Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of 31st 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 institution signed the MoU with SEBI to strengthen regulatory cooperation and information exchange concerning SEBI-recognised Clearing Corporations?

(a) Bank of Japan

(b) Bank of England

(c) Federal Reserve

(d) European Central Bank

(e) Swiss National Bank

 

2)As of Oct'26, India’s industrial output growth slowed to what level in September 2026, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO)?

(a) 5.7%

(b) 6.2%

(c) 6.7%

(d) 7.1%

(e) 7.6%

 

3)As of Oct'26, India’s net FDI remained positive for the third consecutive month in August 2026, with inflows exceeding outflows by what amount?

(a) US$2.3 billion

(b) US$3.3 billion

(c) US$4.3 billion

(d) US$5.3 billion

(e) US$6.3 billion

 

4)As of Oct'26, consider the following statements regarding Ayushman Vay Vandana:

1.It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 October 2024 to provide AB PM-JAY benefits to all citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

2The scheme is implemented by the National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

3.Eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

(a) Only 1

(b) Only 2

(c) Only 3

(d) All of the above

(e) None of the above

 

5)As of Oct'26, according to the World Bank, India’s poverty rate at the USD 4.20-a-day threshold is projected to decline to what level by 2028?

(a) 10.1%

(b) 11.1%

(c) 12.1%

(d) 13.1%

(e) 14.1%

 

6)As of Oct'26, which historic monument has been selected as the principal venue for the second edition of the India Biennale (India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale)?

(a) Red Fort

(b) Humayun’s Tomb

(c) Hauz Khas

(d) Qutub Minar

(e) Purana Qila

 

7)As of Oct'26, under which legislation was the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers constituted?

(a) Code on Social Security, 2020

(b) Industrial Relations Code, 2020

(c) Code on Wages, 2019

(d) Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

(e) Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952

 

8)As of Oct'26, where is the 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2026 being held from 29–31 October 2026?

(a) Shillong, Meghalaya

(b) Gangtok, Sikkim

(c) Kohima, Nagaland

(d) Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

(e) Aizawl, Mizoram

 

9)As of Oct'26, what is the minimum period for which major US military installations must sustain essential operations independently under the FORTRESS America initiative?

(a) 30 days

(b) 45 days

(c) 60 days

(d) 90 days

(e) 120 days

 

10)As of Oct'26, who presented the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur insignia to Sunil Bharti Mittal at the Residence of France on 28 October 2026?

(a) Emmanuel Macron

(b) Thierry Mathou

(c) Nicolas Sarkozy

(d) Laurent Fabius

(e) Jean-Noël Barrot

 

11)As of Oct'26, which Indian AI company signed a five-year MoU with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) to develop and deploy AI applications for the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force?

(a) Krutrim AI

(b) TCS

(c) BharatGPT

(d) Zoho Corporation

(e) Sarvam AI

 

12)As of Oct'26, with which institution did the Ministry of Culture sign an MoU under the Gyan Bharatam Mission to strengthen cooperation in manuscript preservation and digitisation?

(a) British Library

(b) Library of Congress

(c) Bibliothèque nationale de France

(d) National Library of Australia

(e) German National Library

 

13)As of Oct'26, which organisation is coordinating the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM 6.0) launched by DRDO?

(a) Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)

(b) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)

(c) NITI Aayog

(d) Ministry of Home Affairs

(e) Central Information Commission (CIC)

14)As of Oct'26, which DRDO laboratory developed the Indian Navy’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system?

(a) Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL)

(b) Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL)

(c) Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL)

(d) Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)

(e) Research Centre Imarat (RCI)

 

15) As of Oct'26, which organisation developed the Punah Bharan Mobile Application in collaboration with the National Water Mission (NWM)?

(a) National Informatics Centre (NIC)

(b) BISAG-N

(c) Central Water Commission (CWC)

(d) Geological Survey of India (GSI)

(e) National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC)

 

16) As of Oct'26, HCLTech partnered with which company to launch an AI-powered nano Global Capability Centre (GCC) offering?

