Quiz – 21 October 2026 (Part 2: Q 56–110) | Online Quiz

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Quiz – 21 October 2026 (Part 2: Q 56–110) – 55 questions, subject: Current Affairs. Every question has the correct answer with a one-line explanation; tap "Show Answer". Free practice for TNPSC, UPSC, SSC, Bank and RRB exams – Shanmugam IAS Academy, Coimbatore.

New Zealand's FTA with India came into force in Oct 2026. What is New Zealand's capital?

Correct Answer: D [Wellington]

Explanation:

Wellington – at the southern tip of the North Island. Auckland is the largest city; Canberra is Australia's capital.

Which major sector did India keep out of tariff concessions in the India–NZ FTA?

Correct Answer: C [Dairy]

Explanation:

Dairy – New Zealand's key export; sugar and edible oils were also excluded. India is the world's largest milk producer.

From which mega trade-pact negotiation did India walk out in 2019?

Correct Answer: A [RCEP]

Explanation:

RCEP – 10 ASEAN members + China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand; in force from 1 Jan 2022.

With which country has India signed the 'Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement' (ECTA)?

Correct Answer: D [Australia]

Explanation:

Australia (in force from Dec 2022). UAE – CEPA; UK – CETA; Mauritius – CECPA.

'Tariff lines' in trade agreements are based on which international coding system?

Correct Answer: C [Harmonized System (HS)]

Explanation:

Harmonized System (HS) – developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO); 6 digits globally, 8-digit ITC-HS in India.

The CCO's 'SUVIKALP' tool, which won the SKOCH Gold Award 2026, relates to:

Correct Answer: D [Repurposing closed-mine land]

Explanation:

A digital tool ranking post-mining land-reuse options; it includes the PRISM model.

Which of the following is a role of the Coal Controller's Organisation (CCO)?

Correct Answer: C [Main source of coal statistics]

Explanation:

It is the statistical authority for coal and lignite; head office Kolkata. Mine safety is DGMS's job (Dhanbad).

Which of the following types of coal has the highest carbon content?

Correct Answer: B [Anthracite]

Explanation:

Anthracite – the highest-grade coal. Lignite (brown coal) has low carbon and high moisture.

Lignite at Neyveli was discovered while digging a well on whose land?

Correct Answer: D [T.M. Jambulingam Mudaliar]

Explanation:

T.M. Jambulingam Mudaliar (1934). NLC India was formed in 1956; HQ Neyveli, Cuddalore district.

10.

Where is the headquarters of Coal India Limited, a Maharatna company?

Correct Answer: B [Kolkata]

Explanation:

Kolkata; formed in 1975. Non-coking coal mines were nationalised under the 1973 Act.

11.

Toripalimab, recently approved by the DCGI for oesophageal cancer, is which type of drug?

Correct Answer: D [Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody]

Explanation:

An immunotherapy that blocks PD-1 so T-cells can attack cancer; developed by China's Junshi Biosciences, marketed in India by Dr. Reddy's.

12.

The DCGI approves new drugs in India mainly under which law?

Correct Answer: C [Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940]

Explanation:

Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, with the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 under it. The DCGI heads the CDSCO.

13.

Who won the Medicine Nobel for cancer therapy by blocking PD-1 and CTLA-4?

Correct Answer: B [Allison, Honjo]

Explanation:

2018 – Allison (CTLA-4) and Honjo (PD-1). Doudna–Charpentier: CRISPR (Chemistry 2020); Kariko–Weissman: mRNA vaccines (2023).

14.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, toripalimab's first Indian indication, is closely linked to which virus?

Correct Answer: A [Epstein–Barr virus]

Explanation:

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV); NPC is commonest in India's North-East. HPV causes cervical cancer; hepatitis B, liver cancer.

15.

Where is the South Zone office of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)?

Correct Answer: B [Chennai]

Explanation:

Chennai. Other zonal offices include Ghaziabad (North), Kolkata (East), Mumbai (West); CDSCO HQ – New Delhi.

16.

The Udanti–Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, where 500+ girdled trees will get 'tree surgery', is in which State?

Correct Answer: D [Chhattisgarh]

Explanation:

Chhattisgarh – Gariaband and Dhamtari districts; a tiger reserve since 2009. Another Chhattisgarh reserve – Indravati (Bijapur).

17.

Which method, joining a healthy twig across the damaged bark, is to be used to save the girdled trees?

Correct Answer: B [Bridge grafting]

Explanation:

Bridge grafting reconnects the food-transport path across the wound; it works better before the monsoon.

18.

Girdling (removing a ring of bark) kills a tree mainly because it cuts which tissue?

Correct Answer: C [Phloem]

Explanation:

Phloem carries food from the leaves to the roots; cutting it starves the roots. Xylem carries water and minerals upward.

19.

Which endangered animal, Chhattisgarh's State animal, is a key species of Udanti–Sitanadi?

Correct Answer: A [Wild water buffalo]

Explanation:

Asiatic wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee). The barasingha is Madhya Pradesh's State animal (Kanha).

20.

Which is the State tree of Tamil Nadu?

Correct Answer: C [Palmyra palm]

Explanation:

Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer). Tree protection: Chipko (1973, Uttarakhand); Appiko (1983, Karnataka) – the 'Chipko of the South'.

21.

Where is Ladakh's first Government Medical College, to start in the 2027–28 academic year, located?

Correct Answer: D [Leh]

Explanation:

Leh – the permanent campus is coming up at Spituk Pharka; 103 regular posts sanctioned.

22.

Which body, created by a 2019 Act, replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) as regulator of medical education?

Correct Answer: A [National Medical Commission]

Explanation:

The National Medical Commission (NMC) – functioning since 25 Sep 2020; it permits new colleges and seats.

23.

Which agency conducts NEET-UG, the all-India entrance test for MBBS admission?

Correct Answer: B [National Testing Agency (NTA)]

Explanation:

NTA has conducted NEET since 2019; CBSE conducted it earlier. NTA is under the Union Ministry of Education.

24.

The National Institute of Sowa-Rigpa at Leh, for Ladakh's traditional medicine, comes under which ministry?

Correct Answer: B [AYUSH]

Explanation:

Ministry of AYUSH – an autonomous institute (Cabinet approval Nov 2019). Sowa-Rigpa is also called 'Amchi' medicine.

25.

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy, an alumna of Madras Medical College, is known as British India's first woman to –

Correct Answer: C [Become a legislator]

Explanation:

Nominated to the Madras Legislative Council in 1926 and became its Deputy President; campaigned to abolish the Devadasi system. Madras Medical College dates from 1835.

26.

Which Union Minister launched the upgraded 'Agri Welfare Portal' in Oct 2026?

Correct Answer: A [Shivraj Singh Chouhan]

Explanation:

Shivraj Singh Chouhan – Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development (former MP CM). It integrates PM-KISAN, AgriStack and PMFBY.

27.

'AgriStack', with a farmers' registry and geo-referenced maps, is a core part of which mission?

Correct Answer: C [Digital Agriculture Mission]

Explanation:

Digital Agriculture Mission – approved Sep 2024; its other pillar is the Krishi Decision Support System. PM-KUSUM is for solar pumps.

28.

Which institution prepared the model scheme of the Kisan Credit Card (1998)?

Correct Answer: B [NABARD]

Explanation:

NABARD – on the R.V. Gupta Committee's advice. KCC was extended to fisheries and animal husbandry in 2019.

29.

India's first Krishi Vigyan Kendra (1974, Puducherry) was started under which institution?

Correct Answer: A [Tamil Nadu Agricultural Univ.]

Explanation:

Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – on the Mohan Singh Mehta Committee's advice. Training for the new portal will also be through KVKs.

30.

Where was the Soil Health Card scheme launched in 2015?

Correct Answer: A [Suratgarh, Rajasthan]

Explanation:

Suratgarh (Rajasthan), 19 Feb 2015. PM-KISAN – Gorakhpur (2019); PMFBY – launch event at Sehore (2016).

31.

Where is the 5th edition of the India–Australia joint military exercise 'AUSTRAHIND 2026' being held?

Correct Answer: B [Thiruvananthapuram]

Explanation:

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Foreign Training Node, 19 Oct – 1 Nov 2026. The 4th edition was at Perth (2025).

32.

Chapter VII of the UN Charter, cited in AUSTRAHIND's theme, deals with –

Correct Answer: B [Threats to peace & aggression]

Explanation:

Chapter VII (Articles 39–51) – Security Council sanctions and use of force. Chapter VI covers peaceful settlement.

33.

Which is the bilateral exercise between the navies of India and Australia?

Correct Answer: D [AUSINDEX]

Explanation:

AUSINDEX (since 2015). Pitch Black – multinational air exercise hosted by Australia; Varuna – India–France navies; Malabar – multilateral.

34.

Along with India, Australia and Japan, which is the fourth member of the QUAD?

Correct Answer: B [United States]

Explanation:

The United States. The QUAD was revived in 2017; the same four navies take part in the 'Malabar' exercise.

35.

Who led the struggle that merged Travancore areas with Madras State in 1956, forming Kanyakumari district?

Correct Answer: A [Marshal A. Nesamony]

Explanation:

Marshal A. Nesamony – Travancore Tamil Nadu Congress; hailed as 'Father of Kumari'. Ma. Po. Si led the northern-border (Tiruttani) struggle.

36.

Beijing, projected to become 'super-aged' by 2035, is administratively a –

Correct Answer: B [Centrally-run municipality]

Explanation:

Beijing is a municipality directly under the central government, like Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing. Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions.

37.

Among the following, which country has the highest share of population aged 65 and above?

Correct Answer: C [Japan]

Explanation:

Japan's 65+ share is 29.6% (Sept 2026); Italy 25.6%. A society with over 20% aged 65+ is termed 'super-aged' internationally.

38.

Which institution prepared the 'India Ageing Report 2023' along with UNFPA?

Correct Answer: A [IIPS, Mumbai]

Explanation:

International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai. The same institute conducts LASI and the National Family Health Survey (NFHS).

39.

As per the SRS Statistical Report 2023, which State has the highest share of population aged 60+?

Correct Answer: A [Kerala]

Explanation:

Kerala 15.1% – first; Tamil Nadu 14% – second; Himachal Pradesh 13.2%. National average 9.7%.

40.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 provides for –

Correct Answer: B [Maintenance Tribunals]

Explanation:

Maintenance Tribunals at sub-division level let parents claim maintenance from children/relatives. International Day of Older Persons – 1 Oct.

41.

Which body runs the World Osteoporosis Day campaign every year on 20 October?

Correct Answer: A [Intl. Osteoporosis Foundation]

Explanation:

IOF (HQ Nyon, Switzerland) has run it since 1997; 2026 theme 'Build, Protect and Strengthen Your Bones for Life'.

42.

Which calcium-rich millet is supplied through Tamil Nadu ration shops in the Nilgiris and Dharmapuri?

Correct Answer: D [Finger millet (Ragi)]

Explanation:

Ragi (finger millet) – 2 kg per family card. Among millets, ragi is the richest in calcium.

43.

What does the term 'osteoporosis' literally mean?

Correct Answer: A [Porous bone]

Explanation:

Greek: osteon = bone, poros = pore. It is called a 'silent disease' as it progresses without symptoms.

44.

Which is the standard test to measure bone mineral density (BMD)?

Correct Answer: C [DEXA scan]

Explanation:

DEXA = Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. On the WHO scale, a T-score of −2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.

45.

Which disease softens bones in adults due to vitamin D deficiency?

Correct Answer: C [Osteomalacia]

Explanation:

In children the same deficiency causes rickets. Vitamin D is the 'sunshine vitamin' – made in skin by UV-B rays.

46.

Police Commemoration Day (21 Oct) recalls the 1959 killing of CRPF men by Chinese troops at –

Correct Answer: A [Hot Springs, Ladakh]

Explanation:

21 Oct 1959 – 10 CRPF personnel killed at Hot Springs. The Galwan clash (June 2020) involved the Indian Army.

47.

Where is the National Police Memorial located?

Correct Answer: C [Chanakyapuri, New Delhi]

Explanation:

Dedicated to the nation by the PM on 21 Oct 2018; it has a 30-ft granite central sculpture, the Wall of Valour and a museum.

48.

In the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, 'Police' is placed in the –

Correct Answer: C [State List]

Explanation:

State List Entry 2 – Police; Entry 1 – Public order. Distribution of powers among the lists – Article 246.

49.

The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) functions under which Ministry?

Correct Answer: B [Home Affairs]

Explanation:

BPR&D was set up on 28 Aug 1970 under the Union Home Ministry; it focuses on police modernisation, research and training.

50.

Where was Tamil Nadu's first All Women Police Station opened in 1992?

Correct Answer: A [Thousand Lights, Chennai]

Explanation:

Opened by then CM J. Jayalalithaa. India's first all-women police station – Kozhikode, Kerala (1973).

51.

Iodine is an essential component of which hormone produced by the thyroid gland?

Correct Answer: C [Thyroxine]

Explanation:

Thyroxine (T4) regulates metabolism; lack of iodine makes the thyroid swell, causing goitre.

52.

Severe iodine deficiency in pregnancy causes stunted mental and physical growth in the child, known as –

Correct Answer: A [Cretinism]

Explanation:

Cretinism – intellectual disability, deaf-mutism, stunting. Kwashiorkor and marasmus are protein-energy malnutrition diseases.

53.

Which chemical is used to iodise edible salt in India?

Correct Answer: A [Potassium iodate]

Explanation:

Potassium iodate is made in India but the iodine raw material is imported. Silver iodide is used for cloud seeding.

54.

The National Goitre Control Programme (1962) was expanded in 1992 and renamed as –

Correct Answer: B [NIDDCP]

Explanation:

NIDDCP – National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Programme; goals: cut IDD prevalence below 5% and ensure adequately iodised salt in every household.

55.

Who led the Vedaranyam Salt Satyagraha in Tamil Nadu in 1930?

Correct Answer: B [C. Rajagopalachari]

Explanation:

Rajaji's team marched from Tiruchirappalli and made salt at Vedaranyam on 30 April 1930. Today Thoothukudi leads Tamil Nadu's salt output.

📘 Study the subjects of these questions fully

TNPSC பொது அறிவு அலகு II — இந்தியாவின் புவியியல் (Geography of India) – முழுமையான பாடநூல் – ₹299

இந்தியப் புவியியல் — முந்தைய ஆண்டு வினா – விடை – விளக்கம் (2020 – 2026) – ₹149

TNPSC பொது அறிவு அலகு I — பொது அறிவியல் (General Science) – முழுமையான பாடநூல் – ₹149

பொது அறிவியல் — முந்தைய ஆண்டு வினா – விடை – விளக்கம் (2020 – 2026) – ₹149

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