NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. FSSAI Proposes Ban on Paneer Label for Analogue Products: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed restricting the use of the term “paneer” for analogue paneer and cheese products under the draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026. The proposal applies to products already licensed or registered under the “Analogue in Dairy Context” category and seeks to align food names with product composition. Paneer is a fresh acid-set cheese made from milk, and it is widely used in Indian cuisine. Analogue paneer and cheese products are substitutes that use ingredients other than traditional milk-based paneer, and they are sold in retail, hotel, restaurant, and catering settings. The draft amendment was notified on September 22, 2026, and it proposes that products using dairy analogues should not use “Paneer” in nomenclature, labelling, or marketing. The Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations require food information to be presented in a manner that identifies the product clearly to consumers.
2. Types of Electrolysers and Hydrogen Production Methods: Hydrogen is emerging as an important clean energy carrier for hard-to-abate sectors such as refining, fertilisers, steel and transport. Since it does not occur freely in nature in usable form, it must be produced through different pathways, each with distinct emissions, costs and applications. Electrolysis is central to green hydrogen, and the equipment used for it is called an electrolyser. Electrolysis is an electrochemical process in which electricity is used to split water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). The process takes place in an electrolyser, which generally has an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte or membrane that allows ion transfer. The type of electrolyte, operating temperature and ion-conducting mechanism determine the category of electrolyser. In practice, electrolysers are chosen based on efficiency, flexibility, cost and compatibility with renewable power sources.
3. Assam Raises Orunodoi Scheme Assistance to Rs 1,500: The Assam Cabinet approved a special increase in Orunodoi scheme assistance to Rs 1,500 for October 2026. The enhanced amount was announced as a one-time Durga Puja gift for beneficiaries under the state’s direct benefit transfer programme. Orunodoi is Assam’s flagship direct benefit transfer scheme launched in 2020. It provides monthly financial assistance to women from economically weaker households for poverty alleviation and household support. About 40 lakh beneficiaries are expected to receive the increased amount of Rs 1,500 for October 2026. In February 2026, beneficiaries received an advance Bohag Bihu package of Rs 8,000, which included Rs 5,000 for the January-April allowance and Rs 3,000 as a special Bihu gift.
4. Bio-Based Biodegradable Plastic Launched under BioE3: India launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA) on 24 September 2026 in New Delhi. The initiative is being implemented by Balrampur Chini Mills Limited under the BioE3 framework, which stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment. Polylactic Acid is a bio-based polymer produced from renewable feedstocks and used in packaging, consumer products, and other industrial applications. Biodegradable plastics are materials that can break down through biological processes under specified conditions, and PLA is one of the best-known commercial bioplastics. The BioE3 policy was approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 August 2024. It is designed to support high-performance biomanufacturing and the commercial development of advanced bio-based materials in India.
5. Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management Project Launched: The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, launched a workshop on the Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management Project in New Delhi on 25 September 2026. The workshop was organised by the Ministry in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and involved officers from forest, research, and training institutions. The Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management Project is scheduled for the period 2025-26 to 2031-32. The project is linked to cooperation between India and Japan in the forestry sector, and JICA is a Japanese government agency that supports international development cooperation.
6. Noted psychiatrist Anand Pandurangi dies: Dr. Anand Pandurangi, a psychiatrist and Karnataka Rajyotsava awardee, died on 24 September 2026 at a private hospital in Dharwad, Karnataka. He was 74 years old, and the reported cause of death was a severe heart attack. His final rites were performed with full state honours at the Hosayallapur crematorium in Dharwad. Dr. Anand Pandurangi was a medical professional associated with psychiatry in Karnataka. He completed his medical education at KIMS and Karnataka University and received training in Miraj. He made Dharwad his professional base after his medical training.
7. New Begonia Species Described from Arunachal Pradesh: A new Begonia species, Begonia neelamorum, was formally described from Keyi Panyor district in Arunachal Pradesh on 24 September 2026. The species was collected on 24 May 2026 from steep, moist walls along the Keyi River at an elevation of about 1,000 metres. Begonia neelamorum is a small plant, 10–20 cm tall, with a single sessile light-green leaf. It has distinctive double-serrated margins and glandular hairs, which are used as diagnostic characters in plant taxonomy. The research team included botanist Dipankar Borah from Kaliabor College in Nagaon, Assam. The species was named after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe, which assisted the researchers during the expedition, and its local name is Kobiirhopu Baabrai.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Denmark to Introduce Work Permit Route for Indians: Denmark’s Parliament passed legislation on 4 September 2026 to create a new work permit route called the Collective Agreement-Based Business Scheme. The scheme is scheduled to begin on 1 January 2027 and will allow eligible employers in Denmark to recruit foreign workers under a simplified immigration pathway. Indian nationals will be among the citizens of 16 eligible countries who can apply under this route. The Collective Agreement-Based Business Scheme is an employment-based immigration route linked to Danish labour market rules. It requires the employer to be covered by a relevant collective agreement, to have operated for at least two years, and to employ at least 10 full-time workers in Denmark. The scheme is designed for businesses facing labour shortages.
