October 2026 Current Affairs Practice
60 practice MCQs from October 2026 current affairs — exam-style multiple-choice questions with the correct answer and an explanation for each.
International
Q1 How many Indian crew members were rescued after the Ukrainian drone strike on the oil tanker near Russia's Black Sea coast?
- A20
- B23
- C25
- D30
Show answer
Answer B. 23
Explanation Both sources confirm that 23 Indian crew members were rescued after the attack.
Q2 Where did the Ukrainian drone strike that set an oil tanker ablaze occur?
- ANear Sochi off Russia’s Black Sea coast
- BNear Odessa off Ukraine’s Black Sea coast
- CNear Constanta off Romania’s Black Sea coast
- DNear Istanbul off Turkey’s Black Sea coast
Show answer
Answer A. Near Sochi off Russia’s Black Sea coast
Explanation The attack took place near Sochi off Russia’s Black Sea coast as per the sources.
Q3 What was the flag of the oil tanker attacked near Russia’s Black Sea coast?
- AIndian flag
- BLiberian flag
- CRussian flag
- DUkrainian flag
Show answer
Answer B. Liberian flag
Explanation The oil tanker was Liberian-flagged according to The Hindu.
Economy
Q4 What is the revised GDP growth forecast by RBI for FY27?
- A6.5%
- B7.1%
- C7.5%
- D6.8%
Show answer
Answer B. 7.1%
Explanation The RBI has raised the GDP growth forecast to 7.1 percent for FY27.
Q5 What is the RBI's updated CPI inflation forecast for FY27?
- A4.8%
- B5.0%
- C5.2%
- D5.5%
Show answer
Answer C. 5.2%
Explanation The RBI has increased the CPI inflation forecast to 5.2 percent for FY27.
Q6 Which factors primarily contributed to the rise in inflation according to RBI?
- AHigher food and fuel prices
- BIncrease in core inflation only
- CGlobal commodity price fall
- DDecrease in fuel prices
Show answer
Answer A. Higher food and fuel prices
Explanation The rise in inflation is mainly due to higher prices in food and fuel groups, along with a pick-up in core inflation.
Q7 What was the new repo rate set by the RBI in October 2026?
- A5.25%
- B5.5%
- C6.0%
- D4.75%
Show answer
Answer B. 5.5%
Explanation The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5% as per the October 2026 monetary policy.
Q8 What monetary policy stance did the RBI adopt after the October 2026 meeting?
- ANeutral
- BAccommodative
- CCalibrated tightening
- DExpansionary
Show answer
Answer C. Calibrated tightening
Explanation The RBI changed its stance from 'neutral' to 'calibrated tightening' after the rate hike.
Q9 What was the revised GDP growth forecast for FY2026-27 announced by the RBI?
- A6.7%
- B7.1%
- C5.2%
- D6.0%
Show answer
Answer B. 7.1%
Explanation The RBI raised its growth forecast for FY2026-27 from 6.7% to 7.1%.
Q10 What is the World Bank's revised GDP growth forecast for India in FY27?
- A6.5%
- B7.1%
- C7.5%
- D6.8%
Show answer
Answer B. 7.1%
Explanation The World Bank has raised India's GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 7.1% as per the latest reports.
Q11 Which factor is NOT mentioned by the World Bank as supporting India's GDP growth in FY27?
- AResilient domestic demand
- BStrong industrial activity
- CWeaker rainfall
- DBetter-than-expected exports
Show answer
Answer C. Weaker rainfall
Explanation Weaker rainfall is cited as a risk, not a supporting factor, for India's GDP growth in FY27.
Q12 According to the World Bank, what new factor could provide a productivity boost to India's economy?
- AArtificial intelligence
- BRenewable energy
- CDigital payments
- DAgricultural reforms
Show answer
Answer A. Artificial intelligence
Explanation The World Bank mentioned artificial intelligence as a potential new productivity boost for India.
Q13 What was the HSBC India Services PMI value in September 2026?
