postUpdated Oct 21, 2026

Daily Current Affairs 21 October 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams

This article covers the complete Daily Current Affairs of 21 October 2026 for competitive exams, including the approval of five ITI clusters under PM-SETU, the World Development Report 2026 on Artificial Intelligence, the fifth India-Australia Exercise AUSTRAHIND, SEBI's revised Closing Auction Session framework, and Japan's MMX mission to Mars moon Phobos. It includes exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC exams.

Daily Current Affairs 21 October 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams

Introduction to Current Affairs 21 October 2026

The Current Affairs of 21 October 2026 cover several high-value developments across Government Schemes, Economy, International Affairs, Defence, Science and Reports. Major headlines include new investments under PM-SETU, the launch of the World Development Report 2026 on Artificial Intelligence, the fifth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND, SEBI's revised Closing Auction Session framework and Japan's ambitious MMX Mars-moon sample-return mission.

For competitive-exam preparation, this round-up consolidates overlapping news while retaining important facts, dates, institutions and records for quick revision. Aspirants can also follow the daily current affairs section regularly to strengthen preparation for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance, Railways, Defence and State PSC examinations.


National Current Affairs

NSC Approves Rs 1,194.92 Crore for Five ITI Clusters under PM-SETU

Why in News: The National Steering Committee (NSC) under the PM-SETU scheme approved five Strategic Investment Plans worth Rs 1,194.92 crore for upgrading Industrial Training Institute clusters in Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir. The approvals increased total sanctioned investment under the initiative to Rs 3,687 crore.

Quick Facts

  • PM-SETU stands for Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs.
  • The decision was taken at the 6th National Steering Committee meeting.
  • The meeting was chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
  • Each approved cluster consists of one hub ITI and four spoke ITIs.
  • The clusters are located in Odisha, Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir.

Key Highlights

  • Kataka ITI Cluster in Odisha received an investment of Rs 240.50 crore with Tata Steel Foundation as industry partner.
  • Pune ITI Cluster received Rs 241 crore, while Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar received Rs 238.01 crore.
  • Jammu and Srinagar ITI clusters received Rs 240 crore and Rs 235.41 crore respectively.
  • The model combines State Governments, industry partners and participating ITIs to improve industry-linked vocational training.

PM-AJAY Declares 18,093 Villages as Adarsh Grams

Why in News: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced that 18,093 villages had been declared Adarsh Grams under the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY), with the scheme covering more than 47,200 villages.

Quick Facts

  • PM-AJAY focuses on the socio-economic and educational empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities.
  • The scheme has benefited more than 47.79 lakh citizens.
  • About Rs 1,730 crore was released to states under Grants-in-Aid from FY22 to FY26.
  • More than 2.5 lakh beneficiaries received support for livelihood and skilling initiatives.

Key Highlights

  • A total of 46,944 development works have been completed under the programme.
  • 27,032 Village Development Plans have been prepared.
  • As of September 2026, 785 student hostels had been completed.
  • For FY 2026-27, central assistance of Rs 61.46 crore was allocated for two hostel projects accommodating 264 students.

India to Host 61st International Committee of Legal Metrology Meeting

Why in News: India is scheduled to host the 61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) in New Delhi from 26 to 28 October 2026, marking the first time India will host the CIML meeting.

Quick Facts

  • The event is being organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs in collaboration with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
  • OIML was established in 1955 and is headquartered in Paris, France.
  • CIML is the principal decision-making body of OIML.
  • More than 100 international delegates and experts are expected to participate.

Key Highlights

  • An international seminar on “Evolutions in Legal Metrology” is scheduled for 26 October.
  • An OIML Strategy Workshop will be held on 27 October to discuss digitalisation and technological changes.
  • The meeting will focus on international recommendations, technical work and the OIML Certification System.
  • The previous, 60th CIML meeting was held in Paris in October 2025.

UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme Completes Ten Years

Why in News: The Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN, launched on 21 October 2016, completed ten years in 2026. The scheme was introduced to make air travel more affordable and connect unserved and underserved airports across India.

Quick Facts

  • UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.
  • It is implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
  • The scheme was launched on 21 October 2016.
  • Its core objective is affordable regional air connectivity.

Key Highlights

  • UDAN encourages connectivity to smaller cities and airports that previously had limited or no scheduled air services.
  • The scheme combines route incentives with aviation infrastructure development.
  • Its broader objective is to improve mobility, tourism and economic activity in regional centres.
  • The 10-year milestone in 2026 makes its launch date especially relevant for competitive exams.

