UPSC Current Affairs — 24 October 2026
7 syllabus-tagged briefs · 5-question sprint · sources named on every item. How this brief is made →
India's First Maritime NBFC Expands Lending Operations
Why in news: SMFCCL, India's first maritime NBFC, has distributed ₹5,107 crore with a target of ₹60,205 crore by 2031.
SMFCCL (Shriram Maritime Financial Company Limited), India's first maritime NBFC, is expanding its lending operations for the maritime sector. The company has already distributed ₹5,107 crore and has set an ambitious target of ₹60,205 crore to be distributed by 2031. This expansion aims to boost financing for maritime and shipping-related activities across India.
Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026 Held
Why in news: India hosted the Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026, reflecting commitment to sustainable dual land-use practices.
India organized the Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026, bringing together stakeholders to discuss sustainable agriculture and renewable energy integration. Agrivoltaics combines solar energy generation with agricultural productivity on the same land, addressing both climate and food security challenges. This conference underscores India's push toward climate-resilient agricultural practices.
Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0: Community-Led Rural Water Management Training
Why in news: DDWS conducted national-level trainer training for community-led rural drinking water management under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) organized a national-level training program for trainers to strengthen community-led rural drinking water management under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0. This initiative focuses on empowering local communities to manage and sustain drinking water systems in rural areas, marking a shift toward decentralized water governance and community participation in service delivery.
Core Sector Growth Accelerates to 7.9% in September
Why in news: Core sector output grew at its fastest rate in the new series, with iron ore leading at 18.4% growth.
India's core sector growth accelerated to 7.9% in September, the fastest rate in the new statistical series. Iron ore output grew by 18.4%, followed by electricity at 11.4%, coal at 10.7%, refinery products at 10.3%, cement at 9.8%, and steel at 4.9%. Fertilizers, natural gas, and crude oil registered lower growth. This acceleration in core sector performance indicates strengthening industrial activity and broad-based economic momentum.
RBI Raises Repo Rate by 25 bps; MPC Split on Tightening Stance
Why in news: RBI raised the repo rate to 5.50% with divided MPC views: four members backed calibrated tightening while two preferred neutral stance.
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%, with all six members supporting the hike. However, MPC minutes reveal divisions on the policy stance: four members backed a shift to calibrated tightening, while two preferred maintaining the neutral stance. This divergence reflects the challenge of balancing inflation control with avoiding unnecessary restrictions on economic growth.
Electoral Integrity Issues: Pilibhit Voter List Irregularities
Why in news: Election officials in Pilibhit face legal action for discrepancies found in the voter list for constituency 127.
Legal action has been ordered against both current and former election officials responsible for irregularities discovered in the voter list for Pilibhit constituency (127). The action reflects the Election Commission's commitment to maintaining electoral integrity and accountability. Such discrepancies in voter rolls undermine the foundation of free and fair elections and necessitate strict administrative measures.
Private Sector Activity Hits Four-Month High as Inflation Cools
Why in news: October saw India's private sector activity reach a four-month high, driven by manufacturing and services expansion amid easing inflation.
India's private sector activity hit a four-month high in October according to HSBC Flash India PMI data, with both manufacturing and services sectors gathering pace. New orders increased and inflationary pressures eased, reflecting moderating price growth. However, hiring growth slowed during the period, suggesting businesses remained cautious about employment expansion despite rising activity levels.
Test yourself: today's 5-question sprint
- ₹3,000 crore distributed; ₹40,000 crore target
- ₹5,107 crore distributed; ₹60,205 crore target
- ₹10,000 crore distributed; ₹75,000 crore target
- ₹2,500 crore distributed; ₹50,000 crore target
Show answer
According to the PIB release on SMFCCL's expansion, the maritime NBFC has distributed ₹5,107 crore with a target of ₹60,205 crore by 2031.
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
- Swachh Bharat Mission
- Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
- National Rural Livelihood Mission
Show answer
The DDWS organized national-level trainer training for community-led rural water management specifically under the Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 framework, as mentioned in brief 3.
- Electricity
- Coal
- Iron ore
- Cement
Show answer
According to the core sector data for September, iron ore output grew at 18.4%, which was the highest growth rate among all core sectors listed.
- One member
- Two members
- Four members
- All six members
Show answer
RBI MPC minutes reveal that while all six members supported the 25 bps rate hike to 5.50%, two members preferred the neutral stance while four backed calibrated tightening.
- Hit a 12-month low due to rising inflation
- Hit a four-month high with easing inflation but slowing hiring
- Remained stagnant with no change in activity levels
- Declined sharply due to manufacturing contraction
Show answer
According to the HSBC Flash India PMI data in brief 7, private sector activity reached a four-month high in October with manufacturing and services gaining pace, new orders increasing, and inflation easing, though hiring growth slowed.
Syllabus-tagged current affairs every morning in the app — English and Hindi, free.
Open UPSCGenie free →