September 2026: Important Days Till Today

World Environmental Health Day 2026 Observed Globally on 26 September

• Observance & Significance: World Environmental Health Day (WEHD) is observed annually on 26 September. It was established by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) to raise awareness of environmental health and the pivotal role of environmental-health professionals in protecting human health and communities worldwide.
• 2026 Theme: The official IFEH theme for World Environmental Health Day 2026 is “Environmental Health: Standing with Science to Protect Communities” (पर्यावरणीय स्वास्थ्य: समुदायों की सुरक्षा के लिए विज्ञान के साथ खड़े होना). The theme emphasizes the critical importance of scientific evidence and rigorous research in safeguarding communities from evolving environmental-health risks.
• History & Declaration: The first World Environmental Health Day was launched on 26 September 2011 by the IFEH Council at its meeting in Indonesia (held in Bali, Indonesia).
• Global Health Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that 13.7 million deaths in 2016, equivalent to 24% of global deaths, were attributable to modifiable environmental factors (such as ambient air pollution, chemical exposures, unsafe water, and climate extremes). Note: This is a 2016 benchmark estimate, not a current 2026 annual death count, and is cited with its reference year for demographic accuracy.
• India's Initiatives: India's environmental-health efforts include the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which systematically addresses health impacts associated with climate variability and extreme weather. India also actively implements the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). The NPCCHH remains an active and vital national programme in 2026.

India Ranks 31st Globally in WEF Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026

• Index Release: The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2026 on 25 September 2026. The 2026 edition covers 110 economies.
• India's Rank & Score: India ranked 31st globally, with an overall score of 4.42 out of 7. India improved by nine places from the WEF's recalculated 2024 rank of 40th. (Exam Clarification: The earlier figure of 39th belongs to the originally published 2024 edition; because WEF recalculated historical results using the 2026 methodology, 40th → 31st is the official comparison in the 2026 report).
• Regional Position: India remains among the leading economies in South Asia and is identified by the WEF as one of the major emerging tourism economies examined in the report.
• Top 10 Economies in TTDI 2026:

  Rank	Economy	Score (/7)
  1	Japan	5.27
  2	United States	5.23
  3	Spain	5.22
  4	Australia	5.18
  5	France	5.17
  6	Germany	5.09
  7	United Kingdom	5.08
  8	China	5.00
  9	Switzerland	4.97
  10	Italy	4.93

• Important Correction on India's Pillar Rankings: The frequently quoted figures 6th in Natural Resources and 9th in Cultural Resources refer to India's 2024 TTDI performance, not the 2026 overall edition. Therefore, they should not be written as India's 2026 pillar rankings unless explicitly labelled as 2024 data. The 2026 WEF report instead highlights India's strong resource base while noting that major emerging economies, including India, face gaps particularly in Tourist Services and Infrastructure, as well as challenges related to Environmental Sustainability.
• Key Global Findings of TTDI 2026:
  • 92% of the 110 economies improved their TTDI score between 2024 and 2026.
  • Average TTDI scores globally increased by 2.1%.
  • Japan ranked first overall (Score: 5.27).
  • Albania was the most improved economy between 2024 and 2026, registering a 7.0% increase in its score.
  • Asia-Pacific recorded the strongest regional improvement, with its average score increasing by 3.6%.

M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026: Zepto Co-Founder Kaivalya Vohra is India's Youngest Rich Lister

• Youngest Rich Lister: In the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026, released on 23 September 2026, 23-year-old Kaivalya Vohra, co-founder of quick-commerce company Zepto, was identified as India's youngest rich lister.
• Important Terminology Correction for Exams: Kaivalya Vohra should not be described as a “billionaire” in rupee terms. His Hurun-listed wealth is ₹2,600 crore, which is below the ₹8,000–₹9,000 crore typically corresponding to US$1 billion at prevailing exchange rates. The correct exam terminology is “youngest rich lister” or “youngest wealthy entrepreneur”, not “youngest billionaire.”
• Profiles & Wealth of Leading Young Entrepreneurs:
  • Kaivalya Vohra (Age 23): Co-founder of Zepto; reported wealth of ₹2,600 crore; city of residence listed as Bengaluru. Recognized as the youngest rich lister in the 2026 edition.
  • Aadit Palicha (Age 24): Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zepto; reported wealth of ₹3,500 crore; city of residence listed as Mumbai. Ranked second among the youngest rich listers in 2026.
• Startup Genesis: Both Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha were studying computer science at Stanford University before leaving their academic studies to build their venture in India. Zepto was founded in 2021.
• Quick-Commerce Business Model: Zepto operates a rapid-delivery grocery and convenience-commerce model based on a dense network of local micro-fulfilment centres and dark stores, expanding beyond everyday groceries into electronics, apparel, and personal care.
• 2026 Hurun Wealth Landscape: The M3M Hurun India Rich List 2026 reported a record 391 Indian dollar billionaires and highlighted the surging contribution of self-made entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology-driven sectors to national wealth creation.

