National News

Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 Focuses on Anganwadi Responsibility

• The 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 was launched on September 9, 2026, under Mission Poshan 2.0.
• This year’s theme is “Hamari Anganwadi, Hamari Jimmedari” (Our Anganwadi, Our Responsibility).
• The campaign focuses on dietary diversity, protein-rich diets, nutritious hot cooked meals, community participation and early childhood development.
• Anganwadi centres will act as key points for nutrition, childcare and developmental initiatives.
• The campaign also marks 10 years of the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), with efforts to identify beneficiaries and clear pending cases.
• Special attention will be given to the first 1,000 days of life through early stimulation and developmental monitoring.
• Key Fact: As of July 31, 2026, India had nearly 13.99 lakh Anganwadi Centres serving around 8.94 crore beneficiaries through the Poshan Tracker.

UIDAI Launches Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK and Sandbox

• UIDAI launched the Aadhaar Face Authentication SDK and Sandbox at the Global Fintech Fest 2026.
• The SDK allows banks, fintech companies, insurers and other organisations to integrate Aadhaar face authentication directly into Android and iOS applications.
• Users will no longer need a separate Aadhaar FaceRD app when organisations integrate the authentication facility into their own applications.
• The Sandbox provides testing facilities for consent, face capture, liveness detection, authentication, error handling, spoofing and network interruptions.
• The technology uses AI/ML-based liveness detection and anti-spoofing while encrypting authentication data.
• UIDAI also launched a BFSI onboarding playbook to support financial-sector organisations.
• Key Fact: Aadhaar Face Authentication has crossed 500 crore transactions and is used by nearly 200 organisations since its rollout in 2021.

Cabinet Approves Five Railway Multitracking Projects Worth ₹10,021 Crore

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved five railway multitracking projects worth ₹10,021 crore.
• The projects cover around 540 km across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
• The routes include Arakkonam–Renigunta, Whitefield–Bangarapet, Hosur–Omalur, Salem–Karur–Dindigul and Secunderabad–Kazipet.
• The projects will cover 17 districts and 2,121 villages, benefiting nearly 52 lakh people.
• They are expected to increase freight-handling capacity by 47 million tonnes annually, including coal, cement, steel, automobiles and food grains.
• The projects aim to reduce railway congestion, logistics costs, oil consumption and carbon emissions.
• Key Fact: The five projects are targeted for completion by 2029-30.

India’s Global Warming Contribution Reaches 0.05°C by 2024

• India contributed approximately 0.047–0.05°C to global warming by 2024, according to research published in Environmental Research Communications.
• India’s contribution remains below that of major emitters such as the United States, China, the European Union and Russia.
• The study found that India’s warming contribution has increased significantly since 1990.
• The United States contributed about 0.27°C, China around 0.19°C and the European Union approximately 0.17°C.
• India’s impact is driven mainly by carbon dioxide emissions from fossil-fuel use, particularly in the energy sector.
• Agriculture also contributes significantly through methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
• Key Fact: Agriculture accounts for roughly one-third to two-fifths of India’s total warming impact.

State News

TVK Alliance Named Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance

• Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay, has named its Tamil Nadu alliance the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance.
• The name was finalised at the TVK headquarters in Chennai during a meeting of senior alliance leaders.
• Congress, VCK, MDMK and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leaders participated in the meeting.
• Discussions focused on preparing a Common Minimum Programme, forming a steering committee and appointing a convener.
• The alliance name highlights secularism and social justice, while “Victory” reflects Vijay’s political branding.
• CPI(M) and CPI leaders were absent from the meeting, while the bloc remains separate from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.
• Key Fact: The alliance brings together TVK, Congress, VCK, MDMK and IUML.

