Daily Current Affairs 21-October-2026 – Latest MCQs & News Analysis for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams.
1. Which institution recently signed a strategic pact with the National Dairy Development Board to boost indigenous cattle genomics?
A) Indian Council of Agricultural Research
B) National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
C) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
D) Indian Institute of Science
Correct answer: B) National Institute of Animal Biotechnology
Notes: The National Institute of Animal Biotechnology signed a landmark memorandum of understanding with the National Dairy Development Board to advance genomic selection in indigenous cattle breeds. According to a PIB release, this collaboration aims to accelerate indigenous breed improvement programs using high-density gene chips. Such targeted genetic interventions form a cornerstone of modern agricultural biotechnology and livestock management. For aspirants preparing for UPSC civil services examinations, understanding this intersection of indigenous genetic resources and national food security is vital for agriculture and economy syllabus components, especially regarding rural livelihood enhancement strategies.
2. What is the primary objective of the newly launched Samridhi Digital Literacy Mission approved by the Union Cabinet?
A) Providing free laptops to secondary school teachers
B) Enhancing digital skills among rural women entrepreneurs
C) Upgrading cyber security infrastructure in rural banks
D) Establishing fiber optic networks in tribal districts
Correct answer: B) Enhancing digital skills among rural women entrepreneurs
Notes: The Union Cabinet recently cleared the rollout of the Samridhi Digital Literacy Mission to empower rural women running micro-enterprises. As detailed in a government policy update, the initiative focuses on practical financial technology usage, digital accounting, and e-commerce onboarding. Bridging the digital divide at the grassroots level remains essential for inclusive economic growth and women empowerment goals. This governance update carries high relevance for civil services aspirants tracking developmental schemes, poverty alleviation measures, and administrative strategies aimed at bridging socio-economic disparities across rural India.
3. Under the recently signed bilateral framework, India and which country have agreed to establish a joint naval logistics exchange?
A) Japan
B) France
C) Australia
D) Vietnam
3. Under the recently signed bilateral framework, India and which country have agreed to establish a joint naval logistics exchange?
A) Japan
B) France
C) Australia
D) Vietnam
Correct answer: D) Vietnam
Notes: India and Vietnam finalized a bilateral defense agreement establishing a mutual naval logistics support framework during high-level strategic talks. Reported by The Hindu, this pact enables reciprocal access to military facilities and refueling stations across the Indo-Pacific region. The strategic alignment underscores deepening defense diplomacy amid evolving regional security dynamics. For competitive exam preparation, questions focusing on maritime security partnerships, bilateral security architecture, and diplomatic engagements in Southeast Asia frequently feature in international relations segments.
4. The Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, recently in the news, is overseen by which global body?
A) International Civil Aviation Organization
B) United Nations Environment Programme
C) World Meteorological Organization
D) International Air Transport Association
Correct answer: A) International Civil Aviation Organization
Notes: The International Civil Aviation Organization released updated compliance guidelines regarding the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. According to a recent UN environmental report, the framework requires member states to monitor and offset emissions from international flights above baseline levels. Implementing these market-based measures represents a significant step toward achieving net-zero carbon goals in global transit. Candidates tracking ecology trends must note how international environmental laws intersect with global trade and transport regulations in exam perspectives.
5. Which financial institution recently introduced the Utkarsh 3.0 medium-term framework for regulatory supervision?
A) Securities and Exchange Board of India
B) Reserve Bank of India
C) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
D) Small Industries Development Bank of India
Correct answer: B) Reserve Bank of India
Notes: The Reserve Bank of India officially operationalized the Utkarsh 3.0 framework to strengthen its regulatory supervision mechanism over commercial banks and non-banking financial companies. As outlined in an RBI press statement, the medium-term strategy focuses on proactive risk monitoring, consumer protection enhancement, and advanced digital oversight tools. This regulatory evolution ensures systemic stability amidst rapid financial sector innovations. Banking and financial services aspirants will find this central bank update essential for understanding modern monetary policy execution and institutional accountability frameworks.
Daily Current Affairs FAQs on Today’s Current Affairs
Q1. What is the primary purpose of the genomic selection pact signed by the National Dairy Development Board?
The pact deploys high-density gene chips to accelerate genetic improvement programs for indigenous cattle breeds, aiming to enhance livestock productivity and bolster rural livelihoods across the country.
Q2. Which organization administers the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation guidelines?
The International Civil Aviation Organization manages these environmental guidelines, mandating member states to monitor and offset flight emissions exceeding designated baseline thresholds.
Q3. What core banking areas does the Utkarsh 3.0 framework target for supervision?
The Utkarsh 3.0 framework targets proactive risk monitoring, stronger consumer protection protocols, and advanced digital oversight tools across commercial banks and non-banking financial entities.
