Daily Current Affairs October 23

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October 23 | Daily Current Affairs 2026

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs October 23

1. According to the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) released in 2024, what is the estimated snow leopard population in India?
A) 568
B) 718
C) 821
D) 477
E) 650
Answer: B) 718.

Event and Location:

• Event: International Day of the Snow Leopard 2026 was observed to raise awareness about snow leopard conservation and the protection of fragile mountain ecosystems.
• Location: High-altitude mountain regions across 12 countries in Central and South Asia, including India.
• Date: 23 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 23 October as International Day of the Snow Leopard in 2024 through Resolution A/RES/79/143 to promote international cooperation for the conservation of snow leopards and their habitats.
• Objectives: To protect snow leopards, preserve biodiversity, address habitat loss and climate change, prevent poaching, reduce human-wildlife conflict, strengthen community participation and promote sustainable management of mountain ecosystems.

Important Terms Explained:

• Snow Leopard (Panthera uncia): A high-altitude big cat popularly known as the Ghost of the Mountains, found across 12 countries in Central and South Asia and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI): India’s first national scientific assessment of snow leopards, coordinated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), which estimated 718 snow leopards in its report released in 2024.
• Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP): An international conservation initiative launched in 2013 to strengthen cooperation among 12 snow leopard range countries for protecting the species and its mountain ecosystems.
• Bishkek Declaration: A conservation commitment originally adopted in 2013 and reaffirmed in 2017 to strengthen cooperation among snow leopard range countries for habitat protection and biodiversity conservation.
• Samarkand Resolution (2024): A regional initiative identified in the supplied material as supporting international cooperation on snow leopard conservation and climate adaptation.
• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): An India-led initiative launched in 2023 to strengthen international cooperation for conserving seven big-cat species, including the snow leopard.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): An international organisation that assesses the extinction risk of species through its Red List, which classifies the snow leopard as Vulnerable.
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): An international agreement regulating wildlife trade, under which snow leopards receive Appendix I protection.
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS): An international treaty promoting the conservation of migratory wildlife through cooperation among countries, with snow leopards listed under Appendix I.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs October 23

2. Which Indian para-archery pair won the compound mixed team gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan?
A) Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar
B) Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar
C) Swati Chaudhary and Toman Kumar
D) Sheetal Devi and Harvinder Singh
E) Swati Chaudhary and Rakesh Kumar
Answer: B) Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar.

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian para-archers Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar won the compound mixed team gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games, while Swati Chaudhary secured silver in women’s individual W1 archery and Suvarna Raj won gold in women’s discus throw F54.
• Location: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• Date: 22 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Sheetal Devi and Toman Kumar defeated Indonesia’s Teodora Audi Ferelly and Ken Swagumilang by 151–148 in the compound mixed team archery final, securing India’s first archery gold at the 2026 Asian Para Games. The Indian pair also established a world record of 1,402 points in the ranking round, surpassing the previous record of 1,400 points.
• Objectives: To achieve sporting excellence in international para-sports, secure medals for India across different disability classifications, establish new competitive records and promote participation and recognition of athletes with disabilities.

Important Terms Explained:

• Compound Mixed Team Archery: A para-archery competition involving one male and one female athlete competing together using compound bows, with team scores determining the winner.
• World Record in Para-Archery: The highest officially recognised score achieved in a specified para-archery event, with the Indian compound mixed team recording 1,402 points in the ranking round.
• W1 Para-Archery Classification: A competition category for athletes with significant physical impairments affecting trunk and lower-limb function and, in some cases, upper-limb function, with equipment regulations based on classification rules.
• F54 Classification: A para-athletics classification for seated throwing events involving athletes with physical impairments affecting lower-limb and trunk function.
• Para-Sport Classification: A system that groups athletes according to the impact of eligible impairments on sport-specific activities to ensure fair and meaningful competition.
• Ranking Round: The preliminary stage of an archery competition in which athletes shoot a prescribed number of arrows to determine their scores and seeding for subsequent elimination rounds.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Who scored the fastest double century in men’s ODI cricket history by reaching 200 runs in just 114 balls against Sri Lanka on 22 October 2026?
A) Shubman Gill
B) Ben Stokes
C) Harry Brook
D) Jos Buttler
E) Joe Root
Answer: C) Harry Brook.

Event and Location:

• Event: England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook scored the fastest double century in men’s One Day International (ODI) cricket history, reaching 200 runs in 114 balls and finishing with 202 runs off 116 deliveries against Sri Lanka.
• Location: Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during an ODI tri-series match between England and Sri Lanka.
• Date: 22 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Harry Brook broke the previous fastest ODI double-century record of 117 balls held by Shubman Gill, becoming the first England batter to score a men’s ODI double century. His innings of 202 runs, featuring 21 fours and 10 sixes, helped England post 429/4 in 50 overs, the highest men’s ODI total recorded in Pakistan.
• Objectives: The performance established a new batting milestone in men’s ODI cricket, surpassed England’s previous highest individual ODI score of 182 by Ben Stokes and contributed to a record-breaking match in which Sri Lanka successfully chased 430 runs to register a two-wicket victory.

