September 2026 Current Affairs
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Friday, 25 September 2026
Supreme Court Collegium Approves 12 Additional Judges as Permanent in Four High CourtsOn September 23, 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Vikram Nath and B.V. Nagarathna approved the confirmation of 12 Additional Judges as Permanent Judges across the High Courts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Gauhati — reinforcing the collegium-driven judicial appointment mechanism that has governed India's higher judiciary since 1993.Premier Energies Commissions India's Largest Solar Cell Manufacturing Plant — 7GW TOPCon Facility at Naidupeta, Andhra PradeshPremier Energies commissioned a 7GW N-type TOPCon solar cell manufacturing plant at Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh, in September 2026 — raising its total capacity to 10.6GW and making it India's largest solar cell manufacturer. The ₹3,293 crore facility, spanning 101 acres, produces approximately 88,000 cells per hour with an average efficiency of 25.8%, advancing India's National Solar Mission targets and domestic manufacturing push under PLI schemes.Maruti Suzuki Commissions India's First Automotive Green Hydrogen Electrolyser Plant at Manesar, HaryanaMaruti Suzuki India commissioned a 300kW green hydrogen electrolyser plant at its Manesar manufacturing facility in Haryana on September 24, 2026 — the first such installation by an Indian automobile manufacturer. Using surplus solar power generated during holidays, the plant produces green hydrogen for blending with natural gas as a process fuel, advancing India's National Green Hydrogen Mission target of 5 million metric tonnes per year by 2030 while reducing Maruti's manufacturing carbon footprint from 615,000 to 266,000 tonnes by FY31.Great Indian Bustard Conservation: Natural Breeding Breakthrough at Desert National Park, 11 Chicks Born in 2026In 2026, India's Great Indian Bustard (GIB) conservation programme at Desert National Park, Jaisalmer recorded a landmark milestone: 11 chicks were born, including 3 through natural mating — the first time captive-bred bustards have reproduced without artificial insemination. With only approximately 173 birds remaining globally (128 wild, 45 captive), this breakthrough under the IUCN-backed Project GIB marks a potential turning point for one of India's most endangered species.Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Signs ₹15,000 Crore MoU for Greenfield Shipyard at Dugarajapatnam, Andhra PradeshMazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), a Navratna Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence, signed an MoU on September 18–19, 2026 with NSHIP-AP (National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park, Andhra Pradesh) to develop a ₹15,000 crore greenfield shipyard at Dugarajapatnam — the largest shipbuilding investment in Andhra Pradesh's history. The project will have an annual capacity of 1.2 million gross tonnes, create 45,000 jobs, and forms part of a ₹38,767 crore integrated shipbuilding cluster aligned with Maritime India Vision 2030.
Thursday, 24 September 2026
WMO 2026 Water Report: 2025 Fourth Consecutive Year of Universal Glacier Mass Loss — 408 Gigatonnes, 1.1 mm Sea-Level RiseThe World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its 2026 State of Global Water Resources Report on September 22, 2026, revealing that 2025 was the fourth consecutive year in which every major glaciated region on Earth recorded a net loss of ice mass. Global glacier mass loss in 2025 totalled 408 (±132) gigatonnes — equivalent to 1.1 mm of sea-level rise — raising serious concerns about freshwater availability, river discharge, and accelerating climate feedback loops.Digital Communications Commission Dissolved After 37 Years: India's Telecom Governance RestructuredThe Union Cabinet on September 16, 2026 approved the dissolution of the Digital Communications Commission (DCC), the apex inter-departmental decision-making body of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), ending its 37-year existence. The Government Resolution was published in the Gazette of India on September 21, 2026. Telecom policy decisions will now flow directly through the DoT Secretary, Communications Minister, or Union Cabinet depending on project cost thresholds — eliminating an institutional layer considered structurally redundant under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order 2026: Governors and Lt. Governors to Participate During President's RuleThe Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order, 2026 on September 19, replacing the original 1990 proviso to specify four situations — including President's Rule under Article 356 and Article 239AB — in which the Governor or Lieutenant Governor of a State or Union Territory shall be invited to attend Inter-State Council meetings. The amendment strengthens the Centre-State coordination mechanism during periods of central administration.Modified UDAN Scheme: MoCA Signs 21 MoUs with States/UTs, Launches Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome DevelopmentThe Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed 21 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with States and Union Territories on September 22, 2026, in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, for the next phase of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme. The Minister simultaneously launched the "Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development," enabling States/UTs to nominate airstrips and helipads for development under the Modified UDAN scheme.ISRO's NETRA Programme: Advanced Radar Research Centre Foundation Stone Laid at Chandrapur, Assam for Space Situational AwarenessAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone of ISRO's Advanced Radar Research Centre at Chandrapur (near Guwahati) on September 21, 2026. The facility, under ISRO's Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) programme, will be operated by ISTRAC (ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network) on a 67-acre site at the former Chandrapur Thermal Power Station. It will enhance India's Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities, tracking satellites and space debris, and will also support atmospheric and cloud research.
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Gender Snapshot 2026 (UN Women & UN DESA): 1 in 3 Gender Equality Institutions Weakened, SDG 5 Off Track by 171 YearsUN Women and UN DESA jointly released the Gender Snapshot 2026 on September 17, 2026, revealing that 1 in 3 national gender equality institutions lost institutional power in just two years, while bilateral aid for gender equality fell 13% between 2023 and 2024. Not a single SDG 5 (Gender Equality) indicator is on track by 2030, and gender equality globally is 171 years away at the current pace of progress.11th National Ayurveda Day 2026: Theme 'Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow', Key Initiatives and India's AYUSH ExpansionIndia observed the 11th National Ayurveda Day on September 23, 2026 — permanently fixed on the autumnal equinox by a Gazette Notification of March 2025 — with the theme "Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow." The Ministry of Ayush launched the Ayush Vision 2030 strategic document and conferred the National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards 2026 at the main national celebration in Nagpur, Maharashtra.India-CELAC Foreign Ministers' Meeting 2026: Jaishankar Co-chairs Largest-Ever CELAC Engagement on Sidelines of UNGA 81External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar co-chaired the India-CELAC Foreign Ministers' Meeting on September 22, 2026, on the sidelines of UNGA 81 in New York, with 30 of CELAC's 33 member nations attending — described as the "largest-ever" such engagement. Key outcomes included formalising an annual ministerial dialogue, establishing a permanent India-CELAC Commission, and adopting a bilateral Cooperation Roadmap. India-CELAC bilateral trade exceeds USD 50 billion annually.40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development: UN High-Level Meeting at UNGA 81, September 23, 2026A UN High-Level Meeting to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development was held on September 23, 2026, at UN Headquarters, New York, authorised by UNGA Resolutions 79/170 and 80/207. The Declaration — adopted on December 4, 1986, under UNGA Resolution 41/128 — proclaims development as an inalienable human right. Not a single SDG indicator aligned with the Declaration's vision is on track globally, highlighting persistent implementation gaps four decades on.
