Daily Current Affairs 16 September 2026

Q1 What is the name of the new AI-powered voice assistant launched by Amazon in India?

• AAlexa+Correct
• BEcho AI
• CFire Assistant
• DAmazon Genie

Explanation Amazon launched Alexa+, a generative AI-powered voice assistant, in India.

Q2 On which devices is Alexa+ available under early access in India?

• AOnly Alexa mobile app
• BEcho smart speakers, smart displays, Fire TV devices, and Alexa mobile appCorrect
• COnly Fire TV streaming devices
• DOnly smart displays and browser

Explanation Alexa+ is available for free under early access on Echo smart speakers, smart displays, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa mobile app.

Q3 What feature of Alexa+ is highlighted by Amazon executives?

• AIt is more conversationalCorrect
• BIt supports only English language
• CIt requires paid subscription
• DIt is limited to smart displays

Explanation Amazon executives stated that Alexa+ is more conversational, enhancing user interaction.

Q1 Which two companies have partnered to evaluate turboprop engines for India's HALE UAV programme?

• ABharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney CanadaCorrect
• BDRDO and Bharat Forge
• CPratt & Whitney Canada and DRDO
• DBharat Forge and HAL

Explanation Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada have joined hands to evaluate turboprop engines for the HALE UAV programme.

Q2 What is the primary goal of the Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada collaboration in the HALE UAV programme?

• ATo lease MQ-9B drones to India
• BTo evaluate turboprop engines and support indigenous UAV developmentCorrect
• CTo manufacture drones for export
• DTo develop fighter aircraft engines

Explanation The collaboration aims to evaluate turboprop engines and support India's indigenous unmanned aerial systems efforts.

Q3 The HALE UAV programme is part of which Indian initiative?

• AMake in India
• BDigital India
• CAtmanirbhar BharatCorrect
• DStartup India

Explanation The HALE UAV programme supports India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost indigenous technology.

Q1 What is the key provision of the Russia sanctions bill advanced by the US House?

• AImpose 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas including IndiaCorrect
• BLift all tariffs on Russian energy imports
• CProvide financial aid to Russia
• DBan all trade with India

Explanation The bill allows the US President to impose 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, including India.

Q2 What happened to the Democratic amendments related to the Russia sanctions bill in the US House Rules Committee?

• AThey were accepted and included in the bill
• BThey were defeated, including one naming India explicitly for tariffsCorrect
• CThey were postponed for future consideration
• DThey were withdrawn by the sponsors

Explanation Two Democratic amendments, one naming India explicitly and another limiting presidential tariff powers, were defeated in the Rules Committee.

Q3 When is the final vote on the Russia sanctions bill expected in the US House?

• ASeptember 16, 2026Correct
• BOctober 1, 2026
• CAugust 30, 2026
• DNo final vote is scheduled

Explanation The bill is expected to come up for a final vote in the House on September 16, 2026.

Q1 When was the drone attack on Mecca intercepted?

• ASeptember 15, 2026Correct
• BJuly 2017
• CSeptember 16, 2026
• DAugust 2025

Explanation The drone attack was intercepted on September 15, 2026, as stated in the sources.

Q2 Who attempted the drone attack on Mecca in 2026?

• AHouthi groupCorrect
• BIndian government
• CSaudi Arabian forces
• DUnited Nations

Explanation The Houthi group attempted the drone attack on Mecca, as confirmed by spokesperson Turki al-Malki.

Q3 What was the previous attempt by the Houthis to target Mecca before the 2026 drone attack?

• AA ballistic missile launch in July 2017Correct
• BA drone attack in 2018
• CA cyberattack in 2019
• DA naval blockade in 2020

Explanation The previous attempt was a ballistic missile launch in July 2017, as mentioned in the sources.

Q1 What was the nature of the threat intercepted by Saudi Arabia near Mecca on September 15, 2026?

• AA ballistic missile launch
• BA Houthi droneCorrect
• CA ground invasion
• DA naval attack

Explanation Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone near Mecca on September 15, 2026.

Q2 How did Saudi Arabia describe the safety of Mecca following the drone incident?

• AA negotiable issue
• BA red lineCorrect
• CA minor concern
• DAn internal matter

Explanation Saudi Arabia called the safety of Mecca a 'red line' after intercepting the Houthi drone.

Q3 Which countries is Saudi Arabia reportedly seeking support from amid Houthi threats?

• APakistan and Iran
• BIsrael and the UKCorrect
• CUnited States and Russia
• DChina and Turkey

Explanation Saudi Arabia is reportedly seeking intelligence-sharing support from Israel and the UK amid ongoing Houthi threats.

Q1 What age group is targeted by the European Commission's proposed restrictions on social media use?

• AUnder 12
• BUnder 15Correct
• CUnder 18
• DUnder 21

Explanation The proposal targets children under 15 for restrictions on creating and using social media accounts.

Q2 Which country's president has called for similar social media legislation across the European Union?

• AGermany
• BFranceCorrect
• CItaly
• DSpain

Explanation French President Emmanuel Macron has called for similar legislation to be adopted throughout the EU.

Q3 What is the main purpose of the proposed social media restrictions for children under 15 in the EU?

• ATo increase social media usage
• BTo protect children from potential harms of social mediaCorrect
• CTo promote digital literacy
• DTo regulate advertising on social media

Explanation The proposals aim to protect children under 15 from potential harms associated with social media use.

Q1 What is the MDR charge introduced by NPCI on UPI transactions over ₹2,000 to merchants?

• A0.2%
• B0.4%Correct
• C0.6%
• D1%

Explanation NPCI has introduced a 0.4% MDR charge on UPI transactions above ₹2,000 to merchants.

Q2 Which of the following transactions are exempt from the new MDR charge on UPI payments?

• APerson-to-person transactionsCorrect
• BAll merchant transactions
• CTransactions below ₹5,000
• DOnline bill payments

Explanation Person-to-person transactions and small merchants are exempt from the MDR charge.

Q3 According to the Ministry of Finance, what percentage of total UPI transaction value do person-to-person transactions constitute?

• A30%
• B50%
• C70%Correct
• D90%

Explanation Person-to-person transactions constitute 70% of the total UPI transaction value.

Q1 What is the new wage ceiling approved by the Union Cabinet for EPFO coverage?

• A₹15,000 per month
• B₹20,000 per month
• C₹25,000 per monthCorrect
• D₹30,000 per month

Explanation The Union Cabinet approved raising the EPFO wage ceiling to ₹25,000 per month from the earlier ₹15,000.

Q2 Approximately how many additional employees will benefit from the revised EPFO wage ceiling?

• A25 lakh
• B51 lakhCorrect
• C75 lakh
• D1 crore

Explanation More than 51 lakh additional employees are expected to come under mandatory EPFO coverage due to the wage ceiling revision.

Q3 What was one reason cited by the government for raising the EPFO wage ceiling after 12 years?

• ADecline in formal employment
• BSustained wage growth and rising incomesCorrect
• CReduction in inflation
• DIncrease in informal sector jobs

Explanation The government stated that the revision reflects sustained wage growth, rising incomes, and expansion of formal employment.

Q1 Why did the Reserve Bank of India file a caveat in the Bombay High Court regarding Tata Sons?

• ATo support Tata Sons' bid to avoid listing
• BTo ensure it is heard if any petition challenges the mandatory listingCorrect
• CTo approve Tata Sons' deregistration as an NBFC
• DTo request immediate listing of Tata Sons

Explanation The RBI filed the caveat to ensure it gets an opportunity to present its arguments if any petitioner challenges the mandatory listing or seeks a stay.

Q2 What was the RBI's decision that led to filing the caveat in the Tata Sons listing matter?

• AApproving Tata Sons' deregistration as an NBFC
• BRejecting Tata Sons' application to deregister as an NBFCCorrect
• CGranting Tata Sons exemption from listing
• DOrdering immediate listing of Tata Sons

Explanation The RBI rejected Tata Sons' application to deregister as a non-banking financial company, which pushed the company closer to mandatory stock market listing.

Q3 What is the implication of RBI rejecting Tata Sons' NBFC deregistration application?

• ATata Sons can avoid stock market listing
• BTata Sons must comply with mandatory stock market listingCorrect
• CTata Sons will become a bank
• DTata Sons will be delisted from the stock market

Explanation The rejection of deregistration means Tata Sons is pushed closer to mandatory stock market listing.

Q1 What was India's overall unemployment rate in August 2026?

• A4.1%
• B5%Correct
• C6.8%
• D7%

Explanation The overall unemployment rate in India held steady at 5% in August 2026.

Q2 How did rural unemployment in India change in August 2026?

• AIncreased to 6.8%
• BRemained at 5%
• CFell to 4.1%Correct
• DRose to 7%

Explanation Rural unemployment fell to 4.1% in August 2026, contributing to the steady overall unemployment rate.

Q3 What happened to urban unemployment in India in August 2026?

• AIt decreased to 4.1%
• BIt remained unchanged
• CIt rose to 6.8%Correct
• DIt fell to 5%

Explanation Urban unemployment rose to 6.8% in August 2026, despite the overall rate remaining steady.

Q1 By what percentage did India's goods exports increase in August 2026?

• A15%
• B20%
• C26%Correct
• D30%

Explanation India's goods exports surged by 26% in August 2026 as reported.

Q2 Which sector's items were major contributors to India's trade deficit in August 2026?

• AAgricultural products
• BEnergy items like petroleum and coalCorrect
• CTextiles
• DAutomobiles

Explanation Energy items such as petroleum, crude, coal, coke, and briquettes were major drivers of the trade deficit.

Q3 What milestone did Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal highlight about India's merchandise trade in August 2026?

• AImports grew faster than exports
• BExports and imports grew at the same rate
• CMerchandise export growth surpassed import growth in both percentage and absolute termsCorrect
• DTrade deficit widened significantly

Explanation Rajesh Agrawal noted that merchandise export growth surpassed import growth in both percentage and absolute value terms for the first time.

Q1 What was the retail inflation rate in India in August as per the Consumer Price Index?

• A4.4%
• B4.8%Correct
• C9.8%
• D20%

Explanation Retail inflation rose to 4.8% in August, the highest in 20 months, driven by rising food prices.

Q2 What impact did the inflation data have on the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy outlook?

• ANo impact on policy
• BStrengthened possibility of a rate hike in OctoberCorrect
• CGuaranteed rate cut in October
• DPostponed any rate decisions

Explanation The rise in retail and wholesale inflation strengthened the possibility of a rate hike by the RBI in October.

Q3 What was the wholesale inflation rate reported alongside the August retail inflation?

• A4.4%
• B4.8%
• C9.8%Correct
• D20%

Explanation Wholesale inflation was reported at 9.8%, the second highest in the current series.

Q1 By what percentage did India's goods exports rise in August 2026?

• A21.83%
• B26.13%Correct
• C52.35%
• D27.2%

Explanation India's goods exports rose by 26.13% to $43.81 billion in August 2026.

Q2 Which sector was NOT mentioned as driving India's export growth in August 2026?

• AEngineering
• BPetroleum products
• CChemicals
• DAutomobilesCorrect

Explanation Engineering, petroleum products, chemicals, and textiles were mentioned; automobiles were not.

Q3 What was the change in India's trade deficit in August 2026 compared to August 2025?

• AIncreased to $27.2 billion
• BDeclined to $26.86 billionCorrect
• CRemained at $27.2 billion
• DDeclined to $21.83 billion

Explanation India's trade deficit declined to $26.86 billion in August 2026 from $27.2 billion in August 2025.

Q1 What was the closing value of the Indian rupee against the US dollar as reported?

• A95.84
• B95.92Correct
• C106.00
• D38 paise

Explanation The rupee closed at 95.92 against the US dollar as per the latest report.

Q2 What factor primarily caused the rupee to slump against the US dollar?

• AIncreased dollar demand from oil importersCorrect
• BDecrease in Brent crude prices
• CGovernment intervention in forex markets
• DRise in domestic inflation only

Explanation The rupee slump was primarily due to increased dollar demand from oil importers amid rising Brent crude prices.

Q3 What was the price of Brent crude oil that influenced the rupee's fall?

• A$95.92 per barrel
• B$106 per barrelCorrect
• C$38 per barrel
• D$100 per barrel

Explanation Brent crude oil price touched $106 per barrel, contributing to the rupee's fall.

Q1 Under which act was the Shahzad Bhatti Network declared a terrorist organisation?

• AUnlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)Correct
• BNational Security Act
• CArms Act
• DPrevention of Money Laundering Act

Explanation The Shahzad Bhatti Network was declared a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Q2 Who announced the designation of the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist outfit?

• APrime Minister Narendra Modi
• BUnion Home Minister Amit ShahCorrect
• CDefence Minister Rajnath Singh
• DExternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

Explanation Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the designation of the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organisation.

Q3 What is the primary reason cited for banning the Shahzad Bhatti Network?

• AInvolvement in financial fraud
• BParticipation in various acts of terrorism in IndiaCorrect
• CIllegal immigration activities
• DCybercrime activities

Explanation The Centre believes that the Shahzad Bhatti Network was involved in terrorism and participated in various acts of terrorism in India.

Q1 Why was IndiGo flight 6E6504 diverted to Lucknow Airport?

• ATechnical failure in the engine
• BSmoke warning onboard the flightCorrect
• CBad weather conditions in Delhi
• DPassenger medical emergency

Explanation The flight was diverted to Lucknow after a smoke warning was detected onboard.

Q2 How many passengers were onboard IndiGo flight 6E6504 when it landed in Lucknow?

• A100 passengers
• B103 passengersCorrect
• C110 passengers
• D95 passengers

Explanation The flight carried 103 passengers along with six crew members.

Q3 What was the outcome after IndiGo flight 6E6504 landed at Lucknow Airport?

• ASeveral injuries reported
• BFlight was delayed by several hours
• CNo untoward incident or injuries reportedCorrect
• DFlight continued to Delhi immediately

Explanation Airport authorities confirmed no injuries or untoward incidents were reported after landing.

Q1 What is the main reason for the CCPA probe against Apple in India?

• AComplaints about iOS 18 software and warranty termsCorrect
• BData privacy violations
• CTax evasion allegations
• DPatent infringement issues

Explanation The CCPA probe was initiated due to complaints about iOS 18 software, software warranty terms, and costly iPhone repairs.

Q2 Which authority is investigating Apple over iOS 18 complaints in India?

• AConsumer Protection Authority (CCPA)Correct
• BTelecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
• CReserve Bank of India (RBI)
• DCompetition Commission of India (CCI)

Explanation The Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is probing Apple over complaints related to iOS 18 and warranty issues.

Q3 What aspect of Apple’s service is under scrutiny in the CCPA probe?

• ASoftware warranty terms and repair costsCorrect
• BAdvertising practices
• CEmployee working conditions
• DEnvironmental impact of products

Explanation The probe focuses on software warranty terms and the high cost of iPhone repairs.

Q1 What significant change has Meta made regarding reporting child sexual abuse material in India?

• AIt will report CSAM directly to India's cybercrime authoritiesCorrect
• BIt will continue reporting CSAM only to the US-based NCMEC
• CIt will no longer report CSAM in India
• DIt will report CSAM to international agencies only

Explanation Meta has shifted from reporting CSAM through the US-based NCMEC to reporting directly to India's cybercrime authorities.

Q2 Which US-based organization did Meta previously use to report child sexual abuse material globally?

• ANational Cyber Security Centre
• BNational Center for Missing and Exploited ChildrenCorrect
• CFederal Bureau of Investigation
• DUnited Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

Explanation Meta previously reported child sexual abuse material through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the US.

Q1 Which court ordered the tax department to refund ₹783 crore to Teva Israel?

• ASupreme Court of India
• BDelhi High CourtCorrect
• CBombay High Court
• DMadras High Court

Explanation The Delhi High Court ordered the tax department to refund ₹783 crore to Teva Israel.

Q2 The ₹783 crore tax refund to Teva Israel is related to payments linked to which company?

• ACipla
• BDr. Reddy's Laboratories
• CRanbaxyCorrect
• DLupin

Explanation The refund concerns payments linked to the erstwhile Ranbaxy, now part of Sun Pharmaceutical Industries.

Q3 How long was the court battle before the Delhi High Court's refund order to Teva Israel?

• AAbout 5 years
• BNearly 9 yearsCorrect
• CMore than 15 years
• DLess than 2 years

Explanation The court battle lasted nearly nine years before the refund order.

Q1 What was the result of the second T20I match between India and Afghanistan on September 15, 2026?

• AIndia won by seven wicketsCorrect
• BAfghanistan won by seven wickets
• CMatch ended in a draw
• DAfghanistan won by 20 runs

Explanation India won the second T20I match by seven wickets, sealing the series.

Q2 Who scored a quick 57 off 22 balls for India in the second T20I against Afghanistan?

• ASanju Samson
• BNitishCorrect
• CAbhishek
• DThe medium-pacer

Explanation Opener Nitish scored 57 runs off 22 balls, playing a key role in India's chase.

Q3 What was the total score of Afghanistan in the second T20I match against India?

• A159 for eightCorrect
• B200 for five
• C140 for ten
• D180 for six

Explanation Afghanistan was restricted to 159 runs for eight wickets by India's bowling.

Q1 Where will the Asian Games be held from September 19 to October 4?

• ATokyo
• BNagoya and the wider Aichi areaCorrect
• CSeoul
• DBeijing

Explanation The Asian Games will take place in Nagoya and the wider Aichi area from September 19 to October 4.

Q2 Approximately how many competitors and officials are expected at the Asian Games?

• A5,000
• B10,000
• C15,000Correct
• D20,000

Explanation About 15,000 competitors and officials are expected at the Asian Games.

Q3 What are Asian Games-bound athletes preparing for before the event?

• AFinal testCorrect
• BOpening ceremony
• CClosing ceremony
• DQualifying rounds

Explanation Athletes bound for the Asian Games are set for one final test before the event begins.