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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Reserve Bank of India Releases Supervisory Data Quality Index for Scheduled Commercial Banks for June 2026 Quarter

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Supervisory Data Quality Index (sDQI) for Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for the quarter ended June 2026.
• The overall sDQI score improved to 3 in June 2026, compared with 90.7 in March 2026, indicating an improvement in the quality of regulatory data submitted by banks.
• The Accuracy score recorded the sharpest improvement, rising from 8 to 96.3 between March and June 2026.
• The Completeness score improved from 4 to 96.9, while the Timeliness score increased from 92.1 to 92.8.
• Consistency was the only parameter to decline, marginally falling from 4 to 87.3.
• The sDQI measures the quality of regulatory data submitted by banks using four parameters: Accuracy, Completeness, Timeliness and Consistency.
• The index covers regulatory returns and microdata used by the RBI for supervisory assessments.
• The June 2026 assessment covered 87 Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) and important regulatory returns, including Asset-Liability and Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (ALE) and Asset Quality (RAQ).
• Among bank groups, Small Finance Banks (SFBs) recorded the highest overall sDQI score of 93.8 in June 2026, compared with 4 in March 2026.
• Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and Foreign Banks both recorded an sDQI score of 7 in June 2026; PSBs improved from 90.7, while Foreign Banks improved from 91.4.
• Private Sector Banks improved their sDQI score from 3 to 92.2 between March and June 2026.
• The RBI classifies an sDQI score above 90 as “Good”, 80–90 as “Acceptable”, 70–80 as “Needs Improvement”, and below 70 as “Major Concerns.”
• In June 2026, only one assessed entity recorded a score below 80.

About RBI :

• Established: 1 April 1935 under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and serves as India’s central bank.
• Nationalised: 1 January 1949
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Governor: Sanjay Malhotra (26th Governor)
• Deputy Governors: Rohit Jain, Shirish Chandra Murmu, Swaminathan Janakiraman, Poonam Gupta
• Wholly Owned by RBI:
• BRBNMPL – Bharatiya Reserve Bank Note Mudran Private Limited
• DICGC – Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
• ReBIT – Reserve Bank Information Technology Private Limited
• RBIH – Reserve Bank Innovation Hub
• Promoted by RBI (Now Government-owned):
• NABARD – National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
• NHB – National Housing Bank

Reserve Bank of India Cancels Certificates of Registrations of 5 Non-Banking Financial Companies and Accepts Surrender of 8 Others Amid Exits, Mergers and Regulatory Changes

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the Certificates of Registration (CoR) of five Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and accepted the surrender of registrations from eight other NBFCs across India due to exit from the Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) business, mergers and regulatory compliance changes.
• The RBI actions were carried out between 4 August and 31 August 2026 under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• RBI exercised its powers under Section 45-IA(6) of the RBI Act, 1934 to cancel the CoR of NBFCs that surrendered their licences or failed to meet applicable regulatory requirements.
• The five NBFCs whose CoRs were cancelled were Dar’s Financial Services, Rolta Holding and Finance Corporation, Vasudeo Securities, Parsoli Corporation, and A C Choksi Financial Services.
• Anupam Mercantile Limited, Grand Motor and Finance Private Limited, Sky Limit International Finance Limited, and ASA International India Microfinance Limited surrendered their registrations after exiting the NBFI business.
• Shivam Securities Private Limited and April Investment and Finance Private Limited surrendered their registrations after ceasing to exist due to amalgamation, merger, dissolution or voluntary strike-off.
• Anagram Industries Limited surrendered its registration after qualifying as an unregistered Core Investment Company (CIC).
• CDN Finance Private Limited surrendered its registration after meeting the criteria for an unregistered Type I NBFC.

Reserve Bank of India Approves RNFI Money to Undertake Cross-Border Trade Remittances

• RNFI Money Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of RNFI Services Limited, received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to undertake cross-border trade remittances.
• The RBI granted perpetual validity to RNFI Money’s Authorised Dealer Category-II (AD-II) foreign exchange licence, providing long-term certainty for its cross-border payments business.
• The RBI also expanded the scope of the AD-II licence to include trade remittances, Nostro accounts and appointment of Forex Correspondents.
• The approval enables RNFI Money to provide regulated foreign exchange, remittance and trade-payment services through RNFI’s nationwide last-mile network.
• RNFI Money plans to progressively appoint Forex Correspondents from its retail-agent network to provide assisted access to foreign exchange and trade-payment services.
• The services are expected to benefit individuals, exporters, importers and MSMEs, particularly in smaller towns and underserved regions.
• RNFI’s network comprises more than 280,000 active retail agents across India, supporting services such as Aadhaar-enabled payments, domestic money transfers and banking correspondent operations.
• The approval builds on RNFI Services Limited’s recent in-principle RBI authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator–Physical (PA-P).
• The expanded licence will allow RNFI Money to widen access to forex and trade-payment services beyond traditional banking and forex channels.
• All transactions will continue to be centrally processed and monitored in accordance with RBI regulations and FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) regulations.

About RNFI Services Limited :

• Established : October 2015
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi.
• CEO : Krishna Kumar Radheshyam Daga

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Forms Committee to Develop Guaranteed-Return Pension Scheme for Non-Government Sector

• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has set up a committee to work on a guaranteed-return pension scheme for the non-government sector.
• PFRDA Chairperson Sivasubramanian Ramann said the regulator is working with an expert panel on products aimed at providing a fully guaranteed pension offering.
• PFRDA has introduced an interim non-guaranteed retirement-income scheme for people aged 60–80 years, allowing monthly withdrawals from the retirement corpus.
• PFRDA is working on inflation-protected bonds for the proposed guaranteed-pension products because existing annuities are not inflation-protected.
• The proposed Swasthya scheme received an encouraging response in its proof of concept and is expected to be launched after technology partners and Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs) complete backend integration with health providers.
• Under the Swasthya scheme, pension-account funds can be used for hospital bills, supplemented by top-up insurance of around 8–10 times the subscriber’s contribution.
• PFRDA aims to bring India’s informal, non-taxpaying workforce, representing nearly 90% of all working people, into the pension system through technology.
• NPS Tatkal, UPI providers, and the Ministry of Labour’s e-Shram database are key tools for mobile-based pension account opening and UPI-based contributions.
• Pension funds can allocate up to 1% of their corpus to commodities such as gold for asset diversification.
• Bank of Baroda has received in-principle approval to establish a pension fund subsidiary, which will take the total number of pension fund entities to 14 once the four newly approved entities become operational.

About PFRDA:

• Established: 2003 (Statutory status from PFRDA Act, 2013)
• Under which Ministry: Ministry of Finance, Government of India
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Purpose: To promote, develop, and regulate the pension sector in India, especially the National Pension System (NPS) and other old-age income security schemes.

International Financial Services Centres Authority Pilots Aadhaar-Based Face Authentication to Simplify Cross-Border know your customer for Non-Resident Indians

• International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) is piloting unassisted Aadhaar-based face authentication with four international jurisdictions to simplify the cross-border know your customer (KYC) process for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
• The pilot is aimed at allowing NRIs with an Aadhaar footprint to complete digital onboarding without assistance, enabling overseas investors to open accounts digitally and invest.
• IFSCA Chairman K. Rajaraman said that cross-border KYC and cross-border payments are the two key issues that need to be addressed to enable NRIs to invest globally through GIFT City and also invest in India.
• The initiative is part of efforts to develop Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) as a platform for global wealth management.
• IFSCA has asked banks operating in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to establish wealth-management units to serve High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) with global operations and overseas family offices.
• HSBC and State Bank of India (SBI) are among the banks that have already begun setting up wealth-management units in the IFSC.
• The initiative aims to tap into the large overseas Indian/NRI financial pool, with NRIs remitting more than $140 billion to India last year, according to the IFSCA Chairman.
• The total assets of banks in GIFT IFSC are projected to rise to around $200 billion by the end of the financial year, from more than $143 billion currently.
• There are 42 banks operating in the IFSC, including 21 foreign banks.
• The IFSC is increasingly witnessing financing for large assets, with Indian banks participating in loan syndicates and taking shares of the financing.
• Growing lender confidence in the IFSC is creating opportunities to support the acquisition financing of large assets, including aircraft and ships.

About IFSCA :

• Formed : 27-April-2020 (under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019)
• Headquarters : GIFT City, India
• In December-2015 the first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in India was set up in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS    

Ministry of Ayush to Host 11th Ayurveda Day Celebrations in Nagpur

• The 11th Ayurveda Day on 23 September celebrations will be organised by the Ministry of Ayush in Nagpur, with participation from Ayurveda institutions, practitioners and stakeholders across India and worldwide.
• The celebrations will focus on the theme “Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow (स्वस्थ भविष्य के लिए आयुर्वेद)”.

Key Highlights

• The national programme will witness the launch of the first-ever Report on the “Ayush Services Sector”, prepared by the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, providing an assessment of the Ayush services sector.
• Safety Dossiers on Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and Chandrasura (Lepidium sativum) will also be launched.
• Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) on Skin Disorders and other initiatives and publications will be launched to strengthen evidence, research, innovation and community wellbeing in Ayurveda.
• The programme will feature the launch of the report “From Traditional Wisdom to Global Leadership: Ayush Vision 2030”.
• The Status Report on Ayush-related Inventions in India will also be launched.
• The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences–Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (CCRAS–AGNI) Assessment Scale Web Portal will be launched during the programme.
• The event will feature two scientific sessions:
• Scientific Session I: “Shashwatam to Vishwas - Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow and the Road to 2047”.
• Scientific Session II: “Integrating Therapies is needed to reduce Non-Communicable Diseases Burden by 2027”.
• The 11th Ayurveda Day will emphasise the role of evidence, research and innovation in strengthening Ayurveda and advancing community wellbeing.
• The nationwide and worldwide observance will reinforce the focus on Ayurveda for a Healthier Tomorrow.

About Ministry of AYUSH:

• Minister of State (Independent Charge): Prataprao Jadhav
• Constituency: Buldhana, Maharashtra

National Zoological Park, New Delhi Observes World Rhino Day 2026 with Conservation Awareness Programmes

• The National Zoological Park (NZP), New Delhi, observed World Rhino Day 2026 on September 22, 2026 with a series of awareness and educational programmes focused on rhino conservation, wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.

Key Highlights

• As part of its school outreach initiative, the Zoo organised its first orientation programme for Eco-Club in-charge teachers, with teachers from 12 schools of Delhi participating.
• The Director of the National Zoological Park interacted with the teachers and highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration between the Zoo and schools for environmental education and conservation awareness.
• A special keepers’ talk on rhinos was organised at the rhino enclosures, where Zoo keepers explained rhino behaviour, feeding habits, daily care and scientific management at the National Zoological Park.
• At present, the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, has one adult female rhinoceros named Anjuha in its collection.

7th High-Level Meeting of OPEC–India Energy Dialogue Held to Strengthen Energy Cooperation

• India and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reviewed global oil market stability, energy security and long-term energy cooperation at the High-Level Meeting of the OPEC–India Energy Dialogue.

Key Highlights

• The meeting was co-chaired by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, India, and Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
• Discussions focused on oil market stability, energy security, and the need for adequate and timely investment across the oil industry.
• Both sides reviewed the short-, medium- and long-term outlooks for the oil and energy sector, highlighting India’s important role in global economic growth and energy demand.
• Hardeep Singh Puri stated that India and OPEC share a complementary and mutually beneficial relationship and appreciated Haitham Al Ghais for strengthening the partnership.
• India reaffirmed the importance of its longstanding engagement with OPEC and its Member Countries, which has supported mutual understanding and cooperation on key energy issues.
• The meeting acknowledged the progress achieved under the OPEC–India Energy Dialogue, including progress at the technical level.
• Both parties emphasised the importance of developing deeper energy cooperation between OPEC and India.
• It was agreed to hold the 8th High-Level Meeting of the OPEC–India Energy Dialogue at a mutually convenient date in Vienna, Austria.

9th India International Water Week 2026 Inaugurated in New Delhi

• Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th India International Water Week 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• The 9th India International Water Week 2026 is being organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti from 22 to 26 September 2026 as a five-day event.
• The theme of India International Water Week 2026 is “Climate Resilient Water Management.”

Key Highlights

• Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan stressed that water is the foundation of life and civilisations and called for its judicious use, conservation and effective management.
• He recalled undertaking a 19,000-kilometre Ratha Yatra across Tamil Nadu more than two decades ago to create awareness about river interlinking, water conservation and proper management of water resources.
• India accounts for about 2.4% of the world’s land area and 18% of the global population, while possessing only around 4% of the world’s freshwater resources.
• The Kishau Multipurpose Project agreement among six States was highlighted as an important example of inter-State cooperation.
• As India aims to become a developed economy by 2047, efficient and sustainable water management will remain critical.
• He urged participants to share knowledge, build partnerships and commit to water conservation, stating: “Jal Suraksha will lead to Jan Suraksha and Rashtra Suraksha.”
• On the occasion, the Vice-President launched the Sustainable Urban River Management Framework and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning-driven Integrated Reservoir Sediment Management, marking steps towards technology-enabled and climate-resilient water management.
• Union Minister of Jal Shakti C. R. Patil, Ministers of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna and Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Secretaries of the Ministry of Jal Shakti Archana Varma and Ashok Meena, Chairman of the Central Water Commission Anupam Prasad, along with delegates and experts from India and abroad, attended the event.

Haryana Leads India with Seven Most Productive Districts in the Informal Non-Agricultural Sector

• Haryana has the highest number of India’s most productive districts in the informal non-agricultural economy, with seven districts ranking among the top 50 districts nationally in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker for market establishments, according to the first-ever district-level estimates released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

Key Highlights

• Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana followed Haryana, with six districts each among the top 50 most productive districts.
• Districts from only eight states accounted for 40 of the 50 most productive districts, highlighting the significant geographical concentration of productivity in India’s unincorporated sector.
• The estimates were released under the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2025.
• The redesigned sample of ASUSE 2025 enabled the National Statistical Office (NSO) to publish district-level estimates for the first time, covering 757 individual districts across all States and Union Territories.
• Satara district in Maharashtra recorded the highest output per worker, at ₹8.7 lakh, among all districts in the country.
• Satara was followed by Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab and Tonk in Rajasthan in terms of output per worker.
• The national average Gross Value Added per worker stood at ₹1.56 lakh.
• In terms of female workforce participation, districts in the Northeastern states and southern states dominated the highest-ranking positions.
• Among the 50 districts with the highest share of female workers, nine districts were from Telangana, eight each from Manipur and Mizoram, and six each from Meghalaya and Tamil Nadu.
• Nirmal district in Telangana recorded the highest female participation, with women accounting for more than three-fourths of the informal workforce.
• Nirmal was followed by Imphal East in Manipur and Nizamabad in Telangana.
• At the lower end, women accounted for only 6.7% of informal workers in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, followed by Marigaon in Assam at 9.5% and Banaskantha in Gujarat at 10.7%.
• At the national level, the National Statistical Office estimated that women constitute one-third of the workforce in 237 districts and an outright majority in 25 districts.
• The Ministry stated that the top 10 districts with the highest share of female-led unincorporated establishments are located in Telangana, Manipur and Meghalaya.
• In Mizoram, female-owned proprietary establishments account for at least 50% of establishments in every district of the state.
• The unincorporated non-agricultural sector shows a significant concentration of economic activity across districts.
• The top 10 districts, ranked by the estimated number of unincorporated establishments, together account for approximately one-tenth of the total establishments, workers and Gross Value Added generated by the sector.
• The top 50 districts account for nearly one-third of the total establishments, workforce and Gross Value Added of the unincorporated non-agricultural sector.
• The top 10 districts by the estimated number of unincorporated establishments are spread across four states: Gujarat, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

About Haryana:

• Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
• Governor: Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh
• Capital: Chandigarh
• National Parks: Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhindawas Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Morni Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary, Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary, Abubshahar Wildlife Sanctuary

India’s Average Annual Per-Capita Protein Consumption Projected to More Than Triple by 2070

• India’s average annual per-capita protein consumption is projected to more than triple from 5 kilograms in 2025 to 30 kilograms by 2070, with dairy forming a significant part of the consumption.
• The increase is expected to push protein-related emissions to more than seven times the estimated climate-safe threshold, according to a report released by Asia Research & Engagement (ARE) in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Key Highlights

• The report stated that the increase in protein consumption will be driven by population growth, rising incomes, urbanisation, public nutrition programmes and changing dietary preferences.
• Despite the projected rise in protein consumption, India continues to face protein insecurity and dietary inequality, according to the report.
• Under the Business-as-Usual (BAU) model, India’s annual protein-related emissions could reach 1.92 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO2e) by 2070.
• The projected 1.92 Gt CO2e emissions would be more than seven times the estimated climate-safe threshold of 0.25 Gt CO2e.
• Rituj Sahu, Director of Protein Transition and Sustainable Food Systems (India) at Asia Research & Engagement, stated that significant improvements would be required on both the production side and demand side to address the protein transition.
• A combined approach involving improvements in production efficiency across dairy, poultry and seafood systems, along with diversification of the protein base, could reduce annual emissions to 0.30 Gt CO2e by 2070.
• Although the projected 0.30 Gt CO2e would remain above the climate-safe threshold, it would substantially reduce the gap.
• India has a strong existing tradition of plant-based foods, particularly legumes and pulses, which can play an important role in the protein transition.
• Dairy and pulses are projected to remain the main sources of protein in India through 2070.
• Eggs, poultry and seafood are expected to record significant growth, although they will continue to grow from relatively smaller bases.
• Red meat is expected to remain a relatively small component of India’s overall protein basket.
• India currently imports nearly 90% of its processed plant-protein isolates, highlighting both a supply-chain vulnerability and an opportunity to increase domestic processing and value addition.
• The transition will involve costs that would need to be shared among producers, retailers, consumers, governments and civil society organisations, according to Rituj Sahu.

Uttarakhand Government Launches Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana for Free Online Coaching

• The Uttarakhand Government, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana, an initiative aimed at helping students prepare for various competitive examinations and entrance examinations for higher education institutions through free online classes and study materials.

Key Highlights

• The Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana aims to assist students preparing for various competitive and entrance examinations for admission to higher education institutions.
• The scheme will provide free online coaching classes and study materials, helping students prepare for examinations without the financial burden of expensive private coaching.
• The initiative is aimed particularly at talented students from economically weaker backgrounds who may be unable to afford high-priced private coaching classes.
• The provision of online study materials is intended to reduce financial barriers faced by young students while preparing for competitive examinations.
• Students studying in universities, government colleges and aided colleges in Uttarakhand will be eligible to benefit from the scheme.
• Through the online mode, students will be able to prepare from home under the guidance of subject experts.
• The scheme covers several recruitment-related competitive examinations, including Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination, State Public Service Commission Civil Services Examinations, Combined Defence Services (CDS), Banking, Railway and Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examinations.
• The scheme is not restricted to recruitment examinations. Students preparing for higher education and qualification examinations will also receive assistance.
• Higher education and qualification examinations covered under the scheme include Common Admission Test (CAT), Management Aptitude Test (MAT), Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), National Eligibility Test (NET) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Eligibility Test (CSIR-NET).
• A major feature of the scheme is its online mode, which can benefit students living in the remote and hilly regions of Uttarakhand, where access to quality coaching facilities is difficult.
• Students from far-flung areas also face additional expenses when travelling to cities for coaching, including tuition fees, accommodation costs and travelling expenses.
• In this context, the online mode of the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana can help address these financial and accessibility-related challenges faced by students in Uttarakhand.

About Uttarakhand:

• Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor: Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh
• Capital: Dehradun (Winter), Gairsain (Summer)
• National Parks: Jim Corbett National Park, Rajaji National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Gangotri National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Askot Musk Deer Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary, Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

United States President Donald Trump Signs Trilateral Security Agreement with Denmark and Greenland to Strengthen Arctic and North Atlantic Security

• United States (US) President Donald Trump signed a trilateral security agreement with Denmark and Greenland on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
• The agreement keeps Greenland under Danish control and does not fulfil the earlier US objective of acquiring Greenland, while allowing a significantly expanded US military presence on the island.
• The agreement provides for two additional US military sites at Narsarsuaq in southern Greenland and Mestersvig on the east coast.
• The existing Pituffik Space Base in Greenland will also be expanded under the agreement.
• The agreement does not specify the number of US troops to be deployed or the timeline for establishing the additional military sites.
• The deal grants broader access to US aircraft and vessels across Greenland and its territorial waters, including flyover, landing and undersea access rights.
• The agreement provides for a US “Golden Dome” missile-defence system aimed at protecting against ballistic-missile threats.
• The agreement followed months of US–Denmark tensions caused by President Trump’s repeated calls for greater US control over Greenland.
• The final arrangement represents a shift towards expanded US defence access and Arctic security cooperation without transferring Greenland’s sovereignty to the United States.

UN Women and United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs Release Gender Snapshot 2026, Highlighting Setbacks in Gender Equality Institutions

• UN Women and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) released the report “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2026” on 17 September 2026.
• The Gender Snapshot 2026 assesses the status of gender equality under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and tracks progress for women and girls across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• The report is based on data from more than 100 sources, providing a broad assessment of progress towards gender equality.
• Around 1 in 4 institutional mechanisms for gender equality experienced reductions in operating budgets, while nearly 1 in 10 lost control over their budgets altogether.
• Global funding for gender equality fell to its lowest level since 2021, with women’s rights organisations among the groups most affected.
• Between 2023 and 2024, bilateral aid with gender equality objectives declined by 13%, while funding for women’s rights organisations fell by 28%.
• Around 42% of UN entities reported a weakening of their gender equality efforts amid funding cuts.
• Political representation remains uneven globally, with 6 in 7 countries led by men.
• Nearly 9 in 10 defence ministers and more than 8 in 10 finance ministers globally are men.
• Women’s representation in national parliaments increased from 3% in 2015 to 27.4% in 2026.
• Women’s representation in local government stood at 6%, remaining broadly stagnant since 2023.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Leads Indian Delegation at G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting in Houston,United States of America

• Union Minister Manohar Lal, Minister of Power (MoP) and Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), led India’s delegation at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting 2026 held in Houston,United States of America (USA), from 14–16 September 2026 under the US G20 Presidency.
• The meeting focused on three key pillars: Energy Security & Affordable Baseload, Permitting & Regulatory Efficiency, and Critical Minerals & Resilient Supply Chains.
• G20 nations adopted four consensus outcomes covering clean cooking/household energy access, permitting and regulatory efficiency, water reuse, and secure critical-mineral supply chains.
• The meeting emphasised energy security, affordability, infrastructure efficiency, clean cooking, faster regulatory approvals, water resilience, and diversified critical-mineral supply chains.
• The G20 Statement on Advancing Clean Cooking Access called for universal access to clean cooking through a technology-neutral and nationally appropriate approach, recognising that no single solution can meet the needs of all countries.
• The clean-cooking outcome identified Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an important clean-cooking pathway, particularly for developing countries, and called for equitable financing for all clean-cooking solutions, including LPG-based projects.
• The G20 Permitting and Regulatory Efficiency Symposium highlighted the need for streamlined and efficient permitting and regulatory processes to facilitate energy infrastructure development.
• G20 members encouraged voluntary information exchange, capacity building, and digital and AI-enabled tools to improve permitting and regulatory efficiency.
• The G20 Water Reuse Initiative advanced a voluntary framework promoting science- and evidence-based, cost-effective, fit-for-purpose water reuse in accordance with national policies.
• The Water Reuse Initiative encouraged countries to share best practices and cooperate to strengthen water security and resilience, while recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
• The G20 Critical Minerals Meeting Communiqué recognised the importance of critical minerals for energy security, digital infrastructure, emerging technologies, and economic development.
• The critical-mineral outcome promoted innovation, circularity, investment, international cooperation, diversification, value addition, and resilient supply chains, while respecting national sovereignty and diverse domestic approaches.

BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Chiefs Raise Concerns Over Unilateral Tariff Impositions

• BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) expressed concern over the “unilateral imposition” of tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort international trade in a joint statement issued on 11 September 2026.
• The BRICS FMCBG reiterated support for an “open, transparent, inclusive, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core.
• The FMCBG called for practical solutions for cross-border payments in local currencies, while recognising the importance of national priorities and stating that there can be no one-size-fits-all approach.
• The first FMCBG meeting under India’s BRICS chairship was held on 12 August 2026 in Jaipur, while the second meeting was held on 9–10 September 2026 in Mumbai.
• The BRICS Payment Task Force (BPTF) was recognised for exploring pragmatic solutions to develop efficient cross-border payment mechanisms among BRICS countries.
• The FMCBG encouraged the BPTF to continue discussions to make cross-border payments fast, low-cost, accessible, efficient, transparent and safe.
• Under India’s BRICS chairship, the BRICS Task Force on Growth and Development was established as a dedicated platform to address shared growth and development challenges relevant to BRICS and other emerging markets and developing economies.
• The BRICS Task Force on Growth and Development is structured into two workstreams, covering the Resilience, Innovation and Cooperation pillars and the Sustainability pillar.
• The joint statement also discussed reform of multilateral lending institutions, including the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• Other areas discussed included tax and customs cooperation, central bank capacity building, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing in finance, and the global economy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS  

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Receives Three International Recognitions in London

• Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, received three international recognitions during his London visit.
• He received the Commonwealth Public Leadership Recognition at the British Parliament.
• He was also honoured with the Statesmanship Award for Transformative Leadership.

Key Highlights

• The Global Pride of Maharashtra Award recognised his contribution to promoting Marathi culture internationally.
• The recognitions acknowledged areas including citizen-focused, transparent and innovative governance, infrastructure development, and regional growth.
• Shinde credited the recognition to the work of the Mahayuti government and highlighted initiatives such as Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and Shasan Aaplya Dari, which have benefited millions of people across Maharashtra.
• During the visit, he proposed the possibility of organising an International Marathi Literature Festival in London.
• Overall, the recognitions focused on governance, transformative leadership and the international promotion of Marathi culture.

Sethuraman Panchanathan Named Recipient of 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award

• Sethuraman Panchanathan has been selected for the 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).
• The award will be presented on 4 October 2026 in Washington, D.C., during the 2026 National Academy of Engineering Annual Meeting.
• Panchanathan is the first Indian American and the first Arizonan to receive the Arthur M. Bueche Award in its more than 40-year history.

Key Highlights

• The Arthur M. Bueche Award was established in 1982–1983 by the National Academy of Engineering.
• The award honours an engineer for dedication to science and technology, active participation in United States science and technology policy, promotion of technological development, and strengthening relationships among industry, government and universities.
• Panchanathan served as the 15th Director of the United States National Science Foundation from June 2020 to April 2025.
• He has held a faculty position at Arizona State University since 1997 and currently serves as University Professor of Technology and Innovation.
• In April 2026, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego appointed Panchanathan to lead the Phoenix Quantum Strategy.
• The National Science Foundation is a United States federal agency that supports basic research and education in science and engineering.
• The Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships was established at the National Science Foundation as its first new directorate in 30 years.
• Panchanathan was awarded the Padma Shri in 2025, one of India’s civilian honours.
• Arizona State University is a public research university in the United States, and Panchanathan has been associated with the university since 1997.
• The award citation recognises his leadership in advancing fundamental science, technology and policy supporting translational research.
• Translational research refers to the process of moving scientific discoveries from laboratory research towards practical applications.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT   

India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement to Enter into Force on 20 October 2026

• The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 20 October 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between India and New Zealand.

• The FTA was signed on 27 April 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, and Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment.
• Piyush Goyal and Todd McClay announced the entry-into-force date through a virtual conference.

Key Highlights

• The New Zealand Parliament passed the legislation on 16 September 2026, completing a key domestic process for implementation of the agreement.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to New Zealand in July 2026, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, provided further momentum to bilateral relations and the early implementation of the FTA.
• During the visit, India and New Zealand announced a Strategic Partnership and endorsed the India–New Zealand Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030 as a shared framework for cooperation over the next four years.
• The Roadmap to 2030 includes an aspirational target of doubling bilateral two-way trade in goods and services to NZ$7 billion (approximately ₹35,000 crore) by 2030.
• The operationalisation of the FTA is expected to support the economic objectives of the Strategic Partnership: Roadmap to 2030.
• From the date of entry into force, 100% of India’s exports to New Zealand, covering every tariff line, will become duty-free.
• Indian sectors expected to benefit immediately include textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and processed foods, as New Zealand’s tariffs of up to 10% are eliminated.
• Indian manufacturers will also receive tariff-free access to wooden logs, coking coal and metal scrap, helping reduce input costs and improve competitiveness.
• India has protected the interests of domestic farmers by excluding sensitive products such as dairy, animal meat except sheep, key agricultural commodities, sugar and edible oils from tariff concessions.
• Market access for New Zealand’s apples, kiwifruit and Manuka honey will be regulated through Tariff Rate Quotas, Minimum Import Price provisions and seasonal import windows, along with safeguards for domestic farmers.
• The agreement establishes an Agriculture Productivity Partnership to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two countries.
• Dedicated Action Plans for kiwifruit, apples and honey will focus on improving productivity, quality and farmer incomes in India.
• Centres of Excellence will be established for orchard management, post-harvest practices, supply chains, food safety and sustainable beekeeping to facilitate knowledge, technology and capacity exchange.
• A Joint Agriculture Productivity Council will monitor whether market access is complemented by cooperation activities undertaken by New Zealand under the Agriculture Productivity Partnership.
• New Zealand has committed to facilitate USD 20 billion of investment into India, with the investment expected to support agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and start-ups.
• The FTA provides Indian services companies and professionals greater access to the New Zealand market across approximately 118 sectors, including information technology, professional services, audio-visual services, construction and tourism.
• Most-Favoured Nation treatment has been secured across approximately 139 sub-sectors.
• The agreement provides a dedicated quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas for skilled Indians.
• It also provides 1,000 Working Holiday visas annually for young Indians.
• The agreement offers uncapped student mobility, with post-study work rights of up to three years for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics graduates and four years for doctoral scholars.
• Indian pharmaceutical and medical device exporters will benefit from New Zealand accepting inspection approvals from globally recognised regulators, including the United States Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and Health Canada.
• This regulatory recognition is expected to reduce waiting periods and accelerate market entry for Indian pharmaceutical and medical device products.
• Bilateral merchandise trade stood at around USD 1.1 billion in 2025–26.
• The entry into force of the FTA is expected to strengthen two-way trade, investment and employment opportunities.
• The agreement is aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047 and strengthens India’s economic partnerships with developed economies, with benefits aimed at farmers, women, youth, artisans and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

National Highways Authority of India and Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited Sign Memorandum of Understanding for Faster Infrastructure Approvals in Gujarat

• National Highways Authority of India and Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a simplified and time-bound framework for approvals related to National Highway, canal and pipeline crossings across Gujarat.

Key Highlights

• The MoU aims to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, facilitate faster approvals and ensure seamless execution of National Highway and irrigation infrastructure projects.
• The agreement establishes a simplified and time-bound approval framework for National Highway, canal and pipeline crossings across Gujarat.
• A key provision is the mutual waiver of various fees, charges and other levies by NHAI and SSNNL for all crossings covered under the agreement.
• The fee waiver is expected to reduce project costs, remove avoidable procedural bottlenecks and improve the utilisation of public funds, thereby accelerating infrastructure development.
• The MoU provides for early sharing of project information and adoption of standardised engineering practices.
• It also clearly defines responsibilities for the construction and maintenance of crossing structures, supporting better project planning, quality standards and operational efficiency.
• The agreement promotes integrated infrastructure planning in Gujarat by strengthening coordination between NHAI and SSNNL.
• The collaborative framework is expected to accelerate the implementation of National Highway and irrigation infrastructure projects while improving efficiency and reducing project implementation timelines and overall financial implications.
• The MoU reinforces NHAI’s commitment to developing world-class infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and supporting economic growth.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Jayanti Prasad Assumes Additional Charge as Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Chairperson

• Jayanti Prasad, Whole-Time Member (WTM) of IBBI, took additional charge as Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) with effect from 13 September 2026.
• Jayanti Prasad succeeded Ravi Mital as IBBI Chairperson and will hold the additional charge until 20 November 2026, or until a new Chairperson joins, whichever is earlier.
• Jayanti Prasad is a 1986-batch Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) officer with around 39 years of national and international civil-service experience.
• He joined the IBBI as a Whole-Time Member (WTM) on 5 July 2022.
• Before joining IBBI, Jayanti Prasad held senior positions in the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, including Deputy CAG.
• He also served as Custodian under the Special Court (TORTS) Act, 1992 in the Ministry of Finance.
• Jayanti Prasad served for 6 years as Chief Auditor in United Nations programmes across Somalia, Kenya, Geneva, Angola, Iraq and New York.
• He received a United Nations award for exemplary work in the Oil for Food Programme.

About IBBI :

• The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) was established on 1 October 2016 as the statutory regulator under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
• IBBI functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and is headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The IBC provides a time-bound and market-linked framework for resolution of stressed assets.

Luke J. Lindberg Named World Food Programme Executive Director for Five-Year Term

• Luke J. Lindberg, a United States of America (USA) national and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been appointed as the next Executive Director (ED) of the World Food Programme (WFP).
• Luke J. Lindberg was jointly appointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, following consultation with the WFP Executive Board.
• The WFP Executive Director is appointed for a five-year term.
• Lindberg succeeds Cindy McCain, who served as WFP Executive Director from April 2023 to May 2026 before stepping down.
• Carl Skau, WFP’s Deputy Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO), became Acting Executive Director on 1 June 2026 after Cindy McCain’s departure and will continue until Lindberg formally assumes office.

About Luke J. Lindberg :

• Luke J. Lindberg has served as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at USDA since 2025.
• Before joining USDA in 2025, Lindberg founded and led South Dakota Trade, a public-private partnership focused on expanding international markets for South Dakota exporters.
• Lindberg served as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Dakota Trade from November 2022 to August 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish Arrive in Philippines for ADMM-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity

• Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 20 September 2026 to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA).
• The ADMM-Plus JCA brings together maritime forces from ASEAN Member States and eight Plus countries to strengthen maritime cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding.
• The Joint Cooperation Activity is being conducted from 20–26 September 2026 at Subic Bay, Philippines, and is co-hosted by Japan and the Philippines.
• The activity includes professional and operational engagements, interoperability drills, subject-matter exchanges, and coordinated maritime activities.
• The Harbour Phase includes a disaster-response tabletop exercise, subject-matter expert exchanges, and an open house aboard participating ships, followed by the Sea Phase.
• India’s participation is in line with the Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision, which stands for “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.”
• The deployment strengthens India’s commitment to multilateral maritime cooperation and constructive engagement with regional maritime partners in the Indo-Pacific.
• The activity provides the Indian Navy an opportunity to interact with participating maritime forces and enhance understanding of shared maritime-security challenges.
• The deployment also strengthens India–Philippines maritime cooperation, building upon the India–Philippines Strategic Partnership established in August 2025.
• Participating countries with naval assets include Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States, along with Indian participation.
• Participating vessels mentioned include USS Canberra (LCS 30) of the United States and JS Ise (DDH 182) of Japan.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Google to Invest €13 Billion in Finland’s Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure, Its Largest European Investment

• Alphabet’s Google will invest at least €13 billion (US$15.1 billion) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Finland over 2027–2028, marking Google’s largest investment in Europe.
• The investment will include three new data centres in northern Finland, along with electricity-grid improvements, clean-energy projects and battery projects.
• The infrastructure will support Google services including Gemini, Search, Maps and YouTube, while strengthening AI development and digital infrastructure in Finland and Europe.
• Google selected Finland partly because of its cold climate, which helps reduce the cost and energy required to cool data centres.
• Finland also offers substantial low-carbon electricity, making it attractive for energy-intensive AI data centres.
• The Finland investment is expected to contribute around US$3.6 billion to Finland’s GDP during the construction phase.
• Once operational, the investment is projected to support around 7,000 jobs annually.
• The investment includes a 22-year power purchase agreement with Fortum for up to 50% of the energy output of one of Finland’s two nuclear power plants.
• The nuclear power agreement is intended to strengthen the electricity supply supporting Google’s AI infrastructure in Finland.
• Finland has become an attractive destination for data-centre investments, with companies such as Microsoft and ByteDance also seeking to benefit from lower energy costs and climate advantages.
• Alphabet’s global investment target for 2026 was increased to between US$195 billion and US$205 billion, reflecting rising demand for AI computing capacity.
• The Finland project is part of Google’s broader effort to expand AI computing infrastructure in Europe, particularly in regions with cold climates and stable electricity grids.

JioStar Signs Multi-Year Satellite Distribution Deal with Luxembourg-Based SES

• JioStar, the streaming and television platform of Reliance Industries, signed a new multi-year agreement with SES, a Luxembourg-based space solutions company, for satellite distribution services.
• Under the agreement, JioStar will use SES’s IS-20 satellite to distribute its television channel portfolio across India and the wider Indian sub-continent.
• The partnership will enable reliable and high-quality delivery of JioStar’s channels to cable television, Direct-to-Home (DTH), and other broadcast distribution networks.
• The satellite distribution arrangement will support television services reaching millions of households across the region.
• Through the agreement, JioStar becomes part of SES’s established video neighbourhood, which serves broadcasters, media companies, telecom operators, and government customers.
• SES’s video services through this established network cover regions including Europe, West Asia, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific.

Indian Oil Corporation Limited Approves ₹2,448.70 Crore Investment for Kochi–Kanyakumari–Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) approved an investment of ₹2,448.70 crore (approximately ₹2,449 crore) for the development and operation of the Kochi–Kanyakumari–Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL).
• The KTPL pipeline will have a total length of 65 km and will connect Kochi in Kerala with Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, passing through the Kanyakumari region.
• The pipeline originates from the Kochi LNG Terminal in Kerala and is designed to transport regasified liquefied natural gas (R-LNG) to demand centres in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• The pipeline will have an overall capacity of 84 million standard cubic metres per day (MMSCMD).
• The project will have a minimum common carrier capacity of 1.71 MMSCMD, enabling third-party access in accordance with India’s natural gas pipeline regulations.
• The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) authorised IOCL on 17 April 2026 to lay, build, operate and expand the KTPL pipeline.
• The PNGRB had invited bids for the project on a suo motu basis, with bidding beginning on 17 October 2024 and the last date for submission being 18 February 2025.
• The KTPL project is intended to strengthen natural gas connectivity across southern India and support city gas distribution networks and industrial consumers along the corridor.
• The project is part of India’s broader effort to expand natural gas infrastructure, improve regional energy connectivity, and increase the share of natural gas as a cleaner fuel in the country’s energy mix.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Padma Shri-Winning Cardiologist G. Vijayaraghavan Passed away at 84

• Govindan (G.) Vijayaraghavan, a renowned cardiologist and Padma Shri awardee, passed away at the age of 84 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

About Dr. Govindan (G.) Vijayaraghavan :

• G. Vijayaraghavan was born on 18 September 1942 at Perumpuzha, Kollam, Kerala.
• Vijayaraghavan played a key role in establishing KIMS Hospital (Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences) in Thiruvananthapuram in 2002.
• He served as the Founding Director and Vice-Chairperson of KIMS and headed its Cardiology Department for more than two decades.
• He established India’s first 2D echocardiography laboratory at Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1980, significantly advancing non-invasive cardiac diagnosis.
• His major research areas included tropical endomyocardial fibrosis, a heart condition prevalent in southern India, along with preventive cardiology and specialised cardiac care.
• In 1976, he conducted research on endomyocardial fibrosis through collaboration between Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and Brompton Hospital, London.
• As Dean of the Academic Division at KIMS, he promoted medical education and research and helped introduce more than 20 Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses.
• From 1984, he served as a University of Kerala guide for PhD research in Cardiology and contributed extensively to medical literature and international journals.
• Vijayaraghavan obtained his medical degree from Thiruvananthapuram Medical College in 1964, an MD in General Medicine in 1969, and a DM in Cardiology from Christian Medical College, Vellore, in 1973.
• He served as Head of the Cardiology Department at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College until 1998.
• He later worked as a Professor at Kuwait University Hospital and as Head of Cardiology at Welcare Hospital, Dubai.
• He co-authored a book on Doppler echocardiography and authored several other books related to healthcare and cardiology.

Awards & Honors :

• He received the Padma Shri in 2009 in the field of Medicine for his contributions to medical sciences and healthcare.
• He received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Indian Academy of Echocardiography, Indian College of Cardiology and Cardiological Society of India.
• He was also honoured with Honorary Fellowships from international medical organisations including the Royal College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

International Equal Pay Day 2026 Observed on 18 September

• International Equal Pay Day is observed annually on 18 September by the United Nations.
• The day promotes the principle of equal pay for work of equal value and aims to strengthen efforts to close the global gender pay gap.
• International Equal Pay Day was first observed on 18 September 2020.
• In 2019, Iceland and other members of the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) proposed a resolution on equal pay during the 41st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.
• The proposal recommended the establishment of an International Equal Pay Day.
• On 18 December 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/74/142, officially proclaiming 18 September as International Equal Pay Day.

World Alzheimer’s Day 2026 Observed on 21 September

• World Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on 21 September.
• Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that progressively damages memory and thinking abilities and can eventually affect a person’s ability to perform simple daily tasks.
• Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not the same. Dementia is a broader term covering conditions that negatively affect memory, thinking and behaviour.
• Alzheimer’s disease was first diagnosed in 1901 in an elderly German woman by Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist. The disease was subsequently named after him.
• Alzheimer’s Disease International declared that World Alzheimer’s Day would be observed annually on 21 September when it celebrated its 10th anniversary in 1994.
• Alzheimer’s disease is described as the 6th leading cause of death and the 7th deadliest disease worldwide.
• An early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is difficulty in recalling events, conversations or routine daily activities.
• The disease may also have an impact on a person’s physical health.

International Day of Sign Languages 2026 Observed on 23 September

• International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually on 23 September.
• The 2026 theme is “Declaring deaf people’s human rights.”
• Sign languages are languages used for communication through hand gestures, symbols and movements representing words or letters.
• Sign language is a form of non-verbal communication and is widely used by deaf and hard-of-hearing people to communicate with one another.
• The United Nations General Assembly designated 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages.
• The day was first celebrated in 2018 as part of the International Week of the Deaf.
• 23 September was chosen because the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established on this date in 1951.
• According to the World Federation of the Deaf, more than 70 million people worldwide are deaf, with the majority living in developing countries.
• There are more than 300 different sign languages used by deaf communities around the world.

 Daily CA One- Liner: September 24

• The 11th Ayurveda Day on 23 September celebrations will be organised by the Ministry of Ayush in Nagpur, with participation from Ayurveda institutions, practitioners and stakeholders across India and worldwide
• The National Zoological Park (NZP), New Delhi, observed World Rhino Day 2026 on September 22, 2026 with a series of awareness and educational programmes focused on rhino conservation, wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation
• India and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reviewed global oil market stability, energy security and long-term energy cooperation at the High-Level Meeting of the OPEC–India Energy Dialogue
• Vice-President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the 9th India International Water Week 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Haryana has the highest number of India’s most productive districts in the informal non-agricultural economy, with seven districts ranking among the top 50 districts nationally in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA) per worker for market establishments, according to the first-ever district-level estimates released by the National Statistical Office
• India’s average annual per-capita protein consumption is projected to more than triple from 5 kilograms in 2025 to 30 kilograms by 2070, with dairy forming a significant part of the consumption
• The Uttarakhand Government, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced the Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana, an initiative aimed at helping students prepare for various competitive examinations and entrance examinations for higher education institutions through free online classes and study materials
• Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, received three international recognitions during his London visit
• Sethuraman Panchanathan has been selected for the 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award by the National Academy of Engineering
• The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will enter into force on 20 October 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between India and New Zealand
• National Highways Authority of India and Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a simplified and time-bound framework for approvals related to National Highway, canal and pipeline crossings across Gujarat.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Supervisory Data Quality Index (sDQI) for Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) for the quarter ended June 2026.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the Certificates of Registration (CoR) of five Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and accepted the surrender of registrations from eight other NBFCs across India due to exit from the Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFI) business, mergers and regulatory compliance changes.
• RNFI Money Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of RNFI Services Limited, received Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approval to undertake cross-border trade remittances.
• The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has set up a committee to work on a guaranteed-return pension scheme for the non-government sector.
• International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) is piloting unassisted Aadhaar-based face authentication with four international jurisdictions to simplify the cross-border know your customer (KYC) process for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
• United States (US) President Donald Trump signed a trilateral security agreement with Denmark and Greenland on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York to strengthen security in the Arctic and North Atlantic.
• UN Women and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) released the report “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2026” on 17 September 2026.
• Union Minister Manohar Lal, Minister of Power (MoP) and Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), led India’s delegation at the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting 2026 held in Houston,United States of America (USA), from 14–16 September 2026 under the US G20 Presidency.
• BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) expressed concern over the “unilateral imposition” of tariffs and non-tariff measures that distort international trade in a joint statement issued on 11 September 2026.
• Jayanti Prasad, Whole-Time Member (WTM) of IBBI, took additional charge as Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) with effect from 13 September 2026.
• Luke J. Lindberg, a United States of America (USA) national and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has been appointed as the next Executive Director (ED) of the World Food Programme (WFP).
• Indian Naval Ships INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish arrived at Subic Bay, Philippines, on 20 September 2026 to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Joint Cooperation Activity (JCA).
• Alphabet’s Google will invest at least €13 billion (US$15.1 billion) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure in Finland over 2027–2028, marking Google’s largest investment in Europe.
• JioStar, the streaming and television platform of Reliance Industries, signed a new multi-year agreement with SES, a Luxembourg-based space solutions company, for satellite distribution services.
• Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) approved an investment of ₹2,448.70 crore (approximately ₹2,449 crore) for the development and operation of the Kochi–Kanyakumari–Thoothukudi Natural Gas Pipeline (KTPL).
• Dr. Govindan (G.) Vijayaraghavan, a renowned cardiologist and Padma Shri awardee, passed away at the age of 84 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

• International Equal Pay Day is observed annually on 18 September by the United Nations

• World Alzheimer’s Day is observed annually on 21 September.
• International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually on 23 September.