(a) Microsoft

(b) Google Cloud

(c) Amazon Web Services

(d) IBM

(e) Oracle

 

17)As of Oct'26, which IIT launched the Science on Wheels programme in Himachal Pradesh to promote practical science education among school students?

(a) IIT Roorkee

(b) IIT Jammu

(c) IIT Ropar

(d) IIT Dharwad

(e) IIT Mandi

 

19) As of Oct'26, where were the World Under-19 Boxing Championships 2026 held?

(a) Belgrade, Serbia

(b) Budva, Montenegro

(c) Sofia, Bulgaria

(d) Zagreb, Croatia

(e) Bucharest, Romania

 

20)As of Oct'26, on which date is World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) observed annually?

(a) 24 October

(b) 25 October

(c) 26 October

(d) 27 October

(e) 28 October

 

Answers:

1)Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bank of England (BoE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen regulatory cooperation and information exchange concerning SEBI-recognised Clearing Corporations.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two authorities on matters relating to Central Counterparties (CCPs), in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.

The MoU enables the Bank of England to rely on SEBI’s regulatory and supervisory activities while safeguarding the financial stability of the United Kingdom.

Detailed Explanation:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Bank of England (BoE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen regulatory cooperation and information exchange concerning SEBI-recognised Clearing Corporations.

The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between the two authorities on matters relating to Central Counterparties (CCPs), in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.

The MoU enables the Bank of England to rely on SEBI’s regulatory and supervisory activities while safeguarding the financial stability of the United Kingdom.

The agreement aims to improve cross-border regulatory cooperation and facilitate the exchange of information between Indian and UK financial regulators.

The MoU supports international clearing activities by strengthening cooperation between the two financial regulatory authorities.

The Bank of England is the central bank of the United Kingdom.

2)Answer: C

Short Explanation:

India’s industrial output growth slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September 2026, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 5% in May 2026, making September’s 6.7% growth the weakest since May.

Industrial output growth for August 2026 was revised downward to 7.8% from the earlier estimate of 8%, while it stood at 6.1% in September 2025.

The IIP index stood at 124.3 in September 2026, compared with 123.1 in August 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

India’s industrial output growth slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September 2026, according to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 5% in May 2026, making September’s 6.7% growth the weakest since May.

Industrial output growth for August 2026 was revised downward to 7.8% from the earlier estimate of 8%, while it stood at 6.1% in September 2025.

The IIP index stood at 124.3 in September 2026, compared with 123.1 in August 2026.

The slowdown was broad-based, with manufacturing, electricity and gas supply, water supply, sewerage and waste management recording slower growth, while mining and quarrying experienced a deeper contraction.

Manufacturing, which accounts for approximately 76% of the IIP weight, recorded growth of 7.6% in September, down from a revised 8.6% in August.

Manufacturing growth in September was the slowest since May 2026, when the sector grew by 5.2%, ending its three-month run of growth above 8%.

Of the 23 manufacturing industry groups, 17 recorded positive growth, while eight sub-segments registered double-digit growth.

(e) US$6.3 billion

 

3)Answer: B

Short Explanation:

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remained positive for the third consecutive month in August 2026, with inflows exceeding outflows by US$3.3 billion.

Net FDI was positive in seven of the last eight months, marking a significant recovery from the five consecutive months of negative net FDI from August to December 2025.

Gross FDI inflows into India stood at US$11.1 billion in August 2026, declining by 24% month-on-month but increasing by nearly 68% year-on-year.

Detailed Explanation:

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remained positive for the third consecutive month in August 2026, with inflows exceeding outflows by US$3.3 billion.

Net FDI was positive in seven of the last eight months, marking a significant recovery from the five consecutive months of negative net FDI from August to December 2025.

Gross FDI inflows into India stood at US$11.1 billion in August 2026, declining by 24% month-on-month but increasing by nearly 68% year-on-year.

The United States, Singapore and Mauritius were the major source countries, accounting for approximately 72% of India’s gross FDI inflows in August 2026.

Total FDI outflows increased marginally to US$7.7 billion in August 2026, compared with US$7.2 billion in July 2026 and US$6.7 billion in August 2025.

