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Current Affairs 18 September 2026

In short

  • Centre lowers NEET-SS qualifying percentile from 50% to 30%
  • Government raises EPF mandatory coverage wage ceiling to ₹25,000 per month

…and 8 more stories on SCIENCE_TECH, DIPLOMACY, DEFENCE, ECONOMY.

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GOVERNANCE

Centre lowers NEET-SS qualifying percentile from 50% to 30%

The Union government has announced a reduction in the qualifying percentile for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Super Speciality (NEET-SS) from 50% to 30%. The decision was notified on 17 September 2026 and will apply to the current admission cycle for super-speciality seats. The move aims to fill vacant super-speciality seats in disciplines where high cut-offs were leading to underutilisation of capacity.[1] Medical aspirants who had earlier fallen short of the 50% percentile will now become eligible for counselling, potentially expanding the pool of candidates. The change follows representations from professional bodies and institutions about shortage of specialists in key areas such as oncology, cardiology and critical care.[1] The Supreme Court has been monitoring issues related to medical education and has recently expressed concern over conditions in relief camps in Manipur and the broader health situation in conflict-affected regions, adding further context to capacity issues in the health system.[1]

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NEET-SS is conducted for admission to which level of medical education in India?

ECONOMY

Government raises EPF mandatory coverage wage ceiling to ₹25,000 per month

The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from ₹15,000 per month to ₹25,000 per month. The decision, reported on 16–17 September 2026, expands social security coverage to a wider segment of formal sector workers.[4][10] Under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, employees earning up to the notified ceiling must be enrolled in EPF by their employers. The revision is expected to bring lakhs of additional employees, especially in low- and middle-income categories, under mandatory provident fund benefits.[4] This change is part of ongoing labour and social security reforms aimed at improving retirement savings and financial security for workers. It may also have cost implications for employers due to higher contribution obligations on a larger wage base.[10]

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The revised wage ceiling for mandatory EPF coverage approved by the Union Cabinet in 2026 is

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Current Affairs by JobSafal