Preparing for the Civil Services Examination requires consistent revision and practice. One of the most effective ways to strengthen preparation is by solving Current Affairs MCQs UPSC Prelims 2026.

In recent years, a large number of questions in the UPSC Prelims examination have been asked from current affairs related to international relations, economy, environment, science, and government policies.

These current affairs mcqs upsc prelims 2026 are designed to help aspirants revise important national and international developments before the examination.

This article provides 100 important Current Affairs MCQs UPSC Prelims 2026 along with answers and brief explanations to help aspirants test their preparation level.

Aspirants preparing for the civil services examination should regularly practice exam-oriented questions along with revising important topics. You can also explore our collection of UPSC Prelims Practice Questions to strengthen your preparation with subject-wise MCQs.

Why Current Affairs MCQs Are Important for UPSC Prelims

Current affairs play a crucial role in the UPSC examination. Solving Current Affairs MCQs UPSC Prelims 2026 helps aspirants:

• Understand the pattern of questions asked in the exam
• Improve conceptual clarity related to current events
• Develop better accuracy while solving MCQs
• Strengthen revision before the examination

Regular practice of UPSC current affairs questions can significantly improve performance in the prelims examination.

Aspirants should regularly check the official UPSC website for examination notifications, syllabus updates, and important announcements.

Below are some carefully selected current affairs mcqs upsc prelims 2026 covering topics such as international relations, economy, environment, and science.

Current Affairs MCQs UPSC Prelims 2026

Below are Question 1-10 out of some important current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026 that can help aspirants revise major national and international developments.

Question 1-10

Question 1

Which organization releases the World Economic Outlook Report?

A. World Bank
B. International Monetary Fund
C. Asian Development Bank
D. United Nations

Answer: B
Explanation: The World Economic Outlook report is released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Question 2

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) headquarters is located in:

A. Paris
B. New Delhi
C. Gurugram
D. Dubai

Answer: C
Explanation: The headquarters of the International Solar Alliance is located in Gurugram, India.

Question 3

Which country recently joined BRICS in the latest expansion phase?

A. Argentina
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Japan
D. Mexico

Answer: B
Explanation: Saudi Arabia is among the countries invited during the recent BRICS expansion.

Question 4

The Global Hunger Index is released by which organizations?

A. WHO and IMF
B. Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe
C. World Bank
D. United Nations

Answer: B
Explanation: The Global Hunger Index is released by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.

Question 5

Which strait connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman?

A. Strait of Malacca
B. Strait of Hormuz
C. Bab-el-Mandeb
D. Bosporus Strait

Answer: B
Explanation: The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.

Question 6

The G20 Summit 2023 was hosted by which country?

A. Indonesia
B. India
C. Brazil
D. Japan

Answer: B
Explanation: India hosted the G20 Summit in 2023 in New Delhi.

Question 7

The Global South concept mainly refers to:

A. Developed countries of Europe
B. Developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America
C. Arctic countries
D. North American countries

Answer: B
Explanation: Global South generally refers to developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Question 8

Which organization publishes the Human Development Index (HDI)?

A. IMF
B. UNDP
C. World Bank
D. WTO

Answer: B
Explanation: The Human Development Index is published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Question 9

Which Indian mission focuses on green hydrogen development?

A. National Solar Mission
B. National Hydrogen Mission
C. National Biofuel Mission
D. National Electric Mobility Mission

Answer: B
Explanation: The National Green Hydrogen Mission was launched to promote clean hydrogen fuel.

Question 10

Which strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden?

A. Bab-el-Mandeb
B. Strait of Malacca
C. Strait of Gibraltar
D. Sunda Strait

Answer: A
Explanation: Bab-el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Many international reports and global developments discussed in current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026 are published by organisations such as the United Nation.

Question 11-20

Below are Question 11-20 out of some important current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026 that can help aspirants revise major national and international developments.

Question 11

Which country currently holds the presidency of the G20 in 2024-25 cycle after India?

A. Brazil
B. Russia
C. China
D. South Africa

Answer: A
Explanation: Brazil assumed the G20 presidency after India.

