Current Affairs 26 September 2026
30 stories for 26 September 2026: India's first port-based e-methanol plant, the first Victim Rights Centre, India's national statement at UNGA-81, the start of Tarang Shakti, CGTMSE cover on TReDS, RDI Fund support for a reusable launcher, kabaddi gold double at the Asian Games and CSIR's 85th Foundation Day.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| E-methanol plant | Kandla; 150 TPD; ₹2,300 crore | MoPSW |
| Victim Rights Centre | First; Patna; Bihar SLSA | NALSA/BSLSA |
| Tarang Shakti | 2nd edition, Jodhpur, 26 Sept–12 Oct | IAF |
| IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund | ₹1,000 crore; first close ₹450 crore | IIT Madras |
| CGTMSE on TReDS | 75% guarantee | MoMSME |
| Agnibaan RLV | ₹200 crore from RDI Fund | TDB/DST |
| Subansiri Upper | 1,605 MW; EAC nod | MoEFCC |
| MEE-TR | 6th cycle; 58 reserves | NTCA/WII |
| CSIR | Founded 26 Sept 1942 | CSIR |
| Kabaddi | Men 9th gold, women 4th gold | Asian Games |
| Marathon | Sawan Barwal silver, NR 2:11:37 | Asian Games |
| India tally (Day 7) | 30 medals (4 gold) | Asian Games |
Economy
4 storiesIITM Unicorn Frontier Fund announced
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced the IITM Unicorn Frontier Fund I in Bengaluru on 26 September 2026. It is a ₹1,000 crore deep-tech venture fund of IIT Madras, IIT Madras Research Park and Unicorn India Ventures. The fund reached its first close at ₹450 crore. It will invest in startups in defence, space, semiconductors, robotics, AI and health technology. Deep-tech startups often need long-term patient capital.
CGTMSE cover goes live on TReDS
The MSME Ministry has made Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises cover live on the Trade Receivables Discounting System. It gives financiers a 75% guarantee on the amount in default for eligible invoices. Both buyer and seller must be micro or small enterprises. Invoice discounting on TReDS grew from ₹40,000 crore in 2021-22 to ₹3.5 lakh crore in 2025-26. TReDS is an RBI-regulated platform operating since 2017.
Progress of pharma and medical devices PLI schemes
Under the PLI scheme for bulk drugs, 39 projects making 28 APIs and key starting materials have been commissioned. The pharmaceuticals PLI scheme has attracted ₹46,744 crore of investment, above target. Its cumulative sales are ₹4,02,869 crore, including ₹2,57,370 crore of exports. The medical devices PLI has enabled domestic production of 57 high-end devices. The schemes are run by the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
New model Bilateral Investment Treaty sent to Cabinet Secretariat
The Finance Ministry has forwarded a new model Bilateral Investment Treaty to the Cabinet Secretariat. It aims to shorten the local remedies period in the 2016 model and to exclude tax measures. The 2016 model required five years of local remedies before international arbitration. The 2024 India–UAE BIT set this at three years.
Banking & Markets
1 storyUPI subsidy to be settled after MDR begins
The Union government and banks will decide the size of the subsidy for UPI and RuPay debit card payments after the UPI merchant discount rate takes effect on 15 October 2026. The Finance Ministry is consulting the Indian Banks' Association and traders' bodies. The Union Budget 2026-27 has set aside ₹2,000 crore to promote low-value BHIM-UPI and RuPay debit card transactions. MDR has been zero for UPI and RuPay debit cards since January 2020. NPCI was set up in 2008 under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
Polity & Governance
3 storiesIndia's first Victim Rights Centre opens in Patna
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant inaugurated India's first Victim Rights Centre in Patna on 26 September 2026. It is run by the Bihar State Legal Services Authority. The single-window centre guides crime victims through police, hospital, court and welfare processes. It begins as a 12-month pilot in Patna district. A legal-aid helpline for transgender persons was launched at the same time.
Census 2027: process for open-field caste entries
The Union government has not yet decided how caste data collected through an open field in Census 2027 will be classified. Respondents who are not SC or ST will write their caste name, and can also choose 'no caste'. A proposal will be prepared by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner. The Census is conducted under the Census Act, 1948 and is a Union subject. The 1931 Census was the last to enumerate all castes.
NHAI issues design guidelines for high-speed corridors
NHAI has issued guidelines for designing and building access-controlled high-speed corridors. India plans 50,000 km of such corridors by 2036-37. The rules mandate Multi-lane Free Flow tolling and access only through designed ramps. At-grade intersections are not allowed. Lane configuration will depend on traffic volume measured in Passenger Car Units.
International Relations
1 storyIndia's national statement at UNGA-81
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered India's national statement at the general debate of the 81st UN General Assembly on 26 September 2026. He said attempts to normalise terrorism would not be accepted. He described attacks on commercial shipping as unacceptable. He listed food, fuel, fertiliser and finance as key pressures on the Global South. He also called for reform of multilateral institutions.
World
1 storyExplainer: Taiwan in US–China relations
During Chinese President H.E. Xi Jinping's visit to the US, Beijing highlighted Taiwan as its main concern. US policy rests on the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, which provides for unofficial ties and arms supplies for Taiwan's self-defence. The Three Joint Communiqués underpin US–China diplomatic relations. A proposed US arms package for Taiwan has been paused. Taiwan is home to TSMC, the world's leading contract chipmaker.
Schemes & Missions
2 storiesIndia at UN High-Level Meeting on pandemic preparedness
Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava represented India at the UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response in New York on 25 September 2026. She reaffirmed India's commitment to global health security through international cooperation. She called for turning the lessons of COVID-19 into sustained investment and resilient health systems. She described India's work to expand laboratory networks, emergency coordination, the health workforce and stockpiles. The Ministry released the details on 26 September.
CBN Rajasthan unit seizes nearly four tonnes of contraband
The Central Bureau of Narcotics said on 26 September 2026 that its Rajasthan unit seized nearly four tonnes of contraband in recent operations. Seizures included 3,937 kg of poppy straw, 9.6 kg of opium and 1.9 kg of hydroponic cannabis. Officers also seized ₹18.42 lakh in cash and six vehicles. Four persons were arrested. In one case, a truck carrying about 2,292 kg of poppy straw in 118 bags was intercepted.
Environment
6 storiesFoundation stone for India's first port-based e-methanol plant
The foundation stone of India's first port-based e-methanol plant was laid at Deendayal Port, Kandla, on 26 September 2026. The ₹2,300 crore plant is a joint venture of the Deendayal Port Authority and Assam Petro-Chemicals Ltd. It will have a capacity of 150 tonnes a day in two phases. E-methanol made from renewable power, water and biogenic CO2 can serve as green fuel for ships.
EAC recommends clearance for Subansiri Upper project
The Union Environment Ministry's Expert Appraisal Committee has recommended conditional environmental clearance for NHPC's 1,605 MW Subansiri Upper hydroelectric project in Arunachal Pradesh. Final clearance depends on forest clearance for about 2,733 hectares. NHPC must prepare an Ecosystem Restoration and Biodiversity Management Plan. The EAC noted impacts on biodiversity, habitat continuity and wildlife movement.
Western Ghats ESA: Karnataka's share
Karnataka has the largest proposed share of Ecologically Sensitive Area in the Western Ghats, at 20,668 sq km covering 1,449 villages. The State has asked for time to carry out a fresh forest survey. The Kasturirangan Report proposed about 60,000 sq km as ESA. The Western Ghats span six States and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sixth cycle of tiger reserve effectiveness evaluation
The Union Environment Minister launched the sixth cycle of Management Effectiveness Evaluation of Tiger Reserves, covering all 58 reserves. A Technical Manual for MEE-TR 2026 was released at a workshop by the NTCA and the Wildlife Institute of India. Solid waste management has been added as a new criterion. The evaluation began in 2006. India's framework is adapted from the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas.
India International Water Week concludes
The 9th India International Water Week concluded in New Delhi on the theme 'Climate Resilient Water Management'. Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Patil highlighted people's participation, science and international cooperation. The week included the 2nd India International WASH Conference and an India–Africa Roundtable. Training modules for Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees were released. Sujalam Bharat was discussed as digital public infrastructure for rural drinking water.
New water censuses released
Several water censuses were released during the India International Water Week. They include the 1st Census of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects. The 7th Minor Irrigation Census and the 2nd Census of Water Bodies were also released. The 1st Census of Springs was released as well. Such data help plan irrigation, water conservation and spring rejuvenation.
Science & Tech
3 stories₹200 crore RDI Fund support for reusable Agnibaan
The Technology Development Board signed an agreement with Agnikul Cosmos to provide ₹200 crore from the Research Development and Innovation Fund. The money will support development of Agnibaan RLV, a fully reusable launch vehicle. It is provided through optionally convertible debentures. The project aims to raise the vehicle from Technology Readiness Level 4 to 8. Agnikul earlier developed the 3D-printed Agnilet engine.
ARIES study on X-rays from blazars
Researchers at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences studied four TeV blazars using NASA's NICER and NuSTAR telescopes. They found an additional X-ray component from the accretion disk in Mrk 421 and Mrk 501 during low activity. This is the first such indication for Mrk 501. Blazars are active galactic nuclei with jets pointing towards Earth. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal.
CSIR marks 85th Foundation Day
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research marked its 85th Foundation Day on 26 September 2026. CSIR was set up on 26 September 1942. Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh launched five popular-science magazines by CSIR-NIScPR. They are in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and Assamese. CSIR runs a network of national laboratories across India.
Defence
1 storyTarang Shakti 2026 begins at Jodhpur
The second edition of the IAF's multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti began at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 26 September 2026. It runs until 12 October. Eight countries are taking part with aircraft, and 32 more are observers. France has sent Rafale F4 fighters, A330 MRTT tankers and A400M transport aircraft as part of Mission Pégase 26. India and France also hold the Garuda, Varuna and Shakti exercises.
Sports
6 storiesIndia's men win kabaddi gold
India's men's kabaddi team beat Iran 40-34 in the Asian Games final on 26 September 2026. It was India's ninth Asian Games gold in men's kabaddi. The team was captained by Sunil Kumar. India were defending the title won in 2022. Kabaddi was introduced at the Asian Games in 1990.
India's women win kabaddi gold
India's women's kabaddi team beat Iran 37-34 in the Asian Games final on 26 September 2026. It was their fourth Asian Games gold. The team was captained by Pushpa Rana. Women's kabaddi was introduced at the 2010 Asian Games. India also won the event in 2022.
Sawan Barwal wins marathon silver in national record
Sawan Barwal won silver in the men's marathon at the Asian Games on 26 September 2026 in a national record of 2:11:37. It was India's first Asian Games marathon medal in 44 years. The previous medal was a bronze at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. Japan's Ichitaka Yamashita won gold in 2:10:49. The marathon covers 42.195 km.
Tajinderpal Singh Toor wins shot put silver
Tajinderpal Singh Toor won silver in the men's shot put at the Asian Games on 26 September 2026 with a throw of 20.64 m. He had won gold at the 2018 and 2022 Games. Iran's thrower won gold with a Games record of 20.81 m. The women's 50m rifle 3 positions team also won silver. India's tally rose to 30 medals: 4 gold, 12 silver and 14 bronze.
Prachi Choudhary and squash pair win bronze
Prachi Choudhary won bronze in the women's 400m at the Asian Games on 26 September 2026 in 53.21 seconds. Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser won gold. Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar won bronze in squash mixed doubles. They lost their semi-final to Hong Kong. Day 7 brought India seven medals.
Chess Olympiad round 10
India's Open team beat Uzbekistan-2 3.5-0.5 in round 10 of the 46th Chess Olympiad on 26 September 2026. D. Gukesh, Nihal Sarin and R. Praggnanandhaa won their games. India stayed second on 17 points behind Uzbekistan on 18. India's women drew 2-2 with leaders China. They were third on 16 points before the final round.
Important Days
2 storiesWorld Environmental Health Day
World Environmental Health Day was observed on 26 September 2026. The theme was 'Environmental Health: Standing with Science to Protect Communities'. It was started by the International Federation of Environmental Health. It was first observed in 2011 in Indonesia. Environmental health covers air, water, sanitation and food safety.
International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons
The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was observed on 26 September 2026. The UN General Assembly created it through a resolution in December 2013. It was first observed in 2014. The day promotes nuclear disarmament. India supports universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable nuclear disarmament.
Quick-revision MCQs
Tap an option to check it. Every question comes from the stories above.
Q1.India's first port-based e-methanol plant is at:
Answer: B. Deendayal Port, Kandla.
Q2.India's first Victim Rights Centre was opened in:
Answer: B. Run by Bihar SLSA.
Q3.CGTMSE cover on TReDS guarantees what share of the amount in default?
Answer: C. 75%.
Q4.Agnibaan RLV is being developed by:
Answer: B. Agnikul Cosmos.
Q5.CSIR was established in:
Answer: B. 26 September 1942.
Q6.Subansiri Upper hydro project is located in:
Answer: B. Arunachal Pradesh.
Q7.India's men won their ___ Asian Games kabaddi gold in 2026:
Answer: C. Ninth.
Q8.Sawan Barwal's marathon medal was India's first in the event since:
Answer: B. 1982 New Delhi Games.
Q9.Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava addressed a UN High-Level Meeting in September 2026 on:
Answer: A. It was held in New York on 25 September 2026.
Q10.The Management Effectiveness Evaluation of tiger reserves began in:
Answer: B. 2006.
Source: PIB, The Indian Express, The Times of India and Hindustan Times.
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.