Asian Games 2026: Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet Win Gold in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team with Asian Record

• Historic Gold Medal: Indian shooters Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet won the gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on 25 September 2026. This marked India's first shooting gold medal of the 2026 Asian Games.
• New Asian Record in Final: In the final, the Indian pair scored a monumental 484.6 points, setting a new Asian record for the mixed-team final. They claimed victory by a decisive margin of 6.6 points over the Republic of Korea (Silver, 478.0 points), while Iran secured Bronze (415.8 points).
• Historic Qualification Record: In the qualification round, the pair shot an extraordinary score of 587-29x. This broke the previous Asian Games qualification record of 577, while simultaneously equalling the existing Asian continental record for the qualification stage.
• Shooters' Profiles:
  • Suruchi Singh: Young Indian pistol shooting sensation hailing from Jhajjar, Haryana; a proven international performer with multiple ISSF World Cup gold medals to her credit.
  • Kamaljeet: Talented Indian marksman from Haryana who stepped into the mixed-team event as a late replacement for Kedarnling Balakrishna Uchagavne, partnering seamlessly with Suruchi Singh to secure gold.

Asian Games 2026: Indian Men's Badminton Team Wins Bronze Medal

• Podium Finish: The Indian Men’s Badminton Team won the bronze medal at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. By advancing to the semifinals, India assured itself of a prestigious team medal.
• High-Stakes Semifinal: India went down 1–3 to host-contender China in a hard-fought semifinal clash on 23 September 2026, confirming the Bronze medal.
• Sat-Chi Thriller: India's premier doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, delivered an exhilarating performance, stunning China's reigning world champion duo Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang 21–11, 22–20 in straight games. This was India's sole match victory in the semifinal tie.
• Other Semifinal Match Results:
  • Match 1 (Singles): China's World No. 1 Shi Yuqi defeated Lakshya Sen (21–16, 21–18).
  • Match 2 (Doubles): Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty defeated Liang Weikeng & Wang Chang (21–11, 22–20).
  • Match 3 (Singles): China's Asian Games champion Li Shifeng defeated India's rising star Ayush Shetty (21–19, 21–13).
  • Match 4 (Doubles): China's He Ji Ting and Liu Yi defeated India's pair Hariharan Amsakarunan and M. R. Arjun (21–16, 17–21, 21–9), sealing China's 3–1 victory.
• Back-to-Back Team Medals: This bronze medal follows India's historic silver medal at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games (held in 2023), confirming that India has secured men's team badminton medals at two consecutive Asian Games editions.

India to Host 2032 UCI Road World Championships in Pune: First UCI Road World Championships to be Held in India

• Historic Award: The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has awarded the 2032 UCI Road World Championships to Pune, India. This will be the first time the UCI Road World Championships are held in India.
• 195th UCI Congress: The decision was formally announced at the 195th UCI Congress, held in Montréal, Canada, on 23 September 2026, during the 2026 UCI Road World Championships.
• Historic Significance: India will become the first country in South Asia to host the UCI Road World Championships.
• Asian Hosting History: Before India, the UCI Road World Championships have been held in Asian countries including Japan (Utsunomiya, 1990) and Qatar (Doha, 2016); the United Arab Emirates is scheduled to host the 2028 edition. India will therefore become the fourth Asian country to host the event.
• Pune Grand Tour: The Bajaj Pune Grand Tour 2026 was India's first men's UCI Class 2.2 multi-stage road race and was held from 19–23 January 2026. The UCI subsequently noted the event's successful first edition and India's development of cycling.
• (Important exam note: It is not established by the UCI announcement that Pune won hosting rights specifically due to the Bajaj Pune Grand Tour, Western Ghats terrain, or a particular state government bid advantage; those causal claims are omitted for factual accuracy).