Tuesday, 22 September 2026
72nd National Film Awards 2026: Dadasaheb Phalke to Anant Nag, Best Film 'Article 370', Ceremony at Ekta NagarThe 72nd National Film Awards ceremony was held on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar (Statue of Unity complex), Kevadia, Gujarat — the first time this ceremony was held outside New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India's highest film honour, on veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag. Best Feature Film went to 'Article 370' and Best Actress to Yami Gautam.9th India International Water Week 2026: VP Radhakrishnan Inaugurates at New Delhi, Theme 'Climate Resilient Water Management'Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on 22 September 2026 inaugurated the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, themed 'Climate Resilient Water Management'. This is the first edition under the 'International' rebranding — elevating India's flagship water policy platform to global stature, with partner countries Netherlands and Germany and over 5,000 delegates from 100+ nations expected over the five-day event (September 22–26).Asian Games 2026 Aichi-Nagoya: India's First MMA Medal — Suchika Tariyal Bronze, Shooting Dominates Day 2On Day 2 of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan (21 September), India's Suchika Tariyal (36, Haryana) won bronze in women's traditional MMA (-60 kg) — India's first-ever medal in mixed martial arts at the Asian Games, which is also MMA's debut edition. Indian shooters dominated with three medals: men's 10m air rifle team silver, and individual silver (Himanshu Dhillon) plus individual bronze (Rudrankksh Patil). India's Day 2 tally stands at 6 medals (4 silver, 2 bronze).Project Cheetah: India-Born Cheetah KGP12 Delivers Four Cubs at Kuno National Park — Population Reaches 56On September 18, 2026 — one day after Project Cheetah completed four years — KGP12, an India-born female cheetah and daughter of South African cheetah Gamini, delivered four cubs at Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. Confirmed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change via PIB, this brings India's total cheetah population to 56, marking continued second-generation breeding success in the world's only cheetah reintroduction programme.TRAI A2P Regulations 2026: India's First Statutory Definition of Autodialler and Robo-calls, AI-Based Spam EnforcementOn 18 September 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) notified the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026, introducing India's first statutory definitions of Application-to-Person (A2P) calls, autodialler technology, and robo-calls. The regulations also incorporate AI/ML-based spam detection and impose a 5 paise/minute termination charge on A2P calls, strengthening India's Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC) enforcement framework.IIT Bombay, Sahil Wakode, and the SC/ST Act: Caste Discrimination in Higher Education, Dean Suspended, Crime Branch ProbeSahil Ravindra Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year B.Tech student at IIT Bombay from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, was found dead in his hostel room on 18 September 2026 following allegations of caste-based harassment. IIT Bombay on 21 September suspended the deanship of Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla (Dean of Administrative Affairs). Mumbai Crime Branch registered an FIR under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (abetment of suicide) and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989. The case raises urgent questions about caste discrimination in premier educational institutions.
Monday, 21 September 2026
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026: India-Japan Bilateral Air Exercise at Jodhpur — Second Edition, F-2A Fighters on Indian Soil for the First TimeThe Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) are conducting Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 — the second edition of their bilateral air exercise — at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan (September 9–22, 2026). Japanese F-2A fighters operated from Indian soil for the first time, both air chiefs flew the indigenous LCA Tejas, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the exercise as a "significant milestone" for the India-Japan strategic partnership.Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area: 6th Draft Notification 2026, Kerala's Push to Exclude 131 Villages, and the Conservation-Livelihood DebateThe Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued its 6th draft notification on July 25, 2026, proposing to declare over 56,825 sq km of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The public objection window closes September 24, 2026. Kerala has moved to exclude 131 villages and approximately 9,993 sq km, while the Centre insists no part — except the Palakkad Gap — should be excluded to maintain ecological continuity.Mahanadi Water Dispute 2026: Both States Accept Centre's Decision as Tribunal Hearing Approaches September 28Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai stated on September 20, 2026 that both Chhattisgarh and Odisha have agreed to accept the Central Water Commission's (CWC) water-sharing formula for the Mahanadi river. Technical teams from both states met on September 21, with the Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) hearing scheduled for September 28 — signalling a potential resolution of a decade-long inter-state river dispute.
Sunday, 20 September 2026
Health Ministry Advisory on Stem Cell Therapy: Supreme Court Judgment, NMC-ICMR Guidelines, and Autism RestrictionThe Union Health Ministry, alongside the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), issued a comprehensive advisory in September 2026 to strengthen regulation of stem cell therapy in India, following a Supreme Court judgment (January 30, 2026) explicitly banning the use of stem cell therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as a routine clinical service due to insufficient scientific evidence.RBI-SEBI Real World Asset (RWA) Tokenisation Pilot: India's First Tokenised Corporate Bond and the Blockchain Finance FrontierRBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra and SEBI Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey jointly launched India's first tokenised corporate bond pilot at Global Fintech Fest 2026. REC Limited raised ₹500 crore via blockchain, settled in RBI's wholesale CBDC (e₹-W). By September 10, three issuers raised ₹1,025 crore under SEBI's Demat 2.0 framework — marking India's entry into blockchain-based capital markets.HAL Delivers LCA Tejas FOC Trainers and HTT-40 to IAF; Dhruv NG Helicopters to Pawan Hans: Atmanirbhar Bharat Defence MilestoneOn September 18, 2026, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over two LCA Tejas FOC Twin Seat Trainers and three HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), and four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited, at a ceremony in Bengaluru attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The HTT-40 is India's first indigenously designed basic trainer aircraft — a landmark for the Atmanirbhar Bharat defence manufacturing programme.Deep-Sea Mining in India: ISA Contracts, Deep Ocean Mission, and the Critical Minerals vs. Conservation DilemmaIndia is accelerating its deep-sea mineral exploration programme under the Deep Ocean Mission, holding three contracts with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) covering ~95,000 km² across three ocean zones. A high-level industry outreach workshop convened by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in September 2026 spotlighted the strategic imperative of securing critical minerals — nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese — while environmentalists warn of irreversible benthic habitat destruction.India's First Soil Carbon Payments: Aadi Programme Disburses ₹2.9 Crore to 2,550 Farmers in Punjab and HaryanaIndia launched its first direct-benefit-transfer soil carbon payments on September 17, 2026 at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. Under the Aadi farmer carbon programme, 2,550 smallholder farmers in Punjab and Haryana received more than ₹2.9 crore for adopting regenerative agriculture practices — direct seeded rice, reduced tillage, and crop residue management — between 2019 and 2022, marking a landmark convergence of climate finance and agricultural welfare.
