Daily Current Affairs — 26 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs · 26 October 2026
10 fully-analysed topics · 30 bilingual MCQs · 3 embedded videos · built for UPSC Prelims & Mains
🎯 30 MCQs
🎬 3 Videos
🇮🇳 Hindi + English
Indian Economy MCQ Quiz · भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था प्रश्नोत्तरी
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History
Upgraded Agri Welfare Portal Launched for Farmers
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched the upgraded Agri Welfare Portal to provide farmers with single-window.
- About: It is a single-window digital platform providing farmers access to government schemes
- Key Schemes: It provides access to major initiatives including PM-KISAN
- Transparency and DBT: Online eligibility checks
- Farmer-Centric Design: The portal is lightweight
Show 3 more facts
- Agricultural Ecosystem: It also provides a common digital platform connecting Farmer Producer Organisations
- Capacity Building: Krishi Vigyan Kendras will conduct training campaigns to help farmers
- Digital Standards: The portal has been developed in accordance with the Digital Brand Identity Manual 3.0
Which of the following statements about Upgraded Agri Welfare Portal Launched for Farmers 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
Agristack: The New Digital Push in Agriculture
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft to run a pilot programme for 100 villages in 6 states.
- The MoU requires Microsoft to create a 'Unified Farmer Service Interface' through its cloud computing services.
- This comprises a major part of the ministry's plan of creating 'AgriStack' (a collection of technology-based interventions in agriculture)
- About AgriStack: It is a collection of technologies and digital databases that focuses on farmers and the agricultural sector.
- AgriStack will create a unified platform for farmers to provide them end to end services across the agriculture food value chain.
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- It is in line with the Centre's Digital India programme
- Each ID will be linked to the individual's digital national ID Aadhaar.
- At present, the majority of farmers across India are small
- Among the new proposed digital farming technologies and services under the programme include sensors to monitor cattle
- Problems such as inadequate access to credit and information
- It will also fuel innovation and breed investment towards the agricultural sector and augment research towards more resilient crops.
Which of the following statements about Agristack: The New Digital Push in Agriculture 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 Fasal Bima Yojana
The Government highlighted the achievements of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
- With ₹12,200 crore allocated for 2026–27, PMFBY continues to strengthen farmer resilience, income stability, and climate-resilient agriculture.
- About: The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) was launched on 18th February 2016 to provide affordable crop insurance coverage to farmers
- Premium Structure: PMFBY ensures affordable crop insurance by limiting farmer contributions to 2% for Kharif and 1.5% for Rabi foodgrain
- Types: PMFBY covers crop losses from pre-sowing risks (prevented or failed sowing)
Show 6 more facts
- Yield Loss Coverage: PMFBY provides area-based insurance against non-preventable risks such as drought
- Prevented Sowing: Farmers who incur cultivation expenses but are unable to sow due to adverse weather conditions are eligible
- Post-Harvest Losses: Crops kept in cut-and-spread condition for drying after harvesting are covered
- Localized Calamities: Individual farm-level losses caused by hailstorms
- Excluded Risks: PMFBY does not cover losses caused by war
- Categories: PMFBY provides insurance coverage to loanee farmers
Which of the following statements about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima 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
Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme
Most economists advocate the conversion of all agricultural subsidies into direct income support i.e., Direct Benefit Transfer to farmers.
- Aim: It has been visioned as an aid for simpler/faster flow of information and funds to the beneficiaries
- Implementation: It is a mission or an initiative by the government of India started on 1st January 2013 as a way to reform the government delivery
- Instant and Easy Money Transfer: It created the Aadhaar Payment Bridge to enable instant money transfers from the government to people's bank accounts
- Lack of Accessibility: One of the most prominent issues faced by citizens attempting to enroll is the lack of accessibility/proximity to enrolment
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- Shortage of Facilities: Still there are many rural & tribal areas, which don't have banking facility and road connectivity
- Uncertainties: Delays in accepting and pushing the applications forward
- Disruption in the Process: In terms of receiving money in their bank accounts through DBT
- Systemising Innovation: Empowering innovation system are some of the aspects that would require continued focus
With reference to Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme, consider the following statements:
- Aim: It has been visioned as an aid for simpler/faster flow of information and funds to the beneficiaries
- Implementation: It is a mission or an initiative by the government of India started on 1st January 2015 as a way to reform the government delivery
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
Kisan Sarathi Platform
Kisan Sarathi marks a key step in digital agriculture by integrating farmer advisories, expert support, weather updates, market prices, and scheme information on one platform.
