50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers – 16 October 2026
50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 16 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs | India & World | General Knowledge | Competitive Exam Preparation
Welcome to today’s current affairs practice set, prepared for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC, Defence, UGC NET and other competitive examinations. These 50 multiple-choice questions cover important national and international developments, economy, science and technology, defence, international relations and static facts connected with current news.
Table of Contents
Section A: National Current Affairs
1. Which Indian institution announced support for the development and commercialisation of an indigenous 32-slice CT scanner in October 2026?
A. ISRO B. Technology Development Board (TDB-DST) C. SEBI D. NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: B. Technology Development Board (TDB-DST)
Explanation: The TDB under the Department of Science and Technology is supporting the development and commercialisation of an indigenous 32-slice CT scanner by Panacea Medical Technologies. The initiative supports domestic medical-device manufacturing.
2. Which company is developing the indigenous 32-slice CT scanner mentioned in recent Indian science news?
A. Bharat Electronics Limited B. Panacea Medical Technologies C. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited D. Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
Correct Answer: B. Panacea Medical Technologies
Explanation: Panacea Medical Technologies is the company associated with the CT scanner initiative supported by TDB-DST. CT scanners use X-rays and computer processing to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures.
3. What was the estimated growth in India’s cumulative merchandise and services exports during April–September 2026–27?
A. 8.24% B. 10.50% C. 13.84% D. 18.75%
Correct Answer: C. 13.84%
Explanation: The Government of India reported estimated cumulative exports of US$476.20 billion, compared with US$418.31 billion in the corresponding period of 2025–26.
4. Who launched the National Strategic Trade Command Centre at Vanijya Bhawan in October 2026?
A. Piyush Goyal B. Nirmala Sitharaman C. Amit Shah D. Ashwini Vaishnaw
Correct Answer: A. Piyush Goyal
Explanation: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the centre to strengthen trade intelligence, data-driven monitoring and coordination concerning strategic trade.
5. What is the primary purpose of the National Strategic Trade Command Centre?
A. Regulating school examinations B. Monitoring strategic trade and improving trade-related decision-making C. Managing railway reservations D. Supervising agricultural crop insurance
Correct Answer: B. Monitoring strategic trade and improving trade-related decision-making
Explanation: The centre is intended to improve trade intelligence and evidence-based decisions, including matters involving strategically controlled goods and export applications.
6. Which indigenous multi-purpose vessel was scheduled for commissioning by the Indian Navy on 16 October 2026?
A. INS Vikrant B. INS Samarthak C. INS Arihant D. INS Kolkata
Correct Answer: B. INS Samarthak
Explanation: INS Samarthak is an indigenous multi-purpose vessel built by Larsen & Toubro. Its planned roles include maritime surveillance, serving as a trials platform and supporting unmanned systems.
7. Which company built INS Samarthak?
A. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders B. Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers C. Larsen & Toubro D. Cochin Shipyard Limited
Correct Answer: C. Larsen & Toubro
Explanation: Larsen & Toubro built the vessel, reflecting the contribution of Indian industry to indigenous naval shipbuilding.
8. Which communication satellite and naval weapon were included in Indian defence contracts worth ₹4,106 crore announced in October 2026?
A. GSAT-7C and Varunastra B. INSAT-3D and BrahMos C. NavIC-1 and Akash D. GSAT-11 and Agni-V
Correct Answer: A. GSAT-7C and Varunastra
Explanation: The Ministry of Defence announced contracts for the GSAT-7C communication satellite and Varunastra heavy-weight torpedoes. These support secure military communications and naval warfare capabilities.
9. The GSAT-7C satellite is intended primarily to support which capability?
A. Secure communication for the Indian Air Force B. Weather forecasting for farmers only C. Deep-sea mineral exploration D. Television broadcasting exclusively
Correct Answer: A. Secure communication for the Indian Air Force
Explanation: GSAT-7C is intended to strengthen secure communication capabilities for the Indian Air Force. Military communication satellites help armed forces exchange information over long distances.
10. Varunastra is associated with which branch of India’s armed forces?
A. Indian Army B. Indian Navy C. Indian Air Force D. Indian Coast Guard exclusively
Correct Answer: B. Indian Navy
Explanation: Varunastra is an indigenously developed heavy-weight torpedo intended for anti-submarine warfare. Torpedoes are underwater weapons used primarily against submarines and surface vessels.
11. Which Indian minister inaugurated five development projects worth approximately ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh on 15 October 2026?
A. Narendra Modi B. Rajnath Singh C. Piyush Goyal D. Jitendra Singh
Correct Answer: A. Narendra Modi
Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated five development projects worth around ₹3,350 crore in Ladakh. The announcement featured in the Prime Minister’s Office’s official releases.