Saturday, 19 September 2026
US Lindsey Graham Russia Sanctions Act 2026: India's Energy Security and the 100% Tariff Threat on Russian Oil ImportsThe US President signed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" on September 18, 2026, authorising tariffs of up to 100% on countries among the five largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and gas. India, which imports approximately 2.08 million barrels per day from Russia (≈45% of its total crude imports), faces potential designation — raising fundamental questions about India's energy security architecture and strategic autonomy doctrine.SEMICON India 2026 and India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 (Semicon 2.0): ₹1.27 Lakh Crore Chip Ecosystem PushThe 5th edition of SEMICON India 2026, themed "Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem," concluded on September 19, 2026 at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi inaugurated it on September 17 and formally launched India Semiconductor Mission 2.0 (Semicon 2.0) with a total outlay of ₹1.27 lakh crore, extending India's semiconductor self-reliance ambitions from fabs and packaging to equipment, materials, design, research, and talent.SC in Sandeep Ghandat vs RBI (2026 INSC 955): RBI's Power to Supersede Multi-State Co-operative Bank Boards Not Capped at Six MonthsOn September 3, 2026, the Supreme Court of India held in Sandeep S. Ghandat vs Reserve Bank of India (2026 INSC 955) that the RBI's statutory power under Section 36AAA(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to supersede the Board of Directors of a multi-State co-operative bank is not limited to the six-month cap prescribed under Article 243ZL(1) of the Constitution. The court set a five-year aggregate ceiling and ruled that state government consultation is not required for multi-State co-operative banks.
Friday, 18 September 2026
PMAY-U 2.0: Original Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban Concludes September 2026, Successor Targets 1 Crore More FamiliesAs the original Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) concludes in September 2026 after completing approximately 1 crore houses in over 11 years, its successor — PMAY-U 2.0, approved by the Union Cabinet on August 9, 2024 — is now in full implementation. The new phase targets 1 crore additional urban families with a total investment of ₹10 lakh crore over five years, prioritising women's homeownership and affordable rental housing.Badri Cattle Conservation: First OPU-IVF Calf Born at GBPUAT Pantnagar — Indigenous Breed MilestoneA healthy female calf of the indigenous Badri cattle breed was born on September 11, 2026 at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, through OPU-IVF (Ovum Pick-Up In Vitro Fertilisation) — a first for this rare Himalayan breed. The milestone, achieved jointly by GBPUAT and ICAR-NDRI Karnal, marks a significant advance in conservation biotechnology for India's indigenous mountain cattle.India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025: Delhi Tops Rankings, National EV Share Reaches 8.25%NITI Aayog and WRI India released the second edition of the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025, ranking Delhi first with a score of 84/100. India's national EV market penetration reached 8.25% in 2025–26, with 2.5 million new registrations — a 25% year-on-year rise — placing the country on a trajectory toward its EV30@30 target.20th Asian Games 2026 (Aichi-Nagoya): India's 496-Athlete Contingent, Cricket Debut, and Key GK FactsThe 20th Asian Games opens on September 19, 2026, in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan — running till October 4. India sends 496 athletes across 37 sports in its 20th consecutive appearance. Cricket makes its Asian Games debut at these Games, with both men's and women's T20 tournaments included. The governing body is the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Thursday, 17 September 2026
James Dyson Award 2026: India's Himaja Lingampalli Wins for 'Rudhra' — Assistive Tech for Visually Impaired StudentsIndian engineer-innovator Himaja Lingampalli won the James Dyson Award 2026 for 'Rudhra' — a tactile and audio-based learning device designed to assist visually impaired students with STEM education. The award, given by the James Dyson Foundation, recognises engineering innovation that solves real-world problems.Global Gender Gap Index 2026: India Ranks 131st with 64.5% Parity — Gaps in Economic Participation and Political EmpowermentIndia ranked 131st out of countries surveyed in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index 2026, with an overall gender parity score of 64.5%. While India performs relatively better on health and survival, it continues to lag significantly on economic participation and opportunity, and political empowerment — dimensions critical for UPSC Social Justice and Governance papers.Jhiram Valley Massacre 2013: NIA Court Awards Death Penalty to 10 Convicts for Deadliest Maoist AttackA Special NIA court sentenced 10 convicts to death for the Jhiram Valley massacre of May 25, 2013 — the deadliest Maoist (Naxalite) attack in India's history — which killed 27 Congress leaders and security personnel in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. The verdict comes 13 years after the ambush, marking a landmark in India's counter-Naxal judicial proceedings.EPFO Wage Ceiling Hiked from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000: 51 Lakh New Workers Under Social SecurityThe Union Cabinet on September 16, 2026 approved raising the mandatory EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month — the first revision in 12 years since 2014. This brings approximately 51 lakh additional workers into the formal social security net, covering provident fund savings, EPS pension, and EDLI life insurance.MMDR Amendment Act 2026: Uniform Mineral Taxation, Fiscal Federalism, and Mining Revenue ReformThe Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026 — passed by Lok Sabha on August 12 and Rajya Sabha on August 13, 2026 — bars state governments from levying fresh taxes or cesses on mineral rights beyond Central Government-prescribed conditions, creating a uniform fiscal framework for India's mining sector while states retain approximately 90% of mining revenue.Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) Designated 46th Terrorist Organisation Under UAPA 2026The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated the Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) as a terrorist organisation — the 46th such designation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The SBN is a Pakistan-based network accused of financing, recruiting, and coordinating terrorist activities against India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.Yudh Abhyas 2026: 22nd Edition of India-US Joint Military Exercise at Auli and MahajanThe 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas — the flagship annual India-US bilateral military exercise — is being conducted at Auli (Uttarakhand) and Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (Rajasthan) in September 2026, with 600 personnel from each nation. The exercise focuses on high-altitude warfare, counter-terrorism operations under a UN mandate, and joint logistics interoperability.
