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.
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