Dear Readers, Daily Current Affairs Questions Quiz for SBI, IBPS, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 of  17th September 2026. Daily GK quiz online for bank & competitive exam. Here we have given the Daily Current Affairs Quiz based on the previous days Daily Current Affairs updates. Candidates preparing for IBPS, SBI, RBI, RRB, SSC Exam 2026 & other competitive exams can make use of these Current Affairs Quiz.

 

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1) Under the new framework notified under Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007, up to what transaction amount will Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions remain free of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR)?

(a) ₹500

(b) ₹1,000

(c) ₹1,500

(d) ₹2,000

(e) ₹10,000

 

2) Which company became the first Non-PSU Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India to undertake a ₹25 crore tokenised bond transaction?

(a) Bajaj Finance Limited

(b) Muthoot Finance Limited

(c) IIFL Finance Limited

(d) Shriram Finance Limited

(e) Manappuram Finance Limited

 

3) Which country did India surpass to move to the 4th position globally in terms of foreign exchange reserves, with reserves of around USD 786 billion as of 4 September 2026?

(a) Japan

(b) Switzerland

(c) Germany

(d) China

(e) Russia

 

4) What penalty did IRDAI impose on Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company for mis-selling a deferred annuity policy to an 88-year-old customer?

(a) ₹25 lakh

(b) ₹50 lakh

(c) ₹75 lakh

(d) ₹1 crore

(e) ₹2 crore

 

5) Who is commemorated on Engineers’ Day, observed annually on 15 September in India?

(a) Sir M. Visvesvaraya

(b) Homi J. Bhabha

(c) Vikram Sarabhai

(d) A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

(e) Satish Dhawan

 

6) Which village was declared Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village on 15 September 2026?

(a) Alchi

(b) Diskit

(c) Turtuk

(d) Kumik

(e) Hunder

7) Consider the following statements regarding the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY):

1. PM-KMY was launched on 12 September 2019 to provide old-age social security to eligible small and marginal farmers.
2. Under the scheme, eligible farmers receive a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
3. Farmers aged 18 to 40 years are eligible to join the scheme, subject to the prescribed conditions.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) All the above

(e) None of the above

 

8) According to the latest PLFS Monthly Bulletin, what was India’s overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above in August 2026?

(a) 52.8%

(b) 54.4%

(c) 55.0%

(d) 55.6%

(e) 58.2%

 

9) As per the news, India and Vietnam have agreed to observe which year as the “Year of India–Vietnam Friendship” to commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations?

(a) 2026

(b) 2027

(c) 2028

(d) 2029

(e) 2030

 

10) Who will continue as the Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office following Saima Wazed’s resignation as Regional Director?

(a) Nilesh Buddha

(b) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

(c) Poonam Khetrapal Singh

(d) Hans Kluge

(e) Soumya Swaminathan

 

11) Who will receive the Padmabhushan Guru Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026 for her contribution to Bharatanatyam?

(a) Dr Alarmel Valli

(b) Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy

(c) Dr Padma Subrahmanyam

(d) Dr Sonal Mansingh

(e) Dr Malavika Sarukkai

 

12) Which of the following States were parties to the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project agreement for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River?

(a) Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi

(b) Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi

(c) Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi

(d) Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi

(e) Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi

 

13) When did the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) come into effect?

(a) 25 January 2004

(b) 1 June 2009

(c) 1 January 2010

(d) 15 August 2009

(e) 26 January 2008

 

14) Which district of West Bengal will host the proposed Junput Missile Testing Range?

(a) South 24 Parganas

(b) Howrah

(c) Paschim Medinipur

(d) Purba Medinipur

(e) North 24 Parganas

 

15) Which of the following Indian startups was selected for Google’s inaugural “Google for India Growth & Development Accelerator: AI for the Planet” programme and uses satellite and agronomic data to provide plot-level land intelligence for smallholder farmers?

(a) Varaha Climate

(b) Farmers for Forests

(c) Terrastack

(d) Climatiq Carbon

(e) AgroStar

 

16) Which AI-based platform has been adopted by CSIR-NIScPR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) to convert research papers into accessible formats such as short videos, podcasts, posters and business briefs?

(a) BHASHINI AI

(b) SARAL AI

(c) IndiaAI

(d) Anuvadini AI

(e) DigiVigyan

 

17) Who co-chaired the 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (9th AIMMAF) representing India?

