Asia Current Affairs Quiz — All time
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
Where was the 25th Meeting of SCO Ministers Responsible for Foreign Economic and Trade Activities held on 17 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Dushanbe
The meeting was held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Bishkek is where the SCO Summit referred to by India took place.
Which three pillars did India highlight at the 25th SCO trade ministers' meeting?
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Correct answer: B — Security, Connectivity and Opportunity
India highlighted Security, Connectivity and Opportunity, citing the PM's vision at the SCO Summit in Bishkek.
At which shipyard was the steel cutting of the second Next Generation Missile Vessel (NGMV) held on 17 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi
The steel cutting of the second NGMV was held at Cochin Shipyard Limited, Kochi.
What does the 'OneTag' service on NHAI's Rajmargyatra app allow FASTag users to do?
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Correct answer: B — Change their FASTag issuer while keeping the existing tag
OneTag is a FASTag portability service: users change issuer without a new physical tag, and the FASTag ID stays the same.
Who was announced on 16 September 2026 as the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024?
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Correct answer: C — Anant Nag
Veteran actor Anant Nag will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024.
Where will the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, at which Anant Nag receives the Phalke Award, be held on 22 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Kevadia, Gujarat
The 72nd National Film Awards ceremony is to be held at Kevadia, Gujarat.
In which film did Anant Nag make his Hindi film debut?
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Correct answer: D — Ankur
Anant Nag debuted in Kannada with Sankalp and in Hindi with Ankur.
Consider the following: 1. Anant Nag was born in Kerala. 2. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award was instituted in 1969, when it was first presented to Devika Rani. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. Anant Nag was born in Karnataka on 4 September 1948.
To what amount did the Union Cabinet raise the EPFO wage ceiling for mandatory coverage on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — ₹25,000 per month
The ceiling was raised from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
About how many additional employees are expected to come under mandatory EPFO coverage after the wage ceiling increase?
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Correct answer: D — More than 51 lakh
More than 51 lakh additional employees are expected to be covered.
When was the EPFO wage ceiling last raised to ₹15,000 before the 2026 decision?
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Correct answer: A — September 2014
The ceiling was raised to ₹15,000 in September 2014 and stayed unchanged until 2026.
Consider the following about the EPFO wage ceiling decision of September 2026: 1. The new ceiling takes effect from 17 September 2026. 2. The annual government outgo is estimated at about ₹11,339 crore. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The revised ceiling applies from 17 September 2026, and the annual outgo is estimated at about ₹11,339 crore.
What was the theme of the 32nd World Ozone Day celebrated in Mumbai on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Global Action for a Cooler Planet
The theme was 'Global Action for a Cooler Planet'.
Which two digital platforms were launched on World Ozone Day 2026 in Mumbai?
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Correct answer: D — Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh launched India's Net Zero Portal and the NAPCC Dashboard.
How many ITIs were adopted by refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) manufacturers, as announced on World Ozone Day 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 248
248 ITIs were adopted by 12 RAC manufacturers to align technician training with industry standards.
Consider the following about India's Net Zero Portal launched on 16 September 2026: 1. It is a platform for voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments by entities. 2. Reporting of Scope 3 emissions on the portal is mandatory. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Scope 1 and 2 reporting is encouraged, while Scope 3 reporting remains voluntary.
Under which law did the MHA declare the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
The network was declared a terrorist organisation under the UAPA.
Consider the following about the Shahzad Bhatti Network, as stated by Amit Shah: 1. It is involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics. 2. It published hateful digital content targeting India's democratic structure and communal harmony. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as stated by the Home Minister.
Where did the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 conclude on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Gandhinagar
WCEF2026 concluded in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, after two days.
Which logo was launched at the closing session of the World Circular Economy Forum 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Ecomark logo
The closing session featured the launch of the Ecomark logo.
Which high-altitude pass did NCC girl cadets cross during the 'Aparajita' trek completed on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — Parang La
The 20 girl cadets crossed the Parang La Pass (5,578 m).
The Parang La Pass connects the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh with which region of Ladakh?
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Correct answer: B — Changthang
Parang La links the Spiti Valley with the Changthang region of Ladakh; the trek ended at Karzok.
Up to what FOB value are export consignments exempted from the RCMC requirement under the September 2026 change?
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Correct answer: D — ₹3 lakh
Export consignments with FOB value up to ₹3 lakh no longer need an RCMC or Certificate of Registration.
Which paragraph of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 did the DGFT amend to bring in the RCMC exemption?
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Correct answer: C — Para 2.57
The DGFT amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
According to the second India Electric Mobility Index launch, how many of India's 36 States and UTs have notified EV policies?
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Correct answer: B — 29
29 of the 36 States and UTs have notified EV policies.
Consider the following from the launch of the second India Electric Mobility Index: 1. The median State score fell from 40 to 36 over the past year. 2. India imports about half of its crude oil requirement. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The median score rose from 36 to 40, and India imports nearly 89% of its crude oil needs.
How many members does the Central Board of Film Certification have after its reconstitution on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 18
The reconstituted CBFC has 18 members.
Under which Act was the CBFC reconstituted in September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Cinematograph Act, 1952
The CBFC was reconstituted under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
The CBIC event 'AEO@10' held on 16 September 2026 marked ten years of which programme?
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Correct answer: C — Authorised Economic Operator programme
AEO@10 marked a decade of India's Authorised Economic Operator programme, aligned with the WCO SAFE Framework.
What is the thematic focus of the ninth edition of NITI Aayog's 'Trade Watch Quarterly' released on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — India's metals and ores trade
The edition focuses on India's metals and ores trade.
Proceeds from the 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction will support which programme?
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Correct answer: D — Namami Gange
Proceeds from the auction of 1,498 mementos will support the Namami Gange programme.
Which two crops did Shivraj Singh Chouhan say were submerged during his flood survey of Bihar on 16 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Banana and maize
He said banana and maize crops were submerged in the flood-hit areas.
Which edition of the India–US exercise Yudh Abhyas opened at Auli on 15 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 22nd
The opening ceremony of the 22nd edition was held at Auli Foreign Training Node.
Besides Auli, where is Yudh Abhyas 2026 being conducted simultaneously?
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Correct answer: D — Mahajan Field Firing Range
The exercise is being held simultaneously at Auli (Uttarakhand) and Mahajan Field Firing Range (Rajasthan).
How many personnel from each side are taking part in Yudh Abhyas 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 600
The contingents comprise 600 personnel from each side.
Consider the following about Exercise Yudh Abhyas: 1. It is an annual bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and the US Army that began in 2004. 2. It is a naval exercise held in the Bay of Bengal. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Yudh Abhyas is an army exercise that began in 2004; it is not a naval exercise.
On which river will the dam under the Kishau Multipurpose Project be built?
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Correct answer: A — Tons
The 232.6 m dam will be built on the Tons river along the Uttarakhand–Himachal Pradesh border.
What share of the cost of the Kishau Multipurpose Project will the Centre bear as a national project?
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Correct answer: C — About 90%
About 90% of the financial burden will be borne by the Centre and 10% by the partner states.
According to Amit Shah, which State/UT will be the biggest beneficiary of the Kishau project?
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Correct answer: B — Delhi
Amit Shah said Delhi will be the biggest beneficiary of the project.
What will be the height of the concrete gravity dam under the Kishau Multipurpose Project?
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Correct answer: D — 232.6 m
A 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam with 1,562 million cubic metres of storage is planned.
Consider the following about the Kishau Multipurpose Project: 1. The Tons river, on which the dam will be built, is a tributary of the Yamuna. 2. The agreement builds on a 12 May 1994 agreement that separate agreements would be signed for each storage project in the basin. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Tons is a major Yamuna tributary, and the 1994 agreement provided for project-wise storage agreements.
What was India's overall unemployment rate (15+ years) in August 2026 as per the PLFS monthly bulletin?
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Correct answer: D — 5.0%
The overall unemployment rate remained stable at 5.0%; 4.1% was the rural rate.
What was the overall Labour Force Participation Rate (15+ years) in August 2026?
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Correct answer: B — 55.6%
Overall LFPR rose to 55.6%. 52.8% is the WPR, 58.2% the rural LFPR and 34.8% the female LFPR.
What was the female Labour Force Participation Rate (15+ years) in August 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 34.8%
Female LFPR was 34.8%, up 1.1 percentage points from August 2025.
Consider the following about the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): 1. It is conducted by the Reserve Bank of India. 2. Its methodology was modified from January 2025 to provide monthly and quarterly estimates. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. PLFS is conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI.
Above what value will MDR apply to specified UPI merchant transactions under the new framework?
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Correct answer: D — ₹2,000
MDR applies only to specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000; payments up to ₹2,000 stay free.
Under which Act was the new UPI framework introduced, according to the Finance Ministry?
