Karnataka Current Affairs October 2026

The most important current affairs of October 2026 for Karnataka competitive exams — KPSC KAS, PSI, FDA, SDA, PDO, PC and TET — as practice MCQs. Try each question, then open “Show answer” for the explanation.

1. According to the notification issued on September 25, 2026, the jurisdiction of the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has been expanded to cover which of the following districts entirely?

(A) Bengaluru Rural
(B) Bengaluru Urban
(C) Ramanagara
(D) Chikkaballapur

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Answer: (B) Bengaluru Urban

The Karnataka government expanded the jurisdiction of the BWSSB to cover the entire Bengaluru Urban district, extending its authority across all five taluks: Bengaluru North, East, South, Yelahanka, and Anekal.

2. Which revered seer has been announced by the Karnataka government to inaugurate the world-famous Mysuru Dasara 2026?

(A) Sri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji
(B) Sri Shivakumara Swamiji
(C) Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji
(D) Sri Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji

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Answer: (C) Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji

The Karnataka government announced that Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji, the revered seer of the Koppal Gavimath, will officially inaugurate the state festival (Nada Habba) on October 11, 2026.

3. Under the Yuva Sangam Phase VII initiative, the 53-member youth delegation from Karnataka is scheduled to visit which of the following cities in October 2026?

(A) Bhopal
(B) Indore
(C) Gwalior
(D) Jabalpur

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Answer: (A) Bhopal

Under Yuva Sangam Phase VII, a 53-member delegation from Karnataka will visit Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from October 10 to 17, 2026. Simultaneously, a 51-member youth delegation from Madhya Pradesh will visit Kalaburagi.

4. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution are all minorities, whether based on religion or language, granted the fundamental right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice?

(A) Article 28
(B) Article 29
(C) Article 31
(D) Article 30

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Answer: (D) Article 30

Article 30 of the Indian Constitution grants all minorities, whether based on religion or language, the fundamental right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.

5. Which of the following public sector undertakings of Karnataka was established in 1980 as India's first eco-tourism company, managing wildlife and adventure resorts?

(A) Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR)
(B) Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC)
(C) Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB)
(D) Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)

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Answer: (A) Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR)

Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) was established in 1980 as a public sector undertaking of Karnataka. It is India's first eco-tourism company and manages various wildlife and adventure resorts across the state.

6. What is the shareholding pattern between industry and government in the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM)?

(A) 50% industry shareholding and 50% government shareholding
(B) 51% industry shareholding and 49% government shareholding
(C) 60% industry shareholding and 40% government shareholding
(D) 75% industry shareholding and 25% government shareholding

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Answer: (B) 51% industry shareholding and 49% government shareholding

KDEM was established with 51% industry shareholding and 49% government shareholding to expand Karnataka's digital economy. It aims to grow the state's digital economy and support initiatives like Green AI and Beyond Bengaluru.

7. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) was established as a statutory body under which of the following Acts?

(A) Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Act, 1966
(B) Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964
(C) Karnataka Industries (Facilitation) Act, 2002
(D) Karnataka Municipal Corporations Act, 1976

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Answer: (A) Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Act, 1966

KIADB was established under the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Act, 1966. It operates as a statutory body under the Department of Commerce and Industries to acquire land and develop industrial infrastructure across Karnataka.

8. According to the official announcement made in October 2026, Udupi district was declared a fully literate district under the ULLAS framework after achieving a literacy rate exceeding what percentage?

(A) 90%
(B) 92%
(C) 98%
(D) 95%

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Answer: (D) 95%

Udupi district achieved a literacy rate exceeding 95% as per central guidelines, leading to its official declaration as a fully literate district on October 14, 2026. This achievement was accomplished through adult literacy initiatives across 155 Gram Panchayats and eight urban local bodies under the ULLAS framework.

9. Tumakuru Industrial Smart City, highlighted as a major industrial manufacturing node during bilateral trade discussions with foreign delegations, is being developed under which industrial corridor?

(A) Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor
(B) Hyderabad-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
(C) Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
(D) Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor

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Answer: (D) Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor

Tumakuru Industrial Smart City is spread over 8,500 acres and is being developed as part of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC). It is being executed under the National Industrial Corridor programme.

10. Which Constitutional Amendment Act inserted Article 21A into the Constitution of India, making free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6 to 14 years?

(A) 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002
(B) 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978
(C) 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003
(D) 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992

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Answer: (A) 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002

Article 21A was inserted by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002, making free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6 to 14. This constitutional mandate forms the foundation for adult and lifelong literacy frameworks like the ULLAS scheme.

National & international current affairs October 2026

11. Which city has been announced as the host for the G7 Summit in 2027?

(A) Evian-les-Bains, France
(B) Camp David, USA
(C) Apulia, Italy
(D) Hiroshima, Japan

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Answer: (B) Camp David, USA

As the 2026 G7 Summit concluded in France, the torch was passed to the US to host the 2027 G7 Summit. While the specific city within the US is often subject to change or speculation, Camp David has been a traditional venue for such high-level meetings.

