50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers – 15 October 2026
50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 15 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs | India & World | Banking | Economy | Science | Environment | Competitive Exams
Welcome to today’s current affairs practice set for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC, Defence, and other competitive examinations. These 50 multiple-choice questions include answers and explanations to help you revise important developments and exam-relevant facts for 15 October 2026. Current-event questions are based on available reports for today and recent developments; always verify major breaking news against official announcements before an examination.
Table of Contents
Section 1: National Current Affairs and Important Days
1. World Students’ Day is observed on which date?
A) 5 September B) 15 October C) 11 November D) 14 November
Correct Answer: B) 15 October
Explanation: World Students’ Day is observed on 15 October, the birth anniversary of Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and a renowned scientist who inspired students through his work and writings.
2. Which Indian President was popularly known as the “Missile Man of India”?
A) Dr. Rajendra Prasad B) Dr. Zakir Husain C) Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam D) Pranab Mukherjee
Correct Answer: C) Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
Explanation: Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam earned this title because of his important contributions to India’s missile and aerospace programmes. He served as India’s 11th President from 2002 to 2007.
3. The International Day of Rural Women is observed on:
A) 8 March B) 15 October C) 16 October D) 24 October
Correct Answer: B) 15 October
Explanation: The International Day of Rural Women recognises the contributions of rural women to agriculture, food security, family welfare, and rural development.
4. Global Handwashing Day is observed on which date?
A) 5 June B) 10 October C) 15 October D) 1 December
Correct Answer: C) 15 October
Explanation: Global Handwashing Day promotes handwashing with soap as a simple and effective way to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
5. World White Cane Day is associated primarily with:
A) Road safety B) Visual impairment and accessibility C) Environmental protection D) Child nutrition
Correct Answer: B) Visual impairment and accessibility
Explanation: The white cane is an important mobility aid for people who are blind or have low vision. The observance promotes awareness of independence, mobility, and accessibility.
6. World Food Day is observed annually on:
A) 2 October B) 15 October C) 16 October D) 24 October
Correct Answer: C) 16 October
Explanation: World Food Day commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on 16 October 1945. It promotes action against hunger and malnutrition.
7. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialised agency of which organisation?
A) World Trade Organization B) United Nations C) World Bank D) International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: B) United Nations
Explanation: The FAO is a UN specialised agency that leads international efforts to improve food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture.
8. Which constitutional body is responsible for conducting elections to Parliament and State Legislatures in India?
A) Union Public Service Commission B) Finance Commission C) Election Commission of India D) NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: C) Election Commission of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. It supervises, directs, and controls elections within its constitutional jurisdiction.
9. Article 324 of the Indian Constitution deals primarily with:
A) Emergency provisions B) Election Commission powers C) Fundamental duties D) Finance Commission
Correct Answer: B) Election Commission powers
Explanation: Article 324 vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission of India, subject to the Constitution and applicable laws.
10. The right to assemble peaceably and without arms is guaranteed under which provision?
A) Article 14 B) Article 19(1)(a) C) Article 19(1)(b) D) Article 21A
Correct Answer: C) Article 19(1)(b)
Explanation: Article 19(1)(b) guarantees citizens the right to assemble peaceably and without arms. The Constitution permits reasonable restrictions on this right under Article 19(3).
Section 2: Indian Economy and Banking
11. According to reports published on 14 October 2026, India’s wholesale price inflation for September 2026 was approximately:
A) 5.39% B) 7.25% C) 9.92% D) 11.39%
Correct Answer: D) 11.39%
Explanation: India’s annual wholesale price inflation rose to 11.39% in September 2026, up from 9.92% in August. Higher petroleum, natural gas, and other commodity prices contributed to the increase.
12. Which Indian government office compiles the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)?
A) National Statistical Office B) Office of the Economic Adviser C) Reserve Bank of India D) Finance Commission
Correct Answer: B) Office of the Economic Adviser
Explanation: The Office of the Economic Adviser, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), compiles India’s WPI.
