October 2026 Current Affairs MCQs Part 2

Explanation: The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on 1 October to promote awareness of the rights, dignity, welfare and contributions of older people. On 14 December 1990, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 45/106, designating 1 October as this international observance. The day was first observed in 1991. It highlights challenges faced by older persons, including age-based discrimination, neglect, abuse, social isolation and inadequate access to healthcare and social protection. The official 2026 theme is “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.” It calls for adapting healthcare, pensions, employment, housing and social support systems to longer life expectancy. According to the United Nations, the global population aged 60 and above is projected to increase from approximately 1.2 billion to 2.1 billion by 2050.

Explanation: Indian batter Virat Kohli became the fastest batter to reach 15,000 runs in men’s ODI cricket on 27 September 2026, during the first ODI against the West Indies in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Kohli reached this milestone in his 315th ODI innings, surpassing the previous record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who achieved the 15,000-run mark in 377 innings. Kohli also became only the second batter in men’s ODI history to cross 15,000 career runs. During the match, he scored an unbeaten 139 runs off 88 balls, helping India secure an eight-wicket victory. The milestone further strengthened his reputation as one of the leading run-scorers in international cricket. Kohli had previously become the fastest batter to reach several other ODI milestones, including 8,000 to 14,000 runs.

Explanation: The 65th National Exhibition of Art (NEA) 2026 was organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi at its galleries in Ravindra Bhavan, New Delhi. Lalit Kala Akademi, established in 1954, is India’s National Academy of Art and an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Culture. The exhibition provides a national platform for contemporary Indian visual arts, including painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking and mixed-media works. In 2026, the Akademi received 6,175 artworks from 2,495 artists representing 27 States and Union Territories. A two-tier jury selected 270 artworks for exhibition, and 20 artists were chosen for the Lalit Kala Akademi Awards. Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat felicitated the award-winning artists in New Delhi on 29 September 2026. Due to the strong public response, the exhibition was extended until 31 October 2026. The event highlights India’s diverse contemporary artistic traditions and provides recognition to artists from across the country.

Explanation: Indian shooter Neeru Dhanda won the gold medal in the women’s individual trap shooting event at the 2026 Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. She became the first Indian woman to win an individual Asian Games gold medal in trap shooting, marking a historic achievement for Indian shooting. She also won a silver medal alongside Aashima Ahlawat and Manisha Keer in the women’s team trap event. In addition, Dhanda partnered with Kynan Chenai to win gold in the mixed-team trap event. Thus, she secured a total of two gold medals and one silver medal at the Games. She was also selected as India’s flag-bearer for the closing ceremony. Trap shooting is a shotgun discipline in which competitors attempt to hit clay targets launched away from them at varying angles. Her performance highlighted India’s growing strength in international shooting competitions.

Explanation: On 28 September 2026, India dispatched approximately three tonnes of anti-tuberculosis (anti-TB) medicines to Sri Lanka as humanitarian assistance to support its public healthcare system. The medicines were transported to Colombo aboard an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft. The Government of India provided the medicines in response to Sri Lanka’s requirement for essential TB treatment supplies. The assistance formed part of India’s continuing cooperation with Sri Lanka in the health sector. Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs, including the brain, kidneys and bones. TB spreads through the air when an infected person releases infectious particles, particularly while coughing. It is preventable and curable, and treatment generally requires a prescribed combination of medicines taken for the recommended duration. Timely diagnosis, adherence to treatment and monitoring are essential to prevent complications and drug resistance. The assistance reflects India’s commitment to regional health cooperation and public health security.

Explanation: George Russell of the Mercedes team won the 2026 Formula One Azerbaijan Grand Prix, held on 26 September 2026 at the Baku City Circuit in Azerbaijan. He started the race from pole position and completed all 51 laps in 1:38:02.143. Russell narrowly defeated Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, finishing just 0.196 seconds ahead of him. Isack Hadjar finished third, securing a podium place for Red Bull Racing. Russell’s victory was his third Grand Prix win of the 2026 season. The race featured multiple incidents and Safety Car periods, making the final laps particularly competitive. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix is held on a temporary street circuit in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Formula One is the highest international category of single-seater circuit racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

Explanation: The T h a a i M a a m a n T h a n g a M o t h i r a m T h i t t a m scheme was launched by the Tamil Nadu Government on 28 September 2026 by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. Under the scheme, a one-gram gold ring is provided to eligible newborn babies born in government hospitals and primary health centres across the state. The scheme celebrates childbirth, recognises motherhood and seeks to encourage institutional deliveries in public healthcare facilities. Its name reflects the traditional Tamil custom of the thaai maaman, or maternal uncle, welcoming a newborn child with a gift. The initiative also aims to strengthen public confidence in government hospitals and primary health centres. According to the state government’s announcement, the scheme covers eligible babies born from 22 June 2026. It combines cultural tradition with an incentive to improve the use of public maternal and child healthcare services.

Explanation: India secured 10th position at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai 2026, held in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026. According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, India won 6 silver medals and 20 Medals for Excellence. This improved India’s previous 13th-place finish at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 and brought the country into the top 10. India sent its largest-ever contingent of 70 competitors, who participated across 63 skills, including bakery, dental prosthetics, digital interactive media design, industrial design technology, logistics and retail sales. The competition brought together young professionals from numerous countries and regions to demonstrate excellence in technical and vocational skills. WorldSkills is an international platform that promotes high standards in vocational education, practical training and workforce development. India’s performance highlighted the capabilities of its young workforce in manufacturing, engineering, digital technology, creative industries and specialised services.

Explanation: The Government of India has set a long-term vision of developing approximately 50,000 km of access-controlled high-speed corridors by 2047, in line with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The initiative is associated with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). In September 2026, NHAI issued guidelines for planning and designing access-controlled high-speed National Highways, other than expressways. These guidelines aim to establish uniform technical standards, improve road safety and facilitate smoother traffic movement. Access-controlled corridors restrict entry and exit to designated points, reducing conflicts with local traffic and supporting more efficient travel. Such infrastructure can improve connectivity between economic centres, reduce logistics costs and strengthen freight movement. The 50,000-km figure represents a long-term development vision; it should not be interpreted as the length of corridors already completed. Implementation will depend on project planning, funding, land acquisition, environmental clearances and construction progress.

Explanation: International Coffee Day is observed every year on 1 October to recognise the economic, social and cultural importance of coffee and the contributions of people throughout its value chain. On 10 March 2026, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/80/248, formally designating 1 October as International Coffee Day at the United Nations level. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 150 in favour, one against and one abstention. The observance highlights the livelihoods of coffee growers, agricultural workers, traders, exporters, roasters, retailers and café operators. It also promotes awareness of sustainable production, fairer value distribution, environmental protection and resilient coffee-growing communities. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was invited to facilitate the observance in collaboration with relevant organisations, particularly the International Coffee Organization. Importantly, International Coffee Day had already been celebrated internationally before 2026; the new development was its formal designation by the UN General Assembly. Coffee is one of the world’s major traded agricultural commodities and supports millions of livelihoods globally.

Explanation: Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old Indian-origin British chess player representing England, became the youngest player ever to earn the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) title in September 2026. She achieved this milestone during the 46th Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, by securing her third and final WGM norm. She played all 11 rounds on England’s top board and scored 8 points out of 11. She surpassed the previous age record held by players such as Kateryna Lagno and Hou Yifan, who earned the WGM title at the age of 12. Bodhana also secured her second International Master (IM) norm during the tournament. The WGM title is awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to eligible female players who meet the prescribed rating and performance requirements. It is distinct from the unrestricted Grandmaster (GM) title. Bodhana’s achievement highlights the growing participation and accomplishments of young players in international chess.

Explanation: The Government of India appointed Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit as the 29th Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) on 6 October 2026. He is scheduled to assume office in the rank of Air Chief Marshal from the afternoon of 31 October 2026, succeeding Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who retires on the same date. Dixit was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986. He is an experimental test pilot and a qualified flying instructor, with more than 3,500 hours of flying experience. His flying experience includes aircraft such as the Mirage 2000, MiG variants, Jaguar, IL-78, Hawk and Tejas. Before his appointment, he served as Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Air Command and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee. The Chief of the Air Staff is the professional head of the Indian Air Force and is responsible for its operational leadership, preparedness and development.