India Participates in 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers' Meeting in Manila

• Ministerial Meeting: The 14th East Asia Summit (EAS) Economic Ministers' Meeting was held on 21 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines.
• Chair: The meeting was chaired by H.E. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry.
• EAS Membership: As of 2026, the East Asia Summit has 19 participating countries — 11 ASEAN Member States and 8 external partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.
• Important Milestone — 11th ASEAN Member: ASEAN now has 11 members because Timor-Leste became ASEAN's 11th Member State in October 2025.
• Combined GDP & Trade Dynamics: According to preliminary ASEAN statistics cited in the 2026 joint media statement, the combined nominal GDP of EAS participating countries was US$69.6 trillion in 2025. Two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and its non-ASEAN EAS participating countries reached US$3.07 trillion in 2025.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): FDI inflows from non-ASEAN EAS participating countries to ASEAN reached US$83.2 billion in 2025.
• Key Discussions: The meeting discussed the global and regional economic outlook, stronger trade and investment linkages, regional economic integration, supply-chain resilience, energy security, digital transformation, and sustainable economic development.
• (Exam Clarification: The review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) remains an important component of India's economic engagement with ASEAN, but should not be presented as the sole or principal agenda item of the 14th EAS-EMM without specific meeting documentation).

Indian Scientists Roxy Mathew Koll and Neelima Satyam Selected for AGU 2026 Awards

• Recognition: Indian scientists Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll and Prof. Neelima Satyam have been selected among the American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2026 award recipients. The awards will be presented at the AGU Annual Meeting in San Francisco in December 2026.
• Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll: Climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune; selected for the Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize.
• Recognition for Koll: His work has included research and communication relating to Indian Ocean warming, monsoon changes, marine heatwaves, cyclones, extreme rainfall, and climate impacts across South Asia.
• Prof. Neelima Satyam: Professor at IIT Indore; selected for the Devendra Lal Memorial Medal for outstanding Earth- and space-science research. Her work focuses particularly on geotechnical engineering, seismic hazards, resilient infrastructure, and geohazard mitigation.
• (Important terminology: As of 26 September 2026, these scientists have been selected/named as 2026 awardees; the awards are scheduled to be presented in December, so “selected” or “named recipient” is more accurate than “conferred”).

DRDO Signs First High-Value Deep-Tech TDF Agreement for 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator

• Deep-Tech Agreement: On 24 September 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme with Zero mK India Private Limited, Alwar, Rajasthan.
• Technology: The project involves indigenous development of a 20 millikelvin (20 mK) Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Applications.
• Purpose: Dilution refrigerators are specialised cryogenic systems capable of producing extremely low temperatures in the millikelvin range. Such ultra-low temperatures are vital for operating and testing several quantum-computing platforms and quantum technologies (such as superconducting qubits).
• ₹500 Crore Corpus: This is the first high-value agreement under the ₹500 crore corpus approved for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects under TDF.
• National Quantum Mission (NQM): The project aligns directly with India's National Quantum Mission and is intended to strengthen domestic capabilities in quantum technology and advanced cryogenics.
• Technical Mentorship: The project is being monitored, mentored, and supported by the Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), New Delhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Flags In NIMAS Mountaineering Expedition After First Ascent of 20 Unclimbed Peaks in Ladakh

• Flag-in Ceremony: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged in the First Ascent Mountaineering Expedition at Kartavya Bhavan-2, New Delhi, on 25 September 2026, after the expedition successfully summited 20 previously unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres in Ladakh in 23 days. The expedition was organised by the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports (NIMAS), Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Historic Achievement: A 20-member team of highly skilled climbers, led by Colonel Ranveer Singh Jamwal, successfully made first ascents of 20 unclimbed peaks above 6,000 metres. The extraordinary feat was completed in 23 days.
• Locations: The peaks were located in the Chamser-Lungser, Gyama Nala and Chokula areas of the Ladakh Range. The Government of India described these as the first-ever recorded summits of 20 unclimbed peaks in these areas.
• Defence Minister's Remarks: Rajnath Singh commended the expedition's courage, determination, technical expertise, endurance, planning and teamwork. He described the achievement as a demonstration of India's mountaineering excellence and leadership in adventure sports.
• Significance: The expedition was organised to promote adventure and exploration in high-altitude frontier areas, strengthen India's presence on the global mountaineering map and inspire young mountaineers.
• (Important correction: The description “third consecutive world record” should be removed. The official 25 September 2026 PIB release confirms the historic first ascent of 20 unclimbed peaks but does not establish this as a “third consecutive world record.” Therefore, that claim is omitted).

24th Edition of India–France Bilateral Naval Exercise 'VARUNA 2026' Begins at Toulon

• Bilateral Exercise: The 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA, the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and French Navy, is being conducted in the maritime area around Toulon, France, in September 2026.
• Indian Navy Participation: Indian Navy guided-missile frigate INS Trishul arrived at Toulon on 22 September 2026 to participate in the exercise. The arrival was confirmed by the Ministry of Defence on 24 September.
• Exercise Activities: The official announcement states that VARUNA 2026 includes professional engagements in harbour and at sea, including cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting engagements. These activities are intended to facilitate the exchange of experience and best practices and strengthen interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies.
• Strategic Significance: VARUNA forms part of the broader India-France maritime and defence partnership and contributes to enhanced naval cooperation and interoperability.
• (Important correction: The original wording listing anti-submarine warfare, surface tactical firing and cross-deck helicopter operations should not be retained as a confirmed description of the 2026 exercise unless supported by a later official exercise communiqué. The initial official PIB release specifically confirms harbour/sea professional engagements, cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting engagements).

UK Launches No. III Space Effects Squadron, Its First Dedicated Space-Effects Unit

• New Space Squadron: The Royal Air Force (RAF) launched No. III Space Effects Squadron on 23 September 2026 as the UK's first dedicated unit focused on countering hostile threats to UK satellites.
• Operational Role: The squadron is designed to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activity in space targeting British interests and critical satellites. It will use specialist capabilities including Electronic Warfare and other counter-space capabilities.
• Defensive and Offensive Space Operations: The RAF states that No. III Space Effects Squadron will support both offensive and defensive space operations and will expand as new capabilities enter service.
• Satellite Protection: The RAF highlights the importance of satellites for services including navigation, communications and missile-warning functions, making protection of space infrastructure an important component of national security.
• Relationship with Existing Units: The new squadron complements existing RAF space capabilities:
  • No. I Space Operations Squadron: Provides space operations capabilities including satellite-related command-and-control functions.
  • No. II Space Warning Squadron: Provides space-warning capabilities, including the UK's ballistic missile early-warning mission associated with RAF Fylingdales.
  • No. III Space Effects Squadron: Designed to act against hostile threats, including through electronic warfare and counter-space capabilities.
• Strategic Context: The new unit forms part of the UK's effort to maintain the ability to operate in space and protect critical space infrastructure. The RAF also states that the UK remains committed to the peaceful and sustainable use of space and has ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile testing.

Maruti Suzuki Commissions First 300 kW Green Hydrogen Pilot Plant at Manesar

• Green Hydrogen Plant: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has commissioned its first 300 kW Green Hydrogen electrolyser plant at its Manesar manufacturing facility in Haryana. The company describes it as a pilot plant.
• Use of Solar Energy: The project is designed to maximise the use of solar electricity generated at the Manesar facility. Solar energy generated during holidays, when it might otherwise remain unused, is used to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis.
• Hydrogen Storage and Use: The hydrogen is stored and subsequently used in manufacturing operations. The green hydrogen is blended with natural gas for use as process fuel.
• Scale-Up: Based on the experience gained from the pilot, Maruti Suzuki plans to scale up green-hydrogen adoption across its manufacturing facilities in Haryana and Gujarat.
• Decarbonisation Target: Maruti Suzuki stated that it aims to reduce its manufacturing carbon footprint from 615,000 tonnes to 266,000 tonnes by FY 2030–31. This target is stated in the company's FY 2025–26 Annual Integrated Report.
• Government Mission: The initiative is aligned with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Premier Energies Commissions India's Largest Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility at Naidupeta, Andhra Pradesh

