Current Affairs 18 September 2026 — Part 1

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.At which venue was SEMICON India 2026 inaugurated?

   • A.Yashobhoomi, New Delhi✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
   • C.India Expo Centre, Greater Noida
   • D.HITEX, Hyderabad

   Explanation: SEMICON India 2026 was held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi (17-19 Sep).

2. Q2.Total outlay of Semicon 2.0 programme?

   • A.Rs 76,000 crore
   • B.Rs 1.27 lakh crore✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Rs 2.50 lakh crore
   • D.Rs 50,000 crore

   Explanation: Covers chip design, fabrication, advanced packaging.

3. Q3.Who heads the NEET reform panel?

   • A.Vijay Raghavan
   • B.K. Kasturirangan
   • C.Nandan Nilekani✓ Correct Answer
   • D.R.A. Mashelkar

   Explanation: Panel to submit first interim report by end Sep 2026.

4. Q4.Appointment letters at 20th Rozgar Mela?

   • A.Over 1,00,000
   • B.Over 75,000
   • C.Over 30,000
   • D.Over 51,000✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Cumulative total reaches ~12.75 lakh.

5. Q5.RBI VRRR auction absorption on 18 Sep 2026?

   • A.Rs 1.50 lakh crore
   • B.Rs 2.23 lakh crore✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Rs 3.00 lakh crore
   • D.Rs 6.94 lakh crore

   Explanation: Surplus liquidity was ~Rs 6.94 lakh crore.

6. Q6.Value of RBI OMO sale settled 18 Sep?

   • A.Rs 75,000 crore
   • B.Rs 25,000 crore
   • C.Rs 50,000 crore✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Rs 1,00,000 crore

   Explanation: Part of RBI liquidity draining strategy.

7. Q7.Moody's raised India GDP forecast to?

   • A.6%
   • B.6.5%
   • C.8%
   • D.7%✓ Correct Answer

   Explanation: Moody's raised India's real GDP growth forecast to 7% (from 6%), citing resilience and 7.8% Q1 growth.

8. Q8.New EPFO monthly wage ceiling?

   • A.Rs 25,000✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Rs 21,000
   • C.Rs 30,000
   • D.Rs 20,000

   Explanation: Raised from Rs 15,000; adds 51L employees.

9. Q9.Hydropower project commenced in Bhutan during Jaishankar's visit?

   • A.720 MW Mangdechhu
   • B.1,020 MW Punatsangchhu-I
   • C.500 kW Lunana✓ Correct Answer
   • D.600 MW Kholongchhu

   Explanation: Also inaugurated 65-bed hospital in Mongar.

10. Q10.Trainer aircraft handed by HAL to IAF on 18 Sep?

    • A.Su-30MKI & Pilatus PC-7
    • B.Hawk Mk 132 & Kiran Mk II
    • C.HJT-36 & HJT-16
    • D.LCA Tejas twin-seater & HTT-40✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Dhruv NG helicopters also to Pawan Hans.

11. Q11.Yudh Abhyas 2026 is between India and?

    • A.United States✓ Correct Answer
    • B.France
    • C.Japan
    • D.United Kingdom

    Explanation: Held in Auli and Mahajan.

12. Q12.T-SHUL BEAM was demonstrated at which exercise?

    • A.Vayu Shakti 2026
    • B.Dronathan 2026✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Iron Fist 2026
    • D.Gagan Shakti 2026

    Explanation: At Pokhran, showcasing counter-drone ECM.

13. Q13.India defence production record in FY 2025-26?

    • A.Rs 1.25 lakh crore
    • B.Rs 1.50 lakh crore
    • C.Rs 2.00 lakh crore
    • D.Rs 1.78 lakh crore✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Exports at Rs 38,424 crore.

14. Q14.Current ISRO Chairman who denied privatisation?

    • A.V. Narayanan✓ Correct Answer
    • B.S. Somanath
    • C.K. Sivan
    • D.A.S. Kiran Kumar

    Explanation: Responded to 9 employee associations.

15. Q15.RBI KYC amendments apply to?

    • A.Only scheduled commercial banks
    • B.Co-op banks, RRBs & Small Finance Banks✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Only payment banks
    • D.Only NBFCs

    Explanation: 5 NBFCs also deregistered.