50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 9 October 2026
50 Important Current Affairs MCQs with Answers & Explanations – 9 October 2026
Daily Current Affairs | India & World | GK | Competitive Exams | MCQQUESTIONS.IN
These 50 multiple-choice questions are designed for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC, Defence and other competitive examinations. The set focuses on current news reported around 9 October 2026, including national affairs, international developments, economy, science, sports and important appointments.
Table of Contents
Section A: National Current Affairs
1. Which Indian state declared drought in 21 districts following a significant rainfall deficit in October 2026?
A) Odisha B) Andhra Pradesh C) Maharashtra D) Karnataka
Correct Answer: B) Andhra Pradesh
Explanation: News reports dated 9 October 2026 reported that Andhra Pradesh declared drought in 21 districts after a reported rainfall deficit of 53.4%.
2. Who is the Chief Election Commissioner of India mentioned in the recent Delhi political protests?
A) Rajiv Kumar B) Sushil Chandra C) Gyanesh Kumar D) Arun Goel
Correct Answer: C) Gyanesh Kumar
Explanation: Gyanesh Kumar is the Chief Election Commissioner referenced in reports concerning protests over the electoral process and demands for his resignation.
3. Which institution took suo motu cognisance of alleged harassment of women journalists during a protest in Delhi?
A) National Human Rights Commission B) NITI Aayog C) Finance Commission D) University Grants Commission
Correct Answer: A) National Human Rights Commission
Explanation: The NHRC took suo motu cognisance of media reports alleging sexual harassment of three women journalists during a protest at Jantar Mantar. Suo motu means acting on its own initiative.
4. Which court directed enhanced beat patrolling and verification of public transport drivers in Delhi?
A) Delhi High Court B) Supreme Court of India C) Punjab and Haryana High Court D) Bombay High Court
Correct Answer: B) Supreme Court of India
Explanation: The Supreme Court directed Delhi authorities to strengthen beat patrolling, particularly near educational institutions, and improve verification of public transport drivers and assistants.
5. Which Union minister said the Centre would release a consultation paper on AI regulations within a month?
A) Piyush Goyal B) Ashwini Vaishnaw C) Dharmendra Pradhan D) Jitendra Singh
Correct Answer: B) Ashwini Vaishnaw
Explanation: The Union IT Minister announced plans for an AI regulatory consultation paper covering issues such as AI safety, deepfakes and a human-first approach.
6. The People’s Plan Campaign 2026–27 is also known by which name?
A) Digital Gram Bharat B) Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas C) Gram Uday Mission D) Viksit Panchayat Abhiyan
Correct Answer: B) Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas
Explanation: The campaign encourages participatory planning by Gram Panchayats and preparation of development plans for the financial year 2027–28.
7. Which organisation is responsible for publishing the official Press Information Bureau releases of the Government of India?
A) Press Information Bureau B) Reserve Bank of India C) Election Commission of India D) Securities and Exchange Board of India
Correct Answer: A) Press Information Bureau
Explanation: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) disseminates official government information, press releases and updates from ministries and departments.
8. What is the full form of NHRC?
A) National Human Rights Commission B) National Health Research Council C) National Housing Regulation Committee D) National Human Resources Council
Correct Answer: A) National Human Rights Commission
Explanation: The NHRC is India’s statutory human-rights institution, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
9. Which Indian body conducts elections to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies?
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 supervises and administers elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
10. Which constitutional body recommends the distribution of certain tax revenues between the Union and the states?
A) Finance Commission B) National Human Rights Commission C) Central Vigilance Commission D) National Green Tribunal
Correct Answer: A) Finance Commission
Explanation: Article 280 of the Constitution provides for a Finance Commission, which recommends the distribution of tax revenues and certain grants between the Union and states.
Section B: Economy and Banking
11. Which institution raised India’s benchmark repo rate to 5.5% in October 2026, according to recent reporting?
A) State Bank of India B) Reserve Bank of India C) Securities and Exchange Board of India D) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
Correct Answer: B) Reserve Bank of India
Explanation: Recent reporting stated that the RBI raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5%, its first increase in nearly four years.
12. A rise of 25 basis points is equivalent to how many percentage points?
A) 0.025 B) 0.25 C) 2.5 D) 25
Correct Answer: B) 0.25
Explanation: One basis point equals 0.01 percentage point. Therefore, 25 basis points equal 0.25 percentage point.
