Daily GK Update- 22nd Sept, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tulu as additional official language of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts in Karnataka: The Karnataka Cabinet approved Tulu as the second additional administrative language for the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts on September 18, 2026. The status applies strictly to administrative and official work within Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, rather than the entire state of Kannada remains the primary official state language. The state government allocated ₹82 lakh annually to support translation work, staff training, and promotional activities for Tulu usage in governance. Respective district administrations will serve as the implementing agencies to introduce the language into local official tasks.

 

2. MP Becomes First State to Launch Swamitva Adhikar Abhilekh Nispadan Evam Panjiyan Yojana 2026 For Free Rural Property Registration: Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to launch the Swamitva Adhikar Abhilekh Nispadan Evam Panjiyan Yojana-2026 for free rural property registration. Launch Date: September 17, 2026, launched by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in Indore. Duration: A month-long special drive running from September 17 to October 17, 2026. Coverage: Around 50 lakh privately owned rural properties across all 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh. Financial Benefit: Beneficiaries pay zero stamp duty and zero registration fees; the state government is bearing the entire cost of approximately Rs 4,000 crore. Implementation: Village and panchayat-level camps are being held, with Patwaris conducting door-to-door visits to facilitate paperwork and hand over registry documents.

 

3. Karan Yadav appointed new Indian Super League CEO: The Indian Super League announced Karan Yadav as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), weeks ahead of the season opener on October 10. According to a statement by the league, which is run by clubs, Yadav brings a combination of football roots and sports-business expertise. His career in sport began with football in 2010, when he co-founded TheHardTackle.com, a digital football publication that he built and led as Editor-in-Chief, managing a global team of more than 50 writers and 10 editors. His career has spanned commercial strategy, sales and marketing, sports rights management, athlete management, and operations.

 

4. NHAI Issues Guidelines for High-Speed National Highways: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) issued guidelines on 21 September 2026 for planning and designing access-controlled high-speed National Highways. The guidelines cover upcoming 4-lane and 6-lane Greenfield and Brownfield corridors and exclude expressways. Traffic volume determines the standard lane configuration under the new framework. Corridors carrying up to 15,000 vehicles will have a 4-lane highway with 4-lane structures and a 60-metre width. Corridors carrying 15,000 to 25,000 vehicles will have a 4-lane highway with 6-lane structures and a 70-metre width. Corridors carrying 25,000 to 40,000 vehicles will have a 6-lane highway with 6-lane structures and a 70-metre width.

 

5. Ministry to Sign UDAN MoUs with 22 States: The Ministry of Civil Aviation is scheduled to sign Memorandums of Understanding with 22 states on 22 September 2026 for the next phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN. The exercise will launch a Challenge Mode and a new Routes Bidding Round under the modified scheme. UDAN stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik and it is India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme for civil aviation. The scheme was launched in 2016 to improve air connectivity to smaller cities and underserved regions through subsidised regional routes. The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN scheme in March 2026 for a ten-year period from 2026-27 to 2035-36. The scheme has a total budgetary support outlay of ₹28,840 crore and targets connectivity to 120 new destinations over the decade.

 

6. MoD Signs ₹586 Crore APU Contract for T-72, T-90 Tanks: The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore contract on 21 September 2026 for the procurement of indigenously developed Auxiliary Power Units for the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 Main Battle Tanks. The contract was signed in New Delhi with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh present, and Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited, Pune, received the order. An Auxiliary Power Unit is a secondary power source used in military vehicles and aircraft to supply electricity when the main engine is not running. In tanks, an APU supports systems such as the fire control system, firing circuit, and gun stabilisation system. The T-72 and T-90 are tracked armoured fighting vehicles used by the Indian Army as Main Battle Tanks. The T-90 is a Russian-origin tank family, and the T-72 is an earlier Soviet-origin tank family that remains in service in several armies. The APUs were developed under the Make-II route of the Defence Acquisition Procedure. The Make-II category covers industry-led design and development projects without government funding, and it is used for indigenous defence production.

 

7. Jayanti Prasad Gets Additional Charge as IBBI Chairperson: Jayanti Prasad, a Whole Time Member of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), assumed additional charge as Chairperson on 13 September 2026. He will hold the post until 20 November 2026 or until a full-time successor joins the office. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India is a statutory regulator established under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. It regulates insolvency professionals, insolvency professional agencies, information utilities, and corporate insolvency processes in India. Ravi Mital, an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1986 batch, completed his tenure as IBBI Chairperson after attaining the age of 65 years. He was appointed in February 2022 for a five-year term or until he reached 65 years of age, whichever was earlier.

