Current Affairs, 16 September 2026

Expected reach

The revision is expected to extend mandatory coverage to over 51 lakh additional employees.

EDLI cover

EDLI gives insurance of up to ₹7 lakh on death in service, with no separate premium from members.

Legal status of EPFO

EPFO is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

New ceiling

The ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage goes from Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000 per month.

Last revision

The ceiling was last raised in September 2014, after staying unchanged from 2004 to 2014.

Schemes covered

EPFO runs three schemes: EPF, EPS (pension) and EDLI (insurance).

Fiscal cost

Annual government outgo is about Rs.11,339 crore, against existing support of about Rs.10,250 crore.

Approval process

The Expenditure Finance Committee recommended the proposal on 16 June 2026.

Legal basis

EPFO administers the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and is under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Don’t confuse with EPFO vs e-Shram: EPFO covers formal-sector workers through provident fund, pension and insurance. e-Shram is a database of unorganised workers, linking them to welfare schemes.

Don’t confuse with PM-SYM vs EPS: PM-SYM is a voluntary pension scheme with matching government contribution for unorganised workers. EPS is the EPFO pension for covered employees.

Don’t confuse with EPS vs EDLI: EPS gives pension; EDLI gives life insurance linked to EPF membership.

Don’t confuse with EPFO vs ESIC: EPFO handles provident fund, pension and insurance; ESIC gives medical and cash benefits. Both come under the Labour Ministry.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2021Prelims Q2Whether all casual workers are entitled to Employees Provident Fund coverage

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Registration and verification

Applications go only through Common Service Centres. Verification is at Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body level, vetting by the District Implementation Committee, and approval by the Screening Committee.

Digital incentive

Re 1 per digital transaction, up to 100 transactions a month.

Trades covered

The scheme covers 18 traditional trades, including carpenter, boat maker, armourer, goldsmith, potter, cobbler, mason, barber, washerman and tailor.

Registration and benefits

Artisans who pass three levels of verification become eligible for skill upgradation, credit support, modern toolkits, digital incentives and marketing support.

Training reach

24.29 lakh beneficiaries have received basic skill training so far.

IIM Mumbai evaluation

A concurrent evaluation covered 11,591 beneficiaries in all States and UTs. 93% reported a moderate to significant income increase after training.

Formalisation link

Beneficiaries are on-boarded on the Udyam Assist Platform so they can access government schemes and priority sector lending.

Launch date

The scheme was launched by the Ministry of MSME on 17 September 2023.

State machinery

West Bengal has notified a State Monitoring Committee and District Implementation Committees to roll out the scheme.

Enrolment in West Bengal

7.79 lakh artisans and craftspeople are enrolled in the state.

Nature of scheme

It is a Central Sector Scheme run by the Ministry of MSME.

Benefits

Support includes recognition, skill training, toolkits, collateral-free credit, digital incentives and market support.

Don’t confuse with PM Vishwakarma vs PM SVANidhi: PM Vishwakarma supports artisans in 18 traditional trades; PM SVANidhi gives working-capital loans to street vendors. Those who fully repaid MUDRA or PM SVANidhi loans can join PM Vishwakarma.

Don’t confuse with Central Sector Scheme vs Centrally Sponsored Scheme: PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme, funded wholly by the Centre. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme is shared with States.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2021Mains GS2 · Q7Strengthening earn-while-you-learn scheme to make vocational training meaningful.
2. 2016Mains GS2 · Q16Measures to make population productive and employable via skills.
3. 2023Mains GS2 · Q18Linkages between education, skill development, and employment, analysed
4. 2023Mains GS3 · Q1Govt policies to raise manufacturing share of GDP, especially MSMEs.
5. 2014Mains GS2 · Q11Whether schemes protecting social resources for backward communities exclude them from urban business.
6. 2017Prelims Q3Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme: certifying traditionally acquired skills of workers

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Net Zero Portal

A central platform for voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments by Indian entities across sectors.

