Daily Current Affairs October 20–21

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October 20–21 | Daily Current Affairs 2026

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs October 20–21

1. On which date was Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrated in most parts of India in 2026?
A) 18 October 2026
B) 19 October 2026
C) 20 October 2026
D) 21 October 2026
E) 22 October 2026
Answer: C) 20 October 2026.

Event and Location:

• Event: Dussehra 2026, also known as Vijayadashami, was celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
• Location: Across India, with different religious rituals and cultural traditions observed in northern, southern, eastern, and western regions.
• Date: 20 October 2026 (Tuesday).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Dussehra celebrations included Ravana Dahan, Ramlila performances, Durga Visarjan, Shami Puja, and Ayudha Puja. The festival was observed on Dashami Tithi, which continued until 21 October 2026 according to the New Delhi Panchang.
• Objectives: To commemorate the victory of good over evil, righteousness over injustice, and truth over falsehood, while preserving religious traditions and promoting values such as courage, humility, self-control, and compassion.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dashami Tithi: The tenth lunar day of a fortnight in the Hindu calendar, associated with the celebration of Vijayadashami during the month of Ashwin.
• Vijay Muhurat: An auspicious period associated with victory and religious activities, with timings varying according to geographical location.
• Ravana Dahan: The ceremonial burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna, symbolising Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
• Ramlila: A traditional dramatic performance depicting events from the Ramayana, particularly Lord Rama’s life and his battle against Ravana.
• Shami Puja: A religious ritual involving the worship of the Shami tree, traditionally associated with auspiciousness and victory.
• Aparajita Puja: Worship of Goddess Aparajita, associated with victory and divine protection.
• Shastra Puja: A ritual involving the worship of weapons and implements, symbolising respect for the instruments used in performing duties.
• Ayudha Puja: A traditional ceremony involving the worship of tools, machinery, instruments, and equipment, especially observed in southern India.
• Durga Visarjan: The ceremonial immersion of Goddess Durga’s idol, marking the conclusion of Durga Puja celebrations, particularly in eastern India.

Tabular Summary:

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2. Who initiated the Mysuru Dasara celebrations in 1610, establishing the royal tradition continued by the Wadiyar dynasty?
A) Krishnaraja Wadiyar IV
B) Raja Wadiyar I
C) Chamaraja Wadiyar X
D) Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar
E) Krishnadevaraya
Answer: B) Raja Wadiyar I.

Event and Location:

• Event: Mysuru Dasara 2026, also known as Nada Habba, Karnataka’s state festival, featured 11 days of religious ceremonies, royal traditions, cultural programmes, and the grand Jamboo Savari procession dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari.
• Location: Mysuru, Karnataka, with major celebrations at Mysuru Palace, Chamundi Hills, and Bannimantap.
• Date: 11–21 October 2026, with the grand Jamboo Savari procession scheduled for 21 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Government of Karnataka and Mysuru district administration organised the 11-day Dasara celebrations, featuring Jamboo Savari, royal Durbar ceremonies, palace illumination, cultural performances, exhibitions, and the Panjina Kavayathu torchlight parade. More than 100 activities were planned across various locations, with the main procession scheduled from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap.
• Objectives: To commemorate Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura, preserve the royal heritage of the Wadiyar dynasty, promote Karnataka’s cultural traditions, and encourage public participation through religious ceremonies, folk arts, exhibitions, and cultural programmes.

Important Terms Explained:

• Mysuru Dasara: Karnataka’s annual state festival celebrating Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura, with royal traditions established by Raja Wadiyar I in 1610 at Srirangapatna.
• Raja Wadiyar I: The Wadiyar ruler who initiated the royal Dasara celebrations at Srirangapatna in 1610, continuing traditions associated with the Vijayanagara Empire.
• Vijayanagara Empire: A major South Indian empire whose Mahanavami celebrations included royal rituals, processions, wrestling, music, and public performances, influencing the Mysuru Dasara tradition.
• Goddess Chamundeshwari: A manifestation of Goddess Durga and the presiding deity of Mysuru, worshipped for defeating the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
• Sri Chamundeshwari Temple: A major Hindu temple situated on Chamundi Hills overlooking Mysuru, associated with the religious ceremonies that mark the beginning of Dasara festivities.
• Vijayadashami: The tenth day following the nine nights of Navratri, commemorating the victory of good over evil and marking the culmination of Mysuru Dasara.
• Golden Howdah: A ceremonial golden seat or platform placed on an elephant to carry the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari during the Jamboo Savari procession.
• Jamboo Savari Procession: The grand Vijayadashami parade travelling approximately five kilometres from Mysuru Palace to Bannimantap, featuring decorated elephants, traditional musicians, folk artists, and cultural tableaux.
• Panjina Kavayathu: A ceremonial torchlight parade held at Bannimantap, marking the grand finale of Mysuru Dasara and reflecting the festival’s historical military and royal traditions.
• Royal Durbar: A traditional ceremonial royal assembly conducted during Mysuru Dasara, preserving the historical customs of the Wadiyar dynasty.
• Aahara Mela: A food festival organised during Mysuru Dasara, showcasing different culinary traditions and regional food specialities.
• Kambala: A traditional buffalo race associated with Karnataka’s coastal culture, included among the planned attractions for Mysuru Dasara 2026.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Police Commemoration Day is observed annually on October 21 to honour the sacrifice of ten CRPF personnel during which incident in 1959?
A) Galwan Valley Incident
B) Hot Springs Incident
C) Kargil Conflict
D) Doklam Standoff
E) Nathu La Incident
Answer: B) Hot Springs Incident.

Event and Location:

• Event: Police Commemoration Day 2026 was observed to honour police personnel who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, commemorating the killing of ten CRPF personnel by Chinese forces in 1959.
• Location: National Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, with commemorative observances across India.
• Date: 21 October 2026 (Wednesday).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The 2026 commemoration programme included a joint parade of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Delhi Police, wreath-laying ceremonies, and tributes to fallen personnel at the National Police Memorial. A motorcycle rally involving approximately 90 police personnel was also planned under the theme “Fight Against Drugs”, travelling to Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, for the Ekta Parade on 31 October 2026.
• Objectives: To honour the bravery and sacrifices of police personnel, preserve the memory of the 1959 Hot Springs incident, strengthen public awareness of police service, promote anti-drug awareness, and encourage national unity through participation in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Hot Springs Incident (1959): An incident on 21 October 1959 near the India-China border in Ladakh, when Chinese forces attacked an Indian police patrol, resulting in the deaths of ten CRPF personnel.
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF): A central armed police force of India whose ten personnel were killed during the 1959 Hot Springs incident, which became the historical basis for Police Commemoration Day.
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs): Central security forces that perform duties relating to internal security, border protection, and other security responsibilities under the Government of India.
• National Police Memorial: A national monument located in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, dedicated to police personnel who died in the line of duty. It was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 October 2018.
• Wall of Valour: A memorial structure within the National Police Memorial that honours police personnel who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties.
• Police Museum: A museum within the National Police Memorial complex showcasing the history, contributions, and sacrifices of India’s police forces.
• Fight Against Drugs Motorcycle Rally: A planned 2026 awareness initiative involving approximately 90 police riders from selected states, Union Territories, CAPFs, and central police organisations, travelling towards Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
• Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: National Unity Day, observed annually on 31 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and promote national integration.
• Ekta Parade: A ceremonial event associated with National Unity Day celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, promoting national unity and solidarity.

Tabular Summary:

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4. In which year was India’s National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP) renamed as the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP)?
A) 1962
B) 1986
C) 1992
D) 2000
E) 2005
Answer: C) 1992.