(a) Piyush Goyal

(b) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

(c) Dharmendra Pradhan

(d) Rajiv Ranjan Singh

(e) Shivraj Singh Chouhan

 

18) Who launched the Mangrove Geographic Information System (MGIS) Portal during the Workshop on Mangrove Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Management?

(a) Bhupender Yadav

(b) Shivraj Singh Chouhan

(c) Kirti Vardhan Singh

(d) Pralhad Joshi

(e) G. Kishan Reddy

 

19) What is the name of the newly discovered subterranean, legless amphibian species found in Maharashtra’s Northern Western Ghats?

(a) Gegeneophis chandgadi

(b) Gegeneophis maharashtrensis

(c) Ichthyophis kolhapurensis

(d) Uraeotyphlus westernghatsensis

(e) Gegeneophis sahyadriensis

 

20) Who holds the record for the longest career in men’s One-Day International (ODI) cricket as of September 2026?

(a) Sachin Tendulkar

(b) Sanath Jayasuriya

(c) Brendan Taylor

(d) Kumar Sangakkara

(e) Ricky Ponting

 

21) In news, Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, who passed away on 11 September 2026, belonged to which country?

(a) Sweden

(b) Denmark

(c) Iceland

(d) Finland

(e) Norway

22) In which year did the United Nations General Assembly establish the International Day of Democracy (observed on September 15)?

(a) 2005

(b) 2006

(c) 2007

(d) 2008

(e) 2009

 

23) In which year did the Government of India declare 15 September as Engineers Day in India?

(a) 1968

(b) 1967

(c) 1969

(d) 1970

(e) 1972

24) Which section of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 was amended under the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026?

(a) Section 8A

(b) Section 9A

(c) Section 10A

(d) Section 11A

(e) Section 12A

25) In news, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which state of India?

(a) Kerala

(b) Tamil Nadu

(c) Maharashtra

(d) Karnataka

(e) Goa

 

Answers:

1) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) notified a new framework under Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007 governing charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay debit-card transactions.

All Person-to-Person (P2P) UPI transactions will remain completely free, irrespective of the amount transferred, with no transaction fee, platform fee or other charge imposed on individuals.

Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions up to ₹2,000 will remain free of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).

RuPay-powered debit-card payments have also been specified as an electronic mode of payment, with banks and payment system providers prohibited from imposing direct or indirect charges.

Detailed Explanation:

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) notified a new framework under Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007 governing charges on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay debit-card transactions.

All Person-to-Person (P2P) UPI transactions will remain completely free, irrespective of the amount transferred, with no transaction fee, platform fee or other charge imposed on individuals.

Person-to-Merchant (P2M) UPI transactions up to ₹2,000 will remain free of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR).

RuPay-powered debit-card payments have also been specified as an electronic mode of payment, with banks and payment system providers prohibited from imposing direct or indirect charges.

MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) is a charge within the merchant payment ecosystem and is not a tax or a Government/NPCI charge.

MDR is distributed among banks, payment service providers and UPI application providers to support the operation and expansion of the UPI ecosystem.

Customers will not pay MDR on eligible UPI transactions, and banks have been advised to ensure that merchants do not pass MDR costs on to customers.

UPI application providers are prohibited from imposing platform fees or hidden charges on customers.

 

2) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

IIFL Finance Limited successfully completed a ₹25 crore tokenised bond transaction on 15 September 2026, becoming the first Non-PSU Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India to undertake such a transaction.

The transaction was executed on the Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI), which provided the electronic bidding platform for the bond issue.

Trust Investment Advisors Private Limited acted as the Sole Arranger and Advisor for the transaction.

The tokenised bonds will be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

The transaction was carried out under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Regulatory Sandbox framework for the tokenisation of securities.

Detailed Explanation:

IIFL Finance Limited successfully completed a ₹25 crore tokenised bond transaction on 15 September 2026, becoming the first Non-PSU Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in India to undertake such a transaction.

The transaction was executed on the Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSEI), which provided the electronic bidding platform for the bond issue.

Trust Investment Advisors Private Limited acted as the Sole Arranger and Advisor for the transaction.

The tokenised bonds will be listed on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

The transaction was carried out under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Regulatory Sandbox framework for the tokenisation of securities.

Tokenisation refers to representing a financial security, such as a corporate bond, in digital form using Blockchain or Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).

