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PIB Digest & Quiz: 2026-10-17 Daily Verified Archive Editorial Digest Included

Current Affairs Test — October 18, 2026

Dedicated daily current affairs & news roundup test for October 18, 2026.

Verified PIB Daily Editorial Digest

Coverage: 17 October 2026Press Information Bureau (PIB)Daily Executive Brief

Daily PIB Summary — 17 October 2026

1. Health, Ayurveda & Infant Nutrition

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AIIA & Kaumarbhritya: The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) signed an MoU with Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (RAV) during KAUMARACON 2026, recognising AIIA's Department of Kaumarbhritya (Delhi and Goa) as a Centre of Excellence for RAV. Read more at the PIB Release.
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Menopausal Health: On World Menopause Day 2026, the Ministry of Ayush and CCRAS highlighted Ayurvedic frameworks (Rajonivritti) involving Rasayana therapies, yoga, and classical formulations like *Ashokarista* and *Amalaki Rasayana*. Detailed guidelines can be found in the CCRAS IEC Publication and PIB Release.
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Infant Nutrition Standards: FSSAI notified draft amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Regulations, 2026, strictly prohibiting the addition of sucrose and fructose in products intended for infants up to six months of age. Access the draft via the e-Gazette)/ViewPDF.aspx) and PIB Release.
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Anti-Cancer Drug Affordability: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) rationalised trade margins on 137 non-scheduled anti-cancer drugs, capping margins at 30% of the MRP, effectively reducing prices by up to 70%. Official details are hosted on the NPPA Website and PIB Release.

2. Infrastructure, Rail & Regional Connectivity

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Connecting Kashmir & USBRL Project: The monumental Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) integrates the Kashmir Valley into the national rail network. Engineering marvels include the Chenab Rail Bridge (world's highest railway arch bridge at 359 meters above the riverbed) and the Anji Khad Bridge (India's first cable-stayed railway bridge). Expanded Vande Bharat Express services now connect Jammu Tawi to Srinagar in under five hours. Strategic underground connectivity is spearheaded by the Zojila Tunnel and the Sonamarg (Z-Morh) Tunnel. Comprehensive data is outlined in the PIB Backgrounder.

3. Space Economy & Technology

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Commercial Space Sector: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh noted at a Bloomberg New Economy Forum roundtable that India's space economy is projected to surge to USD 40–45 billion over the next 7–8 years, catalysed by private sector reforms and IN-SPACe initiatives. Read the official update in the PIB Release.

4. Environment, Air Quality & Biodiversity

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CAQM Enforcement & Stubble Management: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reviewed NCR compliance, conducting 124 targeted inspections across industrial units, C&D sites, and DG sets. High-level teams also inspected stubble management and CRM machinery deployment in Punjab hotspots. Review the PIB Release on CAQM Enforcement and Stubble Management Review.
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Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS): The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) disbursed Rs 1.19 crore to 29 State Biodiversity Boards and one UT Council under the ABS mechanism derived from agricultural resource utilisations. Further details are available in the PIB Release.
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Pesticide Residue Limits for Tea: FSSAI proposed science-based Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for Acetamiprid (20 ppm) and Imidacloprid (50 ppm) in tea to balance consumer safety with agricultural efficacy. View the notification on the e-Gazette Portal)/ViewPDF.aspx) and PIB Release.

5. Governance, Legal & Social Welfare

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Jantar Mantar Violence Enquiry Portal: Pursuant to Supreme Court orders, the High Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) launched an interactive portal—http://hpec.nic.in—to process grievances with strict confidentiality for vulnerable witnesses. Read the PIB Release.
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Shilp Samagam Mela 2026: Organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in Mysuru, Karnataka, the mela features 80 artisan stalls (including 37 women artisans) supported by corporations like NSFDC, NBCFDC, and NSKFDC to promote traditional livelihoods. Read more via the PIB Release.

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 Mines / PIB (17 October 2026)

The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign is an annual nationwide cleanliness initiative coordinated primarily to promote which of the following?

स्वच्छता ही सेवा अभियान मुख्य रूप से निम्नलिखित में से किस को बढ़ावा देने के लिए समन्वित एक वार्षिक राष्ट्रव्यापी स्वच्छता पहल है?

