This is the current affairs 15 & 17 October 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. Which company demonstrated the flying car ‘Roadster’ equipped with ‘cold-gas thrusters’?
a. Tata
b. Tesla
c. Mercedes
d. BMW
Answer: b. Tesla
– Elon Musk has once again surprised the world. Tesla and SpaceX have jointly developed a sports car that does not just drive but can also fly.
– In October 2026, Tesla publicly unveiled its next-generation ‘Roadster’ car.
– It is equipped with SpaceX’s ‘cold-gas thrusters’.
– During a live demonstration, the car drove upside down on a ramp, performed a 360-degree twist in the air, and landed safely.
– This car can drive on roads, fly through the air, and even jump over trucks.
Technology
– The technology used in the new Tesla Roadster is not ordinary automotive technology; rather, it is a combination of automobile engineering and space/rocket technology.
– Rockets generally burn fuel to produce flames and smoke, but this car does not work that way. It is equipped with ‘cold-gas thrusters’ developed by SpaceX:
– How it works: There are air tanks inside the car containing approximately 250 kilograms of highly pressurized compressed air.
– Newton’s Third Law: When air is expelled at high speed through nozzles from these tanks, Newton’s Third Law (for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction) causes the car to receive a powerful push (thrust) in the opposite direction.
Uses of This Technology in the Car:
– Launch and Pickup: To accelerate the car from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 1 second.
– Aerial Jumps and Rolls: To lift the car off the ground, rotate it in the air (twist), and land it.
Vacuum Suction and Ground-Sealing System
– The suction technology is responsible for how the car sticks to the road or an upside-down wall/ramp:
– Multi-Mode Fans: Powerful fans are installed underneath the car.
– Vacuum/Suction Effect: These fans draw air from underneath the car and expel it, creating a vacuum or low-pressure area beneath the car.
– Downforce: The pressure of the outside air pushes the car toward the ground (or ramp) so forcefully that it does not fall even when driving upside down on a ramp.
Active Aerodynamics and Auto-Stabilization
– All-Electric Actuators: The thruster valves open and close within microseconds, keeping the car balanced in the air.
– Onboard Compressor: When air escapes through the thrusters, the car’s built-in compressor refills the tanks with air (recharges them) while the vehicle is moving.
Is This Ordinary Air Found in the Atmosphere, or Is It a Special Gas?
– The air used in this system is not any special or different gas; it is the same ordinary air found in our atmosphere.
– Ordinary Air (Ambient Air): This is the same air we breathe, consisting of a mixture of nitrogen, oxygen, and other gases. The car’s system draws in ordinary air from the surrounding atmosphere.
– Compression at High Pressure: A very powerful onboard air compressor is installed inside the car. This compressor draws in ordinary air and compresses it to high pressure (up to approximately 10,000 psi), filling the tanks installed in the car (ultra-high-pressure vessels).
Why Is It Called SpaceX ‘Cold-Gas’?
– It is called ‘cold-gas’ because, unlike a rocket, it does not burn fuel to produce flames or heat.
– Without any chemical reaction, ordinary air stored under extremely high pressure is expelled suddenly through a very small nozzle, producing a rocket-like thrust.
Then Why Did It Look Like Smoke That Disappeared Immediately?
– The smoke-like cloud that appeared and disappeared immediately was not smoke from fire or fuel; rather, it was a vapor cloud caused by condensation.
– When the highly pressurized air inside the car’s thrusters is suddenly released at very high speed, the temperature of the air in that area drops extremely rapidly (freezes).
– When this suddenly cooled air comes into contact with the surrounding atmospheric air, the moisture (water vapor) present in the surrounding air immediately condenses into tiny water droplets, forming a mist (fog cloud).
– As soon as this cold air mixes with the surrounding air at normal temperature, the moisture quickly returns to its vapor state and disperses into the atmosphere, disappearing from view.
Does SpaceX Use This Same Technology to Bring Rockets Back and Keep Them Stable?
– Yes, absolutely! SpaceX uses this same ‘cold-gas thruster’ technology to bring its Falcon 9 rocket back to Earth from space and keep it stable during landing. However, the way it is used in rockets and cars is slightly different:
– A rocket weighs hundreds of tonnes, so the thrust produced by cold gas alone is not enough to stop it and bring it gently down to the ground.
– Just before landing, its main Merlin rocket engine ignites, producing flames and smoke and reducing the rocket’s speed from 3,000 km/h to 0.
How Does This Happen So Quickly?
A Computer That Makes Decisions in Microseconds
– When the car is in the air, it is impossible for a human to control it by turning the steering wheel or pressing buttons quickly enough.
– Sensors and Gyroscopes: The advanced gyroscope and accelerometer sensors installed in the car measure its angle, speed, and tilt thousands of times per second.
