Practise 48 current affairs questions from 29 October 2026 with answers and explanations for banking, SSC and railway exams on QZeX.
Q1) With which US organisation did NAAS sign a five-year cooperation MoU at the 2026 Borlaug Dialogue?
Explanation:CAST, the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, signed the agreement with NAAS on 20 October in Des Moines. The initial five-year framework covers educational programmes, publications and scientific exchanges. Shared topics include food security, water, climate stress, digital farming, AI and biotechnology.
Q2) At which institution did C-DOT establish its sixth Centre of Excellence, announced in October 2026?
Explanation:IIT (BHU), Varanasi hosts C-DOT’s sixth CoE. The Communications Ministry’s 23 October release identifies 5G Advanced/6G, AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and advanced wireless systems as focus areas. The partnership joins telecom research with academic expertise through joint research, technology development and capacity building. The Union Communications Minister is Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Q3) Which MSME shipyard carried out the naval barge launch and keel-laying milestones at Thane on 26 October 2026?
Explanation:Suryadipta Projects launched the first sullage barge and laid keels for the third sullage barge and first bottom-opening dumb barge. Contracts cover four 300-tonne sullage barges and three bottom-opening dumb barges. These indigenous craft support naval operations and MARPOL pollution-prevention compliance. Thane is in Maharashtra, whose capital is Mumbai and Chief Minister is Devendra Fadnavis.
Q4) The Punah Bharan app launched in October 2026 primarily supports which activity?
Explanation:Scientific groundwater recharge planning is the app’s purpose. BISAG-N developed it with the National Water Mission under the Jal Shakti Ministry. It identifies potential artificial-recharge zones within a radius of up to 3 km; the linked portal provides village-level zonation maps using rainfall, groundwater, slope and drainage datasets. The Union Minister of Jal Shakti is C. R. Patil.
Q5) Which organisation organised the 29 October 2026 Geneva event “Building sustainable care and support systems through decent work”?
Explanation:The International Labour Organization (ILO) organised the event marking the International Day of Care and Support. It examines investment in inclusive, rights-based care systems and better working conditions. Its event note identifies 381 million care-economy workers worldwide, approximately 65% of them women. ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo took office in October 2022.
Q6) Which city hosted the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly on 5–9 October 2026?
Explanation:Arusha, Tanzania hosted the Assembly, attended by nearly 700 parliamentarians from over 130 countries. Its Arusha Communiqué focused on good governance, community empowerment, inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all. Tanzania’s capital is Dodoma and its currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).
Q7) With which country did India begin the 11th GARUDA SHAKTI special-forces exercise on 27 October 2026?
Explanation:Indonesia hosted the exercise at Banyuwangi for 27 October–6 November. India’s troops came from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces). Training covers jungle special operations, combat marksmanship, mountaineering and air assault, culminating in a validation exercise assessing readiness and coordination. Indonesia’s capital is Jakarta and its currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR).
Q8) What is SBI’s cybersecurity centre of excellence featured in October 2026 news called?
Explanation:CyRIS organises SBI’s cybersecurity work around Think, Innovate and Defend. These pillars cover policy, talent and awareness; research and innovation; and threat intelligence, defence and resilience. It aims to anticipate emerging threats alongside responding to incidents. SBI is headquartered in Mumbai and its Chairman is Challa Sreenivasulu Setty.
Q9) Which shipyard launched the NGOPV Srishti on 27 October 2026?
Explanation:Goa Shipyard Limited launched Srishti, meaning creation in Sanskrit. Indigenous NGOPVs are intended for surveillance, search and rescue, offshore-asset protection, disaster relief and anti-piracy missions. Programme construction is shared between GSL and GRSE, Kolkata; this event was the vessel’s launch. Goa’s capital is Panaji and its Chief Minister is Pramod Sawant.
Q10) Who won the men’s singles title at the YONEX French Open on 25 October 2026?
Explanation:Christo Popov of France defeated Indonesia’s Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah 21–11, 14–21, 21–13 at Arena Grand Paris. He reached the final for a second successive year and won the home title. The organiser’s 25 October report also announced that he was set to become world number one the following Tuesday. France’s capital is Paris and its currency is the euro.
