Current Affairs One-Liner: 8th & 9th September 2026

National:

On 6–7 September 2026, the 16th National Meet of State Biodiversity Boards and Union Territory Biodiversity Councils was held in Chandigarh. Organised under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the meeting reviewed implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, conservation of threatened species, preparation of People’s Biodiversity Registers and benefit-sharing with local communities. It aimed to strengthen coordination among national, state and local biodiversity institutions.

Current Affairs One-Liner: 8th & 9th September 2026

From 4 to 8 September 2026, scientists from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre surveyed possible sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for installing Small Modular Reactors. These compact nuclear reactors are being considered to meet the islands’ rising and reliable electricity requirements, particularly as large infrastructure projects develop. The proposal could reduce dependence on diesel-based power while supporting energy security in the strategically important island territory.
On 7 September 2026, the Tamil Nadu government began the third phase of underwater archaeological exploration off Poompuhar, the ancient Chola port also known as Kaveripoompattinam. The work seeks evidence of submerged settlements, wharves and maritime trade mentioned in Sangam literature. Researchers will use marine surveys and scientific dating to reconstruct the port’s history and understand how coastal erosion, sea-level changes and floods affected the city.
On 17 July 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s indigenously developed hydrogen-powered passenger train at Jind in Haryana. The train, designed for the Jind–Sonipat route, is intended to operate at up to 110 kmph after trials. Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity with water vapour as the direct emission, making the project an important experiment in replacing diesel traction on suitable non-electrified railway routes.
On 7 September 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 28th Western Zonal Council meeting in Panaji, Goa. Representatives of Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu discussed coastal security, cybersecurity, cooperative banking, drug trafficking and inter-state coordination. Shah described western India as a major growth engine and called for stronger cooperation on shared administrative and security challenges.
On 10 September 2026, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi launched the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah. The month-long campaign focuses on community participation through Anganwadi centres, maternal and child nutrition, growth monitoring, anaemia prevention and healthy dietary practices. It supports the objectives of POSHAN Abhiyaan by encouraging behavioural change and coordinated action among families, frontline workers, local bodies and government departments.
From 7 to 10 September 2026, Jammu and Kashmir hosted its first international film festival in Srinagar. Around 135 films from nearly 40 countries were scheduled for screening. The festival was organised to provide a platform to local, national and international filmmakers, revive Kashmir’s connection with cinema, encourage cultural exchange and promote the Union Territory as a destination for film production and tourism.
On 7 September 2026, the Union Environment Ministry conferred the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026 Awards under the National Clean Air Programme. Lucknow topped the million-plus population category, Rourkela led the 3–10 lakh category and Kalinga Nagar ranked first among smaller cities. The survey evaluates city action on reducing air pollution, road dust, waste burning and PM10 levels and promotes competition in clean-air management.
On 8 September 2026, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal set a target of attracting 10 million medical tourists annually to India. He highlighted India’s skilled doctors, cost-effective treatment, modern hospitals and traditional wellness systems. The target seeks to expand India’s share of global medical-value tourism, generate foreign-exchange earnings and create jobs while improving international patient facilitation, visa processes and quality standards.
On 7 September 2026, Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Colour to Goa Police. It is among the highest honours granted to a police or armed force unit and recognises distinguished service, discipline and commitment to public safety. Goa became the fifth state police force to receive the honour, marking its contribution to law enforcement, coastal security and maintenance of public order.
On 8 September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for rail, road, housing, water-supply and renewable-energy projects worth more than ₹35,000 crore in Vadodara, Gujarat. Major works included three sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Jobat–Tanda Road railway line and highway upgrades. The package aims to improve freight movement, regional connectivity, logistics efficiency and urban infrastructure.
On 8 September 2026, it was announced that the 72nd National Film Awards ceremony would be held on 22 September 2026 at Ekta Nagar near the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to honour 92 recipients. This will be the first time in more than seven decades that the ceremony is conducted outside New Delhi, where it has traditionally been held.
On 8 September 2026, the Coal Ministry launched the first common Corporate Social Responsibility framework for coal companies. The framework seeks to align CSR spending by public-sector coal enterprises with national development priorities, improve project selection and monitoring, avoid duplication and increase measurable outcomes. Priority areas include healthcare, education, skills, environmental restoration and community development in coal-bearing and mining-affected regions.
On 8 September 2026, Tripura reported a zero dropout rate at the primary-school level, reflecting improved enrolment and retention. The achievement was linked to school-access measures, tracking of vulnerable children, welfare support and coordination between teachers, families and local authorities. It is significant for the Right to Education objective, though continued work is required to retain students through upper-primary and secondary levels.
On 8 September 2026, wildlife authorities rescued five young orangutans in Odisha and began investigating suspected international wildlife trafficking. Orangutans are native to Indonesia and Malaysia, so their presence in India indicated possible cross-border smuggling. The animals were placed under specialised care while agencies examined transport routes and the people involved. The case highlights the need for stronger enforcement of wildlife-protection and international trade rules.
On 8 September 2026, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released a commemorative postage stamp marking 75 years of the Tamil daily Dinamalar. The stamp recognised the newspaper’s contribution to Tamil journalism, public information and regional publishing. Commemorative stamps are issued by the Department of Posts to record institutions, personalities and events of national, historical or cultural importance.
On 5 September 2026, four additional Indian cultural properties were placed on UNESCO’s Tentative List, taking India’s total to 73. The additions included heritage groups representing distinctive architecture and regional history. Entry on the Tentative List does not confer World Heritage status; it is the mandatory preliminary stage from which a country may later nominate a property for formal inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
On 8 September 2026, the Union government deferred the house-listing and housing-census operations for Census 2027 in Manipur because conditions were not considered suitable for uniform fieldwork. House-listing is the first major on-ground stage of a census and records buildings, households and amenities. The deferment is limited to the affected state and does not mean that the national Census 2027 exercise has been cancelled.

