9 sourced news briefs · 15 practice MCQs
This study edition contains original summaries of sources linked below. Updates described as proposals, plans or announcements are not presented as completed outcomes.
Practice MCQs ↓
Science, Technology and Energy
1. India reiterates 100 GW nuclear-power capacity target for 2047
The Union Minister of State for Atomic Energy said India’s nuclear programme remains dedicated to peaceful purposes and reiterated the policy target of reaching 100 GW of nuclear-power capacity by 2047. The statement linked nuclear energy with reliable, low-carbon electricity for rising demand, including data centres and artificial-intelligence infrastructure. This is a long-term target, not capacity already achieved.
Important exam facts
- The stated nuclear-power capacity target is 100 GW by 2047.
- India’s economy-wide net-zero emissions target year is 2070.
- Nuclear energy was presented as reliable clean power for round-the-clock demand.
- The minister also referred to widening private-sector participation in the nuclear-energy ecosystem.
Static GK connection: Revise India’s three-stage nuclear-power programme, the roles of the Department of Atomic Energy and Atomic Energy Commission, and the difference between installed capacity targets and electricity generation.
Source: India’s Nuclear Programme Is Dedicated to Peaceful Purposes: Dr Jitendra Singh
International Relations
2. 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting held in Dushanbe
The 25th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of Government was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. India was represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Members adopted a Joint Communiqué, the SCO budget for 2027 and the Programme of Multilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation Action Plan for 2026–2030. India also stressed connectivity that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Important exam facts
- Dushanbe is the capital of Tajikistan.
- India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.
- The Council of Heads of Government focuses chiefly on economic and practical cooperation.
- India highlighted the International North–South Transport Corridor and Chabahar Port.
- The meeting adopted the SCO budget for 2027.
Static GK connection: Revise the SCO’s principal organs, full members, consensus-based decision-making, Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure and the strategic geography of Central Asia.
Source: Raksha Mantri participates in 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Dushanbe
Global Economy and Digital Governance
3. World Bank Group launches its first Digital Strategy
The World Bank Group launched its first institution-wide Digital Strategy in Seoul. It sets four priorities: expanding connectivity; making devices and data more affordable; strengthening digital public services and skills; and advancing artificial-intelligence readiness. The strategy also emphasises privacy, cybersecurity and protection against fraud. A new AI Infrastructure and Readiness Initiative will initially focus on Africa and Latin America.
Important exam facts
- The launch took place in Seoul on 20 October 2026.
- The strategy is the World Bank Group’s first institution-wide digital strategy.
- Its four priorities cover connectivity, affordability, digital services and skills, and AI readiness.
- The proposed shared AI infrastructure uses a pay-as-you-go model for access to computing power.
- The World Bank said more than two billion people were offline globally in 2025.
Static GK connection: Revise the institutions of the World Bank Group, especially IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA and ICSID, and compare their mandates with those of the IMF.
Source: World Bank Group Launches First Digital Strategy to Expand Access and Create Jobs
Infrastructure and Connectivity
4. UDAN regional-connectivity scheme completes ten years
A government factsheet marked ten years of the Regional Connectivity Scheme–UDAN, which was launched on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016. The scheme seeks to make air travel affordable and connect unserved or underserved regions. As of 15 October 2026, ₹5,091.23 crore had been disbursed as viability-gap funding. Modified UDAN, formally launched on 4 July 2026, is the scheme’s next phase.
Important exam facts
- UDAN expands to Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik.
- The scheme was launched on 21 October 2016.
- Viability-gap funding of ₹5,091.23 crore had been disbursed by 15 October 2026.
- The ten-year viability-gap funding allocation was ₹10,043 crore.
- Modified UDAN was formally launched on 4 July 2026.
Static GK connection: Revise the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016, viability-gap funding, airport categories under regional connectivity and the economic rationale for subsidising thin air routes.
Source: RCS–UDAN: Ten Years of Connecting India
Environment
5. Nationwide Green Diwali campaign launched under the EIACP network
WWF-India’s Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme Centre–Resource Partner, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, launched a nationwide Green Diwali campaign. Running from 20 October to 8 November 2026, it promotes cracker-free, cleaner celebrations and environmentally responsible behaviour aligned with Mission LiFE.