Q11) Which international organisation joined India’s Sports and Education ministries in the October 2026 classroom sport-values MoU?
Explanation:UNESCO joined the ministries to introduce the Sports Values in Every Classroom Toolkit. The MoU was exchanged at NADA India’s Clean Sport Conclave on 28 October in New Delhi. It uses education, sport and classroom activities to embed respect, integrity and fairness among children. UNESCO is headquartered in Paris and its Director-General is Khaled El-Enany. India’s Sports Minister is Mansukh Mandaviya and Education Minister is Dharmendra Pradhan.
Q12) SEBI’s October 2026 MoU on clearing-corporation supervision was signed with which institution?
Explanation:The Bank of England and SEBI established cooperation and information exchange concerning SEBI-recognised clearing corporations. The framework allows BoE to rely on SEBI’s regulatory and supervisory work while safeguarding UK financial stability, subject to each authority’s laws and regulations. SEBI Chairman is Tuhin Kanta Pandey; Bank of England Governor is Andrew Bailey.
Q13) Victoria colombiana, described in a 2026 botanical paper, is a giant waterlily from which country?
Explanation:Colombia’s upper Orinoco drainage is the origin of Victoria colombiana. The 7 October Phytotaxa paper used morphological comparison and river-distribution mapping. Researchers linked diversification to isolation of river basins and changing courses; rivers and floods disperse the desiccation-sensitive seeds. Colombia’s capital is Bogotá and its currency is the Colombian peso (COP).
Q14) What supplementary budget amount is recorded in Uttarakhand’s 2026–27 Supplementary Budget at a Glance?
Explanation:The supplementary allocation is ₹7,844.18 crore, comprising ₹4,164.32 crore capital and ₹3,679.86 crore revenue expenditure. Added to the ₹1,11,703.21-crore main budget, it brings the total to ₹1,19,547.39 crore. The document proposes raising local bodies’ state-tax share from 10.5% to 12.5%, with ₹721 crore provided. Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister is Pushkar Singh Dhami; Dehradun is its temporary capital and Gairsain its summer capital.
Q15) What annual local-pass fee did MoRTH announce in October 2026 for eligible toll plazas outside municipal or local town limits?
Explanation:The fee is ₹1,500 outside municipal/local town limits, compared with ₹3,000 within them. Non-commercial vehicle owners living within 20 km need a functional FASTag. Effective 1 November, the pass is restricted to one plaza; app availability starts 1 December. Closed tolling systems and locations with alternative/service roads are excluded. The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways is Nitin Gadkari.
Q16) Which organisation’s EIACP centre launched the nationwide Green Diwali Campaign for 20 October–8 November 2026?
Explanation:WWF-India’s EIACP Programme Centre–Resource Partner, supported by MoEFCC, runs the campaign under Mission LiFE. It encourages cracker-free celebrations, efficient lighting, waste segregation, avoiding single-use plastic and local purchases. Schools, residents’ associations and communities are targeted, especially in the 130 NCAP cities. The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is Bhupender Yadav.
Q17) Who became the first IAF officer appointed Additional Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs in October 2026?
Explanation:Air Marshal Vikram Gaur was appointed in the Defence Ministry’s Department of Military Affairs. His earlier roles included Joint Secretary (Air and Staff Duties) and Air Officer Commanding, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. A fighter pilot, he has more than 3,200 flying hours. The Department of Military Affairs is part of the Ministry of Defence, headed by Rajnath Singh.
Q18) What year-on-year IIP growth did India record in September 2026, according to the 28 October release?
Explanation:India’s IIP grew 6.7%, using base 2022–23=100. Manufacturing rose 7.6% and electricity and gas supply 11.2%. The overall index was 124.3 against 116.5 a year earlier. These are quick estimates subject to later revision, rather than final annual industrial-growth figures.
Q19) INS Sahyadri reached which port on 26 October 2026 for the India–Republic of Korea naval exercise?
