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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING,FINANCE & BUSINESS

RBI Fines Ola Financial Services ₹3.10 Lakh for Know Your Customer Compliance Violation

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a ₹3.10 lakh monetary penalty on Ola Financial Services Private. Limited. by an order dated 24 September 2026 for non-compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, specifically for failing to carry out risk categorisation of certain customers.
• The penalty on Ola Financial Services was imposed under Section 30(1) read with Section 26(6) of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
• RBI imposed a ₹10 lakh monetary penalty on Hero FinCorp Ltd. for violating the Fair Practices Code for Lenders – Charging of Interest, as the company had collected excess interest from certain loan accounts.
• RBI imposed a ₹2.70 lakh monetary penalty on KLM Axiva Finvest Ltd. for non-compliance with auction procedure directions relating to pledged gold.
• KLM Axiva Finvest Ltd. failed to pay certain borrowers the surplus amount realised from the auction of pledged gold after adjusting the outstanding loan amount.
• The penalties were imposed for regulatory compliance deficiencies and do not pronounce upon the validity of transactions or agreements entered into by the companies with their customers.

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Changes Name to ICICI Life Insurance

• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited has officially changed its name to ICICI Life Insurance Limited, effective 22 September 2026.
• The name change was approved by the Registrar of Companies (RoC), Central Processing Centre, Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
• The restructuring is linked to UK-based Prudential plc’s plans to acquire a 75% controlling stake in Bharti Life Insurance and reclassify its role in ICICI Life Insurance from promoter to investor.
• Prudential plc is being reclassified from “promoter” to a passive “investor” in ICICI’s life insurance business due to regulatory restrictions on holding promoter status in competing insurance ventures.
• Following the name change, ICICI Life Insurance amended its Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA).
• The company will inform the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for a revised Certificate of Registration (CoR) and completion of related regulatory compliances.

About ICICI Bank :

• Established : 1955
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• MD & CEO : Sandeep Bakhshi

Fitch Ratings Revises India’s Financial Year 2026–27 Gross Domestic Product Growth Forecast Upward to 6.9%

• Fitch Ratings raised India’s Financial Year 2026–27 (FY27) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 6.9%, from 4% earlier, marking an upward revision of 50 basis points (bps).
• Fitch published its ‘Global Economic Outlook – September 2026’, with the revision supported by stronger-than-expected economic growth, resilient domestic demand and investment activity.
• India’s GDP grew 7.8% year-on-year in Q1 FY27, showing resilience despite the energy-price shock and terms-of-trade deterioration arising from the US-Iran conflict.
• Fitch expects India’s economic momentum to moderate in the second half of FY27 due to slower manufacturing and services expansion, weak monsoon rainfall and rising inflationary pressures.
• Fitch projects India’s GDP growth at 6.5% in FY28, indicating moderation from the 9% FY27 forecast.
• Fitch expects consumer spending growth to slow to 7% in FY27, compared with 7.2% in FY26.
• Fitch expects India’s headline inflation to rise to 5% by December 2026, before moderating to 4.2% by end-2027 and 4% by end-2028.
• Fitch expects the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may raise interest rates by 25 basis points at its October 2026 monetary policy meeting, citing strong domestic demand, rising prices and adverse supply-side developments.
• S&P Global Ratings also raised India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast to 7%, from 6% earlier, citing robust industrial activity, healthy consumer demand, strong goods exports and accelerating government investment.
• S&P expects India’s consumer inflation to average 5.1% in FY27.
• S&P warned that India’s economic growth could weaken in the second half of FY27 as the benefits of GST rationalisation and income-tax cuts gradually fade.
• At the time of S&P’s assessment, cumulative rainfall was 15% below normal, highlighting the potential impact of monsoon conditions on agriculture and inflation.

TBX Introduces Business-to-Business  Bill Payment Services on TrustHub Through Bharat Connect

• TBX (formerly TransBnk) launched Business-to-Business (B2B) bill payments on its TrustHub platform through NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL)’s Bharat Connect for Business.
• The integration enables businesses to manage invoice and payment workflows through a unified, secure and interoperable platform.
• TBX TrustHub will operate as a Participating Agent Institution (P-AI) within the Bharat Connect for Business ecosystem through direct technology integration with NBBL.
• IDFC FIRST Bank will act as the Sponsor Operating Unit for the TBX TrustHub–Bharat Connect integration.
• The platform allows businesses to discover invoices, make payments and track transaction status within the corporate banking environment.
• The solution integrates invoicing and payment management, helping businesses streamline supplier payments, recurring invoices and high-volume transactions.
• The platform caters to sectors including manufacturing, distribution, retail, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), pharmaceuticals, automotive and education.

About Bharat Connect :

• Bharat Connect was pilot-launched in 2016 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and officially went live in August 2017.
• Bharat Connect is operated by NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL) and is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Bharat Connect provides a single, secure and interoperable digital network for instant payment of utility bills, subscriptions and business invoices.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India’s BRICS Trade Deficit Surges to $226 Billion in FY26, Led by China, UAE and Russia

• India’s trade with BRICS countries more than doubled from US$203.1 billion in FY2020-21 to US$417.5 billion in FY2025-26.
• India’s exports to BRICS increased by 8% to US$95.7 billion during FY21–FY26, while imports surged by 131.8% to US$321.8 billion.
• India’s trade deficit with BRICS more than tripled from US$74.5 billion in FY2021 to US$226.1 billion in FY2026, according to data analysed by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).
• India recorded the largest trade deficit among BRICS members, highlighting the need to increase exports and reduce dependence on major suppliers.
• China dominates intra-BRICS trade, exporting about US$550.8 billion to other BRICS members and importing around US$464–464.9 billion from them.
• India needs to expand exports to China, Russia and Indonesia and reduce dependence on a few major suppliers to address its trade imbalance.
• BRICS comprises 11 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE.
• In 2025, BRICS countries exported goods worth US$5.67 trillion, accounting for 6% of global exports of US$26.3 trillion.
• BRICS countries recorded total imports of US$4.58 trillion in 2025, representing 3% of global imports of US$26.5 trillion.
• The BRICS bloc recorded an overall merchandise trade surplus of about US$1.09 trillion in 2025.
• Saudi Arabia sent only 9% of its exports to BRICS countries but sourced 45.4% of its imports from the bloc, highlighting its significant import dependence on BRICS.
• Iran and Ethiopia were identified as countries that depend heavily on BRICS supplies.
• Brazil showed relatively strong integration with BRICS, with the bloc accounting for 6% of its exports and 35.5% of its imports.
• FIEO (Federation of Indian Export Organisations) urged the BRICS Summit to focus on practical measures to increase intra-BRICS trade.
• Key measures suggested by FIEO include faster customs procedures, reduction of non-tariff barriers, greater regulatory transparency, mutual recognition of standards and conformity assessment, improved logistics connectivity, digital trade documentation and easier cross-border payments.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Assam Sets January 1, 2027 Deadline for Statewide Paperless e-Office System

• The Assam Government has set January 1, 2027 as the deadline for all government offices in the State to transition to a paperless e-Office system.
• The deadline was announced by the Chief Minister’s Office marking a new phase in Assam’s digital governance initiative.
• The initiative aims to make public services more transparent, efficient and citizen-centric under the leadership of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Key Highlights

• Assam is already using the National Informatics Centre (NIC)-developed e-Office platform across the Assam Secretariat.
• All 58 departments of the Assam Secretariat are currently using the e-Office system, while its implementation is being extended to selected directorates and Deputy Commissioner offices.
• The e-Office system replaces conventional paper-based file handling with electronic workflows.
• It enables government offices to receive and diarise documents digitally, create and move files electronically, prepare notes and drafts online, and digitally sign and archive documents.
• The system also enables officials to track the movement and status of files, creating an electronic record of administrative processes and decision-making.
• According to the National Informatics Centre, e-Office is designed to make government functioning simpler, more responsive, effective, accountable and transparent, while reducing dependence on physical files.
• Assam has been working towards wider adoption of e-Office for several years. The State Government initiated implementation in districts and established a dedicated State-level steering mechanism in 2021.
• In 2026, Assam launched e-Office District to extend digital file management and paperless administrative processes across the district-level government machinery.
• The statewide transition will expand the existing e-Office framework beyond the Secretariat and require its uniform implementation across government offices throughout Assam.
• The initiative is expected to improve monitoring of file movement, reduce delays in administrative processes and support more efficient delivery of public services.
• Assam’s move forms part of the wider adoption of digital administrative systems by governments across India. Karnataka introduced e-Office in 2009, while Kerala, Haryana and Maharashtra have also adopted electronic file management for government functioning.
• Therefore, January 1, 2027 will mark the statewide expansion of Assam’s existing e-Office framework, rather than the introduction of the system for the first time.

About Assam:

• Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sharma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Dispur
• National Parks: Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Orang, Dibru-Saikhowa, Dihing Patkai, Raimona National Parks
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora, Hollongapar Gibbon, Chakrasila, Sonai Rupai, Amchang Wildlife Sanctuaries

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Completes Eight Years

• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) completed 8 years in September 2026.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the scheme in September 2018 from Ranchi, Jharkhand.
• AB-PMJAY has emerged as the world’s largest government-funded health assurance scheme, aimed at providing quality and affordable healthcare to the poor, needy and vulnerable sections of society.
• The scheme was launched with the vision of ensuring that every Indian has access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Key Highlights

• More than 60 crore beneficiaries now have access to ₹5 lakh annual health cover under the scheme.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs have recorded more than 500 crore visits, strengthening primary healthcare services at the grassroots level.
• More than 48 crore 54 lakh Ayushman cards have been created so far.
• Over the last eight years, around 13 crore beneficiaries have received cashless treatment under the scheme.
• The Government has spent more than ₹2 lakh crore on the scheme.
• A total of around 38,000 government and private hospitals have been empanelled under AB-PMJAY.
• The scheme is currently being implemented across all 36 States and Union Territories, expanding access to healthcare and strengthening the delivery of secondary and tertiary healthcare services.
• The benefits of AB-PMJAY have also been extended to senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
• The scheme has additionally been extended to 37 lakh families of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi workers.
• The main objective of AB-PMJAY is to provide universal healthcare access to poor, needy and vulnerable sections of the country while reducing financial hardship arising from medical expenses.

Andhra Pradesh Police Launches Artificial Intelligence-Based Centralised Drone Monitoring Portal and SafeStay App

• Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta launched an Artificial Intelligence-based Centralised Drone Monitoring Portal (CDMP) and unveiled the logo of the SafeStay App as part of technology-driven policing initiatives.
• The initiatives were launched at a programme held at the Guntur Superintendent of Police Office to strengthen public safety and police services through technology.

Key Highlights

• The SafeStay App will provide the police with real-time information on guests staying in hotels and paying guest accommodations across Andhra Pradesh.
• Through SafeStay, police will have instant access to occupancy details, which can support public safety, crime prevention and investigation.
• Representatives of the hotel industry welcomed the initiative, stating that digital connectivity among guests, hotels and police could improve safety and emergency response.
• The Centralised Drone Monitoring Portal (CDMP) enables police to monitor live feeds from drones deployed across Andhra Pradesh through a single dashboard.
• CDMP uses Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring and advanced analytics for surveillance and provides a secure monitoring system without depending on public streaming platforms.
• The portal incorporates role-based access controls, enabling authorised police officers to access relevant information and respond to situations on the ground.

About Andhra Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Chandrababu Naidu
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Papikonda National Park, Sri Venkateswara National Park, Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa, Kolleru, Krishna, Kambalakonda, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuaries

Bharat Taxi Launched in Five Uttar Pradesh Cities to Expand the Cooperative Sector into Mobility

• Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol addressed the formal launch programme of Bharat Taxi in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” and under the leadership of Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the Government is expanding the cooperative sector into modern, transparent, technology-enabled and multidimensional areas.
• Cooperation is being expanded beyond traditional sectors into agriculture, rural economy, organic products, seeds, exports, storage, healthcare services and mobility.
• The service was simultaneously launched in Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj.

Key Highlights

• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched the Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana Portal, along with the Urvarak Setu Mobile App developed by the Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Department and the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Database Centre Mobile App.
• The Airport Authority, Lucknow Metro Rail and Lucknow Police exchanged Memoranda of Understanding with Bharat Taxi.
• A separate Ministry of Cooperation was established in July 2021, giving a new direction and momentum to India’s cooperative movement. During the last five years, the Ministry has launched more than 160 new initiatives to strengthen cooperative institutions.
• Around 80,000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being computerised across the country at an estimated cost of ₹3,000 crore.
• PACS are being expanded beyond agricultural credit, agricultural inputs, sugar and dairy into foodgrain storage, insurance, organic products, indigenous seeds, Common Service Centres, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, Jan Aushadhi Kendras and petrol-diesel distribution.
• Reformed Model Bye-Laws of PACS allow them to undertake more than 25 economic activities, creating opportunities for employment and income generation at the village level.
• To establish a cooperative “seed-to-market” value chain, three national-level multi-State cooperative societies have been established:
• Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) – for quality seeds.
• National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) – for organic products.
• National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) – for promoting exports of cooperative products.
• Around 70,000 cooperative societies have already become associated with these three organisations.
• Under White Revolution 2.0, efforts are being made to increase India’s present milk production capacity by approximately 40%.
• Tribhuvan Sahkari University, the country’s first cooperative university, has been established to develop trained human resources for the cooperative sector. It is expected to contribute towards developing nearly 17 lakh trained human resources in the coming years.
• The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) provided around ₹45,000 crore assistance to the cooperative sector between its establishment in 1963 and 2014. In approximately the last 12 years, this assistance has increased to nearly ₹4.5 lakh crore.
• Bharat Taxi is a cooperative mobility initiative based on the principle “Driver is the Owner”, under which drivers are stakeholders and owners rather than merely service providers.
• Unlike conventional aggregator models that charge drivers a portion of their earnings as commission, Bharat Taxi aims to ensure that earnings are credited directly to Saarthis, while its cooperative structure provides them ownership and participation in decision-making.
• Bharat Taxi was launched in February 2026. Within six months, more than 10 lakh Saarthis had joined the platform, with around 20,000 rides per day.
• Bharat Taxi is operating in Delhi, Gujarat, Mumbai, Jaipur and Chandigarh, among other areas. With its launch in five Uttar Pradesh cities, its presence in the State has expanded significantly.
• Around 40,000 Saarthis have registered across Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur and Prayagraj and will provide services to passengers.
• Uttar Pradesh has around 42,000 cooperative societies. The State observed 2025 as “Sahkarita Mahakumbh” to expand the cooperative movement across villages.
• Around 5,200 Common Service Centres are being operated through PACS in Uttar Pradesh.
• Approximately 7,000 M-PACS are functioning as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras, while 161 M-PACS are functioning as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras.
• 16 District Cooperative Banks in Uttar Pradesh have been revived with assistance of around ₹307 crore during the last few years.
• The Uttar Pradesh State Cooperative Bank became the first cooperative bank in India authorised to issue and update Aadhaar cards.

President Droupadi Murmu Amends Inter-State Council Order, 1990

• President Droupadi Murmu amended the Inter-State Council Order, 1990 to provide for the participation of Governors and Lieutenant Governors in meetings of the Inter-State Council under specified constitutional or statutory circumstances in their respective States or Union Territories.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Inter-State Council (Amendment) Order, 2026 on 9 September 2026.

Key Highlights

• The amendment was made by the President under the powers conferred by Article 263 of the Constitution of India and came into force with immediate effect.
• The amendment replaces the existing proviso to Clause 2 of the Inter-State Council Order, 1990 and specifies four situations in which the concerned Governor or Lieutenant Governor shall be invited to attend meetings of the Council.
• The Governor of a State shall be invited when a Proclamation issued by the President under Article 356 of the Constitution is in force in that State.
• For the National Capital Territory of Delhi, the Lieutenant Governor shall be invited when an order issued by the President under Article 239AB of the Constitution is in force.
• For the Union Territory of Puducherry, the Lieutenant Governor shall be invited when an order issued by the President under Section 51 of the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 is in force.
• For the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor shall be invited when an order issued by the President under Section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 is in force.
• The Inter-State Council was established under Article 263 of the Constitution through the Inter-State Council Order, 1990.
• The original Inter-State Council Order, 1990 was published in the Gazette of India on 28 May 1990.
• The Inter-State Council Order was subsequently amended in July 1990 and December 1996.

6th National Pharmacovigilance Week 2026 Inaugurated by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

• The 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week (NPW) was inaugurated at the Padmashri Nitya Anand Auditorium Hall, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), Ghaziabad.
• The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission serves as the National Coordination Centre for the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (NCC-PvPI).
• The 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week is being observed across India from 17 to 23 September 2026.
• The theme of the 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week is “Promoting Rational Use of Medicines through Pharmacovigilance – A Step Towards Safer Healthcare”.

Key Highlights

• The week-long campaign aims to sensitise healthcare professionals, researchers and the public about the importance of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting and encourage active participation in pharmacovigilance.
• The inaugural session also featured remarks by Prof. Sangeeta Sharma, IHBAS, New Delhi; Dr. Abdul Nasser, Cardiac Anaesthesiologist, Max Hospital, Vaishali; and Aditya Kumar Mamgain, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• A key highlight of the programme was the release of Volume 16, Issue 2 (2026) of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India Newsletter, reflecting efforts to strengthen pharmacovigilance, promote rational medicine use and enhance public awareness about medicine safety.
• The technical sessions focused on medication safety and patient safety.
• The 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week reinforces the need for greater Adverse Drug Reaction reporting and effective use of pharmacovigilance data to promote the safe and rational use of medicines.

India’s 51st Doppler Weather Radar Commissioned at Sambalpur, Odisha

• Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh virtually inaugurated India’s 51st state-of-the-art Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Sambalpur, Odisha, in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
• The new radar strengthens India’s weather observation infrastructure and aims to improve weather forecasting and early warning capabilities across Western Odisha and adjoining regions.
• With the commissioning of the Sambalpur radar, Odisha now has three Doppler Weather Radars, located at Sambalpur, Gopalpur and Paradip.

Key Highlights

• The national network has now reached 51 Doppler Weather Radars.
• Around 40 additional radars are planned under Mission Mausam, which is expected to take the national total to approximately 81 Doppler Weather Radars.
• The Sambalpur radar will strengthen weather observations over Western Odisha and provide improved meteorological inputs for Southern Jharkhand, Northern Chhattisgarh, parts of North Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India had only 14 Doppler Weather Radars in 2014, compared with 51 radars currently, reflecting the rapid expansion of the country's weather observation infrastructure over the last decade.
• The expansion is part of the Government’s broader effort to strengthen India’s ability to observe, understand and respond to extreme weather events, particularly thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rainfall and other weather-related hazards.
• Additional Doppler Weather Radars are planned for Balasore, Puri and Bhubaneswar in Odisha.
• Automated weather monitoring is also being expanded across regional centres and adjoining areas, including Ranchi, Kolkata, Jagdalpur and Patna.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the growing regional role of India’s meteorological capabilities while referring to the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Under the ‘Neighbour First’ and ‘Vishwa Bandhu Bharat’ approach, the India Meteorological Department provides weather, cyclone and flash-flood forecasting and early warning support to 13 neighbouring countries.

About Odisha:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• National Parks: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Nandankanan National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

Indian Space Research Organisation to Establish Advanced Radar Research Centre at Chandrapur, Assam

• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will lay the foundation stone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Advanced Radar Research Centre at Chandrapur near Guwahati, Assam, describing the project as a landmark moment for Assam.
• The facility is being developed as part of Project Network for Space Objects Tracking and Analysis (NETRA) to strengthen India’s ability to track objects in space and protect vital space assets.
• The project aims to develop a surveillance and tracking centre for monitoring space objects, tracking orbital debris and strengthening India’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) capabilities.

Key Highlights

• The Assam Government has allotted 200 bighas of land for the project. The State Government’s budget document also records the allocation of 200 bighas at Chandrapur, Kamrup (Metropolitan) district for the NETRA project.
• ISRO’s Annual Report 2025–26, however, states that a 67-acre site has been identified at Chandrapur for the radar, with the final registration of the land completed on 7 November 2025.
• Project NETRA is part of ISRO’s efforts to establish a wider space surveillance and tracking network using radars and optical telescopes for Space Situational Awareness.
• The NETRA initiative is intended to improve India’s capabilities in observation and monitoring of space objects, orbit determination, object characterisation, cataloguing and detection of potential threats.
• The new radar facility will strengthen India’s ability to monitor the space environment and support the safe and sustainable utilisation of outer space.
• The project is significant for Assam as the State is becoming a location for advanced national space and technology infrastructure.

Union Minister C R Patil Launches Swachh Seva Aankalan for Rural Sanitation Assessment

• Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil launched Swachh Seva Aankalan (SSA) during a virtual meeting with States and Union Territories.

Key Highlights

• Swachh Seva Aankalan is an annual, Gram Panchayat-level digital self-assessment framework designed to assess and monitor sanitation service delivery in rural areas.
• The framework has been developed by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) 2.0.
• Swachh Seva Aankalan follows a multi-tier evaluation framework involving Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas, and State and Union Territory-level officials to strengthen sanitation service delivery at the grassroots level.
• The initiative will further empower Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas to review their achievements and progress in sanitation and undertake focused efforts for improvement.
• The meeting was also attended by Minister of State for Jal Shakti V. Somanna.

Department of Youth Affairs Launches 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan for a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat

• The Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), will commence the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan with the Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh, a nationwide Youth Pledge and Signature Campaign, from 18 September 2026.
• The initiative aims to mobilise young people across India towards a collective commitment for a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat through sustained youth participation, awareness and community-led activities.

Key Highlights

• The Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 August 2026 through a virtual address to spiritual organisations, industry associations, Non-Governmental Organisations and university associations.
• The campaign is based on four pillars: Prevent, Protect, Recover and Lead.
• The opening phase, Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh, will be organised by the National Service Scheme from 18 September 2026 across 300 identified locations.
• Institutions participating in the opening phase include those in Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Maharashtra and Kerala.
• The first Sunday of the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan will be observed on 20 September 2026, with activities organised across 485 Mera Yuva Bharat units, including Mera Yuva Bharat District Offices and Youth Hostels.
• The opening phase will be followed by a structured 12-week activity calendar from September to December 2026, covering three thematic phases: ‘My Health, My Pride’, ‘Fit Youth, Addiction-Free Youth’ and ‘Life Skills Month’.
• The 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan aims to sustain youth-led engagement through regular activities focused on health, fitness, life skills, awareness and community participation, strengthening the collective resolve towards a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat.

Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana Completes 11 Years Since Launch

• Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), launched by the Ministry of Mines, has completed 11 years since its launch to ensure that mining-affected communities receive the benefits of mining-related development.
• More than 4.70 lakh projects with a total value of over ₹1 lakh crore have been sanctioned under the scheme so far.

Key Highlights

• The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana was launched on 17 September 2015.
• The main objective of the scheme is to improve the quality of life in mining-affected areas by developing social infrastructure, reducing the adverse effects of mining on the environment, health and livelihoods, and promoting sustainable income opportunities for affected communities.
• The scheme is implemented through District Mineral Foundations (DMFs), which utilise funds collected from mining lease holders.
• District Mineral Foundations are non-profit trusts established under the 2015 amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 to work for the welfare of people and areas affected by mining operations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Defence Research and Development Organisation Signs First High-Value Technology Development Fund Agreement with Start-Up to Develop 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator

• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement with Rajasthan-based start-up Zero mK India Private Limited for the indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for quantum applications.
• The project is being funded under DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme and is part of the ₹500 crore corpus approved for deep-tech and cutting-edge technology projects.
• The agreement was signed between the Director, Technology Development Fund (TDF) and Zero mK India Private Limited, Alwar, Rajasthan, in New Delhi.
• A 20 mK-class Dilution Refrigerator is a specialised cryogenic system capable of achieving extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range.
• Such ultra-low temperatures are essential for the operation and testing of quantum computing platforms and other quantum technologies.
• The indigenous development of the 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator aligns with India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM) and aims to strengthen capabilities in quantum technology, advanced cryogenics and strategic technologies.
• The project is expected to help reduce dependence on imported cryogenic infrastructure and strengthen India’s domestic quantum technology ecosystem.
• The initiative contributes to the development of a self-reliant and quantum-ready ecosystem in India.
• The project is being monitored, mentored and supported by the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL) under DRDO.
• Senior officials from DRDO’s Micro Electronic Devices & Computational System and Cyber Security (MCCS), Technology Management (TM) and SSPL divisions participated in the initiative.

About DRDO:

• Founded: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
• Chairman: Rajesh Kumar Singh

Defence Research and Development Organisation Develops 30 kilowatt Directed-Energy Weapon to Counter Drone Swarms and unmanned aerial vehicles

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a 30 kilowatt (kW)-class Directed-Energy Weapon (DEW) under the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-IIA to counter drone swarms, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and surveillance/optical sensors.
• The 30 kW laser DEW can engage targets at ranges of up to 5 km and can damage structures or disable electronic sensors using concentrated laser energy.
• The final trials of the 30 kW DEW were completed in August 2025, and its core technology has been successfully validated.
• On 13 April 2025, the truck-mounted Mk-II(A) laser-DEW was demonstrated at the National Open Air Range (NOAR), Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, where it engaged fixed-wing drones, countered a multiple-drone attack and destroyed surveillance sensors and antennae.
• DRDO plans to issue an Expression of Interest (EoI) within six months from September 2026 to select an Indian industry partner for the mass production of the 30 kW DEW.
• The 30 kW DEW has received clearance for Transfer of Technology (ToT) to Indian industry partners for indigenous production and deployment, with the EoI expected to pave the way for the First-of-Production Model (FOPM).
• A Directed-Energy Weapon (DEW) uses concentrated laser or microwave energy to damage or disable targets, with lasers offering engagement at the speed of light and potentially reducing the cost-per-shot compared with conventional missiles.
• DRDO is also working on 50–100 kW DEWs and a reported 300 kW laser project codenamed “Surya”, forming part of India’s indigenous counter-drone and air-defence technology programme.
• The 2 kW DEW is a close-range system already in active production, with companies including Adani, Astra Microwave and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) involved in manufacturing.
• The 10 kW DEW has an engagement range of about 5–2 km, has received Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) and has an initial order of 10–12 units, with BEL and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) as development and production partners.
• DEWs are designed to integrate into the military OODA loop — Observe, Orient, Decide and Act — by combining rapid detection through radar, electro-optical and acoustic sensors with immediate laser engagement.
• The development of DEWs gained further importance following Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which highlighted the operational challenge posed by large numbers of low-cost drones and the cost-asymmetry of using expensive conventional interceptors against them.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Pixxel Targets Four Satellite Launches in 2028 Under ₹1,200-Crore Earth Observation Programme

• Space-tech startup Pixxel plans to launch at least four satellites in 2028 under its ₹1,200-crore National Earth Observation Constellation programme.
• Pixxel plans to deploy all 12 satellites by 2030, with the first satellites expected to launch in early 2028.
• Pixxel will directly execute around 60–70% of the programme, involving an estimated investment of ₹700–750 crore over the next three-and-a-half years.
• The National Earth Observation Constellation will expand Pixxel’s Earth-observation capabilities beyond hyperspectral imaging to optical, synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and multispectral imaging.
• Pixxel recently raised $100 million in a Series C funding round, which will support the acceleration of satellite launches and infrastructure investments.
• Pixxel currently serves around 35–40 customers through its Firefly satellites, with approximately 90% being commercial enterprises.
• Government customers contribute around 75% of Pixxel’s revenue, while enterprises contribute the remaining 25%.
• Pixxel stated that its satellite-manufacturing business is already profitable, while its data business requires upfront investment in satellites before reaching break-even.
• The company expects cash generation to improve after its planned satellite constellation and associated infrastructure become operational.

Technology Development Board-Department of Science & Technology Signs ₹63.84-Crore Research Development and Innovation Agreement with GalaxEye for Advanced Multisensor Satellite Development

• Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based GalaxEye Space Solutions Private Limited on 24 September 2026.
• Under the agreement, TDB will provide ₹63.84 crore financial support to GalaxEye under the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund.
• The project has a total approved cost of ₹247.69 crore and aims to develop a next-generation multisensor satellite with high-resolution sub-0.5 metre OptoSAR imaging.
• OptoSAR combines Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Electro-Optical (EO) imaging to provide more comprehensive Earth-observation capabilities.
• SAR uses microwave signals and can capture images through clouds and during night, while EO imaging uses reflected light to provide detailed visual information.
• The proposed satellite will provide sub-0.5 metre resolution imaging for applications including wide-area surveillance, long-range monitoring, human detection, vehicle detection and target classification.
• The combination of SAR and EO data is intended to provide a richer and more continuous picture of the Earth across different weather and lighting conditions.
• The RDI support will help GalaxEye advance the technology from Technology Readiness Level (TRL)-6 to TRL-9 through further development, engineering, testing and validation.
• TRL-6 refers to a system prototype demonstrated in a relevant environment, while TRL-9 represents an actual system proven in operational use.
• The financial support will be provided through Optionally Convertible Debentures (OCD).
• The Technology Development Board was constituted under the Technology Development Board Act, 1995, and functions under the Department of Science & Technology.
• The RDI Fund supports technology development, innovation and commercialisation in strategic and emerging sectors.

Maruti Suzuki Commissions First Green Hydrogen Plant at Manesar Facility in Haryana

• Maruti Suzuki India Limited. commissioned its first 300 kW Green Hydrogen (GH₂) electrolyser pilot plant at its Manesar manufacturing facility, Haryana, on 24 September 2026.
• The pilot plant uses surplus solar power generated at the Manesar facility, especially during holidays, to produce Green Hydrogen, which is then stored and used in manufacturing operations.
• The Green Hydrogen produced at the plant is blended with natural gas and utilised as process fuel in Maruti Suzuki’s manufacturing operations.
• Based on the pilot project’s learnings, Maruti Suzuki plans to scale up Green Hydrogen technology across its manufacturing facilities in Haryana and Gujarat.
• Maruti Suzuki aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its manufacturing operations from around 15 lakh tonnes currently to 2.66 lakh tonnes by FY 2030–31 through green technologies.
• The initiative is aligned with the Government of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and supports the company’s transition towards sustainable manufacturing.
• Maruti Suzuki is adopting multiple clean-energy solutions, including in-house solar power plants, renewable-energy procurement, solar and wind power purchase agreements, biogas, Green Hydrogen and battery energy storage.
• The company is in the advanced stage of setting up a 10 Tonnes Per Day (TPD) biogas plant at its Kharkhoda facility, which is expected to be commissioned in FY 2026–27.
• Maruti Suzuki has also commissioned a 1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at its Kharkhoda facility.
• The company has started integrating Compressed Biogas (CBG) as a process fuel, and its Board has approved 4 CBG projects with a budget allocation of ₹5,610 million (₹561 crore).
• Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC), Maruti Suzuki’s parent company, follows the philosophy “Sho-Sho-Kei-Tan-Bi,” meaning smaller, fewer, lighter, shorter and more beautiful, which guides resource efficiency and optimisation of energy requirements.
• Separately, Suzuki Motor Corporation, along with organisations including the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and dairy industry unions, plans to establish 10 biogas plants across India, of which 3 are already operational in Gujarat.
• The commissioning of the 300 kW Green Hydrogen pilot plant strengthens Maruti Suzuki’s portfolio of clean-energy sources for process fuels and marks another step towards low-carbon manufacturing.

Kerala University Study Reveals New Insights into the 1859 Carrington Geomagnetic Storm

• Kerala University researchers have provided new insights into the Carrington Event of 1859, one of the most powerful geomagnetic storms ever recorded, using historical magnetic observations from the Trivandrum Astronomical Observatory.
• The research was led by Jayakrishnan, Head of the Department of Physics and Honorary Director of the Trivandrum Astronomical Observatory, and was published in the peer-reviewed journal Astrophysics and Space Science on 20 September 2026.
• The study found evidence that the Carrington Event was preceded and followed by successive solar plasma ejections, which interacted with Earth’s magnetic field over several weeks.
• The researchers identified a series of geomagnetic disturbances between 14 August and 15 September 1859, with the most intense phase occurring on 2 September 1859.
• The study suggests that successive Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) may have preconditioned Earth’s magnetosphere, contributing to the exceptional intensity of the 2 September 1859 geomagnetic storm.
• Historical magnetic records showed comparable geomagnetic magnitudes for the events of 29 August 1859 and 2 September 1859, with ΔH values of approximately −1851 nT and −1926 nT, respectively.
• The research used bifilar magnetometer records from the Trivandrum Observatory, which had remained preserved in Scotland for more than 160 years.
• The records were taken to Scotland in the 1870s by John Allan Broun, the then Director of the Trivandrum Observatory, who intended to analyse and publish them with the support of the King of Travancore.
• After Broun’s death, the records passed to the Royal Society of London, then to the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and were finally entrusted to the National Library of Scotland in 2010.
• More than 7,000 historical documents were scanned over 10 days, creating an important historical dataset for reconstructing past solar and geomagnetic activity.
• The rediscovery effort gained momentum after Anna Szolucha of Jagiellonian University, Poland, visited the Trivandrum Observatory in April 2025 and subsequently supported efforts to access and preserve the Scottish archival collection.
• The Carrington Event was named after British astronomer Richard Carrington, who observed a major solar flare in 1859.
• A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetosphere caused by solar activity, particularly coronal mass ejections and solar plasma ejections.
• The findings are relevant to modern space-weather research, including geomagnetic-storm modelling, satellite safety, communication and navigation systems, power infrastructure and preparedness for extreme space-weather events.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Stellantis India Acquires Remaining Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation Limited Stake, Gains Full Ownership of Stellantis Automobiles India

• Stellantis India acquired the remaining stake held by Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation Limited. (HMFCL) in Stellantis Automobiles India Private Limited on 21 September 2026.
• The transaction gave Stellantis full ownership and complete control of the Tiruvallur manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.
• Stellantis and the CK Birla Group formed their manufacturing and mobility partnership in 2017, under which the Tiruvallur facility became part of Stellantis’ India manufacturing network.
• Vehicle assembly at the Tiruvallur plant began in 2021, making the facility an important part of Stellantis’ manufacturing operations in India.
• The Tiruvallur plant manufactures Citroën models including the C3, ë-C3, C3 Aircross and Basalt.
• The facility has achieved more than 95% localisation, meaning that a major share of its components and inputs are sourced within India.
• The acquisition was funded through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and Stellantis has invested nearly ₹11,000 crore in India.
• The Tiruvallur facility serves as an export hub, shipping vehicles to 8 markets across 4 continents.
• Stellantis has projected a major increase in production capacity at the Tiruvallur plant in the coming years, which is expected to support direct employment and additional indirect jobs across the supplier and logistics ecosystem.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SUMMITS & CONFERENCES

India Joins 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting and 23rd ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation

• India participated in the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM) and the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Economic Ministers Consultation held in Manila, Philippines, from 22–24 September 2026.
• The Indian delegation was led by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce.

Key Highlights :

• Economic Ministers or representatives from all 11 ASEAN countries participated along with EAS partners, including India, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.
• The 11 ASEAN members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
• The East Asia Summit (EAS) is the Indo-Pacific’s premier forum for strategic dialogue and was established in 2005, with the 1st Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• The EAS has 19 members, comprising 11 ASEAN countries and Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.
• Timor-Leste became the latest EAS member following its ASEAN accession on 26 October 2025.
• The meetings discussed regional and global economic developments, including the 2027 economic outlook and expected implications for trade and investment flows.
• The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) presented the paper “Powering the EAS Region’s Next Wave of Growth: An Integrated Approach to Energy Security and Industrial Clusters.”
• The ERIA paper focused on energy security, energy infrastructure, digital and industrial demand, and coordinated trade and investment policies.
• During the ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation, India highlighted its commitment to strong trade partnerships and mutually beneficial regional trade agreements.
• Discussions focused on the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), aimed at enhancing trade flows and addressing existing trade asymmetries.
• India-ASEAN bilateral trade reached USD 128.38 billion in 2025–26, with ASEAN accounting for 55% of India’s total global trade.
• The ASEAN-India dialogue partnership began in 1992, while the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) entered into force in 2010.
• The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) framework covers trade in goods, services and investment, while AITIGA includes tariff reduction and trade facilitation provisions.
• Preliminary ASEAN statistics placed two-way India-ASEAN trade at USD 114.1 billion in 2025, while Indian FDI inflows into ASEAN stood at USD 7.1 billion in 2025.
• On 22 September 2026, the Indian delegation interacted with Indian businesses operating in the Philippines and discussed issues related to exports of commodities and services.
• India also participated in the ASEAN-India Business Forum 2026 held on 23 September 2026 to strengthen business and trade ties.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : PERSON IN NEWS

Indian Mountaineering Team Summits 6,027-Metre Mount Tharang II in Himachal Pradesh’s Miyar Valley

• Transcend Adventures, a 10-member Indian mountaineering team, became the first Indian team to summit Mount Tharang II, a 6,027-metre peak in the remote Miyar Valley of Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.
• The expedition was conducted from 11 September to 22 September 2026, marking a significant milestone in Indian mountaineering.
• The team approached Mount Tharang II through Khanjer village and the Uldhampu–Miyar Valley, following the southwest-face route.
• The Indian team established a new climbing route by ascending the Centre Spur of the southwest face and then following the west ridge to reach the summit.
• International mountaineering records identify the first recorded ascent of Mount Tharang II as having been completed on 1 October 2016 by British climber Charlie French and Swedish climber Anette Kinde via the southwest face.
• A base camp was established at approximately 3,700 metres, followed by progressively higher camps at around 4,260 metres, 4,820 metres and 5,270 metres.
• The Miyar Valley is known for its remote glaciers, steep rock formations and technically demanding Himalayan peaks, making the expedition particularly challenging.
• The 10-member team comprised Anvitha, Rency Thomas G, Subhajit Banerjee, Suresh Singh, Mukesh Rana, Mimraj Rana, Nandigama Rajkumar, Barmavath Mothikumar, Vislavath Bunny and Jayesh Dhirajlal Salla.
• Anvitha has previously scaled several major mountain ranges, including Mount Everest.

 CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Music Composer Shantanu Moitra to Receive National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026

• Music composer Shantanu Moitra will receive the Madhya Pradesh Government’s National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 for his contribution to music direction.
• Culture Department Director N. P. Namdev announced that the award will be presented during a two-day programme commemorating the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar.
• The programme will be held at the Lata Mangeshkar Auditorium on 27 and 28 September 2026.

Key Highlights

• The National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 ceremony will be held on 28 September, followed by a performance by singing duo Sachet and Parampara.
• The National Lata Mangeshkar Award carries a tax-free cash prize of ₹5 lakh along with a citation.
• Shantanu Moitra was born on 22 January 1968 in Lucknow. He began his musical career in advertising before establishing himself as a music composer and background-score composer in Indian cinema.
• His notable filmography includes Parineeta, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, Madras Cafe, Piku, October and 12th Fail.
• Moitra received the National Film Award for Best Music Direction (Background Score) in 2014 for the Telugu film Na Bangaru Talli.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

21 States and Union Territories Sign Memorandums of Understanding for Next Phase of UDAN Scheme

• 21 States and Union Territories have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Civil Aviation in New Delhi for the next phase of the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme.
• Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu described UDAN as one of the country’s major schemes for promoting regional air connectivity.

Key Highlights

• The Government has extended the UDAN scheme for another 10 years and aims to develop 100 new airports and 200 modern heliports or helipads.
• The upcoming phase of UDAN is targeted at facilitating air travel for 4 crore UDAN passengers.
• Employment in the aviation sector has increased from around 30 lakh (3 million) jobs in 2014 to nearly 77 lakh (7.7 million) jobs currently, with the potential to reach 2.5 crore (25 million) jobs by 2040.
• More than 90 airports have been developed during the past decade under UDAN, extending the benefits of affordable air travel to nearly 1.54 crore passengers.
• The event also witnessed the launch of the Challenge Mode Portal for Aerodrome Development.
• The Scheme Document for the next phase of UDAN route bidding was also released.
• Under the Challenge Mode, airport projects will be prioritised and fast-tracked to reduce construction timelines to a target of 18 months, compared with the earlier average of 2 to 3 years.
• The next UDAN route bidding process will facilitate the expansion of air services to unserved and underserved regions.
• The expansion of regional air connectivity is expected to improve accessibility and mobility while supporting wider economic activity, tourism, trade and employment.

Nibe Limited Signs Memorandum of Understanding with France’s Naval Group for Advanced Naval Technologies

• Nibe Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Naval Group to establish a collaborative framework for advanced maritime technologies and naval shipbuilding.
• The partnership covers high-technology and high-growth areas including underwater drones, submarine systems, mine countermeasure vessels and weapon launching systems.
• The collaboration is aimed at strengthening domestic defence manufacturing and supporting India’s focus on defence indigenisation.
• The agreement establishes a cooperative framework, and no transaction value has been disclosed at this stage.

Key Highlights

• The partnership with Naval Group, a global naval technology company from France, is expected to support Nibe Limited’s engineering capabilities in advanced naval technologies and shipbuilding.
• The collaboration also provides Nibe Limited an opportunity to participate in sophisticated naval system development and address the growing requirement for domestic naval capital expenditure.
• On 14 August 2026, Nibe Limited secured a domestic supply contract worth ₹563.35 crore from the Indian Army, Ministry of Defence, for Loiter Munition Systems.
• On 18 August 2026, Nibe Limited’s subsidiary Nibe Space Private Limited secured a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping contract worth ₹12.15 crore from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).
• The collaboration with Naval Group is aligned with the broader growth of India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, where greater emphasis is being placed on private-sector participation and domestic procurement.
• High-technology areas such as unmanned underwater systems and advanced munitions are emerging as important areas for the development of indigenous defence capabilities.
• The company has also announced that its 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on 29 September 2026.
• A final dividend of ₹1.30 per share for Financial Year 2025–26 has been proposed.
• The key developments associated with the Naval Group collaboration include the possibility of future commercial orders, execution of the ₹563.35 crore Ministry of Defence contract, and the company’s proposed shareholder approvals at the 29 September 2026 Annual General Meeting.
• Overall, the Memorandum of Understanding with Naval Group marks Nibe Limited’s entry into more sophisticated maritime and naval technology segments, while its recent domestic defence contracts indicate its expanding role in India’s indigenised defence supply chain.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

England Fast Bowler Mark Wood Retires from International Cricket at 36

• England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket at the age of 36 after a prolonged battle with injuries.
• Wood finished his international career with 253 wickets in 146 matches across all formats.
• Wood played only one match since suffering a knee injury during the 2025 Champions Trophy, appearing in the first Test of the following Ashes series.

Key Highlights

• Wood made his breakthrough into the England international set-up across formats in 2015 and quickly became a fan favourite because of his energetic performances and on-field personality.
• During the 2015 Ashes, Wood took the wicket that sealed England’s series victory when he dismissed Nathan Lyon at Trent Bridge.
• He also became a regular member of Eoin Morgan’s England white-ball teams.
• His career progression was affected by repeated injury setbacks, but he enjoyed a strong period in 2019 after lengthening his bowling run-up.
• Wood claimed his first Test five-wicket haul against the West Indies during the 2018–19 tour, producing one of the fastest spells in English Test cricket at St Lucia.
• He played an important role in England’s 2019 50-over Cricket World Cup victory on home soil, taking 18 wickets during the tournament.
• In the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand, Wood took the important wicket of Ross Taylor.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Cleanup Day 2026 – 20 September

• The United Nations (UN) observes World Cleanup Day annually on 20 September to raise awareness about clean-up efforts and their contribution to sustainable development.
• The 2026 theme of World Cleanup Day is “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities”.
• The first observance of World Cleanup Day was held on 18 September 2024.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/78/122 on 8 December 2024, proclaiming 20 September of every year as World Cleanup Day.
• The resolution called upon the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to support and facilitate the global observance of World Cleanup Day.
• The global observance of World Cleanup Day 2026 was held on 20 September 2026 in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province, China.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Italian Football Legend and Inter Milan Icon Sandro Mazzola Passed away at 83

• Sandro Mazzola, the Italian football legend and former Inter Milan captain and Italy international, died at the age of 83; his death was announced by Inter Milan on 19 September 2026.
• Sandro Mazzola was born on 8 November 1942 in Turin, Italy.
• Mazzola spent his entire 17-year professional career (1960–1977) with Inter Milan (Football Club Internazionale Milano), scoring 161 goals in 565 matches.
• During his Inter Milan career, Mazzola won 4 Serie A titles and 2 European Cups.
• In the 1964 European Cup final, Mazzola scored 2 goals in Inter Milan’s 3–1 victory over Real Madrid, helping the club win its first European Cup.
• Mazzola represented Italy in 70 matches, scoring 22 goals, and won the 1968 UEFA European Championship.
• He was part of the Italy team that reached the 1970 FIFA World Cup final.
• Mazzola finished runner-up to Johan Cruyff in the 1971 Ballon d’Or and was the Serie A top scorer in the 1964–65 season.
• After retiring from football in 1977, Mazzola worked in football directorial roles and later became a television football commentator and pundit.

Veteran Malayalam Theatre and Film Actress Savithri Sreedharan Passed away at 83

• Veteran Malayalam theatre and film actress Savithri Sreedharan passed away on 23 September 2026 at her residence in Mankavu, Kozhikode, Kerala, at the age of 83.
• Savithri Sreedharan had a theatre career spanning more than four decades and was a prominent figure in Kerala’s professional theatre movement.
• She began acting in amateur theatre in 1961 and entered professional theatre in 1984 with Kalinga Theatre, founded by playwright T. Mohammed.
• Her first professional theatre production with Kalinga Theatre was Ithu Bhoomiyanu, and she later worked with Sangamam Theatre, Chiranthana Theatres and Stage India.
• She performed with prominent Kozhikode-based theatre groups and appeared in thousands of stage performances across a wide range of roles.
• Savithri Sreedharan received the Kerala State Government Best Theatre Actress Award in 1977 and 1993, recognising her contribution to Malayalam theatre.
• She received the Kerala Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Drama in 2009 for her contribution to theatre.
• She made her Malayalam cinema debut with Kadavu, directed by T. Vasudevan Nair, and later appeared in films including Valiyangadi, Dakini, Mera Naam Shaji, Virus, Ittymani: Made in China, Pada, Paappan and Christy.
• Her most widely recognised film role was Jameela (Umma) in the 2018 Malayalam film Sudani from Nigeria, directed by Zakariya Mohammed.
• Her performance in Sudani from Nigeria earned her a Special Mention at the 66th National Film Awards and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress.
• Her notable theatre roles included performances in Kaffer, Srishti, Deepasthambham Mahascharyam, Achanum Bappayum, Samanwayam, Malikaveedu, Pakida Panthrandu, Upaharam, Odiya and Rajyasabha.
• Her portrayal of Aishakutty in Rajyasabha earned her the Kerala State Government Best Actress Award in Theatre in 1993.

Daily CA One- Liner: September 26^th

• The Assam Government has set January 1, 2027 as the deadline for all government offices in the State to transition to a paperless e-Office system
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) completed 8 years in September 2026
• Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta launched an Artificial Intelligence-based Centralised Drone Monitoring Portal (CDMP) and unveiled the logo of the SafeStay App as part of technology-driven policing initiatives
• Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol addressed the formal launch programme of Bharat Taxi in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a ₹3.10 lakh monetary penalty on Ola Financial Services Private. Limited. by an order dated 24 September 2026 for non-compliance with Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, specifically for failing to carry out risk categorisation of certain customers.
• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited has officially changed its name to ICICI Life Insurance Limited, effective 22 September 2026.
• Fitch Ratings raised India’s Financial Year 2026–27 (FY27) Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast to 6.9%, from 4% earlier, marking an upward revision of 50 basis points (bps).
• TBX (formerly TransBnk) launched Business-to-Business (B2B) bill payments on its TrustHub platform through NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited (NBBL)’s Bharat Connect for Business.
• India’s trade with BRICS countries more than doubled from US$203.1 billion in FY2020-21 to US$417.5 billion in FY2025-26.
• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement with Rajasthan-based start-up Zero mK India Private Limited for the indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for quantum applications.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing a 30 kilowatt (kW)-class Directed-Energy Weapon (DEW) under the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS) Mk-IIA to counter drone swarms, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and surveillance/optical sensors.
• Space-tech startup Pixxel plans to launch at least four satellites in 2028 under its ₹1,200-crore National Earth Observation Constellation programme.
• Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, signed an agreement with Bengaluru-based GalaxEye Space Solutions Private Limited on 24 September 2026.
• Maruti Suzuki India Limited. commissioned its first 300 kW Green Hydrogen (GH₂) electrolyser pilot plant at its Manesar manufacturing facility, Haryana, on 24 September 2026.
• Kerala University researchers have provided new insights into the Carrington Event of 1859, one of the most powerful geomagnetic storms ever recorded, using historical magnetic observations from the Trivandrum Astronomical Observatory.
• Stellantis India acquired the remaining stake held by Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation Limited. (HMFCL) in Stellantis Automobiles India Private Limited on 21 September 2026.
• India participated in the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM) and the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Economic Ministers Consultation held in Manila, Philippines, from 22–24 September 2026.
• Transcend Adventures, a 10-member Indian mountaineering team, became the first Indian team to summit Mount Tharang II, a 6,027-metre peak in the remote Miyar Valley of Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.
• Sandro Mazzola, the Italian football legend and former Inter Milan captain and Italy international, died at the age of 83; his death was announced by Inter Milan on 19 September 2026.
• Veteran Malayalam theatre and film actress Savithri Sreedharan passed away on 23 September 2026 at her residence in Mankavu, Kozhikode, Kerala, at the age of 83.
• President Droupadi Murmu amended the Inter-State Council Order, 1990 to provide for the participation of Governors and Lieutenant Governors in meetings of the Inter-State Council under specified constitutional or statutory circumstances in their respective States or Union Territories
• The 6th National Pharmacovigilance Week (NPW) was inaugurated at the Padmashri Nitya Anand Auditorium Hall, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), Ghaziabad
• Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh virtually inaugurated India’s 51st state-of-the-art Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Sambalpur, Odisha, in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will lay the foundation stone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Advanced Radar Research Centre at Chandrapur near Guwahati, Assam, describing the project as a landmark moment for Assam
• Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil launched Swachh Seva Aankalan (SSA) during a virtual meeting with States and Union Territories
• The Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, through Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) and the National Service Scheme (NSS), will commence the 100 Weeks Nasha Mukt Yuva Abhiyan with the Rashtriya Sankalp Samaroh, a nationwide Youth Pledge and Signature Campaign, from 18 September 2026
• Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), launched by the Ministry of Mines, has completed 11 years since its launch to ensure that mining-affected communities receive the benefits of mining-related development
• Music composer Shantanu Moitra will receive the Madhya Pradesh Government’s National Lata Mangeshkar Award 2026 for his contribution to music direction
• 21 States and Union Territories have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Ministry of Civil Aviation in New Delhi for the next phase of the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme
• Nibe Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France’s Naval Group to establish a collaborative framework for advanced maritime technologies and naval shipbuilding
• England fast bowler Mark Wood has retired from international cricket at the age of 36 after a prolonged battle with injuries
• The United Nations (UN) observes World Cleanup Day annually on 20 September to raise awareness about clean-up efforts and their contribution to sustainable development