Daily Current Affairs Quiz 16 October 2026: 15 Important GK MCQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams

Question 1

What total outlay was approved for continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31?

Accepted Answer

Rs 53,428 crore - The Union Cabinet approved an outlay of Rs 53,428 crore for continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31. • New name → Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana • Coverage → approximately 3.20 crore beneficiaries • Original launch → 15 August 1995 • Nodal department → Department of Rural Development • Benchmark-disability eligibility reportedly revised from 80% to 40% Static GK link: The programme is linked with the social-assistance principle contained in Article 41 of the Constitution, which concerns public assistance in specified circumstances.

Question 2

From which date are the proposed Bharat Stage VII emission standards for passenger cars planned to begin?

Accepted Answer

1 April 2029 - The Centre proposed introduction of Bharat Stage VII emission standards for passenger cars from 1 April 2029 . • Proposed standard → BS-VII • First phase → 1 April 2029 • Further stages mentioned → 2032 and 2035 • Scope includes exhaust, brake and tyre emissions • Battery durability and real-world emissions monitoring are also proposed Static GK link: Bharat Stage standards regulate vehicle emissions in India. The supplied article explicitly presents BS-VII as a proposal , not as a standard already in force.

Question 3

How many states will have permanent representation in the new GST Standing Committee?

Accepted Answer

5 - The new GST Standing Committee will have five permanent state members : Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. • Total state representation → 12 • Permanent positions → 5 • Rotating positions → 7 • Rotation period → every two years • Registered GST taxpayers cited → approximately 1.7 crore Static GK link: GST is a destination-based indirect tax on the supply of goods and services. Technology, return filing and invoice matching form important parts of GST compliance.

Question 4

Which organisation developed the Shipbuilding Project Credit Risk Insurance Policy for export-oriented shipbuilding projects?

Accepted Answer

ECGC Limited - The Shipbuilding Project Credit Risk Insurance Policy (SbPCP) for export-oriented shipbuilding projects was developed by ECGC Limited . • Export product → SbPCP • Developer → ECGC Limited • Domestic product → Business Credit Shield Policy - Shipbuilders • Domestic-policy developer → New India Assurance Company Limited • Launch → during the 21st Maritime State Development Council meeting in Mumbai Static GK link: Credit-risk insurance protects against specified payment risks. In shipbuilding, such coverage can improve financial confidence for long-duration and high-value projects.

Question 5

The India Meteorological Department functions under which ministry?

Accepted Answer

Ministry of Earth Sciences - The India Meteorological Department functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences . IMD launched a WebGIS-based Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System. • Platform → interactive WebGIS DSS • Functions include cyclone tracks and intensity forecasts • It also displays rainfall warnings and storm-surge forecasts • Catchment-level rainfall information supports flood preparedness • IMD was established in 1875 Static GK link: A Decision Support System combines data and analytical tools to help authorities interpret information and make operational decisions, especially during disasters.

Question 6

IBSAMAR IX is a trilateral maritime exercise involving India, Brazil and which country?

Accepted Answer

South Africa - IBSAMAR IX is conducted by India, Brazil and South Africa . The 2026 edition was held at Simon's Town, South Africa, from 12-22 October 2026 . • Framework → IBSA • Indian ship → INS Tarkash • Indian aviation asset → Chetak helicopter • Exercise series began → 2008 • Activities include surface, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare drills Static GK link: IBSA brings together India, Brazil and South Africa. IBSAMAR is an important maritime-defence component of cooperation among the three countries.

Question 7

According to SEBI's Common Advertisement Code, the new framework becomes effective after what period from notification?

Accepted Answer

180 days - SEBI's Common Advertisement Code becomes effective after 180 days from notification. The supplied article gives the reported effective date as 8 April 2027 . • Regulator → SEBI • Celebrity branding → permitted at entity level subject to conditions • Product-specific celebrity endorsements → restricted • Prescribed disclaimers are required • Celebrity-endorsement costs cannot be charged to clients or mutual-fund schemes Static GK link: SEBI regulates India's securities market and market intermediaries. Advertising rules seek to ensure that promotional communication does not mislead investors about financial products or services.

Question 8

The RBI reduced the forex-derivative threshold without underlying exposure from USD 100 million to what amount?