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Global Fintech Fest 2026: RBI on Tokenisation, Agentic AI, and India's Financial Inclusion Index at 70The Global Fintech Fest 2026, held in Mumbai, brought together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders under the theme "Potential to Impact: Agentic AI | Tokenisation | Quantum: Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance." RBI highlighted tokenisation of financial assets and responsible Agentic AI as the next frontiers of India's fintech evolution. India's Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) rose to 70.0 as of March 2026, up from 67.0 in March 2025.National Quantum Mission (NQM): IIT Bombay Facilities Inaugurated — India's ₹6,003 Crore Quantum LeapFabrication and central research facilities under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) were inaugurated at IIT Bombay in September 2026, marking a key milestone in India's ₹6,003.65 crore quantum technology programme (2023–2031). NQM aims to develop quantum computers with 50–1,000 physical qubits by 2031, making India one of only six countries with a dedicated national quantum mission.UK Recognises India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) Under UK CBAM — A Climate and Trade MilestoneThe United Kingdom's HM Treasury has officially recognised India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) as a qualifying carbon-pricing mechanism under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), effective ahead of the UK CBAM's full launch on January 1, 2027. Indian exporters of steel and aluminium to the UK can now claim carbon-price relief, avoiding double taxation on emissions already priced domestically under CCTS — a major win for India's climate diplomacy and export competitiveness.UPI MDR Policy Clarification 2026: P2P Transactions Remain Free; 0.4% MDR on Select Merchant Payments Above ₹2,000The Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) clarified on September 15, 2026, that all person-to-person (P2P) UPI transactions will remain completely free. A Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) of 0.4% — capped at ₹300 — will now apply on select person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI payments above ₹2,000. The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is implementing the change to make the zero-MDR model financially sustainable for payment ecosystem participants.Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project: Six-State MoU Signed — Water Security on the Tons RiverA long-pending Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project was signed on September 15, 2026, between the Central Government and six states — Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. The 236-metre concrete gravity dam on the Tons River (a Yamuna tributary) will generate hydropower, irrigate approximately 97,000 hectares, and supply 517 MCM of drinking water annually.18th BRICS Summit 2026: New Delhi Declaration — India's Chairmanship, UN Reform, and Global South AgendaIndia hosted the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on September 12–13, 2026, under its 2026 BRICS Chairmanship. The 11-member bloc adopted the New Delhi Declaration — a 140-point document covering United Nations reform, multilateral trade, artificial intelligence governance, climate finance, and the Palestinian conflict.
Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Global Dryland Congress 2026 and Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D): Transforming Dryland AgricultureThe Global Dryland Congress 2026 concluded on September 12, 2026, at the NASC Complex, New Delhi, with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D). Co-organised by ICRISAT and ICAR on the UN Day for South-South Cooperation, the Congress brought together 800+ experts from global institutions and adopted a shared agenda to transform dryland agriculture through South-South collaboration.El Niño 2026 OND Forecast: India's Rabi Crops, Wheat, and Winter Agriculture at RiskThe World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and India Meteorological Department (IMD) have confirmed that El Niño conditions are intensifying and forecast to peak during the October–December (OND) 2026 quarter, with sea surface temperature anomalies in the Niño 3.4 region reaching approximately +3.6°C. This raises significant risks for India's Rabi crop season — particularly wheat, chickpea, mustard, and lentils — through reduced winter rainfall in northwest India and above-normal temperatures.RBI Open Market Operations (OMO) September 2026: ₹1 Lakh Crore Bond Sales to Drain Durable LiquidityThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced open market operations (OMO) bond sales worth ₹1 lakh crore (₹1 trillion) in three tranches scheduled for September 17, 21, and 28, 2026, to absorb excess durable liquidity from the banking system, which had surged to over ₹10.43 trillion — pushing overnight rates below the RBI's policy repo rate floor.International Day of Democracy 2026: Deliberative Democracy and the AI Governance ChallengeThe United Nations observes International Day of Democracy on September 15 each year. The 2026 theme is "Raising Hands and Voices — Fostering Agency and Ownership through Deliberative Democracy," highlighting participatory governance models as democratic institutions face challenges from disinformation, AI-driven political manipulation, and declining citizen trust globally.NIXI-APNIC MoU 2026: India Strengthens Internet Routing Security with IPv6 and RPKI PartnershipThe National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Centre) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 8, 2026, at the APNIC 62 Conference in Mumbai. The agreement aims to strengthen India's internet routing security through IPv6 deployment, RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure) adoption, and establishment of an APNIC RPKI repository mirror in India — hosted by NIXI.World Circular Economy Forum 2026: India Hosts Landmark 10th Edition in GandhinagarIndia is hosting the 10th World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF 2026) at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat (September 15–18, 2026) — the first edition in South Asia. Organised by Finland's Sitra in partnership with India's Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the forum brings together 2,000+ stakeholders from 65+ countries under the theme "Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity."Engineers' Day 2026: Honouring Sir M. Visvesvaraya — India's Greatest Civil EngineerIndia observes National Engineers' Day on September 15 each year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861–1962), Bharat Ratna awardee and one of the greatest civil engineers of modern India. The 2026 theme is "Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalization."SEMICON India 2026: 5th Edition at Yashobhoomi Signals India's Semiconductor Mission MilestonePrime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate SEMICON India 2026 — India's largest semiconductor industry event — on September 17, 2026, at Yashobhoomi (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi. The 5th edition, themed "Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem," will feature 600+ exhibitors from 30+ countries and showcase progress under India's ₹76,000 crore Semiconductor Programme, with 12 fab/packaging projects and 24 design projects approved so far.
Sunday, 13 September 2026
India Secures Continued EU Market Access for Aquaculture, Honey, Eggs and Animal Casings Beyond September 2026India has been included in the European Union's updated list of authorised third countries under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1189, which amends Regulation (EU) 2021/405 in response to growing concerns about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). India's inclusion ensures uninterrupted exports of aquaculture products, honey, eggs, and animal casings to the EU market — a trade worth approximately USD 1.59 billion in fish and fishery products alone.Cochin Shipyard–Drydocks World ₹1,800 Crore JV for ISRF Kochi: India's Ship Repair Sector Gets a Global PartnerCochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and Drydocks World Dubai FZCO (DDW), a subsidiary of DP World UAE, signed a 50:50 equity joint venture agreement to own and operate the International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) at Willingdon Island, Kochi. The JV values the ISRF at ₹1,800 crore and aims to make Kochi a premier ship-repair hub in the Indian Ocean region, with plans to add ten new workstations.Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project: 41st Tunnel Breakthrough — Escape Tunnel-1 Completes 10.847 kmRail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) completed the 41st tunnel breakthrough on the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag New Broad Gauge Rail Line Project with the final breakthrough of Escape Tunnel-1 — 10.847 km long and the second-longest tunnel in the project — marking a major step toward completing India's most tunnelled railway project in the Himalayas.Coastal Local Area Bank Achieves Scheduled Bank Status: India's First LAB Included in Second Schedule of RBI ActThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has included Coastal Local Area Bank Limited, Vijayawada — India's first-ever Local Area Bank — in the Second Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934, granting it Scheduled Bank status. The RBI subsequently amended the CRR and SLR directions for Local Area Banks to incorporate scheduled bank provisions including Incremental CRR and daily minimum CRR maintenance.IFC USD 1 Billion MSME Credit Facility via SIDBI: Long-Term Finance for India's Small BusinessesIndia's Ministry of Finance secured USD 1 billion from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, to expand long-term credit availability to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through SIDBI. The facility — USD 500 million from IFC's own account and USD 500 million mobilised through SIDBI's lender syndicate — enables loans with tenures of up to seven years and has been swapped into Indian rupees through the RBI's special currency swap window.
Saturday, 12 September 2026
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026: 22nd Edition of India-USA Joint Military Exercise at Mahajan and AuliThe 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas — India's largest bilateral military exercise with the United States — commenced in September 2026 across two theatres: Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan (desert warfare) and Auli in Uttarakhand (high-altitude Himalayan terrain). This is the first time the exercise has been conducted simultaneously in two geographically distinct environments.Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Amendment Rules 2026: Prior Price Disclosure, Dark Pattern Audits, and NCH IntegrationThe Department of Consumer Affairs notified the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Amendment Rules 2026 (effective 1 January 2027), mandating e-commerce platforms to display the lowest price offered in the preceding 30 days alongside any discount, label sponsored listings prominently, conduct annual dark-pattern audits, and integrate with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH).ISRO CE20 Cryogenic Engine Hot Test at 220 kN: LVM3 M7 Mission and Gaganyaan SignificanceISRO successfully conducted a hot test of the CE20 cryogenic engine at 220 kN (22 tonnes) thrust at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu on 9 September 2026. The test validated the C32 upper stage for the LVM3 M7 mission and demonstrated the LOX Tank Pressurisation Module (LTPM) for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.18th BRICS Summit 2026 New Delhi: India's Chairship, New Delhi Declaration, and Global South LeadershipIndia is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit on 12–13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi — India's fourth time chairing the 11-member bloc — under the theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Prime Minister Modi held key bilaterals with Presidents Putin and Pezeshkian; the New Delhi Declaration is the expected joint outcome.
Thursday, 10 September 2026
Buellia maharajensis: New Lichen Species Discovered in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala — Biodiversity Significance and UPSC AngleScientists from Maharaja's College (Ernakulam), KFRI, and CSIR-NBRI have discovered a new-to-science lichen species, Buellia maharajensis, from Mathikettan Shola National Park in Idukki district, Kerala. Published in the peer-reviewed journal Taiwania on September 8, 2026, this is the fourth new lichen species found in this single national park, underscoring the Western Ghats' extraordinary biodiversity value and the importance of protecting shola-grassland ecosystems.India-Sri Lanka Sign 3 Defence MoUs: Rajnath Singh's Historic Colombo Visit, L70 Anti-Aircraft Guns, and Neighbourhood First PolicyDefence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Colombo in September 2026 — the first Indian Defence Minister to do so in 38 years — signing 3 defence MoUs with Sri Lanka covering upgradation of L70 anti-aircraft guns under an Indian grant, academic cooperation between national defence colleges, and NCC Youth Exchange. The visit reinforces India's Neighbourhood First Policy and counters Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean.India's Real GDP Grows 7.8% in Q1 FY2026-27: MoSPI Data, Sectoral Drivers, and Exam SignificanceIndia's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at 7.8% in the first quarter of FY2026-27 (April–June 2026), up from 6.9% in Q1 FY2025-26, as per MoSPI's Quarterly Estimates released on August 31, 2026. Real GDP at constant 2011-12 prices reached ₹81.36 lakh crore, reaffirming India's position as the world's fastest-growing major economy. The services sector and manufacturing are the primary drivers.AASHVAST Lab: Indian Army's Air-Gapped Drone Security Testing Facility to Detect Hidden Chinese Components and Firmware ThreatsThe Indian Army inaugurated the AASHVAST Lab (Assessment and Analysis of Systems Hardware for Vulnerabilities And Security Threats) on August 14, 2026, to detect Chinese-origin components, hidden malware, GPS spoofing vulnerabilities, and unauthorised firmware in military drones. The air-gapped, read-only facility at DG EME Headquarters in Delhi represents a critical step in securing India's growing military drone fleet against supply-chain cyber threats.Veer Guardian-2026: India-Japan Bilateral Air Exercise at Jodhpur — 2nd Edition, IAF-JASDF Interoperability, and Strategic SignificanceIndia and Japan launched the 2nd edition of their bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Air Force Station, Jodhpur, from September 9–22, 2026. The exercise, involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF), deepens military interoperability under the India-Japan Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership amid shared Indo-Pacific security objectives.
Wednesday, 9 September 2026
RBI Proposes On-Tap Licensing for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs): Ending a 22-Year Pause, Tier Framework, and Banking Sector SignificanceThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is proposing to resume licensing of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) after a 22-year pause — licensing was stopped in 2004 following the failures of the 1993–2001 liberalisation era. RBI issued a Discussion Paper in January 2026 and Governor Sanjay Malhotra announced in August 2026 that draft guidelines would be issued shortly for public consultation. The on-tap model means applications will be accepted on a continuous rolling basis once eligibility criteria are met, rather than in periodic windows.DAC Approves ₹1.10 Lakh Crore Defence Procurement: India's Largest-Ever Capital Acquisition — CBRN Vehicles, ALH, Sarvatra Bridge and 98% IndigenisationThe Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) on 7 September 2026 for capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.10 lakh crore covering CBRN Recce Vehicles, Advanced Light Helicopters, the Sarvatra Bridge System, Arudhra Radars, Marine Gas Turbines, and electronic-warfare jammers — with approximately 98% of procurement sourced from Indian industry under the Atmanirbhar Bharat push.India Joins Global 6G Initiative as 26th Member: 'Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security', Bharat 6G Vision, and IMT-2030India formally joined the US-led 'Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security' initiative on 7–8 September 2026 on the sidelines of the G20 Innovation Ministerial in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, becoming the 26th member nation. India's MoS for Commerce Jitin Prasada met US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick; the initiative was launched by NTIA (US Department of Commerce) in July 2026 and aims to coordinate 6G standards, security frameworks, and supply chains among like-minded democracies.NITI Aayog Launches PACT and ZET Marketplace at 5th e-FAST India Summit: Decarbonising India's Road Freight SectorNITI Aayog launched the Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport (PACT) and the Zero Emission Truck (ZET) Marketplace on 7 September 2026 at the 5th e-FAST (Electric Freight Accelerator for Sustainable Transport) India Summit in New Delhi. The twin platforms target India's road freight sector, where heavy commercial vehicles — just 3–4% of the total fleet — contribute over one-third of all transport-sector carbon emissions.India Adds 4 Sites to UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List: Colonial Andaman, Nicobarese Culture, Ahom Sivasagar, Shekhawati Havelis — Total Now 73India added four new cultural sites to UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List in September 2026, taking the national total to 73 sites (53 cultural + 17 natural + 3 mixed). The four sites are: the Colonial Penal Settlement of the Andaman Islands, the Continuity of Nicobarese Culture, the Rangpur-Sivasagar Historic Architectural Ensemble (Ahom dynasty, Assam), and the Painted Havelis of Shekhawati (Rajasthan).
Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Munitions India Limited and Drogo Aerospace Sign MoU for Indigenous UAV and Loitering Munition Systems: India's Kamikaze Drone Capability and Defence IndigenisationMunitions India Limited (MIL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under the Ministry of Defence, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Drogo Aerospace Private Limited on September 4, 2026, in Pune for the development of indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and loitering munition (kamikaze drone) systems — a major step in India's defence indigenisation drive under the Make in India framework.All 25 High Courts Get Permanent Chief Justices: Centre Notifies Eight Appointments — Collegium System, Article 217, and Judicial PendencyThe Ministry of Law and Justice on September 5, 2026, notified the appointments of eight High Court judges as Chief Justices across eight High Courts. Following these appointments, all 25 High Courts in India now function with permanent Chief Justices for the first time — a milestone reflecting both the Supreme Court Collegium's functioning and efforts to address the judiciary's leadership deficit amid India's record case pendency crisis.LIC Gets RBI Approval to Acquire Up to 9.99% Stake in ICICI Bank: Regulatory Framework, Insurance-Banking Linkage, and UPSC SignificanceThe Reserve Bank of India granted the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) approval to acquire up to 9.99% of ICICI Bank's paid-up share capital or voting rights within one year from September 4, 2026. This marks a significant regulatory development at the intersection of banking supervision, insurance regulation, and India's evolving financial conglomerate architecture.UNGA Declares November 27 as International Day Against Child, Early and Forced Marriage: India's Role, Legal Framework, and SDG 5.3The 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted by consensus on September 4–5, 2026, a landmark resolution designating November 27 every year as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. India co-sponsored the resolution, which carries special national significance — November 27, 2024 was the launch date of India's 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat' campaign.RBI Financial Stability Report June 2026: Banking Sector at Multi-Decadal Low NPA, Rising Household Debt, and AI-Driven Cyber RisksThe Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report (FSR) for June 2026 reports India's banking sector has achieved a multi-decadal low Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio of 1.8%, while flagging rising household debt (45.5% of GDP) and AI-enabled cyberattacks as the top emergent systemic risks — critical reading for UPSC, Banking, and SSC aspirants.BSI Discovers Osbeckia ulotricha in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve: New Plant Species from Western Ghats and India's Biodiversity SignificanceScientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered a new woolly-haired flowering plant species, Osbeckia ulotricha, in the shola grasslands of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve in the Western Ghats (Kerala–Tamil Nadu boundary). Published in the international botanical journal Lilloa, the discovery adds to India's documented flora — set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats as one of the world's 36 biodiversity hotspots.
Monday, 7 September 2026
UNEP "Limiting Overshoot" Report 2026: World Set to Breach 1.5°C — Paris Agreement Pathways and India's Climate ObligationsUNEP's "Limiting Overshoot" report (September 2026) declares that breaching the 1.5°C Paris Agreement warming threshold is now unavoidable in the near term. Without enhanced action, global temperatures could reach 2.6°C by 2100, but an "overshoot-peak-decline" pathway can return temperatures below 1.5°C through aggressive emissions cuts and large-scale carbon dioxide removal.Birkbeck, University of London Gets UGC Approval for Bengaluru Campus: India's Foreign University Experiment and NEP 2020Birkbeck, University of London received a UGC Letter of Approval on September 3, 2026, to establish its Indian campus at Sattva Tech Park, Bengaluru — under the UGC FHEI Regulations 2023 enabled by NEP 2020. The UK university, world-renowned for part-time and evening education for working adults, will offer undergraduate and postgraduate business programmes at up to 60% lower cost than its UK campus.Japan's JCR Upgrades India's Sovereign Rating to 'A-': First Upgrade in Decades and What It MeansJapan's JCR upgraded India's sovereign credit rating to 'A-' (Stable) on September 2, 2026 — the first time India has achieved an 'A' category rating from JCR. The upgrade cites India's GDP growth above 6%, fiscal deficit declining to 4.4% of GDP, and Gross NPA ratio reaching a decade-low of 1.8% by March 2026.Punjab's "Pehchaan" Portal: India's First Digital System for Identifying Unidentified Deceased PersonsPunjab became the first state in India to launch "Pehchaan" — a free, publicly accessible digital portal for identifying unidentified and unclaimed deceased persons in mortuaries. Built on the existing MedLEaPR (Medico-Legal Examination and Post-Mortem Reporting System), it stores photographs, physical descriptions, and identification marks, enabling families to trace missing relatives through police and hospital mortuary records.Chhattisgarh Tops Nation in Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 3.0: Water Conservation Model and Its Governance LessonsChhattisgarh secured first position nationally in Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) 3.0 — completing 77,719 out of 79,775 registered water conservation structures under the Ministry of Jal Shakti's Catch the Rain campaign. Five Chhattisgarh districts feature among India's top-10 districts for water conservation, and the state's innovative "5% Model" (voluntary farm land allocation for groundwater recharge in Koriya district) has been highlighted as a national best practice.SEBI-ESMA MoU on Central Counterparties (September 2026): India-EU Clearing House Cooperation and Its SignificanceSEBI and ESMA (European Securities and Markets Authority) signed an MoU on September 4, 2026, in Paris, covering cooperation and information exchange on Central Counterparties (CCPs). The agreement — signed by SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey and ESMA Chair Verena Ross — replaces the 2017 MoU and enables Indian CCPs to re-apply for ESMA recognition under EMIR, restoring EU clearing members' access to Indian clearing infrastructure.DRDO-ACRHEM Patent for BAM-H24: India's Next-Generation Solid Rocket Propellant Fuel and Its Defence-Space SignificanceThe Indian Patent Office granted Patent No. 599900 (August 20, 2026) to DRDO and ACRHEM (University of Hyderabad) for BAM-H24 — a boron-hydrogen-nitrogen-rich energetic compound with high thermal stability, low impact sensitivity, and high specific impulse. BAM-H24 can function as a solid rocket propellant fuel, propellant additive, or burn-rate accelerator for missile systems and launch vehicles, advancing India's Atmanirbhar defence capability.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
