Quiz – 21 October 2026 (Part 1: Q 1–55)

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Quiz – 21 October 2026 (Part 1: Q 1–55) – 54 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.

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1.  
As per IMD classification, rainfall of 64.5–115.5 mm in 24 hours is termed as?

Correct Answer: B [Heavy rain]

Explanation:

Heavy rain (about 7–11 cm). 115.6–204.4 mm is very heavy; 204.5 mm and above is extremely heavy.

2.  
In IMD's colour-coded weather warnings, which colour stands for 'Take action'?

Correct Answer: D [Red]

Explanation:

Red – take action. Orange – be prepared; Yellow – be aware; Green – no warning.

3.  
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) functions under which Union Ministry?

Correct Answer: C [Earth Sciences]

Explanation:

Ministry of Earth Sciences (formed 2006). IMD was set up in 1875; HQ New Delhi.

4.  
In IMD's four-stage cyclone warning system, which first stage is issued 72 hours in advance?

Correct Answer: D [Pre-cyclone Watch]

Explanation:

Pre-cyclone Watch. Then Cyclone Alert (48 h, yellow), Cyclone Warning (24 h, orange), Post-landfall Outlook (12 h, red).

5.  
Tamil Nadu receives about half of its annual rainfall during which season?

Correct Answer: B [Northeast monsoon]

Explanation:

Northeast monsoon (Oct–Dec) – about 48%. Lying in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats, the State gets only about 36% from the SW monsoon.

6.  
The nationwide 'Green Diwali' campaign (20 Oct – 8 Nov 2026) was launched by the EIACP centre of which organisation?

Correct Answer: D [WWF-India]

Explanation:

WWF-India; EIACP is funded by MoEFCC. The campaign is aligned with Mission LiFE.

7.  
Which CSIR laboratory developed the 'green crackers' SWAS, STAR and SAFAL?

Correct Answer: B [CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur]

Explanation:

CSIR-NEERI (National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), Nagpur. They emit about 30% less pollution.

8.  
Which Union Ministry launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019?

Correct Answer: A [Environment, Forest & Climate]

Explanation:

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It aims to cut PM10 levels in its cities.

9.  
Sivakasi, India's fireworks capital, is located in which district?

Correct Answer: A [Virudhunagar]

Explanation:

Virudhunagar district. Sivakasi is famed for fireworks, matches and printing; it is called 'Kutty Japan'.

10.  
Which gas is NOT used in calculating India's Air Quality Index (AQI)?

Correct Answer: D [Carbon dioxide]

Explanation:

Carbon dioxide. AQI's 8 pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3 and lead.

11.  
Which country topped the 'Quality of Care Perception Index' in the Ipsos Health Service Report 2026?

Correct Answer: C [Malaysia]

Explanation:

Malaysia (72%). India was 3rd, jointly with Singapore; Ipsos is headquartered in Paris (France).

12.  
Which body implements Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)?

Correct Answer: D [National Health Authority]

Explanation:

National Health Authority (NHA). PM-JAY was launched at Ranchi in 2018; ₹5 lakh cover per family per year.

13.  
'Public health and sanitation; hospitals and dispensaries' is placed in which list of the Seventh Schedule?

Correct Answer: A [State List]

Explanation:

State List (Entry 6). Population control & family planning and medical education are in the Concurrent List.

14.  
Which Article makes raising nutrition and the standard of living and improving public health a duty of the State?

Correct Answer: D [Article 47]

Explanation:

Article 47 (DPSP); it also mentions prohibition of intoxicating drinks. Courts read the right to health into Article 21.

15.  
Tamil Nadu's 'Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam' scheme was launched in 2021 in which district?

Correct Answer: C [Krishnagiri]

Explanation:

Krishnagiri (5 Aug 2021). The scheme won the UN Inter-Agency Task Force (UNIATF) award in 2024.

16.  
Which body set up the 200-tonne-per-day biogas plant opened at Goyla Dairy, Delhi, in Oct 2026?

Correct Answer: D [Municipal Corp. of Delhi]

Explanation:

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) – ₹16 crore. The CBG produced goes to Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL).

17.  
Which combustible gas forms the major part of biogas?

Correct Answer: B [Methane]

Explanation:

Methane (about 45–75%); the rest is mostly carbon dioxide. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.

18.  
By which process is biogas produced from cow dung?

Correct Answer: C [Anaerobic digestion]

Explanation:

Anaerobic digestion – microbes break down waste without oxygen. The leftover slurry is a good organic manure.

19.  
Which department is the nodal agency for GOBARdhan, which turns cattle dung into biogas and manure?

Correct Answer: D [Drinking Water & Sanitation]

Explanation:

Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti; launched 2018 – part of Swachh Bharat (Grameen).

20.  
Which Union Ministry launched the SATAT initiative to promote Compressed Biogas (CBG)?

Correct Answer: C [Petroleum & Natural Gas]

Explanation:

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (1 Oct 2018). SATAT – Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation; target 5,000 CBG plants.

