50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 21 October 2026

50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 21 October 2026

Daily Current Affairs | 21 October 2026 | MCQQUESTIONS.IN

Welcome to today’s current affairs practice set for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC and other competitive examinations. These 50 multiple-choice questions cover national affairs, international relations, government schemes, economy, science, important days and sports.

Section 1: National Current Affairs

1. Who began a three-day official visit to India on 21 October 2026?

A. Emmanuel Macron B. Donald Tusk C. Olaf Scholz D. Rishi Sunak

Answer: B. Donald Tusk

Explanation: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk began an official visit to India from 21 to 23 October 2026. Discussions were expected to cover trade, defence, renewable energy and emerging technologies.

2. Which country’s Prime Minister visited India from 21–23 October 2026?

A. Poland B. Japan C. Australia D. Canada

Answer: A. Poland

Explanation: The visit was intended to strengthen India–Poland bilateral relations and build on their Strategic Partnership established in 2024.

3. On which date is Police Commemoration Day observed in India?

A. 15 August B. 26 January C. 21 October D. 31 October

Answer: C. 21 October

Explanation: Police Commemoration Day honours ten police personnel killed in an ambush at Hot Springs in Ladakh on 21 October 1959.

4. The ten police personnel remembered on Police Commemoration Day were killed at which location?

A. Galwan Valley B. Hot Springs, Ladakh C. Kargil D. Siachen Glacier

Answer: B. Hot Springs, Ladakh

Explanation: The day commemorates the sacrifice of ten police personnel who were killed in 1959 while serving in a border reconnaissance party.

5. Which scheme approved five ITI-upgradation investment plans in October 2026?

A. PM-KISAN B. PM-SETU C. PMAY D. PM-SVANidhi

Answer: B. PM-SETU

Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs scheme supports the modernisation of Industrial Training Institutes and industry-linked skill development.

6. What was the total value of the five ITI investment plans approved under PM-SETU?

A. ₹594.92 crore B. ₹894.92 crore C. ₹1,194.92 crore D. ₹3,687 crore

Answer: C. ₹1,194.92 crore

Explanation: The National Steering Committee approved five Strategic Investment Plans worth ₹1,194.92 crore, taking the total sanctioned investment under the programme to ₹3,687 crore.

7. The five PM-SETU ITI clusters announced in October 2026 were located in which regions?

A. Gujarat, Kerala and Goa B. Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir C. Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan D. Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal

Answer: B. Maharashtra, Odisha and Jammu & Kashmir

Explanation: The approved clusters covered these three regions. The initiative aims to improve vocational training infrastructure and industry participation.

8. Which industry organisation was named as the partner for the Kataka ITI Cluster in Odisha?

A. Tata Steel Foundation B. Infosys Foundation C. Reliance Foundation D. Wipro Foundation

Answer: A. Tata Steel Foundation

Explanation: The Kataka Cluster in Odisha received an investment plan of ₹240.50 crore, with Tata Steel Foundation identified as its industry partner.

9. Which Union Minister launched the World Development Report 2026 on artificial intelligence and development in India?

A. Rajnath Singh B. Ashwini Vaishnaw C. Piyush Goyal D. Dharmendra Pradhan

Answer: B. Ashwini Vaishnaw

Explanation: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched the World Bank Group’s 2026 report focused on artificial intelligence and its role in development.

10. What is the central theme of the World Development Report 2026 mentioned in the daily current affairs roundup?

A. Global Food Security B. The Promise of Artificial Intelligence C. Ocean Conservation D. International Migration

Answer: B. The Promise of Artificial Intelligence

Explanation: The report examines opportunities and challenges associated with AI in developing economies and recommends ways to use the technology for inclusive development.

Section 2: Government Schemes and Economy

11. What is the full form of UDAN?

A. Urban Development and Aviation Network B. Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik C. Universal Domestic Air Navigation D. Udaan Digital Access Network

Answer: B. Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik

Explanation: UDAN is India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, designed to improve affordable air connectivity to underserved and unserved destinations. The scheme marked ten years on 21 October 2026.

