50 Important Current Affairs Questions and Answers with Explanation – 20 September 2026
Here is an exam-oriented set for 20 September 2026, based primarily on developments reported on 19–20 September 2026, with coverage across national affairs, international affairs, economy, science & technology, environment, defence and sports. (The Indian Express)
Table of Contents
National & Government Affairs
1. The 20th National Rozgar Mela was held on which date?
A) 15 September 2026
B) 17 September 2026
C) 19 September 2026
D) 20 September 2026
Answer: C) 19 September 2026
Explanation: The 20th National Rozgar Mela was held on 19 September 2026, with appointment letters distributed to newly recruited government employees. (Press Information Bureau)
2. More than how many appointment letters were distributed during the 20th Rozgar Mela?
A) 25,000
B) 40,000
C) 51,000
D) 75,000
Answer: C) 51,000
Explanation: More than 51,000 appointment letters were distributed to newly appointed youth across government organisations. (Press Information Bureau)
3. The 20th Rozgar Mela was organised at how many locations?
A) 25
B) 35
C) 45
D) 55
Answer: C) 45
Explanation: The Rozgar Mela was conducted across 45 centres nationwide. (Press Information Bureau)
4. Approximately how many youths have received appointment letters through Rozgar Melas since October 2022?
A) 5.75 lakh
B) 8.50 lakh
C) 12.75 lakh
D) 15.25 lakh
Answer: C) 12.75 lakh
Explanation: Government figures state that more than 12.75 lakh youths have been appointed through Rozgar Melas since October 2022. (Press Information Bureau)
5. The 20th Rozgar Mela primarily focuses on which area?
A) Agricultural exports
B) Government employment
C) Tourism promotion
D) Sports development
Answer: B) Government employment
Explanation: Rozgar Melas are organised to accelerate recruitment into various departments and organisations of the Government of India. (Press Information Bureau)
6. Which phrase was highlighted as an administrative philosophy during the 20th Rozgar Mela?
A) Sabka Saath
B) Nagrik Devo Bhava
C) Jan Dhan Jan Suraksha
D) Digital First
Answer: B) Nagrik Devo Bhava
Explanation: The phrase “Nagrik Devo Bhava”, meaning the citizen is divine, was highlighted in the address to new government recruits. (Press Information Bureau)
7. Which Indian city hosted the 51st state-of-the-art Doppler Weather Radar mentioned in recent UPSC current affairs?
A) Bhubaneswar
B) Sambalpur
C) Cuttack
D) Rourkela
Answer: B) Sambalpur
Explanation: A Doppler Weather Radar was recently inaugurated at Sambalpur, Odisha, taking the number of such radars to 51. (The Indian Express)
8. Doppler Weather Radars are mainly used for monitoring what?
A) Earthquakes
B) Weather systems
C) Ocean currents
D) Soil fertility
Answer: B) Weather systems
Explanation: Doppler Weather Radars help detect and monitor precipitation, wind patterns, storms and other atmospheric phenomena. (The Indian Express)
9. Which language is set to become an additional administrative language in parts of Karnataka?
A) Konkani
B) Tulu
C) Kodava
D) Sanskrit
Answer: B) Tulu
Explanation: Tulu is set to receive additional administrative-language status in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts, according to reports published for 20 September. (The Daily Jagran)
10. Which film was selected as India’s official entry for the 2027 Academy Awards, according to recent reports?
A) Gondhal
B) Kantara
C) The Kerala Story
D) Pushpa 2
Answer: A) Gondhal
Explanation: Marathi film Gondhal was reported as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2027. (The Daily Jagran)
Economy & Business
11. Moody’s revised India’s FY2027 real GDP growth forecast to what rate?
A) 5.5%
B) 6.0%
C) 7.0%
D) 8.0%
Answer: C) 7.0%
Explanation: Moody’s raised its forecast for India’s FY2027 real GDP growth from 6% to 7%, citing economic resilience. (Reuters)
12. India’s economy grew by what percentage year-on-year in the April–June quarter?
A) 6.2%
B) 7.0%
C) 7.8%
D) 8.5%
Answer: C) 7.8%
Explanation: India’s economy expanded 7.8% year-on-year in the April–June quarter, supported by investment and manufacturing. (Reuters)
13. Which factor did Moody’s identify as a risk to India’s growth outlook?
A) Global energy prices
B) Falling internet usage
C) Declining exports of software
D) Reduction in agricultural land
Answer: A) Global energy prices
Explanation: Higher global energy prices and potential food-price pressures linked to El Niño were identified as risks. (Reuters)
14. Which country’s trade minister expressed optimism about concluding a CEPA with India by the end of 2026?
A) Australia
B) Canada
C) Germany
D) France
Answer: B) Canada
Explanation: Canada’s International Trade Minister said Canada was optimistic about finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India by the end of 2026. (Reuters)
15. What does CEPA stand for?
A) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
B) Central Economic Policy Agreement
C) Common Export Promotion Agreement
D) Cooperative Economic Planning Arrangement
Answer: A) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
Explanation: CEPA is a broad trade agreement covering areas such as goods, services and investment.
16. Which sector was specifically mentioned in India-Canada discussions as an area of cooperation?
A) Energy
B) Textiles only
C) Tourism only
D) Fisheries only
Answer: A) Energy
Explanation: Energy, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear cooperation, was highlighted in the ongoing India-Canada discussions. (Reuters)
17. The National Stock Exchange’s IPO in September 2026 was described as approximately what size?
A) $500 million
B) $1 billion
C) $2.3 billion
D) $5 billion
Answer: C) $2.3 billion
Explanation: The NSE IPO was reported at approximately $2.3 billion, making it one of India’s largest IPOs. (Reuters)
International Affairs
18. Which country hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026?
A) Brazil
B) China
C) India
D) South Africa
Answer: C) India
Explanation: India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026. (Press Information Bureau)
19. What was the theme of India’s BRICS Chairship in 2026?
A) One Earth, One Future
B) Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
C) Global Peace through Trade
D) Partnership for a Digital World
Answer: B) Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
Explanation: The theme of India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship focuses on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. (Press Information Bureau)
20. Where was the 18th BRICS Summit held?
A) Mumbai
B) Bengaluru
C) New Delhi
D) Hyderabad
Answer: C) New Delhi
Explanation: India hosted the summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026. (Press Information Bureau)
21. What is the primary purpose of the BRICS Payment Task Force?
A) Military cooperation
B) Cross-border payment cooperation
C) Space exploration
D) Agricultural research
Answer: B) Cross-border payment cooperation
Explanation: The BRICS Payment Task Force focuses on improving the efficiency, accessibility and safety of cross-border payments among participating economies. (The Indian Express)
22. Which institution is associated with local-currency financing within the BRICS framework?
A) IMF
B) World Bank
C) New Development Bank
D) WTO
Answer: C) New Development Bank
Explanation: The New Development Bank (NDB) has an important role in development financing and has been encouraged to expand local-currency financing. (The Indian Express)
23. Which country recently expressed optimism about protecting Greenland’s sovereignty in discussions involving the United States?
A) Norway
B) Denmark
C) Sweden
D) Iceland
Answer: B) Denmark
Explanation: Denmark and Greenland stated that any agreement with the United States would not compromise Greenland’s sovereignty. (Reuters)
24. Which country is involved in the current dispute concerning additional tariffs related to Russian oil purchases by India?
A) United States
B) Japan
C) Australia
D) France
Answer: A) United States
Explanation: Recent reports describe tensions surrounding possible additional U.S. tariff measures connected to countries purchasing Russian oil, including India. (Business Recorder)
25. Which country is currently dealing with attacks claimed by the Houthis near Riyadh?
A) Qatar
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Kuwait
D) Bahrain
Answer: B) Saudi Arabia
Explanation: Reports on 20 September described explosions and fires near Riyadh, with Yemen’s Houthis claiming strikes. (The Indian Express)
