8 sourced news briefs · 16 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 ↓
Economy and Monetary Policy
1. RBI publishes minutes of the October 2026 Monetary Policy Committee meeting
The Reserve Bank of India published the minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting held from 5 to 7 October 2026. All six members had voted to raise the policy repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent. The committee changed its stance to calibrated tightening, although two members preferred retaining a neutral stance. The minutes are the statutory record of an earlier policy decision, not a fresh rate change on 21 October.
Important exam facts
- The meeting was the MPC's 63rd and was chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
- The repo rate was raised unanimously by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent.
- The Standing Deposit Facility rate became 5.25 per cent, while the MSF rate and Bank Rate became 5.75 per cent.
- RBI projected real GDP growth of 7.1 per cent and CPI inflation of 5.2 per cent for 2026-27.
- Section 45ZL of the RBI Act requires publication of MPC minutes on the fourteenth day after each meeting.
Static GK connection: Revise the six-member MPC under the RBI Act, the inflation-targeting framework, repo and standing-facility rates, and the distinction between a policy resolution and its subsequently published minutes.
Source: RBI — Minutes of the Monetary Policy Committee Meeting, 21 October 2026
Economy and Industry
2. Eight core industries record 7.9 per cent growth in September 2026
The Office of the Economic Adviser released provisional data showing that the combined Index of Eight Core Industries grew 7.9 per cent year-on-year in September 2026. Growth strengthened from the final 5.9 per cent reading for August. Coal, refinery products, steel, cement and electricity recorded positive growth, while crude oil, natural gas and fertilisers contracted.
Important exam facts
- The September 2026 year-on-year growth rate was 7.9 per cent.
- Cumulative growth during April-September 2026 was 5.1 per cent, against 2.5 per cent in the corresponding previous-year period.
- Iron ore grew 18.4 per cent, electricity 11.4 per cent and coal 10.7 per cent in September.
- Refinery products grew 10.3 per cent, cement 9.8 per cent and steel 4.9 per cent.
- The core-industry series uses 2022-23 as its base year.
Static GK connection: Revise the eight industries covered by the Index of Core Industries, the meaning of a base year, and the relationship between core industries and the wider Index of Industrial Production.
Source: PIB — Index of Eight Core Industries for September 2026, 21 October 2026
Banking Regulation
3. RBI places Puducherry Co-operative Urban Bank under supervisory directions
RBI imposed directions on Puducherry Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd from the close of business on 21 October 2026. Without prior written approval, the bank cannot grant or renew loans, make investments, accept fresh deposits, incur specified liabilities or dispose of assets. Withdrawals are capped at ₹5,000 per depositor account under the directions. RBI stated that the action is not a cancellation of the bank's licence.
Important exam facts
- The directions were issued under Section 35A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
- The depositor withdrawal ceiling under the directions is ₹5,000.
- Eligible depositors may receive DICGC insurance up to ₹5 lakh, subject to the statutory process.
- The directions remain in force for six months from 21 October 2026 and are subject to review.
- The bank may continue banking business subject to the specified restrictions.
Static GK connection: Revise RBI's supervisory powers over co-operative banks, the purpose of directions under the Banking Regulation Act, and DICGC deposit insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank in the same capacity and right.
Source: RBI — Directions to Puducherry Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd, 21 October 2026
Defence and Technology
4. Defence Ministry signs ₹770 crore contract for improved low-level radars
The Ministry of Defence signed an approximately ₹770 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited to procure Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar systems for the Indian Army. The LLLR-I system is designed to detect and track fighter-sized targets as well as mini and micro drones, prioritise aerial targets and strengthen the Army's response to unmanned aerial-system threats.
Important exam facts
- The contract value is approximately ₹770 crore.
- The supplier is Bharat Electronics Limited, a defence public-sector undertaking.
- The system is called Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar, abbreviated LLLR-I.
- The radar can track fighter-sized targets and mini or micro drones.
- The procurement is intended for the Indian Army's air-defence capability.
Static GK connection: Revise the roles of radars in air defence, the distinction between detection and interception, and Bharat Electronics Limited's place in India's defence public-sector manufacturing ecosystem.
