Practice 50 important current affairs MCQs for 7 October 2026 with answers and explanations. Useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, PSC and competitive exams.
50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations
Current Affairs – 7 October 2026
Table of Contents
National Affairs
1. The Union Cabinet recently approved the establishment of the SME Growth Fund with a government commitment of:
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 SME Growth Fund to provide growth-oriented equity capital to promising small and medium enterprises. The initiative is intended to help create future Indian business champions. (PM India)
2. The primary purpose of the SME Growth Fund is to provide:
A. Free loans to farmers
B. Direct equity investment in SMEs
C. Subsidies to foreign companies
D. Pension benefits to workers
Answer: B. Direct equity investment in SMEs
Explanation: The fund is designed to provide long-term equity capital to high-potential SMEs with viable business models and scaling potential. (PM India)
3. Which new authority was approved by the Union Cabinet to improve coordination in India’s transport and logistics sector?
A. National Logistics Commission
B. Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority
C. Indian Transport Regulatory Authority
D. National Freight Authority
Answer: B. Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority
Explanation: The Cabinet approved an Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA) as an apex institution for integrated transport and logistics planning, research, project appraisal and monitoring. (PM India)
4. ITLA is intended to promote which major approach?
A. Single-mode transport
B. Multimodal integration
C. Privatisation of all transport
D. Elimination of waterways
Answer: B. Multimodal integration
Explanation: ITLA seeks better coordination among different transport modes, including roads, railways, waterways, ports and airports, thereby improving efficiency and connectivity. (PM India)
5. According to the recent Cabinet briefing, ITLA is expected to prepare a National Transport Master Plan with what planning horizon?
A. 5 years
B. 7 years
C. 10 years
D. 15 years
Answer: C. 10 years
Explanation: The authority is expected to prepare a long-term National Transport Master Plan with a 10-year planning horizon. (Akashvani News)
6. The Union Cabinet recently passed a resolution congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi on completing:
A. 15 years of continuous leadership
B. 20 years of continuous leadership
C. 25 years of continuous leadership
D. 30 years of continuous leadership
Answer: C. 25 years of continuous leadership
Explanation: The Cabinet passed a resolution on 6 October 2026 recognising PM Modi’s completion of 25 years of continuous leadership as head of government. (Press Information Bureau)
7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently interacted with members of which organisation ahead of India Mobile Congress?
A. WTO
B. GSMA
C. UNESCO
D. ITU only
Answer: B. GSMA
Explanation: The Prime Minister interacted with the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) Board members, discussing technology and digital connectivity. (PM India)
8. The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth approximately ₹661 crore with which company?
A. HAL
B. DRDO
C. BrahMos Aerospace
D. BEL
Answer: C. BrahMos Aerospace
Explanation: The Defence Ministry signed a contract worth about ₹661 crore with BrahMos Aerospace for BrahMos Fire Control Systems and launchers for Indian Navy ships. (Akashvani News)
9. The BrahMos contract for the Indian Navy falls under which procurement category?
A. Buy (Global)
B. Buy (Indian)
C. Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)
D. Government-to-Government
Answer: C. Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)
Explanation: The contract was signed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, supporting India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. (Akashvani News)
10. Which was launched as the Indian Navy’s first indigenous Fleet Support Ship?
A. INS Vikrant
B. INS Surya
C. INS Arihant
D. INS Samudra
Answer: B. INS Surya
Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the first indigenous Fleet Support Ship, ‘Surya’, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam. (Utkarsh Classes)
Science & Technology
11. How many indigenous supercomputers has India deployed under the National Supercomputing Mission, according to the latest update?
A. 20
B. 30
C. 40
D. 50
Answer: C. 40
Explanation: India has deployed 40 indigenous supercomputers under the National Supercomputing Mission, strengthening domestic high-performance computing capability. (Insights IAS)
12. The combined computing capacity of these supercomputers is approximately:
A. 28 Petaflops
B. 48 Petaflops
C. 68 Petaflops
D. 108 Petaflops
Answer: C. 68 Petaflops
Explanation: The latest update puts India’s deployed indigenous supercomputing capacity at approximately 68 Petaflops. (Insights IAS)
13. The National Supercomputing Mission was launched in:
A. 2012
B. 2015
C. 2018
D. 2020
Answer: B. 2015
Explanation: India’s National Supercomputing Mission was launched in April 2015 to develop a national high-performance computing ecosystem. (Insights IAS)