AIIA Hosts KAUMARACON-2026 and Launches Digital Ayurveda Initiatives

Why in News: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated KAUMARACON-2026, the 3rd International Conference on Kaumarabhritya, at the All India Institute of Ayurveda in New Delhi. The conference coincided with AIIA's 10th Foundation Day and included several digital, academic and institutional initiatives.

Quick Facts

  • KAUMARACON-2026 was held from 15-17 October 2026.
  • Theme: “Shaping the Future of Child Health: Global Perspectives, Research Innovations, and Clinical Frontiers in Kaumarabhritya.”
  • AIIA is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of AYUSH.
  • AIIA celebrated its 10th Foundation Day on 17 October 2026.

Key Highlights

  • Five initiatives launched included the AYUSH Start-up Portal, AIIA-iCAINE website, AyuDIVA, Vamana App and Panchakarma Assessment App.
  • AIIA exchanged an MoU with Maharishi International University, USA for academic and research cooperation.
  • On Foundation Day, AIIA signed MoUs with Rashtriya Ayurved Vidyapeeth and Arogya Bharati.
  • The institute also released more than 15 academic publications and introduced the FESDAP e-course.

CJI Inaugurates India's Highest-Altitude High Court Bench in Ladakh

Why in News: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant inaugurated the newly established Ladakh Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Melongthang, Leh. The judicial facility is recognised as India's highest-altitude High Court bench.

Quick Facts

  • The bench is located at Melongthang, Leh.
  • It belongs to the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
  • The inauguration was attended by Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena.
  • The facility is intended to improve access to justice in Leh, Kargil and remote areas.

Key Highlights

  • The CJI launched a Green Wall Initiative promoting environmental sustainability.
  • A new e-Filing Portal allows advocates and litigants to file cases electronically.
  • A Document Management System was launched for digitised judicial records.
  • An Online Recruitment Portal was introduced to improve transparency and efficiency in judicial recruitment.

 


International Current Affairs

India and Russia Conduct Exercise INDRA-2026

Why in News: India and Russia conducted the 15th edition of bilateral Naval Exercise INDRA-2026 at Vladivostok and in the Sea of Japan from 13 to 18 October 2026 to improve operational interoperability and maritime coordination.

Quick Facts

  • Indian participation included INS Sahyadri.
  • The Russian Navy was represented by the ship Aldar Tsydenzhapov.
  • The sea phase was conducted on 16-17 October 2026.
  • The exercise included harbour and sea phases.

Key Highlights

  • Activities included tactical manoeuvres, artillery firing, boarding drills and vessel-rescue simulations.
  • The harbour phase featured planning conferences, cross-deck visits and professional interactions.
  • Related land activities in Russia's Chelyabinsk Region and Far East were scheduled to continue until 23 October 2026.
  • The broader exercise reinforces India-Russia military interoperability.

World Health Summit 2026 Held in Berlin

Why in News: The World Health Summit 2026 was held in Berlin, Germany, from 11 to 13 October 2026 under the theme “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health.”

Quick Facts

  • WHS 2026 was led by Professor Axel R. Pries, President of the World Health Summit.
  • More than 4,000 participants from over 130 countries and territories attended in person.
  • Virtual participation exceeded 50,000 people.
  • The summit brings together leaders from politics, science, business and civil society.

Key Highlights

  • The WHO launched the Hub 2030 Strategy to support rapid detection and assessment of emerging health threats.
  • Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank announced a EUR 250 million women's health programme.
  • The Gates Foundation and Wellcome Leap committed USD 100 million for stillbirth prevention.
  • Germany pledged EUR 10 million for maternal and child health.

India and Myanmar Sign Five MoUs under Mekong-Ganga Cooperation

Why in News: India and Myanmar signed five Memorandums of Understanding for Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) initiative on 15 October 2026 in Naypyitaw.

Quick Facts

  • Mekong-Ganga Cooperation was launched in 2000 at Vientiane, Laos.
  • Its six members are India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.
  • The cooperation mechanism covers tourism, culture, education and transportation.
  • India can provide up to USD 500,000 annually for QIPs under the framework.

Key Highlights

  • The five projects cover WASH, boiler operations, roads, sports facilities and software support.
  • More than 25 Quick Impact Projects had been sanctioned across Myanmar by March 2026.
  • QIPs are designed as short-gestation, high-visibility development projects.
  • The agreements underline India's development partnership with neighbouring Southeast Asian countries.

 


Economy & Banking

SEBI Revises Closing Auction Session Framework in Equity Cash Market

Why in News: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced a revised framework for the Closing Auction Session in the equity cash segment. The new system will become effective from 7 December 2026.

Quick Facts

  • The revised Closing Auction Session will run from 3:30 PM to 3:40 PM.
  • It will operate as a separate 10-minute session on trading days.
  • The revised process consists of three operational phases.
  • The order-entry session will close randomly between 3:38 PM and 3:40 PM.

Key Highlights

  • From 3:30-3:31 PM, the reference price will be calculated and trading will shift from continuous trading to CAS.
  • From 3:31-3:36 PM, both limit and market orders may be placed.
  • From 3:36-3:40 PM, only limit orders can be placed, while market orders cannot be modified or cancelled.
  • The framework aims to improve closing-price discovery and market efficiency.

1 Finance Gets SEBI In-Principle Approval for MF Lite AMC

Why in News: Wealth-tech firm 1 Finance Private Limited received in-principle approval from SEBI to establish an Asset Management Company under the MF Lite framework, potentially making it the first AMC to operate under the framework.

Quick Facts

  • MF Lite was introduced by SEBI on 31 December 2024.
  • It is intended primarily for passive investment products.
  • 1 Finance plans to offer index funds and exchange-traded funds.
  • The proposed AMC requires SEBI's final registration before operations begin.

Key Highlights

  • The company is targeting a launch in Q4 FY27.
  • MF Lite AMCs require net worth of Rs 35 crore, reducible to Rs 25 crore after five consecutive profitable years.
  • A minimum 40% sponsor stake is required.
  • Standard AMC net-worth requirements apply if passive AUM exceeds Rs 1 lakh crore.

Canara HSBC Life Launches USD-Denominated Global Wealth Plan via GIFT City

Why in News: Canara HSBC Life Insurance launched the Global Wealth Plan, a US-dollar-denominated, unit-linked, non-participating life insurance-cum-savings product through GIFT City in Gujarat for Non-Resident Indians.

Quick Facts

  • The plan combines market-linked investment with life insurance protection.
  • Investments and benefits are denominated in US dollars.
  • Investment options include global equities, precious metals and debt funds.
  • The product is distributed through Policybazaar under the IFSC framework.

Key Highlights

  • The three variants are Wealth, Wealth Plus and Wealth Forever.
  • Wealth Plus includes a Premium Funding Benefit following the insured's death.
  • The plan includes Loyalty Additions and Maturity Boosters, subject to policy conditions.
  • Returns are market-linked and non-guaranteed, consistent with the ULIP structure.

ADB and Japan Back Green Ammonia Project in Kakinada

Why in News: The Asian Development Bank and the Government of Japan signed financing agreements on 16 October 2026 to support a renewable-powered green ammonia plant being developed in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

Quick Facts

  • The project is being developed by AM Green Ammonia (India) Private Limited.
  • The financing totals USD 100 million.
  • Funding comes through Leading Asia's Private Infrastructure Fund 2, backed by JICA and administered by ADB.
  • Target annual production is 1.1 million tonnes of green ammonia.

Key Highlights

  • The project will convert an existing gas-based ammonia and urea facility to renewable-powered production.
  • It is the first investment under the ACCEL initiative, launched in May 2026.
  • Green ammonia uses hydrogen produced through renewable-powered water electrolysis.
  • It can support lower-carbon fertiliser and industrial supply chains.

 


Reports & Indices

World Bank Releases World Development Report 2026 on Artificial Intelligence

Why in News: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the World Bank Group's World Development Report 2026: The Promise of Artificial Intelligence in New Delhi at an event organised by the IndiaAI Mission in collaboration with the World Bank Group.

Quick Facts

  • The report examines AI opportunities and challenges for developing economies.
  • Its framework focuses on three actions: Adopt, Adapt and Advance.
  • The Indian launch was organised by IndiaAI Mission under MeitY.
  • The publisher is the World Bank Group.

Key Highlights

  • The report recommends affordable access to AI and stronger digital infrastructure and skills.
  • It supports scaling AI applications in public services.
  • It calls for risk-based regulation and fair labour practices.
  • Shared computing resources and digital literacy are highlighted as tools for making AI development more inclusive.

 


Science & Technology

Japan Launches MMX Mission to Return Samples from Mars Moon Phobos

Why in News: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission aboard an H3 rocket to collect material from Phobos. If successful, it will become the world's first mission to return samples from a Martian moon.

Quick Facts

  • The mission launched from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan.
  • MMX is expected to reach Mars in August 2027.
  • Sample return to Earth is planned for 2031.
  • Partner agencies include NASA, ESA, France's CNES and Germany's DLR.

Key Highlights

  • MMX aims to collect at least 10 grams of material from Phobos.
  • The spacecraft carries the IDEFIX rover, developed by CNES and DLR.
  • Its instruments will study terrain, minerals, chemical composition and space radiation.
  • The returned material could help scientists understand the origin and evolution of the Martian moons.

ICAR-CPRI Highlights Nutrient-Rich Purple Potato 'Kufri Jamunia'

Why in News: The ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute highlighted Kufri Jamunia, a purple potato variety rich in Vitamin C, anthocyanins, carotenoids, zinc and iron, developed to support nutritional security and address hidden hunger.

Quick Facts

  • Kufri Jamunia has dark-purple skin and flesh.
  • It is recommended for cultivation in the North Indian plains.
  • The variety has an approximate crop duration of 90 days.
  • It produces around 10-12 medium to large tubers per plant.

Key Highlights

  • The variety combines antioxidant compounds with minerals such as zinc and iron.
  • It has a mealy texture, shallow eyes and a pleasant flavour.
  • Other speciality ICAR-CPRI varieties include Kufri Neelkanth and Kufri Manik.
  • Biofortified and nutrient-rich crop varieties can support efforts against micronutrient deficiency.

 


Environment

WWF-India Launches Nationwide Green Diwali Campaign

Why in News: The WWF-India EIACP Centre launched a nationwide Green Diwali campaign for the period 20 October to 8 November 2026 to encourage environmentally responsible festival celebrations.

Quick Facts

  • EIACP stands for Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme.
  • The campaign focuses on reducing environmental damage associated with festival celebrations.
  • It promotes lower firecracker use, waste reduction and reduced single-use plastics.

Key Highlights

  • The campaign seeks to reduce air and noise pollution.
  • It promotes reusable decorations and responsible waste management.
  • The initiative uses public awareness to encourage environmentally conscious choices during the festive period.

 


Defence

Fifth India-Australia Exercise AUSTRAHIND Begins in Kerala

Why in News: India and Australia commenced the 5th edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on 19 October 2026. The exercise will continue until 1 November 2026.

Quick Facts

  • The exercise is being held at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Around 120 personnel from each country are participating.
  • Indian Army personnel include troops from the Garhwal Rifles and other arms and services.
  • The Australian contingent includes personnel from the 13 Brigade.

Key Highlights

  • The theme is “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment.”
  • Training covers surveillance, reconnaissance, protection of vital installations and HADR operations.
  • A delegation from New Zealand is participating as an observer for the first time.
  • AUSTRAHIND aims to improve interoperability, jointmanship and Indo-Pacific operational coordination.

DRDO Develops 20% Lighter Armour for Combat Vehicles

Why in News: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed indigenous armour panels that are 20% lighter than conventional systems while retaining certified protection against 30 mm armour-piercing ammunition.

Quick Facts

  • The armour was developed by R&DE (Engineers), Pune.
  • DRDO was established in 1958 and operates under the Ministry of Defence.
  • The technology is intended for future MBTs, light tanks and infantry combat vehicles.
  • Mass production is proposed through the Transfer of Technology route.

Key Highlights

  • Lower weight can improve vehicle mobility and fuel efficiency.
  • The panels are designed for demanding terrain, including high-altitude deployment.
  • The design may reduce mechanical stress on engines and suspension systems.
  • The development supports indigenisation of advanced military materials.

 


Appointments & Resignations

S. C. L. Das Appointed Part-Time Chairperson of FSIB

Why in News: The government appointed Subhas Chandra Lal Das as the part-time Chairperson of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) on 16 October 2026 for a tenure of three years.

Quick Facts

  • FSIB recommends candidates for leadership positions in public-sector financial institutions.
  • Its work includes recommendations for Managing Director and Executive Director-level appointments.
  • Das will serve as part-time Chairperson.
  • His tenure is three years.

Key Highlights

  • FSIB plays an important role in leadership selection across public-sector banks and specified financial institutions.
  • The bureau's recommendations support stronger corporate governance and professional management.
  • The appointment is particularly relevant for Banking and Insurance examinations.

 


Sports

Indian Para-Athletes Shine at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games 2026

Why in News: Indian para-athletes recorded multiple major performances at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, including gold medals and new competition records in shooting, athletics and archery.

Quick Facts

  • Mona Agarwal won women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 gold with 250.0 points.
  • Avani Lekhara won silver with 249.6 points.
  • Deepthi Jeevanji won women's 400m T20 gold in 56.36 seconds.
  • Sheetal Devi scored 704/720 in women's compound qualification.

Key Highlights

  • Mona Agarwal set a new Asian Para Games qualification record with 629.1 points.
  • Sheetal Devi equalled the world record and set a new Asian mark in compound archery qualification.
  • Simran won women's 200m T12 gold with a new Games record.
  • Pranav Soorma won men's discus F51/52/53 gold with an Asian record.

 


Important Days

World Osteoporosis Day 2026 - October 20

Why in News: World Osteoporosis Day is observed annually on 20 October to promote awareness about osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The 2026 campaign theme is “Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life.”

Quick Facts

  • The day was launched in 1996 by the UK's National Osteoporosis Society.
  • The first observance took place on 20 October 1996.
  • The global campaign is coordinated by the International Osteoporosis Foundation.
  • WHO co-sponsored World Osteoporosis Day campaigns in 1998 and 1999.

Key Highlights

  • The campaign emphasises lifelong bone health and prevention of fragility fractures.
  • Osteoporosis causes bones to become weaker and more susceptible to fractures.
  • Early diagnosis, adequate nutrition and physical activity are key elements of prevention and management.

 


Current Affairs One-Liners

Quick Revision

  • Five PM-SETU ITI clusters → Rs 1,194.92 crore → total sanctioned investment reached Rs 3,687 crore.
  • World Development Report 2026 → The Promise of Artificial Intelligence → recommends Adopt, Adapt and Advance.
  • PM-AJAY Adarsh Grams → 18,093 villages → scheme coverage exceeds 47,200 villages.
  • KAUMARACON-2026 → 3rd International Conference on Kaumarabhritya → inaugurated by VP C. P. Radhakrishnan.
  • AIIA Foundation Day → 10th anniversary → MoUs, academic publications and digital initiatives launched.
  • Nutrient-rich purple potato → Kufri Jamunia → developed by ICAR-CPRI.
  • Ghanshyam Dass Jain commemoration → Rs 100 coin and Rs 5 stamp → issued for birth-centenary remembrance.
  • Exercise INDRA-2026 → India and Russia → naval phase held in Vladivostok and Sea of Japan.
  • World Health Summit 2026 → Berlin, Germany → theme “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health.”
  • SEBI Closing Auction Session → 3:30-3:40 PM → revised framework effective 7 December 2026.
  • MF Lite AMC approval → 1 Finance → in-principle approval from SEBI.
  • Global Wealth Plan → Canara HSBC Life → USD-denominated ULIP launched through GIFT City.
  • CareEdge Global IFSC stake sale → 19.8% → 9.9% each proposed for SBI and NSEIX.
  • Japan's MMX mission → Phobos → aims to return at least 10 grams of material to Earth.
  • Fatah-II extended-range variant → Pakistan → surface-to-surface missile with reported range around 400 km.
  • B. Madhusoodana Kurup → founding VC of KUFOS → renowned fisheries scientist died aged 71.
  • World Osteoporosis Day → 20 October → 2026 theme focuses on building and protecting bones for life.
  • Ladakh High Court Bench → Melongthang, Leh → India's highest-altitude High Court bench.
  • Financial inclusion campaign → 21 October-31 December 2026 → covers about 2.70 lakh local bodies.
  • FSIB Chairperson → Subhas Chandra Lal Das → appointed for three years.
  • India-New Zealand FTA → trade-opening initiative → source announcement cited 20 October 2026 as scheduled effective date.
  • AUSTRAHIND 2026 → 5th edition → held at Thiruvananthapuram from 19 October to 1 November.
  • Deepthi Jeevanji → women's 400m T20 gold → recorded 56.36 seconds.
  • Mona Agarwal → women's 10m air rifle SH1 gold → Avani Lekhara won silver.
  • Green Diwali campaign → WWF-India EIACP → runs from 20 October to 8 November.
  • UDAN completes → 10 years → Regional Connectivity Scheme launched on 21 October 2016.
  • BHASHINI-Manipur agreement → multilingual AI → aims to expand regional-language digital public services.
  • Exercise Cambrian Patrol 2026 → Indian Army's Assam Regiment → won gold in Wales.
  • Dancing with Joy → memoir by Dr. Ananda Shankar Jayant → released by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan.
  • 61st CIML Meeting → New Delhi → India hosts the meeting for the first time.
  • Uttarakhand Governor → Dhal Singh Bisen → sworn in on 19 October 2026.
  • Exercise Akhand Prahar-II → Jaisalmer → tested integrated multi-domain combat readiness.
  • Sheetal Devi → compound qualification score 704/720 → equalled world record and set Asian mark.
  • Goyla Dairy biogas plant → 200 TPD → processes cow dung for green energy and organic fertiliser.
  • DRDO lightweight armour → 20% lighter → protects against 30 mm armour-piercing ammunition.
  • Delhi Half Marathon → Charles Matata → new men's course record of 58:52.
  • Upgraded Agri Welfare Portal → launched by Shivraj Singh Chouhan → integrates PM-KISAN, AgriStack and PMFBY.
  • Pakistan → incoming chair of IMF and World Bank Boards of Governors for 2027 → first such role since 1953.
  • Kakinada green ammonia project → ADB and Japan financing → targeted output 1.1 million tonnes annually.
  • International Day for Eradication of Poverty → 17 October → UN-recognised observance since 1993.
  • Global Hunger Index 2026 → Pakistan ranked 106th of 122 → score 25.5, Serious category.
  • Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation → DITI → principal advisory body for Vision Delhi 2047.
  • NHAI Toll Plaza Feedback → Rajmargyatra app → introduced to improve highway service monitoring.
  • Arshi Gupta → Rotax MAX Challenge Mini champion → became world's youngest winner in the Mini category at age 10.
  • India-Canada commercial pacts → CEPA talks → target conclusion by end-2026.
  • India-Maldives currency swap → Rs 3,000 crore rollover → under SAARC currency-swap framework 2024-27.
  • India-Myanmar cooperation → five QIP MoUs → signed under Mekong-Ganga Cooperation.

