Daily GK — 17 October 2026 · Free Set · 2026-10-17 · 10 questions
Question 1 / 10 · Daily GK
On 16 October 2026, ISRO announced the successful completion of a series of Crew Module–Service Module (CM–SM) separation tests for the Gaganyaan missions. At which ISRO centre was the test setup simulating the overall CM–SM assembly realised?
Correct answer: A
Explanation: ISRO stated that the test setup simulating the overall CM–SM assembly, with extensive instrumentation, was realised at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram.
Source: Indian Space Research Organisation (isro.gov.in), ISRO successfully completes Crew Module-Service Module Separation Tests for Gaganyaan Programme, published 2026-10-16T09:33:48Z
During the Revolt of 1857 at Lucknow, Begum Hazrat Mahal took a leading part against the British. Whom did she proclaim as the Nawab of Awadh?
Correct answer: B
Explanation: Begum Hazrat Mahal proclaimed her young son Birjis Qadr as the Nawab of Awadh and led the resistance at Lucknow. Her husband Wajid Ali Shah had been deposed and sent to Calcutta after the annexation of Awadh in 1856.
Source: NCERT Class 8 Our Pasts III, Ch 5 'When People Rebel: 1857 and After'; NCERT Class 12 Themes in Indian History III, Theme 11 'Rebels and the Raj'
On 16 October 2026, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan commissioned INS Samarthak, the Indian Navy's first indigenous Multi-Purpose Vessel. Where was it commissioned, and which ongoing naval infrastructure project at that location did he highlight?
Correct answer: C
Explanation: INS Samarthak was commissioned at Karwar, Karnataka. The Vice-President referred to Karwar's deep natural harbour and the ongoing development of naval infrastructure there under Project Seabird.
Which of the following national symbols was adopted by the Constituent Assembly BEFORE India became independent?
Correct answer: D
Explanation: The Constituent Assembly adopted the design of the National Flag on 22 July 1947, before independence on 15 August 1947. The National Anthem and the National Song were adopted on 24 January 1950, and the State Emblem on 26 January 1950.
Source: Know India portal (knowindia.india.gov.in) – National Symbols: National Flag, National Anthem, National Song, State Emblem
On 16 October 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw met members of the Indian women's kabaddi team that won gold at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Which option correctly describes that title win?
Correct answer: A
Explanation: India beat Iran 37-34 in the final on 26 September 2026 to defend its Asian Games title. The team was captained by Pushpa Rana and coached by Neeta Moreshwar Dadwe.
Dehra Dun, Kotli Dun and Patli Dun are examples of a particular landform of the Himalayas. What are 'Duns'?
Correct answer: B
Explanation: NCERT states that the longitudinal valleys lying between the Lesser Himalaya and the Shiwaliks are known as Duns. The other options describe Karewas, Bhabar and Terai respectively.
Source: NCERT Class 9 Contemporary India I, Ch 2 Physical Features of India
On 16 October 2026, the Union Environment Ministry announced that two more wetlands had been added to India's list of Ramsar sites. Which option correctly gives India's new Ramsar tally and the two wetlands added?
Correct answer: C
Explanation: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh said India's Ramsar tally reached 103 with the inclusion of Chandigarh's Sukhna Lake and Uttar Pradesh's Sauj Jheel. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance under the 1971 Ramsar Convention.
Source: Akashvani News (newsonair.gov.in), India’s Ramsar site tally reaches 103 with inclusion of Chandigarh’s Sukhna Lake & UP’s Sauj Jheel, says Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh, published 2026-10-16T07:11:03Z
Convex mirrors are preferred as rear-view (wing) mirrors in vehicles. Which statement gives the correct reason?
Correct answer: D
Explanation: A convex mirror always gives a virtual, erect and diminished image, so the driver sees a much wider area behind the vehicle. An erect, enlarged image within the focus is a property of a concave mirror, used for shaving mirrors.
Source: NCERT Class 10 Science, Ch 9 'Light – Reflection and Refraction' (uses of convex mirrors)
As reported on 16 October 2026, the land component of the India–Russia joint military exercise INDRA 2026, which will continue until 23 October, is being held in which region(s) of Russia?
Correct answer: A
Explanation: Akashvani reported that the land component of INDRA 2026 is taking place in Russia's Chelyabinsk Region and the Far East and will continue until 23 October.
Source: Akashvani News (newsonair.gov.in), India-Russia joint military exercise INDRA 2026 underway in Russia, published 2026-10-16T08:13:49Z
On 14 October 2026, the Union Cabinet approved continuing the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) from 2026-27 to 2030-31 and also renamed it. What is the NSAP's new name?
Correct answer: B
Explanation: The Cabinet renamed NSAP as the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Sahayata Yojana. Its sub-schemes were renamed too: for example, IGNOAPS became the Pradhan Mantri Vridhavastha Pension Yojana.