Explanation:Busan Naval Harbour received INS Sahyadri, an indigenous guided-missile stealth frigate. Harbour activities include cross-deck visits, professional exchanges and cross-training. The sea phase involves Sahyadri and ROKS Munmu the Great, focusing on coordinated maritime operations and interoperability. The Republic of Korea’s capital is Seoul and its currency is the South Korean won (KRW).
Q20) Which Arunachal Pradesh town hosted the 14th International Tourism Mart beginning 29 October 2026?
Explanation:Tawang hosted the Ministry of Tourism’s 29–31 October event with Arunachal Pradesh and other North Eastern States. The mart showcases the eight states through business meetings, tourism presentations and a North East Bazaar. It returns to Tawang after the second edition in 2013; Pema Khandu participated as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister. Arunachal Pradesh’s capital is Itanagar; India’s Tourism Minister is Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Q21) Which Mercedes driver won the United States Grand Prix on 25 October 2026?
Explanation:Kimi Antonelli won the 56-lap race at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas for Mercedes. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was second and Max Verstappen of Red Bull third. Antonelli earned 25 points with a winning time of 1:35:16.650.
Q22) What outlay did the Cabinet approve for the Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme on 28 October 2026?
Explanation:The approved outlay is ₹10,000 crore up to FY2039–40. CMPS supports new plants and expansion, with 3% annual interest subvention on eligible capital loans, operational assistance and common testing facilities. The intended annual capacity is 7.5 lakh TEUs, around ten times existing capacity. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is Sarbananda Sonowal.
Q23) Which new form did CBDT notify in October 2026 for specified government-securities exemption information?
Explanation:Form 173A was notified by CBDT on 19 October 2026 to furnish information for specified government-securities exemption claims under the Income-tax Act, 2025. CBDT means Central Board of Direct Taxes and functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, headed by Nirmala Sitharaman.
Q24) Which maritime-sector NBFC reported ₹5,107 crore disbursed as of 30 September 2026?
Explanation:Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) had sanctioned ₹11,563 crore and disbursed ₹5,107 crore by that date. Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated its New Delhi corporate office on 23 October. Its financing role covers maritime infrastructure, with cumulative disbursements targeted at ₹60,205 crore by FY2031.
Q25) At which Colombo institution was the India-supported SAMHiTA manuscript digitisation project launched on 23 October 2026?
Explanation:Gangaramaya Temple partnered with India International Centre, Delhi for SAMHiTA, meaning South Asian Manuscript Histories and Textual Archive. Indian grant assistance supports preservation of palm-leaf manuscripts. Following a July 2026 MoU, Sri Lankan experts undertook digitisation, expected to finish by the end of November. Sri Lanka’s administrative capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and its currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR).
Q26) Which Union Territory was declared India’s first 100% Organic Union Territory in the announcement dated 25 October 2026?
Explanation:Ladakh received the declaration from Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The administration had prohibited procurement, distribution, sale, marketing and agricultural use of chemical and synthetic fertilisers in July 2026. Organic fertiliser distribution and certification support the transition and protection of its Himalayan soil and water resources.
Q27) Paytm’s October 2026 RuPay credit card offering family lounge access was launched with which bank?
Explanation:AU Small Finance Bank partnered with Paytm for the lifetime-free card. It offers up to 2% rewards on eligible Paytm UPI spending and 5% on Paytm Travel and Gold purchases. Eligible return flights booked through Paytm can unlock QR-based lounge access for up to four family members together, within a 12-visit annual limit. AU Small Finance Bank’s founder, MD and CEO is Sanjay Agarwal. Its headquarters are in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Q28) Which UAE honour was conferred on Captain Smit Machchhar and fellow flydubai crew members in October 2026?
Explanation:The First Class Order of Zayed II recognised the crew’s actions protecting passengers during the 30 September incident on Dubai–Tel Aviv flight FZ1073. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the honour; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed presented the medals. The crew helped ensure a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. The UAE’s capital is Abu Dhabi and its currency is the UAE dirham (AED).
Q29) From the 2027 edition, what name will the International Booker Prize use under its decade-long funding partnership?
