50 Current Affairs Questions and Answers with Explanation — 17 September 2026
For UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, State PSC & other competitive exams
These questions are based primarily on developments reported on 16–17 September 2026, with a few recent 2026 facts that are useful for exam preparation. Current-affairs information can change during the day, so verify breaking developments before publishing a final daily quiz. (m.economictimes.com)
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1. Which major international technology event is scheduled in New Delhi from September 17–19, 2026?
A) India Mobile Congress
B) SEMICON India 2026
C) Digital India Expo
D) India AI Summit
Answer: B) SEMICON India 2026
Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 is scheduled in New Delhi from September 17–19. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the event on September 17. (jagranjosh.com, pib.gov.in)
2. Which project recently received an MoU involving six Yamuna-basin states/UTs?
A) Renukaji Project
B) Lakhwar Project
C) Kishau Multipurpose Project
D) Ken-Betwa Project
Answer: C) Kishau Multipurpose Project
Explanation: Six states/UTs signed an agreement on September 15, 2026, paving the way for the long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Project. (khanglobalstudies.com, indianexpress.com)
3. The Kishau Multipurpose Project is proposed on which river?
A) Ganga
B) Tons
C) Chambal
D) Sutlej
Answer: B) Tons
Explanation: Kishau is a proposed dam and hydropower project on the Tons River, a major tributary of the Yamuna, on the Himachal Pradesh–Uttarakhand border. (indianexpress.com)
4. What is the proposed hydropower capacity of the Kishau Multipurpose Project?
A) 220 MW
B) 422 MW
C) 750 MW
D) 1,000 MW
Answer: B) 422 MW
Explanation: The project has been described as a 422 MW multipurpose project. Its broader objectives include hydropower generation, irrigation and water supply. (indianexpress.com)
5. How high is the proposed Kishau dam?
A) 125.6 metres
B) 180 metres
C) 232.6 metres
D) 300 metres
Answer: C) 232.6 metres
Explanation: The proposed Kishau dam is a 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam. (indianexpress.com)
6. Which states and Union Territory were involved in the recent Kishau agreement?
A) Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, UP and Himachal Pradesh
B) Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi
C) Bihar, UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi
D) Rajasthan, Gujarat, MP, Haryana, Delhi and UP
Answer: B) Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi
Explanation: The agreement involved the six Yamuna-basin beneficiaries/stakeholders listed above. (indianexpress.com)
7. What is the reported annual retail inflation rate in India for August 2026?
A) 3.82%
B) 4.25%
C) 4.82%
D) 5.42%
Answer: C) 4.82%
Explanation: India’s annual retail inflation rose to 4.82% in August 2026, according to data reported on September 14. (reuters.com)
8. India’s August 2026 retail inflation was higher than which July figure?
A) 3.25%
B) 4.45%
C) 5.15%
D) 5.45%
Answer: B) 4.45%
Explanation: August retail inflation was reported at 4.82%, compared with 4.45% in July. (reuters.com)
9. Which institution was reported to have intervened in the foreign-exchange market to support the Indian rupee?
A) SEBI
B) SBI
C) RBI
D) NABARD
Answer: C) RBI
Explanation: Reuters reported that the Reserve Bank of India likely intervened in the foreign-exchange market amid pressure on the rupee. (reuters.com)
10. Around what level did the Indian rupee close against the US dollar on September 16, 2026?
A) ₹85.95
B) ₹90.95
C) ₹95.96
D) ₹101.96
Answer: C) ₹95.96
Explanation: The rupee closed around ₹95.9550 per US dollar on September 16. (reuters.com)
11. What was the Nifty 50’s reported gain on September 16, 2026?
A) 0.13%
B) 0.43%
C) 0.83%
D) 1.43%
Answer: B) 0.43%
Explanation: The Nifty 50 rose approximately 0.43% to 23,217.6 on September 16. (reuters.com)
12. What was the reported closing level of the BSE Sensex on September 16, 2026?
A) 64,336.45
B) 69,336.45
C) 74,336.45
D) 79,336.45
Answer: C) 74,336.45
Explanation: The Sensex gained about 0.45% and closed at approximately 74,336.45. (reuters.com)
13. Which digital payment system was at the centre of a fee-related debate in September 2026?
A) NEFT
B) RTGS
C) UPI
D) IMPS
Answer: C) UPI
Explanation: Recent discussions concerned fees for certain UPI transactions. The Finance Ministry also clarified that UPI remains free for consumers. (indianexpress.com)
14. What does UPI stand for?
A) Unified Payment India
B) Universal Payments Interface
C) Unified Payments Interface
D) United Payment Infrastructure
Answer: C) Unified Payments Interface
Explanation: UPI is India’s real-time digital payments system that enables bank-account-based electronic transactions.