Repatriation by foreign companies operating in India was the main driver of outflows, rather than outward investment by Indian companies.

Repatriation increased to US$5.8 billion in August 2026, rising nearly 52% month-on-month and 28% year-on-year.

 

4)Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Ayushman Vay Vandana completed two years on 29 October 2026.

It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 October 2024 to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

The initiative is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY are entitled to an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year, exclusively for themselves. This cover is separate from the coverage available to family members below 70 years of age.

Detailed Explanation:

Ayushman Vay Vandana completed two years on 29 October 2026.

It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 October 2024 to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to all citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

The initiative is implemented by the National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

It aims to strengthen healthcare access and financial protection for approximately 6 crore senior citizens from around 4.5 crore families across India.

Eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above receive health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.

Senior citizens aged 70 years and above belonging to families already covered under AB PM-JAY are entitled to an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year, exclusively for themselves. This cover is separate from the coverage available to family members below 70 years of age.

 

5)Answer: C

Short Explanation:

According to the World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief, India lifted an estimated 496 million people out of poverty between 2011 and 2023.

The extreme poverty rate declined from 27.1% in 2011 to 2.6% in 2023.

The World Bank described India’s achievement as “one of the fastest poverty declines in the world”, highlighting improvements in both monetary and non-monetary poverty indicators.

Detailed Explanation:

According to the World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty and Equity Brief, India lifted an estimated 496 million people out of poverty between 2011 and 2023.

The extreme poverty rate declined from 27.1% in 2011 to 2.6% in 2023.

The World Bank described India’s achievement as “one of the fastest poverty declines in the world”, highlighting improvements in both monetary and non-monetary poverty indicators.

The proportion of people living below the lower-middle-income poverty threshold of USD 4.20 per day, measured at 2021 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), declined from 57.7% in 2011 to 16.1% in 2023.

The major factors contributing to poverty reduction included strong consumption growth, increased employment, particularly among women, and expanded social transfers, including food subsidies.

The World Bank projected that poverty would continue to decline, although at a slower pace. The poverty rate at the USD 4.20-a-day threshold is estimated to fall from 14.2% in 2026 to 12.1% by 2028.

 

6)Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Culture will organise the second edition of the India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB), now named The India Biennale, beginning on 4 December 2026.

The four-month-long event will transform Delhi’s historic monuments, institutional spaces and heritage precincts into exhibition venues.

The Purana Qila, a 16th-century fort, has been selected as the principal venue.

It will host the flagship exhibition curated by the Ministry of Culture.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Culture will organise the second edition of the India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB), now named The India Biennale, beginning on 4 December 2026.

The four-month-long event will transform Delhi’s historic monuments, institutional spaces and heritage precincts into exhibition venues.

The Purana Qila, a 16th-century fort, has been selected as the principal venue.

It will host the flagship exhibition curated by the Ministry of Culture.

For the first time, a wide range of heritage monuments and institutional spaces across New Delhi will be made available to artists, curators and cultural partners for exhibitions and site-specific art projects.

Proposed venues include the Red Fort, Qutub Minar complex, Humayun’s Tomb, Hauz Khas and Chandni Chowk, along with the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), National Crafts Museum and Pradhanmantri Museum and Library (PMML). More than 20 other prominent heritage sites and institutions will also be included.

 

7)Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers under the Code on Social Security.

The Board will be chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment and comprise representatives from the Central and State Governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil society organisations, workers’ unions, and gig and platform worker associations.

The Board will recommend social security schemes for different categories of unorganised, gig and platform workers to the Central Government.

It will advise the Central Government on the administration of the Code on Social Security and monitor and review welfare schemes implemented by the Centre for these categories of workers.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers under the Code on Social Security.

The Board will be chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment and comprise representatives from the Central and State Governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil society organisations, workers’ unions, and gig and platform worker associations.

The Board will recommend social security schemes for different categories of unorganised, gig and platform workers to the Central Government.

It will advise the Central Government on the administration of the Code on Social Security and monitor and review welfare schemes implemented by the Centre for these categories of workers.