Accepted Answer

USD 5 million - The RBI reportedly reduced the threshold for specified foreign-exchange derivative transactions without underlying exposure from USD 100 million to USD 5 million . • Regulator → Reserve Bank of India • Special dollar window beneficiaries → IOCL, HPCL and BPCL • Effective date cited → 12 October 2026 • Rebooking of cancelled INR-linked derivative contracts was restricted Static GK link: A foreign-exchange derivative derives its value from currency exchange rates and can be used for hedging or, within regulatory limits, other market exposures.

Question 9

Where did DRDO test its Quantum Key Distribution platform on a live military network?

Accepted Answer

Chandipur, Odisha - DRDO tested its Quantum Key Distribution platform on the live network of the Proof & Experimental Establishment at Chandipur, Odisha , on 14 October 2026 . • Organisation → DRDO • Test site → PXE, Chandipur • Production partner → Taqbit Labs, Bengaluru • Application → securing telemetry and observations from weapon trials Static GK link: Quantum Key Distribution uses quantum properties to establish cryptographic keys. Interception attempts can disturb the quantum state and therefore be detectable.

Question 10

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, where the return of Asiatic lions was highlighted after about 144 years, is located in which state?

Accepted Answer

Gujarat - Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Gujarat . A recent study highlighted the return and presence of Asiatic lions there after nearly 144 years . • Species → Asiatic lion • Scientific name → Panthera leo persica • Primary stronghold → Gir landscape, Gujarat • Conservation significance → development of an additional habitat outside the core Gir landscape Static GK link: Expanding habitat beyond a single landscape can reduce ecological concentration risk. Long-term conservation still depends on prey availability, habitat quality and monitoring.

Question 11

How many Nagastra-1R loitering munitions were delivered to the Indian Army by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited?

Accepted Answer

450 - Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited delivered 450 Nagastra-1R loitering munitions to the Indian Army. • System → Nagastra-1R • Type → man-portable loitering munition • Indigenous content → more than 80% • Reported endurance → up to 60 minutes • Procurement route → Emergency Procurement process Static GK link: A loitering munition can remain airborne while searching for a target and then conduct a precision strike, combining surveillance and attack functions.

Question 12

ReNew secured a USD 100 million debt facility for renewable-energy projects from which institution?

Accepted Answer

FMO - ReNew secured a USD 100 million debt facility from FMO , the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, for renewable-energy projects under construction in India. • Borrower → ReNew Solar Power Private Limited • Tenure → 10 years • Financing structure → rupee-denominated under the Voluntary Retention Route • Qualification → 2X Challenge Static GK link: The 2X Challenge links investment with women's economic participation and empowerment. Long-tenure financing is particularly relevant for capital-intensive renewable-energy projects.

Question 13

Who was elected the first President of the Indian UniSport Federation?

Accepted Answer

Achyuta Samanta - Achyuta Samanta was unanimously elected the first President of the Indian UniSport Federation at its inaugural Annual General Meeting in New Delhi. • Organisation → Indian UniSport Federation • Abbreviation → IUSF • Secretary General → Binu George Varghese • Treasurer → Bhasker Shukla • Samanta is the founder of KIIT and KISS Static GK link: University-sports bodies help create pathways for student athletes through organised competitions, talent identification and links with elite sporting systems.

Question 14

The International Day of Rural Women is observed every year on which date?

Accepted Answer

15 October - The International Day of Rural Women is observed on 15 October . • 2026 theme → Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature • UNGA resolution → A/RES/62/136 • First observed → 15 October 2008 • Focus → agriculture, food security and sustainable rural development Static GK link: The observance recognises the contribution of rural and indigenous women to food systems, agricultural livelihoods and environmental stewardship.

Question 15

ICMR's first High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research Centre is planned at which location?

Accepted Answer

Keylong, Himachal Pradesh - ICMR's first High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research Centre is planned at Keylong, Himachal Pradesh . • Foundation stone laid by → Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda • Organisation → Indian Council of Medical Research • Research partners include AFMS and AIIMS Bilaspur • Areas include acclimatisation, altitude illness, maternal and newborn health, nutrition and NCDs • Telemedicine, drones and digital-health tools are expected to support remote healthcare Static GK link: High-altitude medicine studies the effects of reduced atmospheric pressure and oxygen availability on the human body, including acclimatisation and altitude-related illness.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz 16 October 2026: 15 Important GK MCQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams

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Daily Current Affairs Quiz 16 October 2026: 15 Important GK MCQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams

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Bharathi

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