11 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 & Statistics
1. MoSPI releases trial services-production indices for 19 sub-sectors
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released experimental sub-sectoral Index of Services Production figures for August 2026 using 2024–25 as the base year. The trial series covers 19 service sub-sectors and measures changes in output volume; it is not a single headline index for the whole services sector. Retail trade recorded 19.9% year-on-year growth, while air transport contracted 9.6%.
Important exam facts
- The trial release covers 19 sub-sectors with base year 2024–25.
- Retail trade had the highest reported year-on-year growth at 19.9% in August 2026.
- Air transport declined 9.6% and arts, entertainment and recreation services declined 4.7% year-on-year.
- Banking grew 14.9%, insurance 16.5% and IT and computer-related services 13.8%.
Static GK connection: Revise index-number concepts, base years, the difference between an index level and a growth rate, and MoSPI's role in official statistics.
Source: Release of Sub-Sectoral Trial Index of Services Production for August 2026 — PIB, 29 October 2026
Health & Social Justice
2. Ayushman Vay Vandana completes two years of senior-citizen coverage
Ayushman Vay Vandana completed two years after its launch on 29 October 2024. The AB PM-JAY extension makes every citizen aged 70 years or above eligible for up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation, regardless of socio-economic status. As of 20 October 2026, 23.46 lakh authorised admissions were valued at ₹5,668.80 crore.
Important exam facts
- The initiative is implemented by the National Health Authority under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- It is designed to cover approximately 6 crore senior citizens belonging to about 4.5 crore families.
- Families already covered by AB PM-JAY receive an additional top-up of up to ₹5 lakh exclusively for members aged 70 or above.
- Cataract surgery accounted for 4.71 lakh authorised treatments and chronic haemodialysis for about 2.90 lakh.
- Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty had the highest authorised value, about ₹649 crore.
Static GK connection: Connect the scheme with Ayushman Bharat, the National Health Authority, publicly financed health assurance and demographic ageing in India.
Source: Ayushman Vay Vandana Marks Two Years — PIB, 29 October 2026
Environment, Energy & Economy
3. Green-hydrogen offtake commitments cross 5.5 lakh tonnes per year
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reported that Indian companies had signed 23 green-hydrogen-equivalent offtake contracts totalling 5,55,610 metric tonnes per annum by October 2026. More than 70% of the committed quantity is earmarked for exports. These are supply commitments and future delivery arrangements, not proof that the full quantity is already being produced or exported.
Important exam facts
- Eighteen new agreements covering more than 4 lakh MTPA were signed during 2026.
- The contracts represent about 11% of the National Green Hydrogen Mission's 2030 production target.
- The associated projects are expected to require investment exceeding ₹90,000 crore.
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission has an initial outlay of ₹19,744 crore up to 2029–30 and targets at least 5 million MTPA by 2030.
- Green ammonia and green methanol are emerging uses of renewable hydrogen in fertiliser, refining, power and shipping.
Static GK connection: Revise electrolysis, renewable hydrogen, green ammonia, industrial decarbonisation and the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition programme.
Source: Green Hydrogen Offtake Commitments Exceed 5.5 Lakh MTPA — PIB, 29 October 2026
International Relations & Defence
4. India proposes ASEAN defence Youth Bridge at 13th ADMM-Plus
At the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Cebu, the Defence Minister reiterated support for ASEAN centrality, a rules-based Indo-Pacific and stronger cooperation against terrorism. India proposed a defence Youth Bridge to deepen India–ASEAN connectivity, digital innovation and capacity building. The proposal is an initiative for consideration, not an already established programme.
Important exam facts
- India and Malaysia are co-chairing the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for 2024–2027.
- India offered to share experience through joint exercises, capacity-building programmes and intelligence sharing.
- ADMM-Plus brings ASEAN members together with eight dialogue partners for defence and security cooperation.
- The meeting was held in Cebu, Philippines, on 29 October 2026.
Static GK connection: Revise ASEAN centrality, India's Act East policy, ADMM-Plus and the distinction between a consultative security forum and a military alliance.
Source: India at the 13th ADMM-Plus in Cebu — PIB, 29 October 2026
Geography, Water Resources & Governance
5. Ganga Flood Control Board backs risk-based basin planning
The 19th meeting of the Ganga Flood Control Board reviewed interstate flood-management coordination and discussed a revised mandate and restructuring of the Ganga Flood Control Commission. The proposed direction includes risk-based basin master plans, river-morphology and sedimentation studies, better project appraisal and a Flood Management Information System. These institutional changes remain part of the reviewed restructuring agenda.
Important exam facts
- The Ganga Flood Control Board was constituted by the Union Government on 18 April 1972.
- It is chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, while the GFCC Chair serves as Member Secretary.
- The meeting examined waterways and ventways under bridges, drainage congestion and the quality of Detailed Project Reports.
- The Punah Bharan mobile application for locating artificial groundwater-recharge sites was launched during the meeting.
Static GK connection: Study the Ganga basin, floodplain processes, river morphology, sedimentation, Centre–State coordination and structural versus non-structural flood management.
Source: 19th Meeting of the Ganga Flood Control Board — PIB, 29 October 2026
Labour & Social Security
6. ESIC extends New Amnesty Scheme to 31 December 2026
The Employees' State Insurance Corporation extended the New Amnesty Scheme, 2025 by three months, from 1 October to 31 December 2026, on its existing terms. The one-time dispute-resolution window seeks to reduce litigation and encourage voluntary compliance by eligible employers and insured persons under the ESI framework.
Important exam facts
- Court cases filed up to 31 March 2025 are eligible under the scheme.
- Ad-hoc assessments may be settled by paying actual contributions and interest without damages.
- Where dues have already been paid, cases may be withdrawn subject to payment of 10% of disputed damages.
- Withdrawal of relevant proceedings remains subject to the scheme's conditions and, where required, court permission.
Static GK connection: Revise the Employees' State Insurance Act, ESIC's tripartite social-security role and the difference between statutory contributions, interest, damages and dispute settlement.
Source: ESIC Extends New Amnesty Scheme 2025 — PIB, 29 October 2026
Disaster Management
7. Centre announces assessment teams after Cyclone Arnab
Following Cyclone Arnab, the Union Home Minister spoke with the Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh and with Puducherry's leadership, assuring central assistance. NDRF and SDRF teams were engaged in rescue and relief, while Inter-Ministerial Central Teams were to be sent to assess impacts and additional requirements. The assessment and further assistance were prospective at the time of the release.
Important exam facts
- NDRF is a specialised disaster-response force constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- State Disaster Response Forces operate at the State level for response and rescue.
- Inter-Ministerial Central Teams assess damage and requirements; they do not by themselves determine the final quantum of assistance.
- The affected jurisdictions named in the release were Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
Static GK connection: Revise the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the National Disaster Management Authority, NDRF, SDRF and the institutional process for post-disaster assessment.
Source: Central response in the wake of Cyclone Arnab — PIB, 29 October 2026
Environment & Urban Governance
8. Delhi Declaration seeks stronger city role in global climate action
The second ARISE Cities Forum concluded with adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals. More than 200 participants from over 50 cities across more than 18 countries called for stronger multilevel climate governance, accessible finance, just transitions, independent data systems and community participation. The declaration is a collective policy statement intended to inform COP31, not a binding treaty.
Important exam facts
- The forum was organised by ICLEI South Asia with the National Institute of Urban Affairs and support from the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.
- The declaration contains ten shared commitments linking local action with the global climate agenda.
- COP31 is scheduled to be held in Antalya, Türkiye.
- The closing ceremony also marked the launch of the Delhi Biodiversity Map.
Static GK connection: Connect urban climate governance with the UNFCCC, nationally determined contributions, adaptation, climate finance and the role of urban local bodies.
