Asia Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
How many live Indian star tortoises did the DRI seize in Bengaluru, as reported on 9 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 180
DRI recovered 180 live Indian star tortoises concealed in six cloth covers near Gandhinagar, Bengaluru.
Consider the following about the DRI wildlife seizures reported on 9 September 2026: 1. The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. The leopard pelt was seized at Jeypore in Koraput district of Odisha. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. WCCB identified the tortoises as Geochelone elegans, a Schedule I species, and one leopard pelt was recovered at Jeypore, Koraput.
Which shipbuilder designed and built the Ocean Research Vessel 'Sagar Manthan', launched on 9 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
GRSE built ORV Sagar Manthan for NCPOR; it was launched at the Rishi Bankim Shipyard, Kolkata.
ORV Sagar Manthan was built for which institution under the Ministry of Earth Sciences?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
The vessel was built for the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
Consider the following about ORV Sagar Manthan: 1. It was built under the Deep Ocean Mission at a cost of about ₹840 crore. 2. It has a projected service life of 30 years and can operate in the Southern Ocean. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. It was built under Vertical-4 of the Deep Ocean Mission for about ₹840 crore and is designed for extreme environments including the Southern Ocean, with a 30-year life.
Under which section of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 did FIU-IND issue notices to 15 VDA service providers on 9 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Section 13
The notices were issued under Section 13 of the PMLA.
Since when have Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers been covered by India's AML/CFT framework under the PMLA?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — March 2023
VDA SPs were brought under the AML/CFT framework of the PMLA in March 2023.
Consider the following about FIU-IND's action of 9 September 2026 against VDA service providers: 1. FIU-IND also sought takedown of their apps and URLs as nodal officer under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000. 2. Notices were issued to 25 entities. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The FIU-IND Director issued takedown notices under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act; notices went to 15 entities, not 25.
Where will the 48th WorldSkills Competition, in which India debuts in 11 new skills, be held in September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Shanghai
The 48th WorldSkills Competition is in Shanghai, China, from 22 to 27 September 2026.
In how many of the 64 skills will Team Skill India compete at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 63
India will compete in 63 of 64 skills with nearly 70 competitors.
Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed a Special Session of which state Legislative Assembly on 9 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Arunachal Pradesh
He addressed the Special Session of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Itanagar.
Who assumed charge as Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis on 9 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Bhagwat Prasad Makwana
Bhagwat Prasad Makwana, appointed on 6 September 2026, assumed charge on 9 September.
Which city hosted the 7th Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026, inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 8 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Mumbai
GFF 2026 was held in Mumbai from 8 to 11 September 2026.
Which of the following is NOT one of the principal organisers of the Global Fintech Fest?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Reserve Bank of India
PIB lists PCI, NPCI and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC) as the principal organisers of GFF.
Consider the following statements about GFF 2026: 1. Its theme focused on Agentic AI, Tokenisation and Quantum. 2. At the inauguration, PM Modi urged the sector to work on a Fintech Consumer Protection Index. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the theme was 'Potential to Impact: Agentic AI | Tokenisation | Quantum…', and the PM called for a Fintech Consumer Protection Index.
According to the PIB backgrounder on GFF 2026, how many banks were live on UPI in July 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 741
In July 2026 UPI processed 2,365.8 crore transactions worth ₹29.88 lakh crore with 741 banks live on the platform.
The draft amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945 notified on 8 September 2026 proposes which measure at medical stores?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Mandatory CCTV surveillance
Draft G.S.R. 791(E) proposes mandatory CCTV surveillance at medical stores for Schedule H, H1 and X drugs.
The draft notification G.S.R. 791(E) of 8 September 2026 targets which categories of drugs?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Schedule H, H1 and X
The draft seeks to strengthen oversight of Schedule H, H1 and X drugs.
Consider the following statements about the Drugs Rules draft of September 2026: 1. It was issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. 2. Objections and suggestions have been invited from the public. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The draft was issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which invited public objections and suggestions.
