PIB Digest & Quiz: 2026-10-18 Daily Verified Archive Editorial Digest Included

Current Affairs Test — October 19, 2026

Dedicated daily current affairs & news roundup test for October 19, 2026.

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Verified PIB Daily Editorial Digest

Coverage: 18 October 2026Press Information Bureau (PIB)Daily Executive Brief

Daily PIB Summary — October 18, 2026

1. International Relations & Regional Cooperation

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SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh is representing India at the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (PIB Release ID: 2324852). The deliberations focus on strengthening multilateral trade, economic investment, connectivity, innovation, and cultural exchanges.

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Maritime Diplomacy: INS Sudarshini departed Salalah, Oman, continuing its historic transoceanic deployment under *Lokayan-2026*, reinforcing bilateral ties with the Royal Navy of Oman and propagating the civilizational ethos of *Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam* and *MAHASAGAR* (PIB Release ID: 2324937).

2. Infrastructure, Mobility & Urban Development

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Namo Bharat Diwas 2026: NCRTC marked three successful years of Namo Bharat operations on the 82-km Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut corridor, which has recorded over 4.5 crore passenger journeys and peak daily ridership touching 1.68 lakh (PIB Release ID: 2324914). The project emphasizes green energy integration via captive solar power plants.

3. Governance, Administration & Special Campaigns

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Special Campaign 6.0 Initiatives: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) and the Department of Posts are driving administrative efficiency, cleanliness drives, and eco-friendly practices (PIB Release ID: 2324958). Notably, DoPostal achieved significant milestones by disposing of 3,06,026 kg of scrap and 17,980 kg of e-waste, generating substantial revenue alongside citizen-centric innovations like *DigiPost* (PIB Release ID: 2324940).

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Action Against Synthetic Drug Cartels: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah announced a firm crackdown on 'chitta' (synthetic drug) networks in Punjab, confirming direct meetings with grieving families affected by illicit trafficking (PIB Release ID: 2324965).

4. Economy, Agriculture & Social Empowerment

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Coldwater Fisheries Development: Under the *Pradhan Manti Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)*, India has invested over ₹2,299 crore in coldwater regions. Uttarakhand's Munsyari cluster achieved international milestones with its first trout export to Nepal (PIB Release ID: 2324891).

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Biofortified Agricultural Innovation: ICAR-CPRI developed Kufri Jamunia, a nutrient-rich purple potato variety featuring high antioxidant levels (*anthocyanins*), essential vitamins, iron, and zinc designed to combat hidden hunger (PIB Release ID: 2324875).

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Shilp Samagam Mela 2026: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment hosted the Mela in Mysuru, empowering marginalized artisans and promoting market access through initiatives like *BHARAT TULIP* (PIB Release ID: 2324968).

5. Security & Enforcement

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Major Narcotics Seizure: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a coastal drug trafficking network in Tamil Nadu, seizing 137 kg of crystal methamphetamine valued at over ₹100 crore destined for international maritime transfer (PIB Release ID: 2324872).

6. Science, Technology & Healthcare

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STPI Tech Conclave: The Software Technology Parks of India and IIT BHU hosted a conclave highlighting AI's transformative role in clinical diagnostics, healthcare accessibility, and assistive technologies under the *IndiaAI Mission* (PIB Release ID: 2324850).

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Critical Humanitarian Evacuation: An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft executed a high-risk night-time casualty evacuation from Leh to AIIMS, New Delhi (PIB Release ID: 2324922).

Archived MCQs & Explanations (15 Questions)

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Question 1 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 2 of 15Current Affairs — September 07, 2026

With reference to the volcanic activity and geography of Indonesia, consider the following statements: 1. Indonesia lies directly along the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most seismically and volcanically active regions in the world. 2. All active volcanoes in Indonesia are currently placed under the highest national alert status. 3. Mount Anak Krakatau is among the Indonesian volcanoes currently elevated to the second-highest alert status. Which of the statements given above are correct?

