Daily Current Affairs — 02 November 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 02 November 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
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Indian Geography MCQ Quiz · भारतीय भूगोल प्रश्नोत्तरी
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Economy
World Bank’s India Poverty and Equity Brief
The World Bank released the India Poverty and Equity Brief (October 2026), highlighting that India has achieved one of the fastest poverty reduction rates globally.
- However, while absolute monetary poverty has declined, critical macroeconomic vulnerabilities
- India has made significant progress, with 496 million people lifted out of poverty between 2011
- Absolute Reduction in Poverty: Between 2011 and 2023
- The World Bank's MPI estimated it at 15.5% in 2022–23.
Show 6 more facts
- Poverty affects 21.3% of those with no education, but only 7.4% of those with tertiary education.
- Poverty: The World Bank defines poverty as a pronounced deprivation in well-being
- It highlights economic inequality and relative deprivation, even when basic needs are met.
- Post-Independence: The Planning Commission (1962) initiated official poverty estimation
- Tendulkar Committee (2009): Shifted away from calorie-based norms, adopted a uniform all-India Poverty Line Basket (PLB) and MRP data
- Increasing Inequality: The World Inequality Lab (2024) highlights that India's top 1% controls over 40% of national wealth
4. What is the significance of Article 39(c) in poverty reduction? Article 39(c) directs the State to prevent the concentration of wealth
Which of the following statements about World Bank’s India Poverty and Equity Brief 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
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.
Show 6 more facts
- 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 World Bank Board of directors
- About: It was created in 1944, as the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) along with the AIIB
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
Poverty in India
A new research paper by Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, finds that India has "virtually eliminated" extreme poverty between 2011–12 and 2023–24.
- India has seen a steep fall in poverty, with extreme poverty dropping to about 2%, alongside major gains across social and religious groups.
- The rising consumption, stronger welfare systems, and broad rural improvements have aided in decline in poverty.
- Extreme Poverty Nearly Eliminated: Poverty fell from 21.9% to 2.3% between 2011–12 and 2023–24
- Poverty Declined Across all Social Groups: SCs
Show 6 more facts
- Religious poverty gaps have sharply narrowed
- Faster Reduction in Rural Areas: Rural poverty declined by 22.5 percentage points
- Poverty: According to the World Bank, poverty is "pronounced deprivation in well-being." The poor are those who do not have sufficient income or
- According to NITI Aayog, poverty is measured by setting a poverty line (the minimum expenditure needed to meet basic socially acceptable needs)
- Post-Independence: The Planning Commission (1962) initiated an official poverty assessment
- It estimated the 2011–12 poverty line at Rs 816 (rural) and Rs 1,000 (urban) per capita per month.
Which of the following statements about Poverty 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
India Becomes 4th ‘Most Equal’ Country Globally
India is not only the world's fourth-largest economy but is also ranked among the most equal societies today.
- About: The Gini index, or Gini coefficient, was developed in 1912 by Italian statistician Corrado Gini
- The Gini coefficient quantifies the area between the Lorenz curve and the line of perfect equality (a 45-degree line)
- India and Gini Index: India's Gini Index was 28.8 in 2011, declining steadily to 25.5 in 2022, reflecting consistent progress in social equity
- Notably, India ranks ahead of countries with higher inequality scores, including China (35.7), and the US (41.8).
Show 6 more facts
- The low score challenges conventional assumptions of India as a highly unequal society
- Poverty Reduction: As per the World Bank's Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief
- At the USD 3/day threshold, India's extreme poverty rate for 2022–23 stands at 5.3%, down from 27.1% in 2011–12.
- In absolute terms, the number of people in extreme poverty fell from 344.47 million to 75.24 million.
- PM Jan Dhan Yojana: Financial inclusion has been at the heart of India's social equity push
- The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission has further strengthened this effort
With reference to India Becomes 4th ‘Most Equal’ Country Globally, consider the following statements:
- About: The Gini index, or Gini coefficient, was developed in 1914 by Italian statistician Corrado Gini
- The Gini coefficient quantifies the area between the Lorenz curve and the line of perfect equality (a 45-degree line)
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
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
India's flagship skilling programme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), is under scrutiny after the Ministry of Skill Development.
- Attendance records were manipulated to show students who never attended the programme.
- In many cases, Training Partner and Training Centre identities did not match, weakening accountability.
- State agencies reported lack of clarity on inspections, documentation, and next steps, slowing corrective action.
- About: PMKVY is the flagship skill-development scheme of the MSDE, launched in July 2015
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- Under the Scheme, every certified candidate is given a reward of Rs. 500 for clearing the exam as encouragement.
- It has trained candidates across sectors like manufacturing
- Progress: Over the years, more than 1.63 crore candidates have been trained under PMKVY in diverse sectors, such as manufacturing, construction
- PMKVY 2.0 (2016–20): 1.10 Crore candidates were trained/oriented.
- PMKVY 4.0 (2022–26): As of July 2025, over 25 lakh candidates have been trained under this phase.
- Covid-19 Response: Provided crash-course training to over 1.2 lakh health workers during the pandemic.
Which of the following statements about Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 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.
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Economy
Female Labour Force Participation in India
India's female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) has seen a significant rise in recent years.
- FLFPR: FLFPR includes women who are either employed or actively seeking work
- However, it rose sharply to 41.7% in 2023–24, suggesting renewed female engagement in economic activity.
