Practise 42 current affairs questions from 30 October 2026 with answers and explanations for banking, SSC and railway exams on QZeX.
Q1) How many conservation-reserve proposals did Maharashtra’s wildlife board approve on 26 October 2026?
Explanation:The board approved 14 proposed conservation reserves across seven districts: Pune, Raigad, Nashik, Nandurbar, Thane, Palghar and Chandrapur. CM Devendra Fadnavis chaired the meeting. The proposals cover areas such as Dindori, Surgana and Taharabad; approval should be distinguished from final legal notification. Maharashtra’s capital is Mumbai.
Q2) With which country did India launch PTA negotiations by signing Terms of Reference in October 2026?
Explanation:Mexico and India signed terms defining the scope, modalities and roadmap of Preferential Trade Agreement negotiations. This starts negotiations rather than bringing a completed agreement into force. Discussions cover market access, rules of origin, customs and trade facilitation, technical and sanitary barriers and dispute settlement. Mexico’s capital is Mexico City, and its currency is the Mexican peso (MXN).
Q3) Which Japanese agency partnered with CPHEEO in October 2026 on circular use of treated wastewater?
Explanation:Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) partnered with CPHEEO under MoHUA. Their 3 October Record of Discussions established a three-year capacity-building project. Activities include a national wastewater-reuse manual, ULB training and policy recommendations, covering industrial, agricultural and civic reuse as well as groundwater recharge. CPHEEO is the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation, under MoHUA. JICA is Japan’s international-cooperation agency; Japan’s capital is Tokyo and currency is the Japanese yen (JPY).
Q4) The Used Water Marketplace launched at the October 2026 National Urban Conclave operates under which mission?
Explanation:AMRUT 2.0 hosts the marketplace launched on 25 October in Bhubaneswar. ULBs list treated-water quantity and quality, allowing industries, institutions and private buyers to find supplies. The platform connects municipalities with users and investors to support wastewater reuse. AMRUT expands to Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation. AMRUT 2.0 was launched on 1 October 2021, with water security and circular reuse of treated water as central objectives under MoHUA.
Q5) Which bank announced its CyRIS cybersecurity centre of excellence in October 2026?
Explanation:State Bank of India announced CyRIS to anticipate digital threats. Its focus includes threat intelligence, cyber defence, digital forensics, malware analysis, fraud analytics, AI security and quantum-safe technology. SBI also reported cybersecurity e-learning completion by 1.81 lakh employees in FY2025–26. SBI’s Chairman was Challa Sreenivasulu (C. S.) Setty.
Q6) Who announced on 29 October 2026 that she would leave the ECB presidency on 7 February 2027?
Explanation:Christine Lagarde informed the ECB Governing Council and European Council President António Costa of her planned departure. Her successor will be appointed by the European Council through the nomination process in Article 283 of the EU treaty. The announcement concerns a future departure, not an already vacated office. The European Central Bank, founded in 1998, is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It conducts monetary policy for the euro area, with price stability as its primary objective.
Q7) For which period was PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana approved in October 2026?
Explanation:FY2026–27 to FY2030–31 aligns the Centrally Sponsored Scheme with the Sixteenth Finance Commission. Its ₹7,395.55-crore outlay comprises ₹4,869.48 crore central and ₹2,526.07 crore state shares. It supports around 32 lakh stakeholders in over 2.55 lakh Panchayats and Traditional Local Bodies. The responsible Ministry of Panchayati Raj was headed by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh.
Q8) Which city’s traffic police received the 2026 UMI commendation for big-data-based transport operations and planning?
Explanation:Bengaluru Traffic Police received the commendation for operations and evidence-based planning using Big Data Analytics. Presented at the 24 October closing session, the recognition belongs to the commendation list. The conference’s digital-mobility agenda addressed real-time data, AI, connected infrastructure and safer urban travel. Bengaluru is Karnataka’s capital. At the time of the award, D. K. Shivakumar was Chief Minister, having succeeded Siddaramaiah in June 2026.
Q9) Which newly introduced special category features in National Startup Awards 6.0?
