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PIB Digest & Quiz: 2026-10-14 Daily Verified Archive Editorial Digest Included

Current Affairs Test — October 15, 2026

Dedicated daily current affairs & news roundup test for October 15, 2026.

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Verified PIB Daily Editorial Digest

Coverage: 14 October 2026Press Information Bureau (PIB)Daily Executive Brief

Daily PIB Summary — 14 October 2026

# Daily PIB Summary & Comprehensive UPSC Dossier (14 October 2026)

1. Governance, Social Schemes & Welfare

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Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PM-SSY): The Union Cabinet approved the continuation and renaming of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) for five years (2026–27 to 2030–31) with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore. Key sub-schemes have been renamed, including the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme to Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, and the Disability Pension to Pradhan Mantri Divyangjan Pension Yojana. Under Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), the Central Government provides uniform central assistance. Furthermore, in compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the benchmark disability criterion for pension has been reduced from 80% to 40%, with assistance mandated to be 25% higher than related categories. Access the official release here.
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Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB): The Union Cabinet approved a 78 days PLB amounting to ₹2,009.61 crore for 11,40,770 non-gazetted railway employees, acknowledging a record freight loading of 1,670 Million Tonnes and 7.41 billion passengers carried in 2025–26. Check details here.
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Multi-State Cooperative Societies Audit Framework: The Ministry of Cooperation mandated the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Auditor’s Report) Order, 2026 (MSCARO, 2026) under Section 73(6) of the Multi-State Co-operative Societies (Amendment) Act, 2023. Modelled on corporate governance frameworks like CARO and formulated in consultation with the RBI, ICAI, and CAG, this risk-based auditing standard aims to enforce transparency, track NPAs, and integrate digital monitoring through the CRCS Portal. Read the official notification here.

2. Economy, Finance & Infrastructure

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Wholesale Price Index (WPI) & Producer Price Index (PPI): All-India WPI inflation for September 2026 rose to 11.39% compared to 9.92% in August 2026, driven primarily by primary articles, mineral oils, and manufactured products. Detailed statistics and data series are available at the Office of the Economic Adviser.
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Strategic Restructuring of IDBI Bank Ltd.: The Cabinet approved the strategic disinvestment and restructuring of IDBI Bank Ltd., with M/s 10955230 Canada Inc. (parent entity Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd.) approved as the strategic buyer for a purchase consideration of ₹52,878.08 crore. This marks the largest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India's financial sector. Review the FAQs here.
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BHAVYA Scheme for Industrial Infrastructure: The Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA), notified with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore, aims to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks nationwide over a six-year period (2026–27 to 2031–32) to boost domestic manufacturing, streamline logistics, and strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Read the backgrounder here.
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BIS Silver Refinery Scheme & Standardization: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) launched the Silver Refinery Scheme under IS 2112:2025, establishing a national hallmarking and purity standard (999.9, 999.5, and 999.0 parts per thousand) for silver bullion and coins. Access updates here.

3. International Relations, Defence & Security

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Accession to SIOFA: The Central Government approved India's accession to the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) as a Contracting Party. This milestone grants Indian-flagged vessels legitimate fishing rights in international high seas for species such as squids and toothfish, expanding the nation's Blue Economy footprint alongside its long-standing membership in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) under UNCLOS provisions. Read the release here.
•
ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum: At the inaugural forum in New Delhi, the Raksha Mantri emphasized upholding international law, respecting sovereignty, and fostering defense industrial co-development, co-production, and technological resilience in autonomous and cyber systems across the Indo-Pacific. Details are available here.
•
Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154) Command: The Indian Navy successfully completed its maiden command of the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) multinational training task force in Bahrain, executing over 7,800 training hours across 39 nations during its tenure. Official coverage can be found here.

4. Science, Technology & Environment

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TDB Support for Heavy-Lift UAVs: The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) signed an agreement with ideaForge Technology Limited providing ₹151 crore in financial support under the RDI Scheme to develop YETI, an indigenous heavy-lift autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL-FW UAV) logistics vehicle capable of carrying 200 kg payloads across a 200 km range. Read the announcement here.
•
Ladakh Infrastructure & Heritage Projects: The Prime Minister inaugurated five major development projects worth ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh, including the strategic 298-km Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) via the Shinkun La Pass, India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Leh, and Project Him Sarovar water conservation reservoirs. Official details are listed here.

Archived MCQs & Explanations (15 Questions)

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Question 1 of 15Ministry of Commerce & Industry / PIB (12 October 2026)

During the 16th meeting of the India–UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), the commerce minister called for doubling bilateral trade between the two nations by which target year?

