Daily Current Affairs 31 October 2026
Daily current affairs for 31 October 2026 — 22 verified news items across Science & Tech, Environment, Appointments & 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 · 22 items
Science & Tech
Environment
CPCB Seeks Show-Cause Notices for NCR Units Violating Revised Emission Norms
In a letter dated October 30, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) asked authorities in Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to issue show-cause notices to non-compliant units. The action relates to the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) revised emission norms. The reports describe the notices as applying to industries that have not complied with the norms. The source does not specify how many units are affected or whether any closure orders have been issued.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which body asked authorities to issue show-cause notices to non-compliant units?
- ACentral Pollution Control BoardCorrect
- BCommission for Air Quality Management
- CDelhi authorities
- DRajasthan authorities
Explanation The letter was issued by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Q2 The notices relate to non-compliance with which norms?
- ARevised emission normsCorrect
- BRevised water-quality norms
- CRevised noise-control norms
- DRevised waste-disposal norms
Explanation The source states that the notices concern the CAQM’s revised emission norms.
Appointments
Ashutosh Dixit Takes Charge as Chief of Air Staff
Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took charge as the new Chief of Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, succeeding Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh. Before the handover, the IAF accorded A.P. Singh a ceremonial guard of honour at Race Course Air Force Station. Dixit’s career spans four decades and includes experience in operations, flight testing, capability development and joint staff assignments. The reports also identify him as having been part of Operation Sindoor and Operation Rakshak.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What ceremonial honour did the IAF accord to outgoing Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh before the handover?
- AA ceremonial guard of honourCorrect
- BA flight-testing assignment
- CA capability-development role
- DA joint-staff assignment
Explanation The IAF accorded A.P. Singh a ceremonial guard of honour before he handed over the baton to Ashutosh Dixit.
Q2 Which set of areas is listed as part of Ashutosh Dixit’s career experience?
- AOperations, flight testing, capability development and joint staff assignmentsCorrect
- BOperations, ceremonial duties, flight testing and guard-of-honour assignments
- CFlight testing, capability development, handovers and ceremonial duties
- DJoint staff assignments, guard-of-honour duties, handovers and operations
Explanation The source lists operations, flight testing, capability development and joint staff assignments as areas of Dixit’s experience.
Poundrik Named Heavy Industries Secretary as Ministry Continues Mobility Schemes
The government has named Poundrik, a 1993-batch IAS officer, as secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industries. The appointment comes as the ministry faces the task of ensuring the smooth continuation of key electric mobility schemes. These include the ₹25,938-crore production-linked incentive scheme for automobiles and auto parts and the ₹11,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme. The source identifies continuity of these schemes as a crucial task for the ministry.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who was named secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industries?
- APoundrikCorrect
- BMinistry of Heavy Industries
- CPM E-Drive
- DProduction-linked incentive scheme
Explanation The source states that the government named Poundrik as Heavy Industries secretary.
Q2 What is the stated value of the production-linked incentive scheme for automobiles and auto parts?
- A₹25,938 croreCorrect
- B₹11,900 crore
- C1993 batch
- D30 October 2026
Explanation The source gives the production-linked incentive scheme for automobiles and auto parts a value of ₹25,938 crore.
Hinduja Housing Finance Appoints Vivek Kannan as Chief Executive Officer
Hinduja Housing Finance has appointed Vivek Kannan as its Chief Executive Officer. Kannan joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in 2020. He succeeds Sachin Pillai, who stepped down as Managing Director of the housing finance company on October 29. The report identifies Kannan’s earlier role and the leadership change at the company; it does not provide further details about the appointment.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Hinduja Housing Finance?
- AVivek KannanCorrect
- BSachin Pillai
- CHinduja Housing Finance
- DChief Operating Officer
Explanation The source reports that Hinduja Housing Finance appointed Vivek Kannan as its Chief Executive Officer.
Q2 What role did Vivek Kannan join Hinduja Housing Finance in 2020?