Source: Delhi Declaration 2026 on Local Climate Action — PIB, 29 October 2026
Cooperatives & Rural Economy
9. NCDC General Council sets 2030 North-East self-reliance priority
The 93rd General Council meeting of the National Cooperative Development Corporation reviewed financial performance and called for a 25-year organisational roadmap. It prioritised practical cooperative projects aimed at making the North-East self-reliant in milk, eggs, fish and meat by 2030. This is a planning target requiring future projects, financing and State participation.
Important exam facts
- NCDC had cumulatively disbursed ₹4,14,586 crore from the establishment of the Ministry of Cooperation to 25 October 2026.
- In FY 2025–26 it disbursed ₹1,27,596 crore, earned net profit of ₹1,475 crore and reported a 99.84% recovery rate with zero net NPA.
- The NCDC Amendment Act, 2026 received presidential assent and was gazetted on 14 August 2026.
- Sahakar Navachar Yojana provides eligible cooperatives 100% grant assistance up to ₹25 lakh for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Static GK connection: Revise the constitutional framework for cooperatives, NCDC's statutory role, cooperative federalism and the difference between grants, loans, equity and share-capital assistance.
Source: 93rd General Council Meeting of NCDC — PIB, 29 October 2026
Polity, Human Rights & Police Accountability
10. NHRC issues notice over alleged public humiliation by Kolkata Police
The National Human Rights Commission took suo motu cognizance of a media report alleging that police paraded three arrested persons in a semi-nude condition during reconstruction of a crime scene in Kolkata. It issued notice to the Kolkata Police Commissioner and sought a detailed report within two weeks. The allegations are under inquiry and were not presented as established findings.
Important exam facts
- NHRC stated that the reported facts, if true, raise serious human-rights concerns.
- The notice seeks a detailed report from the Kolkata Police Commissioner within two weeks.
- NHRC is a statutory body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- Its notices and recommendations do not amount to a criminal conviction or judicial determination.
Static GK connection: Revise NHRC's composition and powers, constitutional safeguards against degrading treatment, police accountability and the difference between suo motu cognizance and adjudication.
Source: NHRC Notice to Kolkata Police Commissioner — PIB, 29 October 2026
Tamil Nadu & Local Governance
11. Dindigul schedules Gram Sabhas for Local Government Day
The Dindigul district administration announced that Gram Sabha meetings would be held in all village panchayats on 1 November 2026 for Local Government Day. The release is a meeting schedule, not a record that the meetings have already occurred. It highlights the Gram Sabha's role as the village-level deliberative body in rural local governance.
Important exam facts
- The announcement was published by the Dindigul district administration on 29 October 2026.
- The proposed meetings cover all village panchayats in Dindigul district.
- Article 243A of the Constitution enables State legislatures to endow Gram Sabhas with powers and functions.
- A Gram Sabha consists of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village within the panchayat area.
Static GK connection: Revise Articles 243A to 243O, the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, Gram Sabha membership and the three-tier Panchayati Raj structure in Tamil Nadu.
Source: Gram Sabha Meetings in Dindigul Village Panchayats — Dindigul District Administration, 29 October 2026