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Correct answer: B — Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
The framework was introduced under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, after deliberations by the UPI Steering Committee.
How many of the 22 industrial units inspected by CAQM in Hapur on 15 September 2026 were found non-compliant?
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Correct answer: B — 16
16 of the 22 units were non-compliant; 12 show cause notices were issued.
How many show cause notices did CAQM issue after its Hapur inspection drive?
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Correct answer: D — 12
Based on the inspection, CAQM issued 12 show cause notices.
Consider the following about the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 1. It was constituted under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021. 2. It functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The CAQM Act, 2021 is administered by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
What is the name of the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet held in New Delhi on 15 September 2026?
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Correct answer: C — VIMARSH
Rajnath Singh unveiled the initiatives at 'VIMARSH', the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet.
What new framework did Rajnath Singh launch at VIMARSH for DRDO's licensee industries?
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Correct answer: B — A framework for sharing DRDO software source codes
A standardised, secure framework for sharing DRDO-developed software source codes with licensee industries was launched.
What were India's estimated total exports (merchandise and services) in April–August 2026-27?
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Correct answer: C — US$ 399.27 billion
Total exports were estimated at US$ 399.27 billion, up 15.55%. US$ 215.91 billion is merchandise only; US$ 459.65 billion is total imports.
Which merchandise export category grew the fastest in August 2026, by 89.82%?
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Correct answer: A — Electronic goods
Electronic goods exports rose 89.82% from US$ 2.93 billion to US$ 5.55 billion.
What were India's merchandise exports in August 2026?
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Correct answer: D — US$ 43.81 billion
Merchandise exports were US$ 43.81 billion in August 2026; US$ 82.68 billion is total (goods + services) exports.
How much penalty did the CCPA impose on Rapido in September 2026 for misleading tipping prompts?
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Correct answer: B — ₹10 lakh
The CCPA imposed a ₹10 lakh penalty on Roppen Transportation Services, which runs Rapido.
Which two dark patterns did the CCPA find in Rapido's ride-booking interface?
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Correct answer: D — Confirm Shaming and Interface Interference
The CCPA held that Rapido's prompts amounted to Confirm Shaming and Interface Interference.
Consider the following about the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023: 1. They list 13 specified dark patterns. 2. They were issued by the CCPA under Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The CCPA issued the guidelines on 30 November 2023 under Section 18, listing 13 dark patterns.
Where is the 48th WorldSkills Competition being held in September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Shanghai
The 48th WorldSkills Competition is in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026.
How many competitors are in India's contingent for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026?
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Correct answer: C — 70
India's largest-ever contingent of 70 competitors will compete in 63 skill categories.
Whose 150th birth anniversary was marked on 15 September 2026, with PM Modi paying homage?
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Correct answer: A — Saratchandra Chattopadhyay
PM Modi paid homage to Bengali writer Saratchandra Chattopadhyay on his 150th birth anniversary.
According to PM Modi's tribute, Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's works are known for depicting which society?
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Correct answer: D — Rural Bengali society of 19th-century India
The PM said his works accurately depict 19th-century India, especially rural Bengali society.
Which Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal in Kachchh did Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurate on 15 September 2026?
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Correct answer: D — Shivlakha
Shivlakha GCT in Kachchh was inaugurated; Bhimasar, Devaliya and Chandisar were dedicated to the nation.
To which destination was the salt-loaded freight train from Shivlakha GCT flagged off?
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Correct answer: A — Mithapur
The salt-loaded freight train ran from Shivlakha GCT to Mithapur.
How much suspected methamphetamine did the DRI seize in Assam and Tripura on 15 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — 231.8 kg
The DRI seized a total of 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets from four trucks.
Which force assisted the DRI in intercepting the trucks carrying methamphetamine in Assam and Tripura?
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Correct answer: C — Assam Rifles
Battalions of the Assam Rifles (38 Bn and 28 Bn) assisted in the interceptions.
Consider the following about the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): 1. It functions under the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). 2. It was established in 1987. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: D — Neither 1 nor 2
Neither is correct. The DRI works under the CBIC and was established in 1957.
Where is the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), which marked 25 years as an Institution of National Importance on 15 September 2026, located?
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Correct answer: C — Sapru House
The ICWA celebrations were held at Sapru House, New Delhi; the Vice-President is ICWA's President.
At which institute was the SPROUT facility for climate-resilient crop research inaugurated on 15 September 2026?
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Correct answer: A — BRIC-NIPGR, New Delhi
Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated SPROUT at BRIC-National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi.