50 Important Current Affairs Questions and Answers with Explanation – 22 September 2026
Current Affairs for Competitive Exams | UPSC | SSC | Banking | Railway | State PSC | Defence | UGC NET
Coverage: major developments reported up to 22 September 2026. Some questions cover important events from the preceding few days because they remain current for today’s exam preparation.
Table of Contents
National & Government Affairs
1. Q. When will the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) come into force?
A) 15 August 2026
B) 2 October 2026
C) 20 October 2026
D) 1 January 2027
Answer: C) 20 October 2026
Explanation: India and New Zealand’s FTA is scheduled to enter into force on 20 October 2026 after ratification by both countries. The agreement provides duty-free access for Indian exports to New Zealand. (Reuters)
2. Q. Which Indian minister announced the implementation date of the India–New Zealand FTA?
A) Nirmala Sitharaman
B) Ashwini Vaishnaw
C) Piyush Goyal
D) Dharmendra Pradhan
Answer: C) Piyush Goyal
Explanation: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the agreement would come into force on 20 October 2026. (Jagranjosh.com)
3. Q. What percentage of India’s exports to New Zealand will receive duty-free access under the FTA?
A) 75%
B) 85%
C) 95%
D) 100%
Answer: D) 100%
Explanation: India is set to receive duty-free access for 100% of its exports to New Zealand under the agreement. (Reuters)
4. Q. Which organisation launched the CSIR Science & Innovation Quiz in September 2026?
A) ISRO
B) DRDO
C) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
D) NITI Aayog
Answer: C) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Explanation: CSIR, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, launched the CSIR SciQuiz on the MY Bharat Portal as part of its 85th Foundation Day activities. (Press Information Bureau)
5. Q. The CSIR Science & Innovation Quiz 2026 is being conducted during which period?
A) 1–7 September
B) 10–16 September
C) 20–26 September
D) 25–30 September
Answer: C) 20–26 September
Explanation: The quiz is open to Indian citizens and covers CSIR’s scientific achievements, technologies, innovations and contributions. (Press Information Bureau)
6. Q. On which portal is the CSIR Science & Innovation Quiz being conducted?
A) DigiLocker
B) UMANG
C) MY Bharat Portal
D) IndiaAI Portal
Answer: C) MY Bharat Portal
Explanation: CSIR is conducting the quiz in collaboration with the Department of Youth Affairs through the MY Bharat platform. (Press Information Bureau)
7. Q. Which event is being inaugurated in New Delhi on 22 September 2026?
A) India Energy Week
B) India International Water Week
C) National Science Week
D) Digital India Week
Answer: B) India International Water Week
Explanation: The 9th India International Water Week is being held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, with a focus on climate-resilient water management. (Press Information Bureau)
8. Q. What is the theme of the 9th India International Water Week 2026?
A) Water for a Digital India
B) One Water, One World
C) Clean Rivers for Growth
D) Climate Resilient Water Management
Answer: D) Climate Resilient Water Management
Explanation: The 2026 edition focuses on approaches to managing water resources in the face of climate-related challenges. (QuizMitra)
9. Q. Which President is scheduled to visit Gujarat from September 21 to 23, 2026?
A) Jagdeep Dhankhar
B) Droupadi Murmu
C) Ram Nath Kovind
D) Pratibha Patil
Answer: B) Droupadi Murmu
Explanation: The President of India is undertaking a three-day visit to Gujarat from September 21 to 23. (Press Information Bureau)
10. Q. Which scheme’s regional workshop was scheduled to be organised in Goa on September 21, 2026?
A) PM-KISAN
B) PM Gati Shakti
C) DISHA 2.0
D) Skill India 2.0
Answer: C) DISHA 2.0
Explanation: The Department of Justice organised a regional workshop under the DISHA 2.0 scheme in Goa. (Press Information Bureau)
Economy & Banking
11. Q. From which date will the new Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) apply to specified UPI merchant transactions above ₹2,000?
A) 1 October 2026
B) 15 October 2026
C) 1 November 2026
D) 1 January 2027
Answer: B) 15 October 2026
Explanation: A 0.4% MDR is scheduled for specified person-to-merchant UPI transactions above ₹2,000 from October 15, 2026. (Reuters)
12. Q. What is the newly announced MDR rate for specified UPI merchant transactions above ₹2,000?
A) 0.1%
B) 0.2%
C) 0.4%
D) 1%
Answer: C) 0.4%
Explanation: The new framework introduces a 0.4% MDR for specified UPI merchant transactions exceeding ₹2,000. (Reuters)
