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PIB Digest & Quiz: 2026-10-15 Daily Verified Archive Editorial Digest Included

Current Affairs Test — October 16, 2026

Dedicated daily current affairs & news roundup test for October 16, 2026.

Verified PIB Daily Editorial Digest

Coverage: 15 October 2026Press Information Bureau (PIB)Daily Executive Brief

Daily PIB Summary — 2026-10-15

# Daily PIB Summary — October 15, 2026

1. Health, Ayurveda & Traditional Medicine

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KAUMARACON-2026 & AYUSH Digital Initiatives: The Vice-President inaugurated the third international conference on Kaumarabhritya (KAUMARACON-2026) at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi. The event celebrated AIIA's 10th Foundation Day and highlighted the need for scientific validation of traditional medicine to boost global acceptance. Key digital initiatives launched include the Ayush Start-up Portal, AyuDIVA, the Vamana App, and the Panchakarma Assessment App. Read more on the PIB Release.

2. Defence, Security & Maritime Cooperation

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India-Korea Coast Guard High-Level Meeting: The 14th High-Level Meeting between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Korea Coast Guard (KCG) was held at Incheon, South Korea, focusing on Maritime Search and Rescue (M-SAR), Marine Pollution Response (MPR), and joint training. Details are available on the PIB Release.
•
Major Defence Contracts Signed: The Ministry of Defence inked contracts worth Rs 4,106 crore, including GSAT-7C communication satellite for the IAF (Rs 2,563 crore) and Varunastra Heavy Weight Torpedoes for the Navy (Rs 1,543 crore). Check the PIB Release.

3. Infrastructure & Regional Development

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Development Projects in Ladakh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundations for five key development projects worth Rs 3,350 crore in Ladakh. This includes the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport terminal featuring India's first geothermal heating, the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha road, the Hanu hydroelectric project, and 40 reservoirs under Project Amrit Him Sarovar. Read the PIB Release.
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NHAI Bridge Design Verification Policy: NHAI introduced a uniform system requiring independent checking of designs for major bridges and critical structures by IITs and empanelled technical institutions starting December 1, 2026. View the PIB Release.

4. Economy, Trade & Labour

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National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC): Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal launched the NSTCC at Vanijya Bhawan to strengthen data-driven monitoring, SCOMET application tracking, and trade intelligence. See the PIB Release.
•
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) September 2026: NSO released the PLFS Monthly Bulletin showing urban labour force participation rate (LFPR) at 50.7% and overall unemployment rate (UR) stable at 5.0%. Read the PIB Release.
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NITI Aayog Data Centre Evaluation Framework: Released to help States plan for sustainable data-centre growth across five pillars including power, water, and environmental sustainability. Read the PIB Release.

5. Environment & Biodiversity

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New Ramsar Sites Tally Reached 103: Sukhna Wetland (Chandigarh) and Sauj Jheel (Uttar Pradesh) have been designated as Ramsar sites, bringing India's total tally to 103. Details are on the PIB Release.

6. Social Welfare & Governance

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National SARAS Mela 2026: President Droupadi Murmu graced the National SARAS Mela in Vijayawada, interacting with Lakhpati Didis and highlighting the growth of Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) reaching over 10 crore members. Read the PIB Release.
•
NMMSS Orientation Workshop: The Ministry of Education organized a workshop to review the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme, which provides an annual scholarship of Rs 12,000 to meritorious students. Read the PIB Release.

Archived MCQs & Explanations (15 Questions)

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Question 1 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB (15 October 2026)

Find the missing number from the given alternatives: [28, 20, 7], [84, ?, 12], [45, 25, 9]?

निम्नलिखित विकल्पों में से लुप्त संख्या ज्ञात करें: [28, 20, 7], [84, ?, 12], [45, 25, 9]?

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

Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh have been designated as Ramsar Sites, bringing India's total Ramsar tally to 103.

Question 2 of 15TestMeNow Curated Prelims

Which Japanese grassroots organization of atomic bomb survivors (Hibakusha) from Hiroshima and Nagasaki was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize?

हिरोशिमा और नागासाकी के परमाणु बम जीवित बचे लोगों (हिबाकुशा) के किस जापानी जमीनी संगठन को वर्ष 2024 का नोबेल शांति पुरस्कार प्रदान किया गया?

ANihon HidankyoCorrect Key
BGensuikyo
CPeace Boat
DMayors for Peace
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Nihon Hidankyo, the Japanese confederation of A- and H-bomb sufferers organizations, won the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again.