Emission scopes

Entities are encouraged to report Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Scope 3 reporting is voluntary.

Acknowledgement

Entities that successfully declare Net Zero targets get an acknowledgement from MoEFCC.

NAPCC Dashboard

Gives a consolidated view of implementation and progress across the National Missions under the NAPCC, to help ministries monitor them.

World Ozone Day

Observed on 16 September, marking the date the Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987.

NAPCC launch

The NAPCC was launched in 2008 and has eight national missions.

Don’t confuse with Net Zero Portal vs NAPCC Dashboard: The portal collects voluntary net zero pledges from entities. The dashboard monitors government national missions.

Don’t confuse with Scope 1/2 vs Scope 3: Scope 1 and 2 are direct and purchased-energy emissions. Scope 3 covers other indirect value-chain emissions.

Environment: Prelims tests bodies, programmes and the law behind them; Mains asks why plans fall short.

1. 2025Mains GS3 · Q18Review India's Paris Agreement commitments and its updated first NDC in 2022
2. 2021Mains GS3 · Q17Major COP26 outcomes and India's commitments made at that conference
3. 2016Mains GS3 · Q11Current status and targets of India's renewable energy and LED programme
4. 2026Prelims Q21Statements on India's LT-LEDS, BUR-4 emissions, and climate-resilient development
5. 2022Prelims Q41What type of body the Climate Action Tracker, monitoring emission pledges, is

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Publisher

The IEMI is brought out by NITI Aayog, and its second edition was launched at a workshop on State EV Policies.

States with EV policies

29 of India's 36 States and UTs have notified EV policies.

Score movement

The highest State score rose from 77 to 84 and the median from 36 to 40 in a year.

Oil import dependence

India imports nearly 89% of its crude oil requirement.

Government support

Support exceeds ₹92,000 crore through FAME, PM E-DRIVE, PM E-bus Sewa and two PLI schemes (Automobiles & Auto Components; ACC battery storage).

Don’t confuse with FAME vs PM E-DRIVE: Both are EV incentive schemes; PM E-DRIVE is the later scheme that follows FAME. Do not treat them as the same.

Don’t confuse with IEMI vs EV policy: IEMI is a scoring index of state progress; an EV policy is a state's own notified policy.

Reports and indices: 14 Prelims questions since 2013; they test who publishes a report and what it measures.

1. 2023Prelims Q7Country producing about three-fourths of world's cobalt for EV batteries
2. 2024Prelims Q37Exhaust pipe emission from hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles
3. 2025Prelims Q41Count of correctly described electric and fuel-cell vehicle types

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

India's status

India has been a Party to the Vienna Convention, the Montreal Protocol and all its amendments since 1992.

Substances phased out

CFCs, carbon tetrachloride and halons are phased out for controlled uses. HCFCs are being phased out on the accelerated schedule.

Kigali Amendment in India

India ratified it in September 2021. It came into force for India on 26 December 2021.

HFC phase-down schedule

India's HFC phase-down has four steps from 2032: 10% in 2032, 20% in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047.

Treaty adoption

The Montreal Protocol was adopted in 1987 and the Vienna Convention in 1985. World Ozone Day is observed on 16 September.

Funding

The Multilateral Fund helps developing countries meet Montreal Protocol obligations.

Don’t confuse with Montreal Protocol vs Kyoto Protocol: Montreal covers ozone-depleting substances; Kyoto (UNFCCC) covers greenhouse gas emissions. Kigali brings HFCs into Montreal because of their warming effect.

