Daily Current Affairs 20 & 21 September 2026: Important GK Updates for UPSC, SSC, Banking & Railways Exams
This combined Daily Current Affairs post for 20 & 21 September 2026 covers NITI Aayog's India Electric Mobility Index, the enhanced EPFO wage ceiling, new GOBARdhan compressed-biogas guidelines, GIFT City's rise in the Global Financial Centres Index, India's first tokenised corporate bond issuances, President Droupadi Murmu's climate conference address and India's performances at the Chess Olympiad and Asian Games. It also includes exam-ready one-liners, quick-fact cards and FAQs for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Insurance, Defence and State PSC exams.
Introduction to Current Affairs 20 & 21 September 2026
The Current Affairs of 20 & 21 September 2026 contain important developments across national policy, economy, banking, reports, environment, science and sports. Major exam-focused headlines include the new India Electric Mobility Index 2025, enhancement of the EPFO mandatory wage ceiling, operational guidelines for the GOBARdhan scheme, GIFT City's improvement in the Global Financial Centres Index and India's first tokenised corporate bond issuances.
The two-day round-up also covers President Droupadi Murmu's climate conference address, India's Chess Olympiad campaign and important Asian Games records. Aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways and State PSC examinations can use this daily current affairs compilation for quick conceptual understanding and revision.
National Current Affairs
Registration of Births and Deaths Amendment Act 2026 to Take Effect from October 1
Why in News: The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2026 is scheduled to come into force from 1 October 2026. The amendment strengthens provisions governing delayed registration of births and deaths under Section 13(3) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
Quick Facts
- Principal law: Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
- Latest legislation: Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2026.
- Normal reporting period for births, deaths and stillbirths: 21 days.
- The amendment focuses particularly on delayed registration.
- Effective date: 1 October 2026.
Key Highlights
- Registrations delayed beyond one year but within two years require approval from designated executive authorities after verification.
- Cases delayed by more than two years require an order of a Judicial Magistrate First Class.
- The change increases scrutiny of substantially delayed registrations.
- Birth and death certificates remain important legal records for establishing vital-event information.
Government Raises EPFO Mandatory Wage Ceiling to Rs 25,000
Why in News: The Union Cabinet approved a proposal of the Ministry of Labour and Employment to enhance the wage ceiling for mandatory Employees' Provident Fund Organisation coverage from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per month.
Quick Facts
- Organisation: Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
- Old mandatory wage ceiling: Rs 15,000 per month.
- Revised ceiling: Rs 25,000 per month.
- Effective from: 17 September 2026.
- EPFO administers provident fund, pension and employee-linked insurance benefits.
Key Highlights
- Employees earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 will come within mandatory statutory coverage subject to applicable provisions.
- The decision expands access to provident-fund savings and pension protection.
- It also broadens coverage under the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance framework.
- The monthly EPS pension contribution cap was reported at Rs 2,080, compared with Rs 1,250 earlier.
NSTFDC and HPCL to Build Smart Classrooms in 29 Eklavya Schools
Why in News: NSTFDC and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) signed an MoU to establish integrated computer laboratories and smart classrooms in 29 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across Rajasthan.
Quick Facts
- Schools covered: 29 EMRSs across 11 districts of Rajasthan.
- Project budget: Rs 16.01 crore.
- Expected annual beneficiaries: more than 10,000 Scheduled Tribe students.
- EMRS scheme began in 1997-98.
- EMRS administration is overseen through the National Education Society for Tribal Students.
Key Highlights
- Each school will receive smart classrooms with interactive panels and audio-visual learning tools.
- Computer laboratories will include networked desktops and supporting digital infrastructure.
- The project also provides tablets containing competitive-examination learning material.
- The initiative seeks to strengthen digital access and educational opportunities for tribal students.
Election Authorities Hold Special Voter Registration Camps in Delhi
Why in News: Special voter-registration camps were organised at polling-station locations across Delhi to help citizens submit electoral-roll applications during the ongoing revision exercise. Booth Level Officers were deployed to assist applicants.