 


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Frequently Asked Questions

How much investment was approved for five ITI clusters under PM-SETU in October 2026?
The National Steering Committee approved five Strategic Investment Plans worth Rs 1,194.92 crore under PM-SETU. The approvals covered ITI clusters in Odisha, Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir and raised total sanctioned investment to Rs 3,687 crore.
What is the main message of the World Development Report 2026 on Artificial Intelligence?
The World Development Report 2026 is titled The Promise of Artificial Intelligence. It proposes an Adopt, Adapt and Advance framework and recommends affordable AI access, stronger infrastructure and skills, risk-based regulation and wider use of AI in public services.
When and where is Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 being conducted?
The fifth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND began at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on 19 October 2026 and is scheduled to continue until 1 November 2026. India and Australia are the main participants, while New Zealand is participating as an observer for the first time.
What changes has SEBI made to the Closing Auction Session in the equity cash market?
SEBI's revised Closing Auction Session will run as a separate 10-minute session from 3:30 PM to 3:40 PM. It includes three phases governing reference-price calculation and the placement, modification and cancellation of limit and market orders, with the new framework effective from 7 December 2026.
What is Japan's MMX mission?
MMX stands for Martian Moons eXploration and is a JAXA mission targeting Phobos, one of Mars's moons. It aims to collect at least 10 grams of surface material and return the samples to Earth in 2031.
What milestone did the UDAN scheme complete in October 2026?
The UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme completed ten years in October 2026. It was launched on 21 October 2016 to make air travel affordable and improve connectivity to underserved and unserved airports in India.
Who was appointed Chairperson of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau in October 2026?
Subhas Chandra Lal Das was appointed part-time Chairperson of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau on 16 October 2026. His tenure is three years, and FSIB recommends candidates for senior leadership roles in public-sector financial institutions.
What record did Mona Agarwal achieve at the 2026 Asian Para Games?
Mona Agarwal won gold in the women's 10-metre air rifle standing SH1 event with a final score of 250.0 points. She also set a new Asian Para Games qualification record by scoring 629.1 points, while Avani Lekhara won the silver medal.
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