Daily Current Affairs 29 October 2026
Daily current affairs for 29 October 2026 — 18 verified news items across Science & Tech, National, International & more, with exam-angle notes, keywords and…
Part of October 2026 current affairs: the month's top stories by topic
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In this digest · 18 items
Science & Tech
ISRO to Launch NVS-03 Navigation Satellite from Sriharikota
ISRO will launch the NVS-03 navigation satellite aboard a GSLV rocket from Sriharikota at 11:51 PM on October 30. The satellite is intended to support continuity of India’s regional navigation services. It carries an indigenous atomic clock and includes an added L1 frequency band. These details were reported ahead of the planned launch.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which rocket is scheduled to carry NVS-03?
- AGSLVCorrect
- BNVS-03
- CSriharikota
- DL1 frequency band
Explanation The source states that NVS-03 will be launched aboard a GSLV rocket.
National
Bombay High Court Sets Aside Cognisance Order in OctaFX India Case
The Bombay High Court on 26 October set aside a trial court order taking cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint against OctaFX India Private Limited. The company is now known as Tauga Private Limited. The report concerns the court’s decision on the cognisance order in the ED forex case. The source does not provide further details about the complaint, the reasoning behind the High Court’s decision or any subsequent proceedings.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What did the Bombay High Court set aside?
- AA trial court order taking cognisance of the ED’s prosecution complaintCorrect
- BThe Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint
- CThe company’s name change to Tauga Private Limited
- DThe Bombay High Court’s own order
Explanation The source says the High Court set aside the trial court order taking cognisance of the ED’s prosecution complaint.
Supreme Court Rebukes Corporate Affairs Ministry Over NCLT Autonomy
The Supreme Court rebuked the corporate affairs ministry over the autonomy and functioning of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). Chief Justice Surya Kant warned that executive control was impinging on the tribunal’s autonomy, observing that the government wanted to have a “complete grip over the institution”. The remarks came as resolution delays were worsening. The source reports the Court’s concerns but does not provide further details about specific cases, measures or timelines.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which tribunal’s autonomy was at issue in the Supreme Court’s remarks?
- ANational Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)Correct
- BSupreme Court
- CCorporate affairs ministry
- DExecutive control
Explanation The source reports that the Supreme Court rebuked the corporate affairs ministry over the NCLT’s autonomy and functioning.
Q2 Who warned that executive control was impinging on the tribunal’s autonomy?
- AChief Justice Surya KantCorrect
- BThe corporate affairs ministry
- CThe government
- DThe National Company Law Tribunal
Explanation The source attributes the warning to Chief Justice Surya Kant.
International
Israel Election Update: Netanyahu and Eisenkot Both Fall Short of 61 Seats
A Livemint update on Israel’s election reported that about 90 per cent of votes had been counted. At that stage, neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot appeared likely to win 61 seats. The report also identified Arab turnout, coalition talks and what comes next as subjects in the latest election update, but the provided text gives no further details on those topics. The available information therefore centres on the vote count and the two leaders’ prospects of reaching 61 seats.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to the update, approximately what share of votes had been counted?
- AAbout 90 per centCorrect
- BAbout 70 per cent
- CAbout 50 per cent
- DAbout 30 per cent
Explanation The source says about 90 per cent of votes had been counted.
Q2 Which two leaders were reported as unlikely to win 61 seats?
- ANetanyahu and EisenkotCorrect
- BNetanyahu and Livemint
- CEisenkot and Livemint
- DIsrael and Netanyahu
Explanation The source says neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot looked set to win 61 seats.
MEA Reports 22 Indian Nationals Killed in West Asia Conflict
The MEA reported that 22 Indian nationals were killed during the West Asia conflict, including 14 seafarers. One report states that the deaths occurred since February. During the ministry’s bi-weekly media briefing, official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed serious concern over the worsening security situation in the region. The reports identify the deaths and the seafarers among them as the key figures disclosed by the MEA.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many Indian nationals were reported killed during the West Asia conflict?
