Daily Current Affairs 19-September-2026 – Latest MCQs & News Analysis for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams.
1. What is the total financial outlay approved for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA)?
A) Rs 45,200 crore
B) Rs 79,156 crore
C) Rs 64,300 crore
D) Rs 85,000 crore
Correct answer: B) Rs 79,156 crore
Notes: According to a PIB release, the Union Cabinet approved the PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan. This welfare scheme has an outlay of Rs 79,156 crore. It aims to saturate critical infrastructure gaps across 63,000 tribal-dominated villages. This initiative will directly benefit over 5 crore tribal people across 30 states. The program focuses heavily on rural health, quality education, and clean drinking water access. For aspirants tracking policy developments, understanding this scheme is crucial for UPSC current affairs. This represents a significant step towards inclusive growth, making the PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan a landmark initiative in tribal welfare governance.
2. Which space agency is developing the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), recently approved by the Union Cabinet for launch in 2028?
A) JAXA
B) NASA
C) ISRO
D) ESA
Correct answer: C) ISRO
Notes: Based on an official ISRO press release, the Union Cabinet approved the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). This mission will explore the Venusian atmosphere and surface chemistry. Scheduled for launch in March 2028, it has a budget of Rs 1,236 crore. ISRO will lead the development to study the planet’s atmospheric composition. The mission will deploy advanced scientific payloads to gather high-resolution orbital data. This marks India’s second planetary mission beyond Mars, boosting its planetary exploration capabilities. Understanding such developments helps in latest news analysis of India’s space program. It remains a frequent topic in competitive exam preparation.
3. The GST Council recently decided to exempt which of the following services from the Goods and Services Tax (GST)?
A) Private coaching institute services
B) Research and development grants received by universities
C) Commercial airline maintenance fees
D) Premium luxury hotel bookings
Correct answer: B) Research and development grants received by universities
Notes: As per a Ministry of Finance statement, the GST Council exempted research and development grants from tax. This exemption applies to grants received by universities, colleges, and research institutions. This major decision covers both government-funded and private institutions. The move aims to foster academic research and reduce the tax burden on scientific innovation. Tax relief on educational research will stimulate breakthrough academic discoveries nationwide. For students, tracking these fiscal policies is essential for economy and governance segments. This fiscal update represents a strategic pivot in India’s research ecosystem. It facilitates smoother fund utilization without complex tax liabilities across states.
4. Under which bilateral initiative did India and the United States agree to establish a new national security semiconductor fabrication partnership?
A) Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)
B) Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
C) Strategic Clean Energy Partnership (SCEP)
D) Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI)
Correct answer: A) Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET)
Notes: According to a joint statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India and the United States finalized a landmark semiconductor partnership. The agreement was signed under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET). This collaboration will establish a strategic fabrication plant in India. The facility will focus on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics. These technologies are crucial for national security applications. The project highlights growing strategic alignment and technology transfers between the two democracies. Understanding bilateral frameworks like iCET is vital for international relations preparation. It showcases how technological cooperation reshapes geopolitical alliances globally while securing critical microchip supply chains.
5. With the recent designation of Nanjarayan Lake and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, what is India’s current total number of designated Ramsar Sites?
A) 75 Sites
B) 80 Sites
C) 82 Sites
D) 85 Sites
Correct answer: D) 85 Sites
Notes: According to a PIB release from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, India has increased its count of Ramsar Sites to 85. The recent additions of Nanjarayan Lake and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu highlight the nation’s efforts. These wetlands serve as critical habitats for migratory birds and maintain local ecological balance. For aspirants, tracking conservation milestones is crucial for environment and ecology modules. This expansion reinforces India’s commitment to the Ramsar Convention. It remains a key area of interest in the government policy update matrix. Such measures support sustainable habitat management and indigenous welfare, similar to the PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan.
Daily Current Affairs FAQs on Today’s Current Affairs
Q1. What is the primary objective of the new central tribal welfare initiative?
The primary objective of this welfare initiative is to saturate critical infrastructural gaps in tribal-dominated villages. It aims to improve socio-economic conditions by implementing targeted interventions in health, education, and livelihood across sixty-three thousand tribal villages, directly benefiting over five crore tribal citizens across India.
Q2. Which planet is the focus of India’s newly approved Venus Orbiter Mission?
The newly approved space mission focuses entirely on the planet Venus. Scheduled for launch in March 2028, this space exploration initiative aims to examine the Venusian atmosphere, surface characteristics, and geological processes, marking India’s second major planetary mission beyond Mars.
Q3. How many designated Ramsar Sites are currently present in India?
India currently has eighty-five designated Ramsar Sites. This total was achieved following the addition of two key wetlands from Tamil Nadu, namely Nanjarayan Lake and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, reflecting the country’s expanded conservation efforts under international environmental treaties.