• India's Largest Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility: Premier Energies Limited commissioned its 7 GW N-type TOPCon G12R solar cell manufacturing facility at Naidupeta, Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh, on 21 September 2026. The company describes it as India's largest solar cell manufacturing plant.
• Capacity Expansion: The new facility increases Premier Energies' total solar-cell manufacturing capacity from 3.6 GW to 10.6 GW, making the company India's largest solar-cell manufacturer by installed manufacturing capacity.
• Advanced Technology: The facility manufactures N-type TOPCon G12R solar cells. (Exam Clarification: The newly commissioned Naidupeta facility is specifically an N-type TOPCon G12R plant, not a combined mono-PERC unit).
• Investment & Scale: Spread across approximately 101 acres, the plant was developed at a capital expenditure of about ₹3,293 crore. It is designed to produce approximately 88,000 solar cells per hour.
• Digital Systems & Automation: The facility incorporates digital systems, artificial intelligence, predictive performance analysis, process control, and automated material handling, packing, and packaging systems.
• Trial Production & Efficiency: The facility has commenced trial production. After stabilisation and operational ramp-up, the company is targeting an average cell efficiency of approximately 25.8%.
• Strategic Significance: The plant substantially expands India's domestic solar-cell manufacturing capacity and supports the development of a resilient, integrated domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.

Madhya Pradesh Launches 'Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Seva' in Bhopal

• Statewide Launch: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari launched the Mukhyamantri Sugam Parivahan Seva at BHEL Dussehra Maidan, Bhopal, on 25 September 2026.
• 21-Year Gap Ended: The launch marks the revival of organised public bus services in Madhya Pradesh after approximately 21 years, following the closure of the Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPSRTC) in 2005.
• First-Phase Fleet: 351 buses were flagged off in the first phase.
• Cities Covered: Initial services connect Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Rewa, Dewas, Katni, and Bhind through intercity and intracity transit corridors.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The state plans to utilize a PPP model to operate and expand bus services across districts.
• Passenger Safety & Technology: The buses are equipped with CCTV cameras, emergency panic buttons, and real-time live-location tracking linked to a centralized command-and-control centre.
• Expansion Targets: The state government aims to connect 75% of gram panchayats through the expanded transport network. The operational roadmap targets operating 1,500 buses during the first year and scaling the fleet to 15,000 buses by 2031.

Pralhad Joshi Launches 'Seva First Innovation Challenge' at IISc Bengaluru

• Official Launch: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the Seva First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) for the South Zone at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, on 25 September 2026, alongside launching the official web portal and registration window.
• Ministerial Portfolio: At the time of the launch, Pralhad Joshi served as Union Minister of Education, in addition to holding the portfolios of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and New & Renewable Energy.
• Core Objective: The challenge encourages youth to identify real-life community problems and develop practical, scalable solutions that can be rigorously prototyped, tested, and implemented.
• Three Participation Levels:
  • Junior: Students from Class 6 to Class 12
  • Technical: Students from ITIs and polytechnics
  • Open: Undergraduate students, postgraduate students, and research scholars.
• Five National Themes:
  1. Clean and Sustainable Bharat
  2. Prosperous Farmers, Prosperous Bharat
  3. Healthy and Inclusive Bharat
  4. Educated and Skilled Bharat
  5. Secure Bharat
• Two Solution Tracks: Track A: Product or Technology Solution | Track B: Business Model or Governance Solution.
• South Zone Coverage: Covers five states and three Union Territories (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry), with IISc Bengaluru acting as the nodal mentor institution.
• Key Dates: Registration is open from 25 September to 24 October 2026; the National Finale is scheduled in New Delhi from 10 to 17 December 2026.

12th Anniversary of 'Make in India' — 25 September 2026

• 12-Year Milestone: The Make in India initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 September 2014, completing 12 years on 25 September 2026. The Government of India highlighted comprehensive strides across manufacturing, infrastructure, exports, and industrial self-reliance.
• Purpose: Conceptualized to transform India into a premier global hub for manufacturing, design, and innovation.
• Four Original Pillars: 1. New Processes, 2. New Infrastructure, 3. New Sectors, 4. New Mindset.
• Major Verified Achievements (as of 2026):
  • Electronics & Mobile Manufacturing: India is the world's second-largest mobile-phone manufacturer by volume. Official factsheets confirm that 99.2% of mobile phones used in India are now manufactured domestically (transitioning from a net importer to a net exporter). Smartphones emerged as India's top individual exported commodity in FY2025–26.
  • Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: Encompasses 14 strategic sectors with an approved outlay of ₹1.97 lakh crore. As of 31 March 2026, cumulative actual investment crossed ₹2.40 lakh crore, generating over ₹22.66 lakh crore in production/sales, over ₹15.20 lakh crore in exports, and creating over 14.15 lakh direct and indirect jobs.
  • Defence Manufacturing & Record Exports: Defence production touched a record ₹1.78 lakh crore in FY2025–26. Defence exports surged to an all-time peak of ₹38,424 crore in FY2025–26 (a 62.66% increase over ₹23,622 crore in FY2024–25), supplying advanced military systems to more than 80 countries.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Cumulative FDI inflows reached USD 843 billion between FY2014–15 and FY2025–26 (a 169% jump over the previous 12-year period). Annual FDI inflow in FY2025–26 stood at USD 94.53 billion. (Exam Correction: The official 12-year cumulative figure is USD 843 billion, correcting unofficial $1 trillion claims).
  • Semiconductors: Rapidly expanding under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) with multiple approved commercial fabrication and packaging plants progressing through construction phases.
• Make in India 2.0: Broadened to cover 27 sectors (15 manufacturing sectors and 12 service sectors), integrated seamlessly with PM GatiShakti, the National Single Window System (NSWS), and the India Industrial Land Bank (IILB).

Uttar Pradesh Launches Bharat Taxi and Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana

• Bharat Taxi Cooperative Platform: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched Bharat Taxi in Lucknow on 23 September 2026. It is a cooperative-led ride-hailing platform anchored on the empowerment principle “Driver is the Owner” (सारथी ही मालिक).
• Operational Rollout & Driver Benefits: Initial services commenced across five major cities: Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Kanpur, and Prayagraj. Drivers operate on a zero-commission model and receive comprehensive social-security coverage of up to ₹5 lakh. MoUs were formalized with Lucknow Airport, Lucknow Metro Rail, and Lucknow Police.
• Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also launched the Mukhyamantri Krishak Samriddhi Yojana along with its dedicated digital portal in Lucknow on 23 September 2026.
• Target Group & Concessional Credit: Tailored for small and marginal farmers, offering long-term capital investment loans up to ₹6 lakh at an effective interest rate reduced from 11% down to 6% per annum (supported by state interest subsidies for timely repayment).
• Financial Outlay & Coverage: Backed by a state allocation of ₹384 crore, aiming to benefit approximately 5 lakh small and marginal farmers over five years, routed through the Uttar Pradesh Cooperative Gram Vikas Bank Ltd.

Mizoram Launches First 'Pluck & Pay' Festival to Promote Agro-Tourism

• First-Ever Festival: Mizoram inaugurated its first-ever Pluck & Pay Festival on 23 September 2026, organized as a three-day celebration running from 23 to 25 September 2026.
• Correct Festival Venue: The festival was staged across Tualte and Chawngtlai villages in Khawzawl district (Exam Note: Held in Khawzawl district, not Hnahlan in Champhai district).
• Innovative Concept: Visitors and travellers were welcomed into selected farms and orchards to harvest fresh fruits and produce with their own hands and pay directly for what they picked at farmgate prices.
• Farm Experiences: Featured guided orchard trails across kiwi, passion-fruit, and tomato farms in Chawngtlai village.
• Core Objectives: Jointly spearheaded by the Tourism Department, Government of Mizoram, and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Khawzawl, the initiative creates direct economic linkages between visitors and farming households, fostering sustainable community-based agro-tourism.

Veteran Indian Actor and Comedian Mushtaq Khan Dies in Mumbai

• Demise: Veteran Indian character actor and comedian Mushtaq Khan passed away on 24 September 2026 at Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai, after battling cancer. (Exam Note: Contemporary media reports have given conflicting ages; hence, an unverified single age is not cited as established fact).
• Prolific Career: A familiar and cherished face across Hindi cinema, television, and theatre for over four decades, Mushtaq Khan was widely celebrated for his versatile supporting, dramatic, and comedic roles.
• Notable Screen Credits:
  • Welcome (2007): Played the iconic comedic role of Ballu, the disabled hockey player.
  • Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993): Portrayed Bhagwati Prasad Mishra (Mishraji).
  • Other Major Films: Aashiqui (1990), Hera Pheri (2000), Gadar: Ek Prem Katha (2001), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Wanted (2009), Rowdy Rathore (2012), and Stree 2 (2024).
• Television Work: Prominently featured in acclaimed television serials such as Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, Adaalat, and other broadcast productions.

⚡ One-Liner Current Affairs — 26 September 2026

High-yield summary points covering all 20 key events for rapid revision before competitive examinations (UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways & Defence).