2026-09-17

Daily Current Affairs - 2026-09-17

Verified, exam-relevant developments from official and primary sources.

Quiz
National
Exam importance: MEDIUM

Ministry of Civil Aviation Reports Progress under Special Campaign 5.0

The Ministry of Civil Aviation reported progress under the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters 5.0, focusing on grievance redressal, disposal of references and passenger-centric governance.

Key facts

  • The campaign period was from 1 November 2025 to 31 August 2026.
  • More than 7,250 public grievances and 2,100 grievance appeals were resolved.
  • The ministry reported an approximate grievance redressal rate of 99%.
  • The Passenger Assistance Control Room was operationalized on 10 December 2025.
  • The control room enables real-time monitoring of aviation operations and passenger grievance redressal.
  • The ministry disposed of 41 MP References, 20 PMO References, 3 IMC References and 14 State Government References.
  • AirSewa and CPGRAMS were used for monitoring and handling citizen grievances.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on public grievance redressal mechanisms, AirSewa, CPGRAMS, Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters and administrative governance in the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
National
Exam importance: HIGH

Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign Announced

Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 is a nationwide cleanliness and citizen-participation campaign beginning on 17 September 2026. Jointly organised by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the Department of Urban Development, the campaign focuses on volunteerism, source segregation, youth participation and collective action for a clean and developed India.

Key facts

  • Swachhata Hi Seva has been observed annually since 2017.
  • The 2026 campaign begins on 17 September 2026.
  • Its theme is ‘Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat’.
  • The campaign is jointly organised by the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the Department of Urban Development.
  • A nationwide shramdaan drive, ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’, will be held on 1 October 2026 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • 2 October 2026 will feature Special Gram Sabhas in rural areas and Special Council Meetings in urban areas.
  • The campaign promotes four-way source segregation, youth participation and awareness of Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026.
  • The hashtags for sharing campaign activities are #SHS2026 and #SwachhataHiSeva2026.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government cleanliness campaigns, ministries and departments, campaign themes, important dates, citizen participation, solid waste management and rural-urban local governance.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH

Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign announced

Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 will begin on 17 September 2026 with a focus on citizen participation, voluntarism and collective action for cleanliness. The campaign is being jointly organized by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Department of Urban Development.

Key facts

  • Swachhata Hi Seva has been observed annually since 2017.
  • The 2026 campaign will begin on 17 September 2026.
  • Its theme is ‘Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat’.
  • A nationwide shramdaan, ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’, will be held on 1 October 2026 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • Special Gram Sabhas in rural areas and Special Council Meetings in urban areas will be held on 2 October 2026, observed as Swachh Bharat Diwas.
  • The campaign includes activities related to youth participation, sports, source segregation and solid waste management.
  • The campaign theme, logo, brochure, portal and anthem were launched at the curtain-raiser event.

Exam relevance: Important for questions on government cleanliness campaigns, ministries and departments, citizen participation, solid waste management, Swachh Bharat initiatives and important dates.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Environment
Exam importance: HIGH

National Webinar on Solid and E-Waste Management

The Department of School Education and Literacy organised a national webinar to promote responsible solid and e-waste management among students and stakeholders. The event highlighted the role of NEP 2020, Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE and upcoming cleanliness campaigns.

Key facts

  • The webinar was organised on 16 September 2026 in New Delhi by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education.
  • It was held as a lead-up to Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 and Special Campaign 6.0.
  • Under Special Campaign 5.0, around one lakh students collected over 4,000 kg of e-waste across 10 cities in four States and one Union Territory.
  • The webinar focused on source segregation, recycling, reuse and safe disposal of solid and electronic waste.
  • More than 2.6 lakh students, teachers and community members participated through YouTube.
  • A quiz on Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 was announced for students of Grades 6 to 12 on the Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE portal.
  • The Department set a target of conducting 7 lakh cleanliness campaigns across India under Special Campaign 6.0.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on the Ministry of Education, NEP 2020, environmental awareness, solid and e-waste management, Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE and government cleanliness campaigns.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH

Ministry Extends MoU with The Art of Living under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment extended its MoU with The Art of Living to support substance-abuse prevention, awareness and community mobilisation under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

Key facts

  • The MoU was extended by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
  • The partnership is with The Art of Living, a non-profit spiritual, educational and humanitarian organisation.
  • The collaboration aims to promote a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach to preventing substance abuse.
  • The renewed partnership focuses on awareness, prevention and community mobilisation.
  • The initiative seeks to reduce stigma related to substance-use disorders and encourage timely support and rehabilitation.
  • The Ministry stated that it has MoUs with 12 spiritual organisations, including The Art of Living.

Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, substance-abuse prevention and government partnerships with civil-society organisations.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Economy and Banking
Exam importance: HIGH

APEDA Signs MoU with Informa Markets’ InD Events Dubai for Gulfood 2027

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) signed an MoU with InD Events Dubai to strengthen India’s participation in Gulfood 2027. India will be the Official Partner Country for the second consecutive year, supporting greater international visibility and export opportunities for Indian agricultural and processed food products.

Key facts

  • APEDA signed the MoU with InD Events Dubai at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.
  • India will be the Official Partner Country at Gulfood 2027 for the second consecutive year.
  • Gulfood 2027 is scheduled for 15–19 March 2027 in the UAE.
  • The partnership aims to expand market access for Indian food exporters and deepen India-UAE trade engagement under CEPA.
  • India’s participation will include exporters, FPOs, MSMEs, startups, commodity boards and government institutions.
  • The programme will feature B2B meetings, product showcases, conferences and industry engagements.
  • Special focus will be given to MSMEs, FPOs, startups and women- and SC/ST-led exporters.

Exam relevance: Important for questions on APEDA, agricultural and processed food exports, India-UAE trade relations, CEPA, Gulfood and export promotion initiatives.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Government Schemes
Exam importance: MEDIUM

Special Campaign 6.0 for Cleanliness and Reduction of Pendency

The Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, will participate in Special Campaign 6.0, a nationwide government initiative focused on improving workplace cleanliness and reducing pendency. The campaign is scheduled from 2 October to 31 October 2026 and will be conducted in two phases.

Key facts

  • Special Campaign 6.0 is a nationwide government initiative.
  • It focuses on improving cleanliness and reducing workplace pendency.
  • The campaign will be conducted from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
  • The Legislative Department comes under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
  • The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances is guiding the campaign.
  • The preparatory phase is scheduled from 15 September to 30 September 2026.
  • The implementation phase is scheduled from 2 October to 31 October 2026.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government campaigns, administrative reforms, cleanliness initiatives, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
State Current Affairs
Exam importance: HIGH

Union Minister Reviews Bihar Flood Damage and Crop Loss

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visited flood-affected areas of Bihar on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He reviewed flood damage, relief operations and crop losses in Hajipur, Vaishali, Munger and Bhagalpur, while a detailed Inter-Ministerial Central Team is planned for further assessment.

Key facts

  • Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted field visits in Hajipur, Vaishali, Munger and Bhagalpur.
  • The assessment covered flooded villages, agricultural fields, embankments and relief camps.
  • Banana and maize crops were reported to have suffered severe damage after being submerged for more than 10 days.
  • The state government began transferring Rs 7,000 through DBT to each affected family.
  • The Centre is monitoring the flood situation and has assured support for relief, recovery and reconstruction.
  • A detailed Inter-Ministerial Central Team is to assess damage to crops, roads, bridges, houses and livestock.
  • Central assistance will be provided after Bihar submits a proposal under the National Disaster Response Fund.

Exam relevance: Important for questions on disaster management, flood relief, the State Disaster Response Fund, the National Disaster Response Fund, direct benefit transfer and Centre–State coordination.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Economy and Banking
Exam importance: MEDIUM

Government Reviews Use of Recycled Ship Steel

The Government reviewed ways to expand the use of secondary steel obtained from ship recycling across additional sectors. The initiative aims to support domestic steel manufacturing, promote circular economy practices and strengthen India’s position as a leading ship recycling hub.

