Current Affairs 12 September 2026
30 stories for 12 September 2026: the opening of the 18th BRICS Summit and bilateral talks in New Delhi, the new Bankers' Books Evidence Act, a Guinness record steel-slag road, full electrification of Southern Railway, a national conference on construction workers and the US Open women's title.
On this page
Key facts at a glance
The numbers and names most likely to turn up in Prelims, Phase 1 or a GA section.
| Topic | What to remember | Source, date |
|---|---|---|
| 18th BRICS Summit | 12–13 Sept 2026, Bharat Mandapam | MEA |
| PM–President Xi talks | 'Differences should not become disputes' | 12 Sept |
| Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 | In force 1 Oct 2026; replaces 1891 Act | MoF |
| Iran's proposal | BRICS insurance company, $10 billion | 12 Sept |
| Steel-slag road | 1.85 km, Raigarh; Guinness record | CSIR-CRRI |
| Southern Railway | 100% BG electrification (5,068 km) | Railways |
| Coal 2025-26 | 1,039 MT total; captive+commercial 210 MT | MoC |
| PM-KMY | 7 years; ₹3,000/month pension at 60 | DA&FW |
| Samudra Laksamana | 4th edition; India–Malaysia navies | MoD |
| US Open 2026 women | Elena Rybakina (Kazakhstan) | 12 Sept |
| Saragarhi Day | 12 Sept 1897; 21 soldiers of 36th Sikhs | — |
Economy
1 storyCaptive and commercial coal mines produce 210 MT in 2025-26
Coal production from captive mines rose to 184 MT in 2025-26 from 167.44 MT in 2024-25, according to the Ministry of Coal. Together, captive and commercial mines produced 210 MT, about 21% of India's total output. India's total coal production was 1,039 MT in 2025-26, above one billion tonnes for the second year. Nine new mines with a combined peak capacity of 20.67 MT are due to start production in 2026-27. Captive mines supply the owner's own plants, while commercial mines sell in the open market.
Banking & Markets
2 storiesBankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 to come into force on 1 October
The Centre announced that the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 will come into force on 1 October 2026. It received the President's assent on 13 August 2026 and replaces the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891. The core principle remains that certified copies of bank records can be used in court instead of original books. The new Act recognises records in physical, electronic, digital and cloud-based forms and allows digital signatures for certification. The Centre can extend it by notification to other financial sector entities.
SEBI proposes a closing auction session for derivatives expiry
SEBI proposed a Closing Auction Session framework on 12 September 2026 for computing expiry-day settlement prices of index and stock derivatives. Two methods have been offered for consultation. The aim is to make closing prices harder to manipulate. Under a closing auction, orders are collected over a short window and matched at a single price. Many global exchanges use such auctions to set closing prices.
Polity & Governance
4 storiesRoad safety: key data and the Safe System approach
India accounts for about 11% of global road traffic deaths while having about 1% of the world's vehicles. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 raised penalties and promoted technology-based enforcement. The Safe System approach focuses on safe roads, safe speeds, safe vehicles, protection of vulnerable road users and post-crash care. The UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030 aims to halve road deaths and injuries by 2030.
Southern Railway achieves full electrification of broad-gauge network
Southern Railway completed 100% electrification of its broad-gauge network of 5,068 km, as announced on 12 September 2026. The last section, the 71-km Pattukkottai–Karaikkudi line in Tamil Nadu, passed its statutory inspection on 9 September. Electric traction in the region began in Madras on 11 May 1931. Indian Railways aims for full electrification of its broad-gauge network. Electric traction lowers fuel costs and emissions.
Critical Care Blocks and public health labs opened in Andhra Pradesh
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri J. P. Nadda inaugurated 10 Critical Care Blocks and 12 Integrated Public Health Laboratories in Andhra Pradesh on 12 September 2026, along with Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu. They were built under the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission. The State has ₹647.51 crore sanctioned for 24 Critical Care Blocks and 26 laboratories. Nationwide, 631 Critical Care Blocks are planned under the mission. PM-ABHIM was launched in 2021 to strengthen health systems for pandemics and emergencies.