Quick Facts
- Form 6: Application for inclusion of a new voter's name.
- Form 7: Used for objections or requests for deletion of an entry.
- Form 8: Used for correction or updating of voter particulars.
- Booth Level Officers assist electors at the polling-station level.
Key Highlights
- The camps were intended to facilitate citizen participation in electoral-roll revision.
- Applicants could seek new enrolment, deletion of ineligible entries or correction of particulars.
- Electoral Registration Officers examine applications and supporting documentation under the applicable electoral-registration framework.
Government Schemes
MoPNG Issues New Operational Guidelines for GOBARdhan Scheme
Why in News: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued component-wise operational guidelines for the GOBARdhan scheme to strengthen India's compressed biogas ecosystem, including offtake assurance, pricing, capital assistance and pipeline infrastructure support.
Quick Facts
- GOBARdhan: Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan.
- Number of guideline components: 6.
- Initial administered CBG price: Rs 2,110 per MMBTU.
- Equivalent indicative price: nearly Rs 98 per kg at 95% methane content, excluding specified charges.
- Pricing framework indicated for up to 31 March 2036, unless modified or extended.
Key Highlights
- The government provided for full offtake of eligible CBG available for sale, subject to technical and operational feasibility.
- CBG purchase obligations for City Gas Distribution companies are 3% in FY27, 4% in FY28 and 5% from FY29.
- New eligible CBG plants can receive assistance of Rs 1.25 crore per TPD, capped at Rs 30 crore per project.
- The framework seeks to expand waste-to-energy capacity and lower dependence on conventional gaseous fuels.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign Launched Nationwide
Why in News: The Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign was launched jointly by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation on 17 September 2026. The campaign continues until 2 October 2026.
Quick Facts
- Campaign period: 17 September-2 October 2026.
- Theme: "Swachhata Mein Sahbhag; Swachh Bharat, Viksit Bharat".
- Launch included a plantation activity under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.
- The campaign culminates on Gandhi Jayanti.
- It follows a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach.
Key Highlights
- SHS 2026 focuses on transforming cleanliness target units and public places.
- Its pillars include Swachh Paathshala, SafaiMitra safety and honour, Jan Bhagidari and Swachhata Se Samriddhi.
- The programme emphasises citizen participation and sustained cleanliness practices.
Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh Launches 100-Week Drug-Free Youth Campaign
Why in News: The Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh was observed nationwide on 18 September 2026, marking the beginning of the 100-week Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan promoting drug-abuse prevention and healthy lifestyle choices among young people.
Quick Facts
- Campaign duration: 100 weeks.
- Coverage: all 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
- Participating institutions: 259.
- Activities conducted: about 1,455.
- Participants mobilised: approximately 1,47,798.
Key Highlights
- Activities included collective pledges, awareness campaigns and youth-led discussions.
- The programme was implemented with MY Bharat and the National Service Scheme.
- It focuses on prevention, awareness and positive behavioural choices among youth.
Reports & Indices
Delhi Tops NITI Aayog's India Electric Mobility Index 2025
Why in News: NITI Aayog released the second edition of the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025, assessing the e-mobility transition across 36 states and Union Territories. Delhi retained the overall top position with a score of 84.
Quick Facts
- Overall leader: Delhi - 84 points.
- Second: Maharashtra - 78.
- Third: Karnataka - 73.
- Developed by NITI Aayog in partnership with WRI India.
- The index uses 16 indicators across three broad themes.
Key Highlights
- Transport Electrification Progress carries a 50% weight.
- Charging Infrastructure Readiness carries 30%, while EV Research and Innovation carries 20%.
- Maharashtra topped the large-state category, followed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Manipur led the Hilly and Northeastern States category.