MoSPI Revises GDP Base Year to 2022-23: PPI Replaces WPI, Double Deflation Adopted — What Changes and Why It MattersThe Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the National Accounts Statistics (NAS) 2026 with a revised base year of 2022-23, replacing the earlier 2011-12 series. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) has been replaced by the Producer Price Index (PPI) for GDP deflation, and India has adopted the Double Deflation Method — aligning with IMF standards and providing a more accurate picture of sectoral value addition in the economy.Supreme Court Directs States to Raise District Judges' Retirement Age: Pendency Crisis, Constitutional Framework, and Judicial ReformA Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed all States and Union Territories on September 1, 2026, to consider raising the retirement age of district judiciary judicial officers from 60 to 61/62 years, in the long-pending case All India Judges Association v. Union of India (W.P.(C) No. 1022/1989). The direction is driven by over 5.18 crore pending cases in district courts and 1,744 vacancies, and is contested by 10 States citing financial constraints.India-Belgium Joint Statement 2026: Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, IMEC Semiconductor Partnership, and Defence CooperationBelgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited India (September 2–4, 2026) — the first Belgian PM visit in two decades — and issued a comprehensive Joint Statement. India and Belgium set a target of doubling bilateral trade from approximately USD 13 billion, established an Investment Fast-Track Mechanism, announced IMEC semiconductor research collaboration, and signed a defence Letter of Intent covering exchanges, staff talks, and joint production.WMO Warns of Very Strong El Niño Through Early 2027: India's Monsoon Risks, IOD Interaction, and Global Extreme Weather OutlookThe World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued an El Niño/La Niña Update (September 2026) warning of a near-100% probability that a very strong El Niño will persist through February 2027, with Niño 3.4 sea-surface temperature anomalies reaching +2.2–2.6°C above normal. The event — the most unequivocal El Niño forecast WMO has ever issued — raises risks of floods, drought, and extreme heat globally. A developing positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may partially offset El Niño's typical weakening effect on India's monsoon.18th BRICS Summit 2026, New Delhi: India's Chairship, Theme, Agenda and What to Expect on September 12–13India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12–13, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi — India's fourth BRICS chairship. The theme is "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability." Over 350 BRICS meetings were held across 25+ cities under India's 2026 presidency. The expanded BRICS+ grouping now includes nine members, making this summit the largest in the bloc's history.
Saturday, 5 September 2026
26th SCO Summit Bishkek 2026: Bishkek Declaration, English as Official Language, and India's Priorities Under PM ModiThe 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit was held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on August 31–September 1, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended, signed the Bishkek Declaration alongside 13 key outcome agreements, and advanced India's three-pillar agenda of Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. English was recognised as an official SCO working language for the first time.FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: 31-Member JPC Constituted Under Sanjay Jaiswal — Foreign Funding Regulation and Its UPSC SignificanceLok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on September 3, 2026 to examine the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal (Bettiah, Bihar) was appointed Chairperson. The JPC — comprising 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members — must submit its report by the first week of the Winter Session (November–December 2026).RAKSHA Defence Diplomacy Framework 2026: India's 10-Year Roadmap for Global Security PartnershipsDefence Minister Rajnath Singh released the 'RAKSHA' Defence Diplomacy Framework on September 3, 2026 at Kartavya Bhawan, New Delhi — a comprehensive 10-year strategic document (2026–2036) positioning India as a Net Security Provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region through four core pillars: Strategic Partnerships, Capacity Building, Indigenous Exports, and Maritime Security.ISRO Launches EOS-05 on GSLV-F17: India's First Geosynchronous Imaging Satellite for Continuous Earth ObservationISRO successfully launched EOS-05 (Earth Observation Satellite-05) aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket from Sriharikota on September 4, 2026. EOS-05 is India's first imaging satellite placed in geosynchronous orbit (~36,000 km), capable of continuously monitoring a fixed region of the Earth — enabling high-frequency imaging that can revisit the same spot every 5 minutes and cover India in under 30 minutes.National Teachers' Day 2026: President Murmu Honours 48 Teachers; SRCC Centenary and the Legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli RadhakrishnanSeptember 5, 2026 marks the 138th birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, celebrated as National Teachers' Day across India. President Droupadi Murmu conferred National Teachers' Awards on 48 outstanding school teachers at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi also addressed students at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), which is celebrating its centenary year (est. 1926).
Friday, 4 September 2026
Gollala Gudi Temple in Telangana Declared Monument of National Importance by ASI — Kakatiya Heritage Near Ramappa UNESCO SiteThe Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared the Gollala Gudi temple complex in Palampet village, Mulugu district, Telangana, a Monument of National Importance — bringing ASI-protected sites in the state to 10. The Kakatiya-era temple, featuring three sanctums with a Shiva Lingam, is located near the UNESCO World Heritage Ramappa Temple.India Hosts International Tiger Landscapes Workshop; IBCA Signs MoU with ADB for Nature-Positive Conservation FinancingThe International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) signed a landmark MoU with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the sidelines of the International Tiger Landscapes Workshop (September 2–3, 2026) in New Delhi — unlocking nature-positive blended finance for landscape-scale tiger conservation across six Asian tiger-range nations.Districts as Export Hubs (DEH): India's 770-District Strategy and the USD 1 Trillion Export Target by 2030249 Indian districts have formally adopted District Export Action Plans (DEAPs) under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative — a DPIIT-led programme covering 770+ districts — as India pursues its USD 1 trillion merchandise and services export target by 2030. Evolved from the One District One Product (ODOP) model, DEH integrates EXIM Bank's GRID programme and PM GatiShakti to build grassroots export capacity.Nepal Monsoon Floods 2026: Death Toll Crosses 1,000 — India's Humanitarian Response, Disaster Diplomacy, and India-Nepal RelationsNepal's 2026 monsoon floods have claimed over 1,000 lives — one of the country's worst flood disasters — with Nepal's hydropower generation dropping approximately 10%, requiring emergency power imports from India. India deployed rescue teams, dispatched humanitarian aid, and coordinated with China and Nepal for relief operations, demonstrating India's Neighbourhood First policy in action.