 

8. Ladakh Hikes Village Heads’ Honorarium to Rs 5,000: Ladakh increased the monthly honorarium of village heads, known as Nambardars or Gobas, from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000 on 21 September 2026. The revision applies to 247 Nambardars in the Union Territory and is the first such change since 2016. Nambardars are village-level functionaries in Ladakh who are also called Gobas in some local areas. The post is linked to grassroots administration and village-level coordination in the Union Territory. The revised emoluments were fixed under the Jammu and Kashmir Lambardari Act, 1972, and the Jammu and Kashmir Lambardari Rules, 1980. These legal provisions continue to apply to Ladakh after its reorganisation as a Union Territory in 2019.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 22 September: Rose Day (Welfare of Cancer Patients): World Rose Day is observed annually on September 22 to bring hope, cheer, and support to cancer patients and their families. The day aims to spread love, courage, and compassion, reminding cancer fighters that they are never alone in their journey. Theme 2026: “bring hope and support.”

 

2. 22 September: World Rhino Day: World Rhino Day is observed annually on September 22, falling on a Tuesday in 2026, to raise global awareness for the protection and conservation of the five remaining rhinoceros species. First announced in 2010 by WWF-South Africa, expanding globally in 2011. The Five Species is Greater one-horned, Javan, Sumatran (Asia); White and Black rhinos (Africa). 2026 Theme: “Keep the Five Alive”

 

3. ONGC Discovers Natural Gas in Mahanadi Offshore Basin: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) discovered natural gas in the deep waters of the Mahanadi Basin off India’s east coast on 18 September 2026. The find was made at the MDW-28 (MN-DW18-1-H-D) exploration well, about 43 km off Konark in Odisha, and it is the first well under ONGC’s current deepwater exploration campaign in the basin. The Mahanadi Basin is an offshore sedimentary basin along India’s eastern continental margin. Offshore basins are geological depressions that can contain petroleum systems, including source rocks, reservoirs, seals, and traps. The basin lies in the Bay of Bengal region and is part of India’s eastern offshore hydrocarbon frontier. MDW-28 was drilled to a target depth of 1,623 metres. Gas was encountered between 1,441 metres and 1,452 metres, and the well showed flow rates and reservoir pressure during testing. The drilling campaign for the well began on 25 July 2026.

 

4. Premier Energies Commissions India’s Largest Solar Cell Facility: Premier Energies commissioned a 7 GW N-type TOPCon G12R solar cell manufacturing facility at Naidupeta in Andhra Pradesh on 21 September 2026. The plant increased the company’s total solar cell manufacturing capacity to 10.6 GW, which is the highest solar cell capacity in India. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. N-type TOPCon is a solar cell technology that uses tunnel oxide passivated contact architecture and is used in high-efficiency modules. G12R refers to a large-format wafer and cell size used in modern photovoltaic manufacturing. The facility covers 101 acres, or about 40 hectares, and involved a capital expenditure of ₹3,293 crore. It is designed to produce around 88,000 solar cells per hour. The plant has started trial runs, and commercial output is expected after stabilisation and ramp-up.

 

5. 7th National Formulary of India 2026 Launched: The 7th National Formulary of India (NFI) was launched on 21 September 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Smt. Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilisers, unveiled the publication during the 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week Campaign. The National Formulary of India is a reference publication for healthcare professionals in India. It contains standard information on medicines and supports the rational use of medicines in clinical practice and pharmacy education. The 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week Campaign was held from 17 to 23 September 2026. Its theme was “Promoting Rational Use of Medicines through Pharmacovigilance: A Step Towards Safer Healthcare”, and it was coordinated by the National Coordination Centre-Pharmacovigilance Programme of India at the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ghaziabad.

 

6. India Sends Largest Contingent to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026: India has sent its largest-ever contingent of 70 skilled competitors to the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, scheduled from 22 to 27 September 2026. The Indian team will compete in 63 of the 64 skill categories at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Shanghai. India will make its debut in 11 skill categories at the 2026 edition. These categories include Dental Prosthetics, Digital Interactive Media Design, Intelligent Security Technology, Landscape Gardening, Optoelectronic Technology, Retail Sales, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Industrial Mechanics, Software Testing, Heavy Vehicle Technology, and Aircraft Maintenance. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the National Skill Development Corporation are leading India’s participation and preparation for the competition. A send-off ceremony for the contingent was held in New Delhi on 15 September 2026, and Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary addressed the team.

 

7. Akums Develops DCGI-Approved Triple Therapy Combikit for H. pylori: Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. announced a DCGI-approved triple therapy combikit for adults with Helicobacter pylori infection on 21 September 2026. The combikit contains Vonoprazan 20 mg, Clarithromycin 500 mg, and Amoxicillin 1000 mg, and it is prescribed as a twice-daily regimen for 14 days. Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining and is linked with chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. It is also classified as a major risk factor for gastric cancer in medical literature. Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is an Indian contract development and manufacturing organisation, also known as a CDMO. The company had earlier launched a similar combikit in April 2023 with Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin, and Esomeprazole for the same infection.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. 13th edition of Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-26) is being conducted at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: The 13th edition of Sri Lanka–India Naval Exercise (SLINEX-26) is being conducted at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh from 17th –21st September 2026 under the aegis of the Eastern Naval Command. SLINEX is a bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Sri Lanka Navy Conceptualised in 2005, it has evolved as an important platform for enhancing maritime cooperation, interoperability and mutual understanding between India and Sri Lanka.

Exercise between India and Sri lanka

· SLINEX (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise)

· Exercise Mitra Shakti

· 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

· Exercise Dharma Guardian (India–Japan): Hosted at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand
‘Samudra Laksamana’ (India-Malaysia Maritime Exercise): held in Lumut, Malaysia

 

2. India’s Indigenous Long-Range Attack Drone KAL Successfully Tested at Pokhran: India’s first indigenous long-range one-way attack drone, named KAL, successfully completed its initial flight test at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan on September 20, 2026.

 

About KAL

 

· Developer: IG Defence, a Noida-based defence technology company.

· Type: One-way attack (“kamikaze” or loitering munition) drone designed for precision strikes.

· Maximum Range: Up to 1,000 km (steted manufacturer specification; actual distance flown during the specific Pokhran trial was not disclosed).

· Endurance: 7 to 8 hours of flight time.

· Payload Capacity: Up to 50 kg of explosive payload/warhead.

· Operating Altitude: Up to 5,000 metres.

· Launch Mechanism: Vehicle-mounted launch platform.

· Navigation: Uses global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and inertial navigation systems for autonomous flight

 

3. IAF to Host Second Edition of Tarang Shakti: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will host the second edition of the multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur in Rajasthan from 26 September to 12 October 2026. More than 40 countries are expected to take part in the exercise, and over 30 countries are expected to send delegates or observers. Tarang Shakti is a multinational air exercise conducted by the Indian Air Force. The exercise brings together air forces from multiple countries for joint training, operational familiarisation, and coordination in air operations. The United States is expected to participate with F-35 stealth fighters, France with Rafale jets, and the United Arab Emirates with F-16 aircraft. Australia, Germany, Greece, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are also among the participating nations, and Germany is expected to send transport aircraft.

 

4. India-Mongolia Exercise Nomadic Elephant Begins in Pithoragarh: The 18th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2026 began on 21 September 2026 at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The annual platoon-level exercise will continue until 3 October 2026, with 45 personnel from the Indian Army and 45 personnel from the Mongolian Armed Forces taking part. Nomadic Elephant is a bilateral military exercise between India and Mongolia. It is conducted at platoon level and is held every year. The 2026 edition is being organised in India after the 17th edition was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in May-June 2025. The exercise is designed for Counter-Insurgency Operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. The training package includes Cordon and Search Operations, Room Intervention Drills, Special Heliborne Operations, Cyber Security Training, drone employment, and counter-drone systems.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. India to Host Asian Senior Wushu Championships for First Time in 2028: India will host the Asian Senior Wushu Championships for the first time in 2028, with around 500 athletes from 42 countries across Asia expected to participate in the prestigious continental competition. The decision was officially approved at the Wushu Federation of Asia (WFA) Congress held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

 

2. Smriti Mandhana Becomes First Woman to Score 11,000 International Runs: Smriti Mandhana became the first woman cricketer to complete 11,000 runs in international cricket on 22 September 2026. She reached the milestone during India’s Asian Games gold-medal final against Sri Lanka at Korogi Sports Park in Aichi-Nagoya. Mandhana’s international runs at the 11,000-mark included 788 runs in Tests, 5,411 runs in One Day Internationals, and 4,788 runs in Twenty20 Internationals. She needed 13 runs before the final to reach the milestone. On 20 September 2026, Mandhana became the leading run-scorer in women’s T20 International cricket. She surpassed New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, who had 4,758 runs in the format, during the Asian Games semi-final against Bangladesh.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Djibouti Becomes 72nd Country and 8th African Nation to Join Artemis Accords: The Republic of Djibouti has become the eighth African country to sign the Artemis Accords, joining a growing coalition of nations committed to advancing a rules-based framework for peaceful and transparent space exploration. The signing ceremony took place at NASA Headquarters in Washington, with Djibouti’s Ambassador to the United States, Mohamed Siad Douale, signing on behalf of the country. Djibouti is the 72nd nation overall to join the Accords. The Artemis Accords are a non-binding international agreement led by the United States (via NASA and the Department of State) that set shared principles for the peaceful exploration and use of the Moon, Mars, and outer space. Established in 2020 by the U.S. and seven founding nations, the framework has since expanded to dozens of signatory countries globally.

2. Scientists Develop Plastic-to-Fuel Process: Researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) announced a method on 21 September 2026 to convert polyethylene plastic into gasoline-like and diesel-like fuels. The process uses aluminium-based molten salts as both the reaction medium and the catalyst, and it operates below 200 degrees Celsius. Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer used in packaging, containers, films, and bags. It is made of long hydrocarbon chains, and chemical recycling methods aim to break these chains into smaller fuel-range molecules. In the ORNL method, simpler polymer chains tend to produce gasoline-like products, while more complex chains tend to produce diesel-like products. The experiments yielded about 60% gasoline from polyethylene waste under mild conditions. Clean Planet Technologies opened a pilot facility in Sandwich, Kent, in April 2026 to convert non-recyclable plastic waste into Sustainable Aviation Fuel using a thermal pyrolysis workflow. Yale University researchers led by Liangbing Hu and Shu Hu developed a catalyst-free pyrolysis method in July 2025 using a 3D-printed electrically heated carbon column reactor.

 

3. Important Concepts in Photovoltaic Systems: Photovoltaic systems convert sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor solar cells. They are central to renewable energy because they generate direct current and can be scaled from small rooftop units to large utility plants. For Prelims, the key areas are the working principle, major cell technologies, system components, and the manufacturing chain. These use p-type silicon wafers doped with boron, creating holes as positive charge carriers. Many conventional solar cells have historically been p-type. These use n-type silicon wafers doped with elements such as phosphorus, giving a surplus of electrons and better resistance to light-induced degradation. Heterojunction technology combines crystalline silicon with amorphous silicon thin layers and is known for good temperature performance and high efficiency.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Gwalior to get Asia’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone with ₹5,500 crore investment: Gwalior is set to emerge as a major telecom manufacturing hub with the establishment of Asia’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), involving an investment of approximately ₹5,500 crore and expected to generate more than 18,000 direct employment opportunities. “The project is not about setting up a single industrial unit, but about creating a complete industrial ecosystem comprising 24-25 telecom manufacturing units in Gwalior. These units will manufacture telecom equipment and a range of components, strengthening the city’s position as an emerging telecom manufacturing hub.

 

2. Delhi government launches solar portal with subsidy up to Rs 1.56 lakh: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Delhi PM Surya Ghar registration portal on 21 September 2026. The portal, solar.delhi.gov.in, is linked to the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana for rooftop solar installations in Delhi. The scheme provides a combined Central and Delhi government subsidy of up to ₹1.56 lakh for rooftop solar systems of up to 3 kW. Domestic consumers in Delhi with average monthly electricity consumption of up to 400 units are eligible for systems of up to 3 kW without any upfront payment. The portal provides registration for the scheme, information on authorised vendors, grievance redressal, and a solar calculator for estimating system capacity and savings. Registrations opened on 21 September 2026 and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

3. Indian Oil Approves ₹2,449 Crore Kochi-Thoothukudi Gas Pipeline: Indian Oil Corporation approved an investment of ₹2,448.70 crore for the Kochi-Kanyakumari-Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline project on 21 September 2026. The pipeline will cover 424.65 kilometres and connect Kochi in Kerala with Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu through the Kanyakumari region. The KTPL system has an overall capacity of 6.84 million standard cubic metres per day, or MMSCMD. Its minimum common carrier capacity is 1.71 MMSCMD, which is relevant for third-party access under Indian gas pipeline regulations. The route passes through Kerala and Tamil Nadu and includes the Kanyakumari region. The project is intended to support city gas distribution networks and industrial consumers along the corridor.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Film Angh won the Platform Prize at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.: The film Angh (2026) directed by Theja Rio won the prestigious Platform Prize at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Angh (2026) marks a major milestone as the first major international breakthrough and Oscar pathway entry for Naga cinema from Northeast India. Under updated Academy rules, winning the top Platform Prize (2026) grants the non-English-language film direct eligibility for consideration in the Best International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards.

 

Daily GK Update- 21st Sept, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tamil Nadu Launches One-Gram Gold Ring Scheme For Newborns: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay will launch the state’s one-gram gold ring scheme for babies born in government hospitals on September 28, with 1.28 lakh gold rings already procured for distribution under the first installment. The scheme, called the Thaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam (maternal uncle gold ring scheme), was among the poll promises made by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam ahead of the April Assembly election, in which the party came to power. The state government has made an annual budgetary provision of Rs 755.83 crore to supply 4.41 lakh one-gram, 22-carat gold rings over the full year, of which the first batch of 1.28 lakh rings has been readied for the September 28 rollout.

 

2. UN Appoints Luke Lindberg to Head World Food Programme: The United Nations appointed U.S. agriculture official Luke Lindberg as the new Executive Director of the World Food Programme on September 18, 2026. He replaces Cindy McCain, who stepped down for health reasons. He Will serve a five-year term based in Rome, Italy. The joint appointment was made by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu following WFP board confirmation.

 

3. Rare Ghost Flower Orchid Gastrodia keyiensis Found in Arunachal Pradesh: A rare leafless orchid species, Gastrodia keyiensis, has been recorded from the Keyi Panyor district of Arunachal Pradesh. The species was formally described in Phytotaxa on 9 September 2026 after a botanical survey in a remote gorge along the Keyi River at about 1,000 metres elevation. Gastrodia keyiensis belongs to the genus Gastrodia, which includes leafless orchids known for their underground or hidden growth habit. The discovery site yielded only five flowering individuals, and the species was found in deep shade on decaying litter. The orchid is holomycotrophic, which means it lacks leaves and chlorophyll and obtains nutrients through soil fungi. It can grow up to 35 cm tall and bears one to three flowers that are white to pale bluish in colour. The flower has a distinctive yellow, strongly curved labellum, which is a specialised petal in orchids.

 

4. Major Types of Silk in India: India is among the world’s leading silk-producing countries and has a wide range of silk varieties suited to different climates, crops and traditions. Sericulture is an agro-based, labour-intensive industry that supports rural livelihoods, farm income and value-chain development from cocoon rearing to weaving. Mulberry silk is the most common and widely produced silk in India, contributing the largest share of total raw silk output. It generally accounts for about 70-90% of India’s raw silk production. The silk is produced by Bombyx mori L., a silkworm that feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves. Its smoothness, softness, natural luster and excellent drape make it highly suitable for luxury fabrics. Major mulberry silk-producing states include Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir. Together, these states account for about 92% of the country’s mulberry raw silk production, with Karnataka as the leading producer.

5. Botswana Cheetah Released in Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary: A three-year-old female cheetah named CCB-2, originally from Botswana, was released into a protected enclosure at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh on 20 September 2026. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav renamed the cheetah “Radha” during the release, which coincided with Radha Ashtami. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary lies across the Mandsaur and Neemuch districts along the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border. The sanctuary became India’s second cheetah habitat in April 2025 after Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Radha was shifted to Gandhi Sagar from Kuno National Park. The move forms part of the long-term plan to establish multiple cheetah habitats in India and to support breeding among cheetahs of different origins.

