card, described as India’s first Family Lounge Access RuPay Credit Card.

The credit card offers rewards on digital payments and complimentary airport lounge access for families.

The Paytm AU SFB Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit card with no joining fees and no annual fees.

The card is designed for mobile-first users and promotes digital payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

Detailed Explanation:

AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) partnered with Paytm (One 97 Communications Ltd.) to launch the Paytm AU SFB Credit Card, described as India’s first Family Lounge Access RuPay Credit Card.

The credit card offers rewards on digital payments and complimentary airport lounge access for families.

The Paytm AU SFB Credit Card is a lifetime-free credit card with no joining fees and no annual fees.

The card is designed for mobile-first users and promotes digital payments through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

The card offers up to 12 complimentary family lounge visits annually on eligible round-trip flights booked through Paytm, with QR-based entry.

The card provides up to 2% rewards on eligible Paytm UPI transactions.

It offers 5% rewards on Paytm Travel bookings and Gold purchases.

The earned rewards can be redeemed for Paytm Gold at ₹1 per point, vouchers, and bill payments.

2) Answer: B

About AU Small Finance Bank :

Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, and commenced operations as a Small Finance Bank (SFB) in 2017.

MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal

 

3) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched its festive campaign “bob Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang – Shubh bhi, Labh bhi”, offering benefits on home loans, car loans, MSME financing, savings products, and debit card spending.

Under the campaign, BoB home loans start at an interest rate of 7.40% per annum, with quick sanctions, minimal documentation, and a 100% processing fee waiver.

The bob Swabhoomi Loan offers financing for plot purchases, with lower margin requirements, longer repayment tenures, and zero processing fees.

BoB car loans start at an interest rate of 7.85% per annum, with quick sanctions, minimal documentation, and zero processing fees.

Detailed Explanation:

Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched its festive campaign “bob Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang – Shubh bhi, Labh bhi”, offering benefits on home loans, car loans, MSME financing, savings products, and debit card spending.

Under the campaign, BoB home loans start at an interest rate of 7.40% per annum, with quick sanctions, minimal documentation, and a 100% processing fee waiver.

The bob Swabhoomi Loan offers financing for plot purchases, with lower margin requirements, longer repayment tenures, and zero processing fees.

BoB car loans start at an interest rate of 7.85% per annum, with quick sanctions, minimal documentation, and zero processing fees.

The bob Green Wheels Electric Vehicle (EV) Loan offers an additional 0.15-percentage-point interest concession and extended repayment tenures.

Eligible women borrowers receive an additional 0.05-percentage-point interest concession, while specified categories receive a 0.10-percentage-point concession.

The categories eligible for the 0.10-percentage-point concession include individuals below 40 years of age, government, Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), and corporate customers with bob Salary Accounts, and High Net Individual (HNI) and Radiance customers.

4) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched a nationwide Financial Inclusion (FI) Saturation Campaign from 21 October to 31 December 2026.

Banks will facilitate account openings under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which was launched in 2014, and complete re-KYC for existing PMJDY and other savings accounts.

Banks will generate pending 14-digit Central Know Your Customer (C-KYC) identifiers through the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI).

The campaign will promote updating nomination details in savings accounts and other facilities, including bank lockers.

Banks will facilitate enrolment under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), launched in 2015, and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), launched in 2015.

The campaign will promote Aadhaar seeding for PMJJBY and PMSBY wherever required.

Banks will encourage enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY), launched in 2015, to expand pension coverage.

The campaign will promote Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, and help provide crop insurance coverage to eligible Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts ahead of the Rabi season.

Banks will facilitate KCC applications for eligible beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), launched in 2019.

Detailed Explanation:

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) launched a nationwide Financial Inclusion (FI) Saturation Campaign from 21 October to 31 December 2026.

The campaign covers approximately 2.70 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India.

The campaign aims to expand access to formal banking services, social security schemes, insurance, pension facilities, and financial literacy at the grassroots level.

Banks will facilitate account openings under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which was launched in 2014, and complete re-KYC for existing PMJDY and other savings accounts.

Banks will generate pending 14-digit Central Know Your Customer (C-KYC) identifiers through the Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI).

The campaign will promote updating nomination details in savings accounts and other facilities, including bank lockers.

Banks will facilitate enrolment under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), launched in 2015, and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), launched in 2015.

The campaign will promote Aadhaar seeding for PMJJBY and PMSBY wherever required.

Banks will encourage enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY), launched in 2015, to expand pension coverage.

The campaign will promote Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, and help provide crop insurance coverage to eligible Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts ahead of the Rabi season.

Banks will facilitate KCC applications for eligible beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), launched in 2019.

Awareness sessions will cover financial inclusion schemes, digital fraud prevention, and ‘Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar’, an initiative concerning unclaimed financial assets.

5) Answer: C

World Iodine Deficiency Day (WIDD), also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day, is observed annually on 21 October to raise awareness about iodine deficiency, its health effects and the importance of adequate iodine intake.

Global efforts to eliminate iodine deficiency gained momentum at the World Summit for Children in 1990, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The day was formally declared World Iodine Deficiency Day in 2002.

6) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified that banks must maintain a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) equal to 20% of the rupee value of eligible foreign exchange derivative contracts in their Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) accounts, over and above the mandatory CRR balance.

The FERR requirement applies to specified rupee-linked foreign exchange derivative contracts used to hedge current account transactions when the notional value exceeds US$2 million.

The reserve requirement also covers eligible foreign exchange derivative contracts undertaken by banks to hedge currency risks on their own assets and liabilities.

Detailed Explanation:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified that banks must maintain a Foreign Exchange Risk Reserve (FERR) equal to 20% of the rupee value of eligible foreign exchange derivative contracts in their Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) accounts, over and above the mandatory CRR balance.

The FERR requirement applies to specified rupee-linked foreign exchange derivative contracts used to hedge current account transactions when the notional value exceeds US$2 million.

The reserve requirement also covers eligible foreign exchange derivative contracts undertaken by banks to hedge currency risks on their own assets and liabilities.

The funds maintained as FERR do not earn interest, increasing the cost of foreign exchange hedging for banks and contributing to higher forex forward premiums.

Forward premium refers to the difference between the forward exchange rate and the spot exchange rate of a currency.

Banks must maintain the FERR daily for each eligible transaction and keep it in place until one day after the derivative contract terminates.

The revised rules apply to transactions undertaken from the effective date, covering both fresh contracts and rollovers of existing derivative positions.

The RBI has also restricted the rebooking of cancelled foreign exchange derivative contracts as part of its measures to regulate foreign exchange derivative transactions

 

7) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will conduct the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026 from 22 October to 30 November 2026 to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health and encourage the judicious use of agricultural resources.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, will launch the campaign from Karnal, Haryana.

Crop diversification will be promoted through oilseed, pulse and horticulture missions, intercropping with suitable crops and varieties, and the effective utilisation of fallow fields after paddy harvesting.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare will conduct the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan – Rabi 2026 from 22 October to 30 November 2026 to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health and encourage the judicious use of agricultural resources.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, will launch the campaign from Karnal, Haryana.

Crop diversification will be promoted through oilseed, pulse and horticulture missions, intercropping with suitable crops and varieties, and the effective utilisation of fallow fields after paddy harvesting.

Additional initiatives under the campaign will include:

Facilitating the creation of Farmer IDs.

Creating awareness about crop insurance under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Expanding coverage under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme through saturation efforts.

Disseminating information about the benefits and opportunities arising from trade agreements.

Awareness programmes, farmers’ conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and field demonstrations will be organised at the State, district, block and Gram Panchayat levels.

8) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Punjab Government launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges across the state to strengthen mental health awareness among young people, encourage early intervention and help prevent substance abuse under its flagship campaign Yudh Nashean Virudh.

The initiative is led by the Department of Higher Education, Punjab, in partnership with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET).

