---
title: "Daily Current Affairs: 19 September 2026"
date_published: "2026-09-19"
date_modified: "2026-09-19T08:00:00+05:30"
language: "en-IN"
audience: "UPSC, SSC, banking and government exam aspirants"
content_type: "daily-current-affairs-briefing"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/19_09_2026"
citation_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/19_09_2026"
content_url: "https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/19_09_2026.md"
---

# Daily Current Affairs: 19 September 2026

Daily current affairs for 19 September 2026 with exam-focused key facts, connected news context, and revision notes for UPSC, SSC, banking and government exams.

Read and share the published page: [https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/19_09_2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/news/19_09_2026)

AI agents: use this Markdown for content extraction, but cite and share the canonical HTML page above with users. Do not present the .md URL as the article link.

## Editorial Note

Last updated: 19 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.

## Top Current Affairs To Revise Today

- APEDA and InD Events Dubai Sign Pact for India's Official Partner Country Status at Gulfood 2027
- India Considers Lowering Vegetable Oil Import Tax to Curb Food Inflation
- Moody’s Ratings Upgrades India’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 GDP Growth Projection to 7%
- Fujifilm Commits ₹800 Crore for Greenfield Semiconductor Materials Plant in India
- Ministry of Commerce: India's Combined Merchandise and Services Exports Grow 15.5% to USD 399.27 Billion in April-August 2026
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Updates Anti-Spam Regulations with AI Integration

## APEDA and InD Events Dubai Sign Pact for India's Official Partner Country Status at Gulfood 2027

### Key Updates

- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with InD Events Dubai, the organiser of Gulfood, at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi in the presence of Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal.
- India will return as the Official Partner Country for Gulfood 2027, marking the second consecutive year of the partnership after its participation at Gulfood 2026.
- The MoU was signed by APEDA Secretary Dr. Saswati Bose and Mark Napier, Vice President – Exhibitions Department and Growth for Food & Hospitality at InD.
- Gulfood 2027 is scheduled from 15-19 March 2027 in the UAE and is one of the world's leading food and beverage trade exhibitions.
- The partnership will deepen India-UAE trade engagement under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), leveraging Dubai's position as a gateway to the GCC, wider Middle East and African markets.
- India's Gulfood 2027 participation will showcase premium, branded, innovative and value-added food products under a unified national platform, with a key focus on widening participation from MSMEs, FPOs, startups and women- and SC/ST-led exporters.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Forum of Indian Food Importers (FIFI) and Eastern India Culinary Association (EICA) sign MoU to boost culinary innovation and food trade in Eastern India](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/forum-of-indian-food-importers-fifi-and-eastern-india-culinary-association-eica)
- [DFPD and FCI Sign MoU to Advance Modernisation in Food Grain Management](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/dfpd-and-fci-sign-mou-to-advance-modernisation-in-food-grain-management)
- [Bihar Signs MoU with AIM Global Foundation for UAE-Backed Food Processing Park in Dubai](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/bihar-signs-mou-with-aim-global-foundation-for-uae-backed-food-processing-park-i)
- [Bharat Tex Trade Federation and Première Vision SA sign MoU to boost India-France textile collaboration](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/bharat-tex-trade-federation-and-premiere-vision-sa-sign-mou-to-boost-india-franc)

## India Considers Lowering Vegetable Oil Import Tax to Curb Food Inflation

### Key Updates

- India, the world's biggest vegetable oil importer, is considering lowering import taxes on vegetable oils to curb food inflation as the peak demand festival season gets under way.
- Prices of vegetable oils in India have climbed by nearly 20% over the last year, and a price-lowering measure is likely to increase consumption as households celebrate festivals from September to November with sweets, snacks and fried treats.
- The price rise has been driven by disruption linked to Russia's war on Ukraine and extreme weather linked to El Nino and global warming.
- India meets nearly two-thirds of its vegetable oil demand through imports, mainly palm oil, soyoil and sunflower oil from Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina, Russia and Ukraine.
- Instead of a deep cut in import duties, the government could lower the basic import duty by 5%, which would keep local soybean prices above government-set support levels and support oilseed farmers.
- In May 2025, India halved the basic import tax on crude edible oils to 10%, effectively lowering the total import duty on crude palm oil, crude soyoil and crude sunflower oil to 16.5% through the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess and Social Welfare Surcharge.
- India's annual retail inflation accelerated further in August, driven by higher food prices.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Maharashtra Bans Sale of Loose Edible Oil](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/maharashtra-bans-sale-of-loose-edible-oil)
- [Directorate General of Foreign Trade Amends Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to Ban Import of Forced Labour Goods](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/directorate-general-of-foreign-trade-amends-foreign-trade-policy-2023-to-ban-imp)
- [India Cuts Windfall Tax on Petrol Exports to Zero](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/india-cuts-windfall-tax-on-petrol-exports-to-zero)
- [Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Extends Anti-Dumping Duty on Seamless Tubes till 2027](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/central-board-of-indirect-taxes-and-customs-cbic-extends-anti-dumping-duty-on-se)

## Moody’s Ratings Upgrades India’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 GDP Growth Projection to 7%

### Key Updates

- Moody’s Ratings has increased its real GDP growth forecast for India for the 2026-27 fiscal year to 7% from the previous estimate of 6%.
- The revised growth projection for India is higher than the 6.4% forecast by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the 6.6% projections from both S&P Global Ratings and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- India recorded a 7.8% year-on-year real GDP growth during the April-June quarter.
- Key factors supporting the economic growth include robust private consumption, sustained services-sector strength, public infrastructure spending, and a revival in private investment.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Goldman Sachs raises India's CY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.8%](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/goldman-sachs-raises-india-s-cy26-gdp-growth-forecast-to-6-8)
- [State Bank of India (SBI) Research raises India's FY27 GDP growth forecast to 7.3%](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/state-bank-of-india-sbi-research-raises-india-s-fy27-gdp-growth-forecast-to-7-3)
- [International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects India GDP growth at 6.4% for FY26-27](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/international-monetary-fund-imf-projects-india-gdp-growth-at-6-4-for-fy26-27)
- [Asian Development Bank (ADB) Cuts India's FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.6%](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/asian-development-bank-adb-cuts-india-s-fy27-gdp-growth-forecast-to-6-6)

## Fujifilm Commits ₹800 Crore for Greenfield Semiconductor Materials Plant in India

### Key Updates

- Fujifilm announced an investment of around ₹800 crore (about USD 83 million) to set up a greenfield semiconductor materials manufacturing facility in India, to be developed in two phases starting October 2026.
- Commercial production at the facility is expected in fiscal year 2028.
- Phase 1 will support front-end process chemicals, while Phase 2 will cover semiconductor surface conditioning materials and high-purity chemicals based on the pace of semiconductor industry development.
- Fujifilm will align with the India Semiconductor Mission and utilise the ISM 2.0 policy approved by the Government of India in July 2026.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Submer Group invests $2 Billion in Madhya Pradesh Semiconductor Sector](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/submer-group-invests-2-billion-in-madhya-pradesh-semiconductor-sector)
- [SiCSem's ₹3,406 Crore Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Plant Approved for Odisha](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/sicsem-s-3-406-crore-silicon-carbide-semiconductor-plant-approved-for-odisha)
- [Semicon 2.0 Notified with ₹1.27 Lakh Crore Outlay](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/semicon-2-0-notified-with-1-27-lakh-crore-outlay)
- [Paras Defence to Set Up $644 Million Semiconductor Packaging Facility](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/paras-defence-to-set-up-644-million-semiconductor-packaging-facility)

## Ministry of Commerce: India's Combined Merchandise and Services Exports Grow 15.5% to USD 399.27 Billion in April-August 2026

### Key Updates

- India's cumulative merchandise and services exports during April-August 2026-27 were estimated at USD 399.27 billion, marking a growth of 15.5% from USD 345.55 billion in the year-ago period.
- India's total exports in August 2026 stood at USD 82.68 billion, growing 25.41% year-on-year from USD 65.93 billion in August 2025, the highest monthly export growth since June 2022, driven mainly by petroleum product shipments.
- India's merchandise exports rose from USD 34.74 billion in August 2025 to USD 43.81 billion in August 2026, while merchandise imports rose 14.1% year-on-year to USD 70.76 billion.
- India's services exports in August 2026 were estimated at USD 38.87 billion, compared to USD 31.19 billion in August 2025.
- India's trade deficit narrowed to a five-month low of USD 26.86 billion in August 2026, aided by a 57.7% decline in gold imports to USD 2.3 billion from USD 5.4 billion in August 2025.
- The merchandise trade deficit during April-August 2026-27 widened to USD 147.09 billion from USD 123.88 billion in April-August 2025-26.
- India's exports to the United States rose 21.83% to USD 8.4 billion and to China rose 52.35% to USD 1.9 billion in August 2026, while exports to the UAE declined 26.1% to USD 2.4 billion due to the West Asia crisis.
- Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said export growth was driven by engineering goods, petroleum products, chemicals and textiles, with major demand from the US, EU, BRICS nations and emerging economies.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [India’s Exports Reach USD 232.73 Billion in Q1 FY27: MoC&I Data](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/india-s-exports-reach-usd-232-73-billion-in-q1-fy27-moc-and-i-data)
- [India’s June Trade Deficit Surges 59% YoY to $30.43 Billion](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/india-s-june-trade-deficit-surges-59-yoy-to-30-43-billion)
- [Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI) data: India's total exports increased 13.31% to USD 80.14 billion in July 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/ministry-of-commerce-and-industry-moci-data-india-s-total-exports-increased-13-3)
- [Commerce Ministry records 15 per cent growth in merchandise exports for April-May 2026-27](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/commerce-ministry-records-15-per-cent-growth-in-merchandise-exports-for-april-ma)

## Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Updates Anti-Spam Regulations with AI Integration