12. Which Indian institution released the monthly Periodic Labour Force Survey bulletin for September 2026?
A. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation B. Ministry of Education C. Election Commission of India D. Ministry of Culture
Correct Answer: A. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Explanation: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) published the September 2026 PLFS monthly bulletin. Labour-force surveys help assess employment and unemployment conditions.
13. What does PLFS stand for in Indian economic statistics?
A. Public Loan Financing Scheme B. Periodic Labour Force Survey C. Private Labour Funding System D. Population Level Forecasting Study
Correct Answer: B. Periodic Labour Force Survey
Explanation: PLFS stands for Periodic Labour Force Survey. It provides important statistical information about labour-force participation, employment and unemployment in India.
14. Which organisation was associated with the development and commercialisation of the indigenous CT scanner alongside TDB-DST?
A. Panacea Medical Technologies B. National Highways Authority of India C. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India D. Geological Survey of India
Correct Answer: A. Panacea Medical Technologies
Explanation: The project connects a government technology-development support agency with a domestic medical-technology company, helping move an innovation towards commercial use.
15. Which initiative focuses on transforming India’s infrastructure through integrated planning and coordination?
A. PM GatiShakti National Master Plan B. Digital India only C. Khelo India D. Mission Indradhanush
Correct Answer: A. PM GatiShakti National Master Plan
Explanation: PM GatiShakti promotes coordinated infrastructure planning across sectors. Its objective is to improve connectivity, reduce logistical inefficiencies and support integrated development. The programme marked five years in October 2026.
Section B: Economy and Banking
16. What was India’s merchandise trade deficit in September 2026, according to the reported trade figures?
A. US$15.21 billion B. US$20.86 billion C. US$30.21 billion D. US$44.40 billion
Correct Answer: C. US$30.21 billion
Explanation: India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to US$30.21 billion in September 2026, from US$26.86 billion in August. A merchandise trade deficit occurs when the value of goods imports exceeds the value of goods exports.
17. What were India’s merchandise exports in September 2026, according to the reported figures?
A. US$30.21 billion B. US$44.40 billion C. US$55.61 billion D. US$74.61 billion
Correct Answer: B. US$44.40 billion
Explanation: Merchandise exports were reported at US$44.40 billion, while merchandise imports reached US$74.61 billion in September 2026. The difference explains the reported goods trade deficit.
18. Which of the following is an example of a merchandise export?
A. Software consulting supplied remotely B. A physical shipment of electronic goods C. A tourist purchasing a hotel stay D. A bank providing financial advice
Correct Answer: B. A physical shipment of electronic goods
Explanation: Merchandise exports involve physical goods crossing national borders. Software consulting, tourism and financial advice are generally classified as services.
19. Effective 16 October 2026, what windfall tax per litre did India set on petrol exports?
A. ₹1.50 B. ₹2.50 C. ₹5.00 D. ₹8.50
Correct Answer: B. ₹2.50
Explanation: A government order set a windfall tax of ₹2.50 per litre on petrol exports, effective 16 October 2026. A windfall tax is a levy on specified unusually high gains or returns, depending on the applicable policy.
20. What windfall tax per litre was set on diesel exports, effective 16 October 2026?
A. ₹2.50 B. ₹4.50 C. ₹6.00 D. ₹8.50
Correct Answer: D. ₹8.50
Explanation: The reported government order set the diesel export levy at ₹8.50 per litre, higher than the ₹2.50 per litre petrol export levy.
21. Which bank’s 2020 Additional Tier-1 bond write-off was ruled impermissible by India’s Supreme Court in October 2026?
A. Yes Bank B. Punjab National Bank C. State Bank of India D. Bank of Baroda
Correct Answer: A. Yes Bank
Explanation: The Supreme Court set aside Yes Bank’s 2020 write-off of AT1 bonds, upholding the bondholders’ challenge to the action. The ruling concerned the legal authority to write down the bonds under the bank’s reconstruction arrangements.
22. What does AT1 stand for in banking?
A. Additional Tier-1 B. Annual Treasury-1 C. Automated Transaction-1 D. Asset Transfer-1
Correct Answer: A. Additional Tier-1
Explanation: Additional Tier-1 bonds are capital instruments issued by banks. They can absorb losses under specified conditions and generally carry higher risk than ordinary bank deposits.
23. Which institution is India’s central bank?
A. SEBI B. NABARD C. Reserve Bank of India D. SIDBI
Correct Answer: C. Reserve Bank of India
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India’s central bank. It manages monetary policy, issues banknotes subject to the applicable legal framework, and regulates important parts of the banking and financial system.
