Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 21 September -26 September 2026, Weekly Updates
21 September –26 September 2026
National Current Afffairs
1. Rozgar Mela : Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 51,000 appointment letters at the 20th Rozgar Mela on 19 September across 45 locations. The initiative supports government recruitment and employment opportunities.
2. Make in India: The initiative completed 12 years on 25 September 2026. Launched in 2014, it aims to promote domestic manufacturing, investment, exports and industrial competitiveness.
3. Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY: The scheme completed eight years. The supplied notes report over 60 crore beneficiaries, 48.54 crore Ayushman cards and more than ₹2 lakh crore spent on healthcare.
4. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0: The government announced skill training for 70,000 rural youth from the following month. The scheme focuses on placement-linked training and employment support.
5. MY Bharat Platform: The platform crossed 3 crore registered youth. It promotes volunteering, leadership development and civic participation.
6. PM Surya Ghar Scheme: Delhi launched its portal on 21 September 2026. The supplied notes mention a combined subsidy of up to ₹1.56 lakh for a 3-kW rooftop solar system. The target is to cover 2.30 lakh households.
7. Delhi DURGA Scheme: Approved on 23 September, the scheme plans to deploy 1,300 pink electric autos. These vehicles are intended to be operated by women and transgender persons.
8. Assam e-Office Initiative: Assam plans to make all government offices paperless from 1 January 2027. The initiative aims to improve administrative efficiency and reduce paper-based processes.
9. Bharat Taxi Cooperative: The cooperative ride-hailing service was launched in Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj. Its stated principle is “Driver is the Owner.”
10. Indian Railways – Amrit Bharat Express: The Bhuj–Barauni Amrit Bharat Express was approved. The route will connect Gujarat and Bihar over approximately 2,532 km.
11. UDAN – Regional Air Connectivity: Twenty-one States and Union Territories signed MoUs with the Civil Aviation Ministry under the next phase of UDAN. The scheme aims to improve regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible.
12. India International Water Week: The ninth edition was held in New Delhi from 22–26 September 2026. Theme: “Climate Resilient Water Management.”
13. Telecom Manufacturing Zone – Gwalior: A proposed telecom manufacturing zone involves an investment of ₹5,500 crore. The proposal is expected to create 18,000 direct jobs and accommodate 24–25 units.
14. Wholesale Price Index (WPI) Inflation: August 2026 wholesale inflation was reported at 9.92%, compared with 9.78% in July. Food inflation and international prices were cited among the contributing factors.
15 Green Hydrogen – Maruti Suzuki: Maruti Suzuki commissioned a 300-kW green-hydrogen electrolyser pilot plant at Manesar, Haryana, on 24 September. The project is relevant to cleaner energy and sustainable industrial manufacturing.
16 Biodegradable Plastics: Commercial use of bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) biodegradable plastic was reported.The technology supports the development of sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
17. Anti-Goonda Bill: The President returned the proposed Bill for reconsideration. The reported concern involved possible overlap with the PITNDPS Act, 1988, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
18. Legal Metrology – Origin Symbols : 1. Amendments notified on 21 September require green and red/brown origin symbols on specified personal-care products of vegetarian and non-vegetarian origin, respectively.
Defence Update
1. SAT-SAAW Procurement Contract
- The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth approximately ₹810.79 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
- The contract covers 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force.
- Deliveries are scheduled for 2027–28 and 2028–29.
2. Record Defence Production and Exports: Defence production reportedly reached ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY 2025–26. Defence exports reportedly reached ₹38,424 crore.
3. Exercise Veer Guardian 2026: The India–Japan bilateral air exercise concluded at Jodhpur on 22 September. Indian Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale aircraft participated alongside Japanese F-2A fighters. The two air chiefs also flew together in a Tejas aircraft.
4. Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026: The second edition was scheduled from 26 September to 12 October 2026 in Rajasthan. It brings together international air forces for tactical training and interoperability.
5. Exercise Nomadic Elephant: The India–Mongolia joint military exercise began at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. It supports joint training and defence cooperation between the two countries.
6. Exercise Varuna: INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, for the 24th edition of the India–France bilateral maritime exercise. The exercise strengthens naval cooperation and maritime interoperability.
7. Exercise SLINEX-26: The India–Sri Lanka naval exercise concluded at Visakhapatnam on 23 September. It focuses on maritime cooperation and operational coordination.
8. Exercise Dronathon-2026
- The Indian Air Force organised the event at Pokhran with participation from defence companies, MSMEs and startups.
- The IAF released its Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Roadmap.
- The indigenous Vayu UTtaM unmanned traffic-management system was demonstrated.