Important Terms Explained:

• Fastest ODI Double Century: A batting record determined by the fewest deliveries required to reach 200 runs in a One Day International innings, with Harry Brook reaching the milestone in 114 balls.
• White-Ball Cricket: Limited-overs international cricket played using a white ball, primarily comprising ODI matches of 50 overs per side and T20 matches of 20 overs per side.
• ODI Tri-Series: A limited-overs international cricket tournament involving three national teams competing against one another.
• Boundary Runs: Runs scored when the ball reaches or crosses the boundary, with four runs awarded when it reaches the boundary after touching the ground and six runs when it crosses without bouncing.
• Run Chase: The second batting team’s attempt to surpass the first team’s total, with Sri Lanka successfully reaching 433/8 while chasing England’s target of 430.
• Highest Successful ODI Run Chase: A record describing the largest target successfully achieved by a team batting second in ODI cricket, with Sri Lanka’s 433/8 reported as the second-highest successful chase in men’s ODI history.
• International Cricket Council (ICC): The international governing body responsible for overseeing international cricket, organising major global tournaments and maintaining official cricket records.

Tabular Summary:

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4. Which Indian table tennis pair secured a mixed doubles medal at the 29th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Championships 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan?
A) Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
B) Sreeja Akula and Sharath Kamal
C) Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai
D) Archana Kamath and Manav Thakkar
E) Ayhika Mukherjee and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
Answer: C) Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai.

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian table tennis players Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai secured a medal in the mixed doubles category at the 29th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Championships 2026, marking a significant achievement for India in continental table tennis.
• Location: Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
• Date: 23 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Indian mixed doubles pair secured a medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championships, organised by the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU) in association with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The championship features leading Asian table tennis players competing in singles, doubles, mixed doubles and team events.
• Objectives: To promote competitive table tennis across Asia, provide international exposure to players, strengthen sporting excellence and encourage participation in continental-level competitions.

Important Terms Explained:

• Asian Table Tennis Championships: A continental table tennis competition organised by the ATTU, featuring players and national associations from across Asia in individual and team events.
• Mixed Doubles: A table tennis event in which each team consists of one male and one female player, with partners required to strike the ball alternately during rallies.
• Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU): The continental governing body responsible for promoting, developing and organising table tennis competitions across Asia.
• International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF): The international governing body of table tennis, responsible for establishing competition rules, equipment standards and organising international tournaments.
• Deuce: A scoring situation occurring when both sides reach 10–10 in a game, requiring one player or pair to establish a two-point lead to win.
• Doubles Service Rule: A table tennis regulation requiring the server to deliver the ball diagonally from the right half of the serving court to the right half of the receiving court.
• Best-of-Five and Best-of-Seven Format: Match formats in which a player or pair must win three games out of five or four games out of seven, respectively, to secure victory.

Tabular Summary:

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5. Which two Indian para-badminton players reportedly won men’s singles gold medals in the SL3 and SL4 categories at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan?
A) Pramod Bhagat and Nitesh Kumar
B) Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar
C) Naveen Sivakumar and Suhas Yathiraj
D) Pramod Bhagat and Krishna Nagar
E) Nitesh Kumar and Manoj Sarkar
Answer: B) Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar.

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian para-badminton players Nitesh Kumar and Naveen Sivakumar reportedly won gold medals in the men’s singles SL3 and SL4 categories, respectively, at the 2026 Asian Para Games, while three other Indian players secured silver medals.
• Location: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• Date: 23 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Nitesh Kumar reportedly defeated fellow Indian Pramod Bhagat by 21–18, 21–16 in the men’s singles SL3 final, while Naveen Sivakumar defeated Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan by 21–9, 21–17 in the SL4 final. Thulasimathi Murugesan and Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan also reportedly secured silver medals in the women’s SU5 and SH6 categories, respectively.
• Objectives: To promote excellence in para-badminton, provide competitive opportunities for athletes with disabilities, strengthen India’s performance in international para-sports and encourage inclusive participation in badminton across different disability classifications.

