Current affairs — 23 September 2026

Neeraj Kharwal Gets Additional Charge of ITPO MD & Chief Executive

Neeraj Kharwal (IAS: 2007: Uttarakhand cadre), Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), was entrusted with additional charge of Managing Director & Chief Executive on September 11, 2026. ITPO organizes trade fairs and promotes Indian exports.

Why it matters: ITPO is responsible for promoting India's external trade - relevant for economy and international trade topics in UPSC Mains.

Saurabh Kumar Appointed Government Nominee Director, Bank of Maharashtra

Saurabh Kumar (IAS: 2009: Chhattisgarh cadre) was appointed as Government Nominee Director on the Board of Bank of Maharashtra on September 14, 2026, replacing Abhijit Phukon. The appointment was made by the Department of Financial Services.

Why it matters: Recent appointments in public sector banks and key government positions are standard current affairs questions in banking and SSC exams.

UPSC EPFO APFC Recruitment 2026: Applications Open

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the APFC (Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner) vacancies for the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. The application process commenced on August 22, 2026, with the last date to apply being September 11, 2026. Selection includes a recruitment exam followed by an interview.

Why it matters: UPSC recruitment for central government organization - important for UPSC aspirants and those targeting Group A services.

RBI Projects India's GDP Growth at 6.9% for FY 2026-27

In its first bi-monthly monetary policy for FY 2026-27, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced that the repo rate remains unchanged at 5.25% with a neutral stance. The Monetary Policy Committee projected GDP growth for FY 2025-26 at 7.6% and for FY 2026-27 at 6.9%. CPI inflation for the current financial year is projected at 4.6%.

Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions, repo rate, and GDP projections are high-priority topics for banking, UPSC Economics optional, and general awareness.

Union Budget 2026-27 Presented with Key Schemes Announced

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 on February 1, 2026. Key allocations include ₹20,000 crore over five years for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) across key sectors. India will host the International Big Cat Alliance Summit with participation from 95 range countries. India's real GDP growth for 2025-26 was estimated at 7.4%, with nominal growth projected at 10% for 2026-27.

Why it matters: Budget allocations, flagship schemes, and GDP estimates are crucial for economy-related questions in all competitive exams.

8th Pay Commission Ongoing Consultations Across India

The 8th Central Pay Commission, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is conducting regional consultations in September 2026 including Puducherry (September 9) and Chandigarh (September 16-18). The Commission was constituted on November 3, 2025, with effect from January 1, 2026. The fitment factor and revised pay structure have not yet been finalized.

Why it matters: Pay Commission updates directly impact 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners - crucial for aspirants planning government careers.

DA at 60% for Central Government Employees Since January 2026

The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) effective from January 1, 2026, raising the rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension. This is separate from the 8th Pay Commission's work. Next DA revision expected in September 2026, potentially taking it to 63%.

Why it matters: DA revisions occur twice yearly and directly affect take-home salary of all central government employees - a key motivation for government job aspirants.

India Post GDS Recruitment: 23,757 Vacancies Announced

India Post announced a major recruitment drive for 23,757 Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) posts including Branch Postmaster, Assistant Branch Postmaster and Gramin Dak Sevak positions. The application window is scheduled from September 2 to September 21, 2026. This is one of the largest 10th pass government job opportunities.

Why it matters: Major recruitment with over 23,000 vacancies for 10th pass candidates - one of the biggest job opportunities announced in September 2026.

Indian Railways Recruitment: 3,993 Junior Engineer Posts

Indian Railways announced a recruitment drive for 3,993 Junior Engineer posts in September 2026. Railways remains one of the biggest employers for technical graduates. Applications are processed through Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). Pay scales are as per 7th Central Pay Commission, ranging from Pay Level-6 onwards for JE posts.

Why it matters: Railway recruitment with clear vacancy numbers and pay scales - essential information for lakhs of railway exam aspirants.

SMILE Scheme: Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has formulated the umbrella scheme 'SMILE - Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise' in September 2026. It includes two sub-schemes: Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons, and Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of persons engaged in begging.

Why it matters: Social welfare schemes, especially for marginalized communities, are frequently asked in UPSC Mains GS2 (Governance) and Prelims.

Asian Games 2026: India's Medal Hunt Continues in Aichi-Nagoya

The Asian Games 2026 are currently underway in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (September 19 - October 4, 2026). On September 23, Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker competes in women's 10m air pistol and Mirabai Chanu in women's 49kg weightlifting. India's men's badminton team faces China in the semi-finals. Squash singles is an LA 2028 Olympic qualifying event.

Why it matters: Major multi-sport events, host countries, and Indian medal prospects are frequently asked in current affairs sections.

West Indies Cricket Team Tours India: ODI and T20I Series

The West Indies cricket team is scheduled to tour India from September 27 to October 17, 2026, to play three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Shubman Gill will captain the ODI team while Shreyas Iyer leads the T20I side. Shai Hope captains West Indies.

Why it matters: International cricket series, captains, and venues are standard sports current affairs questions in preliminary exams.