DLT-based tokenisation can make the issuance, transfer, verification and settlement of securities more efficient, transparent and faster.

IIFL Finance’s transaction demonstrates the growing adoption of technology in India’s corporate bond market and the development of a more digitised debt capital market.

3) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

India moved to 4th position globally in terms of foreign exchange (forex) reserves, surpassing Russia, with reserves of around USD 786 billion.

India’s forex reserves increased by USD 45 billion in the week ended 4 September 2026, registering a weekly rise of approximately 6%.

The major factor behind the increase was the inflow of Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) bank deposits under the RBI’s special swap facility.

Detailed Explanation:

India moved to 4th position globally in terms of foreign exchange (forex) reserves, surpassing Russia, with reserves of around USD 786 billion.

India’s forex reserves increased by USD 45 billion in the week ended 4 September 2026, registering a weekly rise of approximately 6%.

The major factor behind the increase was the inflow of Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) bank deposits under the RBI’s special swap facility.

China holds the world’s largest forex reserves at around USD 3.854 trillion, followed by Japan (USD 1.208 trillion) and Switzerland (USD 1.098 trillion).

India’s forex reserves of around USD 786 billion placed it ahead of Russia, whose reserves declined from approximately USD 774 billion on 28 August 2026 to around USD 754 billion on 4 September 2026.

India’s rise to the 4th position highlights the significant strengthening of its foreign-exchange holdings and foreign-currency liquidity.

4) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company for mis-selling a deferred annuity policy to an 88-year-old customer.

The deferred annuity policy was sold in February 2025 through Canara Bank, which acted as the insurer’s corporate agent.

The policy required an annual premium of ₹2 lakh for a four-year premium-paying term.

The 88-year-old customer was the proposer, while his 57-year-old daughter was named as the annuitant.

IRDAI found that the policy permitted an entry age of only 30–80 years, making the 88-year-old proposer ineligible for the policy.

Following the regulatory action, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company refunded ₹4.09 lakh to the customer.

Detailed Explanation:

IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company for mis-selling a deferred annuity policy to an 88-year-old customer.

The deferred annuity policy was sold in February 2025 through Canara Bank, which acted as the insurer’s corporate agent.

The policy required an annual premium of ₹2 lakh for a four-year premium-paying term.

The 88-year-old customer was the proposer, while his 57-year-old daughter was named as the annuitant.

IRDAI found that the policy permitted an entry age of only 30–80 years, making the 88-year-old proposer ineligible for the policy.

Following the regulatory action, Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company refunded ₹4.09 lakh to the customer.

The ₹1 crore penalty was imposed for violations of the IRDAI (Protection of Policyholders’ Interests, Operations and Allied Matters of Insurers) Regulations, 2024, IRDAI (Corporate Governance for Insurers) Regulations, 2024, and the Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders’ Interests, 2024.

IRDAI directed the insurer to conduct a comprehensive audit of policies sold to proposers/policyholders above 75 years of age through Canara Bank.

 

5) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

The Karnataka Government officially recognised the celebration of Engineers’ Day on 15 September as a state event.

Engineers’ Day is observed on 15 September every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned engineer and former Dewan of Mysore Princely State, Sir M. Visvesvaraya.

The State Government also officially permitted engineers in Karnataka to use the prefix “Er.” before their names.

The decision was taken to recognise the contribution of engineers to national development and economic progress.

Detailed Explanation:

The Karnataka Government officially recognised the celebration of Engineers’ Day on 15 September as a state event.

Engineers’ Day is observed on 15 September every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned engineer and former Dewan of Mysore Princely State, Sir M. Visvesvaraya.

The State Government also officially permitted engineers in Karnataka to use the prefix “Er.” before their names.

The decision was taken to recognise the contribution of engineers to national development and economic progress.

The Government Order followed Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar’s approval of the proposal to officially celebrate Engineers’ Day in Karnataka.

Shivakumar paid tribute to Sir M. Visvesvaraya by garlanding his statue in Bengaluru on Engineers’ Day.

He described Sir M. Visvesvaraya as a role model for the country and highlighted his significant contribution to Karnataka.

The decision to allow the “Er.” prefix followed a request raised by Congress Member of the Legislative Council B. S. Shivanna, who had also sought the prefix “Lr.” for lecturers.

