- On 22 September 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation launched the next phase of the Regional Connectivity Scheme–UDAN by signing agreements with 22 States and Union Territories. The initiative includes a Challenge Mode and a new route-bidding round to connect underserved destinations. The modified UDAN scheme, approved for 2026–27 to 2035–36 with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore, seeks to expand affordable air connectivity and develop airports in remote and aspirational regions.
- On 18 September 2026, the Union Government notified an amendment to the Inter-State Council Order, 1990. It allows Governors and Lieutenant Governors to attend Council meetings when a State or Union Territory is under President’s Rule. The amendment covers Governors acting under Article 356 and the Lieutenant Governors of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir under their respective constitutional or statutory provisions. It is intended to ensure continued regional representation during the suspension of elected governments.
- On 21 September 2026, the Union Government dissolved the Digital Communications Commission with immediate effect after 37 years. Originally constituted as the Telecom Commission in 1989 and renamed in 2018, it served as the Department of Telecommunications’ apex decision-making body. Its functions covered telecommunications policy, licensing, spectrum, infrastructure and administrative matters. The dissolution forms part of efforts to simplify governance, eliminate overlapping administrative structures and establish a more streamlined system for decisions in the rapidly evolving communications sector.
- On 21 September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the official logo for the birth-centenary celebrations of Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji, the former head of the Pejawar Math. The celebrations commemorate the spiritual leader’s contributions to education, social service, national integration and the Madhva philosophical tradition. The logo will be used during programmes organised throughout the centenary year to spread his teachings and highlight his efforts toward social harmony, community welfare and service to disadvantaged people.
- On 23 September 2026, Bharat Taxi expanded its cooperative-based taxi service to Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The platform seeks to provide an alternative to privately owned ride-hailing applications by giving participating drivers a greater role in ownership and earnings. Its expansion is expected to improve urban mobility, create employment opportunities and offer passengers transparent fares while reducing the commissions normally deducted from drivers by commercial aggregators.
- On 23 September 2026, the Punjab Government notified an 8% increase in Dearness Allowance for eligible government employees and pensioners. Dearness Allowance is periodically revised to protect salaries and pensions against inflation and increases in living costs. The decision will raise the monthly income of serving personnel and retired employees, although it will also increase the State Government’s recurring expenditure. The notification specified the effective period and the procedure for releasing revised payments and any applicable arrears.
- On 23 September 2026, the Delhi Cabinet approved the DURGA scheme to provide 1,300 pink electric autorickshaws to eligible women and transgender persons. DURGA stands for Delhi Urban Ride for Gender Advancement. The programme aims to generate livelihood opportunities, improve women’s participation in public transport and encourage cleaner urban mobility. Beneficiaries will receive institutional assistance for acquiring and operating the vehicles, while the distinctly coloured e-autos will help passengers identify the service and promote safer, inclusive last-mile transportation.
- On 23 September 2026, the Delhi Government launched the PM Surya Ghar portal to simplify applications for residential rooftop-solar installations. Eligible households can obtain combined Central and Delhi Government assistance of up to ₹1.56 lakh, depending on system capacity and prescribed conditions. The portal integrates registration, vendor selection, subsidy processing and installation tracking. The initiative seeks to lower household electricity bills, increase distributed renewable-energy capacity and encourage residents to generate clean electricity from rooftops.
- On 24 September 2026, MY Bharat announced that its digital youth platform had crossed three crore registrations. The platform, operated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, connects young citizens with volunteering, experiential learning, leadership and community-service opportunities. The milestone reflects growing participation in nation-building programmes. Registered users can access activities conducted by government bodies, educational institutions and partner organisations, helping them acquire practical skills while contributing to campaigns involving health, environment, social awareness and civic responsibility.
