Today Current Affairs – 23 September 2026

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 Title: Today Current Affairs 23 September 2026 – Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams

 Description: Read the latest current affairs of 23 September 2026 covering India, economy, defence, science and technology, sports, environment, government schemes and important national developments for ADRE, APSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, CTET, CUET PG and UGC NET examinations.

Today’s current affairs include important developments in EPFO, WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, National Film Awards, Ayurveda Day, Ayushman Bharat, defence, railways, environment, sports, semiconductors and government initiatives. The information below is compiled primarily from official Government of India/PIB releases published on 23 September 2026. PIB listed 43 press releases for the day. 

1. EPF Wage Ceiling Raised from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has raised the statutory wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.

The revised ceiling is effective from 17 September 2026 and has been notified under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The change means that employees earning between ₹15,000 and ₹25,000 per month who were previously outside mandatory EPF coverage can now come within the revised ceiling, subject to applicable provisions. Employers are also required to make matching contributions based on the revised ceiling. 

Exam Point:

Organisation: EPFO

Old wage ceiling: ₹15,000/month

New wage ceiling: ₹25,000/month

Effective from: 17 September 2026

Related legislation: Code on Social Security, 2020

2. WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Begins

The 48th WorldSkills Competition began in Shanghai, China, on 23 September 2026.

India is participating with its largest-ever contingent of 70 competitors, competing across 63 skill categories. The event has brought together nearly 1,400 competitors from more than 65 countries and regions.

For the first time, India is participating in 11 new skill categories, including Dental Prosthetics, Digital Interactive Media Design, Intelligent Security Technology, Landscape Gardening, Optoelectronic Technology, Retail Sales, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Industrial Mechanics, Software Testing, Heavy Vehicle Technology and Aircraft Maintenance. 

The competition continues until 26 September, with the closing ceremony scheduled for 27 September 2026.

Exam Point:

Event: WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Edition: 48th

Host city: Shanghai, China

Indian contingent: 70 competitors

Skills: 63

Organised by: WorldSkills International

3. 11th Ayurveda Day Celebrated

The 11th Ayurveda Day was celebrated across India and internationally on 23 September 2026.

The Ministry of AYUSH organised various awareness, academic, healthcare and scientific programmes associated with Ayurveda Day. The Government has also been developing the Ayurveda ecosystem through education, evidence-based research and development, drug standards, international outreach and integration with modern healthcare systems. 

Exam Point:

Ayurveda Day: 23 September

2026: 11th Ayurveda Day

Ministry: Ministry of AYUSH

4. Ayushman Bharat Completes Eight Years

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of Ayushman Bharat on the completion of its eight years.

Ayushman Bharat is a major Government of India healthcare initiative intended to move towards universal health coverage through different components of the programme. PIB listed the eighth-anniversary development among the Prime Minister’s releases on 23 September 2026. 

Exam Point:

Scheme: Ayushman Bharat

Anniversary in 2026: 8 years

5. India at WorldSkills Shanghai with 14 ITI Competitors

Among the 70 members of Team India at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, 14 competitors are from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

The Indian participants underwent technical preparation, simulations, specialised training and mentoring before participating in the international competition. 

Exam Point:

70 total competitors → 14 from ITIs

6. India’s Semiconductor and Electronics Push

A PIB backgrounder published on 23 September highlighted a “Whole-of-Industry” approach for strengthening India’s electronics and semiconductor ambitions.

The semiconductor ecosystem involves several interconnected areas, including semiconductor fabrication, electronics manufacturing, components, materials, chip design, packaging and end-use applications.

The Government’s broader semiconductor strategy is aimed at developing domestic capabilities and strengthening India’s position in global electronics and semiconductor value chains. 

Exam Point:

Important sector: Semiconductors and electronics manufacturing

7. National Film Awards

The 72nd National Film Awards were conferred at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.

President Droupadi Murmu presented the awards. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024 was conferred on veteran actor Anant Nag. The award was announced by the Government of India on 16 September 2026. 

Among the award-winning films and artists highlighted by PIB are Article 370, Yami Gautam Dhar, Kartik Aaryan and Mammootty in their respective categories. 

Exam Point:

National Film Awards: 72nd

Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024: Anant Nag

Venue: Ekta Nagar, Gujarat

8. India–Sri Lanka Maritime Exercise SLINEX-26 Concludes

The India–Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise SLINEX-26 concluded at Visakhapatnam.

SLINEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka and is aimed at strengthening maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.

Exam Point:

Exercise: SLINEX

Countries: India and Sri Lanka

2026 edition: SLINEX-26

Concluded at: Visakhapatnam 

9. ₹811 Crore Contract for Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth ₹811 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (S-SAAW) for the Indian Air Force.

The procurement is linked with the Government’s emphasis on strengthening indigenous defence capabilities under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. 

Exam Point:

Contract value: ₹811 crore

Company: Bharat Dynamics Limited

Quantity: 160

User: Indian Air Force

10. KAVACH 4.0 Commissioned on South Central Railway

KAVACH 4.0, India’s indigenous automatic train protection system, was commissioned for the first time on the South Central Railway on 23 September 2026.

The development represents an important step in railway safety and the deployment of indigenous train-protection technology. 