How many members are in India's contingent for the 2026 Asian Games, as announced at the 8 September 2026 send-off?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 503
Sports Minister Mandaviya said a 503-member contingent is going to the Asian Games.
The 20th Asian Games in 2026 are being hosted by which city/region?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
The 20th Asian Games are being held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Who is the Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent for the 2026 Asian Games?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sahdev Yadav
Chef de Mission Sahdev Yadav joined the minister and IOA President P.T. Usha in unveiling the jersey; Hari Ranjan Rao is Sports Secretary.
Consider the following statements about the 2026 Asian Games: 1. The official opening ceremony is on 19 September 2026, but some competitions start on 10 September. 2. The programme has 43 sports and 469 medal events. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per Olympics.com: the Games officially run 19 September–4 October with action from 10 September, across 43 sports and 469 medal events.
On 8 September 2026, PM Modi marked the completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor at which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Vadodara
At Vadodara the PM launched projects worth over ₹35,000 crore and marked the completion of the 2,800 km DFC.
What total length of the Dedicated Freight Corridor did PM Modi say had been completed?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2,800 km
The PM marked the completion of the 2,800-kilometre Dedicated Freight Corridor.
Consider the following statements made by PM Modi at Vadodara: 1. More than 430 cargo trains now run daily on the freight corridors. 2. A double-stack container train from JNPT to Vadodara carried cargo equal to more than 250 trucks. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both figures were cited by the PM in his Vadodara speech.
The 'Saptadhara' resolution referred to by PM Modi at Vadodara was originally announced at which venue?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Red Fort
The PM said the 'Saptadhara' (seven streams) resolution was announced at the Red Fort.
Which of the following correctly matches a Dedicated Freight Corridor built by DFCCIL with its end points and length?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Eastern DFC: Ludhiana–Sonnagar, 1,337 km
The Eastern DFC runs from Ludhiana to Sonnagar (1,337 km) and the Western DFC from JNPT to Dadri (1,506 km); both are built by DFCCIL under the Ministry of Railways.
How many applications were received in Round 1 of the ₹37,500 crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Seven
The Ministry of Coal said Round 1 closed with seven applications.
What national coal gasification capacity target does India have for 2030?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 100 million tonnes
The national objective is 100 million tonnes of coal gasification by 2030, including 75 million tonnes under the new scheme.
Consider the following statements: 1. Adani Enterprises submitted three projects with urea as the end product in Round 1. 2. The ₹37,500 crore scheme replaced an earlier ₹8,500 crore scheme whose projects were cancelled. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The new scheme builds on the ₹8,500 crore scheme of January 2024, under which eight projects are still being implemented.
The Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI), which has prevented suspected cyber fraud of over ₹5,000 crore, was developed by which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Department of Telecommunications
The FRI was developed by the Department of Telecommunications under its Digital Intelligence Platform.
Under the FRI, mobile numbers are classified into which risk categories?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Medium, High, Very High
The FRI classifies mobile numbers as Medium, High or Very High risk.
Consider the following statements about the FRI: 1. It was launched on 22 May 2025. 2. It draws on citizen reports from the Sanchar Saathi platform. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the FRI was launched on 22 May 2025 and uses inputs including Sanchar Saathi citizen reports.
India held the inaugural meeting of a Joint Defence Committee with which country in New Delhi on 8 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Morocco
The first India–Morocco Joint Defence Committee met in New Delhi on 8 September 2026.
Consider the following statements about the India–Morocco Joint Defence Committee: 1. It was set up under a defence MoU signed during Rajnath Singh's visit to Morocco in September 2025. 2. India and Morocco will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release.
Who co-chaired the inaugural India–Morocco Joint Defence Committee from the Indian side?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation)
Amitabh Prasad, JS (International Cooperation), co-chaired with Brig Gen Abdellah Athmani of Morocco.
8 September 2026 marked the 100th birth anniversary of which Bharat Ratna awardee from Assam?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Bhupen Hazarika
PM Modi paid tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika on his 100th birth anniversary on 8 September 2026.