Other responsibilities include reviewing State-level record-keeping arrangements, examining expenditure from the relevant fund and account, and performing additional functions assigned by the Central Government.

The Board will meet at least three times a year, as specified in the Ministry’s notification issued on 30 October 2026.

 

8)Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2026 is being held from 29–31 October 2026 at Hotel Vivanta, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, are attending the inaugural programme on 29 October 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

The 14th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2026 is being held from 29–31 October 2026 at Hotel Vivanta, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in association with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Suresh Gopi, Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum & Natural Gas, and Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, are attending the inaugural programme on 29 October 2026.

The International Tourism Mart is an annual flagship event of the Ministry of Tourism that promotes the North Eastern Region as a tourism destination in domestic and international markets.

The event is expected to attract over 200 participants, including 43 international buyers from 22 countries, along with domestic buyers, sellers and tourism stakeholders.

The Mart will showcase tourism products and destinations from all eight North Eastern States, collectively known as Ashta Lakshmi: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.

Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions will take place on 30 October 2026 to encourage tourism partnerships and improve market access for tourism businesses in the North East.

 

9)Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The FORTRESS America initiative was formally launched by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on 30 September 2026.

FORTRESS stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability.

The initiative requires major US military installations in the continental United States to sustain essential operations independently for at least 90 days, without relying on civilian infrastructure.

The 90-day resilience requirement covers power generation, water, fuel and communications.

Detailed Explanation:

The FORTRESS America initiative was formally launched by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on 30 September 2026.

FORTRESS stands for Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability.

The initiative requires major US military installations in the continental United States to sustain essential operations independently for at least 90 days, without relying on civilian infrastructure.

The 90-day resilience requirement covers power generation, water, fuel and communications.

The Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network is intended to prepare civilian factories to shift to defence production during a crisis.

Energy independence measures include portable nuclear reactors, large-scale battery storage and microgrids.

A microgrid is a local electricity network capable of operating independently of the wider power grid.

Richard “Matt” O’Malley was designated Interim Director of the FORTRESS America Program Office.

 

10)Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was conferred the Chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour), France’s highest civilian honour.

The French government recognised his contributions to India–France economic relations and his work in telecommunications, digital infrastructure and satellite communications.

Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, presented the insignia to Mittal at a ceremony held at the Residence of France on 28 October 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was conferred the Chevalier de l’Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour), France’s highest civilian honour.

The French government recognised his contributions to India–France economic relations and his work in telecommunications, digital infrastructure and satellite communications.

Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, presented the insignia to Mittal at a ceremony held at the Residence of France on 28 October 2026.

The French Ambassador highlighted Mittal’s business partnerships with French companies, including AXA, an insurance group, and Alcatel-Lucent, a telecommunications equipment manufacturer.

His investment in Eutelsat, a Paris-headquartered satellite communications company, was also recognised.

 

11)Answer: E

Short Explanation:

Sarvam AI, an Indian artificial intelligence company, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) to develop and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

The agreement was signed on 26 October 2026 and announced publicly by Sarvam on 28 October 2026.

HQ IDS functions under the Ministry of Defence; the MoU was signed with HQ IDS and not directly with the Ministry of Defence.

Detailed Explanation:

Sarvam AI, an Indian artificial intelligence company, signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) to develop and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.

The agreement was signed on 26 October 2026 and announced publicly by Sarvam on 28 October 2026.

HQ IDS functions under the Ministry of Defence; the MoU was signed with HQ IDS and not directly with the Ministry of Defence.

The agreement establishes a common framework for AI projects across the three armed services and other joint defence organisations, enabling them to share AI models, tools and capabilities.

Sarvam will develop and deploy AI applications for military operations, training and decision-making, provide technical support after deployment, and work with HQ IDS, which will coordinate implementation across the three services.

Sarvam’s Chanakya division, established to handle national security and defence-related projects, will lead the initiative. It focuses on developing AI systems capable of operating in secure and offline environments, including military networks handling sensitive information.

The division will use Sarvam’s AI technology, including its Sarvam 105B foundation model, developed as part of the company’s efforts to build indigenous AI capabilities.