Event and Location:

• Event: World Iodine Deficiency Day 2026, also known as World Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, was observed to raise awareness about iodine deficiency, thyroid health, iodised salt consumption, and India’s National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP).
• Location: Observed globally, including India, where the NIDDCP operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Date: 21 October 2026 (Wednesday).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: World Iodine Deficiency Day promotes awareness of iodine-related health disorders and their prevention through adequately iodised salt and iodine-rich foods. In India, the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme (NIDDCP), renamed in August 1992 from the National Goitre Control Programme launched in 1962, conducts surveys, monitors iodised salt quality, and supports awareness campaigns through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
• Objectives: To prevent iodine deficiency disorders such as goitre, hypothyroidism, impaired brain development, and growth disorders, while promoting adequate iodine intake, improving maternal and child health, and ensuring access to appropriately iodised salt across India.

Important Terms Explained:

• Iodine: An essential micronutrient required for thyroid hormone production, regulating metabolism, body temperature, physical growth, and brain development.
• Thyroxine (T4): A thyroid hormone containing four iodine atoms that contributes to metabolic regulation, growth, and development.
• Triiodothyronine (T3): A biologically active thyroid hormone containing three iodine atoms that regulates metabolism and various physiological functions.
• Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD): A group of health conditions caused by insufficient iodine intake, including goitre, hypothyroidism, impaired neurological development, and growth disorders.
• Goitre: An abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, often visible as swelling in the neck, which can result from iodine deficiency.
• Hypothyroidism: A condition in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormones, potentially causing fatigue, weight gain, and sensitivity to cold.
• National Goitre Control Programme (NGCP): An Indian government programme launched in 1962 to prevent and control goitre caused by iodine deficiency, later renamed NIDDCP in August 1992.
• Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS): A technical advisory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare responsible for supporting national public health programmes, including iodine deficiency control.
• Universal Salt Iodisation (USI): A public health strategy promoting the iodisation of salt intended for human consumption to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS): A nationwide survey providing information on population, health, and nutrition indicators, including household consumption of adequately iodised salt.
• NFHS-5 (2019–21): The fifth National Family Health Survey, which reported that 94.3% of Indian households used adequately iodised salt, compared with 76% reported in NFHS-2 (1998–99).
• Iodised Salt: Common edible salt fortified with iodine compounds to help prevent iodine deficiency and related thyroid disorders.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs October 20–21

5. Which Indian para-athlete won the men’s shot put F53 gold medal with a throw of 8.16 metres at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Nagoya, Japan?
A) Suhas Yathiraj
B) Sukant Kadam
C) Ayush Verma
D) Prem Kumar Ale
E) Alireza Hemami
Answer: C) Ayush Verma.

Event and Location:

• Event: Ayush Verma won the men’s shot put F53 gold medal with a throw of 8.16 metres at the Asian Para Games 2026, taking India’s reported medal tally to 38, including 10 gold medals.
• Location: Nagoya, Japan.
• Date: 21 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Indian para-athlete Ayush Verma secured the gold medal in the men’s shot put F53 category with an 8.16-metre throw on his fifth attempt, defeating Iran’s Alireza Hemami and Kazakhstan’s Makhambet Serikkaliyev. He also won bronze in the men’s javelin F53/54 event, while Indian para-badminton player Suhas Yathiraj qualified for the men’s singles SL4 semifinals.
• Objectives: To achieve medal-winning performances in para-athletics and para-badminton, strengthen India’s medal tally at the Asian Para Games, and promote competitive opportunities for athletes with disabilities in international sporting events.

Important Terms Explained:

• Men’s Shot Put F53: A para-athletics field event for athletes competing in a seated position, generally involving significant impairment of trunk and lower-limb function, with throwing performance relying heavily on upper-body strength and technique.
• F53 Classification: A World Para Athletics classification for athletes with specific physical impairments affecting trunk and lower-limb movements. The letter F represents field events such as shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw.
• Men’s Javelin F53/54: A seated javelin throwing competition involving athletes from the F53 and F54 classifications, with Ayush Verma securing a bronze medal in the event.
• Para-Badminton SL4: A standing lower-limb classification for badminton players with physical impairments affecting movement, balance, or mobility, generally less severe than those in the SL3 category.
• Para-Badminton WH1: A wheelchair badminton classification for athletes with significant impairment of lower-limb and trunk functions who compete while seated in wheelchairs.
• Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj: An Indian para-badminton player and Paralympic medallist who reached the men’s singles SL4 semifinals after defeating South Korea’s N. Cho by 21-12, 21-16.
• Alireza Hemami: An Iranian para-athlete who secured the silver medal in men’s shot put F53 with a throw of 8.09 metres.
• Makhambet Serikkaliyev: A Kazakh para-athlete who won the bronze medal in men’s shot put F53 with a throw of 6.81 metres.

Tabular Summary:

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6. Which two countries will jointly host the third edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2027?
A) India and Sri Lanka
B) Bangladesh and Nepal
C) Australia and New Zealand
D) South Africa and Zimbabwe
E) Pakistan and Bangladesh
Answer: B) Bangladesh and Nepal.

Event and Location:

• Event: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the schedule for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027, featuring 16 teams competing in 41 matches across four venues, with India entering as the defending champions.
• Location: Bangladesh and Nepal, with matches scheduled in Chattogram, Sylhet, and Kathmandu.
• Date: 21 January to 6 February 2027, with the schedule reported on 21 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The ICC scheduled the third edition of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup from 21 January to 6 February 2027, with Bangladesh and Nepal as joint hosts. The tournament will feature 16 teams divided into four groups, followed by the Super Six stage, semifinals, and final. India will begin its title defence against West Indies on 22 January 2027, while the final is scheduled for 6 February 2027.
• Objectives: To promote women’s cricket at the international youth level, provide competitive opportunities for emerging female cricketers, strengthen cricket development across participating nations, and identify future talent through a structured global tournament.

Important Terms Explained:

• ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup: An international Twenty20 cricket tournament organised by the International Cricket Council for women’s national teams comprising players eligible for the Under-19 category. The competition began in 2023.
• Twenty20 (T20) Cricket: A limited-overs cricket format in which each team generally plays a maximum of 20 overs per innings.
• Defending Champions: The team that won the previous edition of a tournament and enters the next edition seeking to retain its title. India will participate as the defending champions in 2027.
• Group Stage: The initial phase of the tournament in which 16 participating teams are divided into four groups of four teams each.
• Super Six Stage: The tournament phase following the initial group stage, in which qualifying teams compete in two groups for places in the semifinals.
• Semifinals: The knockout stage featuring four qualifying teams, with the winners advancing to the championship final.
• Reserve Day: An additional scheduled day used to complete or conduct a match affected by circumstances such as adverse weather, subject to tournament regulations.
• Bir Shrestha Shahid Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium: A cricket stadium in Chattogram, Bangladesh, scheduled to host matches, including the tournament semifinals.
• Sylhet International Cricket Stadium: A major cricket venue located in Sylhet, Bangladesh, selected as one of the host grounds for the 2027 tournament.
• TU International Cricket Stadium: A cricket ground located in Kathmandu, Nepal, selected to host matches during the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2027.
• Upper Mulpani International Cricket Ground: A cricket venue in Kathmandu, Nepal, designated as one of the tournament’s four host grounds.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs October 20–21

7. Which country ranked first in the Ipsos Quality of Care Perception Index 2026, in which India secured the third position?
A) Singapore
B) India
C) Malaysia
D) Australia
E) Vietnam
Answer: C) Malaysia.

Event and Location:

• Event: India ranked third in the Ipsos Quality of Care Perception Index 2026, behind Malaysia and Singapore, with 68% of Indian respondents expressing positive perceptions of domestic healthcare quality.
• Location: Global survey covering 32 countries, including India, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and other participating markets.
• Date: October 2026, with survey data collected from 13 July to 7 August 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Ipsos, a global market research firm, released the Quality of Care Perception Index 2026 based on an online survey of 22,528 adults across 32 countries. The study assessed public perceptions of healthcare quality, system reliability, doctor and pharmacy accessibility, affordability, and expectations for future healthcare improvements.
• Objectives: To evaluate public satisfaction and confidence in national healthcare systems, compare perceived healthcare quality across countries, identify barriers related to healthcare affordability and accessibility, and understand expectations regarding future improvements in healthcare services.

