Answer: (a) Probity for Prosperity

1. The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is observing Vigilance Awareness Week from 26 October to 1 November 2026. The theme is Probity for Prosperity.
2. Probity means integrity and upright conduct, especially in public affairs. The observance promotes transparency, accountability and prevention of corruption in public administration.
3. Government departments, public enterprises, public sector banks and other institutions are encouraged to take the Integrity Pledge. Activities include workshops, public outreach and grievance-redressal initiatives.
4. The CVC received statutory status under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. For revision, connect the organising institution, dates, theme and emphasis on ethical public service.

Answer: (d) Bhubaneswar, Odisha

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the RBI Data Centre and Cybersecurity Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on 25 October 2026, according to the roundup.
2. The facilities strengthen digital financial infrastructure, payment-system reliability and cybersecurity capabilities. Reliable infrastructure is essential as the volume of digital transactions increases.
3. The data centre will support critical payment platforms, including RTGS and NEFT. RTGS means Real Time Gross Settlement; NEFT means National Electronic Funds Transfer.
4. The institute will build expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Infrastructure resilience and personnel training are complementary measures for secure banking operations.

Answer: (b) 31 March 2027

1. The Department of Commerce extended Component II of RELIEF until 31 March 2027. It supports exporters affected by geopolitical tensions and maritime disruption in West Asia.
2. RELIEF stands for Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation. It was launched on 19 March 2026 under the Export Promotion Mission.
3. The reported framework provides 95% risk coverage and protection against eligible increases in insurance premiums above pre-disruption levels. Support operates within the notified eligibility and coverage conditions.
4. ECGC implements the initiative. Its purpose is continuity of export trade by reducing the impact of shipping and insurance risks; the extension concerns Component II specifically.

Answer: (c) Ladakh

1. Ladakh was declared India's first fully organic Union Territory on 25 October 2026, according to the daily roundup. The declaration followed restrictions on chemical fertilisers and certification efforts.
2. The Mission Organic Development Initiative (MODI) began in 2020 and aims to bring all 666 villages under certified organic farming.
3. The report cites a Rs 500-crore budget for the transition. Organic cultivation seeks to protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems, improve soil and water health and reduce synthetic input dependence.
4. Sikkim became India's first fully organic state in 2016. Keep the distinction between a state and a Union Territory clear when answering questions about these milestones.

Answer: (a) Kerala

1. Kerala approved a proposal by the Kerala Civil Aviation Development Cooperative Society to launch flight services, according to the 25 October 2026 announcement reported in the roundup.
2. The proposal seeks to extend the cooperative model into civil aviation. C N Vijayakrishnan, associated with MVR Cancer Centre, is linked with the initiative.
3. An earlier proposal used the name Co-Keralam and envisaged leasing two aircraft with 72 seats each. Proposed destinations included Kozhikode, Kannur, Bengaluru and Chennai from Kochi.
4. Approval of a proposal does not establish that commercial services have begun. The source states that operational launch details remain unconfirmed; distinguish proposed routes from an active flight schedule.

Answer: (d) Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts

1. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast landfall of Cyclone Arnab along the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts on 28 October 2026, according to the 26 October report.
2. The system intensified over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. The likely landfall zone was reported between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam.
3. The forecast cited sustained winds of 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, and a possible storm surge of 1-1.5 metres above astronomical tide in low-lying areas.
4. These are forecast conditions reported on 26 October, rather than confirmed observations of a completed landfall. Cyclone forecasts can change as the system develops; the MCQ tests the stated forecast geography.

Answer: (b) Delhi branch of IITM

1. The AATAL laboratory was inaugurated at the Delhi branch of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) on 24 October 2026 by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
2. AATAL stands for Integrated Atmospheric Chemistry and Aerosol Toxicity Analysis Laboratory. The facility operates under Mission Mausam.
3. It examines pollutant composition, toxicity and sources such as vehicles, industry, biomass burning and dust. It integrates with AIRWISE, which provides 72-hour forecasts at approximately 400-metre resolution.
4. The evidence can support targeted measures by the Commission for Air Quality Management, including actions under GRAP. Measuring pollution sources helps identify where interventions can be most effective.

Answer: (c) G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment

1. The Environment Ministry designated G B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE) to coordinate ICIMOD activities across India's Himalayan region.
2. GBPNIHE is headquartered in Almora, Uttarakhand, and will establish a dedicated ICIMOD cell. It will connect Himalayan states, universities and research institutions.
3. Cooperation covers glacier melt, water security, biodiversity, pollution and disaster-risk reduction. Projects will undergo initial screening, scientific assessment and final approval through the stated ministry-level mechanism.
4. ICIMOD, established in 1983, is headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, and serves eight regional member countries. It stands for International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

Answer: (a) Nav-Trinjan

1. The 139th episode of Mann Ki Baat, broadcast on 25 October 2026, highlighted Punjab's Nav-Trinjan traditional weaving initiative, according to the roundup.
2. The programme also discussed revival of Uttarakhand's Heval River and millet cultivation in Meghalaya and Nagaland. These examples connect community action with heritage and sustainability.
3. Healthcare coverage included the e-Sanjeevani telemedicine platform. Other references included brain-mapping research at IIT Madras and fibre-optics pioneer Narinder Singh Kapany.
4. Mann Ki Baat began in 2014; the reported episode marked 12 years of the programme. For revision, link each local initiative to its state rather than treating all examples as one scheme.

Answer: (d) Sri Lanka

1. The SAMHiTA Project strengthens cultural cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Its Sri Lankan institutional partner is Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo.
2. SAMHiTA stands for South Asian Manuscript Histories and Textual Archive. The India International Centre, New Delhi, undertakes the initiative with Government of India grant assistance.
3. An MoU signed in July 2026 provides for local experts to digitise 100 manuscripts, with completion expected by November. The manuscripts preserve Buddhist traditions, philosophy, languages and cultural knowledge.
4. Digitisation supports preservation and access without replacing the original manuscripts. Gangaramaya Temple is identified as the first Sri Lankan institution to partner with this project.

Answer: (b) Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

1. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva won re-election in Brazil's 25 October 2026 presidential runoff, securing a fourth presidential mandate.
2. Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) reported 51.79% of valid votes for Lula and 48.21% for Flavio Bolsonaro. These percentages concern valid votes, rather than the entire eligible electorate.
3. The election result and the start of the next term are separate events. The daily report schedules the new term for January 2027; the question tests the winner of the runoff.
4. The main policy areas identified include economic management, social programmes and environmental protection, particularly the Amazon. Brazil is a South American country and a member of BRICS.

Answer: (c) Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development

1. The theme of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum is Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development. It is being held on 26-27 October 2026.
2. The venue is the Parliament House Complex, New Delhi, with the Parliament of India as host institution. India is hosting under its BRICS Presidency.
3. Discussions centre on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Plenary sessions and bilateral meetings provide opportunities for parliamentary diplomacy.
4. Agenda areas include terrorism, climate change and reform of global institutions. A parliamentary forum involves legislators and parliamentary cooperation; it is distinct from a BRICS leaders' summit.

Answer: (a) Tumaini

1. The Democratic Republic of Congo began the Tumaini vaccine trial on 23 October 2026 in Bunia, Ituri province, according to the daily report.
2. Tumaini means hope in Swahili. The study assesses protection against Bundibugyo virus, a cause of Ebola disease.
3. The report says researchers initially test Ervebo for possible cross-protection. Ervebo's existing approval for the Zaire strain does not establish effectiveness against Bundibugyo; that is the research question.
4. The trial uses a ring-vaccination design involving contacts and people at high risk of exposure. Further candidates may be considered later. Trial initiation should not be described as confirmed successful protection.

Answer: (d) 2029

1. ISRO aims to expand India's launch infrastructure to four functional launch pads by 2029. Chairman V Narayanan announced the plan on 24 October 2026.
2. The expansion includes a dedicated SSLV launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, covering approximately 2,000 acres.
3. SSLV means Small Satellite Launch Vehicle. Dedicated infrastructure can support launches for smaller payloads and broaden operational capacity.
4. ISRO also plans greater private-sector participation while continuing its public role. Gaganyaan preparations include uncrewed tests before a crewed mission; announced infrastructure targets remain future plans until completed.