Key facts

  • The meeting was chaired by H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, and Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • The discussions focused on the use of secondary steel obtained from ship recycling.
  • The Department of Science and Technology and the Bureau of Indian Standards participated in the meeting.
  • The Gujarat Maritime Board and Ship Recycling Industries Association were also represented.
  • Stakeholders examined the existing regulatory framework for recycled ship steel.
  • The Government considered expanding the application of recycled ship steel to additional sectors.
  • The initiative supports circular economy practices and domestic steel manufacturing.

Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on steel manufacturing, ship recycling, circular economy, sustainable industrial practices and institutions involved in regulating standards and maritime activities.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
State Current Affairs
Exam importance: HIGH

Hyderabad Liberation Day Celebrations to Be Held in Secunderabad

A ceremony marking Hyderabad Liberation Day is scheduled for September 17 at the Secunderabad Parade Ground, with Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan as the Chief Guest.

Key facts

  • The ceremony will be held at the Secunderabad Parade Ground on September 17.
  • Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan will attend as the Chief Guest.
  • Ten contingents of the Central Armed Police Forces will participate in the march-past.
  • The Vice President will inspect the parade.
  • A cultural presentation titled “Hyderabad Vimochanam” will be organised.
  • Winners of the Hyderabad Liberation Day Quiz Competition will be felicitated.
  • An exhibition on Hyderabad Liberation Day, national unity and integrity has been set up by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on important national and state events, constitutional dignitaries, Central Armed Police Forces, Hyderabad’s integration with India, and cultural programmes connected with national unity.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
National
Exam importance: HIGH

MHA Declares Shahzad Bhatti Network a Terrorist Organisation Under UAPA

The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Key facts

  • The declaration was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • The Shahzad Bhatti Network was designated under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
  • The network was accused of smuggling arms, explosives and narcotics across borders.
  • It was also accused of inciting youths and petty criminals into terrorism.
  • The network allegedly targeted India’s democratic structure and communal harmony.
  • The network reportedly published hateful digital content.

Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, counter-terrorism measures, internal security and organisations designated as terrorist entities.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH

‘Ashirvad Ka Diya’ Ceremony to Highlight Drug Rehabilitation under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment will organise the ‘Ashirvad Ka Diya’ ceremony at Dr Ambedkar International Centre as part of the Government’s ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’. The event will recognise recovered drug users and highlight treatment, rehabilitation and community participation under drug demand reduction programmes.

Key facts

  • The ceremony will be held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in the National Capital.
  • Union Minister Dr Virendra Kumar will lead the ceremony and light the ‘Ashirvad Ka Diya’.
  • Around 200–250 recovered drug users are expected to participate.
  • The beneficiaries received support through Grant-in-Aid institutions and Addiction Treatment Facilities.
  • Under NAPDDR, assistance is provided for preventive education, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.
  • The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan has reached more than 34.55 crore citizens through awareness activities.
  • More than 1.68 lakh Nasha Mukti Mitras have joined the campaign.
  • Over 755 new de-addiction facilities have been established during the last two years.

Exam relevance: Important for questions on the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, NAPDDR, drug demand reduction, rehabilitation programmes and government support for addiction treatment.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Government Schemes
Exam importance: MEDIUM

MoHUA to Participate in Special Campaign 6 for Swachhata and Pendency Reduction

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, along with its attached and subordinate offices and PSUs, will participate in Special Campaign 6 from 2 to 31 October 2026. The campaign will focus on institutionalising cleanliness, reducing pendency in government offices and managing e-waste in accordance with the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.

Key facts

  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will participate in Special Campaign 6.
  • The preparatory phase will be held from 15 to 30 September 2026.
  • The implementation phase will run from 2 to 31 October 2026.
  • The campaign will focus on collection, segregation and disposal of e-waste.
  • E-waste management will follow the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022.
  • The campaign will address pendency involving parliamentary assurances, public grievances, CPGRAMS appeals and other official references.
  • CPWD and NBCC will support outdoor cleanliness drives, building facelifts and e-waste awareness.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government cleanliness campaigns, e-waste management, the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, CPGRAMS and administrative reforms.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH

Ministry of Heavy Industries Advances Swachhata Campaigns

The Ministry of Heavy Industries reported cleanliness, record-management and green initiatives under the government’s Swachhata campaigns. Between December 2025 and August 2026, it conducted 456 cleanliness campaigns, removed 6,115 files, freed about 6.14 lakh square feet of office space and generated approximately ₹60.34 crore through scrap disposal.

Key facts

  • The Ministry of Heavy Industries conducted 456 cleanliness campaigns between December 2025 and August 2026.
  • A total of 6,115 files were weeded out during these initiatives.
  • Approximately 6.14 lakh square feet of office space was freed.
  • Scrap disposal generated approximately ₹60.34 crore in revenue.
  • During Special Campaign 5.0, the Ministry and its CPSEs and Autonomous Bodies generated ₹9.88 crore through scrap disposal.
  • Special Campaign 6.0 is scheduled from 2 October to 31 October 2026.
  • Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 is being observed from 17 September to 2 October 2026.
  • The theme of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 is “Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat.”

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government cleanliness campaigns, Special Campaign 6.0, Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, Ministry of Heavy Industries, public-sector organisations and administrative reforms such as record disposal and space utilisation.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Science and Technology
Exam importance: HIGH

Prime Minister Chairs Semiconductor Roundtable with Industry Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a semiconductor roundtable at Seva Teerth with leading CEOs and representatives from the global and Indian semiconductor industry. The discussion focused on strengthening government–industry collaboration, skilling, innovation, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and the next phase of India’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Key facts

  • The roundtable was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Seva Teerth.
  • The Prime Minister called for greater industry participation in skilling, innovation and emerging technologies.
  • He referred to the target of training one crore people in artificial intelligence.
  • The government reaffirmed its commitment to a predictable and responsive policy environment for the semiconductor sector.
  • Industry representatives noted progress in manufacturing, design, infrastructure and talent development.
  • The CEOs expressed confidence in opportunities under ISM 2.0.
  • Participants discussed building capabilities across manufacturing, research and development, advanced technologies and supporting industries.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on India’s semiconductor ecosystem, technology policy, artificial intelligence skilling, quantum computing, public–private collaboration and India’s ambition to become a globally competitive technology hub.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Environment
Exam importance: HIGH

World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Concludes in Gandhinagar

The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 concluded in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with a call for inclusive and scalable circular economy solutions. The forum discussed policy, finance, technology, employment, inclusion and sector-specific implementation, while Columbia University, United States, was announced as the host for WCEF 2027.

Key facts

  • WCEF 2026 concluded in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, after two days of discussions.
  • The forum brought together around 2,700 delegates and 260 speakers from over 60 countries.
  • Discussions covered circular economy finance, technology, social issues, employment, inclusivity and gender equity.
  • The forum included four plenary sessions and 16 parallel sessions.
  • An exhibition featured 135 national and international exhibitors.
  • The Ecomark logo was launched during the closing programme.
  • Columbia University, United States, will host WCEF 2027.
  • The forum called for institutional coordination, capacity development and integration of circular principles into decision-making.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on circular economy, environmental governance, sustainable development, waste management, international forums and India's environmental initiatives.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
National
Exam importance: MEDIUM

NHRC Seeks Report on Deaths of Two Workers in Muzaffarpur Septic Tank

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognizance of a media report about the deaths of two workers from asphyxiation inside a septic tank in Muzaffarpur, Bihar. It issued notices to senior state and district authorities seeking investigation details and information on compensation for the deceased workers’ next of kin.

Key facts

  • The NHRC took suo motu cognizance of the reported incident.
  • Two workers reportedly died due to asphyxiation inside a septic tank in Muzaffarpur, Bihar.
  • The incident reportedly occurred on 14 September 2026 under Sikandarpur Police Station.
  • The NHRC issued notices to the Bihar Chief Secretary, Muzaffarpur District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police.
  • The authorities were asked to submit detailed reports within two weeks.
  • The report is expected to cover the investigation status and compensation provided to the deceased workers’ next of kin.
  • The incident is being investigated for a possible breach of safety protocols.

Exam relevance: Relevant for questions on the National Human Rights Commission, suo motu powers, human rights protection and labour safety issues.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Government Schemes
Exam importance: HIGH

PMBJP Expands Affordable Healthcare Beyond Medicines

The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana is expanding access to affordable surgical, healthcare and supportive-care products through Janaushadhi Kendras. Its product basket includes infant-care items, post-partum support products, medical devices, monitoring equipment and adult diapers.

Key facts

  • PMBJP has a network of over 20,000 Janaushadhi Kendras across India.
  • Janaushadhi Bachpan provides affordable infant-care products such as baby diapers and wipes.
  • Baby wipes are available in a pack of 20 at ₹45.
  • Electrical nebulizer machines are available at ₹937.50 and children's nebulizer masks with tubing at ₹200.
  • Glucometer test strips, available in packs of 25, are priced at ₹500.
  • Jan Aushadhi Swabhiman is a dedicated range of adult diapers.
  • Products proposed for future inclusion include knee braces, walkers, medical steam vaporizers and pregnancy back-support belts.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on government healthcare initiatives, affordable medicines and medical devices, PMBJP, Janaushadhi Kendras and welfare-oriented public policy.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Science and Technology
Exam importance: HIGH

CSIR Transfers Sustainable Leather and Road-Safety Technologies to Industry

CSIR organised a technology transfer event in New Delhi to facilitate the industrial deployment of technologies developed by CSIR-CLRI and CSIR-CRRI. The technologies focus on leather-waste utilisation, industrial waste recovery, vehicle glare reduction and low-energy pothole repair.

Key facts

  • The technology transfer event was organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) at its headquarters in New Delhi.
  • CSIR-CLRI developed a process to convert chrome shavings into protein-based syntans for leather retanning.
  • The chrome-shavings technology was demonstrated at a 100–200 kg pilot scale and validated at a commercial scale of 1,500 kg.
  • CSIR-CLRI also developed a process to recover iron and chloride from spent pickling acid and produce pigment-grade iron oxide and ammonium chloride.
  • CSIR-CRRI presented ClariVisor, an in-vehicle glare-mitigation device designed for four-wheelers.
  • CSIR-CRRI presented a two-pack onsite pothole-filling mix that uses cold application and does not require a hot-mix plant or heating.
  • Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary of DSIR and Director General of CSIR, stressed stronger CSIR–industry partnerships for commercialising indigenous technologies.

Exam relevance: Useful for questions on CSIR, technology transfer, circular economy, industrial waste management, sustainable infrastructure, road safety and indigenous scientific innovation.

Original source: Press Information Bureau
Environment
Exam importance: HIGH

CAQM Finds 16 Non-Compliant Industrial Units in Hapur

The Commission for Air Quality Management conducted a special inspection of industries in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, and found 16 of 22 inspected units violating environmental norms. Twelve Show Cause Notices were issued, while two units were sealed by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board.

Key facts

  • CAQM conducted the inspection drive in Hapur on 15 September 2026.
  • Seven CAQM Flying Squads inspected 22 industrial units.
  • Six units were compliant, while 16 were found non-compliant.
  • Twelve Show Cause Notices were issued to the concerned units.
  • Violations included visible smoke, inadequate APCDs, faulty OCEMS and wet scrubber bypass arrangements.
  • Two suspected illegal units denied entry to inspection teams.
  • The UPPCB sealed one unit using a wood-fired pit furnace with hazardous sludge and another non-conforming unit.

Exam relevance: Important for questions on air pollution control, environmental enforcement, the Commission for Air Quality Management, NCR governance and the role of state pollution control authorities.

Original source: Press Information Bureau