Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (12th September, 2026) |

National News

Ramanathaswamy Temple Featured at 18th BRICS Summit

The Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram featured prominently at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Its image was used as the backdrop while Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed visiting BRICS leaders at Bharat Mandapam.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas.
Located on Rameswaram Island, it is renowned for its massive corridors and distinctive architectural style.
The cultural backdrop highlighted India’s rich religious, architectural and Shaivite heritage during the diplomatic event.
The 18th BRICS Summit was held on September 12–13, 2026, under India’s BRICS chairmanship, focusing on inclusive global governance and multilateralism.
Key Fact: Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas.

Southern Railway Completes 100% Electrification Across 5,068 Kilometres

Southern Railway has achieved 100% electrification across its 5,068-route-kilometre broad gauge network.
The final 71-km Pattukkottai-Karaikkudi section in Tamil Nadu was electrified after statutory inspection on September 9, 2026.
All routes can now operate using 25 kV AC electric traction.
Full electrification eliminates routine diesel-to-electric locomotive changes, improving operational efficiency and punctuality.
The move is expected to reduce diesel consumption, carbon emissions and dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Southern Railway’s electrification journey began in 1931, followed by the Madras Beach-Tambaram conversion to 25 kV AC in 1968.
Key Fact: Southern Railway completed its electrification journey after 95 years.

NMHC Lothal Nears Completion as Global Maritime Heritage Hub

The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat, has achieved around 82% physical progress in Phase 1A.
The revised completion target for Phase 1A is October 31, 2026.
The project has signed MoUs with 13 countries, including Portugal, UAE, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore.
Around 1,492 artefacts have been prepared for installation, while several galleries and thematic areas remain under construction.
Future phases will include a 5D Dome Theatre, Lighthouse Museum, Maritime Research Institute, Museotel and Eco Resort.
The project aims to showcase India’s maritime history and strengthen Lothal’s position as a global heritage and tourism destination.
Key Fact: NMHC Lothal is being developed to showcase India’s 5,000-year maritime heritage.

Supreme Court Seeks Clear Timeline for Food Warning Labels

The Supreme Court has directed FSSAI to provide a scientifically justified timeline for implementing Phase II of Front-of-Package Labelling.
FoPL aims to warn consumers about packaged foods containing high levels of fat, sugar or salt.
Phase I covers products containing at least two specified nutrients of concern and highly sweetened beverages.
Phase II is proposed to cover products high in any one nutrient of concern.
The Court questioned the nearly decade-long delay in implementing the warning-label system.
It also sought details on proposed red hexagonal warning labels, including their size and prominence.
Key Fact: The next Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for September 28, 2026.

Gooty Fort Proposed for Commemorative Postage Stamp

The Department of Posts has forwarded a proposal for a commemorative postage stamp featuring Gooty Fort in Andhra Pradesh.
The historic fort, located in Anantapur district, is also known as Ravadurg and Gutti Kota.
Its inscriptions are associated with Western Chalukya ruler Vikramaditya VI.
The fort later came under the Vijayanagar, Qutb Shahi and Mughal rulers before being strengthened by Maratha general Murari Rao.
It combines Hindu and Islamic architectural elements and has a distinctive shell-like layout.
The complex includes temples, a dargah, bastions, wells, barracks, a gymnasium and Morari Rao’s Seat.
Key Fact: Gooty Fort consists of 15 interconnected smaller forts.

Vice President Radhakrishnan Highlights DNHDD’s Development

Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan described Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu as a “mini India” during his maiden visit.
More than 450 infrastructure projects worth around ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken in the Union Territory over the past decade.
Around 800 km of roads have been developed at a cost exceeding ₹4,000 crore.
Healthcare infrastructure has expanded with a medical college, 450-bed and 350-bed NAMO Hospitals and improved health outcomes.
Education infrastructure has added 21 schools, with 16 more under construction.
Tourism increased sharply, with annual visitors rising from 6 lakh in 2021 to nearly 50 lakh in 2025.
Key Fact: DNHDD’s annual tourist footfall reached nearly 50 lakh in 2025.

State News

Gujarat Assembly Passes Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026

The Gujarat Assembly passed the Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026 to simplify business regulations and government services.
The legislation amends 12 provisions across five state laws.
Eligible shops and commercial establishments can operate 24/7 under the revised framework.
It introduces self-declaration for new business registrations and a risk-based approach to fire safety compliance.
Eight additional state laws have been brought under the MSME facilitation framework.
Delayed applications or grievances under the Right to Public Services Act can trigger automatic appeals to higher authorities.
Key Fact: The Bill amends 12 provisions across five state laws.

Uttarakhand Launches Month-Long Service Sankalp Campaign

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the Service Sankalp campaign on September 11, 2026.
The month-long campaign will run from September 17 to October 17 across all districts.
It is aligned with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and aims to increase public participation in government initiatives.
Students, youth, women, beneficiaries, parents, public representatives and social organisations will participate.
Activities include student competitions, school plays, tree plantation, cleanliness drives, Anganwadi programmes and teaching initiatives.
District in-charge ministers will support implementation and highlight beneficiary experiences and local development outcomes.
Key Fact: The campaign will run for one month, from September 17 to October 17.

International News

University of Bristol Opens First International Campus in Mumbai

The University of Bristol has opened its first international campus in Mumbai.
The Mumbai Enterprise Campus is located in Powai, opposite IIT Bombay.
It will offer programmes in finance and data science while promoting research, teaching and industry collaboration.
Students will have opportunities for global mobility, including study periods at the university’s UK campus.
The university has partnered with IIT Bombay for research and teaching initiatives.
Four Maharashtra students received full tuition waivers under the University of Bristol–Government of Maharashtra Scholarship.
Key Fact: Mumbai is the University of Bristol’s first international campus.

PM Modi and Putin Strengthen India-Russia Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin on September 11, 2026, during the 18th BRICS Summit.
The leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, space, skills and people-to-people relations.
They welcomed the INNOPROM India 2026 exhibition as an opportunity to expand industrial and trade cooperation.
Regional conflicts in West Asia and the Black Sea and their impact on maritime trade were also discussed.
Modi reiterated India’s support for resolving conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.
Putin invited Modi to Russia for the 24th India-Russia Annual Summit, which Modi accepted.
Key Fact: The two countries reaffirmed their Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.

Thirukkural: Ancient Tamil Classic Gifted by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Russian President Vladimir Putin a Russian edition of the Thirukkural.
Traditionally attributed to Tamil philosopher-poet Thiruvalluvar, the classic contains 1,330 couplets across 133 chapters.
It covers themes including ethics, governance, justice, wealth, social conduct and love.
The work is divided into Aram (Virtue), Porul (Worldly Affairs) and Inbam (Love).
The exact age of the Thirukkural remains debated, with scholarly estimates ranging from 300 BCE to the 5th century CE.
The Russian edition contains the Tamil text, Roman transliteration and Russian translation.
Key Fact: The Thirukkural contains 1,330 couplets in 133 chapters.

India and Russia Target $100 Billion Trade by 2030

India and Russia have set a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2030.
Current bilateral trade stands at around $60 billion, while the countries are also working on a Bilateral Investment Treaty.
A separate investment target of $50 billion has been set for 2030.
Cooperation is expanding across railways, steel, civil nuclear energy, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, IT, AI and advanced manufacturing.
Defence cooperation includes S-400 deliveries, BrahMos upgrades and discussions on possible Su-57 joint production.
India also aims to increase exports of pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods and food products to Russia.
Key Fact: India-Russia bilateral trade is targeted to reach $100 billion by 2030.

India-US Cooperation Strengthens Global Undersea Cable Resilience

India and the United States are expanding cooperation to improve the security and resilience of global undersea cable networks.
Undersea cables are critical for international data transmission and digital services.
Government and industry experts participated in an Undersea Cables Workshop under the US-India TRUST Initiative.
The US sees India as a potential major subsea digital infrastructure hub because of its digital economy and strategic location.
The TRUST Initiative promotes cooperation in AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, energy, space and defence.
The initiative also complements the US-India AI Infrastructure Roadmap for secure connectivity and AI infrastructure.
Key Fact: The TRUST Initiative was launched during PM Modi’s February 2025 visit to Washington.

Banking News

Bankers’ Books Evidence Act 2026 Comes Into Force October 1

The Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 2026 will come into force on October 1, 2026.
It replaces the 1891 law governing banking records used as evidence in court proceedings.
The new technology-neutral framework recognises physical, electronic, digital, virtual and cloud-based banking records.
It permits manual, digital and electronic signatures for certification.
Courts must record special reasons in writing before summoning bank officials when the bank is not a party to the case.
The Central Government can extend the Act to specified financial institutions.
Key Fact: The 2026 Act replaces the 1891 Bankers’ Books Evidence Act.

Economy News

India’s Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise Sharply to $740.803 Billion

India’s foreign exchange reserves increased sharply to $740.803 billion.
The rise was supported by stronger foreign currency inflows and improved market liquidity.
Foreign Currency Assets increased by $47.498 billion to $648.168 billion.
The FCNR(B) deposit window attracted $127.226 billion by August 31.
Total inflows, including overseas foreign-currency borrowings and external commercial borrowings, reached $136.377 billion.
Gold reserves declined by $2.594 billion to $113.816 billion, while SDR holdings fell to $18.806 billion.
Key Fact: India’s forex reserves reached $740.803 billion.

