Daily filter — 16 September 2026
12 exam-worthy stories from the day's PIB releases · interactive view
🛡️ Defence & Security · LAW track
Shahzad Bhatti Network Declared Terrorist Under UAPA
The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated the **Shahzad Bhatti Network** as a terrorist organization, aligning with India's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.
- Shahzad Bhatti Network was declared a terrorist organization on September 16, 2026.
- The declaration was made under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
- The group engages in smuggling arms, explosives, and narcotics across borders.
- It also incites youths and criminals into terrorism and publishes hateful digital content.
💡 Remember Shahzad Bhatti Network was designated a terrorist organization under UAPA on September 16, 2026, for cross-border criminal and terror activities.
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs · PIB PRID 2311078
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
NHRC Suo Motu Cognizance Over Muzaffarpur Septic Tank Deaths
The **NHRC** has taken suo motu cognizance of two worker deaths in a septic tank in **Muzaffarpur**, Bihar, on 14th September 2026.
- The NHRC issued notices to Bihar's Chief Secretary, DM, and SSP Muzaffarpur.
- Reports on investigation status and victim compensation are due within two weeks.
- The incident occurred on 14th September 2026 in Sikandarpur PS area.
💡 Remember: NHRC takes suo motu cognizance for human rights violations, demanding reports on investigations and compensation from state officials.
Source: National Human Rights Commission · PIB PRID 2311047
📈 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
EPFO Wage Ceiling Raised to Rs. 25,000 Monthly
The Union Cabinet has approved increasing the mandatory **EPFO** coverage wage ceiling from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month.
- The EPFO wage ceiling was last raised in September 2014 to Rs. 15,000.
- More than 51 lakh additional employees will gain mandatory EPFO coverage.
- This expands access to provident fund, pension (EPS), and insurance (EDLI).
- The estimated annual government outgo will be about Rs. 11,339 crore.
💡 Remember: The EPFO wage ceiling rose to Rs. 25,000, bringing over 51 lakh new employees under coverage.
Source: Cabinet · PIB PRID 2310811
💰 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
EPFO Wage Ceiling Hiked to ₹25,000, Expanding Social Security
The Union Cabinet approved increasing the **EPFO** mandatory coverage wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
- The new wage ceiling takes effect from 17 September 2026.
- It will bring more employees under EPFO's provident fund, pension, and insurance schemes.
- The annual Government outgo is estimated at approximately ₹11,339 crore.
- The ceiling remained unchanged since September 2014.
💡 Remember, EPFO wage ceiling hiked to ₹25,000 from ₹15,000, effective 17 September 2026.
Source: Ministry of Labour & Employment · PIB PRID 2310973
🌿 International Relations · UPSC track
BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge in Goa
The Third BIMSTEC Conference on Traditional Medicine Knowledge, Genetic Resources and IPR began in Goa on September 16, 2026.
- The conference focuses on conserving traditional medicine knowledge and equitable benefit-sharing.
- It is organized by the Ministry of Ayush with AIIA, Goa, as the nodal institute.
- The Second Meeting of the BIMSTEC Nodal Group on Traditional Medicine is also held.
- A BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine was proposed in April 2025.
- Discussions cover TKDL, AI, IPR, and ethical considerations.
- Seven BIMSTEC member countries are participating.
💡 Remember: Third BIMSTEC Traditional Medicine Conference in Goa, Sept 2026, driven by Ayush, focuses on knowledge conservation and IPR.
Source: AYUSH · PIB PRID 2310942
💨 Environment · LAW track
CAQM inspects Hapur industries, finds 16 non-compliant
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) conducted inspections in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, finding widespread non-compliance.
- CAQM inspected 22 industrial units in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, on 15.09.2026.
- 16 units were found non-compliant with applicable norms and statutory directions.
- 12 Show Cause Notices (SCNs) were issued to the non-compliant units.
- Two units were sealed by the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB).
💡 Remember: CAQM inspected Hapur industries, found 16 non-compliant, issued 12 SCNs, and UPPCB sealed two.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2311013
🌍 Environment · UPSC track
India Launches Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard
On World Ozone Day 2026, two digital platforms were launched to enhance transparency and monitoring of India's climate actions.
- Union Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh launched platforms on 16 SEP 2026.
- Net Zero Portal allows voluntary Net Zero commitments and disclosure of GHG emissions by entities.
- NAPCC Dashboard monitors progress across National Missions on climate change.
- Entities successfully declaring Net Zero targets receive acknowledgement from MoEFCC.
💡 Remember: World Ozone Day 2026 saw two digital platforms for Net Zero commitments and climate mission monitoring.
Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change · PIB PRID 2310737
💊 Defence & Security · LAW track
DRI busts major methamphetamine smuggling syndicate in North-East
The **Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)** seized over 231 kg of methamphetamine, busting a large drug smuggling syndicate in the North-East region.
- DRI intercepted four trucks in Assam and Tripura on 15.09.2026.
- Total 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets were seized.
- Three persons were arrested in connection with the operation.
- The seizure is one of the biggest in the North-East Region.
💡 Remember: DRI busted a 231.8 kg methamphetamine syndicate in the North-East, arresting three.
Source: Ministry of Finance · PIB PRID 2310841
🎬 Polity & Governance · UPSC track
Government Reconstitutes Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has been reconstituted with 18 members for a period of three years.
- The CBFC was reconstituted with immediate effect.
- The reconstitution is for a period of three years.
- It was done under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
- The reconstituted board comprises 18 members.
- The notification was issued on 16 September 2026.
💡 Remember: CBFC reconstituted, 18 members, 3 years, under Cinematograph Act, 1952.
Source: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting · PIB PRID 2311000
⚖️ Law & Judiciary · LAW track
Labour Law and Social Security Executive Program Concludes
The first Executive Development Program on Labour Law and Social Security Compliance concluded at GNLU, addressing enterprise compliance gaps.
- The program was jointly developed by GNLU and PDUNASS (EPFO's training academy).
- It concluded on 12 September 2026 at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU).
- The three-month program trained 60 industry practitioners in hybrid learning.
- The curriculum updated to incorporate the Code on Social Security 2020.
💡 Remember GNLU and PDUNASS collaborated for the EPFO-focused Labour Law and Social Security program in 2026.
Source: Ministry of Labour & Employment · PIB PRID 2310731
🛠️ Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PM Vishwakarma Scheme: Three Years, 30 Lakh Artisans Registered
The **PM Vishwakarma Scheme** marks its three-year anniversary, successfully registering 30 lakh beneficiaries across India.
- The PM Vishwakarma Scheme was launched on 17th September 2023 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
- It supports traditional artisans in 18 identified trades with institutional backing, modern tools, and finance.
- 30 lakh beneficiaries are registered after verification, with 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas receiving Basic Skill Training.
- 6.18 lakh Vishwakarmas received loans up to ₹1 lakh at 5% interest, totaling ₹5,297 crore.
- 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered via India Post to beneficiaries.
- West Bengal joined the scheme in May 2026, registering 3,000 beneficiaries.
- Third Anniversary celebrations will be held on 17th September 2026 in Kolkata.
💡 Remember: Vishwakarma, launched 2023, 3 years, 30L beneficiaries, tools, loans up to ₹1L at 5%.
Source: Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises · PIB PRID 2310751
📚 Schemes & Welfare · UPSC track
PM-YASASVI Boosts Education for Vulnerable Students
PM-YASASVI scheme has significantly enhanced educational opportunities for OBC, EBC, and DNT students since 2014-15.
- From 2014-15 to 2025-26, ₹15,555.53 crore was released under PM-YASASVI.
- Over 1069 lakh beneficiaries supported through scholarships, hostels, and top-class education.
- Pre-Matric Scholarships covered 642.58 lakh beneficiaries with ₹2,163.15 crore.
- Post-Matric Scholarships supported 425.66 lakh students with ₹12,118.75 crore.
- 28,865 hostel seats were created with ₹346.79 crore released for infrastructure.
- Top Class Education in Schools aided 45,228 students since 2022-23 with ₹116.69 crore.
- Top Class Education in Colleges benefited 37,937 students since 2023-24 with ₹810.15 crore.
💡 Remember PM-YASASVI empowers OBC, EBC, DNT students through scholarships (Pre/Post-Matric), hostels, and top-class education, releasing ₹15,555.53 crore for 1069 lakh beneficiaries from 2014-15 to 2025-26.
Source: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment · PIB PRID 2310882