Current Affairs Quiz — 21 October 2026 | Daily News + MCQs

Asian Para Games 2026: Simran (100m T12), Dilip Gavit (100m T47), Sachin Khilari, Praveen Kumar and Ayush Verma win gold on 21 October

Q1

At the Asian Para Games 2026, Praveen Kumar defended his gold medal in which event on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: B — Men's high jump T64

PIB: The Prime Minister congratulated Praveen Kumar for successfully defending his Gold Medal in the Men's High Jump T64 event, breaking his own Games Record.

Q2 Advanced

Which Indian para-athlete won gold in the men's 100m T47 at the Asian Para Games 2026 on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: C — Dilip Gavit

PIB: PM congratulated Dilip Gavit on winning Gold in the Men's 100m T47 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. The Hindu also reported his gold.

Q3 Advanced

Sachin Khilari retained his Asian Para Games gold in October 2026 in which event?

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Correct answer: D — Men's shot put F46

PIB: PM congratulated Sachin Khilari for retaining his Gold Medal in the Men's Shot Put F46 event at the Asian Para Games 2026; Ayush Verma won the F53 shot put.

Police Commemoration Day (21 October): Amit Shah pays tribute at National Police Memorial, flags off 'Fight against Drugs' motorcycle rally

Q4

Police Commemoration Day, observed on 21 October, remembers the 1959 incident at which place where 10 CRPF personnel lost their lives?

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Correct answer: C — Hot Springs, Ladakh

PIB (MHA): Amit Shah recalled that on 21 October 1959, at Hot Springs in Ladakh, 10 CRPF personnel laid down their lives resisting an attack by Chinese troops.

Q5 Advanced

On Police Commemoration Day 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah set which deadline for freeing the country from drugs?

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Correct answer: D — 31 December 2029

PIB (MHA): 'We will fight together against drug abuse and free country from scourge of drugs by December 31, 2029.'

Q6 Advanced

Where was the main Police Commemoration Day ceremony attended by Amit Shah held on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: A — National Police Memorial, New Delhi

PIB (MHA): Amit Shah paid tribute to police personnel at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi on Police Commemoration Day.

UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2026 'The Point of Return': exceeding 1.5°C now unavoidable; 18% cut by 2030 needed to return

Q7

Which organisation released the Emissions Gap Report 2026, titled 'The Point of Return', in October 2026?

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Correct answer: A — UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP: The Emissions Gap Report 2026: The Point of Return was published on 21 October 2026 by the UN Environment Programme in Nairobi.

Q8 Advanced

According to the Emissions Gap Report 2026, by what percentage must global greenhouse gas emissions fall by 2030 (relative to 2025) for the 'lowest possible' 1.5°C overshoot pathway?

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Correct answer: B — 18%

UNEP: Global GHG emissions would have to be reduced by 18 per cent by 2030, 45 per cent by 2035 and 69 per cent by 2040, relative to 2025 levels.

Q9 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2026: 1. Under current policies, warming could reach 2.8°C within this century. 2. Full implementation of all NDCs would limit warming to 1.5°C without overshoot. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: A — 1 only

UNEP: If current policies continue, warming could reach 2.8°C within this century; if all NDCs are delivered, warming will be limited to 2.6°C, and exceeding 1.5°C is now unavoidable. So only statement 1 is correct.

Ladakh to hold panchayat polls on 21 November 2026, first since becoming a UT; LAHDC Kargil dissolved, 100 seats notified for eight hill councils

Q10

On which date will panchayat elections be held in the Union Territory of Ladakh, as announced in October 2026?

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Correct answer: D — 21 November 2026

The Hindu, The Tribune and India Today: Ladakh's State Election Commission announced panchayat polls on 21 November 2026, with nominations closing on 2 November.

Q11 Advanced

How many constituencies were notified in October 2026 for the eight Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils?

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Correct answer: A — 100

India Today and The Hindu: LG V K Saxena notified 100 constituencies for the eight LAHDCs, nearly doubling councillors from 52.

Q12 Advanced

Which hill council in Ladakh was dissolved by the UT administration on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: B — LAHDC Kargil

The Hindu and The Tribune: The Ladakh administration dissolved the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, on 21 October 2026.