13. What is the repo rate?
A) The rate at which commercial banks lend to customers for home purchases B) The rate at which the central bank lends short-term funds to eligible banks against securities C) The rate of tax on bank deposits D) The interest rate paid on all savings accounts
Correct Answer: B) The rate at which the central bank lends short-term funds to eligible banks against securities
Explanation: The repo rate is a key monetary-policy instrument used by the RBI to influence borrowing costs, liquidity and inflation.
14. Which Indian stock-market index fell to 71,593.24 on 8 October 2026, according to Reuters?
A) Nifty Bank B) BSE Sensex C) Nifty IT D) BSE MidCap
Correct Answer: B) BSE Sensex
Explanation: Reuters reported that the Sensex closed at 71,593.24 on 8 October, its lowest level in 32 months amid market pressures.
15. Which benchmark index fell to 22,231.8 on 8 October 2026?
A) Nifty 50 B) Dow Jones Industrial Average C) Nikkei 225 D) FTSE 100
Correct Answer: A) Nifty 50
Explanation: Reuters reported a 1.64% fall in the Nifty 50 to 22,231.8 on 8 October 2026.
16. Which of the following was reported as a factor putting pressure on Indian equities in early October 2026?
A) Falling global oil prices B) Surging oil prices and foreign investor outflows C) A complete halt in domestic trading D) The abolition of the rupee
Correct Answer: B) Surging oil prices and foreign investor outflows
Explanation: Higher oil prices, a weakening rupee, rising global bond yields and foreign investor selling were among the pressures reported in the Indian stock market.
17. What does UPI stand for?
A) Unified Payments Interface B) Universal Payment Institution C) United Processing of Investments D) Unified Public Insurance
Correct Answer: A) Unified Payments Interface
Explanation: UPI is India’s instant payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
18. What does MDR mean in digital payment systems?
A) Monthly Deposit Rate B) Merchant Discount Rate C) Money Distribution Reserve D) Market Debt Ratio
Correct Answer: B) Merchant Discount Rate
Explanation: MDR is a fee associated with processing certain merchant payment transactions. A report dated 9 October indicated that implementation of a proposed UPI MDR framework might be deferred to 1 January 2027; this was reported as a likely postponement, not a confirmed final decision.
19. Which government ministry reviews interest rates on small savings schemes such as PPF and NSC?
A) Ministry of Finance B) Ministry of Education C) Ministry of Agriculture D) Ministry of External Affairs
Correct Answer: A) Ministry of Finance
Explanation: The Department of Economic Affairs under the Ministry of Finance oversees periodic reviews of interest rates on small savings schemes. Rates for the October–December 2026 quarter were reported as unchanged.
20. What is the primary purpose of monetary policy?
A) To conduct parliamentary elections B) To influence inflation, liquidity and economic conditions C) To issue passports D) To regulate school examinations
Correct Answer: B) To influence inflation, liquidity and economic conditions
Explanation: Monetary policy uses tools such as policy interest rates and liquidity operations to help maintain price stability while supporting economic activity.
Section C: International Current Affairs
21. Anne Carson, named the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature laureate in reports published on 8 October, is from which country?
A) Australia B) Canada C) Ireland D) New Zealand
Correct Answer: B) Canada
Explanation: The Canadian poet, essayist and classicist was reported as the recipient of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature.
22. Which award recognises outstanding contributions to literature?
A) Nobel Prize in Literature B) Abel Prize C) Turing Award D) Fields Medal
Correct Answer: A) Nobel Prize in Literature
Explanation: The Nobel Prize in Literature recognises an author for distinguished literary work.
23. Which country reported its first Ebola death linked to a traveller arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to an October 2026 news roundup?
A) Kenya B) Egypt C) Spain D) Japan
Correct Answer: A) Kenya
Explanation: A report dated 9 October described an imported Ebola case in Kenya and subsequent contact tracing and screening efforts.
24. Ebola is caused by which type of infectious agent?
A) Bacterium B) Virus C) Protozoan D) Helminth
Correct Answer: B) Virus
Explanation: Ebola virus disease is a severe illness caused by viruses in the genus Orthoebolavirus. Outbreak control relies on rapid detection, infection prevention, isolation and contact tracing.
