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PIB Digest & Quiz: 2026-09-30 Daily Verified Archive Editorial Digest Included

Current Affairs Test — October 01, 2026

Dedicated daily current affairs & news roundup test for October 01, 2026.

Verified PIB Daily Editorial Digest

Coverage: 30 September 2026Press Information Bureau (PIB)Daily Executive Brief

Daily PIB Summary — 30 September 2026

1. Energy, Environment & Infrastructure

•
Green Energy Corridor Phase-III (GEC-III): The Union Cabinet approved the GEC-III scheme with a total outlay of ₹1,86,405 crore (including ₹54,082 crore in Central Financial Assistance) to evacuate up to 135 GW of renewable energy and deploy 50 GWh of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) by FY 2032-33. PIB Link
•
National Coastal Mission 2.0 (NCM 2.0): Launched with an approved Central Sector outlay of ₹767 crore to be implemented across 9 coastal States and 4 UTs until 2030-31 to strengthen coastal resilience and harness the Blue Economy. PIB Link
•
New CAFE Norms Notified: The Ministry of Power notified revised Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms for passenger vehicles effective from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2032, requiring a 16.7% improvement in fuel efficiency benchmarks. PIB Link

2. Economy, Agriculture & Industry

•
Rabi Crops MSP for Marketing Season 2027-28: CCEA approved increased Minimum Support Prices, with the highest absolute increase for Safflower (₹675/quintal) and Rapeseed & Mustard (₹413/quintal), maintaining margins at at least 1.5 times the weighted average Cost of Production. PIB Link
•
Annual Survey of Industries (ASI 2024-25): Released by MoSPI, showing registered manufacturing output growth of 7.81% and total employment surpassing 2.10 crore (a 7.19% increase), with Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Gujarat leading establishments. PIB Link
•
Ayush Services Sector Study: A RIS study estimated the Ayush services economy at US$36.92 billion in FY25, exhibiting a 16.91% CAGR since FY23 and supporting 1.76 million livelihoods. PIB Link

3. Polity, Governance & Security

•
UPSC Centenary Celebrations ('Manthan'): Marking 100 years since establishment in 1926 under the Government of India Act, 1919, featuring digital initiatives like AI-based facial authentication and the *Pratibha Setu* platform. PIB Link
•
Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026: Modernized legal framework coming into force on October 1, 2026, replacing the 1891 Act to establish technology-neutral admissibility and standard certification for electronic and digital banking records. PIB Link
•
Major Narcotics Seizure: Joint operation by Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard, and central intelligence agencies seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin from an Iranian boat in India's EEZ, arresting 5 Pakistani nationals. PIB Link

Archived MCQs & Explanations (15 Questions)

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Question 1 of 15National Current Affairs — August 2026

Which city was announced as the host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, where Neeraj Chopra officially received the Commonwealth Flag?

2030 राष्ट्रमंडल खेलों के मेजबान के रूप में किस शहर की घोषणा की गई थी, जहाँ नीरज चोपड़ा ने आधिकारिक तौर पर राष्ट्रमंडल ध्वज प्राप्त किया?

ANew Delhi
BAhmedabadCorrect Key
CMumbai
DHyderabad
Explanation & Analytical Context:

• India officially took over as host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, with Neeraj Chopra receiving the Commonwealth Flag.

Question 2 of 15Ministry of Electronics & IT (30 September 2026)

'CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad', recently launched to enable AI-powered multilingual translation of official documents, is an initiative associated with which of the following bodies?

आधिकारिक दस्तावेजों के एआई-संचालित बहुभाषी अनुवाद को सक्षम करने के लिए हाल ही में शुरू किया गया 'CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad', निम्नलिखित में से किस निकाय से जुड़ी एक पहल है?

AComptroller and Auditor General of India and Digital India BHASHINI DivisionCorrect Key
BNITI Aayog and Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
CElection Commission of India and National Informatics Centre (NIC)
DUnion Public Service Commission and Ministry of Electronics and IT
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Digital India BHASHINI Division and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India launched 'CAG-BHASHINI Anuvaad' to enable AI-powered multilingual translation of official documents.