14. Which two organisations jointly steer the National Supercomputing Mission?
A. ISRO and DRDO
B. DST and MeitY
C. RBI and SEBI
D. CSIR and ICMR
Answer: B. DST and MeitY
Explanation: The mission is jointly steered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). (Insights IAS)
15. India’s first indigenous supercomputer was:
A. PARAM 8000
B. PARAM Shivay
C. PARAM Pravega
D. PARAM Rudra
Answer: A. PARAM 8000
Explanation: PARAM 8000, developed by C-DAC in 1991, marked India’s entry into indigenous supercomputing. (Insights IAS)
16. Which technology is primarily associated with the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to Francis Halzen?
A. Quantum computing
B. Gravitational waves
C. Neutrino astronomy
D. Nuclear fusion
Answer: C. Neutrino astronomy
Explanation: Francis Halzen was honoured for decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin. (Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien)
17. Francis Halzen won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for contributions to which observatory?
A. LIGO
B. James Webb Space Telescope
C. IceCube Neutrino Observatory
D. Chandra X-ray Observatory
Answer: C. IceCube Neutrino Observatory
Explanation: The IceCube Neutrino Observatory is located deep within Antarctic ice near the South Pole and is designed to detect elusive neutrinos. (Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien)
18. Where is the IceCube Neutrino Observatory located?
A. Arctic Ocean
B. South Pole, Antarctica
C. Sahara Desert
D. Atacama Desert
Answer: B. South Pole, Antarctica
Explanation: IceCube uses approximately a cubic kilometre of Antarctic ice as a giant neutrino detector. (Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien)
19. What are neutrinos?
A. Charged macroscopic particles
B. Nearly massless subatomic particles
C. Radio waves
D. Types of galaxies
Answer: B. Nearly massless subatomic particles
Explanation: Neutrinos are extremely weakly interacting subatomic particles that can travel through matter with very little interaction, making them valuable for studying distant cosmic phenomena. (AP News)
20. The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine recognised breakthroughs related to:
A. Gene editing only
B. Optogenetics
C. Nuclear medicine
D. Artificial intelligence
Answer: B. Optogenetics
Explanation: Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel were recognised for discoveries involving light-gated ion channels and optogenetics, which enables researchers to control neural activity using light. (Insights IAS)
International Affairs
21. India recently expanded cooperation with which European country in areas including defence, civil nuclear energy and clean technology?
A. Germany
B. Switzerland
C. Norway
D. Spain
Answer: B. Switzerland
Explanation: India and Switzerland agreed to broaden cooperation in defence production, military exchanges, civil nuclear energy, mobility, clean technology and research. (Insights IAS)
22. The India–Switzerland relationship dates diplomatically to a friendship treaty signed in:
A. 1947
B. 1948
C. 1950
D. 1952
Answer: B. 1948
Explanation: India and Switzerland established their diplomatic relationship through a Friendship Treaty in 1948. (Insights IAS)
23. Which trade agreement is associated with India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)?
A. TEPA
B. RCEP
C. CEPA
D. SAFTA
Answer: A. TEPA
Explanation: Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is the landmark India–EFTA trade agreement. (Insights IAS)
24. Which country is currently hosting the 2026 Asian Games?
A. China
B. South Korea
C. Japan
D. Qatar
Answer: C. Japan
Explanation: The 20th Asian Games were held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026. (Press Information Bureau)
25. The official slogan of the 2026 Asian Games was:
A. One Asia, One Dream
B. Imagine One Asia
C. One World, One Asia
D. Asia United
Answer: B. Imagine One Asia
Explanation: The official slogan of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 was “Imagine One Asia.” (Press Information Bureau)
26. The next Asian Games in 2030 will be hosted by:
A. Doha
B. Riyadh
C. Seoul
D. Beijing
Answer: A. Doha
Explanation: The Asian Games flag was handed over to representatives of Doha, Qatar, which will host the 2030 edition. (Akashvani News)
27. The 2026 Asian Games featured how many sports?
A. 35
B. 40
C. 43
D. 50
Answer: C. 43
Explanation: The Aichi-Nagoya Games featured 43 sports and 71 disciplines, with 1,407 medals awarded across 469 events. (Press Information Bureau)
