Daily Current Affairs 17 September 2026 | Banking, SSC, Railway & Competitive Exams
Welcome to Crack With Kshitij – Daily Current Affairs. This daily capsule is specially prepared for aspirants preparing for IBPS, SBI, RRB, SSC, Railway and other competitive examinations.
1. EPFO Wage Ceiling Increased to ₹25,000
The Union Cabinet approved an increase in the monthly wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.
The revised ceiling will come into effect from 17 September 2026, on Vishwakarma Jayanti and Seva Diwas. The move is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory EPFO coverage.
Exam Point:
Old wage ceiling — ₹15,000/month
New wage ceiling — ₹25,000/month
Additional employees expected — 51 lakh+
2. SEMICON India 2026 Begins in New Delhi
The 5th edition of SEMICON India 2026 is being held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, from 17–19 September 2026.
The event focuses on India's semiconductor ecosystem, including chip manufacturing, technology, investment and the broader electronics supply chain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the event on 17 September.
Exam Point:
Event — SEMICON India 2026
Edition — 5th
Venue — Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
Dates — 17–19 September 2026
3. RCMC Requirement Eased for Small Export Consignments
The Government has introduced a de minimis exemption from the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) requirement for eligible export consignments with an FOB value up to ₹3 lakh.
The measure is intended to reduce compliance requirements for MSMEs, first-time exporters and small exporters. Export consignments above ₹3 lakh will continue to require RCMC or the applicable certificate.
Exam Point:
RCMC exemption limit — ₹3 lakh FOB value
4. Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Begins
The nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign begins on 17 September 2026 and will continue until 17 October 2026.
The theme of the campaign is:
“Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”
The campaign focuses on citizen participation, cleanliness drives, public places, Swachh Paathshala-Yuva for Swachhata, SafaiMitra safety and dignity, and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
5. India Launches Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard
On the occasion of World Ozone Day 2026, India launched the Net Zero Portal and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard in Mumbai.
The Net Zero Portal provides a platform for voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments by Indian entities, while the NAPCC Dashboard helps monitor progress under national climate missions.
Exam Point:
Net Zero Portal + NAPCC Dashboard — Mumbai
6. 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference
The 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference is set to commence in New Delhi on 17 September 2026.
The conference provides a platform to review operational preparedness, maritime security and organisational priorities of the Indian Coast Guard.
Exam Point:
Conference — 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference
Venue — New Delhi
7. Pension Sakhis to Expand Pension Coverage in Rural India
The Department of Rural Development (DoRD) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) signed an MoU to create a community-based outreach mechanism called Pension Sakhis.
The initiative will use the DAY-NRLM community network to promote pension awareness, financial literacy, enrolment and post-enrolment support among rural households.
Exam Point:
MoU — DoRD & PFRDA
Initiative — Pension Sakhis
Focus — Rural pension coverage
8. VIMARSH 2026: Defence Support for MSMEs and Start-ups
At VIMARSH 2026, the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet held in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled initiatives aimed at reducing technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups in the defence sector.
The initiatives include direct funding, incubation support and improved access to DRDO testing facilities. Nine technology-transfer licensing agreements were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners.
Exam Point:
Event — VIMARSH 2026
Focus — DRDO–Industry collaboration
Technology transfer agreements — 9
Manufacturing partners — 13
9. Sports Ministry Forms Task Force for Formula 1 Revival
The Sports Ministry has constituted a 10-member Task Force to assess the challenges and feasibility of reviving Formula 1 and motorsports in India.
The task force is chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, Programme Director and Adviser at NITI Aayog. It will examine issues including taxation, infrastructure and the wider motorsports ecosystem.
Exam Point:
Task Force — Formula 1 & Motorsports
Chair — Yugal Kishore Joshi
10. India’s April–August Exports Reach US$399.27 Billion
India's cumulative merchandise and services exports during April–August 2026-27 were estimated at US$399.27 billion, compared with US$345.55 billion in the corresponding period of 2025-26.
This represents an estimated year-on-year growth of 15.55%.
Exam Point:
Exports — US$399.27 billion
Growth — 15.55%
11. World Ozone Day 2026
India observed the 32nd World Ozone Day celebration in Mumbai in 2026.
The theme was:
“Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”
The event highlighted India's commitment to ozone-layer protection and climate action.
12. Dryland Congress 2026 and Delhi Declaration
The Dryland Congress 2026 concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D).
The three-day Congress was held from 10–12 September 2026 under the theme “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation.” It brought together experts and institutions to discuss resilient and sustainable dryland agriculture.
⚡ QUICK REVISION — 17 SEPTEMBER 2026
Topic Important Fact
EPFO Wage Ceiling ₹25,000/month
Old EPFO Ceiling ₹15,000/month
Additional EPFO Coverage 51 lakh+ employees
SEMICON India 2026 5th Edition
SEMICON Venue Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
SEMICON Dates 17–19 September
RCMC Exemption Export consignments up to ₹3 lakh
Swachhata Hi Seva 17 Sep–17 Oct 2026
SHS Theme Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat
Net Zero Portal Launched in Mumbai
NAPCC Dashboard Climate Mission Monitoring
Coast Guard Conference 43rd
Pension Initiative Pension Sakhis
DoRD–PFRDA Pension Coverage
VIMARSH 2026 DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet
VIMARSH ToT Agreements 9
Manufacturing Partners 13
Formula 1 Task Force 10 members
F1 Task Force Chair Yugal Kishore Joshi
Apr–Aug Exports US$399.27 billion
Export Growth 15.55%
World Ozone Day Theme Global Action for a Cooler Planet
Dryland Congress Declaration Delhi Declaration on Drylands
1. EPFO Wage Ceiling Increased to ₹25,000
The Union Cabinet approved an increase in the monthly wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.