24. Which organisation regulates India’s securities market?
A. SEBI B. RBI alone C. IRDAI D. TRAI
Correct Answer: A. SEBI
Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates India’s securities market and works to protect investors and promote orderly market development.
25. Which statement correctly describes a trade deficit?
A. Exports exceed imports B. Imports exceed exports C. Exports and imports are always equal D. The government collects no taxes
Correct Answer: B. Imports exceed exports
Explanation: A trade deficit in goods occurs when the value of imported merchandise exceeds the value of exported merchandise over a specified period.
Section C: International Current Affairs
26. Which three countries were reportedly involved in discussions with the United States about denuclearisation in October 2026?
A. United States, Russia and China B. United States, India and Japan C. Russia, France and Germany D. China, Brazil and South Africa
Correct Answer: A. United States, Russia and China
Explanation: US President Donald Trump said the United States was discussing denuclearisation with Russia and China. The issue is particularly significant because these countries possess major nuclear arsenals.
27. Which treaty, originally signed in 2010, concerned strategic nuclear arms reductions between the United States and Russia?
A. Treaty of Versailles B. New START Treaty C. Treaty of Rome D. Antarctic Treaty
Correct Answer: B. New START Treaty
Explanation: The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, commonly called New START, established limits and verification measures relating to US and Russian strategic nuclear forces. The treaty’s status became a major issue in 2026 following its expiration earlier that year.
28. Which country was preparing for a presidential election runoff scheduled for 25 October 2026, according to recent reporting?
A. Brazil B. Canada C. Australia D. South Korea
Correct Answer: A. Brazil
Explanation: Recent reporting discussed Brazil’s presidential runoff, with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva featured in polling ahead of the scheduled vote.
29. Which European currency recovered against the US dollar amid concerns about artificial-intelligence investment in October 2026?
A. Swiss franc B. Euro C. Swedish krona D. Polish zloty
Correct Answer: B. Euro
Explanation: Market reporting on 16 October described a recovery in the euro as the US dollar weakened amid concerns about AI-related investment and declining US Treasury yields. Currency movements can reflect changing expectations about growth, interest rates and investment risk.
30. Which international organisation holds its annual meetings involving the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank?
A. IMF and World Bank Group B. NATO and ASEAN C. UNESCO and FIFA D. WTO and Interpol only
Correct Answer: A. IMF and World Bank Group
Explanation: The IMF and World Bank Group hold annual meetings that bring together policymakers, central bankers, development specialists and other stakeholders to discuss the global economy and development.
31. What is the full form of IMF?
A. International Monetary Fund B. International Market Federation C. Indian Monetary Forum D. International Management Foundation
Correct Answer: A. International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The International Monetary Fund promotes international monetary cooperation, financial stability and global economic cooperation. It also provides economic surveillance and financial assistance to eligible member countries.
32. Which international organisation is primarily responsible for setting global rules for international trade among its members?
A. WHO B. WTO C. ILO D. UNICEF
Correct Answer: B. WTO
Explanation: The World Trade Organization (WTO) provides a framework for trade agreements, trade negotiations and dispute settlement among its members.
33. Which strait is a major maritime chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman?
A. Strait of Malacca B. Strait of Hormuz C. Bering Strait D. Strait of Gibraltar
Correct Answer: B. Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically important route for global energy shipments. Disruptions in this passage can affect oil markets, shipping costs and international trade.
34. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is located near which two bodies of water?
A. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden B. Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal C. Black Sea and Caspian Sea D. Mediterranean Sea and Baltic Sea
Correct Answer: A. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Explanation: Bab el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. It is a key maritime passage for shipping between the Mediterranean region and the Indian Ocean.
35. Which organisation is responsible for coordinating international public-health work within the United Nations system?
A. WHO B. WTO C. UNESCO D. UNHCR
Correct Answer: A. WHO
Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) coordinates international public-health efforts, develops health guidance and supports countries in responding to health emergencies.
Section D: Science, Technology and Defence
36. What does CT stand for in the term CT scanner?
A. Computer Technology B. Computed Tomography C. Clinical Testing D. Central Treatment
Correct Answer: B. Computed Tomography
Explanation: Computed tomography uses X-rays and computer processing to produce cross-sectional images of the body. It is widely used to diagnose injuries and diseases.
37. Which Indian department is responsible for the Department of Science and Technology’s TDB support framework?
A. Department of Science and Technology B. Department of Telecommunications C. Department of Financial Services D. Department of School Education only
Correct Answer: A. Department of Science and Technology
Explanation: TDB-DST refers to the Technology Development Board associated with the Department of Science and Technology. It supports the development and commercialisation of indigenous technologies, including the CT scanner initiative reported in October 2026.