– Millisecond Control: The computer determines the direction and amount by which the car needs to rotate and, accordingly, opens and closes the valves of different thrusters for a few milliseconds (thousandths of a second).
Instant Response of Cold-Gas Thrusters
– An ordinary engine or rocket takes time to start, but cold-gas thrusters work differently:
– The air under extremely high pressure (compressed air) is already stored and ready in the tanks.
– As soon as the computer sends a signal, the nozzle opens, and the air exits at the speed of sound. This gives the car an immediate push, causing it to rotate suddenly in the air (twist).
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2. In which state did the central government order the felling of 1.56 lakh sal trees to protect forests from an insect infestation?
a. Rajasthan
b. Uttarakhand
c. Madhya Pradesh
d. Gujarat
Answer: c. Madhya Pradesh
– A severe infestation of a small, deadly brown insect called the ‘sal borer’ has been observed in the forests of Dindori and Anuppur (Amarkantak) districts of Madhya Pradesh.
– The scientific name of this insect is Hoplocerambyx spinicornis.
– This insect bores into the wood and trunks of sal trees, hollowing them out from the inside.
– To protect the forests, a decision was made to cut down 1.56 lakh sal trees.
– If these trees are not cut down, they become breeding grounds for the pest and spread the infestation to healthy trees.
– The central government has permitted the felling of only severely affected trees to prevent the infestation from becoming an epidemic throughout the forest.
– Local villagers and communities have been involved in tackling this pest, with people collecting insects from trees and handing them over to the Forest Department.
– The Forest Department is paying Rs. 2 for each insect.
Millions of Trees Had Been Cut Down Earlier Too
– Outbreaks of the sal borer were also observed in the forests of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in 1995 and between 1997 and 2000.
– At that time, millions of trees also had to be cut down in a similar manner.
Madhya Pradesh
– Capital: Bhopal
– Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
– Chief Minister: Dr. Mohan Yadav
– Neighbouring States: Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan
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3. Which Indian female cricketer was appointed as a Celebrity Advocate by UNICEF India in October 2026?
a. Smriti Mandhana
b. Harmanpreet Kaur
c. Shafali Verma
d. Jemimah Rodrigues
Answer: a. Smriti Mandhana
– UNICEF India announced Mandhana’s appointment on 11 October 2026, on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child.
– She will advocate for children’s rights, gender equality, the health and well-being of adolescent girls, and equal opportunities for them in sports and leadership.
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4. Who has been chosen as India’s flag bearers for the 2026 Asian Para Games?
a. Sumit Antil
b. Pramod Bhagat
c. Bhavina Patel
d. Both b and c
Answer: d. Both b and c (Badminton player Pramod Bhagat and table tennis player Bhavina Patel)
– Pramod Bhagat is a badminton champion, and Bhavina Patel is a table tennis player.
– Both athletes have been selected for the 2026 Asian Para Games, held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 18 to 24 October 2026.
– The two selected flag bearers have won a total of eight medals at the Asian Para Games so far.
What Is a Flag Bearer?
– A flag bearer is an athlete who leads the contingent of athletes while carrying their country’s national flag during the opening ceremony of an international sporting competition.
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5. Lakshadweep was declared fully literate in October 2026 under the ULLAS programme. What is this programme primarily related to?
a. Providing digital education to school students
b. Promoting research in higher education
c. Promoting literacy among adults
d. Implementing vocational education in schools
Answer: c. Promoting literacy among adults
– On 11 October 2026, Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel made this announcement.
– According to the Education Department, an earlier survey had found 1,113 illiterate adults across the islands.
– Intensive teaching and assessment campaigns were subsequently conducted.
– Lakshadweep was declared 100% literate after all eligible adults in the Union Territory passed the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).
What Is the ULLAS Programme?
– Full Form: Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
– Related Ministry: Ministry of Education, Government of India.
– Target Group: Adults aged 15 years and above who could not receive formal education.
– Criterion for Full Literacy: A literacy rate of 95% or more in a state or Union Territory.
– ULLAS is the New India Literacy Programme, a central government scheme.
– The programme is designed to enable non-literate people to acquire essential skills and increase their participation in socio-economic activities.
States/Union Territories Declared Fully Literate Under the ULLAS Programme
State/Union Territory : Year
1) Ladakh : 2024
2) Mizoram : 2025
3) Goa : 2025
4) Tripura : 2025
5) Himachal Pradesh : 2025
6) Sikkim : 2026
7) Uttarakhand : 2026
8) Chandigarh : 2026
9) Andaman and Nicobar Islands : 2026
10) Jammu and Kashmir : 2026
11) Lakshadweep : 2026
Lakshadweep
– Capital: Kavaratti
– Population: 64,473 (2011)
– Languages: Malayalam and Jeseri
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6. When is World Post Day celebrated?
a. 7 October
b. 8 October
c. 9 October
d. 10 October
Answer: c. 9 October
2026 Theme:
– One Postal Network, Infinite Possibilities
– World Post Day is celebrated worldwide on 9 October to highlight the importance and usefulness of postal services.