Don’t confuse with CFC/HCFC vs HFC: CFCs and HCFCs deplete ozone. HFCs do not deplete ozone but have high global warming potential.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

1. 2022Mains GS3 · Q17Discuss global warming and control measures for greenhouse gases under the Kyoto Protocol.
2. 2022Mains GS3 · Q7Discuss photochemical smog's formation, effects, mitigation, and the Gothenburg Protocol.
3. 2015Prelims Q40Which is associated with controlling and phasing out ozone-depleting substances? Montreal Protocol is an option.
4. 2001Prelims Q52Match important days, including World Ozone Day, with their correct dates.
5. 2005Prelims Q6Statements on Kyoto Protocol's entry into force, ozone depletion, and methane's harm.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Number certified

5,967 entities are certified under the AEO Programme across T1, T2, T3 and LO categories.

Current framework

The current AEO framework was introduced through Circular No. 33/2016-Customs.

International alignment

The programme is aligned with the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards.

EMI Scheme documents

Under the EMI Scheme, documents to be uploaded fell from ten to three from 15 September 2026.

Administering body

CBIC is under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.

Don’t confuse with AEO vs EMI Scheme: AEO is the full trusted-trader certification. The EMI Scheme is an earlier step that rewards early compliance and leads to higher AEO tiers.

Don’t confuse with CBIC vs DGFT: CBIC handles customs and indirect taxes. DGFT handles foreign trade policy under the Commerce Ministry.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

1. 2017Prelims Q83Correct statements on WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement ratification and origins.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Target groups

The scheme covers OBC, EBC and DNT (Denotified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes) students.

Components

Four parts: Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships, OBC hostel construction, and Top Class Education at school and college levels.

Top Class Education in Colleges

Started in 2023-24; helps meritorious students in identified premier colleges and institutions.

Post-Matric share

Post-Matric is the largest component: Rs 12,118.75 crore released, 425.66 lakh beneficiaries, 2014-15 to 2025-26.

Hostels

Rs 346.79 crore released for 28,865 hostel seats from 2014-15 to 2025-26.

Full name

PM-YASASVI stands for Prime Minister Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India.

Beneficiaries

Eligible students from OBC, EBC and DNT communities.

Implementing ministry

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs the scheme.

Don’t confuse with PM-YASASVI vs PM-AJAY: PM-YASASVI serves OBC, EBC and DNT students; PM-AJAY targets Scheduled Castes villages and livelihoods.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2019Mains GS2 · Q18Discuss why welfare schemes for vulnerable sections are ineffective without awareness and involvement.
2. 2024Mains GS1 · Q18Why underprivileged sections don't fully benefit from constitutional affirmative action despite policies. Comment.
3. 2022Mains GS2 · Q5Discuss NCBC's role after becoming a constitutional body.
4. 2013Mains GS2 · Q12Critically evaluate restructuring centrally sponsored schemes for vulnerable sections' welfare
5. 2011Prelims Q30Which statements about Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana's eligibility and scholarship provisions are correct?
6. 2006Prelims Q118What is Nirmal Gram Puraskar, an incentive scholarship scheme for girls?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Launched by

Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil launched it on 15 September 2026 at a virtual meeting with States/UTs.

Nature and developer

An annual, Gram Panchayat-level digital self-assessment framework developed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under SBM-G 2.0.

Who is involved

It is multi-tier: Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, VWSCs, and district and State/UT officials.

What is assessed

ODF Plus (Model) Gram Panchayats assess ODF sustainability, visual cleanliness and solid and liquid waste management, plus the functionality and O&M of assets.

Validation and review

The Gram Sabha discusses and validates findings; DWSM/SWSM meetings review them to find gaps and plan corrective action.

Don’t confuse with ODF vs ODF Plus: ODF means no open defecation. ODF Plus adds solid and liquid waste management and visual cleanliness; the Model category is the top tier.

Don’t confuse with SBM-G vs SBM-Urban: SBM-G covers rural sanitation under the Jal Shakti Ministry. SBM-Urban is a separate mission run by the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

1. 2017Mains GS2 · Q6Examine synchronizing WASH beneficiary identification with anticipated outcomes in policy implementation.
2. 2016Mains GS4 · Q4How social influence and persuasion could contribute to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan's success.
3. 2017Mains GS2 · Q1Critically examine whether local self-government has been an effective instrument of governance.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Policy provision amended

DGFT amended Para 2.57 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 to create the exemption.

Threshold

The exemption covers consignments up to ₹3 lakh FOB. Larger consignments still need RCMC or Certificate of Registration, where applicable.

Issuing bodies

RCMC is obtained from the relevant Export Promotion Council or Commodity Board.

FOB value

Free-on-Board value is the price of goods up to loading on the ship or carrier at the port of export. It excludes freight and insurance beyond that point.

Don’t confuse with RCMC vs IEC: The Importer-Exporter Code is a DGFT-issued business identification needed to import or export. RCMC is issued by an EPC or Commodity Board and gives membership. This exemption concerns only RCMC.

Don’t confuse with FOB vs CIF: FOB excludes freight and insurance after loading. CIF includes cost, insurance and freight to the destination port.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Members

The seven BIMSTEC members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Organiser and nodal institute

India's Ministry of Ayush organised the conference, with the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Goa, as nodal institute.

Centre of Excellence

A BIMSTEC Centre of Excellence in Traditional Medicine was announced by the Indian Prime Minister at the Sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok in April 2025.

Core principles discussed

The conference aims at a framework that protects communities through prior informed consent, mutually agreed terms and equitable benefit-sharing.

TKDL

The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library was discussed for its controlled-access documentation and prior-art protection, and its possible regional relevance.

BIMSTEC full form

BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. Its secretariat is in Dhaka.

Don’t confuse with BIMSTEC vs SAARC: BIMSTEC links South Asia with Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand) and excludes Pakistan and the Maldives. SAARC is South Asia only.

Don’t confuse with TKDL vs WIPO: TKDL is India's database of traditional knowledge used to block wrong patents. WIPO is the UN agency that deals with intellectual property rules.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

1. 2022Mains GS2 · Q10Is BIMSTEC a parallel organisation to SAARC, and how does it serve India's foreign policy?
2. 2019Mains GS3 · Q15How does India protect traditional medicine knowledge from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?
3. 2025Prelims Q92Which statements about BIMSTEC's membership, founding, and leadership of sectors are correct?
4. 2016Prelims Q27What is the overall goal of FAO's GIAHS traditional agricultural heritage initiative?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Legal status

BJRNF was set up by the Government of India and registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. It is a registered society, not a statutory or constitutional body.

Date of registration

It was registered on 14 March 2008.

Parent ministry

It is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Who heads it

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment is the President of the Foundation.

Principal aim

To propagate Babu Jagjivan Ram's ideals in social reform and promote his vision of a casteless and classless society.

Don’t confuse with Statutory body vs registered society: BJRNF is a society registered under the 1860 Act, so it has no statute or constitutional article of its own. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is a constitutional body under Article 338.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2015Mains GS1 · Q13Debate whether Dalit identity movements work towards annihilation of caste.
2. 2026Mains GS2 · Q5Whether NCSC and NCST have enough enforcement powers; suggest effectiveness measures.
3. 2015Mains GS1 · Q4Elucidate how Gandhi and Ambedkar shared the goal of uplifting the downtrodden.
4. 2015Prelims Q10Whether National Innovation Foundation is an autonomous body under the Central Government's department.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Legal basis

The Board is reconstituted under sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, read with Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.

Term

The new Board serves for three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

Size

The reconstituted Board has 18 members.

Notification date

The Ministry issued the notification on 16 September 2026.

Parent ministry

CBFC works under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

Don’t confuse with CBFC vs Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT): CBFC certifies films. FCAT heard appeals against its decisions; it was abolished in 2021.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2014Mains GS2 · Q4Define freedom of expression; does it cover hate speech; why films differ
2. 2015Mains GS2 · Q16Discuss need for independent, autonomous regulatory institutions, citing recent experiences
3. 2004Prelims Q49Which statements about Children's Film Society and CBFC chairpersons, and Phalke Award recipients, are correct

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.