Chhattisgarh Approves ₹500 Crore NIPUN Mission for Youth

• The Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved the Chief Minister’s Startup and NIPUN Mission on September 9, 2026.
• The mission has a budget of ₹500 crore for five years and focuses on skills, entrepreneurship, industrial readiness and employment.
• Entrepreneurship Development Centres will be established in all 33 districts.
• The programme will include five industry Centres of Excellence and 100 Emerging Technology Labs covering AI, IoT, big data and blockchain.
• The NIPUN Job Engine will connect trained youth with industrial demand.
• The government also allocated 10 acres in Tendua village, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, for a ₹200 crore National Skill Training Institute.
• Key Fact: The mission combines youth skill development with industry-linked employment and entrepreneurship.

Bhoramdev Sanctuary to Introduce Bird Hearing Technology for Monitoring

• Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh’s Kawardha district will introduce “bird hearing” technology for wildlife monitoring.
• The sanctuary covers approximately 352 sq km and lies in the Maikal range of the Satpura hills.
• Acoustic monitoring will identify birds through their calls, especially in dense forest areas where visual surveys are difficult.
• The sanctuary forms part of the important Kanha-Achanakmar wildlife corridor.
• Its ecosystem includes tropical moist and dry deciduous forests, streams and the Sakari River.
• Bhoramdev supports tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, sambars, wild boars and more than 100 bird species.
• Key Fact: The technology will use bird calls as an additional tool for biodiversity monitoring.

Karnataka Approves Aerospace Policy 2026-31 and Jobs Measures

• The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka Aerospace Policy 2026-31 to attract investment in aerospace technology and manufacturing.
• The policy provides subsidies for aerospace industries in both focus and non-focus areas.
• Investments in backward taluks can receive incentives of up to 10%, while most backward taluks can receive up to 20%.
• The incentives also cover defence, automobiles, electric vehicles, electronics and semiconductor industries.
• Under the Shramika Nivas scheme, 10,000 houses will initially be developed near workplaces for industrial workers.
• Industries will receive ₹2,500 per worker for two years as an employment incentive.
• Key Fact: Karnataka has combined aerospace investment incentives with worker housing and employment support.

International News

India, Sri Lanka Sign MoUs to Upgrade Six L70 Guns

• India and Sri Lanka signed three defence MoUs in Colombo on September 9, 2026.
• The agreements cover the modernisation of six 40mm L70 air defence guns supplied by India.
• Another agreement promotes cooperation between the National Cadet Corps of India and Sri Lanka.
• The third agreement provides for academic exchanges between their National Defence Colleges.
• India will finance the L70 upgrades through a government grant to strengthen protection of critical assets.
• The two countries also inaugurated three Bailey Bridges and discussed an integrated real-time maritime surveillance grid.
• Key Fact: Sri Lanka received the six L70 guns between 2000 and 2006.

UK Recognises India’s Carbon Credit Scheme Under CBAM Rules

• The UK has recognised India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) as a carbon pricing scheme eligible for consideration under its CBAM.
• The move could benefit Indian exporters of carbon-intensive products such as steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers.
• Carbon costs already paid in India under CCTS may be considered while calculating the UK’s CBAM liability.
• This could help exporters avoid the impact of double carbon pricing.
• Relief will not be automatic because UK importers must provide evidence required under British regulations.
• The recognition follows technical discussions between India and the UK on carbon-market design and implementation.
• Key Fact: The UK’s CBAM is scheduled to begin in 2027.

India Hosts Global Dryland Congress 2026 in New Delhi

• India is hosting the Global Dryland Congress 2026 from September 10 to 12 in New Delhi.
• The three-day event is being held at the National Agricultural Science Complex.
• ICAR and ICRISAT are jointly organising the Congress, bringing together scientists, policymakers, farmers and development partners.
• The theme is “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation.”
• Discussions cover climate resilience, crop breeding, nutrition, markets, farming systems, seed systems and youth and gender inclusion.
• The event marks 50 years of the ICAR-ICRISAT partnership and is linked to the International Year of Women Farmers 2026.
• Key Fact: The Congress is expected to conclude with the Delhi Declaration on Dryland (3D).