- A54.1
- B55.2
- C56.3
- D53.0
Show answer
Answer B. 55.2
Explanation The HSBC India Services PMI rose to 55.2 in September 2026 from 54.1 in August, marking a three-month high.
Q14 Which factor primarily contributed to the growth of India's services sector in September 2026?
- AStrong domestic demand
- BIncrease in export orders
- CRise in employment
- DDecline in digital solutions demand
Show answer
Answer A. Strong domestic demand
Explanation The growth was driven by strong domestic demand, despite weaker export orders and employment growth.
Q15 Which of the following sectors saw improved sales performance contributing to the services sector growth?
- ADigital solutions
- BMining
- CManufacturing
- DAgriculture
Show answer
Answer A. Digital solutions
Explanation Companies reported improving sales performance in digital solutions, food, insurance, loans, software, transportation, tours and travel.
Q16 What is the main reason behind the Centre considering the revival of the jet fuel price stabilisation fund scheme?
- ASurge in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs
- BDecline in domestic air travel
- CIncrease in airport taxes
- DShortage of jet fuel supply
Show answer
Answer A. Surge in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs
Explanation The Centre is considering reviving the scheme due to the surge in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs.
Q17 What was the corpus amount of the earlier jet fuel price stabilisation fund scheme that lapsed?
- A₹5,000 crore
- B₹10,000 crore
- C₹15,000 crore
- D₹20,000 crore
Show answer
Answer B. ₹10,000 crore
Explanation The earlier jet fuel price stabilisation fund scheme had a corpus of ₹10,000 crore before it lapsed.
Q18 Which stakeholders are expected to provide inputs for reworking the jet fuel price stabilisation fund scheme?
- AAirlines and oil marketing companies
- BAirport authorities and passengers
- CFuel exporters and importers
- DState governments and tourism boards
Show answer
Answer A. Airlines and oil marketing companies
Explanation The framework may be reworked with inputs from airlines and oil marketing companies (OMCs).
Q19 What did Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman say about the current status of India-US trade deal talks?
- AThe talks have reached a plateau with further concessions very difficult
- BThe talks are progressing smoothly with mutual agreement
- CIndia has accepted all US demands
- DThe talks have been postponed indefinitely
Show answer
Answer A. The talks have reached a plateau with further concessions very difficult
Explanation Sitharaman stated that the India-US trade deal talks have reached a plateau where further demands and concessions will be very difficult.
Q20 According to Sitharaman, how is the US addressing its trade imbalance with India?
- ABy weaponising tariffs instead of negotiations
- BBy increasing imports from India
- CBy reducing tariffs on Indian goods
- DBy signing a new trade agreement
Show answer
Answer A. By weaponising tariffs instead of negotiations
Explanation Sitharaman criticized the US for 'weaponising' tariffs to address its trade imbalance instead of resolving it through negotiations.
Q21 What role did India's Russian oil imports play in the EU Free Trade Agreement talks, according to Sitharaman?
- AThey did not play a determinative role
- BThey were the main reason for delays
- CThey led to the cancellation of talks
- DThey were a major point of contention
Show answer
Answer A. They did not play a determinative role
Explanation Sitharaman clarified that India's Russian oil imports did not play a determinative role in the EU FTA talks.
Q22 What has the government asked banks to focus on to enhance financial inclusion?
- AEnd-to-end digital loan processing
- BIncreasing physical branch networks
- CReducing interest rates on all loans
- DProviding insurance services
Show answer
Answer A. End-to-end digital loan processing
Explanation The government has asked banks to focus on end-to-end digital loan processing to improve financial inclusion.
Q23 Besides digital loan processing, what else has the government emphasized for banks?
- AWider participation in financial inclusion schemes
- BExpansion of international branches
- CInvestment in stock markets
- DOffering fixed deposits with higher interest
Show answer
Answer A. Wider participation in financial inclusion schemes
Explanation The government has emphasized wider participation in financial inclusion schemes along with digital lending.
