This page has 50 current affairs MCQs of 2026 on the international and environmental news of February to October 2026: the 81st UN General Assembly and the new Security Council members, the BRICS and SCO summits, the WTO ministerial, NATO, the Raisina Dialogue and BIMSTEC, India’s relief missions abroad, the World Economic Outlook, Gender Gap, Happiness and air-quality reports, new Ramsar sites and World Heritage inscriptions, and the environment days and conventions of the year. Every question is in the statement, match-the-list or assertion-reason form that BPSC and the other state commissions use, is scored on the page with BPSC’s negative marking, and opens an explanation that gives the fact behind the right answer and why the wrong options are wrong.
It is one of five sets built from the same 250 questions, so there is no overlap between them: Awards, sports and persons in news; Science, technology and defence; Polity, governance and schemes; Economy, infrastructure and energy.
Why these questions
International questions in the BPSC prelims come in two shapes: which country hosted or won, and which rank India holds in a report. Both reward the candidate who has the number, the city and the year together, and that is how the questions below are written.
BPSC’s prelims syllabus lists “current events of national and international importance”, and the 69th to 71st papers drew most of those questions from the twelve months before the exam. With the 72nd prelims postponed on 12 October 2026 and no new date yet, the window that matters runs from early 2026 to the exam, which is the period these sets cover. The questions were written for the BPSC and UPPCS pattern and fact-checked against official releases and press reports on 9 November 2026; the dates in the explanations are the dates of the events, not of the news reports.
How to use this set
- Take all 50 in 50 minutes, roughly the pace of the real paper. Mark (E) Not attempted rather than guess: a wrong answer costs one-third of a mark, a blank costs the same, and only E is free. The negative marking page explains the 2026 OMR rule.
- For statement questions, decide each statement before looking at the options; the options are built from the statements, so a firm “statement 2 is wrong” eliminates two of them at once.
- Read the explanation even when you were right. Most carry a second fact (the ministry, the previous winner, the rank last year) that is the obvious follow-up question.
- A score of 35 or more out of 50 is where you want to be a month before the prelims; below 25, read the monthly current affairs notes first and come back.
International Current Affairs 2026: Summits, Reports and Environment: 50 questions
International Current Affairs 2026: Summits, Reports and Environment
50 questions · February to October 2026 · +1, −1/3, E = 0
Tap an option: it locks, turns green or red, and the explanation opens. Choose (E) Not attempted when you would only be guessing, as you would bubble E on the OMR sheet.
+1 correct · −1/3 wrong · 0 (E) not attempted
Summits, diplomacy and organisations30 questions
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Executive Director for India at the World Bank: 1. The Executive Director represents the constituency consisting of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. 2. The World Bank headquarters is located in New York City. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (D) Only 1
Statement 1 is correct. The Executive Director's EDS12 constituency comprises Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Sri Lanka. Neelkanth Mishra is the Executive Director. • Statement 2 is incorrect. The World Bank's headquarters is at 1818 H Street NW, Washington, D.C., USA, not New York.
2. With reference to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), consider the following statements: 1. Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st Session of the UNGA. 2. The presidency for the 81st Session was allotted to the Asia-Pacific Group. 3. The President of the UNGA is elected for a fixed term of two years based on regional rotation. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman was elected President of the 81st UNGA session on 2 June 2026, and the post fell to the Asia-Pacific Group under regional rotation. Statement 3 is incorrect because the President serves for one General Assembly session, effectively one year, not a two-year term.
3. With reference to the countries elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council for 2027–28, which one of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?
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Answer: (C) Portugal – Eastern European Group
Portugal belongs to the Western European and Others Group (WEOG), not the Eastern European Group. Austria and Portugal won the two WEOG seats; Kyrgyzstan won the Asia-Pacific seat and Zimbabwe the African seat.
