Daily Current Affairs — 31 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 31 October 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
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Indian Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था प्रश्नोत्तरी
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Economy
Youth Unrest under Neoliberalism
Across the globe from G7 nations like France and Spain to countries in the Global South like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh a massive wave of youth-led protests is unfolding.
- Addressing these challenges requires stronger welfare systems
- About: Neoliberalism is a political and economic ideology
- Withdrawal of the Welfare State: Aggressive reduction in public expenditure, subsidies, and social safety nets.
- Deregulation & Privatization: Removing state controls over the financial sector and transferring public utilities to private corporations.
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- Consequently, youth unemployment rates in G7 countries are now almost twice as high as overall unemployment.
- According to the India Employment Report 2024, youth account for nearly 83% of the unemployed workforce in India.
- This systemic failure contradicts the Directive Principle (Article 41)
- This has stripped the youth of job security, medical benefits, and collective bargaining rights.
- This increasing precarity raises serious questions about the state's obligation to protect the Right to Livelihood
- While the Code on Social Security, 2020 explicitly recognizes "gig workers"
Which of the following statements about Youth Unrest under Neoliberalism 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 at the G7 Summit 2026
The Prime Minister of India attended the 52nd G7 Summit Outreach Session (2026) at vian, France, held under the theme "Forging New Partnerships and Rebuilding International Solidarity.".
- The summit brought together G7 nations, and provided India a key platform to champion the priorities of the Global South, address the global trust
- Addressing the Global Trust Deficit: India emphasized that mutual trust is the world's most critical strategic asset
- Amplifying the Voice of the Global South: India reiterated that developing
- CEPA: Both sides are expediting negotiations to conclude the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026 to double two-way
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- Raisina Americas: Announced the establishment of "Raisina Americas," a new geopolitical platform (mimicking the Raisina Dialogue model) designed to
- The Nuclear Energy Partnership: Recognizing Canada as an essential energy exporter
- Vision 2035: The leaders reviewed the progress of bilateral relations under the India-UK Vision 2035 framework.
- BRICS Summit 2026: The Indian PM formally invited the UAE President to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, which India will host later in 2026.
- Genesis and Evolution: Formed in 1975 in response to the 1973 oil crisis
- It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club.
1. What is the significance of the G7 Outreach Session? The Outreach Session enables engagement between G7 nations and key developing countries
With reference to India at the G7 Summit 2026, consider the following statements:
- The summit brought together G20 nations, and provided India a key platform to champion the priorities of the Global South, address the global trust
- Addressing the Global Trust Deficit: India emphasized that mutual trust is the world's most critical strategic asset
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
Gig Economy
The gig workers' meeting on "Current Developments.
- It also called for the establishment of tripartite welfare boards at both state and national levels
- About: The new Labour Codes of 2019 defines a gig worker as "A person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement
- Workers, as freelancers or independent contractors, are paid per task rather than through full-time contracts
- Growing Digital Access: India has over 936 million internet users, with rapid growth in rural areas
Show 6 more facts
- E-Commerce Boom: The growth of startups and e-commerce is driving demand for flexible gig workers in content creation
- Opportunities for Gig Workers: The gig economy provides flexible work that helps balance personal and professional life
- Business Friendly: Businesses gain cost-effective
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: By 2030, India's gig economy could support 90 million jobs, handle USD 250 billion in work volume, contribute 1.25%
- Future Potential with Technology Integration: The gig economy is set to drive economic growth and job creation
- Lack of Legal Protections: Gig workers, classified as independent contractors, lack essential rights like minimum wage, paid leave
Discuss the significance of the gig economy in India and the major challenges faced by gig workers.
Which of the following statements about Gig Economy 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.
Polity
Digital Access as a Part of the Fundamental Right to Life and Liberty
The Supreme Court (SC) of India in the case Amar Jain v.
- Digital KYC Revisions: The SC directed the revision of digital KYC norms to accommodate individuals with PwDs under the Rights of Persons
- It directed that departments must appoint nodal officers for compliance
- The court held that under Articles 21 (right to a dignified life)
- In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Supreme Court held
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- In Faheema Shirin RK v. State of Kerala (2019)
- It emphasized that any restrictions on these rights must meet the tests of reasonableness and proportionality.
- Digital Literacy Divide and Exclusion: A significant digital literacy gap excludes many PwDs from accessing essential services
- Amendments in 2023 aimed to strengthen compliance, but enforcement remains fragmented in both government and private enterprises.
- Initiatives like Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) aim to enhance accessibility of digital services
- Inclusive Digital Infrastructure: Under Digital India
Which of the following statements about Digital Access as a Part of the Fundamental Right to Life 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
IPCC Reports and Equity in Climate Change Mitigation
Recently, a study delved into over 500 future emissions scenarios evaluated by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
- The IPCC uses 'modelled pathways' to estimate what it will take to limit the warming of the earth's surface
- IAMs are complex models that examine possible futures of the energy and climate systems and economies.
- For example, the absolute cost of setting up a solar plant or undertaking afforestation in India is lower than in the US.
- However, experts have suggested facilitating a scenario of enabling countries to equitably share the burden of Climate action
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- Researchers analyzed 556 scenarios in the IPCC's AR6 report and found troubling projections
- Historical Responsibility: Wealthier nations, particularly those in the Global North, have historically contributed the most to greenhouse gas
- These historical emissions have disproportionately contributed to climate change.
- Recognising this historical responsibility is essential in addressing climate change fairly.
- Developing countries, often the least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change
- Equity considerations are crucial in ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the necessary support
Which of the following statements about IPCC Reports and Equity in Climate Change Mitigation 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.
Complete Indian Polity MCQ | Laxmikanth (UPSC, PSC and SSC)
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Take a break from the news and watch the lesson more UPSC aspirants have watched than any other on this channel.
