Daily Current Affairs October 19

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October 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2026

Sports – Daily Current Affairs October 19

1. Who won the gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the 2026 Asian Para Games by setting a new Games record?
A) Avani Lekhara
B) Mona Agarwal
C) Rubina Francis
D) Manish Narwal
E) Sheetal Devi
Answer: B) Mona Agarwal.

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian para-shooter Mona Agarwal won gold with a record score of 250 points, while Avani Lekhara secured silver with 249.6 points in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the 2026 Asian Para Games, giving India its first two medals of the competition.
• Location: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• Date: 19 October 2026 (reported date).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Mona Agarwal secured the gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event with 250 points, breaking the previous Asian Para Games record of 249.6 points. She also established a qualification record with 629.1 points. Avani Lekhara finished second with 249.6 points and secured a quota place for India at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games (LA28). Both athletes represented India in international para-shooting competition.
• Objectives: To achieve excellence in international para-shooting, establish new competition records, secure qualification opportunities for upcoming Paralympic events, and strengthen India’s medal performance in international para-sports.

Important Terms Explained:

• Asian Para Games: A major multi-sport competition for athletes with disabilities from Asian countries, organised under the Asian Paralympic Committee to promote competitive excellence and participation in para-sports.
• Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1: A para-shooting event in which eligible athletes with physical impairments compete using air rifles at a distance of 10 metres. SH1 athletes can support the weight of their rifles without a shooting stand, and some compete from seated positions.
• Asian Para Games Record: The highest officially recorded performance in a particular event at the Asian Para Games, recognised according to the competition’s governing rules.
• Qualification Round: The preliminary stage of a shooting competition in which athletes accumulate scores to determine eligibility and ranking for the final round.
• Paralympic Quota Place: A qualification slot allocated to a National Paralympic Committee for a specific Paralympic event. Securing a quota does not automatically guarantee an individual athlete’s final selection.
• World Shooting Para Sport: The international governing framework for competitive shooting events involving eligible athletes with physical impairments, including world championships and international competitions.
• Arjuna Award: A prestigious Indian national sports honour awarded for outstanding achievements and consistent performance in sports.
• Paris 2024 Paralympics: The international multi-sport competition for athletes with disabilities held in Paris, France, where Mona Agarwal won bronze and Avani Lekhara secured gold and bronze medals in shooting.

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs October 19

2. What is India’s rank in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026 among 122 countries?
A) 95th
B) 98th
C) 100th
D) 103rd
E) 106th
Answer: C) 100th.

Event and Location:

• Event: India ranked 100th among 122 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2026, with a score of 24.1, placing it in the serious hunger category, while Pakistan ranked 106th with a score of 25.5.
• Location: Global, covering 122 ranked countries, with particular emphasis on India, Pakistan, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Date: 19 October 2026 (reported date).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Global Hunger Index 2026, themed “No Security Without Food Security,” was published by Welthungerhilfe (WHH), the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV) at Ruhr University Bochum, and Helvetas. The report assesses hunger levels using four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and under-five mortality. It reported a global hunger score of 18.1, compared with 17.6 in 2018, and identified 32 countries where hunger conditions have worsened since 2018.
• Objectives: To measure and compare hunger severity across countries, identify regions experiencing severe food insecurity, monitor progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by 2030, and encourage action against malnutrition, food insecurity, climate-related disruptions, conflicts and rising food prices.

Important Terms Explained:

• Global Hunger Index (GHI): An annual assessment that measures and tracks hunger at global, regional and national levels using four indicators. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more severe hunger.
• Welthungerhilfe (WHH): A German humanitarian and development organisation involved in publishing the Global Hunger Index and addressing hunger, poverty and food insecurity.
• Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict (IFHV): A research institute at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, focusing on international humanitarian law, peace, armed conflicts and humanitarian challenges.
• Helvetas: A Swiss development organisation working to improve living conditions, promote sustainable development and address poverty and inequality.
• Undernourishment: A condition in which individuals regularly consume insufficient dietary energy to maintain a healthy and active life. It is one of the four GHI indicators.
• Child Stunting: A condition in which children below five years of age have low height for their age, generally reflecting chronic undernutrition. India’s reported stunting rate was 29.3%, compared with approximately 50% in 2000.
• Child Wasting: A condition characterised by low weight for height among children below five years of age, generally indicating acute undernutrition. India’s reported wasting rate was nearly 19%, the highest worldwide.
• Under-Five Mortality Rate: The probability of children dying before reaching five years of age, commonly expressed as deaths per 1,000 live births. It reflects nutritional conditions alongside other health and environmental factors.
• Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger): A United Nations development goal aimed at ending hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030.
• Food Security: A condition in which all people have reliable physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food for a healthy and active life.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs October 19

3. Who is scheduled to step down as Deputy Managing Director of HDFC Bank on 31 December 2026 after serving the bank for more than three decades?
A) Sashidhar Jagdishan
B) Anup Bagchi
C) Kaizad Bharucha
D) Keki Mistry
E) Aditya Puri
Answer: C) Kaizad Bharucha.

Event and Location:

• Event: Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director (DMD) of HDFC Bank, is scheduled to step down on 31 December 2026 after more than three decades of service, with his resignation subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Location: India.
• Date: The resignation request was approved by the bank’s committee on 16 October and its Board on 17 October 2026, with the proposed exit effective from 31 December 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: HDFC Bank’s Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee (GNRC) and Board of Directors approved Kaizad Bharucha’s request to cease service, subject to RBI approval. Bharucha, who joined the bank in October 1995, served as a full-time director from June 2014 and Deputy Managing Director from April 2023, contributing significantly to corporate banking, wholesale banking, retail banking and the bank’s credit architecture.
• Objectives: To facilitate an orderly senior management transition at HDFC Bank following Bharucha’s proposed departure, while maintaining continuity in banking operations, credit risk management and corporate lending activities. The leadership transition also includes the appointment of Anup Bagchi as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term beginning 27 October 2026.

Important Terms Explained:

• Deputy Managing Director (DMD): A senior executive responsible for overseeing major banking operations, implementing strategic decisions and supporting the Managing Director in managing the bank’s business activities.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI): India’s central bank, responsible for monetary policy, banking regulation, financial stability and supervisory oversight of banks, including regulatory approvals for specified senior management appointments and changes.
• Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee (GNRC): A board-level committee responsible for matters relating to corporate governance, senior management nominations, appointments, succession planning and executive remuneration.
• Credit Architecture: The overall framework used by a bank to evaluate borrowers, assess creditworthiness, determine lending eligibility, manage credit exposure and monitor loan-related risks.
• Credit Risk Management: The process of identifying, assessing and controlling the possibility of financial losses arising when borrowers fail to repay loans or meet contractual obligations.
• Wholesale Banking: Banking services provided primarily to large corporations, financial institutions and other major organisations, including corporate loans, trade finance, treasury services and cash management.
• Corporate Loan Portfolio: The collection of loans and credit facilities extended by a bank to business organisations for operational requirements, investment, expansion and other commercial purposes.
• Leadership Succession Planning: A structured process through which organisations identify, select and transition senior executives to ensure continuity in management and business operations.

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs October 19

4. How many young artists were selected by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025?
A) 98
B) 106
C) 108
D) 110
E) 116
Answer: B) 106.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) selected 106 young artists for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024 and 2025, recognising outstanding contributions to Indian performing arts.
• Location: New Delhi, India.
• Date: The selections were made during the General Council meeting held from 22 to 26 March 2026, and the announcement was reported on 19 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The General Council of Sangeet Natak Akademi selected 106 young artists for the 2024 and 2025 Yuva Puraskar across five major categories of performing arts. Additionally, seven distinguished individuals were selected as Akademi Fellows, and 108 artists were chosen for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the same period.
• Objectives: To recognise and encourage talented young artists below 40 years of age, promote excellence in music, dance, theatre, folk and traditional arts, preserve India’s rich cultural heritage, and support emerging talent in the performing arts.

