Current Affairs One- Liner: 13th,14th & 15th September 2026

National:

On 12 September 2026, Southern Railway announced 100% electrification of its 5,068 route-kilometre broad-gauge network. The milestone covers its divisions in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and supports Indian Railways’ goal of reducing diesel dependence, lowering carbon emissions and improving operating efficiency. Electrification enables faster and cleaner train operations while cutting fuel costs.

Current Affairs One- Liner: 13th,14th & 15th September 2026

On 10 September 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) completed six years. Launched in 2020 with an outlay of ₹20,050 crore, the scheme promotes sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, infrastructure, employment and fishermen’s welfare. It is implemented by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
In September 2026, Chhattisgarh approved the ₹500-crore CM Startup and NIPUN Mission for five years. It will create entrepreneurship centres in all 33 districts, five Centres of Excellence and 100 emerging-technology laboratories. The NIPUN Job Engine will link trained youth with industry demand, promoting employment, innovation and startup development.
In September 2026, the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag broad-gauge railway project achieved its 41st tunnel breakthrough in Uttarakhand. The strategically important Himalayan rail line is intended to improve all-weather connectivity, tourism, pilgrimage access and regional development. Because most of the alignment passes through tunnels, each breakthrough marks important progress in this difficult mountain-engineering project.
On 15 September 2026, Punjab named a road in New Chandigarh after Colonel Manpreet Singh, who was killed during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir. The decision honours his bravery and sacrifice and preserves his memory in a public landmark. Colonel Singh was a decorated Indian Army officer associated with 19 Rashtriya Rifles.
In September 2026, Tripura authorities detected 19 unauthorised rehabilitation centres operating without required registration or adequate facilities. The state initiated inspections and action to protect patients from unsafe treatment, poor living conditions and unqualified operators. The development highlights the need for licensing, trained staff, medical supervision and accountability in de-addiction and rehabilitation services.
On 15 September 2026, Bihar approved a programme to train 100 university professors at leading global institutions. The initiative aims to expose faculty members to advanced teaching methods, research practices and institutional management. After returning, the professors are expected to share their learning and help improve academic quality, innovation and governance in Bihar’s higher-education system.
On 15 September 2026, the restored Wadda Gurdwara Sahib reopened to devotees. The restoration sought to conserve the shrine’s religious and architectural heritage while improving facilities for visitors. The reopening is significant for the Sikh community because the gurdwara serves as both a place of worship and an institution preserving local history, community service and cultural memory.
On 15 September 2026, Karnataka allowed qualified engineers to use the prefix Er. before their names and declared 15 September as Engineers’ Day in the state. The date marks the birth anniversary of engineer-statesman Sir M. Visvesvaraya. The move recognises engineers’ professional identity and their contribution to infrastructure, technology and development.
In September 2026, Kerala launched the Reimagining Keralam initiative covering 73 priority projects. The programme is intended to accelerate implementation of major development proposals through coordinated monitoring and faster decision-making. It focuses on improving infrastructure, investment, public services and long-term economic growth while addressing administrative delays that often affect large projects.
On 15 September 2026, the Supreme Court launched Jan Soochna Seva in Hindi to improve public access to court-related information. The service aims to make important judicial information easier to understand for Hindi-speaking citizens. It forms part of the judiciary’s wider effort to use technology and Indian languages to make justice more accessible and citizen-friendly.
On 15 September 2026, India sent Bailey Bridge components to Nepal as humanitarian and infrastructure assistance. Bailey bridges are portable, prefabricated steel structures that can be assembled quickly to restore connectivity after floods, landslides or bridge damage. The assistance reflects India’s neighbourhood-first approach and its role as a rapid responder during emergencies in neighbouring countries.
In September 2026, Telangana Police facilitated refunds to victims of online financial fraud by coordinating with banks, payment intermediaries and courts after freezing fraud-linked funds. The initiative demonstrates the importance of reporting cyber fraud quickly through 1930 or the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, since early reporting improves the chance of stopping and recovering transferred money.
During a visit to London from 9 to 11 September 2026, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde received three international honours: the Commonwealth Public Leadership Recognition, the Statesmanship Award for Transformative Leadership and the Global Pride of Maharashtra Award. The awards recognised his work in citizen-oriented governance, infrastructure, regional development and promotion of Marathi culture.
On 13 September 2026, an exam-oriented geography feature identified Champu Khangpok in Manipur’s Loktak Lake as India’s only floating village. The settlement stands on floating biomass formations called phumdis. Loktak is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and also contains Keibul Lamjao National Park, regarded as the world’s only floating national park.
In September 2026, Kumik was declared Ladakh’s first heritage village. The recognition aims to conserve its traditional architecture, cultural practices and historic character while promoting responsible tourism and local livelihoods. Heritage-village status can support restoration, documentation and community-led development without erasing the settlement’s distinctive identity.
On 15 September 2026, the Ministry of Steel launched Special Campaign 6.0 to improve cleanliness, dispose of pending matters and strengthen administrative efficiency across the ministry and its organisations. Such campaigns generally focus on record management, grievance disposal, scrap removal, space utilisation and institutionalising cleanliness in government offices.
On 17 September 2026, the PM Vishwakarma Scheme completed three years with about 30 lakh registrations. Launched in 2023, it supports traditional artisans and craftspeople through recognition, skill training, tool incentives, concessional collateral-free credit, digital-transaction incentives and marketing assistance. The scheme covers 18 traditional trades.

International:

From 8 to 10 September 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Sri Lanka to strengthen defence and maritime-security cooperation. He met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. The two countries signed agreements covering air-defence capability, military education and youth cooperation, and jointly inaugurated three Bailey bridges built with Indian assistance.
On 15 September 2026, China Southern Airlines resumed direct Guangzhou–Delhi flights, restoring an important air link between China and India. The service is expected to support passenger movement, tourism, education and business travel. Resumption of direct connectivity is also viewed as a practical sign of gradual normalisation in people-to-people and commercial exchanges.
In September 2026, intensified activity at Hawaii’s Kīlauea volcano produced renewed lava fountains and emissions within the summit area. The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory monitored the eruption and issued safety information. Kīlauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and its eruptions can create hazards from lava, volcanic gases, ash and unstable ground.
On 15 September 2026, Pakistan reportedly increased the reward connected with information about Masood Azhar, founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed. The development drew attention because Azhar is designated as a terrorist by the United Nations. For examination purposes, distinguish between a government announcement, an investigative reward and any claim circulating without an official notification.
On 15 September 2026, Germany’s right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) called for an end to German assistance to Ukraine. The demand reflected domestic political disagreement over the financial and strategic costs of supporting Kyiv. Germany remains a major European supporter of Ukraine, while AfD has consistently argued for a different approach toward Russia and the war.
On 15 September 2026, an American lawmaker proposed an India-specific amendment to a Russia sanctions bill. The proposal sought to protect or provide flexibility for India in view of its strategic partnership with the United States and its defence and energy links with Russia. The issue reflects Washington’s attempt to balance sanctions policy with Indo-Pacific priorities.
On 15 September 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency reportedly prevented Iran’s nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami from attending a conference in Vienna amid a diplomatic dispute. Eslami heads the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran. The incident added to tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme, safeguards obligations and its relationship with the UN nuclear watchdog.
On 15 September 2026, Russia reportedly struck a passenger train operating on the Kyiv–Warsaw route, raising concern over risks to civilian and cross-border transport. The development formed part of the continuing Russia–Ukraine conflict. Reports involving battlefield incidents should be updated from official railway and government statements before publication because casualty and damage figures can change rapidly.
At the BRICS Summit in September 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed creating a BRICS grain-trading platform. The proposed mechanism would facilitate agricultural trade among member countries, improve food-security coordination and reduce dependence on Western commodity exchanges and settlement systems. It may later expand into a wider commodities exchange if members agree on standards, pricing and payments.
On 15 September 2026, India objected to a United Nations map that depicted Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin in a manner inconsistent with India’s official boundaries. India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country and rejected external representations of its sovereign territory. Map-related disputes remain sensitive in India–China relations.
On 15 September 2026, US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine to stop attacks on Russian oil facilities, citing the risk of escalation and disruption to global energy markets. Strikes on refineries and pipelines can affect fuel supplies and prices beyond the conflict zone. The appeal reflected concern over both war escalation and international economic consequences.
During the BRICS Summit in September 2026, Iranian and UAE leaders held talks focusing on bilateral relations and regional stability. The meeting was important because Iran and the United Arab Emirates are both BRICS members and influential Gulf states. Discussions at such meetings typically cover trade, transport links, energy, security and management of regional tensions.
In September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control and moving toward resolution of the boundary question. The meeting emphasised dialogue through established diplomatic and military mechanisms. Stable border relations are considered essential for restoring trust and improving wider India–China cooperation.
On 15 September 2026, political parties in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland renewed demands for greater decision-making powers from Westminster. The debate concerns devolution, fiscal authority and the constitutional balance within the United Kingdom. Scotland and Wales have devolved governments, while Northern Ireland operates under a power-sharing system created by the Good Friday Agreement.
At the BRICS Summit in September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals. He called for resilient, transparent and diversified supply chains. The statement highlighted how export controls, monopolies and geopolitical rivalry can disrupt access to semiconductors, rare-earth elements, batteries and other inputs essential to modern economies.

Banking:

On 11 September 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India imposed a ₹1-crore penalty on IndusInd Bank for regulatory violations connected with insurance distribution. The action underlined that banks acting as corporate agents must comply with insurance regulations, protect policyholders and maintain proper controls. The exact violations should be read with IRDAI’s final order.
On 15 September 2026, Metropolitan Stock Exchange facilitated India’s first tokenised corporate-bond transaction under the emerging digital-securities framework. Tokenisation represents ownership through secure digital tokens using distributed-ledger technology. The initiative aims to improve settlement efficiency, transparency and traceability, while remaining subject to securities regulation, depository rules and investor-protection requirements.
On 15 September 2026, NPCI issued a framework prescribing 0.4% MDR on selected UPI person-to-merchant transactions above ₹2,000, capped at ₹300, with effect from 15 October 2026. Specified categories such as railways, telecom, insurance and fuel attract a flat ₹5 charge. Transactions up to ₹2,000 remain free under the reported framework.

Economy:

On 11 September 2026, RBI data showed India’s foreign-exchange reserves at a record US$785.7 billion for the week ended 4 September 2026. The reserves reportedly rose by nearly US$45 billion during the week, supported by policy measures and dollar inflows. Forex reserves help finance imports, manage currency volatility and strengthen confidence in external stability.
In September 2026, Gujarat passed legislation permitting eligible shops and commercial establishments to operate 24×7, subject to employee-safety and labour safeguards. The measure aims to improve ease of doing business, generate jobs and support the night-time economy. Employers must still follow rules on working hours, overtime, weekly holidays and women employees’ security.
In September 2026, India and Mercosur agreed to work toward expanding their Preferential Trade Agreement. Mercosur is a South American trade bloc whose key members include Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Expansion may cover more products and deeper tariff preferences, helping diversify India’s exports and strengthen commercial links with Latin America.
On 15 September 2026, Karnataka established a raisin-processing unit in Vijayapura, a major grape-growing region. The facility will help farmers grade, process, package and market raisins more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses and improve value addition. Local processing can strengthen farmer incomes and support food-processing enterprises, employment and exports.
On 14 September 2026, India and Russia reaffirmed a target of US$100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, compared with current trade of roughly US$60 billion. They also discussed a new Bilateral Investment Treaty and a US$50-billion investment target. Priority sectors include energy, railways, steel, pharmaceuticals, engineering, critical minerals, information technology and advanced manufacturing.
In September 2026, Odisha approved a ₹3,406-crore silicon-carbide semiconductor facility. Silicon carbide is used in high-efficiency power electronics for electric vehicles, renewable-energy systems, industrial equipment and defence applications. The project is expected to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem, attract advanced manufacturing and create skilled employment in the state.
In September 2026, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders proposed a ₹27,000-crore shipbuilding cluster in Raigad, Maharashtra. The project is intended to expand shipbuilding and repair capacity, develop a supplier ecosystem and generate employment. It also supports India’s maritime-development and self-reliance objectives by creating infrastructure for large commercial and defence vessels.
In September 2026, Tata Steel commissioned India’s first coke-oven-gas injection project at Blast Furnace 1 of its Meramandali plant in Odisha. The system injects hydrogen-rich COG into the furnace, reducing dependence on carbon-intensive fuels and improving efficiency. The project supports Tata Steel’s objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045.
India’s Wholesale Price Index inflation rose to 9.92% in August 2026, according to data released in September. WPI measures price changes at the wholesale or producer level and covers primary articles, fuel and manufactured products. A sharp rise can indicate cost pressure on businesses and may later influence retail prices, interest-rate expectations and policy decisions.
India’s Consumer Price Index inflation increased to 4.82% in August 2026, according to data released in September. CPI tracks changes in retail prices paid by households and is RBI’s principal inflation measure for monetary policy. Food, fuel, housing and services are important components. The figure remained close to, but above, RBI’s 4% target.

Sports:

On 11 September 2026, East Zone won the Duleep Trophy 2026, adding its name to the competition’s champions list. The Duleep Trophy began in 1961–62 and is one of India’s premier first-class domestic tournaments. West Zone remains historically the most successful team, while the competition’s format has changed between zonal and selected teams.
On 12 September 2026, Elena Rybakina defeated Aryna Sabalenka to win the US Open 2026 women’s singles title at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. The victory gave Rybakina the championship trophy after a high-profile final between two of the women’s game’s strongest power hitters.
On 13 September 2026, Germany’s Alexander Zverev defeated American Ben Shelton to claim his first US Open men’s singles title in New York. The triumph was a major career milestone for Zverev after earlier Grand Slam disappointments. The final concluded the year’s last tennis Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows.
On 13 September 2026, India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai to win a record-extending eighth Women’s Asia Cup cricket title. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur led the side, while Shafali Verma was reported as Player of the Match and Player of the Series. India remains the competition’s most successful team.
On 13 September 2026, India completed a golden double at the AHF Junior Asia Cup hockey tournaments in Moqi, China. The women defeated China 1–0 to win a third consecutive title, while the men beat South Korea 4–1 to secure their sixth crown. Both victories reinforced India’s strength in junior Asian hockey.
In September 2026, UEFA announced that Munich and Barcelona would host future UEFA Champions League finals. The selection forms part of UEFA’s advance venue-planning process and requires stadiums to meet strict standards for capacity, security, broadcasting, transport and supporter facilities. Exact host years should be checked against UEFA’s official final-allocation announcement.

Military Exercise:

In September 2026, the fourth India–Malaysia maritime exercise Samudra Laksamana was held at Lumut, Malaysia. The Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy conducted harbour and sea phases involving professional exchanges, joint training and operational drills. The exercise aims to strengthen interoperability, maritime cooperation and mutual understanding between the two navies.
In September 2026, the Colombo Security Conclave Tabletop Exercise concluded in Visakhapatnam. Participants from member and observer countries discussed coordinated responses to maritime-security challenges and regional contingencies. A tabletop exercise uses simulated scenarios rather than full field deployment and helps agencies test communication, planning, decision-making and multinational coordination.
In September 2026, the India–US Army exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 began at Auli in Uttarakhand and Mahajan in Rajasthan. Troops trained in high-altitude and desert conditions through tactical drills, joint planning and interoperability activities. The annual bilateral exercise strengthens defence cooperation and prepares both armies for peacekeeping and complex operational environments.
In September 2026, the United States Central Command and Jordan conducted Exercise Eager Lion 2026 in Jordan. The multinational exercise involved joint training for counterterrorism, border security, air and missile defence, cyber operations and humanitarian response. It is organised to improve interoperability among participating forces and strengthen regional security cooperation.

Science and Technology:

In September 2026, the fish species Schizopygopsis waddellii was recorded in a high-altitude lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. The finding expands scientific knowledge of Himalayan aquatic biodiversity and the species’ geographical distribution. Such records help researchers assess freshwater ecosystems, evolutionary relationships and conservation needs in environmentally sensitive mountain regions.
In September 2026, researchers recorded Ophiopogon japonicus in India for the first time in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. Commonly called dwarf lilyturf or mondo grass, it is an evergreen perennial native mainly to East Asia. The discovery extends its known distribution and adds to scientific documentation of Eastern Himalayan plant diversity.
On 15 September 2026, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad received a patent for a copper-recovery technology designed to extract valuable metal more efficiently from mineral or industrial waste. The innovation may improve resource recovery, reduce environmental damage and support circular-economy practices. Patented mineral-processing technologies can reduce import dependence and increase value from low-grade material.
In September 2026, the Automotive Research Association of India in Pune received NABL accreditation for cylinder testing. NABL accreditation confirms that a laboratory is technically competent to conduct specified tests. The recognition strengthens reliable safety and quality assessment of gas or fuel cylinders used in automotive applications and supports compliance with national standards.
In September 2026, two previously unrecorded frog species were documented in Mizoram, adding to knowledge of the Northeast’s rich amphibian diversity. Scientific recording helps establish distribution, habitat and conservation status. Amphibians are important ecological indicators because their permeable skin and dependence on both land and water make them sensitive to environmental change.
In September 2026, Assam’s latest assessment recorded 3,260 greater one-horned rhinoceroses. The population reflects decades of protection, habitat management and anti-poaching work, particularly in Kaziranga and other protected areas. India holds most of the world’s one-horned rhinos, making Assam central to the species’ global conservation.
On 15 September 2026, India’s Steady State Superconducting Tokamak-1, often called an artificial sun, received a new 82.6 GHz, 400 kW gyrotron. The device heats plasma to extremely high temperatures and supports controlled nuclear-fusion research. SST-1 is operated by the Institute for Plasma Research in Gujarat; it is an experimental facility, not a power plant.

Defence:

On 12 September 2026, Russia offered India the Izdeliye 177S engine as a possible upgrade for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighters. The proposal could improve thrust, fuel efficiency, service life and combat performance. Any acquisition would require technical evaluation, cost negotiations, integration studies and agreement on technology transfer and domestic production.
On 15 September 2026, the United States acknowledged deployment of certain space-based weapon capabilities, intensifying debate over the militarisation of outer space. Space systems are essential for communication, navigation, surveillance and missile warning. Weapon deployment creates concerns about an arms race, satellite vulnerability and the interpretation of international space law.
In September 2026, the Defence Ministry unveiled policies for MSMEs and startups at VIMARSH, an innovation-focused defence forum. The measures aim to simplify participation, support indigenous research and development and connect innovators with the armed forces’ requirements. They form part of India’s broader effort to expand domestic defence manufacturing and reduce import dependence.
In September 2026, Bharat Forge and Pratt & Whitney announced cooperation connected with a DRDO unmanned-aerial-vehicle programme. The partnership brings together Indian manufacturing capacity and global aerospace-engine expertise. It is expected to support indigenous UAV development, supply-chain capability and advanced propulsion work, subject to programme approvals and final production arrangements.

Committees:

In September 2026, the Sports Ministry created a task force to study the return of Formula 1 to India. The committee will examine promoter interest, circuit readiness, taxation, legal issues, logistics and coordination with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. Its recommendations will determine whether hosting a future Indian Grand Prix is practical and financially sustainable.

Summits and Conferences:

The 18th BRICS Summit was held on 12–13 September 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, under India’s chairmanship. A large Rameswaram-temple-inspired backdrop highlighted India’s civilisational heritage. The cultural setting drew attention while leaders discussed global governance, development, trade, technology, climate action and cooperation among emerging economies.
On 13 September 2026, BRICS leaders unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration at the 18th summit. The declaration covered reform of global institutions, greater voice for the Global South, trade, financial cooperation, technology, sustainable development and international security. Consensus adoption was significant because the expanded grouping includes countries with differing geopolitical positions.
The World Circular Economy Forum 2026 was scheduled to be hosted in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, bringing policymakers, businesses, researchers and civil-society representatives together. The forum promotes an economic model that reduces waste, keeps products and materials in use and regenerates natural systems. India’s hosting highlights its interest in resource efficiency and sustainable growth.
The inaugural International Space Summit 2026 was held on 9–10 September 2026 at the Grand Palais in Paris. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron in partnership with Germany, it gathered representatives from nearly 90 countries. Discussions focused on the space economy, scientific exploration, security, international cooperation and sustainable use of outer space.
At the BRICS Summit on 12–13 September 2026, member countries adopted a 10-point roadmap for reforming global governance. The roadmap called for more representative multilateral institutions, stronger Global South participation and reform of bodies such as the United Nations, IMF and World Bank. It also stressed inclusive development and cooperative responses to global challenges.
The 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in September 2026 was attended by an Indian parliamentary delegation. Legislators from Commonwealth jurisdictions discussed democratic governance, legislative practices, institutional accountability and contemporary policy challenges. The conference provides a platform for parliaments to exchange experience and strengthen representative institutions across diverse political systems.
The BRICS Summit in September 2026 confirmed that China will host the 2027 summit. The chairmanship rotates among members, with the host responsible for setting priorities and organising ministerial and leaders’ meetings. China’s 2027 presidency will follow India’s 2026 chairmanship and guide the expanded grouping’s agenda for that year.
SEMICON India 2026 was held from 17 to 19 September 2026 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, under the theme Transform Tomorrow: Silicon to Systems – Building the Ecosystem. Jointly organised by the India Semiconductor Mission, MeitY and SEMI, it brought together companies, policymakers, investors and researchers to strengthen India’s complete semiconductor value chain.