Question 12

The COP28 Climate Summit was hosted in:

A. UAE
B. Germany
C. France
D. Japan

Answer: A
Explanation: COP28 was held in Dubai, UAE.

Question 13

Which organisation publishes the Global Risks Report?

A. IMF
B. World Economic Forum
C. World Bank
D. OECD

Answer: B

Question 14

Which initiative aims to develop a trade corridor connecting India, Middle East and Europe?

A. Belt and Road Initiative
B. IMEC
C. INSTC
D. Silk Road

Answer: B
Explanation: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Question 15

Which country joined NATO most recently in the expansion phase?

A. Sweden
B. Japan
C. Australia
D. India

Answer: A

Question 16

The Artemis Program is related to:

A. Mars mission
B. Moon exploration
C. Solar research
D. Space telescope

Answer: B

Question 17

Which organisation releases the Global Energy Outlook report?

A. International Energy Agency
B. World Bank
C. IMF
D. UNDP

Answer: A

Question 18

Which organisation publishes the World Happiness Report?

A. UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network
B. IMF
C. UNESCO
D. WHO

Answer: A

Question 19

Which sea route is most affected by the Red Sea shipping crisis?

A. Suez Canal trade route
B. Panama Canal trade route
C. Arctic shipping route
D. Cape route

Answer: A

Question 20

The BRICS New Development Bank headquarters is located in:

A. Beijing
B. Shanghai
C. New Delhi
D. Moscow

Answer: B

Question 21-30: Environment & Climate

Below are Question 21-30 out of some important current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026 that can help aspirants revise major national and international developments.

Question 21

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to:

A. reduce global warming
B. protect biodiversity globally
C. increase forest trade
D. regulate oceans

Answer: B

Question 22

The Green Climate Fund primarily supports:

A. developed countries
B. developing countries
C. NATO countries
D. OECD nations

Answer: B

Question 23

Which gas contributes most to global warming?

A. Oxygen
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Nitrogen
D. Hydrogen

Answer: B

Question 24

The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to:

A. 3°C
B. 2°C or preferably 1.5°C
C. 5°C
D. 4°C

Answer: B

Question 25

Which country hosted COP27?

A. Egypt
B. India
C. China
D. Germany

Answer: A

Question 26

The International Big Cat Alliance initiative was launched by:

A. India
B. Brazil
C. USA
D. Australia

Answer: A

Question 27

The CITES convention deals with:

A. climate change
B. wildlife trade
C. ocean pollution
D. nuclear weapons

Answer: B

Question 28

The IPCC stands for:

A. International Panel for Climate Change
B. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
C. International Programme for Climate Control
D. Intergovernmental Programme for Carbon Control

Answer: B

Question 29

The Ramsar Convention relates to:

A. wetlands
B. forests
C. oceans
D. wildlife

Answer: A

Question 30

Which organisation publishes the Global Forest Resources Assessment?

A. FAO
B. IMF
C. UNESCO
D. WTO

Answer: A

Practicing current affairs mcqs upsc prelims 2026 regularly helps aspirants understand the pattern of questions asked in the UPSC examination.

Question 31–45: Economy & Global Institutions

Below are Question 31-45 out of some important current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026 that can help aspirants revise major national and international developments.

Question 31

The World Bank headquarters is located in:

A. Washington DC
B. Geneva
C. Paris
D. London

Answer: A

Question 32

The Asian Development Bank headquarters is located in:

A. Tokyo
B. Manila
C. Singapore
D. Bangkok

Answer: B

Question 33

The World Trade Organization headquarters is located in:

A. New York
B. Geneva
C. Paris
D. London

Answer: B

Question 34

Which organisation releases the World Economic Outlook?

A. IMF
B. World Bank
C. WTO
D. ADB

Answer: A

Question 35

The Digital Public Infrastructure initiative is promoted globally by:

A. India
B. Japan
C. USA
D. Germany

Answer: A

Question 36

Which organisation publishes the Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR)?

A. World Bank
B. IMF
C. Asian Development Bank
D. WTO

Answer: B
Explanation: The Global Financial Stability Report is published by the International Monetary Fund.

Question 37

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) headquarters is located in:

A. Tokyo
B. Beijing
C. Singapore
D. Seoul

Answer: B
Explanation: AIIB is headquartered in Beijing, China.

Question 38

The International Labour Organization (ILO) headquarters is located in:

A. Geneva
B. Paris
C. Vienna
D. Rome

Answer: A

Question 39

Which organisation releases the Ease of Doing Business Index (earlier)?

A. IMF
B. World Bank
C. WTO
D. OECD

Answer: B

Question 40

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) focuses on:

A. global financial stability
B. trade regulations
C. climate change
D. agriculture policy

Answer: A

Question 41

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) headquarters is located in:

A. London
B. Paris
C. Berlin
D. Brussels

Answer: B

Question 42

The New Development Bank (NDB) is associated with:

A. ASEAN
B. BRICS
C. NATO
D. EU

Answer: B

Question 43

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a specialized agency of:

A. World Bank
B. United Nations
C. IMF
D. WTO

Answer: B

Question 44

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting is held in:

A. Davos
B. Geneva
C. Paris
D. Brussels

Answer: A

Question 45

The Bretton Woods Institutions refer to:

A. IMF and World Bank
B. WTO and IMF
C. UN and IMF
D. OECD and World Bank

Answer: A

Question 46–70: International Relations & Global Affairs

Below are Question 46-70 out of some important current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026 that can help aspirants revise major national and international developments.

Aspirants preparing for the exam should revise these current affairs mcqs upsc prelims 2026 along with static subjects to strengthen their preparation.

Question 46

The Quad Alliance includes:

A. India, USA, Japan, Australia
B. India, China, Russia, USA
C. USA, France, Germany, UK
D. India, Russia, Brazil, China

Answer: A

Question 47

Which organisation is known as the security alliance of Western countries?

A. NATO
B. BRICS
C. ASEAN
D. SCO

Answer: A

Question 48

The ASEAN headquarters is located in:

A. Jakarta
B. Bangkok
C. Manila
D. Kuala Lumpur

Answer: A

Question 49

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation mainly focuses on:

A. security and cooperation
B. climate change
C. trade agreements
D. agriculture

Answer: A

Question 50

Which region is central to the Indo-Pacific strategy?

A. Indian Ocean & Pacific Ocean
B. Atlantic Ocean
C. Arctic Ocean
D. Mediterranean Sea

Answer: A

Question 51

Which organisation promotes cooperation among countries bordering the Indian Ocean region?

A. BIMSTEC
B. IORA
C. ASEAN
D. SCO

Answer: B
Explanation: The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) promotes cooperation among Indian Ocean countries.

Question 52

The BIMSTEC initiative connects countries around which two regions?

A. Bay of Bengal and South Asia
B. Mediterranean and Europe
C. Arctic and Pacific
D. Atlantic and Africa

Answer: A

Question 53

The African Union headquarters is located in:

A. Nairobi
B. Addis Ababa
C. Cairo
D. Johannesburg

Answer: B

Question 54

Which international organisation focuses primarily on global health issues?

A. UNESCO
B. WHO
C. IMF
D. WTO

Answer: B

Question 55

The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) initiative is led by:

A. United States
B. China
C. Japan
D. India

Answer: A

Question 56

Which group of countries is often referred to as Global South?

A. Developed Western nations
B. Developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
C. NATO countries
D. Arctic nations

Answer: B

Question 57

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is located in:

A. Geneva
B. The Hague
C. Vienna
D. Paris

Answer: B

Question 58

Which organisation works to promote global nuclear safety and security?

A. IAEA
B. IMF
C. WHO
D. WTO

Answer: A

Question 59

The G7 group consists mainly of:

A. Developing countries
B. Major advanced economies
C. Asian countries only
D. African nations

Answer: B

Question 60

The UN Security Council currently has how many permanent members?

A. 4
B. 5
C. 6
D. 7

Answer: B
Explanation: The five permanent members are USA, UK, France, Russia, and China.

Question 61

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) mainly focuses on cooperation in:

A. Trade only
B. Security and regional stability
C. Agriculture
D. Tourism

Answer: B

Question 62

Which country hosted the BRICS Summit 2023?

A. India
B. China
C. South Africa
D. Brazil

Answer: C

Question 63

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) functions as the judicial organ of:

A. NATO
B. United Nations
C. WTO
D. IMF

Answer: B

Question 64

Which regional organisation promotes cooperation among Southeast Asian nations?

A. ASEAN
B. SAARC
C. BRICS
D. SCO

Answer: A

Question 65

The SAARC headquarters is located in:

A. Kathmandu
B. Islamabad
C. Dhaka
D. Colombo

Answer: A

Question 66

Which international organisation works to promote education, science, and culture globally?

A. UNESCO
B. IMF
C. WHO
D. WTO

Answer: A

Question 67

Which organisation manages global civil aviation standards?

A. ICAO
B. WTO
C. IMF
D. FAO

Answer: A

Question 68

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) headquarters is located in:

A. Rome
B. Paris
C. Geneva
D. Vienna

Answer: A

Question 69

Which organisation manages global postal services coordination?

A. Universal Postal Union
B. WTO
C. IMF
D. ICAO

Answer: A

Question 70

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) deals with:

A. telecommunications and digital technology
B. agriculture
C. global trade
D. health

Answer: A

Question 71–90: Geography / Strategic Locations

Below are Question 71-90 out of some important current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026 that can help aspirants revise major national and international developments.

Question 71

The Strait of Malacca connects:

A. Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean
B. Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean
C. Arctic Ocean and Pacific Ocean
D. Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea

Answer: A

Question 72

The Suez Canal connects:

A. Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea
B. Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
C. Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean
D. Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean

Answer: A

Question 73

The Panama Canal connects:

A. Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
B. Indian and Pacific Oceans
C. Mediterranean and Red Sea
D. Arctic and Atlantic

Answer: A

Question 74

The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait connects which two water bodies?

A. Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
B. Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
C. Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea
D. Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

Answer: A
Explanation: Bab-el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Question 75

The Bosporus Strait connects:

A. Black Sea and Sea of Marmara
B. Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea
C. Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean
D. Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean

Answer: A

Question 76

The Dardanelles Strait connects:

A. Sea of Marmara and Aegean Sea
B. Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea
C. Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean
D. Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf

Answer: A

Question 77

Which canal connects the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea?

A. Panama Canal
B. Suez Canal
C. Kiel Canal
D. Corinth Canal

Answer: B

Question 78

Which canal connects the North Sea and the Baltic Sea?

A. Kiel Canal
B. Suez Canal
C. Panama Canal
D. Corinth Canal

Answer: A

Question 79

The Corinth Canal is located in:

A. Greece
B. Turkey
C. Italy
D. Spain

Answer: A

Question 80

Which strait separates Europe and Africa?

A. Strait of Gibraltar
B. Strait of Malacca
C. Bab-el-Mandeb
D. Sunda Strait

Answer: A

Question 81

The Strait of Gibraltar connects:

A. Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
B. Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Ocean
C. Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean
D. Arctic Ocean and Atlantic Ocean

Answer: A

Question 82

Which strait lies between Indonesia and Malaysia?

A. Strait of Malacca
B. Bosporus Strait
C. Sunda Strait
D. Gibraltar Strait

Answer: A

Question 83

The Sunda Strait lies between:

A. Java and Sumatra islands
B. Borneo and Java
C. Sumatra and Borneo
D. Java and Bali

Answer: A

Question 84

The Lombok Strait lies between:

A. Bali and Lombok islands
B. Sumatra and Java
C. Borneo and Java
D. Philippines and Taiwan

Answer: A

Question 85

Which canal connects the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean through Central America?

A. Panama Canal
B. Suez Canal
C. Kiel Canal
D. Corinth Canal

Answer: A

Question 86

The Panama Canal is located in:

A. North America
B. Central America
C. South America
D. Europe

Answer: B

Question 87

Which sea lies between Europe and Africa?

A. Mediterranean Sea
B. Red Sea
C. Arabian Sea
D. Baltic Sea

Answer: A

Question 88

The Arctic Ocean is located around which region?

A. North Pole
B. South Pole
C. Equator
D. Tropic of Capricorn

Answer: A

Question 89

The Great Barrier Reef is located near the coast of:

A. Australia
B. Indonesia
C. Philippines
D. Japan

Answer: A

Question 90

The Dead Sea lies between which two countries/regions?

A. Israel and Jordan
B. Egypt and Israel
C. Iran and Iraq
D. Turkey and Greece

Answer: A

Science & Technology (91–100)

Below are Question 91-100 out of some important current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026 that can help aspirants revise major national and international developments.

Solving current affairs mcqs upsc prelims 2026 improves conceptual clarity and boosts confidence before the prelims examination.

Question 91

The James Webb Space Telescope studies:

A. deep space
B. oceans
C. atmosphere
D. earthquakes

Answer: A

Question 92

ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission aims to:

A. send humans to space
B. study Mars
C. explore asteroids
D. build satellite network

Answer: A

Question 93

The Chandrayaan-3 mission launched by ISRO successfully landed near which region of the Moon?

A. Lunar equator
B. Lunar north pole
C. Lunar south pole
D. Lunar far side

Answer: C
Explanation: Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the Moon’s south polar region, making India the first country to achieve this feat.

Question 94

The Aditya-L1 mission launched by ISRO studies:

A. Earth’s atmosphere
B. Sun and solar activities
C. Jupiter’s moons
D. Asteroids

Answer: B
Explanation: Aditya-L1 is India’s first solar mission to study the Sun and its corona.

Question 95

The Gaganyaan mission is associated with:

A. human spaceflight program of India
B. Mars exploration
C. satellite navigation system
D. lunar rover mission

Answer: A
Explanation: Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight mission planned by ISRO.

Question 96

The NavIC system developed by India is related to:

A. navigation and positioning
B. climate monitoring
C. missile defense
D. satellite communication

Answer: A
Explanation: NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is India’s regional navigation satellite system.

Question 97

The James Webb Space Telescope was developed by which space agency primarily?

A. NASA
B. ESA
C. ISRO
D. Roscosmos

Answer: A
Explanation: NASA led the James Webb Space Telescope project with contributions from ESA and CSA.

Question 98

The term Quantum Computing refers to:

A. classical computer processing
B. computing based on quantum mechanics
C. internet networking technology
D. satellite communication

Answer: B
Explanation: Quantum computing uses quantum mechanical principles such as superposition and entanglement.

Question 99

The mRNA vaccine technology gained prominence during which global event?

A. COVID-19 pandemic
B. Ebola outbreak
C. Zika virus outbreak
D. SARS outbreak

Answer: A
Explanation: mRNA vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question 100

The Aditya-L1 mission launched by ISRO studies:

A. the Moon
B. the Sun
C. Mars
D. Jupiter

Answer: B

How to Use These Current Affairs MCQs UPSC Prelims 2026

Aspirants should attempt these questions before looking at the answers. This helps in evaluating their preparation level and identifying weak areas.

A good strategy is to solve current affairs MCQs regularly while revising monthly current affairs. This approach helps in retaining information and improving accuracy during the exam.

Along with solving current affairs MCQs UPSC prelims 2026, aspirants should also practice static subject questions such as Indian Polity. You can check our detailed article on 75 Important Polity Questions for UPSC Prelims (PYQs + Practice MCQs With Answers) for additional practice.

These current affairs mcqs upsc prelims 2026 can be used as a quick revision tool for aspirants preparing for the civil services examination.

For strengthening your Ancient History preparation, you should also practice topic-wise questions. Check out our detailed collection of Indus Valley Civilization MCQs for UPSC Prelims 2026 to master this important topic.

Conclusion

Current affairs remain one of the most important components of the UPSC Prelims examination. Regularly solving Current Affairs MCQs UPSC Prelims 2026 helps aspirants stay updated and improve their exam readiness.

Aspirants should combine conceptual study, revision, and regular MCQ practice to perform well in the examination.

Practicing Current Affairs MCQs UPSC Prelims 2026 regularly helps aspirants improve accuracy and confidence before the examination.

For static subjects preparation, you can also explore our Indus Valley Civilization Notes UPSC 2026: Complete & Important Guide

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