Current Affairs 21 September 2026
30 stories for 21 September 2026: Exercise Nomadic Elephant, RBI's final market-risk capital norms, faster India–Canada CEPA talks, the first V4+India meeting, Tulu's new status in Karnataka, India's medals on Day 2 of the Asian Games and the International Day of Peace.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| RBI market-risk directions | Revised Basel III; effective 1 April 2027 | RBI |
| Nomadic Elephant | 18th edition, Pithoragarh, 21 Sept–3 Oct | MoD |
| Tank APU contract | ₹586 crore; T-72/T-90 | MoD |
| DRDO laser DEW | 30 kW, IDD&IS Mk-II(A), 5 km | DRDO |
| India–Canada CEPA | Next round from 5 Oct | MoCI |
| V4 | Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic | MEA |
| Tulu | Additional administrative language in DK, Udupi | Karnataka |
| Ramsar sites | 101 | MoEFCC |
| Tiger reserves | 58 | MoEFCC |
| PM-SETU | ₹320 crore Kurukshetra cluster | MSDE |
| Day of Peace | 21 Sept; UNGA 36/67 & 55/282 | UN |
Economy
5 storiesMoSPI updates 'Sources and Methods' for national accounts
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the updated 'Sources and Methods for Compilation of National Accounts Statistics' on 21 September 2026. The document explains how India's GDP and other national accounts aggregates are compiled. It sets out data sources, methods and assumptions for each sector. Such documents improve the transparency of official statistics. The National Accounts Division of the NSO compiles GDP estimates.
Rare-earth magnets: mapping the value chain
An analysis in The Hindu argues that India's gap in rare-earth permanent magnets lies less in minerals and more in the lack of a detailed map of the magnet value chain. Neodymium-iron-boron magnets are used in EV motors, wind turbines, electronics and defence systems. China dominates rare-earth processing and magnet production and restricted some exports from April 2025. India's rare earths occur mainly in beach-sand monazite. IREL (India) Limited is the main public sector producer.
Sulphur prices double, affecting fertiliser makers
Landed prices of imported sulphur have roughly doubled to $1,050–1,100 per tonne since the start of 2026, against historical levels below $200. Sulphur is used to make sulphuric acid, which converts rock phosphate into forms plants can use. Phosphatic fertilisers such as DAP and SSP are therefore affected. India uses about 3.8–3.9 million tonnes of sulphur a year, of which the fertiliser industry takes 2–2.1 million tonnes. Most sulphur is recovered from petroleum refining and natural gas processing.
Coal India's diversification plans
Coal India Limited is diversifying into coal gasification, thermal power, renewable energy, critical minerals and research. About ₹69,346 crore is committed to four coal-to-chemicals projects. About 550 MW of solar capacity has been commissioned. An underground coal gasification pilot is running at the Kasta West block of Eastern Coalfields. Coal gasification turns coal into syngas for products such as methanol, ammonia and urea.
India aims to be world's top silk producer by 2028-29
Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh said at the Central Silk Board's 77th Foundation Day in Bengaluru that India aims to become the world's top silk producer by 2028-29. Silk production has risen from 26,000 tonnes in 2014 to 42,000 tonnes. The target is 60,000 tonnes by 2030-31. The Central Silk Board is a statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles. Sericulture is the rearing of silkworms to produce raw silk.
Banking & Markets
1 storyRBI issues final market-risk capital directions
The RBI issued the final Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Minimum Capital Requirements for Market Risk) Directions, 2026 on 21 September 2026. The directions move banks to the revised Basel III market-risk framework. They will take effect from 1 April 2027. Market risk is the risk of losses from movements in interest rates, exchange rates and equity prices. The Basel norms are framed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision.
Polity & Governance
3 storiesTulu made an additional administrative language in two districts
The Karnataka Cabinet decided on 18 September 2026 to make Tulu the 'second additional administrative language' in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. The State will allocate ₹82 lakh a year for translation, training and promotion of Tulu. Article 345 allows a State legislature to adopt languages for official purposes. Karnataka's law on this is the Official Language Act, 1963. Tulu is not among the 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule.
Supreme Court seeks a framework for court deposits
A Supreme Court Bench of Justices P. S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe noted that there are no uniform rules for managing money deposited by litigants in courts and tribunals during pending cases. This has led to inconsistent interest and further litigation. The Court suggested a statutory framework similar to the US Court Registry Investment System. It asked the Law Commission to examine the issue with the RBI and the Finance and Law Ministries. The Law Commission is an executive body that advises the government on legal reform.