9. Zorawar Light Tank: The indigenous light-tank programme reportedly faced delays after the Army sought higher protection standards. The programme is relevant to operations in difficult terrain, including high-altitude regions.
10. Operation Drishti: 1. Armed Forces Medical Services conducted 220 sight-restoring surgeries in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir, under a mega eye camp.
11. Ladakh Mountaineering Expedition: A military expedition reportedly achieved first ascents of 20 previously unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in 23 days.
12. Akash Missile Exports
- The supplied notes report exports of indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
- Verify the destination countries through official defence announcements before memorising this claim.
13. AFSPA Extension: The Centre reportedly extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, in notified disturbed areas of Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for six months from 1 October 2026.
14. Other Defence Developments
- Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth visited Russia to strengthen defence cooperation.
- Indian Coast Guard ship ICGS Savitribai Phule, commissioned in 2006, was decommissioned at Karwar after nearly two decades of service.
International Current Affairs
1. 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar led India’s delegation during the high-level week in New York. He held bilateral meetings with several foreign ministers.
2. UN Security Council Reform – G4
- India, Brazil, Germany and Japan called for early reform of the UN Security Council.
- The supplied notes report support from the Visegrad Group countries—Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic—for India’s demand for a permanent seat.
3. India–UAE–France Trilateral Cooperation: The three countries discussed cooperation in artificial intelligence, space, health sciences, energy and culture on the sidelines of UNGA.
4. Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC): S. Jaishankar chaired a meeting of FIPIC. The forum strengthens India’s engagement with Pacific Island countries.
5. QUAD Maritime Cooperation: India welcomed the QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission. Indian Coast Guard ship Shaunak sailed from Chennai with sea riders from all four QUAD countries.
6. UN Convention against Cybercrime: India signed the convention on the sidelines of UNGA 81. The convention aims to strengthen international cooperation against cybercrime.
7. India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement: The supplied dossier states that the agreement was due to come into force on 20 October 2026. This date should be verified through official government announcements.
8. India–Canada Trade Negotiations: Both countries agreed to fast-track negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The next round of negotiations was scheduled for 5 October 2026, according to the supplied notes.
9. India–China Economic Relations: India’s annual-report discussion highlighted the continuing trade deficit with China despite stabilisation in bilateral relations.
10. India–Bangladesh Relations: Asad Siam was named Bangladesh’s new envoy to India, according to the supplied notes. The notes also reported Bangladesh’s suspension of hilsa imports from India.
11. Maritime Security off Oman
- India condemned an attack on a commercial vessel off Oman.
- One report identified the vessel as MV Cape Dao, with 19 Indian seafarers rescued and one Indian national killed.
- The dossier also mentions an attack on MT EL Gaia. Vessel names and incident details should be cross-checked against official Ministry of External Affairs statements.
12. India–Pakistan and the OIC: India rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in an OIC Contact Group communiqué. India also criticised Pakistan over its letter to the UN Security Council concerning the Indus Waters Treaty.
13. India–Netherlands Water Cooperation: Cooperation was formalised through two MoUs involving the Kalpasar Project in Gujarat, the Central Water Commission and Dutch institutions. The initiative is relevant to water management and technical cooperation.
World Current Affairs & Geopolitics
1. United States–China Relations
- A summit involving Donald Trump and Xi Jinping was reported as planned for 23–25 September 2026.
- The reported agenda included trade, tariffs, artificial intelligence, supply chains and geopolitical tensions.
- The United States also proposed an emergency notification mechanism with China for serious AI incidents.
2. Russia–Ukraine Conflict: Russian strikes on Ukrainian regions and Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia were reported. Ukraine reiterated its readiness for a bilateral energy ceasefire.
3. West Asian Tensions
- Houthi missile and drone attacks involving Saudi Arabia reportedly intensified.
- The United Kingdom reportedly agreed to provide limited support to Saudi Arabia.
- Iran was reported to have proposed a seven-day roadmap to end its conflict with the United States.
4. Greenland Security Framework: The United States, Denmark and Greenland reportedly agreed to amend the 1951 defence agreement governing US military operations on the Arctic island. The development is relevant to Arctic security and strategic competition.
5. Google was reportedly fined €403 million by Ireland’s Data Protection Commission over unlawful location-data processing.
Science & Technology
1. ISRO Advanced Radar Research Facility – Project NETRA: The foundation stone for an Advanced Radar Research Facility was laid at Chandrapur, Assam. The facility is intended to improve the tracking of space objects and orbital debris.
2. ISRO’s Evolving Operational Model:
- The supplied dossier describes a greater emphasis on research and development within ISRO.
- Private industry is expected to play a larger role in manufacturing and routine launches.