Important Terms Explained:

• Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar: Instituted in 2006 by Sangeet Natak Akademi to recognise outstanding young artists below 40 years of age in Indian performing arts. Each award carries ₹25,000, a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi: Established in 1953, it is India’s National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama and functions as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Akademi Ratna: The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship is among the highest honours in Indian performing arts, with a maximum of 40 Fellows permitted at any given time. Seven individuals were selected as Fellows for 2024 and 2025.
• Akademi Puraskar: The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recognises distinguished contributions to Indian performing arts. A total of 108 artists were selected for the 2024 and 2025 awards.
• General Council: The governing body of Sangeet Natak Akademi responsible for selecting award recipients and taking major institutional decisions related to the promotion of performing arts.
• Five Award Categories: The Yuva Puraskar recognises excellence in music, dance, theatre, traditional, folk and tribal arts, and overall contribution and scholarship in performing arts.
• Tamrapatra: A copperplate citation presented as a mark of honour and recognition to award recipients.
• Angavastram: A traditional ceremonial cloth presented to recipients as a symbol of respect and honour.

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs October 19

5. Which Indian-origin scientist is leading NASA’s PUFFINS mission to study interstellar dust using ultraviolet polarimetry?
A) Sunita Williams
B) Swati Mohan
C) Kalpana Chawla
D) Ramya Manjunath Anche
E) Nigar Shaji
Answer: D) Ramya Manjunath Anche.

Event and Location:

• Event: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) awarded a US$20 million grant to the PUFFINS (Polarimetry in the Ultraviolet to Find Features in INterStellar dust) mission, led by Indian-origin astrophysicist Dr. Ramya Manjunath Anche, to study interstellar dust and its role in star and planet formation.
• Location: Steward Observatory, University of Arizona, United States, with scientific observations targeting interstellar dust along the lines of sight to approximately 70 stars.
• Date: 19 October 2026 (reported date), with the mission team targeting a launch in 2030.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The PUFFINS mission, supported under NASA’s Astrophysics Pioneers Programme, will use a small satellite equipped with a 10-inch telescope to observe ultraviolet light from approximately 70 stars. It will employ ultraviolet polarimetry to analyse how interstellar dust absorbs, scatters and polarises starlight, helping scientists determine the physical properties of small dust grains.
• Objectives: To investigate the size, composition, alignment and distribution of interstellar dust particles, improve scientific understanding of star and planet formation, examine the role of dust in cosmic chemical processes, and support research into the conditions necessary for the formation of potentially habitable planets.

Important Terms Explained:

• PUFFINS Mission: A NASA-supported small satellite astrophysics mission designed to investigate the properties of interstellar dust by measuring the polarisation of ultraviolet starlight. The mission is led by Dr. Ramya Manjunath Anche of the University of Arizona.
• Astrophysics Pioneers Programme: A NASA initiative that supports relatively low-cost astrophysics investigations using small satellites, balloons and other innovative scientific platforms to advance space research.
• Interstellar Dust: Microscopic solid particles present in the space between stars, which interact with light and contribute to the formation of stars, planets and complex chemical compounds.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Polarimetry: A scientific technique that measures the polarisation of ultraviolet light to investigate the size, composition, alignment and distribution of dust particles in space.
• Polarisation of Light: A property of electromagnetic radiation describing the orientation of its electric field oscillations, which can be modified when light interacts with aligned dust particles.
• Small Satellite (SmallSat): A relatively small and lightweight spacecraft designed to conduct scientific observations, technology demonstrations or other space missions at lower cost than many conventional satellites.
• Principal Investigator (PI): The lead scientist responsible for directing a research mission, defining its scientific objectives and overseeing its investigations and research activities.
• Steward Observatory: An astronomical research institution affiliated with the University of Arizona in the United States, where Dr. Ramya Manjunath Anche serves as an assistant research professor.
• Star and Planet Formation: The astrophysical processes through which gravitational collapse of gas and dust clouds produces stars, while material in surrounding protoplanetary discs gradually combines to form planets and other celestial bodies.

