Daily Current Affairs Quiz 17th September, 2026 for Banking & Competitive Exams |

Daily Current Affairs: 17 September 2026

Q1. What is the primary objective of the NAPCC Dashboard launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change?

(a) To issue carbon offset credits directly to retail investors

(b) To track real-time daily weather forecasts across district headquarters

(d) To regulate industrial effluent discharges into river basins

(e) To manage municipal solid waste processing fees

Answer: c

Solution:

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, launched the Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard on World Ozone Day 2026 in Mumbai.
The Net Zero Portal is a centralised digital platform for voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments by Indian entities across sectors.
Entities can disclose GHG emissions, Net Zero targets and annual progress, with Scope 1 and Scope 2 reporting encouraged, while Scope 3 reporting remains voluntary.
The portal allows entities to outline Net Zero pathways covering clean energy transition, energy efficiency, technological interventions and carbon removals.
Entities successfully declaring their Net Zero targets will receive an acknowledgement from MoEFCC, while their declarations will be publicly accessible.
The NAPCC Dashboard provides a consolidated digital view of the implementation and progress of National Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
The dashboard facilitates systematic monitoring, inter-ministerial coordination, evidence-based assessment, identification of implementation gaps and tracking of sectoral progress.
It also aims to strengthen the linkage between India’s domestic climate actions and international climate commitments.

Q2. Where is the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) taking place from 12 to 19 September 2026?

(a) London, United Kingdom

(b) New Delhi, India

(d) Canberra, Australia

(e) Ottawa, Canada

Answer: c

Solution:

The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) is being held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 12–19 September 2026.
An Indian Parliamentary Delegation is participating in the conference under the leadership of Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
The Indian delegation comprises Shri C. Sadanandan Master, Dr. D. Purandeswari, Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma, Shri Sudheer Gupta, Shri Krishna Prasad Tenneti, Smt. Rachna Banerjee, and Shri P. C. Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha.
The conference is also being attended by 32 Presiding Officers and 18 Secretaries from the State/UT Legislatures of India.
These Presiding Officers and Secretaries are members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

Q3. What was the estimated value of India’s total combined exports (Merchandise and Services) for the month of August 2026?

(a) US$ 70.67 Billion

(b) US$ 82.68 Billion

(d) US$ 147.09 Billion

(e) US$ 215.91 Billion

Answer: b

Solution:

Total exports (Merchandise + Services) in August 2026 were estimated at US$ 82.68 billion, registering 25.41% growth over August 2025.
Total imports in August 2026 were estimated at US$ 92.09 billion, registering 18.75% growth year-on-year.
During April–August 2026-27, total exports were estimated at US$ 399.27 billion, up 15.55%, while total imports stood at US$ 459.65 billion, up 18.01%.

Merchandise Trade

Merchandise exports rose to US$ 43.81 billion in August 2026 from US$ 34.74 billion in August 2025.
Merchandise imports increased to US$ 70.67 billion from US$ 61.96 billion during the same period.
During April–August 2026-27, merchandise exports stood at US$ 215.91 billion, while imports reached US$ 363.00 billion.
The merchandise trade deficit during April–August 2026-27 was US$ 147.09 billion, compared with US$ 123.88 billion in the corresponding period of 2025-26.
Non-petroleum and non-gems & jewellery exports increased to US$ 34.68 billion in August 2026, while corresponding imports stood at US$ 49.22 billion.

Services Trade

Services exports in August 2026 were estimated at US$ 38.87 billion, compared with US$ 31.19 billion in August 2025.
Services imports increased to US$ 21.42 billion from US$ 15.59 billion.
During April–August 2026-27, services exports were estimated at US$ 183.36 billion, while services imports stood at US$ 96.65 billion.
The services trade surplus during April–August 2026-27 stood at US$ 86.71 billion.

Key Export Trends

Major commodities recording positive export growth in August 2026 included Iron Ore (126.3%), Electronic Goods (89.82%), Petroleum Products (63.27%), Meat, Dairy & Poultry Products (37.08%), and Engineering Goods (24.86%).
Gold imports recorded a sharp 57.75% decline in August 2026. Other imports registering negative growth included Pulp & Waste Paper, Iron & Steel, Newsprint and Textile Yarn/Fabric.

Major Trading Partners

Top export destinations showing positive growth in August 2026 included USA (21.83%), Singapore (160.96%), Spain (196.47%), China (52.35%) and Tanzania (214.52%).
Top import sources showing growth in August 2026 were USA (65.78%), Russia (43.82%), China (17.07%), Oman (157.45%) and Taiwan (108.31%).

Q4. Who has been appointed as the first woman Inspector General (IG) of the CRPF’s specialized jungle warfare commando unit, CoBRA?

(a) Archana Ramasundaram

(b) Sanjukta Parashar

(d) Merin Joseph

(e) Pooja Thakur

Answer: b

Solution:

IPS officer Sanjukta Parashar has been appointed as the first woman Inspector General (IG) of CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
CoBRA is the CRPF’s specialised jungle warfare commando unit.
The CRPF raised CoBRA in 2008–09 to combat Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in several Indian states and insurgency in parts of the Northeastern region.
Her appointment comes amid the increasing presence of women officers in senior operational roles within the CRPF.
Women IGs are also heading CRPF formations covering the Rapid Action Force, Jammu, Northeast region, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

Q5. Shri Bharath Kumar Kuthati (IFS: 2006) has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to which country in September 2026?

(a) Republic of Botswana

(b) Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

(d) Republic of Kenya

(e) Jamaica

Answer: b

Solution:

In September, 2026, Shri Bharath Kumar Kuthati (IFS: 2006), presently High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Botswana, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Q6. What is the new monthly wage ceiling approved by the Union Cabinet for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)?

(a) ₹18,000

(b) ₹21,000

(d) ₹30,000

(e) ₹35,000

Answer: c

Solution:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved the proposal to increase the EPFO wage ceiling for mandatory coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
The decision is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees under mandatory EPFO coverage.
The higher ceiling will extend provident fund, pension and associated insurance benefits to a larger section of workers.
The EPFO wage ceiling was last increased to ₹15,000 in September 2014, after remaining unchanged during 2004–2014.
The revision to ₹25,000 aims to reflect wage growth, rising incomes and the expansion of formal employment.
Employees joining employment with wages above ₹15,000 were previously not automatically covered under the mandatory EPF framework.
The revised ceiling will bring a substantial number of employees earning ₹15,000–₹25,000 per month within the statutory social security framework.

Q7. What is the maximum Free-on-Board (FOB) value per export consignment eligible for the de minimis exemption from mandatory Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC)?

(a) ₹1 lakh

(b) ₹2 lakh

(d) ₹5 lakh

(e) ₹10 lakh

Answer: c

Solution:

The Government has introduced a de minimis exemption from the requirement of Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) or Certificate of Registration for small-value export consignments.
The exemption applies to export consignments with a Free-on-Board (FOB) value of up to ₹3 lakh, wherever such certification is otherwise required under the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
The measure aims to reduce compliance burdens for new and small exporters and facilitate exports through postal, courier and emerging channels.
Export consignments with an FOB value exceeding ₹3 lakh will continue to require a valid RCMC or Certificate of Registration, wherever applicable.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has amended the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 to introduce this exemption.

Q8. World Ozone Day is observed annually on 16 September to raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer What is the official theme for World Ozone Day 2026?

(a) Montreal Protocol: Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change

(b) Global Action for a Cooler Planet

(d) Climate Action Now: Preserving Earth’s Shield

(e) Keep Cool and Carry On: The Montreal Protocol

Answer: b

Solution:

World Ozone Day is observed annually on 16 September to raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth.
The 2026 theme is “Global Action for a Cooler Planet”, highlighting international cooperation for ozone protection and its connection with climate action.
The theme emphasises collective responsibility, sustained global action, environmentally friendly technologies and safer alternatives.
2026 marks the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which was adopted in 2016 to promote the global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
The ozone layer acts as a protective shield by blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thereby reducing risks such as skin cancer, cataracts and ecosystem damage.
The UN General Assembly proclaimed 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on 19 December 1994.
The date commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 16 September 1987.
The Montreal Protocol is a major international environmental agreement aimed at controlling substances responsible for ozone layer depletion.
Its success highlights the importance of science-based policies, universal participation, effective compliance, dedicated financing and international cooperation.
The Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment together demonstrate how international cooperation can advance ozone protection, climate action and sustainable development.

Q9. Where is the 12th iteration of Exercise Eager Lion being hosted in September 2026?

(a) Amman, Jordan

(b) Fort Carson, Colorado, USA

(d) Aqaba, Jordan

(e) Grafenwoehr, Germany

Answer: b
Solution:

Exercise Eager Lion 2026 began on 15 September 2026 at Fort Carson, Colorado, USA.
The two-week military exercise is being conducted by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Jordanian Armed Forces.
More than 200 military personnel from the United States and Jordan are participating in the exercise.
Eager Lion is a biennial military exercise conducted between the United States and Jordan.
2026 marks the 12th edition of Exercise Eager Lion.
For the first time, the United States is hosting the exercise.

Q10. Which village in the Zanskar region was officially declared as Ladakh’s first designated ‘Heritage Village’ by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on September 15, 2026, during the launch of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival?

(a) Padum

(b) Karsha

(d) Kumik

(e) Zangla

Answer: d

Solution:

Kumik Village, located in Zanskar, Ladakh, was declared Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village on 15 September 2026.
The declaration was made by Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena.
The announcement was made during the launch of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026.