Important Terms Explained:

• Asian Para Games: A continental multi-sport competition organised by the Asian Paralympic Committee for athletes with disabilities from Asian countries.
• Para-Badminton: An adapted form of badminton for athletes with eligible physical impairments, featuring sport classifications designed to support fair competition.
• SL3 Classification: A standing para-badminton category for athletes with lower-limb impairments affecting movement and balance, with singles matches played on half a standard badminton court.
• SL4 Classification: A standing para-badminton category for athletes with lower-limb impairments generally less severe than those in SL3, with singles matches played on a full badminton court.
• SU5 Classification: A para-badminton category for standing athletes with upper-limb impairments affecting their arms or hands.
• SH6 Classification: A para-badminton category for athletes with short stature who compete under specific classification criteria.
• WH1 and WH2 Classifications: Wheelchair para-badminton categories for athletes with lower-limb impairments, differentiated by their functional abilities and trunk control.
• Asian Paralympic Committee (APC): The continental organisation responsible for overseeing the Asian Para Games and promoting the Paralympic movement across Asia.
• Badminton World Federation (BWF): The international governing body responsible for badminton and para-badminton competitions, regulations and sport development worldwide.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs October 23

6. Which Indian city has been included in National Geographic’s “Best of the World 2027” list ahead of its 300th foundation anniversary?
A) Udaipur
B) Jaipur
C) Jodhpur
D) Varanasi
E) Ahmedabad
Answer: B) Jaipur.

Event and Location:

• Event: National Geographic included Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, in its annual Best of the World 2027 list, featuring 25 destinations across six continents, ahead of the city’s 300th foundation anniversary in 2027.
• Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
• Date: 20 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: National Geographic released its Best of the World 2027 list, recognising Jaipur for its architectural heritage, cultural traditions, historic landmarks, festivals and upcoming 300th foundation anniversary, alongside 24 other global destinations.
• Objectives: To highlight culturally significant travel destinations, promote heritage and cultural tourism, recognise historic milestones and showcase Jaipur’s architectural achievements, traditional crafts and literary events to international travellers.

Important Terms Explained:

• Best of the World List: An annual travel destination selection published by National Geographic, highlighting places known for cultural importance, natural attractions, heritage, tourism developments and milestone celebrations.
• Sawai Jai Singh II: The ruler of Amber who founded Jaipur in 1727, establishing a planned city designed by architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: A cultural or natural location recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for its Outstanding Universal Value, with Jaipur’s historic walled city inscribed in 2019.
• Vidyadhar Bhattacharya: The architect associated with Jaipur’s original urban planning, which incorporated a grid layout, broad streets and organised marketplaces.
• Jantar Mantar, Jaipur: An 18th-century astronomical observatory constructed under Sawai Jai Singh II, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.
• Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF): An annual international literary event bringing together authors, publishers and readers, with its 20th edition scheduled from 14 to 18 January 2027.
• Hawa Mahal: An iconic Jaipur landmark built in 1799, famous for its honeycomb-like façade and numerous windows.
• Gangaur Festival: A traditional Rajasthani festival celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra, dedicated to Gauri, a form of Goddess Parvati, and associated with worship and ceremonial processions.
• Meenakari: A traditional decorative craft involving colourful enamel work on metal surfaces, particularly jewellery and ornamental objects, for which Jaipur is renowned.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs October 23

7. Which organisation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Karmayogi Bharat to provide AI training resources to Indian government employees through the iGOT Karmayogi platform?
A) Google
B) Microsoft
C) OpenAI
D) IBM
E) NVIDIA
Answer: C) OpenAI.

Event and Location:

• Event: OpenAI and Karmayogi Bharat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen artificial intelligence training and capacity building among Indian government employees through OpenAI Academy resources.
• Location: India, covering eligible government employees across the Centre, States and Union Territories through the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
• Date: 23 October 2026 (news publication date).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: OpenAI and Karmayogi Bharat agreed to provide educational resources from OpenAI Academy through the government’s iGOT Karmayogi digital learning platform, which has more than 1.7 crore registered government employees. The collaboration aims to provide eligible civil servants with practical AI learning opportunities and promote responsible adoption of emerging technologies in government operations.
• Objectives: To strengthen AI literacy and practical technology skills among civil servants, encourage responsible AI usage, support technology-enabled public administration, improve government employees’ professional capabilities and promote efficient, citizen-centric public service delivery.

Important Terms Explained:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): A field of computer science focused on developing systems capable of performing tasks such as language understanding, pattern recognition, problem-solving and information analysis.
• OpenAI Academy: An AI education initiative that provides learning resources to help individuals and organisations develop practical AI knowledge, skills and responsible usage practices.
• iGOT Karmayogi: An online government learning platform designed to provide competency-based training, professional development and capacity-building resources to public officials across India.
• Mission Karmayogi: The Government of India’s National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building, approved in 2020 to develop a competent, professional and citizen-centric civil service through continuous learning.
• Karmayogi Bharat SPV: A 100% government-owned, not-for-profit Special Purpose Vehicle established by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to support the management and implementation of the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
• Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT): A department under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions responsible for personnel policies, training and capacity building of central government employees.
• Responsible AI: The development and use of artificial intelligence systems with appropriate safeguards relating to fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy and safety.
• Capacity Building: The process of strengthening employees’ knowledge, professional skills and institutional capabilities through structured training and continuous learning.