Question 3 of 15National Current Affairs — August 2026

What is the scientific name of the domestic yak, often referred to as the “Ship of the Himalayas”?

घरेलू याक का वैज्ञानिक नाम क्या है, जिसे अक्सर “हिमालय का जहाज” कहा जाता है?

ABos taurus
BBos grunniensCorrect Key
CBubalus bubalis
DOvis ammon
Explanation & Analytical Context:

• The scientific name of the domestic yak is *Bos grunniens*.

Question 4 of 15Ministry of Science & Technology (30 September 2026)

The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME) telescope, recently in the news for mapping the earliest glow of hydrogen from five billion years ago, is primarily designed to study:

कैनेडियन हाइड्रोजन इंटेंसिटी मैपिंग एक्सपेरिमेंट (CHIME) टेलीस्कोप, जो पांच अरब साल पहले हाइड्रोजन की शुरुआती चमक को मैप करने के लिए हाल ही में चर्चा में रहा है, मुख्य रूप से किसका अध्ययन करने के लिए डिज़ाइन किया गया है?

ASolar flare activities and coronal mass ejections
BCosmic expansion and dark energy using hydrogen gas distributionCorrect Key
CExoplanetary atmospheres within the Milky Way galaxy
DBlack hole accretion disks in nearby galaxies
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The CHIME interferometric radio telescope was built to map the distribution of neutral hydrogen gas in the early universe, allowing astronomers to calculate cosmic expansion and investigate dark energy.

Question 5 of 15Department of Pharmaceuticals (30 September 2026)

Under the 'Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech' (PRIP) Scheme, the newly introduced 'New Discovery Track' aims to provide financial assistance up to what maximum limit for early-stage novel drug discovery projects?

'फार्मा और मेडटेक में अनुसंधान और नवाचार को बढ़ावा देने' (PRIP) योजना के तहत, शुरुआती चरण के नए ड्रग डिस्कवरी प्रोजेक्ट्स के लिए वित्तीय सहायता किस अधिकतम सीमा तक प्रदान करने के लिए हाल ही में 'न्यू डिस्कवरी ट्रैक' की घोषणा की गई है?

ARs. 10 crore
BRs. 25 crore
CRs. 50 croreCorrect Key
DRs. 100 crore
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Department of Pharmaceuticals announced a New Discovery Track under the PRIP Scheme offering financial assistance of up to Rs. 50 crore per company/project/portfolio of projects to support startups and MSMEs in early-stage novel drug discovery.

Question 6 of 15Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (30 September 2026)

The World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG 2026), held in New Delhi, is significant because:

नई दिल्ली में आयोजित गैस्ट्रोएंटरोलोजी की विश्व कांग्रेस (WCOG 2026) क्यों महत्वपूर्ण है?

AIt is being hosted in India for the first time.Correct Key
BIt was jointly convened by the United Nations General Assembly and WHO.
CIt exclusively focuses on eradicating vector-borne tropical diseases.
DIt marks the centenary celebration of global gastroenterology research.
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda addressed the World Congress of Gastroenterology (WCOG 2026) in New Delhi, which is being held in India for the first time under the theme 'Transforming Gastrointestinal Health, Preserving Nature'.

Question 7 of 15Ministry of Commerce & Industry / DGFT Trade Notice (07 07 September 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding the Certificate of Origin (CoO) and the recently introduced Open API facility on the Trade Connect e-Platform: 1. Preferential Certificates of Origin are issued under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) to enable exporters to claim tariff concessions. 2. Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin provide tariff benefits in the importing country for customs clearance and trade remedies. 3. The Open API facility allows exporters to integrate their Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software directly with the DGFT's CoO system, eliminating repetitive data entry. Which of the statements given above are correct?

उत्पत्ति प्रमाण पत्र (CoO) और ट्रेड कनेक्ट ई-प्लेटफॉर्म पर हाल ही में शुरू की गई ओपन एपीआई सुविधा के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. Preferential CoO, FTA और RTA के तहत जारी किए जाते हैं ताकि निर्यातकों को शुल्क रियायतें मिलने का दावा करने में सक्षम बनाया जा सके। 2. Non-Preferential CoO सीमा शुल्क निकासी और व्यापार उपचार के लिए आयातित देश में शुल्क लाभ प्रदान करते हैं। 3. ओपन एपीआई सुविधा निर्यातकों को अपने एंटरप्राइज़ रिसोर्स प्लानिंग (ERP) सॉफ्टवेयर को सीधे DGFT के CoO सिस्टम के साथ एकीकृत करने की अनुमति देती है। उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-से सही हैं?