Source: PIB — MoD contract for Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars, 21 October 2026
International Relations and Trade
5. India and New Zealand sign electronic origin-data cooperation arrangement
India's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs and the New Zealand Customs Service signed a Memorandum of Cooperation for advance electronic exchange of origin data on trade in goods. The arrangement supports implementation of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, which entered into force on 20 October 2026, by improving digital verification, reducing information gaps and increasing certainty for eligible traders.
Important exam facts
- The participating customs bodies are CBIC and the New Zealand Customs Service.
- The MoC concerns electronic exchange of origin data for trade in goods.
- The India-New Zealand FTA entered into force on 20 October 2026.
- The MoC was signed on 19 October 2026 and officially reported by PIB on 21 October.
- Origin data helps customs authorities determine eligibility for preferential tariff treatment.
Static GK connection: Revise rules of origin, preferential tariffs, customs cooperation and the difference between signing, entry into force and implementation of a free-trade agreement.
Source: PIB — India-New Zealand MoC on Electronic Origin Data Exchange, 21 October 2026
Environment and Mining Governance
6. SUVIKALP mine-repurposing tool receives SKOCH Gold Award 2026
The Coal Controller Organisation highlighted its in-house SUVIKALP tool for structured selection of projects that can repurpose post-mining land. SUVIKALP evaluates alternatives using technical, environmental, social and economic criteria, while the related PRISM model supplies implementation pathways. The initiative received the SKOCH Gold Award 2026 on 26 September under the Digital Operational Efficiency–Data Driven Decision Making category.
Important exam facts
- SUVIKALP was developed by the Coal Controller Organisation under the Ministry of Coal.
- It supports data-driven planning for sustainable reuse of closed-mine land.
- PRISM expands to Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategy Model.
- The SUVIKALP Samvaad initiative conducted 12 thematic webinars.
- The award recognition does not by itself mean that every proposed mine-repurposing project has been implemented.
Static GK connection: Revise mine closure, reclamation and repurposing, environmental restoration of mined land, and the Coal Controller Organisation's regulatory and statistical functions under the Ministry of Coal.
Source: PIB — CCO's SUVIKALP Initiative Advances Sustainable Mine Repurposing, 21 October 2026
Agriculture and Public Administration
7. DARE and ICAR report nearly 4,000 cleanliness drives under Special Campaign 6
The Department of Agricultural Research and Education and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research reported progress under Swachhata Special Campaign 6, which runs from 2 to 31 October 2026. Across the ICAR network, nearly 4,000 drives had been organised, about 1.3 lakh square feet of space cleared and roughly ₹10 lakh generated through disposal of electronic and non-electronic scrap.
Important exam facts
- ICAR and its network are participating in the campaign from 2 to 31 October 2026.
- The network includes 114 ICAR institutes along with regional centres, ATARIs and KVKs.
- Nearly 4,000 cleanliness campaigns were reported.
- Approximately 1.3 lakh square feet of space was cleared.
- Around ₹10 lakh in revenue was generated through scrap disposal.
Static GK connection: Revise the relationship between DARE and ICAR, the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras in agricultural extension, and the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle in institutional waste management.
Source: PIB — DARE/ICAR Swachhata Special Campaign 6 progress, 21 October 2026
Sports
8. Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag win Asian Para Games compound-doubles silver
Indian para archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag secured the silver medal in the women's para compound doubles event at the 2026 Asian Para Games. The result was formally acknowledged by the Prime Minister on 21 October. The event is a team-format compound-archery competition within the Asian multi-sport programme for athletes with disabilities.
Important exam facts
- The medal was silver in the women's para compound doubles event.
- India's team comprised Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag.
- The 2026 Asian Para Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- The Asian Para Games are organised separately from the Asian Games for athletes with disabilities.
Static GK connection: Revise the distinction between the Asian Para Games and Paralympic Games, the role of athlete classification in para sport, and the difference between compound and recurve archery equipment.
Source: PIB — Prime Minister congratulates Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag, 21 October 2026
Practice MCQs
1. What policy repo rate was recorded in the October 2026 MPC minutes?
- 5.00 per cent
- 5.25 per cent
- 5.50 per cent
- 5.75 per cent
Show answer and explanation
C. 5.50 per cent — All six MPC members voted to raise the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 per cent.
2. Which provision requires RBI to publish MPC minutes on the fourteenth day after a meeting?
- Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act
- Section 45ZL of the RBI Act
- Article 280 of the Constitution
- Section 10 of the DICGC Act
Show answer and explanation
B. Section 45ZL of the RBI Act — Section 45ZL of the RBI Act requires publication of the resolution, member votes and individual statements.