Call for separate pricing framework for medical devices
Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Shri Tukaram Mundhe called for a separate regulatory framework for pricing of medical devices. Device prices currently fall under drug-focused price controls. Industry body AiMeD has proposed caps on trade margins by price band. Earlier NPPA price caps on coronary stents and knee implants lowered costs for patients. The Medical Devices Rules, 2017 focus on quality and safety.
International Relations
2 storiesIndia and Canada to fast-track CEPA talks
India and Canada agreed on 21 September 2026 to fast-track negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The next round of talks will begin on 5 October 2026. Both sides aim to conclude the agreement by the end of 2026. A CEPA usually covers trade in goods and services, investment and other areas. Canada is home to a large Indian diaspora.
First V4+India Foreign Ministers' Meeting
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar attended the first V4+India Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York on the sidelines of the UNGA on 21 September 2026. The Visegrad Group comprises Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The meeting aimed to widen cooperation in trade, technology, defence, connectivity and education. The Visegrad Group was formed in 1991. All four members belong to the EU and NATO.
World
1 storyIran sets out conditions for reopening Hormuz
Iran has conveyed its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to the US through mediators including Qatar. These include an end to the conflict, release of frozen funds and an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The Strait links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. About a fifth of global oil consumption passes through it. Iran's frozen funds are held abroad under sanctions reimposed after the US left the JCPOA in 2018.
Schemes & Missions
2 storiesPM-SETU: ₹320 crore for Kurukshetra ITI cluster
The National Steering Committee approved a ₹320 crore strategic investment plan for the Kurukshetra ITI cluster in Haryana under PM-SETU on 21 September 2026. PM-SETU is the Skill Development Ministry's scheme to upgrade ITIs. It works through clusters in which ITIs share a hub institute's infrastructure, trainers and industry links. Sanctions under the scheme now total about ₹2,171 crore across nine clusters. The scheme aims to align vocational training with industry needs.
Community cadres in last-mile delivery
A PIB feature says more than 9 lakh Community Resource Persons, 10.40 lakh ASHAs and 10.58 lakh Anganwadi workers help deliver government programmes. Under DAY-NRLM, over 10 crore rural households have been organised into 92 lakh Self-Help Groups. Bank Sakhis have helped SHGs access ₹13.41 lakh crore in bank credit since 2013-14. Livelihood cadres include Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis and Van Sakhis. Over 5.33 lakh Village Water and Sanitation Committees work under Jal Jeevan Mission.
Environment
3 storiesWWF Global Conservation Conference in Jaipur
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the WWF Global Conservation Conference in Jaipur on 21 September 2026. Delegates from over 100 countries took part. He said India's Ramsar sites have grown from 24 to 101 and tiger reserves from 47 to 58 in about a decade. Elephant reserves rose from 30 to 33. Protected areas increased from about 750 to over 1,000.
Cheetah CCB-2 released into Gandhi Sagar
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav released CCB-2, a female cheetah from Botswana, into Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary. It was moved from Kuno National Park to support breeding at the second site. Gandhi Sagar now has four cheetahs, two males and two females. The sanctuary became India's second cheetah habitat in April 2025. India's cheetah population stands at 56.
Orangutan case highlights trafficking networks
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is investigating the recovery of five baby orangutans in Odisha on 8 September. Orangutans are native to Borneo and Sumatra and are listed in CITES Appendix I. Research on wildlife trafficking shows urban centres act as demand hubs. Trafficking networks often share routes with drug and timber smuggling. In India, primates, turtles and lizards are among the species most often smuggled.
Science & Tech
3 storiesProposal for early thorium use in PHWRs
Nuclear scientist Dr. Anil Kakodkar has proposed early use of thorium-based fuel in India's Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. HALEU-thorium fuel could allow thorium use without major reactor design changes. HALEU is uranium enriched to between 5% and 20% U-235. India's three-stage nuclear programme was designed by Dr. Homi J. Bhabha to use its large thorium reserves. India has a target of 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047.
EU plans to keep children under 15 off social media
European Commission President Ms Ursula von der Leyen set out a plan to keep children under 15 off social media in her State of the Union speech. A proposed 'EU Kids Act' would cover social media, video platforms, AI chatbots and online games. Australia's ban on under-16s on major platforms took effect in December 2025. India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 requires verifiable parental consent for processing children's data. Age verification raises privacy questions.
Protecting traditional crafts under IP law
An explainer examines the difficulty of protecting Indian crafts such as zardozi embroidery and mirror-work from use by global brands. A Geographical Indication protects a product's name and origin, but not every motif or technique. IP rights are territorial, while cultural designs travel across borders. WIPO adopted a treaty in May 2024 on intellectual property, genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. Proposals include a digital registry of motifs and custodian communities.