Important Terms Explained:

• Quality of Care Perception Index: A survey-based index developed by Ipsos to assess people’s perceptions of healthcare quality, accessibility, reliability, and affordability in their respective countries.
• Healthcare Quality Satisfaction: The proportion of respondents expressing positive opinions about the quality of healthcare services available in their country, with 68% of Indian respondents reporting favourable perceptions.
• Healthcare System Confidence: The level of public trust in a healthcare system’s ability to provide appropriate medical care when needed, with 64% of Indian respondents expressing confidence.
• Healthcare Accessibility: The ease with which individuals can obtain medical services, including doctor appointments and pharmacy access. In India, 73% reported easy doctor appointment access, while 81% reported easy pharmacy access.
• Healthcare Affordability: The financial ability of individuals to access medical services and treatments, with 74% of Indian respondents believing that many people cannot afford healthcare.
• Healthcare Equity: The principle of fair access to healthcare services regardless of income, social circumstances, or other disadvantages.
• Online Survey Methodology: A research method involving the collection of responses through internet-based questionnaires, used by Ipsos to gather opinions from 22,528 adults across 32 countries between July and August 2026.
• Global Country Average: An unweighted average of results across participating countries and markets, calculated without adjusting for differences in national population sizes.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs October 20–21

8. Which immunotherapy drug was approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on 21 October 2026 for first-line treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in combination with cisplatin and paclitaxel?
A) Pembrolizumab
B) Nivolumab
C) Zytorvi (Toripalimab)
D) Atezolizumab
E) Durvalumab
Answer: C) Zytorvi (Toripalimab).

Event and Location:

• Event: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) approved Zytorvi (Toripalimab) in combination with cisplatin and paclitaxel for first-line treatment of adults with unresectable advanced, recurrent, or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
• Location: India, with the approval communicated by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.
• Date: 21 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: DCGI approved Zytorvi, a PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy, in combination with the chemotherapy drugs cisplatin and paclitaxel for treating adults with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The approval was supported by the Phase 3 JUPITER-06 clinical trial, which demonstrated improved median overall survival of 17.7 months compared with 12.9 months for chemotherapy alone. The approved Indian indication does not require patient selection based on PD-L1 expression.
• Objectives: To expand first-line treatment options for patients with advanced esophageal cancer, improve survival outcomes by combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy, and provide an additional treatment option for patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic disease.

Important Terms Explained:

• Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC): A type of cancer originating in the squamous cells lining the oesophagus, accounting for approximately 80% of esophageal cancer cases in India according to the reported information.
• Toripalimab: A monoclonal antibody immunotherapy that blocks the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) receptor, helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
• PD-1 Inhibitor: An immune checkpoint inhibitor that blocks PD-1 signalling, reducing suppression of immune responses against cancer cells.
• PD-L1 Expression: The presence of programmed death-ligand 1 on cells, which may influence treatment decisions for certain immunotherapies. The approved Indian indication does not require PD-L1-based patient selection.
• Cisplatin: A platinum-based chemotherapy medicine that damages cancer-cell DNA, interfering with cell replication and survival.
• Paclitaxel: A taxane chemotherapy medicine that disrupts microtubule function and prevents cancer cells from completing cell division.
• Monoclonal Antibody: A laboratory-produced antibody designed to recognise and bind to a specific molecular target, including proteins involved in cancer progression or immune regulation.
• Unresectable Cancer: A cancerous tumour that cannot be surgically removed because of its location, extent, or other clinical considerations.
• Metastatic Cancer: Cancer that has spread from its original location to distant organs or tissues.
• Recurrent Cancer: Cancer that returns after a period of treatment or remission.
• First-Line Treatment: The initial treatment recommended for a particular disease and clinical setting.
• JUPITER-06 Trial: A Phase 3 clinical study evaluating toripalimab combined with chemotherapy in advanced or metastatic ESCC, reporting a median overall survival of 17.7 months compared with 12.9 months for chemotherapy alone.
• Median Overall Survival: The length of time at which 50% of patients in a clinical trial group remain alive, commonly used to assess treatment effectiveness in cancer studies.
• Progression-Free Survival: The period during which patients remain alive without their cancer worsening, used to evaluate treatment outcomes in clinical trials.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Which African country confirmed an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease in October 2026, prompting health authorities to monitor 44 contacts?
A) Kenya
B) Uganda
C) Nigeria
D) Democratic Republic of Congo
E) Tanzania
Answer: C) Nigeria.