The revised ceiling will come into effect from 17 September 2026, on Vishwakarma Jayanti and Seva Diwas. The move is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory EPFO coverage.
Exam Point:
Old wage ceiling — ₹15,000/month
New wage ceiling — ₹25,000/month
Additional employees expected — 51 lakh+
2. SEMICON India 2026 Begins in New Delhi
The 5th edition of SEMICON India 2026 is being held at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, from 17–19 September 2026.
The event focuses on India's semiconductor ecosystem, including chip manufacturing, technology, investment and the broader electronics supply chain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the event on 17 September.
Exam Point:
Event — SEMICON India 2026
Edition — 5th
Venue — Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
Dates — 17–19 September 2026
3. RCMC Requirement Eased for Small Export Consignments
The Government has introduced a de minimis exemption from the Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) requirement for eligible export consignments with an FOB value up to ₹3 lakh.
The measure is intended to reduce compliance requirements for MSMEs, first-time exporters and small exporters. Export consignments above ₹3 lakh will continue to require RCMC or the applicable certificate.
Exam Point:
RCMC exemption limit — ₹3 lakh FOB value
4. Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Begins
The nationwide Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign begins on 17 September 2026 and will continue until 17 October 2026.
The theme of the campaign is:
“Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”
The campaign focuses on citizen participation, cleanliness drives, public places, Swachh Paathshala-Yuva for Swachhata, SafaiMitra safety and dignity, and waste-to-wealth initiatives.
5. India Launches Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard
On the occasion of World Ozone Day 2026, India launched the Net Zero Portal and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard in Mumbai.
The Net Zero Portal provides a platform for voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments by Indian entities, while the NAPCC Dashboard helps monitor progress under national climate missions.
Exam Point:
Net Zero Portal + NAPCC Dashboard — Mumbai
6. 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference
The 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference is set to commence in New Delhi on 17 September 2026.
The conference provides a platform to review operational preparedness, maritime security and organisational priorities of the Indian Coast Guard.
Exam Point:
Conference — 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference
Venue — New Delhi
7. Pension Sakhis to Expand Pension Coverage in Rural India
The Department of Rural Development (DoRD) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) signed an MoU to create a community-based outreach mechanism called Pension Sakhis.
The initiative will use the DAY-NRLM community network to promote pension awareness, financial literacy, enrolment and post-enrolment support among rural households.
Exam Point:
MoU — DoRD & PFRDA
Initiative — Pension Sakhis
Focus — Rural pension coverage
8. VIMARSH 2026: Defence Support for MSMEs and Start-ups
At VIMARSH 2026, the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet held in New Delhi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled initiatives aimed at reducing technical and financial entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups in the defence sector.
The initiatives include direct funding, incubation support and improved access to DRDO testing facilities. Nine technology-transfer licensing agreements were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners.
Exam Point:
Event — VIMARSH 2026
Focus — DRDO–Industry collaboration
Technology transfer agreements — 9
Manufacturing partners — 13
9. Sports Ministry Forms Task Force for Formula 1 Revival
The Sports Ministry has constituted a 10-member Task Force to assess the challenges and feasibility of reviving Formula 1 and motorsports in India.
The task force is chaired by Yugal Kishore Joshi, Programme Director and Adviser at NITI Aayog. It will examine issues including taxation, infrastructure and the wider motorsports ecosystem.
Exam Point:
Task Force — Formula 1 & Motorsports
Chair — Yugal Kishore Joshi
10. India’s April–August Exports Reach US$399.27 Billion
India's cumulative merchandise and services exports during April–August 2026-27 were estimated at US$399.27 billion, compared with US$345.55 billion in the corresponding period of 2025-26.
This represents an estimated year-on-year growth of 15.55%.
Exam Point:
Exports — US$399.27 billion
Growth — 15.55%
11. World Ozone Day 2026
India observed the 32nd World Ozone Day celebration in Mumbai in 2026.
The theme was:
“Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”
The event highlighted India's commitment to ozone-layer protection and climate action.
12. Dryland Congress 2026 and Delhi Declaration
The Dryland Congress 2026 concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D).
The three-day Congress was held from 10–12 September 2026 under the theme “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation.” It brought together experts and institutions to discuss resilient and sustainable dryland agriculture.
⚡ QUICK REVISION — 17 SEPTEMBER 2026
Topic Important Fact
EPFO Wage Ceiling ₹25,000/month
Old EPFO Ceiling ₹15,000/month
Additional EPFO Coverage 51 lakh+ employees
SEMICON India 2026 5th Edition
SEMICON Venue Yashobhoomi, New Delhi
SEMICON Dates 17–19 September
RCMC Exemption Export consignments up to ₹3 lakh
Swachhata Hi Seva 17 Sep–17 Oct 2026
SHS Theme Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat
Net Zero Portal Launched in Mumbai
NAPCC Dashboard Climate Mission Monitoring
Coast Guard Conference 43rd
Pension Initiative Pension Sakhis
DoRD–PFRDA Pension Coverage
VIMARSH 2026 DRDO–Industry Synergy Meet
VIMARSH ToT Agreements 9
Manufacturing Partners 13
Formula 1 Task Force 10 members
F1 Task Force Chair Yugal Kishore Joshi
Apr–Aug Exports US$399.27 billion
Export Growth 15.55%
World Ozone Day Theme Global Action for a Cooler Planet
Dryland Congress Declaration Delhi Declaration on Drylands