Agriculture

1. Hanging Glaciers

Source: Indian Express

Context A study identified 219 hanging glaciers in Uttarakhand's Alaknanda basin, warning that warming and permafrost thaw are increasing break-off risks — potentially triggering ice-rock avalanches and outburst floods.

What a Hanging Glacier Is

• A glacier that originates high on a mountain wall or valley flank
• And terminates abruptly at the edge of a steep precipice or cliff face
• Rather than flowing down into a main valley floor
• Its snout ends high above the valley trough
• Routinely shedding ice through calving, icefalls and avalanches

Where They Are Found

Globally: high-relief alpine environments — the European Alps, the Andes, the North American Rockies, and the Himalaya-Karakoram range

In India: heavily concentrated along the steep, glaciated slopes of:

• Garhwal and Kumaon Himalayas (Uttarakhand)
• Himachal Pradesh
• Ladakh
• Sikkim

How They Form — Three Processes

• High-altitude accumulation: Heavy snowfall collects in steep niches, ledges and cirques → compacts into firn → glacial ice.
• Glacial retreat: Warming causes trunk/valley glaciers to thin and retreat, disconnecting smaller tributary glaciers → leaving them perched high on mountain walls.
• Thermal destabilisation: Rising temperatures thaw permafrost and basal ice, producing meltwater that lubricates the glacier–bedrock interface → making hanging glaciers unstable and prone to collapse.

2. NCDEX Launches RAINCHNNAI Weather Derivative

• NCDEX launched RAINCHNNAI, India’s second rainfall-based weather derivatives contract.
• It covers the North-East/retreating monsoon during September–December.
• Uses IMD stations at Meenambakkam and Nungambakkam in Chennai.

3. ICAR-IIOR National Consultation on Oilseed Technology

• ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (ICAR-IIOR), Hyderabad will organise a national consultation on 10 September 2026.
• Focus is on commercialisation of oilseed technologies.
• Important for oilseed productivity, technology transfer and agricultural R&D.

Schemes

1. Fisheries Infrastructure Projects under PMMSY

• Fisheries infrastructure projects worth ₹36.49 crore will be launched in Puducherry.
• Projects are under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
• Focus on sustainable livelihoods, fisheries infrastructure and value-chain efficiency.

2. Cooperative-led Seaweed Farming

• A Multi-Dimensional Capacity Building Conclave will promote cooperative-led seaweed farming.
• It is linked with the Blue Economy.
• Focus: sustainable coastal livelihoods and strengthening the seaweed value chain.

Reports & Articles

1. Ease of Doing R&D in India — NITI Aayog

• Nearly 80% of ANRF funding is concentrated in IITs.
• India lacks a standardised system to track research funding, recipients and duplicate projects.
• Proposed UPMS requires robust Persistent Digital Identifiers (PIDs) and metadata infrastructure.

2. 4th Indo-German Environment Forum

• The 4th Indo-German Environment Forum is being held in New Delhi on 1 September 2026.
• Theme: “Together For More Resilience.”
• Focus: bilateral cooperation on environment and climate change.

Banking and Finance

1. India’s Forex Reserves Hit Record High

• India’s foreign exchange reserves reached an all-time high of $729.3 billion.
• About $47 billion was added after RBI’s swap scheme announced on 5 June.
• Reserves provide approximately 11 months of import cover.

2. Kissht Digital Lending

• Kissht, an RBI-registered NBFC, launched a campaign promoting simplified digital lending.
• It highlights fast, paperless and app-based loan approvals.
• Important for NBFCs, fintech and digital lending

Economy

1. India's GDP Grows 7.8% in Q1 FY27

Source: TOI

Context India's GDP growth stood at 7.8 per cent in the April–June 2026 quarter (Q1 FY27) — quicker than the 6.9 per cent in Q1 of last year, but slower than the 8.6 per cent of the January–March 2026 quarter.

The Figures

Comparison: 6.9% in Q1 FY26; 8.6% in Q4 FY26

Note that GVA growth (8.2%) exceeds GDP growth (7.8%). GDP = GVA + taxes on products − subsidies.
When GDP grows slower than GVA, it usually means subsidies rose faster than product taxes — consistent with the fertiliser subsidy overshoot.

GDP — Gross Domestic Product

GDP is the total monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country during a specific period, usually one year or one quarter.

Simple example

Suppose in one year India produces:

• Wheat and other agricultural products → ₹10 lakh crore
• Cars, steel, textiles etc. → ₹20 lakh crore
• Banking, IT, transport, hotels etc. → ₹70 lakh crore

Then the country's GDP would broadly represent the ₹100 lakh crore of final economic production, after accounting for the relevant taxes and subsidies.

GDP Formula

• GDP = GVA + Taxes on products − Subsidies on products
• Where:
• GVA (Gross Value Added) = Output − Intermediate Consumption
• So, GDP measures the value created by the economy after avoiding double counting of intermediate goods.

Three major sectors

• Agriculture, forestry & fishing
• Industry — mining, manufacturing, electricity, construction etc.
• Services — banking, IT, trade, transport, real estate, public administration etc.

In India, services account for the largest share of GVA, followed by industry and agriculture.

Nominal GDP vs Real GDP

Nominal GDP

• Measured at current prices
• Affected by both production and price changes/inflation

Real GDP

• Measured at constant prices
• Removes the effect of price changes
• Therefore, it is more useful for measuring actual economic growth

Example:
If GDP rises 10%, but prices have increased 6%, the economy's real output has not necessarily grown by 10%.

GDP vs GVA

• GVA → measures value added by producers/sectors.
• GDP → GVA plus net product taxes.
• Therefore: GDP = Σ GVA + taxes on products − subsidies on products.

GDP vs NDP

• NDP = GDP − depreciation (Consumption of Fixed Capital).

2. Fiscal Deficit at 26.8% of FY27 Target

• India’s fiscal deficit stood at 26.8% of the full-year Budget Estimate by July-end.
• Absolute fiscal deficit was ₹4.55 lakh crore.
• Net tax revenue was ₹8.45 lakh crore, while expenditure stood at ₹17.62 lakh crore.

Social Issue

1. National Small Industry Day

• 30 August is observed as National Small Industry Day in India.
• It recognises the contribution of small industries and MSMEs to employment and economic development.
• The observance is linked to the 2000 policy package for Small Scale Industries.

2. Enforced Disappearances Day

• 30 August is observed as the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances.
• The day promotes justice, truth, accountability and victims’ rights.
• Based on UNGA Resolution A/RES/65/209

3. Sone River Water-Sharing Pact

• Bihar and Jharkhand signed an MoU on sharing Sone River water.
• The agreement was signed in Delhi in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the two State Chief Ministers.
• Important for inter-state water management and cooperative federalism.

4. OIL Green Energy Waste-to-Clean Energy Projects

• OIL Green Energy signed MoUs with Gurugram, Faridabad, Hisar and Ambala municipalities.
• Projects will process 5,000 tonnes/day of municipal solid waste.
• Expected output: 70–75 TPD CBG and around 50 MW green power

Misc GA

1. Kyrgyzstan is hosting the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Context Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek is hosting the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, as the Eurasian bloc marks 25 years since its inception.

Kyrgyzstan

• Officially the Kyrgyz Republic
• A mountainous, landlocked sovereign republic in Central Asia
• Formerly a union republic of the Soviet Union, known as Kirgiziya
• Declared independence on 31 August 1991
• Location: the heart of Central Asia, dominated by the Tien Shan mountain system
• Capital: Bishkek, in the fertile Chu River valley in the north
• Borders: Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan

About the SCO

• Founded in 2001 in Shanghai, from the earlier "Shanghai Five"
• Founding members: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
• India and Pakistan joined in 2017; Iran in 2023; Belarus in 2024
• Secretariat: Beijing
• RATS — Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure — headquartered at Tashkent
• India hosted the 2023 summit (virtual) and the SCO Heads of Government meeting

2. National Test House — 115th Foundation Day

• National Test House (NTH) celebrated its 115th Foundation Day in Bengaluru.
• New facilities include coal, solar water-heater and utensils testing facilities.
• The NTH Suvidha mobile application was also launched.

3. Legal Metrology (Indian Standard Time) Rules, 2026

• Department of Consumer Affairs notified rules making Indian Standard Time (IST) the single time reference for official purposes.
• Rules aim to improve accurate time-stamping, cybersecurity and synchronisation.
• They will come into force 180 days after Gazette publication.

Misc GA

1. India–USA Javelin Missile Deal

• Indian Army signed a $93 million agreement for nearly 100 FGM-148 Javelin ATGMs.
• Javelin is a fire-and-forget, infrared-guided anti-tank missile.
• The deal may support future co-production in India.

2. TASL–Javelin Co-Production MoU

• Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) signed an MoU with the Javelin Joint Venture.
• The agreement explores final assembly and component production in India.
• Javelin can engage tanks and armoured targets at ranges of up to 5 km.

3. India Gets Dialogue Partner Status in GCAP

• India secured Dialogue Partner status in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
• GCAP is a 6th-generation fighter programme of the UK, Italy and Japan.
• India is not yet a builder or co-developer under this status.

4. CISF–DFI Counter-Drone MoU

• CISF and Drone Federation of India signed an MoU to strengthen counter-drone capabilities.
• Behror, Rajasthan, will be developed as a Centre of Excellence.
• Focus areas include drone detection, SOPs and drone forensics.

5. Indian Navy Commissions DSV Nipun

• Indian Navy commissioned its second indigenous Diving Support Vessel, Nipun.
• Built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, it has around 75% indigenous content.
• Supports deep-sea diving up to 300 m and submarine rescue operations.

6. T-72/T-90 Tank Overhaul Facility

• A ₹472-crore tank overhaul facility is being established at Vehicle Factory Jabalpur.
• It will support MRO of India’s T-72 and T-90 tanks.
• Planned capacity: 80 tanks annually.

7. Lionel Messi Retires from International Football

• Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football for Argentina on 31 August 2026, ending a 21-year international career.
• He finished as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
• Major achievements include the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024; his final international match was the 2026 World Cup final.
• He is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most decorated players in international football.

Science & Technology

1. Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope

• NASA launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy.
• Project cost is around $4.3 billion.
• It will study dark energy, exoplanets and the infrared universe and operate around Lagrange Point 2.

2. DoT–C-DOT Optical Network Testbed

• DoT and C-DOT signed a 5-year agreement to establish an end-to-end optical network testbed.
• It will test optical core, optical access and quantum-security technologies.
• Aim: bridge the gap between indigenous R&D and commercial deployment.

3. YJ-18A Stealth-Coated Missile

• China reportedly tested a new YJ-18A anti-ship cruise missile variant.
• It uses a radar-absorbing coating designed to reduce radar reflections.
• The missile combines subsonic cruising with a supersonic terminal attack.

4. Gangaichthys indonepalicus

• Scientists discovered a new subterranean fish species in West Champaran, Bihar, near Nepal.
• It is the first recorded subterranean fish from the Indo-Gangetic Basin.
• Features include lack of pigmentation, reduced eyes and an elongated body.

International Affairs

1. China–Bangladesh 2+2 Dialogue

• China and Bangladesh are preparing for their first 2+2 diplomatic and defence dialogue.
• It will combine foreign affairs and defence-level discussions.
• Important for understanding China’s growing engagement in South Asia.

2. Sone River Pact

• Bihar and Jharkhand signed an agreement on Sone River water sharing.
• It addresses a long-standing inter-state water-sharing issue.
• Important for federalism and river-water governance.

Appointments & Resignations

1. John Ternus Becomes Apple CEO

• Tim Cook stepped down as Apple CEO on 31 August 2026.
• John Ternus succeeded him as CEO.
• Important corporate leadership change.

2. Peyman Kargar — TVS Motor

• Peyman Kargar will become TVS Motor’s CEO and Director from 27 January 2027.
• He will succeed K.N. Radhakrishnan.
• Kargar has over 30 years of global automotive experience.

3. King Haakon VIII of Norway

• Crown Prince Haakon succeeded King Harald V as King Haakon VIII.
• He became Norway’s Head of State.
• He is a trained naval officer.

4. Ashish Shelar — ESGF President

• Maharashtra Minister Ashish Shelar was elected President of the Esports Games Federation (ESGF).
• ESGF is India’s national body for esports and mind sports.
• The federation was established in 2024.

Awards & Sports

1. Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan

• DARPG was selected for the Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan 2025–26.
• It was recognised for outstanding implementation of Hindi as the Official Language.
• Award will be presented on Hindi Diwas, 14 September 2026.

2. Indian Football Awards 2026

• Lallianzuala Chhangte was named Indian Footballer of the Year.
• Manisha Kalyan won Indian Women’s Player of the Year.
• Awards were presented by FPAI in Kolkata.

3. National Sports Day

• 29 August is observed as National Sports Day in memory of Major Dhyan Chand.
• 2026 marked his 121st birth anniversary.
• Campaign: “Ek Ghanta Khel Ke Maidan Mein.”

Important Days

1. International Day Against Nuclear Tests

• Observed on 29 August every year.
• Declared by UNGA Resolution A/RES/64/35 in 2009.
• The date marks the closure of Kazakhstan’s Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in 1991.

Agriculture

1. Global Coral Reefs Under Stress: GCRMN Report

Source: Down To Earth

Context The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) released the 7th Status of Coral Reefs of the World report — finding near-annual bleaching stress, a 9.5 per cent decline in global hard coral cover, and recovery windows shrinking to just 4–6 years.

Key Findings

• Global hard coral cover has declined by about 9.5% compared with the 1980–2009 reference period.
• There has been a pronounced decline since 2010.
• 2023–24 witnessed the 4th Global Mass Coral Bleaching Event.
• In 2024, around 87% of coral reefs experienced unprecedented heat stress.
• 42.6% of global reefs experienced heat stress of ≥8°C-weeks, a level associated with widespread bleaching and mortality.
• In 2025, this figure was 27.4%.
• Global hard coral cover declined by 8.9% between 2023 and 2024, the largest single-year relative decline recorded.

Coral Reefs

• Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems built mainly by tiny marine animals called coral polyps.
• They are found mostly in warm, shallow, clear and nutrient-poor tropical seas.
• Coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which forms the hard reef structure.

How coral reefs form

• Coral polyps live together in colonies.
• They build calcium-carbonate skeletons.
• When corals die, their skeletons remain.
• New corals grow over these structures.
• Over thousands of years, this creates large coral reefs.

Why coral reefs are important

• Biodiversity: Support around 25% of marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.
• Coastal protection: Reduce the impact of waves, storms and erosion.
• Livelihoods: Support fisheries, tourism and coastal communities.
• Carbon and nutrient cycling: Contribute to important marine ecosystem processes.
• Food security: Provide fishing grounds for millions of people.

Major threats

• Ocean warming → coral bleaching
• Ocean acidification → makes calcium-carbonate formation difficult
• Marine pollution
• Overfishing
• Sedimentation
• Coastal development
• Destructive fishing practices

What Coral Bleaching Is

• When water becomes unusually warm, corals become stressed.
• They expel their zooxanthellae.
• The coral loses its pigments and primary nutrient supply
• Turning bone-white, leaving the calcified skeleton vulnerable to disease and starvation
• If stressful conditions continue for a long time, the coral may die.

2. Pichavaram Mangroves: ₹2,485 Crore Economic Value

• Study estimated the Total Economic Value (TEV) of Pichavaram mangroves at ₹2,485.38 crore.
• Per-hectare value: ₹1.83 crore; soil organic carbon stock is 251.14 tonnes/ha.
• Total blue carbon asset value: ₹1,612.40 crore, around 65% of total economic value.
• Highlights the economic importance of mangrove conservation and carbon storage.

Schemes

1. Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031

Source: PIB

Context The Vice-President of India released the Mission Rangeen Machhli 2031 Strategic Action Plan for Ornamental Fisheries Development, during a fisheries outreach programme at Agatti, Lakshadweep.

What It Is

• An initiative to develop, regulate and scale the ornamental fisheries sector
• Covering the breeding, rearing and trading of decorative fish for home aquariums and commercial displays
• Into an organised, globally competitive industry

About

• Implementing body: Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
• Location focus: Lakshadweep Islands — launched from Agatti Island

Key Features

• Standardised Value Chain SOPs
  • Common rules for breeding, hatcheries, disease control, packaging and transport.
  • Ensures live fish survive transport safely.
• Biosecurity & Quality
  • Quarantine + health checks to prevent diseases and invasive pathogens.
• Traceability & Certification
  • Tracks captive-bred fish, preventing illegal wild capture and protecting coral reefs.
• Cluster-Based Value Chain
  • Under PMMSY: production → logistics → processing → domestic/export markets.
• Livelihoods & Women
  • Training fishers, youth and women SHGs in low-cost backyard ornamental fish rearing.

2. Creating Intergenerational Bonding Initiative

• DoSJE signed an MoU with Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
• The initiative aims to strengthen bonds among children, parents and grandparents.
• It will initially cover 200 pilot schools through co-learning games, bilingual resources and teacher certification.
• It complements AVYAY and the Elderline initiative.

Banking and Finance

1. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

Source: The Hindu

Context UPI cemented its role as the backbone of India's digital economy, processing 2,366 crore transactions worth nearly ₹30 lakh crore in July 2026 alone.

What UPI Is

• A real-time interoperable payment system enabling instantaneous inter-bank fund transfers through mobile applications
• Built as open-architecture digital public infrastructure
• Converts a user's bank account details into a simple Virtual Payment Address (VPA) or UPI ID

About

• Developed by: the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
• Launched: piloted in April 2016 with 21 banks, under then-RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan — now expanding to over 730 participating banks
• Aim: build a seamless, interoperable, cashless ecosystem; bring unbanked and underbanked populations into formal digital finance; and enable friction-free person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) settlement.

The Three-Layer Structure

Worth fixing clearly for exams:

• TPAP — Third-Party Application Provider: the app the user sees (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm)
• PSP Bank — the bank that sponsors the TPAP and connects it to UPI
• NPCI — operates the central switch, routing instructions between banks

2. SBI Research Raises FY27 GDP Forecast

• SBI Research raised India’s FY27 GDP growth forecast from 6.6% to 7.3%.
• India recorded 7.8% real GDP growth in Q1 FY27.
• Growth was supported by domestic demand, government capex, services and manufacturing.
• Q2, Q3 and Q4 growth estimates: 7.3%, 7.2% and 6.9%, respectively.

3. PhonePe Launches UPI 123Pay for Feature Phones

• PhonePe launched UPI 123Pay to enable UPI payments on feature phones without internet access.
• It uses an SMS-based architecture suitable for low/2G connectivity.
• Supports P2P and P2M payments, balance checks and transaction history.
• Includes an AI-powered voice helpline in English and 12 Indian languages.

Social Issue

1. V-Dem Democracy Index

Source: The Hindu

Context The latest V-Dem Democracy Report placed India's Electoral Democracy Index score at its lowest level since 1975, continuing a decline observed since 2009.

What the Index Is

• A global framework measuring democracy using a multidimensional approach
• Rather than treating democracy merely as the conduct of elections

Dimensions evaluated:

• Electoral integrity
• Civil liberties
• Institutional autonomy
• Judicial accountability
• Freedom of expression
• Public administration

About

• Published by: the Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
• Aim: measure and compare different dimensions of democracy, track progress or decline over time, and identify trends such as democratisation and autocratisation.

Key Findings on India

• Lowest since 1975: Electoral Democracy Index score at its lowest level since 1975, according to V-Dem.
• Autocratisation: India is identified as undergoing slow autocratisation, marked by weakening democratic institutions.
• Institutional decline: Judicial accountability, corruption control, election-body autonomy and impartial administration show major deterioration.
• Media & expression: Decline in freedom of expression and media, with increased harassment of journalists.
• Academic freedom: Declines in academic expression, research/teaching freedom and institutional autonomy.

What "Autocratisation" Means

Autocratisation is the gradual erosion of democratic institutions, as distinct from a sudden coup or breakdown.

Important Facts for Exams

• V-Dem — Varieties of Democracy Institute, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
• Publishes the annual Democracy Report
• India's Electoral Democracy Index at its lowest since 1975, the year the Emergency was declared
• India described as undergoing slow autocratisation
• Indicators at 50-year lows: judicial accountability, corruption, Election Management Body autonomy, impartial public administration
• Five V-Dem indices: Electoral, Liberal, Participatory, Deliberative, Egalitarian
• The Electoral Democracy Index is based on the polyarchy concept of Robert Dahl
• Other democracy indices: Freedom House "Freedom in the World", and the EIU Democracy Index (which classifies countries as full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regime or authoritarian)
• India's Emergency: 25 June 1975 to 21 March 1977, under Article 352

2. Mission Zero: Depalpur's Legacy Waste Transformation

Context Depalpur, Madhya Pradesh, became the first city under the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative to achieve Zero Legacy Waste — remediating 1,250 metric tonnes of waste accumulated over five years, under SBM-U 2.0.

What It Is

• A scientific legacy-waste remediation and urban waste-management initiative
• Undertaken by Depalpur Nagar Parishad with Indore Municipal Corporation
• Under the Swachh Shehar Jodi initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0
• Follows the "Each One Teach One" model — experienced mentor cities transfer waste-management practices to mentee cities

Important Facts for Exams

• Depalpur, Madhya Pradesh — first city under Swachh Shehar Jodi to achieve Zero Legacy Waste
• Mentor city: Indore Municipal Corporation
• Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, launched 2021
• Swachh Shehar Jodi follows the "Each One Teach One" model
• 1,250 MT legacy waste remediated; 4.5 tonnes recyclables recovered; 50–60 tonnes RDF
• RDF — Refuse Derived Fuel, the combustible fraction of waste
• Co-processing — using RDF as fuel in cement kilns
• Bio-mining — excavating and separating legacy waste
• SBM-U 2.0 aims at garbage-free cities, focusing on legacy dumpsite remediation and source segregation
• Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 mandate source segregation
• Indore has repeatedly ranked India's cleanest city in Swachh Survekshan

3. The Permanent Court of Arbitration and the Indus Waters Treaty

Source: Indian Express

Context The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in force and restricted certain works on the Ratle Hydroelectric Project. India rejected the ruling, calling the arbitration illegally constituted and its decision null and void.