- A14
- B22Correct
- CFebruary
- DBi-weekly
Explanation The reports state that 22 Indian nationals were killed during the conflict.
Q2 How many of the Indian nationals killed were seafarers?
- A22
- B14Correct
- CSince February
- DWest Asia
Explanation The reports identify 14 of the 22 Indian nationals killed as seafarers.
Netanyahu’s Bloc Leads Israeli Vote but Remains Short of Majority
Reports published on October 28 said Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc was slightly ahead in Israel’s election. More than three-quarters of the vote had been counted when the reports described the position. Despite its lead, the bloc remained short of a majority. The reports therefore highlighted an early lead without a majority while vote counting was still underway; they did not report a final result.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the reported position of Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc?
- AIt was slightly ahead but short of a majorityCorrect
- BIt had secured a majority
- CIt was behind in the count
- DThe final result had been declared
Explanation The reports said the bloc was slightly ahead but remained short of a majority.
Q2 How much of the vote had been counted when the reports described the bloc’s position?
- AMore than three-quartersCorrect
- BExactly half
- CLess than one-quarter
- DAll votes
Explanation The reports stated that more than three-quarters of the vote had been counted.
Economy
India's Industrial Output Growth Moderates to 6.7% in September
India’s industrial output growth moderated to 6.7% in September. Reports differed on the August growth figure, so it is not stated here. Manufacturing growth eased, while electricity and gas supply remained strong. Mining contracted 6.2%; one report attributed the contraction to the late monsoon. The broader slowdown was attributed to base effects and GST 2.0 adjustments. Industrial production grew 6.8% during April–September, compared with 4.4% in the same period a year earlier.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was India's industrial output growth in September?
- A6.7%Correct
- B6.2%
- C6.8%
- D4.4%
Explanation Industrial output growth moderated to 6.7% in September.
Q2 What was the industrial production growth during April–September?
- A4.4%
- B6.8%Correct
- C6.2%
- D6.7%
Explanation Industrial production grew 6.8% during April–September, compared with 4.4% in the same period a year earlier.
U.S. Federal Reserve Holds Rates Steady Amid Elevated Inflation
The U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady despite elevated inflation. The 12-member Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted 10-2 to maintain its target range at 3.75% to 4.00%, citing the need for more data in the fight against inflation. With rates expected to remain elevated, U.S. Treasuries and the dollar may appear relatively more attractive to foreign investors than emerging-market economies, creating pressure on those markets. The sources also describe policymakers as facing a balance between price stability and economic growth.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 What target range did the FOMC maintain for interest rates?
- A3.75% to 4.00%Correct
- B2.00% to 2.25%
- C4.25% to 4.50%
- D1.50% to 1.75%
Explanation The source reports that the FOMC held rates at a target range of 3.75% to 4.00%.
Q2 How did the FOMC vote on holding rates steady?
- A10-2Correct
- B12-0
- C8-4
- D9-3
Explanation The source states that the 12-member FOMC voted 10-2 to hold rates.
Cabinet Approves ₹10,000 Crore Programme for Shipping Container Manufacturing
On October 28, 2026, the Cabinet approved a ₹10,000-crore programme to boost shipping container manufacturing in India. The approval comes as global conflicts disrupt maritime routes, increase shipping detours and put pressure on container availability. The announcement also included ₹1,857 crore to strengthen the sports goods sector. The sources do not provide further details on the programme’s implementation or timeline.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What outlay did the Cabinet approve for boosting shipping container manufacturing?
- A₹10,000 croreCorrect
- B₹1,857 crore
- C₹5,000 crore
- D₹2,000 crore
Explanation The sources report a ₹10,000-crore programme for shipping container manufacturing.
Q2 Which sector was to receive ₹1,857 crore to be strengthened?
- ASports goodsCorrect
- BShipping container manufacturing
- CMaritime routes
- DShipping detours
Explanation The announcement included ₹1,857 crore to strengthen the sports goods sector.