 

6. Assam Launches 3,200 MW Ultra-Supercritical Power Project: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for a 3,200 MW ultra-supercritical thermal power plant at Chapar in Dhubri district, lower Assam, on 20 September 2026. The project is being developed by Adani Power Limited with an estimated investment of ₹48,000 crore and is planned as the largest power plant in the North-East region. The thermal power plant will have four generating units of 800 MW each. Ultra-supercritical technology is a high-efficiency coal-based power generation technology used in large thermal stations, and it operates at higher steam pressure and temperature than subcritical and supercritical plants. The project is scheduled for phased commissioning from December 2030. The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited awarded the letter of award for the Chapar project to Adani Power Limited in November 2025.

 

7. India Targets 60,000 Tonnes Silk Production by 2030-31: India has set a target of 60,000 metric tonnes of silk production by 2030-31, with an aim to become the world’s largest silk producer by 2028-29. The target was announced at the 77th Foundation Day of the Central Silk Board in Bengaluru on 21 September 2026, and the current annual production stands at 42,000 metric tonnes, up from 26,000 metric tonnes in 2014. India is one of the major silk-producing countries and produces mulberry silk, tasar silk, eri silk, and muga silk. Sericulture is the cultivation of silkworms for silk, and it involves mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing, cocoon production, reeling, and weaving. The Central Silk Board is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles. It was established in 1948 under the Central Silk Board Act, 1948, and it works on research, development, and coordination in the silk sector.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurates NGT International Conference 2026 in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 September inaugurated a two-day international conference on “The Future of Environment and Climate Dynamics”, organised by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The conference, being held on September 19 and 20, brings together judges, environmental experts, senior government officials and representatives of various environmental and judicial institutions from India and abroad. Judicial representatives from 17 countries are also participating in the event. The conference will feature four technical sessions focusing on key environmental and climate-related issues.

 

2. Warren Buffett Steps Down As Hathaway Chairman, Son Howard To Take Over: Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world who made his fortune by making the right stock bets at the right time, has stepped down as the chairman of investment firm Berkshire Hathaway after over 56 years. The investment icon is 96 years old. However, he will not hang up his boots just yet. He will assume the role of chairman emeritus immediately and make way for his son, Howard Buffett, who has been on the giant’s board since 1993. Another role the “Oracle of Omaha” will not relinquish is that of a director.

 

3. 21 September: International Day of Peace (UN): The International Day of Peace is observed globally on September 21 each year to strengthen the ideals of peace, non-violence, and a 24-hour global ceasefire. 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly, with September 21 fixed as the permanent date in 2001. To promote a global cessation of hostilities and honor people working locally to build stability and lasting peace. Theme 2026: “Invest in Peace – For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day”

 

4. 21 September: World Alzheimer’s Day: World Alzheimer’s Day, observed every year on September 21, brings global attention to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. An earlier diagnosis may help people understand what is happening, explore appropriate care and treatment options, plan ahead, and access support. This year, awareness also comes amid rapid progress in blood-based biomarkers, prevention research and clinical trials. Theme 2026: “The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters”

 

5. Gwalior to Get Asia’s First Telecom Manufacturing Zone: Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh is set to host Asia’s first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) with an estimated investment of ₹5,500 crore. The project has received investment proposals from 24 companies and is projected to create more than 18,000 direct jobs. A Telecom Manufacturing Zone is an industrial cluster for telecom equipment production, testing, and allied manufacturing activities. The proposed Gwalior TMZ is linked with a Common Testing Lab package of about ₹500 crore and an incentive package developed by the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The identified site for the first phase covers about 170 acres of land. More than 90 acres are in the Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Counter Magnet City (SADA), and over 70 acres are in the IT Park area. Additional land is being identified because investor interest has exceeded the currently available land.

 

6. ASML Begins India Operations: ASML began operations in India in September 2026 and established a legal entity in the country. The company is also setting up a customer support office in India and plans to hire 20 to 30 young engineering graduates in the initial phase. ASML is a Dutch company known for lithography systems used in semiconductor manufacturing. Lithography tools are used to transfer circuit patterns onto silicon wafers during chip fabrication. ASML supplies advanced lithography tools and related solutions for semiconductor fabs. ASML and Tata Electronics signed a strategic partnership in May 2026 for the establishment and ramp-up of Tata Electronics’ 300 mm semiconductor fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat. The fab involves an investment of $11 billion and is planned to produce 50,000 wafers per month. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2028 and will serve automotive, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence applications.