What the PCA Is

• An intergovernmental organisation facilitating international arbitration, conciliation and fact-finding
• For disputes between states, state entities, intergovernmental organisations and private parties

Establishment

• Founded in 1899 at the first Hague Peace Conference
• Under the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes
• Convened by Czar Nicholas II of Russia
• The convention was revised at the second Hague Peace Conference in 1907
• Headquarters: the Peace Palace, The Hague, Netherlands
• India and Pakistan: both have been Contracting Parties since 1950, adhering to the 1899 and 1907 Hague Conventions

The Indus Waters Treaty

• Signed 1960, brokered by the World Bank.

The allocation:

• Eastern Rivers — Ravi, Beas, Sutlej → India
• Western Rivers — Indus, Jhelum, Chenab → primarily Pakistan
• India permitted limited non-consumptive hydropower use on the Western Rivers

Important Facts for Exams

• PCA — founded 1899, first Hague Peace Conference, under the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes; revised 1907
• Headquarters: Peace Palace, The Hague — which it shares with the International Court of Justice
• Not a standing court — it administers ad-hoc tribunals
• India and Pakistan have been Contracting Parties since 1950
• IWT signed 1960, brokered by the World Bank
• Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej) to India; Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) primarily to Pakistan
• Article IX provides the graded dispute mechanism: Permanent Indus Commission → Neutral Expert → Court of Arbitration
• Ratle — 850 MW project on the Chenab; Kishenganga — on a tributary of the Jhelum
• Distinguish the PCA from the ICJ: the ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the UN, with 15 permanent judges, hearing only state-versus-state cases

4. MoSPI–Thapar Institute AI Framework

• MoSPI signed an MoU with Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology to develop an AI-driven framework for monthly consumption expenditure.
• It will use HCES data to estimate MPCE at national and State levels.
• The framework will support poverty estimation, economic planning and policy formulation.
• It promotes the use of AI in official statistics.

Economy

1. India’s FY27 GDP Growth Momentum

• India’s economy grew 7.8% in Q1 FY27, according to the SBI Research report.
• Real GVA growth was 8.2% during the quarter.
• Manufacturing grew 9.2%, while services grew around 10%.
• Strong domestic demand and government capital expenditure supported growth.

Misc GA

1. INS Nipun Commissioned by Indian Navy

• INS Nipun, the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, was commissioned in Mumbai on 31 August 2026.
• It strengthens deep-sea diving, underwater intervention and submarine rescue capabilities.
• It is particularly important for the Western Naval Command.
• The vessel supports India’s growing underwater and maritime security capabilities.

2. India–Vietnam and India–Laos Engagement

• Union MoS Pabitra Margherita visited Vietnam and Laos from 26–29 August 2026.
• The visit aimed to strengthen partnerships under India’s Act East Policy.
• Laos engagement coincided with the 70th anniversary of India–Laos diplomatic relations.
• Cooperation covered culture, tourism, textiles, education and development projects.

Science & Technology

1. IISc Establishes FQCI under National Quantum Mission

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru established the Foundation for Quantum Computing Innovation (FQCI).
• It will function as a Quantum Computing Thematic Hub under the National Quantum Mission.
• Focus areas include photonic, superconducting, semiconductor, neutral-atom and trapped-ion systems.
• NQM has an outlay of ₹6,003.65 crore for 2023–24 to 2030–31.

2. China Tests GJ-21 Stealth UAV

• China tested the GJ-21 stealth UAV alongside sea trials of the Type 076 Sichuan.
• The GJ-21 is designed for naval reconnaissance and strike missions.
• Type 076 is equipped with an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS).
• It represents the growing integration of UAVs with naval warfare.

International Affairs

1. India–Laos Diplomatic Relations

• 2026 marks 70 years of India–Laos diplomatic relations.
• India reaffirmed its commitment to Act East Policy during the visit of MoS Pabitra Margherita.
• Cooperation included culture, heritage preservation and Quick Impact Projects.
• A MoU was witnessed for mural restoration at Wat Pa Khae Temple.

Awards & Recognitions

1. Roger Federer Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

• Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• He won 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 ATP Tour titles.
• He spent a record 310 weeks as World No. 1.
• He completed the Career Grand Slam by winning the French Open in 2009.

Important Days

1. International Day for People of African Descent

• Observed on 31 August every year.
• First observed in 2021 following UNGA Resolution A/RES/75/170.
• The initiative was championed by Costa Rica.
• 2026 theme: “Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent.”

Agriculture

1. UNCCD COP17 – Drought Resilience and Rangelands

• 17th Session of UNCCD COP17 was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 17–28 August 2026.
• Theme: “Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.”
• Coincided with the UN International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026).
• India was represented by Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Key initiatives launched:
  • International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO) Phase-II
  • Drought Resilience Index (DRI) – AI-powered drought monitoring and assessment tool.
  • Drought Resilience Investment Facility (DRIF) – aims to mobilise up to USD 400 million for drought resilience.
• Next COP: Egypt will host UNCCD COP18 in 2028 at Sharm El-Sheikh.

Banking and Finance

1. India Post Payments Bank – 9th Foundation Day

• IPPB celebrated its 9th Foundation Day on 1 September 2026.
• Launched:
  • DakPay Sound Box for merchants.
  • Digital Insurance Technology Platform.
  • Digital Mutual Fund Platform.
• As of 31 March 2026:
  • Customer base: 13.25 crore
  • Rural customers: 77%
  • Women customers: 49%
  • Customer deposits: ₹29,104 crore

2. LIC Launches Bima Platinum and Jeevan Raksha

• LIC launched two non-linked, non-participating insurance plans on 1 September 2026.
• LIC Bima Platinum – Plan 770
  • Savings + protection plan.
  • Minimum Basic Sum Assured: ₹3 lakh.
• LIC Jeevan Raksha – Plan 894
  • Pure-risk insurance plan.
  • Basic Sum Assured: ₹5–24 lakh.

3. InsuranceDekho–RenewBuy Merger

• InsuranceDekho and RenewBuy merged to create an AI-enabled insurance distribution platform.
• Operates under the InsuranceDekho brand.
• CEO: Ankit Agrawal.
• Platform offers:
  • 750+ insurance products
  • 52 insurers
  • Motor, health, life, travel and commercial insurance.
• Premium book: ₹6,600+ crore.

4. GIFT IFSC Emerges as International Banking Hub

• GIFT City IFSC, Gujarat, is expanding international banking activity.
• Key areas include:
  • External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
  • FCNR(B) swap mobilisations
  • International bond listings.
• Significance: Strengthens India's position as an international financial and banking centre.

Social Issue

1. UNEP Charts "Overshoot, Peak and Decline" Pathway

Source: The Hindu

Context The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the first time set out a detailed "overshoot, peak and decline" pathway — warning that a breach of the 1.5°C global warming limit will bring irreversible ecological losses that no adaptation could undo.

What the Pathway Is

• It projects a trajectory where the world overshoots the Paris Agreement's central goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
• Which the report says is now unavoidable
• The pathway seeks to hold peak temperatures after the overshoot as low as possible
• And then bring it back down below the limit by 2100

Key Figures to Remember

The Paris Agreement Context

• Adopted at COP21, Paris, 2015; entered into force 2016
• Goal: hold warming well below 2°C, and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C
• Operates through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), submitted every five years
• The global stocktake assesses collective progress every five years

Important Facts for Exams

• Report: "Limiting Overshoot", by UNEP
• First detailed "overshoot, peak and decline" pathway from the UN
• 1.5°C breach expected "in the next few years"
• Full delivery of pledges → 1.8°C peak; current policies → about 2.6°C by 2100
• UNEP — headquartered at Nairobi, Kenya; established 1972 after the Stockholm Conference
• UNEP also publishes the annual Emissions Gap Report and Adaptation Gap Report
• UN Secretary-General: António Guterres
• Paris Agreement, 2015 — well below 2°C, pursuing 1.5°C; operates through NDCs
• Net-negative emissions are required to return below the limit after a peak
• India's targets: net zero by 2070, 45 per cent emissions intensity reduction by 2030, 50 per cent non-fossil capacity by 2030

2. AISHE 2022–23 and 2023–24

• Ministry of Education released the 13th and 14th editions of AISHE.
• Higher education institutions expanded significantly over a decade:
  • Universities: 760 → 1,289
  • Colleges: 38,498 → 48,246
  • Standalone institutions: 12,276 → 15,221
• Higher education enrolment:
  • 3.42 crore → 4.50 crore
  • Increase: 31.5%
• Female enrolment:
  • 1.57 crore → 2.24 crore
  • Increase: 42.2%
• Gender Parity Index (GPI): 1.08 in 2023–24.
• GPI remained above 1.0 for the seventh consecutive year.

3. Creating Intergenerational Bonding Initiative

• Department of Social Justice and Empowerment signed an MoU with Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission.
• Objective: Strengthen bonds among children, parents and grandparents.
• Pilot implementation in 200 schools.
• Components:
  • Co-learning games
  • School-based activities
  • Bilingual resource platform
  • Teacher certification.
• Complements AVYAY and Elderline initiatives.

4. National Nutrition Week 2026

• Observed from 1–7 September.
• Focus: Balanced diets, healthy eating and nutrition awareness.
• First observed in India in 1982.
• Led by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Economy

1. JCR Upgrades India’s Sovereign Rating

• Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) upgraded India's sovereign rating by one notch:
  • BBB+ → A−
• Country ceiling also upgraded to A.
• Reasons cited:
  • Sustained economic growth of around 7%
  • GST reforms
  • Digital Public Infrastructure
  • Stronger bank balance sheets
  • Improved financial-system soundness

2. MoSPI Releases National Accounts Statistics 2026

• MoSPI released National Accounts Statistics (NAS) 2026.
• New national accounts series adopts 2022–23 as the base year.
• Contains 60 statistical statements.
• Covers:
  • GDP
  • National income
  • Consumption
  • Savings
  • Capital formation
  • Public-sector transactions
  • External transactions.
• New/updated indices include:
  • Producer Price Index (PPI)
  • Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
  • Banking Services Price Index (BkSPI)
• Base year: 2022–23.

3. MoSPI Clarifies GDP Manufacturing Deflator Issue

• MoSPI clarified the methodology behind the negative manufacturing deflator in India's GDP estimates.
• Q1 FY27 real GDP growth was 7.8% under the 2022–23 base-year series.
• Important for understanding the distinction between real GDP, nominal GDP and deflators.

Misc GA

Defence & Security

1. INS Nipun Commissioned

• Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun on 31 August 2026 at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.
• It is the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
• Strengthens:
  • Deep-sea diving
  • Underwater intervention
  • Submarine rescue operations.
• Particularly significant for the Western Naval Command.
• Exam keywords: DSV, deep-sea diving, submarine rescue, underwater operations.

2. Russia Tests RS-24 Yars ICBM

• Russia test-fired the RS-24 Yars mobile ICBM.
• Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome.
• Missile travelled over 6,700 km.
• Features:
  • Solid-fuel
  • Three-stage
  • Nuclear-capable
  • MIRV capability
  • Road-mobile and silo-based deployment.

3. IAF Tests Indigenous Khagantak-243 Glide Bomb

• Indian Air Force conducted a successful drop trial of Khagantak-243 on 2 September 2026.
• Indigenously designed long-range glide bomb.
• Released from a Sukhoi aircraft.
• Significance: Enhances India's indigenous precision-strike capability.

Science & Technology

1. IISc Establishes FQCI under National Quantum Mission

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru established the Foundation for Quantum Computing Innovation (FQCI).
• It will function as a Quantum Computing Thematic Hub under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
• Focus areas:
  • Photonic quantum systems
  • Superconducting circuits
  • Semiconductor quantum devices
  • Neutral atoms
  • Trapped ions.
• NQM outlay: ₹6,003.65 crore
• Period: 2023–24 to 2030–31.
• Target: Development of 50–1,000 qubit quantum computers.

2. Türkiye Joins Artemis Accords

• Türkiye became the 71st country to join the Artemis Accords.
• Artemis Accords were launched by NASA and the US Department of State in 2020.
• Aim: Promote safe, peaceful and sustainable space exploration.
• Türkiye became the 7th West Asian country to join.

3. DRDO–University of Hyderabad Rocket Fuel Patent

• Indian Patent Office granted Patent No. 599900 to DRDO and the University of Hyderabad.
• Related to solid rocket fuel technology.
• Significance: Strengthens indigenous defence and propulsion research.

4. China’s GJ-21 UAV and Type 076 Sichuan

• China tested the GJ-21 stealth UAV.
• The Type 076 Sichuan amphibious assault ship entered its final sea-trial phase.
• Features of Sichuan:
  • Displacement: 40,000+ tonnes
  • Flight deck: around 250 m × 62 m
  • Equipped with EMALS.
• Significance: Integration of fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned combat systems in naval operations.

International Relations

1. India–Canada Foreign Office Consultations

• India and Canada held annual Foreign Office Consultations on 2 September 2026 in New Delhi.
• Held at Hyderabad House.
• Focus: Bilateral relations and strengthening diplomatic engagement.

2. India–Vietnam–Laos Engagement

• Union MoS Pabitra Margherita visited Vietnam and Laos from 26–29 August 2026.
• Visit aimed at strengthening partnerships under India's Act East Policy.
• Laos engagement coincided with the 70th anniversary of India–Laos diplomatic relations.

3. India–Singapore Legal Collaboration

• Singapore Corporate Counsel Association (SCCA) and General Counsels’ Association of India (GCAI) signed an MoU.
• Focus:
  • Cross-border legal collaboration
  • Knowledge exchange
  • Legal technology
  • AI
  • Negotiation
  • Professional development.

Awards & Honours

1. Ramon Magsaysay Award 2026

• The 68th batch of Ramon Magsaysay Award laureates includes:
  • Tommy Koh
  • Runa Khan
  • Bo Kyi
• The award was established in 1957.
• Often called “Asia’s Nobel Prize.”
• Named after Ramon Magsaysay, former President of the Philippines.

2. Roger Federer Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

• Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• Career achievements:
  • 20 Grand Slam titles
  • 103 ATP titles
  • 310 weeks as World No. 1
  • 8 Wimbledon titles
  • Career Grand Slam.
• Retired from professional tennis in 2022.

3. Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards 2024

• Four recipients were announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports on 2 September 2026.
• The awards recognise outstanding achievements in adventure activities.

Sports

1. Lionel Messi Announces International Retirement

• Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football at age 39.
• He represented Argentina for around two decades.
• Key career achievements:
  • 2022 FIFA World Cup
  • Copa América 2021
  • Copa América 2024
  • Finalissima 2022
• He remains associated with Inter Miami for club football.

2. FIH Hockey World Cup 2026

• Held from 15–30 August 2026 in Belgium and the Netherlands.
• Men: Germany defeated Spain 1–0.
• Women: Argentina defeated Netherlands in a shootout.
• Germany successfully defended its men's title.

3. India to Host Women’s Champions Trophy 2027

• ICC named India as host of the inaugural Women’s Champions Trophy 2027.
• Scheduled from 14–28 February 2027.

4. India to Host World Archery Para Series 2026

• India will host the Hyundai World Archery Para Series 2026 for the first time.
• Venue: Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad.
• Dates: 5–9 September 2026.

Books & Authors

1. Memorable Trials, Unforgettable Cases

• Authored by former Karnataka High Court judge H. N. Nagamohan Das.
• Kannada and English editions released on 31 August 2026.
• Focus:
  • Judicial experiences
  • Constitutional awareness
  • Rule of law
  • Justice and governance.

Culture & History

1. Kakatiya Dynasty and Heritage

• The Kakatiyas were a major medieval dynasty of the eastern Deccan.
• Particularly associated with present-day Telangana.
• Known for:
  • Temple architecture
  • Water management
  • Strong administration
  • Deccan cultural heritage.

Business & Corporate

1. Vodafone Idea Brand Revamp

• Vodafone Idea (Vi) appointed Shah Rukh Khan as brand ambassador.
• Introduced a refreshed “Vi” logo.
• Campaign: “Vi badal raha hai… tayaar rahiye.”
• Linked to the company's Vi 2.0 strategy.

2. Adani Energy Solutions Tops Global Utilities ESG Ranking

• Adani Energy Solutions Ltd. received an ESG score of 90 from S&P Global.
• Environmental score: 93
• Social score: 89
• Governance & Economic score: 84.
• Focus areas included climate strategy, product stewardship and human capital management.

Appointments

1. Suman Ray Appointed RBI Executive Director

• Suman Ray appointed Executive Director of RBI from 1 September 2026.
• Previously served as Regional Director, Maharashtra.
• Has over 30 years of RBI experience.
• Areas of experience:
  • Currency management
  • Financial inclusion
  • Payment systems
  • Consumer protection
  • HR.
• Will oversee DICGC and the Premises Department.

Agriculture

1. NABARD-IMD MoU on Climate-Resilient Agriculture via DiCRA

Source: News reports

Context NABARD signed an MoU with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to integrate agro-meteorological data into the Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture (DiCRA) platform — improving access to weather intelligence for farmers, lenders and rural stakeholders.

What IMD will provide

• Weather forecasts — short, medium and extended range
• Agro-advisories — crop-specific guidance based on expected weather
• In-situ observations — actual measurements from ground stations
• Alerts — for extreme events such as heavy rainfall, heatwaves and cold waves
• All integrated into a dedicated Weather Portal within DiCRA

How it will be delivered

• Web portals — for institutional users
• Mobile interfaces — for farmers and field staff
• APIs — allowing banks, insurers and agri-tech firms to pull data into their own systems
• Designed for open, user-friendly access and last-mile delivery

About DiCRA

• Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture — an open-source digital platform
• Supported by NABARD and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
• It served as the digital infrastructure for NABARD's National Climate Stack Innovation Challenge, where SatSure, EXPERIQS and VARSAPRADAYA built village-level climate risk tools on it

PIB

1. Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 2026

• 5th edition (SSSS v5.0) was launched by Dr Jitendra Singh under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• It is a week-long ocean conservation campaign focused on marine pollution and coastal cleanliness.
• A new National Ocean Olympiad was launched under the campaign.
• Activities include beach clean-ups, conservation pledges, youth programmes and awareness drives.
• The campaign was launched in 2022 as a 75-day coastal clean-up across 75 beaches.

Banking and Finance

1. The Public Insurance Registry (PIR)

Source: Business Standard

Context IRDAI issued a consultation paper proposing a Public Insurance Registry (PIR) — conceived as Digital Public Infrastructure under the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025.

What It Is

• A population-scale, interoperable and non-exclusionary Digital Public Infrastructure
• Designed as a common information exchange layer
• Allowing authorised participants to discover, verify and share insurance data — without creating a single centralised data warehouse

About

Regulator and anchor: IRDAI

• Implementing body: proposed by transforming the existing Insurance Information Bureau (IIB) into a wholly owned, not-for-profit subsidiary of IRDAI
• Participants: insurers, reinsurers, intermediaries, policyholders, financial institutions, government departments and research institutions

Important Facts for Exams

• PIR — proposed by IRDAI as Digital Public Infrastructure
• Under the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025
• Implementing body: the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB), to become a wholly owned not-for-profit subsidiary of IRDAI
• Federated model — data stays with source institutions; not a central warehouse
• To integrate with vehicle, health, weather, disaster and court databases
• IRDAI — established under the IRDA Act, 1999, headquartered at Hyderabad
• Comparable architecture: the RBI's Account Aggregator framework

2. SEBI Grants Category I Merchant Banking Licence to Zerodha

Source: BS

Context SEBI granted a Category-I merchant banking licence to Zerodha Corporate Advisors, a subsidiary of Zerodha — enabling its entry into investment banking with a focus on capital market services.

Category-I merchant bankers

• Can manage main-board public issues and undertake underwriting
• Minimum net worth: ₹50 crore — raised from the earlier ₹5 crore
• Business capped at 20 times liquid net worth

Category-II merchant bankers

• Cannot manage main-board public issues
• Minimum net worth: ₹10 crore

What Zerodha will do

• Initially focus on equity capital markets — IPOs, follow-on public offers (FPOs) and advisory services for issuers and investors
• Plans to replicate its brokerage philosophy — low-cost services without aggressive selling, emphasising transparency and efficiency
• Objective: diversify beyond broking into advisory and capital-raising services

3. Carol Kripanayana Furtado: Interim CEO of Ujjivan SFB

• RBI approved Carol Kripanayana Furtado as interim MD & CEO of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
• Her tenure is for three months or until a permanent successor is appointed.
• She succeeded Sanjeev Nautiyal, who resigned on 31 August 2026.
• Furtado has nearly three decades of banking and NBFC experience.
• She previously served as CEO of Ujjivan Financial Services.

1. The SCO Bishkek Declaration

Source: TOI

Context Leaders of the 10 SCO member states — including India, Russia and China — concluded the 26th Council of Heads of State summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, by signing the joint Bishkek Declaration.

The Summit

• Host: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
• Chair: President Sadyr Japarov of the Kyrgyz Republic
• Theme (2026): "25 Years of the SCO: Together for Sustainable Peace, Development and Prosperity"
• Presidency handover: to Pakistan for the 2026-2027 tenure

Key Outcomes of the SCO Declaration

• No double standards on terrorism: Condemned terrorism in all forms; called for action against cross-border terrorism, safe havens and terror financing.
• No extremist proxies: Rejected the use of terrorist/separatist groups for strategic purposes and stressed state responsibility.
• Iran strikes condemned: Opposed unilateral military strikes on Iran and called for diplomacy.
• SCO is not a military bloc: Reaffirmed sovereignty, non-interference and that SCO is not directed against any country.
• Energy & food security: Warned that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could threaten global energy and food security.
• Financial cooperation: Supported national-currency trade, alternative payment systems and discussions on an SCO Development Bank.
• Connectivity: Supported CKU Railway and INSTC, while stressing sovereignty and territorial integrity—important for India’s position on BRI/CPEC.
• Youth & innovation: Institutionalised the SCO Young Scientists Forum and Start-up Forum.