Explanation:The Bukhman International Booker Prize name recognises Bukhman Philanthropies’ ten-year commitment. Announced on 2 July 2026, the arrangement doubles the winning-title pot to £100,000, shared equally between author and translator(s). Katie Kitamura chairs the 2027 panel; eligible fiction is translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland.
Q30) What was India’s global rank in the WJP Rule of Law Index 2026?
Explanation:India ranked 88th of 143, scoring 0.48 and falling two positions. Its South Asia rank was third of six. The index assesses eight areas, including government-power constraints, corruption, fundamental rights, regulatory enforcement and civil and criminal justice.
Q31) In October 2026, which fuel was explicitly included alongside E85 in MoRTH’s emission-certification provisions?
Explanation:E100 was included in amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, announced on 26 October. E85/E100 requires specially designed and certified vehicles; E10/E20 compatibility alone is insufficient. Existing owners are not required to convert their vehicles and should follow manufacturer fuel guidance. The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways is Nitin Gadkari.
Q32) Which risk category covered 96% of shallow-water coral reef ecosystems in IUCN’s October 2026 global assessment?
Explanation:Critically Endangered covered 96% in the first global coral assessment under the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems. Released on 22 October, it covered 127 tropical/subtropical ecoregions and incorporated warming projections to 2075. The category denotes extremely high collapse risk rather than completed collapse. IUCN stands for International Union for Conservation of Nature; established in 1948, it is headquartered in Gland, Switzerland.
Q33) Osbeckia assamensis, described in October 2026, was reported from which Indian state?
Explanation:Assam is the recorded origin of the Melastomataceae species described by Barnali Das and Namita Nath in Phytotaxa on 22 October. It differs from O. nayarii in branching, stem and leaf features, hairy calyx margins and inflorescences with 30–35 flowers. Assam’s capital is Dispur and its Chief Minister is Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Q34) Which DRDO laboratory shortlisted development partners for an indigenous 20mm helicopter aviation gun in October 2026?
Explanation:The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) shortlisted SSS Defence and Kalyani Group as development-cum-production partners. The proposed indigenous gun and turret system is intended for HAL’s ALH Mk-IV Rudra and Light Combat Helicopter platforms. This is a development initiative, rather than an announcement of operational induction. ARDE is located in Pune; DRDO was established in 1958 and comes under the Ministry of Defence.
Q35) Which bank signed a quantum-financial-innovation MoU with C-DAC on 22 October 2026?
Explanation:Bank of India partnered with C-DAC, an autonomous scientific society under MeitY. The framework covers research, pilots, demonstrations and training, including quantum-inspired and quantum-safe technologies. Banking use cases will be evaluated through proofs of concept in secure sandboxes before possible adoption; AI, blockchain and cybersecurity are also covered. Bank of India’s MD and CEO is Rajneesh Karnatak; the Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister is Ashwini Vaishnaw. The bank is headquartered in Mumbai.
Q36) IICA’s October 2026 MoU with the Association of ARCs strengthens industry links of which programme?
Explanation:The Post Graduate Insolvency Programme (PGIP) develops insolvency professionals and turnaround specialists through IICA’s Centre for Insolvency and Bankruptcy. The agreement covers industry faculty, research on distressed assets, data sharing, placements and an annual conference. IICA is under the Corporate Affairs Ministry; the association represents RBI-registered asset reconstruction companies. The Union Minister of Corporate Affairs is Nirmala Sitharaman.
Q37) Which former Japanese prime minister’s passing was acknowledged in a PMO press conference on 26 October 2026?
Explanation:Yasuo Fukuda, Japan’s 91st prime minister and a former Chief Cabinet Secretary, was mourned at the press conference. The PMO highlighted his emphasis on consumer-affairs administration and his chairmanship of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit as important contributions. Japan’s capital is Tokyo and its currency is the Japanese yen (JPY).
Q38) Who edited Timeless India: Protection & Revival of Indian Cultural Identity, launched in New Delhi on 28 October 2026?