Important exam facts
- The campaign runs from 20 October to 8 November 2026.
- It is led by the WWF-India EIACP Programme Centre–Resource Partner.
- The Environment Ministry supports the EIACP initiative.
- The campaign is aligned with Mission LiFE, or Lifestyle for Environment.
Static GK connection: Revise Mission LiFE, the role of public-awareness programmes in environmental governance, and the air- and noise-pollution impacts associated with firecrackers.
Source: Nationwide Green Diwali Campaign Launched to Promote Eco-Friendly Celebrations
Internal Security and Social Policy
6. Union government states 31 December 2029 target for a drug-free Punjab
At an anti-drug public programme in Ludhiana, the Union Home Minister said the government’s target is to free Punjab from the drug trade by 31 December 2029. He also met affected families from Mansa, Sangrur and Gurdaspur and urged citizens to report narcotics activity through the Narcotics Control Bureau’s reporting channel. The date is a declared policy target, not a completed outcome.
Important exam facts
- The stated target date is 31 December 2029.
- The programme was held in Ludhiana, Punjab.
- The Narcotics Control Bureau functions under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Drug control in India involves both enforcement and demand-reduction measures.
Static GK connection: Revise the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the role of the Narcotics Control Bureau and the constitutional division of responsibilities relating to public order and criminal law.
Source: Union Home Minister participates in Vijayadashami programme against drugs in Ludhiana
Social Justice and Livelihoods
7. Eight-day Shilp Samagam announced for Guwahati
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced an eight-day Shilp Samagam in Guwahati from 21 to 28 October 2026. The forthcoming fair is designed to provide market access to artisans from Scheduled Caste, Other Backward Class, Safai Mitra and Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic communities. Seventy-five artisans, including 31 women, are scheduled to participate.
Important exam facts
- The announced event runs from 21 to 28 October 2026 in Guwahati.
- Seventy-five artisans are scheduled to participate, including 31 women.
- Around 40 varieties of handicrafts and products are expected.
- The beneficiary groups include SC, OBC, Safai Mitra and DNT communities.
Static GK connection: Revise constitutional safeguards for disadvantaged groups, the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes, and the development challenges of Denotified and Nomadic Tribes.
Source: Shilp Samagam Mela to be organised in Guwahati from 21 to 28 October 2026
Regional Heritage and Higher Education
8. Tiruppur Kumaran Student Service Centre inaugurated at Pondicherry University
Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani inaugurated the new Tiruppur Kumaran Student Service Centre at Pondicherry University in Puducherry. The naming connects a central university with the memory of Tiruppur Kumaran, a freedom fighter associated with the Indian independence movement and Tamil public history.
Important exam facts
- The centre was inaugurated at Pondicherry University in the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- It is named after freedom fighter Tiruppur Kumaran.
- Attorney General for India R. Venkataramani inaugurated the facility.
- The Attorney General for India is the Union government’s highest law officer under Article 76.
Static GK connection: Revise Article 76 on the Attorney General for India, the distinction between the Attorney General and Solicitor General, and Tiruppur Kumaran’s place in Tamil Nadu’s freedom movement.
Source: Attorney General R. Venkataramani inaugurates Tiruppur Kumaran Student Service Centre
Sports
9. Deepthi Jeevanji wins Asian Para Games 400-metre T20 gold
Indian para athlete Deepthi Jeevanji won gold in the women’s 400-metre T20 event at the Asian Para Games, successfully defending her title and setting a Games Record. The result adds to India’s achievements in track events for athletes with intellectual impairment.
Important exam facts
- Deepthi Jeevanji competed in the women’s 400-metre T20 event.
- She won the gold medal and defended her Asian Para Games title.
- Her performance set a Games Record.
- The T20 classification is used in para athletics for athletes with intellectual impairment.
Static GK connection: Revise the distinction between the Paralympic Games and Asian Para Games, para-sport classification principles and the role of classification in ensuring fair competition.
