50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 8 October 2026
50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 8 October 2026
Stay updated with the latest national and international developments through these 50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations for 8 October 2026. This daily current affairs practice set covers important events from India and around the world across economy, banking, defence, science and technology, international relations, government schemes, environment, awards, sports and other important areas.
These Current Affairs MCQs for 8 October 2026 are useful for aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC, UGC NET and other competitive examinations.
Each question includes four multiple-choice options, the correct answer and an easy-to-understand explanation. The analytical explanations are designed to help students understand the background of each current-affairs event rather than simply memorising facts.
For better preparation, attempt all 50 questions without looking at the answers first. After completing the quiz, use the explanations and quick-revision section to identify important facts and topics that require further revision.
Bookmark this page and visit MCQQUESTIONS.IN regularly for daily current affairs questions, current affairs quizzes and exam-oriented MCQs.
50 Important Current Affairs MCQs
1. The RBI recently raised the repo rate by how many basis points?
A) 10 basis points
B) 15 basis points
C) 25 basis points
D) 50 basis points
Answer: C) 25 basis points
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India raised the repo rate by 25 basis points, from 5.25% to 5.50%, amid inflationary pressures and changing economic conditions. (Reuters)
2. What is the new RBI repo rate after the October 2026 hike?
A) 5.00%
B) 5.25%
C) 5.50%
D) 5.75%
Answer: C) 5.50%
Explanation: The October 2026 monetary-policy decision increased the repo rate to 5.50%. The move can increase borrowing costs for loans linked to external benchmarks. (Reuters)
3. What policy stance did the RBI adopt along with the October 2026 rate hike?
A) Accommodative
B) Neutral
C) Calibrated tightening
D) Expansionary
Answer: C) Calibrated tightening
Explanation: The RBI shifted its policy stance from neutral to calibrated tightening, indicating greater attention to inflationary pressures and the possibility of further action depending on economic conditions. (Reuters)
4. The Union Cabinet approved how much for the SME Growth Fund?
A) ₹5,000 crore
B) ₹7,500 crore
C) ₹10,000 crore
D) ₹15,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹10,000 crore
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹10,000-crore central government commitment for the SME Growth Fund to support growth-oriented Indian small and medium enterprises. (Next IAS)
5. The SME Growth Fund is primarily intended to support:
A) Large multinational corporations
B) Small and medium enterprises
C) Foreign central banks
D) State-owned airlines
Answer: B) Small and medium enterprises
Explanation: The fund is designed to provide growth-oriented capital to Indian SMEs, particularly businesses in manufacturing, services, technology, innovation and strategic value chains. (Next IAS)
6. In what form is the SME Growth Fund designed to operate?
A) Sovereign wealth fund
B) Alternative Investment Fund
C) Mutual fund
D) Pension fund
Answer: B) Alternative Investment Fund
Explanation: The SME Growth Fund is structured as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) and is intended to make direct equity investments in eligible SMEs. (Next IAS)
7. Who won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics?
A) Francis Halzen
B) Henri B. Kagan
C) Kenso Soai
D) Karl Deisseroth
Answer: A) Francis Halzen
Explanation: Francis Halzen received the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin. (Vajiram & Ravi)
8. The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is located at:
A) North Pole
B) South Pole
C) Greenland
D) Arctic Ocean
Answer: B) South Pole
Explanation: IceCube is a huge neutrino detector embedded in approximately one cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice at the South Pole. (Next IAS)
9. Francis Halzen was recognised for work related to:
A) Gravitational waves
B) High-energy astrophysical neutrinos
C) Nuclear fusion
D) Quantum computers
Answer: B) High-energy astrophysical neutrinos
Explanation: His Nobel-winning work was connected to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the detection of high-energy neutrinos originating from astrophysical sources. (Vajiram & Ravi)
10. Who won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry?
A) Francis Halzen and Kenso Soai
B) Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai
C) Karl Deisseroth and Peter Hegemann
D) Georg Nagel and Henri Kagan
Answer: B) Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai
Explanation: Henri B. Kagan and Kenso Soai were awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discoveries involving non-linear effects and autocatalysis in asymmetric organic synthesis. (Vajiram & Ravi)
11. The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry mainly recognised advances in:
A) Nuclear chemistry
B) Asymmetric organic synthesis
C) Atmospheric chemistry
D) Polymer recycling
Answer: B) Asymmetric organic synthesis
Explanation: Their work helped explain how chemical reactions can favour one particular three-dimensional molecular arrangement over its mirror-image form. (Vajiram & Ravi)
12. Who were the 2026 Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine?
A) Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel
B) Francis Halzen, Kagan and Soai
C) Halzen, Nagel and Hegemann
D) Deisseroth, Kagan and Soai
Answer: A) Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel
Explanation: They were recognised for discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, which enables scientists to control cellular activity using light. (Vajiram & Ravi)
13. Optogenetics primarily allows scientists to control cells using:
A) Sound
B) Magnetic fields
C) Light
D) Heat
Answer: C) Light
Explanation: Optogenetics uses light-sensitive proteins to control the activity of specific cells, particularly nerve cells, making it an important tool in neuroscience. (Vajiram & Ravi)
14. India’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship launched recently was named:
A) INS Vikrant
B) INS Surya
C) INS Samudra
D) INS Shakti
Answer: B) INS Surya
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched FSS-1 Surya at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. It is the first of India’s indigenous Fleet Support Ships. (Insights IAS)
15. INS Surya was launched at which shipyard?
A) Cochin Shipyard
B) Mazagon Dock
C) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
D) Garden Reach Shipbuilders
Answer: C) Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Explanation: The vessel was launched at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, as part of India’s naval indigenisation programme. (Insights IAS)
16. What is the primary role of a Fleet Support Ship?
A) Conducting fighter operations
B) Replenishing naval vessels at sea
C) Launching satellites
D) Performing submarine warfare
Answer: B) Replenishing naval vessels at sea
Explanation: Fleet Support Ships act as floating logistics platforms, supplying fuel, water, ammunition, provisions and other stores to naval vessels, extending their operational endurance. (Insights IAS)
17. The contract for India’s indigenous Fleet Support Ships covers how many vessels?
A) Three
B) Four
C) Five
D) Seven
Answer: C) Five
Explanation: The programme covers five Fleet Support Ships, with Surya being the first vessel. The contract has been reported at approximately ₹19,000 crore. (deepmentor)
18. The first indigenous Fleet Support Ship is important for India’s:
A) Blue-water naval capability
B) Space programme
C) Railway network
D) Inland waterways only
Answer: A) Blue-water naval capability
Explanation: Fleet Support Ships allow warships to remain at sea for longer periods without returning to port, strengthening India’s ability to conduct sustained blue-water naval operations. (Raman Academy)
19. The Defence Ministry signed a contract worth approximately ₹661 crore with which organisation?
A) HAL
B) BrahMos Aerospace
C) ISRO
D) BEL
Answer: B) BrahMos Aerospace
Explanation: A contract worth about ₹661.50 crore was signed with BrahMos Aerospace for fire-control systems and launchers for Indian Navy ships. (Ujiyari)
20. The BrahMos contract mentioned recently falls under which procurement category?
A) Buy Global
B) Buy Indian
C) Buy Indian-IDDM
D) Government-to-Government
Answer: C) Buy Indian-IDDM
Explanation: The contract falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, supporting India’s defence-indigenisation objectives. (MCQ Questions)
21. India’s National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise 2026 is known as:
A) VARUNA
B) SAREX-2026
C) MALABAR-2026
D) KONKAN-2026
Answer: B) SAREX-2026
Explanation: SAREX-2026 is the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise conducted by the Indian Coast Guard. The 2026 edition included a major mass-rescue scenario. (GKToday)
22. The sea phase of SAREX-2026 is being conducted off:
A) Kochi
B) Paradip
C) Mumbai
D) Port Blair
Answer: B) Paradip
Explanation: The sea phase of SAREX-2026 is being conducted off Paradip on the Odisha coast, highlighting the importance of India’s eastern maritime region. (GK24)
23. How many foreign nations were represented at SAREX-2026 according to the reported exercise details?
A) 15
B) 20
C) 30
D) 50
Answer: C) 30
Explanation: The exercise included delegates from 30 friendly foreign nations, along with representatives from international organisations. (GK24)
24. PM E-DRIVE is primarily related to:
A) Electric mobility
B) Rural housing
C) Digital education
D) Agricultural insurance
Answer: A) Electric mobility
Explanation: PM E-DRIVE — PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement — is aimed at accelerating India’s electric-mobility ecosystem. (AffairsCloud)
25. Which ministry implements the PM E-DRIVE Scheme?
A) Ministry of Power
B) Ministry of Heavy Industries
C) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
D) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Answer: B) Ministry of Heavy Industries
Explanation: PM E-DRIVE is implemented by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI). (AffairsCloud)
26. Approximately how many electric vehicles had been sold under PM E-DRIVE by June 2026?
A) 10.59 lakh
B) 18.59 lakh
C) 26.59 lakh
D) 36.59 lakh
Answer: C) 26.59 lakh
Explanation: Around 26.59 lakh EVs had been sold under the scheme as of June 2026, according to the reported current-affairs data. (AffairsCloud)
27. PM E-DRIVE was initially introduced in which year?
A) 2022
B) 2023
C) 2024
D) 2025
Answer: C) 2024
Explanation: The scheme was notified on 29 September 2024 and implemented from 1 October 2024. It was subsequently extended until March 2028. (AffairsCloud)
28. The Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA) is associated with:
A) National transport planning
B) Space exploration
C) Defence exports
D) Monetary policy
Answer: A) National transport planning
Explanation: The proposed ITLA is intended to improve integrated transport and logistics planning, including preparation of a National Transport Master Plan and assessment of major transport projects. (Ujiyari)
29. Under the reported ITLA framework, projects of what approximate value or above would be appraised?
A) ₹100 crore
B) ₹250 crore
C) ₹500 crore
D) ₹1,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹500 crore
Explanation: The reported framework gives ITLA a role in appraising transport projects of ₹500 crore or more. (Ujiyari)
30. Which Union Territory was reported as the first to complete its Census 2027 population enumeration?
A) Delhi
B) Jammu & Kashmir
C) Ladakh
D) Chandigarh
Answer: C) Ladakh
Explanation: Ladakh was reported as the first Union Territory to complete population enumeration in the snow-bound areas under Census 2027 preparations. (Ujiyari)
31. The National Household Travel Survey was conducted by which organisation?
A) RBI
B) National Statistics Office
C) Election Commission of India
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: B) National Statistics Office
Explanation: India’s first-ever National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) was conducted by the National Statistics Office, covering households and travel patterns across rural and urban areas. (deepmentor)
32. According to the reported National Household Travel Survey, what share of overnight household journeys was made by bus?
A) 35.8%
B) 45.8%
C) 55.8%
D) 65.8%
Answer: C) 55.8%
Explanation: The survey reported that 55.8% of overnight household journeys were made by bus, highlighting the importance of bus transport in inter-city mobility. (deepmentor)
33. Which transport mode accounted for about 42.6% of work trips according to the survey?
A) Bus
B) Rail
C) Two-wheelers
D) Air travel
Answer: C) Two-wheelers
Explanation: The survey found that two-wheelers accounted for about 42.6% of work trips, demonstrating their importance in daily commuting. (deepmentor)
34. Which state launched India’s first MICE Incentive Portal?
A) Odisha
B) Kerala
C) Gujarat
D) Maharashtra
Answer: A) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha launched India’s first MICE Incentive Portal to support business tourism and attract Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions. (AffairsCloud)
35. MICE stands for:
A) Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions
B) Markets, Investment, Commerce and Exports
C) Management, Industry, Culture and Education
D) Media, Information, Communication and Entertainment
Answer: A) Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions
Explanation: MICE tourism focuses on business events, conferences, exhibitions, incentive travel and related professional gatherings.
36. India and Japan recently launched an operational manual for which mechanism?
A) Kyoto Mechanism
B) Joint Crediting Mechanism
C) Green Climate Mechanism
D) Carbon Border Mechanism
Answer: B) Joint Crediting Mechanism
Explanation: India and Japan launched an operational manual for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), supporting cooperation on climate-related projects and emissions reduction. (AffairsCloud)
37. The India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism is primarily connected with:
A) Carbon reduction and climate cooperation
B) Defence procurement
C) Nuclear weapons
D) Railway recruitment
Answer: A) Carbon reduction and climate cooperation
Explanation: The JCM provides a framework for cooperation on projects that contribute to greenhouse-gas emission reductions and climate action.
38. India-UAE Mountain Guardian 2026 is a:
A) Naval exercise
B) Military exercise
C) Space exercise
D) Cyber-only exercise
Answer: B) Military exercise
Explanation: Mountain Guardian 2026 is a joint military exercise involving India and the United Arab Emirates, aimed at strengthening defence cooperation. (AffairsCloud)
39. The 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine recognised discoveries concerning:
A) DNA sequencing
B) Light-gated ion channels and optogenetics
C) mRNA vaccines
D) Stem-cell cloning
Answer: B) Light-gated ion channels and optogenetics
Explanation: Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel were recognised for discoveries that established the scientific foundation of optogenetics. (Vajiram & Ravi)
40. Which organisation awards the Nobel Prize in Physics?
A) Swedish Academy
B) Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
C) Norwegian Parliament
D) Karolinska Institutet
Answer: B) Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Explanation: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awards the Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry and also selects the Economic Sciences laureate.
41. Which community was recently in the news in connection with voluntary relocation from Barda sanctuary?
A) Toda
B) Maldhari
C) Bhotia
D) Rabari only
Answer: B) Maldhari
Explanation: Maldharis, traditionally semi-nomadic pastoralists, were in the news after the Gujarat government announced a voluntary relocation scheme connected with the Barda sanctuary. (Vajiram & Ravi)
42. The Barda sanctuary mentioned in recent current affairs is in:
A) Gujarat
B) Rajasthan
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Maharashtra
Answer: A) Gujarat
Explanation: Barda sanctuary is located in Gujarat, where it is being developed as an additional habitat for Asiatic lions. (Vajiram & Ravi)
43. Who stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team?
A) Smriti Mandhana
B) Harmanpreet Kaur
C) Jemimah Rodrigues
D) Richa Ghosh
Answer: B) Harmanpreet Kaur
Explanation: Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from India’s captaincy across formats, with Smriti Mandhana taking over the white-ball leadership role according to reports. (MyKhel)
44. Who was appointed India’s full-time white-ball captain after Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision?
A) Shafali Verma
B) Smriti Mandhana
C) Richa Ghosh
D) Deepti Sharma
Answer: B) Smriti Mandhana
Explanation: Smriti Mandhana was reported as the new full-time white-ball captain following Harmanpreet Kaur’s decision to step down. (MyKhel)
45. Lionel Messi’s reported international farewell came in Argentina’s match against:
A) Brazil
B) Uruguay
C) Benin
D) France
Answer: C) Benin
Explanation: Messi’s reported international farewell came as Argentina defeated Benin 3–0, with Messi scoring and assisting. (MyKhel)
46. Which Indian facility recently delivered its 2,000th aero-engine?
A) HAL Koraput
B) ISRO Sriharikota
C) DRDO Hyderabad
D) BEL Bengaluru
Answer: A) HAL Koraput
Explanation: HAL’s Koraput Division marked the delivery of its 2,000th aero-engine, an important milestone for India’s indigenous aerospace manufacturing capability. (Ujiyari)
47. The new helicopter engine manufacturing plant named ‘Shakti’ is associated with:
A) Sunabeda, Odisha
B) Bengaluru, Karnataka
C) Hyderabad, Telangana
D) Nashik, Maharashtra
Answer: A) Sunabeda, Odisha
Explanation: A helicopter engine manufacturing facility named Shakti was announced at Sunabeda in Odisha, strengthening India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. (Trending TNPSC)
48. What is the main purpose of the IceCube Observatory?
A) Detecting earthquakes
B) Detecting high-energy neutrinos
C) Monitoring ocean currents
D) Mapping Antarctic vegetation
Answer: B) Detecting high-energy neutrinos
Explanation: IceCube uses thousands of optical sensors embedded in Antarctic ice to detect the rare flashes produced when neutrinos interact with matter. (Next IAS)
49. Which country is India partnering with under the Joint Crediting Mechanism mentioned in recent news?
A) France
B) Japan
C) Germany
D) Australia
Answer: B) Japan
Explanation: India and Japan launched an operational manual for their Joint Crediting Mechanism, supporting cooperation on climate and emissions-reduction projects. (AffairsCloud)
50. Which of the following is the best description of a blue-water navy?
A) A navy limited to rivers
B) A navy focused only on coastal patrols
C) A navy capable of sustained operations in open oceans
D) A navy used only for disaster relief
Answer: C) A navy capable of sustained operations in open oceans
Explanation: A blue-water navy can sustain operations far from its home ports. Fleet Support Ships such as Surya are important because they provide fuel, supplies and logistics support that enable long-duration deployments. (Raman Academy)
Quick Revision: 8 October 2026 Current Affairs
| Topic | Key Fact |
| RBI Repo Rate | 5.50% |
| RBI Rate Hike | 25 basis points |
| RBI Stance | Calibrated tightening |
| SME Growth Fund | ₹10,000 crore |
| Nobel Physics 2026 | Francis Halzen |
| Nobel Chemistry 2026 | Henri B. Kagan & Kenso Soai |
| Nobel Medicine 2026 | Deisseroth, Hegemann & Nagel |
| IceCube | South Pole, Antarctica |
| Fleet Support Ship | INS Surya |
| Surya Builder | Hindustan Shipyard Limited |
| SAREX-2026 | Off Paradip |
| PM E-DRIVE Ministry | Ministry of Heavy Industries |
| PM E-DRIVE EVs | 26.59 lakh by June 2026 |
| First MICE Incentive Portal | Odisha |
| India-Japan Mechanism | Joint Crediting Mechanism |
| Women’s Cricket Captain | Smriti Mandhana |
| Former Captain | Harmanpreet Kaur |
| HAL Milestone | 2,000th aero-engine at Koraput |
Source note: The questions above are based on current reports and exam-oriented current-affairs sources available for 7–8 October 2026. Because daily current affairs can change during the day, facts such as appointments, sports results and economic decisions should be rechecked before final publication. (The Indian Express)
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