50 Current Affairs Questions and Answers with Explanation – 19 September 2026
Current Affairs MCQs for competitive exams — SSC, Banking, Railway, UPSC, State PSC, Teaching, Defence and other government exams. These questions are based on developments reported on 18–19 September 2026. (Best Colleges)
Table of Contents
National Current Affairs
1. The EPFO wage ceiling for mandatory coverage was recently increased from ₹15,000 to what amount per month?
A) ₹18,000
B) ₹20,000
C) ₹25,000
D) ₹30,000
Answer: C) ₹25,000
Explanation: The Union Cabinet approved increasing the EPFO mandatory wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, effective from September 17, 2026. The change is expected to bring about 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory coverage. (Press Information Bureau)
2. The revised EPFO wage ceiling came into effect from which date?
A) September 15, 2026
B) September 16, 2026
C) September 17, 2026
D) September 18, 2026
Answer: C) September 17, 2026
Explanation: The revised ceiling became effective on 17 September 2026, coinciding with Vishwakarma Jayanti and Sewa Divas. (Press Information Bureau)
3. Approximately how many additional employees are expected to benefit from the revised EPFO coverage?
A) 25 lakh
B) 35 lakh
C) 51 lakh
D) 75 lakh
Answer: C) 51 lakh
Explanation: The government estimates that around 51 lakh additional employees will come within mandatory EPFO coverage. (Press Information Bureau)
4. PM Vishwakarma completed how many years in September 2026?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Answer: C) 3 years
Explanation: PM Vishwakarma, launched on 17 September 2023, completed three years in 2026. The scheme supports traditional artisans through training, toolkits, credit and market linkages. (Insights IAS)
5. What is the total financial outlay of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme?
A) ₹5,000 crore
B) ₹8,000 crore
C) ₹10,000 crore
D) ₹13,000 crore
Answer: D) ₹13,000 crore
Explanation: PM Vishwakarma has a total financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore for FY 2023–24 to FY 2027–28. (Insights IAS)
6. What is the basic training stipend provided under PM Vishwakarma?
A) ₹250 per day
B) ₹500 per day
C) ₹750 per day
D) ₹1,000 per day
Answer: B) ₹500 per day
Explanation: Beneficiaries completing the basic skill training receive a ₹500 daily training stipend. (Insights IAS)
7. What is the maximum value of the toolkit provided under PM Vishwakarma?
A) ₹5,000
B) ₹10,000
C) ₹15,000
D) ₹25,000
Answer: C) ₹15,000
Explanation: Customized toolkits valued at up to ₹15,000 are provided to eligible artisans. (Insights IAS)
8. Which organisation is responsible for conducting SEMICON India 2026 along with SEMI?
A) RBI
B) India Semiconductor Mission
C) NITI Aayog
D) ISRO
Answer: B) India Semiconductor Mission
Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 is jointly organised by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) and SEMI. (SEMICON India)
9. Where is SEMICON India 2026 being held?
A) Pragati Maidan, Mumbai
B) Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
C) Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
D) HITEX, Hyderabad
Answer: C) Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 is being held from 17–19 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. (SEMICON India)
10. What is the theme of SEMICON India 2026?
A) Digital India for All
B) Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem
C) Make in India: Electronics First
D) Chips for a New India
Answer: B) Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem
Explanation: The official theme of SEMICON India 2026 is “Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem.” (SEMICON India)
Environment & Agriculture
11. How many cheetahs were reported in India after four years of Project Cheetah?
A) 42
B) 48
C) 52
D) 60
Answer: C) 52
Explanation: Project Cheetah completed four years on September 17, 2026, with the reported population reaching 52 cheetahs, including 32 born in India. (Vajiram & Ravi)
12. How many of India’s reported 52 cheetahs were born in India?
A) 20
B) 25
C) 32
D) 40
Answer: C) 32
Explanation: Of the 52 cheetahs reported under Project Cheetah, 32 were born in India. (Vajiram & Ravi)
