Today Current Affairs 17 September 2026 – Compiled from official public sources. Daily important news useful for preparation of UPSC, SSC, UPSSC, Defence and Police competitive exams.
Awards and Honors
Anant Nag conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag has been selected for the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024, India’s highest honour in cinema, in recognition of his five-decade-long contribution to Indian and Kannada cinema. The award will be formally presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on 22 September 2026 in Kevadia, Gujarat.
Environment
India’s Cheetah Population Rises to 52, Including 32 Born in Country
India’s cheetah population has risen to 52, including 32 cheetahs born in the country, according to the four-year status review of the cheetah reintroduction programme on 16 September 2026.
- Of the total population, 49 cheetahs are currently in Kuno National Park and three in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.
- The “Four Years of Cheetahs in India – A Status Review (September 17, 2022–September 17, 2026)”, released by Kuno National Park, said the population comprises surviving cheetahs and their offspring from Namibia and South Africa, along with cheetahs recently introduced from Botswana.
- According to the review, of the eight Namibian cheetahs introduced on September 17, 2022, three are currently surviving, along with 22 Indian-born offspring.
Government Schemes
Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026 begins across country
The Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026 has started across the country from today.
- These pillars are: Transformation of cleanliness target units and clean public places, Swachh Paathshala: Yuva for Swachhata, Safai Mitra Suraksha Evam Samman Shivir, Jan Bhagidari for Swachhata, and Swachhata Se Samriddhi.
- Alongside the five campaign pillars, the campaign places people and Jan Bhagidari at the centre, with additional emphasis on awareness of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 and the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, including four-way source segregation.
- On 1st October, simultaneous voluntary shramdaan and cleanliness drives across the country will be held under Ek Din, Ek Ghanta and Ek Saath.
PM Vishwakarma Scheme completes three years with 30 lakh beneficiaries registered
PM Vishwakarma Scheme has completed three years today on 17 September 2026.
- Launched in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme has achieved the milestone of registering thirty lakh beneficiaries under it.
- The objective of the scheme is providing end-to-end support to traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in eighteen identified trades.
International
India rejects Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission as legally invalid
India has rejected the so-called Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission, saying Pakistan has no locus standi to enter into arrangements concerning Indian territory under its illegal and forcible occupation on 17 September 2026.
- Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal said this while responding to media queries yesterday.
- He said the Ministry has seen reports in this regard and India’s position is clear and consistent.
- He said India has never recognised the so-called 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement and has consistently maintained that it is illegal and invalid.
National
PM Modi to inaugurate 5th edition of SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate SEMICON India 2026 at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi this morning.
- The prime minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.
- The three-day conference and exhibition, being held from today, is being organised on the theme ‘Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem’.
Government reconstitutes CBFC for three-year term
The Government of India has reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with immediate effect for a period of three years on 17 September 2026.
Polity
Cabinet raises EPFO mandatory coverage wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000
The Union Cabinet has enhanced the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from 15 thousand rupees to 25 thousand rupees per month on 17 September 2026.
Sports
India beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets in second T20I to take unassailable 2-nil lead in 3-match series
In Men’s Cricket, India defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in the second T20 International at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi last night, to take an unassailable 2-nil lead in the three-match series on 16 September 2026.
- Chasing a target of 160 runs, India comfortably reached 163 for 3 in 14.5 overs.
- Sanju Samson top-scored with a blistering 57 off 22 balls, while Abhishek Sharma contributed 39 runs off 19 balls.
- Ishan Kishan remained unbeaten on 38 off 23 balls to guide India home.