12. How many years did the UDAN scheme complete on 21 October 2026?

A. 5 years B. 8 years C. 10 years D. 15 years

Answer: C. 10 years

Explanation: The Regional Connectivity Scheme was launched in 2016. Its tenth anniversary was marked on 21 October 2026.

13. According to the reported UDAN figures, how many routes had been operationalised cumulatively?

A. 287 B. 487 C. 687 D. 987

Answer: C. 687

Explanation: The reported cumulative figures included 687 operationalised routes and 95 aerodromes, alongside passenger traffic and government funding data.

14. How many aerodromes had been operationalised under UDAN according to the reported figures?

A. 45 B. 65 C. 95 D. 150

Answer: C. 95

Explanation: The reported UDAN figures recorded 95 aerodromes operationalised to expand regional air connectivity.

15. What does VGF stand for in government infrastructure schemes such as UDAN?

A. Viability Gap Funding B. Variable Growth Finance C. Verified Government Fund D. Value Generation Framework

Answer: A. Viability Gap Funding

Explanation: Viability Gap Funding is financial support provided to help make socially useful infrastructure projects commercially viable.

16. Which international trade agreement between India and New Zealand came into force on 20 October 2026?

A. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan B. Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand C. Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership with the EU D. Bilateral Investment Treaty with Canada

Answer: B. Free Trade Agreement with New Zealand

Explanation: The reported agreement entered into force on 20 October 2026, providing duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand under the announced terms.

17. What investment commitment was reported under the India–New Zealand FTA?

A. US$5 billion over five years B. US$10 billion over ten years C. US$20 billion over 15 years D. US$50 billion over 20 years

Answer: C. US$20 billion over 15 years

Explanation: The agreement included a reported investment commitment of US$20 billion over 15 years.

18. Which country was involved in the trilateral meeting with India and the United States on 20 October 2026?

A. UAE B. Nepal C. Sri Lanka D. Bangladesh

Answer: A. UAE

Explanation: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan for discussions on energy security, trade, technology and connectivity.

19. Which Indian bank was involved in a strategic restructuring and disinvestment process reported in October 2026?

A. State Bank of India B. Punjab National Bank C. IDBI Bank D. Bank of Baroda

Answer: C. IDBI Bank

Explanation: The reported transaction involved the sale of a 60.72% stake in IDBI Bank to a Fairfax subsidiary, with the government and LIC retaining stakes.

20. Which organisation took action against Zepto and three other firms over food-safety and labelling violations?

A. SEBI B. FSSAI C. TRAI D. RBI

Answer: B. FSSAI

Explanation: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is responsible for food-safety regulation and standards in India. It reportedly took action against four firms over violations.

Section 3: International Affairs and Defence

21. Where was the 25th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government held in October 2026?

A. Beijing, China B. Dushanbe, Tajikistan C. New Delhi, India D. Moscow, Russia

Answer: B. Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Explanation: The meeting took place in Dushanbe on 19–20 October 2026. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India.

22. Which country chaired the 25th SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting?

A. India B. China C. Tajikistan D. Kazakhstan

Answer: C. Tajikistan

Explanation: Tajikistan hosted the meeting in its capital, Dushanbe.

23. Which Indian minister represented India at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting?

A. Amit Shah B. Rajnath Singh C. Nitin Gadkari D. Kiren Rijiju

Answer: B. Rajnath Singh

Explanation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh represented India and called for coordinated efforts to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism.

24. In which year was the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) established?

A. 1991 B. 1995 C. 2001 D. 2010

Answer: C. 2001

Explanation: The SCO was established in 2001 to promote cooperation among member states on regional security, economic development and other shared concerns.

25. In which year did India become a full member of the SCO?

A. 2001 B. 2010 C. 2015 D. 2017

Answer: D. 2017

Explanation: India became a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in 2017, expanding its participation in Eurasian regional cooperation.

26. What forum did India announce it would host by the end of 2026?

A. SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum B. G20 Climate Court C. BRICS Maritime Tribunal D. ASEAN Defence Assembly

Answer: A. SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum

Explanation: India announced plans to host the first SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum and invited all SCO member countries to participate.

