Daily Current Affairs Digest & PIB Summary โ 25 October 2026
๐ High-Yield Exam Index Today
- UPSC & State PCS (GS-3 Science & Tech): Operationalization of 4 Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) under National Quantum Mission (NQM).
- Railways & Tech (RRB NTPC / JE / Section Controller): Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Automated Train Inspection System (ATIS) deployment.
- BPSC State Special (Bihar Civil Services / TRE): Bihar Solar Energy Policy 2026 & BREDA PM-KUSUM Component-C Expansion.
- Banking & SSC (IBPS / RBI / SSC CGL): RBI Financial Disclosure Framework on Climate-Related Financial Risks.
GS-3: Science & Technology
1\. National Quantum Mission (NQM): Operationalization of 4 Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs)
Context: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) announced the functional rollout of 4 dedicated Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) under the โน6,003.65 Crore National Quantum Mission (NQM) (2023โ2031).
๐ PIB Fact File: 4 T-Hub Pillars under National Quantum Mission
| T-Hub Domain | Host Institution Headquarter | Target Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Computing | IISc Bengaluru | Developing 50โ1000 physical qubits quantum computers |
| Quantum Communication | IIT Madras | Satellite-based QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) over 2000 km |
| Quantum Sensing & Metrology | IIT Bombay | Atomic clocks & high-precision magnetometers for defense |
| Quantum Materials & Devices | IIT Delhi | Superconducting materials & 2D topological insulators |
Key Exam Takeaways:
- Governance Structure: Governed by a Governing Body chaired by Dr. Ajai Chowdhry (Co-founder, HCL).
- Global Standing: India is the 6th country globally to have a dedicated national quantum initiative (after US, Austria, Finland, France, and China).
RRB Ops & Tech Focus
2\. DFC Rolling Stock Innovation: Automated Train Inspection System (ATIS)
Context: Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) commissioned the trackside Automated Train Inspection System (ATIS) along the Western DFC (RewariโPalanpur section) to automate real-time rolling stock health diagnostics.
โ๏ธ Technical Notes for RRB NTPC, JE & Section Controller
- Acoustic Bearing Detector (ABD): Uses ultrasonic sensors to detect early internal roller bearing degradation in freight wagons running at 100 km/h.
- Wheel Condition Monitor (WCM): Measures impact forces exerted by damaged or flat wheel treads to prevent rail fracture.
- Thermal Imaging Cameras: Detects hot axle boxes and sticking brakes automatically without manual yards examination.
BPSC State Special
3\. Bihar Green Energy Push: BREDA Solar Rooftop & PM-KUSUM C Expansion
Context: The Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) under the Department of Energy announced a 40% state top-up subsidy for solarizing agricultural feeders under PM-KUSUM Component-C.
๐ฏ High-Yield Points for BPSC Prelims & Mains
- Target Capacity: Solarization of 1.5 lakh agricultural pumpsets across South Bihar districts (Gaya, Aurangabad, Nawada) by 2027.
- Floating Solar Milestone: Expansion of Biharโs 2nd largest floating solar power plant at Kadirabad (Darbhanga) to 10 MW capacity.
- Grid Integration: Surplus solar power generated by farmers will be purchased by DISCOMs (NBPDCL / SBPDCL) at a fixed feed-in tariff of โน3.20/kWh.
Banking & Economy
4\. RBI Framework on Climate Risk Financial Disclosures for Banks
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued finalized guidelines requiring all Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) and All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) to publish mandatory Climate Risk Disclosures under a 4-pillar structure.
- 4 Pillar Architecture: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics & Targets (aligned with Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures โ TCFD).
- Green Finance Taxonomy: Directs banks to maintain a minimum 5% allocation under Priority Sector Lending (PSL) towards renewable energy and EV charging infrastructure.
๐ Target Practice Questions
Q1\. Under the National Quantum Mission (NQM), which institution hosts the Thematic Hub (T-Hub) dedicated to โQuantum Communicationโ?
(a) IISc Bengaluru ย ย (b) IIT Bombay ย ย (c) IIT Madras ย ย (d) IIT Delhi
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (c) IIT Madras
Explanation: IIT Madras hosts the T-Hub for Quantum Communication. Quantum Computing is hosted at IISc Bengaluru, Quantum Sensing at IIT Bombay, and Quantum Materials at IIT Delhi.
Q2\. In Bihar, at which location is the stateโs operational floating solar power plant located?
(a) Kadirabad (Darbhanga) ย ย (b) Baruni (Begusarai) ย ย (c) Kahalgaon (Bhagalpur) ย ย (d) Valmikinagar (Pashchim Champaran)
View Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: (a) Kadirabad (Darbhanga)
Explanation: Biharโs pioneer floating solar power plant is situated at Kadirabad in Darbhanga district, constructed over a natural pond under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan.