Daily GK Update- 18th Sept, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Swachh Seva Aankalan Launched for Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen: Swachh Seva Aankalan (SSA) is an annual digital self-assessment framework at the Gram Panchayat level for monitoring sanitation service delivery in rural areas under Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen 2.0. Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil launched the framework on 15 September 2026 during a virtual meeting with States and Union Territories, and Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna also attended the meeting. Under SSA, ODF Plus (Model) Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees, and local communities assess ODF sustainability, visual cleanliness, and Solid and Liquid Waste Management. The assessment also covers the functionality and operation and maintenance status of sanitation assets and community waste management assets.

 

2. Project Cheetah Completes Four Years in India: Project Cheetah completed four years on 17 September 2026. India’s cheetah population under the project stands at 52, including 32 cheetahs born in India. The animals are located in Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. Project Cheetah began on 17 September 2022 with the release of eight cheetahs from Namibia at Kuno National Park by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India received 12 cheetahs from South Africa on 18 February 2023 and nine cheetahs from Botswana on 28 February 2026. The project is India’s first intercontinental large carnivore translocation programme. As of 16-17 September 2026, 49 cheetahs are in Kuno National Park and three are in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Seventeen cheetahs, including 10 males and 7 females, are free-ranging in the wild inside Kuno National Park. Thirty-two cheetahs, including 5 males, 8 females and 19 cubs below one year of age, are kept in soft-release enclosures.

 

3. Coimbatore Airport Expansion Master Plan Gets NITI Aayog Nod: Coimbatore International Airport in Tamil Nadu has a ₹2,200-crore expansion master plan that received approval from NITI Aayog on 16 September 2026. The project is awaiting final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Expenditure, and the land requirement for the expansion has already been met. The master plan includes a new terminal building of about 75,000 square metres. The proposed terminal is designed for 12 million passengers per annum, compared with the current capacity of 3.63 million passengers per annum. Interim expansion works of 1,000 square metres are planned to reduce congestion and are expected to be completed by December 2026. The runway is planned to be extended from 2,990 metres to 3,810 metres. A runway length of 3,810 metres is suitable for wide-body aircraft operations and for longer international routes. The project has achieved 75% to 80% compliance with technical clearances, and the full work is estimated to take about three years after commencement.

 

4. India Weighs Cut in Vegetable Oil Import Duty: India is considering a reduction in import duties on vegetable oils in 2026 to contain rising domestic prices and to moderate food inflation during the September-November festive season. Vegetable oils are a major component of India’s food basket, and the country meets nearly two-thirds of its demand through imports. India is the world’s largest importer of vegetable oils. The main imported oils are palm oil, soybean oil, and sunflower oil. Major supplier countries include Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina, Russia, and Ukraine. India’s dependence on imports makes domestic edible oil prices sensitive to changes in global supply, freight costs, and trade duties. Vegetable oil prices in India increased by nearly 20% over the previous year as of September 16, 2026. India’s annual retail inflation also accelerated in August 2026 because of higher food prices. Demand for edible oils usually rises during the September-November festive period because sweets, snacks, and fried foods use large quantities of oil.

 

5. New Arabian Sea Eel Species Named After CMFRI: Scientists from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) identified a new conger eel species from the deep waters of the Arabian Sea on 16 September 2026. The species has been named Ariosoma cmfriense after CMFRI, and the specimen was collected in January 2026 from waters off Kollam in Kerala at a depth of about 300 metres. Ariosoma cmfriense belongs to the genus Ariosoma, which includes 12 other recognised species. The identification used morphological studies and molecular analysis, which are standard methods in modern taxonomy for separating closely related marine species. The new eel has a total vertebral count of 135, 127–130 lateral-line pores, and a preanal length nearly half of its total length. It also has two supraorbital pores, a dorsal fin that begins just ahead of the pectoral fin base, a plain pectoral fin, a dark patch over the operculum, and fine black speckling below the lateral line.

 

6. Health Ministry Tightens Stem Cell Therapy Rules: The Union Health Ministry issued an advisory on 16 September 2026 to all States and Union Territories on the regulation of stem cell therapy in India. The advisory limits stem cell treatment as standard care to disease conditions specifically approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Stem cell therapy uses stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialised cell types. In India, stem cell treatment can be offered as standard care only for approved indications notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The National Medical Commission issued an advisory on 5 September 2026 on the same subject. It stated that unauthorised administration, prescription, promotion, or advertisement of stem cell therapy beyond approved indications constitutes professional misconduct.

 

7. SCO Economic and Trade Ministers Meet in Dushanbe: The 25th Meeting of Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states responsible for foreign economic and foreign trade activities was held on 17 September 2026 in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The meeting was chaired by Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a Eurasian intergovernmental grouping founded in 2001. Its member states include China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Iran. The organisation covers security, economic cooperation, transport connectivity and cultural exchanges. Discussions covered the economic situation of SCO member states, sustainable economic growth, macroeconomic stability, trade development, reduction of trade barriers and transport and logistics connectivity. A Joint Statement of the Ministers was adopted during the meeting.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US Names India, China and Pakistan in Drug Transit List: The United States has included India, China and Pakistan in its FY2027 list of major drug transit or major illicit drug producing countries. The annual presidential determination, submitted to the US Congress on 15 September 2026, covers 23 countries and is used in US counternarcotics policy. The US presidential determination is an annual executive document that identifies countries linked to drug transit or illicit drug production. Inclusion on the list does not automatically mean that a country has failed to act against drug trafficking, because the designation also depends on geographic, commercial and economic conditions that facilitate movement of drugs or precursor chemicals. India, China and Pakistan were also part of the FY2026 determination. For India, the US noted efforts to address illicit opium poppy cultivation and to strengthen supply-chain integrity, and it referred to continued cooperation under the US-India Drug Policy Framework.

 

2. Oman Promotes Sohar Port as India’s Gulf Energy Route: Oman promoted Sohar Port in New Delhi on 16 September 2026 as an alternative access point for India’s energy and trade flows from the Persian Gulf. Sohar Port lies on the Omani coast of the Gulf of Oman, outside the Strait of Hormuz, and it is linked to energy infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and eastern Saudi Arabia. Sohar Port is a deep-water port in northern Oman on the Gulf of Oman. Its location places it outside the Strait of Hormuz, which is a narrow maritime passage between Oman and Iran that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The port is positioned near major regional energy corridors and is used for cargo handling, industrial activity, and trans-shipment. The port area includes Sohar Freezone, which supports manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented investment.

 

3. New Zealand Parliament Passes India Trade Agreement: The New Zealand Parliament passed legislation on 16 September 2026 to implement a free trade agreement between New Zealand and India. The bill was approved by 93 votes to 29, and the agreement is expected to enter into force after ratification by both countries. Under the agreement, tariffs on about 95% of New Zealand exports to India will be eliminated or reduced. More than half of these exports will become duty-free from the date the agreement takes effect. Indian goods will receive 100% duty-free access to the New Zealand market once the agreement becomes operational. Two-way trade between New Zealand and India stood at NZ3.99 billion in the year to June 2026. India was New Zealand’s ninth-largest goods and services export market in that period. New Zealand has also committed to invest about US20 billion in India over 15 years.

 

4. India Clears Import Quota for 642 UK Cars: India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) approved applications from seven companies to import 642 cars from Britain on 16 September 2026. The allocation was made under the tariff rate quota (TRQ) provisions of the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which came into effect on 15 July 2026. The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is a bilateral trade pact between India and the United Kingdom. Under this agreement, tariffs on automotive imports from the UK are set to fall from around 110% to 10% within the quota. A tariff rate quota allows a fixed quantity of imports to enter at a lower customs duty, while imports beyond the quota attract higher duties. In this case, the quota applies to UK-origin cars imported into India under the CETA framework. India has committed to allowing the import of 378,000 conventional-engine passenger cars from the UK at concessional customs duties over the first 15 years of the agreement.

 

5. India and Japan to Mark 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations: India and Japan will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027 with the observance of the India-Japan Year of Shared Horizons. The anniversary commemorates the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Japan in 1952. India and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1952. The two countries maintain a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which covers political, economic, security, and people-to-people cooperation. The week of 28 April 2027 will be observed as India-Japan Week. The programme will include outreach activities, business roundtables, and India-focused roadshows across multiple sectors. A friendship cricket match is scheduled during the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 as a curtain-raiser to the anniversary year. The celebrations will also include youth-oriented events in business, sports, arts, culture, science, and technology.

 

6. India Ranks 131 in Global Gender Gap Index: The World Economic Forum released the Global Gender Gap Index 2026 on 16 September 2026. India ranked 131st among 145 countries in the index, and its position remained unchanged from the previous edition. The Global Gender Gap Index is an annual index published by the World Economic Forum. It measures gender parity across four dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment. India recorded an overall gender parity score of 64.5% in 2026. This score was below the global average of 69.2%, which represented 69.2% of the gender gap closed worldwide. India’s rank of 131st was unchanged from the 2025 edition. The country’s overall score improved slightly in 2026, but the rank did not change.

 

7. Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake Returns to California After Eight Years: A yellow-bellied sea snake washed ashore at Crystal Cove in Orange County, California, in September 2026. It was the first reported appearance of the venomous species in the state since 2018. The species is an ocean-dwelling reptile that usually lives in tropical and subtropical waters. The yellow-bellied sea snake belongs to the group of sea snakes, which are fully marine reptiles. It is known for a yellow underside and a dark upper body. The species has potent venom and is generally sluggish out of water. Yellow-bellied sea snakes are usually found in warm waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans. They are rarely seen far north of their normal range. Ocean currents and warm sea surface temperatures can carry them into unusual coastal areas.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference Begins in New Delhi: The 43rd Indian Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference begins in New Delhi on 17 September 2026 and continues for three days until 19 September 2026. The conference is being held at the Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi and brings together senior commanders of the Indian Coast Guard for discussions on operational, strategic and administrative matters. The Indian Coast Guard is India’s maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue force under the Ministry of Defence. It was established in 1977 and functions under the Coast Guard Act, 1978, with responsibilities that include protection of maritime interests, prevention of smuggling, anti-piracy support and marine environment protection. Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth addresses the senior leadership on 17 September 2026. The conference agenda includes current and emerging maritime security challenges, operational readiness, resource deployment, capability enhancement and force modernisation.

 

2. HAL to Hand Over LCA Tejas and HTT-40 Aircraft: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is scheduled to hand over LCA Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) twin-seater trainer aircraft and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 18 September 2026 in Bengaluru. The event will also include delivery of Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is an indigenously developed fighter aircraft programme of India. The FOC twin-seater trainer variant is a two-seat version used for training and operational conversion, and it belongs to the 4.5-generation category of combat aircraft. The aircraft is designed for all-weather operations and multi-role missions. The HTT-40 is an ab-initio trainer aircraft developed by HAL for primary flying training. Ab-initio training refers to the first stage of pilot training, where cadets learn basic flying skills before moving to advanced trainers and fighter aircraft. The aircraft is intended for use by the Indian Air Force in basic training roles.

 

3. US Drone Firm Powerus Signs MoU with Pakistan Army: US drone company Powerus signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Army on 17 September 2026. The agreement includes an initial order for unmanned aerial systems for the Pakistan Army, and Powerus has also discussed possible technology production and a joint technology relationship in Pakistan. Powerus is a US company that produces aerial and maritime drones for military and industrial use. Unmanned aerial systems, or UAS, include The Pakistan Army is the land warfare branch of the Pakistan Armed Forces. Defence procurement refers to the purchase of military equipment, while production and capacity building cover local manufacturing, technical transfer, and training-related arrangements.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Millie Shah, Rakesh Nidagundi Win Medals at Changwon: Indian para-shooters Millie Shah and Rakesh Nidagundi won team medals at the Changwon 2026 WSPS World Championships in South Korea on 16 September 2026. Millie Shah won gold in the R2 team event, while Rakesh Nidagundi won silver in the R1 team event. These were India’s first-ever team medals in rifle at the Para Shooting World Championships. The World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Championships is a global competition for para-shooters governed by World Shooting Para Sport. The championship programme includes rifle and pistol events for athletes classified under different sport classes, including SH1. The R2 women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 team included Millie Shah, Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara. The trio scored 1878.6 points to win gold in the event. The R1 men’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 team included Rakesh Nidagundi, Anandha Krishna and Swaroop Unhalkar, and the team won silver with 1856.3 points.

 

2. WPL 2027 to be staged from January 14 to February 7: The fifth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will be held from January 14 to February 7, 2027. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also fixed October 28, 2026, as the date for the player auction in Kochi and September 28, 2026, as the retention deadline for the five franchises. The Board of Control for Cricket in India governs the WPL and announces the schedule, auction date, and retention rules for each season. The 2027 season will be the fifth edition of the tournament since its inception. The host cities for WPL 2027 have not been officially announced as of September 16, 2026. Mumbai and Vadodara are among the likely venues, and both cities hosted matches in the previous edition.

 

3. Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named Asian Games Flag-Bearers: Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor were named India’s flag-bearers for the Asian Games opening ceremony on 18 September 2026. The opening ceremony is scheduled for 19 September 2026 at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The Asian Games are a continental multi-sport event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia. The opening ceremony is the formal start of the Games and usually includes the parade of nations, flag display, and athlete oath. Manu Bhaker is an Indian shooter and a double Olympic medallist. She won two medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which made her one of India’s most successful athletes at a single Olympic edition.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NASA Finds New Moon Crater Larger Than Roman Colosseum: NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) identified a new impact crater on the Moon’s near side that formed between 11 April and 22 May 2024. The crater has been named McGetchin after Thomas McGetchin of the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, and it measures about 222 metres across and up to 43 metres deep. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is a NASA spacecraft launched in 2009 to map the Moon’s surface and environment. It carries cameras and instruments used to study lunar topography, illumination, radiation, and surface composition. Impact craters form when asteroids, comets, or meteoroids strike a planetary surface at high speed. The Moon has no substantial atmosphere, so small and large impactors can reach the surface and create visible craters.

 

2. Lam Research to Set Up Silicon Component Facility in India: Lam Research announced on 16 September 2026 an investment of about ₹10,000 crore, or around US$1.04 billion, in India over several years. The plan covers the company’s first silicon component manufacturing facility in India and an expansion of its advanced research and development operations in Bengaluru. Lam Research is a United States-based supplier of wafer fabrication equipment used in semiconductor manufacturing. The company’s planned facility in India will support a vertically integrated process that includes silicon ingot production and processing for advanced semiconductor technologies and leading-edge nodes. India Semiconductor Mission is the central government’s programme for semiconductor and display manufacturing, design, and ecosystem development. Bengaluru hosts the India Center for Engineering of Lam Research, which is part of the company’s existing engineering presence in India.

 

3. Fujifilm to Invest ₹800 Crore in Semiconductor Materials Facility: Fujifilm has announced a greenfield semiconductor materials manufacturing facility in India with a total investment of about ₹800 crore, or around USD 83 million. The project will be implemented in two phases, with Phase 1 scheduled to begin in October 2026 and commercial production expected in fiscal year 2028. Semiconductor materials are specialised chemicals and inputs used in chip fabrication, packaging, and surface treatment. Front-end process chemicals are used in wafer-level manufacturing, while high-purity chemicals are required in processes that demand very low contamination levels. Phase 1 of the facility will focus on front-end process chemicals for semiconductor production. Phase 2 will expand the plant into semiconductor surface conditioning materials and high-purity chemicals, with capacity planned to scale with market growth.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. APEDA Signs MoU with Gulfood Organiser to Strengthen Global Food Trade: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InD Events Dubai, the organiser of Gulfood, on 17 September 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The MoU names India as the Official Partner Country for Gulfood 2027, after the same role in Gulfood 2026. APEDA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It was established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985, for the development and promotion of exports of scheduled agricultural and processed food products. Gulfood is a major international food and beverage trade exhibition held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Gulfood 2027 is scheduled from 15 to 19 March 2027, and Gulfood 2026 was held from 26 to 30 January 2026 in Dubai.

 

2. Cabinet Raises EPFO Wage Ceiling to ₹25,000: The Union Cabinet approved an increase in the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month on 16 September 2026. The revised ceiling will apply from 17 September 2026, which coincides with Vishwakarma Day or Vishwakarma Jayanti. The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It administers provident fund, pension and insurance-related social security benefits for eligible employees in India. The wage ceiling is the monthly salary limit used to decide compulsory coverage under the EPFO framework. The previous ceiling of ₹15,000 per month had been in force since September 2014, when it replaced the earlier limit of ₹6,500 per month.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Centre Reconstitutes Central Board of Film Certification with 18 members: The Central Government reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with 18 members on 16 September 2026. The reconstitution was made under Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The new board took effect immediately and will function for three years or until further orders. The CBFC is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It certifies films for public exhibition in India under the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The board examines films and issues certification categories for theatrical and other public screening purposes. Section 3(1) of the Cinematograph Act, 1952, provides for the constitution of the CBFC. Rule 3 of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, governs the certification framework for films in India. The present board has a tenure of three years, which is the standard term mentioned in the reconstitution order.

 

2. Sethuraman Panchanathan Wins 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award: Sethuraman Panchanathan has been named the recipient of the 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The award will be presented on 4 October 2026 in Washington, D.C., during the 2026 NAE Annual Meeting. Panchanathan is the first Indian American and the first Arizonan to receive the award in its more than 40-year history. The Arthur M. Bueche Award was established in 1982 and 1983 by the National Academy of Engineering. It honours an engineer for dedication to science and technology, active involvement in United States science and technology policy, promotion of technological development, and strengthening relationships among industry, government, and universities.

 

3. Anant Nag to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Anant Nag, a veteran Indian actor with a film career spanning more than five decades, will receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2024. The Government of India announced the honour on 16 September 2026, and the award will be presented at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony in Kevadia, Gujarat, on 22 September 2026. The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honour in cinema. It is named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, who is known as the father of Indian cinema. The award is given for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. Anant Nag has acted in more than 300 films in Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, and Malayalam languages. He is also known for his role in the television series Malgudi Days, which was based on the works of R. K. Narayan.