2. TDB-DST Signs Agreement with GalaxEye for Multisensor Satellite: The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement on 24 September 2026 with Bengaluru-based GalaxEye Space Solutions Private Limited. The agreement provides financial support of ₹63.84 crore under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund for a project with a total approved cost of ₹247.69 crore. The Technology Development Board was constituted under the Technology Development Board Act, 1995, and functions under the Department of Science & Technology. The RDI Fund is used for supporting technology development, innovation, and commercialisation in strategic and emerging sectors. The project aims to develop a next-generation multisensor satellite with sub-0.5 metre high-resolution OptoSAR imaging. OptoSAR is a combined imaging system that integrates Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro-Optical (EO) sensors in one platform. SAR uses microwave signals and can capture images through clouds and at night, while EO imaging uses reflected light for visual observation.
3. Google Announces Project Suncatcher for Space AI Computing: Project Suncatcher is a Google research initiative announced in November 2025 to test artificial intelligence computing infrastructure in space. The first prototype satellite, named MVP, is scheduled for launch on 1 October 2026 into low-Earth orbit aboard the SpaceX Transporter-18 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base. Project Suncatcher focuses on Google Tensor Processing Units, or TPUs, which are application-specific integrated circuits used for machine learning workloads. The MVP satellite contains four Google TPU chips and has computing power roughly equivalent to a single data centre server. The satellite was built in partnership with Planet Labs, a San Francisco-based space company. The year-long mission is designed to test TPU performance under launch vibrations, radiation, and vacuum heat. Solar panels on the satellite will supply about one kilowatt of power for hardware testing.
4. India Highlights Sarvodaya Principles at G7 Meeting: India presented its development approach based on Sarvodaya at the second G7 Development Ministers meeting in New York on 24 September 2026. Sibi George, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, represented India at the meeting held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Sarvodaya is a Sanskrit term associated with the welfare of all sections of society. In Indian political thought, the term is linked with Mahatma Gandhi and later with Vinoba Bhave, and it is used in discussions on inclusive development and social welfare. The G7 is an intergovernmental forum of seven advanced economies, namely Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. France held the G7 Chair in 2026 and organised the development ministers’ meeting in New York.
5. BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 in New Delhi: The BRICS Theatre Festival 2026 will be held in New Delhi from 12 to 14 October 2026. The Ministry of Culture, India, will organise the three-day festival during India’s BRICS Presidency 2026. The festival will open at the National School of Drama on 12 October 2026. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies. The acronym BRICS refers to Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and the grouping later expanded to include new members and partner countries. The festival theme is “Shared Stories, Shared Futures”. More than 100 theatre practitioners, scholars, students, and cultural representatives from nine BRICS member and partner countries are expected to participate. The participating countries include India, Thailand, Indonesia, Russia, Vietnam, Iran, South Africa, Kazakhstan, and Ethiopia. Performances will be staged at the National School of Drama’s Abhimanch and Sammukh auditoriums, Kamani Auditorium, LTG Auditorium, and Meghdoot Theatre.
6. US FDA Classifies Vitruvias Thyroid Tablet Recall as Class I: Vitruvias Therapeutics Inc., based in Alabama, initiated a voluntary nationwide recall of one lot of Thyroid Tablets, USP 30 mg on 21 August 2026. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified the recall as Class I on 22 September 2026, which is the highest risk category used for recalls in the United States. A Class I recall is used when there is a reasonable probability that use of a product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. The FDA uses three recall classes in the United States: Class I, Class II, and Class III. The recall was linked to a possible superpotent product, which means the tablets may contain more thyroid hormone than intended. Excess thyroid hormone can cause hyperthyroidism symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, chest pain, and heart rhythm disturbances. Elderly persons, pregnant women, and infants are among the groups at higher risk from excess thyroid hormone exposure.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Major Indian Naval Warships and Frigates: The Indian Navy’s surface and undersea fleet is built around aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates and submarines. Together, these warships support sea control, deterrence, maritime surveillance and power projection across the Indian Ocean Region, while also reflecting India’s growing focus on indigenous shipbuilding and modern combat systems. The flagship of the Indian Navy, INS Vikramaditya is a modified Kiev-class aircraft carrier acquired from Russia. Commissioned in 2013, it has a displacement of about 45,400 tonnes and operates MiG-29K fighter jets. Both Indian aircraft carriers use the Short Take-Off Barrier Arrested Recovery system, which supports ski-jump take-off and arrested recovery of aircraft. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, INS Vikrant has a displacement of around 45,000 tonnes and a high degree of indigenisation, with about 76% indigenous content.
2. INS Trishul Arrives at Toulon for 24th India-France Maritime Exercise Varuna: INS Trishul (F43), a guided missile frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived at the Toulon naval base in France on 22 September 2026 for the 24th edition of the India-France bilateral maritime exercise Varuna. The exercise series began in 1983 and received the name “Varuna” in 2001. Varuna is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the French Navy. The exercise includes harbour and sea phases, with cross-deck visits, operational interactions, and sporting engagements. The exercise framework includes professional exchanges that cover naval procedures, seamanship, and coordination at sea. The bilateral drill is part of India-France defence cooperation in the maritime domain. INS Trishul is a guided missile frigate with the pennant number F43. The ship has received major upgrades in recent years, including replacement of legacy Russian systems.
SPORTS
1. Suruchi Singh, Kamaljeet Win Asian Games Gold in 10m Air Pistol: India’s Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won the gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on 25 September 2026. The pair set a new Asian record in the final with 484.6 points and matched the qualification-round Asian record of 587 points. The 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event is a shooting discipline governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation. Each team consists of one male and one female shooter, and the event is held over a 10-metre distance using air pistols. The previous Asian record in the final was 481.3 points, set by Uzbekistan’s Mukhammad Kamalov and Nigina Saidkulova in February. The qualification-round Asian record of 587 points had been set by India’s Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary in 2021.
2. Abhiram Singh Yadav Joins ICC Chief Executives’ Committee: Abhiram Singh Yadav, Chairman of Persatuan Cricket Indonesia, was elected to an Associate Member position on the International Cricket Council Chief Executives’ Committee on 24 September 2026. He won one of the three seats reserved for Associate Member representatives and will serve until the next elections at the ICC Annual Conference in June 2027. The Chief Executives’ Committee is a committee of the International Cricket Council that includes representatives from Full Members and Associate Members. The committee deals with administrative and governance matters within world cricket. The ICC classifies its members into Full Members and Associate Members. Associate Member seats on the Chief Executives’ Committee are reserved for representatives from cricket boards that donot hold Full Member status.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Major Human Brain Cell Types and Their Roles: The human brain works through a highly organized mix of neurons and support cells. Neurons carry signals, while glial and other specialized cells maintain structure, immunity, insulation, and fluid balance. For Prelims revision, the key is to remember each cell type and its core function in brain communication and health. Neurons are the basic functional units of the nervous system. They transmit electrical and chemical signals and link different brain regions as well as the brain with the rest of the body. Their structure is adapted for fast, directed communication. Glial cells, or neuroglia, are non-neuronal cells that support, nourish, and protect neurons. They are more numerous than neurons and are essential for maintaining the brain’s internal environment.
2. Major Artificial Intelligence Hubs and Ecosystems in India: India’s artificial intelligence landscape is expanding quickly, supported by a mix of startups, research institutions, large technology firms, and growing digital infrastructure. The country’s AI growth is concentrated in a few major cities, but it also depends on national policies, talent pipelines, and compute-heavy data centre ecosystems. An AI ecosystem is more than a set of software companies. It is a connected network that enables research, model development, deployment, and scale. For Prelims, the important point is that AI growth depends on both human capability and physical infrastructure. India’s AI activity is not evenly spread. A few cities have become preferred locations because they combine talent, institutions, startups, enterprise demand, and digital infrastructure.
3. Scientists Map Gene Activity in Prefrontal Cortex: A new human brain-cell atlas mapped gene activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex across the human lifespan. The study analysed nuclei from more than 6.3 million brain cells taken from 1,494 deceased donors aged from infancy to 108 years and included donors with and without diagnosed brain conditions. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is a region of the frontal lobe in the human brain. It is associated with executive functions such as working memory, planning, decision-making, and cognitive control. The region develops through childhood and adolescence and reaches mature cellular organisation in adulthood. The atlas was published in Nature on 23 September 2026 with eight companion studies. It examined gene activity in brain-cell nuclei from donors representing diverse genetic ancestries. The dataset included individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana 2.0: Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana 2.0 is a rural skilling programme of the Government of India that was upgraded through notified guidelines in May 2025. The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and focuses on training, placement, post-placement support, and employment sustainability for rural youth. DDU-GKY was launched in 2014-15 as a placement-linked skill development programme for rural youth. The 2.0 version extends placement duration to six months and provides 12 months of post-placement tracking. It also includes financial assistance of ₹7,620 over six months and retention support of ₹5,000 for candidates employed for 365 days.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Mizoram Farmer ZT Lalrithangi to Receive FAO Award: ZT Lalrithangi, also known as Pi Mari-i, is a 35-year-old farmer from Sangau village in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram. She has been selected for the FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development award, which is linked to the International Year of Women Farmers 2026. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, or FAO, is a specialised agency of the United Nations that works on food security, agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and rural development. Lalrithangi is one of 100 women selected globally from more than 600 nominations across 131 countries. She is also one of two Indian women chosen for the recognition. Lalrithangi began strawberry cultivation in 2024 and expanded it to more than 10,000 plants on two hectares of land. Her produce includes strawberries, strawberry wine, and other value-added products. Her farming venture generated about Rs 1.5 lakh in 2024 and more than Rs 10 lakh in 2025.
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