 

12)Answer: C

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), or National Library of France, in Paris, under the Gyan Bharatam Mission.

The agreement aims to strengthen institutional cooperation in the preservation, digitisation, research and dissemination of manuscript and documentary heritage.

The MoU was signed by Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and Gilles Pécout, President of the National Library of France.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), or National Library of France, in Paris, under the Gyan Bharatam Mission.

The agreement aims to strengthen institutional cooperation in the preservation, digitisation, research and dissemination of manuscript and documentary heritage.

The MoU was signed by Vivek Aggarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and Gilles Pécout, President of the National Library of France.

The partnership brings together the Ministry of Culture through Gyan Bharatam, the National Archives of India, New Delhi, the National Library, Kolkata, and the National Library of France.

The agreement establishes cooperation across five key areas:

Digitisation of manuscripts and documentary collections.

Cross-sharing through the National Digital Repository.

Technology exchange.

Conservation of manuscripts and documentary heritage.

Research and Development (R&D).

The two institutions will identify and digitise Indic-origin manuscripts and collections held by the National Library of France.

 

13)Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM 6.0) across its headquarters, laboratories and establishments.

The campaign is coordinated by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).

SCDPM 6.0 focuses on reducing administrative pendency, expediting public grievance redressal, digitising records, improving cleanliness and optimising workspace.

Detailed Explanation:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM 6.0) across its headquarters, laboratories and establishments.

The campaign is coordinated by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).

SCDPM 6.0 focuses on reducing administrative pendency, expediting public grievance redressal, digitising records, improving cleanliness and optimising workspace.

DRDO has achieved 100% of its targets for clearing pending public grievances, Parliamentary Assurances and inter-ministerial references.

Around 20,000 files identified for weeding out are being disposed of according to prescribed record retention schedules.

Shredded paper from the disposal of records is being sent to the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) for recycling.

 

14)Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Indian Navy’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system achieved a major development milestone on 24 October 2026 with the inauguration of the Setting to Work Phase-2 (STW-2) activity for its Energy Module.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat.

The AIP system was developed by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Navy’s indigenous Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system achieved a major development milestone on 24 October 2026 with the inauguration of the Setting to Work Phase-2 (STW-2) activity for its Energy Module.

The inauguration ceremony took place at Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) AM Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat.

The AIP system was developed by the Naval Materials Research Laboratory (NMRL), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The STW-2 phase involves energising the AIP Energy Module for power generation and testing its performance according to Indian Navy protocols.

Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman, inaugurated the activity virtually.

After successful completion of testing, the Energy Module is scheduled to be handed over to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for integration into a Kalvari-class submarine in early 2027.

 

15)Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched the Punah Bharan Mobile Application to promote scientific groundwater recharge planning and sustainable water management.

The application was developed by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics) in collaboration with the National Water Mission (NWM).

The initiative comes under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Detailed Explanation:

The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched the Punah Bharan Mobile Application to promote scientific groundwater recharge planning and sustainable water management.

The application was developed by BISAG-N (Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics) in collaboration with the National Water Mission (NWM).

The initiative comes under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti.

The mobile application enables users to identify potential artificial groundwater recharge zones within a radial distance of up to 3 km.

It helps users explore and select suitable Artificial Recharge Structures (ARS) based on local geographical and environmental conditions.

The accompanying web portal provides village-level Artificial Recharge Structure (ARS) zonation maps, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and thematic layers for informed planning.

The platform uses geospatial datasets, including rainfall, groundwater levels, groundwater yield, slope and drainage, to identify potential groundwater recharge areas.

 

16)Answer: C

Short Explanation:

HCLTech has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch an AI-powered nano Global Capability Centre (GCC) offering to help enterprises move from AI experimentation to business deployment and high-value business outcomes.

The offering is part of HCLTech’s GCC 360 solution suite and combines HCLTech’s GCC advisory expertise and AI platforms, including AI Force, with AWS cloud infrastructure and agentic AI services.

The AWS services included in the offering are Amazon Bedrock, Kiro and AWS Transform.

Detailed Explanation:

HCLTech has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch an AI-powered nano Global Capability Centre (GCC) offering to help enterprises move from AI experimentation to business deployment and high-value business outcomes.

The offering is part of HCLTech’s GCC 360 solution suite and combines HCLTech’s GCC advisory expertise and AI platforms, including AI Force, with AWS cloud infrastructure and agentic AI services.

The AWS services included in the offering are Amazon Bedrock, Kiro and AWS Transform.

Unlike traditional GCCs built around large-scale operations and broad mandates, the nano GCC model focuses on compact, product-centric teams, AI-enabled workflows and phased expansion.

The offering covers AI-native engineering, autonomous IT operations, advanced data analytics and intelligent business operations, with responsible AI governance integrated into the model.

 

17)Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi launched the Science on Wheels programme in Himachal Pradesh to promote practical science education among school students, particularly those in rural areas.

The programme was launched in partnership with Plaksha University and the Igniting Dreams of Young Minds (IDYM) Foundation.

The initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

Detailed Explanation:

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi launched the Science on Wheels programme in Himachal Pradesh to promote practical science education among school students, particularly those in rural areas.

The programme was launched in partnership with Plaksha University and the Igniting Dreams of Young Minds (IDYM) Foundation.

The initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

Professor Laxmidhar Behera, Director of IIT Mandi, inaugurated the Himachal Pradesh segment at IIT Mandi Campus School.

The programme aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical scientific experiments through hands-on learning activities.

The initiative is designed for students from Classes VI to XII, with approximately six hours of learning activities at each school.

The programme covers four major themes: Space Technology, Robotics, Sustainability and Water Filtration.

 

18)Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Ukraine joined NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s (NSPA) Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP) on 22 October 2026, enabling Ukrainian defence companies to access NATO procurement contracts and tenders.

The NSPA is NATO’s agency responsible for multinational procurement, logistics, supply-chain management and operational support.

Ukraine is the first and only non-NATO member country to have a separate partnership serving as a single entry point to NSPA operations.

Detailed Explanation:

Ukraine joined NATO Support and Procurement Agency’s (NSPA) Security Cooperation Support Partnership (SCSP) on 22 October 2026, enabling Ukrainian defence companies to access NATO procurement contracts and tenders.

The NSPA is NATO’s agency responsible for multinational procurement, logistics, supply-chain management and operational support.

Ukraine is the first and only non-NATO member country to have a separate partnership serving as a single entry point to NSPA operations.

The SCSP was established in 2025 to provide sustainable support to Ukraine through a structured procurement framework.

In April 2026, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) authorised the NSPA to issue solicitations and sign contracts directly with Ukrainian defence industries.

Ukraine’s Cabinet of Ministers approved the partnership on 13 August 2026, and Ukrainian Defence Minister Yevhen Khmara signed the agreement on 14 October 2026.

 

19)Answer: B

Short Explanation:

The World Under-19 Boxing Championships 2026 were held in Budva, Montenegro, with the bouts taking place at the Mediterranean Sports Center.

Aditya won the gold medal, defeating Russia’s Islam Magomedov 4–1 in the men’s 55 kg final to claim the world title.

This marked India’s first gold medal at the 2026 edition of the Under-19 World Boxing Championships.

Detailed Explanation:

The World Under-19 Boxing Championships 2026 were held in Budva, Montenegro, with the bouts taking place at the Mediterranean Sports Center.

Aditya won the gold medal, defeating Russia’s Islam Magomedov 4–1 in the men’s 55 kg final to claim the world title.

This marked India’s first gold medal at the 2026 edition of the Under-19 World Boxing Championships.

India’s Harshika won a bronze medal in the women’s 65 kg category, while Prachi Tokas secured bronze in the women’s over-80 kg category.

India’s Megha Sheokand was scheduled to face Russia’s Ekaterina Frolova in the women’s 80 kg final later.

 

20)Answer:D

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) is observed annually on 27 October to raise awareness about the importance of preserving audiovisual materials, including films, television and radio recordings, and other moving images and sound documents.

The 2026 theme is “Your Window to the World”.

The day commemorates the adoption of the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images by the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1980.