इंडोनेशिया की ज्वालामुखी गतिविधि और भूगोल के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. इंडोनेशिया सीधे प्रशांत रिंग ऑफ फायर के साथ स्थित है, जो इसे दुनिया के सबसे अधिक भूकंपीय और ज्वालामुखी सक्रिय क्षेत्रों में से एक बनाता है। 2. इंडोनेशिया के सभी सक्रिय वर्तमान में सर्वोच्च राष्ट्रीय चेतावनी स्थिति के तहत रखे गए हैं। 3. माउंट अनाक क्राकाटाउ उन इंडोनेशियाई ज्वालामुखियों में से एक है जो वर्तमान में दूसरे सबसे उच्च चेतावनी स्तर पर हैं। उपर्युक्त कथनों में से कौन-से सही हैं?

A1 and 2 only

B2 and 3 only

C1 and 3 onlyCorrect Key

D1, 2 and 3

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• Statement 1 is correct: Indonesia is situated directly on the Pacific Ring of Fire, hosting hundreds of volcanoes. • Statement 2 is incorrect: Only five of Indonesia's active volcanoes are currently at the second-highest alert status, not all active volcanoes. • Statement 3 is correct: Mount Anak Krakatau is one of the active volcanoes listed under the second-highest alert status.

Question 3 of 15PIB Backgrounder / Ministry of Home Affairs / PIB Release ID: 2307094 — September 2026 (September 06, 2026)

The second phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP-II), approved to cover international land borders beyond the northern border, was formally launched from which village?

उत्तरी सीमा से परे अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्थलीय सीमाओं को कवर करने के लिए स्वीकृत वाइब्रेंट विलेजेस प्रोग्राम के दूसरे चरण (VVP-II) को औपचारिक रूप से किस गांव से लॉन्च किया गया था?

AKibithoo, Arunachal Pradesh

BNathanpur, AssamCorrect Key

CMana, Uttarakhand

DKargil, Ladakh

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• VVP-II was formally launched on February 20, 2026, at Nathanpur village in the Cachar district of Assam, carrying an outlay of ₹6,839 crore.

Question 4 of 15Ministry of Railways / PIB Backgrounder (17 October 2026)

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project features which of the following engineering landmarks? 1. The Chenab Rail Bridge, standing as the world's highest railway arch bridge. 2. The Anji Khad Bridge, India's first cable-stayed railway bridge. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

उधमपुर-श्रीनगर-बारामुला रेल लिंक (USBRL) परियोजना में निम्नलिखित में से कौन से इंजीनियरिंग मील के पत्थर शामिल हैं? 1. चिनाब रेल ब्रिज, जो दुनिया का सबसे ऊंचा रेलवे आर्च ब्रिज है। 2. अंजी खाद ब्रिज, भारत का पहला केबल-स्टेयड रेलवे ब्रिज। नीचे दिए गए कूट का प्रयोग कर सही उत्तर चुनिए:

A1 only

B2 only

CBoth 1 and 2Correct Key

DNeither 1 nor 2

Explanation & Analytical Context:

Both statements are correct. The Chenab Rail Bridge rises 359 meters above the riverbed, and the Anji Khad Bridge is India's first cable-stayed rail bridge over the Anji River gorge, both constructed under the USBRL project.

Question 5 of 15Ministry of Home Affairs / PIB Release ID: 2307200 — September 06, 2026

According to Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah's press conference in Panaji, what is the official nomenclature of the integrated database and digital framework created for tracking narcotics offenders?

पणजी में केंद्रीय गृह मंत्री श्री अमित शाह के संवाददाता सम्मेलन के अनुसार, मादक पदार्थों के अपराधियों को ट्रैक करने के लिए बनाए गए एकीकृत डेटाबेस और डिजिटल ढांचे का आधिकारिक नाम क्या है?

ABHARATPOL Portal

BNIDAAN PortalCorrect Key

CMANAS Helpline Database

DNCORD Integrated Grid

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• A national database of narcotics offenders was specifically created through the NIDAAN portal, while BHARATPOL was established for tracking international and inter-state fugitives.