Practice MCQs
1. The trial Index of Services Production released for August 2026 uses which base year?
- 2011–12
- 2022–23
- 2023–24
- 2024–25
Show answer and explanation
D. 2024–25 — MoSPI's experimental sub-sectoral ISP series uses 2024–25 as the base year.
2. Which services sub-sector recorded the highest year-on-year growth in the August 2026 trial ISP release?
- Retail trade
- Banking
- Insurance
- Railway transport
Show answer and explanation
A. Retail trade — Retail trade grew 19.9%, higher than banking, insurance and railway transport in the released table.
3. Ayushman Vay Vandana extends AB PM-JAY eligibility universally to citizens from what age?
- 60 years
- 65 years
- 70 years
- 75 years
Show answer and explanation
C. 70 years — All citizens aged 70 years or above are eligible, irrespective of socio-economic status.
4. Who implements Ayushman Vay Vandana under the Union Health Ministry?
- National Health Authority
- Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation
- Employees' State Insurance Corporation
Show answer and explanation
A. National Health Authority — The National Health Authority implements the AB PM-JAY extension under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
5. India's signed green-hydrogen-equivalent offtake commitments reached approximately what level by October 2026?
- 55,000 MTPA
- 2.5 lakh MTPA
- 5.5 lakh MTPA
- 5 million MTPA already produced
Show answer and explanation
C. 5.5 lakh MTPA — The ministry reported 5,55,610 MTPA in signed commitments; this is not the same as completed production.
6. India is co-chairing the ADMM-Plus counter-terrorism Experts' Working Group with which country for 2024–2027?
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Singapore
Show answer and explanation
B. Malaysia — India and Malaysia are co-chairs of the counter-terrorism working group for the 2024–2027 cycle.
7. The Ganga Flood Control Board was constituted by the Government of India in which year?
- 1956
- 1972
- 1985
- 2009
Show answer and explanation
B. 1972 — The Board was constituted on 18 April 1972 for coordinated planning in the Ganga basin.
8. The New Amnesty Scheme, 2025 of ESIC has been extended until which date?
- 30 November 2026
- 31 December 2026
- 31 March 2027
- 30 June 2027
Show answer and explanation
B. 31 December 2026 — ESIC extended the scheme by three months, through 31 December 2026.
9. Which body is a specialised national disaster-response force under the Disaster Management Act, 2005?
- NDRF
- GFCC
- NCDC
- NHRC
Show answer and explanation
A. NDRF — The National Disaster Response Force is constituted for specialised response under the Disaster Management Act.
10. The Delhi Declaration adopted by the ARISE Cities Forum is best described as what?
- A binding climate treaty
- A Supreme Court order
- A collective policy statement by cities and local governments
- An amendment to the Paris Agreement
Show answer and explanation
C. A collective policy statement by cities and local governments — The declaration sets shared urban climate commitments but is not a binding treaty or legal amendment.
11. COP31, referenced in the Delhi Declaration 2026, is scheduled for which city?
- Antalya
- Baku
- Belém
- Dubai
Show answer and explanation
A. Antalya — The declaration is intended to carry Global South urban priorities to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye.
12. The 93rd General Council meeting discussed making the North-East self-reliant by 2030 in which group of products?
- Coal, steel, cement and power
- Milk, eggs, fish and meat
- Cotton, jute, tea and coffee
- Rice, wheat, pulses and sugar
Show answer and explanation
B. Milk, eggs, fish and meat — NCDC was asked to develop cooperative projects for self-reliance in milk, eggs, fish and meat.
13. Sahakar Navachar Yojana offers eligible cooperatives a grant of up to what amount?
- ₹5 lakh
- ₹10 lakh
- ₹25 lakh
- ₹1 crore
Show answer and explanation
C. ₹25 lakh — The innovation scheme provides 100% grant assistance up to ₹25 lakh to eligible cooperative societies.
14. Under which law was the National Human Rights Commission established?
- Human Rights Courts Act, 1987
- Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993
- Right to Information Act, 2005
- Police Act, 1861
Show answer and explanation
B. Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 — NHRC is a statutory institution created under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
15. Which constitutional article specifically refers to the powers and functions of the Gram Sabha?
- Article 243A
- Article 243D
- Article 280
- Article 324
Show answer and explanation
A. Article 243A — Article 243A enables State legislatures to endow Gram Sabhas with powers and functions.
16. A Gram Sabha consists of which persons?
- Only elected panchayat members
- All adult residents regardless of enrolment
- Persons registered in electoral rolls for a village within the panchayat area
- Only village-level government employees
Show answer and explanation
C. Persons registered in electoral rolls for a village within the panchayat area — The constitutional definition links Gram Sabha membership to the electoral rolls for the village in the panchayat area.
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