Business News

Jio Payment Solutions Launches Cross-Border Payments Platform

• Jio Payment Solutions Limited (JPSL), a subsidiary of Jio Financial Services, launched a cross-border payments platform for Indian exporters.
• The launch followed RBI authorisation for JPSL to operate as a Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border (PA-CB).
• Businesses can receive overseas payments through multi-currency virtual accounts, international cards and local payment methods.
• The platform covers markets including the US, UK, Europe, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.
• Features include hosted checkouts, payment links, recurring invoices, APIs and real-time transaction tracking.
• JPSL offers T+2 settlement, encryption, transaction monitoring and same-day FIRA/eFIRA documentation.
• Key Fact: JPSL has partnered with Citi for international payment collection, compliance checks and settlement services.

Appointments News

N Franklin Jayakumar Appointed NCL Chairman and CMD

• N Franklin Jayakumar has assumed charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL).
• NCL is a Singrauli-based subsidiary of Coal India Ltd.
• Jayakumar brings more than 34 years of experience in mechanised underground and opencast coal and lignite mining.
• Before NCL, he served as Director (Technical), Operations, at South Eastern Coalfields Ltd.
• His career includes work on coal production, mine modernisation, mechanisation and sustainability initiatives.
• He has also worked with Singareni Collieries Company Ltd, NLC India Ltd and in Indonesia.
• Key Fact: Jayakumar holds qualifications in Mining Engineering, Environmental Engineering and Management, and an MBA in HR Management.

Vipul Misra Appointed Acting CEO of SriLankan Airlines

• Vipul Misra has been appointed acting Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines.
• He will continue to lead the airline’s engineering division alongside his interim CEO responsibilities.
• The Kanpur-born aviation professional has more than 20 years of experience in aircraft engineering and airline operations.
• He has worked with Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan.
• Misra holds a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering from Delhi Flying Club and a Master’s in Aerospace Law from NALSAR University of Law.
• His technical and regulatory background is expected to support the airline during the interim leadership period.
• Key Fact: SriLankan Airlines operates a fleet of 23 aircraft, including 10 Airbus A330s.

Banking News

JPMorgan Mauritius Unit Trading Ban Lifted After SEBI Order

• India lifted the trading restriction on Copthall Mauritius Investment, a JPMorgan Mauritius-based unit.
• The restriction was removed after the entity deposited ₹2.96 crore in compliance with a SEBI order.
• The case relates to alleged market manipulation involving trades in BSE Sensex derivatives.
• The deposited amount reportedly represents alleged unlawful gains linked to the transactions.
• Although the trading restriction has been removed, SEBI’s investigation into the alleged manipulation remains ongoing.
• The case highlights SEBI’s continuing scrutiny of foreign investment entities and trading practices.
• Key Fact: The regulatory action involved a ₹2.96 crore deposit ordered by SEBI.

SEBI Proposes New Governance Rules for Market Infrastructure Institutions

• SEBI has proposed new governance norms for market infrastructure institutions (MIIs).
• The proposals cover stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories.
• The regulator aims to strengthen oversight of technology, cybersecurity, compliance and risk management.
• SEBI has proposed wider eligibility for experienced directors and exemptions for companies with well-diversified shareholding.
• The proposed rules also establish qualification and experience requirements for CTOs, CISOs, Compliance Officers and Chief Risk Officers.
• MIIs would have to fill vacancies in these critical positions within three months.
• Key Fact: SEBI has invited public comments on the proposals until September 30, 2026.

Awards News

Ex-CJI Dipak Misra Receives Kalinga Ratna Award in Cuttack

• Former Chief Justice of India Justice Dipak Misra received the Kalinga Ratna Award on September 8, 2026.
• The award was presented by the Sarala Sahitya Sansad in Cuttack.
• The honour included a silver idol of Goddess Saraswati and a citation.
• In his address, Misra highlighted the importance of birthplace, cultural identity and constitutional fraternity.
• He stressed that fraternity should rise above caste, creed, language and social differences while protecting individual dignity.
• Eminent Odia litterateur Dr Ramachandra Behera also received the Sarala Samman at the ceremony.
• Key Fact: Ramachandra Behera was honoured for more than six decades of contribution to Odia literature.