Economy
World Bank
Recently, Indian American business executive Ajay Banga was nominated by US President to head the World Bank.
- If confirmed by the World Bank Board of directors
- About: It was created in 1944, as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along with the IMF
- The World Bank Group is a unique global partnership of five institutions working for sustainable solutions that reduce poverty
- The World Bank is one of the United Nations' specialized agencies.
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- International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) India is not a member of ICSID.
- The United States is the largest single shareholder
- While the World Bank provides support to developing countries
- The International Finance Corporation, which offers these bonds, is an arm of the World Bank.
- They are the rupee-denominated bonds and are a source of debt financing for the public and private sector.
- IFC is one of the 5 Development institutions of World Bank. hence, statement 1 is correct.
With reference to World Bank, consider the following statements:
- If confirmed by the IMF Board of directors
- About: It was created in 1944, as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along with the IMF
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
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic
Recently, the world marked five years since the outbreak of Covid-19, a pandemic that caused millions of deaths, unprecedented economic disruptions, and significant social challenges.
- Although much of the immediate crisis has passed
- Economic Impact: GDP Gaps: India experienced a sharp contraction in its GDP growth rate during 2020-21
- Post-pandemic recovery was robust, with growth rates of 9.7%, 7%
- At a 7% growth rate, India's GDP is projected to return to its pre-Covid trend by 2042-43, whereas a 7.5% growth rate could achieve this a decade
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- Global GDP contracted by 3.1% in 2020, and the 2023 Global Economic Prospects report indicates a nearly USD 4.7 trillion shortfall from the original
- Governments globally borrowed heavily during the pandemic, causing the largest spike in public debt in two decades in 2020.
- Public debt remains above pre-Covid levels, with spending expected to escalate due to net-zero commitments, increased defense budgets in Europe
- Governments globally introduced new industrial policies
- Between 2019 and 2024, state interventions tripled globally, driven by geopolitical concerns and efforts to strengthen supply chain resilience.
- A 2023 Pew survey across 24 countries revealed 74% of people felt disconnected from elected officials, and 59% were dissatisfied with democracy.
Which of the following statements about Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic 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
Gen Z Protests: Redefining Democratic Participation in India
A wave of Generation Z-led demonstrations, spearheaded by the satirical yet influential Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has emerged over alleged.
- Drawing global comparisons with Gen Z-led political movements in Bangladesh
- Generation Z-led protests have emerged as a powerful force in India and globally
- Addressing youth disillusionment requires comprehensive reforms in education
- Generation Z (Gen Z): Also known as "Zoomers", is the demographic cohort that succeeds the Millennials and precedes Generation Alpha
Show 6 more facts
- Unlike traditional political movements, these protests are decentralised, digitally coordinated, and youth-driven.
- Several countries have witnessed policy reversals, government changes, and political reforms due to sustained youth mobilisation.
- Ideological Politics (1950s–1960s): Youth movements were largely campus-centric and shaped by Left-
- Naxalbari Movement (1967), influenced by Marxist-Leninist ideology, with active student participation.
- Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) Movement (1974–75) against corruption and misuse of power.
- Student mobilisation contributed to the political developments preceding the Emergency (1975–77).
Which of the following statements about Gen Z Protests: Redefining Democratic Participation in India 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
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
An evaluation study commissioned by NITI Aayog has revealed that patients availing treatment in private hospitals under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) incur significant out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE).
- High OOPE in Private Facilities: Beneficiaries utilizing private hospitals under the scheme incurred an average OOPE of around Rs 53,965 per
- Public vs. Private Disparity: In government facilities, the average OOPE was significantly lower at Rs 21,827
- The study acknowledged that transport costs are explicitly not covered under the scheme.
- This is only slightly lower (Rs 3,294 less) than the average spending by uninsured patients (Rs 38,084)
Show 6 more facts
- About: Launched in September 2018 as a flagship component of the Ayushman Bharat initiative
- The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare implements AB-PMJAY at the national level
- Insurance Cover: Provides a health cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year.
- Scope of Care: Strictly covers secondary and tertiary care hospitalization (not primary outpatient care).
- Pre and Post-Hospitalization: Covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization (diagnostics
- Pre-existing Diseases: All pre-existing conditions are covered from Day 1 of the policy.
Which of the following statements about Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana 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
Empowering India’s Skill Ecosystem
The Government has highlighted its initiatives to strengthen India's skill ecosystem from classroom to enterprise through education reforms.
- India's improving skill readiness further strengthens the opportunity of achieving 100% skilled labour by 2047 with meaningful employment
- Driving Economic Growth: Skills and knowledge are fundamental drivers of economic growth and social development
- Responding to Emerging Skill Requirements: Rapid technological, demographic and economic changes are reshaping global labour markets
- Strengthening AI Readiness: The IMF AI Preparedness Index gave India a score of 49.3
Show 6 more facts
- Harnessing the Demographic Dividend: India has over 54% of its population below 25 years and more than 62% in the working-age group of 15–59 years
- Meeting Global Talent Demand: India is expected to generate a surplus of around 45 million skilled professionals by 2030
- Samagra Shiksha: Samagra Shiksha supports school education from pre-school to Class XII and promotes skill education in line with SDG-4
- Vocational Skill Labs: MSDE has established 1,200 vocational skill labs across 400 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas
- The framework integrates academic education, vocational education and skill training through a common structure
- Skill India Mission: Launched in 2015 Skill India Mission provides NSQF-aligned skilling
With reference to Empowering India’s Skill Ecosystem, consider the following statements:
- India's improving skill readiness further strengthens the opportunity of achieving 60% skilled labour by 2047 with meaningful employment
- Driving Economic Growth: Skills and knowledge are fundamental drivers of economic growth and social development
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.
