Daily Current Affairs — 15 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 15 October 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था प्रश्नोत्तरी
Members-only quiz on the Netmock channel – bilingual, exam-standard
Warm up on a core subject before the news. Join the channel to unlock the full members-only quiz library.
Economy
India’s First Cyber Trojan Horse Unveiled in Kochi
India's first Cyber Trojan Horse, called The Trojan Project, was unveiled at the c0c0n 2026 cybersecurity conference in Kochi.
- About c0c0n 2026: Organised by Kerala Police Cyberdome and the Information Security Research Association (ISRA)
- It is dedicated to advancing security research and fostering an innovation ecosystem in the field of information security.
- The term 'Trojan horse' first appeared in professional literature in James Anderson's study (1972).
- It requires human interaction (user downloading/opening the file) to install and execute.
Show 1 more facts
- Unlike Viruses (which attach to files and replicate) or Worms (which self-replicate autonomously across networks)
Which of the following statements about India’s First Cyber Trojan Horse Unveiled in Kochi is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
Black Sea Attacks Renew Focus on Seafarer Safety
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned attacks on three commercial vessels in the Black Sea – Alfa Watan (Togo), MV Able (Palau) and Aframax Rio (Liberia).
- With India accounting for around 12% of the global seafaring workforce, protecting Indian seafarers is a critical concern.
- About Black Sea: The Black Sea is a large inland sea situated in southeastern Europe
- Its deep waters below approximately 70–150 metres are largely devoid of oxygen and contain hydrogen sulphide, creating a unique marine dead zone.
- The Black Sea is strategically and economically significant as a major maritime trade route
Show 2 more facts
- Its major ports include Odesa (Ukraine), Novorossiysk (Russia), Batumi (Georgia), Varna (Bulgaria) and Constanța (Romania).
- The Bucharest Convention (1992) provides a regional framework for controlling marine pollution and protecting the Black Sea ecosystem.
Which of the following statements about Black Sea Attacks Renew Focus on Seafarer Safety is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
Black Sea
Russian attacks on Ukraine's Black Sea ports and shipping infrastructure have severely disrupted agricultural exports at a time when the country's wheat harvest is at its peak and the corn harvest is approaching.
- About: The Black Sea, historically known as the Euxine Sea (Pontus Euxinus), is a major inland sea located between Eastern Europe
- Bordering Countries: It is bordered by Ukraine to the north and northwest
- Mnemonic: The six bordering countries can be remembered through BURGeR-T — Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Romania and Trkiye.
- Connection with the Sea of Azov: The Black Sea is connected to the Sea of Azov through the Strait of Kerch.
Show 4 more facts
- Surrounding Mountains: Important mountain systems around the Black Sea include the Pontic Mountains to the south
- Major Inflowing Rivers: Important rivers draining into the Black Sea include the Danube, Dnieper and Dniester
- Economic Importance: The Black Sea is an important maritime route for grain
- Role in the Russia–Ukraine War: Control of the Black Sea has remained strategically important in the conflict
Which of the following statements about Black Sea is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
IR
India–Czech to Expand Defence-Industrial Ties
India and the Czech Republic agreed to expand defence-industrial cooperation during Indian Defence Minister meeting with Czech First Deputy Prime Minister in New Delhi.
- The bilateral MoU on Defence Cooperation was signed in October 2003, leading to the establishment of the India–Czech Joint Defence Committee (JDC)
- Building on this momentum, the October 2026 ministerial meeting agreed to further expand defence-industrial cooperation through the JDC framework.
- It is a member of both the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
- Historical Ties: India's links with the Czech lands date back to medieval trade with the Kingdom of Bohemia
Show 1 more facts
- India recognised the Czech Republic after Czechoslovakia's dissolution in 1993.
With reference to India–Czech to Expand Defence-Industrial Ties, consider the following statements:
- The bilateral MoU on Defence Cooperation was signed in October 2005 leading to the establishment of the India–Czech Joint Defence Committee (JDC)
- Building on this momentum, the October 2026 ministerial meeting agreed to further expand defence-industrial cooperation through the JDC framework
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
India- European Union Relations
As democracies, India and the European Union face increasing pressure from authoritarian regimes, making their cooperation crucial.
- Economic Synergy: India provides the EU access to a growing market and acts as a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific
- Bilateral Trade: In 2023-24, India's trade in goods with the EU stood at USD 137.41 billion, making the EU India's largest trading partner in goods
- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): The EU is a major investor in India
- Current Member States: 27 countries (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France
Show 6 more facts
- Four non-EU countries (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein) are also part of Schengen.
- Geopolitical Differences: The EU envisions a comprehensive partnership
- Despite projects like submarine collaborations with France and C-295 Aircraft with Spain
- Countering Authoritarianism: As democracies, India and the EU face increasing pressure from authoritarian regimes, particularly China for India
- Strengthening collaboration through the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) can align strategies on emerging technologies
- India and the EU can jointly invest in green technologies like solar power
Which of the following statements about India- European Union Relations is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Mock Test 3 | Prelims 2020, UPSC
The channel's most-watched lesson – 163,809 views
Take a break from the news and watch the lesson more UPSC aspirants have watched than any other on this channel.
Environment
Chhattisgarh Launches Blackbuck Translocation Initiative
Chhattisgarh will translocate 50 blackbucks from Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary to Gomarda Wildlife Sanctuary, where the species became locally extinct in the 1970s due to hunting, poaching, encroachment and development.
- Barnawapara Sanctuary: Located in Chhattisgarh, it has undulating terrain, low hillocks and teak, sal and mixed forests
- Barnawapara is known for gaur, chital, sambar, nilgai and wild boar
- It is native to the Indian subcontinent and prefers open grasslands and plains. It is primarily a grazer, but browses when grass is scarce.
- It has a gestation period of about six months and can breed throughout the year.
Show 2 more facts
- Conservation Threats: Habitat loss, hunting and disturbance remain key threats
- Legal Protection: It receives the highest level of protection under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Which of the following statements about Chhattisgarh Launches Blackbuck Translocation Initiative is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Environment
Blackbuck Revival in Chhattisgarh
After being declared locally extinct in 2017, the blackbuck has made a remarkable comeback in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh.
- About Programme: The Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board approved a five-year plan (2021–2026) aimed at re-establishing a self-sustaining blackbuck
- Dedicated team established for habitat improvement, including weed removal and native grass cultivation.
- About: The blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), also known as the Indian Antelope, is a graceful and diurnal species native to India and Nepal.
- Habitat: It primarily inhabits open grasslands and scrublands across states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha
Show 6 more facts
- Major blackbuck habitats in India include the Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary (Gujarat)
- Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I, providing the highest level of legal protection in India.
- The species is also included in Appendix III of CITES, which regulates international trade.
- The blackbuck has been declared the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh, reflecting its ecological and cultural importance.
- The sanctuary is located in the northeastern part of Raipur district
- Several tributaries of the Mahanadi River flow through the sanctuary
Which of the following statements about Blackbuck Revival in Chhattisgarh is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) highlighted the growing role of Khadi.
- The Khadi Mahotsav, organised annually from 2nd to 31st October, complements these efforts by promoting Khadi
- About: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Micro
- Retail Network: The Khadi marketing network includes 8 departmental Khadi India sales outlets
- Global Khadi: Khadi is increasingly being presented through contemporary fashion platforms
Show 6 more facts
- Sectoral Growth: In 2025–26, sales of Khadi and Village Industries products reached a record ₹1.87 lakh crore, while production increased by 380% to
- Employment Generation: Employment in the sector increased by 56% to 2.04 crore between 2013–14 and 2025–26
- Training and Skill Development: KVIC operates 35 departmental
- Women's Participation: Women constitute more than 80% of approximately five lakh artisans in the Khadi sector
- PMEGP Employment: Since March 2008, the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has provided employment opportunities to nearly
- Gramodyog Vikas Yojana: The Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (GVY) supports artisans by providing modern machines
The transformation of Khadi and Village Industries into market-oriented rural enterprises highlights the importance of integrating traditional skills with modern technology, financial support and market access.
Which of the following statements about Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is correct?
Correct. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute.
Not quite. The three wrong options each change one thing from the source: a figure, the institution involved, the direction of change, or a qualifier turned into an absolute. The green option is the correct one.
Economy
Vocal for Local initiative
Recently, the NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) launched the 'Vocal for Local' initiative under its Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
- Initiative aims to boost sustainable growth by showcasing indigenous products through 'Aakanksha.' A dedicated window on the GeM portal facilitates
Economy
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has approved the extension of the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) for five years till FY26.
- The PMEGP has now been approved for continuation over the 15th Finance Commission Cycle for five years from 2021-22 to 2025-26
- Launch: The Government of India approved the introduction of a credit linked subsidy programme called Prime Minister's Employment Generation
- It allows entrepreneurs to set up factories or units.
- It is a central sector scheme being administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME).
Show 6 more facts
- Eligibility: Any individual, above 18 years of age.
- Only new projects/units are considered for sanction of loans.
- Self-help groups that have not availed benefits under any other public scheme, societies, production co-operative societies, and charitable trusts.
- Rural Areas: 25% for general category and 35% for special category
- Urban Areas: 15% for general category and 25% for special category.
- The definition of village industry and rural area has been changed for the scheme.
With reference to Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, consider the following statements:
- The PMEGP has now been approved for continuation over the 15th Finance Commission Cycle for five years from 2021-11 to 2025-26
- Launch: The Government of India approved the introduction of a credit linked subsidy programme called Prime Minister's Employment Generation
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source.
Not quite. Check each statement on its own before looking at the options. One of the two alters a figure, an institution or the direction of change stated in the source. The green option is the correct one.
Indian History MCQ Quiz · भारतीय इतिहास प्रश्नोत्तरी
A second members-only subject quiz – lock in today's study session
Current affairs alone will not clear Prelims. Close the day on the static syllabus with this members-only quiz.