Science & Technology
26. What is a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)?
A) A vehicle powered only by petrol
B) A vehicle combining an electric motor and internal-combustion engine with rechargeable battery capability
C) A hydrogen-only vehicle
D) A diesel-only vehicle
Answer: B) A vehicle combining an electric motor and internal-combustion engine with rechargeable battery capability
Explanation: A PHEV combines an internal-combustion engine with an electric drivetrain and has a battery that can be charged externally. (The Indian Express)
27. Which Indian institution recently featured in discussions on advances in quantum computing research?
A) Raman Research Institute
B) Archaeological Survey of India
C) National Dairy Research Institute
D) Indian Statistical Institute only
Answer: A) Raman Research Institute
Explanation: Researchers at Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute have demonstrated work aimed at improving the stability of quantum states, relevant to quantum computing. (The Indian Express)
28. Which phenomenon is a major challenge for quantum computing?
A) Photosynthesis
B) Quantum decoherence
C) Evaporation
D) Radioactive decay only
Answer: B) Quantum decoherence
Explanation: Quantum systems are highly sensitive to their environment, and decoherence can cause quantum information to lose its useful quantum properties. (The Indian Express)
29. Which Indian mission is associated with exploration of Venus?
A) Aditya-L2
B) Venus Orbiter Mission
C) Shukrayaan-2 only
D) Mangalyaan-2
Answer: B) Venus Orbiter Mission
Explanation: India’s Venus Orbiter Mission is designed to study Venus’s atmosphere, surface and other scientific characteristics.
30. Which organisation is responsible for India’s major planetary exploration missions?
A) DRDO
B) ISRO
C) CSIR
D) BHEL
Answer: B) ISRO
Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducts India’s major space and planetary exploration missions.
Environment & Geography
31. The Himalayan Monal is the state bird of which state?
A) Uttarakhand
B) Odisha
C) Assam
D) Gujarat
Answer: A) Uttarakhand
Explanation: The Himalayan Monal is the state bird of Uttarakhand and is associated with the Himalayan ecosystem. (The Indian Express)
32. What is the IUCN conservation status of the Himalayan Monal?
A) Critically Endangered
B) Endangered
C) Vulnerable
D) Least Concern
Answer: D) Least Concern
Explanation: The Himalayan Monal is currently categorised as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. (The Indian Express)
33. Black carbon is best described as a:
A) Long-lived greenhouse gas
B) Short-lived climate pollutant
C) Noble gas
D) Primary atmospheric oxygen source
Answer: B) Short-lived climate pollutant
Explanation: Black carbon is a short-lived climate pollutant produced mainly through incomplete combustion and has strong warming effects.
34. Black carbon primarily warms the atmosphere because it:
A) Absorbs solar radiation
B) Reflects all radiation
C) Produces oxygen
D) Absorbs nitrogen
Answer: A) Absorbs solar radiation
Explanation: Black carbon strongly absorbs sunlight, contributing to atmospheric warming and changes in snow and ice albedo.
35. Project Cheetah is primarily associated with the conservation of which animal?
A) Snow leopard
B) Cheetah
C) Lion
D) Blackbuck
Answer: B) Cheetah
Explanation: Project Cheetah is India’s programme for establishing and conserving cheetah populations in suitable habitats. (The Indian Express)
Defence & Security
36. Yudh Abhyas is a military exercise between India and which country?
A) Russia
B) United States
C) Japan
D) France
Answer: B) United States
Explanation: Yudh Abhyas is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian and U.S. armies. The 2026 edition was being conducted in Auli and Bikaner. (The Indian Express)
37. Exercise Veer Guardian is associated with India and which country?
A) Japan
B) Australia
C) Germany
D) Singapore
Answer: A) Japan
Explanation: Veer Guardian is an India-Japan air-force exercise designed to improve interoperability and cooperation. (CAPSS India)
38. Exercise LAMITIYE is associated with India’s cooperation with which country?
A) Seychelles
B) Canada
C) Brazil
D) Vietnam
Answer: A) Seychelles
Explanation: LAMITIYE is a bilateral military exercise involving India and Seychelles, reflecting defence cooperation between the two countries. (The Indian Express)
39. Which organisation is responsible for India’s defence production and exports policy at the central level?
A) Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of Commerce only
C) Ministry of Finance only
D) Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: A) Ministry of Defence
Explanation: Defence production and related strategic policies are primarily handled by the Ministry of Defence, with the Department of Defence Production playing a key role.