Event and Location:

• Event: Nigeria reported an imported case of Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease in a female patient arriving from Uganda, prompting health authorities to identify and monitor 44 contacts to prevent further transmission.
• Location: Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria, with the patient having travelled from Uganda.
• Date: 20 October 2026 (case confirmation), with the development reported on 21 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) activated an incident management system following confirmation of the imported Ebola Bundibugyo case. Health authorities identified 44 contacts for monitoring, isolated the infected patient, strengthened disease surveillance and infection prevention measures, and initiated investigations with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Objectives: To prevent community transmission of the Bundibugyo virus, identify possible sources of infection, ensure timely treatment and contact monitoring, strengthen healthcare preparedness, and improve regional coordination in response to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Important Terms Explained:

• Ebola Bundibugyo Virus Disease: A severe viral infectious disease caused by Bundibugyo virus, an Ebola-causing virus first identified during an outbreak in Uganda in 2007–2008.
• Bundibugyo Virus: A member of the Orthoebolavirus genus capable of causing serious illness in humans, transmitted primarily through direct contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials.
• Imported Case: An infectious disease case acquired outside the country where it is subsequently diagnosed or reported.
• Contact Tracing: A public health process used to identify, assess, and monitor individuals who may have been exposed to an infected person to prevent further disease transmission.
• Incident Management System: A coordinated emergency response mechanism used by public health authorities to organise surveillance, investigations, medical resources, and outbreak-control activities.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): Healthcare measures designed to prevent the spread of infectious diseases through protective equipment, safe patient handling, hygiene practices, and isolation protocols.
• Disease Surveillance: The systematic collection, monitoring, analysis, and reporting of disease-related information to identify outbreaks and guide public health responses.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Protective clothing and equipment, including gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields, used by healthcare workers to reduce exposure to infectious materials.
• Orthoebolavirus: A genus of viruses within the Filoviridae family that includes viruses capable of causing Ebola disease in humans.
• Isolation: A disease-control measure involving the separation of infected individuals from others to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Supportive Care: Medical treatment focused on maintaining hydration, managing symptoms, correcting electrolyte imbalances, and supporting vital organ functions when disease-specific treatments are unavailable.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs October 20–21

10. Where did the fifth edition of the India-Australia joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 begin on 19 October 2026?
A) Pune, Maharashtra
B) Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
C) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
D) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
E) Perth, Australia
Answer: C) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Event and Location:

• Event: The fifth edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026, a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Australian Army, commenced with approximately 240 personnel and first-time observer participation from New Zealand.
• Location: Foreign Training Node, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
• Date: 19 October to 1 November 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Indian Army and Australian Army commenced the fifth edition of AUSTRAHIND under the theme “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate.” The exercise involves approximately 120 personnel from each country, focusing on joint tactical planning, surveillance, reconnaissance, protection of vital installations, coastal operations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• Objectives: To enhance military interoperability, jointmanship, operational coordination, and mutual understanding of tactics, techniques, and procedures between India and Australia, while strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and promoting security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Important Terms Explained:

• AUSTRAHIND: A bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and Australian Army to improve operational coordination, interoperability, and defence cooperation through joint training activities.
• Sub-Conventional Operations: Military operations conducted below the level of conventional warfare, including counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism, and responses to irregular security threats.
• Chapter VII of the UN Charter: A section of the United Nations Charter empowering the UN Security Council to authorise measures, including sanctions and military action, to maintain or restore international peace and security.
• Interoperability: The ability of armed forces from different countries to operate together effectively through compatible procedures, communication systems, and coordinated military planning.
• Jointmanship: The coordinated functioning of military forces or units to achieve common operational objectives through integrated planning and execution.
• Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs): Standardised military approaches, operational methods, and practical procedures used by armed forces during training and military operations.
• Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Military activities involving the observation, monitoring, and collection of information about terrain, potential threats, and operational environments.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Military and civilian operations providing emergency assistance, rescue, evacuation, and disaster-response support during natural or humanitarian emergencies.
• Indo-Pacific Region: A strategic geographical region encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans, important for maritime security, trade connectivity, and regional defence cooperation.
• Foreign Training Node: A designated military training facility used for conducting joint exercises and professional training activities involving Indian and foreign armed forces.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs October 20–21

11. Which Dussehra celebration in India lasts for approximately 75 days and is associated with the worship of Maa Danteshwari?
A) Mysuru Dasara
B) Kullu Dussehra
C) Bastar Dussehra
D) Madikeri Dasara
E) Kota Dussehra Mela
Answer: C) Bastar Dussehra.

Event and Location:

• Event: Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrations across India feature 12 distinctive regional traditions, including Mysuru Dasara, Durga Puja, Kullu Dussehra, Bastar Dussehra, and Bommai Kolu.
• Location: Across India, covering West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh.
• Date: 20 October 2026 (Tuesday).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: Dussehra celebrations involve religious rituals, cultural processions, folk dances, theatrical performances, and traditional worship practices. Major celebrations include Mysuru’s Jamboo Savari, Kullu’s deity processions, Delhi’s Ravana Dahan, Tamil Nadu’s Bommai Kolu, and Chhattisgarh’s 75-day Bastar Dussehra.
• Objectives: To commemorate Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, while preserving India’s diverse religious traditions, regional cultural heritage, folk arts, and community participation.

Important Terms Explained:

• Durga Puja: A major Hindu festival particularly celebrated in West Bengal, commemorating Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. Kolkata’s Durga Puja was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2021.
• Mysuru Dasara: A traditional royal festival celebrated in Karnataka, dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari and famous for palace illumination and the Jamboo Savari procession. Its royal tradition dates back to 1610.
• Jamboo Savari: The grand Mysuru Dasara procession featuring a decorated elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, accompanied by cultural tableaux, musicians, and performers.
• Madikeri Dasara: A regional Dussehra celebration in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, featuring Karaga processions, local goddess worship, folk performances, and colourful tableaux.
• Garba and Dandiya Raas: Traditional devotional dances performed during Navratri in Gujarat. Garba of Gujarat was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2023.
• Kullu Dussehra: A week-long festival celebrated in Himachal Pradesh, centred on Lord Raghunath and processions of local deities at Dhalpur Maidan, with major festivities beginning on Vijayadashami.
• Ravana Dahan: The ceremonial burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna, symbolising Lord Rama’s victory over evil.
• Ramnagar Ramlila: A traditional theatrical presentation of the Ramayana performed across multiple locations near Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, and associated with Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas. The Ramlila tradition was inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2008.
• Jagrata and Kanjak Puja: Religious practices observed during Navratri in Punjab, involving overnight devotional singing and worship of young girls as manifestations of divine feminine power.
• Bommai Kolu: A Tamil Nadu Navratri tradition involving the arrangement of dolls and figurines on tiered displays depicting deities, mythology, historical personalities, and everyday life.
• Kota Dussehra Mela: A major religious and cultural fair organised in Kota, Rajasthan, featuring Ramlila, Ravana Dahan, folk performances, handicrafts, and commercial activities.
• Bathukamma: A traditional floral festival of Telangana celebrated during the Navratri season, involving flower arrangements, folk songs, group dances, and ceremonial immersion of flowers.
• Bastar Dussehra: A nearly 75-day festival celebrated in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, dedicated to Maa Danteshwari and associated with tribal traditions, deity processions, and rituals such as Muria Darbar. Its history dates back to the 15th century.
• Muria Darbar: A traditional gathering associated with Bastar Dussehra that reflects the participation of local communities and their customary institutions.