– The Universal Postal Union was established on this day in 1874.
– This day was declared by the United Nations.
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7. When is National Post Day celebrated?
a. 7 October
b. 8 October
c. 9 October
d. 10 October
Answer: d. 10 October
– It is celebrated every year on 10 October and is an extension of World Post Day, which is observed on 9 October.
– National Postal Week is celebrated in India from 9 October to 13 October.
– For more than approximately 150 years, the Department of Posts has been working as the backbone of the country.
– It has played an important role in the country by serving as a major means of communication.
– In 1854, Governor-General Lord Dalhousie laid the foundation of India Post.
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8. Which Central American country experienced a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in October 2026, following which a tsunami warning was issued?
a. Colombia
b. Panama
c. Chile
d. Costa Rica
Answer: b. Panama
– The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the earthquake’s magnitude as 8.
– It was later revised down to 7.6 and then estimated at 7.7.
– The epicentre of the earthquake was approximately 10 kilometres southwest of Pitalosa Arriba, a remote area in the central province of Herrera.
– Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, declared it a major disaster.
– The National Weather Service issued a tsunami warning for the coasts of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
– However, the warning was later withdrawn.
– More than 45 aftershocks also occurred following the earthquake.
– These included tremors measuring 5.8, 5.5, and 5.2 in magnitude.
– Several buildings were reportedly damaged by the earthquake and its tremors.
Panama
– Population: 4.64 million
– Language: Spanish
– Currency: Panamanian balboa
– Neighbouring Countries: Costa Rica and Colombia
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9. Guruvayur Dorai, a renowned player of which musical instrument, passed away on 10 October 2026?
a. Tabla
b. Guitar
c. Mridangam
d. Dhol
Answer: c. Mridangam (Dorai was a renowned exponent of the Pudukkottai style.)
– Guruvayur Dorai, aged 91, was born on 2 July 1935 in Guruvayur, Kerala.
– After Dorai contracted polio at the age of five, his father encouraged him to learn the mridangam.
– At the age of eight, he performed his arangetram (debut performance) with singer Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.
– Later, he received training from Palani Subramania Pillai.
– He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2025.
– He was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Kalaimamani Award.
What Is a Mridangam?
– It is a double-headed percussion instrument used as the principal rhythmic accompaniment in Carnatic music.
– The word ‘Layam’ means rhythm, while ‘Arangetram’ refers to an artist’s first performance.
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10. According to the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) ‘Living Planet Report 2026’, what was the average decline recorded in the populations of globally monitored vertebrate species?
a. 53%
b. 73%
c. 83%
d. 63%
Answer: b. 73%
– Report Title: Living Planet Report 2026: The Science of Hope
– Published By: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).
– Index: Living Planet Index (LPI). It measures changes over time in the populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians.
– Basis of the Study: Data from 35,803 populations of 5,790 vertebrate species.
– Global Decline: An average decline of 73.2% during 1970–2022.
– Note: This does not mean that the total number of wild animals in the world declined by 73% or that 73% of species became extinct. It represents a decline in the average size of the monitored populations.
– Vertebrate Species: Animals whose bodies contain a backbone.
Decline According to Ecosystems
– The declines in different ecosystems between 1970 and 2022 were as follows:
– Freshwater ecosystems: 85% decline.
– Terrestrial ecosystems: 69% decline.
– Marine ecosystems: 59% decline.
– The most severe decline was recorded among species dependent on rivers, lakes, and other freshwater ecosystems.
Important Information for India
– The report does not provide a separate overall national LPI decline percentage for India. Therefore, figures for the Asia-Pacific region should not be considered India’s individual figures.
– Asia and the Pacific Region: A 49% decline was recorded in the index of terrestrial and freshwater wildlife populations during 1970–2022.
– This regional index includes data from 4,664 populations of 787 vertebrate species.
– The report is important for India because habitat destruction, pollution, changes in water resources, overexploitation, and climate change are among the major global threats to biodiversity.
Six Major Causes of the Decline
– Loss of Natural Habitats: Deforestation, expansion of agricultural land, and destruction of natural habitats.
– Overexploitation: Hunting, excessive fishing, and the overuse of wildlife resources.
– Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns that affect wildlife survival.
– Pollution: Water, air, and soil pollution.
– Invasive Alien Species: External species that harm native species and ecosystems.
– Diseases: Diseases that spread among wildlife.