13. What does the Wholesale Price Index primarily measure?
A) Changes in wholesale prices of goods B) Changes in household savings C) Changes in stock-market prices only D) Changes in government employment
Correct Answer: A) Changes in wholesale prices of goods
Explanation: WPI measures price changes at the wholesale level. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), by contrast, tracks changes in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services.
14. Which institution is responsible for monetary policy in India?
A) SEBI B) NABARD C) Reserve Bank of India D) NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: C) Reserve Bank of India
Explanation: The RBI formulates and implements monetary policy to maintain price stability while keeping economic growth in mind.
15. Which of the following is the main policy rate used by the RBI to signal its monetary policy stance?
A) Repo rate B) Customs duty C) Corporate tax rate D) Goods and Services Tax rate
Correct Answer: A) Repo rate
Explanation: The repo rate is the rate at which the RBI lends short-term funds to eligible banks against securities under the applicable framework. Changes in this rate influence borrowing costs and liquidity.
16. What does WPI stand for?
A) World Price Indicator B) Wholesale Price Index C) Weighted Production Indicator D) Wholesale Production Information
Correct Answer: B) Wholesale Price Index
Explanation: WPI tracks price movements of goods at the wholesale level and is an important indicator of inflationary pressures in the economy.
17. Which institution regulates the securities market in India?
A) SEBI B) IRDAI C) TRAI D) FSSAI
Correct Answer: A) SEBI
Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India regulates the securities market, protects investors, and promotes its orderly development.
18. What is the full form of FDI?
A) Foreign Development Index B) Financial Deposit Investment C) Foreign Direct Investment D) Federal Development Initiative
Correct Answer: C) Foreign Direct Investment
Explanation: FDI refers to investment by an individual or entity from one country into a business or productive asset in another country, generally involving a lasting interest or influence.
19. A trade deficit occurs when:
A) Exports exceed imports B) Imports exceed exports C) Government revenue exceeds expenditure D) Savings exceed investment
Correct Answer: B) Imports exceed exports
Explanation: A trade deficit in goods occurs when the value of merchandise imports exceeds the value of merchandise exports over a given period.
20. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is produced by:
A) Heating coal until it melts B) Cooling natural gas until it becomes liquid C) Mixing petroleum with seawater D) Compressing oxygen into a solid
Correct Answer: B) Cooling natural gas until it becomes liquid
Explanation: LNG is natural gas cooled to a very low temperature, approximately −162°C at atmospheric pressure, so it occupies much less volume and can be transported efficiently.
21. Which country became India’s largest LNG supplier in September 2026, according to a current-affairs report?
A) Australia B) Qatar C) Oman D) Canada
Correct Answer: C) Oman
Explanation: A current-affairs digest dated 15 October reported that Oman overtook the United States as India’s largest LNG supplier in September 2026.
22. Which of the following is a major function of the Reserve Bank of India?
A) Conducting civil service examinations B) Regulating monetary policy and banking C) Building national highways D) Managing parliamentary elections
Correct Answer: B) Regulating monetary policy and banking
Explanation: The RBI is India’s central bank. Its responsibilities include monetary policy, currency management, banking regulation, and financial-system stability.
23. What is a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction generally used for?
A) Absorbing surplus liquidity from the banking system B) Issuing passports C) Financing only agricultural exports D) Setting income-tax slabs
Correct Answer: A) Absorbing surplus liquidity from the banking system
Explanation: Under a reverse repo operation, the RBI absorbs funds from banks. A variable-rate reverse repo auction helps manage surplus liquidity, with the rate determined through bidding.
24. Which organisation provides crop and rural credit support and promotes agricultural development in India?
A) NABARD B) SEBI C) UPSC D) ISRO
Correct Answer: A) NABARD
Explanation: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) supports rural development, agricultural credit, and rural financial institutions.
25. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is best described as:
A) A direct tax on personal income only B) An indirect tax on the supply of goods and services C) A tax on international tourism only D) A tax imposed exclusively on agricultural land
Correct Answer: B) An indirect tax on the supply of goods and services
Explanation: GST is an indirect, destination-based tax on the supply of goods and services. It replaced several central and state indirect taxes when introduced in India in 2017.
Section 3: International Affairs and Global Organisations
26. Which international organisation publishes the World Economic Outlook?
A) World Trade Organization B) International Monetary Fund C) UNESCO D) International Labour Organization
Correct Answer: B) International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) publishes the World Economic Outlook, which analyses global economic growth, inflation, and related macroeconomic trends.
27. Which organisation is primarily responsible for promoting international trade rules among its members?
A) WTO B) WHO C) UNICEF D) UNHCR
Correct Answer: A) WTO
Explanation: The World Trade Organization administers multilateral trade agreements and provides a framework for trade negotiations and dispute settlement.
28. Which city hosts the headquarters of the United Nations?
A) Geneva B) Paris C) New York City D) Vienna
Correct Answer: C) New York City
Explanation: The UN’s headquarters is in New York City, United States. Important UN offices are also located in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.
29. Which organisation is responsible for international public-health coordination within the UN system?
A) WHO B) WTO C) IMF D) ILO
Correct Answer: A) WHO
Explanation: The World Health Organization coordinates international public-health efforts, supports disease surveillance, and issues health guidance.
30. The United Nations observes United Nations Day on:
A) 24 October B) 5 June C) 21 June D) 10 December
Correct Answer: A) 24 October
Explanation: United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force on 24 October 1945.
31. Which country is the home of the European Union’s main institutions in Brussels?
A) Belgium B) Spain C) Portugal D) Greece
Correct Answer: A) Belgium
Explanation: Brussels, the capital of Belgium, hosts major European Union institutions, including the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.
32. Which country was the focus of recent diplomatic discussions involving President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders?
A) Ukraine B) Argentina C) Indonesia D) South Africa
Correct Answer: A) Ukraine
Explanation: Ukraine remained a major focus of European diplomacy in reports dated 14 October 2026, including discussions about security assistance, energy infrastructure, and satellite communications.
33. Which technology company operates the Starlink satellite internet service?
A) SpaceX B) Intel C) Samsung D) IBM
Correct Answer: A) SpaceX
Explanation: Starlink is a satellite internet service operated by SpaceX. Its low-Earth-orbit satellite network provides broadband connectivity in many regions.
34. What does the term “low-Earth orbit” generally refer to?
A) An orbit close to Earth compared with higher satellite orbits B) An orbit around the Sun only C) A path exclusively used by aircraft D) An orbit located beyond the Moon
Correct Answer: A) An orbit close to Earth compared with higher satellite orbits
Explanation: Low-Earth orbit (LEO) commonly includes orbital altitudes below approximately 2,000 kilometres. Many Earth-observation and communications satellites operate in this region.
35. Which country is the host of the International Court of Justice?
A) Switzerland B) Netherlands C) Germany D) Japan
Correct Answer: B) Netherlands
Explanation: The International Court of Justice is based at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
Section 4: Science, Technology and Environment
36. Which Indian organisation is responsible for the country’s major space research programmes?
A) DRDO B) ISRO C) BARC D) CSIR
Correct Answer: B) ISRO
Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducts space research, develops launch vehicles and satellites, and supports applications such as communications, navigation, and Earth observation.
37. What is the primary purpose of a satellite-based Earth-observation system?
A) To manufacture medicines B) To collect information about Earth’s surface and environment C) To replace all ground-based communication D) To generate electricity from coal
Correct Answer: B) To collect information about Earth’s surface and environment
Explanation: Earth-observation satellites collect data used in weather forecasting, agriculture, disaster management, forest monitoring, and natural-resource planning.
38. What does AI stand for?
A) Automated Internet B) Artificial Intelligence C) Advanced Information D) Applied Integration
Correct Answer: B) Artificial Intelligence
Explanation: Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks such as recognising patterns, generating text, interpreting images, and supporting decision-making.