Defense News

Tata Becomes Lowest Bidder for ₹20,000 Crore Zorawar Tank

• Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) emerged as the L1 bidder for the Armoured Fighting Vehicle-Indian Light Tank programme under Project Zorawar.
• The proposed programme involves a contract worth approximately ₹20,000 crore.
• The project aims to develop a 25-tonne light tank suitable for high-altitude areas such as Ladakh.
• Under the Make-I category, the government can provide up to 70% funding for prototype development.
• TASL must develop and demonstrate two operational prototypes within 130 weeks.
• Mahindra Defence Systems emerged as the L2 bidder and was also assigned prototype development work.
• Key Fact: The tank is named after General Zorawar Singh Kahlon, a 19th-century Dogra commander.

India Launches Sagar Manthan for Advanced Ocean Research

• India launched ORV Sagar Manthan in Kolkata on September 9, 2026.
• The multidisciplinary ocean research vessel was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for NCPOR.
• The vessel has an estimated cost of ₹840 crore and was developed under the Deep Ocean Mission.
• It is designed for all-weather operations, including research missions in the Southern Ocean, with a service life of around 30 years.
• Its equipment includes dynamic positioning, multibeam bathymetry, seismic systems and ROV/AUV deployment capabilities.
• Sagar Manthan will support deep-sea exploration, climate research, marine studies and exploration of hydrothermal sulphides.
• Key Fact: The vessel is also known as Yard 3041.

Sports News

Sheetal Devi Wins Maiden Individual Gold in Para Archery

• Indian para archer Sheetal Devi won her maiden individual gold medal at the Hyundai World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad.
• She defeated Kazakhstan’s Aizada Seidan in the compound women’s final.
• Both archers initially scored 30 points, forcing a shoot-off after Seidan’s two final Xs.
• Sheetal delivered an X in the deciding round to secure victory.
• Seidan, ranked 44th in the world, won her first silver medal in the event.
• India also earned another podium finish, with Sarita winning bronze against China’s Wang Huiting.
• Key Fact: Sheetal’s victory came ahead of the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games.

HONOHON Mascot Represents Asian Games 2026 Spirit and Culture

• HONOHON is the official mascot of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
• The Games are scheduled from September 19 to October 4, 2026.
• The mascot combines the passion of athletes with Shachihoko, a traditional guardian symbol from the host region.
• Its name is derived from the Japanese word “Honoho,” meaning flame.
• HONOHON features red colouring, large eyes, Shachihoko-inspired ears and Kabuki-style Kumadori facial markings.
• The character was designed by Aichi-based graphic designer Yoshiyuki Nakagawa.
• Key Fact: HONOHON is portrayed as an athlete, supporter and cheerleader who can magically produce imagined sounds.

Science & Technology News

TRISHNA Mission to Monitor Earth’s Water and Thermal Resources

• TRISHNA stands for Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution Natural Resource Assessment.
• It is a joint Earth observation mission being developed by ISRO and France’s CNES.
• The mission will measure Earth’s surface temperature, emissivity and environmental conditions using thermal infrared and visible/short-wave infrared imaging.
• It will monitor water stress, water use, inland and coastal waters, urban heat islands, glaciers, snowmelt and volcanoes.
• TRISHNA will carry CNES’s four-channel TIR sensor and ISRO’s seven-band VNIR-SWIR instrument.
• It is planned for a 761-km sun-synchronous orbit, with 57-metre resolution over land and coasts.
• Key Fact: TRISHNA will provide 1-km resolution over oceans and polar regions.

Obituaries News

Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s First Chief Executive, Dies

• Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s first Chief Executive, has died at the age of 89.
• Born in Shanghai on May 29, 1937, he came from a prominent shipping family.
• He took control of Orient Overseas in 1982 and later became a major political figure in Hong Kong.
• Tung became Chief Executive on July 1, 1997, when Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region of China.
• He served as Chief Executive until March 12, 2005, before resigning from the post.
• He later became Vice-Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, a position he held until 2023.
• Key Fact: Tung’s political legacy is closely associated with Hong Kong’s early post-handover period and the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.