Tabular Summary:

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12. Which three Indian sites were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2026?
A) Hampi, Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves
B) Baratang Complex, Andaman Subduction Volcanoes and Sirpur Landscape
C) Sundarbans, Kaziranga National Park and Chilika Lake
D) Barren Island, Elephanta Caves and Konark Sun Temple
E) Nalanda, Sanchi Stupa and Bhimbetka Caves
Answer: B) Baratang Complex, Andaman Subduction Volcanoes and Sirpur Landscape.

Event and Location:

• Event: UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre added three Indian properties to the World Heritage Tentative List 2026, comprising two natural sites and one cultural site, bringing India’s reported total to 81 properties.
• Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, covering Baratang, Barren Island and Narcondam Island, and Sirpur in Mahasamund district, Chhattisgarh.
• Date: 28 September 2026 (proposal submission date), with the development reported on 21 October 2026.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates: The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO proposed three properties for inclusion in India’s World Heritage Tentative List: the Karst-Mud-Volcano Complex of Baratang, Andaman Subduction Volcanoes, and Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape. The first two were classified as natural properties, while Sirpur was classified as a cultural property.
• Objectives: To identify and preserve India’s geological formations, volcanic landscapes, biodiversity, archaeological remains, and multi-faith cultural heritage, while preparing eligible properties for potential nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Important Terms Explained:

• World Heritage Tentative List: An inventory of cultural and natural properties that a country considers suitable for future nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Inclusion does not automatically grant World Heritage status.
• Karst-Mud-Volcano Complex of Baratang: A natural geological landscape in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands featuring limestone caves, karst formations, and mud volcanoes. Its mud volcanoes reportedly reactivated in 2025 after approximately 20 years of inactivity.
• Karst Topography: A landscape formed through the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone by water, producing caves, sinkholes, underground drainage systems, and other geological formations.
• Mud Volcanoes: Geological formations that discharge mud, water, and gases due to underground pressure and sedimentary processes rather than erupting molten lava. Mud volcanoes on Baratang are locally called Jalki.
• Speleothems: Mineral deposits formed inside caves, including stalactites hanging from cave ceilings and stalagmites rising from cave floors.
• Andaman Subduction Volcanoes: A proposed natural heritage property comprising Barren Island and Narcondam Island, representing volcanic activity associated with the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Burma microplate.
• Barren Island: A volcanic island in the Andaman Sea containing India’s only historically active volcano, characterised by basaltic and basaltic-andesite lava formations and a volcanic caldera.
• Narcondam Island: A volcanic island in the Andaman Sea recognised for its geological features and biodiversity, including its designation as an Important Bird Area and Key Biodiversity Area.
• Subduction Zone: A tectonic boundary where one lithospheric plate moves beneath another, potentially generating earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain-building processes.
• Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape: A historic cultural property in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district, situated near the Mahanadi River and approximately 78 kilometres from Raipur, containing evidence of ancient trade, urban settlements, and Hindu-Buddhist heritage.
• Stromatolites: Layered sedimentary structures formed through the activities of microorganisms, particularly cyanobacteria, and preserved as evidence of ancient biological processes.
• Outstanding Universal Value (OUV): Cultural or natural significance considered so exceptional that a property is important to humanity as a whole, forming a central criterion for World Heritage inscription.
• World Heritage Committee: The intergovernmental body responsible for deciding whether nominated properties qualify for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Tabular Summary:

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