PIB Digest & Quiz: 2026-09-16 Daily Verified Archive Editorial Digest Included

Daily Current Affairs Sprint — September 16, 2026

10-Question Daily PIB & National Current Affairs test for September 16, 2026.

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Verified PIB Daily Editorial Digest

Coverage: 16 September 2026Press Information Bureau (PIB)Daily Executive Brief

Daily PIB Comprehensive Summary — 16 September 2026

1. Social Security, Labour Welfare & Inclusive Empowerment

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EPFO Wage Ceiling Enhancement: The Union Cabinet approved raising the mandatory EPFO wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, taking effect from Vishwakarma Jayanti and Sewa Divas on 17 September 2026 (PIB Link). This crucial reform brings over 51 lakh additional employees into formal social security coverage, expanding access to provident fund savings, the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) with an estimated 5-year financial outlay of ₹56,696 crore.

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PM Vishwakarma Scheme Milestones: Marking its third anniversary, the flagship scheme has successfully achieved its registration target of 30 lakh traditional artisans and craftspeople across 18 notified trades (PIB Link). It has disbursed collateral-free enterprise development loans worth ₹5,297 crore to over 6.18 lakh artisans at a concessional interest rate of 5%, while distributing over 18.15 lakh modern toolkits via India Post.

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PM-YASASVI Scholarship Achievements: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted that ₹15,555.53 crore has been released under PM-YASASVI from 2014-15 to 2025-26, supporting over 1069 lakh beneficiaries through pre-matric/post-matric scholarships, hostel construction, and top-class education initiatives (PIB Link).

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Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Extension: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment extended its MoU with The Art of Living and partnered with 12 spiritual organizations under NMBA, which has reached over 34.55 crore citizens and trained more than 1.67 lakh master volunteers (PIB Link, PIB Link).

2. Foreign Trade, Macroeconomics & Industrial Infrastructure

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APEDA MoU for Gulfood 2027: APEDA signed an MoU with InD Events Dubai, confirming India's return as the Official Partner Country at Gulfood 2027 for the second consecutive year (PIB Link). The partnership under the India-UAE CEPA prioritizes expanded global market access for MSMEs, FPOs, startups, and women- and SC/ST-led exporters.

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RCMC Exemption for Small Exports: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) introduced a de minimis exemption from Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) requirements for export consignments up to ₹3 lakh, lowering compliance entry barriers for MSMEs, artisans, and first-time exporters (PIB Link).

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NITI Aayog Trade Watch Quarterly & EV Index: NITI Aayog released the ninth edition of Trade Watch Quarterly for Q1 FY27, noting global goods trade growth of 12.5% y-o-y ($13.7 trillion) and Indian total trade expansion of 15.5% y-o-y ($506.9 billion), alongside releasing the second edition of the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) (PIB Link, PIB Link).

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Commercial Coal Mine Auctions: The Ministry of Coal announced the launch of the 16th Round of Commercial Coal Mine Auctions, building upon 147 successfully auctioned mines over the past six years that have attracted ₹55,000 crore in capital investments (PIB Link).

3. Governance, Administration & Special Campaigns

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Special Campaign 6.0 Portal Launch: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the dedicated web portal for Special Campaign 6.0, highlighting that past cleanliness campaigns (2021–2025) covered over 24.20 lakh sites, weeded out 180.48 lakh files, freed 1,000 lakh sq. ft. of office space, and generated ₹5,000 crore from scrap disposal (PIB Link). Ministries like Housing & Urban Affairs, Health & Family Welfare, Environment, and Mines have outlined robust targets emphasizing scientific e-waste segregation.

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CBFC Reconstitution: The Central Board of Film Certification was reconstituted under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, comprising 18 members including eminent industry experts and artists (PIB Link).

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Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024: Legendary actor Shri Anant Nag was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his illustrious 5-decade cinematic career spanning over 300 films (PIB Link).

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Hyderabad Liberation Day Celebrations: The 2026 Hyderabad Liberation Day was grandly commemorated with Vice-President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan attending as the Chief Guest at Secunderabad Parade Ground (PIB Link).

4. Environment, Climate Action & Infrastructure

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World Ozone Day & Net Zero Portal: Observing the 32nd World Ozone Day in Mumbai, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched India's Net Zero Portal (a centralized platform for voluntary industry disclosures) and the NAPCC Dashboard for monitoring national climate missions (PIB Link).

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DRI Methamphetamine Seizure: In a major intelligence-led crackdown in the North-East, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted four trucks and seized 231.8 kg of methamphetamine tablets across Assam and Tripura, valued at several hundred crore rupees (PIB Link).

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BIMSTEC Traditional Medicine Conference: The Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources, and IPR commenced in Goa, emphasizing prior informed consent and traditional knowledge protection (PIB Link).

