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PIB Digest & Quiz: 2026-10-22 Daily Verified Archive Editorial Digest Included

Current Affairs Test — October 23, 2026

Dedicated daily current affairs & news roundup test for October 23, 2026.

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Verified PIB Daily Editorial Digest

Coverage: 22 October 2026Press Information Bureau (PIB)Daily Executive Brief

Daily PIB Summary — 2026-10-22

1. Agriculture, Rural Development & Farmers' Welfare

•
Nationwide 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' Launched: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the nationwide campaign from Taraori, Karnal, focusing on soil health conservation, balanced fertiliser use, and natural farming.
•
Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PMSSY): The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the National Social Assistance Programme renamed as PMSSY (2026-27 to 2030-31) with an outlay of ₹53,428 crore. The disability pension component has been revised to align with a 40% benchmark disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, removing the minimum age requirement and raising central assistance.
•
PM-DAKSH Scheme Subsumed: Under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the PM-DAKSH scheme has been merged with PMKVY from 2024-25 onwards. Between 2020-21 and 2023-24, 1,87,305 candidates were trained and 96,162 were placed.
•
JJM 2.0 and 16th Finance Commission Convergence: The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation organized a virtual conference emphasizing Panchayat-led planning, with ₹4.35 lakh crore allocated for Rural Local Bodies under the 16th Finance Commission, including ₹1.74 lakh crore earmarked for water management and sanitation.

2. Economy, Finance & Infrastructure

•
India Post Financial Milestone: India Post crossed the ₹4,000 crore quarterly revenue mark for two consecutive quarters, registering ₹8,212.7 crore in H1 FY 2026-27 (a 24% year-on-year growth), driven by a 71% growth in parcels.
•
India Chem 2026 Inaugurated: Union Minister Shri J.P. Nadda inaugurated the 14th edition of India Chem in Mumbai, highlighting the upcoming BHAVYA Rasayan Scheme. The Indian chemical industry is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040.
•
NSDC Debuts on Social Stock Exchange (SSE): NABARD subscribed ₹4 crore to NSDC's maiden Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) issue under an ₹11.25 crore outcome-linked program to train 600 rural youth from Madhya Pradesh for global employment in Japan and Germany.
•
Fisheries Investors & Exporters Conclave 2026: Held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, focusing on value addition and export opportunities in inland fisheries, backed by India's fish production reaching 197.75 lakh tonnes in 2024–25 and seafood exports valued at ₹73,890 crore in 2025–26.

3. Bilateral Relations & International Summits

•
Official Visit of Polish Prime Minister: Prime Minister Donald Tusk of Poland visited India from October 21–23, 2026, agreeing to set a target to double bilateral trade by 2030. Key outcomes included cooperation in defence, critical minerals, space, and semiconductors.
•
NDTV World Summit 2026: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered an address in New Delhi, emphasizing multilateral institutional reforms, the voice of the Global South, and India's transition from the 'World's Back Office' to a 'Brain Office'.

4. Environmental Ecology & Air Pollution Control

•
CAQM Reviews Stubble Management: The Commission for Air Quality Management reviewed anti-pollution measures in Punjab and Haryana, calling for strict ground-level compliance and enforcement.
•
NHAI Dust-Mitigation Measures: NHAI deployed around 60 water sprinklers, 14 anti-smog guns, 23 Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSMs), and over 900 workers across Delhi-NCR to curb winter air pollution.
•
Circular Economy Progress: Union Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav noted at a CII conference that over 86,043 producers and 4,880 recyclers are registered under EPR frameworks, with 499.60 lakh metric tonnes of waste processed.

5. Polity, Governance & Historical Culture

•
Yamuna Rejuvenation Projects: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah attended the inauguration and foundation-stone laying ceremony of Yamuna rejuvenation projects worth ₹8,941 crore in Delhi, targeting complete clean-up by May 2029.
•
12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum: Scheduled to be held on October 26–27, 2026, in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan under the theme “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development”.
•
Kashi Tamil Sangamam 5.0: Scheduled from November 28 to December 12, 2026, themed “Thirukkural Payilvom – Thirukkural Abhyas Karen”.
•
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA): Reached over 35 crore people, including 13.94 crore youth and 10.86 crore women, covering over 32 lakh educational institutions.

6. Science, Technology & Health

•
Precision Medicine & AI: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated at the SRIHER Convocation in Chennai that India is emerging among the frontline providers of AI-guided, gene-driven precision medicine.

Archived MCQs & Explanations (15 Questions)

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
Question 1 of 15Lok Sabha Secretariat / PIB (22 October 2026)

Which of the following countries constitute the original or expanded core members of the BRICS grouping as of recent summits?

हाल के शिखर सम्मेलनों के अनुसार निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा देश ब्रिक्स समूह के मूल या विस्तारित कोर सदस्यों का गठन करता है?

ABrazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and newly inducted partner/member nationsCorrect Key
BBritain, Romania, Italy, Canada, and Spain
CBelgium, Russia, Indonesia, Chile, and Sweden
DBulgaria, Rwanda, Ireland, Cyprus, and Singapore
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option A is correct. BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and has expanded its footprint through new member additions and partner countries.

Question 2 of 15Prime Minister's Office / PIB (22 October 2026)

What is the primary objective of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme introduced by the Government of India?

भारत सरकार द्वारा शुरू की गई उत्पादन से जुड़ी प्रोत्साहन (PLI) योजना का प्राथमिक उद्देश्य क्या है?

ATo provide universal basic income to agricultural labourers across rural districts.
BTo boost domestic manufacturing capacity, enhance exports, and attract global investments in key target sectors.Correct Key
CTo provide zero-interest loans exclusively for microfinance institutions.
DTo subsidize fossil fuel imports for thermal power generation.
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option B is correct. The PLI scheme provides financial incentives to domestic and global manufacturers based on incremental sales of products manufactured in India, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and build resilient supply chains.

Question 3 of 15Ministry of Rural Development / PIB (22 October 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding the newly renamed Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana (PMSSY): 1. It is a fully funded centrally sponsored scheme with 100 per cent central assistance. 2. The disability pension under the scheme now uses the 40 per cent benchmark disability criterion under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, replacing the earlier 80 per cent norm. 3. The minimum eligibility age for availing the disability pension under this scheme has been fixed at 18 years. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

नव-नामित प्रधानमंत्री सामाजिक सहायता योजना (PMSSY) के संदर्भ में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. यह 100 प्रतिशत केंद्रीय सहायता के साथ पूरी तरह से वित्त पोषित केंद्र प्रायोजित योजना है। 2. इस योजना के तहत दिव्यांगता पेंशन अब दिव्यांगजन अधिकार अधिनियम 2016 के तहत 40 प्रतिशत बेंचमार्क दिव्यांगता मानदंड का उपयोग करती है, जो पहले के 80 प्रतिशत मानदंड की जगह लेती है। 3. इस योजना के तहत दिव्यांगता पेंशन प्राप्त करने के लिए न्यूनतम पात्रता आयु 18 वर्ष तय की गई है। उपर्युक्त में से कौन सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?

A1 only
B1 and 2 onlyCorrect Key
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Statement 1 is correct: The National Social Assistance Programme (now Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana) is a fully funded centrally sponsored scheme carrying 100 per cent central assistance to give effect to Article 41 of the Constitution. Statement 2 is correct: The disability pension has been revised to link it to the 40 per cent benchmark disability of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 in place of 80 per cent. Statement 3 is incorrect: The minimum eligibility age of 18 years has been removed, so eligibility now runs from birth.

Question 4 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB (22 October 2026)

What is the primary objective of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework in India's waste management policy?

भारत की अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन नीति में विस्तारित उत्पादक उत्तरदायित्व (EPR) ढांचे का प्राथमिक उद्देश्य क्या है?

ATo transfer complete waste collection responsibility exclusively to urban local bodies without producer involvement.
BTo make producers, importers, and brand owners legally and financially accountable for the environmentally sound management of products at the end of their life.Correct Key
CTo levy heavy carbon taxes directly on consumers at retail points.
DTo completely ban the use of recycled plastic materials across all domestic manufacturing sectors.
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option B is correct. Under EPR frameworks, producers, importers, and brand owners are legally mandated to ensure the environmentally sound management of products through their post-consumer life cycle, encouraging recycling and resource recovery.

