50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers – 22 October 2026
50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 22 October 2026
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Welcome to today’s current affairs practice set. These multiple-choice questions are designed for students preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC, Defence, and other competitive examinations.
Each question includes four options, the correct answer, and an explanation to help you revise important facts and concepts.
Table of Contents
Section 1: National Current Affairs
1. Which city is hosting the 5th Asian Para Games in October 2026?
A. Tokyo B. Aichi-Nagoya C. Seoul D. Bangkok
Correct Answer: B. Aichi-Nagoya
Explanation: The 2026 Asian Para Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 18 to 24 October 2026. The event features athletes competing in various para-sports.
2. Which Indian institution announced fellowship support for undergraduate and postgraduate students under the IndiaAI initiative?
A. ISRO B. IndiaAI C. SEBI D. NITI Aayog
Correct Answer: B. IndiaAI
Explanation: IndiaAI announced fellowship support of up to ₹1 lakh for undergraduate students and ₹2 lakh for postgraduate students, according to the October 2026 news roundup.
3. Which Indian public-sector bank reported a cybersecurity incident involving customer information in October 2026?
A. Punjab National Bank B. Bank of Baroda C. State Bank of India D. Canara Bank
Correct Answer: C. State Bank of India
Explanation: A report published on 21 October 2026 stated that SBI had reported a cyberattack after information linked to 3,897 customers was found on the dark web. The incident highlights the importance of cybersecurity and protecting financial data.
4. By which date did Union Home Minister Amit Shah set a target for making India drug-free?
A. 15 August 2028 B. 31 December 2029 C. 26 January 2030 D. 2 October 2030
Correct Answer: B. 31 December 2029
Explanation: According to the October 2026 news roundup, the Union Home Minister set a target of 31 December 2029 for making India drug-free. The objective is associated with efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
5. Which river was mentioned in an interim pollution-control report concerning high faecal coliform levels in Goa?
A. Mandovi B. Godavari C. Mahanadi D. Narmada
Correct Answer: A. Mandovi
Explanation: An interim report from the Goa State Pollution Control Board identified high faecal coliform levels in the Mandovi River in Panaji. Faecal coliforms can indicate contamination from human or animal waste.
6. Which Indian city is home to the headquarters of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)?
A. Chennai B. Hyderabad C. Kochi D. Visakhapatnam
Correct Answer: B. Hyderabad
Explanation: INCOIS is based in Hyderabad. It provides ocean information and advisory services, including ocean-state forecasts, tsunami warnings, and information useful to marine and coastal communities.
7. Who was reported as elected Chair of UNESCO’s IOC Sub-Commission for the Indian Ocean (IOCINDIO) in October 2026?
A. T. M. Balakrishnan Nair B. K. Sivan C. S. Somanath D. Ajay Kumar Sood
Correct Answer: A. T. M. Balakrishnan Nair
Explanation: T. M. Balakrishnan Nair, Director of INCOIS, was reported as elected Chair of IOCINDIO following its October 2026 session in Bali, Indonesia. The body supports regional cooperation in ocean science and services.
8. Which scheme was approved for continuation from 2026–27 to 2030–31 by India’s Union Cabinet, according to the PIB release list?
A. National Social Assistance Programme B. Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme C. National Solar Mission D. Smart Cities Mission
Correct Answer: A. National Social Assistance Programme
Explanation: The PIB release list records the Cabinet’s approval to continue the National Social Assistance Programme for five years, from 2026–27 through 2030–31. The programme provides social assistance to eligible vulnerable groups.
9. For how many days was the Productivity Linked Bonus for railway employees approved in October 2026?
A. 30 days B. 45 days C. 60 days D. 78 days
Correct Answer: D. 78 days
Explanation: The Union Cabinet’s October 2026 announcements included approval of a 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus for railway employees. Such bonuses recognise employee contribution and support festive-season spending.
10. Which Indian government body publishes official press releases from ministries and departments?
A. Press Information Bureau B. Election Commission of India C. Union Public Service Commission D. National Human Rights Commission
Correct Answer: A. Press Information Bureau
Explanation: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) disseminates official government information and press releases. Its website is a useful primary source for government schemes, policy announcements, and ministry updates.
Section 2: Economy and Banking
11. Which institution is responsible for India’s monetary policy and setting the policy repo rate?
A. SEBI B. Reserve Bank of India C. NABARD D. EXIM Bank
Correct Answer: B. Reserve Bank of India
Explanation: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducts monetary policy to maintain price stability while considering economic growth. The Monetary Policy Committee decides the policy repo rate.
12. According to a Reuters report published on 21 October 2026, what was the RBI’s repo rate after an increase earlier that month?
A. 4.50% B. 5.00% C. 5.50% D. 6.50%
Correct Answer: C. 5.50%
Explanation: Reuters reported that the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee had increased the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50% earlier in October 2026. One basis point equals 0.01 percentage points.
13. What does a repo rate increase generally aim to help control?
A. Inflation B. Literacy C. Population growth D. Forest cover
Correct Answer: A. Inflation
Explanation: A higher repo rate can increase borrowing costs, potentially reducing credit demand and spending. This can help moderate inflation, although the effects depend on economic conditions and take time to appear.
14. What does the term agrivoltaics mean?
A. Growing crops using only artificial light B. Combining solar power generation with farming on the same land C. Producing fuel exclusively from crops D. Using satellites to predict agricultural prices
Correct Answer: B. Combining solar power generation with farming on the same land
Explanation: Agrivoltaics integrates solar panels and agricultural activity on the same land. The approach may provide renewable electricity while allowing suitable crops or other agricultural activities to continue.
15. Which organisation operates India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform?
A. NPCI B. RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee C. IRDAI D. TRAI
Correct Answer: A. NPCI
Explanation: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) operates UPI, which enables instant digital payments between participating bank accounts through supported applications.
16. What does GDP stand for?
A. General Development Policy B. Gross Domestic Product C. Government Debt Programme D. Global Distribution Process
Correct Answer: B. Gross Domestic Product
Explanation: GDP measures the monetary value of final goods and services produced within a country’s economic territory during a specified period.
17. Which regulator oversees India’s securities market?
A. SEBI B. IRDAI C. PFRDA D. FSSAI
Correct Answer: A. SEBI
Explanation: The Securities and Exchange Board of India regulates the securities market, protects investors, and works to promote fair and transparent market practices.
18. What is the full form of MSME?
A. Medium Savings and Monetary Entity B. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises C. Ministry of Social and Market Economics D. Multiple Sector Management Enterprise
Correct Answer: B. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Explanation: MSMEs are businesses classified under India’s applicable legal criteria. They play an important role in employment, manufacturing, services, and entrepreneurship.
19. Which of the following is a direct tax in India?
A. Goods and Services Tax B. Customs duty C. Personal income tax D. Excise duty on goods
Correct Answer: C. Personal income tax
Explanation: Personal income tax is imposed directly on an individual’s taxable income. GST and customs duty are examples of indirect taxes.
20. What is inflation?
A. A sustained increase in the general price level B. A fall in the population C. A rise in rainfall D. A decrease in all wages
Correct Answer: A. A sustained increase in the general price level
Explanation: Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money when prices rise broadly over time. It is commonly monitored using consumer price indices and other price measures.
Section 3: International Current Affairs
21. Who was reported to have entered the race to become the next Secretary-General of the United Nations in October 2026?
A. Lana Nusseibeh B. Ursula von der Leyen C. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala D. Kristalina Georgieva
Correct Answer: A. Lana Nusseibeh
Explanation: Reuters reported on 21 October 2026 that senior UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh had entered the race for UN Secretary-General. Entering the race does not mean that a candidate has been elected.
22. Lana Nusseibeh represents which country in international diplomacy?
A. Qatar B. United Arab Emirates C. Saudi Arabia D. Jordan
Correct Answer: B. United Arab Emirates
Explanation: Lana Nusseibeh is a senior Emirati diplomat who has served as the UAE’s representative at the United Nations and as a minister of state for foreign affairs.
23. Which city is 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 principal headquarters is in New York City, United States. The organisation also has major offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.
24. Which UN body has five permanent members with veto power?
A. General Assembly B. Security Council C. Economic and Social Council D. International Court of Justice
Correct Answer: B. Security Council
Explanation: The UN Security Council has five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Each has veto power on substantive resolutions.
25. In which country were student protests reported over rising living costs and forest fires in October 2026?
A. Indonesia B. Canada C. Portugal D. Argentina
Correct Answer: A. Indonesia
Explanation: The 22 October news roundup reported student protests in Indonesia concerning rising living costs and forest fires. The issues connect economic pressures with environmental concerns.
26. Which international organisation is responsible for coordinating global public-health work?
A. World Health Organization B. World Trade Organization C. International Labour Organization D. International Maritime Organization
Correct Answer: A. World Health Organization
Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised United Nations agency that coordinates international public-health efforts, develops health guidance, and supports disease prevention and response.
27. Which organisation oversees international trade rules and negotiations among its members?
A. WTO B. WHO C. UNESCO D. UNICEF
Correct Answer: A. WTO
Explanation: The World Trade Organization (WTO) provides a framework for international trade rules, negotiations, and dispute settlement among its members.
28. Which international agreement is primarily associated with limiting global warming?
A. Paris Agreement B. Geneva Convention C. Montreal Protocol D. Antarctic Treaty
Correct Answer: A. Paris Agreement
Explanation: The Paris Agreement is an international climate treaty adopted in 2015. It aims to strengthen the global response to climate change, including efforts to limit the rise in global average temperature.
29. Which institution publishes the World Economic Outlook?
A. International Monetary Fund B. World Health Organization C. UNESCO D. International Court of Justice
Correct Answer: A. International Monetary Fund
Explanation: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) publishes the World Economic Outlook, which analyses global economic developments and provides economic forecasts.
30. Which organisation is associated with the Nobel Peace Prize?
A. Norwegian Nobel Committee B. World Trade Organization C. European Central Bank D. International Olympic Committee
Correct Answer: A. Norwegian Nobel Committee
Explanation: The Norwegian Nobel Committee awards the Nobel Peace Prize. The other Nobel Prizes are administered through different Swedish institutions.
Section 4: Science, Technology and Environment
31. Which technology is at the centre of the IndiaAI initiative mentioned in the October 2026 news roundup?
A. Artificial intelligence B. Traditional printing C. Coal mining D. Conventional radio broadcasting
Correct Answer: A. Artificial intelligence
Explanation: IndiaAI is associated with developing India’s artificial-intelligence ecosystem, including AI capabilities, skills, research, and broader adoption of the technology.
32. What is the primary purpose of a tsunami early-warning system?
A. To forecast stock prices B. To provide alerts about potential tsunami hazards C. To measure road traffic D. To monitor agricultural exports
Correct Answer: B. To provide alerts about potential tsunami hazards
Explanation: Tsunami early-warning systems monitor seismic activity and sea-level changes to identify potential tsunami threats and communicate warnings that can help communities prepare or evacuate.
33. Which Indian organisation is responsible for the country’s space programme?
A. ISRO B. DRDO C. CSIR D. FCI
Correct Answer: A. ISRO
Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) develops and operates satellites, launch vehicles, and space missions for applications including communications, navigation, Earth observation, and scientific research.
34. What is the main purpose of solar photovoltaic panels?
A. Convert sunlight into electricity B. Convert sound into fuel C. Generate electricity from coal combustion D. Store rainwater underground
Correct Answer: A. Convert sunlight into electricity
Explanation: Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect. Solar power is an important renewable-energy technology.
35. What does biodiversity refer to?
A. The variety of living organisms B. The number of roads in a city C. The amount of electricity consumed D. The total value of exports
Correct Answer: A. The variety of living organisms
Explanation: Biodiversity includes the variety of genes, species, and ecosystems. Protecting it supports ecological stability, food systems, and natural processes.
36. Which gas is the principal contributor to human-caused global warming among the following options?
A. Carbon dioxide B. Oxygen C. Helium D. Neon
Correct Answer: A. Carbon dioxide
Explanation: Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas released through activities such as fossil-fuel combustion and deforestation. It traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to long-term climate change.
37. What does cybersecurity primarily aim to protect?
A. Digital systems, networks and information B. Only agricultural fields C. Only paper documents D. Road signs and traffic lights exclusively
Correct Answer: A. Digital systems, networks and information
Explanation: Cybersecurity uses technologies, processes, and practices to protect devices, networks, applications, and data from unauthorised access, attacks, damage, or disruption.
38. What is the principal function of a satellite-based navigation system?
A. To provide positioning and navigation information B. To manufacture medicines C. To produce drinking water D. To print currency
Correct Answer: A. To provide positioning and navigation information
Explanation: Satellite navigation systems determine location and support navigation and timing services. Examples include GPS and India’s NavIC system.
39. Which Indian organisation conducts defence-related research and development?
A. DRDO B. SEBI C. FSSAI D. NABARD
Correct Answer: A. DRDO
Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation develops technologies and systems for India’s armed forces, including defence electronics, missiles, sensors, and other military equipment.
40. 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 is renewable because it comes from sunlight, which is naturally replenished. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are fossil fuels.
Section 5: Sports, Awards and Important Days
41. In which sport did Sachin Khilari win gold at the Asian Para Games 2026, according to the October 22 news roundup?
A. Men’s shot put F46 B. Men’s 100-metre sprint C. Para badminton D. Men’s archery
Correct Answer: A. Men’s shot put F46
Explanation: The news roundup reported that Sachin Khilari won gold in the men’s shot put F46 event with a throw of 15.87 metres. Mohd Yasser and Parveen won silver and bronze, respectively, completing an Indian sweep of the medals.
42. Which country is hosting the 2026 Asian Para Games?
A. China B. Japan C. India D. South Korea
Correct Answer: B. Japan
Explanation: The 2026 Asian Para Games are taking place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The event brings together para-athletes from across Asia.
43. Which Indian athlete won silver in the women’s 67 kg powerlifting event at the Asian Para Games 2026, according to the daily news roundup?
A. Kasthuri Rajamani B. P. V. Sindhu C. Mirabai Chanu D. Deepa Malik
Correct Answer: A. Kasthuri Rajamani
Explanation: The 22 October news roundup reported Kasthuri Rajamani’s silver-medal finish in the women’s 67 kg powerlifting event at the Asian Para Games.
44. Which country was the venue for the first T20I of India’s cricket tour mentioned in the October 22 headlines?
A. Australia B. New Zealand C. South Africa D. England
Correct Answer: B. New Zealand
Explanation: The October 22 news roundup reported that India began its New Zealand tour with the first T20I in Christchurch.
45. Which city is scheduled to host the 2026 Asian Games alongside the wider Aichi-Nagoya region?
A. Nagoya B. Osaka C. Kyoto D. Sapporo
Correct Answer: A. Nagoya
Explanation: The 2026 Asian Games were scheduled for the Aichi-Nagoya region of Japan. Nagoya is the principal city associated with the event.
46. 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 is observed on 16 October to raise awareness of hunger, food security, and sustainable food systems. It marks the founding date of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945.
47. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialised agency of which organisation?
A. United Nations B. European Union C. ASEAN D. African Union
Correct Answer: A. United Nations
Explanation: FAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations. It works to improve nutrition, food security, agricultural productivity, and sustainable management of natural resources.
48. Which award recognises outstanding contributions to peace and international cooperation?
A. Nobel Peace Prize B. Booker Prize C. Abel Prize D. Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
Correct Answer: A. Nobel Peace Prize
Explanation: The Nobel Peace Prize recognises contributions to peace, including efforts toward international cooperation, conflict resolution, and human rights.
49. Which Indian body is responsible for organising elections to Parliament and state legislatures?
A. Election Commission of India B. Union Public Service Commission C. Finance Commission D. National Green Tribunal
Correct Answer: A. Election Commission of India
Explanation: The Election Commission of India is the constitutional authority responsible for administering elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
50. United Nations Day is observed every year on which date?
A. 21 September B. 24 October C. 10 December D. 5 June
Correct Answer: B. 24 October
Explanation: United Nations Day commemorates the entry into force of the UN Charter on 24 October 1945. It highlights the organisation’s work on peace, security, development, and international cooperation.
