Current Affairs Quiz — 17 October 2026

Answer: A. ₹14,614

The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme allows premature redemption after five years from issue, with the redemption price linked to the average gold price of the prior three business days. For the 2020-21 Series VII, this works out to ₹14,614 per unit on the due date.

“Accordingly, the redemption price for premature redemption due on October 19, 2026 (October 20, 2026, being a holiday), shall be ₹14,614/- (Rupees Fourteen Thousand Six Hundred and Fourteen Only) per unit of SGB based on the simple average of closing price of gold for the three business days i.e., October 14, October 15, and October 16, 2026.”

Answer: D. 5 percent

Retail investors can participate in Treasury bill auctions through the non‑competitive route via the Retail Direct portal, but their bids are capped at 5% of the notified amount to ensure broad participation.

“For retail investors, the allocation will be restricted to a maximum of 5 percent of the notified amount.”

Answer: A. -1,88,553.00

The RBI's liquidity adjustment facility operations on that date resulted in a net absorption of funds, indicating that the RBI withdrew more liquidity than it injected through repo, MSF and SLF operations.

“5. Net liquidity injected from today's operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]* -1,88,553.00”

Answer: B. ₹24,400 Crore

The auction notified by the RBI involves State Governments seeking to raise a total of ₹24,400 crore through re‑issues of various dated securities.

“The following State Governments have offered to sell stock by way of auction, for an aggregate amount of ₹24,400 Crore (Face Value).”

Answer: C. 67 years

ESIC has set the upper age limit at 67 years for the Senior Resident/Full‑Time Specialist positions in its 2026 recruitment notification.

“The maximum age limit is 67 years.”

Answer: C. 40% aggregate

UGC-NET determines eligibility for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship in Indian universities, with separate qualifying marks for General/EWS and reserved categories.

“Qualifying criteria: 40% aggregate for General/EWS, 35% for reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwD/PwBD/Third gender).”

Answer: B. 5 posts

ESIC hires Junior Residents to provide medical care in its hospitals, with posts divided among specialties such as ICU/Casualty and General Surgery.

“Junior Resident (ICU/Casualty): 5 posts.”

Answer: A. 5 posts

ESIC fills Senior Resident positions across specialties to support patient care and training in its medical colleges and hospitals.

“Senior Resident - Orthopedics: 5 posts.”

Answer: C. 30 Oct 2026

ISI conducts walk-in interviews for project-linked roles to quickly engage personnel for specific research projects.

“Walk-in Interview Date: 30 Oct 2026.”

Answer: C. ₹18,000 per structure

The scheme provides financial aid for rain water harvesting units to small cardamom growers in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. General category beneficiaries receive one‑third of the construction cost, capped at ₹18,000 per unit.

“General category growers receive 33.33% of construction cost, up to a maximum of ₹18,000 per structure.”