The initiative was launched at Plaksha University, Mohali, in the presence of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and other participants.

Detailed Explanation:

The Punjab Government launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges across the state to strengthen mental health awareness among young people, encourage early intervention and help prevent substance abuse under its flagship campaign Yudh Nashean Virudh.

The initiative is led by the Department of Higher Education, Punjab, in partnership with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET).

The initiative was launched at Plaksha University, Mohali, in the presence of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and other participants.

Neerja Birla commended the Punjab Government’s collaborative approach involving government departments, civil society organisations, educators, healthcare professionals and community leaders. She highlighted the need to build a sustainable ecosystem for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration to benefit young people and their families.

Under the programme, 25 students from each participating college will receive 14 hours of Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training and certification.

The clubs will conduct campus-level activities to promote mental wellbeing, encourage open conversations about emotional challenges and discourage substance use.

Implementation will involve State Agriculture Departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes, State Agricultural Universities and Agricultural Technology Management Agencies (ATMA).

9) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was included in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list of destinations worth visiting in the coming year.

The recognition comes ahead of Jaipur’s 300th foundation anniversary in 2027. The city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput kingdom of Amber.

Jaipur’s inclusion reflects its architectural heritage, cultural traditions, planned urban layout and major cultural events, including the Jaipur Literature Festival and the International Kite Festival.

Detailed Explanation:

Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, was included in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2027 list of destinations worth visiting in the coming year.

The recognition comes ahead of Jaipur’s 300th foundation anniversary in 2027. The city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, ruler of the Kachwaha Rajput kingdom of Amber.

Jaipur’s inclusion reflects its architectural heritage, cultural traditions, planned urban layout and major cultural events, including the Jaipur Literature Festival and the International Kite Festival.

Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City because of the distinctive pink colour of many buildings in its historic centre. The tradition is commonly associated with the 1876 visit of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, when buildings were painted pink as a gesture of hospitality.

Jaipur is an important centre of Rajput political, architectural and cultural heritage. Its planned streets, organised market areas and neighbourhoods distinguish it as an example of pre-modern urban planning in India.

The historic walled city of Jaipur was inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List in 2019. The recognition acknowledges its planned urban form, historic architecture, traditional commercial streets and continuing cultural life.

10) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, jointly developed text-to-speech (TTS) models for Sourashtra, a minority Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly by the Sourashtra community in Tamil Nadu.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that the initiative aims to expand speech technology for languages with limited digital resources.

The models are expected to support the use of Sourashtra in digital applications, language learning, accessibility solutions, documentation and research.

The models use an end-to-end text-to-speech architecture based on Variational Inference with Adversarial Learning, enabling speech to be generated directly from written text.

Detailed Explanation:

The Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, jointly developed text-to-speech (TTS) models for Sourashtra, a minority Indo-Aryan language spoken predominantly by the Sourashtra community in Tamil Nadu.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) stated that the initiative aims to expand speech technology for languages with limited digital resources.

The models are expected to support the use of Sourashtra in digital applications, language learning, accessibility solutions, documentation and research.

The models use an end-to-end text-to-speech architecture based on Variational Inference with Adversarial Learning, enabling speech to be generated directly from written text.

The models support both male and female voices, with each voice capable of processing text written in Tamil and Sourashtra scripts.

This dual-script capability enables users to access and use Sourashtra through the scripts commonly used to write the language.

11) Answer: C

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, approved the operationalisation of Ladakh’s first Government Medical College in Leh from the academic year 2027–28, following the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

The approval enables the phased recruitment of staff against 103 sanctioned regular posts, based on academic requirements.

The establishment of the medical college fulfils the long-standing aspiration of the people of Ladakh to access quality medical education within the Union Territory.

12) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, notified 100 constituencies for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), nearly doubling the existing strength of 52 constituencies.

The constituencies were notified under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2026 and will come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

The distribution of the 100 constituencies across the councils is as follows:

Leh – 22 constituencies

Kargil – 21 constituencies

Sankoo – 13 constituencies

Changthang – 10 constituencies

Nubra – 9 constituencies

Sham – 9 constituencies

Zanskar – 9 constituencies

Drass – 7 constituencies

Detailed Explanation:

Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh, notified 100 constituencies for the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDCs), nearly doubling the existing strength of 52 constituencies.

The constituencies were notified under the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (Amendment) Regulation, 2026 and will come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

The distribution of the 100 constituencies across the councils is as follows:

Leh – 22 constituencies

Kargil – 21 constituencies

Sankoo – 13 constituencies

Changthang – 10 constituencies

Nubra – 9 constituencies

Sham – 9 constituencies

Zanskar – 9 constituencies

Drass – 7 constituencies

The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the LAHDC regulation, revising the permitted number of constituencies for each council.

Under the amended regulation, each council can have a minimum of 7 and a maximum of 24 seats, along with provisions to nominate 4 members representing women and unrepresented communities.

 

13) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released the 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Gender Report, titled “Gender Equity in Access to Education”, on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October 2026).

The report highlights global progress towards gender parity in education, while identifying persistent barriers such as child marriage, poverty, and geographical disadvantages that affect girls’ access to and completion of education.

Detailed Explanation:

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) released the 2026 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Gender Report, titled “Gender Equity in Access to Education”, on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child (11 October 2026).

The report highlights global progress towards gender parity in education, while identifying persistent barriers such as child marriage, poverty, and geographical disadvantages that affect girls’ access to and completion of education.

The 2026 GEM Gender Report examines out-of-school rates, primary and secondary education completion, post-secondary enrolment, and educational attainment.

The report uses recent evidence from the World Inequality Database on Education (WIDE) to assess gender inequalities in education.

In 2024, global gender parity in enrolment had been achieved at the pre-primary, primary, and secondary education levels, but disparities remained in tertiary education and among disadvantaged communities.

14) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Ameena Nazreen A S received a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.

The institute was held as part of the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation under the theme “Before Hunger Wins”.

The Global Youth Institute brings together high school students from different countries annually in Des Moines to discuss food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation.

Detailed Explanation:

Ameena Nazreen A S received a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute in Des Moines, Iowa, United States.

The institute was held as part of the 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation under the theme “Before Hunger Wins”.

The Global Youth Institute brings together high school students from different countries annually in Des Moines to discuss food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation.

Seven high school students from India were selected through the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)-YUVA initiative to participate in the 2026 institute.

They presented research papers on food-security challenges and sustainable agricultural systems.

On 14 July 2026, Nagappan N., a Class XII student at Reliance Foundation School, Koparkhairane, Navi Mumbai, was separately selected as one of 10 students from India to represent the country at the institute through the NAAS-YUVA Selection Drive.

15) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

A Kochi-based architecture student won the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal in Mumbai for the undergraduate thesis titled “Energy Commons: Reimagining Energy Infrastructure as a Place for Civic Engagement.”

The annual award recognises outstanding undergraduate architectural thesis projects that address challenges in the built environment.

The theme for the 2026 edition was “Equitability through Design”, centred on the question “Who are we designing for?”

Detailed Explanation:

A Kochi-based architecture student won the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal in Mumbai for the undergraduate thesis titled “Energy Commons: Reimagining Energy Infrastructure as a Place for Civic Engagement.”

The annual award recognises outstanding undergraduate architectural thesis projects that address challenges in the built environment.

The theme for the 2026 edition was “Equitability through Design”, centred on the question “Who are we designing for?”

The winning project explored how energy infrastructure can be reimagined as a space for civic engagement.

The winner received a cash prize of ₹25,000.

The Charles Correa Gold Medal was instituted in 1998 by Indian architect Charles Correa.

The Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) has administered the award annually since its inception.

16) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India and Poland agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy and emerging technologies during comprehensive discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in New Delhi.

In a joint statement issued after the talks, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, cybersecurity and defence innovation.

India and Poland also agreed to develop trusted global supply chains and pursue the shared target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

Detailed Explanation:

India and Poland agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy and emerging technologies during comprehensive discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in New Delhi.

The two leaders discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India–Poland Strategic Partnership.

In a joint statement issued after the talks, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, cybersecurity and defence innovation.

India and Poland also agreed to develop trusted global supply chains and pursue the shared target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.

Both Prime Ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism.

They strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025 and called for strong, coordinated action against terrorists and terrorist organisations.

17) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Karmayogi Bharat and OpenAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning opportunities for India’s government workforce by integrating approved OpenAI Academy resources into the iGOT Karmayogi digital learning platform.

The initiative aligns with Mission Karmayogi, which aims to develop a competent, professionally equipped and future-ready civil service.

Eligible government personnel across the Central and State Governments will be able to access practical AI learning resources through a digital platform designed for anytime, anywhere and any-device learning.

Detailed Explanation:

Karmayogi Bharat and OpenAI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning opportunities for India’s government workforce by integrating approved OpenAI Academy resources into the iGOT Karmayogi digital learning platform.

The initiative aligns with Mission Karmayogi, which aims to develop a competent, professionally equipped and future-ready civil service.

Eligible government personnel across the Central and State Governments will be able to access practical AI learning resources through a digital platform designed for anytime, anywhere and any-device learning.

The partnership supports the Government of India’s broader focus on using AI for inclusive development, citizen-centric governance and public welfare.

Under the agreement:

OpenAI will make approved OpenAI Academy learning content available for integration into iGOT Karmayogi.

Karmayogi Bharat will facilitate access to the resources, encourage learner participation and coordinate with relevant government departments to support implementation.

18) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The 33rd edition of the Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) commenced on 21 October 2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), involving the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

SIMBEX-2026 is a six-day naval exercise scheduled from 21 to 26 October 2026, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation, operational interoperability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The opening ceremony was held on 21 October 2026 onboard INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta at Visakhapatnam.

Detailed Explanation:

The 33rd edition of the Singapore–India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX-2026) commenced on 21 October 2026 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), involving the Indian Navy (IN) and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).

SIMBEX-2026 is a six-day naval exercise scheduled from 21 to 26 October 2026, aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation, operational interoperability, and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The opening ceremony was held on 21 October 2026 onboard INS Nilgiri and INS Kamorta at Visakhapatnam.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Chief Staff Officer (Operations) of the Eastern Naval Command, the Fleet Commander of the RSN, and other senior officers from both navies.

The RSS Supreme, a Formidable-class stealth frigate of the Republic of Singapore Navy, arrived at Visakhapatnam on 21 October 2026 to participate in the exercise.

SIMBEX began in 1994 as Exercise Lion King and has evolved into a significant bilateral maritime engagement between India and Singapore.

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi, arrived off Malé, Maldives, on 21 October 2026 as part of the squadron’s Long Range Training Deployment.

The Indian naval squadron received a warm welcome from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting the strong maritime partnership and close regional ties between India and the Maldives.

During the port call, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron met the Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, and the Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard to discuss sustained engagement and multifaceted maritime cooperation.

Detailed Explanation:

Ships of the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS), comprising INS Tir, INS Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi, arrived off Malé, Maldives, on 21 October 2026 as part of the squadron’s Long Range Training Deployment.

The Indian naval squadron received a warm welcome from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), reflecting the strong maritime partnership and close regional ties between India and the Maldives.

During the port call, the Senior Officer of the First Training Squadron met the Chief of Defence Force, MNDF, and the Commandant of the MNDF Coast Guard to discuss sustained engagement and multifaceted maritime cooperation.

The Senior Officer of 1TS also called on Shri G. Balasubramaniam, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives.

As part of the training exchange programme, trainees of the First Training Squadron visited the Girifushi Training Centre in the Maldives.

The deployment aligns with India’s vision of MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

20) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that its Perseverance rover set a new extraterrestrial driving record by travelling 45.22 kilometres (28.06 miles) on Mars on 11 October 2026, surpassing the previous record of 45.16 kilometres held by NASA’s Opportunity rover.

Perseverance achieved this milestone on the 2,006th Martian day (sol) of its mission, covering the distance in approximately five and a half years, compared with nearly 15 years taken by Opportunity.

Detailed Explanation:

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that its Perseverance rover set a new extraterrestrial driving record by travelling 45.22 kilometres (28.06 miles) on Mars on 11 October 2026, surpassing the previous record of 45.16 kilometres held by NASA’s Opportunity rover.

Perseverance achieved this milestone on the 2,006th Martian day (sol) of its mission, covering the distance in approximately five and a half years, compared with nearly 15 years taken by Opportunity.

The Perseverance rover mission aims to study Mars’ geology, search for signs of ancient microbial life, and collect rock samples for possible return to Earth.

Perseverance’s driving record was made possible by its Autonomous Navigation (AutoNav) system, which uses onboard cameras and computing to detect hazards, create 3D maps of terrain, plan routes, and drive independently with reduced reliance on instructions from Earth.

The PUFFINS mission has an estimated budget of ₹168 crore (US$20 million) and is targeted for launch in 2030.

The PUFFINS mission will involve collaboration with the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.

21) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecommunications Research and Development (R&D) centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, to establish C-DOT’s sixth Centre of Excellence (CoE).

The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s indigenous telecommunications innovation ecosystem by combining C-DOT’s expertise in telecom R&D with the academic and research capabilities of IIT (BHU), Varanasi.

Detailed Explanation:

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecommunications Research and Development (R&D) centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, to establish C-DOT’s sixth Centre of Excellence (CoE).

The collaboration aims to strengthen India’s indigenous telecommunications innovation ecosystem by combining C-DOT’s expertise in telecom R&D with the academic and research capabilities of IIT (BHU), Varanasi.

The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world technological requirements, promote innovation, and develop a pipeline of skilled professionals for the evolving telecommunications sector.

The initiative will facilitate joint research and sustained knowledge exchange among researchers, faculty members, students, and technology experts from C-DOT and IIT (BHU).

C-DOT’s existing Centre of Excellence collaborations include IIT Kanpur, IIT Gandhinagar, IIT Roorkee, IIT Hyderabad, and IISc Bengaluru, with the latter collaboration established through the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID).

22) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shortlisted SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) for developing India’s first indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system.

The indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system will be developed for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-IV, also known as Rudra, and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.

Detailed Explanation:

The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), shortlisted SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) for developing India’s first indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system.

The indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system will be developed for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-IV, also known as Rudra, and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand.

The project aims to promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing and reduce India’s dependence on foreign weapon systems.

The design and development phase is expected to take approximately two years, with production orders to be placed after the acceptance phase.

The production order will be divided between SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group based on cost calculations, with the lowest bidder (L1) receiving 60% of the order and the other company receiving the remaining 40%.

23) Answer: D

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of 100% of the equity share capital of Sahrudaya Health Care Private Limited by Maybach Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd.

Maybach Asia Holdings II Pte. Ltd. is the acquirer and a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) incorporated solely for the proposed transaction.

The acquirer is indirectly owned by investment funds, vehicles, and/or accounts advised and managed by various subsidiaries of KKR & Co. Inc.

Sahrudaya Health Care Private Limited is the target company and operates a multispecialty hospital network directly and through its subsidiaries.

The target company operates 28 hospitals/units with approximately 4,800 beds across South and West India.

24) Answer: C

The 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference (AWC) 2026 was inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 21 to 23 October 2026, under the theme “Powering the Global South.”

The conference was hosted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, in partnership with Conexio-PSE.

India hosted the AgriVoltaics World Conference for the first time in the Global South, bringing together international experts to promote agricultural and renewable-energy integration.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) supports solar energy in agriculture through components that include decentralised solar power plants and solarisation of agricultural pumps.

The next phase of PM-KUSUM is expected to provide further support for the adoption of agrivoltaics in India.

25) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar won the gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the 2026 Asian Para Games, defeating Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang 151–148 in the final Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The victory secured India’s first archery gold medal at the ongoing Games.

Both Sheetal and Toman are reigning world champions in their respective individual categories.

Detailed Explanation:

Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar won the gold medal in the compound mixed team event at the 2026 Asian Para Games, defeating Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ayudia Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang 151–148 in the final Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

The victory secured India’s first archery gold medal at the ongoing Games.

Both Sheetal and Toman are reigning world champions in their respective individual categories.

The Indian pair also established a world record in the qualification round, surpassing the previous record by two points.

In the final, India scored 38 points against Indonesia’s 37 in the opening end and extended its lead to 77–73 in the second end. Indonesia narrowed the gap in the third end, but the Indian pair maintained a three-point advantage to win the title.

The victory marked Sheetal Devi’s second consecutive Asian Para Games gold medal in the mixed team event. She had won the same title with Rakesh Kumar at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.

 

26) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Indian table tennis players Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai secured a mixed doubles medal at the 29th International Table Tennis Federation–Asian Table Tennis Union (ITTF–ATTU) Asian Championships 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The Asian Table Tennis Championships is a continental competition for national teams and players in Asia, organised by the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU), the continental body affiliated with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

Detailed Explanation:

Indian table tennis players Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai secured a mixed doubles medal at the 29th International Table Tennis Federation–Asian Table Tennis Union (ITTF–ATTU) Asian Championships 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The Asian Table Tennis Championships is a continental competition for national teams and players in Asia, organised by the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU), the continental body affiliated with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF).

The 2026 edition was the 29th championship. International table tennis championships can include singles, doubles and team events.

In mixed doubles, each pair consists of one male and one female player representing the same national association.

The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) establishes international rules and equipment standards, while the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) organises continental-level competitions for its member associations.

27) Answer: B

Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar of India won gold medals in the men’s singles SL3 and SL4 categories, respectively, in para badminton at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan.

In the men’s singles SL3 final, Nitesh Kumar, the Paris Paralympic gold medallist, defeated compatriot Pramod Bhagat, another Paralympic gold medallist, by 21–18, 21–16.

Naveen Sivakumar, making his Asian Para Games debut, won the men’s singles SL4 gold medal by defeating Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan 21–9, 21–17 in 36 minutes.

 

28) Answer: D

Harry Brook, England’s limited-overs captain, scored the fastest double century in One-Day International (ODI) cricket, reaching the 200-run milestone in just 114 balls against Sri Lanka in the third match of the tri- series in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Brook also became the first England batter to score a double century in ODI cricket, surpassing the previous England record of 182 runs, scored by Ben Stokes against New Zealand in 2023.

Gill had earlier broken the record held by fellow Indian batter Ishan Kishan, who reached an ODI double century in 126 balls against Bangladesh in 2022.

29) Answer: B

Former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash released the book “The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account”, authored by veteran broadcaster and former Doordarshan producer Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey.

The book was released at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, Delhi.

The book was published by Om Books International.

30) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Renowned jeweller and craftsman Vummidi Ethiraj passed away at the age of 99 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Vummidi Ethiraj was born on 25 November 1926 in Chennai and was the patriarch of the Vummidi family, which owns the 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.

He played a key role in crafting the historic Sengol at the age of 20, in 1947, at the time of India’s Independence.

Detailed Explanation:

Renowned jeweller and craftsman Vummidi Ethiraj passed away at the age of 99 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Vummidi Ethiraj was born on 25 November 1926 in Chennai and was the patriarch of the Vummidi family, which owns the 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.

He played a key role in crafting the historic Sengol at the age of 20, in 1947, at the time of India’s Independence.

The Sengol is a gold-plated silver sceptre that symbolises the transfer of power from British rule to independent India.

The Sengol was crafted by Vummidi Jewellers using silver coated with gold, with a Nandi (bull) figure at the top.

On the night of 14 August 1947, India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, received the Sengol from the Adheenams (priests) of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, Tamil Nadu.