National:
- On 16 September 2026, the Union Cabinet raised the monthly wage ceiling for mandatory Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. The revision is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional workers under the EPF, Employees’ Pension Scheme and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, strengthening retirement savings and social-security coverage.
- On 17 September 2026, India observed Hyderabad Liberation Day, commemorating Hyderabad State’s integration into the Indian Union in 1948 through Operation Polo. The observance remembers the struggle against the Nizam’s rule and the contribution of people who supported integration. The day is officially commemorated by the Union government and several institutions across the region.
- Vishwakarma Jayanti was observed on 17 September 2026 in honour of Lord Vishwakarma, regarded in Hindu tradition as the divine architect and master craftsman. Artisans, engineers, factory workers and technicians worship tools and machinery on this occasion. The festival recognises craftsmanship, innovation, skilled labour and the dignity of productive work.
- Project Cheetah completed four years on 17 September 2026. Launched at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in 2022, it aims to restore cheetahs in India after their extinction in the country. By the fourth anniversary, India reportedly had 52 cheetahs, including 32 India-born cubs, demonstrating successful breeding alongside continuing habitat and mortality-management challenges.
- On 16 September 2026, Delhi topped NITI Aayog’s India Electric Mobility Index 2025 with 84 points, followed by Maharashtra with 78 and Karnataka with 73. Developed with WRI India, the index assesses transport electrification, charging infrastructure and EV research and innovation. It helps states identify policy and implementation gaps in their electric-mobility transition.
- On 16 September 2026, Telangana’s opposition parties reportedly urged Governor Jishnu Dev Varma to return the CURE Bill for reconsideration. The proposed legislation concerns the regulation and restructuring of urban administration in the state. Critics sought greater legislative scrutiny, public consultation and clarity about its financial, administrative and constitutional implications.
- On 16 September 2026, the Union government reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification with 18 members for three years or until further orders. The panel includes Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Suniel Shetty, Priyadarshan and Ricky Kej. The CBFC certifies films for public exhibition under the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- On 16 September 2026, NITI Aayog approved the master plan for expanding Coimbatore International Airport in Tamil Nadu. The proposal seeks to increase passenger-handling capacity, improve terminal and runway-related infrastructure and support the region’s industrial and export economy. The approval facilitates further administrative clearances, financing arrangements and implementation of the expansion programme.
- On 16 September 2026, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia released a commemorative postage stamp honouring Sant Malukdas Ji. Released during a Sant Samagam, the stamp recognises the saint’s teachings on devotion, compassion, equality and public welfare. It also seeks to preserve his spiritual and social legacy through India’s philatelic heritage.
- On 17 September 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, approved 23 development proposals. These included restarting a sugar mill and establishing an ethanol plant at Chhata in Mathura. The proposed ₹200-crore facility is expected to produce approximately 3.96 crore litres of ethanol annually while benefiting sugarcane farmers and generating employment
- On 17 September 2026, Project Cheetah’s fourth anniversary highlighted breeding success, habitat development and the establishment of a viable cheetah population in India. The programme involves African cheetahs introduced principally into Madhya Pradesh. Its broader purpose is to restore grassland ecosystems, strengthen biodiversity conservation and improve livelihood opportunities through carefully regulated wildlife tourism.
International:
- On 16 September 2026, Oman promoted Sohar Port as a strategic Gulf energy and logistics route for India. Located outside the Strait of Hormuz, the port can support trade in crude oil, LNG, petrochemicals and green-energy products. Oman presented it as a reliable gateway capable of strengthening India’s energy security and supply-chain connectivity.
- On 16 September 2026, the United States included India, China and Pakistan in its annual list of major drug-transit or illicit drug-producing countries. Inclusion does not automatically imply inadequate counter-narcotics efforts; it reflects geographical, commercial or economic factors that allow narcotics to pass through or originate within a country.
- On 16 September 2026, the US Federal Reserve announced a 25-basis-point increase in its benchmark interest-rate range. The decision was intended to address inflationary pressures while balancing employment and growth risks. Higher US rates can strengthen the dollar, raise global borrowing costs and influence foreign investment flows into emerging economies such as India.
Economy:
- On 16 September 2026, the Indian government was reported to be considering a reduction in import duties on vegetable oils. The proposal aims to moderate domestic edible-oil prices and food inflation by lowering import costs. However, any reduction must balance consumer interests with protection for domestic oilseed growers and India’s long-term objective of reducing import dependence.
- Data released in September 2026 showed that India’s unemployment rate declined to 5% in August 2026, from 5.1% in July. The Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 55.6%, while the Worker Population Ratio rose to 52.8%. The Periodic Labour Force Survey data indicated a modest improvement in labour-market participation and employment.