MoUs Signed:

In September 2026, Cochin Shipyard Limited and UAE-based Drydocks World signed a 50:50 joint-venture agreement to operate and expand the International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi. Each partner will invest about ₹900 crore. The venture combines CSL’s domestic facilities with Drydocks World’s global ship-repair expertise and aims to attract international vessels.
On 8 September 2026, the National Internet Exchange of India and Asia Pacific Network Information Centre signed an MoU during APNIC 62 in Mumbai. The partnership covers training, knowledge sharing, IPv6 adoption, routing security and domestic deployment of APNIC infrastructure. It aims to improve network resilience, reduce latency and strengthen India’s internet ecosystem
In September 2026, NSTFDC and HPCL agreed to establish smart classrooms in Eklavya Model Residential Schools. The project will provide digital teaching tools and improved learning infrastructure for Scheduled Tribe students. It combines the tribal-development mandate of NSTFDC with HPCL’s corporate social-responsibility support to help reduce the digital divide in remote areas.

Appointments and Resignations:

In September 2026, senior IPS officer Sanjukta Parashar became the first woman appointed to head the CRPF’s Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA). CoBRA specialises in jungle warfare and operations against Left-Wing Extremism. Her appointment is significant for women’s representation in operational leadership within India’s central armed police forces.

Important Days:

Hindi Diwas was observed on 14 September 2026 to mark the Constituent Assembly’s adoption of Hindi in Devanagari script as an official language of the Union on 14 September 1949. The day promotes the use and development of Hindi in administration, education and public life.
World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on 10 September 2026 with the continuing 2024–2026 theme Changing the Narrative on Suicide and the call to action Start the Conversation. Organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention with WHO support, it aims to reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and promote coordinated suicide-prevention action.
National Forest Martyrs Day was observed in India on 11 September 2026 to honour people who lost their lives protecting forests and wildlife. The date recalls the Khejarli massacre of 1730, when Bishnoi community members sacrificed their lives to save Khejri trees. The observance promotes conservation and respect for frontline forest personnel.
Ganesh Chaturthi was observed in September 2026 to celebrate the birth of Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom and prosperity. Devotees installed idols, performed puja and concluded festivities with immersion processions. Exact tithi and city-wise muhurat depend on the Hindu lunar calendar and local panchang.
Engineers’ Day was observed in India on 15 September 2026, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, born in 1861. The day recognises engineers’ contribution to nation-building, infrastructure, technology and innovation. Visvesvaraya was a renowned civil engineer, statesman and Bharat Ratna recipient.
Samvatsari Parva was observed by the Shvetambara Jain community in September 2026 as the concluding and most important day of Paryushan. Devotees practise introspection, fasting and forgiveness and say Micchami Dukkadam, seeking pardon for harm caused knowingly or unknowingly. The observance emphasises non-violence, humility and reconciliation.

Obituaries:

Konkani educationist, writer and language activist N. Purushothama Mallya died in Kochi on 11 September 2026, aged 97. A Padma Shri awardee, he helped secure Konkani’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and promoted the language in Kerala. He also translated the Thirukkural into Konkani and received a Sahitya Akademi Translation Award.

Questions:

Q1. Which index is the RBI’s principal measure of inflation for monetary policy?

a) Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

b) Consumer Price Index (CPI)

c) Index of Industrial Production (IIP)

d) Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

Answer: b) CPI measures changes in retail prices paid by households. The content states that it is the RBI’s principal inflation measure for monetary policy. India’s CPI inflation was 4.82% in August 2026.

Q2. Under the NPCI framework described in the content, what MDR applies to selected UPI person-to-merchant transactions above ₹2,000?

a) 0.2%, capped at ₹300

b) 0.4%, capped at ₹300

c) 0.4%, with no cap

d) A flat ₹5 for every transaction

Answer: b) The framework prescribes 0.4% MDR, capped at ₹300, for selected transactions above ₹2,000 from 15 October 2026. The content separately states that specified categories attract a flat ₹5 charge and transactions up to ₹2,000 remain free.