Question 6 of 15Department of Space / PIB (17 October 2026)

With reference to India's space sector, consider the following statements: 1. India's current space economy is projected to reach USD 40–45 billion over the next seven to eight years. 2. The opening of the space sector to private participation was initiated under the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) framework. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

भारत के अंतरिक्ष क्षेत्र के संदर्भ में, निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. भारत की वर्तमान अंतरिक्ष अर्थव्यवस्था के अगले सात से आठ वर्षों में 40-45 अरब अमेरिकी डॉलर तक पहुंचने का अनुमान है। 2. अंतरिक्ष क्षेत्र को निजी भागीदारी के लिए खोलना भारतीय राष्ट्रीय अंतरिक्ष संवर्धन और प्राधिकरण केंद्र (IN-SPACe) ढांचे के तहत शुरू किया गया था। 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. India's space economy is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion in 7-8 years, supported by increased private investments following space unlocking and the establishment of IN-SPACe.

Question 7 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB (17 October 2026)

The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) to address which of the following environmental concerns?

राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र (NCR) में निम्नलिखित में से किस पर्यावरणीय चिंता के समाधान के लिए ग्रेडेड रिस्पांस एक्शन प्लान (GRAP) लागू किया जाता है?

AMarine oil spills

BAir pollution and severe air quality degradationCorrect Key

CIndustrial river pollution in the Yamuna

DNuclear waste disposal management

Explanation & Analytical Context:

GRAP is a set of emergency measures implemented incrementally in the NCR based on air quality index (AQI) levels to mitigate severe air pollution episodes.

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

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is formulated for which of the following developmental initiatives across Indian Railways?

अमृत भारत स्टेशन योजना भारतीय रेलवे में निम्नलिखित में से किस विकासात्मक पहल के लिए तैयार की गई है?

AModernisation and redevelopment of railway stations with master plans for long-term amenitiesCorrect Key

BGradual phase-out of all diesel locomotives in freight operations

CPrivatization of passenger ticket pricing mechanisms

DDiscontinuation of suburban commuter railway networks

Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme envisages development of stations on Indian Railways with continuous modern amenities, improved accessibility, and master plans for long-term enhancements.

Question 9 of 15National Current Affairs — August 2026

Who was appointed to chair the high-powered task force constituted by the Union Government to recommend next-generation reforms in the public examination system?

सार्वजनिक परीक्षा प्रणाली में अगली पीढ़ी के सुधारों की सिफारिश करने के लिए केंद्र सरकार द्वारा गठित उच्च अधिकार प्राप्त टास्क फोर्स की अध्यक्षता करने के लिए किसे नियुक्त किया गया था?

AK. Radhakrishnan

BNandan NilekaniCorrect Key

CS. Somnath

DTapan Deka

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• The Government constituted a high-powered task force headed by Nandan Nilekani to recommend next-generation reforms in the public examination system.

Question 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 of 15National Current Affairs — August 2026

What is the newly expanded sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court of India following the passage of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026?

सुप्रीम कोर्ट (न्यायाधीशों की संख्या) संशोधन विधेयक, 2026 पारित होने के बाद भारत के सर्वोच्च न्यायालय की नई विस्तारित स्वीकृत संख्या क्या है?

A31 judges

B34 judges

C38 judgesCorrect Key

D42 judges

Explanation & Analytical Context:

• Parliament passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, raising the sanctioned strength of the Supreme Court from 34 to 38 judges.

Question 14 of 15Ministry of Rural Development / PIB (17 October 2026)

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is primarily formulated to achieve which of the following objectives?

प्रधानमंत्री ग्राम सड़क योजना (PMGSY) मुख्य रूप से निम्नलिखित में से किस उद्देश्य को प्राप्त करने के लिए तैयार की गई है?

AConnecting eligible unconnected rural habitations with all-weather roadsCorrect Key

BConstructing high-speed bullet train corridors between metropolitan cities

CDeveloping national maritime waterways across inland rivers

DEstablishing rural aviation hubs under regional connectivity schemes

Explanation & Analytical Context:

PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations in rural areas as part of poverty alleviation and rural infrastructure development.

Question 15 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.

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