 

Daily GK Update- 17th Sept, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. The 18th BRICS Summit marks the institutionalization of the expanded grouping, consolidating cooperation across its three primary pillars: Under the 2026 Indian presidency, the grouping organized over 400 ministerial, official, and technical meetings across 30 Indian cities, anchoring initiatives in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a people-centric, balanced, and development-oriented Global South agenda. 10 partner countries: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

 

2. Indian Delegation Attends 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference: The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is being held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 13 to 19 September 2026. The Parliament of South Africa and the CPA South Africa Branch are hosting the conference under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association framework. On 15 September 2026, Shri Harivansh held bilateral meetings with Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of the National Assembly, Poobalan Govender, Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, and Annelie Lotriet, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. Dr. D. Purandeswari, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, attended a meeting of the CPA Executive Committee on the same day. Vijender Gupta, Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly, chaired a Joint Network Workshop on “Delivering Inclusivity Measures in Capacity Strained Parliaments”.

 

3. Assam Records 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos: Assam had 3,260 one-horned rhinoceroses as of September 2026, and this figure formed about 80% of the global population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. The global population reached 4,075 individuals in 2026, while India had an estimated 3,323 rhinos and Nepal had around 752. The greater one-horned rhinoceros is also called the Indian rhinoceros and carries the scientific name Rhinoceros unicornis. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is native to the floodplains and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent. Kaziranga National Park in Assam shelters more than 2,600 rhinos and remains the largest stronghold of the species. Manas National Park in Assam had an estimated 40 to 50 rhinos as of September 2026, and both parks are important habitats in the Brahmaputra valley landscape.

 

4. Mizoram Records Two New Frog Species: Mizoram has recorded two new-to-science amphibian species, Duttaphrynus phawngpui and Ingerana aizawl. The two species were described in scientific publications dated 13 September 2026 and 14 September 2026, respectively. Duttaphrynus phawngpui was found at elevations above 2,000 metres in Phawngpui National Park. The species name refers to Phawngpui, also called Blue Mountain, which is the highest peak in Mizoram. Ingerana aizawl was discovered along a stream on the Mizoram University campus, and its name refers to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. Ingerana aizawl had been identified as Ingerana borealis for more than two decades before taxonomic reassessment. The studies involved researchers from Mizoram University, Cotton University, Help Earth, and the National Research and Innovation Agency in Indonesia.

5. Odisha Government Signs Agreements in United Arab Emirates to Attract ₹2.10 Lakh Crore Investment: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is on a visit to UAE, with an objective to attract investment into the state and expand Odisha’s trade and business links with the UAE. On 15 September he held a series of meetings with UAE-based investors and business groups in Abu Dhabi. A key outcome was an MoU between the Odisha government, UAE-based International Holding Company (IHC) and the Adani Group to explore 14 new projects involving an estimated investment of Rs. 2,10,500 crore ($2.105 Trillion). The projects have the potential to create around 8,68,200 jobs. The proposed projects cover a wide range of sectors, including metal downstream industries, slurry pipelines, critical minerals and rare earths, chemicals and petrochemical derivatives, renewable energy equipment, healthcare, industrial infrastructure, tourism, skill development and sports infrastructure.

 

6. Project Cheetah Completes Four Years in India: Project Cheetah completed four years on 17 September 2026. India’s cheetah population under the project stands at 52, including 32 cheetahs born in India. The animals are located in Kuno National Park and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh. Project Cheetah began on 17 September 2022 with the release of eight cheetahs from Namibia at Kuno National Park by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India received 12 cheetahs from South Africa on 18 February 2023 and nine cheetahs from Botswana on 28 February 2026. The project is India’s first intercontinental large carnivore translocation programme. As of 16-17 September 2026, 49 cheetahs are in Kuno National Park and three are in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary. Seventeen cheetahs, including 10 males and 7 females, are free-ranging in the wild inside Kuno National Park. Thirty-two cheetahs, including 5 males, 8 females and 19 cubs below one year of age, are kept in soft-release enclosures.

 

7. Swachh Seva Aankalan Launched for Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen: Swachh Seva Aankalan (SSA) is an annual digital self-assessment framework at the Gram Panchayat level for monitoring sanitation service delivery in rural areas under Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen 2.0. Union Minister for Jal Shakti C. R. Patil launched the framework on 15 September 2026 during a virtual meeting with States and Union Territories, and Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna also attended the meeting. SSA was developed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The framework involves Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, Village Water and Sanitation Committees, and district and State or Union Territory authorities in sanitation monitoring at the grassroots level. Under SSA, ODF Plus (Model) Gram Panchayats, Village Water and Sanitation Committees, and local communities assess ODF sustainability, visual cleanliness, and Solid and Liquid Waste Management. The assessment also covers the functionality and operation and maintenance status of sanitation assets and community waste management assets.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. University of Bristol Opens First International Campus in Mumbai: The University of Bristol on 11 September opened its Mumbai Enterprise Campus, its first international campus, as overseas universities expand their physical presence in India following regulatory changes that allow foreign institutions to set up campuses in the country. The campus, located in Powai opposite the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, will offer programmes including finance and data science and facilitate research and industry collaborations. Students will also have opportunities to participate in global mobility programmes, including spending part of their studies at the university’s UK campus.

 

2. India to Host World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar: India will host the World Circular Economy Forum 2026 at Gandhinagar in Gujarat, from 15th to 18th of this month. The forum will be organised under the theme “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.” Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav will jointly inaugurate the event with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on 15 September. The forum will enable global collaboration and greater engagement with the Global South, facilitate the mobilisation of circular finance and private-sector investment, encourage policy dialogue and cross-sectoral partnerships, and advance innovation, digitalisation and technology for circularity.

 

3. Inaugural International Space Summit 2026 Held in Paris, France: The Inaugural International Space Summit 2026 was held on September 9–10, 2026, at the Grand Palais in Paris, France. Championed by French President Emmanuel Macron and co-led with special envoys astronaut Thomas Pesquet and entrepreneur Hélène Huby. Brought together nearly 120 foreign delegations representing around 90 countries, including heads of state, ministers, space agencies, and private sector leaders. Notable addresses included an appearance via video conference by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Participants announced nearly 50 new partnerships and joint agreements on the first day alone, estimated to be worth around €20 billion. Discussions centered heavily on European space autonomy (such as the IRIS² satellite program), space sustainability, defense, and the global space economy.