Thursday, 3 September 2026
AISHE 2023-24 Report: India's Higher Education Enrolment Hits Record 4.50 Crore, GPI Favours Women for 7th Year in a RowThe Ministry of Education released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24 report, showing total enrolment reaching a record 4.50 crore students — a 31.5% rise from 3.42 crore in 2014-15. The Gender Parity Index (GPI) stands at 1.08, indicating more women than men in higher education for the 7th consecutive year. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) reached 30.NSHIPOL Gets In-Principle Approval for ₹24,700-Crore Odisha Shipbuilding Cluster at Kendrapara: National Shipbuilding Mission and India's Maritime AmbitionsThe National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park Odisha Ltd (NSHIPOL) has received in-principle approval under the Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways for a ₹24,700-crore integrated shipbuilding cluster at Kendrapara, Odisha. The proposed cluster will be located on the northern bank of the Mahanadi near Paradip with an annual capacity of ~1.2 million gross tonnes.Türkiye Signs Artemis Accords as 71st Nation: Space Diplomacy, India's Role, and UPSC Exam SignificanceThe Republic of Türkiye signed the Artemis Accords on 31 August 2026 at NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C., becoming the 71st signatory nation and the 7th Middle Eastern country to join the framework. The signing was witnessed by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Connor Tomlinson. India signed the Accords in 2021.Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031: VP Radhakrishnan Launches Ornamental Fisheries Roadmap in Lakshadweep, Anchoring India's Blue EconomyVice President C.P. Radhakrishnan released 'Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031' in Agatti, Lakshadweep on 31 August 2026 — a strategic roadmap to develop India's ornamental fisheries (colourful fish for aquariums and ornamental ponds) into a globally competitive, organised industry. Lakshadweep, with over 300 ornamental fish species and a 4-lakh sq km EEZ, is the mission's focus island territory.India's GDP Grows 7.8% in Q1 FY2026-27: Manufacturing and Services Drive Expansion, Beats RBI ForecastIndia's real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 FY2026-27 (April–June 2026), as per MoSPI data released on 31 August 2026, surpassing both the RBI's 7% estimate and a Reuters poll forecast of 7.1%. Nominal GDP rose 10.3% to ₹88.27 lakh crore, driven by strong manufacturing (9.2%), financial services (12.1%), and construction (7.7%) growth.
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting, Asheville 2026: Debt Restructuring, Digital Assets, Cross-Border Payments, and India's Priorities Under the US PresidencyG20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met at Asheville, North Carolina, USA on 31 August – 1 September 2026 under the 2026 US G20 Presidency. India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman participated, with key agenda items spanning debt transparency, global imbalances, digital asset regulation, cross-border payments reform, and private-sector-led growth — each with significant implications for India's financial diplomacy and economy.PCA Rules Indus Waters Treaty Remains Fully Binding: India Cannot Suspend the 1960 Accord — Kishanganga, Ratle Hydropower Dispute and India's Jurisdictional StandThe Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague unanimously ruled on 31 August 2026 that India cannot unilaterally suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, declaring the accord "remains fully in force." India, which placed the treaty in abeyance in April 2025, rejected the court's jurisdiction and did not participate in the hearings — a ruling with major implications for India-Pakistan relations, water security, and international treaty law.Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules 2026: 'One Nation, One Time' — IST Made Legally Enforceable Nationwide with NavIC and White Rabbit TechnologyThe Ministry of Consumer Affairs notified the Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026 on 27 August 2026, making Indian Standard Time (IST) the single legally enforceable time reference for all legal, administrative, commercial, and official purposes in India. The rules come into force 180 days after gazette notification (approximately March 2027), giving institutions time to align with the 'One Nation, One Time' initiative backed by NavIC and White Rabbit Technology.
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
DRDO Successfully Tests Military Combat Parachute System at 22,000 Feet in Nyoma, Ladakh — High-Altitude Special Operations and Indigenous Defence CapabilityThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a high-altitude trial of the indigenous Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) on August 26, 2026, at the Nyoma-Mudh Drop Zone in Ladakh — with jumpers exiting at 22,000 feet above mean sea level and landing safely at 13,700 feet in temperatures as low as −15°C. Developed by DRDO's ADRDE (Agra) and DEBEL (Bengaluru), MCPS is the only parachute system currently in operational use by the Indian Armed Forces capable of such high-altitude deployment.Chandler Good Government Index 2026: India Rises to 76th Among 133 Nations — Second Consecutive Year of Governance Score Improvement After Three-Year DeclineIndia ranked 76th out of 133 countries in the Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI) 2026, released on August 18–19, 2026 by the Chandler Institute of Governance, Singapore. India's overall governance score rose for the second consecutive year — reversing a three-year decline from 2021 to 2024 — driven primarily by improvement in Financial Stewardship. India leads all South Asian nations across five of the index's seven governance pillars.PNGRB-EESL MoU: Smart Domestic PNG Meters to Be Deployed Across India's City Gas Distribution Sector — Energy Efficiency, Demand Aggregation, and the Smart Metering PushThe Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate the deployment of smart domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) meters across India's City Gas Distribution (CGD) sector. The MoU aims to replicate EESL's proven smart electricity meter rollout model — 44.5 lakh+ meters already deployed — in the gas distribution domain, using demand aggregation to drive down costs and enable accurate billing and leak detection for millions of PNG households.Three New Part-Time Directors on RBI Central Board: Annie George Mathew, Janmejaya Kumar Sinha, Syed Akbaruddin — RBI Governance and the Central Board's RoleThe Government of India appointed Annie George Mathew (former Special Secretary, Ministry of Finance), Janmejaya Kumar Sinha (Chairman, BCG India), and Syed Akbaruddin (former Permanent Representative to the UN, now Dean of Kautilya School of Public Policy) as part-time non-official directors on the RBI Central Board for four-year terms effective August 24, 2026. Former ISRO chief S. Somnath and industrialist Anand Mahindra were also appointed/re-appointed to the board in the same round.Semicon 2.0 Notified: India's ₹1,27,500-Crore Semiconductor Mission Phase 2 — Indigenous Chip Design, 3-nm Roadmap, and Semiconductor SovereigntyThe Government of India formally notified Semicon 2.0 on August 31, 2026 — a ₹1,27,500-crore programme that expands the semiconductor ecosystem from chip assembly to indigenous design, intellectual property creation, advanced packaging, equipment, materials, research, and talent. India aims to domestically design and manufacture chips for 70–75% of its needs by 2029 and reach 3-nanometre and 2-nanometre technology nodes by 2035.