Bhupen Hazarika was announced as a posthumous Bharat Ratna recipient in January 2019 along with which two others?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Nanaji Deshmukh and Pranab Mukherjee
The President's communique of 25 January 2019 named Nanaji Deshmukh (posthumously), Dr Bhupen Hazarika (posthumously) and Pranab Mukherjee.
On 8 September 2026, CAQM reviewed which State's pollution control board over non-compliance on C&D site video monitoring?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Haryana
CAQM held the review with the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB).
Under CAQM's statutory directions, construction and demolition projects above what plot area must register on the State portal and install video monitoring?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 500 sq m
The directions cover all C&D projects with a plot area of 500 sq m or more.
Consider the following statements about the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 1. It is a statutory body under an Act of Parliament that received presidential assent in August 2021. 2. The Act dissolved the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) for the NCR. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The CAQM Act, 2021 received assent on 12 August 2021 and dissolved EPCA, set up in 1998.
Consider the following statements about the High Court appointments notified on 8 September 2026: 1. Three judicial officers were appointed Judges of the Chhattisgarh High Court. 2. Two advocates were appointed Additional Judges of the Gauhati High Court. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. At the Gauhati High Court, one advocate (Nchumbemo Mozhui) and one judicial officer (Helen Dawngliani) were appointed Additional Judges.
The 7th India–Japan Joint Working Group on Forests, held in Bengaluru on 8 September 2026, endorsed a roadmap for which period?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2027–2031
Both sides endorsed the Roadmap for 2027–2031 under the 2015 Memorandum of Cooperation.
As per the kharif sowing report as on 4 September 2026, which crop groups registered higher coverage than the corresponding period of last year?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Pulses and jute & mesta
Pulses (117.13 vs 115.30 lakh ha) and jute & mesta (6.34 vs 6.24 lakh ha) were ahead; rice and oilseeds were lower.
The National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse planned for September 2026 marks which anniversary of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 6th
The Social Justice Ministry said the pledge marks the 6th anniversary of the NMBA and targets 10 crore+ citizens.
On 7 September 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity to proposals worth about how much?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — ₹1.10 lakh crore
The DAC granted AoN to proposals worth about ₹1,10,000 crore.
In defence procurement, what does 'Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)' granted by the DAC mean?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — In-principle administrative approval
PIB describes AoN as the in-principle administrative approval for acquisition proposals.
The Arudhra radars approved by the DAC on 7 September 2026 are meant for which service, and to replace what?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Navy; Air Route Surveillance Radars at naval air stations
For the Navy, Arudhra radars will replace existing Air Route Surveillance Radars at naval air stations.
Consider the following statements about the DAC approvals of 7 September 2026: 1. The Sarvatra Bridge System and Trawl Tanks were approved for the Indian Army. 2. Marine Gas Turbines, a warship propulsion system, were approved for the Indian Navy. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Ministry of Defence release.
Where was the 28th meeting of the Western Zonal Council held on 7 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Panaji
Amit Shah chaired the 28th Western Zonal Council meeting in Panaji, Goa.
Which of the following is NOT a member of the Western Zonal Council?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Rajasthan
The Western Zonal Council comprises Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu; Rajasthan is in the Northern Zonal Council.
Consider the following statements about Zonal Councils: 1. They were set up under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. 2. They are constitutional bodies created under Article 263. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. Zonal Councils are statutory advisory bodies set up under Part III of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, not constitutional bodies.
According to Amit Shah at the 28th WZC meeting, how many meetings of Zonal Councils and their Standing Committees have been held since 2014?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 71
Since 2014, 71 meetings have been held, compared with 25 during 2004–14.
PACT, launched at the 5th e-FAST India Summit on 7 September 2026, stands for what?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport
PACT is the Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport, launched by NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba.
e-FAST India, under which PACT was launched to support zero-emission trucks, is an initiative of which body?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — NITI Aayog
PIB describes e-FAST India as an initiative of NITI Aayog.
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed on which date?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 7 September
The day is observed every year on 7 September; the UN General Assembly designated it in 2019.