Important Facts for Exams

• 26th SCO Council of Heads of State summit, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
• Chair: President Sadyr Japarov; presidency to Pakistan for 2026-27
• Theme: "25 Years of the SCO"
• 10 member states; SCO founded 2001 in Shanghai from the Shanghai Five
• Secretariat at Beijing; RATS at Tashkent
• India and Pakistan joined 2017; Iran 2023; Belarus 2024
• INSTC — International North-South Transport Corridor, linking India to Russia via Iran
• CKU — China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway
• The Declaration explicitly states the SCO is not a military-political alliance

Economy

1. Semicon 2.0

Source: Indian Express

Context MeitY notified the operational framework for the ₹1.27 lakh crore (₹1,27,500 crore) Semicon 2.0 programme.

What It Is

• A comprehensive national policy framework and financial incentive scheme
• Structured across 6 pillars and 10 categories
• Designed to support the entire semiconductor value chain

About

• What the value chain covers: fabless chip design, silicon and compound wafer fabrication, advanced packaging (ATMP/OSAT), equipment, materials, specialty chemicals, R&D and specialised talent development.
• Nodal agency: India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), under MeitY
• Design and technical partner: C-DAC — Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
• Aim: build technological self-reliance through Indian-owned IP, fabless chip design, domestic chip adoption, local supply chains and global electronics manufacturing.

2. Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05

Source: TOI

Context ISRO has slated the launch of EOS-05, formerly GISAT-1A, aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket from Sriharikota. It is the operational replacement for the lost GISAT-1 mission.

What It Is

• An ISRO geo-imaging satellite built on the I-2K platform
• Operating in Geosynchronous Orbit, about 35,786 km
• Enabling near-real-time monitoring of India, surrounding oceans and border regions

About

• Launcher: GSLV-F17 (GSLV Mk II), from the Second Launch Pad at SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota
• Why the high orbit: it matches Earth's rotation, overcoming the multi-day revisit gaps typical of Low Earth Orbit satellites.
• Primary objective: persistent spatial, spectral and thermal monitoring over the Indian landmass, oceans and border zones — for disaster mitigation, agriculture and strategic defence.

3. India–Germany Wetland Conservation Partnership

• India and Germany signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• The agreement was signed during the 4th Indo-German Environment Forum (IGEF).
• Cooperation will cover wetlands, biodiversity, forests, mountains and climate resilience.
• Other focus areas include circular economy, sustainable finance and green skills.
• IGEF was established in 2008 as the highest-level bilateral environmental policy forum between India and Germany.

4. BPCL–CSE MoU: Biofuels and Circular Economy

• BPCL and Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) signed an MoU on biofuels and circular economy.
• Collaboration will cover biomass, waste-to-resource solutions and Compressed Biogas (CBG).
• Focus areas include feedstock assessment, supply chains and waste-resource management.
• They will explore utilisation of by-products such as FOM, digestate, bio-CO₂ and DDGS.
• The partnership aims to develop scalable bioenergy solutions.

Social Issue

1. CARA: Adoption Awareness 2026

• CARA launched the theme: “Legal Adoption. Safe Childhood. Secure Future. Say No to Illegal Adoption!”
• The campaign promotes legal, safe, transparent and child-centric adoption.
• CARA will conduct State/UT-level awareness workshops from September 2026.
• It is strengthening coordination with MoHFW and MHA to prevent illegal adoption.
• CARA is a statutory body under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

Misc GA

1. Gollala Gudi Temple Declared Monument of National Importance

• ASI declared Gollala Gudi Temple in Palampet, Telangana, a Monument of National Importance.
• The declaration was made under the AMASR Act, 1958.
• It is located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ramappa Temple.
• The temple is a Trikutalaya, with three sanctums and an east-facing mandapa.
• With this addition, Telangana has 10 ASI-protected sites.

2. IBCA–ADB MoU for Big Cat Landscape Conservation

• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and ADB signed an MoU on landscape conservation and nature-positive financing.
• The agreement was signed during the International Workshop on Tiger Landscapes in New Delhi.
• Theme: “Tiger Landscapes: Conservation, Bioeconomy and Ecotourism…”
• Focus areas include climate resilience, ecosystem services and nature-based solutions.
• IBCA is an India-led alliance focused on conserving 7 big cats across its member countries.

3. Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards 2024

• MYAS announced 4 awardees for the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards 2024.
• Winners: Baljeet Kaur, Skalzang Rigzin, Rimo Saha and Shiv Prasad Chamoli.
• Awards cover Land Adventure, Water Adventure, Air Adventure and Lifetime Achievement.
• Each winner receives a ₹15 lakh cash prize, bronze statuette and certificate.
• It is India’s highest national award for adventure sports.

4. Ramon Magsaysay Awards 2026

• Tommy Koh, Runa Khan and Bo Kyi were named winners of the 68th Ramon Magsaysay Awards.
• Tommy Koh is from Singapore, Runa Khan from Bangladesh, and Bo Kyi from Myanmar.
• Koh was recognised for international dialogue and cooperation.
• Khan works for vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, while Bo Kyi advocates for political prisoners and human rights.
• Each recipient receives a medallion, certificate and USD 50,000.

5. Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma Makes History

• AVM Shakti Sharma became the first woman from the non-medical stream to attain the two-star rank in India's Defence Forces.
• She assumed charge as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Education).
• She was commissioned into the IAF Education Branch in 1994.
• She has served across training establishments, field stations and Air Headquarters.
• Her promotion marks a major milestone for women in defence leadership.

6. Tata Elxsi–Sarla Aviation: Shunya Electric Air Taxi

• Tata Elxsi and Sarla Aviation signed an MoU to develop Shunya, an electric VTOL aircraft.
• Shunya is designed as a six-seater plus one pilot eVTOL.
• Tata Elxsi will support avionics, flight controls, software, testing and certification.
• The first flight is targeted within 18–24 months.
• The aircraft is designed for 300+ km operations and runway-independent connectivity.

7. IAF Tests Indigenous Khagantak-243 Glide Bomb

• IAF successfully tested the Khagantak-243, an indigenous Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB).
• It is a 300-kg class stand-off precision-guided weapon.
• The system is designed to allow aircraft to engage targets from safer distances.
• BEL supplied electronics and guidance systems, while JSR Dynamics developed the bomb body and control systems.
• The test strengthens India's indigenous precision-strike capability.

9. World Coconut Day 2026

• World Coconut Day is observed annually on 2 September.
• 2026 theme: “Coconuts in Times of Uncertainty: Securing Food, Energy, and Livelihoods.”
• The day was initiated by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC).
• The first World Coconut Day was observed in 2009.
• ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod celebrated the 2026 event in Kerala.

Agriculture

1. BIO-NIVESH

Context Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science and Technology, launched BIO-NIVESH — a platform to connect biotechnology startups with investors and raise private capital for innovations ready for scale-up and commercialisation. It was launched at a joint roundtable with startups and investors in New Delhi.

What BIO-NIVESH Is

• A strategic platform connecting science, capital, industry and markets
• Fostering collaboration among innovators, investors, industry and government

The Distinguishing Design

• Unlike a conventional pitching event, BIO-NIVESH is a two-way engagement mechanism
• Helping startups understand investors' expectations
• And giving investors deeper insight into biotechnology's scientific, regulatory and development pathways

2. UNEP Limiting Overshoot Report

Source: TH

Context

UNEP released Limiting Overshoot: Navigating Exceedance of 1.5°C and Pathways Towards Return. It examines how the world can return below 1.5°C if global temperatures temporarily exceed the target.

What is Climate Overshoot?

• Climate overshoot means global temperature temporarily exceeds 1.5°C, reaches a peak, and later declines.
• The pathway has four stages:
  1. Exceedance
  2. Plateau/Peak
  3. Decline
  4. Stabilization

Key Findings

• Human-induced warming is already around 1.4°C and rising by about 0.25°C per decade.
• WMO estimates a 75% probability that the 2026–2030 average will exceed 1.5°C.
• Only around 130 GtCO₂ remains in the carbon budget for a 50% chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
• At current emissions, this budget could be exhausted in roughly 3 years.
• Current policies could lead to around 2.6°C warming by 2100.
• Even full implementation of NDCs and net-zero pledges could result in peak warming of about 1.8°C.

Cost of Delay

• Every 5 years of continued high emissions could add around 0.1°C to peak warming.
• Returning to lower temperatures would then require removing roughly 220 GtCO₂ from the atmosphere.

Major Risks

• Tipping points: Greenland and West Antarctic ice-sheet loss, AMOC weakening and Amazon dieback.
• Glaciers: Mountain glaciers could lose more than 25% of their mass by 2100.
• Sea level: Each century spent above 1.5°C could contribute around 40 cm of additional sea-level rise by 2300.
• Food security: Food production could decline by up to 14% by 2050 without adequate adaptation.
• Coral reefs: Severe and repeated bleaching could push reefs beyond their ability to adapt.

Key Challenges & Way Forward

Banking and Finance

1. Axis Bank–Scapia Co-branded Credit Card

• Axis Bank and Scapia launched the Scapia Axis Bank Credit Card.
• Available on both Mastercard and RuPay networks.
• Features zero joining fee, zero annual fee and zero forex mark-up.
• Offers travel rewards and benefits through the Scapia app.
• Targets digitally native and travel-focused consumers.

2. ICICI Bank Increases Stake in ICICI Prudential Life

• ICICI Bank acquired an additional 2% stake in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance.
• Transaction value: approximately ₹1,470 crore.
• ICICI Bank’s holding increased to around 52.8%.
• Acquisition was made through the stock exchange mechanism.
• Linked to regulatory requirements arising from Prudential’s proposed acquisition of Bharti Life Insurance.

1. The RAKSHA Document

Source: TH

Context The Defence Minister released 'RAKSHA', a strategic document outlining India's 10-year defence diplomacy roadmap and vision for global partnerships, at an event held at Kartavya Bhawan.

What RAKSHA Is

• A strategic 10-year defence diplomacy vision document formulated by the Ministry of Defence
• An institutional blueprint defining how India will use its military engagements, multilateral security frameworks, domestic defence-industrial ecosystem and maritime presence
• To foster global stability, protect national security interests, and advance a rules-based international order over the next decade

Nodal Bodies

• Ministry of Defence, in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the National Security Council Secretariat

Aim

• Align national security priorities with proactive foreign policy
• Transform defence diplomacy into a tool for mutual economic growth, strategic autonomy and a rules-based international order

2. Aero India 2027

Context The Ministry of Defence announced that the 16th edition of Aero India will be held from 8 to 12 February 2027, at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru.

What Aero India Is

• Asia's largest biennial aerospace and defence exhibition
• Showcasing civil and military aircraft, weapon systems and defence electronics
• Bringing together aerospace manufacturers, military delegations, policymakers, startups and research institutions

Organisation and Venue

• Organised by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence
• Hosted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Aim

• Showcase India's aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities
• Advance Aatmanirbhar Bharat
• Boost defence exports and foster international industrial partnerships

3. ISRO Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05

Source: ET

Context ISRO successfully launched its advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05 aboard the GSLV-F17 on 4 September 2026 — India's first imaging satellite designed to monitor Earth from geosynchronous orbit, about 36,000 km up.

EOS-05: India’s First Dedicated Geosynchronous Earth-Imaging Satellite

• ISRO successfully launched EOS-05 using the GSLV-F17 on 4 September 2026.
• It is India’s first Earth-imaging satellite designed for geosynchronous orbit.
• The satellite weighs around 2,367 kg, making it the heaviest payload launched by GSLV so far.
• EOS-05 is also known as GISAT-1A.

Why is EOS-05 important?

• Unlike conventional Earth-observation satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), EOS-05 will operate from geosynchronous orbit, around 36,000 km above Earth.
• This allows it to repeatedly observe the same geographical region, providing frequent and near-real-time imagery.
• This capability is particularly useful for:
  • Disaster management
  • Agriculture
  • Forestry
  • Weather and environmental monitoring
  • Land-use monitoring
  • Strategic and national-security applications

GSLV-F17

• Launch vehicle: GSLV Mk II / GSLV-F17
• Developed and operated by: ISRO
• Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
• The mission also demonstrated improved reliability of the GSLV Mk II.

Misc GA

1. Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as First Full-Time CEO of Ram Temple Trust

• Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra appointed as the first full-time CEO of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
• He served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command.
• Retired from the IAF in April 2026.
• He led the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor.
• The Trust also appointed Govind Dev Giri as General Secretary and Mahesh Bhagchandka as Treasurer.

2. RAKSHA Defence Diplomacy Framework

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released the RAKSHA framework for India’s defence diplomacy.
• Provides a 10-year vision for strengthening global defence partnerships.
• Four key pillars: Strategic Partnerships, Capacity Building, Indigenous Exports and Maritime Security.
• Focuses on India’s role as a Net Security Provider and First Responder in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Aims to promote defence cooperation, technology sharing and indigenous defence exports.

3. NIELIT–Intel India Agentic AI Skilling Initiative

• NIELIT and Intel India launched programmes to develop an Agentic AI-ready workforce.
• Focus is on AI systems capable of reasoning, planning and execution.
• Two programmes: Agentic AI for Everyone and Engineering Agentic AI Systems.
• Emphasis on government–academia–industry collaboration.
• NIELIT functions under MeitY for skill development in electronics and IT.

4. 26th SCO Summit 2026

• Held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 31 August–1 September 2026.
• India was represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Pakistan received the SCO presidency for 2026–27.
• Lahore was designated SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for 2026–27.
• Summit adopted the Bishkek Declaration and approved 28 documents.

5. OSDMA–UNDP–CivicDataLab MoUs

• Odisha State Disaster Management Authority signed MoUs with UNDP and CivicDataLab.
• UNDP will conduct Hazard, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (HRVA) across all 30 districts.
• CivicDataLab will implement the IDS-DRR platform.
• Focus areas include floods, coastal flooding and heatwaves.
• Supports Odisha’s Zero Casualty disaster-management approach.

6. BTTF–Premiere Vision SA MoU

• Bharat Tex Trade Federation and Premiere Vision SA signed an MoU in Paris.
• Aim: shift Indian textile exports from volume-based to high-value and design-led products.
• Provides access to international buyers, fashion houses and premium sourcing networks.
• Cooperation covers export promotion, sustainability, circularity, traceability and heritage crafts.
• A Joint Steering Committee will oversee implementation.

7. GeM–Textiles Committee MoU

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) and Textiles Committee signed an MoU.
• Aim to promote recycled and upcycled textile products through government procurement.
• Focus on creating a Waste-to-Value-to-Market ecosystem.
• Textiles Committee will identify/certify producers and provide standardisation support.
• GeM will facilitate market access, producer onboarding and procurement.

Social Issue

1. UN Declares November 27 as International Day for the Elimination of Child Marriage

• The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 4 September 2026 to observe 27 November every year as the International Day for the Elimination of Child Marriage.
• The initiative aims to strengthen global efforts to prevent child, early and forced marriage.
• Focuses on protecting children’s rights, education, health and overall development.
• It highlights the need for stronger laws, social awareness and coordinated action against child marriage.

Misc GA

1. India Backs UN “Correct the Map” Resolution

• The UN General Assembly adopted the “Correct the Map” resolution on 4 September 2026.
• The resolution addresses cartographic distortions and inaccuracies in world maps.
• India voted in favour of the resolution.
• The initiative highlights the importance of accurate geographical representation and responsible map-making.

2. Rangpur-Sivasagar Historical Ensemble

• The Rangpur-Sivasagar Historical Ensemble of Assam has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List.
• It represents the historic capital landscape of the Ahom dynasty, which ruled the Brahmaputra Valley for nearly six centuries.
• The ensemble includes important royal, religious, water-management and funerary structures.
• India submitted the nomination dossier to UNESCO on 19 June 2026.

3. Adani Defence Signs AK-203 Ammunition Deal

• Adani Defence & Aerospace signed a five-year agreement with Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited.
• The agreement covers indigenous 7.62×39 mm ammunition for the AK-203 assault rifle programme.
• It supports domestic production of small-calibre ammunition.
• The deal strengthens Make in India and defence self-reliance.

4. India–Afghanistan Connectivity

• India and Afghanistan share long-standing civilisational, economic and people-to-people ties.
• As India has no direct land route to Afghanistan, connectivity depends on transit corridors and strategic ports.
• Chabahar Port remains an important connectivity route for India to access Afghanistan and Central Asia.
• Connectivity cooperation is important for trade, humanitarian assistance and regional integration.

Agriculture

1. Ophiopogon japonicus Recorded in India for the First Time

Source: Times of India

Context A medicinal plant traditionally used in East Asian healthcare, Ophiopogon japonicus, has been recorded in India for the first time — discovered in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.

The Discovery

• Recorded at an elevation of 2,185 metres in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
• Documented by researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (Dehradun) and the Uluberia Botanical Institute Herbarium, West Bengal
• Described as a significant find highlighting the biodiversity of the Eastern Himalaya

About the Species

• Common names: dwarf lilyturf, mondo grass, fountain plant, monkey grass
• Japanese names: ryū-no-hige ("dragon's beard") and ja-no-hige ("snake's beard")
• Family: Asparagaceae; order Asparagales — traditionally placed in the lily family, Liliaceae
• An evergreen, sod-forming, rhizomatous perennial
• Linear, grass-like leaves
• Has tuberous roots, which are the medicinally used part

Distribution

• Native to China, Japan, Korea, Nepal and Vietnam
• Now confirmed in India, widely grown as an ornamental ground-cover plant worldwide

2. The Northern Goshawk (Baaj)

Source: Indian Express

Context The Northern Goshawk (Baaj), Punjab's state bird, has re-entered the political spotlight ahead of state assembly elections, after rival leaders claimed sightings of the bird and interpreted them as symbols of divine protection and blessing.

What It Is

• A medium-to-large raptor of the family Accipitridae
• Historically classified as Accipiter gentilis; recently reclassified as Astur gentilis for the Eurasian goshawk
• Known as a "true hawk", celebrated for its speed, manoeuvrability and prowess in falconry

Habitat and Distribution

• Inhabits mature temperate and boreal woodlands — mixed deciduous and coniferous forests
• Widely distributed across Eurasia and North America
• Ranging from Scandinavia, northern Russia and the Mediterranean to the Himalayas, eastern China and Canada
• IUCN status: Least Concern (LC)

Schemes

1. Chhattisgarh Ranked First in Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari 3.0

Source: TH

Context Chhattisgarh secured the first position nationally in the third phase of Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB 3.0) — a community-driven water conservation programme under the Ministry of Jal Shakti's Catch the Rain campaign. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented the state's model at a national summit in New Delhi, in the presence of the Prime Minister.

Chhattisgarh's Performance

• Completed 77,719 out of 79,775 registered water conservation structures in JSJB 3.0
• JSJB 1.0 — ranked second
• JSJB 2.0 — ranked second
• JSJB 3.0 — moved up to first nationally

About the Campaign

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain — launched 2019, under the Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Theme: "Catch the rain, where it falls, when it falls"
• Focus on water-stressed blocks and districts, with works including rainwater harvesting structures, renovation of traditional water bodies, watershed development, reuse and recharge structures, and intensive afforestation
• Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari is the community-participation component, launched from Gujarat in 2024

2. Melghat and Pench Tiger Reserves: Successful Vulture Reintroduction

• Melghat and Pench Tiger Reserves in Maharashtra have emerged as successful sites for captive-bred vulture reintroduction.
• The programme has recorded encouraging survival rates among released vultures.
• Vultures are important scavengers that help maintain ecosystem cleanliness and control disease spread.
• Major threats to vultures include habitat loss, poisoning and veterinary drugs.

3. 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026

• The 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026 is being launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in Varanasi.
• The campaign draws on the revised Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) Guidelines.
• It is linked with Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
• Focus remains on improving nutrition and child development through the Anganwadi system.

Banking and Finance

1. The Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) Framework

Source: New Indian Express

Context The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has become India's first school education board, and Maharishi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, the first university, to onboard UIDAI's Offline Verification Seeking Entity (OVSE) framework.

What OVSE Is

• A secure regulatory framework established by the UIDAI
• Authorising eligible organisations to carry out local, offline identity verification
• Using verifiable digital credentials, rather than querying central identity databases
• Nodal body: UIDAI, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Aim

• Provide a tamper-evident, contactless and privacy-preserving identity verification ecosystem
• Reduce operational costs
• Eliminate physical document submission
• Prevent identity fraud across sectors

2. LIC Gets RBI Approval to Acquire Stake in ICICI Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to acquire a stake in ICICI Bank.
• The approval allows LIC to increase its holding within the permitted regulatory limits.
• The development is important for the banking and financial-services sector.
• The acquisition is subject to applicable RBI regulations and conditions.

3. SEBI–ESMA MoU on Central Counterparties

• SEBI and European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation regarding Central Counterparties (CCPs).
• The agreement replaces the earlier 2017 MoU.
• It provides for information sharing and supervisory cooperation between Indian and European regulators.
• Indian CCPs can re-apply for recognition under the European EMIR framework.
• A CCP acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers and helps manage counterparty risk.

4. Razorpay–IndusInd Bank Launch ‘RAY’

• Razorpay and IndusInd Bank launched RAY, an AI-based conversational account manager on WhatsApp.
• It enables businesses and MSMEs to manage payments, transactions, settlements and refunds through chat.
• RAY can provide payment insights, alerts and recommendations without requiring a traditional dashboard.
• The platform has already recorded more than 20,000 conversations.
• It reflects the growing use of AI in digital banking and business payments.

Economy

1. Bank of Canada Unveils New CAD 20 Note

• The Bank of Canada unveiled a new CAD 20 banknote featuring King Charles III.
• He becomes the first British monarch to appear on Canadian currency in more than seven decades.
• The note has a vertical orientation, similar to Canada’s CAD 10 note.
• Its reverse side features the Vimy Ridge Memorial in France.
• The note is expected to enter general circulation in early 2027.

Social Issue

1. UN Declares November 27 as International Day for Elimination of Child Marriage

• The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to observe 27 November annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Child Marriage.
• The initiative focuses on preventing child, early and forced marriage.
• It aims to protect children's education, health, rights and development.
• It calls for stronger legal measures, awareness and coordinated international action.