RBI releases MPC minutes: all six members backed 25 bps repo hike to 5.50%; two favoured keeping a neutral stance

Q13

As per the MPC minutes released on 21 October 2026, how did the members vote on raising the repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50%?

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Correct answer: B — All six members voted in favour

RBI minutes: Voting on the resolution to increase the policy repo rate by 25 bps to 5.50% - all six members voted Yes; the MPC voted unanimously.

Q14 Advanced

Which two MPC members favoured retaining a neutral stance at the October 2026 meeting, as per the minutes?

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Correct answer: C — Dr Nagesh Kumar and Prof. Ram Singh

RBI minutes: Two members - Dr. Nagesh Kumar and Prof. Ram Singh - were of the view that the stance be retained at neutral.

Q15 Advanced

Consider the following statements about the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): 1. The MPC is constituted under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934. 2. Under Section 45ZL of the RBI Act, the RBI must publish the minutes of an MPC meeting on the fourteenth day after the meeting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

RBI minutes: The MPC is constituted under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934, and according to Section 45ZL the Reserve Bank shall publish, on the fourteenth day after every MPC meeting, the minutes of the proceedings. Both statements are correct.

Defence Ministry signs ₹770 crore contract with BEL for Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) for the Army

Q16

In October 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth about ₹770 crore with which company for Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I)?

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Correct answer: D — Bharat Electronics Limited

PIB: The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL) to procure LLLR-I at a cost of approximately ₹770 crore on 21 October 2026.

Q17 Advanced

The Improved Low Level Light Weight Radars (LLLR-I) contracted in October 2026 are mainly meant to help the Indian Army counter which threat?

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Correct answer: A — Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones)

PIB: LLLR-I can detect and track fighter-size targets and mini/micro drones, enabling the Army to counter the threat of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

SIMBEX-2026: 33rd Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise begins at Visakhapatnam

Q18

Where did the 33rd edition of SIMBEX begin on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: A — Visakhapatnam

PIB: SIMBEX-2026 is being held at Visakhapatnam from 21 to 26 October 2026.

Q19 Advanced

SIMBEX, the maritime exercise between India and Singapore, began in 1994 under which name?

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Correct answer: B — Exercise Lion King

PIB: Since its inception in 1994 as Exercise Lion King, SIMBEX has evolved into a significant bilateral maritime engagement.

Q20 Advanced

Which Republic of Singapore Navy ship arrived at Visakhapatnam for SIMBEX-2026?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — RSS Supreme

PIB: RSN ship RSS Supreme arrived at Visakhapatnam on 21 October 2026 to participate in SIMBEX-2026.

India hosts 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference at Bharat Mandapam, first time in the Global South

Q21

Where was the 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference inaugurated on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: A — Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

PIB: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the 7th AgriVoltaics World Conference at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Q22 Advanced

According to MNRE in October 2026, India's non-fossil fuel based installed electricity capacity had reached about how much?

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Correct answer: B — 308.03 GW

PIB (MNRE): Pralhad Joshi said India's non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity had reached 308.03 GW, more than 55% of total installed capacity.

Q23 Advanced

Under the next phase of which scheme did the Union Government announce a major agrivoltaic programme at the AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026?

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Correct answer: C — PM-KUSUM

PIB (MNRE): Pralhad Joshi announced that one of the world's most ambitious agrivoltaic programmes would be launched under the next phase of PM-KUSUM.

Index of Eight Core Industries grows 7.9% in September 2026; iron ore leads with 18.4%

Q24

By how much did the Index of Eight Core Industries grow in September 2026 (provisional, year-on-year)?

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Correct answer: B — 7.9%

PIB: The ICI grew by 7.9 per cent in September 2026 (Provisional) compared with September 2025.

Q25 Advanced

Which core industry recorded the highest year-on-year growth in September 2026?

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Correct answer: C — Iron ore

PIB: Iron ore grew 18.4%, the highest, followed by electricity (11.4%) and coal (10.7%).

Q26 Advanced

Which of the following core industries saw NEGATIVE growth in September 2026?

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Correct answer: D — Natural gas

PIB: Fertilizers, natural gas and crude oil witnessed negative growth in September 2026; steel, refinery products and cement grew.