Explanation: The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded jointly to Henri B. Kagan and Kensō Soai for their pioneering contributions to understanding and controlling chemical chirality, particularly the nonlinear effect and asymmetric autocatalysis. Their work helps explain how a small imbalance between mirror-image forms of molecules can be amplified during chemical reactions. Chirality describes a molecule whose mirror image cannot be superimposed on the original structure, much like a person’s left and right hands. Such mirror-image forms, known as enantiomers, can behave differently in biological systems. This is especially important in pharmaceutical chemistry because different enantiomers of a compound may produce different therapeutic effects or side effects. Kagan’s research advanced the understanding of nonlinear effects in asymmetric synthesis, while Soai demonstrated an influential autocatalytic reaction in which a product promotes the formation of more of itself in an enantioselective manner. Their discoveries strengthened the scientific foundations of asymmetric synthesis and the preparation of molecules with a desired handedness.

Explanation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the maiden live jump of the indigenous Advanced High-Altitude Parachute (AHAP) at Nyoma (Mudh Drop Zone), Ladakh, on 6 October 2026. The jump was executed at 16,000 feet above mean sea level (AMSL), with the parachute deployed at 15,500 feet and the landing zone situated at approximately 13,700 feet.

• Design and development: Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra.
• Manufacturing: Ordnance Parachute Factory (OPF), Kanpur.
• System type: Static-line parachute system designed for the mass deployment of paratroopers.
• Operational altitude range: Up to 18,000 feet.
• Significance: The successful trial demonstrated the system’s suitability for high-altitude military operations and supported India’s defence indigenisation efforts under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Explanation: Lionel Messi is an Argentine football (soccer) legend who concluded his international career with the Argentina national football team on 6 October 2026, in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires. Argentina won the match 3–0, with Messi scoring a penalty and contributing two assists. It was reported as his 208th international appearance and his 126th international goal for Argentina.

• Nationality: Argentine.
• Position: Forward; widely recognised for his dribbling, playmaking and goal-scoring.
• Major achievement: Captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
• Other international honours: Argentina won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles during his international career.
• Important distinction: The reported retirement concerns his international career with Argentina; it does not automatically mean retirement from club football.

Explanation: The 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) was held in Antalya, Türkiye, from 5 to 9 October 2026. It marked the first time that Türkiye hosted this major international space event. The congress was organised by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), hosted by the Turkish Space Agency (TUA), and co-hosted by the SAHA İstanbul Aerospace Cluster.

• Theme: “The World Needs More Space.”
• Venue: NEST Congress and Exhibition Centre, Antalya, Türkiye.
• Purpose: To bring together space agencies, scientists, engineers, industry representatives and researchers to discuss space exploration, technology, applications and international cooperation.
• Key focus: Sustainable and equitable exploration of space, space security, innovation and peaceful international collaboration.
• About IAC: The annual congress is a major global forum for sharing developments in astronautics and space science.

Explanation: The 2026 Ramanujan Prize was awarded to Professor Mahesh Kakde of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, for his important contributions to algebraic number theory. His research includes fundamental results in noncommutative Iwasawa theory and significant work on the Gross–Stark and Brumer–Stark conjectures, with implications for Hilbert’s 12th problem.

• Administering institutions: The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the International Mathematical Union (IMU).
• Established: 2005; the prize has been awarded annually since then.
• Eligibility: It recognises outstanding mathematical research by researchers from developing countries who are under 45 years of age on 31 December of the award year and have conducted research in a developing country.
• Prize money: US$10,000.
• Earlier Indian recipient: Neena Gupta received the prize in 2021.

The prize honours the legacy of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan and encourages outstanding mathematical research in developing countries.

Explanation: The Annan Seer scheme was introduced by the Tamil Nadu government to provide marriage-related assistance to eligible brides. Under the scheme, an eligible bride receives an 8-gram, 22-carat gold coin and a silk saree. The initiative is intended to support families with limited incomes and provide assistance at the time of marriage.

• State: Tamil Nadu.
• Benefit: One 8-gram, 22-carat gold coin and one silk saree for each eligible bride.
• Income condition: The reported eligibility limit is annual family income not exceeding ₹2.5 lakh.
• Effective date: The scheme is reported to apply to marriages taking place on or after 5 October 2026.
• Budget allocation: ₹812 crore was reported for the scheme’s first phase of implementation.

Applicants should check the latest state government guidelines for the complete eligibility conditions and application procedure.

Explanation: Uttarakhand became India’s sixth fully literate state after meeting the prescribed adult-literacy benchmarks under the ULLAS – Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society initiative, also known as the New India Literacy Programme. The declaration was approved on 8 July 2026, in accordance with the literacy standards laid down by the Ministry of Education.

• Full name of ULLAS: Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
• Policy framework: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• National programme: New India Literacy Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Education.
• Literacy benchmark: The programme uses a literacy rate of 95% or above among people aged 15 years and older as the benchmark for declaring a state or Union Territory fully literate.
• Five states recognised earlier: Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

The ULLAS initiative promotes foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, vocational skills, basic education and continuing learning among adults who missed formal schooling.

Explanation: The 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Anne Carson, a Canadian poet, essayist, classicist and translator. She was recognised for her bold and inventive body of work, which engages with classical traditions while creating innovative forms of contemporary literature.

• Nationality: Canadian; she was born in Toronto in 1950.
• Literary style: Her writing often combines poetry, prose, translation and dramatic forms, frequently drawing inspiration from ancient Greek literature.
• Notable works: Autobiography of Red, Eros the Bittersweet and Nox.
• Awarding institution: The Swedish Academy selects the Nobel laureate in Literature.
• Prize amount: 12 million Swedish kronor for the 2026 Nobel Prize.
• Presentation: The Nobel Prizes are traditionally presented in Stockholm on 10 December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.

Carson’s award recognises a distinctive literary approach that brings classical ideas into conversation with modern experiences and experimental writing.

Explanation: The 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 was held at Yashobhoomi (India International Convention and Expo Centre), New Delhi, from 7 to 10 October 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event on 8 October 2026. IMC is a major platform for telecommunications, digital technology, innovation and international industry collaboration.

• Theme: “Scale Without Boundaries.”
• Organisers: Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, and the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
• Four key pillars: Srishti (Building the Future), Samvardhan (Fueling Growth), Sashakt (Expanding Opportunities) and Suraksha (Strengthening Trust).
• Major focus areas: Artificial intelligence, next-generation connectivity, 6G, cybersecurity, smart mobility, industrial robotics and digital infrastructure.
• Significance: The congress promotes investment, research, start-ups and the wider adoption of emerging technologies to strengthen India’s digital ecosystem.

Explanation: World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10 October to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote mental well-being worldwide. The day was first observed in 1992 on the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The World Health Organization (WHO) also supports global efforts to improve mental health awareness, services and access to care.

• 2026 theme: “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
• Theme focus: Listening to people with lived experience of mental health conditions and involving them in decisions about services, policies and support systems.
• Main objective: Reduce stigma and discrimination, encourage early support and improve access to appropriate mental health care.
• Important distinction: WFMH initiated World Mental Health Day in 1992; it is not correct to say that the day was first established by WHO in that year.
• Global relevance: Mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being, affecting individuals, families, communities and workplaces.

Explanation: The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, a South African jurist and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, for her efforts to promote peace and international law. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognised her longstanding commitment to human rights, international justice and accountability for serious international crimes.

• Born: 1941 in Durban, South Africa.
• Fight against apartheid: Pillay worked as a lawyer defending human rights during South Africa’s apartheid era.
• United Nations role: She served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
• International justice: She previously served as a judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and as a judge and president of the International Criminal Court.
• Reason for recognition: Her work has supported human rights, the rule of law and accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
• Presentation: The Nobel Peace Prize is traditionally presented in Oslo, Norway, on 10 December.

Exam note: The correct title is United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, not UNHCR. UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency.

Explanation: The 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council was held in New Delhi on 8 October 2026, under the chairpersonship of Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The Council discussed procedural reforms intended to simplify GST compliance, improve tax administration and facilitate business operations, particularly for small businesses and MSMEs.

• Constitutional basis: Article 279A of the Constitution of India provides for the GST Council.
• Chairperson: The Union Finance Minister.
• Members: The Union Minister of State in charge of Revenue or Finance and the nominated ministers from the states.
• Key areas discussed: GST registration, returns, refunds, adjudication and trade facilitation.
• Important distinction: The GST Council makes recommendations on GST-related matters; changes requiring legal or rule amendments must follow the applicable procedure.

GST was introduced in India on 1 July 2017 as a destination-based indirect tax that brought many central and state indirect taxes into a common framework.

Explanation: Indian para-athletes Pramod Bhagat and Bhavina Patel were selected as the flag bearers of India’s contingent for the opening ceremony of the 5th Asian Para Games, scheduled in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 18 to 24 October 2026.

• Pramod Bhagat: A leading para-badminton player who competes in the SL3 classification. He won six Asian Para Games medals between 2014 and 2023, including two gold and four bronze medals.
• Bhavina Patel: A prominent para-table-tennis player who won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and has earned two Asian Para Games medals—one silver and one bronze.
• Edition: The 2026 event is the fifth Asian Para Games.
• Host location: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• Significance: The flag bearers represent India’s athletes at the opening ceremony and symbolise sporting excellence, determination and inclusion.

The Asian Para Games are a major multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities from across Asia and are organised under the Asian Paralympic Committee.

Explanation: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz won the men’s singles title at the 2026 Japan Open in Tokyo on 6 October 2026. He defeated Czech player Jiří Lehečka in the final by 7–6(4), 6–4. Alcaraz successfully defended his Japan Open title, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level after returning from a wrist injury.

• Sport: Tennis.
• Champion: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain.
• Runner-up: Jiří Lehečka of the Czech Republic.
• Final score: 7–6(4), 6–4.
• Venue: Tokyo, Japan.
• Tournament category: ATP 500 men’s professional tennis event.

Exam clarification: This question concerns the men’s singles title in the tennis Japan Open. The Japan Open name is also used for badminton events; results from a separate badminton tournament must not be mixed with the tennis championship.

Explanation: Veteran Indian actor Nana Patekar passed away on 8 October 2026, at the age of 75, following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Goa. Born as Vishwanath Patekar, he was widely respected for his powerful performances in Hindi and Marathi cinema, as well as his work in theatre and social causes.

• Film debut: He began his film career in the late 1970s and appeared in the 1978 film Gaman.
• Notable films: Parinda, Prahaar, Krantiveer, Ab Tak Chhappan and Natsamrat.
• National recognition: He received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Parinda and Best Actor for Krantiveer.
• Padma Shri: He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
• Social work: He supported drought-affected farmers through social initiatives, including the Naam Foundation.

Nana Patekar was known for his distinctive dialogue delivery, intense screen presence and versatility across serious, dramatic and comic roles.

Explanation: The Government of Nagaland launched the Samaveshi Aajeevika Yojana (SAY-SOBLOK) through a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) and BRAC International on 6 October 2026 in Kohima. The programme aims to support 4,000 extremely vulnerable households and help them develop sustainable livelihoods.

• Implementing agency: Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, under the Department of Rural Development.
• Partner organisation: BRAC International, which provides technical and implementation support.
• National framework: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
• Approach: BRAC’s Graduation Approach, combining household coaching, livelihood development, financial inclusion and access to government entitlements.
• Duration and coverage: A three-year partnership designed to reach 4,000 highly vulnerable households.

The programme seeks to improve economic resilience and social inclusion by helping vulnerable families access livelihood opportunities, essential services and community support.

Explanation: Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic won his seventh China Open men’s singles title in Beijing on 6 October 2026. In the final, Australia’s Alex de Minaur retired because of an injury after Djokovic won the first set 7–6(3) and led 1–0 in the second set. Djokovic was therefore declared the champion.

• Sport: Tennis.
• Tournament: China Open, an ATP 500 event held in Beijing, China.
• Final opponent: Alex de Minaur of Australia.
• Final score at retirement: 7–6(3), 0–1 in the second set; de Minaur retired injured.
• Career milestone: The victory was reported as Djokovic’s 102nd ATP Tour singles title.
• Historical context: His seventh Beijing title extended his record of success at the tournament.

Exam clarification: Djokovic won the final after his opponent retired injured; it was not a completed two-set match. The China Open is a tennis tournament and should not be confused with badminton events carrying a similar name.

Explanation: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Smriti Mandhana as the full-time captain of India’s women’s white-ball cricket teams on 6 October 2026. She succeeded Harmanpreet Kaur in the leadership role. Mandhana had been part of the Indian national team since 2013 and had already gained captaincy experience in international, domestic and franchise cricket.

• Appointing authority: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
• Captaincy role: Full-time captain for India’s white-ball teams—One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
• Predecessor: Harmanpreet Kaur, whose leadership contribution was acknowledged by the BCCI.
• International experience: Before the appointment, Mandhana had captained India in 18 T20Is and four ODIs.
• Franchise leadership: She led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Women’s Premier League titles in 2024 and 2026.
• Playing role: A left-handed opening batter, Mandhana is known for her fluent stroke play and consistency in international cricket.

The appointment marks a new phase in India’s women’s white-ball cricket leadership. The BCCI announcement specifically refers to white-ball formats rather than confirming a change in Test captaincy.