NITI Aayog Releases 9th Trade Watch Quarterly
Why in News: NITI Aayog released the 9th edition of its Trade Watch Quarterly, with thematic analysis focused on metals and ores trade and an assessment of India's trade performance during the first quarter of FY 2026-27.
Quick Facts
- Reporting period: April-June 2026.
- Global goods trade in H1 2026: USD 13.7 trillion.
- India's merchandise and services trade in Q1 FY27: USD 506.9 billion.
- India's merchandise exports: USD 129.5 billion.
- Merchandise trade deficit: USD 86.6 billion.
Key Highlights
- Global goods trade grew 12.5% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.
- India's merchandise and services trade grew 15.5% year-on-year in Q1 FY27.
- Merchandise imports increased to USD 216.1 billion.
- The report examines trade trends amid geopolitical and policy uncertainties.
GIFT City Climbs to 37th in Global Financial Centres Index 40
Why in News: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, or GIFT City, climbed 9 positions to rank 37th globally in the 40th edition of the Global Financial Centres Index.
Quick Facts
- GIFT City rank: 37th, up from 46th.
- Global leader: New York.
- Second: London; third: Hong Kong; fourth: Singapore.
- The index is produced by Z/Yen Partners in collaboration with the China Development Institute.
- GFCI is published twice a year.
Key Highlights
- GFCI 40 assessed financial-centre competitiveness using quantitative indicators and professional assessments.
- The study examined 139 financial centres, with 117 appearing in the main index.
- Competitiveness areas include business environment, human capital, infrastructure, financial-sector development and reputation.
Economy & Banking
Revised UPI MDR Framework Announced for Certain Merchant Payments
Why in News: A revised Merchant Discount Rate framework for UPI payments was reported, providing a 0.4% MDR on specified merchant transactions exceeding Rs 2,000, while person-to-person UPI transfers remain free.
Quick Facts
- Threshold mentioned: Rs 2,000.
- Standard MDR for specified merchant payments above threshold: 0.4%.
- Effective date reported: 15 October 2026.
- P2P UPI transactions remain free irrespective of value.
- UPI is operated by the National Payments Corporation of India.
Key Highlights
- Specified categories such as railways, telecom, insurance and fuel were assigned a flat charge structure for transactions above the threshold.
- Capital-market payments were assigned a separate lower percentage with a stated cap.
- The framework differentiates between person-to-person and merchant-payment use cases.
NSE Enables India's First Tokenised Corporate Bond Issuances
Why in News: The National Stock Exchange enabled India's first tokenised corporate bond issuances worth a combined Rs 1,000 crore on its Electronic Bidding Platform under the SEBI Regulatory Sandbox framework.
Quick Facts
- Total issuance: Rs 1,000 crore.
- Issuers: REC Limited and Larsen & Toubro.
- Amount raised: Rs 500 crore each.
- Technology: Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).
- NSE incorporated in 1992 and commenced operations in 1994.
Key Highlights
- The tokenised issuance digitally represents securities using distributed-ledger infrastructure.
- DLT can support greater transparency and more efficient securities settlement.
- REC's issue carried a reported coupon rate of 7.30%.
- The development marks a milestone in applying tokenisation to India's corporate debt market.
Science & Technology
SPROUT Facility Inaugurated at BRIC-NIPGR for Climate-Resilient Crops
Why in News: Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the SPROUT facility at BRIC-NIPGR in New Delhi to accelerate crop research through high-throughput phenotyping, precision stress screening and controlled-environment plant evaluation.
Quick Facts
- SPROUT: SpeedSeed Phenotyping and Resource Optimization for Unified Trait Analysis.
- Location: BRIC-NIPGR, New Delhi.
- Initial crop focus: chickpea.
- Technology integrates genomics, genome editing and phenotyping.
- SpeedSeed technology can reduce crop cycles to around 40 days.
Key Highlights
- The facility operates under controlled environmental conditions independent of normal crop seasons.
- It enables rapid evaluation of germplasm, mutants and genome-edited plant lines.