21.  
Vummidi Ethiraj, who died on 21 Oct 2026, is associated with which of the following?

Correct Answer: A [Crafting the Sengol (1947)]

Explanation:

Patriarch of the Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers family; at 20 he took part in making the Sengol in 1947. Rupee symbol – D. Udaya Kumar (2010); new Parliament – Bimal Patel.

22.  
Which Saiva mutt presented the Sengol to Nehru on the night of 14 August 1947?

Correct Answer: D [Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam]

Explanation:

Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam (Mayiladuthurai district). Thirugnana Sambandar's 'Kolaru Pathigam' was sung at the presentation.

23.  
Which figure sits atop the Sengol as a symbol of justice and righteousness?

Correct Answer: B [Nandi]

Explanation:

Nandi (seated). The Sengol is silver with gold plating, about 5 feet long.

24.  
In the Thirukkural, the chapter 'Sengonmai' belongs to which section?

Correct Answer: C [Porutpal]

Explanation:

Porutpal – chapter 55, in the Arasiyal section. The next chapter is 'Kodungonmai' (56).

25.  
Before its installation in Parliament in 2023, where was the Sengol kept for decades?

Correct Answer: A [Allahabad Museum]

Explanation:

Allahabad (Prayagraj) Museum – with Nehru's belongings. It was installed near the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair on 28 May 2023.

26.  
Which department of the Union Finance Ministry runs the financial inclusion saturation campaign of 21 Oct – 31 Dec 2026?

Correct Answer: A [Dept of Financial Services]

Explanation:

Department of Financial Services (DFS) – handles banks, insurance and pension schemes. The Finance Ministry has 6 departments.

27.  
'Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana' has been launched for

Correct Answer: D [Promoting financial inclusion]

Explanation:

Financial inclusion – launched 28 Aug 2014; zero-balance account, RuPay card, accident cover. (Modelled on UPSC Prelims 2015.)

28.  
'Atal Pension Yojana' (APY) is administered by which regulator?

Correct Answer: B [PFRDA]

Explanation:

PFRDA – Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Act of 2013). APY is a guaranteed pension scheme mainly for unorganised-sector workers.

29.  
Which bank is the convenor of the State Level Bankers' Committee (SLBC), Tamil Nadu?

Correct Answer: D [Indian Overseas Bank]

Explanation:

Indian Overseas Bank (headquartered in Chennai, founded in 1937 by M.Ct.M. Chidambaram Chettiar). SLBCs were set up in 1977.

30.  
The Lead Bank Scheme of 1969 was based on the recommendation of which body?

Correct Answer: D [Gadgil Study Group]

Explanation:

D.R. Gadgil Study Group ('area approach'); the Nariman Committee endorsed it. Narasimham Committees (1991, 1998) – banking reforms.

31.  
Where in Chennai was the European bee-eater recorded for the first time in Oct 2026?

Correct Answer: B [Adyar estuary]

Explanation:

The 'Broken Bridge' near the Adyar estuary – 11 Oct 2026; the record was accepted on eBird.

32.  
Bee-eaters (Meropidae), along with kingfishers, belong to which order?

Correct Answer: A [Coraciiformes]

Explanation:

Coraciiformes – rollers too. Bee-eaters are not passerines (Passeriformes). Psittaciformes – parrots.

33.  
Vedanthangal, India's oldest bird sanctuary, is now in which district?

Correct Answer: A [Chengalpattu]

Explanation:

Chengalpattu (Madurantakam taluk; part of Kancheepuram district until 2019). Sanctuary in 1936; Ramsar site in 2022.

34.  
The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS – Bonn Convention) works under which body?

Correct Answer: C [UNEP]

Explanation:

UNEP (UN Environment Programme). Adopted 1979, in force 1983; COP13 – Gandhinagar (2020).

35.  
Which of the following Chennai wetlands has been designated a Ramsar site?

Correct Answer: A [Pallikaranai Marsh]

Explanation:

Pallikaranai Marsh – Ramsar site in 2022; one of Chennai's last natural marshes. Ramsar Convention – 1971, Iran.

36.  
Which two groups are negotiating with the Centre on Ladakh's governance framework?

Correct Answer: B [Leh Apex Body & KDA]

Explanation:

Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) – they rejected the 15 Oct draft; next round 22 Oct, New Delhi.

37.  
Under Article 240, who has the power to make regulations for certain Union Territories?

Correct Answer: C [President]

Explanation:

The President – such regulations have the force of an Act of Parliament and can amend or repeal existing laws.

38.  
The Sixth Schedule, demanded by Ladakh, applies to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and which other State?

Correct Answer: C [Mizoram]

Explanation:

Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram (Art 244(2)) – autonomous district councils with powers over land, forests and customary law.

39.  
Ladakh became a Union Territory under which Act?

Correct Answer: A [J&K Reorganisation, 2019]

Explanation:

J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 – a UT without a legislature from 31 Oct 2019; the Leh and Kargil hill councils (1995, 2003) continue.