27. Which two countries were involved in the joint military exercise AUSTRAHIND 2026?

A. India and France B. India and Australia C. India and Japan D. India and Russia

Answer: B. India and Australia

Explanation: AUSTRAHIND is a joint military exercise between India and Australia intended to strengthen interoperability and defence cooperation.

28. What was the primary subject of the reported India–Saudi Arabia electricity discussions?

A. A proposed electrical interconnection B. A shared space station C. A joint railway network D. A new agricultural export quota

Answer: A. A proposed electrical interconnection

Explanation: India’s Ministry of Power reviewed the proposed India–Saudi Arabia electrical interconnection, reflecting cooperation in energy infrastructure.

29. Which country was the destination of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit in October 2026?

A. India B. Indonesia C. South Africa D. Mexico

Answer: A. India

Explanation: Rubio held discussions with Indian officials on bilateral relations, trade, energy, technology and defence, according to the day’s reported news.

30. Which of the following was a major subject of India–US discussions in October 2026?

A. Trade and defence cooperation B. The abolition of the United Nations C. The relocation of the Indian Parliament D. The creation of a single global currency

Answer: A. Trade and defence cooperation

Explanation: The discussions covered trade, energy, technology, defence and regional developments, including efforts toward an India–US bilateral trade agreement.

Section 4: Science, Technology and Social Development

31. Which organisation published the World Development Report 2026 on AI and development?

A. World Bank Group B. World Trade Organization C. International Olympic Committee D. International Criminal Court

Answer: A. World Bank Group

Explanation: The World Bank Group’s report examines how developing economies can adopt and adapt AI while addressing infrastructure, skills, governance and inclusion challenges.

32. Which three-part approach did the World Development Report 2026 recommend for AI development?

A. Buy, Borrow and Build B. Adopt, Adapt and Advance C. Plan, Produce and Export D. Regulate, Restrict and Remove

Answer: B. Adopt, Adapt and Advance

Explanation: The framework encourages countries to adopt suitable existing AI solutions, adapt them to local conditions and advance their own capabilities.

33. Which organisation is responsible for India’s IndiaAI Mission?

A. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology B. Ministry of Tourism C. Ministry of Textiles D. Ministry of Fisheries

Answer: A. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Explanation: The IndiaAI Mission operates under MeitY and supports the development and adoption of artificial intelligence in India.

34. What does AI stand for?

A. Automated Internet B. Artificial Intelligence C. Applied Information D. Advanced Integration

Answer: B. Artificial Intelligence

Explanation: Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human-like capabilities, such as learning, language processing and reasoning.

35. Which Indian organisation successfully tested a Quantum Key Distribution platform on a live test-range network in October 2026?

A. DRDO B. FSSAI C. NABARD D. NITI Aayog

Answer: A. DRDO

Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation reported a successful test of a Quantum Key Distribution platform on a live network at PXE, Chandipur.

36. What is the main purpose of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?

A. Increasing crop yields B. Securely distributing cryptographic keys C. Measuring ocean depth D. Generating solar electricity

Answer: B. Securely distributing cryptographic keys

Explanation: QKD uses quantum-mechanical principles to help two parties establish cryptographic keys and detect certain forms of interception.

37. Which Indian organisation is developing the methane-powered LME-1100 engine mentioned in the October 2026 roundup?

A. ISRO B. Archaeological Survey of India C. Election Commission of India D. National Medical Commission

Answer: A. ISRO

Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation reported ignition of a key component of its new methane-powered LME-1100 engine, with hot-fire qualification targeted for mid-2027.

38. What does LME stand for in the name of a liquid methane-powered rocket engine?

A. Liquid Methane Engine B. Lunar Mapping Equipment C. Long Mission Electronics D. Low Mass Energy

Answer: A. Liquid Methane Engine

Explanation: In this context, LME refers to the Liquid Methane Engine. Methane is being explored as a rocket propellant because of its potential performance and operational advantages.

39. Which scheme aims to promote the socio-economic development of Scheduled Caste communities through village development and related support?