- The research aims to speed up development of climate-resilient crops.
- The initiative aligns with India's BioE3 policy framework.
Environment
President Murmu Addresses International Conference on Climate Dynamics
Why in News: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the valedictory session of the international conference on "The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics" in New Delhi on 20 September 2026. The conference was organised by the National Green Tribunal.
Quick Facts
- Date: 20 September 2026.
- Venue: New Delhi.
- Organiser: National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- Focus: environmental change, climate dynamics and resilience.
Key Highlights
- The President highlighted biodiversity loss, water stress and land degradation as major environmental concerns.
- She noted links between climate change, food security, public health and livelihoods.
- The address stressed people-centric and community-based climate adaptation.
- Traditional knowledge and public participation were highlighted as components of climate resilience.
Awards & Honours
Sethuraman Panchanathan Named Arthur M. Bueche Award 2026 Recipient
Why in News: Indian-origin computer scientist Sethuraman Panchanathan was named recipient of the Arthur M. Bueche Award 2026 by the US National Academy of Engineering for contributions to science and technology policy.
Quick Facts
- Awarding organisation: National Academy of Engineering.
- Award established: 1982.
- First presented: 1983.
- Named after scientist and engineering leader Arthur M. Bueche.
- Panchanathan received India's Padma Shri in 2025.
Key Highlights
- Panchanathan became the first Indian-American recipient of the award.
- The honour recognises leadership connecting engineering, technology and public policy.
- Recipients receive a commemorative medal and certificate.
Appointments & Resignations
Kamlesh Chandra Varshney Reappointed as SEBI Whole-Time Member
Why in News: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the continuation of Kamlesh Chandra Varshney as a Whole-Time Member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India beyond 19 September 2026.
Quick Facts
- Varshney is a 1990-batch Indian Revenue Service officer.
- He first took charge as SEBI Whole-Time Member on 20 September 2023.
- Continuation approved until 4 August 2029 or further orders, whichever is earlier.
- SEBI headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- SEBI was established in 1988.
Key Highlights
- Varshney previously worked in tax policy and legislation in the Department of Revenue.
- His SEBI responsibilities have covered market intermediaries, surveillance, legal affairs and information technology.
- He also served as the first Commissioner of Advance Pricing Agreement.
Sports
India Records Twin 3-1 Victories at Chess Olympiad in Samarkand
Why in News: India continued its campaign at the 46th Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the Open team defeating Spain 3-1 and the women's team defeating Mongolia by the same score.
Quick Facts
- Host city: Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
- Tournament dates: 16-27 September 2026.
- Format: Swiss-system team competition.
- Number of rounds: 11.
- India's leading players include D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi and R. Praggnanandhaa.
Key Highlights
- India defeated Spain 3-1 in the Open section.
- The women's team recorded a 3-1 victory over Mongolia.
- India fielded strong squads in both Open and Women's sections.
Elavenil Valarivan Wins Asian Games Shooting Silver
Why in News: Elavenil Valarivan won the women's 10m air rifle individual silver at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, and also helped India secure silver in the team event.
Quick Facts
- Individual event: Women's 10m air rifle.
- Final score: 252.4 points.
- Team members: Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Vinod.
- Team medal: Silver.
- Host: Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Key Highlights
- The medals were India's first shooting medals of the Games.
- Valarivan finished 0.6 points behind the individual gold-medal score.
- China won gold in the women's 10m air rifle team event.
Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana Create Asian Games Cricket Records
Why in News: Shafali Verma became the first cricketer to score a century in Asian Games cricket, while Smriti Mandhana became the first Indian woman to hit 100 T20I sixes.
Quick Facts
- Shafali Verma: 100 not out from 49 balls against Bangladesh.
- Her innings included 9 sixes and 3 fours.
- India scored 195/4.
- India won by 114 runs.
- Mandhana reached 100 T20I sixes during the match.