Q24 Which sector's credit availability has the government specifically asked banks to increase?
- AMicro-enterprises
- BLarge corporations
- CAgriculture
- DReal estate
Show answer
Answer A. Micro-enterprises
Explanation The government has asked banks to focus on increasing credit availability to micro-enterprises.
Sports
Q25 Who was appointed as the captain of the India women's cricket team in October 2026?
- ASmriti Mandhana
- BHarmanpreet Kaur
- CMithali Raj
- DJhulan Goswami
Show answer
Answer A. Smriti Mandhana
Explanation Smriti Mandhana was named the new captain after Harmanpreet Kaur stepped down.
Q26 For how long did Harmanpreet Kaur lead the Indian T20 women's cricket team before stepping down?
- A10 years
- B5 years
- C7 years
- D3 years
Show answer
Answer A. 10 years
Explanation Harmanpreet Kaur led the Indian T20 side for a decade, starting in 2016.
Q27 In which year did Harmanpreet Kaur become the all-format captain of the India women's cricket team?
- A2023
- B2022
- C2016
- D2025
Show answer
Answer A. 2023
Explanation Harmanpreet was elevated to all-format captaincy in 2023.
Q28 Which of the following countries is NOT among the seven interested in hosting the 2036 Olympics?
- AIndia
- BGermany
- CBrazil
- DQatar
Show answer
Answer C. Brazil
Explanation India, Germany, Qatar, Turkiye, and three other countries are interested; Brazil is not mentioned among them.
Q29 By what date must interested parties express their interest to host the 2036 Olympics according to the IOC?
- AOctober 31
- BNovember 30
- CDecember 31
- DJanuary 15
Show answer
Answer A. October 31
Explanation The IOC stated that no other interested parties will be considered after October 31.
Q30 When are the interested countries expected to present their Games projects for the 2036 Olympics?
- AOctober
- BNovember
- CDecember
- DJanuary
Show answer
Answer B. November
Explanation The interested countries will present their Games projects in November.
Q31 Who scored a maiden T20I century leading India to an 8-wicket win over West Indies in the 1st T20I?
- AShreyas Iyer
- BVirat Kohli
- CRohit Sharma
- DKL Rahul
Show answer
Answer A. Shreyas Iyer
Explanation Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden T20I century in the 1st T20I against West Indies, leading India to an 8-wicket victory.
Q32 Where was the 1st T20I match between India and West Indies held in which Shreyas Iyer scored his maiden century?
- ALucknow
- BMumbai
- CDelhi
- DKolkata
Show answer
Answer A. Lucknow
Explanation The match was held at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
Q33 By how many balls did India win the 1st T20I against West Indies after Shreyas Iyer's century?
- A32 balls
- B10 balls
- C5 balls
- D20 balls
Show answer
Answer A. 32 balls
Explanation India won the match with 32 balls to spare.
Q34 When does the five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand begin?
- AOctober 22, 2026
- BOctober 6, 2026
- CNovember 1, 2026
- DSeptember 30, 2026
Show answer
Answer A. October 22, 2026
Explanation The series is scheduled to start on October 22, 2026.
Q35 Which player returned to the Indian T20I squad after a four-year gap for the New Zealand series?
- ABhuvneshwar Kumar
- BJurel
- CVirat Kohli
- DRohit Sharma
Show answer
Answer A. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Explanation Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to the T20I team after four years.
Q36 Who has been named captain of the India A team for the New Zealand T20I series?
- AJurel
- BBhuvneshwar Kumar
- CKL Rahul
- DHardik Pandya
Show answer
Answer A. Jurel
Explanation Jurel is leading the India A team for the series.
National
Q37 What milestone did the Union Cabinet recently congratulate PM Narendra Modi for?
- A25 years of continuous leadership
- B10 years as Prime Minister
- C50 years in politics
- DCompletion of a major infrastructure project
Show answer
Answer A. 25 years of continuous leadership
Explanation The Union Cabinet congratulated PM Modi on completing 25 years of continuous leadership.