Answer: (b) Culinary arts

1. K Damodharan, known as Chef Damu, was a noted chef, culinary educator, author and television personality. He died in Chennai on 25 October 2026, aged 72.
2. He helped popularise South Indian and Chettinad cuisine and became familiar to Tamil television audiences as a judge on Cooku with Comali.
3. He received the Padma Shri in 2025 for contributions to culinary arts. His career connected professional cooking, public education and popular media.
4. The roundup records his 2010 Guinness achievement of preparing 617 dishes in 24 hours, 30 minutes and 12 seconds. Remember the name, field, recognition and distinctive achievement together.

Answer: (c) Japan

1. Yasuo Fukuda served as Prime Minister of Japan from 2007 to 2008. His death at age 90 on 22 October 2026 was reported on 26 October.
2. He belonged to the Liberal Democratic Party and earlier served as Chief Cabinet Secretary from 2000 to 2004.
3. He was born in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture, in 1936, graduated from Waseda University and entered the House of Representatives in 1990.
4. His premiership emphasised international cooperation and relations with Asian neighbours, particularly China. His father, Takeo Fukuda, also served as prime minister; distinguish the two names in examination questions.

Answer: (a) Intricate cross-hatching

1. Jogen Chowdhury was known for distinctive line work and intricate cross-hatching, combining traditional imagery with modern expression. He died in Kolkata on 25 October 2026, aged 87.
2. He studied at the Government College of Art and Craft in Kolkata and later trained in Paris at the Ecole Nationale Superieure des Beaux-Arts.
3. He served as Keeper of Art at Rashtrapati Bhavan from 1972 to 1987 and also taught at Santiniketan, contributing to art education as well as artistic practice.
4. He represented West Bengal in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2020. Cross-hatching uses intersecting lines to create tone and texture; it should not be confused with a sculpture-casting method.

Answer: (d) 31 October 2027

1. The government extended Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh's tenure until 31 October 2027, one year beyond his scheduled retirement on 31 October 2026.
2. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the extension. The Department of Personnel and Training issued the order.
3. Singh is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre. He assumed charge as Defence Secretary on 1 November 2024, succeeding Giridhar Aramane.
4. The reported order relaxes relevant retirement provisions, including Fundamental Rule 56(d) and applicable All India Services rules. The question tests the extended end date, not his initial assumption-of-office date.

Answer: (b) Kimi Antonelli

1. Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 United States Grand Prix on 25 October 2026, according to the daily roundup.
2. The race took place at the Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas. The 20-year-old Italian started from pole position.
3. Charles Leclerc finished second and Max Verstappen third. Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris completed the reported top five in fourth and fifth positions.
4. The report describes this as Antonelli's ninth Grand Prix win of the season, extending his championship lead. Winning this race did not itself settle the season championship, which remained undecided.

Answer: (c) Ahmedabad

1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat, received hosting rights for the 2029 World Weightlifting Championships, marking India's first hosting of the event, according to the roundup.
2. The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) confirmed the decision after its Executive Board meeting in Ningbo, China, on 25 October 2026.
3. The report also identifies Ahmedabad as the scheduled host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Hosting rights are an announcement for a future event, rather than an event already held.
4. The IWF named Yerevan for the 2027 Senior Championships and Moscow for 2030. Connect each host city with the correct year, and distinguish weightlifting from powerlifting.

Answer: (a) Warli, Gond and Chitrakathi

1. Shabari Naturals received the G-Mark Global Design Award for packaging featuring Warli, Gond and Chitrakathi art forms, according to the 26 October roundup.
2. The recognition is organised by Japan's Institute of Design Promotion. The presentation is scheduled in Tokyo on 4 November 2026.
3. The initiative is managed by the Shabari Tribal Finance and Development Corporation and promotes tribal products such as honey, millets, pulses and spices.
4. The packaging communicates tribal culture, folklore and heritage while supporting product identity. The Prime Minister highlighted the recognition in Mann Ki Baat on 25 October 2026.

Answer: (d) Sitaram Raul

1. Indian wildlife and macro photographer Sitaram Raul won the Behaviour: Invertebrates category for Shifting Sand at the 2026 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
2. The photograph shows an Indian Buthacus scorpion burrowing into sand near Sam village in Rajasthan's Thar Desert.
3. London's Natural History Museum organises the competition. Its reported 62nd edition received 65,403 entries from 121 countries and territories, with an exhibition opening on 16 October 2026.
4. Federico Veronesi won the adult grand title for The Aftermath, an elephant photograph from Namibia. Raul's category award and Veronesi's overall award are separate distinctions.