Misc GA

1. IIT Madras–UNESCO MGIEP Partnership on AI-Based Learning

• IIT Madras and UNESCO MGIEP partnered to develop AI-based immersive learning technologies.
• The initiative combines AI, Extended Reality (XR), game design and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).
• Two major objectives are personalised learning and gamified education.
• The technology aims to support low-cost and low-bandwidth learning.
• The partnership aligns with SDG 4.7 on inclusive and sustainable education.

2. DRDO–University of Hyderabad Patent for BAM-H24

• DRDO and the University of Hyderabad’s ACRHEM secured an Indian patent for BAM-H24.
• It is a next-generation high-energy material designed for solid rocket propulsion applications.
• The material has properties such as high thermal stability and high specific impulse.
• It has potential applications in rocket propulsion, missiles and space launch vehicles.
• The patent strengthens India’s indigenous capabilities in high-energy materials and strategic technologies.

3. Birkbeck University of London to Establish Bengaluru Campus

• Birkbeck, University of London received UGC approval to establish its Bengaluru campus.
• The campus will operate under India’s 2023 Foreign Higher Educational Institutions regulations.
• It will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, initially focusing on business-related fields.
• Degrees will be awarded by the University of London under Birkbeck’s academic oversight.
• The initiative supports NEP 2020 and strengthens India–UK higher-education cooperation.

4. Rangpur-Sivasagar Historical Ensemble Added to UNESCO Tentative List

• Assam’s Rangpur-Sivasagar Historical Ensemble has entered the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
• It represents the capital landscape of the Ahom dynasty.
• The Ahoms ruled the Brahmaputra Valley for nearly six centuries.
• The ensemble includes royal, religious, water-management and funerary structures.
• India submitted the nomination dossier to UNESCO on 19 June 2026.

5. NHAI Green Highways Excellence Awards 2026

• NHAI announced the winners of the Green Highways Excellence Awards 2026.
• The awards recognise best practices in highway landscaping and plantation management.
• They were instituted in 2025 under the Green Highways Policy, 2015.
• Awards cover avenue plantations, median plantations and plantation in land parcels.
• The initiative promotes greener and more sustainable national highways.

6. National Teachers’ Day 2026

• National Teachers’ Day is observed on 5 September every year.
• It marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
• He served as India’s second President and first Vice-President.
• Teachers’ Day was first celebrated in 1962.
• In 2026, National Teachers Awards were presented to recognise excellence in teaching.

7. International Day of Charity 2026

• International Day of Charity is observed annually on 5 September.
• It was designated by the UN General Assembly in 2012.
• The day commemorates the death anniversary of Mother Teresa.
• It highlights charitable and humanitarian efforts to address poverty, inequality and social challenges.
• The day supports the broader objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

8. Punjab Launches ‘Pehchaan’ Portal

• Punjab launched ‘Pehchaan’, a digital portal for identifying unidentified and unclaimed deceased persons.
• Punjab became the first state to implement such a system.
• The portal is built on the MedLeaPR system developed by NIC.
• It stores photographs, physical characteristics and identification marks of unidentified persons.
• It integrates with CCTNS to help match missing-person records with unidentified deceased persons.

9. Tamil Nadu Plans Olympic City in Chennai

• Tamil Nadu announced a world-class Olympic City in Chennai.
• The project will come up at Semmencheri.
• Facilities will include sports arenas, a High-Performance Training Centre, Sports Science Centre and Sports Medicine Centre.
• The state will also establish Olympic Centres of Excellence at 10 locations.
• A Motor Sports City is also proposed for Formula racing events.

10. International Vulture Day 2026

• International Vulture Day highlights the ecological importance of vultures.
• Vultures act as natural scavengers by consuming dead animals.
• This helps reduce the spread of diseases and maintains ecosystem health.
• Vulture populations have declined due to habitat loss, poisoning and harmful veterinary medicines.
• Conservation programmes focus on habitat protection, captive breeding and safe reintroduction.

11. New Legless Amphibian Discovered in Maharashtra

• Gegeneophis chandgadi is a newly described subterranean caecilian
• Found at Buzawade village, Chandgad tehsil, Kolhapur district, Maharashtra
• Caecilians are limbless, burrowing amphibians largely found in the Western Ghats
• Highlights the Western Ghats' status as a global biodiversity hotspot

12. India and France Inaugurate BAPS Temple in Paris

• BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges (Seine-et-Marne) inaugurated on 6 September 2026
• France's first traditionally designed stone Hindu temple
• Largest Hindu temple of its kind in France
• Reflects cultural diplomacy and India–France strategic partnership

13. Kimi Antonelli Wins Italian Grand Prix at Monza

• Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) won the F1 Italian GP on 6 September 2026
• First Italian driver to win his home Grand Prix in decades
• Monza is one of the oldest and fastest circuits on the F1 calendar
• Antonelli is among the youngest race winners in F1 history

PIB

1. Action Plan for Strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras

Source: PIB

Context Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan chaired a meeting in New Delhi to review the Action Plan for strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) through enhanced State participation — focused on implementing recommendations from the 5th Chief Secretaries' Conference 2025.

About KVKs

• Krishi Vigyan Kendras — district-level farm science centres, funded by ICAR and hosted by State Agricultural Universities, ICAR institutes, NGOs and state departments
• The first KVK was established at Puducherry in 1974
• Coordinated regionally through ATARIs — Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes
• Mandate: on-farm testing, frontline demonstrations, capacity building of farmers and extension personnel, and serving as knowledge and resource centres

Focus Areas

• Crop production
• Horticulture
• Animal husbandry
• Fisheries
• Soil and water management
• Farm machinery and technology
• Value addition and post-harvest management

2. Next-Gen Aquaculture: RAS and Biofloc Technology

Source: PIB

Context A PIB feature on how Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and Biofloc technology are transforming Indian aquaculture under PMMSY, advancing the Blue Economy and the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat visions.

India's Position in Global Fisheries

• Second-largest fish producer — about 8 per cent of global fish production
• Second-largest aquaculture producer
• Largest producer and exporter of shrimp
• Second-largest in capture fisheries
• Supports the livelihoods of nearly three crore fishers and fish farmers

What is RAS?

• RAS = Recirculatory Aquaculture System
• Fish are raised in a controlled environment.
• Water is continuously filtered, treated and reused.
• Can recycle up to 90–95% of water.

What is Biofloc Technology?

• Uses beneficial microorganisms to improve water quality.
• Microbes convert fish waste and excess nutrients into microbial biomass.
• This biomass can also become an additional food source for fish.
• Helps reduce water exchange and improve resource efficiency.

RAS vs Biofloc — Simple Difference

• RAS: Mainly depends on mechanical and biological water filtration + recirculation.
• Biofloc: Mainly depends on beneficial microbes to manage waste and water quality.

Agriculture

1. Osbeckia ulotricha: New Plant Species Discovered in Western Ghats

• Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) discovered the new flowering plant species Osbeckia ulotricha in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.
• It occurs in shola grasslands and montane ecosystems of Kerala and Tamil Nadu at around 1,200–1,500 metres elevation.
• It belongs to the Melastomataceae family and has distinctive morphological features.
• The discovery highlights the floral biodiversity and conservation importance of the Western Ghats.

2. IMF G20 Report on Strong, Sustainable, Balanced and Inclusive Growth

• The IMF's latest SSBIG report estimates medium-term G20 growth at only 3%, close to its weakest level since the framework began in 2009.
• Around half of G20 advanced economies face growth constraints because of restrictive labour, product or consumer-market regulations.
• Nearly three-fourths of G20 emerging-market economies also face regulatory constraints.
• The report stresses regulatory and institutional reforms to encourage private investment, public investment and long-term economic growth.

3. PACT Platform Launched for Zero-Emission Freight

• NITI Aayog Member Rajiv Gauba launched the Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport (PACT) at the 5th e-FAST India Summit 2026.
• PACT aims to aggregate freight demand from shippers, Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) and other stakeholders.
• It will help create deployment opportunities for zero-emission trucks across identified freight corridors.
• The summit also introduced the ZET Marketplace, bringing together vehicle manufacturers, financiers, charging operators and freight stakeholders.

Banking and Finance

1. FATF Report on Tech-Driven Hawala Networks

• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) highlighted the transformation of traditional hawala networks into technology-enabled systems.
• The combination of virtual assets and hawala has created what is described as “digital hawala”, increasing risks of money laundering and terrorist financing.
• Nearly 70% of surveyed jurisdictions reported the use of new technologies in underground banking and hawala-type networks.
• FATF stressed stronger investigation, supervision and international cooperation to tackle professional money laundering and underground banking.

2. LIC Gets RBI Approval to Acquire Up to 9.99% in ICICI Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India approved Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) acquiring up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of ICICI Bank.
• LIC already held around 4.35% of ICICI Bank as of Q1 FY27.
• The approval is subject to applicable statutory and regulatory conditions.
• LIC must acquire the approved stake within one year from September 4, 2026, otherwise the approval will lapse.

1. The BRICS 'POWER' Framework

Source: The Hindu

Context Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong proposed a 'POWER' framework for Greater BRICS — calling for stronger Global South cooperation, closer India-China coordination, and collaboration on AI and supply chains.

The Context of Succession

• India chairs BRICS in 2026; China takes over in 2027
• The framework is pitched as guiding political, financial, technological and developmental cooperation across the two consecutive presidencies
• BRICS has evolved from an economic dialogue forum into a leading multilateral platform for the Global South, offering an alternative to Western-dominated institutions such as the G-7

Key Figures

• Greater BRICS encompasses nearly half the global population
• Contributes about 30 per cent of global GDP, with a PPP share exceeding one-third
• Accounts for one-fifth of global trade turnover, controlling production nodes in electronics, steel, critical minerals and agriculture

Five Pillars

2. UK Recognises India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

Source: ET

Context The United Kingdom has recognised India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) as a qualifying criterion for pricing relief under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — a move expected to reduce the tax burden on Indian exporters.

What CBAM Is

• A carbon border tax levied on imports of carbon-intensive goods
• Its purpose is to prevent carbon leakage — production shifting to countries with weaker climate rules to avoid domestic carbon costs
• The importer pays a charge reflecting the carbon embedded in the goods, equalising treatment with domestically produced goods that already bear a carbon price
• Typically covers iron and steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity

Why Recognition Reduces the Liability

• CBAM is designed to charge for carbon that has not already been priced in the country of origin
• If an exporter has already paid a carbon price at home, that amount is deducted from the border charge
• Recognition of the CCTS means carbon costs paid under India's own scheme now count as a credit against UK CBAM liability
• Without recognition, Indian exporters would have paid twice — once under CCTS domestically and again at the UK border

About India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

• Notified in 2023 under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022
• Administered by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power
• Has two mechanisms:
  • Compliance mechanism — obligated entities in energy-intensive sectors must meet emission-intensity targets
  • Offset mechanism — non-obligated entities can register projects and earn tradeable credits
• Succeeds the earlier PAT (Perform, Achieve and Trade) scheme
• Credits are traded on power exchanges, with the Grid Controller of India as registry and CERC as regulator

Economy

1. IMF Warns of Weak Medium-Term G20 Growth

• The IMF estimates medium-term G20 economic growth at around 3%, highlighting a weak global growth outlook.
• Restrictive regulations in labour, product and consumer markets are limiting growth in several G20 economies.
• Emerging-market economies particularly face institutional and regulatory weaknesses that discourage private and public investment.
• The IMF calls for structural, regulatory and institutional reforms to improve productivity and investment.

2. Zero-Emission Freight Push Through PACT

• The PACT platform seeks to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission trucks in India's freight sector.
• It aggregates freight demand and converts it into opportunities for deployment across specific freight corridors.
• The initiative connects shippers, LSPs, manufacturers, financiers and charging-point operators.
• It supports India's broader transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transport.

3. Bisleri–SBI Partnership for Plastic Waste Management

• Bisleri International partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) under the Bottles for Change initiative.
• The partnership promotes segregation, collection and recycling of used plastic.
• Awareness and training programmes will be conducted for SBI employees and housekeeping staff.
• The initiative supports India's transition towards a circular economy and sustainable workplace practices.

Social Issue

1. UNGA Declares November 27 as International Day Against Child Marriage

• The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
• India was among the 70 co-sponsors of the resolution, which was adopted without a vote.
• The first observance will take place on 27 November 2026.
• Countries are encouraged to develop multisectoral national strategies, action plans, laws and policies to eliminate child, early and forced marriage.

2. WhatsApp Introduces Bill Payments Through Bharat Connect

• WhatsApp launched a native Bill Payments facility in India through the Bharat Connect network.
• Users can pay electricity, gas, water, FASTag, insurance, credit-card and loan bills.
• The service provides access to 22,722 billers across 30 categories.
• Payments can be made using UPI, debit cards and credit cards, improving the convenience of digital bill payments.

Misc GA

1. Dinamalar Completes 75 Years

• Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan released a commemorative postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of Dinamalar in Chennai.
• Dinamalar was established in 1951 by T. V. Ramasubbaiyer and became an important Tamil-language newspaper.
• The Vice President highlighted its contribution to journalism, public service and education.
• He also appreciated its Pattam publication aimed at improving students' general awareness, language skills and scientific knowledge.

2. IIT Madras’ Bodhan AI Launches Multilingual AI Models

• Bodhan AI, the Centre of Excellence in AI for Education at IIT Madras, launched four multilingual AI models as Digital Public Goods.
• The models cover speech recognition, text-to-speech, machine translation and optical character recognition (OCR).
• Speech recognition supports 27 languages, while OCR and TTS support 23 languages and translation supports 22 languages.
• The models will contribute to India's Bharat Education AI (EduAI) Stack, including tools such as a Student Tutor Bot and Teacher Assistant Bot.

3. Munitions India–Drogo Aerospace MoU for Indigenous UAVs

• Munitions India Limited (MIL) signed an MoU with Drogo Aerospace for developing indigenous UAVs and loitering munition systems.
• Drogo Aerospace will contribute UAV platforms and payload hardware, while MIL will provide expertise in munitions, explosives, fuzing and warhead technologies.
• The partnership includes UAV–munition integration, safety evaluation, field trials and quality certification.
• The collaboration is aimed at strengthening India's indigenous defence technology capabilities.

4. Isar Aerospace’s Spectrum Rocket Launch

• German startup Isar Aerospace launched its Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport, Norway.
• Spectrum is a two-stage orbital launch vehicle designed for small and medium-sized satellites.
• The mission carried five CubeSats from European universities and companies.
• The launch represents an important development in Europe's private commercial space-launch sector.

5. Ahuti Mk II Becomes India’s Fastest Multirotor UAV

• Defence startup Apollyon Dynamics' Ahuti Mk II achieved a certified top speed of 498 km/h.
• It surpassed the previous benchmark of around 325 km/h, making it India's fastest multirotor UAV.
• The interceptor drone is designed to counter hostile drones and loitering munitions.
• The system has undergone testing at Indian Army ranges with support from defence authorities.

6. Italian Grand Prix 2026

• Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes won the 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza on 6 September 2026.
• He became the first Italian to win the Italian GP in 60 years, since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.
• George Russell finished second, while Max Verstappen secured third place.
• Antonelli started from 19th position but recovered through an aggressive race strategy to secure victory.

7. International Vulture Awareness Day 2026

• International Vulture Awareness Day was observed on 5 September 2026, the first Saturday of September.
• The day highlights the ecological importance of vultures and the threats faced by their populations.
• The initiative originated in 2006 through collaboration between organisations in South Africa and the United Kingdom.
• In India, MoEFCC organised conservation-related events, including a national workshop in Panchkula, Haryana.

8. S. R. Janakiraman Passes Away at 98

• Renowned Carnatic vocalist and musicologist S. R. Janakiraman passed away at the age of 98 in Chennai.
• He was born on 12 July 1928 in Lalgudi, Tamil Nadu.
• He received the Padma Shri in 2011 for his contribution to the arts.
• He was widely respected for his lecture-demonstrations, musicological research, writings and contribution to Carnatic music education.

Reports & Articles

1. India's Per Capita Protein Consumption to Triple by 2070

Source: Business Standard

Context A report by Asia Research and Engagement (ARE) with FICCI projects India's per capita protein consumption will more than triple by 2070, pushing protein-related emissions to more than seven times the estimated climate-safe threshold.

The Consumption Projection

• Per capita annual protein consumption: 9.5 kg (2025) → 30 kg (2070)
• Dairy forms a significant part of the total
• Drivers: population growth, rising incomes, urbanisation, public nutrition programmes, and shifting dietary preferences
• Despite the rise, India remains protein insecure and faces dietary inequality

Important Facts for Exams

• Report by Asia Research and Engagement (ARE) with FICCI
• Protein consumption: 9.5 kg (2025) → 30 kg (2070) per capita per year
• BAU emissions 1.92 Gt CO₂e; climate-safe threshold 0.25 Gt CO₂e; combined approach 0.30 Gt CO₂e
• India imports about 90 per cent of processed plant-protein isolates
• Dairy and pulses to remain the main protein sources; red meat to stay small
• India is the world's largest milk producer, about 24 per cent of global output
• Enteric fermentation in ruminants is the largest agricultural methane source
• Methane accounts for about 0.5°C of global warming and has a short atmospheric lifetime of about a decade
• Pulses fix atmospheric nitrogen, requiring far less fertiliser than animal protein systems
• Protein isolate — protein extracted and concentrated from a plant source such as soy or pea

2. Five Baby Orangutans Rescued in Odisha

Source: Indian Express

Context Five juvenile orangutans were rescued from a forest in Odisha's Balasore district, raising suspicion of international wildlife smuggling — the species is not native to India.

The Rescue

• Location: Ranakatha Protected Reserve Forest, Bhograi block, Balasore district, Odisha
• Five juveniles — two females, three males, aged about one to two years
• To be shifted to Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar, for quarantine
• Investigation handed to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)
• Odisha Forest and Environment Minister: Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia

Important Facts for Exams

• Orangutans are Asia's only great apes
• Native only to Borneo and Sumatra
• Three species — Bornean, Sumatran, Tapanuli — all Critically Endangered (IUCN)
• Tapanuli orangutan, described 2017, is the world's rarest great ape
• Great apes: orangutan, gorilla, chimpanzee, bonobo, human
• India's only ape: the Hoolock gibbon (Northeast) — a lesser ape
• WCCB — statutory body under MoEFCC, established 2007 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• Exotic species come under Schedule IV, Wildlife (Protection) Act, after the 2022 amendment giving effect to CITES
• Orangutans are in CITES Appendix I — commercial international trade barred
• Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar — known for white tigers

3. Four More Indian Sites Added to UNESCO Tentative List

Context The Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO announced the inclusion of four new Indian cultural heritage sites in the Tentative List of the World Heritage Convention — taking India's total to 73.

Important Facts for Exams

• All four new additions are Cultural
• Sivasagar was the capital of the Ahom kingdom; the Moidams of Charaideo were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2024
• Cellular Jail, Port Blair — the Kala Pani penal colony
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island was formerly Ross Island; Chatham Island houses one of Asia's oldest sawmills
• Nicobar's Nancowry group — inhabited by the Nicobarese, a Scheduled Tribe; the Shompen are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group of Great Nicobar
• Shekhawati havelis are known for their painted frescoes, built by Marwari merchant families
• A site must be on the Tentative List for at least one year before nomination for inscription
• India has 44 inscribed World Heritage Sites — 36 cultural, 7 natural, 1 mixed (Khangchendzonga)
• India's most recent inscriptions: Moidams of the Ahom Dynasty (2024) and the Maratha Military Landscapes (2025)
• UNESCO — headquartered at Paris; the World Heritage Convention dates to 1972
• India's nodal body for cultural nominations: the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture

Banking and Finance

1. Coastal Local Area Bank Gets Scheduled Bank Status

• The RBI included Coastal Local Area Bank Limited, based in Vijayawada, in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act, 1934.
• This gives the bank the status of a Scheduled Bank.
• Coastal Local Area Bank was India’s first Local Area Bank (LAB).
• Scheduled status allows access to RBI liquidity facilities and money-market operations.
• Despite the new status, it will continue to operate as a Local Area Bank.

2. ADB Signs First Transaction Advisory Services Mandate in India with Madhya Pradesh

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed its first Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) mandate in India with the Madhya Pradesh Government on 7 September 2026.
• The objective is to develop renewable-energy projects through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).
• The projects could attract up to US$1 billion in private investment.
• ADB will assist in project preparation, financial structuring, procurement and tender development.
• A solar power facility with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Shajapur is among the projects being developed.

3. Bandhan Bank and Mastercard Launch Four-Tier Credit Card Portfolio

• Bandhan Bank and Mastercard launched a four-tier credit card portfolio.
• The four variants are Sparks, Ignite, Flare and Lumina.
• The cards provide benefits across grocery, apparel, travel, dining, entertainment and international spending.
• Customers can apply through digital channels as well as bank branches.
• The initiative aims to expand Bandhan Bank’s presence in the retail credit-card segment.

4. Ministry of Finance Secures US$1 Billion IFC Funding for MSME Credit

• The Ministry of Finance secured US$1 billion in funding support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to strengthen long-term credit availability for MSMEs.
• US$500 million has already been provided to SIDBI, while another US$500 million will come through a lender syndicate.
• The funds were converted into Indian rupees through the RBI’s special swap window.
• SIDBI can provide on-lending for up to seven years.
• Key beneficiary sectors include automobiles, engineering, electronics, textiles and food processing.

1. The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

Source: PIB

Context The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment appointed Bhagwat Prasad Makwana as Chairperson, Kaishab Bihari as Vice-Chairperson, and three Members to the NCSK — effective until 31 March 2028, completing the tenure of the present 10th Commission.

What NCSK Is

• A non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Mandated to look after the welfare, dignity, socioeconomic rehabilitation and rights of Safai Karamcharis and manual scavengers

Aim

• Eliminate social, economic and occupational inequalities faced by Safai Karamcharis and their dependents
• Abolish hazardous manual scavenging
• Ensure statutory compensation and safety gear
• Facilitate comprehensive rehabilitation

2. OPEC+

Source: News on Air

Context Seven core OPEC+ nations decided in a virtual meeting to keep their crude oil output targets unchanged for October — amid global economic uncertainty and continuing supply disruptions across the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz.

What OPEC+ Is

• An expanded coalition of OPEC member states and key non-OPEC oil-exporting nations
• Working collectively to regulate crude oil supply and manage global energy markets
• Formed in late 2016 through the Declaration of Cooperation, signed in Vienna, Austria

Membership

• OPEC members include Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Algeria, Nigeria, Venezuela and others
• Non-OPEC partners include Russia, Kazakhstan, Oman, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Malaysia, Mexico, South Sudan and Sudan

Important Facts for Exams

• OPEC founded 1960, at the Baghdad Conference; headquartered at Vienna, Austria
• Founding five: Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela
• OPEC+ formed late 2016 via the Declaration of Cooperation, Vienna
• Trigger for OPEC+: the US shale surge of 2014–16 crashing prices
• JMMC — Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee, which reviews compliance and market conditions
• Seven Sisters — the dominant Western oil majors before OPEC
• Angola exited OPEC in 2024; Qatar left in 2019; Indonesia suspended membership
• Strait of Hormuz — between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman; roughly a fifth of global oil passes through it
• Other chokepoints: Strait of Malacca, Bab el-Mandeb, Suez Canal, Panama Canal, Turkish Straits
• India imports over 85 per cent of its crude; major suppliers include Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the UAE
• India is a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an association country, not OPEC
• India maintains Strategic Petroleum Reserves at Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru and Padur

3. India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)

Source: Times of India

Context The United Kingdom officially recognised India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) as a qualifying carbon pricing framework under its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) — reducing the effective CBAM liability on Indian exports.

What CCTS Is

• A national market-based mechanism establishing the Indian Carbon Market (ICM)
• Prices greenhouse gas emissions, issues tradable Carbon Credit Certificates (CCCs), and drives industrial decarbonisation
• Notified June 2023 under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022
• Detailed compliance regulations adopted July 2024

Aim

• Accelerate decarbonisation of the Indian economy
• Fulfil India's Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement
• Incentivise emission cuts in energy-intensive sectors through a transparent carbon-trading exchange

4. e-FAST India and the PACT Platform

Source: News on Air
Category: RBI and NABARD Current Affairs → Economy in News

Context NITI Aayog's e-FAST India initiative launched the Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport (PACT) alongside the ZET Marketplace at the 5th e-FAST India Summit 2026.

What e-FAST India Is

• Electric Freight Accelerator for Sustainable Transport – India
• India's first national collaborative platform dedicated to freight electrification
• Focused particularly on the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) segment
• Nodal body: NITI Aayog

Aim

• Decarbonise road freight transport
• Bridge market barriers for zero-emission trucks (ZETs)
• Move freight logistics from isolated pilots to commercially viable, large-scale deployment
• Support India's Net-Zero 2070 target

5. BRICS Chief Justices' Forum and Related Events Under India's Presidency

Context The Supreme Court of India hosted the BRICS Chief Justices' Forum from 4 to 6 September 2026 in New Delhi, as part of India's 2026 BRICS Presidency.

Other BRICS Events Under India's 2026 Presidency

• 14th BRICS Science Ministerial Meeting — Chennai, Tamil Nadu; chaired by Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS (IC), Ministry of Science and Technology
• BRICS Sports Ministers' Meeting — Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh; chaired by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• BRICS Friendship Cycling Event — Visakhapatnam; led by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and MoS Raksha Khadse
• 8th BRICS Working Group Meeting on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology (OPST) — Goa; organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences
• 18th BRICS Academic Forum — Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh; theme "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"

Important Facts for Exams

• India holds the BRICS Presidency in 2026; China takes over in 2027
• The 18th BRICS Summit is to be held in New Delhi
• Chief Justice of India: Surya Kant
• Event venues to remember: Chief Justices' Forum — New Delhi; Science Ministerial — Chennai; Sports Ministers' Meeting and Friendship Cycling — Visakhapatnam; Ocean and Polar Science WG — Goa; Academic Forum — Lucknow
• Academic Forum theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"
• BRICS — proposed as a concept by Jim O'Neill (Goldman Sachs, 2001); first summit Yekaterinburg, 2009; South Africa joined 2010
• Now a 10-member grouping after expansion — original five plus Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE and Indonesia
• New Development Bank — headquartered at Shanghai; proposed by India at the 4th BRICS Summit, New Delhi, 2012; signed at Fortaleza, 2014
• Contingent Reserve Arrangement — $100 billion
• BRICS accounts for nearly half the world's population, about 30 per cent of global GDP, and about 20 per cent of global trade
• India has hosted BRICS summits in 2012, 2016 and 2021

Social Issue

1. NCSK Gets New Chairperson and Members

• The Government appointed Bhagwat Prasad Makwana as the new Chairperson of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK).
• Kaishab Bihari was appointed Vice-Chairperson.
• Other members include Manoj Kumar Balmiki, Sushma Gaudiyal and Ravi Ramu Kalose.
• Their tenure will continue up to 31 March 2028.
• NCSK works towards the welfare, rehabilitation and protection of sanitation workers.

Misc GA

1. Adani Defence Signs Five-Year Ammunition Supply Pact for AK-203

• Adani Defence signed a five-year ammunition supply agreement related to the AK-203 rifle programme.
• The ammunition is of the 7.62×39 mm category used with the AK-203.
• The production ecosystem includes Adani Defence facilities in Kanpur, while AK-203 rifles are manufactured at Korwa in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.
• The Ministry of Defence had contracted for 6,01,427 AK-203 rifles.
• The development is part of India’s broader push towards indigenisation of defence production.

2. Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh Re-elected Secretary-General of APPU

• Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh, a 1988-batch Indian Postal Service officer, was re-elected Secretary-General of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU).
• He was re-elected unopposed during the 14th APPU Congress in Bangkok.
• His second term will run from January 2027 to December 2030.
• He first assumed the position in January 2023.
• APPU promotes postal cooperation among countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

3. Satwik–Chirag Win China Masters 2026

• Indian men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the 2026 China Masters.
• They defeated China’s He Jiting and Ren Xiangyu in the final.
• They became the first Indian men’s doubles pair to win the China Masters since 2005.
• It was their second title of 2026, after the Singapore Open Super 750.
• The victory also took their total to 10 BWF World Tour titles.

4. Marcos Llorente Retires from International Football

• Spanish footballer Marcos Llorente announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31.
• He represented Spain in 27 international matches.
• His decision came after Spain’s victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Llorente has also played for Real Madrid, Alavés and Atlético Madrid.

5. Sudivya Kumar Sonu Passes Away

• Sudivya Kumar Sonu, a Jharkhand minister and JMM leader, passed away at the age of 56.
• He represented the Giridih Assembly constituency and had won the seat in 2019 and 2024.
• He handled portfolios including Urban Development, Higher and Technical Education, Tourism, Art & Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs.
• He was associated with the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).

6. Vice-President Releases Books on Bhupen Hazarika and Assamese Lexicography

• Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan released two books related to Assamese culture and literature.
• One book is “Bhupen Hazarika: Hundred Years of a Wandering Songs”, edited by Ankuran Dutta and Nani Gopal Mahanta.
• The second is the 5th revised and enlarged edition of “Chandrakanta Abhidhan”, an Assamese dictionary.
• Bhupen Hazarika was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019.
• He had earlier received the Padma Vibhushan in 2012 and Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1992.

7. World Duchenne Awareness Day 2026

• World Duchenne Awareness Day was observed on 7 September 2026.
• The 2026 theme is “Family: the heart of care.”
• The observance focuses on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and the challenges faced by affected individuals and their families.
• The United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/78/12 on 29 November 2023 recognising the observance.
• The first UN-recognised World Duchenne Awareness Day was observed in 2024.

Agriculture

1. High-Productivity Crop Diversification and Horticulture

Source: Sansad TV

Context The Union Budget 2026-27 emphasised a crop-specific, regionally differentiated agricultural policy framework to accelerate high-productivity crop diversification — moving beyond cereal monocropping toward high-value horticulture, plantation crops and agroforestry.

What Crop Diversification Means

• Transitioning land use from monoculture systems — notably the water-intensive paddy-wheat rotation — toward pulses, oilseeds, horticulture and commercial tree crops
• Horticulture is the cornerstone, generating higher GVA per unit of land, optimising water use, and building climate resilience

Important Facts for Exams

• Decadal agricultural growth: 4.45 per cent
• Horticulture: 37 per cent of crop sub-sector gross value output; production 370.74 mt (2024-25) — vegetables 217.80, fruits 117.65, others 35.29
• India is second globally in fruits and vegetables; first in onions and shallots (22.42 per cent)
• Horticulture production has exceeded foodgrain production since 2012-13
• Coconut: second in output (22.44 per cent), third in area; 13.97 mt across 2.19 mn ha; yield 6.36 t/ha
• Kerala — largest area; Tamil Nadu — highest production; Andhra Pradesh — highest yield
• Coconut Development Board — headquartered at Kochi, under the Ministry of Agriculture
• Agarwood — from Aquilaria species; yields oud oil; nearly 150 million trees, over 90 per cent in the Northeast; regulated under CITES Appendix II
• Walnut: 3.22 lakh tonnes (2024-25); exports $7.80 million; mainly from Jammu & Kashmir
• MIDH — Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, the main horticulture scheme

2. PM-KUSUM 2.0 Likely to Be Announced Soon

Source: The Hindu

Context Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said the second phase of PM-KUSUM is likely to be announced shortly — speaking at the curtain raiser for the 7th Agrivoltaics World Conference 2026.

What Agrivoltaics Is

• Combining agricultural activity with solar power generation on the same land
• Panels are mounted raised or spaced so crops grow beneath or between them
• The land yields both a crop and electricity, instead of one or the other

About PM-KUSUM

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, launched 2019
• Under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
• Three components:
  • Component A — decentralised ground-mounted grid-connected solar plants on barren or fallow farmland, up to 2 MW each
  • Component B — installation of standalone solar pumps to replace diesel pumps
  • Component C — solarisation of existing grid-connected agriculture pumps, including feeder-level solarisation

Important Facts for Exams

• PM-KUSUM launched 2019, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; full form: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
• PM-KUSUM 2.0 to add a dedicated agrivoltaics component
• Union Minister, New and Renewable Energy: Pralhad Joshi
• Agriculture accounts for a large share of India's subsidised power consumption; solar pumps cut both the subsidy burden and diesel use
• India's solar capacity rose from about 3 GW (2016) to over 160 GW (mid-2026)
• Related: PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar), PM Surya Sarovar Yojana (floating solar, ₹5,070 crore, 5,000 MW), National Solar Mission

3. ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting Focuses on Food Security

• The 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AIMMAF) was held in New Delhi on 9 September 2026.
• The meeting focused on agriculture, forestry and food security cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.
• It is important for strengthening regional cooperation in sustainable agriculture, food security and agricultural development.
• The meeting was co-chaired by Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Secretary of Agriculture of the Philippines, and India’s representative.

4. Dr. Karim Maredia Wins 2026 Borlaug CAST Communication Award

• Dr. Karim Maredia, an Indian-American agricultural scientist, was named the winner of the Borlaug CAST Communication Award 2026.
• He is Associate Dean and Director of the World Agriculture Center at Michigan State University.
• Over more than 30 years, he has trained 15,000+ professionals from 80 countries and contributed extensively to agricultural knowledge and technology transfer.
• The award honours communication and outreach in agricultural science and technology and is associated with the legacy of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug.

Schemes

1. Skill Manthan on Women’s Livelihoods

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised the virtual inaugural session of Skill Manthan on 9 September 2026.
• The initiative focuses on women's livelihoods, skills and employment opportunities.
• It provides a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities related to women's participation in the workforce.
• The programme is relevant to India's broader objectives of skill development and inclusive economic growth.

2. Chhattisgarh Approves ₹500 Crore NIPUN Mission

• The Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved the Chief Minister’s Startup and NIPUN Mission with a budget of ₹500 crore for five years.
• The mission aims to promote startups, entrepreneurship and skill development in the State.
• It seeks to create greater opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.
• The initiative is linked with strengthening the State's innovation and employment ecosystem.

3. PM-SETU Approves ₹735.70 Crore for Three ITI Clusters

• The 5th National Steering Committee meeting under PM-SETU approved investments worth ₹735.70 crore for three ITI clusters.
• The clusters are located in Bhiwadi (Rajasthan), Medchal (Telangana) and Meerut (Uttar Pradesh).
• The latest approvals take the total sanctioned investment under PM-SETU to ₹2,171 crore across 9 ITI clusters.
• The approved investments are ₹241 crore for Rajasthan, ₹254.30 crore for Telangana and ₹240.40 crore for Uttar Pradesh.

4. Mukhyamantri Yuva Bhavishya Nirman Yojana

• Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the scheme to provide free online coaching and study resources for competitive examinations.
• The first phase will provide free coaching to 11,000 students.
• It covers examinations such as UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Railways, Banking, Defence, NET, GATE, CAT and MAT.
• Eligible students include those from government and government-aided institutions, state universities and recent graduates/postgraduates.

Reports & Articles

1. India’s Nuclear Warheads Estimated at 190

• International assessments estimate that India possessed around 190 nuclear warheads in 2026.
• The estimates have been reported by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
• The development is relevant to India's nuclear deterrence and strategic security.
• India maintains a policy of credible minimum deterrence and No First Use.

2. DFPD–FCI MoU for Modernisation of Foodgrain Management

• The Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD) and Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed an MoU for FY 2026–27.
• The agreement sets performance targets covering storage, logistics, quality control and technology adoption.
• It focuses on reducing storage losses, improving supply-chain management and optimising storage capacity.
• It also provides for capacity building and skill development of FCI employees to adopt modern foodgrain management technologies.

Banking and Finance

1. RBI Approves Payment Aggregator and Bank Stake Proposals

• RNFI Services Ltd. received in-principle RBI authorisation to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Physical (PA-P).
• The authorisation will allow RNFI to provide physical/in-store payment services through its existing distribution network.
• PB Pay Private Limited, a subsidiary of PB Fintech, commenced commercial operations as a Payment Aggregator after receiving RBI authorisation.
• RBI also approved ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company acquiring up to 9.95% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of CSB Bank.

2. Niyo Gets GIFT City Licence for Cross-Border Financial Services

• Fintech platform Niyo received a Payment Service Provider (PSP) licence from IFSCA to operate from GIFT City, Gujarat.
• The licence provides Niyo with a regulated base for developing international financial services.
• Its planned services will cover areas such as overseas education, employment, global spending and cross-border money movement.
• Niyo plans to combine its digital platform with physical branches for digital and assisted financial services.

1. The Asian-Pacific Postal Union (APPU)

Source: PIB

Context Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh, a senior Indian Postal Service (IPoS) officer, was re-elected unopposed by acclamation as Secretary-General of the APPU for a second consecutive four-year term, 2027–2030.

What APPU Is

• An intergovernmental organisation of 32 member countries across the Asia-Pacific
• Functions as a Restricted Union — a regional union — under Article 8 of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Constitution
• The UPU is a specialised agency of the United Nations
• Headquartered at Bangkok, Thailand — relocated from Manila in 2002

Aim

• Extend, facilitate and improve postal relations among member states
• Coordinate cross-border logistics and regulatory standards
• Promote technical cooperation and modernisation of postal networks across the Asia-Pacific

Important Facts for Exams

• Secretary-General: Dr Vinaya Prakash Singh (India), re-elected for 2027–2030 — a second consecutive term
• 32 member countries; headquartered at Bangkok, moved from Manila in 2002
• Founded 1 April 1962 as the Asian-Oceanic Postal Union; renamed via the Asian-Pacific Postal Convention, Yogyakarta, 27 March 1981; in force 1 July 1982
• A Restricted Union under Article 8 of the UPU Constitution
• UPU — Universal Postal Union, founded 1874 by the Treaty of Bern; headquartered at Berne, Switzerland; the second-oldest international organisation
• The UPU became a UN specialised agency in 1948
• India joined the UPU in 1876
• India Post operates the world's largest postal network, with over 1.5 lakh post offices, about 90 per cent in rural areas

2. Mount Anak Krakatau

Source: The Print

Context A series of intense volcanic eruptions at Indonesia's Mount Anak Krakatau blanketed Jakarta and surrounding provinces in dense ash clouds, forcing suspension of flights at Jakarta airport.

What It Is

• An active volcanic island and stratovolcano, featuring a pyroclastic cone
• The name means "Child of Krakatoa" in Indonesian

Formation and Origin

• Emerged within the marine caldera created by the catastrophic 1883 VEI-6 eruption of Krakatoa, which destroyed two-thirds of the original island
• Submarine eruptive activity began in early 1927
• Repeated cycles of basaltic accumulation breached the ocean surface, rising permanently above sea level on 11 August 1930

Important Facts for Exams

• Anak Krakatau — "Child of Krakatoa"; in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra, Indonesia
• Emerged from the caldera of the 1883 Krakatoa eruption (VEI-6); rose above sea level on 11 August 1930
• Lies within Ujung Kulon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and last refuge of the Javan rhinoceros
• On the Pacific Ring of Fire; about 700 km north of the Sunda Trench
• Indo-Australian Plate subducts beneath the Sunda Plate — a convergent boundary
• December 2018 flank collapse caused the Sunda Strait tsunami — a volcanogenic tsunami, not seismic, which is why no earthquake warning preceded it
• VEI — Volcanic Explosivity Index, a 0–8 logarithmic scale
• Eruption types: Strombolian (mild, frequent bursts), Vulcanian (more explosive, ash-rich), Plinian (most violent)
• Stratovolcano — a steep, layered cone of lava and pyroclastic material; Somma volcano — a new cone growing inside an older caldera
• Indonesia has the most active volcanoes of any country; other notable ones: Merapi, Tambora, Semeru, Sinabung
• Mount Tambora (1815) was the largest eruption in recorded history, causing the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816

Economy

1. Cabinet Approves ₹20,804 Crore Railway Multitracking Projects

• The Union Cabinet approved eight railway multitracking projects across nine States with an estimated cost of ₹20,804 crore.
• The projects involve construction of additional railway lines and doubling of existing lines to improve capacity and connectivity.
• Major projects include Arakkonam–Renigunta, Whitefield–Bangarapet, Hosur–Omalur and Salem–Karur–Dindigul.
• The investment is expected to support freight movement, passenger transport, employment and regional economic development.

2. Karnataka Aerospace Policy 2026–2031

• The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka Aerospace Policy 2026–2031 on 9 September 2026.
• The policy covers aerospace, defence, aviation and space research and development.
• It aims to attract investment and strengthen Karnataka's position as a major aerospace and defence hub.
• The policy is expected to promote industrial development, innovation and employment in high-technology sectors.

3. GalaxEye Becomes First Indian Startup to Secure US Patent for Satellite Imaging

• Bengaluru-based GalaxEye received a US patent for its OptoSAR satellite imaging technology.
• OptoSAR combines optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors for coordinated satellite imaging.
• The technology has applications in agriculture, national security, infrastructure, insurance, maritime intelligence and disaster management.
• GalaxEye, founded in 2021, is an Indian space-tech startup.

Social Issue

1. Article 371(K) Proposed for Ladakh

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs proposed a new constitutional provision described as Chapter K under Article 371 for Ladakh.
• The proposal was discussed in a sub-committee meeting on 9 September 2026.
• The move relates to providing greater constitutional protection and safeguards for Ladakh.
• Article 371 provisions provide special arrangements for specific States; the proposed framework would address the unique administrative and socio-cultural concerns of Ladakh.

2. Stanzin Tsangyang Becomes Kargil’s First Woman Army Officer

• Stanzin Tsangyang was commissioned into the Indian Army on 5 September 2026 at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai.
• She became the first woman officer from the Zanskar region of Ladakh.
• Her commissioning represents an important development in women's participation in the armed forces.
• It also highlights increasing opportunities for women from remote and border regions to enter national services.

Misc GA

1. Sheetal Devi Wins Gold at World Archery Para Series

• Sheetal Devi, India's armless para-archer, won two medals, including a gold medal, at the World Archery Para Series in Ahmedabad.
• She won the women's individual compound gold after defeating Kazakhstan's Seidan Aizada in a shoot-off.
• Sheetal also won compound mixed team bronze with Toman Kumar.
• India finished second in the medal table with 15 medals — 4 gold, 3 silver and 8 bronze, behind Czechia.

2. 22nd India–US Yudh Abhyas 2026

• The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas, the annual India–US bilateral military exercise, began on 9 September 2026.
• The exercise is being conducted in a two-theatre format and will continue until 28 September 2026.
• It aims to improve interoperability, joint operational capability and military cooperation between the two countries.
• Yudh Abhyas is an important component of the growing India–US defence partnership.

3. INS Udaygiri Visits Colombo

• Indian Navy's indigenously built stealth frigate INS Udaygiri arrived at Colombo Port, Sri Lanka, on 8 September 2026.
• The visit is part of a three-day operational turnaround.
• It strengthens maritime cooperation and naval engagement between India and Sri Lanka.
• INS Udaygiri is an important example of India's growing indigenous naval shipbuilding capability.

4. India–Sri Lanka Sign MoUs to Upgrade L70 Guns

• India and Sri Lanka signed three defence Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in Colombo on 9 September 2026.
• The agreements focus on upgrading L70 anti-aircraft guns of the Sri Lankan military.
• The cooperation reflects India's role as a defence partner and security provider in the Indian Ocean region.
• It further strengthens India–Sri Lanka defence cooperation and military-to-military ties.

5. Munitions India–Drogo Aerospace MoU for Indigenous UAVs

• Munitions India Limited (MIL) signed an MoU with Drogo Aerospace for indigenous UAV and loitering munition development.
• Drogo Aerospace will work on UAV platforms and payload hardware, while MIL will contribute expertise in munitions and warhead technologies.
• The partnership will cover integration, safety evaluation, field trials and quality certification.
• It supports India's objective of achieving greater self-reliance in defence technology and manufacturing.

6. AASHVAST Lab Set Up by Indian Army to Detect Chinese Components in Drones

• The Indian Army established the AASHVAST Lab at DG EME headquarters in New Delhi.
• The lab is designed to detect Chinese components and assess vulnerabilities in unmanned systems such as drones.
• It uses air-gapped and read-only systems, allowing equipment to be examined without writing information onto it.
• The facility aims to improve cyber resilience, defence-platform security and operational readiness.

7. India–Japan Conduct Veer Guardian 2026 Air Exercise

• The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defence Force conducted the 2nd edition of Veer Guardian 2026 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• The exercise is being held from 9–22 September 2026.
• India is participating with Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale, while Japan is participating with F-2A fighter aircraft.
• The exercise focuses on interoperability, tactical proficiency and operational synergy between the two air forces.

8. Goa Police Receives President’s Colour

• Union Minister Amit Shah presented the President’s Colour to the Goa Police in Panaji.
• The honour recognises more than 80 years of service, courage and professionalism of the Goa Police.
• Goa Police has also introduced an AI-based call agent for the cybercrime helpline 1930.
• The AI system initially supports Konkani, Marathi and Hindi, with plans to expand to all 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule.

9. Vinai Kumar Saxena Gets Additional Charge of Jammu & Kashmir

• Vinai Kumar Saxena, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, was given additional charge of the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir.
• He will perform the functions during the absence of incumbent Manoj Sinha.
• Saxena will continue to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh while handling the additional responsibility.
• He will also administer the oath to Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, the newly appointed Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

10. DRDO Launches SHIELD Programme for Microwave Defence Testing

• DRDO launched the SHIELD programme to strengthen India's capabilities in high-power microwave and directed-energy technologies.
• The programme is being undertaken under the Technology Development Fund (TDF).
• It will test the vulnerability of electronic systems to high-power microwave attacks and encourage private-sector participation.
• The system uses Gallium Nitride-based solid-state power amplifier technology and is designed for flexible testing, including drone-mounted applications.

11. New Lichen Species Buellia maharajensis Discovered in Kerala

• Researchers discovered the new lichen species Buellia maharajensis in Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala.
• The species was found at an altitude of around 1,351 metres and belongs to the Caliciaceae family.
• It is a saxicolous lichen, meaning it grows on rocks.
• A survey of the park recorded around 250 lichen species, including several first-time records for Kerala and India.

12. India Finishes Fourth at Pickleball World Cup 2026

• India finished fourth at the Pickleball World Cup 2026 held in Da Nang, Vietnam.
• The Indian contingent won 41 medals, including 7 gold, 17 silver and 17 bronze.
• Vietnam topped the medal standings, followed by South Korea and the United States.
• India improved from seventh position in the previous edition to fourth position in 2026.

13. Tung Chee-hwa Passes Away at 89

• Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong's first post-colonial leader, passed away at the age of 89.
• He became Hong Kong's leader after the end of British rule in 1997 and served until 2005.
• He was involved in the drafting process of Hong Kong's Basic Law, its constitutional framework.
• He later served as Vice-Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

14. International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2026

• The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies was observed on 7 September 2026.
• The 2026 theme was “Clean Air for Climate Action”.
• The United Nations General Assembly designated 7 September as the observance through Resolution 74/212 in 2019.
• In India, MoEFCC observed the day as Swachh Vayu Diwas 2026.

15. International Day of Police Cooperation 2026

• The International Day of Police Cooperation is observed annually on 7 September.
• The 2026 theme was “Protecting against Vulnerability – Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing.”
• The UN General Assembly proclaimed the day through Resolution A/RES/77/241 in 2022.
• The first observance was held in 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of the establishment of INTERPOL's predecessor.

Agriculture

1. UNCCD COP17

Source: UNCCD

Context The 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UNCCD concluded in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, under the theme "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope" — focused on rangeland conservation, drought financing and community-led restoration, amid deadlock over a binding global drought treaty.

About the UNCCD

• Established following the 1992 Rio Earth Summit
• The sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management
• COP17 coincided with the UN International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, placing pastoral communities and fragile open ecosystems at the centre of the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) agenda

Important Facts for Exams

• UNCCD COP17 — Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; theme "Restoring Land, Restoring Hope"
• UNCCD — adopted Paris, 17 June 1994; one of the three Rio Conventions with the UNFCCC and CBD; the only legally binding agreement on land management; 197 Parties
• LDN corresponds to SDG target 15.3
• UNCCD's finance arm: the Global Mechanism; India hosted COP14 at New Delhi in 2019
• 40 per cent of global land degraded; Mongolia 77 per cent
• Drought becomes a standalone agenda item from COP18
• DRI — Drought Resilience Index; DRIF — Drought Resilience Investment Facility, co-launched with Luxembourg
• About 30 per cent of India's land is degraded (SAC-ISRO Atlas)
• Orans — sacred groves of Rajasthan, community-conserved
• 2026 is the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists

2. 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2026

Source: PIB

Context Union Minister Annapurna Devi, Ministry of Women and Child Development, launched the 9th Rashtriya Poshan Maah — a month-long nationwide campaign on nutrition awareness, community participation and grassroots delivery — at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Details

• Observed from 9 September to 8 October 2026
• Central theme: "Hamari Anganwadi Hamari Jimmedari" — calling on every citizen to take shared ownership of Anganwadi centres

Focus Areas

• Dietary diversity and adequate protein
• Fresh hot cooked meals
• Community ownership and accountability
• Nutrition with early childhood development

3. Proposed Article 371(K) for Ladakh

Source: Indian Express

Context The Ministry of Home Affairs proposed inserting a new constitutional provision — Article 371(K), as Chapter K under Part XXI — to establish a directly elected governing body with legislative powers for the Union Territory of Ladakh.

What It Is

• A proposed amendment under Part XXI — Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions
• Creating a sui generis (unique) governance model for Ladakh
• Providing a directly elected UT-level governing body with legislative authority over specified subjects

Background

• Under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019, Ladakh was carved out as a Union Territory without a legislative assembly
• Governance became led largely by bureaucrats and the Lieutenant Governor rather than elected representatives
• The existing Autonomous Hill Development Councils — LAHDC Leh and LAHDC Kargil — were sidelined
• The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) joined forces, demanding full statehood, Sixth Schedule protection, dedicated public service commissions and parliamentary representation

Aim

• Restore democratic governance in Ladakh
• Protect tribal rights, land and ecology
• Address political alienation — without granting statehood or Sixth Schedule status

4. NIT Rourkela, ISRO-NRSC and Tea Board Sign MoU for CHAYANKAN

• Project CHAYANKAN stands for Comprehensive AI-based Geospatial Data Analytics for Tea Plantation Monitoring.
• It will use satellite imagery, UAV hyperspectral data, ground observations and Artificial Intelligence.
• The project will help in tea plantation mapping, yield estimation, crop-health assessment and pest and disease forecasting.
• It will run from April 2026 to March 2029, with NIT Rourkela, ISRO-NRSC and Tea Board of India as key partners.

5. Bihar Partners with UAE’s AIM Global Foundation to Set Up Food Processing Park

• Bihar signed an MoU with UAE-based AIM Global Foundation to establish a dedicated food processing park.
• The objective is to attract investment from the UAE and Gulf region into Bihar's agro-food sector.
• The project will promote value addition, food processing, exports and employment.
• It can also connect farmers and local processors with international food supply chains.

Schemes

1. CCEA Approves Eight Railway Multitracking Projects Worth ₹20,804 Crore

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved eight railway multitracking projects costing ₹20,804 crore.
• The projects cover 31 districts across nine states.
• Five projects worth ₹10,021 crore will cover Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana.
• Three projects worth ₹10,783 crore will cover West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, adding about 656 km to the railway network.

Reports & Articles

1. MoSPI Launches QPR Portal for Data Harmonisation

• The Quarterly Progress Report (QPR) Portal on Data Harmonisation was launched by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• It aims to improve the identification, standardisation and quality of administrative datasets across Central Ministries and Departments.
• The portal supports automated validation, dashboards and cross-verification with the National Metadata Structures portal.
• It is designed to strengthen India's National Data System and evidence-based policymaking.

PIB

1. Ministry of Coal Launches CSR Framework for Indian Coal Companies

• The Ministry of Coal, with Coal India Limited, launched the first sector-specific CSR Framework for Indian coal companies.
• The framework aims to make CSR activities transparent, measurable and outcome-oriented.
• It was developed by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• It focuses on ensuring better benefits for communities located in coal-mining regions.

Banking and Finance

1. SEBI Launches Demat 2.0

Source: IE

Context SEBI launched Demat 2.0, a pilot project for tokenisation of corporate bonds using distributed ledger technology (DLT) — jointly launched by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra and SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey at the Global Fintech Fest.

What is Demat 2.0?

• Demat = keeping your shares and securities in digital form instead of paper form.
• Demat 1.0 = Paper shares → Digital shares
• Demat 2.0 = Digital bonds → Tokenised bonds + Digital money settlement
• India introduced Demat 1.0 in 1996, which converted physical securities into electronic form.

How It Works

• Corporate bonds are created as digital tokens on a distributed ledger
• A shared electronic record maintained by market infrastructure institutions using DLT
• The ledger is owned by the depositories

2. NIPL and FOMO Pay Partner to Enable UPI QR Payments in Singapore

• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partnered with Singapore-based FOMO Pay to enable UPI QR acceptance for merchants in Singapore.
• Indian tourists can pay in Indian Rupees through UPI applications.
• Singapore merchants will receive settlement in Singapore Dollars, supporting seamless cross-border payments.
• Resorts World Sentosa is among the first merchant partners under the initiative.

Banking and Finance

1. NIPL and FOMO Pay Partner to Enable UPI QR Payments in Singapore

• NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partnered with Singapore-based FOMO Pay to enable UPI QR acceptance for merchants in Singapore.
• Indian tourists can pay in Indian Rupees through UPI applications.
• Singapore merchants will receive settlement in Singapore Dollars, supporting seamless cross-border payments.
• Resorts World Sentosa is among the first merchant partners under the initiative.

Economy

1. Karnataka Leads Semiconductor Support under ChipIN Centre

• Karnataka emerged as the leading state under the ChipIN Centre initiative with 81 organisations and 73 chip tape-outs.
• It also recorded about 88 lakh hours of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tool usage.
• Tamil Nadu followed with 79 organisations and 33 tape-outs, while Telangana recorded 42 organisations and 28 tape-outs.
• The ChipIN Centre, launched by MeitY in 2023 at C-DAC, supports semiconductor design through infrastructure, tools and technical expertise.

2. MC²⁺ Foundation, IIT Bombay and SINE Sign MoU for Energy Startups

• MC²⁺ Foundation, IIT Bombay and SINE signed an MoU to support deep-tech energy startups.
• ONGC announced a ₹2,000 crore Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) for deep-tech energy startups.
• Selected startups can receive up to ₹2 crore each through convertible and milestone-based funding.
• Focus areas include AI-driven subsurface intelligence, drilling, hydrogen, mobility, bioenergy, refinery technology and digital asset management.

3. JSW Group and Volkswagen Group Sign MoU for Passenger Vehicles

• JSW Group and Volkswagen Group proposed a 51:49 joint venture for Volkswagen's passenger vehicle operations in India.
• The partnership aims to increase localisation, manufacturing, product expansion and R&D.
• It will focus on electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles.
• The proposed venture may use Volkswagen's manufacturing facilities in Maharashtra, with combined capacity of around 4 lakh vehicles annually.

4. Qualcomm and Amazon Partner for Custom AI Chips

• Qualcomm Technologies and Amazon will jointly develop customised AI chips for AWS data centres.
• The partnership focuses on AI inference and high-speed optical connectivity.
• Qualcomm's technology can support data transfer speeds of up to 1.6 terabits per second (Tbps).
• The initiative aims to build more scalable and cost-efficient infrastructure for AI workloads.

5. Samtel Avionics and Japan's BULL Sign MoU on Space Debris

• Samtel Avionics and Japan-based BULL Co. Ltd signed an MoU on space debris mitigation.
• The cooperation aims to promote sustainable and safer orbital operations.
• BULL's Passive Post-Mission Disposal (PMD) technology will be explored with Samtel's Active Space Debris Removal Vehicle (DRV) technology.
• The partnership covers technology integration, development, manufacturing and possible commercialisation.

Social Issue

1. US-India TRUST Fellowship 2026-27

• Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) was selected as one of three Indian host institutions for the US-India TRUST Fellowship 2026-27.
• The other institutions are IIT Madras and IISc Bengaluru.
• The 12-month programme focuses on AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, biotechnology, energy, defence and space technologies.
• Fellows receive financial and logistical support, including a USD 1,650 monthly stipend, housing, insurance and travel support.

2. International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2026

• The UN observes this day on 9 September to protect students, teachers and educational institutions in conflict zones.
• The 2026 theme is “Can Education Survive Attack? The Resilience of Human Communities.”
• The day was established through UNGA Resolution A/RES/74/275 in 2020.
• UNESCO and UNICEF facilitate the annual observance.

3. International Literacy Day 2026

• International Literacy Day is observed every year on 8 September.
• The year 2026 marks 60 years since UNESCO proclaimed the day in 1966.
• The 2026 theme is “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
• The day highlights literacy as a tool for individual empowerment and social development.

Misc GA

1. The Kalinga Ratna Award 2026

• Former Chief Justice of India Justice Dipak Misra received the Kalinga Ratna Award 2026.
• The award was presented by Sarala Sahitya Sansad in Cuttack, Odisha.
• It recognises eminent individuals from Odisha for outstanding contributions at the national or international level.
• The award is associated with the promotion of Odia heritage, literature and social service.

2. NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana Receives Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Puraskar 2026

• Kishor Makwana, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, received the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Jan Seva Puraskar 2026.
• The award recognised contributions towards social justice and public service.
• The award was presented during the 16th Sansad Ratna Awards 2026 in New Delhi.
• The NCSC is a constitutional body established under Article 338 of the Constitution.

3. Akasa Air Operates First Commercial Flight with 1% SAF Blend

• Akasa Air operated its first commercial flight using ATF blended with 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• The SAF was supplied by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
• The flight operated from Mumbai to Goa.
• The initiative supports India's target of achieving 5% SAF blending by 2030.

Schemes

1. DILRMP 3.0 Launched

Source: TOI

Context Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministry of Rural Development, launched the Operational Guidelines for DILRMP 3.0 — a Central Sector Scheme with an outlay of ₹565.50 crore for 2026–2031 — at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi.

The Core Objective

• Build an integrated GIS-based digital land records ecosystem
• Expected to improve citizen access to land-related services across the country

The Four Key Components

Bhu-Aadhaar (ULPIN)

• Unique Land Parcel Identification Number
• A 14-digit unique identifier for every land parcel in the country

Registration Seva Kendras (RSKs)

• Upgradation of 75 high-footfall Sub-Registrar Offices
• Modelled on Passport Seva Kendras

Revenue Court Case Management System (RCCMS)

• Modernisation, by linking it directly with land records

NAKSHA

• National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations
• Acceleration of the pilot to create accurate GIS-based urban land records
• And issue Urban Property Cards (UrPro Cards)

2. NSO Releases First-Ever District-Level Estimates of the Unincorporated Non-Agricultural Sector

Source: PIB

Context of the News

In September 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the report “Unincorporated Sector at the District Level: Insights from ASUSE 2025.” This is the first time India has received estimates of the unincorporated non-agricultural sector at the district level, giving a much more detailed picture of enterprises, workers and economic activity across different districts.

Key Highlights

Based on ASUSE 2025

The report uses data from the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2025.

• Survey period: January–December 2025
• It covers unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises operating across India.
• The district-level estimates provide more granular data than state-level estimates.

Earlier, we could understand the unincorporated sector mainly at the state level. Now, we can see which districts are contributing the most.

What is the Unincorporated Sector?

Unincorporated enterprises are businesses that are not registered as companies under the Companies Act.

Examples include:

• Small shops
• Street vendors
• Small manufacturing units
• Repair businesses
• Small restaurants
• Household enterprises
• Other small service and trading businesses

These enterprises are important because they provide large-scale employment and contribute significantly to India's economy.

Top District by State

• Telangana — Rangareddy, 23.53 per cent
• Gujarat — Surat, 19.43 per cent
• West Bengal — North 24 Parganas, 15.99 per cent
• Punjab — Ludhiana, 14.74 per cent
• Karnataka — Bengaluru (Urban), 12.83 per cent
• Kerala — Thiruvananthapuram, 12.38 per cent
• Rajasthan — Jaipur, 11.70 per cent
• Maharashtra — Pune, 9.14 per cent
• Bihar — Patna, 8.23 per cent
• Tamil Nadu — Chennai, 7.13 per cent
• Uttar Pradesh — Prayagraj, 5.77 per cent

Key Terms

• NSO: National Statistical Office, the main statistical agency under MoSPI.
• ASUSE: Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises.
• Unincorporated Enterprise: A business that is not incorporated as a company under the Companies Act.
• GVA: Gross Value Added; the value added by producers to goods and services after accounting for the cost of inputs.
• Granular Data: Detailed information available at a smaller geographical level, such as the district level.
• Non-Agricultural Sector: Economic activities other than crop cultivation, animal husbandry, forestry and fishing.

3. SKUAST-K Develops Aromatic Rice Variety for Kashmir

Source: BusinessLine

Context Scientists at the Mountain Research Centre for Field Crops (MRCFC), Khudwani, under SKUAST-Kashmir, developed a fine grain aromatic rice variety for the Kashmir Valley — giving farmers an option to diversify into a higher-value paddy crop.

The Variety

• Named Shalimar Sugandh (Kashur Basmat)
• Development began in 2021; certified seed distributed to farmers in 2024
• Developed by Dr Najeeb-ul-Rehman Sofi, Professor and Associate Director, MRCFC

Important Facts for Exams

• Variety: Shalimar Sugandh (Kashur Basmat), by MRCFC Khudwani under SKUAST-Kashmir
• Basmati GI covers Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, 30 districts of western UP, and Jammu, Kathua and Samba in J&K
• J&K Basmati area: 46.13 thousand hectares
• SKUAST — Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology; separate universities at Srinagar (Kashmir) and Jammu
• Basmati GI was registered in 2016, held by APEDA; it is a registered GI, and Pakistan has contested India's claim in the EU
• APEDA — Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, which regulates Basmati exports
• Basmati is India's largest agricultural export by value among cereals
• A GI tag identifies goods originating from a defined territory with qualities attributable to that origin, under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
• Other J&K GIs: Kashmir Saffron, Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Kashmir Papier Mâché, Basohli Painting

4. Ladakh Glacial Water Initiative

• In Chuchot and nearby villages of Ladakh, glacial meltwater was flowing unused into the Indus River, while agricultural fields faced water shortages.
• Officials identified a Stok village nallah, fed by the Stok Kangri Glacier, carrying nearly 90 million litres of water daily.
• Instead of constructing expensive new infrastructure, the water was connected to existing irrigation canals through basic earthwork.
• The initiative now provides irrigation to more than 1,000 acres across 12 villages, demonstrating community-led water management.

5. NIT Rourkela, ISRO-NRSC and Tea Board's CHAYANKAN Project

• Project CHAYANKAN will use Artificial Intelligence and geospatial technology for tea plantation monitoring.
• It combines satellite imagery, UAV-based hyperspectral data and ground observations.
• The system will help in plantation mapping, yield estimation, crop-health assessment and pest and disease forecasting.
• The three-year project will run from April 2026 to March 2029

Schemes

1. Uttarakhand Service Sankalp Campaign

• Uttarakhand will conduct the Service Sankalp campaign from 17 September to 17 October 2026.
• It is a month-long state-level campaign announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
• The campaign focuses on improving public service delivery and government outreach.
• It is relevant from the perspective of state-level governance and citizen-centric administration.

2. Amended BharatNet Programme in Jharkhand

• The Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) signed an agreement with Jharkhand to implement the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP) under the state-led model.
• The Government of India has approved ₹1,684 crore for the programme.
• It will cover 4,395 Gram Panchayats and provide demand-based connectivity to around 26,777 villages.
• Better connectivity will support e-governance, online education, telemedicine and digital payments in rural areas.

Reports & Articles

1. 79th WHO Regional Committee Session for South-East Asia

• The 79th WHO Regional Committee Session was held from 7–10 September 2026 in Dili, Timor-Leste.
• The meeting adopted the Dili Declaration on Human Resources for Health: Equity in Specialized Care.
• Key areas included medical devices, health-facility resilience, patient and blood safety, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis.
• WHO also recognised India's sustained elimination of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNTE) and its progress in screening and treating hypertension and diabetes.

PIB

1. Each One Teach One Initiative

• Assam teacher Rajesh Bordoloi received the National Teachers Award 2026 for this innovative initiative.
• Under the programme, Class 10 students teach their mothers basic literacy and digital skills at home.
• Mothers learn reading, writing, smartphone use, UPI payments, online banking and other digital services.
• The initiative demonstrates how students can become community educators and reduce digital and literacy gaps.

2. ITRA–Heartfulness Institute MoU for Holistic Healthcare

• The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) signed a five-year MoU with the Heartfulness Institute.
• The partnership promotes preventive and holistic healthcare by combining Ayurveda, yoga, meditation and ecological practices.
• Areas include joint research, student and faculty exchange, academic programmes, capacity building and innovation.
• ITRA is an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of AYUSH.

Banking and Finance

1. RBI Grants Payment Aggregator Licence to Pluxee India

• The RBI authorised Pluxee India as a Payment Aggregator for online and physical (PA-O and PA-P) transactions.
• The licence allows Pluxee to onboard merchants, collect payments, settle funds and manage refunds.
• It can support payment methods such as cards, QR codes, NFC-based payments and online transactions.
• Pluxee already holds a Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) licence, issued in 2009.

2. Axis Bank's Sparsh Week 2026

• Axis Bank conducted the 4th edition of Sparsh Week from 7–11 September 2026.
• The 2026 theme was “Act with Speed.”
• The initiative aims to conduct more than 2.5 lakh customer interactions across India.
• It focuses on customer feedback, digital innovation, MSME/NRI engagement and faster banking services.

1. The 18th BRICS Summit

Source: TH

Context India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on 12–13 September 2026 — its fourth Chairship of the grouping.

Summit Details

• Host and venue: India, New Delhi
• Theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability"
• Culminates over 350 meetings across 25 cities

Membership

11 Full Members

• Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa
• Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE (joined 2024)
• Indonesia (joined January 2025)

10 Partner Countries

• Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Vietnam

Key Functions of BRICS

• Reforming global financial architecture — quota and governance reform in the IMF, World Bank and WTO
• Alternative development finance — through the NDB and CRA, without Western conditionalities
• De-dollarisation — intra-bloc settlement in local currencies and interoperable cross-border payment platforms
• Security and counter-terrorism — under the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Action Plan and FATF standards
• South-South cooperation — agriculture, food security, satellite data sharing, traditional medicine, climate adaptation and SME digital ecosystems

Economy

1. India–Russia Trade Target of $100 Billion by 2030

• India and Russia have set a target of $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
• Current bilateral trade is around $60 billion.
• The target reflects efforts to further strengthen India–Russia economic and commercial relations.
• It is important in the context of international trade and India's external economic relations.

2. Southern Railway Achieves 100% Broad-Gauge Electrification

• Southern Railway has achieved 100% electrification of its Broad Gauge network.
• The electrified network covers 5,068 route kilometres.
• The final 71-km Pattukkottai–Karaikkudi section completed the milestone.
• Railway electrification can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and support cleaner and more efficient rail transport.

3. Odisha Signs MoUs for ₹2.1 Lakh Crore Investment

• Odisha signed agreements with International Holding Company (IHC) and the Adani Group for 14 proposed projects.
• The indicative investment is around ₹2.1 lakh crore.
• Major proposals include an AI data-centre hub, coal-to-chemicals complex, mineral processing, renewable energy and agro-processing.
• The projects also cover healthcare, ports, critical minerals, petrochemicals and skill development.

Social Issue

1. India–US TRUST Initiative for Undersea Cable Networks

• India and the United States are expanding cooperation on undersea cable networks under the US–India TRUST Initiative.
• The cooperation focuses on strengthening subsea communication infrastructure.
• Undersea cables are critical for international internet connectivity and secure digital communications.
• The initiative is part of wider India–US cooperation in strategic and emerging technologies.

2. International Literacy Day 2026

• International Literacy Day is observed every year on 8 September.
• 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of UNESCO's proclamation of the day in 1966.
• The 2026 theme is “Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”
• The day highlights literacy as an important tool for individual empowerment and social development.

3. International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2026

• The day is observed on 9 September to highlight the need to protect students, teachers and educational institutions during conflicts.
• The 2026 theme is “Can Education Survive Attack? The Resilience of Human Communities.”
• It was established by the UN through Resolution A/RES/74/275 in 2020.
• UNESCO and UNICEF facilitate the annual observance.

Misc GA

1. IIT Madras–C-DOT Samgnya and QClairvoyance Quantum MoU

• QClairvoyance Quantum Labs signed an MoU with IITM-C-DOT Samgnya Technologies Foundation.
• The partnership focuses on quantum computing and quantum algorithms.
• It aims to promote cooperation in quantum technology and related advanced applications.
• The development is relevant to India's emerging quantum technology ecosystem.

2. India Photonics Association Launched

• The India Photonics Association (IPA) was launched as an independent industry body for India's photonics sector.
• It aims to connect industry, researchers and policymakers.
• Photonics involves the generation, manipulation and detection of light and has applications in telecommunications, defence, healthcare, satellites and semiconductors.
• India's photonics market was estimated at $78.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $155 billion by 2034.

3. NIELIT–Saylor University Collaboration

• NIELIT partnered with US-based Saylor University to integrate Saylor's digital learning resources into the NIELIT Digital University (NDU) platform.
• Learners will gain access to self-paced global courses through the digital platform.
• NIELIT also signed MoUs with eight organisations from industry, academia and associations.
• The partnerships aim to strengthen skilling, certification, internships, faculty development and digital learning.

4. India–US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026

• The 22nd edition of Yudh Abhyas began on 9 September 2026 in Bikaner, Rajasthan and Auli, Uttarakhand.
• It is a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and US Army.
• The exercise focuses on interoperability, operational readiness and emerging battlefield technologies.
• It includes a Command Post Exercise, Field Training Exercise and live-fire demonstration.

5. ISRO Conducts 220 kN CE20 Cryogenic Engine Hot Test

• ISRO successfully conducted a flight acceptance hot test of the indigenous CE20 cryogenic engine at 220 kN thrust.
• The CE20 uses Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) as propellants.
• It powers the upper stage of India's LVM3 heavy-lift launch vehicle.
• The test also demonstrated the LOX Tank Pressurisation Module, relevant to the Gaganyaan programme.

6. World EV Day 2026

• World EV Day is observed annually on 9 September to promote electric mobility and cleaner transport.
• The 2026 theme is “Switching Electric: driving down the cost of motoring.”
• The initiative was founded in 2020 by Ade Thomas of Green.TV.
• It highlights the transition towards electric vehicles and sustainable transportation.

7. Himalaya Diwas 2026

• Himalaya Diwas is observed every year on 9 September to promote awareness about the Himalayan ecosystem.
• The 2026 observance marked the 17th edition.
• It was first observed in Uttarakhand in 2010.
• The day focuses on protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and promoting sustainable development in the Himalayan region.

8. Solomon Pappaiah Passes Away

• Veteran Tamil scholar and orator Solomon Pappaiah died at the age of 90.
• He was widely known for moderating Pattimandrams, or Tamil debate programmes.
• He received the Padma Shri in 2021 in the field of Literature and Education.
• He also received the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu Government in 2000.

Agriculture

1. Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Bovine Breeding

Context India's dairy sector is increasingly using Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) to raise milk productivity and conserve indigenous bovine genetics — speeding up genetic improvement beyond what conventional breeding allows.

The ART Methods

• Artificial Insemination (AI) — Artificial Insemination is the process of introducing semen from a selected superior bull into the female reproductive tract without natural mating.
• Oestrus Synchronisation — Oestrus synchronisation means using hormones to make a group of females come into heat at approximately the same time.
• MOET — MOET is used to obtain several embryos from a genetically superior female.
• IVF — In Vitro Fertilisation; fertilisation outside the body under laboratory conditions
• OPU — Ovum Pick-Up; collects oocytes from live donor females without surgery
• Sexed semen — influences the sex ratio of calves, improving breeding efficiency
• Cloning — Cloning produces an animal that is genetically almost identical to another animal. The most well-known method is Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT).

India's Cloning Milestones

• 2009 — the world's first buffalo calf cloned using the Hand-guided Cloning Technique, at ICAR-NDRI, Karnal
• 2025 — India's first cloned cattle, a Gir female calf named GANGA, produced at ICAR-NDRI using OPU for oocyte collection and SCNT for embryo reconstruction
• Scientists have also generated cloned Badri embryos, and are exploring cloning of elite high-producing Badri cows

Indigenous Breeds

• India has over 50 officially recognised indigenous cattle breeds
• Valued for adaptability to local climates, disease resistance and suitability for low-input farming
• Many produce A2 beta-casein milk
• Important dairy breeds: Gir, Sahiwal, Tharparkar, Rathi, Red Sindhi, Kankrej, Hariana, Deoni, Ongole
• Badri cattle — indigenous to Uttarakhand and recognised as the state animal; important for Himalayan bovine diversity and mountain agriculture

Government Schemes

• Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) — launched December 2014, for development and conservation of indigenous breeds, genetic upgradation and milk productivity. Interventions include the Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme, sex-sorted semen and IVF technology
• RGM outlay: realigned for 2021-22 to 2025-26 with ₹2,400 crore, enhanced by ₹1,000 crore in March 2025, taking the total to ₹3,400 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle
• NPBBDD — National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development, launched February 2014, merging earlier schemes
• NLM — National Livestock Mission, since 2014-15, revised 2021-22; supports entrepreneurship, breed improvement and feed and fodder security

2. ICAR-IVRI Produces Sahiwal Calves Through OPU-IVF-ET

Source: ICAR

Context ICAR–Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar, Bareilly successfully produced indigenous Sahiwal cattle calves using ultrasound-guided ovum pick-up, in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer (OPU–IVF–ET) — the first success of its kind at the institute.

The Programme

• Began in 2022–23, to strengthen the genetic potential of India's prized dairy breeds
• Aim: standardise OPU–IVF–ET protocols under both farm and field conditions
• Target breeds: Sahiwal cattle, Tharparkar cattle and Murrah buffalo

OPU–IVF–ET

OPU–IVF–ET is an advanced Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) used to rapidly multiply the genetics of superior cattle and buffaloes.

• OPU (Ovum Pick-Up): Eggs are collected from the ovaries of an elite female.
• IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Eggs are fertilised with selected bull semen in the laboratory.
• ET (Embryo Transfer): Developed embryos are transferred into synchronised recipient females.

Simple flow:
Elite female → OPU → IVF → Embryo → ET → Calf

Key benefit: Produces more offspring from genetically superior females in a shorter time.

3. Moth Bean

Source: PIB

Context Four newly developed moth bean varieties — CAZRI Moth-4, 5, 6 and 7 — by ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) demonstrated remarkable field resilience during an El Niño year in Kharif 2026, surviving a 35-day dry spell.

What Moth Bean Is

• Vigna aconitifolia — also called mat bean, Turkish gram or dew bean
• An extremely drought-hardy, herbaceous, short-day annual legume of the family Fabaceae
• Among the most resilient pulse crops of hot arid and semi-arid zones of South Asia

Habitat and Growing Conditions

• Native to South Asia; grown in hot, rainfed, marginal desert tracts
• Most extensively in the Thar Desert region of western Rajasthan, and parts of Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab
• Thrives in low and erratic rainfall, poor sandy soils with low organic carbon and fertility, and temperatures exceeding 40°C

Important Facts for Exams

• Vigna aconitifolia — moth bean, mat bean, Turkish gram, dew bean; family Fabaceae
• A short-day annual legume; among the most drought-tolerant pulses
• Grown mainly in the Thar Desert, western Rajasthan; also Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab
• Cultivated on nearly 10 lakh hectares; yield about 350 kg per hectare
• Regional rainfall 150–250 mm; normal dry spells of 20–30 days
• Varieties: CAZRI Moth-4, 5, 6 and 7, developed by ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur
• Survived a 35-day dry spell (3 August – 7 September 2026) in Kharif 2026
• Developmental plasticity — flowering at about 30 days; adjusts maturity to moisture
• "Pala" — the dry fodder from moth bean, valued for desert livestock
• Rhizobium symbiosis fixes atmospheric nitrogen in root nodules
• Other Vigna pulses: moong (Vigna radiata), urad (Vigna mungo), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
• ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur — the nodal institute for arid zone research
• India is the world's largest producer and consumer of pulses, and also the largest importer

4. Schizopygopsis waddellii Recorded in India

Source: News on Air

Context Scientists from ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (CIFRI-Coldwater), with the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Fisheries, recorded the rare Tibetan fish Schizopygopsis waddellii in India for the first time.

What It Is

• A cold-adapted freshwater fish of the Cyprinidae family — specifically the snowtrout / schizothoracine group
• Confirmed as a new Indian record through an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphological examination with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis

Habitat and Distribution

• Native to high-altitude cold-water ecosystems of the Tibetan and Chinese plateaus
• Type locality: Yamdok Lake, Tibet
• In India, found in Pangkang Teng Tso Lake, at 12,800 feet, in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh
• Extends its known range into the Eastern Himalaya

Banking and Finance

1. The Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026

Source: Business Standard

Context The Central Government notified that the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 — which received Presidential assent on 13 August 2026 — will come into force from 1 October 2026.

What It Is

• A statutory framework governing the admissibility, certification and legal validity of bank records and accounts as prima facie evidence in court
• Without requiring production of original physical registers
• It replaces a 135-year-old law — the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891

Aim

• Establish a technology-neutral regime for digital, virtual and cloud-based financial data
• Streamline dispute resolution
• Enhance Ease of Doing Business

Five Key Features

• Technology-neutral recognition — covers physical ledgers, electronic media, digital entries, virtual environments and cloud storage systems
• Simplified certification — accepts verification through manual, digital or electronic signatures
• Integrity conditions for admissibility — digital copies must be true representations or extractions, show no unauthorised data alterations, and show no system tampering affecting data integrity
• Statutory definition of "special cause" — bank officials cannot be routinely summoned, nor original books compelled, where the bank is not a party, unless the court records a special cause in writing
• Scope expansion — retains coverage of commercial banks and Post Office Savings Banks, while empowering the Central Government to extend the Act to NBFCs, fintechs and other financial institutions by notification

2. SEBI Proposes Changes to Closing Auction Session Framework

Source: The Hindu

Context SEBI issued a consultation paper proposing changes to derivatives settlement methodology, market timings and operational aspects of the Closing Auction Session (CAS) — weeks after the new closing price mechanism took effect. Seven proposals, with comments invited by 3 October 2026.

Key Proposals

1. Expiry-Day Settlement Price
   • Option 1: Use a blended VWAP from the last 30 minutes of continuous trading + 10-minute CAS.
   • Option 2: Continue using CTS VWAP based only on the last 30 minutes before CAS.
   • SEBI suggests retaining CTS VWAP for at least one year before considering a change.
2. Stop Indicative Index Value (IIV)
   • Security-level IEPs will continue, but the indicative index value during CAS may be discontinued.
   • Reason: IIV is based on unexecuted indicative prices, not actual trades.
3. Market Timings
   • Option A: CAS from 3:31–3:40 pm, derivatives until 3:45 pm.
   • Option B: CAS stocks trade until 3:15 pm, CAS from 3:15–3:25 pm, derivatives end at 3:30 pm.
4. Shorter Transition
   • Gap between continuous trading and CAS may be reduced from 5 minutes to about 1 minute.
5. Shorter Derivatives Window
   • Post-CAS derivatives trading may be reduced from 10 minutes to 5 minutes.
6. Order Cancellation Restriction
   • Orders within ±1% of the reference price can be cancelled.
   • Orders beyond 1% and up to 3% cannot be cancelled, but can be modified to improve their price.
7. Iceberg Orders
   • Unexecuted iceberg orders can move into CAS.
   • Their remaining quantity will become a normal limit order and the full quantity will be visible in the CAS order book.

Key Terms

• CAS: Closing Auction Session used to discover the closing price through an auction.
• IEP: Indicative Equilibrium Price; the price at which maximum executable quantity can potentially be matched during an auction.
• VWAP: Volume Weighted Average Price, where prices are weighted according to trading volume.
• CTS VWAP: Closing Trading Session VWAP based on trades during the specified pre-CAS period.
• IIV: Indicative Index Value calculated during CAS using indicative prices of index constituents.
• Iceberg Order: An order where only part of the total quantity is normally visible to the market.
• Price Discovery: The process through which buying and selling interests determine a market price.

1. 18th BRICS Summit 2026

• The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, India, on 12–13 September 2026, under India’s chairship.
• India’s theme for the year was: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”
• The theme reflects India’s focus on development, sustainability, innovation and the interests of the Global South.

What is BRICS?

BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that cooperate on issues such as:

• Economy and trade
• Finance
• Energy
• Food security
• Climate change
• Technology
• Health
• Global governance

The original grouping was BRIC — Brazil, Russia, India and China.
South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.

The grouping has now expanded significantly.

BRICS Members in 2026

There are 11 full members:

According to the Government of India, these 11 countries together account for about 49.5% of the world's population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.

2026 BRICS Summit — Key Highlights

• New Delhi Declaration: Focused on political-security, economic-financial, and cultural cooperation and a fairer global order.
• Global Governance Reform: BRICS called for greater representation of emerging economies in the UN, IMF and World Bank.
• Local Currencies & Payments: Members discussed easier cross-border payments, greater use of local currencies and CBDC cooperation.
• Artificial Intelligence: China proposed a BRICS AI Open Source Zone to promote AI cooperation.
• Food & Energy Security: Cooperation discussed on food, energy, critical minerals, supply chains and climate change.
• Health: India announced an early warning system for infectious diseases.
• Global Conflicts: BRICS discussed West Asia, Iran, Ukraine and Sudan, stressing dialogue and diplomacy.

Why is BRICS Important for India?

• Global South Cooperation: Helps India work with developing and emerging economies on common issues.
• UN Reforms: Supports India's demand for a more representative global governance system.
• Payment Diversification: Encourages local currencies and alternative payment systems, reducing dependence on a single system.
• Economic Cooperation: Promotes trade, investment, infrastructure and technology.
• Diplomatic Influence: Gives India a platform to engage with major countries such as China, Russia, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.

India as BRICS Chair in 2026

• Fourth BRICS Chairship for India.
• Previous chairships: 2012, 2016 and 2021.
• 2026 marks 20 years of BRICS since its establishment.

2. China Southern Airlines Resumes Guangzhou–Delhi Flights

• China Southern Airlines will resume regular passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from 21 September 2026.
• It marks the return of the airline's India operations after a suspension.
• The resumption is significant for India–China connectivity, tourism and business travel.
• Guangzhou is a major commercial and industrial centre in southern China.

3. Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Rail Project Completes 41st Tunnel Breakthrough

• The project achieved its 41st tunnel breakthrough on 11 September 2026 with the completion of Escape Tunnel-1.
• The railway line is 125 km long and is being developed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).
• The project will improve rail connectivity in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
• Tunnel construction is a major component because of the difficult mountainous terrain.

Misc GA

1. Colombo Security Conclave Table Top Exercise

• The three-day Table Top Exercise of the Colombo Security Conclave concluded on 12 September 2026 at the Eastern Naval Command, Visakhapatnam.
• The exercise was conducted from 9–12 September 2026.
• It focuses on improving coordination and information-sharing among member countries on maritime security issues.
• Visakhapatnam hosted the exercise as part of India's role in strengthening regional maritime cooperation.

2. INS Sudarshini Port Call in Italy

• INS Sudarshini, an Indian Navy sailing training ship, completed a successful port call at Livorno, Italy.
• The visit strengthens India–Italy maritime relations and naval cooperation.
• Such port calls also support training, cultural exchange and maritime diplomacy.
• The ship subsequently departed from Livorno.

3. BRICS BioDesign Programme

• The BRICS BioDesign Programme was launched to promote cross-border healthcare innovation and medical technology.
• The Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) is spearheading the initiative.
• It aims to connect researchers, healthcare professionals and academic institutions across BRICS countries.
• The programme seeks to move healthcare ideas from research and design to deployable and affordable medical solutions.

Agriculture

1. Grow Indigo Pays Farmers for Agricultural Carbon Credits

Source: Business Standard

Context

Agri-tech startup Grow Indigo has paid around 2,500 farmers ₹3,000–₹15,000 each for more than 57,000 agricultural carbon credits. The company made the payment from its own funds, even though the carbon credits have not yet been completely sold to buyers.

Key Highlights

Direct-Seeded Rice

• Many carbon credits were generated through Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) instead of traditional rice transplantation.
• DSR: Rice seeds are directly sown in the field, avoiding the need to first grow seedlings in a nursery and then transplant them.

DSR Can Reduce Methane Emissions

A study by CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) and Savannah Seeds found that direct-seeded rice using SAVA-134 FullPage:

• Reduced methane emissions by nearly 90%.
• Improved water productivity.
• Improved soil health.
• Increased potential for carbon-credit generation.

Key Terms

• Carbon Credit: A tradable certificate representing the reduction or removal of a specified amount of greenhouse-gas emissions, generally 1 tonne of CO₂-equivalent.
• Agricultural Carbon Credit: Carbon credits generated through farming practices that reduce emissions or increase carbon storage.
• Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR): A method in which rice seeds are directly sown in the field instead of transplanting seedlings.
• Methane (CH₄): A powerful greenhouse gas produced in large quantities in flooded rice fields.
• Carbon Market: A market where carbon credits are generated, bought and sold.
• Water Productivity: The amount of agricultural output produced per unit of water used.

2. Grass Mache Technique

Source: New Indian Express

Context A Srinagar artisan developed the Grass Mache technique, converting aquatic weeds and grasses removed from Dal Lake into decorative and utility products.

What It Is

• An innovative craft technique using discarded aquatic weeds and grasses from Dal Lake as raw material
• Adapts techniques from Kashmir's centuries-old papier-mâché tradition
• Creating sustainable products from biological waste

How It Works

• Dried weeds are processed into a fine fibrous pulp
• Mixed with suitable materials
• Moulded into shapes and dried
• Producing a natural, stone-like texture

Important Facts for Exams

• Grass Mache — craft technique using Dal Lake aquatic weeds, adapted from papier-mâché
• Dal Lake, Srinagar — an urban lake suffering from eutrophication, encroachment and weed infestation
• Main invasive weeds in Dal Lake: Azolla, Salvinia, water hyacinth and Ceratophyllum
• Eutrophication — nutrient enrichment causing excessive weed and algal growth, depleting dissolved oxygen
• Dal Lake is managed by the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA), formerly LAWDA
• Kashmiri papier-mâché holds a GI tag; other J&K GIs include Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Saffron, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving and Basohli Painting
• Wular Lake in J&K is a Ramsar Site; Hokersar, Surinsar-Mansar and Tsomoriri are others in the region
• Related concept: circular economy — converting waste streams into inputs

3. Moth Bean

Source: PIB

Context Four newly developed moth bean varieties — CAZRI Moth-4, 5, 6 and 7 — by ICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur demonstrated remarkable field-level resilience during an El Niño year in Kharif 2026.