National conference on construction workers' welfare
The Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Maharashtra government held a national conference on welfare of building and other construction workers in Mumbai. State models showcased included Uttar Pradesh's skilling programme, Rajasthan's digital labour market and Assam's worker portal. Welfare boards under the BOCW Act, 1996 collect a cess of 1 to 2% on construction costs. The funds are used for benefits such as pensions, insurance and education support. Construction is one of the largest employers of informal workers.
International Relations
6 storiesHon'ble Prime Minister holds talks with H.E. President Xi Jinping
Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with H.E. Mr Xi Jinping, President of China, on 12 September 2026 on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. It was the Chinese President's first visit to India since 2019. The two sides agreed that differences should not become disputes. The Prime Minister emphasised peace in border areas and the principles of mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. Bilateral trade was about $150 billion last year, with India's deficit at about $113 billion.
18th BRICS Summit opens at Bharat Mandapam
The 18th BRICS Summit opened at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 12 September 2026 under India's chairship. India held around 350 preparatory meetings for the summit, 22 of them at ministerial level. Initiatives proposed by India include a BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage and a Logistics Supply Chain Cooperation Framework. Other proposals cover a start-up innovation fund, an urbanisation forum and a forum on sustainable aviation fuels. The expanded grouping has 11 members and about 10 partner countries.
Hon'ble Prime Minister meets leaders of Ethiopia and Malaysia
On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit on 12 September 2026, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and H.E. Mr Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia. Ethiopia joined BRICS as a member in 2024. Malaysia is a BRICS partner country. India and Malaysia upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. India and Ethiopia have long-standing development cooperation, including lines of credit.
BRICS finance ministers call for reform of Bretton Woods institutions
BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors, after meetings in Jaipur and Mumbai, said unilateral tariffs and non-tariff measures distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules. They said such measures particularly affect emerging markets and developing economies. They called for merit-based selection of the heads of the IMF and the World Bank. They also sought greater representation for developing economies in these institutions. The IMF and World Bank were created at the Bretton Woods conference in 1944.
Iran proposes a joint BRICS insurance company
H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, proposed a joint BRICS insurance company with initial capital of $10 billion during his visit to India. The company would cover major infrastructure and energy projects within the grouping. He also called for greater use of national currencies in trade among members. In his meeting with Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, both sides emphasised freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. It was the Iranian President's first visit to India since taking office in 2024.
China Southern Airlines to resume Guangzhou–New Delhi flights
China Southern Airlines announced on 12 September 2026 that it will resume daily flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from 21 September 2026. Direct flights on this route had been suspended for about six years. Direct passenger flights between India and China were halted in 2020 and have been resuming in stages. The resumption is part of steps to improve people-to-people contact. Other steps include easing of visas.
World
1 storyUS proposes ending 60-day grace period for laid-off visa workers
The US Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on 11 September 2026 to remove the discretionary grace period of up to 60 days for certain foreign workers after their employment ends. It would apply to E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 and TN categories and their dependents. Public comments are open until 10 November 2026. The grace period was introduced by a rule that took effect in January 2017. Indian professionals form the largest group of H-1B holders.
Schemes & Missions
5 storiesPM Kisan Maandhan Yojana completes seven years
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana completed seven years on 12 September 2026; it was launched on 12 September 2019 in Ranchi. The voluntary, contributory scheme gives small and marginal farmers a pension of ₹3,000 a month from age 60. It is open to farmers aged 18 to 40 with up to two hectares of land, and the farmer and Centre contribute equally. A spouse receives a family pension of ₹1,500 a month after the subscriber's death. About 24.96 lakh farmers had enrolled by February 2026, with LIC as the pension fund manager.
Dryland Congress 2026 focuses on watershed-based resilience
The Dryland Congress 2026 was held in New Delhi, where the Secretary of the Department of Land Resources spoke of strengthening institutions, digital infrastructure and community action in drylands. Rainfed agriculture covers 43% of India's net sown area and contributes 40% of food production. The Watershed Development Component of PMKSY has implemented 7,602 projects over 34 million hectares. These created about 0.9 million water harvesting structures and benefited nearly 6 million farmers. A Watershed Portal has been proposed.
'Designer Atelier' exhibition at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium
The 'Designer Atelier' exhibition-cum-sale is being held from 12 September to 1 October 2026 at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium, Janpath, New Delhi. It showcases designer creations drawing on India's textile heritage and traditional crafts. It was inaugurated on 12 September by Shri Akhilesh Kumar, DDG (Textiles) and Chairman of CCIC. The exhibition aims to promote authentic handloom and handwoven products. It is open from 10 AM to 7 PM.
ITRA Jamnagar holds workshop on microbiome research
The Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar, held a three-day workshop on 'Understanding Health and Wellness through Microbiome Research' from 9 to 11 September 2026. ITRA is an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Ayush. The workshop introduced participants to new developments in microbiome research. It explored their relevance to health, wellness and preventive healthcare from an Ayurvedic perspective. Prof. Sharmila Mande, Ayush Distinguished Scientist Chair, led sessions.
National conference on construction workers' welfare concludes in Mumbai
A two-day National Conference on Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) concluded in Mumbai on 12 September 2026. It was organised by the Ministry of Labour and Employment with the Government of Maharashtra on 11–12 September. Representatives of the Centre, States/UTs and BOCW Welfare Boards discussed welfare, skilling, employment and social protection of construction workers. Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the first day. Union Minister of State Sushri Shobha Karandlaje also attended.
Environment
2 storiesIndonesia prepares to repatriate orangutans rescued in Odisha
Indonesia's Ministry of Forestry is preparing to take back the five baby orangutans rescued in Odisha's Balasore district, suspecting that they came from Sumatra. DNA testing will be needed to confirm the species and origin. There are three orangutan species: Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli. All are listed in Appendix I of CITES, which prohibits commercial trade. CITES was signed in Washington in 1973 and entered into force in 1975.
Flood management in Bihar: the backwater effect
Analysis of Bihar's floods has highlighted the backwater effect, when high water in the Ganga prevents tributaries from draining. Rivers including the Gandak, Kosi, Budhi Gandak, Punpun and Ghaghra rose above danger levels despite below-normal rainfall. Suggested approaches include floodplain restoration and coordination among riverine States. Basin-level planning is a key principle of the Ganga River Basin Management Plan. The renewal of the 1996 Ganga water treaty with Bangladesh is also due.
Science & Tech
5 storiesGuinness record for the world's longest steel-slag road
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute and Jindal Steel set a Guinness World Record on 12 September 2026 for the world's longest road built with steel-slag aggregate. The 1.85 km road is at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. The technology is reported to cut construction cost by about 40%. Steel slag is a by-product of steelmaking that is otherwise dumped. Using it in roads reduces the need for natural aggregates.
Badri cattle calf produced through OPU-IVF
ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, with G. B. Pant University and the Uttarakhand Biotechnology Council, produced a Badri cattle calf through ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilisation. Badri is an indigenous hill cattle breed of Uttarakhand. It is small, hardy and suited to mountain conditions. OPU-IVF allows many embryos to be produced from high-quality animals.
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission holds conference on biosimilars
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission held a National Conference on Quality and Safety of Biosimilars in Bengaluru on 10 and 11 September 2026. A key outcome was the release of an Indian Pharmacopoeia Reference Substance for Enoxaparin Sodium, an anticoagulant. Reference substances are authenticated materials used to test the quality of medicines. Biosimilars are biological products highly similar to an approved reference biologic. The conference was linked to the Biopharma SHAKTI initiative for self-reliance in biopharmaceuticals.
'Bharat Innovates' expo showcases 37 deep-tech innovations
The 'Bharat Innovates' exposition at Bharat Mandapam on 11 and 12 September 2026 showcased 37 Indian deep-tech innovations during the BRICS Summit. Exhibits included AI-enabled cervical cancer screening, floating solar PV, marine robotics and rare-earth-free electric powertrains. It was organised by the Ministry of Education with the Ministry of External Affairs. The first edition was held in Nice, France, in June 2026. The expo supports the BRICS education track priority on research and start-up ecosystems.
BHASHINI CEO addresses Lattice 2026 at IIM Calcutta
Lattice 2026, the annual business conclave of IIM Calcutta, was held in Kolkata on 12 September 2026 with the theme 'The Capability Decade'. Shri Amitabh Nag, CEO of the Digital India BHASHINI Division under MeitY, was the chief guest. He spoke about India's experience of building language technology as Digital Public Infrastructure. He discussed the challenges of taking AI from experiments to real-world use at scale. The conclave covered AI, technology, innovation and leadership.
Defence
1 storyINS Mysore completes Exercise Samudra Laksamana with Malaysia
INS Mysore concluded the fourth edition of Exercise Samudra Laksamana with the Royal Malaysian Navy at Lumut, Malaysia, from 9 to 12 September 2026. The exercise had a harbour phase followed by a sea phase. Malaysian ships KD Lekir and KD Gagah Samudera took part. The exercise improves interoperability between the two navies.
Sports
1 storyElena Rybakina wins the US Open women's title
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan won the 2026 US Open women's singles title on 12 September, beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York. It was her first US Open and third Grand Slam title, after Wimbledon 2022 and the Australian Open 2026. The win also made her the WTA world No. 1. The US Open is played on hard courts.
Important Days
2 storiesUN Day for South-South Cooperation
The UN Day for South-South Cooperation was observed on 12 September 2026. The theme was 'Solidarity Rising: Global Alliance for Inclusive and Innovative Development'. South-South cooperation refers to exchange of knowledge, technology and resources among developing countries. India's ITEC programme, launched in 1964, is an example of such cooperation.
Saragarhi Day
Saragarhi Day was observed on 12 September 2026, marking the Battle of Saragarhi on 12 September 1897. Twenty-one soldiers of the 36th Sikhs, now the 4th Battalion of the Sikh Regiment, defended a signalling post in the North-West Frontier against a much larger force. The battle is regarded as one of the most notable last stands in military history.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.The Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 replaces a law from:
Answer: C. It replaces the Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 1891, from 1 October 2026.
Q2.The world's longest steel-slag road (1.85 km) is located in:
Answer: B. CSIR-CRRI and Jindal Steel built it at Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.
Q3.Lattice 2026 is the annual business conclave of:
Answer: A. It was held in Kolkata with the theme 'The Capability Decade'.
Q4.PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana provides a monthly pension of:
Answer: C. ₹3,000 a month from age 60 for small and marginal farmers.
Q5.Samudra Laksamana is a naval exercise between India and:
Answer: B. The fourth edition was held at Lumut, Malaysia.
Q6.Who won the 2026 US Open women's singles?
Answer: C. Rybakina beat Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2.
Q7.The Battle of Saragarhi took place in:
Answer: B. On 12 September 1897, 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikhs defended the post.
Q8.Badri is an indigenous cattle breed of:
Answer: C. Badri is a hill cattle breed of Uttarakhand.
Q9.The 'Designer Atelier' exhibition-cum-sale is being held at the:
Answer: A. It runs from 12 September to 1 October 2026 at Janpath.
Q10.Under CITES, orangutans are listed in:
Answer: A. Appendix I covers species threatened with extinction.
Source: PIB, The Indian Express and The Times of India.
Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It is compiled from publicly available official sources and reputable news reports, and every story is written in our own words for exam revision. CrackTarget is not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to any government body, regulator or ministry. Readers should check the official notifications, circulars and press releases before relying on any detail for an examination, application or decision.