Exam Point:

System: KAVACH 4.0

Sector: Railway safety

Railway zone mentioned: South Central Railway

11. India Connects Remote Areas of South Chhattisgarh by Rail

Indian Railways announced that the railway track has reached the Taroki–Rowghat section of the Dallirajhara–Rowghat New Rail Line in South Chhattisgarh.

The project is significant for improving rail connectivity to remote areas of the region. 

Exam Point:

Region: South Chhattisgarh

Rail section: Taroki–Rowghat

Project: Dallirajhara–Rowghat New Rail Line

12. India’s Rhino Conservation Efforts Highlighted

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an article highlighting India’s conservation journey concerning the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros.

The species is particularly associated with the Indian subcontinent, and Assam is one of the most important conservation landscapes for the greater one-horned rhinoceros.

Assam Exam Point:

Kaziranga National Park is internationally known for its population of greater one-horned rhinoceroses. PIB included the rhinoceros conservation development among the Prime Minister’s releases on 23 September. 

13. India’s Asian Games Medal Developments

Several Indian athletes featured in Prime Ministerial congratulatory messages following their performances at the Asian Games.

Jay Meena won a bronze medal in the men's individual Soft Tennis event and became India's first Asian Games medallist in the sport.

India also recorded a bronze medal in the women's Skeet Team event through Parinaaz Dhaliwal, Maheshwari Chauhan and Raiza Dhillon.

Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women's 49 kg weightlifting event. 

14. Bharat Taxi Service Expanded in Uttar Pradesh

The Bharat Taxi service was launched in Uttar Pradesh and rolled out in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Kanpur, along with the wider state-level expansion.

The initiative is associated with the cooperative sector and was reported by the Ministry of Cooperation on 23 September. 

Exam Point:

Important cities: Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Kanpur

15. Kanda Express to Transport Government Buffer-Stock Onions

The Department of Food and Public Distribution announced that Kanda Express, carrying onions from the Government’s buffer stock, would reach Kolkata on 24 September 2026.

The movement of buffer-stock onions is part of government measures concerning supply management and market availability. 

Exam Point:

Commodity: Onion

Initiative: Kanda Express

Destination: Kolkata

16. India–Sri Lanka Cooperation in Land Records

India shared its experience in the digitisation and modernisation of land records with a Sri Lankan delegation.

The initiative reflects India's experience in using digital systems to modernise land administration and improve land-record management. 

17. ₹285 Crore RDI Support for Air Mobility Technology

The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology is supporting Ubifly Technologies with ₹285 crore in RDI support for next-generation air mobility ambitions.

The development is associated with India's efforts to promote advanced technology and innovation in emerging mobility systems. 

Exam Point:

Organisation: TDB-DST

Company: Ubifly Technologies

Support: ₹285 crore

18. MY Bharat Crosses 3 Crore Registered Youth

MY Bharat has crossed the landmark of 3 crore+ registered youth in less than three years.

The platform is associated with youth engagement and opportunities for young people to participate in nation-building activities. 

Exam Point:

Platform: MY Bharat

Registered youth: 3 crore+

Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

19. Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey 2025–26

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released a press note concerning the Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey, covering the period July 2025 to June 2026.

The survey is relevant for understanding domestic tourism expenditure patterns and tourism-related economic activity in India. 

Exam Point:

Survey: Domestic Tourism Expenditure Survey

Period: July 2025 – June 2026

Ministry: MoSPI

20. Swachhata Hi Seva 2026

The Ministry of Textiles undertook cleanliness drives and awareness activities under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Campaign.

The campaign focuses on cleanliness, public participation and awareness activities across government institutions and organisations. 

Important One-Liners for Competitive Exams

1. Who regulates Employees’ Provident Fund coverage? — EPFO

2. New statutory EPF wage ceiling in 2026? — ₹25,000 per month. 

3. When did the revised EPF ceiling become effective? — 17 September 2026. 

4. Where is WorldSkills 2026 being held? — Shanghai, China.

5. How many competitors are in India’s WorldSkills 2026 contingent? — 70. 

6. How many skills is India competing in at WorldSkills Shanghai? — 63. 

7. Which edition of WorldSkills is being held in Shanghai? — 48th. 

8. How many Indian competitors at WorldSkills 2026 are from ITIs? — 14. 

9. Which day was celebrated as the 11th Ayurveda Day? — 23 September 2026. 

10. Who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024? — Anant Nag. 

11. Which edition of National Film Awards was presented? — 72nd National Film Awards. 

12. Where were the 72nd National Film Awards presented? — Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. 

13. What is SLINEX? — India–Sri Lanka Bilateral Maritime Exercise.

14. What is the value of the MoD–BDL contract announced on 23 September? — ₹811 crore. 

15. How many Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons are being procured? — 160. 

16. Which railway zone commissioned KAVACH 4.0 for the first time? — South Central Railway. 

17. Which Indian city is associated with the KAVACH 4.0 development announced today? — South Central Railway network.

18. Which species was highlighted in today's conservation-related PM release? — Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros. 

19. Who became India's first Asian Games medallist in Soft Tennis? — Jay Meena. 

20. Which platform crossed 3 crore registered youth? — MY Bharat. 

Sources

Primary sources used: Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Labour & Employment, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Ministry of AYUSH, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, President's Secretariat and Prime Minister's Office. The official PIB archive lists the relevant 23 September 2026 releases.