- AManaging Director
- BChief Executive Officer
- CChief Operating OfficerCorrect
- DHousing Finance Company
Explanation The source states that Kannan joined the company as Chief Operating Officer in 2020.
Economy
India’s Cotton Imports Expected to Match or Exceed Last Year’s Levels
Trade sources expect India’s cotton imports in 2026–27 to equal or surpass the previous year’s level of 71 lakh bales, with each bale weighing 170 kg. The report links the import outlook to crop concerns and notes that the government has extended the import-duty exemption on cotton. The sources give different end dates for the exemption, so no specific duration is included here. The Hindu reports that the Finance Ministry issued a notification on October 30 and says the exemption had been granted in May.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 What level are India’s cotton imports in 2026–27 expected to equal or surpass?
- A71 lakh balesCorrect
- B170 lakh bales
- C30 lakh bales
- DMay’s import level
Explanation Trade sources expect imports to equal or surpass the previous year’s 71 lakh bales.
Q2 According to the report, how much does each cotton bale weigh?
- A71 kg
- B170 kgCorrect
- C2026 kg
- D30 kg
Explanation The report specifies that the 71 lakh bales are 170 kg each.
RBI Reports September 2026 Services Trade Receipts and Payments
The Reserve Bank of India presented data on India’s international trade in services for September 2026. Services exports, recorded as receipts, stood at US$39,305 million, while imports, recorded as payments, were US$20,097 million. Their year-on-year growth rates were 7.2% and 12.6%, respectively, compared with the corresponding month of the previous year. The RBI noted that July–September 2026 data were provisional. It also stated that the growth rates in parentheses had been revised on the basis of balance of payments statistics.
Source Reserve Bank of India
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the value of India’s services exports (receipts) in September 2026?
- AUS$39,305 millionCorrect
- BUS$35,471 million
- CUS$20,097 million
- DUS$38,253 million
Explanation The RBI table reported September 2026 services receipts of US$39,305 million.
Q2 What was the year-on-year growth rate of services imports (payments) in September 2026?
- A7.2%
- B19.1%
- C12.6%Correct
- D13.4%
Explanation The September 2026 payments figure was accompanied by a 12.6% growth rate over the corresponding month of the previous year.
World Bank Reports India’s Extreme Poverty Rate Fell to 2.6%
The World Bank’s October 2026 Poverty & Equity Brief reported that India’s extreme poverty rate fell from 27.1% to 2.6%. Between 2011 and 2023, 496 million people moved above the lower-middle-income poverty line of $4.20 a day, according to the brief. The assessment also pointed to persistent disparities: the top 10% earn 13 times more than the bottom 10%. The findings indicate improved living standards alongside continued income inequality.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 How many people moved above the lower-middle-income poverty line between 2011 and 2023?
- A27.1 million
- B496 millionCorrect
- C13 million
- D2.6 million
Explanation The source reports that 496 million people moved above the $4.20-a-day line.
India’s Diesel Exports Reach 13-Month High in October
India’s diesel exports reached a 13-month high in October, rising 19.6% month-on-month. The increase came as refiners capitalised on global supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Reliance Industries accounted for nearly 78% of exports. Strong overseas demand and elevated margins were reported alongside the increase. The coverage also characterised the situation as a global supply crunch, placing India’s October diesel-export performance in the context of disrupted international supply.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 By how much did India’s diesel exports rise month-on-month in October?
- A19.6%Correct
- B13%
- C78%
- D30%
Explanation The source reports a 19.6% month-on-month rise.
Q2 What share of India’s diesel exports was accounted for by Reliance Industries?
- ANearly 78%Correct
- B19.6%
- C13%
- D50%
Explanation Reliance Industries accounted for nearly 78% of exports.
Piyush Goyal Says US Trade Deal Protects Farmers’ Interests
Union Minister Piyush Goyal said India had not compromised farmers’ interests in the US trade deal. He said the deal’s final terms would give India a strong comparative advantage. Goyal also expected the deal to be celebrated by the public. The reports provide no further details about the deal’s terms, its timeline or the specific sectors involved, so those details cannot be established from the available information.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to Piyush Goyal, whose interests had India not compromised in the US trade deal?