What is 'PRANA' in the context of India's air quality management?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — A portal for monitoring implementation of the National Clean Air Programme
PRANA, the Portal for Regulation of Air-Pollution in Non-Attainment cities, tracks the physical and financial progress of NCAP city action plans. SAMEER is the AQI app.
Consider the following statements about the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): 1. It was launched in 2019 and covers 130 cities. 2. Cities receive NCAP funds as performance-linked grants based on air quality. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: NCAP was launched in 2019 in 130 cities, and ₹16,423.55 crore was given as air-quality performance-linked grants from 2019-20 to 2025-26.
Which university, where the Vice-President laid the foundation stone for ₹110 crore of works on 7 September 2026, was the first university in Northeast India?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Gauhati University
Gauhati University, established on 26 January 1948, was the first university in Northeast India.
The New Shillong Water Supply Scheme Phase II, Part A, whose foundation stone was laid by the Vice-President, is funded under which programme?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Urban Challenge Fund
The ₹850.58 crore scheme is under the Urban Challenge Fund.
Consider the following statements about the Vice-President's Meghalaya visit on 7 September 2026: 1. Foundation stones were laid for five projects worth ₹1,010.95 crore. 2. A Maternity and Children's Hospital at Nongstoin was inaugurated under the National Health Mission. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Vice-President's Secretariat release.
Which city will host the main celebration of the 11th Ayurveda Day on 23 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Nagpur
The main Ayurveda Day 2026 celebration will be held in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
What is the theme of Ayurveda Day 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow
The theme announced on 7 September 2026 is 'Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow'.
The National Commission for Women's two-day workshop on 'Gender-Responsive Governance', inaugurated by Om Birla on 7 September 2026, was held in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Faridabad
The workshop was held in Faridabad, Haryana.
Consider the following statements about the National Commission for Women: 1. It is a constitutional body created by a constitutional amendment. 2. The first Commission was constituted on 31 January 1992. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The NCW is a statutory body under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, and the first Commission was constituted on 31 January 1992.
The Open API facility for Certificates of Origin launched on 7 September 2026 is available on which platform?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Trade Connect e-Platform
DGFT introduced the Open API for CoO issuance and verification through the Trade Connect e-Platform.
Consider the following statements about DGFT's Open API facility: 1. It covers only preferential Certificates of Origin issued under FTAs. 2. It lets exporters send application data from their own ERP or accounting software. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Only 2 is correct. The facility covers both preferential and non-preferential Certificates of Origin.
Which State's police force received the President's Colour from Amit Shah on 7 September 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Goa Police
Amit Shah presented the President's Colour to the Goa Police in Panaji.
Consider the following statements about the Goa Police, as stated at the President's Colour ceremony: 1. Its AI-based call agent for the 1930 helpline registers complaints in all Eighth Schedule languages. 2. Its conviction rate rose from 23% to 53% in one year. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both were stated by Amit Shah at the ceremony.
Scientists from which Indian institute led a study showing that a well-timed flip operation can delay 'entanglement sudden death' in quantum systems?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Raman Research Institute
The study was by scientists of the Raman Research Institute (an autonomous DST institute) with the University of Calgary and Louisiana State University.
The 'Drug-free India' roadmap announced by Amit Shah on 6 September 2026 covers which period?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — July 2026 – July 2029
Amit Shah said a three-year roadmap from July 2026 to July 2029 has been prepared.
Which of the following is NOT one of the four pillars of the 'Drug-free India' roadmap?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Decriminalisation of personal drug use
The four pillars are intelligence- and operation-based enforcement, precursor and synthetic drugs control, demand and harm reduction, and capacity building and coordination.
According to Amit Shah, what was the value of drugs seized in India from 2014 to 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹1.89 lakh crore
Drugs worth ₹1.89 lakh crore (over 11.9 million kg) were seized in 2014–2026, compared with ₹40,000 crore in 2004–2014.
Consider the following statements made by Amit Shah on narcotics control: 1. A four-tier NCORD mechanism was created in 2019. 2. India has signed agreements with 46 countries for international cooperation against drugs. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Home Ministry release.