Daily Current Affairs Quiz 21st October, 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams |

Daily Current Affairs: 21 October 2026

Q1. The 5th edition of the bilateral military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Which country participated for the very first time in this exercise as an observer delegation?

(a) Japan

(b) New Zealand

(d) Singapore

(e) France

Answer: b

Solution:

The 5th edition of the India-Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced on 19 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and will continue until 1 November 2026.
Approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and Australian Army are participating in the exercise.
The Indian Army contingent comprises troops from the Garhwal Rifles and personnel from other arms and services, while the Australian Army contingent includes troops from 13 Brigade.
New Zealand is participating for the first time as an observer delegation.
The exercise is being conducted under the theme “Joint Sub-Conventional Operations in Island and Coastal Environment under Chapter VII of the UN Mandate.”
Its primary objective is to enhance interoperability, jointmanship and operational coordination between the participating armies while developing a common understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in island and coastal terrain.
AUSTRAHIND is an annual bilateral military exercise instituted in 2022, conducted alternately in India and Australia.
The fourth edition was held at Irwin Barracks, Perth, Australia, from 13 to 26 October 2025.

Q2. Indian para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji set a new Games record of 56.36 seconds to secure India’s fifth gold medal at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya. In which track event did she accomplish this victory?

(a) Women’s 100m T20

(b) Women’s 200m T20

(d) Women’s 800m T20

(e) Women’s 1500m T20

Answer: c

Solution:

Indian para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji won the gold medal in the women’s 400m T20 event at the 2026 Asian Para Games.
She recorded a time of 56.36 seconds, setting a new Games record in the event.
Her victory marked India’s fifth gold medal at the competition.

Q3. Arshi Gupta created history by becoming the world’s youngest driver to win the Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) Mini title in Bengaluru. In which category did she win this FMSCI RMC India National Karting Championship 2026?

(a) Micro Max

(b) Mini Max

(d) Senior Max

(e) DD2 Master

Answer: b

Solution:

Arshi Gupta, India’s youngest National Karting Champion, became the world’s youngest driver to win the Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) Mini title.
She won the Mini Max category at the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) RMC India National Karting Championship 2026, held in Bengaluru.
Arshi is also the youngest driver globally to be selected for the F1 Academy Discover Your Drive programme.
She has received the FIA President’s Medal and has secured podium finishes in competitions held in the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

Q4. The World Bank Group launched its first comprehensive digital strategy in Seoul to help developing countries expand affordable digital access and build AI capabilities. Which of the following is NOT one of the four priority pillars identified under this new digital strategy?

(a) Expanding digital connectivity

(b) Making devices and data more affordable

(d) Strengthening digital services and skills

(e) Helping countries build foundations to benefit from artificial intelligence

Answer: c

Solution:

The World Bank Group launched its first comprehensive digital strategy on 20 October 2026 in Seoul, South Korea, to help developing countries expand affordable digital access, improve public services and create employment opportunities.
The strategy brings together the World Bank Group’s public- and private-sector capabilities to support digital development and promote the practical application of technology, including artificial intelligence.
The strategy focuses on four priorities: expanding digital connectivity, making digital devices and data more affordable, strengthening digital services and skills, and helping countries build the foundations needed to benefit from artificial intelligence.
World Bank Group President Ajay Banga emphasised the use of practical and affordable AI tools to improve productivity and public services.
The initiative aims to use digital technology to improve productivity and expand employment opportunities in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, healthcare, tourism and manufacturing.
Developing countries face the challenge of creating sufficient employment while operating under resource constraints, making digital transformation an important part of their development agenda.
Over the next 10–15 years, approximately 1.2 billion young people are expected to reach working age in developing countries, while their economies are projected to generate only around 420 million jobs.

Q5. The Indian Army conducted the joint military exercise ‘Akhand Prahar-II’ in the desert region of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Which two formations of the Indian Army jointly executed this exercise?

(a) White Tiger Brigade & Desert Corps

(b) Black Mace Brigade & Battle Axe Division

(d) Chetak Corps & Konark Corps

(e) Flame Division & Iron Fist Brigade

Answer: b

Solution:

The Indian Army conducted Exercise Akhand Prahar-II in the desert region of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, on or around 18 October 2026.
The exercise was jointly conducted by the Army’s Black Mace Brigade and Battle Axe Division to strengthen combat readiness, technological integration and coordination among military resources.
It followed the successful conduct of Akhand Prahar-I, during which the Army demonstrated its combat preparedness through joint military operations.
The exercise focused on integrating New Generation Equipment (NGEs) and Force Multipliers (FMs) to improve operational effectiveness.
It tested the formations’ preparedness to address the evolving challenges of modern warfare, highlighting the importance of technological advancement, operational coordination and battlefield adaptability.