Question 5 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB (22 October 2026)

Under the comprehensive Solid Waste Management regulatory framework, what is emphasized for effective urban waste processing and legacy waste mitigation?

व्यापक ठोस अपशिष्ट प्रबंधन विनियामक ढांचे के तहत, प्रभावी शहरी अपशिष्ट प्रसंस्करण और विरासत अपशिष्ट शमन के लिए किस पर जोर दिया जाता है?

AFour-stream segregation of solid waste (wet, dry, sanitary, and special-care waste) and public participationCorrect Key
BIndiscriminate dumping of all municipal waste in unlined rural lowlands
CComplete incineration of unsorted mixed household waste without emission controls
DDiscontinuation of e-waste collection and recycling mandates
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option A is correct. Modern Solid Waste Management rules emphasize source segregation into wet, dry, sanitary, and special-care streams, digital monitoring, ULB financial sustainability, and mitigating legacy waste.

Question 6 of 15Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change / PIB (22 October 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and Adjoining Areas: 1. It is a statutory body established to coordinate, monitor, and deal with air pollution problems in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas. 2. Its jurisdiction includes airshed areas across Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

एनसीआर और आसपास के क्षेत्रों में वायु गुणवत्ता प्रबंधन आयोग (CAQM) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. यह राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र और आसपास के क्षेत्रों में वायु प्रदूषण की समस्याओं के समन्वय, निगरानी और समाधान के लिए स्थापित एक सांविधिक निकाय है। 2. इसके क्षेत्राधिकार में पंजाब, हरियाणा, उत्तर प्रदेश, राजस्थान और दिल्ली के वायुशेड क्षेत्र शामिल 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 CAQM is a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, covering airshed jurisdictions in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Question 7 of 15Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises / PIB (22 October 2026)

Which of the following parameters are currently used jointly to classify manufacturing and service enterprises as MSMEs in India?

भारत में विनिर्माण और सेवा उद्यमों को MSME के रूप में वर्गीकृत करने के लिए वर्तमान में संयुक्त रूप से निम्नलिखित में से किन मापदंडों का उपयोग किया जाता है?

AAnnual turnover and investment in plant and machinery or equipmentCorrect Key
BTotal number of employees and land acreage
CExport revenue share and geographical location
DElectricity consumption and water usage
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option A is correct. MSMEs in India are classified based on composite criteria of annual turnover and investment in plant and machinery or equipment for both manufacturing and service sectors.

Question 8 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 9 of 15Vice President's Secretariat / PIB (22 October 2026)

Which of the following constitutional provisions or bodies inherently foster the spirit of cooperative federalism in India?

निम्नलिखित में से कौन सा संवैधानिक प्रावधान या निकाय भारत में सहकारी संघवाद की भावना को स्वाभाविक रूप से बढ़ावा देता है?

AInter-State Council (Article 263)Correct Key
BFinancial Emergency (Article 360)
CPresident's Rule (Article 356)
DAll-India Services (Article 312)
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option A is correct. Article 263 empowers the President to establish an Inter-State Council to inquire into and advise upon disputes between States, investigate subjects of common interest, and promote coordination, which is a key pillar of cooperative federalism. (Note: Articles 356 and 360 lean towards central unitary strength, while Article 312 creates dual controls).

Question 10 of 15Bihar Current Affairs — August 2026

Indian cricketers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar were appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) in Bihar under which state policy?

भारतीय क्रिकेटरों आकाश दीप और मुकेश कुमार को किस राज्य की नीति के तहत बिहार में पुलिस उप अधीक्षक (DSP) के रूप में नियुक्त किया गया था?

AKhel Protsahan Niti
BMedal Lao, Naukri PaoCorrect Key
CPratibha Samman Yojana
DKhel Vikas Abhiyan
Explanation & Analytical Context:

• The appointments were made under Bihar’s “Medal Lao, Naukri Pao” (Bring Medal, Get Job) sports policy.

Question 11 of 15Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions / PIB (22 October 2026)

The Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM), implemented across government ministries and departments, is coordinated nationally by which of the following?

सरकारी मंत्रालयों और विभागों में लागू लंबित मामलों के निपटान के लिए विशेष अभियान (SCDPM) का राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर समन्वय निम्नलिखित में से किसके द्वारा किया जाता है?

ANITI Aayog
BDepartment of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)Correct Key
CCabinet Secretariat
DMinistry of Home Affairs
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option B is correct. The Special Campaign initiatives (such as Special Campaign 6.0) for institutionalizing cleanliness, space management, and pendency reduction are monitored and managed through the SCDPM portal administered by DARPG.

Question 12 of 15Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment / PIB (22 October 2026)

What is the primary focus of the NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) scheme in India?

भारत में NAMASTE (राष्ट्रीय यंत्रीकृत स्वच्छता पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र कार्य) योजना का प्राथमिक फोकस क्या है?

AAbolishing manual scavenging, promoting 100% mechanised sewer cleaning, and ensuring safety and socio-economic empowerment of sanitation workersCorrect Key
BPrivatizing municipal water supply pipelines in metropolitan cities
CConstructing multi-story parking complexes near railway stations
DProviding satellite communication links to rural village councils
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option A is correct. The NAMASTE scheme aims to achieve zero sanitation fatalities in India, substitute hazardous manual cleaning with mechanised interventions, and provide safety gear, insurance, and livelihood support to sanitation workers.

Question 13 of 15Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare / PIB (22 October 2026)

What is the primary purpose of the Soil Health Card scheme implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare?

कृषि और किसान कल्याण मंत्रालय द्वारा कार्यान्वित मृदा स्वास्थ्य कार्ड योजना का प्राथमिक उद्देश्य क्या है?

ATo provide crop insurance payouts against unseasonal hailstorms.
BTo test soil nutrient status and provide farmers with crop-wise recommendations on appropriate nutrient and fertilizer applications to restore soil fertility.Correct Key
CTo issue legal title deeds for agricultural land holdings.
DTo monitor underground water table depletion in drought-prone districts.
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option B is correct. Soil Health Cards provide farmers with data on the nutrient status of their soil along with recommendations on the balanced dosage of fertilizers and nutrients needed to improve productivity and arrest soil degradation.

Question 14 of 15Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment / PIB (22 October 2026)

Under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, what is the defined percentage threshold of specified disability required to qualify as a 'person with benchmark disability'?

दिव्यांगजन अधिकार अधिनियम, 2016 के तहत, 'बेंचमार्क विकलांगता वाले व्यक्ति' के रूप में अर्हता प्राप्त करने के लिए आवश्यक निर्दिष्ट विकलांगता का परिभाषित प्रतिशत阈值 (Threshold) क्या है?

ANot less than 20 per cent
BNot less than 40 per centCorrect Key
CNot less than 60 per cent
DExactly 80 per cent
Explanation & Analytical Context:

Option B is correct. Section 2(r) of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 defines a person with benchmark disability as a person with not less than forty percent of a specified disability where specified disability has not been defined in measurable terms, or as certified by the certifying authority.

Question 15 of 15Ministry of Rural Development / PIB (22 October 2026)

Consider the following statements regarding the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) in India: 1. It is a Central Sector Scheme implemented entirely through direct union budgetary allocations without any State/UT involvement in distribution. 2. It provides financial assistance to elderly persons, widows, and persons with disabilities belonging to households below the poverty line (BPL). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

भारत में राष्ट्रीय सामाजिक सहायता कार्यक्रम (NSAP) के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. यह एक केंद्रीय क्षेत्र की योजना है जो वितरण में किसी भी राज्य/केंद्र शासित प्रदेश की भागीदारी के बिना पूरी तरह से प्रत्यक्ष केंद्रीय बजटीय आवंटन के माध्यम से कार्यान्वित की जाती है। 2. यह गरीबी रेखा से नीचे (BPL) के परिवारों से संबंधित बुजुर्ग व्यक्तियों, विधवाओं और दिव्यांगजनों को वित्तीय सहायता प्रदान करती है। उपर्युक्त में से कौन सा/से कथन सही है/हैं?

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

Statement 1 is incorrect: NSAP is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by States and Union Territories through their social welfare or rural development departments. Statement 2 is correct: It provides social assistance pensions to elderly, widows, and disabled persons living below the poverty line.

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