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MHA Designates Terrorist Network: Exercising powers under the UAPA, the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organization due to cross-border arms, explosives, and narcotics smuggling (PIB Link).

5. Science, Technology & Defense Cooperation

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COAS Visit to Russia: General Dhiraj Seth, Chief of the Army Staff, embarked on an official visit to Russia to strengthen bilateral military-to-military cooperation and defense ties (PIB Link).

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VYOMA Innovation Challenge: BHASHINI, Current AI, and Kalpa Impact concluded the VYOMA Innovation Challenge, showcasing open-source, multilingual AI hardware solutions for India (PIB Link).

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CSIR Technology Transfer: CSIR organized a major technology transfer event, commercializing innovations for sustainable leather processing (syntans from chrome shavings) and safer road construction (PIB Link).

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PM Semiconductor Roundtable: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level Semiconductor Roundtable with global CEOs, reviewing progress under ISM 2.0 and India's growing semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem (PIB Link).

Archived MCQs & Explanations (10 Questions)

Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Question 1 of 10MPPSC 2026 Economy Standard Reference Series

Match List-I (Sector Parameter) with List-II (Survey 2025–26 Benchmark Metric): List-I: a. Total Installed Power Capacity b. Headline CPI Inflation (Apr–Dec 2025) c. Foodgrain Output (AY 2024–25) d. Infant Mortality Rate (2023) List-II: 1. 1.7% 2. 509.74 GW 3. 25 per 1,000 live births 4. 3,577.3 lakh metric tonnes Select the correct code?

सूची-I (क्षेत्र पैरामीटर) को सूची-II (सर्वेक्षण 2025-26 बेंचमार्क मीट्रिक) से सुमेलित कीजिए: सूची-I: a. कुल स्थापित विद्युत क्षमता b. हेडलाइन सीपीआई मुद्रास्फीति (अप्रैल-दिसंबर 2025) c. खाद्यान्न उत्पादन (AY 2024-25) d. शिशु मृत्यु दर (2023) सूची-II: 1. 1.7% 2. 509.74 GW 3. 25 प्रति 1,000 जीवित जन्म 4. 3,577.3 लाख मीट्रिक टन सही

Aa-4, b-1, c-2, d-3

Ba-2, b-4, c-1, d-3

Ca-2, b-1, c-4, d-3Correct Key

Da-1, b-2, c-3, d-4

Explanation & Analytical Context:

**Correct Answer: Option (C) — a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3**

Question 2 of 10Daily Current Affairs Sprint — September 16, 2026

To promote sustainable cargo movement, new Dedicated Freight Corridors announced in Union Budget 2026–27 will connect which two destinations?

टिकाऊ कार्गो आवाजाही को बढ़ावा देने के लिए केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 में घोषित नए समर्पित फ्रेट कॉरिडोर किन दो स्थानों को जोड़ेंगे?

ALudhiana to Dankuni

BDankuni to SuratCorrect Key

CDadri to JNPT

DVaranasi to Paradip

Explanation & Analytical Context:

New Dedicated Freight Corridors will connect Dankuni (West Bengal) to Surat (Gujarat).

Question 3 of 10Weekly Current Affairs Roundup — Week 02 (High-Yield PIB & National)

The threshold for availing 'Safe Harbour' rules for IT services was enhanced to what amount in Union Budget 2026–27?

केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 में आईटी सेवाओं के लिए 'सेफ हार्बर' नियमों का लाभ उठाने की सीमा बढ़ाकर कितनी कर दी गई?

A₹1,000 crore

B₹1,500 crore

C₹2,000 croreCorrect Key

D₹2,500 crore

Explanation & Analytical Context:

The threshold for availing Safe Harbour rules for IT services is enhanced to ₹2,000 crore.

Question 4 of 10BPSC 72nd Topic Test 18: Indian Economy (Macroeconomics, Union Budget, Banking, RBI & External Sector)

Consider the following statements regarding strategic industrial initiatives in Union Budget 2026–27: 1. Biopharma SHAKTI mission has an allocation of ₹10,000 crore over five years. 2. Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme outlay is increased to ₹40,000 crore. 3. Rare Earth Corridors are proposed in Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Which of the statements given above are correct?

केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 में रणनीतिक औद्योगिक पहलों के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. बायोफार्मा शक्ति मिशन का पांच वर्षों में ₹10,000 करोड़ का आवंटन है। 2. इलेक्ट्रॉनिक घटक विनिर्माण योजना का परिव्यय बढ़ाकर ₹40,000 करोड़ किया गया है। 3. ओडिशा, केरल, आंध्र प्रदेश और तमिलनाडु में दुर्लभ मृदा गलियारे प्रस्तावित हैं। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन-से सही हैं?

A1 and 2 only

B2 and 3 only

C1 and 3 only

D1, 2 and 3Correct Key

Explanation & Analytical Context:

Strategic industrial initiatives in Union Budget 2026–27: (1) Expansion of the Semiconductor Fab incentive scheme under ISM 2.0; (2) Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for Critical Minerals processing; (3) Clean Energy manufacturing mission. Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.

Question 5 of 10BPSC 72nd Topic Test 18: Indian Economy (Macroeconomics, Union Budget, Banking, RBI & External Sector)

Consider the following statements regarding tax proposals in Union Budget 2026–27: 1. The new Income Tax Act, 2025 will come into effect from 1st April 2026. 2. TCS on overseas tour packages under LRS is reduced to a uniform 2%. 3. Personal income tax slabs were drastically revised with a 50% cut across all slabs. Which of the statements given above are correct?

केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 में कर प्रस्तावों के संबंध में निम्नलिखित कथनों पर विचार कीजिए: 1. नया आयकर अधिनियम, 2025 1 अप्रैल 2026 से प्रभावी होगा। 2. LRS के तहत विदेशी टूर पैकेजों पर TCS घटाकर एक समान 2% कर दिया गया है। 3. व्यक्तिगत आयकर स्लैब में भारी बदलाव करते हुए सभी स्लैब में 50% की कटौती की गई। उपरोक्त कथनों में से कौन-से सही हैं?

A1 and 2 onlyCorrect Key

B2 and 3 only

C1 and 3 only

D1, 2 and 3

Explanation & Analytical Context:

Tax proposals in Union Budget 2026–27: (1) Standard deduction under the New Tax Regime maintained at ₹75,000 for salaried employees; (2) Tax slabs revised to provide disposable income relief up to ₹12 lakh. Statements 1 and 2 are correct.

Question 6 of 10Monthly Compendium 03: Contemporary High-Yield National & Global Developments

The Union Budget 2026–27 holds historical significance as the first Union Budget prepared in which newly inaugurated building?

केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 का ऐतिहासिक महत्व किस नवनिर्मित भवन में तैयार किए गए पहले केंद्रीय बजट के रूप में है?

AViksit Bharat Bhawan

BAmrit Kaal Bhawan

CKartavya BhawanCorrect Key

DSewa Bhawan

Explanation & Analytical Context:

Union Budget 2026–27 marked the first Budget prepared in the newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhawan.

Question 7 of 10Monthly Compendium 03: Contemporary High-Yield National & Global Developments

How many legacy industrial clusters are proposed to be revived through infrastructure and technology upgradation under Union Budget 2026–27?

केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 के तहत बुनियादी ढांचे और प्रौद्योगिकी उन्नयन के माध्यम से कितने पारंपरिक औद्योगिक क्लस्टरों को पुनर्जीवित करने का प्रस्ताव है?

A100 clusters

B200 clustersCorrect Key

C150 clusters

D250 clusters

Explanation & Analytical Context:

The Budget announced a scheme to revive 200 legacy industrial clusters to improve their cost competitiveness.

Question 8 of 10Monthly Compendium 01: Union Budget 2026–27 & Fiscal Architecture

Under Union Budget 2026–27, Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on overseas tour packages and remittances for education/medical under LRS was reduced to what uniform rate?

केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 के तहत विदेशी टूर पैकेज और एलआरएस के तहत शिक्षा/चिकित्सा हेतु प्रेषण पर टीसीएस (TCS) को घटाकर किस समान दर पर लाया गया?

A2% (without any threshold)Correct Key

B10%

C1%

D5%

Explanation & Analytical Context:

TCS on overseas tour packages and education/medical remittances was rationalized to a uniform 2% without threshold.

Question 9 of 10Weekly Current Affairs Roundup — Week 02 (High-Yield PIB & National)

What is the Capital Expenditure (Capex) allocation in Union Budget 2026–27?

केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 में पूंजीगत व्यय (Capex) का आवंटन कितना रखा गया है?

A₹10.5 Lakh Crore

B₹14.0 Lakh Crore

C₹12.2 Lakh CroreCorrect Key

D₹11.2 Lakh Crore

Explanation & Analytical Context:

**Correct Answer: Option (C) — ₹12.2 Lakh Crore** • Capex allocation was increased to ₹12.2 Lakh Crore (~3.1% of GDP), while Effective Capex stands at ₹17.1 Lakh Crore (~4.4% of GDP).

Question 10 of 10Daily Current Affairs Sprint — September 10, 2026

Foreign companies providing global cloud services via Indian data centers are granted a tax holiday until which year in Union Budget 2026–27?

केंद्रीय बजट 2026-27 में भारतीय डेटा केंद्रों के माध्यम से वैश्विक क्लाउड सेवाएं प्रदान करने वाली विदेशी कंपनियों को किस वर्ष तक कर अवकाश (Tax Holiday) दिया गया है?

A2035

B2047Correct Key

C2050

D2040

Explanation & Analytical Context:

To position India as a global data hub, foreign companies providing cloud services via Indian data centers receive a tax holiday until 2047.

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