Key Highlights
- Shafali's century established a new Asian Games cricket milestone.
- Mandhana became the first Indian woman to complete 100 sixes in T20 Internationals.
- The records came during India's women's Asian Games cricket campaign.
Current Affairs One-Liners
Quick Revision
- IEMI 2025 overall leader → Delhi → scored 84, ahead of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
- IEMI 2025 developer → NITI Aayog and WRI India → evaluates e-mobility across 36 States and UTs.
- RBD Amendment Act 2026 → effective 1 October 2026 → strengthens delayed birth and death registration rules.
- EPFO wage ceiling → increased to Rs 25,000 per month → earlier Rs 15,000.
- GOBARdhan CBG obligation → 3% FY27, 4% FY28, 5% FY29 onward → applies to CGD companies.
- GOBARdhan administered CBG price → Rs 2,110/MMBTU → nearly Rs 98/kg at stated methane content.
- Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 → 17 September-2 October → promotes citizen participation in cleanliness.
- Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh → Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan → launches a 100-week campaign.
- Trade Watch Quarterly → 9th edition → focuses on metals and ores trade.
- India Q1 FY27 merchandise exports → USD 129.5 billion → imports reached USD 216.1 billion.
- SPROUT facility → BRIC-NIPGR, New Delhi → supports high-throughput research on climate-resilient crops.
- SPROUT's initial crop focus → chickpea → SpeedSeed can shorten crop cycles to around 40 days.
- NSTFDC-HPCL project → 29 EMRSs → smart classrooms across 11 Rajasthan districts.
- GFCI 40 → GIFT City ranked 37th → improved nine positions.
- World's leading financial centre in GFCI 40 → New York → followed by London and Hong Kong.
- Revised UPI MDR → 0.4% for specified merchant payments above Rs 2,000 → P2P transfers remain free.
- India's first tokenised corporate bonds → Rs 1,000 crore → issued by REC and L&T through NSE platform.
- Tokenised bond technology → Distributed Ledger Technology → supports digital securities representation and settlement.
- Arthur M. Bueche Award 2026 → Sethuraman Panchanathan → first Indian-American recipient.
- SEBI Whole-Time Member → Kamlesh Chandra Varshney → continuation approved until August 2029 or further orders.
- Climate conference organiser → National Green Tribunal → valedictory session addressed by President Murmu.
- Chess Olympiad 2026 host → Samarkand, Uzbekistan → tournament scheduled for 16-27 September.
- India Open Chess team → defeated Spain 3-1 → women's team beat Mongolia by the same score.
- Asian Games shooting silver → Elavenil Valarivan → women's 10m air rifle individual event.
- Asian Games cricket century record → Shafali Verma → first Asian Games cricket centurion.
- Indian woman with 100 T20I sixes → Smriti Mandhana → reached the landmark at the Asian Games.
- Delhi voter registration → Form 6 for new registration → Form 7 deletion/objection and Form 8 correction.
- DoSJE partnership → The Art of Living → MoU extended under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
- Dighi shipbuilding cluster → Maharashtra → proposed investment framework of around Rs 27,000 crore.
- MDL role at Dighi → anchor shipyard → proposed investment of around Rs 15,000 crore.
- Former Union Minister E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan → died aged 78 → represented Tamil Nadu in Parliament.
- World Patient Safety Day → 17 September → 2026 theme focuses on safe care for noncommunicable diseases.
- International Equal Pay Day → 18 September → UN observance promoting equal pay for work of equal value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which state or Union Territory topped the India Electric Mobility Index 2025?
What is the new EPFO wage ceiling approved in September 2026?
What are the new CBG purchase obligations under the GOBARdhan guidelines?
What is GIFT City's rank in the Global Financial Centres Index 40?
What was significant about the tokenised corporate bond issuances enabled by NSE?
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Who won India's individual silver in women's 10m air rifle at the 2026 Asian Games?
What records did Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana create at the 2026 Asian Games?
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