3. The Index of Eight Core Industries grew by what rate in September 2026?
- 4.9 per cent
- 5.9 per cent
- 7.1 per cent
- 7.9 per cent
Show answer and explanation
D. 7.9 per cent — The provisional year-on-year growth rate for September 2026 was 7.9 per cent.
4. Which of the following is not one of India's eight core industries?
- Coal
- Cement
- Electricity
- Automobiles
Show answer and explanation
D. Automobiles — Automobiles are not included; the eight are coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity.
5. What withdrawal ceiling applies under RBI's directions to Puducherry Co-operative Urban Bank?
- ₹5,000
- ₹25,000
- ₹50,000
- ₹5 lakh
Show answer and explanation
A. ₹5,000 — Withdrawals are capped at ₹5,000; the separate ₹5 lakh figure is the maximum eligible DICGC insurance ceiling.
6. What is the maximum deposit-insurance ceiling cited for eligible depositors of the restricted bank?
- ₹50,000
- ₹1 lakh
- ₹2 lakh
- ₹5 lakh
Show answer and explanation
D. ₹5 lakh — Eligible depositors may receive DICGC insurance up to ₹5 lakh under the applicable statutory process.
7. The approximately ₹770 crore defence contract concerns procurement of which system?
- Light combat aircraft
- Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar
- Ballistic missile submarine
- Main battle tank engine
Show answer and explanation
B. Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar — The contract is for Improved Low Level Light Weight Radar systems for the Indian Army.
8. Which company will supply the Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars?
- Bharat Electronics Limited
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
- Bharat Dynamics Limited
Show answer and explanation
A. Bharat Electronics Limited — The Ministry of Defence signed the procurement contract with Bharat Electronics Limited.
9. The India-New Zealand customs MoC provides for electronic exchange of which information?
- Tourist visa records
- Origin data for trade in goods
- Defence procurement bids
- Maritime weather data
Show answer and explanation
B. Origin data for trade in goods — The arrangement enables advance electronic exchange of origin data for traded goods.
10. India's partner in the electronic origin-data exchange arrangement is which country?
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- Japan
Show answer and explanation
B. New Zealand — The MoC was signed between India's CBIC and the New Zealand Customs Service.
11. SUVIKALP is primarily associated with which activity?
- Satellite launch planning
- Closed-mine land repurposing
- Urban flood forecasting
- Ocean mineral exploration
Show answer and explanation
B. Closed-mine land repurposing — SUVIKALP evaluates alternatives for the sustainable repurposing of post-mining land.
12. What does PRISM stand for in the SUVIKALP initiative?
- Public Resource Information Security Model
- Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategy Model
- Project Risk Index for Sustainable Mining
- Programme for Regional Industrial Site Management
Show answer and explanation
B. Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategy Model — PRISM is the Post-Mining Repurposing Implementation Strategy Model that provides implementation pathways.
13. Approximately how much space was cleared under the reported DARE/ICAR campaign?
- 13,000 square feet
- 50,000 square feet
- 1.3 lakh square feet
- 13 lakh square feet
Show answer and explanation
C. 1.3 lakh square feet — The official release reported clearance of approximately 1.3 lakh square feet.
14. Krishi Vigyan Kendras are most directly associated with which function?
- Agricultural extension and farmer training
- Monetary-policy formulation
- Customs valuation
- Defence radar production
Show answer and explanation
A. Agricultural extension and farmer training — KVKs are district-level farm-science centres that support agricultural extension, training and technology demonstration.
15. Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag won silver in which event at the 2026 Asian Para Games?
- Women's recurve singles
- Women's para compound doubles
- Mixed recurve team
- Women's javelin throw
Show answer and explanation
B. Women's para compound doubles — They secured silver in the women's para compound doubles event.
16. The 2026 Asian Para Games are being held in which host location?
- Hangzhou, China
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Doha, Qatar
- Incheon, South Korea
Show answer and explanation
B. Aichi-Nagoya, Japan — Aichi-Nagoya in Japan is hosting the 2026 Asian Para Games.
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