Thursday, Sep 17

Daily Current Affairs: 17 September 2026

Daily current affairs for 17 September 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Editorial note for exam revision Last updated: 17 September 2026. This briefing is structured for current affairs revision, with key updates and related coverage links to help readers connect recurring topics across days.

Today at a glance

Top current affairs to revise

  1. Unemployment Dips to 5% as LFPR Climbs to 55.6% in August: PLFS Data
  2. MoRTH Draft Notification Proposes 600W Motor Limit for Registration-Free Low-Speed Electric Scooters
  3. PM-KMY Pension Scheme Completes Seven Years with 24.96 Lakh Farmers Enrolled
  4. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Registers 30 Lakh Artisans in Three Years with Training, Loans and Toolkits
  5. MoEFCC Launches India Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard on World Ozone Day 2026
  6. Rajnath Singh Announces DRDO Support Measures for MSMEs and Start-ups at VIMARSH 2026

Headlines by topic

Topic-wise current affairs headlines

All topic pages
Economy, Banking and Finance1 headline
  1. Unemployment Dips to 5% as LFPR Climbs to 55.6% in August: PLFS Data
Open Economy & Banking topic page
Government Schemes and Policy5 headlines
  1. MoRTH Draft Notification Proposes 600W Motor Limit for Registration-Free Low-Speed Electric Scooters
  2. PM-KMY Pension Scheme Completes Seven Years with 24.96 Lakh Farmers Enrolled
  3. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Registers 30 Lakh Artisans in Three Years with Training, Loans and Toolkits
  4. MoEFCC Launches India Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard on World Ozone Day 2026
  5. Rajnath Singh Announces DRDO Support Measures for MSMEs and Start-ups at VIMARSH 2026
Open Schemes & Policy topic page
International, Defence and Summits8 headlines
  1. UAE and Iranian Presidents Hold First Talks Since the War at BRICS Summit in India
  2. United States Lawmaker Proposes Amendment Naming India in Russia Sanctions Bill with 100% Tariff Threat
  3. India and Vietnam to Mark 2027 as Friendship Year After 19th Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi
  4. Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Nationalist Parties Sign Joint Pact Demanding Self-Determination From UK
  5. United States Hosts Jordan for First-Time Exercise Eager Lion 2026 at Fort Carson, Colorado
  6. India's Parliamentary Delegation Led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Joins 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town
  7. Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada to Evaluate Turboprop Engines for DRDO's HALE UAV Programme
  8. India Hosts World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar, Its First Edition in South Asia
Open International & Defence topic page
Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment2 headlines
  1. Assam Hosts 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos, Nearly 80% of Global Population
  2. SiCSem's ₹3,406 Crore Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Plant Approved for Odisha
Open Science & Environment topic page
Sports1 headline
  1. India Sets Up Panel to Study Feasibility of Bringing Back Formula 1
Open Sports topic page
Miscellaneous Current Affairs6 headlines
  1. Paryushan Parva 2026: Samvatsari Falls on September 15 as Jains Observe the Festival of Forgiveness
  2. World Ozone Day 2026: September 16 Theme and Background of the Ozone Layer Observance
  3. Karnataka Government Officially Observes September 15 as Engineers' Day and Permits 'Er.' Title for Engineers
  4. Kumik in Zanskar Declared Ladakh's First Heritage Village Amid Water-Driven Relocation Concerns
  5. Kerala to Hold Three-Day ‘Reimagining Keralam’ Roundtable for Implementation Roadmap of 73 Budget Projects
  6. Bihar CM Announces Training of 100 Professors at Global Institutions Including Oxford
Open Miscellaneous topic page
People, Positions and Obituaries3 headlines
  1. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Receives Three International Awards During London Visit
  2. IPS Officer Sanjukta Parashar Takes Charge as First Woman Head of CRPF's CoBRA Unit
  3. Bharatanatyam Exponent Vasundhara Doraswamy to Be Honoured with Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026
Open People & Positions topic page
Jump to current affairs headlines
  1. Unemployment Dips to 5% as LFPR Climbs to 55.6% in August: PLFS Data
  2. MoRTH Draft Notification Proposes 600W Motor Limit for Registration-Free Low-Speed Electric Scooters
  3. PM-KMY Pension Scheme Completes Seven Years with 24.96 Lakh Farmers Enrolled
  4. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Registers 30 Lakh Artisans in Three Years with Training, Loans and Toolkits
  5. MoEFCC Launches India Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard on World Ozone Day 2026
  6. Rajnath Singh Announces DRDO Support Measures for MSMEs and Start-ups at VIMARSH 2026
  7. UAE and Iranian Presidents Hold First Talks Since the War at BRICS Summit in India
  8. United States Lawmaker Proposes Amendment Naming India in Russia Sanctions Bill with 100% Tariff Threat
  9. India and Vietnam to Mark 2027 as Friendship Year After 19th Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi
  10. Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Nationalist Parties Sign Joint Pact Demanding Self-Determination From UK
  11. United States Hosts Jordan for First-Time Exercise Eager Lion 2026 at Fort Carson, Colorado
  12. India's Parliamentary Delegation Led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Joins 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town
  13. Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada to Evaluate Turboprop Engines for DRDO's HALE UAV Programme
  14. India Hosts World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar, Its First Edition in South Asia
  15. Assam Hosts 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos, Nearly 80% of Global Population
  16. SiCSem's ₹3,406 Crore Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Plant Approved for Odisha
  17. India Sets Up Panel to Study Feasibility of Bringing Back Formula 1
  18. Paryushan Parva 2026: Samvatsari Falls on September 15 as Jains Observe the Festival of Forgiveness
  19. World Ozone Day 2026: September 16 Theme and Background of the Ozone Layer Observance
  20. Karnataka Government Officially Observes September 15 as Engineers' Day and Permits 'Er.' Title for Engineers
  21. Kumik in Zanskar Declared Ladakh's First Heritage Village Amid Water-Driven Relocation Concerns
  22. Kerala to Hold Three-Day ‘Reimagining Keralam’ Roundtable for Implementation Roadmap of 73 Budget Projects
  23. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Receives Three International Awards During London Visit
  24. IPS Officer Sanjukta Parashar Takes Charge as First Woman Head of CRPF's CoBRA Unit
  25. Bharatanatyam Exponent Vasundhara Doraswamy to Be Honoured with Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026
  26. Bihar CM Announces Training of 100 Professors at Global Institutions Including Oxford
☰

Jump to current affairs

Headlines 17 September 2026
  1. Unemployment Dips to 5% as LFPR Climbs to 55.6% in August: PLFS Data
  2. MoRTH Draft Notification Proposes 600W Motor Limit for Registration-Free Low-Speed Electric Scooters
  3. PM-KMY Pension Scheme Completes Seven Years with 24.96 Lakh Farmers Enrolled
  4. PM Vishwakarma Scheme Registers 30 Lakh Artisans in Three Years with Training, Loans and Toolkits
  5. MoEFCC Launches India Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard on World Ozone Day 2026
  6. Rajnath Singh Announces DRDO Support Measures for MSMEs and Start-ups at VIMARSH 2026
  7. UAE and Iranian Presidents Hold First Talks Since the War at BRICS Summit in India
  8. United States Lawmaker Proposes Amendment Naming India in Russia Sanctions Bill with 100% Tariff Threat
  9. India and Vietnam to Mark 2027 as Friendship Year After 19th Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi
  10. Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Nationalist Parties Sign Joint Pact Demanding Self-Determination From UK
  11. United States Hosts Jordan for First-Time Exercise Eager Lion 2026 at Fort Carson, Colorado
  12. India's Parliamentary Delegation Led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Joins 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town
  13. Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada to Evaluate Turboprop Engines for DRDO's HALE UAV Programme
  14. India Hosts World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar, Its First Edition in South Asia
  15. Assam Hosts 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos, Nearly 80% of Global Population
  16. SiCSem's ₹3,406 Crore Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Plant Approved for Odisha
  17. India Sets Up Panel to Study Feasibility of Bringing Back Formula 1
  18. Paryushan Parva 2026: Samvatsari Falls on September 15 as Jains Observe the Festival of Forgiveness
  19. World Ozone Day 2026: September 16 Theme and Background of the Ozone Layer Observance
  20. Karnataka Government Officially Observes September 15 as Engineers' Day and Permits 'Er.' Title for Engineers
  21. Kumik in Zanskar Declared Ladakh's First Heritage Village Amid Water-Driven Relocation Concerns
  22. Kerala to Hold Three-Day ‘Reimagining Keralam’ Roundtable for Implementation Roadmap of 73 Budget Projects
  23. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Receives Three International Awards During London Visit
  24. IPS Officer Sanjukta Parashar Takes Charge as First Woman Head of CRPF's CoBRA Unit
  25. Bharatanatyam Exponent Vasundhara Doraswamy to Be Honoured with Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026
  26. Bihar CM Announces Training of 100 Professors at Global Institutions Including Oxford
Topic

Economy, Banking and Finance

View all Economy & Banking

Unemployment Dips to 5% as LFPR Climbs to 55.6% in August: PLFS Data

Key Updates:

  • India's unemployment rate among persons aged 15 years and above dipped to 5% in August 2026, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released in September 2026.
  • The labour force participation rate (LFPR) rose to 55.6% in August from 55.4% in July, driven mainly by rural India where LFPR increased to 58.2% from 58%, while urban LFPR stayed at 50.4%.
  • Overall LFPR rose 0.6 percentage points year-on-year from 55% in August 2025, with rural LFPR up 1.2 points to 58.2% and urban LFPR down 0.5 points to 50.4%.
  • Female LFPR rose to 34.8% in August from 34.4% in July; rural female LFPR rose 2 percentage points over the year to 39.4%, while urban female LFPR declined to 25.4%.
  • The worker population ratio (WPR) increased to 52.8% in August from 52.5% in July, with rural WPR at 55.8% and urban WPR unchanged at 47%.
  • Rural unemployment fell to 4.1% in August from 4.5% in July, while urban unemployment rose slightly to 6.8% from 6.7%.
  • Male unemployment declined for the third consecutive month to 4.9% in August from 5.4% in May, while female unemployment fell for the second consecutive month to 5.1% from 5.9% in June.
  • The National Statistical Office (NSO) surveyed 3,70,160 people for August 2026, including 2,11,353 rural and 1,58,807 urban respondents.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India’s Steel Consumption Rises 7.9% in April-July 2026 (End of August)

The Ministry of Steel recorded a 7.9% year-on-year increase in finished steel consumption to 56 MT in April-July 2026, compared with 51.9 MT in the same period last year. Crude steel production rose 2.4% to 56.2 MT…

Topic

Government Schemes and Policy

View all Schemes & Policy

MoRTH Draft Notification Proposes 600W Motor Limit for Registration-Free Low-Speed Electric Scooters

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a draft notification on August 21, 2026 proposing an amendment to Rule 2(u) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, raising the permitted thirty-minute motor power of low-speed electric scooters from below 0.25 kW to below 0.6 kW while retaining the maximum speed limit of below 25 kmph.
  • The draft removes the existing 60 kg unladen-weight ceiling while retaining the exemption from registration, so qualifying vehicles continue to not be treated as motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act and stay outside the Vahan registration regime.
  • Vehicles must have suitable brakes and retro-reflective devices and comply with safety requirements under Annex A of AIS-049 (Rev. 1), verified under AIS-041 (Rev. 1) by an authorised testing agency.
  • Industry estimates put low-speed electric two-wheeler sales at 2.3-2.6 lakh units in FY26, up from roughly 1.8-2.1 lakh in FY25, with potential volumes of 3.2-3.6 lakh units in FY27.
  • Full-service OEMs such as BGauss support the relaxation as expanding the market, while Yulu has formally objected, seeking restoration of the weight ceiling or alternative physical safeguards, warning heavier vehicles could exploit the exemption and later be modified for higher speeds.
  • MoRTH had warned States in 2022 about electric two-wheelers sold as low-speed vehicles despite being capable of 40-55 kmph, bypassing conventional motor vehicle requirements.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

PM-KMY Pension Scheme Completes Seven Years with 24.96 Lakh Farmers Enrolled

Key Updates:

  • The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), launched on 12 September 2019, is a Central Sector Scheme administered by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in partnership with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
  • PM-KMY is a voluntary contributory old-age pension scheme for small and marginal farmers offering a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after the age of 60.
  • As of 6 February 2026, the scheme has 24,96,252 enrolments nationwide, with Haryana leading at about 5.75 lakh, followed by Bihar with over 3.46 lakh, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh each above 2.5 lakh, and Chhattisgarh over 2 lakh.
  • ₹540.66 crore has been utilized nationwide under PM-KMY since 2019 as of February 2026.
  • Farmers contribute ₹55 to ₹200 monthly depending on entry age (18-40 years), with the Central Government matching equally, making total monthly contributions of ₹110 to ₹400.
  • Eligibility requires small and marginal farmers with cultivable landholdings up to two hectares, aged 18-40 years, whose names appear in land records as of 1 August 2019.
  • Exclusions include beneficiaries of other social security schemes (NPS, ESIC, PM-SYM, PM-LVM), institutional landholders, constitutional post holders, public representatives, government and public sector employees (except Multi-Tasking Staff, Class IV, and Group D), income tax payers, and registered professionals.
  • After a subscriber's death, the spouse receives a family pension of 50% of the subscriber's pension (₹1,500 monthly), provided the spouse is not already a PM-KMY beneficiary.
  • Enrollment is done through Common Service Centres (CSCs) using Aadhaar, bank account details, and mobile number OTP verification, with contribution frequency options of monthly, quarterly, four-monthly, or half-yearly cycles.
  • Farmers may use PM-KISAN benefits for voluntary contributions through enrollment-cum-auto-debit mandates.
  • False declarations lead to ineligibility for financial benefits, stoppage of government matching contributions, and refund of subscriber contributions without interest.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 Begins With Focus on Anganwadis (Start of September)

The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 on September 9, 2026 at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre, Varanasi, under the theme 'Hamari Anganwadi…

Annpurna Devi to Launch 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah (Start of September)

The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, will launch the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 on 9th September 2026 at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre, Varanasi, Uttar…

PM Vishwakarma Scheme Registers 30 Lakh Artisans in Three Years with Training, Loans and Toolkits

Key Updates:

  • The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched in September 2023 by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, has registered 30 lakh artisans across 18 identified trades in its first three years of operation.
  • 24.50 lakh Vishwakarmas have received basic skill training from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship under the scheme.
  • 6.18 lakh artisans have received loans of up to one lakh rupees each at a concessional 5 per cent annual interest rate, totalling 5,297 crore rupees.
  • 18.15 lakh modern toolkits have been delivered to artisans through India Post.
  • The scheme provides certificates and identity cards, skill training, modern tools, access to loans, and support for digital payments and marketing to traditional craftspeople.
  • The third anniversary milestone will be celebrated on 17 September 2026 in Kolkata, with Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari attending.
  • In West Bengal, the scheme was onboarded in May 2026, with 3,000 beneficiaries already registered and skill training underway for them.

Connects with 3 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

MoEFCC Launches India Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard on World Ozone Day 2026

Key Updates:

  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the India Net Zero Portal and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard in Mumbai on September 16, 2026, on World Ozone Day 2026.
  • Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh launched the two digital platforms.
  • The Net Zero Portal allows Indian entities to voluntarily register and disclose Net Zero commitments, report greenhouse gas emissions, declare targets and provide annual progress updates.
  • The portal encourages disclosure of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, while Scope 3 emissions reporting remains voluntary.
  • Entities declaring Net Zero targets will receive an acknowledgement from the Ministry, and declarations will be publicly accessible as a consolidated repository.
  • The NAPCC Dashboard provides a unified digital view of the implementation and progress of National Missions, helping ministries track progress, identify gaps and strengthen coordination.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

NITI Aayog Launches PACT for Zero-Emission Freight (Start of September)

NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba launched the Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport (PACT) and the Zero Emission Truck (ZET) Marketplace at the 5th E-Fast India Summit 2026 in New Delhi. Heavy trucks account for only…

Rajnath Singh Announces DRDO Support Measures for MSMEs and Start-ups at VIMARSH 2026

Key Updates:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled policy initiatives for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups at the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet 'VIMARSH 2026', held under the theme 'Varta se Vikas', including direct funding, incubation and mentorship support, and dedicated access to DRDO testing facilities.
  • DRDO launched a standardised and secure framework for sharing its software source codes with licensee industries to accelerate software-defined defence capabilities and address technology obsolescence.
  • Nine Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToTs) were handed over to 13 manufacturing partners, enabling commercial production of DRDO-developed defence systems.
  • DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that over 2,300 technology transfers have been given to more than 1,100 industries, and technologies related to approximately 50 missiles have been made available to industry.
  • DRDO signed MoUs with the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), and a contract with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for SAMAR Version 2.0 to benchmark manufacturing maturity of domestic defence enterprises.
  • Rajnath Singh set a goal of achieving Aatmanirbharta in critical technologies by 2047 and highlighted reforms including Positive Indigenisation Lists, iDEX, the ADITI programme, and allocation of 25% of the defence R&D budget to the private sector.
  • The Technology Development Fund (TDF) supports defence start-ups, with several TDF-backed technologies already reaching production stage.
  • DRDO released two documents: 'Defence Systems for Resilient Bharat – Advancing Aatmanirbharta in Defence', covering systems developed between 2014 and 2026, and 'Guidelines for Human Resource Outsourcing Service Contracts in DRDO'.
  • More than 250 defence industry leaders, officials and DRDO scientists attended VIMARSH 2026, which focused on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonics, directed-energy systems, drone technology and cybersecurity.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

National Small Industry Day 2026 – August 30 (Start of September)

National Small Industry Day is observed annually on August 30 in India. The day traces its formal recognition to August 30, 2000, when a comprehensive policy package for small scale industries was launched.

Topic

International, Defence and Summits

View all International & Defence

UAE and Iranian Presidents Hold First Talks Since the War at BRICS Summit in India

Key Updates:

  • Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday during the BRICS summit in India, marking the countries' highest-level meeting since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran.
  • The talks followed the UAE's announcement on 19 August that it had halted all trade and financial transactions with Iran until further notice, citing regional escalation.
  • Both countries are members of BRICS, the group of emerging economies that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
  • The two leaders backed the summit's New Delhi Declaration, adopted on Saturday, which expressed concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East, called for maximum restraint, and urged protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
  • The New Delhi Declaration also criticised unilateral tariffs and sanctions and supported further work on international payments and trade using members' own currencies.
  • Pezeshkian said Arab foreign ministers were due to meet in Muscat on Monday to sign an agreement establishing a joint Iran-Oman shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iran had announced on 5 August that it had agreed the location of a proposed shipping route with Oman, and Pezeshkian said Iran would reopen the strait when the United States ended its blockade and attacks.
  • On Sunday, Qeshm governor Amir Teymouri said one person was killed after a merchant vessel was struck near Iran's Hengam and Qeshm islands.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

United States Lawmaker Proposes Amendment Naming India in Russia Sanctions Bill with 100% Tariff Threat

Key Updates:

  • Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer moved an amendment to the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act in the US House of Representatives naming India among 10 countries that could face 100% tariffs on trade in Russian oil.
  • The other countries named in the amendment are China, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovak Republic, UAE, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic.
  • The Senate version of the bill, passed on August 7 by a vote of 86 to 11, avoided naming countries and referred only to the five largest importers of oil and gas by volume.
  • If the amendment survives the House process, it would be the first time India appears by name in the bill's text.
  • Democratic Congressman Gregory Meeks moved an amendment to remove Section 113, which gives the President broad power to place tariffs on countries trading with Russia, and also proposed USD 15 billion in direct loans to Ukraine for defence equipment.
  • The bill would give President Donald Trump the power to impose 100% tariffs on Russia's largest oil trading partners, and the House had four working days left before an early recess ahead of the November 3 mid-term elections.

Connects with 3 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

India and Vietnam to Mark 2027 as Friendship Year After 19th Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi

Key Updates:

  • India and Vietnam agreed to observe 2027 as the 'Year of India-Vietnam Friendship' to mark the 55th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic relations, at the 19th India-Vietnam Joint Commission Meeting co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Vietnam's Foreign Affairs Minister Le Hoai Trung in New Delhi.
  • The ministers reviewed the full spectrum of the India-Vietnam Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identified pathways to deepen defence collaboration, including co-production of Indian defence equipment.
  • Vietnam agreed to address market access for Indian pharmaceuticals, marine products, and agricultural goods, with both sides agreeing to bolster financial, port, and air connectivity and explore cooperation in space exploration and nuclear energy.
  • Vietnam's Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung arrived in New Delhi on Saturday during the 18th BRICS Summit hosted under India's chairship, where Vietnam participated as a 'Partner Country'.
  • Vietnam is a key pillar of India's Act East Policy and an important partner in India's engagement with ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific.
  • India-Vietnam ties were elevated to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam's state visit to India in May 2025.
  • The previous Joint Commission Meeting was held three years ago, and both sides agreed to convene the next meeting at a mutually convenient date.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

International Day of Friendship 2026 – July 30 (Start of August)

The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of Friendship on July 30 every year. The UN General Assembly proclaimed July 30 as the International Day of Friendship in 2011.

Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Nationalist Parties Sign Joint Pact Demanding Self-Determination From UK

Key Updates:

  • On September 14, 2026, the leaders of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru and Sinn Fein signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding in Cardiff asserting their nations' right to self-determination.
  • The MoU stated that first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom and that the future of their nations belongs in the European Union.
  • The SNP continues to push for another Scottish independence referendum despite Westminster's opposition.
  • Plaid Cymru emerged as the largest party in the Welsh Senedd elections in May 2026, with its leader Adam Price becoming first minister.
  • Sinn Fein became the largest party in Northern Ireland's 2022 Assembly elections, and Michelle O'Neill became first minister in 2024 after a DUP walkout over post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Connects with 3 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

United States Hosts Jordan for First-Time Exercise Eager Lion 2026 at Fort Carson, Colorado

Key Updates:

  • US Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Jordanian Armed Forces launched the biennial exercise Eager Lion 2026 at Fort Carson in Colorado, the first time the United States has hosted the event.
  • The two-week exercise, now in its 12th iteration, brings together more than 200 military personnel from Jordan and the United States, including National Guard personnel from Colorado and Illinois.
  • Eager Lion 2026 features operational scenarios focused on planning and coordination in counterterrorism, air defence, maritime security, cybersecurity, and disaster response.
  • Colorado and Jordan were paired in 2004 under the US National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program, which was established in 1993 to foster international security ties.
  • CENTCOM dismissed IRGC claims that a Panama-flagged oil tanker struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, stating the tanker El Gaia was struck by an Iranian missile last month and again by an Iranian drone off the coast of Oman over the weekend.
  • Tehran implemented transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz in March 2026 in response to joint US-Israeli military strikes executed on February 28, which initiated the current regional conflict.

Connects with 4 related updates for revision context.

Related Current Affairs Coverage

Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 Begins in Jodhpur (Start of September)

India and Japan commenced the bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian 2026' at Jodhpur Air Force Station. The exercise will take place from September 9 to September 22, 2026.

Indian Navy-US Navy EOD Exercise 2026 to Commence in Kochi (Mid of August)

The Indian Navy and US Navy will conduct the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise 2026 at Southern Naval Command, Kochi from 10 to 14 August 2026. The exercise is the eighth edition of the joint Salvage and EOD…

India's Parliamentary Delegation Led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Joins 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town

Key Updates:

  • An Indian Parliamentary Delegation led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh is participating in the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) being held in Cape Town, South Africa, from 12 to 19 September.
  • Besides Harivansh, 32 Presiding Officers and 18 Secretaries from State/UT Legislatures of India, who are members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), are attending the Conference.
  • In Cape Town, 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 of South Africa.
  • Dr. D. Purandeswari, MP, Lok Sabha, attended the CPA Executive Committee meeting and presented India's views on matters concerning the CPA.
  • Harivansh will address the General Assembly of the 69th CPC on the theme 'New Leadership Opportunities for the Commonwealth: Parliamentary Action to Strengthen Democracy and International Law,' with six main workshops scheduled during the Conference.
  • The Indian delegation includes C. Sadanandan Master (Rajya Sabha), Dr. D. Purandeswari, Vishnu Datt Sharma, Sudheer Gupta, Krishna Prasad Tenneti, Rachna Banerjee (all Lok Sabha MPs), and P. C. Mody, Secretary General, Rajya Sabha.

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Related Current Affairs Coverage

Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada to Evaluate Turboprop Engines for DRDO's HALE UAV Programme

Key Updates:

  • Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada announced a collaboration to evaluate the integration of advanced turboprop engines into a High-Altitude, Long-Endurance (HALE) UAV being developed under a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) programme.
  • The partnership combines Pratt & Whitney Canada's propulsion technology with Bharat Forge's engineering and systems integration capabilities to support India's indigenous UAV push under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
  • In August 2026, India signed a $203 million, 30-month agreement with General Atomics to lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones for the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance operations.
  • India has more than 600 drone-related companies, including over 100 defence-focused firms, according to think tank Sphrical Insights.
  • The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure 2,715 logistics drones for the Indian Army, which would be the Army's largest-ever logistics drone procurement.
  • In March 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing the National Defence Industries Conclave in New Delhi, said India must work in mission mode to emerge as a global hub for indigenous drone manufacturing.
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles played a foundational role in Operation Sindoor, India's tri-service military response launched on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack, with Harpy, Harop and SkyStriker drones used to hit tactical positions, aircraft hangars and radar sites.
  • India is moving towards domestic drone production through a ₹1,577 crore contract involving Tata Advanced Systems and NIBE, and a planned military drone procurement worth more than $2 billion from domestic firms.

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Munitions India, Drogo Aerospace Sign MoU for UAV Systems (Start of September)

Munitions India Limited (MIL), a Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, signed an MoU with Drogo Aerospace Private Limited for collaboration in design, development and integration of indigenous…

India Hosts World Circular Economy Forum 2026 in Gandhinagar, Its First Edition in South Asia

Key Updates:

  • The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 began in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, marking the first time the event is held in South Asia.
  • Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel are set to inaugurate the forum.
  • The forum is held under the theme 'Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity'.
  • More than 2,000 participants from over 65 countries are expected to take part in the forum.
  • A circular economy focuses on reusing, repairing, recycling and recovering materials instead of the take-make-dispose pattern.

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Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment

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Assam Hosts 3,260 One-Horned Rhinos, Nearly 80% of Global Population

Key Updates:

  • Assam is home to 3,260 one-horned rhinoceroses, around 80 per cent of the estimated global population of about 4,075, according to the latest survey announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 15, 2026.
  • Assam recorded zero known rhino poaching cases in 2025, only the second time since the 1970s that the state achieved this milestone.
  • Kaziranga National Park alone is home to more than 2,600 rhinos, while Manas National Park has an estimated 40-50.
  • Globally, there were fewer than 100 one-horned rhinos in the early 1900s.

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SiCSem's ₹3,406 Crore Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Plant Approved for Odisha

Key Updates:

  • Odisha is set to get a ₹3,406.25 crore semiconductor manufacturing facility by SiCSem Private Limited, a Tamil Nadu-based company, approved at the 217th meeting of the Unit Approval Committee (UAC) of Falta SEZ.
  • The unit will come up at IDCO Infovalley-II in Khordha district under the jurisdiction of Falta Special Economic Zone, spread over 21.889 acres.
  • The facility will manufacture silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices, including SiC diodes and SiC MOSFETs, with annual capacity of 4.8 million SiC diodes and 91.2 million SiC MOSFETs.
  • The project will be funded through a central government capital subsidy of ₹700 crore, an Odisha government subsidy of ₹350 crore, and promoter contribution of ₹1,956.25 crore.
  • The facility is projected to generate an export turnover of ₹7,043 crore and net foreign exchange earnings of approximately ₹4,523 crore over the next five years.

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Semicon 2.0 Notified with ₹1.27 Lakh Crore Outlay (Start of September)

The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified Semicon 2.0, a ₹1.27 lakh crore scheme to expand India's semiconductor ecosystem. The scheme extends support to chip-design startups, MSMEs…

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Sports

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India Sets Up Panel to Study Feasibility of Bringing Back Formula 1

Key Updates:

  • Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday announced a 10-member Task Force to assess the challenges and feasibility of reviving Formula 1 in India.
  • The Task Force is chaired by Niti Aayog Programme Director and adviser Yugal Kishore Joshi and includes joint secretary (sports) Kunal and FMSCI (Motorsports Federation of India) President Arindam Ghosh.
  • The committee, which also has representation from the departments of tourism and commerce and the Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra governments, aims to create a roadmap so India can host a Formula 1 race in 2028.
  • India last hosted a Formula 1 race in 2013, after which the race was dropped due to bureaucratic and taxation issues.

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Miscellaneous Current Affairs

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Paryushan Parva 2026: Samvatsari Falls on September 15 as Jains Observe the Festival of Forgiveness

Key Updates:

  • Shwetambar Jains observe the eight-day Paryushan Parva in 2026 from September 8 to September 15, with Samvatsari listed as September 15 in the Jain calendar.
  • Shwetambar Jains observe the eight-day Paryushan Parva, while Digambar Jains observe the ten-day Das Lakshan Parva.
  • The Digambar tradition observes Kshamavani, its forgiveness-focused observance, for which current 2026 sources differ between September 26 and September 27.
  • The Kalpa Sutra, a major Shwetambar Jain text, is traditionally read and recited during the Paryushan festival.
  • The first section of the Kalpa Sutra discusses the lives of the Jinas, particularly Mahavir Swami, Parshva Nath, Nemi Nath and Rishabha Dev, and its readings recount Mahavir Swami's birth and Queen Trishala's fourteen auspicious dreams.
  • On Samvatsari, devotees traditionally undertake the Samvatsari Pratikraman, reflecting on their actions and seeking forgiveness for harm caused knowingly or unknowingly.
  • Michhami Dukkadam is a traditional Jain expression of seeking forgiveness for harm caused knowingly or unknowingly through one's thoughts, words or actions.
  • Paryushan is closely connected with Ahimsa, the Jain principle of non-violence, and falls within the monsoon Chaturmas period when Jain ascetics remain settled in one place.
  • During Paryushan, devotees may observe different forms of restraint such as Upvas, Ekasana, Ayambil and longer fasts like Atthai, reflecting the idea of Tapasya, or austerity and self-discipline.

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Sanjeev Jain Appointed Ambassador to North Korea (Start of July)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) appointed Sanjeev Jain as the Ambassador of India to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Sanjeev Jain is a 2008-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer.

Teachers' Day 2026 observed in India on September 5 (Start of September)

India celebrates Teachers' Day on September 5 every year to mark the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was India's second President, serving from 1962 to 1967, and was a…

World Ozone Day 2026: September 16 Theme and Background of the Ozone Layer Observance

Key Updates:

  • World Ozone Day is observed every year on 16 September, and its official name is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
  • The theme for World Ozone Day 2026 is 'Global action for a cooler planet', highlighting the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment's contribution to climate action.
  • The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on 19 December 1994, and the first observance took place in 1995.
  • The date commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on 16 September 1987; it entered into force in 1989.
  • The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was adopted in 1985.
  • The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, established a global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are powerful greenhouse gases.
  • The ozone layer lies in the stratosphere, roughly 10 to 40 kilometres above Earth's surface, with about 90 percent of atmospheric ozone located there, and absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation.
  • Ozone depletion was mainly caused by human-made ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosols and foam production.
  • The 'ozone hole' refers to severe seasonal ozone depletion, most notably over Antarctica, not a literal empty hole in the atmosphere.

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Karnataka Government Officially Observes September 15 as Engineers' Day and Permits 'Er.' Title for Engineers

Key Updates:

  • The Karnataka government has approved the observance of September 15, the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya, as Engineers' Day.
  • The government also permitted engineers to use the title 'Er.' before their names, similar to titles such as 'Dr' and 'Prof'.
  • Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the decision after garlanding Visvesvaraya's statue, and the government order was issued hours later.
  • Earlier, on September 5 (Teachers' Day), the state government had allowed teachers to use the prefix 'Tr' before their names.
  • Sir M Visvesvaraya, born on September 15, 1861, at Muddenahalli in Chikkaballapur district, served as the 19th Diwan of Mysore State from 1912 to 1918 and built the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam.
  • Visvesvaraya's other contributions include establishing Bhadravati Iron and Steel Works, the University of Mysore, State Bank of Mysore, and Mysore Sandalwood Oil and Soap factories.

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Kumik in Zanskar Declared Ladakh's First Heritage Village Amid Water-Driven Relocation Concerns

Key Updates:

  • Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena declared Zanskar's Kumik as the Union Territory's first designated Heritage Village on September 15, coinciding with the opening of the Ladakh Zanskar Festival.
  • The recognition honours Kumik's traditional homes, sacred spaces, farming practices, longstanding customs, and Kanjur (Kangyur) manuscripts, the Tibetan Buddhist collection of scriptures traditionally regarded as the Buddha's words.
  • A 2022 report described families relocating from Kumik to Lower Kumik, where a canal provided irrigation water, while a July 2025 report stated much of the historic village had been abandoned.
  • The Mountain Climate Fund has proposed a canal about 300 yards long at roughly 18,000 feet to capture meltwater from a neighbouring glacier and direct runoff towards the streambed above Kumik.
  • The 2026 Zanskar Festival was the first since Zanskar attained district status in April, and the festival has been included in Ladakh's official tourism calendar.

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Rajasthan's Shekhawati Havelis Added to UNESCO Tentative List (Start of September)

Rajasthan's historic Shekhawati havelis have been included in UNESCO's Tentative List, a preliminary step towards potential World Heritage status, covering heritage properties across 14 towns including Alsisar, Bissau…

Stanzin Tsangyang Becomes Kargil's First Woman Officer (Start of September)

Stanzin Tsangyang from Zanskar, Ladakh, became the first female officer from Kargil district to be commissioned into the Indian Army, at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai on September 5, 2026. She studied at…

LiDAR Survey to Map Hidden Monuments at Lakkundi (Start of September)

The Department of Archaeology Museums and Heritage (DAMH) will collaborate with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) to conduct a LiDAR survey at Lakkundi. The survey will employ Light Detection and Ranging…

Kerala to Hold Three-Day ‘Reimagining Keralam’ Roundtable for Implementation Roadmap of 73 Budget Projects

Key Updates:

  • Kerala will hold a three-day ‘Reimagining Keralam’ roundtable conference from September 16 to 18, 2026, in Thiruvananthapuram to prepare implementation plans, resources, timelines and financial models for 73 major projects announced in the State Budget 2026-27.
  • The roundtable, organised under the theme “Ideas, Projects, Actions”, will bring together more than 40 government departments and agencies along with ministers, bureaucrats, experts, investors and other stakeholders.
  • Chief Minister V D Satheesan will inaugurate the programme, and Industries, Commerce, IT and AI Minister P K Kunhalikutty will deliver the keynote address.
  • The first day will focus on industrial and technology initiatives including Mission Samudra, investor-friendly consortiums, industrial corridors and Artificial Intelligence, while the second day will cover social development, tourism, startups, transport and disaster management.
  • A key outcome will be a Draft Project Scope Document for each programme, which after approval will form the basis for Terms of Reference, Requests for Proposals, feasibility studies and Detailed Project Report preparation.

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Two Tribal Representatives Join Kerala Wildlife Board (Mid of August)

Raman Raja Mannan, the Mannan tribal king, and Vinod, a researcher from the Cholanaikkan community, were inducted as members of the State Wildlife Board. This is the first time tribal representatives have been included…

Kerala Launches Digital Square Education Initiative (End of July)

The Kerala government launched the Digital Square programme on July 25, 2026, to promote digital learning in primary schools. The programme is implemented by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE)…

Bihar CM Announces Training of 100 Professors at Global Institutions Including Oxford

Key Updates:

  • Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced on September 13, 2026 that the State will send 100 professors for training at prestigious global institutions, including the University of Oxford.
  • The announcement was made at the inauguration of an orientation programme for 2,451 newly appointed assistant professors in Patna.
  • Bihar allocates 21% of its total budget to the education sector.
  • Choudhary urged the new assistant professors to ensure at least 75% student attendance in colleges.
  • Bihar became the first State in the country to launch 211 degree colleges in a single day, and 700 'Saraswati Vidya Niketan' model schools are being developed to strengthen school education.

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People, Positions and Obituaries

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Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Receives Three International Awards During London Visit

Key Updates:

  • Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde undertook a two-day official visit to London after being invited to address two events at the British Parliament.
  • During the visit, Shinde was to be honoured with three international awards recognising his public service, transparent governance, and welfare initiatives.
  • The three awards were the Commonwealth Public Leadership Recognition, the Statesmanship Award, and the Global Pride of Maharashtra award.
  • Shinde attended the 'International Conclave 2026: Global Business & Investment Dialogue' at the House of Commons as chief guest, hosted by the Indo-European Business Forum and the World Leadership Forum.

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Rani Mukerji Gets Maharashtra's Raj Kapoor Award (Start of September)

Actress Rani Mukerji was honoured with the Raj Kapoor Special Contribution Award at the 62nd Maharashtra State Film Awards ceremony in Mumbai on September 9, 2026. She received the award from Maharashtra Chief Minister…

IPS Officer Sanjukta Parashar Takes Charge as First Woman Head of CRPF's CoBRA Unit

Key Updates:

  • Sanjukta Parashar, a 2006-batch IPS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, has taken charge as Inspector General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)'s elite CoBRA unit, becoming the first woman officer to head the force.
  • CoBRA, or Commando Battalion for Resolute Action, is a 10-battalion-strong specialised jungle-warfare force of the CRPF.
  • Parashar succeeds 1996-batch IPS officer Danesh Rana as IG, CoBRA; the appointment order was issued by CRPF headquarters.
  • Known as the 'Iron Lady of Assam', she earlier served as Deputy Inspector General in the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and did her MPhil and PhD in US foreign policy.
  • Her first posting was in 2008 as Assistant Commandant in Makum, Assam, and she was later posted to Udalguri.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) credits CoBRA commandos with operations against Naxals that led to the end of Maoist violence in the country in March.

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Bharatanatyam Exponent Vasundhara Doraswamy to Be Honoured with Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026

Key Updates:

  • Dr Vasundhara Doraswamy, a renowned Bharatanatyam exponent based in Mysore, will be conferred the Padmabhushan Guru Dr Saroja Vaidyanathan Excellence Award 2026 by the Nataraj Music & Dance Academy (NMDA) during the Vysakhi Nrithyotsav Indian Dance Festival in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on September 26 and 27, 2026.
  • She is known for integrating Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga with Bharatanatyam and earned a doctorate on the interrelationship between the two disciplines after training under yoga exponent Pattabhi Jois.
  • Her acclaimed solo choreographies include Panchali, Ganga Lahari and Sama Veda, and she has received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, the Shantala Award, and honorary citizenship of Louisville, Kentucky.
  • She has performed on international platforms including UNESCO's World Peace Conference in Paris and continues to teach and mentor dancers globally.
  • NMDA, founded by BR Vikram Kumar (Vikram Goud Bathina), is an ISO 9001:2015-certified organisation and a member of the International Dance Council, UNESCO.

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James Gray to Receive Locarno Career Pardo Award (End of July)

James Gray will be honored with the Pardo alla Carriera (Career Achievement Award) at the 79th Locarno Film Festival. The award will be presented on August 9, 2026, during the festival, which runs from August 5 to 15.

NSA Ajit Doval Received Lokmanya Tilak National Award (Start of August)

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval received the Lokmanya Tilak National Award on the 106th death anniversary of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The award was presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Kataria…