16 September 2026 Current Affairs MCQs: UPSC Prelims Questions with Answers
Current affairs preparation works best when news is linked with static concepts. The important developments of 16 September 2026 covered governance reforms, UPI payments, circular economy, BRICS, power demand, Himalayan climate risks, tokenised bonds, defence drones, the SCO, ozone protection and energy security.
This set of 15 UPSC Prelims-style MCQs is designed to help aspirants revise the news through concepts, institutions, constitutional provisions, international organisations and scientific principles.
AI Overview: What to Revise from 16 September 2026
The most important themes from today’s current affairs are:
- Governance: DARPG and Special Campaign 6 for reducing pendency in government offices.
- Economy and fintech: UPI, P2P and P2M payments, MDR and tokenised bonds.
- Environment: Circular economy, sustainable cooling, Montreal Protocol, Kigali Amendment and Himalayan climate risk.
- International relations: BRICS, SCO and India-Bhutan electoral cooperation.
- Science and technology: Drones, pyrolysis, bio-bitumen and innovation ecosystems.
- Energy: Peak power demand, installed capacity versus generation, and energy security.
Question 1: Special Campaign 6 and DARPG
Consider the following statements regarding the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG):
- It is the nodal department for coordinating Special Campaigns aimed at cleanliness and reducing pendency in government offices.
- It functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
- It is a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Constitution.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: DARPG coordinates administrative-reform initiatives, including campaigns for cleanliness, records management and grievance disposal. It functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Article 324, however, deals with the Election Commission of India, not DARPG.
Question 2: UPI and Digital Payments
Consider the following statements regarding the Unified Payments Interface (UPI):
- UPI enables interoperable bank-to-bank digital transfers.
- It can facilitate both person-to-person and person-to-merchant payments.
- It is a central bank digital currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation: UPI allows interoperable bank-account payments and supports both P2P and P2M transactions. It is not a central bank digital currency. India’s CBDC is the digital rupee, or e₹, issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
Question 3: Circular Economy
Consider the following statements regarding a circular economy:
- It seeks to retain products and materials in use through strategies such as repair, reuse and remanufacturing.
- Recycling is the only process through which a circular economy can be achieved.
- It can reduce dependence on virgin material extraction.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Circular economy is broader than recycling. It gives priority to reducing material use, reusing products, repairing them and extending their life. Recycling is useful, but it is not the only pathway to circularity.
Question 4: BRICS and New Development Bank
Consider the following statements regarding BRICS:
- It is a treaty-based military alliance.
- The New Development Bank is associated with BRICS.
- It seeks greater representation of emerging and developing economies in global governance.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: BRICS is not a military alliance. It is a plurilateral grouping that seeks cooperation among emerging economies and supports reform of global governance institutions. The New Development Bank is associated with BRICS.
Question 5: Installed Capacity and Power Generation
Consider the following statements regarding electricity-sector terminology:
- Installed capacity refers to the rated maximum output capability of generating facilities.
- Electricity generation denotes the actual electrical energy produced over a period.
- A country with high installed generation capacity cannot face a power shortage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Installed capacity and actual generation are different indicators. A country may still experience shortages due to fuel constraints, demand spikes, transmission bottlenecks, plant outages or distribution problems.
Question 6: Himalayan Hazards and GLOFs
Consider the following statements:
- The Himalayas are geologically young fold mountains and are tectonically active.
- A glacial lake outburst flood results from the sudden release of water impounded in a glacial lake.
- A cloudburst and a glacial lake outburst flood are the same phenomenon.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The Himalayas are young fold mountains formed due to the convergence of tectonic plates. A GLOF is caused by sudden release of water from a glacial lake. A cloudburst, in contrast, is an intense localised rainfall event.
Question 7: Tokenised Bonds
Consider the following statements regarding tokenised financial assets:
- Tokenisation can represent an underlying financial asset or claim in digital form.
- A tokenised bond is necessarily legal tender.
- A bond is a debt instrument through which an issuer borrows money from investors.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b) Only two
Explanation: Tokenisation can digitally represent an underlying asset or financial claim. However, tokenisation does not turn a bond into legal tender. A bond remains a debt instrument, with the issuer borrowing funds from investors.
Question 8: Asian Cricket Council
Consider the following statements regarding sports governance in cricket:
- The Asian Cricket Council is distinct from the International Cricket Council.
- The Asian Cricket Council is a global governing body for all forms of international cricket.
- Continental sporting events can promote wider participation by improving visibility and institutional support for athletes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: The Asian Cricket Council is a regional body, while the International Cricket Council is the global governing body for cricket. India’s Women’s Asia Cup victory is significant not only as a sporting achievement but also for women’s participation and visibility in sport.
Question 9: Unmanned Aerial Systems
Consider the following statements regarding unmanned aerial systems:
- An unmanned aerial system may be remotely piloted or operate with varying degrees of autonomy.
