Current Affairs One- Liner: 23rd September 2026

National:

On 17 September 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana completed 11 years of implementation. Launched on 17 September 2015, the scheme uses District Mineral Foundation funds to improve the lives of people affected by mining. More than 4.70 lakh projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore have been sanctioned in areas such as drinking water, healthcare, education, sanitation, livelihoods and environmental conservation. The Ministry of Mines oversees the scheme, while district authorities implement projects according to local requirements.

Current Affairs One- Liner: 23rd September 2026

On 20 September 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised the nationwide Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh under the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Abhiyan. Implemented through MY Bharat and partner organisations at more than 1,000 locations, the programme involved pledge-taking, signature campaigns and youth discussions. Its objective is to prevent substance abuse, promote healthy lifestyles and encourage young people to lead community awareness activities. The campaign includes themes such as My Health, My Pride, Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth and Life Skills Month.
On 22 September 2026, Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil launched Swachh Seva Aankalan to assess sanitation standards and public participation in rural areas. The initiative evaluates cleanliness, solid and liquid waste management, plastic-waste control and maintenance of community sanitation facilities. It supports Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen Phase II, particularly the sustainability of ODF Plus villages. The assessment will encourage healthy competition among villages and recognise gram panchayats demonstrating effective sanitation governance, sustainable waste-management practices and active community participation.
On 16 September 2026, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh virtually inaugurated India’s 51st Doppler Weather Radar at Jamadarpali in Sambalpur, Odisha. Developed under Mission Mausam, the Make in India radar covers approximately 250 kilometres and provides updated observations every ten minutes. It will strengthen forecasts of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, cyclones and other extreme weather events across western Odisha and neighbouring regions. Odisha now has three Doppler Weather Radars, located at Gopalpur, Paradip and Sambalpur.
On 22 September 2026, Assam highlighted that it supports nearly 80% of India’s greater one-horned rhinoceros population. The animals are concentrated mainly in Kaziranga National Park, Orang National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary and Manas National Park. Anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration and scientific population monitoring have contributed to improved conservation. The greater one-horned rhinoceros is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
On 22 September 2026, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reaffirmed India’s commitment to eliminating hepatitis B and C as public-health threats by 2030. The strategy focuses on hepatitis B vaccination, screening of high-risk groups, safe blood transfusion, infection-control measures and access to antiviral treatment. These activities are implemented through the National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme. India is also expanding testing among pregnant women, healthcare workers and vulnerable communities to prevent transmission, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
On 22 September 2026, the Union government announced plans to replace Shastri Bhawan and Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi with modern Kartavya Bhawan complexes under the Central Vista redevelopment programme. The new buildings will consolidate Union ministries and provide modern security, energy-efficiency and digital facilities. The project is expected to improve coordination between departments, reduce expenditure on rented premises and address infrastructure limitations in the existing buildings. Ministries currently functioning from the two buildings will be temporarily relocated before redevelopment begins.
On 23 September 2026, Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana completed eight years. Launched on 23 September 2018, PM-JAY provides eligible families with cashless hospitalisation cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary healthcare. The National Health Authority implements the programme with state health agencies. Treatment is provided through empanelled public and private hospitals. The scheme seeks to reduce catastrophic healthcare expenditure and has also been expanded to eligible senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
On 22 September 2026, the Ministry of Education released the NIRF 2026 Sustainable Development Goals ranking to assess the contribution of higher-education institutions to social and environmental sustainability. The framework evaluates clean energy, water conservation, waste management, climate action, gender equality, inclusive education and community engagement. Introduced as a specialised category under the National Institutional Ranking Framework, it encourages universities and colleges to incorporate sustainability into teaching, research, campus administration, infrastructure development and institutional governance.
On 22 September 2026, the Assam government announced that all state-government offices would operate through the e-Office system from 1 January 2027. The initiative will replace physical files with electronic records, digital approvals and online movement of documents. Its objectives are to improve administrative efficiency, increase transparency, reduce delays and lower expenditure on paper and physical storage. Government departments have been directed to digitise existing records and train employees before the deadline as part of Assam’s wider digital-governance programme.
On 22 September 2026, Andhra Pradesh Police launched an artificial intelligence-enabled drone portal and the SafeStay mobile application. The drone portal will help authorities register, monitor and regulate drone operations while identifying unauthorised activities in sensitive areas. SafeStay is intended to improve the verification and security of guests staying in hotels, lodges and other accommodation establishments. The initiatives aim to strengthen surveillance, support crime prevention, improve emergency response and allow police agencies to process and analyse information more efficiently.
On 23 September 2026, the Delhi government launched the DURGA scheme to introduce approximately 1,300 pink electric autorickshaws for women drivers. The programme seeks to improve women’s participation in public transport while providing safer last-mile connectivity to female passengers. Eligible women will receive support for obtaining and operating electric autorickshaws, including access to designated permits and financial assistance. The initiative also supports Delhi’s electric-vehicle policy by reducing vehicular emissions and encouraging the transition towards cleaner urban transportation.
On 22 September 2026, Jagruti Rehabilitation Centre received the National Clinical Excellence Award for its contribution to mental-health treatment, addiction recovery and rehabilitation. The award recognised its patient-centred treatment programmes, multidisciplinary care and efforts to improve access to behavioural-health services. The institution provides psychiatric consultation, counselling, rehabilitation and de-addiction support through trained healthcare professionals. The recognition highlights the importance of quality standards, ethical treatment, professional supervision and evidence-based clinical practices in India’s mental-health and substance-abuse rehabilitation sector.

International:

In September 2026, UN Women and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs released The Gender Snapshot 2026. The report found that one in three national institutions responsible for gender equality had lost institutional authority during the previous two years, while one in four experienced budget reductions. It warned that no indicator under Sustainable Development Goal 5 was on track for achievement by 2030. The report recommended stronger institutions, adequate financing and greater participation of women in political and economic decision-making.
On 18 September 2026, the United States, Denmark and Greenland signed an agreement to strengthen defence cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic regions. It permits the United States to modernise and expand activities at Pituffik Space Base and establish additional defence areas at Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig. Greenland will remain under Danish sovereignty, and the agreement has no fixed expiry date. It also prevents non-NATO countries from establishing permanent military installations in Greenland, reflecting the region’s growing strategic importance.
On 22 September 2026, a World Economic Forum survey placed India at the top of the global growth outlook among major economies. Respondents highlighted strong domestic demand, expanding digital infrastructure, public capital expenditure and continued growth in manufacturing and services. The findings indicated greater confidence in India’s medium-term economic prospects than in several economies facing weak demand or geopolitical uncertainty. However, the survey also identified employment creation, inflation, global trade disruptions and private-sector investment as challenges affecting the sustainability of India’s growth.
On 22 September 2026, Bangladesh appointed senior diplomat Asad Alam Siam as its new High Commissioner to India. The appointment was made by the Government of Bangladesh as part of its diplomatic postings. As High Commissioner, he will manage political, economic, trade and security relations with India. His responsibilities will include cooperation in connectivity, border management, water sharing, energy and people-to-people relations. The posting is significant because India and Bangladesh share extensive geographical, economic, cultural and strategic ties.

Banking:

On 22 September 2026, the government introduced a CGTMSE-backed guarantee mechanism for financing conducted through Trade Receivables Discounting System platforms. The measure will reduce the risk faced by banks and other financiers when discounting invoices raised by micro and small enterprises. TReDS allows MSMEs to obtain working capital by selling approved invoices to financiers before their due dates. The guarantee cover is expected to increase financier participation, improve liquidity for small businesses and reduce their dependence on collateral-based borrowing and delayed payments from large buyers.

Economy:

In September 2026, the Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of Rajasthan Royals, Paarl Royals and Barbados Royals by Westview Cricket Limited and Poonawalla Sports and Fitness Private Limited. The franchises participate in professional T20 leagues in India, South Africa and the Caribbean. Westview Cricket is registered in the United Kingdom, while Poonawalla Sports is owned by Adar Poonawalla. The approval followed an examination of whether the proposed ownership change could adversely affect competition in the relevant sports and commercial markets.
On 22 September 2026, Fitch Ratings raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY2026-27 from 6.4% to 6.9%. The revision followed stronger-than-expected economic growth supported by domestic consumption, investment and resilient industrial activity. Fitch referred to India’s 7.8% growth during the June quarter while assessing inflation and monetary-policy conditions. The agency also expected the Reserve Bank of India to consider policy tightening if inflationary pressures increased. The revised forecast reinforced India’s position among the fastest-growing major economies.
On 22 September 2026, S&P Global raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY2026-27 from 6.6% to 7%. The agency cited strong household consumption, industrial activity, infrastructure expenditure and favourable domestic demand. The revised estimate reflected confidence in India’s economic resilience despite global trade uncertainty and geopolitical risks. However, S&P noted that inflation, international energy prices, employment conditions and external demand remained important variables. For examination purposes, S&P projected 7% growth, while Fitch projected 6.9% growth for FY27.

Sports:

On 23 September 2026, India secured its first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis at the 2026 Asian Games. The achievement marked India’s entry onto the continental podium in a sport traditionally dominated by East Asian countries. Soft tennis uses a soft rubber ball and includes singles, doubles and team competitions. The medal expanded India’s achievements beyond its traditional Asian Games strengths. It is expected to encourage greater investment, specialised coaching and participation in soft tennis at the national and grassroots levels.
On 23 September 2026, Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu won the silver medal in the women’s 49 kg category at the Asian Games 2026. Her final position was determined by the combined total of her best successful lifts in the snatch and clean-and-jerk events. The Olympic medallist’s performance added an important medal to India’s Asian Games tally and reaffirmed her position among Asia’s leading weightlifters. The competition featured top athletes from participating Asian countries in the 49 kg weight category.
On 23 September 2026, the fourth day of the Asian Games produced medals for India across events including weightlifting, shooting and soft tennis. Mirabai Chanu’s silver medal in the women’s 49 kg weightlifting category was among the major achievements, while India also secured its first-ever Asian Games medal in soft tennis. The day’s performances added to India’s overall medal tally and demonstrated the country’s competitive strength across established and emerging sports. The results were officially incorporated into the Asian Games medal table.

Military Exercise:

On 21 September 2026, the 18th edition of the India-Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant began at Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. It involves contingents from the Indian Army and the Mongolian Armed Forces. The exercise focuses on joint tactical operations, counterterrorism, peacekeeping and interoperability in mountainous terrain under a United Nations mandate. Training activities include field exercises, combat drills, casualty evacuation and coordination between participating forces. India and Mongolia organise the exercise alternately to strengthen defence cooperation and exchange operational experience.
In September 2026, the Indian Army deployed its AH-64E Apache attack helicopters during Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026, the annual joint military exercise between India and the United States. The helicopters supported air-land integration, reconnaissance, close-air support and coordinated battlefield operations. The exercise brings together personnel from the Indian Army and the US Army to improve interoperability in conventional and counterterrorism operations. The Apache fleet’s participation demonstrated India’s growing ability to integrate advanced army-aviation assets with ground forces during joint operations.

Science and Technology:

On 22 September 2026, the India Meteorological Department reported that a depression over the Bay of Bengal was moving towards the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coast and could intensify into a deep depression. The system was expected to produce heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough sea conditions. Fishermen were advised not to enter affected waters, while disaster-response teams were placed on alert. Early warnings were issued to coastal districts to facilitate evacuations and minimise damage to crops, houses, fishing boats and essential infrastructure.
On 22 September 2026, birdwatchers reported a leucistic great cormorant at Ameenpur Lake in Telangana. Leucism is a genetic condition that causes partial or complete loss of pigmentation in feathers while generally retaining normal eye colour, unlike albinism. The unusual sighting is valuable for documenting genetic variations among birds and the biodiversity of the lake. Ameenpur Lake is recognised as a Biodiversity Heritage Site and supports numerous resident and migratory bird species, highlighting the importance of protecting urban wetlands.
On 22 September 2026, Hurricane Polo intensified into a Category 5 storm over the eastern Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Mexico. Category 5 is the highest classification on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale and indicates sustained winds of at least 252 kilometres per hour. Mexican authorities issued marine and coastal warnings because of dangerous waves, strong winds and heavy rainfall. Meteorological agencies monitored the hurricane’s projected route, while disaster-management authorities prepared evacuation and emergency-response measures for potentially affected coastal communities.

Defence:

On 21 September 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586-crore contract with Accurate Industrial Controls Private Limited for Auxiliary Power Units for the Indian Army’s T-72 and T-90 tanks. The agreement was signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. APUs allow tank communications, electronics and other systems to operate without running the main engine, reducing fuel consumption, noise and thermal signatures. The procurement promotes indigenous defence manufacturing and improves the operational endurance of India’s armoured formations.

Summits and Conferences:

On 17 September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fifth SEMICON India at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi. Held from 17 to 19 September 2026, it was organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology with industry partners under the theme Silicon to Systems: Building the Ecosystem. The conference brought together policymakers, semiconductor companies, investors, researchers and start-ups. It presented the Semicon 2.0 roadmap covering chip design, manufacturing, packaging, equipment, materials, research and skilled workforce development.
In September 2026, Union Minister Manohar Lal represented India at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting in Houston, United States. The meeting brought together energy ministers and senior officials from G20 economies to discuss universal energy access, energy security, clean technology, critical minerals, water reuse and affordable energy transitions. India highlighted its renewable-energy expansion, biofuel initiatives and commitment to dependable and affordable electricity. The discussions promoted international cooperation while recognising that countries require different energy-transition pathways based on their developmental needs.

MoUs:

On 18 September 2026, India’s Nibe Limited and France’s Naval Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate in naval shipbuilding and advanced defence technologies. The partnership covers naval platforms, system integration, manufacturing, maintenance and transfer of technical expertise. It aims to combine Naval Group’s experience in complex warship and submarine technologies with Nibe’s domestic manufacturing capabilities. The agreement supports Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat by encouraging local production, technological collaboration and participation of Indian companies in global defence supply chains.

Appointments:

In September 2026, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu jointly appointed Luke J. Lindberg as Executive Director of the World Food Programme for a five-year term. The appointment followed consultation with the WFP Executive Board. Lindberg, a United States national, previously served as the US Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. He succeeds Cindy McCain, while Carl Skau served as acting Executive Director after McCain stepped down in May 2026.
With effect from 13 September 2026, Jayanti Prasad, a Whole-Time Member of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, assumed additional charge as IBBI Chairperson. He succeeded Ravi Mital and will hold the additional responsibility until 20 November 2026 or until further orders. A former Indian Audit and Accounts Service officer, Prasad joined IBBI as a Whole-Time Member on 5 July 2022. IBBI regulates insolvency professionals, insolvency agencies and information utilities under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
In September 2026, Rajat Sharma was re-elected President of the News Broadcasters and Digital Association for the 2026-27 term. The election was conducted by NBDA members as part of the association’s annual leadership process. Sharma, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of India TV, will continue to represent television news broadcasters and digital news organisations on matters involving editorial freedom, industry standards and regulation. NBDA promotes responsible journalism and addresses broadcasting complaints through the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority.

Important Days:

World Cleanup Day was observed on 20 September 2026 with the theme From Clean Plates to Clean Cities. The United Nations observance promotes collective action to remove waste, reduce pollution and support sustainable urban development. The 2026 global event was held in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China. Governments, civil-society organisations, educational institutions and volunteers participated in waste-collection and awareness activities. The UN General Assembly designated 20 September as World Cleanup Day to highlight community participation in achieving environmental and sustainable-development goals.
The sixth National Pharmacovigilance Week was observed across India from 17 to 23 September 2026 under the theme Promoting Rational Use of Medicines through Pharmacovigilance: A Step Towards Safer Healthcare. It was organised by the National Coordination Centre for the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India at the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. The week promoted the reporting of adverse drug reactions by patients and healthcare professionals and explained how medicine-safety monitoring can improve prescribing practices and prevent avoidable harm.
The 11th Ayurveda Day was observed on 23 September 2026 with the theme Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow. The principal national celebration was organised by the Ministry of Ayush in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The observance promoted preventive healthcare, evidence-based Ayurveda, research, education and integration of traditional medicine into public-health systems. It also highlighted the expanding Ayush economy, medicinal-plant sector and international acceptance of Ayurveda. Ayurveda Day is now observed annually on 23 September rather than on the changing date of Dhanvantari Jayanti.
The International Day of Sign Languages was observed on 23 September 2026 to promote the linguistic identity and human rights of deaf people worldwide. Established by the United Nations General Assembly, the day highlights the importance of early access to sign language, inclusive education and accessible public services. It also recognises the contribution of deaf communities to preserving sign-language culture. The date commemorates the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf on 23 September 1951.

Obituaries:

On 20 September 2026, renowned cardiologist and Padma Shri awardee Dr G. Vijayaraghavan passed away in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, at the age of 84. He was known for establishing India’s first two-dimensional echocardiography laboratory at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, and for conducting research on tropical endomyocardial fibrosis. He also helped establish KIMS Hospital and promoted postgraduate medical education. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri in 2009 for his contribution to medicine and cardiac healthcare.
In September 2026, veteran Malayalam actress Savithri Sreedharan passed away after a long career in theatre, cinema and television. She was recognised for her natural performances and supporting roles portraying characters rooted in Kerala’s social and cultural life. Before entering films, she established herself as a stage performer and remained associated with Malayalam theatre for several years. Members of the Malayalam entertainment industry remembered her for her contribution to regional drama and her ability to portray serious and character-driven roles.

Questions:

Q1. Which organisation provides guarantee cover for transactions conducted through the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS)?

a) NABARD

b) SIDBI

c) CGTMSE

d) EXIM Bank

Answer: c) The Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises provides guarantee cover for eligible TReDS financing. The mechanism reduces the risk faced by financiers while discounting MSME invoices and helps small businesses obtain working capital without providing collateral.

Q2. Who assumed additional charge as Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India on 13 September 2026?

a) Ravi Mital

b) Jayanti Prasad

c) T. Rabi Sankar

d) M. Rajeshwar Rao

Answer: b) Jayanti Prasad, a Whole-Time Member of IBBI, assumed additional charge as its Chairperson with effect from 13 September 2026. He succeeded Ravi Mital and will hold the additional charge until 20 November 2026 or until further orders.