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs October 19

6. What is the maximum financial incentive available to eligible first-time employees under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY)?
A) ₹10,000
B) ₹12,000
C) ₹15,000
D) ₹20,000
E) ₹25,000
Answer: C) ₹15,000.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) provides financial incentives of up to ₹15,000 to eligible first-time employees through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to promote formal employment and social security coverage.
• Location: India, covering eligible EPFO-registered establishments and establishments with exempted provident fund trusts.
• Date: The employment eligibility period extends from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027, with the scheme details reported on 19 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Under PM-VBRY, eligible first-time employees earning a monthly gross salary of up to ₹1 lakh can receive an employment incentive of up to ₹15,000 in two instalments. The first instalment, capped at ₹7,500, becomes payable after six months of continuous service, while the second instalment requires 12 months of continuous service and completion of a mandatory financial literacy course. The scheme also provides financial incentives to eligible employers for creating additional formal employment opportunities.
• Objectives: To encourage first-time employees to join the organised workforce, increase formal job creation, expand provident fund and social security coverage, promote employment retention, strengthen financial literacy, and incentivise employers to recruit additional workers.

Important Terms Explained:

• PM-VBRY Part A (Employee Incentive): Provides eligible first-time employees with a financial incentive equivalent to the applicable wage-based amount, subject to a maximum of ₹15,000, payable in two instalments upon meeting service and training requirements.
• PM-VBRY Part B (Employer Incentive): Provides financial support to eligible employers for generating additional formal employment, subject to prescribed employment and contribution conditions.
• Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF): A retirement savings and social security scheme in which eligible employees and employers contribute prescribed amounts towards employees’ long-term financial security.
• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO): A statutory organisation under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, responsible for administering provident fund, pension and insurance-related social security schemes for eligible workers.
• Universal Account Number (UAN): A unique 12-digit identification number allotted to EPF members to link multiple provident fund accounts and facilitate the management and transfer of EPF benefits.
• Exempted Provident Fund Trust: A provident fund arrangement maintained by an eligible establishment under an exemption granted from the statutory EPF scheme, subject to prescribed conditions and regulatory oversight.
• Aadhaar-Linked Bank Account: A bank account linked with an individual’s Aadhaar number to facilitate identity verification and receipt of eligible government benefits through prescribed payment mechanisms.
• Financial Literacy Course: A mandatory training requirement for receiving the second PM-VBRY employee incentive instalment, intended to improve understanding of savings, financial management and financial products.
• Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI): A policy mechanism that provides financial incentives associated with eligible employment generation, employee participation or retention to encourage formal job creation.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 19

7. What is the initial corpus approved by the Delhi Cabinet for establishing the Go-Delhi Foundation to support startups and innovation?
A) ₹25 crore
B) ₹40 crore
C) ₹50 crore
D) ₹75 crore
E) ₹100 crore
Answer: C) ₹50 crore.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Delhi Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved the establishment of the Go-Delhi Foundation with an initial corpus of ₹50 crore to strengthen the startup and innovation ecosystem.
• Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India.
• Date: 18 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Delhi Cabinet approved the establishment of the Go-Delhi Foundation as a not-for-profit company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, operating under the Department of Industries, Government of Delhi. The foundation will provide integrated support for startups and MSMEs through product engineering, prototyping, incubation, mentorship, investor connections, testing, certification, intellectual property assistance and government pilot projects.
• Objectives: To strengthen Delhi’s startup ecosystem by helping young innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs convert innovative ideas into commercially viable products, improve access to technical and financial resources, facilitate industry-academia-government collaboration, and promote entrepreneurship through a unified innovation support platform.