28. Which organisation organises the Asian Games?
A. IOC
B. Olympic Council of Asia
C. FIFA
D. UNESCO
Answer: B. Olympic Council of Asia
Explanation: The Asian Games are organised under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). (Press Information Bureau)
Sports Current Affairs
29. Who stepped down as captain of the Indian women’s cricket team across all formats in October 2026?
A. Smriti Mandhana
B. Harmanpreet Kaur
C. Jemimah Rodrigues
D. Deepti Sharma
Answer: B. Harmanpreet Kaur
Explanation: Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down from India’s women’s captaincy across Tests, ODIs and T20Is while continuing as a player. (Akashvani News)
30. Who was appointed the new captain of India’s women’s cricket team after Harmanpreet Kaur?
A. Jemimah Rodrigues
B. Richa Ghosh
C. Smriti Mandhana
D. Shafali Verma
Answer: C. Smriti Mandhana
Explanation: Smriti Mandhana, previously India’s vice-captain, was appointed the new captain following Kaur’s decision. (Reuters)
31. Harmanpreet Kaur captained India in how many Tests?
A. 3
B. 5
C. 8
D. 10
Answer: B. 5
Explanation: During her captaincy career, Harmanpreet led India in 5 Tests, 51 ODIs and 155 T20Is. (Reuters)
32. India finished at which position in the overall medal standings at the 2026 Asian Games?
A. Second
B. Third
C. Fourth
D. Fifth
Answer: C. Fourth
Explanation: India finished fourth overall, securing a total of 85 medals. (Akashvani News)
33. How many total medals did India win at the 2026 Asian Games?
A. 75
B. 80
C. 85
D. 90
Answer: C. 85
Explanation: India’s final tally was 85 medals — 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze. (Akashvani News)
34. How many gold medals did India win at the 2026 Asian Games?
A. 18
B. 20
C. 21
D. 23
Answer: C. 21
Explanation: India won 21 gold medals, along with 27 silver and 37 bronze. (Akashvani News)
35. Which Indian discipline produced the highest number of medals at the 2026 Asian Games?
A. Boxing
B. Athletics
C. Archery
D. Wrestling
Answer: B. Athletics
Explanation: Athletics contributed 24 medals to India’s overall tally, the highest among individual sports. (Press Information Bureau)
36. How many medals did India win in archery at the 2026 Asian Games?
A. 6
B. 7
C. 9
D. 11
Answer: C. 9
Explanation: Indian archers won 9 medals — 5 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze. (Press Information Bureau)
37. Which Indian shooter made history by winning gold in the women’s trap individual event?
A. Manu Bhaker
B. Neeru Dhanda
C. Manisha Keer
D. Aashima Ahlawat
Answer: B. Neeru Dhanda
Explanation: Neeru Dhanda became the first Indian shooter to win an Asian Games gold in the women’s trap individual event. (Akashvani News)
38. Which sport saw India win both men’s and women’s gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games?
A. Hockey
B. Cricket
C. Kabaddi
D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: India achieved a gold-medal sweep in men’s and women’s cricket, kabaddi and hockey at the 2026 Asian Games. (Akashvani News)
39. India’s women’s hockey team ended a wait of how many years for an Asian Games medal?
A. 24 years
B. 32 years
C. 40 years
D. 44 years
Answer: D. 44 years
Explanation: India’s women’s hockey team ended a 44-year wait for an Asian Games medal by winning gold in 2026. (Akashvani News)
40. Which Indian athlete carried India’s flag at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games?
A. Neeraj Chopra
B. Neeru Dhanda
C. Harmanpreet Kaur
D. Manu Bhaker
Answer: B. Neeru Dhanda
Explanation: Shooter Neeru Dhanda, who won two gold medals and a silver, carried the Indian flag at the closing ceremony. (Akashvani News)
Economy, Defence & Governance
41. India’s bilateral trade with Switzerland was approximately how much in FY 2024–25?
A. $9.55 billion
B. $14.55 billion
C. $19.55 billion
D. $29.55 billion
Answer: C. $19.55 billion
Explanation: According to the latest current-affairs analysis, bilateral trade between India and Switzerland was approximately $19.55 billion in FY 2024–25. (Insights IAS)
42. Which institution implements the National Supercomputing Mission along with IISc Bengaluru?
A. C-DAC Pune
B. ISRO Hyderabad
C. DRDO Bengaluru
D. IIT Delhi
Answer: A. C-DAC Pune
Explanation: The mission is implemented by C-DAC Pune and IISc Bengaluru, under the joint guidance of DST and MeitY. (Insights IAS)
43. The National Supercomputing Mission primarily seeks to develop India’s:
A. Space tourism sector
B. High-performance computing ecosystem
C. Nuclear weapons programme
D. Railway signalling system
Answer: B. High-performance computing ecosystem
Explanation: NSM aims to build an indigenous high-performance computing (HPC) ecosystem supporting scientific research, innovation and strategic applications. (Insights IAS)
44. The Indian Navy’s new Fleet Support Ship Surya was launched at:
A. Cochin Shipyard
B. Mazagon Dock
C. Hindustan Shipyard Limited
D. Garden Reach Shipbuilders
Answer: C. Hindustan Shipyard Limited
Explanation: The first indigenous Fleet Support Ship Surya was launched at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam. (Utkarsh Classes)
45. India’s National Supercomputing Mission was initially approved with an outlay of approximately:
A. ₹2,000 crore
B. ₹3,500 crore
C. ₹4,500 crore
D. ₹6,000 crore
Answer: C. ₹4,500 crore
Explanation: The National Supercomputing Mission was launched with an initial outlay of approximately ₹4,500 crore. (Insights IAS)
46. Which exercise involving India and the UAE commenced at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand?
A. Desert Storm
B. Mountain Guardian 2026
C. Desert Eagle
D. Himalayan Shield
Answer: B. Mountain Guardian 2026
Explanation: The inaugural India–UAE joint military exercise Mountain Guardian 2026 commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. (Insights IAS)
47. Which body is India’s apex institution for integrated transport and logistics planning under the new Cabinet decision?
A. NITI Aayog
B. ITLA
C. NHAI
D. DPIIT
Answer: B. ITLA
Explanation: The Integrated Transport & Logistics Authority (ITLA) is intended to function as the national apex institution for integrated transport and logistics planning, research and monitoring. (PM India)
International & General Awareness
48. The 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics was announced by which institution?
A. Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet
B. Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
C. Swedish Parliament
D. Royal Society of London
Answer: B. Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Explanation: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awards the Nobel Prize in Physics and announced Francis Halzen as the 2026 laureate. (Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien)
49. The central scientific subject of Francis Halzen’s Nobel-recognised work is:
A. Neutrinos
B. Black holes only
C. Quantum computers
D. Climate modelling
Answer: A. Neutrinos
Explanation: Halzen’s work focuses on detecting high-energy astrophysical neutrinos, providing a new method of studying extreme cosmic phenomena. (Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien)
50. Which statement best describes the significance of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory?
A. It observes weather patterns over Antarctica
B. It detects high-energy neutrinos from cosmic sources
C. It searches for exoplanets using radio waves
D. It measures Earth’s magnetic field
Answer: B. It detects high-energy neutrinos from cosmic sources
Explanation: IceCube uses a huge volume of Antarctic ice and light sensors to detect rare interactions involving neutrinos, enabling scientists to investigate high-energy processes occurring far beyond Earth. (Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien)
Quick Revision – 7 October 2026
| Topic | Key Fact |
| SME Growth Fund | ₹10,000 crore |
| New logistics authority | ITLA |
| ITLA planning horizon | 10 years |
| Indigenous supercomputers | 40 |
| HPC capacity | 68 Petaflops |
| NSM launched | 2015 |
| First Indian supercomputer | PARAM 8000 |
| Physics Nobel 2026 | Francis Halzen |
| Nobel topic | IceCube & astrophysical neutrinos |
| Medicine Nobel 2026 | Optogenetics |
| India–Switzerland | Defence, nuclear, mobility, clean tech |
| Asian Games 2026 | Aichi-Nagoya, Japan |
| Asian Games slogan | “Imagine One Asia” |
| India Asian Games medals | 85 |
| India Asian Games rank | 4th |
| India gold medals | 21 |
| Next Asian Games | Doha, 2030 |
| Women’s cricket captain | Smriti Mandhana |
| Former captain | Harmanpreet Kaur |
| Navy Fleet Support Ship | INS Surya |
| BrahMos contract | ~₹661 crore |
| India–UAE exercise | Mountain Guardian 2026 |