Question 3 of 15Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare / PIB (15 October 2026)

Mahila Kisan Diwas is celebrated annually in India to recognize the contributions of women farmers on which date? (a) 15 October (b) 8 March (c) 5 June (d) 23 December

भारत में महिला किसानों के योगदान को मान्यता देने के लिए प्रतिवर्ष महिला किसान दिवस किस तारीख को मनाया जाता है? (a) 15 अक्टूबर (b) 8 मार्च (c) 5 जून (d) 23 दिसंबर

A15 OctoberCorrect Key
B8 March
C5 June
D23 December
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Mahila Kisan Diwas is celebrated across India on 15 October every year to highlight the vital role of women in agriculture and allied sectors.

Question 4 of 15Ministry of Commerce & Industry / PIB (15 October 2026)

What does 'SCOMET' stand for in India's foreign trade policy and export control regime? (a) Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (b) Strategic Council on Overseas Materials and Export Technologies (c) Special Committee on Operations, Mining, Energy and Trade (d) System for Compliance of Overseas Mining and Export Tariffs

भारत की विदेशी व्यापार नीति और निर्यात नियंत्रण व्यवस्था में 'SCOMET' का पूर्ण रूप क्या है? (a) स्पेशल केमिकल्स, ऑर्गेनिज्म्स, मटेरियल्स, उपकरण और प्रौद्योगिकियां (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies) (b) स्ट्रेटेजिक काउंसिल ऑन ओवरसीज मटेरियल्स एंड एक्सपोर्ट टेक्नोलॉजीज (c) स्पेशल कमेटी ऑन ऑपरेशंस, माइनिंग, एनर्जी एंड ट्रेड (d) सिस्टम फॉर कंप्लायंस ऑफ ओवरसीज माइनिंग एंड एक्सपोर्ट टैरिफ्स

ASpecial Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and TechnologiesCorrect Key
BStrategic Council on Overseas Materials and Export Technologies
CSpecial Committee on Operations, Mining, Energy and Trade
DSystem for Compliance of Overseas Mining and Export Tariffs
Explanation & Analytical Context:

SCOMET stands for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies, which are dual-use items regulated under India's export controls.

Question 5 of 15Ministry of Home Affairs / PIB (15 October 2026)

The 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' is primarily aimed at achieving which of the following objectives? (a) Eradication and control of substance abuse and illegal drug networks across the country (b) Promoting organic farming to replace chemical fertilizers (c) Eliminating single-use plastics from public spaces (d) Providing clean drinking water to all rural households

'नशा मुक्त भारत अभियान' का मुख्य उद्देश्य निम्नलिखित में से क्या प्राप्त करना है? (a) देश भर में मादक पदार्थों के सेवन और अवैध ड्रग नेटवर्क का उन्मूलन और नियंत्रण (b) रासायनिक उर्वरकों को बदलने के लिए जैविक खेती को बढ़ावा देना (c) सार्वजनिक स्थानों से सिंगल-यूज प्लास्टिक को खत्म करना (d) सभी ग्रामीण परिवारों को स्वच्छ पेयजल उपलब्ध कराना

AEradication and control of substance abuse and illegal drug networks across the countryCorrect Key
BPromoting organic farming to replace chemical fertilizers
CEliminating single-use plastics from public spaces
DProviding clean drinking water to all rural households
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan is a nationwide campaign aimed at tackling substance use, cracking down on drug networks, and raising awareness among youth.

Question 6 of 15NITI Aayog / PIB (15 October 2026)

The Data Centre Evaluation Framework has been recently released by which organization to help States plan for sustainable digital infrastructure? (a) NITI Aayog (b) TRAI (c) Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) (d) MeitY

राज्यों को टिकाऊ डिजिटल बुनियादी ढांचे की योजना बनाने में मदद करने के लिए हाल ही में डेटा सेंटर मूल्यांकन ढांचा किस संगठन द्वारा जारी किया गया है? (a) नीति आयोग (b) ट्राई (TRAI) (c) ऊर्जा दक्षता ब्यूरो (BEE) (d) MeitY

ANITI AayogCorrect Key
BTRAI
CBureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
DMeitY
Explanation & Analytical Context:

NITI Aayog’s Frontier Tech Hub released the Data Centre Evaluation Framework to guide States on infrastructure readiness, resource protection, and sustainable data-centre growth.

Question 7 of 15Ministry of Electronics & IT / PIB (15 October 2026)

The 'BHASHINI' initiative, often seen in news, is associated with which of the following? (a) Multilingual AI and Language-First Digital Public Infrastructure (b) National Supercomputing Grid deployment (c) Quantum cryptography research for defence communications (d) Automated translation of ancient Indian manuscripts only

चर्चा में रहने वाली 'भाषणि' (BHASHINI) पहल निम्नलिखित में से किससे संबंधित है? (a) बहुभाषी एआई और भाषा-प्रथम डिजिटल पब्लिक इन्फ्रास्ट्रक्चर (b) राष्ट्रीय सुपरकंप्यूटिंग ग्रिड की तैनाती (c) रक्षा संचार के लिए क्वांटम क्रिप्टोग्राफी अनुसंधान (d) केवल प्राचीन भारतीय पांडुलिपियों का स्वचालित अनुवाद

AMultilingual AI and Language-First Digital Public InfrastructureCorrect Key
BNational Supercomputing Grid deployment
CQuantum cryptography research for defence communications
DAutomated translation of ancient Indian manuscripts only
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Digital India BHASHINI Division under MeitY advances India's Language-First Digital Public Infrastructure, providing multilingual AI models, APIs, and voice/text translation across numerous Indian languages.

Question 8 of 15Ministry of Education / PIB (15 October 2026)

What is the primary objective of the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS)? (a) Providing financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to reduce dropouts after Class VIII (b) Providing overseas scholarships for higher education in science and technology (c) Funding digital infrastructure in rural government schools (d) Providing financial incentives exclusively for girl child education in higher secondary classes

राष्ट्रीय साधन-सह-मेधा छात्रवृत्ति योजना (NMMSS) का प्राथमिक उद्देश्य क्या है? (a) कक्षा VIII के बाद ड्रॉपआउट को कम करने के लिए आर्थिक रूप से कमजोर वर्गों के मेधावी छात्रों को वित्तीय सहायता प्रदान करना (b) विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी में उच्च शिक्षा के लिए विदेशी छात्रवृत्ति प्रदान करना (c) ग्रामीण सरकारी स्कूलों में डिजिटल बुनियादी ढांचे को वित्तपोषित करना (d) उच्च माध्यमिक कक्षाओं में विशेष रूप से बालिका शिक्षा के लिए वित्तीय प्रोत्साहन प्रदान करना

AProviding financial support to meritorious students from economically weaker sections to reduce dropouts after Class VIIICorrect Key
BProviding overseas scholarships for higher education in science and technology
CFunding digital infrastructure in rural government schools
DProviding financial incentives exclusively for girl child education in higher secondary classes
Explanation & Analytical Context:

NMMSS is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at providing financial support (Rs 12,000 per annum) to meritorious students of economically weaker sections to reduce dropouts after Class VIII and encourage continuation up to Class XII.

Question 9 of 15Ministry of Commerce & Industry / PIB (15 October 2026)

The National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC), recently launched in New Delhi, falls under the aegis of which Ministry? (a) Ministry of Finance (b) Ministry of External Affairs (c) Ministry of Commerce and Industry (d) Ministry of Corporate Affairs

नई दिल्ली में हाल ही में लॉन्च किया गया राष्ट्रीय रणनीतिक व्यापार कमांड सेंटर (NSTCC) किस मंत्रालय के अंतर्गत आता है? (a) वित्त मंत्रालय (b) विदेश मंत्रालय (c) वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय (d) कॉर्पोरेट मामलों का मंत्रालय

AMinistry of Finance
BMinistry of External Affairs
CMinistry of Commerce and IndustryCorrect Key
DMinistry of Corporate Affairs
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The NSTCC was launched by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to strengthen data-driven monitoring, trade intelligence, and evidence-based decision-making in international trade.

Question 10 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB (15 October 2026)

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) exercises jurisdiction over which of the following regions? (a) National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas (b) Entire Indo-Gangetic Plain (c) Coastal metropolitan cities of India (d) Mountainous districts of the Western Himalayas

वायु गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन आयोग (CAQM) निम्नलिखित में से किस क्षेत्र पर अधिकार क्षेत्र का प्रयोग करता है? (a) राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (NCR) और उससे लगे क्षेत्र (b) संपूर्ण गंगा का मैदान (c) भारत के तटीय महानगर (d) पश्चिमी हिमालय के पहाड़ी जिले

ANational Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areasCorrect Key
BEntire Indo-Gangetic Plain
CCoastal metropolitan cities of India
DMountainous districts of the Western Himalayas
Explanation & Analytical Context:

CAQM is statutory body established for better coordination, research, identification, and resolution of problems surrounding air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.