Explanation:The Student Innovator / Aspiring Entrepreneur Award expands participation to school and college students. DPIIT’s sixth edition covers 20 sectoral and three special categories, including 12 new sectors. Applications run 27 October–20 November 2026; the student award has a total ₹25-lakh pool across four subcategories. DPIIT is the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Startup India was launched in January 2016, making 2026 its tenth-anniversary year.
Q10) Which platform launched at NUC 2026 provides municipal revenue/expenditure data and practitioner discussion forums?
Explanation:The Online Interactive Municipal Finance Data Hub combines real-time municipal revenue and expenditure information with two-way practitioner forums. Introduced on the conclave’s second day, it supports municipal revenue reforms and exchange of practical experience among finance professionals. The responsible ministry is Housing and Urban Affairs, headed by Manohar Lal. Here, municipal finance concerns the revenues and expenditure of urban local bodies, including the resources available for civic services.
Q11) Which city hosted the World Stroke Congress scheduled for 21–23 October 2026?
Explanation:Seoul, Republic of Korea was the venue, at COEX Convention and Exhibition Center. The in-person congress offered scientific sessions and a dedicated abstract programme, with English as its official language. The organiser identifies it as the 18th World Stroke Congress. Seoul is South Korea’s capital, and the national currency is the South Korean won (KRW). The Republic of Korea is distinct from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Q12) Neeraj Yadav, whose death was reported in October 2026, was associated with which sport?
Explanation:Para athletics was Neeraj Yadav’s sport; he competed in seated throws in the F55 category. The 42-year-old won three Asian Para Games gold medals: javelin at Jakarta 2018 and javelin and discus at Hangzhou 2023. Before taking up para athletics, he also played wheelchair tennis.
Q13) Which midfielder announced retirement after India’s Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 campaign?
Explanation:Nilakanta Sharma announced his decision on 27 October in Jalandhar. The Manipur midfielder was part of India’s Tokyo Olympic bronze-medal campaign and Asian Games gold-winning teams. He made his 163rd international appearance against Bangladesh, scoring in India’s 13–0 opening win. His home state Manipur has Imphal as its capital. Yumnam Khemchand Singh was Manipur Chief Minister at the time.
Q14) Which issuer partnered with Air India in October 2026 to develop a Visa card for Maharaja Club members?
Explanation:SBI Card and Air India announced the partnership on 28 October to develop a Visa-powered programme for Maharaja Club members. The planned card combines travel and lifestyle benefits with loyalty rewards, aiming to reward everyday spending alongside travel. It brings together the airline’s loyalty programme, SBI Card’s payment expertise and Visa’s global network. At the announcement, Salila Pande was SBI Card’s MD and CEO, and Tewolde Gebremariam was Air India’s CEO and MD. Maharaja Club points can be earned and redeemed on Air India and Air India Express flights.
Q15) Which scheme approved in October 2026 has a ₹1,856.67-crore outlay for domestic sports-equipment production?
Explanation:The Khelo India Sports Goods Manufacturing Scheme covers FY2026–27 to FY2033–34. The Sports Ministry initiative supports investment, technology, research, skills, certification and market development. Dedicated manufacturing zones will co-locate producers, suppliers, testing facilities and design/prototyping centres. The responsible Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports was headed by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, who also held Labour and Employment.
Q16) Which city hosted the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum on 26–27 October 2026?
Explanation:New Delhi hosted the forum, which adopted a joint declaration. Its theme was Fostering Parliaments for People-Centric Development. The declaration supports inclusive parliamentary cooperation, India’s 2026 BRICS chairship and greater engagement with partner countries; the next chairship is China’s in 2027. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the forum at Samvidhan Sadan in the Parliament House Complex. This parliamentary forum brings together legislative delegations, distinct from the executive-level BRICS summit.
Q17) Which venue hosted the BRICS Business Forum on 11 September 2026?
Explanation:Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi hosted the 11 September forum for business leaders, ministers and heads of state. Its agenda covered non-tariff barriers, supply chains, agricultural technology and services trade. Business Council recommendations feed into BRICS summit discussions on trade, investment, MSMEs and the digital economy. India held the BRICS chairship in 2026. BRICS originally brought together Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, the five founding members of the New Development Bank.
Q18) Which technology-industry body signed an October 2026 MoU with CAIT for traders’ digital adoption?
Explanation:NASSCOM signed with the Confederation of All India Traders on 27 October at Tech Connect for Traders and MSMEs. The planned nationwide initiative focuses on AI adoption and protection from cyber fraud, with village-level outreach. It was signed in the presence of minister Jitin Prasada; Rajesh Nambiar represented NASSCOM as president. Jitin Prasada was Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and Electronics and Information Technology, linking the initiative’s trader-development and digital-technology aspects.
Q19) Which financing measure accompanied the Right to Walk recommendations at NUC 2026?
Explanation:Dedicated financing mechanisms were recommended for pedestrian infrastructure, alongside inclusion of the Right to Walk in statutory plans. The 25 October recommendations also cover protected pedestrian right-of-way, inclusive design, maintenance and stronger ULB accountability. They are proposed urban reforms, rather than a newly enacted national law. ULBs are urban local bodies, the municipal institutions responsible for local urban services. The deliberations were under MoHUA, headed by Manohar Lal, and sought to make pedestrian access part of city planning and financing.
Q20) Which city hosted the second BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting of 2026?
Explanation:Mumbai hosted the meeting on 10 September. Participants discussed the global outlook and economic-financial cooperation and adopted a joint statement. An NDB Board of Governors special meeting held the same day approved the bank’s third General Strategy for 2027–2031. NDB is the New Development Bank, established in 2015 by the five original BRICS countries to finance infrastructure and sustainable development. Its headquarters are in Shanghai, China.
Q21) What is the World Stroke Organization’s World Stroke Day 2026 campaign theme?
Explanation:Every M1nute Counts is the campaign message for 29 October. WSO emphasises recognising stroke symptoms and acting FAST to seek emergency care promptly. Its public-awareness resources focus on symptom recognition because delays can reduce opportunities for effective treatment and recovery. FAST refers to Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulties and Time to seek urgent help, connecting symptom recognition with the campaign’s emphasis on avoiding delay.
Q22) From which Gujarat district was the 24th PM-KISAN instalment released on 30 October 2026?
Explanation:Banaskantha hosted the release of approximately ₹18,690 crore for more than 9.34 crore eligible farmers through DBT. PM-KISAN provides eligible landholding farmer families ₹6,000 annually in three equal instalments. The scheme’s continuation for 2026–27 to 2030–31 carries a ₹3.15-lakh-crore approved outlay. The implementing ministry is Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, headed by Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Gujarat’s capital is Gandhinagar, and its Chief Minister was Bhupendra Patel.
Q23) Who launched Tobacco-Free Youth Campaign 4.0 in New Delhi on 28 October 2026?
Explanation:Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, launched the 60-day campaign at ABVIMS and Dr RML Hospital. It emphasises tobacco-free universities and colleges, prevention, cessation, enforcement and youth-led awareness, building on earlier educational-institution and village campaigns. The Union Health and Family Welfare Minister was Jagat Prakash (J. P.) Nadda. The campaign operates through the National Tobacco Control Programme, linking prevention among young people with tobacco-control enforcement.
Q24) Under the October 2026 Textile PLI changes, what is the reduced minimum turnover criterion for Part 2?
Explanation:The threshold falls from ₹200 crore to ₹100 crore. Round 4 applications open 1 November–31 December 2026, with tenure extended to FY2033–34 only for approved Round 4 applicants. Eligible earlier participants who have not claimed or received incentives may migrate after withdrawing existing applications. PLI means Production Linked Incentive. Under the Textiles Ministry, headed by Giriraj Singh, this scheme targets man-made-fibre apparel, man-made-fibre fabrics and technical textiles.
Q25) Which pair of forest-area proposals received sanctuary-related approval at Maharashtra’s 26 October 2026 wildlife-board meeting?
Explanation:Kolamarka and Tansa received proposal approval at the State Board for Wildlife meeting chaired by CM Devendra Fadnavis on 26 October. Kolamarka is a conservation reserve in Gadchiroli associated with wild buffaloes; Tansa’s proposal concerns sanctuary expansion. The decisions concern board-approved proposals. Maharashtra’s capital is Mumbai.
Q26) Which metro corporation shared the 2026 UMI Innovation and Smart Mobility recognition with DTC?
Explanation:Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and DTC were recognised in Excellence in Innovation and Smart Mobility Solutions. Manohar Lal presented the urban-transport awards at the Bhubaneswar valedictory session on 24 October. The category recognises technology-led improvements in urban mobility. Award presenter Manohar Lal held both the Housing and Urban Affairs and Power portfolios.
Q27) Who inaugurated the second National Urban Conclave in Bhubaneswar on 24 October 2026?
Explanation:Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, inaugurated the 24–25 October conclave. Organised by MoHUA with Odisha’s support, it addressed urban systems, practical solutions and service delivery, linking governance and planning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 agenda. MoHUA stands for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, headed by Manohar Lal. Host Bhubaneswar is Odisha’s capital, and Mohan Charan Majhi was the state’s Chief Minister.
Q28) What slogan did LA28 unveil on 28 October 2026 for its Olympic and Paralympic Games?
Explanation:Stars Align is the official LA28 slogan. It was introduced through a 60-second campaign film, connecting athletes’ preparation and opportunity with Los Angeles. The branding covers both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, rather than replacing either movement’s permanent motto. Los Angeles will host its third Olympics, after 1932 and 1984, and its first Paralympics. The announced opening dates are 14 July 2028 for the Olympics and 15 August 2028 for the Paralympics; Casey Wasserman was LA28 Chairperson and President.
Q29) Which organisation’s Integrated Smart Bus Management System was selected for the 2026 best-public-transport award?
Explanation:Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) was selected for the City with the Best Public Transport System category. Its integrated system improves bus monitoring, management and accountability. DTC’s three selections also recognised innovation/smart mobility and data-driven transport planning, including the DEVI route initiative. Rekha Gupta was Delhi’s Chief Minister at the time of this award.
Q30) Ayushman Vay Vandana, completing two years on 29 October 2026, covers citizens from what age regardless of socio-economic status?
Explanation:Citizens aged 70 and above receive AB PM-JAY benefits under the expansion launched on 29 October 2024. It provides health coverage for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation, including an additional ₹5-lakh top-up for eligible senior members of already covered families. NHA implements it under the Health Ministry. NHA is the National Health Authority, the implementing agency for Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. J. P. Nadda held the Union Health and Family Welfare portfolio.
Q31) What does BNKP, launched at the September 2026 BRICS finance meeting, stand for?
Explanation:The BRICS-NDB Knowledge Portal was launched by NDB President Dilma Rousseff in Mumbai on 10 September. It consolidates BRICS working-group and NDB operational knowledge and good practices. NDB will operate it with successive BRICS chairships as a repository supporting South-South development cooperation. The portal’s operating institution, NDB, is headquartered in Shanghai, China, and began operations in 2015; its mandate centres on infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging economies.
Q32) Which transport body won Bhubaneswar’s green-transport award, Odisha’s reform commendation and a first-prize exhibition pavilion at UMI 2026?
Explanation:CRUT earned the three recognitions at the Bhubaneswar conference. Its pavilion showcased digital ticketing, electric mobility and integrated-transport plans. CRUT operated 770 buses on 138 routes across seven cities, carrying about 3.5 lakh passengers daily. Over 52% of its fleet was electric and more than 50 routes were fully electric. CRUT is the urban-transport body representing Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital. Mohan Charan Majhi was Odisha Chief Minister at the time of the awards.
Q33) India’s October 2026 manuscript-preservation MoU with BnF was signed under which mission?
Explanation:Gyan Bharatam anchors the Culture Ministry’s agreement with France’s national library, signed in Paris on 26 October by Vivek Aggarwal and Gilles Pécout. It links digitisation, conservation, research and sharing of Indic manuscripts through the National Digital Repository, involving India’s National Archives and National Library, Kolkata. BnF is the Bibliothèque nationale de France, France’s national library. France’s capital is Paris and currency is the euro; India’s Culture Minister was Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Q34) Which mutual fund expanded its doorstep KYC-verification partnership with India Post on 29 October 2026?
Explanation:UTI Mutual Fund extended the arrangement in Mumbai, Maharashtra’s capital. India Post’s last-mile network will support pan-India investor KYC, including remote areas, building on earlier KYC remediation. The MoU involved Adnan Ahmed of India Post and Vetri Subramaniam, MD and CEO of UTI AMC. KYC means Know Your Customer: identity verification needed for investor onboarding and compliant financial transactions. AMC means Asset Management Company, the entity managing a mutual fund’s investments.