40.  
Which Article of the Constitution provides for a legislature for the Union Territory of Puducherry?

Correct Answer: D [Article 239A]

Explanation:

Article 239A (14th Amendment, 1962). Delhi – 239AA (69th Amendment, 1991). Ladakh has no legislature.

41.  
The Ladakh Bench opened at Leh in Oct 2026 belongs to which High Court?

Correct Answer: D [J&K and Ladakh]

Explanation:

The common High Court of J&K and Ladakh; CJI Surya Kant inaugurated the Ladakh Bench on 18 Oct 2026.

42.  
Which Article of the Constitution provides for a common High Court for two or more States?

Correct Answer: B [Article 231]

Explanation:

Art 231 – Parliament may by law set up a common High Court. Art 214 – a High Court for each State.

43.  
Under Article 217, who appoints the judges of a High Court?

Correct Answer: C [President of India]

Explanation:

The President – after consulting the CJI, the Governor and the HC Chief Justice; retirement age is 62.

44.  
The jurisdiction of the Madras High Court also extends to which Union Territory?

Correct Answer: D [Puducherry]

Explanation:

Puducherry. Lakshadweep comes under the Kerala HC; Andaman & Nicobar under the Calcutta HC.

45.  
The Chartered High Courts of Madras, Calcutta and Bombay were set up under which Act?

Correct Answer: D [Indian High Courts Act, 1861]

Explanation:

Indian High Courts Act, 1861; the Madras HC began on 15 Aug 1862. Its Madurai Bench – 2004.

46.  
UDAN, which has completed 10 years, was conceived under which policy?

Correct Answer: B [National Civil Aviation Policy]

Explanation:

National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016; UDAN was launched on 21 Oct 2016.

47.  
Which is the implementing agency of the UDAN scheme?

Correct Answer: C [Airports Authority of India]

Explanation:

Airports Authority of India (AAI), set up under a 1994 Act. DGCA is the aviation safety regulator.

48.  
On which route did the first UDAN flight (April 2017) operate?

Correct Answer: B [Shimla–Delhi]

Explanation:

Shimla–Delhi (27 Apr 2017). Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh.

49.  
The financial support given to airlines flying UDAN routes is called:

Correct Answer: A [Viability Gap Funding]

Explanation:

VGF – compensates airlines for capped-fare seats; drawn from the Regional Connectivity Fund, shared by Centre and States.

50.  
Which Tamil Nadu airport resumed operations under UDAN in March 2018 with a service to Chennai?

Correct Answer: B [Salem]

Explanation:

Salem (Kamalapuram) – TruJet Chennai–Salem service, 25 Mar 2018. Neyveli and Vellore airports also got UDAN funds.

51.  
'Swavlamban', the innovation and indigenisation seminar holding its 5th edition in Oct 2026, is hosted by:

Correct Answer: C [Indian Navy]

Explanation:

The Indian Navy – 26–27 Oct 2026, Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The first edition was in 2022.

52.  
Which body did the Indian Navy set up in 2020 to drive innovation and indigenisation?

Correct Answer: A [NIIO]

Explanation:

Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) – launched by Rajnath Singh; it includes N-TAC and TDAC.

53.  
Which body funds and manages iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence)?

Correct Answer: D [Defence Innovation Organisation]

Explanation:

Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) – a Section 8 company founded by HAL and BEL; iDEX was launched in April 2018.

54.  
At the first Swavlamban (July 2022), what did the PM unveil to induct 75 indigenous technologies into the Navy?

Correct Answer: D [SPRINT challenges]

Explanation:

SPRINT – 'Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO and TDAC'; linked to Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

📰 Read the news behind these questions
› How are rain warnings issued? – IMD rainfall categories and colour-coded warnings explained › Nationwide 'Green Diwali' campaign, 20 Oct – 8 Nov – launched by WWF-India's EIACP centre; appeal to avoid firecrackers › Ipsos Quality of Care Perception Index 2026 – India 3rd among 32 countries (joint with Singapore); Malaysia tops › Delhi CM Rekha Gupta opens 200-tonne-per-day cow-dung biogas plant at Goyla Dairy (19 Oct) › Vummidi Ethiraj (99), who crafted the Sengol given to Nehru in 1947 and installed in the new Parliament in 2023, passes away › Nationwide financial inclusion saturation campaign from 21 Oct to 31 Dec – 2.70 lakh gram panchayats and urban local bodies › European bee-eater recorded in Chennai for the first time – near the Adyar estuary › Centre's draft for Ladakh: a directly elected body, with the Lieutenant Governor keeping the final say on laws › Ladakh Bench of the J&K and Ladakh High Court opens at Melongthang, Leh – India's highest HC bench; 4 initiatives incl. 'Green Wall', e-Filing › UDAN regional air connectivity scheme completes 10 years (launched 21 Oct 2016)
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