- On 23 September 2026, the Gujarat Government announced that approximately 63.35 lakh farmers had been added to its digital farmer registry. The database connects farmers’ identities with Aadhaar, agricultural land records and related government information. It is intended to improve verification, reduce duplication and enable faster delivery of subsidies, crop assistance, insurance and other agricultural benefits. The registry also supports the creation of reliable digital agricultural records for evidence-based policymaking and more targeted implementation of farmer-welfare schemes.
- On 24 September 2026, the Supreme Court referred challenges to the law governing the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners to a Constitution Bench. The petitions question provisions affecting the composition of the selection committee and the independence of the Election Commission. The larger Bench will examine significant constitutional issues concerning institutional autonomy, separation of powers, free and fair elections and the extent of Parliament’s authority to prescribe the appointment mechanism.
- On 24 September 2026, authorities highlighted progress on Assam’s second Saraighat Bridge project over the Brahmaputra River. The proposed connectivity project is intended to reduce congestion on existing crossings, strengthen transport links between Guwahati and North Assam and support regional commerce. By creating additional road capacity across the river, the project is expected to shorten travel time, improve the movement of goods and provide greater resilience when existing bridges undergo maintenance or experience heavy traffic.
- On 23 September 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India initiated action against misleading food-related claims made through e-commerce platforms. Its scrutiny covers unsupported health claims, inaccurate product descriptions and information inconsistent with approved labels. Online food businesses and marketplaces must ensure that digital listings accurately reproduce mandatory declarations. The action seeks to protect consumers, improve transparency and make e-commerce platforms accountable under the Food Safety and Standards Act and associated regulations.
- On 25 September 2026, India observed the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, the political thinker associated with Integral Humanism and Antyodaya. Antyodaya means improving the welfare of the person at the lowest level of society. Government and public programmes recalled his ideas concerning decentralised development, self-reliance and inclusive economic progress. The occasion is also observed as Antyodaya Diwas to promote schemes focused on poor, vulnerable and marginalised communities.
- On 24 September 2026, the birth anniversary of Bhikaji Cama was commemorated to recognise her contribution to India’s freedom movement. Born on 24 September 1861, she campaigned internationally against British colonial rule. In 1907, she displayed an early version of an Indian national flag at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany. Her political activities, writings and international advocacy helped publicise India’s struggle for independence and earned her recognition as a pioneering revolutionary and nationalist.
- On 23 September 2026, the World Meteorological Organization released the State of Global Water Resources 2025 report. It found that global glacier mass had declined for the fourth consecutive year, highlighting the accelerating effects of climate change. The report assessed river flows, reservoirs, groundwater, soil moisture, snow and glaciers. It stressed the need for stronger hydrological monitoring, early-warning systems, international data sharing and sustainable water management to respond to increasing floods, droughts and water insecurity.
- On 23 September 2026, the United Kingdom established its first military space squadron to strengthen the protection of British satellites and space-based services. The unit will monitor hostile activity, improve space-domain awareness and support coordinated responses to threats such as interference, cyberattacks and anti-satellite capabilities. As civilian and military systems increasingly depend on satellites for communication, navigation and intelligence, the squadron represents the UK’s growing focus on space as an important operational and national-security domain.
- On 23 September 2026, reports examined the United States jurisdictions that had enacted legislation supporting permanent daylight saving time. Such State laws generally cannot take effect independently because federal law permits permanent standard time but does not presently authorise States to adopt daylight saving time throughout the year. The debate concerns evening daylight, energy use, road safety, health and business coordination. Any nationwide implementation would require the United States Congress to amend existing federal time legislation.
- On 23 September 2026, Lonely Planet included Gujarat and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in its Best in Travel 2027 selections. Gujarat was recognised for its cultural heritage, landscapes, wildlife and tourism experiences, while the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway was highlighted as an iconic mountain journey. Their inclusion provides international visibility to Indian tourism and may encourage sustainable travel, local employment, heritage conservation and greater global interest in destinations beyond India’s conventional tourism circuits.
- On 22 September 2026, Mastercard Asia/Pacific sold its entire 4.31% stake in Pine Labs through block deals valued at approximately ₹933 crore. The transaction marked Mastercard’s exit as an investor in the digital-payments and merchant-commerce company. A block deal involves the sale of a large quantity of shares through a specially designated stock-exchange mechanism. The development is important for examinations because it concerns foreign institutional investment, fintech ownership and capital-market transactions.
- On 21 September 2026, Jammu and Kashmir Bank signed an escrow agreement relating to the proposed sale of a 0.5% stake in PNB MetLife India Insurance Company for ₹120 crore. The arrangement involved MetLife International Holdings and Barclays-related entities. An escrow mechanism keeps transaction funds or securities with an independent intermediary until agreed conditions are fulfilled. The transaction will monetise part of the bank’s insurance investment while ensuring that the transfer and consideration are completed through a protected settlement structure.
- On 24 September 2026, the National Stock Exchange’s shares began trading on the BSE, marking an important development in India’s capital market. The listing provides a regulated platform for price discovery and trading in the shares of the country’s largest stock exchange. It can improve transparency, liquidity and investor participation while subjecting NSE to listed-company disclosure requirements. The event is especially significant because it involves one major Indian stock exchange being listed on another recognised exchange.
- On 23 September 2026, the Asian Development Bank raised India’s economic growth forecast for FY2026–27 to 7%. The revision reflected resilient domestic consumption, investment activity and services exports, supported by a strong first-quarter performance. A higher forecast indicates confidence in India’s growth momentum, although inflation, global trade uncertainty and external demand remain important risks. ADB forecasts are closely followed because they influence assessments of investment conditions, fiscal planning and India’s position among major global economies.
- On 23 September 2026, India ranked first among 41 markets in the Swedish Business Climate Survey 2026. The survey, associated with the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India and partner institutions, assessed the experience and expectations of Swedish companies operating internationally. India’s leading position reflected optimism concerning market growth, investment prospects and business performance. The result strengthens India’s image as an attractive destination for Swedish investment in manufacturing, technology, sustainability, research and industrial innovation.
- On 21 September 2026, Premier Energies commissioned a 7 GW solar-cell manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh, described as India’s largest. The addition raised the company’s total solar-cell capacity to approximately 10.6 GW. Developed with an investment of about ₹3,293 crore, the plant supports domestic production of photovoltaic components, reduces reliance on imports and advances India’s renewable-energy manufacturing objectives. It is also expected to generate employment and strengthen the country’s solar-energy supply chain.
- On 21 September 2026, Starbucks signed an agreement with the Tamil Nadu Government to establish its first Global Capability Centre in India at Chennai. The centre, described as Starbucks’ first major corporate technology hub outside the United States, is expected to create around 800 jobs during its first phase. It will support technology, analytics and enterprise operations. The investment enhances Chennai’s position as a GCC destination and is separate from Starbucks’ Indian retail partnership with Tata.
- On 24 September 2026, India added several medals at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Jay Kumar, Ansa Babu, Manu T.S. and Rashdeep Kaur won silver in the mixed 4×400-metre relay, while Seema Kumari secured bronze in the women’s 10,000 metres. The results strengthened India’s athletics tally and demonstrated competitive depth across track disciplines. The mixed relay requires two male and two female runners, making coordinated team composition and baton exchanges especially important.
- On 24 September 2026, Roshibina Devi Naorem won the silver medal in the women’s 60 kg sanda event at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Sanda is the full-contact combat discipline of wushu and combines punching, kicking, throwing and tactical movement. Her medal strengthened India’s performance in wushu and added to her record at major Asian competitions. She reached the gold-medal contest after progressing through the knockout rounds but finished as the tournament’s runner-up.
- On 24 September 2026, Satnam Singh and Salman Khan won bronze in the men’s double sculls rowing event at the Asian Games in Japan. The result was reported as India’s first Asian Games medal in this particular rowing event. Double sculls involves two rowers, each using two oars, and demands close synchronisation throughout the race. Their achievement broadened India’s rowing medal profile and highlighted the country’s growing competitiveness in technical water sports.
- On 24 September 2026, Indian shooters won bronze medals in skeet events at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Parinaaz Dhaliwal earned bronze in mixed-team skeet, while Indian men’s and women’s teams also produced podium performances. Skeet competitors shoot clay targets released at speed from two fixed stations. These medals demonstrated India’s strength across individual, team and mixed shooting formats and contributed to the country’s overall Games tally.
- On 23 September 2026, England fast bowler Mark Wood announced his retirement from international cricket after an 11-year career. Known for consistently bowling at very high speeds, Wood represented England in Tests, One-Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals and contributed to major limited-overs successes. Recurrent injury concerns affected portions of his career, but his pace and aggressive approach made him an important member of England’s bowling attack across formats.
- On 24 September 2026, India was selected to host the UCI Road World Championships in Pune, Maharashtra, in 2032. The championship is one of international cycling’s most prestigious competitions and includes elite road races and individual time trials. Hosting rights will bring leading cyclists and national teams to India, encourage investment in cycling infrastructure and provide international exposure to Pune. The event may also promote cycling as a competitive sport and sustainable mode of transport.
- On 21 September 2026, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for ISRO’s ISTRAC Advanced Radar Research Facility at Chandrapur near Guwahati. Developed under Project NETRA on nearly 70 acres provided by the State Government, it will support space-object tracking and surveillance. The facility will help India monitor satellites and space debris, strengthen space-situational awareness and expand advanced space-research infrastructure in the Northeast.
- On 22 September 2026, NIT Srinagar inaugurated the NIT Srinagar Observatory for Astronomy and Astrophysics, becoming the first National Institute of Technology with a dedicated campus-based astronomical observatory. The facility contains a 14-inch Celestron C14 EdgeHD Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope and advanced imaging equipment. It will support observational astronomy, astrophysics research, student training and public outreach while enabling students to collect and analyse astronomical data directly.
- On 23 September 2026, NASA advanced the Probe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics, or PRIMA, to Phase B of mission development. The phase involves detailed design work, technology maturation and refinement of cost and schedule estimates. PRIMA is designed to observe the universe in far-infrared wavelengths, helping scientists study the formation of stars, planets and galaxies. Far-infrared observations can penetrate cosmic dust that obscures many celestial objects at visible wavelengths.
- On 24 September 2026, an Indian-led astronomical study highlighted an ultracompact binary containing two white dwarfs orbiting each other approximately every 6.2 minutes. The system, eRASSU J060839.5–704014, is shrinking exceptionally rapidly as it loses energy through gravitational waves. Observations from the Einstein Probe and NASA’s NICER instrument could improve knowledge of binary-star evolution, possible supernova pathways and low-frequency gravitational-wave sources.
- On 22 September 2026, Zoological Survey of India researchers reported a new parasitic wasp species, Oxyserphus narendrani, from Dibru-Saikhowa National Park in Assam. It represents the first recorded Indian species of its genus. Parasitic wasps play an important ecological role by developing in or on other arthropods and helping regulate insect populations. The discovery underlines the biodiversity value of Assam’s protected lowland habitats and the need for continued taxonomic research and conservation.
- On 24 September 2026, researchers reported that Anthropic’s Claude artificial-intelligence system had helped identify a previously unknown enzyme system. The work demonstrated how generative AI can analyse complex biological information, propose relationships between proteins and guide experimental investigation. Such tools could accelerate discoveries in biotechnology, medicine and industrial biology. However, AI-generated scientific hypotheses still require laboratory testing, reproducibility and expert review before their biological functions or practical applications can be confirmed.
- On 23 September 2026, a leucistic great cormorant was reported at Ameenpur Lake in Telangana. Leucism is a genetic condition that causes partial loss of pigmentation in feathers or skin without necessarily affecting the eyes, distinguishing it from albinism. The unusual sighting is significant for ornithological documentation and public interest in urban biodiversity. It also highlights the ecological importance of wetlands such as Ameenpur Lake as habitats for resident and migratory waterbirds.
- On 23 September 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed an ₹810.79 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for 160 Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons fitted with satellite-based guidance, along with associated equipment, for the Indian Air Force. Signed in New Delhi under the Buy (Indian–IDDM) category, the contract has approximately 60% indigenous content. The precision weapon is intended to strike enemy airfield infrastructure and strengthens domestic defence production and stand-off attack capability.
- On 23 September 2026, Germany indicated its readiness to conclude a major submarine agreement with India. The proposed cooperation concerns advanced conventional submarines and is linked with India’s efforts to modernise its underwater fleet while obtaining domestic construction, technology transfer and long-term industrial participation. If finalised, the project would deepen India–Germany defence ties, strengthen the Indian Navy’s undersea capabilities and support the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat objectives in complex naval platforms.
- On 23 September 2026, South Central Railway commissioned the upgraded Kavach Version 4.0 on the 108-route-kilometre Malkajgiri–Kamareddi section of Hyderabad Division. Kavach is India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection system and is designed to prevent signal passing at danger, control excessive speed and reduce collision risks. The Version 4.0 upgrade offers improved reliability and operational compatibility and meets the demanding Safety Integrity Level-4 standard.
- From 15 to 18 September 2026, the World Circular Economy Forum was held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat—the first edition hosted in South Asia. Its theme was “Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity.” It was organised with the Central Pollution Control Board, Sitra, Finland, the Union Environment Ministry and Gujarat institutions. Policymakers, businesses and experts discussed resource efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and circular production systems.
- On 24 September 2026, BRICS tax authorities met in New Delhi to discuss cooperation in tax administration. Representatives considered digitalisation, information exchange, capacity building and methods for handling cross-border taxation and tax evasion. The meeting sought to strengthen collaboration among BRICS economies while making tax systems more efficient, transparent and taxpayer-friendly. Discussions were also relevant to emerging international tax challenges created by digital business models and increasingly integrated global financial and commercial activities.
- On 22 September 2026, IIT (BHU), Varanasi, and the University of Michigan signed an MoU to collaborate on electric-mobility research. The partnership covers joint research, academic exchanges, advanced battery systems, power electronics, electric drivetrains and sustainable transportation. It is intended to connect Indian and American researchers, provide students with international exposure and accelerate practical innovations for cleaner mobility. The agreement also supports India’s transition towards electric vehicles and reduced transport-related carbon emissions.
- On 23 September 2026, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited signed an MoU with the New Shipbuilding Infrastructure Project of Andhra Pradesh to develop a greenfield shipyard at Dugarajapatnam. The partnership will examine planning, investment and development of modern shipbuilding and repair infrastructure. The proposed yard is expected to enhance India’s maritime manufacturing capacity, generate employment, support commercial and defence shipbuilding and contribute to the Government’s objective of making India a major global shipbuilding hub.
- On 23 September 2026, Harsh Sanghani was re-elected President of the International Cooperative Alliance Youth Committee for a second term. The committee represents young people within the global cooperative movement and promotes youth participation, leadership and entrepreneurship. His re-election recognises his work in cooperative development and provides India with continued representation in an important international body. During the new term, he is expected to support youth-led cooperative enterprises, international networking and capacity-building initiatives.
- On 23 September 2026, a woman farmer from Mizoram was selected for recognition under the Food and Agriculture Organization’s “100 Women Heroes” initiative. The honour recognises women who make significant contributions to agriculture, food security, rural livelihoods and sustainable resource management. Her selection highlights the role of women farmers in Northeast India, particularly in preserving traditional knowledge, supporting community-based farming and adopting resilient agricultural practices suited to local ecological conditions.
- On 23 September 2026, music composer Shantanu Moitra was selected for the National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026, to be presented in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Known for his work in Hindi cinema and independent music, Moitra has composed acclaimed soundtracks combining Indian melodic traditions with contemporary arrangements. The award commemorates legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar and honours distinguished contributions to Indian music, composition and the wider cultural heritage of the country.
- World Maritime Day was observed on 24 September 2026 under the International Maritime Organization’s 2026–27 theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” Observed on the last Thursday of September, the day highlights shipping’s contribution to international trade and global development. The theme encourages governments and the maritime industry to translate international rules into effective action concerning safety, environmental protection, efficiency, seafarer welfare and sustainable maritime operations.
- World Lung Day was observed on 25 September 2026 to increase awareness of respiratory health and preventable lung diseases. The observance draws attention to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tuberculosis, lung cancer, air pollution and occupational respiratory hazards. Health organisations use the day to promote clean air, tobacco control, vaccination, early diagnosis and equal access to respiratory care. Its broader objective is to make lung health a major component of public-health planning worldwide.
- Flight Lieutenant Alfred Tyrone Cooke, a Vir Chakra awardee and veteran of the 1965 India–Pakistan War, died on 18 September 2026. A former Indian Air Force fighter pilot, he was renowned for his courage during aerial combat and received the Vir Chakra for gallantry. His death marked the passing of a decorated military veteran whose service represented the skill and bravery displayed by Indian aviators during the 1965 conflict.
- Actor Mushtaq Khan died on 24 September 2026 following a battle with cancer. He was known for character and supporting roles across Indian films and television, where his performances contributed humour, realism and emotional depth. During his long acting career, he worked with several prominent filmmakers and actors and became a familiar face to audiences. His death prompted tributes from colleagues and admirers who remembered his versatility and contribution to popular entertainment.
- Veteran Malayalam actress Savithri Sreedharan died in September 2026 after a long career in theatre, cinema and television. She was widely respected for natural performances and memorable supporting roles, particularly those portraying everyday family and social life. Before gaining recognition on screen, she built her reputation through theatre. Her death was mourned by members of the Malayalam entertainment industry, who remembered her disciplined craft and contribution to Kerala’s performing-arts tradition.
- Soorya Krishnamoorthy, former ISRO scientist and founder of the Soorya Festival, died on 23 September 2026 at the age of 78. He was a major cultural organiser who established one of India’s longest-running arts festivals, bringing together music, dance, theatre and cinema. His work connected scientific professionalism with cultural institution-building and created opportunities for established and emerging artists. He was remembered for expanding the reach of Indian classical and performing arts.
- On 23 September 2026, business strategist and author Hirav Shah launched his novel SAARATHI in Gujarat. The book uses a narrative format to examine leadership, decision-making, entrepreneurship, personal growth and the importance of guidance during difficult circumstances. Its title refers to a charioteer or guide who helps a person choose the correct direction. The work seeks to present business and life lessons through accessible storytelling rather than a conventional instructional or management textbook.
Questions:
Q1. In September 2026, Mastercard Asia/Pacific sold its entire 4.31% stake in Pine Labs for approximately how much?
a) ₹120 crore
b) ₹933 crore
c) ₹1,560 crore
d) ₹3,293 crore
Answer: b) Mastercard Asia/Pacific sold its 4.31% stake in Pine Labs through block deals valued at approximately ₹933 crore. The sale marked Mastercard’s exit as an investor in the company.
Q2. What is an escrow arrangement?
a) A loan guaranteed by the government
b) Funds or securities held by an independent intermediary until agreed conditions are fulfilled
c) A method of issuing new shares
d) A subsidy paid directly to an investor
Answer: b) An escrow arrangement keeps transaction funds or securities with an independent intermediary until the parties meet the agreed conditions.