- About: Kisan Sarathi was launched in July 2021 as India's largest integrated digital agro-advisory platform
- The platform integrates advisories, weather information, government schemes, language support
Which of the following statements about Kisan Sarathi Platform 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 5 | Prelims 2020, UPSC
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History
Biomarkers (Chemical Signatures) and Early Disease Detection
Scientists have emphasised the growing potential of chemical signatures (commonly known as biomarkers) in revolutionising early disease diagnosis.
- However, despite their promise, integrating these diagnostic tools into routine clinical practice remains hindered by significant hurdles related to
- About: Chemical Signature is a measurable biological indicator found in bodily fluids (like blood or cerebrospinal fluid) consisting of a unique
- Function: It objectively signifies what is happening inside the body
- Working of Chemical Signatures: When a disease develops, it triggers changes at the molecular level long before physical symptoms appear
Show 6 more facts
- GenomeIndia Project: Launched in January 2020 and funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
- Since ageing is influenced by molecular, cellular, environmental
- Early and Pre-symptomatic Detection: Biomarkers allow physicians to transition from late-stage symptomatic management to early molecular triage
- Targeted Therapies: By differentiating between diseases with overlapping symptoms (e.g.
- Accuracy and Specificity Issues: Many biomarkers lack absolute specificity
- Variations in laboratory methods and equipment can affect the consistency and interpretation of biomarker test results.
Which of the following statements about Biomarkers (Chemical Signatures) and Early Disease Detection 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
BHARAT Study: Mapping Healthy Ageing Biomarkers
The Indian Institute of Science, under the Longevity India Programme, has launched the BHARAT (Biomarkers of Healthy Aging, Resilience, Adversity.
- Ageing Complexity: Ageing varies across individuals and populations
- Need for India-Specific Data: Current biomarkers and diagnostic standards are often based on Western biomarkers and cut-offs (like cholesterol
- It covers a broad range of indicators, including genomic biomarkers (e.g., disease-linked mutations), proteomic
- The study will use AI and machine learning to analyze complex multi-dimensional datasets to predict health outcomes
History
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Recent research by National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR).
- About: Neurodegenerative Diseases are a group of disorders in which the brain and nerve cells (neurons) gradually break down or die over time
- Vascular Dysfunction and Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Breakdown: The BBB is a protective layer formed by tightly connected cells lining brain blood
- The Esyt protein regulates this process by binding calcium
- Genetic Factors: Mutations in specific genes disrupt normal neuronal function and repair, increasing susceptibility to degeneration
Show 6 more facts
- Oxidative Stress: Excess free radicals cause damage to neuronal DNA, proteins, and membranes
- Chronic Inflammation: Persistent inflammation in the brain activates immune cells that can damage neurons, exacerbating disease progression.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins like pesticides
- Neurological disorders are a broader category of disorders affecting the nervous system
- Many neurological conditions are treatable or reversible with timely intervention. Eg: Stroke (Ischemic Stroke).
- Genetic changes can be introduced in the cells that produce eggs or sperms of a prospective parent.
History
Parkinson’s Disease
April marks Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to improve quality of life.
- Parkinson's Europe founded World Parkinson's Day in April 1997 with support from the World Health Organisation to mark the birthday of James Parkinson
- About: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs movement and can eventually lead to immobility and dementia.
- Prevalence: The global burden of Parkinson's disease has doubled in the last 25 years, with India accounting for around 10% of cases.
- Age & Gender: It usually affects people in their 5th–6th decade
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- Cardinal Symptoms: The disease is characterised by tremors, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), and muscle rigidity.
- Non-Motor Symptoms: Early signs may include constipation and sleep disorders, which can appear years before motor symptoms.
- Diagnosis Challenge: Symptoms are often misinterpreted or ignored, leading to delayed diagnosis and prolonged suffering.
- Treatment: There is no definitive cure, but medications can effectively manage symptoms and significantly improve quality of life
April marks Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment to improve quality of life.
Which of the following statements about Parkinson’s Disease 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
GenomeIndia
Nature Genetics published findings from the GenomeIndia project.
- The study identified 180 million genetic variants
- About: Launched in 2020 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Genome India Project aims to map the genetic diversity of the Indian population
- The core objective is to build a comprehensive Indian reference genome.
- IndiGen Programme: Launched by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) in 2019
Show 6 more facts
- One Day One Genome Initiative: Launched in 2024 by DBT
- Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH): Established in 2013
- Human Genome Project: It was coordinated by the US and operated from 1990 to 2003
- It can include whole-genome, partial genome, or targeted gene sequencing
- It provides the most comprehensive genetic blueprint of an organism.
- Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
With reference to GenomeIndia, consider the following statements:
- The study identified 180 million genetic variants
- About: Launched in 2025 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), the Genome India Project aims to map the genetic diversity of the Indian population
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 Polity MCQ Quiz · भारतीय राजव्यवस्था 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.