15. Which organisation operates the UPI infrastructure?
A) RBI alone
B) NPCI
C) SEBI
D) IRDAI
Answer: B) NPCI
Explanation: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) operates the UPI payment infrastructure.
16. What did the Union Cabinet approve regarding the EPFO wage ceiling on September 16, 2026?
A) Reduction from ₹15,000 to ₹10,000
B) Increase from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000
C) Increase from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000
D) Increase from ₹20,000 to ₹30,000
Answer: C) Increase from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000
Explanation: The Cabinet approved an enhancement of the EPFO wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month. (pib.gov.in)
17. Which ministry is associated with the EPFO?
A) Ministry of Finance
B) Ministry of Labour and Employment
C) Ministry of Corporate Affairs
D) Ministry of Home Affairs
Answer: B) Ministry of Labour and Employment
Explanation: EPFO functions under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
18. Which organisation launched CYBER KUSHTI 2026?
A) DRDO
B) ISRO
C) NIELIT
D) CERT-In
Answer: C) NIELIT
Explanation: The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) launched CYBER KUSHTI 2026, a national cybersecurity and AI hackathon. (pib.gov.in)
19. CYBER KUSHTI 2026 primarily focuses on which areas?
A) Agriculture and irrigation
B) Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
C) Space exploration
D) Renewable energy
Answer: B) Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence
Explanation: The hackathon is designed to test human judgment in cybersecurity assessment, with AI forming an important component. (pib.gov.in)
20. Which conference of the Indian Coast Guard is scheduled for September 17–19, 2026?
A) 40th Commanders’ Conference
B) 41st Commanders’ Conference
C) 42nd Commanders’ Conference
D) 43rd Commanders’ Conference
Answer: D) 43rd Commanders’ Conference
Explanation: The 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference is scheduled in New Delhi from September 17–19, 2026. (pib.gov.in)
21. Where will the 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference be held?
A) Mumbai
B) Kochi
C) New Delhi
D) Visakhapatnam
Answer: C) New Delhi
Explanation: The conference will take place at the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi. (pib.gov.in)
22. Who is scheduled to address the opening day of the 43rd ICG Commanders’ Conference?
A) Rajnath Singh
B) Sanjay Seth
C) Amit Shah
D) Jitendra Singh
Answer: B) Sanjay Seth
Explanation: Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth is scheduled to address the senior leadership on the opening day. (pib.gov.in)
23. Which country has extended its airspace restrictions affecting Indian flights?
A) Bangladesh
B) Nepal
C) Pakistan
D) Afghanistan
Answer: C) Pakistan
Explanation: Current-affairs reports on September 17 said Pakistan had extended restrictions on Indian flights for another month. (m.economictimes.com)
24. What recent incident increased diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan?
A) Border trade dispute
B) Naval vessel collision
C) Railway dispute
D) Cricket dispute
Answer: B) Naval vessel collision
Explanation: Indian and Pakistani naval vessels were involved in a collision in the northern Arabian Sea. Both countries subsequently summoned diplomats. (apnews.com)
25. Where did the reported India-Pakistan naval collision occur?
A) Bay of Bengal
B) Arabian Sea
C) Red Sea
D) Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka
Answer: B) Arabian Sea
Explanation: The reported collision occurred in the northern Arabian Sea. The two sides differed over the precise legal status of the waters. (apnews.com)
26. Which country is working with India to deepen defence cooperation, according to September 16 reports?
A) Vietnam
B) Japan
C) Australia
D) Indonesia
Answer: A) Vietnam
Explanation: India and Vietnam were reported to be strengthening their defence cooperation. (indianexpress.com)
27. Which Indian cricketer joined Nottinghamshire for the 2026 County Championship season?
A) Mukesh Kumar
B) Mohammed Siraj
C) Arshdeep Singh
D) Kuldeep Yadav
Answer: A) Mukesh Kumar
Explanation: Indian pacer Mukesh Kumar joined Nottinghamshire for the 2026 County Championship season. (indianexpress.com)
28. Which footballer was invited by the Argentine Football Association for a farewell match?
A) Neymar
B) Cristiano Ronaldo
C) Lionel Messi
D) Luis Suárez
Answer: C) Lionel Messi
Explanation: The Argentine Football Association was reported to have invited Lionel Messi to play a farewell match in Argentina. (indianexpress.com)
29. Which award did an engineering student from Andhra Pradesh reportedly win in India in 2026?
A) Earthshot Prize
B) James Dyson Award
C) Ramon Magsaysay Award
D) Young Scientist Award
Answer: B) James Dyson Award
Explanation: A student from Andhra Pradesh won the James Dyson Award in India 2026, according to September 17 current-affairs reports. (indianexpress.com)
30. Which country’s government is pursuing an economic partnership agreement with India?
A) Canada
B) Brazil
C) Germany
D) South Africa
Answer: A) Canada
Explanation: India and Canada were reported to be working toward finalising an economic partnership agreement by the end of 2026. (m.economictimes.com)
31. Which international organisation warned that trade fragmentation could severely affect poorer economies?
A) IMF
B) WTO
C) World Bank
D) OECD
Answer: B) WTO
Explanation: The World Trade Organization (WTO) warned about the consequences of increasing fragmentation of global trade. (m.economictimes.com)
32. Who was appointed as the next Chief Economist of the World Bank?
A) Abhijit Banerjee
B) Michael Kremer
C) Joseph Stiglitz
D) Esther Duflo
Answer: B) Michael Kremer
Explanation: The World Bank named Nobel laureate Michael Kremer as its next chief economist, succeeding Indermit Gill. (reuters.com)
33. Michael Kremer received the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in which year?
A) 2017
B) 2018
C) 2019
D) 2020
Answer: C) 2019
Explanation: Michael Kremer shared the 2019 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences with Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty. (reuters.com)
34. Which country has been proposed as the European Union’s first “associate member”?
A) Australia
B) Canada
C) Japan
D) Norway
Answer: B) Canada
Explanation: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening the door for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member, although such a status is not currently established in EU treaties. (reuters.com)
35. Who is the President of the European Commission?
A) Ursula von der Leyen
B) Roberta Metsola
C) Christine Lagarde
D) Kaja Kallas
Answer: A) Ursula von der Leyen
Explanation: Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission and delivered the State of the European Union address on September 16, 2026. (reuters.com)
36. What emerging technology did UN Secretary-General António Guterres warn about on September 16, 2026?
A) Blockchain
B) Artificial intelligence
C) Quantum encryption
D) Biotechnology
Answer: B) Artificial intelligence
Explanation: Guterres warned that the rapid development of artificial intelligence creates risks that the world cannot afford to ignore and called for greater international cooperation. (reuters.com, reuters.com)
37. Which global body has an advisory body focused on AI governance?
A) United Nations
B) WTO
C) NATO
D) OPEC
Answer: A) United Nations
Explanation: The UN established a 39-member advisory body on AI governance in 2023. (reuters.com)
38. Which country experienced a 0.2% month-on-month decline in economic activity in July 2026?
A) Brazil
B) Argentina
C) Mexico
D) Chile
Answer: A) Brazil
Explanation: Brazil’s economic activity declined by a seasonally adjusted 0.2% in July, according to its central bank’s index. (reuters.com)
39. What was the approximate price of Brent crude reported around September 16, 2026?
A) $68 per barrel
B) $78 per barrel
C) $88 per barrel
D) $108 per barrel
Answer: D) $108 per barrel
Explanation: Brent crude was reported at approximately $108 per barrel, reflecting heightened supply concerns. (reuters.com)
40. Which sector saw particular attention from investors following changes concerning certain UPI transactions?
A) Payment and financial services
B) Cement
C) Pharmaceuticals
D) Tourism
Answer: A) Payment and financial services
Explanation: Banking, financial and payment-related stocks were among the sectors that gained on September 16 amid discussion of monetisation of certain UPI transactions. (reuters.com)
