Daily Current Affairs 13-October-2026 – Latest MCQs & News Analysis for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams.
1. India recently signed a landmark bilateral framework agreement on critical minerals with which international partner to secure resilient supply chains?
A) United States
B) Australia
C) Japan
D) European Union
Correct answer: B) Australia
Notes: According to an official PIB release, India and Australia have deepened their strategic economic partnership by operationalizing a dedicated framework to fast-track exploration, extraction, and processing of critical minerals. This diplomatic pact aims to reduce external import dependencies for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are vital for green energy transitions and advanced manufacturing. For UPSC aspirants, understanding critical mineral supply chains is crucial for General Studies Paper Three under economic development, resource security, and international trade dynamics. Such bilateral arrangements underscore India’s proactive diplomatic maneuvers to diversify energy security parameters against geopolitical supply vulnerabilities.
2. Which Union Ministry launched the nationwide campaign titled ‘Digital Inclusion for Rural Artisans’ to boost traditional crafts?
A) Ministry of Culture
B) Ministry of Rural Development
C) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
D) Ministry of Textiles
Correct answer: C) Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Notes: As highlighted in a recent government policy update, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises rolled out an intensive outreach initiative to integrate grassroots craftspeople into e-commerce ecosystems. The program provides financial literacy, digital storefront training, and logistical support to remote artisans, bridging the rural-urban market divide. Social sector empowerment schemes of this nature hold immense relevance for civil services preparation, particularly concerning inclusive growth and poverty alleviation strategies. Institutional backing ensures that indigenous heritage is preserved while simultaneously expanding domestic and international consumer reach for vulnerable artisan communities.
3. The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully tested a new cryogenic upper-stage engine variant featuring what key technological upgrade?
A) Solid propellant hybrid integration
B) Semi-cryogenic liquid oxygen propulsion
C) Advanced regenerative cooling channels
D) Nuclear thermal propulsion thrusters
4. Which institution recently released the comprehensive flagship assessment report titled ‘Global Biodiversity Risk and Resilience Index’?
A) United Nations Environment Programme
B) World Wide Fund for Nature
C) Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity
D) International Union for Conservation of Nature
5. The Reserve Bank of India announced a new liquidity window framework specifically aimed at mitigating risks within which financial segment?
A) Microfinance institutions
B) Housing finance companies
C) Greenfield infrastructure projects
D) Cooperative banking networks
Daily Current Affairs FAQs on Today’s Current Affairs
Q1. What is the primary objective of the critical minerals framework agreement signed between India and Australia?
The agreement is designed to secure resilient supply chains for essential rare earth elements and lithium, supporting green energy initiatives and reducing heavy import dependencies on single-source nations.
Q2. Which ministry oversees the implementation of the digital inclusion campaign for rural artisans?
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises directly manages this outreach initiative to equip grassroots craftspeople with necessary e-commerce training and digital financial literacy tools.
Q3. Why are bilateral agreements on critical minerals significant for national economic policy?
They ensure uninterrupted raw material supplies required for advanced manufacturing, renewable energy infrastructure, and high-tech defense production, thereby safeguarding national security interests against global supply chain disruptions.