Question 11 of 15Prime Minister's Office / PIB (15 October 2026)

The Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road, frequently mentioned in news regarding strategic connectivity, connects which of the following regions? (a) Ladakh region (b) Arunachal Pradesh frontier areas (c) Sikkim to Nathu La pass (d) Kutch region in Gujarat

रणनीतिक कनेक्टिविटी के संबंध में समाचारों में अक्सर उल्लेखित निम्मू-पदुम-दर्चा सड़क निम्नलिखित में से किस क्षेत्र को जोड़ती है? (a) लद्दाख क्षेत्र (b) अरुणाचल प्रदेश सीमावर्ती क्षेत्र (c) सिक्किम से नाथू ला दर्रा (d) गुजरात में कच्छ क्षेत्र

ALadakh regionCorrect Key
BArunachal Pradesh frontier areas
CSikkim to Nathu La pass
DKutch region in Gujarat
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road is a vital strategic corridor in Ladakh dedicated recently to improve connectivity and reduce travel time in the region.

Question 12 of 15TestMeNow Curated Prelims

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton for foundational discoveries in which field?

जॉन जे. हॉपफील्ड और जेफ्री ई. हिंटन को किस क्षेत्र में मूलभूत खोजों के लिए वर्ष 2024 का भौतिकी का नोबेल पुरस्कार प्रदान किया गया?

AMachine learning with artificial neural networksCorrect Key
BQuantum entanglement in photon pairs
CAttosecond pulses of light for electron dynamics
DGravitational wave astronomy
Explanation & Analytical Context:

John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for foundational discoveries and inventions that enable machine learning with artificial neural networks based on physical principles like statistical mechanics.

Question 13 of 15Ministry of Finance / PIB (15 October 2026)

The 114th meeting of the Development Committee Plenary of the World Bank focused principally on which of the following agendas? (a) Private Capital Mobilisation and Jobs (b) Global Energy Transition and Fossil Fuel Subsidies (c) Post-Pandemic Debt Restructuring for Low-Income Nations (d) Artificial Intelligence Regulation Standards

विश्व बैंक की विकास समिति प्लेनरी की 114वीं बैठक मुख्य रूप से निम्नलिखित में से किस एजेंडे पर केंद्रित थी? (a) निजी पूंजी जुटाना और नौकरियां (Private Capital Mobilisation and Jobs) (b) वैश्विक ऊर्जा संक्रमण और जीवाश्म ईंधन सब्सिडी (c) कम आय वाले देशों के लिए महामारी के बाद का ऋण पुनर्गठन (d) आर्टिफिशियल इंटेलिजेंस विनियमन मानक

APrivate Capital Mobilisation and JobsCorrect Key
BGlobal Energy Transition and Fossil Fuel Subsidies
CPost-Pandemic Debt Restructuring for Low-Income Nations
DArtificial Intelligence Regulation Standards
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the 114th meeting of the Development Committee Plenary of the World Bank in Bangkok, where the core agenda was 'Private Capital Mobilisation and Jobs'.

Question 14 of 15Ministry of Science & Technology / PIB (15 October 2026)

The Technology Development Board (TDB) is a statutory body functioning under which Union Ministry? (a) Ministry of Science and Technology (b) Ministry of Commerce and Industry (c) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (d) Ministry of Heavy Industries

प्रौद्योगिकी विकास बोर्ड (TDB) किस केंद्रीय मंत्रालय के अंतर्गत काम करने वाला एक सांविधिक निकाय है? (a) विज्ञान और प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय (b) वाणिज्य और उद्योग मंत्रालय (c) इलेक्ट्रॉनिक्स और सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी मंत्रालय (d) भारी उद्योग मंत्रालय

AMinistry of Science and TechnologyCorrect Key
BMinistry of Commerce and Industry
CMinistry of Electronics and Information Technology
DMinistry of Heavy Industries
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Technology Development Board (TDB) is a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, promoting commercialization of indigenous technology.

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

The Swachhta Udyami Yojana is a financial assistance scheme associated with which of the following target groups? (a) Manual scavengers and sanitation workers for transitioning to self-employment (b) Rural artisans and traditional weavers (c) Women SHG entrepreneurs under Lakhpati Didi initiative (d) Tech startups in waste management

स्वच्छता उद्यमी योजना निम्नलिखित में से किस लक्षित समूह से जुड़ी वित्तीय सहायता योजना है? (a) स्व-रोजगार की ओर बढ़ने के लिए मैला ढोने वाले और स्वच्छता कर्मचारी (b) ग्रामीण कारीगर और पारंपरिक बुनकर (c) लखपति दीदी पहल के तहत महिला SHG उद्यमी (d) अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन में तकनीक स्टार्टअप

AManual scavengers and sanitation workers for transitioning to self-employmentCorrect Key
BRural artisans and traditional weavers
CWomen SHG entrepreneurs under Lakhpati Didi initiative
DTech startups in waste management
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY), a component of the NAMASTE Scheme under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, assists sanitation workers in procuring sanitation machinery and becoming entrepreneurs.