Tabular Summary:

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Books and Authors – Daily Current Affairs October 23

8. Who released the book “The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account,” written by Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey?
A) Prannoy Roy
B) Vinod Dua
C) Surya Prakash
D) Shammi Narang
E) Komal G.B. Singh
Answer: C) Surya Prakash.

Event and Location:

• Event: Former Prasar Bharati Chairman Surya Prakash released the book “The Evolution of TV News in India: From Doordarshan to Digital Disruption – An Insider’s Account,” authored by veteran broadcaster Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey and published by Om Books International.
• Location: India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi.
• Date: 23 October 2026 (date of news publication).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The book documents nearly five decades of Indian television journalism, tracing its development from Doordarshan’s early broadcasting era through satellite television, 24-hour news channels and the emergence of digital news platforms.
• Objectives: To provide an insider’s perspective on the evolution of television journalism in India, highlight major broadcasting milestones, document technological and institutional changes, and preserve the professional experiences of pioneering television journalists.

Important Terms Explained:

• Prasar Bharati: India’s public service broadcasting organisation, established in 1997 under the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990, which oversees Doordarshan and All India Radio.
• Doordarshan (DD): India’s public service television broadcaster, which began experimental television broadcasting in 1959 and played a central role in the development of Indian television journalism.
• India International Centre (IIC): A cultural and intellectual institution in New Delhi that hosts discussions, conferences, lectures and literary events.
• Satellite Television: A broadcasting system that transmits television signals through communication satellites, contributing to the expansion of private television channels in India during the 1990s.
• Digital Disruption: The transformation of traditional media through digital technologies, including online news platforms, mobile applications, social media and internet-based video distribution.
• 24-Hour News Channels: Television channels providing continuous news coverage, live reporting, interviews and updates throughout the day.
• BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation): The United Kingdom’s public service broadcaster, where Harsaran Bir Kaur Pandey received professional broadcasting training.
• UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund): A United Nations agency working for children’s rights, health, education and welfare, where Pandey gained international communications experience.
• World Health Organization (WHO): A United Nations specialised agency responsible for international public health, with which Pandey was associated during her communications career.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs October 23

9. Who has been appointed as the next Chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), with the appointment effective upon assuming charge on or after 7 December 2026?
A) Arun Kumar Singh
B) Sunil Kumar
C) Alka Mittal
D) Rajesh Kumar Srivastava
E) Subhash Kumar
Answer: B) Sunil Kumar.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Sunil Kumar as the next Chairman of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), succeeding Arun Kumar Singh.
• Location: India, under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Date: 21 October 2026 (approval order), with the appointment effective upon assuming charge on or after 7 December 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The ACC approved Sunil Kumar’s appointment as ONGC Chairman following a proposal from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, based on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC). His combined tenure will be three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier, including service until superannuation on 31 December 2028 and subsequent contractual engagement.
• Objectives: To ensure a smooth leadership transition at ONGC following the completion of Arun Kumar Singh’s extended tenure on 6 December 2026, maintain administrative continuity and provide leadership for India’s major public sector oil and natural gas exploration and production company.

Important Terms Explained:

• Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC): A high-level government committee responsible for approving appointments to senior positions in the Government of India and specified public sector organisations.
• Search-cum-Selection Committee (SCSC): A committee constituted to identify and recommend suitable candidates for senior leadership positions based on prescribed eligibility criteria and selection procedures.
• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG): The Government of India ministry responsible for policies and administration relating to petroleum, natural gas, exploration, production, refining and related industries.
• Executive Director: A senior management position responsible for overseeing major operational, administrative or strategic functions within an organisation.
• Superannuation: The retirement of an employee upon reaching the prescribed retirement age, after which further service may require contractual engagement or specific approval.
• Industrial Dearness Allowance (IDA) Pay Scale: A compensation structure applicable to specified public sector employees, incorporating dearness allowance adjustments to account for changes in the cost of living.
• Contractual Engagement: An employment arrangement under which an individual continues to serve for a specified period under agreed terms after regular service or retirement.
• Mehsana Asset: An ONGC oil and gas producing asset located in Gujarat, where Sunil Kumar assumed charge as Executive Director and Asset Manager on 8 January 2025.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs October 23

10. Who received a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute 2026 held in Des Moines, Iowa, United States?
A) Nagappan N
B) Ameena Nazreen A S
C) Swati Chaudhary
D) Yashaswini Ghorpade
E) Suvarna Raj
Answer: B) Ameena Nazreen A S.