- AFarmersCorrect
- BPublic-sector banks
- CTextile exporters
- DState governments
Explanation Goyal said India had not compromised farmers’ interests.
Q2 What did Goyal say the final terms of the US trade deal would give India?
- AA strong comparative advantageCorrect
- BA fixed exchange rate
- CA new export tax
- DA public-sector bank
Explanation He said the final terms would give India a strong comparative advantage.
National
Drug Regulators Order Sun Pharma to Halt Eye-Care Production in Assam
Drug regulators ordered Sun Pharmaceutical to halt eye-care drug production at its plant in Assam after quality lapses. Regulators flagged failures in the company’s quality management system, and Sun Pharma’s compliance report was under review, according to the reports published on October 30 and 31, 2026. The reports also noted that India’s drug quality standards have faced increased scrutiny at home and overseas in recent years, following links between locally made cough syrups and child deaths in India, Gambia and Uzbekistan.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 In which state was Sun Pharma’s eye-care drug production plant located?
- AAssamCorrect
- BGambia
- CUzbekistan
- DIndia
Explanation The reports identify the plant as being in Assam.
Q2 What did drug regulators flag at Sun Pharma?
- AFailures in its quality management systemCorrect
- BChild deaths linked to locally made cough syrups
- CA compliance report already approved
- DIncreased scrutiny of drug standards overseas
Explanation The reports state that regulators flagged failures in the company’s quality management system.
Why MLC Elections Use Paper Ballots Instead of EVMs
MLC elections use proportional representation through the single transferable vote, according to the report. Voters rank candidates rather than selecting just one. Electronic voting machines are built for India’s first-past-the-post elections, where a voter chooses one candidate. Because EVMs cannot record ranked preferences, they are not suited to the voting method used in MLC elections, explaining the continued use of paper ballots for these polls.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which voting method is used in MLC elections, according to the report?
- AProportional representation through the single transferable voteCorrect
- BFirst-past-the-post voting
- CA system in which voters select only one candidate
- DA system that does not allow voters to rank candidates
Explanation The report says MLC elections use proportional representation through the single transferable vote.
Q2 Why are EVMs not suited to the voting method used in MLC elections?
- AThey cannot record ranked preferencesCorrect
- BThey cannot display candidate names
- CThey are designed to count paper ballots
- DThey allow voters to select multiple candidates without ranking them
Explanation The report states that EVMs cannot record ranked preferences.
Census 2027 Population Enumeration Scheduled from January 25
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has notified the schedule for the second phase of Census 2027. According to the announced schedule, population enumeration will take place from January 25 to February 28, 2027, followed by a revisional round from March 1 to 5. The report’s headline also states that self-enumeration will begin on January 10. The source does not provide further details about the process or the purpose of the revisional round.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 When is population enumeration for the second phase of Census 2027 scheduled to begin?
- AJanuary 10, 2027
- BJanuary 25, 2027Correct
- CFebruary 28, 2027
- DMarch 1, 2027
Explanation The source states that population enumeration will run from January 25 to February 28, 2027.
Q2 When is the revisional round for Census 2027 scheduled?
- AJanuary 10 to 24, 2027
- BJanuary 25 to February 28, 2027
- CMarch 1 to 5, 2027Correct
- DMarch 6 to 10, 2027
Explanation The source gives March 1 to 5, 2027, as the period for the revisional round.
ADB Approves $139.55 Million Loan for Puducherry Urban Infrastructure
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $139.55 million loan to Puducherry for upgrading urban infrastructure. The planned improvements cover water and sewer networks, desalination capacity, drainage and governance. The loan approval brings these areas together in a single urban infrastructure initiative for Puducherry. The source identifies ADB as the approving institution and Puducherry as the recipient; it does not provide further details on implementation timelines or the loan’s terms.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which institution approved the loan for Puducherry?