Q38 Which of the following initiatives was NOT mentioned in the Union Cabinet's resolution on PM Modi's leadership?
- AEmpowering women
- BEncouraging startups
- CExpanding opportunities for youth
- DBuilding new nuclear power plants
Show answer
Answer D. Building new nuclear power plants
Explanation The resolution mentioned empowering women, encouraging startups, and expanding opportunities for youth, but did not mention building new nuclear power plants.
Q39 According to the Union Cabinet resolution, how many people have been lifted out of poverty during PM Modi's tenure?
- AOver 25 crore
- B10 crore
- C50 crore
- D5 crore
Show answer
Answer A. Over 25 crore
Explanation The resolution noted that over 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty.
Q40 When did Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit join the Indian Air Force?
- ADecember 6, 1986
- BDecember 9, 1966
- COctober 6, 2026
- DJanuary 1, 1990
Show answer
Answer A. December 6, 1986
Explanation Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit joined the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.
Q41 Which of the following operations did Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit serve in?
- AOperation Sindoor
- BOperation Vijay
- COperation Blue Star
- DOperation Meghdoot
Show answer
Answer A. Operation Sindoor
Explanation Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit served in Operation Sindoor as mentioned in the source.
Q42 What position has Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit been appointed to?
- AChief of Indian Air Force
- BChief of Army Staff
- CChief of Naval Staff
- DDefence Secretary
Show answer
Answer A. Chief of Indian Air Force
Explanation Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has been appointed as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force.
Q43 On which date are the by-elections for six assembly seats in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam scheduled in 2026?
- AOctober 6
- BOctober 9
- COctober 5
- DOctober 10
Show answer
Answer A. October 6
Explanation The by-elections are scheduled on October 6, 2026, as per the sources.
Q44 When will the results of the 2026 bypolls in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Assam be announced?
- AOctober 9
- BOctober 6
- COctober 7
- DOctober 10
Show answer
Answer A. October 9
Explanation The results of the bypolls will be declared on October 9, 2026.
Q45 Which of the following states/union territories is NOT part of the 2026 bypolls mentioned?
- AKerala
- BAssam
- CPuducherry
- DWest Bengal
Show answer
Answer A. Kerala
Explanation Kerala is not mentioned among the states/union territories holding bypolls in 2026.
Q46 What was the magnitude of the earthquake that hit Uttarakhand's Chamoli district?
- A4.9
- B5.2
- C6.1
- D3.8
Show answer
Answer A. 4.9
Explanation The earthquake that struck Uttarakhand's Chamoli district had a magnitude of 4.9.
Q47 At what depth was the epicenter of the Uttarakhand earthquake located?
- A13 km
- B5 km
- C20 km
- D30 km
Show answer
Answer A. 13 km
Explanation The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 13 km in Chamoli.
Q48 Which area felt the tremors caused by the Uttarakhand earthquake?
- ADelhi-NCR
- BMumbai
- CChennai
- DKolkata
Show answer
Answer A. Delhi-NCR
Explanation Tremors from the earthquake were felt across Delhi-NCR.
Q49 By how many hours is the Bengaluru-Mumbai travel time expected to reduce with the Vande Bharat Sleeper?
- A3-4 hours
- B5-6 hours
- C7-8 hours
- D9-10 hours
Show answer
Answer C. 7-8 hours
Explanation The Bengaluru-Mumbai travel time is expected to drop by 7-8 hours with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper.
Q50 What longstanding demand does the Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper aim to fulfill?
- AIntroduction of luxury coaches
- BFaster rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai
- CMore frequent train services
- DLower ticket prices
Show answer
Answer B. Faster rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai
Explanation The Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to meet the longstanding demand of commuters for faster rail connectivity between Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Banking
Q51 What is the notified amount for the recent VRRR auction conducted by the RBI?