 

4. PhonePe to launch UAE operations in its first international market foray: Fintech major and India’s largest UPI app PhonePe is foraying into international markets. The company is launching its first local operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Bengaluru-based fintech firm has acquired two licences in the West Asian country that would allow it to offer consumer payment instruments such as wallets and gift cards, and also offer e-payment acceptance infrastructure to merchants.

 

5. 15 September: International Day of Democracy: The International Day of Democracy is observed annually on September 15 to review the state of democracy globally and promote democratic principles, human rights, and public participation. Emphasizing the role of parliaments in delivering justice, peace, development, and human rights, alongside promoting deliberative democracy and inclusive decision-making. 2026 Theme: “Bring human rights into focus” (highlighted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union).

 

6. 16 September: World Ozone Day: World Ozone Day 2026 is observed every year on 16 September to raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer and the need to protect it. The ozone layer acts as a natural shield by absorbing most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The day highlights global efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances and promote environmentally friendly alternatives. It also reminds countries of the importance of international cooperation in addressing environmental challenges and protecting the atmosphere. Theme 2026: “Global Action for a Cooler Planet”, with the focus on “Celebrating 10 years of sustainable cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.”

 

7. 17 September: World Patient Safety Day: World Patient Safety Day 2026 will be observed on 17 September 2026 to spread awareness about the importance of patient safety and quality healthcare. The day highlights the need to prevent avoidable harm, improve healthcare practices and strengthen coordination among patients, healthcare workers and health systems. It also encourages global efforts to make healthcare safer, more accessible and patient-centred. Theme 2026: “Safe care for noncommunicable diseases”

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 4th edition of India-Malaysia Maritime Exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’ held in Lumut, Malaysia: As part of its ongoing operational deployment, INS Mysore participated in the 4th edition of the bilateral naval exercise Samudra Laksamana alongside the Royal Malaysian Navy. The exercise took place at Lumut, Malaysia, from 09 to 12 Sep 2026. The personnel of both navies engaged in professional exchanges and interactions to share operational experiences and foster mutual understanding. INS Mysore conducted coordinated maritime evolutions with the Royal Malaysian Navy ships KD Lekir and KD Gagah Samudera. These activities focused on refining operational coordination and enhancing the interoperability of the two maritime forces.

 

2. US CENTCOM and Jordan Conduct Exercise Eager Lion 2026: Exercise Eager Lion 2026 began on 15 September 2026 at Fort Carson in Colorado. The two-week drill is being conducted by the United States Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces, with more than 200 military personnel from Jordan and the United States taking part. Exercise Eager Lion is a biennial military exercise between the United States and Jordan. Eager Lion 2026 is the 12th iteration of the exercise, and it is the first time that the United States is hosting the drill. The exercise includes scenarios related to counterterrorism, air defence, maritime security, cyber operations, and disaster response. These areas are commonly used in joint military drills to test coordination across land, air, sea, and cyber domains.

 

3. India-US Yudh Abhyas 2026 Begins at Auli and Mahajan: The 22nd edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 began on 15 September 2026 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Around 600 personnel from the Indian Army and 600 personnel from the United States Army are taking part in the exercise, which is scheduled to conclude on 28 September 2026. Yudh Abhyas is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the United States Army. The exercise is designed for field training, tactical drills, and coordination in operational environments. The 2026 edition is the 22nd iteration of the exercise. The exercise is being conducted at two Indian Army training locations, namely Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan in Rajasthan. Auli is a high-altitude location in the Himalayan region, while Mahajan Field Firing Range is used for large-scale field firing and manoeuvre training in desert terrain. The dual-location format allows training in mountainous and semi-mountainous conditions.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India Wins Record Eighth Women’s Asia Cup Title: The Indian women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the final of the Women’s Asia Cup 2026 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 13 September 2026, winning the tournament for a record eighth time. With this victory, India won the Women’s Asia Cup for the eighth time, extending its record as the most successful team in the tournament.

 

2. Ganges Grandmasters win Global Chess League: The Ganges Grandmasters have won the fourth season of the Tech Mahindra Global Chess League. In the final in Bengaluru, Ian Nepomniachtchi’s team defeated defending champions Alpine APL Pipers 4-2. After the first match ended 3-3, the Grandmasters won the second, with Nepomniachtchi scoring a spectacular victory over Magnus Carlsen and Stavroula Tsolakidou beating Humpy Koneru to seal the title. Viswanathan Anand and his PBG Alaskan Knights had already been eliminated before the final day.

 

3. India Won Both Men’s and Women’s Junior Asia Cup Hockey Titles in China: India completed a golden double at the AHF Junior Asia Cup 2026 in Moqi, the People’s Republic of China, with the women beating hosts 1-0 and the men defeating the Republic of Korea 4-1 to successfully defend their respective continental titles. The women, led by midfielder Khaidem Shileima Chanu, completed a hat-trick of Hockey Junior Asia Cup titles, while Anmol Ekka’s men secured a record-extending sixth crown and their fourth in succession. Both teams also qualified for their respective FIH Junior World Cup competitions next year.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. New Arabian Sea Eel Species Named After CMFRI: Scientists from the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) identified a new conger eel species from the deep waters of the Arabian Sea on 16 September 2026. The species has been named Ariosoma cmfriense after CMFRI, and the specimen was collected in January 2026 from waters off Kollam in Kerala at a depth of about 300 metres. The new eel has a total vertebral count of 135, 127–130 lateral-line pores, and a preanal length nearly half of its total length. It also has two supraorbital pores, a dorsal fin that begins just ahead of the pectoral fin base, a plain pectoral fin, a dark patch over the operculum, and fine black speckling below the lateral line. Ariosoma cmfriense belongs to the genus Ariosoma, which includes 12 other recognised species. The identification used morphological studies and molecular analysis, which are standard methods in modern taxonomy for separating closely related marine species.

 

2. National Weather Radar Network in India: India is strengthening its weather observation system by adding more Doppler Weather Radars across the country. These radars improve short-range forecasting, storm tracking, and rainfall estimation, making them central to disaster preparedness and regional weather security. A Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) is a meteorological instrument that uses the Doppler effect to measure the movement of precipitation particles and wind within clouds. It emits microwave pulses and analyses the frequency shifts in the reflected signals from atmospheric targets such as rain, snow, or hail. DWR observations are among the most practical tools for operational meteorology because they provide near-real-time information on weather systems. Their value is highest during fast-changing conditions, when immediate warnings can reduce damage and improve preparedness.

 

3. NASA Finds New Moon Crater Larger Than Roman Colosseum: NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) identified a new impact crater on the Moon’s near side that formed between 11 April and 22 May 2024. The crater has been named McGetchin after Thomas McGetchin of the Lunar and Planetary Institute in Houston, and it measures about 222 metres across and up to 43 metres deep. Impact craters form when asteroids, comets, or meteoroids strike a planetary surface at high speed. The Moon has no substantial atmosphere, so small and large impactors can reach the surface and create visible craters. The McGetchin crater is described as the largest known recent impact crater in the solar system. It is about three times larger than the previous record-holder identified by LRO about a decade earlier.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s WPI based inflation rises to 9.92 % in August: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation rose marginally to 9.92 per cent in August, from 9.78 per cent in July, on an annual basis. According to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the annual inflation last month was driven by higher prices of mineral oils, food articles, food products, basic metals, non-food articles, chemicals and chemical products. The wholesale price inflation remained above the nine percent mark for the fourth consecutive month.

 

2. Pluxee India Receives RBI Payment Aggregator Licence, Strengthening its Digital Payments Capabilities: Pluxee India, a leading provider of employee benefits and engagement solutions, has received authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator (PA) for both online (PA-O) & physical point-of-sale (PA-P). This marks another significant milestone in Pluxee’s evolution as a technology-led employee benefits and payments platform in India. The PA authorisation, received on 3 August 2026, complements Pluxee India’s existing Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) authorisation, which the company received in 2009 and subsequently expanded in 2020 to enable the issuance of General Purpose PPIs beyond Meal PPIs. Together, these regulatory capabilities strengthen Pluxee India’s ability to operate across the payment value chain, while continuing to deliver compliant, secure and seamless payment experiences to its clients, consumers and merchant partners.

 

3. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Completes Three Years with 30 Lakh Registrations: The PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched on 17 September 2023 for artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional trades. The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore for FY2023-24 to FY2027-28 and provides support through skill training, toolkits, credit, and market linkage measures. PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme for traditional artisans and craftspeople. It covers 18 trades, including carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, hammer and tool kit making, locksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpting, stone carving, and basket making. By 15 September 2026, more than 24.37 lakh artisans had received basic skill training. The training period lasts 5 to 7 days and includes a daily stipend of ₹500. More than 18.16 lakh artisans had received modern toolkits, with an incentive of up to ₹15,000.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. 78th Primetime Emmy Awards 2026 Winners: The 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by television icon Mariska Hargitay, took place on September 14, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The night was defined by historic, record-breaking sweeps, particularly by the freshman horror-comedy Widow’s Bay and the medical drama The Pitt.

 

Daily GK Update- 16th Sept, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Completes Three Years with 30 Lakh Registrations: The PM Vishwakarma scheme was launched on 17 September 2023 for artisans and craftspeople engaged in 18 traditional trades. The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹13,000 crore for FY2023-24 to FY2027-28 and provides support through skill training, toolkits, credit, and market linkage measures. PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme for traditional artisans and craftspeople. It covers 18 trades, including carpentry, boat making, blacksmithing, hammer and tool kit making, locksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, sculpting, stone carving, and basket making. By 15 September 2026, more than 24.37 lakh artisans had received basic skill training. The training period lasts 5 to 7 days and includes a daily stipend of ₹500. More than 18.16 lakh artisans had received modern toolkits, with an incentive of up to ₹15,000.

 

2. Ministry of Steel Launches Special Campaign 6.0: The Ministry of Steel and its Public Sector Undertakings are participating in Special Campaign 6.0, which runs from 2 October to 31 October 2026. The campaign includes a preparatory phase from 15 September to 30 September 2026 for target identification and groundwork. E-waste management is one of the priority areas under the campaign, along with mechanised cleaning, disposal of pending references, and public awareness. E-waste refers to discarded electrical and electronic equipment such as computers, mobile phones, televisions, printers, and circuit boards. India regulates e-waste through the E-waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which provide a framework for collection, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal. The rules apply to producers, manufacturers, refurbishers, dismantlers, and recyclers.

 

3. Kumik Declared Ladakh’s First Heritage Village: Kumik village in Zanskar was declared Ladakh’s first designated Heritage Village on 15 September 2026. The declaration was made by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, during the launch of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2026. A Heritage Village is a settlement recognised for its cultural, architectural, religious, and traditional value. Such recognition is used in India for places with preserved built heritage, living traditions, and local knowledge systems. Kumik is known for its traditional mud houses, sacred spaces, agricultural practices, and long-preserved Buddhist traditions. The village is part of Zanskar, a high-altitude region in Ladakh with a strong Tibetan Buddhist cultural presence. The village also contains textual heritage in the form of Kanjur manuscripts and other Tibetan Buddhist materials. Kanjur refers to a canonical collection of Buddhist texts in the Tibetan tradition.

 

4. NSTFDC and HPCL to Set Up Smart Classrooms in EMRS: The National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 15 September 2026 for integrated computer labs-cum-smart classrooms in 29 functional Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Rajasthan. The project has a sanctioned budget of ₹16.01 crore and covers 11 districts, with facilities planned for more than 10,000 Scheduled Tribe students every year. Eklavya Model Residential Schools are residential schools for Scheduled Tribe students under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The EMRS system was created to provide school education in tribal-dominated areas, and the schools function as fully residential institutions with academic and hostel facilities.

 

5. Assam Records 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos: Assam had 3,260 one-horned rhinoceroses as of September 2026, and this figure formed about 80% of the global population of the greater one-horned rhinoceros. The global population reached 4,075 individuals in 2026, while India had an estimated 3,323 rhinos and Nepal had around 752. The greater one-horned rhinoceros is also called the Indian rhinoceros and carries the scientific name Rhinoceros unicornis. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is native to the floodplains and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent. Kaziranga National Park in Assam shelters more than 2,600 rhinos and remains the largest stronghold of the species. Manas National Park in Assam had an estimated 40 to 50 rhinos as of September 2026, and both parks are important habitats in the Brahmaputra valley landscape.

 

6. Mizoram Records Two New Frog Species: Mizoram has recorded two new-to-science amphibian species, Duttaphrynus phawngpui and Ingerana aizawl. The two species were described in scientific publications dated 13 September 2026 and 14 September 2026, respectively. Duttaphrynus phawngpui was found at elevations above 2,000 metres in Phawngpui National Park. The species name refers to Phawngpui, also called Blue Mountain, which is the highest peak in Mizoram. Ingerana aizawl was discovered along a stream on the Mizoram University campus, and its name refers to Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. Ingerana aizawl had been identified as Ingerana borealis for more than two decades before taxonomic reassessment. The studies involved researchers from Mizoram University, Cotton University, Help Earth, and the National Research and Innovation Agency in Indonesia.

 

7. Defence Ministry Unveils Policy Initiatives for MSMEs and Start-ups at VIMARSH: The Defence Ministry unveiled policy initiatives for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and deep-tech start-ups at the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet VIMARSH 2026 in New Delhi on 15 September 2026. The measures are linked to defence manufacturing, technology transfer, testing access, and industry participation in India’s defence ecosystem. MSMEs are enterprises classified under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006, and they form a major part of India’s industrial base. Deep-tech start-ups work on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, sensors, cyber systems, and advanced materials, which are relevant to defence applications. The new framework provides direct funding, incubation support, and access to DRDO testing facilities for eligible MSMEs and start-ups. These measures are designed to reduce technical and financial entry barriers in the defence sector.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. US CENTCOM and Jordan Conduct Exercise Eager Lion 2026 : Exercise Eager Lion 2026 began on 15 September 2026 at Fort Carson in Colorado. The two-week drill is being conducted by the United States Central Command and the Jordanian Armed Forces, with more than 200 military personnel from Jordan and the United States taking part. Exercise Eager Lion is a biennial military exercise between the United States and Jordan. Eager Lion 2026 is the 12th iteration of the exercise, and it is the first time that the United States is hosting the drill. The exercise includes scenarios related to counterterrorism, air defence, maritime security, cyber operations, and disaster response. These areas are commonly used in joint military drills to test coordination across land, air, sea, and cyber domains.

 

2. Indian Delegation Attends 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference: The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is being held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 13 to 19 September 2026. The Parliament of South Africa and the CPA South Africa Branch are hosting the conference under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association framework. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is an annual gathering of parliamentarians from Commonwealth countries. The conference provides a forum for discussions on parliamentary democracy, legislative practice, and inter-parliamentary cooperation. An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, is participating in the 69th CPC. The delegation includes Members of Parliament from both Houses of Parliament and P. C. Mody, Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha.

 

3. World Circular Economy Forum 2026 Begins in Gandhinagar: The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 was inaugurated on 15 September 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It is the 10th edition of the forum and the first edition held in South Asia. The World Circular Economy Forum is an international platform on circular economy policy, business models, and innovation. The 2026 edition is being held from 15 to 18 September 2026 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar. The theme of WCEF 2026 is “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity”. Circular economy is an economic model that focuses on reuse, repair, remanufacturing, recycling, and resource efficiency. It is used in policy discussions on waste reduction, sustainable production, and material recovery.

 

4. Important Indian Diaspora Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia: Indian diaspora heritage sites in Southeast Asia reflect centuries of movement, trade, faith, and cultural exchange. From ancient Hindu-Buddhist remnants to living temples, gurdwaras, and cultural centres, these sites preserve the long Indian imprint on the region’s religious, architectural, and social landscape. India’s links with Southeast Asia go back over two millennia through maritime trade routes across the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Traders, Brahmins, and Buddhist monks carried Hinduism, Buddhism, Sanskrit, and related cultural practices into the region, influencing early kingdoms such as Funan, Champa, Srivijaya, and Majapahit.

5. Important Boundary Disputes of India: India’s boundary disputes are shaped by colonial-era maps, treaty interpretations, strategic terrain and shifting river courses. They remain central to border management, territorial integrity and diplomatic negotiations. For Prelims, the key is to remember the disputed sectors, the legal or historical basis of each claim, and the de facto arrangements that govern day-to-day control. The India-China boundary dispute is the most complex of India’s land boundary issues and stretches across three broad sectors: western, middle and eastern. The dispute largely arises from differing interpretations of historical treaties, legacy maps and the absence of a mutually demarcated border. The India-Pakistan boundary is highly militarised and has been shaped by Partition, wars and unresolved questions in Jammu and Kashmir. The principal de facto line is the Line of Control, while Siachen and Sir Creek remain major dispute points.

 

6. Important National Accreditation Bodies in India: India’s accreditation system provides common quality benchmarks for laboratories, hospitals, certification bodies and other conformity assessment institutions. These bodies help establish technical competence, impartiality and reliability, which improves consumer confidence, regulatory oversight and international acceptance of results. The Quality Council of India (QCI) is the national apex body for accreditation and quality promotion in India. It was established in 1996-1997 as an autonomous, non-profit organisation and is registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. QCI works through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, jointly set up by the Government of India and three industry associations: ASSOCHAM, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

 

7. BRICS Adopts 10-Point Global Governance Reform Roadmap: The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, India, on 12 September 2026. At the summit, BRICS leaders adopted the New Delhi Declaration and discussed reforms in global governance, the United Nations, and international financial institutions. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies. Its members include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and the grouping has expanded in recent years to include new members. The term Global South refers to developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Oceania. Prime Minister Narendra Modi proposed a 10-point roadmap for global governance reform under the BRICS framework. The roadmap called for developing countries to move from rule-takers to rule-shapers in international decision-making. It also referred to a shift from a pyramid of privilege to a platform of partnership in global institutions.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Sanjukta Parashar Becomes First Woman to Head CRPF CoBRA: Sanjukta Parashar, a 2006-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, became the first woman officer to head the Central Reserve Police Force’s CoBRA unit in September 2026. She took charge as Inspector General of the 10-battalion CoBRA formation from 1996-batch IPS officer Danesh Rana. CoBRA stands for Commando Battalion for Resolute Action and functions as the specialised jungle warfare and anti-Naxal unit of the Central Reserve Police Force. The unit operates as a 10-battalion force and is trained for operations in forested and difficult terrain. Parashar has served as head of the CID wing of Assam Police and has worked in counter-insurgency operations, field policing, and national security investigations. She also served with the National Investigation Agency, which is India’s federal counter-terrorism and anti-terror investigation agency.

 

2. Bharat Forge, Pratt & Whitney Partner for DRDO UAV Programme: Bharat Forge Ltd. and Pratt & Whitney Canada announced a collaboration on 15 September 2026 to evaluate the integration of advanced turboprop engines into a High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) programme developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The partnership covers engine compatibility, performance assessment, and installation requirements for the DRDO HALE UAV. HALE UAVs are unmanned aircraft designed for operations at high altitudes and for long-duration missions. They are used for surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance over land and maritime domains. HALE platforms are classified by their endurance profile and operational altitude, and they are relevant to strategic and border-area monitoring.

 

3. India-US Yudh Abhyas 2026 Begins at Auli and Mahajan: The 22nd edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 began on 15 September 2026 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand and the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Around 600 personnel from the Indian Army and 600 personnel from the United States Army are taking part in the exercise, which is scheduled to conclude on 28 September 2026.The exercise is being conducted at two Indian Army training locations, namely Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan in Rajasthan. Auli is a high-altitude location in the Himalayan region, while Mahajan Field Firing Range is used for large-scale field firing and manoeuvre training in desert terrain. The dual-location format allows training in mountainous and semi-mountainous conditions.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Munich and Barcelona to Host UEFA Champions League Finals: The UEFA Executive Committee appointed Munich and Barcelona as host cities for future UEFA Champions League finals at a meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece, on 15 September 2026. The Munich Football Arena, also known as the Allianz Arena, will host the final in 2028, while Camp Nou in Barcelona will stage the final in 2029. The UEFA Champions League final is the last match of Europe’s premier club football competition, organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). The final is usually played at a neutral venue selected several years in advance by the UEFA Executive Committee. The Allianz Arena opened in 2005 and is one of Germany’s major football stadiums. The 2028 final will be the third UEFA Champions League final at the venue, after the finals in 2012 and 2025. The stadium is known for its illuminated exterior and a seating capacity of about 75,000 for international matches.

2. Sports Ministry Forms Task Force on Formula 1 Revival: The Sports Ministry formed a 10-member Task Force on 15 September 2026 to assess the feasibility of reviving Formula 1 and motorsports in India. The panel will examine policy, taxation, infrastructure, and partnership models linked to a possible Formula 1 race in India by 2028. NITI Aayog Programme Director and Adviser Yugal Kishore Joshi will chair the Task Force. The panel includes representatives from the Sports, Commerce, Tourism, and Revenue departments, along with officials from the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. It also includes members linked to the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, Buddh International Circuit, and Madras International Circuit. The Task Force will review the main barriers to Formula 1’s return, including taxation-related issues that affected the earlier race in India. It will also identify policy interventions for motorsports growth and examine a comprehensive framework for the sector.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Launches Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the India Net Zero Portal and the National Action Plan on Climate Change Dashboard on 16 September 2026 in Mumbai. Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh launched the two digital platforms on World Ozone Day 2026. The India Net Zero Portal is a centralised digital platform for Indian entities to voluntarily register their Net Zero commitments and update progress. Organisations using the portal are encouraged to report Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, while Scope 3 reporting remains voluntary. Entities that declare Net Zero targets on the portal receive an acknowledgement from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The declarations are publicly accessible and form a consolidated repository of voluntary climate commitments.

 

2. Kerala’s ‘Reimagining Keralam’ Initiative to Chart Roadmap for 73 Projects: Kerala began a three-day roundtable conference under the ‘Reimagining Keralam’ initiative on 16 September 2026 in Thiruvananthapuram. The conference is linked to 73 major projects announced in the Kerala 2026-27 Budget and is scheduled from 16 to 18 September 2026 at Lemon Tree Premier and Hilton Garden Inn. The ‘Reimagining Keralam’ initiative functions as a government-led institutional mechanism for consultation, assessment, and decision-making on major programmes in the State Budget. More than 40 government departments and agencies are involved in preparing implementation plans for projects that require coordination across multiple departments.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Mazagon Dock Plans ₹27,000 Crore Raigad Shipbuilding Cluster: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) announced on 15 September 2026 a plan to invest about ₹27,000 crore in a greenfield shipbuilding cluster at Dighi in Raigad district, Maharashtra. The project is linked to a Memorandum of Understanding with National Shipbuilding and Heavy Industries Park Maharashtra Ltd (NSHIPML) and is designed as a large industrial shipbuilding facility. NSHIPML is a special-purpose company created for the project, and the greenfield shipbuilding cluster is being jointly developed by the Maharashtra Maritime Board and the Mumbai Port Authority through this entity. The initiative aligns with the Centre’s Greenfield Shipbuilding Cluster Development Plan and the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which is a long-term maritime roadmap for India.

 

2. Odisha Gets ₹3,406 Crore SiC Semiconductor Facility: Odisha has received approval for its second semiconductor unit, a silicon carbide device manufacturing facility by M/s SiCSem Private Limited, on 15 September 2026. The project involves an investment of ₹3,406.25 crore and will come up at IDCO Infovalley-II in Arisol Mouza under Jatni tehsil of Khordha district, within the Falta Special Economic Zone. Silicon carbide is a wide bandgap semiconductor material used in high-power and high-temperature applications. SiC devices are used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, railways, and defence electronics because they can operate at higher voltages and temperatures than many conventional silicon-based devices.

 

3. Important Indian Patents and Intellectual Property Rights: Intellectual Property Rights protect creations of the mind and give inventors, authors and businesses legal control over their innovations for a fixed period. For exam preparation, patents are especially important because they combine science, law and public policy. India’s IPR framework is designed to encourage innovation, support technology transfer and balance private rights with public interest. Intellectual Property Rights are statutory rights that protect original creations of the human mind. They are different from physical property rights because they cover intangible assets such as inventions, artistic works, brands and designs. In India, the major forms of IPR include patents, trademarks, copyrights, industrial designs, geographical indications, semiconductor integrated circuits layout-designs and plant varieties.