- Claims concerning a 50-launch annual target and NASA collaboration on a Moon base require confirmation from official announcements.
3. EOS-05 Mission: The dossier reports completion of payload integration for EOS-05 (GISAT-1A) on the GSLV-F17 rocket. The mission is associated with geostationary imaging and disaster-monitoring applications.
4. AI-Based Policing in Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh Police launched a Centralised Drone Monitoring Portal and the SafeStay AP app. These initiatives aim to improve surveillance and public safety.
5. Biodegradable Plastic Technology: Commercial use of PLA-based biodegradable plastic was reported. The development supports research into bio-based alternatives to conventional plastics.
6. Telangana Data-Centre Development: Telangana set a target of 5 GW hyperscale data-centre capacity by 2029. The supplied notes associate the plan with potential investment of US$30 billion.
7. Green Hydrogen in Automotive Manufacturing: Maruti Suzuki commissioned a 300-kW green-hydrogen electrolyser at Manesar, Haryana. The pilot project supports the exploration of hydrogen in industrial manufacturing.
8. NIT Srinagar Observatory: NIT Srinagar is set to establish a dedicated campus observatory. The facility is expected to include a 14-inch Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope.
9. Digital Regulation: Mandatory BIS certification for smartphone screen protectors under IS 19348:2025 is scheduled to take effect from 1 April 2027.
Sports Update
1. Asian Games 2026 – Women’s Cricket Gold: India’s women’s cricket team reportedly defeated Sri Lanka by 147 runs in the final. India scored 216/3, with Smriti Mandhana scoring 79 off 45 balls and Richa Ghosh scoring 48 off 22 balls. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 69, according to the supplied report.
● Weightlifting – Mirabai Chanu won silver in the women’s 49-kg category. Her total lift was 198 kg: 87 kg in snatch and 111 kg in clean and jerk.
● Shooting: Kamaljeet and Suruchi Singh reportedly won gold in the mixed 10-metre air- pistol event. Indian shooters also secured medals in rifle and skeet events.
● Athletics: India won silver in the mixed 4×400-metre relay with a reported time of 3:14.46. Seema Kumari won bronze in the women’s 10,000 metres.
● Rowing: Satnam Singh and Salman Khan reportedly won bronze in the men’s double sculls.
● Kabaddi: India entered the men’s semifinals after defeating Chinese Taipei 37–21.
● Hockey: India’s men opened their Asian Games campaign with a 13–1 victory over Indonesia. Savita Punia became India’s most-capped women’s hockey player, with 321 international appearances, according to the supplied notes.
2. Archery: Dhiraj Bommadevara was reported to have become the first Indian male recurve archer to win gold at the Hyundai Archery World Cup Final.
3. Cycling: Pune was announced as host of the UCI Road World Championships 2032, according to the dossier.
4. Other Sports
- Suchika Tariyal won bronze in MMA, reported as a debut discipline at the Games.
- Mizoram won the North East Regional Muaythai Championship.
Important Observances Day
1. Engineers’ Day – India(15 September) Observed on the birth anniversary of Sir M. Visvesvaraya. Recognises the contribution of engineers to national development.
2. International Day of Democracy (15 September) : Promotes democratic principles, transparency, participation and human rights.
3 World Rhino Day(22 September): The supplied notes give the theme as “Keep the Five Alive.” The observance focuses on protecting the five remaining rhino species.
4 Ayurveda Day(23 September) : The 11th observance in Nagpur used the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthy Future.”
5. International Day of Sign Languages(23 September) : 1. Highlights sign languages, accessibility and inclusion for deaf communities.
6 World Maritime Day(24 September): Highlights maritime infrastructure, shipping safety and seafarer welfare.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
1 National Film Awards: Veteran actor Anant Nag was reported to have been selected for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024.
2. WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: India sent a 70-member contingent across 63 skill categories. The contingent included 14 women competitors.
3. Booker Prize 2026: The supplied shortlist included Marlon James, Douglas Stuart, Elizabeth Strout, M. John Harrison, Luke Kennard and Rebecca Perry. The winner was scheduled to be announced on 9 November 2026, according to the notes.
4. World Bamboo Day 2026: 1. The reported theme was “Bamboo Beyond Borders.”
5. FAO Recognition: Pi Mari-i of Mizoram was named among the FAO’s 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development, according to the supplied notes.
6. Lonely Planet – Best in Travel 2027: Gujarat and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway were included in the reported selections.
7. Paperless Governance: Assam plans to transition government offices to e-Office from 1 January 2027.
8. Uttar Pradesh formed a four-member team for surprise inspections of hospitals empanelled under PM-JAY.
9. Manipur announced assistance for women street vendors.