International:

On 6 September 2026, OPEC+ decided to keep its October oil-output quota unchanged. The decision was taken amid uncertainty over global demand, geopolitical conflict and supply disruptions. By pausing any further increase, the group sought to prevent excess supply and support market stability. OPEC+ includes members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied producers led by Russia.
On 6 September 2026, India and France jointly marked the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple at Bussy-Saint-Georges near Paris. Built through community participation, the temple combines traditional Indian religious architecture with French craftsmanship. The event was presented as a symbol of India–France cultural relations, religious pluralism and the contribution of the Indian diaspora to French society.
On 8 September 2026, the United Kingdom recognised India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme as an eligible carbon-pricing mechanism for relevant UK rules taking effect from 1 January 2027. Recognition can help Indian exporters demonstrate the carbon price already paid at home and avoid unequal treatment. It also encourages compatibility between India’s emerging carbon market and international climate-linked trade measures.
On 8 September 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Union to establish a common ban on social-media access for children below 15 years. The proposal is intended to address addictive platform design, cyberbullying, harmful content and mental-health risks. Macron called for EU-wide age-verification standards so that restrictions are consistent across member states instead of relying only on separate national laws.
On 8 September 2026, the United States announced a ban on selected Canadian imports, including most alcoholic beverages, specified dairy or whey products and large-engine motorcycles, effective 29 September 2026. The action followed escalating trade retaliation between the two countries. The measure could disrupt established supply chains, reduce consumer choice and invite further Canadian countermeasures.

Banking:

On 4 September 2026, the Reserve Bank of India included Coastal Local Area Bank, headquartered in Vijayawada, in the Second Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934. Scheduled-bank status improves access to RBI facilities and strengthens institutional recognition, subject to regulatory compliance. Coastal LAB operates mainly in selected districts of Andhra Pradesh and focuses on mobilising local savings and providing credit in rural and semi-urban areas.
On 8 September 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on ICICI Lombard General Insurance for regulatory non-compliance identified during supervisory examination. The order reinforces that insurers must follow rules relating to policyholder protection, operational controls and regulatory reporting. A monetary penalty is an enforcement action and does not by itself invalidate customers’ existing insurance policies.
On 30 June 2026, the Reserve Bank of India released its half-yearly Financial Stability Report. The report assessed the resilience of Indian banks and other financial institutions, macro-financial risks, asset quality, capital adequacy and results of stress tests. It is prepared with inputs from the Financial Stability and Development Council’s subcommittee and helps regulators identify vulnerabilities that could threaten the stability of the financial system.
On 8 September 2026, the Finance Ministry announced arrangements to mobilise $1 billion from the International Finance Corporation for expanding long-term credit to Indian micro, small and medium enterprises. The initiative aims to improve the availability of patient capital, support productive investment and narrow the MSME financing gap. It also seeks to encourage participating financial institutions to lend to women-led, climate-linked and underserved enterprises.

Economy:

On 7 September 2026, Bengaluru-based space-technology company Pixxel raised $100 million in a Series C round co-led by Temasek and Seraphim Space Investment Trust. It was reported as India’s largest private space-tech funding round. Pixxel plans to expand its Honeybee satellite constellation, high-resolution optical imaging capability, Aurora earth-intelligence platform and satellite-manufacturing operations.
On 9 September 2026, quantum-cybersecurity company QNu Labs announced a ₹200 crore Series A1 funding round, co-led by the National Quantum Mission and Speciale Invest. The company will use the capital to scale quantum-safe security products, expand research and enter additional global markets. Quantum-safe systems are designed to protect sensitive communications from attacks that future quantum computers may make possible.
On 8 September 2026, ONGC backed a proposed ₹2,000 crore energy start-up fund to support innovation across oil and gas, clean energy, carbon management and related technologies. The initiative is intended to provide growth capital and strategic support to young companies whose solutions can improve energy security, operational efficiency and the transition to lower-carbon systems.
On 8 September 2026, SPJIMR Mumbai was placed 26th globally in the Financial Times Masters in Management Ranking 2026. The ranking evaluates institutions on graduate career progress, salaries, international exposure, faculty diversity and programme outcomes. Its position strengthened the representation of Indian management schools in international rankings and highlighted the growing global visibility of Indian postgraduate management education.

Sports:

On 6 September 2026, Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes won the Formula One Italian Grand Prix at the Monza Circuit in Italy. Starting 19th after an engine-related grid penalty, he recovered to overtake teammate George Russell near the finish. Russell placed second and Max Verstappen third. Antonelli became the first Italian driver in 60 years to win his home Grand Prix.
On 7 September 2026, India won two gold medals and one silver medal at the 2026 World Archery Para Series stage in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The medals came in individual and team para-archery events against an international field. The result strengthened India’s position in elite para archery and provided valuable ranking and competition exposure ahead of major continental and world events.
On 7 September 2026, India finished fourth at the Pickleball World Cup 2026 after competing against leading national teams. The result reflected India’s rapid progress in the emerging racquet sport, although the team missed the medal positions. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and is played with paddles and a perforated plastic ball.
On 8 September 2026, India’s contingent for the 2026 Asian Games received its official send-off ahead of the Games in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from 19 September to 4 October 2026. India is fielding 503 athletes, including 269 men and 234 women. The ceremony recognised the athletes and support staff and formally conveyed the country’s expectations for the multi-sport competition.
On 3 September 2026, Spanish footballer Marcos Llorente announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31. The Atlético Madrid midfielder and right-back ended his Spain career after earning 27 caps and being part of Spain’s 2026 FIFA World Cup-winning squad. His decision applied only to international duty; he continued to play club football for Atlético Madrid.

Military Exercise:

From 9 to 22 September 2026, the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are conducting the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and adjoining airspace. India is participating with frontline combat and support aircraft, while Japan has deployed F-2 fighters. The exercise aims to improve interoperability, tactical coordination, operational understanding and defence cooperation between the two air forces.

Science and Technology

On 8 September 2026, Chennai-based space start-up Agnikul Cosmos inaugurated two new assembly and testing facilities in Chennai. The facilities will support manufacturing and validation of rocket stages, including technologies required for reusable launch systems. The expansion is intended to shorten development cycles for the company’s Agnibaan launch vehicle and strengthen India’s private small-satellite launch ecosystem.
On 7 September 2026, Bengaluru-based Astrogate Labs announced India’s first indigenous optical inter-satellite link terminal for an orbital mission. The system uses laser beams rather than conventional radio frequencies to transmit large volumes of data between satellites. Optical links can offer higher bandwidth, lower latency and more secure communication, supporting future satellite constellations and space-based data networks.
On 7 September 2026, researchers reported a new legless amphibian species, Gegeneophis chandgadi, from Maharashtra’s Western Ghats. The underground-dwelling animal belongs to a group called caecilians and was named after the local Chandgadi dialect. The discovery adds to knowledge of the region’s poorly documented subterranean biodiversity and underlines the ecological importance of protecting soil, forest and freshwater habitats.
On 8 September 2026, researchers announced the discovery of a new rock-dwelling lichen species, Buellia maharajensis, in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala, at an elevation of about 1,351 metres. Lichens are composite organisms formed through a partnership between fungi and photosynthetic partners. The finding expands India’s recorded lichen diversity and indicates the biological richness of high-altitude shola ecosystems.
On 8 September 2026, Google DeepMind launched the AlphaGenome Atlas, an AI-based platform containing predictions for the effects of approximately nine billion possible single-letter changes in human DNA. The tool covers coding and non-coding parts of the genome and is intended to help researchers identify variants linked to disease, prioritise genetic investigations and accelerate biological and medical research.
On 4 September 2026, IIT Madras-incubated Bodhan AI, working with AI4Bharat, launched four open AI models for Indian languages. The models support automatic speech recognition, text-to-speech, machine translation and optical character recognition across 22 to 27 languages. They are intended to provide a common technology base for multilingual educational tools used by students, teachers, researchers and public-learning platforms.
On 8 September 2026, Germany’s Isar Aerospace launched its Spectrum rocket, advancing Europe’s privately developed small-satellite launch capability. Spectrum is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle designed to carry small and medium payloads. The mission was important for Europe’s effort to diversify access to space, reduce dependence on a limited number of launch providers and develop a competitive commercial launch industry.
On 8 September 2026, the Botanical Survey of India announced the discovery of Osbeckia ulotricha, a new flowering-plant species from the shola grasslands of the Kerala–Tamil Nadu Western Ghats. The species belongs to the family Melastomataceae. Its identification improves documentation of endemic Western Ghats flora and supports conservation planning for fragile montane grassland and shola ecosystems.
On 8 September 2026, India joined the United States and 24 other countries in a global initiative for cooperation on 6G technology. The partnership seeks common approaches to secure, open, interoperable and energy-efficient next-generation telecom networks. It will encourage research collaboration, standards development and trusted supply chains as countries prepare for communication systems expected to follow commercial 5G networks.

Defence:

On 8 September 2026, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited rolled out its 400th AH-64E Apache helicopter fuselage from Hyderabad. The joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Boeing supplies fuselages for the global Apache programme. The milestone demonstrates India’s role in international aerospace manufacturing, supports skilled employment and strengthens domestic capability in precision defence production and global supply chains.
On 7 September 2026, the Indian Army established the AASHVAST laboratory to examine military drones and electronic equipment for hidden foreign components, malicious code and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The lab is intended to verify the trustworthiness of systems before deployment, particularly where imported hardware or software may create security risks. It supports secure procurement and greater indigenous control over critical defence technologies.
On 7 September 2026, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved ten capital-acquisition proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore. Around 98% of the value is expected to be sourced from Indian industry. The proposals cover equipment for the Army, Navy and Air Force, including helicopters, radars, specialised vehicles, gas turbines and electronic-warfare systems.
On 8 September 2026, the Indian Air Force announced Dronathon 2026, to be organised at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer from 14 to 16 September 2026. Domestic manufacturers and start-ups will demonstrate unmanned aerial systems, swarm technologies and counter-drone solutions under operational conditions. The event aims to identify deployable technologies and speed up indigenous capability development for modern drone warfare
On 8 September 2026, India and Morocco held their inaugural Joint Defence Committee meeting in New Delhi. Officials reviewed military training, defence-industry cooperation, maritime security, counter-terrorism and capacity building. The committee was created under the defence-cooperation MoU signed in 2025 and provides an institutional mechanism for converting the two countries’ broad defence commitments into specific programmes and regular consultations.

Committees:

On 8 September 2026, the Supreme Court directed that the proposed expert panel on the Aravalli range be constituted and complete the required process by 30 November 2026. The panel is expected to examine environmental protection, mining, land classification and ecological restoration issues. The direction seeks a science-based and coordinated approach to conserving the Aravallis across the states and Union Territories through which the range extends.
On 8 September 2026, the steering committee of PM-SETU approved institutional plans worth ₹735.70 crore. The committee reviewed proposals intended to improve skills, training infrastructure and employment-oriented programmes. Its approval enables the participating institutions and departments to move to implementation while remaining subject to financial, monitoring and outcome requirements prescribed under the scheme.

Summits & Conferences:

On 8 September 2026, NITI Aayog launched the PACT platform and ZET Marketplace at the 5th e-FAST Summit. The event brought together government agencies, financiers, fleet operators and manufacturers to accelerate zero-emission freight transport. The initiatives aim to connect demand and supply for electric trucks, improve access to financing and charging support, and convert clean-freight commitments into deployable projects.
On 8 September 2026, the 27th World Knowledge Forum began in Seoul, South Korea. Organised by Maekyung Media Group, it brought together political leaders, business executives, academics and technology specialists to discuss economic uncertainty, artificial intelligence, geopolitical change and future growth. Its central purpose was to exchange policy and business ideas for managing rapid global transformation.
On 5–6 September 2026, the Supreme Court of India hosted the BRICS Chief Justices’ Forum in New Delhi under the leadership of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. Chief justices and senior judicial leaders discussed cooperation among courts, constitutional values and legal responses to emerging challenges. The forum sought to deepen judicial dialogue and share practices among BRICS members and partner countries.
From 8 to 11 September 2026, the seventh Global Fintech Fest was organised in Mumbai by the Payments Council of India, the Fintech Convergence Council and NPCI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it on 8 September. The theme was “Potential to Impact: Agentic AI, Tokenisation, Quantum – Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance.” The event focused on converting emerging financial technologies into safe and inclusive applications.

MoUs:

On 8 September 2026, Australian and Indian companies announced five space-industry partnerships at the 9th Bengaluru Space Expo. The agreements cover areas such as satellite components, earth observation, launch support and space-data applications. They aim to connect complementary industrial capabilities, increase private investment and turn the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into commercial and technological collaboration in the space sector.
On 8 September 2026, India and Japan held the 7th Joint Working Group meeting on forests and agreed to deepen cooperation in sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, restoration, forest-fire management and the use of technology. The working group provides a continuing bilateral mechanism for sharing policy experience, research and field practices rather than creating a new treaty organisation.
On 8 September 2026, Bisleri International and the State Bank of India entered a partnership for a plastic-waste-management initiative. The programme will support collection, segregation, recycling and public awareness while encouraging responsible disposal of used plastic. It combines Bisleri’s sustainability programme with SBI’s institutional reach and is intended to promote circular-economy practices and reduce plastic leakage into the environment.
On 4 September 2026, the Assam government signed MoUs with six organisations to integrate artificial intelligence into school education. The partnerships will support AI-enabled teacher training, assessment of foundational literacy, personalised learning and development of locally relevant digital tools. The objective is to help teachers identify learning gaps earlier and provide more targeted support while maintaining appropriate safeguards for student data.
On 8 September 2026, the Asian Development Bank signed its first Transaction Advisory Services mandate in India with the Madhya Pradesh government. ADB will advise the state on structuring and procuring an infrastructure project through an appropriate public-private partnership model. The mandate is intended to improve project preparation, attract credible private investment and ensure transparent, competitive and financially sustainable implementation.

Appointments and Resignations:

On 5 September 2026, Athira Suresh, an NIT Calicut graduate and former ExxonMobil employee, was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army at the Officers Training Academy, Gaya. She was among 253 officer cadets who completed the Short Service Commission Technical course. Her commissioning followed successful completion of selection and military training and was formally approved under the Army’s established commissioning process.
On 8 September 2026, Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh was re-elected Secretary-General of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union for a second term by member countries. The APPU is a regional intergovernmental organisation for postal cooperation in Asia and the Pacific. His renewed mandate covers coordination on modernisation, cross-border mail, e-commerce logistics, digital services and capacity building among member postal administrations.
On 8 September 2026, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment appointed Bhagwat Prasad Makwana as Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis. The commission examines implementation of welfare measures, studies working conditions and makes recommendations concerning sanitation workers. Makwana assumed responsibility for advancing rehabilitation, dignity, safety and social-security issues affecting Safai Karamcharis.

Important Days:

International Vulture Awareness Day was observed on 5 September 2026, the first Saturday of September. In India, activities used the theme “From Crisis to Recovery: Conserving India’s Vultures.” The day promotes protection of vultures, whose populations were devastated by toxic veterinary drugs such as diclofenac. It encourages safe veterinary practices, habitat conservation, breeding programmes and public understanding of vultures’ role in disposing of carcasses and limiting disease.
World Duchenne Awareness Day was observed on 7 September 2026 with the theme “Access Changes Lives.” The campaign highlighted the need for equal access to early diagnosis, multidisciplinary care, treatment, education and social support for people living with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. The date 7/9 symbolically refers to the 79 exons in the dystrophin gene associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
International Literacy Day was observed on 8 September 2026 with the theme “Literacy for People, Planet and Prosperity.” UNESCO’s observance marked 60 years since the day was proclaimed in 1966. It emphasised literacy as a human right and a foundation for participation, sustainable development and livelihoods, while drawing attention to the hundreds of millions of adults who still lack basic reading and writing skills.
Himalaya Diwas was observed on 9 September 2026 to highlight the ecological, cultural and economic importance of the Himalayan region. The 2026 observance focused on glacier retreat and the resulting threats to river flows, drinking water, agriculture and disaster risk. Its aim was to promote climate-resilient mountain development, scientific monitoring, responsible tourism and community participation in protecting fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

Obituaries:

Malayalam filmmaker R. Sarath died on 7 September 2026 at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram while undergoing treatment for health-related ailments. He was 65. A director, screenwriter and storyteller, he was best known for films such as Sayahnam and Sthithi. Sayahnam won the Indira Gandhi Award for Best First Film and several Kerala State Film Awards.
Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first Chief Executive after the territory’s 1997 handover from Britain to China, died on 8 September 2026 at the age of 89 after an unspecified illness. A former shipping businessman, he led Hong Kong from 1997 to 2005. His tenure covered the Asian financial crisis, the SARS outbreak and large protests over proposed national-security legislation.
Carnatic musician and scholar S. R. Janakiraman died on 4 September 2026 at the age of 98. He was widely respected as a vocalist, teacher, musicologist and authority on Carnatic ragas and compositions. Through decades of performance, research and instruction, he trained generations of musicians and helped preserve and explain the theoretical and practical traditions of South Indian classical music.
Jharkhand Higher and Technical Education Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu died of a heart attack in Giridih on 6 September 2026 at the age of 56. A Jharkhand Mukti Morcha leader and MLA from Giridih Sadar, he also held portfolios including urban development, housing, tourism, art, culture, sports and youth affairs. He was known for representing student concerns and negotiating during protests.

Books and Authors:

On 8 September 2026, Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released books connected with the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika and the development of Assamese language studies. These included Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Song, edited by Ankuran Dutta and Nani Gopal Mahanta, along with a work on Assamese lexicography. The publications document Hazarika’s musical and social legacy and Assam’s linguistic scholarship.

Questions:

Q1. Which bank was included in the Second Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934, on 4 September 2026?

a) Capital Local Area Bank

b) Krishna Bhima Samruddhi LAB

c) Coastal Local Area Bank

d) Subhadra Local Area Bank

Answer: c) On 4 September 2026, the RBI granted scheduled-bank status to Vijayawada-headquartered Coastal Local Area Bank by including it in the Second Schedule to the RBI Act, 1934.

Q2. The Finance Ministry secured $1 billion from which institution to expand long-term credit for Indian MSMEs?

a) Asian Development Bank

b) New Development Bank

c) International Monetary Fund

d) International Finance Corporation

Answer: d) On 8 September 2026, the Finance Ministry announced arrangements to mobilise $1 billion from the IFC. The funding will expand long-term credit for Indian MSMEs, particularly women-led, climate-linked and underserved enterprises.