भारत-यूके संयुक्त आर्थिक और व्यापार समिति (JETCO) की 16वीं बैठक के दौरान, वाणिज्य मंत्री ने किस लक्ष्य वर्ष तक दोनों देशों के बीच द्विपक्षीय व्यापार को दोगुना करने का आह्वान किया?

A2028
B2030Correct Key
C2032
D2035
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal called for doubling India-UK bilateral trade by 2030 during the 16th JETCO meeting following the implementation of CETA.

Question 2 of 15Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare / PIB (13 October 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding the Crop Residue Management (CRM) framework in India: 1. Under the CRM scheme, financial assistance is extended to State Governments for the distribution of crop residue management machinery and custom hiring centres. 2. In situ management of crop residue helps prevent the destruction of soil organic carbon and beneficial soil microorganisms compared to open-field burning. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

भारत में फसल अवशेष प्रबंधन (CRM) फ्रेमवर्क के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. CRM योजना के तहत, फसल अवशेष प्रबंधन मशीनरी और कस्टम हायरिंग सेंटर्स के वितरण के लिए राज्य सरकारों को वित्तीय सहायता दी जाती है। 2. खुले खेत में जलाने की तुलना में फसल अवशेष का इन-सिटू प्रबंधन मृदा जैविक कार्बन और लाभकारी सूक्ष्मजीवों के नष्ट होने से बचाता है। उपर्युक्त में से कौन सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?

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

Both statements are correct. The Central Government extends substantial financial support under the CRM scheme for machinery distribution. Stubble burning destroys essential soil nutrients and microflora, whereas in situ incorporation preserves soil health and organic carbon.

Question 3 of 15Ministry of Health and Family Welfare / PIB (12 October 2026)

The newly foundation-laid ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research is located at which of the following places?

नया आधारशिला रखा गया ICMR उच्च तुंगता चिकित्सा एवं जन स्वास्थ्य अनुसंधान केंद्र निम्नलिखित में से किस स्थान पर स्थित है?

ALeh, Ladakh
BKeylong, Himachal PradeshCorrect Key
CTawang, Arunachal Pradesh
DJoshimath, Uttarakhand
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda laid the foundation stone of the ICMR Centre for High Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research at Keylong, Himachal Pradesh.

Question 4 of 15President's Secretariat / PIB (12 October 2026)

According to the Press Communique issued by the President's Secretariat in October 2026, Shri Om Prakash Mathur, who was previously Governor of Sikkim, was appointed as the Governor of which state?

अक्टूबर 2026 में राष्ट्रपति सचिवालय द्वारा जारी प्रेस विज्ञप्ति के अनुसार, श्री ओम प्रकाश जो पहले सिक्किम के राज्यपाल थे, उन्हें किस राज्य का राज्यपाल नियुक्त किया गया?

ATamil Nadu
BKerala (Keralam)Correct Key
COdisha
DKarnataka
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Shri Om Prakash Mathur, Governor of Sikkim, was appointed as Governor of Keralam.

Question 5 of 15Ministry of Information & Broadcasting / PIB (12 October 2026)

The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026 is scheduled to be held in which city?

भारतीय अंतर्राष्ट्रीय फिल्म महोत्सव (IFFI) 2026 का 57वां संस्करण किस शहर में आयोजित किया जाना है?

AMumbai, Maharashtra
BPanaji, GoaCorrect Key
CThiruvananthapuram, Kerala
DChennai, Tamil Nadu
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2026 will be held in Panaji, Goa, from 20th to 28th November 2026.

Question 6 of 15Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (11 October 2026)

In India, Minimum Support Prices (MSP) are officially announced by the Central Government on the recommendations of which body?

भारत में न्यूनतम समर्थन मूल्य (MSP) आधिकारिक तौर पर किस निकाय की सिफारिशों पर केंद्र सरकार द्वारा घोषित किए जाते हैं?

AReserve Bank of India
BCommission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)Correct Key
CNITI Aayog
DNational Development Council
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Central Government announces MSPs based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).

Question 7 of 15Ministry of Science & Technology / PIB (13 October 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding the application of green-synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in wastewater treatment: 1. Green synthesis utilizes biological extracts (such as turmeric/curcumin) as reducing and stabilizing agents, avoiding toxic chemical reagents. 2. Combining photocatalysis with piezocatalysis helps suppress photogenerated electron-hole recombination, enhancing pollutant degradation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

अपशिष्ट जल उपचार में हरित-संश्लेषित जिंक ऑक्साइड (ZnO) नैनोकणों के अनुप्रयोग के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. हरित संश्लेषण में जैविक अर्क (जैसे हल्दी/ curcumin) का उपयोग अपचायक और स्थिरीकरण एजेंट के रूप में किया जाता है, जिससे विषैले रासायनिक अभिकर्मकों से बचा जाता है। 2. फोटोकैटलिसिस को पीजोकैटलिसिस के साथ संयोजित करने से इलेक्ट्रॉन-होल पुनर्संयोजन को दबाने में मदद मिलती है। उपर्युक्त में से कौन सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?