The Report Offers Hope for Improvement Through Conservation
– The report, titled “The Science of Hope”, also states that populations of wild tigers, elephants, green sea turtles, and Atlantic bluefin tuna are increasing. The report provides examples of successful conservation efforts.
– Tigers: The estimated global population of wild tigers increased from approximately 3,200 in 2010 to approximately 5,700 in 2025, representing an increase of more than 70%.
– Green Sea Turtle: In 2025, it was moved from the Endangered category to the Least Concern category. This is an example of five decades of international conservation efforts.
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11. When was World Sight Day celebrated in 2026?
a. 7 October
b. 8 October
c. 9 October
d. 10 October
Answer: b. 8 October (It is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of October.)
2025 Theme:
– Love Your Eyes
– The objective of World Sight Day is to raise awareness about visual impairment and blindness.
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12. When is the Raising Day of the Territorial Army celebrated?
a. 10 October
b. 9 October
c. 8 October
d. 7 October
Answer: b. 9 October
– On 9 October 2024, the 75th Raising Day of the Territorial Army was celebrated across the country.
– This day is observed to commemorate the establishment of the Territorial Army on 9 October 1949 by C. Rajagopalachari, the first Governor-General of India.
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13. When is Indian Foreign Service Day celebrated?
a. 6 October
b. 7 October
c. 8 October
d. 9 October
Answer: d. 9 October
– This day has been observed since 2011.
– The Indian Foreign Service was established on 9 October 1946, and this day is celebrated to commemorate its establishment.
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14. When is the International Day of the Girl Child celebrated?
a. 11 October
b. 10 October
c. 9 October
d. 8 October
Answer: a. 11 October
2026 Theme:
– End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights!
– The International Day of the Girl Child was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2011.
– It was observed for the first time on 11 October 2012.
– This day highlights the problems that prevent young girls from achieving a good life.
Note: National Girl Child Day – 24 January.
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15. When is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction observed?
a. 10 October
b. 11 October
c. 12 October
d. 13 October
Answer: d. 13 October
2026 Theme:
– Resilience Starts at Home
– The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989.
– The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed every year on 13 October to raise awareness about disaster risk reduction.
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16. When is Breast Cancer Awareness Day observed?
a. 10 October
b. 11 October
c. 12 October
d. 13 October
Answer: d. 13 October
2026 Theme:
– Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters
– The objective of this day is to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote its early detection and treatment.
– Established in the early 2000s, this day honours people affected by the disease and emphasises the importance of regular screening and education for better outcomes.
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17. When is Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed?
a. June
b. August
c. October
d. December
Answer: c. October
The Global Challenge of Cancer
– Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide.
– In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed with this disease, and another 670,000 women died from it.
– These are not just numbers; they represent mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who deserve hope and dignity.
– While the five-year survival rate in high-income countries exceeds 90%, this figure falls to 66% in India and 40% in South Africa.
– These inequalities are caused by unequal access to early detection, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment.
– If the current trends continue, the incidence and mortality rates of this disease are projected to increase by 40% by 2050. Therefore, immediate and coordinated action is necessary.
– In reality, where a woman lives should not determine whether she survives.
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18. When is World Standards Day celebrated?
a. 13 October
b. 14 October
c. 15 October
d. 16 October
Answer: b. 14 October
2026 Theme:
– Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy
– The objective of World Standards Day is to highlight the importance of standardisation in the global economy.
– It aims to create awareness among consumers, regulators, and industries about the importance of and need for standardisation in the world economy.
– The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has also emphasised the principle of ‘One Nation, One Standard’.
– World Standards Day was first observed in 1970.
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19.
In which state was India’s first high-altitude snow leopard safari launched?
a. Ladakh
b. Jammu and Kashmir
c. Uttarakhand
d. Sikkim
Answer: a. Ladakh
– Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena launched the safari on 7 October 2026 during the Wildlife Week celebrations in Leh, the capital of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
– The safari was launched by the Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature Conservation (SHAN) Society in collaboration with the Department of Forests, Ecology and Environment of the Union Territory of Ladakh.
– Of the 718 snow leopards in India, 477 are in Ladakh.
– The objective of launching the safari is to conserve the habitat of this rare animal and provide employment to local people.
– Initially, six specially designed vehicles will be used in major snow leopard habitats such as Rumbak, Shang, and Ule.
Snow Leopard
– It is a large cat whose scientific name is Panthera uncia.
– It is adapted to cold, rugged mountainous regions.
– Its range extends across the high mountains of Central and South Asia.
– In India, snow leopards are found in the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
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20. When is World Migratory Bird Day celebrated?
a. 10 May
b. 11 October
c. 17 October
d. Both a and b
Answer: d. Both a and b (10 May and 11 October 2025)
2026 Theme
– Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!
– Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!
– This day was declared by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
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