UPSC Current Affairs — 17 September 2026
7 syllabus-tagged briefs · 5-question sprint · sources named on every item. How this brief is made →
Shahzad Bhatti Network designated terrorist organization under UAPA
Why in news: Home Ministry formally designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organization under UAPA provisions.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), has designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network as a terrorist organization. This designation, announced by Union Home and Cooperatives Minister Amit Shah, reflects government action against extremist groups operating within India.
Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign preparations accelerate nationwide
Why in news: Multiple government ministries are actively preparing for the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 cleanliness campaign.
The government is gearing up preparations for the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign across the country. The Ministry of Heavy Industries and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs are both actively participating in this sanitation drive, with the latter intensifying efforts from October 2–31, 2026 under Special Campaign 6.
Government reviews recycled ship steel usage to boost domestic steel manufacturing
Why in news: Government is examining the use of steel sourced from ship recycling to strengthen India's steel sector globally.
The government is conducting a review of steel obtained from ship recycling with the dual objective of promoting steel manufacturing domestically and maintaining India's leadership position at the global level. This initiative aims to leverage recycled materials to enhance the competitiveness of India's steel industry.
India-New Zealand FTA clears Parliament; implementation expected by October 2026
Why in news: New Zealand Parliament passed legislation to implement the India-New Zealand FTA, paving the way for enforcement.
New Zealand's Parliament has approved legislation to implement the India-New Zealand FTA, with both countries having agreed on measures covering trade in goods and services, investment, and agriculture. The landmark agreement is expected to take effect in the second half of October, offering immediate duty-free access for over half of New Zealand's exports and boosting key Indian sectors.
EPFO contribution ceiling raised for first time in 12 years; coverage expands by 5.1 million workers
Why in news: EPFO revised its ₹25,000 wage ceiling after 12 years, significantly expanding mandatory coverage.
The EPFO has reset its wage ceiling threshold to ₹25,000, marking the first revision in 12 years. This expansion will bring mandatory social-security coverage to an additional 5.1 million workers, though it will increase contribution costs for both employers and affected employees.
India approves UK car imports under India-UK CETA tariff quota
Why in news: India issued first allocations under the India-UK CETA trade agreement that took effect in July 2026.
India has approved imports of 642 UK-origin cars under the tariff-rate quota provisions of the India-UK CETA, representing the first allocation since the trade pact became effective on July 15. Seven of eight allocated manufacturers have received their quota allocations under the agreement.
Windfall tax on petrol, diesel, and ATF exports reduced to boost competitiveness
Why in news: Government cut export duties on refined petroleum products to support domestic refiners.
The government has reduced windfall tax on petroleum exports: the duty on diesel has been cut to ₹20 per litre from ₹25 previously, and the levy on petrol exports has been reduced to ₹0.5 per litre from ₹1.5 earlier. These reductions aim to enhance export competitiveness of Indian refineries.
Test yourself: today's 5-question sprint
- Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA)
- Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA)
- National Security Act (NSA)
- Anti-Terrorism Ordinance
Show answer
According to brief 1, the Shahzad Bhatti Network was designated as a terrorist organization under UAPA provisions by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- August 1–31, 2026
- September 2–30, 2026
- October 2–31, 2026
- November 1–30, 2026
Show answer
Brief 2 states that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs will actively participate in Special Campaign 6 from October 2–31, 2026.
- To reduce environmental pollution from steel factories
- To promote steel manufacturing and maintain India's global leadership
- To substitute all domestic steel production with recycled steel
- To export more steel to developing nations
Show answer
Brief 3 states the government is reviewing recycled ship steel with the objective of promoting steel manufacturing domestically and maintaining India's leadership position globally.
- July 2026
- August 2026
- Second half of October 2026
- First half of November 2026
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Brief 4 specifies that the India-New Zealand FTA is expected to take effect in the second half of October, following Parliament's approval.
- 2.5 million workers
- 5.1 million workers
- 7.8 million workers
- 10.3 million workers
Show answer
Brief 5 explicitly states that the EPFO ceiling revision will bring mandatory social-security coverage to an additional 5.1 million workers.
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