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

Both statements are correct. Green synthesis avoids harmful chemical reagents, and the integration of piezocatalytic mechanical stress suppresses electron-hole recombination to improve degradation efficiency.

Question 8 of 15Polity Static Dossier (11 October 2026)

Which Article of the Indian Constitution directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines?

भारतीय संविधान का कौन सा अनुच्छेद राज्य को आधुनिक और वैज्ञानिक तर्ज पर कृषि और पशुपालन को व्यवस्थित करने का निर्देश देता है?

AArticle 40
BArticle 44
CArticle 48Correct Key
DArticle 50
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Article 48 (a Directive Principle of State Policy) directs the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines.

Question 9 of 15Ministry of MSME / PIB (13 October 2026)

Consider the following statements about the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC): 1. It is a statutory body established under an Act of Parliament passed in 1956. 2. It functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

खादी और ग्रामोद्योग आयोग (KVIC) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. यह 1956 में पारित संसद के एक अधिनियम के तहत स्थापित एक वैधानिक निकाय है। 2. यह सूक्ष्म, लघु और मध्यम उद्यम मंत्रालय (MSME) के प्रशासनिक नियंत्रण के तहत कार्य करता है। उपर्युक्त में से कौन सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?

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

Both statements are correct. KVIC is a statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956, under the administrative purview of the Ministry of MSME.

Question 10 of 15Polity Static Dossier (11 October 2026)

Which Constitutional Amendment Act added fundamental duties to the Constitution of India?

किस संविधान संशोधन अधिनियम ने भारत के संविधान में मौलिक कर्तव्यों को जोड़ा?

A42nd Amendment Act, 1976Correct Key
B44th Amendment Act, 1978
C86th Amendment Act, 2002
D73rd Amendment Act, 1992
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 introduced Part IV-A and Article 51A, incorporating Fundamental Duties into the Constitution.

Question 11 of 15Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (11 October 2026)

The 'Fit India Movement' was officially launched by the Government of India in which year?

भारत सरकार द्वारा आधिकारिक तौर पर 'फिट इंडिया मूवमेंट' किस वर्ष शुरू किया गया था?

A2017
B2019Correct Key
C2021
D2023
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Fit India Movement was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2019 to make physical fitness a daily lifestyle habit.

Question 12 of 15Ministry of Law and Justice / Polity Dossier (11 October 2026)

Which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India relates to the establishment and constitution of Supreme Court?

भारत के संविधान का निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा अनुच्छेद उच्चतम न्यायालय की स्थापना और गठन से संबंधित है?

AArticle 124Correct Key
BArticle 131
CArticle 143
DArticle 148
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Article 124 of the Constitution of India provides for the establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court.

Question 13 of 15Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment / PIB (12 October 2026)

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing the SMILE–Beggary Scheme with an ambitious target of making how many cities begging-free by 2031?

सामाजिक न्याय और अधिकारिता मंत्रालय SMILE-भिक्षुक योजना को लागू कर रहा है, जिसका 2031 तक कितने शहरों को भिक्षावृत्ति मुक्त बनाने का महत्वाकांक्षी लक्ष्य है?

A50 cities
B75 cities
C100 citiesCorrect Key
D150 cities
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Under the SMILE–Beggary Scheme for FY 2026–31, the Government has set an ambitious target of making 100 cities Begging-Free by 2031.

Question 14 of 15Geography Static Dossier (11 October 2026)

Which of the following major river basins forms extensive deltaic plains in West Bengal?

निम्नलिखित में से कौन सी प्रमुख नदी बेसिन पश्चिम बंगाल में व्यापक डेल्टा मैदान बनाती है?

AGanga-Brahmaputra BasinCorrect Key
BGodavari Basin
CNarmada Basin
DMahanadi Basin
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Ganga-Brahmaputra river system forms the massive Ganga-Brahmaputra delta covering large parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Question 15 of 15Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation / PIB (12 October 2026)

What is the provisional headline retail inflation rate based on All India Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September 2026?

सितंबर 2026 के लिए अखिल भारतीय उपभोक्ता मूल्य सूचकांक (CPI) पर आधारित अनंतिम हेडलाइन खुदरा मुद्रास्फीति दर क्या है?

A4.21%
B5.02%
C5.54%Correct Key
D6.12%
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Retail inflation based on Consumer Price Index in September 2026 was recorded at 5.54% (provisional).

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