Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 10 September, 2026

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.