38. What does ISRO stand for?
A. Indian Space Research Organisation B. International Satellite Research Office C. Indian Scientific Rocket Organisation D. Institute of Space and Radio Operations
Correct Answer: A. Indian Space Research Organisation
Explanation: ISRO is India’s national space agency. Its work includes satellite development, launch vehicles, space science and applications such as communications, navigation and Earth observation.
39. Which Indian organisation is chiefly associated with developing military technologies such as missiles and radar systems?
A. DRDO B. FCI C. UGC D. NCERT
Correct Answer: A. DRDO
Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation develops technologies and systems for India’s defence requirements, including missiles, sensors, electronics and other military equipment.
40. What is the main purpose of a military communication satellite?
A. To provide secure communications over long distances B. To replace every ground-based military unit C. To manufacture weapons in orbit D. To eliminate the need for navigation
Correct Answer: A. To provide secure communications over long distances
Explanation: Military communication satellites help armed forces transmit information across large distances. Secure communications support coordination, command and operational planning.
41. What is the primary role of a torpedo?
A. To intercept aircraft in the atmosphere B. To attack underwater or surface maritime targets C. To launch communication satellites D. To detect earthquakes
Correct Answer: B. To attack underwater or surface maritime targets
Explanation: A torpedo is a self-propelled underwater weapon. Heavy-weight torpedoes are especially relevant to naval operations against submarines and other maritime targets.
42. What does AI stand for?
A. Automated Internet B. Artificial Intelligence C. Applied Information D. Advanced Integration
Correct Answer: B. Artificial Intelligence
Explanation: Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human-like capabilities, such as language processing, pattern recognition and decision support.
43. Which technology underpins cryptocurrencies and many distributed digital ledgers?
A. Blockchain B. Telegraphy C. Magnetic tape alone D. Analogue broadcasting
Correct Answer: A. Blockchain
Explanation: Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology that records transactions in linked data structures. Its applications extend beyond cryptocurrencies to areas such as supply-chain tracking and digital verification.
44. What is the primary purpose of semiconductor chips in electronic devices?
A. To process, store or control electronic information B. To generate all electricity used by a city C. To replace all communication networks D. To function exclusively as batteries
Correct Answer: A. To process, store or control electronic information
Explanation: Semiconductor chips are essential components in computers, smartphones, communication systems, vehicles and industrial equipment. They perform computing, memory, sensing and control functions.
45. Which Indian naval vessel is associated with anti-submarine warfare and was commissioned in October 2026?
A. INS Mangrol B. INS Samarthak C. INS Vikramaditya D. INS Arihant
Correct Answer: A. INS Mangrol
Explanation: INS Mangrol is an indigenous anti-submarine warfare shallow-water craft reported as commissioned by the Indian Navy in October 2026. Its role is distinct from the multi-purpose vessel INS Samarthak.
Section E: Sports, Environment and Important Days
46. Which Indian wrestler won silver in the men’s 55 kg Greco-Roman category at the U23 World Wrestling Championships in October 2026?
A. Bajrang Punia B. Vishvajit Ramchandra More C. Aman Sehrawat D. Ravi Kumar Dahiya
Correct Answer: B. Vishvajit Ramchandra More
Explanation: Vishvajit Ramchandra More won silver in the men’s 55 kg Greco-Roman category on 15 October 2026. He was reported as the first Indian to win silver in this category at the U23 World Wrestling Championships.
47. Which Indian state was scheduled to host the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament from 27 October to 5 November 2026?
A. Odisha B. Punjab C. Haryana D. Maharashtra
Correct Answer: B. Punjab
Explanation: Punjab was scheduled to host the tournament in Jalandhar and Mohali. The event is an important international competition in men’s field hockey.
48. When is World Food Day observed every year?
A. 5 June B. 16 October C. 24 October D. 10 December
Correct Answer: B. 16 October
Explanation: World Food Day is observed annually on 16 October to raise awareness about hunger, food security, nutrition and the need for sustainable food systems. The date commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945.
49. Which United Nations agency leads international efforts concerning food security and agricultural development?
A. FAO B. ICAO C. IAEA D. IMO
Correct Answer: A. FAO
Explanation: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations works to improve food security, nutrition and agricultural productivity while supporting sustainable management of natural resources.
50. Which of the following is the main objective of sustainable development?
A. To maximise present consumption regardless of future costs B. To meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs C. To stop all industrial activity D. To replace all natural resources with synthetic materials
Correct Answer: B. To meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs
Explanation: Sustainable development seeks to balance economic progress, social well-being and environmental protection. It encourages responsible resource use so future generations can also meet their needs.