12. What is the primary objective of the Karnataka government's recently launched 'Namma Digital Sakhi' program for rural women?

(A) To provide free smartphones to all rural women above 18 years of age
(B) To enhance digital literacy and financial inclusion among rural women
(C) To establish women-led e-commerce platforms in every village
(D) To offer vocational training in IT-related fields to rural women

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Answer: (B) To enhance digital literacy and financial inclusion among rural women

The 'Namma Digital Sakhi' program, similar to the national PMGDISHA, primarily aims to bridge the rural digital divide by enhancing digital literacy and promoting financial inclusion among rural women. It focuses on empowering women to use digital tools for economic participation and social agency, moving beyond basic communication.

13. Consider the following statements regarding India's Arctic research station, Himadri:

1. Himadri is India's first permanent Arctic research station, located in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway.
2. It is operated by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
3. The primary focus of research at Himadri is limited to glaciology and atmospheric sciences.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(A) 1 and 2 only
(B) 2 and 3 only
(C) 1 and 3 only
(D) 1, 2 and 3

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Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only

Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Himadri is indeed India's first Arctic research station, located in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway, and is operated by NCPOR under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Statement 3 is incorrect. While glaciology and atmospheric sciences are key areas, India's Arctic research at Himadri also includes biological, marine, and earth sciences, focusing on climate change and its impacts.

14. To address healthcare deficits in rural areas, the Karnataka government recently directed government and private medical colleges to adopt which of the following?

(A) District Hospitals and Super Speciality Centres
(B) Taluk Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
(C) Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) Centres
(D) Private Nursing Homes and Diagnostic Labs

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Answer: (B) Taluk Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs)

The Karnataka government has directed government and private medical colleges to adopt taluk hospitals, community health centres (CHCs), and primary health centres (PHCs). This initiative aims to improve access to specialist treatment in rural areas and strengthen local healthcare. District-level agreements will define responsibilities for providing specialists in various fields like gynaecology, anaesthesia, paediatrics, and orthopaedics, thereby reducing unnecessary referrals to district hospitals.

15. Consider the following statements regarding the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting scheduled for October 2026:

1. The MPC is expected to convene from October 5 to 7, with the policy outcome announced on October 7.
2. Economists widely anticipate a 25 basis points reduction in the repo rate to stimulate economic growth.
3. This potential rate change would be the first adjustment to the repo rate since February 2023.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(A) 1 and 3 only
(B) 1 and 2 only
(C) 2 and 3 only
(D) All three

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Answer: (A) 1 and 3 only

Statement 1 is correct; the RBI's MPC is scheduled to meet from October 5 to 7, 2026, with the policy decision announced on October 7. Statement 2 is incorrect; economists widely anticipate a 25 basis points *hike* in the repo rate, not a reduction, due to rising inflation. Statement 3 is correct; if a hike occurs, it would be the first repo rate adjustment since February 2023.

16. What is the primary objective of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Digital Lending Guidelines 2026, as highlighted in recent discussions?

(A) To enhance consumer protection and ensure transparency in digital lending practices.
(B) To promote rapid expansion of unregulated digital lending platforms across India.
(C) To mandate a uniform interest rate for all digital loans offered by regulated entities.
(D) To allow digital lending apps unrestricted access to borrower's personal data for credit assessment.

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Answer: (A) To enhance consumer protection and ensure transparency in digital lending practices.

The RBI Digital Lending Guidelines 2026 primarily aim to enhance consumer protection, ensure transparency in digital lending practices, and hold regulated entities accountable for the actions of their lending service providers. These guidelines focus on clear disclosure of charges, direct loan disbursal, strict data privacy rules, and a robust grievance redressal mechanism.

17. The 'India-France Year of Innovation 2026' was jointly inaugurated to elevate bilateral relations. Which of the following best describes its strategic significance?

(A) It aims to foster co-development in critical and emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, strengthening trusted technology ecosystems.
(B) It primarily focuses on increasing tourism and cultural exchange between the two nations.
(C) Its main objective is to establish a joint military base in the Indian Ocean Region.
(D) It seeks to create a common currency for trade between India and France.

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Answer: (A) It aims to foster co-development in critical and emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing, strengthening trusted technology ecosystems.

The 'India-France Year of Innovation 2026' and the elevation to a 'Special Global Strategic Partnership' are strategically significant for fostering co-development in critical and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, and quantum computing. This initiative aims to strengthen trusted technology ecosystems and contribute to solutions for global challenges, aligning with both countries' visions for technological and industrial sovereignty.

18. Karnataka's performance in the 'Ease of Doing Business for MSMEs' assessment for 2026, as per reports, is best characterized as:

(A) Achieving the 'Top Achiever' position by implementing varied reforms.
(B) Experiencing a significant decline in its overall ranking due to policy inconsistencies.
(C) Maintaining a consistent position in the 'Aspiring Leaders' category.
(D) Failing to implement any of the suggested business reforms for MSMEs.

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Answer: (A) Achieving the 'Top Achiever' position by implementing varied reforms.

Karnataka has been recognized as a 'Top Achiever' in the 'Ease of Doing Business' rankings, including for MSMEs, by implementing various reforms. This performance reflects the state's efforts towards simplifying government processes, addressing feedback, and improving industrial infrastructure for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

19. The renowned Mysuru Dasara Festival, a significant cultural event in Karnataka, was celebrated during which period in October 2026?

(A) October 1 to October 10
(B) October 5 to October 15
(C) October 10 to October 20
(D) October 15 to October 25

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Answer: (C) October 10 to October 20

The Mysuru Dasara Festival 2026 was scheduled to be held from October 10 to October 20, 2026, at the Mysuru Palace Stage. This annual festival is a 'Nada Habba' (state festival) of Karnataka, known for its grand celebrations and cultural performances.

20. What is the most significant implication of the Union government's recent decision to rename its flagship social assistance schemes, dropping the 'Indira Gandhi' tag?

(A) It signifies a shift towards increased state government funding for these schemes
(B) It reflects a broader ideological move to de-emphasize previous political legacies in government schemes
(C) It introduces entirely new eligibility criteria for beneficiaries across all schemes
(D) It mandates the immediate cessation of all existing benefits under these schemes

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Answer: (B) It reflects a broader ideological move to de-emphasize previous political legacies in government schemes

The renaming of flagship social assistance schemes, such as the Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme to PM Vridhavastha Pension Yojana, reflects a broader ideological move by the current government. This decision aims to de-emphasize previous political legacies and align the schemes with the present administration's nomenclature, while also revising some eligibility criteria for disability pensions.

21. All of the following statements about veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar's recent comeback to the Indian T20I team are true, EXCEPT:

(A) He made his comeback in the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru.
(B) His last international appearance before the comeback was in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final.
(C) He replaced Mayank Yadav in the playing XI for the series decider.
(D) The match was a full 20-over contest, allowing him ample bowling opportunity.

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Answer: (D) The match was a full 20-over contest, allowing him ample bowling opportunity.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar made his comeback in the fifth T20I against West Indies in Bengaluru, replacing Mayank Yadav. His last international appearance was indeed in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. However, the match was reduced to a nine-overs-a-side contest due to rain, not a full 20-over game.

22. Which country recently waived planned 100% tariffs targeting India, a day before the deadline of October 18, 2026?

(A) Russia
(B) China
(C) United States
(D) European Union

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Answer: (C) United States

US President Donald Trump waived key sanctions and tariffs targeting Russian exports, which would have also imposed 100% tariffs on goods from India, one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil. This decision, made shortly before the October 18 deadline, was stated to be in the national interest of the United States.

23. All of the following are stated objectives of the upcoming Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave-2026 (ESTIC-2026), EXCEPT:

(A) Boosting indigenous semiconductor development
(B) Strengthening India's domestic chip-manufacturing capabilities
(C) Promoting collaboration between science and technology clusters
(D) Announcing new space missions for planetary exploration

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Answer: (D) Announcing new space missions for planetary exploration

The ESTIC-2026 conclave is focused on boosting indigenous semiconductor development, strengthening domestic chip-manufacturing, and fostering collaboration within science and technology clusters. Announcing new space missions for planetary exploration is typically the domain of space agencies like ISRO, not a general science and technology conclave focused on semiconductors.

24. What is the primary objective of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) leading a thematic session on semiconductors and next-generation chips at the upcoming ESTIC-2026 conclave?

(A) To secure international collaborations for space exploration.
(B) To strengthen India's indigenous semiconductor development and domestic chip-manufacturing capabilities.
(C) To announce new defence export contracts for microelectronics.
(D) To showcase advanced communication systems for civilian use.

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Answer: (B) To strengthen India's indigenous semiconductor development and domestic chip-manufacturing capabilities.

The DRDO's initiative to lead a session on semiconductors and next-generation chips at ESTIC-2026 is primarily aimed at boosting indigenous semiconductor development and strengthening India's domestic chip-manufacturing capabilities. This aligns with India's broader goal of achieving self-reliance in critical technologies for economic competitiveness, digital sovereignty, and national security.

25. The Karnataka government's recently launched 'ELEVATE Minorities 2026' and 'ELEVATE NxT 2026-27' startup grant-in-aid programmes offer a one-time grant-in-aid of up to what maximum amount?

(A) ₹25 lakh
(B) ₹50 lakh
(C) ₹75 lakh
(D) ₹1 crore

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Answer: (B) ₹50 lakh

Under the 'ELEVATE Minorities 2026' and 'ELEVATE NxT 2026-27' programmes, eligible startups can receive a one-time grant-in-aid of up to ₹50 lakh. This funding is intended to support early-stage activities such as prototype development, market development, and scaling up for innovative ventures.

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