39. Which of the following is a renewable source of energy?
A) Coal B) Petroleum C) Solar energy D) Natural gas
Correct Answer: C) Solar energy
Explanation: Solar energy comes from sunlight and is renewable on human timescales. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are fossil fuels.
40. Bharat Stage emission standards are primarily concerned with:
A) Vehicle exhaust emissions B) School examination standards C) Agricultural land ownership D) Railway ticket prices
Correct Answer: A) Vehicle exhaust emissions
Explanation: Bharat Stage standards regulate emissions from motor vehicles in India. They are designed to reduce pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter.
41. What is the main objective of biodiversity conservation?
A) To eliminate all wildlife habitats B) To protect the variety of life and ecosystems C) To increase the use of fossil fuels D) To replace forests with industrial areas
Correct Answer: B) To protect the variety of life and ecosystems
Explanation: Biodiversity conservation protects genetic diversity, species, and ecosystems, helping maintain ecological balance and essential services such as pollination and water purification.
42. The Eastern Ghats are located primarily in which part of India?
A) Northern Himalayan region B) Eastern peninsular India C) Western Rajasthan D) Northwestern Punjab
Correct Answer: B) Eastern peninsular India
Explanation: The Eastern Ghats are a discontinuous range of hills along India’s eastern side, extending through parts of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and adjoining areas. They support diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
43. The endangered Jeypore ground gecko has been reported in which Indian state in recent environmental news?
A) Odisha B) Punjab C) Haryana D) Goa
Correct Answer: A) Odisha
Explanation: A current-affairs report dated 15 October 2026 highlighted concerns about the Jeypore ground gecko in Odisha’s Balda Hills, where a proposed bauxite mining project has raised habitat-conservation concerns.
44. Which gas is the principal component of natural gas and is also a greenhouse gas?
A) Methane B) Neon C) Helium D) Argon
Correct Answer: A) Methane
Explanation: Methane (CH₄) is the main component of natural gas. It is also a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming when released into the atmosphere.
45. What is the principal aim of the Paris Agreement on climate change?
A) To promote unrestricted fossil-fuel consumption B) To strengthen the global response to climate change C) To abolish all international trade D) To regulate global internet access
Correct Answer: B) To strengthen the global response to climate change
Explanation: Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement aims to hold the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
Section 5: Sports, Awards and General Awareness
46. Which international organisation governs association football worldwide?
A) ICC B) FIFA C) FIDE D) World Athletics
Correct Answer: B) FIFA
Explanation: FIFA is the international governing body of association football. It organises the FIFA World Cup and oversees major international football competitions.
47. Which organisation governs international cricket?
A) International Cricket Council B) FIFA C) International Olympic Committee D) World Rugby
Correct Answer: A) International Cricket Council
Explanation: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for cricket and administers major international tournaments.
48. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in which country?
A) Sweden B) Norway C) Denmark D) Finland
Correct Answer: B) Norway
Explanation: The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway. Most other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
49. Which award is India’s highest civilian honour?
A) Padma Shri B) Padma Bhushan C) Bharat Ratna D) Arjuna Award
Correct Answer: C) Bharat Ratna
Explanation: The Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award. It recognises exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour.
50. Which Indian institution conducts the Civil Services Examination for recruitment to the IAS and other central services?
A) Staff Selection Commission B) Union Public Service Commission C) National Testing Agency D) Institute of Banking Personnel Selection
Correct Answer: B) Union Public Service Commission
Explanation: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the Civil Services Examination for recruitment to the Indian Administrative Service, Indian Foreign Service, Indian Police Service, and other services under the prescribed rules.
Quick Revision: Important Dates for 15–16 October
| Date | Observance |
| 15 October | World Students’ Day |
| 15 October | International Day of Rural Women |
| 15 October | Global Handwashing Day |
| 15 October | World White Cane Day |
| 16 October | World Food Day |
YOU CAN ALSO VISIT:
