Daily GK Update- 25th Sept, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian Railways Train Numbering System: Indian Railways uses a five-digit train numbering system to identify services by category, direction and operating pattern. Introduced to simplify administration and passenger information, it is especially useful on a network that runs thousands of trains across multiple zones. For Prelims, the first digit is the key to the basic classification. Indian Railways introduced the five-digit numbering system on December 20, 2010, replacing the earlier four-digit format. The change was meant to handle the growing number of train services and improve operational efficiency across the national network. The system also supports better digital governance, as each train can be quickly identified in timetables, reservation systems and public information platforms. 

 

2. Festival-Linked Public Welfare Schemes in India: Across India, festivals often become a window for public welfare, with state governments using the occasion to deliver cash support, food kits, special allowances and travel assistance. These measures are not just ceremonial; they reflect broader welfare priorities, help vulnerable households meet seasonal expenses, and widen participation in major cultural celebrations. Orunodoi is Assam’s flagship direct benefit transfer scheme, launched in 2020. It provides monthly financial assistance to women from economically weaker households, combining poverty alleviation with household support. Under Orunodoi 3.0, the regular monthly assistance is ₹1,250, and the scheme aims to cover about 25 lakh eligible women across all 35 districts of Assam. The scheme has also become closely linked with festival-based assistance.

 

3. Indian Railways to Launch Bhuj-Barauni Amrit Bharat Express: Indian Railways has approved the introduction of the Bhuj-Barauni Amrit Bharat Express, a tri-weekly long-distance train service numbered 19427/19428. The train will connect Bhuj in Gujarat with Barauni in Bihar over a route of 2,532 km and will pass through Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Amrit Bharat Express is a category of long-distance passenger train in India. These trains are generally non-air-conditioned and are designed with sleeper and unreserved accommodation for affordable travel on routes of more than 800 km or journeys lasting over ten hours. Train No. 19427 will depart from Bhuj at 5:30 PM and reach Barauni at 4:05 AM the next day. Train No. 19428 will depart from Barauni at 11:55 PM and arrive at Bhuj at 1:15 PM the following day.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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.

 

6. 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 cricketYadav won a three-way contest with 30 votes. Sarah Gomersall of Jersey received 9 votes, and Viganesh Sankaran of Germany received 3 votes. The vacancy arose after France’s Gurumurthy Palani moved to the ICC Board following his election at the annual conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July 2026.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Key Indian Mountaineering Expeditions and Records: India’s mountaineering story is closely tied to the Himalayas, high-altitude training, and record-setting expeditions. From early ascents on Everest and Nanda Devi to institutional support and armed forces participation, Indian climbers have built a strong legacy in exploration, endurance and adventure sports. India’s mountaineering history began with a mix of international expeditions, local support and later, nationally led climbs. The ascent of Mount Everest by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953 remains a landmark moment closely associated with India’s mountaineering tradition. Tenzing Norgay was an Indian citizen, and his achievement inspired generations of climbers.

 

2. India Marks 12 Years of Make in India: India marked 12 years of the Make in India initiative on 25 September 2026. The initiative was launched on 25 September 2014 to promote domestic manufacturing, investment, exports, and industrial competitiveness across sectors. Make in India is a national initiative linked with manufacturing, services, and investment promotion. It covers 27 sectors, including 15 manufacturing sectors and 12 services sectors. The initiative also connects with the broader policy focus on domestic value addition and global market access. India recorded its highest-ever annual foreign direct investment inflow of USD 94.53 billion in FY 2025-26. Cumulative FDI between FY 2014-15 and FY 2025-26 reached USD 843 billion. These figures place FDI as a major indicator used in industrial and economic current affairs.

 

3. India Joins East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting: India participated in the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting and the 23rd ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation in Manila, Philippines, from 22 to 24 September 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Nitin Kumar Yadav, and the meetings included ASEAN members and EAS partners such as India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Korea, Russia, and the United States. The East Asia Summit is a leaders-led forum established in 2005, and its economic ministers’ meeting is part of the wider regional economic dialogue structure. ASEAN has 11 member states, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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.

 

6. 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. 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. 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”.

 

7. 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 recalled product was Thyroid Tablets, USP 30 mg, a prescription thyroid hormone preparation used in the treatment of hypothyroidism. The affected lot was Lot Number 504950, with National Drug Code 69680-166-00 and an expiry date of 30 September 2026.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Sudarshini Reaches Alexandria during Lokayan 26: INS Sudarshini, the Indian Navy’s sail training ship, arrived at Alexandria in Egypt on 23 September 2026 during the Lokayan 26 transoceanic expedition. The port call was the ship’s second visit to Alexandria during the same deployment. INS Sudarshini is a three-masted barque used by the Indian Navy for sail training and seamanship instruction. A barque is a sailing vessel with three or more masts, with square sails on the foremast and mainmast and fore-and-aft sails on the aftermost mast. Lokayan 26 is a 10-month voyage that began from Kochi on 20 January 2026. The expedition is planned to cover about 22,000 nautical miles, visit 18 ports, and call at 13 countries. It is designed for professional training in ocean navigation and traditional seamanship.

 

2. DRDO Signs First High-Value Deep-Tech Project Agreement: The Defence Research and Development Organisation signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund scheme on 24 September 2026. The agreement was signed with Zero mK India Private Limited, an Alwar-based startup, for the indigenous development of a 20 mK dilution refrigerator for quantum applications. The Technology Development Fund is a scheme of the Defence Research and Development Organisation for supporting industry-led development of defence and dual-use technologies. The present agreement is the first high-value project under a ₹500 crore corpus approved for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects. A dilution refrigerator is a cryogenic system used to reach ultra-low temperatures in the millikelvin range. A 20 mK system is relevant for quantum computing platforms, superconducting devices, and other quantum technologies that require controlled low-temperature environments.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Important Indian Women Sportspersons: Indian women sportspersons have transformed the country’s sporting profile through record-breaking performances, Olympic medals, and leadership across individual and team events. From athletics and weightlifting to boxing, badminton, cricket and para-sports, their achievements reflect talent, resilience and growing gender inclusion in Indian sport. India’s journey in women’s sport began with athletes who broke barriers in an era of limited support and opportunity. Their results gave Indian women visibility at the highest level and created a pathway for later champions. Badminton and boxing have produced some of India’s most recognisable women champions. Their medals and rankings have strengthened India’s reputation in technically demanding sports that require sustained international competitiveness.

 

2. Important Asian Games Facts and Records: The Asian Games, or Asiad, is Asia’s premier multi-sport event and the second-largest multi-sport competition in the world after the Olympics. Held every four years, it combines sporting excellence with regional cooperation, national prestige and long-standing sports administration under the Olympic Council of Asia. The Asian Games emerged after World War II as Asian leaders sought a platform to promote unity and cooperation through sport. Indian representative Guru Dutt Sondhi played a key role in proposing the idea at the 1948 London Olympics. The Asian Games symbol and motto reflect the spirit of Asia and its sporting unity. The emblem has remained an important visual identity for the event across editions. The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) is the governing body for sport in Asia and has organised the Asian Games since 1982. It replaced the Asian Games Federation after the latter was disbanded on 16 November 1982.

 

3. Rajnath Singh Flags-in First Ascent Mountaineering Expedition: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-in the First Ascent Mountaineering Expedition in New Delhi on 25 September 2026. The expedition recorded the first-ever summits of 20 unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in Ladakh in 23 days. The expedition was undertaken by a team of 20 climbers from the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), which is based in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, the Director of NIMAS, led the team. The summits were achieved in the Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala, and Chokula areas of the Ladakh Range. These locations are part of the high-altitude terrain of Ladakh, which includes several mountain zones above 6,000 metres.

 

4. Indian Squash Players Secure Three Medals at Asian Games: India secured three squash medals at the Asian Games 2026 on 25 September 2026. Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar reached the mixed doubles semifinals, while Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh entered the women’s and men’s singles semifinals respectively. Squash at the Asian Games includes men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. A place in the semifinals guarantees at least a bronze medal in squash because both losing semifinalists receive bronze medals. Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar defeated the Philippines pair of David Pelino and Jemyca Aribado 11-3, 11-5 in the mixed doubles quarterfinals. Their entry into the semifinals assured India of one medal in the mixed doubles event.

 

5. India Wins Silver in Asian Games 50m Rifle Team Event: India won the silver medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions team event at the Asian Games on 25 September 2026. The Indian team of Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Niraj Kumar, and Rudrankksh Patil scored 1762-94x and finished second behind China at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The men’s 50m rifle 3 positions is a shooting event governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation. Each shooter fires from three positions, namely kneeling, prone, and standing, at a distance of 50 metres. The Asian Games include individual and team shooting events across rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines. Team scores are usually calculated from the aggregate of the shooters’ individual scores in the qualification round.

 

6. India Wins Silver in Mixed 4x400m Relay: India won the silver medal in the mixed 4x400m relay at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on 24 September 2026. The Indian team finished the final in 3:14.46 at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium. The mixed 4x400m relay is a track event in which two men and two women run one lap each over 400 metres. The event is part of the athletics programme at major multi-sport competitions, including the Asian Games and the World Athletics Championships. The Indian quartet in the final comprised Machettira Poovamma, Vishal Thennarasu, Vithya Ramraj, and Thekkinalil Manu, who is also known as Manu TS. The team used Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj in place of Jay Kumar and Kiran Pahal for the final.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Cryogenic and Low-Temperature Technologies: Cryogenic and low-temperature technologies deal with materials and processes at extremely cold temperatures, where ordinary physical behavior changes sharply. These systems are important in space, defence, medicine, energy, electronics and quantum research because they make it possible to liquefy gases, preserve sensitive materials and operate specialised devices. Cryogenics is the branch of physics and engineering concerned with the production and behavior of materials at very low temperatures. In practice, the term usually refers to temperatures below the liquefaction point of common gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The field is closely linked to refrigeration, material science and superconductivity.

 

2. IIT Delhi Develops India’s First Micro-GPU: Researchers at the Electrical Engineering Department of the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi developed India’s first working and demonstrable indigenous micro-Graphics Processing Unit (micro-GPU) on 24–25 September 2026. The project was led by M.Tech students Nammi Akash and M. Ravi Teja under Professor Jayadeva and Professor Kaushik Saha. A micro-GPU is a compact graphics processor designed for programmable rendering tasks. The IIT Delhi device used a custom floating-point GPU engine and was implemented entirely in Register Transfer Language (RTL). The micro-GPU was mapped to a Spartan-7 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) platform. FPGA devices are reconfigurable integrated circuits used for prototyping digital systems and testing processor architectures before fabrication in silicon.

 

3. 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.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

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. 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. As of September 2026, DDU-GKY 2.0 is being implemented across 31 States and Union Territories. The programme has more than 749 approved projects, over 760 active training centres, and more than 455 Project Implementing Agencies. The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated ₹750 crore to the scheme.

 

Daily GK Update- 24th Sept, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India reaffirms commitment to eliminate Hepatitis B, C as public health threats by 2030: India has reaffirmed its commitment to combating viral Hepatitis and eliminating Hepatitis B and C as public threats by 2030. Addressing a side-event at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 81), Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, said, “Reaffirming India’s commitment to the 2030 SDG Agenda on combating hepatitis and the global goal of eliminating Hepatitis B and C as public health threats by 2030.” She highlighted India’s comprehensive, people-centred response across prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and care.

 

2. Delhi’s Chandni Chowk Town Hall to Become Global Heritage Centre: Delhi’s historic Town Hall complex in Chandni Chowk will get a new identity as a Global Heritage Centre. The Delhi government and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) signed an MoU on 20 September 2026 for its conservation and redevelopment. The project covers the historic Town Hall, Press Building and adjoining park . Together, they cover around 12,180 square metres Built between 1860 and 1866 , the Town Hall forms part of Shahjahanabad’s historic landscape. MCD used it as its headquarters for decades before shifting to the Dr. S.P. Mukherjee Civic Centre in 2010.

 

3. NBDA Re-elects Rajat Sharma As President For 2026-27: Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma has been unanimously re-elected as the President of the News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA) for the 2026–27 term during a board meeting held on September 22, 2026. NBDA currently has 29 news and current affairs broadcasters as members, representing 136 news channels and digital platforms. The decision was taken at a meeting of the NBDA Board of Directors on Tuesday. The association’s other office-bearers will continue in their respective roles, with M.V. Shreyams Kumar, Managing Director, Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing, continuing as Vice-President and Anuradha Prasad Shukla, Chairperson and Managing Director, News24 Broadcast India, continuing as Honorary Treasurer.

 

4. Hirav Shah Launched Business Novel “SAARATHI”: Business strategist Hirav Shah launched his business novel “SAARATHI” in Gujarat on September 21, 2026, which became an Amazon India bestseller on its launch day. Storyline: Follows a struggling fashion designer from Ahmedabad facing business collapse alongside a strategic guide helping navigate critical decisions. Core Themes: Moving beyond hustle culture, balancing hard work with financial discipline, distinguishing busyness from strategy, and managing enterprise growth with family duties.

 

5. 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.

 

6. Maruti Suzuki Commissions First Green Hydrogen Plant at Manesar: Maruti Suzuki India Limited commissioned its first Green Hydrogen (GH₂) electrolyser plant at its Manesar facility in Haryana on 24 September 2026. The plant has a capacity of 300 kW and functions as a pilot project for green hydrogen production and use in manufacturing operations. Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable electricity through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. An electrolyser is the equipment used for this process, and its output can be stored, blended with other fuels, or used directly in industrial applications. The green hydrogen from the Manesar plant is blended with natural gas and used as process fuel in manufacturing operations. The plant uses surplus solar energy generated at the Manesar facility, including electricity available during holidays, for hydrogen production.

 

7. PBSHABD Expands Verified News Access Across India: Prasar Bharati’s PB-SHABD, or Prasar Bharati – Shared Audio-Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination, is a free multimedia news feed service for registered media organisations in India. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched the platform on 13 March 2024 in New Delhi, and free access has been extended until March 2027 for 3,600 media organisations. PB-SHABD provides ready-to-use news content in text, video, audio, photographs and infographics. The platform offers content in 15 Indian languages and covers nearly 50 news categories, including national, regional and local developments. The service supplies over 1,000 daily news stories. Its content is logo-free and does not require credit when used by registered media organisations. PB-SHABD uses a network of more than 1,500 reporters, correspondents and stringers, along with 60 dedicated 24×7 edit desks.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US to build two military bases in Greenland under new deal with Denmark: A trilateral defense and security cooperation agreement that modernizes the historic 1951 US-Danish Defense Agreement, granting the United States expanded, permanent military operating rights and strategic denial capabilities in Greenland without transferring sovereign territory. Aim: To secure the North American northern frontier and Arctic-Atlantic maritime approaches, deny adversarial foreign powers military or economic footholds in Greenland, and de-escalate intra-NATO diplomatic tensions stemming from U.S. annexation rhetoric.

 

2. 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.

 

3. Anthropic’s Claude AI Identifies Novel Enzyme System: Anthropic announced on 23-24 September 2026 that its Claude AI model identified a previously unknown enzyme system called array-associated reverse transcriptases (ART). The system was found in bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, and the finding was produced through analysis of DNA sequence data by Claude-powered software agents. Array-associated reverse transcriptases (ART) include a reverse transcriptase enzyme, a partner gene of unknown function, and an array of evenly spaced DNA repeat sequences. Reverse transcriptases are enzymes that synthesise DNA from an RNA template, and they occur in several biological systems, including retroviruses and mobile genetic elements. About 950 Claude-powered software agents analysed a large DNA sequence database for 21 hours and processed 210 million tokens of data. 

 

4. Second Saraighat Bridge Project in Assam: The Ministry of Railways is set to begin the Second Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge Project in Assam. The project includes a 1.3-km double-decker bridge over the Brahmaputra and the doubling of the railway track between Agthori and Kamakhya stations over 7.20 km. The Saraighat crossing is located near Guwahati in Assam and spans the Brahmaputra, one of the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent. The new bridge will carry two railway lines on the lower deck and a three-lane road carriageway with a footpath on the upper deck. The project falls under the administrative jurisdiction of the Northeast Frontier Railway zone. The Railway Board is associated with the monitoring of the project, and Larsen & Toubro has been entrusted with execution.

 

5. BRICS Tax Authorities Meet in New Delhi: The BRICS Heads of Tax Authorities Meeting was held in New Delhi on 23 September 2026 as the concluding event of India’s Chairship of the BRICS tax cooperation track. The meeting brought together tax administrations from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies, and its tax cooperation track covers administrative coordination, capacity building, and exchange of practices among tax authorities. The BRICS tax forum operates through meetings of heads of tax administrations and working groups on specific technical subjects.

 

6. India to Host Cycling Road World Championships in Pune in 2032: Pune in Maharashtra has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2032 UCI Cycling Road World Championships. It will be the first time that India hosts the UCI Road World Championships, which are organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The UCI Road World Championships are annual road cycling championships conducted by the UCI. The event includes elite men’s and women’s road races, individual time trials, and team events in different categories. The UCI announced the 2032 hosting decision at its Congress in Montreal, Canada, in September 2026. Pune won the bid against Groningen and the Drenthe region of the Netherlands, which will host the 2034 UCI Road World Championships and Para-cycling Road World Championships. The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour was held in January 2026 and featured about 170 riders from 35 countries. New Zealander Luke Mudgway won the event, which served as a major international road cycling competition in India.

 

7. Germany Ready to Sign India Submarine Deal: Germany has said it is ready to sign a government-to-government agreement with India for six conventional submarines under Project 75(I). The proposed contract is estimated at about $8 billion, with some estimates placing the value between ₹70,000 crore and over ₹90,000 crore. Project 75(I) is an Indian Navy submarine acquisition programme for six conventional submarines with air-independent propulsion. The programme is designed to add underwater platforms with longer endurance than standard diesel-electric submarines. The deal involves Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems of Germany and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited of India. The submarines are to be manufactured in India under a production partnership model rather than as a direct import order. The agreement includes technology transfer for submarine construction in India. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited is a state-owned shipyard based in Mumbai and has built warships and submarines for the Indian Navy.

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. Commissioned in 2022, INS Vikrant is India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier and the largest warship built in the country. 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.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. England fast bowler Wood retires from internationals: Mark Wood has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 36, bringing the curtain down on a 11-year career in which he won two World Cups and an Ashes series with England. Wood, who made his England debut as a tearaway quick against New Zealand at Lord’s in 2015, took 119 wickets from 38 Tests. He also finished with 80 wickets in 70 ODIs and 54 in 38 T20Is, making him England’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in the shortest format of the game.

 

2. Indian Men’s and Women’s Skeet Teams Win Asian Games Bronze: India won bronze medals in both the men’s and women’s skeet team events at the Asian Games 2026 on 23 September 2026. The men’s team scored 346 points and defeated Kazakhstan in a shoot-off, while the women’s team scored 331 hits across five qualification rounds. Skeet is a shotgun shooting discipline in which competitors fire at clay targets launched from fixed stations. The event is held in individual and team formats at multi-sport competitions such as the Asian Games, which are organised by the Olympic Council of Asia. The Indian men’s skeet team comprised Anantjeet Singh Naruka, Mairaj Ahmad Khan, and Bhavtegh Singh Gill. Their bronze medal came after a shoot-off against Kazakhstan, and the team total of 346 points placed India among the medal-winning nations in the event.

 

3. Satnam Singh, Salman Khan Win Asian Games Bronze in Men’s Double Sculls: Satnam Singh and Salman Khan won the bronze medal in the men’s double sculls at the Asian Games 2026 on 24 September 2026. The Indian pair finished in 6:13.25 at the Nagaragawa International Regatta Course. China won gold through Yi Xudi and Yide Nie in 6:09.77, and Uzbekistan won silver through Pavel Sorin and Mekhrojbek Mamatkulov in 6:10.49. Double sculls is a rowing event in which two rowers use two oars each. The event belongs to the sculling category, which differs from sweep rowing, where each rower uses one oar. Rowing races are usually held over a 2,000-metre course in international competition. Rowing has been part of the Asian Games programme in multiple editions and includes sculling and sweep events. The Asian Games is a multi-sport event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia. The competition features athletes from countries and territories across Asia.

 

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. 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. Hydrogen is often classified by the way it is produced, especially on the basis of carbon emissions. This colour code is widely used in current affairs and exam questions. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. S&P Global Ratings upgrades India’s FY27 growth forecast to 7% from 6.6%: S&P Global Ratings has raised India’s economic growth forecast for FY27 to 7 percent from 6.6 percent earlier, citing stronger-than-expected industrial activity, consumption, exports and government investment in the June quarter. S&P expects India’s growth to remain strong beyond the current fiscal as well, forecasting GDP expansion of 7.2 percent in FY28 and 7 percent in FY29. Its latest estimate for FY27 is 0.4 percentage point higher than its previous forecast, while forecasts for the following two years remain unchanged.

 

2. India leads global growth outlook; FY27 forecast at 6.7%: WEF survey: India retains the strongest growth outlook among the world economies covered in the latest chief economists’ survey, with the country’s fiscal year 2026-27 growth forecast raised to 6.7 per cent, according to the latest World Economic Forum’s Chief Economists’ Outlook. The report links the upgrade to continued resilience in domestic demand, while noting that higher energy prices remain a drag on the outlook.

 

3. Fitch Raises India’s FY27 GDP Forecast From 6.4% To 6.9%: Global ratings agency Fitch has upgraded India’s gross domestic product growth projection for the current financial year ending March 2027 to 6.9%, up from its previous estimate of 6.4%. This revision reflects the Indian economy’s stronger-than-expected performance in the June quarter and robust domestic resilience. India’s real GDP grew by 7.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of FY27, showing strong economic momentum.

 

4. 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. Vir Chakra Awardee & 1965 Indo-Pak war hero Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke Passed Away: Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a Vir Chakra awardee of the Indian Air Force, passed away on 18 September 2026 at Base Hospital, New Delhi, at the age of 87. He was known for an air engagement during the 1965 Indo-Pak War over Kalaikunda in West Bengal, where he flew a Hawker Hunter against Pakistani Sabre jets. The Vir Chakra is India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, after the Param Vir Chakra and the Maha Vir Chakra. Alfred Tyrone Cooke received the Vir Chakra on 7 September 1965 for courage and tactical skill during aerial combat.

 

2. 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.

3. Roshibina Devi Wins Silver in Women’s Sanda 60 kg: Roshibina Devi won the silver medal in the women’s 60 kg sanda event at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on 24 September 2026. She became the first Indian to win medals in wushu at three consecutive Asian Games. Wushu is a Chinese martial art that includes two main disciplines, taolu and sanda. Sanda is the combat or sparring discipline of wushu and uses punches, kicks, throws, and takedowns under regulated competition rules. Roshibina Devi won a bronze medal at the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games and a silver medal at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Games. Her 2026 silver medal extended her medal sequence across three editions of the Asian Games. In the final at the Aichi Prefectural Martial Arts Hall, Roshibina Devi lost 2-0 to Zhang Xiaoyu of the People’s Republic of China on 24 September 2026. She reached the final after defeating Indonesia’s Thania Kusumaningtyas 2-0 in the semi-finals on 23 September 2026.

 

Daily GK Update- 23rd Sept, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jayanti Prasad gets additional charge as Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board chairperson: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI) of India’s Whole Time Member Jayanti Prasad has taken additional charge as its The centre appointed him from September 13 onwards, succeeding Ravi Mital, the 1986 batch IAS officer who turned 65 last week. Mital was appointed in February 2022 for a five year tenure or till he turned 65, whichever came earlier. The centre has already invited applications for a full-time successor. Prasad will remain in this post till the completion of his tenure in IBBI on November 20, 2026 or till a new person is appointed and joins. This will be in addition to his existing duties. He is an Indian Audit and Accounts Service Officer from 1986 batch.

 

2. State Taxes and Registration Rules for Motor Vehicles in India: Motor vehicle taxes and registration fees in India are largely decided by states, making them an important part of fiscal federalism. The system combines constitutional taxing powers, central transport law, and state-specific road tax rules that vary by vehicle type, price, fuel, and policy priorities. The authority to tax motor vehicles is split between the Union and the states under the Constitution. The Seventh Schedule is the key reference for this division, while the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 provides the central framework for registration, licensing, and related regulation. Road tax and registration-related charges are important revenue sources for state governments. They help fund road construction, maintenance, transport infrastructure, and other public services linked to mobility. Because transport needs and fiscal conditions differ from state to state, tax rates are not uniform.

 

3. Important Antibiotics and Antibacterial Drug Combinations: Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections by killing bacteria or stopping their growth. They remain among the most important tools in modern medicine, but their use must be precise because misuse can quickly drive antimicrobial resistance. Understanding the main antibiotic classes and common antibacterial combinations is essential for Prelims revision. Antibiotics are antimicrobial drugs that act specifically against bacteria. They target bacterial structures or life processes such as cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, DNA replication, or essential metabolic pathways. This makes them different from antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic medicines. Antibiotics are grouped by chemical structure and mechanism of action. For exam purposes, the mechanism and a few examples are usually enough to identify the class. Using two or more antibacterial drugs is common in clinical practice. Combination therapy can improve treatment outcomes in selected infections, especially when the pathogen is not yet identified or when resistance is a concern.

 

4. Delhi Launches DURGA Scheme for 1,300 Pink E-Autos: The Delhi government approved the Driving Upliftment and Rozgar for Women/Transgender Green e-Auto (DURGA) scheme on 23 September 2026. The scheme provides 1,300 pink electric autos for women and transgender persons in Delhi. DURGA is a women- and transgender-focused e-auto allocation scheme linked to self-employment and electric mobility in Delhi. The first phase reserves 1,170 permits for women and 130 permits for transgender beneficiaries. Applicants must be between 20 and 40 years of age, hold Delhi residency proof, a valid voter ID, an LMV driving licence, and a PSV badge. The applicant’s family income must be below ₹5 lakh, and the applicant must not own an existing commercial three-wheeler. Applications will be submitted through a dedicated online portal, and a draw of lots will be used if applications exceed the available permits.

 

5. Major Attack Helicopters in India: India’s attack helicopter fleet is a key part of its air power and battlefield support capability. These rotary-wing platforms are used for offensive strikes, close air support, reconnaissance, anti-armour operations and, increasingly, joint-force warfare in difficult terrain. The AH-64E Apache Guardian is an advanced twin-engine attack helicopter developed by Boeing in the United States. It is designed for offensive missions, close air support, anti-armour operations, reconnaissance and precision strikes, and is built for integration with ground forces in combined-arms operations. The Light Combat Helicopter, or Prachand, is an indigenously designed and manufactured attack helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It has been optimised for high-altitude operations, making it especially relevant for India’s mountainous border areas.

 

6. Leucistic Great Cormorant Spotted at Ameenpur Lake: A rare leucistic Great Cormorant was spotted at Ameenpur Lake near BHEL in Hyderabad on 19 September 2026. The bird had unusually pale feathers, while the Great Cormorants around it showed the species’ usual dark plumage. The sighting was documented with photographs by Raghuvamsh Chavali, a Hyderabad-born Canadian birder. The Great Cormorant is a large waterbird belonging to the family Phalacrocoracidae. It is a fish-eating bird that is commonly seen near lakes, wetlands, rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters. The species is known for its dark plumage, long neck, hooked bill, and strong diving ability. Leucism is a pigmentation condition in birds that causes reduced colour in feathers, skin, or scales. It can make a bird appear partly or fully white, but it does not affect the eye colour in the same way as albinism. Albinism is a separate genetic condition linked to the absence of melanin.

 

7. Key Immunisation Vaccines and Birth Dose Coverage in India: India’s immunisation framework combines routine childhood vaccines, maternal protection and early birth-dose coverage to reduce illness from vaccine-preventable diseases. Within this system, hepatitis B prevention is especially important because infection can pass from mother to child at birth, making timely screening, vaccination and follow-up central to child health. The Universal Immunisation Programme was launched in 1985 and functions under the National Health Mission. It is one of India’s most significant public health interventions, offering free vaccines across the country to protect newborns, infants, children and pregnant women from major vaccine-preventable diseases. The UIP covers a wide range of infections, including Tuberculosis through BCG, Polio through OPV, Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus through DPT, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rubella, Japanese Encephalitis in endemic areas, Rotavirus and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV). For pregnant women, Tetanus Toxoid (TT) and Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) vaccines are used to provide maternal and neonatal protection.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EAM S. Jaishankar to lead Indian delegation at 81st Session of UNGA in New York: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation for the High Level Week at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA. The External Affairs Minister is scheduled to address the High Level Session of the 81st UNGA on the 26th September. During the visit, Dr Jaishankar will also attend various multilateral and bilateral meetings. Dr Jaishankar’s visit to New York comes as world leaders prepare to gather at the UN headquarters for the annual high-level General Debate, scheduled from September 22 to 28. The 81st session Theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

 

2. 23 September: International Day of Sign Languages: The International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated every year on September 23rd to raise awareness about the importance of sign language in protecting the human rights of deaf people. Established by the United Nations in 2017. Celebrated first in 2018 during the International Week of the Deaf. Theme 2026: “Declaring Deaf People’s Human Rights.”

 

3. Major Defence Pacts and Security Agreements in the World: Defence pacts and security agreements shape how states respond to external threats, share military resources, and coordinate strategy. Some are collective-defence treaties with binding obligations, while others are looser security forums focused on consultation, technology, or regional stability. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is the most enduring military alliance in modern history. It was established on 4 April 1949 by 12 founding members from Europe and North America, with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. During the Cold War, the United States and its partners created regional pacts to contain communism and limit Soviet influence in Asia and the Middle East. Two important examples were SEATO and CENTO. The Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (ANZUS) was signed in 1951 and was designed to ensure collective security in the Pacific during the Cold War.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. TARANG SHAKTI 2026 Multinational Air Exercise to Begin on 26th September in Jodhpur: The second edition of Exercise Tarang Shakti will be hosted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from September 26 to October 12, 2026. The exercise aims to expose all participants to planning and execution of multinational joint combat operations in a realistic contemporary battlespace and derive tactically viable solutions. Eight Friendly Foreign Countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Greece, Sri Lanka, UAE and USA will participate with air assets, while 32 nations will be attending as observers.

 

2. India-Mongolia Exercise Nomadic Elephant Begins in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand: The 18th edition of the Press Information Bureau India-Mongolia joint military exercise, Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026, commenced on September 21 and will run until October 3, 2026, at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. Core Objective: To enhance joint military capabilities for undertaking Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate.

List of Bilateral Exercises (2026)

· Yudh Abhyas 2026 (India–US): Conducted in Rajasthan and Uttarakhand

· IMBAX 2026 (India–Myanmar): at Umroi, Meghalaya

· MAITREE-XV (India–Thailand): at Surat Thani, Thailand

 

3. Exercise Dharma Guardian (India–Japan): Hosted at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand
‘Samudra Laksamana’ (India-Malaysia Maritime Exercise ): held in Lumut, Malaysia SLINEX (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise): at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh Important Military and Space Bases in the Arctic: The Arctic has emerged as a major strategic zone because of its shipping routes, mineral wealth, and military value. Its harsh climate has not prevented Arctic states from building airfields, naval bases, radar sites, and space-monitoring facilities to secure territory and monitor missile threats. These installations now play a growing role in defense, surveillance, logistics, and scientific operations. The Arctic Circle marks the northern polar region, where extreme cold, ice cover, and permafrost shape life and  infrastructure. Eight states are considered Arctic nations: Canada, Denmark through Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States through Alaska. As sea ice melts, routes such as the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage are becoming more navigable, reducing travel time between Europe and Asia.

 

4. India’s AH-64E Apache Helicopters Join Yudh Abhyas 2026: India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters are participating in Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, the 22nd edition of the annual India-United States bilateral military exercise. The exercise began on 15 September 2026 and is scheduled to conclude on 28 September 2026. It involves Indian Army and United States Army personnel in integrated field training across Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral military exercise between India and the United States. The 2026 edition is the 22nd iteration of the exercise and includes approximately 600 personnel from each side. The United States contingent includes troops from the 11th Airborne Division. The exercise is being conducted at two locations with different terrain profiles. The Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan provides desert conditions, while the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand offers high-altitude mountainous terrain. These locations support training in desert, mountain, and semi-mountainous environments.

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mirabai Chanu Wins Asian Games Silver in 49 kg: Mirabai Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting event at the Asian Games on 23 September 2026. The competition was held at the Nagoya City Trade and Industry Center in Aichi, Japan, and Chanu lifted a total of 198 kg, including 87 kg in the snatch and 111 kg in the clean and jerk. Weightlifting at the Asian Games includes the snatch and the clean and jerk, and the combined total decides the final ranking. The women’s 49 kg category is one of the lighter bodyweight divisions in international weightlifting. This silver medal was Mirabai Chanu’s first Asian Games medal. She has also won major international medals at the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games, and she had finished fourth at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 after a thigh injury.

 

2. Major Racket Sports in Asia: Asia has a deep and varied racket-sports culture, ranging from globally mainstream disciplines such as tennis and badminton to regionally rooted games like soft tennis. These sports have shaped the continent’s medal prospects, inspired strong national systems, and expanded opportunities through international circuits, continental events, and school-level talent pathways. Lawn tennis is played on a rectangular court divided by a net, with singles and doubles formats. The aim is to place the ball so that the opponent cannot make a valid return. It is one of the most globally visible racket sports in Asia, with the region regularly hosting major events and producing top-ranked players. Badminton uses a shuttlecock instead of a ball and is especially popular in East and Southeast Asia. Fast rallies, sharp reflexes and explosive movement define the sport. It has become one of Asia’s most successful Olympic disciplines and a key medal source for several countries.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Major Spectrum Allocation Mechanisms in India: Radio-frequency spectrum is one of India’s most valuable and limited digital resources. Its allocation affects mobile connectivity, broadcasting, satellite services, public safety, and national security. Because spectrum is a scarce public asset, India uses a mix of market-based auctions and administrative assignment to balance efficiency, fairness, and strategic needs. Spectrum refers to a range of electromagnetic waves used for wireless communication. Since it cannot be endlessly expanded, governments must decide how to distribute it among competing uses. In India, spectrum policy is shaped by the need to support telecom growth, ensure equitable access, protect sensitive services, and align domestic use with global technical standards. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are central to this framework. DoT handles policy implementation, licensing, and spectrum management, while TRAI advises on regulatory and pricing issues. Together, they influence how spectrum is released, priced, and assigned across sectors.

 

2. Hurricane Polo Reaches Category 5 off Mexico: Hurricane Polo intensified to a Category 5 hurricane on 22 September 2026 off Mexico’s Pacific coast. The U.S. National Hurricane Center classified Polo as an extremely dangerous storm with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph to 180 mph, or 265 kph to 290 kph. Category 5 is the highest level on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes by sustained wind speed. In the Atlantic and eastern Pacific basins, Category 5 storms have sustained winds of at least 157 mph, or 252 kph. On 22 September 2026, Polo remained offshore near Zihuatanejo in Guerrero and Manzanillo in Colima. The storm was projected to move towards the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula on 26–27 September 2026. Forecasts for 22–24 September 2026 called for 4 to 8 inches of rain in parts of Guerrero and Michoacán. Mexican authorities suspended classes in coastal regions of Guerrero and Michoacán and closed ports to shipping in those states.

 

3. Cyclone Alert Levels and Naming Systems: Tropical cyclones are among the most destructive weather systems over warm oceans, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. For public safety, they are tracked through graded warning systems and a formal naming process. In India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) plays the key role in monitoring North Indian Ocean systems and issuing cyclone advisories. Tropical cyclones are violent rotating storms that form over tropical or subtropical waters. They have a low-pressure centre, spiralling winds and intense convection. Their formation depends on a set of favourable atmospheric and oceanic conditions. In the North Indian Ocean, the IMD classifies tropical weather systems on the basis of maximum sustained wind speed averaged over three minutes. This classification is important because warnings, preparedness measures and response protocols are linked to storm intensity.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. RBI issues final Basel III market risk capital rules for banks: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given commercial banks until April 1, 2027, to adopt its revised framework for minimum capital requirements for market risk. The final directions aim to align Indian regulations with the revised Basel III standards while ensuring simplicity and flexibility in implementation. The RBI issued the Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Minimum Capital Requirements for Market Risk) Directions, 2026, on 21 September after examining feedback on the draft guidelines released in February 2023. The revised framework will come into effect on April 1, 2027. Intermediate transition scalars have been in effect since April 1, 2024, to facilitate a smooth transition. Among the key changes, the RBI has removed instructions defining the trading book, as its Investment Directions already identify it under the Held for Trading (HFT) accounting sub-classification. The final directions instead refer to the relevant Investment Directions.

 

2. WEF Survey Places India at Top of Global Growth Outlook: The World Economic Forum’s September 2026 Chief Economists’ Outlook, based on an August 2026 survey, places India at the top of the global growth outlook. The survey covers expectations for growth, inflation, household incomes, and business conditions across major regions. The Chief Economists’ Outlook is a periodic survey published by the World Economic Forum. It records the views of chief economists on macroeconomic trends, including growth, inflation, labour markets, and regional performance. In the September 2026 survey, 98% of chief economists expected moderate or stronger growth in India over the next 12 months. About 74% expected strong or very strong growth, compared with 52% in the May 2026 survey. The World Economic Forum raised India’s GDP growth forecast for fiscal 2026-27 to 6.7% in August 2026.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre Wins National Clinical Excellence Award: Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre received the “Excellence in Clinical Services – Mental Health & Wellness” award in the National category at the ET Healthcare Awards 2026 on 11 September 2026. The award ceremony was held in New Delhi and was organised by ETHealthworld, the healthcare division of The Economic Times. The centre follows a clinical model in which staffing depends on the severity of cases rather than a fixed staff-to-bed ratio. All Jagruti centres employ full-time psychiatrists, and daily psychiatric reviews are part of the care process because withdrawal and acute psychiatric illnesses can change rapidly. The ET Healthcare Awards 2026 used a two-tiered jury process for evaluating nominees. The assessment criteria included innovation, implementation, and impact on India’s healthcare environment.

 

2. Booker Prize 2026 Shortlist Announced: The Booker Prize 2026 shortlist was announced on 22 September 2026. The list includes six novels by authors from different literary backgrounds, and the winner will be announced at a ceremony on 9 November 2026. The Booker Prize is a major literary award for a novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom or Ireland. The prize was first awarded in 1969 and is administered by the Booker Prize Foundation. The six shortlisted books are The End of Everything by M. John Harrison, The Disappearers by Marlon James, Black Bag by Luke Kennard, May We Feed the King by Rebecca Perry, The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout, and John of John by Douglas Stuart. Each shortlisted author will receive £2,500.