Explanation:Tarun Vijay edited the book, published by IGNCA and Subhi Publications. The launch at Dharohar Bhawan, ASI, involved collaboration between ASI and IGNCA, with Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat as chief guest. The work examines monument preservation, cultural identity and historical memory.
Q39) Which SSB chief was assigned additional charge of ITBP in the MHA order dated 27 October 2026?
Explanation:Sanjay Singhal, a 1993-batch Uttar Pradesh cadre IPS officer, was assigned additional charge upon Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor’s retirement on 31 October. He remains SSB Director General. The arrangement continues until a regular incumbent is appointed or further orders, whichever is earlier. SSB means Sashastra Seema Bal and ITBP means Indo-Tibetan Border Police; both are under the Ministry of Home Affairs, headed by Amit Shah.
Q40) Which company announced an October 2026 HQ IDS agreement for AI applications across the Army, Navy and Air Force?
Explanation:Sarvam AI announced the agreement with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff on 27 October. Shared models and infrastructure support operations, training and decision support. Its Chanakya division will execute projects on sovereign infrastructure, retaining human oversight of operational decisions. Sarvam AI was founded in August 2023 by Vivek Raghavan and Pratyush Kumar; India’s Defence Minister is Rajnath Singh.
Q41) Who won India’s men’s 55kg gold at the 2026 World Boxing U19 Championships in Budva?
Explanation:Aditya defeated Russia’s Islam Magomedov 4:1 in the final. The championships concluded in Budva, Montenegro, on 27 October with 20 gold medals awarded and 474 athletes participating. Russia led with five titles, followed by Uzbekistan with four. Montenegro’s capital is Podgorica and its currency is the euro.
Q42) Following the Cabinet decision of 28 October 2026, what is the revised central DA/DR rate effective from 1 July 2026?
Explanation:The rate becomes 63% of basic pay/pension, up three percentage points from 60%. The instalment is effective retrospectively from 1 July 2026. Estimated annual expenditure is ₹10,016.10 crore, benefiting about 48.54 lakh employees and 68.71 lakh pensioners under the Seventh Central Pay Commission formula. The Union Finance Minister is Nirmala Sitharaman; DA applies to employees and DR to pensioners.
Q43) Which scheme approved on 28 October 2026 targets transformation of Panchayat-level governance?
Explanation:PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for 2026–27 to 2030–31, aligned with the Sixteenth Finance Commission period. Its ₹7,395.55-crore outlay comprises ₹4,869.48 crore central and ₹2,526.07 crore state shares. It directly supports around 32 lakh stakeholders across over 2.55 lakh Panchayats and Traditional Local Bodies. The Union Panchayati Raj Minister is Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh.
Q45) Which Indian student won the Global Youth Institute award at the October 2026 Borlaug Dialogue in Iowa?
Explanation:Ameena Nazreen A S won the GYI award carrying US$500. Seven Indian high-school students selected through NAAS-YUVA presented research on food-security challenges. The 2026 Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, themed Before Hunger Wins, took place in Des Moines on 20–22 October.
Q46) Who created the official International Animation Day 2026 poster?
Explanation:Yoriko Mizushiri, an ASIFA-Japan member, created the worldwide 2026 poster. International Animation Day falls on 28 October, recalling Émile Reynaud’s 1892 public animation presentation in Paris using his Théâtre Optique. ASIFA designated the observance in 2002.
Q47) India’s 26 October 2026 Gyan Bharatam manuscript MoU was signed with which country’s national library?
Explanation:France’s Bibliothèque nationale de France signed with India’s Culture Ministry in Paris. The partnership includes India’s National Archives and National Library, Kolkata. Digitisation, National Digital Repository sharing, conservation, research and Indian-script OCR/HTR technologies are covered. France’s capital is Paris and its currency is the euro; India’s Culture Minister is Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Q48) Which Reliance digital and telecom company made its market debut at ₹1,358 per share on 28 October 2026?
Explanation:Jio Platforms opened at ₹1,358 against an offer price of ₹1,119, a premium of about 21%. The Reliance digital and telecom unit is backed by Meta and Alphabet’s Google. Its telecom business serves more than 530 million customers; the listing was Reliance’s first in two decades.