🔥 21 September 2025 – Top Current Affairs MCQs | Daily GK for Competitive Exams | #178

 Introductory Snapshot – 21 September 2025

1. PM Modi Hails GST 2.0 & Launches “GST Bachat Utsav”: The Prime Minister addressed the nation ahead of the rollout of new GST reforms, describing them as a “savings festival.” He announced that the GST Bachat Utsav will begin on 22 September, aimed at increasing savings for consumers as well as easing tax compliance.

2. Partial Solar Eclipse / Surya Grahan: A partial solar eclipse is set for the night of 21–22 September 2025. Though it is not visible from India, details such as sutak timings, rituals, mantras, etc., are being publicised. 

3. EMRS Recruitment 2025: The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (under Tribal Affairs) opened up 7,267 vacancies (teaching + non-teaching) for recruitment. 

4. Trade Relations & H-1B Visa Concerns: India’s Trade Minister is set to visit the U.S. on 22 September for further trade talks. Concurrently, a sharp hike in H-1B visa fees has caused concern among Indian IT professionals. 

5. Major Bank Maintenance Alert: Scheduled downtime for SBI, HDFC Bank & Kotak Mahindra Bank services is planned on 21 September; customers are advised to plan transactions accordingly. 

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Daily Current Affairs MCQs – 21 September 2025

1. What is “GST Bachat Utsav” beginning 22 September described as by PM Modi?
   A) A boycott campaign
   B) A savings festival
   C) A special tax collection drive
   D) A business expo
   Answer: B) A savings festival
   Explanation: The PM called the rollout of GST reforms and the upcoming “GST Bachat Utsav” a savings festival, highlighting how consumers are expected to benefit. 

2. What kind of eclipse is happening on the night of 21–22 September 2025?
   A) Total Solar Eclipse
   B) Partial Solar Eclipse
   C) Total Lunar Eclipse
   D) Annular Solar Eclipse
   Answer: B) Partial Solar Eclipse
   Explanation: It is a partial solar eclipse (Surya Grahan), not visible from India. 

3. Why is the eclipse on 21–22 September NOT visible in India?
   A) Because it's cloudy everywhere
   B) Because it occurs after sunset
   C) Because India is on the dark side of Earth then
   D) Because it is blocked by the Moon’s shadow from the Earth
   Answer: B) Because it occurs after sunset
   Explanation: The eclipse begins after sunset in India, so it’s not visible locally. 

4. How many vacancies has EMRS announced in 2025 for teaching & non-teaching roles?
   A) Approximately 5,000
   B) 6,000
   C) 7,267
   D) Over 10,000
   Answer: C) 7,267
   Explanation: The EMRS recruitment notification offers 7,267 positions across teaching and non-teaching categories.

5. What are the two major concerns for Indian IT professionals mentioned on 21 September 2025?
   A) Data privacy laws and GST hike
   B) H-1B visa fee hike and trade negotiations with U.S.
   C) New local taxes and labor law reforms
   D) Infrastructure issues and power outages
   Answer: B) H-1B visa fee hike and trade negotiations with U.S.
   Explanation: Along with trade talks, the hike in H-1B visa fees has caused anxiety among Indian IT workers. 

6. Which banks are scheduled for service downtime on 21 September, as per the news?
   A) Only SBI
   B) SBI and ICICI Bank
   C) SBI, HDFC Bank & Kotak Mahindra
   D) All public sector banks
   Answer: C) SBI, HDFC Bank & Kotak Mahindra
   Explanation: These three banks have announced maintenance affecting certain services. 

7. When will India’s Trade Minister visit the U.S. for trade talks, according to 21 September news?
   A) September 21
   B) September 22
   C) Last week of September
   D) In October
   Answer: B) September 22
   Explanation: The Trade Minister is scheduled to go to Washington on 22 September for trade-agreement discussions.

8. Which one of these is false about the eclipse event covered on 21 September?
   A) It is the last solar eclipse of 2025
   B) It will be visible throughout India
   C) Sutak period is discussed though not observed in India
   D) It is partial solar eclipse
   Answer: B) It will be visible throughout India (False)
   Explanation: The eclipse will not be visible in India. Sutak observances are not required because of this. 

9. Which scheme is meant to educate consumers and traders about the new GST reforms?
   A) GST Shivir
   B) GST Bachat Utsav
   C) GST Trade Fair
   D) GST Awareness Week
   Answer: B) GST Bachat Utsav
   Explanation: The program is launched alongside the rollout of GST reforms to promote awareness and savings. 

10. What does EMRS stand for, in the context of the 2025 recruitment drive?
    A) Eklavya Model Residential Schools
    B) Eastern Maharashtra Regional Schools
    C) Education & Management Rural Services
    D) Elite Merit Recruitment Scheme

Answer: A) Eklavya Model Residential Schools

Explanation: EMRS refers to Eklavya Model Residential Schools under the Tribal Affairs Ministry.