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Current Affairs Daily25 Verified Key Facts
Current Affairs — September 15, 2026
India Reports 15.55% Growth in Cumulative Merchandise and Services Exports; August Unemployment Remains at 5% as Labour Participation Improves; UPI Transactions for Individuals Remain Free Under Updated Payment Framework.
India Reports 15.55% Growth in Cumulative Merchandise and Services Exports
India's combined merchandise and services exports during April-August 2026-27 were estimated at US399.27billion.Thisrepresenteda15.55215.91 billion, while services exports were estimated at US$183.36 billion. Electronic goods, petroleum products and engineering goods were among the major contributors to merchandise-export growth in August. The data provides an important indicator of India's external-sector performance and trade trends.
Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry / PIB
#02Reports & Indexes
UPSC GS-III (Employment & Labour Economics); Banking/SSC Exams (PLFS Indicators)
August Unemployment Remains at 5% as Labour Participation Improves
The August 2026 Periodic Labour Force Survey recorded an overall unemployment rate of 5.0% for persons aged 15 years and above. The overall Labour Force Participation Rate increased to 55.6% from 55.4% in July. Female LFPR rose to 34.8%, while rural unemployment declined to 4.1%. The Worker Population Ratio increased to 52.8%, the highest level recorded since March 2026. The monthly bulletin is based on the Current Weekly Status approach used by the NSO.
UPI Transactions for Individuals Remain Free Under Updated Payment Framework
The government clarified that all person-to-person UPI transactions will continue to remain completely free. Merchant payments up to Rs 2,000 and transactions covered by the zero-MDR framework for small merchants will also remain free. Around 96% of UPI person-to-merchant transactions are therefore expected to remain unaffected. Merchant Discount Rate applies only to specified transactions above the prescribed threshold and is distributed among participants in the payment ecosystem. The framework is linked to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Consumer Regulator Penalises Rapido ₹10 Lakh for Dark-Pattern Practices
The Central Consumer Protection Authority imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on Roppen Transportation Services, operator of Rapido. The regulator found practices involving misleading payment prompts and unfair trade practices in the ride-booking interface. CCPA identified the practices as examples of dark patterns, including Confirm Shaming and Interface Interference. The authority directed the company to discontinue practices that could steer users toward higher payments. The action followed a sector-wide examination of tipping and dynamic-pricing practices among ride-hailing platforms.
Government Approved Test Centre Network Expands Across Legal Metrology Sector
The Department of Consumer Affairs reported further expansion of the Government Approved Test Centre network. The amended framework broadens testing coverage to 23 categories of weighing and measuring instruments. These include equipment used in healthcare, energy, transport, retail, manufacturing and emerging clean-energy sectors. Fifty-one Government Approved Test Centres had already been recognised, with additional applications under process. The network is intended to strengthen verification capacity under India's legal-metrology system.
Source: Department of Consumer Affairs / PIB
#06Defence
CDS/CAPF (Joint Military Exercises); UPSC GS-II (India-US Strategic Partnership)
Twenty-Second Yudh Abhyas Opens at Auli and Mahajan
The 22nd edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas commenced on 15 September 2026. The opening ceremony was held at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand, while the exercise is also being conducted at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. About 600 personnel from each country are participating. The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability and joint operational capability between the two armies. Its dual-location format includes both mountainous and desert operational environments.
DRDO Unveils New Industry-Support Measures at VIMARSH 2026
The Defence Research and Development Organisation announced new measures to lower entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups in defence manufacturing. The initiatives include direct funding, incubation support and dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities. A secure framework was also launched for sharing DRDO-developed software source codes with licensed industries. Nine technology-transfer licensing agreements were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners. The objective is to expand industry participation across research, design, testing, certification and production.
Source: DRDO / Ministry of Defence / PIB
#08Polity & Governance
UPSC GS-II (Digital Governance & Public Administration); Defence Exams (SPARSH)
SPARSH Resolves All Identified Air Force and Navy Pension Discrepancies
The Defence Accounts Department reported complete normalisation of 1,45,182 discrepant pension cases belonging to the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy. The work was carried out through a focused special drive under SPARSH. SPARSH is the System for Pension Administration–Raksha used for defence pension administration. The exercise involved coordinated examination and resolution of cases by the concerned offices. The milestone highlights the use of digital systems for improving defence-pension delivery.
Source: Ministry of Defence / PIB
#09Agriculture & Rural Development
UPSC GS-II (Inter-State Water Issues); UPSC GS-III (Irrigation, Water Resources & Hydropower)
Seven Northern States Sign Agreement for Kishau Multipurpose Project
The Chief Ministers of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, along with the project stakeholders, signed the Kishau Multipurpose Project agreement on 15 September. The project is planned on the Tons River along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border. It involves a 232.6-metre concrete gravity dam with a planned storage capacity of 1,562 million cubic metres. The project is expected to irrigate about 97,000 hectares and generate 1,476 million units of hydropower. It has been designated a national project, with about 90% of the financial burden to be borne by the Union Government.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs / Ministry of Jal Shakti / PIB
World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Opens in Gandhinagar
The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 was inaugurated in Gandhinagar on 15 September. The forum is being held from 15 to 18 September under the theme 'Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity'. More than 3,600 registered participants from 62 countries are taking part, alongside 135 exhibitors. The event is being jointly organised by Indian and Finnish institutions, including CPCB and the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. It is the tenth edition of WCEF and the first time the forum is being hosted in South Asia.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change / PIB
CAQM Reviews NCR Compliance with 150 Inspections Recorded During Reporting Period
The Commission for Air Quality Management reviewed enforcement and compliance measures across the National Capital Region. The review covered a reporting period from 24 August to 7 September 2026. A total of 150 inspections were reported during the period. The assessment was considered at the 139th meeting of CAQM's Enforcement Task Force, held on 14 September. The review focused on compliance with directions and enforcement measures relating to air-quality management in the NCR.
Source: CAQM / Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change
GST Intelligence Action Detects More Than ₹15.78 Crore in Fraudulent Input Tax Credit
The CGST Delhi South Commissionerate detected fraudulent availment of input tax credit exceeding Rs 15.78 crore. The action resulted in the arrest of a partner of the concerned firm. The case forms part of enforcement against fraudulent GST-credit claims. Input tax credit is a central mechanism within the GST system for offsetting eligible taxes paid on inputs. The case highlights the role of tax intelligence and enforcement in protecting GST revenue.
Source: CGST Delhi South / Ministry of Finance / PIB
Dam-Safety Implementation Comes Under Fresh NDSA Review in Jharkhand
The National Dam Safety Authority reviewed implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021 and related preparedness in Jharkhand. The assessment covered Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation of specified dams and the status of Emergency Action Plans. NDSA also stressed the timely preparation of operation and maintenance manuals and their uploading on the DHARMA portal. The state was asked to prepare dam-wise action plans and expedite independent expert evaluation. The review reinforces the statutory framework for dam safety and disaster preparedness in India.
Source: National Dam Safety Authority / Ministry of Jal Shakti / PIB
Twelfth District Water Dialogue Reviews Implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation organised the 12th District Collectors' Peyjal Samvad on 15 September. Senior officials and district authorities discussed implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 and shared operational practices. The meeting emphasised service delivery, water quality, source sustainability and community ownership. Districts were encouraged to use Jal Arpan and District Water and Sanitation Mission reviews to strengthen local management. The dialogue provides a governance mechanism for monitoring rural drinking-water services.
Tele-Law Awareness Workshop Held at Nuh Under DISHA 2.0
The Department of Justice organised an officer-level awareness workshop on Tele-Law services at Nuh in Haryana. The programme was conducted under the DISHA 2.0 scheme, which focuses on improving access to justice. Officials from Common Services Centres, village-level entrepreneurship networks, lawyers and other stakeholders participated. The workshop highlighted the role of technology in extending legal advice and assistance to people at the grassroots level. Tele-Law is therefore linked to digital delivery of legal services and access to justice.
Five New Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals Strengthen Gujarat's Freight Network
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated, dedicated or laid the foundation stone for five Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals in Gujarat. Shivlakha in Kachchh was inaugurated, while terminals at Bhimasar, Devaliya and Chandisar were dedicated to the nation. The foundation stone was laid for the Linch terminal in Mehsana district. A salt-loaded freight train was also flagged off from Shivlakha to Mithapur. The terminals are intended to strengthen freight connectivity between regional production centres, ports and northern markets.
PFRDA and Rural Development Department Introduce Pension Sakhis for Rural Outreach
The Department of Rural Development and PFRDA signed an MoU to establish a community-based Pension Sakhis network across rural India. The initiative will use the women-led institutional network created under DAY-NRLM. Pension Sakhis are intended to support pension awareness, financial literacy, enrolment and post-enrolment assistance. The programme specifically seeks to reach SHG members, rural women, Lakhpati Didis and other rural households. It represents an effort to extend retirement-security awareness through existing community institutions.
Source: Ministry of Rural Development / PFRDA / PIB
SPROUT Facility Launched to Accelerate Climate-Resilient Crop Breeding
A new SPROUT facility was inaugurated at BRIC-NIPGR in New Delhi to support climate-resilient crop research. SPROUT stands for SpeedSeed Phenotyping and Resource Optimization for Unified Trait Analysis. The controlled-environment facility enables high-throughput phenotyping and stress screening of breeding material. The initial focus includes chickpea and aims to connect genomics and genome-editing advances with faster trait evaluation. The initiative is part of the broader biotechnology and BioE3 policy push in India.
Source: Department of Biotechnology / BRIC-NIPGR / PIB
CSIR-NIScPR Adopts SARAL AI for Wider Public Communication of Scientific Research
CSIR-NIScPR has begun using SARAL AI to convert research published in its journals into accessible video content. SARAL AI is an initiative associated with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation. The adoption is intended to make scientific findings easier for wider audiences to understand. More than 90 editors and researchers participated in a hands-on workshop on the technology. The initiative illustrates the use of artificial intelligence in science communication rather than scientific experimentation itself.
Source: CSIR-NIScPR / ANRF / Ministry of Science & Technology
#20Awards & Honours
UPSC GS-II (Skill Development & Human Capital); SSC Exams (WorldSkills & Vocational Education)
India Sends Its Largest-Ever Delegation to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026
India's largest-ever contingent for the WorldSkills Competition was formally sent off on 15 September. The delegation contains 70 young competitors who will participate across 63 skill categories. India is making its debut in 11 new-age and emerging skill categories at the competition. WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 is scheduled in Shanghai from 22 to 27 September. The participation highlights India's emphasis on vocational skills, technical training and international skills benchmarking.
Source: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship / PIB
SHREYAS Reports ₹3,509.39 Crore Spending for Higher-Education Support
The government reported cumulative expenditure of about Rs 3,509.39 crore under the four major components of the SHREYAS scheme between 2014-15 and 2025-26. The reported beneficiary count was 1,18,248 SC and OBC students. SHREYAS combines support for free coaching, education in premier institutions, overseas studies and research fellowships. The free-coaching component assists disadvantaged students preparing for competitive and professional examinations. The programme therefore covers multiple stages of educational and career advancement for disadvantaged groups.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment / PIB
HPCL and NSTFDC Partner to Equip 29 Rajasthan Tribal Schools with Digital Learning Facilities
NSTFDC and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited signed an MoU to establish integrated computer labs and smart classrooms in 29 Eklavya Model Residential Schools in Rajasthan. The project covers schools spread across 11 districts and has an approved budget of Rs 16.01 crore. Each institution will receive smart classrooms, a networked computer laboratory and digital-learning resources. Ten tablets with competitive-examination preparation material are also planned for each school. The initiative is expected to benefit more than 10,000 Scheduled Tribe students annually.
Indian Council of World Affairs Marks 25 Years as an Institution of National Importance
The Indian Council of World Affairs observed the 25th anniversary of its status as an Institution of National Importance in New Delhi. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the commemorative programme at Sapru House. The ICWA is closely associated with research, dialogue and discussion on international relations and foreign policy. The event also highlighted the institution's role in supporting India's diplomatic and strategic-policy ecosystem. The occasion was used to reflect on the contribution of scholars, diplomats, researchers and former leaders associated with the Council.
Source: Indian Council of World Affairs / Vice-President's Secretariat / PIB
#24Important Days
UPSC Prelims (Important Days & Personalities); SSC/State PSC (Engineers' Day & Visvesvaraya)
Engineers' Day 2026 Highlights Legacy of M. Visvesvaraya
Engineers' Day was observed in India on 15 September 2026. The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The Prime Minister paid tribute to Visvesvaraya and highlighted the contribution of engineers to innovation, infrastructure and problem-solving. Visvesvaraya remains closely associated with India's engineering and nation-building history. The observance is a recurring date-based topic relevant to competitive examinations.
Source: Prime Minister's Office / PIB
#25Books & Authors
UPSC Prelims (Indian Literature & Authors); SSC/State PSC (Bengali Literature)
PM Marks 150th Birth Anniversary of Bengali Literary Figure Saratchandra Chattopadhyay
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Bengali writer Saratchandra Chattopadhyay on his 150th birth anniversary. Saratchandra's works are noted for their portrayal of nineteenth-century Indian society, particularly rural Bengal. His writings have been translated into Indian languages as well as several foreign languages. The anniversary brought renewed attention to his contribution to Indian literature and social themes. The occasion is relevant to questions on Indian authors, literature and cultural history.