Current Affairs 21 October 2026
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National Current Affairs
Pattanam Archaeological Site in Kerala
The Pattanam archaeological site, located near North Paravur in Ernakulam district, Kerala, has gained attention following a proposal to revive archaeological excavations and develop it into an international research and learning centre. The site provides important evidence of ancient maritime trade between India and other parts of the world.
Archaeological evidence at Pattanam dates from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE. Excavations have uncovered pottery, beads, coins, metal objects, industrial remains and an ancient harbour complex containing a wooden canoe dated between 100 BCE and 100 CE. These findings indicate trade connections with West Asia, Africa, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean region.
Pattanam is associated with the ancient port of Muziris (Muciri Pattinam), an important maritime trading centre.
Polity and Governance
Doctrine of separation of powers
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant declined a request from Opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss allegations against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The CJI cited the constitutional principle of separation of powers, judicial propriety and the fact that related matters were already pending before the Supreme Court.
The doctrine of separation of powers divides government functions among the legislature, executive and judiciary. It forms part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution, which cannot be destroyed through constitutional amendments. The judiciary must remain independent and impartial while reviewing legislative and executive actions.
The case also highlights the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, which establish ethical standards for judges, including independence, impartiality, integrity and propriety. These principles require judges to avoid conduct that could create doubts about their neutrality, particularly when disputes are pending before them.
Science and Technology
ICAR Develops Kufri Jamunia, a Biofortified Purple Potato
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI) has developed nutrient-rich coloured potato varieties, including Kufri Neelkanth, Kufri Manik and Kufri Jamunia, to improve nutritional security and address hidden hunger. Among these, Kufri Jamunia, released in 2024, is particularly notable for its high levels of vitamin C, anthocyanins, carotenoids, iron and zinc.
ICAR-CPRI developed three important coloured potato varieties: Kufri Neelkanth (2018), the first purple-skinned potato variety developed by the institute; Kufri Manik (2021), a red-skinned variety with yellow flesh; and Kufri Jamunia (2024), a purple-skinned and purple-fleshed variety with an improved nutritional profile.
Ranks and Reports
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 shows a significant increase in India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) between 2019–20 and 2025. Rural female labour force participation increased from 33% to 45.9%, while urban participation rose from 23.3% to 27.7%. This indicates that women’s participation in the labour force has grown faster in rural areas than in urban areas.
Arunachal Pradesh recorded the highest annual increase in female labour force participation among the northeastern States and Union Territories examined. Lakshadweep recorded the largest rural decline of 2.34 percentage points per year.
Committees and Conferences
61st International Committee of Legal Metrology Meeting
India will host the 61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) for the first time from 26 to 28 October 2026 in New Delhi. The meeting will be organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, in association with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML).
Legal metrology refers to the application of legal requirements to measurements and measuring instruments. It ensures accuracy in weighing and measuring devices used in commercial transactions, thereby protecting consumers and promoting fair trade.
Defence
Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026
The 5th edition of the India–Australia Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026 commenced on 19 October 2026 at the Foreign Training Node, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The exercise will continue until 1 November 2026, with approximately 120 personnel each from the Indian Army and the Australian Army.
AUSTRAHIND 2026 aims to strengthen defence cooperation between India and Australia and promote peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sports
Asian Para Games 2026
Indian para-athletes delivered several medal-winning performances at the Asian Para Games 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating the medal winners for their achievements in athletics, swimming, shooting and judo.
In the Women’s 1500m T12/13 event, Soumya won the gold medal, while Radha Venkatesh secured silver. In the Men’s Javelin Throw F46 event, Rinku Hooda won gold, and Ajeet Singh claimed silver.
Nishad Kumar won the gold medal in Men’s Long Jump T47, while Ravi K. Budigina secured silver in the Men’s 100m Freestyle S13 swimming event. Kokila won silver in the Women’s J2 −52 kg Judo event.
In shooting, Mona Agarwal won a gold medal and set a new record, while Avani Lekhara secured silver in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event.
Key Points for Exams
| Athlete | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Soumya | Women’s 1500m | Gold |
| Radha Venkatesh | Women’s 1500m | Silver |
| Rinku Hooda | Men’s Javelin Throw | Gold |
| Ajeet Singh | Men’s Javelin Throw | Silver |
| Nishad Kumar | Men’s Long Jump | Gold |
| Ravi K. Budigina (Andhra Pradesh) | Men’s 100m Freestyle | Silver |
| Kokila | Women’s J2 −52 kg Judo | Silver |
| Mona Agarwal | Shooting | Gold |
| Avani Lekhara | Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing | Silver |
Daily Current Affairs Quiz
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Kufri Jamunia, a biofortified potato variety developed in India:
1. Kufri Jamunia was developed by the ICAR–Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI).
2. It is a purple-fleshed potato variety rich in vitamin C, anthocyanins, iron and zinc.
3. Kufri Jamunia was officially released in 2018 as India’s first purple-skinned potato variety.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Kufri Jamunia was developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Central Potato Research Institute (ICAR-CPRI), headquartered in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Statement 2 is correct: Kufri Jamunia has purple skin and flesh and contains high levels of vitamin C, anthocyanins, carotenoids, iron and zinc. It was developed to improve nutritional security and help address hidden hunger.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Kufri Jamunia was officially released in 2024, not 2018. Kufri Neelkanth was the first purple-skinned potato variety developed by ICAR-CPRI and was released in 2018.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025:
1. Rural Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) increased from 33% in 2019–20 to 45.9% in 2025.
2. Urban Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) increased from 23.3% in 2019–20 to 27.7% in 2025.
3. Arunachal Pradesh recorded the highest average annual increase in female labour force participation in both rural and urban areas among the northeastern States and Union Territories examined.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct.
Statement 1: Rural FLFPR increased from 33% in 2019–20 to 45.9% in 2025, indicating a significant improvement in women’s labour force participation in rural India.
Statement 2: Urban FLFPR increased from 23.3% to 27.7% during the same period, showing comparatively slower growth than in rural areas.
Statement 3: Arunachal Pradesh recorded the highest Average Annual Percentage Point (AAPP) increase among the northeastern States and Union Territories examined, with 8.28 percentage points per year in rural areas and 5.24 percentage points per year in urban areas. The corresponding all-India averages were 2.58 and 0.88 percentage points, respectively.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the doctrine of separation of powers and judicial propriety in India:
1. The doctrine of separation of powers, which divides governmental functions among the legislature, executive and judiciary, forms part of the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.
2. The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct emphasise judicial independence, impartiality, integrity and propriety.
3. The Chief Justice of India can exercise administrative powers to intervene directly in executive decisions concerning matters already pending before the Supreme Court.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A. 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: Separation of powers is part of the basic structure of the Constitution. The basic structure doctrine was established in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973).
Statement 2 is correct: The Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct (2002) establish six core values: independence, impartiality, integrity, propriety, equality, and competence and diligence.
Statement 3 is incorrect: The CJI cannot use administrative authority to intervene directly in executive decisions in this manner. Disputes must be addressed through established judicial proceedings. In October 2026, CJI Surya Kant declined a private meeting with Opposition leaders regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and advised them to pursue judicial remedies.
Q4. The Pattanam Archaeological Site, recently in the news, is located in which of the following States?
A. Tamil Nadu
B. Karnataka
C. Kerala
D. Andhra Pradesh
Show Answer
Answer: C. Kerala
Explanation: The Pattanam Archaeological Site is located near North Paravur in Ernakulam district, Kerala, in the Periyar River delta. It is associated with the ancient maritime port of Muziris (Muciri Pattinam). Archaeological evidence dating from approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE indicates extensive trade connections with West Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean region. Excavations began in 2006–07 and have uncovered pottery, coins, beads, industrial remains and an ancient harbour complex containing a wooden canoe. However, Pattanam’s identification as the entire ancient port of Muziris has not been conclusively established.
Q5. Ravi K. Budigina, who won a silver medal at the Asian Para Games 2026, achieved this feat in which of the following sports?
A. Athletics
B. Judo
C. Swimming
D. Shooting
Show Answer
Answer: C. Swimming
Explanation: Ravi K. Budigina won the silver medal in the Men’s 100m Freestyle S13 swimming event at the Asian Para Games 2026. The S13 classification is for swimmers with vision impairment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on his achievement.
Q6. Which city will host the 61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) in October 2026?
A. Mumbai
B. Hyderabad
C. New Delhi
D. Bengaluru
Show Answer
Answer: C. New Delhi
Explanation: India will host the 61st Meeting of the International Committee of Legal Metrology (CIML) for the first time from 26 to 28 October 2026 in New Delhi. The meeting is organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs in association with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML). Established in 1955, OIML promotes the harmonisation of legal metrology procedures worldwide. The previous 60th CIML Meeting was held in Paris, France, in October 2025.
Q7. The 5th edition of the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026, held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is conducted between India and which country?
A. United Kingdom
B. Australia
C. New Zealand
D. France
Show Answer
Answer: B. Australia
Explanation: AUSTRAHIND is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Australian Army. Its 5th edition is being conducted from 19 October to 1 November 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
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