The Karnataka Government had earlier permitted teachers to use the prefix “Tr.”.

According to the Chief Minister, more than one lakh engineers graduate in Karnataka every year, highlighting the large engineering workforce in the State.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya was a renowned Indian engineer, statesman and technocrat who served as the Dewan of Mysore.

 

6) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Kumik Village, located in Zanskar, Ladakh, was declared Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village on 15 September 2026.

The declaration was made by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena during the launch of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026.

Kumik is recognised for its traditional mud houses, sacred spaces, agricultural practices, Buddhist traditions and community customs.

Detailed Explanation:

Kumik Village, located in Zanskar, Ladakh, was declared Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village on 15 September 2026.

The declaration was made by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena during the launch of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026.

Kumik is recognised for its traditional mud houses, sacred spaces, agricultural practices, Buddhist traditions and community customs.

The village has preserved Kanjur manuscripts and other Tibetan Buddhist textual heritage. Kanjur, also known as Kangyur, refers to the Tibetan Buddhist canonical collection traditionally regarded as containing the Buddha’s teachings.

Zanskar is a high-altitude Himalayan region known for its strong Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage, including monasteries, manuscripts and oral traditions.

Traditional mud architecture in Ladakh uses locally available materials such as earth, stone and wood, making it suitable for the region’s cold desert and high-altitude conditions.

The Heritage Village designation recognises Kumik as a living cultural landscape, where architecture, traditional knowledge, religious practices and agricultural life exist together.

7) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) was launched on 12 September 2019 to provide old-age social security to eligible small and marginal farmers.

The scheme completed seven years on 12 September 2026 and had enrolled 24,96,252 farmers across India as of 6 February 2026.

Under PM-KMY, eligible farmers receive a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.

Haryana recorded the highest enrolment with around 5.75 lakh farmers, followed by Bihar with more than 3.46 lakh enrolments.

Farmers aged 18 to 40 years are eligible to join the scheme, subject to the prescribed conditions.

Detailed Explanation:

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) was launched on 12 September 2019 to provide old-age social security to eligible small and marginal farmers.

The scheme completed seven years on 12 September 2026 and had enrolled 24,96,252 farmers across India as of 6 February 2026.

Under PM-KMY, eligible farmers receive a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.

PM-KMY follows a voluntary and contributory model, under which the farmer and the Central Government make equal contributions towards the pension fund.

Haryana recorded the highest enrolment with around 5.75 lakh farmers, followed by Bihar with more than 3.46 lakh enrolments.

Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh each crossed 2.5 lakh enrolments, while Chhattisgarh recorded more than 2 lakh enrolments.

Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra also contributed significantly to nationwide enrolment.

A total of ₹540.66 crore had been utilised under PM-KMY as of February 2026.

PM-KMY is a Central Sector Scheme administered by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, in partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).

Farmers aged 18 to 40 years are eligible to join the scheme, subject to the prescribed conditions.

 

8) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin, India’s overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above increased to 55.6% in August 2026, from 55.4% in July 2026.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation conducts the PLFS and provides monthly labour market estimates using the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.

The overall LFPR increased by 0.6 percentage point year-on-year, from 55.0% in August 2025 to 55.6% in August 2026.

Rural LFPR increased to 58.2% in August 2026 from 58.0% in July, while urban LFPR remained unchanged at 50.4%.

Detailed Explanation:

According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin, India’s overall Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for persons aged 15 years and above increased to 55.6% in August 2026, from 55.4% in July 2026.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation conducts the PLFS and provides monthly labour market estimates using the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.

The overall LFPR increased by 0.6 percentage point year-on-year, from 55.0% in August 2025 to 55.6% in August 2026.

Rural LFPR increased to 58.2% in August 2026 from 58.0% in July, while urban LFPR remained unchanged at 50.4%.

On a year-on-year basis, rural LFPR increased by 1.2 percentage points, from 57.0% to 58.2%, while urban LFPR declined by 0.5 percentage point to 50.4%.

Overall female LFPR increased for the second consecutive month, from 34.4% in July to 34.8% in August 2026.

Rural female LFPR increased from 38.8% to 39.4%, while urban female LFPR remained broadly stable at 25.4%.

Compared with August 2025, overall female LFPR increased by 1.1 percentage points, from 33.7% to 34.8%.

Rural female LFPR recorded a 2 percentage point year-on-year increase, from 37.4% to 39.4%, while urban female LFPR declined by 0.7 percentage point.

India’s overall Worker Population Ratio (WPR) increased to 52.8% in August 2026, from 52.5% in July, marking its highest level since March 2026.

Rural WPR increased from 55.4% to 55.8%, while urban WPR remained unchanged at 47.0%.

9) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India and Vietnam agreed to observe 2027 as the “Year of India–Vietnam Friendship” to commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations.

The decision was taken during the 19th India–Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi, Delhi.

The meeting was co-chaired by S. Jaishankar, Union Minister, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, and Le Hoai Trung, Foreign Affairs Minister of Vietnam.

India and Vietnam agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, supply chains and market access.

Both countries will work to enhance financial, port and air connectivity and expand cooperation in space and nuclear energy.

Detailed Explanation:

India and Vietnam agreed to observe 2027 as the “Year of India–Vietnam Friendship” to commemorate 55 years of diplomatic relations.

The decision was taken during the 19th India–Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi, Delhi.

The meeting was co-chaired by S. Jaishankar, Union Minister, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India, and Le Hoai Trung, Foreign Affairs Minister of Vietnam.

India and Vietnam agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, supply chains and market access.

Both countries will work to enhance financial, port and air connectivity and expand cooperation in space and nuclear energy.

In the cultural sector, India and Vietnam promoted cooperation in Yoga, heritage conservation, seafarer standards, capacity building and people-to-people exchanges.

India and Vietnam agreed to deepen defence and security cooperation, including co-production of Indian defence equipment, under the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

India and Vietnam agreed to leverage their complementary strengths, improve market access, and facilitate business activities to achieve the USD 25 billion bilateral trade target by 2030.

10) Answer: A

Saima Wazed resigned as the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region on 9 September 2026, with her resignation taking immediate effect.

Her resignation came one day after, on 8 September 2026, the WHO Regional Committee recommended termination of her appointment; the recommendation was scheduled to be considered by the WHO Executive Board.

Nilesh Buddha will continue as the Officer-in-Charge of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office until a new Regional Director is appointed.

The WHO is expected to invite nominations for her successor in October 2026.

11) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

Renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, choreographer and scholar Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy will receive the Padmabhushan Guru Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026.

The award will be conferred by the Nataraj Music & Dance Academy (NMDA) during the Vysakhi Nrithyotsav Indian Dance Festival in Visakhapatnam on 26–27 September 2026.

Based in Mysore, Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy has a career spanning more than five decades in Bharatanatyam.

Detailed Explanation:

Renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, choreographer and scholar Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy will receive the Padmabhushan Guru Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026.

The award will be conferred by the Nataraj Music & Dance Academy (NMDA) during the Vysakhi Nrithyotsav Indian Dance Festival in Visakhapatnam on 26–27 September 2026.

Based in Mysore, Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy has a career spanning more than five decades in Bharatanatyam.

She is known for integrating Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Bharatanatyam and earned a doctorate on the interrelationship between the two disciplines after training under yoga exponent Pattabhi Jois.

Her acclaimed solo choreographies include Panchali, Ganga Lahari and Sama Veda.

She has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Shantala Award for her contribution to the performing arts.

She was also conferred honorary citizenship of Louisville, Kentucky, United States.

 

12) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Chief Ministers of six States — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi — signed the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project agreement for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Central Government has declared the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project as a National Project.

Under the financial arrangement, the Central Government will bear approximately 90% of the project cost, while the participating States will contribute the remaining 10%.

Detailed Explanation:

Chief Ministers of six States — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi — signed the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project agreement for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The Central Government has declared the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project as a National Project.

Under the financial arrangement, the Central Government will bear approximately 90% of the project cost, while the participating States will contribute the remaining 10%.

The project is expected to support water management and the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River across the participating regions.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed confidence that completion of the project would mark an important chapter in the history of water management.

Shah highlighted that continuous efforts have been undertaken to clean the Yamuna River since Rekha Gupta became Chief Minister of Delhi.

The agreement is part of the Central Government’s efforts to resolve water-related disputes and promote cooperation among States.

Earlier, the dispute concerning the Lakhwar Multipurpose Project was resolved in August 2018.

 

13) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

India and MERCOSUR signed the First Additional Protocol to the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to facilitate the acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin.