Event and Location:

• Event: Ameena Nazreen A S received a US$500 cash award at the Global Youth Institute 2026, held alongside the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, organised by the World Food Prize Foundation under the theme “Before Hunger Wins”.
• Location: Des Moines, Iowa, United States.
• Date: 23 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Global Youth Institute 2026 brought together high school students from different countries to present research on food security, sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation. Seven Indian students were selected through the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)-YUVA initiative to participate in the programme, while NAAS signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), USA.
• Objectives: To encourage youth participation in addressing global hunger, promote research and innovation in sustainable food systems, strengthen international agricultural cooperation, develop scientific awareness among students and support knowledge exchange on food and nutrition security.

Important Terms Explained:

• Global Youth Institute (GYI): An annual international programme organised by the World Food Prize Foundation that brings together high school students to research and discuss global food security, nutrition and sustainable agricultural challenges.
• Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue: An international conference associated with the World Food Prize Foundation that brings together agricultural experts, policymakers, researchers and development leaders to discuss global hunger and food-system challenges.
• World Food Prize Foundation: An organisation dedicated to advancing global food security and recognising contributions to improving the quality, quantity and availability of food worldwide.
• National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS): An Indian scientific academy that promotes agricultural research, education, innovation and policy discussions to support sustainable agricultural development.
• NAAS-YUVA Initiative: An initiative associated with NAAS that encourages young students to participate in agricultural research, scientific learning and international programmes addressing food-security challenges.
• Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST): A United States-based organisation promoting science-based information and cooperation on agriculture, food systems and related technologies.
• Food Security: A condition in which all people have reliable physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food, based on four dimensions: availability, access, utilisation and stability.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Agricultural practices that meet present food requirements while conserving soil, water, biodiversity and other natural resources for future generations.
• Green Revolution: A period of major agricultural transformation characterised by high-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation, fertilisers and modern farming technologies, with Norman E. Borlaug playing a prominent role.

Tabular Summary:

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11. Which architectural thesis project won the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal 2026 under the theme “Equitability through Design”?
A) Designing Equitable Cities
B) Form Follows Climate
C) Energy Commons
D) Sustainable Urban Futures
E) Architecture for Social Change
Answer: C) Energy Commons.

Event and Location:

• Event: A Kochi-based architecture student won the 28th Charles Correa Gold Medal 2026 for the undergraduate thesis “Energy Commons: Reimagining energy infrastructure as a place for civic engagement,” under the theme “Equitability through Design”, receiving a cash prize of ₹25,000.
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
• Date: 22 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) presented the 28th edition of the award to recognise outstanding undergraduate architectural thesis projects addressing social, environmental and built-environment challenges. The 2026 edition focused on equitable design through the guiding question, “Who are we designing for?”, highlighting the role of architecture in addressing community needs.
• Objectives: To encourage innovative architectural research, promote inclusive and equitable design practices, recognise socially relevant undergraduate thesis projects and explore how infrastructure and public spaces can support civic engagement, environmental sustainability and community participation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Charles Correa Gold Medal: An annual architectural award initiated in 1998 by renowned Indian architect Charles Correa to recognise outstanding undergraduate architectural thesis projects addressing contemporary design and built-environment challenges.
• Charles Correa: A prominent Indian architect and urban planner known for his contributions to modern Indian architecture, urban development and climate-responsive design.
• Energy Commons: The winning architectural thesis exploring how energy infrastructure can be redesigned as a shared public space that encourages civic engagement and community participation.
• Equitability through Design: An architectural approach focused on ensuring that design decisions consider fairness, accessibility, inclusion and the diverse needs of communities.
• Charles Correa Foundation (CCF): An organisation associated with architectural research, education and design initiatives that administers the Charles Correa Gold Medal.
• Council of Architecture (COA): India’s statutory regulatory body established under the Architects Act, 1972, responsible for regulating architectural education and the architectural profession.
• Built Environment: Human-made physical surroundings, including buildings, infrastructure, public spaces and urban systems, that support everyday social and economic activities.
• Civic Engagement: The participation of individuals and communities in public affairs, decision-making and activities intended to improve collective well-being.
• Climate-Responsive Architecture: An architectural design approach that considers local climate, natural ventilation, sunlight and environmental conditions to improve building efficiency and sustainability.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs October 23

12. Which country confirmed its first reported human case of Shamonda virus on 22 October 2026, resulting in the death of the infected patient?
A) Germany
B) France
C) Nigeria
D) Japan
E) Italy
Answer: B) France.

Event and Location:

• Event: France confirmed its first reported human case of Shamonda virus on 22 October 2026, with the infected patient subsequently reported to have died.
• Location: Eastern France, where the infection is suspected to have occurred following circulation of the virus among livestock during spring and summer 2026.
• Date: 22 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: French health authorities confirmed the country’s first reported human infection with Shamonda virus, an insect-borne virus primarily associated with livestock, particularly cattle, and assessed the risk to the general population as absent at that stage.
• Objectives: To investigate the suspected source and transmission route of the human infection, assess potential public health risks, monitor animal infections and understand the implications of a virus previously considered not to infect humans.

Important Terms Explained:

• Orthobunyavirus: A genus of viruses belonging to the family Peribunyaviridae, comprising several arthropod-borne viruses transmitted by insects and other arthropods.
• Peribunyaviridae: A family of RNA viruses that includes the genus Orthobunyavirus, with several members capable of infecting animals and humans through arthropod vectors.
• Arbovirus (Arthropod-Borne Virus): A virus transmitted through infected arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks and biting midges, which can spread infections among susceptible hosts.
• Biting Midges: Small blood-feeding insects that can act as vectors for viruses affecting livestock and other animals, including Shamonda virus.
• Vector-Borne Transmission: The spread of infectious pathogens through living carriers such as insects or ticks, which transfer pathogens between hosts.
• Livestock Hosts: Domesticated farm animals, particularly cattle, associated with Shamonda virus infections and animal circulation.
• Zoonotic Infection: An infectious disease transmitted naturally between animals and humans, although the precise transmission route in the reported French human case has not been established.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 23

13. India and Poland have agreed to strengthen cooperation in defence, space and nuclear energy, with a shared target to double bilateral trade by which year?
A) 2028
B) 2029
C) 2030
D) 2032
E) 2035
Answer: C) 2030.

Event and Location:

• Event: India and Poland agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in defence, space, nuclear energy, critical technologies and trade during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, aiming to double bilateral trade by 2030.
• Location: New Delhi, India.
• Date: 21–23 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: India and Poland agreed to deepen their Strategic Partnership, established in 2024, through enhanced defence industrial cooperation, space collaboration, nuclear energy partnerships, cybersecurity, semiconductors and critical minerals. Both countries proposed a Defence Industry Dialogue and identified opportunities for technology partnerships, co-development, co-production and stronger business engagement.
• Objectives: To double bilateral trade by 2030, strengthen trusted and resilient supply chains, promote defence innovation and emerging technologies, expand economic cooperation, enhance counterterrorism coordination and reinforce collaboration on Indo-Pacific security and multilateral reforms.

Important Terms Explained:

• India–Poland Strategic Partnership: A bilateral partnership established in 2024 to strengthen political, economic, technological, defence and security cooperation between India and Poland.
• Defence Industry Dialogue: A proposed bilateral mechanism to facilitate defence industrial collaboration through technology partnerships, co-development, co-production and business-to-business engagement.
• Critical and Emerging Technologies: Advanced technologies, including semiconductors, cybersecurity and other strategic innovations, that are important for economic competitiveness, national security and technological development.
• Trusted Supply Chains: Reliable and diversified networks for sourcing, manufacturing and distributing essential goods and technologies to reduce economic and strategic vulnerabilities.
• Critical Minerals: Minerals essential for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, defence equipment, batteries and emerging technologies, including strategically important rare-earth elements.
• Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Bilateral collaboration involving potential peaceful applications of nuclear technology, energy development and related scientific and industrial partnerships.
• Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): An India-led initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019 to promote maritime cooperation, sustainable development, maritime security and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
• Counterterrorism Cooperation: Joint efforts between countries to prevent terrorism, combat extremist networks, disrupt terrorism financing and strengthen international security coordination.
• United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Reform: Proposed changes to the structure and representation of the UN Security Council, including expansion of its membership to reflect contemporary global realities.

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14. Which country reportedly approved a social media ban for children under 15, scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027?
A) France
B) Germany
C) Greece
D) Italy
E) Spain
Answer: C) Greece.

Event and Location:

• Event: Greece’s Parliament reportedly approved legislation prohibiting children under 15 from using social media platforms, with age verification linked to the KidsWallet app to strengthen children’s online safety and digital well-being.
• Location: Greece, a member country of the European Union.
• Date: 23 October 2026 (reported approval date), with implementation scheduled from 1 January 2027.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Greek Parliament reportedly approved a ban on social media use by children below 15 years, covering platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. The restriction applies to existing and new accounts, with parental consent not providing an exemption. The framework proposes privacy-preserving age verification linked to KidsWallet, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasising the need for platforms to develop effective verification systems.
• Objectives: To protect children from excessive social media use, improve sleep and concentration, reduce exposure to inappropriate content, prevent cyberbullying, encourage offline social interaction and establish reliable age-verification mechanisms while protecting users’ personal information.

Important Terms Explained:

• Social Media Age Restriction: A legal measure establishing a minimum age for accessing social networking platforms, intended to protect minors from online risks and potentially harmful digital content.
• KidsWallet App: A digital application associated with Greece’s child online-safety measures, reportedly linked to age verification for enforcing the proposed social media restriction.
• Age Verification: A process used to confirm whether an individual meets a legally prescribed minimum age before accessing restricted digital platforms or services.
• Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP): A cryptographic technique allowing one party to prove that a statement is true without revealing the underlying confidential information, potentially enabling age verification without disclosing a user’s date of birth.
• Privacy-Preserving Verification: A method of confirming eligibility or identity while minimising the collection and disclosure of unnecessary personal information.
• Cyberbullying: The use of digital platforms, messaging services or electronic communication to harass, threaten, intimidate or humiliate individuals.
• European Commission: The executive institution of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing EU policies and coordinating initiatives among member countries.
• EU Kids Act: A proposed European Union-level child online-safety measure referenced in the report, potentially addressing age verification and digital protection for minors.

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Schemes – Daily Current Affairs October 23

15. From which location was the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026 scheduled to be launched by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan?
A) Hisar, Haryana
B) Karnal, Haryana
C) Ludhiana, Punjab
D) Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
E) Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B) Karnal, Haryana.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare scheduled the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan–Rabi 2026 campaign to be launched by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, focusing on soil health, balanced fertiliser use and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Location: Karnal, Haryana, with nationwide implementation across states, districts, blocks and Gram Panchayats.
• Date: 22 October 2026, with the campaign scheduled to continue until 30 November 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare planned a nationwide agricultural awareness campaign involving farmer conferences, Kisan Chaupals, training sessions and field demonstrations. The campaign will involve state agriculture departments, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, ICAR institutes and agricultural universities to promote improved farming practices during the Rabi season.
• Objectives: To improve soil health through soil testing and balanced fertiliser application, promote crop diversification into oilseeds, pulses and horticultural crops, encourage productive use of fallow land, strengthen crop-residue management and increase awareness of natural farming and bio-based agricultural products.

Important Terms Explained:

• Rabi Season: The winter agricultural season in India, during which crops are generally sown from October to December and harvested in spring, with wheat, barley, mustard and gram among the major crops.
• Soil Health Management: The practice of maintaining soil fertility, nutrient balance and biological productivity through soil testing, appropriate fertiliser application and sustainable agricultural methods.
• Balanced Fertiliser Use: The application of essential plant nutrients according to soil nutrient status and crop requirements to improve fertiliser efficiency and support sustainable crop production.
• Crop Diversification: The practice of cultivating different crops or changing existing cropping patterns to improve land utilisation, reduce agricultural risks and support sustainable farming.
• Fallow Land: Agricultural land temporarily left uncultivated, which may be brought under suitable crop production depending on soil, water and climatic conditions.
• Crop-Residue Management: The sustainable handling of agricultural remains such as straw and stalks through methods including mulching, composting and incorporation into soil.
• Natural Farming: An agricultural approach that emphasises natural biological processes and locally available inputs while reducing dependence on synthetic agricultural chemicals.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs): District-level agricultural extension centres supported through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research system to provide farmer training, field demonstrations and scientific agricultural guidance.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR): India’s apex organisation for coordinating agricultural research, education and technology development under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education.
• Kisan Chaupal: A village-level farmer interaction programme used to share agricultural information, discuss farming challenges and promote improved cultivation practices.

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16. Which state launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges to promote youth mental well-being and prevent substance abuse?
A) Haryana
B) Rajasthan
C) Punjab
D) Himachal Pradesh
E) Uttarakhand
Answer: C) Punjab.

Event and Location:

• Event: The Punjab Government reportedly launched SANGAT Mental Health Clubs in 40 colleges under the “Yudh Nashean Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign to promote youth mental well-being, early intervention and substance-abuse prevention.
• Location: Plaksha University, Mohali, Punjab.
• Date: 22 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Punjab’s Department of Higher Education, in partnership with the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET) and Mpower, introduced SANGAT Mental Health Clubs across 40 colleges. Each college will train 25 students through a 14-hour Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) course, covering 1,000 planned student places and providing certification to participants.
• Objectives: To strengthen mental health awareness among college students, identify early signs of emotional distress, promote peer support, reduce stigma around mental health, encourage professional assistance when required and prevent substance abuse through campus-level awareness and intervention programmes.

Important Terms Explained:

• SANGAT Mental Health Clubs: A Punjab government-supported college initiative designed to promote emotional well-being, peer support, mental health awareness and substance-abuse prevention among students.
• Yudh Nashean Virudh Campaign: Punjab’s anti-drug campaign, meaning “War Against Drugs”, aimed at combating substance abuse through prevention, awareness, enforcement and community participation.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA): A training programme that teaches participants to recognise signs of mental health difficulties, provide initial non-judgmental support and encourage access to professional assistance.
• Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET): An educational and social development organisation associated with initiatives supporting learning, mental health awareness and community well-being.
• Mpower: A mental health initiative associated with the Aditya Birla Education Trust that promotes mental health awareness, support services, education and stigma reduction.
• Psychological First Aid (PFA): A supportive approach used to assist people experiencing emotional distress by providing practical care, listening to concerns and connecting them with appropriate support services.
• Peer Support: A process through which individuals provide emotional encouragement, understanding and initial assistance to others with similar experiences or circumstances.
• Early Intervention: The identification and timely response to emerging mental health concerns to help prevent difficulties from worsening and facilitate access to appropriate care.
• Drug-Prevention Nodal Officers: Designated institutional representatives responsible for coordinating substance-abuse awareness, prevention activities and related support programmes.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 23

17. What is the theme of the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 hosted by India in New Delhi?
A) Solar Energy for Sustainable Agriculture
B) Powering the Global South
C) Green Energy for Rural Development
D) Transforming Agriculture Through Renewable Energy
E) Sustainable Farming and Climate Action
Answer: B) Powering the Global South.