 

7. Vice-President to Inaugurate 9th India International Water Week: The 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 will be inaugurated by Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on 22 September 2026 at the Plenary Hall of Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The five-day conference will be held from 22 to 26 September 2026 with the theme “Climate Resilient Water Management”. India International Water Week is a water-focused international conference organised in India for policy discussion, technology exchange, and stakeholder engagement in the water sector. The 2026 edition is the ninth edition of the event and is being organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti. An international exhibition on water management technologies and solutions will be held from 22 to 25 September 2026. The Second International WASH Conference 2026 will also be organised from 22 to 24 September 2026 as part of IIWW-2026.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish Arrive in Philippines for ADMM-Plus Maritime Activity: Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri and Kulish arrived at Subic Bay in the Philippines on 20 September 2026 for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity. The deployment forms part of the Indian Navy’s operational presence in the Indo-Pacific region and includes participation in maritime security-related engagements. The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, or ADMM-Plus, is a defence cooperation platform of ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners. The Joint Cooperation Activity in Subic Bay runs from 20 September to 26 September 2026 and includes professional and operational interactions among maritime forces. The activity is co-hosted by Japan and the Philippines. It brings together naval and maritime units for exercises that include interoperability drills, subject matter exchanges, and coordinated maritime engagements.

 

2. DRDO Develops 30 kW Directed-Energy Weapon: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a 30 kW-class directed-energy weapon (DEW) under the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-IIA. The system is designed to counter drone swarms, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and surveillance sensors. A directed-energy weapon uses concentrated energy, usually laser or microwave energy, to damage or disable a target. The 30 kW laser weapon under development can engage targets at ranges of up to 5 km and can damage structures or disable electronic sensors. The final trials of the 30 kW DEW concluded in August 2025. On 13 April 2025, the truck-mounted Mk-II(A) laser-DEW system was demonstrated at the National Open Air Range (NOAR) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. During the trial, it engaged fixed-wing drones at long range, countered a multiple-drone attack, and destroyed surveillance sensors and antennae.

 

3. INS Trishul Conducts PASSEX with Egyptian Navy: Indian Navy’s guided missile frigate INS Trishul completed a three-day port call at Alexandria, Egypt, on 17 September 2026. Before entering Alexandria harbour, the ship conducted a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Egyptian Naval Ship Bernees, and the vessel was escorted into the harbour by Egyptian Naval Ship Al Qadeer on 14 September 2026. PASSEX is a naval exercise conducted between ships of different navies during passage or port visits. The drills in this case included coordinated manoeuvring, communication exercises, and approaches for replenishment at sea. The exercise was conducted to improve professional cooperation, interoperability, and maritime coordination between the Indian Navy and the Egyptian Navy. During the port call, India’s Ambassador to Egypt, Suresh K Reddy, visited INS Trishul and interacted with the ship’s crew.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Manu Bhaker, Tajinderpal Singh Toor Named India’s Flagbearers for Asian Games 2026 in Japan: Double Olympic medal list Manu Bhaker and shot-putter Tajinderpal Singh Toor will be India’s flagbearers at the opening ceremony of the Asian Games 2026 at Aichi-Nagoya in Japan.

Manu Bhaker, who won two bronze medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics, will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol, women’s 25m pistol, and 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team. Tajinderpal Singh Toor will aim to secure his third consecutive Asian Games gold medal in men’s shot put. The 20th edition of the Asian Games will run from 19 September to October 4, with more than 500 Indian athletes set to compete across 37 sports. Athletes from 45 countries and regions are competing across 43 sports and 469 medal events in this edition of the Asian Games.

 

2. Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar won gold in men’s trap at ISSF Junior World Cup: India’s 15-year-old shooter Yugan Sakthivel Muthukumaar clinched the gold medal in the men’s trap event at the ISSF Junior World Cup Shotgun 2026 in Porpetto, Italy. Yugan produced a strong performance in the eight-shooter final, hitting 27 of 30 targets to finish at the top. He edged Italy’s Francesco Tanfoglio by one target to secure India’s first medal at the Porpetto competition.