AJan Bhagidari (public participation), sanitation awareness, and eradication of single-use plasticsCorrect Key
BIndustrial chemical waste dumping regulations
CDeep-sea mineral mining protocols
DCommercial forestry export quotas
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Swachhata Hi Seva is a nationwide sanitation campaign focused on community mobilization, Shramdaan, cleanliness target unit transformations, and fostering Jan Bhagidari.

Question 3 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB (17 October 2026)

Which of the following bodies is empowered to issue binding directions, conduct inspections, and monitor enforcement actions for air pollution control across the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas?

राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (NCR) और उससे सटे क्षेत्रों में वायु प्रदूषण नियंत्रण के लिए बाध्यकारी निर्देश जारी करने, निरीक्षण करने और प्रवर्तन कार्रवाइयों की निगरानी करने के लिए निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा निकाय अधिकृत है?

ACentral Pollution Control Board (CPCB) only
BCommission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM)Correct Key
CNational Green Tribunal (NGT)
DNITI Aayog
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) is a statutory body established to coordinate, monitor, and take comprehensive measures for air quality management and pollution abatement in the NCR and adjoining areas.

Question 4 of 15Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment / PIB (17 October 2026)

The Shilp Samagam Mela, organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, primarily serves which of the following purposes?

सामाजिक न्याय और अधिकारिता मंत्रालय द्वारा आयोजित शिल्प समागम मेला मुख्य रूप से निम्नलिखित में से किस उद्देश्य को पूरा करता है?

AProviding heavy industrial subsidies to large-scale manufacturing units
BCreating a marketing platform and expanding market linkages for traditional artisans and beneficiaries belonging to disadvantaged communitiesCorrect Key
CRegulating foreign direct investment in retail sectors
DConducting census operations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Shilp Samagam Mela is organised by national corporations under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to provide a marketing platform, enhance visibility, and strengthen market linkages for artisans from Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Safai Karamcharis.

Question 5 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 6 of 15Ministry of Road Transport and Highways / PIB Backgrounder (17 October 2026)

The Zojila Tunnel and the Sonamarg (Z-Morh) Tunnel are critical infrastructure projects designed to provide all-weather road connectivity between which of the following regions?

जोजीला सुरंग और सोनमर्ग (जेड-मोड़) सुरंग महत्वपूर्ण बुनियादी ढांचा परियोजनाएं हैं जो निम्नलिखित में से किन क्षेत्रों के बीच सभी मौसम में सड़क संपर्क प्रदान करने के लिए डिज़ाइन की गई हैं?

ASrinagar and Leh (Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh)Correct Key
BJammu and Katra
CUdhampur and Ramban
DLeh and Manali
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels along National Highway-1 provide all-weather road connectivity between Srinagar, Sonamarg, and Ladakh, bypassing avalanche-prone high-altitude mountain passes.

Question 7 of 15Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment / PIB (17 October 2026)

The National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) functions under the administrative control of which Union Ministry?

राष्ट्रीय सफाई कर्मचारी वित्त और विकास निगम (NSKFDC) किस केंद्रीय मंत्रालय के प्रशासनिक नियंत्रण में कार्य करता है?

AMinistry of Social Justice and EmpowermentCorrect Key
BMinistry of Labour and Employment
CMinistry of Housing and Urban Affairs
DMinistry of Rural Development
Explanation & Analytical Context:

NSKFDC is a PSU under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that provides financial assistance and socio-economic upliftment programs for safai karamcharis and scavengers.

Question 8 of 15Ministry of Defence / PIB (17 October 2026)

Exercise Konkan is a bilateral maritime exercise conducted between the Indian Navy and the navy of which of the following countries?

कोंकण अभ्यास भारतीय नौसेना और निम्नलिखित में से किस देश की नौसेना के बीच आयोजित एक द्विपक्षीय समुद्री अभ्यास है?

AUnited KingdomCorrect Key
BFrance
CUnited States
DJapan
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Exercise Konkan is conducted between the Indian Navy and the UK's Royal Navy to enhance maritime interoperability and tactical cooperation.

Question 9 of 15Ministry of Civil Aviation / PIB (17 October 2026)

What is the primary objective of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)?

UDAN (उड़े देश का आम नागरिक) के रूप में जानी जाने वाली क्षेत्रीय संपर्क योजना (RCS) का प्राथमिक उद्देश्य क्या है?

ATo make air travel affordable and widespread in unserved and underserved regional airportsCorrect Key
BTo construct high-speed cargo freight corridors across national highways
CTo provide maritime ferry services in coastal states
DTo subsidize international commercial airline tickets
Explanation & Analytical Context:

UDAN aims to enhance regional air connectivity by making flying affordable to the masses through financial incentives and infrastructure development at unserved and underserved airports.

Question 10 of 15Ministry of Earth Sciences / PIB (17 October 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding the Climate Science into Services for India Forum (CSSIF): 1. Its primary objective is to connect climate science with practical services and policy-relevant information. 2. The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and hosts such stakeholder consultations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

क्लाइमेट साइंस इन टू सर्विसेज फॉर इंडिया फोरम (CSSIF) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. इसका प्राथमिक उद्देश्य जलवायु विज्ञान को व्यावहारिक सेवाओं और नीति-प्रासंगिक जानकारी से जोड़ना है। 2. भारतीय उष्णकटिबंधीय मौसम विज्ञान संस्थान (IITM), पुणे, पृथ्वी विज्ञान मंत्रालय (MoES) के तहत काम करता है और ऐसी हितधारक बैठकों की मेजबानी 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. IITM Pune, under MoES, hosted the first stakeholder consultation meeting of CSSIF to translate climate research and datasets into sector-specific actionable services.

Question 11 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB (17 October 2026)

The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) serves as the governing body of which international protocol concerning genetic resources?

जैविक विविधता पर कन्वेंशन (CBD) के पक्षों का सम्मेलन (COP) आनुवंशिक संसाधनों से संबंधित निम्नलिखित में से किस अंतरराष्ट्रीय प्रोटोकॉल के संचालक निकाय के रूप में कार्य करता है?

ANagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-SharingCorrect Key
BMontreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances
CKyoto Protocol on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
DBasel Protocol on Hazardous Wastes
Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization is a supplementary agreement to the CBD.

Question 12 of 15Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment / PIB (17 October 2026)

The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) scheme primarily aims at which of the following?

नशीली दवाओं के मांग में कमी के लिए राष्ट्रीय कार्य योजना (NAPDDR) योजना का प्राथमिक उद्देश्य निम्नलिखित में से क्या है?

AEnhancing heavy weapon manufacturing standards
BProviding preventive education, awareness generation, medical treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation for substance use disordersCorrect Key
CSubsidizing commercial fertilizer imports
DEstablishing renewable energy grids in border districts
Explanation & Analytical Context:

NAPDDR is a central sector scheme aimed at reducing the adverse consequences of substance use through a multi-pronged strategy including preventive education, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Question 13 of 15Ministry of Defence / PIB (17 October 2026)

Project Seabird, associated with major naval infrastructure expansion, is being implemented at which of the following locations?

प्रमुख नौसैनिक बुनियादी ढांचे के विस्तार से जुड़ी 'प्रोजेक्ट सीबर्ड' निम्नलिखित में से किस स्थान पर कार्यान्वित की जा रही है?

AKarwar, KarnatakaCorrect Key
BVisakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
CKochi, Kerala
DPort Blair, Andaman and Nicobar
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Project Seabird Phase IIA involves the massive infrastructure expansion of the Indian Navy's naval base at Karwar, Karnataka, including residential facilities, hospitals, and dedicated dockyard infrastructure.

Question 14 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 15 of 15Ministry of Health and Family Welfare / PIB (17 October 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations for infant nutrition: 1. FSSAI has proposed draft amendments to prohibit the addition of sucrose and fructose in products intended for infants up to six months of age. 2. Exclusive breastfeeding recommendations for the first six months are complemented by these stricter regulatory standards. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

भारतीय खाद्य सुरक्षा और मानक प्राधिकरण (FSSAI) के शिशु पोषण नियमों के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. FSSAI ने छह महीने तक के शिशुओं के लिए उत्पादित खाद्य पदार्थों में सुक्रोज और फ्रुक्टोज के मिलाने पर रोक लगाने के लिए मसौदा संशोधन प्रस्तावित किया है। 2. पहले छह महीनों के लिए विशेष स्तनपान की सिफारिशें इन सख्त विनियामक मानकों द्वारा पूरक हैं। 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 draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations propose restricting added sugars (sucrose and fructose) for infants up to 6 months to support healthy early childhood growth.