A1 and 3 onlyCorrect Key
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 2 only
D1, 2 and 3
Explanation & Analytical Context:

• **Statement 1 is correct**: Preferential CoOs are issued under FTAs, RTAs, and PTAs to claim applicable tariff concessions in the importing country. • **Statement 2 is incorrect**: Non-Preferential CoOs are issued for customs clearance, compliance, and trade remedies *without* providing tariff benefits. • **Statement 3 is correct**: The Open API facility enables direct integration of ERP or accounting software with the DGFT platform to transfer application data electronically.

Question 8 of 15Ministry of Mines (30 September 2026)

The auction of offshore mineral blocks in the Andaman Sea region is conducted under the provisions of which primary legislation?

अंडमान सागर क्षेत्र में अपतटीय खनिज ब्लॉकों की नीलामी किस प्रमुख कानून के प्रावधानों के तहत की जाती है?

AMines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957
BOffshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002Correct Key
CTerritorial Waters, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and Other Maritime Zones Act, 1976
DAtomic Energy Act, 1962
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The auction of offshore mineral blocks, including those in the Andaman Sea region, is conducted under the provisions of the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 and the Offshore Areas Mineral (Auction) Rules, 2024.

Question 9 of 15Ministry of Law and Justice (30 September 2026)

The Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026, which comes into force to replace the colonial-era legislation of 1891, primarily aims to:

बैंकर बुक्स एविडेंस अधिनियम, 2026, जो 1891 के औपनिवेशिक कानून को प्रतिस्थापित करने के लिए लागू हुआ है, का मुख्य उद्देश्य क्या है?

ANationalize all scheduled commercial banks operating within India.
BEstablish a technology-neutral framework recognizing electronic and digital banking records as legal evidence.Correct Key
CMandate mandatory physical attendance of bank officers in all civil lawsuits across India.
DDissolve the regulatory powers of the Reserve Bank of India over cooperative financial institutions.
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Bankers Books Evidence Act, 2026 replaces the 1891 Act and introduces a technology-neutral framework covering physical, electronic, and digital banking records with standardised provisions for authentication, while protecting bank officials from routine court appearances.

Question 10 of 15Ministry of Education / PIB (29 September 2026)

According to the benchmark set by the Department of School Education and Literacy, a State or Union Territory is considered to have attained 'full literacy' when its literacy rate reaches:

स्कूल शिक्षा और साक्षरता विभाग द्वारा निर्धारित मानक के अनुसार, किसी राज्य या केंद्र शासित प्रदेश को 'पूर्ण साक्षर' कब माना जाता है जब उसकी साक्षरता दर पहुंच जाती है:

A90%
B95%Correct Key
C98%
D100%
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, considers 95% literacy in a State or Union Territory as equivalent to full literacy.

Question 11 of 15Ministry of Labour & Employment (30 September 2026)

The 'Shram Samvad' district-level capacity building and awareness programmes recently organized by the Ministry of Labour & Employment focus primarily on:

श्रम और रोजगार मंत्रालय द्वारा हाल ही में आयोजित 'श्रम संवाद' जिला-स्तरीय क्षमता निर्माण और जागरूकता कार्यक्रम मुख्य रूप से किस पर केंद्रित हैं?

AImplementation framework, key provisions, and compliance requirements under the four Labour CodesCorrect Key
BComplete privatization of Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) services
CPhasing out all unorganised sector social security pensions
DEstablishing mandatory corporate quotas for agricultural employment
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Ministry of Labour & Employment organized 'Shram Samvad' programmes across districts to build awareness among employers and industry stakeholders about the four Labour Codes and Central Rules.

Question 12 of 15Ministry of Tribal Affairs (29 September 2026)

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs signed an MoU for the documentation, digitisation, and preservation of intangible tribal cultural heritage with which institution?

जनजातीय कार्य मंत्रालय ने अमूर्त जनजातीय सांस्कृतिक विरासत के दस्तावेजीकरण, डिजिटलीकरण और संरक्षण के लिए किस संस्थान के साथ समझौता ज्ञापन पर हस्ताक्षर किए?

ASangeet Natak Akademi
BSahitya Akademi
CArchaeological Survey of India (ASI)
DIndira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)Correct Key
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous trust under the Ministry of Culture, signed an MoU for preserving and digitizing tribal folklore, languages, and customary practices.

Question 13 of 15PIB Backgrounder / Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (30 September 2026)

Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U), what does 'Water Plus' certification primarily signify for an urban local body?

स्वच्छ भारत मिशन-शहरी (SBM-U) के तहत, 'वाटर प्लस' प्रमाणन मुख्य रूप से किसी शहरी स्थानीय निकाय के लिए क्या दर्शाता है?

AAchievement of 100% groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting alone without sewage treatment
BEnsuring that no untreated wastewater flows into open drains or water bodies, with safe reuse of treated wastewaterCorrect Key
CUniversal supply of bottled drinking water to all households free of cost
DComplete abolition of municipal water tariffs for commercial establishments
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Water Plus certification certifies that a city has addressed wastewater management comprehensively, ensuring no untreated wastewater is discharged into open environments and that treated used water is recycled for productive uses.

Question 14 of 15Ministry of Power (30 September 2026)

Consider the following features of the newly notified Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Norms (2027-2032): 1. They introduce the Carbon Neutrality Factor (CNF) to recognize renewable and low-carbon fuels like ethanol-blended petrol and biofuels. 2. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) receive 'super credits' (volume derogation factors) in fleet-average calculations. 3. Low-volume manufacturers with annual sales below 1,000 units are exempted from fleet-average obligations. How many of the statements given above are correct?

हाल ही में अधिसूचित कॉर्पोरेट औसत ईंधन अर्थव्यवस्था (CAFE) मानदंडों (2027-2032) की निम्नलिखित विशेषताओं पर विचार कीजिए: 1. वे एथेनॉल-सिश्रित पेट्रोल और जैव ईंधन जैसे नवीकरणीय और निम्न-कार्बन ईंधनों को मान्यता देने के लिए कार्बन तटस्थता कारक (CNF) पेश करते हैं। 2. बैटरी इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों (BEVs) और प्लग-इन हाइब्रिड इलेक्ट्रिक वाहनों (PHEVs) को फ्लीट-औसत गणना में 'सुपर क्रेडिट' (वॉल्यूम डेलोगेशन कारक) प्राप्त होते हैं। 3. 1,000 इकाइयों से कम वार्षिक बिक्री वाले कम-वॉल्यूम निर्माताओं को फ्लीट-औसत दायित्वों से छूट दी गई है। उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कितने कथन सही हैं?

AOnly one
BOnly two
CAll threeCorrect Key
DNone
Explanation & Analytical Context:

All three features are incorporated into the newly notified CAFE framework (2027-2032) to provide flexibility, encourage alternative fuels, incentivize EVs/hybrids through super credits, and exempt low-volume manufacturers (<1,000 units).

Question 15 of 15Ministry of Science & Technology (30 September 2026)

Regarding the National Quantum Mission (NQM) in India, consider the following statements: 1. The mission envisages setting up thematic hubs across premier scientific research institutions. 2. India has already achieved 1,000-km quantum secure communication in about three years under the mission. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

भारत में राष्ट्रीय क्वांटम मिशन (NQM) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. इस मिशन में प्रमुख वैज्ञानिक अनुसंधान संस्थानों में विषयगत केंद्र (hubs) स्थापित करने की परिकल्पना की गई है। 2. भारत ने मिशन के तहत लगभग तीन वर्षों में पहले ही 1,000 किमी क्वांटम सुरक्षित संचार हासिल कर लिया है। उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन सा/से सही है/हैं?

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2Correct Key
DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The National Quantum Mission includes four thematic hubs at IISc Bengaluru, IIT Madras, IIT Bombay, and IIT Delhi, and has successfully achieved 1,000-km quantum secure communication within roughly three years. Both statements are correct.