Sports:
- On 16 September 2026, Zimbabwe’s Brendan Taylor surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the longest men’s ODI career by elapsed time. Taylor’s international journey extended beyond Tendulkar’s 22-year-and-91-day ODI span. The record measures the period between a player’s ODI debut and latest appearance, rather than total matches, runs or batting average.
- On 16 September 2026, Indian para-shooters Millie Shah and Rakesh Nidagundi won historic team medals at the WSPS World Championships in Changwon, South Korea. Shah’s R2 women’s 10-metre air-rifle standing SH1 team won gold, while Nidagundi’s R1 men’s team secured silver. These became India’s first rifle-team medals at the Para Shooting World Championships.
- On 16 September 2026, the Indian Olympic Association announced memorial awards honouring sports administrators Raja Randhir Singh and Jaspal Rana. The Raja Randhir Singh Trophy will recognise the best Indian male performer at the Asian Games, while the Jaspal Rana Trophy will honour the best female performer, promoting excellence among Indian athletes.
- On 16 September 2026, Colombian footballer James Rodríguez announced his retirement from international football after approximately 15 years. He represented Colombia in 131 matches and scored 31 goals. Rodríguez gained worldwide recognition by winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he scored six goals.
- On 16 September 2026, World Athletics selected Nairobi, Kenya, to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships. Nairobi will become the first African city to stage the senior global championship. The successful bid reflects Kenya’s athletics heritage and previous experience hosting international junior events. Munich, Germany, was selected to host the 2031 edition.
The Dryland Congress 2026, held in New Delhi in September 2026, concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Drylands. Organised by ICAR and ICRISAT, the three-day event followed the theme “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation.” It promoted climate-resilient farming, water conservation, improved seeds, technology exchange and international cooperation for dryland communities.
MoUs Signed:
- In September 2026, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority and the organiser of Gulfood signed an MoU to strengthen international food trade. The partnership will provide Indian agricultural and processed-food exporters with greater access to global buyers, exhibitions and business networks, particularly in West Asia and other high-value markets.
- In September 2026, the Department of Rural Development and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority signed an MoU to expand pension coverage in rural India. Under the arrangement, trained Pension Sakhis and banking correspondents associated with DAY-NRLM will promote the National Pension System and improve financial awareness among rural households.
- In September 2026, Tata Consultancy Services partnered with the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange to modernise its derivatives-market infrastructure. TCS will deploy its BaNCS Market Infrastructure and Quartz solutions to improve trading, clearing, surveillance and risk management. The system will also enhance the exchange’s ability to support digital and tokenised financial assets.
Appointments:
On 16 September 2026, the government announced that veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag would receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony, scheduled for 22 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat. Nag, known for a career spanning more than 300 films, was selected for his lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.
Important Days:
- Hyderabad Liberation Day was observed on 17 September 2026 to mark Hyderabad State’s accession to India following Operation Polo in 1948. The observance aims to educate citizens about the region’s integration, honour those who resisted oppressive rule and highlight the political consolidation of India after Independence.
- Vishwakarma Jayanti was celebrated on 17 September 2026. Dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, the festival honours artisans, architects, engineers, mechanics and industrial workers. Its central purpose is to recognise craftsmanship, technical skill, creativity and the dignity of labour. Devotees commonly worship their professional tools and machinery.
- The International Day of Democracy was observed on 15 September 2026. The reported theme was “Bring Human Rights into Focus.” Established by the UN General Assembly in 2007 and first observed in 2008, the day promotes democratic participation, accountable institutions, rule of law, inclusion, freedom of expression and protection of human rights.
Obituaries:
Former Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas, popularly known as Alla Nani, passed away in Visakhapatnam in September 2026, aged 56. He served as Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister between 2019 and 2022. He was known for his political career in Andhra Pradesh and his representation of the Eluru constituency.
Books:
In September 2026, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released A Century of Service: The RSS in 100 Acts of Seva at Vice-President’s Enclave. Written by Tamilisai Soundararajan, the book presents 100 examples of social-service activities associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Its central message is “Nation-Building through Character-Building.”
Questions:
Q1. What is the revised monthly wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage?
a) ₹15,000
b) ₹20,000
c) ₹25,000
d) ₹30,000
Answer: c) On 16 September 2026, the Union Cabinet raised the ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. The revision is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional workers under EPF, the Employees’ Pension Scheme and the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme.
Q2. Under the Department of Rural Development–PFRDA MoU, who will help promote the National Pension System among rural households?
a) Insurance surveyors and tax officers
b) Pension Sakhis and banking correspondents
c) Postmasters and district judges
d) Agricultural extension officers only
Answer: b) Trained Pension Sakhis and banking correspondents associated with DAY-NRLM will promote the National Pension System and improve financial awareness in rural households.
