50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers – 17 October 2026
50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 17 October 2026
Welcome to today’s current affairs practice set for 17 October 2026, prepared for aspirants of UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking, State PSC, Defence, and other competitive examinations.
This set covers national and international affairs, Indian polity, economy, science and technology, environment, sports, and important days. Each question includes four options, the correct answer, and a short explanation to support revision.
Section A: National Current Affairs and Governance
1. Which organisation is responsible for conducting elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies in India?
A) Union Public Service Commission B) Election Commission of India C) NITI Aayog D) Finance Commission
Correct Answer: B) Election Commission of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is a constitutional body responsible for supervising, directing, and controlling elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
2. Which constitutional article deals with the powers of the Election Commission of India?
A) Article 280 B) Article 324 C) Article 356 D) Article 370
Correct Answer: B) Article 324
Explanation: Article 324 vests the Election Commission with the superintendence, direction, and control of electoral processes in India.
3. Which Indian institution is responsible for preparing the Union Budget?
A) Ministry of Finance B) Ministry of Education C) Election Commission of India D) Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: A) Ministry of Finance
Explanation: The Ministry of Finance prepares the Union Budget, which presents the government’s estimated receipts and expenditure for the financial year.
4. Which organisation replaced the Planning Commission in India in 2015?
A) Finance Commission B) NITI Aayog C) National Development Council D) National Statistical Commission
Correct Answer: B) NITI Aayog
Explanation: NITI Aayog, established on 1 January 2015, promotes cooperative federalism and provides policy advice to the central and state governments.
5. Which body regulates monetary policy in India?
A) SEBI B) NABARD C) Reserve Bank of India D) Competition Commission of India
Correct Answer: C) Reserve Bank of India
Explanation: The RBI is India’s central bank. It manages monetary policy, regulates banks, issues currency notes except the one-rupee note, and oversees important aspects of the payment system.
6. The National One Health Mission is based on cooperation between which areas?
A) Banking, trade, and taxation B) Human, animal, and environmental health C) Space, defence, and tourism D) Education, transport, and communication
Correct Answer: B) Human, animal, and environmental health
Explanation: The One Health approach recognises that human health is connected with animal health and the environment. It supports coordinated surveillance and responses to diseases that can spread between animals and humans.
7. Which organisation is primarily responsible for India’s national space programme?
A) DRDO B) ISRO C) CSIR D) BARC
Correct Answer: B) ISRO
Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation develops and operates space missions, satellites, launch vehicles, and related applications.
8. What does EVM stand for in Indian elections?
A) Electronic Voting Machine B) Election Verification Method C) Electoral Validation Mechanism D) Electronic Voter Management
Correct Answer: A) Electronic Voting Machine
Explanation: An Electronic Voting Machine records votes electronically during elections. VVPAT is used to provide a paper-based verification trail for voters.
9. Which institution is India’s supreme judicial authority?
A) High Court B) District Court C) Supreme Court of India D) National Green Tribunal
Correct Answer: C) Supreme Court of India
Explanation: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It serves as the final court of appeal and interprets the Constitution.
10. Which constitutional body recommends the distribution of certain tax revenues between the Union and the states?
A) Finance Commission B) Election Commission C) UPSC D) National Human Rights Commission
Correct Answer: A) Finance Commission
Explanation: Under Article 280, the President constitutes a Finance Commission to recommend arrangements for sharing tax revenues and providing grants to states.
Section B: Economy and Banking
11. What is GDP?
A) Government Development Policy B) Gross Domestic Product C) General Deposit Plan D) Gross Distribution Percentage
Correct Answer: B) Gross Domestic Product
Explanation: GDP measures the value of final goods and services produced within a country’s domestic territory during a specified period.
12. Which organisation publishes India’s official consumer price inflation data?
A) National Statistical Office B) Election Commission of India C) Supreme Court of India D) University Grants Commission
Correct Answer: A) National Statistical Office
Explanation: The NSO, under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, compiles and publishes major official statistics, including the Consumer Price Index used to measure retail inflation.
13. What is the main objective of monetary policy?
A) To conduct elections B) To manage money and credit conditions and maintain price stability C) To regulate school examinations D) To determine international borders
Correct Answer: B) To manage money and credit conditions and maintain price stability
Explanation: Monetary policy influences interest rates, liquidity, and credit conditions. In India, price stability is its primary objective while keeping growth in mind.
14. Which institution regulates India’s securities market?
A) SEBI B) RBI C) IRDAI D) FCI
Correct Answer: A) SEBI
Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India protects investors and regulates the securities market, including stock exchanges and market intermediaries.
15. What is the full form of UPI?
A) Unified Payments Interface B) Universal Payment Investment C) United Public Institution D) Unified Purchase Index
Correct Answer: A) Unified Payments Interface
Explanation: UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India, enables instant bank-to-bank payments through supported digital applications.
16. Which organisation provides specialised financial support for agriculture and rural development in India?
A) NABARD B) SEBI C) SIDBI D) EXIM Bank
Correct Answer: A) NABARD
Explanation: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development supports agricultural finance, rural infrastructure, and rural development initiatives.
17. What does fiscal deficit indicate?
A) The excess of government expenditure over receipts excluding borrowings B) The total value of exports C) The difference between population and employment D) The total deposits held by commercial banks
Correct Answer: A) The excess of government expenditure over receipts excluding borrowings
Explanation: Fiscal deficit shows how much the government needs to borrow to meet its expenditure when its receipts, excluding borrowings, are insufficient.
18. Which tax is generally levied on the supply of goods and services in India?
A) GST B) Securities transaction tax only C) Property registration fee only D) Customs duty only
Correct Answer: A) GST
Explanation: Goods and Services Tax is an indirect tax system applied to the supply of goods and services, subject to the applicable rules and exemptions.
19. Which organisation is associated with India’s official foreign exchange reserves management?
A) Reserve Bank of India B) Election Commission of India C) NITI Aayog D) Central Board of Secondary Education
Correct Answer: A) Reserve Bank of India
Explanation: The RBI manages India’s foreign exchange reserves, which help support external payments and confidence in the economy.
20. What is the primary role of the World Bank?
A) To conduct national elections B) To support development and poverty reduction through financing and expertise C) To issue India’s currency D) To regulate Indian stock exchanges
Correct Answer: B) To support development and poverty reduction through financing and expertise
Explanation: The World Bank provides financing, research, and technical support for development projects and programmes, especially in developing economies.
Section C: International Affairs and Important Organisations
21. Which city hosts the headquarters of the United Nations?
A) Geneva B) New York City C) Paris D) Vienna
Correct Answer: B) New York City
Explanation: The United Nations headquarters is located in New York City, United States. The organisation works on international peace, security, development, and human rights.
22. Where is the headquarters of the World Health Organization located?
A) Rome B) Geneva C) London D) Washington, D.C.
Correct Answer: B) Geneva
Explanation: The WHO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that coordinates international public health efforts.
23. Which organisation publishes the World Economic Outlook report?
A) IMF B) WTO C) UNICEF D) UNESCO
Correct Answer: A) IMF
Explanation: The International Monetary Fund publishes the World Economic Outlook, which analyses global economic growth, inflation, and other major economic trends.
24. What is the main purpose of the Paris Agreement?
A) To establish a global currency B) To address climate change C) To regulate international sports D) To establish a world parliament
Correct Answer: B) To address climate change
Explanation: The Paris Agreement is an international climate treaty adopted in 2015. It aims to limit global warming by strengthening climate action and emissions-reduction efforts.
25. Which organisation is responsible for international rules governing global trade?
A) WTO B) WHO C) ILO D) WMO
Correct Answer: A) WTO
Explanation: The World Trade Organization administers international trade agreements, provides a forum for trade negotiations, and handles trade disputes among its members.
26. What is the primary focus of UNICEF?
A) International monetary stability B) Children’s rights and welfare C) Global military alliances D) International oil production
Correct Answer: B) Children’s rights and welfare
Explanation: UNICEF works to protect children’s rights and improve their health, nutrition, education, protection, and overall well-being.
27. Which group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa among its original members?
A) G7 B) BRICS C) NATO D) ASEAN
Correct Answer: B) BRICS
Explanation: BRICS began as a grouping of major emerging economies. It has expanded beyond its original members, so its current membership is larger than the five countries listed.
28. Where is the headquarters of the International Monetary Fund located?
A) Washington, D.C. B) Geneva C) Tokyo D) Brussels
Correct Answer: A) Washington, D.C.
Explanation: The IMF is headquartered in Washington, D.C., United States. It promotes international monetary cooperation and financial stability.
29. What is the main objective of the International Labour Organization?
A) To regulate global aviation B) To promote social justice and decent work C) To manage international space missions D) To control global oil prices
Correct Answer: B) To promote social justice and decent work
Explanation: The ILO promotes labour rights, employment opportunities, social protection, and decent working conditions.
30. Which organisation is primarily concerned with international civil aviation standards?
A) ICAO B) FAO C) IAEA D) UNHCR
Correct Answer: A) ICAO
Explanation: The International Civil Aviation Organization is a UN specialised agency that develops international standards and recommended practices for civil aviation.
Section D: Science, Technology and Environment
31. 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 that perform tasks such as recognising patterns, understanding language, generating content, and supporting decision-making.
32. Which Indian organisation is responsible for developing many of the country’s defence technologies and missile systems?
A) DRDO B) ISRO C) FSSAI D) TRAI
Correct Answer: A) DRDO
Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation develops defence technologies, including systems for missiles, aircraft, electronics, and military equipment.
33. 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.
34. Which gas is the largest contributor to human-caused global warming among the following options?
A) Oxygen B) Carbon dioxide C) Helium D) Neon
Correct Answer: B) Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas released through fossil-fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial activities. Methane and other greenhouse gases also contribute significantly to warming.
35. What is the main purpose of a weather satellite?
A) To monitor atmospheric and weather conditions B) To manufacture medicines C) To conduct elections D) To extract minerals from the ocean
Correct Answer: A) To monitor atmospheric and weather conditions
Explanation: Weather satellites observe clouds, atmospheric moisture, storms, and other conditions, helping meteorological agencies improve forecasts and warnings.
36. Which international agreement is particularly associated with protecting the ozone layer?
A) Montreal Protocol B) Kyoto Protocol C) Treaty of Versailles D) Antarctic Treaty only
Correct Answer: A) Montreal Protocol
Explanation: The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, aims to phase out ozone-depleting substances. It has played a major role in supporting the recovery of the ozone layer.
37. Which organisation publishes the annual Emissions Gap Report?
A) United Nations Environment Programme B) World Trade Organization C) International Olympic Committee D) International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: A) United Nations Environment Programme
Explanation: UNEP publishes the Emissions Gap Report, which assesses the difference between projected global greenhouse-gas emissions and levels consistent with climate goals.
38. What is the main function of a vaccine?
A) To replace all antibiotics B) To train the immune system to recognise a pathogen or its components C) To increase air pressure D) To eliminate every disease immediately
Correct Answer: B) To train the immune system to recognise a pathogen or its components
Explanation: Vaccines stimulate immune responses that can help the body recognise and fight specific infectious diseases. Their effectiveness varies by vaccine and disease.
39. Which technology underlies cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin?
A) Blockchain B) Radio broadcasting C) Magnetic levitation D) Optical microscopy
Correct Answer: A) Blockchain
Explanation: Bitcoin uses a distributed ledger commonly described as a blockchain. It records transactions in linked blocks maintained through a decentralised network.
40. Which Indian mission was designed to study the Sun from a halo orbit around the Sun–Earth L1 point?
A) Chandrayaan-3 B) Aditya-L1 C) Mangalyaan D) Gaganyaan
Correct Answer: B) Aditya-L1
Explanation: Aditya-L1 is India’s solar observatory mission. Its position near the Sun–Earth L1 point allows it to study the Sun and solar activity with a largely uninterrupted view.
Section E: Sports, Awards and Important Days
41. JIMEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and which country?
A) Australia B) Japan C) France D) Russia
Correct Answer: B) Japan
Explanation: JIMEX stands for Japan–India Maritime Exercise. It strengthens maritime cooperation, interoperability, and coordination between the Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
42. Which organisation governs the Olympic Games at the international level?
A) FIFA B) International Olympic Committee C) International Cricket Council D) World Athletics only
Correct Answer: B) International Olympic Committee
Explanation: The International Olympic Committee, or IOC, is responsible for leading the Olympic Movement and overseeing the organisation of the Olympic Games.
43. World Food Day is observed annually on which date?
A) 5 June B) 16 October C) 24 October D) 10 December
Correct Answer: B) 16 October
Explanation: World Food Day raises awareness of hunger, food security, nutrition, and sustainable food systems. It commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1945.
44. The Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences is officially associated with which institution?
A) Swedish Academy B) Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences C) World Bank D) United Nations General Assembly
Correct Answer: B) Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Explanation: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences selects the laureates for the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. The economics prize was established in 1968.
45. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed on which date?
A) 17 October B) 21 June C) 11 July D) 1 December
Correct Answer: A) 17 October
Explanation: The United Nations observes this day annually to raise awareness of poverty and promote efforts to achieve social inclusion, dignity, and sustainable development.
46. Which international organisation governs association football worldwide?
A) FIFA B) ICC C) FIDE D) FIH
Correct Answer: A) FIFA
Explanation: FIFA, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, is the international governing body for association football and organises the FIFA World Cup.
47. Which sport is governed internationally by the International Cricket Council?
A) Hockey B) Cricket C) Tennis D) Badminton
Correct Answer: B) Cricket
Explanation: The International Cricket Council, or ICC, oversees international cricket and organises major competitions, including the Cricket World Cup.
48. The Global Hunger Index primarily assesses which issue?
A) Global military spending B) Hunger and undernutrition C) International tourism D) Internet connectivity
Correct Answer: B) Hunger and undernutrition
Explanation: The Global Hunger Index assesses hunger using indicators related to undernourishment, child wasting, child stunting, and child mortality.
49. Which organisation publishes the Human Development Report?
A) UNDP B) WTO C) WHO D) IMF
Correct Answer: A) UNDP
Explanation: The United Nations Development Programme publishes the Human Development Report, which examines human development and includes the Human Development Index.
50. What is the main objective of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
A) To promote sustainable development by addressing global social, economic, and environmental challenges B) To create a single global currency C) To replace all national governments D) To establish a worldwide military force
Correct Answer: A) To promote sustainable development by addressing global social, economic, and environmental challenges
Explanation: The 17 Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They address issues such as poverty, health, education, equality, climate change, and environmental protection.
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