- A₹3 lakh crore
- B₹2.50 lakh crore
- C₹1.92 lakh crore
- D₹2.10 lakh crore
Show answer
Answer B. ₹2.50 lakh crore
Explanation The RBI notified an amount of ₹2.50 lakh crore for the recent VRRR auction.
Q52 How much surplus liquidity did banks offer in the recent VRRR auction against the notified amount?
- A₹3 lakh crore
- B₹2.50 lakh crore
- C₹1.92 lakh crore
- D₹2.10 lakh crore
Show answer
Answer C. ₹1.92 lakh crore
Explanation Banks offered ₹1.92 lakh crore in the recent VRRR auction against the notified ₹2.50 lakh crore.
Q53 What is the purpose of RBI conducting VRRR auctions over the last two months?
- ATo increase liquidity in the banking system
- BTo absorb surplus liquidity and align overnight money market rates to the repo rate
- CTo reduce the repo rate
- DTo provide long-term loans to banks
Show answer
Answer B. To absorb surplus liquidity and align overnight money market rates to the repo rate
Explanation The RBI conducted VRRR auctions to absorb surplus liquidity and align overnight money market rates with the repo rate.
Defence
Q54 What is the maximum vessel size that the upgraded Slipway-4 at Hindustan Shipyard can support?
- A30,000 DWT
- B45,000 DWT
- C60,000 DWT
- D75,000 DWT
Show answer
Answer B. 45,000 DWT
Explanation The upgraded Slipway-4 at Hindustan Shipyard can build and launch vessels of up to 45,000 DWT.
Q55 What is the primary objective of the Fleet Support Ship programme launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh?
- ATo enhance the Navy's reach, endurance, and operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region
- BTo develop nuclear-powered submarines
- CTo establish a new naval base in the Arabian Sea
- DTo increase the number of aircraft carriers in the Navy
Show answer
Answer A. To enhance the Navy's reach, endurance, and operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region
Explanation The Fleet Support Ship programme aims to strengthen the Navy’s reach, endurance, and operational effectiveness in the Indian Ocean Region.
Q56 Where was the first Fleet Support Ship launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh?
- AMazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
- BCochin Shipyard
- CHindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
- DGarden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
Show answer
Answer C. Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
Explanation The first Fleet Support Ship was launched at Hindustan Shipyard Limited in Visakhapatnam.
Government Schemes
Q57 Under which scheme has the Maharashtra government approved an increase in scholarship allowance for SC and ST students?
- APandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana
- BPost Matric Scholarship Scheme
- CNational Fellowship Scheme
- DPre-Matric Scholarship Scheme
Show answer
Answer A. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana
Explanation The increase in scholarship allowance for SC and ST students was approved under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Yojana.
Q58 Which group of students will benefit from the increased scholarship allowance approved by the Maharashtra government?
- AScheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students
- BOther Backward Classes students
- CGeneral category students
- DMinority community students
Show answer
Answer A. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students
Explanation The scholarship allowance increase is specifically for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students.
Q59 What is the primary role of the Integrated Transport and Logistics Authority (ITLA) approved by the Cabinet?
- APrepare a long-term transport plan covering multiple modes and evaluate large infrastructure projects
- BProvide direct funding to small and medium enterprises
- CManage urban housing development projects
- DOversee agricultural subsidies and rural development
Show answer
Answer A. Prepare a long-term transport plan covering multiple modes and evaluate large infrastructure projects
Explanation The ITLA will prepare a long-term transport plan covering roads, railways, ports, civil aviation, and urban mobility, and evaluate government infrastructure projects worth ₹500 crore or more.
Q60 What is the amount committed by the government to the SME Growth Fund (SGF)?
- A₹5,000 crore
- B₹10,000 crore
- C₹15,000 crore
- D₹20,000 crore
Show answer
Answer B. ₹10,000 crore
Explanation The government approved a ₹10,000-crore commitment to the SME Growth Fund to address the shortage of long-term equity capital for growth-stage SMEs.
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