Finance Ministry Review Sees Indian Economy Expanding Through FY27
The Finance Ministry’s monthly economic review says the Indian economy may sustain its expansion through FY27. Strong industrial activity, resilient services and domestic credit growth are supporting economic momentum, according to the review. At the same time, policymakers face inflation and external uncertainties. The assessment therefore presents a positive outlook for continued economic expansion while noting challenges that could affect the economic environment.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to the Finance Ministry’s monthly economic review, through which period may the Indian economy sustain its expansion?
- AFY27Correct
- BA period specified as the domestic credit growth phase
- CA period specified as the services resilience phase
- DA period specified as the industrial activity phase
Explanation The review says the Indian economy may sustain its expansion through FY27.
Q2 Which factor does the review identify as supporting economic momentum?
- AInflation
- BExternal uncertainties
- CResilient servicesCorrect
- DPolicymakers’ concerns
Explanation Resilient services are listed alongside strong industrial activity and domestic credit growth as supporting economic momentum.
GST Clarification Addresses Input Tax Credit for Used-Car Dealers
A clarification on GST says used-car dealers operating under the margin scheme can avail input tax credit, subject to conditions. The credit is allowed on spares, repairs and services. The source does not specify the conditions attached to availing the credit. It also states that co-lending services provided by non-banking financial companies to banks attract a GST levy. The clarification therefore addresses both input tax credit for used-car dealers and GST treatment of NBFC co-lending services.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 Under the clarification, used-car dealers operating under the GST margin scheme can avail input tax credit on which items?
- ASpares, repairs and servicesCorrect
- BLand, buildings and machinery
- CWages, salaries and pensions
- DExports, imports and customs duties
Explanation The source states that the clarification allows credit on spares, repairs and services.
Q2 According to the source, which services attract a GST levy?
- ACo-lending services by NBFCs to banksCorrect
- BInsurance services by banks to NBFCs
- CRepair services by used-car dealers to customers
- DPayment services by banks to individuals
Explanation The source says co-lending services by NBFCs to banks attract a GST levy.
India and Mexico Sign Terms for Preferential Trade Negotiations
India and Mexico signed Terms of Reference to begin negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, according to the report dated October 28, 2026. Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal visited Mexico for the signing. During the discussions, the two sides also considered the possibility of a Mexican business delegation visiting India in the first quarter of 2027. The source reports the signing and discussions but does not provide further details about the proposed agreement or delegation.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 India and which country signed Terms of Reference to begin preferential trade agreement negotiations?
- AMexicoCorrect
- BRajesh Agrawal
- CIndia
- DFirst quarter of 2027
Explanation The source states that India and Mexico signed the Terms of Reference.
Government Schemes
Textiles PLI Portal Reopens with Lower Turnover Threshold
The Ministry of Textiles will reopen the application portal for the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for textiles from 1 November to 31 December. Under the current round, the minimum annual turnover requirement in the scheme’s Part 2 category has been reduced from ₹200 crore to ₹100 crore. The revised eligibility criteria are intended to widen participation, including by MSMEs and mid-sized manufacturing units. They also provide approved Round 4 applicants a longer investment horizon.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 When will the application portal for the textiles PLI scheme be open?
- A1 November to 31 DecemberCorrect
- B1 October to 30 November
- C1 December to 31 January
- D1 September to 31 October
Explanation The portal will open from 1 November to 31 December.
Q2 What is the revised minimum annual turnover requirement for the Part 2 category in the current round?
- A₹50 crore
- B₹100 croreCorrect
- C₹150 crore
- D₹200 crore
Explanation The requirement was reduced from ₹200 crore to ₹100 crore.
Cabinet Approves PM Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana for 2026–31
The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana for 2026–27 to 2030–31, with an outlay of ₹7,395.55 crore. The scheme will cover more than 2.55 lakh Panchayats and traditional local bodies, benefiting around 32 lakh elected representatives and functionaries. Its aims include strengthening grassroots governance and enabling Panchayats to plan development around local needs, resources and financial priorities. Capacity building will include training elected representatives and officials in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 For which period did the Union Cabinet approve the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana?
- A2026–27 to 2030–31Correct
- B2025–26 to 2029–30
- C2027–28 to 2031–32
- D2024–25 to 2028–29
Explanation The source states that the scheme was approved for 2026–27 to 2030–31.
Q2 Which group is identified as a beneficiary of the scheme?
- AAround 32 lakh elected representatives and functionariesCorrect
- BMore than 2.55 lakh elected representatives and functionaries
- COfficials in municipal corporations only
- DMembers of the Union Cabinet
Explanation The scheme is expected to benefit around 32 lakh elected representatives and functionaries.
Banking
IFSCA Sets Financial Soundness Norms for GIFT City Payment Operators
The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has set financial soundness norms for payment system operators in GIFT City. Under the stated requirement, existing operators must submit certificates from their statutory auditors confirming compliance with the prescribed criteria. The certificate must cover the preceding financial year and be submitted by September 30 each year. The source does not specify the individual financial soundness criteria or provide further details about the norms.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 By when must existing payment system operators submit the statutory auditor’s certificate each year?
- AJune 30
- BSeptember 30Correct
- COctober 31
- DDecember 31
Explanation The source says the certificate must be submitted by September 30 each year.
Q2 Which financial period must the certificate confirm compliance for?
- AThe preceding financial yearCorrect
- BThe following financial year
- CThe calendar year to date
- DThe next quarter
Explanation The source specifies that the certificate confirms compliance for the preceding financial year.
Tamil Nadu
L. Murugan Resigns from Union Ministry and Rajya Sabha Seat
L. Murugan resigned from the Union Ministry and his Rajya Sabha seat, according to the report headline. It said he wished to return to Tamil Nadu to strengthen the BJP in the State. The report also noted that George Kurian, Ravneet Singh Bittu, Hardeep Puri and B.L. Verma ended their Rajya Sabha terms this year. Dharmendra Pradhan was forced to quit, leaving several vacancies in the Council of Ministers.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who resigned from the Union Ministry and Rajya Sabha seat?
- AL. MuruganCorrect
- BGeorge Kurian
- CRavneet Singh Bittu
- DHardeep Puri
Explanation The report headline identifies L. Murugan as having resigned from the Union Ministry and Rajya Sabha seat.
Q2 Which minister was reported to have been forced to quit?
- AB.L. Verma
- BDharmendra PradhanCorrect
- CGeorge Kurian
- DHardeep Puri
Explanation The report states that Dharmendra Pradhan was forced to quit.
Sports
Abhishek Sharma Becomes World No. 1 T20I Batter
Abhishek Sharma became the world’s No. 1 batter in the T20I rankings, overtaking Ishan Kishan, according to The Hindu. On October 27, Sharma scored 113 runs off 38 balls in the third T20I. His fourth T20I century helped power India to a six-wicket win. The report links his rise to the top of the rankings with this performance, while identifying Kishan as the batter he overtook.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Whom did Abhishek Sharma overtake to become the world No. 1 batter in the T20I rankings?
- AIshan KishanCorrect
- BIndia
- CThe Hindu
- DAbhishek Sharma
Explanation The report says Sharma overtook Ishan Kishan.
Q2 How many runs did Abhishek Sharma score in the third T20I?
- A38
- B113Correct
- CFour
- DSix
Explanation Sharma scored 113 runs off 38 balls.
India Clinch T20I Series Against New Zealand with Six-Wicket Win
In the third Twenty20 International between India and New Zealand in Wellington, India secured the series with a six-wicket win. The Hindu’s headline highlighted Abhishek’s performance, describing him as having mauled New Zealand. India’s bowlers had few wickets to show for their effort, but were impressive in the final five overs, when they conceded only 52 runs. The report identifies this as India’s series-clinching victory.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 By what margin did India win the third T20I against New Zealand?
- ASix wicketsCorrect
- BFive runs
- CSeven wickets
- DTen wickets
Explanation The source headline says India clinched the series with a six-wicket win.
Q2 How many runs did India concede in the final five overs?
- A42 runs
- B52 runsCorrect
- C62 runs
- D72 runs
Explanation The report states that India gave away only 52 runs in the last five overs.
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