UPSC Current Affairs — 23 October 2026
7 syllabus-tagged briefs · 5-question sprint · sources named on every item. How this brief is made →
PM Daks Scheme: 1.87 Lakh Trained, 96K Employed (2020–24)
Why in news: Updated data released on PM Daks training and placement outcomes.
The PM Daks (Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Vikas) scheme trained 1,87,305 candidates and secured employment for 96,162 of them during 2020–21 to 2023–24. The scheme focuses on skill development to enhance employability. This demonstrates significant progress in bridging the skills gap in India's workforce and supporting youth employment.
AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026 Held in India
Why in news: India hosted a global conference on agrivoltaics technology.
India hosted the AgriVoltaics World Conference 2026, bringing together stakeholders to discuss dual-use solar technology that combines agriculture with power generation. Agrivoltaics allows farmers to maintain crop cultivation while generating renewable energy on the same land. This approach addresses both energy security and agricultural sustainability in a resource-constrained environment.
Browsers Block eMudhra Certificates Over Security Lapse
Why in news: Major browsers including Google and Mozilla suspended eMudhra certificates due to a security vulnerability.
Google, Mozilla, and other major browsers blocked eMudhra digital certificates after a security breach exposed vulnerabilities in India's digital infrastructure. eMudhra is a key certificate authority used for e-governance and digital transactions. This incident highlights systemic weaknesses in India's cybersecurity ecosystem and the risks posed by compromised digital authentication systems.
RBI Torn on Rate Path: Growth Risks Amid Inflation Tightness
Why in news: RBI MPC minutes reveal dissent over calibrated tightening stance adopted in October.
RBI MPC minutes show the 25 bps rate hike to 5.50% was unanimous, but only four of six members backed the shift from neutral to calibrated tightening. Two members preferred maintaining neutral stance, signalling concern over restrictive monetary policy impacting growth. Governor Sanjay Malhotra tied future moves to growth-inflation outlook, reflecting the central bank's balancing act amid economic uncertainty.
Core Sector Growth Accelerates to 7.9% in September
Why in news: Core sector growth reached fastest pace in new series, driven by steel, coal, and electricity.
Core sector infrastructure output accelerated to 7.9% year-on-year in September, the fastest growth in the new index series. Iron ore output surged 18.4%, electricity rose 11.4%, coal climbed 10.7%, and refinery products grew 10.3%. Strong performance across metals and energy sectors reflects robust industrial activity, though sectoral divergence and sustainability of growth remain key concerns.
CCI Approves Mayback-Sahrudaya Healthcare Acquisition
Why in news: Competition Commission cleared a 100% equity acquisition in the healthcare sector.
The Competition Commission of India approved Mayback Asia Holdings II Private Limited's acquisition of 100% equity stake in Sahrudaya Healthcare. The approval reflects CCI's competitive assessment and regulatory clearance for healthcare consolidation. This transaction illustrates ongoing M&A activity and concentration in India's private healthcare sector.
SBI Data Breach: 4,000 Customer Records Exposed
Why in news: State Bank of India disclosed a significant personal data breach affecting thousands of customers.
State Bank of India reported a data breach exposing personal information of nearly 4,000 customers. This incident underscores vulnerabilities in India's banking IT infrastructure and highlights regulatory gaps in mandating breach notification timelines. Such breaches erode customer confidence and raise questions about data protection compliance in critical financial institutions.
Test yourself: today's 5-question sprint
- 1,87,305 trained; 96,162 employed (~51%)
- 1,50,000 trained; 75,000 employed (~50%)
- 2,00,000 trained; 1,00,000 employed (~50%)
- 96,162 trained; 1,87,305 employed (~194%)
Show answer
PM Daks data shows exactly 1,87,305 candidates trained and 96,162 employed, yielding a placement rate of approximately 51% during the four-year period.
- Solar energy storage using agricultural waste; reduces waste
- Dual-use technology combining crop cultivation with on-site renewable power generation on the same land
- Livestock-based biogas production for industrial power needs
- Subsidy scheme for farmers buying solar panels
Show answer
Agrivoltaics enables simultaneous agricultural production and renewable energy generation on the same plot, addressing both food and energy security within resource constraints.
- DigiCert India
- eMudhra
- India Post Payments Bank
- NITI Aayog Digital Services
Show answer
eMudhra digital certificates were suspended by Google, Mozilla, and other browsers following a security lapse, compromising e-governance and digital transaction infrastructure.
- All six members unanimously
- Four out of six members
- Three out of six members
- Two out of six members opposed it
Show answer
While all six MPC members supported the 25 bps rate hike to 5.50%, only four backed the shift to calibrated tightening. Two members preferred maintaining the neutral stance, reflecting concerns about restricting growth.
- Electricity at 11.4%
- Coal at 10.7%
- Iron ore at 18.4%
- Steel at 4.9%
Show answer
Iron ore output grew at 18.4% in September, the fastest rate among all core sectors, followed by electricity at 11.4% and coal at 10.7%.
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