Event and Location:

• Event: India hosted the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 under the theme “Powering the Global South,” marking the first time the international conference was held in the Global South.
• Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India.
• Date: 21–23 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) hosted the conference with support from Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, in partnership with Conexio-PSE. The event was jointly inaugurated by Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi and Shivraj Singh Chouhan on 21 October 2026, with participation from over 1,200 delegates, including more than 150 international participants.
• Objectives: To promote Agrivoltaics (AgriPV) by integrating agricultural production with solar photovoltaic power generation on the same land, strengthen policy frameworks, explore financing and farmer-centred business models, improve land-use efficiency and support sustainable agriculture and clean energy development.

Important Terms Explained:

• Agrivoltaics (AgriPV): A dual land-use system that combines agricultural cultivation and solar photovoltaic electricity generation on the same land, allowing farmers to produce crops and renewable energy simultaneously.
• Global South: A term broadly referring to developing and emerging economies, particularly in Asia, Africa and Latin America, that share development priorities and challenges.
• AgriPV Policy Handbook: A policy guidance resource released by MNRE during the conference to support the development and implementation of agrivoltaic systems.
• India Agrivoltaics Alliance (IAA): An initiative supporting agrivoltaics development in India, which launched a Decision-Making Tool during the conference to assist stakeholders in evaluating AgriPV projects.
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI): An international research organisation focusing on sustainable water and land management, which released the Book of Abstracts during the conference.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM): A Government of India scheme launched in 2019 to promote solar energy in agriculture through decentralised solar power plants, standalone solar agricultural pumps and solarisation of grid-connected agricultural pumps.
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Technology: A renewable energy technology that converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells.
• Dual Land Use: The practice of utilising the same land area for two productive activities, such as crop cultivation and solar electricity generation, to improve resource efficiency.

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18. Who launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) in New Delhi to strengthen India’s international trade governance through data analytics?
A) Nirmala Sitharaman
B) S. Jaishankar
C) Piyush Goyal
D) Ashwini Vaishnaw
E) Jitin Prasada
Answer: C) Piyush Goyal.

Event and Location:

• Event: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre (NSTCC) to strengthen India’s international trade monitoring, analysis and governance through integrated data analytics and evidence-based decision-making.
• Location: New Delhi, India.
• Date: 23 October 2026 (news publication date).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry launched NSTCC to provide senior policymakers and government officials with integrated dashboards covering the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), export promotion schemes, trade approvals, application processing, restricted imports and exports, and other regulatory functions. The centre consolidates trade-related information to improve monitoring and administrative coordination.
• Objectives: To strengthen data-driven trade policymaking, improve transparency and operational efficiency, monitor India’s export and import performance, streamline regulatory approvals, identify processing delays and accelerate the disposal of pending applications through regular Inter-Ministerial Committee meetings.

Important Terms Explained:

• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT): An attached office of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for implementing India’s Foreign Trade Policy, facilitating exports and imports, and administering trade-related authorisations.
• Importer Exporter Code (IEC): A unique identification code issued by DGFT to businesses and individuals engaged in importing or exporting goods and services, subject to applicable exemptions.
• Advance Authorisation Scheme: A foreign trade scheme permitting duty-free import of specified inputs required for manufacturing export products, subject to prescribed conditions and export obligations.
• Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme: An export promotion scheme allowing eligible businesses to import capital goods at concessional or zero customs duty, subject to applicable export obligations.
• Certificate of Origin (CoO): An official trade document certifying the country in which goods originate, used for customs clearance, tariff preferences and compliance with international trade regulations.
• SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies): India’s export control classification covering specified sensitive and dual-use goods, software and technologies that may require export authorisation.
• Integrated Data Analytics: The process of combining and analysing information from multiple databases and administrative systems to monitor performance, identify trends and support informed policy decisions.
• Inter-Ministerial Committee: A coordination mechanism involving representatives of different government ministries or departments to examine regulatory matters, resolve pending applications and facilitate administrative decisions.
• Trade Facilitation: Measures aimed at simplifying, modernising and improving international trade procedures to reduce delays, administrative burdens and transaction costs.

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