Daily Current Affairs 17-September-2026 – Latest MCQs & News Analysis for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams.
1. Which space science mission was recently approved by the Union Cabinet for exploring the Venusian atmosphere?
A) Shukrayaan-1
B) Venus Orbiter Mission
C) Aditya-L2
D) AstroSat-2
Correct answer: B) Venus Orbiter Mission
Notes: According to an official PIB release, the Union Cabinet has approved the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). Consequently, this scientific initiative will explore the Venusian atmosphere, surface geology, and planetary dust evolution. Administered by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), VOM marks a major milestone in deep space exploration. Therefore, for aspirants engaged in **UPSC current affairs preparation**, this development represents a critical topic to analyze. Additionally, the project will receive substantial funding to ensure launch readiness by the late 2020s, highlighting India’s growing aerospace capabilities on the global stage.
2. What is the primary objective of the ‘Unified Lending Interface’ (ULI) platform launched by the Reserve Bank of India?
A) To regulate cryptocurrency transactions
B) To facilitate frictionless credit delivery to rural borrowers
C) To settle international trade in Indian Rupees
D) To manage sovereign debt auctions
Correct answer: B) To facilitate frictionless credit delivery to rural borrowers
Notes: Based on an official RBI press statement, the Reserve Bank of India has introduced the Unified Lending Interface (ULI). Specifically, the platform aims to streamline the credit appraisal process, particularly for small and rural borrowers. It operates by enabling consent-based digital information flow from multiple data providers. As a result, this process significantly reduces the tedious documentation turnaround time. This financial initiative plays a vital role in national inclusion strategies. Furthermore, it serves as an essential subject in **UPSC current affairs preparation** due to its potential to resolve deep credit access disparities.
3. India recently expanded its network of Ramsar sites to 85. Which of the following states houses the maximum number of these wetlands?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Tamil Nadu
C) Kerala
D) Odisha
Correct answer: B) Tamil Nadu
Notes: According to a Ministry of Environment statement, India’s Ramsar sites network has officially expanded to 85. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu continues to lead the nation with 18 designated wetlands, followed closely by Uttar Pradesh. The Ramsar Convention highlights the ecological necessity of conserving these wetland ecosystems. Consequently, these areas act as critical biodiversity hotspots that support migratory birds and local livelihoods. Additionally, this development highlights India’s active alignment with global conservation standards, presenting an essential environmental policy theme for competitive examinations.
4. Which nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) was recently commissioned into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam to strengthen India’s nuclear triad?
A) INS Arihant
B) INS Arighat
C) INS Vagir
D) INS Khanderi
Correct answer: B) INS Arighat
Notes: According to a Ministry of Defence press release, INS Arighat was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam. Notably, this state-of-the-art vessel is equipped with advanced propulsion and high-precision sonar systems. Consequently, the submarine dramatically bolsters the nation’s underwater strategic deterrence capabilities. INS Arighat now joins INS Arihant to solidify India’s maritime nuclear triad. Furthermore, the successful deployment of this vessel represents a landmark achievement in defense self-reliance, enhancing India’s overall sea-based deterrence in the strategic Indian Ocean Region.
5. The Union Cabinet recently approved the ‘Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan’ (PM-JUGA). What is the primary target of this scheme?
A) Providing free high-speed internet to all tribal schools
B) Improving socio-economic conditions of tribal-majority villages
C) Facilitating direct bank transfers to organic tribal farmers
D) Setting up tribal handicraft export hubs in major cities
Correct answer: B) Improving socio-economic conditions of tribal-majority villages
Notes: According to a PIB release statement, the Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA). Specifically, this massive scheme targets the development of over sixty-three thousand tribal-majority villages across India. Consequently, it aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of five crore tribal citizens. The program focuses on critical gaps in infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood opportunities. Therefore, this flagship governance initiative aligns with the government’s comprehensive vision of inclusive growth, making it an essential policy topic for modern civil services aspirants.
Daily Current Affairs FAQs on Today’s Current Affairs
Q1. What is the primary scientific objective of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) approved by the Cabinet?
The Venus Orbiter Mission aims to examine the Venusian atmosphere, surface geology, and dust storms. It will evaluate planetary chemical processes and look for signs of active volcanism, helping scientists understand the evolution of planetary environments similar to Earth.
Q2. How does the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) help rural borrowers in India?
The Unified Lending Interface simplifies loan approvals for rural borrowers by integrating land records, utility bills, and identity databases onto a single platform. This digital integration eliminates paperwork, reduces turnaround times, and provides seamless credit access to underserved farming communities.
Q3. What is the financial outlay and target of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA)?
The scheme features an outlay of seventy-nine thousand crore rupees to upgrade infrastructure and livelihoods in tribal villages. It aims to improve the living standards of over five crore tribal individuals across sixty-three thousand tribal-majority villages in India.