13. Q. What is the maximum MDR mentioned for UPI transactions above ₹75,000?
A) ₹100
B) ₹200
C) ₹300
D) ₹500
Answer: C) ₹300
Explanation: The new framework caps the MDR for transactions above ₹75,000 at ₹300. (Reuters)
14. Q. Which UPI transactions are specifically mentioned as attracting a flat ₹5 MDR?
A) Education and insurance
B) Railways, fuel and telecom
C) Food and grocery
D) Healthcare and education
Answer: B) Railways, fuel and telecom
Explanation: These sectors are subject to a flat ₹5 MDR under the announced framework. (Reuters)
15. Q. What percentage of MDR collections is proposed to be used for encouraging UPI use among small merchants?
A) 2%
B) 5%
C) 10%
D) 15%
Answer: B) 5%
Explanation: The framework provides for a fund using 5% of MDR collections to encourage UPI adoption among small merchants. (Reuters)
16. Q. According to recent reports, how many UPI transactions were processed in August 2026?
A) 10 billion
B) 18 billion
C) 24 billion
D) 30 billion
Answer: C) 24 billion
Explanation: UPI processed about 24 billion transactions worth approximately $311 billion in August 2026. (Reuters)
17. Q. What is Semicon 2.0 primarily intended to strengthen?
A) India’s tourism industry
B) India’s agricultural exports
C) India’s semiconductor ecosystem
D) India’s textile exports
Answer: C) India’s semiconductor ecosystem
Explanation: Semicon 2.0 is aimed at deepening India’s semiconductor manufacturing and technology ecosystem. (StudyForGS)
18. Q. What is the reported outlay of Semicon 2.0?
A) ₹50,000 crore
B) ₹75,000 crore
C) ₹1 lakh crore
D) ₹1,27,500 crore
Answer: D) ₹1,27,500 crore
Explanation: The second phase of India’s semiconductor programme has been reported with an outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore. (StudyForGS)
19. Q. India’s CPI inflation was reported at what level for August 2026?
A) 3.82%
B) 4.82%
C) 5.82%
D) 6.12%
Answer: B) 4.82%
Explanation: Recent current-affairs data reported August retail CPI inflation at 4.82%. (StudyForGS)
20. Q. India’s merchandise exports were reported at approximately what value in the latest data?
A) $52.68 billion
B) $62.68 billion
C) $82.68 billion
D) $102.68 billion
Answer: C) $82.68 billion
Explanation: Recent data reported merchandise exports of $82.68 billion, representing 25.4% year-on-year growth. (StudyForGS)
Science & Technology
21. Q. Which organisation celebrated its 85th Foundation Day in September 2026?
A) ISRO
B) DRDO
C) CSIR
D) BARC
Answer: C) CSIR
Explanation: CSIR’s 85th Foundation Day activities included the launch of the CSIR Science & Innovation Quiz. (Press Information Bureau)
22. Q. The CSIR SciQuiz includes questions on which of the following areas?
A) Healthcare
B) Agriculture
C) Aerospace
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: The quiz covers CSIR’s work across healthcare, agriculture, environment, infrastructure, energy, aerospace, biotechnology and strategic technologies. (Press Information Bureau)
23. Q. What is the main strategic significance of India’s semiconductor programme?
A) Increasing tourism
B) Building domestic semiconductor capability
C) Increasing agricultural land
D) Expanding traditional handicrafts
Answer: B) Building domestic semiconductor capability
Explanation: Semiconductors are important for electronics, telecommunications, automobiles, defence and other strategic sectors. India’s programme seeks to strengthen the domestic supply chain. (StudyForGS)
24. Q. Which technology was highlighted in recent UPSC current-affairs coverage in connection with RRI?
A) Blockchain
B) Quantum computing
C) 3D printing
D) Green hydrogen
Answer: B) Quantum computing
Explanation: Recent current-affairs coverage highlighted quantum computing developments and the Raman Research Institute’s work on a “single-shot fix.” (The Indian Express)
25. Q. What major lunar discovery was highlighted in recent current affairs?
A) New water oceans
B) A new atmosphere
C) The Moon’s oldest impact basin
D) A new lunar continent
Answer: C) The Moon’s oldest impact basin
Explanation: Recent science coverage highlighted research concerning the oldest impact basin on the Moon. (The Indian Express)
International Affairs
26. Q. Which major international organisation is holding its 81st General Assembly session in September 2026?
A) NATO
B) WTO
C) United Nations
D) ASEAN
Answer: C) United Nations
Explanation: The 81st session of the UN General Assembly is taking place in New York, with global conflicts, climate and AI among major issues on the agenda. (Jagranjosh.com)