25. Which international waterway was mentioned in reports about rising oil prices and shipping disruptions?
A) Strait of Hormuz B) English Channel C) Bering Strait D) Strait of Gibraltar
Correct Answer: A) Strait of Hormuz
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic passage for global oil shipments. Disruptions in the region can affect energy supply and international crude prices.
26. Which organisation awards the Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry?
A) Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences B) World Trade Organization C) International Court of Justice D) World Health Organization
Correct Answer: A) Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
Explanation: The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences awards the Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry, as well as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.
27. Which organisation is responsible for coordinating international public-health work within the United Nations system?
A) World Health Organization B) International Monetary Fund C) World Trade Organization D) International Labour Organization
Correct Answer: A) World Health Organization
Explanation: The WHO coordinates international public-health efforts, develops health guidance and supports countries in responding to disease outbreaks.
28. Which country was reported to be preparing to host the inaugural Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027?
A) Kuwait B) India C) Thailand D) Japan
Correct Answer: A) Kuwait
Explanation: A report published on 9 October stated that Kuwait was preparing to host the inaugural edition, with approximately 4,000 athletes expected.
29. Which international organisation is associated with the Olympic movement in Asia?
A) Olympic Council of Asia B) African Union C) European Central Bank D) International Monetary Fund
Correct Answer: A) Olympic Council of Asia
Explanation: The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) coordinates Asian sporting events and works with national Olympic committees across the continent.
30. What does the term IPO stand for in business and finance?
A) International Purchase Order B) Initial Public Offering C) Institutional Payment Option D) Internal Profit Operation
Correct Answer: B) Initial Public Offering
Explanation: An IPO is the process through which a company offers its shares to public investors for the first time. An IPO was mentioned in reporting about AI company Anthropic’s business plans, but that does not itself confirm that an IPO has occurred.
Section D: Science, Technology and Environment
31. Which AI company announced the launch of Haiku 5.5 in October 2026 reporting?
A) Anthropic B) IBM C) Adobe D) Intel
Correct Answer: A) Anthropic
Explanation: Anthropic was reported to have launched Haiku 5.5, described as part of its Claude 5.5 model family.
32. What does AI stand for?
A) Automated Internet B) Artificial Intelligence C) Advanced Integration D) Algorithmic Information
Correct Answer: B) Artificial Intelligence
Explanation: Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as language processing, reasoning and pattern recognition.
33. Which of the following was specifically mentioned as an area of concern in India’s proposed AI regulatory consultation?
A) Deepfakes B) Ocean tides C) Railway track width D) Postal stamps
Correct Answer: A) Deepfakes
Explanation: The proposed consultation paper was reported to cover AI safety, deepfakes and a human-first approach to AI regulation.
34. What is a deepfake?
A) A digital simulation of ocean depth B) AI-generated or manipulated media that can imitate people or events C) A method of soil testing D) A type of satellite antenna
Correct Answer: B) AI-generated or manipulated media that can imitate people or events
Explanation: Deepfakes use AI techniques to create or alter images, videos or audio. They can be used creatively but can also enable impersonation and misinformation.
35. Which Indian space mission studies the Sun from space?
A) Chandrayaan-3 B) Aditya-L1 C) Mangalyaan D) AstroSat
Correct Answer: B) Aditya-L1
Explanation: Aditya-L1 is India’s solar-observation mission designed to study the Sun, including its outer atmosphere and solar activity. A workshop related to the Aditya-L1 Support Cell was listed for 6 October 2026 on India’s science and technology portal.
36. What is the main scientific purpose of observing the Sun’s corona?
A) To study Earth’s ocean currents B) To understand the Sun’s outer atmosphere and solar activity C) To measure the depth of Earth’s mantle D) To map the rings of Saturn
Correct Answer: B) To understand the Sun’s outer atmosphere and solar activity
Explanation: The corona is the Sun’s outer atmosphere. Studying it helps scientists investigate solar flares, coronal mass ejections and space-weather events.
37. Which Indian institution is primarily responsible for the country’s civilian space programme?
A) ISRO B) DRDO C) SEBI D) FCI
Correct Answer: A) ISRO
Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation develops and operates India’s space missions, satellites and launch vehicles.
38. What is the main purpose of electric-vehicle battery recycling?
A) To increase plastic waste B) To recover valuable materials and reduce waste C) To eliminate all electricity use D) To convert batteries into fossil fuels
Correct Answer: B) To recover valuable materials and reduce waste
Explanation: Recycling can recover materials such as lithium, nickel and cobalt, reduce environmental impacts and support a more circular battery supply chain. India’s science and technology portal listed an India–EU Trade and Technology Council call concerning EV-battery recycling for October 2026.