Source: Deepthi Jeevanji wins Gold in Women’s 400m T20 at Asian Para Games
Practice MCQs
1. India has reiterated a target of reaching what nuclear-power capacity by 2047?
- 50 GW
- 75 GW
- 100 GW
- 150 GW
Show answer and explanation
C. 100 GW — The stated long-term target is 100 GW of nuclear-power capacity by 2047.
2. India’s economy-wide net-zero emissions target is associated with which year?
- 2040
- 2050
- 2060
- 2070
Show answer and explanation
D. 2070 — India has announced 2070 as its target year for achieving net-zero emissions.
3. The 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting was held in which city?
- Astana
- Dushanbe
- Tashkent
- Bishkek
Show answer and explanation
B. Dushanbe — The meeting took place in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
4. India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in which year?
- 2005
- 2010
- 2017
- 2023
Show answer and explanation
C. 2017 — India and Pakistan became full SCO members in 2017.
5. The SCO meeting adopted a multilateral trade and economic cooperation action plan covering which period?
- 2025–2028
- 2026–2030
- 2027–2032
- 2030–2035
Show answer and explanation
B. 2026–2030 — The adopted PMTEC Action Plan covers 2026–2030.
6. Which of the following is one of the four priorities in the World Bank Group’s first Digital Strategy?
- Universal gold convertibility
- AI readiness
- Abolition of customs duties
- Common global currency
Show answer and explanation
B. AI readiness — AI readiness is one of the strategy’s four priorities, alongside connectivity, affordability, and digital services and skills.
7. According to the World Bank release, approximately how many people were still offline globally in 2025?
- Less than 100 million
- About 500 million
- More than two billion
- More than six billion
Show answer and explanation
C. More than two billion — The World Bank said more than two billion people remained offline globally in 2025.
8. The Regional Connectivity Scheme–UDAN was launched on which date?
- 21 October 2016
- 15 August 2017
- 26 January 2015
- 4 July 2026
Show answer and explanation
A. 21 October 2016 — RCS–UDAN was launched on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016.
9. How much viability-gap funding had been disbursed under UDAN by 15 October 2026?
- ₹1,509.23 crore
- ₹3,091.23 crore
- ₹5,091.23 crore
- ₹10,043 crore
Show answer and explanation
C. ₹5,091.23 crore — The government factsheet reported disbursement of ₹5,091.23 crore; ₹10,043 crore was the ten-year allocation.
10. The 2026 nationwide Green Diwali campaign is scheduled to run until which date?
- 31 October
- 5 November
- 8 November
- 15 November
Show answer and explanation
C. 8 November — The campaign runs from 20 October through 8 November 2026.
11. Mission LiFE, cited by the Green Diwali campaign, expands to which phrase?
- Livelihood Investment for Ecology
- Lifestyle for Environment
- Local Initiative for Energy
- Living Infrastructure for Earth
Show answer and explanation
B. Lifestyle for Environment — Mission LiFE stands for Lifestyle for Environment and promotes environmentally responsible behaviour.
12. What target date was stated for freeing Punjab from the drug trade?
- 31 December 2027
- 15 August 2028
- 31 December 2029
- 26 January 2030
Show answer and explanation
C. 31 December 2029 — The Union Home Minister stated 31 December 2029 as the target date.
13. How many artisans are scheduled to participate in the Guwahati Shilp Samagam announced on 20 October 2026?
- 40
- 50
- 75
- 83
Show answer and explanation
C. 75 — The announcement said 75 artisans, including 31 women, would participate.
14. Deepthi Jeevanji won Asian Para Games gold in which event?
- Women’s 100m T12
- Women’s 200m T44
- Women’s 400m T20
- Women’s 800m T54
Show answer and explanation
C. Women’s 400m T20 — She won the women’s 400-metre T20 title and set a Games Record.
15. Under which constitutional article is the office of the Attorney General for India provided?
- Article 76
- Article 148
- Article 165
- Article 280
Show answer and explanation
A. Article 76 — Article 76 provides for the Attorney General for India; Article 165 concerns the Advocate General for a State.
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