Agreements News

IITM-C-DOT Samgnya and QClairvoyance Sign Quantum Technology MoU

IITM-C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation and QClairvoyance Quantum Labs signed an MoU on September 11, 2026.
The agreement aims to advance research, technology development and deployment in quantum technologies.
IITM-C-DOT Samgnya was established in December 2025 at IIT Madras Research Park.
It serves as India’s National Hub for Quantum Communication under the National Quantum Mission.
QClairvoyance works in quantum cybersecurity, drug discovery, education and quantum computing.
The partnership covers quantum computing, quantum AI, algorithms, post-quantum cybersecurity and next-generation computing.
Key Fact: IITM-C-DOT Samgnya serves as India’s National Hub for Quantum Communication.

Awards News

UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Honour Six Global Initiatives

UNESCO honoured six literacy initiatives from Colombia, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria and Thailand.
The awards were presented during International Literacy Day celebrations in Chiapas, Mexico, on September 8–9.
The 2026 theme was “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
The King Sejong Literacy Prize recognised initiatives from Colombia, the Netherlands and Nigeria.
The Confucius Prize for Literacy honoured initiatives from Lebanon, Mexico and Thailand.
Each laureate receives US$30,000 along with a medal and certificate or diploma.
Key Fact: Each UNESCO International Literacy Prize laureate receives US$30,000.

Science & Technology News

India’s HPV Vaccination Drive Crosses 80 Lakh Doses

India’s HPV vaccination programme has crossed 80 lakh doses within six months of its launch in February 2026.
The free and voluntary programme provides a single HPV vaccine dose to 14-year-old girls at government health facilities.
Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram achieved 100% coverage of their identified target groups.
Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam crossed 90% coverage.
Uttar Pradesh leads in absolute numbers, with more than 22 lakh girls vaccinated.
The programme targets around 1.2 crore 14-year-old girls annually and is supported by awareness and screening efforts.
Key Fact: India’s HPV vaccination programme has crossed 80 lakh doses.

Sports News

Ben Shelton Reaches US Open Final Against Alexander Zverev

American tennis player Ben Shelton reached his first Grand Slam singles final by defeating Frances Tiafoe.
Shelton won the US Open semifinal 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 in three hours and 17 minutes.
The eighth seed became the first Black American man since Arthur Ashe in 1972 to reach the US Open singles final.
He also became the first Black male player since Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in 2008 to reach a Grand Slam final.
Shelton will face top seed Alexander Zverev, who defeated Karen Khachanov in straight sets.
Zverev leads Shelton 5-0 in their previous meetings.
Key Fact: Shelton is the first American man to reach the US Open final since 2020.

Important Days News

International Day for South-South Cooperation 2026 Highlights Global Solidarity

The International Day for South-South Cooperation 2026 was observed on September 11.
The theme was “Solidarity Rising: Global Alliance for Inclusive and Innovative Development.”
The day promotes cooperation among developing countries through knowledge, technology and innovation exchange.
2026 also marks the launch of the Global Alliance for South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
South-South cooperation supports solutions to climate change, healthcare, food security and energy challenges.
Triangular cooperation adds technical, financial or institutional support from developed countries or organisations.
Key Fact: The observance is supported by the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).

World First Aid Day 2026 Highlights Lifesaving Skills

World First Aid Day 2026 will be observed on September 12, the second Saturday of September.
The theme is “First Aid in Migration Contexts,” focusing on migrants, refugees and displaced people.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies initiated the observance in 2000.
Modern civilian first-aid training began in 1878 at Royal Herbert Military Hospital.
First aid provides immediate assistance before professional medical help becomes available.
Its basic steps include ensuring safety, assessing the person, calling for help and providing appropriate first aid.
Key Fact: World First Aid Day was first observed in 2000.

Obituaries News

Princess Astrid of Norway Dies at 94 After Decades of Service

Princess Astrid of Norway died peacefully on September 11, 2026, at the age of 94.
She was the last surviving child of King Olav V and Crown Princess Märtha.
Born on February 12, 1932, she remained a senior member of Norway’s royal family without becoming monarch.
Her younger brother, King Harald V, had died on August 28 at the age of 89.
Princess Astrid made her final public appearance at Harald’s state funeral on September 9.
Following her death, the Royal Palace flag was flown at half-mast as a mark of mourning.
Key Fact: Princess Astrid was a member of the House of Glücksburg.

Solomon Pappaiah Dies at 90 After Celebrated Tamil Career

Renowned Tamil scholar, professor and Pattimandram moderator Solomon Pappaiah died in Madurai on September 11, 2026, aged 90.
Born on February 22, 1936, near Madurai, he began his academic career at The American College.
He later headed its Tamil department before retiring in 1994.
Pappaiah popularised the traditional Pattimandram debate format through humour, scholarship and conversational Tamil.
He moderated more than 12,000 programmes and also wrote commentaries on works such as the Thirukkural.
He received the Kalaimamani Award in 2000 and the Padma Shri in 2021.
Key Fact: Solomon Pappaiah moderated more than 12,000 Pattimandram programmes.