A. PM-AJAY B. PM-KUSUM C. PM-FME D. PM-PRANAM

Answer: A. PM-AJAY

Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana supports the socio-economic empowerment of Scheduled Caste communities through village development, grants and related initiatives.

40. What does FTA stand for in international trade?

A. Federal Tax Arrangement

B. Free Trade Agreement

C. Foreign Transport Authority

D. Financial Transfer Account

Answer: B. Free Trade Agreement

Explanation: A Free Trade Agreement reduces or removes selected trade barriers between participating economies under agreed rules.

Section 5: Sports, Awards and Important Days

41. Which Indian women’s cricket team defeated Zimbabwe 3–0 in the series reported on 21 October 2026?

A. India’s women’s team

B. India’s Under-19 men’s team

C. India’s men’s Test team

D. India’s women’s hockey team

Answer: A. India’s women’s team

Explanation: The Indian women’s cricket team swept Zimbabwe 3–0, with Smriti Mandhana leading the side. The series decider featured notable innings from Harmanpreet Kaur and Shafali Verma.

42. Which Indian cricketer scored an unbeaten 91 in the series decider against Zimbabwe, according to the report?

A. Smriti Mandhana B. Harmanpreet Kaur C. Shafali Verma D. Jemimah Rodrigues

Answer: B. Harmanpreet Kaur

Explanation: Harmanpreet Kaur scored 91 not out in the reported series decider, helping India complete the 3–0 sweep.

43. Which Indian athlete was highlighted as a leading medal contender at the Asian Para Games on 21 October 2026?

A. Preeti Pal B. P. V. Sindhu C. Mirabai Chanu D. Dipa Karmakar

Answer: A. Preeti Pal

Explanation: Preeti Pal was highlighted in the day’s Asian Para Games coverage as India continued its campaign across athletics, swimming, powerlifting and cycling.

44. Which of the following sports featured in India’s Asian Para Games campaign on 21 October 2026?

A. Athletics B. Swimming C. Powerlifting D. All of the above

Answer: D. All of the above

Explanation: The reported schedule included medal events across athletics, swimming, powerlifting, cycling and other disciplines.

45. What is the main purpose of the Asian Para Games?

A. To promote competitive sport among athletes with disabilities

B. To organise international chess tournaments only

C. To select Olympic host cities

D. To conduct military training exercises

Answer: A. To promote competitive sport among athletes with disabilities

Explanation: The Asian Para Games are a major multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities from across Asia.

46. Which award ceremony did the President of India attend on 21 October 2026, according to the President’s Secretariat release listing?

A. Lalit Kala Akademi Awards for selected artists of the 65th National Exhibition of Art

B. Nobel Prize ceremony

C. Olympic medal ceremony

D. Booker Prize ceremony

Answer: A. Lalit Kala Akademi Awards for selected artists of the 65th National Exhibition of Art

Explanation: The President’s Secretariat listed the presentation of Lalit Kala Akademi Awards among its releases for 21 October 2026.

47. Which Indian institution is associated with the Lalit Kala Akademi Awards?

A. Lalit Kala Akademi B. Reserve Bank of India C. University Grants Commission D. Election Commission of India

Answer: A. Lalit Kala Akademi

Explanation: Lalit Kala Akademi is India’s national academy of fine arts and recognises contributions to visual arts.

48. Which city is home to the National Police Memorial?

A. Mumbai B. Chennai C. New Delhi D. Hyderabad

Answer: C. New Delhi

Explanation: The National Police Memorial in New Delhi honours police personnel who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. It is a focal point for Police Commemoration Day observances.

49. Which date is observed as United Nations Day every year?

A. 21 October B. 24 October C. 31 October D. 10 December

Answer: B. 24 October

Explanation: United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter on 24 October 1945.

50. Which of the following best describes the objective of daily current affairs preparation for competitive examinations?

A. Memorising headlines without understanding them

B. Learning important events, their background and their significance

C. Studying sports results exclusively

D. Avoiding national and international news

Answer: B. Learning important events, their background and their significance

Explanation: Effective current affairs preparation combines factual recall with an understanding of government policies, international relations, the economy, science, sports and important events.

50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 19 October 2026