27. Q. Who is leading India’s delegation to the 81st session of the UN General Assembly?
A) Rajnath Singh
B) Nirmala Sitharaman
C) S. Jaishankar
D) Piyush Goyal
Answer: C) S. Jaishankar
Explanation: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the UN General Assembly session. (Jagranjosh.com)
28. Q. Which two leaders are expected to meet in Washington later in September 2026?
A) Modi and Xi
B) Donald Trump and Xi Jinping
C) Putin and Trump
D) Starmer and Xi
Answer: B) Donald Trump and Xi Jinping
Explanation: Reports indicate that the U.S. and Chinese leaders are expected to meet in Washington, with trade, tariffs, AI and geopolitical issues among the subjects of attention. (CNA)
29. Q. Which country has ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz in the latest reports?
A) Iraq
B) Saudi Arabia
C) Iran
D) Oman
Answer: C) Iran
Explanation: Recent reports said Iran ruled out reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid continuing regional tensions. (Jagranjosh.com)
30. Q. Which organisation’s Secretary-General called for global unity and cooperation ahead of the UN General Assembly?
A) IMF
B) NATO
C) United Nations
D) World Bank
Answer: C) United Nations
Explanation: UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for global unity and cooperation amid wars, geopolitical divisions, climate concerns and other international challenges. (CNA)
31. Q. Which global issue is expected to be a major focus at COP31 according to recent reports?
A) Cryptocurrency
B) AI’s climate footprint
C) Space tourism
D) Olympic sports
Answer: B) AI’s climate footprint
Explanation: The COP31 host has identified the climate footprint of artificial intelligence as an important summit issue. (CNA)
32. Q. What happened to global renewable energy capacity in 2025 according to a recent report?
A) It declined sharply
B) It remained unchanged
C) Renewables reached a record level
D) All renewable projects stopped
Answer: C) Renewables reached a record level
Explanation: A recent report highlighted record renewable-energy growth in 2025 while warning that the world needs to accelerate the transition further. (CNA)
33. Q. Which country is involved in the ongoing geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the Middle East?
A) Brazil
B) Iran
C) Canada
D) Japan
Answer: B) Iran
Explanation: Recent reports have focused on Iran, the United States and regional actors amid continuing conflict and tensions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. (AP News)
Asian Games 2026
34. Q. Where are the 2026 Asian Games being held?
A) Seoul, South Korea
B) Beijing, China
C) Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
D) Bangkok, Thailand
Answer: C) Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
Explanation: The 2026 Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. (The Indian Express)
35. Q. Which Indian shooter won two silver medals at the 2026 Asian Games?
A) Manu Bhaker
B) Elavenil Valarivan
C) Sift Kaur Samra
D) Apurvi Chandela
Answer: B) Elavenil Valarivan
Explanation: Elavenil Valarivan won silver in the women’s 10m air rifle individual event and also contributed to India’s silver in the team event. (The Indian Express)
36. Q. In which event did Elavenil Valarivan win an individual silver medal?
A) 25m pistol
B) 50m rifle
C) 10m air rifle
D) Trap shooting
Answer: C) 10m air rifle
Explanation: Valarivan scored 252.4 in the women’s 10m air rifle final to take silver. (The Indian Express)
37. Q. Who won the men’s 10m air rifle individual silver medal for India at the 2026 Asian Games?
A) Rudrankksh Patil
B) Himanshu Dhillon
C) Parth Mane
D) Abhinav Bindra
Answer: B) Himanshu Dhillon
Explanation: Himanshu Dhillon won silver in the men’s 10m air rifle individual event, while Rudrankksh Patil won bronze. (The Times of India)
38. Q. Who won bronze alongside Himanshu Dhillon in the men’s 10m air rifle individual event?
A) Parth Mane
B) Saurabh Chaudhary
C) Rudrankksh Patil
D) Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar
Answer: C) Rudrankksh Patil
Explanation: Rudrankksh Patil finished third in the men’s 10m air rifle individual final. (The Times of India)
39. Q. Who became India’s first Asian Games medallist in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)?
A) Lovlina Borgohain
B) Suchika Tariyal
C) Mary Kom
D) Nikhat Zareen
Answer: B) Suchika Tariyal
Explanation: Suchika Tariyal won a bronze medal in women’s traditional 60kg MMA, creating a first for India in the sport at the Asian Games. (DD India)
40. Q. Which medal did Suchika Tariyal win at the 2026 Asian Games?
A) Gold
B) Silver
C) Bronze
D) No medal
Answer: C) Bronze
Explanation: Tariyal secured bronze in the women’s traditional 60kg MMA event. (Indian Express – Bangla)