President Murmu presents Lalit Kala Akademi awards of the 65th National Exhibition of Art and 3rd Print Biennale India 2026

Q27

The Lalit Kala Akademi awards presented by President Droupadi Murmu on 21 October 2026 were for which edition of the National Exhibition of Art?

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Correct answer: D — 65th

PIB: The President presented Lalit Kala Akademi awards to selected artists of the 65th National Exhibition of Art.

Q28 Advanced

How many artists were chosen for the awards of the 65th National Exhibition of Art (2026)?

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Correct answer: A — 20

PIB (Ministry of Culture): 270 artworks were selected for exhibition and 20 artists were chosen for the Awards.

Q29 Advanced

Consider the following statements: 1. The Lalit Kala Akademi was established in 1954. 2. The first National Exhibition of Art was held at Jaipur House in 1955. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2

PIB (Ministry of Culture): The Secretary traced the journey of the Lalit Kala Akademi since its establishment in 1954 and the National Exhibition of Art, which began at Jaipur House in 1955 with about 1,200 entries. Both statements are correct.

CAQM invokes Stage-I of GRAP across Delhi-NCR as Delhi's AQI slips to 'Poor'

Q30

Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), invoked in Delhi-NCR on 21 October 2026, applies when Delhi's AQI is in which range?

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Correct answer: C — 201-300 ('Poor')

PIB: Stage I - 'Poor' Air Quality (Delhi AQI ranging between 201-300); CAQM invoked it as Delhi's AQI was 244-245.

Q31 Advanced

How many action points were invoked under Stage-I of GRAP in the NCR on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: D — 25

PIB: The Sub-Committee decided to invoke all 25 action points as per Stage-I of the extant GRAP with immediate effect in the entire NCR.

Q32 Advanced

Which body invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan in Delhi-NCR on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: A — Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

PIB: The CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP invoked Stage-I in the entire NCR; AQI data came from the CPCB bulletin.

Inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League opens in Raipur with six franchises and 132 players

Q33

In which city did the inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League begin on 21 October 2026?

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Correct answer: A — Raipur

PIB: The inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League opened at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium in Raipur on 21 October 2026.

Q34 Advanced

How many franchise teams are taking part in the inaugural Chhattisgarh Hockey League (2026)?

Show answer

Correct answer: B — Six

PIB: The inaugural edition features six franchises and 132 players.

Vummidi Ethiraj, Chennai jeweller who helped craft the historic Sengol, dies at 99

Q35

Vummidi Ethiraj, who died in October 2026, was known for helping craft which historic object?

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Correct answer: A — The Sengol installed in the new Parliament building

PIB: PM said Vummidi Ethiraj will always be remembered for his efforts in crafting the historic Sengol presented to Nehru and given a place of pride in the new Parliament building in 2023.

Q36 Advanced

On which date was the Sengol ceremonially installed in the new Parliament building?

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Correct answer: B — 28 May 2023

Indian Express and India Today: PM Narendra Modi ceremonially installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building on 28 May 2023.

Army Commanders' Conference begins in New Delhi (21-23 October 2026); Land Warfare Doctrine to be released

Q37

Which document was to be released by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at the Army Commanders' Conference held in New Delhi from 21 to 23 October 2026?

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Correct answer: B — Land Warfare Doctrine

PIB: A key highlight of the conference will be the release of the Land Warfare Doctrine by the Raksha Mantri.

Raman Research Institute study finds X-ray pulsar Centaurus X-3 accretes matter through an accretion disk, rare for high-mass binaries

Q38 Advanced

Scientists of which institute reported in October 2026 that the X-ray pulsar Centaurus X-3 accretes matter through an accretion disk?

Show answer

Correct answer: C — Raman Research Institute

PIB (DST): Scientists from the Raman Research Institute (RRI), an autonomous institution of DST, led by Kinjal Roy, made the finding.

Q39 Advanced

Why is the finding about Centaurus X-3 (October 2026) considered unusual?

Show answer

Correct answer: D — High-mass X-ray binaries usually accrete by directly capturing stellar wind, not through an accretion disk

PIB (DST): Accretion in this system occurs through an accretion disk, which is rare in high-mass binaries; in HMXBs accretion generally happens through direct capture of stellar wind.