 

3. Savita Punia Becomes India’s Most-Capped Women’s Hockey Player: India’s goalkeeper Savita Punia became the most-capped player in the history of Indian women’s hockey on 21 September 2026. She surpassed the previous record of 320 senior international appearances held by former India striker Vandana Katariya during India’s Pool B match against Indonesia at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Savita Punia made her senior international debut in 2009. She equalled Vandana Katariya’s record of 320 caps on 20 September 2026 in India’s 19-0 win over Uzbekistan in the Asian Games opener. She reached her 300th international cap in February 2025 during an FIH Hockey Pro League match against the Netherlands. A cap is an appearance for a national team in an official international match. In field hockey, senior international caps are counted across recognised matches for the national side, including tournaments such as the Asian Games and the FIH Hockey Pro League.

 

4. Suchika Tariyal Wins India’s First Asian Games MMA Medal: Suchika Tariyal won India’s first-ever Asian Games medal in mixed martial arts on 21 September 2026. She secured a bronze medal in the women’s traditional -60 kg category at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, where MMA featured as a medal sport for the first time. Mixed martial arts, or MMA, is a combat sport that combines techniques from striking and grappling disciplines. At the Asian Games, traditional MMA events award bronze medals to both losing semifinalists, and no separate bronze-medal bout is held. Tariyal reached the semifinals after defeating Mongolia’s Altanchimeg Baigalmaa 2-0 in the quarterfinals on 20 September 2026. She lost her semifinal bout to Singapore’s Hui Hoon Teo by a 0-2 margin in overtime on 21 September 2026.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India’s Semiconductor Market Projected to Reach $200 Billion: India’s semiconductor market is projected to expand from about USD 64 billion in 2026 to USD 200 billion by 2035, while another estimate places the market at USD 300 billion by 2035. The market was valued at about USD 27 billion in 2021, and semiconductor imports rose from USD 5.7 billion in FY17 to USD 30.3 billion in FY25. India’s semiconductor market covers demand from electronics, automotive, industrial systems, telecommunications, data centres, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing. Semiconductors are materials with electrical conductivity between conductors and insulators, and they are used in chips, sensors, power devices, and integrated circuits. Consumer electronics accounts for 30% of India’s semiconductor market, automotive applications account for 16%, and industrial applications account for 15%. Artificial Intelligence, data centres, telecommunications, electric mobility, and advanced manufacturing are among the emerging demand areas for semiconductor products.

 

2. INCOIS to Track Marine Litter Hotspots with AI: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, will use ocean modelling, satellite remote sensing, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools to identify, monitor and forecast marine litter hotspots. The initiative is linked to the National Initiative for Remediation of Marine Litter, or NIRMaL Sāgar, and the pilot phase began in Visakhapatnam on 19 September 2026. Marine litter refers to solid waste, including plastics, that enters seas and coastal waters. Marine plastic litter is a major component of marine debris and is studied for its movement, accumulation zones and sources in coastal and offshore waters. INCOIS is a national institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences and is based in Hyderabad, Telangana. The institute works on ocean state forecasting, tsunami warning services, potential fishing zone advisories and ocean data products for India’s coastal and marine sectors.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. GIFT City jumps nine places to 37th in global financial centres ranking: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar has climbed to 37th place in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 40), making it the only Indian financial centre among the top 15 in the Asia-Pacific region and placing it ahead of Mumbai and Delhi. The smart city in Gujarat’s capital moved up 9 notches from the previous GFCI index, where it ranked 46. Mumbai improved by three points from last time but remains at 49, while Delhi fell to 56 from 54. The London-based think tank Z/Yen and the Shenzhen-based China Development Institute published the report. The think tanks compiled the latest index after the conflict in the Middle East Began.’ The GFCI report evaluates 115 financial centres on their fintech ecosystem, highlighting key elements like regulatory environment, skilled talent, access to finance, ICT infrastructure, and innovation support.

 

2. India Ranks First in Business Climate Among 41 Global Markets: Swedish Chamber Survey: India has ranked first in business climate among 41 global markets in the Global Business Climate Survey 2026 by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India. The survey provides insights into Swedish companies’ perspectives on doing business across international markets and compares economic performance, business outlook and operating conditions. The 2026 edition covers 41 markets and provides a comparative assessment of conditions relevant to Swedish companies operating internationally. The survey also examines the challenges faced by companies and opportunities for those considering entry into new markets or expansion of existing operations.