- Counter-drone capability is irrelevant once a country develops indigenous drones.
- Drones can be used for surveillance, mapping and logistics support.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Drones can be remotely operated or operate with partial autonomy. They have important civil and military applications. Counter-drone systems remain essential because hostile drones can also pose security threats.
Question 10: Election Commission of India
Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI):
- It derives its constitutional authority from Article 324 of the Constitution.
- It conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures and the offices of President and Vice-President.
- It conducts elections to Panchayats and Municipalities throughout India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Article 324 provides the constitutional basis for the ECI. Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities are conducted by State Election Commissions under Articles 243K and 243ZA, respectively.
Question 11: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
Consider the following statements regarding the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO):
- It was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Beijing.
- India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.
- The Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the SCO is headquartered in Bishkek.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: The SCO Secretariat is located in Beijing, while its Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is located in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. India became a full member of the SCO in 2017.
Question 12: Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment
Consider the following statements:
- The Montreal Protocol primarily regulates substances that deplete the ozone layer.
- Hydrofluorocarbons generally do not significantly deplete ozone but may have high global-warming potential.
- The Kigali Amendment provides for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c) All three
Explanation: The Montreal Protocol addresses ozone-depleting substances. HFCs are largely non-ozone-depleting but can be potent greenhouse gases. The Kigali Amendment provides for their gradual phase-down.
Question 13: Pyrolysis and Bio-Bitumen
Consider the following statements regarding pyrolysis:
- It refers to thermal decomposition of material in the absence of, or with very limited, oxygen.
- It is identical to complete combustion of biomass in excess oxygen.
- Biomass pyrolysis can produce products such as bio-oil, gas and char.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Pyrolysis is distinct from combustion because it occurs with little or no oxygen. Depending on operating conditions, it can generate bio-oil, gases and char from biomass.
Question 14: Energy Security
Statement I: Energy security means complete domestic self-sufficiency in every form of energy.
Statement II: Diversification of sources, affordability, reliability and resilience are important components of energy security.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I
(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement I
(c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Answer: (d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Explanation: Energy security is not limited to domestic self-sufficiency. It includes reliable, affordable and resilient access to energy through a diversified mix of domestic production, imports, infrastructure and strategic reserves.
Question 15: Innovation Ecosystems
Consider the following statements regarding research and innovation ecosystems:
- Technology transfer refers to moving research outputs, knowledge or technologies towards practical application and adoption.
- Establishing a research institution alone automatically guarantees successful innovation outcomes.
- Collaboration among universities, industry, start-ups and government can support innovation.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: Technology transfer brings research from laboratories into practical use. A successful innovation ecosystem needs funding, skilled researchers, scientific autonomy, industry collaboration and strong institutions; creating a building alone is not enough.
Key Takeaways for UPSC Aspirants
- Article 324: Election Commission of India.
- Articles 243K and 243ZA: State Election Commissions for Panchayats and Municipalities.
- UPI is not CBDC: UPI is a payment system, while e₹ is the RBI’s digital currency.
- Montreal Protocol: Ozone-depleting substances.
- Kigali Amendment: Phase-down of HFCs.
- SCO Secretariat: Beijing; SCO RATS: Tashkent.
- GLOF and cloudburst: Different Himalayan hazards.
- Circular economy: More than recycling; it prioritises reduce, reuse, repair and remanufacture.
- Energy security: Availability, affordability, reliability and resilience.
- Pyrolysis: Thermal decomposition under little or no oxygen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important current affairs topics for 16 September 2026?
The key topics include Special Campaign 6, UPI payment mechanisms, circular economy, BRICS, power demand, Himalayan climate risk, tokenised bonds, drones, SCO, ozone protection, pyrolysis and energy security.
Is this 16 September 2026 current affairs set useful for UPSC Prelims?
Yes. The questions use statement-based UPSC Prelims patterns and connect current affairs with static concepts from polity, economy, environment, science and technology, international relations and geography.
What is the difference between UPI and the digital rupee?
UPI is a real-time digital payment system that enables bank-to-bank transfers. The digital rupee, or e₹, is a Central Bank Digital Currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
Why is the Kigali Amendment important for UPSC?
The Kigali Amendment addresses the phase-down of HFCs, which have high global-warming potential. It is important for questions on climate change, refrigerants, sustainable cooling and international environmental conventions.
Where is the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure located?
The SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The SCO Secretariat is located in Beijing, China.
Conclusion
The current affairs of 16 September 2026 show how UPSC preparation requires more than memorising headlines. A question on UPI tests payment architecture, a question on ozone protection tests international environmental law, and a question on the SCO tests regional geopolitics. Revise the static concepts behind each development, practise elimination, and return to these MCQs before the Prelims examination.