Q35) How many selected Street Food Hubs began implementation with the first fund tranche at NUC 2026?
Explanation:18 selected hubs entered implementation under PM SVANidhi. The first tranche released at the 25 October conclave marked commencement of development. These were projects beginning implementation, rather than 18 completed food hubs opening to the public. PM SVANidhi means Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi, launched on 1 June 2020 by MoHUA to facilitate collateral-free working-capital credit for street vendors. The hubs add vending infrastructure to this livelihood-support framework.
Q36) Which launch vehicle placed NVS-03 into its intended orbit in the October 2026 NavIC mission?
Explanation:GSLV-F18, GSLV’s 20th flight, placed NVS-03 into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit from Sriharikota’s Second Launch Pad. The third next-generation navigation satellite carries indigenous and procured atomic clocks and adds L1 to L5/S signals, covering India and approximately 1,500 km beyond its boundary. ISRO is the Indian Space Research Organisation, headquartered in Bengaluru. Dr V. Narayanan was its Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space; NavIC is India’s regional satellite-navigation system.
Q37) Which metro corporation received the UMI 2026 Special Award for Optimizing Civil Structural Design?
Explanation:Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC), Uttar Pradesh, received the civil-structural-design award. It was a special recognition within the urban-transport awards presented by Manohar Lal on 24 October in Bhubaneswar. The conference brought together approximately 1,500 delegates and 28 exhibitors, connecting transport engineering with integrated urban planning. Noida is in Uttar Pradesh, whose capital is Lucknow and Chief Minister was Yogi Adityanath.
Q38) Who was named FICCI President-Elect for 2026–27 in October 2026?
Explanation:Vijay Sankar, chairman of the Chennai-headquartered Sanmar Group, was selected by FICCI’s National Executive Committee. The serving senior vice-president is to succeed Anant Goenka after the 18–19 November AGM and annual convention in New Delhi. His group operates in chemicals, engineering, foundries and shipping. FICCI is the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, established in 1927. It is a non-government, not-for-profit business organisation.
Q39) Which institution hosted the October 2026 BRICS Theatre Festival in New Delhi?
Explanation:The National School of Drama, under the Culture Ministry, hosted the festival inaugurated on 12 October by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The theme was Shared Stories, Shared Futures. Nine member and partner countries participated, including India, Indonesia, South Africa, Iran, Russia and Ethiopia. The festival ran 12–14 October; Gajendra Singh Shekhawat held both the Culture and Tourism portfolios.
Q40) Ophiorrhiza shidiensis and O. pemae, described from Changlang in 2026, belong to which plant family?
Explanation:The two species belong to Rubiaceae and were described from Changlang, Arunachal Pradesh in Taiwania. O. shidiensis differs from O. wallichii in its habit, leaf and inflorescence features and pink corolla. O. pemae is allied to O. himadrica but differs in petiole, leaf, stipule and floral characteristics. Changlang is in Arunachal Pradesh, whose capital is Itanagar and Chief Minister was Pema Khandu at the time of this edition.
Q41) Which organisation received the 2026 UMI passenger-service award for Namo Bharat?
Explanation:NCRTC received the Metro Rail with Best Passenger Services and Satisfaction award. Manohar Lal presented the awards to MD Shalabh Goel in Bhubaneswar. Namo Bharat is India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System, emphasising safe, seamless passenger travel. NCRTC is the National Capital Region Transport Corporation. Its first Namo Bharat corridor links Delhi, Ghaziabad and Meerut; RRTS provides regional connectivity between urban centres.
Q42) According to the October 2026 World Bank India brief, what was India’s 2023 extreme-poverty rate at the $3-a-day threshold?
Explanation:The reported extreme-poverty rate was 2.6%, down from 27.1% in 2011. At the separate $4.20 lower-middle-income line, poverty fell from 57.7% to 16.1%. These thresholds measure different poverty concepts; the estimated 496 million reduction relates to the broader lower-middle-income line. The World Bank Group, headquartered in Washington, D.C., USA, was led by its 14th President, Ajay Banga. Its poverty estimates distinguish international poverty lines rather than treating all dollar thresholds as interchangeable.