8 sourced news briefs · 14 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
1. October retail inflation rises to 6.09% on the new CPI series
The National Statistics Office released provisional Consumer Price Index data for October 2026. All-India combined retail inflation rose to 6.09% year-on-year from 5.54% in September, while Consumer Food Price Index inflation increased to 8.94% from 7.74%. The October headline reading was slightly above the 6% upper tolerance level of India's inflation-targeting framework.
Important exam facts
- The CPI series uses 2024 as the base year, with the base index set at 100.
- October 2026 headline inflation was 6.63% in rural areas and 5.41% in urban areas.
- Food inflation was 9.09% in rural areas and 8.68% in urban areas.
- The October indices and inflation rates are provisional, while September figures are final.
Static GK connection: Revise CPI, CFPI, base-year revision, year-on-year inflation and the RBI's flexible inflation-targeting mandate of 4% with a tolerance band of 2% to 6%.
Source: NSO, MoSPI: Press Release of CPI for October 2026, 12 November 2026
Economy and Industry
2. NITI Aayog releases mid-course assessment of PLI schemes
NITI Aayog released an impact assessment of Production Linked Incentive schemes across 14 sectors, prepared with IIM Ahmedabad as knowledge partner. The report finds uneven but emerging gains in investment, production, employment and exports, and cautions that outcomes in newer or capital-intensive sectors remain too early for definitive conclusions.
Important exam facts
- The combined approved outlay across the 14 PLI sectors is ₹1.97 lakh crore.
- Large-scale electronics, pharmaceutical drugs, food processing, drones, medical devices and white goods show relatively strong evidence of progress across multiple indicators.
- The automobile and auto-components scheme recorded investment of ₹44,326 crore by March 2026, but employment remained below target.
- Only 1.4 GWh of capacity had been developed under the ACC battery scheme, with no commercial production or incentive disbursement at the assessed stage.
- The report recommends standardised data collection and consideration of demand-side support alongside supply-side incentives.
Static GK connection: Revise outcome-linked industrial incentives, global value chains, domestic value addition and NITI Aayog's role as the Union government's policy think tank.
Source: NITI Aayog: Impact Assessment of PLI Schemes, November 2026
Science, Technology and Security
3. TDB backs sovereign space-based AI-ELINT development project
The Technology Development Board under the Department of Science and Technology signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based Astrome Technologies for ₹64.05 crore of support from the Research, Development and Innovation Fund. The ₹128.11-crore project aims to develop a sovereign space-based artificial-intelligence-enabled electronic-intelligence constellation; it is a development project and not an operational constellation.
Important exam facts
- The proposed system uses 50 kg-class microsatellites in low Earth orbit.
- The project includes an electronic-intelligence payload, AI-based ground processing and inter-satellite communication.
- The programme seeks to move core technologies from Technology Readiness Level 4 to TRL 9.
- Financial support is being provided through optionally convertible debt.
Static GK connection: Revise low Earth orbit, microsatellites, electronic intelligence, inter-satellite links, Technology Readiness Levels and the statutory role of the Technology Development Board.
Source: PIB: TDB-DST agreement for sovereign space-based AI-ELINT constellation, 12 November 2026
Tamil Nadu and Polity
4. Tamil Nadu publishes draft electoral rolls for 2027 revision
Tamil Nadu election authorities published integrated draft electoral rolls on 12 November under the Special Summary Revision for 2027. Citizens may file claims and objections during the notified period. The draft is not the final roll: applications must be examined before final publication.
Important exam facts
- The qualifying date for the revision is 1 January 2027.
- Claims and objections may be filed from 12 November to 11 December 2026.
- The deadline for disposal of claims and objections is 28 December 2026.
- Final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on 4 January 2027.
- Form 6 is used for new registration, Form 7 for objection or deletion, and Form 8 for correction or specified updates.
Static GK connection: Revise Article 324, the Election Commission of India, electoral-roll preparation under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the concept of a qualifying date.
Source: Government of Tamil Nadu, Nilgiris District: Special Summary Revision 2027 schedule, 12 November 2026
Governance and Tribal Affairs
5. President interacts with Eklavya Model Residential School students
President Droupadi Murmu interacted at Rashtrapati Bhavan with meritorious students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs organised the event as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada. The President highlighted inclusive development, equal opportunity and the role of education in enabling young people to become job creators.
Important exam facts
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide residential education for Scheduled Tribe students.
- The President noted that the ratio of boys and girls in EMRS institutions is equal.
- Janjatiya Gaurav Pakhwada commemorates the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
- The interaction took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 12 November 2026.
Static GK connection: Revise Article 46, Scheduled Tribe educational advancement, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the objectives of Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
Source: President of India: Interaction with meritorious EMRS students, 12 November 2026
Art, Culture and Tribal Affairs
6. National Tribal Literary Festival scheduled for 12–13 November
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs scheduled a two-day National Tribal Literary Festival at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, for 12–13 November 2026 as part of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations. The programme is intended to promote tribal languages, oral narratives and indigenous literary heritage; the advance release describes the planned programme rather than a completed outcome.
Important exam facts
- The venue is Silver Oak, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
- Participants include tribal writers, poets, scholars, storytellers and cultural practitioners.
- The programme focuses on indigenous languages, oral traditions and the recognition of tribal knowledge holders.
- Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is observed on 15 November, Birsa Munda's birth anniversary.
Static GK connection: Revise oral tradition, intangible cultural heritage, tribal-language preservation and Birsa Munda's role in the anti-colonial Ulgulan movement.
Source: PIB: National Tribal Literary Festival in New Delhi on 12–13 November 2026, released 11 November 2026
Social Justice and Food Security
7. ONORC update records over 233 crore portability transactions
A PIB backgrounder updated the progress of One Nation One Ration Card, the nationwide portability system for National Food Security Act entitlements. ONORC operates across all 36 States and Union Territories and allows eligible beneficiaries, especially migrants, to obtain foodgrains from a Fair Price Shop outside their home location using the existing ration card and authentication system.
Important exam facts
- The system facilitates about 3.27 crore portability transactions each month.
- More than 233 crore inter-state and intra-state portability transactions have been recorded since inception.
- Around 614 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains have been distributed through portability transactions.
- As of October 2026, beneficiary and ration-card databases were fully digitised across all States and Union Territories.
- About 99.8% of the country's 5.51 lakh Fair Price Shops were operating with electronic point-of-sale devices.
Static GK connection: Revise the National Food Security Act, 2013, Targeted Public Distribution System, Fair Price Shops, Aadhaar authentication and portability of welfare entitlements.
Source: PIB Backgrounder: One Nation, One Ration Card — Food Security Without Boundaries, 12 November 2026
Startups, Media and Technology
8. WaveX startup-pavilion registration enters final day
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a final reminder that registration for the WaveX Startup Pavilion at WAVES Bazaar alongside IFFI Goa 2026 would close on 13 November. The opportunity is for DPIIT-recognised startups in film and allied technologies; registration and selection do not amount to an award or government funding.
Important exam facts
- The pavilion will operate during the 57th International Film Festival of India in Goa.
- Eligible applicants must be DPIIT-recognised startups working in film or allied technology sectors.
- The programme offers exhibition pods and interaction with filmmakers, production houses, investors and media-industry participants.
- Applications are subject to screening and evaluation by a selection committee.
Static GK connection: Revise DPIIT startup recognition, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, IFFI and the role of creative-technology ecosystems in the media economy.
Source: PIB: Registration for WaveX Startup Pavilion at IFFI Goa 2026 closes 13 November, released 12 November 2026
Practice MCQs
1. India's provisional combined CPI inflation for October 2026 was:
- 5.41%
- 5.54%
- 6.09%
- 8.94%
Show answer and explanation
C. 6.09% — NSO reported provisional all-India combined CPI inflation of 6.09% for October 2026.
2. Which base year is used for the CPI series cited in the October 2026 release?
- 2011-12
- 2012
- 2022-23
- 2024
Show answer and explanation
D. 2024 — The October release uses the revised CPI series with 2024 as the base year.
3. The PLI impact assessment released by NITI Aayog covers how many sectors?
- Eight
- Ten
- Fourteen
- Twenty
Show answer and explanation
C. Fourteen — The report assesses Production Linked Incentive schemes across 14 sectors.
4. Which institution served as NITI Aayog's knowledge partner for the PLI impact assessment?
- IIM Ahmedabad
- IIT Bombay
- NIPFP
- Indian Statistical Institute
Show answer and explanation
A. IIM Ahmedabad — NITI Aayog prepared the assessment in collaboration with IIM Ahmedabad.
5. The proposed AI-ELINT project seeks to advance its core technologies from TRL-4 to:
- TRL-5
- TRL-6
- TRL-8
- TRL-9
Show answer and explanation
D. TRL-9 — The development programme targets progression from Technology Readiness Level 4 to TRL 9.
6. Which organisation signed the AI-ELINT project agreement with Astrome Technologies?
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
- Technology Development Board
- National Remote Sensing Centre
- Defence Acquisition Council
Show answer and explanation
B. Technology Development Board — The Technology Development Board under DST signed the agreement with Astrome Technologies.
7. What is the qualifying date for Tamil Nadu's Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls for 2027?
- 1 October 2026
- 1 January 2027
- 4 January 2027
- 1 April 2027
Show answer and explanation
B. 1 January 2027 — A person meeting the legal conditions with reference to 1 January 2027 is assessed for this revision.
8. Tamil Nadu's final electoral rolls after the 2027 summary revision are scheduled for publication on:
- 11 December 2026
- 28 December 2026
- 1 January 2027
- 4 January 2027
Show answer and explanation
D. 4 January 2027 — After disposal of claims and objections, final publication is scheduled for 4 January 2027.
9. Eklavya Model Residential Schools primarily serve students belonging to:
- Scheduled Tribes
- Religious minorities
- Children of defence personnel
- Urban migrant workers
Show answer and explanation
A. Scheduled Tribes — EMRS institutions provide residential educational opportunities for Scheduled Tribe students.
10. Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is observed on the birth anniversary of:
- Sidhu Murmu
- Birsa Munda
- Tantia Bhil
- Rani Gaidinliu
Show answer and explanation
B. Birsa Munda — The observance on 15 November commemorates the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
11. One Nation One Ration Card derives beneficiaries' portable foodgrain entitlements from which law?
- Essential Commodities Act, 1955
- National Food Security Act, 2013
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, 1979
Show answer and explanation
B. National Food Security Act, 2013 — ONORC enables portability of entitlements provided under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
12. According to the 12 November ONORC update, the system operates across:
- Only Union Territories
- 28 States only
- 31 States and Union Territories
- All 36 States and Union Territories
Show answer and explanation
D. All 36 States and Union Territories — The backgrounder states that ONORC is implemented across all 36 States and Union Territories.
13. Eligibility for the WaveX Startup Pavilion requires recognition by:
- DPIIT
- SEBI
- NITI Aayog
- Prasar Bharati
Show answer and explanation
A. DPIIT — The invitation is open to DPIIT-recognised startups in film and allied technology sectors.
14. The WaveX Startup Pavilion is associated with which festival?
- International Film Festival of India
- Hornbill Festival
- India Mobile Congress
- Bharat Rang Mahotsav
Show answer and explanation
A. International Film Festival of India — The pavilion is part of WAVES Bazaar alongside the 57th International Film Festival of India in Goa.
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