- Rural distress, inflation, and the need to supplement household income have compelled more women to engage in work-related activities.
- However, these are not necessarily formal or paid jobs, much of this rise is due to unpaid or self-employment roles.
Show 6 more facts
- The share of rural women in agriculture rose from 71.1% in 2018–19 to 76.9% in 2023–24
- Between 2017–18 and 2023–24, women reporting "domestic duties" declined from 57.8% to 35.7%, but "helpers in household enterprises" rose from 9.1% to
- This indicates that increased participation has not translated into better income security or job quality.
- Overrepresentation in Low-Productivity Sectors: A disproportionate number of women remain concentrated in agriculture and informal sectors
- Many are involved in subsistence or family-based enterprises
- Such employment is typically irregular, seasonal, and dependent on family or local networks, making women's incomes volatile and dependent.
With reference to Female Labour Force Participation in India, consider the following statements:
- FLFPR: FLFPR includes women who are either employed or actively seeking work
- However, it rose sharply to 20.9% in 2023–24, suggesting renewed female engagement in economic activity
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.
History
75th Anniversary of National Sample Survey (NSS)
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the National Industrial Classification (NIC) 2025 during the 'Culmination Ceremony' of the 75th anniversary of National Sample Survey (NSS).
- NIC 2025: The NIC is a fundamental tool used in statistical surveys, censuses, economic research, and policy formulation
- India's classification system, introduced in 1962 and later updated as NIC 1970, 1987, 1990, 1998, 2004
- The NIC 2025 is in line with International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC) Revision 5
- The NSS was established in 1950 on the recommendation of the National Income Committee (1949), chaired by Professor P.C
Show 1 more facts
- NSS is headed by a Director General, it conducts large-scale sample surveys across India on socio-economic subjects
Which of the following statements about 75th Anniversary of National Sample Survey (NSS) 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
SC Allows for Sub-Classification of SCs and STs
The Supreme Court of India in review judgement of Punjab and Haryana High Court.
- This 6-1 majority decision overturns the 2004 ruling in E.V. Chinnaiah vs
- Sub-Classifications Permitted: The Court ruled that states are constitutionally allowed to sub-classify SCs
- Chief Justice of India emphasised the difference between "sub-classification"
- This means states must identify and exclude the creamy layer within SCs and STs from reservation benefits
Show 6 more facts
- If any generation in the family has taken advantage of the reservation and achieved a higher status
- This approach allows states to tailor reservation policies to more effectively support the most disadvantaged within these groups.
- The issue of sub-classification of Scheduled Castes (SCs)
- The primary factors leading to this reference were: Reconsideration of EV Chinniah Judgment: The five-judge bench found it necessary to reconsider
- This provision mandated that 50% of vacancies reserved for SCs in direct recruitment be offered to Balmikis and Mazhabi Sikhs
- The High Court ruled that all castes in the Presidential Order under Article 341(1) formed one homogeneous group and could not be subdivided further.
Which of the following statements about SC Allows for Sub-Classification of SCs and STs 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
Recognising the Economic Value of Unpaid Work in India
Recently, a research paper has spotlighted the economic value of unpaid work, particularly by women, highlighting the need for recognition in productivity measures.
- About: Unpaid work refers to activities that individuals, particularly women, engage in without receiving monetary compensation
- It supports the labour force by providing essential services that enable others to participate in paid work.
- The UN's SDG 5 focuses on gender equality and empowering women
- Quantifying Unpaid Work: The authors utilised data from the Consumer Pyramids Household Survey (CPHS) by the Centre
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- Replacement Cost (RCM): This method estimates the monetary value by assuming that these household tasks could be performed by hired market workers
- Findings from the Valuation: The estimated value of unpaid household work was Rs 49.5 lakh crore using the GOC method
- While the System of National Accounts has included household production in GDP calculations since 1993, it has notably excluded unpaid care work.
- According to a 2023 State Bank of India report
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24: According to the PLFS Report 2023-24
- In contrast, only 24.5% of men (aged 6+) spend over an hour daily on unpaid domestic work.
Which of the following statements about Recognising the Economic Value of Unpaid Work 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.
History
India’s Fight Against Anemia
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a progress update on the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) campaign, highlighting India's sustained efforts to combat anemia, a major public health challenge.
- About: It was launched in 2018 with the aim to reduce anemia through a 6x6x6 framework
- 6 Key interventions: Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation: Age-appropriate Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplements are provided
- Deworming: Biannual deworming for children and adolescents (1-19 years) and antenatal deworming for pregnant women.
- About: Anemia is a condition primarily caused by iron deficiency
Show 6 more facts
- Vulnerability & Impact: Children under 5 (especially those under 2 years)
- In 2019, anemia caused a loss of 50 million years of healthy life, primarily due to iron deficiency, thalassemia, sickle cell trait, and malaria.
- WHO Response: WHO has included anemia reduction as one of the 6 key targets in the Global Nutrition Targets
- WHO Global Nutrition Targets for 2025 (6 Key Goals): Reduce stunting in children under 5 by 40%
- Reduce anemia in women of reproductive age by 50%
- Increase exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months to 50%
With reference to India’s Fight Against Anemia, consider the following statements:
- About: It was launched in 2018 with the aim to reduce anemia through a 6x6x6 framework
- 12 Key interventions: Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation: Age-appropriate Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplements are provided
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 Economy MCQ Quiz · भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था 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.