Sports
40. Which major international sporting event is currently being held in Japan?
A) Commonwealth Games
B) Asian Games
C) Winter Olympics
D) Youth Olympics
Answer: B) Asian Games
Explanation: The 2026 Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. (Jagranjosh.com)
41. Which Indian shooter was one of the prominent athletes at the Asian Games 2026?
A) Manu Bhaker
B) Mary Kom
C) Mirabai Chanu
D) Hima Das
Answer: A) Manu Bhaker
Explanation: Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker is among India’s prominent shooting representatives at the 2026 Asian Games. (The Indian Express)
42. Who was reported as India’s Asian Games flag-bearer from the kabaddi contingent?
A) Pawan Sehrawat
B) Neeraj Chopra
C) Harmanpreet Singh
D) Tajinderpal Singh Toor
Answer: A) Pawan Sehrawat
Explanation: Reports on 20 September stated that kabaddi star Pawan Sehrawat replaced Tajinderpal Singh Toor as an Asian Games flag-bearer. (The Daily Jagran)
43. Which country defeated India 3–1 in the Davis Cup, according to recent reports?
A) Japan
B) Korea
C) Australia
D) China
Answer: B) Korea
Explanation: Korea defeated India 3–1 in the Davis Cup tie, according to reports published around 20 September. (The Daily Jagran)
44. Which country overtook India at the top of the ICC T20I rankings?
A) Australia
B) England
C) South Africa
D) New Zealand
Answer: B) England
Explanation: England moved to the top of the ICC T20I team rankings after completing a 3–0 series victory over Sri Lanka. (The Indian Express)
45. Which sport is associated with Tajinderpal Singh Toor?
A) Javelin throw
B) Shot put
C) Discus throw
D) Hammer throw
Answer: B) Shot put
Explanation: Tajinderpal Singh Toor is an Indian shot-put athlete and a prominent representative in athletics. (Jagranjosh.com)
Polity, History & International Institutions
46. Operation Polo is associated with the integration of which princely state into India?
A) Hyderabad
B) Mysore
C) Travancore
D) Bhopal
Answer: A) Hyderabad
Explanation: Operation Polo was the 1948 military action through which Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union. (The Indian Express)
47. The Third Geneva Convention primarily deals with:
A) Protection of civilians
B) Prisoners of war
C) Maritime boundaries
D) Refugees
Answer: B) Prisoners of war
Explanation: The Third Geneva Convention of 1949 establishes protections and standards concerning the treatment of prisoners of war.
48. The Fourth Geneva Convention primarily concerns the protection of:
A) Soldiers only
B) Civilians during wartime
C) Naval vessels
D) Diplomatic missions only
Answer: B) Civilians during wartime
Explanation: The Fourth Geneva Convention focuses on the protection of civilian persons during armed conflict.
49. Which body is responsible for film certification in India?
A) TRAI
B) CBFC
C) SEBI
D) UGC
Answer: B) CBFC
Explanation: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is India’s statutory body responsible for film certification. Recent changes include UA age categories such as UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+. (The Indian Express)
50. Which of the following is the correct set of new UA age markers under the recent Cinematograph Rules?
A) UA 5+, UA 10+, UA 15+
B) UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+
C) UA 8+, UA 12+, UA 18+
D) UA 6+, UA 14+, UA 18+
Answer: B) UA 7+, UA 13+, UA 16+
Explanation: The updated classification framework uses UA 7+, UA 13+ and UA 16+ age markers to provide more specific guidance for viewers. (The Indian Express)
Top 10 Must-Revise Topics Today
- 20th Rozgar Mela – 51,000+ appointment letters
- Asian Games 2026 – Aichi-Nagoya
- India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship
- BRICS Payment Task Force
- Moody’s 7% India FY2027 growth forecast
- India-Canada CEPA negotiations
- Doppler Weather Radar at Sambalpur
- Himalayan Monal
- Yudh Abhyas 2026
- ICC T20I rankings – England moves above India
These topics are especially useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, Defence, State PSC and other competitive examinations. (The Indian Express)