Defence
4 storiesExercise Nomadic Elephant begins at Pithoragarh
The 18th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant, the India–Mongolia joint military exercise, began at the Foreign Training Node in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, on 21 September 2026. It runs until 3 October. Each side has 45 personnel. Training focuses on counter-insurgency in semi-urban and mountainous terrain under a UN mandate. The previous edition was held in Ulaanbaatar in 2025.
₹586 crore contract for tank auxiliary power units
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹586 crore contract on 21 September 2026 for indigenous Auxiliary Power Units for the Army's T-72 and T-90 tanks. APUs let a tank run its electronics and systems without running the main engine. This saves fuel and reduces engine wear. It also lowers the tank's heat and noise signature. The contract supports domestic defence manufacturing.
DRDO to select partner for 30 kW laser weapon
DRDO said on 21 September 2026 that it will choose an industry production partner within six months for its truck-mounted 30 kW laser directed-energy weapon. It can engage drones, fixed-wing UAVs and sensors at ranges of up to 5 km. It was first demonstrated at the National Open Air Range, Kurnool, in April 2025. Directed-energy weapons offer a low cost per engagement.
Army sets up AASHVAST labs for drone firmware checks
The Indian Army is setting up six AASHVAST labs to inspect drones, and later CCTV cameras, for firmware vulnerabilities. One lab has been inaugurated in Delhi. The system was developed for the Directorate General of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering. It checks for hidden code, embedded keys, remote access tools and foreign-origin components. India has restricted domestic military drone makers from using Chinese parts.
Sports
4 storiesThree shooting medals in men's 10m air rifle
India won three medals in men's 10m air rifle on Day 2 of the Asian Games on 21 September 2026. Himanshu Dhillon won individual silver with 231.0. Rudrankksh Patil took bronze with 230.9. The two, with Parth Mane, also won team silver behind China. India had six medals after Day 2.
Suchika Tariyal wins India's first Asian Games MMA medal
Suchika Tariyal won bronze in the women's 60 kg traditional MMA event on 21 September 2026. It is India's first Asian Games medal in mixed martial arts. MMA is making its debut at the Aichi-Nagoya Games. She lost her semi-final to Singapore's Teo Hui Hoon. Both semi-final losers receive bronze medals in the event.
Wins in kabaddi, hockey and table tennis
India's men's kabaddi team beat Japan 49-24 and the women's team beat Bangladesh 42-21 on 21 September 2026. The women's hockey team beat Indonesia 17-1. In table tennis, India beat Pakistan 3-0 in both the men's and women's team events. India won both kabaddi golds at Hangzhou 2022. These results kept India's campaigns on track in the group stages.
Chess Olympiad round 6
In round 6 of the 46th Chess Olympiad on 21 September 2026, India's Open team lost to hosts Uzbekistan. India dropped to seventh with 10 points, while Uzbekistan took the sole lead on 12. India's Women's team beat the United States 3-1. Savitha Shri and Vantika Agrawal won their games. The women moved to third behind China and Kazakhstan.
Important Days
2 storiesInternational Day of Peace
The International Day of Peace was observed on 21 September 2026 with the theme 'Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day'. The day was established by UN General Assembly resolution 36/67 in 1981. Resolution 55/282 of 2001 fixed 21 September and designated it a day of ceasefire and non-violence. The UN Peace Bell is rung at UN Headquarters to mark the day. The day aims to strengthen ideals of peace among nations.
World Alzheimer's Day
World Alzheimer's Day was observed on 21 September 2026 with the theme 'The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters'. It was first observed in 1994 on the 10th anniversary of Alzheimer's Disease International. The whole of September is marked as World Alzheimer's Month. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Early diagnosis helps patients and families plan care.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.Exercise Nomadic Elephant is held between India and:
Answer: B. India–Mongolia; 18th edition at Pithoragarh.
Q2.RBI's final market-risk capital directions take effect from:
Answer: B. 1 April 2027.
Q3.Which is NOT a member of the Visegrad Group?
Answer: C. V4: Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic.
Q4.Tulu has been made an additional administrative language in:
Answer: B. Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.
Q5.Article 345 of the Constitution deals with:
Answer: B. It lets a State adopt languages for official use.
Q6.Cheetah CCB-2 was released into:
Answer: A. It was released into Gandhi Sagar.
Q7.As stated at the WWF conference, India's number of Ramsar sites is:
Answer: C. 101 Ramsar sites.
Q8.HALEU refers to uranium enriched to:
Answer: C. High-assay low-enriched uranium: 5–20% U-235.
Q9.India's first-ever Asian Games MMA medal was won by:
Answer: B. Bronze in women's 60 kg traditional.
Q10.The International Day of Peace is observed on:
Answer: B. 21 September.
Source: PIB, RBI, 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.