The agreement aims to promote paperless trade and modernise customs procedures between India and MERCOSUR member countries.

The Protocol was signed by Rajesh Agarwal, Commerce Secretary, Government of India; Alberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to India; and Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, Ambassador of Paraguay to India.

The India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement was signed on 25 January 2004 and came into force on 1 June 2009.

Detailed Explanation:

India and MERCOSUR signed the First Additional Protocol to the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to facilitate the acceptance of electronic Certificates of Origin.

The agreement aims to promote paperless trade and modernise customs procedures between India and MERCOSUR member countries.

The Protocol was signed by Rajesh Agarwal, Commerce Secretary, Government of India; Alberto Guani, Ambassador of Uruguay to India; and Fleming Raul Duarte Ramos, Ambassador of Paraguay to India.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mario Lubetkin, Foreign Affairs Minister of Uruguay, along with representatives of the Embassies of Argentina and Brazil.

The India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement was signed on 25 January 2004 and came into force on 1 June 2009.

Under the PTA, India provides preferential tariff concessions on 450 tariff lines, while the MERCOSUR side provides concessions on 452 tariff lines.

The First Additional Protocol amends Article 16 of Annex III on Rules of Origin of the PTA.

Under the amendment, electronically issued Certificates of Origin will have the same legal validity and value as paper certificates.

Electronic Certificates of Origin will be issued and digitally signed according to the domestic legislation of the respective participating parties by authorised entities and officials.

 

14) Answer: D

Short Explanation:

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari approved the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) proposal to establish a new weapon and missile testing range at Junput coastal village in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, along the Bay of Bengal.

The proposed Junput Missile Testing Range will become DRDO’s third major missile-testing hub after the existing testing facilities in Odisha and the proposed testing range in Andhra Pradesh.

The Junput facility will strengthen India’s weapon-testing infrastructure and increase the country’s missile testing and launch capacity.

Detailed Explanation:

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari approved the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) proposal to establish a new weapon and missile testing range at Junput coastal village in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, along the Bay of Bengal.

The proposed Junput Missile Testing Range will become DRDO’s third major missile-testing hub after the existing testing facilities in Odisha and the proposed testing range in Andhra Pradesh.

The Junput facility will strengthen India’s weapon-testing infrastructure and increase the country’s missile testing and launch capacity.

The range will support frequent and complex trials of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, air-defence systems and Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) systems.

The facility will provide enhanced tracking support and improve overall testing capacity and launch capability.

The proposed Junput range is located approximately 70 km northeast of Chandipur along the Bay of Bengal coast.

15) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Google selected four Indian startups for its inaugural Google for India Growth & Development Accelerator: AI for the Planet programme, aimed at using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address environmental and sustainability challenges.

The four selected Indian startups are Terrastack, Varaha Climate, Farmers for Forests, and Climatiq Carbon (also spelled Climitra Carbon).

The programme includes 16 organisations from the Asia-Pacific region and will provide selected startups with access to the latest Google AI technologies, technical support and expert mentorship.

Detailed Explanation:

Google selected four Indian startups for its inaugural Google for India Growth & Development Accelerator: AI for the Planet programme, aimed at using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address environmental and sustainability challenges.

The four selected Indian startups are Terrastack, Varaha Climate, Farmers for Forests, and Climatiq Carbon (also spelled Climitra Carbon).

The programme includes 16 organisations from the Asia-Pacific region and will provide selected startups with access to the latest Google AI technologies, technical support and expert mentorship.

The participating startups will receive support for three months to scale solutions aimed at building a sustainable future.

Terrastack combines satellite data and agronomic data to provide plot-level land intelligence for smallholder farmers, supporting sustainable agriculture.

Varaha Climate uses remote sensing and AI to verify regenerative agriculture and carbon removal, enabling small farmers to earn carbon credits.

Google entered into a long-term agreement with ReNew Power for a 150 MW utility-scale solar generation project in Rajasthan, supporting India’s clean energy transition.

Google partnered with Mitti Labs to help smallholder rice farmers in Telangana adopt Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), a technique aimed at reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation.

Google also announced fresh opportunities for research and innovation proposals through the Centre’s Manthan platform.

16) Answer: B

Short Explanation:

CSIR-NIScPR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) has adopted SARAL AI, an initiative of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), to convert research papers published in its journals into engaging and accessible videos.

SARAL AI is an AI-based platform that simplifies complex scientific research papers and patents into short videos, podcasts, posters and business briefs.

The platform aims to make scientific knowledge more accessible to students, researchers and the general public.

Detailed Explanation:

CSIR-NIScPR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) has adopted SARAL AI, an initiative of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), to convert research papers published in its journals into engaging and accessible videos.

SARAL AI is an AI-based platform that simplifies complex scientific research papers and patents into short videos, podcasts, posters and business briefs.

The platform aims to make scientific knowledge more accessible to students, researchers and the general public.

SARAL AI supports multilingual communication in 18 Indian languages, including Hindi, enabling wider dissemination of scientific research across India.

The adoption of SARAL AI by CSIR-NIScPR is aimed at strengthening science communication through emerging technologies.

The initiative aligns with the Government’s emphasis on adopting emerging technologies for effective communication of science and research.

The National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources, located at New Delhi, India, was an information science institute in India founded in 2002

17) Answer: E

Short Explanation:

The 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (9th AIMMAF) was held in New Delhi, Delhi, to strengthen cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India in the fields of agriculture and forestry.

The meeting was co-chaired by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), India, and Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Philippines, representing the ASEAN Chair.

Detailed Explanation:

The 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (9th AIMMAF) was held in New Delhi, Delhi, to strengthen cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India in the fields of agriculture and forestry.

The meeting was co-chaired by Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), India, and Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Philippines, representing the ASEAN Chair.

The meeting reaffirmed ASEAN–India cooperation towards a food-secure, sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

The meeting welcomed ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future and the ASEAN Food, Agriculture and Forestry Sectoral Plan 2026–2030.

Bilateral trade in goods between India and ASEAN reached USD 128 billion in FY 2025–26 (FY26).

18) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), launched the Mangrove Geographic Information System (MGIS) Portal during the Workshop on Mangrove Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Management held at Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat.

The MGIS Portal enables science-based mangrove conservation through habitat monitoring, conservation planning and technology-driven restoration management.

The MGIS Portal is aimed at strengthening science-based decision-making and monitoring of mangrove habitats across Gujarat.

The Minister released a Coffee Table Book on Kachchh Mangroves and the Mangroves Atlas of Gujarat, highlighting mangrove ecology, distribution, conservation efforts and planning.

Detailed Explanation:

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), launched the Mangrove Geographic Information System (MGIS) Portal during the Workshop on Mangrove Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Management held at Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat.

The MGIS Portal enables science-based mangrove conservation through habitat monitoring, conservation planning and technology-driven restoration management.

The MGIS Portal is aimed at strengthening science-based decision-making and monitoring of mangrove habitats across Gujarat.

The Minister released a Coffee Table Book on Kachchh Mangroves and the Mangroves Atlas of Gujarat, highlighting mangrove ecology, distribution, conservation efforts and planning.

Mangroves were highlighted as important living ecosystems supporting coastal biodiversity, fisheries, shoreline protection, climate resilience and livelihoods.

Under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI), Gujarat has restored 27,652 hectares of mangroves against the 2023–27 target of 29,250 hectares.

Out of the mangrove restoration achieved under MISHTI, 12,450 hectares have been covered in the ecologically challenging Kori Creek region.

Gujarat has adopted site-specific restoration techniques suited to the ecological conditions of Kachchh, along with measures for biodiversity enhancement, seaweed cultivation and sustainable livelihoods.

19) Answer: A

Short Explanation:

A multi-institutional research team led by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new subterranean, legless amphibian species, Gegeneophis chandgadi, in the Northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

Gegeneophis chandgadi was discovered at Buzawade village in Chandgad tehsil, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

The species was named after the Chandgadi dialect of Marathi spoken in the region.

Detailed Explanation:

A multi-institutional research team led by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new subterranean, legless amphibian species, Gegeneophis chandgadi, in the Northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra.

Gegeneophis chandgadi was discovered at Buzawade village in Chandgad tehsil, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra.

The species was named after the Chandgadi dialect of Marathi spoken in the region.

Gegeneophis chandgadi is a caecilian, a group of worm-like, legless amphibians belonging to the order Gymnophiona and adapted mainly to underground life.