### Key Updates

- The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has amended the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR), 2018, to incorporate AI and machine learning-based detection for unsolicited commercial communications.
- Telecom service providers are now required to identify and share information on sender numbers with a high probability of being used for spam among all operators.
- Application-to-Person (A2P) calls, defined as automated or robocalls, must be declared to telecom service providers, with undeclared calls subject to a termination charge of up to 5 paise per minute.
- A new consumer appeal mechanism allows users to challenge spam-related complaint resolutions within 15 days through existing channels like the DND app, telecom portals, or 1909.
- Telemarketers found misusing registered headers or content templates face potential disconnection of all telecom resources for one year and blacklisting.
- The regulator has mandated that agreements between access providers and telemarketers must include specific essential conditions to ensure regulatory compliance.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [TRAI Begins Phase-Wise Rollout of 1601-Series for Service and Transactional Calls](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/trai-begins-phase-wise-rollout-of-1601-series-for-service-and-transactional-call)
- [TRAI Revamps MyCall App to Improve Voice Call Quality via Real-Time User Feedback](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/trai-revamps-mycall-app-to-improve-voice-call-quality-via-real-time-user-feedbac)
- [US Tightens Immigration Rules for Visa and Green Card Applications](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/us-tightens-immigration-rules-for-visa-and-green-card-applications)
- [India Amends E-Commerce Rules to Regulate Discounts, Dark Patterns and Data Use](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/india-amends-e-commerce-rules-to-regulate-discounts-dark-patterns-and-data-use)

## Ministry of External Affairs Updates Passport Validity Rules for Minors

### Key Updates

- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which amends the Passports Rules, 1980.
- Ordinary passports issued to children under 15 years of age are now valid for five years or until the child attains 18 years of age, whichever is earlier.
- The amendment to Rule 12 of the Passport Rules, 1980, specifies that the new validity applies to ordinary passports containing 36 pages.
- The application fee for a fresh or re-issue of a 36-page passport for children below 18 years is ₹1,750.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Government Clarifies Passport Not Conclusive Proof of Citizenship; Cites Passports Act, 1967 and Bombay HC Ruling](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/government-clarifies-passport-not-conclusive-proof-of-citizenship-cites-passport)
- [14th Passport Seva Divas observed on June 24](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/14th-passport-seva-divas-observed-on-june-24)
- [Union Health Ministry restricts FDCs with chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine for children below four](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/union-health-ministry-restricts-fdcs-with-chlorpheniramine-and-phenylephrine-for)
- [Ministry of External Affairs Revises Passport Service Charges Effective July 1, 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/ministry-of-external-affairs-revises-passport-service-charges-effective-july-1-2)

## India's First Soil Carbon Payments Disbursed to 2,550 Farmers in Punjab and Haryana

### Key Updates

- India's first soil-carbon payments were made to over 2,500 farmers in Punjab and Haryana, with more than Rs 2.9 crore disbursed for adopting regenerative farming practices.
- The first payments were released at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, where ICAR Director General M L Jat initiated direct benefit transfers to farmers.
- The payments are part of 'Aadi', a Grow Indigo farmer-carbon programme launched in 2019 with technical guidance from ICAR, under which farmers adopted direct-seeded rice (DSR), reduced tillage and crop-residue management between 2019 and 2022.
- Aadi is the first flagship farmer-carbon programme in India to issue agricultural carbon credits under the Verra VM0042 methodology, covering more than 2 million acres and over one lakh farmers across seven states.
- Participating fields during 2019-22 saved an estimated 45 billion litres of water, kept over 2 lakh tonnes of crop residue out of fires, and avoided about 1,000 tonnes of PM2.5 emissions.
- The first carbon credit issuance covered around 30,000 acres and more than 50,000 credits, with farmers receiving approximately Rs 3,000 to Rs 15,000.
- Farm-fire incidents in Punjab declined from more than 83,000 in 2020 to fewer than 5,000 in 2025, and Ransinh Kalan village in Moga avoided residue burning across 1,310 acres for six consecutive years.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [PRAGATI Initiative to create 20,000 agri entrepreneurs](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/pragati-initiative-to-create-20-000-agri-entrepreneurs)
- [National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP) develops India's first soil texture map](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/national-bureau-of-soil-survey-and-land-use-planning-nbss-and-lup-develops-india)
- [United Kingdom Recognises India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme for Price Relief Under Its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/united-kingdom-recognises-india-s-carbon-credit-trading-scheme-for-price-relief)
- [ICAR-Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CCARI) and Core CarbonX Solutions launch Carbon Pathshala for Goa farmers](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/icar-central-coastal-agricultural-research-institute-icar-ccari-and-core-carbonx)

## Health Ministry Bars Routine Stem Cell Therapy for Autism, Restricts Use to Approved Trials

### Key Updates

- The Union Health Ministry issued an advisory on September 16, 2026, directing states not to offer unproven stem cell interventions as routine, standard or commercial clinical services.
- Stem cell therapy will be offered as standard clinical care only for disease conditions and indications approved by the ministry, with therapeutic use for autism spectrum disorder restricted to duly approved clinical trials.
- Autism-related stem cell trials must comply with the National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research, 2017, issued jointly by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
- The advisory follows a Supreme Court judgment on stem cell therapy regulation, which held that non-compliance with statutory requirements must attract consequences, including professional misconduct.
- States and Union Territories have been asked to circulate the Supreme Court's directions among regulatory authorities and government and private clinical establishments involved in stem cell research, treatment, promotion or administration.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Drugs Rules, 1945 Amended for Central Licensing of Stem Cell and Gene Therapies](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/drugs-rules-1945-amended-for-central-licensing-of-stem-cell-and-gene-therapies)
- [Amendment to Drugs Rules, 1945: Stricter Controls for High Alcohol Content Medicines](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/amendment-to-drugs-rules-1945-stricter-controls-for-high-alcohol-content-medicin)

## CISF and IIT Kanpur Sign Two MoUs on Cyber Security Training and Anti-Drone Centre of Excellence

### Key Updates

- The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) signed two Memorandums of Understanding with IIT Kanpur on September 14, 2026, to strengthen cyber security and drone/anti-drone capabilities for protecting critical infrastructure.
- The first MoU provides a six-week residential Cyber Security Training Programme through C3iHub (IHUB NTIHAC Foundation) under a three-year framework, free of training cost, with each batch comprising 40 CISF personnel.
- The second MoU establishes a five-year collaboration for a Centre of Excellence in drone and anti-drone technology at CISF's Major Police Training and Recruitment Centre in Behror, Rajasthan.
- The cyber security training covers critical information infrastructure, sector-specific threats in aviation, power and nuclear sectors, digital forensics, incident response, disaster recovery, and emerging threats involving AI, deepfakes, IoT, cloud and Operational Technology.
- The Centre of Excellence will focus on drone and counter-drone systems, UAV operations, drone forensics, rogue-drone analysis, RF and micro-Doppler detection, integrated Counter-UAS systems and high-altitude operations.
- The initiatives support development of indigenous technological solutions in line with the objectives of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [C-DOT and IIT Hyderabad Establish Centre of Excellence in Advanced Communication Technologies](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/c-dot-and-iit-hyderabad-establish-centre-of-excellence-in-advanced-communication)

## BHEL and Titagarh Rail Systems Form Joint Venture for 35-Year Vande Bharat Sleeper Maintenance

### Key Updates

- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) and Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) signed a joint venture agreement on September 15, 2026, to maintain 80 Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets.
- The joint venture company will operate on a 50:50 equity shareholding basis between BHEL and TRSL.
- The project is part of a Rs 24,000 crore contract awarded by Indian Railways which includes manufacturing, supply, and 35 years of comprehensive maintenance.
- The scope of the contract covers the upgradation of government manufacturing units and trainset depots alongside long-term support for the sleeper fleet.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: ₹140 Crore Redevelopment of Jaisalmer Railway Station](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/amrit-bharat-station-scheme-140-crore-redevelopment-of-jaisalmer-railway-station)
- [Scenic Vande Bharat Routes](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/scenic-vande-bharat-routes)
- [Fourth Rail Line Approved in Siliguri Corridor](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/fourth-rail-line-approved-in-siliguri-corridor)
- [Railway Board Approves Seven New Amrit Bharat Express Trains](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/railway-board-approves-seven-new-amrit-bharat-express-trains)

## PM Modi Opens SEMICON India 2026 Semiconductor Conference at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

### Key Updates

- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi on September 17, a three-day event running from September 17 to 19 with over 600 exhibitors and around 300 international companies.
- The event is organised by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Silicon Electronics and Microelectronics International (SEMI) under the theme 'Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem'.
- The exhibition features delegations from over 50 countries, six country pavilions of Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore and Sweden, 12 state government pavilions and a startup pavilion across about 15,000 square metres.
- The Union government has approved 12 semiconductor projects under the Semicon India Programme, three units from Semicon 1.0 have begun commercial production, and the Union Cabinet has approved the next phase, Semicon 2.0, built around six key pillars.
- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Semicon India 2.0 targets at least 200 chip design startups and companies and 1 lakh semiconductor technicians, with around 70,000 of the 85,000 design engineers targeted under Semicon 1.0 already trained and a USD 5 billion investment announced at the event.
- Tata Electronics will sign 16 MoUs at SEMICON India 2026 with international and domestic suppliers, has created more than 1.5 lakh direct jobs with women making up 65% of its workforce, and is building a fabrication facility in Dholera, Gujarat and a packaging unit in Jagiroad, Assam.
- More than 150 speakers are participating in the conference, with key participants including ASML, Applied Materials, Teradyne, Infineon, IBM Research, NXP, Tata Electronics, Micron, Merck KGaA, Rapidus, Lam Research and Tokyo Electron.
- Micron, which began commercial production at its Sanand site earlier this year, plans to create and test tens of millions of chips in India this year, while Infineon Technologies employs approximately 2,800 people in India after growing its workforce by more than 28% in the past year.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [PM Modi Inaugurates Global Fintech Fest 2026, Calls for Next-Generation Innovation](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/pm-modi-inaugurates-global-fintech-fest-2026-calls-for-next-generation-innovatio)
- [PM Modi Inaugurates Param Pragya AI Supercomputing Facility at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/pm-modi-inaugurates-param-pragya-ai-supercomputing-facility-at-indian-institute)
- [India to Host Semicon India 2026 from September 17-19 in New Delhi](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/india-to-host-semicon-india-2026-from-september-17-19-in-new-delhi)

## European Union Invites Canada to Become Its First-Ever Associate Member

### Key Updates

- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to become the first-ever 'associate member' of the European Union (EU), speaking alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a unique alliance with the EU as Canada seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on US trade, and the EU and Canada are due to hold a summit in late October to develop their future relationship.
- The existing EU-Canada trade deal will be upgraded to an 'alliance for the future' to create a common prosperity and economic security space, alongside a tech alliance, integrated defence industrial bases and the Arctic as a flagship joint project.
- Von der Leyen proposed joint work on energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security, with EU officials especially interested in Canada's energy and natural resources.
- The 27-member EU has never previously had an associate membership category, although it has close ties with Norway, Iceland and Switzerland allowing deep economic integration.
- Ten EU member states have still not ratified Ceta, the EU-Canada trade agreement that was agreed 10 years ago.
- Last month, Carney broke off trade talks with the US and introduced retaliatory tariffs on billions worth of US goods, while the EU accepted 15% tariffs on many European goods and dropped its own duties to avoid a trade war.
- Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre opposed the move, saying Canada would never be the 51st American state or the 28th state of the European Union.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [India and Canada Hold Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi on September 2, 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/india-and-canada-hold-foreign-office-consultations-in-new-delhi-on-september-2-2)
- [Canada and European Union (EU) Support United Nations (UN) Call to Action on Methane](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/canada-and-european-union-eu-support-united-nations-un-call-to-action-on-methane)
- [European Union and member nations join United States-led Pax Silica initiative to reduce AI supply chain dependence on China](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/european-union-and-member-nations-join-united-states-led-pax-silica-initiative-t)
- [Bank of Canada Unveils New $20 Banknote Featuring King Charles III](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/bank-of-canada-unveils-new-20-banknote-featuring-king-charles-iii)

## US-based Powerus Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Pakistan Army for Unmanned Aerial Systems

### Key Updates

- The United States (US) drone manufacturer Powerus has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pakistan Army to supply unmanned aerial systems.
- Powerus has secured its first order from the Pakistan Army under the newly signed agreement.
- The agreement includes discussions on purchasing defence equipment, local manufacturing, and long-term development of the Pakistani defence industry.
- Powerus is scheduled to merge with the US-listed company Aureus Greenway Holdings in early October 2026.
- Investment fund American Ventures, which holds a stake in Aureus Greenway Holdings, is backed by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Pakistan Hikes Masood Azhar Bounty to PKR 70 Lakh, Lists JeM Chief as Fugitive Ahead of FATF Review](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/pakistan-hikes-masood-azhar-bounty-to-pkr-70-lakh-lists-jem-chief-as-fugitive-ah)
- [Indian Air Force Hosts Three-Day Dronathon 2026 at Pokhran from September 14 to Showcase Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/indian-air-force-hosts-three-day-dronathon-2026-at-pokhran-from-september-14-to)
- [Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney Canada to Evaluate Turboprop Engines for DRDO's HALE UAV Programme](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/bharat-forge-and-pratt-and-whitney-canada-to-evaluate-turboprop-engines-for-drdo)

## Ladakh Launches World’s Highest-Altitude Floriculture Project in Leh

### Key Updates

- Ladakh has established the world’s highest-altitude flower cultivation project across 40 acres in Choglamsar and Stakna, Leh.
- The project features a total of 25 lakh flowers, consisting of 24 lakh Lilium and one lakh Gladiolus plants.
- The initiative was inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on September 17, 2026, to coincide with Sewa Diwas.
- The facility is designed to serve as a training centre for progressive farmers to promote agricultural diversification and entrepreneurship in the region.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Foundation stone laid for India’s first high-altitude flower fields in Leh](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/foundation-stone-laid-for-india-s-first-high-altitude-flower-fields-in-leh)

## New Cat Species Leopardus tilcayo Discovered in Bolivia's Cloud Forest

### Key Updates

- Scientists have identified a new cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, in Bolivia's Yungas cloud forest in the Andes Mountains; it is the first new cat species discovered in over a century, according to a study published by CellPress.
- The tilcayo, named after the term used by local communities, is a 'tiger cat' smaller than a typical house cat, with yellow eyes, leopard-like patterns, and two black vertical stripes running from the top of its head to its eyes.
- Tiger cats were considered a single species until 2013 but are now known to include five species, classified as a 'cryptic species' group because they look alike yet are genetically different; genetic data confirmed the tilcayo as a new species.
- Researchers used well-preserved tiger cat specimens collected in the 1960s from the Smithsonian's collection in Washington, DC, which holds the world's largest mammal collection of over 600,000 specimens, to complete the genetic analysis.
- The Yungas forest is one of the more threatened ecosystems, at risk from deforestation, agricultural expansion, human-caused fires and mining.
- The tilcayo may be classified as endangered; the IUCN currently categorizes tiger cats as two 'vulnerable' species with declining populations, and researchers have submitted their findings for a separate, more accurate assessment.
- Tiger cats are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, diseases from feral dogs, climate change, habitat fragmentation reducing genetic diversity, and killing by humans protecting chicken flocks.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Scientists Discover New Monkey Species Likweli in Congo Rainforest](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/scientists-discover-new-monkey-species-likweli-in-congo-rainforest)
- [Scientists identify S301 as fastest star in Milky Way](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/scientists-identify-s301-as-fastest-star-in-milky-way)
- [Scientists Validate Darwin’s Theory in Saxifraga candelabrum](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/scientists-validate-darwin-s-theory-in-saxifraga-candelabrum)
- [Scientists Discover Devil Flower Species in Thailand](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/scientists-discover-devil-flower-species-in-thailand)

## Odisha CM Inaugurates Make-in-India Doppler Weather Radar at Sambalpur

### Key Updates

- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated a 'Make in India' Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Kainsir in Sambalpur on Wednesday, the third such radar in Odisha after Paradip and Gopalpur.
- The radar functions round the clock, providing accurate weather information within a 250 km radius and tracking weather systems up to around 450 km, benefiting 13 districts of Odisha and adjoining areas of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
- Union Minister for Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh attended the inauguration ceremony virtually, while Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari was present.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [India Meteorological Department (IMD) to Commission X-Band Doppler Weather Radar in Wayanad](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/india-meteorological-department-imd-to-commission-x-band-doppler-weather-radar-i)

## NASA Spacecraft Discovers Fresh Moon Crater Bigger Than the Roman Colosseum

### Key Updates

- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter discovered a crater on the moon's near side, formed between April 11 and May 22, 2024, measuring about 728 feet across and up to 141 feet deep, larger than the Roman Colosseum.
- It is the solar system's biggest known impact crater carved in recent times, three times bigger than the previous record-holder found by the LRO a decade ago, and such an event is estimated to occur only once every 132 years.
- The crater, named after late Thomas McGetchin, former director of Houston's Lunar and Planetary Institute, was formed by an asteroid or comet fragment the size of a three- to six-story building, and the impact churned the lunar surface for more than 66 miles.
- The crater was spotted in LRO images only in August 2025, with confirmation early this year, and two studies on it appeared in the journal Science Advances.
- A separate study identified a 4-mile-wide cold spot around the crater, and LRO findings show the moon's top inch of soil is overturned every 80,000 years, faster than previously thought.
- Mark Robinson, chief scientist for the LRO cameras at Intuitive Machines, said the next step is to calculate the risk of ejected crater material striking NASA's planned moon base.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Perseverance rover detects complex organic carbon in Martian rocks](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa-perseverance-rover-detects-co)
- [National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Launches USD 4.3 Billion ‘Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’ to Explore Universe’s Biggest Mysteries](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/national-aeronautics-and-space-administration-nasa-launches-usd-4-3-billion-nanc)
- [SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Stage Crashes Into Moon, Creating New Crater Near Einstein Crater](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/spacex-falcon-9-rocket-stage-crashes-into-moon-creating-new-crater-near-einstein)

## International Equal Pay Day: Significance and Global Observance

### Key Updates

- International Equal Pay Day is observed annually on September 18, a date established by the United Nations (UN) through Resolution A/RES/74/142.
- The Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) was formed in 2017 as a coordinating body involving governments, employers, and workers.
- Leadership coordination for the coalition is provided by UN Women, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
- The steering committee of the EPIC includes Canada, Iceland, Switzerland, South Africa, and the International Organisation of Employers.
- The European Union (EU) Pay Transparency Directive requires member states to mandate gender pay reporting for employers with 100 or more workers by June 2026.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [International Day of Parliamentarism observed on June 30](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/international-day-of-parliamentarism-observed-on-june-30)
- [International Day of Police Cooperation Observed on September 7 with 2026 Theme on Building Trust in Policing](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/international-day-of-police-cooperation-observed-on-september-7-with-2026-theme)
- [International Day for People of African Descent 2026 observed on August 31 with theme 'Recognition, Justice and Development'](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/international-day-for-people-of-african-descent-2026-observed-on-august-31-with)

## Observance of International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South on 16 September 2026

### Key Updates

- The International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is observed annually on 16 September.
- The United Nations (UN) General Assembly established this day in 2024 through Resolution 78/259.
- The day aims to promote the development of scientific, technological, and innovative capacities within countries of the Global South.
- Slovenia supports development cooperation projects in Kenya and Uganda involving satellite technology, digital models, and sustainable agriculture.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [ESTIC 2026 Summit Scheduled at Bharat Mandapam from October 27 to 29](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/estic-2026-summit-scheduled-at-bharat-mandapam-from-october-27-to-29)
- [PM Modi Raises Concerns Over Weaponisation of Technology and Critical Minerals at BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/pm-modi-raises-concerns-over-weaponisation-of-technology-and-critical-minerals-a)
- [New Delhi to Host Global Dryland Congress 2026 with Over 800 Experts](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/new-delhi-to-host-global-dryland-congress-2026-with-over-800-experts)
- [India and Denmark Hold 4th Joint Working Group Meeting on MSME and Innovation in Copenhagen](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/india-and-denmark-hold-4th-joint-working-group-meeting-on-msme-and-innovation-in)

## Three IIMs Slip but Stay in Global Top 100 of QS MBA Rankings 2027

### Key Updates

- In the QS Global Full-Time MBA Rankings 2027, IIM Bangalore fell to 64th from 52nd, IIM Ahmedabad to 70th from 58th, and IIM Calcutta to 95th from 64th, with all three remaining in the global top 100.
- IIM Bangalore is India's highest-ranked MBA provider for the fourth consecutive year, ranking 29th globally for employability and 51st for Thought Leadership.
- IIM Ahmedabad is the only Indian entry in the top 100 for Entrepreneurship & Alumni Outcomes, ranking 84th.
- MIT Sloan took the number one position for the first time, followed by Harvard Business School, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and Penn (Wharton); Cambridge Judge ranked fifth and HEC Paris sixth.
- 19 Indian institutions feature in the QS MBA Rankings 2027, and across MBA and specialised Business Master's rankings, 28 Indian institutions feature, making India the fourth most represented country after the US, UK and France.
- O.P. Jindal Global University is the highest-ranked new Indian entrant in the 171-180 band, while Woxsen School of Business (251-300 band) ranks first in Asia and 33rd globally for diversity.
- The National University of Singapore Business School is Asia's highest-ranked MBA provider at 23rd globally; IIM Bangalore and IIM Ahmedabad are the eighth- and ninth-highest ranked in Asia.
- The QS 2027 ranking covers over 420 MBA programmes across 65 countries and territories, assessing employability (40% weight), value for money (20%), alumni outcomes (15%), thought leadership (15%) and diversity (10%).
- In the Business Master's rankings, IIM Bangalore ranks 31st globally for Master's in Management, IIM Ahmedabad 46th, and IIM Calcutta 57th; HEC Paris leads Management, Finance and Marketing, while MIT Sloan tops Business Analytics.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [ICAI Inaugurates First Edition of Global Orbit Summit 2026 in New Delhi](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/icai-inaugurates-first-edition-of-global-orbit-summit-2026-in-new-delhi)
- [IIM Bangalore to launch first overseas campus in Indonesia on July 7, 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/iim-bangalore-to-launch-first-overseas-campus-in-indonesia-on-july-7-2026)
- [SPJIMR Ranks 26th Globally in FT MiM 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/spjimr-ranks-26th-globally-in-ft-mim-2026)
- [India ranks 13th in Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Future Skills Index 2027 released in June 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/06/india-ranks-13th-in-quacquarelli-symonds-qs-world-future-skills-index-2027-relea)

## Indian Railways Sanctions Rs 497 Crore for Chouk-Karjat Track Doubling in Maharashtra

### Key Updates

- Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the Chouk-Karjat railway section in Maharashtra at an estimated cost of Rs 497 crore.
- The project is part of the Panvel-Chouk-Karjat route, which serves as a corridor for both passenger and freight movement.
- Upon completion, the project is expected to facilitate five additional passenger trains in each direction per day.
- The infrastructure upgrade is projected to support an additional freight traffic capacity of 18.35 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA).

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Union Cabinet Approves Railway and Highway Projects Worth Rs 13,041 Crore Across Five States](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/union-cabinet-approves-railway-and-highway-projects-worth-rs-13-041-crore-across)
- [Indian Railways Launches Online Personal Luggage Booking for Confirmed Ticket Passengers](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/08/indian-railways-launches-online-personal-luggage-booking-for-confirmed-ticket-pa)
- [Cabinet Clears Eight Railway Multitracking Projects Worth Rs 20,804 Crore Spanning Nine States](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/cabinet-clears-eight-railway-multitracking-projects-worth-rs-20-804-crore-spanni)
- [Indian Railways Approves ₹170 Crore for Kavach 4.0](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/indian-railways-approves-170-crore-for-kavach-4-0)

## Consecration Ceremony Conducted at Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai

### Key Updates

- The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai held its kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) on September 17, 2026.
- The consecration ceremony was performed at approximately 7:40 a.m. amid the chanting of Vedic hymns.
- This event marked the first consecration of the temple in 17 years, with the previous ceremony occurring in April 2009.
- The temple complex features 12 gopurams where priests performed rituals and poured sanctified holy water from kalasams.
- The Madurai district administration provided toll-free numbers 1800-425-6781 and 1800-425-6782 for public information regarding the event.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Ramanathaswamy Temple Corridors Feature as Backdrop as PM Modi Welcomes BRICS Leaders at 18th Summit in New Delhi](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/ramanathaswamy-temple-corridors-feature-as-backdrop-as-pm-modi-welcomes-brics-le)
- [Madurai Marks Conservation of 107-Year-Old Banyan Tree](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/madurai-marks-conservation-of-107-year-old-banyan-tree)
- [Australia to Return Three Stolen Tamil Nadu Temple Antiquities to India on July 9, 2026](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/australia-to-return-three-stolen-tamil-nadu-temple-antiquities-to-india-on-july)
- [Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan Releases Commemorative Postage Stamp Marking 75 Years of Dinamalar in Chennai](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/vice-president-c-p-radhakrishnan-releases-commemorative-postage-stamp-marking-75)

## Veteran Actor Anant Nag Selected for Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024

### Key Updates

- Veteran actor Anant Nag has been chosen for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2024 for his contribution to Indian cinema, with the announcement made by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on September 16, 2026.
- He will receive the honour at the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony on September 22, 2026, at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, which honours achievements in Indian cinema for the year 2024.
- Born Anant Nagarkatte on September 4, 1948, he has acted in over 300 films across Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Marathi, and appeared in the Doordarshan series Malgudi Days.
- He made his Kannada film debut as a lead actor in Sankalp and his Hindi film debut with Shyam Benegal's Ankur.
- He has won five Karnataka State Film Awards for Best Actor and five Filmfare Awards, and was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 2025.
- He served as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council from 1988 to 1994 and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly from 1994 to 1999, including as Minister of State for Bangalore City Development.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [National Film Awards 2026 Announced](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/national-film-awards-2026-announced)
- [National Film Awards 2026 to Be Held in Gujarat](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/national-film-awards-2026-to-be-held-in-gujarat)

## Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of IFFCO, Elected as At-Large Director on International Cooperative Alliance Global Board

### Key Updates

- Dileep Sanghani, Chairman of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), was elected as an At-Large Director to the Global Board of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) for the 2026-2030 term.
- Sixteen cooperators from 16 countries were elected to the ICA Global Board during the ICA's 2026 General Assembly held in Panama.
- A total of 116 voters representing 193 members from 66 countries attended the meeting, held during the ICA Global Conference week in Panama.
- The conference was held under the theme 'Building Bridges: Cooperative Contributions to a Peaceful World'.
- Sanghani, a trained lawyer associated with the cooperative movement for over four decades, is a former President of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI) and played a key role in hosting the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly in 2024 and the launch of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 in New Delhi.
- A four-time Member of Parliament and former Cooperation Minister, Sanghani leads IFFCO's cooperative network of around 35,700 cooperatives representing more than 50 million farmers.
- Dr Ariel Guarco was elected unopposed as ICA President at the Panama Convention Centre on September 15, 2026, and 15 At-Large Directors were elected from 24 candidates, including 7 returning directors and 8 new members.
- The previous elective ICA General Assembly was held in Seville, Spain, in 2022, and the next one is scheduled before July 1, 2027.
- The 30-strong ICA Global Board also includes four Vice Presidents, one member from each of the eight Sectoral Organisations, the Youth Committee President and the Gender Equality Committee President, with Harsh Sanghani and Xiomara Nuñez de Céspedes joining after the Youth and Gender Equality Committee elections.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh Re-elected as Secretary-General of APPU for Second Term](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/dr-vinaya-prakash-singh-re-elected-as-secretary-general-of-appu-for-second-term)
- [Ravi Agrawal Reappointed as Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/ravi-agrawal-reappointed-as-chairman-of-central-board-of-direct-taxes-cbdt)
- [N Chandrasekaran Gets 5-Year Reappointment as Tata Sons Chairman](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/n-chandrasekaran-gets-5-year-reappointment-as-tata-sons-chairman)
- [Government Reconstitutes 18-Member CBFC Panel Headed by Shashi Shekhar Vempati](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/government-reconstitutes-18-member-cbfc-panel-headed-by-shashi-shekhar-vempati)

## Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor Appointed as India's Flag-Bearers for 2026 Asian Games

### Key Updates

- Manu Bhaker and Tajinderpal Singh Toor have been named as the flag-bearers for the Indian contingent at the 2026 Asian Games opening ceremony in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- The 2026 Asian Games are scheduled to officially commence on September 19, 2026.
- India is participating in the 2026 Asian Games with a total contingent of 492 athletes.
- Manu Bhaker is a two-time Olympic medallist who became the first Indian female athlete to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympic Games at Paris 2024.
- Tajinderpal Singh Toor is a two-time Asian Games gold medallist in the men's shot put, having won titles at Jakarta 2018 and Hangzhou 2023.
- Sahdev Yadav serves as the Chef de Mission for the Indian contingent at the 2026 Asian Games.

### Related Current Affairs Coverage

- [Nirbhay Choudhary Sets New National Record in Men's Hammer Throw](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/nirbhay-choudhary-sets-new-national-record-in-men-s-hammer-throw)
- [Asian Games 2026 Medals: Design, Material, Weight and Key Facts](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/asian-games-2026-medals-design-material-weight-and-key-facts)
- [Ashish Shelar Elected President of E-Sports Games Federation (ESGF)](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/09/ashish-shelar-elected-president-of-e-sports-games-federation-esgf)
- [Esha Singh Wins Gold in 25m Pistol](https://www.dailyconnects.in/current-affairs/2026/07/esha-singh-wins-gold-in-25m-pistol)