41. According to the PIB, what is India’s FRP for sugarcane for the 2026–27 sugar season?
A) ₹300/quintal
B) ₹325/quintal
C) ₹365/quintal
D) ₹400/quintal
Answer: C) ₹365/quintal
Explanation: The government set the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) at ₹365 per quintal for the 2026–27 sugar season. (pib.gov.in)
42. India is the world’s second-largest producer of which crop?
A) Rice
B) Sugarcane
C) Wheat
D) Cotton
Answer: B) Sugarcane
Explanation: According to a PIB backgrounder, India is the world’s second-largest sugarcane producer. (pib.gov.in)
43. Approximately what percentage of India’s ethanol in 2025–26 came from grains?
A) One-fourth
B) One-half
C) Nearly three-fourths
D) Nearly all
Answer: C) Nearly three-fourths
Explanation: Nearly three-fourths of India’s ethanol production was reported to come from grains, particularly maize, in 2025–26. (pib.gov.in)
44. Which organisation reported that the Antarctic ozone hole had reached about 25 million square kilometres on September 12, 2026?
A) NASA
B) ISRO
C) Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service
D) UNEP
Answer: C) Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service
Explanation: CAMS reported that the Antarctic ozone hole expanded sharply in September 2026, reaching about 25 million sq. km on September 12. (khanglobalstudies.com)
45. The Kishau Multipurpose Project is primarily associated with which river basin?
A) Godavari
B) Yamuna
C) Narmada
D) Krishna
Answer: B) Yamuna
Explanation: Kishau is one of the major storage projects planned in the upper Yamuna basin. (indianexpress.com)
46. Which other two storage projects were planned along with Kishau in the upper Yamuna region?
A) Tehri and Sardar Sarovar
B) Lakhwar and Renukaji
C) Bhakra and Pong
D) Hirakud and Rihand
Answer: B) Lakhwar and Renukaji
Explanation: The three planned storage projects were Kishau, Lakhwar and Renukaji. MoUs for Lakhwar and Renukaji had already been signed and were under implementation. (indianexpress.com)
47. Which annual event is held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York every September?
A) UN General Assembly high-level week
B) COP Climate Week only
C) WTO Ministerial Conference
D) G20 Summit
Answer: A) UN General Assembly high-level week
Explanation: September brings world leaders and diplomats to New York for the UN General Assembly high-level week. (globalissues.org)
48. Which Indian government body issued a September 16, 2026 release about easing the RCMC requirement for certain export consignments?
A) Ministry of Commerce & Industry
B) Ministry of Defence
C) Ministry of Agriculture
D) Ministry of Finance
Answer: A) Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Explanation: The Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced that the government had eased the RCMC requirement for export consignments up to ₹3 lakh. (pib.gov.in)
49. What does RCMC stand for in India’s export framework?
A) Registered Customs Management Certificate
B) Registration-cum-Membership Certificate
C) Regional Commerce Membership Code
D) Registered Cargo Movement Certificate
Answer: B) Registration-cum-Membership Certificate
Explanation: RCMC stands for Registration-cum-Membership Certificate, generally issued by relevant Export Promotion Councils or commodity boards to exporters.
50. Which important Indian technology and semiconductor event is being inaugurated in New Delhi on September 17, 2026?
A) SEMICON India 2026
B) Bharat Drone Expo
C) India Cyber Expo
D) Digital Bharat Summit
Answer: A) SEMICON India 2026
Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 begins in New Delhi on September 17 and runs through September 19, focusing on India’s semiconductor ecosystem and related technologies. (jagranjosh.com, pib.gov.in)
Quick Revision — 10 Most Important Facts
| No. | Topic | Key Fact |
| 1 | SEMICON India 2026 | New Delhi, Sept. 17–19 |
| 2 | Kishau Project | 422 MW |
| 3 | Kishau River | Tons |
| 4 | August 2026 CPI | 4.82% |
| 5 | EPFO wage ceiling | ₹15,000 → ₹25,000 |
| 6 | ICG Conference | 43rd, Sept. 17–19 |
| 7 | World Bank Chief Economist | Michael Kremer |
| 8 | AI warning | UN Secretary-General António Guterres |
| 9 | Rupee, Sept. 16 | Around ₹95.96/$ |
| 10 | Brent crude | Around $108/barrel |