41. Q. Which sport made its Asian Games debut in 2026 and produced India’s historic medal through Suchika Tariyal?
A) Karate
B) Wrestling
C) Mixed Martial Arts
D) Rugby
Answer: C) Mixed Martial Arts
Explanation: MMA was included in the 2026 Asian Games, and Suchika Tariyal became India’s first medallist in the discipline at the Games. (Indian Express – Bangla)
42. Q. Which country hosted the shooting competitions involving India’s 10m air rifle medalists?
A) China
B) South Korea
C) Japan
D) Indonesia
Answer: C) Japan
Explanation: The shooting events are part of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Japan. (The Indian Express)
43. Q. Which Indian women’s team was scheduled to face Sri Lanka on September 22 at the Asian Games?
A) Hockey team
B) Badminton team
C) Cricket team
D) Volleyball team
Answer: C) Cricket team
Explanation: India’s women’s cricket team was scheduled to play Sri Lanka on Day 4, following India’s recent Asia Cup victory over Sri Lanka. (The Indian Express)
Environment, Defence & Other Important Updates
44. Q. Which animal was relocated from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh?
A) Tiger
B) Leopard
C) Cheetah
D) Lion
Answer: C) Cheetah
Explanation: A three-year-old female cheetah, identified as CCB-2 and originally from Botswana, was released at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. (The Indian Express)
45. Q. What was the name given to the female cheetah relocated to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary?
A) Asha
B) Siyaya
C) CCB-2
D) Daksha
Answer: C) CCB-2
Explanation: CCB-2 was relocated from Kuno National Park and became the fourth cheetah at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. (The Indian Express)
46. Q. Which military exercise was highlighted in recent Indian current affairs?
A) Malabar 2026
B) Varuna 2026
C) Yudh Abhyas 2026
D) Milan 2026
Answer: C) Yudh Abhyas 2026
Explanation: Yudh Abhyas 2026 was among the defence-related developments highlighted in recent current-affairs coverage. (The Indian Express)
47. Q. Which bird was highlighted in recent environmental current affairs?
A) Great Indian Bustard
B) Himalayan Monal
C) Himalayan Monal
D) Sarus Crane
Answer: C) Himalayan Monal
Explanation: The Himalayan Monal was among the environmental topics highlighted in recent current-affairs coverage. (The Indian Express)
48. Q. Which pollutant was discussed in recent environmental current affairs concerning the Himalayas?
A) Sulphur dioxide
B) Ozone
C) Black carbon
D) Lead
Answer: C) Black carbon
Explanation: Black carbon was highlighted as an important environmental issue because of its relationship with atmospheric warming and Himalayan environmental changes. (The Indian Express)
49. Q. Which Indian highway-related organisation introduced OneTag?
A) NHAI
B) RBI
C) SEBI
D) IRDAI
Answer: A) NHAI
Explanation: The National Highways Authority of India made OneTag operational through the Rajmargyatra app. It allows users to change their FASTag issuer bank without replacing the vehicle’s FASTag sticker. (The Indian Express)
50. Q. What is the main purpose of NHAI’s OneTag service?
A) Buy a new vehicle
B) Pay road tax in cash
C) Change the FASTag issuer bank without replacing the FASTag sticker
D) Cancel FASTag permanently
Answer: C) Change the FASTag issuer bank without replacing the FASTag sticker
Explanation: OneTag works somewhat like mobile-number portability: highway users can switch their FASTag issuer bank without needing to replace the physical FASTag sticker. (The Indian Express)
Quick Revision: 10 Most Important Facts
- India–New Zealand FTA: Comes into force 20 October 2026. (Reuters)
- CSIR SciQuiz: Conducted 20–26 September 2026 on the MY Bharat Portal. (Press Information Bureau)
- India International Water Week: 9th edition; theme Climate Resilient Water Management. (Utkarsh Classes)
- UPI MDR: 0.4% for specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000 from 15 October 2026. (Reuters)
- Semicon 2.0: Reported outlay ₹1,27,500 crore. (StudyForGS)
- Asian Games 2026: Hosted in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. (The Indian Express)
- Elavenil Valarivan: Won two silver medals in shooting. (The Indian Express)
- Himanshu Dhillon: Men’s 10m air rifle silver; Rudrankksh Patil won bronze. (The Times of India)
- Suchika Tariyal: India’s first Asian Games MMA medallist, winning bronze. (DD India)
- OneTag: NHAI service allowing FASTag issuer-bank portability without replacing the sticker. (The Indian Express)
Exam note: Because this is a “today” current-affairs set, facts can change during the day—especially Asian Games results and international developments. The questions above reflect information available by 22 September 2026.