4. With reference to India's wind-energy sector and the Global Wind Day 2026 Conference, consider the following statements: 1. The conference was organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in Goa. 2. During the event, the WT-MARUT Portal was officially launched. 3. India currently holds the position of the world's second-largest wind-power market. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Global Wind Day Conference 2026 was held in Goa on 15 June 2026 under MNRE. The Minister launched WT-MARUT (Wind Turbine Materials and Resources Utility Tracker), India's first dedicated wind-turbine supply-chain portal. Statement 3 is incorrect. India ranked fourth globally in installed wind-power capacity, with approximately 56.09 GW as of March 2026, not second.
5. In June 2026, who among the following made history by becoming the first person in the world to surpass a net worth of $1 trillion?
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Answer: (A) Elon Musk
On 12 June 2026, Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire after SpaceX's stock-market debut significantly increased the value of his stake. Forbes estimated his net worth at approximately $1.1 trillion at the close of trading.
6. India recently launched a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission named 'Operation Amistad' to assist which country following devastating earthquakes?
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Answer: (B) Venezuela
India launched Operation Amistad following major earthquakes in Venezuela. Two Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft transported a 41-member Indian Army medical contingent, including personnel from the 60 Para Field Hospital, for humanitarian and emergency medical assistance.
7. With reference to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), consider the following statements: 1. Vivek Aggarwal became the first Indian to be appointed as the President of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). 2. He is appointed for a term of two years from July 2026 to June 2028. 3. Currently, FATF has 40 members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (D) Only 3
Statement 1 is incorrect. Vivek Aggarwal became the Vice-President, not President, of FATF. This is the first time India has held the FATF Vice-Presidency. • Statement 2 is incorrect. His Vice-Presidential tenure is July 2026–June 2027, not June 2028. FATF President Giles Thomson has the two-year July 2026–June 2028 term. • Statement 3 is correct. FATF currently comprises 40 members: 38 jurisdictions and two regional organisations, the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.
8. Abelardo de la Espriella was recently elected as the new President of Colombia. In the context of global geography, Colombia holds a unique distinction in South America because:
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Answer: (B) It is the only South American country with coastlines along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic Ocean).
Colombia is the only South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the latter forming part of the Atlantic Ocean. Colombia's official Ocean Commission also identifies this as a unique geographic distinction.
9. With reference to the SCO Women's Forum 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The forum was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, under the theme “Women's Leadership”. 2. India emphasised the concept of Women-Led Development by highlighting domestic missions like Lakhpati Didi and Mission Poshan 2.0. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Statement 1 is correct. The SCO Women's Forum was held in Bishkek from 25–27 June 2026 under the theme “Women's Leadership”. • Statement 2 is correct. India highlighted its Women-Led Development approach, including more than 30 million Lakhpati Didis, alongside Mission Shakti and Mission Poshan 2.0.
10. With reference to the 'Kazan Declaration 2026', consider the following statements: 1. It was adopted to commemorate the 35th anniversary of ASEAN–Russia relations. 2. It endorsed a Comprehensive Plan of Action covering the period 2026–2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (B) Both 1 and 2
Statement 1 is correct. The Kazan Declaration was adopted at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan on 18 June 2026 to mark 35 years of ASEAN-Russia dialogue relations. • Statement 2 is correct. The Declaration endorses the Comprehensive Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-Russian Federation Strategic Partnership (2026–2030), which was adopted as an accompanying outcome document of the summit.
11. The 'WT-MARUT' portal, launched on Global Wind Day 2026, functions primarily as a digital tool for which of the following purposes?
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Answer: (D) Tracking and managing supply-chain materials for the wind-energy sector
WT-MARUT stands for Wind Turbine Materials and Resources Utility Tracker. It is India's first dedicated Wind Turbine Supply Chain Management Portal, designed to strengthen visibility and management of materials and resources used by the wind-energy industry.
12. In July 2026, which European country became the first in the European Union to pass legislation enforcing a comprehensive social-media ban for children under the age of 15?
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Answer: (C) France
In July 2026, the French Parliament approved legislation prohibiting children below 15 years from accessing social-media platforms, making France the first EU country to approve such a blanket restriction.
13. President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a bronze bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the Museum of the City of Skopje. Skopje is the capital city of:
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Answer: (D) North Macedonia
Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia. President Droupadi Murmu, along with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi there on 22 July 2026.
14. To bolster emergency public health preparedness against outbreaks of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), India dispatched a consignment of medical logistics to:
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Answer: (A) Kenya
India handed over the first tranche of 4.5 tonnes of medical assistance to Kenya on 22 July 2026 to strengthen its preparedness against Ebola Virus Disease and other infectious-disease emergencies. The consignment included PPE kits, sample-transport kits, infrared thermometers, face shields and protective boots.
15. With reference to the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' Meeting, consider the following statements: 1. It was organised under India's BRICS Chairship in Bengaluru, Karnataka. 2. It focused on strengthening cooperation in areas including health equity, public-health cooperation and mental health. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (B) Only 2
Statement 1 is incorrect. The meeting was held in Chandigarh from 22–24 July 2026, not Bengaluru. • Statement 2 is correct. The meeting advanced cooperation on health equity, public-health systems, pandemic preparedness, digital health and mental wellness, among other priorities.
16. India and Nepal jointly inaugurated the restored heritage sites of Shree Gusthal Mahavihar and the Agam of Prathamshree Mahavihar. These historic sites are located in:
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Answer: (B) Lalitpur
The restored Buddhist heritage structures are situated at Guita Tole, Patan, Lalitpur, Nepal. They were jointly inaugurated on 28 July 2026 and rebuilt using a Government of India post-earthquake reconstruction grant of around NPR 12 crore.
17. With reference to Indian peacekeepers honoured in 2026, consider the following statements: 1. They were serving with the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2. A total of 210 Indian peacekeepers received the UN Medal. 3. The group included six women and seven Staff Officers. 4. The medal ceremony was held in Juba. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer: (D) 2, 3 and 4
Statement 1 is incorrect. The personnel were serving with UNMISS, the UN Mission in South Sudan, not MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A total of 210 Indian peacekeepers, including six women and seven Staff Officers, received the UN Medal in Juba, South Sudan.
18. With reference to the BRICS Summits, consider the following statements: 1. India held the BRICS Chairship for the fourth time in 2026. 2. The 19th BRICS Summit in 2027 will be hosted by Russia. 3. The theme of the 18th BRICS Summit was “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only
Statement 1 is correct. India's previous BRICS Chairships were in 2012, 2016 and 2021, making 2026 its fourth. • Statement 2 is incorrect. China, not Russia, will hold the BRICS Chairship and host the 19th BRICS Summit in 2027. • Statement 3 is correct. India's 2026 Chairship and the 18th Summit were guided by the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
19. With reference to the 26th SCO Summit held in 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The summit was held in Bishkek on 1 September 2026. 2. Tajikistan assumed the SCO Chairship for 2026–27 following the Bishkek Summit. 3. Lahore was designated as the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer: (A) 1 and 3
Statement 1 is correct. The 26th SCO Council of Heads of State meeting was held at Yrys-Ordo Congress Hall, Bishkek, on 1 September 2026. • Statement 2 is incorrect. The 2026–27 Chairship passed to Pakistan, not Tajikistan. • Statement 3 is correct. Lahore was designated the SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27.
20. With reference to the North Atlantic Treaty, consider the following statements: 1. It provides for consultations when the territorial integrity, political independence or security of a member is threatened. 2. Every NATO member must necessarily use armed force whenever another member is attacked. 3. Sweden became NATO's 32nd member. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer: (C) 1 and 3
Statement 1 is correct. Article 4 provides for consultation when a member's territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened. • Statement 2 is incorrect. Under Article 5, each member takes “such action as it deems necessary”, which may include armed force. Armed force is not automatically mandatory for every member. • Statement 3 is correct. Sweden became NATO's 32nd member on 7 March 2024.
21. The 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), where the Indian delegation was led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, was hosted in:
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Answer: (C) Yaoundé, Cameroon
The WTO's 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26–30 March 2026.
22. Consider the following statements regarding the Global Sustainability Summit 2026: 1. It was organised in New Delhi by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). 2. The overarching theme was “Accelerating Sustainability Transformation – Speed. Scale. Systems.” Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (A) Only 1
Statement 1 is correct. The 21st Global Sustainability Summit was organised by the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development in New Delhi on 27–28 August 2026. • Statement 2 is incorrect because the official theme was “Accelerating the Sustainability Transition – Speed | Scale | Systems”, not “Sustainability Transformation.”
23. Consider the following statements regarding the international nuclear-power agreement signed in March 2026: 1. Russia and Indonesia agreed to construct Indonesia's first nuclear power plant in Ninh Thuan Province. 2. The project involves two VVER-1200 reactors with a combined capacity of 2,400 MW. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (A) Only 2
Statement 1 is incorrect. The agreement was signed between Russia and Vietnam, not Indonesia, for the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant in Vietnam. Statement 2 is correct. Ninh Thuan 1 is planned with two Russian-designed VVER-1200 units, providing a combined installed capacity of 2,400 MW.
24. The joint military exercise 'LAMITIYE 2026' was conducted between the armed forces of India and which island nation?
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Answer: (D) Seychelles
The 11th edition of Exercise LAMITIYE was conducted between India and the Seychelles Defence Forces from 9–20 March 2026 at the Seychelles Defence Academy. “LAMITIYE” means friendship in Creole.
25. With reference to Operation Sagar Bandhu, consider the following statements: 1. Under this mission, the Indian Navy commissioned a vital bridge project connecting Colombo with Puttalam. 2. The operation is part of India's Neighbourhood First approach. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (A) Only 2
Statement 1 is incorrect. The major bridge project linking the Colombo-Puttalam coastal corridor was undertaken by the Indian Army, not the Indian Navy. Statement 2 is correct. The Government explicitly linked Operation Sagar Bandhu's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and reconstruction assistance to India's Neighbourhood First Policy. Operation Sagar Bandhu was originally launched in November 2025 following Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka and continued into 2026.
26. The joint military exercise 'Freedom Shield 2026' was conducted between the defence forces of:
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Answer: (B) United States and South Korea
Freedom Shield 26 was the annual combined exercise conducted by the Republic of Korea and the United States from 9–19 March 2026 to strengthen combined defence readiness and all-domain interoperability.
27. Consider the following statements regarding geopolitical developments in Iran during early 2026: 1. Military strikes against Iranian leadership and military targets were conducted as part of the campaign involving the US Operation Epic Fury. 2. Mojtaba Khamenei was chosen as successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following his death. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (B) Both 1 and 2
Statement 1 is correct in substance. US CENTCOM launched Operation Epic Fury on 28 February 2026, striking Iranian command-and-control, IRGC, air-defence, missile and other military targets. The wider US-Israeli campaign also struck Iranian leadership targets. Statement 2 is correct. On 8 March 2026, Iran's Assembly of Experts selected Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ali Khamenei, on 28 February.
28. With reference to the 11th Raisina Dialogue, consider the following statements: 1. It was organised by the Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. 2. The President of Norway attended as the Chief Guest. 3. The central theme was “Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.” Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer: (D) 1 and 3
Raisina Dialogue is organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. The 2026 Chief Guest was Finland's President Alexander Stubb, not the President of Norway. The theme was “Saṁskāra – Assertion, Accommodation, Advancement.”
29. Consider the following statements regarding the 25th World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS 2026): 1. It was organised in New Delhi by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). 2. The Him-CONNECT platform was launched during the summit to link Himalayan scientific research with field-level solutions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (B) Both 1 and 2
TERI hosted the 25th WSDS in New Delhi from 25–27 February 2026. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched Him-CONNECT alongside the summit to connect Himalayan researchers with startups, investors and policymakers and facilitate the real-world deployment of research outcomes.
30. With reference to the First BIMSTEC Young Professionals Exchange Programme, consider the following statements: 1. It was organised in Mumbai and Pune by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra. 2. The initiative was originally announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (B) Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The programme was held from 9–15 March 2026 in Mumbai and Pune, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Maharashtra Government. It was one of the initiatives announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to strengthen youth and professional exchanges.
Reports, indices and environment20 questions
31. With reference to World Environment Day 2026, consider the following statements: 1. Kazakhstan was the host country. 2. The global campaign focused on urgent climate action. 3. Official events were organised in Baku, Nairobi and New York. How many of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Answer: (B) Only two
Statement 1 is incorrect because Azerbaijan, not Kazakhstan, hosted World Environment Day 2026. • Statement 2 is correct. The global campaign focused on urgent climate action. • Statement 3 is correct. Official events were organised in Baku, Nairobi and New York.
32. Hamataliwa mawlyngot, a newly discovered species of ambush predator, belongs to which category of fauna?
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Answer: (A) Lynx Spider
Hamataliwa mawlyngot is a newly described lynx spider belonging to the family Oxyopidae. It was discovered at Mawlyngot village in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, and represents the first report of the genus Hamataliwa from Meghalaya.
33. With reference to the QS World University Rankings 2027, consider the following statements: 1. India ranked 5th globally based on the total number of higher educational institutions included in the ranking. 2. IIT Bombay emerged as the highest-ranked institution in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (A) Only 1
Statement 1 is correct. The QS 2027 results included 52 Indian institutions, placing India fifth by representation after the US (184), UK (93), Mainland China (85) and Germany (60). • Statement 2 is incorrect. IIT Delhi, ranked 118th globally, was India's highest-ranked institution. IIT Bombay was jointly ranked 134th.
34. With reference to the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, consider the following statements: 1. It is observed by the United Nations every year on 12 June to commemorate the day the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) came into force. 2. The 2026 theme designated by the UN was “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.” Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (B) Only 2
Statement 1 is incorrect. Desertification and Drought Day is observed on 17 June, not 12 June. The date commemorates the adoption of the UNCCD in 1994; the Convention itself entered into force later, on 26 December 1996. • Statement 2 is correct. The 2026 theme was “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore.”, with Kenya hosting the global observance.
35. Consider the following statements regarding the QS World Future Skills Index 2027: 1. India ranked 13th globally with an overall score of 89.4. 2. India's Skills Alignment rank was lower than its Future of Work rank. 3. This index primarily evaluates countries based on their readiness in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the digital economy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
Statement 1 is correct. India ranked 13th, with an overall score of 89.4. • Statement 2 is correct. India's Skills Alignment rank was 18th, whereas it ranked fifth in Future of Work, so Skills Alignment was a relatively weaker area. • Statement 3 is correct. The QS World Future Skills Index evaluates countries on how effectively their higher education and economic frameworks prepare workforces for an economy rapidly transformed by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital capabilities. It equally weights four pillars: Skills Alignment, Academic Readiness, Future of Work and Economic Transformation.
36. With reference to the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), consider the following statements: 1. It was launched by India to ensure the conservation of seven major big cat species globally. 2. In June 2026, Sri Lanka officially became the 27th member country of the alliance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (A) Only 1
Statement 1 is correct. India launched IBCA in 2023 for the global conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma. • Statement 2 is incorrect. Bangladesh, not Sri Lanka, became the 27th member of IBCA on 24 June 2026. Sri Lanka was already among the alliance's members.
37. The Bharat Climate Observation Network (BCON) signed an MoU to establish a comprehensive long-term high-altitude climate observation centre in which state?
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Answer: (C) Uttarakhand
IITM Pune and ARIES signed an MoU for a long-term BCON climate-monitoring station at ARIES, Devasthal, in the Himalayan region. Devasthal is located near Nainital in Uttarakhand. The facility will monitor greenhouse gases, short-lived climate forcers, meteorological variables, atmospheric chemistry and soil moisture.
38. A Guinness World Record for the largest Miyawaki plantation in one hour was set in July 2026. This drive took place at:
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Answer: (B) Bhadaj, Gujarat
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation created the Guinness World Record at Bhadaj, Gujarat, on 12 July 2026, planting about 3.61 lakh (over 361,000) saplings in one hour using the Miyawaki method.
39. With reference to the inclusion of Sarnath in the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2026, consider the following statements: 1. It has officially become the 45th World Heritage Site in India. 2. It is the fourth World Heritage Site located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on 25 July 2026, becoming India's 45th World Heritage property. It also became Uttar Pradesh's fourth World Heritage Site, after the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
40. The 'Borjuli' site, recently notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), is located in which state?
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Answer: (C) Assam
The Borjuli Wild Rice Biodiversity Heritage Site is located in Sonitpur district, Assam. It is important for the in-situ conservation of wild rice, particularly Oryza rufipogon, a valuable genetic resource for crop improvement. Important Fact: Biodiversity Heritage Sites are notified by the State Government under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, in consultation with local bodies.
41. With reference to Glaw Lake, consider the following statements: 1. It became Arunachal Pradesh's first Ramsar Site. 2. It became India's 101st Ramsar Site. 3. It lies within Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Answer: (D) 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct. Glaw Lake was designated in August 2026 as: • Arunachal Pradesh's first Ramsar Site. • India's 101st Ramsar Site. • A freshwater lake located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary.
42. Consider the following statements: 1. India recently gifted five Indian peacocks to the United Nations Office at Geneva. 2. These peacocks will be kept at Ariana Park. Which of the statements given above are not correct?
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Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are correct. India donated five Indian peacocks (Pavo cristatus) to the United Nations Office at Geneva in August 2026. They were placed in Ariana Park, the grounds surrounding the Palais des Nations. India had earlier gifted a pair of peacocks to UN Geneva in 1981.
43. Which of the following wetlands associated with the recently highlighted Sarus Circuit are also designated Ramsar Sites? 1. Saman Bird Sanctuary 2. Sarsai Nawar Jheel 3. Sur Sarovar Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Answer: (C) 1 and 2 only
The Uttar Pradesh government's Sarus Circuit covers wetlands in Mainpuri and Etawah, including Saman Bird Sanctuary and Sarsai Nawar Jheel. Both are Ramsar Sites. Sur Sarovar is also a Ramsar Site, but it is located in Agra and is not one of the wetlands included in the recently announced Sarus Circuit.
44. With reference to the Global Gender Gap Index 2026 released by the World Economic Forum (WEF), consider the following statements: 1. The index assesses gender parity across four key dimensions: economic participation, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. 2. India was ranked 131st out of 145 countries. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. The WEF index measures gender parity across the four stated dimensions. In the 2026 edition, covering 145 economies, India ranked 131st, with 64.5% of its overall gender gap closed.