Important Terms Explained:

• Startup Ecosystem: A network of entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, research institutions, industries and government agencies that supports the establishment and growth of innovative businesses.
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Enterprises classified under government-prescribed investment and turnover criteria that contribute to manufacturing, services, employment generation and economic development.
• Section 8 Company: A not-for-profit company registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, established to promote objectives such as education, research, social welfare and other specified purposes, with profits applied towards its objectives rather than distributed as dividends.
• Hub-and-Spoke Model: An organisational structure in which a central coordinating hub connects with multiple institutions or partner centres to deliver services efficiently. The Go-Delhi Foundation will use existing institutional facilities and partner institutions across Delhi.
• Prototyping: The process of developing an initial working model of a product to test its design, functionality and feasibility before commercial production.
• Startup Incubation: A support mechanism that helps early-stage businesses through infrastructure, mentorship, technical guidance, networking and business development assistance.
• Intellectual Property (IP): Legally protected creations of the mind, including inventions, designs, trademarks and copyrighted works, which enable innovators to protect and commercialise their innovations.
• Government Pilot Projects: Small-scale trials conducted with government departments to test innovative solutions for practical administrative and public-service challenges before wider implementation.
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT): A department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, responsible for promoting industrial development, internal trade, startups and investment.

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8. Which institution has the Delhi government established on the lines of NITI Aayog to guide policymaking, governance reforms and Vision Delhi 2047?
A) Delhi Development Commission
B) Delhi Policy and Planning Authority
C) Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation
D) Delhi Governance Reform Council
E) Delhi Economic Development Board
Answer: C) Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Delhi government established the Delhi Institute for Transformation and Innovation (DITI) as a policy think tank modelled on NITI Aayog, replacing the Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC) to support policymaking, governance reforms and Vision Delhi 2047.
• Location: National Capital Territory of Delhi, India.
• Date: 19 October 2026 (reported date).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: DITI will function under the Planning Department of the Delhi government as an advisory institution for evidence-based policymaking, medium- and long-term development planning, governance reforms, evaluation of government schemes, interdepartmental coordination and innovation. It will operate through a Governing Board chaired by the Chief Minister of Delhi and an Executive Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary.
• Objectives: To prepare and support the implementation of the Vision Delhi 2047 development roadmap, improve administrative efficiency and accountability, strengthen policy research and monitoring, promote inclusive development for weaker sections, and transform Delhi into an innovative, sustainable and globally competitive city by 2047.

Important Terms Explained:

• NITI Aayog: The National Institution for Transforming India is the Union government’s policy think tank, established on 1 January 2015 to promote strategic policymaking, cooperative federalism and sustainable development. It is chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
• Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC): The former policy advisory body of the Delhi government, established during the previous Aam Aadmi Party administration, which has been replaced by DITI.
• Vision Delhi 2047: A long-term development roadmap aimed at transforming Delhi into an inclusive, innovative, sustainable and globally competitive city by 2047 through sector-specific targets, socioeconomic development and improved governance.
• Evidence-Based Policymaking: A process of formulating government policies using reliable data, research, evaluations and measurable outcomes rather than relying solely on assumptions.
• Governing Board: The highest supervisory body of DITI, chaired by the Chief Minister of Delhi, with representatives including state ministers, the Chief Secretary and senior officials of major civic institutions.
• Executive Committee: The implementation and coordination body of DITI, chaired by the Chief Secretary of Delhi, responsible for strategy development, interdepartmental coordination and monitoring.
• Governance Reforms: Institutional, administrative and procedural improvements designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness in public administration.
• Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): A systematic process of tracking the implementation, performance and outcomes of government schemes and programmes to identify improvements.
• Cooperative Federalism: A governance approach in which the Union and state governments coordinate and collaborate to achieve shared developmental objectives.

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