Section E: Sports Current Affairs
39. Which footballer reportedly ended his international career following Argentina’s 3–0 victory over Benin in October 2026 news coverage?
A) Neymar B) Lionel Messi C) Kylian Mbappé D) Luis Suárez
Correct Answer: B) Lionel Messi
Explanation: An October 2026 news roundup reported that Messi’s international farewell came after Argentina defeated Benin 3–0.
40. Which national team did Argentina defeat 3–0 in the match mentioned in the October 2026 reports?
A) Brazil B) Uruguay C) Benin D) Portugal
Correct Answer: C) Benin
Explanation: The reported score was Argentina 3–0 Benin, with Messi’s farewell highlighted in the coverage.
41. Which Indian woman cricketer was reported to have been named India’s full-time women’s cricket captain?
A) Smriti Mandhana B) Jemimah Rodrigues C) Deepti Sharma D) Shafali Verma
Correct Answer: A) Smriti Mandhana
Explanation: The 9 October news roundup reported Mandhana’s appointment as India’s full-time women’s cricket captain and Harmanpreet Kaur’s stepping down from the role.
42. Which Indian cricketer was reported to have scored a maiden T20 International century against the West Indies?
A) Shubman Gill B) Shreyas Iyer C) Rishabh Pant D) Hardik Pandya
Correct Answer: B) Shreyas Iyer
Explanation: A report dated 9 October listed Iyer’s maiden T20I century as a key sporting headline.
43. Which Indian fast bowler was reported to have returned to Indian colours after a four-year gap?
A) Mohammed Siraj B) Bhuvneshwar Kumar C) Jasprit Bumrah D) Umesh Yadav
Correct Answer: B) Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Explanation: The October 9 news roundup reported Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to Indian colours after a four-year gap.
44. How many players from each team are on the field in a standard association football match, including the goalkeeper?
A) 9 B) 10 C) 11 D) 12
Correct Answer: C) 11
Explanation: Each team normally fields 11 players, one of whom is the goalkeeper, under the Laws of the Game.
Section F: Appointments, Governance and Important Days
45. Who was reported to have been appointed as India’s next Chief of the Air Staff, effective 31 October 2026?
A) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit B) General Upendra Dwivedi C) Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi D) Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh
Correct Answer: A) Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit
Explanation: The appointment report stated that Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit would succeed Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on 31 October 2026. As this is a future effective date relative to 9 October, the appointment was announced but not yet effective on the quiz date.
46. What is the primary responsibility of the Chief of the Air Staff in India?
A) Commanding the Indian Navy B) Leading the Indian Air Force C) Managing India’s monetary policy D) Supervising parliamentary elections
Correct Answer: B) Leading the Indian Air Force
Explanation: The Chief of the Air Staff is the professional head of the Indian Air Force and provides leadership for its operational readiness and administration.
47. Which Union minister was scheduled to be the guest of honour at the 12th Economic Times Startup Awards in Bengaluru on 9 October 2026?
A) Piyush Goyal B) Amit Shah C) Nitin Gadkari D) Rajnath Singh
Correct Answer: A) Piyush Goyal
Explanation: Piyush Goyal, the Union Commerce and Industry Minister, was reported as the guest of honour for the event.
48. The Economic Times Startup Awards primarily recognise achievements in which area?
A) Entrepreneurship and startups B) Classical music C) Agricultural rainfall measurement D) International diplomacy
Correct Answer: A) Entrepreneurship and startups
Explanation: The awards recognise entrepreneurial excellence and achievements across India’s startup and technology ecosystem.
49. What is the main purpose of a Gram Sabha in India?
A) To conduct national defence operations B) To enable village-level democratic participation and discussion of local development C) To regulate the stock market D) To issue currency notes
Correct Answer: B) To enable village-level democratic participation and discussion of local development
Explanation: A Gram Sabha provides a forum for registered voters in a village or group of villages to participate in local governance and discuss development priorities.
50. Which United Nations day is observed annually on 24 October?
A) World Environment Day B) United Nations Day C) International Yoga Day D) World Health Day
Correct Answer: B) United Nations Day
Explanation: United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force on 24 October 1945.