13. Project Cheetah was launched in India in which year?
A) 2020
B) 2021
C) 2022
D) 2023
Answer: C) 2022
Explanation: Project Cheetah began on 17 September 2022, when eight Namibian cheetahs were released at Kuno National Park. (Manora May Yearbook)
14. Which national park is the principal site of Project Cheetah?
A) Gir National Park
B) Kuno National Park
C) Ranthambore National Park
D) Kanha National Park
Answer: B) Kuno National Park
Explanation: Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been the principal site for India’s cheetah reintroduction programme. (Manora May Yearbook)
15. Which other protected area in Madhya Pradesh currently houses cheetahs under Project Cheetah?
A) Pench Tiger Reserve
B) Bandhavgarh National Park
C) Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary
D) Satpura National Park
Answer: C) Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary
Explanation: Along with Kuno, Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is another location housing cheetahs under the programme. (Vajiram & Ravi)
16. India’s first farm-level soil-carbon payments were recently made to farmers in which states?
A) Punjab and Haryana
B) Bihar and Jharkhand
C) Gujarat and Rajasthan
D) Maharashtra and Karnataka
Answer: A) Punjab and Haryana
Explanation: More than 2,550 farmers in Punjab and Haryana received India’s first farm-level soil-carbon payments through direct benefit transfers. (Insights IAS)
17. The soil-carbon payments were linked primarily to which type of farming?
A) Regenerative farming
B) Hydroponic farming
C) Terrace farming
D) Organic tea farming
Answer: A) Regenerative farming
Explanation: The payments rewarded verified regenerative and climate-smart agricultural practices that increase soil carbon and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. (Insights IAS)
18. Which organisation’s Aadi programme was involved in the soil-carbon payment initiative?
A) NABARD
B) Grow Indigo
C) FCI
D) ICAR
Answer: B) Grow Indigo
Explanation: The initiative was implemented by Grow Indigo through its farmer-carbon programme called Aadi. (Insights IAS)
19. Which international organisation released the report “Forests for Food: Nourishing People, Sustaining the Planet”?
A) UNESCO
B) FAO
C) UNEP
D) UNDP
Answer: B) FAO
Explanation: The report was published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Landscape Alliance/CIFOR-ICRAF. (Insights IAS)
20. According to the recent FAO report, approximately how many people depend to some extent on forests for their livelihoods?
A) 1 billion
B) 2 billion
C) 3 billion
D) More than 5 billion
Answer: D) More than 5 billion
Explanation: The report highlights that more than 5 billion people depend to some extent on forests for their livelihoods. (Insights IAS)
International Current Affairs
21. Which country recently declared a national HIV emergency?
A) Fiji
B) Samoa
C) Tonga
D) Vanuatu
Answer: A) Fiji
Explanation: Fiji declared a national HIV emergency following a sharp increase in HIV infections and announced expanded testing, treatment and prevention measures. (AP News)
22. Approximately what proportion of Fiji’s population was reported to be living with HIV in the latest reports?
A) 1 in 600
B) 1 in 300
C) 1 in 60
D) 1 in 10
Answer: C) 1 in 60
Explanation: Recent data cited by health authorities indicated that roughly one in 60 Fijians was living with HIV. (AP News)
23. The 25th meeting of SCO ministers responsible for foreign economic and trade activities was held in which city?
A) Astana
B) Beijing
C) Dushanbe
D) Tashkent
Answer: C) Dushanbe
Explanation: The 25th SCO meeting of ministers responsible for foreign economic and foreign trade activities was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on September 17, 2026. (The Shanghai cooperation organisation)
24. Dushanbe, the venue of the recent SCO economic ministers’ meeting, is the capital of which country?
A) Uzbekistan
B) Tajikistan
C) Kyrgyzstan
D) Kazakhstan
Answer: B) Tajikistan
Explanation: Dushanbe is the capital of Tajikistan and hosted the SCO economic and trade ministers’ meeting. (The Shanghai cooperation organisation)
25. Which country has been proposed as a potential first “associate member” of the European Union?
A) Australia
B) Canada
C) Japan
D) Norway
Answer: B) Canada
Explanation: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening discussions on a possible associate-member model for Canada. The term is not currently an established membership category under the EU treaties. (Insights IAS)
26. Which country hosted the 2026 World Circular Economy Forum?
A) India
B) Finland
C) Germany
D) Japan
Answer: A) India
Explanation: The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 (WCEF2026) was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from September 15–18, marking its first edition in South Asia. (UNDP)
27. What was the theme of WCEF2026?
A) Green Growth for All
B) Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity
C) Zero Waste World
D) Climate Action 2030
Answer: B) Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity
Explanation: WCEF2026 was organised under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.” (Press Information Bureau)
28. WCEF2026 was held in which Indian city?
A) Ahmedabad
B) Gandhinagar
C) Surat
D) Vadodara
Answer: B) Gandhinagar
Explanation: The 2026 World Circular Economy Forum took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. (UNDP)
29. Which country participated in a special “Finland Day” during WCEF2026?
A) Sweden
B) Denmark
C) Finland
D) Iceland
Answer: C) Finland
Explanation: Finland Day was organised as an accelerator session during WCEF2026 to promote Finland–India cooperation in circular economy and climate action. (Suomi ulkomailla)
30. Which strategic Omani port has recently gained attention as an alternative gateway for cargo amid disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz?
A) Salalah Port
B) Duqm Port
C) Sohar Port
D) Muscat Port
Answer: C) Sohar Port
Explanation: Sohar Port, located outside the Strait of Hormuz, has gained strategic importance as an alternative logistics gateway for Gulf-bound cargo. (Insights IAS)
Science & Technology
31. What is “Elias 2-24 b”?
A) A new satellite
B) An exoplanet
C) An asteroid
D) A comet
Answer: B) An exoplanet
Explanation: Elias 2-24 b is a young exoplanet identified using astronomical observations and archival data. (Insights IAS)
32. Approximately how old is Elias 2-24 b?
A) 10 million years
B) 5 million years
C) Less than 1 million years
D) 100 million years
Answer: C) Less than 1 million years
Explanation: Astronomers reported Elias 2-24 b as being less than one million years old, making it exceptionally young compared with most known planets. (Insights IAS)
33. Which technology was important in detecting Elias 2-24 b?
A) Sonar imaging
B) Coronagraphy
C) Radar mapping
D) Lidar
Answer: B) Coronagraphy
Explanation: High-contrast coronagraphy helped suppress the glare of the host star and reveal the faint planetary signal. (Insights IAS)
34. SEMICON India 2026 primarily focuses on which industry?
A) Automobile
B) Semiconductor and electronics
C) Pharmaceutical
D) Textile
Answer: B) Semiconductor and electronics
Explanation: SEMICON India brings together companies, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders from the semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. (India Science and Technology)
35. Approximately how many exhibiting companies are participating in SEMICON India 2026?
A) 100+
B) 250+
C) 500+
D) 1,000+
Answer: C) 500+
Explanation: The 2026 edition features 500+ exhibiting companies from more than 20 countries. (NeGD)
36. Which organisation is India’s nodal mission for developing the semiconductor ecosystem?
A) India Semiconductor Mission
B) National Skill Development Mission
C) Digital India Mission
D) National Innovation Mission
Answer: A) India Semiconductor Mission
Explanation: The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is central to India’s semiconductor ecosystem development and co-organises SEMICON India. (SEMICON India)
37. Which city hosted SEMICON India 2026?
A) Bengaluru
B) Hyderabad
C) New Delhi
D) Pune
Answer: C) New Delhi
Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 is being held at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi from September 17–19. (SEMICON India)
38. Which area is NOT one of the major focus areas listed for SEMICON India 2026?
A) Advanced materials
B) Semiconductor manufacturing
C) Talent and skilling
D) Deep-sea fishing
Answer: D) Deep-sea fishing
Explanation: SEMICON India covers semiconductor manufacturing, AI, supply chains, advanced materials, product design, startups, talent and sustainability—not deep-sea fishing. (India Science and Technology)
Sports Current Affairs
39. Which team did India defeat 3–0 in the recent T20I series?
A) Australia
B) England
C) Afghanistan
D) South Africa
Answer: C) Afghanistan
Explanation: India completed a 3–0 T20I series sweep over Afghanistan after winning the third match in New Delhi. (Al Jazeera)
40. Who scored the record-breaking T20I century for India against Afghanistan?
A) Sanju Samson
B) Abhishek Sharma
C) Shubman Gill
D) Suryakumar Yadav
Answer: B) Abhishek Sharma
Explanation: Indian opener Abhishek Sharma scored a record-breaking century in the third T20I against Afghanistan. (Al Jazeera)
41. In how many balls did Abhishek Sharma score his century?
A) 28 balls
B) 30 balls
C) 32 balls
D) 35 balls
Answer: B) 30 balls
Explanation: Abhishek Sharma reached his century in just 30 balls, setting a major T20I record. (Al Jazeera)
42. India defeated Afghanistan by how many runs in the third T20I?
A) 87 runs
B) 107 runs
C) 127 runs
D) 147 runs
Answer: C) 127 runs
Explanation: India defeated Afghanistan by 127 runs in the third T20I and completed a 3–0 series victory. (Al Jazeera)
43. Where was the third India–Afghanistan T20I played?
A) Mumbai
B) Kolkata
C) New Delhi
D) Bengaluru
Answer: C) New Delhi
Explanation: The match was played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. (Al Jazeera)
44. Who was the head coach of the Indian men’s cricket team in the recent Afghanistan T20I series?
A) Rahul Dravid
B) VVS Laxman
C) Gautam Gambhir
D) Anil Kumble
Answer: C) Gautam Gambhir
Explanation: Gautam Gambhir was India’s head coach during the Afghanistan T20I series. (The Indian Express)
45. Which major multi-sport event officially begins in Nagoya, Japan, on September 19, 2026?
A) Commonwealth Games
B) Asian Games
C) Olympic Games
D) World University Games
Answer: B) Asian Games
Explanation: The 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya officially begin on September 19, 2026, with the opening ceremony in Nagoya. (The Times of India)
46. The 2026 Asian Games are being hosted by which country?
A) China
B) South Korea
C) Japan
D) Thailand
Answer: C) Japan
Explanation: The 2026 Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. (The Times of India)
47. Which Indian athletes were named as flag-bearers for the 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony?
A) Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu
B) Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor
C) Harmanpreet Singh and Lovlina Borgohain
D) Mirabai Chanu and Bajrang Punia
Answer: B) Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor
Explanation: Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor were named India’s flag-bearers for the opening ceremony. (The Times of India)
48. In which country is the 2026 Asian Games being held?
A) China
B) Japan
C) Indonesia
D) Malaysia
Answer: B) Japan
Explanation: The Asian Games 2026 are taking place in Japan, with Aichi-Nagoya as the host region. (The Times of India)
Mixed Current Affairs
49. India’s 20th Rozgar Mela on September 19, 2026 is scheduled to provide more than how many appointment letters?
A) 25,000
B) 40,000
C) 51,000
D) 1 lakh
Answer: C) 51,000
Explanation: The 20th Rozgar Mela is scheduled to distribute more than 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited youth in government organisations across 45 locations. (Press Information Bureau)
50. The 20th Rozgar Mela is being conducted across how many locations?
A) 25
B) 35
C) 45
D) 50
Answer: C) 45
Explanation: According to the PIB announcement, the 20th Rozgar Mela is being held across 45 locations in the country. (Press Information Bureau)