What It Is

• Vigna aconitifolia — also called mat bean, Turkish gram or dew bean
• An extremely drought-hardy, herbaceous, short-day annual legume of the family Fabaceae
• Recognised as one of the most resilient pulse crops of the hot arid and semi-arid zones of South Asia

Habitat and Growing Conditions

• Native to South Asia; cultivated in hot, rainfed, marginal desert tracts
• Most extensively in the Thar Desert region of western Rajasthan, and parts of Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab
• Thrives in extremely low and erratic rainfall, poor sandy soils with low organic carbon and fertility, and ambient temperatures exceeding 40°C

Important Facts for Exams

• Vigna aconitifolia — moth bean, mat bean, Turkish gram, dew bean; family Fabaceae
• A short-day annual legume; among the most drought-tolerant pulses
• Grown mainly in the Thar Desert, western Rajasthan; also Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab
• Regional rainfall 150–250 mm; normal dry spells of 20–30 days
• Varieties CAZRI Moth-4, 5, 6 and 7 survived a 35-day dry spell (3 August – 7 September 2026)
• "Pala" — the dry fodder from moth bean, valued for desert livestock
• Rhizobium symbiosis fixes atmospheric nitrogen in root nodules
• Other Vigna pulses: moong (V. radiata), urad (V. mungo), cowpea (V. unguiculata)
• ICAR-CAZRI, Jodhpur — the nodal institute for arid zone research
• India is the world's largest producer, consumer and importer of pulses

4. Ophiopogon japonicus Recorded for the First Time in India

• Ophiopogon japonicus, an evergreen perennial herb, was recorded for the first time in India from West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• It belongs to the Asparagaceae family and is commonly known as dwarf lilyturf or mondo grass.
• The species is mainly found in China, Japan and Korea, generally at elevations of 200–2,800 metres.
• Its roots, known as Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong), are used in traditional East Asian medicine.

Schemes

1. PM Matsya Sampada Yojana Completes Six Years

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) completed six years on 10 September 2026.
• Launched in 2020 with an outlay of ₹20,050 crore, it aims to promote sustainable and responsible fisheries development.
• The scheme was initially planned for FY2020–21 to FY2024–25 and was later extended through FY2025–26.
• It is implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and has Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Scheme components.

2. Chhattisgarh CM Startup and NIPUN Mission

• The Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved the CM Startup and New-Age Industry Preparedness through Up-skilling of New Generation Youth (NIPUN) Mission with an outlay of ₹500 crore for five years.
• It will establish Entrepreneurship Development Centres in all 33 districts.
• The mission will create 5 Centres of Excellence and 100 Emerging Technology Labs covering AI, Internet of Things, Big Data and Blockchain.
• The NIPUN Job Engine will connect trained youth with industrial employment opportunities.

Banking and Finance

1. India’s Forex Reserves Reach Record $785.7 Billion

• India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by a record $44.9 billion in the week ended 4 September 2026.
• Total reserves reached $785.7 billion, making India the fourth-largest holder of forex reserves globally, according to the source.
• Reserves have increased by more than $100 billion since 5 June, when the concessional swap scheme was announced.
• FCNR(B) flows reached about $127 billion, higher than expected.

2. Global Fintech Fest 2026

• The 7th Global Fintech Fest (GFF 2026) was held in Mumbai from 8–11 September 2026.
• Theme: “Potential to Impact: Agentic AI | Tokenisation | Quantum: Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance.”
• The Unified Fintech Forum (UFF) was recognised by RBI as the second Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for the fintech sector.
• RBI also expanded Bharat Connect forex services to include EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF and AED, while SEBI launched the Demat 2.0 pilot for corporate bond tokenisation using Distributed Ledger Technology.

1. World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026

Source: News on Air

Context India will host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2026 at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 15 to 18 September 2026.

What It Is

• The world's premier global platform for advancing the transition from a linear "take-make-waste" model to a regenerative circular economy
• Through cross-sectoral collaboration, policy development and business innovation

The 2026 Edition

• Host: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• Theme: "Circular Economy: Transition for People and Prosperity"
• The 10th milestone edition of WCEF
• Its debut in the South Asian region

Background

• Created in 2017 on the initiative of Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund
• To mark the centenary of Finland's independence and foster global circular business solutions

Aim

• Accelerate market transformation
• Foster international partnerships with the Global South
• Mobilise private-sector capital and circular finance
• Demonstrate scalable solutions reconciling economic prosperity with planetary boundaries

Economy

1. CSL–Drydocks World 50:50 Joint Venture

• Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) and UAE-based Drydocks World (DDW) signed a 50:50 joint venture agreement to expand the International Ship Repair Facility in Kochi, Kerala.
• Both partners will invest ₹900 crore each, giving a total investment of ₹1,800 crore.
• The partnership combines CSL’s shipbuilding and repair expertise with Drydocks World’s global capabilities in vessel repair, maintenance, conversion and offshore EPC services.
• CSL is a Miniratna enterprise under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

2. Tata Steel Commissions COG Injection Project in Odisha

• Tata Steel commissioned India’s first Coke Oven Gas (COG) Injection Project at Blast Furnace 1 of its Meramandali plant in Odisha.
• COG is a hydrogen-rich by-product of coke production and contains more than 55% hydrogen.
• The purified gas is injected into blast furnaces through tuyeres, reducing dependence on carbon-based reducing agents.
• The project aims to reduce fossil-fuel consumption and carbon emissions and support Tata Steel’s Net Zero target for 2045.

Social Issue

1. Rajnath Singh’s Visit to Sri Lanka

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Sri Lanka from 8–10 September 2026 to strengthen defence and maritime security cooperation.
• It was the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Sri Lanka in nearly 40 years.
• India and Sri Lanka virtually inaugurated three Bailey Bridges constructed by Indian Defence Forces.
• The two countries signed three MoUs covering air-defence capability, military education and youth cooperation.

Misc GA

1. NIXI–APNIC MoU on Internet Infrastructure

• National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) and Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) signed an MoU on 8 September 2026 in Mumbai.
• The partnership focuses on internet security, technical training, capacity building and network resilience.
• It supports Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI) for more secure internet routing and encourages wider adoption of IPv6.
• APNIC 62 marked the conference’s return to India after 14 years.

2. International Space Summit 2026

• The inaugural International Space Summit 2026 was held in Paris on 9–10 September 2026.
• It brought together representatives from nearly 90 countries to discuss space cooperation, exploration and security.
• Around 51 announcements worth about €20 billion were made through investments, contracts and collaborations.
• India and France signed three agreements covering areas such as satellite launches, surveillance systems and microsatellite development.

3. India–Malaysia Maritime Exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana 2026’

• The 4th edition of the India–Malaysia bilateral maritime exercise Samudra Laksamana was conducted at Lumut, Malaysia.
• It aims to improve maritime cooperation, interoperability and operational coordination.
• The exercise included a Harbour Phase with professional discussions and exchanges, followed by a Sea Phase involving joint maritime activities and training.
• The Malaysian Navy participated with KD Lekir and KD Gagah Sam.

4. Eknath Shinde Receives Three International Awards

• Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde received three international awards during his London visit from 9–11 September 2026.
• The awards included the Commonwealth Public Leadership Recognition and Statesmanship Award for Transformative Leadership.
• He also received the Global Pride of Maharashtra Award for promoting Marathi culture globally.
• The awards recognised his contributions to governance, infrastructure development and regional growth.

5. N. Purushothama Mallya Passes Away

• N. Purushothama Mallya, a noted educationist, writer and Konkani language activist, passed away at the age of 97.
• He received the Padma Shri in 2015 for Literature and Education.
• He contributed to Konkani literature and translated Thirukkural into Konkani.
• He also received the Sahitya Akademi Translation Award in 2008.

6. World Suicide Prevention Day 2026

• World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on 10 September to raise awareness and reduce stigma around suicide.
• The 2024–26 theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with the call to action “Start the Conversation.”
• The day was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with WHO.
• The first observance was held on 10 September 2003 in Stockholm, Sweden.

7. National Forest Martyrs Day 2026

• National Forest Martyrs Day is observed in India on 11 September to honour people who lost their lives protecting forests and wildlife.
• The day commemorates the Khejarli Massacre of 1730 in Rajasthan.
• The observance was designated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2013.
• The day is commemorated at the National Forest Martyrs Memorial in Dehradun.

8. International Day for South-South Cooperation 2026

• The International Day for South-South Cooperation is observed annually on 12 September.
• The 2026 theme is “Solidarity Rising: Global Alliance for Inclusive and Innovative Development.”
• It promotes cooperation among developing countries in economic, social, cultural, technical and political fields.
• The date commemorates the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) on technical cooperation among developing countries.

Agriculture

1. Badri Cattle

Source: Global Agriculture | Subject: Species in News / Science and Technology

Context India produced its first Badri calf through OPU-IVF technology at Pantnagar — a milestone for indigenous cattle conservation.

What It Is

• An indigenous humped cattle (Bos indicus) breed native to the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand
• Locally called Pahadi
• Named after the holy shrine of Badrinath
• The first cattle breed from Uttarakhand to be officially certified and registered by ICAR's NBAGR
• Recognised as the state animal of Uttarakhand

Habitat

• Found across the hilly and mountainous tracts of Uttarakhand
• Particularly in the Garhwal and Kumaon divisions — Almora, Pauri Garhwal, Chamoli and Champawat
• Thrives in high-altitude environments, uneven slopes and cold climates where exotic or plains-bred cattle struggle to adapt

Important Facts for Exams

• Badri cattle — Bos indicus, indigenous to Uttarakhand; locally Pahadi; the state animal
• Named after the Badrinath shrine
• The first Uttarakhand cattle breed registered by NBAGR
• Found in Garhwal and Kumaon — Almora, Pauri Garhwal, Chamoli, Champawat
• Classified as a dual-purpose breed
• NBAGR — National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, the nodal body for breed registration
• Bos indicus — humped, zebu cattle of the tropics; Bos taurus — humpless European cattle
• The first Badri calf through OPU-IVF was born 11 September 2026, from a Sahiwal surrogate, in a collaboration between ICAR-NDRI Karnal and GBPUAT Pantnagar, funded by the Uttarakhand Biotechnology Council, Haldi
• Cloned Badri embryos have also been generated, with cloning of elite cows under exploration

2. PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana Completes Seven Years

Source: PIB

Context On 12 September 2026, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY) completed seven years — a voluntary contributory pension scheme for the old-age social security of Small and Marginal Farmers (SMFs).

The Scheme

• Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Implemented with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) as the pension fund manager
• A voluntary, contributory old-age pension scheme
• Offers eligible landholding SMFs a steady monthly pension from the age of 60

Eligibility

• Small and marginal farmers with cultivable landholding up to 2 hectares
• Aged 18 to 40 years
• Name appearing in the land records of the respective State or UT as on 1 August 2019

Important Facts for Exams

• PM-KMY launched 2019; completed seven years on 12 September 2026
• Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare with LIC
• Eligibility: landholding up to 2 hectares, age 18–40, land records as on 1 August 2019
• Contribution ₹55–₹200 per month, age-based
• Assured pension of ₹3,000 per month on attaining 60 years
• The Central Government makes an equal matching contribution to the pension fund
• On the pensioner's death, the spouse receives 50 per cent as family pension
• Farmers may opt to have contributions deducted from their PM-KISAN benefits

3. GOBARdhan Scheme Guidelines Rolled Out

Source: Business Standard

Context The government notified detailed operational guidelines for the ₹23,731 crore GOBARdhan scheme, to develop India's compressed biogas (CBG) sector — assuring full offtake and introducing a pricing mechanism. The Cabinet approved the scheme last month.

What is GOBARdhan Scheme

GOBARdhan stands for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan. It is a Government of India initiative to convert cattle dung, agricultural waste, kitchen waste and other biodegradable waste into useful products such as biogas, Compressed Biogas (CBG) and organic manure.

About

• Launched: 2018
• Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Nodal Department: Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS)
• Initially launched under: Swachh Bharat Mission–Grameen (SBM-G)
• Main idea: Waste to Wealth
• It promotes a circular economy, where waste is converted into energy and useful agricultural inputs.

How GOBARdhan Works

Organic waste → Biogas/CBG + Bio-slurry → Energy + Organic manure

For example:

A village collects cattle dung and crop residue → puts it into a biogas plant → produces biogas for energy → the remaining bio-slurry can be used as organic manure.

This helps farmers earn additional income while reducing waste and pollution.

4. 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry

• The 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (AIMMAF) was held in New Delhi on 9 September 2026.
• India and ASEAN reaffirmed cooperation for a food-secure, sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
• Key areas include climate-resilient agriculture, low-emission rice, water productivity, AI-enabled digital agriculture, soil health and agroforestry.
• India–ASEAN trade in goods reached USD 128 billion in FY2025–26.

5. Dryland Congress 2026 and Delhi Declaration on Drylands

• Dryland Congress 2026 concluded in New Delhi with the Delhi Declaration on Drylands (3D).
• The Congress focused on sustainable dryland agriculture and stronger South–South and triangular cooperation.
• It was organised by ICAR and ICRISAT under the theme “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation.”
• The event also marked 50 years of the ICAR–ICRISAT partnership.

6. Mangrove GIS Portal Launched in Gujarat

• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launched the Mangrove Geographic Information System (MGIS) Portal in Bhuj, Gujarat.
• The portal supports habitat monitoring, conservation planning and technology-based mangrove restoration.
• Gujarat has restored 27,652 hectares of mangroves under MISHTI, against the 2023–27 target of 29,250 hectares.
• The Guneri Inland Mangrove ecosystem was highlighted as an important community-led conservation initiative.

7. New Amphibian Species ‘Gegeneophis chandgadi’ Discovered

• Scientists discovered a new subterranean, legless amphibian species, Gegeneophis chandgadi, in Chandgad, Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
• It is a caecilian, a group of worm-like amphibians adapted mainly to underground life.
• The species was found in residential and agricultural landscapes near human habitation.
• The discovery takes the number of Gegeneophis species recorded in India to 12, with 11 endemic to the Western Ghats.

Schemes

1. Pension Sakhi Initiative for Rural Pension Coverage

• The Department of Rural Development (DoRD) and PFRDA signed an MoU to expand pension awareness and enrolment among rural households.
• The initiative will use the women-led DAY-NRLM network, including BC Sakhis and community resource persons.
• Pension Sakhis will assist rural women, SHG members, Lakhpati Didis and other underserved groups with pension enrolment and financial literacy.
• Digital dashboards and the LoKoS system will monitor outreach, enrolment and service delivery.

2. Uttar Pradesh Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana

• The UP Cabinet approved concessional long-term loans for small and marginal farmers through the Uttar Pradesh Sahkari Gram Vikas Bank.
• Loans of up to ₹6 lakh will be available at an interest rate of 6%.
• The measure is part of a wider package of development proposals approved by the UP Cabinet.
• The initiative aims to support farm investment and rural economic activity.

Reports & Articles

1. PLFS Monthly Bulletin – August 2026

• The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the 17th PLFS Monthly Bulletin covering August 2026.
• The overall unemployment rate (UR) for persons aged 15 years and above declined from 5.1% in July to 5.0% in August 2026.
• The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) increased from 55.4% to 55.6%.
• The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) increased from 52.5% to 52.8%.

PIB

1. Indian Air Force Dronathon-2026

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) organised its first Dronathon-2026 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Jaisalmer, from 14–16 September 2026.
• It brings together India's unmanned-systems industry to demonstrate and assess drone technologies.
• The exercise tests emerging drone technologies under realistic operational conditions.
• It aims to connect India's indigenous innovation ecosystem with the IAF's future operational requirements.

Banking and Finance

1. MDR Framework for UPI Transactions

Source: PIB

Context A Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) framework for UPI has been introduced, effective 15 October 2026, applying to merchant transactions with specified exemptions.

What MDR Is

• A fee charged within the merchant payment ecosystem for processing digital transactions
• Applies to certain Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions
• Shared among banks, payment service providers and UPI app providers
• It is not a tax or government levy, and customers are not required to pay it
• Introduced under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007

The Fee Structure

• No charges on payments up to ₹2,000 through RuPay debit cards either

Exemptions

• All P2P transactions — zero MDR
• P2M up to ₹2,000 — zero MDR
• Small merchants under P2PM — zero MDR up to ₹1 lakh monthly receipts
• UPI AutoPay and Mandates — including recurring utility bills, subscriptions and investments

Financial Inclusion Provision

• 5 per cent of collections will fund UPI adoption among small merchants

About UPI

• A real-time payment system enabling 24/7 instant, interoperable and secure transactions
• The world's largest retail fast payment system by transaction volume
• Developed by the NPCI
• Key features: two-factor authentication, open API, single app integration across multiple bank accounts

International Acceptance

UPI is accepted in 11 countries: Greece, Maldives, UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, Qatar and Cambodia

2. EPFO Wage Ceiling Raised to ₹25,000

• The Union Cabinet approved an increase in the EPFO wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, effective 17 September 2026.
• More than 51 lakh additional employees are expected to come under mandatory EPFO coverage.
• The government is expected to spend around ₹11,339 crore annually, with approximately ₹56,696 crore over five years.
• The expanded coverage relates to EPF, Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI), subject to applicable provisions.

3. RBI Absorbs ₹3.93 Trillion Through VRRR

• RBI absorbed ₹3,93,352 crore through a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction against the notified ₹5 trillion.
• The cut-off rate was 5.24%, while surplus liquidity in the banking system was around ₹10.73 trillion on 11 September.
• RBI also announced ₹1 trillion of Open Market Operation (OMO) sales in three tranches.
• VRRR absorbs temporary liquidity, while OMO sales can be used to manage more durable liquidity conditions.

4. TCS–DGCX Partnership to Modernise Derivatives Infrastructure

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) partnered with the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) to modernise its trading, clearing and surveillance infrastructure.
• The technology upgrade will use platforms including TCS BaNCS for Market Infrastructure and Quartz for Surveillance.
• The system will support derivatives covering energy commodities, currencies, equities, bullion and precious metals.
• It will also support emerging areas such as crypto and tokenised assets.

1. 46th Chess Olympiad, Samarkand

Source: Indian Express

Context The 46th Chess Olympiad began in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with India defending its Olympiad gold in both the open and women's sections.

India's Position

• Seeded second in the event
• Defending champions from Budapest 2024
• Captain and non-playing coach: Srinath Narayanan, who led India to the Budapest gold
• Assisted by Sankalp Gupta and Vaibhav Suri

Important Facts for Exams

• 46th Chess Olympiad — Samarkand, Uzbekistan; India seeded second; USA top seed
• India won gold in both open and women's sections at the 45th Olympiad, Budapest 2024 — a historic first
• Men's board order: Praggnanandhaa (1), Arjun Erigaisi (2), Nihal Sarin (3), Gukesh (4)
• Women's team led by Koneru Humpy
• Captain: Srinath Narayanan
• D. Gukesh — became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion in 2024, at 18, beating Ding Liren
• Javokhir Sindarov (Uzbekistan) — reigning World Cup and Candidates winner; Gukesh's challenger
• Divya Deshmukh won the FIDE Women's World Cup 2025
• Koneru Humpy and R. Vaishali are India's leading women players
• Viswanathan Anand — five-time World Champion, India's first Grandmaster (1988); currently FIDE Deputy President
• Chess Olympiad — organised by FIDE, held every two years; India hosted the 44th edition at Chennai in 2022
• FIDE — Fédération Internationale des Échecs, headquartered at Lausanne, Switzerland
• Samarkand — a Silk Road city in Uzbekistan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, associated with Timur

2. India at 131st in Global Gender Gap Index 2026

Source: TH

Context India retained its 131st rank on the Global Gender Gap Index 2026, released by the World Economic Forum.

India's Position

• Rank: 131, unchanged from last year
• Progress toward gender parity: 64.5 per cent — below the global average
• India's score improved slightly, but the ranking remained unchanged

The Top Three

• Iceland
• Finland
• Norway

The Bottom Three

• Chad — the lowest-ranked country
• Iran and Pakistan complete the bottom three

Countries Ranked Below India

14 countries, including Papua New Guinea, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Tajikistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Mali, Algeria and Congo.

Important Facts for Exams

• Global Gender Gap Index — published by the World Economic Forum, first in 2006; headquartered at Cologny, Geneva
• India's rank: 131; parity score 64.5 per cent
• Iceland has topped the index for over a decade
• The index measures parity across four sub-indices:
  • Economic Participation and Opportunity
  • Educational Attainment
  • Health and Survival
  • Political Empowerment
• India has historically scored well on Political Empowerment but poorly on Economic Participation and Health and Survival — particularly on sex ratio at birth
• The index measures gaps between women and men, not absolute levels — so a poor country with equal outcomes can rank above a rich one with unequal outcomes
• A score of 1 = full parity; 0 = complete imparity
• Other WEF publications: the Global Risks Report, Global Competitiveness Report, Travel and Tourism Development Index, and the Future of Jobs Report
• Related Indian data: female labour force participation 41.7 per cent (2023-24); women hold 55.7 per cent of Jan Dhan accounts; women are over one-third of the workforce in 237 districts (ASUSE 2025)

3. NITI Aayog India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025

Source: Indian Express

Context Delhi topped NITI Aayog's India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2025, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka — the only two of 17 large states among the top performers in EV implementation.

About the Index

• A composite index assessing the policy framework and implementation outcomes for e-mobility at state level
• Developed by NITI Aayog with WRI India
• Covers 36 States and UTs
• Composite scores range from 10 to 84, with a median of 40

The Three Themes and Weights

Overall Rankings

Important Facts for Exams

• IEMI 2025 — by NITI Aayog with WRI India; covers 36 States and UTs
• Top five: Delhi (84), Maharashtra (78), Karnataka (73), Chandigarh (71), Goa (65)
• Madhya Pradesh rose from 23rd to 7th; Goa climbed ten places
• Karnataka leads charging readiness (97); Delhi leads research and innovation (94)
• Only three — Delhi, Chandigarh, Maharashtra — are top performers in transport electrification

4. VIMARSH 2026

Source: PIB

Context The Ministry of Defence organised VIMARSH 2026, a DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet, in New Delhi under the theme "Varta se Vikas" — development through dialogue.

What It Is

• A DRDO-industry engagement platform connecting defence R&D with private industry, MSMEs, start-ups, academia and manufacturing partners
• Seeks to transform defence collaboration from a buyer-seller model to a co-created technology ecosystem — spanning research, design, testing and production

Aim

• Strengthen DRDO-industry collaboration
• Reduce entry barriers for MSMEs and deep-tech start-ups
• Accelerate the development and induction of indigenous defence technologies

Economy

1. India–MERCOSUR Agreement for Paperless Trade

• India and MERCOSUR signed the First Additional Protocol to their Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
• It gives electronic Certificates of Origin (e-CoO) the same legal validity as paper certificates when issued and electronically signed by authorised entities.
• The move aims to modernise customs procedures and simplify preferential trade.
• The agreement also covers areas such as digital cooperation, AI, High-Performance Computing and taxation.