45. Arrange the following countries in ascending order of their rank in the Global Gender Gap Index 2026: 1. Namibia 2. Finland 3. Iceland 4. Norway
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Answer: (A) 3-2-4-1
The 2026 rankings were: 1. Iceland – 1st 2. Finland – 2nd 3. Norway – 3rd 4. Namibia – 4th
46. With reference to the World Happiness Report 2025, consider the following statements: 1. It is published by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN) in collaboration with Gallup. 2. India was ranked 116th, registering an improvement from its 118th rank in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are incorrect. • Statement 1: The 2025 report is officially published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, in partnership with Gallup, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an independent editorial board. Therefore, describing UNSDSN itself as the publisher is inaccurate. • Statement 2: India ranked 118th in the World Happiness Report 2025, while it ranked 126th in 2024. The 116th rank belongs to the World Happiness Report 2026, not 2025. India's ranking: • 2024: 126th • 2025: 118th • 2026: 116th
47. With reference to the macroeconomic projections in the World Economic Outlook (April 2026) released by the IMF, consider the following statements: 1. India emerged as the world's fifth-largest economy in nominal GDP terms. 2. India officially changed its base year for GDP calculation from 2011–12 to 2022–23, causing a downward revision in nominal GDP values. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
IMF's April 2026 World Economic Outlook placed India's 2026 nominal GDP at about US$4.15 trillion. Japan remained slightly larger at about US$4.38 trillion, leaving India fifth globally. India also shifted the GDP base year from 2011–12 to 2022–23 in February 2026. The rebasing resulted in a lower estimate of nominal GDP than under the earlier series. For FY 2025–26, the new-series estimate was ₹345.47 lakh crore versus ₹357.14 lakh crore under the earlier estimate.
48. The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) was held in:
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Answer: (D) Campo Grande, Brazil
CMS COP15 was held from 23–29 March 2026 at Campo Grande, Brazil, under the theme “Connecting Nature to Sustain Life.”
49. As per the World Economic Outlook (April 2026), what is India's position globally in terms of GDP at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)?
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Answer: (A) Third
India remains the world's third-largest economy in PPP terms, after China and the United States. The IMF's April 2026 WEO estimates India's PPP GDP at about $18.9 trillion international dollars, representing roughly 8.49% of world GDP at PPP.
50. According to the World Air Quality Report 2025 released by IQAir, which city was identified as the most polluted city in the world?
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Answer: (B) Loni, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Loni recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of approximately 112.5 μg/m³, making it the world's most polluted city in the 2025 IQAir ranking. Hotan was second, while Byrnihat/Barnihat was also among the most polluted locations.
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The other four sets in this series
- Current Affairs 2026 MCQs: Awards, sports and persons in news (50 questions)
- Current Affairs 2026 MCQs: Science, technology and defence (50 questions)
- Current Affairs 2026 MCQs: Polity, governance and schemes (50 questions)
- Current Affairs 2026 MCQs: Economy, infrastructure and energy (50 questions)
Together the five sets are 250 questions on February to October 2026. The sports current affairs quiz and the current affairs section carry the month-by-month notes, and the mock test series has the full-length papers.
Frequently asked questions
How many current affairs questions does the BPSC prelims ask?
BPSC does not fix a number. The General Studies paper of 150 questions has carried roughly 25 to 35 questions that depend on events of the preceding year, spread across national, international, sports, awards, science and economy news, with a visible Bihar share.
Which period do these 2026 current affairs MCQs cover?
February to October 2026. The five sets together have 250 questions; this one covers international affairs, reports and environment.
Is there negative marking in this quiz?
Yes, the page scores the way BPSC does since 2026: +1 for a correct answer, minus one-third for a wrong one, and 0 for a question marked (E) Not attempted. A question left blank on the real OMR sheet is also penalised, so practise marking E.
Related pages
- Free BPSC mock test series: all tests
- Sports current affairs 2026 quiz
- Bihar current affairs May 2026
- 72nd BPSC 2026: notification and prelims date status
- BPSC negative marking and the Option E rule
- BPSC syllabus and exam pattern
Sources and checking
The questions were written from PIB releases, ministry and organisation announcements and the reporting of national newspapers between February and October 2026, and every answer and explanation was checked against at least one primary or mainstream source on 9 November 2026. Where a figure was later revised, the explanation gives the figure as it stood at the time of the event. Report an error through the contact page and it will be corrected.