- AAsian Development BankCorrect
- BWorld Bank
- CInternational Monetary Fund
- DNew Development Bank
Explanation The source states that the Asian Development Bank approved the loan.
Q2 What was the approved loan amount?
- A$139.55 millionCorrect
- B$130.95 million
- C$155.39 million
- D$139.05 million
Explanation The source gives the loan amount as $139.55 million.
Banking
RBI Reviews Lead Bank Responsibility After Delhi District Reorganisation
The Reserve Bank of India issued a notification on October 26, 2026, concerning the assignment and review of Lead Bank Responsibility following the reorganisation of districts in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The Government of NCT of Delhi had notified the reorganisation through a Gazette Notification dated December 25, 2025. The source identifies three newly formed districts: Old Delhi, Central North and Outer North. The RBI notification was addressed to the concerned Lead Banks.
Source Reserve Bank of India
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which three districts does the source identify as newly formed in the NCT of Delhi?
- AOld Delhi, Central North and Outer NorthCorrect
- BOld Delhi, Shahdara and Outer North
- CCentral North, Shahdara and Outer North
- DOld Delhi, Central North and Shahdara
Explanation The source names Old Delhi, Central North and Outer North as the three newly formed districts.
Q2 Which institution issued the notification concerning Lead Bank Responsibility?
- AGovernment of NCT of Delhi
- BReserve Bank of IndiaCorrect
- CThe concerned Lead Banks
- DThe Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Explanation The notification is issued by the Reserve Bank of India and addressed to the concerned Lead Banks.
RBI Reports Changes in Scheduled Commercial Bank Lending Rates
The Reserve Bank of India published data on lending and deposit rates of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) for October 2026. The data exclude regional rural banks and small finance banks. The weighted average lending rate (WALR) on outstanding rupee loans remained unchanged at 8.96 per cent in September 2026, compared with August. The WALR on fresh rupee loans declined to 8.51 per cent in September from 8.61 per cent in August. The one-year median MCLR declined to 8.55 per cent in October 2026.
Source Reserve Bank of India
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the WALR on outstanding rupee loans of SCBs in September 2026?
- A8.96 per centCorrect
- B8.51 per cent
- C8.61 per cent
- D8.55 per cent
Explanation It remained unchanged at 8.96 per cent in September 2026 compared with August.
Q2 What was the WALR on fresh rupee loans of SCBs in September 2026?
- A8.61 per cent
- B8.55 per cent
- C8.51 per centCorrect
- D8.96 per cent
Explanation The WALR on fresh rupee loans declined to 8.51 per cent in September from 8.61 per cent in August.
IRDAI Sets November 2026 as Insurance Grievance Resolution Month
IRDAI has declared November 2026 as a grievance resolution month for insurance policyholders. More than 13 lakh cases remain unresolved, including 11 lakh pending before the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal. Separately, around 2.21 lakh cases were pending as of March 31 before Consumer Commissions and judicial courts. The regulator said 72.49% of those cases had been pending for more than a year, highlighting the scale and duration of unresolved grievances.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Which month did IRDAI declare as the grievance resolution month for insurance policyholders?
- AOctober 2026
- BNovember 2026Correct
- CDecember 2026
- DJanuary 2027
Explanation IRDAI declared November 2026 as the grievance resolution month for insurance policyholders.
Q2 What share of cases pending before Consumer Commissions and judicial courts had been pending for more than a year?
- A62.49%
- B72.49%Correct
- C82.49%
- D92.49%
Explanation The regulator said 72.49% of the around 2.21 lakh cases had been pending for more than a year.
Government Forms High-Level Committee to Recommend Reforms for Banks
The government has set up a high-level committee to suggest reform measures for banks. The committee is chaired by Suresh N. Patel, a former Central Vigilance Commissioner, and has three members. The committee’s work includes a roadmap to make Indian banks globally competitive, according to the report headline. The reports were published on October 30, 2026. The sources do not provide further details about the committee’s members or its recommendations.
Source BusinessLine
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who chairs the high-level committee set up to suggest reform measures for banks?
- ASuresh N. PatelCorrect
- BThe Finance Minister
- CThe Reserve Bank Governor
- DThe Cabinet Secretary
Explanation The source identifies Suresh N. Patel, former Central Vigilance Commissioner, as the committee’s chair.
Q2 How many members does the committee have?
- AThreeCorrect
- BTwo
- CFour
- DFive
Explanation The source states that the committee will have three members.
Government Sets Up Banking Panel to Recommend Reforms by 2047
The government has set up a high-level panel under Suresh N. Patel to review India’s banking sector. The panel will recommend structural, institutional, regulatory and legislative reforms. Its stated aim is to help make the sector globally competitive, financially inclusive and resilient by 2047. The source identifies the panel’s remit and its long-term objectives, but does not provide further details about its membership, terms of reference or timeline.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 The high-level banking panel has been set up under whom?
- ASuresh N. PatelCorrect
- BIndia’s banking sector
- CStructural reforms
- D2047
Explanation The source states that the panel is under Suresh N. Patel.
Q2 Which sector will the panel review?
- AIndia’s banking sectorCorrect
- BInstitutional reforms
- CRegulatory reforms
- DLegislative reforms
Explanation The panel’s stated remit is to review India’s banking sector.
Reports & Indexes
World Bank Says India Lifted 496 Million People Out of Poverty
The World Bank says India lifted an estimated 496 million people out of poverty between 2011 and 2023. Over the same period, the extreme poverty rate fell from 27.1% to 2.6%. The report attributes the decline to consumption growth, rising employment—particularly among women—and expanded social transfers. The figures describe the change in poverty over the 12-year period; the source does not provide further details on the report’s methodology or the individual contribution of each factor.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 According to the World Bank, how many people did India lift out of poverty between 2011 and 2023?
- A496 millionCorrect
- B27.1%
- C2.6%
- D12 years
Explanation The World Bank estimated that 496 million people were lifted out of poverty between 2011 and 2023.
Q2 How did India's extreme poverty rate change between 2011 and 2023, according to the source?
- AFrom 2.6% to 27.1%
- BFrom 27.1% to 2.6%Correct
- CFrom 27.1% to 496 million
- DFrom 2011 to 2023
Explanation The source states that extreme poverty fell from 27.1% to 2.6%.
International
US Approves $2.1 Billion Sale of 500 Patriot Missiles to Ukraine
The United States approved a $2.1 billion sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine, following weeks of tensions between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Allies will help finance the purchase. Delivery delays remain a concern as Kyiv seeks protection from Russian attacks. The reported approval raises a question about whether US policy on Ukraine is changing, but the source does not establish that a policy change has occurred.
Source Livemint
Practice MCQs
Q1 What was the value of the approved US sale of Patriot missiles to Ukraine?
- A$2.1 billionCorrect
- B$500 million
- C$1 billion
- D$2.5 billion
Explanation The source reports that the United States approved a $2.1 billion sale.
Q2 How many Patriot missiles were included in the approved sale to Ukraine?
- A250
- B500Correct
- C750
- D1,000
Explanation The source states that the sale was for 500 Patriot missiles.
Sports
Rashid Khan Becomes First Men’s Player to Reach 200 T20I Wickets
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan became the first men’s player to claim 200 wickets in T20 internationals. He achieved the milestone in his 120th T20 international. The 28-year-old had an average of 13.96 and an economy rate of 6.13 in the format. The reported milestone places Khan first among men’s players to reach the 200-wicket mark in T20Is. His appearance count, average and economy rate were also noted alongside the achievement.
Source The Hindu
Practice MCQs
Q1 Who became the first men’s player to claim 200 wickets in T20 internationals?
- ARashid KhanCorrect
- BAfghanistan
- C13.96
- D6.13
Explanation The source identifies Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan as the first men’s player to reach 200 T20I wickets.
Q2 In how many T20 internationals did Rashid Khan achieve the 200-wicket milestone?
- A28
- B120Correct
- C13.96
- D6.13
Explanation He achieved the feat in his 120th T20 international.
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