Caecilians generally have elongated, cylindrical bodies with reduced or absent external limbs and are adapted for burrowing in moist soil, leaf litter and areas near streams.

India now has 458 amphibian species, including 41 caecilian species.

The species was formally published in the Records of the Zoological Survey of India on 2 September 2026.

The first specimen of Gegeneophis valmiki was collected in 2017 by researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

 

20) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Zimbabwe’s Brendan Taylor surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the holder of the longest One-Day International (ODI) career in men’s cricket.

Taylor’s ODI career has now spanned 22 years and 148 days, overtaking Tendulkar’s record of 22 years and 91 days.

Taylor achieved the record after playing in the first ODI of the three-match series between Zimbabwe and Australia in Harare on 15 September 2026.

Detailed Explanation:

Zimbabwe’s Brendan Taylor surpassed Sachin Tendulkar to become the holder of the longest One-Day International (ODI) career in men’s cricket.

Taylor’s ODI career has now spanned 22 years and 148 days, overtaking Tendulkar’s record of 22 years and 91 days.

Taylor achieved the record after playing in the first ODI of the three-match series between Zimbabwe and Australia in Harare on 15 September 2026.

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya ranks third, with an ODI career spanning 21 years and 184 days.

Sachin Tendulkar continues to hold the record for the most ODI runs, with 18,426 runs, and the most ODI appearances, with 463 matches.

Brendan Taylor, aged 40, made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in April 2004.

Before the record-breaking match, Taylor had scored 6,704 ODI runs, including a Zimbabwean-record 11 ODI centuries, in 207 appearances.

21) Answer: E

Princess Astrid Maud Ingeborg of Norway, formally known as Princess Astrid, Mrs. Ferner, passed away at the age of 94 in Oslo, Norway, on 11 September 2026.

Princess Astrid served as the First Lady of Norway from 1954 to 1968 and performed official duties on behalf of the Norwegian Royal Family for several decades.

Princess Astrid was born on 12 February 1932 in Oslo, Norway, as the second child of King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha of Norway.

She married businessman Johan Martin Ferner in 1961.

 

22) Answer: C

International Day of Democracy is observed annually on 15 September to promote and uphold the principles of democracy worldwide.

The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Democracy in 2007.

The first International Day of Democracy was observed on 15 September 2008.

In November 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution titled “Support by the United Nations system of efforts of governments to promote and consolidate a new or restored democracy”.

23) Answer: A

National Engineers Day is observed annually on 15 September in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of renowned engineer and Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.

The Government of India declared 15 September as Engineers Day in 1968, and the day has been observed annually since then.

Sir M. Visvesvaraya made significant contributions to engineering, water management and education in India.

In 1903, he designed automatic water floodgates, which were first installed at the Khadakwasla Reservoir in Pune.

24) Answer: C

Short Explanation:

Daily UPI transaction limits, generally ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh depending on the transaction category, are security and risk-management limits and not charging thresholds.

The framework is also consistent with the Standing Committee on Finance’s 32nd Report, which emphasised the importance of developing a viable revenue model for digital payments.

The framework followed the passage of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which amended Section 10A of the PSS Act, 2007 and removed the earlier exemption from bank charges for electronic payments under Section 269SU of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Detailed Explanation:

Daily UPI transaction limits, generally ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh depending on the transaction category, are security and risk-management limits and not charging thresholds.

A dedicated fund for small merchants will be established, with an amount equivalent to 5% of total MDR collections contributed to the fund to promote UPI adoption and acceptance among small businesses.

The framework aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of UPI while protecting individuals, micro-enterprises and small merchants from additional payment costs.

Revenue from specified larger merchant transactions will support banks, payment service providers and UPI application providers in expanding and improving digital-payment infrastructure, including in rural and semi-urban areas.

The framework follows detailed deliberations by the UPI Steering Committee on MDR rates, operational arrangements and consumer safeguards.

The framework is also consistent with the Standing Committee on Finance’s 32nd Report, which emphasised the importance of developing a viable revenue model for digital payments.

The framework followed the passage of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which amended Section 10A of the PSS Act, 2007 and removed the earlier exemption from bank charges for electronic payments under Section 269SU of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

 

25) Answer: D

About Karnataka:

Chief Minister: D. K. Shivakumar

Governor: Thawarchand Gehlot

Capital: Bengaluru

National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranebennur Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary