Daily Current Affairs & GK – 16 September 2026
Daily Current Affairs and GK – 16 September 2026: Important national, international, economy and banking, science and technology, sports and culture, awards and recognition, important days and static GK for UPSC, SSC, IBPS, Banking, RRB, NTPC, State PSC and other competitive examinations.
National
1. India launches Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard
On World Ozone Day 2026, Union Minister of State for Environment Kirti Vardhan Singh launched India's Net Zero Portal and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard in Mumbai.
The Net Zero Portal provides a centralised platform for voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments by Indian entities. The NAPCC Dashboard brings information on the country's National Missions under one platform to improve monitoring, coordination and evidence-based climate action.
2. World Circular Economy Forum 2026 concludes in Gandhinagar
The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 concluded in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, with a call to accelerate inclusive and scalable circular-economy solutions.
The forum focused on resource efficiency, sustainable production and consumption and circular-economy approaches. Columbia University, USA, was announced as the host of WCEF 2027.
3. Shahzad Bhatti Network declared a terrorist organisation under UAPA
The Ministry of Home Affairs declared the Shahzad Bhatti Network a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
According to the MHA, the network was involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives and narcotics and in activities that the ministry said were intended to promote terrorism.
4. Government reconstitutes CBFC with 18 members
The Government of India reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for a period of three years or until further orders.
The new board has 18 members and includes personalities such as Manoj Joshi, Priyadarshan, Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Pankaj Tripathi, Pallavi Joshi and Roopali Ganguly. The notification was issued under the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024.
5. PM chairs semiconductor industry roundtable
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a roundtable with leading semiconductor-industry CEOs at Seva Teerth, New Delhi.
The meeting focused on strengthening India's semiconductor ecosystem, including manufacturing, design, infrastructure, research, talent development and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing. The Prime Minister also invited industry leaders to suggest policy and administrative measures for the next phase of India's semiconductor growth.
International
1. US Federal Reserve raises interest rates
The US Federal Reserve raised its federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%–4.00% on 16 September 2026.
It was the Fed's first rate increase in three years. The decision reflected concerns over persistent inflation amid higher energy costs and other economic pressures.
2. Global oil markets remain volatile
International oil markets remained under pressure because of disruptions to Middle Eastern energy infrastructure and shipping routes.
Reuters reported that some physical oil cargoes traded above $130 a barrel, while Brent crude moved close to $110 a barrel, highlighting the impact of regional supply risks on global energy markets.
3. Ukraine tests a new anti-drone weapon
Ukraine announced testing of a domestically developed anti-drone weapon designed to intercept Russian-designed Shahed drones.
The development is part of Ukraine's continuing effort to deploy relatively low-cost technologies against unmanned aerial threats.
Economy and Banking
1. August GST collection remains close to ₹2 lakh crore
India's gross GST collection for August 2026 stood at ₹1,99,853 crore, up 14.8% from ₹1,74,116 crore in August 2025.
Gross domestic GST revenue rose to ₹1,37,249 crore, while GST revenue from imports increased to ₹62,604 crore, up 29% year-on-year. Net GST collection after refunds stood at approximately ₹1,68,057 crore.
2. Federal Reserve rate hike has implications for global markets
The US rate increase to 3.75%–4.00% is significant for emerging markets because movements in US interest rates can influence global capital flows, exchange rates, bond yields and borrowing costs.
The decision came amid elevated oil prices and persistent inflation concerns.
3. Semiconductor investment remains a key economic priority
The semiconductor roundtable highlighted India's efforts to expand the full semiconductor value chain, including manufacturing, research and development, advanced technologies and supporting industries.
The government said ISM 2.0 is creating opportunities for greater industry participation.
Science and Technology
1. Bengaluru researchers develop a new approach to stabilise quantum states
Scientists at the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) Laboratory of Raman Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru demonstrated a new method for increasing the stability of quantum states.
The research uses a single-shot operation timed precisely to delay or prevent the collapse of quantum entanglement. The work addresses challenges such as decoherence and entanglement sudden death, which affect the reliability of quantum-computing systems.
2. New research identifies drug-driven fungal resistance
A study published in Science Translational Medicine on 16 September 2026 reported resistance-associated mutations in the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii.
Researchers found evidence that exposure to mycophenolic acid, an immunosuppressant used in transplant medicine, was associated with the emergence of mutations linked to altered fungal susceptibility.
3. India strengthens semiconductor technology ecosystem
The semiconductor industry roundtable involved global and Indian companies including Micron, Intel, AMD, ASML, Applied Materials, Tata Electronics, Foxconn, NXP and Lam Research.
The discussion highlighted opportunities across semiconductor manufacturing, design, R&D, advanced technologies and talent development.
4. India marks World Ozone Day with new climate-monitoring platforms
The launch of the Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard formed part of India's broader climate-action efforts on World Ozone Day.
The Net Zero Portal is designed to record voluntary commitments, greenhouse-gas emissions and progress towards Net Zero targets, while the NAPCC Dashboard tracks implementation of India's National Missions on climate change.
Sports and Culture
1. India seals Afghanistan T20I series
India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second T20 International in Delhi, taking an unassailable 2–0 lead in the three-match series.
India chased 160 runs in 14.5 overs. Sanju Samson scored 57 from 22 balls, while India reached 163/3.
2. India's white-ball players rise in ICC T20I rankings
Following strong performances against Afghanistan, Abhishek Sharma moved to second place in the latest ICC Men's T20I batting rankings.
Sanju Samson also climbed four places to 30th.
3. CBFC reconstituted with prominent personalities
The reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification includes representatives from cinema, music, literature and other creative fields.
Among the 18 members are Priyadarshan, Pankaj Tripathi, Preity Zinta, Suniel Shetty and Manoj Joshi.
Awards and Recognition
Anant Nag selected for Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
The Government announced the decision on 16 September 2026. Anant Nag has acted in more than 300 films across six Indian languages and also appeared in the television series Malgudi Days. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2025.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is the highest honour in Indian cinema. It was instituted in 1969, with Devika Rani as its first recipient.
Days Observed
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer – 16 September
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commonly known as World Ozone Day, is observed every year on 16 September.
The 2026 theme was:
“Global Action for a Cooler Planet – Celebrating 10 years of sustainable cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.”
The year 2026 also marks 10 years of the Kigali Amendment, which addresses the phasedown of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases.
Static GK for Exam Preparations
World Ozone Day
Date: 16 September
Official UN observance: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
Montreal Protocol signed: 1987
Kigali Amendment adopted: 2016
2026 theme: Global Action for a Cooler Planet (UNEP - UN Environment Programme)
Net Zero Portal
Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Purpose: Voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments
Includes information on emissions, targets and progress towards Net Zero.
NAPCC
NAPCC stands for National Action Plan on Climate Change.
It provides the framework for India's National Missions dealing with climate change, mitigation, adaptation and related areas. The new dashboard provides consolidated monitoring of mission progress.
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Instituted: 1969
First recipient: Devika Rani
Considered India's highest honour in cinema
2024 awardee announced in 2026: Anant Nag
CBFC
Full form: Central Board of Film Certification
Parent ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Legal basis: Cinematograph Act, 1952
2026 reconstituted board: 18 members
Quantum Computing
Uses principles such as superposition and quantum entanglement
Major challenge: decoherence
RRI's QuIC Laboratory: Bengaluru
Research focus includes quantum communication, quantum computing and quantum optics.
Federal Reserve
Central bank of the United States
Rate decision on 16 September 2026: 25-basis-point increase
New federal funds target range: 3.75%–4.00%
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